Congrats Sabrina & Tim!

Everett Timothy Singer-Towns
Born 5\8\11 at 1:39 am.
8lbs 3 oz and 21 inches long

what's going on in there?

Let's start with the good the stuff: my lady business. I had my midwife appointment on Friday and due to some things that you would rather not read about (but really you would) such as the fact my you-know-what is 85% effaced (Google it, Jake did) and other things, she thinks I could have the baby sooner than 40 weeks. But really, we know anything could happen. The baby is super low, in fact right now I can not walk without limping because she is on a nerve and every movement and deep breath hurts.

"dirting" with Gramsie who is still trying to beat pneumonia

We finally got outside! It seemed as though the warm sunny days would never arrive but now we have had a few. Jake & I took the opportunity for a date to Gerten's but unfortch we (I) was so tired and crabby that it's a good thing this wasn't our first date. We did get a tiny tree and flowers for our humongous yard and planted them which is so pretty. He also hosed down the party porch and furniture to open 'em up for the summer. Thanks to Mr. SoS for putting up with me right now, I can be a real B! Also, in a very related note, I would like to my thank my job for making me work two Saturdays in May at nine months pregnant, possibly the last nice days off I have before my life changes forever.

big shiny drums

The BIG event this weekend was Casey's Senior Recital at UW-RF which marks the end of his undergrad studies. Again. He played all the percussion instruments, some of which I affectionately call the regular drums, the piano drums, the big shiny drums, the chopsticks on buckets, and the rockout drums. The best part may or may not have been when he called me on stage to play the shaker to Africa by Toto. Can I just say it was SUPER hard to keep a beat, my arm turned to jelly, and it took every ounce of musical concentration I had to try to keep shaking. The harder I tried, the worse I got. Makes me think those other drums require even more skill? Everyone came out to support to him and enjoy pie & cake. Congrats Casey!!!

Me and my two babies

On Mother's Day, we rest. Finally. Jake made us all breakfast and we kissed Gramsie goodbye before collapsing into a heap. Norelle has so much fun the night before at the recital running with cousin Mekensie and staying up late, that she is a bit of an emotional bear today. Wherever did she learn that behavior? I love her anyway.

Happy Mother's day to my mom, Holly, Jake's mom, Liz, and my step mom, Linda!

Mother's Day artwork by Nori & Daddy

Baby in May(be)?

I love my thespian cousin!

Oh, the arts! How you inspire me! I enjoyed watching Abby as Liesel in the Sound of Music on Friday at the Lakeshore Players Theatre in White Bear Lake. Shakespeare really hit a home run with that one!

The girls at a post flower girl dress shopping lunch

I know you were all abuzz about THE WEDDING this weekend! I am still in disbelief at how many people were talking about it. I mean, it's just a humble little affair in August on Jaimie's farm but every time I turn on the news, all I hear is the word "wedding". Casey must have lots of fans due to his percussion skills and virtual free-ride at UNI where he will attend for his Master's in Jazz Performance this fall. Go Panthers(.) (I don't cheer).

head cropped off to avoid comments about how tired I look (not tired, that's just my face)

The past 6 weeks or so are the best I have felt during this pregnancy! Finally, my nausea and food aversions are gone and I can eat like a normal person again. I am 36 weeks tomorrow (36/4 = 9) so I am NINE months pregnant which means my wish shall be Jake's command, right?

In other news, our dog ran away for about half an hour and was found over at the neighbor's house where they had given her 5 bowls of dog food. Guess we know where to look next time she takes off...

Full Contact (s)Mothering

spa pedicures today...she chose OPI "I'm Not Really A Waitress" for us.

I am pretty much attached at the hip my daughter, even three years and 4 months into her adorable life. True, I go to work but otherwise we are always together. Every morning we wake up (way too early), get ready, and then lounge by the fire drinking our milk or orange juice and sharing dry cereal, snuggling. It doesn't even dawn on her to run around or play with toys, we just cuddle and talk. Similar events occur after work, although I am usually much more tired and try to trick her into rubbing my back by singing Criss Cross Applesauce. We got into a routine this winter of coming in from the freezing cold and hopping into the big bathtub for a hot bath. It keeps her occupied (and clean), while I relax (BTB, she is fan of drinking tubby water which she calls "Lemon Tea" but I call it "Body Tea"). I am always hugging, kissing, and otherwise warping her for when she someday must be forced to go into the real world. As anyone who has ever tried to create a clone of themselves knows, it's actually not that hard if you start early. Now there are some things about myself I could improve upon so if she wants to be exactly like me, only good at math with some hand-eye coordination, I am not going to fight it. I know life is going to change when the baby joins our world, demanding my time and attention. I am hoping I have enough lap and energy to add a triplet to our dynamic duo because I just love my special/constant/unhealthily enmeshed time with sweet little Norelle.

out to lunch, BFF style

beware the "vicious woof"

Happy Easter!

It's been a good year for eggs in the Seltz home...

is it a sign that Baby Honey's egg cracked?

pre-church rest in Tender Heart Care Bear costume

egg hunt

Palbicki to the max

someone (who is three) had SIX slices of beef brisket

Happy 10th Birthday Mekensie and Happy 59th Birthday Dad!

My favorite people

Counting the eggs, calling pennies "quarters", and hoarding chocolate

And a reminder about why we celebrate is best articulated by my pastor Danny on his blog. Nori sums it up pretty well too, see for yourself:

It's only Saturday and...

we have already gone to the dentist...

chilled with Gram-Z, the lyrical hurricane (who still has crud in her lungs)...

frosted cookies with pals...

and partied with Liam to celebrate his 3rd year...

Not to mention visited with Papa Michael, Aunt Jill, Aunt Tracy, and Uncle Casey. I also found out that at least THREE people in my family have been ticketed for urinating in public. Beat that!

What ever will tomorrow bring?