Holy Cankles

I don’t know why I didn’t think it would happen to me. Maybe because I seem to have avoided some of the most unfortunate pregnancy symptoms I thought the whole swollen feet/ankles thing would just be another thing I’d bypass. NOT SO MUCH. Dave being the wonderful husband that he is was the first one to point it out to me. "Sweetie look, you have cankles." Wow. And that comment after the strap of my sling back shoes broke while at work earlier in the day. Let me tell ya, I'm feeling like one hot preggers chick. Under normal circumstances I would consider this unfortunate turn of events an excuse to do some shoe shopping, however, any shoes that I fit these Flinstone feet into are most likely not going to be seen on the pages of any fashion magazines. It's at least an excuse for a pedicure though, right?

Springtime Treats!

The latest from Sugar B's for a little girl's 6th birthday party!

Flowers for the girls...


And creepy crawlers for the boys...


YUM!!

A Letter to My Husband...

Dear Dave,
I just wanted to thank you for being the husband that you are and for the sacrifices you have made for our family over the past few months. I know it’s never easy starting a new job, especially when you’ve worked somewhere for over 10 years. It takes a lot of courage to do what you did but I know that your decision was made with me and the baby in mind. Because of what you did, our child will have a better start to his/her life. You’re already an amazing daddy just like I always knew that you would be. I have dreamed of seeing you as a father for so many years and it makes me so happy that it's finally coming true.

Over the past eight months (or maybe longer), you have put up with a lot - from my mood swings and insecurities to my nagging at you to get this or that done before the baby comes. While you may not have always liked me (although I am hard to resist), I still felt your love for me nonetheless. You always make me feel like the most important person in the room and I'm such a lucky girl to have you.

Our lives are about to change forever but the one thing that will never change is how much I love you. I am so proud of you and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us and our growing family. As long as I have you by my side, I know that everything will be okay. I love you!!

Love, Abby

More Changes

As if having our first baby weren’t enough of a change, why not throw another major life change into the mix? Well, that’s just what we did – Dave has just started a new job!! He had been really unhappy with his current job for the past year or so and decided it was time to do something about it. This winter, on his 30 mile drive to Cascade during a snow storm, he was run off the road by a semi and flew into the ditch. That's when it really hit him that there’s soon going to be a little person depending on him it was time to find something closer to home. He ended up getting a job at a company called Dubuque Screw Products - and no, they don’t just make screws. He started this past Friday, the 23rd of April and things are going really well.

There are countless benefits for our family because of him getting this job and it couldn't have come at a better time. First of all, his 30 minute drive has turned into literally, a 3 minute drive. He really couldn't have found anything closer to home. Just the gas money alone that we’re saving is worth it. Also, he had been working 32-hour work weeks at his previous employer for the past year and while we managed to make it work, the added daycare expense would have been hard on us. With his new job, he received a substantial pay increase and his hours are 6 to 2:30 with the option of some over-time. There were so many reasons why this move just made sense so it made his decision pretty easy. I’m so proud of him!

Baby Shower!

This past weekend was my much anticipated baby shower!! I have to admit, I was really nervous for my shower – just having all of those eyes on me the whole day when I’m definitely not feeling like I look my best. But in the end, it turned out there was nothing to be nervous about. It was really just an enjoyable afternoon with family and friends. My mom and my sister put so much work into my shower which was held at the Days Inn here in Dubuque. They've been planning it for months and their efforts meant so much to me!


My mom did all of the food which was amazing - slow cooker barbecued pork, chicken salad, pasta salad and fresh fruit salad. Lindsay put her Sugar B's hat on and made my favorite vanilla cupcakes with raspberry filling and chocolate cupcakes. She also spent the entire week working on sugar cut out "onesie" cookies, which, after 10+ hours in the kitchen, she left in her freezer in Rochester! Of course, being the best sister that she is, when she realized she left the cookies in Rochester, she decided to make a whole new batch despite my pleas to stop her. Check out all the yummy goodness!!


I feel so blessed to have such amazing family and friends who are so excited to meet Baby Jones and who were so generous with all of the gifts they gave us. Even though the baby's room is yet to be decorated, it finally feels like it's ready for a baby to occupy it and we couldn't be more anxious!


Dave made an appearance as the shower was winding down so he could help load all of our loot up to take home. And then began the process of organizing, doing laundry and assembling various baby gear. It was quite an exhausting day - or should I say weekend - but one that we will remember forever. It won't be long now!

TV Boredom

Is it just me or are all the usual TV shows I used to find so entertaining going downhill? Perhaps it is my anticipation of motherhood that is causing my disinterest and I'm unconsciously weaning myself from the shows I inevitably will not have the time to watch in a couple of months. But really, does anyone agree with me here? American Idol - I think it peaked last year with the likes of Adam Lambert and Kris Allen and therefore this season was bound to be a disappointment. And I still think it was a big mistake getting rid of Paula. Why mess with a formula that has worked for all these years? And with this being Simon's last year, I mean, does anyone really care what anyone BUT Simon thinks? The Biggest Loser - I used to love seeing the dramatic transformations of all of these contestants but it's starting to become monotonous and frankly, I'm a bit sick of all the crying. I know, that probably sounds harsh coming from a pregnant chick. Project Runway - honestly, used to be my favorite show. The past couple of seasons there are no standouts like the "Fierce" Christian Siriano. Again, I think the show peaked at his season and has been struggling ever since. I did catch 'Christian Siriano: Having a Moment' on Bravo the other day and he did not disappoint. That little dude is amazing. Desperate Housewives - seriously Katherine is a lesbian now? I'm really just waiting for the season finale on this one as it conflicts with Family Guy (Dave's favorite) and The Celebrity Apprentice and if you have DVR, you know you can only record two shows at once so this often poses Sunday scheduling conflicts. One show that hasn't disappointed me thus far this season is Dancing With the Stars. Although Kate Gosselin is completely horrendous and painful to watch, I just can't help myself. I do admit that I have been and still am on Team Kate, however, seeing her on DWTS makes me remember why everyone hated her so much on Jon & Kate Plus 8. Regardless of what a biiiaaaatch she may be, the fact is, she is a much better parent than her deadbeat loser ex husband Jon. Right now I'm banking on Real World Road Rules: Fresh Meat 2 and The Real Housewives of New Jersey to provide some much needed entertainment during these last 7 1/2 weeks of my pregnancy. Let's hope they don't disappoint!