2008 in Review - a Stolen Post

2008 in Review

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Got married and had a son!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year. I'm working on something for this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Eryn and myself

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
None but we had visitors from Norway and Germany

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
More sleep, less stress and hurt

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Jan 5 - our wedding
March 29 - My mom decided to abandon our family
April 12 - Lindsey and Russ get married
November 3- Breck is born

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Becoming a wife and mother

9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting the divorce rule my mind and life

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Six-ish months of morning sickness

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Pictures - so many memories captured

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Everyone how has been supportive through the highs and lows this past year

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My mom

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, Breck, and bills

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting married, finding out we were pregnant, Breck's birth.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Like Red On A Rose" - our first dance

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? Honestly about the same
c) richer or poorer? Again about the same thanks to a recent pay increase

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spent more time focusing on the happy and positive

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Dwell on the negative, think about divorce and failure

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Went to my Dad's in the morning to open gifts with Dad, Heather, Nate and Breck. Then went home to change and to Aunt Debbie, Uncle C.J. and Andrea's to spend time with them and Dawn, Eric, Samantha and Jonathan.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes - Breck

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Private Practice

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Well hate might be to strong for it….

24. What was the best book you read?
It was a re-read but "Tending Roses"

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
That Breck likes me singing to him, even though I am an awful, horrible singer

26. What did you want and get?
A new sewing machine!!

27. What did you want and not get?
A jacuzzi tub to soak my WHOLE pregnant body in (yes not a reality I understand)

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Sex and the City

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Worked and I met up with the girls in Novi. I turned 27.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not dealing with divorce, not having to worry about money.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Maternity = comfort!

32. What kept you sane?
My family and friends, my dogs

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hilary Clinton

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The state budget - maybe not an issue, but what I spent the most time on

35. Who did you miss?
Friends and family I've not seen in a long time

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Breck!!!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I can be stronger than I thought. (and I think a lot of other people thought)

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"What do you say in a moment like this?"

Eight Things

Eight things

Eight Shows I watch:
1. Beverly Hills 90210 - reruns of the old one
2. What Not to Wear
3. Flip That House
4. The Hills
5. Biggest Loser
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Private Practice
8. America's Next Top Model

Eight Favorite Resturants:
1. El AzTeco
2. Mr. Pauls
3. Applebees
4. Panera Bread
5. PF Changs
6. Chinese Buffett - downtown Lansing
7. Jimmy Johns
8. Arbys

Eight Things that I did so far today:
1. Went to work
2. Updated blog - twice
3. Loaded bookcases and a desk from the old district office
4. Saw Jarolsalv for hopefully the last time EVER!
5. Helped Heather with her apartment
6. Arranged to see 2 new district offices
7. Hugged Z
8. Kissed Nate and Breck and told them I loved them

Eight Things I Look Forward to:
1. My house being clean
2. A new year
3. Heather starting her new job and visiting her in DC
4. Breck sleeping through the night
5. Andy and Erin becoming parents and visiting them in CO
6. Attending Russell's birthday party
7. Continuing to grow a positive relationship with my Dad
8. All the milestones that Breck is starting to hit

Eight Things I Wish:
1. That I could provide more for my family
2. That I could be more like Heather
3. That I will be the best mother possible to Breck
4. That I will be great in my new office
5. That I was better at keeping in touch with family and friends who are far away
6. That I could decide what I really want to do with my life
7. That I was not so judgemental
8. For a happy and healthy family because that is all that is really important

Christmas

Breck's first Christmas was a flurry of fun and travel. On Christmas Eve we went to my cousin Dawn's house for dinner and after that it was off to the Whitenight's. Then on Christmas morning we went to my Dad's house.





We put our tree up at his house, since we don't have room right now at ours. We then went to my Aunt Debbie, Uncle C.J. and Andrea's house for lunch/dinner. Dawn, Eric, Sam and John were also there. It was so nice seeing them 2 days in a row!!




Cort and Jay hosted the MSU family Christmas this year. It was so nice of them, especially with how busy they have been getting married and all - LOL! All the MI girls were in attendance and well and the CO girls. Also, all the boys and kids were able to be there. It was so fun and so great seeing everyone. We did our ornament exchange. It is one of my favorite holiday traditions. I love when I decorate our tree with an ornament that was given to me and I can reflect on who gave it and some of the great memories I have had with them.



I am back to work for a couple days...then off for a couple days...then I start working for my new boss - Jennifer Haase. I am very excited. Nate is laid off right now, but he is really enjoying getting to be home with Breck.

We hope everyone had a great holiday and we look forward to a wonderful new year!!!!

Growing Boy!!

We went to the Dr. today for a check-up. Breck weighed 12.5 pounds and was 23.5 inches long. I cannot believe how much he has grown and changed in just 7 weeks.

Breck went to Lansing with me on my first day back. Frank's step-grandson, Colton, was also there. Colton is from California and is 5 months old. We put them in the chair together and Colton was all about snacking on Breck's head.

Bert, Bella and Breck

Happy boy in his swing.

So long...so sorry!

Yes, it has been ages since I have posted. Being home on maternity leave with a laptop that will not get online does that to ya! My trips to Panera and Tim Hortons have been short lived and filled with work, so no posts then either. But, have no fear, I am back.

First, Breck William Putney-Ernst was born on November 3, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces and was 22 inches long. We had gone into the hospital at 11 p.m. the night before, and were admitted at 2 (or 3) a.m.

After 2 hours of pushing he finally arrived. I could have never done it without Nate and our nurse, Marissa. I did give them grief and desperatly wanted a c-section, however they were both so determined and got me through it.

Grammpy (my dad) was at the hospital before Breck was bron and then came back that night to see him. It was so nice to have him be there! Gramma Bessie, Aunt Rachel (Nate's twin sister) and cousin Andrew came to visit the next day, along with my Aunt Debbie and Uncle C.J. It was so nice of all of them to visit. We are so lucky to have such wonderful, caring families!

The recovery was not too bad at all (with the exception of the lovely lack of bladder control - why do they never tell you about these things????) We got into a routine pretty quickly and I think that made all the difference. Aunt Heather was able to fly home the next weekend to help me out with Breck. It was so nice having her home. I wish she could have moved back here. I think now more than ever, I am realizing the power of family (blood and otherwise), and it makes it even harder to have her away.

Breck is a joy and a very easy baby. He has had great check ups and is growing like a champ. He loves to eat and sleep, but has started interacting more. He has always been very alert, but has started "talking" a ton and smiling and making all sorts of silly faces.

He loves his swing and has slept in the bassinet and his crib. He is very good in the car and usually falls right asleep.

Breck has also met many of his MSU Aunts - Lindsey, Cortney, Michelle, Eryn, Misty and Erin. He also got to meet Eryn's daughters - Alexis, Logan and London. London is only 2 weeks older than him, and I hope they have as much fun together as Eryn and I do. Erin is also expecting and due in May with a little boy. I am sure they will be trouble together!! LOL! Aunt Rachel is also expecting a boy in mid-April, so Breck will have a cousin only 6 months younger.

Ashley and Bryant (Whitenight-Sebastian) came over when Breck was about a week old. They brought over delicious chicken fajitas and we had some adult time - with drinks and cards. Breck slept like a champ in his swing almost the whole time. Lindsey and my dad had also made us some soups and chili for our freezer. These were also so great and handy. We really appreicate how thoughful they are!!

We had a great first Thanksgiving with Breck. We went to my Aunt Debbie, Uncle C.J. and Aundrea's house. Aunt Debbie's side of the family was also present, along with my cousin Dawn and her daughter Samantha. Samantha was so great with Breck! We really wish she lived closer so we could employ her as our babysitter!! Dinner was delicious as always!!

Congrats are in order to Cortney and Jay - who just tied the knot in the Dominican Republic at the end of November!!! The pictures I have seen are so beautiful! We attened a open house for them this past weekend here at home. Cort made the most beautiful bride and Jay was as handsome as ever!! It was also great seeing the other MSU girls!!

We are getting ready for Christmas. I only have a couple more gifts to purchase. We just put up a small tree at our house b/c it is filled with baby stuff. We put our big tree up at my dad's house as a surpise for him while he was visiting Heather. Hopefully one day we will have a big enough place for a big tree again!!

Heather will be home soon - she is actually driving here right now from New Orleans. Hopefully she won't get caught in the glorious snow we are having! I do love it, but it is not fun to drive in. She accepted a job in Alexandria (just outside of Washington DC). I know she really wanted to go to the West Coast but we are so excited she will only be a car ride away!!!

I know I am skimping on photos, but I promise I will put a ton on next time.

Waiting...and waiting...

That is my life right now. I had a Dr. appointment this morning and it went well. I have been "nesting" and made apple cinnamon bread for the staff at my Dr's. They seemed to really appreciate it...I am sure they don't get thanked enough. Anyway, back to the appointment...as I said, all went well. I had an internal exam (TMI??) and it was the easiest one so far. I think either than means there is some progress (even though technically there is none) or I am just getting used to it (which I hate to believe). I did have some contractions last night, but nothing consistent and nothing to start dialation. I did get to have an ultrasound, and it was so neat seeing the little guy. Or should I say big guy. He was taking up all the space in my uterus...except for the surrounding fluid. I also got to see his man parts again. LOL this is so funny to me. He is a little flasher!! Also the Dr. was able to measure his size. It is not accurate and he said that usually 1/2 pound under what he measures. So he measured 8 pounds today, so the Dr. thinks he is really 7 1/2 pounds. Also he should gain 1/2 pound per week for the next 2 weeks, so we should expect him to be around 8 1/2 pounds at birth. Crazy!!

I also had such a nice conversation with my Aunt today. I feel so blessed to have her in my life, especially when these past few months have not been the easiest. I am so greatful she is always there to lend an ear, or give advice, or just make me laugh. It is also nice to knowI can always call her when I need to talk or perhaps even when I go into labor. Like I said, I am so blessed!

And to anyone reading this...cross your fingers (and toes and legs and whatever else) that this liitle guy decides to come see us soon!!

Cravings....

the baby to arrive
sleep - but only in the morning
no more swollen hands & feet
a bigger house
apple cider
a job after Dec. 31
zesty dill pickels
being in Oklahoma to watch Nationals
no more campaign ads
snow
winter
Michigan State Football

Heather is home from Boston for 3 weeks...the off to New Orleans. We are so happy she is home!! It is amazing how much I have missed her. While she is home I thought it would be nice to have here take some pictures of us and the baby belly. She is really good at photography...well she is good at everything she does, so I am not surprised.

Sunday afternoon we went over to my dad's and Heather took so many beautiful pictures for us! Here are a few of my favorites...



(My dad also particiapted in this one - making a lovly horse noise to get the dogs to look his way)

(this one is my very favorite!!)

Sore Hands...

Why sore hands you ask? Well I went canoeing and camping this past weekend with Lindsey, Ashley and Mrs. Whitenight and the [extended] Whitenight Family. I honestly had a fabulous time with the Women - our group name from Ryan. I do feel like Lindsey got the short end of the stick having to share an air mattress with me tossing a turning all night but luckily she loves me, restless sleep and all.

The trip started with chatting and comedy on the drive up. Traffic was not on our side, so it was about 10pm when we arrived, but I dont think I have ever set up in the day light on a camping trip with the Whitenights, so really it was nothing new. Also, they are all such pros it was a breeze. The next morning we had some breakfast and then went canoeing. Mother Nature was all about us being soaked, and the rain came down several times on us. The Women also all flipped our canoes. It was the first time I have ever flipped, and with the exception of losing Lindsey's hat, was not a big deal. After canoeing we waited and waited and waited and finally the bus came to return us to our camp. The afternoon/evening ended up being beautiful! We had a delicious dinner of BLT's and great company. The kids kept us all entertained and I think Mrs. Whitenight ended up being the ladder ball champ!!! We sat around the fire and enjoyed s'mores and then hit the sack. The next morning we enjoyed fabulous pancakes curtosy of Mrs. Whitenight (I know you are all jealous), packed up, said our good byes and got on the road....back to the real world.

It was baby B's first camping and canoeing trip and I am sure it will not be his last. I had such a great time - thanks so much for letting me tag along!!!

Wow...89 days left!

Yes, you read that correctly. Only 89 days until B Monster's due date. I cannot even wait to not be pregnant any longer!! I am excited to meet the B Monster but also just to be back to my normal - all alone, one person - body. He has moved "down" and let me tell you, the pressure is incredible at times. He is also a kicking machine. Specifically, when I have been sitting at work or when I am trying to get the final 30 minutes of sleep in the morning. I guess he is like his dad already...driving me nuts in the morning!!

Yesterday my fabulous sister-in-law passed on some great gear from her boys...a bassinet, a pack and play, and a car seat w/ base. We did not register for a bassinet, so I am the most excited for this! I need to take some pictures....well find my camera first.

Work has been pretty nuts, but the primary is tomorrow and my drama (or my bosses) should be done - thank goodness!!! I am losing another co-worker, as the guy who replaced Lindsey is taking a position w/ another Rep. Who knows when and if my boss will find a replacement....

Heather will be home at the end of this month and the begining of Sept!!!!!! I can hardly wait!!!!

B Monster's Room

We have been working on B Moster's Room. We found the curtains at IKEA and both loved them. It took us about an hour at Lowe's to decide on the paint color. Nate then did the painting while he was laid off a couple of weeks back.


The crib bumper I made. Too bad my machine died. It is not totally finished and I still need to attach the ties to tie it to the crib.



A shot of the bumper from the outside. I still need to make (or buy) crib sheets and a crib skirt. I have no idea what I want to do for the crib skirt. I will probably also make a quilt b/c I have a ton of the bumper material left over. I love how the pattern tells you to buy so stinken much...




A pug on a rug. We loved this rug from IKEA!




Nate and I re-did this dresser. I got it from the first in-district office I worked in and it was pretty ugly, but we are really happy how it turned out. We still need to get knobs for it. Also the lamp was from my baby room and my dad gave it to us. We need to get a lamp shade for it. I am thinking just white and maybe I will embelish it a little w/ ribbon. The pony on the dresser is the first baby gift we received. It is extra special b/c it is from Aunt Heather!!

Our room inspiration - curtain from IKEA. The sun was so bright when I took the pic...I need to take another one. Bert loves being in the babies room and had to be in the picture.

It is a.....

BOY!! I am a little nervous about raising a son but so happy he "looks great" according to the ultrasound. Nate is so excited to have a partner to skate with, among other things. I cannot believe we only have 4 more months until he gets here. We have started putting the nursery together - the crib is up and we have a dresser/changer combo. I have been looking for a glider for the room as well....I have found baby stuff is like wedding stuff...MARKED UP IN PRICE!! We found some curtains that we really like - bright and bold colors. And they are from Ikea...cannot go wrong there! We will be taking our inspiration from the curtains. Nate is worried, since I never like the first color we paint a room - LOL. He is afraid he will be painting and re-painting.

A Weekend of Celebration(s)

This weekend Heather came home and we had a surprise party for Dad's 60th B-day!!! We could not have pulled it off without everyone helping. So huge thanks to everyone!!!!! It was awsome to get so many people together to celebrate and let me just tell you that the food was delish!!!

Then on Sunday we celebrated Jaccob's 2nd birthday. Jaccob is one of our nephews. It was nice to get together and see the boys (Jaccob, Ethan and Andrew and the biggest kid - Nate) ham it up. We also got to meet Rachel's new puppy Nala. She is so cute!!

Some scrappin fun!

I have become a blog stalker - yes I can admit it - I stalk blogs. I get so jealous of all these great, well amazing, scrappers and I have such a deep appreciation for the amazing work they do and ideas they have!! So with some of their ideas in mind, I started scrapping our wedding photos. I have about 5 million pro and non-pro, so know this is an on going process, but I am fairly satisfied with what I accomplished yesterday. It was also nice to have something to focus on other that the crazy storm that came whipping through. I used the letters from our card box for the cover. I also saved all the scrap paper, the ribbon we used on vases, bouquet jewels, and even the reserved seating signs. These elements have been used through out what I have finished so far. (side note - I am unhappy with the page of the guys, but the pics are just in corner tabs so I can chage it. Also, the pages are in no order what-so-ever right now.)

Water Babies

This weekend was smokin HOTT!! We managed to enjoy the water on Saturday and Sunday!!

Bella and I

Bella - the super swimming pug!!

Bert was more interested in drinking the pond water than swimming.

Diesel was loving the water - not the swimming.

Awww my babies!!! They are so darn cute!!!

Andrew in his new pool.

Ethan and Andrew enjoying the cool water.

Jer and Jaccob

First Show of the Season

So it is here...Horse Show season is upon us once again. This past weekend I spent Friday through Sunday in Mason. I didn't work, just helped a bit with hair and makeup on Sunday. Even though there were only 11 horses showing from Crystal Farms, it seemed like we were busy in the ring. Everyone did a great job - including one girl's first blue ribbon!! It was also great to hang out with Misty. She has 2 new ponies and a new camper she was sweet enough to let me stay in. She did great with her new boys!! Bella went with me on Friday and then Nate, Bert and my dad came up on Saturday to watch. Eryn and her family and Lindsey came on Saturday in the afternoon. It was so nice to see all of them as well.

I am officially into my 2nd trimester (13 weeks). I am still sick - no fun at all. We hope it gets better soon. We are very excited b/c in a month or 2 we will be able to find out if it is a boy or girl joining our family. We have also been looking at cribs and bedding and bottles and clothes and strollers...oh my! There is so much stuff out there for babies...it is very overwhelming. Luckily some friends who are new(er) moms have been really great with recommendations and ideas. I think we will also be hitting up some mom 2 mom sales hunting down the good deals.

I guess that is about all for now....

The Zoo

We went to the Detroit Zoo this past Saturday. Nate is obsessed with going and ran around like a little kid (back pack and all). I had not been since high school, so it was a welcome trip. The weather was perfect, most of the animals were out, although many were sleeping in the sun.

New News

Well I think everyone pretty much knows but...Nate and I are expecting! I am due November 1st and honestly cannot wait. I have been dealing with the (all day) morning sickness, it has been kicking my butt. However, it seems to be getting better - fingers crossed.

This weekend Lindsey and Russell are tying the knot. We are so excited for them and happy to see all the out-of-towners!! And we know it will be a beautiful event.

Heather is also coming home on Wednesday and we cannot wait to see her. I hope even with her injury she will still be able to boogey down on the dance floor!!






Our first babies - Bert & Bella

We Are Married!!!

We are so excited to be married. And we are so glad that so many people were able to share our special day!