The Final Stretch

As hard as it is to believe, the year 2009 is almost over. It's been a crazy year around the Martin household -- from buying our first home, to getting a puppy... celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary to growing our family, 2009 has been a whirlwind year of firsts. We have so much to be thankful for and even more to look forward to in the year 2010.

We're also counting down to TJ's arrival. We had our first of the weekly doctor's appointments today, and TJ is getting ready for his arrival, too. I've dilated a centimeter, and the little guy has dropped. The doctor says he has a little bit more to drop, but we're in a good position for being at 35.5 weeks because things are already in play. Frankie's ready for him to come yesterday... and while I'm not thrilled about going 40 full weeks, I could use a few more weeks to get everything in order. :) So far, the doctor says there's nothing indicating that I can't work up until delivery, which has been my plan all along. I've been better about taking "breaks" at work, and everyone has been super supportive to help me get through the long nights. This will be my last five-day week, so that will also be nice. I've taken vacation days one day each week in January, to force me to rest and relax!

We had a wonderful Christmas, even though it felt like the little time off we had went by too quickly. I worked Christmas Eve, so after the 5 p.m., we drove down to Canon City where our family's traditional fish & pasta dinner was waiting for us. We opened gifts on Christmas morning, and discovered just how spoiled TJ is! He's not even here yet and he's being showered with gifts -- A rocking horse from Grandma & Grandpa Reno, some pretty kickin' shoes from Aunt Angie, and a Saints/Brees outfit from Auntie Anne. :) Mommy was pretty spoiled, too... with Frankie surprising me with a black & white diamond necklace, among other "big ticket items," as I like to call them. :) Frankie had a pretty nasty cold, so after opening gifts, we napped until it was time for the prime rib dinner, then napped some more afterwards. We drove back Saturday so that I could be somewhat rested to go back to work on Sunday.

This New Year's Eve will be the 5th anniversary of the date that started it all. We joke because it was the "date that wasn't a date," since both of us were just looking for something to do on New Year's... and look what it turned into! :) I'll be working, but we'll be able to ring in 2010 together at midnight. We wish you and yours a safe night celebrating... and all the best in the new year.

Christmas Week

I can't believe in just a few days, it'll be Christmas! We'll be going to Canon City to spend Christmas with my parents and sister. Hopefully we'll be able to leave on Christmas Eve, if the snow isn't too bad, and we'll stay through Saturday. Looks like there will be a White Christmas for us, after all! :)

I can't believe we're already at 34 weeks! It's been a while since we've posted a belly picture, and that's because we haven't even crossed paths enough for Frankie to take a picture! It's been so busy for both us, and we're ready for things to slow down before our lives really get turned upside down!

Frankie's in LA traveling with the CSU Men's Basketball Team for his show, Reaching The Peak. He left on Monday and will come back late Wednesday night. Being the paranoid person I am, my mom is staying with me for a few days "just in case." Deep down I know nothing's going to happen, but then again... you never know. :) It's been great spending time with Mom, even though I'm working a lot. She's kept busy cleaning our house for us, which has been a huge help! Between our busy schedules and my extreme exhaustion, our house has gotten pretty messy. Hopefully we'll be able to keep it nice for a few more weeks!

We had our 34 week appointment a few days ago, and it was a pretty quick visit. The doctor says everything is going really well, and there's nothing to worry about. That doesn't stop me from worrying about everything though! :) We go back for our 36week appointment next Tuesday, and after that, we'll be going to the doctor every week. We have our hospital bags packed, because that's the producer in me, and everything else is ready for TJ. We can't wait!

This week, two of our friends welcomed little ones into the world, so congratulations to Courtney, Greg and Baby Zachary... and Kevin, Jill and Baby Alexa! We're so glad everyone is healthy!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

What Am I Going to Do With Him?

This is an email Frankie recently sent out... he's been getting a lot of questions about what he's going to do if the Saints go to the Super Bowl and TJ's due date is just a week before Super Bowl Sunday.

"When asked this question I am reminded of a touching story:
My friend recntly went to the Saints Pats game. He was able to get 50 yd line tickets. He was seated next to a elderly man named Mr. Boudreaux, my friend noticed the seat next to Mr. Boudreaux was empty and he finally asked Mr Boudreaux. Why at such a great game is this seat empty. Mr. Boudreaux looked down at the seat and raised his watery eyes and said " this is my wife's seat, we have been coming to SAINTS games together since 1978, BUT she passed away. My freind had to hold back tears BUT asked Mr. Boudreaux don't you have friends or family that could accompany you to the game. Again Mr. Boudreaux looked down at the seat and said " I do have many friends and Family BUT they are all at the FUNERAL
j/k
We all know this type of conversation wouldn't happen... TJ would be in the seat next to me in Miami so no one would ask.


j/k j/k
Let's just win this week."

Belly Dancing

The past few nights, Frankie & I have been entertained by our little belly dancer. It's weird and exciting at the same time watching my stomach move up and down and make waves as TJ moves around in there! It's been much more noticeable lately, and sometimes, when I'm sitting at my desk working on the show, all of a sudden my stomach will start going crazy! It catches me off guard, then I start to giggle and go back to work.

We had our 32 week appointment last Wednesday and everything is right on track. His head is still down, so he hasn't flipped back to breech, which is good. The doctor estimates he's about 4 pounds now, and he'll grow about a half a pound each week from now on. I can't believe there's only 8 weeks left!

We go back to the doctor next Wednesday for our 34 week appointment, but so far, there's been not a whole lot to report from the visits, so that's a good thing.

Last week we also enrolled TJ in daycare. It felt as weird as it sounds. At least now a spot is secured for him when I go back to work (probably in May.) We also chose his pediatrician, which was a lot less stressful than I thought it would be. I asked several moms in Parker that I know and trust who they go to, and they all said the same office! I met with one of the doctors there and really liked him, so the decision was easy.

This week is really busy with work as I try to finish my Coats for Colorado Special before it airs on Christmas Day. I'll be going in early to get stuff done before starting on the 10, so I'll definitely be worn out by this weekend. Aunt Angie is coming up to stay with us for the weekend, so that'll be nice to spend some time with her (and put her to work!).

Nursery Update

Here are the latest pictures from the nursery. Just needs a rocking chair, some shelves on the bare wall and TJ!

31 Weeks

It was a busy week for us here in the Martin home. Frankie's mom was here for the shower and Thanksgiving, and it was nice to spend some time with her. My parents also came up for Thanksgiving dinner... Frankie made the Turkey, etc., and it was awesome. By the time dessert was over, I was ready for a nap, so we just lounged around the rest of the day. It was nice to spend time with family, and it was the first Thanksgiving I've had off work since I got into TV, so that was an added bonus.

You'd think the turkey would make our li'l turkey tired, but not the case! He was moving around like crazy Thanksgiving night! In fact, his movements are getting so powerful now, they wake me up in the middle of the night. It seems the only thing that calms him down are Bo & PJ. They'll come lay by or on my belly, start purring and TJ settles down. It's pretty cool.

I'm spending my 3-day weekend getting some Christmas shopping done and organizing TJ's room, clothes and other items. Frankie hung the pictures above the changing table, and as soon as I get things cleaned up in there, I'll take some more pictures and post them. It looks so good! Frankie's done such an awesome job!

This week we're enrolling TJ into daycare (it sounds weird, I know), meeting with a possible pediatrician and going to our 32 week appointment.

A Lot To Be Thankful For

We're just a few days from Thanksgiving and just a few months until TJ is here! And we have a lot to be thankful for. Frankie & I are really blessed to have such great friends and family and such a wonderful support system surrounding us. TJ is so loved... and already so SPOILED!

This weekend was our second baby shower... the one Aunt Angie & Grandma Reno spent a lot of time putting together and Grandma Martin came all the way from California to be a part of it and make it even more special. Frankie's Aunt Janet also made the trip.

It was so much fun catching up with family and long-time friends and to celebrate little TJ. We're so lucky to have so many generous people in our lives, not to mention talented ones, too! Grandma Reno cross-stitched a baby blanket (as part of a family tradition - it's so special to have my baby blanket from my grandma and now TJ has his!), my friend Natalie knitted him two caps and a blanket, and Cheryl & Bernie made him some fleece blankets. It's so nice that he has these special mementos already. :) I can't believe all the stuff we have now!!!

The shower really wiped me out, and it took the rest of the weekend for me to recover, even though I don't think I have fully, yet. It's getting more and more difficult to do things before going to work, but I'm managing. I've been able to get all the blankets washed and put away... now, I just have to tackle the clothes and find places for all of our bouncers, play gyms and swing!

This Thursday will be the first Thanksgiving I've had since I graduated college! Getting holidays off doesn't come too, easily in the news business, and I'm grateful to be celebrating Thanksgiving with my family in our new home. Frankie's mom is staying through the holiday, and it'll be nice that we all get to spend it together.

30 Week Update

On Wednesday, we went to the doctor for our 30 week appointment. We're now at the point where we go every two weeks, which I think will help ease my mind that likes to wander and worry too much. :)

It was a fairly short visit compared to the 28 week appointment. TJ's heartbeat was checked, and it's beating strong... it's always so fun to hear it, especially for Frankie since he doesn't get to feel his constant kicks and movements. The doctor also checked his size and it's also right on track... he thinks that he's already turned and his head down. Still, he says it may be hard to tell right now b/c the butt and head sometimes feel the same at this point, but he's pretty sure he felt TJ's feet up by my ribs, which would make a lot of sense... since I'm always getting poked in them!

We asked the doctor about any concerns we have... turns out, I've been feeling Braxton Hicks contractions for a few weeks now. He's not worried since they're just the "practice" contractions, but they can get pretty uncomfortable. One way to make them stop -- for me to slow down. Tell me if I've written that before! :)

I am trying to scale back at work. I'm not longer attending the Coats events for Coats for Colorado, and I just have to trust that I'll have what I need for the half hour special I'm responsible for. Which, I'm sure will be fine... it's just difficult for a control freak producer to let go of the reigns a bit! :)

Tomorrow is my family & friends shower in Canon City... I'm so excited to see everyone there! My mom and sister did a great job planning and I can't wait for a busy, but fun day!

Getting Ready For Baby

It was a busy weekend dedicated to Baby TJ. Grandma Reno & Aunt Angie came up Friday night, so we could all go to a shower the 7News Gals were throwing for me and and fellow pregnant co-worker, Kim. She's having twins... one of the 8+ sets at the station! And... when we measured our bellies... they were almost exactly the same size!

When you get 30 women together in one house, it's going to get loud... add to the fact that we are all newswomen, and it's even louder! :) It was a great time with a lot of good friends... good food... and lots of presents! We're so blessed to have such wonderful, generous people in our lives, and now I'm convinced TJ's wardrobe is bigger than mine, which says a lot! I've always known I love my job and the people I work with, and yesterday was a testament to that! Thanks to Anne, Theresa, Robin, Dayle, and Christine for a great shower! The whole day was a great time, and I was so ready for my three-hour nap that I took. Grandma Reno & Aunt Angie were going to stay Saturday night, but the snow started falling pretty good, so they cut their trip short.

Sunday, Frankie & I were up early to go to an express birthing class. I'm sure I was white as a sheet when I walked out of there. I seriously think they need to show those videos to women BEFORE they get pregnant! As scary as some of those things were, it was really good for us. We learned a lot of massage and breathing techniques that I'm sure I'll completely forget once my first major contraction kicks in! We also got a tour of the labor and delivery unit and got a sense of what everything will be like there, so all in all it was a good day.

Sunday evening, we finished putting the trim up in TJ's room, bought a mattress for the crib, washed the bedding and started washing the towels, blankets and wash cloths from the shower.

Now, I'm exhausted... ready for a good night's sleep (hopefully), and another work week.

Coming up this week: Our 30 week appointment on Wednesday, Frankie's mom and Aunt Janet fly in on Thursday, and another shower in Canon City on Saturday.

Daddy Diary 11-10-09

Daddy Diary

I hope to have the nursery set up by next Monday.

All that is left is hanging the Valance, Chair rail and Picking Blinds.

So, not too much.

It looks great and is waiting for TJ to come home.

I'll update when it's finished.

Belly Aches, Baby Clothes and More

So, now that I'm in my third trimester, the exhaustion has returned like I was warned. I feel like I need a nap just from getting up in the morning! Another thing that's come back -- morning sickness. Although, again, it's not in the morning. :) The nausea isn't as bad as it was in the first trimester, but it's definitely there... especially after I eat or feel like I need to eat. It's SO fun! My belly is growing and stretching so much with TJ now, that I'm feeling lots of aches and pains, too... and we're only going to get bigger. TJ's moving a lot more now, too, which is the funnest part of this whole pregnancy, and it definitely makes up for everything else that isn't so fun. I love feeling his kicks and movements - it makes me smile and giggle every time.

My mom & dad came up for the weekend, and I immediately put them both to work. Dad put together TJ's dresser while Mom & I went through the several containers full of baby clothes my friend Natalie was nice enough to pass on to us. I'm sure Dad loved hearing us ooohh and aaahh over every little sock, hat and onesie we came across. :)

Dad & Frankie also cut the chair rail for TJ's room so that can be painted and put up later this week.

Mom & Angie will be back up this weekend because my good friends at work are throwing a shower for me and another co-worker. She's having a boy and a girl... so there will be lots of ooohhhing and aaaahhhing going on again this weekend! It'll be so fun!

Finally, I promised my mom I'd put this ridiculous picture of me up, so here ya go. :)

28 Week Update

We had our 28 week appointment yesterday, and everything is right on track. I had been in the doctor's office a few days earlier to get my H1N1 vaccine, and there was more needle poking yesterday.

I had the glucose test with that nasty, sugary drink, then an hour later had my blood taken. I also had to get an injection because Frankie & I have opposite blood types.

TJ's heartbeat is right on track, and the little guy is moving around a lot, which is good. The doctor went ahead and did an exam because I had some cramping and spotting. We were a little worried, but everything was just fine, and the doctor says TJ is doing great! Mommy just needs to learn how to slow it down, so that's my goal from now on... no more working Coats on the weekend, and I'm going to actually take a break away from desk at work. :)

We're now at the point where we have a doctor's appointment every two weeks. I think this will be good for me since I'm such a worrier. :)

Grandma & Grandpa Reno are coming up this weekend to help get some things cleaned and organized for the nursery. We have our first shower next weekend, so I need to start getting things put away so everything doesn't pile up!

Maternity Pics...

So, after trying a few times to have our maternity pictures taken (Colorado decided to have snow), we were able to take them on the trail behind our house on Sunday.

A friend from college is a great photographer, so she came and did the pictures for us, and we love them! We even got Jackson in a few shots. She's posted a few on her blog, so check them out...

http://amnphotography.blogspot.com/

Snow Days

For two days straight, we were hammered with non-stop snow. The totals in Parker? 24 inches! Snow days mean different things in our family. For Frankie, it meant his work was canceled on Thursday. For me, it meant get in early on Wednesday and prepare for more snow coverage through Thursday night. And for Jackson, it meant playing for hours in the white stuff!

Frankie took advantage of his snow day and put together TJ's crib. It looks great! I'll post a picture soon. This weekend, we're going to paint the chair rail and putting that up on the walls. I've picked out some wall hangings for one of the walls, and then we have to get shelving for the the third wall. Piece by piece, his nursery is coming together.

We're finally seeing the sun today, and so the snow should be melting off quickly... until the next storm, I guess! :)

Baby Steps

We're making baby steps in getting the nursery going. Frankie finished the painting last weekend, and it looks really good.

Frankie put together the changing table before the Saints big win over the Giants... the crib is next.

My girlfriend, Natalie, had a friend who made us a wall decal to go over the crib. It's a Mary Poppins quote, of course! She put it up for us this weekend when they visited to celebrate my birthday. It looks so cute!!!

Yesterday, after checking out a few day cares, we stopped by Home Depot and bought the chair rail that will go between the green and brown on the walls. We'll paint it white, then put that up. After that, it's just putting in the furniture and adding decorations! I can't wait to see the final product.

Let the Painting Begin

It was a perfect weekend to start the nursery -- The Saints were on a bye week and it was 20 degrees outside!

We had the paint picked out a while ago, but finally went and picked it up, and daddy went to work!

Two days later, it's all painted! Now, we just need to get the white chair rail to go in between the two colors and start putting in the furniture.

Daddy did a great job!

Daddy Diary 08

Daddy Diary 08

Mr. October

10-08-09

The baseball play-off season is here and TJ couldn't be more excited. Both of his favorite teams are playing. I can tell he is excited becuase he is kicking Lesley's butt.

That's right TJ is very active. I can feel the little kicks. Hats off to my wife for being able to put up with them.

Funny story: The other morning TJ was kicking so much it woke Lesley up... I put my hand on her belly and actually felt him a good four times... I had a smile on my face, Les wasn't too happy as TJ had kept her up all night kicking and moving. Les can get her sleep when TJ is born and I have the late night duty.

If the Rockies and Dodgers can win their first round series then TJ will have atleast one team in the World Series.

Fun Fact: Uncle Jonas passed this one along earlier in the week...

DYK - Kids who were born the night Kirk Gibson hit his GW home run off Dennis Eckersley in the 1988 World Series, will be old enough to drink next week.

We need a title in LA. It's about time.

Another Busy Weekend

After a busy week at work, there will be no stopping for us this weekend. Frankie & I are both headed out of town... just to different places. Jackson & I are going to Canon to celebrate my dad's 65th birthday, and Frankie will be in California for our niece's first birthday. :)

So, once again, we are putting off working on the nursery. I know there's still plenty of time, but we really want it done before Thanksgiving. We have most everything... just need to put it all in place. :)

Oh, and to respond to Frankie's last post, Jonas, I think buying the mommy clothes puts you WAY ahead of the pack!!!

Daddy Diary 07

Daddy Diary 07
September 30, 2009

The waiting is the hardest part.

I can't believe how much more time has to pass before TJ joins us.

It seems like it was last year that Lesley and I sat in doctor's office and had the pregnancy confirmed.

Wow, time doesn't fly... when you are expecting fun.

It's like waiting for kick off at a Saints game... It's just never comes fast enough.

I want TJ here now.

UPDATE: We want to thank Uncle Justin for being so gracious during his stay in Denver. Not only did Justin pull some weeds in the back yard... he also bought us our first stroller.

What a guy!

Justin we love you. Thank You for being a friend. Thanks for everything.

MAGIC NUMBER: The Dodgers are closing in on the play-offs and so is Justin when it comes to being TJ's godfather.

Updated Standings:

1. Justin Vandercook - Stroller, yard work.

2. Joey - Two Saints outfits, baby carrier.

3. Jonas - Clothes for Lesley, nothing for dad.

I hope you all know I am just kidding... The person who is to be the godfather doesn't have to give the most gifts... just cash!

I am joking!

HOW CUTE IS THIS?

I can't wait until TJ wears little UCLA/Saints/Broncos/Dodgers/Rockies stuff.

Bye for now

Busy Day...

So, my day off today was anything but. We started the day checking out two daycares that have been recommended to us. Luckily, both are really good and really close to our house (just minutes away.) It's definitely going to be a tough decision... both have really good qualities and we like different things from each. We're really going to have to weigh what is most important. We plan on looking some more and hopefully coming up with a decision in time to secure a spot for TJ.

Then... it was off to Babies 'R Us for some registering. It was a little overwhelming at first, but Frankie had the scanning gun, and he was pretty into. I got home, looked at the registry and didn't remember half of the stuff he scanned! :) It was fun going through and picking things that TJ is going to sleep in or poop in, or both!

There were a few things we didn't like at Babies 'R Us, and will probably head to Target to finish things off... but we were pretty exhausted by the time we left that first stop. I came home and had to take a nap! :)

A little baby humor...

I saw this video on a friend's Facebook page... and can't stop laughing. Here's to all the single babies! :)

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1921700

21 Weeks

So... we're more than halfway there! And there's still so much to do, but we're starting to make some progress. We're finding it's really difficult to get things done when we don't have any time off together!

I'm taking Monday off to be with Frankie & get some baby things done. First on the list: finding a daycare. It's hard for me to believe, but everyone tells me that now is the time for us to get TJ signed up for daycare. I mean, he's not even here, yet!!! I'm planning on taking 12 weeks off, and hopefully that works out okay. Luckily, we've had some great referrels to daycares within five minutes of our house, and with my sister being an infant/toddler teacher in Canon, we'll know what to look for and what to ask. I can only imagine how difficult it's going to be to leave TJ at a daycare, but we really have no choice... Mommy AND Daddy have to work.

Speaking of Daddy... he finally got to feel the li'l guy kick yesterday morning. TJ is definitely a mover, and for a few weeks now, I've been able to feel him from the *outside. But, whenever Frankie would run over and put his hand on my belly, TJ would stop kicking. I think Frankie thought I was making it all up. :) Well, that changed yesterday morning, when TJ kicked for him twice. I'm so glad Frankie got to experience that... it was awesome hearing him giggle with each little punch.

Daddy Diary 06

TOMMY BOY!


Well, It's a Boy...
And I am happy about that. Don't get me wrong, I would have loved a little girl just as much. I jsut wanted a healthy baby with two arms and two legs...
To prove my point... I even asked the ultra sound nurse, "Okay I see it, but is it okay? Does it have two arms and two legs?"

So, I wasn't thinking boy or girl... But it's nice to know the Reno-Martin name will live on past my generation.

The ultra sound itself was an amazing experience. I like to think of it as my time to be with the baby too. Lesley gets to be with Tommy all day, everyday... which I know is hard on her.

But for me to be able to see the little guy moving around (and he does move around a lot. Slippery when wet folks!) made my heart jump.

I can't describe the feeling. Seeing his little heart beat. Or seeing his little toes kicking at Lesley. (Looks like he's going to be a handful once he starts walking.) It's awesome.

I can't wait until I feel him kick.

Move that Bus!!!
Crib Update: We got the crib and changing table. Up next, the paint. We should start the preliminary work on the baby room by next Sunday.

Clean-out, Paint, Build furniture, hang pictures... Done.

It will definitely be done by Monday, October 12. The Saints have a bye on the 11th. No excuses that weekend.

It's a...

So, we went to our 20 week ultrasound yesterday. We got to see the baby's heartbeat, spine, brain, little arms and hands moving around, little feet and legs... and then, a little something in between the legs. That's right, Baby Beans is a boy!!! At first, Frankie and I both thought, "Are you sure?" Then, he made it quite evident... he wouldn't stop flashing us!

He's also VERY active. The little guy wouldn't sit still for a second. He was playing with his toes, waving his hand, and even lifted a finger at us (Grandma Reno was a little offended. :) )

The doctor says everything is on track... his heart and development is perfect for 20 weeks. Our ultrasound tech says he's about the size of a Qdoba burrito and weighs in at 13 ounces.

Daddy's going to buy him a Brees jersey, and as for Mommy, well, I can't wait to get him a pair of baby Chuck Taylors. :)

You're probably wondering about names, well, we already have one picked out. His name is Thomas Joseph, after his Grandpa Reno & Uncle Joey. We've been calling him TJ for short.

We have a DVD of the ultrasound and some 3D pictures. We'll post the clips soon.

20 Weeks

Saints won, Broncos won, and it's our one year anniversary! All in all, a pretty good day! And, our Future Saints Fan is moving around quite a bit lately... mostly when Mommy wants to sleep. :)

I can't believe we're already halfway there! Looking back, it's gone by fast, which is fine for me. People say to cherish this time it goes by quickly... while there are great moments in being pregnant, I'd be happy if things went by a little faster. :) I'm impatient like that!

Case in point -- I wish it were already tomorrow. :) That's when we find out if Baby Beans is a boy or girl. It's going to be huge being able to give the baby a name, not just a nickname, and finish getting stuff for the nursery.

I'm not sure how quickly we'll get the posting up on what we're having since right after the ultrasound we're leaving for Breckenridge to continue our anniversary celebration. Grandpa & Grandma Reno will be coming up for the ultrasound, so maybe I'll have them post something.

Daddy Diary 05

Daddy Diary 05

Does Someone Have to Die?

Madden Curse strikes Troy Polamalu
September 11, 2009 1:36 pm
When will NFL players ever learn? Never appear on the cover of a Madden football video game.
One of this year's cover stars, Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was injured in Pittsburgh's first game of the season on Thursday.

A look at The Curse:
Madden 2000: On the box -- Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions. Sanders shocks fans and his team by announcing his retirement just before the start of training camp.
Madden 2001: On the box -- Eddie George, Tennessee Titans. George, who the previous year had led his team to the Super Bowl, bobbles a pass that is then intercepted and returned for a touchdown in the Titans' divisional playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Madden 2002: On the box -- Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota Vikings. Culpepper, who the previous year led the Vikings to the NFC championship game, sits out the last five games because of a knee injury as the Vikings finish 5-11.
Madden 2003: On the box -- Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams. After leading the Rams to the Super Bowl twice in three years, Faulk is hampered throughout the season by an injured ankle as his rushing yards drop to 953 after four consecutive seasons of at least 1,300 yards and the Rams fall short of the playoffs with a 7-9 record.
Madden 2004: On the box -- Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons. Coming off a season where he had led the team to the playoffs, Vick breaks his right leg in an exhibition that takes place only one day after the Madden game is released to the public. Vick plays in only five games during the season and the Falcons finish 5-11.
Madden 2005: On the box -- Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens. Coming off a season in which he intercepted six passes, Lewis fails to get even one interception as the Ravens don't make the playoffs after finishing 9-7.
Madden 2006: On the box -- Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles. McNabb was selected for the cover after leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl the previous year. In the first game of the season, McNabb suffers a sports hernia and sits out the last seven games of the season. The Eagles finish in last place.
Madden 2007: On the box -- Shaun Alexander, Seattle Seahawks. The season after he was selected league most valuable player for leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, Alexander breaks his left foot in Seattle's third game.
Madden 2008: On the box -- Vince Young. One of the biggest busts in NFL draft history.
Madden 2009: On the box: Brett Favre. Do we really need to recap his last few months?

Daddy Diary 04

September 10, 2009

Just 3 more wake-ups until the Saints play!!!
Ooops... I mean,
Until Les and my 1 year anniversary.
Who Dat?

I hope everyone is doing well.

Lesley jinxed herself last night.
We had our first "bad night." Les just didn't feel good. Plain and simple.
But on the bright side, I actually got to play father for the first time ever...
4 am. Lesley: "I don't feel well. It's too hot. I am going to turn on the air conditioning."
Frank: "No, I will do it." And I ran down and turned it on... (j/k I don't even remember the walk I was so tired)
And just like that I did my first "sleepwalking, father, husband, dad type duty."
Went down and turned on the A/C.
After I got in bed again,
Les: "Did you bring up some water?"
I didn't have any water. What's wrong with me?
Let's just say, I went back down and Les got the best water of her life.

But what's your point? - I guess what I am trying to say, is I feel like if the baby wants to come at 4 am... I can handle that. I will be ready. I know water doesn't translate into childbirth... But, if my mind believes it... then it's good enough for me.

Mind over matter.


Cobra Commander - Public Enemy No. 1

My 2 cents - Just one more day until the 9-11 anniversary. It seems as if we are back to normal in America. Economy and Health Care debates are all anyone cares about.
My hope is that "Baby Beans" will never have to go through anything like that in his/her lifetime.

19 Weeks

We're almost halfway there! I've been getting weekly baby updates from babycenter.com, and while it's helpful, I mainly tune in to find out what fruit Baby Beans is this week! So... the baby is about the size of a large heirloom tomato, weighing about 8.5 ounces and measuring six inches head to bottom. I can't believe how fast the baby is growing... and me, too! :)

I know you're supposed to gain weight in pregnancy, but I have never weighed this much before! It's still a little shocking when you get on the scale. I'm supposed to gain about a pound a week, and so far, I seem to be on track now. I hadn't gained any weight until my last appointment, so doctor was pleased I was finally putting on the pounds.

My energy is coming back now, too. It's been a while since I've felt sick, I'm mostly just tired. I usually hit a wall around 7:30 or 8 at night, which is unfortunately my busiest time at work. Everyone there has been so great, and I couldn't ask for better people to work with.

I've started doing some prenatal yoga workouts, which is a big deal since I hate yoga! And hopefully it will start cooling off here soon so I can get out there in the morning and walk and not have it be too hot.

I can't believe that in less than a week our baby will no longer have a nickname, but his or her real name! I'm not good at surprises... so waiting even this long has been driving me nuts!

Mommy's Not a Slacker :)

So, I'm feeling like a slacker since I haven't posted anything yet. :) Frankie was pretty on about the naming of Baby Beans. I couldn't think of anything, then I thought the baby was the size of a bean. My childhood nurse used to call me Baby Beans, and I loved the nickname, so I passed it on to our little one. :)

Here's a link to the crib:
(Thanks Grandpa & Grandma Reno.)

http://www.target.com/Delta-Childrens-Products-Martin-White/dp/B001P1SZ1Y/ref=sc_ri_1?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=0JCMHTMKW7P7H9KJ0RP0&pf_rd_p=481923911&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_s=bottom-10&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201

Here's the changing table:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=DX410200/175-2043076-4231552?ie=UTF8&asin=B001P1WIO4


And... here's a link to the bedding set. Even though we're finding out what we're having, we decided to go with a neutral nursery. Mommy doesn't like pink. :)

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3066899

Daddy Diary 03

Daddy Diary 03

09-07-09

Happy Labor Day all!

Baby Beans - So why do we call the unborn child, "baby beans?"

That's actually the question Lesley asked me this morning. She was interested to see what we woudl say. Truth is, I thought it was her idea. Les wanted to give the baby a name so that we don't just keep saying... "It."

So she came up with "baby beans." It doesn't really mean anything, but at least it's a name.

Furniture update - The crib and changin table have been ordered. They are in transit. Maybe Lesley can put up the link so that you all can see what we have decide on.

Pre-emptive Thank You to Uncle Rocky for helping us with paint.

Daddy Diary 02

09-06-09

Daddy Diary 2

The Bruins Won!!!
Now it's the Saints turn.


Opening Statement: I will try to write on this blog as much as possible. But, It's already getting hard. I guess I am not as creative as I thought.

Les and I both want to "give props" to our immediate family. Tara, Joey's wife and Irena, Greg's wife are also pregnant right now.

Looking Ahead: According to the Dr.'s schedules... we should go "Baby Beans", Baby Joe-Ta II and then baby Ire-g third.

I can't speak for all them, but I know that I personally want to have a big family (3 or more, even though Les will kill me for saying that). The reason... I had so much fun with my brother, cousins and friends growing up that I want our children to have the same experience.

My buddy Jonas and I are hoping to one day live near each other... so that our kids can grow up with each other too.

I can't wait to see what Thanksgiving will be like in 5 years... AWESOME

Tomorrow: I will tell you why we call our unborn love-child, "baby beans."
In the news business that's what we call a tease.

Daddy Diary 01

Daddy Diary 09-05-09

The Bruins play today. GO UCLA!!!

I am really excited about "Baby Beans" Martin.

This is by far the coolest thing Lesley and I have ever done together. I am really excited for the future.

-

People ask me if I am freaking out yet. The answer is... no. I have been really calm. I think that's b/c my mom really prepared my brother and me for this step in our life. She always told us, "make sure you ready to become a father, make sure you have done everything you have ever wanted to do, because being a father changes everything." I am ready.

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Things I am excited about part 2 - Lesley told me last night that the baby can definitely hear loud sounds outside the belly now.

She also said, the baby enjoys the UCLA fight song. (Les, plays the song from her phone. She has a playlist made up solely for "Baby Beans.")

I think Les is just saying the baby likes the UCLA fight song for my sake... In reality, it's a girl and the girl is already dancing to Kenny Chesney like her mom.

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Looking forward - I can't believe that in only 9 days I will get to see my child again (ultra sound). And we will learn if it's a boy or girl.

-

Who dat?

New In Town

So, Frankie & I are attempting a blog for Baby Beans. We thought it'd be the easiest way for friends and family who don't live nearby to stay up-to-date on our little munchkin on the way. We'll see how this goes... :)