"So what have y'all done to the baby's room??"

Ugh. That dreaded question. The question that has been plaguing me since about Thanksgiving. The question that reminds me just how unprepared we are! (Especially when mom tells me that “you just never know when a baby’s going to come!”) Well, for all of you just dying to know what has been done to that darn baby’s room…NOTHING! And here’s a pic to prove it!

See? Still a Guest Room! (Also pictured: my hip attachment)

However, we are making some headway on other aspects of Helen’s room. This weekend Kevin and I (well, just Kevin, really) put together the little alien’s dresser. I am still missing some drawer pulls, so it’s not exactly completed yet. I got the cute green ones on there from Hobby Lobby in Jackson, and I need to go back and get 2 more. I also put together her changing table, which was a lot less complicated. We are just waiting on getting the floors redone so we can start moving in the furniture. Also included is a pic of her bedding, which turned out to be a lot pinker than I had originally planned, but I really love it. We are very fortunate to be using our niece’s crib when she gets out of it in a month or two, so don’t you guys worry about that. We also did a ton of de-cluttering. What they say about the whole "nesting instinct" that we pregnant women experience is totally true. I get this incredible urge like I've never gotten before (believe me, I've never gotten it) to get rid of stuff. I mean, I have just chunked stuff that I have been hanging onto for years! All of my junk drawers are no longer junky, and you should just take a look underneath our bed! Go ahead. It's amazing. I recommend getting knocked up for this aspect alone! Whew....anyway, I am so glad that we are finally getting some things done, and I know you're relieved too, judging from the frequency of this damn question ;)

Helen's dresser needs 2 more pulls

Changing Table

Bedding

Helen Springsteen Smith?

That has a nice ring to it, right? Ridiculous?...I know. But believe me, I have suggested this name to Kevin. (Yes, really.) I have a thing for Bruce Springsteen. Yeah, it's bigger than that thing I have for Patrick Swayze! In my opinion, The Boss is one of the greatest and most prolific storytellers of our time. (Although, Patrick sure did blow all our minds with "She's Like The Wind", right?) Anyway, Bruce's songs have inspired me ever since my big brother turned me on to him back in high school. They are all about outsiders, the working class man, and ordinary people looking for a better life. His romantic side and my longing to get the hell out of my hometown brought us together years ago, and I am still hooked. I have only had the opportunity to go to one of his concerts, but it was a perfect one. I was living in Boston and it was the first show ever to play Fenway Park. I was on the internet hours before the tickets went on sale, and was lucky enough to get two pretty close to the stage. For those of you that know me, you know I have been to see a lot of music. The Bruce show easily ranks in my top 3 ever. It was a non-stop show, full of energy. At one point, Bruce was even hanging upside down from the microphone stand! (I know! You can't even imagine the hotness.) Anyway, I am loving the XM/Sirius "E Street" radio. I feel like it is finally coming into it's own and playing some really great tunes. If you have satellite radio, don't miss out, look up E Street Radio. You can thank me later.

We may not be spring chicks anymore...

But we still know how to put together a party! This past weekend we had a Girl's Night birthday dinner/slumber party in Jackson. Wow, I had forgotten how much I miss hanging out with these girls...and drinking wine with them! We started the night off at PF Chang's and ended it with a very late night Mere's house. It was a belated b-day party for Mel as well as a damn good reason for us to get together again. The night started off with 3 bottles of Saki, which led to the always entertaining, old school favorite, Never Have I Ever (and countless bottles of wine). From there we went on to some other very vague slumber party games, and of course, a lot of gossiping & laughter so hard my baby hurt. Don't worry, we probably talked about you, but Mel and I are the only ones who will remember anything ;)

Katie, those Uggs are fab!

Happy Birthday, Bob D!

Okay, so honestly, we don't have a clue when Oscar's birthday is, but he should be turning 3 sometime around now. For those of you who remember when we got him, his previous owners said he was 8 weeks old when we picked him up. Right. He was tiny. But it had been so long since either Kevin or I had brought a puppy home that we really didn't know the difference. Also, we "picked him up" out of a bucket at the Richland Walmart. I'm sure you can imagine. (*I totally don't condone this...you should always get your doggies at the humane society!*) After we picked him out, the man said, "Thas tha one I'da pickt too." Yep, destined for greatness.

Anyway, Oscar (who mostly goes by Bob or some other variation now) has been through a lot since then. He has hip dysplasia, has had hip surgery, and will probably be on meds for the rest of his life. And being the redhead that he is, has quite the temper when tested (and sometimes when he's not) Through all of this, he and I have developed a really special bond. As most of you know, he and I are obsessed with one another, and he is attached to my hip pretty much at all times! (I am sure as soon as Kevin sees this post I will definitely get an ear-full!) He's a great friend and a lot of fun. His hobbies include daily long walks, chasing cats, eating lizards, and maintaining his bad-ass status. So, happy b-day, Bob, we wish you many more!

Baby Bob...true colors starting to shine.

Young Bob D...back when he still had green eyes.

Quite the handsome 3 year old

24 Week Appointment

I had my 24 week doc's appointment yesterday, and everything is going great! Helen's heartbeat is strong, and she was moving around everywhere. She is measuring 25 weeks instead of 24 now. The doc said if this continues we will have a big baby on our hands. Yeah I know, my legs are crossing at the sound of that, too. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that Helen can keep the chowing down to a minimum, so I can keep the pep in my step. Yeah, I'm blaming it on her ;) Next month will be the infamous glucose test, so we'll keep the sweets at bay for awhile and stick to the grapefruit. For those of you who don't know, I'm a grapefruit addict. I even juice the damn things.

"The face that launched a thousand ships"

Kevin and I had a really tough time compromising on a name for the alien princess. We just couldn't figure it out, and you know, since she is the first-born it had to be perfect! Anyway, our little girl's name will be Helen Dean Smith, after my grandmother, my mom's mother. I have so many wonderful memories growing up at her house with my brother and our neighborhood friends. She had the best sense of humor and always had something off-the-wall to say. I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree...both mom and I have been accused of being a little kooky at times. I'm pretty sure Helen Jr. will also get some of that goofiness as well...and if there really is payback, she's definitely going to be a little spit-fire!

Helen bringing the sass.