Father's Day

I'm just a couple weeks behind on writing about Father's Day, but still wanted to share my thoughts!

We were all in Houston this year for Father's Day, so it was extra nice to be with my dad as well as my grandpa. Based on Jim's expression, I think he was genuinely surprised to receive binoculars as his gift. Every man needs binoculars, right!
I appreciate Jim so much as he is a father to Laura and Grant. He works hard for us at his job and also continues to work when he gets home each day. He is the best playmate and doesn't turn down a chance to play chase, Monopoly or throw the ball to the kids. Above all, he teaches our children about how to live like Jesus. Happy Father's Day again, Jim!!

Amazing Vegas

Two weeks ago, Jim and I boarded a plane to head to Vegas without our kids. Jim had a journalism conference he was attending and presenting at, so I went along for the ride. I was a bit nervous on how I would handle the whole separation from the kids (especially Grant since it was my first time away from him), but I really didn't miss them too much. I think I really really needed a break and I was completely confident in Jim's parents taking care of them!

Our flight to Vegas was something I haven't experienced in awhile...restful. I read a book, listened to my Ipod and graded papers. We stayed at the Trump Hotel (thanks to Priceline) and attempted to act like we fit in at a 5 star hotel. It was a really awesome place to stay. Our room overlooked the Vegas strip which was a sight to see at night. This room was a studio complete with a mini-kitchen, flat screen tv, two phones (one in the toilet room), jacuzzi tub, walk-in shower and tv in the bathroom. It was posh!
The pool was pretty nice too with big lounge beds. It was super windy the day we were out there so we didn't stay too long.While we were there, we walked the strip a lot and toured and shopped in the huge hotels. Once while Jim was in meetings, I treated myself to a massage, manicure and pedicure. It was great!!!!!! At night, we ate at some great restaurants and viewed the sights. Thanks to www.restaurant.com, I purchased $25 gift certificates for $3! If you haven't checked out this website, you must do it. We ate at Enoteca San Marco in the Venetian and RM Seafood in Mandalay Bay as well as the Cheesecake Factory.

On our last night, we went to the Blue Man Group. It was totally entertaining. During the entire show, I kept thinking to myself that I am watching bald men with their heads painted blue do some really bizarre activities! I do recommend it though.
The BEST part of the trip was being alone with Jim. It was soooo wonderful to have meaningful conversations, stay up late, sleep in, and just enjoy quiet together. It was really really nice and also much needed for the both of us. It had been two years since we'd been on a vacation alone and I won't let that much time go in between a vacation again. Granted I didn't have much control over it with being pregnant and nursing. But, we both realized it is important to our relationship to spend time together without the kids. Honestly we didn't even hardly talk about Laura or Grant the entire time we were gone. We called them several times a day though.

Speaking of Laura and Grant, they had the best time with Grandma and Grandpa. I'm pretty sure they were spoiled the entire time. Everyone took naps good, went to bed easily and of course obeyed all the time. Grandma even had to take Grant to the doctor for a rash! Grandpa was so concerned over Grant's medicine that he called a personal friend who is a pharmacist to double-check the prescription dosage. I just don't worry when they take care of the kids.
All in all, we had a great trip and are already brainstorming our next vacation together!

News on the Homefront

HOUSE:

We are set to close on our house April 30th. I am amazed and overwhelmed that the selling of our house has happened so quickly and smoothly. We are so thankful that God took care of this huge detail in our life! Most of the time, I'm in complete denial that in 10 weeks we will leave Knoxville and head back to Searcy. Our time here has been so rich in friendships, growth, and blessings.

LAURA & GRANT:

Laura is still being a great big sister. The newness has worn off a bit, so she does not smother him as much anymore. She is always willing to help me and looks forward to seeing him in the morning! Grant now weighs in at 9 lb 2 oz. We are grateful that he surpassed his birth weight. I've realized how different it is already to have a boy from carefully changing diapers to avoid a shower to his bowels. That boy already poops and toots way more than Laura ever did!

JIM:

Jim was out of town last night in Savannah, Georgia, to present a paper. We missed him while he was gone and are very glad he is back. Thanks to Jim's folks for helping me on the homefront! Jim has a lot on his plate with finishing up his dissertation, so I imagine he'll be spending more time in his basement office next week.

This and That

Laura enjoys playing games. We've tried to make Friday nights a game night of Candy Land and Hi Ho Cherrio. She really gets into the games, and, of course, her baby doll Stella also must have a turn. Jim is such a competitive player — even with these games — that sometimes you just want to smack him. But we have fun!

Laura likes my belly. In fact, Jim took a funny picture of her showing the baby in her belly while I was showing my bare belly. However, I'm not brave enough to share that picture with my fellow bloggers.

I did have a Dr. appt today, which lasted about 2 1/2 hours!!! I was a "work-in" this week because I forgot to schedule ahead, so I waited. I am 1 cm dilated, which scares me a bit since Jim is gone this weekend. But, the Dr. assured me that the baby has not dropped, so I could continue like this until the c-section date (March 17) if I make it. I have my doubts sometimes.

They are still hooking me up to the heart monitor for 20 minutes each visit, and all was well this time except for a fairly large contraction that made the heartbeat go all over the place.

Lastly, Jim and Laura like to take turns telling make-believe stories to each other. For the past week, she has had to have ear drops in one ear. So while she was lying down, letting the drops drain into her ear, story-telling became a nightly routine.

On Wednesday, I took her to the ENT because she still had a tube in her ear that was blocked with ear wax. A quick rendition of the gory details include her screaming "mommy," vomiting, and wetting her pants while being strapped down to a table as the doctor removed the tube.

It was tough on both of us. But, it is over and we are thankful.

Unfortunately, Jim is now sick. We are praying it is just another cold. I'm making him go to the doctor tomorrow since this is at least his fifth cold this winter.

Observations on Being the Wife of a Dissertating Husband

• The laptop is always on and Jim's fingers are always tapping away.


• Sometimes (on days he doesn't teach classes) Jim doesn't takes a shower until 6 p.m. or later.


• Hence, his new attire consists of pajama bottoms and long-sleeve T-shirts.


• His work is never done.


• Jim's office is in the basement now that we have turning the guest/office room into a nursery. The funny part is that our basement is unfinished, meaning he has cornered off with sheets a roughed-in bathroom. His desk and bookshelf is down there along with a space heater. It is quite cozy, but it helps him to stay focused during the day away from Laura's lively activities upstairs.


• Our evenings now consist of me passed out on the couch watching reality T.V. and Jim tapping away at — you guessed it — the laptop.


• His bedtime reading has now changed to reading scholarly articles.


• Laura's comments are, "Daddy, are you going to your school day in the basement?"


• We are home together three days a week. I like to call us "one big happy family."

All joking aside, I never really understood the magnitude of completing a dissertation until recently. Jim, I am incredibly impressed at your diligence and work ethic. You make us proud.

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Jim took me to eat sushi last night.

It was our monthly date night, and I was looking forward to a new dining experience. He had recently eaten sushi with his sister at Wasabi and just raved about the taste.

So, I was ready to give it a try.

It was disgusting. It tasted like cold fish wrapped in seaweed. Needless to say, I had to order something else - which was cooked and hot.

Have you tried sushi? Do you like it?

Support group for wives of cardinals fans

After tonight's Cardinals game, I've decided I need a support group.

October baseball is always a series of emotional highs and lows for Jim. Let me give a short recap of tonight's observations of my die-hard Cardinal fan.

It started off on a positive note: a prayer for the Cardinals at the dinner table, a Cardinals hat and jersey after dinner, and then game time.

By the bottom of the 1st, the pacing began. Soon, Jim was coaching the T.V. He was up and down out of his chair too many times to count. He gave pep talks to himself - and to the players - all night.

The rally cap was on when the Cardinals were at bat in the top of the 9th, and it was off when the Mets were up in the bottom of the ninth.

It must have worked.

The Cardinals just won the National League penant. Jim is jumping up and down - and now he is on his knees.

Not crying, but celebrating.

Congratulations Cardinals! And best of luck in the World Series. Prayers on my behalf are appreciated!