To SLEEP and perchance to dream . . .

What the heck was I thinking?! I can't believe I actually thought I would have the time to update the blog more often. I mean who the hell was I kidding?! I hardly have time to watch the Nightly News these days ( I miss you Brian Williams!). I guess I forgot how much work a tiny baby is. Although our tiny baby is not so tiny anymore. Tomorrow Dexter will be eight weeks old and he weighs 12lbs now. Can you believe it?! He definately doesn't have any problems eating, except he likes it a little too much (the doctor had us cut back a bit). He is so different from Bella. I call him my grumpy elf (he has pointed ears). He is pretty fussy and he does not wake up in a friendly mood. It's like poking a sleeping bear with a sharp stick. Although once he's up he's much more friendly. We are all really enjoying him, especially during the day. Most nights are, well, difficult. My fantasy is eight hours of quiet, non-interrupted sleep. It is just a fantasy for now at least. Most of Dexter's smiles come in his sleep and when he's awake he tries desparately to catch his very elusive thumb. That damn thumb just won't cooperate, and he get incredible frustrated. He also LOVES his bath. During his first bath he actually fell asleep. His hair wants to stick up all the time so I just make a mohawk out of it with a little water. All he needs now is a Ramones or Sex Pistols T-shirt and he'll be my little punk rocker elf. I did recently discover that John Denver can soothe him within seconds (he has inheirited my great taste in music). Needless to say we have been listening to a lot of John Denver. I am loving it, it really relaxes me too and I know ALL the lyrics!

Isabella has had a great start to the school year. She lost a second tooth and loves 1st grade, especially math. We got a great report from her teacher, Mrs. Hoffman, at conferences. She told us how cooperative Bella is and what a hard worker and good friend she is. We are so proud of her. This year Bella is taking a cooking class and and Irish step dancing class after school once a week. She enjoys both, but really loves the cooking class. Isabella is a fantastic big sister. She never complains and seems to really enjoy Dexter. She talks to him, sings to him, likes to watch him and occasionally mother him. Then when she's done she goes off and does her own thing, like her life hasn't changed a bit.

Poor Dexter has sooo many Mama's, no wonder he's grumpy. He has me, Bella and much to our surprise, Daisy. At first she was a little too excited about him and was fiercely protective. If Seamus even thought about going near him she would growl and snap at him. Poor Seamus, he loves babies and is soooo good with them, he can't even enjoy his own. She has calmed down a lot and now seems satisfied to watch over him and alert me to his every whimper. She also puts her paws on the side of the pack n play and crib and sticks her head in to check on him and to supervise diaper changes. Seamus is now allowed to sniff him briefly.

We had a busy September and October adjusting to life with Dexter. My mom was here for two weeks to help and it was GREAT having her. Isabella really enjoyed having her Grandma for such an extended visit. She was a huge help to me and it helped me recover more quickly. Dexter's delivery and my recovery was more difficult than with Isabella, but we are through it and I am feeling more like myself everyday. I have not been released to run yet, hopefully tomorrow. The doctor thought a pain I had been having since last Novemer ( remember that groin injury I mentioned way back when) was an hernia. So I had an ultra sound this week. It was negative, but Dr. McCaul has to sign off on it first. I can't wait! I only have one pair of jeans that fit, so I have to get to work. Plus, I really miss my me time and releasing all that stress. I have been walking and I can do yoga now (YEEAAHH!!!) The main issue now will be finding the time. The things we mothers scarifice (mostly our sanity).

In October my Dad came to see his grandbabies for 5 days. We had a really nice time with him. Again Bella was thrilled and loved Grandpa's spoiling. Dad, Bella and I went to the pumpkin farm, picked out pumpkins (even if NY pumpkins are too small by my Dad's standards) and explored the giant corn maze. Bella lead us through so its amazing were found our way out! Right before Dad got here we had the Invisible Fence installed for Daisy. At first it was hard for me. I didn't like the idea of shocking her. I won't put a shocker collar on one of my human kids ( I might daydream about it, but I wouldn't do it !) I quickly got over my apprehension after we saw the estimates and plans from the regular fence guy. It was so crazy expensive and they were going to have to cut our yard in half because of the huge easement. So we went with the invisible fence and it is AWESOME!!! I tested the collar to see what the shock was like, not too bad. It only took a few times and Daisy was a quick learner. She is so much happier and much better behaved in the house because she can get rid of her energy outside. Currently she is patrolling for a squirrel and chipmunk that have been harvesting and burying nuts in the yard and under our porch. She loves watching Bella walk to the bus stop and greeting her when she gets home. I love not having to watch and worry.

We were just beginning to find our new routine when Isabella was struck by the flu bug. The doctor's are going on the assumption is H1N1 because she had her seasonal flu shot in the beginning of September and it is going around the community. Hurrah! What little sleep we were getting is now a faded memory. I am surprised I am even coherent. At least I hope I am?! I haven't proofread yet. The doctor gave her Tamiflu, because of Dexter and it has really done an amazing job. We are watching Dexter closely and so far so good. Isabella has been quarantined to her room as the docter said they have to be kept apart. That was easy until yesterday morning when she informed me that she was," absolutely fine" and "was feeling perfect" so could she go Trick or Treating? After much debate we took her out only on our street and then home to bed. She has been 36 hours fever free and feels fine, with only a nasty lingering cough. Hopefully she can go back to school tomorrow and we are done with the swine flu! Our Halloween was pretty much a bust. We were too busy tending children and exhausted to decorate the outside or even carve our pumpkins. Oh well, there is always next year. We did manage to dress up Dexter in his costume (thanks to Grandma) for a few pics.

We will probably have a quiet Thanksgiving this year (fine by me!). Baba and Diado will be arriving Dec 17th. This will be our first Chirstmas with them and we are looking forward to sharing our traditions with them. Hopefully I will be back here with more pics in a month. Happy November!

Shenanigan's quote board:

"There was never a child so lovely, but his mother was glad to get him asleep."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Kids. They're not easy. But there has to be some penalty for sex."

- Bill Maher

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Welcome Dexter!

Weighing in at 6lbs, 13oz and 21in long, our little mister, Dexter Eamon Avramov has arrived!! He lasted 4 days longer than his sister, born at 36 weeks and 4 days at 3:20 am on Labor Day. Coincidentally his big sister, born on May 1, was born on the Bulgarian Labor Day. How weird is that!? Now that we have our Labor Days covered I am DONE!!! Dexter and I are home and doing well. I will not write much today as I am not quite up to full capacity and Isabella will be home from school soon. I do want to say a big thank you to all our family and friends for your love, support and best wishes!! We are grateful for you everyday!

I especially want to say thanks to my mom for all her help and to my Dad for giving her up for 2 weeks!

Thank you to our neighbors and friends. The McDevitts for taking such good care of our Isabella, while we labored. To Isabelle, Lubo and Celine for taking such great care of Bella during our false alarm and for always being there just in case (and for the Welcome Home balloons)! Pavlina and Ivan for being our backup's backup and for checking on me while Teddy was out of town! Its friends and neighbors like you who make living here in Syracuse so worth while!

A HUGE THANK YOU to my doctor, Jennifer McCaul, her nurse, Donna and all the staff at St. Joseph's Labor and Delivery!! You are a credit to your field! Dr. McCaul, you are the BEST and I am going to miss seeing you and Donna all the time!!!

Thank you also to my best girl, Isabella! Who, by the way lost her first tooth the night her brother was born and started first grade on Wednesday! What a big, exciting week!!! She was such a coopertive, understanding, big help all summer!! She makes her Daddy and I sooo proud! What a fantastic big sister she is!!

Most of all, I want to say Thank You to my amazing

husband for all your support, for laughing with me,

even during labor (I just keep cutting and cutting and the door still doesn't fit!) and listening to me cry (hormones) and rant uncontrollably (sometimes hormones), for worrying about me and for letting me squeeze your fingers until there was no circulation left. You are the best, honey! I don't know what I'd do without you! I am sooooo glad you're my babies' Daddy!! I sure do know how to pick 'em!!!!

Also before I go, I want to say Congratulations Baba and Diado, Galia, Kiril and Mira and our all our family in Bulgaria! Thank you for all your love and concern!! Dexter can't wait to meet you!! We love you and miss you!! Like a true

Bulgarian he eats and sleeps like a champ!!!

I hope to write and post more pics in the next few weeks! See you then!!

Shenanigan's Quote Board:

"A person's a person, no matter how small."

- Dr. Seuss

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Good Times!

Happy Summer Everyone! It has really been a beautiful, busy summer for us this year. While we have had our share of rain we have had equal amounts of sunshine and the most incredible temps. We have only reached the 80's a few times. The grass is so green and the gardens are flourishing! June and July have been a lot of fun, filled with new adventures, end of the school year celebrations, and guests.


At the beginning of summer, Teddy found a very nice local trout hatchery and soon after he and Isabella went on their second and third father/daughter fishing expeditions. It was then that Bella caught her first fish. I went along out of curiousity and to be the offical photographer. I do not fish, not enough patience. I'd much rather spend my afternoon with good book. At the hatchery there was no need for patience. I have never seen anything like it. They were reeling in fish as quickly and the line hit the water. Both trips took no more than a couple of hours and Teddy caught 5 the first time and 4 the second including a 5 pounder. By the way the trout were delicious!

Our next adventure took us to Jamesville Balloon Fest. It takes place every June at our local lake. Last year I was absolutely amazed and felt like a little kid getting so close to the balloons and watching them fill and launch. This year was no different. It is not like the Forest Park Balloon Race, they don't rope anything off and you can literally stand among all the balloons. I was so excited to take my new camera (my Xmas gift from Teddy) to capture the moment. Some of our neighbors also had their annual Balloon Fest BBQ that weekend and we watched one of the evening lauches from their backyard. Our neighborhood has a great location to view all the morning and evening launches, we don't even have to leave our front porch.

That same weekend we also participated in our first neighborhood garage sale. It was a big success for everyone who joined in. By that I mean, successful at getting rid of our crap. Our family made about $125.00. Instead of using it to by more crap, I decided to spend it on breakfast for my family at Cracker Barrel and a Sunday morning outing to a local nursery to buy flowers for our new gardens. That's right, the landscapers finally got here in June (they were only 3 weeks late!) Despite their tardiness they did a great job and finally our house looks finished and I have gardens to play in. Too bad I can only sit and look for now. Teddy planted everything we bought without complaint, a job I know he hates. I went into early labor with Isabella after doing some gardening and even though it was not the reason I went into labor we were not taking any chances.

In the middle of June we had a visit from Mandi and Charlotte! I was sooo excited to have them back this year and Bella couldn't wait to see them either. We had a great time as always ( although I was a little jealous that Teddy and Mandi got to enjoy the wine without me). Isabella and Charlotte had a lot of fun too. Bella was great with her (she's going to be a great big sister). Charlotte has grown and changed so much since we last saw her. What an incredible little girl she is; full of smiles, laughter and surprises. While she was here she decided Isabella's name was Cinderella, so for the three days they were with us Bella was known as Cinderella. Charlotte also surprised both her mom and I with some great see-sawing. If you know anything about Charlotte this was a pretty amazing trick for our little trooper and we were all so proud and excited for her! She has come so far in her short two and half years on this planet, a great testament to her spirit and her super mom! While it was hard to say goodbye it was wonderful to have those few days together. After they left Isabella asked me if I miss Aunt Mandi and does it make me sad that she is far away. I told her of course I miss seeing her but I can talk to her anytime I want and for true friends, it doesn't matter how far away you are, you never feel like you are far apart.

The next week brought us to Isabella's Kindergarten Celebration. They sang for the families and shared all the fun things they learned throughout the year. It was such a nice afternoon and we were really proud of our girl. She had a great year and loves school. I can't believe its on to first grade! She has grown so much in so many ways this year. Her last day of school was June 25th. It seems so late to me but we get that extra week break in the winter and school doesn't start until after Labor day. Her last week consisted of mostly half days, a pizza party/picnic, water olympics and an ice cream social. It ended with a visit from Grandma and Grandpa.

My Mom and Dad arrived a few days before my birthday and stayed for about a week. We had a great visit and it was so nice to have them here for my birthday (by the way did I mention I turned 25 again this year). We celebrated by going to one of my favorite places here, Coleman's Irish Pub (or as Bella calls it "the leprechaun restaurant" ). They have the most incredible Guiness onion rings. Bella really enjoyed spending time with Grandpa and Grandma and telling them all about EVERYTHING. We also took them to the Fort Rickey petting zoo, exploring at Laborador Hollow and sightseeing in Skaneateles, a beautiful little town on one of the Finger lakes. We are looking forward to my mom coming back to help with the arrival of the little mister. Speaking of visitors we got a wonderful surprise visit from my Uncle Bud and his wife Diane last week. They were here from Florida for Diane's family reunion. It was so great to see them and catch up. They look so happy and I was thirlled to have some more of my family here even for a little while.

July brought new activites for Bella; swimming lessons and a beginner's gymnastics class. It may not seem like a lot (3 mornings a week) but as this pregnancy has progressed all the running around has become exhausting. The last few months have brought tremendous growth for me. I am HUGE (the picture here is from June 25th and does not do my current size justice). Even my doctor seems surprised and measured me twice this week, just be sure. Even though I am measuring exactly where I should I look so much bigger because of my petite size and I am ALL baby. I don't seem to have gained weight anywhere but my stomach and it sticks straight out. When people ask me my due date and I tell them the look of shock on their face says it all. I must say even with all the shocked looks I have never recieved so many compliments by friends and complete strangers. Its nice to feel such support. This pregnancy has been totally different than Bella's (with the exception of the afternoon and evening sickness). I have not had so much as a cold, no asthma attacks and no falls. I did begin having a pain in the right side of my upper abdomen and rib area in June. I thought it had to do with growth and my ribs spreading and was most likely muscular. My doctor was little concerned it could be my gall bladder and sent me for an ultra sound. Needless to say Teddy and I (mostly me) were a little freaked out. The ultra sound showed my gall bladder was fine but I also observed that as the tech went over my upper side and back that my liver was on the screen. That's how far up my organs have been pushed. My liver is up as high as my breasts! I told my doctor that at this rate my liver will be in my throat by the time this kid gets here. Teddy said no wonder my ribs hurt and I can't catch my breath, half of my organs are in my chest cavity (that would also explain the massive heartburn). He thinks the baby's toes will be tickling my tonsils soon (short girls watch out for those tall men!). I seriously can't wait for our little mister to get here (8 more weeks!!). It is going to be the biggest relief in more ways than one! Maybe he'll be a little early like his sister. I have been joking that at the end of August I'll start running again to get him out early. Of course, you know with the wishful thinking, that means he'll be here on time or late(although I don't know how he will fit)! The funniest thing is that my belly button hasn't popped out yet (I have a very deep inny). I wonder when it does, does that mean he's done?! He is crazy active, way more than Bella, I hope this is not an indication of what's to come! If it is I'm going to have to get back in shape fast to keep up after him. Also, just to drive everyone crazy (and for my pleasure), we have decided on a name but we are not telling! Its a surprise!

Before I go I do want to apologize for the long absence. To be honest I have even been wondering if I really wanted to keep doing the blog. It just takes so much time and at times feels like another chore on my to-do list. It is also difficult for me right now to sit at the computer for more that 15 minutes at a time, its just uncomfortable and at times painful (this particular blog took me three days to finish). I decided I want to keep trying to write. It is a great outlet of expression for me and a nice record of our family memories and a good way for all our loved ones to feel connected with us. So be patient with me and keep checking in. I promise to do my best keeping it up to date.

One thing very different about this pregnancy has been the laugh factor. Instead of the intense mood swings and sometimes unexplained deep anger I felt with Bella's I find myself laughing so hard at everything. Some nights as I wipe away tears from laughing so hard, I swear The Daily Show is going to put me into labor. So I thought I would end this blog with some quotes Teddy and I have found very funny and hopefully share a few laughs with you.

The Shenanigans Quote board:

"If God had wanted us to have hindsight, he would have put eyes on our butt."

-Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report

"I always considered myself a pretty good judge of people. That's why I don't like none of 'em!"

-Rosanne Barr, Roseanne

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More Disney Pics and Nursery Photos

Isabella's Birthday Breakfast

My worst nightmare: being eaten by a shark!
No kidding!!

Disney's Boardwalk

Isabella the Japanese Chef

The nursery:

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It's a Boy!

Wow! Can you believe its almost June?! Where did May go?! We have had such a fun, exciting and busy month. As I mentioned last month we were preparing for our first official family vacation. In January, Teddy and I made reservations for a trip to Disney World. We got an incredible deal, buy 4 nights get 3 free. We thought Isabella was at the perfect age for her first trip to Disney. So on April 25th we embarked on what turned out to be our best trip ever ( at least for me)! They do everything for you there. I have never come home from a trip so completely relaxed and I don't think any of us wanted to come home. Disney World has changed so much since I was there 20 years ago. I don't care who you are or how old you are, once you step in those gates you are a kid again! We stayed at the Disney Boardwalk which was great. Everytime we came in from anywhere someone always greeted us with "Welcome Home", which was so cool. Everywhere we went all week all the cast members referred to Isabella as Princess. We also got the Disney Meal plan and I have to say what a great decision that was! It was more than enough food and boy did it save us money!

We went to a different park everyday. Isabella's favorite park was Animal Kingdom, of course. While at Animal Kingdom we ate at an African restaurant and our daughter actually tried and liked some African dishes. Who knew miracles happen at Disney too?! Bella also loved Epcot. She couldn't get over that she could travel to all these different countries and she loved the Mexico ride the best. Teddy's favorite park was also Epcot. I could not decide if I had to, I had a great time everywhere. I especially enjoyed spending that time with my family and seeing Isabella's reactions.

Isabella celebrated her 6th birthday on our last full day. Can you believe she's 6??!!! All that day Bella got to wear a button that said she was celebrating her birthday and everyone we met, cast members or other tourists said Happy Birthday to her. By the end of the day she told me she wanted to take off her button because she was tired of saying thank you so much. We celebrated by having a buffet breakfast with the Disney Princesses in Norway at Epcot. While Bella was very excited to meet Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Snow White, she was most impressed with meeting Mary Poppins. I have to say the resemblance was amazing and Isabella loved that "she spoke a different language" ( she actually had a lovely British accent). We then spent the morning redoing our favorite things at Epcot and then went back to the hotel for a swim. (We were in 10 minutes walking distance from Epcot.) That evening we went back to Epcot and took Bella to her first Japanese dinner, the kind where they cook it in front of you. Once again she happily tried new foods and really enjoyed the chef hat and Japanese birthday chant they did for her. We sadly left the wonderful World of Disney and all I could think of is why can't the rest of the world be like Disney World?! Everyone is happy and sooo nice and friendly. Everything is so clean and well cared for, and most importantly for a pregnant woman, there are bathrooms everywhere with no waiting and they were all spotless with toilet paper and soap! The rest of the world should follow Disney's model! Even my husband agreed we will definately be back in 5-6 years!

After we got back from Disney World we jumped right back into the fullness that is our life. Within four days of returning home we got the exciting news that we are having a boy! Isabella is very excited and told me she really didn't care if she was getting a brother or a sister, either one was fine. Then she promptly suggested we name him Thomas. While Thomas is a nice name, I told her, we will not be naming him Thomas. I then explained how the mom and dad get to name the baby. She was not happy and told me that she is a member of this family too and she doesn't understand why she can't have any say like she did with naming Daisy (obviously she doesn't see the difference between having a dog and a little brother). Needless to say our little attorney did not win her argument. It sucks to live in a dictatorship! She did get over it and has been very busy helping us decorate the baby's room and going through all her old things. I have saved most everything from Bella with the exception of a few things. I had full intention to reuse her crib set and wall decor until . . . Damn Fisher-Price, sent me their spring preview catalog in March and I fell in love with their new Precious Planet line. So I decided to get a new crib set and wall decor. The best part is a portion of the proceeds goes to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The crib set and decor arrived last Saturday and Teddy and I began painting and setting up the room. The weekend before we moved what was the upstairs guest room into the office. I threw in some pictures of the final product. I don't know if the pictures will do it justice or not. Teddy, who is usually decoratively challenged actually came up with the color scheme by himself. The top half is a very pale blue, the bottom is green and the stripe in the middle is brown, like melted chocolate. It turned out great. I'm so proud of him. Isabella loves that it is animal themed and she told us she thinks her baby brother will love it too. A big Thank You to Grandma and Grandpa Morris who gave us the crib set as a gift! I do have one wall empty, I have this great idea that I will use my new camera and take pictures of animals sleeping at the zoos we visit this summer and we will pick out the best 4 or 5 pics and frame them. We already got some cute ones from our trip to the zoo this weekend.

By the way don't ask about names we are keeping that a secret and the truth is we haven't really discussed it to much. We are kind of avoiding the subject for now, although I have ideas. I am feeling pretty good for the most part. I did have to give up running last week. The extra weight had begun to cause my knees, then my ankles, then my arches to hurt. I am afraid of causing permanent damage, so thinking of my running future I sadly gave it up for walking until our little Spanky is born. He better appreciate my sacrifice, but I won't hold my breath.

June is going to be another exciting month for the us! Aunt Mandi and Charlotte are coming for a visit. YEAAAHHH!!! Grandma and Grandpa are coming for a visit! Isabella finishes kindergarten June 25th (That's sooo late!). The landscapers will come and put in our beds, bushes and a few trees (hopefully before our company arrives). Most importantly I will turn 25 again! Isn't it amazing how youthful I am becoming! So that's it from here for now! Hope you enjoy the pics! Enjoy the start of summer, I know we will! Our best to everyone!

Shenanigan's Quote Board:

"The reason that I talk to myself is that I'm the only one whose answers I accept."

- George Carlin

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Ahhhh, Peace and Quiet at Last! (Well for five minutes anyway)

After almost 6 years I have finally discovered the secret to getting some much needed peace and quiet. Who says dog crates are just for dogs?! I thought everyone would enjoy our Isabella's newest silly stunt. Yes, she did lock herself in the the dog crate with Daisy on purpose (you didn't really think I would do that, did you?! Although the thought is tempting). Isabella really, really would like to be a dog. Something I too can relate to because at her age I also wanted to be a dog. While Teddy and I were painting her bathroom, for the second time, Bella entertained herself and Daisy by playing dog family and locking herself in the crate. All was quiet until we heard, "Hey Mama! You have to get the camera and come see me!" So of course I did. Unfortunately, she did want to be let out a few minutes later.

Daisy too has picked up a new habit but this time its not related to digging or barking or getting on my last nerve. As you can see she greatly enjoys drinking from the kitchen or bathroom faucets ( sure beats drinking out of the toilet). We did not teach her this trick. She began drinking from the tub during Bella's baths. She would also like to get in the bath with Bella so we have to watch her carefully or crate her. She soon graduated to drinking from the shower sprayer while we rinsed the tub and had now moved on to standing at the kitchen sink while we hold the sprayer so she can quench her thirst. She does always have a bowl of water, I guess she just likes it fresh. Life with Isabella and Daisy is a new (noisy) adventure everyday!

Life has been pretty quiet here. I am feeling much better. No more afternoon and evening sickness, but I seem to have grown overnight. To answer the most popular question: Yes, we will be finding out if its a boy or girl but not until after our trip. We will share the news as soon as we have it. Although I don't think I want to share our name choices until the baby is here and named. I don't really want the commentary or facial expressions if we are thinking about somthing different. Besides Teddy and I will have enough to argue about without everybody else weighing in. So maybe we will leave that for a surprise! As I mentioned I have been feeling much better, my only complaint is that I can't make my body move like I want it to. I miss yoga (prenatel yoga is not the same!) and I miss being able to move with such ease.

I am still running and that's really the only time I feel normal. Everyday I am truly grateful for my treadmill , because there is no way I could run outside. I literally, no exaggeration, have to pee every five to ten minutes. Between the longer warm up and the bathroom visits it takes me an hour to do a thirty minute run and I'm running a ten minute mile! I am not complaining just stating fact. I would not give up my morning runs for anything and I dread the time when I will have too. My running has become such an important part of my life that it will really be hard if the doctor tells me I have to stop (I will of course.) It has gotten me through and helped me stay sane through motherhood, a huge move and everyday ups and downs. It has become my meditation, my outlet and my "Me time". It is truly the one thing in my life that is mine alone and I do cherish it. I don't need marathons or races, just the competition with myself, some goals to work toward and some good tunes! The hardest thing for me about running while pregnant is the pyschological battle of seeing my waistline get bigger and the times get slower despite the miles put in which are also decreasing. All the experts say that pregnant runners should not set or work toward new goals. This is also hard for me, so this morning on my run I decided that they are wrong. We should set goals, just different kinds. Instead of setting goals to reach new distances or times, I am setting the goals to run at least 4 days a week and to finish each run strong and relaxed with the knowledge that I am doing an incredible thing for myself. Who knows maybe Pee wee and I will have a special bond through this experience, maybe he or she will come out a runner and this will be the beginning of many years of running together (as long as they aren't to chatty, I don't like to run with talkers, just ask Teddy!) I also hope that as I grow and get slower and my knees ache from the extra weight it will all help me after our bundle is here and make coming back all that much easier. Afterall if I can run while carrying a child I can run through anything!

We had a very chilly Easter again this year. I don't think Bella will ever see an Easter filled with sleeveless fancy dresses here in the Northeast. We had a very nice day despite the cold. Our neighbors Isabelle, Celine, Lubo, Luke and Amelia had a us again this year for an egg hunt and brunch. Great company, great conversation and great food and Easter Eggs!! What more could we ask for!

Spring arrived here just in time for Bella's Spring break (Thank God!), so she and Daisy got to get outside a lot! I'm not quite sure, how I or they will survive the summer. When Bella is in school or at a friend's, our house is peaceful and the dogs are fairly quiet, but as soon as Bella gets home everything erupts in to chaos and until Brian Williams comes on you can't hear yourself think! (We have a rule all children, furry or otherwise, have to settle down so Mom can hear and fully enjoy Brian Williams and his newscast.) This baby is going to be able to sleep through anything! I also think the baby will thinks its name is "DAMMIT DAISY!" because I seem to be yelling, and I do mean yelling, this all the time. Daisy and Bella have the same affliction, selective hearing. Despite the chaos and craziness Bella and I had a nice time over her break and we were both happy when school started again. I am so proud that so far we have raised a child who is excited about and loves school. She just got her third quarter report card and has been working hard and doing a great job! We are so proud of her. I can't believe her first year is almost over and that she will be six next week! Where does the time go!

That's pretty much it from here for now. We are getting ready for our trip to Disneyworld! I'll have lots of pics and stories next month I am sure. Isabella and I are both sooooo excited! Enjoy Spring!

One last thing before I go, there has been something stuck in my craw this past month. I keep hearing people (either pundits, people being interviewed, even people in casual conversation) refer to our government as fascist. Not just this month but over that last several years as well. Here's my issue: yes, we are free in this country to voice our feelings and opinions but before we do we might want to actually know the meaning of terms like fascism and fascist. Just a thought!

Shenanigan's Quote board:

He who knows nothing is nearer to the the truth than those whose minds are filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson

"More and More of our imports come from overseas" - George W. Bush

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