Diary of a Shoe Addict

Moved

2010-01-31T19:37:00.001-06:00

Please come here (www.shoeaddict-dailylivin.blogspot.com) to read me now.

I hope you'll come!

Finally!

2010-01-28T20:06:00.004-06:00

I keep starting a post and then getting dragged away. I also start a lot of them in my head and never come to write. I'm toying with the idea of just starting a whole new blog and putting the link here. I am not really into being "shoeaddict" anymore. I mean, I still LOVE shoes but I only wear about three different ones these days. I'll let ya'll know what I decide.

Anyway, Bunny was 3 months old on January 17 and she's growing so much. She tries to pick her head and shoulders up when she's laying down and is almost rolling over. I put her in her Bumbo for the first time this week and she really loves it. She can only sit for about 15 minutes before her head gets tired and it starts to kind of just hang there.

She is still exclusively breast fed and I love it. Leaking is the only thing that I do not love but, it's really not that big of a deal. I'm toying with the idea of breast feeding past one year but have not decided anything yet. We are also delaying solids until 6 months and I'm reading about baby led weaning. I'm an "Earth mama" according to my own mother but this is what feels right to me for our family. (Not that my mother doesn't support my choices. She does. For the most part.)

I'm trying to find some type of class for us to join. A music class or something, you know, so that she can play and meet other kids. I have the name of one type of place that I'll call soon. She has to be at least 4 months to start there and I don't think I'd start her until the summer anyway. Plus, it's more gymnastics than music and I'd prefer music. I've asked my Facebook friends to help me with finding something so hopefully that comes through.

I'm so tired and still have lots to do so, check back soon to see what I've decided to do about the blog.

A Few Things...

2010-01-12T18:42:00.003-06:00

~I really miss all my shows! I'm so glad that House and Grey's are back. I don't understand why the shows go on such big long breaks now. I'm ready for 90210 to come back too. And Glee. And Sons, of course. They won't be back for awhile.

~I have been cooking up a storm! I cooked shrimp and corn soup (with potato) on Saturday and chicken and sausage jambalaya and chicken stew yesterday. I was kinda free falling with the chicken stew. My mama makes the best one and she's not home to give me the recipe. I made a roux (and it was dark) but the stew isn't dark.

~It's king cake time! I love it. I'm not into Mardi Gras in New Orleans but, I enjoy king cake.

~I really want to revamp the blog. I'm thinking of just erasing this whole format and redoing it. I won't lie, lack of readers keeps me from going all gung-ho, posting as much as I did, etc. I guess that is wrong but, it's the truth.

~Bunny will be 3 months old Sunday. And I will be 29!

Georgia

2010-01-10T13:02:00.005-06:00

Blue is from a tiny farming town in south Georgia. On January 1, we left to take Bunny to see her family in Georgia. She was 11 weeks old. She was SO good on the trip (there and back and during). She slept in the car the whole way. We woke her up every three hours to eat, change diaper and stretch. She loves to stretch. She also slept 7 hours one night and 8 hours another night.

Here are some pictures of the trip.

In the car on the way there
Entertaining Grandma and Grandpa

Taking a nap with Daddy

Meeting her namesake, Blue's grandmother

Bunny and her 2nd cousin who is 4 months older

On the way home...

Asleep in Grammy's arms at home

Resolutions

2009-12-30T01:09:00.002-06:00

In no particular order, this is a list of some of my goals for 2010:

start exercising again regularly (um, or at all)
eat better- more fruits and veggies, less cake and white bread (oh how I love the bread, biscuits, cake)
have more sex (difficult with a new baby)
have non electronic (no tv, cell phones, computer) quality time with Blue and Bunny
keep Bunny's clothes organized- put away things that don't fit or she won't wear again (I'm doing a good job of this SO FAR-with help-but she's only grown out of one size. And those clothes are culled out of her wardrobe but not put away)
read AT LEAST 12 (I'm saying one a month) books that have nothing to do with breastfeeding, parenting, babies.
journal more- hand written or computer
make some mommy friends
save money
go to church with Bunny
breastfeed for the whole year
learn more about baby led weaning, no cry sleep solutions and other gentle parenting practices

What are yours?

Merry Christmas From the Family

2009-12-22T15:54:00.003-06:00

I wanted to be sure everyone got their cards before I did this but, I was so late in getting them out! The last of them went out today. OH WELL!!

This is our Christmas Card/Birth Announcement. LOVE THEM.

A Christmas MeMe (To Try & Cheer Me)

2009-12-20T16:41:00.002-06:00

I'm in a little bit of a funk. I'm tired. I'm hot (post partum hormones??). My house is messy. I WANT cheese (I'm non-dairy, more on that later). I found this at Swistle's blog so, I thought I'd do it. I like Christmas a lot and am wondering about everyone else's traditions.

Eggnog or hot chocolate? I know that I do not like eggnog but I have not tried it in a long time. I really love hot chocolate.

Does Santa wrap the presents or leave them open under the tree? This is my first year as Santa and those presents will be wrapped. But not by me. M1 is coming tomorrow to ~~help~~ do that for me. I understand that she's only 2 months old and won't know the difference. I WILL though. (From Santa, Bunny is getting this and some outfits, a Christmas ornament with her initial (it's already on her stocking), a stuffed reindeer and that's all. I think) When I was little, sometimes Santa wrapped, sometimes he didn't.

Colored lights on a tree or white? I like both. Our tree is an artificial one that came with white lights. I'm allergic to real ones.

Do you hang mistletoe? No. But if I found some, I'd buy it and hang it. I do enjoy kisses.

When do you put your decorations up? Next year, I will try VERY hard to do it Thanksgiving weekend or that week after. This was the first year we have really decorated and I did it in stages.

What is your favorite holiday dish? My mom's broccoli casserole and sweet potato crunch.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes. Our tradition is to go to my MaMa and PaPa's house (my mom's parents) for Christmas Eve. We have dinner and fellowship (hang out!) and then we open the gifts. There are 15 of us this year- (Blue, me, my parents, bro and sis-in-law, grands, uncle & aunt and Ms 1-3, D and BUNNY!) Then, bro and sis-in-law, Blue, Bunny and I will go to mom and dad's house to open our gifts from them.

We spend Christmas Day with my dad's side of the family. I (sadly) don't have grandparents on that side but my dad has one sister who has three grown kids. We are going to my cousin, Jen's, house this year. Usually it's either at my mom's or my aunt's (who is my godmother, AKA Nanny) house but Jen moved into a new house recently and wanted to host it. I MIGHT host it next year.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Like I said, this year is the first year we've had our own. Yes, I know, it's about time. I decorated it with the ornaments that I've gotten throughout the year, all of the many ones that Bunny has received, and the ones I used as a child. My mom let me borrow those because she's not putting a tree up this year. I am a traditional kind of gal and I like the "homey" trees with the mismatched ornaments. In a few years, I'll put a mini tree in Bunny's room. I saw a pink one at Kohl's that I LOVED.

Snow: love it or hate it? Well, I live in the deep south so, my interaction with it has been limited. I've loved it every time but, I wouldn't like it if I had to deal with it all the time.

Can you ice skate? Ummm, if you knew me, you'd laugh at this. So, no. I cannot.

What is your favorite holiday dessert? peanut butter blossoms, pecan pie, chocolate... I don't meet many desserts that I don't like.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? It's cheesy but truthfully, I just really love to be with my family- extended and close. And I really love the food. L-O-V-E.

Candy canes: yum or yuck? I don't hate them. I like to eat the multi-colored one more than the peppermint ones. I think the peppermint ones are pretty.

Favorite Christmas show? Christmas Vacation (even though I'm DONE with it this year because Blue has watched it ONE MILLION times already) and Elf. I'm also partial to Charlie Brown's Christmas too. I HATE the Grinch.

Well, I don't feel all that better, to tell you the truth. Now, I'm hungry and it's time to wake Bunny from her nap. She's prone to having her days and nights all mixed up (we're talking deep, hard sleep all day and nary a closed eye or little cap naps at night) so, I'm trying to prevent that if at all possible.

I hope your Sunday is going better than mine.

Bunny is 2 Months Old

2009-12-17T16:56:00.002-06:00

Bunny with her uncle (Blue's younger brother).

She's about a month old.
Bunny and M3 on Thanksgiving.
5 weeks old

Bunny and Santa

8 weeks

Bunny and Paci

8weeks

Bunny and her babylegs

8 weeks

Bunny is 2 months old today. It's been such an amazing 2 months. I'll write more after we see her doctor tomorrow.

Dear Bunny,

You are truly a dream come true. I love you to the moon and back and back again. I'll never be the same because I know you. Daddy and I can't wait to spend our first Christmas as a family of three with you. It's gonna be magical.

Love,

Mommy

Stuff I'm Loving

2009-12-13T02:51:00.002-06:00

I don't know why but I love doing these posts.

V8 Fusion Light in Strawberry Banana- My mom bought this for me and I love it. With the new baby, I don't always get to eat when I need to and this is easy and quick and good.

Luna Lullaby Soothing Swaddle Blanket- I got this as a shower gift and after Bunny was born we got another one. Bunny loves to be swaddled tight and this blanket is big and soft and wonderful.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer- This stuff is magic. I don't get a whole lot of sleep so this is necessary. I love it so much under my eyes and to cover up blemishes.

Tarte- I recently got some minis from this cosmetic company and I was really impressed. The makeup is free of parabens, petro-chemicals, etc... My very favs are the Lock & Roll creaseless cream & powder shadow duo (it's quick and easy which is necessary with the baby and the colors I've used-rose gold and gunmetal-are beautiful) and the double-ended lip gloss. This is the best feeling gloss I've ever used and the one I tried was an awesome color (Fred & Ginger). Bonus- they are all named for famous couples (Rhett & Scarlett, Luke & Laura, Johnny & Baby).

HGTV- Ya'll know I'm a tv freak, right? Well, I've discovered this gem of a channel and am obsessed now. My favorite show is House Hunters and I love Dear Genevieve, too.

Kellymom.com- This site has been a life (sanity) saver for me in the past few weeks. The forums and articles offer info and advice that feel right for me and Bunny (and Blue). It's breastfeeding and gentle parenting advice and support. And I need all of that I can get. I feel like knowledge is power.

*This post is about things that I just happen to love and use. I'm not being paid to say any of this. Unfortunately*

The Greatest Gift

2009-12-10T16:59:00.002-06:00

I love gifts. I love getting them and giving them and hearing about what everyone else gets and gives. And I've been meaning to do a post on just that. Well, today, I got a gift to end all gifts- a Bunny smile.

I've been ~~obsessing~~ casually thinking of "Hey, when will Bunny smile a "social smile" for a few weeks (2) now. She's going to be two months old in one week on the 17th and the doctor said to be looking for it about now. Also, she smiles during her sleep a lot and has been smiling at nothing so, I knew it was coming. Today, my mom (Grammy) and dad (PawPaw) came to visit after being out-of-town for ten days. Mom was kissing Bunny on her belly and thighs AND SHE SMILED!

Granted, it wasn't a big huge gummy smile. She makes you work for it. That is so her father- he's not easily excitable. Anyway, I quickly pushed Grammy to the side and tried it out for myself. And she smiled for me, too! It's actually more of a smirk, a happy one, a small little grin. So, I tried it out again by kissing her neck and doing other silly make-the-baby-smile stuff. And I got it again. Who knew that this would be so incredible? Well, it is.

Now it's time for her to eat so, I don't have time for the post on gifts so, maybe later.

Growing Pains

2009-12-03T14:07:00.003-06:00

Bunny just went through a growth spurt. Tuesday and Wednesday night she ate every hour between 9pm-3am with no real rest in between. I was tired, she was tired- it was rough. I don't remember her going through any type of spurt like this before (at 3 weeks or whatever). Last night she did much better. In the evening, she ate every hour (6:30, 7:30 and then 9) but then went to sleep and woke about every three hours like normal.

She sleeps in a co sleeper next to my bed. I just reach over and pick her up to feed her. Sometimes I turn on the tv, sometimes I don't. Sometimes she goes right back to sleep, sometimes she doesn't. I try not to worry too much about a schedule right now because she is still just so young. She frequently has her days and nights mixed up but, I'm not too worried.

Breastfeeding makes me so hungry. And thirsty. And it is certainly burning the calories because I've lost almost all the baby weight. I was overweight to start with so, it's not like I'm "skinny" or anything but, I feel like some of my goals are do-able now. I definitely want to weigh less for the next pregnancy. I think that will make things a lot easier.

Speaking of "next pregnancy", I miss being pregnant. Not as much as I did at first but, I do still miss it. I know that it's weird for some people to think of, but it's true. Still, I don't want to have another baby until Bunny is a little older. I'm still leaning towards 3 (maybe 4) kids total. But, who knows, right? Parenting is so much more wonderful and hard and awesome and scary than I could have ever known before she was born.

Things aren't all smiles and peaceful mother-feeding-baby though. My house is a mess. I'm usually not bathed or teeth brushed until very late in the day, if at all. I don't usually wear a top around my house. It's just easier to wear a nursing bra and bottoms when it's just us. Bunny has spit up on her clothes and has a sour milk smell around her neck a lot of times. And crusty face! I clean it and she gets it again when she eats. I don't bathe her every day because her skin is sensitive like mine. It does better every other day.

I'm constantly worrying that I'm creating bad habits or doing something that will negatively effect her for life. Or at least through childhood. I know that it's normal to worry but it's not fun. I'm worried that I'm not cut out for this and that I shouldn't be doing this. I'm so afraid that I won't be the mother that I want so badly to be. I could stare at her and hold her and love on her all day long but, I gotta cook and clean and do laundry and go shopping and take a bath. And sometimes- none of that happens.

I really don't know how teenagers do it. I don't know how I could have handled the emotions and the stress at any other time in my life. I wouldn't have been able to, I know that. Being a mother is what I've always wanted and hoped for and I'm so glad that I waited until I was prepared. It's inevitable that you'll worry and struggle no matter how old or prepared you are but I think I gave myself a much better chance by waiting. She was so worth it, too. No matter how I smell- she is so worth it.

The 17 Thing

2009-11-25T12:41:00.002-06:00

My dad has one older sister and she has three children. My parents have two. Out of the five of us, four were born on the 17th of a month- all different months (January, March, August & September). My grandfather used to joke that when it was the 17th of the month, he'd check to see if it was someone's birthday.

The oldest of the five of us has a daughter and then twins. The twins were born on July 17, 2008. Bunny was born on October 17, 2009. How freaking awesome is that? When my water broke on the 16th (at 2:30pm), we were all amazed.

It gets better!

Bunny was born at 8:17am! Then she weighed 7lbs 7oz and our room while we were in mother/baby- 317.

It's freaky.

1 Month

2009-11-23T16:39:00.003-06:00

Bunny was one month old on Tuesday, November 17th. We saw the pediatrician for her one month well checkup and she did great. She weighs 9 pounds 3.4 ounces and is 21 inches long. She weighed 7 pounds 7.4 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches at birth so she's growing and doing well. The doctor said she looks great and is perfect.

We are breast feeding and love it. I hate to say it for fear of jinxing but we are doing so well with it. I love feeding her and holding her close to me. I love when she holds my finger while eating. She makes lots of noises when she eats and it's so cute. The past week or so, she's been spitting up a little more than she ever did but, it's not too bad. (Except for Friday night when she really threw up. Not spit up but threw up. She's been fine ever since then though).

She is still so good. She rarely cries and when she does it's very quick- just a little yell. She wakes up to eat at least twice a night but most of the time she goes right back to sleep afterwords. She pees and poops like a champ! I change a lot of diapers. She's moved into size 1 diapers now, too.

In the past week or so, she's gotten more and more vocal. She "sings" herself to sleep a lot of times with her pacifier. She loves her swing and so do I. I put her in it so that I can actually get laundry or whatever done. Mostly, she sleeps but sometimes she is awake and just looks around. She likes looking at the lamp and fans. She doesn't react (smile, laugh, etc) to her toys yet but I'm so looking forward to that.

She still wears some newborn and some 0-3 month clothes. Most of the time she wears all in ones like this or this. But she does have this and this (she has this on today) and a few pretty little smocked dresses for "dress up". For night, she wears gowns like these and these. She hates to have her hands covered when I swaddle her so, I leave them out. My very favorite swaddle blankets are these by Luna Lullaby. They are big and soft and I hope to get some more for Christmas.

Being a mother has been absolutely wonderful. There is no other feeling like the one I have for Bunny. It's such a huge overwhelming feeling that sometimes it scares me. I've never felt so vulnerable. I am THAT parent who thinks her child is the most wonderful, brilliant, beautiful, fabulous that ever lived. And she is...

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-11-19T15:26:00.002-06:00

What do you put on with a onesie? I want to buy Bunny a Christmas onesie but what does she wear with it? Pants? Is this a dumb question?

Not A Model Model, But Gorgeous

2009-11-11T13:53:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, mom and I took Bunny (I changed it to Bunny. I call her that and I like it) to get her pictures made. I got the package where she gets 4 sessions in her first year and this was her newborn ones. Now Bunny has been such an angel baby for these first three weeks of her life. She still sleeps SO much and hardly ever cries. I figured it was the perfect oppertunity for pictures.

Kelly, the photographer, likes to shoot the newborns early in life-when they still sleep a lot- so they are still easy to pose. I figured this was a non-issue because Bunny sleeps hard all the time. We got to Kelly's house and Bunny was asleep. We took off her clothes and she woke up! And then she wouldn't go back to sleep for anything.

First, Kelly put her on a white faux-fur rug thing and she pooped all over it. A lot. Then, Kelly picked her up and she peed all over her! This went on for two hours- pooping (three times) and peeing (twice) and not cooperating at all. Finally, in the last 15 minutes or so, Bunny fell asleep and Kelly got her shots.

Here are just two of many more:

There is a Santa one that will be our Christmas Card/Birth Announcement. They came out so good. Kelly is a wonderful, patient photographer and Bunny is so gorgeous, if I do say so myself. I can't wait to see all of them.

Winner

2009-11-03T11:57:00.003-06:00

I LOVE Sugar. But is it stripper-y? It kinda is. But, I like it. I think I'm gonna go with Sweetie Pie. And she is.

Is it normal to stare at your baby all day long? Cause I do!

By Any Other Name

2009-11-02T14:49:00.003-06:00

Baby as a glow worm for Halloween.

Ok, we have to pick a blog name for Baby. Here is what I'm thinking of (and what others have suggested):

Angel
Baby
Sweetie
Sunshine
Pretty
Flower (suggested by Anonymouse)
A baked good to follow in the footsteps of Muffin and Cupcake. (But what? Pie?)

I call her all of those top five ones.

Thanks so much for the well wishes while she was sick. She's doing much better now. The time that she was (back) in the hospital (especially the NICU) was awful but, it's over now. Today is my first day totally alone with her. Mom came to see her at lunch though. We are doing great.

Baby and Bili

2009-10-27T16:44:00.002-05:00

We stayed in the bonding room in the NICU with Baby from Friday to Sunday afternoon. Her bili level was up again Monday morning so it was repeated at 6pm. It was down a little so, nothing was done differently. This morning, it was up again and so she is on the bili bed at home again.

Please just pray that she doesn't have to go back to the hospital again.

Sick- UPDATED

2009-10-23T13:15:00.002-05:00

Our sweet angel baby was admitted into the NICU last night. She is doing much better today but we still need your thoughts and prayers. Thanks!

My heart is broken and I miss her so much.

UPDATE- Sweet Girl's doctor just called us and said that she is doing so well that they are moving her into an open crib in a bonding room. We can stay with her and I get to feed her again! I'm just so thrilled. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Angel Baby

2009-10-20T17:54:00.004-05:00

It's A Girl!

Sweet Angel Baby Girl

born October 17, 2009

at 8:17 am

She weighed 7 lbs 7.4 oz

and was 19 1/2 inches long

We just got home today because Angel Baby had some little issues. She is fine though and I promise to come back and tell more. And post a picture. ~~Blogger isn't allowing me to do that right now.~~ If you are friends with me on Facebook there are pictures and real names (email me if you are not and want to know because I'm not hiding it from you, of course). She is named for two of her great-grandmothers- one of Blue's and one of mine.

I'm thinking of calling her Sweet Pea on the blog. I'm open to suggestions though.

P.S.- I'm so thrilled. Beyond. And so very in love.

We Have Take Off

2009-10-15T09:17:00.002-05:00

I saw the doctors yesterday. The OB told me that I am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. Well, she didn't tell me that I was 50% effaced, but I saw it on my chart. The one I have to carry with me until birthday.

THAT exam was not fun. But, I was so super thrilled that I'm making progress. She said that all of my contractions are actually doing something and this will make for an easier delivery. Whoopie for that!

Baby's weight is estimated at 6 pounds 7 ounces. I believe s/he might be 8 pounds or more, if we go to 40 weeks. I'm 36w3d today. 25 days until the due date. This is really happening!

Oh, My Blog!

2009-10-11T08:27:00.002-05:00

I keep getting reprimanded for not blogging enough here. I don't really know why I don't as much- well, I do have more of a life than I did when I started- but I still have things to say. I want to redo the whole thing though. I don't really talk about fashion or makeup or celebs all the time anymore. I could. I don't know.

I don't want to quit blogging totally. Or at all. But, I don't really know my identity here anymore. I don't know how comfortable Blue is about me putting pictures of Baby here on the public blog. And, do I wanna become a "mommy blogger"? What is that exactly anyway? I'm certainly not qualified for that!

For now, I will keep updating about me-us-Blue, Baby and me. And the family. I don't know if anyone still reads here. I guess that doesn't really matter. I do wonder if you know anyone who could help me redo the blog? I'm just not into this header and stuff anymore. Or the wordings, etc.

And as for a personal update- I'm 32 weeks 6 days pregnant today. I'm tired, uncomfortable, achy, but oh so happy. I'm really ready to meet and hold (and hug and kiss) this sweet Baby. Today is my baby shower and I'm super excited to see everyone. And excited to eat yummy shower food- I love little sandwiches, cut up veggies and fruit, dip, cakes.

This week, I have my last planned appointment with the maternal fetal medicine doctor. They will check to see Baby's position and size. I am pretty sure s/he is head down and that s/he weighs 25 pounds and is 6 feet tall. But, I could be wrong! Just pray that s/he is still healthy and that we can stay pregnant for at least another two weeks.

I'm Boring

2009-10-02T07:50:00.002-05:00

This weekend is a BIG deal in my family. It's the LSU vs UGA football game. Blue is in route to Athens, GA right now to meet up with his family for the game. I'm not allowed to go (doctor's orders) and I don't think I could do the 8+ hour drive. Or the port-a-potty.
Baby and I are doing well. I had another bladder infection this week and that was painful. My lower back also really, really hurts. But, my vitals are great and Baby is scoring an 8 out of 8 on the biophysical profile ultrasounds we get every Wednesday.
I am 34 weeks 4 days pregnant today. But I feel like I've been pregnant for double that.
Next weekend is my baby shower. I'm super excited about it. I love a get-together! My mother, sister and brother-in-law are coming in from Georgia. I have not seen my SIL in a year and a half and my BIL in two years (or more). Also, Kate and Kelli are coming. I still can't believe it. They've been so sweet and supportive.
Are ya'll watching new Fall shows? I'll do a more extensive post on this on the TV blog later but, here are the new shows that I love: The Good Wife, Mercy, Modern Family, Glee, & Eastwick.
I got my hair back! It's curly and auburn again and I feel like myself.

For Whom?

2009-09-27T11:37:00.002-05:00

Setting: last night, while I'm laying on the couch, in pain, having contractions and cramps. He is in his recliner. We are watching football.

Blue: I think you should be pregnant for the next ten years or so!
Me: What!?
Blue: Yeah! We can just keep having babies until you can't get pregnant anymore.
Me: What!? WHY?
Blue: Because! This is FUN!

Promise A Post Soon

2009-09-25T15:25:00.001-05:00

33 weeks
The changing table right after it was put together.

The crib right after it was put together. And before the mattress. I LOVE it.

Belly Progression- Oh Wow!

2009-09-17T18:29:00.001-05:00

30 weeks
31w6d

32w3d

Please go see Shoeaddict Says to find out what's coming on when.

It's Baaaack!

2009-09-17T11:38:00.001-05:00

I'm late in posting it (and it came out all crazy looking) but, I finally posted the 2009 Fall Premiere schedule. Click to catch up!

Thanks, KatieBug for the push.

Boot Love

2009-09-15T08:18:00.000-05:00

From Piperlime.com

Sick

2009-09-13T11:20:00.002-05:00

The H1N1 flu is making me nervous. I personally know of one little girl and one grown woman (Blue's aunt who is a doctor) who have tested positive for it. There was also a 19 year old girl that lives in my area who died. She went from strep throat to flu to pneumonia and died. DIED.

I am planning on getting the vaccine for the regular flu but not the H1N1. My perinatologist wants me to get it but, I discussed it with Baby's pediatrician and she says she wouldn't. I am not comfortable with it so, I guess that's why I'm going with what she says. What are you doing for yourself and your family?

I'm Hanging In

2009-09-10T07:29:00.002-05:00

I don't really know what I want for Labor Songs. I guess that doesn't really help ya'll in helping me but, it's true. I'm doing some Jewel (the less I-wanna-kill-myself stuff), Norah Jones and Allison Krauss.

I'm having a hard time sleeping lately. Well, the last two nights have been rough. I can't lay down all the way because I can't breathe and I get heartburn. My nose is stopped up all the time and it gets really bad when I lay down. My mom says that she slept in her La Z Boy chair at the end of her pregnancy with Little Brother. I'm trying to avoid that for as long as possible but, it may come sooner rather than later.

I am obsessed with Sonic drinks. I always have been (did ya'll know they sell bagged ice??) but, it's a little bit worse now. 2-4 is half priced drinks and slushes and I'm allllll about the Limeades. I've only had it with cranberry juice but I might branch out today and try strawberry or something. Any ideas? Oh! And if you buy a Limeade now, you'll get a little sicker on your cup. Peel it off and go to limeadeforlearning.com to vote for a teacher/class that needs help. They have little bios of different classes and what they need. You can click on your own state, too.

**I just got home from seeing the OB. I have to see her every Wednesday until birthday. Except for next Wednesday, when I see maternal fetal. I will have a biophysical profile every week from now until Baby comes. This is just to be safe and check Baby's growth and tolerance of gestation. They do this for women over 35 or that have other risk factors. I have thyroid issues.

The nurse who listened to Baby's heartbeat says that Baby has flipped again. She told me what I was feeling and where. Baby's head is in my bladder (well, I knew something was!) and bum is up in my ribs. I think that Baby kicks her feet or pushes her arms out to stretch too, which causes some discomfort. But, everything has been going so wonderfully, I hate to complain.

As of today, I have 60 days until my due date!

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-09-09T12:06:00.003-05:00

I haven't done this in a long time! But, I need help. I'm going to download some music on my ipod for labor/time in hospital. Any suggestions?

I'm already thinking Norah Jones and maybe some Jewel.

Pediatrician

2009-09-02T06:33:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all of you who complimented my picture. I appreciate all the support. Especially when I feel so giant.

I'm going to meet with the potential pediatrician this morning. I'm really nervous and excited at the same time. I have a (long) list of questions and I'm prepared but I still feel so weird. I'm a parent. This is my job.

I'm pretty sure we are going to go with her so this is just a formality. I know a few people who see and love her. She is in with another doctor that I also know is wonderful. No one that I've talked to had anything negative to say about this practice and that wasn't the case for many others.

Blue can't come with me today though. He has been going out to work very early every morning for the past week or so. He wouldn't really do anything anyway if he came. Still, I like to have him there.

Ok, so, I gotta go choose one of my (few) shirts to wear. Fingers crossed for me!

People Are Sweet

2009-08-31T14:18:00.002-05:00

Kathryn asked me for my address the other day. She said she had something for Baby. Today, when I returned home from some errands there was a box waiting by my door. This is what I found inside: The cutest little monkey wearing a sweet, sweet LSU sweater. Kathryn made the sweater for Baby!! Isn't that the nicest thing? I'm just so overwhelmed that she'd do that for us. Monkey is sitting in the little rocker that was mine when I was a kid. Thank you so much, Kathryn!

And because I'm officially 30 weeks pregnant, he we are today.

The End(ish) of the Journey

2009-08-29T19:48:00.002-05:00

Being pregnant has been amazing. Amazingly beautiful, amazingly gross, amazingly painful, amazingly scary, amazingly joyful. I guess it's a lot like being a parent- every emotion, high and low. I've read all the books and I read all the websites but nothing prepares you for it to actually happen to your body. And heart.

I'm already so in love with this tiny dancer. And luckily, so many others are too. I grew up in a wonderful, close, loving family and that is one of the main things I want for Baby. I want so much for Baby that I cannot give him/her- a perfect set of parents, a perfect life where s/he is never sad or hurt or anything awful. I know that Baby will be in pain, get her/his feelings hurt, be sad- that is life and that is what I'm giving- life.

I love, love, love feeling Baby kick/punch/dance around beneath my heart. Sure, now that s/he is bigger (and breech), feeling that head right in my ribs can be uncomfortable but, not too much. I can't imagine not feeling those sweet movements. I hope that they don't get less and less at 32 weeks like I've heard. I also think that when s/he's born, I will miss feeling the "secret moves".

I have never been healthier than I have been this past year. I can't say that I've never felt better because that would not be true. Really though, I have not had it bad. Nausea in the 1st and 3rd trimester, achy pelvis and pubic bone and lower back, some headaches BUT- healthy baby. I am so pleased and blessed to have had such a healthy pregnancy so far.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I was very negative and pessimistic (and still am sometimes) about all of it. I'm not a negative or pessimistic person usually but, I just couldn't help myself. Every appointment, I expected something to be wrong- with me or Baby or something. And, so far, every appointment, I'm proven wrong and am pleasantly surprised. My blood pressure is great, my weight gain is ok, my blood work is great, Baby looks perfect.

It's the last 10 weeks of this journey and part of me is sad to see it end. I'm not so sad that I want to be pregnant again right away (like Blue wants) but, a little sad. The end of a chapter always makes me a little sad. There is a new chapter coming though- the Baby here chapter. The feeding all the time, changing dirty diapers, not sleeping, crying, rocking, laughing, loving, raising chapter. I am looking very forward to that chapter, too.

I am excited to be able to walk again without waddling. And not always feeling like I have to pee. And not feeling a head in my ribs when I sit up. And, of course, excited to hold this sweet pea in my arms.

Breaking News

2009-08-27T09:52:00.002-05:00

I slept from around midnight until 7:30 this morning without getting up to pee. I first went to sleep at 9:30, woke up every hour to pee, as usual and then BAM!

I have not slept like that in months and months. I don't know what I did to deserve that. But, whew, I needed it.

The More You Know...

2009-08-27T08:52:00.003-05:00

I thought that it was public knowledge. I guess it's not.

When elevator doors open and you need to get on, it's the polite thing to do to allow those getting off to do so first. It is not polite to rush in and block the exiters.

Why do people not know this? Grown up people?

I'm Sad Today

2009-08-21T13:24:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much for all the sweet things ya'll said about Baby. I appreciate it all.

Today is the anniversary of the death of my friend. I've discussed it here on the blog before but it's been awhile and I can't find the actual posts. I was 13 and so was he. We were days away from our 8th grade year. I'd known him, adored him, my whole life.

He and his cousin and another classmate of ours were driving to the video store. It had been raining and there was a bad curve in the road. His cousin, the 17-year-old driver, slid and overcorrected herself. She crossed the center line and crashed into some other, bigger vehicle. They say that all three of them died instantly.

That day was one of the worse days of my life. It certainly was a HUGE defining event. I was depressed for months-years maybe. I'm not over it, I don't think you ever get over that. He was young and funny and beautiful. He was young and had so much life left to live. He was just so young.

RIP BGL, my Freckle Face, I'll never forget you and always love you.
*I found it- http://diaryofkristentheshoeaddict.blogspot.com/2007/06/freckle-face.html

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

2009-08-18T18:41:00.005-05:00

This is what I saw this morning at my perinatologist's office. It's Baby's face in 4D. I have a few other ones and some hand and foot ones, too.

As The Bump Progresses...

2009-08-12T16:10:00.000-05:00

Cupcake's Visit (Early June)

2009-08-10T19:10:00.003-05:00

I mentioned a few days ago about Cupcake's visit. Her mommy and daddy brought her on a plane from France to help us celebrate little brother's wedding reception. They stayed with my parents for a week and we had so much fun.

We went to the mall one day. Cupcake wanted a sip of my drink so, I taught her how to sip through a straw. Well, it was all over with after that because she learned how to quickly and stole it.

learning
got it!

She seriously makes the BEST faces I have ever seen. They are especially adorable and funny when she's eating.

At TJ Ribs-

This is at a great little seafood place down the street from our house.

Cupcake and her parents are some of our favorite people. We love them so much and can't wait until they come back. We wish they'd move here, but we understand.

Hugs and Kisses to you three!!

Can't Help It

2009-08-10T10:03:00.003-05:00

I know that many people don't like Tori Spelling. Or celebrity endorsed clothing/jewelry/whatever lines. And that's fine. I happen to like Tori's show and I can't help but love her jewelry line. Here are a few of the pieces that I love-

These items can be found and purchased at HSN.com

French Friends

2009-08-06T12:01:00.002-05:00

I'm in the middle of a post all about the shoes I'm wearing now (during pregnancy). I also have pictures I need to post here, too. Ones that "go" with what we've been up to but I just don't have them up yet.

On Monday, our family welcomed a family from France. We have quite a few French friends, actually. This set is a part of another bigger family that we are close to- let me break it down. My grandfather became friends with a man in France, years ago, who was a distributor of his products. That man (Mr Claude) and my grandfather became very close as they are like twins.

Mr Claude has a wife and two daughters. In about 1994, his youngest daughter, LeLe, came to stay with us. Since then, my parents and grandparents have gone to France to visit that family a few times. LeLe (who I've talked about before on the blog- I'll find the links later) is married to a man, Manu, and has a little boy, Melvil. I love her to pieces.

LeLe's older sister, Magalie, is the one who is here now. My parents and grandparents and aunt and uncle have met her before but we had not. She and her husband, Marc, and their children- Tabitha,9, and twin boys Corto (spell?) and Loup, 5, flew to Boston then here. They will leave on Sunday. We've been having all sorts of fun with them.

Monday night, my grandma cooked fish and crawfish etouffee' and bread pudding. It was so delicious. Yesterday, my uncle and aunt and family took them around town and to some museums. They seemed to enjoy it a lot. Last night, my mom cooked for them (and us). We had some great dips and other "munchies" and she served sausage and chicken gumbo for and an appetizer. We had jambalaya , white beans and cole slaw for an entree and blackberry cobbler for dessert. My SIL made some beautiful treats, too.

Today, my grandparents took them to New Orleans for a tour. I really wanted to go but, I just don't think that I can make it. The heat, the walking, etc... I hate missing things but, I have such lower back pain. Tonight we are going to have BBQ and swimming at my aunt and uncle's house. I'm not sure what the plans are after that.

I still have to tell ya'll all about the June French guests that we had- Isa, Olivier and Cupcake. I've talked about them here, too. Some links- here and here

**OMG! I used to write so much! I used to be pretty housebound and bored, too, though.

Weekend

2009-08-03T12:44:00.002-05:00

We went to the camp this weekend and it was so nice. We did a lot of nothing, watched tv, read, ate, shopped. I wanted to get some more maternity pants but, no luck on that. It looks like I'll have to order some. It's hard to find cute ones that fit me.

Yesterday, we went to the twins' birthday party. I am too lazy to link to other posts about the twins, so I'll just tell you here. They are the son and daughter of my first cousin, Robby. The twins turned one in July and the party was yesterday. They are so cute!! I took pictures but I have not uploaded (downloaded?) them yet. I also have some pregnant pics.

I'm really tired. I sleep well, when I sleep, but I don't sleep for longer than one to two hours at a time. I have to get up and pee (I still have a bladder infection) and I ache! Thankfully, Baby moves a lot, but not while I'm asleep. S/he may move then, but not enough to disturb me. Otherwise, morning and night, s/he's moving. It feels great- mostly.

I'm 26 weeks pregnant today. I cannot believe that in three months, I'll have a baby in my arms. My mom always told me that when I'm looking forward to something- vacation or the weekend-look back. If there were two weeks until vacation, she'd say, "What were we doing two weeks ago?" That showed how close (or far) that time was. I have three months until I'm due. Three months ago was the beginning of May. That was just yesterday it seems.

I'm equally so stupid excited and scared to death.

Missing- Update

2009-07-30T20:24:00.003-05:00

In a town near where I live, there is a big story about a missing man. This man works in the same building as a friend of mine's mother. He is married to the niece of a good friend's boss. Yeah, I know that is all hard to follow but the point is, I know people who know him and who are connected to him.

The story is that he went into work yesterday morning at 5:20 am. He was there to study and the building's cameras have him entering. No one saw him at work yesterday. His desk has his stuff on it, his things are there, his car is in the lot. None of the exit cameras show him leaving.

The police, some employees and some family members have searched the entire building-more than once-and have found nothing. His credit cards have not been used and his cell phone shows a local signal. It's just so unsettling. My mind cannot imagine what has happened to him.

He has a young wife of only one year and my heart aches for her. I can't imagine the not knowing. I can't imagine going to bed having that sweet little conversation that we do before we go to sleep and waking up to this. Calling and calling his phone and him not answer. Having his co-workers call me looking for him or asking questions. (I have no idea if those things took place.) Realizing that something is really wrong.

My prayers are with her tonight. And with that man's mother and father, family and friends. I hope so much that he's ok and that they are all reunited again. I just cannot imagine going through this.

**Sadly, the body of the 28 year old man was found very early this morning. He was discovered in the bushes outside of the building. Spokeswoman for the Sheriff's office say that the cause of death appears to be traumatic injury either from falling or jumping from the top of a building.

I was haunted by this story all night long. I watched the local news at ten to see if there were any developments and saw his poor wife. She was crying and begging him to come home. Devastating. Tragic.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed and like you can't go on, please, please, let someone know your pain. The National Suicide Hotline is there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for free. Call 1-800-Suicide. Tell a friend, tell me, call the number. Reach out.

Choices!

2009-07-25T20:35:00.003-05:00

I've picked a bedding for both a boy and a girl. The place is Polka Tot Designs where I can customize bedding for a boy and for a girl. Someone from my doctor's office can call them and they will design the one that corresponds to Baby's gender.

If you want to get an idea of what I've chosen- these are the fabrics:

GIRL (It's easier if you go to this and put in the fabrics where I say)

Bart Spring dust ruffle and cording- where the other strip is and the plain pink cording
Just Us Kids- one side of bumper pad (where the dots are)
Dotz Watermelon - other side of bumper pad (where the stripes are on the bumper pad, next to the solid middle)
Minky Strawberry- sheet and where monogram will go (not 100% sure if this is the right minky color. I'll ask when I call.)
Curly Q Strawberry- maybe blanket, at foot and head of bumper pad (this is another one that I'll have to ask about when I call) (where the paisley is)

Ok, got all that?

BOY
It's almost the exact Christopher except instead of the green and white dots, I'll do minky dots lime. Unless she can't monogram that. Then it'll be just a solid fabric in that same color.

I know that you'll be asking what names we've chosen now that we are ordering bedding with monogramming. We HAVE chosen two names, one for each sex, but will not be sharing* that info until Baby is here. Everything will be a surprise, I guess. I'm so excited to see if Baby is a boy or a girl. Now, we can use one name one day and switch it up.

Names are hard! And so is bedding!
Hard........ but fun!!

*I wrote this for my pregnancy blog and wanted ya'll to see the bedding if you wanted. I still won't be announcing Baby's name here on this blog but, not because I don't want YOU to know, of course. When the time comes, you can send me an email and I'll let you know. Baby will go by a nickname here (Baby? Cookie?).

xo

Belly Pics

2009-07-25T11:50:00.003-05:00

That is not what I look like. My belly is big like that but, my legs don't look like that. AT ALL.

I am going to get batteries for my camera so I can take a 25 week picture. Don't expect shining beauty.

P.S.- How do you post pictures side-by-side? I wanted to put my belly pictures next to each other somewhere but I have no idea how. Any help is appreciated.

Welcome To the Journey

2009-07-24T14:50:00.002-05:00

Today is better than yesterday. A lot. Well, it is now.

My hair guy called me this morning and told me heard that I was unhappy with my hair. I told him that was true and that I couldn't walk around like that. He was defensive of his own work but told me to come back in today for a toner. I was a nervous wreck because I knew that everyone had been discussing it and were all looking at me when I walked in- the BAD client. The pregnant bitch, you know?

He took his time and applied the toner evenly in my hair (that did NOT happen Wednesday- it was sloppily applied) and let it sit for 30 minutes. I read my book and drank my water while I waited anxiously. As soon as it was washed from my hair, I could tell it was 1,000 times better. I like it a lot now.

Last night was rough for me. I was in a mood (as you could tell from the previous post) and couldn't shake it. I was tired and hurting (Baby has moved it's dear sweet head from my pubic bone today) and ugly. When Blue came to get into bed with me at around 8, he wanted to try to feel Baby move. He'd never been able to before. After just a few minutes, he felt it! I was SO excited and he was so amazed- I cried. No, not my typical weepy self, but a big huge sobbing 20 minute ordeal.

Poor Blue told me, "Uh could you not do that because now I can't feel anything but you shaking." That made me laugh. But I was still crying. Now, I cry for everything. All the time. But this was different and I didn't know what was wrong. I told Blue, "I;m just so.... I don't know!" He thought that was hilarious. Picture- pregnant me- sobbing into my pillow and Blue laughing his head off.

I think that such is the journey to mommyhood, no? I think it's normal. I HOPE it is! Anyway, it's all better now. I feel like I look better and I'm not in pain. Check back soon to see what's up then.

Bad

2009-07-23T19:00:00.002-05:00

This morning I went to see my OB for our monthly checkup. I was so super dizzy but she said that my blood pressure and everything was fine. She told me everything was fine- Baby's heartbeat, my weight, my belly measurements, all of that.

But that was the only good thing. And the Subway sandwich that I had at noon was good.

Otherwise, I was in so much pain in my lower back and pubic bone. I can hardly walk. I'm so tired and I have ugly hair. I went yesterday to get it done and I should've known better. I am so stupid for doing something different while pregnant. I got it hi lighted. It's awful.

I don't know what I was expecting. I wanted it to be blond/blond and he said we'd gradually do that. But, it's yellow/brassy, streaky, striped and looks cheap. It's very 1997. I didn't like it while I was there and I said that I was afraid but they were all- we love it. I'm stupid for leaving.

I'm afraid to call them and see what they'll do. The other stylist that works next to mine tells me all the time that he's never had a complaint except for from pregnant women. I don't know if it looks like this because of pregnancy hormones or because he did something wrong. He kept telling me that it's because of the color it was when I got there.

So, I don't know what to do. I CANNOT live with this hair. If I call and tell them that I hate it, what should I ask them to do? Should I just get some auburn color again over this? Or should I let them "tone" it down? I don't know.... I feel like they never should've let me leave like this. The back actually looks ok, the front- the stripey, cheap, blah, blah...

I'm feeling really gross and sad and depressed so, sorry that this post is all ramble-y and silly.

Christmas Doctor

2009-07-23T06:36:00.000-05:00

Do ya'll watch Ruby? I DVR everything and stuff get's watched late but I still watch. This Sunday's episode had me crying from laughing. Her doctor told her she had to go and see the gyno. Apparently she'd never ever been and she was scared to death. She calls her vagina "Christmas" because it sounds better and it's like a present.

So, her BFF Georgia makes her an appointment with what Ruby calls, "The Christmas Doctor." First she talks about it with her support group. They all talk about being embarrassed and hating it. One woman cracks me up talking about how she has to take the day off so she can bathe and get all clean. And she has to spray herself with grapefruit scent. Everyone is all, "Huh? Grapefruit?" And she says, "The scent makes you seem thinner!"

Ruby and Georgia (and another friend- a female) are finally at the doc's office. Ruby is filling out the medical history paperwork and reading the questions out loud. She gets to something about having a smell from her vagina or an itch or something. Georgia says, "And you will answer NO and not embarrass us. Even if it's yes." Oh, the way she said it- so funny! THEN, the best part, the part I backed up and watched three times- the hiney hole!

There is some kind of model in the room, of the vagina. Ruby picks it up and is asking, "What is this?" Georgia is telling her what it all is and then she says, "What's this?" "It's the hiney hole!" Well, Ruby liked to die. They are all three laughing and she says, "Georgia, now you look at me. They aren't gonna check my hiney hole are they? If they do, I'm leaving." OMG!! I was laughing so hard Blue came to check on me. (But, I'm the same way about my own hiney hole. I've already been warned that the OB will be poking around there soon...)

If you have not seen it yet, you must! It's so funny. She still drives me crazy with her voice change and her pronunciation (essited for excited, hacky for happy) but it's a good show. And, in the greatest news of the summer (maybe not, but still) my love- JEFF LEWIS will be back on Bravo on August 17th. I'm so essited!!

1,000th Post!

2009-07-22T13:30:00.002-05:00

This is my 1,000th post! I'm underwhelmed at myself at the moment though. I'm tired and achey, it's a rainy day and I'm trying to make it to the salon for a much needed color and cut.

I don't want the 1,000th post to pass by though so, leave me a comment on what you've loved about the blog, your favorite post, etc. Or tell me what you hate. I know I used to post so much more and I've been slacking in a major way. I'll try to do better.

What I have loved about this blog is "meeting" all of you! You have been so good to me. I've gotten great advice, feedback, love and support from you. I've also made some incredible friends. Starting this blog was a great move for me. It's not exactly what it was before but, it is what it is and I'm not gonna change that anytime soon.

Thank you for reading! And thanks for your comments.

Will I Be Saying "It's A Boy" and Not Mean To...

2009-07-18T17:30:00.003-05:00

I've been in love with Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags. One of the main reasons that I love this one over all the others is I can wear it two ways. It's a tote and can be worn as a backpack. I love that. I saw that Rue La La was going to have them on sale this Friday at 10 am and I knew that was my time to buy. (Rue La La is a website that hosts different sales for different brands everyday)

Mom and I (Blue had a mandatory meeting. The first appointment he missed) went to see the perinatologist at 8 am Friday morning and were back at around 9:45. She had a quick appointment so she dropped me at Blue's office to use the computer. I was explaining to his secretary what I needed to do and why and she was all "Umm, Whatever!" She's a little older, not married, no kids.

Anyway, I got on and there were a few of the kind that I wanted but not a lot of colors to choose from. There were two brown ones with pink. There was a brown one with light blue plaid and there was this one:
I like this one a lot. I've seen it before. So, I got this one. I'm just worried a little that because of the blue it says "This is a diaper bag for a BOY baby." Does it? I don't want it to say that, especially if Baby is a GIRL baby. What do you think, honestly? I couldn't NOT buy one because the savings were something like 47% (Blue figured it out).

In other news, we saw Baby! All the necessary parts seem to be there. The tech lady even said that she briefly saw the sex organs but then Baby closed her/his thighs up and sat on her/his feet. The baby's head was down low again but we got some profile shots. We also got a weight- 1 lb 5 oz.

When the doctor came in and took a look, s/he picked up her face for him. We saw a few 3D shots of the face right on and I think s/he looks like Little Brother!! Of course, there is no fat on Baby so those pictures don't translate well. Baby just looks like an alien skeleton- but a gorgeous one!!

profile

profile with some hand
(Baby always has that hand over/near part of her/his face)

profile into chest

A foot!

Doesn't it look like a big foot?

We went to a wedding last night and it was so nice. I did not get any pictures though. We are going to a stock-the-bar party for Little Brother and Gus in a little while and I'll try to remember to take pictures. Have a good weekend.

Whole Lot Goin On

2009-07-14T13:55:00.003-05:00

There are lots of things going on for us right now. We are in a new season of our life and we are excited and scared all at the same time. I know that our whole lives are about to change drastically. My life already has, of course. I feel like this is a great time for us to better ourselves, do things we've wanted to before, make positive changes.

I've finally found a church home, which has been a goal of mine. A few people in my family are already members and because the church is so close to our houses, we decided to check it out. My mom went first and really liked it a lot. She invited us to join her and I did a few times. I also joined her at her ladies bible group and loved it too. This past Sunday, we stayed for the newcomers lunch and the presentation really impressed me and pushed me as far as I needed.

I was a little put off at first because it's technically a "Baptist" church. I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school from K-8th grade. I went to a Baptist affiliated high school that taught us just straight from the Bible. At Catholic school, we learned about the Catholic religion. I always really enjoyed non denominational churches and was more drawn to them. But, I love FC and hope it works for our families.

On the bambino front- all is well! We have another ultrasound on Friday morning and we are super excited. And nervous, of course. Last time we saw the perinatologist (maternal fetal specialist), Baby looked great- the spine, the stomach, the brain... everything that the doctor could see. But, baby was on her/his stomach with her/his face down so, we couldn't see the face. Also, they wanted to see the heart right side up to be sure of it's health. We are hoping and praying that s/he will move and cooperate.

I had a bladder infection as of last Saturday (the 4th). I am still having some issues so the doctor is calling in more antibiotics. The medicine makes me nauseous though, so I'm not thrilled. I have to take it with food and I eat yogurt to try and help. It doesn't. Also, my belly is getting bigger and bigger all the time. And sweet Baby moves more and more all the time. No one else besides me has felt her/him move but it shouldn't be too long now.

We have a wedding Friday night, so maybe I'll post some pictures of us all dressed up for that. I feel like a big blob of bad hair and acne so, I don't take lots of pictures. I'm sure I'll have the camera out Friday night though. And! I'm getting a massage on Thursday. I'm so excited about that. I need it.

Finally, I got four new pairs of shoes. I'll be back later to talk about them.

I Promise, Promise, Promise

2009-07-09T17:35:00.002-05:00

I promise to come back really soon with a non-bullet point post.
All is (fairly) well in shoe land. Baby? Good! Movin and groovin! Mama? UTI but almost finished the meds. Blue/Daddy? Good. Got a raise at work! He has something funky going on with his neck but other than that...
I'm going to register for baby items on Saturday! YAY!! I'm excited. I've been doing research for some items (stroller, car seats, diaper bags, bouncy) and I know what I'm looking for. Kinda. I think we are doing the Chicco Travel System. The car seat was voted the safest by consumer reports. I don't know which convertible car seat I'll do though. I love Britax.
Anything (big or small) that you love for your baby, let me know.
I'm reading two books- Posh by Lucy Jackson and American Wife by Curtis Sittenfield. I like them both. I just got started on the second one. I like this author.
I miss Fall tv so much! I'm so glad that Big Brother is coming soon and that Ruby is back on Style.

Summer In the Library

2009-06-25T13:37:00.004-05:00

I am at the library and the keyboards are weird. It's also very strange yet somewhat comforting that this place still smells the same as it did some 20 years ago. It's not just the books but something else too. I remember coming to the library as a child and really loving it. I still do, even though finding a book here is much harder now that I'm not reading Baby Sitter's Club and Sweet Valley High.

Smells always transport me back to a specific place and time. Just being here and smelling the smells reminds me of being young, summers off, escaping into a new book. I remember getting snoballs near the library- that super sweet syrupy flavor on a super hot day. The bugs would circle 'round, attracted to the sweetness. I always liked tart flavors and that hasn't changed much.

I'm looking for some books on parenting. "Happiest Baby on the Block" is one of them. I don't want to buy any of these yet in case I hate them. I made that mistake with pregnancy books. I certainly wasn't looking at books on parenting when I was here all those summers ago. Maybe I sneaked peeks at books on puberty and sex (he puts his what in my what?!),but not raising kids. I could probably get interested in the young adult books of today. Well, if my love of Gossip Girl is any indication.

I'm sure young adult books have changed significantly since I was a young adult. (I SWEAR these computers are so loud! I feel guilty for typing!) We weren't as promiscuous (well, I wasn't. Am not. whatever) or tech-savvy. We didn't have the kind of freedom expected of today's kids. Or the amount of entitlement. I'm sure not all of today's youth are like those kids on Gossip Girl but I know that they are still different than I was.

But still, the good old days are really now. Right? Because you didn't know that they were "good old days" back then but you think back on them fondly. Or you might not. I guess I'm thinking that I was always waiting for the next step- to be older, taller, have more freedoms, have more stuff, do more, etc. When happiness and life are right here and now. I had the greatest childhood I could ever ask for and that is something that I hope to give my children.

I think the key is in the smallest day-to-day stuff- trips to the library, story time, sharing supper, and snoballs in the summer.

My Baby! News On the Ultrasound

2009-06-20T16:59:00.002-05:00

My computer cord is dead. Yes, again!! This time the dog did not chew it though. It just died- natural causes or something. I'm on Blue's computer right now. I've decided to order another cord from HP (the makers of my laptop) and I don't know how long it'll be before I get another one.

We had our 19 week ultrasound with the perinatologist (maternal fetal specialist) on Monday. It was amazing. I was so super nervous going in there but everyone was so sweet and comforting. We saw Baby's legs, arms, hands, spine, stomach, bladder, heart, etc. Baby's head was down though so we could not see a face. The ultrasound lady, the doctor and I all tried to wiggle and jiggle Baby to make her/him look up or move but, no dice. Oh well, everything else looks great. We go back on July 17 for the next look.

Blue did not really like all the wiggling of Baby. It was weird to see everything moving around while Baby was in there. His or Her heartbeat did also get a little bit higher when we were doing that. I know that Baby is very protected in there, though. It's just such a beautiful miracle to see the growth- from an unrecognizable, tiny little peanut to a BABY! A 9 oz Baby (that is how much they estimated that s/he weighs). I'm so in awe and feel so incredibly blessed and lucky.

Thank you to Liza for being the only person on the blog who guessed Baby's sex. She guessed GIRL. Anyone else want to guess?

Blue and I are headed to my parents' house for dinner tonight. Some of my cousins are in town and we are going to spend time with them. I love family get-togethers! We'll be having one again on Sunday for Father's Day. I'm making a dip (spinach and artichoke), my grandmother is making brisket and potatoes (I think?), my aunt is making a vegetable and Gussie Gus is making a dessert.

Have a great weekend!

The Best I Got Right Now

2009-06-12T11:38:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to put up more pictures from St Thomas but it's not working!! AGH!!
I woke up early this morning with stomach troubles and a sore throat. I feel really yuck. I'm going to do nothing today. I need the rest.
I've only felt Baby move once or twice. I want to feel him/her again for peace of mind and because it's cool.
It is so super hot here already. It was 92 degrees yesterday and the humidity is awful. I am going to try to get pregnant in the summer next time instead of being 4,5,6 months along.
I need a prenatal massage. My lower back hurts badly. At the end of the day, I can hardly move.
Are you watching tv? Summer seems like it's all about the reality tv. I watch Tori & Dean, Top Chef Masters, Cake Boss, etc. I also watch The Closer. That is about it. What are you watching?
I go to see the maternal fetal specialist on Monday at 8 am. I am super excited to see Baby again. I'm super nervous that they will find something wrong. This ultrasound is the one where they will measure everything and see all they can. We won't find out the sex but we'll find out everything else.
Oh- Blue and I were talking last night before we went to sleep (my fav time). I didn't feel well and he wanted to know why we say, "I have a cold" instead of a "hot." I actually think that I have a hot. Silly boy.
Who wants to start guessing what Baby's sex is? We've only had three "Boy" guesses. Tell me what you need to know to guess.

More Pictures (Scroll Down For the First Set)

2009-06-08T14:28:00.003-05:00

Of course, I had to go to the bathroom. It was gross.

Out Of Order- St Thomas Pictures

2009-06-08T14:20:00.002-05:00

We went on an open bus tour. We broke down a few miles into it. This is everyone standing on the side of the road. We are all wearing a pick shirt in honor of the wedding. This was Friday.
Blue and Shoe (and allll my chins)

The entrance to where we stayed- Coral Gardens

On the tour bus

Again

More to come... Ya'll know I'm bad at uploading the pictures because of order and stuff.

Back To Reality

2009-06-05T17:56:00.004-05:00

We arrived home at around 3 am this morning. We had about a 7 hour layover in the Miami airport (it was only supposed to be 5). My ankles and feet were swollen from the plane but are better now. And, I'm tired. Real tired.

The trip was amazing. St Thomas is absolutely beautiful. I loved when we went here. Actually, the house we stayed in was on Magen's Bay. If you look at the picture in that link, see how the water is in the middle and there is beach on the right side and land that wraps around the top? The place we stayed, Coral Gardens & Secret Gardens , was in the strip of land that wraps around, towards the end (top right-ish). You had to walk a lot of long winding stairs to get to the beach at the house. I didn't do it. I rode to the beach instead.

Anyway, I'm tired and busy entertaining my in-laws for the weekend but I wanted to stop by and say hello. I wanted ya'll to know that the wedding was spectacular, everything we all thought it would be and more. I'll be back with pictures and stories in a few days.

Have a great weekend!

Just Wondering...

2009-05-27T13:02:00.002-05:00

If money (or your spouse's wishes) weren't a factor, how many children would you want? Do you only want x-amount because of difficult pregnancies, difficult children, time, space? I am curious about this.

Thanks for your honesty.

Sexy

2009-05-27T09:36:00.000-05:00

Um, WHOA! The dreams when pregnant. Wow!

WOW!

Randoms

2009-05-25T08:35:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, the 24th, was our 6th wedding anniversary. We have been together for 10 years this fall. We didn't do much to celebrate because we are tired and have lots to do to get ready for St Thomas.
We are leaving soon for St Thomas! This week! I'm so excited but I still have lots to do- shop, pack, clean, etc...
I'm not a good, organized packer (I'm not a good, organized anything). I'm kind of a nervous packer- 20 pairs of panties! 10 nightgowns! 5 books! But, this year, I can't wear 20 pairs of my panties or 10 nightgowns, etc. I only have 6 pairs of maternity underwear so I'll only pack maybe 7 or 8. I don't know why I'm afraid to have too little underwear. There is a washing machine.
I'm packing three pairs of shorts, three sundresses, a few t-shirts, some cute tops and pajamas. I gotta make this work! I'm really most nervous about my toiletries. What hair products should I bring? How many eye shadows are too many? UGH!!
Today, I have to go and see my endocrinologist. His office is about an hour away. I have not seen him in awhile but my OB wants me to see him while I'm pregnant. All my thyroid and other stuff look good but she wants him to check me out for himself. I can't believe he's seeing patients today but he is. I made the appointment weeks ago without realizing it was Memorial Day.
I am 16 weeks pregnant today. Baby is about 4 1/2 inches long and weighs 3 1/2 ounces. In the next few weeks, s/he will double in weight and add inches to her/his length.
My eyelashes are super weird. Especially my right eye's lashes. They grow down and it's hard for them to stay up when I curl them.
The taste of toothpaste makes me sick.
I'm on a huge tomato kick lately. I love fresh tomatoes cut up with salt and pepper. Yum.

Hope you have a good Memorial Day! What are your plans for the day?

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-05-21T17:31:00.003-05:00

What kind of diapers do (did) you use?

What did you love and hate?

Are they all the same?

I want to buy some because I know that I can't have too many. Well, I don't know how big Baby will be so, there's that. I still would like to know. I'm looking at these because of the sensitive skin thing.

I wanna hear what you all know!!

Thanks.

Quick Drop In

2009-05-18T17:48:00.002-05:00

I'm super tired. We went today for another appointment at the OB's office. We were there for three hours or so but it was worth it. We (Blue, my mom and I) got to see Baby again during the sonogram. S/he was moving all around and is so much different from last time at 11 weeks. We saw both legs and feet and both arms and legs. At one point, Baby moved her(his) arm up and it looked like s/he was waving. We could even see the little individual fingers!! So cute.

I promise to have the pictures soon. The doctor said that everything looks great for both Baby and me. I'm super happy about that. Next appointment and sonogram in 4 weeks at 19 weeks. I can't wait to see what s/he does then.

Jon and Kate- Get What They Give

2009-05-15T15:10:00.003-05:00

Let's discuss some recent tv stuff, shall we?

First, I must find out how ya'll feel about all the drama surrounding Jon and Kate Gosselin. Do ya'll watch the show Jon and Kate Plus 8? I watch sometimes because I can't help it. I'm interested in reality tv, other people's lives, etc. If there was a show about the people down the street with two kids and a dog, I'd probably watch. That is just me.

I think that Kate Gosselin is horrible though. I think they are both greedy people and I don't agree with them raising their children in front of cameras. I have never heard either one of the two tell the children "I love you" or anything like that. Those children are cash cows and they don't know how to behave without cameras in their faces. I think they are being exploited and I should not watch ever.

Jon Gosselin is treated very poorly by his wife. Yes, everyone fights, especially married people and having kids only makes it worse, I get that. I don't get the no respect, rude, pious act that she gives off. Having said that, Jon should not allow her to be that way- to him or the kids. She is rude to the kids. She doesn't let them just be because she is a control and neat freak.

I absolutely cannot believe that they are paid so much (reportedly between 50 and 70 THOUSAND dollars an episode) for their show and then (THEN!) they charge 15,000 dollars for "church appearances." My favorite part, they pass a collection for their family. WHAT!?!? They live in a million dollar house. With free appliances and furniture and clothes. The people who give them "love offerings" are silly and naive but they are wrong to ask for it.

Jon Gosselin claims that he and this 23-year-old teacher are just friends. I don't really buy that. Even if he's never actually "had sexual relations with that woman," it is extremely inappropriate to be that kinda friends with someone when you are married. Period. You just don't go out at night with someone of the opposite sex and leave your spouse at home (or at the spa.) Does Kate deserve that because she is a shrew with horrible, ridiculous hair? Maybe, but I don't condone cheating.

Kate Gosselin tells magazines and tv hosts alike that she wishes her family had some privacy. That is bulls**t and she knows it! Why would you drag your large family on tv, bring cameras into your home, discuss everything in the world under the sun with the public and then expect for people to turn a blind eye on what you want them to not see? She potty trained the poor kids on tv. There are cameras in their faces when they are trying to have a meltdown or pick their nose- how does it feel, mommy and daddy?

It's not even like these two are actors or singers who want to do a creative job but hate the celebrity. These people signed up for cameras in their home and discussing their lives. How can you possibly be surprised that what you are doing in that life is coming out in public. The same magazines and news shows that covered your "renewing of vows" because you'll always be together are now just telling what's happening now. You can't have your cake and eat it too. That is a lesson they should get used to now.

I was going to talk about some other stuff but this got longer than I thought. Let's just deal with this today.

Didja Miss Me?

2009-05-13T17:11:00.003-05:00

Wow, I can remember when I used to post multiple times a day, every day. I'm too busy, busy, busy now and I'm glad. And, well, sometimes, I just don't have much to say. I have some stuff to say now- in bullet point form.

I finally left my house today! I know, I'm saying this after talking about how busy I am, right? Anyway, I have been having really killer headaches on Monday and Tuesday and could hardly see.
Today, I went to Target. Oh, Target, how I love thee. I spent a ridiculous amount of money and walked around forever. I love all the choices and fun things. I also really love the mommies and babies.
I must look super nice or like I know what is going on because every time I'm there, someone asks me if I know where to find something or what such-and-such means, etc. This time it was a man about my own dad's age, maybe a little bit older. (I'm seriously bad at guessing ages.) He asked me where I thought he could find "frozen pie sheets- you know like to cook a pie on." I don't bake pies and if I do, they are the frozen kind that I put on a cookie sheet. I asked him if that is what he meant and he looked lost. He had a list that was written by his wife, I'm guessing. I pointed him in the direction of bake ware. I saw him a few minutes later with his list talking to another lady. Cute.
Did anyone (ANYONE!) watch the Real Housewives of NYC reunion show? I know I have a tv blog but it's being neglected. I LOVED the reunion. They said that they taped for seven hours and, honey, lemme tell ya, I'd pay to see all seven hours. HOLY CATFIGHT!
Then, I watched Real Housewives of New Jersey. OMG- train wreck, train wreck and I love it. They have sisters married to brothers and one wife married to their brother and some face lift girl who enjoys phone sex. Theresa paid for her $120k of furniture with cash. Cash that her "gorgeous, delicious, juicy" husband makes being a, um, uh, contractor- yeah, okay. I will have to find a pic to post. FUN!
I am 14 weeks 2 days pregnant and I still love pickles (esp my Tabasco ones- I do have two jars left). These days, I've also added popsicles (these), popcorn and still candy. Mostly jelly beans and Sour Patch Kids.
Thanks to sweet Lys from Just Because , I ordered the shirt that Chyler Leigh (Dr Lexie Grey) was wearing at the end of the Grey's episode where she goes to dinner with her dad. Here it is. I just got it in and it's adorable. I have the perfect place to wear this PURPLE shirt and I'll tell ya'll about that later this weekend or next week.
I still have not gotten another bathing suit and I'm losing hope. I don't think I'll find one that looks good.
I'm going for an airbrush tan tomorrow afternoon. My mom does it and it looks good on her. Maybe my HUGE arms won't look so bad after some (fake) color.
Last, and best, I also ordered some big maternity panties. I'm super excited to try them on and hope, hope, hope that I love them.

Mother's Day Surprises

2009-05-10T12:00:00.002-05:00

I know that I already feel like a mother. My entire life has changed because of this sweet little angel that I have not met yet. I have not spent all night trying to calm her(him) down or been pooped or spit up on, but I feel like a mother just the same. No matter what happens, I am forever changed by Baby.

I didn't expect anyone else to think of me as a mother yet, though. I was super surprised and delighted to find a sweet mother's day card for me in Friday's mail. It was from my in laws and was specific for a mother-to-be. I was just so pleased and thankful to get it. Then, just a little later that day, I received a gorgeous bouquet of roses from my own sweet mama. They are so beautiful. I LOVE roses, cliche as they may be.

If you have been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know how close I am to my mom. I am also super close to my grandmother, my mom's mom. My dad's mom died when I was about 3 1/2. I am surrounded by lots of great mothers all the time and I hope so much that I can be half as good at it as they are. I'm glad to get the chance.

Happy mother's day to all of you mothers (and mothers-to-be) out there.

Mirror, Mirror Who Is Uglier Than This?

2009-05-06T17:04:00.004-05:00

I feel fat and ugly and yuck. I just shouldn't worry about what other pregnant girls look like, right? MY doctor told me that Baby was fine and so am I. That is the most important thing. It's not important that women who were smaller before they got pregnant don't look pregnant yet. And I look like I'm 23 weeks (or more) instead of 13.

And everyone has different hair and skin. All hair and skin react differently to the hormones and such. My baby is doing well so I shouldn't care that my hair is limp and flat and ugly. Or that my skin is itchy and pimpley and gross. It's all for Baby. Just slap on the make up and smile, smile, smile.

I shouldn't and it shouldn't but I do.

**HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful Mommy!**
**CONGRATULATIONS to Baby Brother who finished classes at LSU today.**
We are going out to eat to celebrate. I hope that helps me feel better. :(

Post Number 980! Updated

2009-05-04T12:26:00.003-05:00

Maybe I should do something fabulous for my 1,000th post. I don't know what though because I'm TERRIBLE at mailing things to people. Just ask Cess and Kelli. Sorry, ya'll. Really.

I don't know why I am. I just am. I have a ton of stuff I need to mail right now and I have not. This is why I pay bills online. Or I'd have no house. I need to go to the post office so badly but I have not been. I need stamps and a passport. I went on tax day (I'd forgotten that it was tax day) and the line was ridiculous. Plus, they weren't doing passports.

I'm 13 weeks pregnant today. And I've had cramps since last night. They are exactly like period cramps. Is that normal? I'm guessing yes. I don't know about the trimester thing, either. Some books/sites say that this is the first week of my 2nd trimester and others say that it's the last week of my first. I don't know what to believe so, I'm going just not worry about it. By next week, I'll know that I'm in my 2nd trimester.

I had a pretty good weekend. Friday, I was pissed off by a sh** comment made to me but decided to just let it go. Or try not to think about it, rather. Blue and I had a nice, lazy Saturday. We watched a couple of movies and curled up and snuggled. Yesterday I slept in because I'm having trouble sleeping at night. Then, we went to see sweet D in his little play at church. He was so adorable and great!!

Then, we all went to PF Changs. It was during the play that I started with the cramps. I thought it was because I was sitting on a bar (I was sitting in the middle of two chairs) but I guess it wasn't. At PF Changs, I ate honey chicken and pepper lemon shrimp. Oh, and some fried rice. I loved it. I want some more right now.

I'm hoping for a great week. Free of cramps and filled with sleep.

**UPDATED**
I forgot to tell you about something! While I was getting dressed, I noticed that my belly popped out last night. We were feeling my uterus down near my pubic bone but now it's up near my belly button. I have an indention (or a line?) that separates my upper belly fat (muffin top) from my lower belly fat. When I was dieting, my muffin top was smaller. Since I got pregnant, it has gotten much bigger. The bottom got bigger, too, but there was still the indention/line thing. I wish I could show you but, I like you too much.

Anyway, the indention is almost gone and I almost have one big, full belly. It is weird and achy and exciting. Kinda like pregnancy itself.

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-05-01T16:55:00.003-05:00

What are your plans for the weekend?

Tonight, I plan to eat some leftover Chinese food (veggie lo mein and seasame chicken) and watch DVR'ed shows from this week. Blue and I have 4 or 5 Law & Order: SVUs to watch, too.

Saturday, Blue and I are going to return/exchange some clothes for him at the mall. We also are going to buy him some shoes for Little Bro's wedding and some others, too. He needs them, badly. It's hard to find him shoes because his feet are wide.

Sunday, one of my sweet, sweet, sweeties, D, is in a musical at his church. Blue and I are going to see that and I am excited. He (D) is a little nervous because he has parts where he is all by himself. He is so freaking cute and smart and adorable- it's gonna be great.

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-04-30T16:15:00.002-05:00

When you get Chinese food what do you get? What are your favorites and what do you not like?

I like seasame chicken, sweet and sour pork, honey chicken/shrimp (at PF Changs). I mostly get seasame chicken when I get take out. I also like fried rice and lo mein. I usually get the seasame chicken that comes with a side of fried rice and an extra order of lo mein. Chinese food is so good leftover so, I don't worry about getting too much. Blue doesn't eat it so, I get what I want and eat on it for a few days.

OH! I also love, love egg rolls.

Craving Overload

2009-04-29T19:03:00.002-05:00

My dad took me to lunch today at Jason's Deli. It's right near one of my favorite places- Target. I bought Vlasic Tabasco pickles (if Vlasic is reading this- send me cases!!) there two weeks ago and have not been able to find them anywhere else. I have looked in a few other stores with no luck. I was seriously crying over it Monday night- no, really, I was.

I decided to go into Target and get my pickles. I may have gotten a little carried away. I bought 6 jars and left 3 there. The ONLY reason that I left those 3 jars there is so that I could possibly have those if I need them next week. What if I go back and there are no more?? Of course, someone could get those jars before I go back but at least I gave myself a chance. I know that it's crazy and irrational but, I can't help it!

Another Favorite Topic

2009-04-28T18:45:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows how much I love to read. In our old house, we were almost buried in my old books. Now that I have a specific topic that I want to research and read about, I decided it was time to go back to one of my old favs- the library.

I had a big fine ($72.30) from when I was younger. I figured that it was much better for me to pay that fine then spend hundreds of dollars on books. There are so many pregnancy, parenthood, children's books out there and to buy all of them would be ridiculous. Not just because of the money but the space.

So, I went to the library and paid my fine. I got a new library card and went in search of some lovelies to bring home. Like I said, I haven't been in a while so, it was a little overwhelming. I didn't have any specific titles or authors in mind so I was just kinda wondering around. I found the pregnancy and child care sections and picked up a few of those. Then, I tackled the fiction section.

I just basically browsed at the eye level titles. I managed to pick up a few books from authors that I like and one or two that just seemed good. I searched the new releases section and found nothing. I also went over to the children's books and thought of picking up a few to read to Baby.

I know that I got Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy and one about signing to Baby. The others are from Janet Evanovich (although I don't remember which one I last read) and something about Saffron. The stack is in another room and I just don't feel like going to get them. Sorry.

I loved going back to the library. I liked being in the room with all of the other readers. The smell is just fabulous and the atmosphere is so calming and wonderful. I could just get lost in there. I just need to go prepared with a list of titles and authors next time. I don't know when the library gets a newly released book- right away or weeks/months/years later? Anyone know?

Please, tell me what great book(s) you've read lately. I love a great recommendation. The last one that I got was from Sarah T who recommended Curtis Sittenfield. I read Prep and LOVED it. I'm almost finished with The Man of My Dreams and I like it a lot. It's not as good as Prep but it's good. I have not read American Wife but it's on the list.

What else should I put on the list?

Baby Name- A Possible Problem!

2009-04-27T13:33:00.002-05:00

One of the names that I love has a little problem. I need to just figure out if I should just not worry about it or if it's a deal breaker. Ok, deeeeeep breaths, this is it. The consecutive initials (first, middle and last) don't spell anything but the monogram (first, last, middle) do spell something. It's not a horrible word, it's an animal that maybe a child wouldn't want to be compared- like RAT or COW.

I know, I know, if I'm worried about it, just don't use the middle name or first name but I feel like this is the first name and the middle name is SUPER important. Also, I am the type who love, love, loves initials and putting them on everything. I know that some people aren't and so they'd never think of it but I'm into it.

I'm leaning more towards just going with the name and not doing monograms. But, I'd like to get opinions on what everybody else thinks. Do you think it's a big deal? Would you do it?

In other news, kinda, I am 12 weeks today. At BabyCenter.com they show you a fruit/food the size of the baby compared to a quarter every week. This week, we are a lime. Oh, I remember when we were at a poppy seed. Baby is getting big!

A drawing of what Baby might look like now.

Sunday, Sunday

2009-04-26T19:43:00.003-05:00

I had a nice weekend. Yesterday, I made Oreo Truffles for Little Brother's Honey-Do shower and cleaned my house. I also caught up on some of my DVR'ed shows, which was nice.

We left for the party at about 5:30 and were almost there when I realized that I had forgotten the Oreo Truffles!! Oh, Blue was NOT happy but he turned around to let me get them. I often forget something when we leave and got a big, long lecture about it. *sigh* We didn't get to the party until about 6:30 which was later than I wanted but, it was fine.

The party was at my aunt and uncle's house, the ones Blue and I babysat for in January. They built an outdoor "room" that has a kitchen, bathroom, pool table, tv, couch, chairs, etc. It's out in the back near a pool so it's a lot of fun for a party. They have been working really hard to get everything nice and it all paid off. Everything looked great and everyone had a great time.

We ate BBQ brisket, potato salad, baked beans, rolls, fruit and there were a few different desserts. I ate a piece of wonderful angel food cake. And a bite of M3's strawberry shortcake (or something). We listened to music and ate and visited with a lot of people. There were some great gifts and I think that Little Brother was pleased. M2 took some pics of me and M1, M1, Blue and me and Blue and me. I'll show you if I ever get them.

I definitely look pregnant now and people love that. A long time family friend told me that she thinks that Baby is a boy because of my cravings. She makes this dill dip that is fabulous so I was telling her that I need the recipe. Mom told her that I love all things sour: lemons, pickles, oranges, etc. Then, Mrs C said that she ate lemons and pickles with all three of her sons. She is the first person to guess boy. She also told me that I "look great!" That was so nice to hear.

Today, I slept in and did a lot of nothing. I finished cleaning up and doing laundry while watching tons of General Hospital episodes and now I'm almost caught up for tomorrow. I've felt pretty tired and a little queasy all day but I think this is going to be a great week! I'll be 12 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Yay Baby!

I'm off to have a little dessert. Orange? Chocolate pudding? Fudgesicle?

What A Day!

2009-04-24T21:10:00.004-05:00

You know how when you are having a bad day and all kinds of yuck crap keeps happening, it just keeps happening? Well, that has been my day.

Blue's cell phone rang at 5:00 am after I hadn't slept really well anyway. The guy on the phone was one of Blue's employees telling him that someone at the plant died last night. That is all I got out of him before he left the room. Turns out, the man who died was not an employee of the company that Blue works for. Still, very sad.

Yesterday, I had some cramps but laying around kinda helped. Then, the aforementioned not sleeping last night and I woke up with some serious cramps. I tried a bath and laying down and deep breathing but nothing was helping. I called the nurse at Dr C's office, just to see if I should take something, do something or not do something. She asked me some questions: are you bleeding? Where is the pain? On a scale of 1-10...? She talked to the doctor on call for Dr C (who was off today) and he wanted me to come in this afternoon.

Blue and I went over to the office and sat in the waiting room. I was having sharp pains that felt really weird and I also had back pain and nausea. I didn't know if the nausea was a part of it or nerves or both. The nurse called us back and made me weigh! I was just at the office on Monday and weighed then. I grudgingly stepped onto the scale and lo and behold, I weighed two pounds less than Monday!! That was a bright spot. Monday is not a good day to weigh.

I went into the little room and the nurse asked me about the pain. She didn't seem too worried and so I started feeling a little silly. She asked me if we'd heard Baby's heart beat with a Doppler yet and I told her no. We heard the heart beating on Monday but through the ultrasound. She said that she wanted to try to hear it through the Doppler and I was happy about that. She got it going and it was a little hard to find. Baby moves around a lot right now.

We finally heard the heart beating- fast! Then, she lost it. Blue said, "Our kid is hard headed." I think he was amazed at hearing it. He hadn't yet. She got it again after some searching and I felt SO MUCH BETTER. Blue thinks the heart sounds like a windmill.

I saw the doctor and he did some "checking around" and talked to me and then basically told us that I was fine. He told me that there were going to be aches and pains and that they were going to get worse before they got better. I get that. As long as I know that Baby is ok, I can handle it. I left feeling silly (Blue said that what the doctor meant is I should "man-up." He can say that when he is pregnant) but better.

We came home (after a trip to Subway) and I laid down for awhile. I woke up and decided to run to Target. I have to make Oreo Truffles for little brother's Honey-Do shower tomorrow and I need some stuff. I left and thought I'd be gone for 30 minutes to an hour. I got to Target and couldn't find a parking spot. ugh. Found one, walked in the store and starting browsing.

I need cream cheese for the truffles and they only had fat free. That is what I would normally buy but not to make a dessert for others. I grabbed it anyway. I got the Oreo's and went in search of Almond Bark. Almond Bark must be made of shaved gold or some rare ingredients or something. Target didn't have it and I was pissed.

I just felt so tired and achey and I was not in the mood. No one was answering my calls so I could ask my questions like: where can I buy this stuff and what if I use chocolate chips or Baker's chocolate? I finally got mom who told me that Albertson's or Wally World have it. I decided to just dart on over to Albertson's. When I got to my car, the damn trunk wouldn't close aaaaannnnnnnd I couldn't find my phone.

I finally got to Albertson's (after some guy pulled out in front of me) and went in. There was an AWFUL smell. It was rotten seafood or something like that and I swear I almost puked right there. I held it together and made my way to the baking isle. It wasn't easy because I never shop there so I have no idea where things are. I finally make it to the right place and guess what? You got it, no freaking Almond Bark! They have the same stuff that Target had.

Oh! I forgot to say that my gas light was on when I pulled into Albertson's. Of course. I left Albertson's and went to the gas station next door. By this time, I'm starving! And just pissed. I get the gas and leave to go to Wal Mart. The store that I HATE. I get there and a stupid lady has her door open in my spot. She and her kids are standing in the parking spot doing who knows what. She finally looks up and slowly closes her door and moves a little.

When I got out of the car to walk to the store, some weird, gross men starting yelling at me. Gross. Umm, hello, I'm pregnant! I get inside and almost trip and fall on some liquid on the floor. I make my way to the baking aisle. I don't see any Almond Bark and I'm about to LOSE IT. No, really, really lose it in the baking goods aisle at Wal Mart. I finally see ONE more package and grab it up so fast. The angels sang and I did a little dance.

I go towards the checkout lines and decide to go to the 10 items or less line. Then, a woman CUTS in front of me and SMILES at me. I knew that if I said anything I would go off on her and get arrested. I just turned away and went to another checkout line. In front of the line (separated from me by another guy), there is a girl I went to high school with and I am not in the mood. I look like crap and I'm not in the mood for a "Heeeeey! How are you? It's so good to see you..." I change lanes, again, and start to check out. The checkout guy makes some comment about how large my candy is and laughs.

Then, my credit card gets denied. Or something. I just bought gas and stuff at Target with that card. I know it works and I know I have the money. He runs it twice more and it finally works. I have no idea what was up with that. He said something but he was mumbling. I didn't care and just left. I'm still starving and so I decide to make one more stop- Taco Bell.

The line there is so long it's laughable at this point. The guy in the truck two cars ahead of me pulls out a list. Not just a list but a long, long list. I could see his total when we pulled up and it was 75 dollars! Plus, no one seems to be moving very fast. I get to the window and all goes well. I was shocked. I finally made my way home and give Blue a big hug. And the bags.

Now, I'm sitting in my bed and hoping tomorrow goes much better.

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-04-23T12:44:00.006-05:00

When you were pregnant, did you attend any types of classes/fairs, etc?

Which ones?

Do you think they are necessary?

Did your husband/baby daddy go with you?

ETA- There is this thing on May 9 that is like a fair/expo kinda thing. It starts at 8:30 and ends at 1:00. There are different types of classes during that time but only one that I might go to. I don't want to take a class about finding child care for my child or the one about kids' teeth. I'll be the child care for my child and I'll learn about teeth later. The breastfeeding one sounds ok but Blue isn't gonna be down with that. You can meet pediatricians and take a tour of the hospital which are two things I really want to do. I just don't know.

And also, this:

Mani Colors For Your Pedi

2009-04-21T19:07:00.002-05:00

This is for Kristie, who asked me to discuss nail polish colors.

I love having a manicure and a pedicure. I had one on Friday, April 3 so I think I'm due for another one. My fingernails have always been brittle and weak (and I have bitten in the past). Pregnancy and prenatal vitamins have caused my nails to grow like crazy. They still aren't very strong but for me, they are very long. Getting manicures helps me keep them out of my mouth (and from picking at them).

I ALWAYS have painted toe nails. I hate not having them painted so, they are never bare. I wear flip flops and sandals a lot so, I try to keep them as pretty as possible. You can certainly do your own pedicure at home. Soak your feet for 5-10 minutes in warm, soapy water. There are lots of different pedicure soaks that you can buy like this and or one of these. Once you have soaked, you can use an assortment of pedicure tools to slough off dead skin, push back your cuticles and then moisturize.

Now that we are ready for painting, which is what Kristie asked for, let's talk colors. I am fond of a wide variety of colors and will put almost any color (at least once) on my toes. I'm not a fan of using blue, yellow, green, etc on my own fingernails. I think that it looks a little juvenile. I do a gorgeous NAVY in the winter called Russian Navy. I would do this one on my fingers, too. Another thing about me and nail colors- I'm kinda picky about "seasons." I do bright reds (Love this one) all year round though.

Here are some of my favorite colors:
Pinks-
Essie Ballet Slippers
Essie Beach Party
OPI Sweetheart
Essie Mademoiselle
OPI La Paz-itivly Hot
OPI for Sephora in Techno Girl (This is what I have on my toes now)

Nudes-
OPI Samoan Sand
Essie Like Linen
L'Oreal In the Buff

Reds- (NOTE: All reds are not created equally. For the perfect red for your skin, follow these rules: If you have pale/fair skin (like me), find a red with a blue undertone to warm up your skin. If you have pinkish skin, get an orangey-red. Finally, for dark or olive skin, you can wear a true red color.)
OPI I'm Not Really A Waitress
Essie Hot Spot
Revlon Red
Cover Girl Queen Collection Regal Red (good for pinkish skin)
OPI Big Apple Red (a bright red)
Essie A List (a true red, good for olive or dark skin)

Other:
OPI Lincoln Park After Dark ("where midnight meats purple" according to the site)
OPI Cajun Shrimp (a bright coral/red)
OPI My Private Jet
Essie Marshmallow
OPI Purple With A Purpose
OPI Venus di Violet
Essie Alligator Purse

These are just a small number of really good ones. I love the OPI site because you can "try it on" and that is fun. This Essie site is good to buy those colors. You can view them by shades (pinks, pink mauves, red, orange,etc).

Have fun!

8

2009-04-21T16:26:00.001-05:00

Tagged by Jill-

8 Things I'm looking forward to:

Going to St Thomas
J & S's wedding
Spending beach time with my family
swimming
buying Baby's things
seeing Isa, Olivier and Sweet Cupcake Girl with the Gorgeous Smile!
Feeling Baby move
Baby's birth!!!!!!

8 Things I did yesterday:

drove home from camp with mom
saw sweet Baby for the second time
heard Baby's heart beating for the first time!
talked to my OB
went to store
did lots of laundry
bought more Sour Patch Kids (what is another really tart/sour candy?)
made delicious mini shepherd's pie for supper

8 Things I wish I could do:

lose weight
and eat french fries
see Baby whenever I want (which is always)
be on the beach right now
find a cute maternity bathing suit
sew
be in school
snap my fingers and have a clean house and clean laundry

8 TV Shows I watch:

The Amazing Race
Gossip Girl
House
American Idol
Survivor
Desperate Housewives
Lost
The Real Housewives

8 People I tag:

Kate
Kelli
Tanyetta
Sarah T.
Lainey-Painey
Crissy
Gina
Kathryn

11 Week Appointment and Updates (Long)

2009-04-20T17:51:00.004-05:00

This is Baby at 11 weeks. Well, it's a drawing of a baby at 11 weeks gestation. The actual sonogram pictures that I have of Baby are not downloaded. S/he was very difficult to photograph today. I had an ultrasound and appointment with the doctor this morning. Blue was busy at work and couldn't come so my mom came instead.

When I went into the ultrasound room, I was expecting to have to remove my pants but she said that I need to just hop on the table and pull 'em down a little. She squirted the (warm) goo on my (lower) belly and started digging. That is the best way I can describe it. She said that Baby was not cooperating and was way deep in the uterus. We got to see little glimpses though.

My mom insulted the baby and offended the technician but, when/if you see the sonogram, you'll understand. See, Baby's hand is near the nose area causing it to look like s/he has a beak-like nose. Kinda witchy-face, if you will. And noses are a little long in my family so, it's a legitimate concern. My mom said, "That's not it's nose is it," in a voice and tone that conveyed she hoped like hell the answer was no. The tech said, "*GASP* The baby can hear you! You aren't gonna be the favorite MiMi."

So, I told Baby, "Don't worry, you're beautiful! She didn't mean it." When I said that, Baby's whole body bounced upward. It was unreal! S/he LOVES me!!! How cute is that? S/he did that a few more times and then, the digging was over. OH! And we heard the heart beating. It's so fast and wonderful. The heart rate was 172.

After that was over, I had to pull up my giant paneled pants and mosey on over to the doctor's office. Dr C is so great. She is straight-forward and sweet and she is very calm. I like that. She told us that all of my blood work (that I gave last time) looks great. I was worried about my thyroid and possible diabetes but she said it all looked perfect. She said my weight was fine!! I wanted to dance with joy.

She also said that all of Baby's measurements are perfect. A perfectly healthy mama and baby- that is what I pray for all the time. I'm just so shocked and pleased to get those results from her. She said that she was putting me as high-risk but only because of my history, nothing that she saw now. In four weeks, I'll see her and have another ultrasound done. I will be 15 weeks. At 20 weeks, I see the maternal-fetal doctor and get them to do an ultrasound.

I'm so excited about all of this wonderful news. I was so worried that something was wrong with Baby or me or whatever. There isn't and everything looks great. I'm going to revel in that for a few days before I start worrying about the next thing.

As far as symptoms go, I've been very restless at night. I'm tired and I want to sleep but I can't get comfortable. I slept fairly good on Saturday night but I hadn't for days before that and not last night. I also have HORRIBLE skin problems: acne (angry, red, painful) and itching and rashes. I think that the itching and rashes are allergy related. The acne is just hormones. I am getting a facial Wednesday and I'll call the dermatologist. I hope that goes away with the first trimester.

I'm still craving all things salty and sour. Also, bread and bread-like things. I don't know really if that is pregnancy though. I pretty much all the time like bread, biscuits, rolls, etc. I try not to eat too much though. Oh- still craving fruit and veggies, too. That is a really good thing to crave. I am getting my servings in, for sure.

Thank you for all the nice comments and prayer and support. It means a lot to me.

People Must Not Like Reading About My Pregnancy

2009-04-16T13:18:00.002-05:00

My stats have gone down a little. I'm guessing because of all the pregnancy talk. I can't help it though, Baby consumes me. I found out that I was pregnant at 3w4d. I used to sometimes forget that I was pregnant for a little while. I don't do that anymore. How can I? My eating, sleeping, exercise, sex, tv watching and reading habits have all changed because of Baby. I became a mother that Friday morning and I didn't even really realize it.

I will try to talk about other things. I can't promise though. Ask me questions, give me topics you wanna discuss!

While I wait on that, I will tell you about something I bought yesterday. I have been craving all things sour: oranges, pickles, lemons, sweet tarts, Sour Patch Kids, etc. This is one of the reasons that some people believe that Baby is a GIRL! Anyway, yesterday at Target, I found these pickles.
I opened them for lunch this morning (not alone, with a sandwich) and I loved them. If you love pickles and you love spicy things- these are for you. Kelli told me a few months ago about some spicy pickles that her husband's family makes. They sounded so delicious but I never got around to making them. These are so fabulous! Another one may be in my future.

When I was little, one of my favorite things that my mama made was chicken rice. She made baked chicken and the chicken rice and I loved it. I have been craving it for awhile so, I bought a whole fryer and plan to cook it tonight. Here is the problem- I never worked with a whole fryer before. I don't know what to do with it. My dad showed me but I don't remember. I guess when I open it, I'll figure it out. Or we'll be eating guts tonight, too.

Also, this is not fair. I just read that Heidi Klum is pregnant with her fourth child. She is due sometimes in the Fall. I also read somewhere that she is four months along already so she is further than I am. I bet she doesn't look nearly as pregnant as I do! Maybe it isn't so fun to be pregnant with a (gorgeous) celebrity. Aren't there any fat celebs? Or any other fatties that are pregnant?

That was Heidi just the other day. Umm, yep, I'm MUCH bigger than that. I have vowed to watch my portions and my choices again though. I cannot gain 40 or 50 pounds. I just cannot. I drink a lot of Sprite Zero and Light Minute Maid Lemonade and I'm going to try and cut down. I am thirsty all the time- ALL.THE.TIME!!! I am going to drink more water and walk more and maybe go to Curves again.

So, please, ask me a question. Give me a topic. If you wanna ask a pregnancy question, I can't help that, right?

Dressing the Part (Updated with a Pic)

2009-04-15T11:09:00.006-05:00

Updated: I don't know how to put this at the end of the post which is what I wanted to do. Here I am this morning before I left to run errands. My boobs look awful!

Are you feeling sick on this tax day? Have some TEA!
Anyway, yesterday, mom and I went to Destination Maternity. It's time for me to buy some maternity clothes. When I put on these jeans, I was so relieved. They just feel so much better on my belly. They are a little big but it's ok.

I tried this shirt on next. It was too big so I looked bad. I admit that I had a little mini-breakdown. I know that I am pregnant but I look more pregnant than I am. We got a smaller size in the shirt and it looked better. Maybe even kinda cute. I still think I look bigger than 10weeks but there is nothing I can do about that. Ummm, the doctor would've seen if I was having twins, right? RIGHT?

I also got these three shirts. They are cute and overall, the maternity clothes make me look pregnant and not just weird-fat. I'm just at a weird stage in pregnancy/body right now. It's not fun. I just keep trying to remember that I am so happy to be pregnant and that it won't last forever. I am happy to keep growing for the sake of Baby.

I should've been smaller when I got pregnant but I wasn't. I was quite a few pounds smaller though than I was last summer. I'd been working on it and doing pretty good. It is what it is though and this is what I got. Those are two sayings that both of my parents say all the time. (It is what it is -Mom;This is what I got -Dad) I am doing some type of exercise almost everyday and I plan to crank it up especially after this yuck feeling goes away (2nd trimester!) I also admit that I have eaten a little poorly. I still have not had fast food since that one awful night, but I have not been watching diligently. All I can do is be better.

I'm off to Target today. That always makes me feel better.

Baby Buzz

2009-04-14T11:59:00.003-05:00

Since I am up-to-here in all things baby (baby books, baby NAMES, baby blogs), I thought it was time for another Celeb Baby Buzz (CBB). We can talk about baby names now, too. Naming a child is hard. Naming a child with another person is almost impossible. Well, for me, anyway.

Let's get to it. Last CBB did all of February. Let's do all of March and up until now in April.

March 5- Matthew Settle (Rufus on Gossip Girl) and wife, Naama Nativ, welcomed their first child, daughter AVEN ANGELICA. Aven weighed 8 lbs 11 oz.

March 8- Maxine Bahns (Grace on The Mentalist) and husband Patrick Watson welcomed their first child, a daughter, MADISON ROSE. Maddie (as they say they plan to call her) weighed 6 lb 2 oz and was 19 1/4 inches long. She was also a week late. That seems a little light for a baby that was late, no? Well, what do I know? Anyway, Maxine says that the pregnancy was almost perfect. How nice for her. She also explains the name by saying, "I love the nickname Maddie. My husband's mom's name is Rosemary, so we wanted to honor her by giving our daughter the name Rose."

March 14- Charlie Sheen and wife, Brooke Mueller Sheen, welcomed twin sons- MAX and BOB. They were a week early and Max was actually just back in the hospital. He is apparently out now and doing better. These are the first children for Brooke but the fourth and fifth for Charlie who has Sam, 5, and Lola Rose, 4, with ex-wife Denise Richardson and Cassandra, 24.

March 15- Carson Daly and girlfriend, Siri Pinter, welcomed their first child, a son, JACKSON JAMES. He weighed 7 lb 8 oz.

March 21- Former Bachelor Andrew Firestone and wife, Ivana, welcomed their first child, a son, ADAM BROOKS. Adam weighed 8 lbs. His middle name is in honor of his paternal grandfather. They waited until Adam was born to find out his sex.

March 22- Scott Wolf (Bailey on Party of Five) and his wife, Real World: New Orleans alum Kelley, welcomed their first child, son JACKSON KAYSE.

March 23- Penelope Ann Miller and her husband, James Huggins, welcomed a second daughter, MARIA ADELA. Maria joins big sister, Eloisa May, who is 8.

March 24- Alyson Hannigan (Lily on How I Met Your Mother) and husband, Alexis Denisof, welcomed their first child, a girl, SATYANA. Alyson and Alexis met on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and married in 2003 (so did we. Well, we married in 2003. We did not meet on the set of BTVS). Alyson and her daughter share a birthday, too. She said that she craved ginger ale while pregnant and was foggy headed. She told Ellen Degeneres, "I sorta feel like a koala bear where I'm slightly stoned all the time and say the wrong word." I feel the SAME WAY!

March 28- Tim Allen (Home Improvement) and wife, Jane, welcomed their first child together, daughter ELIZABETH. Elizabeth weighed 5 lb 11 oz. Tim Allen has a daughter, Katherine,19, from a previous marriage.

April 3- Chef Jamie Oliver and wife, Jools, welcomed their third daughter, PETAL BLOSSOM RAINBOW. (Damn! We were gonna use that) Petal weighed 6 lb 10 oz. She was welcomed by big sisters: Poppy Honey, 7,and Daisy Boo,6. They were also waiting for a "delivery surprise" and said that Jamie wanted a boy and Jools wanted a girl.

April 4- Iron Chef Cat Cora and her wife, Jennifer, welcomed a son, THATCHER JULIUS. Jennifer gave birth to Thatcher and Cat is due with a baby boy in July. The couple are also moms to sons, Zoran, 5, and Caje,2. Zoran and the baby Cat is carrying are from Jennifer's eggs. Caje is from Cat's eggs. Thatcher's biological mother is unknown. The same sperm donor was used for all of their sons.

April 5- E!'s Kristin Dos Santos (Watch With Kristin) and husband Joao Dos Santos welcomed their first child, a boy, LUCA ALEXANDER. Luca weighed 7 lb 1 oz and was 22 in long. I love Kristin!

April 6- CNN news correspondent, Campbell Brown and husband, Fox news analyst, Dan Senor, welcomed a son, ASHER LIAM. Asher weighed 9 lb 4 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. Asher is welcomed by big brother, Eli James.

April 9- Lost star Josh Holloway (Sawyer) and wife, Yessica, welcomed their first child, a girl. They named their daughter, JAVA KUMALA.

And now, let us discuss these names.
Aven Angelica- Aven is cool and kinda pretty. It sounds "made up" and I'm not a fan of that for myself. Angelica makes me think of HER. It's not the best connotation.

Madison Rose- This is a pretty name. Madison is so popular right now though. Well, it has been for a long time. I know LOTS of Madisons. Maddie is a cute nickname. Rose is pretty and classic.

Max and Bob- I don't even think they have middle names. They are a little simple for me. I don't mind Max too much but BOB? Just Bob? I don't like the whole nickname for a name, I believe in options.

Jackson James- I like Jackson (nickname Jack) a lot. I have a VERY bad connotation to the name James. It's not a bad name.

Adam Brooks- I love that his middle name is after a grandparent and I love the name Brooks for a boy. I like this name a lot.

Jackson Kayse- Is Kayse like Casey? I don't love creative spellings. Kayse looks a little feminine too me.

Maria Adela- I like this. I would rather Adele without the "a" with Maria but I think this is pretty. I think the name Maria is a good name.

Satyana- I love Alyson Hannigan and How I Met Your Mother, which I just started watching in reruns on Lifetime. I'm guessing that the name, Satyana, comes from her husband's heritage. Whatever that is- German or Russian? I think it sounds a little like "satan" which isn't great. Eh, I do like exotic names.

Elizabeth- This is a good, solid, classic name with lots of great nickname potential. It was my great-grandmother's first name (on my dad's dad's side) and it's Blue's sister's first name. She doesn't go by Elizabeth but by her middle name. Don't ask why because I don't know.

Petal Blossom Rainbow- This is just a joke. Who is going to take Petal Bloosom Rainbow seriously? Is that a name of a My Little Pony? Poppy, Daisy and Petal. Duuuude, trippy.

Thatcher Julius- Thatcher seems a little much to me. And how do you pronounce Caje?

Luca Alexander- This is a good name. Although, I've heard of girls being named Luca, too.

Asher Liam- Asher is on my short list of boy names. I love it a lot.

Java Kumala- Really? JAVA!? That is wrong and mean and silly.

I want to know:
What do you think of all these name? And especially JAVA and PETAL!
Was it hard for you and your spouse/partner/baby daddy to come up with (a) names for your child(ren)? Were there compromises- big ones?

Blah, Blah, Blah

2009-04-13T12:49:00.003-05:00

I'm not feeling well today. There are so many things that I need to be doing and I'm not. I need to grocery shop and do laundry- those are the top two. I did just put a load of whites in the washing machine. I'm hungry and I don't have any sandwich stuff. That is what I want- a sandwich.

I am ten weeks pregnant today. The baby is the size of a kumquat or a small plum, depending on what you read. I've never seen a plum the same size as a kumquat but, whatever. My nausea has pushed back later again. It's now, I guess, "morning" sickness but it's very early morning. I still pee a lot (especially at night) and feel pretty dizzy some times.

Today, I am just so tired. I didn't sleep well at all last night and I think I am getting a cold. I have been getting this same cold for awhile now though. My ears and head hurt and I am sneezing. I'm trying to fight it off but the symptoms won't go away completely. I guess it's better than having something full-fledged but this is getting annoying.

Yesterday, for Easter, we all went to my MaMa and PaPa's house. The regular 14 of us went and ate some delicious food. We had ribs, corn, rice dressing (a big favorite of mine and Blue's), green beans, baked beans, deviled eggs, rolls and two desserts- peach cobbler and carrot cake. It was yummy and I ate a little of both desserts. I have some pictures from the day but I have not gotten them onto the computer yet.

All the kids took a turn feeling my belly. If you push, right bellow the belly button, it's hard and feels "weird". They all loved it. M3 was having her turn and then said, "What is that?" I laughed and told her, "That is the baby!" She said, rubbing the fat above the belly button, "Well, then what's all this?" Well, that is FAT! I guess, I don't really know. Aaaaaahhhhhhh- kids! (I have read that as your uterus gets bigger, it pushes all kinds of other stuff up)

Blue and I got home and got into bed and watched tv. That is my favorite way to end the day. It rained really hard all night long here. I am not a fan of bad weather but it's not as bad here as it was in our old house. Blue loves the rain and thunder and lightning- I HATE LIGHTNING! It scares me. I told Blue last night that Baby didn't like the weather and he said not to put that on Baby! I guess he's right though.

Sorry for all the boring blah- just not feeling it today.

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-04-10T15:06:00.003-05:00

Please tell me what your favorite children's books are/were? What books do your kids love? Which ones are important for all collections?

1st Time Mommy Buddies

2009-04-09T21:23:00.002-05:00

I have been wondering which celeb(s) I'd be pregnant with and now, I know one. Sarah Michelle Geller & Freddie Prinze, Jr are expecting their first child in the Fall. I'm guessing that she is a little further along than I am but, still! She and Freddie have been married for six years and Blue and I will have our sixth anniversary in May.

I also saw a few days ago that Inina Menzel and Taye Diggs are expecting their first child, too. No specific due date has been given. So, yay! I am thinking that the women who are due closer to my due date will announce their pregnancies closer to our second trimester.

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-04-09T10:06:00.003-05:00

What pregnancy book(s) were your favorite?

What book are you reading now?

I have these pregnancy books:

The Pregnancy Bible

Your Pregnancy Week by Week

Understanding Your Moods When You're Expecting

The Pregnancy Book

The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy

Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers

I really like the first three. The last one, I just started reading and I like it so far. I just finished Certain Girls and I loved it. I love Jennifer Weiner. I am reading Handle With Care and it's really good. I also love Jodi Picoult. When that is finished, I will read Chasing Harry Winston and A Girl Like Moi. I have to read "fun" books after I read Jodi Picoult.

**Both A Girl Like Moi and Understanding... were sent to me from Kate. She is SO sweet to have done that for me. Thank you, again, Kate! I appreciate it so much. Love.Love.Love. xo**

Because I Have Lots Of Random Things To Say

2009-04-07T15:01:00.002-05:00

I just got a Blackberry and I don't like it. Only because I don't know how it works. Everyone keeps telling me to just give it time.
I'm pretty sure that Baby is a girl. There are a few "reasons" but mostly, it's a feeling.
Oh! And I dreamed about her on Saturday night. It was awesome.
We are pretty set on the names for either gender but won't be telling anyone what they are until Baby arrives.
I have to be honest and say that I don't think I'll be announcing Baby's real name here on the blog. Maybe we'll have a contest to see what to call her (or him). I don't know. I'm still thinking about all of this. I just didn't want to spring that on you in November.
I was 9 weeks pregnant yesterday. Baby is now the size of a grape (according to BabyCenter.com) or a green olive (according to one of my books).
I'm thrilled because I've never been 9 weeks pregnant before. I love, love, love Baby.
My MIL is driving me crazy! Thank the LORD she lives 8 hours away. (What does we are not finding out the sex mean to YOU? Is that hard to comprehend?)
I have cut way, way back on my tv watching. I still watch House, Medium, AI, Biggest Loser, Law & Order: SVU, Gossip Girl (when it's ON), Grey's and PP (ditto about never being on), Real HW of NYC, Survivor, Lost (I'm behind), Samantha Who? (YAY it's back). I guess I should've just said what I dropped.
Foods I crave- Oranges (eat two a day, at least), tacos, peaches, (most fruits and raw veggies), seafood, lemons (and lemonade- which is a GIRL craving, I hear), snowballs, roast beef sandwiches. I have also been craving pizza for a few days. But, I don't want just a regular Papa Murphy's pizza. I want a very specific kind of pizza but I don't know where to find it. I want a thinish crust but not Pizza Hut's thin crust. I don't know. It aggravates Blue.
I think that no one should discuss (with me) how much I eat/ate/have been eating. I'm PREGNANT!
Like I've said, we are not finding out the sex of Baby. I've bought three little unisex onesies though. Two are LSU and one is UGA. I already had two UGA ones and one LSU one. So, we have three of each now. My MIL says that she bought some more UGA ones.
This past weekend, LSU played UGA in baseball. I told Blue that as long as Baby lived inside of ME, s/he is a TIGER! Don't you agree? (BTW, LSU won the series!)
Praise God for Baby Girl E and all the miracles that He has performed with her and her family!
I really love Easter. I love what it represents and the time of year. It's a new beginning for all of us. It is a time to celebrate NEW LIFE in all of it's forms. What are your Easter plans? Do you have something special to wear? Do your children? I love little Easter dresses!! What do you usually eat for Easter? I think I'm going to bake something cute and Eastery.
On Easer Sunday, we are all going to my grandparents' house. The fourteen of us.
Oh, and speaking of that, the 50th anniversary party was a huge hit. Everyone looked great and had a wonderful time. There were over 100 guests, the band was excellent and I've never seen my grandmother so happy. I am so proud of them- of who they are and to be their grandchild.
My PaPa made a speech (of course! If you knew him, you would not be surprised) and in it, he announced that not only are they married 50 years this year but they will also be great-grandparents this year. I was very touched and proud. yes, proud, even though all I'm doing is peeing every two minutes and eating and being nauseated every.single.night.
You are the best advice givers ever so, I think that every day I am going to ask a baby/children/pregnancy question. You know, like the Dreft question. And the diaper bag one, too.
Re the diaper bag- I'm on the lookout for Oi Oi diaper bags. I don't know which one yet though.
Today's question- Who spoils your children the most? You, your spouse (their other parent), your mom/dad, his mom/dad? And don't forget to tell me aobut Easter outfits.

Blue Day

2009-04-06T16:42:00.004-05:00

Today is Blue's 28th birthday. He is not a fan of birthdays or holidays and whatnot. He's kinda just a dud about these things. That is why God gave him me. I drag out the fun in him.

Blue is (so far) the greatest person I've ever met and I love him so much. I'm overwhelming proud of him and everything he has accomplished in such a short time. He has succeeded against some pretty bad odds even though I always believed in him. He is there for me all the time, though sometimes it's not what I think I want, it's what I need.

He is certainly not perfect but I have to say that he and I have worked VERY hard on some serious issues in the past few months with fabulous results. He is who I think of when I'm happy, mad (it's his fault, of course), scared, excited. He is my best friend, my ally, my love, my heart, my protector aaaaannnnnnddddd the father of my sweet little Baby (who is 9 weeks gestation today!).

Happy Birthday, Blue! We love you and we are so proud of you. Thank God that you are ours- K, Baby & P

Dreft

2009-04-05T17:14:00.002-05:00

What is it exactly?
Why is it necessary?
Is it the only option?
Did you (do you) use it?
For how long?

Special Saturday Bullet Points

2009-04-04T11:15:00.002-05:00

I'm ready early for the party. I didn't sleep very well last night.
I did Mystic Tan (spray tan at the tanning bed place) yesterday for the first time. My palms are orangey. I've scrubbed them with exfoliater twice and bathed twice.
My makeup looks a little ruddy. I guess it's a combination of the spray tanning and the makeup I used. I've been using Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and the pressed powder (and concealer). Today, I used my Lancome full coverage base makeup and the pressed powder and concealer. We are taking pictures and I have four pimples. I thought I needed the extra coverage but I probably should've skipped it. I'm contemplating washing my whole face and redoing. Blue says that he doesn't see it though.
My dress is purple. I don't know why so many of my clothes are purple lately. I have had a love/hate relationship with that color my whole life. It's an LSU color so, it's always around. The first time I dyed my hair red, someone told me that I couldn't wear purple anymore. I don't believe that anymore.
I do believe that I will be wearing one pair of (cute) shoes but bringing another (more comfy) to change into.
I made two trips to the mall yesterday to complete Blue's outfit. He needed a shirt and so I went and got one in the afternoon with my dad. THEN, when I got home from running around (it was around 6), he tells me that he doesn't like his khaki pants. The twenty-five thousand pairs that he owns. Or he didn't like any to wear today because I'm making him tuck in. I don't really understand but I went back to get some damn pants.
He's only been knowing about this for months and months.
I got a mani/pedi yesterday too (before the tan). I brought my own polish because I just got it. It's an electric pink called Techno Girl.
I've decided (Corey the hair god and I) to grow my hair length out during my pregnancy. It's growing so long though. I have to always have layers because my hair is really fine and curly. I need a cut so badly. It seems pretty flat.
I read somewhere that big hair is back. You have no idea how happy that would make me. I LOVE big hair. I have big hair.
Have a good Saturday!

Love & Marriage

2009-04-03T22:35:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. They are having a party and invited many family and friends. We are having good food and music and some great surprises for them. I'm doubting that they will read this before tomorrow at 12:15 when we are getting there but I don't want to chance it.

I am so proud of my grandparents. I'm proud for many reasons but I think it's such a beautiful legacy to leave to their children, grandchildren and future (near future) great-grandchildren to be married for so long. They are such fabulous role models to all of us and we are so lucky to be a part of their family.

Congratulations MaMaw and PaPa!

Nude

2009-04-01T12:51:00.002-05:00

I love this bag. I found it while looking for diaper bags. I may have gotten off track a little. I have been wanting a nude colored, slightly structured, smaller bag. It seems like all (or most) of my bags are really big and slouchy. I like that look, of course, but not all the time. I just wanted something new.

Also, what did/do you use for a diaper bag? Did you get yours to match the sex of your child? As in- no pink and flowers for baby boy? I don't understand that because I am going to be carrying it, right? I would get a more boy-ish bag for a boy when I leave the bag for him. Right? I don't know. I have lots of time before I have to buy one. Stay tuned for more questions.

Delicious Pictures

2009-03-30T15:02:00.002-05:00

The Oreo Truffles that I made for Gus' shower
One area of the food tables- the cupcakes, framed invite, picture of the bride and groom

and Baby Shoe at 8 weeks

I am 8 weeks pregnant today

Baby Shoe is the size of a kidney bean today!

Thought You Should Know

2009-03-28T15:14:00.002-05:00

That I look AWFUL. My muffin top looks bigger and it shows in my shirts. I know, I know, GROSS. All of my shirts look like crap on me. WTF?!?

I'm embarrassed to been seen by people. It's gonna be a long 7 months.

Shower the People You Love With Love

2009-03-28T10:43:00.002-05:00

A lot of my blog posts have titles taken from songs, right?

I want to say first that I have been overwhelmed by all the sweet congratulations and well wishes. Everything that you have said (written) has been cherished and appreciated. Thank you so so much.

I am 7w5d today and the past few days have been a little rough. I've been crampy and spotting and that makes me nervous and afraid. My doctor assures me that everything looks good and that all is well. I just have to have faith. Faith that the doctor knows what she is talking about, faith in myself that I can do this, faith in Baby and, of course, faith that God knows what He is doing.

Tomorrow is Gus' bridal shower and I'm very excited. She reads this blog so I am going to wait until later to tell you all about it but it's going to be really nice. Mom and I went to get her (their) present yesterday and that was fun. They didn't have any gift bags or people to wrap though and that is NOT fun. It's all good though.

Mom ordered some great food. I am doing the cake and some sweets. Our friend, B, is doing the decorations and some family and friends will do some dishes. We are just going to eat and talk and then she will open her gifts. I know that she is nervous to do that in front of a bunch of people but she will be fine! My brother is going to come with her to introduce her to some of the people that she doesn't know. I think that is sweet of him.

What kind of stuff do you do at bridal showers (I think everyone and every area is different)? Have you ever thrown one?

The MOST Gorgeous Pictures. Ever.

2009-03-24T11:32:00.003-05:00

I'm having a baby! We are so thrilled. I had my first doctor's appointment yesterday morning and they did a sonogram. We saw Baby and Baby's heartbeat. The little blink-blink-blink of the heart was so amazing. Everything looks fabulous. I am 7w1d today and due on November 9th.

My next appointment is in 4 weeks. Blue and I (and our families) are really, really happy. I'm reading a lot of baby books, talking to other mothers, having lots of nausea at night and thinking about what Baby looks like. I seem to have a lot of symptoms, which is really good, according to doctor C, my OB. Some of them are not all that fun but I'm glad for them. This is what I have wanted for a long time.

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-03-22T12:25:00.002-05:00

Do you have a good (easy) soup recipe? Or is there a soup that you buy that you love?

I bought some Campbell's Select Harvest chicken and egg noodle. It's pretty good. It needed some added seasonings but that is usual for me. I like it because it doesn't have a weird after taste. I also bought some of those soups in the box (I forgot who makes them) but I have not tried them yet. My mom says they are good. I have the corn one and maybe the tomato one.

Except Not "Girl"

2009-03-20T19:27:00.002-05:00

Then

Brad Paisley

I remember, trying not to stare the night that I first met you.
You had me mesmerized.
And three weeks later in the front porch light, taking forty five minutes to kiss goodnight.
I hadn't told you yet, but I thought I loved you then.

Now you're my whole life, now you're my whole world.
And I just can't believe, the way I feel about you girl.
Like a river meets the sea, stronger than it's ever been.
We've come so far since that day.
And I thought I loved you then.

I remember taking you back to right where I first met you.
You were so surprised.
There were people around but I didn't care.
I got down on one knee right there.
And once again, I thought I loved you then.

Now you're my whole life, now you're my whole world.
And I just can't believe, the way I feel about you girl.
Like a river meets the sea, stronger than it's ever been.
We've come so far since that day.
And I thought I loved you then.

I can just see you, with a baby on the way.
I can just see you, when your hair is turning grey.
What I can't see is how I'm ever going to love you more.
But I've said that before.

Now you're my whole life, now you're my whole world.
And I just can't believe the way I feel about you girl.
We'll look back someday, at this moment that we're in and I'll look at you and say, "And I thought I loved you then."
And I thought I loved you then.

New Shoes and Target

2009-03-20T12:57:00.004-05:00

I finally got my car back on Wednesday. I'm so happy to have her back. I need to go to Target so badly and so, today is the day. I love, love, love to shop for anything so I'm excited to go. The only thing that I don't like about going grocery shopping during the day is I have to carry all the bags inside myself.

I got two new pairs of shoes this week. They are awesome and I've worn one pair already. The problem I always have with shoes like this is that my ankle is so narrow. I need to poke another hole in the straps to make them tight enough.

Victoria Secret Colin Stuart t-strap

I got them in the silvery color on the right

Steve Madden Cerona
Green

This weekend is going to be spent doing chores and projects around the house. We need to clean out the outdoor room that is going to be the home of Blue's workout stuff. He has decided that he needs to get into shape so... I'm excited about it. Did I already tell you about that? Anyway, I've been on his butt for awhile about needing to eat better and exercise. Proud of him.

A week from Sunday is Gus' bridal shower. I'm so excited! I will get to see some family members that I have not seen in awhile and I always love that. The weekend after that (April 4th) is my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary party. I'm really excited about that, too. They have invited a lot of family and friends, we'll have music, food, cake, pictures. It'll be a lot like a wedding reception. I'm so proud that they have been married for so long and love each other so much. I'll write more about this later.

What are your weekend plans?

Diary of a Shoe Addict

Moved

Finally!

A Few Things...

Georgia

Resolutions

Merry Christmas From the Family

A Christmas MeMe (To Try & Cheer Me)

Bunny is 2 Months Old

Stuff I'm Loving

The Greatest Gift

Growing Pains

The 17 Thing

1 Month

Shoeaddict Asks

Not A Model Model, But Gorgeous

Winner

By Any Other Name

Baby and Bili

Sick- UPDATED

Angel Baby

We Have Take Off

Oh, My Blog!

I'm Boring

For Whom?

Promise A Post Soon

Belly Progression- Oh Wow!

It's Baaaack!

Boot Love

Sick

I'm Hanging In

Shoeaddict Asks

Pediatrician

People Are Sweet

The End(ish) of the Journey

Breaking News

The More You Know...

I'm Sad Today

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

As The Bump Progresses...

Cupcake's Visit (Early June)

Can't Help It

French Friends

Weekend

Missing- Update

Choices!

Belly Pics

Welcome To the Journey

Bad

Christmas Doctor

1,000th Post!

Will I Be Saying "It's A Boy" and Not Mean To...

Whole Lot Goin On

I Promise, Promise, Promise

Summer In the Library

My Baby! News On the Ultrasound

The Best I Got Right Now

More Pictures (Scroll Down For the First Set)

Out Of Order- St Thomas Pictures

Back To Reality

Just Wondering...

Sexy

Randoms

Shoeaddict Asks

Quick Drop In

Jon and Kate- Get What They Give

Didja Miss Me?

Mother's Day Surprises

Mirror, Mirror Who Is Uglier Than This?

Post Number 980! *Updated*

Shoeaddict Asks

Shoeaddict Asks

Craving Overload

Another Favorite Topic

Baby Name- A Possible Problem!

Sunday, Sunday

What A Day!

Shoeaddict Asks

Mani Colors For Your Pedi

8

Post Number 980! Updated