Honey-Do

I am 33 weeks pregnant and I waddle. Not a little bit- enough that some of the interns at work are mimicking me. Daily. I can see my belly swinging side to side as I walk and it kind of throws me off balance. When I try not to waddle it looks like I am going to barely make it to the bathroom in time- So I gave up. So I waddle, who gives?

And yes, I have been a slacker on the fruit updates of Chamblee's size- This week she is about the size of a honeydew. Who has ever seen a honeydew? I mean, one that wasn't already chopped up? Anyway. It looks like this:Pretty huge, huh? In 3 weeks she will be a watermelon- and that is weird. Speaking of Honeydew, K's "honey-do" list keeps getting longer and longer... actually, shorter and shorter, because he is all over it (fear of the wrath, I'm sure...) Hanging curtains, creating shelves, helping with baby laundry, and gathering little tiny things that we will need when she gets here- but I am SET on getting right now. He's a champ and I'm a loon. Not sure if pregnancy has brought that on or if pregnancy has just made me aware of it. Whatev.

Did I mention baby laundry? Let me tell you how generous my friends are. My office mate had a baby girl in December, and another co-worker had twin girls in November. Both are finished having children, and have decided that I need all of their baby clothes. All of them. Every day this week I have received a shipment. And there is more to come!

Here's a picture of just 2 loads of the 9 we have done total. Yes, 9 loads of baby laundry. Aren't their clothes supposed to be smaller? And huh? They are bringing me more? They are so kind. They are genuinely happy to give me all of these clothes, and I am grateful and very very happy to receive them. Another perk? I get 2 of everything the twin-mama gives me, making it possible for me to pay it forward to a friend from home who is having a little girl in October. We are absolutely more than set for at least the first 6 months. God is good!

Speaking of generous friends... another co-worker of mine is a fabulous artist and has offered to paint the canvas for little Chamblee's nursery. I gave her the swatch of fabric from her bedding/curtains and told her to have at it. I am so confident that she is doing an absolutely amazing job. I can't wait to see it!!! AND- said artist also used cloth diapers with her sweet little girl and has passed on dozens of cloth diaper pre-folds and covers... 2 tupperwares full...In fact, every diaper and liner that she used from birth until potty training. Did I mention that we are set? I am amazed by the honest giving spirit of these friends. It's such a blessing- they don't even know. We are so, so thankful.

In the theme of generosity, thoughtfulness and all that jazz... I got a present tonight that totally surprised me and is still making me smile:) If you remember- I'm so sure you do- a while back I made an Amazon wishlist... the first item on that list? A Serena and Lily Organic Sling for baby guff. Seen here:

*Sigh* I actually think I blogged about it... hmmm...Yup, right here. Oddly enough, in the same post I gushed over the Biltmore girls. I had dinner with them tonight and they totally gave me this sling!!! Freak. Out. One. Time. I can't believe it. Dreams do come true! And, Mrs. U, you were totally right. While I was showing it to K online, he says, "How much was that thing?" LOL times about 1000. Maybe more. I am so happy to use it when she gets here- Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! So. Much. I love it. And ya'll.

This week begins my you-are-going-to-be-so-jealous work schedule for the next 3 weeks. I have this Friday off... and next week is a 2-day week for me. Followed by a 3-day week. Followed by my fulfillment of the last 2 weeks of my job. I can't believe I only have to go into work 17 more times. Whoa. That gives me more than enough time to complete the nesting I have started. It's ridiculous.

The next-to-last load of laundry is ready to be sorted, folded and put away. It's already past my bedtime, and K is passed. out. from his run. I better hop to it and get our tushies into bed. Tomorrow comes early.

Until Next Time,

The Guff

-ps- OMG I could totally have a baby in 4 weeks! Yike!

The First Supper.

This is what I think about:




Do you see that? That's a bacon wrapped filet with blue cheese. That's an almost-rare steak on the inside. That's going to be a full, full-bodied glass of red, red wine. The first of a few. That, folks, is what I have asked K to make me my first night home from the hospital. That. Is where. It's at. Oh come on baby Chamblee, I want my steak and I want it bleedin'.

Until Next Time,

The Guff

Week 32: Rando Commando

8 months? I can't be 8 months pregnant. I'm not even big enough to be 8 months pregnant. Hahahahahahaha. That's a joke. I'm as big as a house.

It seems so unreal that anywhere from 5-8 weeks from now little Chamblee will be here- crying and pooping and... crying! I think I cry once a day now. Over something. Feeling overwhelmed, being excited, hearing K sing to her at night, feeling grateful, washing her clothes and having the house smell like a baby, praying for her, and yes, over the fear that I will make a miserable mother. I know I won't. I'll be awesome. I just get scared and I cry. I have stopped making lists titled "Mass To-Do List Before COG Arrives" because they only frighten me and give me cause to worry. I have about 6 things on that list and they are all things that I can't do right now... but still I stare at it and rant to K that we aren't prepared. We aren't ready. And, that, is crap. We have more clothes for this child than I ever thought she would have...in her first few years... We have toys, we have diapers, and as K likes to point out, "You have the food and we have a crib. She'll be fine. We're ready." He calms me so effortlessly.

And now, I'd like to bring your attention to our chain link count down. Remember when it was like this:



Well, now it's like this:




What happened here? That can't be right. Only 54 links left on the chain? Sigh. We aren't ready. Rinse & Repeat.

Um, this is random and very, very late- but I never shared our 3D pictures of baby guff via my blog world. Most of the people who follow me here are also my FB friends, so it's more than likely you've seen them already. . . but I just want to share 1.
Won'tcha look at that. A little smirk from my little lady. Sheesh she looks just like her dad. That's cool. Good thing he's cute.

On to more serious things. I now know what it would feel like if I were on the X Files. I feel like someone has injected some serious funk into me and I now have an alien living, growing and morphing inside of me. Just waiting until it's ripe to tear my skin open and come out ALIVE!!! Ha- but seriously. It's weird. Don't get me wrong- I love feeling her move around all. day. long. But there are just some moves that this girl makes that make me wonder- What. Are you DOING in there?! Last night she woke me up. Kind of. I had gotten up for my 2nd round to the bathroom (much to Bailey's dismay- I totally ruined his snuggle) and I was alllmost back to sleep when WHACK! A fierce kick to the rib. I sat straight up. Well, as straight as I could. Ok, I was mostly just straightening my neck... Anyway, I thought she might be coming out of my side. Like, straight through the skin. I laid still to see if she was finished for a while... Long enough to have to go again. You know, to the bathroom. Duh.

Oh! I had my first baby shower this weekend! I can't wait to tell you all about it, but I am waiting on the pictures from my mom's camera. (hint hint noodle!) I forgot to charge mine. Weird. Anyway, you'll appreciate it more with pics, I'm sure. It was fabulous.

News for the day: We booked a flight to California today! We go at the beginning of October. Risky! My 'little' brother lives out there in Arcata and we have YET to see him on his turf. K got an alert this morning that the fares were as low as they'd ever be so we jumped on it. Then called him to let him know :) Little Cham will be almost 2 months old so here's to crossing our fingers and toes that she is healthy and happy and cleared for flight by then. OMG how am I gonna pack for a newborn?! Yike.

Until Next Time,
The Guff

Happy Father's Day!

My dad rocks.

My dad is the funniest person in our family. He is always up for a good laugh and a good time. He has worked hard and sacrificed and put his children first for the last 34 years and continues to do so every day. He never missed an event in our entire lives. I can vividly remember him in his suit standing on the sidelines of every soccer game. He hauled me all around the tri-state area for what seems like millions of soccer tournaments, and was there to hand me the hair spray at every cheerleading competition. I get a lot of 'me' from my dad- and I'm proud of that. He taught me to work hard, always, even when you don't like your job. He taught me that you can't give up- on a job you 've started, on people, on yourself. He taught me to stand accountable for my actions- even if they were wrong. He taught me to treat others with respect and the whole concept of this 'responsibility' thing. He never sugar coated things for me, which always gave me a sharp since of reality. I am grateful for that. He has built more things for me than I can count. I compare everyone's spaghetti to his- because it can't be touched.

Daddy, thanks for always checking my car before I hit the road, and washing it for good measure. I can't promise that I take as good care of it as you did- but I try:)

Happy Father's Day Pops! I love you!

Until Next Time,

The Guff

Natalie & Natalia

So I cooked. To those of you who don't know me very well, you probably won't even count this as cooking. To those of you who know me- Thank you. I can hear your applause. I did it all by myself. All but 2 parts: The onion chopping and the crispy making. (see below). I found a recipe that someone gave me a while ago- sadly mistaken that I would ever use it. I got motivated, and when I told K that I needed ingredients for Broccoli Casserole from the store I got a cute little smirk. One of those, "I support you- I will watch you try- I think you can do it- Maybe- I'm giving you an A for effort already" smirks. Maybe there was even a glimmer of hope in that smirk that I would actually make a habit of this cooking thing. I am giving it a shot, as once little Cham gets here I am going to be the home maker. The mom, the housekeeper and, yes, the chef. Here's a photog of the process, with a glimpse of how I was yelling at K for instruction half way through:



3 things at once? Oh no she di'in't!


"KRAIG!!! THE ONIONS ARE BROWN!!! I totally quit!"
"That's normal. You're doing great."



"Kraig, please don't get my belly in the shot."

"Can't help it babe."

I know, so healthy.

"KRAIG! I DIDN'T GET ANY CRISPIES!!! You have to have something crispy on casserole. It's totally ruined."

"Oh, I'll just make something up."

"Kraig! There are so many dishes...ugh."

Smirk.

So that was that. It was pretty darn good. I could totally make it again. I probably won't, but I could.

Until Next Time,

The Guff

Shout Out SPC!

Ok. I am currently loooving sweets, and I am telling you- if I had all the money in the world and the metabolism of a 10 year old, I would order and eat these. Every. Day. Forever. I think they are all that I would eat. Ever.



My friend Sheila makes these for weddings, birthdays, showers, gifts, and whatever else you need something absolutely heavenly for. I have seen her website and seen pictures of these things for months- but I had never actually tasted one before a couple of weeks ago. I honestly am at a loss for words. I haven't had a better dessert...ever. Seriously. I don't even know what kind I had, but I had to leave the room so that I wouldn't eat any more. Ughhhhh Sheila. They are all I think about. MMM MMM MMM.

Point is, everyone should have one. or six. Whatever. And everyone should tell everyone about them. I am promising more than satisfaction guaranteed. I am promising a strong addiction and obsession with these little delights. I am drooling down my face.

...I hope she doesn't mind me totally pimping them out on here...

Until Next Time,
The Guff

I broke down and did it...

I bought a bathing suit. Granted, I didn't buy the dreaded tankini or one-piece- I went out on a limb and bought a bikini. A large one. I mixed and matched and this is what I came out with:


I like it, and the bottoms totally take one's eye off of of the bump. pffft. I got to sport the suit for the first time this weekend @ Mae's pool. Seriously- everyone should see this place. It's their first home and they have totally outdone themselves. The house so nice and spacious and the backyard is bangin'! A pool with a huge deck and tons of pool toys:) We had such a blast. We gossiped, swam, laughed, laid out, grilled out and... I got fried. I mean, really, really fried. I lathered up the whole time, so I am a little confused...I know my skin is more sensitive now, but I'm used to using 4 and 8 oil. I used 30 lotion. What more can I do? I don't know if I can bear wearing higher than 30, or go the zinc route. Yike. And, if I have to go up another bra size I am going to freak. I'm tired of buying bras. Ugh.

Another thing I finally broke down and did? Told my boss that I wouldn't be coming back to work after the baby is born. It was a really tough thing for me to do- because I actually like what I am doing, and I love the people I work with. I really have fun pretty much every day. Most of the people I work with think I am a nut job because I dance -80's style- in my office and I say silly things. Maybe they'll miss that :) I officially have 39 days left in the office. . . Weird! So. If anyone knows anyone looking for a 8-4, M-F job downtown, let me know! I am looking for my replacement :( Speaking of countdowns- 69 days until my due date! That. is crazy.



A new discovery: Yoga! A co-worker invited me to go to yoga with her last week and so I went... and loved it!! It was a little tricky at some points because I can't exactly bend the way I used to, but even the modified stretches felt really good. It's a free class every Thursday~ so if you wanna try it let me know! I am planning on going every week, and maybe eventually enrolling in some of the paid classes they offer. It's such a good thing. The instructor was telling me that a lot of the poses are designed to really open your hips - so I'll be the girl on the floor in my hospital room doing the 'child's play' position while in labor :)


Until Next Time,
The Guff

Lauren Grace

One year ago today was a hard day.

I was preparing to leave Jamaica from my Honeymoon and my best friend was in a state of complete devastation.

Lauren Grace Williams, a sweet baby girl who had just arrived here, was taken back home.


It was absolutely the most helpless I have ever felt to date. I can vividly remember not knowing what to do- but transferring all the leftover clean underwear in my honeymoon suitcase into a new tote bag and throwing in a black dress and dog food while K booked a dog-friendly hotel in Knoxville for the next few days. All while racking my brain. What happened? Why? I don't understand. Are you sure this is real? I just held her. We need to leave. Now. We got the dogs from the grandparents and hit the road. A resented extended vacation.

A lot has transpired in the past year, including my bestie getting pregnant and expecting a sweet baby not long after Chamblee arrives. I still don't understand, but I do trust. I trust that God has a plan. And, no matter how annoying it is to hear that sometimes because it just. doesn't. make. sense. I do trust Him.


"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
-Matthew 5:4









Until Next Time,
The Guff

Thirty? 30!!!

Today marks 30 weeks of pregnancy for me! I can't believe I am already this far along. I never thought I would get here!!! I always envisioned the 30's as the home stretch- It could happen at any time after that point- not really- but my brain has always worked that way. I honestly feel like just a couple of weeks ago I was telling my family and friends about our big surprise. And, soon enough, I will be showing her off for all to see. It's almost emotionally unbearable. I cry all the time thinking about her. And thinking about delivery. I am pretty tough- physically- but I know that I have never experienced anything like this before. . . what if I can't do it? *Confession* I have a mild obsession with the show '16 and pregnant'. I don't know why. It's a ridiculous show. It makes me angry every time I watch it because of the attitudes and selfishness of these kids having kids. I have a series recording set, though, and watch them like a Law & Order marathon. It started with just wanting to see different situations of delivery. I was curious how they varied. Then I got sucked into the story lines. You wanna know something odd? Only 1 (out of the estimated 15-20 episodes) girl decided not to have an epidural. One. And, they didn't show her delivery. Just a clock ticking. . . . . . . . .WHY?! That's the stuff I want to see! All the other deliveries pretty much run the same. Crying out to their moms to hand them their cell phones until they are allowed an epidural, then putting on eyeliner while being told to push. Ugh. OK, that's a slight exaggeration- but seriously, after they get an epidural it seems like they have no pain whatsoever and it's as simple as having a bowel movement to get the baby out. It worries me. But then again, not really. If I had a baby when I was 16 I would probably be pumped with drugs, too. For so many reasons.

We went yesterday to get our 3D/4D ultrasound pictures. Exciting, right? Right. I did everything I was told to do~ I was so hydrated you could have poked me with a needle and water would have leaked out and I ate so much sugar that I was seriously buzzed. When we got into the room I was all giggles -I'm telling you, the sugar- until we saw what Cham Cham had going on in there. Her little arms were crossed at the elbows right in front of her button nose and she was bent -completely in half- with her toes by her ears. Hm. Does she even have a face? Because you can't. see. a thing. We tried and tried to get her to move her arms and legs away from her face... they pumped me with MORE sugar juice boxes and asked me politely to jump up and down and shake my belly. Awk. Ward. K talked to her and told her she better wake up and there she had her first shot at disobeying. She didn't move. Only gave us back to back yawns. . . As if she were saying, "Please. I do what I want, and right now I want to sleep." The ladies were so kind and asked us to come back again next week. So, there I was buzzed and disappointed. I am glad she is modest, but come on! We're your parents!

This week in development is mostly about Sweet baby COG's brain. Growing and growing... and BOY she really gets the hiccups about 4 or 5 times a day. It's sweet <3. This is what State thinks about her so far:

"I'm tired of you reading this book. I'm going to eat it."

Crazy boy. Maybe he'll give her tips when she starts teething.

Until Next Time,
The Guff

*Nerd Alert*

I have some nerdy blog questions... so this blog will be boring, but hopefully one or some of you can help me out! I am technology handicapped and I'm not quite ready to ask my husband for help on my blog. I want to seem capable.

*How do I get the people that I am following to show up on the side of my page? I have found some really wonderful blogs via some of your pages, and I would like to share with the world some of my favorite blogs in hopes that you enjoy them, too. I just don't know how to do it:( I have tried every setting. Blah! Help!

*How do I change font size on words? Sometimes, when I am feeling very funky, I want words really, really emphasized. You know, sometimes italics and bolds just don't do the trick.

*How can I get vertical pictures centered as my header? I have some snazzy pictures that I would like to have as my header, but they are vertical, and always shifted to the left:( I know it can be done. AND, speaking of headers, How do I get words over my picture? I know this can be done, too. I just don't know how!

*There are 2 blogs in particular that I am in LOVE with, and can't figure out how to follow them so that they show up in my reader. . . Am I slow?

That's it for now.

To keep with the *Nerd Alert* Theme, I will leave you with this:


I found this tagged picture of me on facebook from about 4 years ago- at a Christmas sweater party. The caption: "I was pretending to be pregnant." Wow.


Until Next Time,
The Guff

AVL

Asheville! We loved it! It started out a little rocky... we got to our beautiful hotel only to find that we were the youngest by around 65 years- due to the National Lions Club Convention. Yike. Then, we found out that our room was 2 double beds. "Uh-uh". I am not staying in one little teeny bed with my husband for our anniversary- after my body pillow squeezed in there we'd have to sleep in separate beds. "Uh-uh". K, without hesitation, cancelled our reservation on the spot. I was left with my jaw on the floor. It was kind of fun- spontaneous, adventurous, crazy. We laughed about it and went downtown to search for a new hotel. Oops. We forgot it was a holiday weekend. Nothing available. Anywhere. I started crying. K finally found the only room available in downtown Asheville- a 2-room King suite. Darn... Once we decided not to drop that kind of dough K kicked it into high gear. (This is the part of nerdy husband that i looove!) We found a place to stay. Actually, a better place. Relief set in and we headed that way. The rest was wonderful. Looking back, I am not surprised, and I should not have worried. This is the kind of stuff that happens to us. It always works out and I usually overreact. Whatev.

Long story short- one word short- the weekend was beautiful. I cannot remember laughing as much in a LONG time. We truly spent every moment enjoying each other's company- and laughing. A lot. It almost felt like we were teenagers who had snuck away behind our parents' backs for the weekend. Minus the part where we chose to go to bed early and wake up together and enjoy a cup of coffee. When did this happen??? We drove the Blue Ridge Parkway on Sunday before heading to the Biltmore. It was such a beautiful day we couldn't resist blaring some blue grass and having all the windows down; surrounded by incredible views and the smell of honeysuckle. We want to move to the country.

The food. Ohhh the food. My favorite part. We ate here, here, here and here to name a few. If you are EVER in Asheville, you have to eat at at least one of these places. Have to. Asheville is so organic and locally centered. Even the water tastes fresh. Everything was so fresh, in fact, almost every restaurant we dined at boasted that they did not even own a freezer. You could taste it. Ohhh I miss the foooood!

There was too much packed into the weekend to talk about... it was wonderful. Here's a photo blog:






Cheers!
Until Next Time,
The Guff