Parents Smoke Free for 1 Year

 I was lucky enough to grow up with some of the best parents ever.  They were/are very understanding, patient, loving, encouraging, and just great people in general.  Their only downfall - they smoked!

My parents were smokers for over 30 years.  No matter how much my brother and I (or other family/friends for that matter) pestered or pleaded, they smoked. When they moved to their new house, they were still smokers, but they started smoking in the garage. 

In December 2009, my Dad retired from his job (so he was no longer smoking on his route).  They both, at this time, weren't smoking as much as they used to, but nonetheless, they were still smoking.

In June 2010, they came out to see us as I was having a baby girl - they stayed with us and helped me through the first 10 or so days of being a Mommy to two kiddos.  Still smoking, still outside (garage).

However, when they left, they took an unexpected gift with them - illness.  My husband had been sick right when I had Quinnie, and my Mom got pneumonia when she got back to Nebraska.  She ended up in the hospital.  Many complications later, she made it through.  The doctor told her she really needed to quit.  But she wasn't quite ready yet.  She and my Dad both got prescriptions to Chantix (see here).  Luckily, it worked for both of them. 

So here is to my amazing parents who continue to be understanding, patient, loving, encouraging, and just great people in general!  One year smoke free and many more years to come!  Love you both!

Count down - 2 days

Can't believe that there are only two days left before our lives get turned upside down again! Really looking forward to welcoming my daughter into this world and just pray that things go well for both of us!

Been getting a little frustrated with some people feeling the need to put their two cents in about breast-feeding. No matter what a mother chooses, she will be making the right decision for her and her baby! I just wish all mothers could be supportive of each other instead of critical of each other.

It will be sort of strange to teach until 9pm tomorrow night and then go home to get up and be at the hospital at 6:30. Students will need to be understanding that I may not get to their emails right away this weekend :)

Have really enjoyed how much O. has grown up lately - wanting to do a lot more himself, cleaning up his dishes, and he wants to help Mommy with housework and I try to let him do what I think he can.

Hope my parents have a safe trip out!

Mind over body

As I am now at right at 3 weeks until baby girl arrives, I have so much that I still want to get done, but my body just isn't wanting to cooperate with me! I am getting tired of standing after about an hour and my feet are just beginning to swell :(

All the big things are put together in her room (crib, dresser)- need to get it organized so that we are ready when we bring her home. In addiont, we need to get the guest room organized so my parents have a place to sleep and not get hurt (Mom!!) getting around what we have kept in there while trying to get everything else organized!

Had some of B's friends over for a cookout tonight - not quite as many showed up as I thought would so we have a lot of leftover food. At least having people over was great movivation to get some things done around here.

Still need to get some sleepers, diapers, and formula right now. I don't know what size to expect yet as I believe O. was definitely an exception to the rule when it came to his growth rate!

Now, just hoping now that baby girl is willing to wait until June 11th for her appearance!