Why it works

This week, Jimmy and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary.  That's a long time, you know?  It means that we started dating five and a half years ago.  Five and three-quarters years ago, really, but who's keeping track?  It also means that we have put up with each other's shenanigans longer than anyone else probably would have, and that's enough reason to stick it out for another four years.  Or, heck, another 40 years.  ;)

I tried to think of concrete reasons that this thing, this marriage we have, works as well as it does, but it's a tough list to compile.  Anyone who's been there knows it's as much about what you can define as what you can't.  But, here's a sampling of reasons (from just this past week) about why it works:

It works because:  He builds me things, like the pergola, complete with furniture now.  I mean, I love this!  I'm so glad there's a fall season here and we'll be able to enjoy it a few weeks longer. 

It works because:  He buys me flowers, even when I tell him not to, because he knows I really still want them. 

It works because:  I like to cook, and we like to eat.  He is always more than willing to help in the kitchen, because the end result is yummy food in his belly.  (Usually it's yummy.  Sometimes I strike out.)  Tonight's dinner was a perfect example -- chicken tacos.  And yes, they're fried. 

It works because:  Our families love and support us.  And they get our goofiness.  We got lots of phone calls and cards for our anniversary, and it means the world that we were remembered.  These two cards came from my Nana (left) and my Uncle Jack and Aunt Evelyn (right).  Notice anything similar?  No, this wasn't planned.  They just have the same level of goofiness to send us cards that have dogs (because we are serious dog lovers) and bulldogs at that (because their smooshed faces are so adorable).  How random is it that, when choosing cards to mail, Jack and Evelyn and Nana chose such similar cards?  They totally get us. 

 

It works because:  He still thinks I'm cute as a button, even when I feel like an old cardboard box that's been overstuffed.  And I'm tired and I eat seven times a day.  Exhibit A:

(If you watch closely, the picture will grow along with me.  Or maybe that's just in my head?)

But mostly, it works because we... well, I don't know.  That must be one of those indefinable things. 

Buiding Up, Growing Out

What a great weekend around here!

1.  Jimmy and friend Jason built -- from the ground up -- a pergola for the back yard.  It looks amazing, if you ask me.  I'm serious, this did not come out of a kit, or from a book.  The boys just built it.  Of course, Jimmy's had the idea for a while, and had rough measurements, but otherwise, this is a very unique and impressive Saturday project.  Start to finish in a little over 5 hours. 

Don't worry, Beth and I weren't bothering them at all -- we went antiquing and got back just in time to tell them one of the posts was crooked.  Like, really crooked.  That was fixed in a matter of minutes, and we have this beautiful pergola to show for it.  Our patio furniture looks so good under it, but I didn't get a picture :(

2.  Jason and Beth brought Diesel over.  I think Addie has a bit of a crush on him, and I can't blame her.  I mean, look at that face.  He's so dreamy :)

They played for hours, napped, and played some more while we grilled out and roasted marshmallows (really).  As a result, Addie was in the following position and location for the majority of her Sunday:   

  She woke not for treats, nor food, nor a visit to the back yard... No, at a time like this, there is only one thing interesting and desirable enough to rouse this lazy dog...

3.  Wanna go for a WALK? 

Yes! Yes I do want to walk!! :)

4.  I'm 16 weeks along, and another week means another photo of my growing belly.  It's come to a crucial point -- I have to buy new pants this week.  This is happening fast now, and I curse myself for thinking I wasn't showing enough before now.  If I focus, I can actually feel and see my belly expanding.  Buttoning any pants I own is just a distant memory.

(tiny violin plays in background)

Alas, here is my amazing growing midsection, for those who care to see it. 

So, what do you think?  I feel like we made pretty good use of our two days off.  Even caught a quick nap during the football lull today.  Not too shabby.

Homesick Texan

So happy that this has happened:

Lisa Fain, the Homesick Texan, has released a cookbook as of today!  I can commiserate with her plight -- she's a Texas girl, displaced to the Northeast, who cooks to remember her home.  I have personally tried and tested many of her recipes from her blog, and have never been disappointed.  (On a pregnancy note, I think I need to wait until the fetus arrives before I try her Carne Guisada again.  It was delightfully delicious and you should cook it as soon as you can, but I don't currently have the stomach for it.) 

I'll add this to my bookshelf just as soon as it arrives.  Nana, your cookbook is next, right? ;)

Find the Homesick Texan blog at www.homesicktexan.blogspot.com for recipes, narratives, and more. 

PS -- Not that it probably matters, but the Homesick Texan has never heard of me.  Ever.   

Growing

15 weeks -- and starting to show it.  I considered taking a belly picture a week ago, but I didn't think it looked like anything worth photographing.  Now, seeing this picture, I feel like I've been fooling myself. 

And it's not just my belly -- everything seems to be growing (ugh)!  Except my clothing, of course, and that's been an issue.  I don't think I'm quite ready for maternity clothes -- especially since I always assumed maternity clothing would be cheap.  I mean, you only wear it for a few months, right?  Wrong.  No price cut for mommas-to-be.  So, I'll continue to wrap a hair tie through the button hole of my jeans to make them fit.  That should get me through a little longer.

Other things that are NOT growing:  my time between bathroom visits, feet (no swelling - yet!), my wearable closet, and my energy levels.  Pretty much everything else -- getting bigger.   

And then there were three... Or two-and-a-half, I guess.

Well here's what started this whole shebang!  I'm currently 14 weeks along, fetus in tow.  My mom hates that we call it fetus, but that's exactly what it is right now.  She'll get over it soon enough. 

I don't intend for this blog to be an online scrapbook of my pregnancy, but expect to see plenty about it, including growing belly photos (maybe).  I'll spare you the gritty details, of course.  You're welcome. 

Family and friends, please subscribe to and follow the blog -- and I hope you'll write back and comment, too, as long as you don't judge us too harshly.  If you do, I'll face scramble you.  Try me.  If you don't know what a face scramble is, then I will show you later.  Just remind me.