tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1523295613744600932024-02-07T03:36:53.261-05:00my not so extraordinary but always exciting lifeAmanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comBlogger499125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-64320112472046035732012-03-08T15:57:00.000-05:002012-03-08T16:28:48.811-05:00the birth of Eliza NoelleHere she is! Fresh out of the shell ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6804866860/" title="0125022257 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6804866860_32af636140_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="0125022257"></a><br /><br />Eliza Noelle was born on January 25, 2012 at 10:42pm. She was 7 pounds 14 ounces and 20 inches long.<br /><br />Looking at this picture I can hardly believe it's already been 6 weeks since my sweet baby was born... but at the same time it seems like it's been a lifetime. I feel like I've known her my whole life... and I guess I kinda have :)<br /><br />Here is the story of my labor and delivery with Eliza...<br /><br />I began early labor early around 2am on tuesday the 24th. I had contractions all night but mild like cramps and very tolerable. This continued all day long, and at 1am wednesday my water broke. I went to the hospital at the call of my midwife and she met us around 2. They told me to sleep but I was too excited! So i didn't... big mistake :/ lol<br /><br />My first labor nurse wanted me to have an IV, for the following things: fluids, drawing blood and pitocin. I had made sure my midwife knew that of all the things I didn't want during my labor, it was pitocin. And the other two things I didn't see a need for. Donna (my midwife) had previously told me I would not need an IV during labor, so I politely declined. The nurse tried to convince me it was necessary and that my baby was actually "not looking good" at the moment because her activity was so low... maybe she was sleeping at 2am? just a thought. At any rate, I resisted because I've had an IV before and knew how uncomfortable they are... if not necessary, I'd just rather not. So while the nurse tried to guilt me into it, I asked her if we could just wait until Donna arrived to make the decision... and at that moment Donna walked in. She agreed with me that I didn't need it and we moved on.<br /><br />I was 4cm 100% and +1 when admitted and by 9am I had only progressed to 5cm. By 1pm I had progressed to 6cm but things were moving so slowly and contractions were still around 5 minutes apart that I began walking and moving around the room a lot and doing some nipple stimulation. It worked like a charm! By 3pm I was in hard labor and had back labor for the rest of it. During that earlier part of the day, my labor nurse, Chris, was such an amazing support and encouragement to me. It turned out that she was a Christian also and once we all realized we were of the same mindset spiritually, there was a connection there that was so encouraging to see in the midst of such a hard time. At one point, Chris literally laid her hands on my belly and began to pray... pray that the labor would progress. When she did that, I cannot accurately describe what I felt because I've never felt anything like it before. It was a surreal moment where I felt closer to God than I ever have before. I felt as though it wasn't Chris's hands on me, but the Lords...<br /><br />I had back labor because the baby was posterior. She eventually did turn but unfortunately I had labored so long with her in that position she had bruised me and her little nose was smashed up against my spine... she had a squishy face when she came out ;)<br /><br />The dr on call was not pleased with how slowly I seemed to be progressing and communicated to Donna that we needed to "come up with a plan to get things moving" It was around 8pm by this point and I had dilated to 8cm and my contractions were giving me about 30 seconds of rest in between... What did the dr want me to do? He wanted me on pitocin to dilate more quickly. I was like uhhhhh NO, at this point I could not handle anything more than I was being given and I knew I would need the epidural with pitocin and I did NOT want things to go slower than they were! Not to mention, I didn't want any of that to begin with. Donna was more than on board with my wants and desires and had no problem with my labor and progress, unfortunately the dr still had a say.<br /><br />I asked her if there was anything else to do and she said she wanted to check me again, I was progressed to 9cm. She told me I might be able to push to 10cm, but I wasn't feeling pushy AT ALL. So I began standing and sitting over and over and going back and forth from the toilet to the bed until I began to feel just a little pushy. I was still 9 and at +2, she said to push on the next contraction and she got my cervix over the baby's head.<br /><br />We were good to go at that point, but seeing how slowly everything had progressed, I was envisioning 2 hours of pushing... and I totally flipped out. It was the only point in my labor where I felt totally and completely out of control... and I didn't remember how to push. The labor nurse and Donna coached me on what to do and I pushed for 10 minutes before she was out.<br /><br />I wanted to have nubane when I was about 8cm, but when Donna told me that I would be sleeping in between and waking for the peak of my contractions, I decided not to because that quite honestly sounded worse than just feeling the whole thing. So in the end, my labor was 100% natural. My highest expectation had been met! I had prepared myself to do what I needed to do and what was best for both me and baby... and I am just delighted to have seen my body do so well!<br /><br />I had a lot of pain after, but I was able to see my chiropracter and things have been getting squared away! I saw a chiro during my pregnancy as well who helped me a lot with aligning my pelvis and positioning things so that they would open more easily. It took me about 2 weeks before I wasn't having a noticeable amount of pain, and I was delighted with that as I thought it would take a lot longer.<br /><br />However, because of the quick recovery time, I have been careless with my body... and I'm paying for it! I just didn't realize how much of a toll labor and delivery could take... and then add in the sleep deprivation and it really does take a long time for things to get back to normal. Maybe they never will, really.<br /><br />I told Steve the other day that this whole thing is horrible and wonderful, awful and amazing all at the same time. I never knew how much I could cry because I'm so happy, but be so frustrated all at the same time. Eliza is so beautiful and I am beyond thankful to be her mommy. She is such a good baby and since she's come home from the hospital she's been sleeping in her crib and getting up to eat about 2 times a night. That was hard to get used to though and I'm still really not used to it. I had a lot of help in the beginning and since then Steve and I have been working together to make things work.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6950926411/" title="2012 Eliza Robinson (web-size)-47 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6950926411_a0e4e2e15f_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="2012 Eliza Robinson (web-size)-47"></a><br /><br />Eliza at 5 and half days old (yes, you count half days when they're this little ;)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-3257995316787508352012-01-19T12:29:00.004-05:002012-01-19T13:45:53.300-05:00I'm still pregnant and that's okYou know how it works. As you go through life and watch others handle their own, you silently make your own resolutions about how you would do things different/better. I'm not even talking about being judgemental, I'm talking more about learning from other people's likes and dislikes what you like or dislike yourself.<br /><br />Well, for me, documenting my pregnancy was one of those things I was sure I would be stellar at. Oh yes, I would take adorable belly shots and blog about sentimental things all the time and all that jazz. Well, at 39 weeks and 5 days I certainly feel like a failure in that department!<br /><br />The truth is, whenever I felt the need to take a picture (which would be only on a day that I weighed myself and felt that it was appropriate and also HAD to be on a day that coincided with the change of a new week, ie exactly 17 weeks, not 17+4 or something like that) Yes, I'm a little OCD like that. So basically, most pictures have been taken spur of the moment, not all cutesie tootsie like I had in mind... and whatever. Who cares? At least I took pictures.<br /><br />Anyways, the other thing I feel somewhat bad about is that I didn't document all the different stages etc. I guess I never felt like it because I honestly felt like crap for so long I was sick of complaining and that seemed like just one more way to complain. I threw up consistently through 7 months. Then it tapered off to more like a couple times a month, and still, that's the case. But at least I don't feel nauseous. It's all business here, get it done and over with and then I feel fine. And really, who wants to hear a daily log of how I threw up, again.<br /><br />There are a lot of things I have enjoyed while being pregnant. The truth is, I can't honestly say I <span style="font-style: italic;">enjoy</span> getting and being sick, but it's a constant reminder that better days are ahead. I've wanted this baby for my whole life. Dreamt of what it would be like to have and hold this beautiful creation... as well as the days of angst and strife that necessarily come along with parenting ;) I want it all! Really. So that's helped me keep it in perspective.<br /><br />I've enjoyed dreaming up her nursery and making that a reality as well as choosing her name and preparing my heart and home for her. Watching Steve grow to love this little baby we can't actually see has been quite honestly one of my favorite parts of being married so far. I really don't understand at this point why people would be so cautious to bring children into a loving relationship, because so far it's only made us love each other more... and appreciate what we have together. I know that with the arrival of this new little one I am going to be thankful that I have a constant reminder of the love we share... yes, I'm a total sap like that :)<br /><br />Anyways, this is the part where I tell you how I thought I was in labor last week. On Wednesday I was throwing up and had diarrhea as well as an extreme need to nest. I got everything that wasn't ready, ready. I did laundry, packed what I needed for the hospital, shaved my legs (let me tell you, that was interesting) brought the car seat down (which Steve later put in the car) and was like BAM, I am ready to go!<br /><br />We even put the bassinet in our room and when I went to bed that night, this is what I found curled up in there ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6726504649/" title="Resampled952012-01-139516-40-2995456 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6726504649_75e9eb3379_b.jpg" alt="Resampled952012-01-139516-40-2995456" width="577" height="1024" /></a><br /><br />It was a week early though! Could it really be? Well, I also had visited the chiropracter that afternoon and thought, well if she's ready to come out, this will certainly set it off. Thursday afternoon, I went out shopping with my mom. For things like toilet paper and crackers. The essentials ya know? My mom was with me and kept commenting on how it was making her uncomfortable watching me walk... LOL. I was having lots and lots of braxton hicks, but that is common for when I walk around a lot. I started noticing a little later on that my lower back was hurting along with the bh contractions. And I thought hmmmm... that could actually be a sign I'm in early labor.<br /><br />So, I called my midwife and gave her a heads up that maybe possibly I could be. She told me that if I wanted to come in and get checked that I could, but I really didn't. I wanted to wait until I was more sure... and I already had a scheduled appointment for the next morning. I figured I'd just wait until then.<br /><br />We decided by bedtime to give my mother in law a call to update her since she lives about 5 hours away and let her know things may be getting a move on. She was very excited, as this is in fact her first grandchild and immediately drove out here! Well, I went to the midwife in the morning, still having bh but my back was not so sore anymore. And I thought well, maybe it's waning down, who knows. Turns out I had been progressing at least somewhat, I was dilated about 1.5 cm and almost completely effaced, I lost my mucus plug and all that. But by friday night, nada. There wasn't a blessed thing going on. So by sunday evening, my mother in law decided to head back home and save her vacation time for when baby actually does arrive :) I am glad, because now, thursday, I would have been sad to see her not have any time left to spend with the baby!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6726503181/" title="2012-01-18_10-49-40_206 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6726503181_f068ab2a1a_b.jpg" alt="2012-01-18_10-49-40_206" width="577" height="1024" /></a><br /><br />This is from yesterday, 39w4d. And btw I don't think it's actually possible that I could drop any lower. I carried low my whole pregnancy, but at this point, I just don't see how lower is physically possible... ha!<br /><br />So like I said, it's now thursday and nothing is going on. Just waiting :) I am happy to wait, because I know that someday I will miss her little body flipping about inside of mine, but at the same time, I'll be happy to hold her in my arms :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-52908281970520785202012-01-10T20:24:00.004-05:002012-01-10T20:44:13.625-05:00Christmas Day 2011This is now my second Christmas married, and I have come to a conclusion about it. It's really profound, so get ready.<br /><br />Married Christmases are different than single Christmases.<br /><br />Yep, it's true.<br /><br />Both lovely in their own way, but adjusting to the change was/is a little challenging.<br /><br />Last year it took me by surprise. I had no idea how hard it would be to spend Christmas away from my Mom and Dad. I was irrationally emotional and didn't even understand myself what was going on. I totally didn't expect to react that way. But this year I prepared myself a bit better, and best of all, I got to spend Christmas with both sets of my parents :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581665439/" title="IMG_9564 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6581665439_cccd7cec7b_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="IMG_9564"></a><br /><br />It was a wonderfully simple day. We hosted Christmas morning at our house where we had brunch, reflected on why we celebrate Christmas and then opened our gifts.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581682371/" title="IMG_9554 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6581682371_cb888595fb_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_9554"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581656877/" title="IMG_9547 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6581656877_5d47da5d2c_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_9547"></a><br /><br />It was a really special Christmas to me in a couple ways, but the biggest reason was because of the gift we've been given this year that we haven't been able to see yet.<br /><br />{insert baby's name here}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6676257663/" title="400357_10150495927444356_503114355_8216664_727893900_n by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6676257663_ae22129acd_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="400357_10150495927444356_503114355_8216664_727893900_n"></a><br /><br />Oh how I wish I could just say her name! But for some reason, I just don't want to until she's born. However, if you ask me, I'll tell you ;) Most everyone around me knows her by name already!<br /><br />It seemed as though everyone had put thought into including little miss into this Christmas and it was fun to open a few special presents for her... or for her Daddy ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581660095/" title="IMG_9552 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6581660095_84bca15551_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="IMG_9552"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581654763/" title="IMG_9546 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6581654763_d2d639d6fb_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="IMG_9546"></a><br /><br />Steve and I each received a very special present this year to remind us of this time in our lives. This is from my Mom and Dad...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581666579/" title="IMG_9574 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6581666579_52269f4f36_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="IMG_9574"></a><br /><br />and this was from me to Steve {but it was really from the baby ;)}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581662689/" title="IMG_9558 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6581662689_df9e69de54_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="IMG_9558"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581663647/" title="IMG_9561 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6581663647_7d2980facf_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_9561"></a><br /><br />I had wanted to save this for when the baby was actually born, but decided that Christmas was more than appropriate :)<br /><br />After Christmas morning wrapped up, we spent the afternoon playing with some new toys and relaxing. Later that evening Steve and his Mom and Dad and I went to my parents house where we had Christmas dinner with them and my brother Dan.<br /><br />We shared a lot of stories along with favorite Christmas memories and I was really blessed by Steve's Dad's account of his favorite Christmas... the one Steve was born. It really touched me to see and feel how much love we have in our family and I am overflowing with thankfulness that we get to bring this baby into our lives and home where it will be so loved and cherished.<br /><br />Remembering that Christmas is truly about the Love of Christ is how I reckon myself with the lack of "Christmas Spirit" I felt this year. Somehow, not feeling the "hustle and bustle" so much this year made me realize that the love we have for each other and from God is the best gift we can ever give/receive.<br /><br />Merry Christmas everyone :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view¤t=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-68491554471037511322012-01-08T20:06:00.004-05:002012-01-08T21:05:13.829-05:002011 recap01. Where did you begin 2011?<br />I had a hard time remembering this one, but once I finally did it makes sense why I don't remember. I was really sick layin on the couch. Some of my super friends brought me some goodies, but I didn't really even feel good enough to eat them :/<br /><br />02. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?<br />Got pregnant! I feel this is going to be a recurring answer in some way or another...<br /><br />03. What was your status by Valentine’s Day?<br />Happily enjoying being married<br /><br />04. Were you in school (anytime this year)?<br />No thank goodness<br /><br />05. How did you earn your money?<br />I continued doing photography as well as nannying. And when I pulled the numbers together for taxes a few days ago realized I made a lot more than I thought! that was nice :)<br /><br />06. Did you have to go to the hospital?<br />To have a couple ultrasounds :)<br /><br />07. Did you have any encounters with the police?<br />Yes unfortunately... "rolling" a stop sign...<br /><br />08. Where did you go on holidays?<br />We decided to go down to Maryland for Thanksgiving because we were going to stay in for Christmas. It was a good decision because by Christmas and very near the end of my pregnancy travelling or sleeping somewhere other than my own bed has become quite difficult ;) Truthfully though, who am I kidding, sleeping in my <span style="font-style: italic;">own</span> bed is difficult right now lol<br /><br />09. What did you purchase that was over $1000?<br />A house and a car<br /><br />10. Did you know anybody who got married?<br />Steve's brother Mike and our friends Amy and Brian<br /><br />11. Did you know anyone that passed away?<br />no<br /><br />12. Did you know anyone who had a baby?<br />Several people did!<br /><br />13. Did you move?<br />Yes, into our first house! It has been great living here too<br /><br />14. What concerts/shows did you go to?<br />none<br /><br />15. Are you registered to vote?<br />I was, but now that I've moved I'm not sure anymore... I should probably find out before fall!<br /><br />16. Where do you live now?<br />Rochester<br /><br />17. Describe your birthday.<br />We went to a bed and breakfast called the Red Door Inn where we stayed 1 night. We went to a small Italian restaurant that evening and enjoyed our time in the Inn. It was a very warm weekend and definitely one I'll remember for a long time<br /><br />18. What’s one thing you thought you’d never do, but did in 2011?<br />hmmm, I don't know if I did anything I never thought I'd do... everything big, like having a baby, buying a house and all were things that I have always wanted to do...<br /><br />19. What has been your favorite moment?<br />The day I found out I was pregnant, May 19th :)<br /><br />20. What’s something you learned about yourself?<br />I really am happier being married than I've ever been in any other state of life<br /><br />21. Any new additions to your family?<br />only inside the womb :) she's due to come out soon though!<br /><br />22. What was your best month?<br />hmmm, probably May when we had just moved into the new house and found out about the baby :)<br /><br />23. What was your worst month?<br />June, July and August... lots and lots of nausea and sickness :(<br /><br />24. What music will you remember 2011 by?<br />nothing that stands out<br /><br />25. Who has been your best drinking buddy?<br />My baby I guess, she's given me a lot more reason to drink water, I often feel like I can't get enough!<br /><br />26. Made new friends?<br />not really anyone new, just made better friendships with people I've known awhile<br /><br />27. Lost friends?<br />Yes unfortunately<br /><br />28. Favorite night out?<br />my birthday night<br /><br />30. Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />i. happier or sadder? Happier<br />ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter<br />iii. richer or poorer? Richer in so many ways!<br /><br />31. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br />May 19, the day I found out about my baby :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-26311848758773787142011-12-27T10:00:00.002-05:002011-12-27T10:11:13.680-05:00'Twas the Night Before Christmasand everything finally came together... peaceful and serene. Oh wait, we were up til 2am fixing food and wrapping presents ;)<br /><br />It was a beautiful Christmas Eve though. We spent it at Grandma's house with a nice dinner and afterwards came home with Mom and Dad Robinson to finish getting ready. When all was said and done, Mom and I took some pictures of the house before all the presents were opened.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581642805/" title="IMG_9526 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6581642805_c9bef61939_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9526" height="1024" width="683" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581643647/" title="IMG_9528 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6581643647_ee9067da23_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9528" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />In years past, I have always jumped the gun on Christmas decorating. In fact, 2 years ago when Steve and I got engaged, we bought our tree the night before <span style="font-style: italic;">Thanksgiving</span>. This year, we didn't buy it until December 10th. Because we have had a lot of projects going on since we moved. We removed the carpet from both the living room and dining room and the baby's room, revealing beautiful hardwoods. Hardwoods that desperately needed some refinishing. So that project happened beginning of December... and it's a big project. So no decorating was begun until the floors were completely done.<br /><br />Even then, I thought, "the more I put up, the more I have to take down" so I didn't put much up. Til Christmas Eve... when I decided the house needed more sparkle. So I did what I could with what I had to make the house twinkly and I was happy with the outcome :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581644251/" title="IMG_9533 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6581644251_f608ae29ac_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9533" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581644739/" title="IMG_9535 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6581644739_b1dbc06fdf_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9535" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />This is a view into our front room that used to be a front porch but has been remodeled (not by us) to an additional room in the house.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581645483/" title="IMG_9536 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6581645483_0e12ac42af_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9536" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />This is the other side of the front room. Eventually, when the baby is a little older, this will be the play room :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581646395/" title="IMG_9537 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6581646395_c264885da3_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9537" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />And here is the living room, looking in from the front room.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581647235/" title="IMG_9538 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6581647235_f14728fc67_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9538" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />And from the other side of the living room... you can see how the front is connected.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581649369/" title="IMG_9541 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6581649369_b756251e08_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9541" height="1024" width="683" /></a><br /><br />I wanted to wait until next year when it's officially Baby's first Christmas to get her stocking and all so this year I just bought this mini Yankees stocking and we put a little Aflac duck we had in it and hung it on the tree... lol<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6581651885/" title="IMG_9544 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6581651885_93f98edc01_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9544" height="1024" width="683" /></a><br /><br />And since we don't have a chimney, fireplace or appropriate stairway for stockings, this is how it went down this year! I'd like to come up with something better for the future :) But I thought this was cute for now :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /><br /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-5914563891399826882011-12-24T16:32:00.000-05:002011-12-24T16:33:42.777-05:00Merry Christmas 2011!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6565959595/" title="card blog by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6565959595_42cd4dd361_b.jpg" alt="card blog" height="800" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-69066078133789882662011-12-24T16:25:00.003-05:002011-12-24T16:31:41.809-05:0036 weeks on Christmas Eve :)Maybe I should rename this blog so that it's about the baby ;) hehehe it seems like that's all I ever think to post about. But I suppose that makes sense being that it's about my life, and currently, baby is my life. Basically.<br /><br />Anyways, I wanted to keep posting on my progress. Today is Christmas Eve and I am currently 36 weeks with the little Robinson. I don't see the growth day to day but when I look at the comparison that 6 weeks makes (since that's the last time I took a picture) I can see she is definitely out there more! I just got back from Wegmans and while I was there I couldn't help but notice that <span style="font-style: italic;">most</span> people would look at my face and then their eyes would go down, right to my belly. I guess it's hard not to see... :/<br /><br />I'm thankful though, so far in my pregnancy I have had zero complications or health issues. Everything has gone very smoothly. That isn't to say I haven't been uncomfortable or felt amazing ;) just that nothing bad has happened. And while I originally thought I would pack on weight like a water buffalo, I've been shown that just isn't true. So far I've gained a net total of 13 pounds. With 4 more weeks to go, I'm hoping for only a couple more :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6565947907/" title="IMG_9521blog by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6565947907_82b9a41bb6_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9521blog" height="1024" width="636" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-10841632244370507192011-12-08T20:14:00.002-05:002011-12-08T20:16:03.318-05:00moving right along...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6479550635/" title="collage blog by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6479550635_d2a0bb5dd6_b.jpg" width="800" height="227" alt="collage blog"></a><br /><br />I'll have to add 33+ soon, since the latest picture at 29 weeks is already a month old! Insane, it seems like it's going by so fast but at the same time it's taking forever!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view¤t=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-5831281848523858952011-12-01T14:47:00.003-05:002011-12-01T14:58:12.015-05:00baby blanketAt the beginning of my pregnancy, a friend of mine told me to journal. I am a random and sporadic journaler... not one to really write out all my feelings. Somehow I feel that thinking my thoughts, thoughtfully, is more effective than writing them down. Problem is, I tend to forget those thoughts.<br /><br />So I thought to myself, why don't you want to write these things down? Well, because in the beginning it was pretty darn depressing to write down what was going on. And not only that, but my place of choice to "journal" is here on this blog... and not on paper. Knowing that certain people would see what I was going through kept me away as I didn't want to cause any more pain than I already had.<br /><br />Sounds a bit silly, but it all made sense to me. Anyways, I am loving the new-found freedom in knowing that no one I don't approve can read this. I feel at liberty to express myself without fear of judgment.<br /><br />Today I finished up another project I've been working on. There are so many! But I am determined to get them all done in time for this baby's arrival. In fact, I've determined to get it all done before CHRISTMAS!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6437717655/" title="IMG_9333 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6437717655_383d0e31f1_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_9333"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6437716565/" title="IMG_9334 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6437716565_c3ca067cc9_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_9334"></a><br /><br />This is the blanket I've been working on, finally complete. I had looked around at different baby bedding but didn't find anything that stood out to me as being what I was really looking for. And since the quilts that tend to come in the bed sets for babies seem to be pretty impractical, I decided to make my own. Not without help though... I have connections ;)<br /><br />So I put my list of things I would like to make together and set out to find the right fabric and patterns. I found exactly what I wanted, and so far Molly has helped me to make a crib bumper as well as start on the crib skirt. We're finishing that up as well as a hamper liner and some other random things next week. The blanket though is my major accomplishment... I can't believe I actually knew enough about sewing to do it!<br /><br />It's very light. In fact, I have one just like it my mom made me a few years ago and that's where I got the inspiration for it. It's the patterned fabric on one side and flannel on the other.<br /><br />So, I am very proud. Makes me wonder if I will start sewing more... umm, maybe ;) if I have time... lol.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view¤t=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-81921164387112510632011-11-30T11:56:00.004-05:002011-11-30T12:02:23.474-05:00back by popular demandSooooooo, since I decided to privatize my blog I've had a few people complain that they won't be able to get auto updated as to when I actually post...<br /><br />A long time ago I had it set up for email subscription and even though the blog is private, it seems to still work! Therefore, I've inserted a link at the top right corner of the page so that you can still subscribe to the blog. As long as you use the email you log in with it should work for you :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6431569121/" title="email subscribe post by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6431569121_33968a3301_b.jpg" width="800" height="374" alt="email subscribe post"></a><br /><br />Click on the link and it will prompt you to enter your email in order to sign up. Hope it works! :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-76249135216562579622011-11-30T11:30:00.002-05:002011-11-30T11:33:59.898-05:002 yearsIt was 2 years ago (11/25, day this picture was taken) that Steve <a href="http://notsoextraordinary.blogspot.com/2010/01/yes-its-true-part-4.html">proposed</a> to me and we were engaged to be married. How much things have changed!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6431443211/" title="2011-11-25_09-01-03_117 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6431443211_aec6dc8f20_b.jpg" alt="2011-11-25_09-01-03_117" height="710" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-86818968683555901712011-11-22T11:00:00.000-05:002011-11-22T11:02:25.915-05:00baby girl's shower!Last weekend was my first baby shower and it was at my Mom and Dad's house. Everything was sooooo beautiful and just perfectly appropriate. We were so blessed with all the gifts and love that our baby girl received :) It's amazing how much a baby can be loved even before anyone can see her!<br /><br />I took some pictures before everyone arrived, and after that, I didn't. Ha! I'm not much into taking pictures when I could be enjoying people really... in fact, I'd rather enjoy the moments I'm in while I'm in them than take pictures of them... I didn't used to be like that, but I'm finding that to be true more and more lately. I kinda need to find a better balance ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6379546431/" title="IMG_9288 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6055/6379546431_82703d00a3_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9288" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6379550713/" title="deco 2 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6051/6379550713_7966d36de1_b.jpg" alt="deco 2" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6379547291/" title="IMG_9290 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6238/6379547291_9e5a7121c3_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9290" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />I'm not actually using Winnie the Pooh as a theme... contrary to what you might think :) But it was a perfect theme for the shower. Steve's and my favorite growing up was always Pooh... I think him more than me even (hehe)<br /><br />The clothes hanging on the clothes line my mother-in-law collected here and there for the shower and everything hanging together looked so cute!<br /><br />There's also 1 cloth diaper hanging there, and that is because we are planning on cloth diapering. If you look closely, you can see in one of the pictures above that Pooh is actually wearing one of the diapers ;) If this blog were still public, I know I'd probably get some questions about that, but I'm figuring pretty much noone reads now. However, if you DO read and you want to know anything about cloth diapering, just let me know!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6379549603/" title="deco by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6230/6379549603_39b9944692_b.jpg" alt="deco" height="622" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6379548329/" title="bee hive by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6097/6379548329_a7cac5c29a_b.jpg" alt="bee hive" height="356" width="800" /></a><br /><br />My mom and I made the bee hive and the hunny pot out of paper mache and the bees were just some little pom poms and wire. I loved them so much I want to eat them. OK, maybe that's a little extreme... but I'm kinda a little out of control.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6379545371/" title="IMG_9286 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6379545371_755fcaf8e7_b.jpg" alt="IMG_9286" height="1024" width="683" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6379547841/" title="hunny pot by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6228/6379547841_58c2cea749_b.jpg" alt="hunny pot" height="356" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Like I already said, it was a beautiful shower... I was very blessed by everyone there, and even some that weren't there! This past Sunday I had another shower given by my church... I just can't say enough how grateful I am to have such loving and wonderful people in my life! (I have no pictures of the church shower because I didn't take my camera... but if I get some from others I'll probably put a few up :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-53348046267477396002011-11-21T18:08:00.004-05:002011-11-21T18:27:14.227-05:00update on lifeSince it's been so very long since I've updated on well, anything, here's a quick update.<br /><br />Last time I was getting ready to head to my 18 week ultrasound and we were anticipating finding out if our little Lemur (our nickname for baby...) was a boy or girl. Well, if you've scrolled down any, and/or follow me on facebook, you're well aware that we now know she is a she ;) But at the time, she wouldn't show us!<br /><br />We ended up having a third ultrasound at 26 weeks and she was very forthcoming this time. Steve and I were so happy to know what we were having, though we had braced ourselves to not know and were ready to proceed with everything being a surprise.<br /><br />As soon as we found out, we began painting and working on getting things ready... it's been a slow process though and still continuing. We painted our front room and the baby's room right away then removed the carpet from her room. It is hardwood underneath and we had planned to do this no matter what from the beginning.<br /><br />The floor underneath needs some TLC though, so we've made plans to finish the floor in there as well as our dining room and living room (which we tore carpet out of earlier in the summer)<br /><br />So in the meantime, we've painted the hallway and had some baby showers, began making nursery decorations, collected large baby items... and none of it has a home! We've tried to keep it mostly in the attic so that it's not everywhere, but I am soooooo looking forward to that floor being done so we can start moving things in!<br /><br />This is the view from the hallway into her bedroom and I only took a pic of that because I thought the balloons with the car seat looked extra cute sitting there from yesterday's shower ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6379543643/" title="carseat pooh by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6114/6379543643_58b8f75b3f_b.jpg" alt="carseat pooh" height="622" width="800" /></a><br /><br />We put Pooh in the car seat because it would just be ridiculous to carry a car seat around with nothing in it... right? hehehe :) And actually, yesterday, my mom and I went out for a little stroll with the new stroller and the car seat... ya know, just to make sure everything works well ;) and Pooh quite liked it, he never made a peep ;)<br /><br />At this point, my house is not ready for a baby to arrive, but my arms are. I am so happy to be having this baby girl I can't explain it. More happy than I ever thought I could be when we had that conversation many months ago now...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-12291289872921733012011-11-15T18:10:00.002-05:002011-11-15T18:16:42.779-05:00last call before the big moveOver the past few months there has been a lot of change in my life. Ok I guess it's really been more like a couple years of change now! I don't really see it stopping very soon!<br /><br />Anyways, all this has gotten me to thinking about my blog and the fact that it has been a very public account of my life in the past. For some reason, I found it absolutely fascinating in the beginning knowing that total strangers would read what I wrote... now it's totally terrifying. Ironic huh? Am I just paranoid? No, I don't think so. My life has evolved into more than just me now and I want to still share, but only with those I know are reading.<br /><br />Therefore, if you would still like to read my (much more frequently updated) blog please leave a comment with your email, or send a message to me aboynamedbarry{at}gmail{dot}com and I will be sure to add you!<br /><br />I have so many things I want to post about... pictures, personal things, random things etc, but I just haven't felt the freedom to do so. This is my solution :)<br /><br />ps if you have already commented on facebook to let me know you want to be added, no need to comment again :) I gotcha ;)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-71336842810428946302011-08-23T12:49:00.004-04:002011-08-23T13:05:28.271-04:00well hello baby<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6073856172/" title="getting ready to see baby 8-22-11 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6073856172_d6afe33658_b.jpg" alt="getting ready to see baby 8-22-11" height="451" width="800" /></a>
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<br />This morning we got up bright and early to get ready to see our baby! Today I am in week 18 and definitely starting to show. It's pretty obvious now (at least I think) and I'm more than happy to be sporting a bump now rather than just an extra large looking stomach ;)
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6073315327/" title="baby bump 8-22-11 18w4d by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6073315327_7dd6bb3a06_b.jpg" alt="baby bump 8-22-11 18w4d" height="1024" width="577" /></a>
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<br />A good friend of mine lent me some maternity clothes yesterday for which I am so thankful! I have bought a couple things myself, but I am not generally one to buy clothes anyways and maternity clothes can be so expensive! So I've been picky on what I've gotten. But it's gotten to the point where my wardrobe is pretty limited, and I am busting out of almost all my regular clothes... yikes!
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6073837146/" title="baby 18w4d by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6073837146_5ee5dcf4b4_b.jpg" alt="baby 18w4d" height="724" width="800" /></a>
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<br />We were so excited to see our little bambino this morning! What a cool gift to get to see it all moving around and happy in it's little cocoon! We were also hoping to see if it was a boy or girl during this ultrasound, but baby just did not cooperate, not even enough of a look for a guess. Crazy huh? But I can't say I was all that surprised, I kinda thought that might happen. I was just so happy to see it happy and healthy ;) And we even got to see a little yawn! SOOOOO unbelievably cute! Absolutely melted my heart ;)
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<br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-35503632327600170502011-08-04T08:51:00.003-04:002011-08-04T10:02:19.805-04:00memoriesThis month 2 years ago was such an amazing month for me. So many great things happened.<br /><br />I was in the process of making a decision whether I would <a href="http://notsoextraordinary.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-chapter.html">stay or go</a>.<br /><br />I was in pretty much the <a href="http://notsoextraordinary.blogspot.com/2009/05/still-running-strong.html">best shape of my life</a> and felt absolutely amazing.<br /><br />I <a href="http://notsoextraordinary.blogspot.com/search/label/love%20story">met the love of my life</a> out of the clear blue.<br /><br />It was also the last time we had a family reunion, which we'll be doing again in just about a week!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/6008183395/" title="IMG_0075 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/6008183395_9e2f8a9b86_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0075" height="390" width="585" /></a><br /><br />Today I've spent a bunch of time remembering that summer of 2009... and I can't help but smile when I see how happy I was then, and how happy I still am! And everything is totally different :) Makes me happy to know that I really have succeeded in embracing my life and treating everyday like a gift.<br /><br />Looking forward to what this month brings!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-31483103440322724692011-07-31T09:24:00.002-04:002011-07-31T09:34:32.255-04:00give the pregnant lady some food!I thought I paid pretty good attention to the friends around me who have been pregnant over the years... thought I would have a pretty good handle on what it would be like to actually <span style="font-style: italic;">be </span>pregnant... but I was wrong.<br /><br />I was utterly unprepared for the total body makeover. I thought that meant I would just get bigger. But um, question: how does one <span style="font-style: italic;">get</span> bigger? The obvious answer is food.<br /><br />I have never in my life had a problem not eating enough. In fact, I've always struggled to not eat <span style="font-style: italic;">so much!</span><br /><br />Things are a little different now though. In my first trimester I lost 11 pounds. With literally NO exercise and little movement at all. I was stationary on the couch or in my bed for approximately 6 weeks... and while there's been more time of feeling <span style="font-style: italic;">notsohot</span> at least I've gained enough energy back to be able to accomplish some daily tasks. AKA eating.<br /><br />It seems no matter what I eat, or how much of it, I'm always hungry! and the scale is not reflecting this!!! It's a dream come true... lol.<br /><br />Don't worry, I'm sure I will be gaining some needed poundage over the next couple months... I have no doubts :P<br /><br />But what's a girl to do when getting up and going to the grocery store seems like an insurmountable task? You send your husband... well at least that's what I did. We have not made a comprehensive grocery shopping trip since the first saturday in June! That's insane right?<br /><br />Anyways, the point here is that I never thought food could be such an issue. Yesterday afternoon I was resting for a bit in between a house project we're working on and I realized just how dang hungry I was... and how there wasn't really anything in the house I <span style="font-style: italic;">wanted </span>to eat.<br /><br />I wanted pizza.<br /><br />I feel like a different person. I don't even know who this person is! I don't feel comfortable with the new me and honestly, I hope I don't get comfortable, because I want the old me back! And I am told that will happen.<br /><br />My superman husband heard my plight and dropped what he was doing, went to the store, bought the ingredients and made me a homemade pizza. True love.<br /><br />I have no pretty picture to show you of the lovely pizza he made, but let me tell you what. I couldn't have asked for a better man. It's a good thing I'm the pregnant one and not him because I doubt my compassion level would compare to his. He's the best decision I've made so far ;)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-62057920745434129572011-07-26T14:12:00.002-04:002011-07-26T14:26:49.787-04:00i miss my baker todayOnce upon a friday night, Steve and I set out to make our more favoritest cookies in the whole wide world, we call them "backwards chocolate chip cookies"<br /><br />They're cocoa cookies with white chocolate chips and a recipe I invented one day... soooo delish! But, the point of this post is that it just so happened that I was mixing up the batter and he offered to do the baking. I couldn't have been happier (albeit slightly skeptical). Since my baking abilities are rather, well, hap-hazard... I think it's because I multi-task too much! I can whip up a mean batter, but if it flops in the oven, what good is it?<br /><br />But it turns out, Steve has just the right attention span to be an excellent baker. So since then, we have a system. I make the batter, he bakes it. Perfection!<br /><br />Today I wanted chocolate chip cookies though, and my baker is working studiously at his, well, job.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5978790656/" title="IMG_1624 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5978790656_63d89e07ba_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1624" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />I did ok for myself though. Maybe because I only have enough energy to do like, 3 things at a time ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5978790276/" title="IMG_1626 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/5978790276_6b2787652e_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1626" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Today cookies, tomorrow the house! (cleaning it that is ;)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-76784610272324960352011-06-29T15:09:00.002-04:002011-06-29T15:19:56.721-04:00lately...I've spent too much time sitting on keester.<br /><br />I've been totally uninspired.<br /><br />I've been a little depressed with all I want to do but haven't been able to.<br /><br />I've been happy to have the extra time to think about all the ways I am blessed.<br /><br />I haven't taken a single personal picture...<br /><br />But yesterday I had a sudden burst of inspiration and took advantage of it searching for nursery ideas online. I started to feel like my old self again! Summer is after all my favorite time of year, but I haven't gotten into a groove yet. I swoon over the silly romanticism of the summer months. Beautiful outdoor picnics, perfectly decorated. Huge chandeliers hanging from trees and such ;)<br /><br />But alas, most of those things look better in my mind than actually played out. One thing however, that always seems to appease my desire for the romance of summer is a display of flowers <a href="http://notsoextraordinary.blogspot.com/2010/06/on-my-table.html">on my table</a>.<br /><br />My church has been so amazing and has arranged for a few meals for us this week. What a huge relief! I haven't been as sick as I know some people get with their first tri-mester, but enough so that I have been down and out for over a month! It's been hard and I'm grateful for loving people to come to the rescue ;)<br /><br />Yesterday, our dinner from Annette came with a beautiful bouquet of flowers picked right from her garden. The BEST kind!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5885487442/" title="IMG_1384 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5157/5885487442_187b21b314_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="IMG_1384"></a><br /><br />I love it!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view¤t=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-65403372461887655792011-06-23T12:40:00.003-04:002011-06-23T12:53:54.586-04:00first ultrasoundWhen I found out I was pregnant, I was so excited to see the little bambino! But then I realized that I wasn't going to be able to have an ultrasound until like 18 weeks. They basically told me that they only do them if they think something is wrong or if you aren't sure of the due date... which I can't complain that nothing is wrong! and I actually am quite sure of the due date and all that.<br /><br />So I was really tempted to go to like a free clinic and just get one, but I didn't feel right about it. So I called again and asked if there was any way, and basically they sent me in for a dating ultrasound... which I was extraordinarily happy about ;)<br /><br /><a title="baby 9w5d by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5863402685/"><img alt="baby 9w5d" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5863402685_5b1958894e_b.jpg" width="800" height="612" /></a><br /><br />So here it is! Baby didn't move much during it, looked like it was just chillin in it's hammock in there... good baby ;) and honestly, this is in my opinion a pretty terrible pic! It looks like a blob to me, but when I was seeing the video you could see it a little better. So little baby is 9 weeks 5 days today... and mama is hopin to be done with this morning sickness soon ;)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" /></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-67624028587343745392011-06-15T11:07:00.002-04:002011-06-15T11:18:25.539-04:00a different kind of feeling...About 5 weeks ago I ran into a strain of pms I was unfamiliar with. Like, I felt as though anything and everything steve did was to intentionally tick me off and instead of just sitting sweetly, I was about ready to literally bite his head off.<br /><br />There have been times I've felt this (mildly) and I'm always like, oh you rascally pms, let's get this over with!<br /><br />But this, this was not normal. Through tears on a couple evenings I sat apologizing to him for being such a meanie head. What in the world is wrong with me?<br /><br />We were on vacation that weekend and when I got home and realized my period hadn't come, the thought crossed my mind that I might be pregnant. Which I could only hope for! Oh how exciting! I had thought about that so many times in my life before, but figured naaaaaaahhhh. I'll wait a few more days, it's sure to come.<br /><br />But it didn't. And didn't.<br /><br />So by the time I was like 8 days late I decided to take a test. Thinking, if it's not positive, then there is <span style="font-style: italic;">positively</span> something wrong with me!<br /><br />But that second little line began peeking through and sure enough... it was positive :)<br /><br />I called the dr the next day and they sent me for bloodwork, which also came back positive (phew! because at that point I had pretty much told everyone ;) how embarassing would that be for them to be like, uhhh no, you just have bad eyesight and can't read pregnancy tests (a dollar store test no less) Ha! ;)<br /><br />But the case is such that I am currently growing a human inside of me. I am so very happy and excited! My first appointment with my midwife is at 10 weeks, so just a few more days!<br /><br />I would post a picture from 7 weeks, but I am still feeling pretty dang self conscious that I feel like I could save that one for like 4 months... because I look that prego lol. I've actually lost 8 pounds in the last few weeks, but my belly is growing, it's a very different feeling...<br /><br />But a very good one ;) Well, besides the nasty morning sickness. I hope that only lasts a couple more weeks, but whatever the case, I'll get a pretty sweet reward out of the deal! I'm good with it :)<br /><br />So there you have it! Come January, our family of *two* will be a little bigger ;)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-34150297121891399002011-06-01T19:45:00.002-04:002011-06-01T19:58:34.849-04:00Thanks!Dear kindest readers and friends,<br /><br />You are so awesome! Sometimes when I sit in front of this screen and type my stories, life and random happenings I forget how many people actually read it... and all of your comments to my last post really meant a lot to me. So thank you!!!<br /><br />I have been meaning to write this sooner, but somehow, the week has literally flown by. I feel like I blinked and then I was here. How does that happen? Like seriously!<br /><br />So I wanted to play a little catch up, here we go!<br /><br />- Last week I traded in my beloved civic for a very nice honda accord. I was sooooo sad to see it go, but it's been a change we've been planning for a few months... I just love the new car though! It's 3 years older, so I traded down, but honestly I feel like I traded up! It's a V6 and let me tell you, those 2 cylinders make a huge difference. I feel unstoppable bwahaha! OK... calm down ;)<br /><br />- I painted our upstairs bathroom. My <a href="http://notsoextraordinary.blogspot.com/2011/03/touring-apartment-office-and-bathroom.html">old bathroom</a> was near perfect to me... minus the fact that there was like mold growing on the ceiling and ants everywhere... how is that perfect? Because i had a beautiful shower curtain and pretty towels and it all matched so nicely ;) So I painted the new bathroom the teal blue that's in the shower curtain... I was afraid at first that I had made a dastardly mistake, but in the end it turned out so good!<br /><br />- my next painting project is the guest room, woot woot!<br /><br />- I have a dresser I acquired from a friend that is pretty old and run down. But I'm going to liven that up with some white paint, I can't wait to see how it turns out.<br /><br />- Still no pictures on my walls... I have been slackin lackin. I kinda want to paint the living room before I put them up... but I don't know exactly when that will happen. What have you done in this situation, should I just hang stuff for the sake of hanging it, or wait. And also, should I use the 3M hanging stuff instead of nails? I've seen it on TV but not sure it would work... and it's not super cheap so I'd want to know it worked before doing it.<br /><br />- I got a new to me couch for the living room. It's circa 1992 probably, but it was $150 and that kinda cheap talks to me ;) It's a sectional and fits pretty perfectly in here. Plus it's comfy, bonus! lol<br /><br /> - I still hate folding laundry...<br /><br />- I want to get a kitten soon... I hope I can find one that doesn't make me itch and sneeze like crazy.<br /><br />That's about it really! I have some other stuff I want to share but I'll save it for another post ;)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-11692739251581598342011-05-27T10:33:00.004-04:002011-05-27T10:45:21.882-04:00I'm proudthis is something I've been thinking about a lot over the last few months... facebook, blogs, social networking... what's the point? Well, for me it was initially really fun connecting with people from the past, then grew into a way to share things I maybe wouldn't share with people in person (hmmm) and now I've stumbled upon this nebulous state of ambiguity. Not really sure what's appropriate to share and what isn't. And why do I care about that?<br /><br />The answer? Because I've been raised with the mindset that life is a blessing... not to be arrogant. And all of this sharing has made me feel, well arrogant.<br /><br />But there's a difference between pride and arrogance... at least the way I'm describing it here. I am proud of my life. I am proud of my accomplishments and I am proud that I've been able to overcome things that have dragged others down...<br /><br />I'm not perfect. I've made a lot of mistakes... and I don't want one of them to be me becoming an arrogant person.<br /><br />The things I do work for me, because I've made goals in my life to listen to God's voice and heed what He says to me (most of the time, I've gotten in lots of trouble for not listening!).<br /><br />So my hangup with facebook and blogging has been that I don't want to look like a snob... arrogant about the good things in my life. But why should I feel like I can't be happy about my life just because other people are unhappy? Or that I think they will judge me for being too goody-goody. If people think that I suppose they wouldn't read... at least that's what I would do.<br /><br />I am so sullen with this whole concept lately. Hung up on what others would think of me... but who cares?<br /><br />I'm happy with my life, and I'm so proud of the person I've grown up to be! Does anyone else understand where I'm coming from here? I guess I wanted to <s>say</s> type it out loud!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-49375435137931308442011-05-09T18:00:00.002-04:002011-05-09T18:12:49.951-04:00pocket cameraThere was a time where in which I did not feel the need to edit every.single.photo that I took. I still have that in me, but usually don't end up letting myself. Today though, I decided that I need to find my battery charger for my little camera and start carrying it around with me... and while thinking about that I decided to look back through the pictures I still have on the computer from before I started using my dslr. Some awesome memories! I don't even care that they are not like super fantastical awesome piccies, they're memories and I am loving how it's like yesterday when I look at them :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5705129982/" title="IMG_2327 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/5705129982_e0dedd761b_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2327" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Used to be that alicia and i would have regular photo fests taking dozens of pictures of the two of us at a time... a couple months would go by and we realized we hadn't taken pics in a while and took more... so there's a lot of those ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5704561667/" title="hey__0169 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/5704561667_1ca8601edb_b.jpg" alt="hey__0169" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />taken while sleeping... yep.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5704562707/" title="IMG_2774 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/5704562707_616f6c5955_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2774" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Andy :) my little buddy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5704563327/" title="IMG_3040 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/5704563327_ef93f8a5ee_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3040" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />My version of how to use an exercise ball... ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5705131802/" title="IMG_3117 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/5705131802_dc3caee918_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3117" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />layin in the grass watchin contraband movies on Alicia's computer...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5705132342/" title="IMG_3126 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/5705132342_89b4364c4d_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3126" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5704565071/" title="IMG_3154 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/5704565071_deea0e709b_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3154" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Man, my teeth were yellow! I've noticed this in so many pictures, eww! lol, I don't think they're that yellow now... at least I hope<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5704565683/" title="IMG_3338 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/5704565683_0b1b182124_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3338" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />we were on our way to a family reunion...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5705133958/" title="IMG_3367 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/5705133958_f75e2c859d_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3367" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />and then wasting time... I've never been good at making faces at the camera other than my classic wide open mouth crazy smile face... maybe I should stick with that.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5704566653/" title="IMG_3441 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/5704566653_ba6917fbd7_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3441" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Again with the teeth! but I had to chop my hair off here, it was a long story of hair falling out sadness :(<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5704561317/" title="DSC06406 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/5704561317_3aeb93bba1_b.jpg" alt="DSC06406" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />corn maize!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5704567135/" title="IMG_3518 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/5704567135_5a306e342c_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3518" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />candlelight service on Christmas Eve... and bein goofy ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5705135628/" title="IMG_3532 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/5705135628_a7e8f4cf36_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3532" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Waiting for santa... I was good, don't I look it?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5705128382/" title="andy and me by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/5705128382_f0f5d5eb09_b.jpg" alt="andy and me" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />and one more of Andy :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152329561374460093.post-56216452506687261972011-04-29T17:20:00.002-04:002011-04-29T17:37:21.467-04:00Amanda goes to Washingtonand Baltimore too as it turns out.<br /><br />I actually frequent this part of the country with all the family in Maryland, but this trip was unrelated to visiting family. The lady that I babysit for regularly was participating in some conferences in Baltimore as well as DC and she had me come with her to help out with <s>munchy-poo</s> Robbie while she was unavailable.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670211193/" title="IMG_8943 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5670211193_793b66e9c8_b.jpg" alt="IMG_8943" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />So in an attempt to have <span style="font-style: italic;">as much fun as possible</span> (which is always on my agenda) I met up with my oldest brother Rob, my sissy-in-law Dyan and two of my nephews, Robbie and Nick. We went to the <a href="http://www.aqua.org/">national aquarium</a> at the Inner Harbor on Saturday afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670214535/" title="IMG_8974 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5670214535_b6811042a7_b.jpg" alt="IMG_8974" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />I was so amazed. Like seriously. I couldn't believe how cool this place was. Very much worth the ridiculous ticket prices. And since munchy-poo got along with Big Rob so well I really did enjoy it and wasn't making silly noises pointing to "fishy" the whole time... lol.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670212469/" title="IMG_8956 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5670212469_92a7f20ba2_b.jpg" alt="IMG_8956" height="1024" width="683" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670778182/" title="IMG_8947 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5670778182_1f054e075c_b.jpg" alt="IMG_8947" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />I was very very close to leaving my camera at the hotel because it's just a lot of extra weight to carry... esp since they didn't allow strollers in the aquarium... but I am so glad I took it along! I feel like I never take pictures anymore. and I always kick myself for it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670779266/" title="IMG_8960 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5670779266_635ec7a282_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_8960"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670780150/" title="IMG_8968 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5670780150_3c2a5812eb_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="IMG_8968"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670781570/" title="IMG_8987 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5670781570_7ccb5ded7d_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_8987"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670782344/" title="IMG_8989 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5670782344_740d648d03_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="IMG_8989"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670782990/" title="IMG_9011 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5670782990_aee4b05a49_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="IMG_9011"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670782526/" title="IMG_8998 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5670782526_c30083770c_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_8998"></a><br /><br />Being with the jellies I really felt like it was in a sci-fi movie. The blue picture of the jellies is sooc, nothing at all... crazy right?<br /><br />Well, on Sunday we headed to DC and checked into our hotel mid morning. When Wendy's conference ended that afternoon we decided to trek it on over to the monuments and check out the Cherry Blossoms which I <a href="http://notsoextraordinary.blogspot.com/2011/04/catch-up.html">mentioned before</a> I have not been able to make it to see during festival time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670783302/" title="IMG_9021 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5670783302_4a8d7ebf69_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_9021"></a><br /><br />Earlier on in the day they had some kite festival... and by the time we made it down there weren't many still flying... and because I didn't care to not blow out the sky, you can't actually see any of them flying. But they're there.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670783660/" title="IMG_9025 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5670783660_f75a810436_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_9025"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670217775/" title="bwcolor by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5670217775_0ffd26c887_b.jpg" width="800" height="622" alt="bwcolor"></a><br /><br />I think Robbie enjoyed the blossoms as much as we did ;) So nice to see a little one love nature.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22707431@N07/5670217391/" title="IMG_9044 by aboynamedbarry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5670217391_8ba25d1dd7_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_9044"></a><br /><br />And then there's me. Who loves nature, DC, turtles, lots of colors, my husby, venetian blinds and light bulbs in my laundry room.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/?action=view&current=signature-2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/aboynamedbarry/random/signature-2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Amanda @ notsoextraordinaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04690853822648478297noreply@blogger.com