The Bottom Line- LOVE THIS

The Bottom Line

Face it.

Nobody owes you a living.

What you achieve or fail to achieve in your lifetime

is directly related to what you do

or fail to do.

No one chooses his parents or childhood

but you can choose your own direction.

Everyone has problems and obstacles to overcome

but that too is relative to each individual.

Nothing is carved in stone.

You can change anything in your life

if you want to badly enough.

Excuses are for losers.

Those who take responsibility for their actions

are the real winners in life.

Winners meet life's challenges head on

knowing there are no guarantees

and give it all they've got.

It's never too late or too early to begin.

Time plays no favorites

and will pass whether you act or not.

Take control of your life.

Dare to dream and take risks.

If you aren't willing to work for your goals,

don't expect others to.

Believe in Yourself!

Madison's Room

The sign that Joe made for her hanging on the door!

The cleanest her room will ever be!

Her crib ready to roll!

Time out bench, quilt, and dolls!

Some people call it a changing area, I call it the poop station!

Baby Shower

Friday was a great day at school and after! A co-worker and I are due the same day so our coworkers threw us a baby shower! It was so much fun to sit, relax and talk. Madison also got some really cute things! My coworkers are great to talk to and give such helpful advice. I am so glad to have them in my life as I learn about motherhood. Listening to their stories is so reassuring because we all share the same concerns in the classroom and at home.

I just hope in the future we can do it more often~ As Moms, Dads, and teachers it's sometimes hard to make time for the unwinding and adult time! Teaching children all day and then wanting to be a great parent for your own kids is a tough time balance. I already feel torn about leaving Madison and she isn't even born yet! When you work with kids everyday you see how quickly they grow up and you know that one day they won't want you to to wipe their noses or cuddle with them. I hope to cherish every moment I have with Madison being "little" but still find a balance to keep my own identity outside of motherhood. I have a feeling it's going to be a challenge the first year.

Dianne and Maddie versus the Treadmill.

I almost made it to full term without any falls or crazy mishaps until Thursday. I have shared my treadmill story with anyone who would listen because it has annoyed me so much! So of course I also have to blog about it.  This week I have been working very hard organizing and decluttering my classroom. I was at school until 7pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday I didn't make it to the gym so of course on Thursday I was determined to go. So off  I went.

I was thrilled to see my favorite treadmill in front of Channel 5 was free! Inside Edition was on then would be Chronicle. I went to get on the treadmill and slowly looked down just as my leg was going up to see it moving. It was too late! I went flying! Of course six people come running over (so sweet of them) to see if I'm of because as I was told "you're pregnant"! Another lady hands me paper towels- I wasn't sure what they were for so I wiped down the machine with them. 

Now I could feel all eyes on me! What do I do? Do I walk away and forget my workout? Do I check my battle wounds? Should I regroup in the bathroom? Was this just a bad idea and I'm to tired? Then I thought excuses are for losers. I came here for a workout and darg gone it that is what I am going to get. So 4.5 miles later, I was thrilled! Sure it would of been easier to go home and sit on my bum feeling bad for myself. But what would be the point? 

However, when I did get home and examine the wounds I counted a few bruises and a cut up knee (which kills). Battle wounds. Dianne and Madison: 1  Treadmill: 1/2.

Lessons Learned:

1) Please never leave your treadmill on when you are finished shut the freaking thing off.

2) Look down before you lift your leg up.

3) Continue to have that die hard attitude. 

Almost at 36 Weeks!!!

Well... It's been a while since I've done an update! Joe and I have been busy little bees ourselves getting ready for Maddie's arrival. Joe has been finishing up the room, putting together the stroller, and the swing! While I have been getting clothes ready for the laundry, cleaning up after Joe's assembly of baby products, and trying to get the house in order.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. At the last appointment she was measuring in the 47% percentile.  She is still a very very busy bee. Sometimes you can feel a foot and a hand.  I am also starting to feel practice contractions. Which are all great signs the end is near! When the doctor listened to Madison's heart it was amazing to hear her heartbeat increase as she move around!

On Sunday we went to our childbirth preparedness class through Isis Maternity. It was great to learn about the various options we had during delivery. I love knowing all my options so when the time presents itself I can make the best decision. It was also reassuring to learn it is never too late to ask for an epidural. We'll see how all that goes!

On Tuesday we went on the maternity unit tour at Newton Wellesley Hospital. It was great. The tour was presented as if you were coming to the hospital in labor. It is nice to know what to expect when the big day arrives. It was also great to listen to other peoples' questions and have an opportunity to make sure they have my admission paperwork on file. I"m not to concerned about the hospital part. I figure what will be will be.

The visiting hours for the hospital are 12:00pm to 2:00pm and 4:00-8:00pm.  They also offer a ton of free classes during the day for Joe, Madison, and I to take so we are prepared when we go home. I just hope I am up for being apart of them. My goal is to get plenty of rest while at the hospital so I can be ready to tackle the sleepless nights to come.

Four more weeks!  Can't wait! I'm so looking forward to meeting my little peanut!

Joe Assembling the Travel System

Ultrasound Update

The ultrasound went wonderful last Tuesday! Although she is measuring small she is not small! Rather she is a week ahead weighing in around 3 pounds 7 ounces. Of course she didn't cooperate once again with the measuring of her head or a photo shoot. She is definitely going to be stubborn like both her parents!

We also had another appointment since I've last written. Like usually I measured small but we got to listen to a wonderful heartbeat. I can definitely feel her twisting and turning in there! She's my busy little bee!

Joe and I are heading up to Portsmouth this weekend for a final mini-vacation before Madison's arrival. We've also scheduled massages for when we get back! Life as we know it is about to change and we're both trying to savor the last few weeks of sleeping in, taking off without a plan, and just having some uninterrupted time together. We are both excited for Madison to come but we know these are moments we will never return too.

We're both gearing up for the enjoyment and challenges of being parents. I keep reminding us both  that 1) You can't make or break a child in a day. 2) At the end of the day (or after a long night for that matter) all that matter is that you loved her and did your best! I will need to remind myself of this often as I learn the ropes! I have a feeling that our first outing will take us forever but I know that with patience things (like packing a diaper bag, moving the car seat to the stroller, nursing/feeding, relaxing, juggling) will come together becoming second nature!

.

10 Weeks to go!

I can not believe we are 30 weeks along! Time has flown by. Madison and I had a doctor's appointment on Friday and everything is looking great! She had a heartbeat of 140 and no  surprise is measuring small. Granted Joe and I are only 5'5" and I've only gained 12 pounds so she isn't going to be a huge baby. We are going for an ultrasound to check on her weight and measurements on Tuesday. I was so relieved to hear she is doing great after my gym episode on Sunday!


Bet you want to know what happened on Sunday?  Well.... In the morning I did my yoga video, napped, and went to the gym for my normal 4 mile inclined power walk. Thirty-five minutes in I became dizzy and had a pain in my lower tummy. After getting off the machine and sitting and drinking my water for 15 minutes I felt better and went to find Joe to do some weights. Well when I got home, my lower tummy was having some serious discomforts. Luckily after drinking some more water and taking Tylenol I finally felt better! Nothing like a scare to tell you to slow down. I took a week off the gym and thanks to my doctor's encouragement and reassurance went back today- still hitting my 4 miles and 450 calorie goal but at a slightly slower pace and while drinking a lot more water!. 


This week we are looking forward to the ultrasound and seeing our little busy bee for the last time before being able to hold her! I hope she gains a good amount of weight these last 10 weeks. I keep telling her to slow down and nap instead of being a busy bee all day. But I don't listen so why would I expect her to?  Lately she has been kicking and punching at the same time- My poor belly doesn't know which way it is being pulled!. 


Hopefully we'll have some great ultrasound pictures to share this week!

Madison's Room

Her crib and toy bins! Nicely stocked with baby toys thanks to Thomas and Abby!

Diaper Bag, Elmo (which brings me tons of entertainment now), and her "time out bench"/ Sheets and blanket storage.

Her beautiful dresser with changing pad!

Four full drawers of baby clothes sized three months to a year!

Supplies for the messes to come~

Hats, hair bows, bibs, and socks!

The baby book Joe just had to have!

My collection of diapers and wipes- as well as a bin full of shoes!

Car Seat, Stroller, and swing all boxed up ready to be put together!

Her toy bins- you can never teach organization too early!

Holy Moly!

So we just had our last one month doctor's appointment. The room minus a few decorative touches and a rug is basically done! Diapers have started to come in (love diapers.com). I filled out Madison's birth certificate and social security form! Holy Moly in three months she will be here!

My Aunt Beth and Uncle Mike sent over Abigail's old baby clothes and they are so adorable. Madison's drawers are completely full of clothes between the sizes 0-12 months. We also have bins that are storing the 12 months-2T sizes! Madison is going to be the best dressed baby with a lot of wardrobe options.

In news this week, My Mom and I went and bought Madison's Graco Stylus travel set and extra base for Joe's car. We bought it so early because I noticed it was on sale  ($20 off every $100 spent)! Major bonus! We also got her swing which was on clearance (another bonus). Madison moves so much that I think she'll love the motion of the swing!

Another great deal I have been taking advantage of is 30% cash back on diapers on the website diapers.com.  Here's how they roll:  You get 30% back on any diapers purchase to use on your next purchase. Furthermore, any order over $48  (before coupons and cash back from previous diaper purchases) has free shipping. They also have manufacturer's coupons already programmed in so all you have to do is click a button to get more money off. So I am on my third order now. I have purchased a 216 count of diapers and baby body wash for $35! What a deal! I am stocking up on Size 2, 3, 4, and 5. I have a feeling that size newborn and 1 won't last too long! Besides they don't expire so I can always use them down the road for Madison's sibling.

Clearly, I love to find deals. I am always out to beat the system and keep money in my own pocket no matter what I am doing. My parents have raised me to be the ultimate saver! I thrive on watching my bank account, mutual finds, and retirement fund grow grow grow! Although Joe thinks I'm a little nuts at times, we are able to live a great life and not sweat about finances! I hope I can pass this skill onto Madison. I do talk to her when I am reviewing her mutual fund portfolio. She also has a piggy bank (thanks Adam and Sarah) so I figure we are on the right track!

In more current news, today was my Doctor's appointment. Madison's heartbeat was in the 140's- nice and strong. Although I am starting to pop out a I  surprisingly didn't gain any weight since my last appointment. So to total my weight gain has been ten pounds, which I think is pretty reasonable for seven months. My doctor says everything is going great and not to worry about the weight.  As long as Madison and I are healthy giving good vitals things are "perfect".

I also took the glucose test- I gulped down the orange soda like a champ. It actually tasted pretty good. They will have those results for me at my next appointment, which is in two weeks. Now that I'm in my third trimester I am beginning my two week appointments which means Madison will be here before we know it.

I am looking forward to April and looking even more forward to when I can take her out and about with the stroller. Castle Island, Boston Common, Arboretum, Norwood Center here we come. I am also thrilled about returning to my cycle and weight class. Staying fit and healthy is so important to me that I am determined to find five hours to myself a week to hit the gym. Luckily Joe's home in the mornings and three days a week so it should be doable. I know it will be hard to leave Madison but I'll have to remember I am doing it for Madison. She deserves to have a healthy and happy Mom who can keep up with her!

14 Weeks to Go!

Madison is a busy little bee with me all day long. Thankfully she moves and kicks during the day and rests peacefully during the night. Let's see how long that lasts!

The bedding set came in the mail today! It is gorgeous! Bonus: it comes with only key pieces we need and it was on sale! Joe is busy working on putting up the letters in her room, shelves, name board, and picture frames! Room is just about fully decorated once we have everything up!

Also, we finally finished registering at Babies R Us for all the necessities! We are really focused on buying the necessities! Madison will only be a baby for such a limited time and we only have so much room. Well that's been all the happenings this past week! Not to much to report just getting more and more excited as time flies by!

I sing this to Madison whenever it's on the radio!

Little Miss done on love,
Little Miss I give up,
Little Miss I’ll get tough, don’t you worry ’bout me anymore

Little Miss checkered dress,
Little Miss one big mess,
Little Miss I’ll take less when I always knew so much more

It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright,
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose ’til ya win,
It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright,
It’ll be alright again, it’ll be alright again

I’m okay, It’ll be alright again, I’m okay (okay) It’ll be alright again, I’m okay

Little Miss do your best,
Little Miss never rest,
Little Miss, be my guest, I’ll make more anytime it runs out

Little Miss you’ll go far,
Little Miss hide your scars,
Little Miss who you are is so much more than you like to talk about

It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright,
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose ’til ya win,
It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright,
It’ll be alright again, it’ll be alright again,
I’m okay, It’ll be alright again, I’m okay (okay) It’ll be alright again, I’m okay

Hold on, hold on, you are loved, are loved

Little Miss brand new start,
Little Miss do your part,
Little Miss big ole heart beats wide open, she’s ready now for love

It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright,
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose ’til ya win,
It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright,
It’ll be alright again, it’ll be alright again
I’m okay, It’ll be alright again, I’m okay (okay) It’ll be alright again, I’m okay,
It’ll be alright again

15 Weeks and Counting

Joe and I are getting super super super excited!! We finally completed our registry (thanks to my Mom). Joe and I went to Babies R Us and after two hours left with a headache and a full registry! There are so gadgets and gizmos! We went to ensure what we order lasts us through more then one child. Don't worry there will be no number 2 anytime soon!

Thankfully my Mom went back to Babies R Us with me and helped me sort the necessities! Mom approved of the travel system, high chair, and swing Joe and I picked out! She is so excited for Madison and is going to make an excellent Nana! 

We have also decided to forgo the Baby Shower- since I hate being the center of attention anyway and February and March are such awful weather months! It will be wonderful to bring family and friends together when we have Madison's Christening during the nice weather so they have the opportunity to meet her! Since  after all we are more excited to meet her then see me 8 months pregnant with swollen feet!

Joe has been super busy painting Madison's letters for her room and working on her board. He already wants her to have the best of everything- He is going to be an amazing Dad! We'll both have our obstacles to overcome and adjust too but luckily we are a great team and fast learners. We have both learned not to sweat the small stuff but to enjoy the ride!