Sunday Thoughts

I'm going to start making Sunday posts a weekly thing (hopefully as much as possible!)  I enjoy going to church and even if you don't believe there are still morals and lessons to be learned that are good to apply to your life =)  After listening to the sermon here's what I got from it:

* In life all things are transient.  Life has ups and downs.  Just when you think you have everything figured out, it's bound to turn upside down.  (So true...) only things of God are constant and when things get rough we need to lean on Him.

* Often Christians try to live separate lives.  They want to be a Christian and also continue to do things that they know are wrong.  It doesn't work!  You can't be a "cut flower".  A flower that is cut off from it's roots will be beautiful and then eventually die.  Stay true.  Be a flower and keep Jesus and God's Word as the roots.

*Sometimes being a Christian means being a "wimp".  Or what's perceived as a wimp by the rest of the world.  (With the whole 'turn your cheek' thing...)  Other people might ask -- why don't you do something?  Why don't you stand up for yourself?  Worldly weakness is also oftentimes being strong in what you believe.  Jesus turned his cheek to the soldiers and they spit on him and put the crown of thorns on.  He could've said a command and a million angels would've been at his side.  He could've ran away; but, thankfully for us, He didn't.

*Be a light wherever you are.  You don't need to sign up for mission trips (not that they're a bad thing!) or go door to door with Bibles.  Hold the door open for a stranger.  Say a kind word.  We don't even need to leave our town and travel to different countries when there are people right here in the U.S. ... maybe even our families...who don't believe.

* Being a Christian isn't something that comes automatically.  You have to train.  You don't pick up a pair of running shoes and expect to run a 15 mile marathon, do you?  Same principle.  You don't just pick up a Bible and expect that you'll do everything perfectly or that it will mean everything's going to be rainbows and unicorns from there on out.  No way.  But training pays off =)

* Isn't it disturbingly ironic how we have all of this freedom: freedom of speech, worship, to marry whomever we want?  And yet churches in the United States are closing down.  Congregations are losing numbers.  But Africa and China -- where Christians are tortured, oppressed, and killed for their faith -- have the highest conversion rates?  4,000 to 5,000 a day....Wow...

18 Weeks Pregnant



This image is taken from http://www.babycenter.com/

 Baby's Length: 5 1/2 inches
Baby's Weight:  7-8 ounces

Increased appetite and energy are common at this time.  Good to know...now I can have that extra slice of pizza and the extra energy to work it off!  WIN-WIN!  Pizza...mmm...I think that's my pregnancy weakness is homemade pizza.  No matter what it always sounds appetizing.  I've gained weight this week!  Now instead of being stabilized it's a pound heavier.  Oh well!  That'll happen when you're pregnant!  Nothing to worry about because I know I'm being healthy.  I will have plenty of time to exercise after baby gets here with Rob being gone.  I'm feeling the baby move during the night and it woke me up last night!  It's the cutest thing ever.  He/She must be turning over because different parts of my belly stick up when I'm laying on my back.  awwwww....

Shakeology

I'm so proud of myself!  (Almost) 18 weeks pregnant and working out 3-5 times a week!  Woohoo me! 

Monday: Shakeology w/ 5 lb weights
Tuesday: Shakeology w/ no weights
Wednesday: Shakeology w/ 8 lb weights
Thursday: Shakeology w/ no weights
Friday: Shakeology w/ 5 or 8 lb weights (I alternate depending on the exercise)
Saturday & Sunday: OFF!  Cardio by taking Christopher for walks etc.

I workout in the morning after a *light* breakfast to burn more flub.  I'm feeling so healthy.  I love it.

Time is precious

Cherish.  Every.  Moment. 

Sad news.  At the moment -- incomprehensible.  It can't be real.  It feels like my stomach is dropping into a black hole and pulling the back of my throat with it.  Did I swallow a rock?  ...or just terrible news.  I'm going to be alone.  He's going to be leaving.  I'm going to be alone.  I'm moving.  I'm going to be alone.  I will hardly get to talk to him.  He's going to miss so much.  My eyes are steaming.  *Deep breath*  It's going to be ok.

Fall Colors

Christopher and I got a bit of the fresh, Kansas air today!  Grabbed my camera, the stroller, and some blankets and headed over to a Wildlife area by us. 

17 Weeks Pregnant



This picture is from BabyCenter.com



Baby's length: 5 inches

Baby's weight: 5 ounces

Baby's cartilage is turning to bone and he / she is swallowing the amniotic fluid to develop taste buds.

Pregnancy Joys: As belly increases, balance decreases due to a change in the center of gravity.  (Ahhhh....that explains the recent clumsiness!)

Unfortunately at the ultrasound on wednesday we were unable to see whether Baby 2 is a boy or a girl.  He/she is SUPER active and the cord is wrapped around the thigh and between the legs.  Our next ultrasound is dec. 13th so we will hopefully be able to find out then!  The heartbeat was 160 and 152, though :)    Right now I am mostly feeling the baby move at night and in the morning when I first wake up.  I am feeling more and more pregnant every day!

Happy Veteran's Day

For some it was just yesterday,

for some it's been faded years.

But their sacrifice is not forgotten

as Veteran's Day appears.

 

Thank you for giving your time

a little piece of your life,

to keep us safe and happy

and keep our lives free from strife.

 

I know I'll never know

the extent of what you endured.

The many sleepless nights,

the heart that's never cured.

 

Just know that I appreciate

the things that you have done.

Freedom does not come free;

the price has to be won.

 

~~ This poem has a special dedication to my Grandpa Jack and my husband. Both wonderful guys who served our country and who I love dearly! ~~

Who Am I?

I am a:
-- mother (See also chaffeur, cook, maid, entertainer, magician, laundry service, singer, activities coordinator, teacher)
-- wife
-- student
-- Christian
-- 21-year old
-- individual
-- woman
-- daughter (See also niece, grand-daughter, great grand-daughter, sister, step-sister, cousin,)

Sometime's it's so easy to forget who I am; especially on days that demand so much of my attention!  I remember the days when homework was just homework.  When being a student meant that all I had to focus my attention on was my schoolwork (and what alcoholic beverage I was going to be consuming on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night).  When my biggest decision about dinner was whether or not to make Ramen, Mac-n-Cheese, or order a pizza.  Now, I'm doing homework while running the dishwasher, making sure the laundry is being switched out, feeding Christopher, and checking to see that the ingredients for dinner are thawing. 

 When Christopher lays down for a nap it could be my time to rest---or I could get the much-needed vacuuming done. 
              But, while I'm vacuuming, I'm thinking about the homework I have to do. 
When I'm doing homework, I think about how I should be out taking a walk. 
               When I'm out taking a walk, I'm thinking about how I should be at home spending time with Rob. 
 It's never ending!  I need to take time out of my day just to remember who I am.  I am Sara.  I am NOT going to get everything on my to-do list done every day.  And that's ok. 

Fruitsnack Jackpot

Sadly I had already eaten 3 of the fruit snacks from this magical bag before realizing that they were all GREEN! 

What are the odds?!??  ....I have no idea.  Trust me -- I looked.  But, I think I should probably buy a lottery ticket today.

NAILPOLISH MESS

NOTE TO SELF:

DROPPING A BOTTLE OF NAILPOLISH ON THE FLOOR MAKES A HUGE MESS.

Cleanup time     : 48 minutes
Cleanup supplies : 27 cottonballs
            : 6 paper towels
            : 1/2 bottle of nail polish remover

My little cutie monster



My beautiful little boy -- such a ham
Nov. 2010 : 19 months

He escaped his crib in favor of mommy and daddy's bed....

TOO CUTE =)





Flashing Lights / Loss of Vision 11.8.2010

About 9:30, while doing my makeup, I got these really funny lights.  Started in my peripheral vision as a white, silvery jagged line and I couldn't see anything.  Then my eyes started flitting around and I couldn't focus and then I totally couldn't see anything for about 4 minutes.  Everything felt like it was in slow motion or something and I felt like I was shaking up and down.  Called the OB and the nurse is calling me back.  I'm kind of freaking out.  It's gone now, but my head feels like it weighs 100 lbs and I just threw up.  I can't find anything on what could be causing it. 

16 Weeks Pregnant

How do I feel about being 16 weeks pregnant? 
:Crazy
:Nervous
:Chunky
:Excited
:Happy
:Intimidated... all rolled into one! 

 I'm getting a baby belly and buttoning pants is becoming much more challenging that before.  Although I can still button all of my jeans ;)  I just feel like a stuffed sausage afterwards.  The baby is flipping around like crazy in there.  Can't wait until the hubster will be able to feel it from the outside.  I have most of my energy back and am not feeling like I need to take the 3 hour afternoon nap anymore.  Baby is roughly 5 inches long and weighs approximately 3 ounces!  I can't believe how much it's grown already and how much more is to come in the weeks / months to follow.  I can't believe that in 5 months I'm going to be holding a baby.  A an adorable, pooping, crying, tiny little bundle of joy!  It's weird how only 9 months can change so much!!  Ahhh I can't wait until Wednesday to find out if we'll be picking out blue or pink.  Looked at names yesterday.  I really like the name Evander (Evan for short)...sadly Rob hates it.  Oh well -- I'm hoping it's a girl because at least we agree on that name!  I'm not telling what it is yet though....AHHH THE SUSPENSE!

10 Things I've Learned about Pregnancy and Motherhood

1.) No matter how much sleep I get...I'm still going to be tired.  Might as well embrace insomnia and do something productive!
2.) I need a stroller that can hold up to our "off-roading" adventures.  Cheaper strollers are cheaper for a reason.
3.) Dressy maternity tops were a waste of money.  I felt old and didn't really like them anyways!  Casual, comfy, and cute is the way to go this time.
4.) Breastfeeding ( . )  ( . )  is great;  but I shouldn't feel pressured about it.  I'm going to breastfeed / pump and use formula at night to keep (more of) my sanity.
5.) Stressing about having the crib up and ready right away was pretty pointless.  Besides (short) naps Christopher slept in the bassinet or pack n play for the first couple months anyways!
6.) S - t - r - e - t -  c- h     m - a - r - k - s    f - a - d - e
7.) Exercise is important.  Had it not been for my daily walks; I would've probably had gestational diabetes!
8.) 300 extra calories...nonsense. Eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full.  I shouldn't worry about eating a certain number of calories / day.  My body will tell me what it needs
9.) Look at outlet stores for awesome deals. DollarGeneral?  Surprisingly has an adorable baby selection of (cheap) baby clothes.  When they outgrow them that fast -- who cares where they're from!
10.) Sit back and enjoy everything because it's not going to last forever!

Craving

First official craving: Fruit Snacks.  I honestly could not stop eating them.  My mouth was watering for them.  5 bags in 10 minutes... Thank God they're only 60 calories each and packed with vitamin C. 

Middle of the night insomnia.  Too bad the rest of the world isn't up and ready to start the day!  Because I am!

Infection somewhere...

Had a urinalysis done today before my OB appt.  Met with an OB specialist: found out I have a very high number of "leukocyte esterase" in my urine which is not normal.  More likely than not it means I have a kidney / bladder infection or UTI; but in rare cases means an infection in the amniotic fluid.  (I know they are obligated to tell me the worst case scenario...but I wish they wouldn't).  Also had a type of bacteria in my  cervical mucus (which could be caused by the infection...I'm waiting on the results of the culture) and they think I have either a kidney or bladder infection.  If it is indeed a kidney infection this could be the source of my back pain.  Right now they gave me the diagnosis of sciatica (he doesn't think it's a herniated disc, and even if it is there's no way to test for it right now because he won't do an X-Ray or MRI while I'm pregnant.  Totally understandable.)  Found the baby's heartbeat after about 3 min of searching and it was a strong 151 bpm.  Baby is laying directly on my spine at this point...also a contributing factor to back pain!  Found out that I did, indeed, have a shoulder dystocia while delivering Christopher and am strongly urged to have a C-Section for this baby.  They think it's going to be another large baby because my fundal height is measuring 1 week and 2 days larger than how far along I am.  Same as with Christopher!  As of right now I'm munching on fruit snacks...

OB Appt

I celebrated a bit too early I guess...by 8 am the pain was back.  Not as bad as yesterday, but I still couldn't put any weight on my left leg. I called the OB and they want me to be seen today.  So I have a urinalysis test at noon (I guess to make sure the pain isn't being caused by a kidney or bladder infection) and then I go to see the midwife. More than likely it's sciatica.  I'm just hoping there isn't some other underlying issue.  UGH! Pregnancy does not agree with me.  This only sucks so bad because Rob can't get out of work and I have no support system of family or friends around here that could help me out with Christopher.   

Strange...

So last night, I went to bed and my back was really hurting.  At that point I couldn't even stand on my left leg; due to the pain in my lower back, and literally crawled up the stairs.  I had a hard time getting comfortable before falling asleep.  Was woken up in the middle of the night and the pain was 1748x worse.  When I even put the tiniest amount of pressure on my leg I thought I was going to shoot through the roof.  (Unfortunately, due to my tiny bladder these days, I had to hobble to the bathroom anyways for the middle-of-the-night pee). Then I laid down and it hurt so bad my eyes were tearing up.  Finally I found a comfortable position on my left side (odd...since that's the side that hurt) and then I felt an air-bubble sensation going through me.  It felt as if a gigantic air bubble left my lower back and then lodged straight behind my right lung.  So I sat up in bed and kind of hit myself on the back / chest and let out a gigantic burp.  Strangely enough --- my back is 100% better.  It's 5 in the morning and I was able to get up without any pain at all and it's as if it never happened.  CRAZY!  But I'm grateful.  =)  I'd just like to say a big Thank You God! I don't know what I would've done....

Owwie

I'm not sure if this is Sciatica or what...I definitely need to go in and have this checked out: I can't stand for longer than 30 minutes without getting a shooting pain down my lower back and I can't sit or lay down without it hurting.  It starts at the left indent in my lower back and goes down the left side of my leg.  Thinking back to when I first noticed it, it was after I sneezed.  I felt a pinching in my lower back and what starts as a dull ache turns into a shooting pain if I step or sit incorrectly.  This is a huge problem because, as of right now, I can't lift Christopher up and I'm having a hard time going upstairs and getting the housework done.  I tried vacuuming, but gave that up after 2 minutes.  Rob's out training in the field right now, so I had to lower Christopher's crib so he could climb into it himself! Hopefully they can get me in soon.  My next appointment is November 10th for my 16 week...but I don't think I'll make it that long!  Ugh!  Pregnancy annoyances!   On a happy note:  I can feel baby moving around right now and that makes me smile =)

15 Weeks Pregnant

I am feeling H-U-G-E today.  I think I'm definitely giong to have a belly from here on out.  I wonder if I'm going to get an outie this time?  I hope not.  Not with my bellybutton thing...that would geek me out.  (Ever since I was little my Grandma told me if I played with my bellybutton my intestines would pop out.  Annnd ever since then I've had this "thing" about my bellybutton.  Nobody can touch it and just thinking of having an outie makes me a little light-headed...it's weird.  I know.)  Bye-bye "good" days  =)  That's ok!  At least that answers the question "Is she pregnant?  Or is she just getting fat in the middle?"  PREGNANT!!!  hehe.  I officially have one pair of jeans that are awesome and fitting great.  I have a feeling I might be washing them every 2 days until I break down and buy maternity pants!  Maternity pants aren't so bad though.  They're so darn comfy!  Perfect for the holidays.  I really want to find a super cute pair of maternity jeans this time around...

Jumping Bean

The baby must be really excited that I'm getting lots of homework done, because he / she is moving all around in there!  I'm loving it   =)  Maybe it will be more of a daily occurrence from here on out?

Pumpkin Fun

Today my little man and I are going to pick out our pumpkins and then turn them into jack-o-lanterns!  So excited to see how he does with it!  Last year he HATED carving pumpkins.  The pumpkin guts grossed him out so much!  He kept making the most disgusting faces!  The cutest picture from last year was of him sitting on his pumpkin.  I'm hoping we can do a Halloween photo-shoot this year, too  =) 

Our futue child?!???

This is sooo creepy yet fun at the same time!  I used the website www.morphthing.com to morph mine and Rob's faces together.  Apparently this is what our baby will look like!

Migraines

I've been having terrible problems with migraines.  They start as a dull ache and tightening in the back of my neck / head and usually around afternoon (often around 3 pm) the pain moves to the top of my head and it feels like my eyes are going to pop out.  When I move, my head throbs.  The only thing that gets rid of them are 1.) Icy hot on my neck / temples 2.) Bandana wrapped tightly around my eyes and head 3.) Rice sock 4.) Sleeping in a dark room away from noise and light  5.) Few sips to 1 can of Mt. Dew.  I think the caffeine in the Mt. Dew is what makes it work.  Usually (when I'm not pregnant) I take an excedrin and that makes the migraine go right away.  I've also been craving chocolate this week -- which is weird for me -- and having bad mood swings.  Maybe they go hand in hand with migraines?!   Other than migraines, the pregnancy is going well =)  When I lay on my back I get the cute little pregnancy bump and I can feel the baby move sometimes.  Can't wait until it's everyday!!!

Grandpa Scott & Grandma Mary coming to visit!

Today my dad and his fiance are coming to visit!  Yay =)  It's about a 10 1/2 hour drive without stopping.  But as soon as you turn off the interstate to make a bathroom break or fill up the tank it honestly adds 20 to 30 minutes every time.  So, essentially, it can take up to 14 hours if you're stopping alot and have a 1 1/2 year old!  They left at 8 a.m. so I'm assuming they'll be here around 7:30 pm.  My dad -- being the prankster he is -- texted me super early this morning saying "Iowa Sucks"... (Iowa is about the halfway point...  then I got another text from him at 8:55 a.m. saying "The day has come..."  (he's been texting me the countdown til he gets here for the past month) and then 10 seconds later the doorbell rings.  So natrually i'm assuming it's him at the door and he wasn't kidding about Iowa.  PSYCH!  It was a woman coming to pick up some of Christopher's old stuff, not dad.  I about had a heartattack because I want the house to be very clean when they get here and I still ahve to run to the store etc.  Anyways -- that's about it!  I'm going to tackle the nail polish stain in the carpet that my wonderful son left last night!  And then I'm going to try and remove the blue crayon from his bedroom walls with some goo gone.  That's about the only thing I haven't tried on it yet so I'm really hoping it will work!  We live in a pre-fab house and they have really cheap paint so everything else took the 1/2 inch layer of paint right off the walls. 

Movement!

I was laying on my back a little bit ago and I know I know  I KNOW I felt the baby move!  AHHHH!! It was crazy!  It's not like strong kicking or anything like that because the little guy / girl is only 3   1/2 inches long and tiny; it feels like something is doing the wave.  Kind of like when you go over a hill really fast in the car?  It's so hard to describe but unmistakable.  EXCITING!!!  Maybe that means I will be feeling it more and more now!  Definitely earlier than when I felt Christopher move (I think I was 18 1/2 weeks..and I also didn't know what it felt like).  But that happens with the 2nd baby!  =) 

BBQ and Baked Apples=Fall

MMMMmmmm I LOVE FALL!  WAHOOOOO!!  I wake up to the house at a brisk 56 degrees and I looove it.  There's nothing better than being able to snuggle up in the blankets and then be able to put slippers and a sweatshirt on.  It's awesome!  My hubby doesn't like it so much...but I can use the pregnancy as an excuse to get my way...right?  hahaha.  I made homemade BBQ sauce today and put it in the crockpot with a beef roast.  We're having some guys from Rob's company over for dinner (and they all like to eat...a lot) so, I figured we'd need A LOT of food!  Pulled BBQ beef sandwiches sound delicious!  In addition to all of the food they're going to be grilling!  I really don't like grilled food so much when I'm pregnant.  It was the same thing when I was pregnant with Christopher.  It makes me a tad bit nauseous!  So yeah.  And I'm baking some apples with butter and cinnamon (nummmmy).  Yesterday Christopher cracked me up -- once again!  He hid rocks from my zen garden and I absolutely couldn't find them anywhere.  Guess where his ingenious hiding spot was???? HIS DIAPER!!! Ohhh he cracks me up.  The kid took a nap with rocks in his diaper.  What a goofball.  I'm feeling more preggers!  My belly is firming up.  It's cute.  I am much more at ease with it this time than when I was pregnant with Christopher.  I know that as long as I exercise and walk and don't pig out on useless calories that I'm going to be just fine.  I'm doing much better with "embracing" the whole pregnancy thing.  I'm enjoying it very much!  Getting so excited to start feeling baby2 kick regularly.  Although that's going to mean problems getting comfortable and sleeping.  Oh well! 

Christopher enjoying the fall weather and the outdoors

Disastrous Day

Today is officially one of "those days".  I couldnt' wke up for anythign this morning and, even though I'd sworn off caffeine (coffee), it was a NECESSITY to have a cup.  Wasn't even a question.  I'm fairly sure I would've been quite content laying face-down on the couch snoozing all day if I hadn't had that cup of coffee to perk me up this morning.  We went to Wal*Mart which is sure to never improve one's mood.  Got home and I took a nap as long as Christopher was napping.  Woke up in a good mood!  Started making lasagna (3 cheese bubbling lasagna with fresh chopped parsley etc...)  Let me tell you lasagna is not something that's really easy to quick whip up if it's from scratch and you're doing it a certain way.  You have to prep the noodles and the filling and chop stuff up and make the sauce (homemade...).  Not to mention Christopher was super-duper hungry so he kept walking around whining "I HUNGGY!!".  And I wasn' tabout to feed him snacks right before dinner...so finally the lasagna was finished.  Ohhh it was perfecto.  Golden cheese on top bubbling.  MMMmmmm...and then?  I took a bite.  The ricotta cheese must've been spoiled and I hadn't realized it when I was mixing it in with the mozzarella, parmesan, and eggs.  So then that threw me into a fit of barfing.  Christopher was still hungry.  So here I have this delicious looking lasagna which I spent an hour making and then an hour baking!  and it's spoiled and I couldn't even eat it.   So I grab a cup out of the dishwasher only to find that our P.O.S. dishwasher DIDN'T WASH THE DISHES.  Now I have to handwash them anyways after rinsing them all off....UGH.  We had mac-n-cheese for dinner.  Well -- Christopher did.  I had a yogurt.  Now I'm going to sit here with my hormones and sulk and listen to Daniel Powter.  Cliche?  I don't care.  I need this today. 

11 week update

11 weeks pregnant

Well all of baby's organs are formed and functioning, so the risk for birth defects significantly decreases after this weeks! woohoo! Baby is between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches long (or about the length of a sugar packet) and weighs 1/3 of an ounce.  Awww...over the next 9 weeks the baby will increase in height and weight by 30 times...which means....I'm going to increase in weight.  Hopefully not by 30 times, though!  I'm actually excited to start having a baby belly.  Although there are lots of things I won't be able to do properly anymore.  Watch -- once I actually have a baby belly I am going to look back on this and say, "What the heck was I thinking?"  But that's ok.  That's why I have a blog =) 

Yesterday was not a good day.  I woke up at 6:30 with a headache and by 9 am it was a full-blown migraine.  I stayed up with Christopher until quarter to 10 and then had to go lay back down.  I even fell asleep with the dogs barking next door!  Shockingly!  Rob's such a sweetie.  He took Christopher shoe shopping and I woke up and freaked out because I hadn't heard them leave or anything!  Too cute. Anyways.  Then it was Christopher's naptime and I still had the mgiraine so I went back to bed, too.  I woke up and Rob had brought me a burrito (which I shared with Christopher) and some mt. dew for my migraine!  Since I can't take excedrin...and tylenol doesn't do much for me.  I think the caffeine in the dew really helps.  Anyways -- that's it for now!  Knock on wood allergies are actually starting to get a little better!  =)

Finally fall

Better late than never!  I love waking up to a nice, chilly house and actually being able to snuggle in my blankets before rolling out of bed.  Christopher and I are going to take a morning walk today in the beautiful sunshine weather.  I am definitely feeling more pregnant -- my "bloating" is starting to get pretty hard.  There's a discernible roundness to my belly -- maybe not visible to other people who don't know me well and may mistake it for some extra chub; but, I can tell!  Only 3 more days until our ultrasound!!!!  You can't tell that I'm excited or anything.  I absolutely can't wait to hear the heartbeat and see the cute little kiwi!  (It's the size of a kiwi, supposedly.)  2 inches long and 4.5 grams!  Awwww....

Christmas in September

Definitely listening to Christmas Classic Sing-Alongs for probably the 16th time.  It's Christopher's new favorite movie.  We're going to be especially ready when Christmastime comes because we'll have all of these songs memorized already!!  And when I say "classic" sing-alongs -- I'm talking about the old school Rudolph the Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman that were old when my parents were kids. haha =) 

10 weeks+1 Day

Ahhh....the time is flying by already!  Today I have a super bad pregnancy migraine (I know that's what it is because tylenol absolutely won't touch it).  And Christopher doesn't want to nap.  So it's a terrible afternoon.  Also I can't wait to get out of this neighborhood and KS in general.  It's not my thing.  I love being with my family and I really liked it at first because it was an adventure -- but the weather stays too humid and warm and the people here are slow and the medical facilities are way behind in technology. Well that was my rant.  I'm feeling the moodiness today. 

What is your problem?

Rob, Christopher, and I were sitting at the table eating dinner, and Christopher and Rob were being goofy, when all of a sudden Christopher blurts out, "What is your problem?" all at once.  Clear as a bell.  Both Rob and I heard it at the same time and were like -- "That sounded exactly like 'What is your problem!'"  It was hilarious.  Another new thing Christopher is doing: Whenever he's doing something naughty he covers his eyes --like I won't be able to see him anymore!  It's too cute.  He's my little stinker butt.

SSDD Syndrome

I don't know if the added hormones have anything to do with it; but, I am definitely suffering from SSDD -- same sh*t different day.  I feel like my entire life is comprised of waking up, making the bed, changing a diaper, getting a sippy cup full of milk for Christopher, making breakfast, cleaning up after breakfast, chasing Christopher around the house, re-making the bed because he tore the covers off, applying for jobs that I'll never get because I can only work certain hours because of daycare, making lunch, changing another diaper, putting him down for a nap, doing dishes, taking a nap myself because I'm so freaking exhausted all the time, waking up, making the bed (again), getting snacks, starting dinner (which usually sucks anyways because I'm too nauseous to cook), keeping Christopher occupied, eating dinner when Rob gets home, taking a walk, giving Christopher a bath, doing dinner dishes, putting stuff away.  OH YEAH AND SQUEEZE LAUNDRY IN THERE along with multiple other things and I feel like I accomplish everything and nothing at the same time.  Every day...same thing...same thing...same thing...DIFFERENT OUTFIT.  I have no idea. 

 Maybe I can blame the hormones but I feel like ... I don't know.  It's just getting to me.  I feel isolated.  I love being away from family because I get smothered...but on the flipside on days like this I would love to call up my brother and be like, "Hey...lets go fishing!" And I can't.  I'm bored. There's absolutely nothing I can do about it.  What am I going to do by myself with a 1 1/2 year old?  Sure I take him to the park...we go grocery shopping... I do the best I can, it's just getting to me.  I can't take him fishing by myself.  What am I going to do with 2 kids? I need a break.  I need a vacation from it all.  I'm stressed.  I can't find a job.  I'm worried about moving and what if I don't have enough money for the new baby?  I know things will work out...it'd just be nice to have some re-assurance.  I need a hug.  Or a pint of ice cream, box of kleenexes, and a chick flick.

The Scenery

Tonight Christopher and I went for a walk.  Here are a couple pictures I took on our excursion....

"What we see depends mainly on what we look for."

-- John Lubbock --

Potty Training Boot Camp: T - 1 day

it's OFFICIAL.

I've had it with diapers.

it's been 4 weeks of introducing the potty-chair

and......

it's time.

Tomorrow is Potty Training Boot Camp for Christopher. 

The Plan:
: Keep him downstairs
: Cover furniture and carpeting with old sheets
: Remove diaper and have him be naked from the waist down
: Lots of fluids -- gatorade, watermelon, popsicles, etc...
: Watch for signs to go to the bathroom
: Get him on potty chair ASAP

Rainy Day

Last night Rob and I got to go out on a date :)  For the first time in like 6 months!  Went to a place in Manhattan, KS called the "Purple Pig" (Purple is the color of K-State...).  We were the only people in there besides 2 drunk guys at the bar and the bartender!  It was fun, though.  I really enjoyed getting out.  But, it's been so long that I forgot what it's like NOT to be with Christopher!  Kind of weird.  I had to keep telling myself he was fine and to just enjoy the night out.  We had deep-fried pickles -- they were really good! 

Anywho.  Today is a blah day.  I woke up with a headache and it's raining still.  It was the first storm Christopher's ever been awake for, though.  Usually they're all at night and he never wakes up or hears them.  So at 5:15 this morning he wanted to watch the lightning!  hehe. It was cute.  Then he went back to sleep until 8 am.  I entered him in the Gerber PhotoSearch contest and we can start voting for his picture October 3rd!  I'm not actually expecting him to win but it would be SO neat if he did.  $25,000 college scholarship.  That would be nice considering tuition costs are just going to keep going up!

The photo I entered for the contest.

Lake Milford

Here are a couple of pictures from the other day when we took Christopher out ot the Lake.  He enjoys throwing rocks into the water and watching them splash! 

Can't believe it's still in the 90's down here..... being from WI I'm used to wearing long sleeved thermals, jeans & fleeces this time of year.  Not tank tops and capris...

8 week + 2 day Ultrasound

First OB appt / ULTRASOUND!!!

So the doctor appointment went well...blah blah blah GOT TO SEE THE BABY!!  It was so exciting :)  I got a phone call a few days ago saying they forgot to schedule the ultrasound in radiology and that it wasn't routine for the OB to do one... so they were going to have to re-schedule.  Then, when I saw the nurse today she saw that I had been to the ER for cramping / bleeding and also had a history of miscarriages, well, she decided to get me back there just to make sure.  It was a relief because it definitely hasn't felt 100% "real" until today.  I got to see the heartbeat!  But since it was a portable ultrasound (and pretty small) she wasn't able to record it or get the BPM (beats per minute).  My next ultrasound / appointment is scheduled for October 1st with a midwife.  Today the baby was measuring at 8 weeks 5 days (which is right on...I'm 8 weeks 2 days).  Everything is going wonderful!  I also had to stop at the lab before I left and have my bloodwork done (see if your iron levels are normal etc) annnd -- my favorite -- I got to pee in a cup! LOVE THAT!

And with the rest of the doctor appointment....they really didn't do too much. Weighed me -- I've lost weight since becoming pregnant.  20 lbs total since I moved down here!  Checked my blood pressure: 120 / 75. Perfect.  I saw the nurse and she gave me a bunch of pamphlets: map of the hospital and directions how to get to the OB dept (which I obviously don't need because I found my way there in the first place...), info on spina bifida and other birth defects, list of phone numbers in OB, and medications safe to take during pregnancy (which was a horrible list anyways and didn't even explain the classifications.  Glad I kept my old one from when I was pregnant with Christopher!)  Oh yeah P.S. They're giving me a prescription for zyrtec!  Thank God.  These allergeis were knocking me on my butt. 

Yard Sale Prep

October 2nd is the bi-annual post-wide rummage sale day.  I'm *hoping* to sell lots of Christopher's old clothes.  I already sold probably 50 items of clothes and donated some and I still have 11 heaping piles of clothes in my living room.  It's nuts! That way if baby #2 is a girl....(which I think it is)....then we can use the rummage sale money to buy girl clothes!  And if it's a boy....well then we'll still be able to buy new clothes :)  I want Rob to have the baby experience which is part of the reason I want to get rid of everything and start over.  It's going to be a new experience for me, too. I will actually have somebody to share this pregnancy with!  I'm so excited! 

Here's an idea I hope will help me sell at the sale: Stuff-a-bag.
I'm having small, medium, and large gift bags for $12, $20, and $30.  Whatever fits in the bag will be theirs for the set price!  I really want to get rid of his clothes.  Especially if we're going to be moving... which is a definite possibility.  Don't even want to think of that right now!  We just got settled in down here! 

A baby is a gift of life
      born of the wonder of love----
A little bit of eternity
      sent from the Father above,
Giving a new dimenstion to the love
     between husband and wife
And putting an added new meaning
     to the wonder and mystery of life.


-~-Anonymous-~-

Non-toxic -----> Such a great idea!

Good thing they're non-toxic!  My sneaky little monkey of a child climbed in his closet, pulled down the bath toys, and I walked into his room to find his mouth completely blue. "NOM NOM!"  I bet.....

Hamburger -- hold the tomato, lettuce, meat, ketchup, mayo, & onions please

NAUSEOUS. so nauseous. can't eat food....or even smell it. I smell food: I puke. I see food: I puke. This is terrible.

My little kidney bean

Had my first ultrasound today and everything looks good -- from what they can see.  The baby is in the right place (....the uterus) and the sac around it is already developed!  So the baby + the sac around it is only the size of a kidney bean!  The baby him/herself is only a little bigger than a grain of rice.  It's crazy how something so small can create such huuuge changes in me: no appetite....the urge to sleep at every, single, possible opportunity! 

Photograph by: Martin Bernetti / AFP / Getty Images, National Post

Also -- I don't want to eat anything except for sandwiches (when I actually even feel like eating; which is about once a day).  And I'm craving grapefruit juice (which I normally HATE) and lemon juice mixed with water.  How strange, right?

Ohhh Chit

Today was Christopher's first swear word in a sentence.  It was....so adorable!  But, it just reminds me that I really need to watch it because those little ears are always tuned in -- even when I think he isn't listening!

Here's how it went down...
We were playing outside -- Rob was grilling chicken -- and Christopher dropped one of the balls he was playing with.  He got this really upset look on his face and said...."Uhhh oh.  Ohhhhh chit"    It was the first time he swore......and it won't be the last.  But hopefully we can kick the habit until his late teen rebellion stage.

Also -- got good news back from the doc.  My hCG levels are at 8,539 (which is perfect! Right on track -- healthy, growing baby!) and my first ultrasound is tomorrow.  Very exciting!

Feeling funny isn't fun

I'm still having some stomach cramps / pain.... I have no idea what from.  Christopher and I shared a strawberry shake a few days ago and he got sick after that (diarrhea...TMI! haha) and I haven't felt quite right since then either.  It tasted funny & I threw it away; but, that was only after we had downed a good portion of it. Today I feel lightheaded and dizzy and I'm not sure if it's because I haven't been able to keep much down or if it's something else?  Maybe these darn pregnancy hormones again?  Probably.  At 3 o'clock (that would be 48 hours since it started getting bad) if these cramps haven't gone away I'm going to call the doc and see what they think I should do.  I just don't want to take any chances.

Besides the cramps I've had a pretty good day though :)  It's my day off so I'm spending it with the little man.  We made a lego tower and had dump truck races down the hallway.  It was a blast.  Now I'm hoping he wants to take a little nappy-poo because I could use one, too!  Also -- hubby went back to work today.  He's been on vaca for awhile and it was SO nice having him home that I miss him.    Uh Oh......I don't hear Christopher.  That's bad news......when they're quiet?  They're getting into mischief.  GOTTA RUN!

Mission: Potty Training

Here's the deal: I've been doing a lot of research on the subject and I think for the next month I'm just going to get in the routine of getting Christopher used to the potty.  Take him in there immediately in the morning, before and after naps, and whenever I go to the bathroom.  Then, in 4 weeks, I'm going to try the "Diaper Free in 3 days" method.  Essentially. after the child is familiar with the potty, and used to going at regular intervals then you have them go naked below the waist over the course of 3 days.  During each day encourage lots of liquids and keep the potty chair handy and stay at home -- as there will probably be quite a few accidents.  Then when he starts to "go" just whisk him off to his potty chair and VOILA! Potty trained   :)  In 3 days...... (we'll see how that goes)  But I'm determined to have him out of diapers before the baby gets here!

Steak with a side order of nausea, please

Normally hubby's steak is delicious....by far the best steak I've ever had in my life.  (He's a really good cook)  Not anymore!!!  Now they smell like burnt rubber and asphalt and taste even worse!  Thanks hormones for ruining steak for me.  When I was pregnant with Christopher I couldn't get near cooking eggs or pork -- made me puke.  But, other than that and being tired, I feel great!  Went to the fish hatchery with Christopher yesterday and that was pretty fun!  Of course he wanted to stick his fingers in the water; however, that wasn't a great idea because a huge walleye was eyeing it up as dinner....

TGIF? No...TGIASAIGTSI -- Thank God it's almost Saturday and I get to sleep in

Completely. Void. Of. All. Energy.   


Must.....sleeep.........

New Beginnings

Went into the hospital today to have my 48 hour re-check of hCG levels.  Optimally (is that a word?....if not; it is now) my levels were supposed to double. Usually in early pregnancy they double every 30-72 hours.  Well -- mine TRIPLED!  On Monday they were at 233 and today they were at 763.  Last time she told me my levels, I could've sworn she said 312...but, she double checked, and is positive they were only at 233 on Monday.  You know? It's really funny how before I could've cared less about any of this stuff and, suddenly, even the tiniest detail matters!  Everything that would seem miniscule to an onlooker is pretty much my entire life right now!  Every day I wake up is one day further along....one day closer to being 5 weeks!  Then after that is 6 weeks....then 12...then 36....then BAM! Just like that you're already holding your baby and -- before you know it -- they're running.  Next thing you know they're saying words and feeding themselves.  It's crazy.  I think back to when I was pregnant with Christopher and it seems like yesterday.  It's flown by way to quickly and now he's a year and a half already!  AHH!  

Also --- I've begun potty training today.  So far I just pulled the potty chair down so he can get "acquainted" with it.  He sits on it and we bring it to the bathroom whenever I go so he gets used to that.  The reason I'm starting....well....actually there are 2 reasons.  First off I want him to be completely potty trained by the time the baby gets here, otherwise it's going to get way to hectic and I don't want him to be in diapers in kindergarten.  (Pottytraining is a challenge and I don't want to take on too much if we have a newborn.  Life will be stressful enough!!)  Second reason I want to start is because he's been taking poopie diapers off in secret.  It's disgusting because he's so sneaky about it and then -- even though he doesn't try to -- poop gets all over EVERYTHING!  And after sanitizing his room, toys, crib, blankets, and pretty much everything I could see for nearly 3 hours....let's just say I never want to do that again.  The time has come!

Just a little poke

Today I had some bloodwork done at the hospital on post because they were concerned about my hCG (pregnancy hormone) levels being too high and with the past miscarriage they wanted to have it checked ASAP.  Week by week the levels increase until they finally plane off towards the end of the pregnancy -- but in the beginning the hCG levels should double every couple days.  Sometimes if the levels are too high or too low it could indicate a problem with the baby or be the first signs of a miscarriage.  But -- for being 4 weeks along -- my levels are perfect!  Such a relief to hear.  I was literally in and out of there today: just a quick poke in the lab and that was it!  2 hours later the nurse called me with the results: 312.  I go back into the hospital in 48 hours to have my blood drawn again and the numbers should double (or at least be close to doubling).  If everything looks good then I won't have to be seen again until my first appointment!  YAY! 

"A fellow who jumps to conclusions is not always certain of a happy landing" -- anonymous

It took me FOREVER to figure out the weeks of pregnancy...again. It's so confusing!  You start counting the weeks from when Aunt Flo came to visit -- BEFORE you even do the dirty mambo.  So even though i'm only 11 days pregnant (technically) it actually turns into almost 4 weeks.  Crazy!  Again, got home from work today and paaaassssssed outttttt.  At least today I didn't leave a drool pool the size of Lake Erie on hubby's pillow!  Oopsies hehe.  He wasn't as impressed as I was.  Then Christopher and I brought some dinner to Rob because he's doing 24 hour guard duty on post.  It was fun!  He must've been super hungry because he ate a big sandwich, half of a zuchini, mashed potatoes, and 1 1/2 slices of pie.  I envy his high metabolism. And of course Christopher *had* to bring his fishy backpack; where Christopher goes, so goes the backpack.  Oh I also made my first OBGYN appointment for Sept. 13th at 10 a.m.  So exciting!  Now we wait.......

Positive or Negative? Plus or Minus? 2 or 1?

And the answer is......POSITIVE! PLUS! 2!  I'm referring to the pregnancy test I took last night....at 11:00 p.m. after I ran all the way to Wal-Mart at 10:30 to get it.  I think I was in shock for the first 20 minutes!  This is all too ironic because the appointment to have my IUC (Intra Uterine Contraceptive) *was* TODAY! HA!  I couldn't help but laugh -- so close yet so far away!  Aside from being crazy nervous and wondering how on earth we're ever going to manage 2 and trying to figure out how I'm going to make room in my heart for any other kid besides Christopher: I'm actually really excited! 

So far nothing out of the ordinary for a pregnancy -- I'm freaking tired.  No...tired isn't even the correct adjective. There isn't a word to describe how I feel but I think "completely drained of all physical energy making me want to crawl in my bed and never return for the next 3 months" would come pretty close.  That isn't a joke either, I seriously have no energy whatsoever.  It's like a terrible case of mono (I would know....I had mono before!).