Thursday, August 29, 2013

August 29, 2013

Last Saturday was quite a day for this Phillips family. Arlene Jennings, Ashley Duran, and Angel Davis threw Robert and me a "sprinkle" (Baby Shower). It was so much fun! The decorations were adorable, the games were so fun, and the food was delicious! Robert got a bunch of amazing gifts and all of the ladies there (both friends and family) made me feel so loved and appreciated. My mom, sisters, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and aunt Camille were all there, and that made it extra special. Thank you to all who participated both here and from afar. You have truly blessed us. Arlene made this adorable sign for Robert that I will be able to hang on the door to his hospital room. I can't wait to use it!!!

While I was at the shower, Francis, his dad, my brother-in-law Chris, my niece Abby and William all went to the circus. Abby and William had never been before so this was a special treat! William loved the animals, especially the lions, dogs, horses, and elephants. He still tells me about them at least twice a day. William came home stained with delicious red snow cone and smiling like all  his dreams had come true. He is ready to go back again already. I try to tell him that it will be at least another year before they come back, but I don't think he believes me.

Sunday after church, we set up the stroller, bassinet, and assembled a few other items we received in anticipation of Robert's arrival. We then went to Target and exchanged the duplicates we got (we got three slumber bears and three microsteam bags) and were able to get all the last essential items on our registry in return. I fee like now we are pretty much all set! I'm so excited!

Monday was the start of a new season at The Little Gym. They have a new director, Mr. Joseph and he is full of energy and kindness though he is still learning his way around. While in practice time, he offered to spot William on the balance beam, but didn't realize where the beam ended and mat began when William went to jump off. William's foot got caught and twisted. He cried and cried until he fell asleep and was reluctant to walk on it for the rest of the day. He is still limping and it is still a little swollen, though not complaining about it at all. I am taking him to the doctor for it after William wakes up from his nap. Please pray nothing is wrong!

I also had my doctor's appointment on Monday. I am 2 cm dilated now, and nothing else has really changed. The cord is wrapped more around Robert's head and shoulders (if that makes sense) than his neck, so the Dr. thinks he will slip right through the coil as he descends. This is good news. I'm ready for him to come, and yet not ready at the same time. I know I will have help in the beginning which is the only thing that is keeping me from completely freaking out sometimes. I know in my head and heart that everything will be alright, but sometimes my hormones get the better of me!

Tuesday after William's regular class at The Little Gym, we headed to South Austin and met up with Arlene for lunch. I got my dream diaper bag (a Petunia Pickle Bottom one) and although it was expensive, I do feel it was an investment. The diaper bag I had with William (which was originally $80) cracked and started to split after only a few months. I used it for the first year, but it just didn't hold up like it should have. I've heard only good things about this brand and look forward to getting to use my new bag very soon! Thanks Arlene for going with us!


Yesterday William and I went to Barnes & Noble for story time. We ended up leaving shortly afterwards due to a parent not parenting her ill behaved child. It makes me sad (and a little angry) to see kids misbehave and have no discipline as a result. I wish all parents respected and loved their children enough to intervene and show them right from wrong. I am far from perfect, but I do try my best. I have a very low tolerance for lazy parenting (It's a fault of mine, and I try to handle it as patiently and kindly as I can). I really hope that mom was just having a bad day...

Yesterday afternoon, William and I went to Tracy Crow's house where William got to play with one of his favorite people: Tanner. They ran around for a good 2 hours in the house and the backyard while Tracy and I penciled down the Sunday school class socials through December. I'm excited for all the upcoming events, and if you are in our class, you should be too!

Hehe, I walked into William's bedroom this morning to find he had pulled all of his stuffed animals up to the head of his bed and had buried himself right in the middle of them, looking at me with a big grin on his face. I laughed so hard, and he did too. He's such a clown sometimes, and I love to see his sense of humor developing.

Well, that's it for now. If you happen to be thinking about us around 2:50 this afternoon, say a little prayer for William's foot/ankle. I figure they will have to do an x-ray or imaging and I am not looking forward to it. I really hope they don't find anything serious wrong.

Thanks!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

August 21, 2013

Well, the bad news is, it seems that my joint condition is catching up with me again this pregnancy (EDS). I had a pretty good headache last week that nothing would get rid of, and it seems that is the precursor to what I woke up to this morning: swollen joints and some pain/difficultly moving. Fortunately it isn't terrible today. I am not yet so swollen that my wedding ring won't fit. I was able to work out most of the pain, but if I recall correctly, the pain gets progressively worse and I get more swollen as time goes by. I'm really hoping it will hold off as long as possible (especially since my shower is on Saturday), but I know I have no guarantees. By the time I finally had William, I couldn't even walk up the stairs because I hurt so much and felt so swollen and weak. Here's hoping I don't get to that point this time!!!

Last Saturday we went car shopping at the Acura dealership. While in the showroom, William climbed up in the driver's seat of a model and started to look around. After a minute, he accidentally honked the horn. Everyone in the area looked at him. He was shocked by the sound and looked totally embarrassed, exclaiming "Oh gosh!" at the top of his lungs. It was completely adorable and something I've never seen or heard him do. I got him out of the car and put him on the ground where he tried to act like nothing happened as he slowly walked away from the car. It was totally priceless. Well, as I said, we were car shopping and although I found my current dream car (a 2014 Acura MDX), it is more than we want to spend at the moment. Our solution is to put a hitch on the back of my Escape and get a hitch hauler so we can put the dog kennels and suitcases on the hitch and put the dogs in the back of the car where the kennels currently go. It should work... until we have another kid (as in a #3 not Robert). I like my Escape a lot. We are just running out of space.

We also went camera shopping on Saturday. My camera went kaput at William's birthday party, so we need a new one before Robert comes. We are looking at getting a DSLR this time because I am tired of having to get a new point and shoot camera every two years when they just don't last. If you have a suggestion, let me know!

At my appointment on Monday I was 1cm dilated and 50% effaced. Robert is unlikely to be coming this week. The Dr. also found that the cord may be wrapped around Robert's neck. She was not concerned (said that about 1 in 5 babies are born that way and most have no problem with it). Dr. Brown even made me have a contraction (something I did not know she was capable of just by poking me) to monitor the babies heartbeat and make sure everything would be fine in labor. Robert did not seem at all distressed during the contraction, which is excellent. I am trying not to be worried, but I am really hoping the sonogram next week shows that it is no longer wrapped!

William is getting exposure to babies everywhere he goes. There were three babies at The Little Gym yesterday that he was able to look at and wave to. We also got to see Baby Phillip when we took Amy and John (our neighbors) a meal yesterday. Today at Storytime, both books were about baby brothers (random I know!) and this afternoon we are taking a meal to Heidi, Greg and William's friend Lillian where we will get to see new baby Rosalee. So far he has liked all the babies. He pretends to be a baby so I will show him how things are done and then practices on me or his dolls. It is entirely adorable. Yesterday when we saw Phillip, William smiled, pointed to my tummy and said "Rob!" This is the first time he has called Robert by name and not just said baby. Made my heart so happy! I really hope these two are the best of friends!

That's it for now!

Friday, August 16, 2013

August 16, 2013

We now have a spunky 2-year-old running around our house! It's so exciting!

Francis's parents came in on Friday night and so William had a great surprise waiting for him when he got up on Saturday morning. While he, Francis and Francis's father went for bike ride and a trip around town, Francis's mother and I got the final supplies for the party, went shopping and dropped stuff off at The Little Gym. My family (my parents and sisters) came in and we all had lunch at Chick-fil-a. Before we knew it, it was time for William's Second Birthday party at The Little Gym of Round Rock. It was a blast! Both sides of the family were there including the soon-to-be Uncle Chad, William's cousin Abby and her folks, my grandmother Mom Noble and my Aunt Camille. I could tell William was a bit confused at having everyone he knows in a place where he goes all the time, but he LOVED the attention. The theme of the party was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, complete with a Mickey Mouse cake and balloons. I think everyone had a blast, I know I did!!! When it came time to blow out the candle, William did it like a pro. I couldn't believe it especially considering we hadn't practiced at all. William played on the air track, got a ride on the parachute and generally climbed over everything in sight. After the parties, both families came back and watched William open presents while chatting and hanging out. William got an overwhelming amount of presents including toy cars, Duplo Legos, a small toy castle, a stuffed toy Mickey Mouse (which now has to be carried EVERYWHERE), a 2 in 1 lego table and train table with train set, an activity box, a bathtime scientist set, a kid sized basketball goal, and a Kid-sized motorized Ford F150 complete with working radio. Needless to say we have not had a dull moment all week. I can't even begin to thank all of the wonderful people who helped make his party so special!

Monday we took it easy and I let William play with all his new toys. It was very entertaining. I am beginning to realize how much of a 2 year old my son really is. William was playing with his toy stuffed penguin when he drop kicked it into his new train set and knocked it over. He picked up the penguin and said, "Not nice!" and then sat penguin in a corner for time out. After about a minute, he went back, gave the penguin a hug and kiss and they went off together and played again. It was adorable! I had to try so hard not to laugh! Then that evening, I told William he had two minutes left in the bathtub. He responded, "No, three." I laughingly agreed that he could have three to which he responded, "four?" No kid, don't push your luck! Glad to know that he knows that numbers have value and meaning though.

Tuesday we went to The Little Gym in the morning and then I had a Dr. appointment in the afternoon. Dr. Brown said I am 1 cm dilated, at station 1 and am 25% effaced. So, Robert isn't likely to come in the next couple of weeks, but he is making progress! She guessed he was just shy of 6 lbs, which is slightly above average at the point. We'll just have to wait and see what he is when he comes out! I got to go to Ladies Night out on Tuesday night and it was a much welcomed respite. I love being encouraged by the Godly ladies from our class. They're awesome!

Wednesday Francis had the day off because he was supposed to work the late shift today (something that actually isn't going to happen), so he went with us to story time at Barnes & Noble in the morning. The lady this week was really good and kept the children mesmerized. It was awesome. We all three had lunch at Wing Stop (while my car got an oil change, yay!) and then Francis went to have training on the new lighting board at church while William took a nap. After I took William to TLG in the afternoon for practice time, Francis met up with us so we could go to Lakeline Mall and I could get a haircut while William played. All in all a relaxing day!

Yesterday and today I have been trying to take it easy. We've been out of the house a little bit, but mostly I've been trying to clean up in between sitting and re-energizing. I'm doing fine, really. I just don't want to overdo it and then need to recover. I can tell I am on the verge of crashing sometimes, so I my rest is really preventative. Can't afford bed rest or complications with William around!

That's it for now!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

August 8, 2013

First order of business: I forgot to tell about my OBGYN appointment last week. Oops! I went in and everything looked great. The Dr. told me that Robert has a full head of hair. She pointed it out on the sonogram. I had no idea you could see those things! His heart rate was 127 and he is still head down. I have another Dr. appointment next week, and then I start having one every week. We're getting so close!

This week has been busy, but not much to write about. I've been preparing for William's 2nd (SECOND, AH!) birthday party which will be happening this Saturday. We are having the party at The Little Gym, but I plan on inviting the family back so William can open presents at home at his leisure. He would be rushed at his party and I've noticed with some of his peers that this does not work. This means that I have to get the house in order. On top of this compulsion to get things clean for others, I think I'm nesting already. Yesterday, William dropped some grape jelly on my carpet, and I reacted by doing the only logical thing...steam cleaning all the carpet in the house. It wasn't until I finished (and almost passed out) that I even really realized what I was doing. I then went onto clean other things and vacuum with my special helper doing his best to keep up. I've been organizing and preparing like crazy. We've reassembled the crib so it is Robert ready and I got out all the newborn clothes, hung them up and then organized the closet. The kitchen has also had a makeover to make room for Robert's bottles and baby gear. If I don't kill myself in the process, this house might just be clean at some point.

William has been a real trooper. He is mastering playing by himself when I need to get something done, but he still loves his mommy playing with him. He is forming an opinion about everything. Just this week he has started to tell me what he wants to wear for the day. He wanted to to wear his "blast off" shirt (rocket) on Tuesday, and nothing else would do. I'm so glad it was clean! We've also been practicing taking care of a baby. William has a couple of stuffed animals, and William rocks them, shushes them, "feeds them" and changes their diaper. He's becoming quite an expert. My neighbor came over yesterday with her 2 week old and William desperately wanted to help him stop crying when he was upset. He shared his toys and shushed. It was adorable. Then when Phillip was finally calm, William just stared and stared, occasionally touching his clothes and feet gently. I can't wait to see what he's going to do when Robert comes. He's going to be the most awesome brother!

I can't wait for this weekend! William officially turns 2 on Sunday, but he is definitely looking forward to his party. When you ask him who is coming, he spreads his arms wide and says, "EVERYBODY!" When I list who is coming (both my and Francis's families will be attending), he gets super excited, jumps up and down and squeals. It's so cute, so I do it a lot.

Well, that's it for now!

Friday, August 2, 2013

August 2, 2013

Happy 5th Anniversary, Francis! That's right, today Francis and I have been married 5 whole years! I am hoping to multiply that by at least 10 as the years go one. I love him so much!

This is quite a week for celebrating marriage. Last Friday evening, my sister Christian texted me with the picture of a ring. An engagement ring! I knew it was coming (and covertly helped with the ring selection), but I was still SUPER thrilled! I will be gaining a new brother, Chad Drake. We like him a lot. You can bet that first thing Saturday morning, William, Francis and I hopped in the car and headed straight to Plano to celebrate. This was something we had already planned on doing both to pick up our dogs from my parents and celebrate Christian's birthday, but I was extra motivated to be sure. We arrived in time to have lunch with both our families (minus the engaged couple), go shopping and hang out at my in-laws house before dinner. Dinner was at my parents' house (my favorite meal, shisk-ka-bobs!!!) and Christian and Chad joined us. I got a good look at Christian's ring and wedding band (which are both gorgeous!) and we were regaled with the sweet proposal my future brother-in-law planned. It was Dr. Who themed which was perfect for Christian. They have booked the chapel at Prestonwood for February 1st. I am so happy for them both!

 Sunday was also a red-letter day. After going to church with my family and having lunch with them, my mom Christian, Danielle and I broke off from the boys to go wedding dress shopping. We went to David's Bridal, Alfred Angelo and Brides by Demetrios. The first two stores were a bust (Christian wants a tea length dress with lace on the top), but Demetrios does custom gowns where you can choose any top/bottom combination and pick what bust line you want. This was promising and even more so as we found that they would be willing to shorten any of the long dresses to tea length. The third dress Christian tried on was nearly identical to the picture Christian had in her head, only better. We held it up so she could see it shortened, and I started to tear up because I knew it was the one. With a veil and the perfect belt, she looked like an angel. I actually cried twice. I would blame the pregnancy hormones, but it would be a lie. Weddings always make me cry for joy and I think this one will more than most. Well, Christian said yes to the dress and we ordered it. It should come in December some time. I feel so blessed and honored that I was there for such a special moment! After dinner, Francis and I headed home. It was a short trip, but I loved every minute of it!

This week, I've been playing catch up. I've cleaned areas of the house that haven't been cleaned in forever, I've organized, I grocery shopped and I have party planned for William's birthday. I ordered his cake, which William chose. He has a new fascination with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...so now everything is Mickey themed. I'm just glad he told me before I had bought stuff!

I've also gotten to catch up with a coupld of friends. William and I have now gotten to meet Phillip, our neighbor Amy's newborn. William really wants to touch him, but he'll have to settle for looking right now. He really wants to play with Phillip too. It makes me super excited for Robert's arrival! I think William will be such a great brother! I've also seen Arlene and her little girl Caitlyn twice this week. We had lunch at the mall on Wednesday and went to the pool this morning. They are such sweet friends!

Tonight, Francis and I are going out for our anniversary. We already had our trip to Hawaii so it won't be anything too big. I am looking forward to giving him the card and gift I got him though. I love him so much!

Well, that's it for now!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

July 25th, 2013

What a week! I feel like I say that every week, but it's true!

Last Wednesday Christian (who was here if you recall for a week long conference) got off at noon and she, William and I went shopping at Lakeline Mall. We had fun although we got caught in the rain on the way back and came home to two very wet and very upset puppies. That evening William and Christian had a BLAST! So much so, that when I came to join after cleaning up a bit William took one look at me and said with a huge smile, "Get out! Go! Bye bye!" and pointed to the door. What did I do? I let Christian babysit and got out. Francis picked me up and we went to dinner to celebrate 10 years of being together. We had steak and it was delicious. Christian and William had fun while we were gone. Win win!

Thursday William and I did The Little Gym and story time at the library and I spent the rest of the day pack, pack, PACKING! We all headed to bed early to prepare for our early morning.

3:45 Friday morning rolls around and Francis's alarm goes off. I get up, finish packing for myself and William and then help load the dog kennels in Christian's car (she took the dogs back to Dallas with her) before we load William in the car and head for the airport at about 4:30. When we arrived, the airport was packed and the airport staff seemed unprepared for the crowd. We waited in line to get checked in (we had to as William was a lap infant traveling internationally) and then waited more than 45 minutes in line for security (which is super long for Austin, usually takes 10 minutes max), and walked straight on the plane as they closed the jet bridge after the people that boarded right behind us. It was a close call! We landed early in Chicago with enough time to have a meal and then finally made it to Montreal where Francis's Uncle Jim picked us up. We made it to Nana's house around 2:30 or 3 and were greeted warmly. William lit up when he saw Nana Phillips, and after a short period of acting shy, he quickly warmed up. William got a new quilt from her and we got to pick out Robert's baby quilt. William's is made of scraps and is super cute, while Robert's has monkey's on it and matches the nursery. Anyway, a short time after we arrived, a sound as loud as a cannon went off and all the power went out. A transformer had blown. Francis's Aunt Melo, Uncle Vic and his cousins Sarah and Matthew (who live in the house that is joined to Nana's) arrived a short time later and all of us had a BBQ dinner and played games by candle light for the rest of the evening. It was very fun and certainly an adventure!

We got up bright and early Saturday morning and visited Francis's other grandmother. After taking a Ferry across the rivier, we arrived about 10:30. We chatted the morning away (in French) with her, her husband, Francis's Aunt Johanne and her daughter Valarie. They all thought William was very cute. I am so glad he made a good impression! After having poutine at one of Francis's favorite restraunts, we headed over to Francis's grandfather's house and were met with quite a surprise. When we arrived, only his grandfather, his girlfriend, and her brother were there. We talked for a moment (also in French) and they mentioned we got there just before everyone else was due to arrive. For what, we wondered. Then we headed downstairs. Everything was decorated with "Bonne Fete" (Happy Birthday). Apparently we had arrived just in time for his grandfather's 80th birthday party! Some of his siblings came as well as Francis's Uncle Michelle, Aunt Linda and cousin Sebastian. William got to meet them all. I will admit I felt a little lost in all the French, especially with multiple people asking me questions simultaneously while Francis was otherwise occupied, but I survived. We spent the rest of the afternoon in downtown Montreal taking in the sights. We walked along the water and boat pier, wandered through a street fair, and took pictures outside some important buildings. William got a good taste of Montreal's culture.  He even got to eat a Beaver Tail (cinnamon sugar bread). I'm so glad! That evening we headed back, had dinner and went to bed early. It was a long and productive day.

Sunday was equally enjoyable. We went to church with Nana and once again I was surrounded by the beautiful French language. Thankfully many of these people spoke slower and more clearly, so I was better able to answer what they asked. Everyone said Francis looks just like his dad and also commented on how cute William is. Nana was positively beaming as she got to show William off. Made my heart so happy that we came. We had lunch with Nana, Aunt Melo, Uncle Vic, Matthew, Sarah, and Francis's cousin Tim.It was fun, and William even got to pretend to drive Tim's new car (which he LOVED). We then took a tour of Francis's old houses nearby including one in Ile D'Bizard and one in Pierrefonds. We also got to see the old hockey rink where he played. We stopped in the parking lot and took a picture. We drove near his old elementary school and Francis pointed that it was on the other side of a hill. He didn't even bother to drive by. Lol, I know what his priorities are! We finished off the day with swimming in the backyard, smoked meat Pizza from Bravo's, and more card games. It was so fun, and I wish it could have lasted longer.

We headed back the following morning to the airport and after two flights and some driving, we made it home about 9 pm. It was a long day, but totally worth the trip.

William has had a persistent cough, and by Tuesday it changed to sound much wetter than it had. I took him to the Dr. and she sent him in for a chest X-ray. He was a trooper and did so well! They discovered he was at the beginning of bacterial pneumonia, and put him on a bunch of medication. I am so glad we caught it early and he is already doing 100 times better than he was. He's playing normally and hasn't let it slow him down. Dr. said he should be nearly healed in the next couple of days.

Robert has been growing! His movements are now slower and much larger across my stomach. A casual observer can see him move. Only 7 1/2 more weeks before he is due. It's coming up so quick!

This coming Saturday we will be heading to Dallas to pick up our dogs from my parents' house and celebrating Christian's birthday. It should be great, and it is my last trip before the baby comes. I am just praying my back and body will hold up and that William will be fully healed! Keep us in your prayers!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

July 17, 2013

The Phillips' hotel is still in full swing. My sister Christian is here for the week for what she calls "baby prosecutor school. William has really enjoyed having her around in the mornings and evenings. They dance and play and generally have a good time. It's so cute!

Last Tuesday, my grandparents. Jamama and Japapa, arrived without getting lost in the mid afternoon. We relaxed and I made lasagna for dinner. My mother, Danielle and my cousin Summer did not get home until very late that night (due to the late vote in the Texas House) so they did not get to eat with us.

The next morning, Summer left for New Mexico and my mother and Danielle went back to the capital for the final vote in the house. Fortunately, the vote was over by 11 and they were able to join William, my grandparents and I for lunch at Chick-fil-a. It was quite a celebration! After lunch and a nap (my mom and sis headed home from lunch), I took William and Jamama and Japapa on to The Little Gym. They got to experience what William does and see just how strong he is. I think they were impressed (I always am!). We went straight from TLG to my Dr. appointment with Dr. Brown. My grandparents got to see Robert live on the sonogram. Dr. Brown explained everything they were looking at. This is great grandchild #12 for them, but they've never seen a live sonogram before. It was very special for them. Robert is now head down (Dr. confirmed she thinks I have dropped) and his heart was beating big and strong. After the appointment we had dinner at Souper Salad and then met back with Francis at the house.

Thursday morning Jamama and Japapa headed on after taking a few pictures with William. It was nice to have them here and William now LOVES his "j'papa". He spent the whole rest of the day asking where he was. It was adorable! After cleaning yet again, my mother and Danielle came back Thursday evening for the anti-abortion vote in the Texas senate. They babysat while Francis and I went to dinner at Cheddar's and then saw Despicable Me 2 (super cute!). A great time was had by all.

Friday mom and Dani spent 7am until 1am Saturday (mostly without food, water or a bathroom break) waiting in the gallery for the Senate vote. I am so proud of them for doing this and I respect them so much! Friday I went to the mall with William where he was an absolute angel while I shopped and found what I needed. He has a new word: "quart" which is quarter. He kept saying it while pointing to the slot in the rides at the mall. Little stinker wouldn't give up. I had to bribe him with a cookie, which ironically cost more than the ride would have. Thanks, Sweetie (Mom), for showing him how that works. We also wen to target that afternoon where William picked out a new playdoh set on clearance. He loves his playdoh!

Saturday my mom and Danielle left just as Francis, William and I went to get professional photos taken. We did William's 2 year photos (a couple weeks early), maternity photos and a few family photos. They turned out awesome and I had a very difficult time deciding what to choose! After pictures, lunch and a nap, we all headed to Willliam's friend Jackson's 2nd birthday party at The Little Gym. It was fun and gave us a good idea of what to expect when William has his party there in a couple weeks. All in all, a great day!

Sunday we cleaned the house again after church in preparation for Christian arriving around 7:30. Exhausting! Monday after Chrissy left for her seminar, I took William to the doctor to help him manage his allergies. He's been coughing at night. He's doing much better. It's been raining the past few days and William has been loving it! I am ready for it to be a little less, though I am loving the temperature.

Yesterday marked 10 years of Francis and I as a couple. Ten years ago, Francis asked me to be his girlfriend at the end of the movie Italian Job. I'm so glad I said yes and I love the time we've had together so far. I can't believe it has been a decade, but I'm looking forward to what the next decade will hold for our little family.

Francis, William and I leave for Montreal on Friday to visit his extended family for the weekend. William has not been to Canada and has not yet met most of Francis's Canadian-dwelling relatives. It should be fun, but I am a little anxious about the flight. We will be bringing the TAB, the Kindle, the laptop, and William's phone (Francis's old phone with no service, but a lot of games), so hopefully William will mostly be willing to stay seated while we travel.

Well, Christian is on her way back from her conference today and we are going shopping. Tata!