Adorkable Annie

Resolutions shmesolutions

2012-01-02T12:59:00.001-05:00

Don't get me wrong, I love the fresh start that comes with the new year, but I'm not big on resolutions. Basically, because I don't enjoy setting myself up for failure. Because I mean, come on--how many resolutions do you really and truly end up keeping?

But if I WERE going to make resolutions. Actually sit down and put pen to paper, this is what I'd want to accomplish in 2012:

*To enjoy the here and now and not wish the time-being away. I constantly catch myself saying, "I can't wait until Wyatt is that age so we can do that!" Or "Once this happens, then I'll do that." I need to start soaking up every moment of what I have in front of me now, because a lot of my most precious memories involve me not really soaking them in, but looking to something I thought would be better. Make sense?

*To pray boldly and less selfishly. In 2011 I was definitely guilty of limiting God. It's so easy to do for our measly, little human brains. What's wrong with praying for peace? Or for miracles? Is God not capable? Since He is perfectly able to do anything I ask, then why wouldn't I at least ask? Instead of telling God how big my mountain is, I need to tell the mountain how big my God is!

*To be a better wife, mother, daughter and friend. Life with an infant is consuming. So I haven't been able to be there for the ones I love as much as I should and could be.

*To be a blessing to someone each and every day. Whether it's something as simple as a text message, bless someone by edifying them and letting them know I'm here.

*And finally, the stock answer to any person's NY's resolution--get fit. I am so soft around the edges after having Wyatt. I'm not happy with my body nor my energy level so it's time to hop to it! I actually started working out before the new year to get an early start...I just hope I can keep it up! I want to have enough energy to keep up with a mobile little fella this summer!

And since I've been a terrible blogger, I will leave you with some fun stuff--pics of Wyatt you've been missing out on for the last several weeks.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

me, myself and I: feeling like a hermit crab

2011-12-05T15:06:00.000-05:00

Technically hermit crabs are very social beings despite their introverted reputation...but that's neither here nor there...

If I'm alone with Wyatt, we NEVER leave the house. I hate the stress of making sure all of the conditions are right to go somewhere! Will he get hungry? Will he get tired? Will it be time for his meds? Is this going to get him off schedule to where he'll be a bear later? Are there going to be sick people there? You know he's going to scream when you put him in his car seat...Blah, blah, blah. Never an optimum time to take the little fella on an outing!

Plus, let's face it, the weather in Oklahoma stinks. I love the cold, but it's not ideal for babies. And it's not even so much the cold, but the wind! My heavens the wind! I guess that's why they wrote the song about it, but geez.

Is it bad that he might not see the light of day until he's a toddler?

And I'm seriously contemplating a bubble. Yes. As in boy in a bubble.

For those of you who spend/have spent days with a newborn, what was your routine like?

Oh, and for listening to me rant, you get to see our Christmas pic early! It ain't the best, but it certainly ain't the worst with a 3 month old and 2 pups. :-)

It's as if the dogs are saying, "Yep. This is my life now. Wah wah..."

more of the same

2011-12-02T09:23:00.002-05:00

So my little Wy guy is growing so quickly that I had to start dressing him up in clothes that I bought for Christmas, but I know will be too small by then.

We've both been under the weather this last week...terrible colds with a fever. You can see it in his eyes in the first shot. I never knew there could be such a horrible feeling as the feeling you get when you see your baby sick. Just awful! Glad we're on the mend! : - )

We hope your holidays are off to a great start!

Enjoy.

tuxedo t-shirts rock my world

2011-11-16T11:25:00.000-05:00

top five friday: more of what you missed

2011-11-11T12:06:00.000-05:00

Since you've missed out on SO much, I'd like to continue filling you in with the top five mommy moments of the week AND the top five of my favorite photos of Wyatt you've never seen.

And awaaaayyyy we go!

1. I just changed what you would think was an adult diaper. I'm talking pressure washer, putting the dirty diaper inside a clean diaper for good measure, where did all of this come from, under the fingernail, up the back, praying his socks don't get in it, diaper. He has to feel like a million bucks, y'all!

2. Realizing that God gave me Wyatt to reveal so many things He wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Because of my Buggie I have more compassion, more patience than I ever thought possible and I spend a lot less time on things I thought were important. I've realized how utterly helpless I am on my own without God. When I think something might be wrong with Wyatt (ahem, almost every second of the day, because I'm a freak that way) the first thing I do is hit my knees. Before, when I had a problem, I would probably reach for my phone first and pray later.

3. Giving Hubby specific instructions on how to put Wyatt down for his nap, because I was going to enjoy one myself, only to wake up and find them both passed out on the couch--Wyatt on Hubby's chest. I've never seen two people sleeping so sound. I wanted to scold hubby (okay, and maybe I did a little) for derailing all of my hard work in the self-sooth department, but really I melted inside. Those two!

4. Getting Wyatt's Christmas clothes in the mail yesterday! Oh.my.word. The cuteness is beyond my comprehension, y'all! Blazers and sweaters and sweater vests and Santa suits and knit reindeer hats... GET OUT OF TOWN! I can't take it.

5. Putting away clothes that are too small for Wyatt. I know most moms freak out when their babies outgrow things, but not me! I love it. To me, it means he's on the right track! He's growing and thriving! Just this morning I put an outfit on him that fit him perfectly just LAST WEEK and it was way too small. Good job, buddy! You're doing it! You're getting big and strong and will be able to wrestle daddy soon...a moment Heath looks forward to like a kid looks forward to Christmas.

Now on to the really cute stuff! Here are five of my favorite Wy Guy pics from the last couple of weeks!

Have a great weekend!

adventures in new mommyhood

2011-11-10T17:02:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I've been away for so long! These past two months have been a complete blur and I am saddened that I haven't had the time to blog every second of every day. I've been trying to soak them in.

Anyway, nothing in this crazy world can prepare anyone for motherhood. Nothing. It encompasses every emotion in the book! I could go on and on, but if you're a mom, you know what I mean. And if you're not, you just won't until you do it yourself. Am I right or am I right, y'all?

Since I have been away for so long, there's no way to fill in all the gaps of what's happened so I'll make this first post back short and sweet with bullet points. Everyone loves bullet points, right?

Wyatt turned two months old on Tuesday! He gets his shots a week from today and I am already a wreck. Can mama get a little sedation before and after? Thanks.
Hubby's new practice is going swimmingly! I'm working there three days a week, therefore, Wyatt has a nanny.
Speaking of nannies, and me being a wreck... you should have seen me the first day I left him. Yipe. Someone should have called the nut house! Or funeral home. One of the two!
The nanny turned out to be AMAZING though! Uh-MAY-zing. She's in her last year of nursing school and has nannied for a TON of families. She even nannied a baby for 3 months, 50 hours per week while the baby was weeks old. Um, hello! I'm convinced she's the next baby whisperer.
We started sleep training this week! It's going great! In fact, my little bug is sleeping right now and has been asleep for almost two hours after putting himself down! Unreal. I keep checking his breathing, because I can't believe it.
Wyatt is known as "Buggie" in this house. It started as "Love Bug" then "Bug" then "Buggins" then "Buggie." I hope he learns his real name!
I've never moved faster in my life than when his white noise machine shuts off! Seriously, Olympic Gold Medalist fast.
Buggie was diagnosed with reflux a couple of weeks ago and it's been kind of a roller coaster. Some days he's great and somedays it's bad. Today, it's bad. Poor guy!
My dogs are getting SO FAT! I swore I'd never neglect them, because of a baby... Technically it's not neglect when they are in OUR toasty bed and getting food that costs more than I would ever spend on a meal, but when it comes to exercise, okay, it's neglect. Mabel is definitely getting much back.
Giving Wyatt his bath is one of my favorite things in life! I look forward to it every day. He LOVES it. He gets so relaxed. I really must video it for you to understand the magnitude of the cuteness.
Oklahoma is the most dangerous place to live now just incase you were wondering. Not REALLY, but it's probably one of the craziest places in terms of natural disasters! We are getting crazy earthquakes now. On top of tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires, extreme drought and heat, hail and hurricane strength winds. IN-sane.
Daytime TV drives me BONKERS! I'd rather just leave the TV off, but then I get nervous like I'm going to miss out on something crazy happening in this world.
I haven't shaved in two days and if it weren't for the box of Cheeze-Its in our pantry, I would have starved this week. Did I mention having a newby is tough?
Okay, he's waking! I think...he's in and out so I'd better go before he gets belligerent! :--)

break time

2011-10-10T11:54:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for all of your well wishes regarding my new little bundle! He is perfect. I just wanted to let you know I'll be taking a break from blogging for a bit. I just can't keep up right now! I don't know how y'all do it.

I will leave you with a new pic of my little man on his 3 week birthday...he'll be 1 month tomorrow!

Thanks for understanding and I HOPE to be back soon!

XO

he made it!

2011-09-26T18:12:00.001-04:00

I am SO sorry for leaving you guys hanging for so long! Feel free to write me off at any time. Seriously. But it's not like I haven't been busy...

Wyatt Wayne made his unexpected and dramatic arrival via c-section on September 13 at 1:16pm. I'll fill you in on those details later. : --)

For now, I'm going to leave you with some photos to hopefully butter you up after being away for so long!

Handsome little fella, aye? We both have our 2 week check ups tomorrow. Wish us luck!

Wyatt's nursery featured

2011-09-07T09:14:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed creating Wyatt's nursery so much that you can find it just about anywhere online that allows DIYers to upload their projects. BUT there is one place you can find it that I didn't have anything to do with! Chic & Cheap Nursery actually found me! Me?! Me! Love them for that.

Check out the feature here.

Well, we're still hanging in there! My contractions are much more subdued and I haven't had a lot of action in the way of labor. I haven't slept in about a week though...I get KILLER hip cramps at night and when I'm not cramping I'm in the bathroom. I'm pretty sure I just need to set up shop in there...tape a pillow to the wall and try and sleep sitting up on the toilet. It could actually work.

Stay tuned!

We did it! We made it to 37 weeks!

2011-09-06T08:29:00.001-04:00

I guess all of the hanging upside down worked, because we officially made it to a full term pregnancy! I, for one, am shocked.

It has been such an emotional roller coaster these last couple of weeks! One day I feel labor is eminent with contractions and cramping and the next I feel the best I have in months. Seriously, a roller coaster.

I've definitely had to learn some lessons in patience and trust during these last days. I live for plans and calendars and clocks, but when you don't know from one minute to the next how you're going to feel or even if you're going to have a baby, you have to learn a little give and take.

The great news though, I know God has perfect timing and this guys birthday is no surprise to Him. Thank goodness, because I don't do well with surprises! At all.

I am still progressing. As of Friday, my doc said she expected him to come this week, but who knows! She leaves town from the 10th-14th so I'm sure Wyatt will think that's the best time to come. :-) He already waited out the hottest summer known to life in Oklahoma! (Praise the Lord for cooler temps!) I know we'll be in good hands regardless, but I'd really like MY doctor to deliver.

Oh, and since I can't give up totally on schedules, my induction date is September 20th. You know, just incase. :-)

Now, let the nesting begin! (or continue...my toilets are already sparkling...)

you'll find me hanging upside down for the next couple of weeks

2011-08-25T11:06:00.000-04:00

So yesterday was weird.

I began having a lot of contractions. With pressure. "Down there" and in my low back. It wasn't pleasant. So I called the doc up to share my news--she said hightail it to labor and delivery to be monitored. So that's what I did!

They hooked me up with all sorts of monitors and began tracking my contractions that were coming every SIX minutes. Uh, yeah. Slow those puppies down, would ya? They obliged by giving me a shot of terbutaline. That stuff is ca-razy! Well, it made me feel crazy anyway. I was shaking uncontrollably and my heart beat was through the roof! All normal (so they say) but still unnerving.

With the contractions being so close, I had to get my first "check" yesterday! Woohoo! The verdict? Dilated to a 1 with my cervix being posterior. GOOD NEWS! Even better news--Wyatt looked great through out the whole thing. His heart rate remained normal and he's been as active as ever. Bless him. He doesn't have a clue.

After an hour or so of monitoring, and getting the contractions under control, they shipped me home with the unfortunate strict instructions to do something I didn't understand--they told me to "rest." I asked them to spell it and then use it in a sentence...

Please keep me and Wyatt in your thoughts and prayers. I know a lot of women go through this and it's perfectly normal for some to walk around dilated for weeks! But I want to MAKE SURE that happens. I know if he were born at 35 weeks he'd be fine, but I also know the longer he can stay safely cooking, the better.

SO you'll find me hanging upside down for the next couple of weeks.

Stay in there, little buddy! I promise it's not as warm and cozy on the outside...

baby shower details

2011-08-23T20:12:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we celebrated Wyatt like no other! It was incredible. Thank you to all of my loved ones that made it happen! XOXO

Enjoy some of the details...

Filler flowers.

Favors.

Room view.

Details.

This was SO fun. I love going back and reading everyone's advise!

Our seats.

Uh, YUM!

My girls! Love them all SO much.

Delish food! Well, I think...I didn't eat. :-)

Love that guy.

I made those!

Me and my mum!

"She's bigger than that!"

Believe it or not, Hubby actually won! He was RIGHT on the money. Exactly!

Presents are fun!

My great aunt, Mildred, brought pictures of me as a baby. SO sweet.

One of my favorite gifts! Isn't it adorable?

We're ready when you are, Wyatt!

34 weeks 3 days

2011-08-18T09:39:00.002-04:00

Hey, at this point, every day counts! And if you want to get technical, if I go the full 40 weeks, I only (I say only) have 40 remaining in this pregnancy!

Sorry. Not the best pic, but you get the idea. It's a large gut. End of story.

How I'm feeling
Big. Big as a house. A big house. A mansion really. No--a castle. Yeah, that's it. I'm starting to feel pressure down south and I do have some cramping from time to time. It's almost like an electric shock feeling? It's weird and hard for me to explain. The doc says it's just him "making his way down..." Fun! My bladder is completely gone and I find myself in a lot of "emergency" bathroom situations. A couple of times with tears in my eyes because I really didn't think I was going to make it. It hits so quickly! Luckily, I haven't had any embarrassing moments...yet. But I know any day this kid is going to make me pee my pantaloons.

I can still wear my wedding rings! Yay! I hope I can wear them the duration. I do have one foot, my right one, that swells like crazy! It's the weirdest thing. My left foot and ankle are fine. But my right looks like it's been in a horrific accident. Bizzaro!

While I was nervous about the delivery, I've gotten past that and am now nervous about bringing baby home! What the heck am I going to do with him? They are actually going to let me just take him home with no sort of credentials whatsoever? That's just nuts. There should be a final exam or something. I have SO many questions. And I don't remember a THING from our baby classes. I try and replay the classes in my head and I draw a blank. Eeeek. I have never, ever been so far out of my element and I'm skeert!

About the baby
Wyatt! You're getting SO big. You are approximately 5 pounds and 18 inches long--the average cantaloupe. You're making huge movements and it hurts mama. I feel as though you might bust through my skin at any given moment. You have the hiccups A LOT. I feel like they never stop. Your little brain and lungs are continuing to grow and develop so keep on cooking until you're fully developed, mkay? Thanks!

Doctor Appointments
I'm now a once-a-weeker! I went yesterday and she said he has definitely moved into my pelvis. Next week I have the strep test and will be "checked" for the first time. Eeeeek! I really am nervous about that. I've heard it's really, really not pleasant. I don't wanna!

Food
I really can't eat as much as I used to! As much as I want to, I just don't have the room. I do make sure I have a piece of pie and ice cream every night. It's a ritual. Mmmm.

Everything else
The baby shower is complete! We had such a great time. And we were overwhelmed with love and generosity. The pics should be ready sometime this week and I can't wait for you to see the festivities!

What we didn't get, I bought yesterday. Who knew a tiny baby "needed" so much stuff. My car was overflowing with baby goods. I spent over 4 hours shopping for "necessities." I've spent two days doing his laundry. He officially has more clothes than...not me...but hubby for sure! Such a blessed ( and rightfully so) little boy.

This weekend has been dubbed "Baby, we're going to be ready for you so we have to read through manuals and set up all of your stuff" weekend. It's a working title. But that's the plan anyway. So.Many.Gadgets. Wish us luck! :-)

earth! fire! wind! water! heart! by your powers combined, I am...

2011-08-13T08:42:00.000-04:00

Captain Planet! Anyone? Anyone?

Anywho...

Captain Planet, Mother Nature, Oklahoma, whoever you want to blame has been playing some nasty tricks on me!

These last two weeks have been unreal. We had a fire start in the empty, uncleared lot next to us. It came within 4 feet of our home. It was actually flaming through the fence! It all happened so quickly that the only things I could grab were my two dogs, my Harley Bear's ashes and my purse. I left the neighborhood hysterical (of course) and just knew my house would be gone when I returned. Hubby was at work and I couldn't get in touch with him right away. When I finally did, he couldn't even understand me--I was out of control upset. He left work as quickly as he could and once they started letting people back into the neighborhood, we went to face what we thought would be our lives in ashes...but it was still there! Our home unscathed! Well, minus a charred fence and yard, melted gutters and smokey air conditioner. Praise the LORD!

The fire spread through the neighborhood, because of all the cedar trees, but only burned empty lots! A few homes had heat damage, but NO houses burned down or even caught on fire. The fire department, insurance folks, everyone that has seen the damage has said the same thing, "This was a miracle." I know it was! A miracle is the ONLY way to explain it. And once I had my husband home, my dogs safe by my side, none of the "stuff" mattered. Would it have been extremely sad to see my home in ruins? YES! Especially with a bambino coming s-o-o-n. But once you experience something like that, your stuff really does become just that--"stuff."

See the roof to the right? That's our house.

Hubby watching the fire department put out hot spots.

Fast forward a few days--an extreme wind storm blew through and nearly blew us away!

The wind actually blew the posts out of the ground. And this wasn't even a tornado!

This picture shows into our back yard. You can see the damage from both the storm and the fire.

Good times, right?

So this is why I've been away. That AND...drumroll please....Hubby is starting his own practice! We're working to get it going soon after Wyatt arrives. I know, crazy timing. But really, when is a good time? I've been working diligently to help get things rolling while he's at work. Between working on stuff for his business, and dealing with insurance people, I feel like I'm turning into an iPhone. I think in iPhone commands. It's weird.

Anywho! Today will be a better day, because it's baby shower day!!! Me and my hosty girls have been working diligently for a month to make this day extra special. It's a coed shower so all of hubby's friends get to experience the fun too. I can't wait! Look for pics soon!

Have a great weekend friends.

cheese! your belly is big so let's take pictures

2011-08-06T10:08:00.001-04:00

So. I'm ALMOST 33 weeks. I went to the doc yesterday, who was in an emergency c-sect btw, so I agreed to see the nurse. The nurse and I have an interesting relationship--when we see each other in person, we're great. But when I talk to her on the phone, not so much. Maybe she's just one of those people who doesn't do phones? IDK, but I always feel like she's rolling her eyes at me on the other end.

Anyway, she couldn't get over how high Wyatt was! She was like, "How can you even breath?" I was like, "I don't." Annnd I can't sit down unless I sit straight up, stretching my torso so he doesn't "catch" under my ribs. She also said, "I bet he's going to be pretty good size!" Oh, Judy! Always the comedian. She should have left that comment for one of our celebrated phone conversations.

In other news, our maternity photo shoot is in the books! Everyone says I'll enjoy these more AFTER the baby comes...I can totally see that, because I HATE looking at myself right now. Swollen city. Ick. My friend Amy did a great job regardless of her subject.

See for yourself!

Have a great weekend!

31 week update

2011-07-29T11:52:00.000-04:00

How I'm feeling
Pretty good. Most days. It really is a roller coaster at this point! Some days I have a ton of energy and some days I feel like I could lounge all day if I let myself. Sometimes I feel like I'm revisiting my first trimester with smells, fatigue and occasional morning sickness...just with a much bigger belly.

It's getting harder to buckle shoes so flip flops or straps I can slip over my heels are the norm. I am developing cankles and find if I'm on my feet too much, my feet really swell. I can still wear my wedding rings (YAY!) and hoping they hold out for the duration...we'll see.

I really don't sleep at night anymore. I'm just not comfortable AND I'm up 4+ X's per night to hit the potty. Like I said in an earlier post, I will never take for granted a normal bladder again!

I'm also starting to get really nervous about the actual delivery and recovery from delivery. Not so much about the pain, but that I won't be good at it or something will go wrong. You know, the typical stuff.

About the baby
Wyatt! You're getting SO big. At our last ultrasound your estimated weight was already 3.4 lbs! And that was a couple of weeks ago. You're approximately 17 inches long too. Big.Boy. I just hope your head isn't TOO big...if you know what I mean. But you don't know what I mean, because you're just a little brain stem right now reacting to stimuli. And that's okay! You'll come around.

Doctor Appointments
I'm now seeing the doc every 2 weeks until 35 weeks--then every week. Joy! I found I gained 6 lbs in three weeks at my last apt. That was certainly a rude awakening! But lets face it, I eat A LOT. And I don't do A LOT. So...

Food
You going to finish that?

Everything else
The baby shower is in 2 weeks! I can't wait. It's going to be such a good time. I can't wait for you to see all of the "Hatching Soon" details.

We did our maternity photo shoot this morning and it was SO much fun. I think we got some really good shots and I can't wait to see them. Thanks Amy!

Have a great weekend, friends!

you had me at "cookie dough"

2011-07-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

First of all, I am in love, love, love with Pinterest! I've known about it for months, but I was like, "eh...something else to waste my time..." so I put it off and put it off and put it off. And finally, I came to my senses! One pin turned to two turned to 200. It inspires me to take more photos, try new hair styles, build a dream home and, lucky for you, try new recipes! It really is one of the best things in life.

Here's what I tried yesterday...

Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites!

Oh! And this... ;-)

The pretzel recipe I followed, BUT the cookie dough cheesecake bars, I made 1000 x's easier!

If you're in a hurry (who isn't?) use this:

Ready made graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling and store-bought cookie dough. You'll also need a little lemon juice.

And do this:

Line an 8" baking dish with foil, allow some overhang, and spray with cooking spray
Place crust in baking dish and bake for 6 minutes on 325
Mix a little lemon juice in the cheesecake filling so that it makes it less thick and easier to spread on the crust
Top off with cookie dough
Bake for 30 minutes
Cool on rack
Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight
Lift foil from pan and cut into bars

Here's what mine looked like:

Here are my pretzels, which Hubby describes as "some kind of delicious, frozen Girl Scout cookie!"

But I did have a lot of melted chocolate left over and I couldn't let it go to waste! SO, I did what anyone with melted chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows would do:

I made S'more pops! Then, I got a little out of control and made a fire for them to roast under. I realize it would have been cuter to glue sticks to the pot to make it look like an actual fire, but I didn't have sticks available in my house and it was 9000 degrees outside yesterday so I didn't really feel like "hunting" any down.

These were SO fun and SO easy, y'all! Just stick a popsicle stick in a marshmallow, dip in melted chocolate, sandwich with graham crackers and dip and drizzle with the melty chocolate. Easy, peasy.

Enjoy!

put me in (sleep) coach

2011-07-27T09:40:00.000-04:00

So. The last couple of weeks have been pretty brutal in the full night sleep department.

First of all, I will never, and I mean never, take a full-sized bladder for granted again. 4+ times a night is ridiculous. And remember that pillow I bought in my second trimester that I claimed was sent from Heaven above? Well, we've developed a love/hate relationship. You know what they say, "Pregnancy pillows: can't live with 'em, can't shoot 'em." It's true thought--I can't sleep without it, but the stupid noodle prevents me from turning left to right without a conscience effort to configure it just right. An effort I'd rather not make at 1-2-3-4-5 in the morning.

And when I'm not struggling with my pea-sized bladder or my beloved Snoogle, I'm just lying there. At 3 in the morning. Wide awake. Listening to my dogs snore and chase something in their dreams they would never be brave enough to chase in real life, listening to my husband make this clicking sound in the back of his throat that he only does when I know he's good and asleep (apparently he's been doing it since he was a kid. It used to drive me nuts, but now I'm happy to hear it, because I know at least someone is getting peaceful sleep) trying to focus my eyes in our pitch-black, 69 degree room that is still sometimes too hot. Covers on, covers off. Flip flop, flip flop. Open the Tums. Close the Tums. Debate getting up to drink chocolate milk. Debate getting up and finding a movie. Fall asleep just minutes before the alarm goes off.

With all of the lack of sleep, I've become obsessed with finding the best "sleep training" techniques for when the baby actually arrives. Have any of you heard of or read this book?

Well, I bought it yesterday afternoon and had it almost complete by last night. It all makes perfect sense! And it actually gets me excited about getting into a routine once Wyatt comes home. It will take hard work and discipline, but hey, I myself am a hard worker and disciplined (minus the chocolate milk and donut sticks) so...

Of course sleep training can't take place, I mean really take place, until around 6 weeks since the little tyke needs to ~~come to the trough~~ eat every 2.5 to 3 hours, but this book explains how to not create bad habits during that first month or so. So apparently it's inevitable--the first month I'll be a zombie. No if ands or buts about it. Joy!

So here are some questions for you mamas:

Did you have pregnancy insomnia?
Did you implement sleep training techniques with your newborn?
How long before they "slept through the night?"
Did your baby sleep in your room or in the nursery the first weeks of life?
Were you disciplined or go-with-the-flow when it came to your baby's schedule? Did it make a difference?

Thanks for your participation, loves! AND a HUGE thank you for all of the sweet, sweet, sweet comments regarding the nursery. Muuuuwaaaahhh!

Wyatt's Place

2011-07-25T09:54:00.002-04:00

It's time! The nursery reveal is upon us. I hope it was worth the wait! Of course there are a few elements lacking--I'm waiting on an upcoming maternity photo shoot to complete one of the walls and of course we haven't even had our shower yet! But, it's done enough to show.

Here.we.go!

Here are all the deets--just incase you were wonderin'.

Wall Color - Valspar Cashmere
Wall Art - Letters from Restoration Hardware, empty frames from Hobby Lobby, Little boy and dog art from Etsy, flash cards printed from Etsy order and cut out by me
Crib - Restoration Hardware
Monogram Quilt - Restoration Hardware
Bedding - RosenberryRooms.com
Dog Snuggle Blanket - I made! adorkableannie.blogspot.com
Window Treatments - Bed Bath & Beyond
Glider - Custom order from Pickles & Ice Cream, Edmond, OK
Changing Table & Dressier - Antique store
Bookcases - Custom built and painted
Rug - Tuesday Morning
Chair - Great grandmother's

Also, if y'all don't mind, would you head on over to Project Nursery and rate Wyatt's space? We'll love you forever! As long as you rate it well that is : - ) Just click the pertty little button...

Have a great week, friends!

summer nights 2011

2011-07-24T22:58:00.002-04:00

Man! I'm making up for lost time this weekend, huh? To tide you-ins over until tomorrow's nursery reveal, I wanted to share a few pics from tonight. Hubby, the dogs and myself were outside praying for rain! We got a couple of drops, but certainly nothing to write home about--just enough to make it nice and steamy. Oklahoma needs rain, y'all! Anyway, enjoy a peek into our backyard.

a weekend treat: partial nursery reveal

2011-07-23T11:17:00.000-04:00

Ladies! Ladies! No need to push and shove--there's enough room in here for everyone to see.

Just kidding--I just know you all have been as anxious as me to see the nursery complete! And now that it's SO close, I couldn't help but show you a sneak peek. Be prepared for full on photos come Monday.

Happy weekend, y'all!

***Oh, and a special thank you to my sweet friend Amy for the photos.

coaster

2011-07-22T09:44:00.000-04:00

To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

But what if you're in between seasons? Do you ever feel that way? That nothing in the right here and now means anything? You're just coasting along waiting for something "better" in the future?

I'm guilty. Right this very moment, I'm a coaster.

The month of July has been brutal for me regarding mustering any sort of "umph" or passion for anything. Don't get me wrong, I'm not depressed or unhappy, I've just been void. Again, coasting.

The times I feel like this are times when something major life changing looms in our future. Before we moved to Virginia, I coasted, like nothing I did in Oklahoma mattered anymore. Before we moved back to Oklahoma, I coasted, like nothing I did in Virginia mattered anymore. I coast until a rush or high of the life changing experience happens. Make sense?

Right now, I have the biggest life changer ever in my future--a baby! And it's not just Wyatt I'm looking forward to, it's all the changes Autumn will bring--cooler weather (yes please!), my hubby will be working closer to home (details to come), football (I hate sport droughts!) and topping it off, I WON'T BE PREGNANT ANYMORE!

With so much to look forward to, I feel like I just want to go comatose until then. But I know that's wrong. I know God has something for me to do right here, right now. He didn't design me to sit and wait for the next big thing. Or what I think is the next big thing. His big thing might be happening right now! Even as I am starring down the barrel of yet another 1000 degree day, aching back, swollen face and ill-fitting clothes. Hard to imagine Him using me for anything right now, but I know better.

I need to soak up these last moments with just me and hubby. I need to focus on nourishing this developing human by remaining healthy. I need to invest in friends and family before life gets baby crazy. I need to pour my heart into His and let this be a time of not just physical growth (which is happening) but spiritual growth. For I need to be at my absolute best when so many things in my life are going to change so completely.

So today I commit the remaining days of July and the entire month of August to not coasting. To completely delving into relationships and experiences that I will never get to experience again once so many things change come September. Even though there is so much to look forward to, this is absolutely no time to just sit around and wait. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

gown town

2011-07-19T11:20:00.002-04:00

You know how I like to try my best to be presentable at all times, right? But the further along I get in my pregnancy, the worse my body image. I'm swollen, it's 9000 degrees outside, I'm tired, my hair is thicker than thick... So the cutesier I try and be with my clothes, hair, jewels, whatnot.

And I feel the day of Wyatt's birth should not be any different! I know there's no doubt my body and face will be swollen, my makeup will be smeared, my hair will be disheveled... so why not at least have an adorable hospital gown, right? Thanks what I thought.

These cutesy little things snap down the back for the epidural (yes, I'm getting one. Don't judge. I'm already practicing my back curl. And will probably walk into the hospital backward. That's how much I want one) and snap down the sleeves for nursing. Brilliant!

I've got it narrowed down to 3. Help me decide!

Did you have a special delivery gown?

ramblings

2011-07-18T08:46:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! How was your weekend?

Mine was H-O-T. And not in a good way.

Y'all, this weather has really got me down. And I hate that, because I have SO MUCH to be grateful for. I know I am incredibly blessed, mkay. Incredibly. But last week, I was so down in the dumps! And it all had to do with this blasted heat.

It's crippling for the average person, but someone who is 8 months pregnant, it's worse. There are only so many things I can do inside. I'm going stir crazy, guys! I would 100 % rather it be a blizzard outside than this. Then, at least, I could go outside for some fresh air. It's called a coat. I can't walk around outside naked. I mean I could. But. And even if I were naked, it would still be too hot.

Whew! Now that I have that off of my chest, we can move on...

As you saw, we had a big day on Thursday with the 3D ultrasound. So fun! I love looking through the pictures time and again trying to figure out who he looks like. I'm pretty sure he's a total hubby! And I hope so. I can't imagine having a mini hubby--I would melt! I've always wanted to put hubby in my pocket and take him everywhere and this would allow me to do so. Well, not actually in my pocket, but you know what I mean. Hehe.

We have our second baby class tonight! The first one was terrifying, remember? This one should be better, because it's "caring for your baby." Not just "everything that could go wrong will--you're going to rip in two--your baby's head will be too big--you'll more than likely have to get a catheter after the birth because you won't be able to potty" class. Okay, so that wasn't actually the title, but it might as well have been! Hopefully, HOPEFULLY this class will be better. I'll keep you posted.

Happy Monday!

face time

2011-07-16T09:14:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I experienced one of the most amazing things ever. I've seen other people's 3D ultrasounds before, but never experienced one on my own--with MY baby. I mean, when Wyatt was itsy bitsy, they would flip it over to 3D for a second, but it always looked too weird for me to enjoy it. Alien/skeletor. Eeek!

But Man! Yesterday! He pulled out all the stops for us. He smiled, yawned, stuck out his tongue, sucked on his wrist, opened an eye... He put on a non-stop show!

I can't believe how much he's grown too. He even has chubby cheeks! I guess I need to lay off the sugary cereal. The last thing I need is a 10 lb baby hopped up on sugar. You've seen that happen, right? They say babies who get a lot of sugar will sometimes come out and go through withdrawals and be cranky. Like crack, but sugar. I can definitely relate!

Anyway, let's get to the good stuff, shall we? Without further ado, I'd like to introduce the Wy Man in 3D!

Isn't that amazing? I never get tired of looking at these. I can't wait to compare them to the real deal in 9 weeks at the MOST!

Happy weekend!

retro post: How OK & VA celebrate the 4th of July

2011-07-02T20:44:00.001-04:00

We're going way back. Back into time with this bad boy: a retro post from my old blog describing the differences between the way Oklahomans and Virginians celebrate Independence Day. And even though I'm officially back "home" in Oklahoma, I still look to this post when I need reassurance that there's no better place to be on the 4th...even though this picture I took in the grocery store earlier today would suggest otherwise:

Enjoy this blast from the past!

So this is my 2nd 4th of July away from home. What does that mean? It means I am an expert on the differences of how Oklahomans and Virginians celebrate the holiday! Don't get me wrong, there are many similarities--fireworks, cookouts, people blowing their hands off, yada yada, but there are some (very) obvious differences.

Here are the top five:

1. Virginians go places to watch fireworks, Oklahomans create AND light their own fireworks. I grew up living for the fireworks stand--spending my parents hard earned cash on smoke bombs and m60's. Firework stands don't exist here--lighting a single sparkler can land you in the pokie. Bittersweet I suppose.

2. A typical Virginians' 4th of July holiday consists of ocean water, a colonial experience, fireworks at our nation's capitol and elaborate cookouts. An Oklahoman's 4th of July holiday consists of muddy lake water, catfish and emergency room visits. And no matter what lake you're attending, you will more than likely tell people you're going to "The Lake" for the 4th.

3. Virginians will stock up on wine from their local vineyard for their celebrations while Oklahomans will raid their friendly local convenient store for the last case of Milwaukee's Best. I'm pretty sure there's a correlation between this and the emergency room visits.

4. Virginians boast their patriotism by flying their American flags on their beautiful, colonial homes. Oklahomans boast their patriotism by flying their American flags, along side their favorite state school flag, on their boat, while blasting Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.

5. The 4th of July in Oklahoma reserves you the right to shop for your groceries in a bikini top and cut-off shorts, kids in their underwear and heaven forbid, shoes. The 4th of July in Virginia means the perfect sundress or khaki pants and Polo.

Now, it may seem like I'd prefer the more civilized and cleanly celebratory traditions of Virginia, but no. I miss Oklahoma. I miss hearing, "light it in your mouth" followed by ambulance sirens. I miss eating the fried catfish that I helped catch earlier. And the homegrown veggies the proud neighbor brought over the day before. There really is no place like home--especially on the 4th!

Have a wonderful holiday everyone! And stay safe--especially you Oklahomans!

i did it all for the nook

2011-06-27T10:49:00.002-04:00

Hehe.

So I have a tiny little window seat in my upstairs guest bath that I would love to make coz to the e. So of course I went poking around for inspiration! Here are some to die for! Do you have a window seat nook to call your own? I think it should be mandatory in every home...

26 week update

2011-06-21T08:54:00.002-04:00

I'm officially under 100 days to go! Woohoo! But 98 days might as well be an eternity.

How I'm feeling
Totally great. I started physical therapy a couple of weeks ago for my rib and back pain and I think it's really helping! I've been going a couple of times a week and doing the assigned exercises daily. My rib pain is still there (a burning, popping sensation in my upper ribs) but much more manageable.

Other than that, I have quite a bit of energy during the day, but when 9pm rolls around, count me out for much activity. I get vewy sweepy. The girls and I still enjoy our morning walks and I try and get my Palates in when I can. But a walk every day is a must! It's been so hot here (over 100 degrees daily) that we have to leave early to get a good walk in...usually by 7am or it's too late. So that stinks. On days that I only take walks, I do light weight training. And I mean light...like 5 lb weights.

I also noticed this week that it's getting harder and harder to sit up on the first try. :-)

About the baby
Wyatt is 14 inches long and weighs in at approx 1.75 lbs! He's practically a giant. He moves A LOT. But I love it. It never bothers me. Even when it wakes me up. It's so comforting! It's going to be really weird when I can't feel that any longer. I wonder if you get phantom kicks after birth. Anyone?

Doctor Appointments
I'll take my glucose test at my next apt. Eeek! I hope that stuff doesn't make me vom. And I REALLY hope I do well enough on the test I don't have to go back for the really hard stuff. Please, please, please don't have gestational diabetes!

We will have our 3D/4D ultrasound in 3 weeks! I cannot wait. I really hope he's in a good position to see his face! What in the world is he going to look like? Did I mention I can't wait? Did any of you get a really good look at your 3D and did it look like what they really look like? I mean, minus all of the ick they're swimming in in there.

Food
I really don't have any aversions at the moment other than Thai food. That's been the only thing I can't really even think about. I have been able to eat some Chinese food here and there, but I don't ever crave it. I can usually always go for a smokehouse turkey panini from Panera. And a bowl of sugary cereal.

The nursery
Slowly but surly! I finally found a chandelier and the glider is in place. So comfy! We're still waiting on the bedding to SHIP! It's been over 6 weeks. Come on, people! After that, we'll be waiting around for our shower to happen to put the finishing touches on everything.

Everything else
We started our classes on Saturday! The Birth of Your Baby...

I might not look like it in the picture, but I was totally terrified by the end. They talked about everything that could go wrong. And the videos! Oh.my.word. the videos. Hopefully the next classes (caring for your baby, infant CPR, breastfeeding and infant massage) will go much better!

Oh, and thanks to Brittany for letting me copy her pregnancy update template.

shower plans

2011-06-16T09:32:00.000-04:00

First of all, thank you SO much for all of your kind comments regarding the nursery sneak peek! I really can't wait to get it ALL done.

So as of right now, my shower is planned for August 13. Which makes me a little nervous, because one of my best friends and cousin is in labor RIGHT NOW and is only 36 weeks. Bless her heart. Please take a moment to pray for a perfectly healthy little lamb. She's going to be so tiny! Hopefully, I'll go full term and August 13 won't be a problem.

I know you're not supposed to plan your own shower, but let's face it, I.am.a.control.freak. Emphasis on the word control. And the word freak. Seriously, there's no way I could let someone else manage those details. Unless there was another one of me...and still I'm not sure I could trust her! And the most beautiful part about it all, my friends know and love me so much that they aren't offended by my controlling ways. Bless them. And heaven help them when I give them their tasks! Instead of a bridezilla, I'm a baby showerzilla.

So the "theme" of the shower is "hatching soon." Trees, nests, birds...all things nature. You get the idea. It's also going to be a coed shower, which I'm so stoked about! Hubby is SO involved and I can't imagine him not being there. It's really going to be like a big party honoring Wyatt than it will be baby shower. I can't wait!

I'm drawing from these inspirational photos:

Love this cake stand! Except ours would say, "H +A = W" :-)

Love the neutral colors.

How fun would these be to make?!

Source

What was your shower theme? Any must play games? Anyone else out there ever plan their own shower? Probably not.

XOXO

for your eyes only

2011-06-15T07:54:00.000-04:00

Did you ever used to write notes to your friends in school, fold them in crazy folds and write 4 your (a picture of an eye) only? Anyone? Just me? Mkay.

Well, today pretend the teacher isn't looking and I'm handing you a super juicy secret. Okay, so maybe I'm taking it a little too far...

But I am going to show you a few sneaky peek pics of the nurs! It still has a while to go, BUT the carpenter did deliver the bookcases yesterday and I couldn't be happier! He.is.awesome. They are EXACTLY what I wanted. It's rare someone can get in my head and pull out exactly what I want. Bless his heart! And the glider is in, we just need to go pick it up... not sure when that's happening. I'm getting a little frustrated with the bedding order! I ordered it 6 weeks ago and it still shows no signs of shipping. Booooo!

Okay, okay! I'll get on with it!

I told you it was a sneak! I don't want to give TOO much away! And, like I said, I still have a long way to go. But I hope it was enough to wet your whistle!

XOXO

25 week update

2011-06-14T08:25:00.000-04:00

The last time I updated I said 24 weeks, when really I got a little head of myself and was only 23 weeks. Sorry for the confusion. I know it really threw you off! :-) But seriously, I am now 25 weeks! Crazy, huh?

So what does it mean to be 25 weeks? Well, Wyatt is a rutabaga measuring 13.5 inches and weighing in at 1.5 lbs. My thoughts exactly! What's a rutabaga?! It looks like this...

Have you had one before? I certainly haven't. I mean, I've heard of a rutabaga, but never experienced one IRL. Is it like a radish? Either way, it's not what I picture when I picture my baby, but whatevs. My uterus is the size of a soccer ball at this point so that's fun.

Here's what I look like!

I also feel like I should show you with my shirt down :-)

Since it's 8 million degrees here, I've been spending all of my time at the pool, making my hair turn cotton white. Just incase you were wondering! I also had to get it thinned out like crazy the other day! I usually have enough hair for 3 people anyway. But now, I have enough for 5, which is unacceptable. And hot. So I told my lady to chop, chop, chop!

Also, thank goodness for Hudson maternity jeans! They are my favorite non-maternity jeans so when A Pea in the Pod started carrying them, I flipped! So exciting. Too bad they only have 1 style that's a full panel. I'd rather have the low rider kind, but beggars cannot be choosers.

I also started physical therapy last week for my back and rib pain. I really no longer sleep, because of the pain. My ribs feel like they are going to A. bust through my skin or B. burst into flames. So painful! So many things stretching...eek! I'll keep you posted on the PT. I go again today for the 2nd time so...

The custom bookcases for the nursery will finally be delivered today! I can't wait to see them. Especially since I designed them. What if they're hideous? I shouldn't have told you I designed them until after I saw what they looked like, huh? Whoops. I'm thinking about doing a sneaky peaky for y'all, but I don't know! I'm so excited to show you, but know I should wait until everything comes together. We're still waiting on bedding, chandelier, glider, accessories... see, I should wait. But maybe I will. I can be persuaded...

In other news, hubby, bless his heart, spilled a giant glass of water on our MacBook and it no longer works. I have over 4000 pictures on there...it may even be closer to 6000 that I can't access. I took it to the GeniusBar and received the heart-wrenching news that it would cost "about" $800 to fix. BUT a shiny new one would be around $1100. How can they sleep at night? So the MacBook will sit in a drawer until an extra $800-1100 rolls around. Yay!

I hope your week is off to a great start! I really do.

XOXO

hot to trot

2011-06-11T08:56:00.000-04:00

It's hot. I'm pregnant. I might catch on fire soon. There's no relief in sight.

I've always hated heat. Even before I was big. It's miserable. It's got to stop. But it won't. The sun hates me. Oklahoma hates me. Why did I move back here? I knew it would be like this. The saying should have been, "Go north, young pregnant woman..."

BUT I still plan on having a great weekend with my hubby. Poolside OF COURSE!

XOXO

get to registerin'!

2011-06-02T08:34:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! It's been SO long. It's been ca-razy 'round here. I'm busier now without a full time job than I ever was working 40 hours per week. How does that happen?

Anywho, I'm officially into my 6th month! I'm approaching 24 weeks, which is crazy. Time is flying by, but dragging at the same time. As I told a friend yesterday, "9 months is an eternity when you're waiting for something to completely change your life!" Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Why does it take them so long to cook? God obviously knows what He's doing so I won't question it...just pray for my patients! :-)

Here I grooooowwwww!

I feel Wyatt all of the time and last night Hubby watched him from the outside! It was crazy. He just kept saying, "Whoa. Whoa! Whoooaah!" I swear he was throwing a party in there. Probably hopped up on the ice cream I had just consumed.

Speaking of ice cream, I have a doctor's apt tomorrow and am SO not looking forward to the scale. Sigh. I'm still working out though! I officially can't run anymore though on account of my bladder...it totally can't take it. I mean I could run, but it would be like, run two steps, find a bathroom, run two steps, find a bathroom. I power-walk with the dogs and do Pilates. And I can totally tell when I take a day off. It's crazy how my body needs and craves the activity. I just hope I can keep it up for the entire length of my pregnancy.

The nursery is really coming along. I have 85% of the furniture-- I am awaiting 2 bookcases that we had custom built and our glider. They should be done this week, but you know how that goes... I absolutely cannot wait to show it to you! I still have all of the accessories to buy and the bedding will take until the end of time to finish. I will, however, show you what I ordered this morning to keep in our bedroom:

Love me some Overstock! It's so hard to wait for a baby shower to get things you need, no? Our shower isn't until August, but we're going to register this weekend. I was really dreading it until I found Lucie's Ultimate Registry Checklist! What a lifesaver. I printed the ultimate list and had a mommy friend go through it and confirm the absolutes. Now that I'm so organized, I can't wait to register! Weeeeee! I'm still open to suggestions though...so if there's something that's not on the list, let me know!

I'm taking my fur-babies this morning for a teeth cleaning. I'm having such a hard time with it! I haven't left any pets at the vet since my Harley Bear passed away. I know they HAVE to have it done, but I really don't want to leave them. But let's face it, Mabel needs her pearly whites cleaned!

Okay, kids, gotta go! Have a great day!

Storm Update

2011-05-25T12:24:00.000-04:00

Thank goodness my family and all of our homes are safe! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers. Yesterday was super stressful to say the least. I would like to ask for your continued prayers for a town that was hit just a few miles from us. Most homes were leveled, 1 baby killed, 1 child in intensive care and 1 three year old boy still missing. The mother is also in the hospital and is pregnant. They tried to ride out the storm in a bath tub.I can't even imagine what this family is going through.

Nados!

2011-05-24T16:55:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! We're doomed to a tornado outbreak this evening--please, please, please pray for your friends in Oklahoma! They are certainly appreciated. I'll keep you posted!

my birthday boy

2011-05-19T09:03:00.000-04:00

You're the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on. Ever. I hope Wyatt looks just like you! But with my size head.

I am SO proud of you! You have worked and continue to work SO hard to provide an amazing life for your family. You are seriously the smartest person I know and I will always look to you for answers and confirmation.

We've shared some amazing adventures together! I'm sad some of them are over, but elated I experienced them with you!

You're always up for a good time! You are rarely serious...which can be a little frustrating, BUT I wouldn't have it any other way.

You love my family and they love you! Probably more than they love me, but that's another issue entirely.

You'll do just about anything to make me happy. You are seriously making all of my wildest dreams come true, babe!

You even give in to my crazy ideas! Case and point: buying furniture in another state and renting a Uhaul to get it home.

You are my number 2. And I love that you wouldn't have it any other way. You're a dream come true and I'm so glad you were born!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!!!

whoah-oh! we're half way there!

2011-05-12T08:56:00.000-04:00

Whoah-Oh! Livin' on a prayer. Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear...

Now that I have that song stuck in your head (you're welcome) let's talk about what's happening at the 1/2 way point! I'm actually a little over 20 weeks. Yay! I've been dreaming of this point. To be able to say I'm half way (over 1/2 way now) seems so huge!

We know the sex, the name, that he has the cutest little button nose and all signs point to a happy and, most importantly, healthy baby! Wyatt weighs in at about 10.6 oz and 6.5 in. The size of a cantaloupe. Mama's little loupe.

He's not the only one growing, I'm packing it on as well. I've gained 2 more pounds, up to 10 total. I took this pic on Saturday:

Never mind my face...I just rolled out of bed and I'm always swollen when I get up. Squinty McSquinterson. Also, I'm bigger than this now. It's crazy how much I grow every.single.day. And it's crazy how hungry I am! And that the only thing I want is sugary cereal. Ever. Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles, Fruit Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch...those are my tops right now. I would literally pinch someone's back fat for the last box of CTC right now.

It says whole grain! :-) Oh, and I'm also paranoid that I'm getting pregnancy nose! I SWEAR it's spreading over my face. Waaaa???

Next, I am in.love with my Snoogle! How in the world does anyone live without this thing? How have I gotten through life? Okay, so maybe I'm taking it a little too far, but I do love it. My back and ribs have been absolutely killing and this helps. Not totally, but it helps. I've been experiencing numbness in my upper ribs and sharp pains in my lower. The doc says it's just me expanding? The thought totally kills me, but I guess I've got to make room for my growing fruit somewhere! I was resistant to the preggo pillow at first. I thought, "I'm so sure! What kind of weenie needs a special pillow to get through pregnancy?" Uh, ME! I DO! As soon as I slipped that thing under my head and between my legs, I swear the heavens opened and the angels rejoiced around me! I give the Snoogle 2 thumbs up.

Do any of you remember how domestic and crafty I used to be? Yeah...I kind of do. I rather miss whipping up new recipes or trying my hand at a crafty project I've just seen. I just haven't had the energy or motivation the last few months. But something sparked in me earlier this week when I saw Bev's at Flamingo Toe's post on her knock off PB Kids' critter blanket. It was SO cute that I thought I'd give it a go. But instead of a frog, I had to make a dog. Duh!

He's not the most well crafted little fella, but hey, I tried! And if you look closely, you can see the gorgeous antique sideboard turned changing table I bought last week! It's the thing with the mirror :-) I can't WAIT to show you the room. It's really starting to come around! Despite the fact we have to wait 6 weeks for everything we order. Hurry up and wait. Hurry up and wait. Makes me nuts! Oh, well. We'll have it done in PLENTY of time. But that's okay. I want to enjoy it for as long as I can.

Okay, okay. I'd better run! Well, at least get to walking...gotta stay in shape for this little fella since he is sure to keep me on my toes! But before I go, I want to give a shout out to hubby. He has been SO sweet and SO helpful these last couple of weeks. He jumps at my every moan and groan. He's constantly offering up a back or foot rub. Please, please, please keep up the sweet work! :-) I love you SOOOOOO much. So much.

XOXO

it's name day!

2011-05-06T08:58:00.000-04:00

There are plenty of reasons not to reveal your baby's name until birth, but the main reason, in my opinion, is that sooo many people think they have a better name for your baby than you do. BUT, I've come to realize, none of that matters. No matter how many times people look at you like, "Huh. That's interesting," it's your decision. It's YOUR baby. Isn't that a beautiful thing? It's very empowering. I mean seriously, who in their right mind thinks they could possibly have a BETTER name than what you've picked out for YOUR child? Mind blowing.

Sorry. Just had to get that off of my chest! Whew.

Okay. We've officially decided on a name. No turning back. No changing our minds. The name is who he is already. We call him by name and I can't imagine him being anyone else. So you can try and suggest a different name. You can give me "the look." I don't care. I love it. I will always love it.

Also, I wanted to do something fun for the name reveal, but I've been way too busy to come up with anything creative. So sorry, kids. No fun games. No fun giveaways.

But his name is so sweet and so precious that I think you'll soon forgive me.

You saw him for the first time yesterday! You'll know and love him! And you'll know and love him by:

Isn't it fantastic? Yeah. I love it too. So how did we choose? Wyatt is a name hubby and I have loved for a long time. It has absolutely no family ties or sentimental value to us--we've just loved it for no reason. I think because it was reserved especially for our Wyatt. Wayne, on the other hand, was my great grandpa's name. He was very kind and very sweet. He and hubby shared a special bond so there was no question we wanted to incorporate it some how. Wyatt's name translates as peaceful. And with grandpa's sweetness, I think it's the perfect fit for what our child is sure to become.

Well, there it is, folks! The suspense has been lifted! I hope you'll share in our joy.

I also want to let all of you know how much I appreciate your lovely and supportive comments. It's amazing how people you have never met can make you feel so loved. You all are the best blog family I could ask for! Muuuuwaaaaah!

Have a great weekend loves! Happy Mother's Day! I'll be working on Wyatt's nursery :-)

XOXO

baby! baby! baby, oh!

2011-05-05T12:39:00.000-04:00

EVERY TIME I talk about the baby, I get the Bieber stuck in my head! Yipe.

Anywho...

Today was the final part of my 2nd trimester screening. It was great seeing the little guy again! And even greater, the results of all screenings were perfect! As perfect as one could be. Praise! Praise! Praise! Isn't it amazing after what my body has been through? It really is miraculous.

So...are you ready to FINALLY see the little tyke? I thought so!

Look at that button nose! He was playing with his foot and trying to suck his thumb the entire time! Hey, I'm sure it gets pretty boring in there. Every time we've gotten an ultrasound, he has his mouth open with his hand up next to it. IF he's anything like me, he'll suck his thumb until he goes to kindergarten and realizes no one there sucks their thumb... :-)

I think I might be ready to do a name reveal tomorrow! You'll definitely want to tune in.

18 week update!

2011-04-26T09:08:00.001-04:00

I am 18 weeks today! Only 154 days to go until bebe boy gets here.

The boy:
Head to rump, he is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs. He also hiccups and yawns. Isn't that crazy? I want to see! I have an ultrasound next Thursday and I can't wait.

Me:
I feel him very sporadically--every couple of days. It worries me that I don't feel it all of the time, but I know it's normal not to. I'll really start feeling him in a couple of weeks--so they say. I can't wait for feel him give me a swift kick to the ribs! I know I deserve it.

I've gained about 8 lbs--I fluctuate day-to-day from water weight gain. But a steady 8 lbs. I still don't "feel" pregnant! I mean, if I were carrying the baby in my legs and rump, then yes. ALL of my weight is being carried in my legs and back--as in baby got back. Much back. I've always had back, but I might have to look into getting one of those beeper things dump trucks use when they're backing up just to keep everyone around me safe. Don't believe me? Exhibit A:

I took this THIS morning. Told ya--all below the belt. Maybe I'll just be able to shake my leg and the baby will come out of my foot or something.

As far as hunger goes, one day I'll be starving and the next I'm fine on birdseed and water. My diet is pretty atrocious though--nothing healthy ever sounds good. Ever. I'm still making sure I walk/run at least 2 miles everyday. Usually I slack on the weekends when hubby is home though. He brings out the lazy in me :-)

One thing that really freaks me out--my heart rate. My resting heart rate is usually 60 beats per minute, but here lately it's been around 80. I can feel it in my fingertips, ears, stomach...it totally keeps me awake. I know it's normal as my body is working harder to get blood to bebe, but it's still troublesome.

I have a great amount of energy until about 3pm and then I want to crash. Yesterday, I scrubbed this house like nobody's business and by the time I was done, my body felt like I'd been in a car accident. And when I rolled out of bed this morning, I felt like a 96 year old. Will my body recover after baby? Will my ligaments and muscles strengthen once again? I hope so, because taking it easy is totally not my style.

I'm still busy planning away on the nursery and I can't wait to share it with you; however, it appears it's going to be a long process. I'm doing custom bedding that won't be ready until July and we're hiring a carpenter to build bookshelves exactly like I want--no telling how long that will take. I'm working on ordering the crib from Restoration Hardware, but am waiting on a $100 coupon I've been promised. Hey, splurge and save is my motto! The painter is coming tomorrow though! The color I've chosen "cashmere" for the wall color--just incase you were wondering. I know it will all come together, but I'd like it to come together over night, you know?

I will be revealing bebe boy's name very soon, but in my true competitive fashion, I'd like to make it a contest...I just need to figure out the best way to go about it. Ideas?

mood board

2011-04-21T09:55:00.000-04:00

Do you create mood boards? I HAVE to in order to get my ideas together. I can't wait to make the nursery become a reality!

hosting house guests

2011-04-19T09:46:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since we've had house guests--we've had a couple of overnight stays since we've been back in Oklahoma, but that's about it. When we lived in VA, we had several house guests, staying for weeks at a time. It was wonderful! But soon and very soon we'll be welcoming lovely guests into our home and it has forced me to brush up on my hosting skills.

As you may or may not know, I pride myself on being the best host in all of the land! It is so important to me for people to feel welcome when they cross the threshold into my home. I want people to want to be here! So how do I do it? I make sure to follow these simple steps:

Offer a small welcome gift.
Let your guests know that you're happy they're with you by leaving a small "welcome gift" in their bedroom. Place it on the bed or nightstand with a nice card. And a pretty vase with fresh flowers is always a welcome gift!

Never make them ask!
Try to provide everything in your guest's room so that they don't have to feel uncomfortable about asking you. Make sure they have plenty of towels, toiletries, snacks and even bottled water. If possible, place a clock radio, television or fan in their room as some people can't sleep without white noise.

Plan meals.
Make a schedule of meals for the time your guests will be with you. If your visitors are just going to be with you for a couple of days, you might be able to prepare most things ahead of time. If the visit will be longer, include dining out options, both informal and special, call for pizza!

Don't try to do it all.
There's no better way to make a house guest feel uncomfortable than to be working, cleaning, and cooking the whole time your guests are with you. Give you and your guests a chance to relax and really enjoy each other. No one will care if the kitchen is sparkling or the sheets are ironed. And when there is work to do, accept every offer wash the dishes or set the table. Be a team and let everyone enjoy!

Let them have private time.
Sometimes being together 24/7 can be too much. So make sure to offer some time where your guests can have their own time. If they're from out of town, offer your vehicle up for exploring. Let them know they are welcome to spend time alone, together. Trust me, they don't expect you to entertain them every second of the day.

Yay! I think I'm ready again!

project nursery

2011-04-18T09:59:00.000-04:00

Now that we know

it's time to plan my rump off! And that's what I've been doing all weekend. Who knew a nursery could be so time consuming! It's the only thing keeping me up at night. I go to bed thinking about it and wake up thinking about it. I know exactly what I want...in my head...but I'm just not sure how to make it a reality. Know what I mean?

I've been through thousands of bedding sets online and haven't found a thing. I even went through every single custom fabric piece on etsty and nothing! What I have in my head apparently hasn't made it out into the world. Sigh.

So today I'm off to the fabric store--hopefully their interior decorator and seamstress can help me make sense of all these ideas swirling in my head.

I don't want to give too much away, but I will tell you I'm going for a very natural, soothing room with handsome touches. It will be monochromatic with light touches of color. It'll be soft, but masculine. And of course there will be touches of dogs. Duh! It will be very chic and not cheesy at all so don't worry.

Also, we have a name! EEEEEKKK! And I love it. Every time I say it, I love it. That reveal will likely come with the nursery reveal; however, you might be able to drag it out of me before then...I likely won't be able to take it and will spill.

Thank you all for your congratulatory comments! You guys are so sweet and I'm so happy to share this journey with you.

XOXO

sorry to keep you waiting...

2011-04-15T19:25:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling a little BLUE! It's a BOY!!!

Weeeeeee! We'll talk more on Monday. Happy weekend everyone!!!

eeeeeeeeek! what's it going to be?

2011-04-15T09:22:00.000-04:00

Boy? Girl? Pink? Blue? If Goy cooperates, we should know this afternoon! I seriously can't take it.

rambling randy

2011-04-14T11:50:00.002-04:00

All I have to share with you this Thursday are a jumbled up bunch of random thoughts and ideas.

First of all, I need someone to put me to sleep until tomorrow at 1:30! That's when we find out what our Goy really is. Will it be a girl goy or a boy goy?

The lady that did my pedicure yesterday, bless her heart, read my bellybutton and is certain it's a boy. She's only been wrong once out of 10 times--just saying. Who knew you could get such services? Gel nail, hot towel, wax eyebrow, gender determination...

I still think it's a boy, my nana still thinks it's a boy, hubs thinks it's a boy...about 90% of people think it's a boy. What's YOUR best guess?

Second, I ordered a bed a couple of months ago and it's FINALLY scheduled to arrive today! I can't wait. Out bedroom is desperate for a makeover, and the new bed will certainly help. BUT, I really REALLY think we should paint the room. The color it is now is, uh, not good! It's like a camel color, which is fine, but with more of a doody brown mixed in. Basically it just looks like doody. I'm at a loss for color though. I've been reading up on color trends in master bedrooms and I just don't know what to do! I need your help. Big time. I like soft, soothing colors. I'm big on monochromatic looks, but with subtle hints of color. Like this PB spread here...

If it will help you help me decide, here's the new bed. It's fabric and it's the color of the swatch shown:

UPDATE! The bed arrived and it was severely damaged! Holes all over the fabric. BOOOOOOO!!!

Help me, Rhonda! What color?

Also, this means I have a whole new guest room to redo! The guest room now will become the nursery (that's another question: when do I start on the nurs???) and the bed we have in our room now will get moved up to the guest. Everything is being switched up! Any fun ideas for a guest room? I don't want it to become a hodge podge of furniture that has nowhere else to live, you dig?

I really ruv dis room:

HGTV Dreamhome

As you can see, I'm desperate for your thoughts and ideas today. So whats up?

poppin'

2011-04-13T09:21:00.001-04:00

*Not to be confused with number 2. :-)

Y'all this project is SO easy and SO cute. I was visiting a friend last night and I wanted to make a sweet, springy treat to take with.

Remember the skadoodlehoppers? Well, if you want to duplicate today's crafty little project, you're going to want to brush up on the original post. Remember, you can use any cake you like; however, I used carrot cake this time and it made the "balls" more lumpy than regular cake on account of the raisins and carrots. But that's okay! They're still delish. It adds character, right?

I whipped up some carrot cake, but decided that wasn't cute enough. So I visited the craft store and stocked up on cute pots, floral foam, fake grass and cutesy, faux flowers. It evolved into an arrangement of carrot cake pops! So fun. So yummy. I think I'll make an arrangement for everyone I know!

Isn't that fun?! I want to see yours! What kind of poppin' arrangement can you come up with?

And speaking of popping, I'm beginning to!

I did it! I posted it! It's out there for all the world to see...EEEEEEEKKKK!

Goy gut

2011-04-11T09:38:00.000-04:00

Oh.My.Word.

I just wrote an entire post with a picture of my "bump" at 15 weeks...and then I deleted it!

I am just not brave enough to post such things. I don't know how others of you do it! I am a grade A, 100 percent, no hormones, no preservatives added chicken!

Maybe one of these days I'll work up enough nerve, but for now, you'll just have to keep guessing on how big I've gotten. And really, you aren't missing out on a lot. For my bump is mostly in my rump. It looks like I'm wearing a booty pop, but I'm not...

I need to get one of those shirts that say, "I'm not fat, I'm pregnant" with an arrow pointing down and wear it BACKWARDS! With the arrow pointing to my rump.

Sorry kids. A picture of my Goy gut just wasn't in the cards today!

XOXO

the heart wants what it wants

2011-04-08T08:55:00.000-04:00

And it wants pendant / lantern lighting in the kitchen! Okay, not just the kitchen, but everywhere! Seriously, guys. I.am.obsessed. Don't get me wrong, the lighting in our house is nice...really nice. But it's totally not my style. It's fancy and ornate. I'm more, eh, cute and clean. I mean, I like fancy as much as the next guy, but theres a fine line between just enough fancy and too fancy...and we've crossed the border.

Here's what I'm thinking, pendant lighting in the kitchen--over the island and lantern lighting in the dining room...and maybe wherever else we have gaudy fixtures...like in our bathroom.

I thought I wanted a clump of three, but when I see these bad boys, two would do the trick!

Love! Love! Love! Love.love.love.love.love.love! That was a song by the way...

These pale green lanterns make me want to cry! Good night nurse. Put me to bed. I'm done.

See! This person used pendants AND lanterns in the same room even! I love this person.

Something like this in our bathroom...

I love the mix of country and modern in this kitchen! I'll take the farm sink too, thank you buh bye.

Ugh! I just love ya so much!

Oh, you're giant! And you're beautiful! Don't let anyone ever tell you different.

You are so clean and so handsome. Come to mama!

Come to me!

I want to put you everywhere.

What do you think? Do you love / hate pendants and lanterns everywhere?

it never hurts to ask

2011-04-07T09:35:00.002-04:00

Um, can this be my baby shower? Kthxseeyabye.

Oh, and I'll wear this to match...

Source: Bump Smitten

randies

2011-03-31T09:10:00.000-04:00

I've noticed some new readers round these parts--WELCOME! Welcome! I'm so excited this blog is growing...just like me. With the new readership and all, I thought it was the perfect time to share a few things about myself--you know, so y'all could get to know me a little better. What better way to do that than share some random (randies) facts? Uh, pretty sure there's not a better way. Here we go--here's 25 things you probably don't know about me...

1. I've been on a telethon. And every time I think of telethons I think of the Full House episode where Danny hosts a telethon and falls asleep. I hate, hate, hate it when D.J. brings Michelle out in a shopping cart and sings. Aggghhh! It embarrasses the fire out of me every time I see it.

2. I judge books by their covers.

3. I live for and love college football. Fall is definitely my favorite season!

4. I totally have a phone voice. I sound completely different on the phone than I do IRL.

5. I used to want braces so bad that I would bend paperclips and wear them in my mouth! This was like in elementary school, mkay--not last week. Although, as soon as Goy pops out, I'm having hubby slap some metal on my mouth! Okay, maybe not metal, but braces of some kind.

6. I LOVE being married. It's really the best thing in life! Hubby is my absolute best friend in the world and we have a BLAST together! We have so many inside jokes and make one another laugh constantly.

7. I hate to admit it, but bathroom humor makes me laugh. Unless it stinks. And that's where I draw the line.

8. I have a black thumb. I can't grow anything! I love, love, love flowers. And I love spending time outside planting them, but I can't keep them alive to save my life.

9. Apparently, if were a boy, I'd have an ugly girlfriend. Hubby and I never agree on pretty girls. I'll say, "She is so pretty!" and he'll say, "What?! You're crazy." Hmmm.

10. I would much rather give than receive. Giving is my favorite!

11. I can't sleep if I can hear a clock ticking. I will absolutely go mad.

12. I wish people still dressed up to travel.

13. I think wives should try and look nice for their husbands. Maybe touch up your makeup before hubby gets home from work ;-)

14. I wish I could play the drums.

15. I'm never happy with my weight and always think I'm bigger than what I am. I look back at pictures and think, "Man! I wish I were that skinny again!" Why can't I enjoy the skinniness when it's really happening?

16. I hate it when there aren't hooks for my purse on the back of bathroom stalls. It can throw me into a rage!

17. I've never been able to sleep in. Even when I was a kid! I used to hate it when I would spend the night with friends that could sleep until late in the afternoon. They did too, because I was always trying to wake them up!

18. I have a completely separate stomach for dessert. It's never full until it has sweets in it. I'm like a cow.

19. No one can make me laugh like myself. I usually don't think other people are funny unless they are using my material.

20. I hate haunted houses and amusement parks.

21. I've never had a broken bone.

22. I can keep a secret like nobody's business! Anything you want to tell me?

23. I love surprises, but rarely get surprised.

24. I live to be on time and I think tardiness is unacceptable. There's really no reason for it.

25. I was an only child until I was 20 years old and I used to wish I had a brother or sister to pass the time with. It forced me to be creative though! And a little bit weird.

Now you! I want to know your 25 randies!

we made it to round 2!

2011-03-29T10:58:00.000-04:00

I'm officially into my second trimester! No more morning sickness (although I never really had any) my fatigue should vanish and the risk of miscarriage drops dramatically! It's time to celebrate. You hear that, babe? Goy thinks we should celebrate with dinner...

So what's going on with Goy anyway? Well, he/she is about 3 inches long and weights about what 1/2 of a banana would weigh. And since I'm almost into my 14th week, Goy should look like a tiny, fully formed baby! Isn't that wild? He/she is also starting to form hair--even though the head is like the size of a gum ball.

My next doctor's appointment is next Friday. I am so looking forward to the hearing the heartbeat (duh!) but so not looking forward to the scale (duh again!). And we are going in at 16 weeks (April 15) to try and find out what Goy really is. Let's be spread eagle, mkay baby? I'm still 100% convinced it's a boy. So is hubby. He thought girl originally, but when my Nana stepped in and said boy (she's never wrong) he changed his tune.

What's going on with me? Well, I'm feeling a little less tired. But it comes in spurts--one day I'll have a ton of energy, and the next day, I'm down for the count.

I've been super emotional. SUPER emotional. Yesterday, I was a nut! I cried over ev.er.y.thing! And I was mad for no reason. Just mad at people. It was short fuse central around here. Heaven help us!

I eat my weight in junk; however, I tried turning over a new leaf yesterday and did really well! I ate great, resulting in me feeling great physically. Do you suppose there's a link between the two? :-) I can't really stomach veggies right now (not sure why but green = gag) so I'm trying to stick to fruits and grains. We'll see how long this lasts. I give it 2 days, tops.

In the mean time, I'm still working out daily, whether it's running/walking or yoga. For some reason running is easier than yoga at this point--my body is not feeling limber at all. I feel like I'm 167 years old or something.

I do experience some heartburn at night, but it isn't too terrible...yet. I also haven't started "showing" which makes it difficult to justify why my jeans are so tight. I know it's a matter of time before my belly pops, but for now, it just looks like I've had one too many cold ones. And I don't even drink cold ones.

I've had some uncomfortable aching in my abdomen within the last couple of days as well. Nothing terrible. It's just my uterus! It's a growin'! The ligaments around it are stretching causing the aches and pains. And I admit, the thought of this freaks me out a little. On the plus side, my uterus is growing upward and out of the pelvis bone, taking pressure off of my bladder. Thank heavens for only getting up once in the middle of the night vs. 5!

I think that's it; although, I've probably forgotten something. Will I ever get my memory back? I had to call hubby to ask him where Braums was the other day. (Remember the bag of burgers?) I honestly couldn't remember! It's so weird feeling like an alien in YOUR OWN BODY!

What did you feel like at 13/14 weeks?

Top Five Friday: Reasons I've been MIA

2011-03-25T09:02:00.001-04:00

Hola! You miss me? Yeah...It's been a while. I feel like I'm constantly apologizing for being away from this blog! And yet, you all keep forgiving me and coming back to read. Aren't you just precious little forgivers? Bless ya.

I'm never away without good reason. Let's get to the top five reasons Annie's been MIA!

1. A little getaway! As you learned sometime last week, hubby and I went on a little anniversary getaway. We stayed at a resort in a neighboring state--close enough to drive, far enough from home. We had a blast! We relaxed, shopped, got massages, hung poolside, shopped some more, slept. It was heaven! I did NOT want to come home...except I couldn't wait to see my girls. You'd like to see some pictures, would ya? Here you go!

Here we are! Ready for some fun and relaxation.

This was waiting for us when we got to our room!

Mmmm! Just what someone who is in fear of getting gestational diabetes needs...

This was our balcony view. We made fun of SO many golfers. My 10 year old sister could have pulled off some better shots! Just saying.

The view was complete with a wedding and everything! Awe.

The balcony is where I spent most of my time...

when we weren't chillin' poolside. The weather was great!

2. Putting away new goodies! Part of our anniversary gift...okay really my gift...was new furniture! We shopped for it while we were on vacation. Bless the hub's heart--he was a trooper! He acted like he loved shopping with me (if you know him you know he hates shopping more than anything in the world) and even offered to drive a Uhaul home when my purchases became too much for any regular size vehicle to manage. Oh, and because the place didn't have anyone to help us load the day we needed to leave, he hired someone to load it for us! He took care of everything. It was awesome!

Bless him. Bless him to pieces!

Here are some of the pieces we bought...

Dining table and chairs...

I still need two chairs for the ends of the dining table. Fabric ones, preferably. Any suggestions on where to find those?

This was love at first sight!

Uh, swoon! Now I just need some perty little dishes to fill it up! Nana, do you have any to spare? *wink wink*

Breakfast nook table.

They were selling this as a "bookshelf" but I had other ideas for it.

And a cutesy console.

3. Babysitting! Hubby and I had the absolute pleasure of babysitting our nephew (technically cousin, but we're really closer than that) this week. Little Brady was a hoot! A real ball of energy, that one. He's a worker-bee, let me tell ya. So I put him to work!

Scooping pooh...

picking up sticks...

Haha! I'm just kidding! We didn't have any other toys for him so he was reduced to the pooper scooper and sticks. Sorry, Brady Buns! Next time we'll do better.

4. Eating myself into oblivion! Ya'll, I'm hungry all of the time. And all of the time, I'm hungry. People say, "Oh, be glad you have an appetite! I was sick the whole time...blah blah blah..." No offense to those people, but you probably only gained 2 lbs during your pregnancy and were wearing your skinny jeans on your ride home from the hospital. Not that I think it's better to be sick than hungry--please don't misunderstand me! I'm just saying, this hunger can't be healthier than being sick. Because ALL I crave is junk. Pure trash. No giant salads. No colorful fruits or veggies. Just pure trash. I try to make healthy choices, but it's SO hard when I get SO hungry. My gut overtakes any rational thought I have and before you know it, I've eaten an entire "Bag of Burgers" from Braums! And not before I've eaten an entire bag of cotton candy! There's no way to tell whether I'm craving sweet or salty more--I want both! And I want ALL of it. Whatever it is, I'll take two. Two sausage biscuits. Two bean burritos. And when it comes to burgers, apparently I'll take five! The whole bag of 'em.

5. It's twister time! Let's get it out there--I am terrified of tornadoes. I HATE them. I think it's because they are so unpredictable. There's no rhyme or reason to what they destroy and what they don't! So, yesterday, we had a shelter put in our garage. We had one installed in the very first house we owned and never saw a tornado. I'm hoping this will have the same result! It's like insurance--you hope you never have to use it, but are glad you have it when you need it! I hope we never have to use this beast, but incase we do, it's a doozie! It's large enough for 12 peeps so come on over to my house when you hear them there sirens a-blowin'!

I wish Goy would have been here to put his/her little handprints in the wet cement!

Whew! I told you I've been busy! Now do you believe me? Hopefully I made it up to you with ALL of the pictures. This turned into a ridiculously long TFF. Thanks for reading and have an absolute glorious weekend, sweet friends!

traditional vs modern

2011-03-17T08:46:00.000-04:00

So mine and hubby's wedding anniversary is coming up on Sunday! The first day of spring. I love that I can count on that marker every year, on our special day! March 20 was the perfect day to get married. I can't wait to get away with him and enjoy precious moments alone before the baby comes.

I'll fill you in on our getaway after our return! I'm not giving exact dates, well, because of my new found paranoia ;-) As an added bonus, I'm having someone watch the house...just to be safe. And you think I'm kidding...

Anyway, we'll be celebrating 7 years! Can you believe it? I was happy to learn the 7 year itch isn't what it used to be--it's like traditional and modern wedding gifts--traditionally it's the 7 year itch, modern times it's 3 years. Whew! Looks like we dodged a bullet there!

Just kidding. I can't imagine my life without hubby. That's the reason I married him. Our marriage was sanctioned by God and no "itch" can disrupt that.

But speaking of traditional / modern wedding anniversary gifts, the 7 year mark is kinda...well...lame. I think 7 years should be big! Significant! But instead the traditional gift is copper (which could be good I guess) and the modern is a desk set. Because nothing says, "I couldn't be happier I spent the last 7 years of my life with you" like a desk set. Seriously? Who comes up with this stuff?

So babe, if you're looking for last minute gifts, and you're going the traditional route, I have been wanting some copper cupolas for our house.

I think 4 of them will do the trick.

And if you're going the modern route, this is the desk set I want:

I know it's an iPad 2, but I'm pretty sure that translates to a desk set. Am I right or am I right? Right.

holding out for the honeymoon

2011-03-16T13:22:00.000-04:00

I hate being negative. I hate feeling tired. I hate not being on my A-game. I hate being a jerk. I hate confrontation. I hate feeling like someone is out to get me. All of these things are NOT my style. But these are all things that have become part of my pregnancy.

I really hope these pregnancy posts don't bring you down. I only want to A. bring it up in hopes that if someone else is going through the same thing, they won't feel totally alone out there. And 2. maybe someone out there is going through or has been through the same thing and can bring me some solace.

For some reason (hormones) are making me lose it.

I've become totally paranoid that someone is out to get me. Just yesterday, there was this strange car parked outside of my house with no one in it--totally abandoned. I noticed it after coming home from a few errands. I called hubby and he instructed me not to go inside. This TOTALLY freaked me out. But I did as he instructed and left to go get something to eat...imagine that. When I returned, the car was gone, but I had this sneaky suspicion that someone had been in the house...planting bugs perhaps. You laugh, but I'm totally serious. I spent all of 30 minutes trying to convince hubby to let me buy a scanner to scan the house to make sure someone hadn't planted something in our home.

I told you--lost it.

A few days prior to this madness, I almost had a panic attack. An overwhelming sense of dread came over me and I couldn't shake it. I just knew something was going to happen to hubby or the baby. All I could think were sick, twisted, morbid and demented thoughts. I called hubby and begged him to come home--even though I knew he couldn't and even though I knew I was being ridiculous. But I honestly could NOT help it.

I constantly have feelings of friends or family being mad at me, leaving me, and not wanting anything to do with me anymore. It terrifies me!

I'm also confronting people when I normally wouldn't. I HATE HATE HATE confrontation more than anything. I hate it when people are mad at me. Hate it. But for whatever reason (hormones) I've been stirring up trouble.

I'm constantly forgetting things. I know, I know, "pregnancy brain." But I am SO not used to not being on the ball and having it all together. It's what I live for! I love my ducks in a row, every thing in black and white, the rest of my life planned out. Ah, what comfort. But now, I can't even remember if I've showered or not!

Any of you that know me IRL, know that I am a worker-bee. I can't sit still and if someone convinces me to, I'm only thinking about what I'm not getting done. But now that I'm so exhausted all the time, (to my standards) I am a lug. And I hate it.

So to those of you who want the old Annie back--wait for it--only 6 more days until I reach the honeymoon phase of my pregnancy AKA the second trimester!

In the meantime, thank goodness I am in His grip!

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

new lens

2011-03-11T09:19:00.000-05:00

Remember the other day when I talked about spending money being a pregnancy symptom? And how one of the things that figured into that assumption was my new camera lens? Well, it came! The lens arrived last week and until I have tiny fingers and toes to photograph, wet noses and and floppy ears will have to do.

Here are a few of my test shots...

I also snapped a few during my little sister's 10th birthday...

Happy Friday everyone!

we'll have to wait

2011-03-10T07:45:00.001-05:00

We were supposed to see the baby yesterday, remember? Well, it didn't happen. Don't worry! Everything is fine.

The perinatal center had an emergency (a woman in labor at 27 weeks) and were backed up for over 2 hours! And they told us we should plan on the appointment taking at least an hour. I'm not sure how they drag blood work and an ultrasound out that long, but whatevs.

Hubby had to get back for surgeries so there was no way we could wait over 3 hours. I was going to stay and do it by myself, but hubby would not have it! Bless his heart--he won't miss a thing! Aluvit.

So, sorry to disappoint, but no picture of baby Goy today! We rescheduled for the 18th at 7:40 in the morning! HOPEFULLY this will make us the first patient without any delays. And I'll be into my 12th week, which I hope will allow us to see girl/boy a little better anyway.

We shall see! Until then, I'm going to Ebay for an ultrasound machine...

pregnancy conversations: uncensored

2011-03-09T08:25:00.001-05:00

I've always been honest with ya. And what better time to be? I mean, pregnancy isn't all glowing and shopping and picking out baby names. It's being tired and feeling large Marge and gassy. Of course it's a miracle and there's nothing like it--I'm not disputing that. I mean, I'm growing a person for crying out loud. That's incredible! I expect certain things to come with the territory, but some of those things aren't easily accepted.

Here are some real life conversations I've had over the last week with either my hubby or friends.

Yesterday morning I sent my friend, Brittney a message while sobbing:

"So I've officially gained 5 lbs and I still have 1.5 weeks until my 2nd trimester! You're only supposed to gain 3-5 lbs! How am I not supposed to gain anymore weight in 1.5 weeks? I've been working out as much as a pregnant person should and trying to eat healthy--I'm definitely eating healthier than I ever have...sort of. What else can I do? I don't want to gain 60 lbs over the course of this thing. I know I'm pregnant, but I don't want to be fat! I look at pictures of some of my friends who have JUST had babies and they are skeletons before they change their first diaper. How does that happen?"

My friend Ashley said, "I'm more critical of my body when I'm pregnant than any other time. It think it's because it's like I'm walking around in someone else's body." And that's exactly how I feel! I mean, I didn't have these same thighs yesterday! I just didn't. And that patch of ooey gooey cellulite where my ribs should be, that wasn't there a even a week ago! I'm not used to working out, eating healthy and gaining weight. I'm used to being able to diet for a week and be ready to hit the beach! It's like I have zero control over what's happening to my body and it scares me.

This here's real, people!

I made some nachos the other night--with jalapenos--and I couldn't wait to devour them. While I was letting them cool, I ran to the bathroom for the 2129202 time that day:

Hubby: Mmmmm...these nachos are good!
Me: What? Those aren't yours!
Hubby: I'm just kidding! I know better than to touch your food.
Me: Yeah, because right know, it'd be like pulling a gazelle away from a lion!

I get SO hungry I feel like a wild beast! Grrrrrrr!

Just last night as I was getting ready for bed, I noticed hubby checking out my curvier figure:

Hubby: Are you going to have to get some new bras?
Me: Nope. I'm just going to get some ACE bandages and wrap myself up.

Seriously! What AM I going to do with these things? At this rate, I won't be able to fit into my car at 9 months. And it won't be because of my belly!

This morning to hubby:

Me: What am I going to do if my rear and thighs get so big I can't wear jeans at all anymore? Like ever.
Hubby: I guess you'll have to wear dresses all of the time.
Me: What??? What do you mean???
Hubby: Look, no more chocolate shakes or chicken fried steaks.
Me: But I only had one chicken fried steak.

I want to wear jeans! And I want chicken fried steak! But right now, my jeans are so tight. Already! I'm afraid the friction from my thighs rubbing might start a small fire. If I was wearing a pair of corduroys, forget about it! Call the fire department!

Luckily, I heard my baby's heartbeat yesterday, for the first time on the doppler monitor. It.was.awesome. We heard it the first time on the ultrasound 2 weeks ago, but to hear it again...ah! Sweet music to my ears. Especially since I don't have a clue what's going on in there! Until I can feel the baby, it'll be so nerve wracking. That's why I'll live for dr.'s appointments and ultrasounds. I also found out my actual due date is September 27 and not October 1. This means I am 11 weeks and 1 day today! Woohooo! And that's my mom's b-day to boot.

Today is our 1st trimester screening--testing for chromosomal abnormalities and whatnot. For those of you who haven't had that, it's just a detailed ultra sound measuring the baby's neck and blood work. We get another one done at around 20 weeks. I can't wait to see how much the baby has changed in a matter of 2 weeks.

If you can actually tell it's a baby, and not a cute little kidney bean, I can't wait to show you a pic tomorrow! Stay tuned...

week 10: is it weird?

2011-03-07T10:36:00.001-05:00

Is it weird that I can kill an entire chicken fried steak, along with Texas toast, mashed potatoes and all of the coinciding gravy when I'm not even hungry? Oh, and don't forget the chocolate shake. Why doesn't anything healthy sound good?

Is it weird that I criticize my body even though I'm pregnant? My face is rounder, my thighs are dimplier, the scale is getting a workout and I'm not even showing yet! Well, not in my gut anyway. But something that rhymes with gut--yeah, there's so much junk in my trunk right now I could open a junk store.

Is it weird that I want my own ultrasound machine? I mean, how do I know it's still there if I can't see it or feel it? Besides all of the chicken fried steak, I don't know what's going on in there! I need to see. Maybe Tom Cruise will sell me his...

Is it weird that I know, 100 % that it's boy? And that I already don't want him to grow up and leave me for a woman that doesn't deserve him? Oh, man I feel for his girlfriends.

Is it weird that I'm already having crazy pregnancy dreams about how unfit of a mother I'll be? Just last night (in my dream) I left the baby at home to roam free while I ran errands! Why am I being trusted with this baby? Obviously I am not cut out for this.

Is it weird that I almost came unglued when I found a pretzel stick on the floor that hubby had dropped and didn't bother to pick up? I mean, what am I? A pregnant Cinderella? Do the dishes pregnant Cinderelli, mop the floors pregnant Cinderelli...pick up my pretzel sticks pregnant Cinderelli.

Is it weird that every time I read about my blood volume going up 50 % I get weak in the knees? I don't get queazy about anything, but for some reason, this freaks me out! So.much.blood.

Is it weird that I asked hubby last night if he could anesthetize me during child birth? Again, I don't usually get freaked out by these sorts of things. I've experienced a lot of physical pain in my life--needles and such--but I am so scared of giving birth. What if I rip completely in two? That wouldn't be good.

Is it weird that I don't want to take belly pics? Everyone does it! And everyone else looks cute. I just can't do it. I'm so uncomfortable with it! It's one thing to take it with my shirt down, but bare belly--get out of town! Maybe when I actually start showing, but until then it just looks like a bloated cow gut. No thanks.

Seriously, I want to know--is it weird?

you smell me?

2011-03-04T08:50:00.000-05:00

You all know how much my dogs mean to me. You've seen posts from doggie birthday parties with pup cakes and meat cakes, to handmade doggie dresses, to posts grieving the loss of my precious Harley. For years, my dogs have been my children. We're closer than close. We're thick as thieves. We're best buds.

But they definitely know something is up.

Exhibit A:

These dogs, especially Avery (fawn colored) have been ALL OVER me. She won't even let me go to the bathroom without checking up on me. She's constantly under my feet and as SOON as I sit down anywhere, she's on top of me. Both of them will lie across my stomach and not budge. And they act like it's a huge inconvenience when I have to get up. Avery refuses not sleeping right next to me and will sit at the foot of the bed and cry until she gets the invite. It's like nothing I've ever seen!

They are like vultures!

So the other night, when this picture was taken--which BTW is a HORRIBLE picture, but hubby had to flip the lights on to get the pic and I couldn't quite get the squint off of my face--we were so floored by the way they were suctioned to me, hubby started researching, "Dogs sensing pregnancy." You wouldn't believe all the testimonies that popped up! So many women experiencing the same thing. I also posted this pic to my Facebook page with a ton of friends reassuring me this happened to them too when they were pregnant.

Apparently, since pregnancy triggers definite changes in a woman's hormone levels (duh!), your dog can actually smell the difference in your body chemistry after you become pregnant. And if your dogs are female (both of mine are) they can become ultra sensitive and very protective over you.

Is that just not the weirdest thing?! It's so interesting to me. I don't know why, but it freaks me out a little too. Remember me saying I swear I can smell my own skin??? This heightened senses thing kinda gives me the creeps. But in a good way ;-)

Did you experience anything like this with your pets during your pregnancy?

9 week ramblings

2011-03-03T08:47:00.001-05:00

The rundown
I am 9 weeks and 5 days pregnant today. Only 212 more days to go! My little GOY (a cross between girl and boy) is approximately 1.2 inches long from crown to rump--the size of a prune. Ahhhh, a little prune baby.

GOY's tongue, lips, teeth and nose are developing and he/she even has eyelids! GOY only weighs a fraction of an ounce and he/she's head is about the same size as the body. Hehe. If GOY takes after his/her dad, their head is definitely bigger than the body. Sorry, babe! But you know it's true. You've got such a large melon. Surely that's why you're so smart...

What I'm feeling
I'm feeling pretty good! I haven't been sick at all. But I have been faced with extreme exhaustion. It's like nothing I have ever felt before. Some days it's all I can do to get my teeth brushed. Forget making the bed or even showering! Okay, please don't think I'm gross--I only went one day without showering and I was so disgusted with myself.

Another kink in the chain has been mood swings. Man, have I had some doozies! One minute I'm excited, happy as a clam, the next I'm overwhelmed and bawling on the floor of my closet. True story BTW. I'm trying not to take things too seriously. And definitely trying to not make any big life decisions when I'm at a high or a low point.

Another symptom that could be problematic if I don't pull the reigns in pretty soon is spending money! The first day I had any energy at all, I went shopping with a friend and it was a complete free-for-all! It's like I have no control when I see something I want (yeah, yeah, mom and dad...I'm not like that anymore!) If it's cute, I buy it. Clothes, shoes, cameras, camera lenses, bedding, stuff for the dogs... You name it, and I've probably purchased it within the last week. Babe, I swear I'll do better next month...oh, wait...it is next month. Shoot!

Finally, my senses! I'm pretty sure this goes beyond superhero stuff. I can smell everything. And I can smell it from miles away. I swear I can even smell my own skin. I can! My neighbor made me some banana bread the other day and put it in my mailbox--it was like Jacob Black sniffing out a Cullen. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I could smell it from down the street and my salivary glands went nuts. I also kicked hubby out of bed the other night, because he reeked of celery! The smell of celery was somewhere on his body and I couldn't get past it. Yesterday, I was putting gas in my car and the smell was so strong I was struck with a headache almost instantly! That's why passing gas in this house is NO LONGER a laughing matter. I don't care if you're a dog or a husband! And I SWEAR, I SWEAR my hearing is heightened. I know that sounds crazy, but noises are amplified--especially when I'm trying to sleep. Maybe it's just my exhaustion playing games with me.

What we're doing to prepare
The hubs and I have started a new and healthier workout and eating regimen. Nothing too strenuous for me, of course, but I am walking quite a bit. As soon as hubby gets home from work and gets changed, we head down to the clubhouse for a workout. I walk about 3 miles or 30 - 45 minutes on the treadmill an then do some squats or other approved exercises. Then, we come home and cook together. It's been GREAT! We talk while we workout--plan our little fetuses life away--and then we come home and talk some more while making dinner and then again over dinner. We've designated two nights a week to be our "free" or "cheat" nights. This usually happens once in the middle of the week (last night I had to have pizza!) and once on the weekend (Saturday we're having Mexican food with the fam). These nights we can have whatever we want to eat, which really helps me indulge in any cravings I've been having, but not get out of control with them. I know my cravings will become more severe as time goes on--we'll just have to make adjustments when the time comes! But I refuse to make this harder on my body than it has to be.

We've also got some things in the works for the house which I'll tell you more about soon. And besides me blowing through some major cash last week, we've been doing a lot of saving and paying a lot of things off. We're down to one car payment, zero credit card debt (which we've always done anyway) and our mortgage! Being debt free is so liberating. Especially now! The plans I have for the nursery ain't gonna be cheap ;-)

the finding out story

2011-03-02T09:47:00.000-05:00

It's what you've been waiting for, right? Here we go!

*Warning--it's an extremely long story with probably TMI not suitable for some readers. There. You've been warned :-)

Preface
Yes, this is totally necessary and relevant to the story so do go skipping to the end, mkay?

When I was just a little tyke (8 years old to be exact) I was diagnosed with Leukemia. At that time, 1980's, the survival rate for my type of cancer was in the 50 % range. Pretty scary, huh? Yeah, especially for my parents. Plus, the only other person with Leukemia they had ever known was my great grandmother, Annie. And she died from it. So you can imagine their fears. By the grace of God, we were blessed with amazing doctors and a chance at a clinical trial. It, of course, didn't come without a long list of possible longterm side effects. But it saved my life. Without it, I wouldn't have had the chance to even have longterm side effects.

One of the possible longterm side effects was/is sterility. I had always known this, but wasn't really too concerned about it. I had always had a peace about it actually. So the fact my cycles have always been totally erratic, really never concerned me either. I just thought it came with the territory. And when I turned 20, I began taking birth control to regulate my cycles--it was the only way. I was, however, concerned with whether or not my hubby would be disappointed. Knowing that it was a possibility that I couldn't carry a child for him--that was tough.

So when we moved back to OK from VA, I began seeing a new doctor. I told her my concerns--told her I wasn't ready for a child--but wanted to know if it was true--you know, if I was really dead inside. :-) She ran a few tests and confirmed. Although, she didn't say it was totally out of the question. She just said I would probably need fertility if and when the time was right for us to start a family.

Hubby and I talked about it and determined that's not something we wanted to do. We also decided that we would wait a few years and then try and adopt. We have always, always said we wanted to adopt--regardless if we were able to have our own children or not.

So there it was. A final decision. In the books. And we're moving on.

There's got to be some other explanation for it
Along with a new doctor, came a new birth control. And since she said I couldn't get pregnant, I was lax about starting right on time...3 weeks lax. But I started it. And finished it. And my period never came. 3 weeks went by and nothin'. I felt like I was going to start, but I never did. I really, really didn't think anything about it.

I mean, look at the facts: A. The doctor said I couldn't have children without the aid of fertility. 2) My cycles have always, always been erratic--sometimes I'll start, sometimes I won't--sometimes going 6 months without one. And D. I didn't "feel" pregnant!

I was about to start on another round of birth control, but I thought I should call my doctor first to make sure it was okay to do so. I thought, "I bet she's going to ask me a dummy question like, 'Are you sure you aren't pregnant?'" So I decided I'd completely rule that out for her by taking a home test to satisfy her.

So I ran to Target. Buying everything else I needed first--almost forgetting about the PG test. That's how convinced I was. I bought a two pack--it was the least amount of tests I could buy and I knew I only need one to confirm that I was not pregnant. I even bought the idiot proof kind--digital--PREGNANT or NOT PREGNANT.

I got home, put away my Target goodies, drank a glass of water, and when nature called, I took the test. Almost instantly, the result came. PREGNANT.

Picture my face here. Scrunched up and skeptical.

"Well, since this one is defective, I'm glad I got a two pack!" I thought. So, I managed to squeeze enough out to take the second test. Again, PREGNANT.

"What is WRONG with these things?!" So I took a picture of the two positive tests with my phone and immediately called hubby. He didn't answer his cell so I called the office and had the girls track him down. As soon as he picked up, he started rattling on about how busy he was and how he was going to be late, because some kid had fallen off a scooter and he had to fix his jaw... blah blah blah. I stopped him in his tracks and said, "Look! I've got bigger things going on here. I need you to take out your phone and look at the picture I just sent you!" A few flashes of silence and then, "Oh. Oh! Oh! Okay, I'll call you right back!" He sprinted out to the parking lot to call me in peace. I told him how freaked I was and that I needed to see him! He agreed to come home for lunch.

In the meantime, since that brand of test was obviously wrong, I went to CVS and bought every different brand of PG test they had. And before hubby could get home for lunch, I had taken 7 tests. All immediately positive.

We.Were.Stunned.

So I called the doctor and told her I needed to come and get labs done asap. She said I could come get the labs done, but wouldn't be able to get in to see her until Thursday! (This was Monday) It might as well have been an eternity. The labs came back on Tuesday and I still didn't believe them. I was CONVINCED I had some rare form of cancer that was showing up as a pregnancy. I wasn't pregnant. I just wasn't.

Luckily, a spot for an ultrasound came up before our doctor's apt on Thursday. Hubby came with. I swear, I felt every single second tick by before they called my name. I prepped hubby, "Babe, don't be alarmed when they tell us there's not a baby in there, because I really don't think there is one." He shook his head and told me whatever happened, we'd be okay.

As I headed back to the room, I must have been white as a ghost--the ultrasound tech asked me if I was okay. She looked concerned. I wanted to say, "Oh, you know. I'm really just wasting your time, because there's no baby in there. A tumor maybe, but no baby."

She asked me if this was my first and I reluctantly told her yes. For either way, it would be a first--baby or tumor. But AS SOON as she touched the thing to my bare belly, I heard the sound of horses galloping and her saying, "There's your baby!"

But wait a minute...tumors don't have heart beats, do they? What in the world was going on? There was a baby? Inside of me? I was a vessel that God had entrusted a precious little life to? Get out of town. Just GET OUT!

Not only did it have a heart beat, but it was moving around! How is that even possible? It was the size of a prune for crying out loud.

Picture my face again--eyes as BIG as saucers.

It was real. It was really happening and I had to process it.

Plea? Guilty as charged
The conviction was guilty. Guilty of not knowing I was carrying a baby! Lock me up and throw away the key! How could I not know?

So here came the sobbing. "How could I do this? I'm one of those women who poops their baby out into the toilet and never knew they were pregnant!" "Put me on Teen Mom 3 even though I'm 30 years old!" "If I would have known, I could have done this, this and this..." "I'm going to be a terrible mother."

Oh, the guilt. It's too bad hormones can suck the joy right out of a room.

Breaking the news
Right away, we took the ultrasound CD to Kinkos and made copies and prints. We rushed to my hometown, about 45 minutes away to tell the folks. They.were.floored. I made cards--one for my mom and one for my dad. Each of them had a little riddle and a picture of the baby. It was hilarious watching them try to process it. They were like me looking down at the positive home pregnancy test.

With everyone elated, we decided to call it a day and headed home for some rest.

The next day, we bought out the bookstore and tried to become sponges--soaking up every bit of information that would fit into our brains. I simply can't get over the miracle of life. I just can't. And what I really don't understand is how people who have experienced it, don't believe in miracles.

Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Like I said, a miracle.

So here we go! Another journey. Weeeeeeeee!

If you made it through this entire story, bless your little heart!

sprout

2011-03-01T09:38:00.000-05:00

Something of this magnitude is so hard to just blurt out on a blog. I mean, how do you say it? Do you tell the whole story? I mean, it's impossible to insert every, little detail, but every, little detail is so important.

There should be a buildup. A big build up. But how do you build up and announce something so utterly and completely life changing?

Should I just say it and get it over with? Like word vomit? I don't think I can. For once it's out there, there's no taking it back. It's no longer my little secret. You know, your friends know, your friends friends know, those friends' grandmas know... yeah, it's too much.

I know what you're thinking, "Just SAY IT already!" Please calm down. You won't get anywhere getting frustrated with me.

After you know, there will be so much pressure to keep you updated on the situation. And we all know I'm not that great at keeping you guys in-the-know. So maybe I should just forget about it. Forget I ever mentioned anything. Just go back to your day and pretend you didn't read a word of this cryptic message.

See ya...bye...

Okay, okay. I wouldn't do that to ya.

But I still don't know how to tell you that I'm having a baby...

OOPS! I just did.

Whew! That was too much for today. Details to come tomorrow.

I will tell you I'm 9.5 weeks and due October 1.

Go ahead. Freak out if you must! I did.

Thank You

2011-02-24T09:09:00.002-05:00

You guys. Over the last week and a half, I have received a flood of encouraging emails, messages, comments, texts, phone calls and even flowers! I am so grateful for your friendships--each and every one.

This week has been a little better. I'm starting to heal and be able to look back on all of the precious memories Harley and I shared. I still hate that she's not here, but have been able to find peace in that she has been made whole again. And after much prayer, I fully believe we will reunite and worship God together in Heaven. I'm so excited about that! Picturing her running a muck without any pain makes me so incredibly happy.

One of the emails I received put it beautifully:

When Adam was created, God surrounded him with animals. When Noah was
delivered from the Flood, God surrounded him with animals. When Jesus
was born, God surrounded him with animals. I can say without a shadow
of a doubt, God is an animal lover, therefore, he can relate to the
way we love animals, especially our pets.

God is the giver of every good and perfect gift, not a taker, but a
giver. Harley was your gift, your treasure, your faithful, beloved
companion. I believe it would be just like God to give us back our
pets in heaven, it wouldn't surprise me one single bit. It would be
totally in keeping with His generous character...Exorbitant,
Excessive. Extravagant in grace after grace after grace. I know that
heaven is going to be a place that will reflect utter, superfluous
joy. He lavishes love on His children. You are His child. He knows
how much you love Harley. In my humble opinion, I truly believe you
will see your beloved Harley again.

Of course! My God is incredibly generous--he doesn't take away. So why would I believe he would give such a joy in Harley to me on earth and not provide a reunion in Heaven? God is so good. He is so BIG! Be encouraged, sweet friends! And again, thank you!

Love,

a never ending list

2011-02-17T10:26:00.000-05:00

Hi guys. I'm sorry, but this is going to me my outlet for grief today. Maybe even forever--I don't know. If you don't want to read it, you don't have to.

I miss my Harley Bear so much. So much. I thought maybe today would be different. A little less painful. But it's not happening for me. My heart actually aches. My insides hurt and I would do ANYTHING short of sin to get her back. Maybe even a little sin.

It's sick and selfish, but I'm not comforted knowing wherever she is, she's totally at ease. I want her here! And since I can't have her here, I want to know 1000 percent, without a doubt, that I will see her again when I die. I want to KNOW that! How do I know that for sure? I don't want to live in a world where dogs die and there's no chance of a reunion.

But I don't want her waiting on me. It kills me to think she's somewhere waiting on me. Wondering why I'm not there with her. She never did good without me.

I know I don't have children and I could never, ever, ever imagine what it would be like to lose a child. But this grief I feel has to be the closest thing for me. That and losing a best friend. Please don't discount that. Harley has lived with me for almost 10 years, slept in my bed, rode in the passenger seat, lived with me in 8 different homes, was there for me night and day.

The mornings are the worst. I think it's because that's when she made such a spectacle of herself--wanting out, wanting food, hogging the bathroom like she needed it to get ready or something. She loved watching me get ready. It was weird and funny.

Sometimes I pretend she's just sleeping in the other room. Sometimes I relive her being put to sleep so I can feel close to her again. Sometimes I will close my eyes, take a deep breath, and try to remember her scent. She had the best smell.

Yesterday I started a list of all the things I love and will miss about her. I had to stop at 52, but thought of a million more overnight. It's a list I never want to end. Because day in and day out there will be something new I realize I miss about her. She will always be with me. Always. When the seasons change, I will think of her. Holidays, I will think of her. Sunrises and sunsets, I will think of her. Good days and bad days, I will think of her. When I'm sick, I will think of her. When we have children, I will think of her. Every single life decision, I will think of her. Because that's how it's always been. For the past 10 years of my life 20 - 30, she has been at the forefront of my decisions. She was owed that. Every dog is owed that.

Is it really just a nightmare? Did she come back to life after I walked out of that room? Will the vet call today and say just kidding? Do I have enough hair to get her cloned? What's 35 thousand dollars anyway? Nothing if I could have her back.

I can't get rid of the purple post-it note I took notes on as I talked to the vet. Harley Bear underlined at the top. I wrote that before he came on the line. "CBC. EKG = Good. Oxygen levels ranging from 92 to 98. X-ray doesn't look good. Diffused cancer through the lungs..."

I know there could never been enough time with her. Whether she lived 60 years. But just one more day with her, knowing what I know now. One day to make her understand HOW much I love her. Making it special with a Henry steak surrounded by everyone she loved. Not having to say goodbye on a cold floor in a place she didn't know without her bed or even a piece of my clothing. Yes, I was there, holding her, but it wasn't good enough for her. It wasn't how she was supposed to die.

Harley, unless you are unbelievable peaceful, completely whole in your body, without a care in the world, no hurts, no hungers, please come back to me! I need you here on earth.

This is the picture I have as my computer wallpaper. It sums us up. You, by my side and me, happy because you're there. The other girls running ahead because they know you've got this and dad taking a picture of us. Typical.

I'm going to stop writing now, Bear. But not because I want to. Because I can't see through my tears.

Harley

2011-02-15T11:44:00.001-05:00

If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again. RIP Harley Bear. My heart is breaking for you. I miss my co-pilot and best girl. I couldn't have dreamed up a better dog. You were it! Your only fault was that you didn't live forever. Harley Sue Whitfield - November 13, 2001 - February 14, 2011

she's going down

2011-02-13T17:03:00.000-05:00

Seriously. I don't know what's going on, but I've lost my blogging spirit. It's gone. If you find it, call 555-you're the worst blogger ever. Okay, so I know that's a long phone number...

I'm sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. Hopefully I'll be back soon.

XOXO

30 for 30: Day 5 - 7

2011-02-08T13:53:00.000-05:00

Soooorrrrrry! I know you've been on the edges of your seats the last few days wondering what "new" things I've been up to in my 30 for 30 quest! You have every right to be upset with me. I really don't have a good excuse, just busy like the rest of ya's!

Day 5: Paseo Grill for dinner.

We finally made it out of the house, and through the snow, to celebrate my birthday! Seriously, one of the BEST dinners, if not the best, dinner I've ever had! The Paseo Grill is in a historic art district in Oklahoma City. The restaurant is pretty small, but the atmosphere is just divine. Our waiter was awesome too! Some of the best service ever. I knew it was supposed to be good, but man! It was really good. The bread pudding was punch a hole in the table good. You know what I'm talking about!

Just look at it for crying out loud! I'm pretty sure I'd give a limb for a bite of it right now.

Day 6: Midday bath with snow.

I rarely take baths. I'm a shower kind of girl. But the other day I could NOT get warm. You know when you are just chilled down to the bone and it takes a fire and 25 pairs of socks to get you comfortable? I was there. I decided the only way was to take a bath. I felt weird, and guilty, taking a bath in the middle of the day, but I had no other choice! It turned out to be one of the best, most relaxing experiences! For 1. I got the water scorching hot! Like no cold water at all. And for 2. I was able to soak, get warm and watch the snow all at the same time! I've never done such a thing and let me tell ya, it was sort of magical.

I know you can't really tell anything from the picture, but hey, it's proof.

Day 7: New recipe.

So I tried a new chicken casserole recipe...it was eh. I needed something easy and fast so I thought I'd give this recipe a whirl since I had most everything in stock already. The flavor was good, but the texture was a little off for me. But I'm a big texture person--keep that in mind. And it's totally not healthy. I didn't take pics of the process for I was in a hurry! Here's the recipe if you want to be the judge:

5 cooked chicken breasts (about 2 1/2 lbs.)
1 pkg. Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix (herb)
1 stick butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 (8 oz.) sour cream
1 1/2 c. chicken broth
1 can drained mushrooms

Melt butter, mix butter with stuffing mix.

Layer 3/4 of mixture in bottom of oblong pan. One layer shredded chicken on top of stuffing mixture. Layer mushrooms on top of this.

Mix 1 cup broth, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream, mix well and spread over other layers.

Place remaining 1/4 stuffing mix over this and pour 1/2 cup broth over stuffing mix.

Cook for 30-40 minutes at 350° F.

Day 8 will be covered tomorrow. It has to do with a Valentine's Day project!

See ya!

30 for 30: Day 4. Dining Alone

2011-02-04T16:58:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, I've never eaten alone. I mean, eaten out alone. I eat alone a lot, because sometimes I'm ashamed at how much I'm eating and hide it, but that's not what I'm talking about here.

I've never eaten alone at a restaurant, food court or even fast food joint. I've just never had the opportunity, I suppose. One is the loneliest number, you know?

So today, whilst out doing some birthday shopping for myself and curing stir-craziness, I decided to do the food court all by myself! Never mind what I was eating was pure trash (OHBUTITWASOHSOGOOD). The point is, I ate it alone.

I'm not going to lie, it was strange. I played with my phone a lot, watched other people and tried to look like I knew what I was doing. Day 4 = success.

P.S. Many of you wondered how GWTW turned out for me...well...I...er...please don't hate me, but I hated it. I couldn't stand Vivian Leigh. She worm me plumb slick! SO WHINEY! Her voice drove me to the mute button and a long afternoon nap. Sorry guys! At least I tried, right? Maybe I would enjoy the book...

Have a great weekend everyone!

30 for 30: Day 3. Ahoj!

2011-02-03T14:28:00.000-05:00

That's me saying "hello" in Czech!

That's right! As part of my 30 for 30 challenge, I'm going to try and learn the Czech language. Why Czech? Because those are my people! My great grandmother, Annie, came to America from Czechoslovakia when she was a small child. She and her family arrived by ship to Ellis Island--her name is actually printed on the Wall of Honor. And I fully intend to visit the Czech Republic one day. That's on my list of things to do before I'm 40 :-)

Now, I know it's not something I can do in jeden (one) day! Duh. But I am ordering the materials needed to get me started today. And that's something I've never done. So boom!

In my Amazon cart as I type:

Colloquial Czech: The Complete Course for Beginners. I'm also ordering CD's that go along with it. I've read all the reviews and this seems like the best way to get started. Plus Rosetta Stone doesn't have the Czech language (dummies).

I know it will be tough--the Czech language is extremely complex. But hey, I myself am difficult so...

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Na scledanou! (Goodbye)

30 for 30: Day 2. Gone With the Wind

2011-02-02T12:23:00.001-05:00

I've never in my life seen (or wanted to for that matter) Gone With the Wind. I'm pretty sure I've seen all of the other classics, but this one has escaped me. I really, really don't want to watch it, but it's one of those things I feel like I have to do. Like Citizen Kane.

And since we're trapped in our home again, by snow drifts that are taller than me, it's the perfect time to waste...er...spend time watching a classic. Right?

Have you seen Gone With the Wind? What did you think?

Oh, yeah...today is my 30TH BIRTHDAY! I'll go ahead and share some pics from yet another snow day while we're here:

30 for 30: Day 1. Barefoot in a Blizzard

2011-02-01T12:26:00.000-05:00

And so it begins. I successfully (but not gracefully) completed my first mission of the 30 for 30 challenge. It turns out braving a blizzard barefoot isn't all it's cracked up to be. Don't EVER do this if you don't have to. Ever. It is pain. Pure, unadulterated pain.

My ultimate plan was to run through the yard barefoot, do a cartwheel or two and head back in to dry my tootsies off--no harm, no fowl. As you can see, I never made it off the front stoop. And the cartwheels? Forget about it.

At least day one is in the books.

30 for 30

2011-01-31T12:28:00.002-05:00

Okay kids. It's really happening. My birthday is coming and it's a doozy.

The big 3-0. The dirty thirty. The end of my 20's. The beginning of hips spreading, aches and pains I didn't have before, laugh lines, failing eyesight, even more questions from friends and strangers alike as to why I don't have children yet and a microscope on my life's work.

On February 2nd, at 9:33 a.m. (a time that is still highly debatable between what the nurse put on my birth certificate and the actual time my mother KNOWS I was born, because she was watching the clock), I will be 30 years of age.

Since this is such a monumental occasion, I decided to do something monumentous. Here's the deal: I've decided to start my 30's with a 30 day challenge. For the next 30 days, beginning February 1st, ending March 2nd (since Feb is a short month) I will try something new, something I've never experienced, every single day. And every single day, I'll share it with you. No matter how big or small.

Now, I don't have an entire list of "something news" just yet, but I'm working on it and will reveal more tomorrow on my first day. Some of it might just be winging it, which will be new in itself since I'm not much of a winger. But I can promise you you'll want to stay tuned!

Here's to 30 days of uncharted waters!

valentine cake skadoodlehoppers

2011-01-27T13:55:00.002-05:00

Over the holidays I had my first taste of "cake balls." OH.MA.GAH. Delish; however, I hate the name. So I'm officially changing the name to cake skadoodlehoppers. Catchy, don't you think? I'm pretty sure the name will be all the rage...just give it some time.

Anyway, today, I tried my hand at the little guys. They're mighty easy, mighty cute, and best of all, mighty tasty. Want to give them a whirl? Here's what you'll need:

Cake mix--your choice. I'm a purist so I used classic yellow.
Icing--again, your choice. I used creamy vanilla.
Chocolate or vanilla almond bark. I used both!
Sprinkles or other decorative details.

What you'll do:

Bake the cake according to the directions.

Crumble the cake.

Mix the entire contents of icing with the crumbles.

Once cooled, use a scooper or roll into balls.

Melt almond bark according to the manufacture's instructions. My chocolate was 2 minutes while my vanilla was 1 minute so be careful not to over heat...it will get gross quick.

Dip your scadoodlehopper and place on waxed paper.

Add sprinkles while almond bark is still melty.

As if they aren't cute enough on their own, you can cut out little hearts to place on top. I did hearts as to be festive. Ya know, Valentines Day?

I used a little dab of hot glue and a toothpicks.

Voila! Cutesy little scadoodlehoppers you can make for any occasion!

dirty laundry

2011-01-19T09:23:00.000-05:00

As my Nana says, "A man works from sun to sun, but a woman's work is never done!" Right on, Nana. Right on.

I don't know how it's possible for 2 human beings to create so much dirty laundry. I can't imagine what you moms go through. I do a load of laundry every day and it somehow piles up.

My solution? Well, I don't really have one. But it is possible to make the chore of laundry a bit more enjoyable. I'm just saying, if I had any one of these laundry rooms, I might not complain so much:

I think it's time I start thinking laundry room makeover! Do you enjoy your laundry room?

beautiful boxer babes

2011-01-17T19:16:00.002-05:00

It's that time again! Time to show off my kids. We had a little photo session this afternoon. All were compliant except for Avery. Bless her heart.

Harley was put on pain meds a couple of weeks ago for her arthur...she thinks she's a puppy again.

Watch the tongue! It'll get ya every time.

Avery's too...

Look pensive...

Look forlorn...

Avery, give me a descent shot...

Try again...

Oh, forget it!

Oh, Mabel.

Happy Monday!

a storm's blowin' up. a whoppa!

2011-01-13T08:31:00.000-05:00

I just love that line from The Wizard of Oz. It never gets old. Along with, "Poor kid. Hope she makes it home alright."

Anywho...

I was an only child growing up. First, I know what you're thinking: A. That explains a lot. And 2. What does she mean growing up? Isn't it once an only child always an only child? Nope. I gained a couple of sisters at the age of twenty.

Now that we've cleared that up, I'll move on.

So growing up, I'll admit, I was a little strange. Sometimes awkward. My teacher's even told my mom that I should probably hang out more with kids my age, because at recess, I only wanted to hang out with the teachers, not the snot-nosed kids in my class. I guess it cramped their style. And yes, my mom is still holding a grudge towards one of those teachers. But I digress.

I did have one, tried and true friend though out my entire childhood that was more like a sibling to me than what he really was--a cousin. We had some fun, let me tell you. The stories are endless really. And so are the videos of me making him dress up as women in the plays I wrote, starred in and directed. What a trooper he was. "Flying Eagle commercial, take 52!"

Some of the most vivid and awesome memories I have are of us having sleepovers at my Nana & Papa's farm. They had this huge ranch and it was such a delight to spend time there. Ponies and old trucks we could drive through the pasture. A giant swimming pool (even though we both had our own pools, you always want to swim in someone else's for some reason). A barn full of things we shouldn't have been into. A giant front porch, with rocking chairs positioned at just the right angle, so as to yell and hear a perfect echo though the field. Four wheelers, barn cats, bird dogs, it was fantastic!

But one memory in particular slipped my mind until it was triggered by something hubby said the other day, "You know this spring we're going to have to have a cellar put in the garage..." (It's been two years since we've had to worry about tornadoes--we were living in Virginia.) We had a cellar put into our garage several years ago and it was a great investment! We never used it, but just knowing it was there was so comforting.

Back to the story.

The farm my grandparents lived on had an old cellar. It was smack-dab in the middle of their patio. Kind a of a strange place for it, but it was there. I'm not sure they ever used it. Ever. But if you know my grandparents, you know that their home (s) are immaculate. Even their cellars are stellar. So looking back on it, when my Nana told us there was a mouse living down there, it was probably just to keep us out of it.

So we took the story of the mouse in the cellar and ran with it. We wrote notes to that little guy, and his assumed family, like it was going out of style. We took turns dropping the notes down the air-hole-shoot-thingy all day long. We wrote that mouse like it was our job. Until we had writer's cramp. Write, take a popsicle break, write, take a popsicle break, write, take a popsicle break. You get the idea.

I would give anything to see what we were trying to communicate to that mouse and his family. I honestly can't remember a single word I wrote to the creature, but I remember everything else about that experience. And what's best about it, we didn't think it was a weird thing to do at all! (I'm sure it was my idea. I'm just sure of it.) It was perfectly normal to be a mouse's penpal...although we didn't get many...er...any letters in return.

I can't even tell you what the moral of this story is, honestly. Have more that one kid? When you lie to kids about mice living in cellars you could be creating a memory burned into their skulls forever? Make your parents buy a farm for your kids to visit? I'm not sure.

I can tell you my cousin and I continue to share precious memories to this date. He and his sweet, growing family are the only reason I would consider having children at my age (hehe) so they could grow up together.

Now that this memory has been brought to the forefront of my brain, I'm sure to have a laugh every time I hear a tornado siren blow. I just hope that mouse and his family are doing well.

some things never go out of style

2011-01-10T11:38:00.000-05:00

A little black dress (if you can still fit into the same little black dress you fit into several years ago). Safety (wear your seat belts people). Big hair (in Texas). Wayfarers (I would love to get my hands on a new pair). Trench coats (just wear something underneath them, mkay). Diamonds (square cut or pear shape, these rocks don't lose their shape). Chuck Taylors (that reminds me, I need to pick up a new, black pair).

And my favorite never-go-out-of-style fashion: wallpaper.

Don't get me wrong, certain wallpapers will go in and out of style, but wallpaper itself never will. Not in my book anyway. What? You don't agree? Just wait...

Happy Monday!

you can't handle the tooth

2011-01-06T09:23:00.004-05:00

Aren't bloggy friends the best? Even if we've never met them IRL, they have the ability to lift our spirits, help us out in our time of need, or even possibly change our lives! Comments or emails from someone going though exactly what you are. Advice, solicited or unsolicited. Another friend to do life with. A sphere of people who love and enjoy the exact same things you do! It's wild. And fun. And a blessing.

Now that I've buttered you up...hehe. Remember the part about how you have the ability to help out in times of need? Well, I prophesized that part. Because you will help me out. I just know it.

Because most of you are mommies (wonderful mommies) or soon to be or wanna be, and I am 30 without child (I'm fine with it, I swear) I need your help!

My new job entails a weekly blog which will begin this coming Monday! Eeek! And honestly, I have no idea where to begin. Because, even though it's for a pediatric dental office, I don't want the blog to be about dentistry. Not all the time anyway. Because, let's face it, NO ONE would read it. I wouldn't. I might write it, but I wouldn't read it, mkay? Maybe if I was having trouble sleeping. But I have hubby to tell me about his day to help with that! Budum ching! *insert canned laughter here*

What I need from you:

What would you read? I want something you can take with you through out your week. Something that would make you refer a friend the the practice. Something interesting, but helpful to your child's health and well being. What do you mommies out there like to read? What is it? Tell me! Help me unlock the secret. Something that will keep you coming back week after week to read more.

Because you would never abandon a bloggy friend in her time of need, I greatly appreciate the generous outpouring of responses I will receive!

Cheers to your child's dental health!

P.S. How do you feel about dental mascots e.g. me as the tooth fairy?

I hope you know I'm totally kidding!

a room to dream

2011-01-05T08:06:00.000-05:00

I need one. Not a room I flip on the light switch just long enough to find the bed and that's it. I want a room to dream! Not have nightmares. Maybe like these...

Do you enjoy your bedroom? Or is it just a place to sleep?

cha cha cha changes

2011-01-04T08:19:00.005-05:00

This is year has already been insane with changes. Not only does Adorkable have a new look, so do I! I went from blonde to brunette. And anyone who knows me well, knows this isn't an uncommon occurrence--I like to change it up. So don't worry if your more in favor of the blonde locks...I'm sure they'll make a return within the next couple of weeks.

More changes--I have a new job! I was sad to leave my dear sweet friends and my previous place of employment, but this was just too good of a gig to pass up! You see, I'm going to work with my hubs! For those of you who haven't been reading long enough to know, my husband is a pediatric dentist at a Walt Disney World of pediatric dental practices. The place really is amazing. Anywho, I'll be doing a lot their PR, marketing, blogging, newsletter, social media...you get the idea! Stuff that I live for. And stuff that will allow me to spend more time at home, which means I'll get to spend more time with you! Whooot! I knew you'd like that part.
Let's see...what else...Oh, I'll be turning uh...er....uh...eh...30 in less than a month! Oh dear me. What will it all mean? Will I finally know who I am? Know who I need to be? Have it all figured out? After all, 30 is officially grown, am I right or am I right? I might need some help through this one.

What'd I tell ya? B-I-G changes.

I hope you're having a great week, friends!

First.

2011-01-03T09:06:00.001-05:00

More than likely, today is the first "real" day of the year for you. Back to life. Back to the grind. Back to reality.

You've had the weekend to reflect and make plans for the upcoming year. Plans that are fresh, shiny and new. It's an amazing feeling, isn't it? A new year has such promise! There's really nothing like a clean slate.

A few of you have left comments listing your resolutions (thank you! and good luck!) while I was still pondering mine. Nothing like waiting until the last minute! But I didn't want mine to be like any other year. This is 2011 for sobbing out loud. These plans have got to be big. Huge.

After all, I knew my resolutions for 2011 would begin with my spirituality and that's not something I wanted to or should take lightly. By the way, how was 2010 for you spiritually? Apathetic? Inconsistent? Consumed?

Since my response was anything but the last one, I'm trying something new. Because if you want the same year you had last year, do the same things. But if you want something different, better, try something else.

What I came up with isn't difficult. In theory, its simple.

I will, in 2011, put God first. In everything I do, He will be first.

First things first: the first part of the day, I will seek Him.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went of to a solitary place where he prayed. Mark 1:35

The first part of the week, I will worship.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another... Hebrews 10:25

I will give a first fruit offering, because God doesn't want my leftovers of time or spare efforts. He wants the absolute best of me.

When we do this, when He is the first and last Authority, we unlock all He has for us. My friends, what He has is beyond our wildest dreams.

Give God your first and best and I guarantee you He will bless the rest.

2011

2011-01-01T23:37:00.002-05:00

And so it begins. A new year. Full of potential. Full of hope. Crisp, new, fresh.

Do you have resolutions? I'd love to hear them. More on mine to come...I just wanted to take a second to reveal the new blog design and wish all of me dear bloggy friends a Happy New Year!

XOXO

the temp

2010-12-27T17:02:00.001-05:00

I have NO idea what happened to my blog template. I woke up one morning and she was gone! This is just a temporary place holder until I can get something worthy of Adorkable.

So sorry for this hideous inconvenience! Expect big changes soon.

Did you enjoy your Christmas? Mine was great, but a blur!
XOXO