edwards

Dear Lucy,

2011-02-01T10:43:00.010-06:00

Happy Birthday!

"Hi Bubba" was the first thing you heard the day you were born. Your dad said it & I'm sorry, it stuck. Bubs, Lulu, Princy, Bieber (morning hair), Lucelia (Mexican nights) are some others.

You have been such a good baby. From the start you ate & slept like a champ. You were sleeping through the night at 2 months old. To this day, you like to get your 11 hrs in. You are so happy and I am always getting compliments about how cute & happy you are.

We love you so much Bubba Lu!

xxooxx,

mom & dad

New Year

2011-01-03T13:18:00.008-06:00

A year later...

Excuses for not blogging include the overwhelming feeling of 'where to start', I am not a good writer, too much to do...etc, etc. I feel sad I let a year, a very important year, pass by.

No longer will I let excuses get in the way of our family journal. I want Lucy to go back and read these posts years from now (hopefully the website does not expire).

Year in Review:

February 1st - Luceille Margaret is born @ 5pm weighing 6lbs, 15oz. A spitting image of her father - the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
March - spent the month home with Lucy - a lot of time at the mall and Target :)
April - Lucy started daycare. This was a hard adjustment but up to this day we don't regret our decision. She really enjoys it.
May - Lucy & I fly to Florida to visit G&G.
June - Grandpa Gary & Grandma Leanne drive up from Indy to meet Lucy.
July - Trip to MI for a wedding. Grandma B drives back with us to spend the week. Also spent a night in Chicago - Half Marathon.
August - Back to MI to stay at Aunt Sarah's while dad & I took a golf trip to Boyne for our Anniversary.
September - Drove to Minneapolis to stay with friends - Mall of America! Flew to AZ for Aunt Lucy's memorial.
October - Very busy crawling! No trips.
November - Flew to MI for Aunt Sarah's baby shower.
December - Drove to Indy to meet Grandma Sharon.

It has been so much fun watching Lucy learn and grow. We make it a point to enjoy every moment because we know how quickly they do grow up.

11 months later..

Until next time....

38 Weeks

2010-01-19T15:15:00.022-06:00

Thought I better get a post in before baby!

Room is ready...

I'm SO ready...

I don't think Scoot is...

And Brian..he's been surprising cool as a cucumber - he'll make a great coach as long as he does what I say.

Overall, pregnancy has been great - I could do without the swollen feet, hands, hot flashes, tossing and turning, etc, etc. But we're almost there..stay tuned!!

Fall Update

2009-11-12T10:13:00.014-06:00

We've had some awesome weather!

Brian & Scoot took a trip to South Dakota with his buddy Chris and dog Drake. She did awesome & made papa proud.

I've been trying to get Lucy's nursery ready - it's been so much fun.
Heading to MI this weekend for my shower - so excited to see friends and family. My parents fly in today. Can't believe I'm going into my 3rd trimester, time does fly. I have been feeling great and hope I can say the same on the next post!!

I know, all these pics are of the dog but it's her time to shine! Soon enough she will be on the back burner..sorry Scoot.

This was just this morning on Lake Winnebago.

20 Week Update

2009-09-20T12:52:00.016-05:00

Scoot left for training Thursday for 5 weeks. I'll admit, it was bitter sweet. I cried when she left but then once I began to think about all the things I can get done while she's gone, I felt some guilty excitement.
She is learning to be a duck retrieving machine.
Her first trip is late October with Brian to South Dakota - she's going to love it!

On the prego front, I'm just over 20 weeks. The biggest challenge these days is finding something to wear & the energy to exercise!! Otherwise, the baby is doing great and right on schedule, we couldn't ask for a better pregnancy.

Here are Brian & I as babies. It's hard to say what ours will look like but one thing is for sure, there will be no shortage of rolls...

Attn Moms - what are some of your fav baby things??

Good Bye 1st Tri

2009-07-31T14:23:00.021-05:00

That was the longest 3 months of my life. Not really but when you're counting down for something time seems to move sloooow. We found out I was pregnant on June 8th. Right after the "+", Brian said, you better go get a blood test to confirm. When I called for those results, the lady said "it's definitely positive".

By then I was 6 weeks and had no symptoms. I don't remember exactly when the nauseaus-ness all began but it wasn't long after - it was morning, noon & night. I always thought morning sickness was wake up, puke, and go about your day...I wish it was.

Now into week 15, I feel a lot better. According to "What to Expect..." a symptom in month 4 is:
Continued Absentmindness

(Brian strongly agrees I have this symptom, I don't think I do)

I'm no longer able to comfortably button my pants. A part of me wishes I was one of those women who are happy to surrender their bodies to the baby growing inside, but unfortunately I'm not. The weight gain has me nervous. I'm still running 2-3 times a week but my eating habits have changed drastically. I have lost all control!

We have our next ultra sound 9/10 & if baby cooperates we'll find out the sex, I can't wait!!

Here I am at 15 weeks, I haven't been on the scale in awhile but I'd say I've gained close to 10...we'll see next week at the dr...stay tuned!!
Due Date 2-05-10
Jeeze that seems like a long ways away.

New Ticker

2009-07-14T20:31:00.002-05:00

I had to change ticker...please see above.
Maybe next year Chicago cause we're having a baby!

1st Camp Trip

2009-07-12T17:51:00.011-05:00

Over the 4th we headed up to Eagle River to camp. This was both Scoot & my first real camp experience. I'll admit I was a little nervous.

We pulled in Saturday afternoon stayed until Monday. I was surprised that the campsites were so close to each other but that was nice because we felt comfortable leaving our stuff while we were gone. On both the right and left of us were professional campers with their bagos and all. We just had our tent and boat. It ended up being very relaxing and Scoot loved being outside all day. We were afraid she might go a little nut-so during the fireworks but as you can see below they didn't keep her up.

Thanks for bringing your night vision contacts Scoot.

Trip to Indy

2009-06-13T20:44:00.011-05:00

This last weekend we took a trip down to Indy (Brian's hometown) to see his Aunt Lucy & Mary who had flown in from AZ.
Lucy turns 91 this month and is as sharp as a tack. She is absolutely amazing.

Aunt Lucy & Lila

Little Lila & Brian's Mom

Lexi & her tiny wheelbarrow

Jackson LOVES his 4-wheeler

It was a lot for Scoot-ster to handle but she did make a new friend...Penny

The Edwards Homestead

2009-06-03T21:52:00.024-05:00

I know, I know....finally.

Front

BackScoot took an eye from my snail!Kitchen with Laundry/Mud in backgroundKitchen into Dining

Dining

Kitchen into Living Room

Living Room

Kitchen from LRMaster Bath

1/2 Finished Basement

We have 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.

Lots of room...we love it here!

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-30T19:58:00.016-05:00

We had a great weekend.

Mom & Dad flew up from Florida to Detroit, picked up Sarah & Mitch in Lansing then met Sam & Kacie in Michigan City. They all made the trip up to Neenah in the family truckster.
It was so fun to have everyone at our new house!
Saturday we did the "Sam I Am" run for a little boy with cancer. Sam & I did a 5 mile & the rest did the 2.5 mile run/walk (minus Brian, Sarah & Scoot).

I LOVE this picture.
Scoot is a kid magnet.
"is that Marley??" We can't go a day without that question.
We're going to start saying "yes, & you can get your picture with her for $10!"

Sam's first race!!

This was some old man's car in the parking lot...SICK!!

Brian took the guys out on Lake Winnebago.
Came home with 4 Walleye...
Good times...Great memories

Pup

2009-05-10T16:06:00.005-05:00

This is our new pup Scoot.
She LOVES to sleep & always has those "puppy eyes" like she's been out all night.
Her favorite food is mulch and favorite toy is your pant leg & the rug, so glad we bought all those toys!!

Runs...

2009-04-19T14:53:00.014-05:00

Goal = Sign up for Races
If I register, I'm committed.
These races keep me running, otherwise, it's all too easy not to.
When I do these, my only focus is to run the whole thing.
I don't care what my time is, just as long as I don't walk!!
It boggles my mind people pay to run but it's always for a good cause.

"Run for Home" 5K
April 4, 2009
29:48:72

Navarino Trail Run, 15K
April 18, 2009
1:44:30
This one kicked my ass. I was not ready for 9.3 miles of sandy, hilly, trail running. It was a beautiful run, just wish I could have turned my head to enjoy it but I all I wanted was to be done!!

Upcoming races:
Sole Burner: 5/9/09
"Sam I Am" run for a cure: 5/23/09
Chicago 1/2 Marathon: 9/13/09

Thank you to my husband who's always waiting for me at the finish line - I love you!

New Home

2009-02-24T11:29:00.003-06:00

About a month ago Brian was out of town & I went to an open house at the log home we had just about purchased but had to back out of because of the well issue. We had never met the listing agent so he didn't know who I was. I couldn't believe how many people were there. Of the 30+ open houses we've been to, 99% of the time we're the only ones there.

I was so upset. I felt like these people were walking through our house. I got in the car, called Brian and cried. I really couldn't believe how upset I was.

I headed to open house #2 and was over the log home REAL quick. I loved this house. Brian went through when he got home on Monday, we put an offer in Monday night and closed this past Friday. We've been cleaning and painting the last few days. The home is 9 years old so there's not a lot we need to do but enough to make it a fun project.
I'll post pictures when we're in!

Sarasota

2009-01-15T19:38:00.020-06:00

Had a great trip to Florida to visit my mom & dad. It was all too quick though. The trip home I went from 77 degrees to 7 in a matter of 12 hours.
My mom had just bought a new digital camera so we were really getting into

seeing who could take the "shot of the day".
I do have to give her credit for some
of the shots below, nice work momma.

"Unconditional Surrender"

Farmers Market

This is an injured owl that was rescued and exhibited at the local art fair.

We went to Thunder by the Bay Festival, an annual
motorcycle event and fundraiser.
The Budweiser Clydesdales were beautiful & huge.

Wings at the beach, chicken wings that is.

Foggy morning jog
(we ran just long enough for paw to get the shot)

Thanks mom & dad for a great trip.
Love you!

Blog Cabin

2009-01-08T14:37:00.002-06:00

I've been counting the days until I could post photos of our new log home but unfortunately that isn't going to happen. Our offer was accepted pending septic/well inspection. Septic, a-ok, the well is not on the property.

The original owner ran out of funds while building the home and sold a part of the lot to the neighbors. That parcel had a small out building on it. Inside the building is what would have been our well. We had an estimate done to re-drill on our property and it came back at $16k. The bank (owner of the home) wouldn't budge. Maybe in 6 months they will, who knows.

The search continues....

Terrarium

2008-12-28T18:28:00.007-06:00

During the winter when things get a little blah, I need some green; some life in the house.

Brian got this little guy for me for Christmas.

I love it & hope I can keep 'er alive.

Cover

2008-12-02T21:33:00.003-06:00

Please call x8383 for your promotional needs!

Update

2008-11-22T08:34:00.009-06:00

Had a hard time finding something post-worthy
but thought I'd better update.

During the month of November, I ran a couple 5K's, Brian's been traveling a lot for work and we've been busy house hunting.
I didn't think finding a house would be so difficult and frustrating, especially in this market...patience is not my strongest virtue.
This lady is 88 & runs every race possible in the Fox Valley, inspiring.

We spent a weekend in Milwaukee and went to the Museum to see the Titanic Exhibition. They had an amazing butterfly vivarium with this huge corpse flower.

frightful...

2008-10-26T18:07:00.007-05:00

I didn't know Brian was so into Halloween...

Just kidding.
This is a house down the road and I wish I could have taken better shots but I didn't want them to see me.
Can you image what the inside of the house is like!!
I'm looking forward to the Thanksgiving and Christmas displays!
(be sure to click on the pic to view larger)

few of my favs...

2008-10-23T21:39:00.020-05:00

homework #2...

2008-10-21T20:50:00.011-05:00

Brian & I went horseback riding up north in Door County this weekend and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take some great photos. It was beautiful but I didn't expect to be wearing an orange vest and riding a one-eyed horse. I didn't have the chance to spend the time needed for good shots this week - both were taken in my backyard.

homework...

2008-10-13T21:38:00.017-05:00

Last Wednesday was my first of three photography classes. It's held at the local Community Center and there's a total of 6 people in it and I'm the youngest if that's saying much. But..

the instructor's goal:
To get everyone off AUTO...perfect.
(most photos are from my weekend trip to Chicago)

Packer Backer

2008-10-06T19:45:00.011-05:00

I never realized how serious Packer's fans were until I moved to
Wisconsin -it's cult-like.
Brian's hunting buddy Mike & his wife gave us tickets to Sunday's game against Atlanta for our wedding. Mike & Kari share the tickets with four other family members making it was an extremely generous gift.

To get tickets is nearly impossible unless the holder, as bad as it sounds, dies and there are no next of kin who wish to carry on the tradition. When we sat down, the guy next to Brian looks at us and says, "are you Gloudemans?", as if we stole the tickets.

The best part was walking around the parking lot before the game, people watching at it's finest...

Note the set up in the background.

No, he's not on the team.

It's official, we're cheeseheads.

Edwards Family

2008-09-28T14:42:00.005-05:00

Brian's brothers family - Three under Three!
Mike, Michelle, Jackson, Alexis & Lila

Half #2

2008-09-21T14:34:00.010-05:00

I remember back in March after doing the Sarasota Half
Marathon I said:
"I'm never doing that again." But I'm glad I did.
I beat my first time by about 30 minutes.
I wish you could have been here mom!

Honeymoon

2008-09-07T08:01:00.012-05:00

Excellence Riviera Cancun

The view from our room was paradise!

Everything was amazing!
Let's just say it was VERY difficult to come home.

Wedding Day Photographs

2008-09-01T14:34:00.027-05:00

I'M GETTING MARRIED IN 16 DAYS!!!

2008-08-07T20:19:00.000-05:00

I've really put the blogging on the backburner but stay tuned - I'll finally have something to blog about!

Trip to Michigan

2008-07-13T10:28:00.000-05:00

I was so glad I finally got to see Kennedy & Owen - they are such good babies and I can't forget Livvy's new baby, Dutch - he's the one getting his ear yanked by Kennedy.

Crystal's horse Ruby is beautiful. Horses scare & fascinated me at the same time.

Father's Day

2008-06-16T19:58:00.000-05:00

I love my dad.

Looking back now, raising two daughters probably wasn't always as easy as my dad made it seem. Always so supportive, fun and positive. Paw was always there for us even if his answer was "go
ask your mother" and we heard that A LOT.
My Dad didn't miss one of my games even if it was over an hour away, those couldn't have been fun but it meant so much to me that he was there.
My dad has also added to my vocabulary:
Stuffster - Secretory Stuff - Geejawed
and phases such as:
Vein Cleaner & Poop your Fur
and his favorite answer to any question:
"down the basement, in back of stuff"

He makes me laugh, he's my dad & I love him.

Molly-Whopper

2008-06-16T19:07:00.000-05:00

My walleye puts this one to shame...

2008-06-04T20:39:00.000-05:00

I finally got my first walleye - slippery!

Walleye

2008-05-24T09:21:00.001-05:00

Brian caught the first of hopefully many Walleyes this Summer

Mother's Day

2008-05-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

As you can see above, my mom is a beautiful woman - it is the inside you cannot see in a photograph.
I have nothing but fun, positive memories with my mom. She is the hardest working woman I know - taking many risks in her life. The biggest starting her own business that was not only successful but extremely demanding and not once did I feel that her family was not number one in her life.

My mom always made me feel important, and most importantly, she was always on my side.
I have wonderful memories of spending time at the cottage that she and my dad worked so hard for to the wonderful family vacations.

I admire my mom, she is an inspiration. Her awesome sense of humor & outlook on life has made me who I am.
Today, her and my dad are celebrating all their hard work in Florida.
They have earned it, and even though I miss them dearly, I am so happy for them.
I love you mom, Happy Mother's Day.

Brian in California

2008-05-05T20:52:00.001-05:00

When Brian goes away on business he worries that I won't eat.
Well check out this fancy dinner I made tonight.
Triscuit topped with Garden Herb Cream Cheese & Roma Tomatoes.
This is going to be a long week of slavin' in the kitchen.

Woody

2008-05-05T19:52:00.000-05:00

My favorite duck - the wood duck.

This guy flies in every now and then.

Sprout

2008-04-30T19:44:00.000-05:00

We have a sprouter!

It's pretty much impossible to have a garden when you're renting so we've decided to do a "potted" garden.
The seeds have been germinating for a couple weeks and Brian's building flower boxes so we can eventually move them to the front deck.
I can't wait for fresh veggies!

It's Lonely At The Top

2008-04-24T20:29:00.000-05:00

Brian & I thought joining a bowling league would be a good way to meet some couples in our new town. I've never seen Brian so nervous our first night. He was freaking out watching what he thought to be our league practicing before I got there from work - thank god it wasn't or we would have had to call it quits right there. 300 material.

Instead, our league was made of 5 couples - couples you have to see to believe. My favorite was Sharon & Dave, they would kiss after every ball they rolled. These people were serious - own balls, own shoes, towels & rosin bags. Brian & I had practiced up for the league weeks before and found our favorite House Ball. Mine ironically was named "Brian" and I would rush to find it every league night hoping that no one else had found the mother of all House Balls. Brian had a couple he could roll. His first was "Chuck" then there was "HR".

Mid league we broke down and bought balls. Brian was set on spinning. I was fine with "Brian". I couldn't even bowl 100 with my new ball so I ran back to "Brian". Each week we would somehow find ourselves in first. Dave said to Brian "and you use lane shoes!" We have to give the win credit to our extrememly high handicaps we aquired the first night.

The last night we had our pizza party and walked out with these beautiful trophies & $20. I told Brian I felt bad because this whole league was sort of a joke to us and we took it from the serious bowlers - Dave & Sharon were really upset and didn't even say goodbye. We will not be returning to the Spring Couples League.

View

2008-04-15T19:30:00.000-05:00

Even though the bridge is our neighboor, we enjoy some awesome sunsets.

High Cliff Park

2008-04-05T14:56:00.000-05:00

Our first day out of hibernation at a beautiful State Park on Lake Winnebago. Spring is finally here!

Tonight's Dinner

2008-04-04T21:51:00.000-05:00

Peppercorn Chicken on a bed of Wild Rice with Grilled Asparagus. Another one of Brian's Top Chef quality meals.We dedicate this dinner to Heather.

Family

2008-03-09T21:58:00.000-05:00

Brian & I were engaged on Dec 21st on a ski trip up north. We are planning a small wedding this August in Michigan.

Keep on Keepin' on

2008-03-04T20:05:00.000-06:00

March 2, 2008

We did it mom! We finished the Sarasota Half Marathon!

Barb 2:52:16
Kate 2:53:04