Oprah

Today marked the beginning of Oprah's Farewell Season. I watched it with mixed emotions. I have never been a huge Oprah fan, but would watch when I was home in time or on a day off. I do think she has some really good shows and does highlight some interesting human interest stories now and then. The one thing I don't like on her show is when she spends money on things that I think are unnecessary. For example, today she surprised the whole audience with a trip to Australia. That's 300 people for 7 or 8 days. Expensive! I just feel like her money could be spent in a much better way if she wanted. I do understand that she does charitable work and has the school in Africa, but each time I see a show like I did today I am reminded of the huge inequities that exist in our Nation.
That's my little soapbox.

Now that I am about to become a full time stay-at-home mom I am sure I will have many more Oprah watching afternoons in my future.

"Anything Like Me"

Today I was listening to the radio and heard a new song by Brad Paisley, "Anything Like Me." As I've mentioned before I feel like Brad writes wonderful lyrics which many times match my life.

This song is about a dad finding out he and his wife are having a baby boy, and how he will grow up.

Here are the lyrics:

"I remember thinking, I don't care either way.
Just as long as he or she is healthy, I'm okay.
But then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen.
He said, see that thing right there, well you know what that means.
And I started wondering who he was gonna be and I thought heaven help us if he's anything like me.

He'll probably climb a tree too tall and ride his bike too fast.
End up every summer wearing something in a cast.
He's gonna throw a ball and break some glass in the window down the street.
He's gonna get in trouble.
He's gonna get if fights.
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep.
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me.

I can see him right now, knees all skinned up.
With a magnifying glass trying to melt the tonka truck.
Won't he be a sight with his football helmet on.
That'll be his first love til his first love comes along.
He'll get his heart broke by the time he's in his teens and heaven help him if he's anything like me.

He'll probably stay out too late and drive his car too fast.
Get a speeding ticket that he'll pay for mowing grass.
He's gonna get caught skipping class and get grounded for a week.
He's gonna get in trouble.
We're gonna get in fights.
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep.
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me.

He's gonna love me and hate me along the way.
The years are gonna fly by and I already dread the day.

He's gonna hug his mama.
He's gonna shake my hand.
He's gonna act like he can't wait to leave.
But as he drives out, he'll cry his eyes out if he's anything like me.

There's worst folks to be like.
Ah he'll be alright if he's anything like me."

Such a sweet song and I hope our little one is everything like Dave!

Ups and Downs of Pregnancy

(Not a picture of me)

Ups:
-feeling the baby move
-seeing the ultrasounds
-expanding my taste buds
-conversation starter
-husband doing the heavy lifting
-having a countdown
-decorating the nursery
-picking out clothes

Downs:
-heartburn
-back pain
-stretching pain
-unsolicited advice on pregnancy/parenting
-food restrictions (caffeine, lunch meats, wine)
-finger swelling

I wouldn't change this pregnancy for anything, but while Dave is sweet enough to run to the store at 9:30 at night to get more TUMs I am reminded that this whole pregnancy thing is quite an experience. I've had it pretty easy for the most part and am thankful for that, but I will be really happy when I can wear my rings again so I don't look like an unwed mother-to-be : )

As I am nearing the 32 week mark it's all becoming quite real to me. I have 2 more visits before they become weekly and we start talking about labor. Eek!

There is still a lot on our to-do list, including:
-put the crib together (hopefully this weekend)
-finish painting the nursery (should be done this week)
-put the nursery together (fun fun!!!)
-figure out where the baby will sleep for the 1st few months - crib or bassinet
-buy the rest of the essential items, aka...figure out the whole nursing thing
-pack my hospital bag (by week 35-36)

I'm sure I'm forgetting some things, but those are the big ones on my list right now. October 24th will be here before I know it!

Nursery Decor

Our nursery bedding has arrived!!! I'm so excited that everything is coming together. We have picked the paint colors for the room (light blue above the border and dark blue below), and I've ordered some art from Etsy. We will probably start the painting process next weekend and the rest of the furniture will be delivered in a few weeks. I will post pictures when it all comes together.

Here is a picture of the set. It's KidsLine "My First ABC"



Baby boy is kicking up a storm right now...I think he likes it!

My Little Brother's Wedding

This past weekend was Matt & Anna's wedding. It was a great time with my family and the wedding was beautiful! Here is a rundown of the weekend events:

Thursday night we invited out of town guests and wedding party to join us on Lady Bird Lake for a bat cruise. The largest colony of Mexican Free Tail Bats live under the Congress St. Bridge and come out at dusk each night to feed. It was a beautiful sunset that night and good times we had by all!



Me with my cousin and Aunts


Friday morning we had the Bridesmaids Luncheon at Tarry House in Tarrytown. It was a beautiful morning and a beautiful event.


That evening we had the rehearsal at the church and then the rehearsal dinner at Mercury Hall. It wasn't too hot and the BBQ was great!

The bride and groom


Mom and her kids


Dave and me (7 months pregnant)


Saturday was the BIG day! The wedding was so pretty and everything went really smoothly.















On Sunday we had a brunch at my parents house for out of town guests. The porch was wonderful for everyone to enjoy!



All in all, it was a wonderful, celebratory weekend!!

Finally...a crib choice!

As the title may imply...we have finally decided on a crib for baby Ruback. We've been doing a lot of research and looking around but I think we've finally made our decision. It's a good thing we finally did because it will be delivered in 8-10 weeks and we don't have much time after that to get the nursery ready.

We've decided on....




The Peyt*n Lifestyle Crib by B*navita.

It was ranked highest on Consumer Reports and it is available in white which is what we have wanted.

Now to pick the bedding and decor...

Moving Road Trip

So I have been MIA from the blog recently, but for good reason....Dave and I are now officially Austin residents! It's been a long time coming and I'm glad it's finally here!

Dave started his new job in the middle of June but came back up for NY/CT the last week of the month to help with final pack-up and the drive down. His new company was completely flexible with him taking time off and made sure to give him plenty of time to pack, drive, and settle in. He went back to work yesterday and I am a full time stay at home...something! I have been helping out my parents with stuff around the house (Goodwill runs, organizing, stuff like that), closing out our house in CT, and helping my brother get ready for his wedding in a month. All this to say, I'm not bored!

On our drive from CT to TX we made a few pit stops. Here is our trip in pictures:

1st stop: To visit our 1st newphew! This is Dave's sister and husbands first child. We are so excited to have little boy cousins so close in age!


On to Nashville and south to Lynchberg, TN....the Jack Daniels Distillery. This was a really neat thing to see!


Our tour guide, and Mr. Jack


Here I am 24.5 weeks pregnant


Then on to Memphis & Graceland




Our last stop...to see Lauren, Sam, and baby Eli!


It was such a nice road trip and we get to take our time and not drive more than 8 hours in a day. We were able to enjoy the cities for dinners and really enjoy time with one another.