I said 'BEACH' baby, not 'BREECH' baby...

So I went to the Dr. 12/15 and got some news. Turns out that the baby is not head down as we were previously told. Instead, he/she is breech. Head up, butt down. Because this is the case, unless he/she decides to rotate to the right position, I am going to have to have a c-section. And most likely a scheduled c-section...

Definitely mixed emotions on this. The obvious positive points are that this is what is best for both the baby and I. Less stress and a very common surgery. But it's still a surgery. A major one at that. And for someone who hasn't ever really had to go through that, it's definitely a little frightening. I know the risks are minimal, and it's an extremely common procedure, but it's still surgery. Involving anesthesia, etc...Not too mention the disappointment at the lack of surprise. Gone is element of surprise of his/her birthday. Instead it's, 'well, does Monday the 4th work for you or would you prefer the 5th?'

It also feels like the easy way out. NOT b/c the baby is breech, but just missing out on the whole delivery process that I have been thinking about for months now. You have this vision and then get told, there is about a 1% chance of that happening. The other 99% is a good probability you're going to do the c-section.

There are other factors too. The size of the baby also was considered. The Dr. said that the baby is a good size baby. Already close to or over 8lbs. So with 3 more weeks to go, we could be looking at a 9-11lb. baby. The odds of a baby that size turning themselves to position are slim. Good news is he/she is measuring great. My weight gain, or lack of, which was a concern, was confirmed as nothing to worry about by the Dr. He said I am doing great and the baby is too. So that was a relief. I was getting nervous when people kept telling me how small I looked. I haven't done anything to be 'small', it's just the way it is. But he said I am just a fit person and the baby is exactly as it should be. So that was reassuring.

All in all, like I said, mixed emotions. I feel slightly cheated, but I know so many people that would say this is actually a blessing. That I am lucky I won't have to go through labor or a natural delivery. And I probably am. And Lord knows I believe things happen for a reason. So I am ok with this. Part of me likes being able to plan now. Knowing that most likely we'll be seeing he/she on January 4th (that's the tentative day). That means I can have my house clean, the baby's stuff ready, etc. All before we go so when we come home it's done. Luke can plan for work etc. So see, the type-A in me enjoys that. And that's what I have to focus on. And who knows, mother nature might decide a different path. Only time will tell.

Well that's all for now. We go back 12/23 so we'll see if he/she has changed it's mind. If not, stay tuned. Only 18 more days to go until 1/4/10!

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather then allowing it to master you." Brian Tracy

~B

The Final Stretch...

So it's official, we're down to the last four weeks! Hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly. I had always heard that when you're pregnant, time just drags on. This is not true in my case at all. In fact, at times I feel like time has gone by even faster. I have heard that my entire pregnancy has been somewhat of an anomaly, in a good way. I have been very fortunate with how I have felt, how I am carrying, my weight gain, etc. For that I am thankful. If all continues to be as it's been we will have been so blessed.

So what's new...where to start?

Well, we had our baby shower November 28th. It was hosted by Jessica, Rachel, Laura and Michele at Jessica's home. What a beautiful thing! They really went all out. Everything from the centerpieces to the punch was perfect! I got so many compliments on how nice it was. 'Best food ever at a shower!' 'Goregous tables!' These were just a few of them. It went off perfectly after lots of planning and work. I was very grateful. The baby received lots of things which was a big help in preparing. Here is a link to some pictures that Cheryl took...http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=2029756&id=1440964472&ref=share. Now that we've had the shower, it's time to get the rest of what we need. That is on the agenda for this weekend. Once that's done I'll be a little more at ease.

We also ordered the crib for the nursery. Here is a picture...
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=62709&CatID=62709&Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=164991a
Once we get it assembled and put together I'll be sure to post pics of the nursery.

Jessisca also took these photos for us at 33 weeks. We're going to do more in a week or two, to document me at 38-39 weeks...I liked these though. She did such a great job!
http://jmmphotos.zenfolio.com/ click on the 'Becky' album. The password is Otto :) I am excited to have her take pics of the baby too!

So really that's the latest. We go back to the Dr. 12/15. After that it's once a week until the big day...

The holidays are fast approaching and I am really excited! We (yep Luke helped me since I am preggers :) ) put up our Christmas tree last week. And I got out a few more decorations. It makes the house feel so homey. I love Christmas now, but thinking about how it's just going to get better now with a little one is just a wonderful feeling. Who knows, Luke might actually come around and look forward to it!

Anyway, hopefully this finds you all well. I will be sure to update with anything new as it comes up. For now, stay warm!!! Winter has arrived in full force and I am not so sure I am ready...

"Real generosity to the future lies in giving all to the present."

~B

So long second tri-mester, wallpaper & ankles!

Well, it's official, we've started our third trimester. As of October 17th I am officially saying goodbye to my 2nd trimester and moving into my third...Only 12 more weeks to go!

While I am saying goodbyes, I might was well include one to the wallpaper that was in the 'office' which has been transforming into the babies room. Pictures to be posted soon. We went with a dark brown, medium brown and a cream. Accented with a deep red. It looks beautiful! Luke did all of the trim work and moldings. I, with the help of Laurie and little Rachel, painted. Rachel was a HUGE help in making my idea come to life...without her, the stripes probably would not have happened. She also helped me pick out the color scheme. I knew I wanted browns and red, but she knew what looked good with what. And we are happy with the way it's turning out. Next, it's on to picking out our crib and furniture...

Another something I am saying goodbye to are my ankles :( It seems that in the mornings my legs look like they always have. However, come evening, my legs seem to disappear and are replaced by things that are almost twice the size! It's insane! I am hoping this on again/off again relationship my ankles and I are having is short lived. I happen to like having them!

The baby is moving a lot these days. And now, there is definitely no doubt that I am prego. My belly is protruding more and more everyday...in fact my next round of belly pics is probably due this week.

We head back to the Dr. 10/28/09 - which also happens to be my b-day. We had appointments on Luke's b-day and mine...This is the last of the monthly's and then it's on to 2x per month until it's gets real close. It's also time to sign up for our classes that the hospital offers. Still up in the air on which ones to take. More research to be done there...

And on a different note, we did in fact find out from the vet that it was leptospirosis that took my boy from us :( His liver just couldn't take it and that's why he passed. My poor baby. So far I have managed to cry at least once a day still. I am sure this will pass, but for now that's how it is. I miss him every day. We buried him at home last week and wow that was tough.

Well that's about it for now.

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we're not really living." Gail Sheehy

~B

Remembering my best friend...

Well as you can probably guess by the title of this post, it's not a happy one. Today, October 2nd 2009, Otto my German Shorthair Pointer who was 6 1/2 yrs old past away. The sadness I feel is just so great. It's hard to explain the bond you have with an animal, and those that don't have them can't relate. Those that do understand, they are a part of your family. We lost a part of our family today. To an unknown cause. That is the worst part. My baby died and we don't even know why. He was suffering from Lepto which is a bacterial infection dogs pick up in ponds and stagnant water. We had been treating that for about 2 months now with anti-biotics but nothing was working. The new vet I took him to last week said it was a 'chronic' case...

We took him in last night b/c when Luke got home from work the poor guy didn't even get up to say hi like he always did. He rushed him up there and the started an IV to get fluids and nutrients in him. We left him there over night hoping that would help turn him around. But it didn't. The poor baby didn't survive the night.

So many things are going through my head. What I didn't do, what I should have done, why did I leave him there in the scary kennel instead of bringing him home with me? I didn't know it would be his last night. Had I to do over again I would have had him with me the whole time. I didn't even get to say goodbye...

Otto was a wonderful dog. Almost human some would tell you. Since he was a puppy I knew he was special. I got him in the ghetto in Pontiac. No papers, just an adorable little face with a cut up ear...Since the day I brought him home I have loved that dog more then any other pet I've had. He was mine. My baby. He slept with me - under the covers (until Luke came along), followed me around constantly, I would sit, he'd sit on my feet or in my lap...Always full of life and energy. He just wanted to be with me. And man did he love to swim - when he finally figured it out :) He would swim for hours on end, fetching a tennis ball. I can't forget his prancing either. He didn't walk - he pranced! It was hilarious. He was so proud. Great with everyone especially kids. Which is what makes this even harder. He doesn't get to meet our baby. I have been telling everyone how great he'd be and now he doesn't even get to show them...

Please help me remember Otto today. My loyal companion and my comforting friend. I can't even put into words all that that dog means to me. He'll always have a place in my heart. I miss him like crazy...

I leave you with a quote that fits this all to well...

"I said “good bye, I love you”,

When I saw that look in your eyes

It was the type of look you give someone

When you know these are your last goodbyes.

You were just a dog some might say

But I know they’re all wrong

You were more than a dog

You were my best friend, and

Now dear friend it is going to be long,

Before I can hold you in my arms once again.

It is hard to put in words how you made me feel

But when I heard your foot steps charging to me,

There is nothing in the world that could’ve made me more happy
You were so small, yet

You had more energy than any dog I had ever met

You were so strong.. and Ill never forget,

All the fun times we shared together

You were with me for so short of a time

But you taught me so much

I never knew I could love anyone the way I loved you

All I had to do was touch

Your soft fur and I knew everything would be ok

I don’t know what I will do without you

I feel like there’s a huge hole in me

Once so filled with joy and glee

Now so empty and cold,

I'm sure your spirit is still with me and I hope you know

There will always be a place in my heart for you.. "

...bye Otto baby I'll always love you. More then I probably ever showed...

So incredibly sad ~ B

Over half way there!!!!

So today I am officially 20 weeks and 5 days along. We are over the 1/2 way point now. Honestly it has gone by very quickly. I hear that as I get bigger this will change, but so far so good. We had our 4th Dr's appt this week. It happened to be scheduled on Luke's birthday which was Weds 8/26. According to the Dr. we are both in very good health. The baby is perfectly healthy and all of the blood tests we did came back positive. So all in all a very good visit. Especially since I only gained 4lbs! This means I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I had lost weight in the beginning so now I'm back to even, which is fine this far in. My goal was not to gain more then 30 lbs the entire time...Back to the Dr. on 9/30 and then we will see.

So not only did our appointment go well, but that night when we left the Dr's office I FINALLY felt the little guy/girl!! It punched or kicked me right in the belly button. It made my eyes water! What a crazy feeling. It will be a bit before Luke can feel anything but he's so anxious it's funny. After I felt it for the first time, it has been active ever since.

Besides that not much new to report. Registering for our shower this weekend. And starting to work on the nursery...once we've made some progress promise pictures will be posted.

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." ~Abraham Lincoln

~B

19 Week Ultrasound

So we had our second ultrasound last week. This one was pretty exciting since now the baby is a lot more active and developed. Here are some pictures...
























The ultrasound tech told us that apparently we are having a stubborn baby. He/She would not roll over to allow for a few needed pictures so she wasn't able to get everything she was supposed to. And that was after over an hour of trying. Go figure, Luke and I having a stubborn child...hmm. Because she couldn't get what she needed we're going to have to go back in a couple of weeks, so more pictures to post then.

It was almost a surreal experience seeing this little person inside me, moving and wiggling but yet not feeling anything yet. And it was moving like crazy! Kicking, punching, swallowing. Luke was really awed by the experience I think. How could you not be? That's a life inside...

A life that so far is off to a great start. The heartbeat was 163 beats which was good. Measurements were right on for my due date. The organs all looked good. So overall a nice appointment. We go back to the Dr. August 26th for our next appt. That also happens to be Luke's birthday and our 20 week mark. Well 20.5 weeks, but whose counting right?!??!

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.-- Anonymous "

~B

Dr. Appt #3 - 7/29/09

Well we had our 3rd Dr.'s appt. last week. All went to plan apparently. The heartbeat was good and strong. 150+ so that was good. We got to schedule our 20 week appointment for Luke's birthday - 8/26. AND we get to get our ultrasound done 8/13!!! We are very excited for that. Even though we won't be finding out what we're having, we still can't wait to get our next picture of he/she...I never did post the first one did I? I'll have to do that after I get the pic from 8/13...

On a different note, we had a family get together over the weekend. A few of our Canadian relatives came into town to celebrate their 'civic' holiday. Seriously Canada, what's that about? A long weekend almost every month? I guess there IS something I am jealous about! So the weekend was filled with lots of boating, eating and visiting. We even managed to get a round of golf in. Which I will say was quite painful. Not literally, but I played horribly. It was fun to get out though.

Luke and I were recipients of our second gift for the baby this weekend. Larry, Coby, Shirley and Darryl went in on a gift for us and bought us a very nice stroller and some really adorable outfits! We were both so appreciative. Our neighbor Trish also had bought us some stuff she found. A vibrating chair & bassinet combo, a stationery type walker and a diaper bag. Stuff is starting to accumulate already! Luke looked at me and asked where he should put it and I just laughed. I had no idea! Guess we may need to get started on the nursery sooner then planned huh?

Well I better get back. I hope this finds you well! Pictures to come soon of the baby, the bathroom, the family visit and more!


"Whoever is happy will make others happy, too." ~ Mark Twain

~B

And the nesting begins...

So I decided a couple weeks ago that is was time to start getting the house ready for Baby L's arrival. Yes I know there is lots of time left, but being that time has already gone by so fast, I figured it would be better to start now. Anyway, the first project we are going to tackle is the downstairs bathroom. Here are some before pics...after pics to post this weekend!!

Belly Laughs & Dr. Appts...

So the first part of this post is about a book that Laura bought me last week. Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy. I received a package last week (I LOVE real mail!). In it was this book. I read it that same night! Anyone that has seen Jenny McCarthy knows she has quite the sense of humor and is pretty, shall we say, to the point? She really doesn't leave much to the imagination. Belly Laughs is all about her experience during her pregnancy with her son. It talks about the process from beginning to end. She has funny stories about her experiences and offers helpful advice to those of us expecting now. It was interesting to hear her experience. Enlightening to say the least and quite funny! So Laura thank you again for the wonderful surprise!

Second part to this is the 7/2 Dr. appt. that we had. All went according to plan. Went in, did the usual sample donation. Fun, fun. Then we went into our exam room. The Dr. checked for the baby's heartbeat. All sounded good. It was 150-160. So that was good. Then it was off to the lab for bloodwork. We decided to do a few tests beforehand to rule out any abnormalities/disease etc. No news is good news, so I am hoping we don't hear anything. After about 6 viles of blood and yet ANOTHER 'sample' we were finally done.

Our next appointment is 7/29. I'll be about 17 weeks then. Geez almost 1/2 way! I am not sure if we do the ultrasound then or not? Might be the next one...Either way, the baby's sex is going to be a surprise, but I am looking forward to seeing the pictures again.

Hope this finds you well...more to come.

~B

Baby Liedel 2010...

So there is some BIG news to share since my last post. It's official. Luke and I are going to be parents! Hence the new gadget on the right side of the screen...only 194 more days to go. That's all? Well good news is time has already gone by pretty quickly. I have been told that won't continue to be the case, but I am still optimistic.

I imagine inquiring minds want to know...

When did we find out?
Monday, May 4th I decided it might be a good idea to 'check' and see...sure enough, the 'check' came back positive. Then I 'checked' again, and same result.

My initial thought?
Wow, it really happened! OMG! I wasn't sure it would and it did. And it didn't take long! Apparently we work well together. So many emotions to capture. Lots and lots of thinking...

How did I tell Luke?
Well this was kind of fun. I made a nice dinner, had a few glasses of wine. No, I was not drinking, I had Fre the alcohol free stuff and he had the good stuff! But he didn't know any better...so we had some wine, then we sat down to dinner and I gave him a card. It said - 'Congratulations on your new little one...' and inside I wrote, arriving on or around 12/28/2009. (at the time that was what I thought my due date would be). Since then we learned it's 1/10/10. He was stunned.
His words were not the most romantic by any means ' You're shitting me?' to which I said 'no. I am not shitting you.' Then an immediate hug that lasted what seemed like forever followed...

How and when did we tell our families?
This was not so easy. We kept it a secret for weeks b/c I have always said I wanted to wait until close to the end of my first trimester before spilling the beans. Just too much risk otherwise. So we waited and then went to our first Dr. Appt on 6/12. All checked out good. We got to see the baby and hear the heartbeat. That's when they told us the due date was January 10th, 2010. Kind of a neat date... So after we went to the Dr. I felt it was safe to start spreading the news.

We told Luke's family first b/c we would be going on vacation with my entire family the next week and I thought what better time than then to tell them? All together in one spot? So we called Luke's brother in NY and told he and his wife. Then we told his sister Lori. Luke told her in person at her hair salon. Then we told Jess and Paul by showing them the ultrasound pic. That was fun. We had Anderson (their 2 year old) hand her the picture...she looked at it, pondered it then it clicked. They were thrilled! Then we told Luke's parents on Father's day. We took the picture we had made and put it in Larry's card. They were both very happy as well. The same weekend we told his other brother and his wife as well. Shocked is a good description...which we knew ahead of time.

Then it came to telling my family. We went to N.C. for a family vacation. The first day there I gave my dad his father's day card with the picture we had made in it. He was very happy and congratulatory. Then mom saw it. She too was quite surprised to say the least. Then the rest of the house heard the news. Rachel wanted to know whose picture it was. I told her mine and she was stunned. But everyone was all hugs. It was great. So finally the news was out!

And here we are. 194 more days to go...not that we're counting! Lots to do that is for sure. But we are very excited to get started. Overall I have been feeling really well. The past week or so, I have had some bouts with nausea and sickness but prior to that nothing. And it's not all the time, only on occasion. We go back to the Dr. 7/2 for our next appt. I am anxious to make sure everything still looks good.

So definitely more to come! I think I'll even dare to do the belly pics. We'll see...

For now, Littelest Baby Liedel and I are signing off. Have a wonderful 4th of July!!

~B

8 Days 'til Spring!

So according to my calendar, eight days from now is the beginning of Spring. Given the 20 degree temperatures, it's hard to imagine, but I am hopeful the weather will soon break. We had a teaser last week, mid-60's and sunny. But then lots of rain and cold temps brought us back to reality. The nice day though really gave us a taste of what's to come and now I am growing anxious. We started talking about our garden, and the plans for the lawn, and my flower beds. Those projects are just around the corner. I can't wait!

We had our first annual Cabin Fever party Feb. 28th and I am happy to report it was a success! Although, that's not hard given the only goal was for people to have fun. We had lots of food, a D.J. for entertainment and of course great friends and family there to celebrate. Lessons learned for next year - I can plan on less food! There weren't too many leftovers, but we definitely could have cut back. Poor Luke has been eating mostaccoli for almost two weeks now! Bless his heart, he didn't want it to get wasted...I would have pitched it the next day! So yep, the party was great.

NOW I am focusing on the upcoming vacation!!! Yes, I have read and watched the news on the increased violence in Mexico. No, I am not letting that change our travel plans. We are going and we are going to have a wonderfully, relaxing and fun time! I can not wait!!! Three glorius days on the beach, in the sun with my love! 14 days...

Quote for the day...
"Happiness is the feeling you're feeling when you want to keep feeling it."

Think warm thoughts!
~B

The Next Trip...

So Luke and I booked our next vacation! We are off to Mexico in a little more then a month! I can't wait! This one is a little shorter, but we are both really looking forward to it. We found a package for 3 full days, all inclusive, leaving early Friday AM coming home on Monday PM. The perfect long weekend! I can't wait to take him to the Argentinian steakhouse I went to last time I was there. It's awesome!

We also have our upcoming Cabin Fever party coming up this weekend. It's our 'first annual'. Right now I am planning for about 50 people give or take. Hopefully it'll be a good time for everyone. We're going to have a DJ, a big bon fire, lots of food, maybe a little beer pong and who knows what else. I still have to order the porta potty - yep, better that then overloading the septic! It's an outdoor barn party so it'll save people walking in and out of the house. That many people it's just too much. So this will work out good.

Anyway, hope all is well! More to come soon!
~B

Martini Time...

So tonight we have a Martini Mixer at Jess and Paul's house. I am really looking forward to it! I am going to be making Oprah's Legends Lemon Drop Martini. Here's the recipe, in case you're interested...

Juice of 6 lemons

4 tbsp sugar

6 fresh mint leaves

4 shots of vodka (guess I am only having one, maybe two?)

Ice in shaker

1 sugar rimmed glass

Mix lemon juice, sugar and vodka in a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour into sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with mint. Sounds yummy doesn't it?

And I also wanted to post today b/c I am in much better spirits then I was when I wrote last. Guess you could say I was in the funky place again...but since then, things have made a turn for the better. Actually a pretty scary event happened involving my dad and a body surfing accident. Don't ask. But he's on the road to recovery now and it really made me do a lot of soul searching. Life is what you make of it. Living your life is up to you and if you are happy then you are doing just fine. And I AM happy. Happier then I have ever been. So life is good.

Well have to make this short and sweet. Happy V-day all!

~B

"Everywhere I go, there I am again..."

So I found this quote and it really struck a chord with me.

Lately I have felt like I have been living with what I call the Groundhog syndrome. Day in, day out, I feel like nothing is changing. I am not changing. More importantly I am not growing. I have been feeling as though I am missing something. What it is I do not know. For if I did, I wouldn't be rambling about it here. The old saying, do what you always did get what you always got I suppose. But what am I doing? That is probably the biggest question. What am I doing with my life?

Over the weekend I ran into an old family friend and the normal question of, 'So how are you? What are you doing these days?' was asked. And my usual response is 'Oh good. Just working that's about it really.' And that IS it. And I am thankful for that. I truly am. To be working these days is a blessing. But as far as what I am doing with my life? Working? Really? That's the best I can come up with?

So I parted with my friend and was left with more self assessment and contemplation. Just what am I doing with my life? Going to work, coming home, exercising, cooking dinner, cleaning, catch the news and then bed. Repeat...THAT's what I have been doing with my life. Occasionally you can throw in 'have a few glasses of wine'.

What am I SUPPOSED to be doing with my life? Living it right? How am I supposed to answer the question - What are you doing these days? More importantly how do I know that I am in fact living my life? Especially when "everywhere I go, there I am again."

Perplexed. Frustrated. Questioning. Searching. Hopeful...

~ B

January 2009 - Come and Gone.

So it's February. Can you believe that? It seems like it was just Christmas and here it is a new month already!

Here's a re-cap of the last month:

So far so good on the new year's resolution of exercise 4 days per week. There was one week that I did not get to 4 days but I did 3. And there have been weeks with 5 days, so I am cutting myself some slack. And I can definitely tell a difference. My cardio endurance has gotten a lot better, but more importantly I FEEL better. I am sleeping better, clothes fit better, I am on my way. I haven't weighed myself in 3 weeks, but I know I have lost a few pounds. So, as I said so far, so good.

Hmm, what else? Lots to report with others little ones this month. We had Ashli's baby shower for her little one due the end of Feb. Gavigan celebrated his first birthday on the 22nd. The Liedel family welcomed a new little one on the 23rd. Jace Michael. And the Knox twins had their birthday on the 29th.

Besides that not much really has happened. Kind of a slow month really. As far as happenings. Which is fine.

What's coming in February?

Well we have a martini party mid-February at Jessica and Paul's house.
A new great niece/nephew on the way for Luke this month
A few birthdays to celebrate - Jessica, John
And our first annual Cabin Fever party is the last day of the month. I am hoping to make it a good one. The plans are in the works. More to come on that...

~ B

New Year - New workout regimen and fitness goals!

With the new year of course comes new year's resolutions. In the past those last through about January, maybe February then fade to the wayside. This year, one of my resolutions is to actually follow through with my resolutions! We'll see how that works out huh?



For Christmas my parents got me the Jillian Michaels book Making the Cut. I love it! Since my middle school days I have always been interested in fitness and diet and exercise. I have gone through all kinds of phases and diets. Competitive sports, step aerobics - Kathy Smith's videos were a daily event! kick boxing, gym memberships and classes, running, swimming... You name it, with the exception of yoga and spinning, I have pretty much tried it. I truly enjoy exercising and the way it makes me feel. The only problem I have is trying to make time for it. When you work 5 days a week and are gone 12-13 hours per day, then come home, make dinner, clean etc. Time slips away before you know it...not too mention energy! But this year I have vowed to take the time I need to make exercise a regular part of my week. My goal is to work out 4-5 times per week. That is not unrealistic by any means.

I started last week and so far so good. Along with my book my parents got me the Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred DVD. This too, I love! In case you can't tell I am a big fan of Jillian and her workouts on the Biggest Loser. I love the 30-Day Shred program for two reasons:

1. It's a total body workout for sure. You feel it EVERYWHERE! You do both strength and cardio so it's very effective.
2. It's 20 minutes per day. That's it. 20 minutes and you are done and feel like you had a 45-60 minute workout. It's awesome!

I have started doing level one of the DVD and then combining it with 20 minutes on the treadmill. You do cardio during the DVD but I feel like I need to do more to burn extra calories, so this is a good supplement. But on days that I do not have time for the treadmill, one 20 minute segment still makes me feel good. There are three levels on the disc. So far I have only attempted level one, but plan to try out level two sometime this week.
So that is one of my resolutions for 2009. Making time for exercise 4-5 times per week. In addition to that though, here are a couple more that go along with that...

• Lose 20 lbs.
• Run 4 miles without walking.
• Participate in a sprint tri-athalon. 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike and 5k run...(This was a goal of mine last year, but I did not decide that until later in the year. Along with being unsure of where to sign up etc., I was nervous about being able to complete the whole thing so it got pushed to this year.)

2009 is just beginning, but so far so good. Let's hope I continue to be successful in achieving my goals! Wish me luck!

~B

Time goes by...

Here it is a new year already. Doesn't it seem like we just rang in 2008? It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time goes by. It seems that the days tend to go by slowly, but weeks and months are gone in a bat of an eye.

I thought it would be kind of fun to re-cap 2008 events and happenings so, here it goes...

January -
1/22 - We welcome the new addition to our family, Gavigan Scott Walraven.

February -
2/14 - Luke and I celebrate our first Valentine's Day together, a really cute delivery guy brought me beautiful tulips to my office...

March -
3/17 - I headed to Louisville for St. Patrick's Day with the crew. Also purchased my derby hat & my dress during that trip! Not too mention acquired a taste for pomegrante martinis - YUM!
3/18 - While I was away Luke was working on remodeling our upstairs bathroom! What a nice surprise to come home to. I still owe pics on that one...

April -
4/1 - celebrated the first time Luke and I met a year ago April fools day. (Technically we met on 3/31 late in the evening)
4/12 - late anniversary dinner at Volare in Wixom.
4/26 (I think this was the date) - we had John's 5th birthday party at Castaway Cafe in Howell. We bought him his first stock - boy what a year to decide to get into the market huh? Oh well, let's hope CAT makes a big comeback in the next 13 years!

May -
5/2-5/4 - Derby weekend! Luke gets to experience his first Kentucky Derby. What an experience it was. History was made, a good time was had by all and of course memories from the good ole' Smryna Inn :)
5/15 - Katie and I start our golf league at Hawk Meadows. Well sort of a league...long story!
5/16 - Luke goes fishing with the boys.
5/17 - Rachel celebrates her 27th b-day. We went to Mitchell's Fish Market for dinner with the girls...Luke surprised me and comes home from fishing with the boys early. The girls got him the shark fin ice cream pie for dessert!
5/24-5/26 - Visit to the farm for Memorial Day weekend.
5/26-5/31 - I took my first ever vacation time in May. I had a week to burn so I wanted to use it. I spent the time putting in the flower beds at the house. It was a nice week at home!
5/30 - Anderson turns 1!

June -
6/1 - Anderson's first b-day party at Jess and Paul's.
6/14 - Max (Laura and Dave's son - my Godson) turns 2!!! Hard to believe he is already two years old!!!
6/21 - We celebrate Ashli's 21st birthday at the rec area.

July -
7/4 - Sean turns the big 4-0!
7/4-7/6 - Visit to the farm for 4th of July. Volleyball and fireworks across the street at Pete and Jean's. Miss barrel rolls out of a gator for the first time - OUCH! She was fine though...
7/12 - Gavigan's baptism. Yep, I am his Godmother :)
7/18 - Our first big shindig at the house. Sean and Colleen and the kids came in for the weekend and we threw Sean a birthday party. LOTS of food, LOTS of people (over 50+ invited), a porta potty :) and a really good time. 5:30AM turned in for the night...eesh. Oh and how can I forget, the dildo taped to Eric's hitch on his truck!
7/19 - Quake on the lake in Pontiac. Drew's surprise visit to our house for a party - except it was the night before! Late night boat ride in the rain, random party with a band on a front lawn...good time!
7/20 - Berto and Kelly's for a bon voyage for the Diamond family...
7/21 - First taste of Lim Star chinese at Jack and Mary's.
Near the end of July we find out Ashli is pregnant with Cheryl's first GREAT grandchild! Luke is going to be a GREAT Uncle!

August -
8/5 - Allison turns 21! I'd like to say we took her out, got her hammered, and then held her hair except this has YET to happen since she has been legally old enough to drink. Her time is coming though, guaranteed. And I'll let Mike hold her hair :)
8/14 - Last night of golf and my partner was travelling for work :(
8/17 - Kenny Chesney concert! Floor seats!!!
8/23 - Took Luke to Andiamo for his b-day dinner. YUM!
8/24 - Birthday party at our house for Luke! Most of the fam' was in attendance, along with good friends and a few neighbors. We even had the bouncy house for the kids. Mom thought I rented it! Um, no. Thankfully it's a Liedel family toy...
8/26 - Luke turns 25!

September -
9/4-9/7 - trip to the farm for Labor Day weekend.
9/22 - Luke starts a new job!

October -
10/25-10/30 - we took our first vacation together alone! A cruise to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. What a great time! Looking forward to our next get away already!
10/28 - I turn the big 3-0...

November -
11/1 - Luke threw me a surprise b-day party with the help of both Katie and Rachel. What a night! Dinner at Coach Insignia, then the party including a limo for the evening! Could not have been a better time!!!
11/27 - Thanksgiving with the family at mom and dad's house.
11/28 - head to the farm for the Liedel family Thanksgiving.

December -
12/12 - Luke's new wood boiler is delivered. YES this is a big event, b/c it means the house is now kept ay 72 degrees! What a difference 10 degrees makes!
12/18 - Luke's first Christmas party for work
12/19 - The one year anniversary of Cathy's passing. Miss you!!
12/20 - A memorial dinner for Cathy at Richard's.
12/24 - crab leg and steak dinner at home for Christmas Eve.
12/25 - wake up at home for Christmas morning. Then head to mom and dad's for Christmas day with the family.
12/27 - head out to NY to visit with Sean and Colleen. Spend 12/27 in the city shopping, bar hopping, just enjoying our time. Then out to Dover for the rest of the time...hiked, ate, visited, etc. Then flew home 12/31.
12/31 - turned in by 10:00PM...Did I mention I turned 30 this year :)

So that is 2008 in a very small nutshell...there is so much more, but I was going by memory! Now it's on to a fresh new year. Who knows what 2009 has in store. I hope it is filled with lots of happiness, love, laughter and even more good times...

Happy New Year!!!

~Blondie