"Our Arkansas- Style Christmas"

Now, remember, we don't have kids or any "fanciness", but Pete and I decided to celebrate our Christmas this past Sunday... thought I'd share a few pictures from the evening...

A town nearby had the most beautiful Christmas lights; we decided to get dinner together down there at a new, local restaurant...

and then see the lights.... kind of romantic, but we decided to stay in the car rather than walk... we turned up the Christmas music and drove slowly through the display.

Ya, hot chocolate and Present time!

(hmmm...marshmallows anyone??)

Of course, Emma had a present... she'd been sniffing the wrapped gift for some time under the tree, and was SO excited when I grabbed the bag, she wouldn't even let me get it all untied before grabbing for it... she loved her new toy!

Ya, present time!

Pete posed for a pic; I was excited- it doesn't happen much!

The most touching gift of the evening was from Pete; he knew I had been wanting to paint the baby's room and so he went by himself and picked it out! I am so excited and just loved it (of course it is a shade of pink;) and it just so happened to be the VERY first purchase we made for our little girl!

22 Weeks

Well, here I am again- gosh, seems like I was just updating 21 Weeks and now here we are, with another week in the books!!

Heartbeat

Absolutely, was Pete feeling her kick for the first time! She is pretty predictable, awake around the same times each day with one of those being around 8PM or so when Pete and I are usually lounging in front of the TV. On Tuesday, she was kicking up a storm so I had Pete bring his hand to my stomach (I'm sure that'll be the first of many ;)), and she promptly kicked him 3 times! He just LOVED it and of course being able to FINALLY share a little of this pregnancy with him made me so happy! Now, he's always asking about her.... awww, he's so cute!

Hiccup

I started my new job this week- which I am SO excited about; cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have finally found the perfect job for me down here, but my GOODNESS caring for all those kids while carrying a growing stomach around makes it a little more challenging...

My feet, legs, and back have paid the price this week, but I'm hoping as I get used to the routine, the aches and pains will be less- or at least more tolerable ;)

Penguinette's 1st Gifts

What's With the Penguins?!

I'm not sure who all knows why I have an obsession with penguins, but I thought I would share with you the short form of my love for ANYTHING penguin ;)

I truly have been blessed in finding an amazing man to marry me; he is all I could ask for in a husband and my very best friend, always showing me he loves me through hugs and kisses- the little things in life are the most important to him...

He has just never been one to be very romantic (which believe it or not is fine with me- I tend to laugh when things get too serious- talk about way to ruin a mood, so needless to say we stick with more lighthearted ways to have fun... hehe)

... so anyway, enough with the rambling, there have been a few times when he has blown me away with his romantic side in the planning of a special event...

here is one to share...

A few years ago, I was still in college in Indiana and Pete had moved to St. Louis to start his job with ConAgra. I decided to spend my Spring Break out there with him, to get a chance to enjoy his new home.

Without my knowing, Pete planned an ENTIRE week of events to show me all the special places of St. Louis which culminated in a day at the zoo. I absolutely LOVE animals, so was definitely excited to see this city's zoo, but Pete planned a behind-the-scenes visit with the penguins as well!

It's killing me I don't remember their names, but geesh were they cute: a boy and a girl and THEY were buddies... following each other around- ADORABLE!!!

Of course, their trainer was with them; she got them to sing for Pete and I and OH YES, it was Happy Feet style... they opened their fins, threw their heads back, and belted out an adorable song!

I had to tuck my hands, as they have been trained with treats- you hold your hand out, they believe a treat is inside, and will nip your hands... I'm thinking their sharp little beaks may hurt, so I didn't tempt them ;)

The little girl was SO cute and kept waddling over to me- I LOVED it, up until she hopped up on my lap, looked up at me, and promptly POOPED on me!!! Holy COW, I was so embarrassed and the trainer was mortified- I guess that had never happened before- ha, I guess I made an impression?!

I learned later, that the trainer was mortified, because amidst the penguins, she knew that Pete was going to propose to me. I guess they somehow communicated that the runny white poop covering my pants didn't lend itself to romance- so he postponed....

...at least until we got to the monkey pin (also so fitting for our relationship- hehe!) It was a wonderful day- I loved every second (well almost every one ;)) of our day with the penguins and of course ending the day being engaged!

So, THAT, my friends is why the Lee's are slightly obsessed with penguins... and this time of year makes it VERY easy to indulge in that obsession!

In sticking with the penguin-themed life we have, this little baby has been dubbed "the penguinette" in my family. In finding out she is a girl, she promptly received some pj's she will wear next year for Christmas....

...complete with penguins! She received a few different items, but these pants were my favorite- SO cute!

Thank you, mom, dad, and Anna :)

The Penguinette also received her first package today: a Build-a-Bear dressed in infant clothes. Gosh, I teared up opening it, as it was from my good friend Deborah back in St. Louis; geesh do I miss her! Anyway, it was a wonderful gift and already has its home in the baby's room!!

21 Weeks

Well, I am 21 Weeks along... what a week it has been full of all kinds of change and excitement!

Heartbeat

We found out this week we are having a girl!! We are so excited and shocked (I totally thought for sure it was a boy), but seeing her wiggling all around and being cute- I totally have falling in love already! Anyway, it is a girl without a name right now (we can't decide between 3- go figure!), but we're putting our heads together to agree on something- I know we can do it ;)

I also was blessed with a job opportunity this week! I have been praying and actively looking since we moved down here and just this past week found out that I will be teaching again!!! I met my new 4-year old class and can't hardly wait to get into the classroom to start putting stuff up on the bulletin boards (hehe ;)- and of course teaching the kids.

With that being said I have already performed my FIRST Mommy Duty: Baby Girl Lee is officially signed up for HER own preschool/daycare experience (hehe)... she'll be right down the hall from my classroom- hmmm, wonder where my breaks will be spent.... ;)

Hiccup

This is a VERY silly, superficial hiccup but the baby has officially "weighed in" :(. I am really starting to gain weight and unable to fit in ANY pre-pregnancy clothes, so let the new wardrobe begin! I am learning how to dress with the belly which really isn't all that bad- just something different!

Well, that's about it for now- hope things are going well for all of you....

stay warm as it gets colder- wish we had a little snow!!!!

Pretty in Pink

Pete and I found out today we are having a girl!!!!! We're so excited and feel blessed that she looks to be doing well... growing big and strong- we just can't wait to hold her! So, here is her debut on our blog :).

One of my favorite pictures. She has her hand to her face, but she kept kicking and rubbing her face throughout the ultrasound- I think she's already showing her sass- she was DONE with the pictures- hehe!

This is her mid-move. The little thing just kept moving, kicking, and punching up a storm. I have to say it was fun to see her so active, but the ultrasound tech had to remain patient until baby girl was willing to cooperate! She even got the hiccups which I absolutely loved, truly amazing what you can see on the ultrasound!

She had her legs crossed like a lady- showing us her little feet- very cute!

I am still a little high on seeing her today (if you couldn't tell), so forgive my crazy mommy fever right now, but in all seriousness, thank you to all of you for your thoughts and prayers for us and our baby girl... we love and appreciate you all- thank you!!!!

So Good!!!!!!!

Chicken Parmesan

So, my mouth was watering and I started digging in to dinner before realizing, I should share this fantasticness with all of you! Now, since our move I have kind of taken over the kitchen, but Pete cooked this AMAZING dish tonight! Anyone who knows my husband knows he does NOT work off a recipe, but I think this is pretty close to what he did; thought I would share the how- to's so you too could enjoy a meal like this!

Ingredients:

- thinly cut chicken breast (pounded out)

- bread crumbs

- eggs

- shortening

- vegetable oil blend

- mozzarella cheese

- spaghetti sauce

- pasta (we used angel hair)

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2) Bring shortening and vegetable oil blend up to 350 degrees (about 3 min on the stove)

3) Dredged chicken in egg then patted it in bread crumbs

4) Carefully add one chicken breast at at time to oil

5) Leave one chicken breast in oil for 8-10 minutes to cook through; place on paper towel to cool; then repeat with remaining chicken breasts

6) Place chicken in pan, cover with slice of mozzarella cheese and little bit of spaghetti sauce (just enough to spread atop chicken)

7) Place in oven for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly

8) In meantime, prepare pasta

9) Place prepared chicken over pasta and serve; Enjoy!!

Of COURSE, I added garlic bread to it- seems to be my craveable food of the moment! Also, we didn't add any pasta sauce to the pasta and actually it was great that way- very flavorful!!!!

Christmas is in the Air

Pete and I are startin' to feel Christmas time right around the corner! I spent time finishing up shopping and wrapping this past week- oh ya, everything is wrapped and under the tree- whohoo!!!

Anyway, here are some pictures of us being Christmas-y!

We went to the Christmas Parade in Downtown Bentonville- home of the original Walton's (aka: first store started by Sam Walton, founder of Walmart- learned that while I was there;)). The floats, children, and of course the Humane Society float were ADORABLE, but my favorite part was finding a crepe vendor. HOLY SMOKES, the chocolate crepe I got was fantastic (not as good as yours Ab:)), but between that and the homemade cider my parade experience was complete!

Thought of you though, Abby... that crepe vendor was making BANK- totally something we could do... you know, in all of our free time- hehe ;)

Our tiny Christmas Tree- been with me wherever I've lived! I seriously LOVE putting up the tree and as childish as it may sound, unwrapping all the ornaments is one of my favorite things... Pete just LOVES listening to the stories that go with every one- ha!

decided to stick with the artificial tree- did it for you, Christy :)

I do love having a mantle again, but don't look to closely.. our stockings don't QUITE match. I think for the baby's first Christmas we need to get some matching ones...

Thank you mom for the penguin cuteness to add to our kitchen table- love it!!!!

So, the girls LOVED been outfitted in their Christmas get up. Emma is behaving with bribery- oh ya, treats were involved...

And Olivia was NOT having it. This was .2 seconds after putting her hat on... in another .2 it was off and she was sprinting away, totally ticked...

...but Emma seems to have been amused by Olivia's short-lived misfortune :)

I hope you all are enjoying the start of this holiday season!!!!!

20 Weeks

So, we're halfway this week!!! On Thursday, Pete and I go to our appointment/ultrasound to get a good look at the baby and we're crossing our fingers we'll be able to tell if it's a boy or a girl!!

Until then, here are the happenings of the week:

Heartbeat

I am now feeling little "pops" randomly and I THINK that may be the baby either punching or kicking me; either way it is fun to feel! Also, I got out my stethoscope (oh the years of good 'ol nursing school:)) and was able to hear the baby which was kind of fun- Pete got a kick out of it, as he still can't feel the baby yet.

Hiccup

Oh the glorious aches and pains have begun... from my back, to my sides, to the weird itchiness of my belly button- I think this baby is beginning to show me what its working with... stretching all out in there :). It's good to know that they're growing, but what's a girl got to do to get a massage around here- hehe! Just kidding, Pete has been wonderful and understanding of my continuous expansion...

What a Story....

Once Upon a Time....

Pete and Amy were SO excited to head up north to see family and friends. The bags were packed, alarms set, and to bed they went, knowing it would be a LONG day ahead of them- 10 hours in the car would be rough, but geesh- with this much excitement, what could go wrong?!?! HA!

6:00 AM the alarm goes off, Pete and Amy shower, grab breakfast, and go to load their dog Emma in the car, but she has other plans...

She's not eating her breakfast- no biggie, she's just nervous with the hustle and bustle in the morning, but then it begins: she promptly throws up 2-3 times all over the kitchen floor. Amy starts dry heaving as she isn't quite past the nausea of pregnancy, leaving Pete (gagging, and heaving- he is NOT the go-to throw up guy) to deal with the mess of Lord knows what she has just hacked up all over the floor.

Let me mention here that Emma is NEW to being an outdoor/backyard dog and has discovered that rabbit poop is rather tasty- and that even her own poop tastes good because of eating rabbit poop... we nipped this nasty habit in the bud about a week ago- or so we thought.... so you can IMAGINE the sight and smell of the matter all over the floor ;(

Emma seems better, she gets cleaned up, floor mopped up, trash out, good to GO!!!!

So, on the road they go complete with a breakfast of champions at McDonalds... whoohooo, got to love pregnancy cravings ;) or so it was blamed! With nothing but the open road ahead, things are looking good, until Amy turns to see Emma salivating like crazy like she TOO would like a McMuffin... but the intense saliva wasn't for food at all...

...and it began...

she puked 4 times all over Pete's COMPANY CAR backseat. Trigger the nausea (meaning Amy has her head stuck out the window in the POURING rain trying to catch her breath so no one would see McMuffin's Round 2 all over her seat as well). Pete is in utter shock and immediately pulls off to a gas station to address the situation: puke is everywhere.... so a Walmart run is made (thank GOD IN HEAVEN for that store at that exit!!) and they cleaned up, covered the backseat in trash bags and fresh blankets and resumed the drive.

Open road here they go....

until 1 hour later when history repeated itself...

...and repeated itself....

...and repeated itself...

thank goodness for those trash bags

pregnancy nausea still wouldn't let up so each puke session, warranted Amy's head be out the window letting pouring rain in the car...

which leads to Pete's nerves being SHOT

(he's a nut about the dog hair in his car, let alone dog hair, drool, poop smellin' vomit, and his wife not addressing the situation while he is trying to drive through a torrential downpour)

The drive continued... I mean there was no where else to go other than north so Pete found somewhere within himself to muster the patience and Amy armed herself with trash bags to catch the puke and decided to be a "mom" and swallow her own nausea for the sake of her husband's sanity- they just HAD to get to a place where Emma could EXIT this small premise into a cage to get better, and a place where Pete and Amy could FINALLY not smell puke any longer.

10 hours turned into 11 and then 12 (with about 8 stops and 10 pukes between Arkansas and Indiana) they were finally in their last mile..... in which Emma couldn't contain her excitement from almost being there and threw up just ONE last time before exiting this horrific nightmare.

Luckily, "Nana Kathy" was ready for the sick patient, with Emma's bed set up and some dry rice and water to ease her stomach. Emma continued to throw up throughout the night and finally was given Pepto for her stomach and Benedryl to knock her out and it worked!!! After a full 24 hours of vomiting and grossness she came out on the other side, but geeesh....

if that didn't give us a glimpse into the crazy times that come with parenthood then I don't know what will...

And that was the beginning to our Thanksgiving Trip!

Thanksgiving 2010

So, after the LOVELY drive to Indianapolis, we arrived at my parent's house to spend the weekend catching up and enjoying family... the visit was everything I wanted it to be (except I don't have any pictures of my sister Anna, or my parents :(- yikes!!!- hoping I can add those in later)

Here are a few pics from the too few days at home:

Pete and I before Thanksgiving Dinner

(yes, I am wearing the same shirt as my previous post- I needed new clothes to fit my slightly bigger;) stomach... thankfully, Christy came to the rescue with OODLES of clothes for me to borrow- THANK YOU !!!!)

One of my greatest and oldest friends, Megan and I! It had been about a year since I had seen her and her beautiful daughters- so wonderful to catch up... my how time flies!!!

One of my bestest buddies, Christy, and her ADORABLE son, Benjamin, came to visit for the afternoon!! It had also been WAY too long so it was wonderful to catch up- and she came bearing MANY gifts- whoohoo for maternity clothes ;)

My sister Abby and I decided to "spice up" Thanksgiving by adding our own touch: we spent hours Thanksgiving morning just whippin' up some greatness in the kitchen- ha! We may have burnt it a little, but no one knew ;). Our domesticness was so out of control, my mom had to leave for a little while- we kind of took over the kitchen, but the desserts were fantastic: homemade Twix bars (with homemade carmel- seriously, anyone ever tried to make that because its crazy awful?!) and Chocolate Cream Pie (my husband's request- sorry honey, haven't quite nailed the meringue topping- hehe). The desserts were wonderful (if we do say so ourselves), if you'd like the recipes just let me know!

We also started a couple games played after we finished eating. Seriously, before this year we would spend 5-6 hours cooking and being crazy and then eat in .5 seconds (ok, maybe not that fast, but seriously: cook, cook, cook, cook, eat, disperse... no one stayed around to have togetherness), so Abby and I made up some games to play at the table (complete with prizes:)) and we had a GREAT time. So, my thought for all of you is to add trivia, games, something to your Thanksgiving dinner and I PROMISE you won't regret it!

When Aaron's home there is sure to be guitar playing... as we cooked he played... and it got louder... and louder... and hmmmm, wonder why mom left the kitchen to run some errands (aka: have some peace and quiet). Seriously though, it was wonderful that Aaron could make it home to spend the weekend with us- and as always it was wonderful to hear his talent on the guitar and piano!

And, here's the table- makes me smile just lookin' at it.... already miss being home so much!!! Hope you all had a wonderful time with your families and friends this Thanksgiving!!!

PS: Gosh, I wish I had a family picture to post... would have been the perfect time to take one when we were ALL home- right Abby? Maybe something for the Christmas card... hehehe! Love you all... see you at Christmas!

19 Weeks

So, here we are at 19 Weeks! Each week, I get more excited about meeting our little one, thinking about the good times and the challenging ones that come with parenthood, all the while knowing Pete and I will love every second of adoring our "little peanut", but this past week made me excited in a totally different way and that is my heartbeat of the week:

Heartbeat

My siblings, parents, and friends are AMAZING and each one of them seems just as excited as we are: from my mom and dad just looking in awe at my growing belly, my sisters and brother trying to "tickle" the baby and talking about all the cuteness that comes with babies (basically just shoes- haha ;)), and my wonderful friends giving great parenting wisdom... just amazing to know this baby will always have support from more than just Pete and I! The baby was moving around like crazy this past week- think they're just as thrilled to have such a loving family as we are :).

Hiccup

Related to the heartbeat, the hiccup of this week is pretty much the same... in realizing the love that we have in Indy it was HARD to turn around and leave! We didn't see ALL of our family or friends during this trip and I know Pete and I both wish there was just MORE TIME!!! We miss you all and are keeping our fingers crossed that during our time in Indy at Christmas we will be able to visit with each an every one of you!