What is wrong with this picture?

What the heck is this about?
I have nothing more really to comment on this picture...but geez what is going on here? Do people really look at ads like these and think, 'oh definitely, I have to find this'?  I know I don't.
This just scares me...

Surprise Visits

We got a surprise visit from some Tennessee family over the weekend and took them out for some true Texas fun! It was the final weekend of the rodeo and it seemed like the perfect place to make some memories.

It was a busy weekend and there was all kinds of goodness squeezed into a fast trip, but I gotta say there's something about family that belly laughs together!

*yes that's right, two girls are sleeping at the mattress firm display. I don't understand it either.*

Amelia so wanted to get that ice cream all over my face. I thought I was going to be covered!

Pay close attention to number 3! Michelle and I had to sit out and watch everyone else have fun...they wouldn't even let us on the ferris wheel!

Big thanks to our Tennessee family for making the drive to Texas to be here this weekend! We enjoyed every minute of your visit and are already looking forward to the next one! 

What's in a Name?

"that which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet"
Yes, that's right, I still know the Romeo & Juliet lines by heart. Thank you High School Freshman English!

Lately, we've gotten lots of questions about names.  I'm sure this is typical, except for that since we're going the surprise route with Little B, people want to know something - anything!  Funny enough, Tim and I  haven't even talked about it!  I don't know why but it doesn't seem like something we're ready to do just yet.

There's so much pressure in choosing a name. I mean we're basically laying out everything for our child with one (or sometimes two depending on the middle name) words. You have to take into consideration the way it sounds, if it will fit Little B's personality, what kind of mean & hurtful things can playground-garbage-pail kids come up with based on this name. On one hand you don't want something that everyone else has, but on the other you don't want something completely off the wall either.

Then to top it all off when we were discussing the fact that we hadn't really talked about it, I started thinking of names and when one popped into my head, I asked Tim if he ever dated a girl named ________. Just as I had imagined, he had. I'm not saying this is the most important thing, but I want NEW, FRESH, CLEAN memories with name, not ones where someone thinks of a crazy, high school "friend" that we knew when...or that guy in college that was always so nuts!

Seriously, the pressure.

Carpentry World

So what goes on In a Benton World when you ditch baby camp and you're stuck inside cause it's raining?
Projects that's what! Our minds start spinning of things that we want to do and when there's an impulsive reaction to get crackin' on our little to-do's boy do we go after them.  Tim and I aren't really wait around and see kinda folks, we like to dive head first.
So we spent last weekend designing a new bed! (and the only thing we had to discuss more than once was if we should stick with a Queen size or go for the King)  By Sunday, the sun was shining and we were in full blown carpentry world!

Measuring & Cutting the pieces for the platform bed:

Welding & Fabricating the design for the headboard:

A little game of peek & boo with the sun & Tim rubbing it in that he gets to be all manly AND drink a cold beer!

Staining & more staining:

A glimpse of what the headboard will look like:

And there it is! The headboard is nicely mounted to the wall! Isn't it awesome!?  The pieces of the platform are ready and waiting in the garage but our NEW KING mattress won't be delivered until next week so in the meantime we'll be happy with the headboard and enjoy the smell of fresh, goodness in our master bedroom.

Tim was really pleased with how everything turned out and I was super impressed!  We learned a lot about furniture making. However, I don't think he knew that this all comes with a price. Sure we saved money since we didn't go buy a whole bed set and we built it ourselves, but now I've got to go get King sized bedding and eventually we'll have to discuss night stands and a dresser. :) All with time though. I'm still basking in the goodness of what this new bed is going to bring me -- good, quality, SLEEP!  I figure if Little B is going to make sleeping a bit more difficult In a Benton World, then at least the sleep we do get should be glorious in our new bed!

The 3 Stages of Baby Camp

 Stage 1: Tim's in Denial

* "We really don't need to take pillows and a blanket do we? I mean seriously are you going to lay down and act out giving birth in front of all these people? This isn't your high school drama club.  By the way, I don't know if I can watch other people acting this out either."

* "Nicole, these people aren't going to be in Little B's playgroup. Remember how much we loved our pre-marital weekend?"

* "If it's not raining when we get done with lunch I think I'll go for a bike ride."

Stage 2:  Nicole's Not Loving This

*  Instructor says, "Ok everyone, welcome, we're going to go around and introduce ourselves, our "support partner", when you're due and what the best part of pregnancy has been." Umm. Best Part? Really? I have no idea. I can't take this seriously.  'I'm Nicole, this is Tim...we're due May 12th and I have no idea.' Tim chimes in: "We love that we're driving our families crazy keeping the gender a surprise!" (ohthankyouforsavingme!)

*  Small group activities? Homework? Seriously? Oh and now you're going to have me watch a video. I really just want the basics. I know every person and every labor is different. I don't want the whole visual for myself, I certainly don't want other people's visual...4 times over mind you. I listened to the teaching video while inspecting the ceiling for cracks. Tim told me I had to watch and I quietly said, "be ready to leave when we break for lunch."

*  Meditation huh. I'm already acting like a middle school boy and now you want me to get serious? Sure I'll get in this bean bag and get comfortable. Please have my "support partner" come with me. Tim, do you see all these other Baby Daddy's rubbing and massaging?
Instructor:  blah. blah. blah. "We're going to go through the different places where you tend to hold tension. Let's start with your brow line. Mom's clench your brow line and now release it. Support Partner if you'd like, take your hand and brush Mom's brow line to help her relax."
Me:  "Tim, whatever you do, don't touch my brow line."
Tim:  "Hey, Yo, Eazy" (yup that's right instead he just started whispering old school rap lyrics).
There was no containing me or my laughter.

Stage 3:  Grab the Pillows and Run!

Yes, that's right we're terrible parents. We've already failed and Little B is still cookin'! We left and we didn't go back! I felt guilty, I still do sort of, but... BUT - we had a productively, good weekend and that class really wasn't for us. I mean nothing against those people that LOVE being pregnant and are so wrapped up in all the books, ideas, stages and positions, but we're not those people.  We do things our own way, make our own paths and will probably walk into the delivery room and let all the nurses know that they're about to have the time of their lives while they laugh at us as we grow through this adventure too.


Highlights....sorry if you feel it's TMI:
Tim:  Wow, I didn't know you had a mucus plug. I learned something new.
Me:  Do people just not wear clothes or robes while they're at the hospital anymore? I mean I get it, you're letting 17 people see every other part of you, but isn't there some room for modesty still?
Tim:  So could you figure out how many of those couples were in "oops" situations?
Me:  No I was too busy trying to figure out how many of them met online.
Tim:  Do you think they sanitize the bean bag chairs?
Me:  Do you think we're the first people to leave?
Tim:  Are you kidding? Most of those guys in that class were like, "man that guys wife was cool, she wanted to leave too!"

9 Wonderful Things on March 9th

1.  It's my birthday! The not so wonderful part was receiving this letter with my AARP membership card included! Wow! Don't you have to at least be 55 years old? I'm still stuck watching all the crud on MTV and living out my life like I'll be 25 forever!

2.  I'm always reminded on my birthday how thankful I am for my Mom and my family! She had me pretty young and had a ton of support around her to help me grow into who I am today. With so much junk stuff in the world today questioning life and parenting I sometimes want to give my Mom a hug and thank her for being so strong. I know it takes a village, and boy did we have one when I was growing up, but my Mom is one amazing lady! Love You Mom! I already know that I'm going to be great at this Mom thing because I've been lucky enough to have you.

3.  We've got what we're calling "baby camp" this weekend. Really not looking forward to it, but hoping they understand when I start asking them about VIP rooms and other perks.  For the record, I will not watch any TMI (too. much. information.) videos and I'm not really feeling the practicing of my breathing either. For two people that have been around kids and babies all their lives, but that don't want to see the inside-out of labor & delivery, I'm really not sure why we're going...oh wait, the VIP list. That's why. Plus, who knows, maybe we'll make some new friends!

4.  We have somewhat finished Little B's tree and it looks awesome! I'm so thrilled with how it turned out and can't wait for the finishing pieces to come in sometime next week. Tim enjoyed watching me paint all the leaves on the tree and then asking, "what if Little B doesn't even like trees?"  Umm...that's just not an option.  I don't know if you can tell by my picture, but there are some awesome shelves that are sort of hidden in the branches. They turned out awesome! Big thanks to my Aunt & Uncle for making a pregnant ladies wish come true!  (I'll post better pictures of the nursery next week so you can all get the full effect.

5.  Tim called this morning asking me if I knew of a liquor store around where he was because he needed to pick up a bottle of wine for a client. Excuse me? You're going to ask a girl who hasn't had a drink in almost 8 months (on her BIRTHDAY mind you) where the closest liquor store is. Did he do this to me on purpose?  Needless to say, I told him to ask Siri...

6.  In Texas (most of the time) and sometimes in CA too my birthday kicks off Spring Break. This was always awesome when I was a kid because I felt like I was getting a vacation for my birthday. I still like to pretend that life is this way, at least when my birthday falls on a weekend that is. 

7.  I'm beginning to really dislike my maternity clothes. I sometimes sit in the mornings and look at all the jeans I love that I can't wear right now. Thankfully though, I only have 9 weeks left in these clothes, or at least that's what the calendar tells me (we'll see what Little B has to say about timing, he or she is part Tim).  In a perfect world I'll be able to jump right back into my loving wardrobe that's waiting for me, I know that's not the case really, but a girl can dream!  Oh it's wonderful to day dream about!

8.  The beach has been calling my name recently. It does that from time to time. I don't know when I'll get the chance to get there soon, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  Of course, I'm not sure that this baby bump is going to be exposed...am I that girl? Either way, I was very excited to have a beachy dream last night. I didn't want to get out of bed...especially when I realized/remembered that the temperature had dropped and the cold front had arrived.  Oh and did I mention that this girl that prides herself on still being somewhat naturally tan in the winter is pasty pale? I need some sunshine!

9.  Here it is...the baby bump...a bad camera-phone picture, but regardless a little baby bump love on my birthday is a good thing! :)  My sweet sister-in-law asked if I was going to do a maternity photo shoot. There are lots of people now that do these full on shoots of their belly's and the glory of pregnancy, but I think I'll just stick to the funny photos that Tim captures of me for now. It's much more me.

  Happy March 9th from Little B & me!

Birthday Fever

Once December hits our families go on a roller coaster ride for dinners, celebrations and fun! There are multiple birthdays every month and they don't stop really...but Spring, SPRING is where the birthdays are definitely in abundance.  What's kind of funny is that Little B will be taking part in this too.  Starting with Tim's birthday we go about one or two birthdays a week and man it can be over-stimulating, but lots of fun! 

So...

Happy Birthday Tim!  I'm very excited about this big year that you we are embarking on and even though I know you're working hard to maintain a "polly positive" attitude for me with all of these changes, I know you're thrilled too! Life is happening and I'm so happy that it's with you! Here's to the most hard-working, best sense of humor & loving man I know! I'm so lucky to call him my husband and Little B's Daddy!

The ABC's

There's a fun sort of tradition that some friends and I take part in. Silly quizzes/surveys like this one. We don't get to do them often, but occasionally we stumble upon them or they get sent to us and we have fun forwarding them on to each other. This was a recent one that I found on another blog and thought it might be fun to share here too. Please don't hold it against me if you find my answers beyond nutty! :)

Age: 31...almost 32. eek gahds.

Bedsize: Queen. trying to decide if we should be king people or not.

Chores that you hate: picking up dog poop

Dogs:  Two Tucker & Leeya

Essential start to your day:  Getting my snuggles in & taking a minute to breathe before I get moving.

Favorite color: Yellow.

Gold or Silver:  I'm kind of partial to gold.

Height: 5 feet/9 1/2 inches...although it says 5'10" on my driver's license because you can't have halves and we round up. The glass is half full yo!

Instruments you play: NOTHING! my feet and my awesome voice are my instruments. oh wait I know how to whistle. :)

Job title: wearer of many hats. no official job title needed.

Kids: Little B --- oh get here soon. I'm not one of those "i.love.being.pregnant" people.

Live: Austin, TX

Mother's Name: Cindy, but Mom to me.

Nicknames: Nic, Cole, Bole

Overnight hospital stays: nope

Pet peeves:  unfriendly people & dishes in the sink.

Quote from a movie or tv show:  "Oh, well, then it's a good thing you weren't stopped in front of an IHOP." ~ Fools Rush In

Right or Lefty:  Righty.

Siblings: 2 sisters oy vey almost 19 and 17; 2 sisters-in-law

Time you wake up:  depends on the day, I make it out of bed around 6:30 usually.

Underwear:  yea, although I have an Aunt that makes a good point about less laundry and less upkeep. baha!

Vegetable you hate:  I love vegetables. I don't like beans though, like black, pinto, etc...are they considered veggies? I like green beans though. I'm weird.

What makes you run late: everything. :) Tim, getting ready, taking too long to figure out what I'm going to wear and still feel cute (albeit large).

X-Rays You've Had: teeth & hip

Yummy food you make:  pepperoni rolls. salads. pulled pork tacos.  (typically things anyone can make well)

Zoo Animal:  Hippo. (hmm good pick!)

The Year of the Dragon

Apparently people all over the world are trying to have babies this year because it's the Year of the Dragon!
I had no idea!
My Grandmother told my Mom recently that Little B was going to be very intelligent because it will be born in the Year of the Dragon. Here's hoping Little B isn't the "runt" of the dragon litter, or that he/she doesn't disappoint! :)

Let's just say when I passed this info on to Tim, he of course said, "Would you really expect anything less? Little B is a Benton and will be as charming and wonderful as I am!"

I think I'll remind him of that statement the next time we have a conversation (read: grumble) about the Benton Luck!

Character traits of babies born during the Chinese Year Of The Dragon

Years of The Dragon: 1904 1916 1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012 The Dragon is one of the most powerful and lucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Its warm heart makes the Dragon's brash, fiery energy far more palatable. This is a giving, intelligent and tenacious Sign that knows exactly what it wants and is determined to get it. Dragons possess a certain natural, charming charisma that ensures they can always influence their peers and often find themselves the center of attention in social situations. This Sign is truly blessed, too; Dragons are considered to be very lucky in love! The Dragon's friends are always keen to hear what this firebrand has to say and when it comes to dispensing advice, the Dragon has the floor. Its ego can get in the Dragon's way, but even so, this larger-than-life creature has a knack for initiating projects and keeping the troops motivated. According to Dragons, it's their natural born right to lead the way -- because who else could do it so surely and so well? As lucky as they are, Dragons have a good chance of achieving considerable material wealth during their lifetimes, although it isn't mere money that's this Sign's main motivation. Power is what the Dragon wants and truly believes it deserves. Dragons are quite the opportunists, forever searching for ways in which to consolidate their considerable power. Contrary to all this strength and fire, a weakened Dragon is a sad sack, a creature that refuses to take defeat with even a modicum of grace. The role of leader is the only one the Dragon wants, the better from which to give orders and be king of the hill. They make solid leaders, too, knowing instinctively what needs to be done to stay on top. Crossing the Dragon is never a good idea -- this beast can singe! A valuable life lesson for this clever creature would be to absorb the principles of flexibility, compassion and tolerance. Being high and mighty can serve to inspire others, but it also keeps Dragons from living their lives to the fullest. If Dragons can learn to balance their quest for success with an appreciation for the little things, their life will be more than worthwhile.

from babiesonline.com

Haven't You Always Wanted a Monkey?

This little guy arrived today. The cutest, sweetest, little hand-made monkey from my very dear friend and her sweet Mama! I can't even begin to describe how much I love this and all the heart-felt-goodness behind it.

This friends Mama knows all about monkey business especially when it comes to her daughter and I!    I wish there were hugs that you could send over the phone/internet because this monkey definitely calls for that kind of lovin'.

I walked with some neighbor Mama's on Monday night after work. It was fun to hear neighborhood stories and get to meet some of the friends I hadn't met yet.  Sometimes it makes me giggle and feel all squishy-weird inside to think of myself as a Mom. Am I really old enough to be a Mom? I mean I was just celebrating my 21st birthday wasn't I?  It was just yesterday that I was obsessing over the ending of Dawson's Creek and learning all about the roller coasters & responsibilities of what "adult life" really is.

Big thanks and loves to Cheryl & her Mama for this monkey love from the East Coast! You & your family will forever be cherished in our lives! I mean how can you go wrong with friends that make you feel like part of the family the minute you meet! Plus there's that awesome home-cooked lasagna & fun accents too! Treasures I tell ya! :)