Allie Nicole

Our lives have changed because of this little bundle!

A pic of my two favorite people!!!

If you don't own land...rent it!

Nick and I made a "huge" investment this year or renting a plot of land for gardening.  It is costing us a big $25 for the year.  We thought if we come out with some home grown veggies and an activity for the two (soon to be three) of us to do together this summer, we will be successful!

The start of our gardening:  we are going with 8 tomato plants, 2 cucumber plants, 8 bell pepper plants, and 4 jalapeno pepper plants.  If you are in the Lincoln/Omaha area we might hook you up, hoping we have a good harvest :)

This is probably the most "farming" I will ever do in my life.  Nick on the other hand has big plans for us to own farm ground and go bigger.  Sometimes, I am amazed that I could be/am a farmer's wife...  I still think they need to create a FFA association for woman who marry into agriculture, maybe this is something I should start up?!?

My Farmer...

The Waiting Game…

I am 38.5 weeks.  2 weeks ago, the doctor says be ready, this baby is coming early!  Yea!!!  Bags are packed ready to go.  Wait, the bags are still pack and I am still pregnant.  UGH!  I am sorry Doctor Tomjack, but don’t tell me that!  Nick/I have to look at those hospital bags every night and wonder if we are going to use them.  No, they are going to remain there for another 1.5 weeks or even worse…longer!  Coming into work everyday with people saying “You are here still?”  So frustrating.  Also, I love Facebook, but if I see one more Facebook friend announce their little bundle has come, I am going to go crazy!!

My older co-worker (grandparent age) has asked me if I have been spending enough time in the bedroom to natural induced the labor.  First, awkward!  Second, yes, I have read numerous articles on how to naturally induce labor, gone on numerous walks, eat spicy food, and even spent time in the bedroom…  I think this little bug is just trying to push my buttons early.

Well here to the LONGEST couple of weeks in front of me!!!

Birth and Beyond Class

We just finished our 8 week long session of birthing classes, every Sunday night, 6 to 8:30.  I am very excited to have my Sunday evenings back!

So have to share a few of my favorite moments...

Nick's face when we saw the live birth, needless to say, he will be at the head of the bed with me and there will be no mirror!

There is always that awkward person/people in class...no we weren't them...but we got paired up with them...  We were learning how to give the baby a bath and they asked, "Can we bring our baby in the shower with us?  We already let our dog/cat come in the shower with us?"  Yes, I know there is an economic crisis out there and this is saving money on the water bill, but seriously, I think family showers should probably end when the baby comes along.  Just saying...

Breast Feeding, I agree, that it is great for your baby, but it does not mean you should breast feed your child for 3 years?  Our instructor shared her own personal experience of breast feeding each child for 3 years...  She has 4 children!  I am sorry, I going to opt out on that time frame!  When my child can walk/talk and ask for milk, I think that milk will be coming from a farm animal!

Getting Bigger...Getting Ready...Just need the Baby!

Home Stretch!  6 more weeks and Baby Ward will make their entrance!  I am officially waddling around the office/home and nesting away.  I think every room of our apartment has some sort of baby item and has been organized and reorganized.  I can't believe in 6 weeks I will finally know and hold our little boy or girl!

Here is a pic of the crib Nick assembled on Monday night.  Once we know if it is a boy/girl we (I) can finally decorate!!

And here is the latest/greatest pic of my baby bump...

Nick off to Vegas...

I am a very jealous wife right now...  In 3 days my husband gets to go off to Vegas with 6 of his good friends to golf, watch sports, and drink beer.  Pretty much the 3 best things in a man's life. 

I ponder "why do guys get to live up 9 months before a baby is born, when the ladies have to go to the prison of healthier eating habits, no drinking, and gaining weight?"  Is it because Adam was created before Eve?  Is it because men are less responsible than women?  I don't know the answer...  Maybe one day I will learn the answer...

Tax Incentive for a Mom!

The IRS announced that breast feeding supplies now qualify as medical care expenses.  We can use our FSA, HSA, or you can itemize them on the Schedule A effective 2010 tax year.  Yahoo!  Is it bad this confirms my decision to breast feed?  I guess I am a true accountant :) 

Of course the IRS is very loose on wording.  "Supplies that assist lactaion"  I can only imagine the crazy things people will try to pull over on their returns!

The IRS does note they do not say breast feeding vs. formula is better, but formula is classified as "food" and can't be deducted...ummm...

Oh well, one more way to keep my money from the government!

Parenthood = finding new tax savings!