Oh...to relax...

Would be so nice, but it's not going to happen for me for a while now! Work is on overload right now, which is why I'll be doing at least 6 hours worth of work from home this weekend. Add to that: girls night tonight (YAY!!! I get to see my girls again!), a b-ball game tomorrow, and Church on Sunday...long...weekend. Oh, and grocery shopping some time too. Whew! I'm getting worn out just thinking about it!

This morning, our street was pretty much a solid sheet of ice. It was fun! I kind of slid down the driveway until I stopped, and spun my tires pulling out of the driveway too. Hey, cut me some slack...I'm still getting used to a V6! 4wd doesn't kick in right away, so I have to make a mental note to put it in 4 before I leave the garage so that maybe, just maybe, it will be engaged by the time I get to the stop sign at the corner. :-)

Anyways...I'm off...

SNOW!!!

I'm so stinking excited that there's still snow on the ground this morning!!! Granted...it's been sleeting and raining, too, so it's only a matter of time before it's gone...but there's SNOW on the ground!!! Yay!!!

That is all :-)

Lazy Sunday...Wonderful Weekend!!!

This weekend has been wonderful. Busy...but wonderful.

Friday night, we finally got our OnDemand to work, and ordered Angels and Demons. What a GREAT movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it. We didn't start it until about 7:30, and I figured I would be passed out by 9...as usual. But, I wasn't. That's partially how I gauge if a movie is good or not. If it's close to time for me to go to bed, and it keeps my attention, and keeps me up later than normal...it's a good movie! I had heard reviews before, and thought about renting it, but never did. It's well worth it though! So good...

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity of watching my absolutely adorable 7 year old blond, curly haired niece!!! We had her here for about 4 1/2 hours. It was so much fun!!! We went to Subway for lunch, and when we came home and were done eating, she helped me wrap the grab bag gift that we were taking to a Christmas party that night. She's such a good kid, and so fun to have around! Once we were done with the presents, we worked on the cake I was taking that night as well! It turned out WONDERFUL, and everyone liked it. There's only one piece left now...but not for much longer! LOL After dinner was done (which...was delicious mind you..), we had our gift exchange, and decided to play a game of Scene It. We played guys vs. girls, and the girls won! (woohoo!!!) It was a very, very late night though. We didn't get home until about 11:15-11:30ish. I haven't been up that late since the wedding I stood up in back in October. I wouldn't have changed it for the world though. :-)

Now that leads me to this morning...I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a train. I had a stuffy nose, and my throat felt kind of funny. Not really sore, just funny. I wound up not going to mass (shame on me...I know) because I knew I wouldn't have made it through. I wound up falling asleep at about 10:30 or so on the couch, and slept until Michael got home around 12:15. I didn't do much of anything today. I don't think I've left the couch for more than 30 minutes at a time. Once to shower, and the other to finish dinner. Now, we're watching The Green Mile, my lil bean is kicking me, and I feel like I could fall asleep again...I feel so incredibly lazy, but I also still feel pretty crappy. I think tonight will be an early-to-bed night for me.

Anyhoo...24 weeks today! :-)

Miscellaneous

Yeah, you'll see very soon why this is titled the way it is...

Haven't had an update in just over a week, and quite a bit has happened! Hopefully I can keep it all straight enough to actually type it...

Last week was wonderful. 3 days of work, and we got to leave 2 hours early on the third day. :-) That was also the day that I finally realized that I can't see my feet anymore when I stand normally. When I got home, I got to baking! I had a cheesecake, chocolate chip cookies, and no bake cookies to make for the family Thanksmas gathering on Thanksgiving day. I managed to get all of them done at a relatively decent hour too. I made blueberry topping for the cheesecake this time instead of the usual strawberry, and it turned out pretty good! My aunt was pleased, and very grateful!

It was nice to see everyone at grandma and grandpas house too. We ate lots of good food, and hung out for a few hours...6 to be exact. While we were there, we did our Christmas grab bag gift exchange, then headed out to the in-laws place! 2 hours on the road in the morning, and 2 hours on the road later in the afternoon...I had to sneak a nap in on the road...I was exhausted! We were only there for a couple of hours when I decided to hit the hay. I think I slept for 10 or 11 hours that night! Friday, we had Thanksgiving with the hubby's family. It was fun! And of course...lots more YUMMY food, and good company! If I haven't gained 15 lbs from my starting pregnancy weight from that week by next Monday....I will be shocked!

Saturday brought a whole new adventure. We had lunch, and headed back home. 2 stops on the way, and another 2 hours on the road. I was sleepy, but didn't sleep in the truck. I really don't like sleeping in a moving vehicle...but sometimes I can't help it. Michael and I were supposed to go to a costume party that night, but I would have had to start getting ready about 30 minutes after we walked in the door. I was really not feeling it at that point. I was pooped from the weekend, and really needed some rest. I decided not to go but told Michael he could have a "free pass". I would take him to the party, and go pick him up. He was free to have all the fun he wanted to!!! LOL After I dropped him off, I made some popcorn and plopped my butt down on the couch to watch a movie and play on my computer. I finally fell asleep about an hour, maybe hour and a half after I normally do...on the couch. Had my phone handy for when he called me to be picked up. Well...after a little more than 3 hours I woke up having not really heard from him. Sent him a text, and he called to let me know he was ready to go. It was 1...20...am... HA! Dragged my butt off the bed, and headed out. I had a really hard time falling back to sleep when we got home though. I was wide awake for some reason...not cool! I had to get up to go to church Sunday!!! The baby was kicking like crazy (love that part), and kept me awake for another 30 minutes.

Sunday morning, I got up, got ready for bed and headed to church. Michael stayed home :-) That day, we had the Rite of Acceptance for all of the Candidates and Catechumens in the RCIA program. It was so neat to be involved in that part again. I wasn't there last year, and the year before, I was a Catechumen. At this ceremony, all of the RCIA 'students' receive the sign of the cross on their forehead, ears, eyes, mouth, heart and feet. They are officially accepted into the program, and receive a blessing from the whole congregation. It was such an amazing experience once again. Tears were shed, and lots of smiles were apparent! I'm so glad to be a part of this program again. Sunday night, we got the Christmas tree all set up and decorated. This year, we used multi-colored lights instead of all white...and, they blink! There are 7 strands of 100 bulbs, and 50 bulbs blink at a time. It's taking some getting used to for me, but I like it. I think next year we might go for steady on lights though.

And now, for a baby update...as stated above, my next appointment is on Monday, and I'm excited about it, but dreading it at the same time. I can't wait to hear the lil beans heart pumping away again. And the activity has been CRAZY!!! Sometimes this kid goes for 30-45 minutes at a time! I LOVE feeling all of the kicks and punches. It's crazy to watch my bump jump with each kick and punch. My tummy is getting a lot more visible now too. I might actually be to the point of people noticing that I'm pregnant, and not just "plump"! The baby should now be about 12" long, and should be weighing just over a pound! It's hard to believe that in 3 1/2 months, there will be a little one in this house... :-)

Anyhoo...maybe I'll add some pics later on. But right now...I'm going to get back to surfing.

Food Coma...

Oh my goodness!!! Today we had our work 'family' Thanksgiving FEAST. 35 people participated bringing in food and drinks. Our menu was as follows...Spinach Dip/Bread, Veggie Tray, Fruit and Cheese Tray, Pita/Hummus, Deviled Eggs, Cheese and Cracker Tray, Pasta Salad, 7 Layer Salad, Potato Salad, Jello Salad, Caesar Salad, Turkey, Ham, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Cheesy Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes (3 kinds), Stuffing (2 kinds), a Spinach dish, Baked Beans, Cranberries, Buns, a few other miscellaneous dishes, drinks, Carrot Cake, Apple Crisp, Banana Bread, Cheesecake, and Peanut Butter Cookies. Ok, need I say more in regards to the food coma?!?! Everything was SO good, and I think I'm going to have to get a couple of recipes from a few people here... Now, obviously I didn't eat everything, but I'm very thankful for maternity pants right now! Oh-so-comfy!!! And seriously...if I haven't gained another 10 pounds by my next doctor appointment (taking into account Thanksgiving day, and Thanksgiving with Michael's family on Friday...), I will be SHOCKED!!!

Weekends...and short work weeks

I'm so excited that Thanksgiving is next Thursday!!! I can't wait for all the good food, family, and friends. It's going to be GREAT!

Today, I'm just glad it's Friday. This week seems to have crept by incredibly slow, but now...2...days...OFF! Woohoo! What's sad, is that the Wings are on again, it's 8:40 on a Friday night, and I'm ready for bed already! Ugh...

This weekend is going to be a good one, though. Tomorrow morning, me and the man are going to get up and clean the house, then we're going to register (YIPPEE!!), and then...who knows. Probably come home and have something from the slow cooker for dinner and call it a day. Sunday brings church early, and visiting my dad! Haven't seen him since the wedding in May, so it's about time. :-) They'll probably have lots of pictures to show me too. I talked to him the other night and he and my step-mom (possibly my step-brother also) were going through old photos and having a hoot of a time.

Next week at work, we are having our "family" Thanksgiving celebration with many of the co-workers. It should be fun. We're doing potluck style and I'm taking cheesecake. I can't wait (again) to eat all the good food that will be there! I love this time of year...Christmas is my favorite, but Easter and Thanksgiving are a close tie for 2nd. We also only have to work 3 days, and we'll all be off Thursday and Friday! Woohoo! I love 4 day weekends...might actually try to be productive too...we'll see.

Anyways...I'm going to shut this thing off, watch some more of the Wings, and head to bed. Good night!

Dear sweet Red Wings

Oh how I wish I could stay up and watch a whole game... :-( But alas...my bedtime has been moved up drastically!!! I miss my hockey!!!

Quick update before bed. We had our 20 week ultrasound last week, and managed not to find out the sex of the baby!!! Yay!!! It's still a surprise!!! Baby is doing great, measuring right on time, and the head isn't unusually large. LOL As for me, my belly is becoming slightly more noticeable, mostly from the side. From the front, you really can't tell...it's coming though! 22 weeks on Sunday!

Some pics for your enjoyment...

Hi mom and dad!!!


Profile shot...


Leg(s)...you can kind of see both legs...


The little feets...



And here's a "noticeable belly" shot...


Making progress :-)

2-10-10 or 2-10-1-10

That's all we're really hoping for, and so far, it's all good! The baby is measuring pretty accurately, heart beat is in the 150's and is strong. My health is all checking out nicely, so it's all good! I have another ultrasound next Tuesday to help rule out placenta previa, and to take all the measurements of the baby to ensure that she/he is in fact growing appropriately. This will also be THE ultrasound if we should decide to do so. At this point, we don't want to know what we're having, but I pretty much know what to look for on the screen! I'm going to do my best to "miss" that part, and we're making sure that the tech knows we don't want to know...cross your fingers that the little bugger isn't sitting there spread eagle right away!

The doc today did say that we already have a very active baby, and that is reinforced by the amount of movement I've been feeling! This kid MOVES!

Anyhoo...I need to get back to the grind...lunch is almost over!

Hitting Home...

This morning I think it finally really started to hit me that a baby is on the way. Never mind the constant feeling of little "muscle spasms" that are actually the baby moving in me...never mind the fact that over the last 19 weeks I've gained almost 10 lbs...never mind that Michael got to feel the baby last week...never mind that the nursery is all but ready for baby furniture and the baby...never mind that I've heard the heartbeat, had the pregnancy confirmed by my doctor, seen the baby moving on the ultrasound, and the fact that my next prenatal appointment is tomorrow...never mind all of that. THIS is what made it really start to hit home for me.

I asked Michael to call the hospital and set up a tour for us, and to register us for childbirth classes. This is the conversation that made it hit home. Especially when he said "We're touring at [the delivery location] on Saturday, and our classes are January 14th and February 4th at [the local location]". THAT's what got me today. I actually started to get choked up knowing that in the next 4 months, we will be holding our baby in our arms. It's still surreal, and I'm still sure I'm going to wake up from this dream one day.

I thank God every day for blessing us with this little life, and for choosing US to raise her/him. I smile every time I feel the baby move...I love this baby already so much more than he/she will ever know, and I'm so grateful that I've found the perfect man to raise my (well, our) family with!!!

That is all...

The wait is over...

Michael just felt the baby kick or punch!

That is all...I'm going to bed. :-)

Growth, Love, Excitement, Desire, Anticipation...

This past weekend I went to Frankenmuth with my mom, my sister, my niece, and my sis's friend from Virginia. We had a BLAST. Saw some pretty things, too!!! We also went to Zhender's for lunch. I had a Michigan Cherry salad with chicken, and a bowl of Zhender's noodle soup...YUMMY!!! I love their noodle soup...it's just so tasty! When we were done with lunch, we wandered around the gift shop and I found this absolutely adorable and beautiful gray wool coat that I wanted really bad...but it was $176. Once we left the gift shop (sans coat...), we headed to the fudge store, and I came home with 1/2 pound of peanut butter chocolate fudge instead. :-)

Yesterday, Michael and I worked on getting the guest bedroom and nursery "around" after I put my laundry away. The guest bedroom is all but done. There is still a bookcase in the nursery that has to go into the guest bedroom, but once I go through that, and it gets moved...the guest bedroom is done! Then...it's up to me to tackle my stuff that is still in the nursery. It's all good though, cause at least there's room in there for a crib and a rocking chair now! The only bad part about yesterday? I started getting a splitting headache...again...around 4 or 5:00.

After all of that was done, I was sitting on the couch and Michael was sitting on the...um...comfy chair, and he looked at me...just smiling. Of course I said "...what?" and he said "You look all...motherly!" I chuckled and he went on with "You know, your bump is showing, and you just look...motherly." It was pretty cute to me! :-) So, having said that...it brings me to my next thing. I took my 18 week picture yesterday, and there was only a little bit of a change to my belly. I know it's coming though! I'm probably going to wake up one day and look in the mirror and say "Holy crap!!! Where did THAT come from?!?!?" LOL It's all good...my lease is up, and the baby is subletting. Pretty soon it will take over my body, and eventually, my life! Yay! I can't wait...I already love this baby so much more than I ever thought was possible... We have 2 boy names and 2 girl names picked out already...we've had them for about two years actually!

Feeling the movements is such a reassurance too. I'm at the point in the pregnancy that symptoms are few and far between if there are any, and since the bump is just a bump right now, there's no way for me to know that everything is ok in there unless I call the doctor and ask for an ultrasound. Well, I'm not going to do that because it would probably cost extra...and believe me, they're not cheap!!! I've seen the insurance submissions! So feeling a little a little poke or prod here and there, or a flutter on occasion, helps set my mind at ease that the lil bean is still alive and well. Pretty soon though, I'll be able to distinguish between a kick, an elbow, a head...you name it. And then...Michael won't have to be jealous that I'm feeling the baby and he can't. :-)

Anyways...that is all...

18 weeks!!!

Yep, that's right! Today marks 18 weeks along. :-)

That is all...

So done....

I am so sick of feeling like I'm being walked on, taken advantage of, not being appreciated, and over all, tired of dealing with the drama.

My husband has been laid off since before the wedding in May, only working a couple of days a week here and there. NOTHING solid yet. So, basically, I'm the sole breadwinner in our house right now, aside from him getting unemployment. I thank the Lord for that because I don't know where we would be right now if we had to live just on my income. It's stressful though. I've been on the verge of tears all day at least 3 of the last 5 days, and it's driving me crazy. I hate feeling like I'm lost...like I've been deserted...like no one cares. I know, I know...people do care about me, but that's what it feels like to me. Michael is trying to find a job...has been since he got laid off. I keep praying that he will get one, but right now it just doesn't look good.

I don't know how much longer I can take this. I get up, go to work, and by the time I get home, I just don't want to do anything...ever. I force myself to be involved with a few things, but I'd almost much rather just sit on the couch and cry. I just want to be able to enjoy my pregnancy, and at the rate things are going, I just cant...there's too much stress right now, and that freaks me out too! Not good for the baby...

God give me strength...I'm afraid I might break...

Pumpkin Family!

So, we got our pumpkins the other day, and colored them! We'll carve them a couple of days before Halloween. Love 'em! :-)

Before...


After...

Making progress!

Not on the baby blanket...but on the baby!!! We had an appointment yesterday, got to hear the heartbeat again, got weighed, peed in a cup, and the belly was measured. Everything seems to be going WONDERFULLY!!! I can't believe I'm almost 16 weeks pregnant already. Time is flying by! While we were at the doc's appointment, I managed to record a little bit of lil beans heartbeat, but I can't get it off of my phone :-( Oh well, I'll use my mp3 player next time maybe. I must say...Michael was so cute! We were listening to that wonderful 'woosh woosh woosh' on the doppler for about two whole seconds when static completely took over. We looked at each other and the doc said "the static is from the baby moving". His whole face just lit up!!! After all the static settled, we could barely hear the heartbeat anymore. It's like the baby was saying "I'm OUTTA here if you're going to be pushing on MY house with that thing!" LOL I had a few questions for the doctor also. One of them was in regards to my weight. I couldn't remember what I weighed at my first visit, and I was curious how much I've gained. He informed me that I originally weighed in at 136 (gulp...I was about 127 at the wedding!!! LOL), and yesterday, I was 139. So, apparently, I've gained a whopping 3 pounds in the last 15 weeks. I can deal with that, but I'm going to have to pick it up at some point!

Anyways...here are a couple of pictures so y'all can see my progress...I no longer feel like I'm just getting fat. I actually feel like I have a baby bump!

Me at 8 weeks...


Me at 15 weeks and 1 day...


:-)

Time to get back to work...