I have been opportunistic in April! There is a new job on my horizon which I think will provide less stress, less drive time, and better compensation. It is a bit hard to leave the position which I have worked so hard in, but I know I am leaving the old work place in much better shape than when I started. I know that certainly there is more to do but I have no confidence that my efforts will yield success.
We have removed a concrete pad on the south end of the house! It was a bit of an eyesore and think a nice path bordered by flowers, fruiting plants, and a garden will serve us much better. Mindy's dad and brother brought an electric jack hammer and the three of us took turns annoying the neighbors! A lot of fun but I kept thinking that I was glad I went to college so I don't have to use one every day! But I did feel manly and there was some Tim Allen style grunting. Our hope is for a pretty basic garden to start. Tomatoes, squash, and the like. Maybe some strawberries and blueberries?!?! Also, on the north of our shed where the previous owners had a trampoline and LOTS of mulch we have cleared the mulch, tilled the earth and started some grass. It's very shady with the line of cedar trees blocking the sun sometime after 2pm everyday. Also, the yard seems to grow chickweed, dandelions and moles, so we've been fighting chemical warfare. I think we're winning, albeit slowly.
Moe received a "grooming" on a warm evening recently and acts like he is much cooler. There was a pile of hair in the yard which we hoped the birds would use for nesting material, but it just looks like some poor furry creature was eaten. Speaking of birds, we saw our first Oriole on the oriole feeder this morning! He would dip his body to sip out of the feeder exposing an orange underside. Now, if we could get some hummingbirds the transition to Spring would feel complete!
Our friends came over recently with their two boys and I decided to set up my tent which I had been hauling around since college. The boys had a great time with it and made me want to go backpacking and camping. So I thought I would take an evening this week as I am between jobs and camp out at Mindy's family farmstead next to the fishing pond and enjoy a campfire and gaze at the stars. Might not get a chance, stupid rain. I hope Oliver and I can go when he gets a little older. But it wouldn't hurt to practice now! I miss being outdoors and the simplicity of being away from the house and city.
My father and I hung our wood project last night. It is a large wall mounted cabinet with sliding doors for organizing one's shop. We've been working on it for several months and it will be very useful! I have learned a lot about woodworking and think this might be a good hobby for me. As always, just need a little more money and a little more time. Next project is built-in book shelves for Oliver's bedroom. We took measurements last night and drew up a rough plan. I also got to use my laser rangefinder - awesome, if I do say so myself!
Mindy and baby Oliver have been doing well. Oliver is very active and I've felt him moving on several occasions. We continue to collect items for his room. A special thanks to the RP staff for throwing us a baby shower. We felt very special to be honored by Mindy's coworkers. Mindy seems to grow everyday and some new shirts were in order, badly! I can't believe how soon Oliver will be here and so we've been working on sleeping in and building a reserve of patience.
That's about it for April. I'm pretty sure May will be just as exciting with starting a new job, Mindy going to Summer break and efforts to get the garden and Oliver's bedroom ready! Looking forward to a couple of Royal's victories, maybe a Sporting KC game, and lots of time with friends and family! BTW Mindy will be looking forward to Yankee victories.......
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
20 Weeks!!
I'm so excited to tell you that we have officially made it to the half way point! There were many many times in those early few weeks where I was so sick and so emotional I didn't think I would make it or do it. Well, as all my friends and family have told us, you will make it and you will soon forget how horrible it was. I still remember those early days but they are fading fast!
I'm also so excited to tell you that I have finally started to feel little flutters!!! It is so cool and so weird at the same time. I feel him the most late at night right before I go to sleep. It is probably because that seems to be the only time in my day where I can actually sit, relax and be aware. One minute it's on the left and then he's on the right. I'm like what is going on in there, it is time for bed not a party. Then I'm reminded by James and the voices in the back of my head that ask me, "maybe Oliver will be a night owl just like you??" As I ponder this question most nights, wondering if that will be the case, it scares me just a bit to think of the parties Oliver and I will have in the middle of the night when we are suppose to be asleep :) Because as you all know I am a night owl but I do love my sleep!!! I will have to keep you posted on this part of our story....
I can't wait for the time when James can feel him move! Oliver is definitely getting bigger (as am I) and he is getting stronger so I'm sure it won't be long before he makes his way to the surface so James can feel him!
On a totally different front, I'm so happy that all our extended family and friends in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area are safe after the scary tornadoes that happened down there early this week. We love you all and are so glad that you are okay!!!
Last, in case you are not on facebook and have not heard, I only have 33 more days with this class....I'm so looking forward to getting some time off, relaxing, and "nesting"
Love to you all and a very Happy Easter!
I'm also so excited to tell you that I have finally started to feel little flutters!!! It is so cool and so weird at the same time. I feel him the most late at night right before I go to sleep. It is probably because that seems to be the only time in my day where I can actually sit, relax and be aware. One minute it's on the left and then he's on the right. I'm like what is going on in there, it is time for bed not a party. Then I'm reminded by James and the voices in the back of my head that ask me, "maybe Oliver will be a night owl just like you??" As I ponder this question most nights, wondering if that will be the case, it scares me just a bit to think of the parties Oliver and I will have in the middle of the night when we are suppose to be asleep :) Because as you all know I am a night owl but I do love my sleep!!! I will have to keep you posted on this part of our story....
I can't wait for the time when James can feel him move! Oliver is definitely getting bigger (as am I) and he is getting stronger so I'm sure it won't be long before he makes his way to the surface so James can feel him!
On a totally different front, I'm so happy that all our extended family and friends in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area are safe after the scary tornadoes that happened down there early this week. We love you all and are so glad that you are okay!!!
Last, in case you are not on facebook and have not heard, I only have 33 more days with this class....I'm so looking forward to getting some time off, relaxing, and "nesting"
Love to you all and a very Happy Easter!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Moe
As you all know Moe is the current baby in the house! We know he is not really a baby nor a child but he is what we got right now. As our good friends Anne and Brian have reminded us, as soon as the baby comes the dog will be a second class citizen in your home and you might forget to feed him some days. Anne I have to say, that is already starting to happen. He is starting to learn to circle us and whine at his food dish if it gets too late. Thanks for our first parenting tip :) I'm sure that will be coming to you with many more questions in the future!!!
Back to what I was talking about...Moe is the baby and really he is James' baby. Where ever James is Moe is always close by and normally that mean under his feet, quite literally sometimes. Moe will come see me if James is being hard on him, he wants on the bed or if James is not home. Most of the time I am an afterthought in his doggie mind. Until recently!
I have read in baby books and heard from friends that dogs can sense pregnancy. I think after 18 weeks Moe has figured it out. Since we got back from Wichita Moe is been at my side the majority of the time. If I am upstairs and James is downstairs normally Moe would be with James, but this week Moe has been in the hallway guarding the door of the room I'm in. When I get up the middle of the night for a walk across the room Moe normally picks his head up, huffs, and then lays back down. This week he following me across the room. It is very cute but very bazaar!
So I have to say he is realizing
A) his world is about to be turned upside down
B) his momma was the one that begged and pleaded for him so I should favor her
C) his new best friend will be here before he knows it
D) all the above!
As any good teacher, D) all the above is normally a safe answer :)
Back to what I was talking about...Moe is the baby and really he is James' baby. Where ever James is Moe is always close by and normally that mean under his feet, quite literally sometimes. Moe will come see me if James is being hard on him, he wants on the bed or if James is not home. Most of the time I am an afterthought in his doggie mind. Until recently!
I have read in baby books and heard from friends that dogs can sense pregnancy. I think after 18 weeks Moe has figured it out. Since we got back from Wichita Moe is been at my side the majority of the time. If I am upstairs and James is downstairs normally Moe would be with James, but this week Moe has been in the hallway guarding the door of the room I'm in. When I get up the middle of the night for a walk across the room Moe normally picks his head up, huffs, and then lays back down. This week he following me across the room. It is very cute but very bazaar!
So I have to say he is realizing
A) his world is about to be turned upside down
B) his momma was the one that begged and pleaded for him so I should favor her
C) his new best friend will be here before he knows it
D) all the above!
As any good teacher, D) all the above is normally a safe answer :)
Registries oh my!
Now that we finally know what our baby is we can answer the other burning questions in many minds. What is the theme of the baby's room?? Well after much looking we finally agreed on a bed set to design the room around. Most will not be shocked but we went with TURTLES!!!! Here is a picture of the room design from the website.
I'm sure that we will not have all that stuff in one corner of the room :) But it gives you an idea.
We also decided on many items for the registries because my office would like to throw a shower before the end of the school year and May is NEVER a good time so we will have it in April. So needless to say we needed to get working on it.
Registries are so completely overwhelming. We did not have a problem with our wedding registries but we felt like fish out of water in a baby store, especially babies r us. That wall of bottles is enough to put you over the edge but we powered through and were able to decide. Then on to the strollers, play yards and bouncy seats oh my! Needless to say we are not finished but we have started and we won't be as overwhelmed next time....I hope :)
We also decided on many items for the registries because my office would like to throw a shower before the end of the school year and May is NEVER a good time so we will have it in April. So needless to say we needed to get working on it.
Registries are so completely overwhelming. We did not have a problem with our wedding registries but we felt like fish out of water in a baby store, especially babies r us. That wall of bottles is enough to put you over the edge but we powered through and were able to decide. Then on to the strollers, play yards and bouncy seats oh my! Needless to say we are not finished but we have started and we won't be as overwhelmed next time....I hope :)
Wichita
After a sonogram appointment and the many phone calls and texts that followed we were off to Wichita! I was super excited to see Mandi, Dave and our Goddaughter Lyla! The drive there seems so short but the drive home shows it true length....so we never get there as much as we would like to!
We got to play at the park and have dinner with them on Friday night and then bright and early Saturday morning we headed downtown for shopping and then the parade! It was so much fun to see the parade through Lyla's eyes I can't wait to experience all those things with Oliver!
As for the rest of the weekend we spent it at a Bed and Breakfast. Ask James about this but all I can say is it was interesting and will go down for the ages.....
Thanks Mandi, Lyla and Dave for a great weekend!
We got to play at the park and have dinner with them on Friday night and then bright and early Saturday morning we headed downtown for shopping and then the parade! It was so much fun to see the parade through Lyla's eyes I can't wait to experience all those things with Oliver!
As for the rest of the weekend we spent it at a Bed and Breakfast. Ask James about this but all I can say is it was interesting and will go down for the ages.....
Thanks Mandi, Lyla and Dave for a great weekend!
It's a boy!
We are so excited to announce that we are having a boy! Last Friday after a restful night of sleep, and I must admit that I was shocked that I actually slept because I was so excited, but we were up and at them. We had a trip to Wichita planned and Moe needed to dropped off at doggie daycare and I needed to drink four 8 ounce cups of water (cruel punishment) an HOUR before our appointment. So with the "housekeeping" things done we drove to the doctor's office. I knew in the back of my mind and heart that everything was okay with our little baby but still nervous that something might be wrong and we would find out today. I guess a mother's worry?!?
So we sat nervously in the HOT waiting room, with a full bladder, and waited and waited. (This is very unusual for this facility) so I was starting to worry even more and did I mention I needed to use the bathroom. With a 9:00 appointment the lovely sonogram tech walks by us at 9:15 Starbucks in hand and say "so sorry I was running late, I will be with you in a minute". So after a few minutes pass she finally calls us in. We nervously enter the room have casual small talk and then on to the show. Our first picture was of uterus and bladder, which she replies, "wow, that's a full bladder!" I remind her they told me to drink FOUR 8 ounce glasses of water an HOUR before my appointment and that is EXACTLY what I did. She then tells me well let's get this one measurement and get you to the restroom. The first great news I had heard that morning!
Sonogram take 2: We are now back on the table and much more comfortable and ready to enjoy the real show! We started out just looking over his whole body! She took several measurements, his head, abdomen, my uterus and his femur bone. She then determined that he was measuring about a week earlier than we expected but they can be up to a week off on both sides of the due date so she didn't think Dr. Brunner would change it, but we will find out when I go to my next appointment on Monday. After that we glanced at several more parts, brain, heart, stomach, kidneys and lip. And everything looked GREAT!
Then the real show started. We were on the hunt to find out what this little baby was. Like his mother we found out he is not going to be a morning person. I should have known not to schedule a morning appointment for the non-morning person but hey we had other things to get to. He was sleeping with he legs crossed and refused to uncross them. So we went in for a different shot that he couldn't hide from. Not the best way to find out according to the tech but hey there it was in all it's glory we had a boy! We were so excited! I think James was most excited, while he would never say it to me, I knew that he really wanted a boy because he wanted his family name to live on and now it will! After that excitement I didn't think it could get any better but it did. She did a 3D shot of his face and darn it I have to say I'm so in love!
This isn't the best picture, as it is a picture of a picture, but it was the best I could do.
So without further ado I introduce to you Oliver Steven Bennett
If you are not familiar with sign language we have learned that the thumb on the forehead means dad. I think little Oliver was giving a shout out to James to say, "Good job dad! You knew I was a boy!"
While my dreams of tutus, big bows, princesses, and dresses are put on hold for a while. I'm super excited to think about all things boy! We are completely over the moon and back and can't wait for him to get here. Okay we can wait because we want him to be healthy and happy but as you all know patience is not my strong suit but God sure is teaching that lesson these days!
All our love!
So we sat nervously in the HOT waiting room, with a full bladder, and waited and waited. (This is very unusual for this facility) so I was starting to worry even more and did I mention I needed to use the bathroom. With a 9:00 appointment the lovely sonogram tech walks by us at 9:15 Starbucks in hand and say "so sorry I was running late, I will be with you in a minute". So after a few minutes pass she finally calls us in. We nervously enter the room have casual small talk and then on to the show. Our first picture was of uterus and bladder, which she replies, "wow, that's a full bladder!" I remind her they told me to drink FOUR 8 ounce glasses of water an HOUR before my appointment and that is EXACTLY what I did. She then tells me well let's get this one measurement and get you to the restroom. The first great news I had heard that morning!
Sonogram take 2: We are now back on the table and much more comfortable and ready to enjoy the real show! We started out just looking over his whole body! She took several measurements, his head, abdomen, my uterus and his femur bone. She then determined that he was measuring about a week earlier than we expected but they can be up to a week off on both sides of the due date so she didn't think Dr. Brunner would change it, but we will find out when I go to my next appointment on Monday. After that we glanced at several more parts, brain, heart, stomach, kidneys and lip. And everything looked GREAT!
Then the real show started. We were on the hunt to find out what this little baby was. Like his mother we found out he is not going to be a morning person. I should have known not to schedule a morning appointment for the non-morning person but hey we had other things to get to. He was sleeping with he legs crossed and refused to uncross them. So we went in for a different shot that he couldn't hide from. Not the best way to find out according to the tech but hey there it was in all it's glory we had a boy! We were so excited! I think James was most excited, while he would never say it to me, I knew that he really wanted a boy because he wanted his family name to live on and now it will! After that excitement I didn't think it could get any better but it did. She did a 3D shot of his face and darn it I have to say I'm so in love!
This isn't the best picture, as it is a picture of a picture, but it was the best I could do.
So without further ado I introduce to you Oliver Steven Bennett
While my dreams of tutus, big bows, princesses, and dresses are put on hold for a while. I'm super excited to think about all things boy! We are completely over the moon and back and can't wait for him to get here. Okay we can wait because we want him to be healthy and happy but as you all know patience is not my strong suit but God sure is teaching that lesson these days!
All our love!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Healthy, happy and loving life!
Well it has been awhile since I updated but I must say there has not been much excitement in the Bennett house. We have both been dealing with allergies. Been spending time with our families and friends. Just making it through every day work and life. I have been working on keeping my balance. No one told me that my equilibrium would be off. I have fallen a couple of time but luckily I have landed on my butt end and not the tummy side. It's amazing how the instinct kicks in to stay back and not fall forward to protect the baby. But overall, we have been healthy, happy and loving life! Which has been James and I motto since we started dating, and we carry that with us every day. Most days we check each other meter too, it is that important to us!
I'm on spring break this week and the weather has been perfect! Last weekend we burned a large pile of yard waste and I just really enjoyed sitting around watching it and the occasional turning of the pile. We were outside the entire day! It was amazing!!! It was raining on Sunday so we had the opportunity to clean the house top to bottom. There were times when I wondered if this was a little bit of nesting or just spring cleaning?!? Maybe both? I've been given the opportunity to nanny for 3 great boys twice this week. We spent all day Monday at the zoo and then Thursday it's up to the 2 older boys what we do but I told them it MUST be outside! Yesterday and today I've spent a lot of time getting my vitamin D the natural way! Who needs the beach for spring break when you can be in KS and enjoy 80's for free! (secretly I would love the beach) We are also looking forward to a little getaway to Wichita, to stay in a B&B that James found! They had a Valentine's package, that if you booked in Feb. you could "cash in" on the deal! We jumped all over it!! I'm so looking forward to candle-light dinner for 2 in our room, hour massage in our room and breakfast in bed! It will be fantastic!!! We also get to see Mandi, Dave and our most precious beautiful Goddaughter Lyla! Like I said, life is happy, healthy and full of love!
On the baby front, he/she is just cooking away. While I haven't gain much weight, my mid-section seems to be growing quite a bit! One day a couple weeks ago I was pulling down my shirt all day at work and was just annoyed but didn't put two and two together until later that night when I came downstairs. James turned his head and looked right at my belly and says "huh?" I said "what?" Then I put it together...my belly had popped and that is why my shirt would not stay down. I'm trying to embrace it and I know it's a good thing but man there are days where I really struggle to see this belly and the inability to see my feet :( My mom and sister took my shopping last week and I had been told elastic would become your new best friend but I had no idea how fabulous it would be!!! Thanks again for taking me shopping and getting me clothes that will fit over my ever expanding belly.
Since our last post we have been the doctor twice and was able to hear the heart beat, both times they were in the 150's! We are super excited to SEE and find out what the sex of the baby will be! We go in on Friday!!! I still think it's a girl and James thinks it's a boy! But either way we win!!!
In answer to the big questions we get a LOT. Yes we will tell you the sex! Yes we have names! Yes we will tell! I'm not one to keep a secret, it weighs too heavily on my heart even when it a good, happy secret. I feel guilty so I will have to tell :)
In the meantime, please pray this baby is more like his/her papa and not as stubborn as his/her momma! I really want to see the beautiful face growing inside me and see the other end too (wink, wink) so I know who to plan for! Love to all of you!!!
I'm on spring break this week and the weather has been perfect! Last weekend we burned a large pile of yard waste and I just really enjoyed sitting around watching it and the occasional turning of the pile. We were outside the entire day! It was amazing!!! It was raining on Sunday so we had the opportunity to clean the house top to bottom. There were times when I wondered if this was a little bit of nesting or just spring cleaning?!? Maybe both? I've been given the opportunity to nanny for 3 great boys twice this week. We spent all day Monday at the zoo and then Thursday it's up to the 2 older boys what we do but I told them it MUST be outside! Yesterday and today I've spent a lot of time getting my vitamin D the natural way! Who needs the beach for spring break when you can be in KS and enjoy 80's for free! (secretly I would love the beach) We are also looking forward to a little getaway to Wichita, to stay in a B&B that James found! They had a Valentine's package, that if you booked in Feb. you could "cash in" on the deal! We jumped all over it!! I'm so looking forward to candle-light dinner for 2 in our room, hour massage in our room and breakfast in bed! It will be fantastic!!! We also get to see Mandi, Dave and our most precious beautiful Goddaughter Lyla! Like I said, life is happy, healthy and full of love!
On the baby front, he/she is just cooking away. While I haven't gain much weight, my mid-section seems to be growing quite a bit! One day a couple weeks ago I was pulling down my shirt all day at work and was just annoyed but didn't put two and two together until later that night when I came downstairs. James turned his head and looked right at my belly and says "huh?" I said "what?" Then I put it together...my belly had popped and that is why my shirt would not stay down. I'm trying to embrace it and I know it's a good thing but man there are days where I really struggle to see this belly and the inability to see my feet :( My mom and sister took my shopping last week and I had been told elastic would become your new best friend but I had no idea how fabulous it would be!!! Thanks again for taking me shopping and getting me clothes that will fit over my ever expanding belly.
Since our last post we have been the doctor twice and was able to hear the heart beat, both times they were in the 150's! We are super excited to SEE and find out what the sex of the baby will be! We go in on Friday!!! I still think it's a girl and James thinks it's a boy! But either way we win!!!
In answer to the big questions we get a LOT. Yes we will tell you the sex! Yes we have names! Yes we will tell! I'm not one to keep a secret, it weighs too heavily on my heart even when it a good, happy secret. I feel guilty so I will have to tell :)
In the meantime, please pray this baby is more like his/her papa and not as stubborn as his/her momma! I really want to see the beautiful face growing inside me and see the other end too (wink, wink) so I know who to plan for! Love to all of you!!!
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