Belly Pics...comparison

Belly at 37 weeks with Tyler.

Belly at 36 weeks with Myla. (looks to me like I was a little bit bigger with Tyler, but pretty much the same shape). My father-in-law says that when this baby comes out a boy, he is going to have lots of pink things to wear. He is still not convinced that Myla is a girl.

Next week I have an ultrasound to check on Myla and how much she's estimated to weigh. I am scheduled for induction on May 18th...and will probably have her on May 19th. I am praying that she will not be as big as Tyler was and that she will start the labor process on her own. My mom will be headed down here on the 14/15th and will stay with us for a week or so after she is born. I have been doing my best to rest as much as I can and taking naps with Tyler. I am enjoying my time with Tyler but feel bad when I can't do all the things he wants me to like pick him up and play outside with him. I can't keep up with him on his big wheel and I can't chase tennis balls with him anymore. He is still really sweet to the baby in my belly and sometimes when she hurts me moving around really low in my pelvic area...he says come out baby...baby hurt? Tonight I was putting lotion on him after his bath and he asked to put lotion on the baby and rubbed his little tiny hands all over my belly putting lotion on the baby. I think he is going to be such a sweet big brother.

I can't believe in only 3 weeks I will meet her...at the same time I want the time to go slow and be very restful.

Myla's Complete Bedding Set and wall art

Thank you to my mom, Aunt's Carla, Chris, Debbie, Karen, and cousin Perri in Iowa who got Myla her complete bedding set...here it is and it is so beautiful and perfect! Amy gave me her crib mattress and glider rocker today as well...so Myla's room is complete and full!

Above the crib is the project I put Jenny up to...pictures of Savannah's popular flower the Azalea (they are blooming now). She took these amazing pictures this week and matted them on foam board and I will hang them like pictured above probably on this wall. They turned out really great!

I had a great baby shower this afternoon hosted by my sister-in-law Amy. It was so nice and the food was amazing! Myla got so many great things. Bath towels, bath robe, some outfits, photo books, hand/foot print kits, cloth diapers???...Abby...i need a lesson, treasure box with a purple hand crocheted blanket from my neighbor, diapers, diaper cream, crib sheets, the softest blankets ever and one with her name embroidered on it, a fun standing lamp, gift certificates to Target, a compact stroller, and a whole LOT of PINK! My grandma sent down a knitted headband for Myla and I took that to show off...everyone really loved that and I took the quilt to show off the bedding.

It was a really wonderful day. Thank you Lord for all the wonderful thoughtful people in our life that shower us with blessing after blessing!

Myla's room progress

Dear Myla,
Aunt Jenny came over to help me put together your dresser/changing table today.
Daddy and I put together the night stand together one night. Grandma A got you your quilt. A friend of Aunt Amy's gave us the crib. Aunts Carla, Debbie, Chris, Karen, and cousin Perry all got you the rest of the bedding set...bumber, crib sheet, and crib skirt...(hope to be put together and pictured soon). We got the night stand and dresser from Uncle Rob and Aunt Amy's store. And Grandma S. got you the awesome lamp!
This is the finished product of the dresser Aunt Jenny and I put together.
Daddy hung up one curtain rod/curtain and another friend of mommy's came over today and helped hang the other curtain rod. I really love your room and I hope you do too.

Love,
Mommy

Counter tops and coming events

Scott took a whole Saturday, by himself, and installed these counter tops. We really love them and are proud to say we took all the measurements ourselves and everything fit GREAT! We still don't know what to do with that back corner. We did attempt to stain the refrigerator panels...the freezer door panel was first and is interesting. The other two look pretty good, but could be a little darker.
We have really been enjoying eating at our table and starting a routine for dinners at least. I LOVE this L shape we did with the dishwasher...counter top space is so GREAT!

This is looking into the living room...more counter top space and a bar top where people can hang out while I'm cleaning or cooking and talk to me...and I LOVE being able to watch the news or whatever is on while getting dinner or breakfast ready.

As far as other projects...we have Myla's room almost complete...curtains and dresser should be done tomorrow. The crib was put together on Saturday and looks great...still have to tighten a few bolts...we are having company this weekend and their 8 month old will be sleeping in Myla's bed. After all the furniture in place, all I will have to do is put away ALL the clothes and start washing some of them. I'm very excited about the room and so is Tyler! He goes in there saying baby's room and has a HUGE smile on his face.

I am starting to be a little uncomfortable...Myla scrapes around inside me and sometimes causes discomfort. Sleeping is getting more difficult, especially if I wake up in the middle of the night, it's hard getting back to sleep. God sure made this process quite interesting! Anyways, last week we had an ultrasound and it showed a 5lb 5oz baby growing steadily. The Dr. is 100% sure we will at least be induced 7-10 days early. The next ultrasound will seal the deal...and that's in 3 weeks or so. I really don't want a C-section if not necessary but I have to trust the Dr. and whatever he says is best for me and the baby is what we'll do. I just don't want to do anything out of convenience for anyone else. So, 5 weeks from today, Myla will be here!

My sister-in-law Jenny gave me a plaque for Christmas that I can put any message I want on it. I saw this verse from another shower gift I attended last fall. 1 Samuel 1:27. "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. "

I love you Myla and can't wait to meet you and for you to meet our whole family.

My sister-in-law Amy is throwing a shower for me and Myla on Saturday and I am so excited! She has an exquisite menu planned, as always, and I'm excited for my friends experience her amazing ability to entertain. My friend Haley is also helping her out and sent out cute invitations (I will have to scan it in someday). My MOPS girls are also throwing a boy/girl shower for me and another girl, that is due the same time I am., next Saturday. They are so awesome and I know it's going to so much fun...that invitation is so cute with camouflage and hot pink border! (must scan in).

Here is a video of my Big Boy riding his Big Wheel...

Last weeks kitchen progress

Last weekend we got some of our cabinets in for the kitchen...then we measured for counter tops. This weekend, we got 3 more cabinets and our counter tops and Scott is plugging away at everything. Above is the view into the living room (we ordered a 18" drawer base and a 9" wall cabinet for this wall). This is our wall oven and we need to lower it a few inches...but we have a warming drawer under it, so we'll see how that works. Below is our dining area...and another window that has been covered up by refrigerators for the past 3 years! We love our table and have eaten there 3-4 nights this week and it has been really great. Scott already picked out daddy's spot...so he can see the TV!This is the refrigerator (Uncle Greg is going to help give it a built in look and match the panels to the cabinets). The back corner does not have enough room for a corner cabinet, so we will have some dead space :(. The sink over the window and the L shaped bar area...for easy buffet style dinner!

That's it for the kitchen, it already looks so much different than these pictures, the counter tops are perfect. Can't wait to get things back in order!

Tyler has been keeping me busy with playing tennis (OK I just stand there and throw him the ball...he chases after them), casting off the dock, riding his big wheel, and talking nonstop! He is so much fun these days. He kisses my back when my sciatica pain is causing me to scream...he is such a loving boy...he doesn't understand why kissing it doesn't make it better right away though. He loves his baby sister already (at least he thinks he does). I don't think he quite understands...but the other day we were at a friends house and he found a necklace and put it around my bare belly and then lowered my shirt and said, "for baby." It was really sweet. He loves going into her room and knows it's for the baby. Her room is coming together...we are working on ordering some furniture and still have to put the crib together, hang the curtain rods and a few touch up paint areas. The bedding looks amazing thanks to my mom and my aunts and cousin Perri especially with the curtains I found! (Scott is not a fan of the curtains but his mom and I overruled him!) Can't wait to post pictures in the next few weeks!

Scott has been working so hard and I am so thankful. Everything is really coming together nicely. I am so lucky to have him, he is so handy, hardworking, and smart. I love him so much!

It's been beautiful here in Savannah, minus the sand gnats...but my skin so soft seems to work at keeping them at bay. Tyler asks for bug spray all the time now.

Happy Easter Weekend Everyone.

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?'--which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' When some of those standing there heard this, they said, 'He's calling Elijah.' Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, 'Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him.' And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. Matthew 27:45-50 NIV

Jesus died on the cross for us, to wipe out all of our sins (past sins, present sins, and future sins), all you have to do is make Jesus your savior and the Lord of your life. He will guide you the rest of the way and you will be with him in Heaven for Eternity! He's reaching out his hand to you, all you have to do is reach back!

30 weeks

I can't believe we only have 10 weeks to go until we meet Myla. The last Dr.'s visit I had warned me of possibly going 1 week early to prevent another broken collar bone like Tyler had. I was kind of hoping she would stay in there until June...but I guess the Dr. has a point. I was asked if I wanted to do a C-section on my due date, but said I only want a C-section if it's an emergency, so the other option is to induce early. I will have 2 more ultrasounds to determine how big she is before the Dr. makes the official determination though. He said to start thinking about mid May though instead of May 25th.

No progress on the kitchen. Scott has been working really hard and we have a guy coming to dry wall as soon as he finishes another project. I can't wait to get a kitchen again! Lots of other organizing and putting together to do. The goal is one month! Better start praying!

Tomorrow is St. Patty's day and we are taking Tyler to the parade with Grandma and Grandpa. We'll see how he does, he gets a little scared of weird people playing music. We are riding the bus from the Savannah Mall so we don't have to worry about parking. I'm hoping it's not raining either.

Myla's Room...and update.

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/pink-katie-nursery-bedding/

There has been another change of plans for Myla's room. It's kind of fun having so many options! I found this last night online and love it...still debating on the cost of it all...but this is definitely in the front running for now.

Other life events:

The kitchen is functional but an unorganized mess...we are on hold for another week it looks like while Scott finishes up another project. I'm not stressed...yet. We still have 12 weeks to go before Myla gets here...at least I hope she stays in my belly for that long! The kitchen needs drywall, paint, cabinets, appliances installed and of course counter tops. Then Myla's room painted, the hallway and living room painted, and hopefully we'll get Tyler's room re-painted as well...all before May 25th!

We did this the last time I was 28 weeks pregnant when we started the Carport Project...turning it into our master bedroom/bath/office area. We are just the type of people that need a little time motivation!

We still need prayer and guidance on our Annapolis, MD property. We had some renters that left us with a mess. It's on the market, but probably will result in a short sale. It would be such a blessing to get that situation out of our lives before Myla is born!

More later...

More Progress on Kitchen

Johne came over today on his day off to help Scott with the opening and installing the header...needed to keep the roof up! He pretty much worked all day by himself getting ready before Scott could break free from work. Then they knocked it out from 5-9pm. It looks so great. I'm so thankful Scott has such a vision for things. Also, the electrician has started on the electrical and it should be done tomorrow. The pictures are a little messy, but thought I'd pass along the progress.

Tyler and I spent the afternoon at Johne's house and Tyler took a nap on a big boy bed! My little man is growing up! We then spent the rest of the night at the grocery stores...yes, I go to 2 grocery stores to help save on certain on-sale items! Tyler was such a trooper and we had a good time...the space jam tape is on constant repeat...yes, I said cassette tape and repeat...which means I rewind the song over and over again. I think he's trying to memorize the words. He dances to the beat, and mumbles and talks to himself throughout the song. Everybody get up, it's time to space jam...get your chance, do your dance at the space jam...alright! His terrible 2's really come out if I try to turn the volume down or eject the tape. He also tells me the moves he wants me to dance...such as "get low mommy" or "raise the roof" It is quite cute, until he screams for more.

Great Grandma is here...and she brought snow!

My grandma made it down to visit last week, she was stuck in Des Moines one extra day because of snow and wind in Iowa and Chicago. Everything worked out though and the airline gave her an extra day in Savannah. She will be here until Friday and we are really having a great time, and I'm definitely keeping her busy (and Tyler too!) She's already babysat for me 2-3 times now as I went to the dentist, took Chance to the vet, and a doctor's appointment. I think Tyler is really getting used to having her around and always asks, "where she go?" when she leaves the room. I sent the itinerary to her before she left and we've pretty much stuck to it. We have wiggled around Johne and Jenny's schedule to fit in dinners and time together. Grandma cooked us all a lovely dinner of meatloaf, au gratin potato's, and corn Friday night. Savannah was also getting excited about having SNOW for the first time since 1986! Grandma, however, was grumbling for hours, not wanting to look outside. Too bad though because we had to drive home in it. We stopped at the movies to get tickets for the next night and the people at the theater had just gotten out of their movie and were just going crazy taking pictures and loving the sight of snow! Grandma was still grumbling. It didn't last long and did not stick. The next morning the evidence was pretty much gone. Saturday night Johne and Grandma watched Tyler while Scott and I enjoyed a Valentine's Date night, dinner and a movie (a gift from Grandma). Sunday we spent the whole day at church it seemed, bible study with the pastor's wife, service, and then small group that night. Scott took off yesterday to go to Michigan for his cousin's funeral, he died of cancer last week, so grandma is staying with me a few extra days and then with JJ the rest of the week. We went to story time today and have been to soft play a few times to help tire Tyler out. She got some pictures developed today at Jenny's store. We've both enjoyed quite nap times and grandma spent the afternoon with Jenny yesterday looking and thinking about garden stuff for their yard. Johne has tomorrow and Friday off and Jenny has Thursday off...so it's good timing for grandma to move out of our house into their house for a few nights. The days go fast and it's so nice having the extra hands and eyes around the house to help with Tyler and all my crazy nesting projects for the past week. So far I've cleaned out all of Tyler's old clothes, blankets, and some stuffed animals, sold the rocker and his old crib bedding set...all going towards the purchase of Myla's new bedding! I've obviously changed my color selection for the nursery...uh um...Amy. Amy gave me quite the lecture on how her niece was not going to have a red wagon boyish room. Who knew red was for boys??? Anyways, after pages and pages of crib bedding this caught my eye. It's light and fresh, some pink and lots of white...and it's all handmade. It's not official yet, but I think the plans are in the work to get this ordered from the company that makes it through Rob and Amy's store. Still trying to figure out and color for the walls....any suggestions? Anyways, I've given most of the clothes to friends that have boys or going to have a boy. I'm trying to sell a few other things and if not...knowing that they are out of the house is a great feeling. Today and tomorrow I'm going to work on donating old books to the library and organizing old pictures and keepsakes (it's so hard to know what to keep and what not to keep!!!) I'm in a clean out mode, less is more, but battling the Bowers side of Scott is tough, who wants to keep everything. Good thing he's gone right now...heehehee! J/K.

We've been having quite a bit of computer issues the past week or so...with viruses and at one time didn't have any computer working. Also the last couple of weeks have been pretty busy, with the kitchen renovations, interim kitchen set up (dishwasher and homemade sink base, griddle, and old range in middle of kitchen floor). But we are getting by, a little frustrated cooking at times and a little cluttered, but I'm trying to be patient so we can get everything done correctly and save as much money at the same time. I am very excited about the kitchen getting done and the opening into the living room is so nice, I love being able to look out into the living room and see the view. More on all that another time!

Kitchen Progress...Phase 1

Many things were done this weekend for our kitchen project while Tyler and I hung out with Grandma and Grandpa all weekend...staying out of the mess and out of the way. Friday night Scott removed everything from the kitchen and after a long days work Johne came over at 10pm to help remove the 1952 Beauty Queen Porcelain sink! VIDEO.

Saturday morning Scott continued to remove the tile and plywood from the floor to get ready to tile. We decided on the faux travertine that we have in our bathroom...I love it because it looks clean when it's clean and clean when it's dirty...he he.

Saturday our neighbor Dennis came over to inspect the progress and encouraged Scott to use some of the beautiful solid 1inch thick floor to replace the the hole in the living room where the oil burning furnace used to be. Then when Scott said there is no way I could do it...he offered to do it! He spent all day removing floor from the kitchen and around the patch in the living room. The result was quite amazing and we are speechless really!! We are so grateful for his talent and wiliness to use his whole Saturday to help in our little project! Johne and Scott continued to get the floor ready to tile. There was a lot of water damage where the sink was so they had to replace some of that floor and other patches where the pantry wall used to be. Sunday morning tile, mortar, and spacers were purchased and the first tile was laid! Scott discovered these new spacers that space perfectly AND level the tiles! Scott and Johne worked all day Sunday and tiled the whole floor. We had some debate as whether to tile the whole space or leave some of the hardwood showing in the dining table area. We are happy so far with the decision to tile everything and make it all one surface. It makes the kitchen look like a big spacious kitchen, then again there are no cabinets or appliance in there yet.

Next on the list is to Grout, set the electrical, drywall patch, paint, wall oven cabinet, dishwasher installed, new sink base and sink hooked up (still have to figure out the how and what), refrigerator and pantry back in the kitchen. The rest will have to wait piece by piece as it comes...especially the tough and expensive decision on coutertops.

All in all I am very excited and have lots of HOPE that it will be close to complete before Myla comes in May! Some say I'm nesting already...well, there is a lot on my list...still need to paint and do Myla's room, I'd like to re-do Tyler's room AND get the living room painted. We need to replace the big windows in Tyler's room and the Living room too. So much to do. I guess I will have to be patient, we've only been living here for 3 years now...I could wait on a few of those things for another 3 years....I guess!

Kitchen Project

My dad came down to Savannah with a mission...to help us with the kitchen and that's what he did! The pantry is GONE! I'm happy, but also wonder how long it will be before I get a functioning kitchen again. We are only hoping to do Phase 1 (meaning...no new cabinets) but new floor (do ourselves), paint, and arrange kitchen to be what it is going to be once we get cabinets and new countertops. I'm hoping to get everything back in the cabinets and out of the living room tonight.

Patience!

We are having a blast with my dad here in town, we are putting him to work with trim at Johne's and the kitchen at our house. They did go golfing on Saturday! Otherwise just hanging out. I think he is a little hesitant on going back to -2 below Iowa weather. But you know how it is...you have to go back home sometime!

Half way there!!

We've passed the half way mark and can't wait to meet our little girl in 4 1/2 months! I'm really trying to take it all in and enjoy feeling her little kicks! I can't believe how exhausted I get picking up Tyler's toys makes me as my belly grows more and more (I'm only 1/2 way there!). Tyler has been so great and so much fun. He is talking more every day and is so proud of himself. Nap and bedtime with Tyler is quite the process...the same 4 books consisting of 3 train books and Clifford book. And then he always asks me to sing to him. So while he stands in his crib he puts his head on my belly and I sing He's Got the Whole World and use mommy and daddy, tyler scott shippy, and little tiny baby in his hands. He really loves it. Sometimes when I point to my belly and ask him to say goodnight to the baby he points to my "other bumps" and says baby baby. It's so funny and sweet!

Anyways, I thought I'd humor you and document my belly shots:

Here is the 20 week belly shot of me with Tyler (above July 2007) and 21 week belly shot with baby girl (Jan 2010). I think the belly's look pretty similar...but I feel so much bigger faster this time around. I was surprised to compare the two pictures. This is my first belly picture I've taken this pregnancy! With Tyler I had one at 12weeks and 16 weeks by now. Oops, I guess that's the way it always is with your second! Scott has helped me finally make a solid decision on our name for our baby girl. It's been tough because one of the criteria I try to accomplish is that it can only be spelled one way. Everyone I ask spells it wrong the first time until I tell them how I would spell it. Scott really likes it and that makes it really special. So.....here it is (and some already know)....

Myla Jo Shippy

It's a ......GIRL!

This week has been a crazy week! Starting with the news that we are having a little GIRL! We told the lady that no one would believe us, so she took some extra "proof" pictures. We are so thrilled to bring a girl into the Shippy side of the family...first since Scott's uncle Leonard had Sara...who I think is Scott's age. Anyways, my mom likes to remind me that my brother was the first boy in her moms side of the family in like 100 years...so I'm sure she shares some of the excitement for the Shippy's. After dinner on Monday night (when we found out) I insisted we go to Target to buy our little girl her first outfit. It was so much fun looking at all the girl stuff. I found this outfit! She is going to be a little Mayflower! I had trouble deciding whether to get newborn size clothes or 3M...Tyler was 9lbs 9 oz...I was 7lbs 13 oz when born and Scott was like 9lbs 15oz. So, being that it is a girl and she is measuring right on schedule she will probably be more my weight...but I want her to wear the outfits longer than Tyler wore his newborn outfits. The up to size on Newborn is 8.5lbs. Also, Aunt Jenny already added to her wardrobe with these cute onesies and my friend Sarah gave her the ice cream onesie and little shorts. I'm a little worried about getting bombarded with pink...but I've decided that we are going to decorate her room in Red, White, and Mocha. I'm going to keep everything basic solids and maybe stripes.

I also found an ITZBEEN at Target that night for a great deal! It's a timer system/night light that helps you with breast feeding, diaper changes, sleep times...etc. So excited! As you can tell...it definitely made for some excitement in our home!

Scott was really moved by the realization that he was going to have a girl. Today he said, while watching Tyler run crazy back and forth across the living room jumping on the 2 chairs, "what is a girl going to do?" I replied, "follow her older brother around and do whatever he does!"

Later that week...I was struck down by the cheeseburgers at McDonald's...or something. I ended up going to the ER to get some fluids pumped in me because I knew I was getting too dehydrated. I'm not usually one to go to the Dr. or ER, but this was for our baby girl. Everything was fine and I was feeling back to myself later the next day!

December and Resolutions....

Where did December go...and why have I been such a slacker on blog updates? First, time just never stops, and second, I guess facebook keeps me distracted....oh and Tyler.

Thanksgiving was great with my parents in town and Johne and Jenny hosting...it was fun hanging out cooking, bickering, and being lazy...until Tyler threw a tantrum that is...first couple days without a paci was pretty traumatic. We had a simple meal with few leftovers. Mom, Dad, and Bert the dog stayed with Johne and Jenny...but visited our house often when Johne and Jenny had to work their retail holiday rush. We just loved having them here...they got to see Tyler play with his new fishing pole (which was accidentally dropped in the river 2 days later), get a family photo taken...with the dog, dad went fishing with Scott, the girls and Tyler went shopping at the outlets...we had a great visit.

December 11th and 12th Scott and I went to Charleston for the weekend for his high school buddies wedding. We had a great time sleeping in, watching real cable TV, and of course attending a beautiful wedding, rehearsal dinner party, and send off brunch! Jenny helped with Tyler on Friday and Grandma and Grandpa had him Friday night and Saturday night.

Tyler's family stocking is done!!! And as you can see I am the only one left to get one made for me...I've heard Mom Shippy has started on it already this year! So exciting...aren't they gorgeous!

Our main gift this year for all of our family was a Weather Stick. We got one last year and love it. It really reacts to changing weather. Go here is you want to learn more about them. I hope they hang them up soon...or already have...let me know!!!

Christmas was so much fun this year with Tyler. He really enjoyed all the opening and chaos of Christmas. It was tough to keep him focused on opening more presents because he was so into the one he just opened. Christmas Eve at Scott's parents was like a whirlwind from dinner to opening presents chaos. I really don't know who got who what this year...and it was especially confusing helping Tyler open all of his gifts and keeping track. We ended up taking pictures and even putting some of the unopened toys in the closet for a rainy day...to spread out the fun. On the top of Scott's wish list was a framing nailer (Lord help us), fishing poles and supplies, lots of tools, and a shovel...that Santa brought him. My wish list granted was a label maker, electric skillet, $ for our kitchen, fruit bowl (awesome wooden one from Jenny), and pyrex glass storage dishes with lids. Tyler got a train set, little people car set, 30 some hot wheels, a Dr. box gift set, train table from Santa, another fishing pole (which he will not let go of...it goes on car rides with us), a little TYLER step stool, a bag of balloons, look and find book, fishing game, and so much other stuff, I can't keep track.

We were so blessed this Christmas and I had a blast shopping for everyone...maybe too much! I loved having a get together with my nephews right before Christmas to get any last minute requests and learn about what they are up to. Matthew mentioned the Flat Stanley chapter books he's reading and a scorpion lego kit he wanted. I finally found what I thought he might be talking about and sure enough right after he opened it he ran over to me and said....I'VE BEEN WANTING THIS!!! I was so excited that I got the right one! James says he loves football so I got him and Tyler matching Football long sleeve shirts and he is reading Stuart Little books, and Andrew loves the CARS disney theme so I got him a CARS race track.This was really the highlight of my Christmas this year...besides making Tyler so excited and happy. and Scott was like a little boy when he saw a shovel next to his stocking.

We had Christmas lunch at Johnny and Jenny's house with her parents and brother who came down again this year for Christmas. We had ham, roasted red potatoes, corn, cheatin bread, and strawberry spinach salad. 2 of the items came from Scott's side of the family and the roasted red potatoes from Aunt Carla in Iowa. Gifts were fun too...Scott got a new small shop vac, $ for the kitchen, a coffee cup and pen with Tyler's picture on it, and we got Johne an air compressor with brad nailer (within 3 days Johne called and said he almost has all the trimmed nailed in!) We really searched for this item...taking 3 of them back trying to find the best deal...lots of effort for 1 gift for him!)

Later that day we went to Rob and Amy's for yet another Christmas dinner. It was really amazing food and it was fun seeing Tyler play with his cousins and follow them around for a few hours. They are so good with him and love playing with him and making him laugh.

We had company to bring in the New Year from Atlanta. Jan, Clete, and 4 month old Chloe came to visit. Clete wanted a Low Country Boil (1 pot=red potatoes, sausage, shrimp (and corn) and 1 can Old Bay Seasoning). It was pretty good actually...usually it weirds me out everything cooked in one pot of bowling water. We had great desserts as well. Scott's parents joined us and brought Chess Bars, I made a chocolate pudding pie and cookies. By 10:30 Scott's parents had left and we all were ready to hit the bed...with kids...sleep is just a little too precious these days. We were all out by 11pm. It was 12:00am somewhere though!

And now to Resolutions:

1. Blog once a week...so I don't feel I have to do my monster blog updates anymore...that take an hour or so...the time really adds up.

2. De-Clutter...with baby coming in May...we need some room.

3. Weekly meal menu...this one is to please Scott. I know it's not that hard and they don't always have to be big huge meals...but a plan is the plan. I know I can do it!

Happy New Year Everyone!