12 years ago almost exactly......

I graduated from high school 12 years ago. That was a tough year for many reasons, but one of the highlights was this particular day. I quickly tossed the gown and cap and headed out to Dearest Husband's house. We went to a friend's graduation party instead of to my own. It was the first time I ever met my future in-laws.

My husband just happened to have parked in their garage, a 1971 Super Beetle. His was white, beautiful interior, pristine exterior, and had a working radio. My car was an orange 1971 Super Beetle and nothing worked very well but the brakes! At more than one point I had to duct tape the AXEL. Think about that. My car always smelled like gasoline BUT got really good gas mileage. The first conversation I ever had with my future FIL was about the two cars.

It does seem strange to me now thinking about that day. I never would have guessed that I'd be spending holidays at that house with that family from that year on. Dearest and I began spending a lot of time together after that day. That said, I am going to continue on with Evie's love story challenge this week! (BTW, Aunt Bee provided me with these pictures, making it all possible! Thank you Aunt Bee!)

Day in the Sunshine (Belly Pic)

Sisters

I didn't really get to know my sister until we were older. Yes, we lived in the same house and have the same biology but circumstances prevented us from being friends.

That said, she is part of a few of my favorite memories as an adult. She went with me on my first "not really a date" with Dearest Husband (ok, to be fair, she threw rocks at him and lost his fishing equipment but still.....she was 11 years old). She stood by me at my wedding. She's been a good aunt to my Lil'Bug. She's stood by me many other times as well. She's a neat person and I wish I had known her better growing up.

What I hope for my daughters is a little bit more. I hope that they know each other early and love each other dearly. I want them to enjoy each other and play together.

So, here's to you Aunt Bee. We've had to work at the whole sister thing but it has been well worth it! The picture is from 10 years ago. She was in a Midsummer's Night Dream and I somehow got caught in a photo backstage with her! Aunt Bee is on the left.

What I did on Saturday with My Family.....

Sorry, it is a disappointment.

We got up. I started having contractions. This was unusual to happen in the morning. Dare I hope? Went to music class. Lil'Bug did not get along with the substitute teacher and long story short, we left early.

And.....headed to the farmer's market! Whoo Hoo! Fresh strawberries and apples and almost the balance of our tomato plant needs. More contractions? Hmmmm.

Noon. Lil'Bug and I head to Nana's house. Nana takes me to have my toes and nails done. Chair massage too. Fumes make me woozy, but more contractions!

We head back to Nana's house and take Great Grandma swimming. Fun stuff. Lil'Bug is a fish in water. We splash and play for 30 minutes or so. More contractions. Dare I start to time them?

After we stay the afternoon at Nana's watching movies and I lay down. Contractions get so bad I call Dearest home from band practice early. They are 3 minutes apart at that point.

We get excited. Dearest packs the car. Lil'Bug stays at Nana and Pawpaw's house for a sleepover., while we go home to "labor". There is no way I am going in early to the hospital.

2-3 minutes apart. All night long. I sleep a little. Around 2 AM I ask Dearest to get up with me and watch Pirates of the Caribbean. He states that if I don't produce a baby soon I will own him big time for getting up in the middle of the night to watch a Johnny Depp pirate zombie movie. Whatever. I get excited. I bounce around on the labor ball for a while, lay on the couch, send some emails, eat, watch Johnny Depp exchange clever dialogue with Orlando Bloom.

Around 4 AM I fall asleep again. Contractions still 2-3 minutes apart. Stronger still.

Wake up around 7. Contractions only when I change position? We eat and putter around and go for a walk at the park. They pick up again, very strong. Lots of pressure. We head to the hospital! Did we wait long enough? Will I be at an eight cm, or deliver in the lobby?

Yeah. No.

Zero. I am dilated at zero. ????

We head to Nana's to get Lil'Bug and then home. I sleep for 5 hours. Contractions just about gone, when they do sneak up, not so strong.

No baby yet. I cry a little. I was right. Fake Out Labor kicked up a notch, and weeks left to endure.