Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time

Christmas is over, the tree is down, and we are back to work. We had a wonderful Christmas with my family and Andrew's parents came down to the 'Boro to spend it with us. We are doing Christmas again on New Year's Day when Andrew's brother and his wife come in. I am not complaining....we get to eat a Christmas dinner again. It is so nice having a mother and mother-in-law that like to cook.


I always get clothing for Christmas from my parents, but this year it was a little different. These all had room for an extra large belly! I ended up exchanging a few things and picked up a belly band for the time being. They make a few of my pants more bearable...you know, just out of the dryer, eck! I am not sure when I will actually need maternity clothing, so I have picked up/ordered a few pieces so that when the morning comes that nothing fits right, I have something comfortable to wear. I ordered a pair of jeans from ON and I hope they are as nice as the picture b/c the ones I have seen in person are bad. I may end up in skirts/dresses the majority of the time.

Baby got a few gifts also. Mommy and Daddy got baby a lamb floor blanket. Grandma and Grandpa Snyder got baby a cute animal themed onsie and a little stuffed monkey that matches almost perfectly the nursery set I am leaning towards. Great Grandma got baby a ducky onsie with a hat and socks and a little ducky to go with it. Grandma and Grandpa Coleman just got back from Disney and brought baby a stuffed Eore, bib, and a Micky sippy cup. What a lucky baby to have so many people that love it already!


I finally have some pictures to post for you from when we told the soon-to-be grandparents. The cookies are from when we told Andrew's parents. We met them for lunch so I brought dessert. The last two pictures are on the cruise at dinner the first night. I told my parents I forget I had a picture to give them. I brought my first ultrasound photo.

What not to say to a pregnant woman

OK, so I am not that pregnant, but there are a few things I have found to be...inapproiate...rude...to say to a pregnant woman. First, was it an accident? When friends ask, no biggie. When a stranger (or someone you really don't talk to very often) asks this, it is rude. Why is it someone else's business? I have been nice so far, but some poor person is going to catch me on a bad day and I might have to respond with, "No, it wasn't an accident. Would you like to know the exact day and hour this child was conceived?"

Next - this happened this evening at my office's Christmas dinner (at B McNeel's - LOVE it!). We had tons of good food and I said, "I like this eating for two thing!" My ever so thoughtful father said back to me, "Well, you know you will have to lose the weight after the baby is born." I told him he better not call me fat any time these next few months or I may forget to run his payroll. Do not comment on a pregnant woman's weight, or even their future weight. Weight is a touchy subject for any woman, but is especially so when they are aware they will get bigger in the next few months.

End of vent...

Who is getting coal for Christmas?

Miss Molly, that's who. Now if she will just stop sneaking her presents out from under the tree and opening them, Santa Paws will forget the coal and leave her with some new chew toys.

Revenge of the Fatties

Today, I ate 3 donuts in 3 hours. I know, gross. I now feel terrible. That much sugar so early is a bad thing. After eating those delicious dunkin donuts I was reminded of a show that Andrew and I was every so often on G4: Attack of the Show. (This is the only thing I ever watch on G4.) In particular the episode called Revenge of the Fatties. Kevin and Olivia (yes, that is where I got my girl name) dressed in fat suits for the entire show. OK, sounds dumb, but I honestly laugh until I cry every time I see it.

I finally found it on YouTube and you may not care to watch it, but I have to post it so that I can always watch it whenever I want. The break dancing is my favorite part.

I love clean carpets

After wanting one for a while now, we finally decided to purchase a new vacuum. OK, we were almost forced to. Our old vacuum wouldn't stand up on its own anymore and I managed to break a piece off a few weeks ago. I am still not sure where that piece came from...maybe it kept the thing standing? Either way, I ordered my new one today on Amazon and it arrives TOMORROW! Holy cow that is fast! I didn't even opt for the overnight shipping. I am so excited to come home from work to vacuum!

Also good news, I think my fatigue is starting to go away. I am still ready to fall asleep at 8:30ish every night, but I haven't wanted to close my office door and sleep under my desk the past two days - which means I have been more productive at work! I even cooked dinner last night. Not just grilled cheese, but a relatively labor intensive dinner. I am hoping this isn't fluke, and it a sign of things to come.

Twilight - the movie

What word can I use to describe this movie? Oh yeah - BAD! Seriously a disappointment. If you hadn't read the book and went to see the movie, you would be lost. It moves so fast you just won't really get some of the stuff. If you have read the book then you will me mad b/c it doesn't stick with the book. It changes things - moves and adds and keeps things out of the movie that were in the book.

And the acting...oh my gosh. It was so incredibly painful. But now I can see these actors as the characters as I read the book. Well, almost. Carlisle looks like a Ken doll in the movie, but I think it is just his hair...And Charlie just looks creepy to me. And Edwards Volvo looks like a station wagon (OK, dumb, but still a little disappointing!).

I just don't know what to say. I didn't expect much, but I expected a little more than this. I am glad I saw it because it gives me a better visual of the characters, but that is all it did for me.

Anyone looking for a desk?

*UPDATE* It looks like I have a taker. Unless you hear from me otherwise, the desk has found a home!

Or know of someone that is? We have a set of office furniture that is just too much for our little office. We are keeping one of the desks and the bookshelf, but will be getting rid of the other desk. Here is what it looks like:

Our options are to either give it away, or break it down and trash it. Kind of sad to trash it, but I hate keeping stuff just b/c I can't get rid of it. Cluttler is bad (unless it is shoved in the back of a closet).

I am keeping this offer open until Dec 19th. Let me know by then if you or someone you know would like it and it is theirs! All they have to do it come pick up. If I don't hear anything by Dec 19th, I am going to let my husband break it down and take it to the dump.

Oh, I should add it is in good condition. Here it is in our office:

And the diminsions: Christopher Lowell Shore Computer Credenza, 30 1/2''H x 61 3/8''W x 23 1/2''D, Antiqued White

It used to have a hutch that went on top, but I think we got rid of that some time ago. If we still have it in the attic, you are more than welcome to take that also! Here is what it look like (when we lived in the apartment and used it in the dining room):

Good Days

I love having good days. You know, where it starts with you getting up and feeling good and having a super yummy breakfast, then taking a 1/2 day off at work and meeting your husband to pick up a few Christmas gifts, and then running one more place to hear a baby's heartbeat.

Wait, what?? Baby's heartbeat?

That's right! And not just any baby - OUR baby! I'm pregnant!

I am so excited to finally feel ready to share the news! Today was our second appointment, and not that seeing a little blob on the screen 4 weeks ago didn't make it feel real, but actually hearing the fast little heartbeat today was unbelievable!

Baby Coleman is due on July 7th and we are also waiting until then to find out if it is a boy or a girl. (You are probably thinking "Don't you want to decorate the nursery!?" Don't worry, I have that covered...I currently have two ideas that I am playing with and love them both. I do love to plan, but I can totally plan around this gender surprise and still be 100% happy with the outcome.)

Along with that information, I feel I should share that I ate meat...and oh, was it good. I haven't kept that from you for too long. It only happened for the first time last week. =) This baby wants some protein! I had a good 4 month run. I have yet to actually prepare any meat though.

I am off to eat what feels like my 8th mini meal of the day and then to read some of my book before crashing early like I have the past few weeks.

Weekend Accomplishments

I didn't do much this weekend, but I did accomplish three things I am proud of:

1. I finshed the 3rd book in the Twilight Saga and started on the 4th and last
2. I beat my first song on Guitar Hero on Hard! It was a little rough, and I can only do one song so far, but it is a start.
3. I scored a free drink at Starbucks! I always use my customized card to pay for my drink and lately I haven't been getting what was on the card (a peppermint mocha) b/c it is just so sweet, I can't do it everytime. But everytime I order, the same guy is at the register and always gives me a hard time about it. Last week I actually ordered that drink, and he wasn't there to witness it. Andrew went Saturday and used his customized card the the guy mentioned the girl that never gets what is on hers and he gives her a hard time. He said, "yeah, that would be my wife." We went Sunday before church and he was working and to prove I do order what is on my card, I orded a Peppermint Mocha. And since he finally witnessed it, he gave me my drink free!

Cruise Photos!

Grey's

Random post on Grey's...

I LOVE Lexi Grey with Mark Sloan. Maybe b/c individually they are also two of my favorite characters. I hope it isn't casual...

Izzy and Denny - enough! The man is dead. Hopefully Alex telling her "I love you" will be enough to snap her back into realizing the she has a shot with something living. She has started to become one my least favorite characters. I actually like Christina better.

Dr. Owen Hunt (Christina's new love interested) I am going back and forth on. I originally didn't care for him much. But we recently started watching the HBO series ROME and he plays Lucius Vorenus and I really like him as that character. And for some reason, it makes me like him a little more as Dr. Hunt. Still unsure about him. I will also add, it was really strange hearing Christina laugh...am I the only one that thought so?

Seriously??

I have to whine and moan for a minute...so, our trip to Washington has been cancelled b/c the training didn't come together. No big deal, easy to cancel...so I thought. Why the heck do they charge you $150 to cancel a flight on Orbitz for!? Oh, but that is just the Airline fee...then Orbitz charges you $30 more...b/c it is so difficult for that computer to understand you cancelled. Waste of money. At least Southwest gives you the entire ticket price back in a voucher when you cancel. It is now costing me more to cancel the darn thing than I will have in credit once I am through.

I love Southwest. Unfortunately, Andrew's office requires them purchase their tickets through Orbitz (why? maybe they enjoy getting screwed when they have to cancel??) So I am refusing to go on any future trips with him. Unless they let me fly Southwest, forget it. I don't like throwing money away.

He feels bad now b/c I am furious and I can feel my blood pressure rising. It isn't his fault...he didn't plan on this...he was positive and thought, "I can use it for my ski trip in the spring." Sorry buddy, you can't transfer tickets...so you better take me with you (actually, I am a horrible skier and I would be there more for entertainment as I rolled down the bunny slopes.)

I am really just angry b/c I don't understand what the heck an Airline fee pays for. Explain to me what cost goes into me cancelling my flight, and I will quit whining. I understand the ticket is non-refundable so I expect a voucher/flight credit. I just hate paying for nothing. I could use that $180 for something that actually exists...like the Dyson Vacuum I want...I will be ticked about this for a while.

Enchantment of the Seas

Ah...a nice relaxing week doing nothing at all. That is what I like.

A week ago, I was boarding the Enchantment of the Seas, getting ready to spend my Thanksgiving on the beach. I will start by saying that the Enchantment was my least favorite ship. It recently went under some renovations, and they pretty much split the boat in half to extend and add a new section to the ship. I wasn't crazy about the layout as it frequently felt like a maze and the crew on this ship wasn't A+ either. However, that did not ruin my vacation! =)

We boarded Monday afternoon (very quickly I might add) and got settled into our rooms. This was the first time I have stayed in an inside room. It wasn't bad. I slept very hard since there was no natural light. I honestly don't remember what we did that night. I unpacked the bags while Andrew explored the casino I think. Then we headed off to dinner.

Tuesday was our first day in port and we were in Key West. Andrew and my father went to a Museum while Mom and I walked the streets and visited a few stores. She found a winery and key lime pie shop that she liked. I found a random store that made amazing peanut butter/chocolate fudge. We didn't really do much here but walk around. We went back on the ship to grab lunch and hang out on the pool deck. While up on deck, my brother sat in with the band on the pool deck and played the drums. Not his idea, my Grandma asked them if he could, and my brother didn't want to hurt her feelings by telling her he didn't want to. He was nervous b/c he had never played with them before and didn't play their kind of music. After he started, he became more comfortable and ended up doing very well. (I have video I will post later.) That evening was formal night so we headed to the dinning room in our nicest clothing! It was a smoke free night in the casino, so I checked it out a little with Andrew before going to bed.

Wednesday we were in Cozumel, Mexico. I wasn't really looking forward to anything here and probably would have just stayed on the ship, but I wanted to actually go into Mexico. So I got off with Mom and bought some bottled water for the beach for the next day. Dad, Andrew, and Will went on an ATV excursion thought the jungle to Mayan ruins. Evidently Will was mischievous and was considered a danger by the people running the excursion...they made him ride in the very back where they could keep an eye on him. Dad came back covered in mud (also thanks to Will). They all were disgusting when they returned, but had a ton of fun. I read my book and took a nap (I enjoyed sleeping on this trip). I also experienced another first on the ship - my first visit to the spa. First thing Wednesday morning, I enjoyed a massage and facial. I will definitely visit again on future cruises.

Thursday was turkey day! We got up an went to a private beach in Belize. I enjoyed laying in a hammock and reading my book. It was a cute little beach but so very hot! They also had a cute monkey caged near the hammocks that I went to see. I didn't touch it, but Will did. He claims it was reaching out to him...who knows what disease that think could be carrying...I felt bad for it. It even had a tip jar (and by jar, I mean an empty Clorox bottle that said TIPS). That night was Thanksgiving dinner in the dinning room...nothing compared to my moms, but it will do! I don't think our waiter cared for me (the feeling was mutual) and he seemed very annoyed at the fact that Megan didn't finish all her ham and I gave my turkey to my husband. I figured it was easier to give it to Andrew than order the turkey dinner without turkey and have my waiter roll his eyes at me. Just making his job a little easier, but whatever, that is why he got the minimum tip. (I totally got spoiled with our waiter on my first cruise our assistant waiter on our second cruise). I went to the casino again that night since it was smoke free night again. I only played quarter roulette...I can make $20 last a long time there. Andrew hit the blackjack table with Dad, Megan, and Will. Megan made $150 - it was a good night for her.

Friday was our last day and it was spent at sea. I slept in and went to breakfast with Dad and Andrew. I spent the day hanging around the boat not really doing anything in particular. I would read inside, then outside, then find Mom by the pool, then I hit Ben & Jerry's and finally ended up at roulette in the casino. Andrew was there and entered the blackjack tournament. He did really well and ended up being 4th (out of 64 people entered). Unfortunately, cash prizes started at 3rd place. So close.... That night we decided to skip the dinning room and try out the Wind Jammer for dinner (another first!). I was surprised that I actually enjoyed it more than the dinning room! I tried a few things and had a chocolate sundae for dessert. That last evening I watched The Terminator 3 (it was showing in the room and I had never seen it before) while I packed our bags and Andrew went to gamble one last time. He was out until very late but it paid off! He did very well and made money! (And I got something out of that...he bought me Guitar Hero Aerosmith when we got home!)

Traveling home on Saturday was exhausting, but we were starving once we got back to Murfreesboro, so we went to Garcia's since we had nothing at home to eat. I miss my afternoon naps and having my food prepared for me. But I am glad to be home in my own bed and to have Molly around.

I will post pictures and video soon!