FOR I AM FERNICUS

Good-bye Cruel World

2006-09-21T10:31:00.000-05:00

So I'm shutting down this blog, or at least not posting on it anymore. Try not to be too disappointed. I've given this alot of thought. I've noticed as of late the singular nature of my blog and I didn't like it. Everything I do revolves around my family--immediate and extended. I didn't like the idea of a blog JUST ABOUT ME. It has to do with having the right priorities in life and working forward. Basically, Tyler and I are starting a new blog. We're both going to post on it about what's going on and (if the world hasn't come to an end by then) someday our kids can post on there too, you get the idea.
So in that light you can check out our new family blog,
The Thompson Tribune.

Oh what a night...again

2006-09-13T10:21:00.000-05:00

Mack got up last night at 12am and 4:30am. Now, 4:30 is just too late for him to eat usually because he eats and then won't go back to sleep. Tyler and I fought with him until a little after 5 when I finally caved in and fed him (You can save all your "the baby should eat when he's hungry" crud. He's a baby. He doesn't even notice when he's pooping! Plus, trust me, this boy eats PLENTY.) After he ate I couldn't get back to sleep so I was up window shopping online for a while until 6 then decided to try my luck with Mr. Sandman. Nope, no luck. I was up until my alarm went off at 7:10. Mack was still asleep and since he'd been up so much I decided to let him keep sleeping and FINALLY fell asleep myself, and slept til 9:30! Ty says Mack didn't even notice I was gone when he woke up at 7:30. He just had daddy time til I was awake. How considerate!? What a night. Plus, I have this HORRIBLE pain in both my knees. I don't know if it's the humidity, the cement floors or the pregnancy hormones still wearing off but it kills. Does anyone have any possible insight as too the origin of my mysterious pain? Help?

Back With A Vengence

2006-09-10T12:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't been able to post any pictures for a couple of days...So now I'm going to make up for lost time! HOORRAH!

Here is Mack in his 12 month OshKosh Pj's that my mom and Karly picked out for him before he was born. They're made of fleece and He feels super cuddly in them. Especially in the middle of the night when he gets up to eat.
This is the military detail at the Nuevo Leon state border. Yes, there's another truck across the street, and they both have machine guns.
Mack and I outside the Catedral Metropolitana in down-town Monterrey. We're actually across the street from it, in the Gran Plaza. Like all Cathedrals, this one took an obscene amount of time to build, but I have to say the inside was not as impressive as I had hoped it'd be. I mean it just didn't seem very Catholic. It was somewhat plain, with bare walls and the like. However, the outside was very nice.
Here is Tyler on the phone with me before I came down. He's in our back patio. Ahh.

Mack: because he's cute.

Besides taking pictures...We went to Parque Fundidora yesterday (sorry no photos only video). It used to be a steel factory complex, but is now a very large park with several art galleries and theaters, a convention center, a Formula 1 racetrack, an indoor ice-rink and a bunch of other "cultural stuff". The art galleries are free so of course we checked those out. It had a collection of very bright modern art which at first seemed very nice. BUT after a closer look you realised that every single painting was extremely morbid. Sad, because I think the artist is very talented and could have really lifted people's spirits had he wanted to. I can't remember his name right now, but apparently he left Cuba in 1991 and is "world renowned".
Today was Stake Conference. Great because our Stake Center is right next to the Temple and it's nice to see so many members in one place. Not great because--HELLO--I don't speak Spanish, making church very exhausting and giving Tyler a headache from having to translate everything for so long. Plus I had to go out to the car for the last 20 minutes (it's 94* here) because there was no place inside for me to nurse Mack in private. Lately Mack has become very social and hates to be covered up when he eats. He'd much rather YANK the blanket off and look up every 30 seconds or so to see what everyone else is doing. Fun for me! As far as the rest of the day goes, life should be good. Tyler is in his own personal version of heaven with all the NFL games on today. GO SEAHAWKS!

If I've Said it Once...

2006-09-06T15:21:00.000-05:00

I hate money. Obviously Tyler's school here does too because they're making it as difficult as they possibly can for us to get any. I'm talking about student loans here. All the important stuff in life is going well, but the little things--like a car you can depend on NOT overheating with your baby in the back seat--that stuff could be going better. But we've still got each other (cheesy). Mack is extra fussy this afternoon for some reason. Tyler and I are just taking this whole financial crisis one step at a time. Luckily we can survive quite happily on rice, beans, cilantro and the soup base we brought with us from my mom's food storage. Still no regrets here about moving to Monterrey. We're looking forward to being able to see more of it once we can get around again. Taking it one deep breath at a time.

Tacos For Sale

2006-08-31T13:28:00.000-05:00

There are two little places in our neighborhood we love. One is a little store that sells the BEST homemade tortillas and delicious green apple soda. The shop is run by this little old lady who absolutely adores Mack (of course). The other place is a taco stand. I don't know if it counts as a stand because its actually permanent. It's basically a large outdoor stove with a counter you can eat at. The lady there is also very nice. She sells chicken, pork, and carne asada tacos (with homemade tortillas) for about 5 pesos a piece--which is less than $0.50! As Kerin would say... "DELISH!"
In fact, Tyler is out picking up some of those (now) famous tacos as I write. We're all out of bread and milk a bunch of other staple food stuffs, we'd go to the store and pick them up but we were planing on being in Texas today to deposit our loan check ect. Unfortunately we had a little car trouble yesterday. Something is wrong with one of the fans or the radiator or something because it keeps overheating. A mechanic recommended by some one in our ward is on his way over right now to check things out.
The most important thing to happen yesterday is that Mack had his first taste of rice cereal. HE LOVED IT! I made up about a tsp with water and he couldn't get enough of it! After the first bite he practically lunged at the spoon, and when it was all gone and put the bowl on the table he got angry with me! It was too cute! Later today Ty is going to give him some more and we'll probably stick with just the cereal for a couple weeks before we try veggies next. It's all very exciting!

VENTURE TO THE CITY OF THE MOUNTAINS

2006-08-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

"The capital of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey rests in a valley surrounded by the jagged Sierra Madre mountain range. The distinctive Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain) provides a dramatic backdrop for a city that blends the old and new, industry and style, tradition and efficiency. The downtown area features magnificent plazas and gardens highlighted by a pedestrian mall to the west and a historical district to the east.
In December 1999, Fortune Magazine touted Monterrey as "the best place to do business in Latin America." That is why many domestic and international corporations are located here, making for excellent internship opportunities.
Located in northeastern Mexico, only 174 miles south from the Texas border, Monterrey is the third largest city in the country. Even with its large population, it is one of the safest cities in Mexico.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Population: 3 million
Weather: Hot summers (28*-35*C/ 82* -95*F ) and cool winters"
--Study in Mexico

We ALL Made it!! (thanks Dad)

2006-08-25T20:37:00.000-05:00

First: Finish reading The Jill Carroll Story. Some people have told me they were confused at the sight. You go over the right and start at the begining. After that, check out THIS. Trust me. It will make you smile.
Now that that's out of the way... Yep! I'm in Mexico! Things here are very very different. Somethings are worse (ie: the slums on the hill) and some things are better (ie: our Wal-Mart and Soriana). Soriana is this AMAZing grocery type store. Their bakery/pastery section is unbelieveable. Plus they have all these novel (to me at least) types of produce--such as an entire section devoted to different kinds of peppers. I could go on and on about Soriana's (they sell a TON of gouda by the way). Our Wal-Mart blows any stateside Wal-Mart out of the water because of one simple fact and that is that they MAKE handmade (is that redundant) tortillas right there were you can see them do it! Flour and corn, it just depends when you're there. Personally, I love the flour ones. I still haven't found someone who will bring toritillas to our house but I haven't given up yet either. I know they're out there somewhere.
Speaking of our house... It's ridiculously ugly. So ugly that it's cute. In an ugly little man sort of way. Where to start? Our entire place is tiled--tile which is of course, ugly, and flows seamlessly out our front door to where we park our car. Inside there are oh-so-lovely peach curtains on everyone of our large, barred windows. I worried at first about what we would do if there was a fire with our windows being barred and all. But then Ty reminded me that the entire place is built of cinderblocks and each room also has a door leading outside. We have a living room complete with futon, a dining room with a table, eight chairs, and a china cabinet (oh yeah, there's china in it). The kitchen has no windows, a tiny fridge and gas stove that must be lite with matches. I admit I was nervous at first, but I've gotten the hang of it. We have a closet that is shaped as if it were under some stairs (there are no stairs). This closet is tiled and has a towel rack, a soap dish and a toilet-paper-holder-thing. Fun. Our actual bathroom has a gate on the outside of the door that slides along the hallway to either open or close (this all sounds crazy). In all, our home lacks no character, only carpet.
I like living here. Today, Tyler, Mack and I took ourselves on a walking tour of downtown Monterrey and checked out a large Mall nearby (to get out of the heat). Peanut Butter is expensive here and they don't sell plain Amonia (for cleaning). The roads are confusing at first and everywhere we go people ooh and ahh over little Mackers, who takes it all in stride. He doesn't seem to mind the heat one bit and continues to be very laid back, just like his dad. Instead of eating this morning he decided to tell me a story. He's learning new sounds and wishes he could crawl. I think he might be bored with his bouncy chair and we're considering getting him a good ol' fashioned walker (deemed too dangerous in the States, but they sell a bunch down here). I don't know if this post has made any sense, but I'm sure it will all become more clear in the coming weeks. We've been so busy lately. I'll be sure to post some more pictures soon.

To hold over anyone who happens to look at this ol' blog of mine...Here is the picture that first enticed Tyler to check this place out.

I Don't Have the Time

2006-08-17T10:33:00.000-05:00

I don't have much time (I have so much left to pack! It's that little clutter stuff left when everything big is gone that leaves me scratching my head.), but I have been following along with this story and I think people should check it out. Jill Carroll Story
Tyler is having quite the adventure in Mexico! He's had two run-ins with local "law enforcement" and has managed to find us a place to live. That's all I have time to write right now. Have a GREAT day everyone and my next post will be from Monterrey!

Hee-Bee-Jee-Bees

2006-08-07T23:54:00.000-05:00

There are good hebejebes and bad hebejebes.
Last night we were all sitting around the fire out back roasting s'mores when i noticed a big fat spider crawling across my stomach. I had a freak out and brushed it off (I thought). A few weconds later I felt a tickle inside my shirt and looked down to see the same big fat spider crawling around in my bra!! I freaked out and tore off my top shirt so that I could get to the spider easier as I jumped up and down yelling "GET IT OUT TYLER!!! GET IT OUT!!!" I think I flashed half my family trying to hold open my bra and ect. so that Tyler could brush the spider out. Bad hebejebes.

Last Friday Tyler surprised me with tickets to WICKED!! The shows in San Diego are supposed to be completely sold out, but Ty found a great deal online. It was AMAZING! If you have the chance to see it, see it. It was by far the best show I've ever seen at the Civic Theater, maybe ever. Tyler arranged the whole evening. He got Karly to babysit, found a place to eat before the show and figured out all the directions, everything. I just had to show up. What a great guy! It was probably the last date we'll have for a while. I don't know how comfortable I'll be leaving Mack in Monterrey. Anyway, Wicked was a blast. I loved the music and and the show is non-stop. Scene changes are seamless and i never thought once to check the time or see what scene was next. I loved all the little twists on The Wizard of OZ. We had a great evening--eating out, walking around downtown, taking in a show--it was a real night out. Good hebejebes.

Mission Nearing Acomplishment

2006-08-02T17:14:00.000-05:00

Tyler and I have been getting alot done lately pertaining to the move. His Visa and Apostille stuff is all finally done, the loan is almost done, and we've got two apartments lined up for Ty to look at as soon as he gets down to Monterrey. Okay, I have a confession to make...Tyler pretty much did all that stuff I just named by himself. BUT, I fully supported him during each step. That's got to count for something right?
Hold on a minute there, I've gotten a few things done myself. I made a killer carseat-bag to make transporting Mack's carseat even easier. I'm nearly done with this ultra colorful mobile and 'Car Collage' for Mack. The collage will keep him semi-occupied (hopefully) on the long drive to Mexico. There are about a million ideas in my head of things I'm hoping to make/create after we move (taking the sewing machine and knitting needles!). Oh! my mom taught me how to attach snaps to a romper I made for Mack before he was born, so that's done too. This week Tyler and I have been on Storage Unit Mode overdrive. Pack up this, take out that. To top it all off, I've been updating my blog more regularly.
Mack has been getting alot done too! What can a nearly 3 month old perfect person do you ask? Plenty. He's been practicing getting up to 7hrs a night of sleep a night, practicing rolling over when no one is looking, and when he's not busy doing that he talks with his friends-- Orange Giraffe, Blue Giraffe, Sports Mobile, and Mr. Fan. Somewhere in there he manages to find time to eat 7 times a day, get his diaper changed, grow like a weed and make everyone he meets fall head over heels in love with him. Like I said, he's a busy baby.
So in conclusion (and true 6th grade essay style), I'm feeling pretty good about this move and about everything we're getting done. Good Day.
P.S. I almost forgot! Yesterday my Mom and Dad treated me to new glasses AND contacts. Thanks guys! I can see again!

Small Things

2006-07-31T12:27:00.000-05:00

Today I like small things. I like small cameras, small feet-- you get the idea. Now I'm not always in a "Small Mood", but today I am. I especially like myself small, considering that yesterday I discovered I'd lost 3 more pounds. I'm not going to say where that puts me, but I'm happy with it for now. In fact, I think I'm REALLY happy since I technically didn't even exercise. I AM happy.
In other small news. I added a few links over on the side. My friend Jill from high school started blogging so I put her up, plus a few more sites that I frequently enjoy. You don't have to like them, I do. Isn't the internet great!
Tyler and I have taken a TON of pictures lately that I would love to post on here, but I'll try to take it easy and just stick to the highlights.
Mack recently went in the big boy pool for the first time. No crying here! He was very interested in the way his hand looked above the water vs. below the water.
Here's our boy! Buckled up and ready to go. We had an empty seat between us on our flight up to Seattle and decided to take advantage of the 'kodak moment'. In Mack's crusade to disprove negative baby sterotypes, he stayed on his best behavior the entire flight. I guess we can add flying to the list of things Mack loves to do.
Mommy and Mack in downtown Seattle to pick up Daddy's birth certificate. Some goober gave us bad directions and we ended up walking all over Chinatown and Pioneer Square. Neither of which, by the way, are anywhere near the Admin building.
Lastly, I love Big Mack's small morning nap, which gives me the chance to update my blog.
P.S. I packed up Mack's 3-6 month clothes yesterday. He's now offically in 6-9 or 6-12 month clothes!

I Just Can't Hide It!

2006-07-28T12:33:00.000-05:00

I'M SO EXCITED! DANNA ALLEN (my high school bff) AND DAVID RIDGE (my ol' neighborhood pal) ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!!! Ahh! I'm excited and so happy for them! In fact I think Tyler is getting a little sick of hearing me say "I'm so happy for them". He just looks at me with a I-Know-That-Look saying "You just said that." It's cute. I wish I had a picture of Danna and a picture of David that I could post on here together with a big heart around them. Ahh amore!

In the Middle of Our Street

2006-07-27T12:59:00.000-05:00

We made it. On Tuesday I woke up at 1:30 in the freakin morning, fed Mack, and got ready for the longest day of my life. Around 3am we left for LAX and our 6am flight. I'm tired again just thinking about it. Everything turned out alright. We were able to check our carseat with no worries thanks to the 'carseat-bag' I fashioned out of some old animal print fabric my mom had lying around (I know, very stylish). After our nonstop Alaska Airlines flight landed us safely at SeaTac we headed back to Ty's folks house. For anyone who doesn't know, Ty's parents recently sold their house in Bellevue and are moving to a new neighborhood in Renton. This is sorta our "Goodbye House" trip. After Mack's morning nap we went and visted both of Ty's sisters and Mack's cousins.
Yesterday, among other things, we did the customary trip to Ivars on Lake Washington. I love that place. Yummy.
As soon as Mack wakes up from his nap we'll be heading into down town Seattle to pick up Tyler's birth certificate (We need another copy for his student visa). After that we'll do a little sightseeing, then head on over to the Ballard Locks. Word around town in that the salmon are really running right now (do you like how I threw in a little fish lingo there). I think the Locks are really neat-O. We head back down to San Diego on Saturday and then it just two short weeks until Tyler leaves for Monterrey with Mack, my Dad and I to follow a few days later. Down to the wire my friends.
P.S. Mack rolled over FIVE times in row yesterday!

Warning: Wordy Post Ahead

2006-07-18T23:02:00.000-05:00

I never give blow-by-blows so I thought maybe I could get away with it just this once. Busy day.

1:30am: (Is this too early to count as the start of my day?) I awoke to a crying baby, nursed him and went back to bed around 2am (note 'bed' not 'sleep').
5am: (Again, too early?) Woke to Tyler giving crying baby binky. Lately Mack has been rotating between waking once or twice a night. Turned out to be a double feature evening. Funny thing, after eating this time he didn't want to go back to bed so from about 5:30 to 6:15 he just laid in his crib, cooing at his mobile and stuffed sock bunny. It was so cute. How can you be upset about not sleeping with a baby like Mack?
7:30am:Woke up and fed Mack (1/2 hr later than usual due to 2nd feeding making me very tired). I checked the latest news on Lebanon, showered, got dressed, and ate breakfast.
9:30am: Again, feed Mack. Then leave for Mexican Consulate in downtown San Diego.
11am: Arrived at Mexican Consulate. After wandering around outside for a minute a middle-aged man asked us if we were there for a visa and directed us in thru the VERY uninviting barred metal doors "up to the second floor, window one". The Mexican Consulate was different than I expected. I didn't think it would be nice but, it is a representation of their government and country. You'd think they'd like to make a good impression at least. I'd say it was about 3 steps down from our DMV. Another surprise-- Nothing was in English. Signs on the bathroom telling you to accompany your children ect, all in Spanish. Now I don't know for sure, but I assume that the American Consulate in say, China! has signs in both English and Mandarin. Hey, I guess that's where we're different. Everyone inside was absolutely in love with out little blond, blue eyed baby. As I walked by people would literally reach out to touch him. No joke.
11:40am: Left Consulate and walked around Little Italy.
12:00pm: Arrived in Balboa Park and found a place to Nurse Mack. It happened to be free Tuesday (had no idea) so we visited The Timken Museum of Art, The San Diego Museum of Art, The San Diego Institute of Art and The Mingei International Museum. Whew! At The Mingei they had an exhibit on differnt costumes from different 'carnivals' around the world'' (my fav). At The Art Institute they always display local art (Ty's fav).
3:30pm: G0t home. Fed Mack. Found killer deal online for play pen. Cleaned kitchen.
5:30pm: Yep, fed Mack again. What can I say, he needs to eat. Checked blogs. Read AAP book on infants (aka: educated myself). Gave Mack a bath.
8pm: Mack nursed, got a final diaper change, had story time and then went off to bed.
9:19pm: Wrote blog. And now I'm going to go find some lunch/dinner. Good Night.

Summer Lovin'

2006-07-08T20:10:00.000-05:00

Mack rolled over today for the first time. He went tummy to back. He spent the rest of the day sleepy and fussy. I guess rolling over is hard work. Cutie!
Lately Tyler and I have been busy preparing for our upcoming move to Monterrey, Mexico. There is alot to do, and we still haven't found a place to live yet. I am confident that everything will turn out alright in the end.
Fourth of July was good old fashioned laid back fun. Here's a photo for proof. Wishing many happy summer nights to all!

Back by Popular Demand

2006-06-12T20:20:00.000-05:00

A couple of people have asked me to send them some pics of Mack. I said I'd post more on my blog... so here they are for your viewing pleasure! Here's our little Mackerdoodle in the bath! He usually screams a little bit at the begining, but then he calms down and seems to really enjoy it by the end.

I love this pic 'cause I feel like it really shows off his blond hair and fair skin (just like Tyler!). A bunch of his hair in the front fell out a couple weeks ago, but it's starting to grow back in now.

Mack in his vibrating bouncy chair...that he loves, with his binky...that he loves. I'm sorry to say that both of these items have become a crutch in my life. I don't know how Mack (or Tyler and I) would survive with out either one.

Last one: Here is Mack and his daddy hanging out on a Sunday afternoon, discussing the NBA playoffs and what Mack plans to spit up on next.

Sunrise, Sunset

2006-06-10T13:47:00.000-05:00

So I've been working on Mack's birth announcement. When I say "working" I mean that Tyler and I took a gazillion pictures, picked the ones we liked and sent them into purplestork.com and they're making the announcement for us. We got the proof yesterday and I have to tell you that I L.O.V.E. love it. The great thing about this purplestork is that they set up the format and then we print them out-thus- Ty and I get the 'rights' so later I can post the thing on my blog woohoo! If you'd like an announcement sent your way and you don't think I have you address let me know.
Mack's blessing was last Sunday. He was 100,000,000% precious! Tyler was just a little bit nervous, but he did GRRR8! (I am beyond clever). We had a ton of relative support. My Aunt Stacie's family, my Grandpa Cope and his wife Kathy, and My Grandpa Dick and Jane were all there. Tyler's parents and his sister Monique, her husband Ryan and their kids--Kayla and Mason, flew down for about a week to CELEBRATE. We had great fun going to Legoland, the Oceanside Pier, In'n'Out, taking the boat out on the bay, checkin' out Tyler's school, Old Town San Diego and Seaport Village. Your basic San Diego festivities.

Here's the final shot for the post...The whole family! ahhh! The building behind us is at The University of San Diego. Tyler had the majority of his classes in there. It's tough, NOT. Because our view in this picture looks out over Mission bay. But hey, for the money we pay for his tuition, there had better be an ocean view.

The One, The Only

2006-05-26T12:17:00.000-05:00

HERE IT IS! photos of our beautiful baby boy Mack! He's even cuter now, as if that's even possible. The pic on the bottom was taken just after he was born so he looks a little less puffy, a little old and totally more gorgeous now than he did then. The pic on the top was taken when he was about one week old. He is modeling a sample of some of the tie-dye stuff I made for him. It's a little sad to think that Mack doesn't even fit those onesies anymore! He's growing so fast! I'll post some newer pictures later (I can't find then at this moment). AHH...He looks so much like his Daddy!

My Baby Takes the Morning Train

2006-05-16T19:43:00.000-05:00

Mack Burdette finally arrived (with a little help) on May 3rd!! Nearly two weeks later baby and mom are both doing well. He weighed in at a whopping 10 lbs, leaving me with 4th degree episiotomy/tear. 4th implying as bad as it can possible get. Very Fun. The highlight of the delivery for me had to be my dad giving me my epidural, which then was turned off just in time for me to feel the "real" pain. OUCH. Tyler was absolutely wonderful throughout the entire experience. He was a little nervous to see me in so much pain but was very brave just the same.
I feel as if I've nearly fully recovered. I don't walk funny anymore and don't have to sit with my special inflatable pillow either. Mack is quickly gaining weight and is already into 3-6 month clothes. His only complaint is the gas my antibiotics (from when I had to go into the ER last week for a fever/rash/infection--fun again) give him. I hope to be able to post pictures of our little man soon.

NO BABY YET

2006-04-20T14:30:00.000-05:00

Nothing personal but I cannot possibly field all of these "any baby yet" questions individually. SO....Until further notice I will not be responding to emails, answering my phone or in any other way communicating with the outside world. Believe me, when I have this baby everyone will know. For now, there appears to be no end in sight. My last two doctor's appointments have been exactly the same--and no, I am not going to post those type of intimate details on my blog. Sorry.
I will tell you that I recently had a wonderful facial courtesey of my mother-in-law. I've never had anything like that done before and it was absolutely amazing! The lady who did it was so nice and not at all snooty or 'better-than-you' like I thought she might be. Besides the facial, I've basically just been getting ready for little Mack. Everything is about taken care of and now there is nothing left to do but wait and try every (safe) induction tactic known to man.

1, 2, 3, 4......21, 22, 23--Find the Pattern

2006-04-01T13:43:00.000-06:00

*Birthday turned out good. Highlights include:
1) Going out for Chinese food. My doctor told me specifically earlier that day NOT to eat out in order to avoid excess sodium and help my swollen body deflate a little. For the record however-- I don't eat much salty food. In fact I never add salt to anything and have some of the best 'salt avoiding' habits of anyone I know. However again, I have had this uncontrollable craving for peanut butter & honey sandwiches for the last two months. To make up for my blatant disregard for dr's orders I have decided-as painful as it may be- to cut peanut butter from my diet. I am a good person.
2) Presents. I am very pleased to tell you that Tyler's mom gave me the only baby swing on the market that PLUGS IN! I know a lot of people won't understand what a big deal this is--but it will probably save me about a gazillion dollars in batteries. THANKS. The folks set me up with some shnazzy luggage for when we move to Mexico and Karly let me have her necklace that I'm telling her how much I love "hint, hint". Kloe made this crazy/adorable/fired/clay/sculpture/relief/portrait of Mack, Tyler and me. Words cannot describe it's beauty so you're going to have to try and use your imagination. AND of course my ever thoughtful husband presented me with "THE WORLD's MOST COMFY PJ's" for when I'm in the hospital. Tyler is the best.
3) Cake. Chocolate Costco Cake. Those three little words should be enough.

*Went to Disneyland yesterday. The new Monster's INC ride is a real disappointment. These monsters are supposed to be talking and stuff, but their mouths never move. Mr Disney practically invented animatronics--I expected more. Shame on you Walt. Hung around through the noncommittal rain to watch the fireworks. Still amazing no matter how many times you see it. I love them!

*Looking forward to...
-The obvious
-Saturday afternoon and Sunday General Conference
-Spa appointment on Monday (more to follow)

Little Man

2006-03-14T12:35:00.000-06:00

My doctor's appointment yesterday went great. I'm really lucky that Tyler is still able to come to all of them with his crazy work schedule. But his boss has been pretty cool about everything so far and has even allowed him to come "on the clock". Lucky us! Mack is head down and she predicted his current weight at about 4 lbs--right on track. I told her this story I heard about a lady in our ward who thought she was having a boy and then turned out to have a 10 lb baby GIRL. She reviewed our ultrasound pictures and told us that Tracy, the girl who did our ultrasound, is never wrong. That was nice to hear. Most the time doctors tell you "Well, I can't promise anything." The best part is that she moved up the due date from May 1st to April 27th! About five days sooner!
For all of you Monkeys on my back who keep hounding me about a pregnancy picture--forgive me for not wanting to post a picture of myself at my heaviest weight ever on the internet. No, seriously, Tyler just got a digital camera for his birthday and I've been trying to post a picture but it doesn't seem to be working. I'm going to try again later.

Feelin' Groovy

2006-02-08T14:17:00.000-06:00

First, I love that I can update my blog from any computer! How neat is that? I can sit at any computer and tell you that life is good. In fact, it's currently birthday season at the house which means that Kody is now 16, Kyle is 18 and Kerin is a whopping 20 years old!! On Friday Karly will turn 14. Everyone is at such great ages.
I spent yesterday shopping with my mom after a complete "I-have-nothing-to-wear" break down on Sunday. Technically I don't have any real maternity Sunday clothes. I've just been making do with what I have by strategically layering or the like. Before church my whole system fell apart--I've outgrown all my old clothes. I ended up in my mom's wrap-around skirt with a t-shirt and brown zip-up hoodie. Sheesh. An intervention became completely unavoidable when my Dad leaned over to my Mom in Church and told her to make me "something" to wear. Anywhoo, the shopping trip to Old Navy and Yardage Town was a huge success! THANKS MOM!
And since my ankles weren't quite swollen enough from all that shopping...I decided to tie-dye some onesies and a bassinet sheet for little Mack. Everything turned out much much much better than I anticipated. I will even go so far as to tell you that it's all EXTREMELY CUTE!! HOORAY FOR ME! My mom also tie-dyed a pillow case, Kloe did an apron and Karly did a t-shirt. Tyler thinks everything is adorable, and I'm convinced Mack will be the coolest kid on the block! MERVEILLEUX!

Waiting

2006-01-22T01:17:00.000-06:00

Tyler gets back tomorrow afternoon from Thailand!! I'm so excited. I've already 'spring-cleaned' our room twice and made him a big "WELCOME HOME" sign with lots of hearts on it. Awww. However, I had to put it all up on the bathroom mirror because that's basically the only empty space we have. Cozy right? Ty emailed me about an hour going saying that he'd arrived in Taiwan by the skin of his teeth due to the crazy lines through customs to leave Thailand. What do they care who leaves? I expect Tyler to arrive in San Diego tomorrow around 3pm but he might be able to get a earlier flight. Keep your fingers crossed.
In an unrelated topic, I had dinner tonight with my parents, my Grandpa Dick and his wife Jane. Happy 71st Birthday Grandpa! It was very fancy and delicious and a great way to pass the time waiting for my Tyler to come home safe. I can't wait!

Big Deal

2006-01-11T23:07:00.000-06:00

I have such good excuses for not posting that I literally AMAZE myself. WOW. I am good.
No really I've been putting it off because I don't know how to work the scanner, thus no pictures of the baby's ultrasound on here. oops. By the way... its a BOY. First name: Mack. Middle name: Burdette. Last name: I'm not going to write that on here because I foolishly believe I can keep people from being able to track me down on the internet. ahHA! For those of you that are thinking to yourself "hmmm, Burdette? That's a strange name...." You're right, it is. It's Tyler's middle name, his dad's middle name, and his grandpa's first name. Beat that!
Christmas and all the other Holidays (New Years, Kwanza) went really well. Tyler got me new "Sunday Shoes". He picked them out all by himself without any help from me and they're absolutely beautiful. He's the best. Plus we got a ton of stuff for little Mack. "Way to go son."
Tyler left on Sunday for Thailand for two weeks. He's doing an internship/class/consulting job with a company in Bangkok. Yes--I miss him very much. No--I don't want to talk about it. YAAWWWNNN! Would you look at the time?! I better go sit in my room and knit and watch mindless tv. Just keepin' it real.