We're a happy family!

Now that daddy is back home from snowboarding in BC, it seems the whole family is much happier. All I have to do is sneeze and we get these crazy giggling episodes.



Happy Easter everyone!

Boohoo...

I might sound a little bit sad this week being Craig is off galavanting in B.C., snowboarding. However, Amélie doesn't seem to mind - thank goodness for the distraction of grandma & grandpa!



In the meantime, I will be a single mom going to law school and working full-time. Holy shit. That is even harder than going to law school and working full-time while being a co-parent. Hmph, go figure. I never realized just how much I liked having the stinky boy (a.k.a. Craig) around. Especially when it's time for me to study, shower, or eat and Amélie demands my attention. I give more & more props to those single parents out there... while I count down until Sunday when the daddy is back in the house.

I hope he enjoys the mountains this week because he won't be seeing them again for a while. Heehee, I demand our next vacation include tennis, surfing, and awesome accents (thinking Australia everyone) and that we BOTH take the trip together; no more vacations w/o one another - it's just too lonely. I'll leave you all with a picture that Craig posted from B.C. Shhhh, don't tell him but it does look amazing.

Ka-Blam! Ka-pOW! Ka-ZAM!

That will be little Amélie when she is hitting the tennis ball. Being that she is getting close to three months old, we figured it was time for her tennis initiation... never too early to start training! Last week, Craig took her to Baseline with Auntie Shannon & Matt to watch the University of MN women's team. Plus, it's also an appropriate subject since I purchased tickets to NYC over Labor Day weekend for Craig & I to watch the US Open. FYI to the grandparents, this is an announcement we will need a babysitter. Mmmuah!

Btw, this week's milestones include more giggles, putting the pacifier (almost) into her mouth herself, and very detailed conversations about google this & google that... I figure the little genius is trying to tell me to invest in google stock.

A big thanks to Aunt Sue & Uncle Tom for Amélie's first tennis outfit. What a dollface.

'Nother hat

I'm insanely busy with classes and quarter-end at work. However, after Granny dropped by today with a new hat - I just haaaaaad to find time to post a pic of Amélie sporting it. Oh, and a few new milestones that cause excitement in our house include a deep-hearted chuckle (happy just like the daddy) and a fondness for brightly colored books (almost just like the mommy, except the mommy doesn't read books with color anymore - bummer).

Am I the only one that hears an old woman from Jersey coming out of the mouth of this child? What are we going to do with her?!



Btw, if you click on the picture it takes you to our Flickr site so you can see the really awesome pics that Craig took today. Seriously, do it!

Knock on Wood

Our house has been terrorized by viruses. It's horrid. There are an array of viruses out in the world - like the kind that make your nose run, eyes well up like fountains, and another kind where you become much too familiar with the dust and dead bugs in the corners of your bathroom. We had all of the above.

In order to make the house happy, grandpa made a special delivery today with V-day goodies for the family, we found out that the ceiling fan now takes #2 in Amélie's eyes.

Balloon's are numero uno, check it:

Supermodel Babies are All the Rage

Quick post here... Thought you'd like to know that our Amélie was recently featured in a photo exposé by The Denver Post. The girl is a natural. Look out Tyra, this kid is destined to be America's Next Top Model. She has the looks, edge, and work ethic of a high-fashion icon. Although, like many models, she desperately needs to break the habit of spitting up after large meals.

LINK: Denver Post

Shhhhhhh.

Okay, so technically the caucus is a secret "straw vote."

However, as soon as Amélie partook in her caucus (which was recently discovered to be the least attended precinct in the WHOLE state of Minnesota) she conked out. I'm very proud of the little wonder as she is so politically driven at such a young age, almost two months old! Wow, she is amazing.

All in all, we had a great night caucusing... we had heated debates about the Iraq war and property taxes. Have I mentioned I loooooooove politics? I hope everyone was able to get out and take advantage of their privilege to vote & caucus. What an amazing feeling!

Peace out - here is Amélie right after she marked the "X" in the box. What a cutie.

All in good taste...

Well, Sunday evenings at home are normally quite peaceful. Tonight is just a touch different as we're watching the Superbowl... UPSET! The Giants pulled it off, just as I predicted by 3 points. Yay! Oh, and one minute Amélie is calmly sleeping.



As is life, time flies. So we realize we looked away for just one minute and Amélie cruises through the living room telling us she'll be home by 10pm. Something about Giselle dumping Brady after losing the big game. HuH?!



It's embarrassing but you can tell that I don't wear make-up very often as Amélie could only "dress-up" in my early 90s cake eye shadow and pinkish/orange lipstick. I guess it's time I clean out my make-up bag. They grow up so fast...

The scoop

Well, some of you know that little Bwie is now little Luca. I don't have a picture yet but some details: he was almost 9lbs and 23 inches long! He was 9 days overdue and had a head full of fuzzy hair. If you go here you'll see his debut pics. What a sweetie.

Now, a couple updates re: Amélie. She now smiles, giggles, makes eye contact with everything in the room, and she loves hearing stories from the exciting tales of Civil Procedure.

She even enjoys kissy's from her mama. I think?!

Big news! Big news!

Amélie's boyfriend was born last night!! I won't give many details until Bwie's mom has named him and shared all the information herself. Because I'm too excited, I will give a tiny detail: his hands are bigger than Amélie's are today at six weeks old. Ohhh, and he is an adorable little newborn and I'm not even lying! He is cute, cute, cute! We can't wait until everyone is healed and better. What a lucky little boy to have such awesome parents. WE LOVE YOU - hurry home!

I will post pictures of Bwie as soon as we get some!

p.s. I was going to hang out with all the cool kids from law school tonight... but Amélie is begging to see her new boyfriend at the hospital instead. She remembers how lonely it was just laying in that little bassinet while mom slept. So, I hope there will be more gatherings in the future!? Plus, I really wanted to meet Indie's look alike...

Oye, oye, oye!

I've been a busy girl. I've been keeping up on my daily tennis (the reason for oye, oye, oye), caring for Amélie, reading for class, and stressing about Bwie's mom.

I remember 6 weeks ago when everyone was calling, writing, nagging me about if "anything" was happening. I wanted to reply with, "why don't you ask my belly?!" It seems that Bwie has the same attitude that Amélie had, he is going to choose when it is time to arrive. She is now five days overdue and tomorrow will start her delightful inducing experience. I just know that it'll go more smoothly and quicker than mine. I mean, four days in the hospital without any progress is totally abnormal. Plus, Bwie's mom is a total boss - she'll make Bwie do something, I just know it.

In the meantime, while I'm pacing back & forth waiting for a phone call from Bwie's family... I will hope that my Maria makes it to the Australian Open finals and WINS!

Check out Amélie's latest photoshoot. In my biased opinion, I think this is her cutest pic yet.

Hat fashionista

Okay, so you all loved the last hat and this is the coldest week so far this winter. It is only appropriate for Amélie to post her second supermodel pose (see the pursing of her lips - hot!). Actually, she was pooping in this one - that's talent right?!

She says mmmmuah to her adoring fans!

Saturday = one-month!

Well, one month has passed. I think that means Amélie is an experienced baby and I'm probably considered an experienced mother, right? Okay, well, sort of...

Sure, Amélie might not realize why she has arms or hands (she frequently hits herself in the face) or understand why we have to give her a bath (slimy mustard yellow poops), or even why her parents make those silly faces and tickle machine noises (uncontrollable face-brightening grins).

However, Amélie has mastered drinking 6 ounce bottles without too much dribble & drool and last night she actually slept a straight 8 hours. To me, this equals an experienced baby, but again, this is coming from a one-month experienced mother.

Caucus me!

Just thought I'd share that Amélie and I had our first night of politics together. We eagerly watched the CNN countdown of New Hampshire's primary. Amélie did nod off & on but I heard her chanting something like, "goooooooooo Obama!" and "goooooooooo Hillary!"

I have to say, Amélie is quite bright, she says it's just too hard of a decision to make at this point. I listen objectively - what can a mother do?!

Although last night was a little surprising, all in all, we're satisfied with Iowa and NH's results. However, just remember that Super Tuesday (Feb 5th) is around the corner - so please get out & caucus! Let's give MN a strong voice...

Here is another cute picture - Amélie practicing her body language for when she is on the podium speaking to her supporters.

It's called... a life

Dudes, NYE was da bomb. Craig & I acted like we were 24.5 again except we were home in bed by 12:45am, which is a bit different than the ways of our early 20s. Oh well, it was totally boss (I'm going to start using this word, see movie Juno) we were able to go out and have fun; thanks again to my parents.

This new found "life" is filled with a hair appt, dinner plans for the evening, cuddling the Boo (so she doesn't feel neglected), and tennis plans for the 23rd (the exact date of 6 weeks after Amélie's birth). I'm overly eager to get back on the court. Hopefully, it all comes back to me. In the meantime, I can live through my tennis pros, as the Australian Open starts soon. Just a warning to Bwie's mom: if you decide to give birth during a really good match - I might just not have reception that hour; no matter that it's a landline phone. Teeheehee.

One fun update, Amélie now almost weighs 9lbs. The nurse came by today and said she looks much older than a 3 week old being that she can now make extensive eye contact, track our movement, and grins bigger than Craig when he puts on a brand-new pair of socks.

Here are a few cute pics, for good measure.

Craig being nosy:


The gang colors in our house are pink & purple - represent, yo:

HELLO new year!

I am going to blame the hormones again as I'm feeling quite sentimental today. It could also be the excitement and appreciation I have for my parents who offered to take Amélie for the evening so that Craig & I could have a "date night" on NYE! Yes, New Year's Eve! It's quite amazing and selfless of them - even after I warned them of Amélie's tendency to scream bloody murder at 4am requesting a bottle; they didn't seem to mind, go figure. This is just how grandparents act, I guess?! Well, it got me thinking back...

Picture this, approximately 20 years ago: Craig wearing his neon snow-pants (it was the late 80s/early 90s, folks) either out on the hill snowboarding or dreaming about snowboarding. It is highly likely I was sitting at my grandma & grandpa Taylor's house begging my grandma to give me a perm (it was the late 80s/early 90s, folks). I highly doubt either of us would have imagined ourselves as parents (to a dog, cat, and new baby girl) or even as a husband/wife.

Boy, being 10-years old sure seems easy... when your biggest worry is if you'll get to snowboard that day or if you'll get your hair to resemble a spiral-curled poodle. Today, even though we don't have much in the worry department as we have it pretty easy; Craig probably never thought he'd be changing a diaper instead of changing his boot straps and I never would have imagined my grandparents would have passed so early from my life, leaving me to miss them almost everyday. These thoughts are especially striking now when Craig & I are in the midst of building an amazing family of our own.

I mean, Indie is the best dog we could have ever ended up with and even Goomsie isn't too bad. However, it's this most amazing kid chilling next to me that gives me goosebumps. Today, as we say goodbye to 2007 and Craig & I move farther away from our childhood memories and as we start the new year - we will be adding brilliant new ones for Amélie. Many of the new memories will include our awesome family as both sets of grandparents have already shown us how amazing, helpful, supportive, caring, and genuinely obsessed they can be... even over the span of three, short weeks of life.

So, as we readily accept the offer from my parents to have a "date night" on such a special evening... we'll be sure to bring in 2008 both with anticipation of these awesome new memories and especially thankful for the old. Oh, and I will be drinking a beer (outside of my living room and not smelling like rotten milk) tonight - finally.

Happy New Year!

Oh, one more thing...

She is still the boo-boo baby.

Merry Christmas!

We've been MIA lately, I'm sorry. I take my two finals next week, so after Friday - I will be back in commission. I will probably even drink a beer to celebrate; I'm so pumped! I just hope they allow me to come back next semester...

Just so you know, everything is going well at the H-dub household. Amélie is still adorable and she is learning quickly. Last night she slept for about 6 hours without needing to chow, so that was a great night of sleep. Not only have I been studying and cramming for Contracts, I've learned that breastfeeding is difficult and never take as many laxatives as the doctor prescribes. Seriously, why do people need laxatives? I'm guessing my addiction to granola and oatmeal probably works to my benefit, eh?

I am a bit sad that Craig goes back to work tomorrow. I guess we'll have some bonding time, just the girls. That is, in between the studies.

I have to admit that I'm very proud of the Boo lover, she is a nice doggy to her new sister. Plus, she is a poopy diaper radar; if Amélie has anything going on down below - Indie is all about sniffing it out. It's a nice alert before Amélie starts crying out of discomfort. The picture below is proof of the careful eye that Indie keeps on the new baby. I couldn't have a cuter family.

The Daddy RoCKS!

This is a tribute to the best new Daddy ever born!

I've been begging Craig for days to change my banner. I think the new one is amazingly adorable. It totally shows off those delicate little fingers that are constantly being kissed. Craig has such a knack for being creative and fun. I blame it on his being left-handed. I hope Amélie gets his creativity.

Craig has also been waiting on me for the last week or so. In such a way that when I need a glass of water, he's already filling the glass before I ask. When I need my glasses that I left upstairs on the dresser, he's on his way to get them for me. When I realize that I cannot believe I have to take two finals within the next two weeks, he's right next to me comforting me and telling me that it'll work out. I hope Amélie gets his caring and genuine personality.

Amélie secretly told me this morning (when Craig took a couple hours to go snowboarding) that she was so happy to have a daddy that is teaching her how to smile, laugh, and be happy. I'm a bit stunned at how Craig has jumped into the role of daddy... immediately. As soon as the nurse placed her in the warming basket in the hospital, he was by her side helping to bathe her, swaddle her, and tell her stories about how the world works. I hope Amélie gets his positive and smart outlook on life.

When I first saw Craig change Amélie's diaper, I giggled at the care he took with each movement. He slowly unbuttoned her onesie, softly lifted her legs, delicately untaped the diaper, and carefully replaced it with a new one. Now, after I've come to watch him with Amélie over the last week - I realize that he is just that delicate in all respects. I've had a realization that this is Craig's nature; there is no haste or hurry. He is calm, respectful, and such a great role model. I hope Amélie and I inherit these most important values and traits.

I owe SO much to my baby's daddy. He is amazing and I love him more than I thought I ever could... Seriously, how did I get to be the luckiest girl? I have the nicest, sweetest, smartest, most caring, handsome, and creative beau... ALL in a package carrying such a fine toosh?! Not to repeat myself, but I hope Amélie gets his fine toosh too.

New look coming soon...

So, it's been three days and about 8 hours for little Miss Amélie. Isn't it crazy that you can measure someone's life by hours or days?!

The last 48 hours have been really rough on us all. It's not the typical newborn fussy baby syndrome but rather Amélie had a little eye infection. We set up an appointment at Children's Clinic and they ended up feeling her infection was concerning being she was only 48 hours old. Well, they admitted her in the NICU on Friday morning at Children's Hospital and here we sit. Apparently, all the labs and tests are turning out A-okay and she is on antibiotics. We can tell she is feeling much-much-much better. As long as the eye cultures remain the way they are, it seems we'll be bringing her home from the hospital (repeat big event!) tomorrow, Sunday.

PHEW, this hospital stuff has gotten old. It will have been more than a week in hospitals when Sunday arrives and we'll be thrilled to go home and be "normal" again. In the meantime, let's talk about good news. I noticed that many are asking how much she weighs, height, eye color, etc. Here are the det's:

When she was born: 7 lbs 6.8 oz, 21 inches, dark-dark blue eyes, very calm temperament, and perfect rosy skin.
Today: 7 lbs, 21 inches, lighter blue eyes, calm moving towards a more composed and mature temperament, and of course, perfect rosy skin.

In case you haven't seen this one yet, it's one of my favorites. We'll update you early next week on her adventures in the west side of St. Paul once we ditch these hospitals!

We Made a Human!?!

Amélie T-W made her first appearance last night at 3:42am and was warmly received by two happy parents and a team of doctors, nurses, and family. The parents are taking the day off to catch up on rest. More details to follow.

Click on the photo for more pictures..



Thanks for everyone's support!

Dec 11, 2007

Quick update again..



Jill's water finally broke! Actually, seeping is a more accurate word. She's really showing her mental toughness, as the most recent contractions have been the strongest yet. Seems like visualizing our dog running through the yard is finding her comfort.

At this point the doctors feel that the next course of action will completely depend on the events in the next several hours. Their decision can't come soon enough for Jill.

Tick Tock Tick Tock...

Craig here. I'm updating from the Maplewood McDonald's since it would seem that the rooms at St John's Hospital do not come equipped with wi-fi internet, nor quarter-pounders with cheese.

It's been nearly 24 hours since we first checked in and settled into our room in the maternity ward. Last night the nurses applied various gel treatments and other techniques in an effort to promote dilation and break our baby out of confinement and onto planet Earth. It wasn't a very comfortable night for any of us. I cocooned myself in a pair of sheets and claimed space on a short couch, while Jill struggled with the tangle of monitoring equipment and midnight bathroom breaks. The nurse was kind enough to comment on Jill's earrings, explaining that they closely resemble a freshly expelled placenta [not kidding].

This morning the doctors upped the regimen and implemented a hearty dose of Pitocin via Jill's first I.V. drip. So far, it appears to be encouraging contractions, though at this stage the strength of each cramp is decidedly weaker than we had hoped. There is talk about sending her home to sleep it off, with the possibility of returning Wednesday or Thursday for another try. Until a decision is made, my baby's mamma has buried herself in law books in anticipation of Saturday's final at school.

More to come.. most likely around lunch or dinnertime, and during McDonald's normal operating hours.

Who's in charge here?!

I've done it. It looks like little Bho is an independent thinker already. I guess my wish of having a strong girl who can make her own decisions is coming true! It is all starting with her desire to choose her birth day. Well, the doctor told me today that things are definitely progressing but she must really like it in there cause she needs to start the inducing procedure this Saturday.

Just so you know, I will be hanging out at St. John's Hospital all weekend. Lots of fun to see sick people complaining all around me, aRGh! I have three appt's scheduled over the two days and my doctor expects Bho to arrive on Monday, the 10th. So, whomever bet the 10th was the date - you're on the same wavelength as my OB.

Oh, and for those of you who know I am stressing about taking my law finals. I am going to get my Civil Pro exam over with on Friday at noon. I'm so pumped that they're allowing me to do it early. This is the delight of a small school, I suppose. It took a whole 30 min's to figure out the details. The other exams will just have to be delayed a bit. I'm happy because it just didn't feel right to study criminal behavior/law while feeling overly hormonal.

Speaking of hormonal, isn't this the cutest little baby otter? I bet Bho has a slight resemblance (minus the fur). I hope Indie likes water creature-looking babies.

Kewwwwt...

Thank you to the grandpas for putting the crib together! Thank you granny Williams (she wants to be called that folks...) for the beautiful bedding! Thank you Craig for putting the bookshelf together, wall decal on the wall, and blinds on the windows! Thank you Bwie for Rody!

Now, I sit and wait to thank Bho for giving me the easiest labor (aka, eruption) this week. Here is a preview of one side of the room. It's a bit bare - before we moved in the chair, lamp, books, and junk...
We don't plan on leaving Bho's daddy ear in the lower right corner. That was put there for pure effect.

Happy Friday!

Let the good times roll. Today is my first day of maternity leave. Unfortunately, it is quarter-end at work (sorry to my lovely coworkers) and my doctor thinks that stress will make my blood pressure boil overcooking the Bho. My opinion is if that means it will make Bho "erupt" then let's go for it! However, being that I have caught some funky virus (thank you Craig & the flu shot) along with feeling major preggers - I'm home with the Boo, enjoying her company... starting today!

I also had a dr. appt this morning; she said she did some sort of stripping, it wasn't good for me... but to each their own. She actually "stripped membranes," which I suppose helps to move things along. The rest was good news, she won't let me go over one week from the official due date of December 3rd (total BS, imo, since it was once 11/28 then 12/01) but she is the MD. I'm going back next Wednesday to have some lovely cream induction, if nothing has "erupted" yet. Too much information, I'm sure...

Anyways, today will consist of preparing for study group tomorrow and Sunday. Craig
is researching improper children's books - what a father figure! Here is a great one that we will teach Bho to read from the womb:

It's a full moon

Are you coming Bho?!

I once predicted tomorrow as the Bho's birth day, but as the day draws near, I have a feeling I might have been wishfully thinking and one week early. She will more than likely be a December baby and not a turkey-day baby. Oh well, sighhhhh... I might just make class next weekend after all, lucky me.

Today was Bwi's baby shower. We ate a TON of sweets and watched Bwi's mom open gifts. He got some awesome stuff, including a fancy Maclaren stroller! Bho is a bit jealous that she will be walking instead of riding since she doesn't have a stroller yet. Actually, Bho will probably just ride the Indie booboo baby around the westside of St. Paul. She might just fit in with all the Mexican cowboys, if she could just train Indie to gallop, naaaaaay, and flick flies with her tail.

I just hope that Indie treats her little sister nicer than her latest teddy, the infamous "legless teddy."

Happy T-day!

Although, I don't like this holiday - I do like the two days off work. I hope everyone has a pleasant & safe dinner tomorrow! No choking on the yams folks!

Oh, and I'm hoping to look as good as this turkey come New Years.

Not typical "Jho"

Have you been to my house lately? If so, feel free to close your browser.

If not, let me summarize... dog & cat fur - the size of baby bunnies - swoosh across the floors with any movement, law books & highlighters are piled two feet high on the coffee table, and diapers/gifts from the baby shower are spread across the arms of chairs displaying either their adorable small size or sweet baby-print. Ohhhhh, and I haven't dusted in months. Seriously.
Remember that long list of "to-do's" covering my duties through December? Well, apparently because I didn't list "keeping tidy" as a priority - I've ignored the completion of this chore. But just so you don't think I'm a slacker, the rest of the list is being checked off, I promise!

I'm totally willing to remain pregnant for another year (just kidding, Bwi's mom) if I can make it through those law exams, because so far, studying and preparing for them is kicking my ass. Although, I'm sure labor will be a piece of cake in comparison... a piece of cake.

Yummmm, a cake sounds so delicious!

Y-a-a-a-w-n

It's past my bedtime. Even though I should be staying up to study for classes (my last weekend of classes), I cannot do it. I'm just too sleepy. I do have enough energy to prove that not only do I have the cutest booboo baby (ehem, Indie)... but my sexy cat is proving her ability to be charming and adorable. I woke up this morning to find the little Goooooooms sleeping in the new Bho carseat.

Does it get any cuter than this?! Actually, it was much cuter when she wasn't giving me a look of disgust. I guess, we're all crabby when being awaken for a photo shoot.

One more exciting event to note; we finally have a sofa! If you haven't heard me complaining: the last two weeks we have sat on two chairs in our living room without a sofa. I felt like Craig & I were an old-married couple sleeping in separate twin beds. It was sadly very unromantic.



However, Craig's nice friend bought the sofa that was driving me insane. Sure, it was from Room & Board and felt really comfy, but my obsessive-compulsive personality just didn't mesh with the faded, black, full of Indie-hair look. I'm so much happier with my modern, tweedy-turquoise sofa. Hip-hip hooray!

The next piece object of adoration will be the crib, which is due to arrive any day. I've resorted to coaxing misc. delivery trucks as they pass me on the highway, "tell your crib-trucker friend to hurry into the Twin Cities with my Bho's crib!"

Newsflash!

Well, I've been major busy knocked-up girl. I have a paper due on Sunday morning, which makes me wonder: who would assign an icky paper due on the day of relaxation & worship?! Only an attorney would do that, I've realized...

Soooo, besides for getting smart I've been gaining weight, playing on facebook, and going to the doctor weekly. Yes, I joined facebook and that is an exciting event in my life. Wowsers, I know.

*Personal information alert!*
Today's doctor appt informed me that my belly finally measures "big enough" at 36 weeks and Bho's head is indeed "down." However, because my cervix is all crooked and in a weird spot (always has been, making gyno appt's suck) she couldn't tell me if I'm dilated. It worries me a bit considering I'm not sure how they're going to tell me if I'm dilated in the hospital either... but whatever, at least Bho is "down" and I'm getting closer to Dec 1st. She also said that it's GREAT NEWS that I have crotch pains when walking because that must mean my body is getting ready; "just stay away from having too much stress" she says. Ha!

Finally, just to show that I'm still keeping up on news. Did you all hear? Jlo confirmed she is indeed pregnant. There has always been a strong connection between Jlo & I (ehem, Jho) and since all my weight gain has gone straight to my ass, could it be any clearer?

No pushing Bho off the diving board!

This both creeps me out and makes me teary-eyed.

This only confirms the fact that Bho will be a swimmer from day one. Okay, probably day 60 or 70, but for realz, watch this video and you'll understand why...

Love connection!

Nothing like an entertaining pregnant-girl photo shoot with a naked "Mother and Child" by Gustav Klimt in the background.

Belly touching belly = love connection for Bho & Bwi.

Check, Check, four more to go

Okay, I'm working hard on checking off items from my countdown (see Oct 15th). The first two are done, four more to go...

Here is proof of #1: the thrilling baby shower. If you weren't there, you missed the spiked punch, strippers, and free money.

As a cover, Bho's granny took a few pics of the more innocent moments. If you want to see the "real action," shoot me a message and I'll forward you the other pics. *wink, wink*

Bho's first swimsuit. I imagine her posing like Cindy Crawford in this one...

Quilting action. If you notice, Shannon next to me had just finished doing about 5 shots and the limbo, so she was taking a break.

Here is proof of #2: baby classes are over! As you can see below, I look more intelligent (I know how to deliver a baby effortlessly, how NOT to shake a baby, and how to install about 50 varieties of carseats). Ohhhh, this picture also shows that I'm close to fulfilling the ever-important #5: producing Bho for the good of the world.

Damn, I'm getting to be a biggy while poor lil Bho looks to have a pinhead causing my belly to stick straight out. Better start preparing your lies, "ooooh, Bho is so errr, umm, unique" and "ooooh, she looks so smart."

Prediction: Hardcore Feminist Bho!

Is it because I know Bho is a girl that I've been "overly feminist" lately (whatever that means...)? Or is it because I'm selfish and feel the need to be treated equally? I'm guessing my parents would probably say it's the latter (newsflash: I am selfish). Hmmmm, but let's not go there - it really doesn't matter.

What does matter is that my little Bho has the chance to do whatever the hell she wants when she grows up. This has been of concern to me lately. If Bho ends up dating boys, she does not have to be stuck doing the laundry or vacuuming because Bwi, or any other similarly aged B's, is too busy watching a game or staying late at work "bringing home the bacon." When a home improvement project is needed like installing a ceiling fan, it'd be nice if she was capable of throwing it up in her spare time. Of course, after she gets back from winning Wimbledon, doctoring children in Africa, and walking down the catwalk in Paris.

Today, as I was perusing The Consumerist, I saw this article about a new spin-off of Home Depot called Her Depot. To me, this is the ultimate embarrassment. Why-oh-why, do we need a specific home improvement store geared towards women? Do they feel it that Home Depot stores are too "manly" or "construction-oriented?" Do women really find it difficult to pick out a nail size or light fixture without drinking an espresso or surrounded by floral-papered walls?

Image by Dean Terry.

I'm sorry, but who thought of this? If a lone female in Home Depot's Corporate Headquarters is getting rich off of an idea to put fabric softener and detergent next to the washing machines/dryers in this store... good for her, but our society is doomed. What a waste.

Personally, I like to feel dirty. I like to help with construction projects. I actually like to garden (not sissy gardening either, I like to dig holes and plant things). Bottomline, I like Menards. Although, as I write their name - it makes me think.

One more thought for the day.

I bought super cool warty pumpkins, squash, etc. for our front porch (I mean, for our neighbors to steal). I'm in love with our house now. Please note how awesome the new railing looks! Thanks to Bho's daddy & grandpa.

Let the countdown begin!

You all probably thought I meant the countdown to Bho, huh? Well, I'm actually talking about a few very important countdowns:

1. the baby shower, 5 days & counting (t-th-thr-thrilling)
2. the final birthing class, next Monday evening (we're delivering the placenta tonight folks)
3. end of classes, four weeks (law school)
4. End of Quarter (last week of November) at work, usually high stress, late nights
5. DUE DATE = BHO! (December 1st - 3rd; but I say November 27th)
6. final exams, 1st week of December (ha!!)

First, the baby shower: I hate the thought of family and close friends staring at me while opening gifts, eating food (I plan to save that tiny bit of room for cake actually), and playing a rousing baby-themed game during my "fatty stage." Don't get me wrong, I'm plenty thankful to have a great family & group of friends... and to get together and appreciate their thrill & kindness re: the plan that Craig & I are having a Bho. However, the timing is just not my preference.

Second, birthing classes. Okay, we learned that my pelvic bone moves, that I will try to squat during delivery, and I am keeping an open mind re: epidural/drugs (I'm against drugs - I learned that from my parents and DARE). You know, a handknit uterus and birthing canal is cool... but did we really have to spend five weeks together for three hours a pop?

Third, my law classes end on November 18th. Although, I do have a make-up class on December 2nd. Hmmm, being that they moved the due date from December 3rd to December 1st - I'm not sure I'll make that class. Hope the prof. doesn't mind my missing class in order to avoid going into labor during a discussion of the Erie Doctrine.

Fourth, end of quarter/last day of November is just plain old poor timing in the scheme of Jho's life. Being that I cannot convince my company or the B.O.D to delay their earnings/GAAP reporting, it seems I might be missing out on the busiest week of the quarter. I just hope that if I do come in to lend a hand - my coworkers are ready to follow my orders of "drive fast, drive fast, drive fast to St. John's hospital."

Five, Bho. Yes, that's inevitable.

Lastly, finals. I'm not sure when I'll get them done or how... but knowing me, I WILL DO IT! At least that is what I've been telling myself over & over again.

So, these are my major event countdowns for the coming month & a half (maybe longer, depending upon those finals & Bho's imposition). Ohhh, and poor Craig is just counting down to the first snow so he can make a few snowboarding trips. As you can tell, that just isn't on my list of priorities. Go figure.

My house rocks!

Yo dudes,

Thanks for the comments! I feel much happier now, which is a good thing for a pregnant chick. Although, I am a little offended that many of you think I look the same as I did before I gained 20 lbs. Hmph!

Okay, dum-dum-dum... here is the "new - old" house! Looking fabulous, eh? Bho's dad & grandpa actually tore off the front porch railing and are building a brand new one. Yay, my boys rule! Bho's dad is also going to be adding a third, burnt-orangish color next Spring probably - just adding to the charm, I'm sure.

Not only did we get the house painted - we bought a crib for the Bho! Yes, she might be sleeping on a mattress and not on the floor with the Boo! However, the next problem is that it takes 6-8 weeks for delivery. Whoops.

It seems that our picky nature has caused a slight issue being that it is now less than 8 weeks until the big due date of 12/03. OH, and she is totally coming sooner, btw. I'll start taking bets on when we think she'll arrive... I'm pulling for a turkey baby. How cool would that be? Maybe we'll have to find a newborn sized pilgrim hat and buckle-shoes?

Bottomline, we're hoping that they build and ship the crib a few days sooner. But no worries though, Bho's dad is really good at putting stuff together quickly and carefully.

If you comment, I will listen

Here is proof suckers. If you read this crappy blog, you should comment or I get too lazy to write. Thank you Tiffy. May your request be granted, here is me as a pale whale.


Oh, and here is the new look for the West Side of St. Paul - looks like Halloween 24/7. Yo, yo, represent.

I'm on a roll...

It's really too bad that I'm knocked up in a major way, cause otherwise I'd be gambling in Vegas due to my winning streak lately. You see, it is really quite innocent... Bho's dad & I have participated in some friendly wagers as of late and I have to say that I'm on hot-streak or Bho's dad really sucks at weighing the odds.

The latest involved the assistance of our friendly childbirth class teacher. She delightfully explained that: "yes indeed, a woman's pelvic bone does adjust or shift during childbirth." Booya Craig - I told you so, I told you so! That boy thought he knew everything about anatomy, apparently. When I tried to explain that it seems evident that the pelvic bone has to shift a little to fit that melon sized nogan - he confidently bet me. Ummm, hello?! See below.

HA! Now, I wish I remembered what I bet him; I'll probably just settle the bet for a bowl of ice cream. I'm so easy.

Just a sidenote, childbirth classes suck - not only are they three hours long (almost as long as one of my law classes) but they involve sitting in a circle with about 20 other crazy couples. Seriously, some are C-r-A-Z-y! There was one woman frantically rubbing her belly the whole three hours like she was Buddha and expecting a wish to be granted. Another was disgustingly eating stinky Fritos and wiping her hands on the bottom of the chair, yuck. You should all feel so lucky that Bho's parents are normal.

Btw, later today or tomorrow I will post an awesome photo of the "shanty." For now, just know that the new paint job is looking fab!

Bits & pieces

This has been a busy, busy week. Not only do I owe huge props to Bho's dad for persuading me to stop watching garbage t.v. during the week and open my law books (as I'm not cramming for three classes - only one!). I also went shopping with Bho's grandmas for crib bedding at the fabric store. I must say that if I had any creative talent in my bones, I think I could go nuts in a fabric store buying beautiful toile, paisley, and antique-looking prints. I guess I'm thankful today in the money & time department that my own mother has no crafty talent that was passed my way. Instead, all of the "craftyness" will definitely spawn from the Dub family. Bho's dad has already hoped outloud for another lefty in the house.

What I do realize about my mother is that one of her truely amazing abilities is to be polite and befriend everyone, which means I'm desperately crossing my fingers that trait is passed down to Bho. If she doesn't get this from my mom, she ain't gonna get it from anyone else in this household (no offense Bho's dad, cause you can be polite & nice when you want... but not to the extent of my mother). So please, please, please may she get some of that sugary sweet Taylor/Eckert blood.

So, I'm off topic. The point is that I'm a busy girl. Even though, I'm a busy girl we have started purchasing items for our "happy monster" themed nursury. Just the other day we finally got our Uglydolls. Yay! This is the extent of my craftyness, a homemade mobile:

Yes, I know, I need an eyebrow wax. Please stop looking at me and notice my little Uglydoll mobile. These dolls are the cutest thing since the Boo was a puppy. Check out the close up:

Dang, so adorable!

I'm hoping that next week I can provide a final pic of the new house paint. I've got to say that it has taken our painters 4 days at about 35 hours of work to scrape only two full sides of our house. Let's hear a "THANK GOD we are not doing this ourselves, HALLELUJAH!" I know my dad is cringing right now thinking that he should be up on the forty foot ladder scrapping every last board to perfection to save us money but the peaceful look on Bho's dad is worth the cost of a professional painter.

WARNING: graphic details/photos

Boohoo, I have rH negative blood. This means that I have to be poked & prodded even more than a normally knocked-up chick. Let me explain...

At 8:30am this morning, I had to pull my pants down and bend over on a table for a nurse to pinch my butt and proceed with a needle of cold juices. Good morning, right?! It was awful and even though I have a pretty pink band-aid on my rear, it is super sore and feels like someone is constantly pinching my ass (not in a good, fun way though). I blame Bho's dad again.

However, even though I may blame Bho's dad quite often - I want to show that I am not the only one experiencing pain in the H-dub household.

*DISCLAIMER: I did not cause this shiner. It was purely from his own strength of the tennis racquet. Nice work dude!

One more thing, I took a shot of the paint sample on our house. Here it is, looking like we slapped it up on the wall without priming, sanding & scraping, or thoroughly covering the puke yellow color. This is a special post for "Anonymous" because of the caring comment they made about my favorite color green. Now, I leave you to analyze the hue of the below green and I'm sure you will let me know what it signifies. Are you a Psych major, by chance?!

Opinions? Suggestions?

Paint the house, register for Bho, OH! and go to law school...

This is the new drama in life.

Bho's dad & I trying to pick out colors to paint our house - so far, this is going to be the new color combo (on a fake, simulated home from Sherwin Williams):

Hopefully, these will be the colors. Although, it is missing the entrance of burnt orange as an accent/trim piece and the green is a bit too green - please picture more of an olive instead. I will also post a picture of our REAL house when it is done and pretty and looking glamourous. I'm very excited to get rid of the yellow/blue vomit colors.

Also, I've been asked to get moving on registering for Bho. I'd like to know how do you register for a Bho?! Seriously, it isn't like registering when getting married. I mean, how do I know what kind of bottles she will like? What kind of storage system will work best to keep the BooBoo from eating poop-filled diapers? Or at the least will keep the Boo from dragging them around the house?! How many swaddling or receiving blankets does a Bho need? Geez, I don't even know the difference between a swaddling and a receiving blanket. Bho is doomed. She will be swaddled in a bathrobe and have diapers wrapped around her head. I blame Bho's dad.

My departing thought, I feel it's fairly tacky to assume that what I pick out is what my Bho would enjoy most... I mean, those with their own B-experience probably knows best and I hope to trust their judgment for the most part. Although, this is daring to admit since Craig & I are the pickiest parents (haters of pink, purple, sparkly princess things) trying to design a modern, simple, and "happy monster-filled" baby room.

Any suggestions on registering?

P.S. If anyone wants to provide me helpful hints on mutuality of obligation, consideration, long-arm statutes and jurisdiction, feel free. I'll get on this chore of baby registry much more quickly once I get a hold of someone's first-year law school outlines. *Hint-hint to those of you silly enough to put yourself through law school.*

Coincidence? I think not...

I just realized that yesterday, LABOR DAY, marked the three month countdown to Bho's birthday... yes, three months from yesterday will our LABOR DAY.

Just thought I'd share.