Life Gets Hard....

Being a full-time student and a parent is hard work.... but, with a kid like Julia it isn't as bad as it could be. Here is what Julia does while we are studying.

Asking A Favour

Dan's Aunt (... or Our Aunt but, she was Dan's Aunt First) has a nephew who was murdered in May. He has currently been nominated for an award and we need every who has a minute (literally, just a minute) to go vote for him.

http://www.qdobaqmmunity.com/Nominee/id/80/Christopher_Jones

I am not sure when the voting ends but, I know you can vote everyday until it is over.

Thank you so much!

For the Mormons....

I got this forward today and thought it was cute enough to share.


Announced plan to open Mormon-themed restaurants!
There is an idea floating around Utah, Arizona, Idaho and California
for a chain of non-pretentious Mormon-themed restaurants called “The
Steak Center” (Where There's Never a Dry, Boring Meating!).


Each Steak Center will have one enormous dining area with basketball
hoops at either end and folding metal chairs and long tables covered
plastic tablecloths.


The Steak Centers will not have hostesses, but greeters -- men in
their seventies will meet you at the door and talk like they have
known you all your life.


The main menu items for lunch and dinner will be:
Porterhouse Rockwell Steak
Primary Rib
Poor Wayfaring Pan of Beef
Parsley P. Pratt Funeral Potatoes
Eliza R. Snow crab (in season)
And It Came to Pasta
Kraft MacaMoroni and Cheese.

Breakfast items will include:
Pearls of Great Rice
Frosted Minivans
Adam-ondi-Omelettes
Also available
In Our Lovely Desserts
Fast Sundaes
Gadianton Cobbler
Laman Meringue Pie (just sinful!)


The waiters will be 12- and 13-year-old boys wearing white shirts and
their fathers' ties..

At the end of the night the customers will be asked to help fold up
the chairs and tables and vacuum the floor.


Franchises are selling faster than Sunbeams on Skittles! Get yours
while they last!

I go to school.....

So I can bond with this pen.



Really, I am one of those people who can not stand certian pens and love other ones. I really, really love this pen. I was sitting in class today and thought, "I love this pen".... then, I got a little embarrassed because I thought, "Wow -- I am dork".

On the Road Agian

Well, we made it home from Stone Mountain. I'm not surprised just bummed. I think Stone Mountain was the first vacation Dan and I have taken that did not involve a trip to Raleigh or some other destination with my family. I love my family but, it was super nice to get away just the three of us.




Julia did an awesome job camping out. She loved it, probably because every time she woke up -- I would feed her so she didn't start crying and wake everyone else camping around us up. ;) SMART GIRL.


We went on a super-fun-kick-my-butt-into-shape hike and Julia was all smiles the whole way up. It was nice because, well, I wasn't.

We also stopped at the Georgia Aquarium on the way home. Worlds Largest Aquarium, apparently and it was neat. I had been once before but, Dan is into things like that and Julia really enjoyed watching all the fish swimming around.

Now, we are back into school gear. I have two test and a paper this week.... *Sigh* One day, I will miss this.

"When Pigs Fly...."

Well.... The "Swine Flu" away from our house at least.

Last week was long and tiring. It was hard because Julia was the most fussy at night and Dan was at work. Last week, I was 100% Julia's mom, school took the back burner and what being a mom is all about really kicked into high gear -- sacrifice, worries and a spending time with an awesome little kid.

For those who want to know what "Swine Flu" looks like.... Here you go.




AND THIS.....



Oh... but mostly, THIS....





Thank you all so much for your prayers and concern for Julia. Thank you for the phone calls and text messages. We really did appreciate all of your love and support.

Hello H1N1

Welcome to our home... JERK!

This is not Julia... but, she's got it.





Seriously, though please, if you pray, keep our sweet little girl in your prayers.

Note to Self:

LAY OFF eBAY!!!!

Over the last 2 or 3 days I have been glued to eBay. I have no life, here is what I've been "watching".

The Medela Freestyle Pump



Problem: I am a freak. Seriously, I have already owned the Medela Pump in Style and currently have the Ameda Purely Yours. (Reason for the Problem: When Julia was born I used the hospital pump -- I need a freakin' industrial strength vacuum to compare to that baby.... All the other pumps fall short).


gDiapers


Problem: Nothing. Actually, I am really excited about this and am thinking that we will do the cloth liners during the day, maybe some disposable and/or Huggies at night and when we go out. PERFECT!


Sandra Bonyton Book's for Ms. Julia:



Problem: Julia is going to be a nerd.... but, I'm okay with that.


Also, I am super excited to be planning our fall vacation. I am still a little sad that we aren't going to be able to go out west but.... We are going to STONE MOUNTAIN! It will be awesome. We are excited to take Julia camping and hiking.

Awesome....

Go look at Rachel's blog.

Really. Go read it. It made my day. I want one....


Seriously. It is about time!


Love,
Amanda

I'm Drowning Here!!!!

School is back in session (and I love school)....
Still doing the mom thing (and I love Julia)....
Still a wife ( and I love Dan)....
Still keeping our apartment clean (and I love our new - much larger -- apartment)....

I feel so overwhelmed. I was asked to give a talk last Sunday at church. I don't think that is fair.... giving a talk the first week of school. Shame on our bishopric for asking me. Actually, the talk turned out great....It was all about me (okay, not true -- my converstion story but, all the same). If you would like -- read for yourself if not, skip the italics.




You cannot know the sweet without first experiencing the bitter; that is the theme of D&C 29:39 and of this talk…. But, there is a lot of sweet.
I was asked to give a talk today on the way my friends helped me gain a testimony of the restored gospel. I hope that after my talk you will better understand the effortless ways I was influenced by my friends and their family, the challenges that I had to overcome and how they helped me through them and also the impact that those people involved in my conversion had on my life. You do not need the details of how it happened you just need to know why it happened and because of that -- their will be some details.
I was 15. He was 14. His name is Adam Zern. (….but, this is not the romance novel that is sounds like). We were both working as stage managers on the fall play that year. I do not remember our first conversation but there is one that I will never forget. A group of people working on the play were going to the state fair together and I invited Adam to come along.
“Adam, Do you want to go to the fair with a group of us? We a thinking of going either Wednesday or Sunday.”
“I can’t go Wednesday, I have to get up early every morning for scripture study.”
“Well, we can go Sunday.”
“I can’t go Sunday. We try to obstain from spending money on Sunday”.
“I am not asking you on a date, Adam. I was just wondering if you wanted to come with us….a group of us.”
With a smirk on his face this time he replied, “Oh, well -- that’s good. We don’t believe that we should date until we are 16 anyway.”

By the end of the conversation I was sure that Adam is the most egotistical person that I ever met and was positive that he really thought I was flirting with him. Well, one annoying conversation full of questions led to another until finally I asked,
“What church DO you go to?? “
“I go to The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.”
“Oh”. I replied.
“Mormon” he said.
“Oh. I get it” You see - he tried to clarify by telling me that he was Mormon but, I had never heard of a Mormon. Even though I said I got it, I didn’t. In fact, I didn’t get is so much that I went home that day and told my parents, “I met a Mormon today. That is a lot like Catholic, right? “
I have always had an inquiring mind -- the Lord knows that! So, after hearing about these “MORMONS” I had to learn more. I would ask Adam a question and he would give me an answer. However, that did not last to long before Adam sputtered,
“Do you want to come to church with me on Thursday. It is just a night for the youth.”
“Sure. That would be neat”. I said… but, I must admit I did wonder if HE was asking me on a date now.
I remember the first time I went to actives. I remember doing scavenger hunt. I remember Adam’s mom sharing a spiritual thought and I remember meeting Adam’s family for the first time.
You see, Adam got me into the church but until I had a testimony his family kept me coming back! The Zern Family (or Adam’s family) were fun. I think they did an especially great job as a family showing me and many others the power of having a Gospel centered home. A home that thrived off of an innate feeling of God's goodness and the absolute necessity of having Him in our home and lives.
“In Doctrine and Convents 19:23 we are taught by the Lord to, learn of him, to listen to his words; to walk in the meekness of his spirit and then we shall have peace in him”.
The Lord was the cornerstone of their home and they invited me over frequently. They invited me over for Dinner and Family Home Evening. They let me join in family Scripture study and Family Prayers. They gave me my first copy of the Book of Mormon which included Doctrine and Convents and the Pearl of Great Price. They helped me gain the desire to learn more… and I was ready. Ready to take on the world , at least that was until my parents became concerned.
Consider for a moment that you son or daughter from the between the ages of 15 - 18 came home from school one day and let you know that they wanted to go to a new church, a different church, a church you knew next to nothing about and the only resource you knew to use to find any information on it was the internet. Well, being the wonderful parents that they are, that is exactly what my parents did….. And at that moment Satan became more real to me than he had ever been in my entire life.
I was worried and confused. My parents who had supported EVERYTHING I had done until this point in my life not only became deceived about the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -- They abandoned me. I was 15. I wanted to share all of the exciting things I had learned with them -- and they wanted me to stop learning about the church.
I need to share a scripture with you In Section 122 of the Doctrine and Covenants as Joseph Smith received it as he was in Liberty Jail. Verses 7 & 8.
“And if thou should be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son (or daughter) that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for they good. The son of Man hath descended below them all. Art though greater than he?
No. None of us are great than he.
Looking back, I would never change the events that led to me joining the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I would never exchange the relationship I built with my Heavenly Father for quick and easy membership in the church. I was not an easy road but, it was worth you.
You see for 3 long, heart wrenching, glorious years I was in my liberty jail. However, After many concerns and even the threat of a restraining order, the Zern family stood next to me. They endured a lot of stuff too, just so I could have the gospel in my life. As I prepared for this talk, I asked Adam what the hardest part was for him as I learned about the church, he said, “You had to go through a lot of garbage to get to that point (referring the point of having a testimony). That's what differentiates converts from others, they are willing to pay the price.” .I was not the only one willing to pay they price though -- I did not endure the challenges of my conversion alone. I did not even endure them with just the Zern family by my side but also, with the Savior.
One of my favorite scriptures in Isaiah teaches us this. Isaiah 53: 4-5, “surely he hath borne our grief’s, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.”
I asked Adam what made sharing the gospel easy for him. He said, “ it was easier for me, and remains so, to share the Gospel with friends because those are the people I am and should be the most honest with. And honestly, without the Gospel I would have a very empty life. My whole thinking in absolutely everything is derived from what the Gospel teaches, and it was easy for me to share that with you.” Sharing the gospel can be easy but if anyone ever told you missionary work was easy, they lied. It can be -- but, the atonement wasn’t easy and Gethsemane wasn’t easy. There is a quote I have from Jeffery R. Holland that talks about this a little. He says that If we are willing to take upon us the name of the Lord then we must be willing to bear a little portion of the burden that he bore.
I do have a testimony of this sweet gospel. The Zern family set a great example for me and helped me to learn of the Savior’s love and taught me how to recognize the spirit. In the midst of chaos and craziness Sister Zern (Adam’s mom) sent me an e-mail reassuring me that everything would be fine and “this too would pass”. In the e-mail she paraphrased a scripture but did not reference it. I did not know it was a scripture. It was a Saturday night in January of 2000 when I read her e-mail. I left the computer room to go to bed and pulled out my scriptures. I opened up in the middle of Doctrine and Convents and began to read, “And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet.”
At that moment, I received an undeniable conformation of the truthfulness of the Doctrine and Convents and of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I truly did have the burning not only in my bosom but over my entire body. I could not deny what I knew to be true.
I called Sister Zern the next morning and told her what had happened. In a very matter of fact way she said, “Amanda, That’s the spirit. Get used to it. ” and I really have. On February 16th, 2002, just two days after m 18th birthday I was baptized by Adam. It was not easy for any of us.
Missionary work is not about baptizing people for the sake of adding numbers to the church. Missionary work is truly centered around the love of our Savior. It takes work. We must be living as the Savior would want us to be living. We must be willing to hold someone’s hand if times get tough but it is worth it.
I am so grateful for this gospel and I will forever be indebted to the Zern family for what they have given me. I have a family that will truly be together forever. I have the knowledge that if anything were to ever happen, I would never lose my Sweet Julia. She is promised to us. I know our Savior lives. I KNOW THIS CHURCH IS TRUE!


Anyhow -- Dan and I are blessed beyond measure and really are happy with where we are in our lives. I know how great my life is but, it is only two weeks into school and I am already concerned about making a "B". UGH!

5 Months -- OH My!

In two days I have a very cute 5 month old. She really is such a joy and pretty crazy. Here are some pictures from the last two months or so.

Oh -- and I haven't been avoiding the blog -- we have just been packing, moving and with out the internet. Anyhow -- ENJOY!

Because she is cute

We all know when we see a cute baby. I, being Julia's mother know that she is cute. However, one of the things that I love the most about being a mom is when the most random people stop -- take a second look -- and say "She is a beautiful baby." I typically say, "Thanks. I think so." but Dan on the other hand always says, "Yeah. We know."

For Your Heart:





Julia had all her "fun" test on Monday. Dan and I decided -- we don't like the Main Hospital here in Charlotte and are glad we had Julia at the University Hospital by our house. Anyhow -- Her kidneys and bladder are fine. Last night was her first night with no antibiotic if about 1 month and it was pretty nice. The weird thing is that when they were doing the ultrasound of her Kidneys they found a Gall Stone. My three month old has a Gall Stone???? WHAT? Well, our doctor isn't worried unless we see signs that is bothering her. He is going to send us to a GI doctor just so we "have one" in case it does become a problem... but, all in all a good report of health. Crazy kids - they sure do make you worry.

Father's Day

I know... I'm behind but, we had a great father's day.

We didn't do anything amazing but we got to relax a bit a enjoy our family.

Dan needed a couple random things so he ended up with T-shirts & a new pair of dress pants from me... but, Julia's gift was awesome.

One of "THOSE" days....

Did you ever have one of "those" days?

"Those" days for me consist mostly of missing the past (mainly people.)

As all my faithful blog readers know (even the not so faithful) I don't love Charlotte. Actually, the very few "friends" I have here are in the late 40's - mid 60's. I love them but, there is something to be said for having people your age to spend time with.

I am not good at making "new friends". I love my "old friends" to much. Dan is the type of person that is content hanging out with me 24 hours a day. I love him -- but, sometimes I just need a girl (or Brian) to hang out with and complain about how none of my clothes fit since I've had a child (more truthfully, gotten married)...

Someone who understands the need to walk around the mall broke, not wanting to try anything on just to talk and catch up.

Someone who really feels like they need to hang out with me and much as I need to hang out with them.

I miss having people around that make me laugh so hard I almost pee my pants... stop breathing and start crying.


Oh, if I could just for a second bundle up all the people I love and bring them to Charlotte -- just for a second.

Really? Seriously?

Some of you know we've had a crazy two weeks or so... others, this will be the first you hear about it.


Julia's temperature was slightly elevated on Wednesday (almost two weeks ago) it wasn't "high" but, for a two month old it was high enough 100.9. We gave her Tylenol and called the Dr. in the morning. The nurse called back and said to watch it -- we went all day with a normal temperature. Julia was fine, happy, loud and playful.

Thursday night, the same thing... except this time her temperature was 101.4. We called the after hours line to our Dr. He said take her immediately to the Children's hospital downtown.

Long story short --- she had a UTI. She got put on an antibiotic and I stopped worrying.... until today.


We got a call from the Dr. and he was to run some more test of Julia, my sweet baby. They want to do Kidney and bladder ultrasound. An ultrasound test examines the kidney and bladder using sound waves. This test shows shadows of the kidney and bladder that may point out certain abnormalities. However, this test cannot reveal all important urinary abnormalities. It also cannot measure how well a kidney works and a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). This test examines the urethra and bladder while the bladder fills and empties. A liquid that can be seen on x rays is placed into the bladder through a catheter. The bladder is filled until the child urinates. This test can reveal abnormalities of the inside of the urethra and bladder. The test can also determine whether the flow of urine is normal when the bladder empties.


Anyhow -- long story short -- back to worrying. I'm sure she is fine but, if you want to read more about UTI in little kiddo go ahead....


I will keep you posted.

Her shirt says it all....

....except I did it.

Hilarious & True

A guy we go to church with got this forward from his brother in law...., It's hilarious.

Hi everyone,

This is the funniest thing I have seen in long time. My coworker actually received this invitation to a relative's 1 year old's birthday party, and it is not a joke. I know it is long, but worth the read! I have replaced the name of the author with "Jimbo" and removed phone number and email address just in case. Yes, this could only happen in Utah.

~Johnny

Welcome to Miley’s First Year Birthday Celebration!!
Saturday June 6th Schedule
5:00-6:00 Swimming and “Get to Know Miley” Games with Prizes
6:00-6:05 Blessing on the Food
6:05-6:45 Dinner (please RSVP with your menu choice, see fyi #3 below for details)
6:45-7:00 Sing Happy Birthday to Miley, Eat cake, open presents
7:00-7:30 Piñata and other games for children and Team Games for Adults
7:30-8:00 Roast marshmallows, Sing campfire songs
Thank you for coming!

FYI for Everyone.....
1. If you would like to swim for more than an hour please come early as we will be sticking strictly to this schedule.
2. Parents with small children should plan on helping them participate in the games, and please make sure you always know where your toddler is since the pool will be a danger to unsupervised little ones.
3. All food will be grilled at the same time so that we can eat together. If you will be eating with us, please RSVP with your menu choice so we can be sure your food gets prepared. Choices are: Hamburger, Breaded Chicken Patty, Chicken Breast, Hot Dog, and/or chicken nuggets (please specify how many you would like). Call or text message Jimbo at xxx-xxx-xxxx or email him at xxxxxx@yahoo.com with your menu choices by 10pm Monday, June 1st.
4. Ool Rules: Our ool has no “P” in it; we’d appreciate it if you’d keep it that way. Children who are not fully potty trained should wear appropriate swim wear to keep the ool safe for others. Children under 4’8” tall are required to wear floatation devices. Children under age eight require parental supervision while swimming. NO DIVING!! NO JUMPING!! NO SPLASHING OTHERS!! NO DUMPING OR SPLASHING WATER OUTSIDE OF THE OOL!! Please do not put anything in the ool that is not designated for ool and water use. Bring your own towel, sunblock and your own ool toys. Please explain these rules to your children before you allow them to swim since if they are caught breaking any of the rules they will lose their swimming privileges for the evening. We will assume that the rules have been explained so there will be no first or second chances. The first time someone is caught breaking the rules will be their last time for the rest of the evening. Pools can be dangerous so to keep it safe for them and others we have a no tolerance policy for rule breaking.
5. House Rules: Our house is not the newest house with all the fancy upgrades, but it is our home. Modern prophets compare the home to the temple so that we can know how sacred our homes are. We feel grateful to our Father in Heaven for blessing us with our house, and we ask that you treat it with respect. For example: Please, throw all trash in designated waste baskets. Please, no food or drink inside the house except in the kitchen area. Please, use quiet voices inside, and no running or rough housing indoors. Do not climb or jump on the furniture. Please, do not pick our flowers or cut branches off our bushes. Please, do not climb in the fruit trees. Please do not throw rocks or weeds into the fountain or pool. Please treat our animals with respect; do not enter the chicken house without permission. Obviously there are too many things to list all of them, so please use this motto as a rule of thumb “leave our house and yard just as you found them”. If a child is found being disrespectful to our property you should know that we just don’t have the money to keep repairing and replacing items. We will ask that you remove them from our property to sit in your family vehicle for a small amount of time depending on their age and the severity of their misconduct. Parents please explain these rules and the consequences to your children before you come to the party.
6. We understand the economy is rough; please don’t feel bad if you can not bring a gift. We would just really enjoy your company. To us your presence is the greatest present.

Jimbo

We Do Bad Things....

....because they make us laugh. I left Julia like this on Sunday while I was getting ready for church. When I came back, she was... well, like she is at the end of the video. I had to let her do it again so I could catch it on camera and laugh. Then, we showed Dan in real life. The joys of having cute little children in your house that wont remember how horrible of parents you really were. :)

Julia's Cute

Julia is a cute girl. I mean, she's got the desirable chubby legs every baby wants, a cute smile and head full of hair with very little cradle cap ( or cradle crap as we call it in our house). Since we all know Julia is a cutie she's already encountered her first boy problem.... boys. She's got two lined up... and Dan and I are happy. Here are some pictures of the baby.

LIAM (Anna & Tom's Cutie Baby (2 weeks younger than Julia) -- My mom says this is NOT a good picture)

I do love this picture though! Joseph (Huge boy. 6 weeks older than Julia)(18 lbs & 25 inches long) How Dan Feeds Julia Check Out the Attitude On This Girl During Her First Bath (She loved it.... We thought until we realized that she was flicking off the camera.) Her Bumbo Chair. She loves it! This video makes me laugh. You have to listen really close to the end after I ask her if she is having fun. Julia is such a McEwen.

Why I love Dan

Reason 104,983,043:

Dan: Amanda

Amanda: Yeah

Dan: You are my Wendy Peppercorn

Amanda: ... cute.

It seems like my going rate is updating my blog every month.

I have a two month old. Are you serious? The really cool thing is, Dan and I haven't even messed her up to much yet.

Life is great. Truly. Julia is huge and short. 10 lbs 8 oz and 21 3/4 inches long. I still adore her though. She's pretty content - ALWAYS and the cutest thing is, she's just learned to pout.

I've been super busy. I picked up a nanny job watching a little girl (Zoe) who is just three days older than Julia (people always say, "that's a lot like having twins...) It is and I enjoy it but, I've decided one kid at a time is probably the most sane way for me to have children (how do you manage, Ana?)

I feel like I have adjusted well with managing my time (besides neglecting my blog) to the whole parenting thing... I'm excited to get back into the swing of school too. I did manage to pull and "A" out of my one class I took last semester but, I am still pleased. So far -- so good.

Oh one thing that kind of stinks is living in Charlotte. I've realized more so now how much nicer it would be to live close to family or friends that we knew well. We WILL move back.... I love Raleigh.

1 Month

Julia went if for her 1 month check up. The Dr. came in clapping. Last time we were at the Dr.'s she weighed 6lbs. Tuesday she weighed in at 8 lbs 9oz! I'm proud of her. She's a rock star.

Here are some pictures.

I'm Back.... Kind Of!

As you know Julia is here. She has been for a little over a month and I just can't believe it! She's a wonderful baby who would have been sleeping through the night if I let her at a week old.

This is how she got here:

1) My water broke at 6:00 a.m. (No Contractions)
2) We went to the hospital at 7:30 (No Contractions)
3) We got admitted at 9:00 a.m. (No Contractions/Dilated 1cm)
4) Walked around the hospital trying o start contractions naturally until 12:30 pm (No Contractions)
5) Started Pitocion (No Contractions)
6) Pitocion was up to 12 cc/hr (No Contractions)
7) Pitocion was up to 16 cc/hr (CONTRACTIONS)
8) Contractions start at 3:00 pm and they are ever 2 mins and lasting 60-90 seconds each.
9) Still determined not to get an epidural
10) 5:30, Major Pain, Major Contractions, Pitocion was taken down to 12 cc/hr, Dilated 1 1/2 almost 2 cm (Talking of a C-section)
11) Cry, Ask for Epidural 5:45 pm
12) Get Epidural
13) Check Cervix at 6:30 - 4-5cm
14) Feel like I need to use the bathroom 8:45 pm
15) 9:00 - Parents get there! :)
16) 9:05 - Dr. Checks cervix -- Ready to push
17) Parents leave
18) Room goes from mellow and calm to bright, crowded delivery room in seconds.
19) Start to Push 9:30 pm
20) Julia Arrives March 19th @ 10:02 pm

.... and we lived wide awake happily ever after! :)

Yes, Julia Mae is here.

We will update more later!


Love,

Dan, Amanda & Baby Julia

38 Week Appointment

Arriving: Dan and I were hopeful....

Leaving: Dan and I were sure it was time to find a new doctor.

Reason: Because it is never a good sign when after you get checked the doctor comes out and says, "Well, you have a cervix of steel".

Is the baby coming?

I'm convinced the answer is NO.

Dan wakes up in the morning and says, "Happy Birthday" to her. She's not stupid -- she's not letting him brain wash her.... Smart Girl.

... But, I don't.

cry! I mean I have cried in the past but, it isn't something that I do very often -- it's just not MY THING!

Anyhow, I think that has been the biggest adjustment for Dan with me being pregnant. I cry all the time!

Let me give you and idea of some of the things that have made me cry over the past 8 months!

- Cooking Dinner
- Baking a Cake
- Getting Dressed
- Cleaning
- Pumping Gas
- Wanting a Slushie
- American Idol
* And most recently, last night, crying my eyes out & sobbing, The Biggest Loser. Why did they split the teams up like that? Really?

The Baby!

I have tried to keep this blog very "baby neutral" because some people just don't want to hear about a growing fetus... but, I don't have the energy to post to this blog and the baby's blog right now, so -- here is where the fun will be until I decide to start pointing to GP again.

Yesterday we had our 35 week appointment and everything is great! I have been trying everything in my power to get another U/S for the last 4 weeks and with no luck. I'm sure they are on to me -- I just want to see her cute face (which probably is so squished it looks a little like a pig).... She is head down -- "Her head is down there good. Really good." The Dr. said yesterday. I knew that though b/c right before the Dr. come in she had the hiccups (and that is an interesting feeling.)

She's measuring perfect, right at 35 weeks. My weight looks good (I love how you can gain 5 pounds in 2 weeks and the Drs. are happy...) the sad thing is knowing in 5 weeks all of it needs to come off. Oh well.

Dan is excited. He's getting more and more annoyed with waiting and sighs and complains when he doesn't feel her move or can't "find her". We like to try to find her arms and legs and well -- now, she's just like one hard mass.

Oh -- and on top of having a baby is 5 weeks. I'll be jobless at the end of the month. Talk about stress. Visitors are totally welcome!

Brian (A Love of my life)

I love him. He is one of the nicest guys in the world. Really, he always makes me smile. Dan says, "He's good to me".... but really he is more than good to me. He is a person that changes your life just because you know him. He worries. He laughs. He cries... for the most part, he is just an extra cool normal guy.... but,I know that we were meant to be friends.



I hadn't talked to him in probably over 6 months and while driving to my Grandmother's house I pass him at a toll in WV. He's cute. He's sensitive. He cares more about people than most people could ever understand. He truly is an amazing friend.



Happy Birthday you studly man. I LOVE YOU! I hope this year brings you lots of love & happiness. You deserve it -- ALWAYS!

Pay It Forward

My friend is doing this and I think it is a neat idea and a fun way to keep in touch. Everyone should join in. It's okay if you don't have a blog. Comment anyway. I'm not going to do the first 3 people -- just 3 random people. I'll probably make Dan pull them out of a hat or something. Anyhow -- Totally Awesome!



"Here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well-before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. Then come back, let me know you're going to play, and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!"

HEY HEY! We have a Birthday!

My Promise To You!

I looked in the mirror (something I try no to do) as I got ready for church on Sunday. Let me share that conversation with you...

Me: I'm getting fat.
Dan: No, You're getting pregnant.
Me: Well then, (Insert kind of secret baby name here) is getting fat.
Dan: No, She's growing.
Me (Mildly Irritated): DAN! One of us is getting fat. WHO IS IT?




Also, Dan and I are heading back to Raleigh one last time before our baby gets here... We are excited! We are having a baby shower tomorrow (I'll post pictures next week) and going to the circus (a request for my b-day). Last time we went home we were given much of what we needed.





We are so lucky to know so many people who are willing to bless us with hand-me-downs... What a spoiled little girl we are going to have. :)

I promise....

I will update my blog one day this week.

We Have A Travel System!

And as it was getting carried upstairs I had my first, "Oh my gosh -- We are going to have a child moment..." But, at least it is a rock star stroller!

The In-Laws Are Coming... The In-Laws Are Coming....

I feel like Paul Revere has been running through my head for the past 6 days telling me "The In-Laws are coming... The In-Laws are coming..." and I haven't much heeded to the council he has given me and pretty soon the massacre will begin (okay, maybe that is a little to dramatic)....



Maybe I feel more like the 10 virgins from the New Testament (you know 5 had oil and 5 didn't...) and halfway through the journey to meet the bridegroom I run out of oil.... (maybe, I should have cleaned the shower last night.... or taken something out for dinner this morning before going to work)!

Or maybe, my feelings don't spawn from total unpreparedness but the fact that I totally started going through every dresser, closet, shoebox and pit of darkness where stuff could get shoved about a week ago to try to make room for this child of mine. It was one of those times where you start cleaning and things look worse (a lot worse) before they look better and I have been trying to get things done but, have mainly ended up with stuff in bags. I know what's what and how the bags are organized.... some bags go to good will, some things we will try to sell on e-bay/craigslist and others will kindly be stored at my parents house until we have more room (does that ever happen after you have kids?)

Anyhow -- the In-Laws are coming and "there is sunshine in my soul today"... (What?)

The Rest of the Presents....

So, today is Dan's birthday! Woo Hoo! Here is the rest of the goodness that he got/is getting.

We woke up and made Omelets.(Similar to this. We prefer cheese,tomato, bacon and ham in ours. I like egg whites -- Dan likes the whole egg.)


Then we opened presents. On top of the movies he got these....
(Similar -- not exact)


and tonight we are having....


and




He's a pretty happy man... but, it sure sounds good to me too! :)

Holy Heartburn!

I used to be a little impressed that you could get heartburn from something as simple as pancakes, then it was taken to an entirely different level when I got heartburn from crackers and cheese.Now, with 10 weeks left even water is giving my heartburn... it is truly amazing.

I've just got one thing to say -- this little girl better be cute or I'm sending her back.... heartburn and all.

Time for an Anatomy Lesson!

I'm a smart person but, not the smartest person when it comes to science/biology or even anotomy. I'd like to think that I have a basic understanding of some basic body parts... hands, feet, nose, hip, butt, ect. Aparently, I DON'T!

Today was the day we went for our glucose testing and Rh shot. I will updated you later on the glucose testing we wont know for a few days. However, I can update you on the Rh shot.

The nurse said, we give this shot in the hip. (See image of where I think my hips are -- except, I don't carry a flask in my pocket and mine don't look as nice).



Which hip do you want the shot in? "Um... the right?" I didn't really care but, since she asked.

I pulled my pants down a little. She told me how to stand -- which was a little weird and then said, "You will feel a pinch then it may sting a little".

Well, she proceded to pull my pants down a little (or a lot) more and gave me a shot.

Here!



The exact place to arrow lands. That is NOT MY HIP (and the shot DID burn.) I hope everyone is having a great day and that your nurses passed anotomy.