A list of firsts

It has been far too long since I sat down to write the goings-on of the Holman family in PA. I think I had let things lapse for too long and was feeling a bit overwhelmed with how much had happened since I last wrote. While not all that much has changed, there have been some minor milestones which we have crossed - i.e. Ender's first winter and holiday season. For the most part the holidays have come and gone without much change for us; but there are some specifics I want to get into, just for fun. ;)

I promised myself I would write more and here it is nearly the end of January and I have yet to post anything! I will be making a much better effort to not let things go for so long from now on!!

Ender's first Thanksgiving

Since we don't really have any family close by, ScottE and I decided to drive up to see Jana (ScottE's older sister who lives here in PA too – for those who don't know) and her family in northern PA. It's about a 3 hour drive for us, but well worth it. We had a good time helping out with different things.

ScottE, being the awesome brother he is, worked on Jana and Ty's car. However, we did not bring adequate tools for the job(s) he was performing. I suppose you could say we weren't exactly planning on him doing all that much work on the Explorer. So, he was out in the garage alone because it was too cold for me and Ender to be out there with him. Fortunately, Jana happened to be outside when it happened... but the truck fell on ScottE!! Jana came running in the house to get me and Ty to help do whatever we could. The three of us worked together and were able to get the truck lifted up enough to get it off of ScottE's chest. I was unsure of what to do and I was scared ScottE was really hurt. Fortunately, he was not. He had some major pain in his chest for some time. He took an extra day off of work because of it, but for the most part he is okay. Any time after that, I made sure someone was with him!

Thanksgiving dinner was delightful. I provided homemade cranberry sauce, candied yams, green beans with bacon and Severson creamed corn. It was nice to contribute so much this year. ScottE keeps wanting to have our own thanksgiving feast, but it's a lot of work for only a couple of people! Anyway... we all talked about what we were thankful for and got to know each other a little better that way. I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know Jana better... I feel nearly as close to Jana as I did to Jess when we were out in Cali. It is nice having family close – even if they are 3 hours away. =)

Thanksgiving... Hanging out with Daddy - smilin' =)

Ender's first snow

When we got home from Jana's, we got to experience our first real snow! ScottE got the great idea to go for a walk out in the snow, so we bundled all of us up – the dogs included. We put this adorable snow suit on Ender. We took the dogs out with us and put Ender in his stroller. The girls seemed to have a lot of fun. It's hilarious to see them jumping around in the snow. Ender seemed to be okay with the whole situation. You know how I know? He fell sleep in the stroller! I was semi-expecting him to get upset, but it just proves, once again what an awesome little man he is.

Ender in his snow suit and our complex covered in snow!

Ender's first plane ride

Ender and I got to go home to Cali for Christmas. I was a little worried about the traffic and dealing with a lot of people at the airport. It is surprising how helpful people will be when you are seemingly a single parent. People were constantly asking if I needed anything – a place to sit or help carrying stuff. I was independent and did things myself, but it was nice having the offer.

Originally, I had planned to keep Ender in our baby backpack for most of the trip. Come to find out, you can't leave the infant in the pack during take-off and landing. So, what's the point? Once I got onto the plane, I kept him out of it until our arrival. Even then, he wasn't really in it that much because I was also carrying a backpack with a ton of stuff in it. Needless to say, my shoulders were pretty tired after our trip.

Ender did really well on the plane. I was expecting some kind of issue during at least take-off and/or landing. But he slept through almost all of each flight! On our way out, we had a brief stop in Salt Lake. I took Ender off the plane so we could at least get off the plane and stretch for a bit. It was a bit of a pain getting back on but I was grateful when we landed in Sacramento.

My mom and sister picked us up. We didn't get home until late... and I'm surprised Ender wasn't more cranky. He had a bit of a meltdown in the car on the way to Mom's house, but I took a little time and fed him and we were back on the road. He is such an awesome baby...

Ender's first Christmas

Christmas was very bittersweet for me this year. I really enjoyed being home with all of my family and getting to see everyone's reactions when they met Ender for the first time. However, it was hard because ScottE wasn't with us. We simply couldn't afford the plane ticket. We are planning better for next year!

Anyway... Ender wasn't too excited about opening presents or anything like that. He is, after all, only 5 months old (although only 4½ at Christmastime). We got a lot of clothes for him, for which I am very grateful. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get everything packed in my duffel bag, backpack and new purse that I got from mom for Christmas. Luckily, Mom and Heath were willing to ship the things I was unable to fit (THANK YOU SO MUCH!!).

Ender also got a haircut on Christmas day! My camera died so I don't have any pictures yet. I had some family members take some pictures and I'm hoping to receive them soon.

Hanging out with Aunt Jo (above) and Uncle Ray (below) on Christmas Day

Spending time with Nana and Kevin the day after Christmas

Ender's first New Year

Our New Year was pretty uneventful. ScottE and I just hung out here at the house together and watched a couple of movies. Ender wouldn't be able stay up 'til midnight anyway!

Ender's second round of shots

I think that pretty much catches us up to present day. Last Thursday, I took Ender to the doctor. He got 3 shots and some kind of oral vaccine. He did pretty well – but by that third shot he was pretty upset. I picked him up and bounced him a little, ssh-ed him and he calmed right down. He now officially weighs 15 pounds, 10 ounces and measures 26½ inches – but who knows how much has changed since then! His next appointment is mid-February.

Cori's first degree

Well... we discussed all of Ender's firsts – now it's time for one of mine! I recently received my Associate's degree in Psychology! I was really excited to receive the actual degree in the mail. It is such an incredible feeling. I feel so accomplished. I wish I were done with school, but as of now, if I stay on schedule, I should be teaching soon – fall of 2012. I'm not sure what we're going to do with Ender as of yet, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I may look into charter schools or something like that so I can stay home.

My degree!

What else is going on...

Many asked me while I was in Cali, if my best friend, Laura, had moved out to PA yet. As many of you know already, no, she's not here yet. She's had some things she needs to take care of before she can move. As of now, she's hoping to be able to move with her tax return money. So, it's a waiting game right now...

Things with Tanknology are going well. ScottE has been having some issues with his truck. It keeps tearing through belts. He is supposed to be on his way home now, but his truck just broke the serpentine belt, again. He recently had the alternator replaced, but there is no telling what's going on. But other than the truck problems, things are good. ScottE couldn't be happier with his Ops manager and the office treats him really well out here. He's finally getting to the point of not wanting to be working when he comes home though (all that darn paperwork!). I think you could officially say he's burned-out. We're looking into other options, but for now, Tanknology is paying the bills.

One of my resolutions this year is to write more. Whether it actually gets posted or not is yet to be decided. However, I know I feel better about everything when I write. I don't realize how much I have bottled up inside until I sit down and put the proverbial pen to paper. I hope you all enjoy what I have to say... and the pictures too! =)

Also while in Cali, I was afforded the opportunity to learn how to knit. My Mom took me to her knitting store and I got to take a lesson from the owner there. I really like to knit! I have only finished one project but I've been otherwise occupied by reading and spending time with my boys. I'm hoping to finish more projects and as I do, I will keep you updated!

My hat!!

For now... I think that's all. There is so much more that I want to write about. I think for now, this is a sufficient update. =)

Life...

Things have been going well here in PA. Ender is truly sleeping through the night now. He wakes up much earlier than his Mommy would like, but he takes an early nap (around 10 or so), which makes up for it. I have been able to keep up on the housework and such because he is generally content in wherever I put him. He is just growing so fast! I can't believe he is nearly 3 months already!!

I am very much looking forward to coming home for Christmas. My Dad has already bought my Christmas present for me... my ticket home! I will be arriving on the 15th and staying through the 27th. I love PA but I'm looking forward to going home.

There is a lot of other stuff going on... but I do not feel overly compelled to share everything. However, I'm excited to report my best friend, Laura will be moving in with me and ScottE this coming December! I am very excited about it and cannot wait! It will be nice to have another adult here all of the time. =) I think once things calm down a little, I may share a little bit of more of what is going on... so, until then, just pray that Heavenly Father's will be done.

ScottE is gone a lot for work. It's been nice when he comes home... Ender gets all kinds of excited. He recently discovered his tongue - so he sticks it out a lot. It's adorable! I'll try to get some new pictures up soon. We also got him a bouncer recently, but he seems to still prefer his swing. Here is a list of a few other things he does:

• He turns his head a lot. ScottE says it seems like he's doing reps to strength his neck muscles. He loves to look around at things. He turns his head so much, he has worn out a path across the back of his head! I know it will grow back, but it looks kind of funny right now... =)
• He is holding his head up really well. I try to give him some tummy-time everyday, but with the dogs, it's a little difficult at times. I am working on it though!
• He talks constantly! His little facial expressions and noises are so adorable. I'll try to get a video of him talking.
• I love watching him learn. I seriously can see the hampsters just running around in his little head. He gives my world meaning and has opened my eyes to the little things. Having him here has reminded me of what it's like to be new. I can't remember life without him.
• When Laura was here on her visit, she constantly talked about how "unfair" it was that he is such a good baby. With her first, there was a lot of issues getting her to sleep through the night and she was constantly fussy. Ender, however, is such a great baby! He rarely fusses (unless he's hungry or tired) and is putting himself to sleep!
• I really don't feel like a first time Mommy. I think about all of those things that typical first-time parents do - changing clothes because they spit up a little; changing a diaper because it's a little wet; rushing over because baby is crying... I don't do any of those things! I let him fuss for a little while before going over to see what's wrong. I wait until his diaper is full before changing it. I try to change his clothes everyday, but it's so difficult sometimes to get his appendages to cooperate. As he is growing, though, this is becoming much easier!
• I look at other newborns and remember him being so little... but most of the other newborns I've seen are under 7 pounds! He was nearly 9 so I've never thought of him as truly tiny or even fragile.
• I love that just him seeing me makes him smile. When I go to get him in the morning, I peer over the crib and his smile just lights up the room. I still can't believe he's mine...

Our ward recently changed from meeting at 1-4 to 11-2, which is so nice even though it's Ender's nap time. Here are some pictures of him just before leaving for church.

He wasn't too happy... but I really wanted the shot!

Much happier here... The outfit is a little big on him but soooo cute!

Look at that face! =) But I have a biased opinion...

I think that's all for now... We didn't have an eventful Halloween because of ScottE's work schedule. We did have a costume for him though. Here is a picture. Enjoy! =)

I know the blue socks don't really go, but he needed something on his feet!

Life with Ender

Laughin with his Mama =)

Life with Ender has been wonderful. He is truly the best baby... he is nearly 3 months old already! =) Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday he was born. I never really thought of him as truly fragile because when he was born, he already was trying to hold his head up, he caught on to nursing so well, so quickly and he was nearly 9 pounds. I knew there would be things I would forget about his birth when I posted to everyone. There wasn't much... and I can't even think of anything specific right now! =)

Our days have quickly gotten back to normal. Ender is pretty much sleeping through the night and has been for some time. We've been trying to get him to bed between 9 and 10pm, which usually happens. He generally wakes up between 5 and 7am. He takes a good nap during the afternoon. It seems he's been eating more, but since I don't have him on any kind of schedule it's hard to say.

He talks a lot and gives us the biggest smiles. I love hearing his little voice. It makes me smile just thinking about him smiling. =) When I go to get him out of his crib in the morning, I usually wait until he's been talking for a little while because sometimes he goes back to sleep. When I walk in the room, I just get all giddy listening to him. When I step up to the crib, I look down at him, rub his little tummy and smile at him. Sometimes he smiles back and other times he just keeps talking to me. But that first glimpse of him, first thing in the morning, just makes my day. I love that little boy so much...

Smilin for Mama =)

The other day, ScottE told me something that made my... month, I guess you could say. He told me that Ender loves me. He said Ender's face lights up when I walk into the room. I nearly cried! I am so grateful to have two boys in my life that love me for who I am and what I am able to do for them. I don't know where or even who I would be without them.

My best friend Laura came out for a visit recently. It was good to have a familiar face around the house as well as another set of hands! She was very helpful with the dishes and the puppies. I think the dogs is where I typically fall short. I try to get them out on a regular basis - for walks as well as frequent potty sessions. While Laura was here, she needed to get out of the house for some personal clarity at times (she came without her two girls whom she hadn't been away from since they were both born - over 4 years!) and she usually would take the dogs with her. I know they really enjoyed the time outside! It's going to be increasingly difficult to get out with the weather changing...

Other than the frequent dog walks, ScottE and I took Laura out to the Amish country and we did a little bit of shopping... I got this adorable jacket for Ender at a thrift store here in town as well as some new shirts for me on clearance at Target. There is a very real possibility she could be moving here with us permenantly but plans are still very much up in the air.

I'm very much looking forward to coming home for Christmas. There are things I miss about California but I love it here in PA. We are planning to spend Thanksgiving with Jana, Ty and all of their children. I know Ender is going to love spending time with all of his cousins =)

I think that is really all that is going on here! I have posted some pictures on my Facebook but I think it's wise to post some here as well. Hope you all enjoy! =) Until next time...

From smiling to...

... pouty lip... in no time at all!!

Hangin out with Daddy =)

Ender's birth and life thus far...

Well... they say to enjoy every moment with your little one – I guess I've been taking this to an extreme! I've been spending so much time with my baby that I haven't updated everyone on what has been happening.

Life with Ender has been wonderful. He has been the perfect baby! He sleeps pretty well... although not quite all the way through the night yet. He is just like Mommy and Daddy – a night owl! He typically will sleep from 7–11; eat and go back to sleep until about 5am. It has been wonderful even though I am not a morning person! We usually go back to sleep unless we have something pressing that we need to do. =) He has been pretty good about sleeping in his crib which helps me get a better night sleep because I don't hear every little noise he makes (we originally set up his bassinet in our bedroom).

My mom was able to come out for a week, which was fun. =) She got to spend a lot of time holding Ender while I worked on the house. ScottE and I were just so ready to have Ender that it hasn't been as much of an adjustment as we had originally expected. We thought he would have sensitive skin – he doesn't. We thought he would cry a lot – he doesn't. We thought it would be difficult to get him to go to sleep – it hasn't been. There have been a few fussy moments, but for the most part, he is a very happy baby. He recently started smiling and I can't wait until he starts reaching out for us and laughing. He tends to smile most for Daddy... =) which just thrills my soul because Daddy doesn't get to spend a lot of time with him due to his work.

I know I haven't shared his birth story yet... and I'll get to that in just a moment... ScottE has been gone a lot for work. Right now, he is in California to get his work truck which we loaded with a bunch of stuff in the move. We have been living without a vacuum and several lamps since April! It makes me wonder... do we really need all that stuff? Of course, the answer is yes – we've survived thus far, but it will be nice to get all of our stuff into the house. I'm gonna have to find a place for all of it. =)

My recovery has been going well... I didn't tear at all during labor and I'm already below my pre-pregnancy weight. I know I need to get exercising but for now, my metabolism (and nursing) has done all of the work. I truly have been blessed and I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for Ender and how great I've been feeling.

So... his birth! =)
Friday (August 7th): ScottE was given the day off and needed to take in his work truck. So we took it in and dropped it off. We decided to go walk around the mall for a little while to see if we could get our little man to come out. After a couple hours, I was pretty tired and ScottE's truck was done, so we picked it up and came home. I think we ran a few other errands as well and it seems like we went to the movies too, but eventually we got back home. I was feeling pretty uncomfortable but no major contractions to speak of.

Saturday (August 8th): I was feeling really uncomfortable. I didn't want to move a whole lot and so we spent a majority of the day in bed or around the house. I wanted to walk around some to get things moving, but I was in some major pain. I wasn't really having contractions, but I was experiencing some major cramping. I called the doctor but they basically told me I was in the beginning stages of labor and unless things got worse or my water broke that I should just stay home. I didn't sleep much that night...

Sunday (August 9th): That morning, I decided it was time to go to see the doctor. Upon arrival, we had the Bishop and another priesthood holder come to give me a blessing. I felt better afterward... then the nurse came in to check me. She said I was dilated about 2 cm and that they wouldn't admit me unless my water broke or I was 4 cm dilated. I was crushed... but she told us to walk around the hospital for a little while and then come back. We decided to walk around, but it was raining so we couldn't really go outside and there weren't many places we could go. We ate a little something and then went back. The nurse told us we would be going home... but that we would be back later that night. I put my hope in that and made the trip back home...

Once we got home, I felt a little bit better simply because I was more comfortable, but I didn't want to be at home. I wanted to be in the hospital! We called my sister-in-law Jana to see if she was available to come down and help out in the delivery room. She said she would be delighted... so we decided to wait at home until she arrived. Once she got here, we drove to the hospital.

In triage, I was checked. I told the nurse I had been having some bladder issues (or what I thought were bladder issues). She decided to test the fluid to see if it was urine or amniotic fluid. Come to find out, my water had broken and I hadn't even realized it! I was stoked!! That meant we HAD to stay! The doctor finally arrived to check me again - I was still at a 2, but since my water had broken, they were going to admit me into the Labor and Delivery room.

Once I got to my room, all I wanted to do was lay down. The nurse came in and put on the monitors. I stayed on the monitors for a little while and breathed through my contractions as best I could. We tried different things to make me more comfortable - I sat in the tub for a while; rolled over on opposite sides. Mostly I stayed in the bed - I considered walking around a bit, but my legs were so weak... We talked about trying different things, but I was most comfortable in bed, lying on my side doing my best to breathe through the pain.

At some point (my grasp of time was non-existent and I think it was around midnight), my nurse checked me to see how dilated I was. She said I was at an 8 - the first thing that ran through my head was, "Are you serious?! It's nearly over!" I definitely felt it was too good to be true... She went to get the doctor and came back with another nurse who rechecked me. My fears were confirmed as she said I was only a 3-4. I wanted to sink into the bed and die. I couldn't take it. I was exhausted and unable to sleep...

My nurse suggested some pain medication - just to help me sleep. I knew I didn't want an epidural but I NEEDED to sleep! She recommended Benedryl and Nubane which would help me relax so I could, at the very least, rest for a little while. It helped for a little while but didn't last as long as I would have liked.

Monday (August 10th): We finally got to the pushing the next morning. As I said, my grasp of time was non-existent but I know I pushed for over an hour. He came out with a slightly smooshed head, but he was perfect. If you don't know, he weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces and was 22 inches long. Thus far, his eyes are staying blue and I hope they do. He has a head full of hair which he was born with – which is sort of a strawberry blond. We think it may go blond later...

We went to the doctor last week... he got his second hepatitis shot. He was such a sport. He cried after the nurse stabbed him, but I started talking to him, trying to reassure him and he calmed down almost immediately. He now weighs 11 pounds and is 23 inches long. Gotta love breast milk!! On that note: nursing is going really well. He likes to eat at night – which is sometimes frustrating for me, but we're surviving. I occasionally pump a bottle for him so Daddy can help with the feedings.

I have posted some new pictures on my Facebook and will do my best to keep them coming. Life with Ender has not only been wonderful but incredibly natural... and I think that's all for now. =) I will do my best to not let things go for this long, so you don't have to read so much at one time!

Slackin...

I know I have been completely slacking on getting a new blog posted. Things have been hectic - between having guests (my sister-in-law and my mom) and the arrival of Ender. We are already getting into a decent routine and I know things will only continue to get better when it's just the 3 of us. It has been really nice to have family come and help out. Jana, my sis-in-law, was able to come down for Ender's birth and to stay with us for a couple of days... then this past Friday, my mom flew in from California. She has been staying with us and will be going home tomorrow morning. I will be posting some pictures - both here and on Facebook - along with his birth story. I just wanted to write a brief something! =)

For now:

• He weighed 8 pounds and 14 ounces, 22 inches long. He came home at 8 lbs, 6 oz but I think he has already regained that weight. I need to take him to the doctor this upcoming week just to be sure.
• He was born on his due date - August 10th - which was pretty neat.
• I was in active labor from Sunday evening (my water broke around 7:30ish) until he was born at 9:51am on Monday. It was a LONG weekend...
• He nurses very well.
• While in the hospital, he had to have his sugar checked before every feeding. They said it was because he was big for his gestational age, but I think he's just perfect. =)
• He looks like me but has many of ScottE's facial expressions.
• He sleeps very well - usually from about 9pm until anywhere from 2-4am. The only problem with that is ScottE and I stay up too late and don't get to bed until he's about to wake up again! But usually I just feed and change him and he goes back to sleep and so do I!
• He likes to pee on Mommy... just today, I was at the mall with my mom. We had to stop in JCPenney to change his diaper. After wiping up all his poop, he decided to pee all over me! I just chaulked it up to being a mommy to a newborn boy! I'm beginning to learn we need to keep that hose covered! =)

So... that's been our adjustment period. I know things will only continue to get easier/harder, more and less organized. I will be writing his birth story at some point over the next week as things will be calming down and I will be home alone... So for now, that's what's going on! =)

What's goin on... =)

My deepest apologies for having not updated everyone prior to this. I guess I've allowed my resting to get in the way! Things have been going well... I'm still feeling good, but I'm getting to the point where I am very tired of being pregnant. I have been experiencing some contractions, but nothing major. Everytime he sees my stomach get tight, ScottE gets all excited thinking I'll go into labor soon. I'm trying to stay positive but I'm having a hard time... it's frustrating because I want him out!

At my last doctor's appointment, they checked me for the second time. Thus far, my cervix is thinning out but I'm not dilated at all yet. I try to walk around a little everyday to get things moving and to stay active.

ScottE has been very supportive and helpful. His office has been trying to keep him close to home but today he's in New Jersey. I'm just grateful they are at least trying. He has been home early most of this week which has been nice because we can go and walk around together. I find I walk slower when I'm by myself so having someone to keep up my motivation helps a lot!

I decided to take some pictures of the nursery today. Enjoy! =)

Here is the whole room! It's pretty big, especially for just one little guy...

Here's the changing table. I thought it would be a good idea to put some onesies on it!

This is our crib! Thanks to everyone who has contributed to allowing us to have this... Steve and Jess for giving it to us; the Herberts for the bed set and mobile; my mom for knitting one of Ender's first blankets! This boy better like dogs because we have so many stuffed puppies for him...

This was ScottE's dad's dresser when he was little. I'm so glad we have something special like this for our little guy.

I don't have all that much to hang up - having a boy and all! =) I just bought the hangers today and had to hang some stuff up! I can't wait to see him in those overalls...

I just love all of the little socks! I think they are so adorable. I thought a picture of them would be cute... and it is! I know I'm a goober, but this first-time mommy is super excited. =)

So, I'm playing the waiting game. I'm doing my best to stay well rested and hydrated. I'm also trying to finish the "Ender's Game" series before our little guy is born. I'm in the third book of four and I have less than 100 pages left in this book. I guess wish us luck - I'm really hoping to go into labor this weekend as my due date is next Tuesday. My next appointment is on Wednesday but hopefully some of you will get a phone call before then!

36 weeks??

I've let life slip away from me! It's been a couple weeks, and a lot has happened. I'll try to stay in chronological order, but we'll see how it goes... it's easier to just put things into categories - so here goes!

All about Ender

Well... I thought I had an appointment on Tuesday, July 6th, but I was wrong. My appointment was actually the previous day (Monday, the 5th)! So, I rescheduled for Friday the 10th. Everything is looking good for D-day. I keep hoping it comes early, but I'm not getting my hopes up (although I may start drinking some raspberry leaf tea to get the ball rolling =) ). He's measuring to be right on time which has been comforting. At my last appointment, I asked if I could get an estimate of his weight and he's looking to be about 6ish pounds right now. The OB said they would have a better estimate at my next appointment (which is on the 24th) but that he will probably be an above average baby! I've heard stories about how my family found themselves being extra careful with my cousin as she was a preemie and extremely small. But when it came to handling me as a newborn, they weren't so delicate (I was 8 1/2 pounds)! I know ScottE is already a little afraid of handling a newborn. It's comforting to know I won't have to worry too much about him being overly small. I can definitely tell he is getting bigger because I feel a constant pressure in my ribs as well as in my pelvis. I've been trying to do pelvic tilts to alleviate the pressure, but it's hard to do by myself.

I think the nursery is as complete as it is going to get for now. ScottE and Tyler put the crib together just before they left after the 4th. So I was able to get that together and the changing table is organized but needs some boxes/baskets for the little things.

At my third baby shower, I got a bunch of diapers as well as different kinds of wipes. I also got some bottles (even though I'm planning to nurse), pacifiers, burp cloths and onsies. I was hoping to get a changing table pad and bassinet sheets, but I guess we'll just ave to get those ourselves. I think the only things we need to get are bassinet sheets, a changing pad and cover, a trash can for diapers (YAY!!) and hangers. There are a few things I need to hang up in his room, but other than that it's mostly done. Not that it really matters because he'll be sleeping in our room for a little while in his bassinet.

Other than that, I've been really healthy and haven't gained too much weight - which has been very important to me. I will keep you posted though!

Our new TV!

So, we finally took the TV back and got a new one! It was pretty easy to get the new one. We simply got the confirmation number from customer service and took it to the store. Our last one was a 32" LCD. Now, we have a 42" plasma! It's so nice and the color is unreal. ScottE still can't get over it every time he comes home. It's super cute... but then again he gets excited about a lot of things! =)

The house, the puppies and our 4th

The house is really coming together. There are still some boxes we need to take down to the garage, but I think it's pretty much done. ScottE doesn't seem to be satisfied with the arrangement of the living room so we may work on that this weekend. I just hope he doesn't want to change it again any time soon after that!

The dogs are doing a lot better about letting us know they need to go out. Halcyon has even developed her own little sign! I'm so grateful that ScottE gave us a little more time to work on things with her. I just hope she doesn't digress when Ender is born!

The 4th of July weekend was very busy. Unfortunately we didn't get to see a parade or even any fireworks... but we had a lot of fun with Jana, Ty and the children. Charli got to a point where she was pretty testy with Thomas, but I think it was mostly because he was invading her space. Halcyon ran and hid as usual, but by the end of the weekend, she was walking around in a relatively normal posture.

The weekend did not go anywhere close to according to plan - as it never does when there are children involved. They arrived late Friday night (after getting lost a couple times - boy, do I love having a GPS!) and left Monday evening. Saturday, we went to a park out in Lancaster and then to Red Robin for lunch. We did our BBQ indoors, but everything turned out great. I'm just sorry I didn't get to make my potato salad. Jana was a big help in the kitchen which was nice because I got to sit a lot. I kept an eye on the children while she did all of the cooking! =) Sunday we woke up to cinnamon rolls, which were delicious. We all went to church and then stayed home so ScottE and I could get some work done (I had finals due and ScottE had work orders to do). Monday, we went to another park and had a picnic... All in all it was a great weekend!

Other than that...

... things are going well. ScottE's work is keeping him busy and unfortunately away from home more than I would like. But, we are both adapting and are grateful it's all happening now and not in August! We recently decided we would be coming home for Christmas and not in October like we had originally thought. It will be nice to see everyone for Christmas though. Plus, Ender will be bigger and more active by that point - much more fun to be around =). I just can't wait to see him...