Hunter's Baby Shower

Mike and I hosted a couples baby shower this past weekend with 2 other couples. We held the shower at the home of the parents to be,Rich and Julie! They are expecting their first baby boy,Hunter the middle of September! This shower was with all of Mike's PWC friends and their significant other! Mike and Julie worked at PWC in Syracuse, then Julie and Rich moved down here 2 years after we did!

We really enjoyed hosting the shower with some of our other PWC/Syracuse friends! Always so fun to cater to the new parents! Looks like Hunter's can come now that they have all the important necessities...well Julie wants him to wait till September though!

Julie decorated Hunter's room from the Pottery Barn Chase Baby room..it turned out awesome! Hunter's room really does look just like the catalog! (Julie always does Top-Notch with her decorating!)

We had a full course meal, 30 guests, great games and that brought on some awesome entertainment!

(Some of the photos are interesting to look at...but you can tell we were playing some games!)

I was in charge of the invitations, ordering the cake and games ; we all split up the food responsibilities! What Julie did not tell me, was that 5 of her friends attending the shower were expecting babies too! It was hilarious to see the look on some of the "non-pregnant" ladies walking around! They all kept saying "Don't drink the water!" HAHA! So for the memory we got a photo of the pregnant mommies! Julie's baby is due first, then the rest all follow within weeks of each other. Our little sweet pea is last to arrive! The picture is hilarious as you look at the size of the bellies-raging in (almost 8 months down to me at 4 months!) Oh-and all 4 of the girls in front of me are having a BOY (September -November!) SO, that makes me think we are having a Boy too! But, then again we are having a 2010 Baby (and they are all 2009 Fall & Winter Babies)...oh the mystery continues till sweet pea's delivery day!!

From Left to Right: Me (4 months pregnant-due Jan. 20), Forgot girl next to me name: (6 months-due Nov.12), Amanda (6 months-due Nov 3), Sarah (7 months-due Oct, 6), Julie (almost 8 months-due Sept. 22)

Can't believe that August is really here!

Our boy will be 2 in 3 weeks-let the parties begin!!

Sitter, Softball Game, Silly movie, Sourpatch Kids & Single date?!

It really should be Wordless Wednesday-and I have a photo I will post at the end.
As you all know I am 15 weeks pregnant and the hormones are at a HIGH with this baby! I must say that this pregnancy has been harder with the sickness and lets just say "DRAMA" all around. Of course, first pregnancy around was so exciting! Not to mention that there was no (nearly) 2 year old to chase as I was hugging the toilet. This time I have felt that I can not "enjoy" my pregnancy as much. Life is BUSY and I am trying to ponder some moments that I do have. I always post happy times and the latest in our lives here-but I must be real for a moment!
I must post about our "Horrible, no-good-very bad,Date" and just post this as a reminder for myself later!
Last Friday, Mike and I were going to go out on a date after his softball game!
1. First mistake I made-I should have waited till Saturday (but I had A LOT going on Saturday) and I didn't want to fall asleep during the movie from a tiring day! Mike had a game at 7:30. His games always go 60 minutes. Movie started at 8:30-I would go get us seats. Mike would meet me there, (miss the previews-but get there in time for the movie).
2. I got to the theater at 8:00-Got my ticket (asked if it was sold out-Opening Night for "The Ugly Truth" ) Movie still had plenty of seats. I got my kids pack of popcorn, sour patch kids (that I was craving) and much loved FROZEN COKE .
3. I texted Mike at 8:30 where I was in the theater.
4. 8:53 Movie officially starts -I text Mike
5. 9:00 -NO MIKE .....Sour patch Kids get opened and I start to cry!
6. I text Him- Is this a single Date? Please don't stand me up!
7. 9:15 I panic and text him again-"where are you?"
8.I begin to get ANGRY.....I knew this was going to happen
9.Movie is so funny I start laughing as Katherine Heigel ...(OK, I won't give away the movie). I text Mike to call me! (He finally does-but I don't leave my seat to answer-and I should have!!)
10. 9:25 I FINALLY get a text from him : Movie is sold out -Regal will not sell me a ticket! OH NO!!!! I cry and stupid me-hormonal me-I LEAVE!!!! Yup I left 40 minutes before the movie was over!
11. Instead of going out and talking to Mike- I start Sobbing like a 5 year old at the entrance of the theater- " Why did you do this? I knew this was gonna happen?" I start walking away from him! Not fair-Softball games are only 60 minutes! I don't get it?! I won't even listen to him! (he is worried about me that I am going to drive off and who knows? So he takes my keys when I get to the car) He sits in the passenger seat and just lets me cry! I am so out of control and I can't even think straight! I (am so embarrassed at my actions -but I must say...I AM PREGNANT)!

12. When I finally calm down -he tells me why he was SO late- his game actually lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes! It was the championship game and they did NOT set the clock! He didn't call me because his phone was in the car! ( I told him to never play again without his phone near him). He agreed!


13. I began to beg him to get my money back....and he talked me out of it! He told me I should have stayed to finish! I am a girl-and I wanted him there in the movie with me! ( I don't go to movies alone)-but it was really good! I should have stayed.


14. He actually called my friend , Samantha (but could not get a hold of her) -to see if he should take me to Melting Pot to make up for missing the movie!


15. I LOST OUT- my attitude was SO bad , and I was in no way deserving of that led alone I was a MESS!


16. We sat in the car and talked for 45 minutes about my love/hate relationship with this sport called "Softball" -We actually talked about a lot of things and got a load off my Pregnancy chest!


17.We recently agreed that when we go to NY in Aug. We will go watch the WHOLE movie and get free child care for Parker!


18. I don't think I will eat Sour Patch Kids again (or for a very LONG time).


19. Even though it was tough night-I am thankful for the growth that came out of it.God knew we needed the talk!

20. Hoping that we never have a "Horrible-no Good -very bad date, again!"

Mike, I apologize for my behavior (90% of it) the other 10 % was pregnancy and out of my control! I hope our next date is %110 better! I know that you work SO hard during the week and playing Softball is a stress-reliever! Thank you for actually putting us first and committing to only play on 1 league! I am sorry for my selfishness and I will try to be better about you being late when the next time rolls around after a game!! XO

Here is the Photo that makes me smile-Parker 23 months-our little red-head!

Wordless Wednesday

July Adventure -Part 2 ...Beach Vacation!

We got away for 4 days to the beach! We actually went on a business trip with Mike, and made it a "vacation" Friday-Sunday! Mike had to visit a GE Plant in Dothan,AL. So we all left Wed. night to stay at a hotel and hang out for the day. We left Thursday afternoon for Port St. Joe, FL! We rented a beach cottage with our friends, The Fosters. We could not have picked a better family/friendly place. Parker and Marlee LOVED being together, getting into trouble together and experiencing the beach as well! Parker's first beach visit was in Feb (while we were on our Disney Cruise) but this time-he LOVED it (as long as Daddy or mommy were not being tossed away by the waves). We cooked most of the weekend and went to Panama City on Friday night to Pineapple Willies! (A must when you are in Panama City). Despite some rain on Saturday, we still enjoyed the local pool at Barefoot Cottage/Southern Resort, (where we stayed) and the time away from home! We hope to go back again next year!

This was our home away from home for the 4 days!

( Relaxing in the hot tub )

Every time we walked to the car....look where we found Parker!


(Parker and Marlee waiting for our table at Pineapple Willy's)

Dinner at Pineapple Willy's
Time for some fun at the beach...


(Check out Marlee's cute butterfly butt!)

Click on Photo (below)-it is a sign for "Parker, Fl"

July Adventures- Part 1

We kicked off the month with Mike's mom flying in for 10 days on June 30th. She just went home today. :( We also had a special visit July 4th weekend with my friend Christy, (who I met at college) and her family, from Clearwater, FL. ( Now that the company is all gone, I am reflecting on the past 10 days!) It is sad to have it so quiet here-but finally some time for me to catch up.
I always relish all the time I can get with my parents/ and Mike's parents visiting! Mom Riese really is a blessing to have around. I got a few mornings to sleep in (and I think I only bathed the boy 1 day the whole 10 days she was here, on top of preparing his meals too).
Here are the top 10 things she /we did while she was visiting.

1. July 4th -we had a BBQ with The Davis Family /then went to hear The Atlanta Symphony and the US Army Chorus, and saw incredible Fireworks.

2. She and I got out for a night alone to see The Proposal (...it was a great chic-flick movie).
3. I took her to my neighborhood Bunko
4. Went out for Mexican dinner with the Hoeyes

5. Celebrated her Birthday, at The World of Coke

6. Rented 2 Chick-Flicks (while Mike had prior engagements with work)
7.Played a TON in the backyard with Parker, (including blowing over 1,000 bubble for the boy)
8. I took her out to lunch at Bugaboo Creek for an early Birthday treat ,and she had to kiss the Mouse for her dessert!
9. We got Pedicures together
10. Found time to worked out at the YMCA.
As you can see I really do enjoy the time with my mother-in-law! It is a blessing that we do get along and have a great relationship. On top of all this-Parker loved having her here. Even though we would ask him to say "Nana" he would always say "Basketball!" Hilarious!
I think the biggest blessing in disguise while she was here was an unexpected Ultra-Sound for Sweet Pea (#2 on the way). I took her to my 12 week OB appointment. She never got to go to any of my appointments when I was Prego with Parker. So, the visit was to be a simple weigh in- and heart check on the baby! Dr. Pitcher could not get Sweet pea's heartbeat to appear from the Heart Doppler. I had a moment where I lost my breath (but in the back of my mind I wasn't to worried-since I am still throwing up over 4 to 5 times a day). So, Dr. Pitcher insisted on us going down the hall for an Ultra -Sound! Scary for me- but I was excited for Mom's first Ultra-Sound experience. (I of course was praying that Sweet Pea was fine and just being stubborn/ OR Sweet pea wanted to make sure that Nana saw him/her too, while she was in town?!!) Sure enough, a beating heart, kicking legs and waving an arm! Fe www eee! A huge weight was lifted off my chest, when I finally saw the beating heart! Mom, of course was in complete amazement with the modern technology today. Many of my friends are assuming that all the sickness (drama) and now the stubborn heart beat issue is making it out to be a girl!!! I am still thinking it is a boy! A girl would be sweet, it would even this house out and of course be a real blessing to us all. But we won't know till Delivery Day!!
Here are photos from our time with the Davis' family. It had been 10 years since I saw Christy. It was our first time to have our family's meet. We LOVED having them in town. The kids got along great and we hope that our next visit is much sooner then 10 years from now! :)

(Enjoying dinner out at Fusco's (without the kids);
Christy 31 weeks pregnant/me 12 weeks pregnant)

(Parker swimming in the pool on the 4th with daddy)Parker opening his birthday present from Hannah & Logan/he was mesmorized by the Thomas the Train toothbrush holder- He also got a super cute Gymboree Outfit for next summer! THANKS, Hannah & Logan!)

7 Years ago today...

I married the love of my life!

I must say that I love you, Michael, more then I did on our wedding day. The love has grown over the years! The trials and challenges have made us stronger and I appreciate you not giving up on me (when it has been my fault)! It is amazing how God directed our steps, and there is not a day that goes by where I regret marrying you! Thank you, for being a godly, fun-loving, hardworking (...that is understatement), humorous, laid-back, financial wiseguy, easy-going, supportive,caring, compassionate, and most of all PATIENT husband to me! And of course you have been the best father I could have ever imagined for Parker (and our little sweet pea on the way). I am so grateful to God for the godly heritage we both came from, and have been able to establish in our home! I pray that the next 20+ years to come will be growing, adventurous and most of all memorable years we walk together!

I love you!
Looking forward to dinner tonight with you!

Here is poem that I think is a recipe we are still creating...(and I must be the first to admit-you have more of the ingredients then I do)!

Hope this recipe speaks to many of you too!

Recipe For A Happy Marriage Poem
4 cups of Love

2 cups of Loyalty

Dash of Faith

3 cups of Kindness

4 cups of Understanding

1 cup of Friendship

5 spoonfuls of Hope

1 barrel of Laughter (You have about 10!)

Pinch of Forgiveness (no substitutions)

Dash of Thoughtfulness (not optional)
DIRECTIONS:

Take love and loyalty and mix thoroughly with faith.Blend in kindness and understanding, add friendship and hope.Sprinkle abundantly with laughter. Garnish with forgiveness and thoughtfulness.Bake with sunshine.Serve daily with generous helpings.

Our June Day Adventures

We are staying busy and I am still feeling SICK most days, but not letting it keep me from enjoying the time with Parker and Mike! Hopefully, I only have 2 more weeks of the all day nausea and vomiting. I must say that this little sweetpea has made me much sicker, then I was with Parker! Some days, January seems SO far off-but before I know it summer will be over and the winter will be here!
A couple of weeks ago I had my friends over to make strawberry freezer jam. It was a huge success. Amongst the 3 of us-we made 38 jars of jam! So happy to have the freezer stocked with jam available for PB&J's for Parker!
Father's Day Sunday, we took Mike out to Mexican (his favorite), got him a new shredder and he went to play soccer that evening! Unfortunately, the day ended on a sad note for Parker. Mike was playing soccer near by, and I was getting Parker ready for his bath. On the way up the stairs he battled me (refusing to go) and fell-HEAD FIRST, landing on the tile floor! I panicked and called Lorelei to come and check him out. The 2 of us agreed that he should be checked out. His poor little nose looked broken. So, I called Mike My friend Samantha, had to get Mike off the soccer field-she was also playing soccer at the same park. We took Parker to the local Children's Urgent Care, and thankfully no broken bones in his head or face.Aside from falling, it looks like we have a climber too! We will be moving Parker very soon to his Big Boy room. He has already discovered how to climb out of his bed! So, it is just a matter of us getting the new furniture and the big boy room ready! (Oh the joy's of raising an almost 2 year old BOY-who is ALL boy!!)
Yesterday, Mike and I got to go to the Braves/Red Sox Games with our good friends, Chris & Meghan. They take us each summer to the Braves/Red Sox game -and Chris was very happy to see the Red Sox win! They have a little girl, Emma who is 10 months old, and she went to the game with us. It was close to 100 degrees and she was a real trooper! Parker stayed back with "Uncle Rick & Aunt La-la!" Thank you SO much for allowing us to get out and enjoy the game (despite the heat)! (Emma all geared up for the game!)
This coming Tuesday, Nana (Mike's Mom,) is flying in for 10 days! We are SO excited to have her visit. She always is a big help, and of course a free babysitter for Parker! She will be able to go to my next OB appointment and get to hear Sweet pea’s heartbeat. (When I was pregnant with Parker, she was never in town for the appointments, so hopefully it will be special for her to hear the heartbeat.) We are looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July with Nana and my good friend, Christy and her family. Christy and I went to college together. It has actually been 10 years since we last saw each other! We are so excited to finally re-connect and get the kids to meet. Parker and her son are 4 months apart. She also has a daughter, Hannah that will be 4 in September. We will be playing the day by ear-since the kids all take naps and just trying to enjoy the time together!
We hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

Life at the Riese

We are staying busy and I am still feeling SICK most days, but not letting it keep me from enjoying the time with Parker and Mike! Hopefully, I only have 2 more weeks of the all day nausea and vomiting. January seems SO far off-but before we know it summer will be over and the winter will be here!
A couple of weeks ago I had my friends over to make strawberry freezer jam. It was a huge success. Amongst the 3 of us-we made 38 jars of jam! So happy to have the freezer stocked with jam available for PB&J's for Parker!
Father's Day Sunday, ended on a damper. Mike was playing soccer near by, and I was getting Parker ready for his bath. On the way up the stairs he battled me (refusing to go) and fell-HEAD FIRST, landing on the tile floor! I panicked and called Lorelei to come and check him out. The 2 of us agreed that he should be checked out. His poor little nose looked broken. So, I called Mike My friend Samantha, had to get Mike off the soccer field-she was also playing soccer at the same park. We took Parker to the local Children's Urgent Care, and thankfully no broken bones in his head or face. Aside from falling, it looks like we have a climber too! We will be moving Parker very soon to his Big Boy room. He has already discovered how to climb out of his bed! So, it is just a matter of us getting the new furniture and the big boy room ready! (Oh the joy's of raising an almost 2 year old BOY-who is ALL boy!!)
Yesterday, Mike and I got to go to the Braves/Red Sox Games with our good friends, Chris & Meghan. They take us each summer to the Braves/Red Sox game -and Chris was very happy to see the Red Sox win! They have a little girl, Emma who is 10 months old, and she went to the game with us. It was close to 100 degrees and she was a real trooper! Parker stayed back with "Uncle Rick & Aunt La-la!" Thank you SO much for allowing us to get out and enjoy the game (despite the heat)!
This coming Tuesday, Nana (Mike's Mom,) is flying in for 10 days! We are SO excited to have her visit. She always is a big help, and of course a free babysitter for Parker! She will be able to go to my next OB appointment and get to hear Sweet pea’s heartbeat. (When I was pregnant with Parker, she was never in town for the appointments, so hopefully it will be special for her to hear the heartbeat.) We are looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July with Nana and my good friend, Christy and her family. Christy and I went to college together. It has actually been 10 years since we last saw each other! We are so excited to finally re-connect and get the kids to meet. Parker and her son are 4 months apart. She also has a daughter, Hannah that will be 4 in September. We will be playing the day by ear-since the kids all take naps and just trying to enjoy the time together!
We hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

Wordless Wednesday !

D.D.=1-21-2010