6/5/10 - So...Tired...

So, who gets up at 5:30 on a Saturday? Apparently the Duran household. Olivia decided it was the perfect time to wake up…which was really surprising considering the rainy, cloudy day we had. Oh well, up and at em’!

We all got up and spent a little morning time together. Christian took over breakfast duties while I started on some cleaning. I got the kitchen cleaned up first. Then, it was off to tackle Olivia’s closet. I’ve been storing all of my pre-baby clothes in her closet forever. Well, now we need that space…so I moved everything downstairs into the spare bedroom. Then, FINALLY hung up all of babies clothes and put the rest of her stuff away in her drawers. We’re making progress here people!! Once that was done, Olivia went down for her nap, and I boycotted all other responsibilities and put my feet up! Christian got ready and headed over to his parents house. We found a nice wooden bench on the street last weekend. It was in rough shape, but just what we’ve been looking for, so we snatched it up. His Dad has all kinds of odds and ends at his house, so Christian decided that fixing it up would be a good father/son activity. He ran over there to help work on it for a while…unfortunately, the rain didn’t let them get too far! Once Olivia was up from her nap, we turned the basement into a disaster…seriously; a tornado had to have passed through there! We had fun though. I pulled out the Lego’s…didn’t think much of it; we haven’t really played with them much, so I didn’t think she’d really “get it”. But, she did…she did a great job. We built a huge tower together!

Finally, Christian got home for the night, the little one was off to bed shortly after. We attempted to have some quality time together, but our 5:30 wake-up call didn’t allow for that. So, off to bed we were! There’s always tomorrow, right?














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6/4/10 - Another Girls Day In

Well, it was a relaxing day for us today! Olivia and I were up at the normal 7:30, ate some breakfast, watched some cartoons and relaxed. Even she relaxed…which is NOT normal for her. Once she went down for her nap, I headed down to the Office for the usual…paying bills, updating to-do lists…the fun stuff. After nap time, we ate some lunch and got some playing in. Olivia was in a GREAT mood all day, so we had lots of fun. Christian got home at the normal time, with a friend from work, and he grilled up some dinner. We played outside for a while, ate some yummy food and hung out. After his friend went home (and after Christian picked me up some much needed Dairy Queen….), we watched a couple shows together, and I finally packed it in for the night. It’s amazing how even when you barely do anything, you can still be exhausted. Doesn’t make sense….

Here are a couple of pics from today…Olivia, actually relaxing, with some snacks. And, later, she found a new place to hang out. She gathered her cups, her snacks and her blankie and perched underneath the stool for a while. Doesn’t seem very comfortable to me…but to each their own I guess!

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6/3/10 - Longest 3 Days vs. Quickest 3 Days

So, today was my Friday. I swear, this has been the LONGEST 3 days ever. So busy, so much to do. Yesterday I was out at training all day, so that really only gave me a 2-day work week. Not everything got done that needed to, but I’m sure the world won’t end. This will lead up to I’m sure the shortest 3 days ever! We have a pretty busy weekend ahead of us, so I’m sure my nice long weekend will just fly right by.

After work we didn’t do too much. Just the usual stuff around the house. I wasn’t feeling too well, so Christian was on entertainment duty while I took it easy. I just sat back and watched the fun! Olivia provided some much needed giggles when she decided to throw her entire plate of food up in the air...she was COVERED in chicken, pasta and green beans. Very attractive!

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6/2/10 - 32 Weeks/17 Months

Well, first things first…My baby girl is 17 months old!!! And, just as amazing as ever :) She gets more entertaining, and more brilliant with every passing day. She will sit down and have these intense conversations with you…about what? Who knows…only her! I can’t wait until the day I actually know what she’s saying. For now, it’s just in her own little language, but they are still the best conversations I have! And, she is becoming more and more of a little helper. She is starting to clean up after herself pretty well…she helps pick up toys and books, she helps clean herself and her tray up after she eats, she helps clean up her many spills every day. When we ask her to throw something away, she excitedly takes it and runs to the garbage can. It’s very cute! She is getting so great at expressing herself…she grabs our hand and takes us to what she wants. She becomes more determined and stronger every day. It truly is a blessing to watch these little creatures become people :) I do not have Olivia’s 5 month/17 month photos handy, so I’ll have to come back and update this post with her pics.

Next, today I am 32 weeks!! 8 months down…8 weeks to go…56 days. As unbelievable as every week before. For the most part, I’m feeling well. Getting very tired, and a little more uncomfortable every day. I’m not complaining though. I remember after I had Olivia, I had this “empty” feeling for a while. Partly because of the c-section, but mostly because she was….gone. It’s weird. You have this whole new life and this wonderful person to care for, and pregnancy is nothing short of miserable in the end, but you get so used to having that little being inside of you, keeping you company at all hours of the day. It’s an adjustment I wasn’t really thinking about. So, I enjoy every “miserable” moment I can, for I know it will soon be over! My next check-up is next Tuesday, so I’ll be able to update next week on everything. I have every limb possible crossed, hoping she has turned. But, I’m 95% sure she hasn’t. Here’s to hoping though!

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6/1/10 - Hello June!

Here we are…its June! I used to get REALLY excited about June, and I mean REALLY excited. I was born in June; therefore it was always the BEST month ever. Well…that was the case, until I hit 25 (I know, I know…poor me, 25!). Now, every year, it’s just a reminder of how close I am to 30! This year will be the big 2-7…it’s hard to believe. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in school, wishing I was “grown up”. Not a care in the world. Now, I’m knocking on 27’s door, wow! Luckily I have a few more days to enjoy 26!

Today was pretty low key. We’re supposed to be in for a pretty cloudy, rainy week. Today that was the case. 3-day work weeks make for VERY hectic and crazy weeks, and today was no different. Christian decided to cook up some chorizo tacos tonight for dinner…of course the only thing we had was chorizo! So, Olivia and I stopped at Target on the way home to pick up the rest of the ingredients. We got home, ate (YUM) and just hung out for the evening. Nothing exciting!

Here are a couple of cute pics I snapped tonight!











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5/31/10 - Goodbye May!

Here we are again, waving goodbye to another month of 2010. It's hard to believe, but tomorrow is June! It's great to think of all we've done and been through this year, and all that is yet to come!

I got a message from my Dad and talked to my stepmom over the weekend and got an update on my grandparents. Grandpa went home from the hospital late last week. It sounds like it was slightly touch and go for a bit, but he's doing much better now. He's getting stronger every day. He's able to walk about the house pretty well now...gets winded and tired, but he's doing it! And, it sounds like my Grandma is doing better having my Grandpa home. She's still having trouble taking care of herself, and we're hoping that Grandpa gets better quickly, not only for himself, but to help with Grandma, but considering everything they've been through, it sounds very promising! They spent their first night home, all alone, Saturday night, so we'll see how things go on their own now!

Today was another busy day. We took a family trip to Target...did a little grocery shopping and picked up some other necessities for the week. After that, Olivia was down for a nap, I put everything away and did some final "cleaning up" for the weekend and Christian finished up his yard work. We had a couple holes in the cement foundation around the house, so he filled those, and he sprayed the bug spray around the house. I don't know why we have so many bugs around, but we do, and it's gross. We both got ready, and were off to my in-laws house for a Memorial Day BBQ. It was just the 5 of us...very strange without his sister and the girls, but we made the best of it. Olivia swam for a little while, ran about like crazy and we all ate some yummy food.

Now, it's time to gear up to head back to work! The long weekend was not as long as I wish, but, I only have a 3-day work week this week, so I think I can make it!! Here are some pics from our day!












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5/30/10 - Sunday, But Not Really!

So, it's Sunday...but not really!!! Tomorrow is Memorial Day, so no work for us! What a wonderful feeling! We took advantage of having tomorrow off, and took care of most of the chores today. Christian did the usual lawn work...mowed the lawn, did the weed whipping...all that "fun" stuff. He also set up the sprinklers in the back...this early Summer is really taking a toll on the poor grass already! He has a few more things to do, but that will have to wait until tomorrow! While he worked outside, I was busy inside. Fed the little one and entertained her for while, then put her down for a nap. I did the dishes, did the laundry...all of that REALLY "fun" stuff. Oh well, it all needs to be done, right?!

After all of the chores were done, Christian was off to dinner with a friend, and Olivia and I hung out. She was NOT a happy camper, at all. She didn't really take a nap yesterday, and I think it caught up to her this afternoon, even though she slept in a little bit and took a long nap...it just wasn't enough. She cried, and whined and was just miserable, all night. To top it off, rain and thunderstorms rolled in late in the afternoon, so we couldn't really get outside to get rid of some of that energy. Needless to say, it was a LONG night for me!

When the rain calmed down a little, I actually gave in and brought her outside to run around in it for a little bit. She LOVED it...she was having so much fun running around, playing in the puddles and making a complete mess of herself. At least it cheered her up for a little while!! Here are some pics :)










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5/29/10 - Wonderful Day!

Today was wonderful!! The weather was beautiful, we had lots to do, and had lots of fun!!

We were up bright and early, had some breakfast, and just skipped all of our chores and played for a little while. Finally, it was time for everybody to get ready for the day and head off to run some errands. My car has been making some not so good sounds, so we stopped at the auto store to pick something up. Hopefully that does the trick. Then we stopped at a couple of grocery stores to catch a few sales. Finally, we were off to the Madrid's for some fun!

Kelly and I planned a little mom's day out...going to see "Sex and the City: 2" and lunch/dinner, while the boys were on babysitting duty. The little girls spent the nice, HOT day in the pool, running around the yard, and going on a bike ride with the dad's. Kelly and I went to the movie...which was good, and bad...I say definitely worth seeing if you are into Sex and the City, but it wasn't a "must see" in general. We then stopped at The Cheesecake Factory for lunch/dinner and just chatted for a while. It was nice to get out and get a little break! We spent the rest of the night playing outside all together, running around the house and watching some TV. It was a good mix of everything today!

Here are a couple pics from the girls' adventures!

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5/28/10 - Hello 3-Day Weekend!

Not only is it Friday, which is wonderful all in itself...but the day flew by AND I now have a 3-day weekend ahead of me. YAY. We had our interviews at work this morning, and everything went really well. I was very nervous, being my first panel...helping hire somebody is a lot of responsibility! But, I think I did well, and I'm excited! The interviews took up more than half the day, so the afternoon was packed trying to get some other stuff done. Luckily for me, the Friday before a long weekend is a very popular day for other people to take off, so that saved me from really having to rush around in the afternoon.

After work, Olivia and I hung out at home. Christian went out with "the boys" from work to celebrate a co-workers birthday for a few hours. Once he got home, we all went out and watered the flowers and "sprinklered" the front lawn. Then, it was bedtime for the short one, and quiet time for the not quite as short ones. It was a nice relaxing night...we watched the SERIES finale of 24 (so sad to see it go...) and hung out for a while. I am really starting to enjoy our new Friday night!

Olivia spent the evening running through the sprinkler...our neighbor was amazed by her bravery! She quite enjoyed herself!

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5/27/10 - OK...

It's Thursday! You know what that means...nothing interesting to report! Today is not really any different. It was a pretty low key evening for us. Tomorrow I am participating on my first ever interview panel at work, so I spent the evening reading over resumes and preparing. I'm nervous, but excited! We spent a little time outside, watering the flowers and of course getting very wet in the process. And, we had breakfast for dinner, which Olivia quite enjoyed :) It was a good night!

While outside watering the flowers, Christian was talking to a neighbor. After a short time, he yelled over to me, laughing, stating that this neighbor was asking him if I was "expecting". Ummm...I'm just shy of 8 months pregnant, and come one, you've seen the pictures...is it really questionable that I'm pregnant? At first, I got a little smile on my face and thought to myself "Hey, that's cool! I must not resemble a whale as much as the mirror tells me I do!". Then I thought...what do people think...do they just think I still look like this from last time? I hope not...I'd much rather have people think I'm pregnant again than think "wow, she's having trouble losing the weight...". So, really, it makes me sad in the end. I'll just have to convince myself it's option number 1!

Here's Olivia picture for today, enjoying her breakfast dinner!

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