Family Living: Abbott Style

We had our regular check-up today.  We got a sneak peak at the babe via ultrasound and confirmed that he is now head down.  I could have guess that, as he has been moving around like a mad man recently--so I figured he was moving from the transverse to the optimal head down.  Everything looked good.  He even had a full bladder--which is...interesting to think about.  We still have about a month and a half or so to go--so I am starting to get that,so close yet so far away feeling.  I've been able to get a fair amount of 'exercise' in.  I end up walking or something for about 45 minutes, on average 5 days a week.  The change in the weather has been nice.  I much prefer taking walks outdoors.  Last night I took a cycle class, which is fine.  I gave up on push-ups for now, just because I am already uncomfortable, I don't want to risk injuring my back or something.  So mostly, just trying to stay moving for my sanity.   ...

Waking up to the sound of little bare feet on hardwood floors... Then the quiet whisper " Daddddyyy.  Daddddyyyy.  Wake up ." Sleepily we all sit around the breakfast table eating pancakes, fueling ourselves for the day.  I had checked the weather the day before and decided it would be a perfect day to hit the trails with my family for a little walk.  By 8 a.m. we were on the road ready to roll. Recently, Ian bought me a Garmin for my "push present" (a bit early--but I couldn't wait to use it) so I was eager to see how the GPS worked on the trails. The answer is, awesome!  We got a nice 2.5 mile walk in and then let Haley play on the playground.  There are so many awesome features on the watch that I can't wait to use when I am in the full swing of training again--more on that later. The weather was beautiful!  I couldn't have asked for a more comfortable temperature. Plus it was so nice to share the trails with my family. After we got our ex...

My mom and dad vowed to each other, the rest of their lives. Talk about pressure.  This was not just a marriage of two people.  This was an instant family.  A wife, two kids, and his and her cats.  Shit got real serious when they said 'I Do'.  Lesser people, would have failed. But my parents accomplished the almost unaccomplishable.   I was four at the time. My memories are vague.  But I could probably imagine that our little trio (my mom, brother, and myself) was a bit bruised and broken. Twenty years ago, not only did two people commit their lives together--they committed to rebuild something that was broken.  And they succeeded. So while this is my parents wedding anniversary, I do find some sentimental value in it for myself (goodness how narcissistic is that?)  But what I mean is, not only was their marriage significant for them--it was extremely significant for me as well. I learned about love.  Not the puppy dog stuff. ...

We are now TWO weeks from OCTOBER.  The most fantastic and wonderful month of the year.  Nicknamed, "my birthday month".  It is not so much my birthday that I get excited about as it is the weather and fall festivities.  Incidentally, not a fan of Halloween, however. Seeing 80 and 90's in the forecast, literally makes me moody.  Mother nature needs to get it together.  I am a high of 70--SEVENTY, kinda girl.  Not Seventy-something.  Seventy.  Period.  Sunny of course.  With a subtle but crisp breeze. Moving on.  Things have been pretty status quo around here.  Haley recently started AWANAs at church. So let us talk about this.  Once a week, this momma gets 1.5 hours to herself--no workout required.  Not trying to get greedy, I do get an hour break per day to workout-but it is nice to get an additional break with no heart rate increase required.  Last week, I opted for some shopping--this week, I think ...

I have no shame in the fact that we are bargain shoppers.  In fact, I would say it is a bit of a "shared passion" between Ian and myself. So it is no surprise that garage sales are sometimes a source of entertainment for us.  Haley has been a bit of a game changer.  The need and want to garage sale has increased, while the ease of garage sale shopping has decreased.  Simply getting her in and out of the car is a pain.  Not to mention, Haley wants to touch and look and play with EVERYTHING, but can't.  I do find it humorous that she looks around stating, "2 dollars, 2 dollars, 2 dollars".  Which I have NO idea where she got that. Anyways, we did some shopping today--with success.  Got some great clothing for the kids, an awesome floor puzzle, and some decor things.  But today got me thinking about Garage Sale Etiquette. Now, etiquette is something our society lacks in general.  I am truly becoming a cynical person who hates most peo...

There is nothing like the feeling of a freshly cleaned house.  Top to bottom.  Laundry done.  Dishes done.  Clean sheets. The whole sha-bang. As my major cleaning day, Sundays are bitter sweet around here.  I wake up grumbling, but by the end of the day--I feel re-energized and ready to take on the week. Sometimes I like trying out new products.  Because let's face it, we are all trying to get more done in less time with less effort.  And with cleaning, that can be all about using the right tools and supplies. Let me introduce you to my new favorite cleaner: Lysol Power and Free multi-purpose with Hydrogen Peroxide.  Basically, the bottle says you can use it on most surfaces (including painted walls) AND it kills germs.  Sometimes it is hard to find a multi-surface cleaner, without harsh chemicals, that ALSO kills germs.  AND that smells good.  Ya right. Forget about it. Well this my friends.  Smells good.  Work...

It's the final countdown.... Enter Europe: I hope that got your blood pumping, because I danced around my bedroom to this video. We are talking 9 weeks people.  Give or take what baby decides.  But we are on the final countdown.  The home stretch.  The grand finale. And I am ready to EMBRACE and not rush these last few weeks.  Whiny pregnant women are annoying.  And I have had a rough go at it.  I've been all....."waaaaaa progesterone", "waaaaa placenta previa", "waaaaa stress/anxiety".  And it is about time that I embrace my lovely lady bumps and breath.  Because this thing is happening.  And everything, will likely be just fine.  No more placenta issues.  I am on track for a typical, end of pregnancy.  Baby looks good. So.  In my journey in deciding to embrace these final weeks, I have created myself a "bucket list/ to do list" Before Baby:  Around the House Clean and organize storage Cle...

Ahh, where have I been? If I am being truthful, I would say that I have been in some crummy head space.  Now, please don't picture me moping around my house, crying and yelling at my daughter and hubby.  It isn't like that.  At all.  But I realized today, I have been in a funk for awhile.  There are a lot of contributing factors--but one thing that has come with maturity is despite my frame of mind, I know my responsibility as a wife and mother.  You wake up, you smile, and you go through the day being a good pleasant person--even when you don't feel like it. The thing is, I have never been the person that has been okay with crawling on the sofa and doing nothing in a pair of zumbaz pants....  I am active.  I like to be busy.  I like to play.  I like to enjoy life.  But this round of pregnancy has me wanting to lay on the sofa for days watching bad reruns on the SoapNet.  Doing nothing.  I make myself go t...