I'm not really sure why I'm on here, except that I'm bored and a bit lonely/homesick... and it's only been half of a day. The weekend is certainly not going to be as dreadful as I anticipated, but I would still rather be at home with my husband and my dog in our comfy house. Instead, I'm anticipating the awkward meeting of my roommate when she comes in at whatever time (yes, roommate. My multi-billion dollar company apparently is worth that much for a reason. Roommates! And strangers at that... Ugh!)
On the positive side, the weather is as beautiful as imagined. Our flight was direct (apparently not everyone was so lucky.... seriously, how cheap are we?!), then I had a lovely dinner at Shula's with a few decent people. Now, though, I'm just wishing I were not here. I would take PB&J in a Winter Storm Advisory if it were up to me.
2.5 more days!...
{Sorry for the incredibly disappointing update! I'll try and hold off until I actually have something worth reading next time...}
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Because I'm so nice....
Free Pretzels at Auntie Anne's, February 2nd. I can't remember the reason (a birthday maybe?) because I quickly blocked it out (I'll be suffering through boring meetings in Tampa, instead of enjoying the best soft pretzel around). You can go to any location though, and get a free pretzel - either original or cinnamon sugar - no strings attached. Google their website, because I believe it's only a certain block of time you can get them free. And expect a line! Enjoy an original one for me!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
My first Digital Scrapping Finished Product!
Ok, so it's about 1.5 years late. If you'd like ammo for a better shot at me, use this -- there is still a bag of paper scrapping crap I spent a LOT of money on in December 2005 to scrap our first Lawless'/Kaufman Disney trip, sitting in the room full of a LOT of paper scrapping crap that I spent even more money on (and then time organizing!). I don't even know if I plan to open that bag ever again.
I love the idea of scrapbooking. I love the layouts, the opportunity for creative outlet, etc. But almost 2 years ago, I fell in love even more with Adobe Photoshop. I know very little about it compared to how much it offers, but I am 100% hooked. So, I thought to myself one day, why not scrap digitally? I looked into a bit, decided to wing a few pages... and then couldn't stop. (Until, of course, I stopped for a really long time. Hence, the reason the book is so late.)
I ordered the bound, book-jacketed version today, and I think it will turn out cute! My layouts are shameful compared to some folks I know (ok, one "folk", who - unfortunately in this instance ;) - reads this blog faithfully (Thanks, Clare! :)). Her pages are a freaking work of art, but hey - mine are cuter than they would be if I just shoved some prints in an album, no? At least I hope so!
The decision comes now whether to scrap the rest of our vacations to date (from the cruise until now), as planned, or to scrap the idea (bad pun intended) altogether and shove them in a mypublisher.com photobook layout. One thing is for sure, I have to be caught up before the babies come. You know, so I'm years behind on their lives... but at least don't have something that predates them looming over my head! :)
You'll notice if you link, as well, that I'm using flickr this time. I lived and breathed by photobucket for about 5 years now, for a handful of reasons. Unfortunately, when linking visitors to my photobucket albums, their most recent layout just plain stinks. I often wonder if people can even find the pictures when they land on the album! (That is, of course, no knock on my very bright readers. It is simply a bit of frustration for how ridiculous a direction the site appears to have gone, namely one of catering to myspace. You might know how I feel about myspace.)
All that being said, check out my book. And let me know what you think of the album layout itself (flickr), regardless of your opinion of the content! As always, the link will also appear on the sidebar.
Take care!
I love the idea of scrapbooking. I love the layouts, the opportunity for creative outlet, etc. But almost 2 years ago, I fell in love even more with Adobe Photoshop. I know very little about it compared to how much it offers, but I am 100% hooked. So, I thought to myself one day, why not scrap digitally? I looked into a bit, decided to wing a few pages... and then couldn't stop. (Until, of course, I stopped for a really long time. Hence, the reason the book is so late.)
I ordered the bound, book-jacketed version today, and I think it will turn out cute! My layouts are shameful compared to some folks I know (ok, one "folk", who - unfortunately in this instance ;) - reads this blog faithfully (Thanks, Clare! :)). Her pages are a freaking work of art, but hey - mine are cuter than they would be if I just shoved some prints in an album, no? At least I hope so!
The decision comes now whether to scrap the rest of our vacations to date (from the cruise until now), as planned, or to scrap the idea (bad pun intended) altogether and shove them in a mypublisher.com photobook layout. One thing is for sure, I have to be caught up before the babies come. You know, so I'm years behind on their lives... but at least don't have something that predates them looming over my head! :)
You'll notice if you link, as well, that I'm using flickr this time. I lived and breathed by photobucket for about 5 years now, for a handful of reasons. Unfortunately, when linking visitors to my photobucket albums, their most recent layout just plain stinks. I often wonder if people can even find the pictures when they land on the album! (That is, of course, no knock on my very bright readers. It is simply a bit of frustration for how ridiculous a direction the site appears to have gone, namely one of catering to myspace. You might know how I feel about myspace.)
All that being said, check out my book. And let me know what you think of the album layout itself (flickr), regardless of your opinion of the content! As always, the link will also appear on the sidebar.
Take care!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Building the Babies' Book Collection...
So after gathering some of our old books, and going on a little shopping trip, and loading up on books from the Lawless', we've built up quite a collection! You can never have too many books, though -- especially since they are of varying ages -- so don't think we're stopping here! :) We're at least keeping our eye out for a special group of books on the list of "must-haves", so we'll update this table as the library grows. Eventually, I'll link to it on the sidebar ("Interesting Links") so it's easier to find when it's updated (rather than reposting it several times).
Edit: I had the table embedded here, but it was ugly no matter what I did to it. Apparently while blogger supports spreadsheets, there's very little customization to it. At the risk of ruining my beautiful blog :), just click this link instead:
What's on the Babies' Bookshelf?
In other news... I'm quickly finishing Day 7 of no vomiting + no Zofran! Amazing! Still very little energy (and even more so since it is 100% impossible for me to get more than 45 minutes of sleep at a time on my side, regardless of how exhausted I am when I lie down).... but it's a start!
Rumor has it you may get a glimpse of some nursery furniture in the near future. Stay tuned....
Edit: I had the table embedded here, but it was ugly no matter what I did to it. Apparently while blogger supports spreadsheets, there's very little customization to it. At the risk of ruining my beautiful blog :), just click this link instead:
What's on the Babies' Bookshelf?
In other news... I'm quickly finishing Day 7 of no vomiting + no Zofran! Amazing! Still very little energy (and even more so since it is 100% impossible for me to get more than 45 minutes of sleep at a time on my side, regardless of how exhausted I am when I lie down).... but it's a start!
Rumor has it you may get a glimpse of some nursery furniture in the near future. Stay tuned....
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Thoughts from the Uterus... 15 weeks, 2 days (15w2d)
Each baby should now be approaching 4 inches long (crown to rump) and should weigh a whopping 2 ounces! They are busy moving amniotic fluid through their nose and respiratory tract, helping the primitive air sacs in the lungs to develop. Their little legs should finally be lengthening a bit longer than their arms, and they are both frequently performing gymnastics (or water ballet, as I prefer to call it) just about every moment they are awake.... which, lets face it, isn't often. They are practicing to be newborns, after all :) They might have even taken to sucking their thumb and/or fingers, although they're movements are mostly involuntary. Their eyelids are still fused shut, but they can now sense light. If we were to shine a flashlight on my belly, they would very likely move to get away from the beam. No, we haven't tried this. Taste buds are almost fully formed, although there isn't much worth tasting just yet (just wait, babies! Tons of fantastic food awaits you, eventually! I seem to vaguely remember this being true... :)) Hair continues to grow, unless of course it's genetic -- in which case they will likely be "cue balls" as my family affectionately labeled me, until they are walking. The ears are finally in place on each side of the head, and the bones inside them (along with the whole skeletal system) are hardening and beginning to retain calcium. Their heart and kidneys have been functioning completely for several weeks now, and their brain is able to control those systems to regulate their environment! And of course, the twin secrets begin early! They are fully aware of whether we will have sons, daughters or one of each.... but it remains a mystery to us! (Mostly because my doctor apparently doesn't like ultrasounds, but don't get me started on that one!)
As for mom, the wondrous energy, etc of the second trimester that everyone raves about remains oh so elusive! I'm told that's not unexpected when carrying multiples, but it could make for an interesting pregnancy. If and when I get some relief from vomiting, get some energy, etc, I'm thinking I will look and feel like I'm about to pop -- so I apologize in advance if I'm a less blissful pregnant chick than you might have expected. So far, though, according to my husband, I've been a saint! (I'm not sure those were his exact words, but trust me -- that's what he meant! :))
We're keeping our fingers crossed for another 20 weeks or so, so check back for more growth updates if you're sort of a geek like Kyle and I, and this stuff fascinates you as much as it does us. Isn't life just a stinkin' miracle?!
As for mom, the wondrous energy, etc of the second trimester that everyone raves about remains oh so elusive! I'm told that's not unexpected when carrying multiples, but it could make for an interesting pregnancy. If and when I get some relief from vomiting, get some energy, etc, I'm thinking I will look and feel like I'm about to pop -- so I apologize in advance if I'm a less blissful pregnant chick than you might have expected. So far, though, according to my husband, I've been a saint! (I'm not sure those were his exact words, but trust me -- that's what he meant! :))
We're keeping our fingers crossed for another 20 weeks or so, so check back for more growth updates if you're sort of a geek like Kyle and I, and this stuff fascinates you as much as it does us. Isn't life just a stinkin' miracle?!
One more picture post....
I won't put a ton on here, but isn't this beautiful?!
That is the reason I went to Walt Disney World for a weekend in December, by myself. There's a small album on Photobucket with some pictures from that weekend. There aren't a lot this time, I swear!
Thea's First Reds Game!
So remember that 2GB XD card I have for my camera? (See this post). Well, drum roll please......... it's empty! Which is sort of sad, considering I really have nothing going on in my life worth taking pictures of for who knows how long, but still, what an accomplishment! ;)
This means that you get to see some pictures from, oh, last summer.... you lucky thing!
The three of us before the game
The Largest Dog Bathroom I've ever seen
Jen and Thea
Cassi and Thea
Cardinals' Personnel saying Hello!
Our View (note that Thea had her own seat, but weighed too little to take advantage of it. It would close on her and she'd fall through the back when we tried!)
Thea's First (unenthusiastic) character run-in
More photos here, and/or from the link in the sidebar. Enjoy!
This means that you get to see some pictures from, oh, last summer.... you lucky thing!
The three of us before the game
The Largest Dog Bathroom I've ever seen
Jen and Thea
Cassi and Thea
Cardinals' Personnel saying Hello!
Our View (note that Thea had her own seat, but weighed too little to take advantage of it. It would close on her and she'd fall through the back when we tried!)
Thea's First (unenthusiastic) character run-in
More photos here, and/or from the link in the sidebar. Enjoy!
Ramblings...
Very quickly, some thoughts...
- I have a mental list that keeps growing for posts I need to add to this site. I sit down to do it, but then realize that I would rather not make multiple posts in a row, so then ... I don't know, somehow that translates into not making any. Thus, the lists grows longer. So watch out -- assuming I don't get too distracted in the next short while (it is 6:30am on Sunday, you know -- lots going on! ;)) then there might be a slight barrage of posts for you, my avid readers, to catch up on when you stumble back upon this blog. I'll try and do better next time, knuckleheads. (Reference, anyone? No, I wasn't insulting you, and I don't use the word "knuckleheads" on my own all that often).
- Everyone at work knows about "my situation", as it was called. They have all been wonderful and excited for us, including my regional manager. Eric's boss (his regional manager for the business side of things) is not so thrilled, and I get to meet with him this week. But he isn't my boss, so I can only be made to suffer while talking to him and no longer than that, right? :) No really, I think he'll be supportive -- he's a good guy, too.
- My house is finally clean. Not perfect, but clean. Kyle and I spent nearly 8 hours yesterday doing it, and I couldn't be happier. Seriously, who knew pregnancy (or perhaps twin pregnancies) could kick your butt so much, and then kick you a little more, to where your house will likely look better AFTER the babies arrive? :)
- Speaking of getting clobbered, yesterday's bedtime marked TWO DAYS with no vomiting, and no Zofran. A record! Here's hoping it lasts, and that my mother's 7 month long pregnancy sickness isn't genetic. I think I've had my share in the last several weeks to make up for it, maybe I got it all out of the way at once!
- At my last OB appointment, my net gain = 1.5 pounds, for 15 weeks of pregnancy with twins. My doctor isn't concerned, but I certainly am shocked! I'm measuring over 19 weeks though, so I'm thinking there's a few lives growing well that can be held responsible for my rapidly expanding uterus. At the risk of adding confusion to a poor sister of mine ;), it appears I gain (measure) about an additional week of gestation every couple of days. Yikes!
- Finally, we have a dresser and bookcase in what will eventually resemble a nursery! (Sorry Mom and Cas, you can't see it until a few more exciting pieces are in there. That is, unless I need your help (and the truck) getting it here!) :) The cribs, etc, as predicted, are going to take much longer to come in. Oh, well -- we've got plenty of time!
- Oh one more thing, despite the "Finally" which starts the last point. I am so blessed to not be working 13+ hour shifts in a hospital, I know. But my job is so overwhelming at this point with a multitude of state surveys, etc that I simply cannot wait to have some time off from there! (Ok, so that really wasn't informative or interesting, but it often consumes my thoughts, so it gets put on a blog. Deal with it.)
All right, going to grab some cereal. I should be back soon, or you have a right to call me on it.
- I have a mental list that keeps growing for posts I need to add to this site. I sit down to do it, but then realize that I would rather not make multiple posts in a row, so then ... I don't know, somehow that translates into not making any. Thus, the lists grows longer. So watch out -- assuming I don't get too distracted in the next short while (it is 6:30am on Sunday, you know -- lots going on! ;)) then there might be a slight barrage of posts for you, my avid readers, to catch up on when you stumble back upon this blog. I'll try and do better next time, knuckleheads. (Reference, anyone? No, I wasn't insulting you, and I don't use the word "knuckleheads" on my own all that often).
- Everyone at work knows about "my situation", as it was called. They have all been wonderful and excited for us, including my regional manager. Eric's boss (his regional manager for the business side of things) is not so thrilled, and I get to meet with him this week. But he isn't my boss, so I can only be made to suffer while talking to him and no longer than that, right? :) No really, I think he'll be supportive -- he's a good guy, too.
- My house is finally clean. Not perfect, but clean. Kyle and I spent nearly 8 hours yesterday doing it, and I couldn't be happier. Seriously, who knew pregnancy (or perhaps twin pregnancies) could kick your butt so much, and then kick you a little more, to where your house will likely look better AFTER the babies arrive? :)
- Speaking of getting clobbered, yesterday's bedtime marked TWO DAYS with no vomiting, and no Zofran. A record! Here's hoping it lasts, and that my mother's 7 month long pregnancy sickness isn't genetic. I think I've had my share in the last several weeks to make up for it, maybe I got it all out of the way at once!
- At my last OB appointment, my net gain = 1.5 pounds, for 15 weeks of pregnancy with twins. My doctor isn't concerned, but I certainly am shocked! I'm measuring over 19 weeks though, so I'm thinking there's a few lives growing well that can be held responsible for my rapidly expanding uterus. At the risk of adding confusion to a poor sister of mine ;), it appears I gain (measure) about an additional week of gestation every couple of days. Yikes!
- Finally, we have a dresser and bookcase in what will eventually resemble a nursery! (Sorry Mom and Cas, you can't see it until a few more exciting pieces are in there. That is, unless I need your help (and the truck) getting it here!) :) The cribs, etc, as predicted, are going to take much longer to come in. Oh, well -- we've got plenty of time!
- Oh one more thing, despite the "Finally" which starts the last point. I am so blessed to not be working 13+ hour shifts in a hospital, I know. But my job is so overwhelming at this point with a multitude of state surveys, etc that I simply cannot wait to have some time off from there! (Ok, so that really wasn't informative or interesting, but it often consumes my thoughts, so it gets put on a blog. Deal with it.)
All right, going to grab some cereal. I should be back soon, or you have a right to call me on it.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Reality Check!
Ok, so on my infamous to-do list for the last 11 days or so, has been "update blog". Better late than never, no?
The other day (well, probably over a week ago now) I was talking with a friend and was reminded that cribs can take 8-10 weeks to be delivered! I wasn't concerned, per se, but I realized (and subsequently told Kyle) that we should probably be at least thinking about thinking about them in the next while. :) Of course, while I was in Florida he had already done some research, so we found ourselves eagerly looking at a few options, just to get some ideas.
Fast forward a bit, and a twin mom I am close to as well as my OBGYN just so happened to remind me that, when expecting multiples, you should really aim to have everything done (read: ready for babies to come home (faint)) by 30 weeks or so. First, of course, many multiples come that early (or earlier). Second, even more MOMs (mothers of multiples) go on bedrest - of some sort - at least by that point, if not sooner. And third, and most important since the other two concerns are certainly not a guarantee.... you just pretty much can't do squat long before then, especially if you're working still.
Encouraging, huh? But seriously. I'm measuring almost 18 weeks now at just over 14 weeks, despite the fact that my net weight gain is less than 2 pounds. I had to spill the beans at work because I can't really hide it anymore, already. (Let me just say thank goodness I have gained no extra fat (yet), because it's absolutely remarkable the pace at which your uterus can expand when making room for more than one baby. But I digress...). I am told that I can count on looking - and feeling - 40 weeks pregnant by about week 28. Sweet. Not only does that do wonders for my self esteem ;) but how many of you have been 40 weeks pregnant or know someone who has? Then you know -- it's not a pretty sight. And yet, I will theoretically be expected to continue growing 2 babies, and maybe even working for another 8-10 weeks! (faint faint and faint again).
No, I'm actually not freaking out at all. I get a tad stressed on occasion about how bills will get paid if I'm incapacitated for months unexpectedly, but it will work out. Mostly we just realized that, as quickly as pregnancies pass usually, ours is about to feel twice as fast! (You know, until I have everything ready and have to sit around for 10 weeks doing nothing but waiting. But I'll have plenty more posts about that in a few months, I'm sure....)
I am also aware that, by following this advice and having everything squared away "in advance", I will feel great and have no complications and no babies until I'm supposed to. That's not a bad trade off, either, I suppose. Especially considering the alternative...........
I mean seriously. Can you imagine my life and the lives of those around me if I, Type A OCD Planner Extrordinaire (remember her?) had to sit and watch while everyone else did all of this fun stuff? I would be miserable, but the people I would be barking orders at (and sobbing to) would be well beyond that. :)
So we start on the fun stuff. It's not like we're able to go overboard since Kyle and I are rarely even under the same roof to get anything accomplished, but I suppose that's even more reason to get cracking. And by the way, they suggest baby showers for multiples be complete by about week 26 if mom wants to enjoy them. Just so you know.
Just kidding! I mean, I wouldn't expect you ALL to throw me showers ;)
(Sarcasm folks, sarcasm).
The other day (well, probably over a week ago now) I was talking with a friend and was reminded that cribs can take 8-10 weeks to be delivered! I wasn't concerned, per se, but I realized (and subsequently told Kyle) that we should probably be at least thinking about thinking about them in the next while. :) Of course, while I was in Florida he had already done some research, so we found ourselves eagerly looking at a few options, just to get some ideas.
Fast forward a bit, and a twin mom I am close to as well as my OBGYN just so happened to remind me that, when expecting multiples, you should really aim to have everything done (read: ready for babies to come home (faint)) by 30 weeks or so. First, of course, many multiples come that early (or earlier). Second, even more MOMs (mothers of multiples) go on bedrest - of some sort - at least by that point, if not sooner. And third, and most important since the other two concerns are certainly not a guarantee.... you just pretty much can't do squat long before then, especially if you're working still.
Encouraging, huh? But seriously. I'm measuring almost 18 weeks now at just over 14 weeks, despite the fact that my net weight gain is less than 2 pounds. I had to spill the beans at work because I can't really hide it anymore, already. (Let me just say thank goodness I have gained no extra fat (yet), because it's absolutely remarkable the pace at which your uterus can expand when making room for more than one baby. But I digress...). I am told that I can count on looking - and feeling - 40 weeks pregnant by about week 28. Sweet. Not only does that do wonders for my self esteem ;) but how many of you have been 40 weeks pregnant or know someone who has? Then you know -- it's not a pretty sight. And yet, I will theoretically be expected to continue growing 2 babies, and maybe even working for another 8-10 weeks! (faint faint and faint again).
No, I'm actually not freaking out at all. I get a tad stressed on occasion about how bills will get paid if I'm incapacitated for months unexpectedly, but it will work out. Mostly we just realized that, as quickly as pregnancies pass usually, ours is about to feel twice as fast! (You know, until I have everything ready and have to sit around for 10 weeks doing nothing but waiting. But I'll have plenty more posts about that in a few months, I'm sure....)
I am also aware that, by following this advice and having everything squared away "in advance", I will feel great and have no complications and no babies until I'm supposed to. That's not a bad trade off, either, I suppose. Especially considering the alternative...........
I mean seriously. Can you imagine my life and the lives of those around me if I, Type A OCD Planner Extrordinaire (remember her?) had to sit and watch while everyone else did all of this fun stuff? I would be miserable, but the people I would be barking orders at (and sobbing to) would be well beyond that. :)
So we start on the fun stuff. It's not like we're able to go overboard since Kyle and I are rarely even under the same roof to get anything accomplished, but I suppose that's even more reason to get cracking. And by the way, they suggest baby showers for multiples be complete by about week 26 if mom wants to enjoy them. Just so you know.
Just kidding! I mean, I wouldn't expect you ALL to throw me showers ;)
(Sarcasm folks, sarcasm).
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
"Hey, let's have babies this year!"
I hope your New Years Eve celebrations were fun-filled and safe! I, for one, was exhausted quite early, but made it to midnight and even drove home afterwards to sleep in my own bed! Kyle is on his way home now to sleep (after working overnight), so I'm going to try and catch up around the house.
I don't have a lot of resolutions or life changes to make in a list form, because that's too daunting right now! :) I have a lot that needs to get done in the next 6 months that will hopefully just end up making us more organized as a household, improving my time spent with God, and allowing us to make more physically and emotionally healthy decisions.
Oh, and I need to gain about 30 pounds. Haha, suckers! I can guarantee I have a better chance at this one than the requisite "Lose 20 pounds" we've all had the previous years. Well, I hope so anyway. I'm not off to a great start, and am in fact heading in the wrong direction -- how's that for irony? Here's hoping 2008 will see that change quickly, and that you will find success in your lifestyle changes (should you choose to attempt any) as well!
~Jennifer
PS - I know it's totally girly, but I'm definitely stoked about my New Years color schematics. That Christmas page, while usually my favorite, just never sat right with me.
Happy January 1st!
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