7 months

Happy 7 months sweet baby of mine.

Inspired

My sister-in-law made a beautiful wreath for her home and posted pictures and a tutorial on it on her family blog.  Do-it-yourself projects are so much fun and most of the time CHEAPER!!  Any how, I was browsing the sales online and found that Michael's was having a one day sale on their 24" wreaths.  They were only $1.99!!!  Perfect pricing to get me in the door.

Michael's had their Christmas items 50% off as well so I shopped around the store for items to place on my wreath.

My purchase:
24" wreath- $1.99
1 stem of red berries- 1.00
1 box of Christmas Potpourri- $5.00  (I had enough Potpourri pieces for two wreaths!)

Supplies need:
Hot Glue Gun 

Steps:
1. Fluff out the wreath.  Pull and spread the stems and place the wreath to the side.
2. Carefully pull the berry stems apart. (You should have a handful of bundles to decorate the wreath) 
3.  Evenly distribute the berry bundles on the wreath and wrap the wire from the berry bundles to secure them in place on the wreath.
4.  Generously decorate and place potpourri pieces on the wreath.
5.  Once you have all the potpourri in place and you are pleased with the look, START GLUING!!

Thanks for the inspiration, Lenette!

Take Your Time

The holidays are a joyous time of the year for my household.  We get to spend time together decorating the home for the season and we enjoy each others company.  The only thing that makes me sad about the holidays is that there seems to be a hustle and bustle about the season and if we are not careful the new year arrives and we are tired from the nonstop 6 weeks we just went through. 
As the year comes to an and I reflect back at the year as a whole.  I feel so blessed.  My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been beyond giving to my family this year.


Johnathan is double digits.  I cannot believe how fast time has gone by.  He is independent and loving.  Yes, he is also tough and stubborn, but that is only a battle at home.  I hope he continues to question and explore.  He will be influential if he uses the gifts the Lord has given him.  I pray for guidance and inspiration.  I know God will use Johnathan greatly for His works.

My baby Noah.  He has been making me sad lately!  What gives him the right to just grow up?  Yesterday he sat up in the tub for his bath.  He also straightened his legs in the walker and moved half an inch.  This morning he scooted himself all the way to Kevin in the living room and escaped from his Bumbo seat. Why!? Why can't you stay a baby, Noah? 

Can someone please tell my boys to slow down?  Please take your time to grow up!  While they flourish in heapfuls, I will stop myself in the hustle and bustle of the season and just enjoy them.

6 months and Christmas Pictures

I cannot believe how much my little one has grown these past few months.  In four days he will turn 7 months old!  Time waits for no one...sigh.  Well my little busy body is the nosiest of my two kiddos.  He wants to be in everyone's business and does not mind prolonging a feeding to sit up and listen to others speak.  I think I have an early talker again; wish me luck!
Just last week he started to put weight on his knees.  Noah is getting on all fours, and although he is not crawling yet he is doing the Army crawl to get around and he definitely has rolling around perfected.  At the start of Noah's 6th month we started to introduce solids during dinner time.  So far we have tried rice and oatmeal cereal, avocado, sweet potato, sweet peas, and apples.  We are working on the solids but Noah enjoys his milk better than his solids; we are eating about 4 baby spoons worth of food before he clams up and refuses another bite.
On the fourth of December Noah finally found out how great his feet are for chewing and has kept himself busy soaking up pairs and pairs of socks.  Also, those wonderful hands of his have helped him rattle his toys, pull up his blanket, and hold a sippy cup to drink water and freshly juiced apples!  We are just thriving and he is doing so much on his own, but I will stop my list here!

 I took these picture this morning to get half of my kiddos ready completed for our Christmas cards.  Babies march to their own beat and taking pictures can be tasking!  Well these are some of the shots; now I have to chose one.  Can I send collages out this year?  Oh boy...

5 Months and all personality

When Exhaustion Hits

Today is just one of those days.  Everyone has them; we shouldn't lie to ourselves.  My wonderful friends bought me a facial service for my birthday in May.  I am going on 5 months just holding on to my gift certificate hoping and wishing that soon I could use it.  Yesterday I stepped out to the store for a whopping 45 minutes with baby in tow.  I also had my mother and grandmother with me.  The focus for my outing was to purchase nice tops that were nursing friendly.  My wardrobe is officially "My baby can nurse easy in this."  Anywho, back to the story.  While I was rushing to get my items before heading to pick up my oldest child from school, my mother commented that this outing was a "mommy" outing.  Really?  Has it really come to this?  Can I really define a 'mommy moment' as a rushed 45 minute shopping excursion with baby in hand? 
I would just really wish that I can go out baby free without needing to run an errand and not having my wonderful husband calling my phone with a current time check.

I am in the market for a SUPER AFFORDABLE all terrain stroller.  The least I can do to feel better is take my bundle of joy on trail walks.

I now understand how easy a woman can become one of Those housewives/SAHM in everyone's business.  Four walls can make a girl go crazy.

Being at home and making money.

Staying at home can be one of the most rewarding jobs a parent can chose.  The children will be around a main care giver throughout the day and the guilt of letting someone else raise your child in nonexistent.  I have been blessed to be home the last four months with my beautiful bundle of joy.  I did not have the chance to be at home with my now nine year old, so I understand the guilt of not being there and I can completely cherish the opportunity I have now.  The hardest part about transitioning from my old ways is that I liked to financially contribute to the household.  I have worked and contributed to the finances throughout my entire marriage and it can be hard to let go of those extra funds. 

The Spark:
I have been quite busy lately with crafting and creating.  My friend and I have been busy working and we put together a fantastic nursing cover.  The idea began when I was on a weekend trip and left my nursing cover at the hotel.  My neighbor is amazing with the sewing machine and I called her over to see about making the nursing cover.  We bought fabric, ribbons, buttons, d rings, and other sewing goodies.  This project started simple.  We had a nursing cover completed and it was beautiful.  Shortly followed the matching burp cloth with all its glory and then we let our imagination run wild.

The Flame:
We now make Nursing Cover/Baby Blankets with matching burp cloths.

The nursing covers double as a baby blanket (which helps lighten the load in the baby bag).  The blanket comes with two attached buttons in which the adjustable straps attach to when nursing and is easily removed when used as a blanket.  The burp cloths are made with the same fabric as the cover/blanket and are beautifully combined with ribbon.

My friend (who is just about a SAHM as well) and I are really excited about selling our craft to mothers who are looking for a product that is as unique and trendy as themselves.

I am happy to be a SAHM and I am also excited about the opportunity to help financially provide with side projects such as this one!

Four days shy of four months.

So much time has past since my last blog.  I have been back and forth with posting and have had a struggle with the idea of sharing with everyone.  I guess I have really enjoyed the time I am spending with Noah and although I know someone out there would really like an update, I just wanted to be selfish.

Noah will turn 4 months soon.  I just cannot express how sad I am that time is passing quickly by with no remorse on who it leaves behind.  It feels like it was just yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital.  He was little and fragile.  Now he is learning about the world around him and flourishing everyday.  Just the last 3 days has been an adventure for him.  He has learned to roll over from his back to his stomach and he spends all day perfecting his new skill.  His hands are amazing to him, he has discovered them and now swats at his toys, grabs everything close to him with a death grip, and chews on them with no end in sight.  He coos and attempts to reply when spoken to.  He looks attentively at the movement and the mechanics of the mouth when someone is speaking to him.  It is as if he would utter the exact same words if he could.  I love watching him grow and learn.

My handsome Johnathan has begun the new school year on a high note.  He has been chosen as the classroom ambassador, student counsel representative, and his classroom go to tech person.  He is really excited about all his roles and I am happy that he wants to be involved in his school and wants to help other students succeed in the classroom.  I am honored to have such a proactive child to call my own.  His test scores from last year's standardized testing have returned and Johnathan has scored exceptionally well.  He will recognized at an awards banquet later this month.   I am proud of him and all his accomplishments!

As for me.  I have been tired and dragging to find my footing.  I have spent just about the last 5 years running nonstop.  I was determined to get a college degree and be an active parent in my son's school life.  I juggled many hats and for those that know me, understand that just making it is not my normal attitude.  I couldn't just make it, I wanted to apply all my efforts to reap as much academic achievement has possible.  I ran myself to the ground.  I am tired.  Exhausted. 

But I am also extremely glad how everything worked out.

A Baby Story...Part 3

Noah was born at 8:41 AM.  He was quickly wrapped and taken to the warming table for clean up.  I watched in the distance as they rubbed him clean and attempted to arouse a cry.  Everything happened so quickly and this part of his story is a blur.  As my doctor continued his work, I was preoccupied with the little person I carried for 9 months.  They put him on the scales and announced the he weighed 7 pounds 8 oz. He was measured... 19 inches.  The nurses began to murmur as they quickly brought him to me.  They were still rubbing him and although he cried, they were not pleased by it.  Before I could really enjoy his warmth against me, they told me they had to check his breathing and they rushed my beautiful Noah to the NICU. 

It would be hours before I could see my lovely newborn.  As I recovered in the room my husband checked on the baby.  Noah had aspirated during delivery and was breathing over 100 breaths per minute.  They had to place him under oxygen and run tubes in his lungs to remove excess liquids.  His pediatrician was not in the office that day so the assistant director of the NICU decided to make Noah his patient.  This was the best news we could receive.  The doctor provided Noah the best care possible and spent time personally explaining every detail of Noah's medical treatment.  Along with his irregular breathing and aspirating at birth, Noah's blood work came back with his white blood cells hiked up to levels that concerned the doctor.  He placed Noah under watch for 3 days and he gave him antibiotics to help fight whatever ailment that was growing in Noah.

I was completely thrown.  When I envisioned the birth of Noah I did not think about the possibility of complications.  I planned the whole pregnancy and I even had a tentative schedule of my stay at the hospital.  Noah was going to teach me that sometimes life cannot be planned.

A Baby Story...part 2

I believe that the medicine given to me at the beginning of my labor really helped prolong the entire delivery.  I was so comfortable that even the contractions subsided for a while.  It was at about 6:30 in the morning when the nurse came in and asked me to lay on my right side.  She thought it might help remind my body that I was in labor.  She was definitely right!  The contractions picked up and about an hour later I began feeling the pressure of the contractions again!  Noah was on his way! 

Now for my doctor...he was not on call that evening!  Talk about being stressed out at the idea that a doctor I may meet for the very first time will have to deliver my baby boy.  I was bummed out about not having my doctor at the hospital checking in on me with his quirky commentary.  However, in walked in my doctor, bright eye and bushy tail, at 8 in the morning!  Whew!  Nice of you to join us doc! 

I guess Noah was thinking the same thing because when the doctor checked me we were just about ready to deliver.  I was told that my doctor would return in 30 minutes to start prepping for the delivery and hopefully Noah would join us shortly after that.  Well baby boy had other plans!  I called the nurses back into the room at 8:15 and requested that they find my doctor because Noah was NOT going to wait until 8:30!  Boy was I right!  Noah was born at 8:41 in the morning.  Talk about perfect timing doc!  (By the way, my doctor has offered to deliver all my "easy to birth" babies!)

A Baby Story... Pt. 1

I was excited to be completely done with college before the baby arrived.  In my mind I would have enough time to get all the little things completed around the house.  I am quite the over achiever.  I enjoy the motto, "Go big or go home," and "Why do when you can over do?"  But baby Noah had other plans! 

Noah was born May 12, 2001; 4 days shy of his due date.  The evening of the 11th I was cramping and had discomfort but I refused to believe that little Noah was wanting to make his grand entrance.  I was also dreading going to the hospital too early and getting stuck there with nothing to eat.  By 11 in the evening I gave in and agreed to go to the hospital and get "checked out."

Unfortunately I was there to stay...I should have stopped and grabbed a fourth meal!!  My doctor was not on call so I was taken care of by the second shift nurses until the arrival of my doctor.  I love the nurses at my local hospital.  They were attentive and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire delivery. 

For my first son, I had an all natural, no medicine birth.  It was the worse possible self-induced pain ever!  I made a decision that I would not put myself in that predicament again and I had the nurse call in the anesthesiologist as soon as I was settled in the delivery room.  I was going to do this right!  Weeks prior to this special event, I took the time to watch videos of epidural procedures so I would be aware of the entire process.  I hoped that this would eliminate the stress of the unknown.  It did the complete opposite.  It stressed me out more than if I went in clueless!  My lovely husband was there to lend his support...or so I waited!  Kevin tried to remain out of the anesthesiologist's way and ultimately got stuck because the anesthesiologist was up, alert, and super quick compared to my husband's tired, overwhelmed, slow motion speed!  Thankfully my lovely nurse entered the room as soon as the needle was inserted in my spine and provided a supportive hold for me.  My husband was apologetic and thankfully for him the medicine had an instant relief to all pain and we were able to get some sleep. (I am not a big medicine fan but this was definitely the way to go when delivering a child!)

Almost 5 Years in the Making

College has been an adventure.  I loved the first two years of my college career.  While others moaned when they had to take those general educational courses, I was elated.  I loved my speech class and my science courses where interesting.  My Comp writing courses were a breath of fresh air.  I loved how I could choose my own topic and write papers on my choice topics until my heart was content.  Call me crazy but I loved the freedom.

The next two and a half years I entered and completed my degree in the College of Education.  The series of courses that I had to take were a bit more demanding than my previous two years of college.  When I say a bit more demanding, I mean it took away most of my personal free time.  Do not get me wrong, my experiences were profound and I learned so much from my experiences in the College of Education but I am relieved that my brain can finally take a break for a while.  I spent plenty of hours in the books and not enough hours in bed.  Even my professors would suggest that I take a break and close the books at an earlier time.  That was just impossible.  I was not satisfied with turning in mediocre work or even work that was "just enough."  I couldn't do it!  Sometimes I wish I could and I would even ALMOST turn in work below my own expectations and I would fold and produce a satisfying product.

I learned a great deal in my educational courses.  I understand the development of children and the process of children under the age of 13.  I feel this will be of a benefit with my new addition in my home as well as my nine year old son.  I look forward to entering my own classroom in the future and I am excited on my future educational endeavors!

I'm Back!!

After taking a two month "break," I am hoping to start blogging again.  So much has happened during the two months of hiatus; I finished off my internship, graduated and received my bachelor's degree, and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.  I have plenty to share and I will catch you up in later post.  Right now I need to head to bed, the baby is unpredictable with his feeding schedule.

Goals

Short Term Goals:
Finish School and Graduate in May.
Apply for teaching positions this month.
Spend the summer at home with the new baby.

Long Term Goals:
Start placing money in a retirement fund.
Find my place in the career world.
Pay off all my debt (including student loans)
Buy a larger home.
Work on my Masters

Work in Progress

Slowly but surely Kevin and I have been getting the room together for the baby.  I would love to have the room ready before the baby shower this March and we are working hard to meet the goal.  I would like to bring home our love gifts from the shower and find there permanent spot instead of just throwing them in the room to sort through later.

I have some amazing people in my life that are making in effort to join us for our celebration.
My mom and step father are coming from Kentucky
My Brother and SIL will be traveling from Texas
My cousin is flying from Florida

I appreciate the sacrifices they are making to travel the far distance to join us!  I cannot wait for our mini reunion!  Plus that will be 6+ enthusiastic hands wanting to help find places for all the items and how can I deny them the opportunity to help this pregnant lady out? 

Today, Kevin and I will be heading to the furniture store to find a chest and a rocker for the room.  I will finish placing the order for my caramel apple party favors, and I have to go back to the bakery to talk to my baker.

My amazing friends have been busy over here as well.  They have decided to be busy bees on the side and will be helping out with the food for the party.  Isn't that fantastic!?  They are even doing the shopping for me and just calling with all the pricing!  I love it. 

Another amazing gift:  One of Johnathan's old preschool classmate parents and I keep in touch for birthday parties and play dates and they will  be supplying bottled coke products for the shower!  Our theme is vintage fire fighter and I really wanted to buy bottled sodas for the tables.  Now I am going to have them!   I AM SO EXCITED! 

I cannot wait!   The last time I threw a big party was for my wedding reception.  5 years is too long and we are going all out!!

Happy shopping today!

Never Leave the House Without

Are you ready?
Wait for it
Wait for it

My Car Keys
My Wallet
Lip Moisturizer 

There you go.  That is my list.  However, I am afraid that this will change drastically when the baby arrives.  I will then need 1000 extra items because I hate for my kids to be without, and I believe that over packing is a necessity for children.

I have purses.  I use them sometimes.  They are convenient because they hold your wallet and keys.  Plus a purse is a safe haven for other things you can lug around that you rarely need but may need to pull out twice a year! 

What didn't make the list:
My cell phone.

Why?
Although I make a valiant effort to include my phone in all my running around, I sometimes enjoy being off the radar.  I like not having to make a call or answering a call while I am out.  Sometimes I feel like a prisoner to the little device.  It becomes an ankle bracelet.  Yuck.  I'll call you when I get home from my excursions, mkay?

TV worth watching.

Let me begin with sharing that I have been YEARS without paid cable television.  I believe it was eight years ago and I barely watched it then and the transition was lovely.  Today in the break room all the teachers spoke about their bundle packs with cable and dvrs and the what nots that you order for "better" watching.  $150-$250 was about the range.  I guess I am miserably cheap.  I feel the $34 I pay for Internet is too much and a rip off at times.  I also listened as they spoke about all the shows they recorded that they have to caught up on.  All these devices they are paying for are just sitting there collecting shows they may never have time to watch.  So pretty much they are paying to watch the shows later?  I can watch shows the day after they air for free...why are we paying again?
I am not saying I wont fall into the scam of cable one day.  My husband brings it up once in a while.  He enjoys the history channel and other channels similar to it and when he visits someone with cable, he yearns for his own.  I am guessing it is only a matter of time.

Okay now on to my shows.  I wanted to add the preface because I am limited on my show choices.

1. Grey's Anatomy (It started great, became weak, and is building up again)
2. The Bill Cosby Show (An oldie but always a goody!  My son loves watching as well)
3. Modern Family (Makes me crack up!)
4.  Latest add... The Big Bang Theory (This has become a ritual event for my husband and I)

That is about it. 

What do you like to watch?

Baby is good. My big baby is sick.

My little man woke me up at one in the morning with his loud moaning.  He was flushed in the face and complained of a severe headache.  I got him some medicine and took his temperature.  The thermometer read 101.6.  I automatically freak with my little man since he is usually the healthiest in the bunch.  A temperature like that may not mean much to someone else but in our household it is A BIG DEAL.  Of course he was excited when he heard he was unable to go to school but became rather upset when we had to take him to the doctors.  He does not enjoy the doctors at all.  He hates needles, the thought of blood raises his stress levels, and the experience is horrible before it even happens.

We got him to the doctors and all his test came back negative.  They checked his blood work and found his white blood cells lower than they should be and concluded a viral infection.  We've been fighting a fever of 102 all day but at least he will get the week to recover.  He has another doctor's appointment on Friday, so we will see where we are there.

I have my doctor's visit today as well.  Today was my glucose test!  How wonderful.  I barely managed to drink the entire bottle and was instantly suffering from an upset stomach.  There has to be another way to figure out if an expectant mother has gestational diabetes.  I am still getting over this afternoon.  I have been having a hard time eating sweets this entire pregnancy and they made me chug pure sugar.  Disgusting!

Anyway.  The baby is fine.  I am 28 weeks and measure 28 cm..  I have gained 2 pounds since my last visit, almost 6 weeks ago (due to the snow storms) and the baby was measuring 140 bpm.  Everything seems gravy.

My new issue is determining if I want to do the 3d ultrasound.  There isn't a need for it but I am curious at how he growing and looking.  I want to know how much hair I am expecting and to get a sneak peak on his features.

First Bowel Movement?

Poor baby Noah. 

I was sleeping wonderfully and my alarm went off.  I pressed the snooze button and moved the phone to my side.  10 minutes later it went off screaming!  Poor baby Noah!  He jumped so bad, I think it scared the poop out of him!  My child is going to be born a nervous wreck.

Labeling

Kevin and I talked about my displeasure with labeling people I consider friends.  It isn't a quirk I picked up in my adult years.  I have disliked any form of favoritism with my friends since my grade school years.  I felt I had to follow the norm and I did label my friends as: friends, good friends, best friends and I absolutely hated the feeling that came with it.  All my friends are different.  They have their own personalities and I enjoy them for who they are.  For me to categories people with complete different traits is impossible.  Do you make a check list and the one that gets the most checks makes it to the status as number one friend? 

I couldn't and still cannot understand the exchange of place value on friends.  Today you are top dog, tomorrow you may be replaced since we had a fight.  Do you send a memo?  A letter? Dear You, You have been a stinking best friend lately.  I have decided to replace you with someone nicer.  Or the awkwardness of someone feeling you are their best friend and you don't value their friendship as much.  It is completely a strange practice to me.

Or how about those territorial friends.  We've all had those.  The ones that you are just about married to but you never proposed to.  You have a great time with these friends but when you want to hang out with someone else, they are completely upset and the tension becomes unbearable.  Super jealous friends.  These are the ones that usually consider you their best friends and damn it if they are going to share you.  That is the craziness that comes with labeling!

You are my friend or you are my family.  You do not have to be blood for me to consider you family.  Maybe that is my labeling of friends.  If you are not blood related and I consider you my sister, brother, cousin, something that is a forever attachment, I really value you as a person and enjoy having you in my life.  Family is Family, a permanent fixture.  You cannot be thrown out of the gene pool.  (although we sometimes would like to throw a few oddball relatives out!)

Whose Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Day 10: Something you're afraid of

This was hard.  My initial thought was, "I am not afraid of anything."  I have regular fears as everyone else but I was thinking deep and hard on something that I am Really Scared of to the point of near paralyzes.  I can manage my fear and suppress it enough to overcome it but there is one thing that no matter how brave I can pretend to be will always upset me beyond belief.

I am terrified and disgusted of Roaches.  I refuse to post a picture of them.  If you really need your roach fix you can google them and enjoy.  Yuck.  I can be as brave as possible but if that nasty creature runs towards me, I lose it.  Thank goodness for exterminators.  We have them visit bi-monthly and we even avoid fly-ins.  I wont explain those, I am too disgusted now and would like to stop blogging.  

Another Milestone

The many stages of pregnancy:

Stage 1:  Sick and Tired
Stage 2:  I think I am getting this together
Stage 3:  Ummmmm can you take this boot off for me?  I can't reach!

On Monday I will officially be in my final trimester of my pregnancy.  It has been the most unpredictable adventure so far and I don't see that changing any time soon.  Yesterday I went to Dillards with my friend and they were having a boot sale!!!  I was so excited because I love shoes!!!!  They had the cutest knee high boots and I decided to try them on.  I should have predicted my later struggle when I had to use the top of the boot to slip my foot in the boot.  I did not touch my feet once putting on the boot.  I relied on the wonderful abundance of boot for that.  I walked around looked at the boots and decided not to buy them.  They just weren't singing to me.  I sat down, I looked at how far my foot seemed away from my hands and knew it was not going to happen.  I tried anyway and I failed.  My friend had to help take the boots off.  If I went on this adventure on my own I would have just walked out with a new set of boots! 

I can't take you serious when you use the word BESTIE

Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend

I would have loved to put one of our AMAZING pictures from Middle School up but I think she would not have appreciated it very much.  Nothing wrong with being little Chongas when you are young.  Being a Chonga as an adult?  That is a complete different story and is greatly frowned upon.  

We have been friends for 16 years.  We've grown close and there were plenty of times when we grew apart.  The beauty of it is that no matter where we are in our relationship, we know without a shadow of a doubt, that we can call and lean on each other.  We are honest to each other.  We encourage each other.  We listen to each other. 

Although we are a 24 hour drive apart from each other, we are just a phone call away.  One day we will live closer to each other so we can annoy each other in person more!  What are best friends for?

Uncle Dean

In 2006 Kevin and I had to opportunity to visit Kevin's uncle in San Juan Capistrano.  We were both on TDY in Las Vegas and instead of soaking in the big city during our free weekend, we rented a vehicle and drove to California.  I am an East Coast girl.  Raised close enough to the ocean that you could smell it in the air.  The beautiful sand beaches were my playgrounds and I always had a wonderful sun kissed tan.  I never imagined that I could find another coast as memorable as the Atlantic Coast but I was wrong.  Uncle Dean was an amazing host and made sure that our weekend was well spent.  We traveled around town, we took in the sights, and spent time on the Pacific Coastal front of Dana Point.  It was absolutely beautiful.  We constantly talk about visiting again.  Hopefully we will get another visit in soon!

27 weeks in the making.

13 weeks left!  Time flies.  Well, last night, Noah had his first hiccup episode.  Luckily for me it was short lived.  Oh the personality that is on its way to grace our household. 

Movies

My challenge today is to share pictures of my favorite movies.
My absolute must have movie is a League of Their Own. 
I love everything about it.  There is great chemistry between the actors, the script is witty, and it is a complete feel good movie. 

THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!

Happiness

Today's challenge is to post a picture of something that makes me happy.  Now I could easily post a picture of the wonderful men in my life but I think I have established that they are both pillars of happiness in my life.  They are my constant reason of being and the peace at the end of my days. No life is perfect but I love mine the way it is!

Now to something outside of my lovely men that brings me happiness...

There is nothing that brings me greater joy than my time spent worshipping my Savior Jesus Christ.  No matter where I am and what I am doing, if I feel a need to worship I do.  He has blessed me with everything I have, He has given me beyond what I asked for, and He knows me better than I will ever know myself.  When I worship, I give Him my problems and I praise Him for the Greatness He is.  The best thing about my worship?  I may come in with a heavy heart but the Lord takes my burden every time I visit Him!

Snow Cancellations

I had a doctor's appointment this past Thursday.  We received an abundance of snow the day before and just about the whole area was closed for two days because of it.  I understand the need to cancel appointments and close shop but I think people should really invest in automated services if they just don't want to personally dial everyone's number by hand.  Luckily, I called in advance to see if they were open but I would assume some expectant mothers showed up at their appointed times to see the doctor.  I would be livid.  Any how, appointment setters can also work from home.  Office calls are able to be routed to another number and they could have made it a point to reschedule us with their two day closed period.  I mean if you are not seeing patients you can make calls and conveniently reschedule.  I guess that would be a perfect world.  I don't know.  I hope someone is reading this and taking notes.

Whoa Belly!

I had no idea this is what others were seeing!  This snapshot was taken last night as I worked on my school work in the living room by my wonderful husband.  Last week he called it a soccer ball and this week I've upgraded to a basketball.  Thanks Kevin!

California Dreamin'

In the last 6 years that I have lived here, we have NEVER had such an abundance of snowfall during the winter months.  This Wednesday, we had a whole winter's worth of snow in one day.  The schools are closed for the second day this week and I am at home locked up because it is way too cold to go frolicking in the snow.

With that being my introduction, my current mood song would definitely be a Mamas and The Papas selection:

California Dreamin'

...I'd be safe and warm

If I was in L.A.

California Dreamin'

On such a winter's day



Acrobatic Training

This week school was out for two snow/ice days.  I took advantage and relaxed at home.  I guess my relaxation allowed the baby to explore his space in the womb.  Until Wednesday, the baby just occupied the space between my pelvic bone and my belly button.  But now I am guessing to his great amusement, he has realized his space range.  That would be fantastic but the movements are extremely aggressive and he is constantly flipping from one side to another.  It is serious acrobatic movements in there and the last two nights have been miserable because he just wont find a spot.  Kevin put some music on the belly this morning and I was able to enjoy 3 songs worth of stillness and then the baby went pounding where the music was laying on my stomach.  He is quite the active baby lately, oh what to look forward to after birth!

Meet the Parents

My mother and I are very close.  We are constantly in contact with each other and I don't go but two days without calling her or my phone ringing with her on the other line.  We are honest with each other but we always encourage each other often.  She is funny, caring, temperamental, and very sensitive.  She is known for her bad temper but I know her as the one that goes out of her way for others.  She is always helping others and giving of herself.  I love her dearly.

The sad truth is that I never really had a relationship with my father.  He was out of my life before my memories began to stick.  I have vague snippets in my memory of times in my youth when I saw him.  I do remember spending an afternoon with him at the mall when I was very young.  I don't recall much but I do remember falling in love with some cowboy boots at the shoe store.  He bought them for me and I wore them out of the store.  I can still here the clicking sound of the heels on the polished concrete floors.  Sadly I was never given a chance to build a true relationship with him.  He passed away when I was 15.  I would share a picture of him but I do not own not one picture.  I did however found this picture.

Oh, how you stole my heart!

My First Love

I was nine years old.  Boys were not a big deal for me.  I still played the barbies and fantasy play with a big part of my life.  Boys were, eh.  That was until he showed up in front of me.  I had to see more.  I needed a daily fix.  I wanted to know all about him.  My fixation continued for 5 years and it still makes me smile when I think about it. 

Mike Vitar as Benny The Sandlot 1993

Behind a Name

Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name
When I found out I was pregnant, I decided to document the journey.  My Life Double Dose stands for the addition to my family that will arrive very soon.  It wonderfully worked out that I am having a baby boy and that adds extra significance to the name.  Just when I thought I was finished with the early childhood years, I just served myself another dose!

About Me

Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts

Picture taken 2/1/2011

A little about myself:
I am married, I have a 9 year old son, and I am expecting my second child this May.
I am currently interning and will graduate with a teaching degree in Education.

Interesting Facts:

1.  I am the youngest of my siblings.
2.  My husband and I married 1 year and 2 months after meeting each other for the first time.
3.  I was technically a high school drop out. 
4.  I returned to high school after two months of leave.
5.  I joined the Air Force when I was 19.
6.  I am 1/4 of the female population at work.
7.  I've been to Afghanistan and lived in a wonderful 40 person tent.
8.  My clothes in the closet need to be in a specific order.
9.  I depend too much on spell check.
10.I got married 05/05/05 and it was not planned for that specific date.
11.I over analyze the simplest of things.
12.If I could, I would pick up all stray dogs.  I love dogs! 
13.I used to be so skinny that it concerned most people I met.
14.My first car cost me about $700 and it was a complete piece of junk.
15.If I could get my hair fixed at the salon bi-weekly I would!

30 Day Challenge

Day 0: The 30 Day Challenge Explanation and Description
Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts
Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3: Your first love
Day 4: Your parents
Day 5: A song to match your mood
Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7: Favorite movies
Day 8: A place you've traveled to
Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend
Day 10: Something you're afraid of
Day 11: Favorite tv shows
Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without
Day 13: Goals
Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?
Day 15: Bible verse
Day 16: Dream house
Day 17: Something you're looking forward to
Day 18: Favorite Place to Eat
Day 19: Something you miss
Day 20: Nicknames
Day 21: Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME Why?
Day 22: What's in your purse?
Day 23: Favorite Movie
Day 24: Something you've learned
Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26: Your Dream Wedding
Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in
Day 28: Something that stresses you out
Day 29: 3 Wishes
Day 30: a picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge

Day 0- For the next 30 days I will post a new blog completing the daily challenge from the list above.  Reasoning:  I can get a daily post completed and I will have the topic already chosen for me! 

The cake!

I have been completely indecisive on my baby shower planning.  My themed baby shower has really been kicking my booty.  Who would have thought that a fireman theme would be complicated to accomplish?  Any who, I am thinking I will have to combine ideas and that is fine.  It will all be wonderful at the end!  I LOVE throwing a great party.  We have the food, favors, and now THE CAKE planned!  Oh yes and the invitations!!!!!  Coming along just fine.  We will be throwing a baby nursery party soon.  What better way to get the room completed by having loved ones contributing!!

Interning

Interning 4th graders is quite the experience.  The personalities are endless!

Monday:  Oh Mrs. Luna!  I had a dream of you last night.  We were in school and you were the principal!  Oh and by the way, your stomach is starting to show.  You are going to get huge and it is going to take FOREVER to lose the weight.  It took my mom a whole month to lose her weight....

lol

Names Names Names

Now that we know we are having a boy, we have been thinking endlessly about names. 

We have the first name picked out!

NOAH

We love the name and we've had it picked out since we found out we were expecting.  We just can't seem to find a middle name we both can agree on.  I guess we have four months to work on it!

The Video is in!

This Thursday, January 13th, we went in for the anatomy ultrasound.  For my appointment I had a viewing party of four with me!  I was happy that the technician did not see a problem with the large group.  My son was really excited about finding out whether he was having a brother and sister so I made sure to take him out of school early to be in on the experience.  He even surveyed his classroom on their opinions on what they thought he was going to have.  My kid is the best!  The hubby and a close friend of mine were also there; both holding their breaths for the opposite sex.  Apparently it became hot in the room because Kevin started to sweat.  I should have brought my video camera along to record their expectant faces!  That was probably the best part of the show.

Luckily for us, the baby cooperated!  Enjoy the video.  I tried to get more footage in the video but it was not cooperating with me and I easily gave up.  Enjoy the shorten version nevertheless!

Good Bye Rocket

Today is a sad day for my family.  Our beloved dog Rocket died unexpectedly.  She was my favorite of the bunch.  She was a gift from my husband on my 21st birthday and was less than 2 months old when she joined our lives.  Tomorrow we will take her in to have her cremated and her ashes will be spread out in a field.  Good Bye Rocket.  We will miss you and your sassy ways and the other dogs will definitely miss your motherly nature.

Baby Shower Planning

Ewww!  Did I just say that?!  Planning my baby shower?  What poor etiquette is that!  I say to you.... :op.  I am a girl who knows exactly what I want.  I love to plan and create fun themed parties.  The planning is not stressful and the shopping is the best part.  Those that truly know me will understand and are not one bit surprise about my CEO position in my baby shower planning commission.  Now with that said I would love true enthusiast who are great visionaries themselves to be a part of my team.  lol.  No really...Contact me!

Treatment of Mothers

I am human too.  Although I intend to be the best and to do everything right by my child, I have moments of poor judgment.  As I continue to raise my son and soon my new born child, I hope they can see past the mistakes I will make.  No one is perfect.  I know my mother wasn't.  I could easily find a reason to treat her poorly and to "get back" at her.  However, I see other things.  I see that she used to walk to work every morning to make barely enough to cover the rent for the month.  She worked at the hospital as a janitor and did so to the best of her abilities to keep her job.  Yes she was married at that time but her husband was very childish.  A mistake to keep him along for so many years but again who is perfect?  She went back to school for her CNA licenses.  A little bit more of pay but definitely more work.  I remember she would come home exhausted.  I also remember we would make a delicious dinner for us at night.  There were times when our refridgerator was just about empty: a gallon of milk, water, and one or two more items.  Money was really scarce!  Around that time my sister tried out for the cheerleading squad.  She made the team and somehow my mother came up with the money for her uniforms.  My siblings and I were always needing for something.  Those of you that are parents can understand the demands of school and the financial and moral support that goes with having school age children.  I am not going to say that she gave us everything we needed for school and for our activities; the money wasn't there.  However, she did sacrifice for us all the time. 

We hear stories of true poor mothers.  Mothers that neglected their children.  Mothers that dropped off their children at someone's house and disappeared.  How about extreme abuse such as the story of "The Boy Called It?"  You even have mothers that create a sex market with their own kids.

I understand if those children hold grudges on their mothers.  I understand if a child still feels abused by their mother and wants to keep a distance.  However it completely gets to me when children treat their mothers like crap because of human mistakes they can easily make themselves. 

I have learned from the mistakes of my mother.  I have valued the journey she has taken and keep it dear to my heart.  I've learned what not to do but I have also learned what to do during times of adversity.  I was a choice.  She chose to keep me and raise me.  I made it to my adult years.  I have been educated.  For that I am grateful.  For that I respect her.  For that I keep in contact with her.  For that she should always be treated well.

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Treat your mothers well.