Snow Storm on 2/18

Mark wanted me to share pictures of the snow storm we had back on 2/18. We have received ove 60 inches of snow this year. The weather man says we have broken January and February monthly snow fall records. And they say March is the snowest month!!! Mark loves it! He loves the snow. I could care less about the snow, but that's probably because I grew up in NW Indiana.

35 Weeks Pregnant and BIG!!!!!

I thought I would share my big belly pictures! I can't believe how huge I look! I didn't think I was that big! But I guess I am. Baby Lawson still does not have a name, he is still kicking me ever second he gets, and I'm so tired now that at about 230 in afternoon I seriously want to just pack up my stuff up at work and say "See ya tomorrow" I seriously forget why I'm talking to my co-workers that I just walk way. But one positive thing is I'm sleeping all night long! I hope you enjoy these pictures!

Look What the Mailman Brought Us!!!

Tuesday when we got home from birthing class there on our door step was a box. I love getting stuff in the mail. Mark brought it in and I opened it immediately. We knew we were getting somthing from Susie and Lee. She did tell us it was a book. I was thinking it was a book about pregnancy or breastfeeding. I was wrong!! Baby Lawson got some books. Here's a picture of the lovely books. Thanks Susie, Lee and the kids :) I know Baby Lawson will enjoy them! We love and miss you guys :)

Doctor's Appointment Update

We went to the doctor's on Feb. 5th. Ok we went to two doctor's appointments on February 5th. First we saw the specialist about Baby Lawson's heart and she is confident that it will close. It is there, but it is very small. She said if the other doctor was not concerned then we shouldn't be either. She said that when he is born they will listen to his heart and if they hear a murmur then they will do a ultrasound to check out the heart. He weighs 4lbs and his heart beat was 155. He is already head down. Best part of the doctor's appointment is his placenta has pulled up. It is 3CM above my cervix and the doctors said anything 2.5Cm or less is a reason for a c-section. They yes it is close, but there is no reason for me not to be able to have a natural birth. Mark and I are relieved, b/c I just not sure about a c-section. I've been through one surgery and it wasn't fun. Of course if a life and death situation arised yes I'll have a c-section

For me I have now gained 31.4 lbs. I asked the doctor is she is concerned and she said not at all. She said to continue to watch what I eat. My ankles are starting to swell. I really watch everything I eat.

I think that is it about the doctor's appointments.

6 to 8 weeks

I can not believe that in 6 to 8 weeks Baby Lawson will be here. Time has gone by quickly, but slowly. Mark and I can't wait to meet him. Mark will talk and kiss my belly and you will see Baby Lawson kick at him. Its so cute and funny. Its like Baby Lawson knows what Mark is saying. For some reason Baby Lawson likes to sit on my right side. I have to push at him to get him to move. It doesn't work because with in 10 minutes he is right back there. Mark and I really need to decide on a name for Baby Lawson, but we just can't decide. We like all 3 names we have picked out. We just can't make a decision. Here are my favorite things about being pregnant.

1. feeling the baby move
2. seeing Mark smile and talk to Baby Lawson
3. back and leg rubs
4. shopping for baby clothes
5. decorating the nursery
6. Mark reading all the parenting books
7. birthing class
8. Ultrasounds, I love seeing the baby

Super Bowl

Well who would have thought that the NY Giants would have beaten the Patroits! All I want to say is that last nights game was a very exciting game. The commericals weren't that great. Congrats to the NY Giants. :)

Baby Shower

This past Saturday my friend Katie threw Mark and I Baby Shower. We got very nice presents. I can't thank Katie enough. She is my closest friend up here in WI. It was such a nice time. We played a few games, ate some great food, and open presents. The cake was soooo yummy! Here are a few pictures from the Baby Shower. One is of Mark and I, few of me opening presents for Baby Lawson, and one of me with Katie.

7 Random Things

My cousin tagged my blog for 7 random things. Here are my 7 random things that you may or may not know about me.

1. I have lived in 4 different states in 6 years. Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Its not that I love to move, its about the job. I wouldn't change it for anything. Some of these locations brought me sad times and happy times. Plus if I've never moved to TN I wouldn't have met my wonderful husband :) Out of these 4 states I would say TN is my favorite b/c of the weather and the mountains, but Indy, IN was my favorite, b/c I love Circle City (Colts, Pacers, Indy 500, Brickyard, the Z00, the Circle Center Mall, downtown is clean and very safe) and I learned to believe in myself and not to take crap from people! I would move back to INDY in a heartbeat if I could find a job! If Mark and I did live in INDY we would be 2.5 hours away from my dad and 8 hours away from Mark's family. I see this could be a win-win situation, but right now is not the correct time to move.

2. I can tell you everything you want to know about moving consumer goods around this nation. Regardless if it is moving via train, plane, or truck. I guess working at FedEx and in Kimberly-Clark Transportation department has it's benefits.

3. My dream job would be a nurse. This Corporate America gig is starting to take a toll on me. I know nursing isn't a piece cake either, but I really would like to help people and babies. If I could be any type of nurse it would be a labor and delivery nurse. I believe that the birthing process is a miracle!

4. My dream for this world is everyone be nice to everyone, especially kids. Parents need to teach their kids to be respectful and thoughtful to all man kind, no matter how different each and everyone of us are.

5. One thing I have learned through life experiences is, your family will always be there for you not matter how big or small your crisis maybe.

6. I was raised by my father. In my eyes he is the best father anyone could ask for. I think I was about 22 years old when I realized that. My dad and I are very close and I wouldn't change that for anything. Next to my husband my dad is my rock!

7. My brother is the best thing next to slice bread! Greg and I have gone through a lot together. I think the best story about how close Greg and I are, is when Greg broke his arm. My dad called me at work and told me Greg broke his arm and I said I'll meet you at the hospital. By the time Greg and dad arrived I had Greg pretty much checked in. I knew everything about Greg, except is SSN and my dad's SSN b/c the health insurance was under my dad. The hospital asked me if I was Greg's mom and I said, No I'm only 19 years old, he is my brother! I love you Gregadore!!!

Doctor's Appointment

We went to our doctor's appointment on Thursday morning and everything is fine. I have gained 30 pounds so far and the doctor told me not to stress about my weight as I look very healthy and that the 25-35 weight gain is an average. I have been watching everything I eat since Christmas. I eat fresh fruit or granola bar for a snack at work. For lunch I chicken or hamburger without a bun ( do not care for Bread), but I do crave toast in the morning with my oatmeal. I don't drink pop and if I do its Sprite zero (no sugar, no caffeine). I drink water all the time. I actually crave water now. I can't sit and worry about my weight, need to make sure baby Lawson is getting what he needs. His heart beat was 144 and he thinks he is a soccer player, just like his daddy. My blood pressure is prefect. I guess because I didn't have morning sickness or heartburn, I'm getting the swollen ankles :(. We went and bought me support hose and I put a trash can under my desk at work to elevated my feet, and now my ankles look normal again. Next doctor appointment is February 5th and that is with the Perinatologist and then we see or normal OB doctor. After February 5th appointment we start seeing our OB doctor every two weeks. Which doesn't seem any different then what we have been doing all long. Last thing is on February 5th appointment we are going to check to see if baby Lawson's placenta has pulled up, if not then we will check again at 36 weeks. If it doesn't pull up we will schedule a c-section, if it does pull up we will try to have a natural birth.

Birthing classes are coming along very nicely. Mark and I are hiring a Doula to have support during labor and delivery. Mark saw the birthing video and said to me "That looks very painful" I said back "You think?" He decided with our families and friends be so far we needed the extra support. I totally agree with him. Plus Mark and I really do not want people there while we are in labor. We feel this is a very special and private moment for Mark and I and we do not need extra people stressing us out. We going through enough that we do not need everyone's opinion on what to do and when (that's the nurses and doctor's jobs). I'll have the most important person with me and that is Mark. Sorry if we hurt anyone's feelings.

Gestational Diabetes

I got the test results yesterday for my gestational diabetes and I do not have diabetes. :) I'm so happy! We go to the doctors tomorrow and I'll post an update of what the doctor says about little man.

What's Going

I just realized I only blog once last week. Let me give an update on me and Mark.

Birthing Classes
We started our birthing classes last Tuesday Night. Very interesting and amazing. We have a birth plan that we need to fill out, but first I need to make a copy for my Aunt Bernie, in case she wants to use it for her practice :). It had many questions on it that I didn't even think about.

Odd Phone Calls
You every got a phone call from someone that you love and talk to regularly, of course you have. We my wonderful Aunt Bernie called and asked me two questions and said she had to go.
She knows I'm not good with surprises. All I know is she is up to something and its killing me.

3 Hour Glucose Test
I found out on Thursday that I could have Gestational Diabetes, so the doctor wanted me to do the 3 hour test. The test wasn't that bad, it was after the test that sucked. I was so hungry that I started to sweat and get the shakes. I was so thirsty. Thank goodness we were at Perkins when this started happening so I could get something to eat and drink. I'm so over going to specialists and doing all the testing. I hope I'm not diabetic, but if I am I'll be fine. I'm ready for little guy to come b/c of all the appointments, not because I'm miserable. I'm not miserable at all. I actually feel great!


Babies R Us
Saturday my friends Katie and I went to Babies R Us, because they were have a event all about Baby Showers. Katie is throwing me a Baby Shower up here in WI. She truly is a great friend. Katie and I met in Knoxville while we both worked in KC Transportation Department. She moved up to WI in September and I'm so happy she did. While at Babies R Us I received 4 $1.00 off coupon for Huggies, won a lullaby CD, won a bottle of Huggies Body wash, and won a bottle.

Sunday
Went to church then went to Wal-Mart and the grocery store. Came home and did a few scrapbook pages. I'll post pictures soon. I made Chicken Pot Pie for dinner, and I may say it was the bomb good!

This upcoming week is going to be busy. Monday night our friend Amy is in town for work so we are going out to dinner Monday night. Tuesday we have our birthing class. Wednesday night Mark, me, my dad, and Nancy are going to see Broadway show The Wedding Singer at the Performing Arts Center here in Appleton. Can't wait to see it.

I hope to be able to find a little time to post the scrapbook pages. Have a great week!

Scrapbooking

Yesterday I was able to work on my scrapbook pages. I got all 3 ultrasound pages finished. Now all I need to do is work on my pregnancy pages. I'm not sure if I want to do an individual page for each week I have pictures for or do a page for each trimester. I have to do some thinking about it. Here are a few pictures of the pages I finished.

This past weekend was very nice. On Saturday afternoon my friend Katie and I went to see the movie P.S. I Love. It was a very good love story. I cried, not a shocker. I would have to say it's almost as good a The Notebook. Then Saturday evening Mark and I had friends over for game night. We played Apples to Apples and Cranium. It was a fun time. Of course Boo and Sly showed off for everyone, and Puddin and Annie watched from a distance.

Sunday we ran errands and I made Swished Meatballs and did my scrapbook pages. It was very enjoyable weekend.

Tomorrow we start our Child Birthing Classes. Its a 4 week class held at the hospital (Theda-Clark) that baby Lawson will born. We are excited about starting them.

Our next doctor appointment is January 17th and it is with our normal OB doctors. We do have to do a follow up visit with the perinatologist to check the heart again. They want to do the first week in February. I'm feeling great.

Pediatric Cardiologist Visit

A few weeks ago I wrote and told everyone that the doctor indeed said that our little baby did in fact have ASD (hole in heart). Today we went to see another specialist, a Pediatric Cardiologist about the ASD and what we need to do once he is born. The doctor today said that she did not see any concern with the baby's heart. I'm not sure how to explain it, but the doctor said that what she believes the other doctors are seeing is an area that should be 4mm or less, and our little guys is 5mm. She believes the other doctors were taking that to be a hole. This doctor said there are no concerns or worries. In a nut shell he is fine.

Mark and I are very happy and relieved, but we are still a little cautious since two other doctors saw a hole and this doctor said no hole. We have told ourselves that when he is born is when we will find out for sure.

Thanks for all the prayers and concerns.

Raisin Filled Cookies

Over Christmas Mark and I went to TN. It was such a great time! We got see Mark's Grandparents in Virginia and all of our neices and nephews. Let me say the 2 year old and 3 year old are just wildmen! They are so cute and fun, but they never stop for 1 second.

Mark's dad and I made these wonderful cookies called Raisin Filled Cookies. Pops can I give the recipe out? If you like raisins you'll love these cookies. I add the recipe if Pops says its OK. I'm not sure if it's a family recipe or not.

On our way home from TN Mark and I stopped in Michigan City to do Christmas on 12/29. It was fun. Christmas was at my brother's house and we had Prime Rib and Lobster tails for dinner. That was Greg's present to everyone. I think it was an AWESOME present since I love Prime Rib and Lobster tail.

I might also say I do not think being pregnant during the holidays is the the brightest thing. I ate so much and I couldn't help it. Over all Christmas was wonderful.

First Scrapbooking Pages

For Christmas I asked for scrapbooking tools and supply to start scrapbooking. I got what I asked for, so tonight I put together two pages of my cats. I think they turned out great for my first time. I'm sure there are rules and proper ways to put the pages together, but I thinking using my imagination worked just fine. :) Here are a few pictures of my first pages. Next scapbooking projects are the ultrasound pictures and my pregnancy pictures. I may need to think these out a little bit more. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

Mark and I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! We are in Tennessee and it's absolutely beautiful out about 45 degrees :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Love

Mark and Beth

25 Weeks

Yesterday we for our level two ultrasound. Doctor has confirmed that the baby does have a hole in his upper chambers or ASD. Its a smaller hole so that is a plus and the baby will not need any surgery right away. On January 2, 2008 we go and she a Pediatric Cardiologist to see what our game plan will be once the little guy arrives. Doctor said the little guy weighs 1 LBS and 13 OZ. All I know he is a kicker :) We received a few ultrasound pictures. Doctor gave me blackmail picture of him. I'm sure he'll appreciate that when he is older :) Hope you enjoy them.

To Uncle Butch

Aunt Bernie make sure Uncle Butch sees these pictures of my little Maine Coon. My Aunt and Uncle have a Maine Coon named Buster. I told them I would get a few pictures of mine Maine Coon Annie. She is very pretty and as you can tell from the pictures she is a Princess!

By the way Uncle Butch, it is 245 miles from your house to my house. :)

Love ya,

Sissy

Christmas Cookies

This weekend I went to my Aunt Bernie's house to make Christmas Cookies. We made traditional cut out sugar cookies. We also watched the the movie The Notebook. I still cry while watching this movie, even though I have seen it quite a few times. On Sunday morning we went to church and out to breakfast with my Aunt's friend Mary Ann. It was such a great time. I hope my Aunt and I can do it again. Maybe next time we can not slave over cookies :) Aunt Bernie remember it was FUN and it's about the TOGETHERNESS :) Here are a few pictures of our hard work.

Budget

Mark and I have put ourselves on a budget. We figure we might as well get use to living on a budget prior to the baby arriving. Here are some of the things we have done.

1. Cut coupons on the items we use, which I like cutting coupons. If a manufacturer wants to give 25 cents I'm all for it.
2. Move money into our savings account prior to spending
3. Use our pig points from Piggy Wiggly. We have received up to 54 cents off a gallon of gas. You can get up to 15 gallons at the reduced priced. We figured at least once a month we can get savings on gas.
4. Make dinner menu prior to going to the grocery store and sticking to the list.
5. Buy generics and compare prices between grocery stores.
6. Only buy things that are on sale, is the item a want or a need.
7. Make dinner at least 3 nights a week, left overs for the other evenings.
8. Only go out to dinner once a week
9. Make coffee in the morning, do not stop at the gas station or buy coffee from work.
10. Reduced the heat in the house from 73 to 70. I can use a blanket if I am cold.

No we are not in any money crisis's, but we thought we should start getting used to living a little tighter and not be such compulsive shoppers. Some of the above items are very easy to do, but others are harder to do. I have a hard time asking myself if it is a want or a need. I have gone for so long without worrying about anyone else, that I just bought something if I wanted to. Target and Kohl's are my weakness.

Only time will tell if I can stick to these rules, but some of it has become a game for me. The Pig Points! I love to see how much I save between Pig points, coupons, and stores sales. Last weekend I saved $21.00 and the week before that I saved $14.00.

Mark thinks I'm crazy and out of control with the whole coupon/Pig points, but then I show him my savings and he just smiles.

Christmas at the Lawson's

Mark and I decorated and put up our Christmas Tree last weekend. Here are some pictures that I thought I would share with everyone. I actually figured out how to do self portraits on my new digital camera. :) Of course Boo and Sly enjoy sleeping under the tree.

I hope you enjoy!

Baby's Nursery

Mark and I bought the baby's crib. I was struggling with spending anywhere between $500 to $1,000 on a nursery set for the baby. Everybody was telling me to buy a convertible bed, one that converts from a crib to a toddler bed, then a full bed. Just for the crib is was $700. I was like are you crazy!!!! I didn't understand what I would do, if another baby came along in 2 years. I converted the crib to a toddler bed and now I have to buy another crib. Then a course I would want the dresser to go with the new crib, so pretty I would buy a new nursery. I didn't like that idea. Also, the side doesn't go down on the convertible crib, I really disliked that part. Do not get me wrong they are beautiful beds, but not for me. Plus I know myself in 2 years I'm going to want to buy a new toddler bedroom set. I love my baby, but for real, this baby will not know if the crib came from the speciality shop or Wal*Mart. Not sure if you are aware, but I am not a Wal*Mart fan. Just remember I work for Kimberly-Clark and I see a lot of things happen that the everyday consumer just does not realizes happens. So, Mark finally convinced me to go to Wal*Mart. Guess what? they had a Nursery in a Box set. The set included a crib, a changing table, and dresser. It was only $199.99. I was very skeptical of the set, but we bought it. My rational is after 2 years the baby will most likely be moving to a toddler bed. All I need to hold up is the crib. It will be nice if all 3 pieces hold up, but its the crib that is most important. Well, to my surprise they turned out very nice. They are sturdy and I like them. I'm very impressed. Now the test will come when little guy gets here and becomes mobile. I have included a few pictures for everyone to see the nursery set.

Spoiled or just loved?

For awhile now I have been telling Mark that I would like to have a new digital camera. I told him with the baby coming that a new camera would be nice so we can send our family nice clear pictures. There is nothing wrong with the digital camera we have, but I wanted a 8.0 megapixal. Last Monday we were off and Target had a 8.0 Canon digital camera on sale, plus you got a $30.00 gift card. I told Mark about it and I looked it up on consumer report to see the ranking. The ranking was very good! Well, guess who got the digital camera -- ME!!! I'm not sure if I am spoiled or just loved, but either way I love my new camera very much! It can video tape and do panoramic pictures, and it has a settings on it for fireworks, snowing, and pets and kids. Don't worry I have figured out how to reduce the pixels and have nice clear pictures without sending 1MB emails. :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Mark and I are headed to Indiana to see my family. I heard that it has snowed in Indiana and Mark can not wait to see it.

Love,

Beth

Daycare

Today Mark and I took off work to look at daycare facilities. Today was overwhelming and I'm not sure why I thought it wouldn't be. After seeing the different daycare facilities, this maybe one of the harder decisions to make as a new parent. We went to 4 different facilities. Three were referred to us the other one we found by driving around. I really liked 2 out of the 4, 1 was fine, and the other was a NO! Mark liked all 4 facilities. The two I liked the most are close to work so I can come by at lunch to breastfeed and that meant a lot to me. Plus one of the daycare facilities has 2 RN on staff at all time. This also meant a lot to me as RN's are trained medical professions that have knowledge about illness. All four daycare center cost about the same. One gave a Kimberly-Clark discount, which was nice to hear. Now we just need to make our pro and con list to make a decision. I personally have the one I want picked out. :)

Its a boy!!!!

We went yesterday for our 20 week ultrasound and the baby is a boy!!! We are so happy we cant wait for him to arrive in March. He loves his hands by his face as if he was thinking away.

The ultrasound is just an amazing thing. We got see his kidneys, heart, stomach (which was very full), his lips, fingers, toes and his spinal cord. It was so neat. I wished I could get an ultrasound everyday just so I can see him. :)

Here are some pitcures of the little guy!!!

Update

Last night when I got home from work the doctor's office called and told me that I needed to reschedule my ultrasound due to my doctor having a surgery on Monday 11/19. I was all bummed out and thought I would have to wait another week to find out the sex of the baby. This morning I called the doctor's office and they rescheduled for Friday 11/16 at 130pm. I'm so excited. Make sure you read our blog on Friday for the news.

Cool Blog...

My sister-in-law Susie sent Mark and I this blog about a month ago. I looked at and though it was pretty cool, then yesterday as I was cleaning out my email inbox I came across it again, so I though I would share it. If you have children, grandchildren, nephews, or nieces you need to look at this blog daily. It provides sales on children clothing, shoes, books, and many other things. It provides details such as.,when the sale will take place, the Internet sale code, and there is a shipping cost. I haven't participated in any of the sales yet, so I'm not sure how accurate it is, but in my eyes if you can save a buck its worth checking out.

http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/

Wisconsin Fish Fry's! :)

Last night Mark and I went out for fish with our friends Mandy and Ronell. In Wisconsin everywhere you go on Fridays there is a fish Fry. Its not a healthy dinner at all. All the fish is deep fried, served with melted butter and sides are french fries and potato salad. I'm pretty sure last nights dinner was great for my heart and baby. Just Kidding!!! In honesty Friday Fish Fry's are really tastee! Mandy and Ronell took us to a hole in the wall which means the fish is even better. Inside the bar, and it was a bar, were deer heads and Elk heads hanging on the walls. I'm not against hunting, but I am a softy for animals. While I sat there and sipped my O'douls I finally got over the animals heads on the wall. I said to Mandy I hope I don't see a dead deer here. Of course she convinces me that won't happen and I believed her. Dinner was over and we were leaving, I looked to my right and saw about 8 guys hang around the tailgate of a pick up truck. I thought to myself how odd that these guys are drinking outside by the tailgate of a pick up truck, they should go in to the bar and drink. Then I saw it..... the poor little deer, ok it was a buck and according to Mandy and nice size buck! Then I saw a sign that said deer and turkey tagging. Again I thought to myself, tagging animals at a bar...very odd to me.

Here is the moral of the story, only in Wisconsin can you go to a bar, have great fried fish, laugh with your friends and see a dead deer in a pick up truck. :)

Doctor's Appointment Update

Today we went to the doctors. I have gained another 5 lbs, so far its a total of 10 lbs for 18 weeks. Doctor is happy about that. My blood pressure is still low, but she is not worried about it and the baby's heart beat was a 155. Our next appointment is November 19th. That's when we have the big Ultrasound. We can't wait!!!


FYI Aunt Bernie -
Doctor does not believe in inducing unless medically needed. She said that she believes in letting me go on my own as long as it is not pass 42 weeks :) That made me feel better.

Love ya!!!

Family Visit

This past weekend was a great. Mark's sister Sherri and brother-in-law Travis came up to visit us. We had a great time, I think my favorite part was watching Mark and Travis yelling at the T.V. because UT was screwing up. Mark enjoys watching UT and its better when he has someone else to watch with b/c I'm always saying its just a game. It hates when I say that. They were like 2 little boys. I guess guys never really grow up.

We went shopping :) I love to shop especially with another girl. Mark is normally my shopping buddy, which is great, but he always says everything looks great. Mark's sister is a lot of fun to shop with. I helped her pick out matching PJs for her children. I hope they like them. I bought a red purse from Christopher Banks and I LOVE it! I've never shopped at that store before; it has nice clothing.

We did the typical driving around, went to Green Bay to see where the Packers play, and went out to dinner. Overall, it was a nice time.

It's amazing I'm live, according to recalls

I just read in People's Magazine last night that infant cold medicines have been pulled off the shelves, because according to the findings it does nothing for the child and it is more harm than good. I sat back and said to Mark how in the world did we make it!!

Our parents gave us baby aspirin
Our parents had lead paint in the house
Our parents eat things during pregnancy that is an issue now
Our parents put us on our bellies to sleep
Our parents let us ride bikes without helmets

I do have a question "What is our government doing?" They have laws, rules, and agencies for these types items or meds. Are they not enforcing them the standards?

About me :)

Just wanted to let everyone know how I am doing. I'm 16 weeks along and still feeling great. I'm not as tired as I use to be. I'm glad about that b/c I can now get things done around the house. I did have some troubles with my crohn's disease, so I had to take few days off from work and rest. I'm doing better now, but the doctor is a little worried because I'm still very tender where the colon and small intestine met. Pretty much this means I'm still have a flare up. Now I'm on a soft foods diet only. The doctor says the baby is not under any stress, but I'm still little concern. Besides the drama with my crohn's I'm doing fine. I no longer can fit into my own pants :). I do have a little baby bump. Mark calls is baby Jackson, because he is so sure its a boy. My gut says its a boy, but you never know.

What a busy month....

My dad and Nancy came up the first weekend and Mark's Mom and Dad came up last weekend. We had such a great time with our parents. We went baby shopping, didn't buy anything b/c Mark wants to wait until we find out what we are having before we buy anything. We took Mark's parents to Green Bay to see the Packer stadium, no we are not packer fans. I still love the Indy Colts!!!! Mark sister and brother-in-law comw up next weekend. We can't wait to see them.

Doctor's Appointment Update

On Friday 9/28 Mark and I went to the doctor's office for our monthly visit and everything is going great. I have gained 4 pounds, we heard the baby's heart beat and my protein levels are just fine. Doctor was a lot nicer and friendlier. I'm thinking she was having a bad day the first visit. I'm not tired as much as I was at first and I really do not have any cravings. As of right now everything is just perfect.

My biggest pet peeve

Last night I was driving home from work and there was road construction. Wisconsin seems not to understand on how to communicate that there will be road construction head. Wisconsin gives you 1 mile warning that the lane ends and you shall merge.

Now everyone is trying to merge into the other lane and the other lane is driving 90 miles per hour you can't merge and people aren't paying attention and everyone starts slamming on their brakes. You know what I am talking about! Its frustrating!

I'm not sure why its a hard concept on how to communicate, but it seems to be every one's weakest characteristic. I believe the solution to this is 1. put up more notices before the road construction, 2. be nice to people and let them in, 3. PAY ATTENTION!

Here is my advice

Communicate what you mean, leave the fluff stuff out and the world we go around smoother!

I'll now get down from my soap box!! :)

Grass

Today I came home from work and to my surprise we now have a lawn!!!! I know its not that exciting, but when you have to deal with dirt, weeds, dust and ugliness for 6 months this excites you! Grass really makes a different on how your house looks. I never really noticed, maybe because I have never not had grass, but grass just makes the house!!! The landscapers even put in my edging so I have a nice area that is laid out to start planting flowers and shrubs. I'm happy that I can start to plant flowers! I couldn't or I should say didn't plant any flowers this summer, because I wanted the lawn in before I did that.

We have grass and I am so happpppyyyyy!

Update

Just wanted to let everyone know that I still feel great, except I'm hungry a lot and I get tired easier. We had to change our next doctor's appointment because I forgot I had a training class Friday September 14th. Our new appointment is now September 28th.

This week I went to church on Wednesday because Mark and I have joined a program called Dinner for Six. What this is, is 3 couples get together once a month for dinner and fellowship. You are with the other couples for 3 months then we rotate the groups so we meet other couples. We either go out to dinner or go to some one's house for dinner. Mark and I are really excited to meet other couples and make new friends.

Besides that its the usual around here.

Take care :)

Doctor's Appointment

Thursday Aug. 23rd we went to our first doctor appointment. We are 8 weeks along and the due date is 3/31. We got pictures from the ultrasound and heard the baby's heart beat. Doctor says everything looks good. Our next appointment is September 14th.

I'm a little more excited now that we have gone to the doctors. I still do not have any sickness and I feel great, except I get tired easily.

Sorry it took so long to post, but Thusrday when I got home from the doctor's I tried to post, but the computer was not working. Then we left for the Bristol Race Thursday afternoon. Mark and I just got home today.

Talk soon!

things come to you when you least except...

Today when I got home from work I checked my yahoo email and I received and email from an old friend. It was my friend Lizzie that I went to college with at Purdue North Central. I haven't talked to her in over 2 years. We lost contact after college. I thought about her and her family through out the years, but for some reason never looked for her. We had great times together. We were study buddies, lunch buddies, and great friends. She was the one friend that went through the whole Crohn's disease maddens with me.I sit here and wonder why I let a great friendship slip away. I can't change the past, but I surely can control the future of our friendship. I'm so happy that she contact me and can't wait to receive her next email.

Exciting News

Just wanted to let everyone know that Mark and I are expecting an addition to the family, yes we are pregnant. The emotions of knowing that we will be responsible of a child is a little overwhelming. When we first found out I was very upset and mad; mad that I would never be able to go to Cancun again, that life in this house is no longer about us and what if we can't take the stress or I'm like my own mother and just walk out. How am I suppose to know how to take care of a baby. They do not come with instructions. We have known for 4 weeks and the emotions are starting to calm down and I'm not as stressed, I'm still scared and mad at myself for not be really excited. I'm excited, but like some people get. You see them all smiles and glad and I'm not like that. I sure hope I get to that point. I think my dad is more excited than I am at this point.

We go to the doctor Aug. 23rd and I'll provide an update. It will be our first appointment, I'm hope going to the doctor's will make me even more excited.

Talk soon!

Promotion

Not sure I told everyone, but I received a promotion and I start training for my new position in 2 weeks. I'm very excited b/c I'm not on call 24/7 :) I'll be doing more strategic planning and long term projects. I can't wait to start.

Our Bike Ride

A few weeks ago Mark and I went on a bike ride like we normally do. Here are a few pictures of us on our bike ride. We are on a bike trail in Neenah, WI. The bike trail goes over Lake Butte Des Morte. The trail/bridge was used by the Northwest Railway Train and the Town of Neenah redid it so people can walk or ride their bikes on it. There is even a Lock and Dam system at the end of the bridge. It was a very neat trail and a lot of fun.

Our Weekend Gateway

Mark and I at the State Park over looking Green Bay.
Mark and I at Julie's Cafe food was GREAT!!

Me eating Cotton Candy at the Festival while we waited for the fireworks to start. Never to old for Cotton Candy!!




Mark at Bailey's Harbor. Bailey's harbor is on the Lake Michigan side. It was very windy on this side of the peninsula.




Last weekend Mark took me to Door County, WI. Its about 1.5 hours away from our house. It was a very beautiful drive and we had a wonderful weekend. Mark took me to Door County because I have been very stressed out at work, to the point I was work about 12 to 14 hour a day. I told him that I just wanted to get away from it all. That is exactly what we did. I had no cell phone, laptop or KC calling me. It was so relaxing.





Door County is the peninsula or the thumb of Wisconsin. It took about 2 hours to drive around the whole peninsula. One side is on the bay of Green Bay the the other side is on Lake Michigan. It is beautiful!! Our favorite town is Fish Creek and has all types of little shops, B&B's and State Parks. It defiantly a place everyone should see sometime in their life. You can go to the Northern tip at Gills Rock and take a ferry to Washington Island. We didn't do it but we did see the ferry boat unloading and loading cars, and semi-trucks and people. Next time we are going to take the ferry to Washington Island.




Here is the link to Door County http://www.doorcounty.com/

Happy 4th of July

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July. Also want to say Thank-you to all the service men and women who are fighting in Iraq to keep me and this country safe.

Have a fun and safe 4th of July.

Long time

Sorry that I haven't blogged in a while. I have been supper busy. I've spent two weekends with my family in Indiana, then I traveled for a whole week for work. I'm back now :)

Nature

About 2 weeks ago Mark and I bought a bird feeder for our backyard. We knew it would take a while for the birds to find the bird feeder, however this past week the birds found the feeder. This morning I was sitting at our dinning room table drinking my coffee and watching the birds. Here are a few pictures of the birds I caught enjoying the food. I'm not sure what type of birds these are, but they are very pretty, so I thought I would share these pitures with everyone. Oh the cats go crazy watching them. :)

Church Pot Luck

The church pot luck went very well. It was very nice and fun. The fellowship was great. Just to let everyone know I ended up taking swedish meatballs and they turned put very well. I got the recipe off the internet. My meat balls were a succes we only brought home 8 meatballs. There was so much food that I over ate like always . Next time I'll try my aunts meat ball recipe.

My name means...

I believe this is pretty true about me.

You entered: Elizabeth Kay Lawson
There are 18 letters in your name.Those 18 letters total to 74There are 7 vowels and 11 consonants in your name.
What your first name means:
Shakespearean
Female
'King Richard III' Elizabeth, Queen to King Edward IV.
Hebrew
Female
My God is bountiful;God of plenty. Elizabeth was mother of John the Baptist in the bible. In England Queen Elizabeth I and II.One of the most frequently used names in England.
Greek
Female
From the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning either oath of God, or God is satisfaction. Famous bearer: Old Testament Elizabeth was mother of John the Baptist and one of the earliest known bearers of this name; Queen Elizabeth II.
English
Female
My God is bountiful;God of plenty. Elizabeth was mother of John the Baptist in the bible. In England Queen Elizabeth I and II. One of the most frequently used names in England.
Biblical
Female
The oath or fullness of God
Arthurian Legend
Female
Sister of Mark.

Your number is: 11

The characteristics of #11 are: High spiritual plane, intuitive, illumination, idealist, a dreamer.
The expression or destiny for #11:Your Expression number is 11. The number 11 is the first of the master numbers. It is associated with idealistic concepts and rather spiritual issues. Accordingly, it is a number with potentials that are somewhat more difficult to live up to. You have the capacity to be inspirational, and the ability to lead merely by your own example. An inborn inner strength and awareness can make you an excellent teacher, social worker, philosopher, or advisor. No matter what area of work you pursue, you are very aware and sensitive to the highest sense of your environment. Your intuition is very strong; in fact, many psychic people and those involved in occult studies have the number 11 expression. You possess a good mind with keen analytical ability. Because of this you can probably succeed in most lines of work, however, you will do better and be happier outside of the business world. Oddly enough, even here you generally succeed, owing to your often original and unusual approach. Nonetheless, you are more content working with your ideals, rather than dollars and cents.
The positive aspect of the number 11 expression is an always idealistic attitude. Your thinking is long term, and you are able to grasp the far-reaching effects of actions and plans. You are disappointed by the shortsighted views of many of your contemporaries. You are deeply concerned and supportive of art, music, or of beauty in any form.
The negative attitudes associated with the number 11 expression include a continuous sense of nervous tension; you may be too sensitive and temperamental. You tend to dream a lot and may be more of a dreamer than a doer. Fantasy and reality sometimes become intermingled and you are sometimes very impractical. You tend to want to spread the illumination of your knowledge to others irrespective of their desire or need.

Your Soul Urge number is: 1

A Soul Urge number of 1 means: Your Soul Urge is the number 1. With a Soul Urge number of 1, you want to lead and direct, to work independent of supervision, by yourself or with subordinates. You take pride in your abilities and want to be recognized for them. You may seek opportunities to display your strength and usefulness, wanting to create and originate. In your desire to manage the big picture and the main issues, you may often leave the details to others.
The positive 1 Soul Urge is Ambitious and determined, a leader seeking opportunities. There is a great deal of honesty and loyalty in this character. If you possess positive 1 Soul Urge qualities, you are very attainment oriented and driven to success. You are a loyal friend and strictly fair in your business dealings.
The negative side of the 1 Soul Urge must be avoided. A negative 1 is apt to dominate situations and people; the home, the spouse, the family and the business. Emotions aren't strong in this nature. If you possess an excess of 1 energy, you may, at times, be boastful and egotistic. You must avoid being too critical and impatient of trifles. The great need of the 1 Soul Urge is the development of friendliness, and a sincere interest in people.

Your Inner Dream number is: 1

An Inner Dream number of 1 means: You dream of being a leader and one who is in charge. You want to be known for your courage, daring, and original ideas. You seek unconquered heights. People may get a first impression that you are very aggressive and sure of yourself.

See what your name means
http://www.paulsadowski.com/Numbers.asp

Keeping in touch :)

Ever since mark and I got bikes every Saturday we go for a bike ride. Last Saturday we rode 5 miles. We stopped and got ice cream and raced each other. Its a lot of fun and it is healthy for us. Tonight we had to return to movies we rented last weekend, instead of jumping in the car we rode our bikes to return them. I think its a mile each way.

We also have been attending Emanuel Methodist Church. We really like it. Wednesday night we went to dinner at the church and to an adult bible class. It was very nice and rewarding. This Sunday after service the church is having a pot luck. I'm going to make something to take, I ust not sure what to take. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. Pastor Mark is great. He know us by name and he is always inviting us to participate. I want to join the choir, but I'm not the best singer.

We now have a driveway!!! The town will begin putting in the streets and curbs. We have streets, but they are half paved/gravel. Wisconsin does things a little backwards.

I think that's all for now.

Talk soon.

Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day. This day has always bothered me since I was about 12 years old. That's when my mother left my sister, my brother and my self. When I was still in high school I was jealouse of my friends b/c they would tell me about all the wonderful things they were doing for their mother. I didn't have a mother to do things with everyday or even on this one day of the year that is meant to be all about mom. I had my grandma Barnes and Grandma Roberts. They were very wonderful, loving, give what ever they could to make me happy. I loved them both dearly. I wished I had listen a little more to them as I was growing up. Well somtime while I was in college I grew up and realized I blessed with one amazing father! He was not just a dad, he was my mom and dad! He did everything for us kids. He never let us down when life was rough! Happy Mother's Day Daddy!

So to all those single fathers wearing that hat of being a mom and a dad. I say HAPPY MOTHER's DAY to you too!

Kellie Pickler

This weekend was very nice and relaxing. Really did not do to much except Mark took me to see Kellie Pickler in concert. If you do not know who she is, she was on American Idol last year. She was AWESOME! She sang her hit song "Red High Heels " and this song about her mother, called "I Wonder". It made me cry, because it is what I always wonder about my own mother. I felt very connected to Kellie on this level. I joined her fan club, something I never ever done in my life. I'm glad I got to see her in concert before she gets to big in the country music scene. Click below and you can go to her website and here her new album Smalltown Girl. The song "I Wonder" is number 2 on the album. I hope ya'll enjoy her ablum as much as I do!



http://www.kelliepickler.com/site.php

Weekend Outing

This past weekend has been very nice and relaxing. Friday night Mark and I went to Hank's for a fish fry with some people from work. Hanks is located in Menasha, WI. Menasha is about 15 minutes from Combined Locks. Hank's a total hole in the wall place. It was a nice time.

Saturday we cleaned, like always, went to the grocery store and to Target. We bought bikes at Target. :) Saturday night I made Shrimp Primavera and we watch Dateline. It was very nice quite night.

Sunday morning we went to church at a different Methodist Church. It is a small congregation, but very friendly. They only have one service and fellowship after the service. The pastor was great and they sang my favorite song --Amazing Grace! They have fellowship dinner on Wednesday nights at 530 which is better for us since we work to 5pm. The chior was AWESOME! We will most likely go back and try to go to the fellowship dinner. After church we went to Culver's and got hamburgers and fries! I love hamburgers from Culver's! When we got home from Culver's we went for a 4 mile bike ride. It was GREAT! There are a lot of bike/walking trails in this area. We rode on CE Trail and there was tons of people out riding or walking.

This wekend has been a wonderful weekend. Now I'm going to go and take a nap :)

Busy Day

Today has been a very productive day. I was up at 0830 and have already cleaned the house from top to bottom. I even mopped the the kitchen, bathrooms, hallways on my hands and knees. I unbelievable how 2 people and 4 cats can make a house so dusty and dirty. I organized all the free product that KC has given Mark and I. We have way to much Kleenex! We you visit PLEASE take some Kleenex! Mark was so helpful. He vacuum, did laundry and lint rolled the couches to remove the cat hair. :) I have such a wonderful husband. The only other thing I want to do is hang up pictures in our bedroom. Thanks Joyce and Burl for raising such a polite and handsome son! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Mother Nature...

This week's weather has been very odd, to say the least! It started out in the 40s then we had a dusting, then 4 inches of heavy wet snow all day yesterday. Last night it turned into rain and this morning it was light dry snow. By this afternoon it was 44 degrees and all the snow we got yesterday it gone. Its just crazy! I know growing up in Indiana I should be use to it! Besides the weather being odd not much is going on with Mark and I. We are just trying to understand are new jobs and be successful.