New blog...

I have officially moved over to blogspot. Sorry there has been so much time in between posts, but I have been copying all my blog posts from webs.com to blogspot.

We have been busy the past few weeks with the holidays and all the traveling that goes along with it. I am almost positive we drove over a 1,000 miles in the past 2 weeks.

On December 29th, our family welcomed another baby, Miss Theia Nicole Doescher. I am finally an aunt! She arrived just before midnight on the 29th and weighed in at 4 lbs. 11 oz. and everyone is doing well.

Taryne is growing up like crazy...she loves "standing" and she has a ball in her new exersaucer!

Here are a few random pics of Taryne the last few days...

Well...Mimi, Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Zach are here visiting Taryne so I will sign off for now...until next time...Gig'em!

Roll over, roll over...

Originally posted 12/10/09

Ok, this has been a great week! Taryne has slept all night every night since last Friday. Woohoo!!

Yesterday, I laid her down for a nap (she was fussy and really needed a nap, but wouldn't go to sleep) and I let her lay there for a while so she could try to fall asleep. After at least half an hour of making noises, it finally was quiet in her room...I decided to go check on her to see if she actually fell asleep. To my shock, she was laying on her tummy and one of her legs was hanging out of the crib through one of the slats. It scared the crap out of me!! I rushed in and picked her and turned her over. Of course, as soon as I realized she was ok and that she had finally rolled over on her own, I wished I had taken a picture of her on her tummy with the leg sticking out. Post incident it was pretty funny.

So...in the past week she has started sleeping all night, sucking her thumb and rolling over. Wow!

This afternoon Taryne's stocking arrived. Her Mimi and Papa (my parents) got her a beautiful monogrammed stocking for Christmas. I put it next to Taryne to take a picture and it is HUGE! It is as big as she is...we even tried to put her in the stocking, but the top is smaller so she would only fit up to her butt...

Stocking...

Mantle with stockings...

Tree and mantle...

Well...until next time...Gig'em!

Holiday season...

Originally posted 12/06/09

I know it has been quite a while since I have posted...we have been busy traveling for Thanksgiving and getting settled back in from the trip.

Taryne had her first overnight trip over Thanksgiving. It was a "fun" time packing the truck with all the stuff you need for a baby for 4 nights. We were pretty impressed, she did really well in the car and slept the entire time...which is a good thing because she was "packed" in the car and if she needed out, we would have to unpack several things...

Thanksgiving was exciting because she was able to meet all of her family on Kyle's side. Everyone was so excited to meet her! We also got to spend a little time with my family and Charlotte, Zach, Kyle and I had our traditional lunch/dinner at Mamacita's in Fredericksburg. It was yummy! We also took a few family pictures in Fredericksburg...

The weekend before Thanksgiving, Taryne slept through the night 3 nights in a row. It was awesome and a little scary that first morning. I thought Kyle had got up with her and just let me sleep, but in reality she slept all night! Well on Monday, she had her 2 month checkup (she was really 2 1/2 months but we couldn't get an appt right away) and she weighed 10 pounds 8 ounces and was 21 inches long. She was given a clean bill of health and she got all of her 2 month vaccinations that day...well that ended the sleeping all night routine...

While we were in Llano for the holiday, she got up at least twice a night, but I know she was not used to sleeping in a pack and play...this past week at home she transitioned back to waking up once a night and this weekend she has started sleeping all night again....so... I am wondering if this is going to be a weekend thing...you know, when we can get extra rest and sleep in or if this will be the new routine. We shall see...

During her checkup, the doctor said we could give her a little rice cereal to help her sleep longer at night, especially when she acts like she is starving after she eats. So..we attempted the rice cereal. She ate a little, but that was it...but she did sleep longer and seemed full, which is a good thing.

We also discovered this week that Taryne has started sucking her thumb. I have gone in her room to check on her and I hear this really loud sucking noise and she has discovered her thumb...

Christmas is really my favorite time of year...until we get to the actual day because we are expected at so many places. We really have gotten tired of the going and going that has become associated with the holidays. Since we are now a family of 3 we have decided that we are going to spend Christmas day at home...together...just the 3 of us. We have yet to decide what our own family traditions will be, but we have a little time to decide.

Getting a fresh Christmas tree is part of my holiday preparations every year. I go the Monday or so after Thanksgiving and select a fresh tree. Once I get it home, I have this 24 hour process I go through in order to make sure my tree lasts until at least Christmas day, but hopefully for a little longer since the recycle day for Christmas trees in College Station is about 2 weeks after Christmas. So I got my tree on Monday and Tuesday evening we set it up. And Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning...around 3 am...it fell over. Now this is pretty normal for us. We have the tree fall over almost every year....usually it starts to fall and I somehow get stuck under it...holding it up. This year, we utilized one of our tested methods to keep it up...after it fell of course...we used floral wire tied to the top of the tree and attached to a cup hook that is mounted (discretely) above the window trim.

We also ended up with at least 30 ornaments that needed "surgery" after this fall...there are some ornaments that are completely missing large pieces...no idea where they went...

We have tried countless different things to prevent this including the purchase of several different tree stands. Every year Kyle tells me I just need to get an artificial tree... We grew up with a fresh tree (for the most part anyway) and I remember waiting for the day my dad would come home with a surprise for us...the Christmas tree. I just loved the anticipation and the smell of the fresh tree. Luckily, technology has now created candles that smell EXACTLY like a Christmas tree....I guess if I end up with an artificial tree, then I will be utilizing these candles more often...I still use them anyway...especially during the year when I want the Christmas smell in my house.

Here is our tree and mantle. Taryne's stocking is on the way so we have a decorative one in it's place at the moment...

Well...I have blabbed on long enough today...I hope you have a great holiday season, a Merry Christmas ( I will be back before Christmas, but I still want to wish you a Merry Christmas) and until next time...Gig'em!

Wanting to stand...

Originally posted 11/19/09

Taryne loves to "stand". She will go through spells where she will scream if she is not "standing". She also loves to "sit" by the way... She spends a lot of time in her borrowed Bumbo. Thanks Cat for letting her borrow it!!! I try to be a practical person, so I try to borrow what items I can, especially those items that Taryne will outgrow quickly.

Today we borrowed and excersaucer from my good friend Melissa. She has two beautiful children, Conner and Carolina Grace have both outgrown the excersaucer. This evening Kyle helped me get it set up for Taryne to play with and "stand". This type of toy usually says 4 months to walking on them and Taryne is almost 2 1/2 months, so she is a little young, but we thought we could "pack" her in.

Well we got it set up and we put her in and she loved it! We had to put some books under her feet so she could "stand". She was really trying to push with her feet and legs because she pushed the books aside...or at least the ones she could reach. And of course Phoebe had a field day with all the licking opportunities provided by feet dangling down. Taryne is still a little small for it, but she will just have to grow into it because she had so much fun!

Taryne in the excersaucer...

And here is Phoebe licking those tiny toes!

Until next time...Gig'em!

Taryne's baby book...

Originally posted 11/19/09

So a few weeks ago I finally bought a scrapbook to use as Taryne's baby book. I looked at the standard baby books as well as the "pre-made" scrapbooks but I just didn't fall in love with any of them. And I did not want to mess with all the "prompts" that are usually in these type of books. So I decided to make my own instead. I bought a cute scrapbook and I started collecting paper for the pages. I also started printing pictures and collecting other items to go in her book.

This week I finally started putting the pages together. I decided that I wanted to bring it with me next week to Thanksgiving so I really needed to get going. None of the pages are super fancy or too creative, but I am getting the pertinent info down on paper before it is forgotten. I have every page that came in the book "dedicated" to something and I need a ton more pages...but I will work with what I have so far and add more later.

Here is a picture of the cover:

And the first page:

And the 2nd & 3rd page:

And the 4th & 5th page:

This is just a preview...and hopefully I will have the rest finished soon...until next time...Gig'em!

Early morning bath...

Originally posted 11/12/09

You just have to love it when you are changing Taryne that she decides to go more while you are changing her and then you have a river of pee all over her, her clothes and the changing pad...

Here are some pics of Taryne after her bath this morning....

Until next time...Gig'em!

Back to work...

Originally posted 11/11/09

Well this week I had to go back to work. To be honest, I was really excited about it....but keep in mind, I am working from home, so I still get to spend the day with Taryne. I am very lucky and thankful to have such a wonderful company that gives its employees the freedom to work from home when necessary. My actual maternity leave ended last week, but per FMLA, I can have another 4 weeks. I have chosen to take those 4 weeks, but I am working out of my house instead of the office.

I am also still on several wait lists for daycare. Daycare in College Station is a bit crazy. Most places, or at least places you would leave your child have about an 18 month wait list. So...are you supposed to get on the wait list before you are pregnant? We are hopeful to get in our #1 choice in January. However, it will most likely be part-time. But once she is in, then she is on the "priority" list for full time day care.

I am fortunate to have today off to celebrate Veteran's Day. Many people in our company either served in the military or their immediate family did or a close friend. I think it is great to observe this holiday...most companies/businesses do not. It is a great way for us to reflect on those who serve our country and thank them for their sacrifices. We often get preoccupied with the trivial things in life and forget about these people in harms way all over the world fighting for us to enjoy freedom and for our great country.

The holiday season is fast approaching. I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is in 2 weeks! And then Christmas will be here before you know it. I guess I need to start my shopping. I am excited for Taryne and her first Christmas. This is my favorite holiday!!

I am also a little sad at this time of year. I drove by campus the other day and I still think it is strange to not see a Bonfire being built. Next Wednesday, November 18 will mark the 10 year anniversary of the Bonfire tragedy. I did not work on Bonfire as a student, but it was a very big part of campus life. We try to go to the Student Bonfire every year. We will not be able to go this year because Taryne is a little too young...but next year I plan to bring her to her first Fightin' Texas Aggie Bonfire! For more info on Student Bonfire, go to www.studentbonfire.com.

This Saturday we take on Oklahoma...there. Maybe we will do well...they have not played to their normal OU potential this year. Until next time...Gig'em!

We have a little squirmer...

Originally posted 11/08/09

We know Taryne likes to "move" around the bed while she is sleeping. She cannot stay in one place...

Tonight we put her to sleep a little early (she was yawning like crazy and we knew we would be up awhile watching football) and every time we went in to check on her, she had moved a little more and was inching closer to the edge of the bed. We really are ready to go to sleep but we know as soon as we go to bed she will wake up and be ready to eat. I went to check on her a few minutes ago and this is how she was sleeping...

Her hands were hanging out of the crib!!!

Well our Ags lost a close one today to Colorado...next weekend we are going to Oklahoma...should be an interesting game...both teams are looking for their 6th win to become bowl eligible...who would have thought OU would not be bowl eligible at this point in the season? It is going to be a tough game, but hopefully the Ags can get the win...BTHO OU!!!

Until next time...Gig'em!

Halloween...

Originally posted 11/04/09

So I decided to get Taryne a costume...at the last minute. Which is ok because I got it for half off! She was Tinkerbell and she was adorable!

So...my plans to take Taryne Trick or Treating at the Bush Library went down the tubes when we drove up and the line to get in was literally a mile long! Kyle gave me that look that said..."You better keep driving" so I did. When we got home we took a few pictures of Taryne in her Tinkerbell costume...

On Halloween, we had tons of Trick or Treaters at our house and once again I ran out of candy. Thanks to my friend Catherine who "donated" her candy to our bucket since she would not be home that night to pass out candy. After we ran out of candy, we took Taryne Trick or Treating to a few of our friends houses.

Here are a few pictures of Taryne in her Tinkerbell costume without the onsie underneath and the pants on...it was a chilly night.

Here are some pictures of Taryne from earlier in the day on Halloween...

And during her nap she managed to remove her hat and she has some horrible hat hair! Our little Linus...

Well this is my last week at home with Taryne. I go back to work next week, but I will be working from home so I will still be here with Taryne. I am sad and excited at the same time. I am glad to get back to a work routine and I am thankful I have a job that allows me to work from home. It is hard to believe that it has been 7 1/2 weeks! My little girl is growing so fast!!

The month of November is already here...where o where has the time gone...it seems like just yesterday it was the beginning of the year and I had just found out I was pregnant with Taryne. I cannot wait to get my Christmas decorations down from the attic and get them put up around the house. I guess I need to get the Halloween decorations down first...

Well...I am going to enjoy my last few days off work with Taryne...until next time...Gig'em!

Busy weekend...

Originally posted 10/28/09

So a few weeks ago I was at a complete loss for words with the state of Aggie football. However, last weekend my beloved Ags redeemed themselves and BTHO tech. What a wonderful day! The only thing better is beating t.u.! We have not won in Lubbock since 1993...wow, that was a long time ago! Strange things seem to happen when A&M plays tech, but it is much worse when we are playing in Lubbock. The game this year was not decided by bad calls, weird things or the West Texas wind messing with us...it was a good old fashioned butt kicking! Hopefully A&M can continue to play well and improve and totally leave the team that played KSU in Kansas.

Also on Saturday, Charlotte and I spent most of the day making cake balls for Tanya and Charlie's baby shower on Sunday. We had high ambitions...we were going to make 3 flavors: chocolate covered strawberry, chocolate and lemon. We baked the cakes and made the cake balls. Everything was going smoothly until we started to dip the cake balls in the bark coating. I don't know if it was the weather or just the Baking Gods messing with us, but the chocolate would not stay melted (even though we kept it over a pot of hot water) and then it started getting bubbles and a little chunky. And it wasn't chunky because pieces of cake broke off into the chocolate...it just did this on its own. So after we covered the chocolate and lemon cake balls, we gave up. Around midnight, we went to Kroger and got some pound cake and "made" petit fours. We did make the icing from scratch!

On Sunday, we packed up the car with food and people (Me, Kyle, Taryne, Charlotte and Zach) and drove to Humble for the baby shower. The shower was great! We got to see family that we have not seen in a long time as well as some we've seen recently. Taryne was able to meet her Great Aunt Arlene, Great Uncle Ken, cousins Amy, Keri, Clare, Mackenzie and Nicole and she got to see her Great Grandma Milady, Great Aunt Claire and her Mimi and Papa (my mom and dad). For her first "long car trip", Taryne did really well. It was a long day and it was good to get her home and to bed that evening.

Yesterday I started reading Harry Potter to Taryne. It is never to early for her to listen to Harry Potter and this makes me not feel so silly talking to her since she can't really talk back yet. She just stared at me and listened...I was surprised she sat so still and quite, but either she likes listening to me talk or she actually liked the story!

Taryne has been doing so well as a baby. She is rarely fussy...she has one fussy day a week. Or at least that is how it has been so far. And that one fussy day a week is getting further apart. Today I decided to see how well Taryne sits up. I got out her high chair and set it up on one of the dining chairs. She holds her head up pretty well and so I thought she would like to sit. She loved it! She did so much better than I thought she would.

She is 6 1/2 weeks in the picture above. Last Friday I weighed her and she is already 8 pounds! She is growing like crazy and she is finally fitting into some of her clothes! It seemed like she was wearing the same thing over and over and over because everything was so big on her.

Well this weekend is Halloween...we can't wait!! I had originally planned to dress her in a Halloween onsie for Halloween, but I am considering buying her a last minute costume...not sure yet. Friday night there is a Trick-or-Treat event at the George Bush library and I am thinking of taking her trick-or-treating there on Friday so Saturday we can have trick-or-treaters here at the house. So...if I get a costume she can wear it Friday and then wear her cute Halloween onsie and hat Halloween night. I am so excited for her first Halloween. This is my 2nd favorite holiday, right behind Christmas. If you live in College Station, stop by Saturday night! We have full size Airheads!!!

Well it is time for me to get Taryne ready for bed...until next time...Gig'em!

Bath time...

Originally posted 10/20/09

Bath time is always fun with Taryne....after the first bath she seems to cry less and actually enjoys it. Tonight she did really well and pretty much just laid there while we bathed her.

Here are a few pics of Taryne during bath time. We are pretty sure she is going to have curly hair...when her hair is wet, it curls on the ends. I am sure we will see more curls once her hair gets a little longer.

After bathtime, she fell asleep on Kyle's tummy...it was adorable!

Last weekend we attended Kevin's 16th birthday party at Wings 'N' More. It was a great party and here is a pic from the party.

We were"marooned out" for the game...but it didn't help...at all....

The game was only available on Fox College Sports and that channel is only available on Direct TV, which we do not have. So we got lucky that the party was at Wings because they have that channel. Well...like I said, the party was great, the game, however, was not.

Well, as I type I am trying to get Taryne to go back to sleep...wish me luck! Until next time...Gig'em!

Birthdays...

Ok, ok, so it has been a while since I took the time to type...I have been a bit busy.

Last Friday was my 31st birthday...I still don't feel that old, so I guess that is a good thing. It was my first birthday as a mom. Taryne is one of the best birthday gifts I could ever ask for and it is one that keeps on giving and giving....Thanks to all my wonderful friends and family that sent cards, notes and birthday wishes!

Kyle was a super sweetie! Friday morning he gave me my birthday card before he left for work. (I was already up from feeding Taryne) and he had also got me a card from Taryne! I have to say I cried a little...how sweet is he!!??!! Friday evening he took me to dinner at Texas Roadhouse sans Taryne. Our good friend Sherry kept Taryne for a few hours so we could brave the football crowds and not worry about carrying a baby with us. Kyle also got me a beautiful sapphire ring (Taryne's birthstone). It is absolutely gorgeous!!

Last Saturday was Taryne's 4 week birthday!! As I type this she is already 4 1/2 weeks old, but she is growing like crazy. She has her moments, but she is sleeping longer between feedings and is finally fitting into some of her clothes. However, she still looks so tiny!

Here is a picture Sherry took of Taryne last Friday!

She has crazy eyes!! She has been focusing on things better and sometimes crosses her eyes. It is really quite funny!

Well our Ags did not pull out the win again....it was a really good game despite the final score. I know we will be able to BTHO Kansas State this weekend. We are improving every week and we are playing a record number of true freshmen and sophomores so it takes a few weeks for them to gain game-time experience.

Well Taryne is asleep....time to get a few things done! Until next time...Gig'em!

The first days...

Originally posted September 17, 2009

Well, as I type this, Taryne is 6 days old. Wow, I can't believe it has been almost a week since she arrived! This past week has been a journey....

I was released from the hospital on Tuesday, but we were unable to bring her home that day. Her magnesium levels were down, but she had a little jaundice, so she spent a day under the lights to help that go away. On Tuesday, everything looked good for Taryne, but the doctor was not ready to release her because she had so many changes in one day. She no longer needed the lights, she was eating more, they removed her IV and her magnesium levels were good. He wanted to see how she did overnight and make sure she improved.

It was very hard for me to go home without her, but I am glad that she stayed to make sure everything was ok. I would rather her stay one extra night than have to rush to the hospital because something went wrong.

I was taking a nap Wednesday afternoon when Kyle woke me up and asked if I was ready to take my daughter home. I was soooo excited!!!! We were planning to go up to the hospital for the 3 pm visitation time so we could feed her, but this was a bonus! After we fed her, she was released and we brought her home.

The first evening and night went better than I could have dreamed. Granted, we got little sleep, but it wasn't bad. It was interesting to watch Cassie and Phoebe interact with her. Cassie is very protective of Taryne and only gets a little agitated when Taryne cries. Phoebe, however, has to be "under" where ever Taryne is at the moment. She is a little crazy too. Phoebe is literally under Taryne a lot of the time, or tries to be. If Taryne is in her bed or the pack'n'play, she gets under it. Weird I know.

Taryne had her first doctor's appointment today. The appointment was a requirement of her hospital release. It was her first outing since coming home. For a newborn, this outing went exceptionally well. First of all, we had to wait about an hour before we actually saw the doctor. And then after we saw the doctor, she had a little blood work to be done. The whole trip pushed her feeding time back and she (amazingly) was not cranky and seemed fairly content. We were also excited to know she has gained some weight. She now weights 7 pounds 2 ounces! We were surprised at how much she has grown.

Here are some pictures of our little angel over the past 6 days....

Kyle bringing to the house from the car...

The Rode Family

Cassie & Phoebe trying to figure out Taryne...

I will post more pictures later...it is nap time for the parents and Taryne...until next time...Gig'em!

Taryne's 2 week birthday...

Originally posted September 26, 2009

So today Taryne is officially 2 weeks old. I hate to sound like a broken record, but really, where did the time go? I can't believe she is already 2 weeks old! With the exception of 1 day, she has been an excellent baby. She hardly cries and she sleeps well.

Each day has been a learning experience and each day we get to know her so much better. She definitely has her parent's stubbornness. I originally had planned to not breastfeed, but ultimately decided to give it a try. So far the experience as a whole has been good. At times, it is a battle of wills between Taryne and I. However, so far, I have proven to be more stubborn than Taryne and each day she is getting better. Thanks goodness!

Note to future parents: never stand directly behind a baby's behind while changing....(current parents probably already know this...) While changing Taryne the other day, Kyle and I were standing on Taryne's side (the changing pad is on the dresser and to stand on the rear end side would be on the end of the dresser, not her side) and as soon as we got the clean diaper under her behind she started sneezing....and poop shot 3-4 feet away onto the wall and the diaper genie. Besides being a mess, we laughed our rears off.

It is amazing to watch her change each day. We have not weighed her since her last appointment, but we know she is growing. We noticed the other day that she is already longer (taller) because she was stretched out in her crib and there was less space between her and the sides of the crib compared to when we first brought her home. She is smiling more every day and it is just fun to watch her facial expressions. I wish I knew what she was thinking when she makes some of those faces!

Here are a few pics from this week...

This has to be one of my favorites.....

And here is Taryne all decked out for the Aggie game....

Taryne finally got to meet her Uncle Josh this weekend. He is in town for the weekend and he went to watch the Ags BTHO UAB! The Ags are off to a great start this season and we are excited that the game next weekend against Arkansas is on TV. We will finally be able to see the Ags play and not just listen to the game on the radio.

Yesterday was Taryne's first trip outside (besides doctor appointments) the house...or away from the house. Taryne and I went up to work to celebrate Cory and Michelle's birthdays and then we visited Kyle for lunch. After lunch, we went to Target to pick up a few things. To my surprise, she either slept or was content the entire time! No fussiness at all!! She is going to spoil me and then one day she is just going to let loose in a store....

Well, she is sleeping...I guess I should take the chance and get a little rest. Until next time...Gig'em!

Taryne's Birth Day

Originally posted September 13, 2009

Well...our little bundle of joy arrived...early!!!

Stats:

Name: Taryne Milady Rode

Date: September 12, 2009

Time: 6:08 AM

Weight: 6 pounds 1 ounce

Length: 18 3/4 inches

I have been home on bed rest for the past 2 weeks because my blood pressure was high. Well, at my appointment last Friday (9/11/09), the doctor sent me to the hospital to have them monitor my blood pressure for a few hours. He said "Oh, there is a 99.9% chance you are going back home tonight and I will see you on Monday." Well...my blood pressure did go down, but the doctor at the hospital spoke with my doctor and they decided that I was having Taryne that night.

So...this is not necessarily the news I wanted to hear...only because I was doing wedding flowers for someone for a wedding the next day! Thank goodness I had help!! I cannot thank Jordana, Charlotte, my mom and everyone else that helped enough for stepping up and taking this job over.

After they told us Taryne was arriving sometime tonight, they proceeded with inducing me and at 6:08 AM, we got to meet Taryne for the first time! Because my blood pressure had been high, they had given me magnesium to prevent seizures...well after Taryne was born and they did all the routine tests, they found that her magnesium level was also high. So...she has been in NICU to get that number down. The level of magnesium in her blood was 4.8 and it needed to be under 3. As of this morning it was 3.1 so we have been able to feed her and reduce her IV intake. Luckily when she was first born I was able to feed her right away. Once they realized that number was high, they would not let me feed her because the magnesium can cause her to be sluggish and therefore her digestive system would also be sluggish. Hopefully in the morning that number will be much lower and whenever they let me go home, hopefully she will be able to leave as well.

Here are some pictures...

The three of us right after she was born.

Miss Taryne Milady Rode

We have already been informed by the nurses in NICU that she has a personality! I can only imagine the mischief she will come up with over the years. As they say..."Paybacks are hell!"

They have said the earliest we can go home is tomorrow (Monday), so we will see. Well, I will post more info later...I have to rest to keep my blood pressure down...I don't want them to find a reason to keep us here longer! Until next time...Gig'em!

The countdown begins...

Originally posted September 3, 2009

So today marks 37 weeks down and 3 to go! Where oh where did the past 37 weeks go? I honestly do not know, but we could not be more excited.....

Here is a picture of Taryne sucking her thumb from our appointment this morning:

Today is a great day because the College Football countdown is over and we will spend the next several days watching as much college football as we can. Tonight: South Carolina at NC State and then (if I can stay up) Oregon at Boise State. Thank goodness for the start of college football on Labor Day weekend...5 days of football!

We have Taryne's room pretty much ready to go. I have been busy washing stuff (clothes, blankets, towels, etc) for days...or so it seems. I ordered her bedding and it should be here tomorrow! I can't wait to get it in, get it washed and put on her bed...I will add pictures once I get the bedding ready. The car seat is here and just needs to be installed in the car. Everything is assembled, but some things still need batteries....All that is left is for me to pack my bag.

I have had to start working from home because my blood pressure has been a little high lately. Luckily I have a job that allows me to do this. I was ordered by my doctor to rest more and I have to say, I have felt much better after my many endless days of laying on the couch. At least I can work to make the day go by faster because TV watching is not my favorite thing...unless it is football!

I am so excited...2 of my cousins: Nicole and Chance have recently got engaged!!!! And...Kyle's cousin Jetta is engaged!!!! And...my sister, Tanya is having a girl!! So we are adding tons of people to the family in the next year! We are so excited that Taryne will have a little girl cousin to play with and grow up with. So far, next year at this time, there will be 2 new babies, a new brother-in-law and 3 new cousin-in-laws! Wow!!

So...the Aggies have their home opener this weekend against New Mexico. We cannot wait to see how our Ags have improved since last year...I know our players have worked hard this off season and Aggie Nation expects quite a bit out of these guys. I wish we had tickets to this weekend's game, but since I am supposed to be resting, it is probably for the best....well, let's hope for a successful Aggie football season and until next time...Gig'em!!

Labor Day weekend...

Originally posted September 7, 2009

Well, we are both very happy to have a 3 day weekend. Hopefully it will not become a real "labor day" tomorrow!

Thank goodness for college football starting. It has helped me with my "get more rest" order from the doctor. We watched some amazing games this weekend and we have 2 left to watch tomorrow. Our Ags played well on Saturday and came away with a win; the best way to start the season! A&M has a bye week this next weekend, but we are ready to BTHO Utah State in two weeks!

On Friday, Taryne's bedding arrived. After getting it all washed, I got the bed all set up. It looks amazing!!

Here is a shot with the monogram.....notice the circles on the skirt match the circle on the monogram....I have a method to my madness!!

We were fortunate enough to get a great side table for the glider. We got it from some of our good friends that were moving away. It originally had a clock under the glass, but I removed the clock "parts" and Kyle painted the table. I covered the clock face with a beautiful scrapbook paper and we now have a side table that goes with the room.

So....most of you know that I am not the "weekly belly shot" type of person. Instead, I wanted to have some pictures of my pregnant belly once I "sprouted" that belly. Today we took some photos of me in Taryne's room. Since I am going to the doctor twice a week now to monitor my blood pressure, I decided that I could not wait any longer to take these since they could tell me at any time now that I need to go to the hospital and have the baby.

So, without further ado....

...and...here is one of Kyle and myself....

I believe we are now ready for Taryne to arrive. I spend most of Sunday getting the last of the blankets and all her clothes washed. It is amazing how many loads of laundry I have done getting everything for baby washed over the past week or so.

This weekend is really the first time I have felt "pregnant". I guess that is pretty good considering I only have a little over 2 weeks before she is due to arrive. I am definitely to the point where I am ready for her to be here...I can only eat about 5 bites of food before I feel so full I want to be sick. I have managed to get myself on a regular schedule each night for potty breaks. I guess this is God's way of preparing me to be up every 2 hours with a new baby!! Luckily, I have found a way to over come my stomach sleeping habit....I have some how trained my brain to think I am sort of sleeping on my stomach by using a body pillow and turning very far over on either side.

Kyle and I are both amazed at how much my belly seems to "grow" day to day now! It is truly amazing that there is a person inside of me and we will meet her soon enough!!....Until next time...Gig'em!