fact.

• fact.  I just booked our Disney vacay for 2012.  Yes. Yes. Yes.
• fact.  I think I might have the stomach flu.  Bleccchhh.
• fact.  April/May cannot come soon enough- I want out of this apartment.
• fact.  Stella's crib is filled with laundry.  (no worries- she's not in there ;)
• fact.  I used 30 percent of our grocery budget this week so I could spend the remaining 70% on some "must have" items at Target... (rolling my eyes)
• fact.  I can only muster up the brain power for bullet point posts.
• fact.  I need to get thicker skin.
• fact.  I think the dentist forgot a sliver of tooth or something- I've got this sharp little thing poking in my wisdom tooth hole.
• fact.  I miss my sister. {meghan}
• fact.  Ryan's doing the dishes... and I'm blogging.  I'm so thankful for an amazing husband :)
• fact.  Maeve told me today, (after I took the toothpaste away from Henry) "That was mean of you to take that.  And that's the problem I have right now with you."    whaaattt???
• fact.  I really miss Lola! 
• fact. God has a reason for me to be here. (here- in Saint Augustine)- I've always thought that, but the feeling has been stronger lately.  Like I am really finding my footing... figuring some things out, seeing an amazing, brilliantly, bright future.  The people I've met, the places I've been, have all brought so much peace into my life. 
• fact.  As much as I love our life here in the tropics... I miss my good mama friends sooooo badly!!!
• fact.  I'm going to bed :)

friday night leftovers.

• I'm still very pregnant!  At my appointment today, I measured a week and a half larger.  But I was assured by the midwife that the baby really isn't too large at all.  She's predicting that if I were to give birth today, the babe would be around 6 lbs.  Unfortunately for me, the baby probably isn't coming for at least 2 more weeks... how much can a babe gain in 2 weeks?  Hmmm...
• I opted out of getting my cervix checked- I was thinking if she were to check me and I wasn't anymore than a 1, I'd be grumpy all weekend.
• Would you believe that I STILL have a UTI???  After a week on macrobid, they're switching me to cipro (??spelling??) for 10 days- apparently I have a "very complicated UTI"- that's what the midwife said anyway.  Cross your fingers this med works because I am beyond frustrated and DONE dealing with these things.
• We still don't have a middle name for this little girl :/
• We went to a fancy place for lunch today with my grandma, mom and sisters to celebrate Emily's 21st birthday.  My grandma had gotten Maeve a purse as a surprise, and Maeve was really into filling it with stuff.  To my knowledge, she had stuffed in some candy, crayons and a few packets of sugar.  When we got home, she wanted to show me what was in her purse- out came french fries, swiss cheese, sugar packets and a spoon.  Whoops ;)
•   Speaking of food (when am I not speaking of food?) Publix has this amazing family combo dinner for 9.99.  We literally fed our family of 4 (and a half) for ten bucks tonight.  The meal consists of either a rotisserie chicken or a pack of fried chicken (from the deli), 2 sides (we got potato salad and mac. salad), Hawaiian sweet rolls (THE BEST!) and a gallon of iced tea or lemonade.  Good deal, huh???  I'm pretty sure we'll start integrating this into our weekly meals.
• The heat index for tomorrow is 105...  I love warm weather- but this is kind of nuts.  The only thing I can think of doing on a day that hot is either lying in the pool or the ocean.  I think we're opting for the ocean tomorrow.
• Have you seen "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs?"  I dvr'd it the other night and the kids have been wanting to watch it at least once a day.  It's so cute!  And it makes me super hungry.
• my wisdom tooth on the right side of my mouth is driving me crazy.  It's aching SO bad... and I think its pushing and squishing my other teeth as well... I need to find a dentist or a oral surgeon to get this thing out as soon as the baby's born.
• I am still very scared about life with 3 kids.  Now that we're in FL, and I have my mom right here to help, I'm not as scared- but still, logistically, I'm thinking I'm in trouble.  For example, transporting the kids from the car to the house- at the moment, Maeve walks and I carry Henry.  Yes, Henry can walk just fine, but he does NOT hold a hand well at all.  In fact, when I try to hold his hand he plops down and screams until he wriggles away and is free to run.  Today as I was walking into the house, juggling my purse, camera and keys, oh- and Henry, I panicked a bit thinking about how I was going to add an infant into the mix.  Any ideas??? 
• It's been a ton of fun having both of my sisters here... I'm sad Meghan has to go back to Mississippi on Sunday.
• I'm in the middle of reading "Molokai" and I'm not sure if I like it or not.  I guess I'll have to see how it ends.  It was on the Target book list, so I was thinking it would be a guaranteed good read- and it is good, but not comparable to a few books I've read lately (Water for Elephants, umm... Twilight ;) 
• I've really been missing our house lately.  We were told it was broken into, trashed and the thought of that makes me so sad.  We worked so hard on that home.  The condo we're staying in now is fine- but its soooo vacationy- feeling.  It feels like we're borrowing/renting everything.  I can't wait to own a house again and be able to make it feel very HOMEY...  ahhh little blue house on Pemberton Lane... I miss you... :(

And here are some photos from throughout the week...

 

an award? :) YAY!

Yay!  It's always fun to hear that your bloggy blog got an award! :)

Libby over at the ELF blog gave me this cute, (yummy looking ;) award!

In order for me to accept this loveliness, I have to share three things that I love about myself, a photo and award this to a few other very cute, very deserving bloggers.  :)

So, three things I love about myself:

•  I'm a pretty good cook... and most of what I make or have made, I've learned on my own by trial and error ;)... when Ryan and I first got married, we had mac and cheese for dinner at least a few times a week.  It was when we had Maeve, that I decided I really needed to figure this whole cooking thing out.  While I'm not comfortable (or very good) at working with a lot of different meats, we've definitely expanded our menu.  This week we've had chicken enchiladas, baked ziti and chicken pot pie.  I am also a big breakfast cooker.  I usually make the kids muffins or pancakes at least a few times out of the week.  I love the feeling of feeding my family yummy food that makes them happy :)
• I'm frugal :)  I like to save money on normal every day things (such as groceries, clothing- I shop at 2nd hand stores, toiletries, etc.) and spend the saved money on vacations :)  It may not be the greatest financial move, but the memories we're making are worth more than the nicest car, house or clothes in the world :)
• I love my healthy appetite :) haha!  That's for sure... 

Okay... here's the photo I would like to share:

ahhhh sweet HAWAII :)  This was on our honeymoon... we had the most amazing time... and have I mentioned lately that I am so completely in love with the greatest guy on earth?  I love looking back at "old" pictures of us... I thought I loved Ryan so much on our wedding day (and yes, of course, I DID!) but through the years, making a family with him, seeing him hold our babies, wrestle with Mr. H, read stories to MaeMae, I love him more than ever.... :)  It's true what they say, that love just grows and grows with time.  :)

Okay... and the 2 bloggers I'd like to pass this award on to, are not only super bloggers, but they're also good friends :)  These are blogs that I read daily and that are updated with lots of pictures and funny stories. 

Manda over at The MiniVan Diaries
Leslie over at The Story Of Us

Great job blogging ladies! 

oh sweet Monday :)

Well... YAY!  I hopped on my blog this morning and read 16 (I think that's my record for comments... besides a give away:)  lovely, encouraging comments from some super sweet fellow mama bloggers.  I also am feeling some extraaaaa blog love today, because my friend, Manda, gave me a blog award!  Check it out:

In order to accept this award I must:

A - Thank the person who awarded to us.

B- Share seven things about myself .

C- Pass along our "stylishness" by awarding the award to 15 other bloggers, and then let them know I did it!


So.... #1... THANKS MANDA!

#2... 7 Things About Me:

1. I hate fruity candy.... such as skittles, starbursts, sweet tarts, etc.  Barf.
2. I have reoccuring dreams of plane crashes :(  They're always different, but have the same premise- a plane crashes... eek.
3. I get my feelings hurt very easily. 
4. I love honey :) 

                                                                      9/365

 5.  I want a big family.... although pregnancy and I don't mix well.  And then there's the whole money thing... kids cost some big bucks!  :)
6.  If I had a million dollars (or enough money...) I'd live at Disney and order mickey waffles for breakfast every morning... and take the kids on "It's a Small World" every night :)  That's such a heavenly dream, huh?
7.  I am probably THE most unorganized person ever.  Really, its awful.


So those are some riveting facts, huh?  Now onto "rule #3".... my fave. 15 blogs :)

....and the award gets passed on to....

• "We're Growing!" -the Pollak Family :)
• The Paulk Family
• Stepping On Cheerios
• The Power of The Pink Lines
• Staying Above the Water
• Don't Blink
• Life At 5 Feet
• My Boystorous Life
• Moments & Impressions
• The Franklins
• Deb Duty Photography
• Jessica Noel Photography
• Ramblings & Photos
• It's On The Tip Of My Tongue
• ELF: A Family Blog

Each and every one of the blogs listed above are worth a good read/look at! :)  Keep sharing the bloggy love! :)

Happy Monday :) 

Tuesday Turnoff :)

I love all the blogs out there with witty little "blog days"- like "Not Me Mondays" and "Thoughts For Thursdays", etc. I have nothing significant to share with you all tonight... just feeling the need to sit up and type (thanks insomnia). So I named this Tuesday, "Tuesday Turnoff." Here's a ((condensed)) list of things that just, well, turn me off.

-country clubs
-huge earrings
-raw chicken
-dog hair
-emptying Maeve's potty
-soupy ice cream
-cold coffee
-super sunny days that give me blinding headaches
-trucks and/or cars with giant decals that say "Babygirl" or whatever... on them
-bullies
-kids who scream in Maeve's face just to scare her (ughhhh...)
-the fact that Coldstone costs me 5 bucks
-vodka
-my neighbor's pristine yard
-grumpy people
-those amigos at Walmart... I got hit by one today
-touching the ATM
-touching the Redbox screen
-ahhhhh touching anything that anyone else has touched!? :)
-the smell of corned beef
-my cell phone ringer (had to finally change it from "Baby Got Sauce")
-stupid debt collectors who don't understand that a "JASON KIDD" DOES NOT RESIDE IN THIS HOUSE.
-people who don't like Disney- (yes there are people who don't like Disney... I read a comment on facebook today by some woman who was saying how she was glad she experienced "it" but wouldn't ever do it again. WTH? that's not even right... MAJOR turn off)
-repeats of dateline on Friday nights....come on- there have GOT to be some mysterious things happening out there... get me some new datelines!
-custard in donuts
-cheap people (yahhh there's a difference between cheap and thrifty :)
-the competitive nature of the photography business (especially in this area- OUCH!)
-bloody noses (which I've been getting now for months... time to see a doc I suppose)


how random is that list?!?

what are your tuesday turnoffs? :)

wasting time...

I was ummm... facebooking earlier and came across this note that I was tagged in but never completed. I love those "tag" note things... and since I have absolutely nothing to blog about, I thought I'd waste some time and post it on here...

I was tagged by Dominica...

"65 Things"


1. First thing you wash in the shower? My face

2. What color is your favorite hoodie? black

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? I kiss my bubba cakes 300000 times a day! :) Love me some maemae :)

4. Do you plan outfits? ahhhhh NO.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Anxious (surprise, surprise) a tad depressed.

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red? Maeve's snow white dress. (the cape is red :)

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? My teeth crumbled out of my mouth... lovely eh?

8. Did you meet anybody new today? mmm.... talked with new people but no formal "meetings" I guess

9. What are you craving right now? Someone take a wild guess! haha actually anything cold- my throat is hurting :(

10. Do you floss? No

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? HAHAHA- I am going to be brutally honest here and say that "BOOBS" came to mind. MY STUPID BOOBS-MASTITIS AND CABBAGE.

12. Are you emotional? not at all! haaaaaaaa!

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? yup.. I just had a garage sale... CASH MONEY! :)

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? eeeek lick it. Thinking about biting it makes my teeth hurt.

15. Do you like your hair? No

16. Do you like yourself? Trying.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Yes

18. What are you listening to right now? Kids thumping around in their rooms... Ryan talking on the cell... a cheesy lifetime movie...

19. Are your parents strict? no

20. Would you go sky diving? yes

21. Do you like cottage cheese? heck to the NO.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes

23. Do you rent movies often? ummm like once every two weeks or so...

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? my eyes :) HA :)

25. How many countries have you visited? 2? I think...

26. Have you made a prank phone call? Yup.
27. Ever been on a train? Yes
28. Brown or white eggs? Id like brown all the time but they're more expensive... so usually white.

29. Do you have a cell-phone? Yes but each and every day its a challenge not to chuck it out the window.
30. Do you use chap stick? not much.
31. Do you own a gun? Our home houses a gun. Got that creepers????
32. Can you use chop sticks? I CAN... but not well.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight? me, myself and I.
34. Are you too forgiving? no.... I am constantly reminding myself to let go.

35. Ever been in love? yessss
36. What is your best friend(s) doing tommorow? Hmmm... good question!
37. Ever have cream puffs? Nope

38. Last time you cried? This morning on the way to the zoo/
39. What was the last question you asked? "Where are you going?"

40. Favorite time of the year? Fall
41. Do you have any tattoos? yes
42. Are you sarcastic? Yes
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Yes
44. Ever walked into a wall? Do doors count?

45. Favorite color? bluuuuues
46. Have you ever slapped someone? no
47. Is your hair curly? no :(

48. What was the last CD you bought? Jack Johnson "To The Sea" :)
49. Do looks matter? not in the least.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? Forgive, yes. Forget, no.
51. Is your phone bill sky high? Who cares? Ryan I guess....
52. Do you like your life right now? I don't like that question....

53. Do you sleep with the TV on? yes
54. Can you handle the truth? nope.
55. Do you have good vision? no

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I don't hate anyone. I dislike certain people and the things they do. And yeah, there are more than 3.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? enough that my 2 year old can do a perfect impression of me :)

58. The last person you held hands with? Maeve
59. What are you wearing? Vicki's shorts (given to me in 9th grade by Amber Bacon!!!:) and a shirt that's inside out.

60. What is your favorite animal? dolphins. they're angels :)
61. Where was your default picture taken? bathroom
62. Can you hula hoop? Yes!

63. Do you have a job? Yeah its called "MOM"
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? gas. How thrilling!
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? HAHA yeah...
66. What are you patiently waiting for? a change.

Bucket List. Don't Have One? GET ONE!

I don't (or didn't should say) have a bucket list.

My grandma and I were talking yesterday at the garage sale... she was telling me some items on her bucket list. They were so creative! Some were simple (to me anyway) some made me think... some made me tear up... Anyways, the jist of it is, I want a bucket list. I mean, I think we all have goals, ideas, "stuffs", we want to do... but have you written it down? Are you crossing things off? Getting a step closer to completing your bucket list? Anyhow... I had a ton of fun writing this up. Yes, I physically wrote this- and stored it away for safe keeping. I decided to put it in blog world simply because I have like 8 posts TOTAL for the month of July... and that's sad. Enjoy my bucket list... and make your own... and share :)

-attend the Kokua festival

-have saki

-live on an island

-take a "friend" vacay- just girls- no kids-no hubbies :)

-swim with dolphins

-lay on a hammock by the beach and not have ONE worry on my mind

-go on a major road trip- whole fam.

-get my traigus pierced

-go to Maui for our 10 year anniversary (JUST Ryan and I)

-take all the kids to Maui... just for the heck of it

-take a picture that speaks 1000 words.

-own a pig (a teacup pig)

-get my legs waxed

-learn how to surf- (I've surfed before- but I want to REALLY know how- be super good)

-once I learn how to surf, lay on my surf board and look out across the ocean.

-wear a bikini post kids

-shake Jimmy Buffett's hand

-read and understand the Bible from front to back

-use my photography for good- I want to volunteer with some kind of organization... (thinking of "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep")

-camp...- like HARDCORE camping! ... yeah, never done it!

-visit every state in the US.

-have a hoard of kids :) (what's a hoard? 4,5,6???)

-kill people with kindness... instead of stooping to their level.

-see marijuana become legalized in my lifetime. (no judging on this one!... lots of political/personal reasons behind this!)

-have a huge garden... and live off it for the summer.

-get another tattoo of somesort...

-own a saltwater fish tank (I see this happening when Ryan and I are retired, old and gray)

-run a few miles- I can't say a marathon because truly I have no desire to do that- but just run- on a daily basis, to feel good.

-breastfeed my babies for a year. (one of 'em ((way in the future of course...))... gotta make it to a YEAR!)

-live on the water... which goes along with the island I guess...

-live a simple life. No phones/internet. Just a CD player with our fave music. My kids running around barefoot, in and out of the ocean.

***this will be updated as ideas come to mind. I have to say, this was interesting for me to write out. For one, I discovered I'm not very adventurous. In fact, my 80 year old grandma is probably more wild than I am...(comparing bucket lists:)... I don't really have the desire to go to other countries- I'm too chicken. And all the amazing things (what I consider amazing) - well gosh, sifting through them, writing them down, I've realized I've lived a darn good life. Seeing a space shuttle launch (actually saw this on the beach in FL-(I actually saw the challenger disaster)- check. Seeing sea turtles out in the wild laying their eggs-check. Getting a tattoo-check. Cruises-check. Going in a cave-check. Acupuncture-check. Deep sea fishing- check. Snorkeling in a volcano-check. Swimming in a real/natural waterfall-check. Falling in deep, forever love- check. Giving birth-check,check. :) You get the idea...

I am so blessed. :)

I'm sure most of you have a bucket list... if you do, I'd love to read it- so post it on your blog- and let me know you've posted it! If you don't have a bucket list... make one. It's a little bit enlightening. :)

Something to Kill a Post...

Ya know, like killing time? Well... I needed something to POST about that didn't take much energy or effort. Found this... here goes:


Kissed a friend? Yes... Ryan is my bestest friend :)


Got a hicky? Yes


Cheated on a test? Yes


Cheated on your homework? Yes


Back-stabbed a friend? Yes


Told people someone's deep, dark secret? Yes


Looked up something on the Internet you shouldn't have? Yes


Lied to your parents/a boss? No... never. Haha YES


Spread gossip? Yes


Made up a false rumor to get back at someone? No


Stolen money? Yes (sorry mom! That coin jar was so tempting back in 5th grade!!!)


Talked about a "friend" behind their back? Yes


Talked about a family member behind their back? Yes


Talked about an enemy behind their back? HAAH YES...


Gotten in a big fight for no real reason? Yes (apple juice + crazy Beans is all I'll say about that one :)


Thought lustfully of someone? NEVER... especially not my OB! :)


Stalked someone? OMG...hahaha! What does "STALK" really mean? Like waiting outside their office if you know they're going to walk out within the next hour??? :)


Been Stalked? Nope


Made out with someone of the opposite sex? I'm married.


Made out with someone of the same sex? HECK NO.


Laughed at a joke that wasn't funny? All the time.


Taken a crazy dare? Yes


Gone streaking? Yes


Mooned/Flashed someone? HAHA yes! (anyone remember my 16th bday party???)


Caused someone major embarrassment? Yes.


Pushed someone into a pool? Yes


Got in a fight with someone and never made up? Yes


Bitten someone? I'm sure I did as a kid... who doesn't?


Copied someone's homework because you didn't do it? Yes (didn't we already do this question?)


Skipped school to get out of a test? Yes (College...)


Murdered someone? YES- hAHAHA! How completely random... ummm that would be a big fat NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!



Kissed someone the day you met them? NO


Drank/did drugs/smoked a cigarette? Never smoked a cig or done drugs a day in my life... but I guess I've drank a little here & there :) ya know... :)


Copy & Paste for a really fast/quick/fun blog post :) Plus I'm nosy and would like to see your answers! :) HAHA :)



**Also- completely random but important- the garage sale has been moved to the 3rd week of June... more to come on that. I promise :)**

Down the Rabbit hole :)

Random thoughts (and I mean- REALLY RANDOM) by...me:

-Henry's eczema is getting better. YEA! :) But we still have an appt. with the derm. coming up. I am praying that we won't have to up the potency of his steroid cream. It burns MY fingers when I apply it, so I can't imagine what it must feel like for us to rub it in his open, flaky, blisters.

-Maeve won't potty train. Not even for skittles. Or M&M's. Or sweet tarts. Or all the candy in the world. She just won't.

-ONE WORD: Tabbouleh. I can't get enough of it. I crave it all day. In fact, my mouth is watering right now just thinking of it. (AND NO I AM NOT PREGNANT!) What is TABBOULEH you ask? Well... officially it's THIS. But I tried that and actually really despised the seasonings in it. So I tweaked it...Here's MY version: It is a delicious blend of avocados, tomatoes, feta, Italian dressing, green olives, black olives, cukes and onion- ALL mixed and minced together and then stuffed in a pita. OMG. SO GOOD. Make it. I promise- you won't be disappointed! It's a little painstaking to make for lunch- lots and lots of chopping- but I make one big batch and eat it for 2 or 3 days. There are tons of different recipes out there for Tabbouleh- and I'm not sure what even makes mine "Tabbouleh" and not just an avocado, tomato, cucumber, feta, olive, salad.... but whatever, "Tabbouleh" sounds cooler.

-I saw THIS on Oprah today and I still have chills. I am so disturbed. And of course while I was searching for the "chimp attack" I came across (GASP) MORE CHIMP ATTACKS. What happened to keeping freaking CHIMPANZEES in the wild??? Get a dang dog people. Warning- don't watch/listen to the video or read the articles if you have bad anxiety... its got me all worked up... BLAHHHHHH.

-lets move onto a lighter subject, shall we? I want to put curtains up in my bedroom... but we have the biggest window in Jackson county apparently because I can't find a stupid curtain that I like (in the size I need). I will either need to get 3 or make them myself. I think I will opt for the first since my sewing skills are so... um...not there.

-while LOOKING for these curtains in Target tonight, I came across a great "FIND" in the "dollar spot" (aka- my fave part of the store). I have lots of favorite dollar spot things that I get with each new season. The magnetic "to-do" lists are always in my cart and those little tin buckets. Maeve loves using them to put her chalk, nuks, blocks, etc. in. Tonight I think I came across my new fave dollar item: It's called the "Planet Earth" coloring book. It's from that Planet Earth series (that I desperately want to get on DVD) and the coloring book itself isn't that spectacular- Maeve did like looking through all the pages at the different animals- but the thing that has me sold, is that each page is made of that seeded paper. HOW COOL IS THAT??? Maeve colors a pic and we plant it in the yard for some beautiful flowers! All for a buck :)

-I am a glutton for Miley Cyrus. And Demi Lovato. And Selena Gomez. And... gulp... the Jonas Brothers. BAHAHAH! REALLY- It's like a real life Disney love story! All those tweens & their tween love... I really, REALLY enjoy reading about it in my gossip mags. Ryan thinks its pretty lame. And now that I read back on what I just wrote, I have to agree! haha :)

-Speaking of DISNEY...we're getting close(er)!

-I want to buy the new Taylor Swift CD. Every time "Fearless" comes on the radio I have to crank it up. If you didn't know... I am pretty sure Taylor Swift wrote the soundtrack to Ryan and I's life ;) Or maybe it's just because Ryan and I met in 10th grade and Taylor Swift is what, like 16??, and writes about high school love and all that good stuff. Whatever it is, almost every song takes me back to the days of Ryan & I's puppy dog love.

- I have the best girlfriends. ALL of them. They're fab :)

-Photography has been on my mind lately. I've been finding some great photo blogs and websites... and some not-so-great ones. It's kind of amazing (and scary?) to me that basically anyone can call themselves a photographer, make a website and start charging big bucks.

-stupid crocheting. stupid crocheting. stupid crocheting. Every thing I attempt to make turns up crooked and misshapen. I'm kind of sick of wasting yarn. And time. If I want a dang crocheted hat I'll go pay the 12 bucks for one on ETSY.

-Parasites. (You're probably thinking at this point that you've fallen too far down the rabbit hole and its time to climb out. Feel free to... or read on... your choice :) Thanks to this fabbbbbulous show, "Monsters Inside Me" I am now completely freaked out by any kind of poo or goo. WHY IN HOLY HECK would someone create a show like this??? I mean, I just watched an episode called "Maggots in my head." It's wrong. Just wrong! Ryan curses the creators of this show every night because it's now taken my hand washing and OCD rituals to a whole new level. But good God... SICK.

-Eating cleaner. Meaning... I really, REALLY need to start avoiding processed foods and buying more organic. At one point I was a tad over the top with eating organic but then it got super expensive and I backed off. Now, I'm starting to think its worth the expense. At least the fruits and veggies & meats- ya know, the "main" ingredients. My reasoning? This week I've also been thinking a lot of little Maggie Bixler and her fight with cancer. What does that have to do with pesticides? Maybe nothing. Probably nothing... who knows. But I was thinking about it and I know WAY TOO many kids who have been diagnosed with cancer. Just this past year I attended a funeral for a 5 year old boy who passed from stage four cancer. I don't want to start any kind of arguments or debates over organic/pesticides in foods/cancer, etc. I'm just saying... it makes me nervous. With that said...

-I told Ryan I want to move to a farm. I want hens to lay brown eggs, chickens to eat and a huge garden. ALL FREE FROM steroids, antibiotics and pesticides. Ryan laughed and said when I start to take care of the bird we can talk about it. Haha.

-SWAGBUCKING. Are you swagging????? I hope so! If not... sign up at SWAGBUCKS.COM and start earning your bucks! It doesn't cost anything- you just use it as your search engine. So lets say... you want to search for, um "Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas dating"- you'd type it in the search box, just like on yahoo or google, hit "submit" and if you're lucky, earn some swag! In a month I've earned enough dollars to purchase 2 Amazon gift cards. And I'm 63 away (at the moment) from earning another one! Not too bad considering ALL you do is use it as your search engine!

-if you haven't ever heard "Sway" by the Perishers, you should download it. It's good.

-"The Princess & The Frog" came out on DVD this week. BIG event here in the McHouse. I snapped it up on Tuesday using this $5.00 coupon on the 15.99 DVD(versus using the 10.00 coupon for the blue ray/DVD combo which costs 30 bucks). Have you seen it?? What's your take on it? I love it- I think its a CLASSIC Disney movie. My problem with it is that there is a LOT of voodoo/magic-y stuff in it that I hate. Maeve is terrified of all those parts anyway so its not a big deal and we just fast-forward. But what's your opinion on this subject? Do you fast forward Disney movies when they start to get into the "witchy" stuff (which most of them have- even "Snow White"- I don't like Maeve watching things about spells and all that junk). Anyways... just a thought.

-JACK JOHNSON IS TOURING THIS SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He'll be in Michigan on July 20th. We went to his concert 2 years ago and it was brilliant. I am toooooo excited to go again!

-while cooking some garlic on Sunday evening, oil splattered up on my face. I now have a giant "hole" looking thing on my chin. And it oozes... gross- yes, but ya know when you get a burn how it gets pink and wettish? It's like that- but RIGHT SMACK DAB on my face. My luck I guess.

Well...I think that about sums up everything in my brain... you (hopefully) made it out of the rabbit hole. I sincerely pray that the chimp video and talk of parasites and poo didn't disturb you too much...

"High Five"

High 5
A quiz for all of you if you feel like posting it… courtesy of Nicole.


5 family members you can't live without?
Ryan, Maeve, Henry, Mom & Dad


5 girlfriends you can't live without?
I have six :)...Ang, Suz, both my sissy's, Jess P. and Mal

5 foods you can’t live without?
Bread, cheese, wine (does that count?), cake, peanut butter

5 favorite movies?
"50 First Dates", "Spanglish", "Forrest Gump", "There's Something About Mary",
"Wedding Crashers"

5 favorite TV shows?
20/20, Dateline, Trauma Life in the ER, Mystery Diagnosis, Critical Hour

5 biggest pet peeves?
-lying
-bad B.O. (wash your armpits people :)
-women who have kids but continue their "non-kid" lifestyle
-cheaters (Jon Gosselin, ZACK MILLER, etc. etc.)
-the obsession this country has with OBAMA & his wife... I'm way over it.

5 places you have visited and loved?
Hmmm... FLORIDA? Colorado, Hawaii, Boston, Bahamas

5 places you want to visit?
St. Lucia, New York, Texas (I want to see a Cowboys game:), the Keys, some place out West... like Montana...

5 memories that you will never forget:
the births of my babies :), my wedding, our honeymoon, 9/11

5 things you love about your house/location?
-the neighborhood
-the actual location- we're right in town but not RIGHT in town...
-our bedroom
-my kitchen
-we live less than a mile from my parents :)

5 things you wish you could change about your house/location?
ONE thing- I'd pick it up and move it to Florida :) St. Augustine, to be exact.

5 projects you are working on or want to accomplish this year?
-learning how to sew (better:)
-learning how to photograph (better:)
-organizing the basement
-moving?
-oh....and moving???

5 material possessions you can’t live without? .
Computer, camera, car, purse (the contents in it), my meds :)

5 reasons you blog?
-to remember everything...
-to share our lives with my far away fam & friends
-to get some free therapy :)
-?
-?

a list.

Thank goodness I efficiently blogstalked this morning and stumbled on this fabulous list by Lee Ann. After doing some more blogstalking, I realized that I must be last on the bandwagon- because its on EVERYONE'S blog! :) haha how fun! :)

To say the least, I've been a tad uninspired to blog lately for various reasons. Anywho, this list will serve my blog well for a couple of days (or until I find something to blog about?!) :)



1.What would you like to appear in your hands right now? a lottery ticket worth 20 m million buckaroos.

2.What was the last thing you ate? Tomato & Mozz. panini

3.What is your favorite episode of a tv show? "The House Meets The Mouse" (parts 1 & 2)- Full House... sometimes when I can't sleep I pop in that DVD and watch those episodes :)

4.Have you ever ridden in a limo? Why yes, I have.

5.Which is better, your cursive or your printing? Cursive

6.What photos are living on your camera right now, waiting to be downloaded? And why are they still there? NONE! I upload like there's no tomorrow. :)

7.How many pregnant women do you know? Gahhh! A LOT! Off the top of my head... 10 or so???

8. Three things you did this past weekend: Shopped, had a Mexican fiesta with my parents, NAPPED!

9.If you could only visit three websites for the next month, which would you choose?
Facebook, my blog (not to read it, but to write, write, write- therapy indeed) and afullcup.com

10.What did your family do for vacations when you were a child? Florida, Florida, Florida. Disney a LOT. One trip to Hawaii & a cruise to the Bahamas...on *SURPRISE* a DISNEY ship! :)

11.Law & Order or Boston Legal? yuck to both? I am more of a "true crime" kinda gal- I love me some "Dateline" & "20/20"

12.Do you mind if guests show up uninvited? Not at all! :) But my house is chronically messy... so don't complain or judge! :)

13.When will you next travel by plane? April 26th.

14.What did the last text message you received say? haha NO CLUE. And I can't even check because... my phone isn't charged. No surprise there, right?

15.When was the last time you got dressed up? The Luau at Disney World. (in Feb)


16.The perfect sign of affection is: a big deep, bear hug.

17.Do you use your real name online or do you go by a screen name? real name.

18.What do you miss when you’re away from home? Routine & consistency. Make sense?

19.What are you completely & totally over hearing about, reading about, discussing ad nauseum? Brad Pitt & Angelina. Who gives a flying whatever about how they gave a 10,000 dollar check to a charity. That's like me dropping a quarter in those "Salvation Army" buckets. OH- and Michelle Obama's dang wardrobe. WHO CARES- REALLY??????????

20.Do you reply to comments on your blog? Yes. But when a convo starts to happen or if a comment requires more than just a comment back from me I'll facebook ya!

21.What are three things that you are looking forward to? Disney, moving & having more kids.

22.What is your favorite kind of tree? Weeping Willows.

23.What is the newest thing you own? technically its this super cheap, clearanced out necklace from Kohls that I JUST bought this morning... but that's boring. So I'll say my new lens that came in the mail this week :)

24.If I do anything well, it’s: Oh Lord... hate questions like this. Saving money? Trying to be a fun mom? Who knows.... lets say I TRY to do those things well :)

25.What is your favorite dessert? Any. And by any, I really mean ANY. If it is sweet, has sugar in it, is loaded with calories, and is in front of me... I.WILL.EAT.IT.

26.Do you use a planner? nope.

27.What is your all-time favorite tv comedy? "Full House"

28.What is your current obsession? Photography... especially using my kids as models.

29.Three signs Spring is here: Rain, spring break has happened (or is happening), my mom goes into panic mode because her huge end of the year recital is looming.

30.Do you balance your checkbook or wing it? Ryan handles the check book.

31.What kind of grapes do you prefer? BLECH none.

32.What is your favorite store-bought cookie? LOFTHOUSE sugar cookies- with that thick, colorful icing!!

33.What was your fifth grade teacher’s name? Mr.KNEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am about 99% sure I saw him on that MSNBC "Predators" show...

34.High school was: Great :) But I don't miss it a bit. Wait- sometimes I do... I miss gymnastics and being in shape... I miss the simplicity of worrying about whether "so & so" said this or did that. OH the days.

35.Describe your dream kitchen: I think I pretty much have it- minus some space that I'd like to have- oh and an island... I WANT AN ISLAND! But... dark, cherry cabinets, stainless steel/black appliances, granite counter tops, a HUGE sink and tons and tons of counter/storage space. (I LOVED designing it- probably my favorite thing I did when "helping" build our house).

36.What would you really like to purchase? I hesitate to even write it because I want to STRESS that I am sticking with my Canon rebel and will NOT be getting a new camera anytime soon (unless the rebel takes a sickening plunge or something...) but I'd love to upgrade to a Canon EOS 5D Mark II. RYAN PLEASE RE-READ THE PAR ABOUT HOW I AM NOT PLANNING ON PURCHASING THIS!!! I WOULD JUST REALLY LIKE TO- IN THE FUTURE...

37.How many of your friendships have lasted more than a decade? a few... Ang & Suz, Jessy, Mal... and I have to count my sisters! Oh and I guess you could count Ryan :) He IS my best friend after all. :)

38.Are there times when you still feel like a kid? Yes! Whenever I'm having car troubles.. I call my dad. haha :) OR... if I'm freaking out because one of my kids is sick, I'll call my mom.

39.What teacher from high school comes to mind first? Ms. Brooks- although that's not her name now- she got re-married. But I loved her. She was wonderful and I'll never forget her telling me how much potential I had as a writer. It's stuck with me to this day :)

40.What magazines do you read? Any and ALL gossip magazines, "All You"(for the coupons), "Parents" and "Good Housekeeping." Good Lord did I just write that???? hahaa:)


So.... if you have yet to post this "list" on your blog, and fill it in with your wonderful answers... DO IT! :) It's good fun.

What gets me...

EXCITED now-a-days?

-a good poop (NOT from me... but from Henry :)
-the kid(s) sleeping in until 7:30
-Maeve eating dinner and not throwing it on the floor
-a diaper "deal"
-taking a shower by myself
-getting a new lens for my camera (just got the ef 50mm/1.8) :)
-play dates
-making a good dinner or finding a new, yummy recipe
-fabric, fabric, fabric
-k-cups
-Henry's new smiles
-new words or phrases from Maeve ("You're kiddin' me!")
-seeing...you have (1) message/inbox on facebook :)
-being frugal
-seeing endless creative possibilities with my sewing machine! :)
-the idea of moving (hopefully)
-finding a new activity for Maeve that keeps her happy and occupied for more than 5 minutes. (our latest is coloring on the fireplace with sidewalk chalk- Ryan LOVES this one!)
-oh, speaking of Ryan, he's finally accepted my "invitation" to read this blog... that excites me. What would excite me even more is if he would perhaps post a comment!?!?! :) You CAN DO IT!
-having more kids (down, way down the line)
-thinking about Disney World... (HUGE surprise here)
-thinking about all the bins from the basement I've emptied this past week. Progress, people, progress.
-finishing my degree in Biology
-getting my wisdom teeth out on my right side.
-red bin sales at Gymboree
-cute coffee mugs that have a good weight to them. (for some reason my k-cups just taste better when they're being drunk from a cute, good weighted mug :)
-friends stopping by to chat and have a cup of coffee (yea Leslie!)
-settling in bed for the night and realizing I have hours and hours of fabulous DVR'd shows to catch up on
-bath bombs from BATH JUNKIE
-wearing my old size bra (no this has not happened yet, but I am SO ready to say "BUH-BYE" to these granny bras)
-warm weather (hasn't happened yet either...but still excites me)
-the fact that my dog (Lola) hasn't pooped or peed in the house for a LONG time now. THAT'S EXCITING.
-upcoming weddings this summer
-preggo friends :)
-Target
-coming up with possible future baby names that go swell with "Maeve & Henry."
-selling on Etsy. And coming up with a name for the shop :)
-the UPS man (no- not the UPS man himself, but the goodies that come with the UPS man).
-the fact that my life is returning to "normal" :) -meaning I'm not preggo, planning on being preggo anytime soon and we have a semi-scheduled day.
-losing weight (don't get me started on this one... but I SWEAR its going to happen one day)... and that's exciting.
-new blog posts from friends (TOTAL blog stalker).
-Maeve asks to wear dresses in the morning.
-Maeve loves ballet and asks to go to "dance."



...I think this list could go on for hours. But Maeve's done eating breakfast and Henry's ready for his. So tell me, what excites YOU "these days?"

quiiiick update!

Ryan took Maeve to the grocery store and Henry just finished off a boob :) SO I'll take this rare quiet moment to blog about what has been going on:

-my episiotomy is feeling fantastic- no really- I am shocked at how well I feel (physically! emotionally I have been hit with those lovely baby blues) I was more nervous about healing from the episiotomy than I was about the actual delivery! weird... but it was so painful last time! THIS time however it was only a 2nd degree cut- with Maeve it was a 3rd degree... I'm sure that's the difference.

-soooo about those baby blues... ahhhh I hate them! I cry about everything. Lets see... breakdowns to date: not being able to play with Maeve every second of the day like I used to. Getting a fever on Saturday night due to engorgement. Having to get Maeve McDonalds tonight. Weighing myself on the scale the night I got home from the hospital... oh and probably a thousand more.

-I have lost a whopping 27 lbs in a week- HOLY FLUIDS RIGHT???? I weighed myself the night I got home from the hospital and I had only lost 3 lbs. (breakdown ensued soon after) but I stayed off the scale for a few days and braved it again last night- WOW was I surprised to find that I was back in the 150's!!! WAHOOOOO! Only 28 more lbs. to go.

- ALL I've been wanting to eat is yogurt, yogurt, yogurt. Strange because that's all I wanted after I had Maeve too! My body must know how obesely large I am :)

-my boobs are killllllllllling me. WHY do I have such a hard time nursing??? This time, I'm not having issues with him latching on- he's a great latcher & sucker! However, I am soooo engorged. I am having to express and pump before and after every single feeding. If I don't, I will promptly start to run a fever, get the chills and feel like death.

-juggling these 2 kiddos is not as hard as I thought it would be- its just different. Things that used to take us 20 minutes now take us hours. We're also stuck at home because of the stupid episiotomy. (not supposed to drive for 2 weeks...) I've been going a little stir crazy but at the same time I'm not so sure I want Henry out yet.

-Ryan is officially the most amazing husband & dadda ever. I have fallen even more in love with him. He is so selfless its unbelievable. He has been playing Mr.Mom & my caretaker. He is there with tylenol, water and an ice pack for me, then turns around and is changing Maeve's diaper and running back in to grab Henry to change his dipe! What would I do without him?

- My mom told me that right after Henry was born she went over to take pictures but the nurse said "don't take pictures right now; he's not breathing." Thank the Lord I didn't hear that or know that until now. It makes holding this blessing mean even more (if that's even possible!)

-Henry's circ is healing up wonderfully and I'm sure he'll be pleased someday to know that I posted about it! On the other hand, he's got something gunky going on in his eyes. I called the doc this morning... they want to see him tomorrow.

-speaking of tomorrow morning... it will be my first outing BY myself with two kids. I.AM.SCARED. (and yes, I'm breaking the rule of driving. Lets just hope I don't run into Dr. P again!)

-My favorite thing to do now a days (besides cuddle with Henry) is take a sitz bath and read all my gossip mags. ahhhh wonderful.

-I am also enjoying doing all those "bad" things you can't do while preggo! I've had a COLD turkey sandwich two days in a row now! No fears of listeriosis here! :) I also had a glass of wine on Thanksgiving which gave me the worst headache ever. AND I've been taking super hot baths. soooo bad right? :)

-Maeve is being.....strange?! I can't figure the kid out. She seems to like having Henry around. She likes to ask "Where's baby?" but on the same hand, she kind of just ignores him... totally steering clear of him. Hmmm...


WELL... that's all I can think of for now. I will update more, ummmm at some point! :)

-

Random Facts...

About me!

I posted this on facebook under the "About Me" section, but thought I'd post it here too since it pretty much sums up me- what makes me tick, what makes me fall apart, what makes me smile and what pulls me together. I added a few more here though- facebook cut me off after about 3 full paragraphs...

Two January's ago my life changed forever when the word "pregnant" popped up on a HPT.

Last October, the little blip on the ultrasound screen turned into my beautiful daughter Maeve.

I have been married for 2 and a half years. There are tough times and there are wonderful times... heck that's life though.

I have chronic anxiety.

I have always considered myself a Christian, but just recently really started getting into His word.

Days that are especially rough with my anxiety are often healed by a Bible passage or a quick prayer.

I've learned that God always provides (even though it feels like we're struggling) and He always gives me my next breath.

My soul longs for the beach, ocean, sunshine and warmth.

I am inspired by my sisters, my mom and my grandma.

I love Target.

Vacations are the best.

I have a weakness for sweets, wine and pizza.

I have an unnatural obsession with Disney World.

If I could, I would probably have 6 or 7 kids... but financially speaking its gonna be more like 3. :)

I am easily inspired by songs, quotes and books.

Adam Sandler frequents my dreams- you don't even wanna know. :) HAHAHA

Adam Sandler decided to attend my bachelorette party- although at the last minute was too intimated by all of us beautiful girls :)

I love soft sheets- the higher the thread count the happier I am.

Hot showers are my thing... I can take up to 5 in a day during the winter.

"50 First Dates" makes me cry every time (during the "I Love Lucy" song)

I regret 1 thing in life. And I am working hard to make amends with it.

I'd rather eat dessert than dinner.

I haven't had caffeine in 5 years.

Turbulence on airplanes makes me have to go to the bathroom. (who'd think it?)

If I could, I'd live in sweat pants and t-shirts.

I like Christmas movies all year long- especially "Christmas with the Kranks"

I get bronchitis yearly.

Thanks to my dear friend Jules, I am addicted to blogging! :)

Sometimes I listen to sad songs just to make myself cry... (we all need a good cry!)

I'm a really good cook- really I am! My specialty is baked goods: pies, cookies, cakes, etc.

I want a tropical fish tank so badly... Ryan says no.

I hate cats. I love dogs- big dogs.

I have been to Hawaii twice and Ryan and I have a 5 year plan to go back. (that puts us at 3 more years till we are "Maui-zed" again)

Counting Crows music depresses me but its one of my fave. bands and I listen to it when I'm down...which makes me feel even more down... but it works.

Adam Duritz waved at me.

I love roller coasters but hate spinning rides.

I have PVC's (Pre-ventricular contractions or heart palps)

I still call my dad if I have questions about my car or insurance or anything like that...

No matter how "naughty" Maeve is being, as soon as she starts to smile and coo, my heart melts and she can do no wrong.

4 years ago I had sworn off marriage and kids until the age of 30. haha... how God works!

I think Kate, from "Jon & Kate plus 8" is a spoiled brat. And she irritates me to no end yet I tune in every monday...

Breakfast is my favorite- I could eat it 3 times a day everyday... and often I do.

Laundry is last on my list- I hate it and usually leave it for Ryan to do... :)

The floors and kitchen however, are obsessions of mine- I love to sweep and swiffer!

My heart has been broken once.

But my heart is so full now, that its completely whole.

Ohhhhh Baby!

I was tagged by my hot momma friend Julie :) Thanks!

1.Where were you when you first found out you when you found out you were pregnant?
In my ghetto apartment bathroom... I took a digital test, hopped in the shower, remembered that I had taken the test, poked my head out and saw it said "pregnant." I then sat down in the shower and repeated "Oh my gosh" about 100 times.
2.Who was with you? My dogs- Ryan was at class in Ann Arbor.
3.How did you find out? A Clearblue digital home pregnancy test!
4.What was your first reaction?
"OH MY GOSH" (as I stated before:) Fear, shock, panic, excitment...
5.What was your husbands reaction?
Haha.. by the time he had gotten home I had taken 4 preggo tests... they were all lined up in a row on the dresser. I met him at the door and said I have to talk to you... I told him I thought I was pregnant. He asked "why do you think that?" And I said "because I took a lot of preggo tests and they're all positive." He was like "okay...." After looking at the tests, he sat at the computer figuring out insurance stuff for a couple of hours. He was freaked out to say the least :)
6.Who was the first person you told?
Ryan- was the very first. (this happened on a Thursday night) and I kept it secret from EVERYONE until Tuesday morning when I was teaching and this mom said "are you alright?" And I was like "yeah why?" And she said "You're pregnant aren't you?" And I just started bawling! So unfortunately, some random mom was the 2nd person who found out. My mom was the 3rd, then my sisters, then my dad.
7.Were the pregnancies planned?
We weren't "TRYING" but we weren't preventing...
8.Was everyone happy for you? Yes.
9.What is the sex?
GIRL!!! ALL GIRL!
10.Did anyone throw a baby shower for you?
Yup, my moms good friends, Alice and Marilyn.
11.If yes who came?
Great friends, and some family
12.Did you get any outfits you knew you wouldn't use?
Haha... yes I will make a confession- I got 1 that was just horrendous. But I returned it...
13.How much weight did you gain?
UGH.... I started at 110 and got up to 150- so 40 freaking pounds. AH!!!
14.Did you get stretch marks?
YES. On my belly, boobs and hips. Nice huh?
15.Did you crave anything crazy?
Ohhhhh yes- fruit and cheese in the beginning. Milkshakes, gatorade, donuts and McDonalds at the end.
16.Who or what got on your nerves the most?
Moms who thought they knew EVERYTHING and would tell me about their experiences (good and bad). People who would say "How many weeks do you have left?" And I'd say 2 months and they'd be in shock. My heart palpatations that started up around 30 weeks or so... peeing constantly.
17.Where were you when you went into labor?
I was induced at Foote Hospital at 6 in the morning on October 10th.
18.Did you have any complications?
Yup- my first epidural didn't work, and my 2nd one worked for about 20 minutes then it was time to push. But I'd say the worst was the episiotomy- it was a 3rd degree cut/rip and it was paaaaaainful as heck. Worse than any contractions or pushing!!!!!!
19.Did your water break?
Yup- artificially :) The doc broke it with a huge needle looking thing!
20.Who drove you to the hospital?
Ryan. It was 5:30 am and soooooo dark and quiet. Neither one of us said a word the whole way.
21.Did you go early or late?
Maeve was born 6 days early.
22.Who was in the room?
Ryan, my mom and sister Meghan.
23. Did you videotape it?
Yes- and I was ticked off at the time but so thankful now. There are 2 shots that Meghan got that are a bit graphic but other than that its PG.
24.Did you have any pain medication?
Yes, 2 epidurals! And some demoral.
25.Did you have a c-section or natural?
Natural.
26.What was your reaction to the birth?
I was EXHAUSTED. But thrilled- she was born at 3 AM and by the time I got to my recovery room it was 5 or so, but I still couldn't sleep a bit. I just wanted to hold her and look at her. :) ahhhhhhhhh :)
27.How big was the baby?
6 lbs. 9 oz.
28.Did your husband cry?
Yes. A lot :)
29.When is the next one coming?
???? Who knows! We want to start trying next summer.
30.If you could would you do it all over again?
Without question, a million times.


I tag..... Becky, Allison and Karen!!!!

This Time Last Year...

This Time Last Year......

I WAS HUGE. No ifs, ands or butts about it- its the plain and simple truth- I was a whale.

I was surprisngly cool, calm and collected about the birth.

I was renting movies up the wazoo to kill time till the big day.

I was getting up 700 times a night to pee.

I was eating enough to feed 4 horses and 9 elephants.

I was frequenting Maggie Moos once (sometimes twice) a day.

I was washing Maeves clothes and trying to decide on the hospital outfit to take her home in.

I was waddling around with the most annoying, dull, aching pain in my pelvis... nice huh?

I was waking Ryan up at 1 in the morning (my tummy growling) begging for McDonalds because "I only ate a pan of brownies, ice cream and 7 bowls of cereal, a bag of chips and 3 helpings of lasagna for dinner..."

I was going to the doc. twice a week.

I was debating between the names Maeve, Miley, Elisabeth and Annabelle

I still liked my dogs.

I slept alone in our bed with this GIANT "S" shaped pregnancy pillow wrapped all around me. (sorry hubs- I know that pillow was massive...)

I was having nosebleeds and bleeding gums like no other.

I was soaking up every moment- every SECOND of the pregnancy- I knew that soon I wouldn't have baby bugs flipping in my tummy-and although it was exciting to think about holding her in my arms, I was terribly sad that the pregnancy was coming to an end.

This time last year, I didn't have a baby- TOO crazy- because as soon as Maeve was born, it was as if she had been here forever- life without Maeve was nothing- and life with Maeve is everything. How blessed we are to have her- she has brought more joy, happiness, smiles and laughter than I thought was possible. She's my heart, my soul, and I am SO thankful, SO grateful that God gave her to us. I LOVE YOU MAE MAE!!!!!!!!!!

Crockpots & Scheduling For Fall

Next Tuesday I go back to work :( BLAH. And although I get to spend the days with my girl, I go in around 3:30 and work until 7 or 8. Not much at all- very part time but it definitely interferes with our schedule and dinner! SO its time to get the trusty old crockpot out again. I have been scouring the internet for new recipes to make in that thing. Really, during the year when I don't get home until 7 or so, it is a LIFESAVER!!! But having chili, tatertot casserole and yum-esetti over and over again does get really old. So I have to start trying some new things... I am also in the market for a new crockpot. We got a small one for our wedding and it works just fine but now with miss MaeMae we're going to need a bigger one.

So not only does dinner get completely messed up when I go back to work but poor Maeve is going to have to adjust to a whole new schedule. THAT should be interesting... right now our day goes like this:

Wake up around 6- she drinks a bottle then falls back asleep till 8 or so.
Breakfast at 8
Bathtime after breakfast
Play/ or run errands from 10-12
Noon is lunchtime
play with daddy (he comes home from work around 12:30/1)
go down for nap around 1:30-2.
Sleep till 4 or 4:30.
Play till dinner which right now is at 6ish
go on a walk, go to the park, just hang around house with Ryan till 7:30ish
8 we start bedtime routine...
she is usually out by 8:30.

What a nice little routine huh? I love it dearly and I am kind of going through this panicky thing about switching it up... I think this is how the new routine is gonna go:

up at 6 for bottle- back to sleep till 8 or so
breakfast at 8
bathtime after breakfast
play or run errands till 11 or so
11:30 lunch???
play till 12:30-1
down for nap BY ONE... because shes gotta be up and dressed and ready to go by 3:30.
take her to the studio with me- she gets babysat by the dancers (HALLELUJAH!!!)
then Ryan picks her up at 5:15ish...
dinner at 6
play till 7 or so...
bedtime routine starting at 7:30ish?
Asleep by 8 or 8:30


So again, not a HUGE change- just a bit concerned with her afternoon nap. Maeve is a kid who NEEDS her nap. If she doesn't get it, watch out. Sometimes she fights sleeping and won't take a nap and she is like "Max" from "Where the Wild Things Are." Its scary.

I am not thrilled about going back to work... but at the same time I think it will be good for me to get out of the house and socialize with adults for a few hours a day. Sometimes its a bit overwhelming sitting at home ALL DAY LONG with a baby who only speaks Chinese jibberish.

It always works out though, one way or another. Work, Maeve, my wifely duties :), judging (which I SO have to get on the ball about), money, dinners and all that other stressful good stuff that makes the world go around.

OH SNAP!!!

I took this random quiz out of complete boredom and it is right on! CRREEEEPPPY!
Check out the link below and take the quiz for yourself... its eerily accurate...

What Your Fridge Says About You

You tend to be a very hedonistic, greedy person. You have trouble saying no to what you want. You are not careful with your money. In fact, you rarely think about how much you are spending. You don't tend to be a very adventurous person, but you do surprise everyone now and then. You have a bit of a wild side. You try to be responsible, but you don't always succeed. Your heart is in the right place though. You are likely married, possibly with kids.

What Do the Contents of Your Refrigerator Say About You?

"My BIG, FAT, Public Pregnancy!"

I was chatting with a galfriend the other day and I was trying to remember a specific detail of my pregnancy so I pulled out my preggo journal (it was like a question/answer type journal, so feel free to steal the questions and put your own answers in! Its fun!) it got me reading and reminiscing.... its very detailed so if it bores you, just pass on through it. But I do have LOTS of preggo friends right now who I thought might be interested in it. Warning: Its long and in depth!
Enjoy or skip over... :)

**********************************************

Where and when I took the home pregnancy test: I took 2 tests at home ALONE on Thursday, Feb. 8th, 2007.

First Reaction when I realized it was positive: Shock, fear, elation, excitement, doubt.

How I told my hubby: It was practically bursting out of me by the time Ryan got home from class. I showed him the tests and told him immediately.

His Reaction: SHOCK & lots of hugs and belly rubs.

Who we told right away: My mom, dad and sisters (we told them on Monday, Feb. 12th)

How our kid(s) reacted: No kids yet... just dogs!

When I plan to tell my friends: Around 12 weeks.

MY FIRST PRENATAL VISIT:

Our Due Date: October 18th, 2007

My Current Weight: 109.8

I'm thinking about delivering the baby: at the hospital

Here's why: I'm going to need some sort of medication.

Other notes from this first visit: I have a cervical irritation which is causing some bleeding but everything else checked out great. Nothing too eventful at the visit. Can't wait till April 3rd- we will be able to hear your heartbeat!!! Love you baby! :)


All the fun & gory details about morning (noon?)(night?) sickness: LOTS of dry heaving & gagging. Tons of saliva which makes the nausea much worse.

Times of Day when I feel the worst: Off and on all day. But I usually end up feeling the sickest in the morning and evening.

My tummy churns at the mere scent of: NUTS, coffee, cheeseburgers, anything burning, dirty dishes, the bathroom. Sorry Ryan- but sometimes your breath makes me sick.

Foods that generally calm my belly: Bread and water. Fruit and cereal. Anything that I feel like at the moment. Lemons, sour candy... MY FAVE. and current obsession: Sour apple blow pops. YUM.

Cravings and Aversions
My 1st trimester Chart

I've been seriously jonesin' for:
Month 1: CHEESE anything!
Month 2: Not too much... cheese and bread?
Month 3: Sweets... chocolate, fruit, bread, cereal, lemons & sour candy

The thought of eating this is totally repulsive:
Month 1: Pasta
Month 2: Just about everything!!! Especially french fries, nuts and coffee
Month 3: Coffee, pizza, cheeseburgers

My Philosophy when it comes to cravings: Give the belly what it wants.

The weirdest food craving I've had so far is: Hot dogs & chili cheese fries. Little Debbies snacks with peanut butter on them. Lemonade, tangerines, cheese, waffles, mashed potatoes. ANYTHING SOUR!!!!!!!!!

My earliest preggo symptom: Really sore breasts! OUCH! Tired and emotional. Cramping on and off, which can be really scary!!!

My current disposition: A hormonal hurricane. Every day is filled with ups and downs. Worries and anxieties, excitement and happiness. Its a roller coaster ride!

Week 5:
The start of morning sickness!!! It hit like a train! No vomiting yet- but extreme queasiness and nausea. Smells and sights of most foods makes my eyes water and my stomach churn. And having a husband who loves to eat makes it a bit difficult.

Week6: My energy level has been a bit sluggish. Vacationing in Florida was really challenging. All I wanted to do was lay down and rest. I've lost weight because of my constant morning sickness.

Week 7: Ahhh!!! Terrible morning sickness! I've lost weight because of the constant queasies! A few scares this week: bleeding, but Tracey (my midwife) said its okay because its due to the cervical irritation. She prescribed sitz baths.

Week 8: My complexion this week is GREEN.
Other welcome/not so welcome changes: LOTS of saliva- YUCK! Bleeding gums, terrible headaches and the morning sickness. But I DO have the beginnings of a belly!!!!!

Week 9: March 19th, 2007- Episodes of morning sickness continues. Sometimes feels like my eye sockets and mouth are on fire! Hormones!!!!! Sense of smell can be overwhelming at times. Appetite increased! If I hear, see or read about a certain food, I gotta have it!

Week 10: March 28th, 2007- My pants are slightly snug.
Other notable changes this week: Nothing real new... nausea is still very much here- but fatigue is getting better. Had a slight "pink" scare... turned out to be just fine. OOOOH! And I have a tiny baby bump starting :)

Week 11: My biggest preggo symptom is the need to pee! Nausea is starting to become less intense. This has been a very uneventful week... which is a good thing. :)
Music that we've been listening to lately: Jack Johnson
Recent Movie I've seen: Charlottes Web
Book I'm Reading: "The Island" by Heather Graham. Of course lots of pregnancy books too.
Top news story of the moment: The Anna Nicole Smith paternity drama.


Week 12: Bleeding gums and nose, sneezing a TON. Very tired... peeing at night every 2 hours. Nausea is getting better but still here. I HAVE THE LINEA NIGRA (the line of pregnancy!!!!!!!) This week marks the end of my 1st trimester. What a crazy 3 months! I think this baby is going to be quite the handful because of the intensity of all my preggo symptoms. But I've truly enjoyed every moment of being pregnant and wouldn't change it for the world. Now we can tell everyone else- well kind of- I think I'm going to wait until I start to show.

All about my 1st trimester appointments:
March 6th, 2007
Weight gained to date: -8 lbs. due to morning sickness
Belly measurement: BLOATED
Estimated size of you: My arms and legs are like sticks and I've got this expanding, bloated waistline.
Questions/Notes: A very uneventful appointment. Tracey found bleeding from a cervical irritation. No worries though. My next appt. cannot come soon enough! SO excited to hear the heart beat and know officially that I am carrying a life inside.


March 28th, 2007
Weight gained to date: -5 lbs.
Belly measurement: Puffy?
Estimated size of you: Small bump.... almost like a swollen belly.
Questions/Notes: Had to go in early because of pink spotting. I need to ask about 1. The pain in my groin area 2. possible baby flutters 3. terrible gas/constipation pains!!! :(
An AMAZING appointment!!! We heard baby's heartbeat!!!!!! Strong and healthy at 170 bpm. SO AMAZING!!! Also, physically, I'm doing great. Laura said that my cervix is tight and measuring 11 weeks instead of 10! SO exciting! Can't wait to get a visual soon- of the baby that is....

SECOND TRIMESTER:
Today is: March 28th, 2007.
It is a day I will never forget because we heard your heartbeat for the first time. It sounded like a galloping horses! It only took about 10 seconds to pick it up... Mom was with me and we both cried. Makes pregnancy seem a little more real. Hearing that beautiful heartbeat was very reassuring. I wish I could listen to it everyday!!!

April 7th: We rented a fetal doppler to try and record the heartbeat. I've tried SO many times but I've only caught it once! This little bean must be quite active because we could not hold the heartbeat! The ONE time I found it thought, it was incredible and worth all that searching! It was 165 bpm and I heard it for about 15 seconds. Very amazing.

When I more or less popped: Laura, my midwife said I popped at 19 weeks.

If and when my bellybutton popped: Around week 24 my belly button half way sticks out. The top part is popped, the bottom is still in there.

I'm starting to feel like Humpty Dumpty.

My thoughts about getting big: There are days when I love being pregnant and others where I wish I could step out of my body for a few days.

My exercise regime: Walking everyday with mom or the dogs. Sometimes daddy and I walk at night... but not too often. I tend to get ligament pains when I am really active. THEY SUCK.

When I wore my first maternity outfit: On May 5th... to the Rosequeen pagent. I wore a polka dot maternity tank top. Made me look very preggo. But it was comfortable!

My fave. maternity outfit: My black stretchy gauchos with a maternity tank top.

I borrowed maternity clothes from: No one. Well on June 30th, I borrowed a dress from my mom thats a lot like a maternity dress. I think I look like a cup cake. But its cute and I needed it for a wedding (that was your wedding Ali!!!)

Record number of days in a row I wore the same heinous pair of stretch pants: Luckily stretchy gaucho pants are in style right now. So I own lots of pairs and rotate them everyday!

Boy or girl?

People say I am carrying: WIDE! haha :)

Everyone thinks you're a:
GIRL... especially Ryan.

Personally I think you're a:
I have days when I swear its a girl but then the next day I'll think its a boy!


My thoughts about finding out if you're a girl or boy before you're born: We're SO excited to find out!!! Can't wait!!!!!!!!

I have been thinking girl lately because of the heart beat... but now at the last appt. your heart beat was in the 140s. So now I'm thinking boy....

Week that I first felt you fluttering: Maybe week 13-14. I've felt some slight movement.... gas or you? Not sure yet! Standing in line for lemonade at Walmart I felt 2 very strong "flicks." On mothers day (of all days!!) May 13th, I woke up at 5 A.M. and felt TONS of kicking and fluttering.

A description of this new sensation: It is still so faint and subtle. But its very consistent. And unlike anything I've ever felt before. I think the description of popcorn popping would be pretty accurate... although sometimes I can't tell if its a gas bubble or a kick.

First time I felt you hiccup in my belly: Its the cutest thing!!! Week 25- well I *think* I've felt you hiccup! Every once in awhile you'll do this rhythmic shaking type thing. I'm assuming its the huccups but I think you're too tiny to shake my whole belly yet!

DEFINITELY felt hiccups now!!! Week 27 :) Feels like rhythmic kicking! TOO CUTE!

Week that you started to kick noticeably harder: Week 19- within days your kicks got strong enough so that other people can feel you! You've kicked so strongly sometimes that its actually stopped me in my tracks. I LOVE IT!

Times of day you move around the most: In week 18, its been at 5 a.m. You squirm and wiggle all day... but usually your strongest kicking sessions happen in the morning... And sometimes at night. You're def. a morning baby!

Now at week 24 you seem to be a night owl. Lots of movement all night long! And your fave. "hangout" is right on top of my bladder.

I've noticed that these things seem to trigger you to kick or wiggle: Sitting definitely seems to be an active position for you. Eating or drinking Orange juice... or sometimes if I poke at my belly you'll respond with some squirming and kicking.

Our Ultrasound:
Date: 5/30/07
Pregnancy week: 20- HALF WAY THERE!!!!

You are considerably more photogenic at this stage. I could clearly see the following features:
We saw your tiny little feet! And your cute little nose!! You were also moving your lips! The U/S tech said you were sucking and swallowing. Also, you kept bringing your arm up like your were going to suck your thumb.

The BIG question:
You are a: GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cravings & Aversions
My 2nd trimester chart:
I've been seriously Jonesin' for:
Month 4: oranges, spaghetti, and just about anything I see or hear on TV

Month 5: FRUIT!!! Candy, sweets and cheese. My appetite has gone down this month..?

Month 6: Hot dogs, ice cream, WATER!!!!!!!! Paneras (I eat there about 4 times a week) Hot chocolate, cakes, donuts.

The thought of eating this is totally repulsive:
Month 4: Coffee
Month 5: Fast food, coffee
Month 6: Coffee, fast food and rootbeer

My current philosophy when it comes to cravings: Give the belly what it wants. I'm an eating machine.

The weirdest food craving I've had this trimester: Strawberry mini wheats at 10 o'clock at night. LOTS of orange juice (I go through a carton of it in 2 days) pickles, plumbs, candy, sweets, hot chocolate, cake.

Week 13: April 17th, 2007- My mood swings are: totally justified- considering how much my back is aching. STILL going to the bathroom a TON. Morning sickness is leaving... I think... appetite is increasing. I am an organizing freak. My back has been sore and my belly seems to be on the grow.

Week 14: Questions for the doctor: 1. Foods to avoid- hot dogs/deli meat?
2. vitamin C supplements b.c of all the oranges and oj I've been drinking/eating.
3. lifting- how heavy is too heavy?
4. sitting outside in the sun... getting too hot.
5. what can I take for congestion?


Week 15: April 24th, 2007- Now that the hormones have really kicked in, my hair is growing very quickly and on my tummy. LONG, dark hairs... I feel like a gorilla. My linea nigra is there- faint, but there. HUGE appetite for anything. Starting to feel really nervous about the responsibility of being a parent. My belly has really begun to grow and change.

Week 17: May 8th, 2007- My appetite is currently the size of the Louisiana purchase. I've been craving fruit like crazy. O.J., granny smith apples, strawberries, watermelon, etc. Also, Ryan and I discovered a few very faint stretch marks :( I cried... I made Ryan try to scrub them off in the shower.

Week 18: May 18th, 2007- EMILY felt the baby kick today!!!! Eventful week... your kicking has gotten noticeably stronger. On a sad note, my glands are swollen again, prompting an ultrasound. Hopefully all is well and we can at least hear your heartbeat again...which is always a thrill :)

Week 19: May 21st, 2007
The things I miss most about life-before-belly: wine with dinner, a normal size- bladder.
LOTS of kicking. And you're getting strong enough so other people can feel you! Daddy got to feel your strong kicks this week. So did uncle alec... My fave. moments are early in the mornings, when daddy goes to work and you're squirming and kicking like crazy... I watch saved by the bell and just sit there with my hands on the belly...

Week 20: May 30th, 2007- The week of our ultrasound!!!! After we found out you are a little girl, mom (nana) and I went shopping and bought up gymboree!

Week 21: June 9th- I'm most comfy sleeping on: My side.
I now get yo about 4 times a night to pee... You are quite the kicker! At the moment I believe you're only about a pound but you can pack such a punch! I LOVE it! And I can feel you squirm, roll and flip your whole body. AMAZING!

Week 23: June 21st, 2007-
Music that we've been listening to lately: Jack Johnson
Recent movies I've seen: We've been watching some scary ones! Oh we saw Pirates 3 at the theater.
Books I'm reading right now: "The Farm" -really stupid book.
Top news story: Missing pregnant woman "Jessie Davis" Very sad story....

Week 24: June 28th, 2007
This week marks the end of my 2nd trimester.
Reactions: Well, technically I've got a whole month to go before I'm in 3rd tri. But I'm getting so excited to round the last corner of this pregnancy! Overall, 2nd tri. has been really good! hopefully 3rd tri. will be even better!!!

My 2nd Trimester appointments:
Date: 4/26/07 (15 weeks)
Weight gained to date: +5 lbs.
Belly measurements: Uterus is an inch and a half below my belly button.
Questions/Notes: VERY quick but great appointment. Doc. found the heartbeat instantly again! This time it was in the 150 range. He said it was strong, regular and healthy!

Oh I opted out of the prenatal quad screening and CF testing.

Date: May 21st, 2007
Weight gained to date: +7 lbs.
Belly measurement: uterus is up to belly button!
Questions/Notes: UGH. I have to go in because I have swollen glands under my armpits. Ryan got to come with me today! He finally got to hear the heartbeat! which was in the 140s... The lymphnodes were no problem... but we're gonna keep an eye on them. Now the countdown is on for the BIG U/S!

Date: May 30th, 2007
Weight gained to date: +7 lbs.
Belly measurement: 20 cm.
Estimated size of you: 12 oz.
Questions/Notes: Everything looked great! You're measuring 6 days behind but no biggie... you're just gonna be a tiny little girl! Braxton hicks have started. Doc says no more than 6 in an hour and I'm fine. Also, I've started leaking!!! YUCK. But everyone says I'm gonna be a good milk machine... so I guess thats good news!

THIRD TRIMESTER:
We were too busy to go to classes!! I think it may be for the better though because hearing about the L&D would probably just make me more anxious.

People seem compelled to touch you: I mind- really didn't think I would, but its a little invasive!

Inexplicable baby/belly nicknames:
MMMbug, Peanut, Baby Bug, she & her (oops if you're a boy) Lil' bean, Lil Boo, Maybug, Baby M.

Actual names we're considering for you:
Boy:
Samuel Benson
Maximillion
Grady
Bennet
Brady


Girl:
Lilly
Anna
Elizabeth
Stella
Gracie
Maeve Rita
Maeve Elizabeth
Maeve Rita-Faith
Maeve Rita-Grace
Adeline
Maeve Elisabeth
Maeve Adeline
Maeve Adeline-Rita
Maeve Annabelle
We're keeping your name a secret so that way *hopefully* we won't have to hear about everyone's negative opinion.

Cravings & Aversions
My 3rd Trimester Chart:
I've been seriously jonesin' for:
Month 7: chocolate milk, veggies, chocolate milkshakes, slushies

Month 8: Watermelon, frostys, Arbys, chicken salad, fruit

Month 9: eggplant parm. cookies, breakfast foods, OJ

The thought of eating this is totally repulsive:
Month 7: fast food
Month 8: Um, well I will eat just about anything
Month 9: I'll seriously eat anything in front of me.

The weirdest food craving I've had: COKE- regular caffeine free of course! :) Pretzels, apricots, PB& J sandwiches, blueberry pancakes.

Times of day that you move around the most: Def. early mornings like around 5:30/6. And then again at night. But you squirm and wiggle all day long.

More things that seem to trigger movement: EATING! A girl after my own heart- you LOVE chocolate!!! Lots of times after I eat/drink though you get the hiccups. Shining a flashlight at my belly also makes you move. Also, you LOVE the shower! Whenever I take a shower, you start to bump and thump.

I've actually recognized your body parts moving and pushing against my belly: Your head pokes up a lot and your little feet slide all the way down the sides of my stomach. Also, when you roll over, your whole body bubbles up. And daddy loves to point out that my tummy is lopsided.. It's because you like to snuggle up and sleep!!!

When the term Braxton Hicks entered my vocabulary: 20 weeks!!! Seems early but doc. says its okay. They're NO FUN. I tend to get them when I move around a lot... and whenever I go pee!!!!!!!!!! Or if I bend over to fast to pick something up...

Third Trimester Appointments:
Date: 7/23/07
Weight gained to date: +19 lbs. HOLY COW.
Belly measurements: 27.5 weeks
Estimated size of you: 2.5 lbs. 15 inches long
Questions/Notes: Passed the glucose test! Your hb was in the 130s and sounded good. VERY bad hip pain at night. Also, frequent headaches... Doc says it all comes with the territory. I am already counting down the days to to October!!!!!

Date: 8/6/07
Weight gained to date: +28 lbs. (due to nightly milkshakes...)
Belly measurement: 29.5 cm.
Estimated size of you: 3 lbs.
Questions/Notes: Good appt. very uneventful... quick
Heartbeat was strong and in the 150s. You kicked dr. P a few times while he was listening to your hb.
We also talked about kick counts. So far your average is somewhere around 50/60 per hour!!!!

Date:8/17/2007
Weight gained to date: 30 lbs. OH MY GOSH
Belly measurement: 31 cm
Questions/Notes: VERY bad anxiety... maybe causing all the heart palps. Anyways Tracy ordered a full cardiac workup. I'm nervous and praying everything is fine.
You, however have a great, strong heartbeat! What a little star! :) I'm so thankful my anxiety isn't effecting you. But I do really need to get a hold of it.

Date: 8/31/2007
Weight gained to date: 30 lbs. Thank GOD did not gain anymore....
Belly measurement: 33.5 cm.
Estimated size of you: 3-4 lbs.
Questions/Notes: Good appt. very quick. We talked about the possibility of going on anxiety meds. Your hb sounded great and you were moving a TON! (I think its because I just ate a donut) I also asked about your very frequent hiccups. Assured that it was okay! Even though you get them 3-4xs a day!!!!

Date:9/24/2007
Weight gained to date: 35 lbs. YIKES
Belly measurement: 37 cm.
Estimated size of you: Dr. P said 6 or 6.5 lbs.
Questions/Notes: This week I had lots of contractions and some pink spotting... so Dr. P checked me. I am 1 cm dilated and my cervix is very thick and hard. Poo:( I guess you're just not ready to come out yet.
You kicked dr. P a few times and he was impressed with your movement.
Your heartrate was in the 140s and he said it sounded great!

Date:10/1/2007
I MADE IT TO OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!
Weight gained to date: 35 lbs. (maybe i've stopped gaining?)
Belly measurement: 37.5 cm.
Estimated size of you: Laura said 5-5.5 lbs.
Questions/Notes: I told Laura about my fall and she said "You're going up to L& D." It really scared me. But mom was with me and Ryan came later for lunch. I had to be monitored for a minimum of 4 hours but right when I got hooked up to the machines, I started having regular contractions! All the nurses thought I was going into labor. They were 4-5 minutes apart all afternoon. But when the rechecked me I was still only 1 cm and 60% effaced. So they sent me home. False labor I guess... I just want to get this all over and done with!!!!!!

Week 25: 4th of July- TERRIBLE week. UTI causing lots of problems! I HATE those stupid things!

Week 26: July 11th, 2007- (daddys birthday) So far, its been a pretty good week. I've been feeling really sore and yucky in the mornings but I usually start to feel better after lunch. Maybe I'm sleeping wrong or something... On a great note though, your activity has increased even MORE!! I'm not really sure if you're even sleeping at all... But thats alright by me :)

Week 27: 7/17/2007- Right now my husband is feeling: Overwhelmed.
Started feeling hiccups this week!!!!! SO CUTE! you get them for about 10 minutes at a time! And about 4 times a day! You must take after daddy- he gets the hiccups all the time :)

Week 28: 7/25/2007- WOAH!!!!!! July has flown by! Lets see- you've been a bit "lazy" this week which is a bit scary at times... but I have an instinct you're okay b/c of all your hiccups and impressive kick counts. On average about 60 kicks an hour!!! Oh mom and I bought your first tutu this week! Completely adorable!!!
- Valerie Wilcox/Renfrew had her baby this week!!!!! (7/26/07) which makes me want october to be here even sooner!!!!!!!!!!

Week 29: 7/30/07- It is so hot and humid I feel like a giant, swollen, beastly whale. I have a quote to sum up this week: "This too shall pass."

HARD week- anxiety is overwhelming me. I've started getting heart palps. this better go away soon... I wish I could just kick my anxiety to the next century. I HATE IT.

Week 30: 8/6/2007- Appointment was great- HB was in 150's. Having some anxiety issues... whats new???? But doc. has reassured me that all is well and not to worry. Much easier said than done. I am getting so anxious about the birth! Seems like October is forever away!! But you're getting so big and strong... I'm not sure how I'm going to last 2 more months...

Week 31: 8/19/2007
I am now most comfy sleeping: I'll TAKE IT (sleep) ANY WAY I CAN GET IT!!!!!
I am now getting up 3-4 times a night to pee.
UGh.... I am so ready to have this baby already!!!! I want my body and brain back!!! I'm also starting to get a bit depressed about my weight. I still have 8 weeks left and I've gained 30 lbs already!!!!! blahhhhhhhh

Week 32: 8/4/2007- Terrible, awful week. ER visit. I had a racing heart and had to get an ekg, echo and an IV. Good news is, everything checked out fine. And you're doing well... lots of strong movement. I love it! Its the best reassurance in the world!!!

Week 33: 8/31/2007
UGH- getting harder to breathe. Everything is so pushed up! I can't expand my lungs fully!!!

ONE MONTH TO GO!!! I am trying to get daddy and your poppa to finish our house! Also, I've been stocking up on tons of cute baby clothes!

Week 34: 9/5/2007- I've started getting massages which are truly amazing. They help a lot with the tension and anxiety. I think your head has dropped because I really feel like you could pop out at any second. Also your movements are SO STRONG IT HURTS! Sometimes you move my whole belly and in the early mornings when its just me and you, your kicking can shake the bed! NO JOKE!

Week 35: 9/11/07
People say that my belly looks: like its ready to POP.
Anxiety has gotten a little better. You have found your new fave position. Head wedged into my pelvis and your extremities squishing my bladder. This morning I was trying to sleep but you were all over the place punching my very full bladder!

Week 36: 9/17/07 (My birthday)
Really great week! Anxiety has gotten SO much better! And really soon we're gonna be moving! YEA! You have dropped- very low. So much pressure!!!!!! Also, it seems like your activity has picked up even more! You are a non-stop mover! And I can def. tell your feet and hands apart! And your cute little butt.

Week 37: 9/29/2007
Music I've been listening to: Jack Johnson (whats new?)
Recent Movies I've seen: Knocked Up
Books I'm Reading Right now: Lots of preggo books and Jodi Piccoult books.
Top news story: Britney spears and her custody battle

Week 38: 10/1/2007- We've moved in this week and its so nice to have all of our stuff!!! And to have your room all set up! But Sept. 30th, I fell pretty hard on my hands/knees and stomach. Really scary! But my appt. was Oct. 1st so I mentioned it then instead of calling right away. It turns out falling can be pretty dangerous and serious... I got a lecture for not calling immediately... HUGE energy surge!!! I clean and organize like crazy! Getting very anxious about the delivery.

Week 39: 10/9/07- The last few days of this pregnancy! Dr. P said he wants to induce on wed. Oct. 10th. There is still so much to do but I'm so ready! Sometimes I'll get really sad to think she won't be inside me anymore, but I'm so excited to meet her! these past few days have been the most exciting days of my life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Your name: Maeve Annabelle McKenney
Date & Time of your arrival: 10/11/07 3:00 A.M. (on the dot)
Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz.
Length: 21.5 inches

How I felt when I first saw you: Complete shock, elation, overwhelmed, in total love. I thought you were the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen! Completely perfect in every way. I was almost on a high from the whole experience. It was absolutely incredible and I can't wait to do it again!!!

How it felt to hold you for the first time: Surreal- the best word to describe it. It was like a dream. Looking back on it, I can hardly even remember exactly what it was like... I just remember you being SO beautiful and perfect. And completely in love.
Oh and I thought you looked just like daddy.





Well that may be the longest post EVER! But it was a ton of fun to read back on all of my pregnancy highs and lows. Every word that I typed was written word for word in my journal... so its very personal but its fun to share :) Ahhh... it kind of makes me want to be pregnant right now...