The big reveal!

I am so excited and couldn't be happier with the way the house turned out! You are probably wondering what it is that we did!

Well, these are the not the greatest before pics of the dining room. Notice the ledges, and the neon blue-green carpet (hint hint!)

Now....this is what we did!

Step 1: Remove ugly and cheap laminate flooring.

Step 2 Remove cheap linoleum.

Step 3: Scream in disgust at 2nd, 3rd....and oh yes, 4th layer of ugly linoleum. This was the bottom layer.

Here is the only decent shot i can't find right now of the laminate flooring. It doesn't look too bad here but a) it was put down very poorly (aka=thrown down, pieces were popping up and there were gaps b) it was cheap, and therefore didn't clean well (what is shine?) c) it didn't flow with the house.

Before.....

(Again, I apologize for the crap pic but the camera is broken--anyone wanna get me a new one?)

Here is the SAME room after.....cabinets have been painted, and different kitchen table!

The same room with the ledges and blue carpet. The room is open and looks huge! I need to do some other things in here because it was a modge podge of junk before!

The new floors! They are called 'Gunstock Oak'

The two pics look totally different but true color is really a combo of both, lol!

So, our house is minus two ledges as well! I cannot believe the magnitude of difference this made. Not only do they look great, but they are solid, and SHINY! Plus, since we took off 4 layers of flooring....we feel like we added some height, lol!

The house is slowly returning to normal. I will post a pic when we get the house all back to normal but it might take us a week or so since we are both beyond TIRED! Think dust, and more dust everywhere. Phew......

When one soul comes, one leaves.

I don't really know how to begin this post. The past two years seem like a blur to me, and it seems like forever ago that my grandmother was diagnosed with the big C--Lung Cancer. She went through Chemo and Radiation and seemed to do well.

This past winter she had a stroke. Since then, her health has deteriorated and she has been to several doctors. My mom went with her to one appointment and dementia was talked about. So, our family started to think that is just what she had. It seemed like things continued to get worse, and that my grandpa was having a hard time caring for her. I suggested contacting Medicare to get someone to help out. I have kiddos I work with who are on Medicaid who get nursing assistance so I figured the same benefits might apply.

They sent out someone to assess her and found out that the cancer was back, and it wasn't good. They have her 6 months. Then, last night my mom called to tell me that had changed. Now, she has 1-2 months to live. Before that call, I was so happy about the baby being healthy so far, and I just didn't expect this at all. I really wanted her to meet our little man too.

What makes me upset is that they are not telling her that she is dying. She told my mom the other day that when she is alone, she can't think. Then, she asked my mom if she was dying. They told her NO! When I asked why, they said, we'll we don't want her to give up fighting. I just feel that this is so wrong and that she deserve to know. I keep thinking that she might want to say her goodbyes, or do this or that. It just doesn't make sense to me but maybe she didn't want to know, I don't know.

The sad thing is that they planned her funeral yesterday. My grandpa wanted everyone to be in the right mind state to do it. I know this sounds odd, but I have never to been to a funeral, and I really don't know how to deal with death.My dad's dad died when I was ten. It was an odd experience because he was cremated and I wasn't really that close to him. I know none of us really can ever be truly prepared for it but I have no experiences to base this on. Death has always been something that freaks me out.

I am 30 years old and have been blessed that I have never truly dealt with it before.

Anyway, any thoughts and prayers sent her way would be greatly appreciated.

I guess it might be true what they say, with every birth there is a death.

On a positive note, Blake's mom had surgery yesterday to remove tumors from her bladder. She is doing really well and they sent her home! She had this when Blake was young, and this time it seems to be going as it did last time!

Cancer just sucks!

21 weeks and some good news!

Yes, that is our furniture on our deck. No, it was only out there for about 15 minutes. You'll see why soon!

Yesterday was a good day in my book. I needed it with all the craziness going on at my house. The house stuff should be done on Saturday so my life should return to normal again and I can't wait! Between our house being in upheaval, the AC went out on Tuesday, right during a week where there was a heat advisory! Luckily, we were able to get someone out here to fix it, and I didn't have to hurt anyone and move into a hotel.

This was the sight at our house this weekend. Nice isn't it? :)

Ok, back to the good news! I had the 2nd part of my anatomy ultrasound today since Mr. Nugget didn't quite want to cooperate last time. WOW--he has GROWN! I can't believe the difference a few weeks make! He has doubled in weight at a whole 14 0z. (almost a pound!) The best news is his heart looks great. This was my biggest concern because if he were to have Down's Syndrome, heart defects are pretty common. Plus, we were able to get a great view of his spine, his bladder, and kidney's! The doctor at the Women and Fetal Health Center at MOBAP felt that everything looked great! I couldn't be happier!

I have been feeling much better lately too (with exception of today and I think I jinxed myself last night by telling Blake that it's been a while since I've gagged or puked!) and I am moving through the 2nd trimester quickly!

We have had some major discussions about names (he made an attempt of making a list) and we haven't' agreed yet! Blake called me last week after my 20 week appointment and he goes, "How's Rod?" I was wondering who the hell Rod was and he goes, "oh, that's what I call the baby."

Nice. Ok, so Rod is doing well!

The best part? I have been feeling him squirm and move! I can totally tell when he is awake and asleep! (Ok, kid....night time is a time for sleep and day time is a time to be awake. You must learn this before you come out!) Sometimes it gets uncomfortable because he is breech and his feet are towards the cervix, so I feel like he is dancing on my bladder! Thanks sweetie!

Can I also mention this is the most comfortable I've been so far and then sweet mother nature decides to bombard us with heat and humidity we usually see in late July or August.

Here is to another week! I cannot believe 22 is in my sight. Time flies when you get fat!

Best thing I have ever been told by a medical professional!

Today, I had a visit with the nurse practitioner at my OB's office for my 20 week visit! I walked out of there smiling! Not only because I got to hear his heartbeat, but she told me something I had never thought I had heard before! Good job (on gaining weight!) I told her about my reoccurring morning sickness that comes and goes. She looked at the chart and said I was doing a good job because I am gaining weight! I almost cried after I got on the scale because I gained 5 pounds since my last visit a month ago (up to a total of 7 which I think a high percentage is related to boobage and belly, lol) and was not happy. After she said that, I wanted to jump for joy, lol! She said that basically during my bad bouts of morning sickness, I was basically starving (which at that time isn't that big of a deal bc baby is size of pea or so)

Seriously, the best thing anyone could ever say to a woman (much less a prego woman!)

She also told me that the u/s looked fantastic, no issues at all! She said not to worry, and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy while I can! I go for my next u/s a MoBap next week to relook at the heart since he wasn't fully cooperating/developed at that time! I can't wait to see the little man again!

I also go my schedule of my remaining visits! HOLY CRAP! I am having a BABY! I think that started to run through my head! I have two more monthly visits, then twice a month in Sept, and then weekly from then out! Looking at it on paper, makes me want to run home and get the nursery ready, lol!

This weekend was insane! I cleaned out the nursery, the garage, and the basement (and I contemplated vacuuming the garage) as well as the rest of the house. I think a little neurotic nesting has begun. Seriously, which brings me to the next thing...and I am way beyond excited but how am I going to handle my house being in shambles for a few weeks?

This week, my house begins demolition! I can't wait to show you the before and after pics of this home reno! It's a BIG one! I get to finally say good-bye to something in the house that I HATE with a PASSION! (AKA=circa 1984) The demo starts Saturday, and we rented a dumpster for the day! I get to watch.....booo! No one will let me help! I guess I'll just stand barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen and make men food. I CANNOT WAIT TILL IT IS DONE! (and show you pictures!)

I plan on taking a pic this Weds because I will offically be 20 weeks (and my belly looks it!) Half-way done baby!!!!! WOOOT!

19 weeks and the much anticiapted belly

(it's a really craptastic pic but I was told these posts are useless without pics, lol! I look muy largo. That means very big for you non-spanish speaking peoples.)

I look back and thought that getting to 19 and 20 weeks would take forever! Well, here I (er...we) are!

No updates on the names....still can't agree. Any ideas? I know we have a good 20ish weeks but it's not looking good! I can't really call him nugget when he comes out now can I? (Hmm...it would be a unique name)

I went out and caved. I had to buy some baby stuff. Plus, my mom is crazy excited and has bought a few things too! It's so hard not to buy everything, it is all so damn cute! Plus, she got us some diapers and I KNOW we can put that to good use!

I am hoping to clear out the nursery this weekend. This room was used as a 'let's just throw random crap in there' room. Books, clothes, purses....yep, his room was my 2nd closet. I am really at a dead end when it comes to bedding :( Speaking of bedding and the nursery, I really am starting to feel like I need to get my butt in gear with everything. I know we have plenty of time but projects around here seem to take longer than most normal peoples (and I think it might have to be due to the fact that Blake is the least handy person on the planet! I am thinking of enlisting someone to help me put the crib together when we get it--he's THAT bad!)

Speaking of Blake.....on the way home from the grocery store, I told him that I got the yummiest ice cream. He goes, and I swear to you, he said this (he swears he was joking but I beg to differ.)

"Amy, if you want to have a 7 pound baby (when did i say that?) you really onloy should gain 7 pounds." Again, he swore he was joking but of course, I got defensive and explained to him that weight gain when with pregnancy isn't just baby.

What to Expect breaks it down like this:

It’s pretty much a given that you won’t be giving birth to a 25-to-35-pound baby. And that’s a very good thing. Want to know where the rest of those pounds settle? For a 30-pound weight gain, they’ll be distributed approximately like this:

• Baby: 7.5 pounds (I like this part...this part is good, but could you give him a small head?)
• Placenta: 1.5 pounds (holy hell, and some people eat that? ugh!)
• Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds
• Uterine enlargement: 2 pounds
• Maternal breast tissue: 2 pounds (in my case I swear it's like ten pounds, lol!)
• Maternal blood volume: 4 pounds
• Fluids in maternal tissue: 4 pounds (um, ew?)
• Maternal fat stores: 7 pounds (Dear lord, please let this be true!)

I got for a 20 week check-up on Monday, so we'll get to see how much weight i've put on (cuz that is what every woman wants to hear right?) Plus, I will finally get to see my OB after that Down's testing thing and get to ask her a ton of questions!

Changes already?

I cannot believe the week has flown by so darn fast. Let me first tell you that right now is holy hell season at work. That means Amy is super busy and what happens to Amy when she least needs it? STOMACH FLU! Yep....in the June? The funny/odd thing is that not only did I have it, but a coworker, Blake and a fellow prego who uses the same OB all did too... good thing, I'm not too paranoid and didn't freak out (ahem....swine flu anyone?)

Let me tell you.....it's funny how something like this puts things into perspective for you. My body is not just my own. It creates life....it's a short-term hotel stay for Baby B! I was so sick that a trip to the ER to get fluids was around the corner. Luckily, I have this thing called Gatorade to thank. I was able to keep that down and then more and more of it! I would have drank prune juice mixed with a dirt cocktail on the side if I needed to! It all boils down to what I do in turn affects our little nugget.

It's funny how much your life changes before this baby even comes! Don't eat this, don't eat that. It seems that more than just what I eat has changed, like sleeping for one! The way my body reacts to this thing called sunlight (A sunburn? I think I could count on my hands how many times I have been burnt in my life...) Going out with friends (many of our friends still go to out to a bar or somewhere to drink weekly) hanging out with drunk people when i am sober is the last thing I want to do! I think that since were are the first to have kids, our social life will change a lot. I didn't think that it would actually change until just recently. Some days I really miss going out and hanging out with everyone, and others I am happily content at home with Blake and the animals (and the nugget too!)

So, I ask you guys for some feedback. Those of you with kids--how has your life changed? Those without or currently preggo....have you thought about this and how do you think your life will change?

Yesterday.....18 weeks!

18 weeks!

I cannot believe how fast the past month has flown! I am not complaining though! In about a week and a half, I will be half way through with the pregnancy! Can you believe it?

Apparently, when I was at my ultrasound last week, we confirmed an anterior placenta. Meaning that the placenta is in front of the baby. Doesn't mean anything but that I might feel baby later. There are some times I *think* I felt him but not sure! (It's not like I have done this before, lol!)

At week 18, your baby-to-be's senses are maturing. He's able to hear sounds within his own comfortable environment, such as the sound of your heart beating, as well as external sounds, such as your voice. He may become more active for certain sounds, and you'll feel his movements. At this point in his development he's still small enough that she has plenty of room to wiggle.

He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound

He can hear me? Oh crap, better clean that mouth up, lol!

I know you peeps are dying for a belly pic and I will get one soon. I keep trying to get Blake to take one but once I get home I forget, and he leaves too early in the morning! I took several but when I take them, well, just. not. good.

Introducing....

Our baby boy!

Thank you for all your kinds words and prayers. This has been one emotional roller coaster, and I'm sure it's just beginning! I went almost 12 weeks without seeing him and when I first saw him he looked like a little blob and he wasn't yet a he! Now, he looks like a little man. I feel like I had just met him for the first time..... I get to see him again on June 15th! I of course, will be a nervous wreck again, wondering if everything is still ok!

The first one is his toes, he has them together.

The pictures on here don't look as good in real life! :(

His whole body. If you look closely, you can see his head, body and even his legs. (I know, they are hard to see what is what)

A decent close-up of his profile!

This one is my fav.....(besides the footsies one!) He has his mouth open! He closed it right after that so I guess he was taking a breath? The white parts are bone...so you can see the outline of his skull, and the white in his mouth are his teeth buds!

I have so many more! It's really amazing that the features and everything is there. He is only about 1/2 a pound! He was so squirmy during the ultrasound, it was hard to get good ones of him at first, lol! The most amazing thing about this was seeing it all--I mean his brain? WoW! She even pointed out the cerebellum, and the chambers on his heart. Craziness!!!!

We have no names just yet but I'm working on that with the Blake. He was more willing to compromise on a girl to have a weird name (any name that is not Blake, Joe, Bob, Matt, or Mike is weird to him! So, we have some work a head of us!

So far....so good!

I can now update you all! Thanks for the good vibes. I hope they worked!

We got a phone call last Thursday that the quad screening test we took (blood test to test levels in blood) came back saying it was 'positive' for Down's. Of course, I freaked..then I cried.....and cried some more. I cried until I couldn't anymore.....you know how your head hurts because you cried so hard? I was there. Blake tried to console me but there was really nothing he could say.

I did my research and basically being positive means that the baby has a chance in having Down's. Normal 30 year old women have like a 1 in 600 (and something) of having a child with Down's but mine came back as 1 in 269. They told me to go to genetic counseling and do the amnio....It was all just so unexpected.

If you don't know what an amnio is...they basically stick a needle through your stomach to take some amniotic fluid out. They culture it and it will tell you if the baby has Down's (or some other chromosomal abnormality)

We went to MoBap this morning, I was basically a ball of nerves. Our appt with the genetic counselor was at 9:00 but they didn't see us until 9:50ish. She basically told us that we had a low chance, and that we could do the amnio to know for sure. She also broke it down better for us---If there were 269 people in the room, the same age, and had the same exact numbers on the blood test screening, then one of those women would have a kid with Down's. Then she basically told me that my risk is that of any 35 year old. Sounds weird bc I am 30 but still that is my 'risk'.
We then waited again (me with full bladder about to explode!) to see the ultrasound tech. She brought us back and my eyes could not believe how the baby had grown! The heart, the spine, the arms, the toes--everything there was perfect!!! Pretty darn cute too if i do say so myself!

The scan of the baby took about an hour to look at everything and measured the skin fold of the neck, measurement of nose to lip, the heart, and some other Down's syndrome markers. The doc then came in and said that the baby looked pretty on target, and the amnio was up to me.

I was on the fence even when he asked me but then I remember what the genetic counselor said and that there was a 1 in 500 chance of miscarriage. I declined. After seeing my perfect baby....i couldn't risk it. I will love this baby no matter what and the risk isn't worth loosing my sweet baby boy! I can now tell you it's a

BOY!!!!!

Blake was ecstatic, and clapped. I looked at him and go, 'seriously, you really clapped?"

I feel better and more at peace and pray that I made the right decision. No parent ever wants to hear there is something wrong with their child. It doesn't help that I see the worse case scenario everyday at work.

I go back in another 4 weeks to rescan and look to make sure everything is still ok. The baby and all it's 'parts' are not fully developed until 20 weeks or so which is why they want me to come back. The scan doesn't negate me from having a Down's syndrome kiddo, but it made me feel better. Something told me that is was going to be ok....

I have to say......

I am so in love.......and more than i was before. I cannot imagine actually seeing this baby and holding him!

Now to pick out names!!!! I will post some pics later---I got some pretty good ones of his adorable little feet, and him with his mouth open!!

Need some good vibes, please!

I really don't want to go into details just yet but I could really use some good vibes and prayers sent our way. Sometimes, there are times in your life where you have to make a decision and you don't know what you'll do until you are there.

I'll keep you all posted soon.....hopefully full of good news!

That really happened?

Lily does not like to go outside when it's raining. If it rains all day, she refuses to go outside all day. Last night, Blake tried to get her outside and she ran under the kitchen table. I called her and she ran by me. Blake decided he needed to pick her up and carry her outside.

I was sitting on the couch, legs straight out, laptop on my lap. He picks her up and as soon as he does I notice a wet feeling on my legs. I look up and he is holding her straight out in front of her and there is a huge, yellow stream coming from her........

I scream, OMG! OMG! Blake....she is PEEING!

It took him a few minutes to register what I was saying and he kept turning in my direction and then the opposite. Then he felt it.....

It was EVERYWHERE! The rug, the couch, my leg, his leg.....

We cleaned it really good but I don't know if the rug will survive. and we just got the damn thing! While it totally sucked....I laughed for like an hour straight just imagining the look on Lily's face, and the stream coming from her. Oh my.

A few things.....

I posted a little gender poll--so come out from GR and vote!

Story to tell this baby.....

I wake up to pee one night, and struggle to move to the bathroom. I hear a screeching sound--oh crap! I stepped on the cat! (and pretty forceful too!) and then I ran into the wall.

So much for grace huh?

p.s. No cats were injured....she is fine and dandy!


oh yeah, 16 weeks today! I will try to post a pic later!

Tidbits

I am officially a free woman! The semester (a rough one at that) is finally over! The last month has been nothing but craziness so I am glad to be a part of the real world once again!

I got a really cool surprise a few weeks ago! A friend dropped by and brought us a brand new swing, and a high chair. Apparently her momma was at Baby's R' US and they were getting rid of the floor models. The most unexpected, yet much appreciated gift! I can't wait to use them!
I have a review with a fun little giveaway coming soon!

Went to the doc today for my 16 week visit and I scheduled the BIG ultrasound! June 15th is the big day! Blake wanted to go after work so he is forcing me to go ALL damn day.....ah. I can't wait!
Heard the heartbeat again today beating strong at 154. It was kind of hard to hear because the placenta is in front of the baby (my last ultrasound at 61/2 weeks showed it was developing in front of the baby) which means I might feel the baby later on than most. Booo!

Trying to find some inspiration for the nursery. Any good places to look?

Blake and I have compromised on a name for a girl, not so much on the boy. He wants to name the boy after him. I'm hoping it's a girl.

After a conversation with him, he really has no clue about babies. "I know they cry a lot, they poop, they eat a lot, and they cry a lot. I know that when they get bigger they move around and walk......" Oh boy, we are in for some trouble!

We toured both of the hospitals my OB delivers at and decided on Missouri Baptist. I had a mini-freak out after visiting the first one. It all sunk in that this is real and that a bowling ball will be coming out of my pickachu. I don't know if I am ready for all that. Just knock me out and wake me when the kid is out.

The first hospital kind of smelled and reminded me of a hospital. I hate hospitals. HATE them. MoBap had a somewhat more homey feel to me (and had a ton of other things I liked better...like the baby is with you the whole time and not whisked away to be cleaned, or checked out, it's all done in YOUR room!)

I took a belly pic last week but it wasn't very good so I am going to take one on wends. for week 16, and I'll post them both for your satisfaction!

The nitty gritty down and dirty. well, kind of!

I have had several hundred (ok, not THAT many) requests for belly pics. I will try and get one tomorrow--15 weeker one!

I have thought about what some of you and other people have said about wanting to know all about pregnancy. Well, let me put it out on the table right here!

Who knew my boobs would turn blue. Ok, not really but the highway of veins makes me wonder where they came from.

I am congested all the time. Yep. Who knew it was a pregnancy thing. By the way, some people's allergies get worse too. Get use to saying 'bless you' every ten minutes if you're around me! (or like Blake tell me that he doesn't have time to tell me each time)

Brushing your teeth becomes like Russian Roulette. You do it as fast and efficiently as possible to refrain from gagging yourself and puking.

Burping. I sound like a ten year old boy that just chugged a gallon of Pepsi. Coworkers are so used to it by now it doesn't even phase them.

Oh, and digestion issues, one word-- Constipation.

Food. Let's talk about food because it really goes with the subject of pee and poo and bodily functions. Apparently, your organs and innards are all mushed around because of the baby...which makes less room for....your stomach and bladder. (Those are two things that shouldn't be used in the same sentence again.) I am starving so I eat. I swear ten minutes later....I'm starving AGAIN!

Speaking of bladder..... I miss sleeping through an entire night. Sadly, I don't think i will be doing that for a long damn time. I love you interrupted blissful slumber. So, you ladies who are planning to get knocked up....enjoy your sleep now!

Oh, and sleeping comfortably? So, what is that? I'm a stomach sleeper so that is obviously not gonna work. Trying to get myself to sleep on my side but it sucks worse than many other things.....(besides having a sleeping dog who farts under the covers, and climbs out... Yes. My dog sleeps UNDER the covers. She is weird but we love her anyway. Stinkiness and all) Did you know that by 16 weeks you cannot sleep on your back? So, side sleepin' it is!

Who knew that I'd use the word uterus as much as i have lately.

Who knew that I'd write a blog post about my blue boobies?

Who knew that my brain will fail to function so badly that I show up at the wrong meeting.(and it only took me for them not to show up to realize it) Yep. I did that. Even after looking at my calendar 4 times that day.

Who knew that I'd tell my husband that I love him 346 times in an hour and that I hate him (ok, hate is a harsh word, more like i can't stand you right now kind of thing) 694 times in an hour. Yes, hello crazy mood swing lady.

So, since this post is in dire need of a picture. I will leave you with a picture of my other babies--who are both after the same thing....

..............a fly. I love how they both have their paws up!

Goodbye 1st Trimester!

Hello 2nd! Yes! Finally! I made it and survived. I feel like I should buy T-shirts and celebrate. Ok, not that far but you get the excitement.

I have been super busy with the end of this semester wrapping up (and Amy playing catch-up on a whole semester of work that I put off because of the whole wanting to puke 24/7 thing!) I have one more paper to do, and a test next Tuesday. Then, home free (and time to catch up on work too!)

This past weekend was our 1st Anniversary. I wrote a post about it and I forgot to post it. (Baby brain has begun...) It was good to get out of the house and into the real world for a bit and eat (and boy did we!) I haven't been the nicest person to live with lately and he has been so understanding. I am getting all nostalgic now, so i will stop!

Time really is flying by fast. I go back to the doc in 12 days and we schedule the BIG ultrasound then. I can't wait. Plus, more than anything I can't wait to see our little nugget again and see how he/she has grown. The last time I saw him/her (see this whole gender thing needs to be figured out!) it was like looking at a little blob (a cute one though!) Plus, we get to see how our nugget is developing and if everything is going ok. I got so nervous before the last ultrasound, and I know I will be nervous for this one! I can't wait!

finally broke down and bought maternity pants. O.M.G! They are amazingly comfortable and I am sitting her feeling like I am wearing sweatpants. I love you maternity pants! I really do! Plus, it's pretty efficient when you have to pee and there are no zippers or buttons to slow you down! :)

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck.

By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active! From babycenter!

Baby sure is growing!

13 weeks and growing.....

Time is flying (well, today it def does not feel that way) but I am already 13 weeks!

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.

I am amazed at how fast this baby is growing. It looks more like a baby now, and less like an alien! I thought that the morning sickness was gone, so I quit taking all the meds. Boy, was I wrong! My energy levels are picking up a little, but our crappy rainy, dreary weather isn't helping.

I have started to pop a little. I have had two people at work tell me that I am looking preggo. Thankfully, I am because that could have been awkward! I am ready to look pregnant and not just like I ate too much!


I have to tell you that as excited as I am, I do get days where I am totally freaking out. Like the other day, a coworker brought in her new tiny baby (I mean tiny, he was 6 weeks and like 7 pounds!) I looked at that baby and someone goes, here you hold him. My legs got all wobbly and I started sweating. He was just so tiny, and to think in less than 6 months, I will have my own! It's exciting but so scary! Yesterday, I got free sample of diapers in the mail! They were so cute, and so tiny, but then again, an "OMG, this is real" small attack happened.

I know all those fears will go away once I hold him/her for the first time. Speaking of hims and hers.....I cannot wait to know! A friend of ours just found out they are having a girl! I can't wait to know....I am dying of suspense. Really, I am. You should see me :)

ABC game!

Jen over at Eggs Over Medium, gave me the Letter R to play with!

Here are some of my favorite things that start with the letter ARRRRR.......Reading: I loves me a good book. I haven't had time lately with this stupid thing call school and work but the last set of books I read was about the most loved vampire.....

Nothing is better than a good book and good wine....which brings me to

Red red wine....oh how i yearn for your sweet taste on my lips.....

ok sorry but its one of the things i miss most right now.

Relaxation (it's better when paired with Rest which I can't seem to get enough of!)

It's the best when paired with red wine and a good book! :) I was hoping we were going to get to take a second honeymoon, due to the fact that our first one was not all that we had expected (if you call 2nd degree burns fun, lol) but we must save time for maternity leave!

Oh snap! Maybe next year?

Reality TV: American Idol, The Bachelor, um, Rock of Love. Yes. I know.
I've started watching a new one called Tough Love. It's fantastic!

Roads less traveled. I love traveling. Love the beach, love vacations. I live for them! I love visiting new places....especially when there is a beach involved. Did I mention I love the beach?

This one is a stretch and a two parter: Real Flowers--mostly peonies!

Really bright colors...I love nothing more than a pop of color. Pink and green, of course!

Redo, Redecorate. Whatever you want to call it. Our house looked like it was stuck in 1982 when we bought it. Down the the ugly brown walls accented with the blue flowered wallpaper. I love to see before and afters......and love to see our hard work pay off!

Last but not least, Reader....as in Google Reader. Sorry, no pic (laziness kicked it) It lets me stay all informed and stuff. :) Really, how could I keep up with the gazillions of blogs I read without it? (OK, not gazillions but there is a lot!)

Anyone else wanna play? If so, leave me a comment and I'll give you a letter to play along!

Why we do the things we do.

Before that pregnancy test was even dry, I was already overcome with emotions. I looked down at the 4 tests, I looked down to see dark glaring double lines....I thought, 'oh my god, you're pregnant! Suddenly the emotions permeated through my body. Happiness, giddiness, excitement, nervousness.....and the overwhelming sense of worry.

I started over analyzing every symptom, every twinge, and ever single thing happening to my body. I scoured websites, read books, and made the mistake of reading message boards that were filled with the words that I feared most. Miscarriage. (one note of caution for those preggo or planning on it--stay AWAY from the internets. They can lead you to very scary places, lol!)

Cramps came and went. I freaked out a bit, and then learned that they are normal in early pregnancy (hey, who knew!) Nausea came and went (mostly came....lol) and I was swearing to anyone that this was going to be our one and only child!

Finally the day came and it was time for the first ultrasound. It was going to be full of happy memories, or a painful voyage. As the ultrasound tech guided the wand around, I looked at the screen and there it was. A little blob. A cute little blob (Personally, I think it is the cutest blob ever but I might be a bit biased.) Then, I saw the most magical and miraculous wonder I have ever set my eyes upon. The little flutter of our baby's heartbeat. She slowly turned a knob and I felt my eyes welt up. There it was in all of its glory. The most amazing sound my ears have ever heard (and man, I have heard some good things in my life.)
I heard the heartbeat. I sat there misty eyed, and amazed.

I felt good.

My baby was safe.

That reassurance comes and goes. I got to hear that sweet swoosh again on Monday, and again, it was a sound of relief. What that ultrasound tech said to me that first day has stuck with me. Through every twinge, and through ever tiny sense of worry, what she said echo’s in my mind.

Worrying is part of being a mother.

She is right. From that moment, I saw those two lines (on a total of 7 different tests. yes, 7) I was instantly a mom. In a matter of minutes, we became parents. Carrying this baby is just the beginning. We have a whole lives of worry ahead. With that come the joys and happiness. I can't wait to suck it all in!

Eight is enough!

I've been tagged by Emily!

Here's how 8 things works:
Mention the person that tagged you.
Complete the lists of 8's
Tag 8 friends
Go tell them you tagged them.

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To...
1. The end of this semester. I have a feeling it might be the last in a while, darn!
2. The weekend
3. Going to my back doc in two weeks!
4. Finding out what this nugget has between the legs ;)
5. Our first anniversary next weekend!
6. The animals greeting me when I come in the door
7. My house being clean
8. Last but not least.....meeting the little nugget.

8 Things I Did Yesterday...
1. Drove to work and had a man really piss me off so much that i wrote his license plate down. What am I going to do with it? Hell, I don't even know. All i know was he made me mad!
2. Had a salad at Friday's.
3. Sat in a worskhop on the new FMLA laws.
4. Dry heaved for a bit. :)
5. Went to Target
6. Thought about doing homework, and then decided against it!
7. Watched American Idol and Lost
8. Blissful interuppted sleep

8 Things I Wish I Could Do...
1. Miracously wake up skinny
2. Move to the beach/travel around the world
3. Stay home with the baby....till he/she is like 20 :)
4. Add onto our house. (I'm thinking bigger kitchen, anyone?)
5. Save all the homeless animals of the world--I have to copy Emily on this one!
6. Spend more time with people I care about
7. Grow money on trees.
8. Be paid more for what I do. Social work and any of job that works with kids just doesn't get paid nearly enough.

8 Shows I Enjoy...
1. The Office
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Lost
4. Hero's
5. One Tree Hill (yes, I know...)
6. Law and Order SVU
7. Dexter/Weeds (I know i cheated but they both are on the same channel and the seasons are short!)
8. Nip Tuck

8 People I Tag...
ALL of you! I'm lazy...play along!

Q and A....and a little rant

Ever since we have spilled the beans about our little bean, we have been asked 6,000 questions. The most asked question so far is: Are you going to find out the sex?
My response is usually: Hell, freaking, YES! I am too much of a planner, and like to know what to expect.

Are you going to have a natural birth?
My response: you mean without drugs? Um, hell freaking, no. I considered it, and the more and more i thought about it, I am too much of a worrier, and add in the back issues and I just can't imagine doing it without some kind of medicinal help, lol. The back issue is one of my biggest concerns right now because it has been really bothering me lately and I keep having these crazy thoughts that pregnancy/labor is going to make it unbearable for me. The accident is now officially something that happened last year, and something i think about everyday. I can't get into my awesome back doc for another 3 weeks so I'm in waiting limbo now. So, no natural birth for me. I do want to prevent inducing labor, and prevent a c-section anyway i can though.

Do you have any names picked out?
My response: No, we could hardly name our animals....how are we suppposed to name a human?Blake thinks that any name I pick is stupid, and/or is a last name for a first name. He apparently thinks that is dumb. I hope we can eventually agree on one but I don't doubt that it will be a last minute thing (like, hey honey, look what i just did....yeah, i just pushed out a giant human through there--yes, through THERE....so, now you like that name. Ok, great.)

Was this baby planned?
Me: First of all, people are asking me if I planned to have a sexual encounter that resulted in a baby? No, we didn't if you want to know that bad. We planned on waiting till this summer, and boom, here we are. Does it make us less excited and less in love with this baby? Hells, freaking NO!

Are you excited?
Me: Of course! While I am not only excited, I am smitten with this little nugget. I am of course nervous about it all. Am I nervous about being a good mom? No. I've got that stuff down, i think, lol. Am I nervous about juggling this new addition into our lives? Yes! I am worried about leaving my child with someone else (i had a hard time leaving my animals when we first got them, lol.) Hopefully, we can work something out and find a good caregiver for our bambino! So, to answer another question: NO, i am not quitting my job. I would love to be a stay at home mom, but i don't think it's in the cards for us right now.

I learned that telling people you are having a baby, it somehow entitles them to give you advice, or to criticize you. I have had people tell me what to eat, and what i should be drinking. I have had a person tell me after announcing my pregnancy to coworkers that I should know that a certain person that I talk to maybe once a blue moon to is having problems getting pregnant, and she was upset at my announcement. My heart goes out to her, and I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Who was I to know? Should I have refrained from my announcement? No. Was it her business to tell me this? Hell, no.

I have a few others say some things and it just is annoying!!! I am eating healthy (when nausea allows, lol) and drinking my gallons of water (again, when nausea allows) It's my baby, and my body, who the hell are these people to tell me what I should do with it?

Rant over.

The most annoying thing ever to say to a pregnant lady is: Oh, is it twins?

Why? Do I LOOK like a bloated blubbery whale? Because that is what you are insinuating.

Nonsense, sleepiness, and unibrows

That is me right now. A ball of laziness. I am finding it hard to even answer my damn phone... laundry is piled up and waiting for me (we are going on two weeks here ladies!), the house looks like a monsoon hit, and don't even mention my appearance. I think my eyebrows have fused into the unsightly caterpillar like uni-brow. Yes, I am serious. I can't even tell you the last time I've had a hair cut......or wait..when is the last time I have showered? Just kidding on the last one....I think.


I have good intentions to get things done, and then I go to do them, and I just find something else to do (like sit here and blog.....priorities?) I'll be 12 weeks next week, so I am waiting for a burst of energy to come. I guess my ass will remain on this couch until this happens because I have officially turned into a sack of laziness. At least I have a good excuse. I do have to say that his past week has ALMOST been morning sickness free! Instead i have been more tired, and a bit dizzy! I'll take those over ms anyday!

I look around the house, and I am making lists in my head of what I need to do, what I want to do, and what I don't like. The lists are out of control. Like my dear green room, I still need curtains. Yes, every morning at the butt crack of dawn the bright sun wakes me up and still have not made time to buy curtains. I do have to say this is something that is going to get done soon because I might snap if I continue to be woke up.....

I am anxiously counting down the weeks--1 week and 3 days till I'm officially out of the first trimester (did you know it doesn't officially end until the end of 13 weeks? I do know), and I have 3 more weeks of school left! I am ready for both! Once school is out, I feel like I can actually concentrate on everything else! Get this, our FIRST anniversary is coming up too. I swear that was the fastest year of my life.

Easter was good, short but good. The baby even got some gifts! My SIL got us a sweet little baby basket and my lovely husband went to look at the onesie, and held it upside down. Let's just hope he doesn't do that to the baby that goes in it!

Remember this post about my damn table? Well, I finally spoke to someone in corporate who was a little bit snotty. She tells me that the pictures demonstrate that it is not manufactures defect, that it is from the way WE USE IT? WTF? Who would have thought that eating on table is wrong? What made me more upset was i asked to see the pictures that they took (i wasn't there, blake was...) and she refused stating it was 'company property.' She told me that i could send her my pictures though.


I refused to do that because i find it to be a waste of my time and filed a report the the BBB. She came back and rebutted by saying that she was going to allow me to send her pictures, but I have yet to follow through. The BBB asked if I was happy with that response? No effing way. All i want is the table replaced, or our money refunded. The thing that makes me so mad is that the warranty states that it would cover something to this effect.

Yep. Here is my table from my phone.

We will see what happens. Blake joked we needed to called Elliot from channel two (he is the You Paid for It guy, lol.) We need a new table, and I refuse to buy one since we JUST bought this one this fall.

Life can be so frustrating sometimes!!!

10 weeks!

I already feel like i have been preggo forever. Here's what is going on with our nugget right now:

Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

See Blake, I did grow fingers while you were saying that I wasn't do ANYTHING anymore. Told you so!

I wish today were a Funday. Not just another Manic Monday

Today sucks. I'll be blunt and come out and say it right off the bat. I'll give you several reasons. Reason numero uno? It freaking is crappy out. It snowed this morning. Yes, it snowed it April. On opening day. I hate you mother nature.
#2 Oh, let's call it the fact that i think my teacher hates me. She is making me 'teach' the class today and all I wanna do is curl in the fetal position and go night-night. I would even settle for sleeping at my desk with my snuggie! That brings me to #3--- I felt great Thursday-Sunday. Then today, the day I need to feel good....I want to curl in a ball and die. I will tell you that yesterday, i took full advantage and got me some Steak N' Shake and boy was it good.

So, today is not a funday. I wish is were Sunday. Nope, sorry i take that back, I wish it were Friday, and the mood was right. TGIF!

On a positive note, thanks for all the kind words and comments about our little nugget. It is nice to see some new commenters coming out of lurk-dom. I have to say that the best comment award goes to Emily! "Especially when you commented about men not being able to aim a penis...haha he did manage to get you preggers!"

Thanks for the laugh--and if anyone figures out how to teach men to pee IN the toilet, let me know!

My darling husband told me the other day, that i was loosing weight. (Well, go figure when you go from eating everything in sight to not eating much at all) I really liked him at that moment until he said, ''Well, your legs and butt have gotten smaller, but your belly's getting bigger. Maybe your head just looks smaller because your body's getting bigger?

He thought he was being funny. He learned that it was indeed not.

On yet another random note, I need to post something about our green room! It's no where near done. I still am in search of a duvet cover i love. That damn one from West Elm is on back order until May! I put all this off because it well, was the last thing on my mind but its going to be my first priority when i get back to normal. If that ever happens.

Yet more randoms: This weekend is EASTER? Where have I been? I had no idea.....
What are your plans for Easter weekend?

Wedding Outtakes!

i am a slacker and have yet to post any wedding pics. I had a hard time sizing them so i need to figure out something that works to not make the us look distorted. Any ideas let me know! I went ahead an resized them myself but some just don't look right to me. I also published and unpublished this post several times to make sure nothing was cut off so i apologize if you have seen this 499 times.

I was looking at them recently and these are the ones that make me laugh. .

Like this one.....

I obviously dance to my own tune......


I must be dumping it like a truck.....what? New dance move maybe?

One of the best before and afters......EVER!

This one cracks me up! These 'balls' i used in our centerpieces were a hit, (literally a HIT) and my uncle is having way too much fun with them! They had so much fun with them, and i don't think i had more than 5 left over. I had well over a 120!

Shout!

I have no words for this one but to giggle.

This one is not funny without knowing what happened just after this. Notice the articles of clothing on the ground. Unfortunately, this was someones home. this someone didn't want us to take pictures there and threatened to stab us. Yes, we got threatened on our wedding day!

This man felt we needed a little color in our pictures. seriously, he said that. he also gave me rocks as in a knuckle shake because he wouldn't shake our hands. he said he picks his nose. I'm glad for the rocks!

don't worry, no Tony's were hurt during this process......

This one is a before and after.......

Obviously, I am not a fan of jack and coke.

(I think it has to do with a run in with it from my younger days, lol)
Last but not least.....

Well, at least we had fun!

Wrong move, Amy!

I picked up Marley and Me and finished it last night after starting it this summer. I put it down when school started back up and thought i would pick it back up and finish it since i was almost done. Hey, I want to see the movie but refused to until i finished the damn book.


Wrong move......


hormones + sappy book about a dying dog = husband that doesn't know what to do with his sobbing wife.

Like i said, wrong move!