Hazel Dell Baby Shower

Well depsite a few MIA hostesses and everyone else being pregnant, I managed to have a shower at Hazel Dell. Thanks to all my wonderful friends who helped out and showed up. I really appreciate the wonderful gifts from everyone. Here are a few pictures to highlight the event...

Gwen, Jenny, and me. The three very pregnant ladies.

Brad seems to really like this Pooh Bear.

Ashley, Heather, Natasha, and Jenny - awesome friends.

Super delicious cake. And it's not pink!

The church decorated with our usual theme.

The painting and touch-ups are finally done. Border is done. Changing table/dresser is in place thanks to the help of my good friend James. (That thing weighs as much as a sumo wrestler, and fights like one too.) The crib is assembled and in place, with mobile attached, tested and approved for service. Still to come are bedding, valance, and whatever else you have to put into a room to make it girly and usable for effectively rearing a child. I've created a somewhat creepy video walk-through of the room so you people with spacial issues can see where everything is at the moment. Enjoy...

4th Ultrasound

4th and final ultrasound. Nothing to see really, but the nurse was able to get a quick glimpse of Madeline's face. All looks normal and she's about 3 pounds. She's in the 50th percentile for weight, so we can't expect anything better. No video or pictures this time. Check back soon for updates. Happy December everyone!

Heather's Ohio Baby Shower

Heather had a great baby shower over Thanksgiving weekend in Ohio. At least that's what they tell me. Men don't belong at events like that...too much estrogen floating around. Anyway, I'm posting some pictures of said event. Thanks to everyone who attended and for all the gifts, we really appreciate it!

Another Work Day

Slowly but surely we are getting Madeline's room ready. This weekend the Dumbris' came over yet again to help us. Chad and Brad hung chair rail and additional shelving in the closet. (Chad is a very handy friend.) We also switched all of the outlets to white and put up a curtain rod.

(This reminds me....Brad has managed to goof up every single switch controlled outlet in our house that he has changed out. If you know how to fix this, please let us know)

Melanie and I worked on clothes organization and the closet. As you can see, we've already begun accumulating a variety of sizes and seasonal wear.

Up next is that blasted border, as well as painting the chair rail.

Furniture arrives in 2 weeks!

Omphalophobia

As my close friends, family....and even colleagues can attest to, I have an INTENSE fear of belly buttons. I have no idea where this stems from, but everything about belly buttons makes me uncomfortable. Thinking about belly buttons makes me want to throw up. Typing this post makes me want to throw up. Obviously pregnancy, babies, and belly buttons go hand in hand. I think I can get around the baby part by forcing Brad to handle all diaper changings and cleanings until things clear up. This leaves me concerned about my own navel. When my friend Krista was pregnant, her belly button popped right out for a good month and I couldn't stand to look at her for fear I might accidentally see it. Brad and I were walking through Target a few weeks ago and there was this very pregnant lady standing in an aisle with her belly button popped out about 3 inches. I went frozen on the spot. Brad had to drag me away so I could suppress the nausea. During my last ultrasound, the tech pushed the wand thingy right on my navel and I nearly puked on her. I know everyone likes to tease me about this, but it's REAL. It even has a name apparently. My only saving grace is that I have an exceptionally deep belly button. I check it several times a week so as to make sure it's still cavernous. So far, so good. Now if I can just get through "The Belly Button Book."

99 Days To Go...

We are actively clearing the way for Madeline's nursery. This past weekend was painting time with Melanie. Melanie and I have decided that we are the best painting team ever. I paint the bottom half (so I can sit) and she does the ladder work. We hammered out the nursery in 2 hours plus a few quick touch ups. Next weekend will be chair rail and border, which I am a little nervous about. I also need to clear out the nuclear fallout shelter I created in the closet. (You think I'm being sarcastic, but I'm not.)

The dogs are very curious about what's going on....

If you think these pictures are blurry, keep in mind that this is how EVERYTHING looks to me all the time.