The Weekend, otherwise known as Mission: Accomplished

Guys, I feel like the recent weekends have been nothing but finishing up seemingly endless "To Do" lists before Baby Harrison makes his debut.

This past weekend proved to be no exception, and I had an accomplice with Mission: Organization.  Her name is Mother, Grandmother that is (or soon-to-be).  Really, this post should be called "An Ode to Deena" because she proved to be my saving grace this weekend.

Arriving at 10am, Captain Mother took lead command for the next 8 hours, stopping only for some lunch and then finally dinner as she tore a path of cleanliness and organization through this house. 

China and crystal back in dining room?  Check.

Kitchen stuff moved back in and displayed?  Check. 

Nursery back in tip top shape?  Check.

Annoying labels removed from nursery furniture?  Check. 

Bedrooms cleaned, vaccumed, sheets washed, duvet cover washed, dusted... the works?  Check.

Bathroom cleaned?  Check. 

This lady meant business.  And we had a good time doing it.  Her sweet self literally did not stop until Mr. Smith went and picked us up some grub at Johnny Rockets. 

All it took was one 3-liter of Mountain Dew and the Grandmother Tornado left this Mother-to-be with a huge load off my shoulders, feeling ahead of the game once more. 

I only hope she's been able to move since Saturday. 

Did I mention she bought us some Dreft?  That's the power of the blog, peeps. 

Feeling refreshed, Mr. Smith and I visited a Covenant Presbyterian Church on Sunday, as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Searson.  Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd also made an appearance, and we packed out one whole pew.  We decided a group lunch was a must, and made our way to Taziki's.  Hmmm..... 

Since I had gotten up early enough to make my Battle Plan with Publix and CVS, I requested Mr. Smith stop with me at CVS on the way home to pick up a few things.  If only we had a video camera for things such as this...  the cash register rang up close to $90.  Mr. Smith = not amused.  Until I said, "Watch this." and handed the man my stack of coupons.  The result?  A new total of $42.  Mr. Smith's face?  Priceless. 

I later made my way to Publix, since I hadn't been in 2 weeks.  I felt a little rusty, but managed to snag up 2 weeks (maybe more, I'm thinking) of groceries for $112, saving $59.52 in the process.  Score!  Even managed to stock up on some items such as shaving cream for Mr. Smith, and some feminine products for post-baby. 

Speaking of shaving cream...  here's a helpful tidbit for you.  Do you have a spot in your house, on the carpet, that you just cannot get up?  We've had one in the nursery that would not come up.  I had tried everything.  Literally, almost every carpet-cleaning product.  Captain Mother took one look and said, "What about shaving cream?" 

Don't laugh.  It worked.  She literally sprayed some shaving cream on the spot (left by a bed post), let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rubbed it up with a warm washcloth.

THE SPOT WAS GONE. 

I only wish I had a before and after picture.

Now, it has to be the white shaving cream.  None of this fancy gel stuff.  Just good ole fashioned, old school shaving cream. 

It was borderline comical, like that scene in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" where her dad's solution to everything is to "Put some Windex on it!"  For the rest of the weekend, Mr. Smith and I wrapped up everything with, "Just put some shaving cream on it!" 

Miraculous, I tell you. 

P.S.  Hug your mother today. 

Fabulous Friday!

Friday is here!  Glorious day!  Did anyone else have a long week or was that just me? 

It's also Tax Refund Day for the Smiths!  What are y'all doing with your tax refunds? 

Thanks to our big fat check, we're paying off the following in full:

1.  Car Loan

2.  Mr. Smith's credit card

3.  My credit card

4.  Plus, we'll have a little leftover.  :) 

(We also received a big ole check from ebates as well, for over $100!  Check it out peeps... it's worth it! See link to the right of this page...)

So... we start March debt free, except for our Mortgage and Student Loans.  Not a bad place to be in with a Little Smith entering the homestead in approximately 7-9 weeks, right? 

Never fear... I'm sure that monthly daycare bill in a few months will wipe the gleeful expression I have on my face right now. 

But for now, my nerdy financial side is blissful, so leave me be. 

Here's a great article over at PT Money on Five Wise Ways to Spend your Tax Refund in case you find yourself clueless on what to do with your check. 

Or, if you need a reminder to be mature and responsible, not hit the Mall with it.

In other fabulous frugality news...because of the Flooring upheaval of our little family, my weekly routine of couponing and grocery shopping got thrown for a loop. 

Read:  I was too exhausted to go shopping after being a gypsy for five days.

However.... with a stocked pantry, we've been able to go all week without any grocery store shopping excursions for dinner and my lunches.  And - before you think it! - we didn't eat out once this week.  Not a once (except for Mr. Smith's work dinner, which was paid for)! 

So, me thinks a $0 amount for this week still gets some credit, right? 

I've already printed out my Publix shopping list with coupons for this weekend though, don't you worry.  And maybe even hitting up CVS and Fred's (by the way, did you know Fred's doubles coupons up to 70 cents on Saturdays?). 

Next mission:  Find the best bargain for Dreft. 

That's the baby laundry detergent, for those of you out of the loop.  It has been told to me numerous times it's the best.  However, I can't quite get over the sticker shock of its price, plus I NEVER see it on sale or coupons for it anywhere.  I scored a $2 off coupon from their website, but they say it will be mailed to me.  Who mails stuff these days? 

Helpful hints for Dreft are requested. 

Or the best stores to snag this prized jewel without having a stroke at the cost. 

Preggers Post - Week 30

Baby Smith

Height and weight haven't changed much since last week, but the big news is all the brain development going on.  Starting next week he is suppose to be putting on about half a pound a week.

And... I swear he is developing a taste for music.  He goes crazy when Lady Gaga, Kesha, or Enrique Iglesius (sp?) comes on the radio.  As I'm sure you can imagine, Mr. Smith is not amused.  He did start dancing when "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns-N-Roses came on the radio on the drive home last night, so that's good, right?  Maybe it's my awesome singing voice he's squirming away from?  

Momma Smith

Speaking of music... this is my theme song right now.  I mean, we're at 30 weeks peeps.  30 WEEKS!!!  This means we're looking at a D-Day in about 2 months. 

Just ignore the sweet lighting, awesome hair, and spiffy clothing in this music video.  It's classic 80's, which if you know me at all... you know I love it.  It's a self-professed weakness.

I also CANNOT GO TO SLEEP at night.  Still.  Me thinks my coworkers are starting to see a zombie instead of my regular self.  I've got a mean combination of restless leg syndrome, heartburn, Richard Simmons-baby, and racing mind.  Hello fatigue... nice to meet you again.  I've missed you so much since the first trimester. 

In Other News

 We had a doctor's appointment Monday morning and all was well!  Still measuring a little smaller - 27.5 centimeters for the belly - but Doctors says that's totally fine.  Both mine and Harrison's heartbeat was nice and solid as well. 

We get an ultrasound at our next appointment, and we are stoked!  We haven't seen our little man since the Gender Revelation Ultrasound back at the end of November.  We can't wait to see how big he is, what he looks like, etc.  If you're good, I'll post the pic, especially if we get a 4D ultrasound.  But only if you're on your best behavior.  (Did I mention I'm volunteering once a week with Junior Achievement with a wild group of second graders?  Can you tell with my teacher lingo?) 

Due to the Dishwasher Fiasco (see Tuesday's post), Harrison's room is extremely cluttered and a complete disaster zone with dining room furniture, china, crystal, cook books, etc.  So... guess what's on this weekend's To Do list?  You guessed it.  Operation Organization kicks off bright and early Saturday morning. 

I've also been thinking about the whole "what to pack" lists for the hospital.  I've gotten some great examples from other mommies and blogs... stuff like dry shampoo that I would have never thought of.  Any other suggestions?  I've heard everything from lots of warm, fluffy socks to stool softener (jealous much?). 

My plan is to have 3 main bags: 

1.  Mine

2.  Harrison's

3.  Electronics (camera, video camera, Kindle)

Do I need a separate bag for Mr. Smith as well?  That's four bags and counting then.  I don't want to look like a Bedouin tribe coming to move in permanently. 

Plus, I'm considering either carrying a back-up bag in my car just in case my water breaks or something while I'm at work.  Lord knows I don't want to have that happen and then be stuck in the same clothing while someone drives me to the hospital, with all my pre-packed bags chillin' at home.

So... maybe just start carrying all the bags in my car at a certain point?  Has this happened to anyone else?  Am I just being neurotic here? 

Toodles Poodles. 

Once Upon a Time...

... there was a newly pregnant girl who wanted nothing more than a new dishwasher.  A new dishwasher, she thought, would be the key to maintaining a clean eating environment for Mr. Smith, herself, and Baby Smith. 

So, she searched and searched until she found a great deal at a local "big box" appliance store.  (Names of stores will not be mentioned in this story).  Mr. and Mrs. Smith ventured down to this big box appliance store in mid-November, picked out her dishwasher (energy-efficient!  5 stars!  ooo la la!) and to their amazement, it would be installed the VERY NEXT DAY.  They couldn't believe their good fortune!

For three weeks, this new dishwasher rocked her world, getting plates and glasses so clean that she couldn't believe her luck!  Imagine her astonishment when she walked down her hallway one night to a scene that resembled this:

"Mr. Smith!"  she screamed in a panic, to which he came running.  "We're under a water attack from somewhere!"  They searched hi and low, whilst precariously walking amongst the river in their hallway.  Her first thought was that a water pipe had burst, but Mr. Smith mentioned that the new dishwasher was making a funny noise.  (Sort of like a spaceship was landing.)  Upon stopping the dishwasher and opening the door, it was discovered that for the almost full cycle, no water had been involved with the dishwasher, as it was busy being diverted under the kitchen and hallway flooring. 

As this was the holiday season, it was a bit hard to get through to the Big Box Store's customer service department, to alert them to the problem.  Eventually, Mr. Smith managed to get through, after several days of calling and speaking with seasonal staffers, and the man who installed the dishwasher would be coming back out to assess the situation. 

The situation?  A hole in the drainage tube from up under the dishwasher to our water line at the main kitchen sink.  His reasoning of the problem:

Let's just call him "Fievel", as there were several names I wanted to call him that are not blog-appropriate.  Let's preface this by saying that for four years of living in my house, I have not once - not even once - seen Fievel or any evidence of his presence.  Fievel apparently bypassed our cat and dog food out in plain sight in the kitchen, our food on the counter, and even managed to sneak in past our cat and dog (who will tirelessly terrorize a moth, for pete's sake) and had such a sophisticated palate that he only wanted a taste of my brand new dishwasher drainage tube.  (If you know me at all, you will know I'm typing this sarcastically...)

Since this installation man couldn't fix the problem, he would have to transfer it to a local appliance store, who would need to make another appointment with us. 

Fast forward about 4-5 days, and the new Appliance Repair Man arrives at our house, but says he will have to order a new drainage tube since the first Installation Man did not tell him what exactly the problem was, only that he needed to come check it. 

Another week goes by until the new Appliance Repair Man comes back to repair the drainage tube.  

During this time, Mr. and Mrs. Smith decide that all that water under the flooring cannot be healthy for us, let alone a new baby, so after speaking with our insurance company (who is awesome, by the way), we are covered under this minor catastrophe and can get new flooring to replace this old (probably moldy now) flooring. 

Off we venture to another Big Box Home Improvement Store.  We pick out new hallway and kitchen flooring and proceed with the ordering and scheduling. 

This process, however, takes almost 2.5 months, as our order is entered incorrectly 3 different times from Big Box Home Improvement Store (really?  they thought we wanted carpet in our kitchen?), a Measuring Man comes out to measure (another appointment), and their installation contractors get us on their books for my birthday, Friday, February 4th. 

Fast forward to my birthday.  Mr. Smith and I each take a half day off of work, to be home with the installation peeps.  I had the morning shift and was gloriously thinking what a great birthday present!  New flooring!  False. 

Upon arriving to get down to business, these Installation Peeps cannot do the flooring, as our house is built in the 1960s and the threat of asbestos prevents them from touching it.  They cannot do anything until we get someone else in there to remove and haul away all old flooring, and please call them when that process is completed.  (Insert hysterical pregnancy tears right about here.)

Next stop... researching local flooring companies to do this "rip and haul" for us.  And this point in the story I would like to say that a light literally shone down from the heavens and directed my search to Flooring Solutions.  After calling and speaking to their owner directly, he was more than happy to meet with us on a Saturday and knew exactly what I was talking about with Big Box.  Our Angel of Mercy came by that Saturday, assessed the situation, and said, "You know, I could get this whole thing done within a week.  Rip and haul, installation, everything.  And I'll match Big Box's price and give you a higher quality flooring." 

Oh.  My.  Lord.  I almost hugged the man. 

I immediately went to Big Box the next day and requested a refund on the entire project, which the manager did at the Customer Service desk without even once asking what the issue was, why we were going with someone else.... nothing.  She could not have cared less.  (Insert point to ponder:  How do some people stay in business?")

With only one issue - the wrong flooring had come in and would need to wait until Monday to be installed - we could not have been happier.  From Thursday to yesterday evening, we were nomads.  Literally.  Sister and her husband graciously put us up (Abby was boarded), and we ventured to T-Town this weekend for a wedding shower Saturday night and visit with the in-laws.  Needless to say, the gypsy life is not for us Smiths. 

Yesterday, one week and two days later, the project is finally completed.  Our flooring looks amazing, and we could not be more satisfied.  It was a 3-month nightmare, and our lesson of the story is that local is always best, not Big Box. 

The End.



Show us your Life Friday's.... Alma Mater Style!

Due to the fact that it's Friday and this busy week has me drained of creativity... I'll take the bait with Kelly's Korner "Show us your life Fridays" with her Alma Mater theme.

My Alma Mater:

The University of Alabama

Location: 

Tuscaloosa, AL

Years Attended:

2001-2005

(OMG, I am old)

Why I bleed Crimson:

My four years at "The Capstone" are some of the best years yet.  I actually don't remember applying to any other school, even though I had scholarship offers elsewhere.  Nope - I was Alabama-bound from Day One. 

My freshmen year I pledged Phi Mu sorority, and ended up with some of the best friends a gal could ask for!  (Mrs. Searson and Mrs. Shepherd, for visual references)

I also met my husband there, first as acquaintances through the Greek system, then as best buds as SGA comrades, later on (shortly after graduation) as romantic interests... now married and expecting a baby! 

My years at Bama were exciting and busy, both academic and extracurricular-wise.  I majored in Public Relations from the College of Communications, and loved being involved on campus - Sorority President, SGA Vice President of Academic Affairs, College of Communications Student Executive Council Vice President, College of Communications Ambassador, all those honor societies... I was one busy lady. 

However... I had fun.  And lots of it.  What else is college for if not exploring your options and making life-long buds? 

Why my child will attend Alabama (or at least be a Roll Tide fan forever and always):

The traditions of the school run deep in this family.  We are avid football fans - of the 2009 National Championship team and Heisman winner, in case you missed that - as well as fans of the academic world of Bama. 

Mr. Smith and I love this world of traditions - tailgating in the Fall on the Quad, The Strip (in our younger days, of course), running into old college pals, the beauty of the campus... the list goes on and on. 

Preggers Post - Week 29

Baby Smith

Harrison is almost 17 inches in length and right at 3 pounds in weight, the size of a Squash.  He's also getting fat... but in a good way!  All that wrinkly skin is evening out as fat deposits are accumulating faster under his skin.  Apparently, this also makes him more energized, which I can attest to.  It's either that, or all the Mexican food I've been eating.  It's like a Fiesta in there some times!

Momma Smith

Getting super excited about Harrison's arrival!  We're looking at a debut anywhere from 8-10 weeks from now, peeps.  Raise your hand if you're excited and not-at-all nervous-in-the-least. 

Still no popping of the belly button.  I mean, what gives?  It was the one thing I was looking forward to. 

Cravings:  still nothing weird.  Still lovin' some meat, Mexican food, and mint chocolate chip ice cream. 

It's getting harder and harder to fall asleep at night.  The tingly leg thing, coupled with a racing mind, is a bit frustrating.  Not to mention the frequent bathroom breaks.  (And the snoring, Mr. Smith would like me to add, for his benefit.)

Also, I'm assuming this is heartburn?  That horrible feeling in the back of your throat when you lie down?  Like you sort of need to get sick to your stomach?  I can't quite figure it out, but I don't like it one bit. 

In Other News
I received a Prenatal Massage this past Saturday, and guys... the hilarity continues with this pregnancy.  Mr. Smith had given me this gift certificate for a Christmas gift, and I can assure you he was not expecting a male massage therapist to rub down his pregnant wife when he purchased it. 

Not knowing really what all a prenatal massage entailed, I was already a little nervous.  Then, the male therapist walks in.  Oh Lord.  Thank goodness I had shaved my legs that morning was all I could think about!  I'm pretty sure I spent the first 15 minutes trying either not to giggle or drool (another side effect of pregnancy, remember?) on the nice man's massage table. 

All in all... it was great.  Very relaxing, even though you have to lay on your side.  I highly recommend it!  And the man did get extra bonus points in my book for saying that I didn't even look that big at all for being 7 months pregnant!  I could have kissed him.  But I digress...

Harrison's pediatrician has been selected in the past week, as well as the Photographer for his Newborn Session.  Both were pivotal decisions, I can assure you.  Our Newborn Session will be within a week of his debut, so that's really exciting! 

Any advice on how to face the camera so you don't look like a whale?  Anyone? 

Our next doctor's visit is this Monday morning, so more updates to come next week on the progress of growing this baby!

Happy Hump Day!

Last night I had the pleasure of a February Girls Night Out.  GNO took place at the new Mugshots restaurant - a fav in our college town, which just opened up here.  Um, their burgers are delish.  And while everyone else sipped their own frosty beverage, I managed to stay in the circle with my own frosty mug - filled with chocolate milkshake of course.  What my baby wants, my baby gets. 

I will say that there were some touch and go moments with Mugshots... but we're attributing it to it being their 2nd day open for business.  And with some experience, we're confident their wait staff will jump on board at some point.  The food is for sure worth the return...

Last night's conversation headed towards couponing, which of course, Mrs. Searson and I heartily endorsed.  While Mrs. Searson is clearly more of the "expert" and I'm the "novice", I think we managed to persuade everyone to at least try it one good time. 

I'm getting better and better at it!  This past Sunday's Publix bill:  $48.67.  Saved:  $24.05.  And we've got food until next Friday.  Me likey. 

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue...

... our last Valentine's Day before Baby was low-key and sweet,

how about you?

Rather than fight the masses last night at area restaurants, Mr. Smith and I stayed in for dinner.  I fixed Pork Loin Florentine - don't get excited - it was prepared by Publix, baked potatoes, and salad.  And maybe finished it off with Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. 

Since we're saving for the Precious Babe, Mr. Smith and I decided to forgo the usual gifts... as he said that my roses from my birthday (Feb. 4th) still looked awesome, so they counted as Valentine's Day roses too. 

You can't make this stuff up, people.  God love 'em. (As we say in the South...)

However, Mr. Smith did manage to scoop up some Valentine's Day goodies for himself at a certain hunting store in Vestavia this weekend.  "But, dear, I used your logic and only bought things on sale/clearance."  Clearly this is not what I was striving to hit home with in this year's couponing and frugality lessons.  Clearly. 

Since Mr. Smith was going quail hunting with a buddy on Sunday, he deemed it only necessary to purchase a brand new quail hunting outfit.  Apparently quails are hard to please/hunt if you're in last season's garb?  He was so excited when he got home he had to model it for me.  However, I could only be reminded of this:

Think a little less plaid, a little more bright "hunting" orange. 

Sexy. 

Preggers Post - Week 28

Time's flying by, people.  Here's what's happening in our 28th week of pregnancy:

Baby Smith

Drumroll please for Baby Boy Smith.... OR..... 

Harrison Edward Smith, if you will. 

It's official... Baby Boy Smith has a name. 

And since I got in a super cute pillow from Pottery Barn Kids with "Harrison" on it, it cannot be changed. 

This week, Baby Harrison is settling into the proper position for birth, with his head facing downward (toward your body's nearest exit!). He is now about 2.5 pounds and almost 16 inches long. He's busy adding new skills such as blinking to an already impressive repertoire of tricks like coughing, sucking, hiccuping, and taking practice breaths. Your baby's sleep now includes the REM (rapid eye movement) phase — and that means he could be dreaming already. (From WhattoExpect.com) 

Momma Smith

Starting have the whole "restless leg" thingy at night and I just cannot get comfortable when trying to go to sleep.  I'm sure Mr. Smith thinks I'm like a little jumping bean trying to get positioned, but Jeez Louise. 

And Baby Harrison is a little confused on Momma's sleep schedule because I swear as soon as I get comfortable, Dance Party USA begins.  I can't quite figure out what's he's doing in there.  It honestly feels like he's doing boxing repetitions or something, it's so fast.  Is that the hiccups?  I can't tell. 

Also, in new developments... my gums have started to bleed sometimes when I brush my teeth.  Who knew brushing your teeth whilst preggers was going to be such a debacle.  So, there's gagging in the morning, coupled with bleeding. 

As I said last week... the attractiveness just keeps on rolling in!

We finished up with our last Childbirth Education Class last night, and learned some "Bringing Baby Home" essentials like diapering, bathing, and swaddling.  And some not-so-fun items like Shaken Baby Syndrome and SIDS.  Scary! 

Here's hoping you're staying safe with whatever weather you're having outside... our's is a Winter Wonderland (again!). 



Totally Obsessed!

Mr. Smith and I were totally obsessed with this commercial during the Super Bowl.

Foreshadowing anyone? 

Monday Meanderings...

What a productive weekend!  We crossed several items off of the "To Do" list, including filing our Income Taxes.  I don't know about you, but I love filing our Income Taxes.  Love it!  But, I'm a total nerd, so I get where it could be seen as painful to many. 

Because I'm so Type A, I keep up with everything religiously throughout the year in a tax folder, so when it's time to file - BAM! - there's all my information.  I'm pretty excited about the refund scheduled for us Smith's.... and the things we can do with it, like pay off my car before Baby Smith gets here.

In Couponing Update News...

I totally racked up this weekend.  Racked.  Up. 

In case you didn't know, Publix was having a "Stock Up and Save" special.  So, my bill was a bit higher than usual.  But who could pass up their Campbell's Soup 10 for $10 deal?  Not this lady.  I mean, you can literally dump "Cream of Mushroom" on practically anything and it will be delicious.  Spent: $101.94.  Saved: $52.40.

I also racked up at CVS!  Spent:  $52.99.  Saved: $42.30.

(I'm also pretty sure that we are set for the next 6 months in laundry detergent, soap, deoderant, and shampoo.)

Why the hoarding stocking up?  I'm petrified of going on Bed Rest before Baby Smith gets here.  Scared out of my knickers.  And the only way this will be a tad easier for me is knowing we are as stocked up as possible.  When you're the CFO of a household (Mr. Smith is the CEO, I'm the CFO), there's a certain weight of responsibility with all things budgetary.  Mr. Smith is a busy little worker bee at his job, with things only looking busier on his horizon.  I don't want the "Honey, we're completely out of soap" facts of life to be a thorn in his side anytime soon.  I'm trying to keep his bubble of always having the fridge and pantry stocked still a bubble. 

Plus, I don't want to live with the fear of an expensive grocery bill courtesy of Mr. Smith "just because it was easier" or "well, we just have never tried eel before" or "but I only like the brand names".  Ahem.  Women - do you agree? 

28!

Wow.  28 years old - where does the time go? 

Friday I celebrated my 28th birthday, and I realized how much I have to be thankful for as I began my 28th year here on Earth.  Even though the day started out rocky (to be further explained in a future post entitled "The Great Dishwasher Fiasco of 2K10/2K11"), I was reminded consistently throughout the day of what a blessed lady I am. 

With phone calls and facebook messages from family and friends, a sweet cake, flowers, & balloons birthday surprise from co-workers, then Mexican dinner with some of my nearest and dearest (Sister, Mrs. Searson, and Mrs. Shepherd were all in attendance), followed up with roses and cake from Mr. Smith.... a girl has a lot to be thankful for.  Not to mention Baby Smith who is growing like a weed!

My birthday present from Mr. Smith... the Vera Bradley diaper bag and bottle cooler/tote I wanted for Baby Smith!

Preggers Post: Week 27

Preggers Post - Week 27! 

Baby Smith

He is more than a foot long and weighs over 2 pounds now.  He's also still dancing away, especially when he hears music or after I've eaten.  He's a big fan of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Salsa w/ Cream Cheese (try it... you'll thank me later), and Club Sandwiches.  

Momma Smith

Cannot believe we're at 27 weeks!  I start my 28th week tomorrow (which means 3rd Trimester!), which is also my 28th birthday.  Cool, right?  Don't think I planned it that way.  I mean, I'm Type A, but not that Type A.

I started my week with the Glucose Test.  And I'm happy to report that all results are good to go!  Thank goodness.  I was not wanting to go through a follow-up test, which is 3 hours.  The one on Monday was bad enough.  Close your eyes and imagine drinking a lukewarm, watered down Sunkist.  Oh, I'm sorry... did you gag?  Because that was my initial reaction with my first sip. 

Yep, it's empty.  Just for proof, I took a picture. 

Here's what's going on in the Smith household with Momma Smith, besides Glucose Tests.

I'm measuring 24 cm in the belly area.  You're "suppose" to measure parallel to your week... like I should be around 27 cm right now.  But, apparently I'm running smaller than normal.  (Baby Smith likes my daily pep talks to "please be nice to mommy when growing" apparently.)  I'm also carrying very low, which the doctor says should be fun when the baby drops, since there's not that much more room to go with him in that area. 

• Still gagging with morning teeth-brushing. 
• Still having 2-3 bathroom breaks during the night. 
• Still leaking sporatically in the "ladies." 
• Weight Gained: Right at 20 pounds. 
• Braxton Hicks contractions have really picked up lately as well.
• Belly button has not "popped" out yet. 

Add to this list:  SNORING.  Mr. Smith has reported that I have begun snoring... in his words.... like a trucker cutting logs at night. 

Oh, the attractiveness just keeps on coming, people. 

And just for hanging on with me while you read this... a belly shot. 

Two thumbs up for heading into the 3rd Trimester!

(Readers Note:  This is an end-of-a-long-day picture.  Don't judge me too harshly.)

Wordless Wednesday: Oh. My. Gawd.

I've got Spring Fever... how about you?

How about that weather we had here in Bama this weekend?  Gorgeous.  Absolutely gorgeous!  I couldn't get over it.  Mr. Smith, Cooper and I soaked up the rays outside as much as possible, and grilled out both Saturday and Sunday nights for dinner.  It doesn't take a whole lot to tease us Southerners, that's for sure.  Fingers crossed that groundhog tomorrow does his duty and predicts an early Spring!  (It also doesn't help that it's a cold, rainy 50 degrees outside right now, with tomorrow's forecast of a Low 29.  Ugh.)

Mr. Smith and I did some more "To Do List" items this weekend.  I feel like it never ends, people.  After starting his Saturday with breakfast in bed prepared by yours truly (Gotta keep the romance alive, right?  Especially before Baby Smith gets here!)  Mr. Smith cleaned out and vaccuumed both cars, and finished cleaning out the storage closet.  We're putting a little freezer in there in the near future, for storage purposes of the Mommy Milk.  Cooper also received a much-needed bath after this weekend romps in the backyard.

I did my weekend run to Publix - Spent $58.22, Savings $30.80.  I also happened to scoop up some diaper deals at both CVS and Target, which meets my February quota ahead of schedule.  (I'm also 68% sure that Mr. Smith is already sick of the diapers, but I keep telling him that the hoarding being prepared will pay off come late Spring.)

We're also having new flooring installed this Friday, so I spent a lot of time transferring my China, Crystal, and Arthur Court from the dining room to the nursery.  With lots of mental reminders of "This will be over in one week." 

It wasn't all work and no play.  We watched both "The A Team" and "Red" this weekend as well.  Highly recommend "Red."  Hysterical, and John Malkovich's character kept us in stitches.  And here's hoping I can only vaguely resemble Helen Mirren at that age.  Classically timeless! 

I started my work week with this yesterday:

Don't be jealous. 

More on that fun topic in this week's Preggers Post.