Baby Mama

Too good to be 2

2008-11-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

What a day! A trip to the zoo is a great family experience and the fastest way to a toddler's heart. After making her Birthday crown all week (and secretly fearing she wouldn't let it go near her head once she saw it) I gave it to her that morning. She warmed up to the idea, and was happy to rock that crown all day. We voted, and were off to the zoo. Lots of gifts and the discovery of actually opening something that's hers was fun. She still sings the birthday song, and I just don't have the heart to tell her it's not that ultra fun, once-a-year-day anymore.

Chatty Addie

2008-11-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well, Adelle is approaching her 2nd birthday. It's hard to believe...I know, I know! She's such a joy in our lives, I don't even know where to begin. Her fiesty spirit right from the start indicated to us a strong willed child, and that she is. Especially at 2. The most fun thing we do right now is talk. She has her own language I call "Addie-eese". It's hard for most to understand but, I can pretty much make out the words because I'm around her so much. Her excitement over clothes (dwess(dress)! soose(shoes)! jweens(jeans)! horts(shorts)!) is one of my favorites. She loves identifying what she's wearing.

She has become quite independent and and willing to challenge - often in times of discipline...which I often find myself holding back hysterical laughter - even to the point of covering my mouth and turning away and somtimes blowing it completely. She hangs with her playgroup on Tuesdays trying to play, pretend, and eat as many of the other kids snack goldfish as humanly possible in an hour and a half. The library sing-a-long is her rock concert for the week. We pretty much have all the songs and dance moves down by now. The library is her stage on Wednesdays. And of course, we are forever on the hunt for the perfect playground slide/swings combination. Ahh the life of a toddler :) Halloween was the most fun this year! Seeing it through a child's eyes that has never before experienced it was priceless. Our Halloween party with the playgroup was Wednesday and we were cowgirls - yeeehaww! Addie could have cared less because there was a slide on their porch that she insisted on taking over with little patience. She needed to maximize her slide time, and that she did. Halloween night Chris insisted on taking her trick-or-treating. So she got all cowgirled up and off we went. It was so much fun! She loved every minute of it. We have a unique neighborhood street with lots of kids and parents that really make it a great, safe experience. Addie loved her "tweets" even though she had no idea what they were. She screamed, laughed and danced in the street, and she was fascinated with all the kids. What an amazing night for her (and us)!

Song and Dance

2008-08-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Desiree's amazing technical skills, I bring to you, my moonwalking daughter:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5244850888560336952&hl=en

Summer Lovin'

2008-07-31T10:59:00.001-07:00

It's been a great summer...and a long time since a real update.

We are so excited to welcome my little niece "Camille" into the fam. She's so awesome, and I LOVE being an Aunt!!!

Chris has been working hard, and filling in where needed at the office and catching some waves on the weekends when he gets a spare hour. Addie and I will go down and watch him. She's now figured out that's her Daddy out there and yells, and dances around when he gets on a wave, and really loves it when he gets buried in one! It's too cute.

We had ISR for almost 2 months, and love watching Addie in the pool. Lots of family visits and stuff to do at the beaches have kept us going. Family story time at the library is the highlight of her week (a real social hour for toddlers), an these days just don't end right without a bike ride.

Addie is quite the Conversationalist. She's counting, saying ABC's (some) and loving any new words. Although the word "no" is between almost every sentence, and "mine" has officially surfaced...with a little attitude! We are constantly working with that one :)

I'm loving being able to work mostly from home...basically during naps! It's worked so far, so we'll see. Marketing a chiropractic office and wellness center can be tricky, but I'm having fun.

Save The Mole

2008-07-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

Love the show...if you haven't watched, it's awesome. I'm a reality TV junkie and this is one of my faves. Keep it going...maybe I can be the mole someday (I'm serious)!!!

www.savethemole.com

Always Order Water

2008-05-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day this year was one of the most perfect days we've had at the beach so far. We really had a chance to relax. We rode our bikes down to this Cafe for the Sunday brunch. My super-hot-used-beach cruiser (that I'm dying to paint bright yellow) is my new favorite ride - notice the cup holder...yep!. We are on it almost daily. Addie loves it - and we now have some of the best "conversations" (really just pointing out random things we see) on the road! Anyways, we order the fabulous food and try to juggle the juice (absolutely incredible fresh carrot/fruit juice), sippy, coffee, tea, napkins, wiggly toddler, against unusual huge gusts of wind outside. We got it. Chris comes around with the juice cup in his MOUTH - bad idea. It lands all over me/her the table. Yes, that was carrot base juice! We ruin the tablecloth, clean up, and carry on.

Towards the end, Addie is restless. We are throwing any kind of food at her at this point, just to stay a little longer, knowing time is ticking away into her naptime. What to I do? Pull a classic "Lisa" and take my coffee with me as I'm leaning towards Addie trying to shove one last kiwi into her mouth. Once again, covered.

So, a long time ago, when I had an infant swatting at my cup on the table at the restaurant eventually filling my lap with my drink, and now having a toddler ready to do the same (but way faster). I know better. You always order water...or get ready to replace a lot of your clothes. I should know this by now!

It was perfect :)

Coot Cose, and Bee Shoo

2008-04-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Our first two word phrase...yep, "Coot Cose" is what she said to me in Target when I said, "Addie, look at the cute clothes". I couldn't believe it. I laughed, so she kept repeating it. Later that night, Chris was getting her ready for bed, and I held up the shirt I got that day and she says "coot cose" just like that! Chris's response, "No Way!". I had to laugh.

This is her shopping at a friend's house...she LOVED the shopping cart!

Ok, and I'm fighting this sinus thing last week and I'm sneezing like crazy, and after one of my sneezes, she says "bee shoo".

Laughter again.

I love it! So every time I or anyone sneezes we hear this cute little "bee shoo" coming from her.

This is so fun :)

Plllleeeeeaaaase!

2008-03-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

This is to beg our Aunt Jill to update her blog...ahem...it's been way too long! Share the good news, girl!

It's baby time! Congrats to Desiree & Erik with little Crosby (I was so lucky to be there ;)), and Emily and Steve with little Parker, the leapling! And Maggie and Mark with baby Lucas! Love all these babies...what's up with all these boys?!

Up next...little baby Putty - can't wait to meet my little niece!

Mmmmmwwwaaaaahhhh!

2008-02-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

Part of our nightly routine...potty and some singing before bath! She is learning how to sign, so at the end she mixes it up with some sign language. Chris and I are spelling out words now. It was almost over night when we realized she knew everything we were saying. So b-a-n-a-n-a was our first hidden word (she freaks over them!) and so on. Watching her learn sign language is one of the coolest things...I'll be sure to put some video of that, too!

I have my moments...

2008-02-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

You know, where you stop those Mom thoughts that sprint through your mind to really think about what's going on with me. Wow, what a concept. I'm having some moments because yes, I am staring right at the 3-0. Age doesn't really bother me, but for some reason I'm thinking more about it these days. So I bought the sunscreen, I'm on the anti-wrinkle cream crusade, and now can't resist buying a good sun hat (what?) and rediculously huge sunglasses. Yep, no turning back.

My days are filled with incredible moments mostly given to me by Adelle and Chris. Our life is so busy, but we really work hard to have some down time with just us three. I feel so lucky to be here. Chris is working at two different offices not just getting his feet wet in this profession, but diving right in. What an experience...and enough stories for another blog (don't get me started!).

Adelle is so cool. We do all kinds of activities and watching her learn is priceless. She LOVES books and is constantly handing them to me and turning around to sit in my lap to read to her. She's still on a great schedule and taking 2 naps a day like clockwork. Her appetite is huge, I can barely keep up! Since the menu is A-La-Holloway, I'm busy. I make just about everything we eat. I've got it down to cooking all her meals for the day in the morning. We've come a long way since breastfeeding for a year, pureed food in ice cube trays, and discovering bananas (of which I have to hide now!). She's a whopping 18lbs, tiny little kid with curly hair, but healthy as can be! We visited the Pediatrition last week for her 15mo checkup. It was fun, and we learned that you stick nothing in her mouth - she hated that tool with the bright light heading towards her mouth (just like the hair dryer we discovered the other day...she hates it!).

Thirty is not so daunting...I'm excited, in fact. I'm going to be an aunt this year. I can't wait to meet my little niece in June. We're really enjoying all the other babies and kids around us - ahhh has life changed for us all!

Adelle is this great little person that talks to me all day long - how cool is that! I'm so entertained. I'm not working like I used to, running like I was, and certainly don't look like I did, but I'm very happy!

Cheers to SPF30!!!!!!!

New year New Do

2008-01-08T07:29:00.001-08:00

We call this "Bam Bam"

Why not two ;)

Christmas Card Outtakes

2007-12-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

For those of you who enjoyed our Christmas card this year...well here's a few that didn't make it for whatever reason:

Fa-La-La-La-La! (notice Hallie's face)

Hallie: Seriously?

Hallie: She's touching me

Hey...who am I supposed to be again?

Pre Face plant

Getaway

2007-12-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

We had an eventful month of birthday, baby shower (we are in the middle of baby frenzy - EVERYONE we know is pregnant!), Thanksgiving, and yes, work.

I decided to take a job back in retail for the holidays...you know, get my feet wet with the whole working thing again. With a good amount of adjustment, we are making it work. We have a wonderful sitter for when we need her, she also watches another baby Addie's age - perfect! I am working at Anthropologie, a store I love. It's fun, creative, and totally not baby for a couple hours of my life. I go in needing a break from it all, and leave grinning because I know I'm about to see this kid I absolutely love!

I got to escape last weekend to Tallahassee for the day. My parents watched Addie 1/2 the day, and Chris took over the rest - sending me text pics of their bike ride to the bike parade & Starbucks. My mission: Birthday & Baby. Desiree turned the big one (I know, I'm next), and the nursery for Crosby is now complete - so fun! This was my getaway. Some much anticipated time to myself driving (I'm thinking the 80's music on the way there was a Godsend as I'm lip syncing to Van Halen) and talking baby strategy with Deisree & Erik.

Here's her latest...she loves her rocking horse! More to come...

Cause IIIIIIIIIII'm ONE!

2007-11-06T07:25:00.001-08:00

! First time eating cake - ahhhhhhhh, I'm still cringing at the sugar intake!

You only turn one once :)
Desiree trying to bend over...not getting any easier!

Fashion statement

My favorite picture :) Hard to believe she's ONE!

Perfect day! Thanks to everyone that came to the beach - we had a great time!

A year ago I was staring at this five pound little girl. Today, I'm chasing her around. It's been an exciting first year experiencing every milestone.

What I've learned:

The love for your child is like no other...it just keeps growing...and life gets better and better with her around!

We are so thankful :)

Lately

2007-10-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

Lots going on around here lately...Addie is approaching her 1 year Birthday!!! Unbelievable. She's developing this unique personality and making us laugh every day. Chris is working so hard - check out his new blog for work (to the right "Dr. H Golf Blog"). It's another year of babies! Everyone we know seems to be preparing for baby these days - and we just love it :).

The beach has been so great, the weather is near perfect! I took the plunge...sucked it up...and joined a "Mom group" around here. Yeah, I know. But it's wierd, because...I like it! I feel like the biggest dork, but Adelle hangs with her buddies (really just staring and touching eachothers faces akwardly) and I get some "Mom" conversation in. Ok, I'll admit, we talk about strollers, pediatritions, and...poop...of course! I was getting a little stir crazy and I think Addie was a little tired of our same old "play time". So yeah, we have friends now :)

My neighbor invited me to a fashion show a couple weeks ago - yeah I was WAY excited! It was great - It felt so good to dress up and be "out" in Jacksonville for once! The Emcee was Shannon Miller - here's our pic together...I was a little star struck. I'm a big fan.

600 miles

2007-09-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

That's about how many miles we put on the Cerve (our CR-V...it just sounds way better as "Cerve") in less than 7 days. Our trip to the Keys and back was incredible and jam packed! The Ohm's (an their new baby) coming all the way to Jax to visit, lunch with the old work crew at Benedict Advertising, and Duck Key the next couple days for Kris & Missy's wedding, then back to Ocala to hang with AJ & Andie before they head to England - whew!

Chris looked handsome as ever in a tux :). Including the moment he took over the dance floor during the reception to perform his breakdancing routine...ahem...yes...he had a routine. I am proud to say, he did win against Kris's breakdancing bro. But Chris ended with a sweet sideways laying down (Janet Jackson-ish) pose that sealed the deal. We scored with a babysitter to stay at the villa while Addie slept, so I got to come back to the reception and tear up the dance floor with my breakdancing stud...

Celebrities. That is what they are in Ocala, at least. AJ & Andie are in Ocala, and that calls for a serious celebration! Because they are moving to England in a week, we filled a short afternoon full of great conversation, stories, and tons of questions about their new endeavor. We are so excited for them, and just wish we had more time, of course. So guys, we will be visiting! We are just going to go ahead and invite ourselves - Ha! We can't wait to read all about it on the bog, too!

Back at home, the beach is so soothing right now. I really can't wait to start training - I'm ready. Labor day came and brought a breeze making outside still hot, but just right. I love the feeling of fall coming - we have so much to look forward to!

Full or Half?

2007-08-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

So it's been on my mind lately...what can I train for? Sure, everyone must go through this torturous thought process, right? (not quite). I heard about this race in Feb. '08 here in Jax Beach - ok, hard to pass up. It literally runs in front of our condo and partly on the beach! I'm SO in. I start thinking, visualizing my best marathon time, you know, the stupid t-shirt, the fans - ha! I love the cause, so I check out the map and make my decision...I must...poor Chris :)

He gets home and I hit him up. He says "Yeah, I already saw it on the computer screen and all I saw was 26.2, and I was like OOOOHHH NO. Not again!" My response...ok half? His response? a quick "Ok." Still not sure if he'll go through those long runs, sprint training, fall heat, hills, and that lovely bridge crossing the intercoastal with me, but knowing he's there to support my strange obsession and feeling of accomplishment through sweat, pain, and the surreal feeling of crossing the finish line - that I love. priceless.

Oh Yeah!!!!! Let the not - pregnant - almost 30 - still think I "got it" (as I snap in the air) - training begin!

Stuck In Reverse

2007-07-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

So...she's been crawling backwards for a couple weeks now, just scooting around finding her way around to all the important things - in reverse. The last couple days have been pulling up days. I'm trying to beat her to the table she's about to clear off, or the mouth she's about to smash on some thing she thinks is stable. Wow, this is a whole new territory for me!

rubber, porcelain, and Thai...

2007-07-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Eventful as always...no, we couldn't just settle in quietly to this cool little community. We go full force and just dive in.

The first week, I blow a tire after hitting a curb (no good reason, just rubbernecking a cute house for sale). Completely blow a hole in my tire. Baby in car - we're ok. Thank God for this nice couple that watched me do such a stupid thing. He changed my tire in the scorching FL heat while his wife and I talked. We exchange #'s and what do I do? Loose theirs. Yep, they were so nice, too! Ahhhh, there's more.

I have this nagging tooth pain - I find out I need a root canal...soon. Sweet. In fact, $2500 worth of dental work. Not so perfect timing. There's more.

Addie takes a spill from the stroller in Dillards, she's ok, I'm a mess. An accident report, oh yeah, the whole thing. I still cringe when I think about it. There's more.

Dinner with my parents usually means some kind of Thai food these days. We love it, and love trying all the different kinds...until Friday. Serious food poisining. Chris and I were cursing our Thai friends about 2:00am Friday. It was ugly. I'm still recovering.

Atlantic Beach

2007-06-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

So I've been thinking about getting one of those stickers for Atlantic Beach now that we're here...you know the round ones that have wierd letters on them that mean a destination, and you don't know what it stands for until you get up real close nearly driving off the road to read the city it stands for. Then you wonder what kind of wierd connection they have to that random place. Ok, maybe that's just me!

Anyways, I love A.B. It feels so homey already! I think I just love being by the beach. Check out my beach www.10thstreetcam.com

Here's what I see now:

Any given time of the day, you can see what takes me about 50 steps to see, awe how neat. The camera refreshes every 15 seconds, and yes, we Holloways are on there all the time :)

Long Overdue

2007-05-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

So I haven't blogged in a while...lots going on.

Chris has been going through an intense board review in Daytona. Took FL boards a week ago (yes we're both freaking out - he doesn't get the results for another 2 weeks). We are in Atlanta right now - he's taking part 4 as we speak...write...whatever. Baby asleep...she kicks butt on road trips, it's kinda nice. Addie hit the beach for the first time when we went to visit. That was too cool!

Happy 1 year BLOG! I wanted to celebrate my one year blogging "side job" on Cinco de Mayo clinging my margarita glass and sipping away (read May '06 archive), but it slipped my mind. Hard to believe I passed up another day to drink plenty of margaritas. Nursing kinda got in the way. I went as far as preparing mexican style rice for dinner - don't get too excited it was just a coincidence!

Mom's day was awesome because Chris was back from testing to celebrate - a nice surprise! He's the best.

Jacksonville bound next month - here we go!

Get Your Fashi-ON

2007-03-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

I'm so charged! My sis let me in on this big time fashion show contest the Aveda Institute (her future school) was putting on. As soon as she called me to tell me...ahhh, I was SO in! The challenge: get a model, create a look in a very short amount of time, get them on the runway, in front of some judges, and try to win a full scholarship to school there. What a deal!

Immediately, we were buzzing about a look, devouring magazines, looking online, and all I'm thinking is "Dude, I LOVE THIS!" By the next day, the head to toe look was complete. She was so lucky to have Jodie (aka supermodel Jodie) totally willing to pull this off and turn on her inner super model. And that she did. We practiced on Saturday, and yeah, I so used my Tyra knowledge - all those episodes of America's next top model finally paid off. Tyra would be proud....maybe.

We got to the show (baby and all - that was interesting) and really had a great time. Rach did great and WON! Almost $12G in touition - Paid for - and she got one of those big checks with her name on it - ummm I'll take a huge check with my name on it for a lot of money. I got it all on camera...so priceless and SO fun.

RUN Lisa RUN!

2007-03-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Run, Walk, DRAG Me To The Finish Line!

2007-02-16T10:21:00.001-08:00

Ok, so pre baby - I'm talking to Desiree about always wanting to do the Gate River Run in Jacksonville. I'm thinking what a great way to get back in shape...thinking it would be a nice little "goal" race. We both decide to do it. Hmmmmm well, it's fast approaching, and don't get me wrong, I so want to do a race with Des sice her newfound love for running :). I'm just SO out of shape and a little worried they are going to be picking me up at mile 8 because the race shut down an hour ago!

The first time I decided to hit the pavement and "train" was about 2 weeks ago. I asked Chris to watch Addie for 30 min while I went for a run. Seems like such a "Lisa" thing to say, right? All confident and this-is-what-I-do like. I was dying out there. It felt like my upper body weighed 3 times what it used do (and, um...no baby belly excuse, folks!). I dragged my body through that so called run and I'll admit, got just a tad stressed about it all. Ahhhhh, this is what I do. I enter a race and get lazy. This is only 9.6 miles - I keep telling myself that, not 26.2 like the last one - no worries. Well, it will be interesting. I just want to get out and get in a race. I love the importance of it all, the fans, the stupid t-shirt, and crossing a finish line...even if I have to walk a little this time, I (WE) have to do it :)

Addie-tude

2007-01-31T11:40:00.000-08:00

Hopefully she'll keep those blue eyes!!!

Dr. Holloway

2007-01-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

This post is going to be all about Chris...

I'm just so proud of him! In the last two months so much has happened in our eventful Holloway world, I just have to share. Chris graduated from Palmer FL with honors (go Chris!) on Dec. 15th. What an amazing journey the last 3 1/2 years have been.

We moved to Port Orange as newleyweds (ahhhh, that seems like so long ago). We actually had our campus visit on the last day of our honeymoon! How romantic :)

After a long first year of hurricanes, juggling jobs, and insane school hours we decided to do some traveling...

Off to Italy for 2 weeks!

Trained for the Chicago marathon together (did I mention this was right before boards!!! He's my hero!)

He bought a road bike and got us training for triathlons.

We celebrated 2006 in Las Vegas with friends of ours - what a city. We LOVED Vegas!

Chris got to record on a cd his friends made and actually play the harmonica on several songs...believe it or not, a longtime "hobby" of his! You're FAMOUS!

And the best part...he finished a Doctor and a DAD! Yikes!

Looking back, it seems like a different lifetime - but we'll never forget our time here or the wonderful friends we've made!

Cheers to Dr. Chris Holloway!

SLEEP

2006-11-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhh so little sleep these days...

She keeps me going, and both of us on our toes even if our eyes are half shut. She's been getting the most amazing sleep...usually snuggled on Dad's chest. We on the other and, experience this "half sleep" constantly waking at every noise, terrified she's going to...Idon't know...MOVE! Ahhhh

We tried something new the other night. We let her cry herself to sleep. I thought I was going to need therapy once she started wailing. It was tough. I think Chris had the hardest time with it. He paced, and paced, and sampled every food item in the house. He finally found this little light and snuck in to check on her. It was the longest 30 min. of our life, but she finally fell asleep.

SHE'S HERE!!!!

2006-11-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

AS I SIT HERE TYPING WITH ONE HAND (BECAUSE MY OTHER IS WRAPPED AROUND THIS LITTLE 5 POUND 11OZ BLESSING), I AM EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE HER ARRIVAL! SHE LITERALLY KICKED HER WAY INTO THIS WORLD A WEEK EARLY ON SATURDAY, NOV.4TH. WE COULDN'T BE HAPPIER. SHE IS AMAZING AND FULL OF PERSONALITY ALREADY! I LOVE BEING A MOM, AND CHRIS MAKES YOU MELT AS A DAD...SHE JUST LOVES HIM!

Getting Close...

2006-10-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

So, here we are in the home stretch of this journey. The doctor visits, the showers, the "room", the sleepless nights, the anticipation, la la la la la...screeeeeech (yeah, the music stops!).

Ok, get this thing OUT already!!!!! That's about how I feel right now. Yep, she's letting me know she's close to popping out. I've dropped a little, and feel just HUGE!

But wait, we still need to get the carseat IN the car, put together her dresser (that I searched 6 Target stores for!) and, oh yeah - rest...what's that? My "to do" list keeps getting longer and we're running out of time. Naps??? Yeah right - Ha!

Ciao!

2006-10-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today is my last day of work for a while (yeah, I know it will be a different kind of "work" real soon). My decision to leave work a month early came to many as a surprise...even myself. I could only imagine working right up to the "D" day and flying to the hospital from work after my water breaks in my chair, calling Chris to tell him I'd "meet" him there! Ha!

Ummmm, No. Was I wrong! These long days are killing me! Lugging around an almost 30 extra pounds for 9-10 hours is eshausting, and not to mention SO uncomfortable - huh, can't imagine why.

I have worked for so long, the thought of not working is wierd and SO not me. I'm really looking forward to a few good naps I've missed out on - ha! Make up for some much needed sleep, and keep up with my workouts (yep, they think I'm crazy at the gym!). I need to get the room together for our little chick on the way, and spend a little time with my husband. That's all worth not having that one extra paycheck, the stress that comes with work, and physical demand it has on this very pregnant bod!

Ciao!

Gotta Love Onesies!

2006-10-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

Something about a little onesie...they are just so irresistable! This one says "future shopaholic"...love it!

Notice Chris sporting the "pink" at our shower last weekend. I think Addie would approve!

The CODE

2006-09-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

Birthing class? Sure, why not? That's what you do right about this time, right? The whole breathing, husbands akwardly coaching you on the floor in a huge room full of fat strangers that all have to pee all the time.

There's more:

I like to call it THE CODE. It's that unwritten rule for all the Mom's that have given birth, that says they just don't talk about certain things to all those niave first-timers. You know, those things, like what's really going to happen, the screaming, painful, tearing, peeing - ewe, I know!, legs up in the air, ass exposed for hours part of that blessed day approching.

...It's not glamorus, I'm well aware! But I did have (in the back of my mind) that I would be an exception - this tough chick with my running shoes on sprinting into the delivery room and popping out this kid and leaving with my jogger and baby in towe...ok, let me dream!

Well folks, THE CODE was broken. Yep, no holding back from this crazy violator lady. She told us everything - how dare she! I nearly puked, cried during the videos, and left there in total fear. What a day. How am I going to do this? I'm tainted!

Stay Classy!

2006-09-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

So probably one of the most uncomfortable things I've done since this whole pregnancy...

I picked up pizza and beer for Chris and his friend that were studying at the house - no big deal, right? Just trying to do something nice for they guys...

Pizza, no problem...of course a preggy would pick up a huge order of pizza! Beer run...that was wierd. Pulling into the ABC parking lot (in Daytona) I think, hmmm this might look wierd - maybe not to some of the locals! I walk in and go straight to the beer, ok, now I'm feeling akward. A guy asks "Can I help you" (probably thinking "Can I talk you OUT of doing this"). I reply with confidence that I know what I'm looking for, but thanks.

So I shove the beer onto the counter, and it's quiet, and akward as the belly is obviously in the way of the transaction, and hugely noticable. So I break the ice and say to the guy ringing me up "Probably one of the classiest things I've ever done, yep 7 1/2 months pregnant buying beer by myself...deffinitley a story behind this". He laughed - thank God!

So Chris and Kris got their beer and pizza, while I experienced my first pregnant beer run!

Cheers!

Going Away :(

2006-09-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Future Chiros...We'll miss everyone so much...

Goodbye party at the Holloway's House...

Live music...beer (ok, not for me)...hammock...and good friends!

Shower-ed

2006-09-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

...yes, that is THE jogger wrapped up behind us. I begged Chris to put it together first thing the next morning. Barely gave him a chance to drink his coffee - poor guy!

Now I just stand behind it and move it back and forth...hmmmm maybe Hallie will take a ride! I can't wait to use it for real. I miss running so much! Thanks everyone for an awesome shower & great gifts!

(more pictures to come)

Pissy Prada

2006-09-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here's the situation:

Authentic PRADA bag (have cert. of authenticity)
Has a broken strap after second time wearing
Contacted PRADA
Guess what?
Can't get past the receptionist!
They will not even consider fixing THEIR product
How does this happen?
BAD customer service
How BAD can PRADA get?
As bad as a lot of other companies out there not backing up their products...and to think "PRADA" would do something like that???
Beware, and go for a GUCCI if you must!

(Written for my friend Melissa, who is fed up and very disappointed with this "fine" Italian handbag designer. What can you do? Any suggestions? We're all very disappointed here at our office - full of chicks with nothing to do on a Friday afternoon but bash PRADA!)

Cheers To 10 Years!

2006-08-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

10 Year High School Reunion...

Maternity Coctail Attire
$25 (what a deal!)

Smokin' Hot Gold Shoes
$ Way too much for the pain involved

Earrings
$0 borrowed from my Sis.

Drinks
$20 (for Chris)

No hangover &
great pictures the next day

$ PRICELESS

Registry Relapse

2006-08-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Note to self and all the ladies: Guys have about a 15 min. excitement about registering for baby stuff...didn't know that, sorry Chris. I drag him to the baby store mecca in Orlando "Babies R Us" where everything is BABY and everyone shopping in there has one or is about to POP! I've never been in a building with so many pregnant women!

Anyways, we go straight to the joggers (of course). I just had to see this mack daddy jogger I've been eyeing in person. My ticket to running freedom come December (wishful thinking, I know...just let me dream). I think a cheesy light shined down on it and bad music played in my head as I visualized me running in slow motion on the beach when I saw it (oh yeah, Baywatch style, except very Mom-ed out with a stroller).

So we're talking, visualizing, and Chris decides to take it apart...yeah, not so easy for first timers - um the picture directions are a joke. You guys missed Chris in his prime trying to take take it apart like we'll do hundreds of times...gentle and calm (like he totally has done this before, right!). Then he starts sweating, quicker motions, more muscle engaged, can't make out the words he's saying, and now he's pissed. Looking around then banging it on the floor, using strange body force, people are staring...annnnd iiiiit's off. Whew! He was done and so over it. I knew the clock was ticking, and I had only minutes left in baby land. Such a trooper!

WE CAVED!!!!

2006-08-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official...
After months of speculation (and lots of boy predictions) we are happy to tell you that we are having a little girl...

This news comes to you thanks to Chris, really. When we went in to the sonogram we were so ready to be strong and not find out. Baby is on the screen, emotions are flying, I'm crying, and just so happy to see this thing wigglin' around again and much bigger. The tech said those words that make you melt, "Do you want to know what it is?" and before I knew it, Chris was lunging towards the screen blurting an uncontrollable "YES!".

Before I knew it, I knew, and for some reason I (who really didn't want to know) was so glad I knew. Don't think too hard...it's just the pregnancy hormones attacking my double hormone filled mind these days. Anyways, we knew, and didn't tell anyone for over a MONTH...we just needed some time. Whew, what a relief it is now! Talk about hard...

But the best part - we had our month to be surprised, bond with eachother, give her a name, form our own opinions about having a GIRL (oh my gosh!) and get really excited - together.

So thank you Chris...for caving so hard! Really, I'm so glad I know - It is so special, I can't even tell you. We have so much to look forward to :) What a cool husband!

And a spoon...please!

2006-07-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

My latest indulgence...

Yep, Wednesday night I had a crazy craving for ice cream - after I slept when I got home from work instead of meeting Chris at the gym. So what does the best husband EVER do???

"Get in the car...I'll take you" (he says this slow, totally giving me a chance to guilt out, but nah, not this time!)

So we're at Publix, staring at the walls of ice cream - really a danger zone for preggos! They should just rope it off or something. I would have bought 6 gallons if I didn't have Chris there talking me out of chocolate covered cherry, brownie, etc. ANYWAYS, I settled (more like wrestled my willpower) for a pint of this dairy goodness, reluctantly handed it to the cashier to scan - yes, fear of it leaving my posession while my mouth watered!

Oh, and the best part... I asked Chris to find a spoon...for the ride home...of course! You should have seen his face..."Are you serious"! So there's this look I gave him, like "are you really questioning this?" He found a spoon - bless his heart. Yeah, I nailed it (as my Dad would say to his favorite dessert)! It was yummy, and so worth the crazy cost of gas to go get it!!!

So CHEERS to Blue Bell Strawberry Heaven in my belly!

A Great ComeBack

2006-07-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well, what's been going on??? Sooooo much in the Holloway world - keep reading!

All in a week...

We flew to Philly to see some great friends of ours get married. It was awesome, and we got to hang out in this great little town called Media, and help setup and be a part of their really cool celebration. Loooong weekend, GREAT band, lots of beer (not for me of course!) and a killer hangover for Chris - ha ha!

Next was the 4th of July...a holiday I just think was meant to be spent on the beach. Chris and I walked Hallie down to our beach and sat on the boardwalk to watch fireworks in both directions, talking about our crazy weekend. Too cool.

The best part???? I knew Rachael was flying over the state, and headed towards Tampa - excitement boiling, legs flinching, so ready to see her family. Final destination - HOME and out of the Ukraine! Priceless :)

Par-tay for Rach! Saturday we hung out at Mom's and welcomed everyone to stop by and say Hi and welcome her back. We had tons of people, lots of food. She shared lots of stories, and awesome gifts - it was great.

So she's back!!!!!!!!!! And about to take on another great responsibility...an adorable puppy that we went to visit once she got back. As if the Ukrainian life wasn't hectic enough (no showers, angry Russians, scary food, walking for miles, freezing cold, and lots of sacrifices we could NEVER imagine), she's welcoming a new addition of which I think she will be wonderful with - Sophie, her new puppy.

Flip of a Coin

2006-06-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

So our first installment in our "Baby Holloway" Documentary is Chris narrating the video of me in our kitchen flipping a coin, and us calling it in the air "Heads". It was "tails".

So what does that mean??? The sex of the baby will be a mystery for us all! Really, we just couldn't decide. I know, it's out-of-the-norm, and so not what people do anymore, but we have struggled with this for, well...since we saw two little pink lines!

Alright, so we like greens, yellows, and oranges, and have two awesome names picked out. Sonogram is tomorrow...how strong can we be???? It will be so tempting for sure!!!

Baby Growing

2006-06-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

...so I just got some really cool info on the baby

It's about 5 to 5 1/2 inches long from top to tail and weighs a little more than 5 ounces, about the size of an apple (a normal one, not the crazy steroid ones you see in the store!).

While in earlier weeks, your baby may have been able to sense sound with its primitive ear structures, this week, the bones of the ear become fully formed along with the part of its brain that processes signals from its ears. (Chris plays the guitar next to my belly often...la la la la la)

Your fetus can be quite active with its new muscles. It may change positions frequently, cross its legs, recline, suck its thumb, and turn somersaults. (I FELT it for the first time!!!!!)

Your baby's retinas have become light sensitive, and your baby may be able to detect a glow if you shine bright lights at your belly -even though the eyelids are sealed. (So Chris shines a flash light on my stomach!)

During this week and the next few weeks, you may feel your baby's first movements -- a fluttery sensation in your pelvis. You may have aches and pains in your legs, tailbone, and other muscles. (yeah, my tailbone is killing me!!! How wired)

My friend Courtney gave me this shirt! She's a month behind me in her pregnancy, so she has one too! I love it :)

4 months...Baby!

2006-05-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's hard to believe we're 4 months along as of this week! It's really been somewhat smooth...I can't complain and the best part is we learn something every day. We just went to meet our 2nd of 3 midwives at my Dr.'s office. She was great. I'm really digging these midwives - what a cool profession. They are so approachable, and you fell like you could go grab a beer with them (ok well, not literally...maybe like a glass of milk).

The baby is about the size of a bar of soap!!! 4 1/2 inches or so, and expected to grow like crazy in the next month - how exciting! Yep, now every time I reach for the bar of soap in the shower I'm like "Wow, that's cool". Never thought I'd say that to soap :)

Chris has been amazing and very patient experiencing my many food phases. Poor guy ate some form of Mexican food for about 3 weeks straight! For the record, I have ventured out of Mexico and have returned to my fav - good ol' Italian. Every time I see a pizza commercial my mouth waters...I swear there's subliminal pregnant words contacting my brain in those commercials! And in case you are worried about my nutritional state (I'm sure you are - ha)...well I still can't get enough fruit. This baby will KNOW what fruit is when it out - and just might resemble a watermelon...

Gotta Love Daytona

2006-05-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

Why?
There's no other place like it...I'm sure of that! I mean, this is the place were on my way to work, driving down A1A is just a bad episode of Jerry Springer waiting to air. There's some rough looking people hobbling out of the motels with their shoes in hand, many times conversing with themselves - I'd love to know what they are saying. Interesting groups of people at every bus stop, really worth observing - you just want to pray for them all! And my personal favorite...the folks that play chicken across A1A with cars that dare them to cross - yeah, I've come very close to taking a few daredevils out! Actually, a girl at my work DID! On accident, of course! Totally not her fault...they guys she hit actually got the ticket! Can you believe that! And on my way home...well let's just say that Daytona Beach houses all kinds, including folks that think a garage sale at 5:00pm on Tuesday afternoon in their front yard is a good idea. Lot's of those - very interesting - very shady.

And if you havent' experienced our neighbor, Bob...please do so! Where do I start??? An old hippie, a little off his rocker, but completely harmless, and pure entertainment for the Holloways! The more beers the better in Bob's world. Seems like we always have a good "Bob" story to tell!

Chris and I saw him in his yard couple weeks ago. Started talking, mentioned we were expecting, told him I was preggo. His response, "Wow, that's great! I'm really happy for you guys. My ex really wanted kids, but I was into other stuff, ya know. Hey, do you guys want a beer?"

Yeah, ummm, NO! Probably not, Bob!

The best part...this amazing body of water we are 2 streets away from that can calm anyone down, take you away from the craziness of life, and has the ability pull out great conversations between people on their beach walks! People just seem happier on the beach. We are spoiled. Our neighborhood is ideal - away from Daytona madness, and so comforting.

Party of 2...soon to be 3!

2006-05-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Cinco de CRAPO!

2006-05-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I LOVE MARGARITAS!!!! Today is that one day in life where margaritas taste SO good and are plentiful (other than Desiree's at the beach). I will not be having my beloved margarita today because of the bun in the oven! Oh, but that's ok, I can handle it as I watch all our friends tonight guzzle the tangy lemon-lime goodness and listen to live music...sniff...sniff. Just kidding! I vented to my sister who is over in the Ukraine right now about this very same margarita issue. I really shouldn't complain...I just wish the nazi pregnancy fairy would eliminate some tastes from my palate, yeah like the peanut M&M's that taste magnificent right now! I really didn't need to eat those :)

Pregnancy is this wonderfully amazing thing that just takes over your body...I love it! It just makes me so happy (except when I want to puke or sleep instead of watching Grey's Anatomy!).
Anyways, It is so cool, and this is why I created this blog-thing... also because my girls Jill and Jodie are on and I just love reading their stories...alright Rach!

So here we go...Enjoy folks!