24 Weeks

Baby Size:Canteloupe

Symptoms: Pregnancy dreams!  I really don't remember them being this bad and vivid with my last pregnancy.  The other night I glanced at the computer screen while my husband was watching "Breaking Bad" with headphones, and I had a nightmare about drug dealers!  (I watched the first two season on the show, but it got to be too intense for me.)

Workout: Some prenatal Pilates.  It was a busy week, and I find that if I don't workout in the morning then it's probably not happening--sadly.

Cravings: Sweets.  All day every day...no joke.

Best Moment(s) of the week: Hearing the heart beat--it never gets old.  I had my regular check-up this week, and everything looks good.

Missing: Being regular.  With my last pregnancy I was regular until the bitter end; in fact it wasn't until after I gave birth that I had a problem.  This time around, after the first trimester it has been rough in that department!

This week has been busy, but relatively uneventful--just the normal "life" things that need to be done.  I'm currently dealing with a toddler who is struggling with finding her way.  She cries more now then she ever has in her little life.  We're struggling to figure out the best way to handle it.  I really don't want a spoiled monster for a child, but when you're in the moment and it's happening it's hard to know the "right" thing to do.  Overall she's still a very good girl, but man does she have her moments. 

22 Weeks

Baby Size: Papaya

Symptoms: Stuffy nose.  It wakes me up at night, because I can't breathe.  I've started wearing Breathe Right strips and they have been helping a ton.

Workout: Went to the gym 3 times...cardio mostly.  Plus Lili likes playing at the Kids Club.  Also, at home, I did an Arm workout 3 times, as well as Prenatal Pilates.

Cravings: Still Apples.  I have at least one every day.

Best Moment(s) of the week: Getting to the gym.

Missing: Eating food with reckless abandon.  Lili and I went to one of our favorite places, Whole Foods, and at the cheese counter they were giving away samples of Parmesan.  We each ate a piece and it was delicious, so I decided to buy a small block of it ($22.99/lb!!).  When I got home I realized it was "raw milk Parmesan"...........it's probably okay for me to eat, but just to be on the safe side I didn't/haven't eaten it.  =(  But it was so yummy in the store!

I'll try to lay off the bathroom photos next time.  =)

My belly button is starting to make it's way out.  I guess that makes sense because my uterus is just above my belly button, I think.  Or it's at my belly button.  Either way, it was probably around this time last pregnancy that my belly button started to pop.  I used to think outtie belly buttons on pregnant women looked ugly...but when I had one, I couldn't care less about it!  I remember thinking I'd put tape or something over it, but in the end it really didn't matter to me.

I have a couple pairs of pants I want to turn into maternity jeans.  I have all the materials, and I've read plenty of blogs/instructions on what to do...but I'm still nervous about messing them up so I haven't made any yet.  Plus, the weather is starting to get really cold so I'm pretty okay with sweats!  Ha!  My desire to "look cute" this pregnancy is waning.  Darn.

And I've decided not to keep track of my weight gain.  I don't own a scale, and I'm not too concerned about it.  Although I can tell you I'm gaining weight much differently then with Liliana.  This time around I appear to only be gaining weight in my hips and thighs!  (Every girl's nightmare).  Oh well...not much I can do now.  I'm trying to workout still (although I don't workout nearly as hard as I'd like) and I try to eat sensibly.  To be honest, I'm not too concerned about losing the weight once I have the baby.  I'm also trying to cut down on eating overt sugar.  That is, cookies, cake,  brownies, ice cream...you get the idea.  It's harder then you think, because I would eat desserts all day every day if given the chance!

21 Weeks

I've said this before, but it's worth saying again: Being pregnant is by far the coolest thing that has ever happened to me.  I am always amazed by pregnancy and the absolute miracle of birth.  Do you know how insurmountable the task of getting pregnant (the actual science behind it) seems to be?  It seems so unlikely.  Well, for me, it's happened again and I couldn't be more excited--and nervous--and a little scared.

Baby Size: Pomegranate

Weight gain: 9lbs total so far

Symptoms: Feeling bigger as I can feel my uterus growing.

Workout: None...oh wait, Prenatal Pilates (it doesn't really feel like a workout though)...it was a lazy week. 

Cravings: Granny Smith Apples

Best Moment(s) of the week: Anatomy scan!  Everything looks great!  Let's hope it stays that way!

Missing: My desire to workout.  =(

18 Weeks

One of the things that I wish I had done with my first pregnancy was take more picture of me actually being pregnant.  I wish I had documented my growth better.  There is probably a handful of photos of me, and I think they're all from my 8th and 9th months.  So...I've sort of dropped the ball already.  But starting now is better then nothing.  

Here we go....

Baby Size: A bell pepper

Weight gain: yes--I don't know the amount at the moment, but I'll know next time.  =)

Symptoms: A slight amount of nausea, hunger, extremely emotional over random stuff, and slight back pain.

Workout: Running 3-4 times a week, light weight training 2 times a week, and Prenatal Pilates 3-4 times a week.  Let's see if I can keep it up.

Cravings: Meat.  Steak.  Vegetables.

Best Moment(s) of the week: Increasing amount of fetal movement--there really is something in there!

Missing: Carefree living in my body.

For the Next One

When I was pregnant with Liliana it was so surreal.  Everything was new and exciting and scary!  I loved being pregnant, and I worried all the time that something, anything would go wrong.  (Nothing did, in fact I had a textbook pregnancy and delivery--but that didn't stop the worry.)  But because of the worry I didn't document anything.  I waited until the last minute to purchase baby items, maternity clothes, pick names, etc.  I didn't want something to go wrong then be stuck with the reminder of all the baby clothes for my lack of baby........it was irrational.  I think a little worry is healthy.  But trust me, I take the worry to another level.

After she was born, I vowed to make a list of things I remember for the next pregnancy, so I could do it differently.  I'm sure "not worry so much" would be at the top of the list.  But as many new mothers know, time goes quickly and before I knew it a year had passed since she was born.  As a result, I don't remember those things "for the next one" like I used to. 

Some of the things I remember I wanted to do differently include:

1. Try not to gain as much weight.  With Liliana I gained (gulp) 35 lbs.  I ate anything and everything I wanted--it showed.  =)  I was able to lose all the weight and then some by the time she was 4-5 months old, with little exercise and a regular diet.  I chalk it up to breastfeeding.  Actually it was around that time (4 months post-partum) that I did start working out slowly.

For the next one, I told myself to try not to gain as much weight.  I was really wanted to not gain weight in my face--although I think that's unavoidable once I get to the third trimester.

2. Workout--longer.  I wish I would have been more detailed on my workouts with Lili.  I know I was able to run until 32 weeks with Liliana, then it got too uncomfortable.  I did the ellipitical for a while, but I pretty much say I stopped working out at 32 weeks. 

For the next one I hope to keeping running until at least 36 weeks.  I also did prenatal pilates the first time around, and for the next one I hope to do it more regularly.

3. Try not to worry so much.  Nope, not a chance.  I think I probably told myself not to worry about every pain or lack-of-pain with the next one, but there's no way I cannot worry.  The first trimester is the worst, because I feel at any second something could go wrong--and I wouldn't know, because you can't feel the baby and I don't really feel pregnant.  Look, I know that doesn't make sense, and a lot of my "worryings" are unfounded.  But I wouldn't be who I am if I didn't worry.  I'd like to try to worry less though.

4. Take more pictures...of me...of my growing belly.  This is one that I need to do period.  Take more pictures.  I was looking through all of my pics and there are tons of cute little Lili, but hardly any of me and Lili or my husband and Lili and there certainly aren't any of all of us together.  As for when I was pregnant with her, I think I have one picture from when I was 6 months along, and a few from when I was 8 and 9 months...that's it.

For the next one, take more pictures...of people (us).  I'd like to have visual documentation of my growing belly.  It would have been so nice to be able to compare my belly the first time around with my belly the next time around.

5. Be a cute pregnant lady.  Towards the end (what I remember most) I think I just looked frumpy--in fact I know I did.  And lazy.  I slept a lot, and didn't really go out much.  I didn't have many maternity clothes, and it was so hard to find cute ones.  I mostly wore my husband's old t-shirts (until those got to be too small).  I wore my regular pants (unbuttoned of course) until about 8 months, then it was men's basketball shorts and other things with elastic waistbands.  I gave up.

For the next one, I want to look cute!  Yes, I realize that's on me.  I need to take the time to do my hair and put make-up on, but I'd also like to find cute maternity clothes!

**I guess this post will be a work-in-progress.  As I think of more things I wanted to do differently I'll document them.  But I gotta tell ya, the more time that passes the harder that's going to be.**

This Girl

When Liliana cries or has a snotty nose I bring her into the bathroom, take a little toilet paper and wipe her nose.  The first couple times she didn't like it (as I assume most kids do)...but now she doesn't mind it.  In fact, I may go so far as to say she likes it???

Another thing she loves is taking a shower.  We have a stand up shower in our room, and she loves playing in the shower--even when the water is off.  If I'm in the bathroom, she'll come in and get in the shower.  I feel that is a little dangerous so I never leave her alone it in the bathroom when she's in the shower (no matter if water is on or off).  For that reason we keep the bathroom doors closed.  But the other day I we were in my bedroom playing, and I left the room to get something.  In the 2-3 minutes that I was gone, I come back and found Lili "blowing her nose" with almost all of the toilet paper.  And sometimes she gets confused and puts the toilet paper up to her hair instead--I don't know what she's doing.  When she's done she'll put the "used" tissue in the trash (she LOVES throwing things away).  Needless to say, I tried to salvage some, but then I gave up.  I feel like her love of toilet paper could be a good thing when we're potty training, as I could say something like, "we only use toilet paper when we sit on the potty."  Who knows.  I've never potty trained anyone and I don't plan to do it with her anytime soon.

Motivation

I have to admit, I've lost a quite a bit of motivation to write in this blog.  I had it (motivation)--for a while--and I had all sorts of plans in my head for it.  But now, I have kind of lost the desire.  I've somewhat become disenchanted with blogs in general, to be honest.  The more blogs I read--that are popular--the more I'm convinced that people have no idea what they're talking about.  I read posts about getting your child to sit still in church, or what it is like to have multiple kids, or--what bugs me the most--posts about "essential hospital bag items" or "newborn must-haves".  These lists, obviously, are completely subjective!  And for some reason, when people try to pass them off as necessary I get annoyed.  I'm not saying I want these posts to go away, but man, they sure do annoy me sometimes.  

I don't know...and posts on Motherhood--well, I never read those.  I guess I'm not to that point; the point where I need encouragement in the Mom department.  I'm not saying I'm a great mom by any means, but I think my baby and I are happy.  I don't know.

Well, here's what's been going on with us: the hubs took a couple of summer classes and did very, very well.  In fact, in one of the classes he got the highest grade in the class!  That's a nice confidence booster for him.  Sometimes I forget that he's actually learning stuff when he's gone all day, but then he'll come home and talk about some situation and how the law applies and blah blah blah.  It's at that point I realize/remember that he is working hard and learning loads of stuff.  He's also working part-time at a law firm and gaining experience there.  He works hard and doesn't complain.  I sure am lucky to have him.

Then, after a conversation him and I had one day I got the urge to apply for grad school.  So I did.  And I got in.  I was accepted to the University of Nebraska-Omaha.  I think that's pretty exciting.  I won't start until the Spring 2014 semester, and the program I'm in is for Secondary Education with an English Concentration.  I'm hoping to take classes in Administration too.  I think once my kid(s) are in school themselves I'll go back to teaching and eventually get into administration.  

And of course, Liliana.  She is great.  Getting big and running around everywhere.

Hiking is walking

We went to Fontenelle Forest today, and the weather was perfect.  We went first thing in the morning...around 9am and for a little while we were the only ones walking around.  It was our first time going, and it only took about 20 minutes to get there--you can get anywhere in 20 minutes or less in Omaha.  We brought the stroller, and walked the mile long boardwalk.  It took quite awhile because we let Liliana play and do whatever she wanted.  At one point we spent 15 minutes watching her take leaves and throw them over the edge.  She was helping clean up the trail.  Our Lili-Bear got really tired after awhile (she hadn't had a nap yet) so we didn't see all that the forest had to offer.  But for the price, we decided to buy a membership so we can go back at our leisure.  It will be something fun that Liliana and I can go to with Adam when we're looking for something to do.  From the pictures you can see that she is learning to climb up stairs.  She's not so great going down, but I'm trying to teach her.  (I'm also trying to teach her how to get off the couch and bed.)

Of course she wanted to push the stroller as well.  That is, by far, her favorite thing to do these days.  Sometimes she is fearless...she'll do anything.  Today was a good day--plus we got our air conditioner fixed, so that made it even better!

I know I talk a lot about our day-to-day activities, and not much of anything with substance.  I have some ideas in my head, but I have yet to get them down on paper.  But I will...soon.

Growing Up

I'm sad to report that I have to downgrade my perfect baby...she's now just a pretty good baby.  When she wants something, she lets you know she wants it NOW!  It's rough...I didn't realize "it" would be starting so soon!  And I've come to realize that what once was sufficient to entertain her is not enough these days.  That idea reminds me of a talk given by President Eyring...but that's a whole different topic.  So lately I've been trying to come up with activities to keep her busy.  Luckily, Omaha in the summer has tons of stuff to do!  We've been to the Children's Museum, the library, splash pads, various story-times, and of course--the zoo.

I went to the zoo by myself--on a Saturday.  That was not the smartest move.  It was busy and hot.  At first I took her around to various animal displays, but when she showed little interest in looking at the animals, I just let her do what she wanted to do--play and watch people.  Oh, and her favorite thing was to push the stroller (she loves pushing anything...strollers, grocery stores, toys, etc.)  But we were way on the other side of the zoo when Liliana decided she no longer wanted to be there.  At that very same moment she decided she would not go back in the stroller.  As she's screaming and arching her back trying to get away, all I can do is smile and wave at the onlookers.  Oh well, that's life.  It took a long time, but we finally made it out of the zoo and into our car. 

It's interesting how I learn as she grows.  She's very active and always wants to be doing something.  She still sleeps great at night, but she is not loving nap time anymore.

1st Birthday

Yesterday was Liliana's first birthday.  I can't believe it has already been a year since she was born.  Everyone told me the time will go by quickly, but I didn't really believe them--but oh my, they were right.  It feels like just yesterday I was in the hospital getting ready to deliver her.  And often I think of when she was a newborn...I was soooo cautious in everything I did with her.  Truthfully, I'll probably be cautious with the next one too--maybe only slightly less cautious.

Liliana was and is the perfect baby.  Even as a newborn she hardly ever cried.  I read "The Happiest Baby on the Block" when she was just days old, and I remember thinking that many of the suggestions didn't apply to me because I didn't have that problem.  (Although I loved the book and recommend it to anyone).  My sister came to visit when Liliana was just a few weeks old.  The sleeping arrangements were such that Adam slept in another room so that my sister could sleep in the same room as me and the baby.  I remember telling her to wake me in the middle of the night when if she heard Lili wake up without me knowing so I could go to her crib to get her and feed her.  I say that because when Liliana would wake up to nurse, she would just wake up and start making little "baby noises"--she didn't really scream or cry.  Looking back she was a great, great baby!  She still is very good!  She's very happy--all the time.  We are very blessed to have such a beautiful, healthy, smiling child all the time!

So her first birthday.  In the beginning I wanted to make it really big and special...but since we're away from family and we don't have that many really close friends in Omaha I thought we could do something small.  Adam made her a cake, and I bought a couple presents for her to open.  She was wake before Adam left to school, so he got to play with her for a few minutes before heading off.  I took her to the gym (she loves playing at the gym) like we do every day.  Adam came home from school early, and he already arranged to have the day off from work.  After her nap we went swimming for the first time.  Liliana LOVED being in the water!  We were there about an hour, then all of a sudden a ton of people started showing up so we decided to leave and go to a splash pad in the area.  She had so much fun playing in the water, eating strawberries, and watching the other kids run around.  When we came home, Lili was tired so we put her down for a nap, and when she woke up she opened presents and ate her cake.  We had dinner plans at 6 o'clock so we kind of had to rush--but not really, we just needed to be mindful of the time.

She loved the toys she got from grandma and my sister!  The toys talk and sing to her--that will be a lot of fun for her, but not so much for me!  =)

Here are some things about my 1 year old child:

At her last weigh-in (about a week ago) she was 18.5lbs (she was sick; she lost weight).

She's petite.

She smiles all the time, and she has this big cheesey smile she does.

She still only has 2 teeth, but she eats EVERYTHING.  There isn't anything she doesn't like.  Although there are some things she likes more than others.  I keep meaning to go to Whole Foods to get some beets so she can try them.  I love beets, and I'm sure she will too--well, hopefully.

She's learning to share.  She does this by "giving" you whatever item straight in your face.  (She nearly knocked over a little baby at church when she shoved her little stuffed animal in her face in an attempt to "share" it with her).  

She likes being around other children.  She loves following the "big kids" around.

She folds her arms for prayers, and she smiles and claps her hands when we say "Amen"--that's partly our fault, we excitedly say "Amen" over and over trying to get her to say it...so far it hasn't worked...she just gets excited.  Haha

We have dance parties every day--now when she hears any sort of music she "dances".

She gives kisses...mostly open mouth kisses...

She knows the sound of the dishwasher and refrigerator opening.  When she hears them, she comes running.  And oh yes, she's learning to run.

She only sleeps in her crib--which is good and bad.  She falls asleep in her car seat once in a blue moon, and that's only if she's dead tired.  She never falls asleep at church--ugh!
She also gives sympathy coughs.  If she hears someone coughing or sneezing, she start coughing a few times.
 

And...last but not least...she's VERY cute.  We love her lots and lots!

A Skirt on Father's Day

Recently, my grandma sent me a bunch of beautiful fabric.  I'm not a great seamstress, but I'd like to be--I figure the best way to do this is to just keep sewing, just keep sewing.  There are tons of sewing blogs out there, and I stumbled upon this one and decided to make the Hemless A-Line Skirt.  It was actually super easy, although I didn't find the directions particularly easy to follow.  But after looking at the pictures and reading and re-reading the instructions and using my own imagination, I was able to pull it off--I think.

I cut the pattern out, and measured it exactly.  The zipper was the hardest part.  I didn't use a zipper-foot, and I had to do a few of the stitches by hand.  But all in all I think it came out okay.

The top of the skirt has the same pink band around it.

And of course, one picture of my Lili-Bear waking up from a nap.

Since Sunday

Sunday I wasn't feeling that great, and decided to stay home from church to rest.  Unfortunately, Liliana stayed home too...she was supposed to take a nap, but she was up the entire time Adam was gone.  Needless to say, I was still exhausted and not feeling great.  After church Adam came home, we had dinner, then he had to go to a meeting.  I realized that Liliana had not been outside all day, so I took her to the library.  When we got there it was closing in ten minutes, so I let her play inside for as long as they would allow, then we hung out outside for another half an hour.  She had fun playing with random things...rocks, sticks, and dirt (her favorites).  We came home, she ate dinner and took a bath, and just as we were reading a bedtime story Adam came home.  He said "Good Night" to her and she went to sleep.....................And that's when the trouble began........................around 3 o'clock she woke up and she was soooo hot (it wasn't hot in the apartment).  We took her temp and she had a fever.  We changed her clothes and tried to get her back to sleep.  I ended up sleeping in bed with her. 

Yesterday, waking up from a nap.

This morning she decided to put crunchies, part of a banana, and her pacifier in that empty container.  I let her do it.  Whatever makes her happy!

So, it's now Wednesday afternoon, and she's doing a little better.  She doesn't have a fever anymore and she's starting to drink some liquids again.  Plus she's playing with her toys more too.  But she's still very cranky, and she'll cry at almost anything!  It's been rough on me and her.  I'm hoping this is all due to teething, (she's almost 1 year old and only has 2 teeth) but something tells me it might not be.  She's not showing all of the "classic" signs of teething--other than fever and diarrhea (which, by the way, I read are "teething myths").  She doesn't want cold things, and she's barely eating.  Maybe it's something else...........hmmmmm...I don't know.  If the fever returns tomorrow, I'm taking her to the doctor.  (I called them yesterday and told them her symptoms--they thought teething too).

Oh man though...I realize it is ROUGH on Miss Lili, but it is starting to take it's toll on me!  It's hard to watch your child in so much pain, knowing there's nothing you can do.  She just cries.  She doesn't want to be held, but she doesn't want to be put down...it's weird...and sad.  Plus, of course, she hasn't been sleeping well--which means I haven't been sleeping well.  Although, she's napping right now; the smart thing for me to do would be to nap also!

Hopefully she feels better soon, and pops out at least 2 teeth!  I miss my perfect, happy baby!

Diary of a Good Wife

Alright, it's done...new blog name...and I like it.  Diary of a Good Wife.  This blog will keep a record of events and experiences in my life.  It may not always be exciting, but I'll certainly be glad I have things documented in years to come.

And I may not always be a great wife, but I'm certainly a good wife (if I do say so myself) and I'll try to be a good wife (and mother) every day. 

Now, here's a picture of Liliana........hmmmmm...something tells me the audience may get sick of seeing this little girl all the time...so nevermind...no pictures right now.

Trying to change the blog name

So I went to Settings, and tried to change the name/location of this blog.  I wanted it to be the same as the name of my blog...Just Scratching the Surface...as in just scratching the surface of life.  When I started it I was newly married, and now I have a baby and life was, and still is, just beginning--so to speak.  The world is my oyster.  Anyway, I tried to change the blogspot name to that and it's taken...in fact variations of it is taken.  So I decided to see what blog has the name "Just Scratching the Surface"...turns out they are kind of strange Christian rants or something...a mix of political and religious musings, I guess.  Then, I thought well maybe I need to change the name of my blog, so my readers (all 3 of you) don't confuse my blog with their blogs!  I thinking of combining this blog with the other blog I started.  In fact, I'm gonna try to do that somehow--I mean that name is available...or at least it will be if I delete the other blog, right?  =)

Oh, and for you visual people...here's a picture of Adam reading to Liliana.

Storm Chasers!

Last night we went to an Omaha Storm Chasers game.  The stadium was awesome.  There was sooo much to do other then watch the game.  It even had some carnival rides and bounce houses--but really good ones--and a basketball court!  We sat on the grass and watched the game.  Well, mostly we watched Liliana run around.  She's a little bit of a busy body (or normal baby, I'm thinking all babies do this at one time or another)...but she goes up to everyone and smiles at them, or tries to take something they left out, or sits on their blanket.  I think it's cute, but I'm pretty sure not everyone feels this way.  =)

But we had a fun time.  Although, Liliana didn't get to bed until almost 10pm, but she woke up a little after 8am...so that was nice.

Blog Every Day in May: A Favorite Photo

A Favorite Picture of Myself and Why

First off, I don't know why the picture isn't that clear.  I really hope I have a clear copy saved somewhere on my computer...

This is by far the coolest thing that has ever happened to me: being pregnant, giving birth, and raising a child.  And if for some reason I'm not able to experience pregnancy again, I'll always be grateful I got to experience it at all.

The picture was taken moments after my baby was handed to me for the first time.  I had no clue what to do next.  I had a relatively easy delivery, I think.  From the time my water broke the baby was out about 8 hours later.  I pushed for what seemed like eternity, but then again didn't seem that long at all.  I clearly wasn't timing it, and the hubs doesn't really remember...he thinks about an hour.  My lady parts went through the ringer, and the pushing on my belly after the baby was out was more painful then actual labor.  But even now as I think back on the occasion I get emotional.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  And I couldn't have done it without Adam.  It was the first time that I felt I really needed him; that he was my family.  

Leading up to D-Day I had this grandiose idea in my head that I would look perfect when I got to the hospital.  (The idea being if I looked perfect when I first got there, I'd look okay when all was said and done.)  At the very least I wanted to have my hair done.  But it didn't work like that--at all.  My water broke shortly after I showered (at least I was able to do that)...and my hair was completely wet.  I tried to blow it dry a little, but my heart just wasn't in it... ;)  I should point out that my hair is NOT the kind that can ever air dry and look okay--ever.

I love this picture because it's raw and real.  No make-up, hair a mess, blood, sweat, and maybe even some tears (Adam's, not mine...j/k...kind of).  It is my greatest accomplishment.  I always said, if I never did anything else in life I wanted to be a wife and mother...and now I am.

Ten Things That Make Me Happy

Ten Things That Make Me Happy

In no particular order:

 1. Cookies! (and Brownies!)  I love, love, love homemade cookies.  Nothing makes me more happy then to eat homemade cookies.  I prefer the classic chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal chocolate chip.  But the MUST be made with milk chocolate chips!  I seriously don't get why everyone doesn't make chocolate chip cookies with milk chocolate chips.  I think the argument is that it will make them too sweet.  To that I say, not possible.

2. My baby girl.  She'll be a year old next month.  It's hard to believe I've had a baby for a year now.  She's cuter and smarter then any other baby I know.  (I'm completely biased.)  She is the best baby I could ask for.  She is sooo happy all. the. time.  It makes me really happy and life pretty easy.

 3. Psych.  Shawn and Gus.  The ultimate duo.  The show is entertaining without being inappropriate.  It's silly, clever, and lighthearted.  I love it.  Before we knew we were having a girl, with toyed with the name Gus or Shawn...yes, this show makes me smile!

4. Exercise.  I love working out.  I've been going to the gym since I was a teenager.  Fitness has always been an important aspect of my life.  After having a baby it was hard to figure out how to make going to the gym part of my routine.  But I've found a way; and that makes me very happy.

5. Basil.  I can't explain it exactly, but I love basil.  The smell, the taste...everything.  Tomato and basil is a GREAT combination.  Pesto is also one of my favorite sauces.  Basil is the best!

6. Fall.  The changing of the leaves, the brisk air, the cooler weather, the lingering sunshine...it's a great time of year.

7. A really good book.  Sometimes I have months between books because I'm afraid I'll start something that turns out to be no-good.  It's a weird excuse, I know.

8. Church.  My religion.  Having something to believe in.  Hope.

9. My little family.  The fact that I have a little family.  The hubs, the baby, and hopefully more babies...

10. Grocery Shopping.  I love walking up and down each aisle trying to figure out if I really need another bag of chocolate chips.  (I'm a hoarder of chocolate chips...I just never want to run out!  The hubs won't let me buy them if he's with me...so I buy double when he's not around.  My cupboard is bursting with a double-digit amount of chocolate chips...I love it!)