A little run down. I've done something really bad to someone and Karma is out to get me. Someone has a voodoo doll and they are out to make things very difficult on me. Well, it's working! I need a strong drink.
Two Friday's ago Oaks fell out of his bouncy seat and landed on the
hardwood. (Please do not call CPS on me). We spent the evening in the
ER where they told us his brain was fine but he had fluid behind his
ears. We didn't start the antibiotics they gave us because he showed no
signs of an ear infection.
Two Saturday's ago my Grandma fell on her steps going into her house and shattered her elbow. She spent 3 days in the hospital, then home until Friday when she had surgery. She is home now and has been told that she will no longer have use of her right arm. Heartbreaking, to say the least.
On Wednesday of last week, Oaks started
pulling at his ears. So an afternoon off work and a script for antibiotics, hoping his ears would drain and the fear of keeping ear
infections would go away.
This past Friday Cory discovered at 7:30am that all the water that we had used while taking showers that morning didn't drain into the sewage system but rather in the basement bathroom. Water in the bathroom and the guest bedroom. Most of the day off work but I got the water mostly cleaned up. Friday night we had a friend come help us unclog the drain to our main sewage line. My hardwood is now buckling, it wasn't a good day.
Friday night Oaks bit me three times while eating. It hurt! Oaks didn't sleep that night. I couldn't figure out if it was his belly, his teeth, his ear. He just didn't sleep.
Saturday we snuggled most of the day. Fussy but still smiles until nighttime. I noticed when nursing him there was a sudden pain in my right side, a sharp pain then a burn. Clogged duct I thought? Fantastic! I thought I would check to see if his top tooth had came thru since he had bit me three times the night before. That's when I noticed the white. Oh no, the dreaded thrush. The inside of his lips were white and there was white patches on the roof of his mouth. That's why it hurt, I had it too. So Saturday night, we didn't sleep either. He wouldn't take a paci, he only wanted to comfort nurse, he tossed and turn in discomfort. My poor baby.
Sunday, I am desperate. I call the Children's Clinic for help where I am told by the on call nurse to take him to Urgent Care, that she wouldn't call anything in for the thrush. She then gave me advice I didn't ask her for regarding breastfeeding and comfort nursing. She told me that Oaks should only be eating every two hours and he needs to learn to soothe himself with a paci. Which when Oaks is feeling happy and healthy, we have no issue with him self soothing but when he is cutting a tooth and has stuff growing in his mouth, he wants his Mom. I was too tired to listen to her and her crap. So, I started my research on natural ways of curing thrush, for both of us. I go to Walgreens in search of various vitamins, etc. of course to find out they had nothing. How lovely. So Sunday, we tough it out and hope for medicine on Monday.
Sunday night Oaks didn't sleep terrible but not great. Up often - I'm sure due to discomfort in his mouth. He cried most of the time I was getting ready this morning for work. We make it out of the door on time at 7:30 with bottles and coffee - most important things. Go into daycare, love on him to tell him by, and back out to my car I go. Then my day gets worse. My car won't start. Cory is out of pocket and not able to help. Luckily one of the girls from work was willing to come give me a ride.
So that's where I'm out. My car is at daycare with my pump parts, I'm at work without my pump parts. I need to get medicine for the thrush as fast as possible. So my friend Amy offers me some advice, "Just give up and go home....or you could always blog about this...it will make you feel better and then get a Snickers."
So, a Snickers for breakfast it is.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Half A Year
Happy Half Birthday Son. Has it already been half of a year? It seems like you were just born but yet again, I don't remember my life without you. You have filled my heart with so much happiness that most days, I feel like it is going to explode. I have to admit to you, you were a surprise to your Dad and I. You were a shock of a lifetime for us, something we didn't plan or expect. The day I found out I was having you, I knew that I would never be alone. I had you with me, physically, for 38 weeks and 5 days. You heard my heartbeat from the inside, you were alive because I nourished you, you depended on me to live, I was your world -- and now you are mine.
From the very beginning I was so scared. Your Dad was scared too. How were we going to be able to do this? Raise a child? We were use to our dogs who we could leave for the night as long as they had food and water. Often times the dogs seemed like a lot of work so we couldn't begin to wrap our minds around being the parents of a baby, of a little tiny baby human. We weren't sure what to expect, what we would do, or how much we could possibly love you.
The moment you were born seems like a blur. With my delivery, the medicine, the pain, the exhaustion - it is such a blur. I didn't cry when I first saw you, I was in shock of what was happening and I didn't cry. I have felt so guilty about that since the day you were born. Since that day though, I have cried a lot. Thinking about you, your smile, your giggle, your smell - everything about it brings me to tears of joy.I have one running down my face right now.
What's going on with YOU:
YOU HAVE TWO BOTTOM TEETH!!
(You like to bite Mom sometimes too -- Ouchy!)
You are smiling and laughing at everythin
As of last Friday you weighed 15lbs and 11 ounces
YUMS: rice cereal, bananas, sweet potatoes, and carrots. YUCKS: avocado and sweet peas
Trying apples tonight, I know you will love it!
You are trying to learn to sit up but you are a bit wobbly still.
You are rolling over both ways! Yippeee!
Wearing some 3-6 and some 6-9 month clothing, big boy.
You're best friend is Banjo.
Favorite time of day is the morning. You are so full of life!
Oh, you have been to the ER once for a bump on your head, that story can be told later.
The past 6 months we have had several ups and downs, bumps in the road. Raising you has been difficult at times but absolutely perfect. I'm tired, you're tired, you're hungry and I didn't drink enough water that day, you want to snuggle and I need to take a shower. It's been a test of patience for sure! Day by day we make it though. We make it through the sleepless nights, the tummy aches, those mean ol' teeth, Mommy not drinking enough water or eating enough food that day (low supply), growth spurts, and more. I'm pretty proud of us, all three of us. We have done things that I didn't think I would ever be able to do - I have kept a tiny little human baby alive, healthy, and safe for 6 months. YAY Mom and Dad!
I can't believe your first year is halfway over. It has been the best half year of my life. You are incredible and I'm so lucky to be able to call myself your Mom.
I love you my little Oaks Cupcake!
Momma
From the very beginning I was so scared. Your Dad was scared too. How were we going to be able to do this? Raise a child? We were use to our dogs who we could leave for the night as long as they had food and water. Often times the dogs seemed like a lot of work so we couldn't begin to wrap our minds around being the parents of a baby, of a little tiny baby human. We weren't sure what to expect, what we would do, or how much we could possibly love you.
The moment you were born seems like a blur. With my delivery, the medicine, the pain, the exhaustion - it is such a blur. I didn't cry when I first saw you, I was in shock of what was happening and I didn't cry. I have felt so guilty about that since the day you were born. Since that day though, I have cried a lot. Thinking about you, your smile, your giggle, your smell - everything about it brings me to tears of joy.
What's going on with YOU:
YOU HAVE TWO BOTTOM TEETH!!
(You like to bite Mom sometimes too -- Ouchy!)
You are smiling and laughing at everythin
As of last Friday you weighed 15lbs and 11 ounces
YUMS: rice cereal, bananas, sweet potatoes, and carrots. YUCKS: avocado and sweet peas
Trying apples tonight, I know you will love it!
You are trying to learn to sit up but you are a bit wobbly still.
You are rolling over both ways! Yippeee!
Wearing some 3-6 and some 6-9 month clothing, big boy.
You're best friend is Banjo.
Favorite time of day is the morning. You are so full of life!
Oh, you have been to the ER once for a bump on your head, that story can be told later.
The past 6 months we have had several ups and downs, bumps in the road. Raising you has been difficult at times but absolutely perfect. I'm tired, you're tired, you're hungry and I didn't drink enough water that day, you want to snuggle and I need to take a shower. It's been a test of patience for sure! Day by day we make it though. We make it through the sleepless nights, the tummy aches, those mean ol' teeth, Mommy not drinking enough water or eating enough food that day (low supply), growth spurts, and more. I'm pretty proud of us, all three of us. We have done things that I didn't think I would ever be able to do - I have kept a tiny little human baby alive, healthy, and safe for 6 months. YAY Mom and Dad!
I can't believe your first year is halfway over. It has been the best half year of my life. You are incredible and I'm so lucky to be able to call myself your Mom.
I love you my little Oaks Cupcake!
Momma
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Squirrel went Berserk!
Our night seemed to be like any other night in The Meadors household.... Oaks was eating before his bedtime with the lights off in the living room. Both dogs were sleeping on their beds and Cory was watching tv. Nothing new. Nothing exciting.
THEN... I noticed something moving at the corner of the room near the hallway, the light caught it and I thought it was a mouse. Great. We have brought the mice to Jonesboro from highway 34. Then, suddenly, I saw a very bushy tail. I screamed "There's SOMETHING!" - Cory and Banjo saw the furry creature at the same time. Cory yells, "A SQUIRREL!!" Banjo chases it down the hallway, turns it back around and runs it back into the living room/kitchen. Cory the entire time is trying to keep Banjo away in fear he would kill it. The squirrel runs next the refrigerator and that was the last time we saw it.
Cory tells me it went back outside, not to worry, blah blah blah blah. So, I put Oaks to bed and we go to bed for the night.
Around 2:30am that morning Oaks begins to stir around (WILL HE EVER SLEEP??) so I get up to try to calm him down. [Yes, he is still in my room, yes I know he needs to be in his crib. No, I don't care what you think about it.] Anyway, I'm soothing Oaks, Cory gets up to use the bathroom. He flips on the bathroom light in the bedroom and I see movement in the floor. The squirrel had made it's way into the bedroom. Cory screams, I scream.....then Oaks screams. Fantastic, we woke the baby. Cory chases the squirrel around the room. Under the bed, in my closet, out my closet, UP MY CURTAINS. That's when I nearly lost it, there is an animal climbing up my curtains. Cory finally gets it cornered in the closet, using a t-shirt, he tries to catch it. He misses, under the door the squirrel goes. Mind you, Cory is running around his underwear this entire time chasing this squirrel. I wish I could have videoed it. Cory shoves dirty clothes from the laundry basket under the door and says let's go back to sleep since who knows where it is now and we will find it tomorrow. Being sleep deprived, I agreed.
Around 4:30am Oaks wakes up for his feeding. I have him in bed with us so he can eat and maybe I can catch a few Zzzz's before time for work. Cory gets up to turn his alarm off on his phone that is on the chest in our room and the squirrel runs right by his feet! It is back. Cory starts his chase again. Up the curtains, down the curtains. The squirrel was running along my curtain rod, through the metal rings on my curtains. I'm sitting in bed feeding Oaks trying to figure out how in the world I'm going to move, without unlatching, to avoid this squirrel. If it would have jumped on the bed I would have pooped my pants.
Finally Cory got closet enough to him to catch him. He was using a tshirt to act as a barrier between him and the squirrel. Cory said as soon as he grabbed a hold of him he started biting. After looking at pictures I got of the squirrel we have come to the conclusion that this was not a baby squirrel in our house but a flying squirrel. If they thing would have jumped off my curtain rods and glided around my room Cory and I would have both died.
We are the Criswolds.
THEN... I noticed something moving at the corner of the room near the hallway, the light caught it and I thought it was a mouse. Great. We have brought the mice to Jonesboro from highway 34. Then, suddenly, I saw a very bushy tail. I screamed "There's SOMETHING!" - Cory and Banjo saw the furry creature at the same time. Cory yells, "A SQUIRREL!!" Banjo chases it down the hallway, turns it back around and runs it back into the living room/kitchen. Cory the entire time is trying to keep Banjo away in fear he would kill it. The squirrel runs next the refrigerator and that was the last time we saw it.
Cory tells me it went back outside, not to worry, blah blah blah blah. So, I put Oaks to bed and we go to bed for the night.
Around 2:30am that morning Oaks begins to stir around (WILL HE EVER SLEEP??) so I get up to try to calm him down. [Yes, he is still in my room, yes I know he needs to be in his crib. No, I don't care what you think about it.] Anyway, I'm soothing Oaks, Cory gets up to use the bathroom. He flips on the bathroom light in the bedroom and I see movement in the floor. The squirrel had made it's way into the bedroom. Cory screams, I scream.....then Oaks screams. Fantastic, we woke the baby. Cory chases the squirrel around the room. Under the bed, in my closet, out my closet, UP MY CURTAINS. That's when I nearly lost it, there is an animal climbing up my curtains. Cory finally gets it cornered in the closet, using a t-shirt, he tries to catch it. He misses, under the door the squirrel goes. Mind you, Cory is running around his underwear this entire time chasing this squirrel. I wish I could have videoed it. Cory shoves dirty clothes from the laundry basket under the door and says let's go back to sleep since who knows where it is now and we will find it tomorrow. Being sleep deprived, I agreed.
Around 4:30am Oaks wakes up for his feeding. I have him in bed with us so he can eat and maybe I can catch a few Zzzz's before time for work. Cory gets up to turn his alarm off on his phone that is on the chest in our room and the squirrel runs right by his feet! It is back. Cory starts his chase again. Up the curtains, down the curtains. The squirrel was running along my curtain rod, through the metal rings on my curtains. I'm sitting in bed feeding Oaks trying to figure out how in the world I'm going to move, without unlatching, to avoid this squirrel. If it would have jumped on the bed I would have pooped my pants.
Finally Cory got closet enough to him to catch him. He was using a tshirt to act as a barrier between him and the squirrel. Cory said as soon as he grabbed a hold of him he started biting. After looking at pictures I got of the squirrel we have come to the conclusion that this was not a baby squirrel in our house but a flying squirrel. If they thing would have jumped off my curtain rods and glided around my room Cory and I would have both died.
We are the Criswolds.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Eating Fun
Oaks has recently started eating cereal. Well, rice actually. It has been called "cereal" by so many people that is what we call it. Many Moms buy a box of rice cereal and that is the first food they feed their child. Well, of course I have to do something different worried about all the extras they put into that stuff. I actually bought brown long grain rice and ground it up myself. Cooked 1/2 cup of rice to 1 cup of water on low heat. Then puree the rice once it is soft and mushy using my baby bullet to make Oaks his "cereal."
He loves his rice some days and other days would prefer to nurse or have a bottle. It really is hit or miss with him. Watching him sit up either in his Bumbo or his Booster seat is hilarious though. Such a big boy.
I typically feed Oaks. There has been a few times though that Cory has given it a whirl. I am going to record them one day just so everyone else can hear their conversation.
"Oaks, look at Dad. Bite"
"Oaks, Oaks, Oaks, look at Dad."
"You can't have the spoon Oaks."
"Give Dad the spoon Oaks."
"Don't scream at me, you can't feed yourself."
"Shh, shh, shh here take a bite. Don't get mad."
"Here (puts cereal on the tray), Here feed yourself then."
"Oaks, ugh, you have it all over you. Do you not want a bite?"
"Ughhh I don't think I can do this. Oaks, here take a bite."
Needless to say, it is hilarious. Oaks does like to feed himself with the spoon (Dr. Matthews said he was a child genius) so it makes it difficult of course to get the cereal in his mouth without it covering his hands and face. We tried fresh avocado this week, it didn't go over well. We will be moving onto other foods sometime soon, no rush for him to grow up!
Stay tuned.
He loves his rice some days and other days would prefer to nurse or have a bottle. It really is hit or miss with him. Watching him sit up either in his Bumbo or his Booster seat is hilarious though. Such a big boy.
I typically feed Oaks. There has been a few times though that Cory has given it a whirl. I am going to record them one day just so everyone else can hear their conversation.
"Oaks, look at Dad. Bite"
"Oaks, Oaks, Oaks, look at Dad."
"You can't have the spoon Oaks."
"Give Dad the spoon Oaks."
"Don't scream at me, you can't feed yourself."
"Shh, shh, shh here take a bite. Don't get mad."
"Here (puts cereal on the tray), Here feed yourself then."
"Oaks, ugh, you have it all over you. Do you not want a bite?"
"Ughhh I don't think I can do this. Oaks, here take a bite."
Needless to say, it is hilarious. Oaks does like to feed himself with the spoon (Dr. Matthews said he was a child genius) so it makes it difficult of course to get the cereal in his mouth without it covering his hands and face. We tried fresh avocado this week, it didn't go over well. We will be moving onto other foods sometime soon, no rush for him to grow up!
Stay tuned.
Friday, September 27, 2013
I'm a Cow
If you don't want to read about boobs or milk - stop now.
Yesterday I forgot my pump parts at home. Yesterday I couldn't leave work to go get them because I was leaving early for Oaks 4 month shots. Yesterday I thought my boobs were going to explode. Yesterday I milked myself like a cow.
Yes, I said that -- Milked Myself Like a Cow. It really happened. If you are a breastfeeding Mom or have breastfed before you understand the pain when you are so full that you may burst. Not having my pump parts with me, I knew I was going to have to do something to relieve some pressure and to avoid a major leakage. So I sterilized a plastic up and I went to town.
All I can say is OUCH! Poor cows. Not only were my arms sore from the pushing and pulling but it hurt. I did my best and got an ounce which helped my pain level some. Note to self: Never forget your pump parts again.
Happy Friday Folks --- Moooooooooo
Yesterday I forgot my pump parts at home. Yesterday I couldn't leave work to go get them because I was leaving early for Oaks 4 month shots. Yesterday I thought my boobs were going to explode. Yesterday I milked myself like a cow.
Yes, I said that -- Milked Myself Like a Cow. It really happened. If you are a breastfeeding Mom or have breastfed before you understand the pain when you are so full that you may burst. Not having my pump parts with me, I knew I was going to have to do something to relieve some pressure and to avoid a major leakage. So I sterilized a plastic up and I went to town.
All I can say is OUCH! Poor cows. Not only were my arms sore from the pushing and pulling but it hurt. I did my best and got an ounce which helped my pain level some. Note to self: Never forget your pump parts again.
Happy Friday Folks --- Moooooooooo
4 Months...please stop now
***Written on September 5th -- Mom brain forgot to post it***
4 months ago I had a one day old. 4 months ago I was still in bed wishing I could walk to the bathroom to pee. 4 months ago I was begging to take a shower. 4 months ago seems like forever ago.
Oaks continues to grow and amaze me. He is smiling so much these days and laughing at me even when I'm not funny. He has his Dad's personality for sure, always happy and so laid back. He somehow keeps getting cuter and cuter! Somehow, I created perfection.
Things going on with us....
Oaks is still eating and nursing really well. We plan to continue to breastfeed for as long as this body of mine will make it for him.
Oaks is getting ready to eat rice cereal. Next week is the week!
Oaks is almost rolling over. I think I scream when he gets almost to that point and I scare the crap out of him. Gosh, I get excited though.
Oaks is happy. All. The. Time. Well, unless he has gas then he is super mad and hates everyone and everything. His Mom comes out during his gassy moments. How nice, huh?
Oaks is reaching and pulling everything into his mouth. He is starting to drool, oh how I'm not ready for the hell of teething.
Oaks looks for me when he hears my voice because I'm his favorite. Ha, no, he looks for Cory too. He loves his Mom & Dad.
Oaks loves daycare and this teachers. Praise the lord.
Everyday I wake up excited to see him and see what he has to say. He has been such a blessing to us and we are forever thankful that the Lord blessed us with such a gift.
4 months ago I had a one day old. 4 months ago I was still in bed wishing I could walk to the bathroom to pee. 4 months ago I was begging to take a shower. 4 months ago seems like forever ago.
Oaks continues to grow and amaze me. He is smiling so much these days and laughing at me even when I'm not funny. He has his Dad's personality for sure, always happy and so laid back. He somehow keeps getting cuter and cuter! Somehow, I created perfection.
Things going on with us....
Oaks is still eating and nursing really well. We plan to continue to breastfeed for as long as this body of mine will make it for him.
Oaks is getting ready to eat rice cereal. Next week is the week!
Oaks is almost rolling over. I think I scream when he gets almost to that point and I scare the crap out of him. Gosh, I get excited though.
Oaks is happy. All. The. Time. Well, unless he has gas then he is super mad and hates everyone and everything. His Mom comes out during his gassy moments. How nice, huh?
Oaks is reaching and pulling everything into his mouth. He is starting to drool, oh how I'm not ready for the hell of teething.
Oaks looks for me when he hears my voice because I'm his favorite. Ha, no, he looks for Cory too. He loves his Mom & Dad.
Oaks loves daycare and this teachers. Praise the lord.
Everyday I wake up excited to see him and see what he has to say. He has been such a blessing to us and we are forever thankful that the Lord blessed us with such a gift.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
What's a Schedule?
Since Oaks was born I have heard from so many Mom's about their schedules and routines. After dinner the baby has a bath, massage with lotion, book time, nursing, then put to bed. Every. Single. Night. Well, for some reason we cannot get that down. Not even when I was at home during my maternity leave, we still couldn't do it. This how our nights go in the Meadors household:
Parents of the year right there.
If you wonder what I will be doing tonight, I will be cleaning my kitchen and mopping my floors -- and probably drinking wine!
Cheers!
- I get home from work
- Pick up the house from the morning (bottles, clothes, make bed, pick up bathroom, etc.)
- Feed Oaks
- Wash bottles and pump parts from the day
- Unload the dishwasher from the previous night
- Start Dinner -- Cory normally gets home around this time.
- Start a load of laundry
- Take Hank and Banjo outside to potty -- this is Cory's job
- Play with Oaks while dinner is cooking
- Feed the dogs then take them out again
- Eat dinner (hopefully Oaks is sleeping)
- Just a note: Cory and I eat dinner at the table. Together. No tv (most of the time), the table is set and we have the food on the table with us. This is our one time during the day when we can actually talk. So far, this has kept his sane and happy :)
- Clean up kitchen and load the dishwasher
- Switch over laundry
- Give Oaks a bath if he hasn't thrown a fit because he is hungry.
- Pj or swaddle time
- Feed Oaks
- Put Oaks down for bed
- Get everything together for next day - bottles and clothes for daycare, breakfast, lunch, and pump parts for work
- Clean whatever is on my chore chart for the day. Yes, I have a chore chart because if I don't I am so overwhelmed with cleaning my house I would never go to sleep.
- Monday: Bedrooms and Dusting
- Tuesday: Kitchen and Floors
- Wednesday: Bathroom and Trash
- Thursday: Downstairs
- Fold last load of laundry
- Pump
- Put dogs up for the night
- BED!
Parents of the year right there.
If you wonder what I will be doing tonight, I will be cleaning my kitchen and mopping my floors -- and probably drinking wine!
Cheers!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Tit for Tat
Why is it the we have to constantly compare what you did for someone expecting the same favor returned? That is how we are programmed, as humans, but that isn't right. We shouldn't give only to get something in return. I've been struggling with this lately. Really struggling.
One reason is that I have noticed since Oaks was born that some people that I knew would be around to see him, visit with us, and create a relationship with him hasn't been around. I know, how do you create a relationship with a newborn - but at least see the little guy. It's been frustrating (and hurtful) for me on numerous occasions. I know everyone is busy... a lot of our friends and family have kids and I know now how difficult that is. I just know that I have went a lot of hospitals, a lot of houses, a lot of ballgames, plays, and graduations. I have taken time out of my busy schedule on numerous occasions to be with or help those I care about.
So, as I learn to not compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges I will continue to pray for strength and kindness. With my hormones these days, I definitely need the kindness. No one ever told me that I would become even more a beyotch after I had Oaks.
Ahhh, I feel better now. Thank you for allowing me to be araging hormonal Mom for a minute.
One reason is that I have noticed since Oaks was born that some people that I knew would be around to see him, visit with us, and create a relationship with him hasn't been around. I know, how do you create a relationship with a newborn - but at least see the little guy. It's been frustrating (and hurtful) for me on numerous occasions. I know everyone is busy... a lot of our friends and family have kids and I know now how difficult that is. I just know that I have went a lot of hospitals, a lot of houses, a lot of ballgames, plays, and graduations. I have taken time out of my busy schedule on numerous occasions to be with or help those I care about.
So, as I learn to not compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges I will continue to pray for strength and kindness. With my hormones these days, I definitely need the kindness. No one ever told me that I would become even more a beyotch after I had Oaks.
Ahhh, I feel better now. Thank you for allowing me to be a
Friday, July 26, 2013
12 weeks and counting
The last 12 weeks of my life have been the best that I've ever experienced. I never knew that I would love motherhood so much, especially since I was the one that everyone thought would never have children. I didn't really think I would ever have kids either because for a long I didn't think I would be with Cory. I only saw myself having babies with Cory -- which I'm really glad I did!
**Just so my friends know, I haven't spanked Oaks yet.
12 weeks ago I began to look at life completely different. Everything is scary now, every cough, sneeze, or gag. I see myself different as a person who was able to create such a miracle and grow something so tiny in my body. (How do people not believe in God?) I no longer see Cory as just my husband but a father to our precious child. Our relationship has also changed since Oaks has been here, I truly feel that our house is now full of love. I heard from other parents about their middle of the night fights, the issues that begin when you have a newborn and you are sleep deprived - thankfully, we have become even more patient and helpful with each other. I've only wanted to knock him out a fewhundred times.
During the past 12 weeks I have prayed for pee, poop, burps, farts, and weight gain. I have been peed on, pooped on***, and spit up on. I have changed a lot of diapers, given many baths, changed 1000's of outfits, and ever so carefully cut his little fingernails. I have had to hold by baby while they took his blood not once but twice. I had to help strap him in a chest xray and watch my sweet baby scream. Cory had to hold his tiny little hands just the other day as he got his shots, which I think hurt me way worse than they hurt him. We have laughed together and cried together.
During the past 12 weeks milk has been one of the most important thing on my mind. How much milk do I have the refrigerator, how much did I pump this last time, do I have enough milk for his bottles for school...... milk, Milk, MILK! I have become pretty obsessed with breastfeeding but I will save all of that for another post.
The past 12 weeks have been far beyond amazing. Every morning I'm so anxious for Oaks to wake up so I can see him, talk to him, and get him to smile and laugh. Last week I got to daycare and he was crying and when I took him from his teacher, he stopped. That was a proud Mom moment and I really like those. I never really imagined that I could be so happy, be so in love, and be so content with how my life is now.
Praise the Lord for his Blessings!
***This week Oaks was constipated and a little fussy. I took a bath with him, which I know one day he will hate me for but who cares, I'm in charge now. Anyway, he was playing and loving his bath and then boom - poop! Yes, poop in the water that I was in.... and I didn't even get upset. I was so excited he finally pooped that I didn't care I was bathing in feces. Needless to say, we got out, I took a shower to rinse it off and cleaned the bathtub but I was one happy Mom for just being pooped on.
**Just so my friends know, I haven't spanked Oaks yet.
12 weeks ago I began to look at life completely different. Everything is scary now, every cough, sneeze, or gag. I see myself different as a person who was able to create such a miracle and grow something so tiny in my body. (How do people not believe in God?) I no longer see Cory as just my husband but a father to our precious child. Our relationship has also changed since Oaks has been here, I truly feel that our house is now full of love. I heard from other parents about their middle of the night fights, the issues that begin when you have a newborn and you are sleep deprived - thankfully, we have become even more patient and helpful with each other. I've only wanted to knock him out a few
During the past 12 weeks I have prayed for pee, poop, burps, farts, and weight gain. I have been peed on, pooped on***, and spit up on. I have changed a lot of diapers, given many baths, changed 1000's of outfits, and ever so carefully cut his little fingernails. I have had to hold by baby while they took his blood not once but twice. I had to help strap him in a chest xray and watch my sweet baby scream. Cory had to hold his tiny little hands just the other day as he got his shots, which I think hurt me way worse than they hurt him. We have laughed together and cried together.
During the past 12 weeks milk has been one of the most important thing on my mind. How much milk do I have the refrigerator, how much did I pump this last time, do I have enough milk for his bottles for school...... milk, Milk, MILK! I have become pretty obsessed with breastfeeding but I will save all of that for another post.
The past 12 weeks have been far beyond amazing. Every morning I'm so anxious for Oaks to wake up so I can see him, talk to him, and get him to smile and laugh. Last week I got to daycare and he was crying and when I took him from his teacher, he stopped. That was a proud Mom moment and I really like those. I never really imagined that I could be so happy, be so in love, and be so content with how my life is now.
Praise the Lord for his Blessings!
***This week Oaks was constipated and a little fussy. I took a bath with him, which I know one day he will hate me for but who cares, I'm in charge now. Anyway, he was playing and loving his bath and then boom - poop! Yes, poop in the water that I was in.... and I didn't even get upset. I was so excited he finally pooped that I didn't care I was bathing in feces. Needless to say, we got out, I took a shower to rinse it off and cleaned the bathtub but I was one happy Mom for just being pooped on.
Friday, July 12, 2013
For those days
I read this today and thought that I had to share. I definitely need to remember number 9 and 10. My house will probably never be as clean as it was before I had a baby and my body will never look like it did before. My stretch marks represent the pain, struggle and don't forget swelling that I endured during my pregnancy with Oaks -- which was all worth it.
For
the days we are running on empty. For the days we just don't think we
have it in us to read one more story, play one more game of Uno, wash
one more round of sheets. For the days when we think everyone else has
it together. For the days we're sure anyone else would do this job better.
For those days. You know the ones.
Repeat after me:
1. I shall not judge my house, my kid's summer activities or my crafting skills by Pinterest's standards.
2. I shall not measure what I've accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry but by the assurance of deep love I've tickled into my kids.
3. I shall say yes to blanket forts and see past the chaos to the memories we're building.
4. I shall surprise my kids with trips to get ice cream when they're already in their pajamas.
5. I shall not compare myself to other mothers but find my identity in the God who trusted me with these kids in the first place.
6. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.
7. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly uncoordinated dance.
8. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Never land.
9. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.
10. I shall promise to love this body that bore these three children out loud, especially in front of my daughter.
11. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship.
12. I shall do my best to admit to my people my unfine moments.
13. I shall say sorry when sorry is necessary.
14. I pray God I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children's forgiveness.
15. I shall make space in my grown-up world for goofball moments with my kids.
16. I shall love their father and make sure they know I love him.
17. I shall model kind words to kids and grown-ups alike.
18. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my minivan this season of chip bags, goldfish crackers and discarded socks too shall pass.
19. I shall always make time to encourage new moms.
20. I shall not resent that last call for kisses and cups of water but remember instead that when I blink they'll all be in college.
... with love from one tired mother to another.
For those days. You know the ones.
Repeat after me:
1. I shall not judge my house, my kid's summer activities or my crafting skills by Pinterest's standards.
2. I shall not measure what I've accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry but by the assurance of deep love I've tickled into my kids.
3. I shall say yes to blanket forts and see past the chaos to the memories we're building.
4. I shall surprise my kids with trips to get ice cream when they're already in their pajamas.
5. I shall not compare myself to other mothers but find my identity in the God who trusted me with these kids in the first place.
6. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.
7. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly uncoordinated dance.
8. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Never land.
9. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.
10. I shall promise to love this body that bore these three children out loud, especially in front of my daughter.
11. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship.
12. I shall do my best to admit to my people my unfine moments.
13. I shall say sorry when sorry is necessary.
14. I pray God I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children's forgiveness.
15. I shall make space in my grown-up world for goofball moments with my kids.
16. I shall love their father and make sure they know I love him.
17. I shall model kind words to kids and grown-ups alike.
18. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my minivan this season of chip bags, goldfish crackers and discarded socks too shall pass.
19. I shall always make time to encourage new moms.
20. I shall not resent that last call for kisses and cups of water but remember instead that when I blink they'll all be in college.
... with love from one tired mother to another.
Amen.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Snap shot of Our Weekend
This weekend we...
Went to the doctor on Friday and had to have a chest x-ray which was basically torture.
Grilled with my Dad Friday night.
Snuggled with Oaks
Heated a bottle up in my coffee
Went to the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning and LOVED IT!
Picked up my sewing machine and worked on my dust ruffles. Domestic, I know.
Shopped at Home Depot. What's a Saturday without us going to Home Depot to buy something for the house?
Painted my $2.00 flea market lamps
Grilled again to cook our fresh veggies from the farmers market....
Had breakfast on the deck (and slept)
Went to church and had Chili's for lunch
Found that kids no longer play house, they play club. Now that sounds fun!
Had a growth spurt ALL DAY SUNDAY!
Happy Week!!!
Went to the doctor on Friday and had to have a chest x-ray which was basically torture.
Grilled with my Dad Friday night.
Snuggled with Oaks
Heated a bottle up in my coffee
Went to the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning and LOVED IT!
Picked up my sewing machine and worked on my dust ruffles. Domestic, I know.
Painted my $2.00 flea market lamps
Had breakfast on the deck (and slept)
Went to church and had Chili's for lunch
Had a growth spurt ALL DAY SUNDAY!
Happy Week!!!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Scrub a Dub
In November I decided to make my own laundry detergent. Cory and I had just gotten married and I thought it would be something to help us save money along with helping me feel like a domestic wife. In November, I was pregnant and not feeling great so I took any chance of making myself feel like a better wife. Since November, I have made one more batch of this laundry detergent. We love it, it last about 5 months and only cost around $30.00 to make. Can't beat that!
Instructions:
1 box super washing soda (3lb)
1 box Borax (4lb)
1 box Pure Baking Soda (4lb) -- I bought four one pound boxes
1 container of Oxy Clean or Dirty Jobs - you can use big or small depending on how dirty your laundry is
2 Fels bars of soap, shaved. I use a cheese grater.
Purex Crystals - This past time I used two containers of the baby scented kind and I LOVE IT! It could be that I love babies right now but who cares, it smells like heaven.
Mix together in a big buck. I use half a scoop on each load. We have a front load washing machine and I throw the laundry detergent on top of the clothes, I don't put it in the laundry detergent tray. I have read where you can use this for baby clothes and I probably will once the new wears off.
This picture was taken in November - I sure miss my old kitchen and counter tops.
Instructions:
1 box super washing soda (3lb)
1 box Borax (4lb)
1 box Pure Baking Soda (4lb) -- I bought four one pound boxes
1 container of Oxy Clean or Dirty Jobs - you can use big or small depending on how dirty your laundry is
2 Fels bars of soap, shaved. I use a cheese grater.
Purex Crystals - This past time I used two containers of the baby scented kind and I LOVE IT! It could be that I love babies right now but who cares, it smells like heaven.
Mix together in a big buck. I use half a scoop on each load. We have a front load washing machine and I throw the laundry detergent on top of the clothes, I don't put it in the laundry detergent tray. I have read where you can use this for baby clothes and I probably will once the new wears off.
This picture was taken in November - I sure miss my old kitchen and counter tops.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Postpartum
Today I am 6 weeks and 3 days postpartum. Wow, has it really been that long since I had such a wonderful, perfect, precious little boy? They say that some women go crazy during pregnancy, some women go crazy after they have the baby but I'm here to say - I have been crazy the entire time. If you don't believe me, ask my husband.
No really, I wasn't that crazy during pregnancy. Even though pregnancy was rough on this girl with all sickness and swelling I endured. Boy, that swelling was pitiful. I am thankful to have my ankles back most of the time, my wedding rings are back on, and my toes don't look like sausages any longer. I cried during stupid commercials and movies during pregnancy but other than that, I wasn't thaaat crazy.
Now, postpartum has been different. Your emotions go crazy. I feel constantly judged by people on what I do with Oaks and the decisions I make for him and us. Even though people aren't judging me... I feel like they are. That makes me cry sometimes. Stupid.
Another tear jerker - breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is hard, so hard, it tests you mentally and physically. I can't imagine not breastfeeding but boy were the first few weeks rough. I was in constant fear of starving my child. If he wasn't eating enough or gaining enough weight, it was my fault. I was either not feeding him enough or my body wasn't producing enough milk to give him the proper amounts of nutrients. How heartbreaking is that for a Mom? You have nurtured this child for the past ten months but now your boobs suck at producing milk and you can't provide for your child properly. Ugh, the heartbreak. My first major meltdown after I had Oaks was when Cory suggested I supplement formula since I wasn't producing enough milk for Oaks. I cried for two hours I think, seriously, two hours. I felt so defeated, how could I not make enough milk for my baby? After our three week appointment and we learned Oaks was back to his birth weight, I felt much better about breastfeeding. Even though I still worry, wonder, and of course compare him to all other children at 6 weeks - I know that he is growing big and strong with my yummy momma juice.
I cry when sweet stuff happens now. Seeing Cory so in love with Oaks melts my heart. A father who had been serving our country sees his sweet daughter for the first time, that made cry for an hour or so. Or during church on Sunday we watched a video about a father and son. Oh my gosh, I cried like an idiot. Here is the video.... Derek Redmond Video......if you want to cry like an idiot too.
It makes me want to cry when my clothes don't fit. When I'm not down to my pre-pregnancy weight. When I don't feel good about myself and the way I look in the mirror. I'm working on it though, slowly but surely.
Now I'm planning on the biggest meltdown I've had yet. I will be leaving Oaks at daycare starting next Monday. I'm heartbroken. No one can love him like his Momma loves him. He needs me when he cries. It makes me cry thinking about it.
Please pray for me. Pray for Cory to deal with me. Pray for Oaks as he starts his new school. Pray for the women in the classroom as they are going to be a large part in my sons life.
Time please stop, thanks!
No really, I wasn't that crazy during pregnancy. Even though pregnancy was rough on this girl with all sickness and swelling I endured. Boy, that swelling was pitiful. I am thankful to have my ankles back most of the time, my wedding rings are back on, and my toes don't look like sausages any longer. I cried during stupid commercials and movies during pregnancy but other than that, I wasn't thaaat crazy.
Now, postpartum has been different. Your emotions go crazy. I feel constantly judged by people on what I do with Oaks and the decisions I make for him and us. Even though people aren't judging me... I feel like they are. That makes me cry sometimes. Stupid.
Another tear jerker - breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is hard, so hard, it tests you mentally and physically. I can't imagine not breastfeeding but boy were the first few weeks rough. I was in constant fear of starving my child. If he wasn't eating enough or gaining enough weight, it was my fault. I was either not feeding him enough or my body wasn't producing enough milk to give him the proper amounts of nutrients. How heartbreaking is that for a Mom? You have nurtured this child for the past ten months but now your boobs suck at producing milk and you can't provide for your child properly. Ugh, the heartbreak. My first major meltdown after I had Oaks was when Cory suggested I supplement formula since I wasn't producing enough milk for Oaks. I cried for two hours I think, seriously, two hours. I felt so defeated, how could I not make enough milk for my baby? After our three week appointment and we learned Oaks was back to his birth weight, I felt much better about breastfeeding. Even though I still worry, wonder, and of course compare him to all other children at 6 weeks - I know that he is growing big and strong with my yummy momma juice.
I cry when sweet stuff happens now. Seeing Cory so in love with Oaks melts my heart. A father who had been serving our country sees his sweet daughter for the first time, that made cry for an hour or so. Or during church on Sunday we watched a video about a father and son. Oh my gosh, I cried like an idiot. Here is the video.... Derek Redmond Video......if you want to cry like an idiot too.
It makes me want to cry when my clothes don't fit. When I'm not down to my pre-pregnancy weight. When I don't feel good about myself and the way I look in the mirror. I'm working on it though, slowly but surely.
Now I'm planning on the biggest meltdown I've had yet. I will be leaving Oaks at daycare starting next Monday. I'm heartbroken. No one can love him like his Momma loves him. He needs me when he cries. It makes me cry thinking about it.
Please pray for me. Pray for Cory to deal with me. Pray for Oaks as he starts his new school. Pray for the women in the classroom as they are going to be a large part in my sons life.
Time please stop, thanks!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Delivering of The Cupcake
On May 3, 2013 I woke up not feeling well. I hadn't felt great in months but on this particular morning I couldn't get out of bed. I felt like I had been hit by a truck. No energy at all. I thought, maybe this is it - maybe Oaks is coming. Ten days until his due date, maybe this it is. So that Friday night I went to the mall to pick up a hat for him to wear home from the hospital and purchase a housewarming gift for Tiffany's shower that was the next day (and I was a hostess for). After shopping, Cory and I had a low key dinner and had fresh pineapple. We went to bed early since I was tired, swollen, and completely miserable.
I woke up several times that night to pee, of course, and would have strong contractions when I would get back on bed. This had been happening for weeks now so I thought nothing of it. At 6:00am I go to pee, again, I laid back down and I instantly felt something.... Different. I thought, well hell, I finally did it and peed myself. After a cleanup and change of clothes I lay back down and it happened again. Uh oh, is this it? Did my water just break? I woke Cory up to tell him something was going on but I wasn't sure what. I had read that amniotic fluid smelled kind of sweet and I tell Cory this as I'm changing clothes for the second time seeing if that would help determine if I'm just peeing the bed or what. With such a serious face, he looks at me and says, "You are crazy if you think I'm smelling that." I wasn't hinting at that but hilarious he thought so.
I wrote on the Facebook group of pregnant women all due in May to see what the girls thought. They all agreed it was my water and I should start timing my contractions. Thanks to my app that helped me time contractions we quickly figured out that they were between 3 to 4 minutes apart. They were starting to be painful too. Cory called his Mom but left out the possible water breaking part. So when I text her around 8:30 and told her that I had leaked some fluid earlier, she told me we needed to probably go in to the hospital and be checked out. Cory was so cool during this time. He didn't seem concerned, was supportive but not panicked at all.
After trying to eat some breakfast, taking a bath and fixing my hair - the contractions were stopping me in my tracks. So, I called Dad and told him I was going in to be checked out but not to panic because this may not be the real thing.
At 9:30am we had gotten ourselves ready, packed, the dogs taken care of and ready to head to the hospital. I of course had to pee before we left so as I sat down to pee- a huge gush happened. That my friends was my water!!!! It was the craziest thing I've ever felt. It wouldn't quit!!! At that point Cory realized it was go time, we called our parents and headed to the hospital. As we walked into the hospital, the water was pouring out. I told Cory I could feel it and he thought I was talking about the baby. The more I laughed, the more it gushed. So. Gross.
After we got in our room and I was admitted, the nurse checked me and I was 100% thinned and 3cm dilated. Just 5 days prior I had not thinned or dilated any at all (most depressing doctors visit ever). I sent out a text to our closest friends letting them know it happening and we would be meeting Oaks that day. I wanted to try to do natural labor and I think the women that do it are rock stars but I thought my back was going to break in half. I labored hard with my contractions only being 2 minutes apart until 2:00pm when I was checked again. I was dilated to 5cm and ready for that epidural!!! Life was a breeze after that. Well, until later in the night.
Visitors came in and out until around 6:00pm when I was told I was dilated to 10 but he hadn't dropped all the way yet. Around 6:30 I started pushing. I pushed and pushed and pushed. At 8:00pm or so they came in to add some medicine to my epidural since I was starting to gain some feeling back. They had to change my bandaging for my epidural due to the large amounts of water I was still gushing. Disgusting, I know.
By 8:30pm the pain had only gotten worse. Like way worse. I felt everything. Ever contraction, every push. Wow! The doctor came in to check me and found that my cervix were swelling and Oaks would not be able to be delivered vaginally. Actually, the doctor gave me the option - keep pushing but it may take hours if the swelling will allow him to deliver or have a c-section. So, by this time was exhausted and in serious pain. So we decided on the c-section and the doctor left to get the OR ready. In my mind I thought, "Get this kid out of me, I don't care of you have to get him from my mouth, just get him out!!"
The next hour was a blur. Apparently there were two emergency surgeries so I was next in line. I labored with no pain medication for an hour. My contractions were lasting several minutes at a time. The pain was so bad because Oaks was pressing against my pelvis. Cory was at a loss. Nothing made the pain better. Finally around 9:30 they came to get me to prep me for surgery. I was scared to death but so ready to get Oaks out of me!!!!! The spinal was a breeze other than me feeling like I couldn't breath. Finally when Cory got by my side I was relaxed. I felt no pressure, tugging or pulling, I felt nothing. FINALLY!!
Oaks Allen Meadors was born at 10:00pm weighing 8lbs 10ozs and measuring 21.75 inches. He was perfect. Other than his oddly shaped head. He had bruises on his shoulders where I had pushed him into my pelvis. Poor baby. Cory was scared his head would not go down but by the next morning, it looked a lot better.
Our experience at St. Bernard's was amazing. Our nurses, doctors, and staff were wonderful to us. We were so blessed to have such carrying people assisting us for the next three nights. By the 3rd day I was ready to go home. I was up and moving. Slowly but moving. I was ready to go to the house!
Thank you for all the phone calls, texts, meals, and visits we received from our friends and family.
I will continue to update you on our life as parents. It's already been a roller coaster full of fun!
Visitors came in and out until around 6:00pm when I was told I was dilated to 10 but he hadn't dropped all the way yet. Around 6:30 I started pushing. I pushed and pushed and pushed. At 8:00pm or so they came in to add some medicine to my epidural since I was starting to gain some feeling back. They had to change my bandaging for my epidural due to the large amounts of water I was still gushing. Disgusting, I know.
By 8:30pm the pain had only gotten worse. Like way worse. I felt everything. Ever contraction, every push. Wow! The doctor came in to check me and found that my cervix were swelling and Oaks would not be able to be delivered vaginally. Actually, the doctor gave me the option - keep pushing but it may take hours if the swelling will allow him to deliver or have a c-section. So, by this time was exhausted and in serious pain. So we decided on the c-section and the doctor left to get the OR ready. In my mind I thought, "Get this kid out of me, I don't care of you have to get him from my mouth, just get him out!!"
The next hour was a blur. Apparently there were two emergency surgeries so I was next in line. I labored with no pain medication for an hour. My contractions were lasting several minutes at a time. The pain was so bad because Oaks was pressing against my pelvis. Cory was at a loss. Nothing made the pain better. Finally around 9:30 they came to get me to prep me for surgery. I was scared to death but so ready to get Oaks out of me!!!!! The spinal was a breeze other than me feeling like I couldn't breath. Finally when Cory got by my side I was relaxed. I felt no pressure, tugging or pulling, I felt nothing. FINALLY!!
Oaks Allen Meadors was born at 10:00pm weighing 8lbs 10ozs and measuring 21.75 inches. He was perfect. Other than his oddly shaped head. He had bruises on his shoulders where I had pushed him into my pelvis. Poor baby. Cory was scared his head would not go down but by the next morning, it looked a lot better.
Our experience at St. Bernard's was amazing. Our nurses, doctors, and staff were wonderful to us. We were so blessed to have such carrying people assisting us for the next three nights. By the 3rd day I was ready to go home. I was up and moving. Slowly but moving. I was ready to go to the house!
Thank you for all the phone calls, texts, meals, and visits we received from our friends and family.
I will continue to update you on our life as parents. It's already been a roller coaster full of fun!
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| First Family Picture |
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Nothing exciting here
My goodness am I behind. Life has been pretty crazy for us. I mean you understand, right? Being a Mom is much harder than I thought, that's for sure. So I will give a brief update on our life and finish up my birth story for a different post.
We are doing well adjusting to being a family of 3. Oaks was born on May 4, 2013 at 10:00pm. Since then, I haven't slept much. Slept some but not much. Cory is back at work and I'm still on maternity leave enjoying time with Oaks.
Can I just say being home all day is tough? I want to clean, paint, organize, and decorate our new home but to be honest my day is spent trying to plan a bathroom break, bath, or when I can put my boob up long enough to go check the mail. Yes, I'm breast feeding and if you don't like the thought of it or me saying the word boob - I'd quit reading now.
Oaks has lost his umbilical cord and is back to birth weight so we have achieved our first goals. Lets just hope I keep producing enough milk to keep him growing big and strong.
Oaks is crying. He's hungry. Again.
We thank God for all if our blessings.
We are doing well adjusting to being a family of 3. Oaks was born on May 4, 2013 at 10:00pm. Since then, I haven't slept much. Slept some but not much. Cory is back at work and I'm still on maternity leave enjoying time with Oaks.
Can I just say being home all day is tough? I want to clean, paint, organize, and decorate our new home but to be honest my day is spent trying to plan a bathroom break, bath, or when I can put my boob up long enough to go check the mail. Yes, I'm breast feeding and if you don't like the thought of it or me saying the word boob - I'd quit reading now.
Oaks has lost his umbilical cord and is back to birth weight so we have achieved our first goals. Lets just hope I keep producing enough milk to keep him growing big and strong.
Oaks is crying. He's hungry. Again.
We thank God for all if our blessings.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Crossing the line
Here are a few things that I believe are crossing the line when talking to a pregnant woman.
How much weight have you gained?
DO NOT ask a pregnant girl that, especially at the end of her pregnancy. It's none of your business. Let her be, let her eat her donuts, let her eat her brownies because her back and feet really hurt along with all of her insides.
Have you dilated any?
I don't ask you about your vagina, why are you asking me about mine? I mean really - why do women think that is an appropriate question? Sure, if we are close friends ask away because odds are you have probably seen me naked on numerous occasions but if I don't know you that well or you are a random person, don't ask me about my goods. That's really awkward.
You only have two weeks left....unless you go over like I did!
Please shut up, I do not care.
Are you ever going to have that baby?
Nope, he is going to stay inside of me forever because it's so much fun. I'm doing all I can do to have this baby other than stick my hand in and pull him out. Yes, I'm going to have him and I'm so excited to sniff his little neck I can hardly wait!
You haven't dropped any - you aren't ready.
You're nose hasn't spread across your face yet - you aren't ready.
If you say "you aren't ready" one more time to me I'm going to knock you out...
This is me, almost 10 months pregnant. I am actually at peace knowing that my body is doing what it is supposed to be doing...I wanted to cry when I left the doctors office this morning but I didn't. Hopefully one day very soon Oaks will decide it is time for him to make his appearance and then I won't have to worry about dilation or swelling - and people asking weird questions that freak me out.
Cory and I continue to work on our house to get it ready for his arrival. We are so blessed to have so many people who are willing to help us (mainly help me) work around the house since my legs and feet have kept me from doing a lot these past few weeks.
Oaks doesn't understand the amount of love he has coming for him or I know he would already be in this world taking in all those hugs and kisses.
How much weight have you gained?
DO NOT ask a pregnant girl that, especially at the end of her pregnancy. It's none of your business. Let her be, let her eat her donuts, let her eat her brownies because her back and feet really hurt along with all of her insides.
Have you dilated any?
I don't ask you about your vagina, why are you asking me about mine? I mean really - why do women think that is an appropriate question? Sure, if we are close friends ask away because odds are you have probably seen me naked on numerous occasions but if I don't know you that well or you are a random person, don't ask me about my goods. That's really awkward.
You only have two weeks left....unless you go over like I did!
Please shut up, I do not care.
Are you ever going to have that baby?
Nope, he is going to stay inside of me forever because it's so much fun. I'm doing all I can do to have this baby other than stick my hand in and pull him out. Yes, I'm going to have him and I'm so excited to sniff his little neck I can hardly wait!
You haven't dropped any - you aren't ready.
You're nose hasn't spread across your face yet - you aren't ready.
If you say "you aren't ready" one more time to me I'm going to knock you out...
This is me, almost 10 months pregnant. I am actually at peace knowing that my body is doing what it is supposed to be doing...I wanted to cry when I left the doctors office this morning but I didn't. Hopefully one day very soon Oaks will decide it is time for him to make his appearance and then I won't have to worry about dilation or swelling - and people asking weird questions that freak me out.
Cory and I continue to work on our house to get it ready for his arrival. We are so blessed to have so many people who are willing to help us (mainly help me) work around the house since my legs and feet have kept me from doing a lot these past few weeks.
Oaks doesn't understand the amount of love he has coming for him or I know he would already be in this world taking in all those hugs and kisses.
Friday, April 26, 2013
What can I say?
At this point of the game - I don't have anything really nice to say? I will try.
The nursery is basically done. So thankful for Stormy who came over to help me make the finishing touches.
I feel like we are ready for him... as ready as we can be. I will probably be sending people all over town getting items we have forgotten but I feel like I'm ready.
Our bags are packed. I mean, how to do you really pack for the hospital? What do you wear home? You don't want to look like hammered hell but you did just have a child so it would be difficult not to in my opinion. Plus, when you went in with a shirt that showed off your bump - that bump is now a muffin top - and I'd prefer not to show that off. Gross. Yoga pants and a big shirt it is.
My feet and legs kill me - from when I wake up until I go to sleep. If the doctor tells me again that swelling occurs in 50% of all pregnancies I'm going to whack him with my huge leg.
I have worn makeup twice in two weeks. I keep hearing, "you look really tired today." Yes, yes, I am tired - I wake up numerous times during the night to pee or roll over. I look like hell because I don't have on makeup but thanks for pointing that out!
On the days that I can fit my fat feet in tennis shoes, I can't tie them on my own.
We have made the transition of the dogs living downstairs. Hank of course hates it because he wants to be in bed with me every single night but we are hoping this will be easier on us when we are up and down with the baby. I don't think I can handle a crying baby and a crying dog at the same time.
If one more person talks to me about going over my due date, I may punch them. I'm the only person allowed to be negative.
I am glad that people can't hear the things I think.
I'm really nervous about not getting a bath everyday? Is that stupid or what? I shave everyday and I'm freaked out about possibly not getting to do that. I may get over it in the near future.
We are really ready to meet our son.
Happy 15th Birthday to Sunnie!
The nursery is basically done. So thankful for Stormy who came over to help me make the finishing touches.
I feel like we are ready for him... as ready as we can be. I will probably be sending people all over town getting items we have forgotten but I feel like I'm ready.
Our bags are packed. I mean, how to do you really pack for the hospital? What do you wear home? You don't want to look like hammered hell but you did just have a child so it would be difficult not to in my opinion. Plus, when you went in with a shirt that showed off your bump - that bump is now a muffin top - and I'd prefer not to show that off. Gross. Yoga pants and a big shirt it is.
My feet and legs kill me - from when I wake up until I go to sleep. If the doctor tells me again that swelling occurs in 50% of all pregnancies I'm going to whack him with my huge leg.
I have worn makeup twice in two weeks. I keep hearing, "you look really tired today." Yes, yes, I am tired - I wake up numerous times during the night to pee or roll over. I look like hell because I don't have on makeup but thanks for pointing that out!
On the days that I can fit my fat feet in tennis shoes, I can't tie them on my own.
We have made the transition of the dogs living downstairs. Hank of course hates it because he wants to be in bed with me every single night but we are hoping this will be easier on us when we are up and down with the baby. I don't think I can handle a crying baby and a crying dog at the same time.
If one more person talks to me about going over my due date, I may punch them. I'm the only person allowed to be negative.
I am glad that people can't hear the things I think.
I'm really nervous about not getting a bath everyday? Is that stupid or what? I shave everyday and I'm freaked out about possibly not getting to do that. I may get over it in the near future.
We are really ready to meet our son.
Happy 15th Birthday to Sunnie!
Friday, April 5, 2013
The End is Near
OH MY how I can tell that I am getting near the end of pregnancy. Whew!! I can't believe how long and how fast the past 8 months have went by. I am one week away from being 9 months pregnant. These days, in case you didn't know you go for 10 months (40 weeks) instead of 9 months. Ugh, whatever.
So here I am. 35 weeks pregnant - large and in charge! I feel bigger every single day. My feet, ankles, and legs are swollen huge. It's disgusting and ridiculous all at the the same time and to be honest it makes me angry. I have tried everything to help the swelling go down but nothing works - I mean NOTHING! I can't wear my wedding ring which I hate. Let me just say - even though A LOT of women swell during pregnancy and can't wear their wedding ring, I still find people at the grocery store or at the mall looking down at my left finger when they see that I am pregnant. I want to say YES I'M MARRIED I'm just wearing a random ring on my left hand because my fingers are swollen up to the size of little sausages and if you want to say something about it - I may knock you out. Ok, well, maybe I'm classier than that - these days though, I've been questioning that.
I have had the hardest time with actually sitting down and not working on the house. It's so difficult for me for my house to not be perfectly clean and in order. Cory has been helping with dinner and cleaning up which has been wonderful. At this point, I feel like my body isn't letting me do all the things I really want and need to do. I see the light at the end of the tunnel though...
Brief update on the life of the Meadors clan.
Our baby boy now has a name - Oaks Meadors! We are still working on that middle name. So thankful for Felicia Hausman for taking maternity pictures for us. She is wonderful! LIKE her on Facebook :)
The nursery has been painted - now time to decorate!
I have used around 2 lbs of epsom salt soaking trying to get these swollen feet down.
Cory has been enjoying the rain and I love him being home early.
Banjo has chewed up the cord to the vacuum cleaner, several socks, wooden blinds, and a brand new big momma size pair of panties. Dogs and their weird obsessions with eating panties. Gross.
Hank is currently using new eye medicine and I think he is starting to see better. He even walks down the stairs to the basement on his own now! Hooray!!!
Oh, Banjo has the mange. He isn't contagious thank the Lord, just losing his hair. Hopefully his new medicine will help as well.
Dr. Fields doesn't see me making it to my due date - so we are getting super closer to being parents! Wowzer
Cleaning out the car next week and putting in the car seat. It's getting real.
Vets are expensive.
So happy it is Friday! Enjoy the SUNSHINE!
So here I am. 35 weeks pregnant - large and in charge! I feel bigger every single day. My feet, ankles, and legs are swollen huge. It's disgusting and ridiculous all at the the same time and to be honest it makes me angry. I have tried everything to help the swelling go down but nothing works - I mean NOTHING! I can't wear my wedding ring which I hate. Let me just say - even though A LOT of women swell during pregnancy and can't wear their wedding ring, I still find people at the grocery store or at the mall looking down at my left finger when they see that I am pregnant. I want to say YES I'M MARRIED I'm just wearing a random ring on my left hand because my fingers are swollen up to the size of little sausages and if you want to say something about it - I may knock you out. Ok, well, maybe I'm classier than that - these days though, I've been questioning that.
I have had the hardest time with actually sitting down and not working on the house. It's so difficult for me for my house to not be perfectly clean and in order. Cory has been helping with dinner and cleaning up which has been wonderful. At this point, I feel like my body isn't letting me do all the things I really want and need to do. I see the light at the end of the tunnel though...
Brief update on the life of the Meadors clan.
Our baby boy now has a name - Oaks Meadors! We are still working on that middle name. So thankful for Felicia Hausman for taking maternity pictures for us. She is wonderful! LIKE her on Facebook :)
The nursery has been painted - now time to decorate!
I have used around 2 lbs of epsom salt soaking trying to get these swollen feet down.
Cory has been enjoying the rain and I love him being home early.
Banjo has chewed up the cord to the vacuum cleaner, several socks, wooden blinds, and a brand new big momma size pair of panties. Dogs and their weird obsessions with eating panties. Gross.
Hank is currently using new eye medicine and I think he is starting to see better. He even walks down the stairs to the basement on his own now! Hooray!!!
Oh, Banjo has the mange. He isn't contagious thank the Lord, just losing his hair. Hopefully his new medicine will help as well.
Dr. Fields doesn't see me making it to my due date - so we are getting super closer to being parents! Wowzer
Cleaning out the car next week and putting in the car seat. It's getting real.
Vets are expensive.
So happy it is Friday! Enjoy the SUNSHINE!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Goose Meadors
It's taken me almost a two months to be able to write this, even though as I begin tears already fill my eyes.
Goose Meadors, 4 and a half year old black Labrador Retriever was born on June 29, 2008 to Jill Meadors and Rowdy Binkley. He left this world and his loving family on January 30, 2013.
I never really understood the hurt and pain someone goes through when they lose a pet. I have always said that I can't imagine and I can sympathize with them but I never knew how bad it would hurt. Having a dog live in your house, sleep with you most nights, depend on your to survive, welcome you home everyday and love you unconditionally is a type of love some people never fully understand. Well, we do and losing that dog has been the most devastating thing for Cory and I to endure. Goose is the one that brought me my engagement ring... he was so special to us.
Cory and I got Goose when we were together the first time. I was his Mom for his puppy life and after our breakup he was raised by four boys. Lord only knows how he survived. It was always really good to know that Cory always had someone during our alone times - he had Goose and I had Hank. He didn't fix the whole in our hearts during our time apart but it sure did help.
We are still adjusting to life without Goose. It's been an adjustment for sure. We miss him a lot, everyday. I wanted our son to grown up with Goose. He will know about him, that's for sure!
We sure miss you buddy!
Goose Meadors, 4 and a half year old black Labrador Retriever was born on June 29, 2008 to Jill Meadors and Rowdy Binkley. He left this world and his loving family on January 30, 2013.
I never really understood the hurt and pain someone goes through when they lose a pet. I have always said that I can't imagine and I can sympathize with them but I never knew how bad it would hurt. Having a dog live in your house, sleep with you most nights, depend on your to survive, welcome you home everyday and love you unconditionally is a type of love some people never fully understand. Well, we do and losing that dog has been the most devastating thing for Cory and I to endure. Goose is the one that brought me my engagement ring... he was so special to us.
Cory and I got Goose when we were together the first time. I was his Mom for his puppy life and after our breakup he was raised by four boys. Lord only knows how he survived. It was always really good to know that Cory always had someone during our alone times - he had Goose and I had Hank. He didn't fix the whole in our hearts during our time apart but it sure did help.
We are still adjusting to life without Goose. It's been an adjustment for sure. We miss him a lot, everyday. I wanted our son to grown up with Goose. He will know about him, that's for sure!
We sure miss you buddy!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Life in the Sub
Moving from the country to a subdivision was a hard decision for Cory and I to make. We are country folk - we really love the country but ultimately the decision was made when we found a house we loved in the school district we wanted to be in. So now, we live in a subdivision. Surprisingly enough, things don't seem that weird. I really don't see our neighbors very often - they haven't even come over to say hello. From watching many episodes of Desperate Housewives I expected someone to bring me muffins in a cute little basket to introduce themselves to me. Oh well, they probably are nervous around the young couple who are expecting a baby with two dogs that constantly get screamed at.
A few changes since moving to the sub:
No more walking outside with just a t-shirt on. Totally against the rules in the city.
Cory wanted to go to the backyard and burn cardboard boxes the other night - I'm not sure if that is legal. I still need to call about that.
Taking out the trash - all of our trash is supposed to fit into one can that is picked up on Thursday mornings. It's almost impossible for us to get everything to fit into that one can. Apparently we throw a lot of stuff away. I'm use to throwing stuff out in the burn pile and Cory burning it whenever it was full. We now have a garbage man.
People walk by. Banjo hates all of those people. Hank can't see out the windows or door because he is too short but he quickly chimes in when Banjo begins his fit. We have a lot of walkers, runners, and bicycles that ride by our house - it kind of creeps me out too. If someone was walking in front of my house before I was locking the door and peeping out the window to be sure they weren't going to stop. Now it happens all the time! Hellooooo neighbor. BEWARE OF DOG.
Sirens. Who would have thought that would be a change but it is. We have a fire station down the road and hear sirens often. If I heard a siren go by my house I would go follow them to see what was going on! It had to be someone I knew that was in trouble!
Overall, we love living in Jonesboro. We are so happy with our decision to move. Yes, we miss living in the country but being so close to work, the grocery store, and town itself has been wonderful! Especially with how many trips we have made to Lowes and Home Depot lately!
Hopefully the neighbors will bring me muffins soon.
Living the city life folks. Life in the Sub.
A few changes since moving to the sub:
No more walking outside with just a t-shirt on. Totally against the rules in the city.
Cory wanted to go to the backyard and burn cardboard boxes the other night - I'm not sure if that is legal. I still need to call about that.
Taking out the trash - all of our trash is supposed to fit into one can that is picked up on Thursday mornings. It's almost impossible for us to get everything to fit into that one can. Apparently we throw a lot of stuff away. I'm use to throwing stuff out in the burn pile and Cory burning it whenever it was full. We now have a garbage man.
People walk by. Banjo hates all of those people. Hank can't see out the windows or door because he is too short but he quickly chimes in when Banjo begins his fit. We have a lot of walkers, runners, and bicycles that ride by our house - it kind of creeps me out too. If someone was walking in front of my house before I was locking the door and peeping out the window to be sure they weren't going to stop. Now it happens all the time! Hellooooo neighbor. BEWARE OF DOG.
Sirens. Who would have thought that would be a change but it is. We have a fire station down the road and hear sirens often. If I heard a siren go by my house I would go follow them to see what was going on! It had to be someone I knew that was in trouble!
Overall, we love living in Jonesboro. We are so happy with our decision to move. Yes, we miss living in the country but being so close to work, the grocery store, and town itself has been wonderful! Especially with how many trips we have made to Lowes and Home Depot lately!
Hopefully the neighbors will bring me muffins soon.
Living the city life folks. Life in the Sub.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
What's Going On?
I guess I haven't given a good update lately on what has been going on in the lives of Cory, Alyson and Cupcake (John Rambo).... so here it goes!
Well, WE BOUGHT A HOUSE! We had been looking and planning to move to the Jonesboro area and we were finally able to find the perfect house for us. No, it isn't the middle of a rice field like we would prefer but it is in the area we wanted, big enough for us to continue to grow as a family, and a fenced in back yard for a furbabies. I will save the stories of buying, signing papers, inspections, etc. for another post.... because that is some stressful stuff!!
Cupcake or John Rambo (depends on who you ask) still does not have a name. I am hoping sometime in the near future we will have a name picked out. I am pretty sure the baby thinks his name is Banjo, I have toscream say his name very often. He is a sweet puppy but he sure doesn't like coming inside when I tell him to.
I had mixed emotions about our move. The house in Walnut Ridge is so special to me. I worked so very hard on it - put in a lot of money, hours, blood, and tears. Our new home is wonderful and we can't wait to get it organized, decorated, and have our little bundle of joy in his bedroom.
Cory is back to being busy, helping farmers get ready to start planting. I miss him when he works so much.
My ankles hate me more than any body part has ever hated me. Why must they be so large and hurt so badly?
Happy Thirsty Thursday - Here's to drinking more water!!
Well, WE BOUGHT A HOUSE! We had been looking and planning to move to the Jonesboro area and we were finally able to find the perfect house for us. No, it isn't the middle of a rice field like we would prefer but it is in the area we wanted, big enough for us to continue to grow as a family, and a fenced in back yard for a furbabies. I will save the stories of buying, signing papers, inspections, etc. for another post.... because that is some stressful stuff!!
Cupcake or John Rambo (depends on who you ask) still does not have a name. I am hoping sometime in the near future we will have a name picked out. I am pretty sure the baby thinks his name is Banjo, I have to
I had mixed emotions about our move. The house in Walnut Ridge is so special to me. I worked so very hard on it - put in a lot of money, hours, blood, and tears. Our new home is wonderful and we can't wait to get it organized, decorated, and have our little bundle of joy in his bedroom.
Cory is back to being busy, helping farmers get ready to start planting. I miss him when he works so much.
My ankles hate me more than any body part has ever hated me. Why must they be so large and hurt so badly?
Happy Thirsty Thursday - Here's to drinking more water!!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Apple Goodness
I love sweets. I loved sweets before I was pregnant and I love them even more now. Bad thing about now is, when I eat a whole box of cookies, I still have to eat lunch. Before being pregnant I would eat a box of cookies for lunch and probably not eat anything the rest of the day, super healthy, I know.
Anyway, I've been looking for recipes that are healthy or healthier than the package of brownies Cory and I were eating a night. So, I found one I liked - twisted and tweaked it... and I think it turned out pretty perfect!
Yummy Baked Apples
4 apples - I used two Granny Smith and two Fuji Apples
1 cup oats (I used old fashioned)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup honey
Few pinches of cinnamon (I use lots because I LOVE cinnamon)
Chopped pecans (use as little or as much as you like)
In a small bowl, combine oats, oil, honey, cinnamon, and pecans. Stir up really well making sure that the pecans and oats are coated well. Core the the apples and then slice in half. Fill with oat filling (a few spoon fulls for each apple) and bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until apples are softened and the skin begins to pull away from the fruit.
Garnish with whip cream and extra honey.
**The picture below is not garnished with whip cream but with a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and skim milk. I forgot whip cream at the store so we kind of made our own thanks to the Magic Bullet. It was still delicious.
Next time I make this recipe I will add some flax seed to it. The more DHA I have, the better Cupcakes sweet little brain will be!
Also, I reheated the apples two days in a row for breakfast and they reheated wonderfully!
IT'S ALMOST FRIDAY!!! Happy Thursday Beautiful People!
Anyway, I've been looking for recipes that are healthy or healthier than the package of brownies Cory and I were eating a night. So, I found one I liked - twisted and tweaked it... and I think it turned out pretty perfect!
Yummy Baked Apples
4 apples - I used two Granny Smith and two Fuji Apples
1 cup oats (I used old fashioned)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup honey
Few pinches of cinnamon (I use lots because I LOVE cinnamon)
Chopped pecans (use as little or as much as you like)
In a small bowl, combine oats, oil, honey, cinnamon, and pecans. Stir up really well making sure that the pecans and oats are coated well. Core the the apples and then slice in half. Fill with oat filling (a few spoon fulls for each apple) and bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until apples are softened and the skin begins to pull away from the fruit.
Garnish with whip cream and extra honey.
**The picture below is not garnished with whip cream but with a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and skim milk. I forgot whip cream at the store so we kind of made our own thanks to the Magic Bullet. It was still delicious.
Next time I make this recipe I will add some flax seed to it. The more DHA I have, the better Cupcakes sweet little brain will be!
Also, I reheated the apples two days in a row for breakfast and they reheated wonderfully!
IT'S ALMOST FRIDAY!!! Happy Thursday Beautiful People!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Step Up On That Scale
I have always been pretty anti-pregnancy and anti-children until Cory
and I got back together. I wasn't sold on the idea until well, this
cupcake was in my belly growing like a weed. Pregnancy just didn't seem
like something I would be interested in. Getting fat, having a
backache, not being able to drink a beer when I want to, and having the
delivery the baby from you know where was not on my fun list. Since being pregnant though - so
much has changed. It's amazing how different I am and how I think about things differently - as a wife, friend,
and now a Mom. Wow, yes, I said it... Mom.
Pregnancy isn't as awful as I thought it was going to be. My back hurts but it's bearable, I miss having a drink but splurging with a sweet tea is just as awesome... it's not that bad other than the weight gain. I knew you gained weight during pregnancy or most women do but I never imagined what it does to you psychologically. It's difficult, really difficult. With all the Moms who love to give you advice and compare how much weight you have gained to what they have gained - it doesn't help. Furthermore, I don't care how much you gained. It doesn't make me feel better about the number that is on the scale when I step off. IF you are one of those freak Moms who barely gain 20 lbs and you complain about it - keep your thoughts to yourself around me, because I really don't care.
"Step up on that scale" are the words that you know you are going to hear at every doctor's appointment but hate it when you do. If you are like me, you strip off all articles of clothing that you can [I'm sure that scarf would add a pound or two] before you step on the scale. I hold my breath and pray that the number that shows up has not increased too much since the last time I weighed. Apparently the end of your 2nd trimester and your 3rd trimester is when the weight gain kicks it in high gear. Geeez!
I will not be announcing how much weight I've gained. I won't be telling you after I have the baby how much weight I have to lose to get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. What I will say is, I've gained weight and no matter what the number may be - it is more than I have ever weighed before. That is a one TOUGH pill to swallow. I know I'm pregnant, I know I'm supposed to gain weight - but for someone who has always watched the scales and tried to stay between a high and low number, reaching far above that high number is heartbreaking.
So the plan - keep up with my yoga and exercise. Continue to eat healthy and make good decisions when it comes to snacks (even though I really love Girl Scout cookies right now).
As my clothes continue to shrink and my nose swells across my face - I will continue to pray for strength until the end of my pregnancy and after my little man arrives to get back to those numbers between my high and low...and stay there until I decide to do this whole pregnancy thing again.
My baby bump has come with some extra lumps.
Pregnancy isn't as awful as I thought it was going to be. My back hurts but it's bearable, I miss having a drink but splurging with a sweet tea is just as awesome... it's not that bad other than the weight gain. I knew you gained weight during pregnancy or most women do but I never imagined what it does to you psychologically. It's difficult, really difficult. With all the Moms who love to give you advice and compare how much weight you have gained to what they have gained - it doesn't help. Furthermore, I don't care how much you gained. It doesn't make me feel better about the number that is on the scale when I step off. IF you are one of those freak Moms who barely gain 20 lbs and you complain about it - keep your thoughts to yourself around me, because I really don't care.
"Step up on that scale" are the words that you know you are going to hear at every doctor's appointment but hate it when you do. If you are like me, you strip off all articles of clothing that you can [I'm sure that scarf would add a pound or two] before you step on the scale. I hold my breath and pray that the number that shows up has not increased too much since the last time I weighed. Apparently the end of your 2nd trimester and your 3rd trimester is when the weight gain kicks it in high gear. Geeez!
I will not be announcing how much weight I've gained. I won't be telling you after I have the baby how much weight I have to lose to get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. What I will say is, I've gained weight and no matter what the number may be - it is more than I have ever weighed before. That is a one TOUGH pill to swallow. I know I'm pregnant, I know I'm supposed to gain weight - but for someone who has always watched the scales and tried to stay between a high and low number, reaching far above that high number is heartbreaking.
So the plan - keep up with my yoga and exercise. Continue to eat healthy and make good decisions when it comes to snacks (even though I really love Girl Scout cookies right now).
As my clothes continue to shrink and my nose swells across my face - I will continue to pray for strength until the end of my pregnancy and after my little man arrives to get back to those numbers between my high and low...and stay there until I decide to do this whole pregnancy thing again.
My baby bump has come with some extra lumps.
Monday, February 18, 2013
My week at a glance
A few things from my week.
I have a baby bump.
Don't smart talk your wife when she is washing dishes. She will spray you in the face with hot water.
Banjo the dog will do whatever it takes to get in between Cory and I.
Flowers no matter what will you make you feel better, especially when you didn't expect them.
Gun shows are craft shows for men.
I've convinced myself that ice cream helps heartburn.
Have a happy week kiddos!
I have a baby bump.
Don't smart talk your wife when she is washing dishes. She will spray you in the face with hot water.
Banjo the dog will do whatever it takes to get in between Cory and I.
Flowers no matter what will you make you feel better, especially when you didn't expect them.
Gun shows are craft shows for men.
I've convinced myself that ice cream helps heartburn.
Have a happy week kiddos!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Weekend O' Fun
Cory and I have really started loving our weekends home -- no special plans, just us being at our house together. I can't wait for us to find a new house and move -- doing small projects (hopefully preparing for the baby), being lazy, and enjoying each others company in our house is one of my absolute favorite things!
This weekend we did have a date Friday night - Omar's Upton [Gosh I wanted a glass of wine the entire time] for dinner and the Matt Stell concert at the Brickhouse afterwards. I'm pretty disappointed in Jonesboro and their ability to have fun at a concert. Go to a concert at the Rev Room and learn how to party at a red dirt concert.
Moving on... I was out until 2am, drove home, and the next day I felt hungover. My feet hurt, my head hurt, and I was exhausted - being pregnant and being old sure does make it hard on the ol' body. Saturday Cory hunted with customers, I was lazy until I went to a Threads trunk show with Kellie. I'm really glad Igot out of my pjs and went, I got several shirts that I can wear now and later! Wooohoo! Kellie and I decided to put together the baby's stroller [Thank you Dianne and James] while Cory napped. It was a success. I thought about putting Hank in it and pushing him around the house but I didn't find the need in thoroughly pissing him off for no good reason.
Saturday night included a quick spaghetti dinner, Wal-Mart and grocery store trip and bed before 10:00pm. SUCCESS!
Sunday Cory and I attended church at First United Methodist of Jonesboro. So far, we are really enjoying the church! We decided to head to the mall to find me some boots -- Happy Valentine's Day to ME!!!
Hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I have entered the 3rd trimester!!! Happy Monday!
This weekend we did have a date Friday night - Omar's Upton [Gosh I wanted a glass of wine the entire time] for dinner and the Matt Stell concert at the Brickhouse afterwards. I'm pretty disappointed in Jonesboro and their ability to have fun at a concert. Go to a concert at the Rev Room and learn how to party at a red dirt concert.
 |
| Please excuse the very pregnant looking face. Ugh, where did that come from? |
Moving on... I was out until 2am, drove home, and the next day I felt hungover. My feet hurt, my head hurt, and I was exhausted - being pregnant and being old sure does make it hard on the ol' body. Saturday Cory hunted with customers, I was lazy until I went to a Threads trunk show with Kellie. I'm really glad I
 |
| I have a really fantastic best friend! |
Saturday night included a quick spaghetti dinner, Wal-Mart and grocery store trip and bed before 10:00pm. SUCCESS!
Sunday Cory and I attended church at First United Methodist of Jonesboro. So far, we are really enjoying the church! We decided to head to the mall to find me some boots -- Happy Valentine's Day to ME!!!
Hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I have entered the 3rd trimester!!! Happy Monday!
Friday, February 8, 2013
I'll tell ya what I want
So I busted out singing the Spice Girls... I'll tell ya what I want, what I really really want....so tell me what you want, what you really really want.... I want a... I want a.. Ok - moving on.
If we all sat down and listed what all we wanted, not just material things but what we wanted out of life, we would all have a pretty big list. So, instead of what I want out of life but what I want for this pregnancy. Ugh, I know don't plan, don't get your hopes up, keep an open mind, I know, I know, I KNOW! I'm the pregnant girl and I can list what I want if I want... so here it goes.
If you all haven't noticed, I've changed a lot since being pregnant... in a lot of different ways. I have boobs that feel real, a big belly, wide hips, well wider hips, super thighs, well more super thighs, swollen ankles, and a movement in my stomach that no one can explain. I've changed in other ways too.....I don't take over the counter medicine any longer. I have learned to pick my battles, with the dogs -- I'm trying to prepare myself. I eat as many fruits and veggies as I can, I find it much more important than I use to. I believe in getting vitamins and nutrients in it's natural form is best. I don't clean as often or feel that my life is out of order if I haven't mopped that day.
My Wants for this pregnancy, delivery and baby:
I want to continue to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
I want to deliver our baby into a calm and happy environment.
I know it hurts - you really don't have to tell me. I do not have plan -- natural, epidural, c-section. At the time of delivery I hope the best decision is made for the health of the baby and me.
I want to breastfeed my baby, exclusively.
I know it is going to hurt and it is very time consuming. I hope and pray for patience and strength during the first few weeks and for my body to do what it is supposed to do, produce milk.
I want to immunize at our own pace, not on the schedule of the doctor.
I know I'm not a doctor but I am a Mom - We will do what we feel is best for our baby.
I won't use the timeline to feed him cereal, solid foods,etc.
Every baby is different and when we feel that he is ready, we will start that. Did you know that there are babies that on their first birthday they have only had breast milk? No solids, no cereal, only Momma juice.
I want to make my own baby food when he starts eating solids.
I know I can buy it but why should I when I can make it? We make smoothies for ourselves every morning, so I hope we can get into the practice of making baby food weekly as well.
I think cloth diapering is great and I want to do it -- but know that I can't!!!
I think that if you have the set up (and the stomach) then go for it! Cory and I both have weak stomachs, having to change diapers is going to be difficult enough - we shouldn't push our luck. More power to those Moms who can!!!!
Every pregnancy, delivery, and child is different. I have been one of those judgmental non-Moms basically my entire life. Well, that has changed too. I will do things different than a lot of people, people will judge us for the things we do and don't do. If you know me, you know I don't color in the lines very often, why start now?!?
In a few months I may post about how all of my Wants were out of reach and I was just a crazy hormonal pregnant lady with big ideas. Until then, I will continue to research, read, and pray for guidance!
Buying a book today called Redeeming Childbirth. Hopefully I can read it soon and will let you all know what it is about!
If we all sat down and listed what all we wanted, not just material things but what we wanted out of life, we would all have a pretty big list. So, instead of what I want out of life but what I want for this pregnancy. Ugh, I know don't plan, don't get your hopes up, keep an open mind, I know, I know, I KNOW! I'm the pregnant girl and I can list what I want if I want... so here it goes.
If you all haven't noticed, I've changed a lot since being pregnant... in a lot of different ways. I have boobs that feel real, a big belly, wide hips, well wider hips, super thighs, well more super thighs, swollen ankles, and a movement in my stomach that no one can explain. I've changed in other ways too.....I don't take over the counter medicine any longer. I have learned to pick my battles, with the dogs -- I'm trying to prepare myself. I eat as many fruits and veggies as I can, I find it much more important than I use to. I believe in getting vitamins and nutrients in it's natural form is best. I don't clean as often or feel that my life is out of order if I haven't mopped that day.
My Wants for this pregnancy, delivery and baby:
I want to continue to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
I want to deliver our baby into a calm and happy environment.
I know it hurts - you really don't have to tell me. I do not have plan -- natural, epidural, c-section. At the time of delivery I hope the best decision is made for the health of the baby and me.
I want to breastfeed my baby, exclusively.
I know it is going to hurt and it is very time consuming. I hope and pray for patience and strength during the first few weeks and for my body to do what it is supposed to do, produce milk.
I want to immunize at our own pace, not on the schedule of the doctor.
I know I'm not a doctor but I am a Mom - We will do what we feel is best for our baby.
I won't use the timeline to feed him cereal, solid foods,etc.
Every baby is different and when we feel that he is ready, we will start that. Did you know that there are babies that on their first birthday they have only had breast milk? No solids, no cereal, only Momma juice.
I want to make my own baby food when he starts eating solids.
I know I can buy it but why should I when I can make it? We make smoothies for ourselves every morning, so I hope we can get into the practice of making baby food weekly as well.
I think cloth diapering is great and I want to do it -- but know that I can't!!!
I think that if you have the set up (and the stomach) then go for it! Cory and I both have weak stomachs, having to change diapers is going to be difficult enough - we shouldn't push our luck. More power to those Moms who can!!!!
Every pregnancy, delivery, and child is different. I have been one of those judgmental non-Moms basically my entire life. Well, that has changed too. I will do things different than a lot of people, people will judge us for the things we do and don't do. If you know me, you know I don't color in the lines very often, why start now?!?
In a few months I may post about how all of my Wants were out of reach and I was just a crazy hormonal pregnant lady with big ideas. Until then, I will continue to research, read, and pray for guidance!
Buying a book today called Redeeming Childbirth. Hopefully I can read it soon and will let you all know what it is about!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Hip Hip Hooray!
As I look thru fashion websites, maternity fashion blogs, and all the "natural pregnancy" blogs that I read daily -- I think I'm turning into a hippie. I'm not sure how I feel about it. These days, I have no idea if I'm happy or sad, crazy hormones.
I've basically quit washing my hair unless I have to. Do you know how nice it is to put it some dry shampoo (or baby powder), do a new style for the day and call it good? Day 1 - curly hair, down Day 2 - hair on top of head, bun Day 3 - low side pony tail (I really meant to braid it but that's difficult to do while driving to work). I will wash my hair tomorrow, I promise. [I take a bath every morning it has become more difficult to lean back and wash these blonde locks]
I may feel more "hippie'ish" due to the fact that I am now throwing clothes together and calling them an outfit. Since I don't have much that fits anymore, I layer up with muted colors, throw on a big thick scarf, chunky jewelry and call it a fashionable maternity outfit. They say when you are pregnant to carry a big purse and wear big accessories -- this takes the eyes away from the belly (and huge thighs) and draws them to your pretty parts.
Another new thing for me is, little makeup. I'm so over the smokey eye. I mean, if you have the time and it looks good on you - go for it. I have been putting one color of eyeshadow all over and eyeliner. Actually, I'm not even wearing eyeliner - I'm wearing a dark smokey grey eyeshadow and putting it on as eyeliner. I smudge it a bit to make it look not so perfect. Super easy and it makes my eyes stand out. Lately it's been base, powder, bronzer, eyeshadow/eyeliner and mascara. Booms!
I really like Nicole Richie's style.
I guess I will go drink some green tea, smoke some grass, and tie-dye my sheets.
Have a Lavish Wednesday!
I've basically quit washing my hair unless I have to. Do you know how nice it is to put it some dry shampoo (or baby powder), do a new style for the day and call it good? Day 1 - curly hair, down Day 2 - hair on top of head, bun Day 3 - low side pony tail (I really meant to braid it but that's difficult to do while driving to work). I will wash my hair tomorrow, I promise. [I take a bath every morning it has become more difficult to lean back and wash these blonde locks]
I may feel more "hippie'ish" due to the fact that I am now throwing clothes together and calling them an outfit. Since I don't have much that fits anymore, I layer up with muted colors, throw on a big thick scarf, chunky jewelry and call it a fashionable maternity outfit. They say when you are pregnant to carry a big purse and wear big accessories -- this takes the eyes away from the belly (and huge thighs) and draws them to your pretty parts.
Another new thing for me is, little makeup. I'm so over the smokey eye. I mean, if you have the time and it looks good on you - go for it. I have been putting one color of eyeshadow all over and eyeliner. Actually, I'm not even wearing eyeliner - I'm wearing a dark smokey grey eyeshadow and putting it on as eyeliner. I smudge it a bit to make it look not so perfect. Super easy and it makes my eyes stand out. Lately it's been base, powder, bronzer, eyeshadow/eyeliner and mascara. Booms!
I really like Nicole Richie's style.
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I guess I will go drink some green tea, smoke some grass, and tie-dye my sheets.
Have a Lavish Wednesday!
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