Staycation Day 5

Let's see...we're on Wednesday now, right? Let's carry on!

This morning I had the joy of another appointment with the doctor to check my blood pressure. It was a rainy, dreary day (one of my favorites!) and we had breakfast at Le Peep. Mmm...eggs, 1 slice of bacon, potatoes, and a sliver of pancakes for me!

Since she is going to be out of the office for a couple of weeks, this was the last opportunity to meet with Dr. and reassure her that I am fine. And I did prove this to her. She said that the vacation at home was a very smart thing, but told me that work needed to change to keep that bp down. So I have to talk to my supervisor on Monday. Dr. will write a note if needed to speak about the importance of this less stress, or I will have to go home and be on bedrest.

Now, I do know that there are far more stressful jobs outside of mine. I did work in a vet for 6 years, with some of the most emotionally and stressful situations you can imagine (anyone who has worked in the medical field in any way understands). I like my current job because it does not have near as much stress....but still it is a call center. With agitated agents and their staff calling in. And October through January is the most stressful time of year for everyone. Calls waiting to be answered for several minutes, and each minute passing, their tempers potentially rising, just waiting to yell at the person that answers the other side. I have to either learn how to hold my own, or there is some serious changing that needs to happen!

ANYWAYS--we're talking about vacations, not work...

After we left the doctor, Cary and I went around, shopping and just enjoying the beautiful weather...the rain held steady all day long. 1/2 Price Books, lunch at a purple cafe (used to be the obnoxiously pink Celebrity Cafe) where Cary had an Apple Walnut Chicken sandwich--picture Apple pie stuffed into a chicken sandwich...yep...and he enjoyed it!

With a nap thrown into the mix, the night was focused on my parents coming over and having dinner with us. We had tacos and angel food cake for dessert, and played a game of Apples To Apples while watching Chester go crazy with the lazer pointer...All in all, an excellent day!

Please say a prayer regarding work. Obviously, I'm nervous about losing my job due to this change at the busiest time of year. But I will do what I can to work and balance everything out, and also keep my bp down. If I can convince them to do one thing for me, all should be good. But still...I need all the prayer I can get for this!

Staycation Day 4

Day 4 of our vacation, we woke up early and ate breakfast (Cary loves his vacation breakfast of eggs, sausage, and orange juice!)




We then decided to go to IKEA, but we dropped Chester off in my parents' backyard so that he could enjoy some time chasing cars and whatever else came around the corner. Dad was home when we got there, so we surprised him with a visit from his granddog.







IKEA is always such an experience, but this time we were on a mission to find a shelf for Brylee's room to store her still-growing collection of stuffed animals. It didn't take too long to find the perfect shelf for her, but it took longer to walk the rest of the way through the store to get the item and then check out. Along the way, we found yet another stuffed animal set to add--poor kid isn't going to know what to do with all of these!





After IKEA, we had just enough time to grab a bite to eat and then drive to Lewisville, where we surprised my dad on his last day for the clown skit for fire safety. Just like Friday when we saw it for the first time, it was wonderful. The clowns know what to do to entertain those kids, and hopefully get some safety lessons taught as well!








After the school skit Cary and I did a little driving around, checking out bookstores and Wal-Mart for a cd that Cary's brother wanted to buy but couldn't find. We found it! Victorious, we drove to my parents', picked up Chester, and drove back home where we (Cary) put together the bookcase. It fits in the room so well!

Staycation Day 3

Monday brought Cary and I an adventure in Grapevine, TX, where we walked the shops, looking at Halloween and Christmas stuff.

It took us a couple of hours to walk into all of the shops, which somehow all were the same, but yet different. Thinking about it now, I don't recall any of the shops having any of the same items. How do they stay open?!

After walking the shops, we were hungry, so our next stop was at Kincaid's in Southlake, where we enjoyed burgers, onion rings, and chocolate shakes. Of course I'm limited on how much of that I can enjoy, so the tiny bits of chocolate shake I savored. I can't wait to have more again!

When lunch was over, we swung by Crate and Barrel (twice in less than a week!) and bought the Christmas stocking we decided we wanted for Brylee--to us, it looks like a reindeer eating a tree, but it is so cute!

We came back to the apartment to look at times for movies, and entertained Chester for a little bit. Of course, I sat down, and one thing led to another...before you knew it, I was asleep--I love taking naps!

The movie we decided to go see was 'Where The Wild Things Are'. This is a very good movie, but definitely not for a child under the age of 8 in my opinion. Anything younger might not understand the movie might get bored, or perhaps even a little frightened. But still, very good.

Our evening was spent making dinner (Plain Good!) and relaxing with a little tv. The dinner was very much like when we ate at the Inn in South Woodstock on our honeymoon--we were the only patrons in the dining hall at the time, with the occassional visit from the Inn's dog. We turned off the lights and ate by candlelight--It was so sweet and amazing!

Of course, I fell asleep on the couch, but it felt so good knowing that we were still on vacation!

Staycation Day 2

Today was the second day of our time off, enjoying the opportunity to rest and relax, enjoy each other.

We started off the day by going to church, where our pastor talked about fans, comparing sports with church. We got to wear our favorite team jerseys, and I, of course, wore a Stars jersey, and Cary sported his Montreal Canadiens jersey. I was glad to see that we were not the only hockey fans around surrounded by football jerseys!

After church, Cary and I decided at the last minute to check out the State Fair for the last day. So mom and dad were so wonderful to again welcome Chester into their home (well, backyard) and we made the drive out to downtown Dallas, where we got the adventure to check out the fair like this:

Do you see the tiny Ferris wheel just to the right of the exit sign? Yep. That's the closest we got. We were stuck in traffic for 1 1/2 hours and figured out that if all of that traffic was going to the fair, we would be better going on home.

So, that's what we did. But not before we stopped by the grocery store and bought groceries for the week.

After that, we went home where I took a wonderful nap and Cary played around with computer games.

Around dinner time we grabbed a bite to eat and then drove to my parents' house to pick up Chester. Cary and I started to come up with stories about how he ate 3 foot long hot dogs, corny dogs, got into a cotton candy eating contest, and then spent all of our money trying to win one of those really big stuffed animals, and it got stolen on the way to the car...mom and dad didn't buy it (well, would you?!)

Chester looks like he had a great day as well. He is over in the corner conked out right now...exhausted from his running in the backyard.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! to my parents for being so wonderful to entertain us for the last couple of nights, as well as take in Chester. It really means a lot to us that we have a place to take him so that way he can enjoy his day the same way we can enjoy us. We are definitely indebted to you!!

Let's see where our relaxing week takes us next!

Staycation Day 1

Saturday was originally set aside for Cary and I to fly out at 6:30 a.m. (eek! that's early!) and land in Boston around 11:00. We were then going to walk around and Cary was going to show me the sites. He had lived there for a month when he had just become a pilot, and I was so excited to see this city. Later, his parents would swing by, pick us up, and then we would drive to the rented house we have in Vermont.

Of course, from the previous post, you can see that this didn't happen. Instead, Cary and I made the most of what we had by going to Central Market, Southlake Town Center, and then visited my parents and going out for a night of putt-putt!





At Central Market, we got some coffee for Cary, but I was so excited about seeing the hundreds and hundreds of pumpkins and gourds. I wanted to bring some home with me, but Cary knew there wouldn't be a place to decorate in this apartment for all the ones I found with 'personality'.

But that's ok. Mom, dad, and the two of us are going to go visit next weekend. Yay!

We walked around Southlake Town Square, which is set up like a small town with the buildings full of shops. I love Eddie Bauer, Starbucks, Container Store, and now, this little gourmet ice cream shop we found.

But my favorite store there is Crate and Barrel. We spent so much time there, looking at all of the things we would love to add to our collection, and taking pictures.

If you didn't know this, once Cary gets the camera, watch out--he likes to turn anything he sees into art. And I love every bit of it!

After walking around for a little bit (and having some ice cream!) we decided that we should invite my parents to go putt-putting. So after dropping off the mutt in their backyard--Chester LOVES being outside--we went to dinner at Applebees.

After that, we drove out to Dallas to a cool golf/putt-putt/baseball cages place, where we played 1 4/5 rounds of mini golf. Yep...we had 3 holes left of our second course when we got kicked out because they were closing. And mom and I were ruling this game!

As for stats for the night, dad and Cary each had a hole in one, and mom had 3 (thanks to help from Cary on one of them!). I did terrible myself, but none the less I did have a lot of fun. We were encouraged by Cary to get creative with a couple of holes that were winding and tall, but had disasterous results!

Also at one point, Cary lost his golf ball in a rose bush. His poor hand is slightly scratched up from having to dig through them to retrieve the ball (it was a day glow yellow, and we all know how Cary is about yellow!)

It was a fantastic way to start our un-Vermont vacation. Not to mention, things on the blood pressure front is going well. It really does seem to be stress related, and I hope that when I see the doctor again this week, I will be able to show her that there is not that much concern.

Thank you to everyone who is concerned from the previous post, and I appreciate all of your sweet words. I am lucky to have friends and family like you in my life!

Autumn--we need to get together sometime. Maybe our families can do something around Thanksgiving, designing our own "feast"!

A Depressing Way To Start Vacation...

Friday was a day off of work to participate in Ashes and Radio's Clown Safety Show, as well as visit a to a day care or two, and last but not least, a visit to the doctor to check on my blood sugar stats and get an ultrasound of Brylee to make sure she isn't growing too much too quickly.

Well, the good news is, my blood sugar is looking good according to the doctor, and Brylee is 3lbs, 12 oz, and actually pretty small for this stage. I'm good with that, as long as she remains healthy. I was afraid she would be too big too soon, and it would create problems for both of us. And I have also lost a couple of pounds on my new diet plan (doctor says that it is ok for this!)

However, the bad news is, I have had high blood pressure twice now in the last 2 visits. The doctor is concerned because this could be something that causes me to get really ill, and have to go on bedrest.

I am convinced it is from the stress that I have had the last couple of weeks. The first being trying to get to my appointments on time from work, facing traffic and time. Another is from work and starting to face year end and some of the calls we get.

The third, and I'm most sad about this, is due to my fear of flying and the fact that we were going to be flying out early on Saturday morning. I am embarrassed of my fear because Cary is a pilot and has done everything that he can to make me more comfortable with air travel.

But of course I still can't help but think about our families, Chester, and what their lives would be like if something were to happen (I mean, our families are ecstatic about Brylee! I don't want to ruin that!). But, I'm not going to let this fear stop my travels, because what is life without doing what you enjoy, even in the face of fear?

The doctor told me that she was concerned because I would be getting on a plane, swelling up like a balloon and uncomfortable, and I was prepared for that. But if this was more than stress, then there is a chance I could get really sick while in Vermont and be stuck in the hospital...for an indefinite amount of time. And while I wouldn't mind Brylee being born in Vermont, we would have to find a way for my parents to get up there when the time is right. And I would miss them until that time. Then there is the joy of making sure I worked so that way we wouldn't go broke (well, more broke after the Podcast Challenge... :o) )

So out of concern of Brylee's and my health, Cary and I made the really hard decision of cancelling our trip. I am so bummed about this, and I just want to cry. Actually, I have done lots of that. It gave me a headache, so I am trying not to let it happen again. Cary is wonderful (what else is new?) and has said that we will take this time off this week and relax, go to museums, zoos, shopping...All of this sounds great, but of course, it will not be the same. More relaxing, though.

I have borrowed my mom and dad's blood pressure machine, and I am hoping that testing myself throughout the day will prove that I am not fighting yet another common pregnancy issue, but that more stress than usual is the cause of this and can be controlled.

Words can't express how sad I am that we can't experience the New England fall, go to Woodstock (where we had our honeymoon), and visit beautiful fun little places we were looking to go to (including finding mooses, fall festivals and the SOX store!).

I hate that we had to cancel so suddenly on his parents (who left on Wednesday to drive up there). I am sad for Cary because he decided to stay here and be a loving, supportive husband, when I know he would love to be there experiencing the same things I would love to be experiencing. I do not feel like I deserve him because he is such a loving devoted person and just wants to keep me happy. He is such a blessing!

Alright, enough moping. This next week will be fun, in a different, but yet McFadden, way. Cary and I will get to do things together and it will be a new adventure for us that will continue to grow and develop us as a family.

Stay tuned for the Adventures of our Alternate Vacation!

**UPDATE**--I have taken my blood pressure twice this morning, and so far, I'm in the normal range, as I have been before the last two doctors appointments. So I'm happy that so far I am showing that it has been stress. Now I just need to continue checking the stats and hopefully the dr. will see that everything is alright!

A Change Of Pace

So, how did you spend your Monday evening?

Cary and I did something that was very interesting: listening to Cary's brother's podcast.
I want to take a moment to promote this if I may (and it is my blog, so I don't see why not). Brad and Faith have a podcast called Two Blind Squirrels:

http://mylifeministries.org/blogs/twoblindsquirrels/

Maybe it's because they are my family, but I find them very funny and entertaining. I don't get a chance to listen as much as I want, but whenever I can, I do enjoy it.

But tonight was a special night. Cary decided to annoy Brad and Faith by challenging them to play every phone message that is left for them. If they do, then Cary would donate $1 for every call taken ($2 for first time callers) for a charity called Podcasting for Water.

They are about to go on 3 hours now. Both have to get up in the morning for work (Brad has a 1 1/2 hour drive!) and they are gettting delirious. I think they'll have to go longer than I can. Cary's goal is to have them stay up until 1 or 2 a.m. I think...

I have a feeling Christmas will be bare this year with all the calls they are taking. But it's for a good cause, so go Two Blind Squirrels, and I support you all the way!

Seriously--I love them. If you get a chance, check out their site and listen to a podcast!

**UPDATE**--Cary says Brad and Faith got off around 11:40 last night, and raised quite a bit of money for Podcast Water For Life!

Good job everyone, and thank you for contributing to helping us get poor! (just kidding--I'm extremely proud of my family and the work they have done!)

Cute Picture Of Chester

Poor Chester. It seems that Brylee and Pintu have stolen the spotlight from him. But never fear, he is still here, and day by day I think he is a greater dog...

I mean, who can resist this cute face?!

Home Sweet Home...

New! Waterside property just rented out. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, with fireplace and washer/dryer connections. Also has storage closets, sliding glass door with patio, dining room, and a large walk-in closet.

This is description of our new home, #1002. We've now been here for 2 weeks, and everyday it gets more and more like home. Afterall, it is a place for our new lives to begin. And I've already broken it in with a few Halloween and Fall decorations. It is, after all, my favorite time of year!

And now, here are some long awaited pictures. If anyone is ever in the area and wants to visit, you are more than welcome (we have the room now!)

2 a.m. Blessings

You are really glad it's Friday when at 2:00 a.m.:

• Your husband can't sleep
• You need to go to the restroom
• Your dog is in a playful mood and keeps putting his cold nose against your cheek
• A thunderstorm rolls through with lots of rain

I know this will be almost routine in about 2 months, but I love to look back during the day and be thankful to the Lord for what I have, even if it is an interruption to a peaceful night!

One Incredible Week(end)...

What an incredible first week we have had in our new home!



It started with our move: Sunday, mom and dad came by and helped us pack up and Monday, Gary and Brenda helped transport and unpack several boxes (also with mom's help). Mid-week I had an appointment with a dietician (insert sad face here) and had to start watching my food intake.

Fast forward to this weekend, where we arranged for my parents to come over so we could fix dinner for them to say 'thank you'. On Saturday afternoon, though, Gary and Brenda came and helped fix up the remaining storage shelves and unpack boxes.



After we were finished with that, I realized I had 1 1/2 hours to start dinner for my parents. Brenda was very adament about me getting it done. Apparently I don't quite have the skills to chop, browning, mixing, and layering quickly enough because by the time I was ready to put the dinner in the oven (Cheese Casserole--a McFadden favorite), we would have missed church. So I gave Cary the option of missing church, or cooking it after we got back (and making my parents wait for it to be prepared). We were both pretty tired, so we decided to clean up and relax, missing church. I called my parents and invited them over a little earlier, so we could have more time to eat and maybe play a game or two.



While kicking back and watching a little tv (oh yeah--the cable was hooked up too!) I saw a truck pull up in front of our patio. I have heard very little upstairs, so I was thinking someone was moving in because this truck had large boxes in it's bed. Chester, however, became very excited--and not barking the way strangers make him do so.


Cary then said something to him about seeing T-Ma (my mom) and Chester just wagged his tail faster and faster. Then I saw something different then mom: Cary's mom. In this truck I've never seen before?! And why do I see my dad, too?



Not long after we saw Brenda, Gary, mom, and dad, we were opening the door to see them carry in some large boxes...with Dawn (mom's awesome co-worker) and Craig's (her husband) help. Before you know it, our living room was full (a bigger size than our old one, but still...) with big boxes and presents...for a baby! Mom announced we were having a "Grandparent's Shower"...Dawn--we do wish you could have stayed, but thank you for your help--you're wonderful!



While I ran around in the kitchen finishing up dinner (washing the salad, cooking veggies and rolls) and making sure that we expanded the table and having enough plates, bowls, and glasses (a BIG thank you Brenda!!!!), Gary, dad, mom, and Cary had fun setting up this:




This:

And this:

1st wonderful memory of #1002--all 6 of us sitting together at our dining room table, eating dinner, talking, and laughing (and seeing Brylee's room become amazing!)

After dinner, Cary was eager to open gifts, and we were so blessed to receive:

Clothing

Monogramed burping cloths

Crib sheets and receiving blankets

Soft flannel blankets my mom made

And cute little rattles!

All of which Cary was quick to make this:

But I think the biggest blessing we have is the family that are our biggest supports with this little baby we are bringing into this world.

Brenda, Mom, Gary, and Poppy--Words cannot express the thanks that we have for having you in our lives and the joy you bring to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for these gifts and the help you have given us as we have moved into our new home.

There is nothing on this earth that I can do to say Thank You enough, to pay back even in a tiny way for everything you have done for us the last 2 years, and all of our lives. Brylee is the luckiest little girl in the world to have grandparents like you!