The Daily Couch

Yes, that ACTUALLY happened!

2011-05-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

So a 3 year old has to come sit in the office because she decide to clean her classmate's clock. I asked her why she decided to do that...could she have made a better choice?

**Huge and aggravated sigh**

"Weeeelll....Ms. Andieeeee." *insert another sigh*

"She wanted to talk to me but I don't like her FACE!"

*************

One of my favorite 3 year olds looks up at me and says "I really love you!"

I mean come on..what else are you gonna do...I bend down and give him a big bear hug.

Him: "You smell reeeeaally good Ms. Andie."
Me: "Oh really? Do I smell like apples?"
Him: "Well you're not stinky like the TOILET!"

Enter the laughter of a half-dozen 3 year old boys at even the whisper of the word "stinky" or "toilet".

Weee'reee Baaaaack!!!

2011-04-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, we've said it before but folks, WE ARE BACK IN THE GAME!! That's right..TDC is working its way back to its daily glory. I'm sure our readership of 12 is squealing with glee!

It dawned on me today that we all have those 'seriously, did-that-JUST-happen' moments. For some reason, I believe there is a target painted on the back of my head that says "hey rogue, obscure and embarrassing moments, come hit THIS ONE!!" If I was to sit back and watch my life as a spectator, I would say that Mr. Embarrassing Moment and I have turned life into a full-contact sporting event.

From that realization, a new post series was born...we will name her Yes, That ACTUALLY Happened.

Consider this your teaser. Get ready kiddos, I have some hum-dingers to float your way.

Stay tuned - we are just getting warmed up.

Ta-ta!

TDC

For Christina

2011-01-11T14:48:00.001-08:00

You are one of the bravest people I've ever known. Your faith in God and your courage to pursue his will for your life is evident in everything you do. Your very presence encourages others to rise up and pursue our Heavenly Father with reckless abandon. Your story, your testimony has blessed others and made more of an impact not only on your community, but the world. You amaze me. You astound me. You bless your Savior by loving him, and us the way you do. Each step of the journey has been God-breathed and you have carried on with grace, dignity and unbelievable strength.

I love you sweet friend. You have an army of saints praying.

First Comes Love...

2010-07-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

July 15, 2007 marked the beginning of an epic adventure. Here we are 3 years in and we have known more joy, love and excitement than we could have imagined for ourselves. I can't wait to see what our life together will bring! Dana, I love you with all my heart and couldn't imagine this ride with anyone else. You have my heart. My all.

Good Mornin Sunshine!

2010-07-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

All I Need Is A Shower Cap

2010-06-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

So I am a fish.
I have been since I was a very small baby. I love love love the swimming pool and that's probably where baby girl gets it. Open water - WHOLE other story. Something about creepy crawlies cruising around my toes just doesn't sit well. However, put me in a clean, man-made, chlorine-water filled tub and I am good to go!

This morning I went back to one of my hobbies, water aerobics. Let the snarky comments role. Bring it on. Yes, I'm probably one of the youngest there. Yes, I DID actually see this hat in class this morning. Yes, Gloria Estefan is on the rockin' aerobic music. I LOVE IT ALL!

I got up at 0h-dark-thirty and walked into the gym lookin' a' curly-haired, sleepy-eyed hot mess. But baby, I boogalooed my butt and legs to a good burn this morning, and didn't have to sweat like a pig in the process. I call that a great workout. Mock away my friends. All I have to say - is you are MISSING OUT!!

In light of my renewed love of ridiculous water fun, I found a ridiculous Mr. Bean video to commemorate the occasion. Seems appropriate.

6-7 Months

2010-05-28T10:35:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it?! She's already 7 months old!

Penelope has officially mastered sitting up, rolling around, and she is completely into her toes right now. I love seeing how much she is changing right before our eyes. It hardly seems possible...I can't get over it! ECK!

Color me TERRIFIED!!

2010-05-24T20:58:00.001-07:00

For my very first mother's day I received some incredibly sweet cards - including one with very special scribble from one very special little girl. In addition to cards and wonderful treats I was given a book called, "Bringing Up Girls". It's a powerful book from Dr. James Dobson. He spent three years studying and pouring over over three thousand pages of research to complete this tool. It is intense, insightful, thoughtful, heart-felt and I am completely petrified to read another page.
The mission of the book is to give parents a practical and encouraging approach for shaping the next generation of women. He and a great team of experts went through thousands of hours of preparation to give us insight into the world of raising girls.

In the four chapters I've gone through I've already learned so much about how society is so anxious, desperate even, to shape our little dolls into creatures who are self-conscious, self-worth lacking, media-manipulated and highly susceptible to the unacceptable. "Not only are toys becoming sexier, they are also undergoing something called 'age compression.' It used to be that girls from six to ten were the prime market for Barbie and other dress-up dolls. Nowadays, Barbie is targeted at three-five-year-olds. As Stacy Weiner wrote, 'it's goodbye to girlhood.' Writer Bruce Kluger commented, 'you've come along way Raggedy Ann.'"

Let me be clear - I plan on finishing this book cover to cover. But I think we're in the 'shock and awe' part of the book where he draws you in with intensely terrifying facts and statistics of raising girls in today's world/society. Yes I'm a parent now so I need to be aware, YES these things are important and I FULLY REALIZE I can't find the nearest pile of sand so I can bury my head. But COME ON MAN!! Where are the butterflies, bunnies and rainbows in this topic of conversation, I'm totally geared up to hear some warm and fuzzy at aaaany moment now!

Ok, ok...so about that 'shock and awe' - I will confess - I am learning a big lesson.
I'm learning what an hugely significant opportunity we have to shape the way Penelope sees this world, and the way this world sees her. We are blessed to be put in a position to protect her by being the first to show her she has worth, and how amazing and truly loved she is! We have the privilege of pointing her to the One who loves her more than life.
We have an opportunity to buck the norm and give her a chance to see the true joys of childhood and experience them fully without the pressures and weight of a grown-up reality.

By golly - come hell or high water I will protect that innocent advantage for her with everything I've got.

With one eye covered, a glass of wine and a cup of ice cream - on to Chapter 5...

2010-05-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

I realize I have been horribly negligent with the 'couch' lately, but I have every intention of getting back in the game...soon.

In the mean time, a little snippet of sweet deliciousness...

Meet My Husband

2010-04-12T18:19:00.001-07:00

For those of you that know Dana, you KNOW he loves him some Toyota or Honda automobiles. He takes exceptional care of his cars and its safe to say that when he is elbow deep in motor oil and engine goop he is in his version of man-heaven.
He has taken a special liking to the newest Sienna. Weirdo. I saw this commercial today and realized I was looking at the future interaction of my husband and our daughter. I seriously believe their bonding time will happen over 4 wheels someday.

5 Months and then some...

2010-04-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, amazing baby girl. This little bundle of giggles and drool continues to keep us running a million miles a minute. We are just on the cusp of the dreadful teething phase - but that smile makes every rough moment worth it.

Chatty Kathy

2010-03-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday, February 28, 1010 - the day Penelope found her voice.

She has always had a small, delicate little voice - but one particular day on a Sunday drive - she FOUND her voice. She learned that she no longer has to speak with that sweet little high pitch - but suddenly she found a lower register locked away in there and that was just itching to come out. She reaches for said lower register and barrels that jibberish out with purpose and enthusiasm!

It's a voice only a mother could love. She 'speaks' with such authority and conviction - and wrinkles her little brow in emphasis. It's not a whine, it's not an attitude, not even a cry - she is just telling you what she thinks.

Kind of like an old lady who's lost her teeth - and ability to form actual words - so she just communicates through grumbles and deep throat gurgles.

Pretty much the cutest thing you've ever heard. Ever.

7 Stages of My New Butt

2010-03-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

A little tid bit from this month's "Parents" Magazine...

7 STAGES OF MY NEW BUTT

Stage 1 - DENIAL
This isn't a new butt. It's the same awesome butt you had the day you got married.

Stage 2 - SHOCK
Well, it's technically the same butt, but for some reason it doesn't fit into the pants you wore last year - before you got pregnant. But there's no way your butt could be so drastically altered by having a baby. Could it? OMG!

Stage 3 - ANGER
Fine. It's not the same butt. It has curves and divots and new places that sweat. It follows you wherever you go. Stupid, annoying butt and its stupid, annoying cellulite! Is it possible to get a restraining order to prevent it from stalking you?

Stage 4 - DEPRESSION
No dice. It turns out you can't get a restraining order against your own body. And if you inquire about it people laugh at you. And that makes you cry. As do the elastic-waist pants you just bought, even though you are nine months postpartum. Those lying liars who said "nine months on, nine months off" must have gotten to keep their original cute butt.

Stage 5 - GUILT
You are a grown woman. You know that women should be - and are - more than just hot bodies. You know objectification is cruel. You've read the magazine articles that tell you how awesome you are. You created life. And yet...this butt. IT WON'T GO AWAY.

Stage 6 - FEAR
You probably have Flesh Expanding Butt Disease. It's very rare, but if you get FEBD your butt will eventually consume your entire body, preventing you from leading a normal life. There is no cure for this horrible ailment. Best to just go buy a bunch of sweatpants.

Stage 7 - ACCEPTANCE
Right. So it isn't that bad, really. Your new butt does come with some nice features. It's easier to close the car door now. Your kids have something to hang on when you're at the grocery store. And your husband likes it. A lot. In fact, your new butt is kind of growing on you...

That's What He Said...

2010-03-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

A friend of ours 'noted' (facebook) a phone conversation he had with an insurance agent. If you know the guy, you will laugh hysterically - but even if you don't you can appreciate the humor.

We will call him Jim.

Caller: Hi Jim, this is Meredith calling on behalf of Hoopdy Insurance regarding the quote you requested. So are you related to Pam? I had her name down here in my notes as well requesting a quote.

Jim: Pam is my wife.

Caller: Oh okay. I wasn't sure if you were husband and wife or brother and sister or something...

Jim: Actually, we're both.

(Long Pause)

Caller: Oh!....ok....

Jim: I'm just messing with you! We're still not allowed to get married.

Sunshine On My Shoulder Makes Me Happy!

2010-03-06T18:38:00.001-08:00

Today was a good day.

I mean any day where there is uninterrupted sunshine in the NW is a good day - but today was exceptionally rad.

We started the day out by sleeping in till 8 (our version of bliss), took our time eating a healthy breakfast, got a few little chores done around the house and headed out for a few errands. In the afternoon, we snagged our lunch and found ourselves lounging on the blanket in the sunshine at the waterfront park. That was one happenin' place!! Everyone and their dog (literally) crawled out from the depths of their water-proof, warm homes to soak up this rare occasion that is SUNLIGHT IN MARCH in the Pac NW. Frisbees were thrown, picnics were made, walks were taken and I'm sure somewhere there was a stand with two little boys trying to make a buck per dixie cup of lemonade. Like I said...this was a GOOD DAY.

The view from our blanket was made up of the incredible Mt. Hood in all its glory, the Columbia River adorned with sailboats and fishing boats, and a beautiful lush, green park with new blossoms everywhere reaching for the sun to soak up every ray.

I found myself thinking about how much my life has changed - and how incredibly blessed I have been. I have a great life.
I have seen a lot of brokenness and a whole lot of discouraging circumstances, but in the end, I can look back at it and truly see the hand of God shaping me into who I am and where I am now. I have an amazing family who lets me be exactly who I am. I have a husband who choses to rally through life with me in good and bad. He encourages me and keeps my eyes on things above. His love makes me better, stronger. He still makes my heart skip a beat. And, oh Penelope. My precious and divine gift. She makes my rockin' world go round. She makes my heart beat faster and her smile shows me what true, amazingly pure joy is.

Today was a good day.

I was reminded of God's irreplaceable position in my life and I was reminded that his plan for me far exceeds what I could have dreamt up for myself. Not bad for a Saturday if I do say so myself.

From Bath Time To Bathing Suit

2010-03-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

This baby LOVES water!
We have always marveled at her love of bath time - it really is a time of complete relaxation for all involved.
She all but goes into a trans when we hit bath time wind down.

With that in mind - we did the daring thing - we introduced her to a swimming pool! Needless to say it was a HIT. People all around us were amazed at how laid back she was and how much she seemed to enjoy herself.

Maybe she will be swimming by 9 months like her mama did. Go little guppy go!

"Plump Plump Penelope"

2010-03-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

Well - I am two weeks late on this one, but here are pics of our puddin' peanut butter at 4 months and 15lbs. That's right, this girl appreciates a good meal and she's not ashamed of it!
She has been such a riot to watch the last month - the world around her seems to have grown immensely and she is constantly enthralled with the new sights and sounds she discovers each and every day. She is intentionally expressive when she comes upon new sights. First her eyes light up like little saucers and then she raises her eyebrows as if to say "that is BRAND NEW to me!" What a delight!

The last time Penelope's Grandpa Shell got to smooch and snuggle on her, he dubbed her "Plump Plump Penelope". So much to love on in such a little babe! I recently found out that growing up, my Dad liked to call me "Chunk Chunk Andrea". I personally think "Plump" is a little cuter than "Chunk", but hey - who's keeping track? :)

This little Plump of rolls and giggles makes our hearts beat a little faster and brings more joy than we could have hoped for. There have been challenging moments, and there are certainly times where we still struggle to remember our own names, but that little face makes it all quite bearable.

Five months old is right around the corner - don't blink - you might miss it!

Long Time Gone

2010-03-01T19:37:00.001-08:00

I'm SORRY for being so lax in posting in oh...two weeks. Whoooeee...it has been a whirlwind adventure in our sweet lil home. Everything from combating illness, keeping up with work, catching up on spring cleaning and that whole task of raising an infant has had us dashing from task to task so quickly that our heads are spinning.

I owe you some serious catch up, so in the mean time I'll show you what's to come.

Dum da dum! Here we go...a recap of the last two weeks in future blog titles!

1: "Plump Plump Penelope"
2: From Bath Time to Bathing Suit
3: Chatty Kathy
4: Thrifty or GENIUS?
5: Bedroom Makeover!!
6: Adventures in Machismo
7: Blossom: Adventures and Discovery

Could I be more vague? Just stay posted. I'll keep you entertained with this here Griswold-esque story that is our life.

My Sweet Valentine

2010-02-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

One year ago today we were given the news that our lives would no longer be the same.
Four positive pregnancy tests told us that Penelope was on her way!

Since that day we have been on a thrill ride and even in our toughest moments we have been blessed beyond measure.
Every year on this day when I look in the face of my beautiful baby girl, I will know that I was given the best Valentine a person could possibly get. I truly could not imagine a better gift.

Such joy and such love - I gotta say, I'm kinda loving Valentine's Day!

"Sexy" Defined

2010-02-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Waking up with tissue stuck to your nose, drool on the pillow, cotton mouth and chapped lips because you've been breathing through your mouth for the last 24 hours...

Frizzy hair beyond managing because the idea of pushing a brush through it is terrorizing...

Mascara smudged under your eyes because the idea of applying the pressure of a cleansing cloth to your skin makes you wonder if your flesh would then light on fire and fall off...

A pool of used tissues and cough drop wrappers nearly spewing out of the garbage can...

Dry skin from the 5 showers and 2 baths you've taken in 6 hours...

These things folks, these little gems that come with the cold bug define SEXY.
Bet my man can't wait to come home and greet the sassy ogre waiting for him! :)

Hey..we've all been there...just admit it!

State of Confusion?

2010-01-28T07:42:00.001-08:00

So last night, with a very sleepy baby in my arms, I found myself watching President Obama give his State of the Union address. It was at least 15 minutes into his address that I noticed I had been watching the whole time and didn't hear a word he was saying. I watched his lips move, I saw him raise his hands in emphasis, I saw Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi jump to their feet every 2.3 minutes, but I literally did not hear a WORD he said.
At some point toward the end of my day, a gnarly energy annihilator crept through my brain and killed off every major mental faculty one at a time. Hearing; check. Balance; check. Communication; check check.
I realized quickly that I should get a few things done around the house before it killed off my ability to walk or see!

On my commute to work this morning I followed my normal routine and ended up at a stop sign close to my office. After a minute or so I realized I was still in front of an empty street with my right turn signal on waiting for the SIGN to turn GREEN so I could go LEFT and get to work. Yep, you read that right. I was waiting at a STOP SIGN with my right signal on for the non-existent STOP LIGHT to turn green so I could turn left.

So. THIS is what exhaustion feels like? Riiight. Kill me now.

3 Months!!!

2010-01-27T07:45:00.001-08:00

I'm totally late in posting this, but here is Penelope's 3 month picture. I can't believe she will be 15 weeks tomorrow - that just trips me out!
The joy she has added to our lives is indescribable and we couldn't be more in love with this little munchkin.

Fit For Dreaming

2010-01-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

We are three months late, but we finally rallied and put all of our effort into finishing Penelope's nursery. We are so happy to see how it turned out. It has been SUCH a joy to see her discover the world of wonder and light around her!

I Could Eat Her RIGHT Up!

2010-01-18T10:10:00.001-08:00

I mean really...can you stand the cuteness?

Grunts, callouses, jocks...an all around good time.

2010-01-14T14:00:00.001-08:00

So Dana has really wanted to find a good/hardcore workout program. I happen to think he's a total hottie as is, but he really wants something that will stretch him and get him in the lean shape he was in when he lived in SOCal. Seek and you shall find, he found a program called Crossfit and on Monday he will be starting the intense, boot-camp like workout. It is nothing like a gym membership. You won't find an elliptical machine, a treadmill or a swimming pool..oh no. They do it old school - free weights, bands, a pipe hung in a warehouse used for pull-ups, and a lot of space to run your butt off. 95% of the clients are male and they definitely kick each other's butt to get the beefy/lean/machismo/(enter word of choice here) look that the girls just eat up.
I have this image of guys yelling at each other - or trainers degrading their clients to make them look and feel weak or small. You know...run of the mill "bootcamp" stereotype right? Dana assures me that's not the case. They just 'encourage' each other to check their internal 'wuss' at the door, man up and get the job done. I guess guys work well that way.

I'm pretty content doing the water aerobics with people twice my age. You know, the folks that cheer when they've reached rep number ten.

Day #2

2010-01-12T14:23:00.001-08:00

I made it to the car before melting down. I call that progress.

...what a boob...

Right after they peeled me off the floor...

2010-01-11T18:52:00.001-08:00

Today was Penelope's first day at daycare and my first day back to work. Fortunately, we took the 'break in' approach and I'm only working 1/2 days this week.

Peanut was the first little one to arrive bright and early in the morning. I found myself explaining her schedule to the care giver and the more I talked, the more my eyes welled up. The poor gal kept putting her hands out to take Penelope and I couldn't bring myself to hand her over. I covered her face with a million kisses and told her over and over how much I love her. By the time I was finally able to put her in very capable hands, I was a pretty amazing mess. I never in a million years would have imagined that this step would be as hard as it was. There was a pretty large puddle of tears, but we made it! PHEW!

Long story short, she was a champ. At my day's mid-point, I received several picture texts from my very dear friend Anna. She was able to stop by the daycare, visit with Penelope and take a few pictures for the mommy who was desperately missing her baby. Every picture was smiley and happy. She did great today, and got along very well.

Those pictures meant the world to me.

The first day back to reality...done and done.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2010-01-09T21:02:00.001-08:00

This one is for the ladies, sorry guys.

Last night I had the sublime opportunity to go to happy hour with some of my girlfriends. This wasn't just any other night out with the girls...this particular gathering had a very special purpose. We were coming together to celebrate our dear friend and the life of the beautiful baby boy she will be bringing into this world VERY soon!

Let me set up the scene for you. We are from all stages of life; three of us are nursing mothers, two gals have kids under seven and put us to SHAME in terms of beauty and style, one is on the dating scene, and one is ready to pop with her first! We are all the entertainment we needed, truly. :) The scene of the crime was a local lounge that seconds as a movie theater. We go there often enough, and occupy a large table for several hours at a time. They serve excellent nachos, delicious desserts and have the snazziest glasses to drink from! (It's all in the details, right girls?)

The last time we were there we exchanged Christmas gifts. One very sweet girl in the group gave us the wonderful idea to go around the table and as each girl opened her present, we would each share something we love about her. It took a matter of minutes and we were all in tears. Remember the 'nursing mothers' part? Throw that in with just being girls and that spells HORMONES! What a great time..sometimes girls just need to love on each other like that! Our waiter quietly went around the tables keeping the water glasses full, he even brought us extra napkins to dab our drenched faces. He was a total stud and handled us with care, but you KNOW he went home to his buddies like "DDUUUDEEESS, I had the CRAZIEST table tonight!"

Last night was no exception to our routine. We laughed a lot, we shared stories from our week, we talked about our kids/boys/homes and then conversation took a deliciously dirty turn to everything about child birth/labor. Given that two of us are FRESH off the labor circuit and one is going in, we had stories to tell and boy did we laugh. Sadly, I think our waiter was far from prepared to hear the conversation floating from our table. Yes, we women talk about the gory delivery details, tearing and fluids, boobies and body changes. It's one of those things we can share and while we laugh through it, we walk away relieved that we in fact, are NOT cuckoo for cocoa cocoa puffs and that some things really do happen to other people.

It is a treasure; a group of girls you can come to, hash out your dirty details with and walk away feeling saner for having done so. We challenge each other to be better wives/mothers/friends/sisters in significant ways, most of the time without using words. Sometimes the things unspoken make the most powerful impact.

Needless to say, I anticipate many more shell-shocked waiters and many more happy hour happenings. :) Cheers to you beautiful babes.

2010-01-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Granted, we're looking at the back of her head most of the time..but come ON, look at those toes!
See the toes, love the toes, dream about those twirly toes!

2010-01-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a sweeter cupcake?! Thank you for the delicious warm wear Aunt Debbie!! You couldn't have found a cuter model. :)

Mama Love! We're both a bit fair eyed so that sunshine makes us super squinty!

Popo Johnson - Penelope's Great Grandpa

Simply THE BEST

2010-01-06T22:15:00.000-08:00

There is nothing in this world that compares to the first giggle of your first baby.

I was changing a diaper today while Penelope and I were chatting it up about her newest lovie "Bananas". She was telling me how they bonded at nap time. In the midst of her story telling, she got so excited mid-sentence that she let our her first ever giggle and I melted then and there.

Color me tickled...

Bubye 2009!

2010-01-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

It is simply impossible to put into words the craziness and excitement of the last two weeks, so I thought I would try a different route.

SO - in no particular order...the highlights of our 2009 holiday season were...

Watching Penelope discover Christmas lights. Her eyes danced across the holiday trimmings with such wonder and delight!

Seeing A LOT of family on BOTH sides. We were fortunate to see schedules come together and a lot of family reunite.

Giving gifts - even if they were mostly homemade.

Feeling like distant cousins of the Griswolds as we darted through the Airport doing the "traveling with a newborn 100 yard dash". SO much stuff for someone so small! And who they tested breastmilk for anthrax!?

The cranky lady on the plane give us stink eye when we boarded, then continued to inform us that traveling with babies is basically foolish because all babies are miserable travelers. Little did she know she would be eating crow 2 hours later when we landed and Penelope had yet to make a single peep that wasn't in the form of a coo or gurgle.
She was a saint the entire trip...take that crankypants!

ARIZONA SUN!!!

Awesome miniature golf - still not athletically inclined..even if it's hitting a ball through the slowly turning windmill. Dang.

Great food - all of the stuff Mom knows we love. She pulled out all the stops.

Discovery Channel - mmmm...Dirtiest Jobs, Deadliest Catch, DC Health...oh my!

Christmas 2009 was one for the books and we are so fortunate to have been able to experience it through the eyes of our beautiful baby girl. She provides all the wonder and delight these hearts needs this side of heaven.

Prom? Sure! When she's 40!!

2009-12-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

I was out running errands today and found myself driving past a high school. School was out and kids were hanging out around the parking lot, waiting for buses or setting up for sports practice outside on the fields. I noticed one small group of kids that was made up of 3 boys and one girl. She was falling all over herself smiling and flirting with one boy in particular. She was laughing loudly and what seemed like any word he said, smiling that million dollar smile that would send any teenage boy into a righteous ego boost, and finding reasons to brush his arm or touch his hand. You know..run of the mill flirting 101. Girls you know exactly what I am talking about. Don't tell me your mind doesn't click back to high school when you see that taking place!

In that moment, I found myself thinking up the conversation I will have with any potential boyboy Penelope looks at, flirts with, dreams up or brings around. First I will google the snot out of him. Anything so much as a mean facebook/myspace comment he has made will be saved in my artillery. I won't act on the googleage yet. Oh no. I will just save that information away and press on. When the time comes to meet boyboy, it will go something like this. I will approach him all Martha Brady like, maybe even with a tray of cookies to get in his good graces and really nail down that 'awesome' mom jig. Once he's warmed up with a mouth full of baked goodness, I will set the tray aside, fold my hands sweetly in front of me and look him square in the eyes. "So you're taking my daughter out. Isn't that cute?" **drop the smile but maintain the sweet voice - that really drives it home..** "Before you even think of laying a finger on my beautiful baby, there is something you should know. I have Jedi mind tricks that can wreak havoc on a boyboy just like you. What does that mean you say? It's quite simple really, I can bring you down without lifting a finger. You will lose complete control of your bladder and you will find yourself unnaturally soiled. If that doesn't prove effective, you may find yourself picking your nose, ear, or any other crevice that proves convenient for my point making. That's just the tip of the iceberg lil guy, she is not to be touched."

Let me be clear, she will not date until she's 40.

These are a few of my favorite things...

2009-12-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

Forget the raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens...I mean really...whiskers?

There are these moments in parenthood, these moments that make you stop dead in your tracks to take in the bliss that is your beautiful baby. The way she curls her toes like she's trying to hold onto you in anyway she can. The direct eye contact and sideways smiles that come out of nowhere and instantly make you understand love in its purest form. And oh, The Gobbler. I don't know where it comes from, but it sits so sweetly right below her round chin and right on top of her chest. Simply delicious.

These are my favorite things.

I have this amazing little girl and a great man by my side. I am so in love. I know love in a way I never imagined possible.

Happy Two Month Birthday Penelope, you beautiful bodacious little girl! Mommy loves you!

Snap, Crackle, Pop

2009-12-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

Oh it hurts so good...

The three of us have had a full week of chiropractic care and we are feeling pretty dang good.

This journey started out with a visit my mother-in-law made to the chiropractor. I used to see the same chiropractor on a regular basis, but due to schedule with work I haven't been able to see him in over two years. Boo. That. Anyhow, on a recent visit he asked her how we were holding up and how the new baby was doing. She then explained to him that we were dealing with colic and that our nights were a little more sleepless than the norm. With no hesitation, he told her that we just needed to bring her in and he could put the kabash on that nightmare. As soon as I heard this, I took his first available appointment.

People, I am a believer. I BELIEVE!

We saw him three times this week and it went like so:

Visit #1 - she fussed for a nano second after he adjusted her neck, and went back to daddy smiling. In the first twenty minutes after her adjustment was finished, she filled to MAX CAPACITY two..count 'em...TWO diapers. For the rest of the day, we had a perfectly beautiful smiley baby. You could tell she was much more relaxed and on the fussy-meter, we were down a few notches.

Visit #2 - the adjustment was quite quick, she went back to mommy smiling and slept 6 hours...STRAIGHT that night. In the morning, Dana and I couldn't help but rehash every minute of the night before. Really? 6 hours straight? We wanted to be certain we weren't forgetting a midnight feeding that did in fact take place - maybe we just weren't fully awake?

Visit #3 - she was quite discombobulated tonight and he spent a little more time with her. She came back to mommy smiling again and was buckled right into her car seat without a fuss. She must be REAL reeeelaxed because she has yet to wake up for her 6:00 feeding....it's almost 8:00.

Tonight we are making attempt #1 at baby girl sleeping in her own nursery. She has always slept with us so while we are anticipating a rough couple of nights, I am still hopeful that with this adjustment today she will be a little more relaxed and able to sink into a solid sleep.

Come ooooon 6 hours - come to mama!

Drop the egg and you get a F.

2009-12-07T22:14:00.000-08:00

So remember back in school when you had the assignment with the egg? You had to watch over it for a week or so - treating it like a child - and guarding it oh so carefully so as not to crack or damage it at all. Heaven forbid it slipped from your clumsy grip because you would flunk your assignment and be forever dubbed the "egghead".

I think up to this point, I have felt like a glorified babysitter. My primary function has been to care for and protect this precious little project. The only difference is instead of the pressure of a mean teacher watching my every move, I deal with the pressure of severe sleep deprivation, a TOTAL loss of the ability to retain information and even at times, the loss of basic motor function.

That all changed today.

We took Penelope to an alternative treatment for colic, the chiropractor.
We toured child care facilities.
We got a freaked out, intense lesson about... WAIT, I mean...we were INFORMED about vaccinations.

We were parents. Real grown-up, decision making, wisdom seeking parents.

Holy crap. It begins.

Hell hath NO fury - like a baby with COLIC..

2009-12-04T23:11:00.000-08:00

It's no secret - we are in a rough spot.

Baby P is not only dealing with a righteous bout of Colic, but she is going through her second growth spurt since her birth. Sister is pert-near 11.5 lbs already!! WHOA! For those of you who have experienced Colic, you can sympathize and no explanation is needed. Imagine the worst of it and throw in a double dose of the same symptoms as a result of a growth spurt. Poor baby has been so fussy lately, we have both been at our wits end trying to figure out how to make her comfortable. On one hand we get to the point where we can't stand the crying and we're ready to plug our ears and let her hash it out. On the other, we are desperate to do whatever it takes to make her happy. It's like loving someone with every fiber of your being but wanting to run the opposite direction when you hear them open their mouth to speak, or in our case, scream.

I cry a lot lately. **Sorry about those late night tearful phone calls Mama.**

It's amazing the insecurity that comes with being a mother. I told Dana tonight that the greatest insecurity I have ever known is solely in the responsibility I have as Penelope's mother. It wasn't until tonight when a good friend pointed out how quickly she has grown in a week's time, that I realized she was in fact in a growth spurt. And OH, maybe she's a crankfest because she is STARVING her butt off and needing more grub to grow!! Pardon me while I kick myself in the face for missing such a cue. I carry the weight of every ache and pain she experiences and I take responsibility for it. Any discomfort that befalls her, I own as if I put it there. I don't know why that is.

I will say this, I have learned how desperately I love my own mother and I'm seeing in a new light how amazing she is. The things I put her through - oh how do I count the ways I abused her. I have such unwavering respect for her and I am so blown away by the way she loves me. I hope that someday I can be the mom to Peanut that she has been to me. If I can be, I know I will have touched a life, made it better, left a legacy, blessed it beyond words.

I love you mom - and in joy or suffering, I will spend the rest of my days trying to show this sweet baby the love you have shown me.

Keep it ZIPPED ladies!

2009-12-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

So I don't know if I have become hyper aware of this since becoming a mother, or if it's just more accepted by society these days, but what is with nursing mothers whipping out the chow wagon in public?! I mean REALLY?!

Several months before the birth of Peanut, Dana and I were meandering through IKEA when I notice Dana's eyes become saucers. They are telling me that he's just seen a) a ghost, or b) the naked booby of a random tree hugging, nature mommy in the Lighting aisle. It was no joke because minutes later in Textiles I ran right into her. Sure enough, she had her baby in the Baby Bjorn and her business was out there for everyone to see! The baby was chilling out in the carrier facing mommy and mommy's business was just BLAM...THERE...whipped out so baby can hook it up at her convenience. REALLY?!

My next experience was just last week when we were at Babies R' Us. Now granted, BRU is a place you would expect nursing mothers to be, but COME ON. We were looking for one item in particular and walked past one row several times. There was a couple in the row clearly looking into baby baths and were pulling out different models to get a good look. Each time I walked past, they had another style/model in their hands. The very last time I walked by...sure enough...she wasn't pulling baths out any longer, she had ejected HERSELF from her blouse and as she was cramming baby baths back into boxes, baby boy was hooked up getting down to business. First of all, I kind of admired her ability to multi-task. I mean the woman was bending over, standing up, tossing boxes around like she wasn't otherwise engaged in nursing. That's impressive on many levels. But nonetheless...REALLY?

I understand that nursing is natural and beautiful, it is a precious bond between mother and baby. I get that people, believe me! I cherish that time with my child, but I don't get the 'just pull it out' notion.

"Just pull it out" friends, let me introduce you to a diaper bag MUST-HAVE, The Hooter Hider. It's amazing, and gives you and your baby blissful privacy and not to mention it saves the awkward glances from passers by.

"Just pull it out" no longer! Hide those hooters sisters!

I'll Be Found In You...

2009-11-24T22:13:00.001-08:00

A word of encouragement..

2009-11-24T21:51:00.001-08:00

We have a very gassy baby.

A very gassy, fussy baby makes for some seriously gnarly days/nights. I have stopped eating dairy (for the most part), chocolate, citrus and caffeine in the hopes that the absence of those items will calm her belly. Folks, when you are indescribably sleep deprived, missing chocolate and caffeine isn't exactly a welcome dietary change. Nonetheless, we soldier on and make the best of the situation. There's a lot of emoting around here lately - and the baby fusses a lot too.

We have hit the wall. The wall that stands between us and sleep and sanity, kindness and self-control. We have hit it. Full speed, MACH 10.

In the hopes of finding some sort of encouragement, I dug into the word and an old devotional I have had for years. Not because I'm trying to pose as that "good Christian girl", but because in my life the greatest source of strength and the words that have spoken truest to my heart have come directly from the word of God. In Him I find the strength to be more than my own nature will allow. So when I'm desperate, and searching for hope of some kind, light at the end of the tunnel if you will, I turn to what I know.

An excerpt from my favorite devotional, "Streams In The Desert".
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10

All loving Father, sometimes we have walked under starless skies that dripped darkness like drenching rain. We despaired from the lack of light from the sun, moon, and stars. The gloomy darkness loomed above us as if it would last forever. And from the dark, there spoke no soothing voice to mend our broken hearts. We would gladly have welcomed even a wild clap of thunder, if only to break the torturing stillness of that mournfully depressing night.
Yet Your soft whisper of eternal love spoke more sweetly to our bruised and bleeding souls than any winds that breathe across a wind harp. It was Your "gentle whisper" that spoke to us. We were listening and we heard You, and then we looked and saw Your face, which was radiant with the light of Your love. And when we heard Your voice and saw Your face, new life returned to us, just as life returns to withered blossoms that drink the summer rain.

5 Weeks - Bliss and Breakdowns

2009-11-19T11:29:00.001-08:00

At 11:47 this morning, our beautiful baby girl will be five weeks old. How weird is that?! It's so wild to me how much she has changed in just five weeks. We can't comment on those chicken legs of hers any longer since they are now filled out and rolly polly, and her cheeks and gobbler now rest sweetly on her chest (haha!). Last night Dana and I weighed her and she is a solid 9 pounds even!! In an effort to keep up with her speedy growth, Dana and I made the trek down to the factory stores to visit the Carter store and stock up on clothes because believe it or not, she is creeping her way out of NB sizes. :( All of that In just 5 weeks?!

Aside from her physical growth, it has been so amazing to see her mind at work. She is recognizing our faces and voices, and making direct eye contact. The most exciting for I think both Dana and myself is the smiling and cooing. She SMILES and people, it's not the gas! She is perfectly content (after a fully belly and clean diaper and no other distractions whatsoever) to lay on the couch and stare at the lights in the room. She is so fascinated with the shadows and the way the different lights fill the room. She coos and gurgles to tell us what she thinks of each luminary design she sees in front of her.
It is so fascinating to watch her see her discover the world around her. What she must be thinking?

Needless to say, Penelope is not the only student of life these days. Dana and I have been in perpetual 'learn' mode since the moment she was born. We are soaking up wisdom our good friends offer us about everything from sleep to diaper rash. We take every opportunity to do our homework and research the growth and development of this little bumpkin. And in this push for education, we are learning that all the learning in the world is bunk compared to the hands-on, real time education we are getting. We are starting to understand her cries (didn't think I'd ever get that), we know her favorite ways to be held, we know how she acts when she is not feeling well. There is still so much we are trying to figure out, and yet, we know we will be in that pursuit of understanding rest of our days.

Chow time - baby calls. :) Stay tuned!

Sawing Logs

2009-11-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

So baby girl was swinging her way to dreamland while I got a few things done around the house. As I was walked past her, I heard this low hum and I thought her swing was rubbing on something as it swayed back and forth.

Come to find out...that sweet hum was coming from my very own little log sawer. I like to think she gets this from her papa. ;)

"Baby, baby you set my heart in motion..."

2009-11-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

Whoa.

Wu-OH.

How do I begin? How do I begin to put into words the last month of our lives?? This introduction to parenthood has been a crash course in patience, grace and true sleep deprivation. It's impossible to paint a picture that would do justice to the way our lives have been rocked. Hearts are overflowing across the board with the joy that this little one has added to our lives. Every change, every new adjustment, every tear (lots of emoting around here) has been a blessing, hands down. I wouldn't change a moment of it.
Nope, I lie...I would add a few dozen hours of sleep back into our schedule.

Things I love:

* The way she boldly owns each and every toot with a ear to ear grin. Couldn't care less if it's gas - my baby smiles people.
* The way her eyes dart across my face when she hears me talk to her.
* The way she knows my touch. If she is fussy when someone else holds her, she will stop when she is handed back to me.
* Her strength is outrageous! This little one holds her head up and kicks her legs and arms like a champion. Rock solid.
* Her need for touch - she is a snuggler.
* When she has alert time, it doesn't matter what noises come and go (vacuum, TV, dishwasher) she is content to hang out.
* I love that her noises are changing, we are still learning how to translate them, but her squeaks are precious.

Things I DEFINITELY don't love:

* Getting her tongue clipped - DOUBLE BOOOO.
* Her PKU testing in the first 2 weeks of life.
* Gas - two fold, it's insanely painful for her, and no fun for me since I am not able to eat chocolate or drink lemonade.
* The screaming that we can't translate - usually happens at the wee hours when her Daddy and I are barely coherent.
* Knowing when she is uncomfortable (tummy/tongue, etc.)
* Did I mention the horrible gas? HATE how horribly uncomfortable it makes her. No one wants to see their baby in pain.
* Her piddle trick. Every time her diaper change is nearly complete, she let's the pee fly...all over....clean clothes.

Now about that piddle trick. Last Sunday, Dana and I made our first venture out to church since Penelope's arrival. We took our time in the morning, made sure baby girl was fed, clean and happy and went out on our way. As expected, the time came when she needed to eat again so she and I went to the nursing mother's room at the back of the sanctuary. In the room, there was one other mother quietly nursing her little one, and a volunteer there to help the mommies. The room was dimly lit and the speakers were quietly sharing the service, it really was a sweet and comforting atmosphere. This being our first experience in the nursing room, I hoped we wouldn't be sticking out too much like a sore thumb. But lo and behold - she begins to nurse. Loudly. You would think that I had been depriving my child of any kind of nutrition with the way she was gulping. LOUDLY. The mom in front of me literally giggled when she heard Penelope start in. Little did she know, my baby belches like a sailor after a good meal - so what was to come was even MORE comical than the nursing part.
After the 'show' in the nursing mother's room, I took a full and sleeping baby back into the sanctuary for the duration of the service. Before leaving the church, I thought to play it safe, I would make one more trip to the nursing mother's room to do a quick diaper change. I got her laid out on the bathroom baby changing table, took her pants off, did the job. As I went to reach for the replacement diaper, it began. The flood, the flood of pee. (What I haven't mentioned yet, is she was wearing a DARLING sweater from her Aunt Jes, and being the first time mom I am, I realized I did not have a back up outfit on hand. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!) So as I'm scrambling to get the new diaper on the table, pee is going EVERYWHERE. Up the back, down the legs, it's pooling on the changing table...POOLING. All I could think to do to save the clothing, so I held her up and let her finish the job. Yep, pee down the legs, soaking her socks and pooling...everywhere. So there I am, holding my baby over the changing table, looking desperately for something to clean her up with and there is pee just...everywhere. Needless to say, it became a one-armed balancing act. After a few splashes of water, two dozen wipes and two more diapers, we were back in action.
All I have to say, is I fought that gnarly sterile flood with vigor and the outfit was SAVED.
Consider me broken in to the bathroom diaper change.

This has been a ride. A really amazing, great ride. Every diaper fiasco or screaming fit is a learning experience for all three of us. We are learning the power in the love a parent has for their child. It grows by the minute and the strength in that love carries us.
We love her in a way that words can't capture. We want to be the very best we can for her in every way and hope that one day, we can be the parents to her, that our parents were to us.

So onward and upward to week number 4. I can't wait to see what our big lesson will be this week. :)

Happy Birthday Baby Rufflebum!

2009-10-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Penelope just turned one week old. Wow. Really? It's so hard to believe!

Needless to say, her first week was action packed. Yes, mommy and daddy are pooped, but every second with her makes up for every second of open eye at night.

We will be posting a blog with more detail - but Peanut has gone a lil' bit radioactive with jaundice. Her pediatrician says she is "glowing" - and I've taken to calling her our little Hulk since her eyes have a yellow-green tinge to them. After being poked and prodded for several PKU tests, it was determined that while her jaundice levels are high-ish, they are going down and the likelihood of her needing further treatment is minimal.

She is eating like a champ. She sleeps like a champ, and gives us plenty of rest in between feedings. She smiles (who cares if it's gas - it's a smile). She loves bath time (she is after all, my daughter). She LOVES the camera (which tickles her daddy silly). She has everyone completely smitten as they should be. We are totally and completely in LOVE with this rufflebum baby.

A couple of pics for her 1 week birthday - thanks to her Great Grandma and Popo in Arizona for providing the deliciously sweet wardrobe.

To be loved by you...

2009-10-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

How sweet to be home.

Yesterday we signed on the dotted line, ran through the do's and don'ts with the nurse and brought our beautiful baby girl home.

How sweet it is.

We are totally pooped but extremely thankful to be able to sleep in our own bed, rest in our own space and enjoy the quiet with Penelope. We are learning quickly how the three of us will work together and we are doing our best to establish a routine. There is definitely a laundry list of things that we never realized we would run into. Whether it be the quirks of nursing, diapering, sleeping, healing, etc., those little things keep us on our toes and definitely keep our sense of humor finely tuned.

I can say with 100% certainty, that we came home with an angel baby. I'm sure every parent says that - and I'm sure there are those that will say "oh just you wait", but I honestly have met few babies that are so even tempered and mild. She is amazingly alert, she loves to coo and gurgle, she sleeps like a LOG at night (giving her mommy and daddy legitimate stretches of sleep), and she rarely EVER cries. Sure, maybe we are biased, but nurses were surprised by her from the moment she was born so I think we have a good thing going! :)

Thank the Lord for such a gift - I seriously don't think I could love her more. I feel like I've joined the elite group that know God's love in a very unique and special way. The way I love Dana now is far deeper than anything I could have imagined and the instant connection I have with this little girl is profound an indescribable.

I am beyond blessed - my cup runneth over.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Penelope Kay

2009-10-16T10:03:00.004-07:00

We did it little one!

Aaaand we're off...

2009-10-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

After our appointment with Dr. Awesome on Monday evening, we were left with a decision regarding Peanut's delivery. We hadn't been making the progress Dr. A or I hoped to see so he left us with a decision to make. To make a long story short, after much prayer, counsel and consideration, we decided Peanut was going to be making her appearance this week.

We were expecting to be going in Thursday night to begin the process, but to due to the apparent massive amount of October babies coming we are set up to go in tonight at 7. :) They will begin the process this evening, if needed we will start Pitocin in the morning and if all goes well, baby girl should be greeting her very excited family tomorrow night.

Unfortunately, the piggy flu has dictated that the hospital make visits from family and friends completely impossible. They can't even come to the waiting room...boo. Since I am only allowed two people to stay with me, my support team is made up of my amazing baby daddy/husband/rock star, Dana and my mom who will be joining us tomorrow morning. We are anticipating this little one's safe arrival and praying that the process is simple and uneventful.

We will keep the 'couch' and our FB accounts updated as much as humanly possible. Go easy on us though - we are you know - having a child - that does kinda take priority. ;)

Keep checking in! We will write again from the hospital tonight after we're all rigged up and settled in.

Weekend, OH weekend, where did you go??

2009-09-28T10:00:00.001-07:00

It is insane how our weekends just keep buzzing by.
Lately, we reach the end of the day on Fridays dragging our feet home and aching for R&R. Saturday morning begins and with very little sleeping in, we launch into chores and a list of to-do's. We are after all less than a month away from the impending arrival of our baby girl - so time to get those last minute to-do's in is fleeting. By Saturday late afternoon, we realize we've somehow added to our to-do list and by doing so, we extended our 'get-er-done' time to absorb most of what would have been our much anticipated play time. Our heads hit the pillow on Saturday night with a heavy sign of relief and exhaustion and we count the sheep leading us to Sunday morning. Sunday mornings start early with church and fellowship usually taking us until noonish. From that point on - we finish up what couldn't be done on Saturday and put every last ditch effort and every ounce of energy into taking it e-a-s-y. Of course, as we apply said effort into easiness, we realize it's 9PM and it's time to start shutting down and preparing for the impending Monday Madness. Can I get a witness?

This weekend was no different than the madness of the last few. Our Saturday included what was hopefully the last and final pre-baby trip to Babies R' Us, installing our car seat (which earned an entire blog entry in itself), catching a soccer game, cleaning, laundry and having a quiet dinner/movie at home. Sunday was a day Dana has been anticipating for a year. No lie, a YEAR. Battle Of The Imports came to Woodburn Dragstrip in OR - and it was Dana's version of heaven in more ways than one. We got up early enough to catch some coffee/pastries together and his parents came and picked us up to go down and catch the car action. We spent the day watching suped up cars and insane drivers (no really..people that do this are a few clicks short of CRAZY)rally their way to get the quickest time on a quarter mile straightaway. Dana was able to get a press pass and got to get right down in the action off the starting line to take pictures. He LOVED that!! He got some pretty amazing shots too. (He will be posting a couple later.)

I'd like to say our lives are slowing down a few notches in preparation for Peanut, but I as much as we've tried to make that happen - things only seem to be a combination of crazy and poorly timed madness!

Light at the end..

2009-09-22T15:06:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile!

We are officially at 36 weeks and 4 days in our pregnancy and SO looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. The full press of exhaustion and discomfort have set in and its safe to say mama dearest is ready for this lil' bun to kick the oven and make her grand appearance. Woooee!

Our doctor visits are now weekly, and we are starting to figure out a game plan for Peanut's delivery. We are SO blessed to be delivering with a doc we both trust implicitly. He has an awesome perspective and shares a lot of the same values that Dana and I do. We both feel incredibly comfortable with him being the referee/catcher for the biggest day in the life of our little growing family. In the past, I have been grossly disappointed with the care of the physicians I have been under the charge of, so to say that I am at peace with this choice is huge.

It really is so funny to look back now and realize how quickly these last nine months have gone. I feel a little like I'm looking at life from the outside..like this is a freaky out of body experience. Five and a half months of throwing up, followed by two months of baby kicks and pokes and LOTS of strangers rubbing my belly, and here we are...so close to the end! We are packing hospital bags for baby and me, we are getting diapers and wipes set out where they need to be, we are testing/installing car seats. This is all too real, and so TOTALLY unreal at the same time! WHOA!
Dana and I were at Babies R' Us picking up the last minute necessities (or so we're told), and stood in front of the WALL (I'm not even kidding..WALL) of thermometers for at LEAST 15 minutes. We had a good half dozen BRU employees ask us if we needed assistance in that short amount of time. Needless to say, we learned A LOT about the different temperature taking doodads. Who knew there is quite literally one of those things for just about every crevice on a little body?! We went with the armpit option by the way. Aside from the ear - the only other option seemed like far too much of a violation. **Yipes!**

SO that brings us here. I have settled into the Ninth Month Slump that is made up of multiple late night potty runs, very little sleep (thought THAT was meant to come after she's here?!), shortness of breath (she rocks Dance Dance Revolution on my lungs apparently), total discomfort (walking with a bowling ball between my knees) and topped off with the oh so glorious senioritis-like impatience. :) A great friend once told me that she believed this is why God gives us a 10 month gestation period. We start out with all of those fears of parenthood and labor, etc. But all of that trepidation simply fades into the background when you come to the home stretch. No fear. Game on. Let's get this thing moving. 'NUFF SAID!

We are definitely looking forward to seeing this little face. I can't wait to count her little fingers and toes. The questions of hair/eye color run through my mind a million times a day. Will she have Dana's smiley eyes? Will she have my curls?
I am SO ready!
Just so ready to kiss those little cheeks and feel her hand wrapped around my finger. Here's to light at the end of the tunnel...HAL-LE-LU-JAH!

Dana and I had our rockstar wedding photographer take some great maternity/family shots. We will post soon!!

That's not a hair cut - that's CHILD ABUSE!

2009-09-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

After wiping away the tears of laughter - we realized Dana's quick fix-it clean up haircut job on Molly's grill looks more like she shoved her nose into a Flowbee!
It's wrong. Oh so wrong. On so many levels.

FLASHBACK to the "Fifteen Minute Fan"

2009-08-31T08:46:00.001-07:00

This weekend was jam-packed with project after project in preparation for baby girl. We are both pretty tired of our house being in a perpetual state of 'transition'. Picture this, a ladder in the dining room, dining room table in the living room..paint supplies in the nursery, and wall decor leaned up on walls throughout the house.
Our mission Saturday morning was to work together to get the place ship-shape and put back to something resembling what it was. Once we brought more method to the madness, Dana (along with great helpers) was able to finish the bulk of the painting project. Just a few more touches in the painting department and we can cross that monster off our 'to do before baby' list!
***I've got to give him major credit because it is TOTALLY due. Dana painted, cleaned, painted and got both cars caught up on oil changes and maintenance. That right there is a hard working man! Thank you baby!***

Just before we were both ready to crash that night, Dana and I decided we would do something fun and low-key and 'whip together' the Pack N' Play we were given at my very first baby shower. Surely those pop right up and come together quickly right? I mean REALLY, how complicated could a portable play yard/bassinet be??

25 minutes later...we're realizing this is just like the time we installed the "Fifteen Minute Fan" in our bedroom. From start to finish it was 3 days total.

Needless to say, we quickly realized the chances of us breaking this down in the very near future are extremely slim. Not that we could recall how it all 'packs' together anyhow! This is our take-away..we know we make a great team when faced with new and challenging projects. Yes, I said challenging. We're working our way up people. Pack N' Play - done. Crib - well..she won't need that for what..a few years right??

Shower details and pictures to come!! I was spoiled rotten by a group of amazing friends and family. LOVE them..thank you ladies!

Not Your Ordinary Appetizer

2009-08-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, we had the immense pleasure of catching up with some great friends of ours from Texas. In the short time they were here the boys were able to catch an antique airplane exhibit, Cici and I got to do some shopping/catching up and we all ventured out to see Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier. There was a lot of laughter, conversations that left us challenged and memories made that we will talk about for visits to come, what a great time! We love you guys!!

To close out our busy and exciting weekend, we drove up to Tacoma, WA and had an absolutely delicious meal. The restaurant we went to is known for their Prime Rib, but the one menu item that caught my particular attention was the Macadamia Nut Crusted Warm Brie appetizer. I was expecting good..but this was beyond words fan-freakin'-tastic cheese folks. No, it's not the pregnancy hormones talking, this cheese was UH-MAZING!! My girl Cici and I were hooin' and hawin' like you wouldn't believe. I couldn't stop using the word "amazing" and I'm pretty sure the waiter thought I was nuts. Folks, you could have lined plates of this one right after another and I would have licked each one clean. It was more than cheese, we were involved. The waiter explained the process of preparing it so we could try and duplicate it at home, and you better believe that's on my list of things 'to do'! I'll let you know how that works out!

Until then..I leave you with a sentiment from our buddy Jay..."Mmm".

A Pearl of Wisdom

2009-08-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge, this is worth the laugh!

Single Digits...wait...WHAT?!

2009-08-13T12:00:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow marks our 31 weeks of pregnancy.

Holy cow.

40 - 31 = 9 weeks.

We are officially in the single digits! Wait..whoa.

We haven't updated in a few weeks, and I don't even know where to begin! Between house projects, getting ready for baby and our otherwise busy summer schedule, our days are FLYING by faster than we ever expected them to.

Our whirlwind adventure has included; a GREAT concert with my stellar cousin Jared (who is the first person to school ME in music..whoa), a wedding reception/family reunion in Canby, painting, nesting, volunteering, and stealing away as much time with our friends as we possibly can.

I find myself relishing the time Dana and I have together. The quiet moments when we are deciding on a menu, the card games, play time with Mols, movies and the surprise date nights and flowers are all so special to me and I cherish every moment! It's so bizarre to me to think of how quickly our lives have morphed from somewhat foot loose and fancy free to parents-to-be. Our dinners out will soon include a high chair, our movie nights will require a baby sitter, and at the end of the day, we won't just have the pleasure of coming home to each other but our home will include the love, noise and vivaciousness of a precious child. Whoa.

I'm not freaking out. Yet.
This really is an exciting time. We are gearing up for the most exciting weeks of our lives. I'm amazed at the way God has molded and led our lives to this point, and how He continues to build us up and grow us as a solid team. I love to see the way He has used this pregnancy to bring us togther and prepare us (as much as we could be prepared) to take the lead in someone else's life. Uh-mazing. :)

So 9 weeks. 9 weeks to prepare for baby, and absorb every precious moment with each other, with our family and friends. 9 weeks to get ready for the new look of the next 70 years.

Hold on to your butts, here goes nothing...

"Oooh look! Something shiny!"

2009-08-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

The latest from Dana's new lense! Molly was pretty taken with the obnoxious, blinding flash from Dana's camera. Then again, she can't keep her eyes away when she sees something sparkle. Lol!

I was a pretty huge fan of the way this picture turned out. :) GO DANA!

Just Loungin'

2009-07-24T14:15:00.001-07:00

Dana took the day off today and sent me this pic of he and Molly chillin' around. It's a treat for her when one of us is home during the day...clearly she eats up every moment! :)

Crazy as it is, she really does lay around on her back like that. What a hussy!

27 down...13 to go!

2009-07-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Our weekend was jam-packed with purging unnecessary junk and clutter from our home in preparation for Peanut. BOY HOWDY we had a lot of stuff we didn't need and there is more to go. :) Eek! It seems like once we have one room nailed down and we're ready to cross that pre-baby prep task off our list, somehow another has snuck right in there and added itself.

So last night, we finally had a chance to reeeelaaaxx. We ate a delicious home cooked dinner, watched a terrible TV movie and just laid low...what a great way to end an otherwise chaotic weekend.

We realized we finally had some time to take a few belly shots and Dana won't hesitate at the chance to pull out his camera, so here they are!

Hard to believe she's already 27 weeks, I feel HUUUUGGGEEEE. Yeah, yeah, I know she only grows from here..but let me live in denial for just awhile longer, ok??

Galatians 2:20

2009-07-13T08:25:00.001-07:00

19-21What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.

Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God's grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.

*From "The Message" Bible Translation

Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?

2009-07-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

The wheel is spinning, but the hamster is dead.

That's how I feel these days! 'Baby brain' is NO JOKE people! At some point several weeks ago, I realized this uncontrollable need to blurt out my thoughts as they came to me. I no longer have the ability to maintain social courtesy and wait for someone else to finish their thought. Apparently now, if I wait patiently any more than 1.6 minutes, the thought is lost and my mind is temporarily gone. So like a spaz, I blurt "NO WAIT! I think I might have something to say."
'Baby brain' = baby tourettes people. No joke.

My ability to retain information is lost. My desk is littered with post-it notes with basic everyday information. I get laundry going at night with the hopes of having clean clothing in the morning, but lo and behold on more than one occasion, I left it sitting in the washer overnight. I am known to walk out the door in the morning without shoes. I wander 'purposely' in a direction only to get there and realize I have NO idea what I was heading for. Did I actually shut the fan off this morning? Did I close the garage? Did I already say that...more than once?
'Baby brain' = baby alzheimer's people. No joke.

Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?

Wait...is that me?

In All Its Glory

2009-07-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Dana and a friend went out to Portland late one night to shoot some pretty amazing pictures. Here is Dana's first official picture (that he is willing to share that is), isn't it awesome?! What a great eye!

A Rose By Any Other Name

2009-06-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Baby naming is not nearly as much fun as I thought it would be. Really.
What if we give her the one name we think is safe. What if we give her the one name we determined to be absolutely, positively nickname-free and after all that effort, she winds up dubbed with the most hideous and child-hood altering nickname thinkable??
Oh the thoughts that will plague parents to be.
Now, to give curious minds rest, we only have a few names on our ‘yes’ list. In no particular order (and strategically leaving out the name in the #1 spot), they are; (drumroll please) Paige, Selah, Kay and Adele. If you think one or all of them are great, tell us. Other wise, and I say this with all the love in my heart, do us a solid and keep it to yourself. Yes, by choosing one of the aforementioned names, we would ‘actually do that to our child’. We do have a favorite, but are not necessarily closing the door on other options. Until that big naming day, we will loving and proudly call her “Peanut”.

Dana and I have been feverishly planning and preparing for Peanut. Yes, we have time still but we wanted to make sure we had all the big things out of the way first; the nursery, childcare, etc. I'm not an overachiever and I'm not one of 'those' moms but I don't like the idea of all these things bombarding me in the eleventh hour if you know what I mean.
On that note, with the help of Dana’s parents we have almost got the nursery completely painted. It's getting real folks! There is an actual nursery coming together in our home. It is an actual nursery, where an actual teeny tiny human will call home. WHOA!

I am trying to stay on top of my What To Expect While Expecting homework. What do I need to look out for in the next 3 months? What should I be keeping an eye on? And more importantly, what in the WORLD should I expect when the big day comes? In that effort, I have learned one sure fire thing…it’s definitely time to STOP doing my homework. HAVE MERCY this is a terrifying little job I’m up to. What are things like glucose testing, and Braxton hicks? What is water breaking like…do you really feel like you just wet your pants? Are epidurals really necessary and do they hurt? How much should I care about the facility I’m delivery at rather than the person doing the delivering? What if I give birth to an ugly child? Will I be objective enough to say “oooo…that’s an awkward looking kid” or will I be so head in the clouds I won’t notice her crazy eyes or missing nose? OH and there’s the whole issue of pushing a HUMAN OUT OF MY BODY, all of these things are enough to stress me into pre-term labor and that’s not going to do any of us any good. I won’t settle for total disillusionment, but I’m okay with denial…for a little longer anyway. :)

As much as we try to prepare for Peanut, she reminds me daily that she’s growing quickly and she’s very much on her way. We couldn’t be more excited for her arrival! “But I’m guessing it looks probably like a sea monkey right now and we should let it get a little cuter.”

Here’s a pic of the nursery in the works. We chose a soft yellow color and LOVED the way it worked out!

I also threw in Dana’s latest pearl of wisdom. “Shopping carts are covered in germs. I’m looking out for our child and following this method.”

He’s really picking this up quickly, he’s going to be such a great dad!

"See, I'm doing my homework..."

2009-06-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Another tasty morsel from Peanut's sweet daddy to be!

A swift kick in the pants...literally.

2009-06-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Last night Dana and I were spending time with some friends and I noticed Peanut was really active..more active than she had ever really been before. I kept feeling much harder nudges and it was clear she had moved past the 'fluttery/bubbles' phase into full-fledged kicking.
At our last ultrasound the tech referred to baby girl as 'stubborn' and 'uncooperative' because she wasn't even remotely interested in sitting still or slowing down. I thought it was the strangest thing that I was watching her squirm and toss on the screen, but I still couldn't feel her at all.

That all changed last night! Wooo-boy!

We were on our way home and I decided to feel around...sure enough she wasn't keen on me poking and prodding at my belly and kicked right back at me! It was WILD! I can't even put it into words really..just wild. Dana reached over to experience it for himself but she took that opportunity to chill out a bit. She hasn't given him the boot yet but he's definitely trying to sweet talking her into it. ;)

As Promised

2009-06-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

My mama was so confident we were having a little girl, she went out the weekend before our appointment and got 'pink-i-fied'.

Sucking her thumb

She gave us a good stretch before this shot

Seeing Pink..

2009-06-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

We had a very exciting day today, we found out we were having a sweet and healthy baby girl!
The ultrasound was out of this world, the detail was incredible. We saw the four chambers of the heart, the different sections of her brain, her bladder, stomach and sweet face. We even caught a look at her moving jaw when she was sucking her thumb!

All in all, sweet Peanut is healthy and VERY active..we couldn't ask for more. :) We are thrilled to know the sex and be able to plan for her nursery...how fun!

We have really exciting pictures coming, so stay posted..

He's awesome, and a little bit rock n' roll

2009-05-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday started out a little rough.
I found myself cruising around on a very flat tire. Ever seen a pregnant girl trying to force movement on perfectly tightened-beyond-reason wheel lugs? Yeah..not pretty! For the record, I DO know how to change a tire, but those things wouldn't budge. So there..boo that.
Super Dana quickly came to the rescue, got the donut swapped out for the damaged tire and had me on my way. What a stud. :)

By the end of the day, Dana had the tire to fixed and gave me a random address to meet him at so he could put it back on. Little did I know...he arranged early on in the day, for me to have a prenatal massage and had me meet him at the spa! Like I said, what a stud. :) I got to get spoiled in the best way possible by the best man on the face of the planet and drive home on a perfectly normal tire. (Lord knows that donut felt like it was T minus 6 seconds away from exploding on the hot highway at any point. Nooo bueno.)

All in all, I felt pretty darn special. That guy is a keeper.

"Cool Runnings" (Nooope..not the Jamaican Bobsled Team.)

2009-05-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I took a hard swing at one of Rachel Ray's recipes from her latest/double issue, and I think we found a winner!
This sweet beverage is great for a casual gathering or fun barbecue if you want to add a little somethin' somethin' to the mix..I dare you..go on..give it a try!

You will need:
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Mint Leaves
6 large lemons
4-5 cups sparkling water
Fruit Popsicles (I went with Dreyers)

These ingredients will give you a good full pitcher when ice is added. Next time around, I will definitely be doubling the recipe so we have more to go around.

What to do:
In a small saucepan, bring one cup sugar and one cup water to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved and remove from heat.
Add one cup loosely packed mint leaves to warm mixture. (Definitely give the leaves a good rinse/clean before adding them..they tend to 'shed' schmutz into the mix.)
Refrigerate mint/sugar mixture for 6 or more hours, then remove mint leaves (if desired...next time I might crush them up and leave them in).

In a pitcher, stir together the mint/sugar mixture with juice from six large lemons and 4-5 cups of sparkling water. (I found that I ended up using a little more water than directed just to ease the 'kick' of the fresh lemon.)

When you are ready to serve, pour the juice over a little ice, and use your pick of fruit popsicle as your stir stick. The juice will take on the flavor of your stir stick and also makes for a fun and interactive treat. :) Enjoy!!

"I'm learning A LOT about children..."

2009-05-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

This was in an email I received from Dana. He's been doing his homework on carseats..and it looks like he's learning quickly!

Did you hear that?

2009-05-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Such a trip!
Dana and I had our 16 week appointment today and for the first time, we heard Peanut's heartbeat!! It was right at 165 beats per minute which is consistent with where it has been measured in the past. My mom is convinced that makes it a little girl. :) Boy or girl, we know it's a kicker!! At our last visit, the doc did an ultrasound and it was clear the baby was kicking and cruising around in there, and when they used the dopler this time, she was able to locate the heartbeat because of the strong and swift kick she heard first. So crazy!
What was even more amazing was the way the baby was positioned, right behind one of my arteries. So while all I was paying attention to that quick little flutter of a heartbeat, the nurse pointed out that my heartbeat was beating right along side Peanut's. Once she pointed it out, it made everything so very real and at the same time, so completely out of this world!

All in all we have a healthy Peanut and we are SO thrilled. I am still really struggling with morning/afternoon/evening sickness and with that comes a little more weight loss. We are hopeful that a nausea free/gag and throw up day is just around the corner, but we are staying positive. :) Dana has been the GREATEST support and coach and has done a great job making sure I have plenty of food and water in my system...all..the...time.

Our next appointment is June 1st and we will find out what the sex is!! WOOHOO!! Looking forward to updating you again soon...

The Origin of the Swine Flu

2009-05-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

headache

2009-04-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

" Its now more like an industrial fire than an atomic bomb" Words from Andrea describing a headache. Please keep praying for her and the little peanut

Who says we need a truck??

2009-04-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Proof again that a truck isn't necessary when hauling equipment.
*Dana glowing with pride*
Yes, that's right..that's a 6 ft ladder in a Civic Hatch.

My man is a LOSER!

2009-04-07T10:24:00.001-07:00

That's right! Dana is a skinny mini loser!
In his office 12-week 'Biggest Loser' competition, he took the cake and came in first place. (There wasn't a single week he fell from that top spot.)
He literally worked himself ragged taking spin classes, running, swimming and ate like a true health nut. All his hard worked paid off when he jumped on the scale and saw a total weight loss of 29.5lbs!!

He celebrated his victory with a chili dog and ice cream...and his stomach showed him quickly who is boss and why he will never..EVER celebrate in that same fashion again. Lol!

I am so proud of my loser husband..he really applied himself and made it happen! Good job baby, you are a rockstar!!

Before and after pics to come...stay posted.

No..its not a piece of lint...it's a BABY!! :)

2009-03-10T08:39:00.001-07:00

Yup, you read it right, we will soon be a family of three!!
Baby Davenport will be joining the party in October.
Peanut's heart is beating at about 165 bpm and the doctor says that everything looks great to this point. Mom is definitely feeling woozie but is resting easy in the knowledge that for most mamas to be, that passes. :)

Something just doesn't seem right here?

2009-03-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Who needs a truck anyway?!

2009-02-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Dana was proud to prove that his civic hatch could pack some punch!

Hospital 'Cribs'

2009-02-20T13:54:00.000-08:00

Please join us in lifting up our buddy Wes, his wife and adorable son in this trying time!

Hello from sunny Florida!

2009-02-06T15:33:00.001-08:00

The view from the plane before we land in Tampa.

Sunny day = FUN day!!

Many more pictures to come..we just wanted to give you a peek at what we've been up to!

"Don't get eaten by a shark/gator/leech or redneck"

2009-02-05T05:10:00.000-08:00

We're off!

Dana and I are sitting at our gate in PDX on our way to sunny Florida.
Word is the weather is down in the 30's right now, we are hoping we change that. ;)
CLEARLY mother nature doesn't know who we are. Muahahaha.

Have a great weekend friends!

Nemo? Think not.

2009-01-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

I am increasingly aware of my irrational fear of open water. I would rather chew on glass than swim baywatch-style in the Pacific. Not even BIG open water necessarily, but creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, oceans alike. I really dislike crossing the I5 bridge each morning purely for the fact that when traffic slows, I'm totally convinced the bridge will crumble underneath me and I will plummet into the cold.
Creepies, crawlies, lingering seaweeds, plants that eat fish, all of the above leave me perfectly content to sit on the beach and watch while others play.

Dana and I are gearing up for our trip to see my dad in Florida. Dana being the surfer boy he is, immediately started looking up local surf spots. Thanks to Discovery Channel 'Shark Week' I started looking up recent shark attacks.

I can't explain my neurosis really...but it keeps others entertained.

Not fat, just fabulously fluffy!

2009-01-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

Dana and I are on a new mission.

I take that back, it's not a new mission really, but rather a new approach.
We are losing weight. Not in a "New Year's Resolution" style, because frankly, I kinda think NY resolutions are bunk. (blow raspberries) More in the 'better our lives' style. We have been really good about eating organic, natural food. We just want to take another step in the right direction to better our lives together.

To kick up Dana's weight loss, he joined his co-workers in a "Biggest Loser" challenge. Two weeks running he has been THE Biggest Loser! We are both proud to say that we are down and we have every intention of saying that week after week!

Congratulations on being a big loser babe, I'm proud of you!

A few words say the most..

2009-01-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

I was really amazed by the response of a young black boy when he was asked what this inauguration meant to him. He said that now when people see black people on TV or in the movies, they won't automatically think of them as criminals or athletes, they will see them as Presidents, lawyers or doctors.

To me, that said a lot.

Our prayers are with our new President, the man we are entrusting our future and the future of our children to.
We do see change coming, and we absolutely have hope for prosperity and unity.

But in my humble opinion, that change won't happen just by the hand of that one man alone. :)

Yes, we are THOSE dog parents..

2009-01-06T22:44:00.000-08:00

A little fun with Mols and the camera. We're pretty proud of her. :)

Sugar melts in the rain my dear...

2009-01-01T20:38:00.001-08:00

I'm not entirely sure if my mom coined this sweet phrase or if it came from a movie/song/book, "Sugar melts in the rain!"
And that indeed it does!
Our region has been blasted with the CRAZIEST weather this holiday season. It started out as the normal fall drizzle, then we were hearing warning of what they coined the "Arctic Blast". Coming from Bozeman, MT and Ogden, UT to me, that thought was laughable. But lo and behold, as predicted, the snow began to fall and you would think by the reaction, the sky was falling in. Our 8 inch snow drifts on the sides of the roads were just too much to handle. Schools were shut down, offices were closed, we were on full alert for the impending doom. Dana being from So.Cal. was amazed at this anomaly and each day just waited for the temp to drop below freezing so he could rally on the black ice in his death trap Honda Civic Hatch.
After a few days of black ice and random snow drifts and we were catapulted into the brunt of our Arctic Blast. Sure enough, our roads were all covered and we were buckled down for the big one. I realize now that these storms really aren't all that laughable. See, we are dealing with incredible amounts of ice and very dangerous driving/walking conditions. The whole place turns into an ice box and its hard to determine which way is what when you are on the roads. So people really do bunker down and ride it out at home. This kind of storm has only come twice since I have lived here nearly 5 years. So when it comes, we know it means business.

Somewhere in the center of the storm, my mom was able to fly in and join us for the white out. We had a relatively quiet and relaxing Christmas Holiday and really just dug into spending time with family and friends. Despite the troublesome temperatures and sporadic snow we were quite content laying low inside with a fire roaring in the background. We've watched a bunch of movies, made some great meals, and found rest and relaxation I think we have all needed. Now THAT is my kind of holiday. ;) Our holidays usually look quite a bit more like Clark W. Griswold's ('The little ones aren't blinking Clark'), so to say the least, it was a nice change.

I certainly hope everyone had a blessed and full holiday season. I anticipate amazing things for 2009. I believe in a big God who I know will lead us in a new and great direction this year. I have hope for change in finances, health, and fitness. I have hope for change in myself, to be stronger and more confident. I have hope for a new generation to rise up in faith, to know growth, real fulfillment and determination. I hope for those I love to experience joy of the purest sort. Oh hey, and while I'm at it, I hope for world peace and an end to world hunger...and for every orphan to find a home. Think I'll win the crown this go 'round? ;)

Wishing you and yours a beautiful and blessed 2009.

With much love, Dana and Andrea

So what exactly is wrong with you?

2008-12-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

I am heading into what seem to be my most brutal/painful months of the year, and it seems I have been getting a lot of questions regarding my overall health and wellness. I thought now would be a great time to throw a post out there updating y'all with what that means for me.

A Pain Board & Internal Medicine Certified Doctor/Naturopath was my last stop in my attempt to find an solution for this pain disorder I have lived with for the past 5 years. It is called Fibromyalgia. It is something not many conventional doctors are willing to treat because its symptoms are relatively broad and hard to pin down. To the point of said visit with the new doc, I had lived through a barrage of pain/antibiotic/sleep/crazy meds, physical therapy, and counseling. All of which had become old hat to me, that was what I knew as 'normal'. I knew this was a disease that is incurable, and only really manageable with exercise, and meds. These would be routines I would have to understand and accept for the rest of my life.
Enter new doc..we will call him (thank you Aretha) Dr. Feelgood. Right off the bat, his jaw hit the floor when he saw the laundry list of medications I have been told to throw at my system. He was appalled, offended even. After two hours of sitting in his office talking, he was quite certain I was dealing with something quite a bit more complex than FMS. He examined me for 10 minutes, and sat me down to explain our game plan. I was diagnosed with FMS, which my old doctors said came as a result of my car accident 5 years ago. He is quite certain that I actually initially had something called Myofacial Pain Syndrome. He believes that because THAT went untreated, the symptoms manifested themselves into what is now FIERCE FMS/MPS. **Sidebar: Auto-immune disorders can be extremely complex. Imagine your immune system is the coast guard and each cell, good and bad is a ship with a flag on it. Your 'coast guard' looks out for the pirate flags (bad cells) and attacks/destroys them. The trick with AI disorders is that your immune system is too preoccupied with attacking the good cells, that simply does not recognize the bad ones (pirate ships).** Had the MFS been treated years ago, I would not be in the place I am now. He validated every ache and said that he has no doubt I am living in extreme pain. He also said he was confident he would be able to help me.
I left his office with somewhere around 15 different NATURAL pills/supplements that were to take place of my prescriptions for sleep, pain, depression, etc. After a month and a half of the worst detox of my life, I started to feel some relief.
I sleep without drugs.
I have more energy without drugs.
I am living what is looking more and more like a normal life. It is still a life with pain, but its looking more and more hopeful.

Seeing Dr. Feelgood is extremely costly, and at this point, we just don't have the means to make him a regular visit. However, we have learned a few really great lessons about how we eat, what medications I do take, and I've learned to look at normal activities with more hope.

Now about those bad months. Every year, we here in the Pac NW experience a shift in weather. Our change of seasons are quite as graceful as they are in other places of the world. When it's hot, it's BLISTERING hot. When it is cold, you simply forget to breathe. Either extreme would be easier to deal with if they didn't come along so suddenly, with little warning. When we kick into extreme temps, my body kicks over to pain mode.
Simply put, this kind of pain is indescribable. BUT, I have a superb support system and every reason to keep looking up. I have an amazing husband that takes more care of me than I deserve. I do have hope for a change, and I am confident in my HEALER. Who could ask for more? ;)

Inspired

2008-12-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

Uh-ma-zing!

2008-12-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

Not only am I keen on the name ;), but I have mad respect for a woman with pipes of this caliber. Uh-ma-zing.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Adele.

Deliciously Delirious

2008-12-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

Wow.
Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, or years even, where you honestly believe you are just a few clicks short of crazy?
That is the only way I can sum up this week. How sad is that? It's only TUESDAY folks?!
I can't really explain to you how or why, but I am just plumb pooped emotionally, physically, spiritually, just wiped the heck out! PHEW!
Dana is out with one of his buddies tonight and I have the delicious chance to sit down with the laptop and download a new playlist into itunes. (I got a gift card for my birthday MONTHS ago and have yet to take advantage of it.)
It's like my Disney World. No..really. I have this mammoth mothership of tonal gloriousness that makes me deliriously, fantastically, indescribably happy. People, there are few things that bring me more joy than just laying back in my comfies and SWIMMING in new music. Listening, digesting, absorbing every perfect tone and lyric. Well, it is like coming home. :)

I'm not avoiding my impending curve into crazy anymore. Game on, I'm ready for it. I will be content there in la-la land now that I have my Do-Re-Mis.

2008-12-08T14:44:00.001-08:00

Sometimes the past just needs to stay IN THE PAST!!

2008-11-24T19:00:00.001-08:00

Back in my pre-teen days you better believe I could "Hang Tough" like the rest of them. I was all about Donnie, Joey, Jordan and the those other New Kids, I'm pretty sure I even had a poster or two. Each of my friends claimed their future Groom from the Block and we all lived contently in New Kids on the Block la-la land. I won't deny it, but folks...I was 11.

Dana and I watched the AMA's last night and lo and behold, it ain't no joke, the New Kids are back on the Block. They performed a medley of two old songs (including Hang Tough) and their newer (raunchy old men singing to young girls about getting jiggy) songs. WOOOOOWWWW....I have few words.
Wait..no that's not true, I have more than a few..
LET IT DIE BOYS!!! LET IT GO!! You'd think that these early-middle aged men would realize that the pipes don't work quite the same as they did when they were teens..oh no...they were belting it out in all their nails on a chalk board glory! I gotta say, the hibbidy-dibbity dancing with the teeny bopper background girls was a little creepy for my taste. Yikeso.

Let it go homes, seriously.
Hammer pants, wave bangs, neon green, NKOTB, all things we should leave buried...F-O-R-E-V-E-R.

Early Christmas!!!

2008-11-22T11:16:00.000-08:00

Folks, we filled up the Civic for under $20 last night. That's right, gas was only $1.99/Gal!!!
Can you believe it? It's like Christmas came early!!

We miss the Element terribly, but I'm not gonna lie, the fuel bill is a lot easier to handle. :)

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

2008-11-14T15:48:00.001-08:00

Just a tasty tid-bit for your listening pleasure.

Eleanor Roosevelt

2008-11-11T21:21:00.000-08:00

"No one can make you feel inferior without your permission."

I like that.

All Eyes Are On You Barack Obama

2008-11-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a day!
As expected, internet news sites, blogs, emails, EVERYTHING is littered with the news of the very historic moment this nation experienced last night.

Presidential Elect Barack Obama.

Honestly, from the very beginning, I believed he would take it, but the reality of that really hit me when I saw him and his family accepting their place in the white house. In my lifetime, I was witness to something powerful, and something that my childrens' children will be reading about. Like Martin Luther King Jr., or Abe Lincoln, or freedom writers before their time, Barack Obama just made a mark in the history of this nation.

Despite the magnitude of this event, the internet is STILL filled with people debating the big issues as if the decision hadn't yet been made. They are stuck in a perpetual pissing match. There is a lot about this that leaves me unsettled and feeling a little insecure, A LOT, shoot I voted for the other guy.
But here's the deal folks, we have an amazing opportunity to take those insecurities and turn them into something really positive. This is our chance, to rise up as a nation, despite our differences and unite. If you are passionate about abortion, help inform the women that are contemplating that decision. If you know someone that is considering assisted suicide, educate yourself, be a support in whatever way you know how.

Stop playing the blame game. Get off your batootie and step up. Republican or Democrat, black or white, we are in this together.

So...shut up already and hold my hand!

99 Balloons

2008-10-29T13:11:00.001-07:00

Coos Bay, OR - October 2008

2008-10-22T16:10:00.001-07:00

We are thiiiiis close!

2008-10-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend we are cruising to the sand dunes with Dana's family to do something we absolutely love, we are going quad riding!! Nothing better than the feel of sand, the rush of the ride and the stellar family time.

Just counting down the days, we are almost there....can't...wait!

Meet Tubby Gus

2008-10-13T08:16:00.001-07:00

Our neighbors are selling this precious puppy and we want to help them find an amazing home for him! We call him Gus, they call him Tubby. We LOVE this pooch.
We got to puppy sit for a bit last night and couldn't resist taking a few pics. Lookie, lookie!

Ode to Home Dawg

2008-10-05T10:56:00.001-07:00

Words that inspire..

2008-10-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Amidst my list of blessings infinite
Stands this the foremost, that my heart has bled;
For all I bless You, most for the severe.