Progress

We were set up with the expectation it could take months to complete our roof based on permits, inspections, work, etc. Well, less than a week after they started, it's complete! I am so excited. It may sound silly but knowing that the roof over our porch, addition, and garage won't leak or collapse is a nice relief on top of the vanity factor. No more dirty shingles with clean new ones in the spots that marked where the hurricanes paid a visit.

Next on the list of home improvements-contact the paint company so I can find out where I need to pick a color sample from. Make that decision and get them painting. After that, the new gutters can go up!

In between those adventures, Ryan will be putting his new shed up and possibly fixing the grill area (that might happen after the painting).

The baby room is coming along. My next chore is to sketch the animals and paint them. Then it's time to do some serious baby furniture shopping and get registered. Uff, makes me tired just thinking about it all.

At work, my new hire started and has shown up two days in a row with no inclination of leaving me high and dry. He's doing a great job listening, asking questions, and jumping in. He had his first mini fire drill today!

Tomorrow I work most of the day in the office and then head to Miami for our retreat. I hope things stay semi calm since I have gotten so much done in the last 2 days it is almost scary.

Time to go pack and then hit the sack. I am exhausted.

Super Saturday

Saturday was a busy day at the Froyd household. Ryan was up at the crack of dawn to play b-ball with Jon so I thought I should get up and be productive too. Besides all the chores Ryan accomplished (garage cleaning and shed clean out in prep for a new one) he also painted the "grass" in the baby room. I worked all morning cutting stencils out and getting them taped to the wall. It turned out pretty darn good. The next adventure are those darn animals. I don't think I will tackle that today. I may try drawing one or two on the wall but I am feeling pretty warn out.

Between all the physical activity I did yesterday you would think I would have fallen asleep right away. Nope. I tossed and turned until after midnight. Then I moved to the couch and laid awake there for a while. Eventually I fell asleep but woke up at 3 for the nightly bathroom break. After that the sleep was touch and go. Annie had me up before 6 to feed her and then of course, minutes later she wanted to go back outside to beg for treats from the neighbor. I have a few chores for today but I think I can knock them out this morning. The afternoon will be for reading, napping, and possibly a watching a movie.

Congrats to Jess!

When I got up the second time in the middle of the night to go the bathroom, Ryan reminded me Jess was up and on her way to the race in Mimai. Uff, that was early!

According to the official website, Jess ran her little heart out and her time looks pretty good to me but I don't want to spoil her post nor do I know what she was aiming for. Either way, Congrats to Jess on finishing her half marathon. I hope her report is exciting with no injuries, locked keys in cars, or drama.

Lecture, Apology, Survival

To sum up my week; it sucked. Not only did I work 11 and 12 hour days, I got yelled at for something that was not worth being yelled at for. Then, an hour or so later, I received an apology that had the words "You were right and I should learn to trust your judgement more." That's right-mark that on your calendar people. I am not going to dwell on the horrors of the week because I lived it.

It is now Saturday. Ryan is out playing basketball and returning with breakfast. I am catching up on blogs and email. Soon I will pick up the house a little, possibly shower, put on my creative juices and get the grass stencils cut out and posted on the wall for Ryan to paint.

The roofers showed up Thursday morning and stripped the roof of all old shingles. They replaced some rotten wood and put up the first layer of tar paper. City of Sunrise inspected yesterday (we think) and the roofers will be back on Monday. Annie and Jazzy did not like the commotion and hid together under the bed most of the day. Poor babies. I feel bad for them. It's hard to protect the house when it sounds like a bad thunderstorm out there.

Next week I am off to Miami for a 3 day retreat for work (Wed-Fri). I convinced my boss to get me a room so I don't have to tackle that horrendous traffic each morning and afternoon. Hopefully it is a good retreat; our whole team will be in including my new hire. The only bummer is I can't go out and drink with everyone. But, at least I won't be hoping for death while sitting through presentations like everyone else. Big K won't be down so that is a bummer. We were hoping he would make an appearance on work's dime. Oh well.

February has me putting 4 days in at the office in Chicago and then possibly 2-3 days in Denver in March. We will see how LBF is doing and what the doctor recommends on travel. I am not too keen on going either place since I know my winter coat won't button around my belly. Should be interesting; I hope it is warm enough to wear it open. I know, the things a girl has to worry about. Forget flying pregnant, lugging suitcases, walking on ice...it's all about fashion and warmth.

Half Way There

Today marks week 20 out of 40 of being knocked up. I am half-way there. I have to say, each week is a little different and this week is the tailbone/buttache up the lower back and down the legs week. Not very fun. I also feel very "full" and find certain movements are now restricted. I can't imagine what the next 20 weeks will do to me. Hopefully I can keep the enormousness at bay a little longer.

Last week was a hellish week due to fire storms at work. This week I am just plain busy beyond balance. I had to make the dreaded "I need help" call to my boss today. I hate not being able to prioritize myself but when you have 3 number 1's and 5 number 2's, and a bajillion other "need before end of day" requests, I start to lose my sense of reality. She took a few meetings off my hands and tomorrow's 4 hour training session (cool but I still have to go to the second half on Friday). Hopefully things will calm down but next week looks about as crazy.

I haven't checked my personal email, blogs, or made the three calls I need to do this week. I got home after 7, ate some dinner, took down some pictures in prep for the roofers banging on things tomorrow (they recommended it, I am not that crazy), and watched one episode of Ugly Betty. (Which btw is fantastic. I am sad to say I only have 2 left to go in season 1.) Now it is time for bed because I am exhausted and feel icky.

Maybe tomorrow I will catch up on email, I know I have close to 30 unread messages in my inbox. Good thing my friends email me less than work or that would be at about 150 by now. If you had anything urgent, email me at work or give me a call. I should catch up by this weekend.

First Baby Outfits

Yesterday, Ryan and I attempted to look for more baby furniture only to discover that there is a conspiracy in the furniture world. Baby stores only sell cribs, changing tables/dresses, and dressers. They do not sell any other pieces such as end tables/night stands or other accessories. Furniture stores don't sell cribs and start off with beds but they have all the goodies that go with them. I wish I was popping out a toddler because we would have been set. We already found some cool bunkbeds with desks, drawers, and book shelves built in! Talk about cool.

After the furniture store experience we decided to go straight to Home Depot to get paint samples. I loaded up my purse and then we set off to look at flooring samples. Again, nothing jumped out at us but at least we found one sample we both were slightly interested in. We will just have to keep looking on that one.

Next, a stop at Gameworks for a drink and snack before we met Jess and Jerry for a movie. (Gameworks has good fruit smoothies in case you were wondering.) We saw Cloverfield which was definitely intense. It was a good "see it in the theatre but once is all you need to watch it" type movie. I left with tense muscles from the anticipation of what was going to happen next. I do think that in light of a crisis that would require me to run from my house without any belongings, I would always have a trusty pair of shoes to run miles in (not 4" heels like this poor girl) and probably a sweatshirt and a weapon. With this thought, I need to stock my trunk and keep an emergency bag with me at all times. That's all I am going to tell you about the movie.

Thanks to Auntie Jess and Uncle Jerry for the cute baby clothes! LBF received his first onesies and they are adorable. I can't wait to dress him up. With all the new baby excitement, that leaves me with today's list of chores. We are beginning to paint the nursery. Ryan's goal is to prime today while I go get all the other supplies. I need to get some groceries and work a little today also. It is going to be a busy one.

Good Bye Furniture

Ryan was a good hubby yesterday. He put the old furniture in the baby's room on Craigslist and last evening we got a call. This morning the lady, her hubby, and two kids showed up. SOLD! Part of me thinks we should always list things at a higher price but I am just happy to see my old furniture go to a good home. It may be the hormones talking but it was kinda sad to see it go. I have had that furniture since I was in middle school. It trecked across country with me and several moves within southern Florida. Still looked like new. Not to mention it is much higher quality than the crap we purchased for our own room. I did a craptastic job of empyting the contents of the dresser and night stand into the corner on the floor in the other guest room. The desk drawers were emptied into a laundry basket for some sentimental cleaning and sorting before new homes are found later this week.

I have been brainstorming about the painting options in LBF's new room. I think I have talked myself into trying to do a mural. I will sketch it out before we prime just to test myself. If it looks ok, I am going to give it a shot. I have mentioned I wanted a hobby and this is something I have always wanted to do/try. Although I won't be able to drink a few beers to loosen up my creative juices, I have a pretty good feeling this might actually work. Who knows, I can't remember the last time I painted something with a brush other than the hard to reach places on a wall that the roller didn't get.

Workin' for a Livin'

No, we aren't going to another Huewy Lewis concert but this week I have definitely been working hard. I worked until 6 or 7 most nights this week including hopping online at home after I got home. Today I have been online to provide feedback to that monster project I told you about a couple weeks back (the presentation that kicked butt). I expect another couple hours of work over the next two days on that project.

I should put in a couple hours to get caught up and to put together one more presentation. I was asked to give a presentation to our HR group on rolling out projects and communication plans. It is pretty cool to be asked to do that so I want to do a good job. Ryan mentioned working a little this weekend so if he goes in, I will try to get a jump on that presentation.

Next week I have two half days of training with a 3rd party vendor that we are outsourcing some development and trouble shooting to. Yippee. Can you sense my enthusiasm? Oh, sorry, it was only sarcasm. I was told if I couldn't attend I should send someone to represent me. Ummm...I have no one to send. Dang!

The lack of blogging has been do to the evil thing I call work. Hopefully Ryan and I will get some fun time or baby stuff done this weekend. We cleaned the house this morning, he did laundry, I sorted through my baby bag from the doctor (probably should have read some of that stuff months ago), and he had someone call about the guest room furniture we are selling. Hopefully that lady takes it tomorrow. All I know is I have to get up early enough to clean out the drawers. Ah, 3 day weekends are so...busy!

Dear Foo Fighters

Dear Foo Fighters,

You rocked out like no other last night and kept me very entertained. Two requests from me though-come back when I am not pregnant so I can stand for the full show and rock out without having tummy pains and don't start your show at 10pm on a school night!

Seriously though, the concert was awesome. They played a good hour of pure rock n roll with lights and plenty of amped up energy. Then they turned it down a notch by running down the catwalk to a second stage to play acoustic. Then it was back to the main stage for a killer ending including the 5 song encore. For 2 solid hours they played their heart out. I think there were maybe 3 or 4 songs I didn't recognize off a first album but other than that, I was singing along.

As this was my first sober concert experience, I have to comment on one thing (which my buzzed up friends and hubby can agree, sobriety had no bearing). 40+ women should not a) get loaded and act like whores at concerts (making out with her girlfriend, her girlfriend's significant other, or the dude standing next to her) b) smoke pot and think she is cool by topping it off with a regular cigarette inside the building in front of a pregnant woman and c) randomly dance with people in the stands that clearly do not want to be touched by her. Also, if you are so skinny and have no butt in which to hold your pants up, wear a belt! I don't care how well waxed your pooper is, I don't want to see it!

First Baby Purchase

Since Wednesday, everyone has been bugging me to find out what I went out and bought LBF. I had good intentions on Wednesday evening to swing by the store but with all the excitement on Wednesday, I tuckered myself out and didn't leave the house. Thursday was a long day at work and as for Friday, I just like to get home and veg.

Saturday did arrive and I was ready to do some baby shopping. Jess and I decided we would "preview" some items (especially for the room) and then I would take Ryan on Sunday for the cliffnotes version of final approvals prior to purchasing. It went well. Together (Jess and I first, and then Ryan and I) agreed on the Zanzibar jungle theme from Babies R Us. Granted, every store carries it but that's where we purchased it. I only bought the bedding set to get started picking out paint. Ryan has a ton of work ahead of him and is already grumping about it.

I think we will leave the registering and crib purchasing for a little while later. Today was enough excitement and sticker shock for one day. Plus, after yesterday's shopping extravaganza, I was worn out today and felt icky. I think I pulled a muscle in my tummy/pelvis area and walking was torture. Not to mention, that lovely heart burn that just won't go away. At least there was no puking.

I did pick up a couple pairs of pants for work and a pair of jeans (they sorta fit...can't be too picky) and a few tops. At least I can now make it through the work week without having to be creative in how to put together an outfit that covers the unbuttoned pants or covers the boobs and belly.

It's a Boy!

I think I beat Ryan to posting. The ultra sound went well today. LBF cooperated and showed us he is boy. It was pretty cool because he definitely looks like a little human now. They took quite a few "shots" of him from different angles. We saw the head, brain, face, torso, belly, spine, arms, legs, "Mr. Winky," and some other things I wasn't quite sure of. He was chillin' at first but then began moving all over the place.

After the ultra sound we moved down to the regular doctor for our check in. I have gained a whopping 2.5lbs total but as long as I am gaining and not losing I am on track. LBF is growing and a week ahead of the curve in length. He will be a lanky one. They drew some blood to check for spina bifida and down syndrome. We should know in a little over a week if we are in the clear. No reason for alarm, it's routine.

Ryan was pretty pumped to start buying boy toys. I hope I can hold him off a little. I am pumped to go buy stuff to start decorating the room. I have an idea of what I want.

Now, we need to work on a name. We have one we like but not everyone else does.

Buzz Game

Ryan bought me a play station game called Buzz for Xmas. It's a trivia type game where 4 contestants can play. It is similar to the Scene It Xbox game but has multiple categories, not just movies. I like it except for one thing. No matter how well you play the game, the last round is the determining factor. Granted you have to have done decent up until this point but you can come back and beat everyone.

Tonight Captain Petard and I played while Ryan worked some magic in the kitchen (Vidalia Onion Cutter rocks!). Pete was kicking my butt until that last round and then I won. I am learning everyone's weaknesses so if I ever play a game like Who Wants to be a Millionaire I would know who to call for help based on their subject area expertise.

Ryan and I played Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader (we altered the game but used the questions). I beat him but am far from being smarter than a 5th grader. I know that I personally should not be called as a lifeline for history/social studies. Surprisingly, math has been my strong suit along with english/reading or science. I know I am not a history or social studies buff but I assumed I at least memorized the same things all American school children did. I must not have paid attention and did well on projects and tests but forgot stuff the minute I left the classroom.

I know Jess' area of expertise and her weakness. How about the rest of you?

The Return to the Work Week After Vacation

I must say, I was not looking forward to going back to work this week after my long week of days off and doing nothing. I think week 17 of pregnancy has finally given me some energy because I arrived at work most days around 8 rather than 8:30 and stayed until after 6. I mass produced documents, projects, content, resolved issues, answered a bajillion emails, and somehow, didn't kill anyone.

The main project I have been working on for over a year is almost complete. It goes live February 20th and although it won't ever be over, the uphill battle should have plateaued by then. I gave a presentation on it Thursday to two groups of people and waited for someone to send me the critical email that points out a very important aspect that I forgot but so far, nothing. All the feedback has been praise. I can't help but boast about this because dammit, I have worked hard on this. To put another feather in my cap, I had a coworker tell me that he thought my presentation was spectacular and that I have come a long way in the year he has worked with me. He thought I was reading from a script I was so thorough. Cha ching! It was a great way to come back to work. Hopefully the momentum keeps up and no road blocks or potholes jump in the way. I just want this baby launched. Then I think I am going to take a day off and celebrate!

Oh, and the other good news is I hired an ops manager to add to my team. He starts at the end of the month and I can't wait. He is an internal employee so the training should go a lot faster than if he were an outsider. I hope he is as good as my last new hire becuase then I have a fabulous team. I can't wait to finally have some bodies to help me so I can actually do some personal development and work with my other two employees on things I haven't had time for.

The only dreaded thing in the back of my mind is our annual review. I have a boss now that is taking it very seriously and in the past, I have practically written my own and then had my boss deliver it to me. This round should be interesting. Even if she trashes me, I hope there is a raise in there somewhere or a bonus. If not, I think I might have to go on strike.

Husband or Child?

First, I should have blogged this last night but I just didn't have time until now so the humor might be slightly different after a 24 hour lag but here it goes.

Background: Ryan likes new toys and hobbies. He continually has something he is interested in. With the holidays over, he assumes his purchasing rights are back on with no wait. If he has a want, satisfy it.

Last night: I arrived home from work (another story there but I will save that for another post) and see on the kitchen table amongst the junk mail and bills a large box. It was a Lego kit, Indiana Jones to be exact. I asked what it was for and why it was there; knowing full well it was because Ryan wanted it. He proceeded to tell me that it something he can share with the baby later on (that excuse is getting old and the kid isn't even done brewing inside me yet). He is going to a Lego party at the "Prince's" house and everyone has to bring Lego's. I instantly go into a rant using his own statements. "You are a grown ass man and you are going to "play" Lego's with your friends? How f-ing old are you?" He laughs at me and says Lego's are cool and it's ok. Then he adds, I got Indiana Jones for you since you like Harrison Ford. Ummm, yeah. I continued to mention that "REAL" Lego's are blocks and not wheels, headlights, and animals. After harassing him a while I said what if I said I was inviting the girls over to dress and play Barbi's. He told me "That's f-ing stupid." Hmmm...interesting.

Fast forward 10 minutes at the most: Karma supposedly smacked me because I was puking in the toilet again. Ryan came in to see me yack a couple times in the toilet and told me "that's disgusting." Nice observation dear. Eye roll from me. I decided it wasn't Karma but did hesitate to post this last night incase the Karma God's decided to wake me up at 2am and keep me awake until 4:30am like the night before.

Now, please feel free to comment on this. Is Ryan too old to be purchasing Lego's to play with his friends or do I need to revisit my childhood and throw a Barbi or Strawberry Shortcake party? I just want to know if they get together and actually "play" with them and make the Lego's talk, drive, ride, attack, kill, whatever it is that boys do with Lego's? This is so foreign. LBF better be a girl because I can't wait to see Ryan playing house, combing dolls hair, and dressing Barbi up.

New Years Day

Happy New Years!

We rang in the new year with the crew. It was a nice evening (even as the sober one). I made it past midnight (that was the deal) so that means no more teasing from Jerry that I can't drink until LBF is born. Each of us removed the mentioning of either sayings, stories, or jokes from 2007 that were repeated at every gathering (which get old over time for the one being harrassed but are fun for the others to bring up). Since we can no longer mention them, let's just say it won't be long before 2008 brings up new items to harrass each other about.

The boys lit off some fireworks (pale in comparison to the 4th of July) but still a nice show. Basically they use up all the little stuff on the 4th and save their big stuff for New Years. I am ok with this because the 4th takes hours worth of tiny explosions to get to the big bangers that warrant ooohs and ahhhs. I always consider it a success when no one loses a finger or an eye.

So, after staying up way too late, I am taking it easy today again. I want to finish my book and watch a little more trash tv. I should do an hours worth of work today but why push my luck. I have all day tomorrow thru Friday to get it done.

What is really killing me is the floor looks like a dandelion exploded (Annie, Jazzy, and Scooter fur mixed with grass from outside) but if I even cleaned it myself, Ryan would go ballistic on me. So, as one of my resolutions to take things at a medium pace, I will let it sit for a day or two before I resweep/vaccuum. Poor LBF, s/he is going to have one tough household to grow up in.