cost of a BABY

Holy crap. Babies are expensive. She's not even here yet and our bank account is hemorrhaging cash (that right, I said SHE). Let me lessen the pressure on our poor unborn and share that less than a year ago we paid for a wedding. Less than two months ago we bought a new house. The bank account hemorrhaging has not only been HER fault. Here are some highlights of the outflows of our hard earned money lately in preparation for "Operation Baby": - Medela Breast Pump: $275 - Diaper bag: $60 (it is AWESOME and worth it) - Chicco Car Seat/Stroller: $275 - Sherwin Williams nursery paint: $60 - Baby bedding: $130 - Nursery Furniture: $1,500 * * We saved every 20% off coupon to Babies R Us for this purchase - and this doesn't include the cost of a Rocker (=$350).

We have already spent well over $2,000 and this little critter isn't even here for us to woo and ahh over yet. The only thing I've gotten from her is stretch marks.

Thank goodness for wonderful family and friends!! We were showered with many gifts that helped us prepare for baby Nelson recently (special shout out the Missy, Heather, & Stacey for the rockinest baby shower). Some of the highlights of showered items:

zen bounce seat, diaper genie, diapers, blankets, burp clothes, baby clothes, baby-bathing stuff, car seat base (=$80, geesh), books, toys, bibs, diaper changing accessories (mattresses, changing pad covers, changing stations, etc.).

We were also lucky enough to have friends hand-down some of their baby items - bassinet, clothes, Boppy, swing, toys, etc.

Check back in November and I'll give you an update on the cost of baby wipes, diapers, etc.

Then check back in February and I'll give you an update on day care costs! Whew!

life in the RANCH

We're officially living a life in the `burbs. The Denver house sold and we made the move to Highlands Ranch to find the house of our dreams. Actually in my dreams, the house had a 3-car garage to support all of Brian's hobbies, but for this house, I settled for 2. We moved to Highlands Ranch on July 1st and we LOVE LOVE LOVE it. The neighborhood has been so welcoming - homemade dinners, cookies, breads, and weekly block parties. Not to mention that we're LOVING the house. To all of my friends and family that knock Highlands Ranch - suck it! That's right - I said it. It's wonderful down here. (we're hoping you still come to the house warming party after that). Details on a housewarming party coming soon!

and then there were THREE

After getting married we had a plan a plan for 2010: 1. Sell the Leyden house 2. Buy a more family appropriate home 3. Take a honeymoon 4. Spend the summer enjoying the life of newlyweds 5. Sleep in 6. Drink beer 7. Be lazy Something you probably didn't see on that list: BABY. In March we found out that we were expecting a baby Nelson - an ABSOLUTE surprise. We were actually avoiding getting pregnant. No pill - but tracking days carefully to avoid "those" days. One thing everyone should know: SPERM LIVES for numerous days. I've always been one to learn lessons the hard way. We are still adjusting to the shock and adjusting to my growing belly but are overjoyed with the thought of a baby.

for sale SOLD

After only a few shorts months of being married and NO honeymoon, we put our house on the market. That sold in record time! Seems like no big deal but selling & buying a house is supposed to be one of the 5 most stressful things families experience. With our Leyden house sold (tear! I loved that house), we moved into a temporary condo in Lakewood and started our house hunt. Little did we know that would take 2 months +. We are still living in Lakewood and are STILL looking for the home of our dreams.

married and MORE

Anyone who knows me well is aware of how long I waited for the BIG day and how patient I was with my beau, Brian. We started planning in March 2009 and on October 9, 2009 I became Mrs. Nelson.

It was the happiest day of my life & perhaps the best wedding I've been to (only because it was my very own).

Marriage is a life changing experience. You're supposed to spend time honeymooning, planning your life together, and just being newlyweds....RIGHT? In our case...WRONG! We had been dating for 6.5 years when we got married and we knew marriage wasn't going to knock us off our feet. The few things that followed sure would!

we're ENGAGED

finally. finally. finally.

About two weeks ago Brian popped the question while we were taking our pups for a walk. I don't know why they call it "popping" the question. There was really no popping involved. Although the candy ring pop did have a true "pop" to it ... and tasted great. He got down on one knee on a bridge in the park ... very sweet.

When we got home we celebrated like everyone does ... we toasted some orange juice. Classy, I know.

Oh, I said yes. (duh!!!)

We are currently planning an October 2009 wedding in the mountains. To date, we've argued 4 times about it :)

I love Brian. I love being engaged. I look forward to the wedding. But even more, I look forward to becoming Mrs. Nelson and committing to my best buddy.

detoX

I have resisted the organic movement for a long time. Primarily because it was forced on me, and gained its popularity, by the media. I have a habit of hating things that are fads ... a habit of hating things that I am forced to like. I think Brian has made me this way. For example:

• the iPhone
• Mourning Heath Ledger (yo - he overdosed!)
• Crocs - they're not pretty at all (although I do own a pair)
• Little dogs - especially when they're in purses
• the "Indie" look
• Uggs
• The green / organic movement (primarily b/c so many on board are talking the GREEN talk but not walking the GREEN walk!!!!!)

So NO, I do not have an iPhone although I do use reusable bags at the grocery store. Not because King Soopers, Oprah, or Whole Foods told me to, but because all those plastic bags seemed like a waste a long time ago. duh.

This being said ... I have jumped on the Detox craze. I am not proud of it. My decision was made as a challenge to myself, and partially to test the fad itself. I like the toxins in my body - I'm actually having a hard time parting with them.

I'm on hour 55 of not eating (I'm calculating in hours rather than days because it is more dramatic). When I say I'm not eating, I mean I'm living off fresh squeezed lemon juice (organic, duh!), pure maple syrup (yes, organic), and cayenne pepper (surprisingly not organic). Throw in some herbal teas here and there too. This concoction is supposed to help CLEANSE certain organs in my body. I can attest to the fact that I am (or components of my body are) being cleansed. Enough Said.

As I mentioned before, I am not proud of the fact that I am detoxing or cleansing. It is a challenge to myself. I say this, but I think in reality I've fallen victim to the hype. I'm doing this detox cleanse because a book AND a website told me to. Damit, I'm weak.

55 hours down, 185 to go.

we're CUTE

best movie of the YEAR

We went to see "Role Models" this weekend with our buddies, Jason and Kristi. I have to say - this was the funniest movie I have seen in quite some time. I did not stop laughing from the moment it started. We also watched "Tropic Thunder" this weekend. Not as funny but worth a Netflix rental.

sushi BANZAI

We went out for sushi last night.

We have fallen in love with a little place on Leetsdale called BONZAI (you have to say it like you're practicing karate).

BONZAI Sushi has some of the best darn sushi I have ever had - visit http://www.100rolls.com/ to get an idea of the Japanese deliciousness.

We also stopped by Home Depot to pick a paint color for our basement stairwell. Brian liked Oyster.

We're exciting, I know!