A Year Ago Today...

I was at a taping of The Price is Right...in contestant's row!

Can you believe it has been a year since Doug and I were in L.A., standing in line for 7 hours, to meet Bob Barker? So much has changed in our lives in that year's time: bought a house, started back to school, and getting ready to have a baby!

Here's a snapshot of us after the taping. Camera's aren't allowed inside the gates of CBS, so we had to stand across the street in order to get this.

Also, during our trip to L.A., we were without power in Iowa because of an ice storm. As I type this...we are getting more snow, but we still have power! I guess some things don't really change.

New Blogger

It's another new blogger! My good friend Erin Menchhofer has created her own blog site. You should jump over there and check it out...especially her pictures of Toby! You can click here, or you can find a link in the Posting Partner section!

Welcome, Erin!

Taxes

Have I mentioned how much I hate doing my taxes! Last year, Doug and I decided to buy the H&R Block software and do them ourselves. We ended up having to pay on both federal and state! I found out by talking with people that the reason for this was because I work in multiple schools as a substitute. Their advise: have extra money held from each paycheck. So...that's what I did. Problem solved...right? Wrong!

This year, we bought the H&R Block software again...and when I finished putting in all our information, we owed again! I was really perturbed because I changed all my withholdings and we even bought a house in 2007...which everyone says will help out on taxes! So...before sending Uncle Sam my money (for a second year in a row), I set up an appointment with a tax accountant. I was afraid I had done something wrong. Know what...he came up with the same thing I did and it cost me even more money!

Maybe, just maybe, next year will be better with a house and a kid. Alright...enough of my venting...

No more news on Buckwheat...we did get our bags packed and the car seat secured in the truck. It's up to the little one now.

Until next time...

Baby Progress

Buckwheat and I went to the doctor this morning...and I'm glad our appointment was in the morning because we are getting some more crappy weather this afternoon!

Anywho...Things are progressing! After losing 2 pounds at the last visit, I pick them back up for this visit. In addition, my blood pressure was a little higher than (my) normal ~ 120/80 (still good, nothing to worry about, just higher for me). I was also a little concerned about Buckwheat's movement this morning because there wasn't much of it. But, the heart rate was at 150 beats/min. and s/he has since been making up for a lazy morning! I'm guessing that Buckwheat was sleeping in after an active night of bowling yesterday. Lastly, Dr. Smollen examined me and said that I'm dilated to a 2! So...we are getting closer!!!

Until next time...

Bump Picture and Baby Poll

It's time for another baby update. Buckwheat is still growing and moving all the time. I think s/he gets that from Dad! Anywho...we go back to the doctor tomorrow for our weekly appointment. Doug is hoping that there has been tons of progress and that Dr. Smollen will say "any day!" Until then...here are a few pictures Doug took today...

38 weeks and 5 days

Fred loves to get in pictures!

In addition, since we are getting so close to the due date...I'm going to give you a few more days to submit your guesses for Buckwheat's game. You can find the post by simply clicking here. I'm going to make the cut-off for guesses Tuesday, February 26th, mid-night.

Until next time...