The Couch is My Life

I haven't updated the blog a lot, because honestly there isn't much to tell. The couch has become my new home. I am not hard to find, because I am ALWAYS there. This past week when I went to the doctor, she said that the baby looks good and so does the cervix. The surgery I had is doing the trick! Baby already weighs 2 1/2 pounds. The plan is to have the C-Section around 37 weeks. I have been cleared for 2 "outings" a week. I mainly just go to the movies since I can recline in the chairs. I saw Twilight with the girls this week and will probably see another with Jason this weekend.

I am so sad to be on bedrest during the holidays. It has been hard to lay there and want so badly to decorate and get in the Christmas spirit. I often bake or make Toffee as Christmas presents for neighbors and friends. It really does dappen your mood when you are helpless. Jason did put up a tree and for that I am very thankful. At least there is some sort of Christmas spirit going on in our house.

I Got Tagged

So my sister-in-law Angi tagged me. I fear that it was a pity tag. She wanted to give me something to do!!! Since my life is a total bore since being on bedrest, you will have to excuse my lame answers and many of them referring back to my BEDREST!!

FAVORITE SHOWS:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. The Office
3. Interventiom

Favorite Restaurants:
1. Costa Vida
2. Cheesecake Factory
3. almost any mexican Restaurant

Least Favorite Restaurant:
1. Applebees
2. Anything with seafood

Things that happened Yesterday:
1. Alyssa brought me lunch!
2. Finished the book "Twilight"
3. The house got cleaned

Things I'm Looking Forward to:
1. Jason coming home
2. Sister coming in 9 days
3. Baby coming in 12 weeks

Things I am NOT Looking Forward to:
1. Laying on the couch tomorrow
2. Laying on the couch the day after that
3. Laying on the couch the day after that

Things I Love about Fall:
1. There is Fall in Arizona?

Wish List:
1. Ability to accomplish more in less time
2. That everyday I was on bedrest a different celebrity would come and visit me!!
3. That it was Feb already

Things I do NOT wish for:
1. Obama as President
2. More complications
3. Another Great Depression

And here I have made my own new special category....
3 Decisons I Make on a Daily Basis:
1. When in the shower-should I even bother shaving my legs?
2. What should I read today?
3. Should I get out of bed and move to the couch?

So now as it goes, I am supposed to tage some other people: Tia, Mom Scanlan, Gretchen, Anna, and whomever else wants to do it!!

Another Baby Update

No pictures this time, strictly text. I went in for a follow up ultra sound to find that my cervix was open! There is a suregery they can do to stitch your cervix closed called a circlage. So Tuesday evening I had the surgery done and was in the hospital until Friday. The surgery went well and I did not have any cramping or contractions. (a good thing) After our experience with the last baby I could not help but be scared and sad. I was hoping for ZERO complications this pregnancy, but to my surprise, I do not have "free" pass this go around. The topper for me is that I am now on bedrest and have very limited up time. (10 minutes on the computer) I can shower, go to the bathroom and eat!
Thank goodness for family who have come to the rescue! Have you ever been so overwhelmed with the help and love of family that it brings you to tears? That is me! My mom and mother in law are both here locally and are my heroes. Anyone who has been around Quinn knows he is an extremely active boy with lots of energy. He is in constant need of watching because he is very curious. Most of Jason's family is here locally as well and have also stepped up. It has been amazing! More updates later, I think my 10 minutes is up!!!

Where's Quinn?

It was getting awful quiet one morning. No little boy noises coming from anywhere! So I went on a hunt around the house to try and find Quinn. Can you find him?

In case you need some help, here is an "after" shot. What a little stinker!

Baby Update

Today I had another check up with the doc. So far so good. He and I had a discussion about the approaching 25 week mark and how that is a little nervewracking. I am scheduled to have another ultra sound next week. Then he said I should be OK for only 2 more ultra sounds after that. I do have good feelings about this pregnancy and about the baby but I can't help feel a little worried and anxious. It was so great this morning when he put the doppler on my tummy and right away I could hear a strong heartbeat. No matter how many professionals tell you it is going to be OK, you still worry. I still live the nightmare everyday.

Keep Going!

I stopped for gas yesterday and to my delight, gas was under $3! I can't remember the last time it was under $3. This still is expensive in my mind, but I say "Keep going down!" I could use the extra cash. The oil moguls are already disgustingly, filthy rich. They don't need my money!

Come on Ride the Train

Today Quinn and I met an old friend at the McCormick Ranch Train Park. I had never been there and didn't quite know what to expect. Quinn got out of the car and ran directly over to the big train on display at the front of the park. He had a ball here! There was a carousel, playgrounds, a smaller train for riding on, a snack bar (my favorite), picnic tables, and lots and lots of grass! Unfortunately, I still cannot find my camera and only got a few pics with my camera phone. Here is Quinny boy on the carousel:There were tons of kids there in their Halloween costumes, as evidenced by the Power Ranger sitting behind Quinn. It is too hot for a costume I kept thinking, but those kids sure thought they were awesome! Quinn ran all over the park and settled down for 2 seconds to have a quick snack and a drink. This was Quinn on our car ride home:
That's what I am talkin' about! He wore himself OUT! Before I sign off Quinn wanted me to give a shout out to his Aunt Shannon! "Flouncy Flouncy! MISS YOU!"

Superman Wins

So Quinn and I went Halloween costume shopping today. I only had a few specifications for a costume, so it wasn't too hard to find one. It had to be lightweight. (last year he was a skunk and couldn't even wear his costume outside because he would have had heatstroke) I didn't want the costume to have a mask or a hat. (he would never keep it on) And lastly, I didn't want to spend over $25.00. So Superman won!! Lightweight. No mask. And it was $14.99 at Target. (gosh I love that store!)

State of Mind

I was in a "boy" state of mind. Convinced that Jason and I would have a little boy playmate for Quinn, I went around telling everyone I was positive it was a boy. Well, he is a she. Yes, we are excited and extremely nervous all at the same time. Jason kept mumbling "I have to pay for a wedding..." She will be here at the end of February and I am so excited!!

Framing

I tried my hand at making some picture frames for a friends baby shower. My plan was to set these around the shower so people could see her cute new baby girl. Her nursery is in black, white and raspberry so I wanted to make them so she could keep them and use them in the nursery. I won't pretend that making these frames is something I personally came up with, as my creative and crafty side are "challenged" to say the least. My sister-in-law, Anna, guided me through the process over the phone, as she has made several of these. I liked them because they are very inexpensive to make and you can make them as fancy and cute as you want. I kept mine pretty simple, but was happy with the results. I was in charge of all the decorations at the baby shower and I wish I had pictures of it, because I found that I actually did like decorating. I couldn't find the camera the night of the shower, so no pics to show for it. And actually the picture above is from my camera phone. Thanks again Anna for such a cute idea! It turned out great!

My Hero

This week has been another busy one! Yesterday Quinn and I were out running errands. I wanted to get everything done before his naptime, so then we could just play the rest of the day. I dropped my mom off at the airport. I went to Michael's. I went to Joanne's Fabrics. And here is where the story takes a screeching hault. I always start the car before I put Quinn in so it has some time to cool off. (it is still in the 100's here in good ol' AZ) So I threw my purse in the car, threw my Joanne's bag in and started the car. I Quickly shut the door and got Quinn out of the cart to put him in the car. Doors are all locked! What? How did this happen? I am not exactly sure. I didn't even know what to do. No cell phone, no purse, no spare key.
I asked a lady walking into Joanne's if she had a cell phone I could borrow. After many attempts of calling Jason, I finally got him! I was so embaressed. I told him what happened and he came to my rescue. He pulled up in his car about 15 minutes later and gave me some money to go get some lunch while he got the locksmith to come. He even borrowed a car seat from a lady at work so that Quinn could come with me. I grabbed some lunch (we pregnant people can't go too long w/out food!) and came back and the locksmith pulled up within 2 minutes. I was saved!
So thank you to my brave, fearless, wonderful husband who rescued his stupid wife. I love you! And yes, thank goodness Quinn was not in the car when I locked it.

The Sweater

That's me, in the middle! On Feb. 18, 1987, I was named one of the athletes of the week by our local paper. There is a funny story behind the picture. I was telling it to Jason this morning, and although he didn't think it was exactly funny, I thought I would do a post about it.
I was 13 years old when this picture was taken. It was the 80's and BIG sweaters were in! My dad had a big sweater that I liked that I decided to wear to school one day. I did not ask him as I knew that he would probably say no. So, I snuck into his closet, shoved into my backpack and put it on once I was at school. That day the paper came to my Jr. High School and took my picture for this article. I left the sweater in my locker that day and kind of forgot about it. A couple of days later my dad asked me if I had his sweater and I said "no". (oops! that is why Jason did not think this was a funny story) I stuck to my story and figured I would get the sweater out of my locker and put it back in his closet and all would be well. The next morning the paper came and my dad was livid! There I was smiling with my big ol' braces in HIS SWEATER! Yikes! What a stupid teenager I was! He drove me down to the school that instant and made me open my locker and retrieve the sweater. I do not remember what my punishment was for that stunt, but I feel I should be punished now for my idiotic mind thinking he would never know, as I stood there smiling for the picture. (Yes, I am ashamed that I did that, but it makes for a good story)

"I" Stole This

I am... pregnant. My ever expanding belly and booty remind me everyday!

I'd like to think... that my decisions in life thus far, have been pretty good ones.

I've become... shorter. I tell everyone I am 5’8” because that is what I was measured at last pregnancy. Then at one of my doctor appointments, they said I was 5’7 1/2”.

I think...I look good in black.

I know...that life is not fair. Need I say more?

I want... for those I love to be happy and blessed!

I have...the naughtiest son. Cute, but naughty.

I wish...I never had a migraine headache again.

I hate...when my husband is right. Ya know, when you are sure that you are right! Nothing worse than having to say, “honey, you were right. I am sorry.”

I miss...living so close to the beach. The smell of the ocean, the sound of the ocean. There is nothing better!

I fear...my husband dying.

I hear...that if you drink a Diet Coke while eating a cookie, the calories from the cookie are cancelled out.

I smell...poopy diapers every time I get Quinn up from a nap.

I wonder...when attacks on our country will stop and America will be at peace with the world.

I regret...not trying harder in High School.

I love...when I hear from old friends or family unexpectedly.

I always...have dessert. I have no will power or control. Unless of course, the dessert is pie. Then I can pass with no problems!!!

I am not... very creative. I try, but it just isn’t happening!

I believe...we will all be accountable for our actions someday.

I don't always...see the best in myself. I am my own worst critic.

I win...most of my battles with Quinn. (I hear that may change someday)

I lose... rings a lot. My oldest ring is my wedding ring, and I am surprised I haven’t lost it yet.

I never... think the worst in a person. Yes, I’ve been burned, but it is much more fun thinking that people are basically good.

I listen... to music ALL the time in the car. Quinn’s favorites are Kelly Clarkson and the Black Eyed Peas!

I read...before I go to bed.

I...invite everyone else to make an "I list." They are so fun to read

Jason and I on our honeymoon. AAAHHHH!

For Angi

Dear Angi:

I am sorry that I have not posted for a while. My life has been sucking the energy and will to blog right out of me. I have been busy with the planning and carrying out of an Enrichment night. Making posters, invitations, phone calls, etc. You know the drill. I have also been busy trying to keep Quinn out of trouble. Just yesterday I found him on TOP of his hutch. He had climbed up on a carpet cleaner I had in his room and boosted himself up on the hutch. I also find him playing with water wherever he can get it turned on. The master bath, his bath, or the kitchen. He pushes a chair over to the sink and turns the water on by himself and tries to have his own waterpark on my kitchen floor. The cleanup alone dirties up 3 or 4 towels. So then there is laundry to do. Oh, he also likes to try new ways to climb over his gate in the playroom. He turns his Lego tub over and climbs on top of that and tries to escape. He is obsessed with balloons right now and I cannot make a trip to the grocery store without having to purchase him one. We currently have 4 "Happy Birthday" balloons at the house. (it isn't anyones birthday...) He insists on taking my shoes out of the basket that they are so neatly stored in, and leaves them all around the house. The other morning I came in to find this....
The cleanup wasn't so bad on this one. And where am I when this little boy is getting into things and turning on water you ask? Oh, making innvitations, or making posters.....But tonight the Enrichment activity happened and I am all done! I plan to sleep for 2 days and then I will continue as a faithful blogger and try to post more frequently.
Thank you for your love and concern.


Sincerely,
Slacker Blogger
Emily

September 11

I couldn't let today go by without acknowledging 9/11. For the people who 7 years ago lost their loved ones, ran out of the Twin Towers, went down in a hijacked plane, or those of us that watched the terror unfold on TV, my heart goes out! I remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news. I had just arrived at work (6:30 am) and a co-worker said that an airplane crashed into one of the towers. I first thought it was probably a private plane that lost control. As the news got worse and worse as the day went on, I could not tear myself away from the TV they had going in the break room. I was horrified and scared. What was going on. Over the next several weeks I became obsessed. I watched TV for hours when I got home. I bought every magazine that even mentioned the tragedies of that day. My heart was so full. I felt lucky that it wasn't me. I felt blessed that it did not affect any of immediate family members either. Since then, I still seem to want to know more. I have watched the documentaries, the Hollywood films, and the TV shows that depict or tell the 9/11 stories. I don't know how you live through that. My heart goes out to all who lost a loved one on that terrible day. How unimagineable.

For Jessica

Dear Jessica,

It has been 6 months since you left us. We miss you everyday. God had a purpose when He took you. I thank you for being a valiant, noble, and precious daughter to Him, and to us. I know you are singing with the angels and in our Heavenly Father's care. How I look forward to our sweet reunion. You make me want to be a better mother and I know you are with me everyday. Sometimes I catch glimpses of what you must look like through your brother Quinn.

I am happy that I was able to hold you and kiss your sweet face if only for a little while. I know you are happy, and heaven will keep you safe until we're home with you.

I love you baby girl!

Love,

Mom Jessica and her Aunt TT (one of my favorite pictures)

What We've Been Up To

We have been busy having fun and working! Quinn is getting bigger and smarter and more "boy" everyday! One of his favorite pastimes is to get on top of any table and clap his hands. See below: This is over at Aunt Anna's house. (sorry about the table, Anna!)

We went out to dinner with Grammie and Papa at Delux burger in Phoenix. MMMMMM! Unfortunately, the only picture I got was of Quinn playing with the shopping cart that the fries come in.We celebrated Grandma and Grandpa Scanlan's birthdays on Labor Day. We went over to Aunt Anna's and had some grub and dessert. Then we opened presents! Quinn had a great time with his cousins and the highlight for me was talking and seeing, via Apple Computer, Jason's only sister that doesn't live in AZ. Rachel and her family sung happy birthday with us and chatted for a while. It was cool!Grandma and Grandpa opening presents, with a little help from Isabella. (aren't they all beautiful and tan....they had just gotten back from Hawaii!!)

I have been busy making invitations and planning our Enrichment Opening Social. It sort of fell into my lap because the Enrichment Leader is adopting a child and the baby decided to come early! The Enrichment Leader had to hurry out to Utah (was there for the delivery) and must stay for 2 weeks before she can leave the state with the new baby. I made these invitations myself. Too many man hours to count!! Lots of cutting and gluing.

We took Quinn to a waterpark in Tempe. He enjoyed it, but we thought he would go crazy with delight. Seems he still likes to play on stairs and pick up trash off the ground better. Jason bought us shaved ice as a treat and he ate that up! Me and Quinn, chilling at the waterpark

I had a doctor's appointment last week to check on the baby, and all is well. It was a relief to hear the heartbeat and know the baby was OK thus far. I am still thinking it is a boy.....

Cupcake Craze

Recently my friends mom passed away and I have been racking my brain on what to get her that might help cheer her up. After Jessica passed, someone brought me over cupcakes, and believe it or not, it did cheer me up! So yesterday Quinn and I made the haul to Scottsdale to pick up some cupcakes at the famed "SPRINKLES". This store has been open since May, but this was my first visit. The store was very, uh, vanilla. Not a lot of color, not a lot going on. The cupcakes are displayed in a tiny casing and I was disappointed that there were not more to make my tastebuds salivate. I ordered a box of 6. $21.05! What? For 6 cupcakes? I guess for one it is $3.25. When I arrived at my friends work with the cupcakes she graciously offered me one. I had to take her up on it because I needed to try this $3.25 cupcake. I had a dark chocolate one. It was Good. Great? Nah. Just good. I won't be hurrying back there anytime soon.

Summer Shoot

While we were in Manhattan Beach in July my mom and my sister arranged for a photographer to come and take a Williams family portrait. Our photographer was Kelli and she was awesome! After the big Williams picture, she took each individual family and did some shots. Below is a preview of what she "captured" with our little family. She is very talented and amazing. To check out my siblings and their families, and more of Kelli's work, go HERE.

Just for Fun

Quinn has been clapping his hands a lot! We are not sure where he picked up this little "hobby", but think it is adorable everytime he does!

Mystery Solved

For those of you that are faithful Scanlan blog readers (let's face it, not many) you will recall a previous post where I was so dying to get those Joe's Jeans by simply dropping the last 6 or 7 pounds of my 35 pound goal. First of all, thanks to all of you who gave me great dieting advice and even meal plans! (thanks Ang, you know all the tricks!) But the mystery is finally solved as to why that weight would not come off..........I am pregnant. And although my husband is going to kill me for announcing this now, I feel I had to. I am only 10 weeks along and we were going to tell people when I was 12 weeks, but I just ate a huge dinner and now look 4 months pregnant! I cannot hide this bulging buddha. I need an excuse for my now expanding waistline.

I am calling this baby our little miracle. (for those of you that know this story, skip to the end) We have always needed the Dr's help to get pregnant. I have an ongoing list of things that are wrong with my reproductive capabilities. (polycystic ovaries, fibroids, endo, don't ovualte on my own...) We were not even "trying", if you know what I mean. This baby was sent from heaven. I like to think that our little girl up there had something to do with this. She grabbed this spirit and said "get down there! those are your parents and they need you!" A visit to the doctor even had him saying that this was sent from God. (he predicts that this is a boy)
I had very mixed feelings at first. I cried. I swore. There was not a lot of joy at first. I felt like if I got excited about this baby then I was saying that everything that happened with Jessica is OK and it is over and I am OK with it. The truth is, I am not over it. I am not OK with it. I have hope, and I know this is the Lord's plan, not mine, but my heart still aches for baby Jess. Yet time has lessened the sting. I still cry for her. In a mothers weak moments, I weep. I love her and I miss her.
But it is time to grow our family. It is time to give Quinn a sibling. I know this baby will be healthy and beautiful and alas, I am feeling joyful to be bringing another spirit into our home!

Pitiful

Last night I had a dream that I was being honored as an awesome soccer player. huh? And as my reward someone made me this huge, fantastic, decorated chocolate chip cookie. And in my dream, as the creator of my cookie handed me my "award", the only thing I said was "I need to take a picture of this, so I can blog about it." Oh please!!

Beach Getaway

July 25 was the start of the Williams Family Beach Vacation. We went to Manhattan Beach this year and had a great time! The vacation itself was not as I remembered...Oh wait, I never had kids before! I used to lay on the beach from 9 -5 with short breaks to eat and drink. Not this year! Come nap time, I am trapped in that hotel room for 2-3 hours. It all worked out and I really did have a good time!

Some things I learned:

1. I still really miss CA

2. Sleeping in a Queen sized bed is for the birds

3. Quinn loves the beach

4. A 5 hour drive can quickly turn into a 7 hour drive in CA

5. Don't leave the house without a pocketful of quarters for parking

6. A week goes by rather quickly when you are with the ones you love!

Below are a few pictures of the vacation. I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked, but I never do!

Startin' Him Young

Good Boy!

The whole Scanlan crew went up to Show Low for the weekend. We stayed in Jason's boss' cabin. The place is out of site! This is our 2nd trip staying at the cabin and it is like staying at a 4 star resort. It is equipped with 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, theatre room, game room, playground, fire pit, trampoline, hot tub, hammock, quads, razors, and tons of fun! Unfortunately, the first night we were there Quinn was really sick. Then the next day I was pretty sick. Jason also caught "something" that had him running to the toilet! Needless to say, I did not get to take as many pictures as I would have liked. But we had a fun time being with family and playing with cousins! We hope to make it a yearly tradition.
Quinn and Jason
Uncle Zac holding Bailey

Gavin and Quinn playing in the hammock

Quinn hanging out on the playground

Jason, Emily and Quinn. This is the day we left and we all actually felt decent.

Joe's Jeans

OK, for a couple of months I have had a one track mind. Lose Weight. Lose Weight. Lose Weight. I needed to motivate myself, so I asked Jason if I lost the designated amount of poundage (happens to be 35 freakin' pounds) if he would buy me a pair of Joe's Jeans. When I got pregnant with Quinn I gained a whoppin' 60 pounds! (how is that even possible you ask?) First 12 weeks=no exercise because I was considered high risk. Week 15= Appendix out. Week 24=PUPPP. (if you don't know what that is, google it. It is a ridiculously painful rash that I was lucky enough to get) Week 36=Bed rest. I did manage to lose 50 of the 60 pounds before getting pregnant with our sweet Jessica. I gained 25 with her. Which brings us to the 35 pounds that I needed to lose!!! I have picked out a few pair of jeans that have kept me motivated and on my way! However, I am stuck. I have 7 more pounds to go before Jason slaps that credit card down for a new pair of Joe's Jeans. I have had 7 pounds to go for about 2 weeks now. I only have until July 25 or all bets are off! Can you help me?!? Look how cute these jeans are! Anyone, please, help me lose 7 pounds by July 25!!