Perspective.

Sometimes, I get a little stressed. My Type-A self is slowly mellowing with age - and the fact that I live with a {grown} boy, 4 animals, and a tiny person who somehow has more stuff than all the rest of us combined. But I still have some ideals of perfection. Like trying to be a perfect mom. Wife. Housekeeper. Friend. Daughter.

{Although, to be fair, I am consistently a pretty awesome daughter - are you reading this, mom?}

And the list goes on and on. Sometimes I am pretty successful and feel great about it. But other times, I feel like I am slacking at everything. The house gets messy, I don't have enough time/energy/patience, and I get overwhelmed.

Am I the only one? I think not, but that could be wishful thinking.

But then, there are nights like tonight. Where my daughter and I dance around to Nsync Christmas, and I get her laughing and smiling so big it makes my heart swell. Then my hubs comes in and we all play on the floor together, her sort of rolling around between us. Now Delaney is fast asleep, and I'm drinking hot chocolate plus a splash of peppermint schnapps, blogging, and watching my Thursday night TV shows.

Productivity is important, but these are the things that matter most. Family, fun, and time to make memories.

Christmas, Christmas Time is Here.

Thought: Maybe I could name all the rest of this year's posts from Christmas songs? Hmm...

I found something really cool today that I wanted to share. You may have already heard it, but if not listen to it. If you have, listen to it again! Don't be a Scrooge.

While you are listening to it, look at this cutie:

It's beginning to look a lot like Shutterfly.

No, this isn't my family. But the kiddos are pretty cute, right?

One of the staples of my personal Christmas traditions is sending holiday cards. I remember my mom always sitting down to do them, and now that I have a family of my own, I love choosing and sending my cards each year.

Enter Shutterfly. This will be our fourth Christmas as a family, and I have sent a Shutterfly Christmas photo card each time. Its kind of like a little chronicle of our life together so far.

First year - Andrew, Bri, & Callaway

Second year - Individual photos of Santo, Callaway, & Gracie

Third year - The whole family - minus Gracie, of course. Some felines just won't cooperate.

I haven't sent this year's card, so I don't want to give anything away - but there may be several pictures of my adorable child coming to a mailbox near you. You're welcome.

So imagine my excitement when my best mama pal mentioned on her bloggy that Shutterfly was giving away 50 FREE Christmas cards. What?!?!?!? How do I get in on this?

Turns out Shutterfly wants to offer a lil somethin' to their blogging friends. Hello, that's me!

Now the hard part - which one to choose? There are literally hundreds of options. Guess I know what I'm doing the rest of the week - er, night.

Merry Christmas!

Telly Time.

If your family is like ours, you love watching TV. Keeping up with our shows has always been one of our favorite ways to wind down, but our new family schedule has really made us enjoy our TV time. After Delaney goes to bed, the hubs & I snuggle up on the couch and catch up on our shows.

So what are we watching at our house? Here are a few of our favorite things:

1. Mad Men
If you haven't tried it, you should. The attention to detail itself is worth the watch. Jon Hamm isn't exactly a negative, either.

2. The Office
Hilarious. Who will take over? Jim? Dwight? Darryl? Pam? One of the best parts of this show is its quotable lines - that's what she said, anyone?

3. Iron Chef America
Our favorites - Michael Symon and Cat Cora. Warning: This show will make you want to EAT.

4. Entourage
The show-of-the-moment I mentioned here. We just finished Season 4 tonight - and were both pretty bummed that Best Buy was already closed so Season 5 could not be attained tonight. Kind of a boy's show, but I must admit, I'm hooked. Watching Adrien Grenier and Kevin Connolly, laughing at Jeremey Piven, and making the mister a happy camper all at the same time? Pretty hard to beat.

5. The League
A show about a group of guys that play in a Fantasy Football league. Some of you wifeys might not be able to appreciate this one as much as I do, but if you live with a diehard sports addict that is in THREE (and that's one less than last year) fantasy leagues, this show is hilarious.

6. Grey's Anatomy
Hey, I've watched it from the beginning, and I refuse to give it up. Meredith and McDreamy? Even if they are only post-it married, I'm ready for the little McMereDreamys to start running around Seattle Grace (yes, I also refuse to call is Mercy West).

All that, plus my own personal guilty pleasures of E! reality TV (Ending my weekends with Guliana & Bill, Kendra, and the Kardashians? Yes, please! Don't judge me.) and our DVR stays pretty full.

What shows do you like to watch?

adding a little color to my life.

Today I went to visit my lovely friend and stylist extraordinaire at Aqua Bella. Seriously, if you need someone to make you look great, she's your girl. We did a little something different, and I went dark for fall. I have done this once before, but I was still at Belmont, which seems like about three lifetimes ago.

I love it! I needed something new and different, and this did the trick. The Klahns are all brunettes now - for this season at least!

Yabba Dabba Doo!

From our house to yours, hope you had a happy & safe Halloween!

whoooooosh!

Yes, whooooooosh. That is the sound of time flying by faster than I can keep up. How is it that I've let another month go by without a post? What could possibly be keeping me so busy? Maybe going back to work, my attempt at a new, healthier lifestyle, a fabulous social life, or trying desperately to keep up with my DVR and the new show-of-the-moment in the Klahn household (no, I can't tell you what it is, I might want to post about it someday), all whilst striving to be Supermom to this fabulous little ball of energy and fun:

because no post is complete without a picture of this doll.

But you can be sure I have LOTS of events, stories, and of course photos of my adorable little tyke. Coming soon. Pinky swear!

Our West Coast Guests.

We had a wonderful visit last week with our dear friends from California, the Blaylocks. We are kindred spirits, and it was great having them in our home for a few days...I only wish we could see them all the time (hint, hint: MOVE. soooooon. pretty please?)

Crystal & I have been friends for longer than either of us care to admit (we can't start showing our age yet!) and this was the first chance for our girls to meet. They are both absolutely adorable, and I hope this will be the beginning of a lifelong friendship for them!

We went to the zoo (Delaney's first time there!), shopping (of course), out for a fun parents' night out, and the daddies even got to have a boys' day tailgating and cheering on the Titans. Too bad they couldn't win, but you can't have everything.

Next year we hope to make it out their way. We owe them several visits! Love these guys!

matching girls!

My BSBFF...love this girl!

our attempt at a group picture


emery digging the flamingos at the zoo

delaney all tuckered out at the zoo

Thoughts on Shopping.

Lately, I have been feeling a major urge to shop. New clothes, new accessories, new home furnishings. All of these things are calling my name. I'm not sure if its the season change, the fact that I am home and have time to go out shopping and browse online, or the end of pregnancy, but my shopping cravings could rival an eight-months pregnant lady on the hunt for Doritos and a pint of Ben & Jerry's.

But alas, I have been good. I have held off from most shopping (excluding, of course, adorable things I buy for the wee one, which do not count as said "shopping for myself"). What has helped me to abstain? This laundry list that I keep reciting in my head:

• 'Tis better to lose the pregnancy weight before buying new fabulous fall clothes.
• 'Tis smarter to buy accessories that match said new clothes instead of the semi-maternity ones I am now sporting.
• 'Tis wiser to save for the screen porch we want to build than buy yet another seasonal decoration.

Will these mantras win out? Only time will tell. I tried to break my own rules today and pick up a few choices fall items for the mantle at TJMaxx, only to be struck down in the midst of my joy by the harsh realization that le wallet was in le car. Oops.

The shopping gods are harsh, and fiercely serious. Oh well, I am really going to enjoy that screen porch, right?

Life with Baby.

The first month of Delaney's life was a myriad of emotions: fun, tiring, trying, amazing, stressful, beautiful, and most of all - blessed. Having this little girl has truly been wonderful, and I am in the daily habit now of thanking God for giving me this beautiful little creature as my very own.

We have all learned a lot this month. Delaney is busy learning about herself, her family, and the world around her, and we are constantly watching her and learning more about her personality as well. It is so fun to see her constantly grow and change! The first few days of constant sleeping and a still, quiet baby seem like a distant memory now. This little girl is changing, growing, and moving all the time. At first "learning the cries" seemed like a daunting task, but now attending to a specific need based on her sounds comes naturally. Maybe the most rewarding feeling is knowing how to comfort her - singing songs, holding her a special way, and bouncing her around the room to cheer her up when she's upset.

Sleep is a wonderful thing. Delaney has slept about 6 hours at night from about her second week home. She is starting to stretch this out a bit now, and I am hoping that continues well into the first year of her life! This makes her a happy baby during the day, and it makes for happy mommy and daddy as well.

During the day we do tummy time, read books, sometimes go run errands or out to lunch, swing, and of course spend some time napping too - not me, just Delaney! We did not have a bedtime routine the first month, but have just started one now. She seems to enjoy the relaxation and special time with us.

The only real trial of the first month was weight gain. Delaney was a big girl at birth (8 lbs. 15 oz.) but she lost a pound waiting for momma's milk to come in, and gained VERY slowly after that point. This meant taking her in every 4-5 days to check in with our pediatrician to make sure all was still well, and she wasn't actually losing any weight. I was fervently determined to nurse her, so we kept on keeping on, and although she was eating well, the weight just wasn't coming on. We finally began supplementing with my milk through pumping, which was very trying. After feeding, pumping, and then giving the pumped milk, it is time for the whole process to start again. It was exhausting, and I knew it would be impossible to keep up once I started back to work.

So, after much researching, praying, and talking with Andrew, we decided to supplement with formula. Delaney is currently getting two meals of formula a day, with the rest of her meals coming from momma's milk. This way, she still gets all of my immunities and all the wonderful things that nursing provides, but she puts some pounds on too.

As of her last check-up, the little one weights 9 lbs. 5 oz. (finally back over birth weight)! We are really pleased with our decision, and feel that Delaney is getting the best nutrition that we can provide her. That is the most important thing!

One thing motherhood has helped me with is making decisions! I am not a good decision maker, and I usually consult my hubby on ever.y.thing. But now that I am a mommy, I am making 24/7 decisions for another person. I talk to her daddy about all the important decisions for sure, but there are a lot that have to be made all day long, and since she doesn't usually provide too much guidance, mommy must come to the rescue! This is just one way of many that I have already changed and grown. I love getting parts of my pre-pregnancy life back, but also seeing the new ways that our family is growing and changing as a result of our precious baby girl.

One Month Old!

Two Weeks Old.

Holy smokes! Delaney is already two weeks old. As I told her this morning, that's half a month! (Hey, its never to early to learn important life skills like math). I can't believe how fast the time is flying already! She is a fantastic little girl, and watching her grow is amazing!

She is still sleeping a lot (both of her parents love to sleep, so this could be genetic), but while she is awake we have tummy time, read books, sing songs, and snuggle together. The best snuggle times are on the weekends, when we have Daddy home to snuggle with us too! Nighttime sleeping is going fairly well too. That makes for a happy Mommy!

The biggest change in the past week is probably with my mommy skills. Although I have been preparing to be a mommy for quite a while now, as the cliche goes, you have no idea what it will be like until its happening. That said, I feel so much more together this week, and have physically recouperated from the stress of childbirth as well.

Here's to another great week with my girl!

Delaney Kate Klahn

At long last, our baby girl was born Monday, August 2nd at 4:20 p.m. She is the light of both our lives, and we could not be happier with our new little family.

We went into the hospital at midnight Sunday, August 1st to begin induction, but after being checked by the nurses, we learned I was already too far dilated to be given the gel that starts the induction, so we waited {somewhat} patiently for 4 a.m. to roll around, until I could be given Pitocin. At that time, I was contracting on my own, but very mildly and irregularly, just as I had been for the past week or so.

At around 4:30 a.m., my Pitocin drip was started. At this time, I started having stronger contractions, but they were still not unbearable. I laid in bed, watched tv, and tried to rest. Thank goodness we brought our Friends DVDs so I had something to watch to pass the time.

My water broke on its own at 6:10 a.m. I was afraid I would not notice it breaking, but it was very obvious! I was glad that labor seemed to be progressing, and I was dilating more as well. Since I was not going to be able to leave the hospital bed due to the IV and the internal monitoring of the baby that comes with Pitocin, I opted to go ahead and get an epidural around 6:30 a.m.

My doctor came in shortly after to check on me, and I was still progressing well at that point. The rest of the day was for sleeping, watching TV, and general waiting around. I did not have much pain due to the epidural, so the contractions were easy to get through. Happily, I progressed fairly quickly, and by late afternoon I started to feel hot, tired, and a little sick, all good signs that I was ready to push. My labor nurse was fabulous, and got everything set up so we could start pushing while we waited on the doctor. If nothing else, I am very glad I took Lamaze, just for the pushing breathing. I was able to use that during pushing, and it helped me not to do the "purple-faced" pushing from holding a breath for 10 seconds.

I pushed for about 35 minutes, but according to my doctor and nurses did a pretty fabulous job, since Delaney was very high and turned face up when I started pushing. By her birth, she was face down. She was born with the cord around her neck, but it was unwound quickly and she was able to stay with us and not go into the NICU. Andrew was with me the entire time, and got to cut the cord and hold Delaney right away.

We spent the first hour of her life cuddling her close and working on nursing, and then Andrew went with Delaney down to the nursery to be bathed, tested, etc. while I was able to get cleaned up.

We were so blessed to have so many loved ones bring flowers, gifts, and visits to hold Delaney during our stay at the hospital. Delaney's birth was a very special experience for our family, one that we will never forget. She is an amazing little girl and nothing could be better than having her as our own.

Our Family

First Cuddle with Daddy

Our Beautiful Girl

40 weeks and counting...

Well, our due date came and went last Friday, and little Delaney is still hiding out in Mommy's belly. Although I have had an easy pregnancy, this last week has been a long one. Between aches and pains, little sleep, and the frustration of waiting, I am definitely ready to get this labor show on the road! I am still hopeful that the birth will go according to the experience we are hoping and praying for, but also resigning myself to the fact that it may not, and focusing on the fact that a healthy baby girl is the end result however things go.

On the bright side, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Although we are still planning a natural birth, if that does not happen by this Sunday night, we'll be going in for an induction at the suggestion of my doctor, and Delaney will be born Monday, August 2nd. I can't wait to meet our little girl. We are very thankful that she is still healthy and thriving, but anxiously awaiting her arrival as well.

This time next week I'll be a full-fledged mommy! Hurray!

Delaney's Nursery.

Since we are thisclose to Delaney's due date and I really don't want to discuss the fact that she isn't here yet, I thought I'd share the finished project of her nursery with my bloggy loves. I love it so much! I tried to go with a mix of fun, feminine details and whimsy, and I think the finished product is pretty fabulous. What better way to describe than with pictures? Enjoy!

Bookshelf built by Daddy & Uncle John. Furnished a la Mommy.

Crib, butterfly mobile, and cool letters. Thanks to Grandma for the striped wall!

Our snuggle spot. SO excited to actually get to snuggling!

Changing table, tree, & mobile from Etsy. How I adore you, Etsy!

Sweet little blankets, all washed & ready to go!

Why, hello July.

We will be meeting our baby this month. WOW!!

What a Difference Nine Months Makes.

We are officially nine months pregnant today. This pregnancy has been such a blessing for our marriage and family. That said, the little one is welcome to show up any time - Mommy & Daddy can't wait to meet her!!

The Love of My Life.

Today is our third anniversary. I can't say enough about how much I love my husband and the life we are making together. He is my greatest support, he always makes me laugh, and he is my partner in everything I do. I am looking forward to many more years ahead, and wherever life takes us, I know that we are blessed just to be together.

that was then.

this is now.

The Best Dad Ever - Mine!

Just wanted to take a minute on this Father's Day to celebrate my Daddy. He is wonderful, always has been & always will be. He is the most awesome dad ever, and is going to make one heck of a Pop, too! He is one of the two greatest men in my life and I am so blessed to have him as my Dad! Love you, Dad!

And what pre-baby Father's Day post would be complete without mentioning my wonderful hubby? He is going to make an incredible father, and I can't wait to watch the moments he & Delaney will spend together making memories!

Happy Father's Day Everyone!

Callaway the Well-Intentioned Misfit.

Last night, a total freak accident occurred at my house, involving possibly the sweetest, most docile member of the family other than yours truly.

I was minding my own business, sitting on the chaise lounge, and Callaway was merrily scaling the ledge between the edge of the seat and my leg, purring and snuggling, when the unthinkable happened: he lost his balance.

At least that's what I think happened. All I know is that a blinding pain came across my foot, and three sharp little back claws were digging into my big toe for dear life. After I screamed and Callaway jumped down, completely startled and discombobulated, blood started pouring out of my toe.

Oh, lovely.

And, in my 35 week pregnant and freaking huge state, the only method of cleaning said toe was to stick my leg in the tub and turn the water on, since hubby had not gotten home yet, and putting my foot in the sink or bending over were both physically impossible. Yes, this was funny, even to me, so you are allowed to laugh at the pregnant lady trying to do things.

Really, I can't make this stuff up. If you think your life is boring, get a pet. You'll thank me.

Diapering Debate: The Decision to Go Cloth.

I have always known I wanted to be a mom. And I guess, if I had thought about, I also planned on using disposable diapers. No one uses cloth anymore, right?

Enter Fabulous Husband, who has read that cloth diapered kids potty train faster. After I got over the initial shock of there being a baby-related decision I had not yet considered (gasp!) I decided that this was indeed interesting. Thus starts my tireless research into the subject. Then we compare the costs of cloth vs. disposable diapering. Oh my stars! How could we not at least try out cloth?

As it turns out, cloth diapers have come a pretty long way. True, the use is still a, shall we say, less than enjoyable sidebar of parenting, but the days of tying and pins are out the window. Unless you wanted to do it that way I guess. Count me out, please.

My research led me to about a million different brands, but we decided on GroBaby, a line of all-in-ones (meaning they grow with baby) that have snap in liners you change as needed, and a shell that is changed twice a day. That doesn't sound like rocket science, right?

And yes, we are washing them ourselves. A little extra laundry never hurt anyone (dusting and cooking, however - that has been known to kill people!) And no, our entire house is not going to smell like baby pee all the time (just an FYI for those afraid to visit after said baby pee arrives). That's why there are grand inventions such as tea tree oil for the diaper pail, and Febreze for the air. Voila!

Last, but not least - how stinkin' cute are these things? I can only imagine how much cuter they will be on my baby's little tush!

Our Babymoon.

A few weeks ago, we took a little trip down to the beach for a week. We love going to the beach, but ventured out last year to other locales (hello, Key West!) instead. That said, we wanted to have some nice, relaxing downtime before Baby Delaney comes to liven up our household. The perfect spot? Ft. Walton, Florida.

the view from our balcony

We had a great time, and I even found a great deal on the baby bag I wanted at the outlet mall! We hung on the beach all day, went to the pool in the evenings, and had some great seafood. We had beautiful weather, and the beaches weren't crowded at all - a nice change from the vacation we usually take around July.

Next time we hit the beach, we'll probably be hitting it with sand buckets, a playpen, a HUGE umbrella, a lot more toys, and a darling little one - and I can't wait!

A Little Love for Moms.

I'm very blessed to have a great mom that is one of my best friends. She has taught me a lot - and still has a lot left to teach me as I approach this whole parenting journey; she is always doing things for me, and we have so much fun together! I am so thankful to have her!!

In a case of double good luck, my mother-in-law is pretty great too. We have a great time together, she is super crafty {which aids in my serious lack of craftiness} and hey - she raised several pretty amazing kids, the best of which {of course} is my hubby!

Speaking of my wonderful hubby, how awesome is he? I got Mother's Day gifts while my baby is still busy being created! They were, of course, from Daddy, Delaney, Callaway, Santo, Sadie & Gracie. Our little family is so full of love, and I am taking today to give a little extra love to my furbabies too!

To all the moms and moms-to-be out there, have a wonderful day!

My Little Drama Queen.

What started out as a routine day yesterday took an interesting turn after lunch when, after having an "episode" that could have been trouble for my little one, we booked it over to Labor & Delivery at my doc's recommendation to get checked out.

After getting hooked up to gadgets galore and having an ultrasound {LOVE seeing her, even if it is a little unscheduled...} everything is fine, her heartbeat sounded strong, and I am having NO contractions. At 29 weeks, this is a very good thing.

My little one weighs in at 3 lbs. 4 oz. and everything about her is normal. Except, perhaps, her flare for the dramatic. She had an arm on her forehead yesterday, marking the second time she's been caught like that on film. Oh, the grand adventure of it all, she must be thinking.

I am feeling fine, but have been instructed to keep my feet up all weekend. Don't worry, I am being a good patient and following doctor's orders. Besides, I can't jepordize my upcoming beach vacation!

While I am getting really excited about the planning and preparing for Delaney's arrival, I would like a few more weeks to, you know, learn Lamaze, and also not have my daughter weigh three pounds at birth. So prayers for keeping her inside and safe would be greatly appreciated.

Now, what good TV shows come on in the middle of the day, anyway?

I Feel Pretty, oh so Pretty!

I'm not usually one to brag, but look at me! No, my blog silly, not my giant growing belly. I got a new look, courtesy of the FABULOUS Penny Lane Designs. You read it here, interwebbers: she's awesome. Go check her out. But don't even think about stealing my awesome blog look. Just kidding. But seriously, she's wonderful.

I love my new look! What do you think?

Sprucing Up for Spring.

I don't know about your household, but mine has been buzzing with springtime to-do's. Probably the biggest thing on our list this year was new landscaping. We wanted to get some things planted that will fill in nicely and last us through the winter, and of course some pretty flowers too. Andrew did almost all of the work, but I did water things and help spread out dirt...

Here are the results!

the before

the green stuff

the pretty stuff

hubby taking a break

my contribution

the finished product!

Are you there readers? Bueller? Bueller?

I am back from the metaphorical grave of blogging, Lazarus style if you will. Hallelujah!

Well, for today, at least. But I do have some new ideas, and a plan for actually keeping this thing semi up-to-date.

Have I completely exhausted the pregnancy excuse yet with you? If not, then please, let me play that card again. Creating life is tiring, people! Especially on top of a full-time job, designing a fabulous nursery, and my other life pursuits {read: eating ice cream and keeping up with important current events such as Dancing With the Stars & American Idol}.

But fear not, those who have ruthlessly persecuted gently nudged me back into the blogosphere - and thanks for remembering me! Now, if I can just get someone to leave me a comment once in a while...

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

In our typical fashion, we had to celebrate the Irish holiday with some delish corned beef, cabbage, and veggies, as only my mom can whip up. She is one great cook! While Andrew enjoyed his green beer in typical fashion, I had to abstain from my annual pinot greenio, and settle for green 7Up instead. Hope all you lads & lassies had a great time celebrating!

Bump Watch: 21 Weeks.

My little one is thriving...so is my appetite!

kudos from my bff.

Good morning bloggers!

I thought I'd start off this week with a little blogging excitement - an award! My first, I might add. toot toot!

How did I get this award, you ask? Well, since it clearly isn't for posting on a regular basis, it can only be because my lovely pal, Mrs. Smith, is just so fabulous. In fact, for more info on how fabulous her life actually is, go on over and check out her blog. You'll love her!

The rules of the award are:

• Link back to the blogger who gave this to you.


• Post where you'd like to be in 10 years.


• Give to five other lovely ladies.

Since its currently a quarter after 7 here in our household, I'd like to think in 10 years, I'll be out doing the school dropoffs for one (or maybe two?) kids. The fabulous-to-be Delaney will most certainly be in tow. After that, let's say I'm out to take a walk, maybe do some shopping, and otherwise enjoy my life of retirement?? Hey, its 10 years, it could happen! Either way, as long as my wonderful husband is along for the ride, I am pretty much game for anything.

Now, to pay some bloggy love forward - here are a few lovely ladies I'd like to pass this award on to:

Emery's Mom

Tracey, my Fellow Mom-to-Be Blogger

My Sis-in-Law

It's a GIRL!!

Well, most of my faithful readers already know this news, but I have been a little behind on the interwebs lately...I blame "restricted activity" {i.e. the horrible phrase which I blame for everything these days}*.

Anywho, to get back to the excitement, let me share again:

WE ARE HAVING A BABY GIRL!!!

This means fabulous things such as a to-die-for nursery {pics and progress coming soon, I promise}, adorable clothes, and someone to play dress up with for the next few years! It has been so great to finally know, so we can settle in to the idea of a little girl. We are both so excited, and can't wait to meet Delaney Kate Klahn!

*Now, for the concerned set, a note on "restricted activity." This is a term apparently used to describe the fact that I am allowed to work & go home - ONLY. This means no chores {not complaining} and also no shopping and various running around after work and on the weekends {cue whining here}. I am blessed to have an amazing husband and similarly fabulous family & friends that help make this challenging time more fun & bearable on everyone involved.

Mommy & Baby are both perfectly healthy, and I couldn't wish for more than that. In the meantime, I am having fun reading baby books, watching Friends reruns {let's be honest, I already spent way too much time doing that}, and delegating nursery tasks.

Before long, Mommy, Daddy & Delaney will be running around everywhere together, and "restricted activity" will be a distant memory of the past!

This One's Dedicated to the One I Love.

Its a little late, I know, but since I haven't had a chance to recap our Valentine's Day festivities, I thought I would brag a little on my amazing hubby and how ridiculously good he treats me. I'm one lucky girl!

Last weekend, we celebrated our Valentine's on Saturday, and my birthday on Sunday (we have to have some separation here - you holiday babies know what I mean!) So Saturday, I got treated to flowers (yay!), the movie Valentine's Day, and a delicious dinner cooked by my hubby. Like I told him, one of the greatest parts of being married is you don't have to "watch" what you are eating out at fancy meals and try not looking like a pig - turns out, this is even more true when you are pregnant!!

We feasted on a pasta dish that Andrew concocted {channeling his inner Iron Chef}, some scallops, ribeye, and, of course, birthday cake for the birthday girl. This is one birthday girl that loves birthday cake!



He also gave me a beautiful card and Valentine's gift (the nice sentimental stuff) - and for my birthday, a gift certificate to get my windows tinted so Baby Klahn doesn't have to squint!

Sunday, we topped off the weekend with a trip to Dave & Buster's and a dinner at Wasabi in MJ - if you haven't been there, stop reading this and GO.NOW. It is fabulous!

The birthday festivities were concluded last night with a wonderful dinner with my family and best buds at J. Alexander's on West End. That place was incredible! Everything we ate was amazing.

25 isn't the most remarkable age, but my 25th year is going pretty fabulously so far. Not to mention all of the excitement we still have to look forward to this year!! I really enjoyed spending time with my hubby, our animals, and the rest of my crew for this last childless birthday - but I am looking forward to sharing the next one with our bundle of joy!

must love dogs.

My dogs are my babies. We have the cats too, but they just don't steal your heart the same way the dogs do. At least for me. {Callaway comes close though! Maybe its because he mostly loves to cuddle with his Daddy.} Although surely they've noticed me hauling things in and out of the baby's new room, I think they've noticed a few other changes too. {Hello, Mommy's belly!}

It really amazes me how observant they are! As if they weren't the great protectors before {although I think any perpetrators would likely be licked to death}, they have really gone above and beyond. One is almost always on my lap, by my side, or at my feet. And that is when they aren't both surrounding me with protection!

They love to rest their heads on my belly - maybe they are trying to do some early bonding with their new BFF?