Monday's Madness and it's not football

I love Thanksgiving. I love it for the food, time spent with family, and the fact that I only have to work one day during the week of Thanksgiving. I was looking forward to spending the week with the girls. My plans went something like this:

• sleeping in,
• having lunch together,
  
• watching some movies like Kung Fu Panda together, and
  
• working on some crafts

However my plans with the girls were nothing like their plans for their week off school. Grace and Anna decided that they would rather spend the day at Granny's, have lunch with Granny, playing at Granny's, watching TV at Granny's, sleeping over at Granny's,so they can sleep in at Granny's.

What about Mommy? I've been traded for GRANNY! I feel like Jan Brady.

GRANNY, GRANNY, GRANNY!

So today, Helen Kate and I spent the day together. We slept in, or at least attempted to, had lunch together, watched some TV, and napped together. I guess I am number 1 to Helen Kate, for now.

Granny is my madness, what yours?

But you know, I am thankful my girls have a GRANNY who loves them that much, and puts them first. Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble, Gobble,
e

Top Ten Places Grace Would Like to See

10. Atlanta - Because I would like to visit the Martin Luther King House that is now a musuem.

9. Chattanooga - I would like to sleep on the train and go to the Creative Discovery Museum.

8. Washington D.C. - Cause I want to tour the White House.

7. Athens, Georgia - Cause I would like to go to a Georgia game.

6. Disneyland - I want to ride the rides and meet Miley Cyrus.

5. Orlando, FL - I want to stay in a hotel and go swimming so I can cool off during the summer.

4. Mt. Rushmore - Because I want to see George Washington's face.

3. New York - Because I want to audition for Broadway and go shopping at the American Girl Store.

2. Hollywood, CA - Because I want to become a movie star.

1. Korea - I want to see my great-Nana.

-Grace

P.S. Grace decided on the places by herself and the order of importance to her. When she was working on this list, I was amazed at the places she listed and reasons why. I even got a little emotional when she said Korea. She is ready to see the world, and hopefully she can!

-e

Monday's Madness

I am absolutely baffled by the fact that next Thursday is Thanksgiving! Where did time go? I mean, it just doesn't seem possible. How can it be? Who am I to question time? I guess I need to savor each minute, because...

Time does not stand still for anyone, so gobble gobble! Happy Thanksgiving!

Grace, Anna, and Helen Kate are ready. How about you?

Wordless Wednesday . . . Us

From Blogger Pictures

From Blogger Pictures

From Blogger Pictures

From Blogger Pictures

10 Things Anna Would Rather Do Than Go To School

10. In her PJs in bed because Anna loves to sleep in.

9. At her Nana's eating scrambled eggs and bacon, only Nana can make the eggs "the right way".

8. In a deer stand with her daddy, Anna loves being with her daddy.

7. Enjoying a nice snack, Vienna Sausages, at her Granny's because Mommy doesn't let her eat these.

6. Outside playing football with Micheal and Bryant, definitely an Anna favorite.

5. On the computer at http://www.starfall.com, she loves this website.

4. Go back to Wee Care, she misses preschool.

3. Playing school at home with Grace, this is the girls' favorite activity together.

2. Drawing in one of her many notebooks, Anna is our little artist.

1. Take a bubble bath, little did you know that this girl loves a bubble bath, but hates to take a bath. Go figure. I think she would much rather take a bath than go to school.

Mystery Guest for Monday's Madness

Has any one decided to drop by your place without warning?

They come on in without a knock on your door to announce there visit.

They decided to make themself at home even though you aren't that chummy with this one.

They eat your food, without being offered a bite to eat.

They roam around your house as if it were there own and rummage through your belongings.

They even decide to stay awhile, even though you have places to go and things to do.

After you have dropped hint after hint that it was time for them to go, they still don’t get it and won’t leave.

Well, guess what? This would be the case at the Blount's humble abode. Can you guess who my mystery vistor is? No, it’s not a family member, not neighbors, or even a friend. This extra special visitor would have to be a MOUSE!

About a month ago, Andy thought he saw something scurry in the living room, but couldn’t confirm it because it was dark. He had just woke up, and he wasn’t fully alert. So he and I dismiss the idea that he saw something. Then about 3 weeks ago, I know I saw something in the living room. I tell Andy, there is a mouse over by the speaker. He gets up, the mouse scurried behind the loveseat and seemed to disappear in thin air. So Andy went to the store at 9:30pm to purchase some traps. Andy sets up these crazy clamp-like traps, baits them with peanut butter. BECAUSE MICE LOVE PEANUT BUTTER.

Well, guess what, these traps are still set when we get up the next morning, bait and all. So we leave the traps out for the rest of week. By the end of the week, no mouse and now no peanut butter. Andy thinks that maybe I didn’t really see a mouse. But can't seem to explain the missing peanut butter.

Fast Forward to Saturday. As I was cleaning house, I found some trace evidence of mouse poop. I tell Andy it time to get rid of this visitor for good. He’s not paying rent and uninvited. Andy goes out and purchases some heavy duty super sensitive traps. I go to bait it this time with peanut butter as the instructions say. I set them, and go to bed. Hoping that by Sunday morning light, my visitor will be gone. RIP, little mouse.

NEEDLESS TO SAY, this mouse is slick. Bait is gone and no mouse!!! What is goin’ on? I am not sure how much more of this I can take. Knowing there is something sneaking around my house as I sleep, watching me during the day and night, just waiting for an opportunity to rummage through my belongings. THIS HAS GOT TO STOP. THE MADNESS WILL END THIS WEEK.

Again, Sunday evening we bait the traps and prepare for the hunt. This morning I get up, and Andy informs me no mouse, just an empty set trap. WHAT DO I DO???

Should we try poison now? But what if he crawls away and dies in his hiding spot, and stinks up the place. I don’t knowif it is safe with the kids in the house, but I am ready for this tiny visitor to hit the road. I mean, I know the girls won't eat the poison. But I do know I have had enough, and this madness needs to end. Someone please tell me what can I do?

I am going on a mouse hunt.

This Monday’s Madness and I am out.

-e

UPDATE - My guest has left our home for a resting place in my dumpster! I went home for lunch, and Andy checked our trap. Behold, the little mouse was splat! However, we are not finished mouse hunting, we will set more traps to ensure that there aren't anymore guests.

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday's Top Ten Things...

we would rather watch on the tube instead of those blasted campaign ads!

1. Family Feud - The top ten answers are on the board!
2. Mighty Putty Infomercial - Anna loves a good infomercial and according to her it can fix anything. Do you think it would help our economy?
3. Scooby Doo Cartoons - We all love a good mystery, like who will be the next president? Maybe those meddling kids can figure this one out.
4. Sports Center - Dun, dun, dunt. This is Andy's favorite, and yes, this is more interesting than those ads.
5. The Wiggles - I can get some much need exercise. At least these guys are true to their innerselves.
6. Reruns of Reba - We would vote the Reba/Barbara Jean ticket. They would definitely clear things up in Washington.
7. Rachel Ray and 30-minute meals - Grace's favorite cooking show. If only the candidates could campaign for 30-minutes.
8. Suite Life of Zack and Cody - I would rather see these guys sling mud.
9. Arthur - The lice episode is our favorite!
10. The Replacements - Can someone please find a replacement for these candidates!!

According to Jodi. . .

I need to start blogging regularly. She's probably right, and she even gave me some blogging ideas. Some of which I will use. I think I would like to designate Monday as Monday Madness. I can share whatever craziness has gone on in the Blount household the previous week.

Like last week was a gem! You see, we had just got home from George's party and Grace decided that she was going to turn Helen-Kate's room into a classroom complete with a dry erase board taped to the wall. As she wrote on the board, her marker would slip off the board leaving stray red marks on the wall. Grace, being the wise and responsible 7 year old, comes to me and tells me that she has accidentally written on the wall. She is upset but truthful.

I go to Helen-Kate's room to inspect the damage, and sure enough there are red markings on the wall. So I begin to interrogate her as to why she taped the board to the wall, after her dad had removed it from the wall earlier. She gets upset, starts to cry, and goes to her dad.

Andy comes in as I am cleaning the wall, turning that beautiful glossy finish to a dull ugly mess. He tells me that Grace has decided that if things do not get any better around here by the end of the week, she is going to move in with her Nana.

Now the madness begins...Grace and I have a little pow-wow. I tell Grace to go ahead and pack up and sit on Nana's front porch until Nana gets home. Grace starts crying and says, "I said that if things didn't get better by the end of the week I would go live with Nana." Again, I state go ahead and pack. Grace then becomes even more upset, and yells, "I SAID BY THE END OF THE WEEK!"

By now, the madness has decided to have a seat and sit a spell. I inform Grace, not to worry about packing, because she was not going to take anything I've provided for her, and she can march herself in the PJs and flip flops Nana has bought her and head on out. Grace then storms out of her room.

Grace is upset, and decides that I am the one who needs to chill. So I give him the look of a crazed woman, took a deep breath and told Grace to come sit with me. Maybe we would find out what is really going on. So Grace crawled up in my lap.

Grace said, "I am tired of being blamed for things Anna does." So I go through the events of the evening asking who did what. Each time Grace quietly responds, "I did. "

Then Grace says, "No one appreciates me, except Helen-Kate." I remind Grace how much we all love and appreciate her.

Now can someone tell me...Is this just a glimpse of the madness to come as she and I get older? I asked Grace this weekend if things have gotten better. Grace smiled and said, "Yes, mommy."

3 months old??

Helen Kate will be three months old tomorrow, and boy has time flown by. Helen is no longer the infant who would nurse and drift off to slumber for a couple of hours. Now she is mobile. She doesn't like to just rest in our arms; she wants to be on the move. She has to see everything going on. She loves to stand up in our laps. She loves to scoot around the bed. She loves to talk, and she has the biggest smile.

It seems like Helen has always been a part of our life, our routine. And no, their really isn't much difference with 3 kids compared to 2 kids. The girls adore her and help out with her as much as they can. I love being a mom! Who could ask for more?

-e

Let me introduce you to...

Helen Kate Blount

Born June 5, 2008 at 5:28am

Weighing in at 8lbs 6oz and 21in long

Isn't she beautiful? More to come...

The Home Stretch

Well, we are finally ready, or at least I think we are. There have been some hiccups along the way, nothing to cry about, but I probably did shed some tears. So here's a run down since my last post...

Baby's Room

The beautiful Green Splash Paisley that I had originally picked out and ordered did not arrive as planned. I waited a long 8 weeks, expecting it to ship out on May 1st. I called Penney's twice to find out if it had shipped, and both times I was assured it had shipped, and I should receive it by the end of the week, May 8th or 9th. May 8th comes and goes, and no delivery from UPS. So I call again, but this time I check to see if the bedding had been charged to my credit card. Guess what?? No charge = No shipment.

The next day at work, I get an e-mail stating there has been a delay in the production of my beautiful bedding, and I should expect it to ship out on May 30th. Again, I call Penney's and this time I cancel my order, b/c I can't wait another 4 weeks to finish the baby's rooms. Helen will be here shortly. The Customer Service Rep, who was honest and knew what she was doing, goes on to tell me that the company that produces this bedding is unreliable, and Penney's has problems with them all the time. So why couldn't the two other reps have given me the 411 when I called previously???

So here's the bedding I picked out and received last week:

My room looks identical to this one. OK, maybe not. Andy put up white wainscot with chair rail trim, and we had the top half of the wall painted the blue from the bedding with thick white crown molding to finish it off. Our crib is white and was crafted in Itlay, no lie, and is the same crib we used with Grace and Anna. Andy designed and constructed a changing table for the room as well. We had beige carpet laid yesterday, so the room is pretty much ready. It is beautiful! Andy has worked really hard to get it ready. I will post some pics later.

The car seat is now in the Expedition, my bag is packed and ready to go in the SUV. Baby clothes are washed, diapers, wipes, and baby products are ready for baby.

Anna is sleeping comfortably in her sister's room. Her Superman stickers are now decorating Grace's pink walls. Anna did tell me that it was OK for the baby to have her room. Grace is a little put out about having to share a room, or at least that's what she likes to tell us. However, she and Anna have been doing everything together, and she acts like it is no big deal. Grace just loves drama!

Doctor's Visits

Well, I am now going every week. I have my dose of daily cramping and some pressure, but this is to be expected as we enter the home stretch. My legs and feet are swelling ever so slightly, just ask Rachel. My stats are stable. I've gained a whopping 18lbs, my blood pressure is normal, I've dropped just a 1/2cm, and I am just starting to dilate. I go back to the doctor next Tuesday, and today I am 37 weeks and 6 days.

Have a great Memorial Weekend! I'll be spending mine with family.

Much love,

e

29 days and counting

Let the countdown begin. I can honestly say, I am not ready. Not even close. So as we enter crunch time, it's time to get the room ready, my bag packed, and hopefully Andy and I will be ready for D-Day.

I guess I really can't blame Andy for the lack of preparing because it really is me. Yes, I said it. I am so anxious for the newest arrival, but apart of me isn't quite ready. I mean, it has been the 4 of us for 5 years, 7 months, and 20 days. Anna will no longer be the baby, ok, she hasn't been the baby for quite a few years, but she is my baby. Just like Grace has always been my BIG girl. The baby will be taking over Anna's room, and that just upsets me. How can I take down the Superman wall stickers that cover her room and slap a coat of paint on it as if it isn't Anna's room. It doesn't seem fair. I mean, I can't even see the screen as I type without my tears blurring my vision. What do I do? Suck it up and be an adult??? That would be my advice to someone else. I don't want to suck it up. I just want to sit her a while, and think of my girls.

I am reminded of the upcoming arrival everyday. Just yesterday, I started cramping, and it really hasn't subsided much. Cramping through the night, and this morning. Probably just Braxton-Hicks, but a steady reminder of what is ahead. I am thrilled to be blessed with another child because this is just another chapter in the book of my life. I am definitely not ready for the THE END. But as this chapter prepares to begin, another one ends. I am in a melancholy mood.

All in all everything with this preggo has been fine, the doctor's visits are uneventful. I go back to doctor on Monday, and then every week. My stats from the last visit go a little like this:

• Weight: +4lbs - up 17lbs total
• BP: 120/70
• Baby's heartbeat: 130s

So that's it for me,

e

Oww! What is going on in there??

Little Helen reminds me of a chick peckin' its way out of the shell. She has pushed and poked me this week, like she is trying to get out. Constantly moving around. I love feeling her move! It makes me realize that her arrival will be here soon, and I can't wait!

-e

Congrats, Ellis Family!!

First, I want to say Congratulations to Maranda and Jordan on the birth of their little man. Today, April 11, 2008, is his day, he entered the world at 6lbs and 12oz. He is as cute as can be! He was the 6th boy in the nursery on Friday.

So many choices...

We finally put the crib up last week, and I am waiting on the crib bedding to come in. I order it from Penney's, and it is suppose to ship out on May 1st. It is called Green Paisley Splash, check it out below:

However, this is not my baby's room. We have a white crib with a tan room, however someone will be painting the baby's room either a blue or green. I also was able to purchase the car seat for the baby:

I have always been partial to blue, turquiose, so it is blue again. That is the extent of my preparedness for little Helen. She has a place to sleep and a comfy ride. I'll post some more pics of the room as they become available, i.e. as soon as I get busy and do something.

The girls are anxious for Helen's arrival, and I am too. I am still seeing my doc every other week, and here are my lastest stats:

• Blood Pressure: 110/160
• Weight: +2lbs, not bad only 12lbs of weight gain
• Baby's heartbeat: 130s -140s

Overall, we are doing great, just a few minor flucuations of horrormones...another story for another time!

-e

Only 10 weeks to go...

I love it when I get the front parking place at Wal-Mart or having to not wait in line for fast food. Today was basically the same great feeling when I went to the doctor. I was in and out in a mere 20 minutes. I checked-in, watched the beginnings of an infomercial, and went back with the nurse. She proceeded to get my vitals, go to my room, the doctor came in almost immediately, measures my growing belly, and listens to the heartbeat. With that, I am finished. Quick, easy, and definitely painless. It is moments like this, where I am glad I am using someone locally. My doctor and the hospital is barely 5-minutes from my house. No driving an hour to the 'Boro. Even though, that would give me a great reason to get a massage at Healthy Touch Day Spa, a facial with Alexis at Serenity Day Spa, lunch at Nikko's or Moe's, then to the Daily Grind for a 13 layer homemade caramel cake. But that will come another day. Rachel check your calendar, and let's go.

So I am 30 weeks and 2 days preggo. I feel great, and my doc says that I look great! He must like the rounder women! No real news besides that, except my brother and his wife came down for Easter. Kayla has a nice little volleyball size belly. Kev and Kayla are having a little boy.

Only 10 weeks to go. No crib has been set-up, no bag has been packed, no anything done to prepare for the baby. Needless to say, I will be busy in the next couple of weeks as we begin preparing for Helen. So if you are in the neighborhood, stop on by, bring your paintbrush, and cleaning supplies and you can pitch in. As a reward for helping out, you can rub my belly, make a wish, and see if it comes true!

See ya soon!

e

P.S. Vitals

• Babies Heartbeat: 130s bpm
• Weight: +2lbs (Absolutely no more cakes!! Who am I kidding?)
• Blood pressure: Good - (I forgot what it was. Duh!!)

New Discoveries

Helen has discovered the difference between light and dark. Last night as I was reading my newest copy of Fit Pregnancy, Helen was playing around in my belly. She was quite active, not really kicking, just moving about. I kinda felt like Santa with my own personal bowl full of jelly. Wiggle, wiggle here, a dip there. I decided to take a peek as to what was going on, I lifted the covers off of me, and lifted my shirt, so I could get the full effect. To my amazement, the movement stopped. Nothing.

Ok, so I lift my magazine and begin reading again. The magazine provided a nice shade over my belly, and the wiggling began again. I stop reading move the magazine to get a better view, and nothing. I tell Andy to watch this, and the show begins. Everytime I shade my belly, Helen would "dance" in the darkness, but as soon as the light hit my belly, she would freeze as if caught in the act.

I think Helen is already starting to act like her sisters. Grace loves to boogie down, and Anna freezes when she knows someone is watching her. Boy, are we going to have fun!

-e

Take out a pencil, test time again.

Lately, all Grace wants to talk about is the CRCT. THE TEST, the test that will determine if she is ready to be promoted to the second grade. Everyday, she is preparing for this test at school. It seems like our conversations always seem to go back to this topic. Grace is worried that she won't do well. She is a little stressed and she is only 7 years old. I try to comfort her the best I can. Encouraging her, telling her not to worry because she is a great test taker since she scores 95 and up on the practice tests, most of the time it's a perfect score. However, she is overwhelmed.

Like mother, like daughter to be honest. Today it was time for the "Sugar Test". My doctor's office called to inform me of the directions, no eating or drinking after midnight, unless it is water. You know this is pretty simple. My test is 8:30am, so it shouldn't be a big deal. Yet, I still dread the day I have to take THE TEST. Last night before I went to bed, we all had something sweet to nibble on. Grace and I had a piece of cake, Anna ate ice cream, and Andy had a little of both. As I was savoring my last meal before THE TEST, I begin to think about everything I am going to miss out on for the next 12+ hours. Sweet tea, grits, eggs, and bacon, and a glass of Sunny Delight during the middle of the night. How am I ever to survive? I will be dehydrated for sure. Shriveled up to nothing, and when I go in to weigh, I will have probably have lost weight. My baby and I will be deprived.

So I go to bed starving, ok, I wasn't starving but I was craving. I get up the next morning, Andy decided he would cook breakfast. Isn't he wonderful? He asks me what do I want. I remind him again, that his poor baby's momma can't have anything until after THE TEST. The girls come in and eat breakfast, I proceed to the bedroom, so I won't be tempted. Boy, could I use something sweet, salty, and fattening right about now.

I get the girls ready, take them to school, and then off to the doctor's office for THE TEST. It is about 8:20am. I sign in, take out my book, and begin reading. I don't get pass the first page, before my nurse comes out with a cup of orange stuff. Drink up! The cup is huge, the orange stuff is too sweet, I want to gag as I drink up. Now THE TEST begins. I have to sit and wait for the next hour, so to pass the time I read.

When am I ever going to eat, by the time this is over, breakfast will be distant memory, and it will be time for lunch. However, the hour passes quite quickly, and it's time to check my vitals and perform THE TEST.

Vitals are good. My nurse informs me it is time to check my sugar, and she will only have to prick my finger. Ok, I can do this. I am brave. Whoa, that doesn't feel like a prick. I think I am going to be sick, my eyes are closed tight, and my face in a grimace. She does some work behind me with my blood and something else. I dare not look, or I might pass out.

Time for the results...do I pass, or do I have to take the test again. Guess what? No problems with my sugar. Sugar is 98, and Hemoglobin is 12. Relief! Now just a quick visit with the doc, and I am on my way to Hardee's!

All this to say, who knows what, but just as Grace is stressing over her test, I know she will be fine. The same goes for me. I didn't shrivel away, and I didn't lose any weight from my 12+ hour fast. To the contrary here are my vitals this go round:

• Weight: +2lbs
• Blood Pressure: 120/60
• Baby's heartbeat: 140s

So I made it through my test, however, I think I would rather get my brows waxed than have my finger pricked again. Ok, maybe not but they both bring tears to my eyes.

I'm out.

-e

P.S. - I am finally in the home stretch, week 28 and the beginning of the third trimester!

See I told you

My wonderful sis-in-law has informed me that I still can't get things right. She states the following after reading my last post.

"Hahaha....I don't mean to laugh at you, but this post is really funny. I think the funniest thing about the post is that you said "What moron puts ice cream in the freezer?" I think you meant fridge? Plus you said "most people realize that ice cream belongs in the refrigerator" I think you mean freezer."

I even proofed it before posting. This is concrete evidence to the fact that my screws are definitely loose. Thanks Jodi, for pointing this out!!

-e

I can't remember a thing!!

Ok, I have a memory that is as sharp as a tack. I can remember vividly things that happened when I very young, 2-3 yrs old. However, lately I can barely remember simple stuff. So let's begin this little journey down memory lane, that is if I can remember...

Parking - I recently went to the library the other day, ran in and out in less than 5 minutes. As I walked through the double doors, I couldn't remember which side I needed to go to. Did I park on the left or the right? If you have ever been to the library it doesn't have a lot of parking, just two sides with about 20 spaces to park. So I paused, and tried to focus, because I didn't want to walk to one side and it be the wrong side. Needless to say, I found my Expedition right where I left it.

Food - Most people realize that ice cream belongs in the refrigerator. So yesterday, I decided I wanted some ice cream. I went to the kitchen, took the box of Breyers Neapolitan about of the freezer, fixed me a cup, and proceeded to put it back. Last night, as I went to get me something to drink, I notice the ice cream is no longer in the freezer but rather in the fridge right next to the leftovers!!! FREAKOUT! That was practically a whole box of ice cream. What moron puts ice cream in the freezer? Well, that would be me.

Keys - I lose my keys all the time. The girls like to play with them, my husband and I cover them up with mail and such. Lately, I have lost my keys only to find them in my hand or in my pocket. After I stand at the door waiting to get inside as Andy comes walking my way. He looks at me strangely and wants to know why I haven't gone inside. I say I am waiting on you dear. He then informs me he gave me the keys. Lookey here, they are right there in my hand.

Kids - Who forgets their kid??? Me. I proceeded to go to work like I normally do each and every morning. Every morning, I drop Anna off at Nell's. As I drive by my mother-in-law's house and come up on the traffic light, Anna says, "Are you taking me to school?" I look down in shock and think how did you get there? So I smile and say, "Of course. Mommy is taking you to school today."

Please tell me when this is over, I will revert back to my old self.
-e

2 Weeks

Now every two weeks, my doc and I have a standing date. We will meet every other Thursday for a little chat. I can't even believe that time has gone by so quickly. At the beginning of this, I didn't think I would ever get out of my first trimester. Now we will be entering the home stretch in just another week. How exciting!!

The visits with my doc are just delightfully boring, unless I am having a sonogram. It's the same routine...weigh me, take my blood pressure, measure my belly, listen to the heartbeat. Not too much to look forward to, except my sugar test, and that is questionable as to the amount of excitement found there.

That's pretty much it for me, unless you want a rundown of my stats...

Weight: +5lbs - I've only gained 6lbs so far. Feb. came w/ some extra goodies.
Blood Pressure: Good - I can't remember the number 71/150??
Belly Measurement: 25cm - Ripe for the pickin'
Heart beat: 163bpm - She's pretty excited!

Until next time, I'm definitely preggo!!

-e

Joys of being preggo...

Being preggo is like going on an adventure, with every adventure there are always new discoveries along the way. Some are delightful, while others can be frightful!!

Top 5 Delightful Discoveries

5. No more sucking in, what a delight. Just let it out and be proud!

4. I'm finally getting some curves, (no jokes Rachel!)

3. The cravings...I love to eat anyway, but food tastes, oh, so much better.

2. Seeing the baby from the butter bean stage, to the alien stage, and finally the child.

Drum Roll please...

1. Finally, being able to feel the baby move. Boy, is she a kicker!! Anna and Grace thinks it is the coolest thing too. Grace smiles and says, "I feel her bones!" And Anna just looks up in shock each time.

Top 5 Frightful Discoveries

5. Expanding Waistline, or should I say, what waist?

4. Lack of movement, if after a couple of hours with no movement, I poke and prod until she moves again.

3. Frequent Urination...I am not even sure how to put it nicely. I haven't slept through the night since October. Now, it isn't just once a night, it is 2-3 times a night, even after going at least twice before bed.

2. Mood swings are not really healthy for anyone. One minute we are one big happy family, then Queen of Hearts arrives, and off with their heads, and five minutes later I am sobbing after listening to a song, seeing a show, or reading a e-mail.

Another drum roll...

1. Lastly, don't even think you can cough or sneeze without fear of wetting yourself. Yes, I would have to say I have experienced this and froze with shock! I am 30 years old, and I do believe I have been successfully potty trained. So now I make sure I go the the bathroom often to keep that bladder empty, and suppress those coughs and sneezes as much as possible. We definitely don't want any accidents!

I would say that the good definitely out weighs the bad. I love being preggo! I mean, I would even consider this again after the baby. No, this isn't a mood swing. Yes, I have talked with Andy. However, he doesn't quite agree and gets that deer in the headlights look, giggles nervously, and shakes his head no. Who knows? Maybe it is hormones talking...what did you like or dislike about being preggo??

-e

So I am not really a blogger...

Ok, it's been way too long since my last post. I am now 24 weeks and 6 days preggo! Since we spoke last, during that time I was preparing for two extra special events.

1. The Sonogram
2. My 30th Birthday

Both arrived just as expected, hopefully we can say the same for the little one... Little one, I guess it time we introduce the little one...

And here SHE is...yes, we are having a girl. Or as my OB stated, "I predict the baby's a girl." Just like any prediction, they may or may not be correct. I mean I predicted the New York Giants would win the Super Bowl, and I was right. However, I also predicted that I would be the mother of two boys and a girl, way back when. This is our little Helen Kate Blount. If she has anything monogramed with her initials she will be HBK or as Andy and I call her the "Heart Break Kid".

Yes, I know that a monogram is one letter, and heartbreak is one word...but this is my blog. So I now I am 30, and the mother of two beautiful girls, with another little girl on the way. I can't be more excited or blessed! Thanks, Pam for reminding me to blog, this one is for you.

Much love,

e

We've got a kicker!!

Tomorrow I will be 19 weeks preggo, and the baby is starting to get active. I guess I shouldn't say starting to get active. I can finally start to feel our Blount Babe move about. Especially at night, when all has settled down, and I wait to catch that train to Snoozeville. I lie there with my hand on my growing belly and listen.

Yes, I did say listen, even though I can't hear anything I just wait...then I notice a slight flutter. So I move my hand to get a better position, and then it's another flutter and another.

It is absolutely amazing. I love being preggo, especially now! The kicks, the growing belly, and the countdown until the next ultrasound when we get to find out if we are having an Elizabeth or a Peter, Anna's choices for a name, or is it a Seth or a Susanna, Grace's pick.

Yes, I do have an idea of what we are having, but I won't tell you yet.

-e

Another Baby?

I can't believe I haven't wrote about this yet, but my brother, Kevin, and his wonderful wife, Kayla, are also expecting their first baby!!

Their little one will be arriving this summer. I know that I will be his/her favorite aunt!! Ok, maybe not, there will be some competition coming from the Crandalls. I think I can handle it though, so watch out Susanna and Kelly!


Congrats, little brother!!
-e

Obviously, not a blogger!!!

Ok, so it has been months...since my last entry, and a lot has transpired... no more morning sickness, my second trimester, 2 sonograms, and important news about the sex of our newest arrival...

Today, I am 17 weeks and 1 day preggo!

My first sonogram was many weeks ago, and the baby was the size of a peanut. Isn't the baby just adorable? Anna did not agree, while Grace wanted her own copy to share with her friends and teachers.

Last week, I had my second songram, and we are having a...

Ok, I won't tell just yet. But can you see our little babe's face? The Babe is looking at you. Smile!

See ya soon, and if you haven't made a guess yet, check out http://www.expectnet.com/games/TheBlountBabe, and see if you can determine what the Babe might be.

Have a great New Year, I know we will, 2008 is going to be great!

Only 31 weeks to go...

Ok, 31 weeks, not too much longer. Who am I kidding? I can't stand to wait 5-minutes. This First Trimester seems to be creeping along, but slow and steady won the race, so why complain.
I actually have nothing to complain about. I haven't been sick since Saturday.

We took the girls to see High School Muscial on Ice. It was awesome! Act One was the original HSM, and Act Two was HSM2. The girls loved it, I loved it , and Andy had a great time with his favorite gals. I only had one meltdown. Hormones are a killer! Just ask Andy and Rachel!

I lost my wallet and my mind within 5 minutes of purchasing the first souvenir for Anna, some Wildcats Opera Glasses. And of course flew into a panic and started talking to myself and then to God.

God you are going to have to find my wallet. I cannot do this alone. I am in the middle of

Phillips Arena in ATLANTA!! Please lead me to the right person to ask.

I spotted a worker and ask if there is a Lost and Found because I lost my wallet.
She grins and replies, "I just took a wallet to the Lost and Found." PRAISE THE LORD!!

I am about to do a dance as she takes me to the Lost and Found desk. There sits my wallet, just as I had left it no more than 10 minutes earlier.

Moral of the story:
Don't tote your wallet.
Don't PANIC, just pray. God does care!

We went out for lunch after the show. Needless to say, I got sick. Grace just happened to be with me when I got sick, and in turn, decided I shouldn't go through this alone. She and I were both sharing the toilet.

Thankfully, I haven't been sick since Saturday, just extremely busy from stuffing candy bags, Fall Festival at Grace's School, tutoring, and of course all the prep work for LIGHT THE

NIGHT.

Last night was our 5th Light the Night. KUDOS to all of my friends who showed up to help! You guys rock!!! Popcorn, Face Painting, Balloons with Sonshine, Games, Skits, Hot Dogs, Chips, Drinks, Candy, and about 300+ people hanging out at Jen and Lee's.

Thanks Jen and Lee for your backyard, and willingness to let us hangout with you!

That leads us today and just 31 more weeks to go. Life is good when surrounded by my family and friends. My family who overlooks my mood swings and still loves me. Friends who can be honest enough to let me know when Wicked One from the West has come out of hiding and to take it easy.

I'm out,
e

I'm Back!!

Well, it's been awhile since my last post. Time to catch you up.

When we last spoke, I was sick! Since then, I have been sick every other day. On my good days, nausea is minimal. On my sick days, I can't seem to keep anything down. Saturday was suppose to be my sick day. I got out of bed and ate a greasy yummy breakfast, and felt great. Lunch was a burger and fries, still feeling great. Then along came supper. We had supper with our Sunday School class and went fishing. Kudos to Jen for planning a great party!

I thought yes, the cycle has broken. I am home free. By the end of the evening I was so sick that my dearest friend, Rachel, reminded me I needed to put my face back on. Yes, I had such a violent episode of puking that I felt like my face had fallen in the toilet.

I knew that I would have a good day on Sunday, and Sunday was a great day. Then it would be time for some toilet hugging on Monday, but Monday turned out to be a great day. And today I still feel great. Who knows maybe I won't have any more of those extreme episodes of puking.

Today, we are 7 weeks and 5 days

The girls were out of school both yesterday and today, so I have spent the past two days with them, hanging out in our PJ's until lunch, watching TV, and playing Chutes and Ladders. Who could ask for more?

I'm out!

Much love,
e

Let's Welcome Morning Sickness

I was wondering when and if this most dreaded visitor would stop by. I think it has stopped by and decided to stay for a spell.

I've felt a little nauseated for a couple of days, but nothing to complain about. Today, I feel awful! I haven't been able to keep anything down. What's a girl like me to do? I love to eat, but every time I eat, I end up on my knees, sweating, crying, and you know the rest.

I know it comes with the territory, and I am going to try to embrace it or the toilet. However, there is hope! As I was skimming through a pregnancy magazine, I noticed an ad for morning sickness relief in the form of candy. A cherry flavored lollipop or a green apple flavored lozenge called B-Natal. B-Natal contains B-6 which can help soothe the symptoms of morning sickness.

When I leave the office I am going to bop on over to CVS and see if they have any. Kim, be prepared it might be heading your way next.

Until next time,
e

Kim's Having a Baby, Too!

Congratulations, Kim!

I guess we are in this thing together! With due dates a week apart, we get to grow and discover together. It's always fun to have a pregnant friend along for the journey.

God Chicks won't be the same after this!

-e

6 Weeks

Who would think that 6 weeks would be such a monumental time in a person's life?

Well, that is definitely the case in the Blount Party. Today we are officially 6 weeks pregnant. Almost, halfway through our the first trimester. Boy, does it seem like time has flown by. Ok, maybe it didn't, since we found out about our little miracle last week. Andy is finally coming out of his haze. For two days, he was in a daze. After our visit with the ob/gyn, he exploded with excitement, calling everyone he could think of. He is a great Dad!

Then there are the girls. The girls have been equally emotional. Grace broke out in tears. She was thrilled. She told us through her tears, "I don't know why I am crying." Typical female, but then again, Grace is only 6. Anna also broke out in tears, but instead she cried out, "NO! I don't want you to go to the hospital." After we explained to her that mommy was going to be fine, and I won't be going to the hospital soon. She perked right up and offered to share her bedroom with her new baby brother. Anna is 4.

In one short week, life as we knew it ceased to exist. It's funny because "We're having a baby!" has become our new "hello". With those 4 simple words, our life has come unglued. Yet as we put our life back in order, what emerges is something more beautiful than I can even describe.

We are no longer Andy, Elissa, Grace, and Anna. We are Blount Party of 5!

So who will this new little Blount be? Find out Summer of 2008.

But if you are like me and can't wait that long, tune in, and we can discover together.

Much love,
e