31 December 2011

Goodbye 2011!

2011 was by far the biggest year of my life, as well as the busiest and most expensive. A wedding, honeymoon, pregnancy and finally baby have kept me occupied for almost 12 months straight! It's been awesome sharing everything on this blog. Thanks to everyone who has read along and supported me through this wonderful year! Have a great New Years Eve. See ya in 2012!

25 December 2011

The Best Gift of All




Merry Christmas!




Love, 
Sean, Matt and Natalie

22 December 2011

Relationships: Ex's

How do you define knowing someone? Is it because you make small talk with them at work everyday, or let them vent to you when they’re in one of those moods, or know their favorite song is “Womanizer” because, shamefully, they are not embarrassed to belt it out in front of you? When do we lose sight of our friendships and start becoming different people? When we lose connection for six months? Have a baby? Get married? Go through hardships? When are we suppose to rekindle a lost relationship and try to make up for the time spent apart? When do we decide we care enough to try and get it back, instead of leaving it preserved as a memory in the past? What about past loves? Clearly there is a definite point when the intimacy deteriorates and things are “over.“ So why is it people feel the need to check up on their ex’s and drop in to say hello? To see where they are today? Because there is some feeling left? To see if (and secretly wish) you did, in fact, leave a giant void in their life that no one else has been able to fill? Is it REALLY because there is some deep connection that is worth a friendship? Do you have a point to prove that you're better off without them? Relationships are fragile. Ex's only make things awkward when someone in the relationship is willing to feed into whatever motives the evildoer is hiding. (Yes, ex's are "evildoers".) Still, there are so many questions that follow an ex's reappearance and I am not convinced people are above suspicion. Why leave any room for questioning and jealousy at the expense of your now partner? Everyone says how important trust is in a relationship but chances are your better half is going to feel rejected and like second choice if you continue to correspond with an ex. From the very beginning my husband and I knew it couldn’t work if past flames were involved in any way, even in the form of an occasional text message or email. This was the easiest thing for me to do because I was enamored with my husband. Completely fascinated. I mean stalker type obsessed. It was a little disturbing. I’m sure not all relationships are off to the same start as mine and certainly everyone isn’t as psychotic as me. Still, not everyone shares the same views on relationships as I do. This is shocking, because I have some great ideas on how one should sufficiently function. The only thing to do is ignore and dismiss any encounter an ex tries to make with you, unless you are not satisfied with your current attention situation and need extra. In that case, you should consider re-living your bar hopping glory days and forget about anything serious.

20 December 2011

2 Week Check Up

Today Natalie had her two week check up and everything is looking great! She was 7 pounds 6 ounces at birth and at her three day appointment she had lost 4 ounces. By two weeks babies should gain the weight they lost back. My baby is an overachiever. She has gained an entire pound weighing 8 pounds 6 ounces! That seemed like a lot to me but the doctor was happy about it. She has also grown in length and is 21 inches long. The doctor said she's in the 50th percentile as far as weight and 75th percentile for height. Since my husband is 6'7" and I'm 5'4" I think she gets it from his side. I'm actually the tallest girl in my immediate family so it will be interesting to see how tall she ends up being. She got some shots in the hospital so we didn't have to go through that torment today but she'll have to get some more at 2 months. She is such a strong baby and pretty much from day one was able to lift her head on her own for a few seconds before it flopped back down. I had her on my tummy the other day and put my hands under her feet and she lifted herself while kicking off of my palms and actually moved up my chest a little. We have a healthy baby and I am so happy about that! Plus, look at how darn cute she is! We are truly lucky.


18 December 2011

14 Days of Baby

Newborns sleep a lot throughout the day and I have had plenty of time to blog, I just have been enjoying myself and life as a new mom that I don't have much interest in anything else. Natalie is doing well. She is a typical baby and her hobbies include eating, sleeping and pooping. She has been an absolute dream. So far she doesn't cry too much and when she needs something she just kind of fusses and makes little noises. She has been having some trouble with gassiness and that's when she does get upset and wail. I hate seeing her uncomfortable and really hope the problem gets better soon. Last night was particularly bad. She didn't want to sleep on her back so we held her on our chests tummy to tummy but while we held her we couldn't sleep out of fear of dropping her or rolling over. Matt took two weeks off of work to be with us and all day we adore her and anything she does. He's been such a big help. Changing diapers, feeding, burping, putting her to sleep. All the typical things a good dad does. We both have been working together to make sure the other one's needs are met and I think we're adjusting pretty well. There have been the rough nights when she doesn't sleep much but I am shocked at how little sleep I can run on and feel okay through the day without. I know everyone says to sleep when the baby does but once I'm up it's hard to nap during the day and usually I feel too excited to sleep. I definitely have more energy now than when I was pregnant. As much as I enjoyed housing her in my belly, it feels great to not have 7 1/2 lbs sitting on my bladder and spine and in my arms instead. Parenting seems to come naturally to me. It feels so right to be a mom and like nothing else is more meant to be. I do have moments where I feel a little lost and scared but thankfully I have people to turn to. Babies often breath either really slow and you have to watch their chest for movement or really fast to the point you think they're having trouble. Even though I know this is normal I always freak out a little, especially when she's too quiet. Matt is definitely going to be a little over protective of her but not in an annoying way like nothing is good enough for his baby. He just thinks she's so precious and fragile (because she and all babies are) and wants to make sure she is happy and safe. I obviously want the same thing but am a little bit more relaxed since I've been around newborns before. I can't explain how happy and lucky we feel to finally have her here. I'm also still so thankful about how well labor went. My body is slowing but surely healing. I still look like I'm about 5 months pregnant but I know that takes months to change. I'm not sore or in any pain which is the most important thing. Emotionally I am doing well too. I was terrified of postpartum depression and so sure I'd experience it. The first few days were a little hard. I had some crying spells and way too many feelings to process. The very first day in the hospital was the most exhausting day. All the excitement throughout the day drained me. I was really tired and never got a moments rest since giving birth. The hospital "encourages" moms and babies to be together at all times and never offered to take her to the nursery so I could sleep. This made me feel extremely guilty for wanting someone else to look after my brand new baby and by eight o'clock I was having a little breakdown. My mother in law was with me in the room when I just started sobbing. I explained to her how I felt and she took good care of me. She talked to the staff and they said they would take the baby while I slept that I night. I was so relieved but somehow the nurse seemed like she was reprimanding me for it when they came to get her. I was miserable in the hospital and felt like no one was of any help and not just because of this. They hardly checked on me and didn't teach me the basics like swaddling or how to change a diaper. (I knew how to change a diaper beforehand, just so you know.) All that's behind me though and I'm so happy to be home with my husband and daughter and to have gotten through these first couple of weeks pretty easily. Life is as good as ever!

11 December 2011

Sunday Morning

Last Sunday changed my life forever. Around 5:40 in the morning I noticed fluid seeping down my leg. After much consideration I realized it was my water leaking and not me uncontrollably peeing myself. I called the midwife at the hospital and she said to take a shower, eat breakfast and then come in. I lied back down and the cramping began. It wasn't severe and there was no pattern or consistency. I kept brushing it off and closing my eyes. Meanwhile my husband was violently ill in the bathroom with what was either food poisoning from dinner the night before or a stomach bug. I won't go into what was going on with his body but you can use your imagination. I let him know I might be in labor and he tried his hardest to pull himself together. There was nothing we could do to fix him though so once my contractions became strong enough I called my sister. She came to my rescue and Matt stayed home wishing he were the one driving me to the hospital. I told him that even if I were having the baby that day it would take hours and hours so not to worry about missing much. We got to the hospital around 8:00 or 8:30 am. I filled out paperwork, got asked a bunch of questions and was hooked up to monitors. By this time the pain grew in intensity and in frequency. The doctor came in to see me and said she wasn't going to bother checking how dilated I was since at my last appointment I was 3 cm. I was relieved to hear that as soon as I said the word they would administer the epidural. I wanted to wait until things became too much to handle on my own before I got it because even though they assured me it would not wear off by the time I started pushing I was cautious of that. It didn't take long until I asked for it. My sister was on the phone with Matt giving him updates about what was taking place. I was really nervous about getting the epidural and my body was shaking uncontrollably. I knew I was suppose to sit as still as possible and this made it even harder to stop. The nurse was great though and helped calm me down through it all. They said it would take 10-20 minutes for it to kick in. I got really nauseous and told them I was going to be sick. The nurse held a bag and I threw up. The sick feeling went away. They checked to see how dilated I was and I was at 7 cm. My mom arrived and my sister continued to update Matt. Some interval of time ticked by, it could have been 10, 15 or 30 minutes, I don't know but the pain was then unbearable. I started to feel a burning sensation and knew things were progressing pretty fast. The doctor checked me again and said, "Oh, yep, there's her head!" I couldn't believe it. "Does that mean it's time to push?" I asked. Sure enough it was. They prepared me by having nurses hold my completely numb legs. The doctor told me to push when the contractions came along. I really didn't know how to and had no urge. I couldn't feel anything below the waist (thankfully!) so this was very difficult. Basically it was like doing a sit up though. A very painful sit up. They got Matt on the phone and I let him know she was on her way. He promised to get there as soon as he could. I knew he felt terrible and I did wish he was there but I was on a mission to get my baby out. 20 minutes later at 11:09 am she was in my arms. It was so strange and unreal to finally hold her and see her face. I talked to Matt again and gave him the news. By this time he managed to work up the strength to call his mom and she was by his side with crackers and Pepto Bismol. My mom cut the cord and they cleaned the baby up. She was nice and swaddled as his dad arrived. Soon after that Matt and his mom made it. He held her for a bit before needing to run to the bathroom again. We both were a bit disappointed that he wasn't there. Some things are beyond your control and I guarantee they would have made him leave the room anyway. The whole process went so smoothly and was considerably easy. The labor and delivery staff were wonderful and so supportive. Honestly labor was not how I anticipated. There was so much I expected and definitely a big part I didn't anticipate (my husband not being there) but I flew threw it. It wasn't nearly as emotional as I thought it would be either. I guess it all passed so quickly that I didn't have much time to feel anything other than pain. I feel so proud of myself for getting through it. Even though the circumstances for our family were not ideal the day she was born we certainly have been making it up to her everyday this past week. On top of everything we have a healthy, beautiful, happy baby and there is nothing more we could ask for.







05 December 2011

Welcome to Existence

Yesterday at 11:09 am we welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world! Her name is Natalie Mae. She weighed 7 lbs 6 oz and is 20 inches long. I will post the birth story and all the details (well, most of them) in the next few days.


01 December 2011

Any Day Now

Yesterday was my official due date! I knew it would come and go but I am feeling hopeful that she will come on her own. I had my routine check up on Monday and the doctor seemed optimistic that I won't have to be induced. I am 3 cm dilated and just need to start having regular contractions. I have been feeling especially crampy and wonder if these are contractions. Since Monday I've been expecting to go into labor at any minute. I think it was a good idea to continue working to keep me occupied. I even have more energy fueled by the excitement of knowing she is going to make her debut soon! I had an ultrasound today to check on her and make sure my fluid levels are okay. Everything was good and this was the first ultrasound I've had since 20 weeks. Apparently that's standard unless there is a problem but some women get ultrasounds more frequently even in healthy pregnancies. I've always been jealous of that since I would have loved to see her more. I couldn't really see anything since she is so smushed in there but the sonographer confirmed she's in fact a girl and a pretty good sized one. She guessed that she's about 7.5 lbs but considering how fat I was as a baby I think she could very well be a solid 8. Their estimates aren't always accurate though and can be up to a pound off so we will see. My stomach has been itching like crazy and is really tore up. Stretch marks galore and it's red and irritated. At times I have found myself more easily frustrated and feel like I'm PMS'ing but overall I am in a great mood. I've been having trouble sleeping since my mind is constantly racing and thinking about the days to come. All that's left is to be calm and patient while keeping myself busy and before I know it she will be in my arms!

29 November 2011

Random Topic Tueday

Today’s topic: Do you have any strange phobias? What's your biggest fear?

I will always worry about my loved ones and gasp loudly if someone is standing around a corner and I don’t expect it but I think my biggest personal fear is probably heights. I hate heights. I’m not even talking about skyscraper tall building heights. I mean any level of a building with an opening looking down on the floor below makes me anxious. My stomach has a dropping sensation and my hands get clammy. Even looking at pictures taken from up high doesn't make me feel great. I don’t know where this fear arose from because I certainly wasn’t always this nervous about it. There was no near death experience and nothing traumatic happened to me that would make me think twice about it. I won’t fly on planes, get on roller coasters and even riding escalators in shopping malls makes me grip the rail for dear life. It isn’t a strange phobia in the sense that it’s necessarily abnormal but I think the degree of it is a little more over the top than most people. Admitting it is the first step in overcoming it though, right? Or does that only apply to alcoholics?

What's your biggest fear? Do you think people find it strange?

27 November 2011

Nursery Reveal

I'm happy to announce that the nursery is finally finished!I don't even remember when I started working on it but it's taken some time. Once I figured out what I wanted things progressed pretty smoothly. The hard part was making decisions. I wanted an elegant, feminine room with some whimsical elements and feel good about the choices I made. It's a tiny room and that made it a little difficult to photograph but I did my best. All that's missing is a baby girl to call it her own!

Peaceful sitting area




Crib bedding my mother in law hand made


DIY artwork


Little birdie nightlight

 
Threw in a picture of us on our wedding day. (She's there too, just a bean in my belly.)
Books and clock
Dresser decor

Chandelier

25 November 2011

Tired.

I know I’ve been bad about updating my blog this week but I’ve been so overwhelmed and stressed with work that I haven’t found time and when I do have time I don’t feel like it. Right now I'm lying on the bed on my side with one hand under my head and typing with the other while taking breaks to stare off between sentences like a good crazy person does. I feel completely drained. I’m so tired and don’t feel motivated to do much of anything. I’ve been a little more emotional than usual too and I don’t really know why. I absolutely, one hundred percent feel like I'll have to be induced and won't go into labor on my own and think this is contributing to feeling down. My doctor said they won't let me go past 41 weeks and 6 days. That seems like forever and I really don't want this. She also said that if I want them to, they'll strip my membrane next Monday. I've heard mixed opinions on how painful this is and am not sure how effective it is. I've read people saying they went into labor shortly after but everyone I know found it useless. I'm wondering if anyone had a successful experience with it? I've decided I'm going to work my regular hours next week even though I am so tired and work has been a bitch. Maybe keeping active and busy will make the time pass a little quicker (or make it that much more daunting) and if she does come then labor is always a good excuse to leave early. I hope everyone had a great holiday and I will catch up on my regular reads eventually.

19 November 2011

Belly Update

I'm 38 weeks along and feeling good.

 I don't feel like my pre-pregnancy self but I definitely don't have much if anything to complain about.

Pregnancy has been so good to me. Physically and emotionally both. My co-workers even tell me how upbeat and happy I've seemed ever since becoming pregnant. (If you think I'm pessimistic now, you didn't know me before.)

I appreciate everyone's advice on the whole natural induction methods and will try my best just being patient. People keep telling me how my belly looks like it's "dropped" and like she is ready to come out. I have been enjoying myself and the time spent daydreaming about life with baby.

I know my fantasies are not going to be what's real but it's nice to pretend. I know there will be late nights and early mornings with a cranky baby but all I can think about is the positives. I just hope for a healthy, happy baby and fast recovery.



18 November 2011

WTF?! Friday

Today was so hectic and I'm glad it's over. Hope everyone has a good weekend!


I understand that parents can choose whatever name they'd like for their child. Not everyone is going to think it's a good choice or like the name. I also understand wanting to give your child something unique or uncommon.One couple recently named their baby after a video game character though. A video game character. So they could get a lifetime of free video games. His name is Dovahkiin. I'm not even going to pretend I know how to pronounce that. It's not the name itself that bothers me but the fact that they did it for a stupid contest to win games. Some people put more thought and consideration into naming their pets. WTF?!



I find magazines more and more useless everyday. The stories published are weeks behind what we already know and the layout of them is challenging for those of us who expect while reading an article to turn the page and have the rest of the story to be there. No. Why would it be that simple? Instead I see continued on page 96 at the bottom of page 34 while the next page is just a stupid advertisement. Who designs these things and why is it so hard? WTF?! 


I have a love/hate relationship with computers. My personal laptop crapped out on me this week with no warning signs or anything. Just died completely. I didn't spend a lot of money on it as far as technology goes but I've only had it about three years. That equals around $100 + dollars a year to use. That seems a little ridiculous to me. I may want to consider getting a library card and hanging out there in my free time. WTF?!
The model on the poster below is is shamefully the work of the company I work for. She's beautiful, the hair is great but the photographer missed one key mistake. He forgot to Photoshop her camel toe. She looks like a transsexual. I know the quality of this picture sucks but it might be better this way. It spares you the graphic details. WTF?!


I'm absolutely appalled at how attached people are to their damn phones. My co-worker was watching a video online while I was curiously peering over her shoulder (we're hard workers on occasion) and I thought the clip was a joke. A bride and groom were in the midst of saying their vows when the bride reaches into her cleavage, pulls out her phone and texts someone. The groom just watches her without saying anything. Something tells me she's the kind of girl who would have completely lost her mind if he did that to her. Do meaningful relationships exist anymore or is everything about texts and FB? WTF?!

16 November 2011

Feeling Impatient

Everyone tells you how difficult and miserable the last weeks of pregnancy are and I'm starting to see their angle. I don't know why but I woke up today feeling so impatient and ready.I don't necessarily want her to come early, I know I still have things to do and I'd like to work as long as possible, but I have such a strong feeling she will be overdue. This thought is driving me nuts. I've already taken off six weeks from work starting on the 30th and want to spend as much time with her as possible before heading back. Ideally I would love for her to come on her actual due date (the 30th) but know that probably won't be the case. Anyway, my doctor suggested taking something called evening primrose oil to help soften the cervix. This is a slow process though and it's not proven to work but they think it does. I've read up on some other ways to naturally help speed things up but, again, nothing is guaranteed. The most common methods I hear are walking, sex, nipple stimulation and spicy foods. Pretty kinky. Has anyone done/heard of anything that actually worked for them or a friend? I know either way there isn't much time left but I'd really like to encourage this labor thing.

15 November 2011

Random Topic Tuesday

Today’s topic: describe your taste in music.

This question often comes up in small talk on first dates while trying to avoid awkward silence, “What kind of music do you listen to?” and the most common response, “I listen to a little bit of everything.” I can say that this answer is not true for me. I know it makes me sound like a heap of fun but I don't even really like music all that much. I never listen to the radio except when forced to by my sisters while in the car and I might be the only person who doesn't have an I-pod. I find it more work to constantly shift through stations to find something that I can tolerate than it's worth. Don't get me wrong, I get why people like/love music. It’s amazing what words and instruments can do. Music can provoke feelings you thought all those years of therapy had buried for good. When I hear a good song it makes me feel good. I generally like music with a story that reflects emotion. Call me an unenthusiastic, melodramatic 15 year old but I like a lot of 90's grunge. Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam... it all gets me in the mood to head-bang and set shit on fire. I like some oldies, most of them about relationships. Upbeat jazzy music like good ol' Frank Sinatra always gets my toes tapping. R&B can be good, mostly songs about love. I'm not down with rap, frankly because rappers are glorified thugs and I don't relate to shooting people or selling drugs. Tupac did have a few hits that I liked because he sent a message of change in some of his songs and his poetry is actually pretty decent. In the DC area there is by far the worst genre of music I have ever heard. It's called Go-go and it's ear piercing. Worse than nails on a chalkboard. It's a band of people shouting repetitive lyrics and banging on trashcans. It's archaic and primitive. Luckily it's not mainstream and for good reason. I don’t usually like pop music but I admit sometimes the beats can be catchy and there is a time and place for it. It just seems like most  music is mindless jibber jabber about materialistic things and sex. So there, I don't listen to everything. I'm not trying to sound like a music snob or deep and soulful person by any means but this is how I feel. I do respect other people's taste (or at least silently judge them) and I'm sure if I had to compose a song it would be terrible. I just don't understand how some artists are so popular and  really aren't talented at all.

What kind of music moves you?

11 November 2011

WTF?! Friday

Hope my awesomely positive post puts everyone in great spirits for the weekend. Happy Friday!




I know everyone has heard enough about it but I can't believe people are defending the now former coach of Penn State and are angry about him getting fired, even protesting and turning to violence. If it were a murder he knew about and kept quite that could make him an accessory. I feel like people care more about their stupid football than about the innocence lost. It's also really upsetting that all this hoopla surrounding Joe Paterno has taken away from the real perpetrator and the true victims. WTF?!



I went to Subway for a sandwich and the guy at the counter asked me about my pregnancy. What gender the baby is, when I am due. Typical stuff. Then he asked me how old I am. I told him and he said he thought I was 16 or 17. I was in awe that he thought that and felt it was okay to say. Saying I look like a pregnant teenager makes me feel really self conscious and is offensive. He was clearly judging me the moment I walked in. I made sure I handed him my credit card with my left hand even though it felt awkward and I almost dropped it so he could see my engagement ring and wedding band. WTF though?!


 I was looking online for decor for the nursery and just so happened to find something on Ebay. I have never actually used the site so I created an account and placed a bid on the item I was interested in. The seller then contacted me saying that they didn't like the fact I was a new user and bid on their item. I was completely outraged and befuddled. Long story short I ended up not purchasing the item. I understand that no one should trust anyone online easily, especially when there's money involved but their suspicion was borderline paranoia. Really, what pleasure am I going to get out of holding out payment on a four dollar knickknack? Get it together crazy. WTF?!

Why is it so hard for just about every cashier to have a smile on their face or at least tell you your freaking total when checking out? I get it, you're miserable. Don't be rude to me when I'm polite and when I pay tell me what I owe! It's not hard. I know because I was a cashier before. I didn't love it but I was a good employee and only told people to shove it when they were rude to me first. (That's what good employee's do, right?) I know you encounter rude people all day but when someone is nice to you then attempt to make an effort. WTF?!

09 November 2011

For the Future Mama to Be's

Idea for this post is courtesy of Shannon at Wifey Style with a Southern Smile.

1. Even if you're the most rational and reasonable person, at some point or another, you will probably have a mental breakdown caused by worry. Your body goes through so many changes and you question what's normal and what's a cause for concern. In the first and second trimester I called my doctor and went in for unscheduled appointments at least five times because I was scared something was amiss. Not to mention the hours spent searching the internet for answers, which may have caused some of my anxiety with all the horrible things you come across. By the third trimester I calmed down and though I still worry from time to time I am a lot more confident than before.


2. If you're uncomfortable with people commenting on your appearance then you may want to hibernate for the next 40 weeks. Get used to hearing, "Oh my gosh, you're getting so big!" Thanks. Just what I want to hear while I'm contemplating eating that cupcake that's been on my mind nonstop.

3. I hate when I order a decaf latte and the barista looks at me like I just asked for a syringe and some heroin. I also have ordered a tuna sandwich and been question by the server if tuna was okay to eat during pregnancy. No, it's not okay. I just like living on the edge and disregarding doctors orders. I know everyone has their differing views on what a pregnant woman shouldn't consume but I've done my research and questioned my doctor about what's safe and in what amount. Most people are probably just trying to be helpful but it's annoying nonetheless.

4. People not only comment on how big you are but they stare at your belly to let you know they think you're huge. Complete strangers downright gawk at me and my stomach. I'm pregnant, please stop eyeballing me like I'm a freaking mutant.

5. Sometimes new mothers or pregnant women get too personal and ask if I'm planning a "natural" childbirth. I'm not ashamed by any means but I know where the conversation is going to head once I hear this. Someone suggested I try hypnotherapy instead of an epidural. Let me get my damn drugs in peace and don't look down on me because you chose not to.

6. You learn to multitask pretty early on in pregnancy. Example: you can now sneeze and piss yourself at the same time. Prepare for your dignity to go out the window once expecting. Bodily things that should only happen in private happen very publicly. Your body doesn't care who's around.

7. I've mentioned before but pregnancy is 10 months long. 40 weeks is 10 months. I can't believe I have only three weeks left and I've made it thus far without attempting to strangle anyone. I hope you can too.

08 November 2011

Random Topic Tuesday

I know I'm pretty late but today is still Tuesday so here it is. I'd apologize for the delay but honestly I know no one is devastated the way I wish they were. Enjoy. :)

Today's topic is: why do you blog?

I started my blog around March of 2010 and wrote a couple of entries which no one ever saw since I didn’t necessarily go public with it. It was open to anyone who happened to stumble across it in the virtual world but I never mentioned it or promoted it in any sense. I just wanted somewhere to vent and write my (mostly cynical) thoughts. Shortly after my husband proposed to me while wedding planning I found an online forum where other bride to be’s shared their blogs. I thought this would be a good opportunity to write about my experience and the process of everything. My blog could now have a theme and way to relate to people. I started writing about the upcoming wedding and documenting things like dress shopping and floral arrangements. I found bride and newlywed bloggers with great blogs and started connecting with them. It was a lot of fun to get their opinions on what I should do with my hair and to hear how much they liked my choices. The wedding came and went and so did my interest in talking about it. I was newly pregnant and this is what has consumed me for the past few months. I blog because I love hearing feedback from other mom's and mom to be's and even those who don't have children. It's a nice way of relating to others about things that I typically wouldn't just strike up a conversation about with strangers. I've found people to be so supportive. I'm not sure if they're nicer in the blog world than they would be in real life or not. It's easy to hide behind a computer screen and talk crap if you want to and I think it shows decent character for those who don't. I blog as as a way of documenting my life and sharing it with others. It's a little strange to be so open with the world and the internet can be a dangerous place filled with creepos but I trust that no one is interested in stalking me beyond the information I share here (*fingers crossed*). Mostly I blog because it's entertaining and I really enjoy it. I really hope I don't lose interest and continue to blog.

What inspired you to start blogging?

07 November 2011

Doctor's Appointment

I went to the doctor today and will continue to go weekly until I deliver. I am 60% effaced which means baby is getting ready to be born but doesn't give any indication as to how soon. I had to sign the most grim consent form I've ever laid eyes on. It stated that I was aware of the dangers of childbirth including hemorrhaging, trauma, rupture, damage to my organs, complications to future pregnancies, a long list of other possible outcomes and death. If I wasn't already looking forward to labor I sure am now! I don't care if it makes me any less of a woman, I am terrified of giving birth.

06 November 2011

Small Nursery Sneak Peek

I went shopping today for some items for the nursery and I am pretty pleased with what I got, especially since I wasn't feeling too well and kind of rushed through the store. I purchased a purple print pillow, a clear lamp and a soft, shaggy rug. I already had ordered the chandelier light fixture online and Matt's dad was nice enough to assemble and hang it for us. It's definitely the focal point in the room (until baby arrives) and I love it. It honestly looks better in person but I wanted to share a picture of it anyway. My mother in law and I finally decided on fabric for the crib skirt but still need to choose for the drapes. I found knobs for the dresser and have a tree wall decal on it's way in the mail. I think I'm going to get another shade for the lamp on the side table just because this one looks a little off and is kind of wobbly. I am really picky and sometimes it even annoys myself. I just want an elegant, feminine room that she can grow in to. I do wish sometimes our home were bigger because I really don't have much room to work with and things are pretty tight. I'm excited about how it is all coming together though and can't wait for it to be finished!


Chandelier and little sitting area. Click to enlarge!

04 November 2011

WTF?! Friday

Have a great weekend everyone!


There will always be the dilemma parents face of whether or not to spank their children. I'm not going to get into my opinion on this, but to beat your child is wrong. As I’m sure you’ve all heard the internet is blowing up with a video of a Texas judge whipping his daughter with a belt because the teen downloaded music illegally. It was very graphic and disturbing. Parent's don't have that right to take advantage of and abuse their children. Pretty sure there are laws against that. I'm sure since he's a judge he'll walk away with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. I'm sick of people that are crappy parents reproducing. WTF?!



I'm not going to argue that I'm less lazy than the average person, unless the following is an example of your typical Joe.WTF?!


I think some people subconsciously try to commit suicide. I work in a busy little town with lots of pedestrians and lots of drivers. Today alone I've seen so many jaywalkers strolling across the street when the crosswalk clearly says not to and cars are quickly approaching. And the thing that drives me nuts is that they're completely oblivious to the fact that they're doing it and are talking on the phone or texting, taking their sweet time. One guy started crossing and stopped in the middle of the street for no reason whatsoever. He literally just stood there. Two cars from both sides of the street had the green light and had to stop while he figured out how his legs worked. It made me so mad. If you don't realize that a 4,000 pound racing piece of steel and glass can kill you then maybe you deserve a little tap as a wake up call (okay, maybe a ticket would be less drastic). Still, WTF?!

I just saw a commercial advertising The Big Screen store (wherever there's one of those) and their great deals. You can get a 73" flat screen, a 42" flat screen and a bonus TV stand all yours FREE for just $1,799. Can't find an error with that one. WTF?!