2. Now that I have given my blog a much needed face-lift, I hope I will post more often.
3. I hope I can catch up at work after being sick in bed for two days.
It's the little things, isn't it?
Nashville 40th
6 years ago
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Here's Hoping
1. I hope Miller's crib will be here soon. I can hardly wait for Andrew and I to put it together and to put his finished bumpers in it. Seems very official.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Our Bun in the Oven: Andrew Miller Dolan
I am making myself laugh as I think about how when I originally started this blog that I thought "This will be great, one day when we are pregnant, I will keep everyone updated on how the baby is progressing, nursery decor and other things." Well, now at almost 23 weeks I guess I can get started.
We are so blessed to have a little boy growing in my stomach. I have always wanted to use my maiden name when we got pregnant and if we were having a little boy. When we found out at 16 weeks, we didn't even have to think twice about his name. We also wanted to include Andrew in his name so originally it was going to be Miller Andrew Dolan, but then we realized his initials would be MAD and I just didn't think that was a good idea (Andrew thought it would make him an NFL star). I asked my students who go by their middle name if it bothered them and they said it did not so he is going to be a middle name man and Miller it will be. At our 20 week appointment we were able to see that he is very healthy, happy and was kicking his feet up to touch his forehead. We were laughing so much. He has a little extra fluid in one of his kidneys so we will have another ultrasound in two weeks to make sure the fluid hasn't grown. Dr. Hinton said it was nothing to be alarmed over and we just feel so happy he is doing so well.
Being pregnant is interesting, like an alien takes over your body. You just don't feel like yourself. I am tired all the time and cannot remember anything which has made for some hysterical moments in my classroom. My kids are patient with me and they love the little guy already. They make me laugh as they talk about the progression of my belly growth and oddly enough most pregnancy questions come from my boys. It's very entertaining.
My belly is certainly becoming large and in charge but I am getting used to it. I am trying to stay active: walking, playing tennis, etc. I know I am not going to be the pregnant girl who only gains weight in her belly and you can't tell she is even pregnant from the back, but I am okay with that. I know I will have the ability to lose the weight and the outcome will be well worth-it. I can already picture pushing him in the jogging stroller after school and I will have the summer with him to try to get back into good shape.
His nursery is progressing. My parents were very nice and have painted his room and bathroom. His room is cadet gray and his bathroom is pumpkin custard and grass green. I really love it. We have ordered his crib and I am finishing his bumpers. Sarah and I took this on as a project for our boys and I think it was a great idea. Sarah's are finished and look fabulous! These boys are going to have great rooms. I have his chair and ottoman in a sky blue microsuede and just ordered peekaboo nesting side tables from CB2 for next to the chair. I will post pics as we start really progressing.
We have lots of pregnant friends which is really fun. Lots of girls to share information, questions, etc. I am very excited about the holidays and know it is going to make pregnancy really start to fly by. Hope everyone is well. We are about to head out to Gusano's to watch the Hoggies beat South Carolina. Happy Saturday!
Love and Hugs,
Ali
Monday, March 29, 2010
Shape's Mantra of the Month
As I was reading Shape this weekend, trying to find the
secret to getting a great body with little effort I came across a great
little paragraph in the "Shape Your Life" section:
Mantra of the Month: "I Want What I Have"
It's perfectly natural to desire more - more clothes, more friends,
more money; it's only human. But obsessing over the things you're
lacking can make you feel dissatisfied. This month take a moment to
acknowledge what you do have - anything from your healthy body, which
can carry your through a six-mile run, to your best friend, who's
really more like a sister. Remember that, while life can always get
better, it's fulfilling to appreciate where you are.
I catch myself wanting, wanting, wanting at every turn.
I am constantly trying to remind myself the difference between want
and need but rarely think about all the things I am so blessed with, including
my not perfect, but perfectly healthy body. I am certainly not an expert
advice giver but thought this was too good to not share. I
hope everyone is having a fabulous week.
Love and hugs,
Ali
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A Fabulous Weekend: All in Black and White
Last weekend was really great...and it had it's own color theme. Saturday night we threw a party for our friends Stephanie and Jimbo, who are getting married in May. Michelle and Brandon opened up their beautiful home for our Black, White and Bubbly party: black and white attire required. Everyone looked fantastic in their swag (lots of stylish boyfriend blazers), we had delicious food and lots of laughs. I made my friend Camille's hot chicken salad cups and Michelle's mom's sopapilla cheesecake squares. Here are some pics from the evening.
The next day was a big tennis day at our household. Andrew had his second match on his FAC 3.0 team. They swept their Shadow Valley opponents 5-0. Later in the day I had my first match!!! I was so nervous; besides dance competition in high school I have never competed in an organized sport. I am the captain of our team (not because of talent, just because I am organized). Our team picked out a sharp black and white Nike outfit, so even if we lost we knew we would look good losing:) Lauren and I played doubles against a good team. We got a late start and were down 1-5 in the first set. My heart was pounding out of my chest but Lauren and I were able to get into a groove and came back 5-5. We eventually lost the first set 7-5 but won the second set 6-4. We were excited but still had to play a tiebreak. We were down in the tiebreak 1-6 but came back and won 11-9. We were so happy!!! Our team won the match and went to Mojitos to celebrate. I am not super great at tennis but I really love it and it has been great for Andrew and I to go out and play together.
2.0 Bring It!
This weekend we had a nice time in Hot Springs with the family. Our niece and nephew are growing up so quickly!!! This week is going to be full of tennis, spirit buses and Dallas!!! We will be back on the road down to Van Buren for Bulldog Basketball as they enter the state tournament as the 5 seed. I am hoping to see our boys win some games. Then this weekend, some friends and I will be headed to Dallas for Anna's bachlorette party. Hope everyone has a nice, productive week. Love, Ali
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Oh my, time flies when it snows outside...
It seems like at least once a week since the first week of January I have a snow day. Don't get me wrong, having a day off is great but after a few times and my summer vacation being shortened slowly and slowly, I can only wish for spring to arrive. We have been busy playing tennis, bumping up the cardio (its nice to see the numbers on the scale go down again), spending time with friends and enjoying the arrival of our new couch (for those who know our now famous Christmas Party Horror Story, it took over 6 weeks to get our new item to lounge upon). Work has been great minus the kids' senioritous. The students and teachers at SHS are all having a good semester in academics, sports, music, etc. I couldn't ask for a better job. I hope everyone is having a happy February.
Love and hugs, Ali
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Near and Dear to My Heart: Bulldog Pups Need Your Help!
I am teaching a new course at Springdale High School called Service Learning. We work on different service projects around NWA including Polo of the Ozarks, Autumn Festival at the Jones Center, play bingo at Walnut Grove nursing home, etc. The 19 students in my class attend Head Start once a week and Jones Elementary in Springdale once a week. I was visiting with the principal last week and she was telling me about her demographics and the projects they are trying to accomplish this winter for the kids. Jones Elementary has approximately 598 students in the school, of which 97% are free and reduced lunch (essentially meaning poverty level)!!!!!!! That means 15 students pay for their lunch (6 of those are students of teachers). She said every year companies call and ask if they can adopt a family for Christmas. It is so hard to choose because all of their students need it, so this year they are trying something different. They would like to send each student home at Christmas Break with a full stocking stuffed with at least one book, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, etc. I know the toiletries wouldn't seem exciting to a small child but they will be beyond joyful. They are also trying to put together food bags to send home with their kids for the break. Many of their students do not receive meals at home (the school has a weekend food program but not for an entire holiday). As you begin thinking about the holidays and what groups or organizations you would like to help out, please consider this project. I will gladly come pick up any of the presents you would like to donate or if you would like to give money the counselors at the school say they know how to make a dollar stretch:) One book, two books, toiletries, stockings or more, I would forever be grateful to you for helping any way you can
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Hello Blog, I Have Missed You!
Whew! It has been forever! Life has been so crazy busy that I haven't even had time to look at friends' blogs either. I am very lucky today that I have had the opportunity to spend time with one of my best friend's, Frances. She was in town as a keynote speaker for a foreign language conference. We woke up late, Andrew made us breakfast, we went for a long walk, ran by Target, window shopped at Riffraff, bought some delicious raspberry yogurt covered pretzels, played with the Petersons, watched every episode of Modern Family, ate baked potato soup and are now watching Transformers 2. It has been a great, relaxing and lazy day. I wish she lived in Northwest Arkansas. Andrew and I are constantly bugging her to move up here. She is such a fantastic friend and person! It will be sad to see her leave in the morning.
Since the last time I blogged I have had Homecoming, went to Tulsa with Andrew for the Dave Matthews Concert, watched the Hogs and Bulldogs win some ...and lose some, helped run the Circle of Friends Fall Carnival, took 100 students two days in a row to Van Buren for volleyball state playoffs, throwing our 2nd annual Halloween party and tons of other time consuming, fun things. Most of any extra time left over has been spent trying to improve my tennis skills and working towards being a better teacher. School has been great this year, even busier though due to my new Service Learning class but it is so heart-warming to see my kids working in the community and making a difference in the lives of children in Springdale. Andrew is very excited because he has just accepted a position at the Walmart/Sam's Club Home Offices. He starts in two weeks and is really ready for a change. I am so proud of him. I am looking forward to a leadership conference with my students on Tuesday and a ride in the spirit buses down to Russellville for the state football playoffs. My friend Stephanie's birthday is this week too. What I am looking forward to the most though is my first training session back with Mitch. I have gained some weight back in the past few months and have become uncomfortable. I am excited to get back on the health bandwagon. It will be a great week! I hope you have a great one too! Here are a bunch of pics from the last couple of months! Love, Ali
Andrew with our niece Olivia on his shoulders celebrating the Hogs victory over South Carolina. Go Hog!
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