Running

I hate love to run.

Actually, that is not true. I don't hate or love running. I just do it. Like Nike says.

There are several reasons I run:

1. I know I should. I know I need some form of exercise to stay healthy. I want to be healthy for myself, Peter and Preston. I want to be around for a long time. I want to grow old with Peter. Hopefully I will have grandkids one day and I want to be active in their lives as well.

2. I would be lying if I said I didn't want to be a few pounds lighter and a few inches smaller. What girl doesn't?

3. I like the way running makes me feel mentally when I am done. I feel satisfied and accomplished. I have never regretted a run. Although after I finished my first marathon, I said, "I will never do another marathon again." A year later I ran the New York marathon. I relate it to childbirth.

4. I want to set a good example for Preston. I hope he finds some type of sport he enjoys. He doesn't have to run or play lacrosse and football like Peter, but I hope he finds some type of physical activity to help him stay healthy.

I never played any sport for an extended period of time. Maybe that is where the problem started? I played softball, soccer and basketball. I cheered and danced. But I never did any of those things for longer than a few years. And let's face it, it doesn't take talent to run. You just have to do it.

Right before I had Preston I "took a break" from running. That was a big mistake. I am having to start all over again and it is HARD. I do regret that break.

So I have decided to stick with running and not take anymore breaks. When my alarm goes off at 4:40am I really just want to go back to sleep. But I know the running group is expecting me. I know I need to run and that I will be glad I did when I am done.

One of the best things about running is that it is free, except for the clothes. But that is a whole other post in itself. I hate love Lululemon.

Induction and Thanksgiving

This time tomorrow I will be in the hospital and hopefully having a baby soon! Dr. A is inducing tomorrow and Peter and I are so excited to finally meet Preston. This means I will be in the hospital on Thanksgiving but I can't think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving. Talk about something to be thankful for! Wish us luck!

Preston's Nursery

Preston's nursery is almost done, finally. I tried to use things we already had instead of buying all new stuff. Some of my projects were a complete fail but others turned out better than I thought. 

Gammy bought the crib and bedding. We found the bedding at Land of Nod. I love the colors and how calming they care. Hopefully Preston snoozes well in this crib!

I already had these frames sitting in the closet. At one of my baby showers all the guests filled out cards with "Wishes for Preston." I wanted a way to display them and I like the way it turned out. I could only use 9 but eventually I want to take them all and make a book. They are really sweet and make me cry when I read them. Pregnancy hormones? 

This is the glider area. The glider is the only thing Peter and I bought. I think it was worth it because of  how comfy it is. I bet we spend many hours in it. Grandma Celia bought the rug and lamp. I think they add a nice touch. We already had this little table. I bought it year ago for $2 at a garage sale. All it needed was some paint. It is amazing what a little paint can do. 

We already had this bookshelf. All it needed was some white paint. We knocked out all the painting in one day. My Mom, Granny, Poppy, Peter and I all painted the walls, bookshelf and changing table the same day. The bookshelf is still a work in progress. We need more books. I hope Preston loves to read. I plan to read to him every night in the glider.

The changing table was Peter's desk in college. We just painted it and added new knobs. Brie's dad built the changing pad box that sits on top of it. The basket is full of diapers and lotion. 

Preston, I hope you love your nursery and enjoy being in it as much as I do. Sometimes I just sit in the glider and think about how it is going to be when you're finally here. We are so excited and counting down the days. Everyone keeps betting if you're going to be here before Thanksgiving. According to Dr. A you are going to make your appearance this week! 

Baby Showers

Preston and I have been lucky enough to have 3 baby showers! How crazy is that? My best friends hosted the first one. My Godmother, Aunt Net, hosted the second one. And my amazing work friends hosted my third one. They were all perfect and everyone has been so generous.

Unfortunately, I only have pictures from the first one. I need to work on taking more pictures, especially when Preston arrives. Stef, Elizabeth, Lindsey, Brie, Ally and Cheryl did such a great job. Aunt Lindsey came all the way from Arkansas just to host the shower.

This is the food table. It was delicious! The baked brie was my favorite.

The cake was so cute and yummy. Peter and I enjoyed leftovers for days.

Did you know Peter LOVES shower food?  My mom and Aunt Net made sure to send home left over shower food so Peter wouldn't be left out. Gammy is always looking out for Peter, especially when it comes to food. My work friends sent home red velvet cake also, my  favorite!

The "pregnant punch" was my favorite. I am going to have to get the recipe from Cheryl. 

 

Preston received so many gifts! He is such a lucky little guy already. He is set when it comes to baby goodies and clothes. Peter and I haven't had to really buy anything. We can't thank our friends and family enough for everything they have done for us. Gifts and love have come from all over the country and world, from Seattle, to San Antonio to Switzerland. RB even gave Preston a gift.

And in case you were wondering.....25 more days!

Life is about to Change

I can't believe in less than 30 days Peter and I finally get to meet baby Preston James. It seems like it took forever to get to this point. After over a year of trying and a little help from Dr. K and Dr. A, we are actually going to have a baby. Sometimes it doesn't seem real. I can't wait to hold Preston and see what the little guy looks like. Will he look like Peter?  I think so based on the last sonogram. You can already tell he has Peter's nose, which I love!

The fertility process is not a fun one. When we were going through it I didn't understand why it seemed so easy for other people to get pregnant and not us. But now it all makes sense in a weird way. I guess that's the way it usually works. I've always believed things happen for a reason and now I am starting to understand why Peter and I had to go through this. Like my friend Ally said, I hope Preston knows how much he was wished for. He isn't even here yet and he has already been worth the wait.

The nursery is ready, his clothes have been washed and all his baby stuff has been assembled. We attended a birthing class and I've read several books. So I guess now we just wait. But in the big picture, 30 days is nothing compared to the last 2 years!

Karl, 27, Fort Worth, TX

Today I am linking up with Kelly's Korner for SUYL Singles.

Meet my friend Karl.......




Karl is 27 and lives in Fort Worth, TX. He is an accountant for a technology company. He graduated from TCU in 2006 with a double major in marketing and accounting. Karl is a fun-loving guy who enjoys being with his friends, running, reading and TCU football/tailgating.

This picture above is Karl (3rd from left) with some of his buddies at the Rose Bowl last year. Karl is a season ticket holder and never misses a home game. Karl is very excited about being part of the Big 12 next year. Go Frogs!

Karl (far left) enjoys traveling anywhere from Africa, Spain, Coasta Rica and even a 3 hour road trip to Austin. The picture above was taken during a trip with friends to Lake Powell, Utah.

Karl (middle) also likes to stay healthy by running. He is part of a running group that trains for half marathons. This photo was taken 2 months ago at the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon. Karl, Peter and John are old fraternity buddies and ran the whole thing together.

An ideal girl for Karl would be someone who will want to stay in one night but is just as happy to go out and be social the next. Karl is a great catch and any girl would lucky to have him. If you think you might be interested or know of a match for my friend, please leave a comment below.

Love at first sight

Rhett Butler has been home for 2 weeks now. It's been a long, tiring and fun 2 weeks. Every day gets easier and easier. RB is the best little puppy ever. I never knew I would love a dog like this.

You can tell by the pictures that I am NOT biased when I say he really is the cutest pup ever. Peter has learned that RB is real chick magnet. 15 women at the vet told him how cute his puppy was. I told him it was too bad he isn't single!

RB meeting James and Ally for the first time. He loves them too.

I bought RB a shirt from the $ bin at Target. It says "Santa's little yelper." He hates it so it didn't last long. Peter wasn't too fond of it either.

This is RB during his first bath we gave him. He wasn't really a fan of bath time, especially the blow dryer.

RB is adjusting well and learning the ropes. Potty training is definitely a process but he is getting better each day. He doesn't like it when it is raining outside and he will stand on our feet so he doesn't have to stand on the wet grass. He also only likes to pee on the Pottery Barn rug. He has never peed on the Ikea rug?! I guess he has good taste!

He has met the entire family over Christmas. He was a hit for sure. Everyone loved him. He received more gift than Peter and I did.

RB has been a great addition to our little family!