Matriarch (maytree-arc)

Walking through the mall.
MJR: I'm surprised you pregnant women don't have a signal to each other.
ALR: Signal?
MJR: When you walk by each other, you know, like motorcycle riders.

The week started out with some rain but it's been beautiful... we can practically see the garden growing! The garlic and the onions are looking pretty good - we may have a better crop this year than last! The buds are on the trees and the grass has really greened up. It probably would be extremely wonderful but the cats are pissed at Matt. he fertilized he lawn, which made it unable for them to go outside for a couple days so now they sit at the window and have loud, sorrowful, pity parties!

While the week had some high activities, one of them was the completion of the light replacement. Makes me so happy to see 1. more light in the room, 2 those crappy old wood relics removed from the house.

While the weekdays were full, the weekend was really the highlight. On Saturday, we worked on errands specific to the house. We stopped by Cashman's to talk about landscaping, we looked at grills, we picked up some necessary items and came home. Matt thinks I'm nesting...to which I say, no. I'm not driven to vacuum, or dust, or whatnot but it feels good to see the house a bit organized.

Sunday, we headed down to Lemmon (SD) to celebrate my Grandma Elaine's 85th birthday with an open house. It was a packed facility! Not only did a lot of family travel from all over to see her but she had friends and relatives stop in as well to celebrate. There were stories shared of her and her milestone events but I couldn't help but think there were details missing that proved what type of person she is. Yes, she bakes bread. Yes, she is a mother and a wife. But she is also devoted to her family. No one mentioned the amount of stamps that she probably goes through in a week. The amount of chicken she's fried to make her family happy. The amount of times she's asked "What would you like to have to eat while you are here?" The record keeping that she's done, her blogging before blogging was a thing. Her trips to grandkids' games/events. Her scrabble, her crosswords, her wordfinds, her marbles. Her love of friends. Her hard work (she continues to do more before noon than I do all day). Her devotion to her faith. Her coming to your need, all you have to do is ask. Yes, she is my Grandmother. Yes, I'd take a babe ruth bar without hesitation... but I know there's more that people may forget at first glance.

Was good to see family too at the open house. We had a lot of baby questions, which was touching because I know the family is excited to meet her. It's amazing when I start to think of how big just one side is and what she's coming into. My 2 grandparents had 6 kids, who all got married and had children who are now having children. So that's 2 + 12 (children) + 23 (grandchildren and spouses) + 12 (great-grandchildren) + 3 (babies on the way) = 52 people (and counting). After the open house, a good portion of this 52 went over to Heather Jo and Brad's house for pizza and talking. They had a beautiful space for it and was fun to gather together. The only thing that made me mad was I wish I had gotten pictures of the group! Didn't realize until I got into the vehicle - was too busy catching up!

Best meal: We had walleye this week. Matt made a jerk walleye sandwich, as a nod to our last trip to Florida. I was so happy to be having fish, I had it just seasoned up with rice on the side.

Name of the week: I've been leading you all astray for so long... we've had her name choices selected

for a couple months now - actually we were down to two when we found out she was a she.
Uncle Harry did think it was a beautiful option if we named the baby after him. I told him to not get his hopes up.
Cravings: Red Pepper Tacos
Pregnancy Symptoms: uncomfortable, EXHAUSTED, continued snoring, the size of a large house-despite this, both her and I are thinking she's out of room.
At our weekly appointment, her heartbeat was at 156... she's been keeping it right around there. However when we asked about progress, we were told "See you next week! You can prove us wrong, but we'd be surprised."

ALR: It was a nice day!
MJR: Yeah, was good to talk to your cousins.
ALR: I'm glad you enjoy them.
MJR: I told them about your snoring.
ALR: WHAT?!
MJR: It's okay, I think their wives did it too.
ALR: Well....
MJR: I also told them that you bought 900 diapers.
ALR: I did not!
MJR: You did too, I went and counted them.
ALR: You went and counted them?!
MJR: Yes. I wanted to see how many that bought us.
ALR: It was a SALE!! I had to buy that many to get the sale!! Did you tell them that?
MJR: No.
ALR: Great, now they think I'm crazy. I can't believe you had enough time to go in and count boxes of diapers. I'd like you to use your time for good.

Sprout (spr-out)

While the week wasn't too exciting...the weekend made up for it for sure. We packed it all in!

I started the weekend at Olive Garden with my mother and grandmother. Grandma did something that was pretty monumental... she gave one of her Precious Moments collectibles to baby. It fit so well. Was a little infant sleeping in a bassinet and the bassinet looked like a globe! Was very touching that she wanted to do that. She did say that she had not given away any of her collectibles before so the fact that our little girl was the first recipient was something that was beautiful to me.

From lunch, Matt and I went to another weekly appointment. Last week, we were told that she was measuring a little big - which wasn't a shock to me as I've been carrying her around literally 24/7. Dr Bury set up an ultrasound to check things out. What a difference in ultrasound from the last time we saw her. She takes up the whole screen and is pretty scrunched in there. We did manage to see her little face (cheeks and all) and hands and feet. Everything was looking good and I felt great about what I saw until the ultrasound tech said that they are guestimating her weight to be about 6lbs, 13oz. with a pound for error. The rough estimation of math, with the fact that she's to gain half a pound a week brought a bit of fear into me. I told Matt that I may need a relief pitcher to finish the last of this up! Good thing everything else is looking good and her heartbeat was 156 - but both the doctor and ultrasound tech commented on how wiggly she was to pin down.

Matt and I had a bit of a date time afterward, we went to the Garden Show to take in the booths. We both are excited for spring to come to full bloom with trees budding, garden in, lawn fertilized/aerated, and going through it all made us even more ready. We got some ideas for a few projects we have coming up but we were pretty low-key. From there we had dinner at a Mexican restaurant I've been waiting to take Matt to in Mandan. I had to push him along because I had plans to spend the night with Mom and Alaina. We were going to My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. Was a cute movie, I'll admit not as good as the first - I think they tried to fit in too many life lessons and thoughts but there were still some parallels to what I see in my own crazy life! Was a good time with my family though - we split popcorn and then even enjoyed ice cream afterwards - was good to talk, relax, and just be!

On Saturday, Matt and I braved the rain, which went on for pretty much 2 days straight and headed

out to an auction sale. We had high hopes and were keeping our eyes on a few items (spearfishing decoys, milk creamer, crock, meat saw, sausage stuffer, meat mixer, and maybe a few guns). After a good soaking and standing on a concrete floor for hours, the sale was cancelled! We were bummed. I thought a lot of it was interesting, until they got to selling the boxes of shells - one box at a time! Ugh! We didn't leave completely empty handed! Matt picked up an assortment box for $10 that he was pretty happy with!

That night we had a date night at the Bobcats game. It was playoff game and it was fun to get out and see the team, it was our first game all year. We even made it into the hospitality room. I did admit to Matt that UND hockey has ruined me. Watching games at the Ralph and the talent that the team has is hard to compare.

ALR: I don't know why they sell those bugle horns.
MJR: Crowd participation.
ALR: I hate them. I'd like to shove them up those little boys' [explicit]
MJR: You are going to make a great mother.
ALR says something but is drowned out by the blast of the bugle horn.

 Sundays are for sleeping in and then eating large breakfasts! It was a beautiful morning. Matt also hung another light... we are getting down there! Only 1 left to replace and that one should be picked up this week! I love how this simple change really has altered the room. The kitchen has really seen a lot of love this year!

With the news in the doctor office, we also decided it was time to take the stroller and the car seat out of the boxes and dig into those a bit. Matt was the diligent father and ensured that we read the manuals - all three of them while we either put them together OR installed them. Sometimes my style frustrates his style as I unknowingly proceeded to jump ahead in the book. Either way, we have the bases in the vehicles now as well the stroller stored.

Best meal of the week: There were a lot of good options this week, especially this weekend...But I think my favorite was Matt making me a skillet...hashbrowns, peppers, onions, eggs, salsa, sausage and a virgin mimosa on the side, which made all the difference in the world. It's the little things!

Name of the week: Nel
Cravings: blizzards (size mini from Dairy Queen), ground beef smileys, milk, and skillets
Pregnancy Symptoms: swelling and water retention, sleeplessness, snoring (still), uncomfortable, and inability to watch videos with baby elephants in them.

While figuring out the baby seat carrier.
MJR: Do you have a doll?
ALR: No.
MJR: You don't have a doll of any sort?
ALR: I'm 32. 
MJR: Well, geeze (stomps out of room). If I was at my parent's house, I'd go get Mrs. Beasley. 
Comes back into room with baby snowsuit.
ALR: I don't think it's going to work.
MJR attempts to position suit into carrier.
MJR: Ahhhh, it's too big.
MJR grabs 0-3 onesie from dresser drawer.
ALR: I don't feel like this is realistic.
MJR: All I need is arms and legs.
ALR watches him tighten straps: Well, Flat Stanley's neck and her neck may not be the same.
MJR glares
ALR: I'm just saying, I think you decapitated our baby.
MJR: Is this your idea of helping?

Half an hour later ALR and MJR put the stroller in the back of the Maz.
ALR: ugh, that takes more room than I expected.
MJR: I want you to drive around like this for a week or two, let's see what it does to your gas mileage.
ALR stares at him.

Triumphant (tri-UHM-fuh nt)

It was a busy week! We started it off with a birthday celebration for Alaina, she turned 24 on Tuesday. We celebrated with chips, salsa, and burritos at Paradiso with her, mom and dad, and grandma. Was pretty lowkey due to the fact that she worked the next day but good to get together.

Matt also took advantage of the weather and mowed the grass this week to get the dead stuff off the top. I know this is the start of the craziness that ensues with the lawn....there's already been talk of prepping it. To think, I used to ensure I didn't water it and I never dreamed of fertilizing... more of those things meant more cutting! Glad he has a hobby that keeps him at home!

On Friday night we took off for Dickinson. It was a full weekend, one that left me exhausted. I was there to work the Scentsy booth at the Home Show. I've done this a couple times now with Jo, my director and it's worked out really well. We are a good team. Friday night is set up night.

MJR standing in front of booth: How long is this gonna take.ALR: Probably another hour at least.MJR gives whiney face.ALR: You knew it was a set up night. I didn't hide that from you.MJR: Yeah, but I didn't think you were gonna take everything out of the boxes.

ALR: How do you expect people to buy? Just guess what things look like.
MJR: That's what you have catalogs for.

ALR: Go take a drive.

After spending the night at Jess and Kay's. the next morning, Matt and I split up. I went to the homeshow. Matt went fishing with Jess and Chayden. I was so happy to hear that they had a great day on the water. Not too windy, Not too cold. Biting fish with a  few keepers and a few throwbacks. Matt's ginormous perch brought a smile to his face.

I got down with the home show a little early and we headed out for maternity pictures. We've known and used Jess's work for awhile now. She took an engagement shot for us, Matt's business headshots, our first year anniversary shots and we were so happy when she came up with a baby package for us. We took our maternity pictures and I'm excited to see how they turned out. I did think it was really special that while we were taking pictures she was moving around like crazy!

The highlight of the weekend (for Matt anyway) was the end of the day though. He got to watch the UND Sioux hockey team bring home their first national title in 16 years. There was shouting, There was high fiving, there was replays... was fun to watch the game and him. The only time they were disappointed is when the game was over and the show quit showing after game shots. They managed to find other avenues to watch or listen.

On Sunday morning, we went to breakfast with Rick and Shantelle. They are 20 weeks behind us in pregnancy and it's exciting to see them planning and prepping. We planned our weddings together, how ironic to do this together as well! Was good to catch up just a bit.

When we got home on Sunday, both Matt and I were beat. It was a good weekend but we were constantly on the go. Was good to see Dickinson a bit but we both agreed we were glad we got "out" at the time we did. We miss the people but not many other things.

How to know if  you are a true hockey fan...
1. You watch the game again the next night, like you would a tv show rerun.
2. You know almost to the second when the goals are coming.
3. Even though you knew the goals were coming, you still cheer when they happen.
4. You still get goosebumps when you win.
5. You "plan" to leave it on your DVR until next season starts.

Best meal: I finally got to have a chicken chimichanga from El Sombrero with their white cheese sauce. I've been craving it on a regular basis for months.

Name of the week: Vada
Cravings: Nothing really this week. I have had to finish meals with something sweet whether it's chocolate, carmel rolls, or whatnot.
Pregnancy Symptoms: starting weekly appointments. According to Dr. Jan, baby is measuring a big - which doesn't change my due date just means a bigger size. Swelling feet, legs, and hands. Tiredness. Slow walking. Snoring.
We also received our second care package from Judy - I hope this baby knows how loved she is before she even gets here. Judy's neighbor Becky made a beautiful blanket - so soft!

MJR is laying in bed when ALR gets there (Saturday night).
ALR lays down.
MJR: Today was just the best day.
ALR laughs: Should I be concerned that you spent it mostly without me? Ha!
MJR: We won!

Outturn (out-turn)

It really is spring... I've seen a ton of robins this year, people are getting outside and cleaning their yards, vehicles are being washed, my facebook is filled with calving pictures, the windows have been open a time or two and I think if I look hard enough I can see little buds starting on my trees in the backyard!

We had a long week... which made us look forward to the weekend and sleeping in. We did start the weekend off right - we replaced another light! We've loved what swapping out the light in the kitchen did for that space - it's brighter, it's more open, it just fits better. This go round we swapped out the one over the kitchen table. What's ironic about this light is this is not the first time we've hated this light and thrown it out. When we bought the house on hillside, we had the exact same light in the dining room there - wood with the fake candles, pblucky! I was happy to see it go!

We also did a little make over to the fluorescent in the kitchen. The light that was there had this 90's star motive, when Matt pulled it down we realized it was wallpaper covering the frame! I made quick work remove it. We replaced the bulbs and also ensured it matched the metals of the other lights. I did comment to Matt that I thought it was very telling how much we've spruced up the kitchen in this house compared to any other room!

On Saturday, we treated ourselves a bit! We know that there will be massive changes in our life come May and we know there'll be wonderful blessings but there will also be things that we miss doing together. We decided to take one of those things that will become a treat and celebrate us a bit while we can. We headed to the Blarney Stone for their Dinner in Dublin breakfast with the Bloody Mary bar. We really did it right. Matt has cooked breakfast for me the past couple weeks (when he's not out by the water), so it was nice to enjoy each other and the experience. We both reminded each other that no matter what we need to take time and do the things that make us, us.

After that kickoff on Saturday, we really got a lot of things done over the weekend. Matt got his peppers planted from seed. We planted garlic, shallots, and onions in the garden. Last year, we tried onions by seed but this year we hope to do it right. I cleaned a bit of the house. Matt got his tulips in the ground - will be fun to see them come up this spring! The garage got more organized.
It was just one of those weekends where it felt really good to be at home and get things accomplished. Then on Saturday night, we went out for dinner with a couple friends. We had a nice blend of work and play.

Best meal: Blarney breakfast - I had the celtic cure (hashbrowns, eggs, cottage bacon, in a gravy) with fruit on the side. Matt had the Salmon dill eggs Benedict with hashbrowns and a side of bangers. He took a trip through the Bloody Mary bar and I enjoyed my fancy glass orange juice - as close as possible to a mimosa!

Name of the week: EmmaLynn
Cravings: Ice cream - blizzards from Dairy Queen
Pregnancy Symptoms: larger, loss of memory of what it feels like to not be pregnant, inability to sleep, snoring when I do sleep, frequent trips to the bathroom, breathlessness

ALR hears shrieking outside. Goes to window. Sees 3 teenage girls chasing 2 basset hounds in backyard. Eventually, girls catch dogs and run away again.
MJR: Did you see that?
ALR: Yes, what was going on?
MJR: I don't know! I heard all this noise and saw girls running all over the backyard.
ALR: Yeah I think I caught the end of it.
MJR: I realized that's what my yard will look like 16 years from now.
ALR: 16 years from now?
MJR: Yes, shrieking and yelling and running around of 16 year old girls. 
ALR: Well, 16 years ago, you would have loved it.
MJR does math in his head: Yes, yes I would have.
ALR: Funny, how your world has come full circle.