That kind of day

Yesterday I had that kind of day.

You know what I am talking about.

The kind of day where you are in the shower for 5 minutes and the water turns ice cold. The kind of day where are dressed, walk out the door and spill chocolate milk down the front of your off white turtleneck. The kind of day where you rush and leave before your car is defrosted...hitting your garbage can on the way out....tearing off your passenger side view mirror. The kind of day where you find out said side view mirror will cost $300 to replace. The kind of day where you SWEAR you should have never gotten out of bed.

I had that kind of day.

The kind of day where I walk into work to find out that a mailing was ruined because our shipping department jammed it into a postal box in the rain. The kind of day where my cable box decides to quit on my lunch break and I spend 30 minutes of my 1 hour lunch on the phone only to come home to the cable STILL not working. The kind of day where my dog pukes all over his crate and not only needs a good bath, but to wash his pillow, the kitchen floor...and entire crate. The kind of day where you find out your Mom, who has chronic health problems, has passed out...and your sister is on the way there to investigate.

I had that kind of day.

Can anyone relate? I mean, how many CRAZY things can happen in one day. I always think "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it" but some days that is a bit harder to grasp than others.

So, I decided to turn "that kind of day" into "this kind of day"

You know what I am talking about.

The kind of day where, even though your cable is broken, your husband and you sit on the couch, singing horribly, all the Christmas carols you know and laughing that your baby kicks hard each time you sing. The kind of day where, even though you cost yourself $300 for being in a hurry, you take time to pray for all the blessings you have. The kind of day where, even though you think your Mom's health can't get worse and you worry for her to be there to know her grandson, you are thankful to God for all the moments you have and the fact that you will truly treasure any more you are granted.

I turned it into that kind of day.

The kind of day where you let go of your frustrations and laugh for no reason. The kind of day where you push off cleaning because you want to snuggle in bed with your dog (who is very clean after the day's events). The kind of day where you decide to make the best of everything. After all, you are incredibly blessed.

I had that kind of day. Crazy, hectic, stressful, yet peaceful, happy and serene.

Thank God for that kind of day.

HP Giveaway

Kelly at Kelly's Korner AND MckMama at My Charming Kids AND BooMama are giving away an HP Touchsmart computer!

Visit their blogs for your change to win! What an awesome giveaway just in time for Christmas!

Good Luck!

Sallie

31 Weeks

I am 31 weeks! Yikes! In a mere 8.5 weeks, Baby J will be here. I can hardly believe it!

I will make a short comment on Thanksgiving. Stretch pants + an already large pregnant belly = FAB-U-LOUS!

December is a hustle and bustle month for me. I have a baby shower EVERY weekend before Christmas. We have had houseguests EVERY weekend since Thanksgiving and will continue until New Years. So much fun, but so tiring at the same time!

2 weeks ago (I know its been a while- forgive me, the brain, the working, the preggo-ness has taken over all of my time!) we had an ultrasound. I had placenta previa, which is just a fancy way to say that part of my placenta was covering my cervix. This would lead to a mandatory C-Section if it didn't move- but it has. So I am Previa free in 2009 :-)

While having the ultrasound, the tech kicked on the 3D. I. mean. whoa! We could see our little man blink, swallow, stick his tongue out, MOVE LIKE A HUMAN. I understand he is human, but seeing him was like watching a movie of someone who looks like me. Weird and so exciting at the same time!

AND...I am happy to announce that I believe he has my nose. Funny how as delivery starts to get close you panic about traits you have. I was PRAYING that he would get my nose, as my husband's, although very attractive, is just not, in my opinion, as cute as mine. I am sure God appreciated the shallow prayers that day- but I was pumped. Pics are at the bottom of the post. Think he looks like me?

The other BIG news from the ultrasound is that he weighed in at 3.6 pounds- the 90th percentile for a baby at 29 weeks. Ouch. They are predicting a 9.5-10 LB bouncing baby boy for me. Ouch. I did find out that I will have an ultrasound the first week of January to remeasure him. If he does get to the range they think, I can elect to have a C Section. Not sure what I am going to do, just trying to take it all in and focus on a healthy, happy boy for now! We'll cross the large baby bridge when we get to it!

With this last trimester comes some serious weight gain. The doc says I am right on target, but I feel HUGE! I never in my life thought I would weigh what I weigh now. I watched the "Biggest Loser" finale last night and thought- I cannot WAIT to get this WEIGHT off! I know its necessary for healthly baby growing and I am not complaining, but as that scale creeps up, your self esteem drops a bit. Sigh. I cried at my last appointment and my poor husband didn't know what to do. He said "Don't worry, I'll get you a gym membership for Valentine's Day!" I know his heart was in the right place, but really? Bless his heart, open his mouth and insert foot.

I hate to just babble about babies all day, but that seems to be the only thing on my mind. With the showers every weekend and my ever expanding belly, I can't seem to focus on much else. But, I mean, this is my blog and since this is what I got, this is what I share. :-)

To wrap up, below are some pics of my sweet precious. Love his heart, I can't wait to meet him- no matter how large he is...

I'm Pregnant...Bring on the unsolicited advice!

Funny how having a belly makes you fair game.



I mean, if you're just fat, people don't feel the need to grab at your muffin top. There is something about a pregnant woman that makes people thinks its ok to touch and feel. They ask you if its kicking and even if you say no, a hand shoots to your belly like metal to a magnet. Now, I don't think I am weird, but I am not a huge touchy feely person. I will tell you I love you if I do. I will even hug you if I feel compelled. But, I will not touch a stranger or tell them about my placenta. Not. Ever.



So, in good nature, I have compiled a top ten of things that have happened in the last week or so that I am calling "Top 10 things to avoid when dealing with a Prego"



1. Don't ask me what I weigh. I would never tell the truth. I will take off 50 pounds and convince myself its the truth. I will tell you that my pregnancy gain is at about 20 pounds so far, mostly because I am on track to not gain a ton and this makes me proud. But, if you tell me I look like a mack truck, I will run you over and blame it on hormones :-)



2. Don't touch my belly unless you A. ask or B. I know you, love you or invite you to. I have no problems with the belly touching. I get it- its weird that a human is in there. But strangers touching my womb? No thanks- ever hear of the Swine flu epedemic?



3. Please don't ask how many babies I have in here. I promise, its only one. Please see #1.



4. I do not feel cute. I understand that to a non-pregs, pregnant people are the most beautiful things in the world. The roundness. The baby bump. Adorable, right? Well, as long as you don't factor in my stretching skin, growing cankles and cellulite. I don't feel cute, and that's ok, so let's move on.



5. Please don't tell me to not freak over said weight gain. You gain 8 pounds in 2 weeks and then call me. I understand that its for a good cause. Still, the scale hurts and it upsets me. Again, please see #1.



6. I love getting advice from mothers who have been there before. However, I don't want you to tell me that what I am planning is wrong. Even if it is. Let me figure it out. I am pretty smart, I will come around. Please let me have my pipe dreams- even if you know they are just that. Don't burst the prego bubble I am living in.



7. I do not want to hear about your birth experience. Currently, thoughts of pushing a watermelon out of a lemon haunt my dreams. I get that you survive. I know I will be there. I am just not prepared to talk about it.



8. Speaking of birth experiences- no one tells you actual symptoms of pregnancy. I mean, crazy stuff goes on with your body. If people told you, you probably would not have kids. I get that now. So, in the opposite fashion of the rest of this list- THANK YOU for not sharing. I will oblige and do the same.



9. Do not chime in about my name choice. I get it, you know blah blah who is named this and he ruined your life. I am sorry. My kid will be called (insert crude nickname here) for his life. I have thought about that- but we still like the name. Unless you are having this baby for me, keep the opinions to yourself. I will promise not to name your baby when you have one. Really.



10. Finally, I don't know why inappropriate questions are allowed while you are pregnant in the first place. Hello, etiquette? Do I ask if your nipples are sore? Do I want to know how your discharge is? Have I EVER asked you if you have hemorroids? The answer, my friend, is no. Please extend me the same courtesy. I will let you know if I want to complain- but don't ask. Really. Refer to #8. You. are. welcome.

_______________________________________________________________

On a serious note, I thank God daily for this ability and amazing gift to carry my son. I pray for those who are struggling or have struggled with infertility (my mother took 7 years to have my sister and another 4 to have me!) each day. I am just trying to bring out the "lighter" side of this experience I am having.

On my knees...

...and praying for Stellan.

Please stop for a second, moment, or minute to pray for this little one year old, in surgery for his heart. You can read his miraculous journey here: http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Times like these remind me how fragile life is and who is really in control. As I prepare for the arrival of my son, I can only praise God for the miracles he works and pray that I don't ever have to know first hand what this sweet family is enduring.

"Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Also, please say a little prayer for Kelly and Scott. They are on their way to El Salvador for a mission trip.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works" Hebrews 10:24

Happy November!

Whew! A little slice of our weekend...

I am exhausted from cooking my "bun" in my "oven." My husband, the Chef, is quite proud of his "bun" as well :-) Only 14 more weeks of cooking!

My husband got a little too excited with the mullet wig. Note: his apron does say"I keep my best snacks under my apron." I realize that this is offensive, however, it was a gift from my sister. If you know her, you get it. :-)

How about them CATS? Too bad they lost this weekend, but what can you do? Terrible homecoming, but I hope they can come back and beat EKU this week! GOOOOO CATS!

No Swine flu for me or the hubs...in 2 weeks :-) We both got our shots on Saturday (for free!) at a local high school. Whoo hoo! Although the 2 week period to build immunity sucks, we are hoping we avoid this nastiness. I know there is some debate, but being pregnant, my doctor felt it very important to get the shot. I am praying for no unsavory side effects- OINK!

Guess what else we had to get this weekend? I was washing clothes on Saturday when my washing machine...well, died. JM and I scooped out water with a measuring cup only to have it fill back up- it was working, right? WRONG. Once it filled BACK up, it quit again. I have neve cried so much out of frustration!

After a trip to HH Gregg, I said "RIP Old Maytag from my Mother in Law....Hello Whirlpool Duet!"

Yep, a new washer AND dryer (just what every expecting parent wants to spend $$ on). The worst part of the whole washer/dryer sales scheme? They sell these super capacity washers that your old dryers' capacity isn't compatible with. What's the point of having a washer that can clean 16 pairs of jeans in one load when you can only dry 6-8 at a time? You're right, I am sucker, but we got the set. AND....they are glorious. I will be in hock for a while, but I am hoping with the baby, this is an investment we won't regret.

Hope everyone had a GREAT (and appliance buying free!) weekend!

I cannot believe November is here :-)

25.5 Weeks

Happy Hump Day!

This Wednesday, I am officially 25.5 weeks. I can’t believe that in a short 14.5 weeks (which is short compared to the staggering 40 when you start!) I will get to meet our little boy!!!

Not much to say today. I went to a new restaurant (well, new to me) last night with some friends. If anyone is ever in Lexington, I highly recommend Bar Louie. Delicious food and they also had a GREAT happy hour (although I could only partake in the food part, but the drinks looked great!).

Once I got home, my mom (she lives in Wisconsin, where I grew up) requested a pic of my prego belly. Although I am against this sort of thing usually, I decided to appease her (and now you) with this:



Enjoy your Wednesday!

Sallie

Rutabaga Monday

A Rutabaga. Really? Where do pregnancy websites come up with this stuff. I mean, RANDOM, much?

Anyways, you guessed it, Baby Boy is currently a rutabaga in my tummy. He weighs about a pound and a half (feels like more!) and is over a foot long. I also read that by 25 weeks, his hands are formed. That's kind of wild. No wonder I feel banging, clanging, and tons of commotion in my belly...mostly at night! :-)

This weekend was pretty uneventful. JM's cousins came into town, we saw the CATS win (Go Cats!) and I went to a baby shower. The little girls' stuff that the baby mama got was SO CUTE! Ah! Although I am super happy about our sweet baby boy, I felt a little wistful about all the little ladies things. So. freaking. adorable.

I scored some really great steals at the Gap this weekend! I got a striped sweater in a TALL (I know- random) on the sales rack for $8.99! And a tank to match for $5.99! I just love a good deal. I will have to take some pics to share. Can I get an amen for that moment when you walk into the store feeling pregnant, gross and HUGE...and leave with a (cheap!) normal sized item. When I say "normal" I mean non-maternity. Large. Accomplishment.

Well, I am off to start the work day (er...I mean I started at 8...TECHNICALLY).

Hope everyone had a great weekend and has a GREAT Monday!

Sallie

Don't miss out! Fab Bag Giveaway!

Babbling Abby is doing a FAB BAG giveaway this week. (I mentioned it below but thought it might be missed!)

Go see her site for a chance to win an ADORABLE diaper bag.

You don't have to be expecting- this would make a great gift for a shower!

I think you have until next Thursday. You can get a bunch of chances to win- directions on her site!

Happy Friday!

Neglectful

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned. It has been almost 4 weeks since my last blog. Ugh. The. Horror.

I have no good reason for neglect, other than working full time, being pregnant and generally trying to keep some order in many chaotic situations seem to make blogging move down and down on my to'do lists. Boo.

So, to catch up with you all, I will try to fill you in on the last month, with a brief update. I PROMISE to be more spot on in weeks to come.

-My sister came to stay the first week/weekend/second week of October. Since I need to save sick/vacation time for baby's arrival, I spent the weeks working, going home, cooking dinner, talking, staying up late and generally just spending time with my sis. After the visit, I crashed.

-My sister wrapped her visit around my ultrasound. I had to get another due to Baby being bent in half, so we couldn't check his heart or face. I am happy (and relieved!) to report that all is healthy with our sweet little boy. 2 more weeks and we have the glucose test. Woo hoo! Only 15 more weeks to go! :-)

-My hubby had his birthday on the 15th. We celebrated with a "last" hoorah trip to Gatlinburg. Now, I know what you are thinking...Gatlinburg = Redneck Holiday. Well...you are absolutely right! But we LOVED having a fun log cabin (although I had to sit out the hot tub usage- tear), eating breakfast at the Apple Barn (YUM!) and competing against each other in mini-golf. A nice trip before we have 3!

-When I say we "compete" in mini golf, I wasn't kidding. We are HYPER competitve, especially with each other and neither one of us likes to lose. I am happy to report that after 4 games (3 indoor due to rain) of mini golf, the hubs only beat me once. I was not a graceful loser, as I retorted that he shouldn't be proud to beat a 6 month pregnant woman. Not. one. of. my. finer. moments! Do you all ever compete with your significant others or I am alone on this? Doesn't it feel good to win? :-)

-I also have done some shopping. I bought the CUTEST bedding from Pottery Barn Kids (ON SALE!) for our sweet boy. I cannot wait to get it and get the nursery rolling along!

Speaking of fun baby items, Babbling Abby is doing a FAB BAG giveaway this week. Go see her site for a chance to win an ADORABLE diaper bag. You don't have to be expecting- this would make a great gift for a shower!

I think I have caught you up. I promise, readers, I will post more frequently!

And, I am going to add some pictures, but my camera battery died and I haven't gotten to the store...you should see me, I am starting to really show!

TGIF

TGIF! For years, I had no idea that it meant "Thank God its Friday!" You know what I thought it was? A 3 hour time slot for ABC in which Full House, Family Matters and Hanging with Mr. Cooper would come on. Now, that is some TGIF!

Funny how simple things were when we were younger. My husband and I were reminiscing last night about our journey in finding each other. You see, yesterday was my birthday and I always feel that after another year on Earth, you should contemplate who you are and how you got where you are today.

I was born at 9:40 pm on September 24 in Illinois. The doctors had told my mom they thought I was a probably a boy based on the ultrasound (darn fingers!) and when they said "Its a girl!" I truly think she was shocked. To further confuse her, they had run out of pink blankets and I was handed over in a blue one.

When I was 4, we made a big move from IL to WI. My parents bought a ranch on a river in a small town. I was distraught to leave my best friend, Jamie Brown and truly experienced heartbreak driving away. I soon forgot, however, when my parents let my sister and I sleep in the soon to be dining room in our Flintstone's sleeping bags while waiting for furniture.

The small town I grew up in was very political. All about who you were, what family you were part of and most importantly, if you were born there. Being a transplant, I never truly fit in and after leaving when I was 18, I have never looked back. Do you know the Rascal Flatts song "I'm Moving On"? This song sums up how I feel about this little town. Don't get me wrong- my parents still live there, in the same house I grew up in, but I have never had the desire to go back (although I miss them so!).

At 18, I convinced my parents to send me to the University of Kentucky. I majored in Communication and lived it up my 4 years there. My friends and I referred to ourselves as "Bar Stars," as we went out often and always seemed to be the life of the party, although looking back, I think that was all in our minds.

At the young age of 21, I "met" my husband at Kitty O'Sheas Irish Pub (May it rest in pieces). I had actually seen him many times, as he was a good friend of one of my best friends at the time. I ALWAYS thought he was hot, but things just never seemed to connect. That night, I had this feeling, that if I didn't talk to him, I would never see him again. I got his number from a friend and called him telling him "I'm hot, you're hot, we should go out sometime." Ha! How is that for BOLD!?!?


One year, 11 months later, JM watched me get baptized as a boyfriend. Two months later, we got engaged in the house that we currently own together. 9 months later, we were married in a small ceremony in Florida. 2 years, 2 months later, we discovered that I was pregnant. My, how life changes! The twists and turns of our journey together has been a wonderful ride!


I suppose that TGIF has been replaced with TGIA (Thank God I'm Alive) in my life. I am having a TGIA day today, which happens coincide with TGIF!

The only way to improve my outlook on life is if the CATS pull off a win against the Gators tomorrow. Unlikely, I know, but a girl can hope! GO CATS!

Say a little prayer for me...

Remember that song? I think Dionne Warwick sang it, "Say a Little Prayer for Me"? I think the last time I heard it was when I was watching my "Best Friends Wedding" and they belted it out at the dinner table. LOVED IT!

Today, I have been a bit somber after reading one of my favorite blogs. If you haven't been to Kelly's Korner you have been missing out. Kelly is a super spiritual woman who I am POSITIVE I would be friends with in real life. My favorite thing about her blog is that she is constantly praying and highlighting people's battles- from infertility, loss of children, loss of spouses, or even just the hardship of being single and wanting so badly to find a mate.

A lot of times, I take for granted how fortunate I really am. As I continue to get more pregnant, I have been praying more than ever for this little boy inside of me. That the world will be an amazing place, that I will be able to keep him safe when he gets here and that I am able to witness his growing into the amazing man I hope him to be- just like his father. These thoughts are all consuming and I was humbled today by a post on Kelly's blog about the Sullivan family.

This wonderful couple recently celebrated 5 years of marriage and the birth of a baby girl. While pregnant, the mom, Sara, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Heartbreaking. A few days after bringing their baby girl, Chloe, home, Sara had a seizure and passed away. Yet, in the face of losing his wife and faced with the task of raising a baby girl, her husband continues to praise God. A great example for all. Please check out their story!

I am so thankful to God for the blessings that I have received. Even of late, my Mom survived a terrible car accident and is slowly recovering. I am not sure if I deserve the gifts I have been given, but when shown how other people struggle and survive adversity, I truly do know how lucky I am. I continue to ask "Why me" all the while praying so hard for these sad, but uplifting stories.

Please pray today. Pray for those who are struggling with anything. Pray that you are able to be thankful for your blessings and praise God for your hardships.

"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker."
Psalm 95:1-6

Mighty Monday

Borrowing a concept from Babbling Abby, I decided to follow suit with my own version of Mighty Monday!

For those who didn't read my last blog, my husband and I found out we were having a boy. Sure that my "maternal" instinct was right (I truly thought I was having a girl), I might have asked the ultrasound tech how accurate the ultrasounds are for determing gender- to which she said 100% in this case. I might have said "unless the baby is a hermapherdite" Yikes, I might be overly concerned!

I might have went tailgating this weekend for the UK v. UL game. Since I am pregnant, I might have made up for my lack of alcohol with turtle cake and no bake cookies. I might have gotten sick from all those sweets!

I might have the cutest cousin EVER. JM's 4 yr old cousin, Ty, is so excited about the baby. He asked if he could talk to it and after deciding the belly wasn't the best way, he opened my mouth with his hands and yelled "Helllllooooo Baby!" I might have laughed so hard I cried. The whole incident might have made my heart swell with the fact my son might too be this sweet.

I might have made my husband order Pizza Hut last night. I might have ate 3 pieces and 2 breadsticks. I might have had a piece of (early) birthday cake for dessert. I might have a sweet tooth!

I might have my handsful as an advisor for my sorority. The chapter might give me headaches every day, but I might care so much that I cannot help but go back each week!

I might be toying with the idea of getting my hair darkened. I might want to get closer to my, ahem, natural color before the baby comes. You heard it, I might not be a natural blonde! :-)

I might have gotten a cute shirt from my wonderful sis-in-law. It might still fit despite my growing belly.

I might be excited to be 20 weeks pregnant! I might be 1/2 way there- I might be anxiously counting the days until my next ultrasound so I can see our baby boy again.

I might have run out of things to say.

Hope you have a MIGHTY Monday too!

Finally Friday!

I have several (a Top Ten to be exact) reasons to be happy its (FINALLY!) Friday:

1. My beautiful sister in law celebrated her birthday yesterday and is coming in town this weekend to celebrate.

2. UK (my Alma Mater) plays U of L (the Biggest Rival) tomorrow in Lexington. I love a good football game...and tailgate. Bring on the O'Douls!

3. My mom, who was in a terrible car accident last week, has been moved to a rehab facility in a hospital closer to home. Although in pain, she is trying to improve each day, so by February she is ready for her grandbaby!

4. I have the best friends in the world, who continue to send Mom cards and flowers every day. She is so grateful and so am I!

5. My birthday is next week. And although the prospect of turning 27 seems well, not so awesome, I am happy to be where I am at this age. Comfort in your own skin is ageless!

6. I have less than 8 hours left in my work day.

7. Mike has painted the nursery (a light chocolate brown color) and I found hardwood floors on CLEARANCE at Lumber Liquidators. Saved 50%- SCORE! Come this weekend, the nursery will be officially on its way :-)

8. I finally broke down and bought the most unattractive maternity support brace....and I don't care if it looks awful- my tailbone is feeling so much better at work! Totally worth the $30 (which I hemmed and hawed at-debating whether the $8 for the remaining 4 months was too much)! Don't you worry, I will post more on this later :-)

9. I found out this week that a great friend and sorority sister is moving back to Lexington! I can't wait for May now...new baby, new babysitter :-)

10. And...for the biggest thing this week. Mike and I had my 20 week ultrasound on Wednesday. We really debated about finding out, but ultimately decided to....drumroll please....

WE ARE HAVING A BOY!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Go Cats!

Labor(ed) Day Weekend

Whew! Labor Day proved to be a busy one in our house. About a month ago, I found out that JM (who works in a bank) did not have to work the Saturday of Labor day. YEAH! Long weekend, now where to go?

We ended up agreeing to travel to Chicago, stay with my sister and brother in law, then travel to Bryon to see my uncle, aunts, cousins, parents, etc. AND let me tell you...I am happy I went, but happier to be home.

Friday proved to be a not so bad driving day. Of course, JM drove the entire way, as I complained of an aching tailbone (I am so thankful for this pregnancy- but this is one ailment that literally is a pain in my A$$) and had to stop approximately 5+ times to use the bathroom (FYI- pre prego Sallie would not have stopped once. I am an idiot like that).

Once we got to my sister's...baby K decided that it did NOT like the greasy McDonald's I had inhaled approximately 100 miles prior. So, lovely way to greet family...puking in their bathroom.
:-)

After some snoozin' we headed early the next morning for my Uncle's house. 4 children, 11 adults and 2 large meals later...we headed back to my sister's house. After more snoozin', the most delicious french toast breakfast and a small incident involving my sister locking us out of her apartment, we were on our way to downtown Chicago.

Here is a pic of JM and I at Navy Pier... 18 weeks + walking lots of blocks = one tired prego!









I will tell you one thing: As wonderful as it is seeing family, I truly feel there is "no place like home!"

Random Quiz Day!

One of my best friends posted this, so I figured I would play along! Feel free to steal...



- What is your salad dressing of choice? I am a huge fan of the Ranch/French combo. Can I get an AMEN?!?!



What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? Currently spaghetti with butter and cheese.


- What are your pizza toppings of choice? Any veggies, minus onions


- Are you right-handed or left-handed? I'm a righty


- Have you ever had anything removed from your body? My tonsils, my wisdom teeth, and sometimes my pride.


- What is the last heavy item you lifted? My husband doesn't let the prego lift.


- Have you ever been knocked unconscious? I got hit in the face with a baseball in second grade because I was staring at Matt Rohde- playing on first. Sigh.


- If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? What a terrible thing to know. Why not just live like you will die tomorrow?


- If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I always wanted to be named Maggie.


- Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? At this stage in the game, no way. The baby would literally kill me.


- Last run-in with a cop? I fit several cops last week in boots- for my job :-)


- Last person you talked to? Jillian Baker. I love her so much!


- Last person you hugged? Also Jillian. We came, we lunched, we hugged.


- Favorite Season? Fall- my birthday AND the Packers!



- Holiday? Christmas. My dad's birthday is Christmas eve, so we always have an extra special reason to celebrate.


- Day of the week? Saturday!


- Month? I am pretty excited for February


- First place you went this morning? To work- not exciting, but true


- Do you smile often? Of course I do! I am so thankful for my implanted tooth! :-)


- Do you always answer your phone? No- I am in customer service, I deal with phone calls all day. But I ALWAYS call back...within a few weeks ;-)


- It's four in the morning and you get a text message who is it? No one would text me at 4 in the morning...but maybe my sister if she was on a bender?


- What flavor drink do you get at Sonic? I love the lo-cal diet cherry limeade. Delicious!


- What's on your wish list for your birthday? I already got an early present (Coach purse!) from JM's mom, but I am gunning for a matching wallet (hint, hint honey!)


- Can you do push ups? Yepper! I can still do them with this big belly!


- Can you do a chin up? That is a stretch. Nope.


- Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited AND nervous. Being a first time parent gives you a bundle of both.


- Ever been in a car wreck? A small rear end issue when I was 18, but otherwise, THANKFULLY no.


- Do you have an accent? It is an interesting mix of Wisconsin, Philly (from Mom) and Kentucky.


- What is the last song to make you cry? Tough Little Boys by Gary Allen (love him!)


- Plans tonight? Returning some tubs to Liquor Barn (for work), cooking chicken (bleh!), then resting.


- Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? I was a bit wild in college, but haven't gotten that old.


- Name 3 things you bought yesterday? I only bought a Sonic Lo-Cal Diet Cherry Limeade.


- Current worry? What if my child has something wrong with it? Is that (insert ache, pain, twitch) normal? What kind of parent will I be? Are we ready for this? (Insert irrational fear of parenting here...)



- Current hate right now? My wardrobe- nothing fits!


- Met someone who changed your life? I have met many people who have changed my life!


- How did you bring in the New Year? I think I watched some guy jump with a motorcycle on a building in Vegas...oh and kissed my hubby.


- What were you doing 12 AM last night? I was passed out for a good 2 hours by then :-)


- What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? I wish I had a few more hours to sleep!

Red Lobster

Ah...pregnancy cravings. Luckily, I haven't really had any major cravings...minus one HUGE pang of hunger that occurs whenever a Red Lobster commercial comes on. Seriously, do those shrimp not look succulent? Really? Cheddar Biscuits? YES please! This girl had a serious hankering for the RL and luckily, my dearest friend C came to the rescue.

C and I were college roommates for approximately 2.5 years (if you count the .5 that we were neighbors in the dorm). We have been through it all together- hook ups, break ups, tears, laughter, broken hearts, love, marriage- all that great stuff you share with your best friends. I haven't seen C in a couple of months (since I found out I was pregnant) so of course, she was PUMPED! to see...my belly. I would have like to said me, but if I wasn't actually carrying this child, she totally would have bypassed me for the goods.

Anyways, when she got to my house I sheepishly (what a great word!) asked if she would be willing to alleviate my Red Lobster fix. Being the true friend she is, of course she agreed (I mean, she loves the cheddar biscuits too!). After a 45 minute wait, I was starving. It had been like 7 hours since my last meal (tsk, tsk...I know- but I work full time!). We sat down and dug in.

After polishing off a salad, 2 cheddar biscuits, stuffed flounder, a few cocount shrimp, and a couple bites of a baked potato- I FELT LIKE A NEW WOMAN! Whew! I was so in love...with the Red Lobster. I didn't even care that I couldn't have a Lobsterita (which by the way has like 1,200 calories according to my husband's Men's Health...can you say Hasta La Vista Diet!?!?!?).

With a full meal like that in your belly- what's next? Babies R' US. That's right, a full, tired prego went straight to the store. Exhausted, but feeding off my dear friend's excitement (look at that! OMG! I can't believe it. You HAVE to get this. We use this in the NICU. Don't look at the price, Sallie, just enjoy. Insert loads of random super excited and sweet comments here). After a few bummers (the crib we picked out was discontinued and 0 left in stock) and excitement (we found the cutest onsie with dog feet that says "I Woof You"), we headed back to the homestead.

We settled on the couch for a sleepover, since JM went out with his friends also that night. About 20 minutes into SATCM, I felt a rumbling in my tummy. Not the "I think I can finally feel it kick" but more like a "Emergency, Emergency...Stomach is rebelling" feeling. I looked at my friend and my last thought before making a run to the restroom was "please no, I love Red Lobster!"

Alas, my friends, I may have had a love for the RL, but my baby did not. The current lists of don't for Baby: Seafood (Boo!), Chinese, Italian, Mexican and anything involving large portions of meat.

I don't know what to say- this baby is a picky one! RIP Red Lobster, your commercials no longer do it for me. Next!

Honey, Just Take Some Tylenol

The other day I had a migraine. Not an ordinary headache, but a MIGRAINE. Head thumping, stomach clenching, forehead pounding, temple bursting MIGRAINE. Just thinking about it makes me want to vomit.

As I am relatively new to this whole prego thing, I will admit that I let my mother in law talk me into thinking I had the swine flu. I had this headache and a RAGING fever of 99.9 degrees. After tuning into cnn.com (at work) I realized the inevitable. Whoa. I. was. dying. I called the doctor, left work and headed in.

After sitting in the very well lit waiting room (Thank you Dr! The overhead florescent lights really help my headache!) for 10, 20, 30 minutes past my appointment time, I truly thought that this doctor's appointment was not only important, but necessary for my ability to stay alive. (A side note, today Babbling Abby had a funny post about the waiting room as well- moving along....)

I was called back (Amen!), weighed (Oy!) and put in the room. The doctor comes in, she tells me she can help me (Again...Can I get an AMEN!). I am physically relieved...until she looks at my chart and says "You're pregnant?" What?!?! I can tell by her face the miracle solution has disapeared and is being replaced with "Have you tried tylenol?"

For all of you non-preggers out there, the answer to any pregnancy pain is tylenol. Does it work? No. Is it safe for your baby? Yes.

With my heart on my sleeve I tell her how miserable I am. That the headache has lasted for 3 days. No, tylenol does not help. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? You guessed it....TYLENOL. I'm sorry, she says, but that's it. Oh, but on the bright side she did tell me that if I get the swine flu, I will have a cough and physically not be able to drive to the doctor. Good news, right? Right.

I finally left in tears (only tylenol!) and sobbed in my car while relaying the entire story to my husband, mom and mother in law. Whoa is me! I have a headache while pregnant! I am going to die if I don't get rid of this today. After heading through Mickey D's (don't judge me- the happy meal was crucial to my recovery), I called my OBGYN. She suggested a massage. Alleuiah! What a great idea.

I call the massage place, request a prenatal therapist and sign myself up. After vomitting twice at work (sorry for the graphics, but again, crucial to describe my level of miserable-ness), I headed out for my massage. I followed the massage (strictly head, shoulders and upper back) with a luke warm bubble bath and topped it all off by going to bed at 7:30. And you know what? I am now headache free!

Moral of the story: Enjoy the drugs while you are baby free. Because once you become pregnant, your options for relief are slim to none. While the end product is COMPLETELY 100% worth it (I hope!- don't worry- I'm kidding!), the process of 40 weeks with no good meds is a daunting task, not for the faint of heart.

Let's all give our moms a big hug today. They deserve it.

Much to do about EVERYTHING!

Ah! Let me give you a quick run down of my last few months, to give you an idea why I recharged and restarted my blog:

1. I quit my job after 2.5 years due to some changes in management that I found...unsavory at best.
2. Went to work for a former colleague at a job that wasn't exactly right for me...although the people were INCREDIBLE!
3. Old job comes calling and offers me an incredible opportunity to come back on board- the "said" management has changed.
4. I accept and start again.
5. I find out the somewhat shocking surprising unexpected news that I am pregnant (and to think I thought I had an ulcer!).

So that's where I am today.

And for those who have asked, here is a pic of our baby at 11 weeks...hard to believe that was over a month ago!










More to come...

Love,

Sallie

Fresh Start

After much pushing from friends, one in particular, I have decided to make a fresh start on this sunny August morning! I am back to the blogging world and here to stay! Although a religious blog stalker, I was not very good at keeping my own life up to date and in writing. This is changing my friends and I say....I am back!

More updates to come very soon!