~~~ One Month Old ~~~

                                                Baby B

I know you are a baby but you aren't so tiny anymore! You're eviction notice was a month ago...hard to believe. Our hearts couldn't be more full of love for you... even if some nights you are nocturnal and want to party. You were born 8lbs 8 oz and within your first week you were back to birth weight. Then the next week you gained 11 oz weighing in at 9 lb 3 oz! Now, you are close if not at 10 lbs! Which means, you are in 0-3 month clothes now. Your NB sleepers are too short in the arms and legs. You didn't have much growing room since you were born 21 inches long. I call you Bubba, munchie cause you are my munchkin, buddy, B, and Brayden Cooper (I kinda sing it like a song you like it). Your eyes are blue for now... Mama doesn't think they will stay blue. You have dark brown curly hair and an awful whirl cowlick in your front hairline. That is going to be a fun one for mama to cut! 

Your favorite activity by far is bath time! You go limp with a look of extasy on your face. Speaking of your face, you have so many expressions. My favorites are before and after you go poo. From red faced grunting to pursed lips and eyebrows raised in satisfaction. Your coo's make daddy and I laugh and smile. We could eat you up! You really like loud music. You like to go on car rides and more recently enjoy hanging out in the moby. You konk out in the stroller when we go for walks. You make it clear when you are hungry and I can never get ready for you fast enough. Once you've started nursing, you make some funny noises and your legs move like crazy! You really like your food! You have even proved yourself talented enough to take a bottle! Although, not so talented enough to figure out a pacifier... please take one soon because the screaming drives me bonkers! I do think you will be a thumb sucker. You suck on your hands all the time and one day you will find that thumb!

You do not like being ignored or left alone for one second. You tolerate tummy time for 5 min. You scream and fight your sleep...silly boy. But we love you just the same! 


You are changing so rapidly. It makes me excited to see what you will do next but sad that these precious newborn moments are flying by too quickly. We cherish every snuggle time we can get from you. And you like to snuggle lots! Mama does not want to go back to work in Janurary but is thankful it will only be 2 days a week! It is so much fun being home with you... even when you throw your fits!

HAPPY FIRST MONTH MR. B. COOPER!- XOXO MAMA AND DADA

39 weeks and 4 days...

AND LABOR BEGAN....

Sunday, October 14, 2012, I woke up at 6:30 AM. This had become my normal routine. As I went to the bathroom, I realized there was some bloody show. I went back into the bedroom and told Nic FYI he will be coming soon. I didn't realize labor was about to start. I went back to the bathroom because something didn't feel right. A clot the size of my fist came out and I freaked. I yelled for Nic and he handed me his phone that was already calling the hospital. They told us to come in and we did so. I was hooked up to the stress test and asked not to move. That is when contractions started. My contractions were 3-5 min apart the entire labor! After an hour and a half, my Dr. got there and he, Dr. Mora, was not concerned. He said I was in pre labor. Oh, did I mention I had contractions and was told not to move! I was a finger tip dilated and 90% effaced. He told me to go home rest up and come back later when contractions were stronger. My dad jumped in his car and my mom called in a sub since she was at work. Once home, my dad asked about every 30 min. if we could go back. He said, "Stef don't you feel like it's time? Can't we go back?" He was a little excited and had no idea the long labor we were in for! My wonderful husband gave him a beer and they watched football! Yes, the beer was consumed after 12:00 PM. At 3:30 PM, after hours in the tub and rocking on my ball, I decided it was time to go back in. They checked me and hooked me up to the stress machine (I despise these round monitors that are not so gently shoved into your tummy) and declared I hadn't changed. I remember thinking, "But how could this be? I sure feel like something has changed with all these contractions!" My Dr. said I could go home or walk around for an hour and hope my dilation changed. I quickly realized just how small the labor and delivery floor of the hospital was! After an hour, they checked me again. I was a 1 almost a 2. My Dr. told me I could go home and come back or I could be admitted. Wahoo you just said I could be admitted!?! I would have crawled in a hole if I had to tell my dad we were going back home! I didn't wait for them to "admit" me before heading straight for the tub. I think I was a fish in my past life! The nurse came in after about 40 min and told me I had to get out of my happy  place (the tub) and into the bed to get admitted.... humph fine! "No, no one told me I had to have these darn monitors back on! For how long?" And here came the second worst news of my labor.... I had to wear the monitor for the rest of labor!!! I wanted to rip those things off me! "Wait, Can I go back in the tub with these things or will I get electrocuted?" Thank goodness it was safe for the tub! After one nurse blew two veins in my left hand, the other nurse safely placed the IV in my right hand! Here's to awful black and blue and pain from blown veins...cheers! After 16 hrs of 3-5 min. contractions even my happy place was not fun anymore. 2:30 AM I asked for the epidural. I really wanted to get to 4 cm before having it but that was not happening fast enough. Why, oh why, was I ever afraid of the epidural process? I felt nothing and the anesthesiologist said I had a skinny back! Ahhhhh, the pain was gone from my lower back and belly... isn't this great guys? Well, I may have gone into chatty mode at 3 AM and neither Nic nor my parents were into it. In a nice way, the told me to shut up and get some rest! And so I did. 5 AM Dr. Mora came back to check me. SPLASH GUSH FLOOD... yup there goes my water all over Dr. Mora aaand I was now at a 4! It was that easy, go to sleep and you progress! Dr. Mora was off to meetings and Dr. Dowling was taking over. He started me on pitocin to get things moving along a little faster. The pitocin can go to 20 and at around a 6 I started to feel back pain. I told the nurse and she said hit the button for more medication. Well after hitting the button 5 times, and the pain getting worse, something was not right. She rolled me over to find that my epidural had come out just enough to stop working! Full on contractions with pitocin are nasty! I tried to breathe through them but half the time tears were rolling down my face. An emergency c section had just gone in, and the anesthesiologist would be 45 min before he could get to me! Once my second epidural was in, life was grand! My epidurals were the best. Everything was numb and I could still move my legs somehow! When Dr. Dowling came in at noon to check me, I had not made any progress. She squarely looked me in the eyes and said it was time to talk reality. She said I would most likely end up a C- section but she would still give me 2 and a half hours to see if any progress could be made. I was not giving up without a fight. I opted for increasing my pitocin and getting contractions a min. apart in hopes to fully dilate. My pitocin was slowly uped to 18 and Brayden was monitored closely. He did great! My time was ticking and with 30 min left Tami called in help for me! Doula Carolyn to the rescue! Dr. Dowling didn't come back until 5 PM instead of 2:30 PM which was a blessing. Carolyn had me in all sorts of funny positions. Upside down, all fours, on my knees, "sifting" me with a scarf and the nurse may have thought we were crazy but was rooting for me! 5 PM the moment of truth.... NO CHANGE! And with that Brayden was handed his eviction notice. Dr. Dowling told me not to be upset and that I had literally done everything I possibly could have. That having this C-section was not me giving up but that he was too big to come out. It was not what I wanted to hear. She explained what was about to happen and I half listened trying to fight back tears of defeat and fright. Carolyn prayed over me and as they wheeled me away I burst into tears. The nurse invited my mom in (which she okay-ed with me after inviting her in hahaha I didn't mind and wanted her there. Oh, my mom is an RN works with premie babies at Swedish.. this is her gig) She and Nic were suited up and came in once I had been prepped. My arms were tied down, the curtain was up, and I was full on shaking freezing. Some nice person decided to grab a bag of antibiotics out of the fridge and put it in my IV!!!! The anesthesiologist tried to help me get warm but not much you can do when it is running through your body already. At 5:55 PM, Brayden Cooper Truscott was born 8 lbs 8 oz 21 inches long. There was lots of shoving and pushing going on after he came out. I kept asking the anesthesiologist what are they doing?!?! He was great and kept me updated the entire time. It seemed like forever while they put me back together. I was wheeled to recovery and finally able to hold my beautiful baby. I have so much more to say about his birth but this novel is long enough! After 33 hours of labor, Brayden Cooper Truscott was born on October 15, 2012 and shares his birthday with my dad! He is a proud grandpa to share his day!

until next time...

heartbroken mama

Yes, our little guy is here but that is for another post. 

Let's back up to 34 weeks pregnant...

...We went in for a routine check up with a Dr. we had yet to meet. The clinic we go to has five doctors and two are male. Dr. Mora and Dr. Mallory are the two male doctors. I enjoyed Dr. Mora and now it was time to meet Dr. Mallory. I was less than impressed with him. He talked really fast and likes statistics. I found him rather random and wasn't quite sure what to take from the appointment. He basically was telling me that there was no way I would deliver this baby naturally. He mentioned c-section and that was it for me. This man was not high on my favorites list. He wanted to "start collecting a data set" to see how big our baby boy was. He asked us if we wanted to have an ultrasound at our 35 week appointment. Sure, why not. It would be another chance we get to see our little guy before he is born. We arrived at our appointment a week later eager to see our little guy! The ultrasound was first and then we met with Dr. Dowling. We really like her (she ended up delivering us). She is patient and listens to your wants. It was towards the end of our appointment when she said so they talked to you about the hydronephrosis. Nic and I stared at her blankly... the huh what? She back pedaled and said oh sorry I thought they had told you. His left kidney was slightly dilated meaning there was a blockage somewhere. She said it was common in boys and would probably go away once he was born. She didn't make it sound like it was something to worry about so I tried to let it go. It wasn't until after he was born and we were heading to our first pediatrician appointment that my dad reminded me to ask about it. His Dr, Dr. Ban, didn't see any records of my 35 week ultrasound. I asked Bellingham OBGYN to send my records over. Dr. Ban reviewed them and wanted to have an ultrasound done on B to see how his kidneys were. On Tuesday, B had his ultrasound and of course the tech is not allowed to tell us anything. I anxiously awaited Dr. Ban's call the next day to hear the results. I was certain all would be fine and it was cleared up. No, the opposite. The left was now at a moderate dilation and the right was at a slight. My heart sank. What does this mean? Will he need surgery? What is causing this problem? He can super soak a diaper so how can he have kidney problems? Dr. Ban said we needed to go in for a VCUG test. They put a catheter in and fill his bladder with a liquid dye and take x-rays to see if there is reflux of urine back into the kidneys. If that was the case, there would be high chances of kidney infections. The test would also tell us if there was an extra valve on the back of his urethra causing the blockage. God was watching out for us and our friend Kayla is the Radiologist at the hospital who does this test. We were scheduled for the VCUG on Thursday when guess who came down with a cold on Wednesday night. There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching your two week old try and breathe with a stuffed up nose! I felt so helpless for him. We went to Dr. Ban Thursday morning to confirm it was just a cold. They performed the most brutal tests to make sure he didn't have rsv. He screamed and cried. My baby doesn't produce tears but he did that morning! Then in the afternoon we went in for the VCUG. Poor thing two awful tests in one day. He did amazing! Kayla performed the test twice to 100% make sure that we were in the clear. There was no refulx and no extra valve. What does that mean? We will go back for another ultrasound in 3 months to make sure the kidney's haven't gotten worse and in 90% of these cases it just goes away by 18 months. This was our best case scenario. I will try to forget about it until 3 months from now. My best friend said it best... it is just a little piece of what gives him character! I am glad there is no reflux or valve. I was so sad with tears streaming down my face that my little boy was going to need so much more. When in reality, all we need is a little bit of time. I know this is not my last hard day as a mama but it was a hard first go around! 

until next time...

37/38 weeks

37 weeks

38 weeks

How far along: 37/38 weeks 

Gender: Our little man 

Maternity clothes? I don't think they make clothes that fit women at this stage of pregnancy. 
Stretch marks? We always called B the "monster" and well he truly is. We found out he will be at least 8 lbs.. what this means for me... those darn stretch marks finally arrived 
Sleep: In three hour chunks and then just get up at 6 AM 
Symptoms: 75% effaced and on and off contractions

Name: Brayden

Weight Gain: Welp when you are growing a monster the gain continues +30

Cravings/aversions: JUICE!!! Love Juice! We got apple cider yesterday!!! 

How the baby is growing: He is full grown and ready... he just needs to realize that and come out 

Movement: He must be getting cramped because today he has slowed the jabs. Don't get me wrong he is still moving but not at the same rate!

What I miss: When you go to a restaurant and you scoot your chair in and then you take a bite and lean in over your plate... I can't do that!  

Best Moment of the Week: Finishing off B's room with pictures in the frames! 

Worst Moment of the Week: When the contractions stopped and didn't come back... boo

Belly button in or out? I for sure thought this thing was going to pop but I guess the cave was SO deep that it still has room to come out more... we are still in

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Pleasant still but these last two weeks are getting to me. My feet start to get fat at the end of the day now. It's a good look I think! 

Looking forward to: Meeting this little guy already! 

until next time...

34/35/36 weeks

I am on th I-pad so it is a no picture post...sorry! We are doing good just busy busy as we count down the last few weeks!! Didn't this go by fast?

How far along: 34/35/36 weeks 

Gender: our little man

Maternity clothes? I can tell the belly is bigger because things that are maternity and used to fit nice do not anymore!! 
Stretch marks? I might have one still trying tomfigurenout if it is or not hahaha maybe that is denial! 
Sleep: this last week really took a turn. I need SIX pillows to be somewhat comfy...not good! 
Symptoms: Mint tums are my favorite! Takes the reflux away!

Name: Brayden!

Weight Gain: With 3 weeks left I am up 27 1/2 lbs. phew! Let's keep it to a lb a week! 

Cravings/aversions: Sugar is amazing and so are blizzards. It didn't help that when we went to the sounders game we got buy one get one free blizzard coupons! 

How the baby is growing: He is a honeydew. Dr's want to do an ultra sound this coming thursday to check out his size. We are measuring a little bigger and well we all know at 5' tall it might be a challenge to get him out of there. Please pray for no c section and that they at least let me try on my own! 

Movement: This morning he decided to drop a little. This means I can take in deep breaths. It also means more pressure down yonder! Ouch! I over did it yesterday staining the fence, runni g around with my mom and other chores! Oops! 

What I miss: exercise..period! I want to bike run jog do more than walk one lap and have my back hurt!

Best Moment of the Week: finally hanging up things in B's room! So close to being done. The fish need bubbles and then put the randomness away!

Worst Moment of the Week: Waking up every morning and my feet hurt so bad! Once they get warmed up they work again! 

Wedding rings on or off? On! No swelling phew! 

Happy or Moody most of time? Still happy but Ntsy when things need to be taken care of. I get nervous everything won't be in order before he gets here! 

Looking forward to: seeing the little man on the big screen Thursday! 

until next time...

30/31/32/33

We have been so stinkin' busy this summer. I have not had any time to sit and blog. We are go go go and eventually I will make a blog of pictures that will depict our summer. As for now, here is the update for the last month.

How far along: 30/31/32/33 weeks 

Gender: mommy's new man

Maternity clothes? I am now outgrowing some of the shirts I have. They are tighter and barely covering that belly of mine. 
Stretch marks? I just keep slapping on the lotion
Sleep: Oh I wish I could sleep past 5 AM!
Symptoms: The burps and reflux are baaaack

Name: Baby B or Brayden

Weight Gain: Wow since last time we have gone to the Dr. twice and I am now up 26 lbs.... it can stop now. No, really it can!

Cravings/aversions: Still loving sugar

How the baby is growing: He is a butternut squash this week. His bones will all be hardened in the next two weeks!

Movement: Today was not a good day... we played let's see how many times we can stick our fit into mommy's right ribs!

What I miss: I just want to sleep on my belly!

Best Moment of the Week: Oh my gosh... I had a baby shower that was so much fun, we went to the sounders game today (hot but fun), Nic's 10 year reunion, and my brother got married! 

Worst Moment of the Week: I dread sitting in the car for more than 10 min. It is not comfy in the least. B gets squished and mad and moves and jabs... no good!

Wedding rings on or off? On and still loose. I haven't gotten swollen

Happy or Moody most of the time? Although uncomfortable, still happy

Looking forward to: booking another massage!

until next time...

27/28/29 Weeks oops

I have been a huge slacker so here we go! 

How far along: 27/28/29 weeks 

Gender: little man

Maternity clothes? Funny joke... I tried to put a regular t-shirt on and my belly hung out the bottom. I swore I would never be that pregnant lady and took it right off! 
Stretch marks? Lotion is key people!
Sleep: I have a night here and there where I sleep
Symptoms: What are these? I still feel normal

Name: Baby B or Brayden

Weight Gain: We went to the Dr and guess what people! The scale is my friend... I didn't even go up a full lb... +20 right now

Cravings/aversions: ummm I like sugar sugar sugar... oh and the waking up at 2 AM starving has returned... mmm peanut butter on toast 

How the baby is growing: He is an acorn squash this week and will triple in weight in the next 11 weeks...YIKES 

Movement: When is he not moving?!? We went out on Cory's boat this past weekend and he didn't move at all! I think he likes to motion of the ocean

What I miss: Okay tmi time... I wish I could wipe like a normal person after going to the bathroom. How in the world will I do this in a month or so?!?! Drip dry?

Best Moment of the Week: I am currently at the salon to get my hairs did and then I am off to get my massage! Ahhh such a spoiled girl

Worst Moment of the Week: That nasty heat we had over the weekend. Thank goodness my 5 year old niece shared her slip and slide with me. Well I sat in the little pool end of it and she dumped water on me! Then we went out on the boat with them the next day! Gotta beat that heat! Good thing it is 68 degrees today... NOT. I want my summer back.. just keep it under 80 degrees please

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? HAPPY!!!

Looking forward to: M-A-S-S-A-G-E

until next time...

26 Weeks

How far along: 26 weeks 

Gender: Baby Boy 

Maternity clothes? It is quite interesting... if you look back you will see that this tank was once worn with leggings....ya my rear end would show now if I did that outfit! 
Stretch marks? I check daily... well the parts that I can see... I don't see any but those two tiny ones on the left side.
Sleep: What is that word?
Symptoms: Nothing here

Name: Are you ready???? BRAYDEN

Weight Gain: +19 I will update again when we go to the Dr. on the 30th

Cravings/aversions: Fruit! Cherries are my favorite right now 

How the baby is growing: His eyes are forming and he has eye lashes! I hope he gets Nic's lashes they are so long! 

Movement: Well he really likes karate, soccer, kickboxing, yoga... you get it. He is VERY active. I thought it was trying to escape out my side the other day!

What I miss: Being able to bend. It isn't too far out that I won't be able to tie my shoes! 

Best Moment of the Week: My mom came up to get her hairs did and stayed over. Always fun to have mom around!

Worst Moment of the Week: It wasn't that bad it was rather a funny moment for the week. I had to take my glucose test on Monday. okay ladies, that orange drink is not that bad. It tasted like orange soda! I drank it at 8:25 AM and my paper said to show up 10-15 min early to get my blood drawn because there might be a line. I showed up 10 min. early and they were not happy with me. I cut in line and bypassed the 7 elderly people who had been waiting. WOOPS! Then I told the lady my right arm is the good arm. She says, "First you show up late and then you tell me which arm to use!" Someone was a little cranky! I laughed and thought it was all funny! I have gotten my results back and I am normal. However, I am anemic and need more iron. That worries me because I do not want to be constipated! EESH! 325 mg twice a day!

Belly button in or out? Oh the cave is a shallow wading pool but still in!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Peachy!

Looking forward to: My bday! 

until next time...

25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks 

Gender: Baby Boy 

Maternity clothes? Yes, I started wearing them at 9 weeks....they do not fit how they did at 9 weeks...can we go back to how they fit then? 
Stretch marks? Still wondering if there are two tiny ones on my left side
Sleep: I wake up once still and usually by 6 AM I am up
Symptoms: Noppers 

Name: Baby B.... because we haven't decided how to spell it yet

Weight Gain: +19 let's not talk about it... less froyo and more gym

Cravings/aversions: Just eating normal food 

How the baby is growing: Oh he's growing! He is also growing more hair! Wonder what color it will be? 

Movement: Oh all the time. He found my ribs too! They are not a jungle gym B please leave them alone!

What I miss: sitting down comfortably 

Best Moment of the Week: When the Dr. was listening to his heart and he punched the doppler thingy... nobody gets to bug B in his condo! 

Worst Moment of the Week: Oh I was at the gym, and there are mirrors in the locker room. I glanced at one and thought, "Wow baby got back!" Err realizing that my thighs and butt are not my original model....hmmm 

Belly button in or out? Somehow still in

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy! I want to meet him already!

Looking forward to: Hood Canal! Oh a little vacay! 

until next time...

Spare time

It feels like every weekend we are on the go! The weekend of June 24th we were down at my parents. Nic had just gotten back and Sunday, June 24th was the madre's bday! HAPPY BDAY MAMA! My mom and I got our nails done Saturday. We did the shelac nails and I love them! Sunday, we took mom out for bday breakfast! When I got to my parents, I looked at the guest bed to find quite a few outfits. They were not the usual size 4 cute Stef clothes. Instead, Baby B's closet will soon look like my own! My dad found Carter's online first and made and an order. Well, mom could not be shown up and so she made an order. Below, is the aftermath! I can't wait for him to wear all of these. I love the stripes and my favorite onesie is "Mommy's NEW Man!"

 This last weekend we were actually home! Can you believe it? But just because we were home, that does not mean we had nothing to do. The dentist I work for opened a coffee stand down at the Marina. Being 24 weeks pregnant, I thought why not get a third job! We had training on Saturday and I worked 6:45 AM- 1PM on Sunday. I like being down by the water but not sure how long I will actually be able to keep up with three jobs and a growing belly. 


We worked on the yard too! Nic's new toy... Mr. Edger. It is amazing how just tidying up the perimeter makes things look 1,000,000 times better! 

 My plants were a little dying down. I found them some new pots at our second home...home depot. Nic helped me replant them and my tomato plants are much happier! Here is the gerber and calalilly. I hope their flowers come back! I'm not too good at this whole plant deal!

until next time...

23/24 Weeks

How far along: 23/24 weeks 

Gender: Little Man 

Maternity clothes? Yes, I am still on the hunt for some cotton summer dresses that do not cost an arm and a leg  
Stretch marks? There might be two tiny ones starting on my left side... the little man likes to hunker down on my left side
Sleep: Is peaceful now that I have my snoogle!!! It looks like a giant boppy for a pregnant lady! see picture below!

24 weeks

Symptoms: Very tight/bloated at night  

Name: Baby B.... because we haven't decided how to spell it yet

Weight Gain: +13 but I haven't weighed in for three weeks...next appointment is July 3rd.

Cravings/aversions: Back to eating like a normal person

How the baby is growing: Little man feels like he is growing 1lb a day. No really, he is almost a foot long and his lungs are almost fully developed but not functioning yet 

Movement: B thinks that when you lay down for bed it is time to dance!

What I miss: Being able to be super woman, go go go...can't do as much anymore... but that doesn't stop me from trying!

Best Moment of the Week: Ordering the Crib, dresser, and night stand! He has furniture coming! 

Worst Moment of the Week: This darn weather! Where is summer?!?!

Belly button in or out? In... I give it two more weeks and then it will be flat

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy...but anxious

Looking forward to? Doc. visit to see how he is

23 weeks 

until next time...

22 weeks

How far along: 22 weeks 

Gender: B-O-Y 

Maternity clothes? Yes, I am now on the hunt for some summer dresses...hard to get in the mood when our temp has been 58 brrr 
Stretch marks? Not that I can see
Sleep: Getting harder and harder. The little man decides he does not like to have his bubble encroached upon. He will let me know by jabbing if I am anywhere near laying on my tummy! Funny guy he is! At least I know he will have a backbone!
Symptoms: No problems here  

Name: Baby B.... because we haven't decided how to spell it yet

Weight Gain: +13 but I haven't weighed in for three weeks...next appointment is July 3rd.

Cravings/aversions: Nothin' really...Feeling rather normal these days

How the baby is growing: I think he is about 5 feet tall right now and realizing he cannot be outstretched for much longer! 

Movement: He gave a serious kick to Dee's hand last weekend. I felt him moving and said put your hand here and then he got her! One night my belly looked like popcorn was being popped!

What I miss: Walking normal...I have to tell myself left right left right point the toes forward no waddle waddle I will not be that lady yet!

Best Moment of the Week: Having Dee here to spend our gross nasty rainy weekend with! 

Worst Moment of the Week: When my neighbor rang my doorbell, to give me a 2 lb yorkie he found in the middle of the road because his dog would try and bite it if he took it home.....uhhh.... thanks John? I walked around the neighborhood determined to find the owner and I did!

Belly button in or out? In... I give it three more weeks and then it will be flat

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy happy happy! Getting even more excited each day!

Looking forward to: My hubby coming home!! 

until next time...

Visitors

All the single ladies, all the single ladies....

For those that do not know, I have been husband-less for the last three weeks. He is working his behind off to finish his second bachlors degree in Civil Engineering. I could not be a prouder wife! He amazes me in every thing he does but working full time and classes takes a special person, my husband! He takes classes online with the University of North Dakota. He has to go there every summer to complete labs. This year, there were three labs. They condense a years worth of labs into one week! EEK! He had three labs to complete, hence being gone for three weeks. However, what is even more exciting, he never has to go back again! He will finish his degree this Decemeber! I am a little jealous of his trip. We met a couple, Jen and Mitch, on our honeymoon in Jamaica. They happen to live in Fargo and hour away from where Nic stays. He has gotten to see them the last two years! They just had a baby girl and I wish I could have seen her!!

Back at the home front, I was working hard to play harder! I decided if I was single I certainly would not own a house! It is a ton of work for one person! Luckily, I had some help and visitors! The first week Nic was gone his brother Ben stayed with me Thursday- Sunday. It was the boys big fishing trip! Nic's Dad, Grandpa, Brothers, and Carla went out fishing all weekend. It was fun to have family in town, I miss being surrounded by family! While the boys and Carla were off playing, Stine joined me Friday- Sunday! We had good weather...phew! Friday night we went out for Mexican dinner! I was needing tacos. Saturday was busy busy! I got my hairs trimmed, we went to the Bellingham market, ate lunch (left over tacos!), mowed the lawn, went to find Stine's friend at Brats and Beers festivle to try her cupcakes, and that night had a celebration @ home!

Mowing the lawn 5 months pregnant is not hard people! Well, I have a flat yard. Stine emptied the bag for those of you worried I did any heavy lifting. I had fun! I just couldn't stand looking at the tall grass... it made my house look UGLY! Thank you for your help Stine!!!

action shot...I know, I know flip flops are a no no... but really how would you run your own foot over! I just had green toes after! I already got yelled at...trust me!



Stine brought celebration goodies! Happy engagement to her and baby boy for me! One cupcake was suppose to be for Ben, but he didn't come home early enough to join the celebration! And of course, Stine brough the sparkling cider!



DIG IN!!!!

Thanks for making a fun weekend with me Stine!!! Miss having you closer!

until next time...

Let's here it for...

NEW YORK!

Over Memorial Day weekend, Nic and I headed east to the big apple! I hadn't been back in four years.....that is way too long! Our trip went too fast, but that is okay because Nic said we can visit again in two years! I am so glad he wants to see more of the city and be with my family! We hit the ground running as we landed at 7 AM Thursday morning. My mom's parents came and got us and we took them to breakfast. We then headed to their house to quickly unpack before Uncle G and Aunt Tre arrived. We did a quick drive by to my dad's parents house to say hi and then we were off! First stop, Nic had to go to the bakery in Jersey. He has had the crumb cake from here when my parents bring it back. Naturally, any sweet toothed man would need to go here. 

 Linzer tarts are my FAVORITE cookies! Oh, I wish we had a bakery here on the west coast that made these. Wait, I wish we had just one good bakery period out here! 

 Standing proud out front with our loot. Aunt Tre and Uncle G went back on Sunday for us and bought 6 crumb cakes, 2 cannoli's, and 2 linzer tarts to bring home! Yes, we somehow got them in our carry on's and back in one piece!

 Second stop, NYC! Here we are at 30 Rock. My Aunt Tre's second home (she works for NBC)

 We showed Nic around. We scurried our way throughout 30 Rock's building, St. Patrick's Cathedral (we lit a candle for the baby at St. Theresa's statue), showed Nic where the big tree is at Christmas and ice skating, the NBC store, and off to check in for Jimmy Fallon.

  We had a blast at Jimmy's show. We got the Aunt Tre privileges and treatment of sitting front row and meeting Jimmy and his band, The Roots, after taping. While we were waiting for Jimmy, I interviewed Nic on Jimmy's set, jk. 

  We met the band while waiting for Jimmy. They were all super nice and down to earth. They were wonderful. Jimmy came out and was in a hurry to get to his book signing but was sweet enough to take a few min. out and greet us. He is just like you and me. A regular guy who happens to be well known by many of us, but you would never know it! He forgot to say hi to me and went straight for the belly. Not going to lie, it was a little awkward but funny at the same time. 

 Ever since I was a little girl, I remember going with Aunt Tre, Uncle G, and my brother and playing on all the sets. Of course, we had to get Nic in on the fun too! Here we are pretending to host SNL! 

When we were little we called this the magic marker building! 

 After finishing our NYC day at the top of the Rock, 69th floor aka the roof of 30 Rockefeller Center, it was time to head back to Grandma and Grandpa's. Thank you for the wonderful time in the city! 

Friday:

We started breakfast at Goldberg's with Grandma Lois and Grandpa AJ, my mom's parents. Yes, this is the bagel place! I had a bagel with cream cheese and a yoohoo! Every pregnant woman's dream breakfast! Once we get a bakery in WA, can someone please open up a bagel place! A real bagel place not the nasty bagel's that are already served here. After breakfast, we went back to the house and waited for Aunt Kathy and Nicholas to pick us up. It was a day spent up in my old neck of the woods. We went and saw my old house, which looked quite different. However, I was surprised at how little had changed in the town. Then, we went to West Point and looked at the museum. The boys were in heaven with the history, guns, and old ammo. 

After West Point, we headed back to where my grandparents live where Grandma Sally and Grandpa Charlie joined us at Posa Posa for pizza!!! Nic did not know what to do with our east coast pizza. I taught him how to fold it and let the grease drip off. It was sooo good! So, after the bakery and bagel place, we must open a pizzeria! Thanks Aunt Kathy for a thoughtful and wonderful day!

After pizza, it was off to Jersey with Grandma Lois and Grandpa Aj to do some tax free shopping! I got spoiled and Nic only found a pair of shorts! When we finished, Aunt Toni was waiting for us at Grandma Lois and Grandpa Aj's. My grandparents live 5 min. from each other which makes things easy! We had dinner that night at Rocco's. When we go to NY, we go for family and food. Rocco's is our favorite dinner place! I always get the eggplant parm wedgie and eat lots of deep fried garlic knots! (I was starting to dread getting on the scale at the doctors the following week)

Saturday:

Grandma Lois and Grandpa AJ had everyone over for a BBQ and we celebrated Aunt Toni's bday! A big thanks for those that came in from Long Island, the city, and Johnny for driving down from Boston! It was so much fun to see my mom's side of the family! It isn't often that we are all able to get together which makes these moments that much more special. After the bbq, we were off to 16 handles where my cousin Joe works. It is like going to froyo. Aunt Toni had decided she was going back for birthday cake (with cannoli filling!) at the house so she would only sample the yogurt. Her sample cup was filled 14 times and somehow she managed a small bowl of yogurt too! It was hysterical! I wish they were all closer! 

 Sunday:

We had a bbq at Grandma Sally and Grandpa Charlie's! You are wondering why there are only 7 of us? My second cousins on this side live in upstate NY and that is a long drive! We had a wonderful time visiting and throwing in a surprise birthday cake for Aunt Kathy. Her birthday was this last Friday but since we were in town we celebrated over Memorial Day weekend too! She was not expecting that hahaha! 

Monday:

We gathered both sides together for breakfast and Aunt Tre and Uncle G took us back to Newark to head home. It was a whirlwind but well worth it! Next time we go, I told Nic I will go out for one week without him and he can join me the second week! I am feeling the need for a Jersey Shore trip! I love the shore! I wish Snookie hadn't ruined it! This trip made me realize how important and special family really is! Make sure to tell them all how much you love them! XOXO 

until next time...