Scrub A Dub Dub

These were taken when Caden was two weeks old during his second bath. We were too busy trying to not wreck our first time giving him a bath to take a picture. He continues to love to look out the window, and has always done great with bath time which is a bonus.

This one was taken just a week ago-he's almost four months old, double the size and out of the 'net' that came with the tub. It's the phrase every parent says-'where did the time go?!', but man-seeing the difference in these pictures are just crazy to us! It's definitely fun, amazing, and sad all at the same time seeing how quick he's growing and changing. 

We love you little man. Big eyes, serious looks and all.

Cuteness

I wouldn't say this blog is pointless, but it's just random and I feel like I don't have anything super good to share. Life's been good, busy, and fun. Caden's changing so much each week and it's been a joy to see him grow, be more aware and connect with people and things more. So, I'll just share some cuteness now...can't go wrong with that!

We went and visited The Flying Stove on Sunday at the Riverside Park, by their 'zoo' (which consist of too many birds, missing turtles-one named Cooter...really?!, missing beavers, a bob cat and a skunk...) it was crazy nice out, the food was good and it was fun to go to a food truck. Just something different and nice! Plus Caden did great, he was so amused with all the people and different surrounding!

My mom got Caden a Thor hat. Obviously he has to grow into it, but it's still pretty funny to put it on him, especially with that puzzled look:)

Hope you all have a great rest of the week. Much love.

(Now that I say 'hope' I realized I didn't even mention the Woven event I went to last night with some girlfriends and my MIL. It was really good, an amazing speaker with a great story and some good reminders. A great little night out with some great women and a positive boost-can't beat that!)

3 months

Before we knew what hit us it was Saturday, November 17th and you are 3 months old! You are getting so big and your personality is starting to shine through-we are so in love with you Caden!

You are truly a joy. Your smile lights up through your eyes and your giggle is precious. It's funny what things will make you smile. We can make funny faces and noises and get some good smiles out of you, but just a few days ago looking at your cousin Austin gets you to light up, and he doesn't even have to do anything! (I need to capture that over Thanksgiving now that I think about it...)

So, whats new:

• You now weigh 12 lbs
• You got mommy to be on a dairy free (for the most part) diet because dairy seems to be bugging you

Side note: You gave us a scare and had blood specs in your dirty diapers. Our Dr. recommended us to a specialist and the conclusion was that you most likely have a dairy allergy. Since having minimum-no dairy you haven't had any more blood-hooray! Talk about confusing for us, hopefully it doesn't last forever for you.

• You won't take a bottle with the new Similac formula that is for food allergy, not even with only one ounce of formula and the rest breast milk, you still were NOT having it. In your defense the stuff reeks so I'm guessing the taste isn't that great...maybe we'll try again soon, it's pretty demanding being the only food source. Good thing you're more than worth it :)
• You roll over from side to side a lot, especially while playing on your play mat
• You still like going for that thumb of yours
• You somehow manage to turn yourself around in your crib. We'll lay you down one way and you'll be flipped the other the next time we go to get you
• You may or may not be teething already. When you don't get your thumb you still like to naw at your fist or pointer finger. You get it good enough to make it red and to even annoy you sometimes it seems. Just a day or two ago I noticed little marks on your pointer knuckle and yesterday noticed a longer and more distinct cut above your knuckle. That led me to feel your gums and sure enough on the top you have a little rough area. Lucky for you Uncle Toby is a dentist and we see him Thursday for Thanksgiving so hopefully he can look at it and give us some more guidance. You're younger than most teethers and usually the bottom breaks through first-but early bird catches the worm right? We'll see...
• You sleep great. Not as much naps, those vary, but at night you'll take either four ounces of a bottle, or me and some bottle during the week now that I'm back at work, and then you're in your crib and off to sleep (sometimes a bit of chatter before) for a good while. Last night you slept 8:45 p.m.-5:00 a.m. You are a rockstar sleeper little man! (knocking on any and all wood as I say that...)
• When you do wake up from a nap you'll cuddle with me for a good 10 minutes before you fully wake up. I love it. Mommy needs some extra time to fully wake up too-no shame in that :)
• You love your mobile now. Some mornings if you get up early we'll feed you and lay you back in bed to watch your mobile and it will keep you entertained for 30 minute to an hour. So fun to watch you smiling and watching it.
• You like to sit up 'on your own'. We still hold you around your waist but you love to just look around while sitting out more independently.
• You're finally filling out your 0-3/3 month clothes and looking adorable in them of course!
• Right before you turned 3 months I had to go back to work and you started with day care. Aunt Erin watches you Mon & Tues, Katelyn watches you Wed & Thurs and YaYa watches you Friday. So far you have done great and they just shower you with love, which makes me feel good and secure while being away from you.

You have been so fun. We cannot wait to experience your awesome personality more and more as you get older.

We love you dearly, Caden.

Strong Enough

Strong Enough by Matthew West came on the radio today while I was running a quick errand with Caden. I've heard it before and loved it, but had forgotten about it. This song helps me remember it's okay to lean on God and be honest with him about your struggles.

Two verses in it really hit home. 'Hands of mercy won't you cover me, Lord right now I'm asking you to be strong enough for the both of us' and 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength'. The second is from Philippians 4:13. If there is one thing my mom taught me that I remember and have never quit using, it's that verse.

You know how God seems to sneak in the perfect songs, phrases and people into your life when you need it the most? So glad he does that. I've noticed it multiple times-I'll be going through something and on the radio they hit that exact topic. Not only did this song come on, but the station (K-LOVE/99.1) also hit on the topic of trusting God in the situations he has put you in and know that you are there for a reason. I constantly have to remind myself of that one as well.

Well, as I return back to work tomorrow I definitely don't feel strong enough to take on this new phase without God's help. It's hard 'giving up' taking care of our son full time. I have a very selfish feeling that that's my job, my baby and I don't want to share. I know-flash back to kindergarten. BUT at the same time that those feelings sweep over me I think about the amazing women God has blessed us with who are helping care for our son. We couldn't be luckier or more grateful. I know he will be showered with love and don't have any doubt in them. Just breaks my heart thinking I'm going to miss out.

At the same time, I am a little eager to get back into the work environment. Being a stay at home mom is not easy, even when I've had the best days full of smiles and cuddles it still can be draining and a bit exhausting. I hate even saying that because my love for Caden is so strong that it sounds contradicting to that-but it's just the truth about caring for a baby/child no matter how strong the love.

Either way, today we stayed in our scrubs and got lots of cuddling in while we could. I have loved my time with Caden, this experience and blessing of being a new mom has been eventful to say the least. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I will continue to look forward to seeing my little man after work, and not taking any of our time for granted.

Prayers for our little boy, to the outstanding ladies who will be helping us and watching him, and (being selfish) to me for this new adjustment. Amen, amen, amen.

The Nothing Box

Men and women are created SO differently....that we all know. While we were engaged we did pre-marriage counseling and our counselor gave us books to read during (which...we may or may not still have...) called For Men Only and For Women Only by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn. Really good books, they're pretty small and short-they did get a tad boring/hard to read at times considering the subject matter-but there are still things we continue to reference back to that it taught us.

One of the funnier things that we still use is the 'nothing box'. In the women's book it has a section on how men and women think differently. Well derrr.

Example-my box at any typical moment would consist of thoughts about: Caden, Gary, family, friends, work, bills, 'oh look-something shiney', recap of that day or previous events, blog ideas/wording, etc. All depends on what's going on...but if you've been in a conversation with me (nonetheless my mom and sister at the same time) then watch out, sometimes we tend to 'jump' or some would say drastically leap from one thing to the next, and still return to the first thing many minutes later as if we never left the first topic. It's just pure talent. 

Pretty funny catching the men's odd looks trying to keep up-oh, yeah, they're still in the room and 'in' the conversation? Whoops. 

While at the same moment my husbands box can consist of literally nothing. Seriously. Not sure how it is even possible, it's a VERY rare occasion for me and doesn't last long if it does happen. The book gave examples how we all have boxes of everything, but the difference comes when women can have multiple boxes 'open' at once and men (typically) can only have one, and if they need to go to another box they have to 'close' the current one and go to the next. Never having two 'open' at the same time. (boxes being thoughts/projects/etc., but if you haven't caught on to that much then sorry, your super lost...close your 'something shiney' box it must be distracting you.)

Often at night we'll be laying there and I'll ask Gary what he's thinking. Answer: nothing. Whaaaaaat?! Especially at night I'm not only replaying my day, and thinking of different ways I could have approached things, but I've also jumped between at least five different subjects. He'll ask back what I'm thinking and there have been times I just reply 'bleh, it's complicated and random.' To explain how I got from A to B, yet visited E, J, L, P, Q, V, and Z between that just makes me sound...as they would now say...cray cray.

Feedback-am I the only one?!?! Either way, at time -this is something that can annoying me because I want him to have multiple boxes open. But I've learned that's not his style, and I've been trying to learn more that his style is much more peaceful and sometimes for the best. Too often I try to control every aspect and event in life, even ones that have already passed. Yet I need to take a step back, let go of what has happened or is yet to happen, get in that nothing box and enjoy the present.

So for now, I'm going to get in that fun nothing box with my hubby and play some Lego Batman....yeah, your jealous, I know.

Oatmeal Yummies

Found this site, courtesy of Pinterest, a while back and finally got to make these yummy oatmeal muffins. I have said before I'm bad at baking-the whole following the directions to a T just is annoying. This time I had trouble even following the directions for the correct ingredients. I went to start making these about three times before I actually had everything. I'd start to lay out what I needed to make sure I had it all, just to realize I missed something. Repeat that three times. Gary could tell too because I'd get it going in the kitchen and before long he'd hear a 'dang it!'...yep, you would think I would've learned.

Last night it all came together, and turned out really good! (They're supposed to help with milk production, I think that's just oatmeal in general, but that's what really got me to finally make these since little man is growing and upping his sweet demand.)

Everything finally all laid out and ready (Ignore the Lactaid milk, realized it still is milk/dairy so Gary went and got Almond milk-such a great hubby! I ended up using Almond, after seeing a specialist I have to eliminate dairy from my diet and we have to use different formula because they think Caden has a mild allergy to milk protein...whole different story)

 Step 1: Combine applesauce, honey (instead of stevia), two eggs, vanilla extract and mashed banana 

 Step 2: Combine oats, flax seed, baking powder, cinnamon and salt (that adorable owl is the salt)

 

Step 3: Add milk, use 1/4 cup to put into cupcake pan (I used cupcake liners as well) and top with whichever topping you choose. I used crushed almonds, raisins, and chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Let cool and enjoy, or freeze them for a later date. (Side note, let cool for quite a while so it can set more. I tried to eat one too early and it still stuck to the cupcake liner. I had one early this morning and it separated with no problem-which was great because I thought I ruined them!)

The recipe ended up making 30 of these little suckers, and they are yummy, but that's a lot-so definitely something to freeze and pull out later. Bonus!

On the go!

Last Friday night my friend Katie and I went out to a scarf party. It's been long overdue that we had some one on one bff time, so this was much needed! And to add to the fun my sister was at this event too-two of my closets friends in one setting?! How could we not have a blast! It was a fun event, got a cute scarf out of the deal and the scarfs we brought for the exchange were a hit, so that made us feel good :)

I love these two. So blessed to have these amazing girls in my life. Plus they make me laugh...a ton, and that's just priceless.

Caden and Gary hung out at his parents house to watch the Cardinals game, and we didn't get home till after midnight-makes for two tired parents the next day!

Saturday we were lazy until we had to get ready and drop Caden off for his first (and successful!) sleepover while Gary and I went to a piano bar to celebrate a few friends birthdays. We had a blast! Ended up staying later than we planned because we were having so much fun, so definitely didn't take advantage of the sleepover in terms of sleep on our side, but it was worth the good time with friends!

(Ignore the shiny eyes and that only one of three birthday people are even in this photo)

It was a fun, on the go weekend for sure. A little exhausting, but it was fun to step out of being a new parent for a few hours and just enjoy each other and our friends. 

As for this weekend-with two weddings on Saturday we're keeping the rest of our time simple! Amen to that:)

2 Months

Sweet little boy, you are growing so fast! We enjoy seeing more and more of your personality shine through. Your smile is one of the best things ever!

 -you continue to find your thumb more and more (hence the below photo)

-you 'coo' and 'ah' so much now

-you're sleeping well, I think your longest record now is 7/8 p.m.-3:30 a.m.

-your nights do vary, but overall if and when you do wake up you eat and go right back to sleep

-your in size 1 diapers now (have been for about 2 weeks)

-we think you have your daddy's bad allergy's (hate that!)

-you smile when spoken to (sometimes, becoming more often-but especially the first 'good morning!')

-you take a bottle a few times a week (trying to get that to be nightly so you're used to it)

-you've been watched a few times by Grandma Wendy and Grumpo and have done great

-your first sleep over is tomorrow with YaYa and Bubba  (we're excited for a night out and some good sleep, but it's still an odd thought that you won't be here when we get back, a little nervous but heck, it's been two months that I haven't been without you much at all so that's expected)

-you do seem to like your paci more, it does wonders in calming you

-you are not a fussy baby, over all you are so great and if you do get fussy it doesn't take much to calm you or figure out what you need
-you weigh 10 lbs 7 oz and are about 21 inches long

All in all I think you're a keeper :) It's been an amazing journey thus far, we love our little family you are the best addition to it that we could have hoped for. So excited to see how you will grow and develop, it changes so fast we're definitely reminding ourselves often to take a step back and slow down-milk each and every moment, not to wish you grow up too fast and to just enjoy you and take it all in. Before we know it you'll be off and crawling, walking, talking....bahhh!!!!

We love you little man. Happy 2 months!!

Hello Buffalo!

I LOVE buffalo flavored food. Favorite panini at Doc Greens? Buffalo Chicken. Favorite meal at Old Chicago? Buffalo Chicken Tenders. My dad makes some mean homemade wings using Franks Red Hot sauce. The smell alone of this stuff is so yummy to me.

(note the cute owl salt & pepper shakers hiding behind-courtesy of HobLob)

 

A guest on Rachael Ray's show was showing some fun tailgating/football food. They quickly showed part of a buffalo chicken quesadilla recipe...you had me at buffalo.

Simple and easy: 1 rotisserie chicken (remove chicken/shredded), some Frank Red Hot orig. sauce (add melted butter to determine personal spicy preference), and cheese. Mix all that together and place that between two soft taco shells (or whichever size you like) and 'grill' on stove top. 

 

Side note-I never got exact amounts of anything besides the one chicken, so I just mixed by eye and personal preference.

Totally spaced on taking a final picture, but here's a pretty picture thanks to bing.com. You get the gist. 

Pretty yummy and pretty simple-a win win recipe to keep around! 

Chubby Stubs

I am not a feet person by any means. I partially blame my sister for that, but the pictures I took of my chubby stubs at the end of my pregnancy still shock me. This was taken a week before Caden was born. I was telling my friend Amber about how they would swell up, and sometimes the left more than the right and I just had to take a picture to show her. 

(you can even see the sandal imprints. Only one of three pair that I could really even wear-and they still cut into my feet. Don't miss that!!)

See, feet aren't really a pretty sight-but look at the difference! At the time I knew I was looking and feeling swollen, but to see the difference in pictures still gets me and makes me laugh at how stubby my little piggy's got.

Enough with the feet talk. Just had to get this post done and out of the way-too much of a crazy difference not to share! Glad to be getting back to the 'before'-even better, having my little man to cuddle with :)

One Month!

Our little squeaker, no really-he squeaks a lot and it's pretty dang adorable, is now ONE MONTH OLD!! Seriously?! Where the last month has gone I have no idea...okay, I have a big idea actually-it's followed the repetitive pattern of eat, sleep, play (playing is limited at this time of course). Of course throw in a HUGE dose of cuteness, hugs-very mini/little ones at that, and kisses-a bajillion and one of those.

 Love this expression. I blame this look on his being so little-I had to take so many pictures just to get a few good ones, he probably thought I was going crazy!

He's now:
-starting to connect and focus in on you more
-his top record of sleep at night so far has been 9:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
-he feeds well, uses his paci but hasn't yet seemed reliant on it which is a bonus
-has taken a few bottles well
-sleeps cuddled up with you and independently
-turns towards my voice (you better believe I'm loving that!)
-sleeps well in his crib (that could be another blog I guess, but mainly helps all three of us sleep better)
-holds his head up well and long
-has had to experience a few 'cry-outs' (they haven't lasted longer than 15-20 minutes...kind of  pretty dang hard)
-weighs in at 9 pounds
-21 inches long

 

Caden, your dad and I adore you. We are so excited for you to get bigger and to be able to experience all the joy and personality you bring to our lives. We cannot wait for our family to grow together. You have been such a joy and blessing thus far, and we are such lucky parents to have you as our son. So thankful to God for all he has provided throughout this journey and prayers for the journeys that we have yet to share with you.

We love you little man-Happy One Month!

Time Flys When You're Having Fun

Monday was our 2nd Wedding Anniversary-Woohoo!!! Now, no help from Caden, I have attempted this post quite a few times since then-but am finally getting it done! 

Two years isn't crazy long, but man has it gone by so fast and feels like it's been longer. We've done so much in two years and have had so much fun throughout it. My brother said 'two years and a baby-you're on your way to having your own football team by your 20th anniversary!' I miss him and his humor-but Gary told me a football team consist of 11 players...psych!!!!! No thank you!

We have been so lucky to have a great two years so far-and now with the addition of Caden we have just started on our journey of being a family together! Parenting isn't easy, with a newborn at least...he can't even talk back yet-we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, but it has been great with Gary by my side. Sure we've started to have a few moments where we let the exhaustion make us grumpy, but to be able to set that aside-realize we're letting that happen, apologize and move on means so much to me. 

We'll never pretend to be perfect, that's just ridiculous. But we will continue to love and care for each other fiercely. Yep. Fiercely. Because I just don't think mediocre will cut it. To say he makes me a better person is an understatement.

 

...plus his amazing good looks don't hurt either :)  So in love with my man.

Happy Anniversary, Gary! I love you, boo. Always, always, always. 

They say...

...a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, try a bajillion in this case. 

Within minutes of the hospital staff rushing into our room and rushing me to the O.R., I was told it was for certain that a c-section was underway. Gary appeared shortly after, one of the worst parts was he had to stay in the room at first since they weren't sure what was going to happen, and my mind-while trying to grasp everything that was suddenly occurring-went straight to the fact that we didn't have a camera.

I've seen many pictures from c-section/O.R. moments, and I was so nervous that this was it, we were about to meet our son and we had no camera to document this moment. My first thought was to my sister, Erin. I knew she had her camera, she even snapped a few ungodly pictures right after the epidural had set in (those should never surface if I have any say). 

I was told we couldn't have her come back, so I asked if someone could get her camera. Thankfully someone ran out to the waiting area, fetched the camera, confusing our family even further, and just a few short minutes later we heard the first cries of our little boy.

 

Now, pregnancy has it's share of hormones-but new motherhood tops that. I am brought to tears so often anymore. Whether I'm singing You Are My Sunshine to Caden and hitting the line 'you'll never know dear, how much I love you', seeing my amazing, handsome husband and son together, or just taking in the overwhelming beauty of our little family-I am instant tears. This picture does the same. Flashing back to that moment takes my breath away. 

I love it. I love Gary. I love seeing him as a dad, seeing his support for us as a family and for me as a new mom is amazing. I love Caden. He somehow even can make being pee'd on, woken up way too often and spit up cute. That little boy just melts my heart. I love it all.

More and more thanks and prayers up to God. I am still in awe of his glory and blessing that he has given. It is such a 'beyond me' feeling to think back to the day we found out we were pregnant and to be where we are now. So amazing!

Mr. Caden Russell Lee

Bias or not, this little man is the most precious thing ever!!! We are so in love with our little guy and feel overwhelmingly blessed with our little family of three.

Born at 10:53 p.m. August 17, 2012

6 lbs and 9 oz. 

19 inches long

Adorable

After two epidurals (1st one didn't work) and a little scare of an emergency c-section our little guy was finally here-and a week early! God sure does have his own plans and knows what's best-if only I had more patience in the waiting. I could have sworn we were going to have to wait until a week past our due date to meet him. So thankful and blessed, it's really even hard to describe the feeling. 

All for now, but had to share our exciting news and handsome little guy:)

Change of Plans

7 Days Make that up to 14....

Someone is being ornery...hmm, wonder where he gets that from. Must be his daddy:)

After our appointment yesterday we found out that nothing has changed /progressed and the doctor said our little man is heads down but posterior-his head is facing my abdomen and causing some lovely discomfort. Got some good and awkward 'rocking' moves to work on to try to get him to turn the right way. Hopefully that'll do the trick!

Next Thursday I go in for a sonogram before my appointment to find out a little more about how big he's expected to be, his position, ect., which will give the doctor more insight as to what decision and options he'll give us for induction or c-section for the following week.

Some of the rocking yesterday I did really did seem to relieve some of the back pain which was a bonus. Once we have the appointments and I can get a grasp on where we're at, let it set in, shed a few tears if I need to (anyone at this stage would be a bit discouraged...just saying) then I'm fine. It's just nice to get in there-you wouldn't think a week is that long of a wait, and it does seem to go by really fast, but it's just nice to know where we're at.

And where we're at right now is most likely along the lines of waiting a bit longer than we thought. You never know, but looks like we need to soak up the 'single' time while we have it a bit more! Cannot wait to meet our little guy, but definitely need to be thankful for the time we have just us as well.

Okay, to switch it up a bit and add some fun, look what my beloved McyD's BBQ sauce presented to me a few weeks ago (my mom thought this was mold. Sick-no.)

The feeling is mutual my friend.

Now, onto rocking the weekend and every-darn-day-before-he-gets-here away! :)

Sweet and Simple

This past weekend was just that for us-sweet and simple. Definitely trying to milk our 'single' time that we have before Caden's arrival.

Friday Gary's parents and brother came over with some dinner and hung out for a bit, after that-I can't even really remember exactly what we did, obviously not much since that's the case!

Saturday we got to sleep in, and I sure did wake up hungry for some Chick-fil-a and needed to make a return at Target...lucky me the new Chick-fil-a that just opened is right down from the Target we go to. Bonus!! We ended up picking up some of the yummy food (my bff disagrees, silly her, that could be a blog in itself!) and taking it over to Gary's brother, wife, and girls and got some much needed time in with them. Later that night we headed to church followed by a date night with dinner at Kobe's Steakhouse and an evening at home playing some old school video games. Jealous? I know you are.... :) We wanted to see the new movie The Campaign, but the times were way later than when we'd be done with dinner, so that'll just have to wait and be a rental like most of them are.

Sunday we got to sleep in again (milking this for sure), and had a relaxing, easy day with a fun BBQ at Gary's parents in the afternoon and a movie night to follow.

Told you-sweet and simple and much needed. We keep telling ourselves since we're keeping our schedule pretty basic that we need to remember to keep it that way even if we get bored. We're used to being more on the go, and we do love it that way, but knowing the amount of change that is just around the corner-we think it's a good time to hit the brakes and get in as much simple, restful, together time we can. So cheers to that-and more so to hopefully meeting our little guy soon! 9 Days!! Not that I'm counting....(or crossing my fingers it's not longer...)

There's Beauty in the Breakdown

Amen to that. No one loves to admit to a breakdown, and mine wasn't crazy, just a good long cry in my husbands arms. So needed and overdue. I had been more than putting it off. Especially this week (and yes, it's only Wednesday) I felt like I had put such a guard up and have felt so nasty and negative. I just needed to let go.

These early contractions have been happening off and on since 34 weeks. Now talk about confusing, and mentally/physically draining. A college friend got married this last Saturday, and her sister-in-law is due a week before me and has been having early contractions as well. It was so nice to vent and swap stories.

I've had so much support throughout this pregnancy and especially now, and it is very much appreciated. But it was nice to have someone, even if it was a short visit and a new acquaintance, to be on the same page with.

Looking forward to our appointment tomorrow to see if any further progress has happened (I sure feel like it!), but really having to try to ground myself with the reminder of my actual due date-and the possibility of adding a week onto that. If I don't do that I think I'll lose my mind. (May have partially lost some of it already...)

This is what I also need to continue to remember. I've been sending up an ample amount of prayers the last few weeks. I've even recently sent up a few selfish ones, which I really try to avoid. I always remind myself, God has a plan and he never gives us more than we can handle. But yeah, I snuck in a few 'PLEASE!!!!' prayers...desperate times call for desperate measures. And not that this is really a desperate time, but amidst the discomfort it feels like it.

All in all, after a good cry, nice walk with Gary, thankfully I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Why must we always try to be strong, bottle it up, and hold it all in as if no one else can help or bear the burden? Definitely something I need to work on.

What we came home to...

Cute right? These two are the best of buds. This picture was taken just shortly after we got Max, almost 2 years ago, but it's the best I could find. So again, cute, right? Looks can be deceiving people. As Gary would say, and did many times last night, MJ's stock dropped drastically last night.

A college friend of mine got married and just as we got home it started to pour down rain. This always reminds of us a super fun and spontaneous date we had while we were dating. We both lived at home, and after having an evening of games with my family, mid-downpour we embraced the ongoing storm and went to Granite City for dinner. Seems simple, but it was just us in the restaurant and it was the best.

So, naturally we are happy and laughing...until we open the door and got HIT with the worst.smell.ever. Max was in his kennel and MJ was out, and our first thought was holy crap has she been farting?! This big girl is deadly, so it crossed our mind. Gary thought there was some food left out or something in the trash-I said no, because I knew there wasn't and this was not the smell of food.

As he gathers the trash and takes it out anyway I start to search the house. Living room, check. Kennel, check. Our bedroom and bathroom, check. Sweet-ready-and-clean-for-any-day-arrival-of-our-first-baby room...Gaarrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

Holy shit. Literally. (Hence the lack of pictures in this blog-for your sake and ours. No one needs to relive this.)

Our guess is MJ either got chocolate from the previous nights bbq or the dumb amount of wood she ate got to her. Either way, it was absolutely disgusting. Gag worthy, almost more, very, very close to being more. Needless to say Gary wasn't too happy. He couldn't even 'stand to see her'. You try hiding a 75 lb golden retriever. Not that easy. Plus, it's still raining so just keeping her outside wasn't an option.

After many choice words, cleaning, and a whole lot of Frebrezing  it was taken care of. We had just purchased a carpet cleaner this week-bonus. We've gotten our monies worth out of that beaut already. To be on the safe side we had to put the gates up and keep MJ in the kitchen tile area for the rest of the night. Good thing too-because come 3:00 a.m., shocker I was awake trying to get comfortable, I could not shake that smell. And unfortunately it wasn't a dream or in my mind. The kitchen had taken a hit. And ungodly hit.

I let Sleepy McSleeperson sleep through this for his sake and MJs while I cleaned up the mess. I truly did feel bad for our big sis-she was obviously not feeling well. But being up from 3:00-4:00 a.m., holding my breath that much, being this far pregnant on the floor cleaning, girlfriend had to spend the rest of the night outside. Also-by this point I was very hungry-for McDonalds french fries. I'm still surprised I got myself to fall back asleep and didn't get some. But it was just too early.

Gary had the goal to 'Clean the shit out of this carpet. Literally.' He also noted I need to add x's into that phrase and the above one because 'this is a PG-13 blog'. Whoops. So this morning we got some good and much needed carpet and tile cleaning done, hopefully this is just a story of the past and MJ can rebuild her stock once again.

Whhhhaaattttt.....

The difference one pair of bottoms to another can make became very apparent to me this last week. I had Gary take my 9 months picture earlier this week before I headed off to work. At work if I'm not in a comfy maternity dress you can find me in the below black maternity capris. They aren't the most flattering pair, and I knew that, but I never had actually seen a picture of myself in them...until now. Man, oh man, does my bum look twice the size and saggy in them!!

Bad:

 Good:

Obviously had to retake these later with my shorts on. I mean, come on, I feel big and 'different' enough no matter what anyone does or doesn't say-and those capris aren't helping!! I had to show Gary and my sister the before and after to prove it to them-once they gave out some laughs I knew it wasn't just my imagination!

This also does not mean I won't be wearing those capris the rest of my pregnancy...I just won't be photographed in them anymore:) Cheers to being 37 weeks and to the waiting game! Have I mentioned I'm not totally patient sometimes?? This feels like one of those trying times...

2 For 1

I've been meaning to update, but slacked on getting my pictures on the computer-so now, here's a little 2 for 1 deal! Bonus, right?!

Part 1. Banana Bread

A few weeks ago banana bread popped in my mind. I found a Pinterest recipe (http://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2011/02/banana-banana-bread.html), and took to the challenge. 

Now, I would like to add that I am not a baker. I would love to be, but I just seem to fail at following directions whenever I do attempt baking. My patience dwindles drastically for some reason whenever I attempt any baking. Brownies are my go-to. So much that on more than one occasion when I announce that I've 'brought something' in front of my nieces and nephews their first reaction is 'Brownies!!?!'. Yep, I'm known for them :)

Kind of a mess-but in my defense do you see how many tortilla chips my man has out on the counter?! Chips and salsa obsession for sure-so I blame some lack of space on that...

 And...

 Walla! (I'm told this is spelled Viola', but I like 'walla' better)

 Turned out so yummy and moist! At first I thought it wasn't 'banana-y' enough, but changed my mind later. Success!!

Part 2. Kitchen clean out. 

I didn't take before/after pictures right. I not only emptied out one section before I thought to take pictures, but I didn't even get two lower cabinets, which were the most visual change too. Note that for the next before/after project. Lord knows I'm turning a blind eye to our junk cabinets we have...

 Before:

 

After:

 Before:

 After:

 This cabinet was a mess. I wish I would have taken a before picture to show it. We have had an abundance of random Tupperware that we haven't used since we moved in about 2 1/2 years...had.to.go.

 

I could barely believe the amount of cups we had in our cabinets-what the heck, you would have thought we had nightly banquets or something! (Drink banquets only, we didn't have near the amount of plates) This project took a little over 5 hours. That part was a little frustrating, but all due to how many breaks I had to take. Officially 4 weeks out from our due date as of last Friday, and my body is still a believer in early contractions and being a wimp-much against any say from me. BUT-it got done and felt so good to complete before our little man arrives!

All for now-not sure what the next project will be. The idea of getting freezer meals ready before Caden gets here sounds great...but actually getting that done. Doubtful. Highly doubtful!

Little Minions

We watched these little minions for the weekend while my family was visiting my brother in Thailand. They are the best. Yes, being 8 1/2 months pregnant and taking on three kids for a few days made me a bit tired-but at this point, so does walking from the parking garage into work. Maybe even more so-no joke. That walk makes my breathing take on a Darth Vader effect-not too appealing.

(Sorry Erin, had to steal a few photos)

No one can pass up a silly face. This is an example of Bethany's awesome silly face she's recently come upon. She'll instruct you to not laugh while she makes it, see's what your reaction is, and then she'll do it again in which case you are allowed to laugh. I can barely hold back the first time around. This little doll is up bright and early but, while having some chatter to herself, was easily entertained by making drawings for people. Sweetest thing ever-and already catches on to sarcasm which is so funny.

Wesley had a summer camp that week at Exploration Place and was able to take home a phone charger/pencil sharpener that he was working on destructing. He loved working on it, getting some help from Gary and I, but then was so incredibly proud and excited when he got through a phase of it on his own. I honestly cannot believe how fast the six years have gone with him-still crazy to me he's about to be in 1st grade!

Shepherd is just Shepherd-super funny and loving. One adorable thing he did was get out a book that Erin and Wesley's voice read through recording. The way his face lit up when Erin's voice read was so priceless-he just loved it and hearing her! Watching him and Beth play dolls and clear her entire bed off for jumping time was priceless. Not often do I just get to sit back and watch them interact. I mean, I do, but usually we're in on the action. Now, being 6:30/7:00 a.m., I voted to sit back and watch:)

We laid low during the weekend, and it went by so fast. We snuck in a trip to see gma, watered and picked the garden at YaYa and Bubbas, relaxing/hangout time at home, movie time, and to top it off a morning trip to the zoo before lunch on Sunday and then soon after switching the rolls back to my sister's mother-in-law.

These three make me smile so much-and each have such different personalities it's never a dull moment. They are so sweet and caring about Caden, too. They always make sure to give me and Caden a separate hug and kiss. Already sharing the love with our little guy:)

Being an aunt (and uncle) absolutely rocks. It is truly one of the greatest gifts our families have given to Gary and I! Now, soon-4 weeks:)-we'll be able to add to the cousin gang! :)

Update-found our pictures from the zoo trip we made! Can't withhold those:)