35 Candles on the Cake

Happy Birthday, Tim!

Today is Tim's birthday. (I'm sure he really appreciates me sharing his age with you - hehe.) After church, we enjoyed a wonderful family lunch at Tony Roma's in Green Bay. Other than that we've just been hanging around the house, but we're conserving our energy for Brewer games (Friday night and Saturday night) next weekend.

One of Tim's birthday presents was a new cell phone. His Blackberry Curve has so many cool new features. We splurged and got him Internet/e-mail access and a GPS navigator. Being the dorks that we are, we used the GPS to help us find Tony Roma's at lunch time - even though we already know where it is.

Birthday Boy setting up his new lifeline.

Tim's mom had a birthday yesterday - Happy Birthday, Grandma Bette!

Tonight is the last night I can stay up late. Early to bed tomorrow, because the daily grind begins again on Tuesday. I think that I can actually say that I'm okay with going back. Being away from Isaiah is going to really be a bummer, though...

- becky

Let the Fun Begin

I had my first progesterone injection today. Fun, fun. All I've been hearing (from people who have had them) is how much they sting, burn, and leave knots. Great. Just great. The nurse even gave me a pitiful look when she came into the room. She said, "This is really going to hurt," before she even said hello. I immediately reached for a tissue, and warned the student nurse with her that I would probably cry. Apparently the serum is really thick - like maple syrup - which is what makes it so bad.

I gathered all of the courage I could manage, ready for a painful arm when the nurse broke the news to me. The shot would need to be given in my hinder. "Can this get any better?!?!" I thought to myself. Only me.

So, over I bend and the nurse says, "Oh, you don't have much back here. This is really going to hurt." Now, I know that sounds really cruel, but the nurse really was very gentle and nice about everything. I looked at the bright side - someone doesn't think I have a big a$$!!! The shot began and she checked to see how I was doing. This is the best part - I didn't even feel a thing! It was not bad at all. Whew!

I can definitely handle this. (It's certainly for a good cause.)

Here's the funny part about the story - in my efforts to avoid having to leave work early once a week, I made arrangements with the nurse at school to give me the injections. That was when I thought the shot was in my arm. I sure hope Cindy can sit across from me at the lunch table after seeing my tushy every Friday.

- becky

First Day Back

I survived!

No kids today, though. We had teacher inservice and Open House.

- becky

Level of Productivity

Why is my last day of summer vacation my most productive? Where has all of this energy been all summer?

Isaiah was kind enough to sleep until 8:00 this morning, so we were able to sleep in a bit. We spent most of the day with Jenny and Kamryn at their house scrapping. Isaiah refused to eat much of a lunch, and he absolutely would NOT take a nap. Given those circumstances it might be hard to believe, but he really was a happy, well-behaved boy. I was able to make a lanyard for my ID badge at work and scrap a little.

My lanyard - this could potentially turn into an embarrassing blog entry at a later date. I've never made one before, and I am just praying that it doesn't break and spill beads everywhere while I'm at work. Maybe God will be merciful and no one will be around if that does happen...

Isaiah (finally) took a nap once we got home. For some strange reason, I did not. I've been a busy little bee picking things up around the house. I'm even on my 2nd load of laundry for the day - woo hoo! Isaiah woke up just before 6:00 and ate a huge dinner! I guess he was finally not distracted enough to eat.

There is nothing more motivating around the house than having to go back to work. I am now going to shut off the computer for the rest of the night so it doesn't become a distraction for me. Good night!

- becky

Bitsy Girl

During the night, Bitsy had to be put to sleep. She'll be part of our hearts and family forever.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

We miss you, Bitsy.

- becky

Lazy Days of Summer

The lazy days of summer are nearly over. It sure has been a great three months. Isaiah and I have done so many neat things! It is going to be so tough going back to work this week. With the baby coming in January, I'm sure the year will go fast, but I will really miss being with Isaiah all day, every day.

Yesterday was my 18 week ultrasound - everything went well. I'll have another with the perinatologist on Halloween, when I am 28 weeks along. The baby's heartrate was, once again, 150 beats per minute. It's a good thing we didn't want to find out the gender because the baby would not uncross its legs! The tech had trouble getting measurements of the leg bones. It was fun to watch the baby moving its arms and head around. It must have been in need of a nap because it had a nice big yawn. As soon as I have a few spare minutes, I'll get some of the pictures on the computer to share with you.

Starting next week, I will have weekly injections (lucky me) of the hormone progesterone. That should drastically reduce my chances of going into preterm labor again. I'm not excited about weekly shots, but its definitely for a good cause.

Isaiah is hanging on my leg right now - I think he's telling me that he's ready for his nap. I'm off to try and get him down in his new little boy bed! Let the transition from the crib begin - wish us luck!

- becky

To Do Today

1. Clean off my kitchen counters - The kitchen is still quite a mess from everything being moved around for painting.
2. Spend some time with Booper.
3. Disinfect the tub and Isaiah's tubby toys - he pooped in the tub this morning. GROSS!
4. Play toys with Isaiah.
5. Unpack much appreciated clothes for Isaiah from his cousin Paul - Thank you, Abby!
6. Read books with my little buddy.
7. Wash sheets
8. Play Pat-a-Cake
9. Sort clothing piles of laundry
10. Sing The Itsy Bitsy Spider to Isaiah
11. Go out to dinner with my fellow resource team teachers from work

Once the pictures are hung back up and the floors are cleaned, I'll take the after pictures from the painting projects here at the house and post them for you to see. It looks great! Almost like a brand new house - such a difference!

Mom's b-day was yesterday - The swan blows wind at the fire. Translation - Mom blew candles out yesterday because it was her birthday. (OK - so, I don't think she actually had a cake, but we can pretend.) Happy Birthday, Mom!

- becky

Snow Day

Today was my first official day back to work. (Big time bummer, man.) OK - so it wasn't too bad. My team met to plan a fall literacy night which should be really fun. We were able to come up with lots of neat ideas that shouldn't be too difficult to carry out. I was also able to get my desk set-up (for the most part). I'm hoping to go through my filing cabinets before the kids come back.

This is certainly going to be an exciting year for me at work. This position is so completely different from "classroom teacher". I'm confident with the teaching aspect, but I feel like everything else (paperwork, planning, etc.) is completely new to me. I work with a great group of teachers, though, who are more than happy to answer any questions that I have and lift heavy things for me. (Don't want to hurt the baby!)

Isaiah went to play with Kamryn today. We left her mom, Jenny, in charge, and she did a FANTASTIC job! Isaiah even took a nap for her. Very impressive for day one and no blankie from home. :-)

- becky

P.S. The eagle leaves its nest in search of berries. That's for you, MOM!!!

Under Construction

Is painting considered construction? We're not changing anything except the color on the walls, so I'm not really sure.

Tim's parents were very nice to come up and help with our project. Tim and his dad are up painting Isaiah's new Little Boy room as we speak...er, as I type. We went with a dusty blue color which I think has a hint of purple, but Tim tells me that I'm crazy. We already knew that anyway, didn't we? The room has blue carpet, so that definitely helps to make the paint look blue. Yea, me - I thought to take before pictures, so I'll be posting before and after pictures once the room is transitioned from a guest room to a Little Boy room.

Why stop there? We picked up a tasteful shade of brown called brown bag at Home Depot, and they plan to paint down the hallway and the entire main level of the house (front room and kitchen). I didn't get a chance to get recent pictures of that level of the house before it got all torn up, but somewhere on my computer I have some pictures of when we had the laminate flooring put it. Those will work well for before pictures of that level of the house.

So, tomorrow I have to work. Teachers have to go in for a work day to make up a snow day from last year. The administration picked a Tuesday (weird, I know, but good for long weekend travelers I suppose) for us to work on curriculum work. I was talking with two of my co-workers, and we plan to make the most of the day in preparing for a family reading night at school. Do you like my positive attitude? I'm trying really hard! I certainly haven't missed that long drive to Denmark, though.

While I'm working, Isaiah is going to go over and play with Kamryn for the day. It'll be good to make sure he plans to be nice to her this year. ;-) I'm sure he will be - Jenny and I took the kids with us to a rummage sale last Friday, and he actually blew Kamryn a kiss! So cute! On Wednesday, I'm going in to work again to work a trade off day (giving me a paid day off in the spring), so Isaiah will stay home and play with his grandparents while they are here.

Yesterday, we completely spoiled ourselves at meal times. We knew that we would be eating in for the remainder of my in-laws visit because I'm making a HUGE pot of pulled pork today. For lunch, we went to Pullman's. So good!!! I had beer cheese soup and popcorn shrimp. It was exactly what I was in the mood for. (When I'm pregnant, I crave seafood, but I limit myself to once a week since you're really not supposed to eat it while expecting.) For dinner, we went to Beefeater's. Really good!!! Their spinach dip is out of this world. I think it's the cream cheese mixed it that makes it soooooo creamy. Because I LOVE cream cheese (another pregnancy craving right now) I had a roast beef panini - roast beef, carmelized onions, and CREAM CHEESE. It was all melted and oozing off the sides of the grilled bread. Oh my goodness, it was tasty! Jodie, I want to suggest either/both of those restaurants for Girls' Night Out.

Public schools in Pensacola started back today - I've been thinking of Shelby and Kari all day. It is so hard to believe that Shelby is in 2nd grade already. Kari is still teaching 5th grade - she has the best classroom! It is a really cool set-up with an office and walk-in storage closet that adjoins the classroom next door.

This is a really looooong post. I've had so many vacation pictures that it probably seems as though we've been taking a break from everyday life. Obviously, we haven't been! :-)

Three more things before I go - Happy Birthday, Tracy! And one day late - Happy Birthday, Mark! Aunt Pam and Uncle Mike - Happy Anniversary! We're trying to see when we can get Isaiah down there to see you!!!

- becky

Overnighter in Milwaukee, Take Two!

Before the game on Saturday, we enjoyed some time together at the Milwaukee Zoo.

The Spider Monkeys are my favorite! They really put on a show.

Isaiah loved the fish in the Reptile House.

For all of you Black Eyed Peas fans - Whatcha gonna do with all that junk, all that junk inside those humps? (OK, so I changed the last two words, but you're singing the song in your head, aren't you?)


- becky

Overnighter in Milwaukee, Take One!

We went to two games while in Milwaukee - Friday and Saturday nights. They were quite exciting! On Friday, Sabathia pitched a complete game for a win. Ben Sheets did the same thing on Saturday. Both games were against the Washington Nationals. Even though Tim is a BIG Brewer fan, he's missing his DC hat. (Anyone seen it??? It's black with red and black letters 'DC' on it.)

Bernie the Brewer on the slide

We saw our friends Angie and Sean at the game! Unfortunately, we had seats on the complete opposite side of the ball park. They're sitting somewhere under the POW sign.

There was a passing rain shower in the area on Saturday, so they briefly closed the roof at Miller Park. We've never been inside to watch it open and close - pretty cool!

This would have been a great picture if the dude hadn't just gotten up in the background. Oh, well. It still looks pretty good. We'll try for one without a stranger in the background at our next game.

- becky

Pictures From Minnesota, Take Four!

For "family time", we spent two nights in St. Paul, MN and one night in Milwaukee. This post shows our St. Paul pictures. We stayed at a hotel right downtown that offered an out-of-this-galaxy (because of Star Wars, see below) package - breakfast and Science Museum passes.

St. Paul was a very impressive city. It was so clean, and there was so much to explore.

Isaiah loves to play with his reflection in full length mirrors.

Science Museum of Minnesota

The special exhibit was Star Wars - this explains the picture of C-3PO on the building. They had so many of the original costumes. It wasn't a very large exhibit, but it was quite impressive.

Check out that beaver skeleton!

Hmmm... Cody, Taylor, or Bambi? I'll have to find some pictures of Cody and Taylor (two of the dogs we had while I was growing up) for some of you to understand.

Apparently, Isaiah can tell that Darth Vader is from the dark side.

The original R2-D2 from Episodes IV-VI

The original C-3PO from episodes IV-VI

Storm Trooper

The original Darth Vader costume from episodes IV-VI

The Very Wise Yoda

Isaiah was not so impressed. He actually fell asleep during the Special Effects IMAX movie.

See the tornado?

Afternoon newscasters - Becky and Tim

It's not vacation until we take a picture of ourselves!

View from our hotel room

- becky

Pictures From Minnesota, Take Three!

Squirmy-wormy Isaiah with Great-Grandma

With Great-Grandpa

Mall of America! (Very successful shopping here - I finally found maternity pants that fit, and they were even on sale!

A calm moment for Isaiah - and I mean just a moment.

The center of the Mall of America is an amusement park. We were excited to see that the theme for it is now Nickelodeon. Isaiah loves Nickelodeon, so we thought this would be great! How wrong we were... It all started in the first of four gift shops. All was good until I showed him a stuffed Ming Ming duck from the Wonder Pets. It completely freaked him out!

An adorable ride with a Wonder Pets theme - Kids sit in the boat and get gently lifted into the air and lowered back down.

No way would I ever ride this! Do you see the little car going up the 90 degree incline? Well, once they cross the top, they go down a hill just as steep on the other side! Scary stuff, man!

This one's for you, Mom!

- becky

Pictures From Minnesota, Take Two!

I told you yesterday that I would give you an update after my doctor appointment today. Baby's heartbeat was good and strong at 150 beats per minute. We even heard it move against the doppler! I think I have felt a couple of flutters, which is very exciting for me. My blood pressure and weight gain are both good. 96 over 64, and I've only gained a total of 5 pounds so far - excellent! I have an ultrasound with a perinatologist on August 22nd, and I will see Dr. Clark again on September 9th.

And now, back to our vacation...

Father-Son time at Aunt Carol's resort in Spicer, MN on Green Lake

See them down there on the dock? Isaiah loves to look at fish. (We now stop at the tanks every time we go to Wal Mart.)


Candid shots are my favorite!

Us with Grandpa and Grandma Werder

Nick, Jess, Hannah, and Ian with Grandma and Grandpa Werder

Grandma, Grandpa, Carol, and Les - Carol is Bette's sister (Tim's mom)

Carol and Les cooked us a fantastic dinner - turkey, salad, baked potatoes, and the most delicious green beans! It was great to spend some time with them because we don't get to see them very often. They spend their summers at the Olde Mill Resort in Minnesota, but they live near Dallas in the winter months.

Godfathers and Godsons

Look at Ian sitting up all by himself!

Hannah was making Isaiah belly laugh - too cute!

Hannah is so adorable. She wanted to sit in my lap one night when we were visiting, and she was so cautious of the baby in my tummy. She even asked if she could feel it. Hannah is a great big sister to Ian!

- becky