Happy Halloween!

Pictures, as Promised

In hindsight, I wish we would've taken all of the bumps pics in front of the same spot and/or wearing the same top like some people do to show the drastic growth. Anyway, here's the 33-week bump (and big brother Higgins).

Below are some pictures of Sara Noel's room. We have just a couple more items to hang on the walls, but beyond that, all we need is a baby!

Finally, here's a picture of our first ISU baby item. As all Cyclone fans come to understand, a loss (or two or twelve) doesn't make the drink any less tasty. Thanks, Leigh!

33 down, 7 to go

I'm sorry to say that nothing very exciting has been going on in my life recently. However, for the sake of the blog, I'll post a weekly recap tonight. Steve is at a Ray LaMontagne concert with his brother. At first I was planning to go, but we then decided that a number of patrons at this particular concert may be partaking in a "dance with Mary Jane" if you know what I mean, so I made the responsible decision and opted out. I'm actually pretty relieved because it's been a long week and I'm exhausted. My job is going well and I love it (and I'm getting better at it everyday, thank goodness), but I've been working crazy hours and now I'm ready to totally collapse.

We had our 4th week of childbirth classes this week at the hospital. This week included the tour of Labor & Delivery, which is pretty much the only reason I signed up to take the class. I feel more comfortable now that I've seen where this will all actually go down. We walked by the nursery with the brand new babies which was obviously a highlight. It's hard to believe we are so close to that reality ... still haven't completely wrapped my head around it.

On Wednesday there was a luncheon shower at school for me (and for two other girls who are also pregnant). It was very nice, and I walked away with some pretty hefty gift cards, for which I'm very grateful. My staff definitely spoiled me.

Last night we watched "The Office," which was good from start to finish for the first time this season. Is anyone else watching the SNL Thursday night election specials? They are hysterical! In the wake of all of the serious political news everywhere I look, it was nice to enjoy some laughs at the expense of all these people. I'm thinking about early voting to avoid the crowds, but I feel more official when I vote on election day, so we'll see. If next week is anything like the last couple, I'll make lots of plans and never get to them (which means I'll be voting November 4th).

The "Sex and the City" movie is finally on On Demand, and since Higgins in the only one in this house who will watch it with me, I think that's what we'll do tonight. I know I'm the last one to see it, but I'm getting there. Tomorrow morning I'm going to book club/breakfast with my neighbor friend Renee. I'm going more for the breakfast because I didn't even open the book ... I'm telling you, I've been busy.

Coming soon: pictures of the nursery and perhaps one of my 33-week belly. It is BIG and all over the place and I can hardly bend over the sink to even brush my teeth anymore. You'll be able to see it for yourself shortly.

Thanks, Friends!

Some of my college girlfriends pooled funds and sent us a generous Babies R Us giftcard, so today we went on a shopping spree! We were able to buy many necessary items from our registry, including a stroller that I love. Rachel, Heather, Leigh, Katie, Lisa, Merry, Brooke, and Brooke, I thought you'd like to see what you bought for our baby girl. Thanks so much! Here's a picture of the goods:

We followed up our shopping trip with brisket tacos from Mia's on Lemmon Ave. If you live in Dallas and haven't had Mia's tacos, you must. Before coming home, we hit up Half Price Books for a couple of bargains. Now Steve wants to watch this new scary movie he bought (it's Halloween time afterall), but I'm not so sure. I should probably just man-up and watch the movie, but I know that if I do, I'll be scared of the dark for at least a week. I might feel better about it if I go change into my cozy sweatpants and make a quick batch of cookies. Sounds like a plan!

I Cry About Everything

Here's just one example:

I went to Wal-Mart tonight to purchase some storage-solution canvas totes. Now I know that many of you want to quit reading right now to tell me to stop shopping at Wal-Mart. I'm sure you have a totally valid argument with which I'd probably agree, but I need you to focus on the issue at hand. Anyway, you can imagine my excitement when, upon arriving in the section with canvas totes, they were very clearly marked $4.98 per pack of two. What a bargain! I placed four in my cart and continued shopping. Everything was going well until I was standing in the check-out lane and the totes, upon being scanned, rang up at $9.92 each. I quickly alerted the check-out man about the mistake in price, and he flipped on his light for assistance. I swear I could hear the entire line of people behind me moan (and I don't really blame them. Flipping on the blinking light can be like a death sentence, especially for the guy two people behind me who just wanted to buy his beer on be on his way. I get it). After consulting the check-out lady in the next lane, it became clear that not only was the very clearly marked price suddenly "unknown" to all Wal-Mart employees, but that they weren't going to take my word for it either. I told the guy to forget it; he didn't have to check further, and he should just take the totes off my total because I no longer wanted them. I know I could have paid $9.92, but it's a matter of principle, people. Now comes the part about the crying. I came this close to losing it right in the line. This close. By some miracle, I was able to hold it together until I got to the door. Luckily it was dark outside, so nobody really noticed that I walked all the way to my car crying uncontrollably.

This instance is just one of many. I've never been a big crier, and now I can't stop. Steve doesn't understand it, and I can't explain it to him in any way that makes an ounce of sense. I'm beginning to think even Higgins thinks I'm nuts.

Pregnancy, you win. Are you happy? I give up. Please just hurry up and finish your business and then get the heck outta Dodge.