A Babbling Dreamer

Still on the hunt for an iPad2

2012-01-28T15:40:00.001-05:00

We are still trying to earn an iPad for Joshua, and I have decided to start a Chipin event to get support from our friends and family who would like to donate if they are able. This process is easy, just chip in what you can to the event, it gets sent to my paypal account and when we reach our goal we will get an iPad and some apps for it. Easy peasy. If you or anyone you know would like to help us out in any way, either through our iPad Challenge through www.thepuzzlingpiece.com (just comment if you need instructions on that), or would just like to chip in to get this great technology in the hands of my adorable little boy please consider us!

More elf insanity.

2011-12-15T06:57:00.002-05:00

So when I decided to do this elf contest it was for a very specific reason. I need that iPad2. Not for me, but for Monk (not his real name), and his therapy. About 10 months ago my world came crashing down when we were given the diagnosis of Autism for our 20 month old son. Since then with therapy and intervention he is doing a lot of signing and his ability to interact with others has improved tremendously. During his therapy sessions he has the opportunity to use an iPad to use apps that are specifically designed to motivate kids on the spectrum to learn skills and have fun. Having one at home would be a great tool for his continued improvement. If he never speaks the iPad can also help with communication as there are apps that allow him to point to things he wants or what he wants to convey to others. It is my understanding that he will eventually learn to talk, but maybe not in a typical way.

Anyway, I took a lot of pictures of Holly and while some were just not good, some turned out well and I had a hard time making a choice. In the end the picture we submitted was used because it was pretty focused. I have some others to share with you now. These are raw images, without any editing.

The Elf on the Shelf....

2011-12-10T15:11:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I know I haven't posted anything in a long time, but this is worth it. A blogger I read is having a contest for an inappropriate scenario starring your family's elf on the shelf. It started small with just a few pictures she posted and has quickly built steam. The winner of the contest gets an iPad2...and you all know Im all about getting an iPad into my sons hands soon. About 9 months ago he was diagnosed with Autism and the iPad has been very motivating during his therapy sessions. Having one at home would help us to further his improvement. So I scoured the earth (not really) and found an elf on the shelf. Who would have known that a teeny little elf would be so popular this year. I brought the bugger home and started working on the set up. The results were hilarious I think....and I will post a few pictures in a later blog...but for now, here is the entry I am submitting for the contest. You can go here to see the other entries, and when voting starts I hope you will like my link.
I like to call this "Making ends Meet" Holly didn't know what she was getting into with this elf on the shelf gig, and needed to supplement her income.

Making ends Meet

Go HERE to VOTE!!!!

Fingerprints

2010-09-19T09:16:00.000-04:00

I entered a photo to The Paper Mamas Photo challenge Fingerprints. The Paper Mama There are some really cool pictures up so far!!! Take a look and maybe submit one yourself. This phot is of Monk, and I took it myself using our Nikon D40.

Getting Closer to 1 year old....

2010-05-23T09:23:00.002-04:00

OMG I am freaking out....my little baby is going to be one year old soon, I am not ready for it, I am just not ready. He is crawling really well, and cruising along the furniture. He walks well holding on to our hands. I just cannot believe how the time has flown. I know, I know it just goes faster too. It is fun watching his little mind at work (play). He is learning new things every day, and when he wants to know how to do something he watches and watches others do it until he is ready to give it a go. Monk's favorite pasttime is ripping apart magazines that I have yet to read...RIP last months Cosmo...and playing with little plastic dixie cups (read: jello shot cups...thanks cousins). I have had some opportunity to take some pictures of him, but havent had the chance to get them off the card, but soon, new pictures will be coming. There is also a video of Monk on Youtube. A few months ago I started singing Old McDonald to him and one day he started repeating the E I E I O part....so thankfully the next time he was doing it I grabbed the vido and shot a video.....

This is the video posted on YouTube.....I was not going for visuals here, but more for the audio capture of him singing with me. If you want to see it on YouTube just look for Monk Sings...or Thedreamofmusic768 (thats me). Take a look and leave a comment if you want!!!

Bethany Sherrard Photography: {TOLEDO BABY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-18T18:28:00.000-04:00

Bethany Sherrard Photography: {TOLEDO BABY PHOTOGRAPHER}

Ok so I cant do this right.

2010-03-29T18:24:00.002-04:00

Life is hectic and my dear dear husband dropped our camera....so I have no pictures for my blog. Oh well, I guess I will just have to periodically try to drop a line or two on here...not that anyone is probaby reading this, but I digress.

Joshua is growing so fast, he is crawling and moving like crazy, pulling up on anything and everything he can find. He even cruised a little bit when we were visiting my mom this weekend. She was soo excited to see him creeping along holding on to the table and couch. Lately all he wants me to do is sing Old MacDonald. He loves to E-I with me when it comes to that part, and he will do it unless something shiny catches his eye.

I have been battling my PPD, I was just getting too much of the seasonal affective I think and it was making me feel down. I am working on keeping a positive outlook and being vigilant about keeping my body and mind feeling fresh.

January 26

2010-01-26T16:59:00.001-05:00

January 25

2010-01-26T16:55:00.003-05:00

January 24

2010-01-26T16:53:00.001-05:00

January 23

2010-01-26T16:50:00.001-05:00

This was taken with my Nikon coolpix L4. Not too bad for a little P&S.

January 22

2010-01-26T16:32:00.002-05:00

January 21

2010-01-26T16:31:00.002-05:00

january 20 Project 365

2010-01-26T16:10:00.004-05:00

Pic of the day!

2010-01-19T21:59:00.003-05:00

And in case you have no idea what you are looking at theres this one...

Up to date! January 18, 2010

2010-01-18T12:08:00.003-05:00

Here is a macro close up of one of my favorite decorations I have in my home. A wedding gift, it is glittery and beautiful. I thought I would change it up and post a picture that does not have my child in it, but for the record, most of them will be Josh. So those of you who have followed me through my pregnancy, you will get to see lots of that little baby.

January 17, 2010

2010-01-18T12:04:00.003-05:00

Sr. and Jr. playing on a lazy sunday afternoon. We decided to spend a good chunk of the weekend in, and this is the perfect picture reflecting how our weekend went. Both Daddy and Son were in their PJ's just hanging out with the Sit to Stand play table.

January 16. 2010

2010-01-18T12:02:00.001-05:00

Ok so I missed this day for pictures, but I will post a blog for this day just to keep myself honest. I am not going to post a picture just to fill a day, I am going to do this by the book, so please forgive my missing picture, but look forward to seeing the cool pictures to come!

January 15, 2010

2010-01-18T11:57:00.002-05:00

This posting is in honor of my father and grandfather, Josh's Grandpa and Great Grandpa. Even though he never got to meet you in this world, he is channeling you both. I have memories of both my Grandpa and my Dad just hanging around in their white undershirts and wearing dark colored socks. The one day I woke up and without thinking put him in this onesie and grabbed the first pair of socks I could find that fit him. When I took these pictures it sparked the memories.

We love you Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. and we always will!

January 14, 2010

2010-01-18T11:52:00.004-05:00

Ok so I hope that not every picture is of my son during this project, but he is just so darn cute that I cannot help but want to take lots and lots of pictures of him....By the way I will be using a combination of two cameras for this project. My primary camera is a Nikon D40 with an 18-55 mm lens, the other is my small P&S of which I do not have the specifics on it right now but if I post a picture from there I will be sure to let you all know. I love my DSLR camera, I am just a beginner at photos...but this camera makes me feel like I can do anything photographically....with a little practice. I am pretty awesome with Macro shots so I will work on those and perhaps post one in a few days.

Going to be doing some backing up here....bear with me

2010-01-18T11:47:00.003-05:00

So I have decided to jump on this Project 365 thing...even though its a little late. So I have to back post a few pictures. This picture was taken on January 13, 2010. We were getting ready to leave for a dinner date with some friends and Joshua was being way too cute. So I snapped a few pictures. This started my interest in the 365 project. I am going to try and do this, if only to keep my blog up to date.

A few pictures of the past few months.

2010-01-03T10:32:00.006-05:00

Taken 10-7- 2009

Taken 10-8-2009

Taken 11-22-2009

Taken 12-25-2009

Taken 1-2-2010

So you thought I forgot about you?

2010-01-03T09:58:00.006-05:00

Well I didn't I just have been so crazy busy with my 6 month old (ZOMG) that the time has just slipped by way way too fast. Undoubtedly there has been a lot going on in my life, and it would take me a very long time to go through it all. I am still on meds for PPD, I tried to wean off of them but that did not work so well. I am going to try it again now that the holidays are over. My incision healed up nicely after about 8 weeks, and I spoke to a doctor about the infection and he said that I will not have to worry about it showing up again.

My little guy is getting big, bigger every day. We started feeding him cereal and purees after his 4 month appointment and he is now eating stage 2 foods, as he is a very proficient sitter, and is getting up on all fours and rocking like crazy. He is one of the most laid back happy babies I have ever known, which makes for relatively easy days for me. I do not know what I would have done if I had had a cranky baby, and as my mom says...he is nothing like you were when you were a baby. We had some issues with eczema and it took a while but he seems to have grown out of it now...that was a stressful thing....keeping an infant from scratching is not an easy job.

I know that you just want to see pictures, so I will post a few, and it is my intention (sorry that is the closest thing you will get to a resolution from me) to post blogs more often. I hope that you all are doing well.

To make it easier on me I am going to post pictures in a separate blog.

Ok so I am a sucky blogger

2009-09-15T07:28:00.002-04:00

It is just soo hard to find time to blog when I am constantly playing and taking care of my little monkey...I have some time this morning so I will post a quick blog before Josh wakes up. My little man is 3 months old (OMG). And he just woke up.....So much for writing a blog before he is ready to start his day. We have a pretty good routine going, and he is growing lots and learning new things all the time. His giggles and sounds amuse me, and his smile would melt anyones heart. I have a photo to post too. I am going to try and update again soon...

A serious post.

2009-07-19T12:29:00.003-04:00

I want to take some time to discuss Post-partum Depression.....because I haz it. Well at any rate I am dealing with it, with medication and a very attentive and observant husband who watches my mood closely. I must say that I am doing much better than I was a week or two ago.

Backstory: Shortly after Josh was born I developed an infection in my incision. I began treatment twice a day with home nursing, and visits to my doctors at least once a week. Unfortunately the infection is taking a while to clear up, and while I am now using a V.A.C. (Vacuum assisted closure- a machine using negative pressure to clean and stimulate growth in my wound) the whole experience has been overwhelming.

No one expects that things are going to be so difficult, and while my depression is less depressed and sad feelings and more stress and anxiety about my performance as a mother, it is nonetheless scary and frustrating. I want to post this because everyone, including myself, says oh I will never have PPD. I honestly never thought that I would be the one to have to deal with all this. And I know I have done nothing wrong...I am doing my utmost to take care of my child and myself.

Please, please, if you are a new mom and you have overwhelming feelings of any kind....talk to your doctor. No one should have to feel as if there is not help.

Someone I want you to meet!

2009-06-19T20:53:00.003-04:00

Here he is!!! Joshua Curtis Jr. arrived via c-section on June 12,2009 (my original due date). He weighed 8lbs 11oz and I would do everything over again in a heartbeat to have him. I am one-handed typing so this will be short...but I promise to do another update soon!

40+ weeks, maybe a picture later.

2009-06-10T05:02:00.003-04:00

Ok little monkey, we are really really excited for you to come, (Even though I am scared out of my mind for labor and delivery) so you can make your hasty escape at any time now. We even have a hat for you to wear when the redwings win the Stanley Cup on Thursday. So bring it on little one.....the eviction is friday by force, but we would LOVE to see you early. Really really love it. Like a way lot.
Anyway, not much going on, I am just waiting. Perhaps if I can swing it I will get a picture up. My last few appointments have been painful and disappointing, very little progress, and a decision to start inducing on Thursday if I do not go into labor before then. I was really hoping to deliver on Thursday but it probably will not happen. Josh's birthday is Thursday and he would absolutely love to have his son in his arms that day, but we will see. It would get me out of buying him a birthday gift too. LMAO.
I will probably not post much until after he is here, but I promise to post a pic and story when I get the chance!

39 weeks, probably not posting a picture...haha

2009-06-03T15:47:00.002-04:00

I am tired, sore, and ready to have this baby. We are trying everything....I really wanted my doc to be there, but we have had no progress this week either. I go back tomorrow for another NST, BPP, and she will probably check me one last time, but then thats it. After that I will probably just wait him out....haha. Today would be the perfect day....It is Josh's birth month, my birth day (April 3) and when you add them together it equals the year. I think this was my day I really wanted. Who knows what will happen, but I am not going to be too sad if he doesn't make his appearance quite yet. I get to go baby clothes shopping tomorrow if I am not in labor by then....this makes a world of difference to my attitude...haha
Anyway, I am just (not really) patiently waiting for Joshua Jr. to decide he is ready to be an outside baby. I tell him every day to hurry it along, cause lots of people are waiting to meet him.

We got our Pack & Play.

2009-05-30T08:55:00.006-04:00

So I had my heart set on the pack & play that matched the travel system that we received (it was awesome I will have to say) but just a little too expensive...even with our discount coupons and rewards checks and whatnot. Sooo I started looking at other ones. I had picked out one that I could deal with, had almost all the features I wanted and was a heck of a lot cheaper. I finally get Josh on board to get one, we go to Babies R Us and look at it, and of course he starts wandering around looking at the one next to the p&p we were looking at. OMG it was perfect. Slightly more expensive than the one I picked out, but it has a music and vibration thing with MP3 hook up, you can record a ten second snippet of your voice to the thing and it has multiple music options for pre set sounds....sleepy music, playing music, and nature sounds. It also has a canopy with a mobile, a changing table and an organizer to hold diapers and wipes and what not. The techie in Josh sold him on this new pack& play the minute he started pushing the buttons, and I was sold when I noticed that the mobile had monkeys on it, and was green, brown and white.....the colors we did the nursery in.
Unfortunately as we started looking around for the box, to take one home.....they were sold out. I asked someone if they had any more and she told me that they did not, and would not have them for a while but I could be put on the request list, and if they received any in shipment they would call me. Or I could try online...(Of which you cannot find this collection of baby gear yet). So I put my name on the list...but being impatient and hopefully not pregnant for very much longer, I did not want to wait...haha. I decided to call Babies R Us in Ann Arbor. They had 6 in stock, and so yesterday I asked them to hold one for Josh, and he ran over there after work and bought it. He came home and we had a hell of a time getting it put together, but managed finally (with only one outburst from Josh that had me nearly in tears) and I took some pictures for you all to see.

So one other really cute thing is going on today...right as I am typing this blog. Josh is currently attending Daddy Boot Camp at the hospital right now. I really have no idea what he is doing but I do hope it involves teaching him how to change a diaper, and how to swaddle...haha. Though I do think the only reason he actually went was the promise of free swag. Namely a backpack, a can koozie, and "other miscellaneous gifts". I mean really who can go wrong with a class that offers that kind of incentive to attend??? Its like actually getting punch and pie when it is promised to you. LOL. So we shall see what he thinks of the boot camp and I will get back to you on what he learns.

One more thing about being pregnant...

2009-05-29T14:43:00.002-04:00

Just FYI, do not stand too close to your ever loving stove while making Ramen. If you are showing, you will invariably burn your tummy at some point on the stove. Just keep this in mind. I wish I had been warned.

I have three very lovely red burn marks on my tummy from the stove....kick ass.

Ug...yesterday.

2009-05-29T14:36:00.000-04:00

Well after I failed my BPP (J2 just did NOT want to move around at all) they hook me up to the NST, and by the skin of my teeth get three accellerations during the last few minutes of the test. I just barely passed that part. So I am on edge a little bit, but really wondering whats going on, and if I am making progress. After waiting forever for the doctor to come in she checks me (OMFG, that was so not cool) she tells me I am maybe a fingertip but that my cervix is way curled up behind my pubic bone....so as of this point, little progress is made.

They did do a growth U/S and he is estimated at 7lbs 15 oz, but who really knows. That is the 77%ile though. I just wish I had more progress...I am getting tired of being pregnant...LOL

Oh, then, they figure out I have no more appointments scheduled, and they should have done this weeks ago. There was no way in knowing when I will go into labor, they should have been scheduled and then cancelled if I didnt need to go in. So I have Mondays appointment scheduled, but Thursday I will probably end up sitting around all morning waiting to be fit in for the ultrasound part of my NST. They are booked solid all morning. I told them do not be surprised if I order in pizza for myself..haha

It has been quite a morning, so to calm me down, DH, MIL and I went for some retail therapy. I helped MIL pick out a baby shower gift, and we bought a couple small odds and ends for the baby...some of those clingy window shade things for the car, some hooks for the back of the stroller, and some batteries for the bouncer and travel swing.

Itty bitty alligators and a diaper cover...

2009-05-27T11:36:00.004-04:00

Squee!!! I cannot tell you how excited I was when I went to my mothers house the other day, and my aunt had stopped by with some outfits and side snap shirts for me. My aunt is just a great woman, and is always thinking about others. I loved this little outfit so much that I really had to take a couple of pictures of it for you all to see. That diaper cover was just too much! It also came with a little onesie that was striped and had the same alligator on it, soo adorable. I know its not monkeys...but Josh jr. has plenty of monkey outfits to last a while! I am getting super duper anxious about the arrival of our son. I just really want to see him finally. It has been a long 9 (10) months, and the third trimester has seemed never-ending. Heck I am still in it....
Lately walking has become really uncomfortable. People always say its like walking around with a bowling ball between your legs or something, and it is exactly how I feel. Between that and my swelling in my legs and feet. Whoady. But I know it is all worth it. Well I think that is all for now, tomorrow is another big day at the doctors office, a growth ultrasound, bpp, nst, and my first exam to see if I am making any progress to getting to see this little boy! I am sure I will have lots to say tomorrow! Until then...happy reading.

38 weeks.

2009-05-26T10:32:00.003-04:00

This is not the best picture I guess...but I thought I should put one up since I was a huge slacker and never did a 37 week pic. Oh well...I am getting down to the end, and my head is just not working right...I had an NST in the labor and delivery department at St. V's and things went fantastically. I even saw a teeny braxton hicks contraction on the tracing...which I haven't seen before. That was too exciting.
Today Josh has a very big big training going on at work that he has to be at for the day, but after today we are on the "get this baby out" bandwagon....I would prefer to go early by myself than to be induced next week. If nothing happens and I go into the week of my actual due date, well I will be sad but it will be ok. My OB will be going on vacation. Probably mentioned that, but it makes me sad that the doctor that I have seen almost every appointment since before I got pregnant may not be the person who will deliver our baby. I know I know, I should have known that would happen, but it still makes me kind of sad...haha
I found a pack and play that I LOVE, and of course, it is not available at Babies R Us. I put my name in for one when they get more in a shipment, but of course, they have no idea when they will get more in.....so frustrating. It will be nice to have a small baby station in the downstairs for when the weather is really hot, because the lower level of our house is much much cooler than the upper level.
Anyway, that is all for now, I will be sure to keep everyone updated on whats going on, as we wind down and get ready to welcome Joshua Jr!!!!

37 weeks....no picture yet.

2009-05-20T08:58:00.002-04:00

We had a late night last night and forgot to take pictures...but I will get one up sometime soon. I found out at my last appointment that my OB will be leaving on vacation the week I am due. So I will have an induction the week prior if I am favorable for induction, and if I don't go before then. My blood pressures have been really great, and my NST's have been going well. This is just a small update I will have more later for sure!

The Nursery, more pictures!!

2009-05-15T19:33:00.002-04:00

Just thought you would like to see the nursery now that I have kind of put it more together. It has become a modge podge of available furniture, but I think it works well. It is not my ideal idea for the nursery, but you make it work. No other real news, still uncomfy. LOL I am sure there will be more to talk about next week!!

36 weeks

2009-05-12T20:17:00.003-04:00

So here, on time, are my 36 week pictures!! You can all hold your applause. LOL
I am starting to feel really exhausted and uncomfortable, but I know that we are in the home stretch and soon I will get to see the reward for all the hard work from the past 9 (10) months. Josh Jr. will be here very soon, and Josh and I are feeling pretty excited, overwhelmed, and slightly unprepared.
Monday I had another doctors appointment, NST went well, baby was ridiculously mobile....and has yet to really settle down since (LOL). I also was tested for Group B Strep. Everyone talks about how bad the test is, but seriously it's nothing. I am sure I will find out what the results of that on thursday.
I found out early on that Josh's insurance covered a pump fully, either one personal pump during a lifetime, or covers a rental. I opted for the personal pump going on the idea that more children will be in my future and who knows what time will bring to us....perhaps some job opportunity or going to school, and having a pump at my disposal anytime seemed like the right solution. However, after I received the script from the doctor I took it to a medical supply place, they gave me the run around with it. Today Josh and I went back with the script altered with a diagnosis code by my doctor, armed with the reassurance that it was covered, and no reason why it should not be filled by the med supply place. They tried to give me the run around again, so I told them I spoke to the insurance company and was assured it would be covered, and I could get it before the birth. They were unhappy about having to call and get the info, but they did, and I walked out with an Ameda Purely Yours Double pump with carrying bag. Moral of the story: Know your insurance it can save you money, and be aggressive if you are getting the run-around...Seriously I love it when I am right! Now the hard part, getting the accessories...it is a good pump but not readily sold at most retail places.
I am getting so excited! (did I mention this already?) My mom took me to a resale shop and bought a travel swing for me. I really wanted a full size, but after thinking about it, a travel swing is really much more appropriate for us. We can take it up and down the stairs, and it will fit in the bathroom, allowing for fast showers. There are only a few more things that I would like to get before little Josh gets here, and I am hoping that we will be able to get them. It may take some thinking and scheming, but I am sure it will happen.

35 weeks

2009-05-07T18:03:00.002-04:00

Here finally is a picture for you all.

I had a doctors appointment this morning and my MIL was 15 minutes late picking me up, then there was an accident on 475, and we got stuck in traffic. I was already kind of worked up about that when I went in to my doctors appointment. The ultrasound tech was running behind schedule. So they take me back for my NST. No big deal, I get all set up and the baby does not respond. I had no accellerations in the heartbeat, no really good movement. So they keep me on for another 20 minutes, make me drink loads of ice water and still nothing. By now I am starting to panic just a little. I was going to have a Biophysical Profile anyway, but I had to wait some more for the tech, and my doctor came in to talk with me. She assured me that she thought the NST looked ok, just needed to be sure with the BPP. So I get in finally to do the ultrasound, and he just did not want to move. She saw all the other indicators the practice breathing and stuff, but he just was not for moving. Finally we jiggled my belly where his feet were and he moved enough for me to pass the dang BPP. I was soo worried something was wrong.
She also did a growth check on him, and he weighs 5lbs. 14oz. He seems to be slowing down in the growing department, and I think he will be a long baby.
If you haven't noticed I have said he....and I will finally say it in the blog, that Josh and I are expecting Joshua Jr. I am super excited!
I will post another blog about my shower from last weekend, and lots of cute pictures. Until then, happy reading!

I am a total slacker.

2009-05-06T21:50:00.002-04:00

I know I know there have been very few updates thus far. Its not that I dont want to do them, I am just super busy and always forget to get my picture taken...haha. I am switching my due date ticker to June 9th, so that means I am over 35 weeks as of tuesday. So I will try to get a 35 week picture tonight and post it tomorrow. I also have some really good pictures of my shower on Sunday, and perhaps if I can get things organized, a picture of the nursery more completed. Things are looking good for us. We were able to go out and get some more things that I felt were kind of necessities for the baby. More onesies and sleepers. I would like to get a couple more little outfits, but I am feeling that those things will be secondary until we get a good handle on the basic baby care stuff.
I promise to update again tomorrow, I have another doctors appointment and I will fill in with that stuff too....so look for another update of some sort tomorrow!!

Just a teaser pic!

2009-04-29T12:47:00.003-04:00

I thought I would leave you all a quick picture....from Josh's work shower. It is really cute and pretty fun too!

That is all, perhaps some day I will get more pictures from my other shower and put those up for you to spy too!

NST and 34 weeks tomorrow?!

2009-04-27T14:36:00.002-04:00

So today was good, baby did very well with the NST today. We only had a little problem finding the little monkey this time, had very good movements and very good accelerations. What confused me is that I saw the other doctor in the practice today and while the ultrasound tech tells me that my June 12th EDD is right, the have in my chart June 9th....which would make me 34 weeks tomorrow. Color me confused because now I have no idea what date is the correct one..hahaha So heck I might be closer than I originally thought to the end of this journey...only by a couple of days, but hey those couple of days could make a world of difference.
I had my shower for Josh's side of the family on Sunday, and it was a really good time. We had an assortment of salads and cupcakes. My MIL decorated the room in pretty spring colors, and we played a few games. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and everyone managed to tell me how much less like shit I looked yesterday compared to Easter...haha. Granted I was pretty exhausted around that time, but I thought I did a dang good job trying to hide the fact that I was run down and tired on Easter. Apparently it didn't work. I must have been told about a dozen times how much better I looked, and how I looked like I wasn't feeling well a few weeks ago. Hahaha
Anyway, This little monkey better like to eat, because I got enough spoons to feed the baby for a very long time...It seemed that every gift included spoons..the little gummy ended ones, some disposable ones, some little plasticky ones. Got lots of blankets too. This is going to be one bundled up Junebug. We also got tons of onsies, and sleepers, and a couple of outfit. We also received a play mat, and diapers and wipes.Everything was just adorable, and we got some really useful things too. I think I blogged about Josh's work shower last time, but I do want to say again how very grateful I am to his coworkers. They are very wonderful to both Josh and I. It's amazing the generosity of others.
So now I am busy starting a few loads of laundry, cleaning up the bedding set so that I can make up the crib and get the nursery looking in top form for the last baby shower, set for next Saturday. I cannot wait, it will kind of be like an open house as well as a shower, as most of my family have never been to my house. Especially since my in-laws have completely moved out. It is sure to be a most excellent day.
I think for now that is all, but perhaps if I have some time I will put up some pictures of the very adorable clothes and things we received this weekend. Thanks for reading!

33 weeks, and fun times!!

2009-04-25T14:11:00.002-04:00

Belly pics right away for ya. I am looking pretty good, though my ankles and feet were swollen to the point of painful at the time these were taken.
Things went well on Thursday, I met with the pediatricians group that I think we will be using. Every doctor I met was very nice and extremely kind to take a little time out to visit with me. I got the tour of the office and all of my questions were answered before I had a chance to ask them. I was quite pleased. To top that all off, the office is directly across the parking lot from my OB office. Very convenient I think.
As for my last U/S and NST. Things went well. Baby did very good again with the biophysical profile, and my fluid levels are measuring well. The baby was doing lots and lots of good practice breathing, and moving around....though I didn't need the tech to tell me that. Before I finished up with the ultrasound I asked the lady to find the location of the heart so I could tell the nurse doing my NST where the best place to get a good heart rhythm would be. It worked. Perfectly. The baby didn't swim away, and we got 20 straight minutes of heart tones without one single blip. I immediately bribed baby with lots of new toys if the behavior continued through the rest of my NST's....so here's to hoping!!
Yesterday I took my last longer trip and spent a day in Ann Arbor, hanging around Josh's work. I am having issues driving comfortably, so spending the day out and about was not really feasible. I did manage to get out to a whole foods and get my free lunch bag I had a coupon for, and some lunch for Josh and I. The primary reason for the trip was a planned shower thrown for us by Josh's coworkers. Let me tell you, it was a fantastic time. Lots of delicious desserts, and some other snacks. They spent a lot of time and effort decorating and making it an enjoyable day. We received a stuffed monkey and a matching blanket to our bedding set...along with a very large gift card to Babies R Us. We were totally astounded by the generosity of the people at his work. I also received some interesting pamphlets from one of the early childhood educators who is on staff with the School District. She organizes things for parents of small children in Washtenaw county and there are lots of resources and booklets on development and things for me to read through. What else was awesome was that Josh's boss, who has been out of work for two weeks for surgery stopped in as a surprise and brought us a gift as well. Two very adorable Detroit Tiger onsies. It was very nice of him, and very thoughtful!
I am sure to have much more to blog about after the weekend, tomorrow is my first family shower, thrown by Josh's mom and her sister. I know it will be a good time! Until then everyone happy reading!!

Doin' well..well sort of.

2009-04-20T18:19:00.002-04:00

Alright, I am thinking something has got to give on these NST's. Things go sooo smoothly for like 15 minutes, then this little bugger decides that a new place to chill sounds lovely...and proceeds to move away from the monitors. Thus making my time doing NST's even longer. This in turn makes me frustrated and upset, and even though I know it is not my fault, nor is it this little baby, I cannot help but feel like a burden. I hope these get better, because at this point I am feeling really down about twice weekly NST's.
So todays doctors appointment went well, I saw the other doctor in the office today, who is such a sweetie. Honestly I would be happy to see either doctors face on the day this baby decides to make it's entrance into this world. Things looked well from what the doctor said. Thursday will be fun, get to see the baby again. Always the highlight of the week!
One more little thing, I just want to say congrats to Angi who surprised us all and had her baby very quickly this morning. I cannot wait to meet your little one!

32 weeks, second NST.

2009-04-17T19:03:00.004-04:00

Thursday was another rough day at the OB. It took 45 uncomfy minutes to find this little bugger on the NST machine. Then another 20 to finally get the readings the doctor wanted....On the good side?? Baby is doing well based on the Biophysical Profile, and is weighing in at approximately 5 lbs. Only measuring about a week and day ahead.

I seem to have lost two lbs since monday (hahah) and my blood pressure was not too elevated, despite my frustration after the NST. DH and I had a talk with this child about being slightly ornery and hopefully we will have better luck at mondays NST.

Here's a nice little pic of me. My bra's really seem to love the limelight, they always sneak into my pictures...hahaha. What a cute tummy....well I say that right now, sometimes I cannot believe how I look. It is very out of my comfort zone to praise the expansion of my waistline. LOL. It is also hard to imagine that housed inside there is a 5 lb little baby....though I can distinctly feel the kicks and wiggles.

And here you go, a couple of pictures of the nursery, as a bonus. First, my finished curtains and the valance. Looks decent for the first time ever making something like this. I really think the valance is just way too cute. Looking at the picture makes me realize that the left panel is not pushed back as far as the right...but we are not looking for perfection now are we??

Next, a second bit of fabric that I turned under to make a rather large receiving blanket, that could double as a floor mat or play mat. DH loved the fabric when we went to pick up some other things from the fabric store so I picked up a yard (at 2.99/yd. not a bad deal) and just turned under the edges, and used hem tape instead of sewing it. It was my practice item to see if the seams would hold on the valances just using that iron on tape stuff. Worked pretty decently I think.

Well that seems to be all the updates I have today, I hope everyone enjoys reading about all the things going on during the last couple months of my pregnancy. I also want to wish my good friend Angi the best of luck as she will be induced on Monday, and will be seeing her little babycakes surprise very very soon!

Update on my first NST.

2009-04-13T14:53:00.002-04:00

I had my first NST or non stress test today. It was an experience let me tell you. First of all the office was crazy busy this morning...as I am sure it is every monday morning, but I got in and they wrapped the little blue and pink belty things around my belly and have my lie back. There was no way they were finding the heartbeat with me in that position...ok thats cool, I can lay on my side for a little while. Finally they zone in on the baby's heartbeat, and its going strong, but after about what seems like two minutes, this baby started kicking right at the monitor and moved away. Every once in a while the heartbeat would get picked up for a bit, but then move away.
After what seemed like an eternity (but was only 20 minutes) they asked the doctor if I had to continue being hooked up. She said yeah she wanted to see a continuous strip. So to spare my numb left hip we moved me to the other side. Once I did that they had a hard time finding the heartbeat again...and eventually I had to hold the monitor at a very precise angle on my tummy so that it would be picked up. Finally they got a full 20 minutes of monitoring and then I finished up with the rest of the appointment.
Things looked well with the NST, I have another one on thursday as well as an ultrasound. I talked with the doctor about her thoughts on cesarean for me as well as possibly not going full term, and on both instances she does not see an immediate need for me to be concerned. Only if an emergent situation arises would we see something like that happen. So that made me feel much better.
I will be updating more often, so that should make things interesting around here...and I will not forget to add my pictures once a week. Thanks for reading everyone!

31 weeks

2009-04-10T21:46:00.003-04:00

Oh these are so cute!! If I do say so myself. It was time for a change of scenery, so we took these in another nice spot in our house.
So lately I have been having some major pressure in my pelvis and hips. Its not really pleasant. haha. Also I have noticed an increase in leg cramping and muscle cramping. I am trying to drink more water thinking perhaps that I am getting slightly dehydrated, but who really knows. I have still been trying to walk and do all the things I am supposed to be doing to keep myself as healthy as possible.
One other baby related update,I did attend my first baby related class. A nice one night class on the benefits of breastfeeding. I have done lots of reading on the whole process and really did not learn anything new, but it was helpful to see the videos of the different holds and how the proper latch is achieved. The only issue I had with the class was that I was hoping there would be a little more reassuring information on mothers who want to breastfeed but who have, for any reason, a cesarean section. I know that perseverence is the a key to make nursing work, however I cannot help feeling nervous as the days get closer. I also cannot stop the feeling that I will probably have a cesarean. I just want to keep myself in as realistic a mindset as possible. As an overweight woman who is starting to show signs of high blood pressure, the possibility of that outcome is becoming greater and greater. At the end of the day, whatever is necessary for the healthy delivery of my little monkey is the best decision. I would never want to put my own thoughts or desires ahead of the proper and most beneficial delivery option.
Josh is slightly upset ( as am I) that his Daddy Boot Camp class was cancelled. I was really looking forward to him learning the ins and outs of becoming a dad. I guess he will just have to learn as we go. We still have a long long one day birthing class ahead of ourselves....and we will have to see how that goes...
Anyway, that seems to be all I got for updates this week...Monday starts my twice weekly doctors appointments and I am sure there will be lots and lots to tell after that. Until then, happy reading, and as always, comments are gladly accepted, unless you're a douche...then they are just deleted.

30 weeks, some other updates too!

2009-04-04T14:57:00.007-04:00

So technically I am 30 weeks and 1 day, but I am not going to worry about that. I had my last biweekly appointment yesterday, on my birthday, and while my blood pressure was elevated, I am not showing any other symptoms of pre-eclampsia thus far, so doc said I was doing well. We heard the little monkeys heartbeat, going strong at 130 BPM. I also went for a nice walk in the mall, went shopping for a dress for my showers, and had a pretty spiffy birthday in general. I do have pictures, and so I will post a few now.

So DH caught me off guard with the camera on the picture of me in my shower dress....but I absolutely love it. This picture really doesn't do it justice...neither does my white legs and bare feet, but oh well..haha
SO not only did we get a lot of things done yesterday, when we finally made it home from all our running around, the FedEx man had brought our crib mattress....a week early. We ordered it and got an email from the company saying that it was out of stock and back ordered and was not scheduled to ship until next week....but we got it early. and that was soo very exciting! Oh and I have a picture of that too....let me post it here...LOL
Having this makes me feel so much better about everything. I dont know why, but with a mattress, well it just makes it feel so much more like the babys bedroom....a nursery. LOL. Call me weird, but getting this mattress just made my day.
I also went out to the fabric store, I went into a coma and thought that I was Martha and that I could make new cushions for my rocker in there...but the dang foam is soo expensive. LOL. I have to re-think that whole idea too. But while I was there, I found this fabric. It was so inexpensive so I bought a yard of it, and while I think its a little too heavy to make a valance out of, I might just go ahead and make some out of it. Then I will go back later and get another yard to turn under for a receiving blanket.

Squee*** I love this fabric soo very much! Anyway, there was a lot to update this time. Hope you enjoy reading. Please leave comments I love them soo much!!

29 weeks

2009-03-28T09:34:00.004-04:00

I was a little tired last night so I didn't get a chance to update this until this morning but I have not one, but two pictures for you today. They are both cute, minus again the showing of the bra....hahaha

So last night I had some crazy weird dizziness going on but after I took some time to rest and relax, I felt much better. Things around here are starting to come together, we are working on getting the bedroom (our bedroom) moved upstairs next to the nursery. There are still a few things that have to be moved to our in-laws house and so I have been working on cleaning up and getting those things ready to move.
The baby has been crazy busy keeping me from sleeping with the kicks and punches....which is so awesome and so freaky at the same time. I have been really getting excited about the arrival of the baby, and really wanting to get everything ready. Unfortunately supreme sleepiness and exhaustion have really taken a toll on me. I do try to walk and do my daily errands and whatnot. but more and more I have been finding that I will randomly wake up from impromptu naps on the couch, when I was supposed to be cleaning, or grabbing some lunch.
So I think that is about all that has been going on, Next week will be my 30 week update, and a doctor appointment update...then on to Non-stress tests two times a week until this little bundle arrives!

28 weeks

2009-03-20T23:04:00.003-04:00

So I am 28 weeks and here is my picture...

I am feeling great, and have lots to update you all on....so this might be another relatively short post, and then a couple more posts later. I had my appointment yesterday with my doctor. We had a growth scan again, and our baby is growing well, and not too fast, so the doctor was pleased with that progress. We also discussed my lab results from the day before. I had my one hour GTT, and passed it. Boy was she surprised by that. To be truthful, so was I. I am also not anemic, and things are going mostly well. I did however voice some concern about being able to feel the baby all the time, because of my size and the anterior placenta. She was concerned about my higher blood pressure. Because of that, I will have one check up in two weeks, as is standard after 28 weeks, but then two weeks after that, starting my 32 week, I will be going twice a week for NST's. The rest of my appointments will be scheduled for me when I go back in two weeks. I am a little nervous about this, I feel somehow like it is a burden on my family, as we do not have a second vehicle right now. I am relying on my MIL and my mom to take me to appointments.

On to my previous post this afternoon. Josh and I decided to work a little more on the nursery since we were able to get to IKEA this week and pick up the shelves and a rug for the nursery. I love the floating shelves, and my husband did a fantastic job putting them up so they wont fall down. The rug was a new item at IKEA, and I had picked out a green fuzzy rug instead, but the one we decided to get instead was about 20 or so dollars cheaper. I was so happy with it when we were in the store and when I got it home I unrolled it, and it seriously looked black with grey instead of brown and tan (like it was in the store). I realized though that it was just the lighting, and because of the green in there, it was distorting the color. I am still not ecstatic about it, but it will grow on me and it will be a lot easier to clean than the other one. I think the nursery is coming together quite well and I will be excited to see it when we get the changing table in there and finish decorating the walls with some homemade artwork, to be debuted after a little while....since it is name related and some of you out there still don't know what we are having....so I will keep that under wraps until the time is right.

One fast update more later!!!

2009-03-20T12:47:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to post a couple of pictures of the nursery since we got a couple more thing done in there. I will post again later with my 28 week pic, an update on the baby and momma from my appointment yesterday, and talk a little more about these pictures too! But I wanted to put them up there for all to see!!! Comments are always welcome...as long as you are nice!

27 weeks

2009-03-13T23:45:00.002-04:00

So today I am 27 weeks...that is third trimester, I am getting very excited about the arrival of my baby. We are planning on spending a good part of next week working on spring cleaning and getting some more things finished for the nursery. On the agenda, curtains for the nursery are to be made, putting up a few shelves, find some better foam and fabric for the rocker, Order the crib mattress online, then basic cleaning and organizing the house. Josh is on vacation and is planning on working on the backyard, cleaning up the stick and other such debris that has been in the yard for the winter. There is a lot on our plate, but as this is the only time Josh has off really until the baby comes, we need to make as much of the time we have as we can. Also since the weather is going to be looking better we are hoping to have the in-laws come over and pick up some more stuff from the house, as we are not completely moved yet.

I have been walking as much as possible and rearranging my habits and daily routine to make for a little more every day activity. Doing laundry every day or every other day, just so that it doesn't seem so overwhelming. I think also that I have been experiencing some Braxton-Hicks contractions, which is a very interesting feeling. I have been having more issues with my sciatic nerve....walking for long periods of time gets to be quite uncomfortable. To be quite truthful, I feel as if I have fallen on my bottom and hurt my tailbone. My OB has assured me that that is normal. LOL. Next week I go for my one hour GTT. That will be an experience. I have been testing my blood sugars before breakfast and then at one hour and two hours after I eat....by and large the readings are well within the normal limits. I am cautiously optimistic, however I remain realistic that GD might be something I will have to tackle. My heartburn has subsided for now, but has been replaced by a constantly full feeling. That can be uncomfortable....making me not want to eat but having other symptoms of low blood sugar and knowing that I need nourishment.
The baby movement has increased a bit, but I am still worried that when the time comes for me to start kick counts (next week...AHHH) that I will not be able to feel the baby and that will make me a nervous wreck.
There is soo much to think about and do, it seems like there is not enough time, however I keep being told that I still have so much time. To those people I would like to kindly say "eff off." LOL. Until next time my friends....happy reading!

26 weeks

2009-03-07T22:51:00.003-05:00

Holy moly batman....as today I am 26 weeks and 1 day, I now have like 97 days or so to go. That freaked me out. I had a mini crazy session the other day thinking about all the things left to do. Considering that our house is still rather in a shambles because the in-laws have yet to come get their bed and other large furniture out of the house...I feel very unprepared for what is coming in the next few months. I still have to move our bedroom upstairs, to be closer to the nursery, and get the nursery in tip top shape....but to be truthful, that room is about the best and most prepared for the coming baby than any other room in the house. Oh well, I know it will all work out, but I still cannot help those random moments of frustration and insanity.

I have a picture for you all....and a new outfit to show off as well. As the weather gets warmer the long sleeve shirts and pants that I have that fit will be less and less comfy so I decided to try out a new outfit...minus the showing of my bra in the picture I think it is pretty darn cute.
Pretty sweet huh?? and I must say that I think that I am definitely looking pregnant now...you all might disagree, but well thats ok....you know what they say about opinions.
All is well on the exercising front, I have been walking and doing stretches as often as I can, and spend a good chunk of my weekends walking at the mall and doing other errands. They keep me pretty busy.
It has been a hectic and stressful week, and I am sure glad that it is over. I shall blog again, but for now, it is time to get a little sleep.

25 weeks

2009-02-27T23:09:00.003-05:00

Well folks, this one will be short and sweet. Here is my 25 week picture. You all can be the judge. Josh and I are going to take his mom to Ann Arbor tomorrow for the day and do some shopping, and perhaps hit an outlet mall up in Howell, since we didn't get to do that last weekend because of the snow. I am ready to hit the hay, I am seemingly always tired anymore. Perhaps it is my attempt at walking more and exercising more.
Yesterday I did way more than I should have and spent most of the night in pain. I have to keep in mind that there is a very thin line of what is healthy and what is not. It was so bad I took some tylenol before bed, and I try not to take anything if I can help it. Anyhow, I am off to bed. Catch ya all later!

Our crib came!

2009-02-25T18:37:00.003-05:00

So its a photo taken from DH's phone, but it will do for right now. The crib came in this afternoon and we decided to run out and pick it up. It was not so hard to put together and I think matches the flooring pretty respectibly. I was soo excited to go out and get it, that I wouldn't even wait until tomorrow after Josh got off work. He was home and I knew my mom wouldn't mind us borrowing the van for a little while. I thought for a minute that the box wasn't going to fit, but it magically slid right in with very little effort.
I really like it, it is simple, but very cute and is a 4 in 1 lifetime crib.
I am sure to have more later about something baby related but I am working on getting back out of the house for my FIL's birthday.

24 weeks, doctor update, and nursery progress(again)

2009-02-21T14:50:00.003-05:00

Ok so I think I look pretty good in this picture. Hahaha. I finally got some new pants so I have more clothing options to choose from. Definite changes going on here, I am starting to feel better, though I still don't like being stared at when I am out walking.
I had my 24 week check-up, and this baby is getting big. Big enough to worry the doctor and suggest more walking and eating better. I don't know how much more I can do. I try to eat well, get my stretching and exercises, who knows what will happen. But the baby was looking good....sleepy, and all curled up, but the baby is 1 lb. 12oz. (whoady big) in the 95%ile. The test results from my last appointment came back well within the normal limits, but now we have a baseline to keep in watch for high blood pressure. I will go for my glucose tolerance test in a few weeks, and we shall see what comes of that.
We also went out and ordered the crib this afternoon, and while I thought we were going to have luck and get it right away, we have to wate 7 to 14 days for it to be shipped to the store. Either way, its great to know that within a couple of weeks we will have a place for baby to sleep. The room is almost painted completely, we just have a couple more places where the paint needs touched up, and the floor needs a going over once or twice, but then we are good to go.
Hopefully soon I will be able to get my sisters and MIL on the same page with planning a baby shower. We shall surely see.

Progress....YAY!

2009-02-15T14:09:00.003-05:00

So pictured above is the before pictures of our nursery. After much trouble, as you have heard, we finally got that border down. I wish I would have gotten pictures of the room empty before the primed walls and the painting...but what I have will have to do. My husband did a great job, well at least I think so. There are a few more touch ups that need to be done, but overall the hard part is done. Here are a couple pictures of the after. It is a little lighter in the pictures than it is on the walls I think, not to mention that both windows were open.

I took the paint swatch to BRU to make sure that the color matched the bedding, and this is one of the best matches that I had. I am still debating about going with a dark wood or a natural...now that I see the painting and the closets, I am leaning towards the natural. I think it will turn out just wonderfully...ooh I am soo excited.

23 weeks

2009-02-13T21:09:00.003-05:00

Pardon the messy picture...but the closer shot I look way more than a little jacked up and so I chose to use this picture instead. Again I am definitely losing my little "fat valley" LOL, and an all around more pouchy tummy is emerging. I am done trying to look cute when walking around. my tummy sticks out, I rub my belly, and hold my back when I walk. It makes me feel better. So all you people out there staring at me, I don't give a shit what you think....I am pregnant, and I don't have to wear a shirt telling you so to justify my behavior. I do get a lot of looks and snickers, and I have to really work hard at focusing on my baby and not getting upset. I have always tried so hard to not look like a huge cow when I go out in public. It is hard to walk around in the mall knowing I can no longer suck in my gut to help me "look better" in the eyes of others, but at the end of the day I know my little one will love me no matter what.
Tomorrow is a big day, Josh is going to start priming the walls of the nursery....so goodbye pinky/red walls, hello Western Cactus!!! I am so excited, we got a fantastic deal on paint, and I know Josh will do a fantastic job getting the nursery ready.
So here's to one more week of building a baby!!! My hard work is starting to show I would have to say.

22 weeks and work on the nursery!

2009-02-08T14:07:00.003-05:00

So Josh is working on getting the border of the wall in the nursery, and while it seems to be going well it is hard backbreaking work. A word to the wise, do not put up bulletin board border with wallpaper glue...it does not come off as easily as you would suppose. Because of the chemical smell of the DIF, I am not able to help too much, especially because as of late I have been having pretty yucky dizziness issues. Also by this point, I feel heavy and full in my tummy area all the time. It is kind of uncomfortable. But now I know I am feeling the baby wiggle around in there, and that makes it all much more worth it. It was awesome too that Josh felt the baby moving. One night as we were getting ready to sleep, he turned to hold me and placed his hand in just the right spot and started feeling the movement that I was trying to determine was happening. It was just so awesome that I started to cry, I never thought he would feel the baby this early.
We have all the supplies and paint ready to get started working on painting the nursery, which makes things feel more real. I cannot believe that we are beginning to prepare our baby's nursery. It is just a crazy thought, that some day soon, we are going to have a child, crying, pooping, and hopefully at some point sleeping in that room.
So I have a picture for you all, the thing you probably come to find on my blog....this picture is crazy, I will have to say.

I wouldn't sceam "POP" but I might be inclined to whisper it quietly under my breath. We shall see what the coming weeks have to say about my waistline...haha I do not think anything else is new. So until next time, happy reading!

21 weeks

2009-01-31T14:30:00.003-05:00

Ahh the weekly picture...not really feeling it, but I think this is a very telling picture....this is a very similar outfit to my very first picture I took several weeks ago, and I think it is a bit of a difference from the previous ones I have taken.
Maybe I am starting to look a little pregnant...haha

I got to buy le bebe some cute lil outfits, but to tell you what I bought, might tip you off as to what the sex of the baby is, and I don't want to do that, so you will just have to sit tight until I am ready to divulge the "big secret."

I also think I am starting to feel this baby. For real this time...some really funny swooshing feelings, it is kind of exciting. It is so interesting to feel and see the differences in my body and the miracle that is taking place inside me.

The big U/S.

2009-01-28T18:02:00.002-05:00

So almost a week after the fact I am getting around to talking about the big U/S. It really was an awesome experience. To be able to see all the things we saw and to hear all the measurements was just a cool thing. During the u/s the tech told us that our lil baby is 13 ounces (89%ile) and everything is measuring right on track, or even a couple of days ahead. My EDD is June 12, but the tech estimated me at June 10th. Josh was so intrigued by the whole thing, and really has astounded me by his uncanny ability to see those u/s pictures as if he was looking at a regular photo.
So baby is doing well...mama on the other hand....my blood pressure has been kinda staying somewhat elevated, so I have to do a test to check the protein in my urine for 24 hours. We will see what that says, or if I should be worried about pre-eclampsia. I go back, and will have another u/s in a little less than 4 weeks now, and we shall see what kind of progress is being made with the little one.

My 20 week belly photo.

2009-01-25T09:12:00.003-05:00

Ok, this is going to be short. Josh and I are super duper busy, and I had to steal away to get some time to put this up. I promise I will blog more about all the weekend happenings soon. But here it is, my picture. The real reason why everyone is here...LOL

So it is a super cute outfit with pants that stretch into next year...and I am stoked to have it. I think there is a little difference, but maybe because It is a different set of clothes...I am trying to keep consistent with my clothing choices to really help the progression. I don't know if that is actually going to work, but it is worth a shot.
Anyway, I have lots to blog about, our 20 week U/S (sorry...not going to tell the important information...) and my experience at Babies R Us. Yes folks the registry is made...all le bebe gear has been picked out...and I am excited.
But that is for another day. Now I must go swiftly and wash my hair so that I can get to steppin on the errands and fun things we are doing today.
Leave comments, I know there are people watching, so let me know you are there!!

I know, I know....

2009-01-24T08:40:00.003-05:00

You are just dying to see my 20 week update picture. Well I promise there was one taken, but I was out last night until way past my bed time and did not have a chance to get the picture off the camera. Girls night out was a blast, and I want to say hello and thank you to all my Toledo Nesties who came out and had a good time laughing and joking. Sometimes a gal just needs time like that to unwind without her MIL or FIL or DH for that matter. It was definitely needed!
So look for an update later today, And lots of other things too. This is a busy pregnancy week to blog about!

19 weeks.

2009-01-17T09:35:00.004-05:00

Here it is folks....as promised a weekly updated picture of me....not too shabby, at least all the acne I have is mostly on the side of my face turned to the wall...haha

Seriously folks, I don't know if there is much difference from last week to this week, but I thought I should keep up with this. Believe me if I pop out one day you had better believe I will blog about it and everyone in the world will know.
There hasn't been anything monumental going on in my life this week...just the regular aches and pains of pregnancy compounded by the bitter ass cold. To be truthful I was pretty hermetic this week because I didn't want to go out in the frigid weather. I did venture out a couple of times, but was keen to hang about at home, where it was slightly more warm.
I cannot say if I have felt the baby move yet, and some days I think that's ok, and other days I freak out about it a little bit. I know that when I do feel it I will know what it is, so I have been chalking the other slight twinges to gas (haha) or muscle twitches. I will keep you informed of progress on this front as well. I absolutely cannot wait to feel that baby wiggling around inside me.
Well, I think that is all I have for now. I will be sure to blog again soon! Thanks for reading, and leave comments if you do stop by....They make me happy!

Nipple confusion "confusion"

2009-01-12T15:27:00.002-05:00

I just had to blog about a conversation I had with my Husband a few days ago.

I had been doing some research into the best bottles for occasional feedings if it is your intention to nurse exclusively. I found a bottle that seemed to be interesting and was trying to describe it to my husband. He was confused as to why a baby who was nursing would need a special kind of bottle or nipple if they were drinking from a bottle. Understandable, he doesn't know about these kinds of things, so I told him about nipple confusion. My husband is a smart man and caught on pretty quickly, so I let it go.

Fast forward to Sunday morning....Josh and I were sitting at home debating about going out and doing some walking around, because we had been snowed in and wanted to get out. So I started telling him about the things I wanted to do. I mentioned that I wanted to go to Target to see if they carried the previously discussed bottles, and he looked at me as if I had just grown two more heads on my shoulders. Suddenly (and I could see the lightbulb flashing over his head) he says to me "oh you mean the ones for nipple jealousy." Well I about pissed my pants from laughing so hard. He thought I had gone insane, because I couldn't even talk enough to tell him that our baby would not have nipple jealousy, but nipple confusion. I have never heard anything more hilarious in my life. Once I calmed down enough to explain to him his mistake, he turned a pretty shade of red and laughed about the whole thing with me all over again.
I love my husband dearly, and while he didn't get it exactly correct, I had to give him points for listening to me ramble on about bottles and the whole shebang.

18 Weeks Pregnant, and some pictures

2009-01-09T22:28:00.009-05:00

I swore up and down that I would not do the weekly belly shot, and now I kind of wish I had. However I will start posting some every once in a while... and while I kind of cringe about the thought of willingly posting pictures of my overweight body, I feel as if those of us who would be labeled as "grossly overweight, or obese, or even in my case morbidly obese" do not get to celebrate our pregnancies the way smaller people do. I am not bitching about this, because there is no reason to. I just want to give some other big ladies out there the go ahead to put your pregnant bellies out there....there are plenty of other big pregnant ladies who are searching google images every day to see if there is anyone out there like them. So with that, I will post a couple of pictures of me at 18 weeks.

So there is not a whole lot to see to you all..but to me these are really telling. I can see the definite changes to my tummy and midsection definitely larger.... I am starting to get excited, and I hope that these pictures will give other larger lovely ladies some courage to share in your joy and happiness of being pregnant, whether or not you feel like you look pregnant or not.

That being said, I will leave you with one other picture. This picture was taken of my husband and I either just before or just after I got my positive test. I think that it shows quite the difference in my body. If you followed my blog from the beginning, you know that I had lost 34 pounds or so before I got pregnant. So this was me early pregnancy or pre-pregnancy.

Its 4:03 AM, do you know where your sleep is?

2009-01-09T04:02:00.000-05:00

Or better yet, do you know where my sleep is? I woke up at 3, and tossed for 20 minutes, got up to pee, went back to bed and found that there was no way I was getting back to bed. So hey! I thought what better use of my time than to middle of the night nest, check my email, and write a blog. (It seemed like the right thing to do at the time, I am sure in hindsight I will find this was a silly idea).

Anyway, things for me have been ok. Only ok you ask? Well lately I have found that from the hours of 8 to about 11 AM, I am sick. To the point of being hesitant to eat anything for fear of being sick. Usually I get up and get a small breakfast and take my vitamin, but that has been really upsetting my stomach....and it is so much worse than first trimester. I have been more icky feeling now than back then (what I lovingly refer to now as the "good ole days" of my pregnancy. LOL. maybe).

Also, the RLP, or Round Ligament Pain, has finally started in...with a vengeance. Much to my dismay, the comfy chairs in the house are now torture devices. I simply cannot sit comfortably in my fave TV/chilling chair anymore. The effort and issues to remove myself from this chair is too much, and usually leaves me in some distress...LOL. We (and by we I mean my husband) are trying to find a remedy to this situation...one possible option, bringing the new recliner down and placing it in the old fave TV watching chairs place for the time being.

I really do not mean for my posts to seem like I am complaining, in fact, I have been getting more and more excited about being pregnant in the past couple of days. I am looking forward to our big U/S in a couple of weeks. I also have noticed that my shape has changed a bit, and while I will still at the end of the day be overweight and pregnant, I have hope that I will eventually look more pregnant than fat, and that makes me happy.

I am now resolving to take pictures of myself, at least one a week...and I am putting them out there for everyone to see....I am overweight, I am pregnant, and I am happy as hell about it. So look for some belly (big belly) shots to come soon! I am also resolving to blog more. I know that there are not many people out there who actually read this, but for those of you who do, I am going to attempt to write more often about my experiences. Someone said a couple of days ago that they always wonder how my pregnancy is going because I never really talk about it. So I am going to make an effort to do so. It is a really exciting and wonderful time for me and my husband and I should celebrate it more, and not worry about what others might think.

Well this blog has simply gone on for too long. If you have made it through, I applaud your efforts and they will be rewarded. One day, not necessarily by me. Good night, or is it morning? I can never figure that out.

Making rounds a christmas....

2008-12-29T03:42:00.000-05:00

I have a feeling this was the last no pressure holiday round up. Next year, I do believe that we will be busier and crazier than ever....and I am not sure how I feel about it. I know that there will be lots of expectation next year being our baby's first christmas. Our holidays always are a little hectic, just because both our families have their parties and gatherings around the same time every year. It was nice however to get waited on by everyone, even though I told them I could do things myself.
We spent Christmas Eve starting at Josh's grandpas house for wonton soup and party trays. After an eventful opening of the gifts, in which my dear niece decided to blast me in the face at point blank range with a wad of wrapping paper,(and yes I did cry because I wasn't paying attention and she really hit me hard in the face...but you cannot yell at a 5 year old on Christmas when everyone is throwing paper at each other) we left to visit my Aunt and Uncle. Since this was the first real Christmas without my Grandma, and because my mom so generously hosted Thanksgiving for the family, they had a wonderful party for us all. We had a blast, stayed really late, and decided that even though it is never going to be the same it was good to have a new holiday tradition with our family.
On Christmas day we woke up relatively early, after having put out gifts the night before for my MIL, and waited for them to arrive to open gifts. As usual, they were late, but thankfully no paper was thrown during this gift exchange. After all the fun we left to visit with my mom, and to take our gifts over to exchange at her house. It was a pretty relaxing day, but we have decided that next year because of the addition to our family, we will be hosting Christmas day for all of our family. It is a lot of work for my mother, and as it will be our first christmas with our baby, as well as our first christmas alone in our house, we thought it would be fun.
On Saturday, we had our final Holiday party. The other side of Josh's family had a large gathering at the retirement complex where his grandma lives. It was quite fun, despite my aching back (more on that in the coming days) but as usual there was a little bit of drama.
We are now relaxing as my Sister in law and niece go back to Virginia with my in-laws...definitely time for a long winters nap. As this post is being written at 4 AM, I am beginning to suspect that there might be very little actual napping going on for me.
This was however a bittersweet Christmas for me as my last grandparent passed away on Saturday afternoon, having spent a couple of months in Hospice care. I knew that she was ill, however I did not think that she would pass for a little while. It really threw me off guard. This now means that my sisters and I are the last of our immediate family from my father's side. Grandma V., you will be missed greatly, but I know that Dad and Grandpa and Uncle Mark were all there to greet you home! We love you.

Pregnancy insomnia and dry skin

2008-12-20T14:35:00.000-05:00

I have come to believe that pregnancy insomnia is a work of the Devil himself. Why in all that is holy in this world would someone torment a very tired and hormonally imbalanced woman with insomnia? I was wide awake last night, unable to sleep a wink. So I sat for hours in the dark on the interwebs, trying to bore myself into a deep deep slumber. I eventually did get to sleep, but it didn't last long. I spent a long long night tossing, turning, and unfortunately waking up my husband one too many times.

I also never realized that pregnancy would zap my body of all moisture. I am constantly applying lotion and cream, I have insanely itchy skin, and no matter how much I drink, no matter how cool the water I shower in is, or how infrequently I do shower, I am in misery. If I make it through this winter and have any skin left, I will dance a freaking jig. On a positive note, my hair and nails look fabulous!! So that I can be thankful for!

I have an appointment on New Years Eve, early early in the morning. Just a check up. Then in January we go in for the Big U/S. Don't get your hopes up though, we are keeping things a secret!

Another doctor appointment today!

2008-12-02T14:16:00.000-05:00

Today I had another appointment with the OB. I was seeing another doctor in the practice because my doctor was on vacation. I was a little nervous...I had never seen any other doctor besides my own, but she was awesomely wonderful. She answered all my questions and gave me some ideas to help with my sinus congestion. She tried to find le bebe's heartbeat with a doppler, but it was a no go....which means another u/s for me!! I lie down on the table and the tech starts the u/s. Every time she would move the wand over my tummy and press down to get a good picture of the baby, s/he would kick and wiggle and spin away. It was like there was a "no pictures please" sign in there. The little one is becoming more like me all the time, definitely camera shy. I was doing all I could not to crack up...and now I am counting down the time to where I can feel those kicks and moves. I got my next appointment scheduled, and the big u/s scheduled....I cannot wait for January!! Going to be sooo exciting!

Damn it is cold in here!

2008-11-24T21:39:00.000-05:00

Seriously I cannot wait until this weekend when DH can put in the new digital thermostat. I am hoping it will help keep the temperature more consistent....I am now layering at home....and I never ever layer. I am too fat for multiple clothes. It is crazy in here with the temperature control. The worst part of the deal is that eventually I will get too warm, and then I will start to get nauseous. Spending the better part of your day feeling like you are going to freeze to death or vomit is not a good feeling.

Gosh and I was doing so well.

2008-11-19T14:48:00.000-05:00

Not feeling horrible, not having any adverse issues....and then today I started having some palpitations...and no silly nurse lady I know I am too early to feel the baby move, it was my heart palpitating. So she double booked me an appointment to see my doctor, and now I am feeling pretty nervous. I am sure that things are fine, and maybe this was just a fluke or some random thing, but I cannot help but feel uneasy. So tomorrow I will go in and see what she has to say. We have also gone to St. V's and toured the facility, and tonight we are going to Toledo. I wanted to do this early so I didn't feel rushed to make a decision later. I am not sure this is going to be an easy decision, but I will feel better once I see both units and weigh all the options.

So now I am pissed off.

2008-11-12T21:42:00.000-05:00

I really have had it with being in this house. My in-laws are dragging ass on getting prepared to move. They were supposed to move in two weeks, but now it has been pushed back until December. And there is no sign of packing to be seen. There are countless boxes of junk in closets and whatever that could be gone through and disposed of....but no movement whatsoever. It is really getting frustrating. I sometimes think that now that the plans have been set, they have changed their tune, and don't really want to move. I know I sound like a whiney brat, but I feel like I have been very patient, it is hard having 4 adults in one space. This is just a hard time right now being so close to having a home of my own, and having to wait.

Otherwise things have been alright. I have had my good days and my not so good days. Morning sickness is a cruel joke and a term made up by a man to trivialize the issues of pregnant women. I have been sick all day long, an underlying nausea that tags along with me everywhere I go. I have tried every trick in the book, and while there are a few that help curb the feelings, it never goes away completely. I thought I liked ginger, but in reality, not really. But damn it if it doesn't seem to help me. I know that it could be much worse, but I look forward to the day when I can wake up without feeling like harfing every moment. LOL

A picture!

2008-11-06T19:10:00.000-05:00

It's a little person in there, and he or she is doing great! They checked the heartbeat and it was 170, which is good. The doctor said everything was great, and I go back in 4 weeks.

Ok so I am a horrible blogger.

2008-10-22T10:22:00.000-04:00

But really you need to cut me some slack, I never thought I would ever have a reason to be blogging in the first place. So I have to tell you about the appointment on Monday. We got there, and like I figured, we got right in to see the Ultrasound lady, and we had our first look at the little monkey. There was definitely a little blip in there, but it was so tiny that she was unable to give us a due date. Therefore, I go back in two weeks for another u/s and hopefully by then we can see the heartbeat and see more of the little bean. Even though she assured me that it was probably fine, I cannot help but feel nervous about things until I see the heartbeat flashing up on the screen and she can get a good date on our little person in there. The doctor saw me after we sat for a million hours (or so it seemed) and after we had talked with the billing lady about the joy of paying the bills. Good thing we have insurance. I am already on watch for gestational diabetes, and had to have a 1 hour glucose test done, as well as my initial prenatal testing. I have a feeling no matter what I do, I will end up with GD and be higher risk. That however does not mean that I am not trying to follow all the rules and eating (mostly) healthy. My husband was a trooper, and sat with me the whole appointment...even the icky parts..haha. He did blanch a little when I asked him (as he was pacing about in the little room) not to go near the table where they had the pap test things lying out for the doctor. I did not expect him to stay, I was going to have him go out in the waiting area, but he kept rather busy writing down the answers to the questions that we had for the doctor.
It was a long day and by the end of it I was ready to pass out. Thank heavens for a decent night sleep.

Since I said I would do it....

2008-10-17T15:41:00.000-04:00

Thats right...I am pregnant. Although most of you all know this, because there are not many people who know about this blog. But I promised to update here and start my pregnancy blogging. I am 6 weeks pregnant today. I have been super tired, and just recently have been feeling sick during the day. J. my hubby is way too excited, and well to be truthful, so am I. This was cycle three in which we were really really hoping to conceive and it happend. Monday is my first appointment and after I go and talk to the doctor, I will post another update.

I have been thinking...

2008-09-26T16:08:00.000-04:00

I never like to really put my beliefs out there because I do not like the conflict that can sometimes ensue when you have passionate people around you who may not believe as you do. But I have come to the realization that this is my blog, and I can post what I want to. So there..haha. Anyway, J. came across this somewhere and I found it to be quite interesting. It goes fast so if you are a slow reader you may want to follow the suggestion to use the pause button during the video. I hope that it at the very least makes you think...I do not want to get into a debate over who is the better person, because I have my belief and you have your own, and no matter what we say to each other the chances are we wont change either of our minds. So watch it or don't, comment or don't, either way, I wanted to put it out there.

Boring life

2008-09-10T19:06:00.000-04:00

So there is nothing going on now in my life that is blog worthy. Maybe I should start making things up. Tomorrow is my weight check and I lost weight, but didn't bring in the big numbers like the past two months. I feel really bad about that, like I should have done more. There's not much I can do about it now, but I still feel kinda "failureish."
J. has been working so hard his boss is making him leave by three on friday, so Yay for early start to the weekend. Everyone at his work seems to really like him there, and he apparently has been impressing everyone with his work. I am so proud of him and how he has really taken to his job. It is hard to imagine that he has only been there since April.
Nothing much new on the "home" front. But my patience is wearing thin. I know that we need to save money and all that, but I seriously have some concerns about staying here much longer. Another winter in this damp house is not going to be good for my health. The bathroom downstairs is attrocious, and moldy. I don't even like to think about the bathroom too much.
Well for not having anything to say this is quite a post....

CD1 where are you???

2008-09-03T10:53:00.000-04:00

I saw the monumental temp drop today, and the spotting, show your ugly face already and let me move on to the next cycle....so I can be hopeful again.
Life seems so dismal right now. I have hit a weight loss plateau and I feel like it is all my fault. I dont know how much more I can do to get myself back on track, I guess everyone goes through it but sometimes it is so discouraging. I had horribly depressing time at Cedar Point the other day, I walked and didn't complain, but I had to get off a couple rides because I couldn't buckle the belts. Talk about embarrassing. I was humiliated, and discouraged, I really felt worse for J. He was so excited about going, and had to spend most of the day riding roller coasters all alone. I had an ok time, but it would have been better if I had been able to experience it with my husband more.
On the plus side, I get to spend the weekend away. A weekend at my sisters house can feel like a month, it is so relaxing...quiet and serene. Just the kind of place I need right now. And she has a treadmill, so I will be able to walk, even if I cannot work out for a few days.

Speaking of working out, I am going to get ready to work out, maybe that will help lift my mood.

So little to talk about.

2008-08-28T09:48:00.000-04:00

My life has been pretty standard these past few days and I really have had nothing of note to talk about. My chart finally has come to the conclusion that I ovulated on CD21. Much to my relief. It makes more sense and I am happy that I am finally in the real TWW (two week wait).
We are spending the next few weeks dog sitting for various people...and it is awesomely wonderful. My sister and her husband are going away for their 1 year anniversary next week and we are going to stay with the dogs and take care of them. It is like 25 minutes away from Ann Arbor, and J. will get to see just how lovely it is to not have to get up at the asscrack of dawn to get ready for work. Then after they get home we have to leave immediately to come home and watch the dog, because MIL and FIL are leaving to go to Virginia. This will be the first time in a very long time that both of them are going to visit SIL, and I couldn't be happier. It is such a freeing experience to be able to live by yourself and do the things that you want to do, without having to consult or include anyone else on the plans. I relish these times and look forward to the day when J. and I have an honest to goodness place of our own.

Are you kidding me??

2008-08-20T10:10:00.000-04:00

No crosshairs yet? I am on CD 20, and after my charting software gave me CH on CD 10 (yes 10), they promptly took them away, and now I don't know what to think. No one ever tells you that sometimes making a baby can be difficult and frustrating. I know, I know, its only been a few months, I can speak for myself when I say I am impatient...
I am having a rough week....we came back from our vacation, and walk right into the same crap as we usually do. MIL bitches about money we owe her for car insurance, and quickly forgets that they owe us from several months ago when my husband paid for two weeks of rental car service so she could go to Virginia. She doesn't seem to understand that they have to pay us back for that, or eat the cost of car insurance for a few months to make up for it. FIL just barely shows his face day to day, and generally stays out of conversation.
On the positive side, J. and I have started talking about other options to moving to Ann Arbor....I am still worried that he will have a problem on the drive home, and I would have no way to get to him, but those are all things we are trying to work out.
I should really blog more, but I don't like to sound as if I am always bitching. I am happy, but I want to be happier.

Just a lil shout out!

2008-08-09T16:15:00.000-04:00

LOL. A bunch of ladies from the local nest board met together on Friday night and we had a blast! Well I had a blast, I guess I really cannot speak for anyone else. It was so much fun to get away for a bit, not to have to eat dinner with my in-laws, and to gossip and talk about stuff IRL (for those of you who don't know the lingo IRL=In Real Life). I had not met a few of the ladies and I wish I had had a better chance to talk to them. But maybe next time. I really hope that I didn't make a fool of myself and that they don't think I am a loser or something...cause sometimes I feel like they are the only people that really understand my frustrations. Anyway, ladies it was fun, and we should do it again soon!!

I went to church the other night.

2008-08-02T12:46:00.000-04:00

I have never been the kind of person who goes to church every sunday, nor have I ever found what I was looking for religiously in a mainstream church environment. Since a child I have been most comfortable at my mothers church, a spiritualist church. Open to anyone and everyone, it is a place where you must come with an open mind and heart.
Anyway, I went to church on thursday night, I usually go when I am feeling the most unsure about my current situation, knowing that I will find the answer I am looking for. Not always the answer I am hoping for but an answer none the less. Well I found my answers...not the happy pleasant answers, but I came to the realization that I am truly not happy. I really have to push myself to find who I am, or more precisely who I was. Before the marriage, the wedding, before I met my husband, I had a perfect vision of what my life was to be like. I had overcome the sadness and dismay of losing my father, the one person who truly believed in my talent and pushed me to pursue my music. I have lost that, and I need to get it back. I have a lot of work to do to get back there, but I believe that it can be done.
On another note, I am back at CD2, and last month however beautiful my chart was, we did not have success making a baby. I will not deny that I was dissappointed, but there are always lessons to be learned from everything. I have learned that my body is really responding to the weightloss and exercise. My body is working properly, and I am ovulating. I will get my BFP.

So I have to AW!

2008-07-28T16:49:00.000-04:00

I have hit the 25 pound loss mark. I have been working my butt off, going to the gym, even when I didn't want to. Skipping desserts, eating the right things, and it is working!!! I really am so very proud. It is not easy to eat right when everyone else in your home eats everything you used to love. There isn't a dinner that doesn't include a side dish I am not to eat. My will power has just been amazing. I just want soo bad to be healthy and to have babies, and I think it just might happen.

I am also 9 DPO, and probably will test at 12 DPO. That might be too early but I have an OB weight check appointment, and I am unsure about what to do. Will they test me if I ask?? I am just not sure, so I have a $Tree test hid away for just such an occasion. Our timing was really great and I just cannot wait to know for sure if we were successful.

I just wanted to AW here, I am sure the nestie girls are getting sick of my incessant postings.....LOL

3 DPO!!!

2008-07-22T14:33:00.000-04:00

I thought it wasn't going to happen, but OMG I am finally seeing for sure definite crosshairs on my chart. Of course, immediately I have all sorts of phantom symptoms, but really who knows what may happen. Our timing was decent...even got a high score on the timing indicator, and if I were to conceive I would be due 4-11-09. Just what we need in my family, another April birthday.....my family already has 6 in April and DH....there are I think two or three. I guess I will just have to wait it out. I go in a little over a week back to the doctor for a check-in...and wouldn't she be surprised if I came in with a BFP! I just keep thinking in my head "Oh please let me see a BFP!!"

I hate Laundry.

2008-07-21T13:02:00.000-04:00

I mean I really hate it....it does not help that I have to precisely time the moment my MIL finishes using the washer and dryer, as to not interfere with her laundry, but random FIL underwear always, and I mean always end up in my hamper....why oh why must I do laundry. And it seems that no matter how often I do laundry there is still a shload of it the next time around. In reality laundry is not such a horrible chore, but if there is anyone in this world that actually likes doing laundry...well you can come and visit and do mine as long as you'd like!

Contemplating this Life.

2008-07-18T19:35:00.000-04:00

As I sit and watch my new DVD of "Sword in the Stone" I started to contemplate what my life would be like if I were not a newlywed....and moreover, what it would be like if I had not met Josh in the first place. Four years ago I was suffering a slight depression, a general feeling of disdain for the direction in which my life was going. Oh I was happy enough, missed my dad every day since he passed in 2001, but I was poor, lonely, and trying to find out who I was. I wasn't looking for a relationship, I was really pretty content to think that I would never date anyone, always be alone, watch my sisters get married and have children....Spend every summer watching Gidget and Anne of Green Gables, like every other summer since I had turned 16. Funny how things happen I guess, but when I least expect it, Bam! there he was, the love of my life...So what would be going on if I had not met him and got married....I probably wouldn't be busting my ass to lose weight, try to get healthy so that I can get pregnant, I would probably be wasting my time, working in a job that I hated (quit that job months ago, if only I had been able to see into the future). Wouldn't be getting ready to move to Michigan and start my life...

I would have to say that I am so happy about how my life has turned out thus far. I have a man in my life that loves and cares for me, who would do anything for me, and wants to protect me. He has opened my life to so many exciting possibilities, and I am grateful for this life.

I do want to AW, I weighed myself today, and since I began working out and living a low carb lifestyle, I have lost 21 pounds and 14 inches from my body. It has been 6 weeks and I am proud of that accomplishment.

I suppose that you never know what will happen in your life, but the best you can do is hold on and prepare for that exciting ride.

My First Blog

2008-07-17T13:49:00.000-04:00

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, this is my first blog. I cannot promise anything poignant or profound, but I hope to be able to vent, muse, wonder, and giggle my way through the next point in my life. Being newly married seems like it would be exciting and wonderful, but I feel in a rut. Waiting impatiently for things to change. When will I get the memo that I am married now and my real life can begin? Sometimes I wonder, will it ever feel different than now? Don't get me wrong, I have a blessed existence, but I cannot help but wonder, when will the other shoe drop?