Exciting week w/ a touch of saddness

Brian has touted this as "The Best Week" in forever for him. He did have a sad situation happen, but in the big picture, I'm sorry to say, it's for the best. And if it's meant to work out, it will when the time is right. Everything else was great though. He had a very productive week at work, his last expensive "toy" (for a long time anyway) came in a year early and we closed on the house.

We are now homeowners. Nothing is really changing except a little bit of money has been spent and some names on the paperwork have been switched. We already live here, so it's probably the easiest home buying experience we'll ever face. It was still a pain in the butt though. I had been through the process about 3 or 4 times before, but never was able to get to closing for whatever reason. It was never as painful as this process though. In fact, the easiest part was getting to the closing and signing. I blame all the idiots in America who don't know how to balance a check book because the lenders are looking under every rock to find faults with you now.

We're hoping to continue improving the house for the next few years and then go build at on the 20. The time frame - 2-5 years. Why this time frame? Because Kaylee will start school around age 5 and I don't want her in AISD or PISD. We'd love to send her to private school, but we'll just have to see how well my freelance business does because we can consider that more seriously. My biggest thing is to make sure we can pay for her college because there's no point in spending money on private school if you can't complete the job and get the kiddo through college. Maybe I have the cart before the horse on this one - but I think it's because of all I went through trying to get myself through school.

That's about it for now. Still growing. Still feeling ok. Still trying to find the right time to become a SAHPL (which will transform into a SAHM).

Weird Events in the ATX

Kaylee, you are missing a heck of a snow shower here in Austin, TX today. Hopefully your Dad got some pictures, because my camera phone is pretty junky. I'm also in the basement at work, so I can't even watch this rare event.

You also missed a really sad event. And one day I'll have to explain to you that world isn't all flowers and play things... People are crazy. They feel entitled because of whatever reasons they have convinced themselves are the truth. On February 18, 2010, a self-entitled man burned his house down (with his wife and step-child still inside - they were rescued), drove to the Georgetown Airport and hopped in HIS plane and then flew it into the IRS building in North Austin. He was mad at a tax law change from almost 25 years ago. So, he left his family homeless (and for dead really) and scared a lot of people. Luckily, (although sadly) only one man was killed. He injured dozens others. Nothing changed though. Tax laws won't be rewritten. What will change though is security at smaller airports. Good job, Joe Stack. You are an idiot and a disgrace to America.

You'll meet my friend Jennifer one day. You'll probably meet her in-laws as well. Don was at the IRS building when the plane hit. He jumped on a lady to shield her from glass and debris. That lady ended up being the victim's wife. He also helped the burn victim. THAT is the definition of a hero, Kaylee. Not someone who cowardly takes his own life like a suicide bomber in Iraq to prove some point.

Hopefully, more pleasant weird events will happen in your lifetime... rare snow is beautiful.

We Are Crazy

So, with about 4 months left, we have decided to redo our backyard. Told ya we are crazy. Nuts. Insane. What are we thinking??

With me feeling better, the house has slowly gotten cleaner and back to normal. YAY! Brian wants a vegetable garden. By next week. Little ambitious, but I'll take it! I don't think it'll get done til the end of March, if it gets done at all. We have to take down the hot tub/deck/lattice and that will take several people, several power tools, lots of energy and time. And since we have feral cats that like to make a nest under it, I can't help. (Darn!)

As for me, I'm growing outward and more rapidly than weeks past, which is kind of neat and kind of scary. I'm finally working on my list of things that I've always wanted to do, but never had any real motivation... until now.

The list includes things like:
** stop buying commercial cleaning products. They are expensive, have harsh chemicals, and are unnecessary. You can clean just about anything with hot water, vinegar and baking soda (different recipes for different chores...). So the goal here - use up everything I already have/give it away and stock up on vinegar and baking soda.

** make my own laundry detergent. Same reasons.. they are expensive, have harsh chemicals and are unnecessary. I already use vinegar as a fabric softener and it gets rid of nasty smells. I'm going to use (*gasp because I think she's nuts, but she does have good recipes*) Michelle Duggar's recipe. It's 3 ingredients and will yield 40 loads of $2. Tide - 32 loads is $14.81 at Sam's. Ri-dic-u-lous!

** make my own dish washer detergent - same reasons as above. But, I have to find a recipe. The first one I ran into looks similar to the laundry detergent recipe, which kind of doesn't surprise me.

** make my own bread more regularly. I already do this, but it's just when I get a hankering for some homemade bread... otherwise, we have the store bought stuff.

** use more veggies. Until we get our garden going, we are considering joining a veggie club with another couple. It may or may not be cheaper than the grocery store, but it may expand our narrow palette of veggies we like. Also, we'd be supporting local farmers, which is always a good thing! And, if we get really lucky and they aren't lying to us, the veggies will be organic (I'm always suspicious of this since it's not regulated).

** cook more from scratch... get away from processed foods as much as possible. With me possibly (probably) becoming a SAHM, this is a must. We'll be losing an income until I can get my freelance built back up. Processed foods are expensive and honestly, if you read what's in them... gross. The good thing - My MIL cooks A LOT from scratch, as does my grandmother... so I have 2 great people to learn from.

Yep... it's official. I've entered the "nesting" phase! :-D

It's really over this time...

I've waited as not to jinx myself for the 3rd time. The severe morning (all day) sickness is gone as of Super Bowl Sunday. I still get sick every now and then - first thing in the morning typically, but whatever... I can eat whatever and not be in constant fear that it won't stay down. I have more energy but still get winded when I have to walk further than the driveway.

I'm a little over 21 weeks. I feel you doing martial arts on my bladder all day (thank you). I watch my stomach moving as you punch and kick - it's the weirdest sight... I hope to record it a little later in the pregnancy when things get more intense. I can see my belly button a lot better right now, as it is moving forward. I don't think I've gained any weight yet, but here's hoping that I will in the next few weeks before the next appointment.

I'm trying to get your registry done. I'm only half way through and people have been asking since I was like 3 months along. I am not rushing this though. There is a ton of research you have to do nowadays. Every time I turn around, there's a recall because a baby was smashed in half, or something fell off that wasn't supposed to, or a baby got stuck... so, people will just have to wait. The first shower won't be until May. Please be patient... We need diapers and unisex clothes - all sizes, all brands for both.... there's a good start. I hope people respect our need for being practical and NO pink. I don't want to spend the weeks after the showers exchanging stuff for things we need... that just seems counter productive.

Until next time...

Well, Hello Little Girl

Her name will be Miss Kaylee Pearl. The scan Monday took 2 hours because you are stubborn, just like both your parents. I figured since I was sippin' on some Coke all morning (without realizing - duh! babies like to move when caffeinated) for my heartburn, you would be a wiggle worm. But, you sat still most of the time. We watched you punch and kick me - so now I know what is what, which is kind of neat. The tech measured everything she could and all looks perfect. She even found a hamburger - instead of a hotdog ;) The tech said you weigh 10oz.

I will admit, I cried. I'm terrified of having a little girl. My family has always had this stereotype. Girls should do girl things. That breaks my heart into a million pieces just thinking about it. If you want to play in the dumpsters (like my brother did - I wasn't allowed), then by golly! You will. I'm also scared that you'll end up as a girlie girl - of which, I am not... I can't show you how to do your hair and makeup or what outfit looks cute with these shoes. I barely can do those things myself, which is why I typically keep things simple.

Things are still pretty rough health wise for me. Pregnancy migraines are the absolute worst. And the challenge to keep any kind of food down is still ongoing. Unfortunately, we have crappy insurance, so the meds that help most of the time are not covered for more than 4 days a month. How ridiculous is that?

So, here we are. Half way through baking you up so that world can meet what is most likely going to be the most precious and fun little girl.

Love, Momma

To you, Baby T.

Last night while getting situated in bed to go to sleep, I was looking at my stomach thinking - Wow... I really am growing a person. Then all of a sudden, you kicked the crap out of me and I saw it. It was THE weirdest thing I've seen. I called Brian and had him come sit with me for a bit. I've been trying to get him to feel your kicks and punches, but alas, you got quiet and went back to sleep.

Today we find out if you'll be a Kaylee or a Liam. I promise to stop calling you "Alien" when we find out... but, you have been hard on my little body to the point where if you don't let me eat and drink and keep it down, we're going to both end up in the hospital. So, please little baby... let Momma eat and feel good.

Love,
Mom