We're Half Way There!

Dear Little B,
It's official, I'm on the decent and there are 136 days to go (give or take) until we meet face to face! That's right, we're half way through and the countdown has officially begun. The countdown for your arrival and for my existence back into pants that button! Wahoo!  

two squishy little feet to play wiggle!

fingers better to tug on your heart strings!

We've been silently whispering brainstorming ideas at night as we say our prayers and sitting in your room considering the possibilities and the ideas that we've talked about. I like laying there thinking about what will be in that room. Laughing to myself as I picture it filled and full of joy!  Your dogs, Tucker & Leeya have already created some sort of fort for you; don't worry you'll meet them soon.

Twenty weeks to go and there's lots to think about, but we're sure having fun putting the pieces all together. I know that the rest of the world is looking forward to your spark as well, but I'm counting on the little moments we get to hold deep in our hearts that were made just for us!

So...now that the hustle and bustle of Christmas is quieting down, let's get crackin' on that list of things to do!

A Very Merry

Boy oh boy it's been a whirlwind around here this last week!
Between visitors, holiday excitement and the joy of the season, Tim and I are pooped! Every year we try to maintain some sense of tradition, spend as much time with family as possible and find time to enjoy the holiday with each other as a family too. It's a lot, and even though we grumble sometimes because it always catches up to us, it's all worth it.  Instead of doing a weekend review, I think I'll highlight the week because there was so much going on!

Tim's brother and his girlfriend stayed with us for a few days and we hit some great Austin-y places.  I was glad that Tim was able to get in his annual big-brother-moment when we went to Amy's Ice Cream to play on the playground.  I wish there was video of Dan spinning round and round because it will never be re-created, but sadly I wasn't very good about taking my camera with me on our holiday journey.

There were delicious family dinners, lots of family laughter, a round of Spite & Malice (family card game), and even a day in San Antonio/Sea World with Tim's Sister and Step-Dad. What a treat! It was cold and drizzly most of the day, but the lights were awesome and we got to see all of the animals. I even fed a dolphin! I haven't been to Sea World in years, and it still has that magical touch where I leave wanting to be an animal trainer when I grow up!

The holiday was/is just as it should be, wrapped up in a bow of family on all sides! We missed our extended loved ones in California, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida and everywhere in between but we giggled remembering holidays and memories spent together and the wonderful smile that they all bring to our hearts.

*Highlights*

There's an awesome new addition to our kitchen, the Keurig coffee maker!

Feeling what I think is actual movement (and not just gas) on Christmas!

Taking Tim to see his first movie in at least a year, and sitting on the second row because it was so crowded.

Telling Tim that I can't wait to be in pants that button again next Christmas!

Opening the mystery gift that showed up at our door for Little B and finding out it was from some very dear friends of ours! It was a wonderfully, adorable surprise!

Watching Tim still get excited about new toys! He loves his new remote control helicopter from his Dad!

Tim opening a Christmas gift to him from his Mom only to find a 3 pack of baby bottles for Little B!

Getting our official welcome in the church bulletin!

Seeing Beauty & The Beast a week before Christmas, I could have jumped on stage and sang every word. OK, maybe not in the right key, but still...

 

All in all it was a wonderfully blessed holiday and we couldn't be more thankful for the year we've had, the journey that we are on and the people that are riding the wave with us.

Thank you for the merriment 2011!

Love, Joy & Peace for 2012!

Weekend Review

The weekend turned out beautiful! The weather was chilly, but the sun was out and this girl loves the sun!
Oh and holy jingle bells - I didn't get sick! Thanks Little B for keeping my super-powered immune system nice and strong!

Pictures of our backyard looking so nice and pretty thanks to our yard guy & pool boy (Tim)!

Tim's Mom found this outdoor furniture at an Estate Sale last weekend and we're so glad she did! It's awesome!

Tucker enjoyed the backyard and some sunshine too!

Every year I try to find a way to display all of our Christmas cards (probably my favorite thing about Christmas) and this new addition to our holiday decoration has got me smiling daily!  I love adding the cards that come in every day to the garland.

Here's what the toy chest is looking like these days. Just waiting for it to dry so that we can put it back together and see what else we want to add to it (if anything).  I know that Tim's very excited to get it out of his garage.

Meet Tracy, Tim's new iphone!   Yes that's right, he's named her.  Between his old, nextel brick-style phone and his first edition blackberry, he deserves this step-up in technology.  

Other Weekend Highlights:

*Tim's Brother and Brother's girlfriend arrived Sunday night from Virginia for a week of Christmas festivities!

**  We went to a Christmas party on Saturday night of some friends that we know from the lake house. I always tease about crossing the line between how you know certain people and then getting to know them in other circumstances, especially when you start mixing lake life with real life in town. Turns out these folks are fun both at the lake and in town! Sometimes lake life and city life don't always mesh.  There was a white elephant gift exchange and I lost the best Santa Hat that I'd ever seen, but on the upside, I got a pretty funny gift that I can regift at the next white elephant party that will be sure to cause some laughter!

***At the above mentioned Christmas party I was told that I was keeping my figure very well for being pregnant. I wasn't speechless (which never happens). The whole party came to an awkward silence and finally I think Tim said, "Thanks...I think" for the both of us. Everyone laughed and we were able to move along in the party.

****I think we've just about got all of our Christmas shopping done! Wahoo! There's just one more little thing that I need to get and it's pretty easy, so I won't be fighting any huge crowds. I'd like to go ahead and say that I'm very grateful for the invention of online shopping!

***** I've already said it once, but it's definitely a highlight:  I didn't get sick and catch what Tim had earlier in the week.  I was really worried.  I'm not a good thrower-upper as it is, and mixing that with a belly and all does not sound like any fun at all!

It feels good to be bad sometimes...

Now my belly isn't quite this big, but this is how I feel sometimes.

I know there are things that I shouldn't do, for instance go to a Christmas party where there are people that have been ill, but I want to go! I hate missing out on fun, even break-dancing-kind-of-fun!  Tim wouldn't allow me to go to his work holiday party this week because there was a flu going around the office.  I threw a temper-tantrum, told him that I had a kung-fu immune system and pouted till I was blue in the face. I still didn't get to go. However, Tim went without me and still woke up the next morning with a killer stomach flu. We're still waiting to see if I get it. Keep you fingers crossed people!  There's been some major disinfecting going on around our house in hopes that we've kicked the funk out for good today though.

I have joked around with my Mom that this pregnancy has been nice to me because when Little B comes it's going to be a mini-Tim (regardless of gender) and will definitely keep me on my toes!  Really though, we all like to cut loose, and no one wants to miss out on something fun right? That goes for Little B too I think. There's some excitement to come and I'm getting ready for it!

It's not bad when there's a weird pregnant chick trying her hand at break dancing, or booty shaking for that matter, is it?  Now, if you see me spinning on my head, to a boombox, with some gangsters, at the corner of 6th and Congress, on a cardboard box, then maybe we should talk about what's good and bad for Little B, but for now...eh we're doing just fine. 

Weekend Review

The weekend was great! Holiday parties, productive home projects and celebrating my sister-in-law Erin's 21st birthday! Here's some random pics through the week/weekend!

Some say cravings are pickles & ice cream, but I have always loved both - separately that is! Tim makes fun of my love for pickles (always has) so I snapped that picture just for him one day when I snagged a glorious pickle at lunch!

HIGHLIGHTS

* Little B got its first package in the mail! Tim made me put it under the tree and now I can't say thank you to whomever sent this awesome surprise until after the holidays.   I have to admit though, it will be super fun to have it to open on Christmas morning.

*Erin's birthday was awesome! She braved a tattoo (the pic above is her getting ready), we went ice skating, to dinner and then to the Zilker Christmas Tree for some spinning! I love the tree and the lights. It really helps put the spirit in the festivities!

*  My chest/toy box for Little B is coming together and I'm really looking forward to being done.  We were going to paint our old dresser also and reconfigure it a bit to use it as a changing table/dresser for Little B, but now I'm second guessing all of the nooks & crannies. We'll see how things finish out with this small project before we make any drastic decisions.

*  My belly is looking more and more like I drank too much Miller Lite. It's a bit difficult to hug someone without Little B going in for the hug as well.  I wore my first official "maternity shirt" on Sunday night and had to laugh as I told Tim I looked like an animal (I think it's the raptor) from Jurassic Park.  If you're looking for a good laugh, ask me to do the impression. It's pretty hysterical.

A Whole New Meaning for Organic

borrowed from a company called Pumpease Organics

I receive multiple silly emails daily with all sorts of deals and steals for all sorts of stages in your life. Sometimes these deals are wonderfully exciting, other times I get pictures like this and I run away screaming from the computer. I think this picture will forever haunt me.

I know there are lots of ways to parent and nurture your children, and many different schools of thought when it comes to nursing, but wow. This picture. There aren't enough words to describe my feeling of icky-ness when I look at it.

Just sayin'.

Weekend Review

Aah the weekend.
The rainy, cold and snugly weekend left Tim and I antsy, but not wanting to do anything all at the same time.
We got some pictures on the walls, had our first fire in the fireplace and even prepped a chest that I'm going to paint for Little B's room!

Weekend Laughs & Memories:

* Santa came early when Tim won a GREEN EGG at a silent auction Friday night! He was so excited that I thought there were tears in his eyes. I've been told that this thing is literally the ultimate cooking experience. Tim can't wait to have it proudly in our backyard. I think Tim will make me find a cover for his new green friend.

* Tim reluctantly (I begged and pleaded) came with me to try on maternity clothes. Um, can you say bonus points! This baby daddy went to the MALL (I haven't gotten him there in 2+ years) during the holiday season in yucky weather and there was no beer included!  As you can see, he made the best of it, and looked pretty good with the fake baby bump! :)

*  Surprising Erin (Tim's Sister) with some Tiff's Treats! For those of you not in Austin, or who maybe don't know about Tiff's Treats...they are delicious cookies and brownies that are served WARM! I loved getting to see Erin, especially since we both got a yummy treat out of it too!

*  The tree is decorated and looks awesome!  It was sitting naked for about 2 days until we got around to it, but I'm happy to say that we have officially decked the halls. I love the traditions that we have created that seem to be a bit of a compromise between our two upbringings. We're somewhat strange and name our trees...I know there's really no explanation, but this year's tree is named Chuck. He's pretty great. Oh and did I mention that our house smells wonderful? Well it does, you should come get a whiff!

*  We stocked up on firewood to help us stay warm through the cold snap Austin is getting right now, and we made a friend doing it! Gotta love an older guy in coveralls/overalls! I think when Tim turns 70 that will be the first thing I buy him. I can't help it, old men in overalls gets me every time!

*  We also caught lots of football games, saw the movie Friends with Benefits (very funny and cute, although the ending was a bit far fetched), and I wined about not having a puzzle because that's what I do when I'm bored and stuck inside.  I'm glad we were forced (because of the weather) to have a low-key weekend because from here to the end of the year is going to be a fun-holiday.loving-busy.as.heck-whirlwind!

Things You Won't See

We recently went to an event in a new, trendy, part of Austin.  While we were participating in the casino games (chips exchanged for raffle tickets), I glanced across the outside patio to see a man wearing a bizarre wrap that looked like an ace bandage wrapped all over his torso. At first I couldn't figure out what this new accessory was, but then when I saw him sit down next to a woman holding a very small baby. Now, granted, I know there are all sorts of slings and baby carriers, but I can promise you won't see Tim sporting some crazy, hippy, (read very female) item around at a nice, adult event with friends and colleagues...especially if the baby isn't even in the silly thing! On the flip-side, I know I can't promise that in our own home we won't have some weird parenting practices that work for us that others might find completely strange, but we'll figure those out in our own space so that we can laugh at ourselves, instead of others wondering what the heck is that guy wearing!  *excuse that horrible run-on sentence*

I mean really?  Who does this? "Oh sure honey, Bobby and I are going to go mow the lawn. Oh no, don't worry, I'll have him wrapped to me. It's so comfortable and easy!" I won't even mention the five other things that Tim found wrong with this photo.  

This is so not Tim, and honestly I don't think I could take him seriously if it were.  I'm sure that things are going to change a bit for us, and I would be disappointed if they didn't, but there are certain things that I'd like to somewhat maintain.... our style, our "swagger", and our sense of humor being first and foremost I think. When you live In A Benton World, if you don't have a sense of humor, you don't have anything.

Happy Weekending! Hope you're wearing a fantastic accessory (no baby necessary) to your next night out!

Weekend Review

It was a wonderfully long and beautiful Thanksgiving weekend filled with family and funnies!

I tried to be better at snapping pictures along the way, but it's going to take some getting used to!

On Friday we took a fun little road trip to pick up hay for some very loved horses in Bastrop.  I've never lounged around on top of hay before and now I can cross it off my bucket list. It was the ultimate hay ride!

It was a gorgeous day and we took full advantage of taking in the Texas views!  You can't really see Erin in the picture below, but she loved sitting on top of the hay bail as much as I did!

 Our new house is a two-story house, except the only thing upstairs is our master suite. (I say that to make it sound fancy.) There's a very small balcony, like literally to just stand on, and we had quite the visitor on Saturday afternoon.

The dogs weren't too happy about our new friend, but I thought it was hysterical!  I'm not sure if you can see in the picture on the right, but that's Tucker trying to tell the squirrel that he's not welcome here.

Favorite Weekend Moments:
* Dancing on Saturday night
* Laughing hysterically as we made up songs in the car about the woman that helped us load the hay. She was wearing 4 different types of camo WITH camo high-heeled wedges!
* Getting the garage cleaned and organized, but then listening to Tim tell me how he plans on polishing the tires to The Bumble Bee (stroller, see previous post) before he puts in the attic until we're ready for it.
* The Longhorns beating A&M, even though sadly I slept through most of the game! I was glad that the rivalry (as we know it) ended on an up note for Texas, especially since they've had a pretty crappy season.  It came down to a field goal, and I have a soft spot for all the football kickers out there. I heart Justin Tucker!
*  Thanksgiving ads and listening to my sisters plan out where they were going on their midnight shopping expedition.
* Making it to church with Tim on Sunday night! It always makes me feel good when I get to have some QT with God in his house!
* Giving some of our leftovers to a homeless man and saying as we drove past, "Enjoy the cranberry sauce!"    I hate wasting food and so when I can, I'll package it up and drop it off to one of the homeless people that stand on the corners here in Austin. I always get a little nervous, wondering if they even want what I have to give, but then I look at the cup half full and tell myself he had some good options for dinner that night!

Thankful

I am thankful for...(in no particular order)
A loving husband, especially one that always knows when I want to dance.
An incredibly supportive family, that loves unconditionally and gets excited out each others lives.
Younger Sisters that make me smile and help me stay young & hip when I begin to feel old!
Little B and this ever-growing baby bump.
Friendships and Communities.  People that I care about and who in turn care about me.
A warm and cozy home filled with memories.
Learning new things daily; the ability to forever grow and challenge myself.
My faith and spirituality; on a bigger scale, my relationship with God.
Surprises
Blessings
Gifts:  of laughter. of hope.  of joy.  of love.  of life.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We sure did!

Muffin Top Stage

For those of you that have not heard of the term Muffin Top, let me introduce you.

A muffin top is defined (in the present day sense) as not only the top of a muffin, but also when a chubby roll has exceeded someone's pants, and therefore looks as a muffin top would in the little paper wrappers. It is somewhat hard to describe in words, but in pictures -- wow does it get bad! I don't want this post to be rude to others, so I'm not going to display a bunch of people with bad muffin tops, or my own for that matter, but I'll just say that I'm in the muffin top stage of my pregnancy. Which is sort of ironic, since I don't even like muffins!

I'm in between and I feel as though if you look at me right now you're not seeing a baby bump, but instead you're seeing a pooch.  It's definitely about time to go try on some maternity clothes, I know I'm just delaying the inevitable, but that's another step that's going to make this life inside of me one step closer to real.  Right about now in my pitty party, Tim would say, "the whole not drinking for the last 4 months hasn't been real enough?"

It's ok...I know that Little B is worth it!  

I'll take the muffin top if that's what I have to do but you better believe that this is the only reason I'm exploring this whole muffin-top-extravaganza! Next stop boys and girls is the full on pregger-belly!

I'll have to check my slang terms and see if there's something funny to describe that one; you know something much wittier than bun-in-the-oven.  Who knows, tomorrow after eating some delicious Thanksgiving spread, it might be more of a cake top and less of a muffin top!

Weekend Review

I'm sort of a blog-nerd. It's not something that I flaunt and I certainly don't discuss it all the time, but there's a lot of good stories and such that people share. Anyway, one of my favorite blogs is a Mom in Florida and she does a photo dump every Friday of the week's photos that she took on her phone. I like it so much that I think I'll try to start doing the same thing. So in my first attempt, I've realized that my phone does not capture the best photos, so be patient as I try out some different apps for better pictures!

New Adult-Sized Furniture! We've taken the tags off, it's official! (picture on the right has some funky checkerboard effect going on, don't worry it's not your eyes and it doesn't look like that in real life.)
                     

Yummy food -- it's about all that's on the brain right now! We grilled steaks for the first time since before we were in the apartment and wow were they good! Then Tim made me pancakes for our anniversary breakfast, he does a much better job flipping than I do. He asked me if I would have a love for waffles like I do pancakes, and I wasn't really sure. Might have to try one the next time we go to breakfast!



Tucker sunbathing by the pool while Tim was skimming the leaves on a pretty fall afternoon.



Obviously I need to practice taking more pictures. It was our anniversary weekend, and yet there are no pictures of us! I'll work on that.

Meanwhile, my top 7 moments of the weekend:

1.  Both of us tripping over the same bump in the sidewalk, simultaneously, as we walked to dinner last night. It's nice to be reminded that I'm not the only clumsy one. Plus, it was hysterically funny too!
2.  Silly dancing in the kitchen Saturday morning.
3.  Picking out a paint color for Little B's room.
4.  Opening our first Little B present: Goodnight Moon from Aunt Erin (Thanks Aunt Erin, it's perfect!)
5.  Finding the perfect spot on the couch, but reminding myself to move around so that one cushion doesn't look "used" while the others look over-puffy.
6.  Making the best fruit salad and then laughing when Tim eats a peach and says, "this is so good and I don't eat peaches". Which one of us is pregnant again?
7.  Discussing plans for New Year's Eve and Tim telling me that he's not taking his "pregnant wife to Dallas Night Club" and me pouting because I so want to! I love New Year's Eve, it's by far one of my favorites, and I'm certainly not going to sit at home on my couch, even if it is really comfortable!