Merry Christmas To All!

We have been so blessed with a wonderful 2009! Landon is a healthy and happy 7 months old with three teeth and more on the way! He is SO close to crawling...he lifts himself, rocks back and forth and is soon to push off. He loves to babble and will tell you a whole story if you'll listen!

Our holidays thus far, like everyone's, have been busy. We've all been fighting the common cold and hope that we will be through with it soon. I was excited to see Eric and Keira this past weekend while they were home for a few days. Today Landon and I will head back to WL for dinner with family and church. Due to layoffs within the Sheriff's Department this is the first Christmas Eve that Brandon has to work. He will join us later tonight after his shift is complete. Tomorrow will be spent with both sides of our family. Crows in the morning and Blairs in the afternoon/evening. We are also looking forward to our big Crow family meal on the 26th.

From our family to yours, we wish you a most wonderful and memorable Christmas this year and a very Happy New Year too!

Happy Thanksgiving

We are thankful and blessed to have such wonderful friends and family in our lives. Wishing everyone a very

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble 'til you Wobble...then take a nap!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from our Favorite Little Monkey!

Landon's Favorites at 5 mo. old

First of all, it is hard to believe that Landon is 5 months old! He is growing into such a little boy. He weighs 18 lbs. 15 oz. He has 2 teeth poking through his bottom gums and is doing really well with that! Here are a few pictures of Landon doing some of his favorite things.

1. Playing with/in his Super Seat

2. Rolling around on the floor from one end of the room to the other

3. Swinging until he falls asleep

4. Rolling under the dining room chairs and using them as a jungle gym

5. Taking a bath

6. Watching the neighborhood w/ Daddy from the picture window in our living room

7. Eating

8. Sleeping

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who may have sent me a text message for my birthday! After dropping my phone in a glass of lemonade my screen is completely blank and therefore I can not see anything on my phone. So, please don't think that I don't appreciate your thoughts by me not responding, just know that I have no way of checking text messages! Replacement phone coming tomorrow!!!

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Any one know these two guys!?! Why must they make my life so crazy right now?!?! Work is absolutely so busy that I can't even see straight!

You asked for it... Here it is...FINALLY!

Needless to say I am well over due for an update. After numerous inquiries, little by little, I will try to bring you up to speed with all that has gone on in our crazy life this summer. Nearly every weekend this summer and already this fall we have been busy with some type of function and spent a lot of time with family and friends as we watch Landon grow right in front of our eyes!

JUNE-

Landon gave us his first TRUE smile on June 17 and has been smiling ever since! He is such a happy baby and has us completely spoiled! On June 18 he began to sleep in his crib. We were happy to celebrate Brandon's first father's day in West Lafayette with our families and dear friends from home.

We had great visits with family that was visiting from California and college friends that we haven't seen for a few years. Brandon and Larry took in a Tribe game that was part of their Father's Day gift. The very next day they wanted to see "if they still had it" so we went to Sluggers-N-Putters for the batting cages and driving range.

JULY-

We spent the holiday weekend in WL. Took a motorcycle ride w/ my mom and dad in the afternoon and went to an annual holiday BBQ with friends in the evening on the 4th. July 5 is Aleesa's bday so we were together with the Blair crew that day to celebrate.

I decided to stay in WL with Landon for a few days following the holiday. We worked on a few projects with my mom and Landon got to spend some extra time with all of his grandparents. It's so nice to have everyone in the same town... just miles apart! On July 15, Landon spent a little bit of time with Toni (babysitter aka Mimi) while I went to the dentist. We tried to spend a little bit of time with her before he was to be with her every day to ease the transition.

July 17 I redeemed my post labor Mother's Day gift! After Landon was born he got me a gift certificate to the spa for lunch, a facial, mani, pedi and massage! What a treat! Landon was supposed to spend the day with Daddy... but Brandon got selected for Jury Duty! My first 3 days back to work Brandon was stuck in a court room!

July 20.... I went back to work! So far... so good. Of course long days which is to be expected. Once the season gets under way it will be much harder. We decided that Brandon would take his family leave once I went back to work to extend Landon's time w/ Mommy & Daddy and prolong the need for a babysitter. It was SO great for Brandon to spend time with Landon, especially as Landon's personality develops more and more. He is so happy and brings smiles to our faces always.

July 21... 2 Month Shots for Landon! I didn't think that I was going to go to this appointment. Being my second day back to work and unsure about Mommy emotions at the Dr, Brandon was going to take Landon...until Jury Duty of course! So I took Landon and with Judy's support... we survived. Landon did great and I did ok too! :) It's a small price to pay for a healthy baby!

July 24 we decided to bring a little bit of fun into the neighborhood. We had replaced a toilet and before we discarded it, we made it a lawn ornament at the neighbor's house with a "nice" display of silk flowers in the bowl. Silly, we know... but so funny to get their call on Sat. morning after making the discovery. Knowing that we were going to be at family reunions all weekend we left a major opportunity for revenge and they took full advantage! A bit hard to see in this pic, but yes, the toilet is on our roof with a spotlight on it! HILARIOUS! We left it there for 4 days and to watch the lookers who passed was great! Good neighborhood fun!

July 28 Landon Rolled Over! He rolled a number of times that week and the week after. Took a bit of a break and has now again been rolling a lot.

July 31 Brandon and I went on a date night to watch the Tribe play followed by an amazing fireworks display! Landon stayed at home with Grandma/pa Crow for the evening.

AUGUST
Aug 2 We were home for another set of family reunions and Bryn's 5th Birthday celebration. I took it upon myself this year to make her cake... DORA!

Landon's 3 mo pictures were taken a week early... but it was the best time to fit it in our schedule. He did awesome! He was loving the camera and took some adorable pictures... at least we think so!

Aug 22 We took in another Tribe game and my parents went along too. Landon stayed at home this time w/ Grandma/pa Blair. Everyone spent the night as we then prepared for Landon's Baptism on the 23rd! It was a great day surrounded by family and friends. A great lunch followed church and a visit with family at our house after. Thanks to everyone who came and for the unexpected gifts!

SEPTEMBER-

We were so excited for my family to come from Houston/Dallas to visit over Labor Day weekend. It was great to see them and for them to meet Landon. Thank goodness for great weather so we could enjoy the time outside. Also that weekend it was time to take things to Mimi's house! Landon officially started at the babysitter's on Tues Sept 8. He is doing well there. He gets much love and attention.

Sept 12-13 I was extremely happy to have Michelle come visit! It had been a year since she and Justin got married that we had seen each other. While we keep up through email and phone, it's not the same as in person. Though these two visits w/ out of towners were brief, they were so great to see everyone and to catch up!

Sept 19 Brandon and I went home for my 10 year class reunion. Not many people were in attendance but my best girl friends were so it was worth the trip for me. Hard to believe it has been 10 years already. That night before coming back home we had a brief celebration with my mom for her birthday (Sept 20th).

Sept 22, 4 mo shots for Landon. Again he did well. He weighed in at 17 lbs 7 0z and was 27 in long. He's growing quite well and the Dr. didn't see anything to be concerned with. We talked to her about cereal and baby food. We may begin introducing the cereal next month.

Sept 25 I was fortunate to have the day off which worked out perfectly for a quick trip home. Because it was Larry's birthday Aleesa's crew too made the trip to WL to surprise Larry w/ Pizza and a DQ Cake (a family favorite). A nice celebration with family in a low key setting. A great time. We couldn't stay long though as we had to be back on Sat for Robb & Helen's wedding. Congrats to them! Sunday we made a trip to Medina to help Kate move... she's a first time home owner! YAY!

That's all for now... ha!

Landon is Well!

Today we went for Landon's 1 month Wellness Check and he is doing great! The Dr. was very pleased and said that he looks great and that she doesn't have any concerns at all with him.

Weight: 10lbs. 12oz. (80th percentile)
Length: 23in. (95th percentile)

We are blessed to have a healthy baby boy!

Thanks for taking my picture Grandma Blair!

THE ENVELOPE?
Yes, we've opened the envelope! After Landon was born, we decided to open the infamous envelope to learn the sex of our baby! The ultrasound was correct... It's a boy! :)

WHAT'S IN A NAME?
How did we decide to name our baby Landon Ray? Landon was simply a name that both Brandon and I liked. We didn't personally know anyone else with the name. After Landon was born and the name was given, we've been asked if it is a combination of Larry & Brandon and though we had never thought of that before... Sure it is! As for Ray... both my dad and Brandon's mom share the middle name of Ray (Rae). We felt that it was not often and pretty special that a name is common to both sides of the family so we decided to honor a grandparent from both sides and go with Ray. Had "Beanie" been a girl, the middle name would have also been Rae. What would her first name have been? You'll have to wait... our next baby could be a girl! :)

THANKS IS NOT ENOUGH!
We can't begin to thank our family and friends for all that they have done for us both throughout our pregnancy and since Landon was born. The generous gifts, phone calls, e-mails and meals have been so great. We can't thank everyone enough for all of your love and support. THANK YOU!

LANDON RAY BLAIR

WOW! It's been a while... a long while... since I have signed on to update this blog! Here's the latest... picking up from where we left off on May 10.

May 11- Dr. appt was great. Still dilated and effaced the same, 2 & 75%. Babie's Heart Rate 152.

May 12- Happy Birthday Cousin Sean

May 14- Meeting with my HR Team to finalize my plans for leave (good thing we did!)

May 15-Brandon had done a lot of landscaping for a friend and all of our yard work and I had a busy day at work with a lot of walking so we decided to stay in Fri night and order a pizza. As we were looking ahead to the weekend I asked B what we had planned for Sat. We had NOTHING on schedule so I decided that I was going to go and get a pedicure! Perfect... A day with nothing but relaxing to do!

May 16- Happy Birthday Uncle John & TODAY WAS BABY DAY!!!!!!!!!

Here's how it all went down...

7:46 AM WATER BROKE while I was lying in bed. (Not exactly what I had expected at all to say the least!!! What an experience!)

8:40 AM Left our house for the last time ever without a baby! Our drive to the hospital was not at all what we had expected. We were both in great spirits, relaxed and calm as I was not having contractions at all!

9:00 AM Arrived at Akron General Medical Center- 3cm Dilated

9:30 AM Pitocin was started through my IV

2:30 PM 5cm Dilated. Intense Contractions. Epidural administered

3:00 PM Mom & Dad came. We visited until 4:00 and they then went to get a bite to eat with Brandon before labor progressed any further.

6:15 PM Nurse said that I was ready to go. Dr. had been called.

6:20 PM Began to push

6:30 PM Was told I had to stop pushing b/c the Dr hadn't arrived yet

6:40 PM Dr arrived! Pushing resumed.

6:59 PM LANDON RAY BLAIR ENTERED THE WORLD!!!! He weighed 8lbs 5oz and was 20.5 inches long with a full head of dark hair!

8:00 PM Grandpa & Grandma Crow came into the room to meet their FIRST Grandbaby!

9:15 PM Grandpa, Grandma and Daddy went to get Mommy a Frosty & French Fries from Wendy's! After not eating ALL day, it sounded SO yummy!

10:00 PM I was taken to my postpartum room for relaxation and recovery. My food arrived. My parents left for my house. Brandon decided to stay with me & Landon to help us through the night.

Overall, I felt AMAZING and told Brandon that I would do it all again tomorrow! I was really pleasantly surprised with labor. I was thrilled to have Landon in less than 12 hours from start to finish. Of course as the Epidural wore off there was pain, but it was tolerable...especially as I looked at Landon! :)

May 17- My parents came back in the morning after having spent the night at our house. Grandma & Grandpa Blair came to see us mid morning and Kevin, Aleesa, Grayson & Bryn came in the afternoon to meet Landon. Dan & Jena came in the evening. It was great to have visitors to help pass the time. No matter how great the hospital...it's never nice to be in one. I was happy to be feeling wonderful!

May 18- Happy Birthday Sabre & HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL!

We were so anxious to get out of the hospital. We had been there for such a short time, but believe me... it was LONG enough. Being bothered by the staff throughout the night and trying to see that Landon didn't disturb others who were trying to sleep was a bit unnerving. We were ready to go home and adjust as a family. The drive wasn't really what we had expected either. Landon cried the whole way. We didn't get any of the "great" pictures or video that he had imagined we would. However, Landon did proudly wear his WITNESS onesie in support of the Cavs.

May 19- Landon met his babysitters! Thanks to Angela & Toni for coming & bringing us dinner!

May 20- Newborn Check-up at the Pediatrician's Office! Landon weighed 7lbs 12 oz.

May 21- Happy Birthday Alisa! Thanks for coming to meet Landon!

Happy Anniversary Steve & Jen

May 22- Happy Birthday Erica!

Landon has his first photo session with a photographer. Will send a link soon for all to view his pictures. A nurse from the hospital came today too to check on us. We asked about Landon's umbilical cord and the odor it had. She advised us to call the Dr. Other than that she seemed to think that we had things under control! So far... So good. Then the hospital called. UPS had destroyed Landon's blood work on the way to Columbus so we had to go back to get it drawn again. I was a teary mess, but Landon was great! He wouldn't take their pacifier and didn't make a peep. What a trooper!

May 23- To the pediatrician re: the cord. They treated it a bit to dry it up, decreasing the odor. Said it looked good though... no infection. Landon weighed 8lbs. and is movning in the right direction. Saturday night... The cord fell off! WHEW!

May 26- Happy Birthday Jaime, Carl, Nick & Robin!

May 27- Happy Birthday to my Favorite Aussie... Kylie!!!

Went to the Dr. too for a weight check... 8lbs. 11oz.! He's definitely eating well!!!!

May 31- Landon went to church! He did great! After making his presence known at the very beginning of the service he didn't say another word! We were happy that he got to meet Pastor Bryan.

June 1- Happy Birthday Stephen & Cade! Brandon went back to work today. Now it's just me and Landon at home in the evenings.

June 2- Happy Birthday Jessica!

June 3- Landon went to Mount Union with Grandma & Mommy and got to meet Audra!

June 5- A second photo session. We are so excited to have these photos. Link is soon to come. Scott & Val came for lunch.

June 6- Happy Birthday Parker! Landon's first trip to West Lafayette. We gave him a big bottle before we left and he was content the whole way home. Brandon did yard work with his parents & Landon met many new friends. After a long day we again fed him before we hit the road back to Green. He slept the whole way. We are LUCKY!

June 7- Landon's first trip to the grocery store! :)

June 8- Landon went shopping with Mommy & Grandma at the Lodi Outlet Mall. June 13- Grandma & Grandpa Blair came to visit!

May 4-10

4- HAPPY BIRTHDAY COUSIN JOHN!

Starting today we will now see the Dr. EVERY WEEK! We still can't believe that we are already to this point of our pregnancy. Now that we see the Dr. every Monday, we know we are on the downhill run! I have successfully gained the 35 lbs that the Dr was hoping for. Baby's heartbeat is 147 and I have begun to dilate! 2cm & 75% effaced. The Dr. has reassured me that the 'contractions' that I felt last Friday were real and that I should monitor them. Now it will just be a waiting game. Who knows how long we will be at this stage... a few days? a couple of weeks?? We'll keep you posted!

5- HAPPY BIRTHDAY COUSIN MICHELLE!

6- HAPPY BITHDAY DAD!

Brandon was given the day off as there was an abundance of Deputies on the schedule. Therefore I too shortened my hours. After working from home until 1:30, we were off to run a few errands that needed to be complete before Baby gets here!

7- Cavs v. Atlanta! Another exciting victory!

8- HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSICA!

9- Mom and Dad came up for a quick visit. It was a great day to shop the local greenhouses for seasonal flowers and plants. Brandon and I were then off to Dan & Jena's to celebrate Alexis' FIRST birthday! It's hard to believe how quickly a year can go by.


10- HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY ALEXIS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TROY!!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!

Apr 27- May 3

27- HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT!

28- I had yet another meeting at work regarding my maternity schedule and my plan to attempt balancing work and family after the baby arrives. We are getting closer. Just need to complete some paperwork and hopefully get this all squared away soon!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERIC & KEIRA! They too have purchased their first home! Today they were to get the keys with a planned move this weekend. We are so happy for you!

30- My Group Sales Team went to dinner at Morton's Steakhouse in downtown Cleveland to celebrate a really special season! As a sales team were were successful in reaching a couple of lofty goals. It's great to work hard and to be rewarded for it too. With amazing food, great company and many laughs, we all left with a sore stomach. To my GES Team.. LOVE YOU ALL!

1- HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN!
After experiencing 'contractions' for the better part of the day, I left the office around 4:30. Much of the evening was spent on the couch while relaxing with my feet elevated.

2- THANKS, ALISA for a WONDERFUL baby shower! Alisa graciously hosted a shower for me at her home that included a great lunch spread followed by desserts that were not only beautiful but also delicious! Thanks for all that you have done for Brandon and I throughout our pregnancy! A special thanks too to Sandy (Alisa's Mom) for helping.

3- My final baby shower! Thanks to Deb for coordinating a fun afternoon for Mom and I. It's always good to spend time with some of my Mom's best friends from college.

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND SUPPORT AS WE PREPARE TO WELCOME OUR LITTLE ONE INTO THE WORLD! WE CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR GIFTS, ADVICE AND WISDOM AS WE BEGIN THIS EXCITING STAGE OF OUR LIVES... PARENTHOOD!

Apr 20-26

20- Another great trip to the Dr. Everything is still progressing well as we get closer and closer to our due date.

22- HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYSON!

23- HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGELA!

25- After running errands in the morning, we went to Byron & Shari's to celebrate Bryson's 4th Birthday! How Shari always manages to plan a party on a day with amazing weather is beyond me. It's always fun to spend time with friends and end the night with good times around a fire!

26- HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN! -- CONGRATS too to Justin and Michelle on the purchase of their first home as a married couple! What an exciting time for you as you embark on yet another amazing journey in life! We are excited to come to FL to see you as soon as possible!

Cavs have swept Detroit in the first round of this season's Playoffs! Now we wait for our next opponent and date of our next game. Let's hope this waiting game doesn't hurt us!

Apr 13-19

Larry & Judy safely made it home from their trip to Panama. From stories and pictures, they really had a great time. Thanks to Bob & Cathy for allowing them the opportunity to travel with you!

It's hard to believe that another NBA season is winding down. I have worked another 41 home games this year with more to come. What a fun run it should be as we move forward toward our goal of an NBA Championship!

This weekend I had two GREAT baby showers! Thanks to all of my girl friends from elementary school for having a shower for me at a beautiful log cabin not far from W.L. (Tarez, please be sure to thank your Aunt & Uncle!). I can't even express how wonderful it was to have everyone together again. We need to do this more often, for sure. How hard it is though to coordinate everyone's crazy schedules. What an amazing surprise to have Mikey prepare such a special dinner for us (Great idea, Jenn!!!)!


I am so thankful that my Uncle Jim & Aunt Wendy were able to fly in from Houston to be a part of the weekend's activities. While Wendy was a huge help to my Mom in preparation for the baby shower, Jim enjoyed time with Brandon, Dad and Larry as the boys went to Cleveland to see a Playoff game! I am happy that Jim was able to see where I work at The Q and a great basketball game. It was wonderful to have Wendy at my shower. I am so happy that they made the trip!

Easter Weekend

It was another busy weekend for us. Let me look back...

Friday- I left work early for our follow-up Dr appt at the hospital with the Maternal Fetal Medicine team at Akron General. They were pleased with the "normal" amount of fluid in Beanie's kidney. One kidney is completely clear and the other they are even less concerned about now than they have been, which is great! Beanie weighs 5lbs 10oz and is still meazuring ahead of schedule. Though we are 32wks pregnant, Beanie's head is measuring as if we were 37-38wks. Other parts of the body too are growing ahead, but not as far ahead as the head. Belly is closer to 34-35wks. Heartbeat on Friday was 143. It is hard for us to believe that baby already weighs over 5lbs, but it is hard for me to believe too that we are getting so close to meeting our little one!!! Overall I don't feel like we are 32 weeks through this process. I feel like I have a lot longer to go than what I do. It's been so fast... we can't believe it! Brandon and I are both thinking that our "Big Baby" is a boy and will come at the end of May. I don't know that we will make it to the original due date of June 5... we'll see!

Saturday- We ran many of our traditional errands. I had to leave for work around noon and Brandon then enjoyed the sunny day while working in the yard.

Sunday- Wasn't our traditional Easter. Larry & Judy were away on a trip in Panama. Aleesa, Kevin, Grayson and Bryn went to the farm. My parents, Brandon and I went to Cleveland to watch as the Cavs took on the Celtics for what was expected to be one of the biggest games of the season! It was fun to watch, but the score wasn't close! Brandon got to experience some of the on court action that I get to experience during a game. Before the game we had him rebound for young kids on the court and at halftime he stood with a group of youngsters who were to high-five the Cavs as they came out of the locker room for warm-ups. Brandon did not high-five the players, but did enjoy the opportunity to see the team up close. He was most impressed with Z's size and of course LeBron's too. After the game we came home for a bit more of our traditional Easter dinner though it was later in the evening.

Another great weekend for us, but now I need some R&R....

Two Weeks Worth

I have submitted a plan to management at work requesting a few less hours in my week once baby arrives. It is in the hands of HR and they are doing all that needs to be done to make that work. I know that I have a couple of meetings still to work out a few more specifics but I hope that will all be done soon.

We have also found our babysitter! Angela and her mother are going to share the responsibilities of caring for Beanie after Brandon and I have both completed our periods of leave from work. Angela is a nurse and her husband Dom works with Brandon. They are great friends and have offered to help us. Her mom is retired and looking for a small job to do. They will be perfect for us!

Saturday, Mar 28 we went home to WL to spend time celebrating our March Birthday Boys, Brandon and Grayson. Of course we made sure to incorporate the 4-wheelers into the day. Brandon, Grayson, Kevin & Bryn all got their fix! We also had our Blair Family Easter dinner because we will all be in different directions that weekend. My Mom & Dad had a fun night out at The Q enjoying a concert starring Tommy James & the Shondells, Little Richard, Three Dog Night, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, and Jerry Butler. They then spent the night with us and had breakfast on Sunday before I then had to leave for work.

Thurs, April 2... Happy 32nd Wedding Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Sat, April 4... Happy Birthday Nicole, Nancy & Chelsie!
Sat was a busy busy day for me at work with an all day Girl Scout Event that I had coordinated. It was fun and successful, but a really long 11 hour day for an almost 8 mo pregnant woman! While I was busy at The Q, Brandon was enjoying much needed time with Dan, Jena, Tony, Angela, Byron and Shari and all of the little ones! A good time was had by all... good eats, cornhole, and many laughs.

Sun, April 5... Another day of work for me, but I made it as short as possible, only staying at the arena for exactly as long as needed and coming home right after. I was in a lot of pain, a result of Saturday I am sure. The rest of my day was spent on the couch with my feet up.

Today! Mon, April 6... OB appointment and ultrasound. Everything is still going well. The ultrasound shows a healthy baby and according to measurements...measuring at about 33 wks (we are only 31) and already weighing over 5 lbs! Today's heartbeat: 141. I've gained 26 lbs so far. The fluid in the kidney looks good...still there, but much better. We will follow up on that once more later this week. Dr. tells me that some of the pains that I have been experiencing yesterday and today are in fact contractions... how was I to know!?! I've never done this before!!!!!

29 weeks

Today's Dr. appt went well. Baby's heartbeat is a healthy 142. I've gained 24 lbs overall and my blood pressure is good too. Pretty uneventful...Back again in 2 weeks!

We are happy to report that we have found a Pediatrician's Office that we are happy with. As a part of Akron Children's Hospital, they have a strong team of doctors and great office hours. After Baby is born we will be able to meet with the multiple doctors and eventually find one that we click best with who will then become our primary Dr. One more thing is done from our list of things to do!

Still on the list... Babysitter, but we do feel that we are getting closer. I continue to determine my best plan of action for working after maternity leave. Once these two items are done Brandon and I will both feel a great sense of relief!

Mar 22

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON!!!!!

I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART!

28 weeks and a Babymoon!

We're 28 weeks pregnant!

Brandon and I had thought about getting away, but not going far, just once more before Beanie arrives. On "Sweetest Day" we won a one night stay at a Bed & Breakfast near Amish Country! The package included roses, dinner, breakfast and a guaranteed evening of relaxation. Perfect!

Did I say, "Perfect?!?"

Late Saturday afternoon we were off for what we imagined to be a nice evening at a "resort" (as it's called on its brochure) tucked back in the country. Upon arrival, we found ourselves questioning the establishment but agreed that we would give it a fair shot. We met the Innkeeper's wife, she checked us in, gave us a tour and confirmed the menu for the romantic dinner that was to be served in our room. Luckily Brandon had suggested we rent a couple of movies to take with us. Had we not.... we would have had NOTHING to do! The hot tub rooms were unattractive. I was not going to put my legs in and there was no way Brandon was going to "relax" in them. Our room was weird. Lace curtains and a jacuzzi tub that was too dingy for comfort. We knew the linens had to be clean but at the same time... we wondered. Let's just say the "romance room" wasn't so romantic. We decided to watch a movie. The heat in our room was extremely high and unadjustable. We had our dinner. The room got hotter. We opened the window. Other guests were playing cards in the lobby right outside of our door and we felt trapped. We watched another movie. I got increasingly more uncomfortable with the heat, the room, the setting and everything about the place, as did Brandon. After our seccond movie was over at 11.... WE LEFT! We got home at about midnight and were so relieved to be back home to sleep in our own bed! So much for a great Babymoon! At least we have great memories of an attempted get away and can definitely laugh about it. To tell the story doesn't do it much justice. Maybe you just had to experience it, however we would never wish that anyone attend Yeowza Resorts!

Whew! Back Up & Running!

We've been without the internet now for about a week here at home and I haven't wanted to stay one minute longer at work to update our blog. The tech guy came today though so here I sit!

We've toured the hospital so we now know where we will be when our Little One decides he/she is ready to enter the world! No, we still have not opened the envelope to learn the sex of our baby.

We're still searching for a babysitter! I'm sure everyone has a story when it comes to interviewing prospective child care providers... and now we've got more than one! Our first hopeful is 41 yrs old going on 20. She is nice...she really is and she could work if we find no other. However, she is a bit out of our way and not in the most convenient of locations for us. Her famous "You know what I mean" after every sentence can be really annoying but funny all at the same time! Then there's a 65 year old woman who is a retired casino dealer. We were to meet her at Panera and upon what we assume was her arrival (40 minutes late), we left before even exchanging a "hello." After seeing her through the front glass we both agreed that there was no way she was going to watch our child! We're still not sure if it was her or not and we'll never know. Our most recent visit was with a family here in Green. She sounded great on the phone and we were hoping to hit the jackpot with this one! NOT THE CASE! She was so chubby that she did not get out of her La-Z-Boy recliner to greet us! Heaven for bid our child be choking on the other side of the room!! We saw her rec room in the basement after passing the open litter boxes.... ugh! The rec room was a disaster, not from children, but from her Christmas decorations and anything else you can imagine. Of course according to her husband, it's under construction! When we got in the car to leave, Brandon was speechless! He finally broke and told me he had "Four words.... NO WAY IN HELL!" Our search continues.

I attended a breastfeeding class. It was nice, but truly a lot of common sense. I'll just learn as I go and do the best I can. Let's hope I'm successful.

We're in our 27th week! I can't believe it. We're seeing the Dr now every two weeks! Monday's appointment went fine. The heartbeat is still a strong 157. My Glucose test was normal indicating that I am not at risk for Gestational Diabetes for this pregnancy. Here is a picture of me at 26 weeks. By far not the best of me, but will try to update a new photo next week.

WELCOME HOME!

We are glad that Larry & Judy have safely returned from their trip! Each year we are amazed at how quickly the month of February goes by... they are always home before we know it! We are anxious to get together with them and show them the Baby's room!

Dinner with AXOs!

Tonight I went to dinner with Kate, Sarah and Amber! It's hard to believe that we all live so close and yet we don't get to see each other near enough. Thanks, Girls, for a great dinner and good conversation! I look forward to doing it again! Many Hugs!

6 months?!?! Already?!?!

This week was unique. Brandon was working day shift as part of an annual training exercise so I was able to see him every night! It's so nice to come home and have someone here with me.

Monday night we went to Hartville to pick up our crib and dressers. Our neighbor, Dave, helped Brandon carry them into the house and place them in the Baby's room. On Tuesday, Brandon went back out to Hartville to pick up the glider & ottoman. The baby's room is done with the exception of a few wall decorations! We really like it.


On Friday, Brandon and I ran a few errands after work and enjoyed a nice dinner out. I guess you could say it was in celebration of Valentine's Day, but more so just a typical Friday night for us.

Saturday morning we took Matt & Alisa out to breakfast before well all went to Babies-R-Us to register!!!! Matt & Alisa are true life savers! Having three little ones of their own, they know exactly what we need for our Baby. What took the four of us just over two hours would have taken Brandon and I all day! Thanks so much for offering to help us! We can't thank you enough!!!! LOVE YOU GUYS!

Because many people have asked... Here is a picture of me... 6 months pregnant! It's so hard to believe we only have 3 months left! We are getting more and more excited each & every day!