Keep Them Goodies in a Jar

My mom had this here lamp shade painted by a Ruston friend to go with Henry's bedding. I just loooove them. Also, today we received some goodies in the mail for Henry's sweet toosh including these bad boys...



I just love overalls on little baby boy nuggets...thanks Mama Lulu!!!

We just took a walk in this nice 50 something degree weather and we are loving it!  Thanks Erie for holding up your end of the weather bargain...read my lips, no new snowfall.  

Amnio Pool

Dear Erie, 

This morning I woke up to a yard full of snow.  This after a week of 50 degree days.  I just hope you get it out of your system before April comes...or before my last day of work on Friday...so April 3rd.  I'm going to need some sunny days once I can get outside of my cubicle and enjoy them.  Thanks for your cooperation.

Camille

Had a doctor's appointment this afternoon.  Everything looks good except the first time I stepped on the scale it wasn't working so it looked liked I'd lost 15 lbs. in a week.  Slightly concerning.  Then the nurse says, "Does that look right to you?"  Umm, no.  No, it doesn't.  We tried again and I'm up 35 lbs., folks.  Doctor says this is good so I am cool with it too (Please pass the pizza).  Although this was an end-of-the-day appointment, so we know that your end-of-the-day weight is not to be trusted....they need to weigh me straight out of bed, butt naked, after I pee and before I drink anything.  Adam weighs himself at night and I think it's so strange...doesn't he know the rules?  Although this makes me happy because it puts a great gap between our two weights.  Yay.

So, Bethany and I like to meet at the pool and do some cardio in the pool about once a week so I asked the doctor, "What if my water breaks in the pool....will I feel it?"  He says, "Maybe not except that when you get out of the pool, you will still be leaking."  This concerns me as I don't want Henry swimming around in chlorine and I also don't want my amniotic fluid in the pool of the wellness center...that's gotta be some kind of health hazard.  Thoughts?

Nesting vs. Resting

Oh laaaazy weekend.  Aside from laundry, walking with Powers & Adam, grocery store, swimming with Bethany, and church....not a whole lot of productivity happening by yours truly.  I still have not been swept with that overwhelming urge to scrub baseboards or clean out my fridge- on the contrary, it seems that the closer I get to my due date, the less I want to do any housework or cooking or anything of the like!  Mainly, once the weekend rolls around, I want to hang out, take naps, and read!  So, I'm taking that as my body's way of telling me to rest.  If the baby comes today, we're fine- we have the necessities so meanwhile I'm going to enjoy these last two weekends of leisure!

 

It's strange- having one week of work left.  Friday is my last day and I can't really wrap my mind around that.  What will Sundays be like without work approaching the next morning at 8 a.m.? How will I know which day is which?  Dunno- I'm excited to see.  

This weekend has been filled with several reminders of eternity...one of my parents' dear friends passed away on Friday after a long battle with ALS.  We talked about hoping in eternity today at church.  One of my favorite verses was quoted, "In this world, you will have trouble.  But fear not, I have overcome the world."  John 16:33b.  

Thursday Nightness

Brooke posted about the surprise shower.  That girl can take some pictures!  It was so sweet, I can't say enough about it but I'll stop now.

I am still an innie.  I can't believe my belly button has stayed put for so long- it's shocking!

Only 6 more work days!!!!!! (last day- next Friday, April 3rd...unless Henry shows up before then)

Chicken Tostados

Last night, Adam and I made this recipe from cooking light. It is really easy and really good and reminded me of summer. I went heavier on the cumin and added chili powder, too. Also, I doubled the onion and zucchini.

We opted for the soft taco option but I think they'd be awesome as tostados too.


The tostadas can easily become soft tacos if you skip broiling the tortillas. Serve with black beans.


Yield
4 servings

Ingredients
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons canola oil
12 ounces chicken breast tenders
1 cup chopped red onion (about 1)
1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
1 cup chopped zucchini (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup green salsa
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
4 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas
Cooking spray
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese


Preparation
Preheat broiler.
Combine first 3 ingredients, stirring well. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over chicken. Add chicken to pan; sauté for 3 minutes. Add onion, corn, and zucchini to pan; sauté for 2 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in salsa and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Cook 2 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates, stirring frequently.
Working with 2 tortillas at a time, arrange tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet; lightly coat tortillas with cooking spray. Broil 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Spoon about 3/4 cup chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla; sprinkle each serving with 1/4 cup cheese. Broil an additional 2 minutes or until cheese melts. Repeat procedure with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese. Sprinkle each serving with about 3/4 teaspoon of remaining cilantro. Serve immediately.


Nutritional Information
Calories:
398 (30% from fat)
Fat:
13.1g (sat 5.9g,mono 4.1g,poly 1.2g)
Protein:
32.5g
Carbohydrate:
36.7g
Fiber:
3.1g
Cholesterol:
75mg
Iron:
1.4mg
Sodium:
799mg
Calcium:
236mg

Here is the link

Squishy Face

We got to see our little man today. (Yes, he's still a little man- we checked. No need to change to "Henrietta"...yay!)

side profile of head

The weight estimate is 6 lbs. 6 oz., according to the sonogram measurements.


She said to imagine his little face pressed up against a window. That's basically what is happening here. His little face was pressed against the placenta.




I love those cheeks...I can't wait to kiss them!



Look at those little lips! His heart rate was 131 beats per minute. They did the swabbing for Strep but no pelvic exam today.

Okay, this last one is flipped sideways but I love Henry's face. It's kinda like, Lady...quit poking me! I'm trying to nap!

He's head-down.

Only 26 days left until the DUE DATE! Whoa Nelly. So....how hard is labor, again? Easy, right?!

Hola Weekend!

Have y'all ever been to Rosa's Legacy? It is a dominican restaurant here in Erie and Adam & I went with some friends on Saturday night. Yum City. I had the shrimp creole and Adam had the fish of the day- red snapper. Also, we went to town on some plantains fried up like french fries....double delicious, folks. Everyone at the table loved their food and the restaurant is BYOB so you can bring in a bottle of wine or Rum to add to your fruity concoction that they will serve up for ya. So, we'd recommend it- it's cash only though, so be forewarned and have some cash on you!

Also, here are some pictures from the surprise shower on last Sunday.  Sarah just sent these to me.  It was SUCH A FUN shower.  

Henry!

The cupcakes...ah, the cupcakes.  Some were MAGNOLIA cupcakes....to die fooooooor!

Hellooooo boys!

This was the bubble gum game.  Basically, Brooke was asking me these questions and I had to guess Adam's answers.  Every time I got one wrong, I had to chew a big ol' piece of blue bubble gum!  

Anyways, hope you have a great week!  Go to Rosa's Legacy if you live nearby. 

We have a big sonogram tomorrow- going to see our little guy and have a dum-dum-dum pelvic exam to see if I'm dilated and moving along at all! 

The Colony Shower

Hellooooooooooo Saturday!

Had a wonderful shower last night given by my co-workers. It was held at the Colony (first time to go there but it was good, fellow Erie-ites!) and we enjoyed some food and fellowship. So, if you were in that neck of the woods and saw a girl smuggling a watermelon underneath a polka dot dress with a tiara, sash, and pink "New Mommy" pin on, that was me. I was overwhelmed by how many thoughtful gifts were given and felt so cared for by my fellow worker bees. We definitely appreciate those kind folks and their generosity.

However, his room is a DISASTER AREA now due to the two showers in one week. I need to go upstairs and sort through and organize...but nothing is more fun to organize than CUTE BABY STUFF! Wheeee!

Work It!

My mom aka Old Lady Athlete with a Tight Face (love ya, Mom)  is having a pool on her blog for Henry's entry into the world!  There is a prize- a gift card to Amazon!  Ch-ch-ch-check it out!

In other news, Adam got a big ol' hair cut.  He said that the hair stylist had to sweep up halfway through.  He's a new man.  

Before: 

After:

He loves to do the modeling shoots...

Ding Dong, spring is here

starting Friday, it is here

Ding Dong, lovely spring is here!!

Even though weather.com says it may snow tomorrow (hissssss), it was over 60 stinkin' degrees yesterday and that made me happy as we walked little Powers along the street in the afternoon sunshine.  

The Innocence Mission

My Aunt Barbara sends us the coolest baby gifts. I got a package from her on Friday with two c.d.s by the Innocence Mission. The music is for little Henry though Adam & I love them. (They have a lot of c.d.'s but she sent us "Now the Day is Over" and "Christ is my Hope.") I highly recommend that you check them out. The singer's voice is incredible and I feel like the music will be perfect for little soothing nappy-nap time.

Best Surprise

God definitely knows when we need a little pick-me-up and I love how he uses the body of Christ to love on us and support us. I laugh when I read yesterday's post about all my frustrations because today was the best day! My girlfriends, Brooke, Bethany, and Sarah hosted a surprise baby shower for me this afternoon. I had NO STINKING CLUE. I thought that I was going over to Sarah Lynne's for a birthday lunch for her husband, Drew. Honestly, I hadn't even washed my hair today.

Here's the story. Sarah Lynne had emailed me on Friday to say that she was having a little get-together for Drew's birthday at 1:30 on Sunday afternoon, could we come? She said it would be like a little afternoon cocktail partyish dressy-dress event. Fun, right? Adam didn't have a test on Monday so I thought, How perfect! So, today after church, Adam was pushing me out the door so we could get to this party at Sarah's. This is not atypical behavior, though, Adam is notoriously early but I just knew we'd be the first people there. When we arrived, I walked in and yelled, "Happy Birthday!" Once I got through the foyer, though, there were a ton of girls there and they yelled, "Surprise!".....at me! It took me a few moments to reconcile what was happening but once I finally understood, I was crying because I was so touched and surprised. I am never surprised, I always figure stuff like this out so I was SHOCKED! Well played, ladies...and Adam.

See, they had sent me a fake invitation for my baby shower on March 28th at MY house. So, I had been thinking about how I needed to get our house cleaned and do yard work and get everything ready for that (fake) shower. They are very sneaky gals.

So, we had a baby shower and got to play a lot of fun games including trying to see who could chug water out of a bottle the fastest (it is REALLY HARD....I have a new respect for babies.) I was showered with adorable gifts and can't wait to show y'all pictures. I didn't have my camera but little Brooke took lots of pictures for me! It was such a sweet time and it honestly just went by way too quickly. So, thank you hostesses and friends...that was the best surprise! And it came just at the right time!

Cheese With that Whine?

Disclaimer:  I don't want to be ungrateful- I am so thankful and realize that we are blessed, blessed, blessed....so, thank you Lord for this special season.  I know there are so many people out there praying for this very thing...

With that said, I am officially getting tired of being pregnant.  I love little Henry kicking around in there but I am so ready to have a normal body again!  One that can roll over in the middle of the night without having to use the bedpost and work herself into a sweat!  One that can go on a run, one that can eat normally without digestive issues, one that can (males, read no further).... shave herself!  God bless my sweet husband for smiling and accommodating during this crazy, hormonal season in life.  

I really, by all accounts, have had a great pregnancy.  No complications.  Sickness during the first trimester but I was still able to work and live life.  I have really enjoyed being pregnant, have enjoyed how nice people are to a pregnant lady, enjoyed all the compliments and the "You look so cutes!"  But I am ready for the end...ready for this little man to make his way out.  40 weeks is too much!  It's too long!  

I had a slight hormonal breakdown this morning and then met Bethany at the pool.  This was my first time to swim while pregnant and it made me so happy.  We put on webbed gloves and did lots of different exercises and treaded water and it was so nice to feel light and share my heart and woes (ha!) with a friend.  She told me it was okay to feel this way, okay to vent and let it all out.   Then, by the end of the swim, I was feeling much more like myself.  

I'm going to try and savor these last couple of weeks of being preggers with Henry.  I know life is about to change forever.  Maybe I'll surprise myself and miss my huge belly...who knows!  Either way, we'll continue on thanking God for making this miracle...even when I pee for the 78th time tonight.  

My Best Friend

...even if I smell like a bakery afterwards!

Therapy

Adam and I after our first triathlon- Please excuse the sick picture

My bloggy friend was posting about a trip that she and her husband had taken and all the memories (good & bad) that they'd created.  I commented that traveling with your spouse, I believe, is one of the best forms of relationship therapy.  Especially bad traveling with annoyances and discomfort!  Get all them frustrations out, girl!  You definitely learn a lot about yourself and each other. 

The best relationship therapy that Adam and I have had, though, was training for triathlons together.  Oh my stars.  For some reason, intense physical exertion is directly linked to floodgates of emotions and feelings and issues for me.  Poor Husband.  Adam and I did a triathlon together when we were dating (2005)  and one when we were first married (2006).  Adam could tell you some stories about my running melt-downs (running and weeping at the same time...not so easy!) including a small breakdown during the running segment of our first triathlon where I should've won an Oscar for my dramatic hyperventilating breathing and then accusing Adam of not even caring! 

 

I have such a patient husband.

Besides the fact that physical exertion appears to be the gateway to my deep-hidden emotion, issues, and insecurities, I think that these hours of training provided us with lots of time for talking...getting to know each other on more intimate levels.  Even now that I'm 35 weeks pregnant and not exactly a hard-core workout machine, one of my favorite things is still to go on walks with Adam & Powers.  It's incredible all of the things that we discuss when we're not distracted at the house and, instead, just focused on walking and talking and each other.  It's the best connect time. 

In your experience, what do you think is the best relationship therapy?  

March Showers

How was your weekend? 

 

Our was rainy city.  But I'm not complaining because the weather was above freezing and I count that as a win, even if it felt like the laziest Sunday ever.  Adam just began having board review class on Thursday and Friday evenings from 5-6 and so, after his review class on Friday, we met Bethany & Josh at O'Charley's and enjoyed a little grubby-grub.   Then, we were able to watch LOST.  Oh, friends...I could go on and on.  In fact, on Friday night I read a 45 minute theory on LOST aloud to Adam.  Yeah, we're kinda big dorks.  I was hoarse by the end.  I'll spare you my thoughts.

Freakface commented on my last post that Powers is looking old!  Don't say that, Freakface!  He will turn 5 in April around the time that Henry arrives.  But...we're holding out hope that he'll just live forever...like in Fame.  

So, I am proud to say that I got a really cute pair of pajamas on sale for the post-delivery hospital stay (and beyond).  They shockingly fit now and so they will definitely fit after I push out this big boy (My email says he should weigh 5 1/2  lbs!)  How many months pregnant would you say that you look after you deliver?  5 months?  6 months?  Just curious.  Anyways, the pajamas are button-up top (easy for nursing) and are really comfy and really cute and hopefully won't clash with little Henry (kidding).  

So, I hope y'all enjoyed your weekend.  I just realized that I only told you about Friday night but you don't need a play-by-play, eh?   I think Daylight's Saving time is zapping my wit. 

Love,

Camilli-illi-illio

Male Nesting

Today, Adam set up his car seat base in the truck (we'll take that to the hospital if all goes according to plan).   It was raining pretty hard but the man wanted to get it done today!

We each have a base and then we're able to just click in and remove the baby carrier quickly. 

Powers supervised.

C'mon Henry!

Warmth Vs. Record-Breaking

One year ago, tomorrow

This day, last year

This day, last year

I hate to say this, but I don't really care at all if Erie breaks the snow record.  (For those of you that don't know, Erie is a few inches away from breaking the all-time snowiest winter record).

Maybe it's my lack of Erie blood since I've only been here two years, but I just want this lovely spring warmth to continue onward.  To me, warmth is better than record-breaking.    

Right now, it's a lovely 45 degrees with a high of 55 today!  Heat wave, baby!

Adam's Birthday Supper!

Last Wednesday, Adam turned 26. I think we mentioned this a time or two... you know, birthday week!

Bill & Christie

So, we went to Adam's favorite, Aayoma (Japanese food) so that he could have some good birthday food.

Some lovely friends came along.

B & Free.

Go Birthday Volcano!

Jim tied Adam some flies for his birthday....Here, Adam gets hooked. Get it? Get it?

Josh & Bethany (They're having a boy!)

Jarvis, Shauna, and Nicole

Dan & Nicole

Jim & Ron

Tiffany, Jen, and Jim

Thankful for good friends on my sweet husband's birthday. He is loved!

We proceeded home after supper and ate our delicious peanut butter pie. Over the week, we managed to eat both pies without offering any pie to anyone else. Go us!

Packin' It Up!

Now that I'm in week 34, I'm starting to think more about the day. One of my baby emails told me that I should have my suitcase ready in case Henry comes- because it could be at any time! So, I've started thinking about what to pack and I'd love any suggestions from the peanut gallery-

1. Snacks for Adam. I don't think that I can eat anything but ice chips but Adam may get hungry and I'll be darned if he's leaving me to go pick up something to eat! I was thinking oranges, trail mix, protein bar, anything that'd be good fuel in case labor lasts longer than the two hours I anticipate!  Ha!

2. Socks. I've heard that you should bring multiple pairs of socks because, let's face it, the first ones are going to look like someone was murdered while wearing them.

3. Pajamas. Not for delivery since they'd probably look like part of a violent crime scene but for lounging around the hospital after the baby is here. I was thinking of a pajama pants set with a button up top for easy nursing. Thoughts?  Also, nursing bras, underwear, and something to wear home (but what?  Maternity clothes?  Don't you still look like 6 months pregnant after you deliver?)

4. Depends. Yep, I've heard you might wanna bring a pair of Depends or two. 'Nuff said.

5. Camera/Laptop/Charger.   These are Adam's responsibility. We definitely need pictures of Henry and some family pictures especially once I am able to reapply mascara and lip gloss! (No delivery pictures...I'm not that kinda gal. I don't even want to see that!)

6. Aforementioned mascara, lip gloss, brush, ponytail holders, toothbrush, deodorant, and other personal hygiene and beauty essentials.

7. Henry items- specifically a couple of swaddling blankets that I've already washed and some easy diaper-change newborn clothes and socks. Most other stuff they have in the hospital, right? (diapers, aspirator)

8. carrier/car seat

Okay, so what else?

H.J.J.

(Disclaimer:  The name has been decided.  We are not asking for your opinion {unless, of course, that opinion is, "Yes!  I love it!" }  So, we'll thank you kindly to keep all negative and unhelpful comments to yourself.)

So, we haven't intentionally withheld the baby name from the blogosphere.  On the contrary, Adam and I have shared it with many family members, friends, co-workers, and grocery store check-out clerks!  Our little guy is going to be:

behind the crib (not much wall space due to the vaulted ceiling)

Henry James Jennings

to be more specific.  

Adam really named Henry and, although I helped and I love the name, we thought it was really cool(for us) that Adam got to name our son.  

Henry is Adam's Grandpa's middle name.  Adam's grandpa was an internal medicine doctor and spent lots of time with Adam when Adam was a little boy (Also, Adam is his only grandson).  He would take Adam on rounds at the hospital with him and really fueled Adam's love of medicine. Also,  Adam's grandpa is also extremely generous and insisted upon buying my engagement ring when Adam got ready to propose.  

Henry means Home Ruler.  We are praying that he will be a man of influence whom God uses to call out and raise up fishers of men.
 

James is my mother's maiden name, my father's middle name, and my brother's middle name.  It is also the name of James, one of the twelve disciples and the brother of John.  He was one of only three apostles who saw the transfiguration.  He was martyred for his faith in the book of Acts.  Also, James is believed to be the name of Jesus's brother.    This James was one of the people that Paul describes as to whom the risen Jesus revealed himself (1 Cor 15).  Paul also lists this James as one of the three pillars of the church (along with Peter and John).  

We pray that little Henry James is intimate with the Lord and a boy filled with joy and laughter and is steadfast in pursuing eternal things.  We hope he places all his trust in the Jesus and is a man knowing peace.  We can't wait 'til he's here!

This is one of our favorite gifts. It's a sock puppet monkey from my Aunt Barbara. Jo-Jo is his name.