Big Ten Football

I'm excited for college football this fall. We added the Big Ten Network to our cable package this morning and we are excited to watch! Our usual Saturday's at Fiddlers Sports Bar are likely out this year....so we might as well get some use of our own living room and enjoy following our college teams! October 18th - Hawkeyes vs Badgers......we'll be ready! Will Baby Darnell be watching the game with us or will I be miserable and counting the hours to be induced?? Joe's theory is the baby will arrive that day and be named after the winning team's mascot!

Joe and Beth make the brochure again!

I received the Univ of Iowa College of Pharmacy Homecoming brochure this week. For the 2nd time, the college published this photo of Beth and Joe in an alumni-wide mailing. Beth, Henry, Joe and I were at the Class of '02 Dinner together last year and we eat sat accross from our spouses and when they came by to snap photos, they shot Henry and I and this photo of Beth and Joe. He looks more like a Hawkeye than the Badger he really is and they look cozy and cute together....so I see why they keep choosing it. I just feel so bad for Beth because she was married before we graduated and everyone is going to think she dumped poor Henry for this guy!!! It keeps us entertained......

FYI - that's a $2 pitcher of beer....ahh, the joys of a college town and FAC! I still laugh that we handed the waitress a $20 bill and she said she didn't have that much change, did we have anything smaller?

Wii Fit - finally!

I have been trying for months to get the Wii Fit....and so upset with myself for not just pre-ordering it when I had the chance. Nintendo really knows what they are doing creating such a craze! I seriously would set my alarm extra early to get up and check the ads in the Sunday paper and try to make it to the store before church or work to stand in line and buy it. Joe was randomly at Bestbuy yesterday and they were unpacking a big box and he got one! I have hit the point in pregnancy where balance is not my thing and I don't need my TV to tell me I'm fat right now....so I won't be playing the new toy until after the baby arrives, but I think it will be fun to watch Joe ski, hula hoop and yoga! Tommingo's - be ready for some Wii Challenges when you come to visit Baby in October and November!

We are getting closer to ready!

The crib is up and it looks fabulous! My plan is to get everything washed and put away this weekend. Slowly we are getting closer to ready for baby. The crib is beautiful and everything did fit in the arrangement I wanted. It's a small room....but I'll call it cozy!!! The blinds should be in next week and now we just need to stain and paint the doors. Nicky loves the room - I think he loves the soft carpet. Joe and I find ourselves just sitting in the room chatting and getting so excited for baby. Nicky actually can fit behind the glider and likes to lay back there. This baby has a doggy best friend already.

Spa Water

One of my favorite things when going to the spa is enjoying the "spa water". Usually it's some combination of cucumber, and/or lemon, and/or mint and very refreshing. The spa water on Saturday was incredible -- strawberry/lemon water!!! I haven't given it a go at home, but I think a pitcher of a water with a few lemon slices and strawberries will make a fabulous water treat.

Baby Shower with my Co-workers

My co-workers are the best! We had a great time beginning with brunch at The Dodo. It's always fun to see everyone outside of work, but there were many who were at work and missed the event. I received many great and thoughtful gifts and even some of the guys went went in on the big basket of necessities!!!! Everyone is excited for Baby Darnell to arrive. Andrea, Marlow and Cindy did a great job hosting the "Welcome to the Darnell's Nest" theme with adorable favors and the world's best cake (one in blue and one in pink). Next they treated me to the spa for an afternoon of relaxing....aaahhh.

Brazil

Photos from Brazil
Brasilia - he was invited for an afternoon on the boat....doesn't sound like hard work to me, although it was a Saturday afternoon!

Recfe - view of beach from the rooftop of hotel

View from hotel room in Recife

The news media was present for the first device to be strapped to the offender. The Secretary of Corrections was present to sign the contract. The big media event was suprisingly moved up and Joe didn't have a suit packed....oops!

Update - The Swing

The swing is now complete. Joe finished it on Friday even after his almost 36 hours of travel!!! I really think those feet could have been put on at the factory and still ft in the box. I still can't believe how many pieces there were. We look forward to years of assembling crazy kiddo stuff! Christmas will bring much fun and frustration! I bought D Batteries at Costco today so we are ready.

Joe's on his way home!

Joe made his flight in Recife (barely....he had to wait for the chief of something to sign the contract). He just called from Rio and his overnight flight appears to be on time and he should arrive home Friday afternoon. All the press happened this week and he was on the news and in the papers. It's all in Portugese and I haven't seen any of it, but if it's good I'll post links! We are looking forward to a fun weekend together.

My co-workers have been super secretive about everything for the shower on Saturday so I am excited! I think we are all most excited for our spa afternoon. Aaahh...a massage, can't wait!!!

Adventures with baby equipment

I was able to put together our new stroller. I had to walk away once because I couldn't get the final back wheel to pop in, but I finally did and project #1 is done!!!

The swing is another story -- do they really need to have so many pieces? We chose the 3-in-1 swing with extra functions so we didn't have to get a bouncer as well and could put the baby in the swing from birth. Oh My! I worked and worked on this darn swing and there are still more pieces on the ground than together. I am stuck with the feet. I can't get the plastic feet to go onto the legs. The screws are so small and I just can't line it up. It had to be quite a sight to see with me, my big belly, Joe's drill and several attempts to line up the screw......no go. I gave up and it is in a pile in the nursery waiting for Joe. Maybe it's a 2 person job. Any advice???

When I told Joe about my struggles he said, "just wait for Christmas when we have to put everything together". Oh My - it's going to be entertaining......

Olympics

I have really enjoyed watching the olympics when I can....kind of a bummer I've been at work during prime time when they show my favorite sports!! I finally gave in and cheated yesterday morning....I was checking my yahoo email and saw a teaser for Shawn Johnson --- did she finally win her gold?? I clicked and I was pleasantly surprised!!!

My favorite Moments:

1. Michael Phelps - do I need to say more? AMAZING athlete. 8 medals in 8/08 olympics -- wow! It was amazing to watch those last few races and I still can't believe he pulled off the winning touch with that last 1/2 stroke. That has to be the most replayed second in sports history.

2. Dara Torres - she is an inspiration to all and such a neat person. I want to be her friend!!

3. Shawn Johnson - I am so happy she is going home with GOLD. Way to go Shawn. Valley High is proud! I watched an interview with her parents and they weren't planning on seeing her until after she was done competing. They only talked to her via cell phone while in China. I am surprised we never saw them on camera. I hope we see her again in 2012.

4. Jason Lezak said he looked into the stands and saw Lebron James and Kobe Bryant and knew he was among athlete super stars and had to perform his best to win the medley relay. Mrs. Phelps said her highlight was getting her picture taken with the NBA players.

5. Michael Phelps is a true down to earth regular guy. He's kind of a freak of nature being so tall with that amazing wing span and was made fun of alot. I liked the interview where he said people are coming out from everywhere wanting to be his facebook friend and he refuses to befriend people who used to pick on him! He told a story where a guy came up to him to wish him luck and kind of said "remember me from high school" and Michael told him "no". Later his Mom said, "you have to remember that guy" and he said, "oh, I do, but he used to make fun of me so I'm not giving him the gratitude to think I remembered him". Hilarious --- be nice to everyone they may just be an athletic superstar someday!!

Joe Update

Joe safely made it to Recife. They promised him a low key visit and he traveled with a carryon and business casual clothes. OOPS!!! The Government officials, press, news, etc would like to meet with him on Wednesday. That was all supposed to be next week when the company president and others will be there. He also gets to stay an extra day because he won't be able to make his flight on Wednesday with the surprise meeting. He'll be famous in Brazil and should be home on Friday. Last time he learned to pack a change of clothes in his carryon....this time he packed only a carry on and learned he should always pack a suit!!! Poor guy. Joe is Mr. Mt. Dew and he texted me that he had his first espresso and he wasn't even there an hour. I just might bring him into the coffee drinking world yet.

I passed my eye doctor appointment and don't have to go back for 4 years.....still 20/20 vision for me. I'm off to work....

32 Weeks and counting!

The magical date I have been waiting for since we found out we were pregnant! Through my years of pediatric pharmacy and covering the NICU, I know how big it is to make it to 32 weeks. It's a true relief. The chances of this baby doing well have increased exponentially today! Overall I am feeling pretty good. It's getting a little harder to sleep at night and I'm defnitely getting tired easier and requiring naps again! I want to make it to 40 weeks so I will continue to take it easy! Working 7 days in a row was tough last week, and my co-workers would probably say I was a crab....but that's the last time I'll have to do that until after the baby arrives.

For my Mom -- yes I do relax and put my feet up! With the olympics on, I have found myself laying on the couch quite a lot. Nicky loves the nursery (the plush carpet does it), that's his toy Monkey and we have managed to teach him his toys vs the baby toys so far. I'm sure that will be a fun battle soon enough!

Summer Fun at the Park

We are so fortunate to live so close to Sugarhouse Park. It is so beautiful. This weekend has been much cooler in the 80's during the day and down to the 50's at night. It's been a long time since we've been below the 90's. Yesterday was a perfect day to let Nicky run in the park. Joe and I enjoyed the fresh air as well.

We made a trip to the outlets in Park City last night and found some great deals on clothes for Joe, a First Thanksgiving outfit for Baby, and a few other things and had a nice dinner. I forget how much cooler it is at night in the mountains and it was almost cold when we came out of the restaurant last night.

Joe was off at 5AM this morning and is currently enroute to Atlanta and will fly overnight to Rio and then to Recife. Pray for safe travels for him!!

The Furniture arrived!

The dresser is beautiful -- much nicer than the floor model. I am quite happy, although it is just a little bigger than I hoped and the arrangement is going to be challenging. We'll figure it out. Joe was able to put together the glider and it will be so nice. The crib looks like a very big project and may wait until next weekend.

We enjoyed our day off together yesterday and have many projects to tackle today before he is off for an early flight tomorrow. Joe was able to delay his trip by one day, so we get 2 days to see eachother! He will be gone Sunday - Thursday (4 long travel days for a day and a half of work).

Beijing 2008

Sadly I have been at work the last week and have missed most of the olympics. I catch a little bit when I get home....but the events I enjoy are on while I'm at work.

Please cheer on Iowa's Shawn Johnson for me tonight!!! She goes to Valley High School in West Des Moines with my cousin Alex and is truly as kind and sweet as she appears on TV. She is the new Mary Lou! I remember Mary Lou coming to visit my elementary school and watching her win the gold and it was fun to see her on the Today Show this morning.

Go Michael Phelps - that guy is amazing and only 23 years old!! He is part Dolphin. Alyssa, maybe you missed your calling in life -- with your super long arms, you could have been a swimmer!

Joe is an olympics junkie and I know we will make it to the olympics one of these years. If his dreams come true, our little one will be competing someday!

Back to Brazil...

I guess it's a really good thing that Joe does so well at work. He did such a good job in Brazil that the contract is a go and he gets to go back and help them get devices on the offenders. Bummer....

He needs to be there on Monday morning and since it's such a long trip he'll be leaving Salt Lake Saturday morning and returning on Thursday. It will be much shorter this time and it's such great news for his company.....but I selfishly want him home!!

The good news is he's going to hang out with me on Friday and then next weekend we will both enjoy a 3 day weekend from work and spend the entire weekend together. I work evenings next week, so I wouldn't really see him anyway, so it all works out. I pray for safe travel and no surprise extensions on his trip!

Gifts from Brazil

Joe brought home some fabulous gifts from Brazil. I requested a bottle of Cachaca (Brazilian Liquor made from sugar cane) and he found a fancy bottle. He found a Brazilian made outfit for the baby - one for a boy and one for a girl - they are beautiful. He brought back soap from plants in the Amazon and some sprays that I don't understand yet. The police vest is his "one of a kind" souvenir. He asked one of the officers how he could get a vest and he gave him his official issue vest. I was worried his luggage would be confiscated!!

I'm so glad he is home safely!!!

From the Pharmacist...

I recommend everyone who doesn't eat a perfect diet take a multivitamin and I bug my family about it. Last year I began taking additional Vitamin D. We had a pharmacy resident on rotation who had a strong interest in Vitamin D and did a great presentation for us. Many trauma ICU's (generally young, healthy patients who got hurt) have begun supplementing their patients to improve ICU outcomes and that sold me. You may know that your body can produce Vitamin D from sun exposure. I get my dose of Vitamin D when I bask in the sun in the carribbean quite well.....but I don't eat a lot of fish and vitamin D rich food and I spend most of my time inside!!! This is a hot topic in the medical journals right now and another study was printed yesterday showing that Vitamin D supplementation may extend your life and reduce risk for heart disease, cancer, etc. People will lower levels of vitamin D died earlier.

Here is an overview article from a newspaper. Here is the journal article I read. I take Vitamin D 1000 I.U. daily. It's cheap and it may help me live a longer, healthier life.

He's really coming home!

I am so excited. Joe left Brazil yesterday afternoon and is currently enroute to Salt Lake City!!! My coworkers are letting me pick him up and come into work a little late this afternoon. Yeah! I think he will be exhausted and enjoy some time to relax and go to bed early, so it's not entirely bad that I will be at work tonight! I'm so excited to show him the nursery and new carpet on the stairs -- it feels like he has been gone much longer than 16 days!

Parking Ticket....Seriously!

My Jeep is parked in front of my house (yes, it should be in the driveway, but that's where it is). My license plates expired in July. I did my new registration, but I haven't put the 09 stickers on the license plates. So...parked in front of my house, I get a $30 ticket. I don't even think I drove the Jeep in August with Joe out of town. It just sucks! I guess I must live in a safe neighborhood if that's the best thing a cop has to do. I guess it sort of makes up for the many speeding tickets I have deserved!!!

Delayed in Brazil....

I knew I kept saying Joe was most likely coming home on Friday for a reason.....he's NOT! I just called my boss to see if I could come to work late on Friday so I could pick him up....but no. Now he is likely coming home on Monday. He had an exciting day yesterday in Recife and was even on the radio with the Secretary. Last night he traveled to Brazilia (the capital) and there is more work to do there than originally planned. It's really not a big deal because I work Friday - Thursday anyway....but it will be nice to have him home and I know he wants to be home. It's just me a Nicky for another weekend. I think I'll try to get him into Daycare on Saturday - it's hard on him when I work 12 hour days and don't have much time to exercise him. More reason to get to the park again today. Poor puppy...you can tell he really misses Joe and so do I!

Are germs invading your purse?

I caught this segment on the Rachael Ray show today about the germs we bring home on our purse. It's just gross to think about all the places we put our purse while we are out and about and right now mine is sitting on my dining room table where I will serve food to company -- GROSS!!! Everyone -- wipe down the bottom of your purse with a disinfecting wipe! Just think about the last time that bathroom stall had no hook and you had to put it on the floor!!! I also get frustrated in restaurants with where to put my purse. I have a solution - a purse hook!! I had a friend tell me about these before and I thought, who would want to carry a heavy hook in their purse? But....they are small and I think it would be worth it. I'll have to shop around, but here is the hook featured in the segment. I like how it can just hook onto your purse. I see a purchase in my future....

Shout Out to Nicole!!

I am so excited that my friend Nicole has decided to join the blogging world! Welcome Nicole!! Check out her blog to see some awesome bear photos from the Annual Colorado Camping Trip we had to miss this year and all the updates on decorating the nursery for Princess Kaiser due in November. Here's a sneak peak at the bear.

Who is the Mole??

I really thought I was watching the final episode tonight....but nope, the mole will be revealed next week while I'm at work! I guess I'll have something to watch when I get home. I didn't see every episode this season, but I really like the show. I think the mole is Craig -- I'm not 100% sure, but I think it's him. I really want the winner to be Mark - Go Wisconsin Dad and teacher/coach. He played the game the best and I don't want the OB/GYN to win - I just don't like her. Anyone have an opinion??

30 Weeks and counting...

I had my 30 week appointment today. Things are going well. Everything is on track and looking good. As an ultimate planner, I of course asked my doctor when this baby will really arrive!! Absolutely unpredictable!!! It means nothing to him that I was born 2 weeks late - birth is not genetic, but rather this birth will indicate how it will go next time for me. AAAhhhh....

I do know that he will induce me at one week overdue so my family can book flights counting on a baby by October 19th or 20th or so....