Good Morning....

Well it goes without saying that the precious times with my little one can be found in the wee morning hours. However, sometimes it's hard to get back to sleep. Ugh, what will I do when I have to go back to work?? These are the moments when it would be nice to be a stay at home Mom and catch up on my zzzz's during the day. HA!

It's been a rollercoaster over the past few weeks. Maternity leave has come with challenges, mostly my back. Since I have maxed out my insurance deductible, there is no time like the present to have a little work done on my back to relieve the pain. During labor I seemed to intensify my slipped disks which caused numbess and tingling in my left leg along with major nerve pain in my left butt cheek. Needless to say it hasn't been much fun. So here I am lying in the recliner while my Mom and Mother-in-law are taking care of Katie. It's been hard but I'm very thankful for all their help. And I'm thankful to have relief from the pain....

Some other changes include a new car...AGAIN! We decided that two dogs, a child, and all the stuff that is associated with a child is just not conducive to a car. So we traded in the Jetta (which was a lemon) for a 2003 Honda Odessy! We love it!! We have room for baby stuff and dogs!! I swore I would never have a minivan and boy how having Katie changes that mentality. LOL

Reality has sunk in that our lives have changed. We missed the opening game today for the MSU Bulldogs, but are certainly happy they won!! Katie watched the game from the comfort of Grandpa McDonald's arms, while her Papa yelled at the officials. Katie will make her debut at the Georgia Tech game next month!! We are looking foward to that. It's now 3:37 am and I hope to fall back asleep sometime today. I'm sure Katie will be up very soon to eat again. It's amazing at how little sleep a Mother needs after the arrival of her newborn.

Our little surprise...

Meet our new little bundle of joy, Katie Frances McDonald!! She came five weeks early and weighed 5lbs 11oz and was 19in long. She arrived with a head full of hair perfect enough for bows!! Needless to say, our life has changed...and all for the better. With major sleep deprivation, losing our minds, and walking around in almost a drunken state, we are managing to get adjusted to this new little booger. She has brought so much love to our lives and I can't imagine life without her now. Did I mention that we aren't getting much sleep!! haha Now I begin the process of getting this blog caught up since we had her...there's a lot of items that have fallen through the cracks over the past month. There is nothing that can prepare one for parenthood, but again, it's all worth it!!

High School Reunion - 10 yrs!

I survived my 10 year high school reunion! I must say, not too much has changed. By day three, I was done. It was great to see old friends and I hope to continue to stay in touch with them. On Friday, it was off to the Brahaus for a gathering. We had a great time, good food and many laughs were exchanged. On Saturday, there was a family picnic held (on the lake at a classmates' home - see pics). We weren't there too long as it was hot!! Yes, that is a pool that is supplied by a creek that runs through the house. Needless to say, you didn't feel like you were in Hot Springs, AR. You felt more like you were on an episode of "The Hills" in California. Saturday night was another gathering at the Porter House Lounge for dinner. It was obvious at how quickly the qlicks formed again. Rather entertaining I must say. Jeff was running for "Reunion King" and apparently word got out because some of the girls started coming up to him. Jeff was certainly entertainment for us all (and as usual). He was more popular than I was at my reunion!! Ha - go figure! By ten o'clock, I was exhausted, hot and ready to go to bed. I was the only one pregnant at the reunion, which is fine with me as I didn't have to explain my weight gain. I'm glad it's done and I'm glad I've moved on with my life.

Diabetes is no fun....

Well, little B. Mac is still cooking away. Jeff has had the opportunity of visually seeing the little critter move as my stomach is doing acrobatic moves these days. It's so cool!! Weird, but cool!

Went back to the Dr. today and my blood sugar is still not under control to where he would like it. While it's easy to control with exercise, the diabetic diet is still proving to be a bit of a challenge for me. And I did splurge over the weekend, but hey, what can you say. I've had to give up so much already, and then to tell me that I can't enjoy desserts anymore - just wrong! Ohhhh, it's not that bad - I just haven't found a happy balance with the foods that are nice to me. I'm guessing by the time this kid arrives, I'll probably be close to figuring it out.

So we are hanging tight until two weeks roles around. We will have our next ultrasound to let us know "where we stand" with the weight and length. Just taking precautions due to the G. Diabetes. This will be a fun update and I am REALLY looking forward to it!

On the new job front: I will also be moving into my classroom soon! So much is going on - glad I have the time to get it done! I have orientation(s) approaching so that will be nice to meet new people and get familiar with the territory. I'm really looking forward to the next few months. So far I will be teaching Nutrition, Family Dynamics and Resource Management. Should be fun stuff!! Time to fold laundry - I'm scared of how it's going to multiply when there is three of us....

What's the deal with the pantry door?

Ahhh, it's been awhile since I've posted anything. So many great things have happened like life falling into place. What a relief! I truly think God was testing Jeff and I and preparing us for the "good" things to happen....To not take the good things for granted. And during my bible study, I've learned that I rarely thank God for the good things, but I am now. I'm going to enjoy this moment b/c we've made it through - with the love of family and friends, we made it through!! A baby, a new job, a new car, and most importantly a lovely lady to watch Baby Mac., it all came together!

As this journey with Baby Mac is nearing the end, I am SO READY for him/her to be here! It's hot, my back is killing me, and I am just getting to the point where I wish I could fit into my pantry again. That's right, fit into my pantry! See picture - it explains itself. I never took into consideration that a 1'-6" door frame (don't even know if it's that big) would be a problem when pregnant, but it is. I attempted to get food the other day and realized that I am really pregnant now...hehhehehe. If only I could get my hands on this builder. NOTE TO SELF - there should be ADA guildlines for pregnant ladies when designing residential and commercial settings. Pantry doors should be no less than 32" wide!!!

And a special thanks, again, to my Mom & Dad who purchased the new mommy chair. I LOVE IT!!! Still haven't sold the other one, but I'm on a mission to do so. And of course my personal painter (i.e., my mother) helped me finish painting the living room, trim work and our ceiling in the master bedroom - YOU ROCK! The color in the living room isn't too far off from the other one, but it's so nice to have a fresh coat on the walls. I'm thinking resale now. With my to do list still a mile long, this house WILL get done before B. Mac arrives. If only for my mental state of mind.... I'm so excited to have everyone coming down/up/over the end of this month - it's a guarantee that my house will get cleaned and ready for company.

The Ultimate Fan Tailgate Baby Shower

What a fun weekend and a big thanks to the Byrds who threw a shower for Baby Mac!! It was a laid back weekend full of fun with friends. It all started with an Engagement Party in Winona on Friday night. Thank goodness it wasn't too hot...but the mosiquitos are already out in full force. On Saturday, we had our pool party baby shower. This shower rejuvenated me into getting things ready for Baby Mac as I have been dragging my feet lately. I just wanted to share some photos from the weekend (sorry no pool pics - I didn't even attempt to have any pics taken in a maternity swimsuit...yikes!!) and the wonderful gifts that have been so graciously given to Baby Mac!! Also, we got the crib in and we managed to set it up together. Only had one little arguement and I was in the wrong...imagine that! Jeff was a happy camper...hehehe It's real now - the guest room has been taken over. Enjoy the pics! I will upload the final nursery pics once I have it complete. It's almost done!

Here we go...

Well, I thought maybe I could escape the rath of diabetes during pregnancy, but I won't be so lucky. I have joined the group of millions of Americans with gestational diabetes. Hopefully, it will disappear after the baby is born, but this certainly has been an eye opener. With diabetes in the family history, it's something to take very seriously as my chances of having it again later in life or other pregnancies is greatly increased. So, I am putting us on the diabetic diet and starting back to our regular walks again....even though it was 96 degree today, June 1st! Yikes - it's going to be a hot summer. I'm thinking a pool sounds great right now! So here I am with my new diabetic cookbook - I'll share recipes as we try them....

The last "Getaway"

Jeff and I decided to getaway one last time before B. Mac comes to stay. We took off to Ila's home town in northern Georgia to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with her family. Needless to say, her family is much like the Fuerbringer clan just with a "southern" accent. It's beautiful up here in the mountains and certainly is a far cry from the noise of FedEx planes. This picure is of the highest point in Georgia. I believe it's called Brass Knob - don't hold me to it though. This is the view off the front porch - not bad, eh? I'll post more pics as I get them uploaded. Time to go explore Arts in the Park while Jeff is getting in one last round of golf with the guys.

We have babies - Baby Doves that is...

Our Mamma bird's eggs hatched!! I only wish the human incubation period was as long as hers. Anyways, I took two picks of the babies while Mamma was away getting food. It's neat to see this so upclose to our home. While my plant is rather flat from her nesting in it, hopefully it will recover.

We will survive....

Well without a doubt, the past week has been one of the roughest ones we've had in awhile. While we are still alive and happy to see another day, it almost didn't seem like we were going to survive some days. Everything from the car exploding, to the threat of losing a job, to the dog being sick and simply the lack of sleep, it's been one heck of a week. One that is intensified with hormones and the thought of how are we going to make it? All I can say is, prayer and then laughter.

It is with great sadness that I have laid to rest my 1998 Nissan Altima w/ 221.000 miles. "Ally" and I have had great times together...like high school, college, road trips during Spring Break, and even the little stickers that were given to me by my nephew when he was 1. It was just so hard to let a good thing go, but that good thing almost caught on fire. That's when I knew I had to call it quits. So we welcome our new addition, a 2005 VW Jetta. It's a cute little thing and we got a great deal on it! It has roughly 170K miles LESS than what we are accustomed to. We hope to hold on to this car and drive it into the ground just like the Altima. I personally love the sunroof...

I'm just a sunroof kind of girl. So now that we have survived this week, and many thanks to family and friends who drove me around, listened to me cry, and helped us make a tough decision, I do believe we will survive.

Starkville - the last trip for awhile....

This is the last trip to Starkvegas before our life becomes totally turned upside down. To think of all the great times we had without a child in tow...yet so excited about having a child in tow. The big dilema will be who gets bathroom duties at the game?? We had a great time at Super Bulldog weekend with our close friends. Needless to say, it's a bit different now, but we still had a

great time. We are just preparing this kid for what is to come...football and MSU. I'm afraid that I will NOT win this battle against Jeff.

We celebrated my birthday at our "little" tailgate. We only had one tent vs the three we usually have. Jeff arranged for my favorite cake (carmel cake) and some friends to join in the fun. Thank you honey for making this birthday a special one for me! I was completely exhuasted in these pictures, but nontheless, I still tried to hang with the crowd. Again, this may be the last time as single people for a long time!! I had to take it all in before my head hit the pillow.

What a weekend...

Thanks a bunch to my wonderful Mother who slaved her life away at our house this past weekend. She is such a trooper for helping us get the nursery ready for B. Mac!! Luckily, we aren't doing much as times don't lend themselves to getting "carried away". But she painted every square inch of that room. "Mom, I think you missed a spot!!" hehehe - Just Kidding!

I think the most special item in the nursery, however, is the changing table/dresser. This item was purchased by my parents for my older sisters when they were 2 & 4 yrs old. I'm sure my parents NEVER thought that the dresser purchased so long ago would be used for their grandchild. I just think it's sweet. Just a note: this dresser is being held together by the ten layers of paint that is has endured over the past 30+ years. Once the crib arrives, which was so kindly purchased by Jeff's parents, I will take more pics of the finished room. Also to come is a custom shelf that Grandpa Leonard is going to make for above the dresser. That will be special to have along with all the other items people have so kindly given for B. Mac. A few more details to add to the room and then it will be ready!!

And of course, I have to show off the clean closet! It's amazing what a little organization skills can do....and a yard sale. Whew! Poor Jeff had to find a new home for his beloved golf clubs. There's just no more room in B.Mac's closet. The brown item in the closet is the bumper for the crib (thanks to my sisters) and of course, a box of diapers and clothes that have already been purchased. Have to love consignment sales! All in all, it was a great weekend. Never a dull moment in our family.

The attack of the Birds!!!

I'm not sure why, but the birds are attacking our house! I hung our hanging plants outside to get the nice spring air and it seems as if a Dove has set up shop. I believe she is "nesting" in the middle of my spider plant! We just got rid of the birds from the attic by filling in the cracks between the trim and roof line. Now they are pecking the trim away at a desperate attempt to get to their home. In addition, these particular birds are perching on our window and pecking on our bay windows! It's rather ammusing watching the dogs trying to figure out where the noise is coming from. It's unreal...truly unreal. We must have a bird sign somewhere that says, "lay your eggs here!"

Baby McDonald - 20 wks

Our visit to the Dr. today was a good one! We had great reports from everyone which is always a blessing to hear. Baby Mac is growing nicely and weighs 14oz. He/She will be 1 lb by next week! This puts Baby Mac ahead of schedule (at roughly 20 wks & 4 days) as far as his/her growth schedule even though I'm only 20 wks. I'm guessing it's going to be a big baby - go figure! Baby Mac's HR was 165 as it's climbed from the 150's we've been used to seeing in the beginning. Also, since it seems to be the famous question, I've only gained 9 lbs so far. I think a pound was from all the candy I ate during the Easter weekend. In addition, Baby Mac's heart chambers, liver, kidneys, and stomach have formed nicely. Also forming nicely are it's eyes, lips (no cleft palate), backbone, legs and 10 fingers and 10 toes!!

I have started feeling movement...which I have to say is just awesome. I have been having pain under my left diaphragm. Come to find out, Baby Mac's rear end is on that side. That would be the reason for the pain when walking, shortness of breath and aching on this particular side. Who knew!

Welcome to the McDonald Family Blog!

I am finally getting caught up with the times. I feel that now is the best time to start blogging since we are anxiously awaiting our new addition. This will hopefully be an easy way to stay in touch as we expand this household. I look forward to sharing photos, stories and updates of the McDonald family household.