winter blues w/notes

winter blues w/notes
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

I've been suffering from a cold since the day before Christmas eve. Since I am nursing the Dude his pediatrician said I was not to take any over the counter medications and to "ride it out" with natural remedies. It has been really exhausting to take care of a newborn and myself while nursing, but with a little more rest and patience. I am sure I will be better real soon. In time to celebrate the new year.

Hi Santa!

silent night, holy night

Eats, Poops, & Leaves

I attended my office Christmas party Monday. And this is my favorite gift I received... a baby etiquette book.

3 am WAKE UP CALL

The baby wakes up around 3 am for a diaper change and feeding. When rocking the baby back to sleep and my singing doesn't seem to work, I wonder why?!?? I will play the ACL episode of Wilco or Beatles Love DVD.

Learn to forgive.....

I come to realize that I need to forgive myself for....

..not mailing Christmas cards this year
..still having to Christmas shop (four days 'till Xmas)
..not mailing baby shower Thank you cards in a timely manner
..not keeping up with house chores
..not returning phone calls
..not sleeping when my baby sleeps.


Since we have extended our family with the joyous birth of Ari. I have neglected most of my routine tasks in my life. Everyone has been very forgiving and so can I.

One Month - Newsletter

WOW!! How time goes by so fast...

On Thursday, Nov. 1st I delivered you successfully by a scheduled caesarean section , scheduled meaning I could not deliver you natural because of the myomectomy surgery I had last year to remove several fibriod tumors. Right after you were born, your daddy introduced you to me and asked what we should call you besides The Dude. When I made eye contact with you I knew we were going to name you Ari (pronounced R-E). Now we almost named you Jackson. Yeah, Jackson. You can ask your daddy about that one.

After our first meeting, they whisked you to meet the rest of your family waiting by the nursery and took me to a room to recover. While in the recovery room waiting for a private room. Your daddy came by to tell me the nurses were doing routine newborn tests followed by a fresh clean bath you didn't like at all. When we settled in our room they finally brought you to me. Oh, I was so over-whelmed with love. You looked so peaceful. You were swaddled like a little burrito. My little burrito.

During the hospital stay I was heavily under pain medication. I was so worried I was not going to be as alert as I needed to be, but your daddy assured me that everything was going to be alright. He stayed with me even though the stay was very uncomfortable, but he made sure I was as comfortable as possible. He even set up the laptop for "movie night".

Since I couldn't get out of bed and not feeling very well, your daddy would change your diapers. The second diaper he ever changed, you decided to pee all over him and your hospital bed. We felt so awful, but could not help ourselves from laughing out loud and still do!

I was having a difficult time breastfeeding you in the beginning. You didn't want to latch on properly or you'd fall asleep real quick. But with a couple of tips from the nursing staff and a visit with the hospital lactation specialist we managed.

On Sunday morning we were told by the pediatrician and doctor that we could be released from the hospital by lunch time. Your daddy and I were so excited and could not wait to go home as a new family. We dressed you in the yellow sailboat outfit your daddy wore when he was born. The first couple of days at home was already a predictable routine for us..... SLEEP DEPRIVATION. You would sleep and be fed every 2-3 hours with changing diapers ALOT! Though, you gave us a scare later that week. You were very unhappy and we did a list of everything we could do to make you happy.

*swaddle no swaddle
*change diaper
*change of clothes
*rocking chair
*sing to you
*pulled out the baby books!!!

...finally your daddy thought of skin on skin. When daddy put you on his warm chest you both fell asleep like sweet babies. Now your predictable routine is not predictable anymore. And it's okay.

Did I mention SLEEP DEPRIVATION???

You give us such joy by recognizing us when we talk to you in our high pitched voices. We like to think you understand when we ask what we can do for you whenever you cry, but it's us who don't understand you quite yet. And you can be so forgiving to us. You are so cute when we do "tummy time" because you kick your baby legs so hard to push yourself to crawl.


I was very lucky your daddy was able to stay home with us from his work for the first three weeks. He is very supportive to me and has so much love for you. I am so happy we have you in our lives... Happy One Month to you Ari!

Love,
Mommy

dream a little dream

dream a little dream
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

Give PEACE a chance

How can I convince my husband to purchase these cute peace baby shoes for "The Dude" ? He feels there is no logical reason to buy shoes for a baby, since they do not walk... But.. But.. they are too cute. I am not sure if I will be able to resist the temptation.

What a wonderful feeling...

Ari is quietly sleeping so I have some time to blog for awhile, unless he wakes for a feeding.

Ari is just about a week old. I can't believe how time goes by so fast. Not being pregnant anymore sometimes makes me feel a little empty. I know. I know. I know I complained a lot during the last month, but I guess I miss Ari moving inside of me... a sweet feeling.

Having a baby is the most endearing feeling I could have EVER imagined. I never thought I could have so much love for someone. I love holding, talking, and giving him sweet kisses. He is fun to play with too. And having my husband, Chad enjoying this experience with me is a wonderful feeling.

We are a family.

Introducing... Ari "The Dude"

visit my website... http://thedudelindeen.jimdo.com/

Butterflies...Pregnant...Sleepless

It is early in the morning and I am not able to sleep probably because I will not be pregnant anymore. I am scheduled to have a c-section delivery at 12:30...
I am nervous and I (think) am going to miss my pregnant belly.

I need sleep!!!!

Happy Halloween 2007

Happy Halloween 2007
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

Happy Birthday Fishtankonia!

***visit his blog***

Bedrest at 37 weeks

During my weekly prenatal visits in the last month of my pregnancy my blood pressure has been consistently high, high enough for her to put me on bedrest as of last Friday. I was already restricted to work part time a couple of weeks ago to avoid any preterm labor.

On Friday morning I took my blood pressure when I woke and it was too high. I called my Ob/Gyn nurse and she told me to come in to see the doctor. Chad and I brought our overnight bags, including the Dude's diaper bag incase we were going to have the baby.

When we arrived to the doctor's office my blood pressure was still high. She checked my cervix and told us I have dilated 1.5 cm. She decided to admit me to the hospital's "Testing-Room" to run blood work and be monitored by a nurse, similar to the time I was admitted to the labor & delivery at 27 weeks, but this area is catered to less severe pregnancy issues. The attending nurse we were given was so sweet and motherly, possibly a bit too motherly. She gave us great pediatrician advice, but she wasn't too happy that I had several tattoos. In the end, she wished us good luck and would try to visit us when the Dude is born.

All of my blood work came back negative and blood pressure finally was at a normal rate. However, I did have two contractions, but were very far apart to not worry. My Ob/Gyn came to visit me (at the end of the day) and that is when she told me to not go back to work and stay on bedrest until my due date, Nov. 1st. I have to admit I was so nervous and scared being at the hospital waiting for answers. But I am okay now enjoying the bedrest at home all weekend and the rest of this week.

I did rent some movies last night... Alpha Dog, Transformers, & 1408.

We are ready!

The Dude's room
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

A mini reunion....

Laura's graduation day at Mac Arthur High 1988
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

My dear friend from high school, Laura and her family were in town from Florida. They were able to join us for Chad's birthday dinner. Laura's husband, Conrad is in the miltary so we don't see them very often and when we do, it is always a fun filled visit with memories we share from the past and present. Its as if we start our friendship right where we left it. Chad and I were thrilled they were able to meet the wonderful circle of friends we have in our lives now... Good times.

Happy Birthday Babe!

Today is Chad's 35th birthday.

Saturday we began celebrating his birthday with friends at Maria Selma & Hans Bier Haus bar. Sunday we worked on the baby's room - setting up the bassinet, that belonged to Chad when he was a baby. Today we both got to see the Dude by ultrasound, most likely our last scheduled one until he is born.

Trick or Treat

A TREAT!

9 months pregnant on Halloween...

On my favorite holiday of the year I will be ready to have a baby. Yep, my due date is November 1st.

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"

I come home one day to see this on my TiVo list.
Dude, it is crazy funny.
Ryan let us borrow the 1st/2nd DVD season.
As soon as I have some free solcookie-TV time

before the Dude is born I plan to watch all episodes!
Check your FX channel for local listings... Seriously!

The Baby Shower

Rebecca, Tony, & Maya hosted a baby shower for us, including our immediate family, at their house. It was an awesome time had by all. Chad and I can't wait to enjoy all the gifts with our little Dude real soon.

Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris Tour

As I am writing this entry... Chad and Timmay are in Austin watching the USC vs Nebraska game at a bar down the street from La Zona Rosa where Queens of the Stone Age will be playing later this evening. Yea. I am jealous of those two @%^&*, but thrilled they will be enjoying a rockin' show.

I will have to catch them on their next Texas tour. Some might say I am a little obsessed. Here are shows I've been in the past.

Here is Mexicola LIVE from their first record.
I love the bass on this track.

James "Mic" Mitchell
RIP
1959 - 2007

An artist.
A musician.
A free spirit.
He will truly be missed. Mic your soul will live forever.

Priceless.... We Want The Funk

Fiesta - A WEEN instrumental break

Friday, August 24…. Check in @8am. Check out @7:45pm

Just when I thought everything was going really well with the pregnancy. I was admitted to the Labor & Delivery ER Friday morning because of severe heartburn, which turned out to be contractions.

Early in the morning at around 3am I woke up with heartburn so I took the recommend dose pain reliever, TUMS. I moved to the sofa to sleep in an upright position, but it didn’t help. I watched some early morning news and then decided to get up to get ready for work. Before I got into the shower I take more TUMS. I took a hot shower and started to get dressed, which was very painful. As I was leaving out the door I was thinking to myself that hopefully this pain will get better. As I start to drive off to only reach to the end of my street I stopped to realize I can not drive myself into work. I made a u-turn and came back home. By this time I was in so much pain I started to cry. I franticly woke up Chad to tell him what was going on. He immediately got out of bed to get dressed and told me to call the doctor. I called the emergency hotline since my doctor’s office doesn’t open until 9am. The hotline took all of my information and told me they will page my doctor and call me back within ten minutes. They did. They told me to come into the hospital right away.

As were heading to the hospital I could only think of the worse because I didn’t feel my baby move as much as he normally does, but he did surprise me and moved a little bit. And it could have been that I was in so much pain I couldn’t feel him move. As we checked into the hospital they already had a room ready for me. The admitting nurse told me to get in my gown and wait for the RN nurse. She came in and hooked me up to monitors that were attached to my belly. She then checked on all of my vital signs… my temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, etc… An hour goes by…. She gave me some Mylanta and that is when she told me I was having contractions. I said, “CONTRACTIONS?!?” Of course I started to cry. I am only 28 weeks/4days I’ve got 2 months to go; it is too early for him to be born!! The nurse assured me that everything is going to be fine because I was not having many contractions timed to close together. They decided to give a shot every 15 minutes of Terbutaline to stop the contractions. I only needed two shots. Thank goodness! I believe my last contraction was at noon. The nurse then took a cervix swap test to determine if I would go into labor within a week. As well as blood work to check if I have any infections and this could also help to determine why I was having contractions. All of my tests came back NEGATIVE. The nurse then gave me a Pepcid AC to relive the heartburn. The next test was to do an ultrasound to measure the baby and make sure he is doing well. I was happy to hear of the ultrasound so I could see him on the monitor. Well, he now has chubby checks and is growing so big. The Tech told me he weighs 2.5 lbs and is growing at a normal rate, but that my belly seems a bit small for him right now. Poor baby!

We finally got to see my doctor at around 7pm. She told us that unfortunately she could not determine if the heartburn caused the contractions or the contractions caused the heartburn, since I was having the contractions when I was admitted into the hospital. She told me I can start taking Pepcid every morning and night. I will not need to be on bed rest since all of my tests came back negative. Yay!! However, I do need to take it easy and call if I experience any unbearable pain. I WILL. And then she released me. Chad and I were so ready to go home to such a long day. Right before we left we went to visit the nursery and see some newborns. They were so adorable. I can’t wait until we have our little Dude and I can hold him in my arms for the first time.

28 weeks

I love this photo chad took of me in our backyard.

Alberto Frias' Transport - Illuminated sleeping pod!

I want to sleep like this... I'll try anything at this point and it looks cool. Anyone?
I've been having trouble sleeping in comfort lately. I've tried the pillow between the legs, sleeping on the sofa, even sleeping in the guest bed. Any preggo-women have any advice? (via ThisOne)

My evening with Ween in Austin

I didn't stay for the entire show. I tried my best. It's WEEN for crying out loud. I needed to be at the show. I didn't care if I was 6 months pregnant. But being pregnant, outdoors in the heat with a crowd of people, drinking water to keep hydrated (while being jealous of everyone else drinking beer), and taking a zillion potty breaks was just way too uncomfortable for me. I had to leave. I still enjoyed the show for the hour or so I was there and I don't regret at least trying.

GOD - WEEN - SATAN! ALL HAIL THE BOOGNISH!

PHOTO SET HERE

AUSTIN DAMN-HOT SET LIST 8/10/07

• She Wanted To Leave
• Marble Tulip Juicy Tree (tweaked w/1 verse Up On The Hill)
• Now I'm Freakin Out
• Bananas & Blow
• Take Me Away
• Mr Richard Smoker
• The Grobe
• Mister Would You Please Help My Pony
• Hammer Down
• Roses Are Free
  
• Buckingham Green
  
• Happy Colored Marbles
• Nan
• Pork Roll Egg and Cheese
• Gabrielle
• Dr Rock
• Pandy Fackler (Glen went OUT & DEEP)
• ------------------
  
• Acoustic Set
• Chocolate Town
• Bday Boys
• Mutilated Lips
• Joppa Road
• Help Me Scrape The Mucus off my brain
  
• I Don't Want It (Gene electric solo)
• -----------------
  
• Electric
• Flies On My Dick (w/Dickie Moist)
• Tick
• You Fucked Up
• Fat Lenny
• ----------------
  
• ENCORE
• Springtheme
• Don't Get 2 Close to My Fantasy
• Don't Squeal on The Pusher
• FLUFFY!!!

26 weeks - ALREADY!

At 26 weeks I am to take the required gestational diabetes test. You know the one where you have to drink pure sugar within five minutes, wait an hour to have 5 tubes of blood taken from you. Oh, and did I mention you have to fast the night before. I did pretty good considering the blood tech thought she only needed to take one tube of blood. When she removed the needle and put a Garfield band-aid on my arm she said, "Okay, sweetie you can go now." I said, "Are you sure?" She then apologized for not reading the paper work properly. OUCH!!! I was told I will get the results by next week.
After my blood work I went for my routine prenatal visit. All of my vital signs are good. I am still gaining the normal pregnancy weight. The dude was kicking really hard while we heard his strong heart beating. My next visit is scheduled for the beginning of September. I finally agree this pregnancy is going by really fast.

Let them eat.....CAKE!

The cake queen...
Rebecca made my birthday cake. I requested a red velvet cake. While everyone was enjoying their frozen screwdrivers, jack/coke, st arnold's devine right in front of me (you beeyatches)! I was enjoying my shirley temple on the rocks with an extra cherry!

Thanks to everyone for my gifts and spending time with me!!

The Babcock's... childhood friends.

Chad and I had dinner with the Babcock family Friday night... Amber, Jason, Brook - 4 years, and Brett - 2 1/2 years. It was the first time to visit their beautiful home in Kingwood, Texas.

Amber and I have been friends since elementary school. Jason, I believe some years later, but we all grew up and lived in the same neighborhood. It was fun sharing stories of our childhood... walking barefoot to 7-eleven and buying a big gulp of our favorite soft drink. Or the times when we would ride 3wheelers on Greens bayou. Oh, and the memory of Amber getting her drivers license. Good times. Good times.

Chad and I were sharing the story of how Amber formerly introduced me and Chad back in high school. Chad was a freshman and I was a sophomore. I can remember Chad having drum sticks in his hands when we were introduced. But it wasn't until after we graduated that Chad and I started dating seriously.

Well, we had a great time and hopefully next time we will be able to visit longer.... Check out more photos we took HERE as a set.

You've got mail - Update

I've had family and friends email/ask about the feedburner webtool - Email Subscription feature to my blog.
Once you've entered your email address (located to the right of my blog, right below all of my links) and click subscribe. You will get my recent posts in email. This will save you the time of entering my blog web address to your browser. I've also integrated updates to my flickr photostream for when I upload photos and my del.icio.us bookmarks page for when I tag useful websites I like to share.

about the following websources:
blogger
feedburner
flickr
delicious

Happy Birthday to me!

Me at 3 months - 1971

Thanks to everyone for my birthday wishes.

I am 36 today. Yay! Work was work. I came home to gifts and a chocolate cupcake that I can't wait to sink my teeth into.... YUMM.

I plan to celebrate my birthday with family and friends Saturday at my favorite place in the Village, The Volcano and drown myself with Shirley Temple - body shots all night!!

A little story to tell about the baby portrait.... My mom told me we both had the flu when this photo was taken. And why she didn't reschedule is beyond me. I'll have to ask.

You've got mail!

Let me make your life easier. Yes? I've added a email subscription for you to receive blog entries in email form to your inbox. Yay! So subscribe now to get your sweet, sweet solcookie fix.

Elvis & Chica

We babysat my sister-n-law's family pet, Elvis (A Brussel Griffon breed) for a week. He is a sweet hyper-active dog. He looks like a Ewok... ha! I tried to get a picture of them together, but Elvis would not sit still for a second. Chica grew really fond of Elvis. She does miss her play date. Hopefully, we can get them back together again real soon.

First Name + Middle Name = Birth Name

Trying to name your child can be stressful. We have a couple of strong contenders, but can not come to a final decision. We have at least four books our friends let us borrow to help us decide. Either the name is common to I just don’t want to name my child after some species. And must we give our child a middle name? I suppose and I am okay with that even though I was not given a middle name, but I was given a nickname, Cookie. I respond quickly to my nickname, rather than my birth name. Hmmm.
The middle name is going to be easy, since I wanted a piece of me. I already knew his middle name was going to be my maiden name. We are almost there.... To be continued.

Just Google it!

I came into work one morning and saw this cartoon taped to my computer monitor. You see the kid walking away from his parents? They tell me that will be our son. Too funny!

23 weeks - Whew!!

Chad took this photo while we waited to see the Ob/Gyn. We waited for 2 1/2 hrs. She apologized several times. She told us she did an emergency c-section and was running really behind. She is worth the wait (Thanks to Rebecca for her recommendation). I've been to many Ob/Gyn doctors in my lifetime and she is by far the best. She always makes Chad and I feel very comfortable and at ease anytime we visit. Her supporting staff is very naturing and caring. This is my first pregnancy and I do realize there are many resources available (books, family, internet, my husband, etc..), but knowing I have an awesome doctor makes me a happy mother-to-be.

Well, this was our 5th prenatal visit. Everything went really well. All of my vitals signs were normal. The baby's heartbeat was strong and beating at a normal rate of 155. I've gained the weight I needed to, with me eating more and more. My next visit is August 7th to test for diabetes. I will have to fast the night before, never fun.

I am at the stage were I can't get away with telling people I am bloated and have a severe case of indigestion. Yes, I have a pregnant belly. I must wear the maternity clothes, but it's quite comfortable. I can't sleep the way I am used to... on my stomach with my head buried in the pillow. I go to the restroom ALOT! The best feeling is when he, the Dude moves around in my belly. I love it!!!

Kory Anthony Palermo

Congratulations to the Palermo family. Announcing Kory Anthony. Proud parents, Ken and Alison and big brother, Kyle are at home enjoying family time together.

Pop....pop....Pop

I am now experiencing the Dude moving inside of me. It feels like popcorn popping very slowly in my belly. It's a cool feeling.

No sleep ‘till….. GRRRRRR!

I didn’t get the recommended 10 hour sleep I fricking deserved last night. Some jerk decided to celebrate July 4th with extreme black cat firecrackers and a couple of bottle rockets last night in our neighborhood. They started at 10:30 pm for about an hour and a half. I decided to get up and surf the internet. At around 11 I didn’t hear anything hoping to finally get some much needed sleep, but no. I hear a rapid Pow-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM. By that time Chad wakes up from the sofa where he fell asleep earlier, to move to the bedroom. On his way he peaks in the computer room and looks at me, half a sleep. I told him I think the neighbors are illegally using firecrackers, because we live in the city limits. Right, Chad? He turns his back to me as he slowly walks towards the bedroom and jokily tells me to call the POH-LICE. I started laughing. By midnight I didn’t hear anymore pops, but I still could not get comfortable enough to go back to sleep. I got really jealous when Chad started to snore so I moved to the living room. Where I tossed and turned and tossed-turned. I finally went to sleep at 4am..... GRRRRRRRRRR.

Always ask for samples

I've had this red spot on the tip of my nose for over a year. It stemmed from a huge pimple I scratched by accident that developed into an uninviting scab. I have other red spots on my left cheek, but they are not as visible as the red nose reindeer. I tried many products of make up, over the counter creams, and face treatments. So I went ahead and made a $35 (specialist copay) appointment to see a dermatologist. She told me I had a mild case of rosacea , if not at all. She wrote me a year prescription of Finacea . A medicated gel you apply twice a day. It's safe to take during pregnancy. She said my spots should be healed/gone in 6-8 weeks, and if not come back. I decided to ask how much she might think a year prescription will be... she didn't know, but I thought why would I want to pay for a year of medicated cream. She went ahead and gave me samples, enough for at least 6 months. Chad called the pharmacy to find out that I would have paid $40, that is $40 dollars saved in my pocket. I hope this cream works!

Happy July 4th – Don’t go disrespect’n

While we were taking flag football action shots at the park last Saturday. I came across this cute family with an adorable little baby near the playground. I saw them put an American Flag on the ground and place the baby on top of the flag. The baby was dressed in only a diaper and they started to take pictures. I am assuming they were taking July 4th family pictures. By the time I could get Chad to look over they were gone, probably because of the heat. When I told Chad what I saw he told me how you are not allowed to put the American Flag on the ground. That is disrespecting the flag. I was thinking, really?!? Are you sure?!? And he is right. According to the
US Flag Code ... no part of the flag should touch the ground. I know this family did not mean any disrespect to the American Flag. If anything they were showing their patriotism.

Now go celebrate your independence day!

Are you fucking kidding me?!?

And that is exactly how I responded to my friend, Timmay.
So while we were having a late lunch with the gang at the Onion Creek** in the heights area. Timmay politely {insert sarcasm} shared his opinion of me possibly cursing too much around my unborn baby, the dude and how he is developed enough to hear my voice. Is it possible to already have a bad influence on my unborn because I curse too much? Well, that is just fucking great!


**I thought of Amy & Corey. We miss ya!!

A funny top ten list

Top 10 Surefire Ways to Piss off.....

A drum roll please….. IT’S A BOY!!

Our appointment with the ultrasound technician was scheduled at 10 am yesterday. I checked in at 10:01, only a minute behind because I had to stop at a gas station to go to the restroom. I desperately needed to pee. I was instructed to have a full bladder for the ultrasound, but I could not hold it any longer. No way! I was in too much pain. And go figure. When I checked-in at 10:01 am they were running an hour behind. I asked Chad to buy me a bottle of water to drink while I wanted for my name to be called. Finally, I was called in to change into a hospital (see through) gown and told to enter a room. Chad was not allowed to come with me in the beginning of the ultrasound. They have a strict policy of no one else being in the exam room while they measure the baby’s body parts. To avoid any questions the technician is not able to answer. As I saw the baby on the monitor I started to cry, cry, and cry. I couldn’t stop crying. I was so overjoyed with excitement and could not believe I have something growing in my tummy. I know its so cliché to say, but it is true. Stephanie, my tech was so sweet and kind to me. She made me feel very comfortable. Then she called for Chad to come join us. I told Chad to get the camera ready, but he didn’t want to. He wanted to only focus on the monitor. As we were told our baby is a boy. We noticed him taking a big gulp of my amniotic fluid. I thought wow; he is going to be a drinker just like his parents (see video clip below). And then I started to cry. AGAIN. It was very emotional for the both of us. And we couldn’t be happier. We can not wait to start our little family together.

Following that visit we met with our Ob/Gyn for a routine check-up. She told us the baby is growing fine and doing really well. Her only concern is my weight. I haven’t gained as I should since the pregnancy. I even lost a pound since my last check up. I am going eat more protein in my daily diet. Our next appointment is in the next four weeks. On a similar note, my Ob/Gyn said it would be okay if I attend an outdoor concert in Austin to see WEEN in the beginning of August. Yay!!

Anticipation

Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'



Is it normal to already want my pregnancy to be over with? I know I am not the average-joe blow walking the streets with glee, but whatever. I am on my 19th successful week and it feels like I’ve been pregnant for far too long. And it’s not so much of my body changing…. sleeping, back aches, mood swings, etc. I just want to be able to hold my baby in my arms and share that joy together with my husband, Chad.

Chad has been so wonderful to me. Just the other day, coming back home from celebrating Father’s day with his family. His sister gave us a portable baby swing and when I noticed it in the back seat. I took a second look and couldn’t stop staring at this little swing. For the first time I realized we are actually going to have a BABY. A little person to be responsible for the rest of our entire lives!!! Oh, thank goodness I have my mom and mother-n-law's contact numbers on speed dial! Chad gave me a very supportive hug and told me that everything is going to be fine.

Well, tomorrow is our next ultrasound to determine the sex of the baby. According to this Chinese calendar predictor we are having a boy.

Make a Splash

Splash
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

Sick, Sick, Sick

I too, like my meat raw...

Houston Art Car Parade 2007

view as set

I am knocked up!

Chad and I are expecting our first baby. We are so excited. I am 13 weeks pregnant and counting! The baby's due date is November 12th.
We went to our first prenatal visit on March 27th. We were not able to hear the baby's heartbeat, but we were able to see it, by the ultrasound. May 2nd was our second prenatal visit and we got to hear the heartbeat. I have now entered the second trimester of my pregnancy, which has only been less than a week and I am experiencing the "all-day sickness". The first trimester was such a breeze maybe because I slept all the time. Our next visit is after Memorial weekend and hopefully we will be told if we will have a boy or a girl.

Here is a video clip of Maya telling me what is in my belly, but first you must hear what she says thunder sounds like......

She is too cute!!

HOT FUZZ

I saw this movie over the weekend and it is all around brilliant! HILARIOUS! It is just as good as Shaun of the Dead, or even better.

Let them eat cake!

Let me introduce to you my BFF, Rebecca. She makes custom made yummy cakes! If you remember, on my 35th birthday she made me a topsy-turvy Alice in Wonderland cake. Since then she has been making specialty cakes. She now has a blog... Rebecca's Cakes.

She takes pictures too!

Everything IS bigger in Texas!

Everything IS bigger in Texas!
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

This picture was taken at the Downtown Hilton Skyline restaurant. Such a spectacular panoramic view of Downtown Houston. I definitely will go back again, but at night.

I invite you to view other pictures I took HERE.

Pearl the Landlord

Click HERE to view this hilarious videoclip




*thanks to cheetoh for passing this along to me.

Happy Easter

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter.
Thanks to Maya for being such a great model for me, as always.

Happy 7th Anniversary - Baby!!

photo taken by: rebecca

If I am not...

black on black
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

If I am not playing with my Nikon.
If I am not on the computer.
If I am not discussing world events.....
I am playing with Guitar Hero - The PS2 video game. It is very addictive.

Y'see, it is true.

Check out one of my fave songs by Wolfmother , posted on gasoline dreams blog - WOMAN!!

Millionaire

Check out this band from Belgium

Me Crazy, You Sane:


Champagne:


Here is the lead singer playing w/Eagles of Death Metal on Late Night w/Conan.
**poor quality video, but the sound is good**

Upcoming events dot me

March 6th, Tuesday - Viva Voce @Verizon Wireless

March 10th, Saturday - PONG @Continental Club in Austin
http://www.myspace.com/2553602

March 23rd, Friday - Widespread Panic @The Woodlands

April 26th, Thursday - The Toadies @Verizon Wireless
Reunion Tour. Yo, for real - B!!

Brighten the Corners

Brighten the Corners
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

One year ago today was my first post to quick and to the pointless. I actually wanted to begin posting back in May/2005, but I did not own a good computer and I really did not have the extra time. As if, I have plenty of time now. NOT! I do try, though. And I have met some great bloggers along the way. I do like to thank goferboy for his tips & tricks and his humorous posts.

In the last year I managed to talk my husband, Chad into starting his own blog. The title speaks for itself, exile on blogspot. I am able to keep in touch with far away friends such as denver or bust. And keep up with what my friends post on their blogs....
fishtankonia
gasoline dreams
wilwheaton Okay. Wil is not my friend, but you get the idea.

I have recently picked up an awesome hobby of taking pictures. I was given a Nikon D80 DSLR for Christmas. So I will be spending most of the time with my camera and uploading pictures on my flickr-ahhhhh site. Yes, I want to be a [fun] amateur photographer when I grow up.

For those of you who I don't know out there in cyperspace. Thanks for visiting my blog. Drop me a line if you have some advice or just to say Hello. I enjoy meeting new bloggers... really I do.

Not saying goodbye-just saying,
solcookie

Luvmutt dot com

I am a proud mommy of our baby, Miss. Chica. I received an email [via my flickr website] asking if Luvmutt dot com can feature Chica on their website. A website dedicated to mutts. What a great idea to be able to showcase the non-breed pooches, because they need attention too! WOOF-WOOF

Cheers to 2007!!

We spent New Years in Austin to see PONG play at HOLE IN THE WALL. Jay and Rebecca joined us for the festivities with Will and Heather hanging out too... What a great time it was.

click here to view the event as a slideshow. I insist.