It's been a couple of pretty uneventful days around the Shirey house. Corban has been getting up at before 6 am the last few mornings and then has been in a bad mood, so needless to say, everybody is a little cranky. This morning we have been to a hospital in Pittsburgh to see a guy from church who had two stints put in his heart yesterday and this afternoon Luke and Nadine are watching Corban for us so that Johnny and I can celebrate our birthday. I think we're going to go watch a movie and eat dinner out. Nothing extremely special there.

Fun things Corban is doing now: saying "vroom, vroom" as he pushes his trucks around the house, saying "moo" when we ask him what a cow says. Actually, he pretty much makes the "vroom, vroom" noise, but I choose to differentiate. Not so fun things he's doing now: see the above (waking up before 6 am), not eating very well for us, crawling all over my belly.

Caden is getting more active too. Last night Johnny saw him make my belly move, which is really cool for Johnny. It's so weird how disconnected we both feel from this pregnancy, just because we can't give it our full attention. I'm getting excited to see the little guy though - seems like he'll be here before I know it, but I also know how that last little bit can really drag out.

Personal Day

Today was my day! I had to get my glucose test done and Johnny kept Corban all day long. I went to every store I've been wanting to go to for weeks, but haven't wanted to drag Corban out to. I went to Target, Old Navy, Babies R Us, JoAnn Fabrics, the mall, and Kohls. I hardly bought a thing, but I had fun wandering! I've been looking for a pair of black capri pants or long shorts because Sherry's capris are kinda tight on me. I couldn't find a single pair that aren't almost $40 and I'm not about ready to spend that kind of money on a pair of capris that I will only be wearing for about three more months. Honestly, after searching online, I think I'm getting a pair from Wal-Mart.

After Corban's nap, Johnny took him to the park. He took his Tonka truck and I guess Corban had a ball walking around on the basketball courts. Johnny said he just walked around and around and of course spent a lot of time playing in the mulch too. Then they had to go to Wal-Mart and Johnny had him down for his afternoon nap before I even got home. Johnny has dinner in the oven too! I feel like a pampered woman today! Tomorrow is back to reality though b/c Johnny is going to work at camp and it will just be me and Corban.

I am officially in the third trimester with Caden now. I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy has gone by! I feel like before I know it I'll be going to the hospital to have the little guy. Oh, I know that there are very few of you who actually read this, but I am looking to either buy (cheaply) or borrow a bassinet or a pack-n-play with a bassinet. I'm really going to need our pack-n-play down here on the main floor, but I need something in our bedroom too. If you have any leads, let me know.

Today has been a very good day, which is a surprise after the night we had. Corban hasn't woken up in the night for a long time, but last night for some reason he woke up about three or four times. I was really worried about going to MOPS because it is right during his naptime, but we went and he did wonderfully! He fell asleep on the way home, and he came right in and went back to sleep in his crib. Johnny and I ate lunch and then I laid down on the couch to take a nap. I haven't taken a nap in such a long time - and it felt great! Corban didn't wake up until we left to go to Nina's, so I had to feed him his lunch there and things there were a little off schedule, but he was a trooper. He "mooed" for Nana yesterday, which made her very happy. He doesn't do it all of the time, but when he does, he gets such a kick out of himself.

We also found out a few days ago that Libby and Cameron are having a boy this time! Poor Abby is going to be completely outnumbered in the first cousin department right now. However, two of Libby and Johnny's cousins have little girls right at Abby's age, so at least she'll have those playmates.

I had better go help Johnny finish getting dinner ready.

So far, this has been a good week. The weather has been nice, so we've been outside as much as possible. Corban only tried to eat two rocks yesterday! He's walking most of the time now and getting into so much more than before - if that's possible. Plus, it's a good week b/c my house is fairly clean and I don't have the stress of the appreciation dinner hanging over my head.

Tonight after I get back from babysitting we've got our small group and tomorrow morning is MOPS. I haven't been for a few times, so I'm looking forward to getting back. Friday I have my glucose tolerance test - it's just the one hour, so pray for me that I don't have to go back and take the 4 hour one again this time. After my bloodwork though, Johnny is giving me a free day! He's going to keep Corban all day so that I can have some alone time and get some things done that I never seem to be able to do. I'm looking forward to that so much! Well, I've got to run through Wendy's on my way to pick up Nina.

AHHHH.... our appreciation dinner at church is over! I'm so glad that we did it and I know that everyone enjoyed themselves, but we were exhausted last night! I was making a slide show video that I had horrible trouble with and didn't get finished until yesterday afternoon - I had to call my Mom for help if that tells you anything! And I was working on another project until right up to time for people to be there. I am so thankful for Johnny and Greg and Melanie Voss, otherwise the dinner would not have happened. Greg and Melanie also donated the cheesecakes - from the Cheesecake Factory. Oh my word, they were amazing. I haven't even gotten to eat mine yet, but let me tell you, one was Godiva.

Corban has been good, he's walking all over the place and getting into as much trouble as possible. This morning I had sat down a partially empty Mt. Dew and he walked over to it and just as calmly as he could, tipped it over and watched all of the stuff pour out and bubble on the table. Johnny says we need and "open container" law in the house.

I was 27 weeks with Caden Friday - Third trimester here I come! I'm finally over the weight I was when I initally got pregnant, so that makes me feel a little better about how Caden is doing. I am definitely sporting the "baby bump" and I'm thankful that soon I'll be able to wear sandals all of the time and not have to bend down to tie tennis shoes!

Well, I had better be getting to church pretty soon - they frown on the minister's family disrupting services :)

Corban is really walking now! He won't stand up without something to hold onto, but he's getting around really well now. It's amazing how one day he's not doing something and the next he is! Today his Daddy is going to keep him here while I go babysit. I'm looking forward to not having to drag the poor boy in and outof the car so much. Yesterday he was either asleep, in the carseat, or in a shopping cart. By the time we wer having dinner with friends at the Olive Garden, he was a complete terror. Oh well, we'll have those days I guess!

UGH

My house is a wreck, I have a TON to do, and tax day is tomorrow - what a way to start the week. Plus, Sherry is out of town, so one of my normal blogs is not being updated. I'm totally addicted in case you were wondering.

Yesterday was nice though. After church we just ate leftovers, watched TV and tried to do a few chores in between. Johnny cooked deer steaks on the grill for dinner and we got to eat while Corban was napping!

Johnny and I decided to hold an appreciation dinner for the congregation this weekend and it's turned into a lot of work for me. We're the only ones who really know what's going on and we're doing all of the prep work. We've got another couple who is going to help us serve - and they're getting us hooked up with Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes for desserts, which is nice - but everything else is really up to me and Johnny. Everything other than food and decorations that I have to do is on the computer and Johnny is still needing to be in here working on this week's sermon and stuff. Which, i guess means I should get off of here and do some of my work.

By the way, Caden is doing very well. I had an appointment Friday and they're keeping my due date at the 19th. I have an appointment in a month and then I start going every two weeks. This pregnancy is going so fast!

Home again!

What a beautiful day! Since our weather in PA is a few days behind KY, I'm getting to enjoy this twice! We've got the windows open and the door open letting in all of the fresh air and it feels so good. I am so ready for spring to be here so that Corban can get outside and play and we won't all be stuck in this house all day long.

What a week we've had too! Corban and I went to KY to visit and have a family birthday party for him down there. He was a little stinker at his party, but he seemed to enjoy it all the same. Honestly, if you were there you won't believe me, but he was such a good little boy for the rest of the time! But, while we were there we got to visit with Sherry, Kerry, Lynn, and Carter. Corban beat up on Carter a little bit - sorry Sherry - but it was fun to see him with other little ones his age. He had his party on Sunday and got to see both of his grandmothers and cousins Grace and Simon. It was a really busy day and he slept so good that night. Tuesday we got to go see Brenda and we both got haircuts - I'll post Corban's picture when I get things downloaded. We also went to storytime with big cousin Grace and went back to Nana's to play outside. Poppy gave him tractor rides and we got to eat at Leono's. Everyone looked at me weird when I ordered a lasagna and then said I was going to eat some of their pizza too - but they really got a kick out of me saying that I wanted to go to Dairy Queen after dinner. Did everyone else realize that Cynthiana does not have a Dairy Queen at all - they're both something different now.

Yesterday we drove back home and actually made the trip with only one stop! I was afraid that Pittsburgh traffic was going to do us in, but it wasn't horrible at all. I am so impressed with that little boy - he fussed for a few minutes ONE time and I gave him some milk and that was it. He actually slept for almost 4 of the 8 hour trip, which was a huge relief for me. Oh, and bathroom breaks worked out surprisingly well. He just stood where I told him and there were no mishaps! It's going to be while before I do any traveling by myself though after this. I know that once Caden is a little older I'll be able to do it again, but it's gonna take some time.

Well, everyone have a wonderful week and enjoy what's left of this beautiful weather!

I leave for KY tomorrow! I have tons to do today, packing and getting stuff together for Corban's party and making sure I don't leave things a mess for Johnny. We're going to miss him so much over the next few days! I still have to babysit too, and Nina comes home with me while Alexandra is at dance, so I won't get anything done in that hour and a half :(

Be praying for us tomorrow when you get a chance. I hadn't thought about it before I was talking to Johnny about how "allright" we would be on the trip, but I don't know I'm going to go to the bathroom since he's not in the infant carrier anymore. He will stand sometimes, but not if he doesn't feel like it, so I'm afraid he's going to go crawling around on those nasty gas station bathroom floors, or even crawl out! And I might be something of a camel, but I will still have to go at some point on a 7 hour drive! Well, I have got to get to work. Talk to you soon!

The last couple of days have been crazy! We had dinner with Craig, Diana, and Luke Friday and Saturday nights. Corban was up WAY passed his bedtime both nights and that did not make for pleasant mornings, plus I think he's getting some teeth. Sunday the choir sang their Easter program at a nursing home, so the three of us headed to that in the afternoon and came back and then we took Corban to the park for the first time! He liked the swing OK, but he loved the slide and just playing in the wood chips around the playground equipment. He threw a fit when we tried to get him back in the car - it honestly took Johnny and me both to get him strapped into his car seat he was that upset about leaving. We still had to bundle him up though, there was a bit of an edge to the air. We came home and had dinner and watched a movie. "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry." It was OK, but way too pro-gay for my taste. I would love to see those two (Adam Sandler and Kevin James) act in something a little less political, because they're probably two of the funniest comedic actors out there right now.

Monday was busy too. Corban slept in a little, which was wonderful and we all got going. We took the truck to get the brakes fixed (again) and ran a few errands, came home and had lunch while Corban took a good nap and I got a few things done around the house. I feel like I have a million things to do before I leave, and I'm not sure I'm going to get it all in! Corban and I went to babysit Nina, she won her school spelling bee, so she'll be going to the spelling bee for the whole diocese! She's a 4th grader and beat out all of the 4th, 5th, and 6th graders! Anyway, came back home and took Corban for a ride in his Birthday wagon and then Johnny let him play in the yard for a while - he tried to eat about 15 different rocks in the 20 minutes I was out there -before he took him in and gave him a nap. We had dinner with a couple from the church and again, got Corban in bed really late. Tonight we're having dinner with another couple from the church and their two little ones. I'm so thankful I don't have to cook!

I leave for Kentucky in THREE days! I am a little nervous about the drive with a one year old, but so far he's traveled so well, I don't imagine that I'll run into any problems and the drive is so pleasant I don't dread that part either. I think it is going to be raining though, and I'm not looking forward to that. Well, I had better get to my "To Do" list. I'll be seeing some of you soon!