House Divided

This year marked the first year that USF played UF.  Now, I have always been a Gator fan, even before meeting Casey, but after having graduated from USF, I just couldn’t NOT support my alma mater.  It was so much fun to trash talk Casey the week before and take down all of the Gator Flags outside.  Deep down everyone knew who would win, but it was great leading up to the game.  We dressed the dogs up in our respective schools, I baked yummy cupcakes, and we sat and watched the game together, both screaming at the television during stupid plays and even me laughing when Brantley got worked.  Especially the first drive, 3 and out.  I think Casey was a little worried during the first half, with USF keeping up and all.  However, the Gators finally turned it on during the second half.

  

A little bit of rivalry before the game.  I think Aspen won the fight. :)

It was great to see USF playing with the big dogs, even if they didn’t win, I  am proud to be a BULL!

I did put up all of the Gator gear, and luckily, my hubby still loves me, and we can be friendly rivals, at least until the first onesie is worn by our son. ;)

Until next time…

It’s A Boy!

  On Monday, we had our 20 week ultrasound.  Throughout the past 20 weeks, I had been unsure as to whether I wanted to know what the sex of our baby was.  When we did the fun 3D ultrasound, they couldn’t tell because our little one did not cooperate.  I took that as a sign that maybe I shouldn’t know, but as soon as I walked into the ultrasound room and the nurse said we may be able to determine the gender, I just couldn’t resist.  After taking several pictures of the head and seeing our beautiful baby move all around, flipping and turning toward his momma, she started measuring the legs.  She did a couple of passes and Casey and I looked at each other, thinking a girl probably shouldn’t have that extra something down there.  It was pretty obvious, but she finally stopped on this picture and said, “There’s the third leg.” I of course started crying, I will blame pregnancy hormones, but it was just an amazing feeling to know what we will be having.  It definitely makes everything a little more real. Please pardon the flash, our scanner is on the frits.

 

Everything looked healthy with our little man, weighing in at about 1 pound already!  We saw his heart, diaphragm, toes, fingers, mouth, kidneys, and everything else in between.  Here are a couple more pictures.  We didn’t get a superb profile picture, but we did get the reassurance that he is healthy, really all that matters. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful summer, as it is coming to an end here and we get ready for the cooler weather. Until next time…

Summer Visitors

This summer, Ryan and Missy were finally able to make the long trek to Minnesota.  It was so great to spend time with them and show them what great weather Minnesota has to offer.  We were lucky this year, as last year it was rather cool.  They timed it well, because the weather couldn’t have been better.  Not too hot, but not cool either.  We were able to go out on the lake and show them around. Casey’s company happened to be hosting Movie on Minnetonka, which was a lot of fun.  Everyone tied up at Big Island and just hung out.  It was great to be able to show Ryan and Missy how people “boat” in Minnesota.  It was a great time, except for the one couple who didn’t know how to drive their 47 foot boat and almost ran into us!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also took them up to Banning State Park, one of our favorite hikes!  Casey was nice enough to drive the whole time while we slept for a portion of the trip. Although the leaves weren’t the beautiful fall colors this time, it was still gorgeous.  The river was low enough that we were actually able to wade out in the middle of it and just enjoy nature.  We also hiked to some waterfalls, where Ryan so happened to slice his foot on a wine bottle!  Rather disappointing that someone would litter.  Casey and I are planning on taking another trip up there this fall and spring, but until then here are some of my favorites!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Ryan and Missy for coming to visit!  We loved having you!

Until Next Time…

Casey’s New Adventure

MarineMax recently received some new boats to add to their inventory.  Casey, loving water sports like he does, and maybe since he is doing well within the company, was placed in charge of the new Nautique line, something he is very excited about.  Since Pops had the MasterCraft, Casey has always been a MasterCraft person and vowed that he would never change his mind.  Well, to his surprise, these boats were sweet!  I was lucky enough to go by and see them, and I even thought they were ridiculous!  I am not one to get too impressed with a ski boat, but here are some pictures of my favorite. (Pops ~ if you are in the market, I’m sure Casey can get you a good deal ;-) wink, wink)

I think one of my favorite parts of this boat is the center walkthrough to the back of the boat, how convenient!  Another great aspect is the seat in the middle of the boat.  How many times do we all sit turned around on the edge of the backseat?  They definitely were thinking when they designed the boat.  Plus, if you think it is in the way, maybe you just want to have the extra space, you can store it away!  Casey has been getting leads, so keep your fingers crossed that he sells some, our baby needs a crib to sleep in.

BUT, with every exciting thing, Casey has to do something that makes you wonder.  He was so excited to put the boat in the water and go wakeboarding.  Of course Casey has to get injured the first time out!  I should have been more worried when Casey called to tell me that he took a chunk out of his arm.  At first, I thought he was joking. Then, he said he was in Urgent Care, and that’s when I panicked!  Casey NEVER goes to the doctor, EVER.  I can’t even remember the last time he went to the doctor.  So, to hear him say he ELECTIVELY went to Urgent Care, I about flipped my lid.  (And after seeing the pictures, I’m not so sure it was elective.)  Luckily, everything was okay, but it did come close to the muscle.  He received a total of 14 stitches in 3 different layers, one of which filled a silver dollar pocket that sliced his skin right next to his muscle.  If you are queasy, I don’t recommend viewing the images!

 

Until next time…

Introducing …Taylor Ryan…sort of…

 

I just couldn’t resist posting these pictures as soon as had them done.  It was truly amazing to see our baby moving all around.  I am not sure why, but boy was he active.  We do not know what the baby is yet, just saying he to not call him an “it.” We will gladly change everything once we know for sure in only 20 days if we so choose.  Well, if I so choose, Casey has already decided that he will know.  I am currently 17 weeks and 5 days, and will have another 3D ultrasound closer to 35 weeks, but this baby already loves his momma!  He would curl up next to me so the technician could barely get a picture. Some other funny instances was that the baby’s hands always seemed to migrate to the privates.  Maybe a boy???  If so, he sure does take after his dad, always has to have his hands down his pants. :)  I hope you enjoy some of the pictures!

Here he is sucking his thumb. During the ultrasound, he also practiced chewing and swallowing. 

His little mouth was getting ready already, and he still has many more weeks in there!

Here he was all curled up against me, so cute!

Finally, someone was getting tired, or just wanted to play hide and seek…

Until next time…

It's about time...

I have been a huge slacker for the past couple of months by not keeping people updated on our life. Many changes have begun to occur, some good, others sad, but all apart of life. Since our last post, summer has arrived in full swing with thunderstorms, tornadoes, and even the occasional 90 degree weather. Casey and I have loved having the warm weather and the dogs enjoy their kiddie pool. We have traveled to the beach for the Smith family annual Beach Week, and I have attended the most beautiful wedding in Nashville. It seems like our travels were all so close together, but we enjoyed every second of being with family, something you sometimes can take advantage of when living so close. We had a nest of birds hatch in our front yard and witnessed them learning to fly, which was very precious. We have also been eating fresh veggies out of our wonderful garden. We have soooo many tomatoes that are about to ripen, and have already eaten fresh salad several times. We made homemade pesto and salsa and are looking forward to our grapes, squash, and red bell peppers that will hopefully make their big debut late summer.

On a more sad note, we have lost 2 people apart of the Smith family, who I was so fortunate to meet, Mr. Rizzo and Aunt Peggy. I feel so honored to be apart of Casey's wonderful family everyday, but in times like these, I feel even more fortunate to have been able to meet such amazing people. To hear the stories Casey tells me, and to see the pictures of he and his siblings with someone who always called them grandson was very special. To have been able to spend a weekend with Aunt Peggy celebrating a marriage a mere week before her passing was also very special, a time for his family to share stories, and bring smiles to everyone's faces around them makes you realize what an amazing family we are apart of and how close all of us are. It was hard for Casey and I to not be around family during this time, but another growing process for us as a couple. We know that both Mr. Rizzo and Aunt Peggy are in a wonderful new place and will be watching over the whole family.

And on a last ending note, many (maybe all) know that Casey and I will be expecting our first child in January! We are so thrilled that it has finally happened! I am currently just over 15 weeks and feeling good. I haven't had too much morning sickness and we are looking forward to the ultrasound scheduled on my birthday! The big question is to find out our not??!!? Either way we will be happy, but I think deep down we are pulling for blue, well I know Casey is pulling for blue, but only time will tell. Now comes the planning of the nursery which is going to be a Dr. Seuss theme, but I can't quite decide which set. I am definitely starting to show, which is exciting so I don't feel like I am just getting fat. Other than that, I hope life is treating everyone else great and we look forward to seeing family in a few short days!

Until Next Time...

Our Deck and Spring Flowers

Ever since we moved into our lovely abode, I have wanted to get rid of the awful red painted deck. We decided to take on this endeavor last weekend, not quite realizing the extent of the work that had to be done. Well, I am happy to say that after much hard work, many hours of the pressure washer and my wonderful hubby doing all of it, it is finished! Well, almost. We still have the railing to put back up (a different one of course), and we are extending it. So, in other words, the red is GONE!!! WOO HOO!! We have already received compliments from the neighbors, I don't think they liked the red either. Here are a couple of pictures of the after...And just in case anyone forgot what the red looked like, here is a picture from the back deck, which will be the next project!Other than the deck projects, we have been keeping busy with work, and just enjoying the beautiful spring weather here in Minnesota! My tulips bloomed about a week and half ago. I am so happy that we live where we can grow them, and I actually did it. Here is a rose bud from the new rose bushes, as well. The other didn't survive they winter... At least my tulips survived! I hope everyone else is enjoying spring as much as we are!
Until next time...