7.24.2006

Doris and Bob's Plants at Dusk

Their garden was so beautiful....this is what is left:



7.22.2006

Thank Goodness for A/C


This past week has been very hot, but have had a few "cooler" days. Took this picture of Jakob zonked out on the couch.

Other than work, trying to get just the right amount of sleep (too much or not enough makes me sick throughout the day....); eating the right amount of food (going too long between meals makes me sick...) to keep everything balanced. It is tough when I have been working longer hours at work to get projects done for FY 07.

7.13.2006

To Be 33


Todd turned 33 today!!! Woohoo. He has a "hot dog steamer" and a copy of the live cd from the Depeche Mode Concert in Long Island he went to coming...

My friends came out with us for dinner. We were supposed to go for Thai food in Sturbridge, but decided on the Greek (one of his favorite places)- he had, of course, Seafood Newburg. Food was ok for me, not the greatest...service was horrible (all agreed). Jakob was ok...everyone ended up taking him for a walk around the property. He yelled loud "I have to poop!". After having just gone potty 3 times in the last hour, I told him there better be poop; we are in the stall and I feel like I am in the bathroom scene of Dumb and Dumber where the guy is pooping/farting his brains out...less the poop- I couldn't stop laughing! Jakob says, "Well, you said I had to poop!!".

7.12.2006

Baby Update {July}

Appointment went well today. Heart beat was good, my blood pressure was good, and I have gained the 2 lbs. that I lost last month (Dr. Cooper was like "Ahhh...been eating Ben & Jerry's??"- I said I had wished.). Doctor stills jokes saying the heart beat sounds like a girl...we will see. We discussed inducing me early when the time comes for a bunch of reasons (we live 30 minutes from DKH; need to make arrangements for Jake; labor/delivery was scary with Jake...and he was big). I am feeling better now (except for itchies!!), just a few days here and there where I feel sick (especially if I do not get enough sleep...usually pay the next day).

Coming up: next ultra sound and blood work for detecting mental disabilities (need to schedule both)

Thursday marks the 18 week point.

Cravings:
  • back to coffee- now with cream and sugar (rather than milk)
  • cereal
  • fries from McDonald's
  • Mexican food

Funny comment:

After I told Kevin P. (Cali branch) they moved my due date out: "What is Sp*%ol delivering the baby?!"

Jakob napping next to "baby"

7.08.2006

Moving on party...well, just a party

Got there kind of early on in the day and didn't leave until late. Todd would have loved to stay until 1 a.m. to finish out the UFC fight on pay-per-view but my back was killing me. Had a good time- of course I was the only sober one there...Todd had a good time too..."few" games of beer pong among other things.

Part of the reason for the party was to celebrate Rob's moving on from "hell"...I mean moving on to bigger and better things. Was good to see the Mexicans, meet new people, see old friends.
Kyle put on a little fire work display....was cool.

7.07.2006

New Due Date....

Got a call from the doctor this afternoon. Looks like the baby is now due 12/15.
From what they could tell on the pictures, the baby looks ok, but it was difficult as I am 17 weeks rather than 21 (!!). I will be going for another ultrasound within the next 6 weeks. I still go for my normal appt. next week.

7.05.2006

Maritime Aquarium {Norwalk}

Well, just lost the whole entry when I went to post....

Anyway...here are a few pics until I feel like reposting:

7.04.2006

Happy Fourth

Went to my folks house for some burgers, dogs, and mmmm mmmm potato salad.....



My nephew


History of Independence Day
Schoolchildren in America learn the basic history of the events surrounding the Fourth of July, but the details of this monumental occasion in American history somehow fall through the cracks. Although July 4th is celebrated as America's official split from Britain's rule and the beginning of the American Revolution, the actual series of events show that the process took far longer than a single day.The original resolution was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7, 1776, and called for the Continental Congress to declare the United States free from British rule. Three days later a committee headed by Thomas Jefferson was appointed to prepare an appropriate writing for the occasion.The document that we know as the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 4th, although the resolution that led to the writing of the Declaration was actually approved two days earlier.All of this had occurred with some of the delegates to the Congress not even present. New York, for example, didn't vote on the resolution until July 9th. Even more interesting is the fact that not a single signature was appended to the Declaration on July 4th. While most of the fifty-six names were in place by early August, one signer, Thomas McKean, didn't actually sign the Declaration until 1781.Nevertheless, July 4th was the day singled out to mark the event of the United States establishing itself as a nation.

"Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness), it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government.”Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), from the Declaration of Independence

Only four American holidays are still celebrated on their proper calendar days: Halloween, Christmas, New Year's and Independence Day. Of all the secular holidays, the Fourth of July is the only one whose celebration date resists change. Even in more provincial times, suggestions to alter the day of the festival to the preceding Saturday or the following Monday when July 4th fell on Sunday were protested. The feeling about the sanctity of America's Independence day was best expressed in a quotation from the Virginia Gazette on July 18th, 1777: "Thus may the 4th of July, that glorious and ever memorable day, be celebrated through America, by the sons of freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen and Amen."

The Liberty BellThe Liberty Bell is one of the central symbols of American independence from British rule. This historical icon has a rich history that began when the Pennsylvanian Assembly ordered the casting of the bell back in 1751. Learn more about how the bell cracked, where it currently resides and what the inscription on it reads.

The National AnthemThe American National Anthem, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, was written by Francis Scott-Key in 1814. The song was an immediate hit with American revolutionaries due to its ability to inspire patriotism. However, it wasn’t until 1931 that the Star-Spangled Banner officially became the American National Anthem.

Uncle SamAlthough the name Uncle Sam has been a key aspect of American culture, no one is sure to whom the title originally refers. The modern-day image of Uncle Sam, the white-bearded man sporting a top hat and pin-striped pants, was made popular by the cartoonist Thomas Nast. His depiction has come to encapsulate the image of patriotism and American pride.

7.03.2006

Ultrasound Results??

We had the ultrasound today...we much rather prefer to have a doctor do it rather than a technician (with Jakob, Dr. Raheb went through everything he was doing)- I guess this is the downside of switching from an OB/GYN to family doctor. So, we have a picture...no specific due date (technician thought I was closer to 16 weeks rather than 19-20- I think she is on crack) ...could be a boy (but she wasn't sure..umbilical cord was in the way..). We did get to see the heart and spine and the baby had the hiccups. Jakob was more concerned with "What's that goo on my Mom's belly?!".

I will get the results and an actual due date on 7/12. Looks like I will be scheduled for another ultrasound at the "22nd week".

7.02.2006

Rocky Neck

Last stop for today was Rocky Neck. Missy and the boys met us and we had full intentions on going to Gardner Lake (no cooment), then decided on the scenic route to Rocky Neck.

I was actually surprised that Jakob went into the ocean...and didn't want to leave- far cry from the reaction he had 2 years ago at the beach house in Delaware.

We had a good time.

Gillette Castle State Park {East Haddam, CT}

Second stop today was Gillette Castle. I had no intention of touring the castleh with Jakob (although I really wanted to!), but we wanted to check out the grounds and spend time outside. The castle and grounds are beautiful, and the views breathtaking. It is definitley a place to go when the leaves are changing.



History:

Atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, built this one hundred and eighty-four acre estate, the Seventh Sister. The focal point of his effort was a twenty four room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Purchased by the State of Connecticut in 1943 from the executors of Mr. Gillette's will, Gillette Castle and the adjoining property with its fine woodlands, trails, and vistas are now administered for the enjoyment of present and future generations. This apparently would have pleased Gillette, since his will gave specific directions to see that the property did not fall into the hands "of some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded." This statement also points out the value Gillette placed upon his estate and the apprehension he felt about its disposition.
Gillette designed the castle and most of its contents personally, periodically checking every phase of their construction. Built of local fieldstone supported by a steel framework, it took twenty men five years (1914-1919), to complete the main structure. Gillette began his semi-retirement in his new home; and in the following years, he supervised the many thousands of refinements created by local craftsmen.
The woodwork within the castle is hand-hewn southern white oak. Of the forty-seven doors within the structure, there are no two exactly the same. And each door has a handsome external latch intricately carved of wood. Even the Castle's furnishings are indications of Gillette's inspirations. The built-in couches, a movable table on tracks, and light switches of carved wood all point to his creative genius.
Outside on the grounds, Gillette's influence is no less in evidence. The trails often follow, over trestle and through tunnel, the actor's three mile long narrow gauge railroad. Gillette's own walking paths were constructed with near-vertical steps, stone-arch bridges, and wooded trestles spanning up to forty feet. Other outdoor attractions include a vegetable cellar, the railroad station (Grand Central), and Gillette's goldfish pond.
Gillette was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1853, the son of former U.S. Senator Francis Gillette and his wife Elizabeth Daggett Hooker Gillette, a descendent of Thomas Hooker, the founder of Hartford. As a child, Gillette was captivated with the stage and acting pursuits, an interest that his parents did not encourage. At age thirteen, he reputedly had built a small stage and amused himself by frequently giving puppet shows for his friends. At age twenty, he left home to follow his chosen career; but success was slow in developing. He attended classes at numerous colleges including Trinity, Yale, Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and College of the City of New York, but never received a degree. His first recognition as an actor was attained when the lead became ill in "Broken Hearts" at the Boston Museum, and Gillette's stand-in performance was well received. This led to other and better roles for Gillette. He is most famous for his portrayal of "Sherlock Holmes" in his acting abilities and style. Besides his activities as an actor and playwright, Gillette is known to have written two novels, invented many trick stage props and lighting techniques, and often produced and directed the plays in which he appeared. After his semi-retirement in 1910, Gillette was welcomed by theatergoers countless times during his four revival tours. His last performance was at the Bushnell in Hartford in 1936, the year before his death.

Devil's Hopyard State Park {East Haddam, CT}

Jake and I went to a few cool places today (Daddy was "crabby"). One of them was Devil's Hopyard in East Haddam. The weather was warm, but there was a nice breeze today. We hiked down by Chapman Falls (Eight Mile River) and snapped a few pictures. From there, the trail took us to more level ground with picnic tables (we ate our donuts for lunch). Close by was the river that had a covered bridge bringing you to more trails. We enjoyed splashing our feet in the cool, clear water (now he wants to go to the ocean!!).

http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/geology/devilsgeo.htm




History:

In 1919, the former State Park and Forest Commission obtained an 860 acre parcel located in the Millington section of Haddam. The principle feature of the park, Chapman Falls drops more than sixty feet over a series of steps in a Scotland Schist stone formation. The falls also once powered "Beebe's Mills" which were named after the original owner. The mills operated until the mid 1890's.
A search for the origin of the name "Devil's Hopyard" reveals a wide variety of different stories; none of them are verifiable and all are likely to be more fiction than fact. One of the most popular of these stories is about a man named Dibble, who had a garden for growing hops used in the brewing of beer. It seems that through usage, Dibble's Hopyard became Devil's Hopyard. There are records of several farmers having hopyards in the area, but there is no mention of a landowner named Dibble. However, Dibble might have been a tenant.
Another tale focuses on the potholes near the falls, which are some of the finest examples of pothole stone formations in this section of the country. Perfectly cylindrical, they range from inches to several feet in diameter and depth. These potholes were formed by stones moved downstream by the current and trapped in an eddy where the stone was spun around and around, wearing a depression in the rock. When the rock wore itself down, another would catch in the same hole and enlarge it. We know this now, but to the early settlers the potholes were a great mystery that they tried to explain with references to the supernatural. They thought that the Devil has passed by the falls, accidentally getting his tail wet. This made him so mad he burned holes in the stones with his hooves as he bounded away.
The park today offers some of the finest birding in the state and fishermen find the clear, cool stream water an excellent source of brook trout.

7.01.2006

Can we say vacation?!

Today officially begins the first day of my vacation. WOOHOO! I go back to work 7/10. Started off with a party at Melissa's house...pool, food, keg, jello shots- yeah, I enjoyed the food. Jakob decided "I want to spend time with my Grammy"...so I wasn't going to argue. We had a good time..Brian and T were there from work.

Todd announced today "I am going to start a new diet today" (he doesn't eat much anyway), as she stuffs 2 slices of pizza in his mouth...after having 4 beers and a cigarette (yes, a cigarette!!!) and a slew of food today at the picnic.

Don't really have a plan for this week: Monday we have the ultrasound!; lunch with Rob from work one, or two days; and party at Boucher's Saturday. Probably going to head to the children's museum and Devil's Hopyard tomorrow. Just going to wing the rest of it (want to go to the beach and to Maine)...I would be happy hanging out here, playing outside with Jake and reading.

The monitor went on the big computer...don't think we are going to go back to Best Buy for a while. They told us when we bought the Gateway that if ANYTHING happend to any piece of the equipment, they would replace it. So after 2 years, the monitor goes and it is coming back fixed within 1-2 weeks. Sucks, stuck using the 5 year old laptop! Same thing happend when we bought the iPods- mine went through 3 (yes, 3) hard drives...I get a new one next time it goes out (they had told us it would be replaced if anything went wrong).

6.26.2006

Santa Mamba

Awesome show! Tonight wrapped up their 6 month gig ("Latin Monday's"; 1 Monday night per month) at the Wolf Den (Mohegan Sun). One night a month not enough, they also play in Berlin, Lincoln, Newport, and Martha's Vineyard, and Block Island to name a few. (Hey, I think Latin Monday's are coming back in September...maybe I can get a few shows in before the baby comes!!).

I love watching them perform..the music is great (good mix of latin/rock/funk). I work with Nick (the bassist)...his energy is uncomparable.

Check them out at:
www.santamamba.com or www.myspace.com/santamamba

6.18.2006

Father's Day

Todd's day was spent "relaxing"...well, not really- he did do 6 loads of wash. We were treated to lunch at Ruby Tuesday's by his mom (we were going to eat outside, but it was over 90 deg.!). For dessert we headed to Hank's Dairy Bar for some yummy soft serve ice cream. Capped off the day by watching "Jarhead".

6.16.2006

Movie Time

Todd took Jake to go see Disney's Pixar Cars. Jakob was pretty good, aside from wanting to go to the bathroom every 15 minutes (new thing he likes to do at a new place..wether he needs to go or not). Todd enjoyed the movie- I will catch it when it comes out on DVD (some of us had to work a full day!).

6.13.2006

New Baby Update {June}

Had my 4 month check up today. Heart beat sounds good...of course the doctor throws in there "heart is beating like a girls today"- of course that doesn't mean anything...maybe it is a really relaxed boy! Personally, I think it may be a girl...and "it/she" is kicking my ass....but, we will be happy with what ever the baby is. I think this child may also be a little smaller than Jake was, because I remember being bigger at this point.
My ultrasound is scheduled for 7/3. Looking forward to having a definite due date to go by.

Jakob is still very excited about being a big brother. He kisses my belly every day and says "I have to say something to the baby today...I love you baby". It is cute...hopefully it doesn't wear off!!!

I am feeling about the same...days where I feel nauseas mixed with good days (finally!). Of course the stresses of work has elevated my blood pressure slightly (I am normally on the low side).

5.28.2006

The Child's New Hair

I have always wondered how my son's hair would turn out if I used a #1 blade attachment on his hair. Well, I found out..and of course I start right down the middle of the top of his head. It is really short for him- atleast I probably won't have to cut it for 3 months.

He has actually been going through a stage where he is not listening or picking up his toys. I swear, it's the hair cut...he almost looks like one of those bratty little punk kids that I so despise.

5.26.2006

My Trip to Vermont

Ahhh...so it is again that time of year where I made the solo trek to my beloved Vermont. I returned last night from 2 wonderful days away- relaxing.

The trip this year took me to see one of my best friends up in Vergennes/Middlebury area. He is a police officer, so I was able to do a "ride-a-long" on his shift. Not much happend, pulled over like 4 people speeding, listened to him and a few other officers bullshit- it was cool, felt like I belonged there. It was so fascinating to me that the thought crossed my mind a few times to "cross-over" to that type of perfession. I was able to see the neighboring towns of Panton, Bridport, and Ferrisburgh; views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks; Otter Creek Falls. (they were kind of foggy due to the rain that fell that day...but still beautiful); flooded areas due to all of the rain.

The ride up wasn't bad at all. I stayed in S. Burlington (no other hotels had openings due to the Memorial Day weekend and the local colleges were graduating taking I-89 to my destination..took a little over 4 hours to get there. Weather was great (70/80).

On the way home Saturday I decided to take the more scenic way home...Rt. 7. But first, I detoured over to Essex Junction to go to the Vermont Toy Store to get gifts for Jakob. After getting back on track I headed over to Magic Hat Brewery to see what I could find for Todd. Went through Shelburne- almost stopped at the VT Teddy Bear Co. to get a bear for the baby (we had bought one for Jakob while I was pregnant)..but decided to wait because I WILL be back before the baby is born. I decided to go back to Vergennes for a little while. I took more pictures in town, especially of the falls.



My next stop was Middlebury. (Right now it is a toss up between VG and Midd on where to move). I took pics of the falls; headed over Otter creek vis the foot bridge to Danforth Pewters- they were having an open studio (watched one of the owners making a pewter oil lamp). From there I headed into downtown..strolling along, enjoying the beautiful clean air. Went into a few of the shops.

I stopped at the Pine Hill Cemetary in Brandon to take some pictures. Of course, I am not paying attention and think I can just take Rt. 7 all the way to where I need to go...yeah, no. I missed the turn off for Rt. 103, which would have taken me through Woodstock, Quechee (the way I wanted to go). I was like, where the hell is Okemo? Instead, I saw Mt. Tabor. I keep going and realize that I am almost into Bennington...although I have never been and is on my list of places to check out..I had no intentions of going yesterday. I pull out the "handy dandy" map and figure I need to jump on over to Rt. 9 East- that will take me to Brattleboro. Funny thing..there was a dewtour on Rt. 9E that wasn't clearly marked, so I end up on these back roads (yeah, the VW does NOT have a compass like the Explorer!)...and luckily made the right couple of turns- lo and behold after finding a gas station, I find I am on the right road! Yeah, little scarry for a second. I did get to see the Bennington Monument. After making it back to Brattleboro...I drove through downtown to see what was going on (earlier in the day they had a funeral for Officer Jason Kaine), grabbed a bite to eat and then headed home.

I made it back by 8:30 (left Midd at 3:00)...longer than it should have taken me, but it was still an awesome couple of days!

5.16.2006

New Baby Update {May}

A heartbeat!
Had my 12 week appt. today. We were able to hear ONE heart beat (twins run on both sides of my family!). It is such an amazing thing. Jakob went to the appt. with me and he thought the baby's heart beat sounded like "a choot choot soul train"- they way the heart beats rapidly it almost mimicks a train chugging along. (Where he got the whole soul train thing, I have no idea).

My morning/all day sickness is still lingering to the point where I just want to go to bed because that is the only time I feel good. I am still having problems with food and the thought of it making me sick. But, today I was good most of the day, only feeling sick in the morning. Hopefully this passes in the next few weeks. My next appt. is in June and the ultra sound will be scheduled for July.

Jakob is still very excited about the baby. He talks to the baby every day and tells it "I Love You!". He is set on naming the baby Kaleb and Kayle (or a form of that)...I am for the Kaleb, but have my heart set on Addison for a girl.

5.07.2006

Cornea Transplant Update

It has been almost 7 months since my surgery and the doctor is very pleased with how well my eye is healing. I am on no medication and my vision is at 20/40! I asked for a lense with no prescription as I see better in that eye without anything (went today and got new glasses!)- it is strange, one is is far sighted and the other is near sighted.
I go back in 3 months and he is looking to take the sutures out before the 1 year mark.

4.28.2006

Little Man Jake

Aside from feeling sick just about all day (or aleast while I am at work) and being ready for bed around 8 p.m., I feel a lot better than I did 2 weeks ago..? Work seems to be going smoother than in the past. A little shake up this week too involving someone in my department.

Nothing too exciting going on with me. Jakob is going for his preschool screening today! He started peeing standing up yesterday (has had 3 accidents since Sunday...)...what a little big boy!

So the screening went well- I guess. We got to the school and signed in- all the kids were given a name tag and were brought to one of the school rooms to play- adults discussed school options (catholic, public, private). About 20 minutes later, Jake was brought to us and the teacher said he did very well. That was it. We know he will go 4 days a week ( 2 1/2 hrs per day Mon- Thurs), but will not find out his schedule (am or pm) until the end of June. He liked being there and the staff was excellent from what we saw. He did meet a little boy at the beginning- he introduced himself and then held the boys hand...it was so cute!!
After we headed to Mohegan Park to run around and play in the play park; we the headed over by the Rose Garden (too bad it wasn't in bloom!!). And there, my boy did his "first public urination"!

4.19.2006

New Baby Update {April}

I am really down and crabby..but wanted to update on the pregnancy. Todd has been sick and I ended up taking Jake to the Dr...he has a form of Scarlet Fever. I am developing the cold/cough stuff- I can only take Tylenol though.

I had my first appt. today and I am approx 8-9 weeks along. The Dr. will give me a definite due date when I go for my 18-20 week ultra sound (I have no idea when I last had my "friend"...so I could be up to 2 weeks farther along)...so right now we are going with mid to late November. I forgot that I would be poked, proded, and violated today also amid all of the paper work. I need to get my blood work done tomorrow. Will get to hear the heart beat at my 5/16 appt.

4.16.2006

Easter Weekend {VT Again?!}


Happy Easter!

We decided to fly solo today because Jakob is sick with a fever and a cold. We cooked the ham and my Mom took it to her house to have dinner with my Dad, brother and his family. No big deal, kind of wanted a quiet day. Just plan on hanging out and would like to watch Jarhead and Proof today.
Friday night was spent fighting crowds at Walmart (I don't know why I grocery shop there on a holiday weekend!). I watched Brokeback Mountain..oh my God, this is such an awesome movie..intense love story..after a while you forget that they are gay and you only see that they are in love. Aside from The English Patient, this is one of my favorite love stories (still have yet to watch The Notebook).
Saturday we headed to Middletown to visit Todd's Dad for a bit. We brought him a DVD of Jakob's special message along with pics taken of him since we last visited. It was a good visit (he lives in the Masonic Home...Todd has only seen him 2 times since 1991). He had a "Ty" husky for Jakob and he bought a "Ty" easter bunny for me. After teh visit we called the boys to see if they wanted company...so we went to VT. Woohoo!!! It was such nice driving weather....and I just love VT, so why not. Jaime was like "I think you guys just love to drive the VW"..I said, well for Todd yes.for me it's going to VT..so there is a happy in between.
We had a good visit. In the 3 hours we were there we headed to Lebanon, NH (like 20 mins away) and went to Best Buy and then to have authentic MX food. It was so good! The owners wife came over to answer a question I had about some artwork for sale (framed photos from mx for sale)...she was so nice. She started talking to the guys in spanish- the tears start to well up! I settle down and we go look at more pics..they continue to talk and Edgar turns and tells me she is from the town Nacho lives in...aahhh here they come again. Down fall to being pregnant for me= crying and bitchiness. Yeah Todd is getting on my nerves a little- the other day I was like "Please just stop talking". We took the exit for Shelburne Falls (MA) because he thought they were lit up at night and that we could also see the Bridge of Flowers...ahhh...no. Needless to say, we arrived home at like 10:30 last night.

Oh, Jakob knows that the baby lives in a "bubble sack" that will protect it until it is born. He also knows that he "bilacle cord" feeds the baby and makes it grow. Too cute.

4.13.2006

Jakob's Page

I have created a web page all for Jakob. On it are pictures (monthly albums) of him, things he has done, and his beloved SIGNS and monthly blogs of things he is doing and comments he has made. He picked out the back ground..kind of looks like a highway!

Enjoy! Feel free to check for updates and leave comments!!

Jakob's rockin page:
http://spaces.msn.com/jakoblyndan/

4.11.2006

A New Baby

Aaahh...so it is all coming together: The wagon, the never-ending flu. Other little things. The questions/comments.

So, after still feeling ill the end of last week, feeling REALLY tired, cramps, and people asking "You sure you are not pregnant?!", I decided to take not 1, but 5 pregnancy tests FRIDAY (yeah, I waited a whole day).

The first test came out positive, and being in denial about the whole thing I went to Brooks and bought 2 more (digital read outs, brand I never heard of)- those came out negative. Hello. Run to Walmart, buy a 3 pack (yes they come in a 3 pack too)- I took 2 and they BOTH came out positive. Ok, no denying now. I AM PREGNANT.

Todd and I have been trying for the last year to have another baby. Each month, nothing. It was so discouraging. Each month I kept the pregancy test people in business (I am irregular and could be up to 4 weeks late each month...so took atleast 1 test a month for 10 months to be sure). After the first 6 months of that being a main focus I decided that if it was going to happen it would on its own time. The last 3 months I had decided that I liked the idea of having one child (Jake is 98 percent potty trained, he will be starting pre-k in the fall, we can pack up and go on a road trip) for the moment and had said, "Let's just wait until we move north (approx 5 years), buy a house, and I can stay home for a bit.". Then.....

I am happy, just taking a little bit of getting used to the whole thing. You get into a mindset. I was starting to lose weight...can't dye my hair...no tanning...no drinks (no big deal)...early to bed...tiredness...morning sickness during the day (not so bad this time around)...crankiness (not too bad)....can't eat certain things....no Mexico in December.

I was just thinking the other day during my flu-puking fit (that lasted 8 hours) how much I didn't want to get pregnant and go through that...hahaha. Nacho thinks that we bought the wagon because I subconsciously knew I was pregnant. Funny bro...maybe.

Jake is so excited...we made a little video of him saying "Hi! Mommy's gonna have a baa-bee. Bye! Woohoo!". It was cute. (Bought Adobe Elements to be able to edit home videos). He kissed my belly the other night and said "The baby is in there, I can smell it!". Of course, he wants to see it now.

So, because I wasn't keeping track I have no idea how far along I am...guestimate= 6-9 weeks, and the due date is probably mid November. I made an appointment today (4/19/06).

4.04.2006

Flu Strikes

It started with my Mother-in-Law, then my son. Now me and my husband. FLU SUCKS!!!
It all began yesterday with a belly ache...then the vomitting started at 1 a.m. and went on every hour until 8 this morning..and thats's when the "other thing" decided it wanted to join in the fun. I have never been this sick- fever, chills. In the middle, my son gets sick too! He was better later on this morning, so my Dad came topick him up.

I think I heard Todd come home around noon (I just woke up)..and let out a few hurls.

4.03.2006

Trip Home to Vermont

Well everyone partied kind of late Friday night into Saturday morning...we were the first ones to head North to help our friends "relocate" (to VT).

We got off the interstate in Brattleboro, VT and headed up Rte. 5 into Windsor where their new home is. The drive was nice- weather was decent temp. wise with a little rain. I was given directions to their new place so we were able to find it...and I will agree, it's a "scary" neighborhood!. Todd and I thought that maybe the houses would get nicer the further down the road you go...aahh, no. Main street is decent and not too far from them is the world's longest covered bridge and a cool waterfall- that was the upside.
We then headed towards Rte. 7 and took that into Woodstock- stopping to get a newer picture of the Taftsville covered bridge and the falls below it.

Just up the road about 15 minutes is Long Trail Brewery, we had to stop (Jake had a little "accident" and that gave us an opportunity to stock up on some clothes). At this point, the rain stopped and the temp. warmed back up to 64 degrees.

We continued north going through Killington and Pico- there wasn't much snow, but some places had chunks of ice on the side of the road. Our journey took us through Rutland and into Pittsford- I showed Todd the VCJTC where my friend is a training coordinator. What a beautiful drive.

Next stop was Middlebury- had to check out the town we are 95 percent positive we are moving to within 5 years. I absolutely love it. We hung around there for over an hour, just driving around, getting familiar with the town. Checked out views of Otter Creek, the falls, the shops- found Otter Creek Brewery (Todd went in while Jake slept).
Still going north, we went through Vergennes and New Haven- breath taking views of the mountains! We arrived in South Burlington (Magic Hat was already closed, that's ok, we have been) around dinner time. At this point, Brian called to say he, Michele, and the boys arrived in VT- we were already almost 3 hours from them and had decided that we were going to continue north and spend the night. Before heading to dinner, we went just a tad further into Burlington- the town is awesome, we will be going back, especially to check out the aquarium and to take the ferry over to NY via Lake Champlain!

Needing clothes and toiletries for the next day, we headed over to Williston- it is kind of like Kittery, Maine with all of the outlets and stores, but the buildings are all brick and are really cool. Did a little shopping and then checked into the Courtyard Marriot in town (nice place/room only for $100!). I slept like a baby..the bed was so comfortable, not to mention the beds had down comforters.

We woke up..forgetting of course that the clocks were ahead one hour. We headed out going towards Essex Junction to checkout VT Toy and Hobby. We saw the falls and followed the Winooski River. At the toy store we found a lot of things for Jakob relating to signs.

Headed south on 89, then took Rte. 12 through the country. I was in heaven. We went through many small towns, roads taking us through mountains. We stopped in Northfield and took pictures of a couple covered bridges and the Northfield Falls.

We then stopped in Randolph, another cute town that I could handle living in! I had gone into The Ben Franklin (a store that has everything from toys to craft things to clothes, ect.) while Jakob napped in the car- I found material with road signs on it to make him something (pillow, quilt?)!! Little did I know that back in the car my little boy was throwing up! I felt so bad, he had been so good on our road trip. I sat in the back with him- he kept apologizing, saying he wanted to get better and go see Jorge, Edgart, and Jaime (we had planned on meeting up with them on the way back through). We stopped to get a bite to eat from a guy with a vending cart- boy did $12 buy a lot of really good food!!

We headed back towards Windsor via Waterbury, Montpelier, and White River Junction. We had called the guys and they had just settled down for lunch at a brewery in Lebanon, NH- didn't think it was a good idea to stop with Jake still throwing up in the car.

We (Todd) decided to hop on over to NH and follow the road south. Eh, I am not a huge fan of NH, but the ride was nice. We stopped in Keene to check out the stores. Headed back over into Vt. and followed 91 south. Todd decided to take us 15 minutes off of the hwy to check out these really cool falls that were kind of in the area of Deerfield...uh, yeah, the water was low and there was nothing.

The rest of the ride is nothing to write about- Springfield, Hartford, Norwich- blah blah blah. We finally got home around 6:30. Cleaned the house up a bit. Jake had stopped with the vomiting, but "it" decided to come out the "other end" three times before bed.

I felt "crappy" today myself- I ended up leaving around lunch time to come home and rest. Had a chance to nap a bit..but ended up getting sweats later this afternoon.

I had so much fun on my VT journey- I felt good in general, relaxed, calm, at peace. Some people don't get the whole VT thing....