The Verdict

Watch this video.

I like how the put the chair for the dads or whoever right under the shelf for the kleenex.
Comfy.





Maybe these photos will tell us.

Well shoot. 

Maybe cupcakes will offer you some comfort. 

Which of these is not like the other? 

I think I see pink.

"In anticipation of precipitation"

Hmm, while it still may be averaging 95+ degree highs in these parts, I am looking forward to fall when it decides to rear its cooler face. And with that, I look forward to a few of these - what I'll call - "fall faves."

So, I saw this picture and thought, "Pff, I could pull off overalls...." right? Okay, maybe not, but regardless I hunted for some that would allow for an ever-enlarging belly and not break our meager bank account. And, what FedEx will be delivering August 31st is these:

Not quite as hipster, but they'll do. I'm envisioning me, in them, at the pumpkin patch, holding a pumpkin.
Stay tuned for the realization of these dreams.

On October 11th, this girl releases her new album and I'm kind of stoked. I also just found out she has tour dates in November for Spokane & Portland .... I'm thinking weekend getaway, dear? 

This is a cute fallish outfit. My old boots' bottom are falling apart. Maybe I need some new ones. 

I think we'll be making a return trip to Rasmussen Farms in Hood River for aforementioned photo op of me, in bibs, holding a pumpkin. They have a FREE Pumpkin Funland rated in the top 15 places by Nick Jr.! At least, that's what they boast.... 

Hot apple cider on a chilly afternoon. 

And, of course, "fall" smelling candles .... 

The return of warm hats. Like these. 

At Forever 21.

At Charlotte Russe.

Not to forget, the return of my favorite show, Parenthood.

What fall faves are you looking forward to? 

(I'm sure Eric would love for me to mention the return of college football)

Which, he likes this commercial, even though it's for the NFL.

Life in a Small Town

Though we live in Hermiston, I adore Pendleton's Farmer's Market. So, with a few dollars cash in my wallet, I stopped by after work on Friday evening. 

 I picked up an eggplant and some ears of corn. 

Then Saturday, I attempted an eggplant parmigiana. I'll say it was 78% successful. 

I even let Eric out of his crib to try some. 

Really he was beginning to prime the crib we bought for $10 at a yard sale.
It's a hard job with all those spindles. 

*Not pictured: my first ever attempt at making cookies from scratch BY MY SELF. I made peanut butter cookies and I'll say they turned out 82% successful - thinking it was just the recipe. 

And pictures from the Umatilla County Fair that I forgot to share with you a couple of weeks ago. 

Just moments before this sheep encompassed my finger with its slimy nostril. 

New form of adult entertainment?

Lonestar!

Remember last year's night at the County Fair? Here's a refresher. 

We also both remarked on looking forward to taking a 7 month old babester to the county fair next year.

How goeth your weekend?

Robbing the Cradle

Okay, so Eric may be 7 months younger than me, but that's not what I was referring to in this post title.... 

Back when I was all of six or so weeks pregnant my mom, Stephanie and I went to a bunch of yard sales in the Athena, Oregon region .... it was there I found two great treasures .... a Beatles "Let it Be" album on vinyl in awesome condition and this old thing:

If you can't tell, it's a wooden cradle. Well part of it. I had already unhitched it when I thought of taking a "before" photo. I made out like a bandit from that yard sale. This rickety, dirty, old cradle cost me $3, the Beatles album $2. That also happened to be the weekend that my constant nausea set in.

Anyway, we finally started rehabbing the cradle this week (thanks in part to Mom's 13th lecture about getting projects done before I'm too pregnant to want to).

First, I took it apart because it was in need of cleaning in every crevice. It was like it's been sitting outside for the last 25 years (probably). And all the bolts needed tightening anyway. 

Then the priming began. It was a much messier ordeal than I'd ever imagined in my life.  

While priming had tired me out, it had sparked Mr. Lougee. So, I started putting the cradle back together, and just as soon as he could, he started painting it. 

He was working so fast his arm is blurry. 

Thanks to his persistence and diligence and patience with my fit throwing when I was tired of trying to put big bolts in too small of holes (I cannot deny or confirm that I threw down the cradle base in a tantrum and stormed out of the room like my former 3 year-old self), we finished the cradle this evening! 

Yes, those are ducks in the cradle. And a cute bear Mom found in my things and washed for me to give to baby.
And yes, Eric put the bear in one of our favorite baby outfits so far. 

 We still have to get a mattress pad (found online for $19), so between that, the cradle and the cost of supplies (new bolts, primer) - this will cost us under $40 - a good deal, we think. 

In other news, I can 99.2% affirm that I've finally recognized the baby moving around in there. It helped that he/she was very active today, unlike his/her mother. Eric was lucky I found the will power to go grocery shopping. I spent most of the day reading my book - feet up - which I think contributed to the ability to feel this munchkin moving. The movement was especially tangible after eating. And I loved every little motion. And now that I know for sure what it feels like, I can affirm that I've felt movement previously, though not as much and not as tangible.... Anyway, blah blah blah. 

So I fall betwixt and between.

I've reached the 20 week mark, which is technically 5 months, but halfway through the technical 40 week gestation period. Not sure if that really means it's all "down hill from here," though. 

Finally, a little bit of a baby bump is coming through! 

Nevermind the fact that this was taken in the
bathroom at my place of employment. I was in a rush this morning.  

I had an unexpected treat at my routine doctor's appointment yesterday morning. The doctor asked if I'd felt movement - in a tone that assumed I had - I sighed very heavily and said, "No, not that I'm aware of." 

I sighed heavily because I sometimes go on BabyCenter forums and all these people due after me have been talking about feeling the baby and even their husbands feeling their babies! I'm trying not to get jealous or frustrated, but I feel this irrational feeling like I'm somehow the worst mother because I can't even feel my baby move! Irrational, I know. 

Anyway, when he heard my heavy sigh accompanied with my "no," he said, "Let's go for a scan." So, we went and did a really quick ultrasound. On the way, I reassured him and all the nursing staff in the hall that I swear I wasn't mistaking baby movements for gas bubbles! 

The ultrasound lasted fewer than 60 seconds, but it was wonderful. Rather surreal I think, especially because this time around the little Lougee looked so much bigger and like a real human baby, not a garbanzo bean I'd accidentally swallowed whole (yes, I'm aware food doesn't actually go into the uterus to be digested). I saw the baby's head and little hands bunched up in fists. Saw & heard the heart beating at a rate of 140-145. Saw him or her moving their hands a little. It was reassuring to know that things were growing and moving and progressing. Makes me very excited for the 31st when we'll get a longer preview and Eric will get to be there, too. Doctor T said things looked perfect and I probably just hadn't felt movement because this is my first pregnancy. 

And no, if the Doctor saw any incriminating gender evidence, he didn't tell me.

Baby Fashion

Koala bear onsie? Yes please. 

The cardigan? The rolled up jeans? I could handle having a boy if I can dress him like this. 

These images are courtesy of H&M.

Now, back to work ...

pfff 

Lougee Lovefest

The much anticipated photos from the Lougee Family Reunion 2011. Actually, there aren't very many because I decided uncle Dennis had the photo taking completely under control. To see a sampling of the very flattering photos he took, see here. 

Here are a few that I took.

Seriously, if you want more, look up Dennis' albums on Facebook. And also, seriously, I had a great time with the Lougees. Felt like fam and I appreciated the inclusion I felt by all members of the family. Lougees are pretty good folks. 

Baby Toes

We've been picking up a few more baby things recently at yard sales and from an excited Grandma, now that I'm 19 weeks and about halfway through this experience (crazy!). Thought I'd share! 

Now, who wouldn't get pregnant just so you could buy cute little sneakers?
Dad-to-be couldn't resist. 

A newborn onsie from Grandma-to-be Lougee.
It may not look like it, but this thing is tiny! 

This is a cute fuzzy, fleece body suit with adorable little ears.
It'll come in handy - considering we're looking at a due date in the middle of winter!


And that's all the pictures I have to show for now. We have a few more cute things, but I think we'll kind of hold off too many more purchases til we find out if this is a girl Lougee or a boy Lougee.

Oh, and Big Daddy Eric, Aunt Anna and G-Ma Shelly found a really nice baby swing at an awesome deal - wish I had a picture of that, too!

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Forgetful Lucy

I forgot to mention in my Famous You post that Drew and I even dress the same! Except for she's totally rocking the second outfit and I'm wishing I had something like it I could put together. Including the shoes!

Happy Monday! 

Love is Spoken Here

A few weeks ago, in Primary (Primary is for kids ages 3 to 11, combined singing and gospel doctrine and then smaller Sunday School classes divided up by age groups) we sang the song "Love is Spoken Here," and I've realized that it really is one of my favorite children's songs. 

The image of a child watching their mother in prayer, is one that moves me ... and I hope is an image that won't be hard for my children to recall. 

Recently though, the words "Mine is a home where every hour is blessed by the strength of Priesthood power," have really meant a lot to me. Growing up, that wasn't something I could sing and have it ring true, but now that I'm married - those words are so very true and I feel very blessed. 

My home is lead by a man who has faith in God, in his Son and in the gospel of Jesus Christ and acts on that faith. He is strong, worthy, willing, and has a heart of service. He is a man that willfully embraces his role to "preside over (his) family in love and righteousness and" his responsibility, "to provide the necessities of life and protection" for his family (See: The Family - A Proclamation to the World). And he is supportive and encouraging of me and my roles and goals. Men like that are getting harder and harder to find. I'm grateful to have a life, home and family that are and will continue to be blessed by his righteousness. 

I'm also very grateful for the legacy of faith that his family has passed on to him from both sides. They are truly Christian people who put faith and family first. And their diligence has been a blessing in my life. 

I just needed to share, because I know I am lucky and would feel very ungrateful if I didn't express my appreciation and recognize the blessings Heavenly Father has given our little family. 

Happy Sabbath to you! 

Who is the famous you?

Okay, so I was reading over at Nat the Fat Rat about her Meg Ryan Theory. At the end, she asks which Meg Ryan character you most identify with. I was kind of struggling there ... was I Kathleen Kelly - a NYC book store kind of gal? Sally - who(m?) met Harry? Or Annie - a writer for a Baltimore newspaper? Truthfully, I struggled, I suppose there are aspects of each character I identify with. Like Kathleen's love for school supplies. Or Sally's years of frustration with male friend. Or Annie, and that she writes for a paper (which, I sadly no longer do). But, I think it was really hard because, while I love Meg Ryan's movies, I don't really see myself as a Meg Ryan. So, I got to thinking.... of all the female leads I love, who do I most identify with? 

Julia?

I chose this pic, because I could most identify with this
down-to-earth, less than glamorous version of her.

Sandra? 

I adore Sandy in all her movies.
But, my favorite is 'Two Weeks Notice.'

Angie? 

Yes, I like Angie. Lay off. She's fierce.
And strong. And could totally kick my trash.

Jennifer?

I heart Jennifer!
She's such a sweetie.

I have friends who remind me of certain actresses, like TJK is my personal version of Sandra Bullock. And 'Storm' very often reminds me of Jennifer Aniston. 

I've had people tell me I look like Kirsten Dunst. 

But, if I had to choose just one gal. I'd say .... 

Drew Barrymore

I know she can cause some pretty polar reactions, but I really like Drew. 

She's goofy, smart, funny, sassy, pretty, wild, yet feminine. 

And I've liked her in every film I've seen, Ever After, Never Been Kissed, Riding in Cars with Boys, 50 First Dates, Charlie's Angels, Music & Lyrics, Whip It, Duplex, Fever Pitch and He's Just Not That Into You. 

If I were an actress, I might be a less drugged up (her early years) version of Drew. 

What about you? 

P.S. I got my hair cut. And sometimes it looks a little scary. 

Too much razoring on the stylist's part. 

But, here's a side view.