Fun in the Sun!

What beautiful weather it is! Issa and I are are loving these wonderfully sunny days where we can enjoy outside-time right when we get home!

She loves to go down slides... I guess what kid doesn't though. She is 22 months now. It's amazing to watch her "wheels turning" and to see her problem solving. My C-section is scheduled! It's 5/25 at noon. Nice and predictable, just like I like it...

This past weekend Jacob was out of town, so it was just Issa and me. We got to meet up with Greer and Kevin, and also got to see Kathy and have a playdate with Whit. Whit is a couple of months younger than Issa; they have a blast! It was summer-like weather outside.

Monday night Kathy and Greer and I went to Noche' in Virginia Highlands for a girls' dinner. It is a tapas place, and so tasty. We had a great time catching up too.

This weekend starts my Spring Break - YAHOO! I think the three of us are going to the lake for a day or two next week. I can't believe Jacob's corporate company doesn't give them Spring Break (heehee).

Passing of a dear man

My Grandad died this weekend. He was a *dear* soul, and lived an incredible life. He cared for his wife, of 62 years, for about 8 years of Alzheimer's before she passed away in 2003. He volunteered weekly at his church to help at the Alzheimer's group by helping the men to the restrooms. He loved music, and loved going to gospel singings in the country. He courageously battled cancer of the lung, kidney, and liver for about a year before he passed away. I'll never forget spending weeks with he and my Meme at the lakehouse during the summers. They were an integral part of our lives growing up...

Although he would have been 90 this Christmas, and I know that he had an incredible life, it still saddens me to no end to know I'll never hold his hand again, or hear his sweet voice tell fun stories from when he was young.

Spring fun

We have had a fun past couple of weeks!

Poker Night was a huge success. We had a blast. I did BBQ: got it from Hickory House, and then made coleslaw and baked beans (a homemade recipe with ground beef and bell pepper - so good!). I also made peanut butter cupcakes and coconut cupcakes. The latter is Barefoot Contessa's recipe (yes; it's not a typo - there are a total of six sticks of butter. They are heavenly!). And DH gave me an incredible mixer for my 30th bday, so I love cooking with it. We played poker late into the night, and JACOB won! It was so fun. I think he ended up with over $100!

Saturday morning after Poker Night I went to Charlotte with Issa to hang with Bridget and Thomas. T-man is about 8 months, and Issa LOVES him. She calls him Momas. We shopped, and had girl time. It was so fun. We consignment-shopped, and cooked, and had a blast.

Last weekend: enjoyed Sunday with Sally and Rick, and loved this warm weather! Issa is loving the sun. She took a spill out of the wagon the other day.

I resigned from DeKalb County. I know, I know. It's hard to leave the "back-o-the-library", with no computer, but Gwinnett County woo'd me with my OWN OFFICE, my OWN COMPUTER, my OWN DESKTOP FOR KIDS' USE, and a salary position (hello 401K!) working three days a week! I can't wait to be home two days a week with the girls, and still keep a balance while working three. I am excited.

I'm counting down to 5/25 when I'm due. We still don't know names. This pregnancy is a bit more laid-back for me... :)

This weekend we are going to Birmingham for the A-day game and also for a baby shower for my sis-in-law, Rachel. It's her and my bro's first child - a girl! She's due 4 weeks ahead of me.

Cheers!

Quick update

I'm having to take a 1/2 day off work today - sinus junk. I've had it for a week, and I think I will have to give in to an antibiotic. I hate taking those. OB stresses it's okay with the baby though.

Issa is in her big-girl bed! I will have to post pix when I get a sec (heh-heh), but she's doing fine. The problem is naptime - she gets out and can't get back in... thoughts?

We are hosting Poker Night at our house on Friday night, which will be a very late night for this PG girl... we've been so busy getting the house together for the shin-dig.

We had a handyman come over yesterday afternoon to switch out a chandelier. After hearing him in there, I heard a crash, and he said, "didn't do it"...

Nice morals there, guy. I went in, and looked ticked. He said, "this thing is cheap - the piece broke but I've got a part that will fix it" (#1 - it's not a cheap chandelier, #2 - first you say, "not my fault", but then say "it's cheap - that's why it broke - which is it?)

So anyway he finishes and gets the rock out of here. I won't be calling him again. His rate was incredibly cheap, which suited me fine. He had no pragmatic skills though.

Salt Lake City 2007

Sorry I haven't posted about our trip!
It was incredible. I was so sad to leave my Issa, but she was so excited to see her Nana, that it was all fine. Sally and Issa and I headed to Marta on Thursday afternoon.
I rode Marta to Jake's office and met him inside the Marta station.
We rode to Airport and flew out - got there around 8 SLC time. We had a blast! Saw so many movies, Jake did tons of skiing, it was incredible. We ate great food with lots of fun friends. The last night, we ate at the cutest bistro with 15 in our party! It was so fun.
So: getting home... with the rest of the Sundance crowd...
Our flight was to leave at 10 AM.
We left Tom’s house at 835ish?
Got there around 9. Awful. After 30 minutes to check in and 40 for security, we missed the plane by 1 minute. Literally. It was awful. I was so hormonal and crying – BOOHOOING – b/c I wanted to get home so bad to see Iss.
ALL FLIGHTS TO ATLANTA WERE BOOKED THE REST OF THE DAY. BOOKED!
Even the red-eye that left at 11:45 PM. So we tried standby for the 11:50 AM flight – and were bumped to #42 on the standby list b/c of Medallion members and first class members. So I cried more. And even more. Jake sent me to the bathroom b/c I was making a scene. He finally calls Delta and is like, “Get me to “Bham, Knoxville – any southern city” – b/c the next flight available to ATL was at 6AM on Monday morning. And I’d have to call in SICK AGAIN on Monday. Not good. So she says there’s a flight from SLC to Omaha (ever been there?) to Atlanta to Bham – “wait – where’s your final destination?” We were like- “book it.” We wouldn’t get back on the one to Bham and be okay. So after all day of terrible-ness, we finally get home at TEN pm.
I missed seeing Issa, and literally had to jump in running to the work week. It was crazy. No time to do laundry or anything, and I was playing catch-up every day this week.
This past weekend was nice too - just a relaxing one to enjoy together. I had a friend in town from Charlotte, who has an almost-two-year-old. He and Issa had a ball playing together!
Have a great week; pictures later,

Hello, Sundance!

That's sweetness with her uncle Brent...
Jacob and I fly out tomorrow night at 6:10 PM for Salt Lake City. Woohoo!
A big group of friends is going skiing, but Carly and I will be taking in the movies. She's not PG, but she doesn't like to ski. Tom, her husband,'s family lives out there. We'll stay with them. So hopefully we'll see some stars! Speaking of, I don't think I ever relayed the story of my meeting Brooke Shields, did I?
So in November, my brother, sis-in-law, and husband went to SLC for skiing and fun. I'm in line at the airport cute boutique for kids' toys (read: last-minute presents marked up by 50%) to buy an Ernie stuffed toy for sweet girl. This lady in front of me looks like Brooke, but then she took off her movie-star sunglasses and I didn't think it was her.
So she has this roller-type suitcase, with a huge bag propped up on top of it. She's paying for an adorable princess toy - my guess is it's for Rowan :)
Anyway, she pays, and when she gets her wallet, the bag starts to topple. I grab it to stop it from falling.
B: Oh, thanks!
M: Sure! Has anyone ever told you that you look like Brooke Shields?
B: Uh, well, I guess!??...

So she goes on paying and the cashier asks if she's been skiing, and she says, "no - I've been working outside, that's why I have this cold".
So then she turns to leave, and she looks at me and says, "I didn't know quite how to say this, but I am Brooke Shields.
I'm all, "no way! I hope you feel better!"

It was so fun. She is really very nice and seems very down-to-earth. Although she had on those adorable light pink Uggs (I know - love 'em or hate 'em - but in Utah with the weather I think they are quite cute) and she sure pulled them off.

Anyway, it was so fun.
I digress.
Back to this trip...
Jacob and I fly out tomorrow night. Carly and I are taking in lots of movies and shopping lots!
Sally (MIL) is coming here tomorrow to pick up little girl. How much will I miss her????

Happy Sundance!

Here's Issy with her Uncle Brent (my bro)-

Jacob and I fly out tomorrow at 6:10 PM for Salt Lake City. There is a large group going skiing, but Carly and I will be movie-watching and hob-nobbing with the stars. Hopefully we'll see some! Speaking of, I don't think that I ever told the story of how I got to meet Brooke Shields at the SLC airport in November when we went out to go skiing with Brent and Rachel (bro and sis-in-law).
So I'm in line with a toy Ernie at this adorable little gift shop in the airport. This lady in front of me looks JUST LIKE Brooke Shields but I think, "no way". She took off her movie-star sunglasses for a sec, but it didn't look like her.
So she has a roller-suitcase and then a great big bag that's propped up on the suitcase.
She's paying for an adorable princess-costume, and when she gets out her wallet, the bag starts to fall. I, behind her in line, go to grab it before it topples out.
So she looks at me (with huge sunglasses on):
B: "Thank you so much!"
M: "Has anyone told you that you look JUST LIKE Brooke Shields?"
B: "Well, kind of I guess??..."

She goes on to pay, and the cashier says, "been skiing?" She says, "no - working outside - that's how I got this cold". So she turns around on her way out tp face me.
B: "I didn't quite know how to say this, but I *am* Brooke Shields."
M: "No way! (I really and truly said that - ???) I hope you feel better!"

It was so fun.
I digress.
Jacob and I are flying out to SLC tomorrow - the guys and most of the girls are all skiing. Carly and I are watching like 8 movies, and shopping shopping shopping! And coffee-drinking and reading books, MMMmm. What a fun trip.
Sally (MIL) is meeting me here at 315 to pick up little miss. I'll miss her like crazy... :)
Have a great weekend!

You're the 1 that I want

What an adorable show?!! Is anyone else into this show as much as I am? Even Jake was glued to the TV. I love Broadway, and so watching all of these hopefuls sing and dance their hearts out? Heaven. Jacob swore he would NOT watch it if it started ANY type of drama - like between contestants. He tried to make a pact with me that we could watch it until drama started. NO WAY! That's the good part! And plus, I didn't see any sweet hub trying to steal the remote the WHOLE SHOW. He's hilarious - American Idol, Grease, etc (these types of shows) - he "pretends" not to watch them, but who saddles up to the sofa with me? He's not late... here's to fun TV. Off to read Last Chance Saloon, a highly recommended "beach read".

Poker Night tonight at Melissa's!
We're excited to have a fun Friday night out - and the rest of the weekend we have no real plans.
We had a good week; Issa came down with a cold yesterday which is no biggie.
My trailer for work was finally ready this week, but are you ready? The trailer doesn't have internet access, so I was supposed to work with kids in the trailer, and then come back to the library for paperwork.
Nice support there...
I said "thanks but no thanks" to the trailer, and decided to keep my office as the library.
And got on the horn when I got home looking at other county's options for working three days a week next year when I have the two littles!
I think I have a good prospect for next year, too - and the school's pretty close. Three days would be a good balance, I think...

Girly-Night!

What a FUN FRIDAY-
Carly hosted a girls' night "in" at her new house. She and Tom recently bought a house and have a renter for their condo. The two locations aren't far from each other. So it usually takes me about 20 minutes to get from where I live in ATL to where she lives in ATL. I left at 7, after I helped get Issa down for the night. TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER, I arrived at her house - 9:30! I am not kidding when I tell you that I was digging all through the hub's car looking for any snack I could find - peanuts/crackers - but there was nothing. I averaged 4 miles an hour for an approximate 13 mile trek.
Come to find out, some fugitive was shot on I-285, which is the highway that circles Atlanta. Scary stuff. So I finally get there with my Fre' chardonnay (not bad, I might add, and very festive!), and sat down to an incredible meal of baked Ziti and salad and bread. It was so fun. It only took me 20 minutes to get home. That's Atlanta traffic for ya! Have a great week, guys!

Finally!

Well, I have posted four othr rather incredible blogs (if I do say so myself), and they are in the internet stratosphere somewhere... :)
We have had a great couple of weeks. Issa is back to her old spunky self. I'm posting what may be my favorite shot of her of ALL TIME. Check out those tootsie toes!
We had Jacob's work party - a Mexican Fiesta. Food and company were great. I've met so many friends through his work.
I'm back into work, as well. We had a bit of a scare with test results with my pregnancy. I had an amnio to confirm, and everything's fine. Whew! We know for SURE it's a girl!

At the current moment, I'm watching Tinky Winky dance around in his (he is a boy, isn't he) pink tutu, similar to Issa's. And they were trying to question his preferences... Happy New Year, blogosphere! And if you've started a fun blog of your own, leave the address in my comments!

Testing

Stinking blogger has not let me post FOUR of my last posts. This is a test...

Just want to bang on these drums all day

This week has been such an incredible one for our little family. Now, Issa's pneumonia has thrown us for a loop, but it has been such a great week for the three of us. It's forced us to spend repeated days together inside our house. Cabin fever was certainly prevalent today, but it has actually been nice to not be allowed to go to the mall, etc.
We could have split up, and "tag-teamed" to do errands, but with how fussy this child is, we both feel bad doing so.
I love having Jacob here all day every day. And I love being here all day every day. This life could get old after a couple of weeks, but it has been just incredible for our little family. We've grown and learned more and more about one another. Jacob and I can get so busy with work that at times, weekends are just "recuperating" times, not time to really focus on each other.
So, with Tuesday, comes Jake's return to work. And I'll miss him. Lots.

Up on the housetop...

Issa started coughing on the 23rd, kind of just an annoying cough. But we didn't think much about it = no fever.
And Grandaddy was incredibly surprised to look up and see Mom, Dad, me, Jake, Brent, Rachel, and Issa standing there in Montgomery! We visited for a bit, and enjoyed spending time with him. Then it was back on the road to Tucker. We got home and Issa had began a fever on the 24th night. We sent her to bed with Motrin, and she slept okay. Christmas Day the fever continued, but with all the presents, she was so happy! We got her up on Christmas Day and asked her if she wanted to see if Hoho brought her her presents - she started crying, "no ho-ho!" - thinking the big red guy was downstairs! We assured her and brought her downstairs to the tree lit, and Santa's spread on the chair. She got a twin stroller, and a Cabbage Patch "big sister" set (two dolls). It was cute. We went down to Bibi/Pop's (my parents) for Christmas Breakfast there. She got a Weebles Castle there. Brent and Rachel got her an adorable Little People Preschool Learner. She loves it! It's so cute - has like 10 kids to play with, also! We played and played, and came back down to our house. Nana and Big and Julie and Justin and John all stopped by on their way to Bham. With Issa's fever and cough, we had to postpone our trip. They brought her an adorable car, and Nana and Big brought her a cute table/chairs set as well as a real porcelain teaset! Who taught her how to pour and play-pretend with it? Not me! But she is pouring and serving tea if you'd like to come over! She loves everything!
We had a very rough night, though, on Christmas night (almost went to ER), and at the doctor's office on the 26th AM, they confirmed pneumonia. It was pretty serious - breathing treatments immediately, and antibiotics, as well as oral steroids. Poor girl was SICK. So she continues to feel stronger and better, but we are cooped up for a couple of weeks at least. They said NO GROUPS of people (such a low immunity) for at least 2-3 weeks. So I probably will become the neurotic mother - "wash your hands please" - for a while.
All in all, we enjoyed seeing family, and feel so blessed. For a sweet wonderful toddler, and another one on the way. For sweet siblings that we love and adore. For supportive parents who would do anything for us at the drop of a hat. Geez, life is good... pictures later!

Merry Christmas, all!

We had a great day - both of our families came for our Holiday Drop-In, as well as many friends and neighbors. Issa conked out at 6:30 PM tonight. Yes, you read right. Six-thirty. And she'll sleep until tomorrow morning, thank you. I could tell stories about my views on healthy sleep habits... another post though.
We had a great time. Lots of good cheer, and fun friends. Our house was full and happy. Have you ever seen that commercial for Visa? It's something to the effect of: Cheese Tray: $30. Spiral Ham: $50. Beer/Wine: $100. A full house of family and good friends: Priceless.
I truly think our house was smiling today.
Tomorrow, all seven of us (mom, dad, me, jake, brent, rachel, issa) are waking up and leaving at 7:30 for Old Hickory House bfast, then to Montgomery to surprise my Gdad (dad's dad) at the nursing home for a visit, before we head back tomorrow night.
A full day! I hope Santa stops into this house!!! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Busy as bees

We have been busy, busy, busy! We are hosting a holiday drop-in at the house next Saturday, so we are busy getting last-minute decorations and food-planning complete. Jacob's parents came yesterday to help babysit Issa while we went to Leah's son's funeral. Our dear-to-our-heart babysitter's son was in a tragic accident on Monday in Athens. He was a wonderful husband and son - only 26 years old. Please keep her in your prayers. We have been getting Christmas together for everyone too. Issa's big "present" is her big-girl-bed! She's only 18 months, and doesn't quite "get" Santa, etc. So we are using this Christmas to get her a daybed/trundle bed! We're excited. My Mom got her the bedding, which is slowly coming in. I think it's all pretty cute! Any thoughts on transitioning a toddler or ideas to make it better? Here's a picture of the Gunn's from Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Fun

We had a great Thanksgiving, with such great family time together. Wednesday, Mom and I went shopping all day at Lenox, which was so fun. There was hardly a soul there (everyone must have been cooking - Mom did lots early and then most on Thursday!), and we had a blast. We met Jacob for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, which was so fun. Thursday, we went to my family's for a great lunch. My brother and his wife were there, and we had a blast! Issa loved eating all the "titi" (chicken/turkey!), and had fun with her uncle and aunt. Then Friday morning, we got up and went to the Allbrittons (live in Cumming). It was fun - all of his family was there, and Nanny was too! (Issa is named after Nanny) We got home Friday night, and got our tree on Saturday morning. We got all of our Christmas decorations out on Saturday and had a great rest of the weekend together. Jake's grandmother had a stomach virus on Thursday; by Sunday night, Issa and I both had it! It was rough, and I'm thankful for my Mom for her help during it. Brent and Rachel got here last night - our flight to Utah (skiing - Rachel and I will be shopping though) was supposed to be this AM at 6. Rachel and I switched ours to TOMORROW at 2, b/c I was too sick still. So we'll be heading out tomorrow for a long weekend. My Mom/Dad will have Issa. I'll miss her to pieces, but will have so much fun with Brent and Rachel. Jake and Brent have been skiing all day and LOVING it. They just got two more feet of fresh snow!

Be Thankful!

What a wonderful week. I am thankful this morning for time with my daughter, who at 18 months old is so much fun I can hardly stand it. I only had to work Monday and Tuesday of this week (gotta love the school system's hours!) , and this morning has been so nice. Filled with hot cocoa, the Today show, and a sweet toddler running over to me with periodic "Mommy!"s.

And, I am pregnant - Yep! Three months, and expecting another miracle on June 5th. My sister-in-law is pregnant also, and four weeks ahead of me. What a wonderful time of year to experience it together. Grab loved ones near, and tell them how you love them. We all have so many things to be thankful for!

Family Fun

We have done lots of yardwork this weekend. Issa loves to help by getting a dustpan and trying to scoop the leaves into the bag. She also loves watching Jacob with the yard tools. We had a great time at our Bar Mitzvah; we danced and ate. It was a beautiful venue for a great celebration! Today has been a lazy one; because of the "fall back", Issa fell asleep this AM. She's in there jumping in the crib now... probably won't take an afternoon nap!
My Mom's back at Northside. She's been having more intestinal issues. More tests tomorrow should reveal the problem and I hope she comes home soon!

Happy Bar Mitzvah, Benjamin!

We get to go to Benjamin's Bar Mitzvah tomorrow! He is being called to the Torah tomorrow morning, and there is a luncheon at the synagogue after that. Then tomorrow night, the reception is at the Georgia Aquarium! We'll be doing some pretty sweet dance moves - it'll be such a fun celebration for a special friend! Pics to follow,