12 weeks!

 

 

How far along? 12 Weeks!!Whooo-hooo!! We're almost there little baby! (Well, we're almost out of this whole first trimester thing, anyway.)

Baby Size: Ladies and Gentlemen, we've got ourselves a large plum!

Total weight gain/loss: Lost another 2-3 lbs this week... I'm now down to my Senior Year of High School weight.

Maternity clothes: While we we're down to High School weight, we are NOT in High School clothes. Wednesday, I ended up wearing a dress to work since all of my jeans no longer fit. Say hello to my hips: Atlantic and Pacific. (Or at least that's how far they seem to be travelling.)

Stretch Marks: Not yet...

Sleep: ALL THE TIME. Naps are our friend. Really wondering about buying a body pillow? I'm loving sleeping on my left side, (Heck, I love sleep any old way I can get it.) but I'm afraid that Ben will eventually get tired of me using him as a leg prop.

Best moment this week: The moment it ended. I'm not going to lie, this week may have been my hardest week yet.

Miss anything? Knowing what does and does not taste like poo. I still want all of my favorite foods - and I am still disgusted by certain foods... but once I stick said foods into my mouth, it's a whole 'nuther ball game.

Movement: Pretty sure that's a no? Sometimes I wonder... but then I think "Nah... it's way too early."

Food cravings: So far this week it's been salt (I was just pouring it in my hand and going to town), apple pie and cold milk, and potato chips. I love pretty much anything cold. But really, we're happy with Reese's cups, ice cold milk, and baked potato's (butter and salt only). Baby's motto: Let's not get too fancy here.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Well, I threw my guts up for the first time this week. Not sure why. I was just sitting at work minding my business... I just thought my stomach was a little empty. By the time I made it to the snack cabinet, I was reaching for the trash can instead. It was a horrible five minutes.... it just wouldn't stop... Let me tell you something: pregnant vomiting is NOT like normal vomiting. As a friend of mine would say "It's more like something out of The Exorcist." Currently baby is really angry at Mommy for eating pickles immediately followed by ice cream. Though it may have seemed like a great idea a couple of weeks ago -  it does NOT mean it's a good idea to try it now. Baby really does not like the idea of swimming in pickle juice. This child reminds me daily just exactly who it's Daddy is.

Started to show yet? I would say no, because I look pretty flat in the mornings... but by the afternoon, people are like "Whoa!"

Gender: Still thinking this one's a girl.

Belly button in or out? In.

Wedding Rings on or off? On.

Looking forward to: Wednesday - it's our second doctors appt. Other than that: next weekend. I make myself relax more on the weekends now... and it is so, so good.

 

 

 



The Great Diaper Debate

Hello everyone!

I'm actually writing this to post a question that hit me square between the eyes last night: Cloth Diapers (we're talking the kind with snaps - not safety pins.) or disposable ones?

Every child I have ever changed has had a disposable diaper on their tush - so I have no experience with the new-fangled cloth deals. BUT those cloth diapers SOUND really fabulous. I mean, they put up a good argument. But I also hear that they come with a lot more work and time... something that I already seem to struggle to find. I figure that if the pros out weigh the cons then I will be more than willing to give it all a go.

So... in order to help make my decision, (People are starting to ask what I want to do - and I flat out have no idea.) I ask you all: Which type of diaper do you prefer - and why?

Now go!
(comment section is open to anyone who would like to post - I have it set so that you don't have to be a member of blogger to have a say. :))

11 weeks

Okay, I know I haven't updated my blog lately - but I'm going to try to crank her back up! I've had some big events happen and I would like to keep some folks updated. AKA - we're having a BABY!! Whoo-hoo!! We currently call our growing spawn "Little Peanut."
Since we're living at the top of the state - and I'm originally from the bottom of the state - I figured I would document this pregnancy so that I could keep some friends and family members up to date. (AKA My Mother Dearest. :)) Thankfully, there is Pinterest! And I'm addicted to blogs like "Little Baby Garvin" and "The Three Little Birdies." I fell in love with their ideas, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon and grab a chalk board and go with it. Listen, I'm not very artistic. Don't judge me.

This first picture isn't the best, but...

That'll do pig, that'll do.

 

How far along? 11 Weeks - Whoop-whoop!

Baby size: A Lime! I guess, anyways. That's what one of my phone apps say. I've also read that baby is the size of a fig and a brussel sprout. I don't like figs or brussel sprouts - so we're going with lime.

Total weight gain/loss: When I went to the doctor 3 weeks ago, I had lost 5 pounds. (I'm guessing due to lack of appetite. Hallelujah, I haven't tossed my cookies yet!) Judging by the scale at work - I haven't gained or lost any more since then.

Maternity clothes? Not really. I have some maternity shirts that are super comfy... and I've only had to retire one pair of my regular jeans so far. Granted, nothing is really comfortable. Getting dressed every morning may just be the hardest and saddest part of my day.
Stretch marks? Not yet - knock on wood. They say that it's hereditary and that if Ma had them then no amount of cream or lotion will stop them. Well, that encouraging *cough - being sarcastic there* bit of information isn't stopping me! I've got my Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Cream and I go to town with it! (It's the only one I've found that doesn't cost a fortune. It's also the only one that doesn't smell like (and I quote my husband) booty-holes.Sleep: HA! What is that? Just kidding. I sleep okay - I'm tired all of the time, because I wake up a gazillion times a night to go potty. :(
Best moment this week:  The night I only woke up twice to go to the bathroom! I felt like a new woman!! Oh, and today! Hitting 11 weeks was fun!
Miss Anything? Raw/Steamed Oysters. I really, really, really want some. I'm going to take a wild guess that those would be on the "Do not eat" List. I refuse to eat them fried. Besides, anything greasy tastes horrible right now.
Movement: Nada. Can't wait though!

Food cravings: Dill pickles. Fruit. Ice Cream.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Anything greasy or Mayo based. Wanna know something sad? My favorite condiment in the world, Ranch Dressing, makes me the sickest. It's so nasty right now. :(

Have you started to show yet: Not really? I mean, I kinda get this food belly that people like to point out and rub. Which I find slightly hilarious... because apparently my slower moving gastrointestinal tract is now cute! :)Gender: I really thought at first it was a boy... and everyone calls the little peanut a "he"... but I have this sneaky suspicion that it might just be a "she"...

Symptoms: Tired ALL OF THE TIME. MOODY, MOODY, MOODY. I cry - a lot. (Even over happy things.) My boobs hurt a little. Some foods are nasty. I'm hungry a majority of the time. I pee 1,567 times a day. Back pain.

Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Looking forward to: Feeling baby move and finding out the gender... I can't wait to start calling peanut by his or her name! And buying things!! But until either of those happens, I'll be satisfied with making to the second trimester. :)

 



Oh baby...

 I started reading "Bringing up Bebe" the other day.

No, Ben and I are not expecting to hear the pitter-patter of little feet anytime soon. Part of my major in college was Early Childhood Education, and I honestly find the topic fascinating. I like to keep up with things in the child development field. In all honesty, while I may never become a teacher - the things I have learned have really help shape a lot of my beliefs on all things 'child' and I enjoy hearing theories, concepts, and ideas.

Thus, I'm just going to ramble for a few minutes on the topic.

Since my Mom was always working with Children, me and my sister were constantly exposed to the world that is child. Being around kids was a part of every day life - and I honestly thought that it was that way for everyone else. Since I've moved out of my parents house, I have been amazed to find out just how many women can write a 15 page paper on the fall of Communism, but cannot tell you how to change a dirty diaper. There are many women who can figure taxes with ease, but have no clue what that nasal euphoria called "baby smell" is...
*If you are reading this, and YOU have no idea what "baby smell" is... for the love of all that is Holy, grab the nearest baby - any one under the age of 1 will do - and sniff as if your life depends upon it! Preferably, a freshly changed baby. Grabbing and sniffing the wrong end of a dirty baby is just asking for problems.*
I've learned that many people approach children with fear and caution. Some because they don't really understand them - some because dealing with something small as a baby can be rough. Dealing with the hovering adults freaking out that you'll do something wrong - is worse.
Example: My sister (sorry sis - throwing you under the bus here.) and babies aren't exactly like peanut butter and jelly. Small babies tend to not like her... She's uncomfortable and babies can sense fear. When our friend Tabby announced that she was having a baby - Katie was excited beyond belief. In fact, her first words were: "This is great!!! I can hold it and if I drop it it wont matter!!!"
Yeah, that might have come out completely wrong. Thankfully, Tabby and the rest of us at the table understood what it actually meant: "I think babies are cool - but they're tiny and scare the crap out of me. New moms freak me out more. But I'm comfortable with you so I wont be too freaked out to hold this baby!"
Heck, I don't blame her - I myself refuse to hold a baby if certain adults are around. We adults really make things all too complicated.


While I do not have children on my own - I have learned that dealing with children honestly comes down to three basic rules:

1 - No matter how much you plan and prepare, you will still be surprised and feel like you're never prepared. (Thus save you and the kid some stress - don't be too hard on yourself.)

2 - Every child is different. (It doesn't matter if you raise 49 children - the 50th will still surprise you.) But they all require the same basic needs: love, safety, respect, etc.

3 - It's a life-long learning deal. You cannot wrap child care/rearing/teaching up into a neat little box with a pretty little ribbon - you just can't. There will ALWAYS be new things to learn.



Okay, I should probably go face the laundry room that I've been avoiding like the plague. I ran out of clean pants 3 days ago...

- Extra love and baby giggles to all.

Sniffle, sniffle, hack, hack.

I actually don't have any clue what to write about tonight.

Oh, there are many things I COULD write about... Weddings, babies, (neither of which are mine - no worries.) animals, cooking, lack of cleaning (I didn't clean as planned... seriously someone is going to pop in on me... MORT-I-FIED. Oh well, at least I warned myself.) the upcoming Christmas holidays... and what-not. But unfortunately, my mind isn't put together well enough tonight - Thus, we're just going to go for it.

I've been fighting what seems to be a cold since last Friday. Just when I thought it was almost over... I have a super busy day... that is made difficult by the all-day brain-fart I seemed to be living in. You know what I'm talking about? I just wanted to home and crawl up under a thick, cozy blanket... and not think... (and only talk to my husband - he doesn't judge me by the insanities that spew out of my mouth some days. Note: I said insanities - not profanities.)

I did manage to make a healthy, hearty meal of Manwich when I got home! (along with some cookies. Soul food, my friends. Soul. Food.)

Now, watching late night shows (DVR peeps. Great invention.) with the hubs and spying on my facebook friends.

Okay, so this was shorter than I intended.

But really, it's cold.
I'm going to go pop some (cold) pills and sniff some vicks.

Cough Drops and Tissues to all.
(In other words, "peace" and "love" to all.)

Did I never tell you that??

Hello Friday!

I have BIG plans this weekend - to do absolutely NOTHING. (Except for clean my house. That hasn't happened in a while. I know if I don't do something about it soon, someone will pop in unexpected and I will be utterly MORTIFIED.)

The last few weekends have been CRAZY.
Heck, the last few MONTHS have been crazy.

Hmm... where shall I start?

How about Hubby's new job?
That seems like a nice place to begin.

I have to say, for this being a blog about my life as a wife - I have been keeping a rather large factor of my marriage away from my blog.

A month after we got married, Ben got a third shift job.

An hour away from home.

With amazing amounts of overtime.

At one point, Hubs was working 72 hours a week on a regular basis.
Every day, he would come home between 4 and 6am (No, I was not awake - even though sometimes I would talk to him in my sleep.) and head directly to bed. I would get up between 6:30 and 7 and, kiss him goodbye (No, he was not awake - even though sometimes he talked to me in his sleep.) and head off to work. I would come home around 12, wake him up, and eat lunch together. (It was our supper.) Then I would go back to work. He would go to work at 4 and I would not really "see" him again in a conscious state until lunch the next day. We would talk for an hour every night on the phone - which was always nice.

Two weeks ago, we became a first shift family.

That's right - as I type this, he is sitting beside me.
I actually get to see my husband every night.
We eat supper together.
Watch TV together.
Talk about our days.
And go to bed at the same time.
I love it.
It has completely thrown my world askew.
In a good way.

We both really do love it. I'm just having to rearrange and rework my routine. He's having to do the same - and it's much harder for him. I guess it's weird being up only during the day time. He always told me it was an entirely different world.
I believe him.

Now, I kept all of the third shift stuff to myself because, well... I was home alone.
At night.
In a relatively new neighborhood.
It's just me and my older lady neighbor.
And Betsey.
(we stay locked and loaded around this joint.)
Ben always told me that there was nothing scarier than coming home and the bedroom door being locked. At that point, he knew that I had either had a bad dream. (yes, that still happens for me - and yes, I'm a complete baby about it.) or I had heard some unidentifiable noise. (see previous comment in parentheses.) It meant me and Betsey were prepared - and he better identify himself.
Even though I tried to keep the whole being-alone-at-night thing on the down-low, I cannot tell you how many times that women who knew me would talk to people and say how brave I was to stay alone at night - and then to help explain who I was, tell them exactly where I live. Scarily comical.

Now, all of that is but a memory.
I hope it stays that way. :)

Now, if you'll excuse me - I'm going to go eat with my hubby.

It's me again...

This will be a short post, but never fear!

First of all, I would like yo extend my well wishes and congratulations to my dear friends, Will and Kate. congratulations on your little bundle of joy. Also, feel better soon! You're in my prayers, Kate!

*disclaimer: I am sad to say, but I do not know the royals. Ben's aunt and I would refer to them as our dear friends during the time of the royal nuptials. (see, Nikki - I knew I could throw that word in somewhere! Although, I have no idea if I actually spelled that right...) In all seriousness though, I do hope she gets to feeling better and are happy for them and their exciting news.*

On to other things:

In case any of you have noticed, I've walked away from my little blog for a while. Why? Maybe I needed a little time to adjust to new circumstances, maybe I needed a little inspiration - maybe a little of both. I must admit, I don't know if that's what I had intended, but its certainly what I got. I have many stories, rants, and jokes to tell - and there is no way that I can do justice to all of them in a single blog post. (Plus the holidays are upon us!!) thus, you shall be seeing more from me. I really am sorry I've been gone so long little blog. I have missed you.

Get excited.

I'm baaaaackkkk!