Replacing, buying, fixing

I make lists for everything.. and Michael and I were talking about things we needed for our home.  Things that need replaced, things we never got around to getting, and things that need fixing.  We decided I would make the lists of all these things!  I love to make these and I actually do them quite regularly.. I tend to organize them by room.  So I'm going to make my list on here!

Living Room:

1. Hang Pictures - need more frames and hang current ones
2. Hang Clock  - I want to do something special here
3. Coffee Table - for some reason we never got one
4. Another plant? - unsure at the moment

Dining Room:

1. Table - desperately need a new one.. Max liked to chew on wood when he was a puppy
2. China cabinet? - have one that was my grandmas.. but maybe it needs a new look?
3. Center piece? - would like to have fresh flowers
4. Reorganize bookshelf 

Kitchen:

1. New appliances - all of them
2. Shelves by the sink - I want to put my herbs on them 
3. Floor - we need new tile

Bathroom:

1. Redo! - I would love to get new fixtures (bath, toilet, sink, mirror)
2. Floor - Michael thinks we need to replace it
3. Paint! - I have painted this room at least 3 times now
4. Exhaust fan - just need a new one

Our Bedroom:

1.  New bed - we just got this queen bed last March... but we miss our king
2. Hang things on wall - I hate hanging things so we don't have much on the walls

Ella's Bedroom:

1. Hang things! - yet again...
2. Lower her crib - I know I know shoulda been done already
3. Shelves - put up shelves for her books!

Guest Room:

1. Bed - as soon as we get a new bed.. that one will go in there
2. Organize - its as organized as it can be at the moment.. but there is need for improvement
3. Paint - we have started to paint this room twice now.. only got little squares done 

Basement:

1. Fix laundry room - I just want there to be dry wall up....
2. Shampoo carpet - found out that one of our dogs has decided he wants to pee on the carpet.. but since we don't go down there often we didn't know and now need to figure out a lot of things..
3. Hang things - still...

Outside:

1. I don't even want to discuss outside.. theres soooo much.... fix the fence.. mess with one of the gardens... new cement driveway and cement in the steps ... plant a lilac bush... weed... new deck... I could go on and on and on and on..
2. We are not outdoorsy people... or rather.. we don't like to do the work

So there is my list!  I know I can add smaller items to my list... but that seems like it could become WAY to big... so now we just need to figure out what items to accomplish first... suggestions?

Friday job

Fridays I file at my dads work.  I know it doesn't sound like much... but it kinda is!  I mean there's always at least 3 piles plus folders plus books to do!

One pile I termed 'bills' and they are filled alphabetically.  Takes the longest...  because I have to finish pile two before I can actually finish pile one....

Pile two I call 'jobs' and they are filed numerically from least to greatest. Therefore some 'bills' go with specified 'jobs'

The third pile are papers I can't find the folders for... for some reason files seem to disappear into thin air sometimes... Ok really they are normally in a certain persons office that I try to stay away from.

Actual files show up randomly .. easy

Books..... I don't even know what to say about them.

None the less... I love to do it all because for some reason I love to file. I love to do the mundane work... busy work we called it in school.. it keeps my mind busy and my hands. Plus I get paid.

Do you have any random jobs?

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Ooooh my

I need to let off some steam tonight..

You see Ella is a great baby!  I mean A GREAT baby!  She's been sleeping 7 hours since she was about 6 weeks old and usually sleeps at least 10 hours now... she hardly fusses and when she does its because shes hungry.. rarely is it for another reason.  She loves to play with people, the dogs, and by herself.  She is entertained easily and one activity can usually last more than 15 minutes!  Do you know how much you can get done in 15 minutes??  SOOO much! 

Anyway.. Tuesday night.. while Michael and I were out to dinner.. on a date night with friends!! :) .. she started screaming and crying.   Ella has no medium.. shes either content but needing something little whimper that's barely heard or shes screaming.. like oh my god run screaming! 

The next day she was fussy in the morning... woke up earlier than normal as well.. but by the time I picked her up from her sitters she was good to go!  Until we got to my moms... once again.. the screams came out.  She is normally such a happy baby that EVERYONE in the house came running to see what happened.. because she must have fallen or something and had gotten hurt.  Oh no nothing happened.  She just wanted to scream .....

Then today.. she woke up even EARLIER.. really Ella?  Mommy loves her sleep and it is so hard to go back to no sleep when you get used to it again.  ALL morning she was unhappy.. barely smiling.. barely chatting.. barely doing anything.  She didn't want to eat.. but she wanted to eat.  She wanted me to hold her.. but she really didn't want me near her.  She wanted to be in the water for bath time... but she was cold.  She wanted to play on the floor and roll on her belly... but she didn't want to stay on her belly and she didn't want help getting back to her back.  One activity lasted about 3 minutes.. and when a baby gets up earlier than normal and her attention span is zero.. that makes for a REALLY long morning.

Luckily, I got a break and went to... work! Woohoo... (sarcasm).  Work was over too quickly (didn't accomplish all I wanted) and I was nervous to pick up Ella.  I mean.. was she grumpy all afternoon too?  Or was she happy and saving the grumps for me?  She was happy when I got there and she even SMILED when she saw me!  Ok heart... ok lungs... relax.. how can one little person cause that?

Tonight.. from about 430-745 repeat of morning.. bedtime!  830 asleep... 915 screaming... 10pm asleep... and its 1106pm and shes still sleeping!! YAY!  hope i didn't just jinx myself.

Moral of this wonderfully slightly sad story of my day... Ella is getting her first tooth and she DETESTS it!  So in reality she is hurt when she was screaming all those times.. but what can I do?  I mean she only has like how many more teeth to get?

The most annoying part... I thought I was going crazy because you canNOT feel or see anything!! I mean thats just mean... if shes this fussy when I can't feel the tooth coming through or anything.. how will she be when it does????

By the way.. as of the 915pm wake up.. I think I might have felt it!  Dear Lord I hope so!!!

Thanks for listening to me vent/tell about my day.  Also.. Ella's coming tooth is the reason I've gotten behind on just about everything in my life... how many more teeth to go again?

TGTIF!

Week 1: Days 1-8

Week 1 is up and complete for 365 Love Letters!  Most of the pictures seem to be of her sleeping... but I can't help it!  She just looks too cute!

I just cannot get enough of her!!!  I can't wait to snuggle with her tonight!!

Go and enjoy what you love tonight!

Carolina Chocolate Drops

I've been listening to the Hunger Games soundtrack lately and there is one track that I just love.  It is "Daughter's Lament" by The Carolina Chocolate Drops.  So after doing some research I've decided they are in the running for my new favorite band!

Check out The Carolina Chocolate Drops!  They use old, new, and odd instruments.. but they put it all together and listening to them just makes me smile and want to dance and make music with them! And trust me.. it takes a bit to make me want to do that!  I'm just so impressed with their talent in voice and instruments.  They would be one band I'd get a sitter for if they ever came near here!  The music may not be for everyone.. but I bet everyone will be impressed with how well they perform!

I found this clip today while at work.. thank goodness we are slow today because I couldn't stop watching!

Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for other bands or what not!

Enjoy your Monday :)

Visiting

Today, Ella and I went to visit my sister in Coralville.. the farthest I've been with miss Ella.. a whole 40ish minute drive!  My mom, stepdad, and nephew met us there.

My sister is 34 weeks pregnant and looking it!  It makes me remember when I was pregnant.. almost makes me miss it!  I was a lucky one and had a super easy pregnancy (don't worry delivery made up for it).  I tried to take a picture but she kept catching me :(

We got to see her nursery and it is adorable! It makes me realize Ella is almost 5 months and I still haven't finished hers... but ya know what?  A baby is always changing and therefore the room will always be evolving! 

She has sooo many of everything it is amazing!  A lot of the clothes came from me.. she's having a boy however.. so I'm keeping all the girly stuff.. Yay!  Maybe for the next one?  If we have a next one that is.  The little man is going to be all set up and ready to go!

Then we had lunch!  We ordered in from Gus's in Coralville.  Oh my god they have THE best cheeseburgers!  I crave it all the time!!  Go there if you ever have the chance!!! 

Ella is such a good baby!  And she loves to be around family and I love it!

Now we are home for a bit and then off to my in-laws for family dinner!

Here is a little video from earlier this week ... Enjoy :)

365 Love Letters!

I started it!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed starting it!  I will most likely be adding to it weekly rather than daily.. try it out! 

365 Love Letters!!!

lovely internet

Oh how I love the internet and its endless ideas and opportunities .... So many sites blogs and music to explore!  I remember when we didn't have it... But I prefer to have it........

Unless its not working... Our internet has been down for almost 3 days!! We can't figure out why and the company can't be here for a few days. 

I have things ready to post and I'm anxious to start my 365 love letters but how can I do it when all of it is on my computer and there's no internet??

Yes yes I can use my phone.. go somewhere with WiFi.. use my computer at work.. endless options! However ... Everything is on my computer.. not phone.. and after working and taking care of Ella I don't want to go somewhere just to get on the internet.. plus I don't want to leave my miss Ella!  I was prepared to use my work computer but I got busy today ... and was unable sadly... So here I am on my phone writing this post with it automatically correcting my words.. to words I didn't want.. all because the internet isn't working!

Phew! Apparently I was in need of a little rant.. well I guess honesty doesn't hurt.. does it?

Any qualms lately you'd like to rant about as well?

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One Simple Goal

Michael and I have one simple goal for Ella... at least for now... sleeping in a crib!

We get some grief from people for this but miss Ella.. sleeps in her battery operated swing!  She has since she was a week old!  She currently sleeps about 10hours a night in the swing.  Sometimes the swing is on and sometimes it is not... I love having her sleep in the swing because then she is in our room and I can wake up in the middle of the night and watch her sleep and make sure she's breathing. 

When we move her to her crib.. it'll be in another room!  Oh my.. how will I deal with that? We attempted it last night.. but at the last second I changed my mind. :(  I think I'll be making a bed on the floor in her room while I get used to it.

Why is it so hard?  Just thinking about it makes my chest tighten and my eyes well with tears...

I'll make it though.. maybe tonight it'll go better.

Look how little she looked... her first picture in the swing..

Goal for the week: Ella sleeping in her crib!

 Oh.. my last reason for not wanting her to be in the crib.. she'll pry not sleep for the night for a bit.. I really love having my sleep back!!!!  Oh my miss Ella Grace.. how much I do for you ;)

30 Day Blogging Challenge

I like surfing other blogs and they can give me great ideas for my life!  

I found this 30 Day Blog Challenge on Fitness, Finance, and Fun blog!  It sounded interesting and I like challenges... so why not? Although don't be surprised if I don't get it done every day... I'm gonna try though!  I'll start with 1 tomorrow!


1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

 Try it yourself.. its a good way to learn more about yourself and to realize what you need and want :)

oh by the way... I'm not expecting myself to be able to come up with all those numbers.. but I'll do my best!

Happy Sunday :)

Fears

Anyone that knows me even slightly well knows that I HATE spiders.  I think they are the most pointless species out there.  I mean.. why do we need this little (not really little) eight legged creepy eyed hairy awkwardly fast crawler...  yea yea.. they eat bugs.  I'd rather have bugs!! 

When I was little.. if I would find one in the house and I was by myself I would
   a) put a glass on top of it and watch it to make sure it didn't escape and then my dad would take it outside or kill it when he got home.. or
   b) sit and watch it move.. most likely crying and calling whoever will talk to me... until my dad got home to kill it or take it outside when he got home.

So spiders... no thank you.

Weather... if you haven't noticed the weather as been on ALL the news since like Thursday.  Severe weather.. tornado.. strong winds.. hail.. etc..  well I know we aren't in the really bad part or probably even the bad part... but I HATE storms.

I love spring.. but hate the weather that comes with it.  I get nervous and anxious and stressed just by the possibility of a major storm.  Nothing happened to me as a child.. I just have a healthy fear of nature.  So when they start talking about this major weather outbreak from Texas to Minnesota.. it hits me hard.  So I am currently writing this post, watching the weather on tv, and looking at the radar online.  My stomach is in knots waiting.  It is worse now though and I believe that is because of Ella.  I don't want her to have to see anything horrible. 

So if you are in the area of bad weather.. stay safe! 

Finally...  this one fear tops anything else and I don't think anyone would understand it unless they have a child or something similar.. odd sounding but they'd understand..  it is the fear of having something happen to Ella.  It will be there her whole life so I suppose I'll just have get used to it.

Stay safe!!

Books!

So I love to read!  From time-to-time I will share some of my favorite books.. most likely book series.  And here is my first!  Not necessarily my favorite but one I'm working on!

Series: The Wheel of Time
Author: Robert Jordan
Book One Title: The Eye of the World
Genre: Fantasy

This is book one of I honestly don't know how many.. more than 10 though!  This series I have been reading for several years actually.. and I'm only on book 4.  While I really enjoy reading these books.. they have sooo many main characters that it always takes me a bit to remember their storylines.. which can make it difficult to get back into the next book if it has been awhile.  However, if you love adventure, magic, fighting, and a bit of a love story... then you will enjoy this series!  It is a complicated web of good vs. evil!
Here is the wikipedia on it!

Check it out sometime!!

Work, Work, Work

Okay.. so I may have like one of the best jobs for me!  I currently work part time at a non-profit as a Co-Director.  The reason I chose here is because I knew we were going to try and have a baby within the next few years.. and we did! I must tell you though.. some days I have nothing to do.. and other days I have no free time.  I work pretty much Monday-Thursday 1230ish-4ish and Friday I file at my dads work with the same hours.  It is great because I have so much free time to spend with miss Ella.

However... today was an inbetween day... I wasn't necessarily busy.. but I had planning to do for our upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.. so I had to make "certificates" on the computer.. no big deal.  Turns out.. it is pretty dang difficult.. mainly because I'm picky and want it personalized!  Is that really too much to ask?

So after some "hitting" the computer time... I closed for a few minutes to run to get some.. COFFEE!  I may not be a coffee person.. but with no soda.. I'm attempting to become one..

YUM!  But I have a little rant... please people in the drive thru lines do not receive your order and then wait and try to get the employees attention.. for 3 minutes.. just so you can have a little stirring straw... if it is important to you.. then go inside!  It really shouldn't have taken me 15 minutes to get one coffee with only two people in front of me.. actually maybe I'll go inside next time to avoid this situation again!

Loving work now that I have some refreshment!  And I was able to successfully create a certificate on my own!  Now off to the 'nothing to do' part of my short work day!

Have a lovely and coffee filled day!

One of those days..

Have you ever had one of those days that you just want it to be over?

Well, today is one of those days.  I honestly can say all I want to do is go home and take a nap.. maybe watch some tv by myself and cuddle with the puppies.  That's not what is going to happen.

Now don't get me wrong.. I love my baby girl Ella, and I love taking care of her and playing with her and all that.  But sometimes.. I'm driving home from work to get her or I'm going home and daddy has her and I miss my life before I had her.  I would never trade her for anything and I want her here.. but I miss the carelessness.. the uncertainty... the spontaneity of my day-to-day life of yesterdays. 

Then.. I kind of dread going home to change her.. feed her.. bathe her... etc..

And every time this happens (not really that often).. the second I see her all of it disappears!  I cannot wait to hold her .. to change her.. to feed her.. and bathe her!  I know it sounds bad at first.. but then you see your little one and life stops and you realize what you really want.

So to other parents out there who get this feeling of dread or nostalgia of the past.. just look at your child and I bet it makes you smile and forget you had a life without them!  And so people who are think this is why they haven't had children.. don't give it a second thought!  A baby is magical.. one noise or smile from them makes your day the best day!

Enjoy the day-to-day rituals of the now!

Shots

Ella had her second round of shots today. :(   she took them like a big girl though! 

She is 19 weeks today and weighs 17lb 10.5oz 93% and is 26in 94% !! She's a big girl! 

Tomorrow we will be putting her in SIZE 3 diapers... How is she getting so big so fast.

After her dramatic morning... she's snoozing away...

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Ugh Fridays...

Normally I love Fridays!  However, yesterday was just crazy... as my dad says "when it rains, it pours."

It started out great.. took Ella to the sitters... she is the best :) .. and then I went had lunch with my mom and bought Ella some much needed clothes.. umm size 9months!  that's too big I swear!  Shes only 4.5months.. anyway... we got home and then I found out two things.. well one thing really ..

let's back up for a minute.  My dad went to Spencer, Iowa Thursday evening to pick up my grandma and bring her here for Easter.  Unfortunately, we found my nephew, who lives with my dad, has cellulitis.  This isn't really that contagious.. but my grandma scratches and has a lot of open sores and it made her nervous to be around it.  So that was the first thing..

Ok.. so Friday it was definitely decided my dad would be staying in Spencer for Easter.. then I get a call from my mom that my sister who is almost 32 weeks pregnant that they sent her to Labor and Delivery for observation.  After a few hours they sent her home thank god... but she is 1cm dilated and having contractions on and off.  So.. no Easter with my family, sisters way too early to be in labor and delivery, and then Ella starts sneezing and coughing a little (which has become much more frequent today), and finally... I have a sore throat and the comings of a cold... damn.  So my Friday did not end as well as it started....

THEN.. this happened..

oh how she makes me smile :)

Today... we spent the day in our pajamas and lounged around all day!  Daddy even got home early from work!  Yay!  She had a big smile for him for when he got home! 

Happy Easter!!!!

Health and Exercise

Today is the second day of no soda.. and it is hard.. headache all day.  Oh well, it is better to not have any!  I just thought I'd share some of my health and exercise goals.. plus a little surprise at the end!

Health - food

I am trying to eat healthy and have Michael eat healthy.  This includes buying some organic vegetables, fruits, meat, and eggs.  It is more expensive, but I think it is important!  I want Ella to be healthy and to learn that it is not good to eat anything anytime you want.  If you want to help yourself stay fit and have a longer life, then eating well is necessary!  Plus, it can help to lose weight.  Here is my goal: eat some sort of vegetable or fruit at least 2 times a day.  Once I get in the habit.. I'll increase it.  I'm also trying to get Michael to.

Exercise - blah

I hate exercising.. no that's not quite right.. I hate sweating!  I have since I was little.  In fact, do you remember those 1-mile runs we had to do in elementary and middle school??  Well, I was smart enough to get out doing those runs from 5-8th grade!  I don't remember how, but I did it!  Not because I couldn't run.. hey I played soccer... but because I HATE sweating!  Anyway.. I am soo close to my prepregnancy weight that I HAVE to do something to help me along.  So I now use the treadmill and take Ella on walks at least 3 times a week.  Plus I have been doing some 'ab' workouts.  I should start Pilates or Yoga again.. I enjoy those, but those require a set time how many times a week and that is just difficult with a baby.  So here is my goal: walk/treadmill 3 times a week and 'ab' workout 6 days a week... then my REAL goal: lose 20lbs.  Yes, yes it is more than I need to in order to be at my prepregnancy weight.. but hey I was trying to lose weight before I got pregnant.. haha that didn't work!  But this time I'm determined because I hate being at my current weight.  And really I don't really care about the 'number' but rather how I feel when I look in the mirror.. thats good at least right?



 Ok... surprise!  Ella started rolling over yesterday!  She went from her back to her belly!!  then she got mad because she hates being on her belly.. but not the point!  This picture was taken as soon as she rolled all the way!  Sticking her head up high!  Also.. look how well shes sitting up on her own.. she fell as soon as I took the pic though haha!

Introducing Ella

Meet Ella!  She is 18weeks 1 day old!  She is talking up a storm lately!

I hope this brings a smile to your face! :)

Soda

Soda how I love you.  However we are trying to be slightly more healthy so miss Ella will be.  This means goodbye to soda. I am ready for your horrible headaches ... maybe I'll take up coffee...

Thanks for all the good times!

Maybe I'll lose some weight from this! Almost down to my prepregnancy weight!

Good luck to myself!

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Ella's Arrival

Since many of my posts will most likely deal with Ella, I thought I'd describe how she arrived!  It isn't bad or gross.. its a simple time by time telling.  As a side note, I don't know why but I have this need to share her arrival with anyone that shows any interest in her... I wonder if this is every new moms need?

Monday, November 28

3:30pm - weekly doctors visit - 2.5cm dilated and 90% effaced

Tuesday, November 29

2:30am - wake up to pee and thought there was a lot!  oh no! is it my water??

3:30am - Michael wakes up because he sees me on my phone... gets a little upset due to the fact I've been having contractions ever 5-8 minutes for an hour and I didn't wake him up... I was just making sure it was real.

4:00am - arrive at hospital with HORRIBLE contractions... turns out I'm having "back labor" wonderful

4:20am - my water breaks.. guess that was just pee before!

6:30am - finally admitted to the hospital ... holy crap... just realized I'm not leaving til I have her...

7:00am - I get an epidural and don't even notice the needle!

7:10am - all sorts of people come running into the room... both Ella and mine's heart rates dropped...
               Ella's heart  rate = 40  My heart rate = 90/50

7:18am - both come back up after many movements, shots, and IV fluids... they gave me epinephrine and also something to stop my contractions so Ella could 'catch up'

8:00am - 3.5cm dilated and 100% effaced and heart rates stable

11:30am - 5cm dilated and everything looking good

1:30pm - starting pitocin because contractions never really picked back up after shot to stop them

4:00pm - max pitocin reached and still at 5cm and my epidural doesn't quite work well on one side :(

5:00pm - dr asks if I want to wait an hour or go have a c-section ... we have a c-section

5:51pm - Ella Grace Finley has arrived! She goes to Daddy while I get sewed up! She does go to the NICU for corio (infection of amniotic sac) ... she did not have it thank goodness!

Thursday, December 1

11:00am - Ella comes down from the NICU to stay with us for our last night in the hospital

Friday, December 2

3:30pm - discharged from the hospital!

As a side note: I did skip over the recovery of the c-section because I don't want to remember it :)  It was very painful and if we decide to have another baby.. I will do anything I can to not have another c-section.  And to people who are expecting and may have a c-section.. do not worry it's not that scary and it'll be over before you know it.  Lastly, they believe the reason our heart rates went down is because they didn't allow enough IV fluids in me before they gave me the epidural... meaning I was slightly dehydrated.  All is well!!