Sticker Shock

I found this nifty online calculator that calculates the cost of raising a child, based on where you live, for one year. The minimum? Get ready... here it is.... are you sitting down?!

$15, 036. *suffer from heart palpitations here*

Now mind you, I'm not complaining. It's just the natural planner in me to want to get a jump start. So you can imagine my joy when I found the nursery furniture set that I've been coveting for the past 3 weeks FINALLY go on sale at Target. And get this: free shipping as well!!

So hopefully by next week, we'll have put a small little dent into that figure listed above. It does feel good to mark one thing off our list! And thanks to Steve-O and Alyce for the adorable crib!

Here's a pic (DaVinci Kalani Collection):

I live under a rock.

How come I'm always the last to know? About the cool new stuff going on out there in today's society? Um yeah, I'm talking about Craigslist. Whoudathunkit??

That moi, could not only operate a digital camera, but actually POST an item for sale on this 'Craigslist' and have people come to my house to buy it. Genius!

Side note: I just scored $50 tonight selling junk. Now, I know what you're saying- Mrs. W, didn't you just (a few posts ago) get rid of all your junk?

And my answer to you would be yes, but I have a junk magnet somewhere on my body. Junk just sticks to me... and so I realized, some guy named Craig can really help me out. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go around my house with my camera to see what else Craig can help me sell.

Happy selling!

Did you hear that?!

It was a BIG *sigh*, from me...

Now packing away the buttoned-waist pants and slipping into a pair of maternity pants.... AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH...

17 weeks, 2 days and counting...

Lil P is the size of a baked potato- butter, sour cream and all!

I think it's finally sinking in... I've had 2 'flutter' sightings- or feelings, rather, in the past week and most of my current pant waistlines are getting T-I-G-H-T!

*stepping on soap-box* And may I add that the price of maternity clothes is a down right conspiracy! Not everyone can win the lotto! *okay, stepping off soap-box* Thankfully, I have great girlfriends who are loaning me some of theirs and my mom has bought me a couple items as well.

I had my 6-month dental cleaning today and tried unsuccessfully to blame my gum issues on pregnancy hormones. Yup, that didn't work out so much. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to brush!

Helping the economy

In anticipation of Lil P's arrival, I knew that I would probably want to have some type of rocker in the family room. Comfort being the keyword.

So Andy and I headed out to Slumberland today and found the perfect rocker/recliner on sale. The best part- it was free! I was able to use my 'Service Award' from my company to make the purchase. We should have it by mid-week and then I'm sure we'll both be fighting over who gets to lounge in it!

Here's a pic (ours will be dark chocolate to match our existing furniture):
Happy Memorial day everyone!

Practice makes perfect!

Andy and I got to babysit both Evie and Jack this week!

On Wednesday night, we babysat Evie, who was a doll for us. She's at that great age where she wants to explore everything and was very interested in Barbie and my old Strawberry Shortcake dolls. She loved using the brush on their hair and it was fun to be 'girly' with her.

On Friday night we had an overnight with Jack, who was a blast as always. He's at that great age where he says the cutest (smartest!) things and is definitely 'all boy.' He managed to turn Barbie into a Star Wars weapon and the Strawberry Shortcake butterfly into a Storm Trooper. Very creative thinking! And how is it that 5 year-olds can always figure out how the Happy Meal toy works while we are still pondering over the instructions?!

We love having them so close so we can babysit when the timing works!

16 weeks, 1 day and counting...

Today I went in for my 16 week blood work- checking for down syndrome, spina bifida, etc.

Lil P was measuring right on target (the size of an avocado) and the heart rate was 150! I was pleased to hear the Dr. say that my weight gain was right on track (yes, even though I feel like a house- 2 story, no less). He dispelled the myth that I will cause great harm to Lil P if I sleep on my back (relief!) and we'll go back for another check-up in 4 weeks.

Some fun news: Our next BIG ultrasound is scheduled for June 12th. Let the betting commence! Just for the record: Chinese gender predictor says 'boy', and heart rate myth says 'girl.' Stay tuned for the dramatic results on June 12th!

Believing in miracles...

Some feel-good news worth sharing... my mom has graduated from a six month mammogram schedule to only once a year now! Yay for miracles- this December she will celebrate her 4th year cancer free! God is good. xo

Productive Saturday

Andy and I decided to get up when the rooster crowed this morning and head to the Downtown Farmer's Market.

I, of course, headed straight for the Iowa Orchard dutch crumb apple pie and pumpkin bread. Andy scored some mint and jalapenos. We couldn't leave without sampling the world famous breakfast burritos! Despite the wind, it was neat to see all the people and watch the cute dogs!

Here is a pic of Andy's new mint garden:
I'm ready for a nap!

15 weeks, 2 days...

And counting!

Lil P is the size of a large apple (or fist), whichever you deem bigger, since it looks like I'm already 9 months pregnant. Last night a mysterious feeling in my lower belly woke me up and had me wondering...could it be?! But alas, the baby books say it's still too early to feel the baby's movement. I think it was Lil P telling me he/she wanted some chocolate chip cookies. A child after my own heart...

So here's to only having 173 days to go- can I freak out yet?! I think I'll go make some cookies to calm my nerves. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's day!

In honor of Mother's day, don't forget to click!

http://tinyurl.com/2vwcry

Over the hill?!

Never! He's just getting started!

Today is my baby's 30th birthday!

Always the supporter, uplifter, level-headed, everyone's best buddy- he keeps me sane day in/day out. I'm so blessed to have such an amazing husband! And can't wait to see him be the best daddy I know he can be to Lil Peanut.

Have a great birthday honey, you deserve it! xo

Just in case...

Just in case we have a 'Harrison' instead of a 'Reagan', we're all set! A must-have for every baby boy's wardrobe!

Thanks Nettie! xo

Another year older but looking another year younger!

Today is my dear friend Adrian's birthday!

She is dear to me in so many ways- she understands the tried and true method of retail therapy, would give anyone the shirt off her back (that she found marked down from $100 to $5!), can always make me laugh and is the best and loving mom to Mary and Jules.

Enjoy your birthday,girl and I can't wait for our road trip in July! xo

Catching up with family~

This past weekend, Andy and I traveled to my hometown to catch up with family and share our baby news with my grandma on her 86th birthday! I presented her with a 'great-grandma' birthday card and signed it, 'love, Baby Wallace.' She got the message instantly! It was so sweet to see her reaction. I'm so thankful we could share our good news with her. It was also great to see our Aunt's, Uncle and Cousins- a good weekend to hang with family!

Of course, a baby gift from Grandma Kollenkark was in the works- a must-have Little tot Hawkeye 101 book (sorry Shannon!), a baby blanket that my mom started literally a week after our wedding (love that!), and some adorable Lil Peanut onsies that she had embroidered (I see an outfit for the trip home from the hospital!). Love it all! Thanks mom! Me and grams~ Love you grams!

My nieces showing off their coveted cheek tattoos~

Hope everyone had a great weekend!