Pond pics

So today I was amazed to find my newest lily finally bloomed! A pink lily! They are so hard to keep, this one is supposed to be a 'hardy', meaning it's supposed to survive our winters, so I guess we'll see.

Anyways, this post is just for fun, posting pics of my pond friends.

Re: Doctor

So I was a bit dissapointed to go in and find that the glucose test was a little more extensive than I planned on. I went in 'fasting' from the night before, and they immediately drew my blood. Then they made me drink the nasty stuff, gag!, and they drew blood after 30 minutes. Then another 30 minutes they drew blood, then every hour for two more hours.

Needless to say, they drew blood 5 times in the same arm, and with no butterfly stint! So that meant 5 actual pokes in the arm... I was so mad, I could have cried, but I soon got over it and reminded myself, it's all for little Lauren.

• I guess after one hour it was 185, which is way high,
  
• then after 2 hours it was 101, which is what they would have liked the first hour,
  
• but by the third hour it was 51, so that meant I was bottoming out, and boy did I know I was!

I couldn't hardly function. So I treated myself to mexican food at my favorite place, and then to a pedicure! I have never had a pedicure before, and that made my day so much better...

I saw another friend do this and thought it

would be a neat way to show off my pedicure!

(And those are 'Pepper' toes if I ever saw 'em!)

So I am borderline diabetic, no more soda pop, cut back on sugar, and on carbs... They will continue to monitor my blood sugar, and if it gets out of control, we will have to resort to a strict change in diet, and possibly medicine.

But, again, it's all for little Lauren!

Dr. called...

So I spoke way too soon, the dr.s office called today and I have to go back in the morning for a three hour glucose test. Apparantly my blood sugar level was too high after the first test on Friday... I am not happy, nor will I make a good pregnant diabetic, I like my potatoes and carbs wayyyy too much.

I understand that the 3 hour test will consist of getting blood drawn, drinking the nasty stuff again and then waiting two hours, getting blood drawn, and waiting one more hour and one last blood drawn. Just what I love... needles!

Anyways, here are some 28 week pictures... I thought I had taken 27 week, but I can't find them, I'll post if I do.

Welcome Home Daddy!

Well Levi made it home from his fishing trip safe and sound... well minus the horrible sunburn that starts at the knees and goes down! lol! I even sent him with sunblock, go figure! And yes, for those of you that are wondering, he got to listen to my rant about the 'empty' space on my wall where there could have been that nice striper he caught! :)

First things first when Levi comes home, on a daily basis, is his genuine fur-baby Dixie at the door to greet him! But since she especially missed him for two and a half days, she was extremely more welcoming than usual. He managed to make it in the door and set his bag down before a little 8 pound daddy's girl was climbing up his legs... that were sunburned of course, which forced him to pick her up.

For those of you that have never witnessed a 'Dixie' weclome, she's not just ecstatically happy with uncontrollably wagging of her stub tail, but she also 'talks' to you. And 'talks' and 'talks'... She gives doggie kisses and hugs. And she doesn't have an ounce of self control!

I managed to get this picture while Levi was trying to view the nursery, when a certain little someone decided she was not done with her welcoming. What a spoiled rotten thing... I can't imagine how she will handle the new baby.

All is well in the Fry household. We are still waiting on the hotwater heater part, that should be here today. So here's to taking a shower at my house tonight, I hope!

I'm also proud to announce I am the new owner of a Serta King Size Memory Foam bed, that should be being delivered sometime this morning. I finally got through to Mr. Fry, and we made the purchase yesterday on my lunch hour. So I'll be praying for better nights sleep during this pregnancy. Levi however did inform me 'that he didn't think a new bed was going to help my growing belly situation'... such a smarty, har har har! None the less he is happy as well, I just hope it's what he wanted. I made sure to inform him that this bed was his choice, just incase it doesn't suit him, it can't be blamed on me... hehehe

Well, I know this post is overdue, it should have been posted Sunday evening, but we were quite the travelers that day, as we had two cookouts to attend.

Oh! Hunter had a make-up game last night, and this baseball season has proved to be especially challenging for him. Last year he had such a good team and a slow pitching coach, but not the case this year. I believe our coach is an ex-semi-pro of some sort, and likes to pitch fast, real fast... so our boys have learned to play a better outfield while learning to hit, and all of our games are verl low score games.

So last night was 2-2 in the 4th inning, and Hunter proudly hit a driveline, after almost striking out, that got two of our boys home. The final score was 5-2, us with the win. So it was a good game.

Ok, I better get off here. I'll check back!

Lots of love to everyone!
Shannon

Baby's room continued

Well, we got the furniture this morning around 9:30... I owe so much to Chris and Terra for going out of their way to come help me get it here. It's so awesome when people go out of their way. It makes a person feel special. I also have to send out a thank to Daddy who helped with the financial part. I couldn't have touched babies-r-us furniture for the price I got this... And its real wood. Everything I looked at babies-r-us and walmart was cheap particle board. So hopefully this stuff will last her a long time...

Most importantly, most of those that know me, know that I like unique-ness. This is definitely unique. Unlike anything you could buy in the stores.

Levi called while ago. He caught a nice 9 pound striper, but I am sad to report, it was too big to filet, and not big enough for him to mount, so it returned to Lake Texoma. I would have loved to have it mounted in my living room, so he will hear my opion on the matter when he returns... not that it will make a difference! lol! He also informed me he will be coming home tonight, so I am definitely looking forward to that! So is Dixie who has looked for him for the past two days. While talking, I was putting away baby things, and I suppose the whole mood struck me right, as I was playing baby music. He asked me so lovingly what the heck I was listening to?!?! He just laughs at me.

So Levi left me for Texoma, and Grandma left Grandpa for the two days, and everything falls apart! My hotwater heater pilot went out, and refuses to stay lit. Grandpa came home from a hard day in the hay patch to find his air conditioner had quit him... and I swear, could it get any hotter? Hot is not the word, muggy. Not only is it hot, but the humidity, or the hum-dity as my Grandpa Jack would call it, is worse than back home in East Texas! It's hard a pregnant woman who already has a kid pushing on her lungs, but also has asthma! lol!

I just got an update on the pilot light... it will be tuesday before we can get the new part shipped to us from the company. Apparantly they are having trouble with these heaters and their thermal coupling (groans). So it will be showers at Grandma's for a couple of days...

Well here are some picture of the nursery so far... It by far does not do it justice. But none the less, I am loving sitting back there and enjoying the thought of what's to come...

(more pictures below)

Baby's room

Thursday, June 21, 2007

So I have spent the last couple of nights trying to get the baby's room cleaned out so Terra and I can paint this weekend. Last night, Levi's little brother Rusty, and friend Phillip, were kind enough to come move out the daybed so that the painting will go a lot easier. I am really excited, and can't wait to see the final results! I know I still have a couple of months, but I really am starting to stress about all the things I still have yet to do. It just doesn't seem like I can get it all done, and of course I'm the impatient type, and I want it done now.

This week has been really busy again. I swear does it ever stop? Tuesday night, I had more baseball pics, and Wednesday I spent all morning in an out of town meeting. I have four more baseball team pics tonight, and tomorrow is my big Dr. appointment. I am supposed to be poked, pricked, and prodded. And I must say I'm not looking forward to it. One thing I will enjoy is hearing my little Lauren's heartbeat again. She must have decided to pop just in the last few days or so. I feel much much bigger. But I have to admit that it never ceases to amaze me. Levi swears I could stare at myself in the mirror all the time. I'm proud to say, so far still no stretch marks, knock on wood! But my belly button is another story... give it a couple of more weeks and it's defnitely going to be an 'outie'!

So Levi left this morning around 11 for his big fishing trip... Dixie and I will miss him so much. But I know he's excited, and I hope he catches a big one! He asked me late last night if I thought we had enough room for a big 'ol striper on the wall! hahaha! I said we'll see, and he added we just may have to build on... Well, I'm adding some weekly pictures, I'll try to post more on the dr.s appointment and nursery pregress this weekend!

Lots of love to you all! Be sure and email me!


UPDATE: Friday June 22, 2007

The painting went extremely well... So good, that we got it all done tonight, I figured it would have been Satuday too. Chris and Terra offered to help me go get the furniture and move it tomorrow. I am so excited, I can't wait to see it all in place. So I will have more pics to post tomorrow...

Terra took this of my belly! It really makes me look bigger, but it's not that bad, I think it's just the way I'm standing.

Dr. appointment went well. Gained three more pounds for a grand total so far of 12. We are officially in our third trimester too! The glucose stuff was horrible. So bad that I refuse to drink a pop right now at all. They drew blood twice as well. One will test for my antibodies. The first initial 12 week test showed me as RH negative, but after sending it off, they re-tested it and it came back as not negative. So they re-tested yesterday to check again and make sure. Other than that, the dr. mentioned more about my natural birth choices, and said we will talk even more at the next appointment. I think I may make a birth plan and type it out so there is no question of what I want... Well I'm tired...

Better get to bed! I'll post more tomorrow!

48 Seconds...

Wahoo! I figured out how to post video!

48 seconds of the most beautiful sound ever! This was March 2, the day we heard 'Fry Baby's' first heartbeat... I am fortunate enough to have a digital camera with some video capture capabilities. Apparantly cell phones mess with the doppler too much.

Levi sat in the chair, with the camera ready for when we caught that 'bomp-bomp-bomp' sound. Boy was I dissapointed when she didn't peg it right away. But what could I expect at 12 weeks... Levi had to quit recording so we would have enough time left when she finally found it. And when she did, we both were amazed! What a wonderful sound, your child's first record of real life!

Since then, every appointment has started off with the doppler. And everytime it makes me smile and makes me heart swell. But I must admit we have such a drama baby! She seems to know the right moment to 'dissapear'. She likes to go crusin' around in my belly just before the nurse has the heartbeat count, and then the nurse has to find her and start counting all over again! lol! At my last appointment, Lauren actually kicked the nurse's hand as soon as she placed the doppler on my belly. What a hoot she is! Already showing the stubborn side of her daddy...

(Sorry for the horrible color)
Just push the play button, may have to do it twice...





So now that I have figured out the video part. You will be able to see more when I have my 4D done. That will be so awesome!

The weekend was great! I scrapbooked Saturday with DeLeta, Levi's grandmother, and then Sunday I enjoyed cooking a wonderful dinner for Levi. We had Pork Chops alla Pizziolia, which is a fancy way of saying with a tomato and onion sauce. Potato skins, and a fresh salad. I also made a home made, yes fresh from scratch, apple pie... in one of Levi's great grandmothers cast iron skillets. Gotta love those things.

Well here's to starting another wonderful work week! Hope all goes well for everyone.

Shannon and Levi

Comments...

I realize that blogging is new to a lot of you... and some of you have been kind enough to email me back and tell me how you are doing.

But there is a handly little do-dad at the bottom of each of my posts, named 'comments'. If you click on that button, you can leave a comment to tell me you were here, to say hi, or tell me that my blog is boring! lol! Whatever it be, I just thought I would tell ya'll. You can also see other people's comments.

But please feel free to email me. I really do like to hear from everyone and write back, and promise to do so! And be sure to scroll down, I have had some tell me they missed previous posts because they didn't look all the way to the bottom...

Love ya'll!

Updating...

So the really cool thing about my photography has been some of the things I have been asked to do. One of which recently included a trip to the Vo-Tech school where a youth conference was held. One of the guest speakers brought along a few of her friends for 'props'. I was amazed to learn, she gets paid $7,000, yes that's seven thousand dollars, each seminar. Man! Am I in the wrong business! Of course, I'm sure she has the degrees to back her up, but still...

Anyways, for this youth conference, I was asked to take pictures for each of the kids with the critters. The three attractions were a constrictor snake, not for sure the proper name. A tortise, and an attitudey alligator. When it was all said and done, I found myself drawn to the alligator, who I might add is about 8 years old, and about 50 pounds in weight. I guess one of the teachers noticed my interest, and asked if I would like for my picture to be taken? Sure! I mean how many chances will I get to hold an alligator?

I have to admit, I was a little leary, but excited none the less. He used his tail several times on his handler when he got pissy, and I was so hoping he would play nice with me. My husband added that he would make a nice pair of boots! I was thinking purse and wallet!

So this weekend is my 'major cleaning' weekend. I got rid of most of the junk in the back bedroom, now we have the bed to move out, and clothes to store. I bought the paint just an hour ago for the baby's room and our bedroom. Terra will be over next weekend to help get it all done. I am so excited to see the baby's room come together and be able to sit and rock.

For those of you in Texas, I might add, two of my aunts, Norma and Barbara have talked to me recently about the upcoming shower. For those of you that may not know, I will be coming home with Levi and Hunter August 3rd. We will stay at grandma's house friday and saturday, and come home sunday. I would stay longer, but I really can't afford to use anymore leave hours at work. We will also have our two best friends with us, Chris and Terra, some of you might remember from the wedding. They truly enjoyed our wedding, and our family, and they are looking forward to visiting again. In fact it was Terra's idea that we go home, and let my family see me 'pre-baby', and have a small shower and cookout.

Well other than that, nothing else new to report... I take that back! I do have some fairly exciting news for me. I recieved a new position at work, in the E-911 Depratment. Basically I will help people in our 8 counties get a physical address for emergency services which will include mapping, gps location, and so much more. Unlinke in Texas, we don't have "county" roads, most country roads aren't even marked. So my job will be to help map and name those roads so when emergency calls are placed, the services can pin-point a person's location. This will also carry over into cell phone locations as well. This will be a big change from my working with the elderly. I am really excited and looking forward to it. I have one more week in my department, and was lucky enough to pick out all new office furniture for my new office yesterday.

Ok, I'm done... I have laundry waiting and scrapbooking to do. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

What a week! What a week!

I swear, just when you think life might slow down... wrong! People have called me out the wazoo for baseball and softball pics. I've scheduled atleast two a week until the end of June. But next week, I have one whole town, in one night. That includes their pee-wee, midgets, tee-ball, and coach pitch teams!

Not that I am complaining... no siree! (kinda sounds like it huh?) It means more money for 'Fry Baby'.

Hunter had a baseball game Tuesday night, which he played really well. Unfortunately, due to weather and a time crisis, I did not take any pics. His first up to bat, the coach whopped him in the back with the ball. And let's just say, the coach does not pitch slow. I could tell he wanted to cry, but after much applause from the stands, he stepped back up to bat, way away from the plate! lol! Almost to striking out, he hit a good one, and made it to second. Too bad he didn't drive-line that ball into the coach! He also played short-stop, and if there is one thing I can say Hunter is really good at, is throwing. He nailed three runners out like a pro! We were all so proud!

Tonight is a good friend of mine's baby shower after work. I can't believe how much fun all the shopping for her shower has been. Since I have enjoyed it so much, I'm also a hostess for another girl here at work next month. We also have four women at church, including me, who are pregnant! lol! I just love baby stuff!


Other than that, we have been blessed with rain... lots and lots and lots of rain! I don't think anyone is really complaining, we will take all that we can get. Before long it will be miserably hot and dry.

The guy that is doing our baby furniture called the other day. It's done. So I went by to look, and I am so glad that I decided on this instead of store bought. It's a beautiful olive green color with antique like inking. I can't explain it, but I promise as soon as it is home, I will post pictures. Levi took a nice look in the back bedroom the other day. He about had a heart attack. I must say it does look horrible, but like I told him ever so sweetly, it's all the baby's stuff! She's not even here and I'm blaming it on her! I assure him, once the dresser and armoire arive, it will appear so much neater. We have been blessed with tons of sacks full of baby clothes. I have contributed myself as well! Plus there are two rockers back there and still a daybed. It just looks worse than it really is!

Well, I'm off to go pick up balloons for this evenings events. I am posting my 26 week pictures from this morning, though they could be considered my almost 27 week pics. This dress really shows her off!

The b&w has to be my favorite so far!

Crazy windy hair and all!

26 Weeks

So today I am 26 weeks, but I need to post my 25 weeks pictures.

From the front, you can't really tell I'm pregnant.
Although this particular black shirt doesn't help.

Everything and everyone is good here. I had baseball pictures last night, and Hunter has his second baseball game tonight.
(Pic from Tuesday's night game, preparing to go up to bat)
I have a garage sale I have been preparing for a week for, early tomorrow morning. I have two more pictures next week, and I just can't believe I'm still going. I have been saving for our trip to OKC next month for the "Big Ultrasound".

We are having one of those 3D and 4D ultrasounds done. I cannot wait to see if she has his ears or mine! Not that either is a better choice, but for her sake, I hope it's mine. And I really hope she has his nose. Technology is amazing isn't it? You can actually see what your baby looks like, down to how much hair she has (if she takes after me, she won't have much), before they are even born.

My next appointment, 28 weeks, is June the 22 for my glucose test. I'm sure I won't have any problems with that. But he will do blood work and re-test my anti-bodies. At my 12 weeks, they were a little high...

Well I'll close for now.

Lots of love to everyone!

Ultrasound pics

The story of the ultrasound pics, is pretty typical. Only we had a few guest tag along with us!

Levi's Grandmother, DeLeta, his mother Diana, and Grandfather, Thomas came. Thomas opted to sit outside, and we asked the ultrasound tech how many can come back, and she just looked at me funny and return asked "how many do you have?"... So all, minus Thomas, as well as Hunter, Levi, and Me were able to file into the tiny ultrasound room.

The tech took lots of measurement pictures while Hunter and Levi hogged the flat panel monitor, forcing the rest of us to look at the other screen. We all watched in amazement as 'he' (I'll explain the 'he' in a moment) moved and wiggled, yawned and stretched. I can't explain the feelings and emotions I felt as we saw that tiny baby up there... up to that point I had convinced myself what if I wasn't in fact pregnant and had some weird disorder that led me and my doctor to believe I was, but really wasn't... Hey, call me crazy, but it happens, you hear about the strange stories in the news! lol! I just couldn't believe I really had this little life inside me!

As the tech was doing her thing, Levi, ever so father-like, would point things out on the screen for Hunter... "See 'his' arm?"... "Those are 'his' legs"... and Hunter would chime in... "Dad, he's moving!" I turned to the tech and said, "Notice they refer to it as a 'he'?" she just chuckled. So thats why she was a 'he'.

Finally after what felt like an eternity, she said she was done measuring and would now take pictures and see what our baby was... we all were so quiet, you can't even imagine. The boys really had their hearts set on a boy, both for different reasons. Hunter wanted a playmate and hunting buddy. Levi, as a father, didn't want to have to worry about other boys, if you get my drift! lol!

I must say, for any women who are pregnant or will become pregnant, my one word of advice would be to drink orange juice a few minutes before your ultrasound. Our baby had no problem showing off her 'goods' and gave us a complete wide-open view! The tech said she was "sure it's a girl"... "how sure?"... "I don't give precentages"... "Ok, basically I really need to know, am I buying pink or blue?"... "If this was mine, and I was looking at it, without a doubt, I'd be buying pink."

I just let it sink in and cried a few happy tears. What about Levi and Hunter you ask? Hunter solemnly turned around, and walked towards the back of the room! lol! It was so cute despite his dissapointment. Levi just smiled at me... But don't let him fool you, he is very excited about a girl, as he puts it- one of each. Hunter has since decided that all of his camo hunting clothes that are too little will be saved for 'our baby' so that she can go hunting too...

So without further adue, here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

Family pics!

So, most of you know, I do photography on the side... not big time, just little jobs every now and then...

One day it occured to me, in the 5.5 years we have been together, and 2.5 years of marriage, we have never had a 'family portrait' done... I debated for a while, whether to pay a professional, or attempt them myself. Looking back, I wish I had went with the fore-runner. Much to my boys dismay, I made them gather one April Sunday afternoon out at an old rock house in the country and attempt the impossible. A family picture... Hunter, being 8, and mr. attitude, refused to smile; the wind blew my hair, and Levi failed to grow in that bald spot before hand!

So through the miracles of Photoshop CS2, and my brains, I was able to take three different pictures... yes three different pictures and get this one decent family shot.

The only way to get Hunter to smile was to stand behind the camera, because when we were all posed, looking at the camera, no one knew what he looked like. And in most pictures, Levi was slouched... And me, well the wind decided to give us a break in one picture... that was it!

So yes, the following picture is not an orginal, completely against my beliefs in good 'photography' but good enough for me and my wall!


(I was 4 months here)

So to wrap it up, I think we'll say it's a lesson learned, and be calling a professional studio after 'Fry Baby' makes her appearance.

Now if I can just figure out how to grow in the bald spot on my ever-so-young husband's head! hahaha!


Shannon

Jumping on the band wagon...... again

I was once on blogger, for my 'so-called' then photography a couple of years ago... But It was just too boring for some people I think. Then I met a co-workers daughter, who is also preggo and lives in the UK, and she posts on blogger for all of her family in the states to see. Then Monica emails me late last week, and she has started a blog of her son, and suggests to me that I should do the same for my 'Fry Baby'... Talking to my newest and 'favorite-est' (yeah I know, that's not a word! lol!) cousin-in-law, Valarie, she asks if I have any pictures to share...

So I guess we can try it and see how it goes! I have a lot of family that lives out of state, I'm sure that this will be a nice way to keep them updated. I had recently considered seriously creating and mailing a monthly newsletter, like my grandpa Galen does... But then I realized, I just couldn't commit to something so massive. I have no idea how he does it!

So why not here? It's easy, it's free, and it's instant gratification; as soon as I post, all can see! I'll try to spend the next couple of days back-dating on pictures and events to catch some of you up...

I miss each and everyone of ya'll, I wish I could be closer!

Shannon

24 Weeks! (6 months!)