Up since 4:30

We had a great anniversary.  We purchased a Living Social deal to a fancy restaurant and really, really enjoyed our food.  We estimate we consumed a 1/2 lb of butter between us.  YUM.  Mark was with a babysitter from his school, so he was well taken care of.

But for whatever reason, I'm here and up at early again.  I got up searching for my cell phone to see if Kathleen had called in the middle of the night from going into labor.  I finally found my cell phone right beside the bed, charging.  I forgot I had brought it back with me.  Last year when Matthew was born, I missed Kathleen's phone call because I left my phone in the kitchen and didn't hear it.  Not the end of the world, but I need to know when she goes into labor so I can pack and get on the road.  You'd think I was the one having the baby with the anticipation I'm feeling!  : )

My dad is scheduled to come to Raleigh this weekend to help us in the yard.  We have some big holes to fill in the yard from pine trees that were cut down after a big hurricane years ago.  The root systems have sunk into the ground over time leaving us with lovely gaps--gaps that can cause sprained ankles too!  We also removed all the bushes from the front of the yard.  They were so overgrown and dwarfed  our short ranch house.  So, we need to re-plant the shrubs and buy a few shade trees.  I'm glad dad will be here to help.  I just wish I could guarantee that I would be here to help.  It all depends on baby Starkey.  : )  I found a nursery about 30 minutes away that has excellent prices.  We just need to rent or borrow a truck so we can pick the stuff up! 

We also have a slight drainage problem in the back yard.  And we have some holes in the crawl space covers that need to be patched.  Our pest control guy kindly reminded us that we need to get this done before the weather gets much cooler unless we want some friends in the house.  No thanks!  Maybe I can call someone to help with these tasks.  Honestly, Isaac's to do list is long enough.  And there are certain things I just can't help with.  Not planning on using a drill any time soon... I need my hands in good working order!  (I'm klutzy.)

And then finally, we seem to have an issue with our thermostat.  It's a fancy programmable one, but neither Isaac nor me can get it to work properly.  It was 80 degrees in one part of our house last night.  Fortunately, not the side we sleep on.  But goodness.  Add that to the list too.   

So, no wonder I'm feeling sleepless... Fall is the time to do many of these things, so it isn't like I can just put it off.  Planting grass and then digging a hole weeks later to solve the drainage problem is not an option.  So, maybe it's time to call in some reinforcements.  : )

If anyone wants to come over and hang house numbers, plant trees, or trim bushes... please let us know!  And in the meantime, baby Starkey, I need another week.  Please listen to your aunt and arrive AFTER the weekend.  Thank you very much!  : )

Now to shower and tackle this day.  I wonder when I'll crash? : )