Running turns into Walking and Wearing a Bikini

This afternoon, I had a chance to workout with Sarah at her apartment complex. There are a few cardio machines, including a treadmill in the workout facility.

It's been a few weeks since I've tried running, so I thought I'd give it a shot. After about 5 minutes of running at a moderate pace, I felt my knees begging me to stop. So, I went back to a fast walk mode and after a few minutes I tried to start running again, but I had the same results. I was not a happy camper, so I only walked for 30 minutes and then switched to a bike for the remaining workout.

It's really frustrating when you have the desire to do something, but your body just won't cooperate. I guess I will have to wait until after Cheyenne arrives to enjoy running again.

Afterwards, we went swimming and I know it's a strange thing to see a pregnant woman wearing a bikini, but that didn't stop me. My one piece doesn't fit anymore, so I wore my bikini shorts and a top with my belly out there for the world to see.

Port Lavaca Baby Shower

Today was the Port Lavaca baby shower. Here is my wonderful family, who helped put it together.
Aunt Pam also helped, but left before this picture was taken.

It was a couples baby shower so that explains why Trey is in every other picture.
A classic baby shower game.

Cheyenne's first silverware.

Gifts, gifts, gifts....
I'm in a happy place next to the cake.

Welcome Cheyenne!

My nursery theme is Classic Winney the Pooh, so Pam made this as the center pieces.

To see all the pictures you can view them here.

A Nice Bump

I got great news today that I will receive a pay raise! After working so hard this week, that's exactly what I need. I'm so thankful and happy for the bump.

So, other than getting a pay raise, it looks like the painters will be returning. The have some touch ups to do in the nursery and I'm going to have them paint this accent wall where the fireplace is. I have to look at the color pallet but I was thinking a rich brown color.

Work Follwed by a Never Ending Cycle

After a busy weekend, I show up to work and I get slammed with project after project. It's appointments, followed by meetings, followed by tapings, followed by video that needs to be edited, followed by photography requests, followed by a long laundry list of more things. Today, I almost worked 12 hours, but I finally had to say, this will just have to wait until tomorrow.

When I got home, Trey knew I was tired and hungry so he offered to help with dinner. I really appreciated that. The rest of the night I vegged in front of the tube. I've really been wanting to work out, but have been so exhausted the last two evenings, I'm promising myself that tomorrow I will.

On a side note:
Yesterday, at work, I got stuck in an elevator for 20 minutes. I was stuck in there with two other people. We had to call for help and a cop and maintenance guy eventaully rescued us. I couldn't help, but think what if I was further along in pregnancy and actually went into labor? I voiced my concern to Karen, one of the ladies stuck in there with me. She use to be a med surge nurse and said she had actually delivered a baby in an elevator many years ago. Crazy.

Weekend Wedding

Linda and Edurado

Wedding Party

Uncle Jr and Aunt Mary Ellen with the Bride and Groom

Aunt Pam, Tyler, and Uncle Luis

Elvis entertained us at the rehearsal dinner

I had a chance to visit with my sisters
My mom and Frank, her soon to be husband

I posted more photos from the wedding on my picasa account

Paint....Check

It's Done!
Entry to Cheyenne's Room

The Crib will go against this wall

Lots of storage for diapers, decorations, blankets, toys, books, picture frames, etc...

The changing table/dresser will go between these two doors

Trey proudly standing next to his woodwork

Main door to enter/exit the room

I'm very pleased with the end result. The nursery is ready, just in time for all the baby showers.

5 am Date at Waffle House

For about a week, Trey and I have been planning to go out to breakfast. Well, this morning we actually woke up early enough to go. It was 5 am and we ate breakfast before Trey had to go to work and I had to come home and pack for the weekend.

At the moment, I'm at the house waiting for the painters. I can't wait until their done and they haven't even started.

Last night was a good girls night out. It was my first one with this group of girls. For the most part, they are all in their mid 20s with kids. Some of the conversation inevitably gravitated on the subject of children. And it got me thinking about my new role as a mother and the change it will have on my life. Things will change drastically in a matter of weeks. I'm gradually saying goodbye to my life as I know it and at the same time celebrating what lies ahead.

The Painters are Coming and Everything Work Related

The painters will start on the nursery this Friday. I'm going out of town this weekend and I'm hoping by the time I get back, they'll be done. I'll be going to Abilene for a family wedding. Trey will stay behind, something about work and a fantasy football draft. Yeah, work...right.

So, my weekend will start soon and I'm looking forward to it. Tomorrow, I'm going to a girls night out and I'm so ready for some fun after a long week at work.

I'm not complaining about it, I'm just ready for a break before the floodgates open Monday morning (the beginning of the fall semester). We've had high traffic and busy hours and it's only been orientation week.

It's been funny, seeing the returning students. They all look surprised when they see my belly. Oh, you're expecting! When are you due? How do you feel? The OB nursing faculty have asked me if I would like to volunteer in class. They would like the students to do an assessment on a real pregnant woman and I fit the the description. Between taping classes and everything in between, I'm not sure my schedule will allow it, but I really want to participate in their learning experience.

The Business of Being Born

At work, one of my job duties is to maintain the video catalog. This video came across my desk and I couldn't help, but watch it, especially since the subheading read, "A must see for any woman who's pregnant." That's Me!

So far, I've watched the first half and I'm captivated. The movie is enlightening, thought provoking, and educational. It really makes me look at things in a new light, but at the same time I realize and understand some of these stories and experiences are isolated incidents. Either way, it's interesting and got me thinking.

Here is the trailer


This is a required video for our OB nursing students to watch.

Virago Bike Sold

It took a few weeks, but the Virago Motorcycle sold! There for a while I was getting frustrated because I received so many emails from individuals who wanted it, but didn't want to pay a fair price.

This sell couldn't have come at a better time.

Going For It and Dallas Cowboys Jersey's in the Church Directory

After talking about it, Trey and I both agreed to go with the professional painters. I'm not sure when they will start, but I'm hoping it will get done by the end of the month, especially with all the baby showers approaching.

Well, so far I'm having a nice weekend. I got up this morning and started to mow the yard and I think Trey felt guilty, so he went out there and took over. I can still mow, but it was nice of him to finish up.

Tonight some friends invited us to go to a Cats baseball game, but we declined because we had already made plans to watch the Dallas Cowboys preseason game on TV. I wouldn't mind missing a preseason game to go watch the Cats, but Trey had already invited a friend over to the house to watch the game.

Speaking of the Cowboys:
Last night, we went to church to get our picture taken for the directory. I'm sure we'll be the only couple wearing Dallas Cowboys jersey's....Yes, Trey's idea.

So, yeah we're going to watch football tonight, but not before I watch the Women's marathon (Olympics). Oh, it's gonna be a good one! Go USA!

Maintaining Order in the Midst of Chaos

I love my job and have so much fun doing what I do, but the last two days have been crazy. Our webmaster is out on vacation, so myself and the rest of the team have been scrambling through several servers trying to maintain order. It's been challenging, but the students have been patient.

I need to get my mind off of work for a while, luckily, Clint and Sarah will help. Tonight, they'll be joining Trey and I for dinner and some preseason football watching.

Yes, it's that time of year, when Trey sits for hours at a time in front of the tube. Usually, I could care less, but this year I'm excited to see the Dallas Cowboys play. I'm so excited about this season, that I'm considering joining a fantasy football league at work.

Got the Quote

The painter gave us the quote, on how much it would cost to paint the nursery and I just about fell out of my chair.

Now the question is: What now?

Should Trey and I paint it?
Should we try to find somebody else?
Or just cave and get these guys to do it?

After all, it would be the same painters who painted our entire house, so I know the kind of quality work they do. Nice work.

Trey and I have a decision to make. I just don't want to have a crappy paint job and detract from the hard work we've put into the woodwork.

I've Never Been Happier to See Crown Molding

The crown molding is finally in place!
This is the door to enter the room.

According to Trey, the angles on this baby were really difficult. But I think he did a wonderful job. He really amazes me.

This is the closet door.


So, yesterday a painter stopped by to look at the room. We're still waiting to hear the projected cost of the paint work. I'm hoping it will be reasonable. Initially, I was thinking of painting the room two tones of green, but now I'm thinking of a portobello brown for the bottom of the chair rail and a country green for the top.

I'm Still in My PJs

I got in late last night and luckily my work schedule worked out to where I don't have to go in today. So, instead of working, I'm at home eating a late breakfast.

This weekend was fun. We had family from Midland stay at the house Friday and Saturday. Yep, Aunt Jari and Uncle John stayed at Anderson Hotel. Saturday evening we had a chance to spend some time with them at the Movie Tavern. We watched Step Brothers. I'm glad we had a chance to go, because Trey and I had been talking about going for weeks.

Well, Sunday we spent the day hanging out with Clint and Sarah. They moved here from Louisiana and had a friend in town visiting. They didn't know where to take her since they aren't that familiar with the area, so Trey and I sort of became their tour guides.

We ended up going to the Stockyards and Sundance Square.

This was Sarah's wonderful idea.
Sarah, Melody, and Me
Gotta pose with the Cowboy statue
Ride it Cowboy


Sundance Square in downtown Ft.Worth

Wall mural

Stockyard Fun

We spent the evening at the stockyards, with some friends and I just had to post this.

I'm tired, so I better get some sleep. I have more pictures that will have to wait until tomorrow.

Snapshot at 6 months

I just realized, for the first time, I'm pregnant! HA!
"What? I'm having a baby?"

I'm really shooting out now. I don't know if I can make it another month in this shirt.


Well, as you can see, my stomach has grown overnight. I feel just like everyone told me I would around this time....like my old self (minus the stomach). I'm passed the morning sickness and most of the nausea associated with the first trimester. And even the heartburn is starting to decrease and back pains....What back pain?

I'm still working out, but not really running because it has been so hot. I'm hitting the elliptical at least 4 times a week for an hour each time. This week I've noticed a drastic difference in my breathing. It's become harder during work out sessions to take deeper breaths. I guess everything is getting scrunch and shifted, including my lungs.

My latest craving has been chocolate covered pretzels. I'll eat a bag and then tell Trey, "Okay, that's it, no more pretzels. Don't ever buy those again." And what does he do? He comes home with 2 more bags thinking he's helping. I'm sure Cheyenne doesn't appreciate all the sugar, so I better take it easy.

I Love this Video

I use to run....WHEN I WAS EIGHT!
I love it.

Tri-Berry Muffins

Recipe from Barefoot Contessa At Home by Ina Garten
I give it 3 stars out of 4.


A few Ingredients

Even though this recipe calls for a lot of fresh berries, it also calls for a plethora of sugar. I couldn't stand to have so many muffins at the house, so I brought them to work and with the help of students and co-workers they should disappear.

I was suppose to use 2 sticks of butter, but I only had 1 and a half in house. Not following baking instructions to a T usually means the recipe will taste bad, but they turned out alright. Everyone at worked seemed to love them, but I'm not a big muffin eater. I probably won't make them again, but it was nice to get in the kitchen and create beautiful food.


I think they taste better the next day

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbs baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp kosher salt
1½ Tbs ground cinnamon
1¼ cups milk
2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
½ lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup fresh blueberries
½ cup fresh raspberries (gently sliced in half)
½ cup diced fresh strawberries
1½ cups granulated sugar

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Stir with your hand (or a whisk) to be sure the ingredients are combined. In another bowl, combine the milk, eggs and melted butter.
3. Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture, pour the wet mixture into the well, and stir until just combined. There will be some lumps but don't overmix the batter. Add the blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and sugar and stir gently to combine.
4. Using a large spoon or scoop, spoon batter into the muffin cups to fill the liners. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean and the tops are nicely browned.

Yield: 16 to 18 muffins

Now Accepting Belly Rubs!

I'm about to embark on my 6th month of pregnancy and my belly has really shot out.

My stomach feels so strange and it's really hard and tight. I mean super tight. I don't know if my skin can continue to expand at this rate. I'll have to get my 6 month snapshot uploaded by the end of the week so you can see the transformation for yourself.

Being in this new body is strange and surreal. Yesterday, I walked by the mirror and saw my profile and had to do a double take. For the most part, I'm adapting nicely to this new version of me and Trey has been extremely supportive. Last night, he told me he likes watching my stomach get bigger and said I look cute pregnant. What a wonderful husband.

So far, I've been sleeping through the night, it's just challenging getting up. I've started this new thing, to where I rock myself out of bed. Every time I do it, I think of the nursery rhyme humpty dumpty.

Trinity Trail Fiasco

Its been outrageously hot these last two weeks so I've been sticking to an indoor workout on the elliptical. Saturday, I wanted to change things up, so I headed out the door to Trinity Trails with both dogs.

For those of you who don't know, TT is a huge trail that runs along Trinity River. It's my favorite place to run and walk because there is a perfect view of the Ft. Worth skyline. Before I headed out the door, I already had great expectations.

About the running
I was lucky I got Harley to walk. I was so excited about running but she just wouldn't cooperate. Every chance she got, she tugged and pulled and made the experience one that I want to forget. It was so embarrassing because she kept barking every time a cyclist would zoom past us. Occasionally, she would sit her butt down and refuse to move, which would only frustrate me more.

While all this was going on Corky was probably thinking, "Get it together!" Corky is my pro athlete dog, okay more like semi pro, so I'm sure he was just as disappointed as I was. We were both ready to get at least a 2 miler in. Needless to say, I don't think I'll be making a second trip with Harley. Next time we'll stick to the neighborhood. And it'll be a while before I'll even want to go outside (by then I might not be able to run). Yesterday the temperature shot up to 107! Even if I want to go outside at dusk it'll still be scorching.



On a side Note about Church:
Sunday morning worship was great. I played bass and Trey played his acoustic guitar. It was great to be playing again and I pray that more opportunities will come from it.

In Between Running Calls & Baby Registry

So, this weekend didn't really go as planned, as far as the nursery goes. Trey had to work a lot of overtime, but here is what he managed to get done in between running calls.

I love the detail of the framing. I can't wait until we get paint on the walls. Then the framing will really pop.


Even though Trey was swamped with work, I tagged along. Saturday, he did some work in NE Ft Worth and dropped me off at BabiesRUs, while he ran his call down the block. Before Saturday, I had already completed my registry at Target, but figured I might as well register at BabiesRUs too. So, I did.

It's crazy how much stuff you need for a baby. There are all sorts of gadgets that can be intimidating for the first time mom. And the breast pump gadgets...those things look like torture devices, but boy do I hope that I get one :)

All kidding aside, one thing I really would like is a baby jogger. Here is the one I added to my registry.

Amy gave me Angelica's baby stroller...So, I'm set for the everyday mall walking stroll, I just think it would be nice to have a jogger too. After all, Cheyenne is my new running partner. Sorry, Corky, but you've been replaced. Baby comes before pups.

Change of Plans

Yesterday evening, I was looking forward to going out with Trey. We were both ready to go, when he got a phone call to head out to work. So, instead of a nice date with my husband, I spent the evening watching the Food Network and baking cookies.



Since Trey is on call, there isn't much I can plan, but for myself, I plan on walking or running the dogs, whichever I'm in the mood for or capable of doing. Trey is currently working on the nursery, so I should have more pictures to show by the end of the weekend.