Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Found Today on Our Lanai

wasp of death

Okay, we have a screened lanai. With a wasp killer hanging by the pool as backup. And yet the above is what was hanging out on our lanai ceiling this afternoon. Might not look like much to you, but to me, that is the wasp of death that can kill me in a matter of hours. Inside what is supposed to be my sanctuary from the Florida bugs. Joy.

Did I mention how happy I am to be heading to California for ten days?

Monday, March 17, 2008

Easter Bunny!

One thing I've discovered as a parent is the holiday "season". While every holiday literally is just one day, once you have a child, every holiday morphs into it's own little holiday season, full of events and activities. Though Easter Sunday is still almost a week out, we've already had two Easter celebrations. Oh yeah, and my daughter is two. And not in school yet. Crazy! Honestly though, I get into it. Why, photo ops of course!

Our neighbors daughter is four, and one of Natalie's best friends, so we dressed up the girls and took them to the local chocolate shop where the Easter Bunny was waiting. The girls are too cute, if I do say so myself. Oh and Pete, if you're reading this, I did pick up a little something to bring out west this weekend...





After a treat for the girls, we stopped at the wine shop next door so we could get some treats for the adults. I am slowing stocking our wine bar with good wine so I will be all set once baby #2 arrives in July. I have no problems giving up wine in the short term, but lemme tell ya, I sure do miss it on days like today when darling daughter does not nap.

One question though, why is it that every holiday seems to involve candy? While I admit, this was great when I was a kid, as an adult, it has it's drawbacks. We try to limit Natalie's sugar intake to avoid melt downs. That means after each event, there is much leftover candy that is brought home. Now that I am not working full time, and Dean is working full time, but from home, we have no outlets for said candy. You know how it is, right after every holiday, your office is suddenly filled with baskets of candy around the water cooler. This usually lasts for about a week or so and by the end of it you're either craving a salad due to overindulgence or learning to keep your fat butt away from the water cooler for a few days to avoid temptation. Now, imagine this scenario: the water cooler is your kitchen, you are home throughout the day, you are 5 months pregnant and your daughter has recently given up naps. Yeah, it ain't pretty. Okay, off to get some chocolate, er, a glass of water...

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

No Name Changes Here

I've been wondering for awhile if I would need to change the name of this blog. Recent life events could have suggested this would be a good idea. However, as it turns out, this won't be necessary. Why? Well... a little secret I've been holding out on for those I don't chat with regularly is that, I am pregnant! Due July 28th. With another girl!

We are very excited about having another girl, Dean in particular. When I asked him several weeks ago if he had a preference for this one, he actually said he thought he'd kind of prefer to have another girl. I think because he thought they would be likely to have a close bond. I find this very endearing, and so sweet. Nothing like daddy's little girl(s). I'll have to make sure I remind him of this when they are teenagers. And want to go on a first date. At 13. With that cute 17yr old they met on MySpace.

But that aside, now that we know we are having a girl, I can start planning! I'm really excited to decorate another nursery. My quandary is that the room is now our guest room/my office and I love the decor of it. If we were having a boy, I likely would have kept to make it work. But with a girl, I'm not so sure. Take a look...

Guest Room

The bed and curtains were the previous owners, but the wallpaper and border are what I love. They have little suns and moons, which I find adorable for a nursery. I'm trying to decide if I can keep the wallpaper, find a border with more feminine colors and repaint the walls more of a golden yellow. I really like the border too, but it just seems too masculine for a baby girl. But if you've got any good ideas on how to make it work, please share!

Now about that due date. July 28th. That means the middle of summer. In Florida. In 97 degree heat with about 90% humidity. Ugh. It's not going to be pretty. I'm petite, so when I'm fully pregnant, I look ridiculous anyway. I can only imagine how I will look this summer, likely swollen and miserable. Don't hold your breath for the photos... Just remind me when I get cranky to keep my eye on the prize.

In the meantime, put in your votes for girl names now, all suggestions are welcome.