Growing up

Silas is growing up!  He had his 4-month check-up this past Monday.  He received his normal vaccinations and of course he is now a little under the weather.  He's had a fever and is just not his smiley self.  I know vaccinations are really important but I hate them.  They make my baby sick.  As a new Mom this has been really hard to get used to.  I don't ever want him to be sick or hurt in anyway - ever.  The other week when he had his first fever I began to freak out a little.  I called the nurse, gave him tylenol and then worried all night and all the next day.  I guess it's part of the job right?  It's our jobs as parents to worry.  With the shooting at Sandy Hook last week, it's only made me worry even more.  How will I even let Silas out of the house without worrying, let alone go to the mall or even school?  I'm not going to pretend that never letting him out of the house didn't cross my mind.  It did and it has several times.  But I'm also a sensible person.  Right now I will focus on giving Silas roots.  Really strong roots.  Once he has those I will give him wings.  I've always wanted to fly so I will give Silas the biggest, feathery, strongest wings possible.  I'll leave you with a quote that I think of when I'm reminded that someday I'll have to let my baby Silas go and fly (good thing I have a few years!).

"Good parents give their children roots and wings. Roots to know where home is, wings to fly away and exercise what's been taught them. -- Jonas Salk"


Here is my baby.  He is practicing how to take off.  And most importantly, he is so happy doing it!

This is the best thing I've seen in my entire life - Silas smiling...LOVE him.

Exciting Weekend



Date Night!



This last weekend was super exciting.  We celebrated Nick's birthday and had our first 'Date Night' Friday.  We went to see Sky Fall at the Majestic and also had dinner there!  It was awesome like usual.  I did find myself getting distracted by checking on Silas.  He was at Heidi's so I had nothing to worry about.  But, I still worried. 

Saturday was Nick's actual birthday.  We hung out and had breakfast in the a.m.  Went grocery shopping and to Walmart in the afternoon.  Later on I went to my friend Kim's for our 9th annual Snowman Extravaganza.  It's where a bunch of us girls get together, eat, exchange snowmen gifts, but mostly catch up.  Life gets busier everyday and it's nice to have a night to just sit, gossip, laugh, and catch-up.  I wish we did this more often.  There's no distractions of kids or men...just alcohol and food.  It's awesome.  Nick spent the night at home with Silas and had a few people over for the Badger game.  It was nice to come home to just Silas and Nick though.  And it was clean!  He's seriously the best husband ever.  I know I've talked about this before but he is.  Oh and he's the best Dad ever too.  He let's me take naps and always spends so much time with Silas, holding him, talking to him, and teaching him how to stick his tongue out!  We ended the weekend at Nick's parent's house where we enjoyed spaghetti and his Mom's famous meatballs and I brought a cake.  It was nice to spend time with them and Nick's grandpa.  Usually it's nuts with all the other kids there.



Blowing out the candles!





The cake from the cupcake place!







On another note, Monday's are going really well.  I love being home with Silas but sometimes his new things are not so fun.  His newest thing is not taking naps.  He likes to fall asleep for ten minutes and then wake up.  Here he is doing it!

Baby Brain - still have it

Back in June when I was still pregnant I blogged about Baby Brain.  Well I still have it.  For the second time in the last couple months my car didn't start.  Doesn't sound like a big deal until you're running out the door and you're already late for work and then the car doesn't start!  Because we have a two-car deep garage, Nick and I have to move our cars occasionally.  Last night we moved the cars and I must have not closed my car door.  Last time I forgot to turn the headlights off.  Not only am I forgetful but I'm slightly less aware of things and I'm also more clumsy.  I dropped Silas' heater we use in the bathroom so we had to get another one.  I guess there is a positive in these things that happen.  Because I had to wait for my car to charge this morning, I got to suck Silas' boogies out and start feeding him.  A few minutes with him was worth it (Nick usually is on morning duty).  Oh and the trip to Shopko to get the new heater was nice because I think Shopko is way underrated.  I'm going to go there more often.  And did ya'll know that Starbucks has breakfast?   It's pretty good too.  The one in Sussex is awesome because it has a drive-thru.  I love drive-thru's. 

I'm super excited about the short week.  Since I'm off on Monday's until May (or until I'm no longer employed at my current employer), and Thursday is Turkey day and Friday is spend time with Nick and Silas day, I'm only at work Tuesday and Wednesday!  I'm thinking about making Wednesday even shorter, possibly taking a half day but I haven't decided yet.  So yes, my week is awesome.  I really like Thanksgiving.  It's a day just to hang out and eat.  I think Silas will like it too but he probably won't know the difference since that's what he does everyday.  He's such a lucky baby.  I'm such a lucky Mommy too.  Nick and I have SOOO much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  I have a feeling by the weekend we'll even have more things to be thankful for!  Here's the most recent pics from Monday.  I love Monday's, I know most people can't say that :)

Taking care of yourself

After I learned I was pregnant, taking care of myself immediately became first priority.  I must admit prior to this I didn't think too much about what I was ingesting, inhaling, and simply how stressed out I was. Washing my hands A LOT, not touching things unless I have to, hand sanitizer at my desk and in many rooms at home, covering my mouth and nose when I hear someone cough or sneeze and finally not sitting on any toilet unless at home are all things that are part of my daily habits.  I am still conscious of these little things but now that Silas is here the level of taking care of myself has only increased.  It's now about having low blood pressure, good cholesterol, and no serious diseases, illnesses or restrictions such as a broken leg or sprained ankle.  What would Silas do without his Mommy or Daddy?  I know I would be lost without my Mom and Dad.  Even though my Mom does silly things like puts Silas on the kitchen table and my Dad is very unorganized, I go to them for everything.  I look to them to tell me what's right or wrong.  Ok, I don't always follow their advice or do it their way but I go to them.  They're my parents.  I care so much what they think.  My Mom and I went to breakfast yesterday.  Her Father recently passed away so we were talking about that.  My Grandpa was very stubborn but before he was stubborn he was a Father that wanted the BEST for his kids.  He did everything no matter how much it cost to make them go down the 'right' path.  Except my Mom.  It appeared she slipped through the cracks and was more stubborn than him!  Coming to the U.S. wasn't in my Grandpa's plan but I am glad it was part of my Mom's plan.  Heidi and I were born 33 years and 3 days ago.  We changed my parents lives just like Silas changed me and Nick's.  My Mom said no matter what you should listen to your parent's.  They always know what's best and I finally see what she's saying.  Here's a short list of the things that have changed in my life and that I can finally relate to with my parents:

• Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.
• You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.
• You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.
• You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.



Me and Silas on my birthday!

• You respect your parents more than you ever have.

Cousins

We're so lucky to have family so close by.  Even better that Silas has the best cousins to teach him all the things he needs to learn.  We're hoping to one day give Silas a sibling but for now I really see Jellie as an older sister and brother figure.  I can tell Silas hears them, I mean after all he heard them ALL the time when he was in my tummy.  He likes listening to Ellie too, he watches her closely.  As for Jack, I think he's too quick for Silas to see!  Jack is so fast!  Here are some pictures from the long weekend....



Silas loves when Ellie holds him.  He loves watching her!



Auntie Heidi offered to give Silas a bath and scrub his cradle cap off!  Ellie of course was a great helper.  Silas loves bath time.



Silas doing tummy-time.  He's getting so strong, he can hold his head up for several minutes without taking a break!  Auntie Heidi and Jellie were so impressed!

Silas' play mat.  He liked watching the toys move, lights flash and the music.  He danced a bit :) 

Silas' New Born Photo Book

Silas' New Born Photo Book

Great weekend and 2-Month Check-up!

Silas had his 2 month check-up at the Doctor yesterday.  He is 22 1/2 inches long, 12 lbs - 13 oz, and is very healthy and strong.  He is smiling and laughing at us now, I just love it!  As some of you know, babies receive shots at 2, 4, and 6 months old!  That's a lot of shots and probably harder on the parents more than anything.  They might as well have just stuck me with those shots because it hurt just as much hearing him cry.  I swear his cry is now louder.  He did very well though.  After talking with the Doctor, we ended up getting all the recommended shots.  It was done and over with in about a minute and we had his bottle all ready for him.  Here he is last night in the middle of pooping.  You can see his little bandaids on his thighs.

On another note we had a great weekend.  Nick and I had dinner at Carrabba's Friday night while we waited for the Jeweler to re-size my rings.  I love being married and I love wearing my rings again! 

Saturday was so much fun at Amy's for her annual Halloween Party.  I even drank a bit!  We went trick or treating with the whole group.  Nick pushed Silas in the stroller as he slept and was all warm and snuggly.  The stroller was very convenient for Nick to put his beer in and also have a cup holder!  I on the other hand went up to all the houses that had adult treats.  I highly recommend Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Schnapps.  I can't believe some of the adult treats, it was awesome!  Besides the work-out and drinking it was nice to spend time with friends and all the kids.  The adults are finally out numbered by kids.  It was crazy!  Here is my good friend Rani holding Silas.

Sunday we decided to upgrade Silas into his Whale tub inside the big tub.  He's just getting too big for the kitchen sink.  This was a little hard for me to bend over and be on the floor but I have since gotten a stool to sit on and a soft mat in case I have to kneel.  I'm hoping this makes it easier.  Nick video taped parts of it.  This is after Silas peed on me and some got in my mouth.  That's ok though, he's so cute and such a good boy it didn't bother me.  Plus the Doctor said pee is sterile so I feel better about it now ;)

All the days are the same!

The biggest thing that has changed since Silas' arrival is all the days are the same.  The weekends used to be a time to go to bed late and wake up, well, whenever.  Now, the weekends are just like the weekdays.  Because of Silas' schedule, it's all the same.  You can't take a break from feeding him or changing him.  The nice thing is having two parents to take turns.  I haven't yet missed a middle of the night feeding but Nick always let's me sleep in on the weekends.  He is the best.  That's where Silas must get it.  I actually love feeding him in the middle of the night.  It's our alone time together.  Sometimes he doesn't open his eyes but sometimes I don't either :)  I also used to dread Monday's because I had to work.  With having Monday's off until May (or until I win the lottery), I enjoy Monday's!  I get to be home with Silas.  It's nice to give Ba-ba a break as well as mix it up for Nick and I.  It makes the days seem a little different.  Today is the first Friday where it really feels like Friday.  I'm so ready for the weekend.  We have lots going on.  I hope to get my wedding ring re-sized and a fish fry tonight.  Tomorrow we meet with the insurance company for life insurance - an important thing when you have a family.  We're also going to a friends for a Halloween party.  I'm sure we'll stop by Nick's parents and mine too.  Monday Silas goes for his 2-month appointment.  He'll get shots but probably not all of them.  It might be crazy but I'm his Momma and I don't think he needs all of them at one time.  So the plan is to get half and we'll just go back again.  Which is fine since we need some more free samples of his expensive formula!  The more we go the more samples we get :)  Have a great weekend everyone!

1 month vs. 2 month

Silas is getting big.  I guess it's pretty normal and bound to happen when you eat 7 times a day.  Before becoming a Mom I always wondered how I would figure out when to feed him, change him and do all the things babies need you to do for them.  I soon realized that part of it is instinct but the other part is he will let you know!  It sounds pretty basic but yeah he cries when he is hungry, his diaper is full, he is trying to fill his diaper or he has a bubble and needs to burp.  We're pretty lucky, he is a good GREAT baby.  The newest thing is he has started doing is smiling and really listening to us.  You can tell because he watches our mouths when we talk.  It's cool to have the freedom to talk about anything.  The conversations, although one-sided are pretty basic.  I talk about how cute he is and how his cheeks taste so good and his little spot of hair on top of his head....how it's so soft and how his hands are getting bigger and how I wish I could get the little boogers out of his nose but sometimes they're just too far up there.  It sounds silly but it's the best conversations I have in my day!  I think this weekend we'll go shopping for some books so then I can read to him.  Know of any good books?





First week back

It's been a long week, even though today is technically over.  I decided to take off Friday.  With my Dad being sick and the lack of sleep I've gotten I just can't be here another day.  Heidi is taking my Dad to the ER at Froedtert as I type this.  I'm scared and worried but will be strong for him.  Just like going back to work.  I was scared and worried but strong for Silas.  He needs his Momma to work just like I need my Dad around to teach Silas how to do all the things he's good at.  These last few days have been stressful to say the least but I'm strong.  I'm lucky I get to go home and be with my Nick and my baby Silas who both allow and make me stronger.  Last night Silas slept for 6 hours.  He's so good to us!

Back to work

Today is my first day back to work after being off for 8 weeks.  I've never been off of work for so long in my life.  Even though I've been off of work, I've never worked so hard in my life!  Being a Mom is the hardest job there is and it's been the hardest thing I've done.  It's also been the best thing in the whole world.  I'd like to say it's nice to be back at work but that would be a lie.  I didn't want to come back.  I still don't want to be here.  Most of my co-workers are great, the job itself isn't that challenging but enough to keep me thinking and yet all I want to do is go home and change diapers and wash my baby's clothes.  I guess it's the reward.  I don't find the reward of working to be the same.  In a weird way I would get excited about accomplishing tasks and attending meetings.  Now I get excited when Silas smiles at me and sleeps for more than 4 hours.  My perspective and priorities are definitely different.  And I'm ok with that.  Nick and Silas gave me a going back to work gift.  I put it right next to my monitor and have been looking at it all day.  I've checked in with my Mom only once.  Silas is in his vibrating seat and Jack is sleeping so my Mom is resting.  Nick will continue to drop Silas off in the a.m. until something changes.  This works out pretty well.  My Dad is also resting - in the hospital.  He's been dizzy and they're monitoring him.  I  hope to have good news soon and will definitely keep you all posted. 

Don't blink...

Two years ago today I asked Nick to be my boyfriend.  He said he had to think about it.  I was bummed but was also learning that Nick carefully thinks about everything.  I also was distracted by our plans for the day.  We went to Farm Aid at Miller Park.  We saw so many cool bands, one of our favorites - Dave Mathews.  It was so much fun and the next day Nick asked me to be his girlfriend!  Here we are at Farm Aid, our first picture together...

 

Before I met Nick I was a little crazy.  Ok, maybe I still am crazy, but in different ways.  I still want to pack up and move to colorado.  What is different about this is there is more to pack up.  I still want to go and see the LoveMonkeys every weekend but a kid friendly show is preferred over the bar scene.  This is so I can go with Ellie and dance with her all night like at my wedding.  I still love going for hikes at Powder Hill.  What's crazy about this is taking Ellie, Jack, and my baby Silas.  We went this past weekend and although we weren't out numbered, we all felt like we were!  What a hike, good exercise is what I kept reminding myself while Jack was tipping the back pack on Nick's back, Ellie was crying to go 'uppie' and I was just trying not to fall with Silas on a front pack with my chest all sweaty.  Sounds crazy but I enjoy any kind of adventure.  And keep in mind, I am a little crazy. Right before I met Nick I planned a trip to Colorado with my new friend Michelle.  Well, we weren't even really friends yet, we just sat by each other at work.  What an adventure this was.  My good family friend Louie picked us up from the airport and took us on an adventure I won't ever forget.  Way too much to write about but I'll always have those memories to think about whenever I need to.  Here is my crazy ass hanging out of Louie's truck.  He's driving and Michelle took the picture.  This was in the Rockies and you could see so far, especially if you hung out the window! 

 Now fast forward to today.  I would have never imagined I'd be sitting here watching Day's of our Lives waiting for my sweet baby to wake up.  I hoped to be a wife and mother someday but never thought I would be so blessed to have Nick as a husband and Silas as a son.  I am lucky and although crazy, not crazy enough to blink.  I'm not blinking....

Silas, walks, daytime tv.

My favorites as of late are Silas, walks, and daytime tv.  I will miss these things as things will change in a few weeks when I return to work. 

Last night was a good one, Silas slept from 11-3am! We're trying to work our way up past 4 hours, but he still only sleeps this long periodically. The more time I spend at home the more I want to be here and not go back to work! I do miss a few people and the cafeteria. That's about it. Oh and lunch. It's going to be so weird to have 'free' time and not have to feed, change or hold Silas. But I'm going to miss that too, more than I've ever missed anything.  It will be good though, we've got a good plan.  When I go back to work I'll have FMLA on Monday so it will just be Silas and I.  Tuesday-Thursday Silas will be with Ba-Ba and Jack.  Friday's just with Ba-Ba, but I'm sure they will visit with Heidi and Jellie. So three more weeks and it will be different again.  Tomorrow I go to the Dr. so it will be nice to get the 'all clear'.  I'm just looking forward to enjoying the Fall weather and all the other exciting changes!  Here is my favorite in his new vibrating seat!  LOVE him.

Mischief Maker

So lots of dirty diapers, baths, bottles, a trip to Walmart (just me and Silas), and Silas's first Packer Game!  We've had a pretty good week.  Silas is now on a non-milk based formula which is much better for him.  No more bloody poops and the diaper rash is almost completely gone.  We saw the Doctor today and everything is going really well.  It's amazing how much better I feel about life after we go to the Doctor.  She gave us some free samples of formula and Vitamin D.  Love our Pediatrician, she's the best.  This week I'm also feeling more like myself.  I have stopped breastfeeding which has been bittersweet.  Because of Silas's milk allergy, I would've had to modify my diet and exclude anything dairy.  Seeing as though this change would've put me over the edge I decided it was best for everyone to stop breastfeeding.  So no more pumping or sore boobs but I do miss having the power to just feed him with my boobs!  Today we're going to try and go for a walk, it's so nice out!  This weather is exactly what I would think about when I was pregnant.  Oh and on another note, my shoes fit!  My feet and ankles are back to normal, no more swelling.  Now we just have to wait a few more weeks and hopefully my wedding ring will fit.  I'm glad Nick can wear his ring because if he didn't have it on, I think woman would hit on him.  I know if I was single I would :)  Nick has been amazing.  He's the best husband and daddy, we could ever ask for.  I'll save the bragging for another post, I could write a book on how great Nick is.  So the best thing Nick and I have ever done is create our little Mischief Maker....

Silas - Happy 2 weeks!

Today Silas is two weeks old.  Yes, time does fly.  We're going to the doctor today, which I'm excited about because getting out of the house is a nice break for me and I have lots of questions for the Doctor.  Such as:  Do babies sweat?  His diaper has been kinda wet lately and at first I thought it was the diapers but now I think it might be sweat!  Secondly, his butt rash.  It's so red and having the doctor take a peek will put me at ease.  There's other questions too, but won't bore you all with them.  So besides feeding, changing, laundry and trying to remember to eat myself things have been so different but in a good way.  We couldn't be more lucky to have such a cute, healthy baby.  Here he is in his swing that Auntie Heidi let us borrow.  She let's us borrow a lot of things!  Ok, I will try to update my blog as much as possible but if I don't get to it I swear I'm not away on vacation :)

Silas Victor Coraggio

Hello everyone, it's Nick again.  It's now 10:30 at night and our family is one little man larger.  After trying to induce Wendi today twice, the Doctor decided that we would have a C-Section.  Wendi and I were both upset after hearing the news, but at the same time we wanted to see the baby and we wanted to make sure nothing would happen to Wendi or baby.

5:00 came around and I had to get all scrubbed up. Here we are all ready to go.

I waited patiently while Wendi was in the OR getting her epidural.  I was nervous, and I had flip flops on and OR booties that didn't breathe at all, so my feet were sweating like mad.  The nurse came around and pulled me in, I grabbed the camera and went into the OR.  Wendi was there, they had already started.  I sat next to the Anesthesiologist who was right next to Wendi, he was very good and he walked us through everything because we couldn't see.  It didn't take long at all, and I heard the doctor say the heads out, and I heard the baby cry, then they said...  "It's a boy!!!"  They took him to get cleaned up.

They weighed him, and he was 7lbs 4oz and 20" long.  I got to cut the cord which was easier than everyone told me it was going to be.  I felt bad for Wendi because she had to lay there and get stitched up, and she kept asking if the baby was ok.  He was good enough that he peed twice while they were cleaning him, and he hit two different nurses.  Atta boy...  He really hosed down the one nurse when she had her back turned (lower left of the scrubs), already a stinker.

They finally cleaned him up enough, and I was able to bring him over by Wendi.  We got a picture there and she was able to hang out with baby for a bit until I took him back to the room and they finished stitching her up.  We introduced him to the family and away we go!

Here is Silas sleeping away.

Hopefully next time Wendi will be well enough to post the next entry.  She was so brave today and I love her  so much.  Tomorrow will be a big day, lots of visitors.  Going to wait for the Silas' last check up tonight, then try and sleep.  Good night!

Baby Time!!!

Hello everyone.  It's Nick!  I am updating the blog today, as we are at the hospital!  I will take you back one day and get everyone caught up on Wendi and I's adventures.

Yesterday we were at the doctor and they decided that baby is old enough, and Wendi's blood pressure is too high to keep the baby in.  So they decided to admit Wendi to the hospital last night.  This is the last picture in the baby's room with Wendi's bag packed!

We went to Wallgreens to get some food and magazines for our hospital stay.  Then we went to Arbys and wolfed down some roast beef sandwiches, Wendi's last meal until baby comes.  We had to be at the hospital at 7:30pm, and Wendi was rushing the admission process so we could watch Hell's Kitchen, one of our must see shows.  Here we are last night just hanging out watching TV in our baby room.

I had a better night of rest than expected, Wendi was woken up every two hours by the nurses to check her blood pressure and do other things.  At 5am this morning they started Wendi on an IV to induce her.  We both went back to sleep and woke up around 8am when the Dr. arrived.  Then Wendi was moved to the bed and the Dr. broke her water.  We then started the wait.

Heidi made an appearance today around 10:30am and has been keeping us company.  Wendi got some pain meds around 11am this morning, and soon after fell asleep.  Heidi and I went to lunch at B-52s, a burger and everything else under the sun place.  I could tell Wendi was super jealous, I feel really bad that she can't eat anything until baby is here.

So here we are hanging out, Wendi is dilated 3.5cm, and we are just playing the waiting game.  Earl (Wendi's dad) is going to make a visit soon.  All the Doctors and Nurses say the baby should be here tonight some time.  Hoping and praying everything goes well.  We decided on the middle names just this morning, and I am excited to give one of the two names to our baby!  Stay tuned, I will update the blog later!

-Nick 

Quick Update - Nurse came back in and they decided to take her off of the induction drip for a while, and they are going to re-start the drip at 2:30 today to try and kick in the labor.  They said it tricks the body and usually works.  Let's hope so!  Stay tuned.

36 Weeks & 5 Days

The last few days have been eventful.  Friday I met with my Doctor before her 1 week vacation. It started with me not having an appointment. Apparently they 'bumped' me and forget to tell me. I wasn't going to leave without seeing my doctor. Glad I was persistent because I ended up being there for 2 1/2 hours.  After the nurse t ok my blood pressure twice she decided to do additional tests which consisted of blood work and a jug I had to take home and pee in for the next 24hours.  I took it easy and Sunday we celebrated Jack's first birthday and baptism. It was good to see everyone, but I couldn't do much. The bounce house was off limits and I couldn't even sit on the floor to help open presents. As I get closer to my due date I realize how immobile I've become. I know it will be worth it, but for now I'm uncomfortable and taking it easy sucks.

Today I had another Doctors appointment. My BP was very high. I have to repeat the blood work and the 24hr urine test! This blows. The good news is we listened to the baby for about a half hour and we'll see the baby tomorrow at an ultrasound appointment.  Oh and I'm dilated 1 centimeter! That was crazy to hear. I'm officially on bed rest, no more work but no malls either :) I guess I can lay in bed and watch tv for a few days, but I hope it doesn't go beyond that, I'm excited to see the baby!

36 Weeks - 6 pounds!

The baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day! Weighing almost 6 pounds I'm not sure how this baby is going to come out.  I'm nervous, anxious, scared and super excited all at the same time.  I see the Dr. this Friday and by next week the baby will be considered full-term. This is great news since I thought the baby might come too early.  But I'm a little concerned since my Dr. will be on vacation next week.  I know it will all work out and that I have no control on when the baby decides to come but I really would feel more comfortable with my Dr.  She's awesome.  She say's it how it is so we get along well.

A quick update from the past weekend: 

• I was able to go to the State Fair on Friday and get all my favorites including baked potato, ice cream sundae, and corn on the cob!
• Nick cleaned the carpets - all ready for when baby starts crawling.
• Nick also cleaned both cars - all ready for baby car seats.
• Installed additional shelves in Laundry Closet to free space up under sink for the new water filter.
• Picked up the bumbo and baby swing from Heidi.
• Co-workers threw me a Baby Shower on Monday!

It feels so good to get so much ready before the baby.  I was able to wash Baby's clothes but still need to pack our bags for the hospital!  I will do that this weekend :)

State Fair baked potato!

Two new shelves for additional storage.

Baby swing from Heidi.

Work Baby Shower - cake!

Happy Birthday Usahana!

Besides Hello Kitty there are several other Sanrio characters that exist.  One of my favorites is Usahana.  Her name means 'Flower Bunny' and she is oh so cute!  I know it seems childish but aren't we all eager to be young again?  She sits on top of my PC monitor at work and on a shelf next to Pebbles and Lucy.  She helps me feel better about being at work.  It reminds me of when I first met her in Japan.  That was so exciting!

Work

Japan 2007