The Interview

Well, it's my turn for "The Interview". I put this off until this weekend so that I could give it some thought. And, luckily enough, I get 10 questions to toil over. Thanks Merr and K. Guess I'll sit down, drink a DP and get this done. Problem is, believe it or not, I'm shy sometimes. We'll, let's see how this goes.

1. Perfect day?

In the past my perfect day would go like this...Wake up around 9:00 am at our property near Duchesne, Utah. Let the dogs out, put the coffee on and wake my friend Trish up to cook us breakfast. Trish would cook Corned Beef Hash and eggs. After the food settles I'd have a couple of Screwdrivers to get the day started. Next we spend the day on the boat, soaking up the sun, at Starvation Lake. Then, back home around 5:00. We shower and Trish again is cooking but this time it's a yummy dutch oven dinner. Then the night is spent around the camp fire with friends, drinking beer, telling stories, and laughing A LOT. But, now that I enter motherhood something tells me my perfect day is going to be any time I can spend the entire day with my little girl and my wife.

2. If you could change one persons mind, who's would it be and about what?

I wish I could change my Dad's mind and get him to move back to Salt Lake ASAP. He says they're waiting a few more years to move back from Las Vegas. I want him here now! I love spending time with him and his wife Joyce and love them both dearly. Plus, I want Riley to know them. Just seeing them 3-4 times a year just doesn't cut it.

3. If someone wrote a Movie about you, what would the title be?

Let' see. How about "The Incredibly True Adventures of a Scrapbooking Lesbian."

4. Any 5 people at a dinner party...dead or alive, who would they be?

Hmmm...again, tough one. I'm going for a fun and interesting dinner party. Let's invite Ellen, Angelina, Hillary (Clinton), Sarah McLachlan and Oprah.

5. List 5 things you love about someone you REALLY hate?

I really don't hate anyone. There is a person who I was very close friends with for years. We've since parted ways but I still miss and love her dearly. 1) I love that she was so stinkin' funny! 2) I loved that she'd go gambling with us on a whim. 3) I loved that she'd be there for you no matter what, no questions asked. 4) I loved that no matter what you were doing, if you were with her, you were having fun. 5) I love that for a long time she was a part of my life.

6. How has your family reacted to your being gay?

They love me unconditionally. Me being gay doesn't change that. They're all extremely accepting and supportive.

7. How you meet Shelly and how did you know she was the one?

Well, the verdict is still out on that. NOT! It's actually kind of romantic. I'd known her for awhile through a friend of a friend of a friend. We suddenly found ourselves hanging out in the same circle. I thought she'd been flirting with me, come to find out later, she was just being friendly. I needed to really get her attention. I sent flowers to her work with a card that simply said Smile. (I've always loved her smile.) For the next two weeks she was asking EVERYONE if they knew who had sent her flowers. I kept my lips shut! I'd only told one friend. About two weeks after we were out in a group. She was talking about the flowers again and I said, "It was me who sent you the flowers." I turned, got in my car and left. The next night everyone was going to the bar. Well, she walked in and I was looking smoking hot and that was all it took. We've been together ever since. 10 years later and we're having a baby together so she better be the one!

8. What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

I want to be a mother and a wife. I want to raise a child that will be diverse, strong, caring and independent. I hope to spend many, many years as a family camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

9. Who do you most admire and why?

This is very tough. I think I'd have to say my Aunt B. I'm actually named after her. My middle name is the same as hers. She's an amazing woman who has overcome tremendous obstacles. She's always given selflessly to her family and made sure that everyone is taken care of. She's done this at times without remembering to care for herself. She's survived cancer twice. She helped raise my Dad and his younger brother when they came to the U.S. from Holland. She's an amazing woman and I truly love her.

10. What scares you the most about being a new mommy soon?

Everything! I worry about being neurotic and not providing for her properly. The fact that I'm responsible for another human being is terrifying and exciting all in one.

That's it! Whew! Check back tomorrow for updates from our family baby shower. And, we're 36 weeks tomorrow!!!

It was a good day!

Another good D-day to report.

First, our OB appointment.

Shelly's blood pressure was fantastic. She lost a 1/2 a pound. There was NO protein in her urine (this is only the second time this has happened). She's measuring a week and half ahead. She is not dilated at all. So, our first appointment for the day was excellent!

Next, Non Stress Test.

Blood pressure was again fantastic. No contractions. Mild uterine irritability. And Riley's heart beat did exactly as they want it to all without having to stimulate her. She was super active during the NST and kept moving away from the monitor. Shelly had to keep adjusting the monitor in order to keep registering her heart beat. She's such a crazy and feisty baby.

Next, lunch. Yummy, yummy lunch at a great place called Finn's. French Dip for Shelly and chicken pasta with Feta cheese for me. Yum!

Next, lawyer appointment. Paper work signed to give me legal rights to make medical decisions for both Riley and Shelly. Paper work signed for my legal name change. And, details reviewed for paper work to be completed for Estate Planning and Co-parenting agreement.

Next, quick stop at Schmidt's bakery next to the lawyer's office. Yummy! Grabbed a couple treats to take home. Shelly may not be gaining much weight but I'm doing my fair share of gaining pregnancy pounds.

Finally, home for Shelly and to Costco and the grocery store for Dee.

It was a great day! Just 26 more days! I leave you with a montage of Shelly's belly shots. Kind of fun watching her evolve.

Cool Slideshows

35 Weeks & World Travels

We hit the 35 week mark on Sunday. 35 weeks!!! Wow!!!

Wow, that she's such a fighter and basically told all of the docs to jump in a lake, and Wow, because she's going to be here in 26 days! BUT, my personal opinion, Shelly's not going to make it to May 19th. I think Riley will decide to come before that even if by a day.

Pictured here is my Shelly looking as beautiful as ever at 35 weeks.

Below are pics of Riley's latest wardrobe additions.

The first, a T-Shirt her God Mommie Amy brought her back from her recent trip to Aruba. Thanks Amy & Trish!!!

Second, a T-Shirt Shelly's co-worker Roy brought her back from his recent trip to New Orleans. Thanks Roy!

Riley's already collecting T-shirts from all over the globe. She's also got a Canada T-shirt I got her back in January. Maybe we just started our first collection for Riley. Travel shirts!

Big day tomorrow. OB appointment, Non Stress Test, and meeting with the lawyer. I'll post more updates tomorrow.

I leave you with an adorable picture of Roxi giving Shelly kisses in Riley's room.

And, my precious bug Tate. We went out to visit her and her Mommies on Sunday to see how there new house is coming long. We were rough housing, playing, and laughing, laughing, laughing. I have always loved her laugh. She has the most infectious laugh. It's deep and true. You know she's truly a happy little girl. I love you Tate!