Dog Help is the Best Help

Woke up to a ton of housework to do, including laundry. Beans does her part to help. (Note the huge pile of clean clothes behind her. They are actually not "clean" now. They are covered with her "thirs" or dog hair. Hmmmm, wonderful.) Also, she is sure to climb directly on the pile of laundry as I'm folding. She is always wanting to be involved.

I attended my friend Betsy's baby shower last night. She is expecting her first, a boy, in March. It was great catching up with friends I rarely see---the old Winding Ridge Elementary School posse. Hilarious ladies----when I first met them, many of them were single or recently married. Now, they are married and working on 2nd babies. I love how we have new things to talk about. More importantly, they haven't changed a bit.

Snowpacalypse?!

Ok, so the Northeast got its 675th snowstorm of the season. Where is the snow for Indiana? Hello?!??! Apparently the weather gods I pray to aren't listening. (Maybe it is because I listen to Journey too loud in the car.) I have to wake up to clouds, puddles, and brown/black piles of what once resembled snow. Egh.

Support your local economy

My friend Kady runs an Etsy store that sells her handmade creations for babies. I highly advise a quick visit and possible purchase:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kabe7

Furthermore, she is super artsy fartsy and looking to expand her artistic horizons. I am SERIOUSLY considering having her design my sister's wedding. Holler.

Somebody's Getting Maaaarrrried!

Somebody's getting married!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFw4L7-AFdw

I highly advise a quick view. It'll make your day better.

So, Jennie's getting married....to Chris. Their dog, Kasia, is super excited because she will no longer be a dog out of wedlock.

Here is one of many pictures I will begin entering into the blog. People have been asking about my belly. There she is. Baby Norton is cooking nicely in there, at approximately 98.6 degrees.
(**Note Beans in the background. I came home later than normal tonight and she did not like it. She will follow me around like crazy thinking I almost did not come home. I swear she has a puppy alarm clock somewhere in the house that tells her when I am suppose to be home.)

Superbowl Hysteria

The Packers are playing the Steelers in the Superbowl. Who do I cheer for? My Steelers (Cowher's Steelers)? Aaron Rodgers' arm?

Public Enemy #1

THIS IS WHAT THE FACE OF AN ENEMY LOOKS LIKE:


BE WARNED. THESE ANIMALS ARE VERY DANGEROUS. THEY CAUSE ERRATIC BEHAVIOR IN MAMMALS OF THE CANINE VARIETY.

CASE IN POINT:

PLEASE NOTE BISCUIT IN THIS PHOTO. THAT IS HER 5TH KILL OF THE WINTER SEASON, SOLO. DAVE WAS ON THE CLEAN-UP CREW. BISCUIT WAS EXTREMELY PROUD OF HERSELF ON THIS DAY. SADLY, SQUIRREL #5 WAS THROWN OVER THE FENCE, LATER TO BE ESCORTED OFF THE PROPERTY BY A RACCOON.

Delay of Game

Ok, so I am home AGAIN with another "self induced snow day." Usually, I get excited to a see a forecasted storm heading our way. Well, not today. For the first time in a long time I actually have some work to do at school. I feel guilty about not attending today, but since I am carrying precious cargo, I am a bit hesitant to brave I-37. Here is what it looks like right now:

As you can see (according to the picture) the road have NOT been plowed and our street is still suffering from 2 inches of snow. While 2 inches is really something to laugh at, there is ice underneath. No one is laughing now (especially on the interstate). So, I made the brave decision to stay home, again. I am kinda feeling like a slacker today. However, I love waking up to snow. It is quiet, peaceful, and nice to look at. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.



**Note to readers who are affiliated with I.D.O.T.:
Having a million plows in Indianapolis DOES NOT help people south of Marion County. Therefore, please advocate for more money for the state to purchase salt trucks used for areas surrounding Marion County.
Love,
Carrie the Monforton Norton




We had a special visitor this weekend: AUNTY DANA! Beans and Biscuit were super excited to see their Aunty. Aunty Dana loves her niecelets so very much. Dana had such a hard time saying goodbye to them, she stayed for another day. Hopefully in the future, she can find a job that is close to us so our visits are more regular.







Baby Update:
Now that we know "it" is a "she," we are settling into the idea of our future daughter. We have started discussing her nursery, really enjoying the name we picked for her, and what her future holds for her. Dave is no longer scared about raising a female. We've gotten some great advice from friends about their experiences. I think Dave will do just fine. I also felt the baby move/kick/dance/hiccup/fart for the first time. VERY WEIRD. Like Alien, but much less stressful. Now I really know something is cooking in my belly. I feel good (kinda tired). I am officially unable to fit into normal pants. By normal, I mean those that require a fastener, button, zipper, belt, snap, etc. I am now venturing into what I can gracefully call, "Mom Pants." I love elastic. Elastic is a great invention. I am also loving maternity fashions----While I was sworn off leggings after seeing a million pairs worn by all of the sorostitutes in BTown, I understand the craze. Comfy, remotely flattering, cheap. I'm in. So, I went with Dana and we purchased my first pair of leggins. Holler. I go back for another ultrasound at 24 weeks to make sure I am no longer pre-previa (not so good). Hopefully, my uterus and other parts will be cooperating by then. I'm not worried. She is fine--She has a bladder and 2 kidneys. Hopefully, the rest of her parts will in place the next time I see her. I will be posting some "belly" pics soon. It is no longer an illusion. I have a belly.