What's up?

What's been going on with us lately? Well, who knows? The last few weeks have been a complete blur. I started back to school, Leyton started daycare and our whole routine changed greatly. Leyton is adjusting okay to daycare. I was the complete mess. I cried the night before his first day and then I cried again the morning of. Leyton has 3 other kids in his class. He seems to really like his teachers. Their theme this week is "Back to School" so they've been reading school themed books. Last week their theme was colors. Leyton is growing so much. He is rolling over, sitting up very well with support, eating cereal and has quite the personality. He loves to laugh and giggle, pull hair, earings, glasses, etc and he loves his toys! He gets bored easily. We are getting better at our routine and things are starting to come more naturally. It's a HUGE adjustment for us but we are doing pretty well.

School is going pretty well. It's SO HOT. I am hoping it starts to cool off soon--it's really kicking my butt. My classroom has no windows on the interior of the building so it just holds heat. Oh and did I mention it's NOT air conditioned? I'm teaching 5 sections of Personal Finance and 1 Computer Apps II. So far it seems that I have pretty good kids and the year has gotten off to a pretty good start. However, I'm already looking forwar to Labor Day weekend!

Swagbucks!

Another way I'm trying to save money is by using a new site--swagbucks. You earn points for searching, daily polls, surveys, special offers, etc. I've only been a memeber for 4 days and I've already earned a $5 Amazon.com giftcard (there are numerous giftcards and other prizes you can redeem for). You can let your giftcards accumulate to use for a big purchase. My plan is to save them up and then use towards Christmas presents thus saving us money! I only need less than 100 points for another $5--in less than a week! Visit the link and sign up if you are also interested in earning points and saving money!

**Some of the special offers are kinda shady--don't do those! Stay away from any that ask for any kind of financial info, etc. I also have an email account dedicated to "junk" so I don't clog up my own. (I unsubscribe later though so I don't keep receiving their newsletters, etc). One offer (ArcaMax also put spy cookies on my computer, but I cleaned them up that day--I just run my antivirus software daily and have had zero problems! But I'm super careful about what I click on!). I earn 1 point daily for just using the toolbar, 1 pt daily for voting in the daily poll and have been winning 3 times a day for using the search engine (most of the time for facebook.com!). I also watch the videos when they come out on special offers (usually 1-2 minutes clips--I just watched a 1 min Victorias Secret ad yesterday!).

www.swagbucks.com/refer/lorifordyce

3 months!

My handsome baby boy had his 3 month old pictures taken last Thursday evening. He did really good for the first 10-15 minutes and then he was no longer interested! We got one preview and it's FABULOUS. Hopefully she got some other really good ones. Ali from Double E Images took the pictures and was great!

Frugality (is that a word???)

Luke & I are trying to live on a budget now...we're saving for numerous things, trying to pay off debt, etc. So...we've become even more frugal (I know...who thought that was possible for Luke? :) Anyway, I've been looking for ways to save money, etc.

Let me share a few with you:

Excellent websites for tips, coupons, etc. This woman is a stay-at-home mom who is dedicated to finding good deals. Her site is almost overwhelming--there's so many coupons and deals. You can also follow her on facebook.
http://pennypinchinmom.com

http://dealfindingchik.blogspot.com
I'm new to her site, but so far, she's got some things on there that PPM does not.

www.mommysavers.com
Again, a mom who is dedicated to saving her family money.

Target ecoupons (I LOVE these!)
http://coupons.target.com

www.coupons.com
numerous different manufacturer's coupons--changes weekly

I also LOVE extra care bucks at CVS. Fabulous. If you like saving money, this is an excellent way to do it!

Key to using coupons--

1. see which ones you can "stack" or double up on--Target coupons and manufacturers coupons you can. I just did this and got 2 boxes of Huggies wipes for $3.50!

2. Only use the coupons for products you would normally buy. If you are only buying it because it's on sale can get you to spend more money!

3. Stay organized. After you make your shopping list, see if you have any coupons for those products.

4. Check out newspapers and the weekly shoppers for deals.

Happy saving money!

Committments

So...I'm making a public committment--

1. I WILL lose this extra pregnancy weight. I only have a few more pounds to go. I WILL do it.

2. I am serious about getting out of debt. Within two years I hope to have it all (with the exception of my student loans) GONE!

Weddings!

Last weekend we had two weddings. Friday night my cousin Andy got married and Saturday one of my best friends got married. Leyton went to both (his first weddings!) and he did fabulous!

What's new?

What's new with us? Well...lots actually.

Luke turned 31 on July 4. The weekend was very busy. Friday night we began play in an all night slow pitch tourney. (Note--I have not played since Leyton was born so I was rusty to say the very least!) Our first game was at 9. We lost 14-15. :( That meant play at 4 am. We lost that one too. It was ugly. I was SOOOO tired! We didn't sleep at all. As soon as we were done Luke & I came back to St. Joe and slept from 6-noon. We then got up, got ready, ate and went to Hiawatha to get Leyton who had spent the night with grampa Butch and Gramma Ruth. We then spent the rest of the rainy day watching the rest of the tournament. Sunday (his birthday) we cleaned, shopped and prepped for Luke's birthday bbq with some of his friends. And Monday we didn't do much of anything besides recover from a very tiring weekend!

Monday night I began my sand volleyball league. Again, first time playing since Leyton was born so once again, rusty! I'll get back into the swing of things though!

It's so hard to believe it's July 7. I'm back to work in less than a month. :(

Bucket List Cont'd

So a friend of mine recently pointed out a few other things that I simply must take Leyton to when he's a bit older. I think I mentioned that this list was always a work in progress and I am constantly seeing things or thinking about things that I can't wait to do with Leyton or take Leyton to.

1. D.C. What a gorgeous city with so much to see and do. It will be a bit before I take Leyton. I want him to appreciate and understand what he's looking at.

2. Kennedy Space Center. That's just cool. I'd like to see it too!

3. Rocky Mountains--absolutley beautiful. I want Leyt to enjoy the outdoors as much as his mom & dad.

4. Chicago

5. Grant's Farm, St. Louis

Bucket List for Leyton

So I've been thinking of all the things I want to do for or with Leyton when he gets a little bigger. Sorta of like a bucket list. I'm sure I will be adding to this periodically because I seem to have big plans (according to Luke!).

1. Zoo--and we're not talking one zoo--no sir-ee, that would be too boring. So, we're thinking Topeka because that's where Daddy always went, Kansas City because Mommy's never been there, St. Louis because then we could make a weekend trip out of it and it's free!, Wichita with Uncle Andy & Aunt Ali and of course the grand daddy of them all--Omaha!

2. Pumpkin patches

3. College world series in Omaha--I think Daddy would actually enjoy this more than Leyt!

4. Disney--of course. What kind of a child's bucket list would this be if I didn't include Disney? Mommy & Daddy have never been either.

5. Beach. So maybe this is totally my idea, but seriously what kid doesn't love the beach?!?

6. Iowa State Fair--almost entirely dedicated to agriculture with lots of stuff for kids to do/see. Plus it would be fun to spend time with Gramma Jane & Jerry.

7. Pool in the backyard. Neither Mommy or Daddy ever had one so I think it only right that I give this opportunity for my son. And of course, Mommy would reap the benefits as well!

8. Fishing!

9. Waterparks!

10. Plant a garden

11. Playdates--okay maybe this is for Mommy & Leyt. Mommy's social life has definitely changed the last few months. I so need some socialization!

12. T-ball--here in St. Joe they can start when they are 3. Leyton will be a very young 3 year old since his birthday is in April, but I think it will still be fun in a few years!

But until he's old enough to start enjoying mommy's little bucket list, I think we will just enjoy snuggling, his play mat, swing and toys!

Growing, growing, growing

My little man is GROWING!!!! At his 2 month apt, he had doubled his birth weight and gotten 4 inches taller! No wonder we go through clothes like crazy! He "talks" up a storm--I wish I knew what he was saying! Sometimes I think he's cussing at me! :) He's sorta figured out his hands--he holds onto things now--mostly his blankets or bibs, but he also plays with his hair, clasps his hands together in front of him, sometimes holds onto toys, etc. He smiles and giggles a lot which of course mommy and daddy just LOVE!

Father's Day

Luke's first father's day. I think it was pretty good. Leyton & I had to leave in mid afternoon to go to Jeff City for meetings. My mom went along as well to keep Leyton while I was tied up. Leyton did pretty well considering it was his first time staying in a hotel. :)

Anyway, I digress. Butch, Ruth & Zack came over and we all went out to eat at Red Lobster. Luke & I love seafood. The other three not so much. Zack didn't hardly touch his shrimp, unlike Luke who chowed down on lobster & bourbon shrimp and I ate crab legs. YUM!

Anyway, here are a few pics from the day.

Reflections on Motherhood (so far...)

One word...overwhelming! I like to consider myself a very organized person. Maybe that's part of my problem with being overwhelmed. I try to plan ahead, etc and still can't seem to get caught up. I don't know how people do it with multiple kids, etc. I keep thinking this will subside, after all, it's been 2 months, but still feel like I'm drowning. Don't get me wrong--I love my son and I love being his mommy. And I want the absolute best for him which again is maybe why I feel like this.

Other random thoughts:

I never realized what the "mommy club" was. I guess that's part of it. It's such an elite club they don't even tell you about it till you're a mommy. Thank goodness for them too. I'd be lost without my other mommy friends to rely on!

I never realized a baby would attract complete strangers to approach you, ask you questions and even touch your baby. I never did this before. Maybe a smile to a cute baby here and there, but nothing like this.

The baby weight does not come off easy. 'nough said.

Being a mother is absolutely the hardest job I've ever had. It's also the best.

In the last few years I've been a real worrier. Well, it was nothing compared to now. Now, I worry about everything!

Shots!

I hate shots. I think Leyton inherited that hatred. Today were his first round of immunizations. He HATED it! And he cried and cried and cried and screamed and cried. And we had real tears everywhere. It was AWFUL. I was trying not to cry, Luke was holding him as tight as he could. What a mess! And to think we have to do it all again in 2 months. Yuck! I'm so ready to get back to my smiley, happy boy!

Life is Precious

Life is precious. Life is short...too short. All too often we get too busy with "life" that we forget to live. We forget to do the things that make us smile, laugh, love because we "need" to do the laundry, the dishes, clean house, etc. My friend Jess suffered a brain hemmorhage Monday night. She's younger than I am. She has a 3 year old and an 8 month old. She is now in the fight of her life for her life. I am so thankful for my friends, my family, my faith and my life. It is such a shame that it takes life's challenges, trials, tribulations, and tragedies to make us stop, look around and smile.

Here are a few family pics. My family...my biggest blessing.

My mom and Leyton at Olive Garden celebrating my mom's birthday

My little man and his mommy!

me, Leyton and my Gramma Alice celebrating her 86th birthday

Time flies!

It's hard to believe my little man is going to be 6 weeks old this weekend! Where does the time go? We definitely didn't sleep it away I'll tell you that!

Our little man is an absolute miracle and a blessing that we thank God everyday for. He was born on April 11, 2010 at 1:01 pm. My contractions started at 9:30 on April 10 while we were in Union Star at a going away party for one of our friends. I wasn't sure that I was even in labor because almost all my pain was in my legs. Luke's brother and sister-in-law were staying the night with us too. First time they had ever been to our house...guess it was a night for them to remember! Luke made me go to the hospital around midnight and at one in the morning they admitted us. And then the "fun" began...note the sarcasm. Luke must have drank five gallons of coffee before Leyton made his debut. The nurse was even a bit concerned about him telling him perhaps he should slow down on the coffee. By the time Leyton arrived we had both been awake for 30+ hours. We both looked a bit strung out!

I'm here to tell you straight...labor was awful. Either all those women had lied to me or they are just freaks of nature...it was straight up hell. I will never sugar coat it to any expecting woman...that only leaves her to be incredibly disappointed and surprised. But my handsome little man, Leyton Cole Moore, was so worth it!

Here is a link to a website dedicated to Leyton's pictures! http://leytoncolemoore.shutterfly.com

The first month...

First walk with Mommy.

First time meeting his Grandmas.

First doctor appointment.

Leyton's lungs work good!

First Mother's Day

Going home from hospital

First family picture

the last week...

Well...I've decided that wierd things take place at the end of being pregnant. For example, I had horrible allergies this past weekend...worse than normal. Then Tuesday at work it was like I hit a brick wall. Not sleepy, but like pure exhaustion...I'd never experienced anything like that. It was definitely strange... Wednesday I woke up and my inner thigh muscles and hips hurt so bad; it felt like I had spent HOURS in the weight room the day before! Those muscles and my hips still hurt something fierce! And then the emotions have been way off the charts this week! Poor Luke...he's so ready for THAT part to be over! I couldn't get iTunes to download on my new computer. I'd been trying different things for several days. Finally after 30 minutes on the phone with Apple, they tell me there is something wrong with either Internet Explorer or the computer (which is less than 1 month since purchase date). I hang up the phone and am so frustrated and mad I just cry. Just sit on the couch and cry. Luke comes home from work and just looks at me like "oh, boy, here we go again...what's wrong this time?" But because he's good to me, he tells me he'll fix it and then takes me to eat Chinese food (which I'm not supposed to have because of my fat feet...). Long story short, computer is now fixed courtesy of Best Buy and Luke after Luke got irritated with it as well. Needless to say, we are both READY for little Mr. Moore to get here!!!!!!!!

renewed faith

Sometimes with my job I forget why I do what I do. Somedays I think that scrubbing toilets or scraping road kill off highways would be a better fit for me. Somedays I wonder why there really isn't a test you have to pass before procreation. And then there are other days that I remember why I teach and coach. Today one of my softball players brought in a baby gift for Leyton. That is an incredibly thoughtful gesture from this 18 year old. Seeing good kids like her that are so thoughtful and you know will grow up to be responsible & productive citizens make me appreciate my opportunity to influence young lives. Here is a picture of the adorable gift she made our little man.

infant CPR

Luke & I went to infant CPR class on Tuesday night. Was sorta creepy because there was only 1 mannequin per group and you had to "unhook" his chest in order to put the plastic bag inside so you could see if you were blowing hard enough. He sort of resembled a doll--like the really hard plastic kind. Anyway, Luke and I were the first due in our group so we got to start. Luke got all nervous as usual when he's in front of people so I went first. CPR went fine and then I moved on to choking. I felt like everyone was thinking wow, this chick would be really good at child abuse when I was pounding the mannequin on the back. I felt like I was knocking him out and the lady said, honey, you're going to have to hit harder than that. Goodness! Anyway, funny story on Luke...he did great on CPR, but when time came for the choking he had his hand on the neck and didn't support the head when he was doing the "5 back slaps." The poor mannequin's head was flopping all over the place. If that was our child, he would have had a broken neck! Luke quickly adjusted and then his face turned red with embarrassment...luckily several others in our group struggled with choking too...so Luke's incident was quickly forgotten about! :)

More progress

We got one of the car seat bases put in my car this weekend. The other obviously goes in Luke's. Luke got the stroller put together. It's nice...kinda heavy & bulky and I think it's hard to fold and unfold (Luke disagrees). But at least it's put together! We put the finishing touches on the swing (it now has a mobile) and Luke adjusted the car seat straps so that a human can actually fit in it! I think we are pretty much ready for the little guy to get here! There are of course a few things I still would like to get done (aren't there always?), but I think all the major things are completed. Tomorrow night we go to infant CPR and first aid class. I'm STILL working on my thank you cards for the amazing showers my friends & family had for me.

And on a side note, I'm SO glad this is a short work week for me!

Leyton's room

Library & changing area

glider & ottoman that Gramma Ruth & Grampa Butch got us for Christmas. Pretty sure we'll get some good use out of this!

Finally a place to put all his clothes!

Already a basket full of toys!

Beautiful crib Gramma Jane got him for Christmas.

Countdown is on!

No baby class this week. Next week we go for infant & child CPR and firstaid. Our stroller arrived...it's in pieces in the living room waiting for Luke to get motivated to put it together! We did our pre-registration on Monday. So many questions! I had another doctor apt this morning. I had the ever so uncomfortable Strep B test! Uggghhh. Doctor says everything is progressing like normal. My fat ankles were a topic of our conversation. She is not worried because my blood pressure is fine. However, she did acknowledge that they were very swollen and yes, you could leave indentions in my feet & legs! The little guy hurts my ribs on a regular basis and Luke has already been scolding him to quit hurting his mother! The Braxton-Hicks contractions have started and nearly make me double over so I am dreading the real things! We are reading Good Night Moon every night to the little man. Definitely gonna need to move on to another book before long...I think I get bored easily! :)

In other non-baby related news (yes, we do have lives that do not revolve around preparing for Leyton's arrival...YES, WE DECIDED ON A NAME!!!!!):

Wednesday night Luke & I went and watch the D2 Women's Final Four after eating at Boudreaux's (yum!). That was fun. Thursday night we attended a shower for my friend & co-worker Cassie & her fiance and then cheered on the Cats in their exciting victory! Tonight I'm going out to eat with my college roomates. I don't hardly ever get to see them so I'm excited to spend some time with them (and to meet Kodi's new little boy--Cade, 2 months!). It's no wonder that I'm tired! Hard to believe next week is April!

Getting closer....

We are definitely getting closer to the big day! Here is an update on what's been going on with us lately.

Childcare front---on three waiting lists...have to call 2 more places today. Hopefully one of those pans out. Average cost from the places I've called--approximately $150 per week. Who needs to eat? :)

Insurance front---this is real BS and I tend to get off on a tangent when talking about insurance, so I'll try to be good. I got 2 quotes--one for $398.80 per month and one for $570 per month. Really...WHO can afford that? Definitely not this teacher & banker! We're still in the process of checking out Luke's insurance.

Home front---finished up the baby's room Saturday. It looks nice, cute & homey now. Luke finished up two of his "projects" this weekend. He's about sick of "projects." The last thing for him to assemble--the stroller (and help me attach the mobile to the crib). Everything else has been put together. The little guy now has a swing, bouncy seat, high chair and carrier just for him! We hope to get the base in my car this week (just in case, you never know!)

Dr front--we go today for our pre registration. We start our weekly appointments this week!

Me--super uncomfortable, pretty intense back pain, but on the plus side, the swelling seems to have gotten WAY better in my feet.

Less than 4 weeks!!!!!

Baby Class #3

Tonight was baby class #3. Since I'm incredibly uncomfortable & can't sleep, I'll give you the run down.

Tonight's class was overwhelming to me. Luke had an all day meeting in Hayes so I went to class by myself. Totally made me feel like an outsider sitting there by myself while every other mother to be had their coach, but I guess it makes me appreciate having him even more. Anyway, I digress...

Very overwhelming. First off on the agenda was talking about baby care. They brought in a physician who went over baby care in the hospital, at home, post natal visits, etc. We went through immunizations, required and optional, shots, when to call, when to come in, fevers, taking temps, what's normal, what's not, colic, swaddling, circumsions (who knew there were 3 different methods to getting that job done?), weights, apgar (sp?) scores, cord, and on and on and on. My head sorta started spinning trying to process and commit everything to memory. Few things I did find interesting that I didn't know (please don't judge me for not knowing these things)--baby toothbrushes. Had no idea...babies don't have teeth right? Well, apparently they still need a toothbrush and we need to start using it when he's like 2 weeks old. So...I'll be baby toothbrush shopping next time I go to Target. Second, really why the need for 3 different methods to circumsize? What could be different? I might have to Google that. Then again, I probably don't want to know or see...

As if that wasn't enough information to overload us, they brought in a lady from Parents as Teachers to talk about brain development. That could be a 4 week course in and of itself I believe. Learned lots from her though. Who knew?

• that a person's adult vocabulary is 80% formed by the time they're 3? This is why reading, talking and singing to babies (born and unborn) is so important.
• repitition was so important to brain development? We were told that we needed to not only read to the little guy everynight (even before he's born--which we knew) but right now to read the same story. Repitition will help him learn sounsd, rhythm, words and will also help him develop comfort and a bond with us. Then when he's fussy, reading this story that he's heard so many times in our voices will make him feel better and remind him of when things were less stressful for him before he was born.
• before a baby's brain can develop intellectually they have to have satisified the need for comfort, trust & bonding? Because I'm a business educated person, I immediately thought of Maslow and his hierarchy of needs--before the higher order thinking needs can be met, the lower, saftey needs need to be met. Hopefully we have a well-adjusted litle boy. He obviously spends lots of time with me and thus hears my voice a lot, so I'm just hopeful that he takes to his daddy since Luke works away from here and is gone a lot.

We also talked about sleep habits and patterns and suggestions for helping those, things to think about/look at when choosing child care and we visited the topic of child safety seats again.

We finished the class with a tour of a birthing room and a look in the nursery. I wish the birthing rooms were a litle more "homey." They just look so sterile (which I know is a good thing!) and not personal. And really could the matresses get any thinner. They told us after the baby is born they will add another matress to your bed so that you will be more comfortable.

And all of that was in 2 hours. Maybe that's why I can't sleep...maybe my brain is still overloaded. Nope, I think it's because I'm so uncomfortable and the little man apparently can't figure out a comfy position 'cause he's all over the place and HURTING my right ribs in the process!

Baby Shower...Hiawatha Style

Yesterday, Alison, Kim & Ruth had a shower for Baby Moore in Hiawatha. Many members of Luke's family were there. Once abain, Baby Moore got WAY spoiled! It was so nice and it was nice to see all his family.

We are definitely blessed!

The wonderful hosts--Kim, Ruth, & Ali

Luke's mom & me

My mom & me

5 weeks...

Tuesday night we had round 2 of baby class. Topics--child safety seats, postpartum mother care & C sections. This class was much better than class 1! Did not feel the nausea that I had last time! So I think that's a plus. :) But I didn't realize how complicated child safety seats are...holy cow, I think you need a Ph.D. just to install one correctly! We will definitely be taking ours to a certified person!

I have been washing all the wonderful gifts Baby Moore has been receiving. His room is starting to look like a baby room! My goal for this weekend is to get it completely done! Ambitious yes, but doable! I will post pictures when this goal is accomplished.

Today I printed off a "suggested" list of what to pack for the hospital. I also hope to start getting our bag & the little guy's bag together soon. Just in case....

Still on the to do list to accomplish in the near (very near) future:
1. Take care of all the insurance stuff (blah, blah, blah)
2. Call child care providers (AGAIN!)
3. Contact the pediatrician (yes, I think we decided on one!)
4. Finish maternity leave sub plans (yes, I have them started)

Today I have another doctor apointment. From this point on, I will probably start seeing her weekly! Hard to believe he's almost here! :)

Bobby vs. Willie

Monday, March 8 my department at school hosted a coed shower for baby Moore at O'Malley's in St. Joe. The theme was "Will Baby Moore be a Bobby the Bearcat or Willie the Wildcat?" Again, I feel so incredibly blessed to work with such wonderful people that I can call friends. Luke had a few of his co workers present as well as my parents & his parents. Baby Moore was spoiled once again!

Luke's "people" had their own corner. Luke didn't leave this corner much!

Luke's baby carrier (that he SWEARS he will NEVER wear!!!)

Our guests having a good time.


Luke had to sit in front & open presents. He was so nervous! But on the plus side, we got a tube of "utility cream!" (Luke wasn't sure what the ointment was called so he made his own name!). Here is Luke holding up the baby's "utility cream!"

Guests could get in on a pool to guess the baby's birthday and weight. It was a $1 a guess and the money went into Baby Moore's college piggy bank!

Mommy & Daddy

The amazing hosts & wonderful co-workers--Cassie, Sherry & Katy

Home Sweet Home!

Saturday, March 6, my good friends from home hosted a baby shower in honor of Baby Moore. It was so much fun. I had the best time visiting with family. Baby Moore was definitely spoiled! He got lots of good things that he will be putting to use in a matter of a few weeks! I'm so very greatful, appreciative & blessed to have such wonderful people in my life! Here are a few pics from that day:

My Gramma Alice, my mom & me

Baby Classes

Luke & I went to our first baby class last night. He went willingly which I really appreciated. I'm not sure why, but I was surprised at the number of people there. Our topic was Labor & Delivery. When to go, what to expect when you get there, progression, instruments used (which, by the way, I am really hoping for all external monitoring and I informed Luke that forceps were NOT to be used and he was to do whatever necessary to make sure that happens...and now I'm thinking the same about the vacuum extractor...) stages, pain management, etc. Then we watched a video of several live births. Yeah, I'm a wuss, but really, I never need to see anything like that again. And I definitely don't want to see my cute, little, precious child like that. I think I'll just wait till they clean him up to give him kisses and hugs. I don't want my first memory of him to thinking he resembles an alien and hardly anything like a small human being. Luke got educated last night too. He said "I had no idea you would have to go through all this." I'm not sure what he thought I had to go through! He too decided that he might just stand up near my head. And cutting the cord was not for him! Apparently we both have weak stomachs! :)

Excited!

I'm super excited for two things right now:

1. My upcoming baby showers. I LOVE spending time with my family and good friends. I'm so excited to see everyone. I haven't seen most of them since Christmas time! And we're having cheesecake at two of the showers...even more reason to be super excited! :)

2. My best friend from home is getting married this July. I'm so excited and happy for her. It's so fun to hear about all the plans.

So much to do...

So I sit here distracted. I should be grading 100 article reviews on young people & debt. But all I can think about is the growing list of other things I need to do.

We are 6-7 weeks away from the arrival of Baby Moore. He's coming regardless of if this list is done or not. Here's a short run down of the list of things that are on my mind:

1. Name. I think we have it narrowed down to two first names and we know the middle and obviously last.
2. Chest of drawers. I purchased one yesterday, now Luke just needs to pick it up and get it in the baby room. This leads to #3.
3. Organize baby room. It's a disaster right now. I need to actually make it look like a bedroom.
4. Wash all the bedding, blankets, newborn and 0-3 clothes. I did make a pile yesterday and Luke did carry it downstairs to the laundry room for me. Now to do it.
5. Decide on a pediatrician. I know I can always change, but this is such a big deal. This is the doctor that will check out our little man and make sure everything is okay his first few days of life.
6. Find childcare. Affordable, safe, clean childcare. Again, such a big deal.
7. Begin working on maternity leave sub plans. Yuck. Which reminds me, my maternity leave sub needs to come this month and start observing.
8. And then there is the list of stuff to do for school, household chores, etc. My computer has a virus and I need to take it in. I need to go grocery shopping (I HATE grocery shopping). You know, the usual. Which leads me to....

Making progress....

We are slowly making progress on the baby's room. Last weekend we (along with help from some good friends) got our son's crib put together. It's really pretty. This weekend, we will hopefully get the matress for it (along with purchasing a chest of drawers so he has somewhere to put his clothes--right now they are in piles in his room).

In other baby related news, I submitted my maternity leave paperwork. Hard to believe it's less than 2 months away!