The Tale of the Happy Husband

Good morning.

This might be repetitive for some of you, but it's a story worth telling in its entirety.

Last year, Jered found his grandpa's tackle box and fishing pole in his parents' basement, and on a whim, decided to bring them home with him.

He started dropping by the lake at Raccoon River Park to cast out a few times every once in a while, and I thought, I could see us spending some summer afternoons like this.

Before long he learned that his buddy from work also enjoyed fishing, and before I knew it, the new hobby turned into an obsession.  We're talking multiple nights a week, long into the night because "catfish bite more around 2 in the morning!"

 

I joined a few times.  They'd set up a campfire on the beach or edge of the river, and it was enjoyable.  Especially when they would catch a few.  (I didn't see much difference in the number of fish they caught in the middle of the night versus what they caught during the day.)

With a few fish under their belts, the obsession grew.  He bought a boat.  Then bigger, better poles.  Then a bigger motor.  Then an underwater camera.  Then blah, blah, blah.

My favorite times were the ones when we would go to the lake during the day, either on the boat, or just to the beach.  Jered fished while I read a book and basked in the sun.  Those days were delightful, with the exception of the time that we both got painfully fried.  

Admittedly, the long nights that I spent at home while he was out fishing were not as enjoyable.  They had their sights set on catching a river monster, and that seemed to mean spending as much time as possible at the river and the rest of their time day dreaming and making plans for fishing trips.  If I asked for a night with just the two of us, he wanted to spend it at the lake, fishing.  I got real tired of that word.

A few redeeming moments existed though.

 

With [maybe?] the exception of our wedding, I had never seen Jered so happy as on his big fishing day in Mississippi.  He caught his largest fish to date, weighing in around thirteen pounds.  

I think it's safe to say that the end of fishing season was part of the reason I was looking forward to cooler weather more than normal this year.  However, the boys have supposedly agreed they need to cut back, or at least be better at how they plan their fishing time this year.  And so far, they've done a great job.  Part of this is due to their use of ditty/diddy (I've seen it spelled both ways) this time around.  They set several up at night, leave them, and check them the next day after work.  

This has proved to be much more wife-friendly, and they still seem to be catching plenty.

I rest my case:

Numero uno:

   

Dos:

Number three was even bigger, and the fillets are already prepped and stored in the freezer:

Yesterday afternoon they went back out to check the poles.  Then I got a call from Tyler:

"Aimee, we're gonna need you to meet us down in the shop in about four minutes.  Be photo shoot ready.  Just wait."

So, without further ado, number four:

 

 

That's right.  They caught their first river monster.  And they were ecstatic.  I almost cried for them.  And because this is my turf, I can share with you that they both checked their hair in the Vespa mirrors and whipped off their shirts saying, "We haven't been working out for nothing!"

Jered was on cloud nine the rest of the night and couldn't stop looking at all the pictures.  This guy weighed in at over twenty-seven pounds!  (The record in Iowa is over eighty, so I'm not naive enough to believe that finally catching a river monster is going to slow down their obsession at all.)

It really did make my day to see them so happy.  (Plus my husband is super hot.)

Well, just thought I'd share their fishing tale with you.

Aim 

From T - 8 to T - 7 Weeks

Hi.

Happy, happy Friday!

A few things from this week:

Jered made me cut his hair again over the weekend.  It's a strange new territory that we are in.  He even wanted it shorter than last time.  (He complimented my work and said it was my best job so far- high praise from that mister!)

The fisherman came home with a full bucket earlier this week.  Our conversation went a little like this:

"Catch anything?"
"A few..."

He then proceeded to transfer eleven fish into the tank, including a smallish bass and a crappie.

Unfortunately only half of them made it back out to the river as live bait... the rest went belly up.  The last few died as a result of breaking off the water filter, and it was terribly disconcerting as I watched them desperately try to escape one morning, making all kinds of noise, and then sinking to the bottom with their big, creepy eyes.  *Shudder*  Also- it is no longer a pretty fish tank.  It now looks like lake water.  I know what's going to be at the top of someone's to-do list this week...

It occurred to me this week that the likelihood of us going on a cruise is not good.  The 1950's Titanic movie was on this week for the anniversary of its sinking.  We apparently get equally creeped out when it comes to boat/submarine movies.  I don't think we would be able to handle the anxiety.  Yikes.  

Jered and Tyler caught their first catfish of the season.  They were so excited, and rightly so- it was a good sized one for their first go.

I had my first baby shower this weekend!  Molly threw a really special, group painting shower on Saturday.  I felt so loved.  (Thank you, Molly for all the photos!)

 

(Molly sent me home with a tray of these delicious cupcakes, leading to a ridiculously large consumption on my part.  She also made sure to incorporate a fish in the frames for Jered.)

   

 

 

(I thought I knew what colors I wanted to do, and then I got overwhelmed when I heard 

everyone's great ideas!  So many good options!)

Finished products

 

So thankful for great moms and sisters!

We missed Jessa and Heather!

It's been a good week.  Can't believe it's gone already- they sure are flying by fast!

Talk to you later. 

Aim

White Rabbit Paced

Hi.

The reality that this child is expected to make his/her debut in our lives quite soon is becoming more and more overwhelming.  Exciting, but overwhelming nonetheless.  I kind of feel like the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.  I mean, I'm not late for any important date, but I am gaining a sense of urgency when I think about what needs done B.B. (before baby, that is).

I keep finding these posts that say how soon you should pack your hospital bag, and then I think to myself, "Well that seems a lot closer than it did a week ago."  (8 weeks and 1 day til J's due date in case you're pretending to care about the deets.)

Then we have to think about the other aspects of our resort hospital stay.

Like pre-registering.  Oh yeah... we should probably get on that because I highly doubt I will enjoy filling out paperwork if I'm doubled over in pain, which let's face it- big baby wimp here- I probably will be.

I'm thinking that buying some nursing clothes would probably be wise if I plan on wearing them while I'm in the hospital...  I don't think the mister is going to be up for a Target run at that time.  (Are these necessities?-Probably not, but I'm thinking they would be nice, and I'm not going to feel like shopping for them anytime soon after birthing Flinkbaby.)

We should probably hop on deciding which stroller/car seat combo we want too because even if we aren't going to be using the stroller right away, um hello?  How else are we planning on getting baby home, if not in a car seat?  (Yes, that just occurred to me rather recently.  No, I'm not proud of it.)

And then I get to thinking about all the things I should have ready for when we come home from the hospital.  I saw this little post that I thought seemed super practical.  She basically stated that she had different basket "stations" located around her home for the first couple weeks, like a diaper changing station near the couch (since she spent most of her time there) and a breastfeeding station, both stocked with anything and everything she would need during those times, such as extra onesies, burp cloths, snacks, a book, etc.  It sure would be nice to start with a freshly spring-cleaned home too since I don't think it will be high on our priorities list afterwards.  (hint, hint Mister.)  I would also love to stock our freezer with easy meals so I can put off cooking for as long as possible post-baby.  (Still hoping we will fit that project in this weekend!)

Speaking of couches, did I tell you that Jered sold our couch and loveseat set?  He actually made a profit since we got a ridiculous deal on them, and we plan to use the money on a little nicer single couch since Jered is now in love with his recliner.  However, that has been on the back burner recently, and we've been using the futon, which works, but is extremely bony on my back and lady lumps.  So while this may seem minor in light of other preparations we need to make, I have a feeling my post-delivery self would really, really, really appreciate something more cushioned.

Anyway, back to everything seeming much closer than it used to...  Jered and I still have a feeling/hope that J is going to join us before June 4.  Then it hit me.  "Jered, do you realize if we are right, and J comes in May, then we will have a baby NEXT MONTH?"  *Exchanged glances of fear/shock/excitement*

At least the nursery is starting to take shape... slowly, but surely.  Of course, the crib is one thing J will not be needing right away, but it makes me feel better, so it counts.

I'm finding pregnancy to be a time where you constantly go, "Ohh.  That's what they meant by that."  (Apart from all the things they do not tell you.)  For instance, right now I am understanding what moms-to-be meant when they said their baby wedged its feet up into their rib cages.  Thanks J.  I'm sure you want to stretch, but you can't always get what you want- so please stop that now.

Well, on another, less stressful note, the mister and I stretched out on the bed last night and chatted up J for a bit, revisited our names (Jered still vetoes some of my awesome ideas), and talked about some less crucial ideas like how to finish decorating the nursery.  

11 Things

Hey.

I hope your Easter weekend was filled with love, friends and family, and joy as we celebrated our risen Savior.  I also hope you have a little chocolate to munch on today because it seems to make Monday a little less Mondayish.

Original Source

I just came across this list of prompts on Pinterest, and thought I'd utilize them today.

• I was challenged by the Resurrection Sunday message at church yesterday.  Pastor Dave talked about why the resurrection should matter to us and poised the question, "Do we really believe in it?"  I started to wonder where the evidence that I truly believe in the resurrection reveals itself in my life.  How is my life different because I believe Jesus is alive?  Is it?  

• I am beyond thankful that Molly's parents have ushered Jered and me into their lives like family.  Family is so important to both of us, and it's such a joy to have some in our new hometown.  Their welcoming arms are such a gift.  Cheryl even had an Easter basket for us!

(I clearly inherited Dad's inability to take pictures outside!

I swiped this picture from Cheryl, by the way.)

• I think I'm nervous about having a boy because I'm afraid of being outnumbered.  I'm scared that someday I'll end up sitting at home alone all the time while Jered and the boys are out hunting or fishing or whatever, and that I'll just be the one that's supposed to have dinner ready when they get back from having fun.

• I wonder what God's plan for our future is?  Bits and pieces seem to have revealed themselves, such as Jered getting into Nurse Practitioner school and a baby coming [incredibly] soon.  But there's so much more left a mystery.  Will I ever find a job I'm passionate about?  How will Jered and I teach our kids about God?  What plans for His kingdom will we contribute to?

• I wish warm weather would just go ahead and get here to stay so that I could soak up the sun as much as possible before little J makes an appearance.  Yesterday was heavenly, but not enough to make a difference on my Casper skin.

• I save far too many things for the last minute.  Our ever shortening timeline before J gets here is starting to make me wish I had been more adamant about making preparations all winter.

• I always have the most creative urges while I'm at work and can't do anything about them.  Then, as soon as I get home, I have zero drive to do anything even though I have several little projects I want to complete before J gets here.

• I can't imagine what our lives are going to look like this summer.  So many changes heading our way.  What kind of mom will I be?  Will I get lucky and have a super chill baby?  Will our marriage maintain some semblance of romance?  

• I believe my husband is going to be an amazing dad.  Like outstanding.  And I am chomping at the bit to see him in action.  

• I promise my pre-pregnancy clothes that they will be used again.  Someday.  I refuse to give up the pair of jeans I bought a month before I found out I was pregnant and only got two months of wear!  And I promise that Jered will be smelling "skinny Aimee"(see next bullet point) a whole lot more come the end of the summer.  

• I love how much my husband makes me laugh.  On the warmest day last week, he fished for a bit while I worked up a good sweat, walking the trail around the lake.  He hugged me later that night and said, "You smell like skinny Aimee!"  (Luckily, the wacky pregnancy hormones have made me less sensitive about comments like that.)  Yesterday morning he rolled out of bed, went into the bathroom, looked in the mirror, and said, "Huh.  I guess some people do wake up looking like models."  During songs at church, he pulled his harmonica out of his suit pocket- I really thought he might start to play along.  He sported the 20+ year old Bass Pro sweatshirt from Chadd's basement to go fishing last night.  I'm so glad to have this weirdo in my life.

Well, that's it for now.  Have a good one!

Aim

Mama Brain

Hi.

Consider yourself warned: totally scatterbrained, boring mom-to-be letter headed your way.

My pregnancy app now tells me that we are in single digits, as far as weeks left to go until Baby J arrives.  Single.  Digits.  Every Wednesday I get increasingly curious about the next day's size update.
Tomorrow starts week thirty-one for us.  That is over three-fourths of the way done (duh, Aimee), assuming our good and merciful Lord allows us to meet our munchkin on or before our due date.  (Please, please, pleeease don't make it longer than forty weeks!)

Not that I'm trying to rush time or anything.  I'm still a little freaked out that we will have a tiny human to look out for in approximately sixty days.  (Most of the time it still seems like a mysterious alien is moving around inside of me.  Every once in awhile it hits me hard that it's actually a small person with chubby little hands and a button nose.)  My belly is just a little freaked out about how much growing it still has to do during those two months.

Our crib is still propped up against the wall in five separate pieces, not counting all the screws and bolts and such.  I'm thinking it's a good thing he/she won't be going straight to the crib in June.

Original Link

A billion.  That's how many stroller options there seem to be.

Zero.  That's how many clues I have when it comes to choosing one.  Jered and I took a peek at the them while we were in Target last night.  "You should do some research," he said.  But I haaaaave.  And what I have found is if you get one that is light enough and sleek enough to fit nicely in your car trunk, it is difficult to maneuver.  If you find one that is easy to maneuver and turns on a dime, then it is too bulky and takes up the whole trunk.

Now I'm beginning to doubt my first instinct to get a jogging stroller because they seem to be the main culprits when it comes to trunk hogs.  Not to mention my doubts about my agility and ability to jog with a stroller without inflicting injury on either of us.  Maybe it would be better to have Jered keep J for me while I get back into the running game.

Aaaand I want a stroller-car seat combo, but am having a heck of a time knowing which brand to go with.  In the words of The Beatles:  "Help, I need somebody.  Help, not just anybody.  Help, you know I need someone, heeeeeeelp!"

I've probably pinned one hundred little girl outfits, and two little boy outfits.  I can't help it; they are just so much cuter!  However, I am dying over this little Man Cub shirt.  If J is a boy, I will be on the hunt for one.

Original Link

My mom and Katie are going to be visiting in less than two weeks, and I'm beyond excited to have them around to help me get some things situated at the apartment.  I'm hoping to get the nursery in usable condition at least, and perhaps prepare some freezer dinners for post-baby life.  

J's movements continue to change and increase in number.  They went from being little jabs, to what I can best describe as the feeling of a big worm moving under my skin, to great big stretches now, with much more pressure than before.  He/she seems to be stretching non-stop these days.  I can almost always locate a body part now.

Oh, and according to Jered, J is a girl.  (He changes his mind about every week on the dot.)

And possibly thee most important of all my tedious updates: every time I see Jered with a baby, I go a little weak in the knees.  I see him play with our nieces a couple times a week, and this weekend I watched him love on Brandon and Janelle's baby, and I each time I feel like the heart shaped beams are going to shoot out of my eyes- Care Bear style.

I suppose I've shared more of my thoughts than you ever wished to be privy to.  Maybe next time I'll be more focused.  Probably not.  Pregnancy brain is real, I tell you!

Talk to you later.

Aim