Waiting on our miracle

You must have been a beautiful baby...

2011-04-22T12:29:00.001-07:00

This picture takes my breath away. What an amazingly handsome little man we created. We are so lucky!

Special thanks to Halo Photography for capturing my little guy's picture so beautifully each time we use her! She's awesome!

Challenge Day 8

2011-03-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

Place I have traveled to:

When we first chose our honeymoon, we decided we wanted to go to Hawaii. I mean, who wouldnt, its beautiful. But, alas, no condos available that week through my parents timeshare. Hmmm, so now what? We could have either gone with some exotic locale where we would have to pay for our AC or a beautiful (and AC furnished) condo in a place we would never again get the opportunity to see...Thailand. It wasnt even on our honeymoon radar, but we traveled the 21 hours to get there and enjoyed every single second of our 10 day stay!

The first few days were a sleep adjustment to say the least, but I got very used to Thai "American" television that came on at 3 am. We'll say I caught up on a lot of wrestling surprisingly :) We enjoyed the cuisine of the Italian restuarant at the resort because I have a super picky husband and after 10 days we wanted some "American" food :) The sun also got me badly and I ended up with some crazy tan lines. But even with these mishaps, we were able to take in the majestic beauty that is Phuket, Thailand. One of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world.

Thailand is the land of smiles, and the people were amazingly friendly. Everything (even in the resort) was cheap, cheap, cheap. The weather was amazing, the scenery was to die for, and we didnt miss Hawaii one bit. We got to see 2 countries, Japan and Thailand, and immerse ourselves in a culture we knew we wouldnt see again. It was a great trip and recommend it to anyone who wants an experience they wont forget.

Challenge Day 7

2011-03-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

My favorite movies:

The acting isnt great but its one of those movies that you can watch over and over again. When I was little, I wanted to do ballet, but I was too busy with other things, so I think that has something to do with my draw to this movie.

I could watch this movie any day of the year. Its probably my favorite movie, and I can quote most of it. :)

My favorite disney movie. When I was 5 I tried to put my Sleeping Beauty on Beta in our VHS player and realized it didnt fit. I was heartbroken, like for real tears and all. I remember that day clearly to this day. My husband bought me it on DVD about 3 Christmas' ago so I could own it forever <3

Challenge Day 6

2011-03-06T18:12:00.001-08:00

Picture of something that makes me happy. Well, thats easy :)

See you tomorrow!

Challenge Day 5: Siblings

2011-03-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

These are my sisters and brother. Mess with one bean and you mess with the whole burrito! :) We love each other dearly and would defend each other to the death. What a great family to be apart of!

This is my oldest sister Nikki. She is 11 years older than me, and until I was in my 20s, we never really clicked. She was my older sister and I was just not up to her maturity level. She cleaned my diapers and used to pick my brother and I up from school. She is one of my best friends nowadays and is a beautiful person inside and out. She has a beautiful little girl Makayla (above) and a handsome little man Memphis (with Keyser above...watch out in 16 years!). She is very smart and very driven, quiet and contemplative, but knows how to have fun! She is also my hairstylist (she graduates Paul Mitchell School in December!! :)

This is my sister Jen. She is my 2nd oldest sibling and is 6 1/2 years older than me. We had the same bond as my other sister until I was 18 and then we moved in together in an apartment in Lexington, Ky. From then, we because fast friends. She is super duper energetic and fun, wild and a bit crazy, and a power shopper :) She has 2 adorable children, Hayden and Bailey (that pretty girl above :)

This is Joey, my slightly older brother. Hes only 17 months older than me, because well, I was an Uh-Oh ;) To say we fought when we were growing up would be a huge understatement. We fought bad, and it usually ended in tears. Sigh...look how far we've come :) Joey is talkative, funny, and has an amazingly extensive vocabulary. He is also a nursing student, like myself, so we can vent to each other about that. Hes a home body who I think could spend 16 hours a day in bed, but he usually gets what he needs to get done...usually :)

Love my sisters and brother...they are definitely my best friends.

These are all my adorable nieces and nephews...minus Memphis.

Challenge Day 4

2011-03-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Meet my parents...Shannon and Larry. A Michigan girl met a Arizona boy in the Air Force at the age of 18. Dated just 3 months before my dad realized he needed to have her around forever. They will celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary this month...the 15th (the Ides of March). They look so in love, don't they?

Oh my, what an inspiration for their children. Their love for each other has surpassed so many obstacles and bumps in the road its not even funny, but they still came out on the other side. I aspire to have a marriage like theirs...which should be easy since I married a man like my father.

One day, one of my siblings said "Wow, mom, you used to be so pretty!" My Dad responded, while sitting in his recliner watching the game, "She still is." I love them...for loving me and loving each other.

Challenge Day 3

2011-03-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

My first love. Sigh, to be young and dumb again ;) Just kidding, sort of.

I was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to dating. I had my first boyfriend when I was 13, but he was not my first love. From then until 17, my first love was soccer. I played it all the time and really didnt have much time for much else.

That all changed when A came around, a soccer playing boy that I fastly became smitten with. He was a year younger than me, which sort of became our downfall. We dated for a year and half, mostly hanging out at home or watching him work on his car, until I went away for college. A didnt think he could do a long distance relationship, so we parted ways. I was heartbroken. My first love had broken my heart. I went away to the University of Kentucky and mended my broken heart with frat parties and girl time. Lo and behold, however, 1 month later, A called and this young foolish girl thought all was forgiven. I finished out the year at school and then transfered to the university back at home. You all have that one thing that you regret? This is mine. I mean, what young woman moves back home for her boyfriend? This one, a very naive young girl back then.

This isnt to say we didnt last. We did, for over 3 more years. We had good time, but sometimes when you meet your first love at 17, it just doesnt last. We ultimately grew apart, wanted different things, and were 2 completely different people than we were at 17. In the end, we broke up on vacation in Florida, with his parents, on.the.first.day. Face Palm. We spent all week avoiding each other while trying not to let his parents on to something. I still think they knew the first day, because I dont really think we were fooling anyone. But at that age, you are smarter than everyone, so we thought we did ;) That was 2004 (I think) and I dont think I have seen or talked to him since. Pretty sad because I really did miss his family, but oh well, I wish him nothing but the best. I think he got married last year, according to a FB friend. Hes a good guy and deserves good things.

I however met my true love about 16 months later and it was a fairy tale ever since. I have always said the reason I knew my husband was the one because our relationship is so easy...hes loves me unconditionally, and I never have to falter in that. Thats what a grown up relationship is all about, and I know that because my first love wasnt really that. Thats what I took away most from that 4 1/2 years of my life!

See you all tomorrow...Parents up next!

Challenge Day 2

2011-03-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

I kind of cheated you all out a recent pic. I took this one today. You can really tell my weight loss in my face!! :)

Well, I was apparently sleep deprived, distracted, (insert any other mom adjective here) yesterday and thought day 2 was about my first love. Ha, I know its not because I am excited to talk about it...promise my Love! :)

So today is meaning behind my blog name. Waiting on Our Miracle. Pretty self-explanatory, right? I am so original.

We tried for Keyser for exactly 17 months. A long freaking time. I call Keyser our miracle because we lost 2 babies before him, and we honestly were beginning to lose hope that he would ever come to us. He did, and for that, he is our miracle.

We started trying to have a baby in September 2007. Newlyweds for only 4 months, we never knew the struggles that were going to be placed before us. First month...I got pregnant with angel #1. Over the moon excitment was hindered by daily pain and constant spotting. I crossed my fingers every time I went to the bathroom hoping not to see blood. Every time, I was disappointed. "A lot of people spot", "Pregnancy is uncomfortable", "The heartbeat sounds great!". Reassuring words from our doctors was all that I was carrying with me. I knew I would lose the baby, it was just a matter of time. My body finally allowed my baby to go to heaven In November 2007 at just 10 weeks along. D&C followed, along with heartbreak and lost hope.

Fast forward to 7 months later, when right after our 2nd anniversary I found out we were pregnant again! It took us 6 months to conceive this time, but who cares...this one was going to stick around! I made sure I did everything right...no heavy lifting, no caffiene, or even lunchmeat (yeah I was that lady), and I felt great. On Father's Day 2008, I began to have the tell tale cramps. "People do cramp while pregnant, its the uterus stretching" was what I got from the doc. Go in the next day for an U/S and saw our perfect little one on the screen. Heartbeat and all. I gained a little more hope and continued my day. Little did I know this was the last happiness for a while. The next day, while at work, I started to miscarry. This happens to only about 5 % of people who miscarry the first time. Bad luck I guess. We lost angel #2 on a Tuesday in June, at only 7 weeks along. My hopes and dreams of becoming a mother were waning. I had little hope that I would ever be able to hold onto a pregnancy. Again, a D&C followed, along with the mandatory healing time (mentally and physically), and we started trying again in October 2008.

My husband and I went through a lot, if you can imagine, during this time. We got in horrible fights, I said very hurtful things, and we wondered if all of our dreams would never be realized. All we wanted was a baby. Not to fix out relationship, because that was never the issue...but to make us a family...all we ever wanted.

Then one day in late february, the best day of our lives happened. We were pregnant! This time, I had a lot of doctors on my side. It took hormones and baby aspirin to make Keyser a reality. I knew this was going to work. A calm came over me when I found out I was having a baby. Like someone placed their hands on my shoulders and told me this was going to be okay. And it was. Keyser is our little miracle, the boy who made us a family. He is our world, and we will always be thankful (if thats the word) for the journey that led us to him. We grew up a lot during that time, and it may not have been pleasant, but we definitely don't take that time or him for granted.

Whew, sorry for that. It was kind of therapeutic to get it all out! Thats my story...its why I started this blog and its why we call our monster our miracle.

See ya tomorrow!

Day 1: All about Chelsey!

2011-03-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

So this is me, Chelsey. I am a 28 year old wife to Travis and momma to Keyser. My 2 boys are my reason for breathing, my motivation, and my biggest accomplishments. I would not be anywhere near the place I am today without my husband, and my son is my dream come true. Okay, enough with the mushy stuff :)

I am also a nursing student and a full-time hotel employee. I love people, sometimes, which makes my job a fun one. I am not actually into the nursing program yet, but I am a nursing major and apply in April, so cross your fingers for me that I get good news in June! I need this to happen...I am so done with school!

If you couldnt tell, I am a busy lady. I wish I didnt have to work, but we gotta do what we gotta do, right? I like to relax by watching way too much TV and trying to beat my husband in Jeopardy. I sometimes win...rarely :)

15 interesting facts:

1. I was named after a movie character...Jane Fonda's character in "On Golden Pond." Keyser was also named after a movie character...Kevin Spacey's character in "The Usual Suspects." We like tradition :)

2. My husband and I have the same birthday. Crazy huh?

3. I played soccer from age 5 to age 18. I literally played year round, outside in the fall, spring and summer, and indoors in the winter. I also swam and ran track in high school. Funny thing is, I never remember being busy?

4. I love to craft things, but never have the time. I have always wanted to have a little booth at a craft fair, with hairbows and bow holders, even if I dont have a little girl to put them in! Maybe one day my sister and I can do that...it sounds like a lot of fun!

5. I have never broken a bone.

6. With that being said, I was on crutches every soccer season in high school. I eventually had to have both of my ankles reconstructed.

7. Adding on to that, one of my biggest fears is twisting my ankle off a curb. I always cringe when I step off one because I know how weak my ankles are.

8. Spring is my favorite season. I cannot wait to plant flowers.

9. When I was little, I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. And a mommy. One out of two aint bad ;)

10. I originally started school to be a pediatric dentist...then a doctor....then a teacher....and now a nurse. Indecisive much?! I have finally found my calling though!

11. My husband's ex girlfriend dated my ex boyfriend. Oddly enough it is the thing that brought us together. No, not in the scorn lovers sort of way, but in the hey, thats a coincidence kind of way! :)

12. I soooo thought Keyser was going to be a girl. So did my husband. We were both kind of disappointed to find out it was a boy, but we so wouldnt have it any other way now. Love, Love, LOVE our boy!

13. Adding on to that, I think I would live life a bit disappointed if I was never able to give my husband his "Daddy's girl". Hopefully it happens next time and we are done!

14. I still miss my angel babies. Still don't know whats wrong with my body, but so glad we didnt have to find out and we have our miracle Keyser. (If you didnt know, most insurances make you go through THREE miscarriages before paying for testing. I am so lucky to have a great team of doctors who took a chance that actually worked!)

15. I have lost nearly 24 lbs in 8 weeks. This is without eating bread or sugars. No, its not a diet, its a way of life, and I am so happy I have made this change. I want to grow old!

Well, I have said enough for today...tomorrow is First Love...I bet you all are excited :) lol
Note: Its not my husband...but hes my last! :)

Nothing like a good kick in the rear

2011-02-28T09:53:00.000-08:00

My friend Shay over at http://familyofgrants.blogspot.com/ "challenged" her readers to a new blog challenge and I took it on! Hopefully this will kick my butt into blogging again...when time permits :) I am excited to make time for this everyday!

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite TV shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Favorite memory
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

See you later on today! Day One starts tonight :)

15 months!

2011-01-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

Its a bird, its a plane, its KEYSER!

Keyser and Zeus, best buds forever.

"Helping" me cook :)

28 lbs 6.5 oz.....32 1/4 inches.
He wants to grow up big and tall like his Daddy :)

~He has a touch of eczema, but not too bad. Mostly on his calves and back of his arms. Nothing a little Aveeno Baby cant fix (better fix at 8 bucks for a small tube! I kid, I kid.)

~Like to knock his big noggin on everything. Doors, TVs, and floors are his favorite. :)

~Climbs like a monkey. He is always trying to get on the table, counter, and out of his crib. Thankfully for the last one, he has only done this once!

~Loves to groove, to rap music specifically. If hes fussy in the car, all I have to do is tune the radio to rap, and hes a happy camper. Like father, like son I guess :)

~Is wearing 2T clothes and we are starting to buy 3T for summer. I mean, hes going to be in young men's by kindergarten at this pace! ;)

~Thinks hes a vegetarian. Mostly hates all meat except smoked sausage. Loves his fruits though. Hes on the fence about his veggies.

~Says a bazillion words, but only about 15 we understand. Daddy is his favorite. Momma ranks about 14 :)

We love him with all of our hearts...probably more. He is the best part of our day.

As far as I go, I have lost 14.8 lbs so far...still have 60 or so more to go. I hope it keeps falling off but I know I will stall for a bit, it has happened before. Working out 4 days a week on my Wii Active 2 game...which I need to write about...its Ah-Maz-ing! Its like having your own trainer! Anyway, I am fitting in clothes I havent fit into since before Kman was even a thought! Woo hoo! Only 5 more months until vacation!

Take care! :)

New Year, New Momma

2011-01-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hey all! I am making some pretty big changes this year to myself. My monster is over a year now, and its time this momma decided to take herself back. Last year, I made all kinds of excuses not to diet and take care of myself...Keyser is breastfeeding, mommy guilt, I'm tired, etc. This year, I decided to cut the crap and really do something! I am going to have all kinds of mommy guilt if I didnt get my weight in check and leave Keyser without a momma! So a light switch went off, I woke up, and feel like a brand new woman!

This blog with still have ramblings of mommyhood, but it is going to slightly veer into my weight loss journey direction. Since January 1st, I have given up soda...completely. Starting January 10th, I decided to take a huge step. I am living a very "clean" food lifestyle. This means lean meats, veggies, water (tons and tons) and nuts. No more processed junk, and more importantly very low carb and sugar intake. I have to do this, or else. I have a strong family history of diabetes, and you can see my new way of eating as a diabetic diet. Its going to work, because it has to. I want to be there to see my grandkids grow up, and I have all the willpower to do so. I want my patients in my future nursing career to take me seriously...because I am not sure they would take the "fat nurse" serious when giving them medical advice. I also want to make my husband do double takes when I walk in the room. He loves me to pieces regardless, I just want to be one hot mama!

So progress so far? Since January 10th, 11 days, I have lost 12.4 lbs. My goal is 3 lbs per week. I still have 53 lbs to lose for my first goal (hopefully by June!), and an additional 30 to lose by next fall.

I know I can do this...I have to for this little man. I love him too much not to!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T04:32:00.000-08:00

Call this my virtual Christmas card! :)

I have absolutely no idea why I haven't updated this thing earlier, or in any time during the last 2 + months, but alas, I will just say I have been busy! :)

This is it for now, since it is Christmas Eve, but one New Years Resolution I plan to keep is updating this more...since I remembered why I started it in the first place! Chronicling my sons life...because you wouldn't believe the stuff that slips right past you! So plan to see me more starting January 1st...that is if I still even have people who read this :)

Merry Christmas to everyone and their families!

Can you guess what Keyser is going to be for Halloween?

2010-09-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

Exciting news and exciting deals!

2010-09-16T08:02:00.001-07:00

First, the exciting news!
My big sister, Nikki, is having her baby boy, Memphis, today via c-section. We are all so excited to welcome her little man into our family and I cannot wait to meet my new nephew. This also works to curb my baby fever for at least another year, which is good, because the hubs and I have decided not to have another one until I am out of nursing school which is, at the least, 20 months away. I have to finish, but I have been itching for another one :)

On to exciting deals! I recently had my 2nd huge consignment sale experience, and it did not disappoint! I got 4 jeans (all Gap, or Gymboree), 1 fleece "outfit" from Old Navy, another Old Navy fleece half zip, a pair of brand new tennis shoes ($2!!), 4 pairs of jammies, and 6 shirts (also all Old Navy, Gap, or Children's Place) for the grand total of.....$47 buckeroos! Thats 18 freaking BRAND NAME items for dirt cheap! I am going back on next Wednesday to another KidStuff Sale to get some 24 month stuff, because my kid is a beast, and I know 18 months won't last all winter, especially since he is already in 18 months!

Here's my loot...and some other pics thrown in :)

This was just too sweet not to share, but my husband is going to kill me. I'll take that risk :) HUSBAND NOTE: I "broke into" your blog and edited this only because you told me you'd never display it. Love you.

We love hoodie season...too bad it was just 2 days worth!

Love baby jeans!

We also love us some jammies!

Found this gem...

2010-09-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

Before I was a Mom
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom,
I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was Mom
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words of lullabies.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on
Pooped on
Spit on
Chewed on
Peed on
Or pinched by tiny fingers

Before I was a Mom
I had complete control of:
My thoughts
My body
And my mind.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child
So that doctors could do tests
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
When I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
Could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a Mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
Could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay
I had never known the warmth
The joy
The love
The heartache
The wonder
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Never knew my "type" would be short, bald, and handsome. :)

10 months!

2010-09-04T04:33:00.000-07:00

Time just flies when you are so busy! This is not a good thing for a momma who has precious time to spend with her baby who is trying to become a toddler on her :( Between crazy work schedules and school 2 nights a week, I feel like I barely get time with my boys at home. I do take full advantage of the time I get on my days off though, and I am not sure I get off the floor with my boy until I go back to work! He is just too much fun to be spending all this time away from him! I just have to remind myself that its making momma a better person in the end, with school and all, so it kind of helps me along.

Okay enough for my pity party (table for one, please!) :) My Boy is 10 MONTHS!! When the heck did that happen?!?! He is EVERYWHERE! I have been slowing replacing his nicknames that we usually call him with Monster, because well, thats what he is! But the good kind, you know, I'd hate to scar my kid :) He is into everything! We can barely keep up! He also is more of a cuddler now, which is odd, but I'm not complaining! He has always been too curious to just cuddle, but now he lays his head on my shoulder and wants to give hugs. This just makes my day :)

At 10 months, Keyser Boy:

~ WALKS! Not just a few steps, but all around the house. He only crawls if he falls down, and then he is just crawling to the closest place to help himself back up! We are working on him being able to get up on his own.

~ Sleeps like a champ, thank goodness! He consistently sleeps about 11 1/2 to 12 hours every night. 7:30pm to 7:30 am

~ Can say Dad, DaDa, Dog, Bat (this is new from last night!), Hi, and what sounds like Yeah. Still no Momma or even just mom. Whenever I ask he says Dad. Stinker.

~ We play a game called "I'm gonna get you". Funny thing is, we are coming to get him, and hes sticking his arms out acting like he is going to get us! We collide into a fit of giggles :)

~ Thanks to table food, his poops have become dis.gust.ing. Hey, I want to record EVERYTHING right? :)

~ Speaking of food, there isn't anything this kid won't eat. That include specks of stuff on the floor and the dog food ;) This really has only happened once, I promise! His homemade favorites are PIZZA! (well, this isn't homemade), carrots, broccoli, chicken quesadillas, corn, cheeseburgers, and spaghetti. Hes not too fond of cheese (this kid must not be mine! :) and green beans.

~ Travis asks him to be a "Tough Guy" and he growls. Its freaking adorable.

~ Hes really good at our "question game". I ask him where something is and he looks at it or goes and gets it. He surprises me a lot with what he knows!

~ Keyser is just as sweet as can be and is really start to have a little personality. He is becoming a bit of a Daddy's boy, but I guess I'll allow him that...he spent most of his life as a Momma's Boy. I know he'll cross back over to the good side soon enough :) (Just kidding my Love!)

We love you Keyser Boy! You are the light that fills our whole life! Thanks for keeping us on our toes...with you so active, momma has lost 5 lbs! I appreciate it! :)

Tuckered out at Aunt Nikki's Baby Shower!

Kickin' it Pre-School

I'm in the Double Digits!

Pizza night is a good night in our home! Daddy is usually just as happy :)

3/4 of a year old!

2010-08-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Yep, thats right, Keyser Boy is 9 months old...well about 2 weeks ago :)

He is constantly coming up with new and funny things, and to say he keeps us on our toes is a big understatement! He has no fear and is literally a monster (in all definitions of the word) and he makes our lives a brighter and happier place to be in.

At 9 months, Keyser Boy:

~Crawls at a lightning pace, often making it across a room in about .001 seconds.

~Has made attempts at walking, even taking his First, Official, Non-Supported Steps on 08-04-10. He has gone on to make more attempts since then. We are so proud and so scared at the same time :)

~Has this funny thing he does, while walking along the chaise lounge, he sort of goes over to the dogs and then "super cruises" his way around to the other side, like he is running away. Then he laughs and laughs. Its ADORABLE!

~Keyser and his Daddy play a growling game and it can go on forever! Daddy growls, then Keyser, then daddy, then Keyser...so on and so forth. When I try to do it, he says "Da"...stinker!

~Is pretty much completely on finger/table food. Syonara baby food jars! I made his baby food up until we started meats, and then I went to jars for the last month. That stuff is expensive!! So happy that he now eats what we eat. Newest additions: Cheerios, graham crackers, pizza (bad mommy!), pick up raviolis, grapes cut in 1/4s, and shredded chicken. We will try cheeseburgers tonight!

~Will not say momma and laughs at me usually when I try. Still says "Dada", "Baba", and what I swear is "Dog". I will say "Say Dog" and he repeats something that sounds like it, and I am sure its what he is saying. Now if he would only appease me, I would be happy :)

~Speaking of speaking, Keyser has also "gotten" what we say to him. If I ask him "Where's Daddy" he will look at him, and same goes for me and the dogs. We are working on other things in the house now.

~Is a chunker at 22lbs 4 oz, and is 29 3/8 inches long. That's the 75% and 85% percentiles, respectively :)

~Also, we are starting to try and ditch the bottles, with at least one or two bottles replaced by sippies a day. Also, he is down to 3 nursing sessions a day: morning, after work, and before bed. Will wean by 12 months.

~And last but most definitely not least, he SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (yes, it needs that many exclamation points!) He was waking anywhere from 1-3 times a night still and I would nurse him back to bed because nothing else would calm him. Asked the Doc about this at his 9 month check up and she told me he was a "trained eater"...basically I have trained him to wake for food. Well, she told us to use a Cry It Out method, and even though I had in the past, I was always a wimp and gave in. Well, I stuck to my guns and did it all night the first night, even after 4 bouts of crying through the night, and wouldn't you know it, the very next night, DAY 2!, he slept through the night! So now, I have had 2 blissful weeks of at least 8 solid hours of sleep! I am still tired, but I think that's the story of my life :)

Well, that's all I will bore you with for now...My goal is a next post all about my plans for Keyser's First Birthday Party: A Dr. Seuss Theme!! I have so many plans and need to write them out!

Now on to the last month in picture form :)

Mmm, Cheese :)

Happy 4th of July!

9 months!

Momma and Me...hot summer day!

Big Boy car seat

8 months!

2010-07-02T17:38:00.001-07:00

8 whole months have passed and it has been some heck of a ride! Keyser is one crazy boy these days, with crawling, climbing, pulling up, and being his normal, adorable self, and momma and daddy are having the times of our lives. I have always been exhausted at the end of the day, but my oh my, these days its ten times worse! I am constantly on the floor with him keeping him out of trouble or nursing a bonked noggin' that I am not sure how he does it all day long! I wish I could just bottle a tenth of his energy :)

At 8 months, Keyser:

~ Can crawl like a mad man!

~ Pulls up on EVERYTHING!...he will be walking soon, this I am sure of.

~ Says Da-Da and Ba-Ba...but only knows the word Da-Da belongs to Daddy.

~ Waves bye bye and bangs his hands on the highchair when you are taking too long with his food ;)

~ Sleeps so-so. He likes to get up for an hour in the middle of the night...to, um, party? I am not sure why and we are trying to break this! Momma needs her sleep. Otherwise, he wakes about 1 or maybe 2 times still.

~ Still nurses...but is losing interest. I am sadly in the process of slow weaning which may take a few months. I think I may keep the morning feed, and possibly the evening feed maybe until 12 months. I didnt think I would have ever made it this far and I am proud of what I have accomplished.

~Continues to eat me out of house and home. He eats sooooo much! I have no idea where he puts it! We are starting "finger foods" now.

~ Has 8 freaking teeth! I guess one for every month?!?! He has only bit me 3 times while nursing...*knock on wood* :)

~ He is still the same adorable, bald, smiley, blue eye boy we know and love :)

We love our Keyser boy more than anything. Its amazing how one little bald dude can make you so happy at the end of a long crappy day. I find myself speeding home from work to get to him faster. He makes us so utterly happy its ridiculous!

Now on to the cuteness :)

He fed him self :)

2 a.m. wakeup :/

Momma dressed me in this U of L shirt even though Kentucky Blue is more my color, clearly. Its okay, its best to keep her happy :)

Watch out world...Keyser's a-crawlin'

2010-06-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I had a video, but its not working so I will get one on later...hopefully of all of his recent accomplishments :)

I am soo proud of my boog :) He is a crawling machine!

He started last Friday and oh my, what a difference a week makes! He is all over now, does the traditional crawl around the carpet and when he moves to the kitchen tile, he does a sort of side scoot...soo cute :)

He is also pulling up onto everything! And even cruises along the couch a little :)

Also...he waves bye bye! Its more of a 'look at the hand and wave bye bye to myself' sort of deal, but he gets it!

So many milestones so quickly...I am afraid to ask whats next! I am so proud its almost ridiculous!

Seven Months?!?!

2010-06-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

These are from his 6 month pro pics. He took them with his cousins :) I will get more on Thursday...stay tuned :)

Where oh where does the time go? Right out the window (along with my newborn!) apparently :)

Keyser Boy is turning into a regular ol' little boy! Its crazy and making momma a bit weepy honestly :( He is no longer the little baby who wants to cuddle and looks into my eyes with amazement. He doesnt take any time to touch my face anymore...although he still LOVES to pull my hair :) He is also eating with lightning speed and no longer lingers for comfort...

Sigh...Well, with sad times come happy times, and let me tell you, we have some great happy times!!

At 7 months, Keyser Boy:

- wiggles out of our arms ALL.THE.TIME! He never wants to be held (unless he is eating) and he always is on the go.

- Doesnt yet crawl but he rocks back and forth and will move his legs forward but hasnt gotten the arms yet. He is pretty close and I say within the next few weeks he will "get it". In the mean time, he is soo frustrated!

- Eats like hes never seen food before! The other day he ate not one, but 2 big jars of fruit for lunch and then proceeded to eat a biter biscuit. Hes going to be eating me out of house and home when he becomes a teenager that I am sure of!!

- Doesnt yet "talk" but definitely copies momma when I make shrieking noises and will respond to his name, unless he is being stubborn like Daddy...which is a lot :)

- Gets bored super duper easily.

- Is a giggle box when we bite him. I am not talking about love bites...I mean hardcore nibbling on his chubby arms :)

- Is now in 12 months clothes...all of 2 months after he got into 9 month clothes. Sigh.

- Still breastfeeds 5-6 times a day and gets formula about 2 times a day. I dont plan on weaning until he is ready...I had a 3 month goal (smashed it :), a 6 month goal (smashed it :), a 9 month goal (in progress) and will probably go until 12 months. Formula is expensive! All of this with my low supply too...Goo me :) (sorry, tooting my own horn here :)

- Sleeps pretty much through the night, with 1 or 2 wakeups over a 11 hours time span. NEVER thought I would see the day!!

- Has six...yes SIX!, teeth! 2 on bottom, 4 up top!

- went to the pool first time on Saturday. Loved it! Momma didnt get any pics though, I was too excited he was loving it :)

- Still amazing in every.single.way :)

We love you "boog". Momma and Daddy are so freaking smitten with you :)

Three years down, forever to go...

2010-05-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

I promised my husband I wouldn't get too mushy with this. But seeing as he is the love of my life, I won't make any promises. Instead of writing a gushy, gag inducing love letter to him in honor of our anniversary, I thought I would make a top 20 reasons (if I can cap it at that!) of why I love him so much. Here goes nothing!

My love, I love you so much because (in sort of random order):

1. You love me unconditionally; sweats, no makeup, hair a mess, and all. You actually like me better that way, and I love you even more for that.

2. You are an amazing father. You light up when Keyser comes in the room. I love watching your face when this happens.

3. You tell me I am a great mom. In your words, "The best mommy ever." You have no idea how much this means to me.

4. You kill the spiders for me. And *rarely* try to fake throw them at me :)

5. You sat in the hospital waiting room for me recently, with a fussy butt baby, and let me have my last moments with my grandma. We spent over 10 hours there and you never made so much of a peep to want to leave. You were so awesome that day, I will appreciate it forever.

6. You make the sweetest homemade presents, songs, dances, etc. I love when a special event comes up because I never know what to expect. You are adorable!

7. You take care of all the money because I am horrible at it. 'Nuf said.

8. You inspire me to be the best...school, life, with us.

9. Even though I really don't like your wrestling DVD hobby, I love that you are so passionate about something fun for you. I wish I could have a hobby I loved to do! (Shopping doesn't count :)

10. You are a neat freak and I secretly love it! Without your influence around I might just be a packrat, yet because of you, we have a pretty darn uncluttered home.

11. Speaking of our home, I actually get excited to clean the house "just for you" and have dinner ready, like some sort of 50's housewife, because it makes you a happy man. Just forget I said this when I am really tired, okay?

12. You have never been an emotional guy, and rarely let people know how much they mean to you, but you will stand up for the ones you love and defend them no matter what a jerk it makes you look like. I wish more people would realize that this is your way of saying "I love you."

13. You always put your dishes in the sink. Thanks love :)

14. Some days, when I am at work, I come home to new pictures and videos of Keyser that you took. Its so adorable to see you love him so much.

15. The other day, you were talking in your sleep, and I asked you what you were saying, and you said "Doing calculations." I adore my nerd...seriously!

16. The fact that you still give me butterflies EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.

17. Your eyes. Pool water blue. And your eyebrows. I wish I was so lucky to be blessed with them... you are so handsome (even though you will never admit it).

18. Your dedication to everything. Some call it perfectionism, but I see it as you not wanting to let yourself down. I wish Keyser is blessed to have at least half of the brains you have. We may have a future Einstein on our hands if he gets all of them! You are truly a genius...I hope you realize how smart I think you are.

19. How easy our relationship is. Its not work, it comes naturally for us. This is how I know we will last forever.

20. Your love. Its so deep. I ask you, self-consciously, how much you love me. I know the truth. You love me to the moon and back, and I still to this day will probably never know why. I love you too my love. Just as much as you do me. Promise.

You are an amazing husband. An amazing Dad. An amazing everything. We are so lucky to have you and I am so lucky to be the one lucky enough to be married to you. :)

(Okay, that was mushy...I just couldn't help it!)

6 months! (Bad Mommy!)

2010-05-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Keyser boy is 6 months! Well, 6 months and 5 days, but thats mommy's fault for not updating sooner...life has been busy and baby has been sick, boo!

Keyser continues to amaze us everyday. I know I feel like I say that all the time, but he really does! He has been turning into the most beautiful baby and the funniest one too! He makes us smile even when we feel like we can't. Hes just simply wonderful!

At 6 months Keyser can:

- Eat like a champ! He has tried (since 5 months) homemade peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, avocados, butternut squash, oatmeal, apples, and now bananas. He went from 2 meals a day to now three, with oatmeal as breakfast, a fruit at lunch, and veggie for dinner! What a big boy :) He still breastfeeds 6-8 times a day too!

- Still hates tummy time, but is now capable to do "Baby Pushups" and love to show mommy his muscles :)

- Looks more and more like Daddy everyday...I couldn't be more pleased :)

- Loves to stand and will attempt to pull himself up on the couch cushions! This surpised Travis and I the other day!

- He also loves to "walk". He gets so proud of himself when we hold his hands and let him explore!

- The doggies have become his best friends, and will watch them and laugh and laugh, especially Cash, one of our Black Labs. They really don't have much interest in him though :)

- My favorite: He will give me kisses!! I ask "Give mommy kisses" and he usually turns and gives me the sweetest open mouth kisses, like he is going to eat me :) He will on occasion give them to others, but I am usually the sole bearer of them :) Thats okay with mommy!

We love our little guy so much, he is truly our miracle!

Funny Guy

New post on weight loss blog!

2010-04-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Check it out! I love supporters :)

http://battleofthemombulge.blogspot.com/2010/04/fresh-start.html

My advice: Don't blink...

2010-04-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

30 Day Challenge...and hopefully longer!

2010-04-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

I saw a challenge on a money matters blog about challenging yourself to not eat out for a whole month! With my husband FREAKING out about his student loans coming up and our need to eat in more often, I thought what the heck. 30 days isn't that terribly long and I have actually been meaning to drop fast food whenever Keyser is old enough to understand what a Happy Meal is, so why not try it out? It may even help me (us) lose a few L-B's.

So heres the Rules:
1. Menu plan for 2 weeks, enough meals to make it through our bi-monthly grocery trips.

2. Sprinkle in plenty of meals that I can easily make, because the worst culprit for me wanting to order pizza, etc. is that I am tired and lazy after work ;)

3. Special occasions are the only reason to eat out (i.e Mother's Day, our anniversary)

4. If someone brings us food (Travis' mom does bring him food sometimes while I'm at work...cough...spoiled...cough), then its all good. As long as we aren't paying for it!

We are hoping this saves some green when it comes to the monthly expenses. I will be tracking it to see how it goes and I will let you all know the results. This is going to be tough, but I think it will be pretty rewarding as well! Pray that we stick to it!

With that, I leave you with a big boy pic of my little man...He's sitting up all by himself now (tear)

BTW, I'm watermarking all my pics from now on. There are a lot of crazies out there who steal pics and call them their "own". Can't be too cautious!!

I could use your help!

2010-04-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

What are you favorite "healthy" snacks?

I am going grocery shopping in a couple of days and am looking for some new stuff I may not have tried or thought of before.

I usually get:
Nature Valley Granola Bars
String Cheese
Raisins
Bananas
sugar free jello

I am not too, too adventurous when it comes to stuff (note: I hate hummus! Crazy, I know!) but I am willing to try new things! Just nothing too crazy :)

Also, the cheaper the better...DH and I have a pretty strict budget!

Gosh, here I am being all bossy, but really I would love any suggestions! Thanks!!

Also, yesterday, I met a wonderful blog friend! In Louisville of all places! Never thought THAT would happen ;) We actually met on the bump, then followed the blogs, and then found each other on facebook! We had a great lunch and tried to do some shopping in Downtown Jeffersonville, IN but everything was pretty much closed! Oh well, we will have to hit the mall next time :) Anyway, Keyser and I had a great time with Shaylynn! Heres her blog: http://familyofgrants.blogspot.com/ Shes a sweet person expecting her own bundle soon! And she has beat cancer! Thats pretty awesome :)

Well, I'll be checking back to see if you all have any yummy suggestions! Thanks!!

Happy Easter, Teeth, and the Zoo!

2010-04-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

Its a hodge podge kind of post...I don't have lots of time, well, ever, so since I have a moment, I figured I would just throw it all into one...hope you don't mind :)

Well, first off, Happy Easter Everyone!! Hope you have a wonderful day with family or friends! I have to work tonight, but as soon as the husband wakes up, we will give Keyser his Easter basket. Travis doesn't want to "lie" to the kiddo, or so he says, so its all on mommy to make a big deal out of the Easter Bunny, while he sits back and watches :) I think there is no harm in being a kid, and therefore, Keyser will know all about Santa, the Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the such!

Speaking of teeth...Keyser haz them. He cut his fist tooth, the bottom left one, and the right one is on its way soon, like real soon. I will tell you this, the night waking has virtually stopped. I am probably jinxing myself, but he went from waking 3-4 times, to last night only waking 1. I am a happy momma!

Finally, the zoo!! We had so much fun last Wednesday! The weather was a balmy 80 degrees in Louisville, KY and my sister and I packed up the kids for a day of sightseeing animals. The highlight of the day was when the gorilla came right up to the window to take a peak at my "monkey" :) He got soo close and was just staring at him!! Someone told me gorillas love babies and they were right! Keyser loved just taking everything in...hes a observer definitely. Just like Daddy :)

Heres the overload jumble of pics :)

First time on swing!

Cousins

These are pictures of his pro pics because they never emailed them to me! I love them :) JCPenney has a pretty awesome portrait studio!

We'll just say he wasn't put in his crib this way. Hes a "wallower" like his mommy! BTW, thats Indiana speak for a wiggle worm :) I found that out when Travis called me one! LOL

5 months!

2010-03-31T04:47:00.001-07:00

Well 5 long months have passed, our Keyser Boy, and we love you more than we ever thought possible. I heard a quote the other day about "before you were here a minute, I would die for you" and I thought about this in the car yesterday on my way to work. I would absolutely die for you...thats crazy how intense a parent's love for their child is. You mean the world to us, probably more than you will ever realize, that is, until you have your own babies. This love for you will span the terrible twos, the rebellious teenage years, the independent 20 something years, and long after you have grown up, flown the nest, and started a family of your own. Mommy and Daddy's love for you will never falter, even in the worst of times. I just want you to know this...

Well at 5 months, our Keyser Boy can:

~Roll over to his belly and back

~Wants so badly to sit up and can while propped with the boppy. He does "baby crunches" if you hold his legs, and completely pulls himself up!

~Still doesn't sleep through the night! (mommy really wishes he would!)

~Has had his first vegetable, peas, and hated every minute of it. We will try carrots tomorrow!

~Still has a love affair with his feet!

~Is working on his first 2 teeth, the bottom ones, and *hopefully* they will break through soon. They are so close the top of his gums are white!

~"Talks" a lot, and sometimes he puts himself to sleep by talking...its adorable.

~Finally, and pretty importantly, he sleeps in his crib!!! Without his swaddle (!!) and positioner (!!!) Yay!! I think this was more of a mommy hurdle and not so much him. I had a niece that died from SIDS so I am a bit of a freak about this, but we went to the crib and all other stuff cold turkey and it was a smooth process. I think we both were ready!

Now on to pictures!

First taste of peas...mid-shudder :) He gagged, shuddered, and oozed peas. I'd call it a semi-success!

Cool Guy

Mommy and Daddy like to dress me up and take funny pictures. Are these guys really my parents? At least I'm cute while doing it ;)

He loves, loves, loves to stand so we thought we'd let him. Don't worry, he was completely supervised!

C-A-T-S...Cats, Cats, Cats!

2010-03-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

This is so for Daddy, Grandmas and my sisters, I for one am a Louisville fan, but even I know to not get my hopes up that they move past the first round. Kentucky Wildcats, on the other hand, have a good chance of winning it all. So I pay homage to the one year that I spent there with some pics of our boy in his UK outfit...complete with socks! :)

3 quick notes!

2010-03-16T02:36:00.000-07:00

- Keyser rolled from back to belly yesterday...and then promptly cried because he was on his belly! Haha, silly boy, we are so proud!

- Keyser is trying to get 2 new teeth. As my husband calls it, reverse bunny teeth, right in time for easter :) They should be here in a few more weeks!!

- My parents celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary yesterday. They met at 18, knew each other all of 3 months and got married, and here they are 41 years later and are still head over heels for each other. Thats amazing to me and inspirational. I am so glad they have set such a good example on how to truly love someone.

Just a post a run, I have lots of pics, but no time to upload them! Take care!

Does this make me a big dork?

2010-03-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

I sing this to Keyser daily, along with hand gestures :) I watched it as a kiddo and I still remember the hand movements. If it makes it more tolerable, Keyser LOVES it :)

Oh and awesome big news!!! My oldest sister Nikki is PREGNANT! I knew this for a while, but she is older (38) and wanted to wait for the genetic tests to come back to say anything. Well, they came back yesterday and the baby is healthy, and..... we also found out its a BOY!!! Yay! Keyser will have a new playmate come September 2010! Now only if she would move closer :) She lives in Nashville, TN. I am so happy for you Nikki!!

Shes the one sitting down...my niece, her daughter, is my flower girl. She has beautiful babies :)

Da Da

2010-03-09T04:52:00.000-08:00

Yep, he said it. In his "Bananas over Mommy" shirt. Apparently he doesnt know who wakes up with him at 12 and 3 :) Its okay, we both love Daddy very much!

4 Months Old!

2010-03-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

We've come a long way, baby :)

At 4 months, Keyser:

-adorably blows raspberries.

-Has a new form of speaking, its called yelling. Not in anger or pain, just to do it!

-Loves to hang on to his feet, and my hair!

-eats rice cereal like its his job and will cry in between bites to get more.

-still breastfeeds like a champ, and my supply went up recently! *does a happy dance* This means less formula!

-giggles more and more, especially if you "bite" his ribs. He is a ticklish fella.

-still doesn't sleep through the night, he wakes up anywhere from 2 to 4 times a night, he will when he is ready. He just likes to eat!

-continues to be the best thing that has ever happened to us!

Wow, 4 months! He is getting so big and so adorable, if I may say so myself. He keeps us so busy too! I continue to have a lot of mommy guilt about being at work every day, so when I am at home, I love to snuggle as much as I can, which means a lack of gym time and cleaning time for me :) My husband doesn't like this very much though! I will get over it soon enough. Keyser still sleeps in his pack and play next to us, but thats our next big hurdle. He also still loves to be swaddled, and I asked the pediatrician about it, and she said to let him do it as long as he wants, it won't hurt him to be a baby for a while longer :) I need to find a bigger swaddler though...I think kiddopotamus makes a bigger one than small, but I have to order online. Any other moms know of a bigger size velcro swaddler?

I have to give love to my husband...he told me the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me the other day. He told me that I was the best mom he has ever seen and that Keyser is a lucky boy. Yep, I cried. I feel so overwhelmed sometimes and its nice to hear. I love you Travis...I know you will read this :)

Well, here are recent photos of our handsome guy...enjoy!

He actually likes it, promise :)

Handsome guy

Perfect 4 month picture...feet in hands :)

I can use all the support I can get!

2010-02-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

http://battleofthemombulge.blogspot.com/
This is my weight loss blog. I will lose it once and for all! I just wrote out my horribly embarrassing story for all to read if you are interested. I am so ready for this!

I take way too many pictures of my son...

2010-02-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

Beautiful blue eyes thanks to daddy :)

They are having a staring contest...the bear won :)

Blue eyes again

belly :)

My mom and sister went to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in January. They brought Keyser home the most ridiculous outfit that had camo "briefs" and a camo shirt with a cloth visor hat. We thought these "briefs" were so stinking funny! I took like a million pictures but will only subject you all to one...:) I introduce you to Rambo.

Keyser has become the happiest little person ever. My sister told me yesterday that there was no way I could get this lucky with such a good baby and he was for sure going to have horrible "terrible 2s", but really I am not so sure. He has a bit of a temper when he is hungry and wants it NOW...but he gets that honestly from mommy :) I really think he is going to be a very easy, happy baby and I love it! Now I bet I will get "blessed" with a difficult baby next time, but for now, I will enjoy my giggling lovebug.

3 month pictures! (there is a lot :)

2010-01-29T05:45:00.000-08:00

Three Months (and one day!)

2010-01-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

I got this bear at the hospital after my 2nd D&C. Its from the "Empty Arms" campaign. I told Travis I would sleep with this bear until I had a baby in my arms, and I did just that. I slept with this bear during TTC, pregnancy, and then when Keyser was born, it was his. It has seen a lot of miles, but has a sort of comfort about it. I am so glad I could do this to show him how much he was wanted.

Who doesnt love this face! So adorable and pitful at the same time :)

Well my boy is 3 months old!! He is amazing me everyday. As far as milestones, he can roll from belly to back (mostly to get out of the dreaded tummy time), he can giggle, smiles all the time, he watches Dora and loves it (yep I let him watch TV, only in about 10 minute increments...sue me!), he drools like its his job and I think he is teething (which may last many many months!), he can pull himself to a sitting position when he holds our hands, and he does baby crunches a lot when he is in his swing (looks like we need to make sure he is strapped in!). I think he will be trying to crawl soon, well maybe like 2 or 3 months from now, because he is always trying to push off with his feet, whether he is on his tummy or trying to stand up.

I cannot believe he is 3 months...time flies when you are having fun, and oh boy, we have lots of fun! Mommy and Daddy love you so much Keyser boy!

99 things...

2010-01-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

99 Things
This list is just for fun, seen on some other blogs... Bold the things you’ve done and post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band---(grade school band counts right? ;)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightening storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Pictures and things I dont want to forget!

2010-01-21T06:29:00.001-08:00

Keyser is almost 3 months now and I am not really sure where the time has gone! My sweet little baby is still wonderful and breastfeeds like a champ, but momma still cannot keep up with him so he is getting a little more formula. I am pretty sure he eats about 5 to 6 oz at a time, and he usually gets about 10 oz of formula a day. I am okay with that, as long as he is growing healthy and strong!

My little man has a new development. The Giggle. He is apparently very ticklish under his arm, and when tickled, will release the cutest and most adorable giggle along with almost gasping sounds. I laughed last night until I almost peed my pants, which made him laugh some more! I need to get this on video!!

He continues to surprise me everyday. He has such a sweet personality and is definitely a momma's boy. I love that he can calm himself when I hold him...nothing like that to make a mommy feel wanted :) He is doing better with the babysitter after a few rough days of "where the heck is my momma!" Well, someone woke up...I'm off to get him...enjoy the pictures!

2010-01-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks Mrs. Pink Pearls at http://placeofbee.blogspot.com/!! I love reading your blog too, and and hoping for a lucky cycle this time too :)

The rules:
List 10 things that make you happy.
Pass it on to 10 bloggers that make your day a better one!

1. Tie...My husband Travis and son Keyser
2. My family
3. a hot shower
4. my son's adorable giggle
5. trashy reality TV
6. getting my haircut...something about they way my hair feels :)
7. a clean home
8. achieving an A in my classes
9. being debt free
10. the wonderful conversations my husband and I can have while driving

Bloggers that make me smile :)

http://placeofbee.blogspot.com

http://kismetsfate.blogspot.com

http://lalalibraryland.blogspot.com

http://lettenbergertwins.blogspot.com

http://ourtemporaryhome.blogspot.com

http://minipingers.blogspot.com

http://mrsdutchie.blogspot.com/

http://redrose101307.blogspot.com

http://harpershappenings.wordpress.com/

http://storiesfrommyute.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

2 months!

2010-01-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

I am taking advantage of Keyser's 2 month shots (and sleepiness!) to finally update my blog! Its been a while! :)

Well, my "little" man is 2 months old now and today we got his stats. He is a big 12 lbs 13 oz, and is now 24 inches long! Thats 4 1/2 inches in the 2 months he has been on this earth!! Wow, someone wants to be as tall as daddy is...he's almost 6'5"!

This morning another major milestone happened (at least in my book :) Keyser rolled out of tummy time onto his back! He hates tummy time with a passion and I think he just found his out! LOL Smart little cookie!

Keyser is a very happy baby most days, and he loves, I mean LOVES, to talk! When we read a bedtime story at night, he will just talk and talk the whole time...its really adorable! He is also almost laughing, its kind of a heh laugh, but we are getting there! He loves to be talked to and hates laying down...he has to be upright when awake. He is a nosy boy :)

I went back to work on Monday the 4th and only worked one day. I go back tomorrow and am dreading it, but its actually more boring at work than it is at home! Who would have thought Keyser kept me so busy ;) He only has to see the babysitter 2 times a week and the other 2 days its daddy who watches him. I am pretty sure Grandma will be by a lot too while I'm working on the weekends :)

We had a great Christmas and a very wonderful New Year... I sure hope all of you had one too!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-12-07T12:32:00.001-08:00

(BTW this was the only good picture we got...he is such a wiggle worm! I weighed him with me today and I am *pretty* sure he is almost 11 lbs...wow! My little man isn't going to be so little for long! Hope you all are having a great holiday season so far :)

simply adorable

2009-12-01T05:20:00.000-08:00

I never have enough hours in the day to update, but I leave you with enough adorableness that hopefully it will last until I can do a proper update. Keyser had his one month checkup and unfortunately, he wasnt gaining enough weight. I don't know if I have a supply issue or he is just a growing baby, but he only gained 2 oz since birth and 6 oz from when we took him home. He did however grow 2 1/2 inches! He is going to be tall like daddy! Well, I am still breastfeeding but supplementing a 2oz bottle if needed, and wouldnt you know, we went back to the pedi 2 days later, and the little stinker gained 6 1/2 oz! I was so proud, but I was also a little sad knowing that he wasnt getting enough in the past few weeks. I have beaten myself up enough about it and now am proud that my little boy is gaining some new rolls and chub and its oh so adorable :) I leave you with his pro newborn pictures...enjoy!

where does the time go?!

2009-11-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

My baby boy is now almost 2 weeks old?! Where, oh where, is the time going?

Just a quick update with pictures! I have had a heck of a recovery time, with my c-section! I had a small portion of my incision open up which led to a blood clot beneath. Then, that led to the doctor opening up my incision, making about a 3 inch opening in my stomach, and was not able to close it up just in case another blood clot decided to make a appearance. Soooo....My awesome husband has had to "pack" my opening every morning and every night with gauze and tape it up. Let me tell you how awesome that feels (note sarcasm!) Honey, you should have been a doctor :) Also, I have had daily visits from my mom to help with things around the house and to cook for us. I feel helpless, but have had some great time bonding with Keyser all day long :) I go tomorrow to the doctor with big hopes that she will see that its good enough to stitch back up! I just want to feel normal again, and actually enjoy my maternity leave!

Well, on to the adorableness that is our son :)

He is here!

2009-10-28T04:25:00.000-07:00

After 14 hours of labor and a unplanned c-section...our little miracle is here! Still in the hospital and will probably be out tomorrow...

Heres the stats:

Keyser Maddox
9lbs 8 oz
born at 1:11 am via c-section
beautiful and breastfeeding like a champ!

Here are a few pic to hold everyone over :) I will post my birth story when I get a chance to finally breath :) He is such a good baby though, he barely cries!

So in 15 minutes, it will be tomorrow, and then...

2009-10-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

It (may) be my son's birthday! Yep, you heard correctly...I am getting induced tomorrow, October 26th! I will call at 5 am to see if they have a bed avaliable, and if they do, its show time :) They want to induce me since they think the baby will be too big by or after his due date and dont want to risk laboring with a big baby and a small pelvis... wasnt sure at first, but doc seems to think its a good idea, and I would like to keep myself from having a c-section. I still may need one, but I'd like to give myself a shot at a vaginal birth. Eek! I am so ready to meet the little boy we have been trying, hoping and praying for over 2 years for!

With that...my last survey, and I will post my last belly pic I take tomorrow sometime this week...although Keyser's pics will be the most important now :)

How far along? 39 weeks exactly

Total weight gain/loss: 36 lbs...and anything else now doesnt count :)

Maternity clothes? always

Stretch marks? I have new ones, courtesy of Mr. Keyser Maddox when he dropped at 36 weeks

Sleep: well, who thinks I can sleep tonight?! haha not me!

Best moment this week: the anticipation to meet him and my last day of work today for 9 weeks!

Movement: painful! Hes so cramped...

Food cravings: donuts! burritos! Pizza!

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: yes. O have BH and real contrax a lot!

Belly Button: still in and a lot flat, but it wont ever pop out

What I miss: nothing...I am so excited!

What I am looking forward to: Having this handsome boy in my arms!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy time with your DH or SO. Oh an sleep! I know I wont be getting much soon!

Milestones: Induction set...lets go!

Prodromal labor...I haz it.

2009-10-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

We spent our first time in Labor and Delivery yesterday afternoon. I was awake at 9:30 or so Friday night, calmly watching Project Runway on DVR and I started having some contractions. They were anywhere from 10-11 minutes apart and weren't too bad, but I kept a eye on them anyway. Well, they started coming closer together, slowly but surely every 3 hours or so, until, after a full night of no sleep because they were pretty uncomfortable, we decided to leave the house around 11 am on Saturday to get checked out. The contractions were close to 4 1/2 to 5 minutes apart at this point, and I had to breathe through them.

So, we thought, well this is it! We were pretty excited, we even called Travis' mom and dad, who were visiting friend in Tennessee, so come home because we for sure thought this was it! We get registered and triaged in Labor and Delivery, and then it happened. My contractions petered out...like went from 5 minutes to 7 minutes to no minutes apart. I really wanted to cry...I felt like I let everyone down. The nurse explained that when we are at home and we feel contractions, they get us anxious and worried...and she sees a ton of girls come in to the hospital to only have them slow down, because they are in the presence of professionals and feel more at ease. This is what happened to me. She told me not to be disappointed because I was in very early labor, or prodromal labor, which means I was definitely having real contractions and real pain, it just means that it could take a bit longer... I did however dilate at least another 1/2 a cm and am now completely 50% effaced, so I guess it was worth it :) The nurse expects to see us back soon, and we sure hope so!

On a better note, my husband was amazing. He was attentive, excited, and calm. I love him so much.

Heres a little info on what I have been going through. I never heard of prodromal labor, so maybe it will help some ladies out there. It is not to be confused with false labor...considering it feels very real :)

Prodromal Labor

Often in the past prodromal labor has been given the misnomer "false labor", yet every woman experiencing it has said in frustration "There's nothing false about what I'm feeling!" The misunderstanding has arisen because prodromal labor can feel very much like active labor, yet is not consistently progressive; it does not lead without a break to the birth of the baby. It does, though, serve an important function in the birth process. Prodromal labor does the preliminary work of preparing the uterus, baby and cervix for birth. All of this work has to be done before the baby can be born. Some women's bodies do it all without her being aware of it. However, some women's bodies draw a great deal of attention to the work being done. Too much sometimes.

"This is driving me crazy," one pregnant mother sighed. "I've been having contractions off and on now for three days. Just when I think it's time to call my midwife, they completely stop again!"

Length:

* Prodromal labor contractions may begin hours or even days before active labor.

Contractions:

* The contractions may feel like Braxton Hicks contractions or they may be quite a bit stronger.
*

* They are irregular in length, frequency and intensity. The key word here is irregular. In general though, they are not longer than a minute and not more frequent than 7 to 10 minutes apart. They shouldn't be so intense that they take your breath away.
*

*

They may or may not be affected by your activity. The wisest course is to vary your activity level, alternating periods of mild activity with rest.

Physical Effects:

* The cervix is moving from a posterior (back) position to an anterior (forward) position.
*

* The cervix is softening.
*

* The cervix is beginning its effacement or thinning. It may thin anywhere from 0% to 50% during this stage.
*

* You may lose your mucous plug from the cervix.
*

* Your cervix may begin to dilate, opening anywhere from 1 to 4 centimeters.

Emotional Effects:

* You may be quite excited when you first feel these contractions, especially if they are stronger than any you've had until now.
*

* As time goes on and the contractions continue without any apparent progress you may feel let down and eventually become quite tired and discouraged.

How To Cope:

* Resist the urge to call everyone immediately and tell them you are in labor. That way you will feel less like a watched pot waiting to boil. You should be able to handle these contractions with some relaxation techniques and concentration. If they are any stronger than that or you just aren't sure, you might want to go ahead and call your doula, she can help you to evaluate exactly what is going on.
* Use these contractions to get to know how your body feels as it begins the hard work of labor. Prepare mentally for the challenges you will shortly be facing.
* Now is not the time to hike ten miles or tromp through the mall for hours in a vain attempt to get labor going. You will just wear yourself out and have that much less energy for active labor.
* Be sure to eat well. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains are especially good now; they will provide you with plenty of energy reserves. Try to stick with foods that are easy on your digestion, you don't want to be dealing with heartburn on top of labor.
* Get plenty of rest. Even if the contractions are keeping you awake at night, nap as much as you can. Again, you want to conserve your energy for the hard work ahead.
* Resist as much as possible the urge to focus too much attention on these contractions. The more you watch, the more time will drag. Try to find some distracting activities to participate in.
* Keep your spirits up; remember that these contractions are doing important work!

Hi all...remember me? : )

2009-10-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately, between school and freaking out about becoming a mommy (a good kind of freaking out :) that I kind of have neglected my blog... But I have lots of pictures and stuff to say so I am excited to get it out! First,. lets start with the pictures!

Here is his finished nursery!

His crib still isn't in, so he will be in his bassinet in our bedroom until further notice, or well, until mommy and daddy are ready for him to sleep in his own room :)

Here are his going home outfit(s)...I just couldn't decide! The hospital bag is officially packed and put in the car, as well as the car seat base! We did this on last Sunday, 37 weeks and full term!!

So now onto my survey and so much has changed :)

How far along? 37 weeks 5 days...eek!!

Total weight gain/loss: ugh I am beginning to hate this question...34 lbs so far :(

Maternity clothes? always

Stretch marks? I have new ones, courtesy of Mr. Keyser Maddox when he dropped at 36 weeks

Sleep: I have insomnia some nights, I think caused by stress and excitement...but some days I sleep for 12 + hours!

Best moment this week: Seeing my little boy on the ultrasound again! I couldn't really make out what was what because he is so squished, but at 37 weeks and 4 days, he is weighing in at 8 lbs 3 oz. and is expected to gain possibly another lb and a half before his due date. Big boy, just as we expected! :) Hes such a cutie :)

Movement: slowing down to rolls and pushes, but I do know now where his bottom is and his feet are so I know what I am pushing back in when he stretches out.

Food cravings: donuts! caramel apples! snickers! You think this is why I have gained 34 lbs?! :)

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: Oh yes. At 35 weeks I started feeling menstrual cramps and back pain. This has only intensified and this week I thought I was seriously going into labor. I am only 1 cm dilated and possibly 50 % effaced, so I don't think these contrax are doing much, but I am definitely feeling them!
Belly Button: still in, I dont think it will ever pop out!

What I miss: I am nesting definitely so no more being lazy for me, lying around the house saying the chores can wait for tomorrow! I miss that! Good thing is that I have not had one dirty dish in my house for the past week, and I have now washed all bed linens and the shower curtain :)

What I am looking forward to: Having this handsome boy in my arms!

Weekly Wisdom: It goes by so quick...I am relishing each and every movement and moment we have together while he is still a inside baby. I am also enjoying my husband a lot because I know that it will no longer be "us" in just a couple of short weeks!

Milestones: Full term and less than 3 weeks until D day!

no freaking way...

2009-09-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Its my 35/35! I cannot believe it! 35 days (or less)(hopefully!) until we get to meet our handsome boy...time flies! I hate to post and run, but I will update tomorrow with a ::ahem:: quite expanded belly pic :)

Are you sure you aren't having twins?

2009-09-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yep, I got that dreaded comment last night, from a guest at my hotel of all people! Its called tact people. :)

How far along? 33 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: 25 lbs...I gained 6 lbs in 3 weeks....gulp!

Maternity clothes? always

Stretch marks? They are there, but mixed in with some old school ones

Sleep: Good nights and bad nights

Best moment this week: Hanging out with my nephew and niece. We babysat them on Saturday and it felt like I had a little family when we went out to eat and shop. I cannot wait to do this with Keyser.

Movement: hes a crazy man.

Food cravings: everything...is that possible?! Snickers bars this week! (but I have only had 1 :)

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: no, but the Braxton Hicks have become more intense. I woke up a few times to feeling my belly tighten!

Belly Button: still in, I dont think it will ever pop out!

What I miss: energy! and being able to get socks on without a lot of grunting!

What I am looking forward to: Having this handsome boy in my arms!

Weekly Wisdom: This applies to my sleep...I am always looking forward to sleep the next day. So if I have a bad night, I just tell myself, "just get through today and you can sleep tonight" It helps to have goals ;)

Milestones: only 4 weeks to full term and 7 weeks to due date! Seriously?!

32 weeks, belly shot, and nursery progress!

2009-09-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hello blog world! Long time no talk :)

The Thursday before my baby shower, I got the biggest surprise! My mom, who I was for sure was not going to make it to my baby shower, was coming home, and she was taking me crib shopping! I was really down about her not being able to come and all, so this was a big spirit lifter for me. I was shocked when she threw in the bit about getting the crib and bedding :) We went to the store that she has bought all the grand kiddos cribs at, and we looked around and I fell in love with the masculinity and sturdiness of the Munire Magestic crib! I ordered it in the color shown below...it goes great with the nursery colors and the bedding I picked out. The only downside is that I ordered it at about 30 weeks, and it will take 8 to 14 (!!) weeks to come in, so I will bet ya the baby is here before his crib gets here. Its okay though because we are using a bassinet for the first month or 2 anyway.

So here is the crib (pic from internet)!

And here is the bedding! I love it and it matches our paint perfectly! I love how its not like everything else I have seen...

We also got a gate to keep the doggies out of the nursery because they are nosy butts! It has a little door that swings open so I don't have to try to swing my leg over while holding the baby :)

And here I am in all my 32 week glory...Lordy, he is getting huge!

And last but not least, here I am from my shower which was August 29th! We had so much fun and everyone was so generous! It was mostly family with a few friends thrown in and we had a great time. I would show you more pictures, but seriously, I looked like a whale :( Its okay, it had to do with the angles and me sitting down with my comfy dress, but I really don't mind if it means this little boy is growing big :)

For our shower we received out Graco Travel System (in the Little Hoot pattern...so cute!), our high chair (also Little Hoot), a gazillion receiving blankets, our scrapbook and baby book, cute clothes, a diaper bag, and way too much more cute stuff to even mention! I am very grateful for the wonderful people in my life!

In un-baby related news, I started back for the fall semester 2 weeks ago and it has taken over my life with school and all. I was very hesitant to start school this semester, because frankly, I thought I was crazy for doing this with a baby due in the MIDDLE of the semester, but it turns out I have some awesome professors who understand my situation and I have made arrangements for the week or so I plan to be out of class. From every one I have talked to, it will be harder for me to leave the baby with my husband or mother in law, then it will to actually sit in class. I am worried about the whole breastfeeding thing too, but I will cross that bridge when I get to it. For now, I am focusing on keeping my grades up for the next month and however long so I am in good shape when I am out having the baby. Luckily, I only have class 2 nights and week for 2 hours or so and one class on Saturday for 4 hours, so I am not gone too much.

Well onto my boring survey :)

How far along? 32 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: 19 lbs so far

Maternity clothes? yup

Stretch marks? They are there, but mixed in with some old school ones

Sleep: The worst part of sleep is getting a good solid 5 hours in, then waking up to pee and not being able to get back to bed. It has happened to me 3x in 2 weeks.

Best moment this week: Our friends had a baby girl this week and we got to visit Miss Kathryn in the hospital...she is beautiful!

Movement: he has gotten more active recently...I saw something move all the way across my belly!

Food cravings: Spaghetti and anything with beef in it

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: Some Braxton Hicks more frequently

Belly Button: still in, I dont think it will ever pop out!

What I miss: nothing! I am getting really excited! Well, I do kind of miss my energy!

What I am looking forward to: Having this handsome boy in my arms!

Weekly Wisdom: You can do it...This is my mantra lately!

Milestones: School started which means time is going to fly! Am I ready? I sure hope so!

Oh yeah, and I almost forgot... He has a NAME! We announced it to our family and friends and the baby shower and now I will announce it to the internet world! :)

Our little monkey will be Mr. Keyser Maddox Johnson :) We love it!
( and it is pronounced Kaiser, you wouldnt believe how many people have thought its Key-ser and in lock and key. Oh well, Keyser is the original spelling and we love it so thats all that matters :)

30 weeks or 75% done!

2009-08-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 19 lbs so far

Maternity clothes? yup

Stretch marks? I used to think, "ehh, nothing crazy" but I took a bare belly pic and I was shocked! The flash must have done some crazy things to my stretch marks! I will not be posting those here :(

Sleep: you win some days, and and you lose some days

Best moment this week: cleaning out the nursery of garage sale stuff. It feels like its coming together now!

Movement: crazy as always

Food cravings: ICEES!, Subway/Jimmy Johns, soft pretzels (as you can see, I have made quite a few target trips, since that is the only place I know to get Icees and soft pretzels)

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: not yet, but I have had some BH

Belly Button: still in, I dont think it will ever pop out!

What I miss: the feeling of relief when I got to the bathroom. I mean, this kid must know when my bladder is empty, and then lays on it to make me feel like its full again!

What I am looking forward to: My baby shower is this weekend! I am looking forward to seeing everyone!

Weekly Wisdom: Just when you think you have things down, they change. Expect the unexpected.

Milestones: I am 3/4 of the way done! As Travis told me today...In 7 to 10 weeks, I will be even more outnumbered (dogs included)! I cannot wait!

So, I had a horrible day at the doctors last Thursday. Started out just fine...I didn't have to wait too long to be seen, only gained 1 lb in 3 weeks (yay!)...and then the fun began. (please note the sarcasm) I waited nearly a hour to be called back. I see the doc for 2 minutes, seriously, and I forget almost all the questions I needed to ask (I know, I need a list!). I did remember I needed to get my Rho-gam shot, so I asked for that and I got it thank goodness. Here comes the kicker...Even though I passed my Gestational Diabetes test with flying colors, she wants me to take the test again...THAT day! I had not fasted because I wasnt told this was going to happen and I ate a granola bar before I went in (one with chocolate chips!) and then I had to drink the horrible drink, which was orange this time, and I liked fruit punch much better! Then I had to wait around AGAIN for a hour to get my blood drawn, and while I am waiting I decided to call my mom. I dont talk a lot about my mom, and its for a good reason. She frustrates the hell out of me! I dont really know why, I love her to death, but she can be sometimes either pretty flighty, or pretty self-absorbed. She has missed my birthday more times than I would like to count, has been out of town for important events of my life, and now I hear she probably is most likely not coming to my baby shower. Dont get me wrong...I love my mom so much, she has been a rock for me in tough times, and the first person I turn to when I need a shoulder... Its just sometimes I dont think she realizes that certain things are important to people. Anyway...Combine the long doctor's visit (about 3 hours), having a horrible sugar rush and then crash, and finding out that my mom will be out of town for my shower (that she knew about for 6 weeks) made for a very cranky pregnant lady. As soon as I left the office, I cried to my husband. I then called my sister and best friend, and bawled to her. Then I called my brother and fought back tears. It was a bad day. Thankfully I havent heard from the doc office yet, so I will officially believe that come Tuesday, if I havent heard anything about my 2nd test, no news is good news! I am crossing every appendage!

Oh yeah...I failed to mention that my belly is measuring 4 weeks ahead. I guess I might need to return all the newborn stuff I bought. Looks like we might have a chunker on our hands!

Sorry this is so long...I needed to vent!

28 weeks and I passed!!!

2009-08-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

How far along? 28 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: 18lbs so far, I need to stop eating so many cheeseburgers :)

Maternity clothes? pretty much every article of clothing

Stretch marks? nothing major and wasn't there before

Sleep: with my never ending carpal tunnel in my hands making them fall asleep, I wake up 20 times a night. I have noticed a decrease in unrination which I never thought could make me happier :)

Best moment this week: sending out baby shower invites, feeling hiccups!

Movement: I drank a mt. dew (gasp, I know!) and he went wild! I am usually too busy with guests at the hotel to feel him a whole lot, but last night, he was a dancing king!

Food cravings: cheeseburgers, peaches, ice cream Drumsticks

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: no real ones, but Braxton Hicks have started!

Belly Button: still in, I dont think it will ever pop out!

What I miss: non- numb hands...they are falling asleep as I type this

What I am looking forward to: baby shower in less than 3 weeks! I get to see my sister and niece from Nashville, and I cannot wait!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment. As much as I hate to admit it, this pregnancy has flown! Soon he will be a outside baby!

Milestones: I passed my Gestational Diabetes test!!

I am so excited to pass my GD test. Funny, I look at that and see "GD" test as in the other sense of the letters, and it is so true. This test caused me more stress than any college exam of the past! See, my WHOLE entire side of my Dad's family has GD. My sister had it with both of her pregnancies too. The 2nd pregnancy, she was diagnosed at just 12 weeks. I am just like my dad. I am also a lot like my sister. I know its silly to think, but I thought since I had a lot of the same genetics as them, I would get it too. I mean, I am not a skinny minnie. I was for sure I would get a call that said, "Sorry kiddo, you failed, and you failed so bad we don't even think you need to take the 3 hr, don't go past go, go directly to jail." Okay, well maybe not in those words, but you catch my drift :) Well, I had to call THEM, and they finally called me back a agonizing day later saying the 2 best words ever, "You passed!" I was relieved to say the least! Yay!

In other baby news...I got 2 comments last week. Not so good ones. Both of my sweet old maintenance guys at the hotel told me I really look pregnant now. One even asked if I was sure there weren't 2 in there! On the outside, I smiled a sweet smile and politely said nope, just one big boy. On the inside, being pregnant and all, I wanted to ask how many he had in his belly! Does this make me a bad person?
:)

Oh yeah, and we got Little Man's coming home outfit! I know I thought I got one before, but this one I know is it...since he is due a day after Halloween and we always call him Monkey, I found the softest newborn sleeper that doubles as a costume (which of course he would only use in the comfort of the hospital and his own home :) Its a adorable monkey, with a hood with monkey ears and a detachable tail. I about died when I saw it! I was in love!

Whew, I have been rambling...hope you girls (and my husband since I know he reads this :) have a great week!

3rd Trimester!

2009-08-02T13:24:00.001-07:00

Last belly pic of 2nd Trimester taken at 26 w 5 days... Dont mind my sagging pants, they must have been falling down!

How far along? 27 weeks exactly

Total weight gain/loss: 18lbs (yes, I gained 6 at my last appt! My doc still hasnt said anything though :)

Maternity clothes? pretty much every article of clothing

Stretch marks? nothing major and wasn't there before

Sleep: hmm, I can sleep pretty well, but my hands fall asleep and I change position constantly and I pee at least 2x a night. Otherwise, its great! ;)

Best moment this week: making it finally to 3rd tri!

Movement: He is crazy man! He actually kicked me so hard when I was at the doctor, the doctor felt it while trying to get his heatbeat reading! She was like "Whoa". I told him, buddy, you are way too young for that sass :)

Food cravings: cheeseburgers, chef boyardee raviolis, nectarines

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: no real ones, but Braxton Hicks have started!

Belly Button: still in

What I miss: nothing. I am really enjoying this part of pregnancy!

What I am looking forward to: sending out the baby shower invites this week! Well, I wont be, but they are going out!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment. As much as I hate to admit it, this pregnancy has flown! Soon he will be a outside baby!

Milestones: just making it to 3rd trimester. I know I saw this every time, but I never thought I'd ever make it here!

Oh. My. Goodness!

2009-07-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

99 days left! Double digits! This pregnancy is flying :)

I'm not slacking this week! Yay!

2009-07-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Impromptu belly shot... That shirt is working pretty hard there :)

I haven't gone a bit overboard have I? I am now moving on to 3-6 months (left side) and summer clothes! I love to shop, as if it isn't apparent!

The begginings of the nursery. Paint was already done with previous owners so that was easy...basically a pretty blue with clouds, and a sage green under the chair rail. We are going with a jungle theme and it works really well! I saw these at a store and I needed them :) They were only a $1 each so who could resist? This will be the corner where the glider will go.

How far along? 25 w 1 d

Total weight gain/loss: 12 lbs, although, I am afraid to step on the scale!!

Maternity clothes? pretty much every article of clothing

Stretch marks? nothing major and wasn't there before

Sleep: Its good but I have been having some bad dreams. Nothing too bad, but a little weird...

Best moment this week: I forgot that last week was V-day! That is pretty awesome and the fact that I talked to my mom and she told me that she was excited to go crib shopping and bedding shopping! I knew about the crib gift from her and my dad but had no idea about the bedding! My mom and dad are rarely in town so I cannot wait until the get back and we can have a mom and daughter day!

Movement: Everyday, all day! He is especially active when its bed time...lil stinker!

Food cravings: french fries, kiwi, and bbq sauce! As always meat and cheese too.

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: no real ones, but Braxton Hicks have started!

Belly Button: still in

What I miss: nothing. I am really enjoying this part of pregnancy!

What I am looking forward to: My baby shower! There has been a lot of talk about it recently :) Only about 5 more weeks to go!

Weekly Wisdom: I have my days where I act like I am disabled more than pregnant. I can get out and do things still, and I remembered this while pushing my niece and nephew on the swings today. I had so much fun and I felt like I got a little exercise. I need to remember more often that I need to do the things I enjoy now before I get to big to enjoy them!

Milestones: We are pretty sure Travis SAW the baby move. We will try more, but little man gets a bit stubborn when I want to show him off to daddy. Like father, like son :)

I've been so lazy!

2009-07-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

How far along? 24 w 3 d

Total weight gain/loss: 12lbs as of my last OB appt, but I think I may have gained another lb or 2.

Maternity clothes? pretty much every article of clothing

Stretch marks? nothing major and wasn't there before

Sleep: Its been pretty good. I have had some horrible hip pain so I love sleep because it gets me off my feet!

Best moment this week: Little man had a dance party in my stomach yesterday and I watched it from the outside! He was really moving in there and this was the first time I could actually see it!!

Movement: Everyday and it seems like all day! He is especially a afternoon kind of guy.

Food cravings: any meat, cheese, and granola bars (but the unhealthy ones like chocolate chip ;)

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button: still in

What I miss: nothing. I am really enjoying this part of pregnancy!

What I am looking forward to: Weirdly enough, my GD test. Diabetes run in my family, but my doc says I have none of the symptoms so far, so I would really like to see whats up and if I have GD. I will find out in about 2 weeks.

Weekly Wisdom: The baby will follow its own schedule. Just because I am not reaching "milestones" as fast as other people doesnt mean squat. My little man will do what he wants when he wants. Every pregnancy is different!

Milestones: Travis felt the baby from the outside at 23 weeks exactly!

Sorry to post the survey and run but I will get going on the belly pic tomorrow! I have just been working and being lazy, and kind of forgot last week! Thats pregnancy brain for ya. Hope everyone is well!!

A late 22 weeks!

2009-07-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

How far along? 22 w 5 d

Total weight gain/loss: I had a OB appt yesterday and I am officially up 12 lbs

Maternity clothes? pretty much every article of clothing

Stretch marks? nothing major and wasn't there before

Sleep: I have been getting so good decent stretches of sleep, especially when I am worn out

Best moment this week: Seeing our son again on the u/s. We saw him yesterday to measure his spine

Movement: Everyday and it seems like all day! He is especially a afternoon kind of guy.

Food cravings: pasta, mexican and any meat or cheese

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button: still in

What I miss: nothing. I am really enjoying this part of pregnancy!

What I am looking forward to: A friend of mine is having a baby shower next weekend so that will be fun. We got a cool present so I hope she likes it!

Weekly Wisdom: TMI warning!! : Dont "push" to hard when going to the bathroom. This sorta mimics labor and my weak cervix thinks it means I should spot. Ugh, I have learned my lesson after a good cry or two and a talk with the doc!

Milestones: less than 4 months to go!! We are so anxious!!

I brought my MIL with me to see my u/s yesterday because she is probably the best grandma to be in the world (she is VERY excited to meet this little guy!) and she has also never seen a u/s before. We get there and get called back by my favorite u/s tech ever and get in the room. And then... The most "business" u/s tech ever walks in and I feel so bad for my MIL. This lady was not rude, just fast and all business. She looked for the spine first which is definitely why we were there, then she showed us the baby for about 1 minute and printed out the worst pictures and said, "Okay you can wipe yourself off now" and left. I felt so bad for my MIL because she took off work in hopes to get to see her grandson and I felt she got a little slighted. Its okay, she did get to see his heart a beating, and his little face so she was still excited!

Then we ate Mexican (yum!) and shopped for the baby shower present. We of course couldnt make a shopping trip incomplete, so my little man got a bag full of goodies too! He is so darn spoiled! She also bought his his pack and play with the built in bassinet and I am so excited for it! I posted the link because I am picture illiterate...its such cute monkeys! Hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!

http://www.target.com/Graco-Pack-Play-Monkey-Business/dp/B001F6YO2S/qid=1246636064/ref=br_1_14/185-9666489-4913227?ie=UTF8&node=1041924&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

21 weeks! Survey and Belly pics

2009-06-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

How far along? 21 w 3 d

Total weight gain/loss: pretty sure its about 12 lbs now

Maternity clothes? mostly everything

Stretch marks? nothing major and wasn't there before

Sleep: eh, it loves me and hates me

Best moment this week: well last week I registered! That was fun :)

Movement: His sweet butterflies have been replaced with roundhouse kicks and front jabs. Move over Tito Ortiz, my boy just might be in the MMA like daddy wants! :)

Food cravings: meat, cheese, and lemonade (hows that for old wives tales!)

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button: still in

What I miss: nothing. I am really enjoying this part of pregnancy!

What I am looking forward to: Seeing him again on July 2nd! Hope he cooperates this time!

Weekly Wisdom: Early on I was miserable and didn't think I liked being pregnant so much. I kept telling myself it would get better. It has gotten better. I love it!

Milestones: finally getting to register and shop for our little boy!

Please excuse the arm (yikes) :)

He's not spoiled or anything...

2009-06-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

My MIL and I went shopping this last Tuesday. I would have loved to go with Travis or my mom, but they both weren't able to go, and lets face it... I have 2 main shopping buddies, my sister and my MIL. And boy can she shop! All of the outfits in his closet (including little baby shoes, socks, and a stuffed animal) came from her. Travis and I bought one outfit after the u/s, and a friend from work bought him a few things. Everyone is so generous! He is going to be one spoiled cookie!

Here are some of my favorites!

I think this will be his "going home outfit"...although I am not sure yet!

All this only after 2 days! Whew...I am so grateful. We've waited a long time for you buddy!

Drumroll Please....

2009-06-16T10:35:00.001-07:00

Its a BOY! We were so wrong, but I couldn't imagine it being any other way now. I cannot wait to have a little soccer player running around creating mischief! Travis told me he was going to become a MMA fighter, but we'll see about that! He does like to kick mommy a lot so maybe he might be right :) We get to have another u/s in 2 weeks because baby was stubborn and wouldn't move (just like daddy :) Hopefully we get to see his spine this time! I will tell you though, he was not shy about the money shot! I think the tech knew within the first few moments!

Here is handsome...

These are his "boy parts"

Here he is showing us how flexible he is! Thats his leg above his head. Apperently that is his preferred position because he would NOT move so that the tech can get a shot of his spine. Thats okay though, I get to see him again in 2 weeks :)

Today has been a very exciting day! I cannot wait to meet our son! :)

How far along? 20 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: 10 lbs (!!!)

Maternity clothes? mostly everything

Stretch marks? nothing major and wasn't there before

Sleep: is becoming uncomfortable again :(

Best moment this week: seeing our son on the u/s

Movement: I am feeling him almost every day now!

Food cravings: meat, cheese, and lemonade (hows that for old wives tales!)

Gender: BOY! Handsome and adorable!

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button still in

What I miss: sleeping on my back

What I am looking forward to: Seeing him again on July 2nd! Hope he cooperates this time!

Weekly Wisdom: Now that I feel kicks I have to learn that not everything is a bad sign. I had some spotting due to stretching, and I freaked. Not 20 minutes later baby kicked me as if to say hello, I'm okay in here. I love this reassurance!

Milestones: finding out that our baby is a BOY!

sweet babies

2009-06-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is my oh so sweet nephew Hayden and niece Bailey. They make my heart smile!

Bailey is 2 1/2 and getting such a personality. When you say cheese she throws he arms to the side and makes her huge grin. Then she immediately wants to see what the picture looks like and laughs and laughs. She is such a ham! When you ask to take a pic with you she will wrap her arm around you and squeeze you in close. My sister says she is the queen of all things girly! Seriously, you don't give this girl toys, you get her shoes and purses. We are in trouble...

Hayden is growing up too fast and I cannot believe he is starting kindergaten this fall! I asked him what he wanted the baby to be, and he said boy because he will get to play with him. I asked him if he would play with the baby if its a girl, and he flat out said no. He told me Bailey could though. At least he's considerate :)

Thats all, I'll stop bragging now :) Only 3 more days and we are soooo excited!!

Almost there!

2009-06-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

How far along? 19 weeks even

Total weight gain/loss: 10 lbs (!!!)

Maternity clothes? all my pants are, but went shopping this week and found a few tops from Old Navy that fit wonderfully that aren't maternity. Yay!

Stretch marks? I think I am getting my first from baby. I have a long scar on my stomach from surgery I had on it, and I am seeing little red marks around it.

Sleep: Its alright. I find that I can sleep better during my daily naps.

Best moment this week: My dr. appointment last Thursday. Hearing the heartbeat doesn't ever get old!

Movement: I am feeling it almost every day now!

Food cravings: Any red meat, peaches, lemonade

Gender: Only 1 week (and 2 days) to go! I still think girl, but I will be so happy either way!

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button still in

What I miss: sleeping on my back

What I am looking forward to: Our big u/s Tuesday the 16th! Vote to the left!

Weekly Wisdom: I am not wishing myself to get big too soon. I am learning that I will grow bigger pretty much every week now and with that I will continue to get more and more uncomfortable!

Milestones: Almost the big u/s! Woo hoo!

So I went to the doctor the other day and sat for about a hour waiting for her (but thats another story!) and when she finally came in, I was able to ask her a question that has been hanging over my head for a couple of weeks now. My right hand gets achy and tingly/numb every so often, and to tell you the truth, I was kind of worried. She tells me I have developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! What fun! She says its because I work on the computer most of the day and I should get a hand brace if it bothers me too much. She said that the good thing is that it goes away after pregnancy. Oh yay! I get 21 more weeks of feeling like my hand is going to fall off! Lucky me! :) Oh the joys of pregnancy!

Biggity Bump

2009-05-29T11:53:00.001-07:00

17w 4 d bump. I know it will just get bigger, but some days I feel like its as big as it can get! I am going to assume I havent seen the end of the growing bump just yet.

Oh and I threw in a comparison shot. Crazy!

Mommy View

17 weeks

7 weeks

Oh Geez....its you again.

2009-05-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog World! I have been super busy and super tired, I've neglected this thing. I think this week will actually maybe have a belly pic! I cannot wait to see my progress in pictures :)

How far along? 17 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: 6 lbs I think.

Maternity clothes? totally

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep: Its better. I found out that when I am a total lazy butt and lay around on the couch all day, it makes my back hurt worse. When my back hurts, I can't sleep. I guess my body enjoys working its ass off :)

Best moment this week: My nephew's birthday party. Everyone got together with a surprise visit from my sister from Nashville and I got a lot of ohhs and awws. I sometimes like to be the center of attention, what can I say :)

Movement: yep. On 17 weeks on the dot, I felt flutters and then they faded away. It has to be what it was.

Food cravings: beef. Sounds gross but oh so heavenly. I crave cheeseburgers all the time!

Gender: We find out in 3 weeks. Mother's intuition still says girl. Vote on the left to give your 2 cents! (Thanks to all who have voted!...looks like you think a girl too :)

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? in, but my belly is flattening out. Not by any means close to flattening, but I barely have a chub roll anymore ;P

What I miss: sleeping on my back

What I am looking forward to: My drs appt next Thursday and the baby's heartbeat again!

Weekly Wisdom: Relish the days I feel great! I tend to worry about it but I am learning to love them!

Milestones: just making it this far. Who would have known!

Okay so my title...yeah, morning sickness decided to return around 16 weeks and has graced me with its presence every day or so. It sucks and I hope it goes away soon!

Happy anniversary to me!

2009-05-19T08:44:00.001-07:00

Two blissful years later, I am still the happiest girl in the world.

We have been through so much and yet we are stronger than ever. I love him more now than I ever have. I cannot wait to make him a Daddy.

Tonight consists of our favorite Red Robin dinner, and probably some cuddles on the couch. I'll be getting pretty today so maybe I will post a belly pic...its getting a lot bigger and its pretty hard! My stomach has always been squishy so I feel like I have been working out :)

I love you Travis! Heres to eternity...

P.S. Take my poll to the left if you get a chance...I would love to see what everyone thinks! :)

I will try to...

2009-05-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Figure out the darn dog post. For some reason it won't let me copy and paste a Word doc. Oh well!

Happy Belated Mother's Day! (this is long!!)

2009-05-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was planning on updating last week, but with finals, work, and a doctors appointment, I decided to wait until now. Mothers day was wonderful and Travis did not disappoint when it came to presents! Now, we are not the type to go out and get expensive things. We very rarely spend money on presents with the exception of Christmas and this holiday was no different. What I did get was a adorable Word document written from Baby and our boys, our Labs. Apparently, according to Travis, Baby really love some Fresh Prince of Bel-Air...and if you know our dogs...this is very true to them :) This may be long, but I wanted to share!

P.S. My husband is the most creative and smart person I know :)

"Baby's version of journey to Mommy's belly"

Now, this is a story all about how
My body is getting flipped-turned upside down
I'd like to take a minute
So don't be a dummy
I'll tell you, mommy, how I became the baby in your tummy.

In Southern Indiana, formed and raised
In daddy's testes is where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out maxin' relaxin in an environment that was cool
Bouncing around everywhere when daddy shot B-Ball outside of school
When a few thousand sperm
Who were up to some good
Said, Let's break away from this neighborhood
I filled with fright and got a little scared
But I said, "Forget it, I'll go down this tunnel and see what's there!"

I whistled down the tube full of fear
The journey was fresh then it became clear
If anything, this opportunity was rare
So I thought, "I'll go where it takes me, I don't care!"

I arrived at the ovaries around February 7th or 8th
And I yelled to my fellow sperm, "Yo, homies catch you later"
First one to fertilize the egg, I was finally there
To settle my throne in mommy's tummy until i breathe air

Now, to the doggies... :)

Now without any more interruptions, here is the survey.

How far along? 15 weeks one day!

Total weight gain/loss: 5 lbs according to the doctor's scale

Maternity clothes? totally

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep: Travis has officially become the sleep nazi. I stupidly told him that the baby book told me to sleep on my left side, not on my back and if I can help it, to not sleep on my right side. Well, now Travis will seriously wake up in the middle of the night if I roll over and just say "Left". Like the baby I am, I huff and puff and roll over unwillingly to my left. Its quite comical.

Best moment this week: Mother's Day with my husband and my family. I will post a pic of the pretty figurine my sister got me on the sly. I was seriously shopping with her and she bought it! How did I not know!!

Movement: Not that I know of, I havent felt what I thought was movement 2 weeks ago again, so that may have been gas?

Food cravings: ground beef, thats about it.

Gender: I still think girl and so does Travis...we find out in 5 weeks!

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: sleeping on my back

What I am looking forward to: Movement!

Weekly Wisdom: Go with the flow...I dont have many symptoms any more and I relish in it instead of freaking out. Besides, I am really starting to feel and look pregnant!

Milestones: My first Mother's (to be) day ever pregnant!

Goodbye first tri! belly pics and surveys

2009-04-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I think its official. I feel huge! And its just going to get bigger! Oh well, I had my first belly pat from MIL so I guess it is starting to resemble a bump...Cute thing was is that she hesitated at first like, am I supposed to do this. I said it was fine and she patted away. Its only accepted from family members though :)

How far along? 13 weeks 4 days

Total weight gain/loss: I think I am now up 4 lbs. The scale fluctuates

Maternity clothes? I am pretty much in full maternity now. We went out and bough a few thing to hold me over.

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep: I get up multiple times to use the restroom and can never get back to sleep! I am just uncomfortable!

Best moment this week: Hands down, making it into the second trimester!

Movement: Call me crazy, and that I may very well be, but I think I felt some "tap, tap, taps" It was a feeling I have never felt before, and it kinda made my heart stop. I felt it while trying to go to bed. If this is some movement, I am in love!

Food cravings: Strawberries, strawberries, strawberries :) I had a hankering for a cheeseburger last night really bad, and I got it!

Gender: FIL, Sister and nephew all say boy, everyone else thinks girl. I will be scheduling my big U/S this next Wednesday!

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: my sleep

What I am looking forward to: Actual movement that I know is movement, my next appointment next Wednesday, my energy back and the end of the semester!

Weekly Wisdom: have lots of faith in your body and God...those things will pull you through.

Milestones: made it to the 2nd tri and announced it to the world (via Facebook and Myspace of course :)

bored...

2009-04-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

A - Age: 26
B - Bed size: queen
C - Cat's names: No cats for us, only dogs
D - Dusk or Dawn: I am a morning person...I hear Travis laughing as I type this.
E - Essential start your day item: a water
F - Favorite colors: green
G - Gold or Silver: silver
H – Height: 5'8"
I - Instruments you play: I am not that talented. Played clarinet in 5th grade band though :)
J - Job title: hotel slave
K - Kid(s): on the way
L - Living arrangements: Own our home in the country
M - Mom's name: Shannon
N – Nicknames: Chelseybelle, Chels
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: not since I was 5, had half of my stomach removed.
P - Pet Peeve: yikes! Biting your fork with your teeth, smacking your lips, interrupting my TV shows :)
Q - Quote from a movie: "I carried a watermelon"
R - Right or left handed: righty
S - Siblings: 2 older sisters and a older brother
T - Time you wake up: depend on the day, usually no later than 10 am
U- Underwear: yes
V - Vegetable you dislike: sweet potatoes
W - Ways you run late: sleeping in, trying to make breakfast, being lazy
X - X-rays: I have had a few in my days.
Y - Yummy food you make: Chicken enchiladas
Z - Zoo favorite: I love Polar Bears...they are my favorite even though they'd probably rip me to shreds!

I am a bit slow this week...

2009-04-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

How far along? 12 weeks 4 days

Total weight gain/loss: still up 3 lbs total

Maternity clothes? well, I am in full maternity pants now, thanks to my sister who gave me 2 pairs of Gap Mat jeans, which brings my grand total of pants up to 4 which I interchange ;)

I did clean out my closet last night and only put the clothes that I can actually wear back in...I now have a bag full of "skinnier" clothes in the baby's closet....see you in about 7 months!

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep: I still get up 3 x or so to pee so its always interrupted

Best moment this week: I am finally off the progesterone suppositories!! I called my doc at 12 weeks and she said no more! I feel accomplished, albeit a bit scared...

Movement: S/He is moving in there, but I cant feel it yet!

Food cravings: Strawberries, strawberries, strawberries. Oh an hot dogs!

Gender: My sister dropped a bomb on me and said she thinks its now a boy. My 4 year old nephew thinks so too. Everyone else, including me, thinks girl

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: not much...I now love being pregnant and knowing I have a beautiful baby cooking in there :)

What I am looking forward to: the end of the semester in 2 weeks, Travis' cousin finally mowing grass this week! Travis says I absolutely cannot mow now that I am pregnant, and he hates it with a passion, so we "hired" his cousin. I hope he doesn't hate us by the end of the summer...most of the backyard is a hill and we only have a push mower :)

Weekly Wisdom: have lots of faith in your body and God...those things will pull you through.

Milestones: less than 1 week until the 2nd trimester and 2 weeks until the next appt!

whoa...so it is getting bigger! and Easter pics!

2009-04-17T11:46:00.001-07:00

These are my adorable nieces and nephew. Makayla is 9(oldest sister's daughter), Bailey is 2 and Hayden is 4 (almost 5) (they are brother and sister). They are growing up so fast! We spent Easter weekend in Nashville, TN at my oldest sister's home, and we had a blast!

Now on to the bloat/bump!
Excuse the messy room and my pocket coming out of my jeans...I took like 20 pics until I got one I liked, and didnt feel like doing it again :)

Its like the energizer bunny...it keeps growing and growing! I feel like a whale but in a good way. The bump/bloat whatever is visible at work, but I still have my secret. I think they must think I am getting fat! I am telling my boss this weekend, so wish me luck! He will be happy for me, but its still kind of nerve racking! Then, I will probably wait another week (if I can) to tell the rest of the hotel staff.

I can finally see it getting bigger and thats exciting, even if its not completely baby yet!

Tomorrow I will be under 200 days!

2009-04-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

How far along? 11 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain/loss: 3 lbs at docs office, 1 lb according to home scale. Either way, doc approved.

Maternity clothes? trying to hold off on full force maternity until 2nd tri.

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep: I could live without the 3x pee breaks, but sleep is pretty good.

Best moment this week:I am finally feeling better. I have only gotten sick 1 days in about 5. Record for me.

Movement: S/He is moving in there, but I cant feel it yet!

Food cravings: Strawberries, Salsa, water

Gender: won't know for at least another 8 weeks, but am leaning toward girl.

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: Crazy enough, strong symptoms. Mine have dwindled and my mind goes to the worst spot. Then, God thinks its funny, and I run to the toilet to puke.

What I am looking forward to: getting some sleep! Between work and school, I have been losing a lot of it.

Weekly Wisdom: enjoy the days you feel great, they don't always last long.

Milestones: 2 weeks until 2nd trimester!!

**bump/bloat pic to come tomorrow or so. Travis did look at me the other day smiling and said "I cannot believe how big your stomach is getting!" Of course, being pregnant, I took it the wrong way, but I feel like there may be a change, so we shall see in the pic!

Say hello to...

2009-04-09T07:21:00.001-07:00

Our beautiful, developing, adorable, heart beating little baby!

My appt went great, and I would not have gotten this u/s today had I not mentioned the teensiest bit of spotting I had a few weeks ago. It was barely anything, but I like to tell the doc everything, so I told her. She told me, "Well, I was gonna try the doppler, but since insurance pays for your u/s if your have spotting, no matter how big or small, lets go see your baby!"

I was so nervous and excited! Everything has been going pretty awesome so far, but I still had a nervousness at the pit of my stomach. I get ready for the u/s (dildocam...how fun! :) and I hold my breath. The tech doesnt say anything for a bit and then all of a sudden she says, "oh boy, this is a cute baby!" I started laughing and tearing up, and then when she turned on the sound to hear the heart, I lost it. I was crying and telling her how I have never made it this far before, and she was too sweet. She showed me the babies long arms (which you cannot see in the u/s) and both legs, and even little ribs! I am over the moon! She also asked me what they thought my due date was, and I told her 11-1-09 and she said "Well, this doesnt happen too often, but you are exactly right, the due date is 11-01-09!" Pays to know your cycles I guess :)

Travis didnt go with me this time, but he will be there at the 20 week appt. I go back in 1 month on May 7th, and that time we will just do the doppler. I am just so happy that this has been one uneventful pregnancy, and I just hope it stays that way!

YAY!! (sorry, I am just way tooo excited!)

:)

I am officially....

2009-04-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

The MOST pregnant I have ever been...and I must say, it feels ggggrrrreeeaaattt! (said in a Tony the Tiger voice of course ;)

My doctor's app't is on Thursday at 8 am, and I am scared out of my mind. I go back and forth from thinking everything will be perfect, to thinking everything will go terribly wrong. I am a basket case! I feel totally pregnant, m/s has kicked my ass to the fullest, the exhaustion is ridiculous, and my hormones are whack, but I still have these fears. I know they wont go away until I am about to be due, with my past and all, and I just wish that I could be naive about it all. Once upon a time, pregnancy was exciting. Now, it just scares the shit out of me. I still say my prayers about 20 times a day and constantly give the little one some "pep talks", so I hope this does the trick! :)

Heres my survey....

How far along? 10 w 1 d

Total weight gain/loss: not so sure, I refuse to be weighed until my appt :)

Maternity clothes? jeans mostly

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep: pretty good until I wake up to pee 3xs a night

Best moment this week: being the most pregnant I have ever been!

Movement: S/He is moving in there, but I cant feel it yet!

Food cravings: Strawberries, lays potato chips, water

Gender: I am leaning toward girl, along with everyone else that knows. Who knows though.

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: nothing, I wouldnt trade my baby for anything in the world!

What I am looking forward to: My appointment 04-09...T minus 3 days and counting!

Weekly Wisdom: Everything is fine until given a reason to think it is not (by a dr.)

Milestones: 10w 1d....'nuf said.

9 weeks and 4 days

2009-04-02T08:04:00.001-07:00

This is what I look like sucking in even. It is more round when I let it all hang out. I feel fat, but what else do you expect from a plus size girl like myself...I wish it was baby and not bloat! :)

I decided to take these pics to show my plus size pregnancy. I wanted to make sure I actually look pregnant and not just fat. DH told me that I should only post these on weeks I actually look like I got more of a bump, but I'm not listening (nana nana boo boo ::sticks out tongue::) I like seeing my body change, if its only by a slight bit. Oh well!

I had a scare last night. I woke up around 3:30 for one of many nightly pee sessions, and I was crampy. I know this is normal, but it felt weird so I got up, made sure no spotting (none thankfully!) and drank a bottle of water. They miraculously went away! I realized that I had barely drank any water yesterday because I had gone out to eat and been at school, so my body needed it. So word to the wise...drink your H2O! Its not a necessity for no reason! :)

my cleavage is borderline indecent!

2009-03-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

How far along? 9 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: - 5 lbs. Yuck.

Maternity clothes? I broke out my Maternity jeans and black dress pants this week. Heaven! Probably wont buy any more until after my appt. next week.

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep: I sleep wonderfully when not interrupted by some crazy ass dreams. I will have to write a whole blog post about that!

Best moment this week: Being able to give in to my cravings. If I feel like eating, which doesnt happen too often, I eat it! Chinese was yesterday....yum!

Movement: S/He is moving in there, but I cant feel it yet!

Food cravings: Qudoba, Chinese, caffiene free Coke, oranges

Gender: I am leaning toward girl, along with everyone else that knows. Who knows though.

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: not throwing up 3 times a day : /

What I am looking forward to: My appointment 04-09...T minus 11 days and counting!

Weekly Wisdom: If you want to sleep, sleep. If you want to throw up, do it. If you want this food NOW, eat it. I am all about instant gratification this week. I am making no excuses for myself :)

Oh, and I need to give up google. Nothing good comes out of googling when you are freaked out already!

Milestones: really feeling pregnant. I have felt pregnant before, but these symptoms are strong and much more distinct than ever. Realizing this makes me smile....well after I am done gagging ; )

So, less than 2 weeks until my appointment and ultrasound! I am so excited! I think my doc will be happy that I have had no spotting and everything is A-Ok! Travis asked me if I knew for sure that I was getting a u/s. I really to be honest do not know. I am assuming I will, because they do one to date the pregnancy, so I am pretty sure I will, but since everything is going pretty much perfect, I have this worry (along with 20 other things) that I wont get one. I guess I will find out Thursday the 9th!

Oh, and my blog title. Yeah, the boobs are out of control. I have not worn a V-neck in a week because I fall out. Its crazy!

yikes

2009-03-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

8w2d.

Bloat is out of control. Sadly, I dont feel too pregnant when dressing, just fat. PJs and T-shirts have become my best friend. My boss' wife knows I am pregnant and every time I see her she looks at my stomach. I wanna yell..."Nothing to see here, I'm just bloated!" Freaks me out. Its not subtle at all. Oh well, embrace the bloat! :) BTW, I have lost about 5 lbs due to morning sickness too. And, I am sucking in. Whew.

8 weeks even

2009-03-22T13:42:00.001-07:00

How far along? 8 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:I think I lost 2 lbs. My weight tends to yo-yo during the day. According to the morning weigh in...I lost 2 lbs.

Maternity clothes?Still using the rubber band trick and wearing more comfy (read elastic) pants when at home.

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep:I have been sleeping like a baby. And having some crazy dreams too.

Best moment this week: trying to explain to my 4 year old nephew that I had a baby in my belly. He kept saying "no you dont...I cant see it!" Ahh, youngins. :)

Movement: S/He is moving in there, but I cant feel it yet!

Food cravings: I really want a coke, Qudoba, nachos, Mexican food basically

Gender: Travis thinks twin girls. Twinkies as he likes to call them ;) Me...not sure one way or another.

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: what I thought was m/s about 3 weeks ago. Oh my, I now know what its all about!

What I am looking forward to: my u/s in 2 weeks and 4 days!!!

Weekly Wisdom:Seeing something happen to someone else does not mean it will happen to me. My favorite "bump" saying... Today I am pregnant and I love my baby.

Milestones: I have been pregnant for 1 whole month from the day I found out. That makes me happy :)

So yeah, Travis thinks I am having twins. He says my increased m/s and hunger are signs of it. I just laugh at him. Twins would be nice, but they dont really run on my side of the family. They run rampant on his side, but not mine. I will eat my words if we happen to get so lucky, but I doubt it. One would be just enough for me!

Holy Bloat Batman

2009-03-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

7 weeks 3 days...I am even sucking in (well as much as I can anymore) No silly face picture this week. I feel like death run over by a Mack truck, so the makeup and hair are a no go. I was just fighting gagging fits during the "photo shoot". Whoa Bloat! :)

We made it to 2nd place! :)

2009-03-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

How far along? 7 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain/loss:I think I gained a few, but lost it from the daily puking sessions. Yay.

Maternity clothes? I have a pair of mat jeans from before, but I have been using the ol' rubber band trick, and can I say...comfy! Will probably try a bella band soon.

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep: I am still restless, but getting better. I think making it to 7 weeks was stressing me out.

Best moment this week: Waking up on Sunday and realizing we passed our first milestone. DH and I went to dinner to celebrate!

Movement: not for a while...but my bowels sure are...eww sorry :)

Food cravings: steak and A1 sauce, oranges, I really want a coke, but I am a freak and will wait on that one.

Gender: Everyone still says girl, but I have no clue. We will find out in about 13 weeks.

Labor Signs: I sure hope not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: naivete of it all. I wish I could be completely stress free.

What I am looking forward to:making it to 8 weeks, then 9, then 10, etc.

Weekly Wisdom: Dont be ashamed of the bloat and that your clothes don't fit. I have learned to embrace mine :)

Milestones: 2nd place! Thats what DH says. We lost our second baby at 6w6d, so I am breathing a little better these days. I will breathe a whole lot easier when I get to 10w1d. And the my U/S!

Morning sickness moment of the week (or weak)... I looked at Travis yesterday whole sitting on the couch and said, "I think I need to throw up." Got up calmly, walked to the bathroom, and proceeded to throw up violently. I brushed my teeth, put on some makeup, and was ready to go to dinner. Being pregnant is a trip!

Bloat pic to come in a few days...whenever I get the desire to actually do my hair and dress nicely ;)

Oldie but a Goodie.

2009-03-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

There are women who become mothers without effort,
without thought,
without patience or loss,
and though they are good mothers and love their children,
I know that I will be better.

I will be better not because of genetics or money or because I have read more books,
but because I have struggled and toiled for this child.

I have longed and waited.
I have cried and prayed.
I have endured and planned over and over again.

Like most things in life, the people who truly have appreciation are those who have struggled to attain their dreams.

I will notice everything about my child.
I will take time to watch my child sleep,
explore,
and discover.
I will marvel at this miracle every day for the rest of my life.

I will be happy when I wake in the middle of the night to the sound of my child, knowing that I can comfort, hold, and feed him and that I am not waking to take another temperature, pop another pill, take another shot or cry tears of a broken dream.
My dream will be crying for me.

I count myself lucky in this sense; that God has given me this insight, this special vision with which I will look upon my child.

Whether I parent a child I actually give birth to or a child that God leads me to, I will not be careless with my love.

I will be a better mother for all that I have endured. I am a better wife, a better aunt, a better daughter, neighbor, friend, and sister because I have known pain.

I know disillusionment, as I have been betrayed by my own body. I have been tried by fire and hell that many never face, yet given time, I stood tall.

I have prevailed.
I have succeeded.
I have won.

So now, when others hurt around me, I do not run from their pain in order to save myself discomfort. I see it, mourn it, and join them in theirs.
I listen.
And even though I cannot make it better, I can make it less lonely.

I have learned the immense power of another hand holding tight to mine, of other eyes that moisten as they learn to accept the harsh truth when life is beyond hard.

I have learned a compassion that only comes by walking in those shoes. I have learned to appreciate life.

Yes, I will be a wonderful mother.

belly pic for reference :)

2009-03-10T09:46:00.001-07:00

We all have to have some starting off point right? :)

This is today, 6w2d, in all my bloat glory. Since I started off chubby, I think it may take me longer to show, but believe me, by 8 at night, I feel 6 months pregnant already! Whew!

Do you see that expression on my face? What am I doing?! I call it my, so excited I can pee my pants face. Thats how much mommy love you baby! Enough to make her look like a dork on the world wide web. : p

Anywho, thats about it. Sick all day long, some days are worse than others, but I welcome it!

6 weeks!

2009-03-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

How far along? 6 weeks exactly

Total weight gain/loss: I don't even want to think about it. Even with nausea, I still eat like I cant get enough. At first easting helped my nausea, and now it makes no difference.

Maternity clothes? I had some mat. jeans from my first pregnancy (before m/c) and I wore those...don't hate.

Stretch marks? not any I didn't have before.

Sleep:I woke up every hour last night. It depends on the day though.

Best moment this week: Making it the longest I have ever gone without spotting in a entire pregnancy. So happy!

Movement: not for a while

Food cravings: ice cream (how cliche) and hamburgers.

Gender: Everyone thinks its a girl, but who knows yet

Labor Signs: not for 38 weeks or so I hope...keep baking little one!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: not feeling like I have a hangover 24/7

What I am looking forward to: holding my baby for the first time.

Weekly Wisdom: I have learned that I can take whatever is thrown at me pregnancy wise, nothing will make me love my baby any less!

Milestones: day 15 of no spotting and counting... :)

reason #8634 I love my husband

2009-03-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

He is really the best. No lie. He is scared out of his gourd regarding this pregnancy, he really cannot wait until I am 14 weeks already...he said he "might" be able to breathe a little easier then. I hope so!

Travis told me last night that I am not allowed to do any housework. Just dishes and dinner (since he has no idea how to cook) and that's it! He told me that since the house is too much of a wreck for my taste, that tomorrow night, he will clean the whole house while I tell him what to do. Hes so funny and cute. Poor guy is a neat freak, but not the best "house cleaner" He gets lost when I tell him h ow to vacuum and mop...it is really too cute. That's what I get for marrying a genius when it comes to books, just not the most handy guy. Its okay...I knew and loved that going into it. He (apparently my doctor :) has put me on bed rest while at home. I cant wait to tell the doc this...I bet she will laugh. Anyway, heres to at least another 9 weeks of being a lazy bum and not lifting a finger....ahh I think I may like this break! :P

Stolen...

2009-03-02T05:23:00.000-08:00

Stole this...like it so I'm keeping it ;)

How far along? 5 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: I lost 4 lbs since last week. I think it might have to do with me eating healthier and the nausea

Maternity clothes? nope

Stretch marks? well, not from baby

Sleep: I love it, but it doesn't seem to love me. I get real restless at night

Best moment this week: going a complete week without spotting

Movement: not yet

Food cravings: water (is that possible?) and anything not nausea inducing

Gender: I think boy, Travis thinks girl, my sister said neither because its not formed yet. Gotta love big sis ;)

Labor Signs: not for 38 weeks or so I hope...keep baking little one!

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: caffeine and chocolate (cut both out cold turkey!)

What I am looking forward to: a completely uneventful pregnancy...I am praying!

Weekly Wisdom: If I feel like I am going to hurl, I probably need to eat, even if I don't want to...

Milestones: day8 of no spotting and counting...

So, I think I might have to give up making Travis' lunch in the morning. I gagged no less than 5 times while putting the mayo on the bread today and I couldn't even try to think about the processed cheese as I placed it on the sandwich. M/S has kicked in big time. I had my first "run-in" with the bathroom at Target while shopping with my sister the other day. I looked at her and she just knew, and I pretty much ran to the bathroom. Thanks to the nasty air freshener in there, the toilet and I got to be good friends. Gross. It is progressively getting worse each day, and I cant wait til next week. I have a feeling I will be the girl that has m/s until 5 months, and cannot survive without her Zofran. When 7 weeks rolls around and I still don't feel any better or am not used to it...I am sure I will call for a prescription. Until then, I will just complain on my blog ;) I know you all will love that ;)

I feel horrible and gross most of the time, but I love every second of it. If mommy has to go through this to get to you little one, I will do anything to see you! Keep strong Pumpkin, and keep throwing those "punches" at mommy...I can take it! :)

Doctors follow up

2009-02-27T04:59:00.000-08:00

Nothing exciting to report, just everything I expected. Exam, tons of blood work (which is so fun for my "deep" veins as the lab lady told me while she moved the needle around 20 times :/) and a Q&A session.

I was kind of upset about something though. I have been with this doctor through 2 pregnancies, 2 D&Cs and countless visits, but she had no clue who I was. I know she sees a lot of patients, but the PA knew who I was and was gushing congrats, the front office lady was excited to see me, but the doc...no clue. Even Travis thought this was odd, because she is the only one I have ever gone to, and that must have been over 10 times. Oh well, not upset or anything, just a bit odd. I think its just the pregnancy hormones working because seriously as I type this, its NOT that big of a deal. I am the type of person who remembers faces and pretty much every person I meet, even in the hotel business, and that's difficult. Some people aren't like that and I need to understand that...

Anyway, after my unnecessary tangent, I have good news! I actually am pregnant! Ha ha not like I didn't know that already, but yeah...I am! My cervix is nicely closed and there is no hints of blood "down there"! My doc seemed surprised in a good way when I told her I had spotting and that it went away with my "friends" of Prometrium and baby aspirin. She said that's "really good" so I am going to take this and run with it.

So all in all a good visit, short and sweet, and I don't go back for 6 weeks. Since I came in so early, on the advice of the PA and scheduling lady, I have to wait longer for my first u/s and next visit. I will be going back April 9th, when I am 10w4d. Hopefully I will get to see a wiggly baby on the screen then. Until then...I think I am going to be a nervous wreck! :)

Doctors appointment

2009-02-26T04:56:00.000-08:00

I have my first doctor's appointment today and I am so nervous! All kinds of scenarios are running through my head... such as, "well, the pregnancy test came back negative, so you must be crazy". I swear I am a nutcase :)

I will post tomorrow about it since I have to go to work after the appointment. I know this one will be a exam, some questions, and bloodwork, nothing too exciting, but I LOVE my OB and cannot wait to see all the girls in the office. The have gotten to "know" me since my m/c's so they are all really happy about my BFP. I love being around people who know and are hopeful about the pregnancy. Call me narcisstic ;)

Ahhhh, I am so nervous... ::breathe Chelsey breathe::

Say hello to my little friend(s)

2009-02-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

Meet Baby Aspirin and Prometrium (progesterone). I am a believer and I have only taken it for 1 day. It has already stopped all hints of spotting.

Last night, I had a amazing dream. I dreamt I made it to 16w5d. I don't remember anything after that, but I remember the date. I have a good feeling about this pregnancy. I love my pumpkin (I call baby that because for some reason I am sure he/she will come on Halloween...call it Mother's intuition ;) BTW, I am due 11-03-09!

Symptom note: My boobs got really sore last night. I was told the progestrone will do that, so I guess thats why, but they never hurt this bad with any other pregnancy. Good sign!

I also started m/s...I am sure of this. I got up and immediately started gagging. If I don't eat, I am so nauseated, and I couldn't even keep water down this morning, it tasted so gross. This is welcomed believe me, but I have a feeling it will be a long 9 months! :)

Thats all...crossing all my fingers and toes this works out! I am also hoping my amazing BFPBs get their BFPs this month!

Houston...

2009-02-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

We have a positive! I am over the moon excited!

I started spotting on Saturday night, and after I spent a good 15 minutes crying in the bathroom at work feeling sorry for myself that AF was going to show her face, I got over myself. Well, then the spotting went away, and I still wasn't convinced but whatever. So I got woken up by Travis Sunday morning asking me if I was still going to test. I didn't want to but thought of a good idea. I decided I would pee, leave the test in the bathroom, and have Travis take a gander at it. Either way it came out, I thought I could take the news better from him.

So, I pee...and go out on the couch. Travis continues to eat his cereal, and every freaking bite I am growing more and more anxious and agitated. I asked him about 50 times if he was done yet, and finally he put his bowl up in the sink. Then he proceeds to let the dogs outside and inside!!! I was freaking at this point, almost begging him to go inside the bathroom. He laughs, and heads down the hall.

He gets inside and doesn't say a word. He tells me to stay on the couch. He calls our dogs into the office and I am kind of preparing myself for a letdown. He uses our labs to make me feel better sometimes and so I figured that's what he was doing. Eventually he calls out to me..."If Cash comes out, its positive, if Zeus comes out, its negative" Well, I knew right then and there that it was positive because Cash is crazy and if he wasn't let our first, he would have pushed himself out! :) I started to bawl and Travis runs down the hallway and tackles me and we hug for a eternity! I am going to be a mommy! Yay!

The whole day was a complete high. I didn't want to work, or do anything but lay with my husband and look at pregnant on the screen... :)

I did, however, have my first scare last night. Yep, unfortunately the party didn't last long. I started spotting bright red yesterday. Just once and then it went away. I spotted again today, and I have already contacted my doctor and I will begin to take my meds tonight. I am on Progesterone and baby aspirin. I have heard wonderful things about this combo so I hope it means good things for me. I just think its hilarious that my body needed to remind me how hard this is for us. I couldn't get just one happy day out of it...my damn dysfunctional body had to screw it up...(sorry vent!)

Well, I am a big ball of nerves and cringe every time I go to the bathroom, but I am so super excited. It still doesn't feel real! I have my first appt on Thursday at 4w2d and even though it is really early I will get to ask all the questions I need to ask. Positive prayers and thoughts will be so very much appreciated! Thanks for the comments so far! :)

God really has a way...

2009-02-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

with intervening at the right moment :)

I was just about to pee on the damn pregnancy stick that was burning a hole right through the table it was laying on, when the phone rings. Its DH. He asked me to wait until Sunday before and I had fully planned to, but you know, how could he have been mad at me for taking the test if it came out positive?! Well, I felt guilty and told him that he caught me and what I was about to do. He told me to step away from the stick and put it out of viewing sight.

Hmph...I guess I will pee on it tomorrow. : (

13dpo and going insane! My LP is normally 10-11 days and I will be so freaking disappointed if it decided to change itself this month. ::crossing every appendage I have for tomorrow!!!::

Because thats how I roll...

2009-02-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

Sidenote: Am I a weirdo because I couldn't for the life of me bear to put "cus" instead of because in my title? Gosh, I am my own worse grammar police ;)

So anyway, yeah I got a 90 on my last 2 anatomy tests. Who knew someone could enjoy learning about the body so much....well, this girl does. Woo Hoo! I have straight A's so far and I am stoked!

TTC front...I think I Oed, but who knows, this cycle has been a bit weird. We did our thing and now all we can do is wait.

Sad news...DH's grandpa is not doing so well. He has been in the hospital since last week and he appeared to be doing well on Saturday, but yesterday morning, I get a sobbing phone call from MIL (broke my heart!!) sayin that Pappy was probably not going to make it through the night. DH and I went up to see him last night, and we didn't go into the room because he was pretty bad off (DH wanted to remember him as the last time he saw him, hanging out in his recliner less than a week ago, happy and okay), but we heard it wouldn't be long and we wanted to be their for MIL and FIL. Well, the good news is he made it through the night, so we have one more day with him, but the bad news is he is in a lot of pain and it won't be much longer. He is 85. I haven't known his grandpa for a terribly long time, probably about 3 years, but what is so amazing to me is the marriage between Pappy and Grandma. They have been with each other through thick and thin for over 60 years. Everytime I think of Pappy, I think of Grandma, and I just start to cry. I could never imagine losing Travis, ever, and I don't want Grandma to have to go through this. I feel so horrible for everyone, and I am a crier, so I have tried to keep my composure for everyone involved.

DH told me last night that his only regret was that his grandpa would never meet our children. This made me upset because if it werent for my stupid body (sorry vent!) we would have A. had a 8 month old by now, or B. Had a newborn. DH said "Forget that Chelsey, I am just so happy he got to meet you." I love this man. He has the tendency to be pessimistic, but in a blink of a eye he will turn it around. He is amazing.

Well, anay prayers or well wishes would be amazing. I am pryaing everynight that he is peaceful and that God has a big recliner and a TV up in heaven waiting for him. I am sure he does. :)

Passing the time...

2009-02-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

I have to meet my DH at the license branch soon (Oh joy!) so I figured I would update this thing :)

School is kicking my rear, hardcore. I have had 3 tests in the past 3 days of class and 2 of the were anatomy. I have another test over the bones of the skull tomorrow. Craziness.

Work was ridiculous for the past couple of days and I am very thankful to say that it is slowing down for at least a week. We have had so many people in Louisville without power from our snow and ice storm that have been staying at the hotel, and most of them were wonderful, but seriously, the needy ones were horrible. I mean, hello!, you have heat, hot water, etc. here, why the heck do you need to make my life a living hell. You should be grateful, not greedy! People.

It was DH's and my birthday (probably totally wrong grammar) on last Thursday. My family all skipped town (good reasons at least ;) so MIL and FIL came by with pizza and cookie cake. I had a great birthday and DH didnt. He has been so depressed about turing 30, it kind of makes me laugh. Hes such a girl sometimes ;) I love him.

Well, on the TTC front, I am cd 8 because AF should her ass again, so I am onto cycle #4. I have pretty much said F-it and am now just going to try for a baby when I have fertile CM and hope and pray for the best. I am kind of tired of the mechanics of it all. Not giving up, but maybe not trying so hard. I am trying to lose this last 20 lbs so that has been on my mind a lot too.

Thats about it. Just crazy busy and snowed in a lot of it too. Crossing my fingers that this cycle isnt a bust :)

Adventures In Babysitting

2009-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

All the girls...well, Hayden's head is on the bottom. Me, Myah, MacKenzie, and Bailey.

So, I babysit about 5 kids last weekend. Crazy I know. I got asked by both my sister and the girl I used to nanny for to babysit. I loved every second of it! Here are my pics of the day.

Shes so freaking cute. I love my niece. My sister is lucky. Her son is a spitting image of his dad, and she got one to look just like her :)

Background on this picture...She got her clothes terribly soaked by drinking out of a water bottle, so while I was drying her clothes, Travis put his hoodie on her. She looked like a adorable Ewok. ;) Her looks says "You people are crazy" haha

She was mad and clearly upset (drama queen!) because we put Hayden in Cash's kennel (pic below). Poor baby! :)

This is my nephew Hayden (4) He willingly goes in here. This time he didn't hence the screaming. Travis has fun with these kids. They love him!

This is my beautiful niece Bailey. Shes 2.

This is Myah (11) with Alayna (2). Bailey and Alayna are about a month apart.

My husband loves having "fun" with Hayden ;)

My new haircut. I cut off 7 inches! Don't mind the work uniform...I had to work the desk that day. Joy.

So thats about it. I Oed about 3 or 4 days ago (not charting again) so I am going to test, if I get that far, on Travis' and my birthday on January 29th. I am hoping it comes back this month with 2 lines! Hell, I would just be happy if I actually get to take a test. In all my months of TTC (16 to be exact), I have only gotten to pee on something the months I was pregnant...so 2! I love my "like clockwork" (ugh) cycles, but come on...give me a little hope here ;)
Take care!!

Aunt Flo decided she wanted to ring in the New Year with me...

2009-01-01T21:45:00.000-08:00

Shes a bitch...eh, I guess there is always next month.

I have a killer cold too. Not too excited about that. To pass the time I found a survey...YAY! :)

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Lost 40 lbs without a fad diet or diet pills. Just good ol' portion control and exercise. Go me!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I really didn't make one last year... my plan this year is to be as happy and healthy as I can be.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
a few friends

4. Did anyone close to you die?
no, thank goodness!

5. What countries did you visit?
The US of A. I actually only went to one other state...wow, thats pretty sad :(

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
a healthy baby, or at least a full term pregnancy

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 17th, 2008. The day my second angel grew wings.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
One year of marriage. I love him.

9. What was your biggest failure?
nothing...I see failure as opportunity

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
my second miscarriage

11. What was the best thing you bought?
my gym membership

14. Where did most of your money go?
food and clothes

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
TTC, our anniversary

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
gosh this is hard...

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder? a bit sadder.
Thinner or fatter? a tad thinner.
Richer or poorer? richer, thank goodness!

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
taking time for me

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
working

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
with family and the hubs

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
been smitten since 2004 :)

23. How many one-night stands?
none, hes stuck with me for the rest of his life!

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Secret Life of the American Teenager (I am forever a adolescent!) House, and Gossip Girl

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
nope, I don't think I have ever hated anyone. Swear.

26. What was the best book you read?
Bergdorf Blondes

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Nothing much in 2008. DMB will always be my favorite band

28. What did you want and get?
I have found out I don't want much as I get older and I have everything I need.

29. What did you want and not get?
a baby :(

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
probably Sex and the City movie, I am easy to please

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
We went out to dinner. I turned 25

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
again, a baby

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
classic beauty, somewhat of Audrey Hepburn with a twist of modern. Think cardigans and wide leg jeans with flats and chunky necklaces.

34. What kept you sane?
Travis, although he sometimes makes me insane ;)

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Chuck Bass....yum (yeah, I know thats not his real name ;)

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't keep up much on politics, but the election really showed me how far we have come as a nation in terms of race.

37. Who did you miss? (in no particular order)
grandpa, babies, my hopefulness and naivete

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Leah is pretty darn fun

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Love as hard as you can because things could be gone in a instant. Never not love because you are afraid you might lose it. You may end up regretting not loving at all.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Are you looking for answers, to questions, under the stars, well if along the way, you are grown weary, you can rest with me until a brighter day when you're ok." ~DMB

Christmas Pictures!

2008-12-31T07:46:00.001-08:00

SO Christmas time has come and gone again and this year presents were, again, not disappointing! : ) Our "boys" loved Christmas so much! There are many other pictures but here they are wearing their new bandannas and this was before the one on the left (AKA trouble) tore his brother's off. Thanks Cashy ;)

My tree is next and I loved it this year. Well, I love my tree every year so this is nothing new ; )

Okay, now on to the best part! Travis gave me presents and even had a little something to say before I opened each one. The first one I opened is the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" DVD and he told me before I opened it that this one was to show he "paid attention to me". I think I told him about a year ago I loved this DVD and wanted it. I was surprised and touched to find it in the box :)

The second present I opened was my sign. It says "All Because Two People Fell In Love" I love this sign and had it played at my wedding for my parents to dance to. Travis told me that this was to show me that he remembers "everything about us"...Swwwooon!!

The last gift was my Willow Tree Angel figurine. I recently started loving these and thought about collecting them. This one is called "Cherish" and it says Awaiting a Miracle. Travis told me this one shows me "That I believe in us". At this point it was full on waterworks for me. With out 2 angels, we have moments of lost hope at moments and this made me realize he is still "awaiting our miracle" and it just made me so happy and sad at the same time...I love this boy!

On the TTC front... I am, from what I can base on with CM, at either 9 or 10 dpo, which would mean that my period should show up shortly either late tonight or tomorrow. I have a 11 day LP just by default, because AF always shows at night on 10 dpo...but since its around 10pm, I always put it on the next day. I havent had any spotting eiher which is good news, so I will just wait and see! I hope this is it...

I will test on Sunday if no AF! Woot!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas time!!

2008-12-24T22:24:00.000-08:00

I am like a kid on Christmas...literally! I cannot sleep, hence the 1:30 am blog post while both my doggies and my husband are sleeping in the other room. I am so excited for Christmas! I am the type of girl that gets so happy for get-togethers and parties and the such. I love entertaining, and hosting is even more fun! I just love Christmas in general so I guess thats why. I also love Christmas because Travis gets the best gifts. Seriously, he puts a lot of thought into his gifts.

For example:

First Christmas together: I got a hand made pop-up book chronicaling our 186 days together :) And he also made me a "Boy meets Girl" DVD with pictures and music perfectly timed.

2nd Christmas: A framed poster of my favorite picture "The Sailor and the Nurse". You know the one kissing in Times Square... LOVED IT!!!

3rd: A Novel with our names in it as the main characters...so cute. It even had little inside jokes printed throughout...like Travis loves Pizza Rolls, and in the novel, his nickname was Pizza Roll King! lol

4th: I got the DVD of Sleeping Beauty and a statue of Sleeping Beauty to put in our nursery for a girl. See the story is, I loved loved Sleeping Beauty as a little girl and I had it on Beta (remember that?!) I was so upset (like crying upset) when I was 5 and found out my Beta wouldn't fit in my VCR player. DH remembered and bought it for me so I would always have it :)

Okay so this Christmas I have no idea what I am getting and I am so excited about it! I cannot wait to open what sweet and thoughtful gift he got me this year!

Another thing I have no clue of... When I Oed! And its fun! I mean who would have thought that I would be okay with not being in control of my cycle?! I usually freak out about now, being that I am sure I am in the 2ww...but you know what...I am not so sure. And thats okay! I think that if this cycle is a bust I will not temp next cycle either and just play it by ear. Wierd thing though. You know when people say that they "just knew" they were pregnant? I hate to even say this because it sounds kind of absurd, but after we "did it" (sorry the 13 year old in me came out ;) on cd 14, I kinda got this chills and tingly, and just smiled. I felt this before and I turned out to be pregnant. Now I am not holding my breath (I might just pass out) but my sister felt this way both times too so I am anxiously waiting for January 2nd or 3rd when I "believe" AF will be due. I would love all the prayers and good vibes you may have, and believe me...the favor will be reciprocated!!! :)

Merry Christmas!

Not a day goes by, sweet angels, that we don't miss you both...

2008-12-11T22:16:00.000-08:00

To those of you who look away when I grow teary eyed in the baby department, look a little deeper.
Surely you have some compassion in your heart.

To those of you who change the subject when I speak my child's name, change your way of thinking.
It may just change your whole life.

To those of you who roll your eyes and say we barely had them at all, how could we miss them so much, in our hearts we have seen them live a thousand times. We have seen their first steps, first day of school, their weddings, and their children. We have had them forever in our minds.

To those who say we can have another, even if we had twenty more they would never be the child we lost, and we will always miss them.

To those who say get on with my life, I have. It is a different life, the life of a grieving mother. One with a tremendous amount to be thankful for, but also one with a lot to mourn the loss of.

Do not judge a bereaved mother. She comes in many forms.

She is breathing, but she is dying.

She may look young, but inside she has become ancient.

She smiles, but her heart throbs.

She walks, she talks, she cooks, she cleans, she works, she IS, but she is NOT, all at once.

She is here, but part of here is elsewhere for eternity.

Do not dismiss us: we have shaped more than just the future generation.

We have released all the tiny angels who are watching over you.

Open your eyes to us, and you just might see them.

Trying not to dwell on it too much...

2008-12-08T05:20:00.000-08:00

So my period arrived right on time. "She" always decides to arrive around 10 or so on 11dpo...waiting just long enough for me to hope she isn't coming (bitch) but long enough that I feel comfortable marking 12dpo as cd 1 to make my luteal phase longer (okay, thats good I guess)

Anyway, I am not too too concerned as this is only my first cycle. I was kinda hoping my 40 lb weight loss would give me a leg up, but I am fully aware that there is still only a 20% chance regardless, so even though I was disappointment (naturally), I am ready to get on with it.

This next cycle though, I am thinking about taking a temping break. This past 2ww has been pretty nice without waking up every morning to take my temp so I think I might continue the trend. I have charted for 11 long cycles, so I think that I have gotten the hang of my O days and the such. I am not even going to back it up or anything with OPKs because I am a rebel like that ;) I am going back to basics...like back to my first cycle ever where I only tried on a hope and a prayer. God blessed us then, here's to hoping he will do the same this time. If not, it looks like in January, we will be testing on our birthday (should be anywhere from 11-13dpo) so thats fun. (Travis and I have the exact same birthday, just he is 4 years earlier...pretty cool huh!?)

Ahhh so Christmas is in the air. I love this time of year! This past weekend we had our "kids until we have kids" over(the twins I nannied for 5 years) :) and we gave them their Christmas presents. Now that they are 11, they are too "cool" for toys and both want laptops and digital cameras (which they got for their birthday! Spoiled!) So since we arent going to buy them a laptop (hehe), we went the clothes route, because if its one thing these girls love...its clothes (awww just like their "momma" Chelsey ;) We got them these long tunic/dress things and some leggings that were more like tights. They ran off to try them on. We also got them t-shirts that were pretty cool, so when they went to go try those on, Myah (the more shy one) brought along her jeans to put it on with. MacKenzie (we'll call her the exhibitionist ;) come prancing out in her new shirt and the leggings. I took a double take and never laughed so hard in my life when I saw her acting like there was nothing weird about coming out into the living room with tight leggings and a cute top on. I told her she should totally where them to school like that, and DH could not stop laughing. It was a fun moment! This prompted me to race her around the house to snap a shot of it. I will post it later, but I will tell you...this shot made me almost pee my pants. Travis said we were going to put it on myspace...that alone made her mortified (p.s. we wont do that ;)

So all in all, a good weekend. Some drama, but that is to be expected in my life. Why is it that since I have none of my own, people want to bring it to me. I don't get it. Hey, at least I can be the calm listening ear, and then hang up and go back to my wonderful husband and my cute little life. I told Travis last night how much I love my little family (us and our dogs) and how happy I am. He hugged me tight and told me "me too love" I love him.