Welcome to the World Lil Man

I just wanted to let everyone know that Samuel James had made it into the world. It was a long road, but he came without much issue, and into this crazy family. He was born on December 21, 2007 at 10:01 pm. He was 8 lbs 12 oz and 20 inches long. The pushing was the easy part...here, I'll let you see for yourself.

It all started the week I was to be induced. I went in on Monday for my normal NST and the OB wanted to see me. She wanted to strip my membranes at that point in time, but I told her I had things to do, and I would not be having the baby until my induction date. She laughed at me, and she told me that I was one of the only people she knew that scheduled things until the very last second.

Tuesday rolled around. I went to my MOPS group. We wrapped gifts, and we had a great time. We ate cookies, and we just had fun visiting with each other. While I was there, I started to get a really bad back ache. I came home, and I got in a hot tub to soak. I figured it would feel good, and I could use the relaxing. I soaked in the tub, took some Tylenol, and laid in bed for a few hours. My mom called to let me know she was on her way to bring Genevieve home. I told her about my back ache, and she insisted I call the doctor. I called, and they said to come in because they wanted to put me on the monitor.

Sure enough, I was having some pretty strong contractions. I had no idea because it just felt like my back hurt. I was worried they may keep me, and I had an appointment the next day I needed to be at. They checked me, and there was no change. They sent me home.

On Wednesday I went to my appointment in Lawton. Everything went great. I had several contractions while down there and walking around. It wasn't anything big, and I knew I'd be able to hold off.

Thursday rolls around, and it's induction day. I got a call about noon that they were going to cancel my induction. They wouldn't be able to get to me until Dec 28. I let them know that I was taking NSTs, and I hadn't scheduled any. They told me I should come in that day. I did, and I was really upset. I was hormonal darnit :p Anyway, the OB said for me to come see her after the NST. I got up there, and she explained that the hospital was really full. They couldn't take anyone on unless they were in labor. At that time she stripped my membranes, and gave me some tips on how to get things going.

I went out right after and I walked for about 3 hours. My contractions were 3 to 5 mins apart and about a min long. I called the hospital, and they told me to take some Tylenol PM, and if my water breaks, come in. I took their advice, but by 4 am, I couldn't keep anything down. I was having irregular contractions...nothing real promising. I still was having a lot of back pain though. We called the office, and they wanted me to come in...if for nothing else to get an IV because I couldn't keep anything down.

After all morning in the exam room, they finally decided that I could stay and have the baby. They had to clear out rooms, but I was going to get the next open room. I gave my hubby a call, and then everyone else I could think of. I moved to the other room at 2 pm.

They started my Pit right away. At 5:30, they broke my water and gave me the epidural. By 9:30 I was ready to push. We waited for the doctor to get out of surgery, and then they got me ready. I push a whole 2 contractions. At 10:01, our little man was born. I told my husband that we couldn't have anymore because I pushed Genevieve out in 3 contractions, Samuel in 2, and I didn't think I could do it in 1.

With how big he was, I am so thankful I didn't have to wait to have him. I couldn't imagine if I would have had to wait another week and a half. That would have made for one big baby! Anyway, I'm just going to post a couple more pictures :)

Going on 10 Days...

Tomorrow will be 10 days since Genevieve left to stay with my mom. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. I had so many hopes and plans for the time alone, and not many of them got accomplished. Go Figure.

The list wasn't a long one. I wanted to really clean and organize the house, get the new baby's room set up, get things planned for when we are at the hospital, and get some rest. I can honestly say the only things that got done were the setting up the baby's room, and me getting some rest. I guess the rest was the whole reason for her to go visit mom in the first place.

I remember talking to my sister the first day she was gone. I told her I hadn't got off the sofa all day, and that I was still wearing my PJs. She started in with how it was good for me, and that I needed to rest. I always hated when people told me that when I was pregnant with Genevieve. I mean I'm pregnant, not broken. Yes I waddle...but I can still get up and do things.

The other day I went to the store to pick up a couple of things. My whole trip got me 1 bag of groceries and one 12 pack of Mt Dew. The lady who bagged them asked if I needed help out. I lifted the bag, and it really wasn't heavy at all. I told her thank you but that I could get it. On my way out the door, another worker looked at me and asked if I wanted help out. I told her that I was fine but thank you. She looked at me like I was nuts. What is so wrong with a pregnant woman taking out 1 bag?!

Anyway, this weekend my husband and I got the baby's room done. It's not like we are doing a lot. We don't have a nursery theme, or really even a room. The room is our office. We are moving the first part of March, so really, there isn't a need for a "room." We did some laundry, folded little baby clothes, put diapers up, and put up the Pack 'n Play. We also finally managed to pack our bags for the hospital. On Wednesday I had a mini freak out because I realized that if I needed to call him and have him meet me with stuff, he'd have no idea what to get. I'd probably end up with 50 pairs of socks and no toothbrush. Needless to say, we are now packed except those small things you have to grab at the very last.

There is a song on a show Genevieve watches. It goes... It's fun fun fun, to run run run...It's fun fun fun, to run run run. Run in a circle now, run in a circle now. Needless to say, I feel like that is what I've been doing. I feel as though I've been running around. I need to get the oil changed in the van, but I just haven't had the time. When am I planning on doing this? Well, I figure between my Mom, Dad, and husband, someone can take it over after the baby is born, and pick it up when it's done. I hope anyway. I was to bake something homemade for our cookie exchange tomorrow at MOPS. What did I bake? A few boxes of Lemon Bars. We are suppose to bring the recipe. I will just let them know they can find it on the cake isle at the store :p

Anyway, tomorrow Genevieve is coming home. It will have been 10 days since she left. Mom told me she loves her, but she is glad to be bringing her home. I guess it is true that no one loves your child like you do. Not even your parents :) I know she's a handful, and I have missed her. I am going to miss sleeping in though. I won't get to tomorrow or Wednesday because of my MOPS group and an overseas screening we have on Wednesday. Maybe with the other grandparents arriving on Wednesday, they will take over for at least a couple of hours so I can get a nap. We can hope right!?

A Movie!?

So, my husband and I haven't been to a real movie at the movie theater in almost 2 years. We don't have anyone to really just take Genevieve and watch her, and we won't take her with us. We have tried movies at home, and she may be interested for about 2 seconds, and then doesn't want anything to do with it. I'm not spending money to have to leave because she didn't want to sit still.

Anyway, my husband and I for this reason have not been to the movie theater for almost 2 years because of this reason. This is how we justify having a big screen TV and a sound system. We can't go to the movies, so we like to watch movies like we are in a theater. It actually works out pretty nice. We can sit on our sofa and not the chairs they have. We can pause to use the bathroom (which I seem to need to do frequently), the snacks we eat don't cost us 20 dollars, and a movie rental is less than the cost of one ticket. We pretty much win every way you look at it...except not seeing movies until they are out on DVD.

Yesterday, I had 2 appointments at the hospital (regular OB and NSTs), and my hubby was off for the day. We decided we'd take the day together and do the appointments, do some holiday shopping for ourselves, and maybe take in a movie.

The OB appointment went well. I don't have to go back in at all unless my NST next Monday shows something that is out of the normal. They just told me to do the NST and show up on Thursday night for my induction. Sounds good to me :) The baby is doing good and has finally dropped some. I am dilated to 1 cm, but still not looking like I'm going to do much. I have a full week next week, so I'm not planning for this baby to come until Thursday. I haven't gained any weight in 12 weeks...which is awesome! I'm not a small girl anyway, so I don't need to gain weight for just cause. The baby is growing well, and I do eat ... all the time :)

We then headed out to a few stores to do some shopping. I needed a few things at WalMart, and my husband wanted a few things too. We got that done, ate some lunch and headed to my NST. That went well too, and everything was hooked up, tested, and done in 45 mins.

After my appointments, we headed into the city to buy a new camera. When Genevieve was born we wanted a camcorder so we could film stuff. We have a digital camera from when we first got married, and it really does take some nice pictures despite being old. However, when we found out that we were having another baby, I thought it might be a good idea to upgrade. Our camera is from the age when 2 mg pixel was awesome. Boy things change a lot :p

If you know my husband, you know he just doesn't "buy" something like that. He spends about a month looking online and finding out anything and everything he can about what he wants to buy. He has spent awhile looking at digital camera on his favorite website Cnet He printed out a lot of different cameras and we went to look at them. One of the salesmen said to us, "I can see you are sure taking a long time to pick something out." I could hear the voice in my husband's head saying, "No Kidding! It's a pretty big thing to just "buy."" He was pretty nice and said that he just wanted to make sure that he was getting what he wanted. I think about 6 other people came up after we did, picked a camera, and checked out, before we bought our camera. Needless to say, the great camera hunt is over, and we have a new one. We love playing around with the color accent, and I will post some pictures soon.

After the trip to Best Buy we decided to finally go to a movie. It was pretty weird being back in a theater. We went to see that new movie with Will Smith, I Am Legend. It was a pretty good movie. It was a lot shorter than I thought it was going to be. That is a good thing though because it meant that I didn't have to leave the movie for a bathroom break. The movie popcorn was good, and it was nice to finally see a "new" movie. However, I think I like seeing movies at home much better :)

What's on TV?

Today was my first day home alone. We sent Genevieve to stay with my mom and dad for the week. I am suppose to use the time to rest. I feel I need to use the time to clean and do things that aren't easy to do when chasing a toddler around. So today, the resting won.

It was one of those days. It has been icky out and very icy. My OB called this morning, and she said she didn't want me 9 months pregnant on the icy roads. I was very thankful they had called. It was pretty bad all day, and I really didn't like the idea of traveling over an hour (on the road in normal conditions) to get there. It was gray with not a lot of sun out. There were a few really big thunderstorms that came through with a lot of thunder. It made for one of those days that you just want to curl up and do nothing.

After getting up and eating some breakfast, I sat down and turned on the TV. All of a sudden I realized I didn't have a clue what was on. I'm so use to mornings full of Nick Jr and Noggin. Genevieve and I sing songs from Dora, Diego, Backyardagins, etc. So, this morning I was at a loss at what to turn the TV to. I finally settled for a mix of QVC and a channel that plays court shows all day long.

Just in case you are wondering, I did get a few things done today. It isn't anything to sneeze at though. I am hoping tomorrow that I will light a fire under my toosh and get a few extra things done. If you talk to me, ask me what I'm doing. :p See if I am getting anything done.

Let It Snow...or Ice

Talk about drastic changes in weather! This week has been just that. We were up in the 60s all week long. Today, not so much. I think it is maybe 20 something. We went to bed with a thunderstorm (complete with thunder and lightening) and woke up to a storm only with ice pellets.

Days like today are awesome if you have nothing to do. I have taken a hot shower (which I made sure was extra long since I'm childless at the moment), put on some warm pants, and sat on the sofa watching TV and surfing the net. There are some candles burning, and it smells like Christmas in the house. The only thing better would be if there were fresh baked cookies. However, I really just don't feel like it right now.

I guess today is one of those days where being childless is wonderful. I love Genevieve, but boy do I love not having to worry about anything. Days like these are few and far between, so you can bet I'm taking full advantage of it. So, I say...LET IT SNOW!

The Loss of a Friend

Life came to a halt last night when my husband called and said he had bad news. I asked him what, and he wouldn't tell me. My mind raced over all the things it could be. I was not prepared for what he had to tell me. One of the guys he served with at Ft Riley died this last month. His vehicle was hit on Nov 9th, and he held on in Germany until right before Thanksgiving. His wife and mom were able to be there with him. He left behind his wife and 3 children.

As I have been processing this, I realize how lucky we have been. In the time that the war has been going on, this is the first time when someone we knew personally has been killed. When I see that someone has been injured or killed I always think how horrible it must be for them. I always feel blessed that it wasn't me or anyone I knew. That almost sounds horrible because every one of those people are someone's son, daughter, mom, dad, brother, sister, etc. They are all special to someone. This time it was someone I knew though. It was someone I had been around, got to know, and have wonderful memories of. My cousin just blogged about perspective, and I thought about it, but this really just made me think about it more.

I have not been one to always complain about my life, and my husband's job. I have always felt like God has put us where we need to be at the time we need to be there. We were not too excited to find out we were headed to Ft Riley when he first went into the Army. It was only 1 1/2 hours away from where we were leaving. Then when we got there, we found out my husband would be deploying soon. He was sent over with a bunch of guys he didn't know. Then I got a call about a Sgt who was riding him hard and wouldn't let up. Later in the deployment this same Sgt became a friend. This friend is the man who was killed. After meeting all the men and women my husband served with, I knew God knew what he was doing when he put him with them. I wouldn't have wanted my husband to be with anyone else. These men and women were great soldiers, and great people.

After he got home, my husband was up for promotion board. This same Sgt who was so hard on him was the first to stand up in the board and say why my husband deserved to get pinned Sgt so early in his "career." We would go over to his home and hang out. We would all go to dinner on many occasions. We would all hear stories about what went on while they were gone, and what all they had done to have fun together.

When this Sgt left Ft Riley, we had a surprise dinner for him. He was surprised that the group cared enough to do something like that. We gave him a plaque for his wall, and he gave a wonderful speech about how he was a Marine first, and all he wanted to do in his new unit was to have a sense of brotherhood. He had done just that. They were all brothers and sisters and did anything for each other. We never saw him again after that night. He and his family moved on to their new duty station after that. It was shortly after this, my husband and I moved on to his new assignment, recruiting.

We weren't happy about it, and it has been hard. I don't complain much about it. Again, I think God puts us where we need to be when we need to be there. I realize that being here, my husband cannot go to Iraq. I know sometimes he wishes he could, and I do too. The hours are long, the satisfaction isn't really that great in the job, and you can go from hero to zero in no time at all. Because of this though, it has kept my husband out of harms way. My husband and I both believe that when it is your time to go, it will be no matter what you are doing (deployed or just walking down the street getting the mail). However, him being here as kept those feelings out of my head.

The world is a better place because this man put us before himself. Our family has been blessed just from knowing him and his family. I am going to put a link to an article about him. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers. They can use all of the prayers they can get. Link to article

Holy Big Baby!

So, I had my second growth scan today. I have been in a lot of pain recently in my hips, back, and pelvis. I knew that those came with pregnancy, but wow. So, I went in today, and they spent a lot of time taking all the measurements. When he got done, he said, "So, the baby is about 7 lbs 2 oz at this point in time." I think I had a look on my face because he asked if everything was okay. Then he said, "This is give or take about a pound." I sure hope that he is right about it being off by a pound, and the baby is only 6 lbs right now. If not, with two weeks to go, I'm in for a BIG baby.

Sixteen More Days....And Counting

At the start of my pregnancy I always said I only had so many days to go, but not counting. I can honestly say that I now have 16 days to go, and I AM counting! As some of you might realize, that it is more than 16 days until my due date. I believe it is more like 22 or 23. At my last appointment, my OB doctor must have really felt sorry for me. She set up an induction date. I will go in late on the 20th, and I will have the baby on the 21st sometime. Induction wasn't my first choice (seeing as I didn't care for it when I was induced with Genevieve), but I don't really care anymore.

As some of you have read, I have been measuring ahead of schedule for awhile now. It ranges from anywhere between 1 and 3 weeks. I am back to a week ahead of schedule. Between that, the two trips (at least) a week to the hospital for NSTs, and my thyroid, my OB said she wanted to go ahead and get my date scheduled.

At my appointment yesterday I was excited to see I haven't gained any weight in 3 weeks! I think the baby has taken up so much room in my belly, that there is no room for food. I just don't feel like eating much these days. Go figure :p I'm still pretty sick too, so I'm sure that doesn't help at all. The nurses are always surprised to see that I'm still taking my anti-nausea meds. They have been a life saver.

I was checked at my last appointment. I am a fingertip dilated, and I haven't effaced or the baby hasn't dropped yet. That is my guess as to why I am measuring ahead. I have a growth scan tomorrow, and they should be able to tell me how much the baby is weighing and if it is on track or not.

Everyone keeps telling me it could be any time now. I am here to tell you...I won't. My mom is taking Genevieve for a week (next week), and I want my time alone. I want to sleep in, and I have things to do. If I am wrong, then so be it, but I don't plan on it. I was right about Genevieve (that I would need to be induced), and I will be right with this one.

So, I am here to let you all know...I HAVE 16 MORE DAYS BEFORE THE BABY WILL BE BORN.

Gain Clean

Have you seen those commercials where the person washed their clothes in Gain? Then someone is always coming up to them and smelling their shirt. I think their slogan has something to do with Gain Clean. I don't remember at the moment.

I do know that it really does smell that good. I don't use the soap, but I do use the fabric softener. We have to use a special soap for my husband's uniforms, so I just use that soap for everything. There is no need to use 20 different soaps when I hate laundry as it is. Anyway, I started to use liquid fabric softener again about a year ago. At that time I really didn't care what brand or smell I got. However, being pregnant has made me crave smells.

Craving smells is very strange to me. I mean I like things that smell good anyway, but holy cow. I now only like to use certain soaps, cleaners, laundry items, air fresheners, etc. I can tell you that Cascade (the Lemon one) is awesome. I love the Lemon Clorox wipes, Clorox All Purpose Cleaner with bleach, Gain Fabric Softener, Soft Scrub, Lavender Bath Salts, and I could go on and on.

Seeing as I use to buy things on sale and save money, I will be very happy when this passes so I can go back to buying the cheap stuff. I still think that I will use Gain though :p

Happy Birthday!

It was two years ago today that my little girl was born. It doesn't seem like it has been that long. I vividly remember my labor with her. I was induced on November 29. The labor was long. I was in active labor for about 16 hours. I begged for an epidural almost as soon as they broke my water. What can I say?! I'm a wimp!

On November 30, at about 12:15 pm, the nurse said I was complete and ready to push. She then said, you will get to meet your baby hopefully in about an hour. I looked at the clock and told her there was no way I was waiting that long. I would have my baby by 12:30. She looked at me real funny, and she told me she didn't think so, but we could try. At about 12:25 she told me to stop pushing or the doctor wouldn't make it in time. We waited for my OB to show up, and at 12:43 pm, Genevieve entered the world.

She was perfect in every way. We couldn't believe that this little one we had waited on for nine long months was finally here. She was a whooping 8 lbs. 4 oz. She was also 21 inches long. She cried for a bit, but seemed to settle down quickly. She hated her first "bath," and that was a trend that continued until just recently. Now that she can play in the tub and eat the bubbles, it's fun. :p

(The picture to the right is of my husband cutting the cord. My mom took this picture, and she loves it. It is by far the best picture she has ever taken.)

As I have looked back over the last two years, I think of all the things she has done. There have been so many firsts in those two years. Her first bath, first roll over, first time crawling, first step, first time eating solids, first words, first stitches, and many others. She has grown into quite the princess over the short time she's been in the world. God blessed us with a wonderful child named Genevieve. I just wanted to post this blog to say...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GENEVIEVE!!

Growing Up

Some days don't you just feel all tangled up? This picture I love because it looks like she's in a straight jacket. I love the look on her face. It's as if she just doesn't care. Sometimes I wish life was that simple again. To be a kid where you don't have a care in the world. Your biggest choice is if you are going to play with the red hair Barbie or the one with brown hair. You get mad because you want hot dogs and not mac and cheese. You know that when it gets dark out it's night night time. Whatever happened to those days?

I remember well when the days of my carefree summers and days were over. It all happened on my 16th birthday. My mom had been snoring for as long as I could remember. My sister, dad, and I would always make fun of her. We named her snores. There was the cow snore, the whining snore, and the infamous silent snore of death. It was about this time when there was a lot of talk about the surgery to "fix your snorer" as we called it. My mom decided that it was time, and she was getting it done.

She went in for her pre-op stuff, and they realized that she really wasn't getting much sleep at night. She would stop breathing and it would wake her out of deep sleep. So, they did the tests and set up her surgery. Her and dad left, and they were to return in a few days. She was able to come home right after surgery.

They came home, and I don't even remember thinking anything was wrong. My Grams had come up to stay with us while they were away. I remember a friend of mine was over spending the night. A bit after they had come home, mom and dad sat us down and let us know that mom didn't really need the snoring surgery. It was a growth covering the back of her throat that was causing her to snore and to keep her from breathing right. I felt so bad for my friend because she was having to deal with all the emotions of the night, but I was so thankful she was there. It was nice to have someone around me at that time.

Just like that my life had changed forever. I didn't realize then how much things would change, but looking back...did they ever. I grew up really fast that summer. Right after school was over for the year we packed up and left for Houston. My sister and I stayed for a long time there. After a bit though, we were ready to be home. We left Houston and our parents and went back home. I think now that they were crazy. They sent a 16 and 15 year old home to live for themselves for 2 weeks.

They finally came back home, and I turned more into a caregiver. I spent a lot of time with mom. I'd clean her bucket, get her meds, and feed her too. For a long time I was mad that I gave up my summer to be such an adult. Now as an adult, I am glad I was able to be there to help her out. I remember that year all I wanted for Christmas was for my mom to live. It was the best Christmas gift I ever asked for.

I realized after that birthday life would never be the same. There would be no more carefree days of playing around. No more days of not a care in the world. We all have to grow up sometime. That was my time. I longed to go back for a long time. Go back and not have a care in the world. I never got that, and I learned to let go of wanting that. I could never get that back. I can't say that God did that to my mom, but I think he used it in so many ways. It's been almost 13 years now since that summer. 13 years!? Sometimes it seems like yesterday.

Time? Where Did it Go?

Sometimes I just wish life would slow down. I use to blog everyday, and over the Thanksgiving break and these past 2 days, I just haven't had any time. Where did it all go? On Monday I had 2 doctor's appointments, and yesterday, Genevieve had 2. I am happy to report that everything with Genevieve looks great. She is now 33 lbs and 36 inches (3 feet). I can't believe my baby is getting that tall. My husband says I'm just jealous that she will outgrow me in a year :p She also had an ultrasound to check on her recent Deflux surgery. Everything is in place and looks good. Here is a link about her surgery. We go back in a month to repeat the test that shows if there is still reflux or not. She had a blast playing with the jelly they use with the ultrasound machines. They had to pull out a wash cloth and towel to clean her with after she was done.

My appointments went well. I had another NST which (thank goodness) went fast. The baby is reacting like they want, and everything looks fine. I also had an OB appointment. I must have looked really bad, because my doctor went ahead and scheduled my induction. I was dead set against another one. I was induced with Genevieve, and it was a long, hard labor. It was worth it in every way, but if I don't have to do it that way again, I won't be hurt. She asked me when I wanted to have a baby. I told her I didn't care as long as it was before the end of the year. At that point in time she told me that since I've been measuring early (I'm now back at 1 week ahead of schedule), my thyroid, and all of that, she'd schedule me for an induction if I wanted it, and it would be before my original due date. I think I was in tears when I thanked her. I never felt this tired when I was pregnant with Genevieve. I think it has something to do with chasing a toddler around. So, if nothing happens between now and then, we will have a new baby on Dec 21st. We should be home in time for Christmas, and we look forward to it.

I guess I just have one question for you reading...Would anyone go Christmas shopping for me? I'm thinking about doing most of it online, and have picked out a few things. What I'm waiting for, I have no idea. So, if anyone wants to come up here and be my personal shopper (you will have a budget), let me know. I'm taking applications now :) With everything going on, I don't even know if I will have time to get Christmas cards out. I hope I do. If not, just know you will get "holiday" cards. They may be late, but you'll get them.

And It's Begun

The holidays are now upon us. As it is known in our house, "The Season of the Ham." Ever since my husband and I got married, the holiday has been known as this. It all started with me being goofy one holiday season. I started singing Christmas Carols and every word would be ham. I love his mom's ham a lot, and I wait all year for it. Forget the turkey, I want the ham. After many rounds of Oh Ham Ham Ham (Oh Christmas Tree), we just stuck with "The Season of the Ham."

This time of the year is one of many feelings for me. I love this time of the year. I love how family seems to come together and have a lot of fun. We spend a lot of time with each other, and we eat a lot of food. It seems to be a time of year that we all just sit back and remember things from the past and where things are headed the next year.

We don't do much in the way of gifts, so that isn't ever anything that is big on our list. That whole thing started right after we were married too. We didn't have much money at all. My husband was still in school, and we worked 4 jobs between us to make it. When you have to work that many jobs, you don't usually take what little money you have to spend on things you maybe think you want.

I remember our first Christmas after we were married. I really wanted a down blanket. There was one at Target that was about 10 dollars. It was a Christmas print one, but that didn't matter. I loved the way it felt. My husband and I talked about money that year, and we both agreed that it would better benefit us not to buy gifts for each other.

Christmas Eve came, and we did gifts at our house with his parents. We had taken what little money we had left and spent it on gifts for our families. I don't remember anything I got or gave that year...except one thing. After all the gifts were opened at our house, and we had been sitting for a few mins, my husband left the room. He came back in the living room with a down throw from Target. I almost cried when he gave it to me. I felt so bad that I hadn't got him anything. I told him that I don't know how many times. I still have that throw. In fact, I'm using it right now as I sit typing this. I have used it so much in the past 5 years, and I don't see that ending anytime soon. He keeps telling me to get rid of the throw, but I refuse.

This year has been crazy. There have been a lot of ups and downs recently, and until last week, we weren't even sure that my husband was going to be around. Not only have we wondered about that, but also many other things. Life is just crazy in our house right now. it seems like things just keep going faster and faster. Does anyone else seem to think it is strange that when you were a kid things moved so slow. Now it seems like you can't keep up with it. I remember thinking as a kid how long it was until Christmas. Now it seems like it was just yesterday Christmas was here, and I just put away the decorations.

Here's to another great holiday season and a wonderful time of the year! I hope your holidays are filled with laughter, fun, joy, and love.

No TV and A Cranky Toddler

Since it is Thanksgiving weekend, my husband will have some time off. There is a policy that every Friday the company does PT together in OKC. I have talked about him being TDY before, and how much I enjoy the alone time. Anyway, since they will be off on Friday this week, they moved it to this morning. He came home last night, packed, said good night to Genevieve, and off he went.

My night last night went just about the same that EVERY TDY night goes. It's like a check list almost...

1. Get Genevieve to bed
2. Put my feet up
3. Watch TV and surf the net
4. Put the dogs out, bring them in, and get my water for night
5. Take a hot bath
6. Snuggle down in the MIDDLE of our king size bed, watch TV, and drift off to sleep

That's how it goes just about every week. There isn't much of a change in that at all. I don't even *gasp* put up Genevieve's toys for the day. I think I should have last night though because we have company coming in, and I need to run the Roomba and all that fun stuff. Oh well.

Anyway, this morning we wake up, and I go get Genevieve. I just wanted to lay in bed with her and let her watch cartoons. I wasn't really ready to get up. I push power and it says, Channel Not Purchased. Okay? I turned to a local, same thing. By this time Genevieve was getting cranky.

I got up, found the number to the company, and gave them a call. Come to find out (we don't get a paper bill...so I didn't realize) we have a past due amount that has been there since July. So because of that, they suspended our service. After the very nice lady on the phone looked all the way back in my bill history to find this out, she took the payment, and restored service.

This poor woman had to deal with me in the morning. I'm not at my best in the morning. :) I think I might have asked the same questions 20 times. Thank goodness there are people out there that can deal with people like me.

I am happy to report, the error has been fixed. I paid the past due. We will now get a paper bill. And most important, my toddler is not cranky because she can watch her cartoons :) If nothing else, this woman deserves a big pat on the back for keeping Genevieve happy.

I Better Enjoy It

The weather here has been wonderful. It's been in the low 80s for a few weeks now. I love it when it is mild out. It makes my day feel a lot nicer. Days like these make it easy to do lots of outdoor activities. We love to play outside in the yard, Genevieve loves sidewalk chalk, and we like going to the park. As you can see here, she loves it outdoors. In this picture she is running her Dad's remote control tank.

It always seems to stay unseasonably warm in the winter when I'm pregnant. When I was pregnant with Genevieve it was in the mid to upper 80s until I went into the hospital. After I had her, it really didn't take long to cool off, but it was warm until. It seems to be the same story this go around as well. I realized today after having to turn back on the air, that I hadn't seen the weather for a long time. I am a weather nut. I like to know what is going on, and what they say it will be. It's just a thing. I love the news station here that has the weather at the same time every night. 10:17 pm the weather is on. It makes it easy to just flip on around the weather and flip back to another show when it's over. It makes life easier :)

Because I hadn't seen the weather for a long time, I thought I'd log onto the news station and see what the weather would be like the next few days. Boy was I in shock when it finally loaded. It said today and tomorrow would be 80. After that it will be in the 40s. I wouldn't mind a cool down, but that just seems like it is going to be downright cold. I might have to break out the winter clothes. Only bad thing, I don't have any maternity clothes for winter. I guess I better find some. Anyone know of a great place to buy some :)

Needless to say...I think our days of fun in the sun outside are coming to an end tomorrow.

FRG, NST, and Growth Scans

It has been a busy couple of days. It has been one of lots of time on the road, and no naps (for both Genevieve and I). No nap makes for a long day. She does fine until it gets close to bed time. Then it seems like all heck breaks loose. At least that's how it has felt the last couple of days.

Friday was a long day at the hospital. It started in the morning for a growth scan. At my last OB appointment I was measuring 3 weeks ahead of time. The doctor wanted to make sure that it wasn't the baby, but something else that was causing me to be so big. As they had the ultrasound wand on my belly looking around, Genevieve would play with the jelly. She kept looking at the screen pointing and saying "baby." She would then touch my belly again and rub the jelly around. I had that gunk all over me by the end of the scan. Everything looked great. The baby is now 5 lbs and 10 oz. I asked if that was "normal," and he told me he thought that was pretty normal for how far along I was. So good news is I'm not ahead, and I don't have a 10 lb baby right now. :)

After the test I went to a friend's home. She was nice enough to order some shoes for me in a co-op. I was lazy when putting the order in, and I didn't measure Genevieve's feet. Needless to say, the shoes I got were too big. Good news, she can grow into them. Bad news, they are so cute, I am sad she can't wear them. They are not a bad price retail, so I will probably buy a pair anyway just so she can wear a pair now. I love them because they squeak when she walks. She loves them because they make noise :)

Leaving there an hour or so later, I went back to the hospital for my NST. They said it would take an hour, and that it could take longer if the baby didn't do what they needed it to. Great! Just what I want...to be strapped to a bed and a toddler with me. They told me to eat right before I came. I zipped through the drive thru and got a burger. I ate about half of it before I ran into the hospital. They explained what all I needed to do every time I came, and what they were going to do. About 20 mins of being on the monitor, the nurse told me I was done, and she would go call the doctor. I think I need to eat a cheeseburger EVERY time. If that is all it takes, I'm sold.

Today was another day back in the city. We had an FRG meeting. The meeting went well. It was nice to see women working together for the good of the whole group. We set up a time for a "Christmas" party, family events, and our future meetings. I put Christmas in quotes because it actually is well after Christmas. I think it is the start to a good group of women who want to do what they can for the good of the group.

After our meeting we went and did a little shopping. We found enough to buy. We also went to dinner at my favorite place, Buffalo Wild Wings. I love wings! I never liked them before. I hated them actually. When I was pregnant with Genevieve they smelled really good. I loved it when my husband ordered them so I could smell them. Finally one day late in my pregnancy with her, I asked to try one. I was in love :) I couldn't get enough. It was something I enjoyed even after having her. That has carried on to this pregnancy. If we go up to the city and are able to eat, we eat there 9 time out of 10. Service was a little slow tonight, but the wings were still great.

After the crazy weekend and all the time on the road, I think we are looking forward to the time home tomorrow. Sunday's are our lazy days. I am guessing tomorrow will be no different. There is a Chiefs game on, the couch will be calling my name, and I'm sure I'll take a nice nap. Gotta love upcoming lazy days :)

How Many Cookies Can a Pregnant Woman Eat?

If you were to walk into my home right now, you'd smell cookies. It's taking all I have in me not to eat them. I really want to dig into them and eat every last one of them (there are over 90). I don't think my doctor would think that would be a great idea. What does she know?! She's just a doctor :)

My quest for cookie making started about 2 weeks ago. The secretary/FRG leader called me and told me of the new FRG fund raiser. We would make a meal for company training day, and we would sale it to the soldiers. They have to eat anyway when they are there, so why not pay less, and donate to the FRG? She said that she was going to make chili, rice, hot dogs, and things like that. I asked her if she needed any help. She let me know that there would be an FRG meeting the next day, and she hated that I would have to drive into the city two days in a row. I then asked if I could send anything with my husband for the meal. She told me if I wanted to go buy some cookies or something for desert for 40 people. I agreed and wrote it down.

As I have been thinking about it over the past 2 weeks, I just couldn't stand the idea of buying Oreo's, Chips Ahoy, etc to send. I just didn't think it was right. I thought about some "nicer" cookies but when I looked at the price and how many I got, I decided that it wasn't worth the money. So, I set out on the quest this morning to get stuff to bake (and no bake) cookies. I got stuff for chocolate chip and no bake cookies. Genevieve and I left the house and ran to WalMart and the local grocery store.

You should have seen the look at the store I got. I had apples, peanut butter, chocolate chip cookie stuff, butter, pizza bites, a donut, and paper plates. I'm sure they thought it was some weird pregnant craving in the making. The guy checking me out even commented about the weird verity of things.

We made it home in one piece. I put Genevieve down for a nap, and started on the quest to make these cookies. It didn't take long, and now I want to eat them all. I should have realized this, and made more, but I didn't. I guess it's good for me. I just wonder how many of these cookies I'd eat if I could. Boy, my husband is going to have a hard time not eating these tonight in his hotel room. Lesson learned...Next time I say I will make desert, I better plan to make extra.

Fun Night at the Hospital...NOT

LOL...I tend to say that a lot. "NOT" How old is that?! Oh well. Shows my age I guess. It's like those emails you get. You might be from the 80s if... I always tend to shake my head at more than a few of the things on that list. I guess I'm just getting to that time in my life where I can say, "back in the day." I use to think that 30 was old. Not anymore :p Although on days like today, I feel old.

Yesterday Genevieve and I got up early, and we headed to the grocery store. There were several things we were out of. As I was walking around the store, I started to have contractions. No big deal. I have them when I'm out walking like that. I didn't even think twice about it. We got the cart loaded, paid for, and put in the van. We made it home and unloaded. I put the stuff that needed to be cold away and left the rest.

I put Genevieve down for a nap shortly after. I sat down on the couch with my feet up. I usually do that when she's asleep so I get some down time. As I was sitting on the couch, I started to notice that I was still having contractions. I noticed that there was pressure with them. After I had about 7 of them (in the span of about 3 or so hours), I called the doctor. They had me take Tylenol, drink a bunch of water, and lay down. If after an hour they hadn't gone away, I needed to call back. I had one in that hour at the end, and they had me come in.

We went in and they hooked me up. Of course when you go in everything stops. After an hour on the monitor, nothing had happened. They said they were going to call the doc. A couple of mins later I had one. The nurse came in and I said that I felt the pain I had before. She looked at the paper, and sure enough it was a contraction. At least I know I wasn't loosing it. :p After that, they did the test, checked me, and sent me home.

It was a long night, but I'm glad that everything checked out okay. The baby looks great (heart rate wise and such). Today has been slow. I have a lot of hip pain, but I think it is where the baby is sitting. We have a NST and growth scan on Friday so that will be fun :) We are just glad that everything is okay.

Running Child and Pig Tails

Today I sat down and tried to see if I could get pig tails in Genevieve's hair. I had attempted once, and failed. She was all over the place, and she kept running away. It was a mess. You know what they say though...If at first you don't succeeded, try, try again. Well that is just what we did.

I planed out my attack for about 20 mins. I realized that a show she loved would be coming on, and she'd probably sit still long enough for me to put them in. (I was wrong by the way) She sat sort of still while I combed her hair. I spent the rest of the time following her around with the band in one hand, and her hair in the other. She didn't like it when I put it on. Her hair is still so thin that it took many times around to make it stay. Even then it wasn't very tight.

After about 15 mins, I had got both done. I had got her hair taken care of. I hurried up and took pictures. I knew they wouldn't stay in long. Sure enough, before I had a chance to get them all put on the computer, they were out. At least I got the pictures though :) Here are a couple just so you can see how little hair she has, and how cute they were.

Have you ever

Have you ever thanked a Veteran? You know, as sad as it is, I never had until my husband joined the Army. I have a lot of military in my family. I guess I just never really sat down and thought about it. I never really thought about the sacrifice that these men and women make for us. Even in peace time, they gave of their time and served too.

I remember when the first Gulf War started. I came home from school, and my dad was sitting in the living room. He then told me that we were at war. I started to cry, and I remember thinking that I was hoping we'd never see a war in my lifetime. Even with that, I really didn't think twice about war and what these soldiers were giving up. It was just something that was mentioned on TV, and something we talked about at school.

I also remember very vividly everything about Sept 11. I then remember thinking that if they had a draft anyone and everyone could be called up. I wondered if the people I loved would have to serve. I wondered if I would have to serve. I remember having dreams of them calling up my husband (we were engaged at the time) to go off to war. I dreamed of him telling me that he had been drafted, and he was leaving soon to go to war. I woke every time with tears in my eyes. I just knew that I was not strong enough to deal with that.

After we had been married about 3 or 4 months, I remember my husband telling me he really wanted to serve in the military, and he set up an appointment to talk with an Army recruiter. I asked him why he wanted to do such a thing. He simply said he was too young to be a teacher, and he just wanted to blow stuff up for awhile. He also said he felt it was something he just needed to do. I remember laying in bed next to him bawling because I didn't want any part of it. Hadn't he watched the news? We were about to be at war with Iraq, and that surely meant that he'd be leaving to go over soon. I also remember thinking that I didn't want to do that to my family. Why would I want to move my kids around all the time? I had spent my life moving from place to place, and why would I do that to my kids? I told my mom this very point, and she then asked me to recall the one thing I was always glad about my dad being a pastor. At that time I recalled my answer. It was the fact that we moved around as kids, and it helped me to not be afraid to move off to school, try new things, and to get out there. After the shock of what my husband had decided to do, I supported him 100%. I knew and still know that if the roles were reversed, he'd do the same for me.

It seems like people these days are very thankful for service members. There have been many times people have told my husband thank you for his service. People have even told me thank you for my contribution to the country for supporting my husband. I don't agree with that. I am a wife who loves her husband. That's what I do. I deserve no thanks for that. I recall one time we were out eating lunch. He was in uniform because we had just come from training. A very nice lady came up to our table with her two grandsons. She told my husband that she was so thankful for men and women like him who would serve our country at times like these. She commented on our daughter, and then her grandsons both said thank you too. My husband told her that he appreciated her thanks, and that he was just doing something he felt he needed to do. We took another 15 mins or so and finished our lunch. When the waitress came to take our plates, she let us know that the lady had paid for our lunch and taken care of everything. How amazing that someone would do this. Her kindness touched us that day.

Ever since then, I have made it a point to thank people who have served or are serving. I think that the troops today are more likely to hear it. Someone once said that she saw a Vet in a store. He was wearing a hat that said he had served in a war (the exact one escapes me at the moment). She walked up to him and simply said, "Thank you." He then asked her for what. She told him that she noticed his hat, and she thanked him for his service to our country. She said tears came to his eyes, and he let her know that no one had ever thanked him for his service.

How many times have I passed someone and not thanked them? I have no idea. After seeing what these men and women give up to serve selflessly, I feel like it is the least we can do to say thank you to these men and women. They give up time at home, time with their families, and time with loved ones. These men and women have signed up to serve our country knowing they could be put in harms way at any time. They know the risks when they take on the job of keeping our country and its people free. That freedom we enjoy every day in our life does not and has not come free. So many have given so much for our freedoms. They give away their life for as many as 15 months to go to war. Could you give up that much time to do the things these people do? Could you server your country selflessly? Would you give up your life for the freedoms we enjoy without even thinking about them? Just a thought.

I guess the point of my blog today, Veteran's Day, is if you see a Vet, thank them. They deserve it. They earned a thank you from every one of us. They did something that most of us today wouldn't even dream of doing. They have given so much to make this country what it is today, and we owe them for that.

Late Night with Guitar Hero

Have any of you played this game? I have attempted. I can play about 2 songs on easy. That's it. I have never been much of a video game person. I can play Mario Party until the cows come home. I can play Mario Kart too. Other than that...I'm pretty much a bust when it comes to games.

When my husband bought his Xbox 360, he wondered if he needed to buy another controller. After giving him a look, I think he realized what he had actually asked. I have looked at games that have come out for the Xbox, and none have really appealed to me. I have tried a few, and I just am not great at it. However, the new Xbox has a wonderful thing called the arcade. They have games like Uno, Texas Hold 'Em, and things like that. These games I can play. :) I do play sometimes but not enough to warrant spending the cash on the controller. I'm kind of cheap that way.

Back to Guitar Hero. If you have played or seen the game, you know that you take a "guitar" controller, and play the notes as they come across the TV. I have done all the tutorials and things you can do, but I just don't get better. I easily got one of the "achievements" when starting the game. This one was to fail a song on easy. It didn't take more than one time to get that winning achievement on my Gamertag. My husband, however, hadn't got that achievement at all. He tried, and I almost thought I was going to have to play for him so he'd get it. It took him most of the song to "fail" so he could get that one. I'm just not coordinated enough to play games like this. I never have been. I'm one of those people who do great with games where you just push buttons (hints being great at Mario Party).

One thing I do love about this game though, is when he plays it when Genevieve is awake. She loves to dance. There are a couple of songs that she just loves to boogie to. We often have to watch her, or she will get going and pull the plug out of the Xbox. We then have to stop the game, reconnect, and go on. Today she was in rare form. She'd boogie down and had a blast. It was so much fun to watch her and her Daddy having fun together. It's a memory I will cherish forever :)

Crazy Cartoons

I cannot seem to get the cartoon songs out of my head today. I have run around town picking up stuff, and I have been singing all the morning songs. There is Dora, Diego, Blue's Clues, and all the morning favorites on Nick and Noggin. This morning's song in my head was from none other than Genevieve's most favoritiest cartoon, Backyardigans. This morning was the episode that makes me think of my dad. It was Samurai Pie on today. They start off the show with the song Samurai Pie. It goes something like....

Pie-ya Pie-ya
I make pies like a Samurai

As the show goes on, he has a young apprentice who wants to learn to make pie. They then break into song singing....

Do you wanna make pie? Yes I wanna make pie.
Let me see it in your eyes. Yes I wanna make pie.
Then try this exercise...

As I say, this episode makes me think of my Dad. When he was here one time, he was watching Genevieve while I was showering. The whole day he'd sing it to Genevieve. Now every time we see it, we call Dad. We chuckle and Dad sings the song. We didn't call today because the same show was on yesterday afternoon. We called last night, and she jabbered at Dad for about 15 mins. Every now and then I'd catch a real word. There was a Sammy, Bo Bo, Pablo, and Hey. I guess she knows what she is saying and that is all that matters.

We were so worried about her speaking. She was a "late" walker. She didn't even start to try until she was a year old. We found out among all the other issues she has, she had so much fluid in her ears that she really couldn't hear much if any at all. They determined this is why she didn't start to try and walk before a year. After her 1 year appointment when we discovered this, she went on meds to help dry up her ears. It didn't seem like very much time had gone by and she was running everywhere. Because of the fluid in her ears, she had/has some speech delay. We did an initial evaluation, a hearing test, and a full evaluation. Each time they showed slight delay in speech but not enough to enroll her in the free program for therapy. They also let me know that she was very advanced in gross and fine motor skills. Now we get a lot of comments on how much she talks for her age. It's funny how you worry about your kids and if they are behind or not. You think they may be, and then all of a sudden they surprise you and jump ahead of the game. Because of this, I have tried not to worry as much. Her doc is on top of it. She does really good with Genevieve and checking on things if she is worried. So that has been my new goal....Not to worry about milestones as much. I guess you can believe it when you see it :)

After 8...

I heard the perfect saying this week on TV. It was "After 8 (pm) life is great." Some days that is just so true. Don't get me wrong...I love my daughter. I love being a mom. I love taking care of her. I also love time alone. I love time to not have someone hanging all over me. I love having time with no whining. I know I'm not the only mom out there that feels this way, so I don't feel too bad saying this.

Today has been a mess. I am really working hard to potty train Genevieve before the new little one gets here. I don't care about naps and bedtime, I just want her to use the potty in the day. If I don't have to have two in diapers all day, my life will be great. I don't want to push her and make life harder on both of us, but I do believe she has shown signs of being ready. She HATES it when her panties get wet. If she poops in her panties, she will run back to the bathroom and stand at the potty. She was dry all day today (even in the nap) until we went out. She did have an accident in her diaper, and then when I put back on her panties, she had an explosive issue. Why couldn't she have done that in the diaper? I guess that's just how it goes. We did move from the potty chair today to the potty ring on the big potty. I guess that is a step in the right direction. Now if she will just tell me when she has to potty.

As I type this, I have the TV on, and there is no other noise. I use to hate being alone or the quiet. Now I really can't wait until I can get some of it. I don't mind being alone, and I love quiet time. I guess not really quiet since I have a TV on, but I think you all get what I mean. It's nice to have nothing to have to worry about, and just to relax for a bit. I have no husband home to fix dinner for. I have no baby up to have to watch. It is just me, and two dogs who are asleep. Life really is great after 8. I hope all you mom and dad's out there have the same great feeling after your day is "done." For the next 10 hours, life will be good.

Menu Rut

Have you ever seen someone on TV and wanted to meet them really bad? Every time I see Gordon Ramsay on a program, I wish I could just spend a week with him. I want to learn anything I could from him. His food looks so good, and he just knows what he's doing.

Now I don't think I'm a bad cook by far. I know my way around the kitchen, and I can make a decent meal. I wish I could learn to make much more though. I wish I could do more. I don't mind trying new things, but I get in a rut. In our Mom's group, we have started a recipe share. Each time we bring a recipe based on the theme. Last time was soups and breads. This next meeting is crock pot meals. Maybe by getting some of these, I will try something new.

What's on the menu tonight? Good 'ol easy to cook ham. :p If I am tired, and I really don't want to do a darn thing, I cook ham. I can buy it already sliced, add brown sugar, and heat until hot. Sides are easy for it. On a really lazy night, I can just pop veggies in the microwave. How easy is that :p

I can't wait for my mom to come see me :) I am ready for her to make and freeze me a lot of Chicken Spaghetti. With winter coming, soups are good too. I have several soups I like, but some that I just haven't attempted to make yet. I'm trying to decide what else I would like for my mom to help me put back in the freezer. Is that sad that I want someone to help me cook meals?

Anyway, as I finish this up tonight, my timer is going off. It's time to put the good 'ol ham in the oven. I hope your menus aren't as bad as mine :) Seeing as it's already 8:27, I hope most of you have already eaten. We eat late in our home. Can ya tell?!

Uh Oh...Hold on Baby

I had an OB appointment today. As you have read, I haven't been feeling too well recently. I went in to my appointment just thinking everything would be fine. Last appointment (2 weeks ago) I was measuring 1 week ahead of schedule. They did my BP, weight, baby's heart rate, and then the doc came in to check how I was measuring. Come to find out...I'm measuring 3 weeks ahead this time. Hold on baby!! They are going to schedule an ultrasound this week or next to check if the baby is big or what is going on. Good news, I'll get to see my lil one again. Bad news, I have to resist asking what the sex is again :p I'm too far along now though. From the sounds of it, the day will be here before I know it. Next visit will be the start of my weekly appointments. It's hard to believe I'm already at the end. I can't really remember a lot of the first of my pregnancy, but it really doesn't seem that long ago. I guess time really does fly. Last time I was pregnant it seemed like it took forever. Maybe chasing that toddler of mine around has kept me busy. Just pray this baby holds on until it is safe for him or her to enter the world. I can take being fat, uncomfy, and sick just as long as my baby is safe.

You Know It's Sad When...

I guess I'm making up for lost time on blogging :p I have been pretty sick again the past couple of days. I always worry when I'm home alone with Genevieve and sick because it scares her. If me in the morning isn't scary enough, she has to see her momma arfing. :p I guess she has gotten use to it though. This afternoon I got her up from her nap, and I started to do the normal things we do after the nap. As I was getting ready to get her diaper changed, I had an overwhelming urge to visit the bathroom. I left her in her room, and ran to the bathroom. I then heard her come into my bedroom. She shut the door, and then came to the bathroom with me. She then patted my back the whole time. What a sweet baby girl. She's looking after her momma. How sad is it though when your toddler comes in to pat your back?

My Husband is on FIRE!

It's about time he has a little good luck come his way :) On Friday, he went to the casino with some buddies. He went in and won like 64 bucks. The next day he had a kid go up to MEPS (where you go to inprocess when you join the military). This kid only wanted one job. The job doesn't come up very often. My husband was worried because this kid only wanted that job. Well somehow, it just happen to be available. I told him when he called, that he was very lucky right now. I guess he took it to heart. As he was on his way home, he went into another casino and walked out with winning another 15 dollars. I told him my tummy must be lucky, and he can rub it anytime he wants to :) I just wish I had luck like that. Even just some of the time :)

An All Around Ranting Day

Okay so today is just one of those days. If you don't want to hear a pregnant woman complain, it's best to not read this blog post. It's just one of those days, and I need to vent. There was your warning. If you read on, you know what you are getting into. :p

So it all started on Saturday morning. I get up, take care of a few things around the house, open the computer...and nothing. No internet. I waddled down the hall to the office, and sure enough, the internet is out. Thinking it is just a problem with the company, I don't think much about it. Besides, I can get more done without having the internet anyway. By the end of the day I called the company. It hadn't come on, blinked or anything. It was more annoying to not have our home phone than to not have the internet. Well, the company said nothing was wrong on their end, and they would have to send someone out on Monday.

Well, today the guy comes out. He hooks up the cable line in the house, and sure enough no connection. He thinks (like I thought) that the line had been cut. It's happened before, and there are people building a house next door, so there is a good chance that this is the case. He goes out, and comes back in pretty quick. He then explains that someone had stolen our box cable box. I guess it is the box on the outside where they filter the channels that you can and cannot see. If you take someone's box, I guess you can get free cable by hooking it up to your house. (The ironic note on this part is that we don't have cable tv, so that part was off, and when they went to hook it up at their home, they will see nothing.) I guess they were kind enough to take the cable box and didn't plug back in the cable line. It was that easy of a fix, and at least that is some good news.

I don't understand people these days. If you can't afford cable or internet why take someone else's? I have heard of people who will drive around town with their laptops to find someone who has an unsecured wireless internet. Isn't easier to just find a hot spot somewhere. We live in a small town, and I know there are a few places in town that offer that. Why do you have to steal something from someone else?

Okay, that rant over, and onto a new one...

So, someone was asking what people thought about a book. Several people had said that they loved the book, and all that. I stated that the book saved me. I had a girl who would take more than a mile if you gave her an inch, and this book gave me some ideas on how to fix that. I also stated that the book gave me some great advice for getting her to sleep the night and take naps and scheduling. I then put that as parents we have to use what we see useful in the book and disregard the rest.

After this, someone chimes in with the book ruins breastfeeding, and it causes parents to use corporal punishment and shouldn't be used. I then stated that I nursed for a year, had no problems, and still found the book useful. Again you take what works for you in the book, and you just don't use the rest. The same girl responded again with she does attachment parenting and her baby gets whatever her baby wants and has no issues. Okay...Not everything works the same for everyone. COME ON PEOPLE! I know that not everyone does the same thing. That is why I said use common sense. I guess I'm just being hormonal today. Forgive me, and move on now :p

Fun Times at Movie Gallery

We use to have Netflix, and we just never got back on it when we moved. We thought about it a lot, but just never got around to signing back up. On a lot of weekends, we go to the local Movie Gallery to rent movies for the weekend. I usually try to go in the middle of the week because it seems like if you don't, the "good" movies are always gone. I put the word good in quotes because my husband and I like to watch scary movies, and most don't think they are that good at all. I don't know what it is about them, but we really like them. I like suspense too. I guess every other college kid in town likes those type of movies too. It seems like if you go after Wednesday, and you don't go when they open, you aren't going to get anything good for the weekend.

Anyway, my husband called me this morning from the road. He was gone last night on TDY (it's where you can go to wherever the event is and stay the night, the govt pays for it). He had to be up in the city early, so he went up so he wouldn't have to get up as early. Anyway, he called from the road to let me know that he had won 60 some bucks at their team building this morning. I guess their team building was at a casino. He got lucky playing Texas Hold 'em this morning. Sounds good to me. Back to the point. He called and said he should be home early today, and I should go get a couple of movies. Sure thing!

We show up, and of course most of the movies we wanted to see are gone. I did find one, and I was looking around to see if there were more. I had Genevieve by the arm, and we were walking through the store. All of a sudden she gets away and runs off. She kept going in circles, and running away from me. I'm 7 months pregnant and look like I'm about 20 months along. I am a house. I was waddling all around the store trying to catch her. All of a sudden she runs into one of the movie racks, and it knocks down just about every movie on it! I was so embarrassed. I think I said, "I'm sorry," about a billion times. I tried to pick up all I could, and one of the people working kept telling me that I didn't need to do that at all. I felt I needed to. As I was paying and getting ready to leave, I again told them all that I was very sorry. The lady behind the desk again said it wasn't a big deal. She added that it was nothing her kids hadn't done. At least I don't have the only crazy loose in the Movie Gallery.

It was at that time that I wish I had a monkey leash for her. I have often thought of buying one, but just never have. After today, I don't think I want to make another trip there without one. I don't know as though a monkey lease will keep her under wraps anyway. She can still get to stuff with her arms. Oh do they grow out of the phase? Someday I will do something, and she will feel the same about me. I will have to kindly remind her that she did the same to me when she was little :p

Maybe it IS the flu?!

Ever since I got home from ATC I have been sick. The first day home I couldn't keep anything down. The OB called me in some meds to help, and they seem to work. However, I am still sick and a LOT. I am not spending hours in the bathroom by any means but boy, I'm just not feeling up to par. I have no fever, no aching muscles, and nothing else that would say flu to me. It just seems like "normal" morning sickness. I did look at my ticker, and I am under 8 weeks away from my due date. Maybe it is just that dreaded 3rd trimester sickness. Does anyone really know?

I type all this, and yet I am very grateful. My cousin has really touched my life with her story of her losses. I can't even begin to imagine how this must effect her life. I have never felt the loss of a child, and I hope I never have to. Even in my first pregnancy when I was so ill I lost 15 lbs, I was still thankful every day for the life that I could carry. I always tell myself if this 9 months of throwing up is the worst I have to deal with in my life, I will count my blessings. I pray every day for my babies and that I will be a good mom to them. I pray that I am not already scaring them for life with the things I do (Although Mandi, I think if we show them Fiber Food it will do the trick).

I worry about typing this out because I really hurt for my cousin and my friends that have experienced loss in this way. It hurts to know that they are hurting and I don't understand it. I try and act normal, and I only talk about it when something is brought up. It doesn't mean that I don't think about them or pray for them. I pray often for them and pray for God's healing and strength. I often think to ask them how they are doing and to send them a card, but I wonder if that is even a good idea. I wonder if by doing so, I will make them hurt more by bringing it back up. The last thing I want to do is cause more pain and hurt.

I guess maybe I just wanted to let you know that I love you, and I really do think about you a lot. I do care how you feel, and I hurt for you too. I just may not ask because I worry I will hurt you more. I don't want to cause you more pain when I know there is still so much there. Just know that if you ever need anything, I am here no matter what. I will do anything I can to help you in any way you need. i guess I just wanted to say even though I don't ask, I still pray and hope you are doing okay. You have done so much and taught me so much in my life. I just pray that I can do the same for someone some day. I love you :)

Remembering Grams

This time of year is always hard for me. It was 5 years ago that Grams passed away. It was tonight 5 years ago that my husband and I made the long trip from Wichita, Kansas (after college classes) down to Mangum, Oklahoma. It was a long trip, and it was late into the night before we got there. We had a dog and I remember having a pumpkin hat for him to wear. Grams liked Sammy. She didn't like many dogs, but she didn't mind him. I think it is because he's really low strung, and he really just eats and sleeps. I remember going into the lobby to check in, and the guy working was dressed as the Inn Keeper from the Bible.

I had been with Grams and Papa a lot in her end days. I was with her before she even knew she had cancer. Her and Papa had moved up to Wichita into an Independent Living home. I would go over and take Grams to the store, to doctor's appointments, and many other things. We had just bought a new car, and I remember her telling me that next time she got a new car she wanted one with one of those "remote things." We talked about life and silly things on our trips. I remember when I told everyone my husband had sworn into the Army. Grams was there and said, "I think it was a good choice for you two, but I wish we all could have talked about it more." I know she didn't want us to talk about it because she wanted him not to do it, but just because that is how our family was.

She had surgery about one month before she passed. They found the tumor, and they closed her back up. They asked her what she wanted to do, and she said she had lived long enough. She said if this is how it was to end, then this was it. She did say it was a surprise because she always thought she would die because of her medicine she was on. She was on so many, she thought that some day she would get two that would react, and that is what would do it. We all hated her choice to just let it be, but how can you argue with Grams?! Once she made up her mind, that was it. Really there was nothing that would have helped, and I know she made the right choice. I am just selfish and wish she were still around.

Over the next month, we all spent time with her. There were up days and down days. She could no longer stay at their apartment, so she and Papa moved to Mom and Dad's house. She was put on Hospice, and the nurses started to come. She was put on pain meds (the cancer she had was very painful), and she always seemed up beat. There was the one big weekend. All of us grandkids were to come to town. It was our time to say our "goodbyes." Everyone drove in, and we all stayed in the living room or at her bedside. By this time, Grams and I had a routine. She would have me help her to the bathroom (she had a med cath and it made it hard to dress, undress, and do normal things), get ready for bed, and many other tasks. It is these memories that are the most vivid to me. I don't know if that is because they are the last I have of her, or if it is because they are the ones that mean the most to me. I remember one night before bed she put her cold cream on, her carmex, and got into bed. At that time she motioned for me to come closer, and yet closer again. When I got real close to her face, she rubbed her nose with cold cream all over it on my face. We laughed about this a lot over that month.

When we (the grandkids) were there, she would tell us stories about her when she was little. She talked about her first husband, and their life together. There were a few times we wondered if she would pass while everyone was there. She seemed to be looking somewhere far away. She seemed to see her loved ones around her. She would talk to them and tell them she was coming. We would all cry, and then it seems as quickly as that would happen, she'd be back with us. She would tell stories about when we all were little, and she'd tell everyone how much she loved them. I remember when heading to bed after us all being in there, she grabbed me and hugged me tight. Our conversation at that point went like this...

Grams: Emily? Emily? Where are you?
Me: I'm right here Grams. I'm hugging you now?
Grams: Where are you?
Me: I'm here with you now. Do you feel my hugging you?
Grams: Emily, I'm glad you are here. I'm worried about you.
Me: I'm just fine.
Grams: No, Emily, I'm worried about you.

It wasn't until later that I wondered why she was so worried about me. Was it my husband's upcoming enlistment in the Army? Was it that she found out that I was raped, and she was worried about what would come of my life? Was she worried because I wasn't strong enough to deal with what was to come? Why was she so worried about me? I guess I will never know, but she loved me so much to tell me that she was worried about me.

After everyone left and went home, we were back to "normal." It was just Mom, Dad, my husband, and I around. Grams and I would take naps on the bed together. I'd often wake and wonder if she were still there with me or had she gone on. Each time, she was there beside me sleeping away. She was in a lot of pain at this time. So much so that the meds were not working at all. We had the clergy person from Hospice come in to visit with her. Grams said that this person could share what was talked about with us. During their visit Grams told the clergy person that she was scared. She was scared that in the way she was dying she was not letting God come through. She was scared that we, her family, couldn't see God in her dying. What an amazing thing to be worried about. She wasn't scared of leaving us behind, she was scared that she wasn't showing the grace and love of God. That night she pulled out her med cath and was no longer in pain. We feel the pain was all spiritual and not physical. God took a painful cancer and kept her pain free. It just goes to show that God does take care of us ALWAYS.

She passed away about a week later. I wasn't there when she passed. I have to say how thankful I am to have had that time with her. How many people actually get time like that? I was really bitter for awhile because she told everyone (but me) a formal goodbye. I heard from one of the nurses that she was telling my cousins how much she loved them and that they should always be true to themselves. Why hadn't she told me these thing? Why wasn't I good enough to get a goodbye? Then a few months later I realized, she had done these things with me. She just didn't have to say them in the way she had with the other kids. She and I said goodbye over that month. We spent the month making memories that would last me forever. I realized that I got the best end of the deal. I was able to spend the time with her and to do things with her that no one else got.

It was a few weeks after my husband left for OSUT and to start his time with the Army that I got a really great surprise. I was in bed, and it was one of those mornings. I was in bed, and I was at that blissful state where you aren't awake, but you really aren't asleep. I was taking everything in and just enjoying the quiet. All of a sudden I was not in my room but in a field. There were flowers all around. I could feel the sun on my skin. It was the most wonderful place I have ever been. All of a sudden, there was Grams. She gave me a big hug. We walked around just took in what was around us. Finally she looked at me, hugged me again, and said, "I just want you to know that I am very proud of you. You are doing a good job."

Just like it had begun, it was over. I was awake, and I was in tears. This is all I wanted to hear from her. I just wanted to know that I had been living my life in a manor to make her proud of me. I hope she is looking down on me now, and she is proud of the way I am being a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. I think of her often these days. I know it is because of where we live. We live about an hour from where her and Papa use to live. I keep thinking if she were only here... I know she is much better off where she is, but I can't get over being selfish sometimes and wish she were here with me. Someday we will all be together again, and what a day that will be. Grams taught me so much over the years. She taught me that family is very important. She taught me that we need to take care of each other. She taught me that we don't have to always like each other, but by golly, we have to love each other. And in her dying she taught me about God. Thinking back on her dying, I realized if you didn't believe in God, how could you not after watching her? She was in no pain. She seemed to be longing for something away from us. I honestly believe that she went to be with God on the day she died. I honestly know that God does exist, and he is waiting for me to be with him when my time comes.

Grams' favorite Hymn was "Grace that Is Greater than All Our Sins." Here is a bit of the song...

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

I am a Mean Momma

I have been told that I'm a mean mom. I am not going to be taking Genevieve out tonight to get candy. She isn't old enough to eat half of what she will get, and I'm cheap and don't want to buy her a costume. I don't care much for Halloween. I never really have and never will. When my children get old enough to care and want to go out, I will take them. I don't think they should have to "suffer" because of my lack of enjoyment on this night. I have bought candy this year, and if I don't eat it all in the next few hours, I'll pass some out :)

What's Your Name?

I saw this elsewhere and had to post it here. Feel free to swipe it...

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother & father's middle name)
Ann James

9. NASCAR NAME: (name of your mother's dad, fathers dad)
Elmer James

8. STARWARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, any 2 letters of your first name)
Robem, Robmi, Robly

7. DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, fav animal)
Pink Penguin

6. SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Michelle Hutchinson

5. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav alcohol drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Blue Amaretto Sour

4. FLY GIRL/GUY NAME: (1st letter of 1st name, 1st 3 letters of your last)
E-Rob

3. GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
Chocolate Covered Cherry Oreo

2. ROCK STAR NAME: (current pets name, current street name)
Annabelle Peach or Sammy Peach

1. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume/cologne, fav candy)
Romance Turtles

ATC and Recruiter's Ring

So, as my cousin so nicely pointed out to me (I do love you Mandi!) it has been awhile since I have posted anything. I have a totally logical explanation, and it isn't as excuse :p My husband and I were attending ATC this past weekend. We left very early on Friday morning and didn't return until later last night. ATC is a training conference for Army Recruiters and their spouses. They have classes, time to get together with others, and a banquet and awards ceremony. We have now attended 3 of these functions, and this was by far the best one yet. We always leave Genevieve with my mom, and we go by ourselves to have some alone time. So it is a busy weekend, but one in which we enjoy our time as adults.

This year was our very last ATC. We have been to 2 others, but we know for sure that we have an out date, and I'm sure they won't have another before we leave. The classes for spouses were not too bad. I seem to learn at least one new thing every year. This year was no different. It is amazing how exciting it can be to hear that our dental insurance now covers 1/2 of mouth guards. I am in desperate need of a new one, and that is great news! Anyway, there were a few times I wanted to tell some of the women (as in the words of my husband) "Drink water and drive on." I mean what good does complaining so much do? It doesn't change anything at all. All I have found that it does is cause me to get a really bad stomach ache and my friends to stop calling for a few days. I guess I have learned in my short time as an Army wife (a whole 4.5 years) to not dwell on things you have no control over...and that is pretty much EVERYTHING in the Army. Even sitting through these sessions of the same women upset over the same things they've been going on and on about for the past 3 years, I enjoyed being an adult and not a mom.

The banquet and awards ceremony was very nice. The food was horrible, but it is every year. We pay 60 dollars for a meal that is less than stellar. We always end up going out after the ceremony for food. How sad is it that we pay that much for a meal that doesn't even fill you up or taste good? This year we walked in, and I saw a woman I had visited with the day before. She asked us to sit with them, and we did. It just so happened that the 1st Sgt and the Company Commander were at the table to. Funny thing is we always end up at the table with at least one of them each year. We never set out looking for them, but it is just funny how we always end up there.

The awards ceremony was nice too. My husband ended up getting his Recruiter's Ring. It is an award that is based all on points. It is really hard to explain the points system that goes into this award, but I will try. For each person a recruiter puts into the Army they get points. The points are based on ASVAB scores and a couple of other things. They get points when the person ships and more when they complete training. Anyway, you have to get enough points to get 3 starts on a sliver badge, a gold badge, 3 stars on that badge, and then points that go to the ring. I *think* it's about 2400 points total to get the ring. Now that everyone is confused... Anyway, we got called up on stage to shake everyone's hand, and he got his ring and certificate handed to him. I am very proud of all he has done, and how well he has done. He has worked really hard, and it hasn't been easy.

Anyway, that has been what I've been up to. It was a long weekend, and another year is over. When I get our pictures back, I will post one. We are all dressed up in our finest :) I almost didn't find a dress, but I finally did. I hope they turned out well. I'm glad that I'm stalked enough to know that if I don't blog, someone notices. Makes me feel somewhat important :) Thank you for making me feel loved today :)

Are days getting longer?

I know that technically that the days are getting shorter. As that wonderful time (daylight savings) comes, I am sad that it was moved back further in the year. I don't know why I like it so much, but that one night where I get an extra hour is worth it all. I don't feel the same about the spring, but we aren't at that time of year are we?! :p

I feel as though no matter how much sleep I can get in a day that I just can't get enough. I long for just a few child free days so I can sleep all day and stay in my jammies if I want to. We are going out of town this weekend, and we are not taking Genevieve. Every year there is a Recruiter training (ATC) and that is my hubby and I's time away. We leave Genevieve with my parents, and we are just alone for those 2 days. We are very busy, but just that we are alone and only think of us is nice. I have stuff going on, so I know I won't get any more sleep than I do at home, but the thought is nice. Maybe it will be just enough to give me a breather and help me feel refreshed.

If you would have asked me 3 years ago if being a stay at home mom (SAHM) was hard, I would have laughed. I wanted to be a SAHM because I thought that was the easier of the two choices (home and work). I have never found a line of work that I am just in love with and want to make a career out of. Maybe that really has the most to do with it. After being a SAHM with Genevieve for almost 2 years I'd say it is the hardest job I've done in my life. I feel as though I can't get anything done on some days, and I crave the idea of work more and more. I know that I don't really WANT to go back to work. I feel as though my place is home with my child and soon to be children. I feel as though it has made me more attached to Genevieve. It took all I had to leave her the first time for more than a few hours. I cried and I called home about every 10 mins just to check on her. However, is being attached to your lovely child a bad thing? I have learned to let go more, and it isn't as hard anymore. I know she is safe, taken care of, and probably having a good 'ol time.

I guess just looking back on the last two years of being a mom, I realize just how much I have been blessed. I have a wonderful, demanding daughter, a very loving husband who puts up with me, and a family (all of my family) that loves and supports me. Even though life seems so short with being so tired, I can look back and count all my blessings I have been given. It's amazing how reflecting on a day that was horrible can make you realize how really wonderful your life is.