No More Violent Movies

Yesterday afternoon, I watched Kill Bill Volume 2. I must say, I actually liked both of the Kill Bill movies. But then last night, I had a bad dream. You know, people hunting me down - trying to kill me...all that stuff. Then when I woke up to use the restroom early this morning, I wanted Ladybug to move - that would help me forget about my bad dream. She apparently didn't want to. She was sleeping soundly. I got worried but felt a small roll, confessed my worry, asked for peace and fell back asleep.

I had an appointment this morning at 8:45. It was a routine check-up. When I was getting ready, Ladybug still wasn't moving very much. She was mellow. She's had mellow mornings before. But because of the bad dream I had, I was already in a worrisome state. I nudged my belly but she didn't seem to wanna move a whole lot.

On the way to the appointment, I confessed my worry again. Ladybug rolled a few times. But that wasn't good enough for me. I wanted her to REALLY make her presence known. C'mon Ladybug - can't you punch my bladder or kick me in the ribs or something?

By the time Septtro and I arrived at my appointment, I had gotten myself all worked up. I imagined seeing the same expression on the doctor's face I saw just over a year ago. I imagined how I would react - how Septtro would have to carry me out of the office due to my utter despair. I imagined how hard it would be to see anything in her room. I imagined the worst.

They checked my weight - no weight gain...I haven't had much of an appetite lately. They checked my blood pressure - elevated. I wasn't surprised. I could feel my anxiety from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. They asked me to go in a room and lie of my left side and they would check my blood pressure again. The nurse returned soon after and checked again - normal this time. Once I saw the nurse practioner, she checked for Ladybug's heartbeat - bum bump, bum bump....going strong. As she palpated my belly, she said I was having a contraction - interesting.

I explained how I'd had a bad dream and had gotten myself all worked up before coming in to my appointment. She said just to put my mind (and theirs too, I'm sure) at ease, they would do a stress test for Ladybug - measure her heart rate as she moved around. So I got strapped to a monitor for her heartrate and one to measure any contractions I may have. After 20 minutes, she ripped the print out and said she'd be back. The office was busy so I was left in there for almost another 20 minutes. During this time, I realized that what I thought was Ladybug pushing herself into my ribs was really a contraction - something I've actually been feeling for several weeks. I guess I always thought Braxton Hicks would be over my entire belly.

After the nurse finally returned again, she said the print out looked good - everything looked just fine. But they also wanted to have me get some blood drawn to rule out any hypertension issues - just to be sure my elevated blood pressure really was because I was all anxious and not because of anything else. By the way, my swelling did wonderfully over the weekend as I made sure to elevate my feet as much as possible.

By the time I left, it was almost 11:00. Apparently everybody at work got really worried - even though I promise I let people know about my appointment.

So everything is fine. They're going to let me know if I need to come in before this coming Tuesday based on my blood test results. Oh, but I did test positive for Group B Strep - which I dreamed about last night too. I was told all that means is that I'll need antibiotics during delivery. But then I had to go lookin on the Internet...what a doofus I am. I guess it's something some women just carry - and I'm one of them. Hip hip....eehhhhhh.

Then there's me making myself feel like I have to save the world before Ladybug gets here - on top of barely being able to walk around because my feet hurt so bad. I mean, honestly, will it REALLY matter if my ironing board isn't completed before she arrives? Or if I don't get all my pictures on my laptop organized? No...and I know that. I just need to start acting like I know that.

So, no more violet movies - no matter how early in the day I may watch them. I don't need any more bad thoughts creeping in. I need to relax - take one day at a time - and trust God...oh, trusting in God - so easy to say yet so hard to actually do. And I hear it gets harder once the baby is actually here....Lord help me. Living in fear is definitely not fun.

Test Drive

Shawna and my Mur Mur came over the other day to give some nursery ideas. Emmory tried out Ladybug's bouncy seat and her pink Nike hat....he approves.

Seriously, I know everybody thinks this but I really do have the cutest nephew ever. And he can totally pull off wearing a pink hat. :)

35 weeks

Week and day: 35 weeks 1 day

Belly Button in or out: oh it's out - and I think I may have spotted a very small stretch mark

Wedding rings on or off: fingers are way to swollen to wear them - but I did get them redipped so they look bright and shiny for when I can finally put them back on

Food cravings: tomato and cheese sandwich, chocolate

Food aversions: none!

Nausea: not much

Energy level: get exhausted a lot easier now

Weight gain: I asked the nurse at my appointment on Monday what my total was and she said 33 pounds and said that was just fine...however, that's based on my first real appointment when I was already 13 weeks so I think it's more than that but we'll keep that to ourselves. :)

Mood: starting to feel anxious about how the whole labor will play out - especially because Septtro has started up with coaching football again...and I feel like I'm so behind in getting things ready for Ladybug. Three of my friends (two first time moms) have now given birth around 37 weeks...so, yeah, that kicked me in a bit of a higher gear these past few days. :)

Maternity clothes: some I can't wear anymore but I have enough to get me through the remainder of the pregnancy

Size of baby: honeydew melon (why must they always compare my Ladybug to food?) :)

Changes of baby: kidneys are fully developed, Ladybug is mostly developed - just packin on the pounds now, may be around 5 pounds and 18 inches long

Next appointment: Monday August 31st - going every week now....at my appointment this past Monday, she said Ladybug was still head down but slightly to the right - that I was all baby (which most people have continued to comment on) - and I was measuring right on track

Other: I would have to say the worst part so far about my pregnancy has been the swelling. Don't get me wrong, I know it could be MUCH worse. I honestly feel I've had a fairly easy pregnancy considering all of the different things most women go through. But the swelling - my right side especially (feet and hands) - oh my. When I go for walks at night, I have to keep my hands at heart-level or else they'll itch and swell even more. I would think perhaps some of my neighbors may think I'm havin church walkin down the street sometimes. Haha. And my feet...they're like sausages. But it's all temporary - and WELL worth it!

**Doc said this is normal - my blood pressure is fine and I'm probably swelling more on my right side because of how Ladybug is positioned**

Sorry, no picture this week....only cause I keep forgetting...I'll try to post one soon!

Ladybug's Second Shower!

Ladybug had her second shower this past Saturday...she got LOTS of goodies!

Opening my crib bumper pad - wrapped very creatively by Mom :)



Here's my mom, Grandma, me, and Ladybug - 4 generations!

The three sets of twinkies...I promise this wasn't planned but it was quite funny how it turned out.


My yummy cake (cookie cake!!) and brownies!


Septtro helped me unload the car and unpack some stuff on Saturday afternoon and then my mom came over Sunday afternoon to help organize more. Ladybug's room looks much better than it did - we definitely made progress - but I feel like there's so much still left to do! I will try to post pictures of the nursery shortly. I just realized this weekend I need to do something every day with her nursery because I only have a little over 4 weeks until she's due - and if she happens to come early, it'd be nice to have everything done. Four weeks - holy cow!

100th Post - remembering my Peanut

So I didn't plan it this way but this is my 100th post. Today also marks a year since we found out our Peanut was gone. I actually started my blog because of Peanut. So I guess it's only fitting the 100th post is about my sweet baby.

August 18th is actually the date we found out, but it was a Monday - at my routine check-up when I was 10 weeks pregnant. Here is the post from that afternoon.

I can't really explain the emotions I've already gone through this morning. Some people may think I should be "over" my loss by now, especially now that God has given me another sweet gift in my Ladybug. But I don't think I'll ever get over losing my Peanut. That was a part of me I'll never get back. I remember when I woke up from the surgery the next day...that moment was so difficult. I knew my precious baby was already gone but for us to be officially separated and knowing Peanut was forever gone was very hard. I remember feeling guilty for not knowing for an entire month that my baby was no longer living. I should have known - where was my motherly instinct?

While I'm extremely grateful for my Ladybug, no baby can ever replace my Peanut. I will forever miss that baby. But God has taught me so much in this last year. What I've learned is that I can't plan out my life and then be angry when things don't turn out how I thought they should. I've learned that trusting God is A LOT easier said than done. And I've learned that many people around me are hurting in various ways and I need to be more sensitive to how I treat them. I haven't perfected what I've learned - I'm still learning and trying to do better. Praise God for His grace.

I wanna share a prayer that my sweet husband texted me earlier this year (he said I could) - January 20th. It was the day I took my first pregnancy test after losing Peanut - and it was negative.

"Dear God. I lift my wife in prayer and ask that you'd continue to give her strength and patients...continue to heal her body and strengthen her mind and spirit. Help me to be a better listener for her needs and a comforter in times of despare. Thank you for your love and many blessings. In Your name I pray Amen." (I love the misspellings) :)

Exactly a week later, I took another pregnancy test - and it was positive. And now I have my Ladybug. It's just a reminder to me that no matter my circumstances, God knows best and I can't see the bigger picture.

For any of you who read my blog who have lost a baby, I prayed for you this morning. I pray for you often. And if you haven't already been blessed with another baby, I pray that will happen soon; but in the meantime, that you will find God's grace and peace in your life.

Dear Peanut,
I miss you so much! When I feel your sister moving around inside of me, it makes me smile. And it makes me wonder - would you have liked to burrow in my right side too? Would you have gotten hiccups at least twice a day...or more...or less? Would you play games with Daddy when he tried to feel you move? Were you a boy or girl? I'll never know. But I know I'll see you again someday.
Mommy loves you!

Baby wanna-be

My buddy Lor came over with her little girl Savannah the other night. She gave me some good ideas about where to store stuff in the nursery and eventually we just ended up sitting on the floor talking about baby things.

Savannah and Suka quickly became buddies (only when Suka didn't run or bark) - I was pleasantly surprised at how well Suka behaved around Sav. She was very gentle.

Anyway, as Lor and I were talking in the nursery, in walks Suka like nothin - just like this:


I don't know if Sav put it in her mouth or not but Suka loved the paci! She very easily picked it back up again and put it back in her mouth. I showed Septtro when he got home and he thought it was a fun trick. That night, I found Suka cuddling with him on our bed - suckin away on the paci. That was about enough of that - too weird - it had to stop. I don't want her thinking that's her toy when Ladybug is here anyway.

We got a good laugh out of it all. I haven't laughed that hard in quite a while.

Ladybug's First Shower

Ladybug had her first shower this past Saturday - August 8th. It was so fun!!


This is my best buddy Lor - she's 15 weeks preggers and already had a sweet little girl, Savannah. I love how chubby my face looks and my wacky smile. :) At least Lorren looks fabulous!


My mom and me - I know, we look nothing alike right? :)


We all went to school together...crazy how time flies! Apparently it was the cool thing to do to wear black...nobody sent me (or Amber) the memo.


The goodies! I got TWO diaper cake things - one size in Newborn and the other in size 1 - perfect! I'm still considering cloth diapers in the future, mind you...just not something we're gonna even think about for a few months. :)


My piece of cake - it was delicious!


The laying of hands....hehehe

Too bad Ladybug wasn't cooperating - she wasn't movin for anybody! Can you tell by my facial expression that I was gettin a lil hot? Somebody played a mean trick and turned the ceiling fan off.


When I got home, my mom helped me organize a few things but her room looks like a huge mess right now. I need to figure out how to organize everything. Babies come with so much stuff! :) Ladybug's next shower is August 22nd!!!!

bon qui qui

If you haven't seen the video, you really should make the time. CLICK HERE. It's hilarious.

I came into contact with a cashier at Sbarro a few days ago that reminded me of things Bon Qui Qui would say.

Here's how my experience went:

I met a friend for lunch at the mall and told another friend at work I'd pick up some lunch to bring back to them. He said he wanted Sbarro so I headed that way.

The guy prepared the food and put it in a bag. When he told the cashier girl/lady I also ordered a Dr. Pepper, she looked me up and down and said, "You don't need no Dr. Pepper".

Oh really? How about you just take my money and keep your opinion to yourself. (Yeah I didn't say that, but I kinda wanted to)

I didn't wanna say none of the food was for me because my friend gave me his debit card to use. So I just said, "She'll be fine."

She turned to her co-worker and said, "She don't need no caffeine, she's pregnant!"

He just shrugged and went to help another customer.

Then she said - again - "You shouldn't have no caffeine you know".

I told her I didn't give her (Ladybug) much caffeine - which I don't - not that it was ANY of her business anyway.

"Ok, alright then", she said. "So when are you due?"

I told her next month.

"Ohh, yeah, ok cause you're huge!"

Thanks a lot queen of meatballs and large, cardboard-tasting pizza slices. First you insult my ability to know what's safe to give my baby and then you insult my beautiful pregnant belly?!

Honestly, I just have to laugh at the whole thing. I mean, really, some people....

swollen

My right ankle in particular likes to swell up...so much so sometimes that it looks like I broke it on the outside part. But for some reason, my left ankle doesn't have too much of a problem. I had SUCH a hard time figuring out the reason for this. At first I thought it was because of the way I was sitting at work. But that didn't seem to help it much. The swelling tends to go away by Sunday and returns by Tuesday (after being at work again).

Then last night, my friend mentioned something that made A LOT of sense. She asked if I'd ever injured that ankle. I have - playing volleyball in college, I sprained it pretty badly. And the place where I sprained it is the place where it swells up the most. She said the same thing happened to her previously-injured knee when she was pregnant.

Interesting.

I have my next appointment on Monday so I'll ask them about it too. For now, though, I've gotten a new setup at work to help keep my feet more elevated:

My ankle already looks better than it did yesterday. I don't know how much of the day I'll be able to work like this but every little bit will help!

Pop goes the faucet

I hate my kitchen faucet. The built-in soap dispenser has never worked and the sprayer doesn't work properly either. I've been wanting a new one but couldn't fathom spending money when we didn't really NEED one.

God bless Septtro and his super Samoan-strength.

We will be getting a new kitchen faucet this afternoon. YAY!!!! :)

32 weeks

Week and day: 32 weeks 0 days

Belly Button in or out: I think it's finally stopped going out more :)

Wedding rings on or off: off - and gonna see if I can get them redipped while I'm not wearing them

Food cravings: cucumber and tomato salad

Food aversions: none!

Nausea: not much

Energy level: naps are makin a comeback but not every day

Weight gain: I don't really know - last appointment had gained a pound in two weeks

Mood: starting to realize Ladybug will be here in about 2 months - reality check!! But I can't wait!!

Maternity clothes: got a few more so I think I should be good till she arrives

Size of baby: only thing I could find is large jicama - whatever that is

Changes of baby: has toenails, fingernails, and hair (maybe), skin is no longer see-through, weighs nearly 4 pounds and is around 18 inches long (although I keep reading varying measurements), baby is in fetal position and will soon settle into head-down position(hopefully)

Next appointment: Monday August 10th at 3:15

Other: I can't wait for my first baby shower this Saturday!

Here is a pic from when I was 31 weeks and 5 days. I almost didn't post it because, well, I'll be honest - I'm still very self-conscious about the size of my belly considering all of the rude comments I've gotten throughout my pregnancy. But I'm measuring right on schedule and everything is lookin good so I'm just tryin to remind myself that all women carry differently.

Ticker

So I guess you've noticed I put up a ticker (that's for you Andrea!) :) I just wasn't really sure which date to put in there. Cause when I had my first ultrasound, I was 5 days earlier than my due date indicated but they said they weren't going to change my due date cause it was within a week.

Right now, the dates are according to how she was measuring at my first ultrasound and not my due date. So although my EDD is still September 24th, she may very well show up closer to September 29th (or on the 28th and be Septtro's birthday present!)

Edited: When I had my first ultrasound, I should have been 13 weeks and 6 days according to my last cycle but she measured 13 weeks and 1 day. So my ticker dates are according to me being 13 weeks and 1 day at that first ultrasound instead of 13 weeks and 6 days. Technically, my due date should be more like September 29th but they kept it September 24th because the difference was within a week.

Sorry if it was confusing before - haha - hopefully it's more clear now??

not so sneaky after all

Ever since we got our new furniture (at least 2 years), Suka has not been allowed on the couch and she's done well not getting up there. However, in the past several months, she's decided to get on the couch while we're gone anyway. We've never actually SEEN her on the couch, but the pillows knocked on the floor and her hair on the couch as well as the warm feeling of a cuddled puppy gives her away. Now, before she gets her hello hugs when we come home, we go feel the couch and look to see if it looks like she's been up there.

She's either getting more brave or more stupid because after my Sunday afternoon nap, I walked into the living room to find her like this:

She tried to get down ever so gently but it was too late - she was caught! She actually managed to get down without misplacing either of the pillows this time which, I must say, is pretty impressive. I really do think it's pretty funny actually; although it drives Septtro absolutely crazy that she continues to get up there. :)

Update

I had an appointment this morning. I asked the doctor about my "borderline GD" diagnosis. He went to look at the numbers and came back and said, "Well you were only borderline on one of your numbers so I'd say you passed and you're fine".

Well good grief!

So I told him about how I was basically cutting back on sweets and carbs and such anyway and he said it's always good to eat healthy but there was no reason for me to adhere to a strict diabetic-type diet.

And that was that...all that confusion for the past week and now I actually got to speak to a doctor (instead of a nurse) and was told everything is fine - that I wasn't even considered borderline.

I will say, all this concern over whether or not I have GD, I have come to actually enjoy cutting out all the yucky stuff and eating more healthy. It makes me feel better mentally and physically anyway! So I will still occasionally indulge in my Java Chip Starbucks ice cream and may have some Chick Fil A waffle fries every once and a while...but those will be considered treats. Hopefully, I can keep up this mentality even after Ladybug is born so I can lose that baby weight quicker!

In other news, the appointment went well. Ladybug's heartbeat was in the 150s and I'm measuring just half a week ahead (but I keep wondering how accurate that first ultrasound measurement is anyway in regards to how many weeks you ACTUALLY are - I'd say it's pretty hard to know for sure).

Ladybug is due exactly TWO months from now! I can't believe it!!! I'm SO ready to meet my lil bug-a-boo!

I Passed! :)

I got my results from my 3 hour fasting glucose test on Friday. I called them first thing in the morning to find out cause I was so curious and didn't wanna have to wait until after the weekend. The nurse said my numbers were slightly elevated but that I did not have gestational diabetes. Basically, 2 out of the 4 blood draws they did were great and 2 out out of the 4 were literally right on the borderline.

***note to people who might not be familiar with what gestational diabetes is - nobody REALLY knows what the cause is (it really seems to have almost nothing to do with what the mother does or doesn't do) but the following theory is pretty popular:

"The placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water, as well as produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy. Some of these hormones (estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen) can have a blocking effect on insulin, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.

As the placenta grows, more of these hormones are produced, and insulin resistance becomes greater. Normally, the pancreas is able to make additional insulin to overcome insulin resistance, but when the production of insulin is not enough to overcome the effect of the placental hormones, gestational diabetes results."

I guess some women's bodies just have a harder time keeping up with the needed insulin levels at this stage in pregnancy. Anyway, I'm relieved I don't have GD but will still continue to eat healthy (I love my garden cucumbers and yellow squash!).

Update - 29 weeks

I know it's been a while...I took some time off work to get some things done around the house. Nesting has pretty much set in...Septtro wasn't too thrilled with some of my cleaning adventures. He made me wrap a t-shirt around my nose and mouth while cleaning our shower and stopped me mid-way through my deep clean of all of the windows in our house. :) But I'm thankful for his concern and for caring enough about me and Ladybug to make me take breaks. I'm almost out of the 20-week mark! It feels like I've been there the longest. Here's my stats:

Week and day: 29 weeks 0 days - into my third and final trimester!

Belly Button in or out: I feel like it gets poked out more and more :)

Wedding rings on or off: off until Ladybug is here for sure - hot weather = swollen fingers

Food cravings: peanut butter, still yellow squash and macaroni and cheese, Claussen pickles!

Food aversions: none!

Nausea: it's starting to barely make appearances every now and then - especially if I wait too long to eat lunch

Energy level: naps are makin a comeback

Weight gain: I only gained 4 pounds at my last appointment so that's right on track...total is right around 30

Mood: been a little moody lately...I think partly because this time last year I was pregnant with my Peanut. This past weekend was a year ago when I had complications and went to the ER. August 18th was the day we found out our Peanut was gone. So, already being emotional because of hormones, I think these next few weeks will be a bit difficult. Not that that means I'm any less grateful for my Ladybug. Just that there will always be a void for my Peanut.

Maternity clothes: I'm actually starting to outgrow some of the clothes I've been able to wear for the past few months. Mostly, I think, because I just got some bigger sizes so they're not really meant for a pregnant belly.

Size of baby: butternut squash

Changes of baby: weighs about two and a half pounds and 15 inches long, her brain can control her breathing and body temperature, sucking ability has been perfected, if she were to be born now she'd have a 9 in 10 chance of survival (although I'd much rather her stay and grow to full-term!)

Next appointment: July 24th at 9:15AM - just check-up. At my last appointment, she said Ladybug was head down! But I know she still has room and time to move all over...I'm just hopin maybe she'll end up head down again in a month or so. :) I start going to appointments every two weeks now.
**Yesterday afternoon, the nurse called. I didn't wanna hear from them (cause that would mean my glucose was "normal" - even though supposedly that 1st test isn't all that accurate anyway). She said they like for the numbers to be below 139 and mine was 146 so I have to go in Thursday for the 3-hour fast test. I know a lot of women who've had to do the second test and it's come back all normal so I'm hoping that will be the same for me. But I know even if I do have gestational diabetes, it can be controlled and my Ladybug will be just fine. It's just something else for me to remember to trust God in.

Other: I wish I had time to just sit and watch Ladybug move all over. It's so fun! I felt her hiccups for the first time on July 4th.
So far, we've gotten a crib (was given to us for free!) and a stroller/car seat (from Craigslist). I'll be excited to see her room come together more. I'm still looking for a lower dresser I can use as a changing table.
I've been having some pretty bad and vivid dreams lately and I don't really like them very much.

Here's a pic from yesterday (I was technically 28 weeks and 6 days). This lil girl likes to be LOW. I've started to notice my tummy being shaped abnormally when she decides to burrow - she seems to prefer my right side.

Long, Lost Volleyball

I miss playing volleyball. I really have been out of it for almost a year since I was preggers with Peanut last summer. After college, I was introduced to the volleyball world here in Greenville and would play just about year-round. I've come to love outdoor grass tournaments more than playing indoor.

Here's my first outdoor tournament. It was in September 2005 at the Labor Day Festival in Simpsonville. My partner, Joe, and I were definitely underdogs but made it to the finals...and lost. We were SO close! The prize for first place was money...quite a bit if I remember correctly. I walked away with no cash but did come away being proud I made it that far. Several times I thought I would pass out from the heat...wasn't used to playing outdoors. Thus began my obsession with outdoor tournaments.


This was a tournament in Charlotte. Katie and I quickly became doubles partners and did very well. We won first place in this tournament...might be hard to see but we're holdin our cash monies in the second picture. :)

This was at one of the big tournaments in Columbia - they're the most fun.


I know my form is horrible here but I like how high I actually got...not too shabby for 5'3 huh? :) I wasn't really taught a whole lot about volleyball. In fact, I played baseball/softball most of my life - walked on to my college volleyball team after my friend told me they needed more players. My freshman year in college, my coach taught me how to pass - I credit him for that. But then he left and we got a coach who had no experience and was very young and I had no further actual coaching.


This was at the Labor Day Festival tournament in 2007 - 2 years after my first debut...we won this one too :)


I even got Septtro interested and he started playing....this picture makes me so proud! :) We've played in a few coed tournaments together before but had to stop...the two of us on the same team wasn't working out so well. He's gotten back into playing indoor on Tuesdays and would like to get back into playing outdoor again soon.

I hope in the future I'll be able to get back into playing. I know and am thankful that the reason I'm not playing now is because my Ladybug is on her way. I'd much rather have her than be playing volleyball for sure...I just miss it. :) Ladybug will definitely be exposed to volleyball...that's for sure!

Charleston trip!

My mom and I went to Charleston this past weekend. I hadn't been to the beach in about 5 or 6 years and was looking forward to going back. The weather really wasn't that bad...but next beach trip, there are definitely things we'll remember to bring (such as our canopy, my beach volleyball, and a bigger cooler).


We found some parking along Palm Blvd that was free - woo hoo - and was right next to the public beach access.

Ladybug's first trip to the beach!


Ladybug served as a great umbrella holder for some shade. :)

Mom and I

After the beach, we were looking for somewhere to eat for lunch and stumbled upon the Cupcake store - $2.75 is a lot for one cupcake but man are they delicious!


By some miracle, I was able to wait outside in the heat for this yummy food - Jestines...downtown Charleston - so good! We ended up getting stranded inside because of a really bad thunderstorm - thus ruining our plans to go back to the beach that evening. We did get to go to Paolo's or something like that...it's gelato ice cream - not as impressed as I thought I'd be but it was good.

Sunday before we left, we hit the outlets. We found some really good deals at Carters and Gymboree. This is Ladybug's coming home outfit! I was SO excited to find it! Uh hum, notice, it's pink. ;)


I think I may have actually convinced my anti-beach husband to come to the beach next time. :) We had a really good time...so thankful we were able to go. Oh, and a big shout out to my good friend Kris for letting us crash at her house so we could spend money other fun places!!!

26 weeks

Week and day: 26 weeks 0 days - ladies and gentleman...I'm now in the single digits in my countdown - 97 days!!!

Belly Button in or out: definitely out

Wedding rings on or off: still off - although I tried my engagement ring on the other night and it seemed to fit ok but am still scared with this hot weather, they'll get stuck

Food cravings: steamed squash, sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and big, juicy pickle!

Food aversions: none!

Nausea: gone!

Energy level: I've resorted back to a few naps here and there

Weight gain: I think close to 30 pounds - doctor said I was gaining healthily though

Mood: definitely starting to anticipate Ladybug's arrival!!

Maternity clothes: I plan to go to Miracle Hill to look for skirts and more shirts today or tomorrow...the store has been closed for a week or so due to storm damage - excited about what I may find!

Size of baby: eggplant

Changes of baby: weighs about two pounds - double from my last post! She's inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid as lungs develop, eyes fully developed (starts to open eyes and blink), brainwaves detectable

Next appointment: July 10th at 8:30AM - glucose screening test!!

Other: my ankles are almost gone and if I'm on my feet a lot, they will ache; tailbone hurts if I sit too long, her movements feel more like jabs now and I LOVE it :) So far, I've loved being pregnant....the comfortable and the not so comfortable - it's an amazing gift!

Here's a pic from Sunday...I was 25 weeks and 5 days

Pink - it's my favorite color

Ok so pink really isn't my faaaaavorite color - per se. But I've come to realize that many people are a bit timid or - dare I say - scared to give me anything for my Ladybug that even resembles the color pink. Please hear this: the color pink and I get along just fine. I would say we've become quite close friends these past few years. I may have misled some when I mentioned I hope if I have a girl, everything isn't completely pink. Allow me to clarify...I think pink is cute and believe Ladybudy will look absolutely gorgeous in it. In fact, I will welcome pink things of any sort. All I meant before was that I didn't want EVERYTHING (and I mean everything) to be pink. I mean, c'mon let's face it - too much of one color can be quite overwhelming; even downright boring. I guess I had nightmares about everything just being completely and utterly solid pink...like a huge bottle of Pepto exploded - leaving no traces of any other color. I don't mean I don't want anything solid pink...I just had these visions of my nursery and house turning into the house of pink.

All that to say, bring it on. Bring on the girly things - I'm ready! I realize I'm not the girliest of girls but I will help my Ladybug fully embrace her girliness to the best of my ability.

P.S. Please note: anything saying "I'm in charge", "I'm the boss", "attitude", "spoiled" or anything of the sort will not grace my Ladybug's precious caramel-colored skin no matter what color it is...sorry, but I just personally don't think it's cute and it's not the message I'd like her to send to others no matter how old she is.

P.P.S. Does this post make people want to get me absolutely NOTHING??? Perhaps I may find myself shopping for my own clothes for my Ladybug.

Ralphie Update

So I meant to type this a while ago - shortly after my post about our little stray doggie friend, Ralphie.

I did find a home for him - well, sort of. A lady contacted me from a rescue: Animal Welfare of Laurens County, Inc (and yes, it was legit - I researched it) where they have 3 acres of land for the dogs to play during the day and sleep in their kennels at night - which I'm sure Ralphie loved because he took to the kennel we put him in very nicely. They update all shots and take applications every weekend for adoptions. The adoption process is very strict - interview, visit home, contract involved. They do their best to make sure the dog will go to the best home possible.

I found his listing - she kept his name...Ralphie. :) Click here to see him. I think he's gained some weight...looks good.

She emailed me afterwards and thanked me for finding him a good place and not just dumping him at the pound where he'd hardly have a chance to make a family happy. I emailed back and asked how he was. She said he was doing fine and was her new shadow and he was, indeed, a very sweet lil guy. I haven't heard anything else but wish Ralphie the best. I cried when he left. Yes, I know...but he was so cute and sweet. And I'm pregnant.

Suka was actually kinda sad to see him go I think. They were playing very nicely before Ralphie went to the rescue. The next morning, she sniffed all over the front porch and garage for him.

I hope wherever Ralphie is, he's happy.

not my brightest idea

I was wearing a white shirt yesterday so I thought I'd zip up my favorite light jacket while eating lunch so if I spilled anything (there was ketchup involved), I could more easily get it out of my jacket than my white shirt. It didn't quite work out how I planned. It was zipped up completely for about a mili-second. Then this happened:


I had to slip it over my head to get it off...zipper wasn't budging. I've since been able to get it almost all the way back down and fixed except for this one last little nitch! Poor lil gray jacket.

CVS Pampers UNADVERTISED deal

***UPDATED***
I went at lunch to the CVS on State Park Road. They were SUPER helpful! I found out you can only use the Extra Care Bucks on more deals for Extra Care Bucks on the same card. Although, I was able to use my husband's card to get 3 more packs of Pampers (cause it's a limit of 3 packs per card). Then I used some ECB I got from yesterday's diaper deal - from my card - to buy a razor and 2 Dawn dish detergents (also used manufacture coupons for razor and soap) and only paid $0.75 for the razor and soaps! Plus, I got $4 more ECB for the razor and $1 ECB for the soaps to use later on from my card and still have $15 in ECB on my hubby's card to use later too! I'm starting to really want to figure out this CVS thing more now. :)


I haven't been all that great at figuring out the CVS thing - knowing what to buy and how to use my Extra Care Bucks. But I for sure couldn't pass this deal up! I'm tryin to get a stockpile going of disposables (see this post) whenever they're on sale. I heard about a really good one and then Shawna told me she was able to do it at her CVS so I gave it a try yesterday afternoon and it was, indeed, true!

Here it is!! I went to the CVS on Five Forks and they DID ask for the print out of the coupon so you might want to print it out and take it with you just in case (follow instructions to print out coupon).

www.southernsavers.com is a great resource to save money with coupons by the way.

I got Septtro a card for scenarios like this one because they only allow you 3 packs at the sale price with each card so I will use his card to get 3 more. What I'm not certain of is whether I can use Extra Care Bucks from my card to make a purchase on his card. I'm thinking not but who knows.

Has anybody else tried this deal? What all did you get? Any tips for others?

Safety First!!!

In My Face

Monday night, Septtro informed me that Ladybug's skin was still see-through. I told him it was not. I had seen a picture of a baby born around 22 weeks and their skin did not look see-through. I was very sure I was right and felt sorry for how misinformed he was - you know, the poor pitiful dad who doesn't know much about what's going on because they're not experiencing it on the same level.

The next morning at work, I flipped over my daily baby calendar to find this interesting fact:


Nice sense of humor, God. Humbless needed - noted.

So I've come to realize that Septtro may know more about what's going on with Ladybug and me more than I do. And that's ok with me...he's more in tune with how I may be feeling physically and emotionally which has definitely been a plus!

23 Weeks

Week and day: 23 weeks 0 days

Belly Button in or out: yeah it's out - and you can tell if I wear a shirt that's clingy

Wedding rings on or off: off! I had to before they became too hard to get off..I was afraid I'd wait too long and they'd have to be cut off or something :)

Food cravings: honey nut cheerios and milk, pickles (claussen!)

Food aversions: nope

Nausea: gone!

Energy level: I can feel that nesting starting to creep in - wrote out a to-do list the other day and anxious to start crossing things off!

Weight gain: I don't know really - probably bout 20 pounds or so

Mood: I told Septtro the other day how frustrated I was that I feel so sad all the time. I feel like I shouldn't be that way. This is a happy time. He was very understanding and said I shouldn't feel bad for being sad a lot cause that's just the hormones. But this past week, I've felt more happy...although I'm sure I can still cry at the drop of a hat.

Maternity clothes: I can't fit into ANY normal clothes now - well at least pants. I went to Miracle Hill and got some pretty good shirts that were just a bigger size and that's worked out quite nicely so far.

Size of baby: large mango

Changes of baby: starting to build fat, now weighs around a POUND - no more ounces!, skin becoming less see-through, practicing breathing by sucking amniotic fluid in and out of her lungs

Next appointment: June 9th (week from today) - measurements and hear heartbeat

Other: I can't say enough how amazing it is to feel her move around. I could just sit around all day with my hands on my belly - feeling her dance around in that secret world of hers. Septtro said her name the other night and she moved right away - made his day! :) I love watching him connect with her in that way. In other, less exciting news for most, my skin seems like it's starting to clear up a little bit - just in time for summer so yay! Speaking of summer, I think I'll be wearing skirts and dresses more than ever...it's SO much more comfortable when it's hot and humid out.

Lost Doggie

We have a new friend. He will not be staying. But he is sweet and lovable. I named him Ralphie. I know you think that means I'll be keeping him. You're wrong. This afternoon, he will be taken to the vet. They will check for a microchip. We will look for a home for him. If no home comes, he will have to go to the pound. That makes me sad. That would be a waste of a really fun dog. Here he is:



I must say, he's quite persistent. He came to our house Tuesday night in the rain. He pawed at our front door. We shooed him away. He pawed at our back door. We shooed him away. He pawed at our kitchen window. We let Suka out to chase him away. He came back. He chose us for some reason. But we really can't keep him. I think he's a miniature pincher. He can't weigh more than 10 pounds - if that.

I will miss Ralphie.

21 week pic and some updates

Here's a pic - this was taken at 21 weeks and 2 days.

I'm currently 22 weeks exactly!

So the really fun news is that Septtro was finally able to feel Ladybug move for the first time! Last Thursday (May 21st), we were at my parents house and I had my hands over my tummy and thought I felt her move but wasn't sure. Septtro tried to feel but she wouldn't move again. Then, the next day at work, I was at a meeting and put my hands the same way and it was unmistakable - she was movin like crazy and it was so fun! So that night, I had Septtro try and he felt her but wasn't sure. I asked if he felt her and he said, "I don't know" and I kinda barely tapped his arm and said, "It kinda feels like this" and he said, "Yeah I felt that". I reassured him that was, indeed, her. :) But he really felt her Sunday at church before the service. His eyes just lit up and he said, "That is so cool!" I loved the fact that he was able to connect with her in that way! Since then, he's been able to feel her several other times.

Last Monday, I woke up with the weirdest feeling. It's hard to explain. I mean, I know there's a little human inside my belly. But it was like this heavy mass of something really low in my abdomen. A few days later, I didn't feel it but I felt it again Saturday. I wonder if maybe after Ladybug has been active, she burrows down to sleep for a good day or so. :)

In other, less exciting news, I'm having leg cramps during the night. I've actually had them throughout the pregnancy. They haven't been bad - it's not every night. But apparently, it's something that can happen during pregnancy.

I'm not sleeping through the night but that's ok with me. I had a scare that I might have UTI so since then, have been setting my alarm to make myself get up to use the potty. I've always had a bladder of steel but I know it's not so good to hold it all night - especially when baby girl is basically sitting right on my bladder. Speaking of, during the day yesterday I think I had to use the restroom at least 5 times in an hour. I'd be lying down and feel her move and then have to scurry off to the ladies room. :)

Oh, and the wedding rings came off on Sunday. It was already a little difficult to get them off so I went ahead and took them off before they fused with my fingers.

To cloth or not to cloth - THAT is certainly the question

So...yes, I am one of those people. Call me crazy, a tree-hugger, out of my mind - I've already heard it and barely told many people. My husband and I want to use cloth diapers for our baby.

Let me tell you pretty much the ONLY reason why I even considered cloth diapering is because of the cost savings. Let's face it - I'm pretty tight with my money. I get natural highs when I save money at the grocery store and refuse to buy something without a coupon if I know I have one. Whenever we eat out, I even try to use a coupon (we don't really eat out much).

After doing research on the Internet and talking to a few people who have used cloth diapers recently, I realized there are SO many different ways to go. You can buy the luxurious cloth diapers, the one-size-fits-all (but does it really?), the old-fashioned diapers; you can have a service come collect them and wash them for you or do it yourself. And then there's all the different ways to wash them. What I have realized is that cloth diapering is not like it was when my mom had babies. It's definitely evolved and I haven't talked to someone who does it who doesn't love it. So it can't be that bad right?

So here's the thing...I've decided to do just like my friend, Sara...if we get enough disposables at showers and such, we'll go that route. After all, if I'm only doing it for cost reasons and if I get a bunch from others, I'm saving money. Call me a chicken if you like. All I know is, I know several ladies who just had babies and I feel like the last thing I'm going to want to do when I bring my baby home is figure out a schedule/method for cloth diapering. However, I am a little bothered by the fact that disposables give a lot of babies really bad rashes and would feel bad for puttin my lil ladybug through that discomfort.

I'm not completely throwing cloth diapering out the window. If we feel we're spending too much money, we'll take another look. But for right now, well, send those disposables my way and we'll take it from there! ;)

Shhhhh - I'm sleeeeeping

Ok so this was kinda posed. He wouldn't wake up for ANYTHING. :)

20 weeks!

Week and day: 20 weeks 3 days

Belly Button in or out: I pretty much am buttonless now

Wedding rings on or off: on but it takes some wigglin to get them off

Food cravings: chocolate milkshakes or chocolate ice cream in general

Food aversions: nothing much

Nausea: haven't gotten sick in a month!

Energy level: I am so anxious to get the nursery started - already took a HUGE load of stuff to Miracle Hill to clear out some space

Weight gain: total I think is 17 pounds...most of it at the beginning

Mood: I can cry over almost anything

Maternity clothes: gradually acquiring more as hand-me-downs or at Goodwill or Miracle Hill (and I must say, the selection at Miracle Hill was fabulous)

Size of baby: banana

Changes of baby: practicing breathing and swallowing more and more, skin forming different layers, head becoming more proportional to rest of body, sleep patterns similar to newborn

Next appointment: June 9th - measurements and hear heartbeat

Other: shortness of breath, nasal stuffiness increasing - the BEST part right now is feeling her move...I LOVE it - there's nothing like it! I'm noticing her moving around the same time every day - early morning, mid-afternoon, and evening

We're havin a.....

Ladies and gentleman (do any guys read this anyway?):


I am proud to introduce you to our.....(scroll down - that's for you Lor)





































little girl!!!!!
I'm not posting the picture that proves her girlishness - let's give her a lil privacy right? :)

She weighs 11 ounces - right in the middle of what she should be. Everything looks great! She was very cooperative (or very immodest) because she gave us the perfect shot as soon as the ultrasound tech tried. :) The tech asked if I had caffeine before I came in because she was so active - I didn't so she's just a very active little baby. She said her head is just above my belly button and her feet are basically dancing all over my bladder - already - thanks baby girl!

Yes we have a name we like but we're not telling a lot of people. I don't want somebody to say something that will ruin it. I will say her middle name will be Falefou in honor of my late mother-in-law. We plan to give all of our kids Samoan middle names - or at least Polynesian names.

I'm excited to see Septtro with her - he's gonna be such a sweet daddy to her.

See, my motherly instincts are right on track - mommy points for me!!! :) Ahhh, I'm in love already - my little ladybug!

Dear Baby

Dear Baby,
Tomorrow is a big day for all of us! We'll get another peak into your secret world. I can't wait to see you again! I wonder how much you've changed.

I keep thinking you're a little girl. I wonder if I'm right. I'm not quite sure where that is coming from. I will truly be happy either way. Ever since I was little, I wanted to have a boy first. That's probably because of your Uncle Mark. I liked having an older brother. But I've been around little girls enough now to be comfortable with a girl too. See, your mom isn't quite the girliest person around. I may not be able to do your hair or dress you in the latest fashion, but I'll love you like no other! It will be nice to know if you're a boy or girl so we can start picking out names. Your dad and I pretty much have a name picked out if you're a girl. If you're a boy, well, we'll have to do some more thinkin.

I love feeling you move around inside me. It's one of the most incredible things I've ever experienced! I'm pretty sure I smile every time I feel you. Sometimes I get nervous when you haven't moved in a while. But then I remember that you're sleeping just as much as a newborn. You seem to like it when I eat - that's when you're most active. You like food, don't you?...just like your mom and dad. :) On Sunday, I ate some macaroni and cheese. That's my favorite food. After I did, you moved the strongest I've ever felt! It made me jump because it startled me! You like mac and cheese? A child after my own heart. :)

I'm a little nervous about tomorrow my sweet baby. I want everything to be ok. I want you to be growing right on track and there to be no problems. I hope that's true. Trusting God is such a minute-by-minute, day-by-day decision. You'll learn that soon enough. I love you baby! See you soon!

Hike in the Mountains

Septtro really wanted to go to the mountains Saturday. I....well, I did not. I feel like I have so much to do at the house and I was gone last weekend. But, I conceded. We went with my mom and my sister-in-law's mom, Cathy - and of course, we brought the dogs. Septtro wanted to find a place where not many people knew about..."The Narrows" of some sort. He looked on the map before we left and said he knew where he was going. Unfortunately, the map wasn't as easy to follow once we got on the little back roads and we found since this was a place that not many people knew about, nobody could tell us where to go. We got lost - asking two country bumpkins drinkin themselves into oblivian while gutting their catch of the day for directions. They weren't much help. Cathy ended up spotting the sign tucked behind some brush and we followed it.


This was when the trail got a bit rough. I wasn't really expecting an hour and a half hike one way.


Cathy and mom

And here it is in all its glory - a river...with rocks. I hiked all this way, knee pain increasing, blisters forming, and feeling like I'm breathing through a straw - for this?? Ok, ok, so the actual "Narrows" were further down from this with a waterfall. But the path was even more narrow and I was tired of walking. Looking back, I should have at least gone to see it. Maybe then I wouldn't have felt so cheated.


mom and me - yeah we pretty much are twinkies


Septtro actually got in the frigid water - and said it felt good


The sun shined down on just him in the water - handsome fella isn't he?


I'm really not normally this dumb. Water shoes are good for wading in the water - NOT hiking over 2 miles. I'll blame it on the pregnancy. :)


Seriously, she has to be one of the prettiest dogs ever.


Baby and me chillin. And yes, that's a skirt. Alert the media! (it was hot and I'd just gotten it as a hand-me-down)


Haha Suka was bein a pansy - although I guess after being thrown in the water (by Septtro) in the past, I might have been a little afraid too.



She won't get on a rock near water but climbed up here all by herself




All in all, the day wasn't really very fun - at least for me. But it was an adventure. And hey, at least we didn't get rained on right? Septtro ended up carrying me the last bit cause my body was just plain tired and we were taking a break every 5 minutes. Mom wasn't able to get a picture of this cause by the time she saw us, he was ready to unload (mom and Cathy left before we did cause they thought they'd slow us down but I think the underestimated how long it'd take me to get back - plus, apparently Tillman turned into a sled dog and pulled Cathy up the hills and stairs).

Oh and another plus, that night, I did got a foot massage for my efforts.