Nursery update

I've posted some up-to-date nursery photos now that I have the furniture, pictures, shelves, etc. all put together and in place. I still have my elliptical machine in there that I use for exercise and I have no other place to put it. So, I figure it will stay in there until the time when my baby starts to move around and need more space. It's annoying, but it keeps my butt in some sort of shape (preferably round).

I'm also waiting on a slip cover for my glider so you can see glimpses of the white frame. Don't fret, there will be a cushion on there eventually, with or without a slipcover.

The room is small so it's also hard to get a good angle. I have the playpen/bassinet thingy set up as well ready to move in to our room when he arrives.

Can you spot what's different?

We're both fat
We're both jolly
We both love Hamburgers
and apparently...
We both have the same taste in clothing

The only thing I can't claim is that my best friend is Ronald McDonald

Two of the sweetest words ever: Full Term

Yes, I'm fat. Yes, I'm hot (temperature-wise). And, yes, I'm finally full term!!!

Only three more weeks until my due date, hopefully I won't go late, I don't think my legs will be able to support my weight in a few weeks.

Presents! Round 2

This past Saturday my friends Jessica and Jenny from work threw me my second baby shower. My first one was in Boise with family and "old" friends (ha!). This one took place in Savannah and included all of my friends that I've made in my seven years of living in South Carolina... "new" friends, if you will - although I still had some family there.

My mom was able to drive down from Charlotte, NC to attend and she surprised me by bringing my grandmother who lives in Pennsylvania. I haven't seen her in 4 years so it was a very exciting and happy surprise.

We all had a great time and great food. I'm so lucky to have so many people who love me!

Outsourcing

I'm too large and tired to nest, so I've hired someone to nest for me.

Bless you Merry Maids, Bless you.

The 'Almost' Mothers Day

Everywhere I go this weekend and everyone I talk to I'm greeted with a "Happy Mother's Day" and I reply, "Um, thanks", laughing a bit as if to say, thanks for the token wishes, but I'm not a mother yet. It seems that everyone wants me to celebrate this day, but me. It's not that I DON'T want to celebrate it, I just feel as if I'm not, technically, a mother yet.

Yes, I'm carrying a child, and have already been taking care of him for 8 months, but for some reason I feel as though Mother's Day should be celebrated by those who have children who live outside of their bodies, by those who have taken on the burden of childbirth and lived to tell the tale.

I've received very lovely cards from my mom, step-mother, and warm wishes by countless others, it just seems to me like I don't deserve any of it yet so I shouldn't give myself completely to the celebration.

Morgan and I aren't doing anything for it, he didn't get me a card or even speak the words Happy Mother's Day to me, and I don't expect him to.

But, watch out Mother's Day 2010! Morgan better get me something good ;o)

I'm taking it as a compliment

I have heard through the grapevine that someone (I'm not sure who) told one of my old coworkers that I look like a straw with a walnut sucked through it. I'm choosing to infer that they mean I'm skinny everywhere else besides my belly.

I'm taking it as a compliment.

I have some catching up to do...

It's been about a week since I've been back from my trip to Boise. I packed a lot of activities in while I was there. T-ball, softball, soccer, church plays, dinners and a baby shower thrown for me by my very best friend. I even learned how to use a sewing machine and made burp cloths and a baby blanket (I'll post pictures when I get them - I had to ship some stuff back since I didn't have enough room in my suitcase). There was a family photo session thrown in for good measure.

It was great to see everyone and to relax for a week, but now that I'm back it means that the baby will be here even sooner!

Wyeth at the plate

Baby shower photos:

Family Photos:

My Dad, Step-mom Lynn, Jen, John,
Ben, Katy and me (and baby)

(Ben trying to mimic his old soccer photo pose)

How the time has passed...

1999
Natalie, Jayna, Kelsey, Allison
(four of the closest friends in school)

2009

Skin care help

I've been using Proactiv Solution for almost six years now for my skin care needs and it's worked great. But, it has benzoyl peroxide in it which bleaches some of my clothes and now I have to worry about what it might to do my baby when he touches my face. I would like to make a switch to something more natural without acne treatment ingredients (I'm hoping by now I've grown out of my adult acne).

So, I'm looking for answers and would like to hear from you. What do you use? What is your skin care system? I have pretty oily skin, but it's clear (although that could be because of Proactiv). There is so much out there to choose from and I'm not looking for some crazy special system that's way too expensive. I need something natural, practical, and easy to use.

Any ideas?

AR94744

After many months of paperwork and waiting, I finally received my Architect's license number. I'm official!

911, what is your emergency?

On our way home from childbirth class Morgan and I were driving down Ogelthorpe Street in downtown Savannah. As we were sitting at a red light we heard a car slam on their brakes. As we looked over to where the sound was coming from we witnessed a car slam in to a bicyclist crossing the street. She lay there pretty motionless afterwards, but was moaning so we knew she was conscious. We pulled over and Morgan handed me his cell phone (since I know Savannah much better than him and knew where we were) and I called 911.

It was a surreal experience. You hear 911 calls on t.v. but you never think that you will ever have to participate in one. I was kind of ticked off because it took them about 8 rings before they picked up. I explained what we had witnessed and as she was asking me questions like, it the bicyclist moving/okay? What does the car look like? Can you see the license plate? Is the driver okay?, I could hear about three other 911 dispatchers in the background asking the same questions so I was relieved to know that many other witnesses were calling in about the same thing at the same time. As I was wrapping up the conversation two police cars were on the scene and I could hear the ambulance on it's way. I have to say, they were very responsive and I hope that the girl will be okay.

It felt good to know that I participated in helping someone, even though I'm sure my call wasn't the first one they received. And I'm happy to know that when faced with an emergency I was able to stay calm and actually be of some use. Just knowing that at any time, during a crisis, so many people stepped up to the plate makes me feel a little safer. Everyone's looking out for everyone else.

It was enough adrenaline to last me a long time.

Baby registry

I know some of you have been asking so I finally got our registry up and running. You can find it at myregistry.com and just search for my name.

Wedding Bells

This weekend Morgan and I went up to his mom's house is Greer, SC for her wedding. It was quiet, simple and beautiful. Go to Morgan's blog for photos! I'll try and post more photos soon.

Who Knew?

Who knew that 10 years ago today I would be walking in to the Barnes and Noble on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina to meet the father of my children (well, child for now).

How lucky I was that day...and still am.

"You've Never Looked Better"

Welcoming words from a stranger on the streets of Savannah to a pregnant woman who is about to get even bigger and more uncomfortable in these last three months.

So here's to you kind gentleman on vacation with your wife. I will stand at a street corner waiting for the crossing signal with you any day. Keep up the good work.

What I've been up to Lately

Well, it's been a while since I've posted anything. But, I have been busy, I swear. Mainly my time has been filled with projects getting ready for the baby.

First project: I had a friend install an electronic cat door to the outside in our laundry room door.

Now all of my cats have magnetic tags on their collars and the door only unlocks for them so it keeps random cats and animals out. I have finally gotten rid of my litter trays for good! I'm so excited. The cats took to the concept of using the cat door and going to the bathroom outside very quickly since they were already accustomed to using our interior cat door. My outside cat remains so exclusively but my other two "indoor" cats still stay indoors and mainly just go out to use the bathroom. That works for me!

We only had one scare. About 2 weeks after we installed the door Mac went missing one night when there was a big thunderstorm. He didn't come home the entire next day and night and I was afraid we had lost him. It's always harder to not know what has happened. I mean, he could have been dead or alive, scared, starving...and the list goes on. Thankfully, 36 hours after he went missing he showed up, a little dirty and very hungry. But, at least he's back and he hasn't wandered off since. I was very upset that I had possibly lost him, but I also kept thinking "There goes $1,200 down the drain" from his current medical procedures.


Second project: Painting the baby's room.

We decided to paint three of the walls a medium blue and do one accent wall in squares. We are keeping the orange and blue theme from our office and it will eventually be decorated in Broncos paraphernalia so a couple of the squares are Bronco orange and Bronco blue and the other squares are various shades of blue and orange. I think it turned out really well and I'm excited to see it all come together.


Third project: Installing the old flat screen on the wall of the nursery so I can still work out without having to clutter a piece of furniture.

This didn't occur without mishap either. While I was trying to affix the mounting brackets to the back of the tv I tightened one of the screws too tight and broke the head off and so the screw was stuck in the tv. Luckily, the same friend who installed my cat door was able to work his magic (he's a carpenter/builder) and he drilled it out and fixed it for me. So, after a wasted trip to Home Depot to find the right size screws (8s were too big, 6s were too small, and they don't sell 7s) I found other screws at home to use to get the brackets on.


Fourth project: Put together baby furniture.

I ordered a bureau and a changing table for the nursery and I finally put it together this last week and part of today. I'm really happy with how they turned out and the quality of them for the price. I had my mom purchase a crib from IKEA since she has one around her and I'm going to pick that up from her next weekend. Then all I'll need is a rocker/glider and the furniture stuff will be set. Then it's on to decorating with shelves and stuff! I'll make sure to take pictures when it's all finished. And, before anyone asks "So, where was Morgan during all of this furniture building and tv installing?" The answer is: as far away as possible. Thankfully I enjoy doing stuff like this and I don't really trust him to help since he has absolutely no interest in assembling anything besides computers. It's just better this way. Don't worry, I called on him to help whenever there was heavy lifting required.


And finally... Just for Jayna: The Amish picture.

My maternal grandmother sent me a box for the baby which included a very cute hand-knit baby blanket made by one of her friends. It also included a safety latch for a kitchen cubbard that was in a box that had been opened and taped back up and had dust all over it. I'm thinking she found it back in one of her drawers that she hadn't opened since 1985. The best part of the box was the framed picture entitled "Amish Father and Son". I honestly have no idea what to do with it. I mean, she lives in Pennsylvania and there are tons of Amish there. I asked my mom about it and she said that she got one for Christmas. So, apparently it is the gift for any occasion.


It's been nice catching up!

Moo

Stats:
Gestation: 24 weeks (16 to go)
Weight: 7 pounds "ahead of schedule" determined by my doctor (aka: fat)
Culprit: Unending consumption of orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemonade and bagels
Boobs: From manageable to you've got to be kidding me
Baby: Healthy and kicking

Desperately Seeking Sanity

I have been starting to research baby furniture on my quest to start decorating the baby's room, and, oh yeah, have a place for the baby to sleep. I bought the book "Baby Bargains" that more than one person recommended to me. My problem?

Too many choices!!! I am so lost and overwhelmed. I am looking for a very simple crib, middle of the road in price (under $400) and I'm going crazy.

I find something that I like, then I look it up in the book and it gets a rating of C-. Well, there goes that. Then I find another and its $1,500. Are you kidding me? I've been a cross referencing fool and I have determined that there are too many choices. I need there to be only three cribs that exist in the world and I will choose between those.

Can anyone help? Any ideas, advice? What do you have (my mother friends out there)?

How am I supposed to raise a child when I can't even pick out a place for him to sleep?

In the words of Charlie Brown, "good grief".

Encounters of the strange and unusual

Apparently it has now come to the attention of strangers that I am pregnant. Today's observation took place at CVS. I had ponied up to the counter with my hairspray, gummy bears, snickers, and a couple other items (don't judge me). I was with a friend and after I had finished paying I turned sideways to say something to her. All of a sudden the woman who checked me out exclaims:

"Oh, I didn't see all what was going on up front!"

Um, what?

My friend and I were confused and were looking at the counter in front us to see if we had missed something. Finally my friend turns to me and says, "I think she's asking if you're pregnant".

I turned to the woman who checked me out and she says to me, "so, when are you due?"

Seriously?

Cat-astrophe avoided

(sorry, I had to).

Mac went in to get his sutures removed from his surgery two weeks ago. He also had an ultrasound on his heart to check for a certain heart disease that causes clots (and has a funny stripe of shaved hair on the side of his body to show for it).

Thankfully he has a wonderfully healthy heart and no clots! The vet thinks it may be have just been a fluke. I guess if this was going to happen it's lucky that the hematoma formed in his bladder and I saw the blood. If it had formed anywhere else I wouldn't have seen any signs and he probably would have died.

Here's to many more years of spunk and tail pulling from the baby...

Somebody wants to stay the baby

Miscommunication

Ok, so apparently Morgan and I agreed that we aren't going to reveal the baby's name until he is born. I think I missed this conversation since I have no recollection of making this agreement, but for those of you out there who already know it, and you know who you are, please refrain from spreading it. Morgan feels pretty strongly about not telling people so I'll go along with it.

Oops, my bad.

It's...

A BOY!!!

Picture of my belly at 20 weeks, don't I look thrilled?

We're so excited to get the news that we're having a baby boy...he'll be a little professor before we know it. Morgan is planning on starting to read the United States Constitution to my stomach. Help me!

Feline Hypertrpohic Cardiomyopathy

Well, I wasn't expecting that.

Mac went in for his bladder surgery on Tuesday. They went in to remove his diverticulum that they believed was causing the blood in his urine. But, because there was so much blood, they were suspicious that something else could be wrong so they wanted to take a biopsy of some of his tissue as well.

Right after the vet had stitched Mac up he called me with the news. When he opened the bladder what sat in front of him was a very large lesion/dead tissue that was about a quarter of the size of Mac's bladder and that was why he was bleeding so much. The vet removed as much as he could, but since it was so large it was hard to get it all because he still needed to have enough of the organ to close it up. He sent the dead tissue off to the pathology lab to find out what it was.

I got the news today that it is not a tumor, which is good news. But, what it is isn't great either. It was a hematoma and they aren't quite sure what caused it. In a couple of weeks they are going to bring him in to do an ultrasound on his heart because they believe that he may have a heart disease that increases the chances of blood clots. If those blood clots are dislodged they can travel to other parts of the body, in this case the bladder, and form hematomas. Most of the time they lodge in the lower part of the cats spine and paralyze their hind legs.

Had the vet not gone in to open his bladder, the hematoma would have ruptured and Mac would have died. What's weird is that it didn't show up on the x-ray.

In any scenario, this disease is not curable or treatable and it will eventually be fatal. If you catch it early enough you can treat the cat with blood thinners to elongate their lives, maybe by a few years, but usually they have congestive heart failure and can go very quickly.

For now Mac is recovering well and is his lovable, chipper, cuddly self and I hope that feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not the prognosis. If it is I'll just have to hope for the best and love him as much as I can as long as he's with me.

I love you Doozer!

Swedish singing star!

Below is a music video of my cousin's band called Napoleon. They are a Swedish band and their song is on a couple of BBC radio stations. It's cool to watch my cousin, he's the lead singer (the one with the red scarf). I hope you like it!

What a Week

This week has flown by for a number of reasons, most of them stressful.

On Monday I had to drop Ady (my oldest female cat) off at the vet in the morning. I felt bad for leaving her all day, but I had to work so she had to sit in the back in an unknown cage with her bare legs. It seems that after she got over her flu three weeks ago (which took another vet visit and three nights of nursing her to health while she refused to eat) she has taken to chewing and licking all of her fur off of her front legs and some patches on her hind legs and stomach. Seriously, WTF?

Morgan and I have been working with a mortgage company since November trying to refinance our mortgage. After months of paperwork and phone calls and headaches, we finally had our closing day on Tuesday. Unfortunately it wasn't the exact scenario that we would have preferred since the economy and housing market is so down now, but we did manage to combine our two mortgages in to one and get a lower payment. But, we still had to pay some closing costs.

We were given an estimate that we would have to bring to the table, but on Tuesday at 4:30pm, we were finally given the exact number, which was $750 MORE than the original number and we were also told that we had to get a certified check. Well, it was 30 minutes before the banks closed and we couldn't make it in time to get a check. The person we were meeting to sign the documents was driving down from Charleston (about 1.5 hours away) and so it almost didn't happen. Since it wasn't our fault that they gave us the final number so late, they decided that we could still sign the papers and just overnight them a check.

This is where it gets sketchy. Normally the "closer" will come to your house directly to sign the documents, but since he was coming so far and had another closing that night we decided to meet at a McDonald's. Yeah, real professional. Also, at the last minute we were told that we needed a witness, which we couldn't find at such short notice so once we were at McDonald's and about to sign the papers, Morgan had to coerse an alarmed man to sign as our witness. The mad did so reluctantly, but only after asking "I'm not going to go to jail or anything, right?". Why do we get stuck in such situations?

Later that night I called our mortgage person to find out that the reason our closing costs jumped at the last minute was because a third party who wasn't approved to sign some random document signed it so they didn't approve it. So, through no fault of our own, the mortgage company was forced to use a different company and their fee was higher. Well, I told them what I thought of their fee and where they could put it, and they removed it. Score!

Once that was taken care of, Wednesday I had to take Mac (my male cat) to the vet and drop him off all day because he's been having major blood in his urine. He had to have some sort of bladder x-ray which involved anesthesia, a catheter, and some white liquid. Apparently his diverticulum (too weird to explain) where his umbilical cord was attached isn't the right shape so it's causing his bladder to become inflamed and the inflamation is causing the blood. He has had a series of shots but it's not working so the next step is surgery to remove it. If the blood stays in his bladder it can turn into a pasty subtstance and end up making a plug and he won't be able to pee at all and he could die. Great.

Friday started with me thinking I was going to lose my job because of how the economy is affecting our company and there were strange rumors going around the firm about certain people being fired which ended up being incorrect, although I can see how they can get started since they did have to lay off three more people at my firm this week. Even more stress. We're now down to six people, and luckily I'm one of them. About 2 years ago we had 26 people. I feel like I'm on a reality show and I just want to be the last one standing. Hopefully it won't have to come to that. But, after a refreshing staff meeting, the rest of us left were reassured (for the time) that we would remain employed.

Today, well, today I had to take Mac back in to the vet to get another shot, and he peed on me while I was trying to get him in to the cage. I was told by the vet that surgery would probably be the best option. That will happen early next week at the price of $700.

All of this done while being 4 months pregnant. Can I have any more going on? Wait, skip that, I don't want anything else. I just want to survive.

I will, I swear

I'll get around to posting something this weekend. This past week has been crazy with two sick cats, one that might require surgery, collecting urine samples (of the sick cat), one cat that has chewed all of her hair off of her front legs, and much more!

I think my cats are as neurotic as me...

Our first big baby purchase

Today Morgan and I took our gift card, generously given to us by two of Morgan's friends and co-workers, to a baby boutique in Savannah. Normally we would never be able to afford anything in that shop, but with gift card in hand we purchased a car seat and stroller (pictured below - although the car seat we bought is dark purple and black, not the bright blue).

Now I just have to figure out how to work it.

The best Christamas present EVER...well, so far

Hello, my name is Allison...

and I am an ARCHITECT!

Watch out world, here most certainly comes trouble...

in about six months.

Morgan and I are having a baby! A baby you ask? Yes, a baby, and yes, it was planned. Some of you out there are perplexed by this notion of us having one on purpose. Most are confused because they didn't think it was in our "plan" any time soon. I want to know where people got the itinerary for our "plan", because I can't seem to find it anywhere. Of course everyone is thrilled and can't wait to witness the blind (Allison) leading the blind (Morgan...literally). It should be fun, but no one is more excited than the parents-to-be!

Here is our child, already displaying its split personality.

Nice:
Naughty:

Alright, alright

I finally got my PASS letter for my most recent test! One more to go! (I've scheduled it for December 9th).

Is it just me or is it taking forever!

It has been over four weeks since I took my last exam (not my last last, but my most recent). Normally on the multiple choice exams it takes 2 weeks, 3 tops, to get my results. So, I finally found the time to call three places, stay on hold for countless minutes to finally be told that my results were mailed from the testing place to the licensing board on Friday. For as slow as the licensing board is, this means it will probably be at least two more weeks before I get my results. And, of course, they can't just tell me if I passed or failed over the phone...they only know that the results were sent, not what they are!!! Give me a break! Of course they know what they are...they are the ones telling the licensing board whether I passed or failed!

At least I only have one more exam to go (that is if I passed this last one) and I won't have to go through this much longer.

Twins

This happens once in a while at work, actually, it happens more than it should. This example is me and my friend Jennica. I swear we didn't plan it.

Note: Please don't look at my hair, or all of the other unflattering things about me in this photo. Let's just focus on the clothing.

Kill me

Just put me out of my misery. I've been cooped up in my office all weekend studying for my next test which I take tomorrow. It's on mechanical and electrical systems. Need I say more?

What was I thinking?

In a moment of glorious gluttony I ate an entire box of macaroni and cheese. My only consolation to myself is that it was labeled "organic". I don't think that really matters to my stomach at the moment.

barf.

Our first gift

Ady, our oldest cat, has now been an outside cat for about two months. Morgan and I knew at some point, since cats are hunters, that she would inevitably bring home "gifts". Tonight we received our first.

We were laying on the couch and heard some crying at the door. I opened the front door and sitting in front of me, with my kitty so proud, was a slice of a roasted potato with barbecue sauce on it. I nearly fell over laughing. Don't get me wrong, I much prefer this to a mouse or lizard. I'll take a potato any day.

Good kitty.

Late night pajama feast via successful product placement

I regularly have spontaneous cravings, especially at night when I'm starving. Usually I can never convince Morgan to go with me and act on my cravings, which is annoying, but in the long run better for my health and pocket book.

Unfortunately, last night was not such a night. We were sitting on the couch at 8:45 last night, getting more and more hungry. We flipped the channel and on came a program about the first McDonald's and the history of the "restaurant". Wouldn't you know it...I had to have two single cheeseburgers, fries and a coke.

We were already in our pajamas, but I didn't care (Morgan did, he put on some pants), I grabbed my keys and walked out the door in my pajamas and slippers and we drove to McDonald's (we did go through the drive-thru).

I must say, it was quite satisfying.

Life's not fair

I work out at least three times a week, including cardio and weights. Morgan lays on the couch and eats popcorn and ice cream. And yet, I still need him to unscrew the blender's blade from the pitcher when I've let the leftover smoothie/sticky fruit dry at the bottom. Why do I even bother?

I am officially a mother

Friday 9:02 a.m.:

Morgan (via e-mail, subject Urgent!): Do you know where my blue jeans are? I can't find them anywhere?

Allison: They are in the guest bathroom where you left them.

Morgan: Ah, thanks!

Seriously? I'm expecting him to be missing one shoe next.

Another reason I hate the South

Listen up dog owners

There are reasons that I don't own a dog, it's not that I just haven't gotten around to it yet. These reasons include, but are not limited to:

1. I don't have the time between work and my commute and studying for my exams and my husband to give a dog the time and attention that is necessary. Cats are much easier, and yes, just as cuddly and affectionate.
2. It would have to be shut in my house all day long and not be able to go to the bathroom.
3. Barking, like vacuuming, is not on my approved list of noises for which I want to be subjected to.
4. Licking is not an option.

Not only do I not want to be subjected to these things with my own dog, I certainly do not want to be subjected to these things from other people's dogs. Since 8am today I have spent the morning TRYING to study for my next exam, only to be foiled by my neighbor's dog incessantly barking. They either haven't been home and think it's reasonable to chain their dog to a tree in their back yard because, hey! their not home to hear the dog bark and whimper and at least the dog is outside, or were home and don't care. At one point I saw my neighbor (and her 4 month old baby) in the front yard, and as the dog was still barking, take off in their car, never saying anything to the dog or putting it inside.

So this is what I'm asking of you dog owners out there. Please, if you don't have time to actually treat your dog right, do it a favor and give it to someone who does because all you are doing is pissing off your neighbors.

note: I do like dogs, I just don't want to own one, and much to the astonishment of my friends and mother, I do have a heart.

A long time coming...

This past week I hit a milestone in my "responsible" adult life...I paid off the last of my credit cards! This last credit card (I only have two) I've had since I graduated High School and it saved my a#$ through college (especially that private one that makes you pay them every time you sneeze).

I am thrilled to say that I am now credit card debt free!!! Now if only those pesky student loans would go away.

Morgan Bonner: as viewed from the outside

After 9 1/2 years with Morgan I have grown accustomed to his oddities/hangups/quirks/eccentricities, etc. I have grown to love most of them and they are very endearing (mostly...). A lot of people don't understand Morgan very well and are perplexed that we are together and that I must be some sort of special breed or very patient to "put up" with him. I know we're not the most "typical" couple, but we don't do typical.

It's only when I step back and look at Morgan through others' eyes that I learn a little more of how he's perceived by those around us.

For example:

Last weekend we went to a friend's house for dinner, although it turned into more of a video game fest which I'm sure Morgan has something to do with. He brought his Playstation 3 and the 7 adults and one 4 year old turned nerd. Things quickly escalated into this:



Yes, those are $120 light sabers, and yes, there are four of them...all Morgan's and yes, 6 of the party-goers went Jedi-style in the back yard (I took the pictures-I do draw the line at some things).

Secondly, this was left on my desk at work last Monday:


It's a McDonald's bobble-head happy meal toy of "Wicket" - the ornery, yet cuddly Ewok from Star Wars. My coworker had taken his 14 month old for a happy meal and deemed it too "old" or sophisticated for his daughter. Naturally, his first thought was of Morgan and how much he'd like it. Yes, that's right, my 30 year old husband was his first thought for whom to give a happy meal toy to...and he's right, he loved it.

I love him.

boring...

I've tried, I really have, to come up with something interesting to blog about. Other people have children and trips...I have a job and cats. It's not that my job isn't interesting, it's just that nothing noteworthy happens very often.

Tropical storm Hanna is approaching and I was able to leave work early to prepare somewhat (basically bringing my cat in from outside). That's about as exciting as it gets. If we're lucky we might get a 45 mph wind gust! Not that I want anything more than that.

I took my 7th exam 1 1/2 weeks ago, but it won't be another 7 weeks or so before I get my results. I know people keep mentioning to me that it seems like the exams have been going on forever, and believe me, they have. I've been taking them for over a year now. But, I hope to be finished before the end of the year.

My best friend, Jayna, and I are hopefully going to Costa Rica in March! We don't get to spend very much time together so this will be such a great week.

Other than that Morgan's half birthday is approaching (do you see what I have to sink to?). Someone please help me.

Ooh! I also have a teeth cleaning coming up. Bonus!