I’ve come to the conclusion this week that I must *obviously* be pregnant. There’s no more guessing. No more, “did Melissa eat too many cookies over Christmas?” My belly must look like it’s a whole lotta pregnant and it seems to have happened over night.
The reason beyond my theory? Everyone is talking to me about it. Not just the close friends at work who know, but *everyone*, even total strangers. I’ll be at the store and someone will ask, “When’s your baby due?” Or I will be changing at the gym and someone will ask me, “Are you having a boy or a girl.”
It’s completely crazy. I didn’t think people asked total strangers if they were pregnant because there’s that fear of offending someone who *isn’t* pregnant. Obviously, people are either very certain I am pregnant or they don’t give a damn if they offend me.
Either way, it’s really wild to have so many people asking me about my ever-expanding belly. I’ve never been the type of person who needs or wants a lot of attention, and luckily for me, I’ve never received a lot of attention. It’s all so new and different for me, but I do love talking about Baby Cayden any chance I get.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tag, I'm it.
My friend Abby Reed has tagged me (http://abbyreed.blogspot.com/).
Here are the rules:
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3) Explain the picture.
Here is my picture:
Random, totally random is all I can say about this picture. This is one of the hundreds of pictures I have of my dog Buster.
I'm not quiet sure why Chad chose to save this picture from our digital camera and download it to our laptop. The picture does make any kind of sense. It has a whole bunch of human feet (my dad, my mom and Chad's uncle Jay) and my messy coffee table.
After looking closer at the picture I realize our old TV is in the upper right-hand corner. This is not the usual TV spot. Then it dawns on me...this is the day we bought our 60 inch TV. This also explains why the coffee table looks out of place. We are all hanging around watching Chad set up the new TV anxiously awaiting our first viewing.
It is random picture and it was completely random that we even bought the TV in the first place. Earlier in the day we went with my parents to eat at Souper Salad for lunch. Next to the Souper Salad is an Ultimate Electronics store. We had some time to kill so we wondered in to look around. An hour later Chad is buying a 60 inch TV. And now we have this picture to forever remember our first big screen TV.
Here are the rules:
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3) Explain the picture.
Here is my picture:
Random, totally random is all I can say about this picture. This is one of the hundreds of pictures I have of my dog Buster.
I'm not quiet sure why Chad chose to save this picture from our digital camera and download it to our laptop. The picture does make any kind of sense. It has a whole bunch of human feet (my dad, my mom and Chad's uncle Jay) and my messy coffee table.
After looking closer at the picture I realize our old TV is in the upper right-hand corner. This is not the usual TV spot. Then it dawns on me...this is the day we bought our 60 inch TV. This also explains why the coffee table looks out of place. We are all hanging around watching Chad set up the new TV anxiously awaiting our first viewing.
It is random picture and it was completely random that we even bought the TV in the first place. Earlier in the day we went with my parents to eat at Souper Salad for lunch. Next to the Souper Salad is an Ultimate Electronics store. We had some time to kill so we wondered in to look around. An hour later Chad is buying a 60 inch TV. And now we have this picture to forever remember our first big screen TV.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
My Doctor
I came to the conclusion yesterday that I don’t like my doctor. Granted, I’ve only met him twice, but so far he has not left a good impression on me or Chad. The two times I have met with him I have felt incredibly rushed. He comes in feels my belly, listens to the heart beat and then says, “Any problems?” He doesn’t wait for an answer, but instead says, “Okay, great see you in four weeks.”
The whole process is overwhelming. During our first visit I was so stunned by the quickness of everything that I didn’t even ask one question—and believe me I have plenty. This time I was determined to get my questions answered. I spoke up and said, “I have a few questions.” I asked my questions, he quickly answered and did his usual, “Okay, great see you in four weeks.”
I just feel like he doesn’t *know* me or even *want* to know me. He probably doesn’t even know my name. He’s never asked a personal question and hasn’t taken one second to get to know Chad and I personally. He simply knows nothing about us. How can someone who doesn’t know me possibly care about me and my baby?
I don’t know. I’ve never had a baby before and I’ve never gone through this type of doctor experience before so maybe this is how all pre-natal visits are supposed to be. I just always envisioned a warm, caring relationship between myself and the person who would be caring for me and my unborn child.
I am thinking about changing. I absolutely do not want to stop going to New Horizons Women’s Care; however I think I may start seeing a different doctor in the practice. I wish I could see the FNP, Jodi through-out my entire pregnancy, but I can’t. Maybe I need a women—someone who can relate to me. Maybe Dr. Eich has been delivering babies too long and he has gotten out of touch with his patients, especially first time parents who are scared out of their minds.
We’ll see how our next appointment goes. If I don’t get a completely different vibe I will just ask to be scheduled with a different doctor for my next appointment. Besides, Dr. Eich might not even be the doctor to deliver Cayden since the practice works on a rotation schedule with the eight doctors on staff.
The whole process is overwhelming. During our first visit I was so stunned by the quickness of everything that I didn’t even ask one question—and believe me I have plenty. This time I was determined to get my questions answered. I spoke up and said, “I have a few questions.” I asked my questions, he quickly answered and did his usual, “Okay, great see you in four weeks.”
I just feel like he doesn’t *know* me or even *want* to know me. He probably doesn’t even know my name. He’s never asked a personal question and hasn’t taken one second to get to know Chad and I personally. He simply knows nothing about us. How can someone who doesn’t know me possibly care about me and my baby?
I don’t know. I’ve never had a baby before and I’ve never gone through this type of doctor experience before so maybe this is how all pre-natal visits are supposed to be. I just always envisioned a warm, caring relationship between myself and the person who would be caring for me and my unborn child.
I am thinking about changing. I absolutely do not want to stop going to New Horizons Women’s Care; however I think I may start seeing a different doctor in the practice. I wish I could see the FNP, Jodi through-out my entire pregnancy, but I can’t. Maybe I need a women—someone who can relate to me. Maybe Dr. Eich has been delivering babies too long and he has gotten out of touch with his patients, especially first time parents who are scared out of their minds.
We’ll see how our next appointment goes. If I don’t get a completely different vibe I will just ask to be scheduled with a different doctor for my next appointment. Besides, Dr. Eich might not even be the doctor to deliver Cayden since the practice works on a rotation schedule with the eight doctors on staff.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Stubborn Already
Baby Cayden is only 20 weeks old and already ready he is proving to be a very stubborn little boy. I had yet another ultrasound yesterday and he simply would not cooperate. It was supposed to be a "quick look" at his organs again. I was there over 45 minutes.
He has never been cooperative during ultrasounds--the little booger! Yesterday he was especially uncooperative--he was really making the ultrasound tech work for her pay check. She had me in every position you could imagine. She had me lay on my left side, then my right side, then cross my legs and then un-cross my legs. Not only that, but she was pushing on my belling with the scanner device thingy extra hard--holy cow. Plus, she was shaking the belly like a milkshake. Nothing...he simply would not do what she wanted.
I tell ya this kid can understand human language and then he ignores everything that's being asked of him. When the ultrasound tech wanted to look at his heart he would put his hand over his chest...when she wanted to look at this face he would put his hands over it...when she wanted to look at his kidney's he would put his hand over his belly...and so on and so forth. It was amusing after awhile; especially because the ultrasound tech kept saying, "He's really making me work hard."
So, need-less-to-say I didn't walk away from the appointment with very many good pictures of little Cayden. But I am happy to announce that since my last appointment two weeks ago he has grown 1 inch (up to 9) and put on an additional 4 ounces (up to 12).
I talked to the doctor yesterday too. I actually spoke to a real live doctor...I couldn't believe it. She said that Cayden is developing "beautifully" and that he is completely "normal". What a relief. She also said that I appear to be just fine and she can't foresee me going into early labor as earlier thought.
He has never been cooperative during ultrasounds--the little booger! Yesterday he was especially uncooperative--he was really making the ultrasound tech work for her pay check. She had me in every position you could imagine. She had me lay on my left side, then my right side, then cross my legs and then un-cross my legs. Not only that, but she was pushing on my belling with the scanner device thingy extra hard--holy cow. Plus, she was shaking the belly like a milkshake. Nothing...he simply would not do what she wanted.
I tell ya this kid can understand human language and then he ignores everything that's being asked of him. When the ultrasound tech wanted to look at his heart he would put his hand over his chest...when she wanted to look at this face he would put his hands over it...when she wanted to look at his kidney's he would put his hand over his belly...and so on and so forth. It was amusing after awhile; especially because the ultrasound tech kept saying, "He's really making me work hard."
So, need-less-to-say I didn't walk away from the appointment with very many good pictures of little Cayden. But I am happy to announce that since my last appointment two weeks ago he has grown 1 inch (up to 9) and put on an additional 4 ounces (up to 12).
I talked to the doctor yesterday too. I actually spoke to a real live doctor...I couldn't believe it. She said that Cayden is developing "beautifully" and that he is completely "normal". What a relief. She also said that I appear to be just fine and she can't foresee me going into early labor as earlier thought.
Monday, January 26, 2009
More Pregnancy Changes
Ahhh, the joys of pregnancy. Apparently, the belly isn’t the only body part that gets bigger with pregnancy. The boobs get bigger too, a lot bigger. I had to go to the store this weekend and get new bras. The ones I have now simply no longer fit, I was busting out of them in every possible way.
I bought a bra at Wal-Mart last weekend. It was horrible. Never buy a bra at Wal-Mart. It was so uncomfortable and really itchy. I usually get my bras at Victoria Secret, but I don’t want to spend $45 on a bra that I might only be wearing a few months. So I decided to head to Kohl’s; they always have really good sales and I like all the clothes I get there so I figured it was worth a shot.
I was very impressed. Kohl’s had a huge selection to choose from and they were all very nice. I ended up getting two Vera Wang (very stylish, huh) bras for only $36…for both of them!
I went up a cup size. Holy cow. I’m four and a half months pregnant and I’ve already gone up a cup size. I’m getting a little freaked out about this. Chances are I may go up another cup size before I deliver. I will tip over if that happens. I am very small. I am super-short and have a very small frame; my body wasn’t designed to carry boobs this big. Plus, when all is said and done my boobs will go back down…down to the floor!
This has been a good lesson for me though. I always thought I wanted to get a boob job. I’ve never been flat chest-ed, but I always thought I could stand to use a bit more up top. Now, that I got a lot more up top it’s so not worth it. I look at myself in the mirror sometimes and just say to myself, “My God, my boobs are just so big, ugh.” Maybe if they weren’t accompanied by an ever growing belly it wouldn’t be so bad. All you A cup girls out there…celebrate, because huge boobs are not all they’re cracked up to be.
I bought a bra at Wal-Mart last weekend. It was horrible. Never buy a bra at Wal-Mart. It was so uncomfortable and really itchy. I usually get my bras at Victoria Secret, but I don’t want to spend $45 on a bra that I might only be wearing a few months. So I decided to head to Kohl’s; they always have really good sales and I like all the clothes I get there so I figured it was worth a shot.
I was very impressed. Kohl’s had a huge selection to choose from and they were all very nice. I ended up getting two Vera Wang (very stylish, huh) bras for only $36…for both of them!
I went up a cup size. Holy cow. I’m four and a half months pregnant and I’ve already gone up a cup size. I’m getting a little freaked out about this. Chances are I may go up another cup size before I deliver. I will tip over if that happens. I am very small. I am super-short and have a very small frame; my body wasn’t designed to carry boobs this big. Plus, when all is said and done my boobs will go back down…down to the floor!
This has been a good lesson for me though. I always thought I wanted to get a boob job. I’ve never been flat chest-ed, but I always thought I could stand to use a bit more up top. Now, that I got a lot more up top it’s so not worth it. I look at myself in the mirror sometimes and just say to myself, “My God, my boobs are just so big, ugh.” Maybe if they weren’t accompanied by an ever growing belly it wouldn’t be so bad. All you A cup girls out there…celebrate, because huge boobs are not all they’re cracked up to be.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Pregnancy and the Immune System
Apparently, when you get pregnant your immune system gets shot. I am sick for the second time in three months. This is beyond unusual for me. I am one of those real braggy-annoying people who constantly talk about never getting sick. I am utterly annoyed by this. You would think with all the pre-natal vitamins I am taking I would be as healthy as a horse.
After doing some Google web searches it turns out that a women's immune system become less effective when she becomes pregnant. There is a purpose behind the weakened immune system; it keeps the women's body from treating the baby like a parasite and destroying it. Wow! If that's not proof that there's a God and he planned our bodies perfectly I don't know what is.
So, I will take this slight cold with a grain of salt because it means that baby Cayden is thriving and that makes it all the worthwhile. I am not even that sick. I just don't feel that good. I am coughing like a mad-man. All the coughing is making my back hurt, my throat hurt and my head hurt. Boo for me. I just have to keep reminding myself, "This ain't nothing compared to labor, so brace yourself Missy."
The up-side to being sick? Getting time off of work. I left yesterday at noon and I will probably leave a bit early today too. Being at home during the day is awesome. I watch three hour blocks of "A Baby Story" on TLC and cry my eyes out. I was going to try and get Chad and I on that show but they only accept couples in the New-York tri-state area. Double boo.
After doing some Google web searches it turns out that a women's immune system become less effective when she becomes pregnant. There is a purpose behind the weakened immune system; it keeps the women's body from treating the baby like a parasite and destroying it. Wow! If that's not proof that there's a God and he planned our bodies perfectly I don't know what is.
So, I will take this slight cold with a grain of salt because it means that baby Cayden is thriving and that makes it all the worthwhile. I am not even that sick. I just don't feel that good. I am coughing like a mad-man. All the coughing is making my back hurt, my throat hurt and my head hurt. Boo for me. I just have to keep reminding myself, "This ain't nothing compared to labor, so brace yourself Missy."
The up-side to being sick? Getting time off of work. I left yesterday at noon and I will probably leave a bit early today too. Being at home during the day is awesome. I watch three hour blocks of "A Baby Story" on TLC and cry my eyes out. I was going to try and get Chad and I on that show but they only accept couples in the New-York tri-state area. Double boo.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Kim
I haven’t talked at all about my pregnant boss Kim. I figured her story wasn’t mine to tell. However, I feel compelled to talk about her today; mainly because she has been in my constant thoughts these past few weeks. Kim has been my boss for a little over a year now and I feel like we’ve known each other forever. Despite our large age difference—she is probably 18 years old than me—I feel extremely close to her and we’ve become friends.
Her guidance as a manger and friendship have meant the world to me. That’s why back in early September when she told me she was pregnant I was delighted for her. She took a long and painfully journey to get to motherhood and now her dreams were all coming true. I’d never been so happy for someone else in my entire life.
Unfortunately, this joy would not last long. In late September, Kim and her husband found out their baby had Trisomy 18. This condition affects the baby’s major organs and the chance of survival is very little. I was emotionally overwhelmed by this announcement. It was at the time when Chad and I were trying to start our own family (little did we know I was already two weeks pregnant).
When I learned about Kim's baby's condition the only word I could think of was "un-fair". It's a childish and immature word, but I couldn't help it. The simple truth was that it was un-fair. It was un-fair that Kim's chance at motherhood was going to be cut short. It was un-fair that she may never get another chance.
These past few months in the office have been filled with emotion, long-talks and hugs. Each day that passed was a blessing because it increased the baby’s chances of surviving to full-term. Before we knew it January was upon us and Kim was scheduled for a c-section. The baby was coming early because amniotic fluid was low and because doctors could help the baby better outside of the womb.
So, on January 15th, Martin Luther King’s birthday, Zoey Mae was born at 3 pounds 1 ounce. She is beautiful and absolute proof that God listen’s to prayers and works miracles. Zoey still has a long road ahead of her and is most definitely a special needs child. Kim cares about none of that and is completely grateful for this small miracle in her life. Right now the baby remains in the NICU unit of a hospital here in the Phoenix area. She will likely remain there for sometime.
I cannot get Zoey or Kim off my mind. It is emotional in a way that I can’t describe. I cry a lot about it and it’s not because I’m pregnant; it’s because I’m human. Kim is a good person—it radiates from her. Her attitude, faith and perseverance during this time have been phenomenal and it only serves to break my heart even more. However, Zoey has fought the odds and I hope and pray that she continues to do so and Kim is able to see her blossom into a toddler, tween, teenager and beyond.
Her guidance as a manger and friendship have meant the world to me. That’s why back in early September when she told me she was pregnant I was delighted for her. She took a long and painfully journey to get to motherhood and now her dreams were all coming true. I’d never been so happy for someone else in my entire life.
Unfortunately, this joy would not last long. In late September, Kim and her husband found out their baby had Trisomy 18. This condition affects the baby’s major organs and the chance of survival is very little. I was emotionally overwhelmed by this announcement. It was at the time when Chad and I were trying to start our own family (little did we know I was already two weeks pregnant).
When I learned about Kim's baby's condition the only word I could think of was "un-fair". It's a childish and immature word, but I couldn't help it. The simple truth was that it was un-fair. It was un-fair that Kim's chance at motherhood was going to be cut short. It was un-fair that she may never get another chance.
These past few months in the office have been filled with emotion, long-talks and hugs. Each day that passed was a blessing because it increased the baby’s chances of surviving to full-term. Before we knew it January was upon us and Kim was scheduled for a c-section. The baby was coming early because amniotic fluid was low and because doctors could help the baby better outside of the womb.
So, on January 15th, Martin Luther King’s birthday, Zoey Mae was born at 3 pounds 1 ounce. She is beautiful and absolute proof that God listen’s to prayers and works miracles. Zoey still has a long road ahead of her and is most definitely a special needs child. Kim cares about none of that and is completely grateful for this small miracle in her life. Right now the baby remains in the NICU unit of a hospital here in the Phoenix area. She will likely remain there for sometime.
I cannot get Zoey or Kim off my mind. It is emotional in a way that I can’t describe. I cry a lot about it and it’s not because I’m pregnant; it’s because I’m human. Kim is a good person—it radiates from her. Her attitude, faith and perseverance during this time have been phenomenal and it only serves to break my heart even more. However, Zoey has fought the odds and I hope and pray that she continues to do so and Kim is able to see her blossom into a toddler, tween, teenager and beyond.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Getting Ready for Baby
We are *so* getting ready for Baby Cayden. It’s all happening and it’s all happening so fast. I can’t believe it. I am getting super excited.
On Saturday we went to Wal-Mart and BabiesRUs to finish the registries. I had a blast registering for baby stuff. It’s addicting. I wanted to register for everything. Chad was able to keep me under control and we only got the necessities; plus a little extra—I couldn’t help myself. The only down part is that half of our items can’t be viewed or purchased on-line.
Also, Chad started working on the nursery. Right now, there is a large den-type room directly off of our master bedroom. Currently we are using it as a computer/getting ready room. But soon it will be transformed to a nursery. Chad started on the slight re-model this weekend. We are replacing the carpet with hardwood (laminate actually) floors and he is re-doing the walls. I know it will look gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the room all decorated.
On a side note…yesterday was a three day weekend. Unfortunately, I had to spend it by myself because Chad had to work. Boo. I spent the day watching HGTV and enjoying baby kicks. Cayden must have grown or gotten stronger these past few days. Starting on Sunday I started to feel him…*really* feel him. Before then I could only feel a little something maybe once a day. But Sunday, yesterday and today…it’s on. I feel him all the time…at least once an hour. I love it!
On Saturday we went to Wal-Mart and BabiesRUs to finish the registries. I had a blast registering for baby stuff. It’s addicting. I wanted to register for everything. Chad was able to keep me under control and we only got the necessities; plus a little extra—I couldn’t help myself. The only down part is that half of our items can’t be viewed or purchased on-line.
Also, Chad started working on the nursery. Right now, there is a large den-type room directly off of our master bedroom. Currently we are using it as a computer/getting ready room. But soon it will be transformed to a nursery. Chad started on the slight re-model this weekend. We are replacing the carpet with hardwood (laminate actually) floors and he is re-doing the walls. I know it will look gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the room all decorated.
On a side note…yesterday was a three day weekend. Unfortunately, I had to spend it by myself because Chad had to work. Boo. I spent the day watching HGTV and enjoying baby kicks. Cayden must have grown or gotten stronger these past few days. Starting on Sunday I started to feel him…*really* feel him. Before then I could only feel a little something maybe once a day. But Sunday, yesterday and today…it’s on. I feel him all the time…at least once an hour. I love it!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Bunco
So I am part of this Bunco group. Bunco is a dice game played by 12 women—it’s very fun and a great way for girls to get together and spend time gabbing, eating, and occasionally drinking. Our group meets once a month. Every month Bunco is hosted at a different person’s house. Last night Bunco was at my house.
One of the member’s of our Bunco team, Jennifer, just had a baby. Her name is Tatum and she is only 6 weeks old. Well, Jennifer brought along baby Tatum with her yesterday. Oh my gosh! She was completely adorable and I was completely in love.
Jennifer arrived with baby Tatum before most of the other girls arrived so I was able to spend some good quality time with the baby. Chad was able to witness this as well. Once the rest of the girls arrived he and Buster retreated into our bedroom.
I loved, loved, loved holding a baby in my arms. It was completely joyous. She was so soft and sweet and everything she did amused me. Buster was introduced to her and he was very curious. He sniffed her a lot and gave her kisses on the arm. It made me feel reassured for when Baby Cayden comes home. I know Buster will be awesome.
As the night progressed baby Tatum started getting a little grumpy. She started crying a lot and pretty loudly. However, to my surprise it didn’t bother me. I didn’t get instantly annoyed and she isn’t even my baby. I think toddler cry’s are more annoying.
Jennifer told me that during the first few weeks the crying is really difficult to deal with; simply because you don’t know how to make the baby happy. She said she cried a few times; not because she was frustrated or angry, but because she was sad that she couldn’t make baby Tatum happy. She said that you get used to it and it becomes manageable.
After the Bunco party was over and Chad and I were cleaning up he confessed that seeing me hold baby Tatum scared him a little bit. Not because he isn’t thrilled to have a baby in the house, but because he is worried about me physically handling a child. Tatum is only 6 weeks, but Chad said she looked big and heavy for me. I told him I would be fine and I am not doing all this working out for nothing. I am building strong baby lifting muscles!
I asked him, “Are you going to take over everything and always be the one to hold the baby because you don’t think I can handle him?”
“No, not at all. I just get worried about you.”
But, I’ll be fine. I’ll totally be fine. I’m going to be a mom and mom’s can handle anything!
One of the member’s of our Bunco team, Jennifer, just had a baby. Her name is Tatum and she is only 6 weeks old. Well, Jennifer brought along baby Tatum with her yesterday. Oh my gosh! She was completely adorable and I was completely in love.
Jennifer arrived with baby Tatum before most of the other girls arrived so I was able to spend some good quality time with the baby. Chad was able to witness this as well. Once the rest of the girls arrived he and Buster retreated into our bedroom.
I loved, loved, loved holding a baby in my arms. It was completely joyous. She was so soft and sweet and everything she did amused me. Buster was introduced to her and he was very curious. He sniffed her a lot and gave her kisses on the arm. It made me feel reassured for when Baby Cayden comes home. I know Buster will be awesome.
As the night progressed baby Tatum started getting a little grumpy. She started crying a lot and pretty loudly. However, to my surprise it didn’t bother me. I didn’t get instantly annoyed and she isn’t even my baby. I think toddler cry’s are more annoying.
Jennifer told me that during the first few weeks the crying is really difficult to deal with; simply because you don’t know how to make the baby happy. She said she cried a few times; not because she was frustrated or angry, but because she was sad that she couldn’t make baby Tatum happy. She said that you get used to it and it becomes manageable.
After the Bunco party was over and Chad and I were cleaning up he confessed that seeing me hold baby Tatum scared him a little bit. Not because he isn’t thrilled to have a baby in the house, but because he is worried about me physically handling a child. Tatum is only 6 weeks, but Chad said she looked big and heavy for me. I told him I would be fine and I am not doing all this working out for nothing. I am building strong baby lifting muscles!
I asked him, “Are you going to take over everything and always be the one to hold the baby because you don’t think I can handle him?”
“No, not at all. I just get worried about you.”
But, I’ll be fine. I’ll totally be fine. I’m going to be a mom and mom’s can handle anything!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Baby Moon!
Chad and I are going on a Baby Moon! It’s like a honeymoon, but it involves a baby instead of a wedding. It’s just a nice way for us to spend some quality time together before the baby gets here in June. We are both so excited about this trip.
We will be going to Payson, Arizona for a weekend. We are leaving February 13th and staying for two nights in a cabin right on a beautiful creek. This particular weekend is absolutely perfect for our Baby Moon. 1) It’s Valentine’s Day 2) It’s my 26th birthday 3) It’s a three day weekend 4) It’s off season up in Payson so the cabin rental was fairly inexpensive 5) The cabin is pet friendly so Buster will be able to accompany us on this trip.
Payson is two hours and a million miles away from Phoenix. The temperature drops about 30 degrees and the elevation raises about 3,000 feet. The town is small, friendly and surrounded by beautiful tall pines. It’s a nature’s lover’s paradise. There is tons of fishing, hiking and wildlife watching.
I am so glad we are taking the time to do something for ourselves. I’m glad we made this trip a priority. Once the baby comes we will be too busy and too broke to do anything like this for a long time. I just want us to take a few days to completely consume each other and be alone.
Check out the cute cabins we will be staying at…
http://www.christophercreeklodge.com/
We will be going to Payson, Arizona for a weekend. We are leaving February 13th and staying for two nights in a cabin right on a beautiful creek. This particular weekend is absolutely perfect for our Baby Moon. 1) It’s Valentine’s Day 2) It’s my 26th birthday 3) It’s a three day weekend 4) It’s off season up in Payson so the cabin rental was fairly inexpensive 5) The cabin is pet friendly so Buster will be able to accompany us on this trip.
Payson is two hours and a million miles away from Phoenix. The temperature drops about 30 degrees and the elevation raises about 3,000 feet. The town is small, friendly and surrounded by beautiful tall pines. It’s a nature’s lover’s paradise. There is tons of fishing, hiking and wildlife watching.
I am so glad we are taking the time to do something for ourselves. I’m glad we made this trip a priority. Once the baby comes we will be too busy and too broke to do anything like this for a long time. I just want us to take a few days to completely consume each other and be alone.
Check out the cute cabins we will be staying at…
http://www.christophercreeklodge.com/
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Confirmation!
We got confirmation! Our baby is most definitely a baby boy. So Cayden James Reed will take on the world sometime around June 13th and we can’t wait. I would have been shocked if the baby’s gender was a girl, just because of what we were told at our last ultrasound.
I had been anxiously awaiting this appointment for weeks. I wanted to get gender confirmed and I wanted to make sure Cayden was big and healthy. Well, they were 45 minutes late in seeing us. I know this happens at doctor’s appointments; it’s to be expected. Nevertheless I was completely grumpy.
My appointment was for 3:15 the last appointment in the day. For some reason, yesterday, there was another lady who was scheduled *after* me. The waiting didn’t make me grumpy. It was the possibility of getting short-changed that made me grumpy. I especially didn’t want them to have to reschedule.
Luckily, they didn’t have to reschedule, but I did feel short-changed in the appointment. During this appointment they were supposed to take an in-depth look at *everything*. But I felt like it was more of a glance over, rather than an in-depth look. I didn’t even like the pictures we walked away with.
Oh well, I have another appointment in two weeks. So I am sure I will be able to get better ultrasound pics then. Plus, we were told that everything looks good and there is no need to worry about anything. The ultrasound is recorded, we get a DVD copy and an electronic one goes to the doctor. So if anything is out of the ordinary they will call.
Cayden is 8 inches and weighs half a pound. I can’t believe how much weight he still has to put on…at least 5 and ½ pounds. No wonder most women balloon around 5 months. The ultrasound tech said he is measuring big, so they may move my due date up. Luckily, they aren’t having to move it up because of me. My cervix was long and closed—exactly as it should be. Thank goodness.
I had been anxiously awaiting this appointment for weeks. I wanted to get gender confirmed and I wanted to make sure Cayden was big and healthy. Well, they were 45 minutes late in seeing us. I know this happens at doctor’s appointments; it’s to be expected. Nevertheless I was completely grumpy.
My appointment was for 3:15 the last appointment in the day. For some reason, yesterday, there was another lady who was scheduled *after* me. The waiting didn’t make me grumpy. It was the possibility of getting short-changed that made me grumpy. I especially didn’t want them to have to reschedule.
Luckily, they didn’t have to reschedule, but I did feel short-changed in the appointment. During this appointment they were supposed to take an in-depth look at *everything*. But I felt like it was more of a glance over, rather than an in-depth look. I didn’t even like the pictures we walked away with.
Oh well, I have another appointment in two weeks. So I am sure I will be able to get better ultrasound pics then. Plus, we were told that everything looks good and there is no need to worry about anything. The ultrasound is recorded, we get a DVD copy and an electronic one goes to the doctor. So if anything is out of the ordinary they will call.
Cayden is 8 inches and weighs half a pound. I can’t believe how much weight he still has to put on…at least 5 and ½ pounds. No wonder most women balloon around 5 months. The ultrasound tech said he is measuring big, so they may move my due date up. Luckily, they aren’t having to move it up because of me. My cervix was long and closed—exactly as it should be. Thank goodness.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Hospital Visit (Last Night) & Dr. Appt (Today)
We visited the hospital that we will be delivering at last night. We are going to be delivering our baby at Chandler Regional Hospital. Originally, I wanted to deliver at Banner Gateway because it is brand new and close to our house. However, there were no OB/GYN’s affiliated with that hospital that accept our health insurance. This surprised me because we have United Healthcare and I thought this insurance was pretty universal and widely accepted.
We timed the drive from our house to the hospital, leaving at 6:20pm. It took us about 25 minutes. Yikes! I am sure when I am in labor those 25 minutes will feel more like 25 hours. However, we left the house at the peak of traffic. Hopefully, I will go into labor in the middle of the night and the 25 minute commute will turn into 15 minutes.
Seeing the delivery room, nursery and recovery room made everything so much more real to me. Now I am able to visualize exactly where I will be when everything is happening. Both the delivery and recovery rooms are private. I like this a lot. I don’t want to be overwhelmed by other patients scaring me. Also, Chandler Regional Hospital has the philosophy that the baby should spend his time in the room with his parents. So, unless I ask them to, the staff will never take Cayden from my side. Well, they do take him away to circumcise him. However, we are allowed to be there with him for that procedure. Chad says he won’t be able to watch the circumcision—it’ll make him (Chad) cry too much.
Today we have our appointment to get an in-depth look at the baby and to do my cervix tests. I am excited and anxious about this appointment. I couldn’t sleep last night. I can’t wait to find out if Cayden is staying Cayden or if our baby will instead be Baby Addison Mae Reed. I just can’t wait to meet Baby Reed no matter what the gender turns out to be.
Also, I am looking forward to seeing how my cervix is holding up. I have my fingers double crossed that I am okay in that area, because I do not want to deliver the baby too early. There are specific reasons babies stay in their mothers for 9 months. I want our baby to be as healthy as possible and that means baking for 9 months. Plus, if the cervix tests are not good it means no romantic-ness for Chad and I and that’s our favorite activity on the weekends.
I more than anything just want to see a big, strong, healthy baby with properly functioning organs. I can only imagine how active he will be this time on screen. I am feeling him more and it is only increasing this immense love I have for him. I am overwhelmed by these movements and I can’t wait until they get stronger, more distinct and more frequent. I have only had two real kicks: one mild and one strong. The rest have been subtle movements—little vibrations. But I know I will very soon start to feel everything and I can’t wait!
We timed the drive from our house to the hospital, leaving at 6:20pm. It took us about 25 minutes. Yikes! I am sure when I am in labor those 25 minutes will feel more like 25 hours. However, we left the house at the peak of traffic. Hopefully, I will go into labor in the middle of the night and the 25 minute commute will turn into 15 minutes.
Seeing the delivery room, nursery and recovery room made everything so much more real to me. Now I am able to visualize exactly where I will be when everything is happening. Both the delivery and recovery rooms are private. I like this a lot. I don’t want to be overwhelmed by other patients scaring me. Also, Chandler Regional Hospital has the philosophy that the baby should spend his time in the room with his parents. So, unless I ask them to, the staff will never take Cayden from my side. Well, they do take him away to circumcise him. However, we are allowed to be there with him for that procedure. Chad says he won’t be able to watch the circumcision—it’ll make him (Chad) cry too much.
Today we have our appointment to get an in-depth look at the baby and to do my cervix tests. I am excited and anxious about this appointment. I couldn’t sleep last night. I can’t wait to find out if Cayden is staying Cayden or if our baby will instead be Baby Addison Mae Reed. I just can’t wait to meet Baby Reed no matter what the gender turns out to be.
Also, I am looking forward to seeing how my cervix is holding up. I have my fingers double crossed that I am okay in that area, because I do not want to deliver the baby too early. There are specific reasons babies stay in their mothers for 9 months. I want our baby to be as healthy as possible and that means baking for 9 months. Plus, if the cervix tests are not good it means no romantic-ness for Chad and I and that’s our favorite activity on the weekends.
I more than anything just want to see a big, strong, healthy baby with properly functioning organs. I can only imagine how active he will be this time on screen. I am feeling him more and it is only increasing this immense love I have for him. I am overwhelmed by these movements and I can’t wait until they get stronger, more distinct and more frequent. I have only had two real kicks: one mild and one strong. The rest have been subtle movements—little vibrations. But I know I will very soon start to feel everything and I can’t wait!
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Lesson in Parenting
Lord give me patience. Yesterday Chad’s friend Brian came to the house to borrow our internet and play Rock Band with Chad. He brought his 6 year old son, Preston, with him. Lord give me patience. They didn’t stay longer than an hour and a half, but by the end of the visit I wanted to strangle Preston. Once again, Lord give me patience.
I spent the entire visit visiting with Preston while also trying to finish my Sunday chores (cooking dinner and doing laundry). The visit started out like this…we have all of Buster’s toys in his bed in our living room. Preston proceeded to pick up every single toy and throw them all about the house. I had to dodge a couple because he cannot throw straight. I asked him to go around the house and gather all the toys he had thrown and put them away. I got a very simple answer, “No.”
Frustrated by this, I go to finish some laundry. He follows me into the laundry room and goes outside to play fetch with Buster. This was really nice because Buster always likes a good round of fetch. However, my laundry was interrupted several times by Preston saying, “Look at me,” over and over and over again.
Then he comes into mine and Chad’s bedroom and spots Chad’s new acoustic guitar. Now, this kid has grown up on Rock Band and Guitar Hero and naturally figures Chad’s guitar is a toy. He sprints to the guitar and starts strumming.
I immediately run up to him and tell him, “No, Preston this is not a toy.”
This does not go over well with him, “But I want to try and play it.”
“I know, but it’s not a toy. So let’s go back to the living room and play Rock Band instead.”
“No, I want to play this one, please, please, please.”
“I’m sorry, but you can’t because it’s not a toy. Let’s go to the living room.”
“But, why? Please, please, please.” He continues to repeat those 5 words over and over and over again.
“Well, I am telling you no. Will you please just listen to me?”
“I’ll stop asking if you let me play it, please, please, please.”
Man, this kid is slick. I can feel my temperature rising and I know I am losing my patience. Heck, I was getting angry. I wanted to yell at him, “Because I said no, that’s why! Now get your butt in the living room and listen to me!” Finally, I got him by the hand and led him to the living room and tell him to join the Rock Bank session with his dad and Chad.
Instead he follows me in the kitchen and starts opening my pantry, refrigerator and freezer. He wants candy. I name everything I got in the way of candy…pop-tarts, fruit snacks, granola bars, and sweet tarts. He wants none of it. I then ask him to close the pantry. Not happening. So I have to close it for him. He eventually spots the ice cream and wants some of that. My response, “Go ask your dad.” Luckily for me Brian says no. I thought it was very ill-mannered of him to feel bold enough to dig through my kitchen like that.
Then he decides he wants to be a little chef and help me cook the spaghetti. He pops himself on my step-stool (yes, the shorty that I am needs a step stool in the kitchen) and wants to stir the cooking spaghetti. It’s the guitar conversation all over again.
“No, because it’s really hot and I don’t want you to burn yourself.”
Then it’s, “No, why? Please, please, please,” over and over and over again.
I was about to lose it, but luckily for both Preston and myself Brian announced they were leaving.
Wow! I am in for the ride of my life. However, I will say this. I do think Preston’s lack of respect for authority and inability to listen is avoidable. I believe you can teach children to listen and teach children respect. I can feel in me that I will be a disciplinarian and I will demand respect. I have been scared that I will be a push-over mom, but yesterday taught me that I will be nothing close to a pushover.
In the end I say, “bring it on!” Because I will not allow my child to be raised without rules and boundaries. Baby Cayden will know better.
I spent the entire visit visiting with Preston while also trying to finish my Sunday chores (cooking dinner and doing laundry). The visit started out like this…we have all of Buster’s toys in his bed in our living room. Preston proceeded to pick up every single toy and throw them all about the house. I had to dodge a couple because he cannot throw straight. I asked him to go around the house and gather all the toys he had thrown and put them away. I got a very simple answer, “No.”
Frustrated by this, I go to finish some laundry. He follows me into the laundry room and goes outside to play fetch with Buster. This was really nice because Buster always likes a good round of fetch. However, my laundry was interrupted several times by Preston saying, “Look at me,” over and over and over again.
Then he comes into mine and Chad’s bedroom and spots Chad’s new acoustic guitar. Now, this kid has grown up on Rock Band and Guitar Hero and naturally figures Chad’s guitar is a toy. He sprints to the guitar and starts strumming.
I immediately run up to him and tell him, “No, Preston this is not a toy.”
This does not go over well with him, “But I want to try and play it.”
“I know, but it’s not a toy. So let’s go back to the living room and play Rock Band instead.”
“No, I want to play this one, please, please, please.”
“I’m sorry, but you can’t because it’s not a toy. Let’s go to the living room.”
“But, why? Please, please, please.” He continues to repeat those 5 words over and over and over again.
“Well, I am telling you no. Will you please just listen to me?”
“I’ll stop asking if you let me play it, please, please, please.”
Man, this kid is slick. I can feel my temperature rising and I know I am losing my patience. Heck, I was getting angry. I wanted to yell at him, “Because I said no, that’s why! Now get your butt in the living room and listen to me!” Finally, I got him by the hand and led him to the living room and tell him to join the Rock Bank session with his dad and Chad.
Instead he follows me in the kitchen and starts opening my pantry, refrigerator and freezer. He wants candy. I name everything I got in the way of candy…pop-tarts, fruit snacks, granola bars, and sweet tarts. He wants none of it. I then ask him to close the pantry. Not happening. So I have to close it for him. He eventually spots the ice cream and wants some of that. My response, “Go ask your dad.” Luckily for me Brian says no. I thought it was very ill-mannered of him to feel bold enough to dig through my kitchen like that.
Then he decides he wants to be a little chef and help me cook the spaghetti. He pops himself on my step-stool (yes, the shorty that I am needs a step stool in the kitchen) and wants to stir the cooking spaghetti. It’s the guitar conversation all over again.
“No, because it’s really hot and I don’t want you to burn yourself.”
Then it’s, “No, why? Please, please, please,” over and over and over again.
I was about to lose it, but luckily for both Preston and myself Brian announced they were leaving.
Wow! I am in for the ride of my life. However, I will say this. I do think Preston’s lack of respect for authority and inability to listen is avoidable. I believe you can teach children to listen and teach children respect. I can feel in me that I will be a disciplinarian and I will demand respect. I have been scared that I will be a push-over mom, but yesterday taught me that I will be nothing close to a pushover.
In the end I say, “bring it on!” Because I will not allow my child to be raised without rules and boundaries. Baby Cayden will know better.
Go Cards!
I wanna give a shout-out to our hometown Arizona Cardinals who destroyed the Carolina Panthers in Saturday's NFC divisional game, 33-13. It was a sight to be seen. No one gave the Cardinals a chance and the dynamic combo of QB Kurt Warner and WR Larry Fitzgerald proved to be un-stopable.
Even better, the Cardinals will be hosting the NFC Championship game right here in Glendale, AZ. Chad and I tried getting tickets to the game, but it sold out in 6 minutes! Tickets on Craigslist right now are outrageous, so it looks like we will be watching the game at home.
Still, the city is abuzz with excitement. This is the first time EVER, EVER this has happened to the Arizona Cardinals. And bird frenzy is definitely in the air. Heck, even Baby Cayden was dancing around cheering on the Cards during the game on Saturday. Cayden's favorite player is Neil Rackers because they are both excellent kickers!
Go Cards...Super Bowl here we come!!!
Even better, the Cardinals will be hosting the NFC Championship game right here in Glendale, AZ. Chad and I tried getting tickets to the game, but it sold out in 6 minutes! Tickets on Craigslist right now are outrageous, so it looks like we will be watching the game at home.
Still, the city is abuzz with excitement. This is the first time EVER, EVER this has happened to the Arizona Cardinals. And bird frenzy is definitely in the air. Heck, even Baby Cayden was dancing around cheering on the Cards during the game on Saturday. Cayden's favorite player is Neil Rackers because they are both excellent kickers!
Go Cards...Super Bowl here we come!!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
What trimester is this?
Okay, so today I am officially 17 weeks preggers! Kudos to Chad for making it this long. We’ll see if his sanity and patience can make it another 23 weeks or so. If he hears the questions, “Am I showing yet?” or “Do you like my porn boobs?” one more time he’s likely to jump off a bridge. By the way, the answers are respectively, “Yes, but not too much.” and “Why is that a question?”
So, yes, 17 weeks and counting. Decently into my second trimester…the supposed “honeymoon trimester.” I feel lied to. I am still tired all the time. One of my co-workers said when she hit her second trimester she “could have run a marathon.” Liar! I can barely do 30 minutes on the treadmill.
And please don’t ask me about my work promptness. It no longer exists. I went from hitting the snooze button twice to hitting it about 5 times each morning. I live about 40 minutes from work and am supposed to be there at 8am. Chad will call at 7:45…“how’s the drive?” “I don’t know…I’m curling my hair.” “Slacker!” he proclaims.
Sometimes this is my typical work day…come home, sleep for about 30 minutes, make dinner, watch TV, fall asleep, wake up about 8:30, go to bed. Then there are the weekends. Holy cow…the weekends. Sleep until 10:30, in bed by 10:00, nap from 2:00 to 5:00. When my parents were here for New Year’s they were quite amazed by my ability to sleep despite just waking up. My dad actually said, “God, you’re getting lazy.”
I’m not lazy, I’m growing a person. Well, maybe I am a little lazy. It’s my second trimester! Where the hell is this sudden rush of energy I am supposed to be feeling?
So, yeah, the tiredness is hard. But what really left me asking, “what trimester is this?” came this morning. I threw up. Yup. I puked. Not once, but 4 times. 4 times. Am I having lag pregnancy symptoms? I never threw up before and was damn proud of it. Then this morning rolls around and it’s puke city. I had just got done taking my pre-natal vitamin and it’s red. So I’m puking up vitamins…red vitamins, but I think its blood. Holy cow…I’m bleeding internally, what’s wrong with me. Do I need to call 911? Never mind, just a pre-natal vitamin. Crises adverted.
So I get to work late, tired, starving and with a stomach ache. Oh well, after all this complaining I can honestly say Baby Cayden is so worth it!
So, yes, 17 weeks and counting. Decently into my second trimester…the supposed “honeymoon trimester.” I feel lied to. I am still tired all the time. One of my co-workers said when she hit her second trimester she “could have run a marathon.” Liar! I can barely do 30 minutes on the treadmill.
And please don’t ask me about my work promptness. It no longer exists. I went from hitting the snooze button twice to hitting it about 5 times each morning. I live about 40 minutes from work and am supposed to be there at 8am. Chad will call at 7:45…“how’s the drive?” “I don’t know…I’m curling my hair.” “Slacker!” he proclaims.
Sometimes this is my typical work day…come home, sleep for about 30 minutes, make dinner, watch TV, fall asleep, wake up about 8:30, go to bed. Then there are the weekends. Holy cow…the weekends. Sleep until 10:30, in bed by 10:00, nap from 2:00 to 5:00. When my parents were here for New Year’s they were quite amazed by my ability to sleep despite just waking up. My dad actually said, “God, you’re getting lazy.”
I’m not lazy, I’m growing a person. Well, maybe I am a little lazy. It’s my second trimester! Where the hell is this sudden rush of energy I am supposed to be feeling?
So, yeah, the tiredness is hard. But what really left me asking, “what trimester is this?” came this morning. I threw up. Yup. I puked. Not once, but 4 times. 4 times. Am I having lag pregnancy symptoms? I never threw up before and was damn proud of it. Then this morning rolls around and it’s puke city. I had just got done taking my pre-natal vitamin and it’s red. So I’m puking up vitamins…red vitamins, but I think its blood. Holy cow…I’m bleeding internally, what’s wrong with me. Do I need to call 911? Never mind, just a pre-natal vitamin. Crises adverted.
So I get to work late, tired, starving and with a stomach ache. Oh well, after all this complaining I can honestly say Baby Cayden is so worth it!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
At Long Last...A Kick!
I believe I felt a baby kick today. It was very distinct. It wasn't a flutter, vibration or little sensation that I have been feeling. This was very different. The only thing I could imagine it to be is a baby kick!
I was standing and talking to a co-worker and all of a sudden it felt like someone flicked my belly from the inside. It was fast and the feeling only lasted a second or so. It made me say out loud, "Whoa, I just felt the baby."
The alleged baby kicked happened in my lower right abdomen. This is the same exact spot where everything I have ever felt with the baby has happened. It is also the same spot where the heartbeat is most easily heard and where the ultrasound tech spent the most time during our last ultrasound.
I now just need to wait for the next one to determine if what I think I felt is actually what I felt. I wonder if baby kicks come on gradually or if it's like a light switch and once it's on it's on.
I was standing and talking to a co-worker and all of a sudden it felt like someone flicked my belly from the inside. It was fast and the feeling only lasted a second or so. It made me say out loud, "Whoa, I just felt the baby."
The alleged baby kicked happened in my lower right abdomen. This is the same exact spot where everything I have ever felt with the baby has happened. It is also the same spot where the heartbeat is most easily heard and where the ultrasound tech spent the most time during our last ultrasound.
I now just need to wait for the next one to determine if what I think I felt is actually what I felt. I wonder if baby kicks come on gradually or if it's like a light switch and once it's on it's on.
Motherhood Quotes
ENJOY!
Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home. -Phyllis Diller
Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B. Vermont
She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along. ~Margaret Culkin Banning
If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~Milton Berle
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty
I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. ~Adabella Radici
The only mothers it is safe to forget on Mother's Day are the good ones. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960
With what price we pay for the glory of motherhood. ~Isadora Duncan
There's nothing like a mama-hug. ~Adabella Radici
Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries. ~T. DeWitt Talmage
It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it. ~From the television show The Golden Girls
A man's work is from sun to sun, but a mother's work is never done. ~Author Unknown
God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers. ~Jewish Proverb
All mothers are working mothers. ~Author Unknown
Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother. ~Oprah Winfrey
Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home. -Phyllis Diller
Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B. Vermont
She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along. ~Margaret Culkin Banning
If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~Milton Berle
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty
I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. ~Adabella Radici
The only mothers it is safe to forget on Mother's Day are the good ones. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960
With what price we pay for the glory of motherhood. ~Isadora Duncan
There's nothing like a mama-hug. ~Adabella Radici
Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries. ~T. DeWitt Talmage
It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it. ~From the television show The Golden Girls
A man's work is from sun to sun, but a mother's work is never done. ~Author Unknown
God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers. ~Jewish Proverb
All mothers are working mothers. ~Author Unknown
Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother. ~Oprah Winfrey
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Marley and Me
I just wrote a little movie review about Marley and Me on my other blog, yet I feel compelled to write about the movie again. I just want to emphasize how much I loved this movie and how truly important I feel dogs are to the fundamental well being of any family. I will, unequivocally, have a dog in my house for the rest of my days here on earth.
When I read the book and watched the movie I felt like I was looking in a mirror…marriage, a dog, jobs, wanting to get pregnant, getting pregnant and all the other madness that is being an adult and starting a family. Starting a family…that phrase is so critical to the movie and my own life. I started my family the moment I saw Buster and I am blessed that our family is growing. I think most families start with a dog, or a cat or some type of animal. Animals teach you the fundamentals of life: love, patience, gratefulness, affection, humility, joy and even sorrow.
A good friend of mine recently experienced some dog woes and the pain she feels only reinforces how truly special dogs and animals are in our lives and what a huge impact both their presence and absence makes in our daily lives.
I know I have gushed over Buster in past posts, but I just want to reinforce what a great joy he is in my life. I can’t wait for him to become a big brother. I so look forward to seeing Buster give Cayden kisses on the checks and toes. I can’t wait to see Buster and Cayden curled together on the couch taking a nap.
Buster’s response to this pregnancy can only be described as human. His gentleness around me is amazing and I believe he knows there is something special brewing in my belly…I can see it his eyes. I am overwhelmed by this love I have for this crazy dog. I can’t imagine the love I will feel for Cayden…surely my heart will burst.
“A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.” John Grogan
When I read the book and watched the movie I felt like I was looking in a mirror…marriage, a dog, jobs, wanting to get pregnant, getting pregnant and all the other madness that is being an adult and starting a family. Starting a family…that phrase is so critical to the movie and my own life. I started my family the moment I saw Buster and I am blessed that our family is growing. I think most families start with a dog, or a cat or some type of animal. Animals teach you the fundamentals of life: love, patience, gratefulness, affection, humility, joy and even sorrow.
A good friend of mine recently experienced some dog woes and the pain she feels only reinforces how truly special dogs and animals are in our lives and what a huge impact both their presence and absence makes in our daily lives.
I know I have gushed over Buster in past posts, but I just want to reinforce what a great joy he is in my life. I can’t wait for him to become a big brother. I so look forward to seeing Buster give Cayden kisses on the checks and toes. I can’t wait to see Buster and Cayden curled together on the couch taking a nap.
Buster’s response to this pregnancy can only be described as human. His gentleness around me is amazing and I believe he knows there is something special brewing in my belly…I can see it his eyes. I am overwhelmed by this love I have for this crazy dog. I can’t imagine the love I will feel for Cayden…surely my heart will burst.
“A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.” John Grogan
Monday, January 5, 2009
Anxious
I have been feeling really anxious these past few days. I’ve have never been a patient person so I knew waiting for certain milestones in my pregnancy would be difficult; I just never knew it would be this thought consuming. I just want to rush time and have my baby in my arms.
I cannot wait to feel Baby Cayden kick. True, I am feeling stuff, sensations, fluttering; but it’s not distinct or consistent. About every other day I feel a little fluttering in my belly that I know is not gas or digestion. I know it’s the baby doing something…a somersault, a lap around the belly or a flip. I can’t wait until I feel these sensations all the time and they become more distinctive. The baby is (according to my weekly newsletter from American Pregnancy) a little over 5 inches. I simply can’t believe I don’t feel a 5 inch person moving around in my belly.
Chad bought me a gift card to Motherhood Maternity for Christmas. So this weekend I decided it was time to cash in. I bought a pair of jeans, a pair of slacks and two shirts. I wore the jeans yesterday and (as Chad predicted) I was not ready for them. They kept sliding off me all day. My belly is not big enough to fill them out. It disappointed me a little bit. I don’t want to become as big as a house, but I am ready to have a full, round, beautiful baby belly proudly protruding before me.
I am still waiting to gain my first pregnancy pound. I know this shouldn’t be an issue, but again according to my pregnancy newsletter I should have gained between 5 and 10 pounds by now. Chad is ultra concerned about this; especially since we read that lack of weight gain leads to pre-mature birth. I am in no way interested in gaining 50-80 pounds and becoming a little chub-o, but I want to be healthy and I want to make sure Cayden is getting all the proper nutrients he needs. I feel like I eat all the time. I eat lots of dairy, fruits and veggies. The doctor hasn’t said anything about my lack of weight gain. However, on my next pre-natal visit if I haven’t gained at least 3 pounds I will definitely be having a conversation with the doctor about it. I mean I am over 4 months pregnant and in my second trimester. Oh well, I will just count myself among the lucky ones. Maybe I will pull a Jessica Alba.
I think I let the whole “you might go into pre-term labor” scenario get to me. I said I wouldn’t, but it snuck up on me and I let fear creep into my mind. It’s amazing…the joy that is felt with pregnancy is also coupled with extreme fear and anticipation. I find myself saying over and over again “I just want everything to be okay.” Chad has been spending many hours listening to all my irrational fears and doing his best to support me and reassure me that everything will be okay.
I just need to let my pregnancy take its own course. I keep comparing myself to other pregnant women; some of which are much further along than I am. I am on the internet doing research constantly trying to figure out when certain things are suppose to happen and wondering why it’s not happening to me yet. . It’s amazing…because once I found out I had life inside of me I wanted it to be apparent in every way possible. I just need to take a breath, step back and enjoy all these precious moments as they happen—and they will happen.
I cannot wait to feel Baby Cayden kick. True, I am feeling stuff, sensations, fluttering; but it’s not distinct or consistent. About every other day I feel a little fluttering in my belly that I know is not gas or digestion. I know it’s the baby doing something…a somersault, a lap around the belly or a flip. I can’t wait until I feel these sensations all the time and they become more distinctive. The baby is (according to my weekly newsletter from American Pregnancy) a little over 5 inches. I simply can’t believe I don’t feel a 5 inch person moving around in my belly.
Chad bought me a gift card to Motherhood Maternity for Christmas. So this weekend I decided it was time to cash in. I bought a pair of jeans, a pair of slacks and two shirts. I wore the jeans yesterday and (as Chad predicted) I was not ready for them. They kept sliding off me all day. My belly is not big enough to fill them out. It disappointed me a little bit. I don’t want to become as big as a house, but I am ready to have a full, round, beautiful baby belly proudly protruding before me.
I am still waiting to gain my first pregnancy pound. I know this shouldn’t be an issue, but again according to my pregnancy newsletter I should have gained between 5 and 10 pounds by now. Chad is ultra concerned about this; especially since we read that lack of weight gain leads to pre-mature birth. I am in no way interested in gaining 50-80 pounds and becoming a little chub-o, but I want to be healthy and I want to make sure Cayden is getting all the proper nutrients he needs. I feel like I eat all the time. I eat lots of dairy, fruits and veggies. The doctor hasn’t said anything about my lack of weight gain. However, on my next pre-natal visit if I haven’t gained at least 3 pounds I will definitely be having a conversation with the doctor about it. I mean I am over 4 months pregnant and in my second trimester. Oh well, I will just count myself among the lucky ones. Maybe I will pull a Jessica Alba.
I think I let the whole “you might go into pre-term labor” scenario get to me. I said I wouldn’t, but it snuck up on me and I let fear creep into my mind. It’s amazing…the joy that is felt with pregnancy is also coupled with extreme fear and anticipation. I find myself saying over and over again “I just want everything to be okay.” Chad has been spending many hours listening to all my irrational fears and doing his best to support me and reassure me that everything will be okay.
I just need to let my pregnancy take its own course. I keep comparing myself to other pregnant women; some of which are much further along than I am. I am on the internet doing research constantly trying to figure out when certain things are suppose to happen and wondering why it’s not happening to me yet. . It’s amazing…because once I found out I had life inside of me I wanted it to be apparent in every way possible. I just need to take a breath, step back and enjoy all these precious moments as they happen—and they will happen.
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