Schedule

I will start 2012 going back to work.

It's bitter sweet. I am finally starting to feel 'normal' and would LOVE to have another five weeks to bound, organize, and visit my family and friends. The sweet part is I enjoy working and look forward to having some of my own identity back...if only the pregnancy pounds would disappear.

I mentioned we started doing Baby Wise in CC and Erin fashion. The concepts the we use (for now) are scheduling. The first 8 weeks you do 3 hour blocks of time, for example our scheule (on most days) looks like this:
12:00 AM - Eat
3:00 AM - Eat
6:00 AM - Eat
9:00 AM - Eat
10:00 AM - Awake Time: Tummy Time, bouncy chair, bath, cuddle, reading, singing, talking
11:00 AM - Nap
12:00 PM - Eat
1:00 PM - Awake Time: etc...
2:00 PM - Nap
3:00 PM - Eat
4:00 PM - Awake Time: etc...
5:00 PM - Nap
6:00 PM - Eat
7:00 PM - Cuddle, bedtime
9:00 PM - Eat

This is the 'master plan' however, she will sleep longer at night, or we have visitors, or we get tired before nap time, you catch my drift we adapt. We try to keep on this routine or something in a three hour block depending on the timing.

This is where we differ from baby wise, they suggest you STiCK to the schedule, but If she cries or I just want to hold her, I do!

In other news...we went on our first date this week. CC's mom came and babysat for a few hours.

Loves and hugs-scheduling helps keep me sane...and stressed all at the same time!
Erin

The Long and Short

I have been so bad about blogging. When I have time I am usually cuddling my baby.

We are trying take the concepts of Bab.y W.ise and modify them a little for Brek. Some days it works and some days, not so much. I return to work on January 3 and school on January 13. Essentially, I need a plan.

If you have visited CC's blog you know he will be home with her. Knowing that helps with the stress of a busy schedule.

Loves and hugs-that's all for now.
Erin

What is CC up to?

You all know how much adore that man...now you can too...he has joined us in the blogging world http://man-training.blogspot.com.

Loves and hugs-Stop by and check out the latest in man-training.
Erin

Face Time

One of the best joys of being a new mom is FACE TIME! It is 4:00 AM you have been up and down all night. The little bundle of joy is eating, again, instead of eating and going to sleep, she has decided to stay awake--wide awake. Her big eyes staring back at you, full belly and gives me, only me undivided attention for as long as we want. We can sit there for hours staring at each other...best moment of the day!

Things are starting to mellow out (not really but I feel a little like my old self). I know the cry that is reserved for us, just the two of us, our special time. We know when she has pee'd and cannot stand the feel of the wet, smelly diaper on her bottom. Then there are a few things she has figured out about her parents, we are weak to her adorable cry. If she fusses long enough at 5:00 AM she gets to sleep on our chest and cuddle until morning. We are weak! AND I couldn't imagine not spending those moments with her.

There is one question that people have asked me over and over and I do not agree with them...let me explain...

The question is..."Now that she is here, isn't it amazing that you never realized you could love someone so much?"

The answer is: Actually, I love Cory that much! About year 3 of our marriage we realized we were 'all in' divorce was not an option for us--EVER. We love each other unconditionally and our love is what our family will thrive on. (Of course we fight, but we do not fight 'dirty' and bring up the D-word--EVER, that creates insecurity for the relationship and how can you every fully trust someone if they threaten that every time things get rough.) If love is lost between you as a couple, then what was the point of bringing another life into the world? Yes, the love for a child is different--I like to think we took the best parts of both of us and created this amazing child!

Loves and hugs--Love can keep us together!
Erin

Thanksgiving

Last year, our Thanksgiving looked very different than this year! You know what??? We wouldn't change it for one second! Each year offered something amazing...last year, we were on a cruise with our very good friends, Shane and Zak. This year we were snuggled at home with our baby!

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving 2011

Loves and hugs--Our motto is "Let's make memories." Everything we do is a new memory.
Erin

Birth Story

As you all know little Brek made her début last Monday! CC was a doll to keep you out of suspense. So here are the details a week later.

3:00 AM-Saturday woke up with heavy spotting, I thought this is the ‘bloody show’ everyone talks about-I might do this on my own! ;)

3:00 AM-Sunday-Woke up with cramps, thinking this is it pre-stages of labor, I might do this on my own!

4:30 AM-Monday-Woke up had CC call the hospital to confirm our ‘reservation’ (yes, we prefer to discuss it as a ‘vacation’ instead of a medical procedure). They were packed so we got deferred to 7:00 AM.

6:30 AM-Showered, Shaved, Finished Packing, Told Chica goodbye.

7:00 AM-Finally, departed from our house—stopping to have one last pick-me-up from the 7-11-Chocolate Dunford Donut, YUM!

7:30 AM-Arrived to our 7:00 check-in, oooops.

7:30-9:00-Check-in, they asked me questions like, ‘do you feel safe at home?’ ‘have you ever had an STD?” Weird. You have my chart!

9:00 AM-10:00 AM-IV, The labor and delivery nurse and I spent some time talking about going natural and she was very supportive. I was concerned because I was going to be on PIT that the contractions would come on too fast and I wouldn’t be able to manage it. She felt that we could try and if it got too bad they we could take care of it at that point. I was really thankful for her because I think my Midwife would of put me on an epidural upfront, I know a Midwife, right?

10:00 AM-Started PIT. The nurse started me slow, 4 drops per minute and we increased as time went on. At this point I am dilated to a 1 and 80% thinned. At my appointment the week prior I was dilated to a 1 and 75% thinned with high blood pressure, hence the induction.  Nothing was really changing.

10:15 AM-Increased PIT to 8 drops per minute. No change.

10:30 AM-Increased PIT to 12 drops per minute. Started contracting a small amount.

11:00 AM-Increased PIT to 16 drops per minute. This is where the contractions started and I stayed at this level of PIT until delivery.

11:30 AM-The nurse came in and checked me, dilated to a 3. She said she was going to lunch and that she would be back in an hour to check. I thought, ok, nothing is really happening.

11:40 AM-Sent Cory to get something to eat. I thought at this rate that man better have something in his stomach so he can get through this long day.

11:45 AM-I thought I was going to DIE! The pain, it just kept coming and I was all-alone. (I know everyone would be back and I had a nurse button but I kept thinking, why did I send him away?)

11:55 AM-Cory came back, I was holding on to the arm rail like a raft floating in the ocean. At this point, I do not have any medication so I can get up and down, I was so thankful that I could walk around, go to the bathroom independently, and take the monitor off if I needed too.

12:00 PM-3:30 PM-I dilated from a 3-9. (We didn’t know that until 3:30 PM) The pain was intense during these 3 hours.  Cory tried to call the back-up nurse but nobody would respond. He went to the desk, he kept pushing the call button, Nothing. Finally, he said, we need help with pain management! (I was hurting pretty bad and the bloody show was a little more than I expected.) At 3:30 PM my awesome delivery nurse and the epidural guy came in and she apologized that nobody told me she had a delivery after lunch and that is what detained her. She was really irritated that nobody else came in and checked me.  She checked me and I was at the last moment before I could have any assistance with pain management. I was dilated to a 9! I did it, most of my labor without any support! She was pretty proud we made it through without any communication. Then she said, do you still want something because you are almost there. In complete desperation I said, YES!

By 3:45 PM-I was completely out of pain. (Because I was so close to delivering they didn’t give me an epidural they gave me a spinal block for 90 minutes.) She checked me again, I was completely dilated and my water broke as she was checking me. The next step was to start pushing, so we did.

4:45 PM-The Midwife finally arrived (Not sure how many deliveries she had that day but she was pretty busy, after Brek was born she left to catch another baby). At this point the pain is completely gone, the nurse was awesome and kept complementing me on how ‘good of a pusher I was’ I pushed from a -1 to a +2 in 4 contractions (for you non-moms, that is pretty impressive).

Brek was posterior for 12 weeks in my womb (that means she was head down but face up, babies are typically born face down) her little head was misshapen (like Marge Simpson) so it was hard for her to come out. (I think she turned face down on Sunday night and that is what I was feeling because she was face down at birth) I could push her out but then she would slip back in.

4:45 PM-5:10 PM-We tired everything, I would push and push, CC and I did a tug of war trying to focus my pushing efforts elsewhere, they used a ton of KY trying to get her head to slid out, they massaged me, they tried slipping fingers in to catch her, but that gal just couldn’t come out. (Remember, at this point I am SO thankful for the medication—we are laughing and joking.) I actually, referred to my sweet daughter as “Prairie Dogging It”. I had to explain it to the doc and the nurse and then they started laughing--it was awesome.

By 5:10 PM the Midwife decided that she needed to do an episiotomy and with that Brek was free!

5:24 PM-Baby Brek was born! The cord was wrapped around her neck (which is the case in approximately 75% of all births, they typically do not tell you about it) the Midwife unwrapped it and then her body came out. She barely cried. CC cut the cord, they placed her on me and we had a quick moment. Then it was time to move on to the placenta and sewing.

All and all, it wasn’t as bad as I thought—plus the end result was amazing.

It didn’t go as planned but I am glad it went as it did.  Even getting medication at the end was worth it because CC and I could enjoy the amazing process and not be distant from each other. In the depths of pain I was experiencing I didn’t even want him to touch me. Once we got medication we were able to laugh and joke and have a conversation. When my family arrived to meet Brek we were able to visit and not be consumed with the details because we were there for each other during the entire process.

Tuesday, we were in the hospital for monitoring. I was hopeful they would send me home but they wanted to watch Brek for jaundice.

Wednesday, the Pediatrician needed to check Brek and then we could check out. By 10:00 AM we were on our way home. I had to stop and get a prescription and we were home!

Thursday, we had to go back to the pediatrician and follow up with the jaundice check, all was well.

Friday, we did newborn photos. (More on this later—new mom’s shouldn’t do this this soon---even if they say you should. It is too hard on the heart strings and takes WAY to long.

Saturday, we hung out at home.

Sunday, hung out at home.

Monday, hung out at home.

Loves and hugs—I am very excited about hanging out at home with my new family!

Erin

Daughter is Here!

Hello world,

CC here again. Baby Grey is here! 

7 lbs 10 oz and 19 inches of perfection. By the grace of GOD Mama and Baby came through like champs.

At the last minute before starting to push Erin got an epidural, and I'm glad she did (scary). I'll let her explain better in a day or so. I'll just say we won't be your typical new parents, telling horror stories and trying to make it sound like we had the worst birth ever, it was surprisingly easy (at least for me).

Enough of that, without further ado let me introduce Brek Leigh Grey,

Thank you for all your prayers and love,

Love and Hugs

CC

Mama Grey Update

Hello everyone,

CC here. I hi-jacked Erin's blog and wanted to fill everyone in on Erin's progress.

We ended up getting pushed back to 7:00 this morning, which means we showed up at 7:30. They got her all hooked up by 8:30 and started the inducing at about 9:30 or so. Beings we were hoping for a natural child birth she doesn't have an epidural, yet. Seems like a whole hell of a lot of pain to me, I don't know how she is dealing with it so well.

She has been having contractions for a while now, and we (by we I mean her) may have to break down and get her juiced up. Whatever it takes to make sure she is o.k is good by me.

Other than the obvious pain and the fact that I can't figure out the mechanics behind this birth thing (the sizes of objects involved doesn't work mathematically; i.e baby, uterus, hoo-hoo, etc.) Erin is being a real trooper.

Please join me in praying for an easy birth, and that mama and baby will be safe and healthy.

Like always, Love and Hugs- scared and excited.

CC

Rice Krispy Treats

In 11 years of marriage, we have NEVER made Rice Krispy treats.  We live in Utah--this must be a sin! Last night, a dutiful husband, CC went to the store and purchased the items, we whipped up a batch...OMG they were DELICIOUS! Of course, that wasn't enough, I had to melt chocolate and dip my treat. It was divine!

Baby Grey is due tomorrow. Honestly, I think she is content staying in...forever. The doctor has other plans and her eviction notice is being served Monday morning at 5:30 AM. I am torn about this decision but my blood pressure is high and causing worry for the doctor. Deep down, I just want to meet Baby Grey and name her so I can stop calling her Baby Grey. We did have a name picked out years ago, but now we are not sure about it.

CC-has been a lamb. I haven't even had to think about the logistics of anything, bags packed, room finished, clothes washed, freezer meals-frozen, you name that man has done it. I just LOVE him. He is looking forward to having a small element of his wife back. I never realized how much I miss myself, you really do become a different person when you are pregnant. Everyone tells me it will be a while before you are back...that is ok...just so I come back...some day.

Friday is my last day of work...

Loves and hugs-Hopefully, this weekend we meet our daughter!
Erin

Product Update

Day 2 & 3 review of my informercial product!

Day 2: Still love the product, hair=silky, shiny, and soft. The one disadvantage I can see is living in Utah we have dry air which creates static...which equals crazy static hair for me.

Day 3: Washed my hair as usual but added one pump of product after rinsing my hair as a leave-in-conditioner, awesome, no more static!

I will keep you posted on the progress as I use it for a week or so.

Baby update: Still no baby. One more doctor appointment tomorrow...we shall see!

Loves and hugs-Please pray for me to go into labor--I do not want to be induced.
Erin

Awake

It is officially the middle of the night and I am awake. I had an upsetting dream so I thought I would get up and try to calm down. I went to a few of my favorite blogs and I was quickly reminded that God has a plan for us and everything will be fine. And, just like that I am ok.

He is good. Look at our new life, in a week (hopefully not much longer) we are going to bring home our daughter! My pregnancy hasn't been that bad, I was even sick until last weekend,I didn't take any sick time during my entire pregnancy, and I have the best husband.

Really, what else matters? Nothing!

Loves and hugs-I am truly thankful for God's peace. Good night.
Erin

Infomercial

My mother is addicted to the shopping network. Sometimes, I  worry that it might rub off on me but then I am about the cheapest person I know...but then...I fall victim to their products. They are sneaky!

My latest purchase was a Shampoo product, Wen...I got it in the mail last night...so FREAKIN' excited!I am going to post a few times about it to let you know how I feel...

Day 1=LOVE IT! My hair is silky, shiny, and oil free.

Let me say, since I have been pregnant my hair has been more oily than normal. I was 'stripping' it with baking soda ever three weeks. This morning my hair felt oil free, and not dried out.

I was only able to use the main product because the other product is a deep conditioner you let sit for 40 mins, there was NO way a 9 month pregnant lady was getting up early to deep condition her hair. I can do it tomorrow and blog about it then.


The jury is still deliberating but it is leaning towards a must HAVE!


Loves and hugs--I am a sucker any type of beauty products, infomercial or not!
Erin

Clarification

Our first born, Chica still lives with us...forever! Ever since she could hear the baby's heartbeat she has avoided me. We no longer snuggle, we no long cuddle, she barely greets me when I come in the house. I cannot wait for her to meet Baby Grey so she understands our family is growing and I am still her mama too.

Loves and hugs--We ADORE that little doggie!
Erin

The things I miss

1. Jeans
2. Sleeping on my back
3. Shoes
4. Bending over
5. Walking
6. Chica
7. Shopping
8. Breathing
9. Energy
10. Routine

Loves and hugs--In less than 2 weeks maybe some of these things will return.
Erin

What not to do...when you are 9 months pregnant.

I was feeling a little nostalgic last night so I started flipping through some of our old photo albums. As you know, we LOVE vacation...I mean LOVE vacation. (We try to take 2 large trips per year.) One of the photo albums was from a really good time in our life, healthy, happy, great careers, and in SHAPE. When you are 9 months pregnant and there is no end in sight, you probably shouldn't look at the healthiest you.

I just hope that girl comes back...even if I am not the same size and shape.

Loves and hugs--I miss her energy and her face.
Erin

The places WE will go!

My last night of school was Tuesday! (Well, until January.) Our teacher had us listen to The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss. This story is so fitting for so many of us...especially in times of excitement and trials.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQRWeZy-S8Q

Loves and hugs--Remember you have friends to go with you!
Erin

Nesting

The man I love, CC has officially started nesting! I would have thought I would be the one to start but as a non-traditional couple nothing surprises us. He has washed all the baby clothes, put them in the drawers, and sanitized all the hand-me-down toys.

(Rocking Horse from my Grandpa's storage!)

He is such a romantic...he even went to the Big Box store and purchase "Puppy Pads" for the hospital ride. Just in case my water breaks he doesn't want anything to get in his truck or my car...I feel so special!

As I type, he is pushing Chica around in the baby stroller trying to get her use to riding in it...wow, our life is really starting to take a different direction.

Loves and hugs--More to come on the puppy pad situation!
Erin

Onesies

Baby Grey,

We are very excited about you joining our family! 

Here are some special onesies, made with love from your family and friends! 

Made for you with love, Mom!

Made for you with love, Papa

Made by Mom

Made by EVERYONE

Loves and hugs--We love you!
Erin

Time

Here I sit at 34 weeks pregnant. Oddly enough time is going so fast! I only have 6 weeks left! Can you believe it? 6 WEEKS!!! There are times in a week that I panic--I only have 40 something days left to get ready, and then there are days that it seems like it is a million years away, and then there are days where I cannot wait to meet Baby Grey.

Last week, at the doctor appointment she threatened me with bed rest, if I do not slow down, I am going on bed rest.  AHHHHH. Does she realize that it doesn't work for my schedule? If you saw everything I have to do in the next 4 weeks--a regular, non-pregnant person would be tired. What would I do if I was stuck on bed rest? I try to take it easy but I am not sure that is in my vocabulary.

Loves and hugs--Still need more time to take pictures and post them for everyone!

Wait for it...

I cannot wait until I have time to post a few pictures! We had friends over to celebrate the addition of Baby Grey and I cannot wait to show you our creative friends.

Loves and hugs--Stay tuned!
Erin

My Cup Runneth Over

The Doctor reported that Baby Grey is doing well, she is growing...already weighing in at 4 lbs. However, I might not be holding up to the pregnancy thing. My body is swelling, swelling, swelling, the doctor concerned me a little with her facial expression. She said, "you will take it easy or you will be on bed rest." Guess, taking it easy is the new me. Now...if my calendar could match up with the 'Doctor's Orders.'

Loves and hugs--I am so thankful for this experience and cannot wait to meet this little gal!
Erin

Give me a break...

I think it is time for us to take a mini-vacay to regroup and prepare for a HUGE life change!

Any ideas that are close to home, fun, and something a prego lady can do without dying?

Loves and hugs--I really do not have time for it...but I need it!
Erin

Guilty as Charged

Yep, living in the future.

Loves and hugs...let's try to live in the present.
Erin

Faking It

How do you do it all?
-A Professional
-A Wife
-A Mother
-A Homemaker
-A Student
-A Friend
-A Daugher
-A Sister
-An Aunt
-A Hostess
-A Housekeeper
-Creative
-Organized
-Pregnant
-Prepared
-A Cook

Anxiety is building...for what is to come...and...when will it arrive...and...will I be ready...and...will 'I' ever be back...and...and...and..

Loves and hugs-Life is starting to catch up to me...can I continue to fake it...and...will I make it?
Erin

The Final Count Down

Loves and hugs--10 weeks!
Erin

Traditions

Labor Day weekend is around the corner...anyone remember what we do over Labor Day?

What no guess?

We CAN SALSA! This year I am limited on time and hope I can do it all on Sunday.

Loves and hugs--I <3 traditions!
Erin

Nesting?

Some people clean, some people decorate, we choose to buy appliances! Our kitchen is tiny, 9'x9'. I decided to give up one of my cupboards to put in a new dishwasher! 

We also bought a 7' deep freeze to stock up on freezer meals and breast milk.
Loves and hugs--We are 10 weeks out until she arrives!

Ramona

You are experience RAW emotion from me at this moment. The worst haircut that has ever happened to me--jut ended.  Remember the goofy little girl from our childhood Ramona Cleary? 

Well, you can see her in person, just stop by!

All those plans for pregnancy photos this weekend...yeah, that's not happening. Sorry Baby Grey, you are not getting to see your pregnant mom. I just pray that my hair grows out by the time she is born so I do not have hideous hair in her newborn pictures....or there won't be any!

Loves and hugs--watch what buttons you push tonight I might breakdown and cry.
Erin

Seriously?

Ok Ladies....I have a very serious question...why do you get breast implants?

I have officially grown several cup sizes in the past six months and I do not understand the fascination with large breasts! Why would you go through that just to have a guy notice you? I understand if you needed a lift but really to go to a Double D, its just wrong!

Loves and hugs---The things I think about...now-a-days.

Erin

Scale

We are NO LONGER friends! I do not like you, I do not want to step on you, and I definitely do not want others to be present when we have a date.

Fortunately, dear scale, I am growing a sweet little girl and I don't care how rude you are...or what your little evil--digital screen has to say--you DON'T MATTER!

Loves and hugs--In the future, we might be on speaking terms, but not for a longtime.
Erin

Crocker Grey

Barefoot, pregnant, and baking!

Loves and hugs-It feels like 1950s!

Bake-off

Almost success! We tried 3 different zucchini bread recipes and two of them are ok. Tomorrow, I will try to create my OWN recipe! Once it is perfected I will share with you.

Did you know my zucchinis are so large I baked 9 loaves of bread with 1?
Loves and hugs--Just call me Betty Grey

You know how I know you are old?

First Saturday off in weeks...what is on our schedule?

Zucchini Bread-Bake off!

The day will be spent baking different recipes to see what new recipe will be added to our family favorites! More to come...

Loves and hugs--Sad...

3 O'clock

Before pregnancy, I use to get an afternoon high at 3 o'clock. These days, I get a snack at 3 o'clock.

Like clockwork, I need a pick-me-up at 3 PM...without fail...I feel like I am about to pass-out from exhaustion, take a look-see at the clock and what do you know, its 3 o'clock.

Some of my 3 o'clock snacks are:
*Brownie from Chick-Fil-A
*Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie from Paradise Bakery
*Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie from Great Harvest
*Snickers with Almonds
*Swiss Roll

The theme...CHOCOLATE!

Loves and hugs-Nothing stands in the way of me and my snack, NOTHING!
Erin

...

Loves and hugs--That's what I am thinking about!

One more paper and a quiz!

It's true...I have one more paper and quiz and this semester is OVER!

Whatever shall I do with myself?!?
*Wash all the baby clothes
*Clean all the baby things I have acquired
*Register
*Make thank you cards
*Move furniture (not me CC of course)
*Perhaps a SPA treatment?

Loves and hugs--All I know is---it will not be HOMEWORK!
Erin

Exactly what I need!

How do you do it all...and stay sane?

The past 6 Saturdays, I have been in school, at a funeral, at bear lake, oh, did I mention school?

School Saturdays are the WORST they start at 6 AM and end about 6 PM. 

I get home and what do I find...

Chica, greets me, vacuum lines...what do I smell...bleach...I further investigate...the bathroom=clean, kitchen=clean, laundry=done, dining room=clean. OH HAPPY DAY!

Loves and hugs--Not only is he a HUNK, he cleans!

Erin

New Stress

What are we going to do about day care? AHHHHHHHHHHHH

We have about six moths to figure it out but I am starting to stress. CC got bad news at work today and I am complete devastated. Yesterday, he asked if they would be flexible with his schedule and they were so supportive. Fast forward to today, they are not willing to be very flexible. (Insert swear)

Not to mention I have been so consumed with school, work, and trying to stay rested, forget about a nursery or registering for baby gifts. Really, what does she need? Love is all I've got these days, its free and doesn't take much time.

Loves and hugs--It will all work out--but oh, the stress!
Erin

Never thought...

Our big dinner tonight was Sam's pizza, pretzel, sprite, and a chocolate milkshake for the amazing price of $5.35.

For the first time--EVER--CC wanted pizza and I didn't.

Loves and hugs--I blog about the most exciting things!
Erin

Looky, Looky

It's here! Our newest yard fixture arrived Sunday. These are inserts for cloth diapers! I imagine that they will be washed about 3-5 more times before baby Grey arrives.

Loves and hugs--Firsts are so exciting!

New Developments

Pregnancy update: Week 26

*I now snore
*Not only do my feet swell, THEY HURT
*I can feel her move like CRAZY
*I do not have balance (I look like a drunk when I walk)
*I LOOK pregnant
*Pregnancy brain=I had a point but I forgot
*Stress about daycare/nanny/work schedule/school schedule/diapering/nursing/etc.
*Dark spots on my face
*Blemishes

I couldn't be happier! She can just take this earthly vessel and abuse it all she wants because when she gets here I am going to LOVE her, hold her, and squeeze her!

Loves and hugs--We are SO ready to meet her--only 14 weeks to go.
Erin

Mercy Me

They are one of my FAVORITE Christian bands...today, as I was listening to "Bring the Rain" I thought back to the past year and how true the lyrics are for me...Naturally, I wanted to share this thought.

"Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain "

Loves and Hugs--Easier said than done, right?

Erin

Pet Peeve

Something that drives me crazy...a toilet room. I am at this 4-Star resort and my toilet has it's own little room...why would you want to go potty by yourself in a 3x4 foot room?

Since CC is a home designer...we will NEVER have one of those.

Loves and hugs--It is really the little things that make me happy!
Erin

Where to start...

I am officially exhausted!
Here is the short version of my week...
--Monday-Date with Baby Grey
--Monday Night-CC's grandmother passed away
--Tuesday--Worked, Figured out travel arrangements, homework, laundry
--Wednesday-Up at 4 AM for golf tournament, packed our bags, drove to Missoula, MT
--Thursday--Drove to New Port, WA, visited with family
--Friday--Shopping with MIL, visited with family
--Saturday--Funeral, visited with family, drove to Dillon, MT, Stayed in a pee smelling hotel
--Sunday--Drove home, 8 loads of laundry
--Monday--2 loads of laundry, drove to Heber City for a conference, homework, currently at said conference, procrastinating more homework, blogging, and now bed time.

Loves and hugs--It's CC's B-day this week!
Erin

Date with Baby Grey

We had our 'Targeted Ultrasound' with Baby Grey yesterday. First off, she is a doll, second, a little bit of a brat, and third, completely all Cory & Erin. I cannot wait until we meet her and get to know her little personality. So far, she is shy, stubborn, acrobatic, and adorable.

It's crazy to think that this little baby has a personality already, and I LOVE her. This morning we were resting before we got ready for the day and Chica was cuddling with us. I think Baby Grey could hear her and she started kicking Chica, of course, spoiled Chica started kicking back. Oh dear, this might be my new life!

Loves and hugs--hmmm....my new life, BRING IT!

Sun=Bleach

Since we are going to cloth diaper...'They" say sun is the best bleaching agent for diapers...so naturally, I needed a clothesline. I was looking for a used one but everyone I found had clothes on it and CC wouldn't ask. This model will not take up my entire yard and CC can take it down in the winter! 

Loves and hugs--I cannot wait to use this new GREEN product!

Erin

Cory Land

CC's first Father's Day present from Baby Grey!

Bear Lake was a fabulous! Next year, Baby Grey, and cocktails!
Loves and hugs--My Heaven!
Erin

It's happening!

We are going to Bear Lake this weekend! I cannot wait...you are going to be excited when you see CC's new father's day present in all of its glory!

The things I am worried about:
1. Camping
2.Swollen Legs
3.No Bathroom
4.Sun damage to my already freckly face
5.That my sister and Bugs will not make it

The things I am excited about:
1.CC's new present--Caribbean Island
2.Cooling off in the cool blue water
3.Finally going there
4.Visiting with my friends!
5.Napping
6.Reading one of those delivery books
7.NO HOMEWORK
8.Time with CC
9.Picnic on the beach
10.Smores!

Loves and hugs--Stay tuned for CC's Caribbean Island photo!
Erin

This is dedicated to the one I love!

CC

Loves and hugs----Isn't he a hunk?

Never Been Blogged Before

Say hello to my little friend, Louie!

Shane, Zak, CC, and Erin took a trip in November...on the way home we past Saks 5th Ave. Yep, I went in dress that way, and I came out with Louie! Isn't he wonderful?

Loves and hugs--I think so too!

Much to do about nothing...

I realize I am due in 16 weeks (YIKES) and I have not read ONE book about childbirth. The logical side in me says, "Erin, you better start flipping through a few of those books that are sitting collecting dust." But the not-so-logical side says, "Erin, women have been giving birth for thousands of years, you'll be fine."

The reality is...I am tired, really tired, when I have a free moment, I should be reading text books not birthing books, I still have this degree to finish, we are still remodeling, there is a practicum site to be found, a resume to update, registering for baby Grey, birthing classes to take, doctor appointments, really, the list is ENDLESS!

Loves and hugs--Just do it!

Where does the time go?

OMG--I am six months--six months. I see why pregnant ladies talk in weeks, 24 weeks not so bad, 6 months holy cow!

In my short time being pregnant I can tell you the most annoying question:
"Do you have a name yet?"

Let me make a general statement--NO! Well, actually we do, but we are not announcing her name until she makes her debut. The thing about announcing your baby's name already, 1. Someone will try to take it, 2. They make some comment about your name, 3. They try to suggest a name for you, 4. It's not really your business--so back off!

While I'm at it...please do not touch me. It's wrong in so many ways! Are your hands clean? Do you want me to touch your belly?

Loves and hugs--Thanks for listening!

Big Day!

Yes, we are one of the lucky few that are going to see Harry Potter before the official release date! The best part about it is I have my nephew Tanner here to go with me. Until November last year I had not watch a single show...now I am well versed in all things Potter.

Loves and hugs--I know you are envious! :)

Whiner

This is my worst pregnant day so far...I have not stopped whining all day.  Even I am getting sick of hearing it. Sorry friends...I am going to have a pity party for myself today!

-To start the day off I had to work early! BOO!
-I got CC's coffee on my new white sweater.
-My digestive troubles were at an all time high!
-I have TONS to do this week and no time to do it!
-There is more homework than hours in the day!
-Managing 60--14-18 year olds today for a summer program.
This really hasn't been my favorite day. I just want to go home and cuddle with CC. But...its shop night and his free night to drink beer (not nice!) and I am home cleaning and doing homework.  Poor me!

On the brighter side...I have 3, yes, 3 classes left and 600 hours of practicum and then I will FINALLY be finished with my schooling!

Loves and hugs--That news made up for a whining day!
Erin

What's for Dinner?

Garden Fresh Peas!

Loves and hugs--My favorite time of year!
Erin

New Chair

Baby Grey has a new highchair!

The coloring is WAY off but it is SO cute, its pink. 

(I know, I don't love pink but for the price!)

We will need to figure out a tray situation but who cares, its down right adorable. 

Loves and hugs--Swap meets and $5 highchairs are the best!

Erin

Someday!

Someday in the near future...I hope I have time on a hot Saturday/Sunday to visit my Utah Heaven, Bear Lake!  

Loves and hugs--I hope it is before August 20th!

Cloth Diapering

Yes, Baby Grey is going GREEN! The hippie in me WILL make this happen. Once you see the stats Thirsties shares in their catalog you might consider it too!

*86% of their customers say they spend LESS THAN 2 HOURS laundering their clothe diapers each week! AWESOME!

*86% of their customers say that using cloth diapers is SO MUCH EASIER than they thought it would be! (How will we know unless we try?)

*46% of their customers say the financial savings are the #1 reason the are committed

Did you know that disposable diapers have a fine print? They do...

***IMPORTANT: Shake baby soil into toilet.*** 

(Raw sewage that is tossed into our landfills contaminates our water supply and breeds viruses and bacteria that are then spread to humans by insects.)

I assume they leave the last sentence out because people are too concerned with convenience not conservation. 

Loves and hugs--even a small gesture can make a difference.

P.S. I am looking for a 'umbrella' clothesline if you know of anyone in UT looking to get rid of theirs I WANT it! (The sun is the best bleaching agent!)

Pictures!

Pumpkins

Squash--can you see it?

Watermelon

Zucchini 

Sugar Snap Peas...almost time to eat!

Garden

Finished Table!

Smore's Headquarters!

Apricots are almost ready--if you want some let me know!

My favorite spot in the yard!

Yellow Bathroom

1st ever store bought toilet--Have you ever purchased one?

Loves and hugs--See the benefits of composting! Our garden ROCKS!

Bathroom Complete!

It's true, my bathroom is finished!
No picture, I haven't taken one yet.

It's true, my mosaic table is finished!
No picture, I haven't taken one yet.

It's true, we are having a baby, she is not finished yet!
No picture, the stink will not cooperate!

Loves and hugs--I am picture-less gal tonight!
Erin

Compost

Composting is the coolest...all the cool people do it!

(This awesome product is replacing a plastic ice cream bucket.)

This weekend we went to Park City to World Market, this is my newest 'green' product! 

Charcoal Filters reduce the odor in the house. 

Loves and hugs--Will you start composting?
Erin

She Knows

Picture this...Lady and The Tramp...the baby comes home and Darling feels left out.

Now fast forward to the the Grey's story...Chica knows! Her life is about to change--and she is sad.

I feel awful for her, doesn't she know she is our first child?

Loves and hugs--that doggie will ALWAY have a place in our hearts, she just has to make room for Baby Grey.