Pink Pickles

happy new year

2012-01-04T08:29:00.002-06:00

It's a new year, and time to make some changes. I've only made one new year's resolution this year. Gotta keep it simple so maybe I'll actually follow through. Actually, it's not very simple for me at all. It may seem trite to some of you, but I'm going to keep my house clean and (somewhat) organized this year. It's starting off quite challenging because I'm not starting off with a "clean slate" so to speak. But I did make a "cleaning checklist' last night. I showed it to H and asked him to review it and make sure I didn't leave anything off...he just rolled his eyes. Punk. Anyway, I hope my checklist provides some kind of accountability for me, and a good framework for keeping things just so. I'm not looking for perfection here...I have 2 kids. I'm having trouble just typing this because the little one is climbing all over me! I *know* I"m going to have a bit of a toy mess pretty much at all times. But I would like my house to be presentable for company at a moment's notice.
I'd love to share my checklist with you, but I don't know how. I'm a bit of a techie failure.
Anyway, gotta go start implementing my new change. ;)

Babywearing

2011-04-05T21:58:00.005-05:00

my little man

2010-06-07T19:53:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the World, Ian Alexander!

2010-05-23T18:50:00.002-05:00

Monday, May 17, I had an appointment since I was "overdue" just to check fluid levels and baby's heart rate. Everything looked great. I was 3-4 cm and 50% effaced. Dr. T "stirred some things up" (which I assume means she stripped my membranes) and sent me on my way with an induction scheduled for Thursday.
That evening I began having contractions. Nothing really regular, but more than before. We went for a walk after dinner in hopes of making something happen, but nothing really did. H had taken off the rest of the week for work, and I was worried that it was for nothing. I went to bed, and didn't have any more contractions that I could feel anyway. I'm a pretty heavy sleeper.
I woke up at 7am Tuesday and had another contraction. Then another around 7:30. M woke up so I got up also. We got dressed and went for another walk. I had fairly regular contractions during the walk, but I wasn't timing them. When we got back home, H was waking up. He asked if anything was happening, and I said maybe. I went ahead and took a shower, washed my hair, and began getting dressed. I had some pretty decent contractions the whole time. I got out the balance ball to help me through them. M didn't really get it...she just wanted to play with the ball. H was timing the contractions with an iPhone app. As I was putting on my makeup, they were 7-8 minutes apart, lasting about a minute each. I tried laying in the bed in some sort of position from the Bradley Method book. The balance ball worked better. I called my mom to tell her that today might be the day, just to give her a heads up. When I was straightening my hair, they were getting closer, about 6 minutes apart, and hurting more in my back. I was really working to get through them. I made H go vacuum my car and install the car seat. All the while, I was still contracting, getting worse and a little closer together. After he was finished, he came back inside and he timed them some more, while we watched The Price is Right. My BFF, Brittney, called, and I let her know what was going on. Several contractions later, all coming about 5 minutes apart for about 1 minute 20 seconds or so, I decided it was time to go to the hospital. H called my aunt and let her know, so she came over to watch M. I also called Brittney (she had volunteered to be my coach) and told her that we were leaving and asked her to meet me there. I was having a hard time even walking out to the car. We got all packed up and left for the hospital. On the way there, I called the labor unit to let them know that I was coming. The ride over there was very uncomfortable...it takes 30 minutes to get there.
The nurses and scrub tech were waiting for us when we got there. I put on the gown and got settled in the bed. The nurse, Glenda, checked me and I was 6-7 cm and fully effaced. Yay! So they went ahead and admitted me, and hooked me up to the monitors. That stupid toco monitor was really uncomfortable, and the FHR monitor kept losing the heart rate. Shortly afterward, Brittney arrived. She was great at helping me relax, as I was trying for an epidural-free birth. Eventually, the contractions were so bad that nothing I did brought relief. I broke down and asked for an epidural. The time between then and when the anesthesiologist got there was the longest 30 minutes ever. I was about 8 cm dilated when I got the epidural. After that, things were so much better. I do not regret that decision at all. I could still tell when I was having a contraction, but it was not as painful. The started a low dose of pitocin, so as not to slow things down. After that there was barely any time between contractions, and I was getting more uncomfortable. The called the anesthesiologist back to bolus me again. Things were better after that. I was fully dilated, but didn't feel any urge to push, so they just let me labor down for a bit. Then we went through a few practice pushes before calling in Dr. T for the big show. Dr. T arrived, and the nurses and scrub techs got everything ready. H and B helped hold my legs back during the pushing. After about 20 minutes of pushing, Ian Alexander entered the world at 4:56 pm. He was a whopping 8 lbs. 10 ounces and 19 3/4 inches long. He is so perfect. He looks a lot like his older sister when she was born. (pictures will be posted soon)

I had a great birth experience. I really wanted to go into labor on my own and get as far as I could without an epidural. I'm so glad that happened. I don't regret the epi at all. I'm proud of myself for making it as far as I did without one.

Happy Birthday, Ian! I love you so much!

Overdue

2010-05-13T08:53:00.003-05:00

It's May 13. My EDD was May 12. I NEED to have this baby...soon. M has been having talks with "Baby Brother" about hurrying up, but apparently it's not working. He's a stubborn little boy.

I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon. I feel like baby's lower now than he was last week. Hopefully I'm thinned out some more too. I was hoping to have delivered by now so I wouldn't have to make this appointment, but no such luck.

Luckily I don't feel miserable...too bad anyway. My feet and ankles are swollen and achy, I have some pain in my pelvic region when I get up from sitting/lying down, and I still vomit on occasion, but other than all that, I feel pretty good.

I think I'm gonna go wash my car before it gets too hot. It may rain later, but I don't care. The car is too nasty!

Slight Progress

2010-05-05T09:41:00.002-05:00

The only progress is that baby is now at -1 station instead of -2. Still 3 cm and 30% effaced. I was hoping for more, but I'm not totally miserable, so I'm not pouting about it. Anyway, it doesn't mean anything anyway. I could go from nothing to having a baby in a day. He'll send my body the signal when he's ready to come out. Hopefully he won't wait TOO long.

Cross your fingers for more progress!

2010-05-03T14:49:00.002-05:00

I made it through a 3 day stretch at work. I tried to stand up and walk around as much as possible. Saturday morning I even took the stairs up 2 flights and down the rest of the way. I think all that did was make my calves hurt. Some people say it looks like I've "dropped," but I don't really think so. Maybe he's slightly lower, but not engaged yet. No regular contractions...just some occasional ones. Hopefully I'll find out tomorrow at my appointment that I've made a little progress.

H says I have to wait until after Friday to have this baby because he wants to go see Iron Man 2. *eye roll* I hope he's got plans for M though, because if this baby's not here yet, I'll be at work. And if this baby is here, he's not going.

Honestly, I'm betting this kiddo's stubborn and doesn't come until 41 weeks due to an induction. Hopefully I'm wrong.

38 Weeks

2010-04-30T11:53:00.002-05:00

Today I'm 38 weeks and 2 days. Last appointment (on Tuesday) I was 3 cm dilated (!), only 30% effaced, -2 station, posterior cervix, and anterior head. So I've been trying to be more active just to get things moving along. I've been somewhat nesting. I'm not much of a housekeeper, so any amount of cleaning is nesting to me.

I've been feeling pretty good lately. Not many contractions. About 1-2 a day. Maybe I should go for a walk. I'd like to get a nap in since I have to work tonight, but I'm sure M won't lay down, and she can get into a lot of trouble when she's unsupervised.

Spilled the Beans

2010-04-29T16:55:00.002-05:00

So, to answer the question posed in my last post, no, a 3-year old cannot keep a secret. A few weeks ago M was highly pressured by some members of my family. I was obviously not present for the interrogation. I am quite disappointed (in my family, not M), but whatever. My friends at work still don't know his name, so I still have a secret.

Can a 3 year-old keep a secret?

2010-03-11T15:16:00.002-06:00

M knows what "Baby Brother" is going to be named. She also knows it's a secret. I've been working with her on what to say when someone asks her. (In this scenario, Peter is just the fake name I'm using...not the real name...just to be clear.)

ME: Ok, I'm going to pretend to be Pud, and when I ask you what Baby Brother's name is, you say 'I'm not telling. It's a secret.' Ready? What's your baby brother's name?

M: I'm not tell-ing.

ME: Good job. Now pretend I'm Aunt Sammy. Ready? Hey, what's baby brother's name?

M: Peter.

ME: NO! You have to say "I'm not telling. It's a secret!"

We practiced for a while. I'm either going to have to work harder, or keep her away from family until May. She's already spilled the beans to the babysitter. Oh well...we don't really know any of the same people, so it's alright.

Baby Registry

2010-03-11T14:00:00.002-06:00

Plans are in the works for a baby shower. I told H, and he said he thought you only had one with the first baby. Actually, I wasn't sure I was going to have a shower, but everyone I've talked to says it's okay. My BFF, B, is throwing it at a nearby restaurant--a Baja beach taco place. It should be fun and casual. Yesterday when we were talking about it, she asked me about my registry. Hmmm...it's a little sparse. I told her I was going to just use the swing that M had (it's pink) and she flipped and made me go register for one. So I went to Target and got a scanner and registered for more stuff. Not that it's stuff I don't need, but I just feel bad asking for things with my 2nd baby. But I supposed if people are going to buy me stuff, it might as well be what I want/need. So I registered for things like breast pump accessories, nursing pads, nipple cream, blankets, changing pad covers, a swing, a playmat/activity gym thingy, diapers (Huggies Pure & Natural--so I don't feel so guilty), crib sheets, washcloths, and books. I still refuse to register for another Bumbo chair. We have a Be Be Pod that's pale lavender and pale pink. I seriously don't need another one. You can barely tell it's girly.

Oh, and my friend, R, had a baby boy last year at this time, and she's not having anymore, so she's giving me her infant carseat. It's a Chicco KeyFit 30. Great carseat! And she's got 2 bases! So that makes up my mind about not getting a travel system.

Baby Essentials

2010-03-04T12:44:00.008-06:00

This time around, I've got a baby registry, but it's a little sparse. I've still got stuff from when M was a baby, so I don't need that much. We still have her swing, which is pink and very girly, but I don't really care. He's just going to use it here at home. I just can't see spending $100+ on something he'll use for a couple of months when we have a perfectly good one already. We'll be reusing M's bassinet, bathtub, BeBe Pod, vibrating chair, Boppy (with a new blue cover, of course), and activity mat.
I will be needing a new high chair because M has pretty much destroyed hers. We like this one because it doesn't really stand out. It kinda blends in with our normal decor. And although I like the ones that go in a regular chair, those are a little inconvenient when we have company over for dinner.
While I am determined to make breastfeeding work with this little one, I will eventually have to go back to work, and therefore must have bottles. I used Avent with M, but that was back in the day before they were BPA free, so I chucked them. This time I'm going with The First Years Breastflow Bottles. I'm hoping these will help ease the transitions between breast and bottle.

I also discovered these awesome swaddling blankets by aden + anais a little too late for M, so I have to have them this time. They are very large and a little stretchy, as well as lightweight. So no worrying about baby overheating.

A new car seat is a biggie. M's was pink (of course) and H put it in the attic where it's been for the past 2.5 years, so I wouldn't use it again anyway. I'm kinda diggin' the Little Hoot design on this travel system, but I'm not entirely convinced I need a stroller. Someone convince me! I mean, I plan on doing a lot of baby-wearing while out and about, so I'm hoping not to need a stroller, but what about that one time I really need one? Decisions, decisions....

While I already have a Moby wrap, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have one of these Beco Baby Carriers. They are super cute and seem pretty easy to use.

And of course I need boy clothes, and new burp cloths, and diapers. I really wanted to use cloth diapers, but H pitches a fit whenever I mention them. So I thought about g diapers, but they're kinda pricey and I'd have to have them delivered because there aren't any stores near here that carry them. So I'm probably going to go with disposables, even though the guilt will eat away at me.

30 Weeks

2010-03-04T12:20:00.002-06:00

Our little boy finally has a name...but we're not telling until he's born! Sorry, but isn't it more exciting that way? And for us, there's no one nit-picking the name. When he's born he'll be introduced as "Peter Parker" and that's just who he'll be. No one saying, "Really? Are you sure?" or "I knew a really nerdy guy with that name." At least I hope so. Not that the name we've chosen is going to be ridiculed anyway. It's a nice, normal name. I really just want it to be a surprise.
Hopefully M can control her 3 year old mouth and not tell anyone.

29 Weeks!

2010-02-24T08:23:00.005-06:00

Since someone mentioned to me just how long it had been since I posted anything on my blog, I figured it was about time for an update.

I'm 29 weeks pregnant today! Woo Hoo! Only about 10 more weeks to go! This boy still doesn't have a name, and people are not shy about giving their ideas. It's somewhat annoying. Mainly because we have a potential name picked out and we're not telling. It's not official, so I can't officially say "yes he has a name, but we're not telling." Of course I guess it won't be truly official until we fill out the birth certificate.

I'm feeling pretty good these days. Some days I'm pretty tired, but others are ok. I'm also having a lot of pain in my pelvic region, under my giant belly. It feels kinda like nerve pain, although I wasn't aware that you could get nerve pain there.
I also stopped taking my Prilosec due to the fact that I recently read that it's a pregnancy category C because it caused miscarriages in rabbits. I've been meaning to get some Prevacid since it's only a category B, but I just haven't yet. So I've been having a little reflux which is making it hard to go to sleep since I have to sleep sitting up.

The baby furniture I ordered arrived on Monday. Unfortunately it's still sitting in the garage because the nursery is NOT ready. H hasn't finished cleaning it out yet. He'd better get on it because I can't park my car in the garage right now. And I'm really excited to get the furniture up. I bought the Kendall crib from Pottery Barn Kids, along with the matching dresser and night stand in Espresso finish.

It's a BOY!

2009-12-15T12:42:00.003-06:00

I can hardly believe I'm going to have a boy. I'm freaking out a little. We found out a week ago, and it's still sinking in. I was in total shock. I just knew it was a girl! So did Madeleine. She wanted a baby sister so badly. And I wanted one for her. But she's getting a baby brother now. She keeps asking if her baby sister is gone. It's kinda sad. But I'm getting used to the idea of a little boy. It should be fun. I sometimes feel him moving around in there, like little flutters. I'm 18 weeks and 6 days today.

Now to give him a name....

11 weeks

2009-10-22T09:02:00.002-05:00

I'm 11 weeks and the "morning sickness" has still not gone away. Not that I was expecting it to...I was sick with my first for 16-ish weeks, then I was still sick intermittently after that.

It's not really "morning" sickness, because it's actually worse in the evening. It's bad at work. Zofran really helps, but my stupid insurance will only pay for 6 pills per month. Like I'm not gonna need more than 6 in a month?!?! So until I can get that refilled, I have some Phenergan. The only problem is I can't take it at work because I'll make me sleepy. Tuesday night I took one and it knocked. me. out. Seriously. I took it at 7 and by 8:30 I couldn't hold my eyes open anymore. I slept all night! It was great. Last night it didn't make me so sleepy though, but I'm still afraid to take it at work.

8 weeks 1 day

2009-10-01T12:46:00.001-05:00

Today I'm 8 weeks and 1 day. I thought the nausea/vomiting was getting better a few days ago, but yesterday and today I was proven wrong. I guess those HCG levels are starting to peak. I should've known better than to think it would stop before 8 weeks!

First Doctor Visit

2009-10-01T12:33:00.002-05:00

My first doctor visit was September 24 (last Thursday). It was an incredibly loooooong visit. First I got an ultrasound and saw the baby! I was measuring 7 weeks and 1 day. The little peanut's heart rate was 143. After the u/s, we waited in the waiting room for what seemed like several more hours to see Dr. T. I finally got in, just to get my weight and BP done by the nurse. Then I had to wait in the freezing cold exam room for another good 20 minutes for Dr. T. Luckily she's really cool and it was hard to be mad about the long wait, even though I was STARVING. So she asked all the family history questions, how've you been feeling, and told me the things I'm not supposed to eat. She also gave me prescriptions for Reglan and Zofran (for nausea). Then I had a vaginal culture/abdominal exam. Then I still had to go to the lab. Luckily that didn't take long.

I'll have to get H to scan in the u/s pics. When I showed the pictures to M, she wasn't too impressed. She was looking like, "that's not a baby." Not that I can blame her...it does look like just a little blob.

back to work....

2009-09-18T16:55:00.004-05:00

My 4 days off has come to an end. I'm going back to work tonight. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and there will be no vomiting. I've been nauseous all week and only "gotten sick" twice. I just try to move slowly and not eat too much at once. Both times "the incident" occurred, I had eaten cereal with milk for breakfast. So much for trying to get my fiber in that way. Today I've had 2 Fiber One bars. So far, they haven't worked to cure the constipation that I'm experiencing. I've got one more for my lunch box. Hopefully by morning things will be moving.

Ugh!

2009-09-15T11:07:00.001-05:00

And not even an hour after I posted my last post, I tossed my cookies for the first time this pregnancy. Ugh! I'd hoped I would skip over the vomiting this time.

Sleep

2009-09-15T09:55:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning (Monday) I worked off (meaning I worked all weekend and got of Monday morning). I took M to the babysitter's at 7:45, came home, showered, read a bit, and at 9 I finally went to sleep. I slept from 9 until 2 (5 hours!). I was a little afraid I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. HA HA! I was in bed at 8:30 and slept until 7 this morning! And I still have no energy. This little bean is sucking the life right out of me. I just want to lay in bed all day. I really need to clean the kitchen though. It smells like last night's dinner.

Nausea and Temper Tantrums

2009-09-10T11:44:00.003-05:00

I really wanted to go to Target this morning. I'm looking for decaf Chai, and Wal-Mart didn't have any. I also need some more Sharpie pens (they rock!), and some face wash without salicylic acid. Before we left I was feeling kinda nauseous and a little hungry. I had eaten breakfast this morning, so I drank some water hoping to get me through the trip. I also planned on getting some Jolly Ranchers (they helped with the nausea last time) and saltine crackers.

So when we got to Target, M had the worst temper tantrum she's ever had in public. She was screaming that she wanted to walk, so I got her out of the buggy. Then she'd start screaming that she wanted to ride in the buggy. I stopped the buggy and told her that if she acted like this then we'd have to leave the store and go home. Of course that set her off more and she screamed and screamed the entire way out to the car and the whole way home. I talked to her after we got home, and she said that she'd behave if we went back. We haven't made it out again, but I'm hoping she'll be better since she's eaten lunch. And my nausea's a little better since I've eaten lunch too. Hopefully it'll stay away.

I'm So Excited!!!!!!

2009-09-08T11:17:00.002-05:00

Let the countdown begin 'till my first appointment! I'm going Thursday, September 24 at 10:30. I wasn't expecting to get in that early. The receptionist said Dr. T likes to see people around 7 weeks. Actually I told the her that I was about 4 or 5 weeks along, which isn't a total lie, just a little exaggeration. I must be around 4 weeks and a couple of days. So I probably won't be quite 7 weeks when I go, but whatever.

I'm keeping this pregnancy somewhat secret for a little while. We're planning on telling our families on Halloween, since they'll all be over. I'm going to find Madeleine a t-shirt that says "big sister to be" or something. We'll see if they get it.

IDK when I'll tell all my friends at work. Maybe 'till after my first appointment. I already told my BFF Brittney. She's actually the very first person I told because H was asleep, and I had to tell someone. Last time I planned on keeping it a secret, I just couldn't hold it in. I don't know if I will be able to this time either. I wonder how long it'll take people to guess. Amy may ask, since we were talking about it last Thursday. I told her that it was possible. I don't wanna lie to her, but I don't want to tell her either. And it may be obvious if I change my tshirt order from medium to large in order to accommodate a large baby bump. No one will probably pay attention to that except Melissa, but she's oblivious to most things. Britt and I have to be careful not to talk about it around other people. I'm sure it won't be too long before I start vomiting, so that'll probably give it away.

Have I mentioned how excited I am?!?!?!?!?!?!

New Little Pickle on the way!

2009-09-07T22:06:00.002-05:00

I'M PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can hardly believe it. I mean, I've suspected it for a few days now. I've been super sensitive to smells, and unfortunately have been dealing with the dreaded constipation. Yuck.

Tentative due date is May 16, 2010. It seems so far away, yet so close! I've got tons of stuff to do! We have to clean out the room that's currently the office/junk room, so we have room for this new baby. That's the biggie. We also have to get furniture, car seats, start buying diapers, OMG!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited to be doing all of this again.

I remember how nervous I was the first time about all of the weird aches and pains, and I thought I wouldn't be that way again. I was wrong. Not that I've had many, but I'm still just very nervous.

I'm off to get some sleep. I hope to be able to keep up with blogging during this pregnancy so that I have a record of it. And if anyone knows of an awesome pregnancy journal, let me know!

My Baby Girl

2009-07-22T18:55:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to share a photo of my beautiful baby girl. I love her so much and am so proud to have her for a daughter. She makes me crazy some days, but when she says "I wuv you, Mommy" it's all worth it.

PB&J

2009-07-14T15:31:00.003-05:00

I've always liked peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but I've been eating them a lot more lately. I use Smuckers Organic natural smooth peanut butter and Smuckers Simply Fruit Concord Grape jelly. I buy other flavors of jelly occasionally, but typically just grape. Eaten on Nature's Own Whole Wheat bread with a tall glass of milk, this is the lunch of champions. How do you eat your PB&J?

True Blood

2009-06-03T22:46:00.002-05:00

Get your TiVo's ready! Season 2 of True Blood is coming to HBO on June 14! I'm currently reading the 4th book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. The books are awesome. If you've read the books and are thinking of watching the TV adaptation, just beware that some things are different. Like Tara. Tara's character is completely different. In the books she doesn't even show up until the second book. And in Season 1 Bill killed that other vamp and got in trouble and had to make another vampire as his punishment. In the book Eric killed that other vamp and nothing happened to him.
Regardless of all the differences, I'm still estatic about the start of the new season.

Wrinkles

2009-05-29T14:41:00.003-05:00

Lately, I've been becoming more concerned about aging. Well, not necessarily getting older, but looking old. So I've started wearing foundation with SPF 20 (Korres Wild Rose Foundation). I'm also using Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation in the morning and Invigorating Night Gel before bed. I don't have any fine lines or wrinkles, so hopefully using this will help prevent any. I've just seen so many of my friends and coworkers (some younger than I) who have crows feet already. I'm sure it's due to all the sun worshiping they do in the summer. I used to get excited for summertime, laying out, and getting tanned. Now I'm slathering on the SPF! Just wait, one day they're gonna be 35 and look 45, but I'm gonna be 35 and look 25 (well, okay, maybe not 25, but no older than 35)!

Two Weeks Down...

2009-04-29T11:26:00.002-05:00

So it's been 2 weeks and 2 days since we started the Sugarbusters! lifestyle. The first week I lost 3.6 lbs. The second week I lost absolutely nothing! WTF! I guess it's because of all of the no sugar added ice cream, all the fruit, and a little too much couscous and whole wheat bread. You'd think with all of the cookie cake and brownies at work that I DIDN'T eat, I'd have lost SOMETHING! Oh well...I guess last week was a lesson to us. This week we'll do better. We email each other every night (theoretically) everything we ate that day, but sometimes it's hard to remember. I've ordered us some food journals, so we have no excuse for forgetting what we've eaten.

Now we just need to fit in some exercise....

I'm Back!

2009-04-14T11:32:00.002-05:00

Wow, it's been 4 months since I last blogged! I'll try to do better. Seriously.

So my BFF, B, and I are doing the Sugarbusters! thing. Yesterday was day one. It went well, I think. H is doing it too, but he's not doing food journaling like B and I are, and he's also eating bad things "in moderation" (his words). In addition to eating well, we're also attempting to exercise 3 times a week. I think that's going to be harder than the eating well. B and I are going full force at this and by the beginning of the new year, I plan to be at my goal weight of 130 lbs. Wish me luck!

A Ruined Dinner...

2008-12-19T13:54:00.002-06:00

Remember how yesterday I said I should've put the roast in a smaller crock pot? Well, I really should have. Really. I BURNT IT! In the crock pot! Maybe if it had been in the smaller pot, the liquid would have been deeper. Or maybe I should have added some water to it. Or maybe I should have taken it out earlier. *sigh* I guess that's what happens when I try to cook on no sleep. H ate some of it anyway. Yuck. Not me. Chick-Fil-A got my business last night.

Today the plan is cream of wild rice soup. Wish me luck with that one. It's not in the crock pot, so maybe I'll be okay.

I Need Some Motivation...

2008-12-18T12:25:00.004-06:00

I am so tired, so if this makes no sense whatsoever, just ignore me. I worked last night, but not the night before, so it's been a while since I've had any good sleep. I did just get an hour and a half of semi-sleep while I let M run around the bedroom. Now she's enjoying her lunch of chicken and lima beans (her favorite).

I've done a load of dishes in the dishwasher and a load of laundry (just have to fold them now) today. And I have a barbecue roast in the crock pot for dinner. (I think I should have put it in the smaller pot.) I've also showered. I'd say I'm doin' pretty good for noon! I planned on doing some major cleaning today, but so far I'm not motivated. Maybe some Christmas music will help.

I've got to finish up my Christmas shopping. I'll probably do that tomorrow.

I just remembered that we have to go to my sister-in-law's pinning for nursing school. Oh, I remember mine like it was just yesterday. I'm so proud of her for finishing. I mean, yeah, I finished no problem, but I also didn't have 2 kids and a husband who's gone for a week at a time. I don't think I could have done it in her situation. Congratulations, Adriana!

Ok, off to get motivated. This house isn't going to clean itself. Oh boy, wouldn't that be nice if it did?

My Name Is Pink Pickles...and I'm Obsessed with Twilight

2008-11-05T14:23:00.003-06:00

The first time I saw the book Twilight (by Stephenie Meyer) I was in Target with my friend Stephanie after our book club meeting. We were looking for our next book (which happened to be a Karen Kingsbury book, if you just have to know), but didn't find it there. Twilight caught my eye...it's quite eye-catching. I picked it up, flipped it over, and read the words "Edward was a vampire" and I put it down, thinking "I don't like vampires."

Fast forward several months and I keep hearing about these fabulous books everywhere. So I decide to try them. O.M.G. I could not put them down. I read the first one in a weekend, and on my way home from work Monday morning, I picked up the next 3 and read them that week. I've already read Twilight twice...it happened to be my favorite. I'll probably read it again before I go see the movie. I also read Midnight Sun, the partial draft that SM posted on her website. She is not planning to publish it because some dumb butt leaked it. Arghhhhh!

Stephenie Meyer, if you're reading this (LOL) PLEASE reconsider. There are gobs and gobs and GOBS of people who would be ecstatic if you published it.

Tickets to the movie are on sale now, and there's going to be a midnight showing, so if any of my peeps wanna go see it with me, give me a holla!

A Little Bit of Nothin'

2008-10-30T08:46:00.005-05:00

I just felt like I should post something, so this is just a little bit of nothin'. I've been awake for 24.5 hours (and counting...it's only 9 am), so if something doesn't make sense, that's why. Okay, technically I did get an almost 2 hour nap yesterday afternoon, but whatever, I'm still tired.

I worked last night so that I could be off on Halloween. I'm having a bit of a "party" a.k.a. gathering of family, here on Friday. So today I'm planning on cleaning house. Actually, H did a pretty good job last night. He moved all of my ribbon and hair bow making supplies off of the bar. That made a huge difference.

Our living room is fairly clean, save for a few magazines and a lot of M's clutter (toys, blankets, colors, coloring books, etc). I really need to do some cleaning of the couch and chairs. They look like we have a toddler sitting in them spilling stuff. Imagine that. I also need to clean the french door windows. They have pint-sized hand prints on them.

Tomorrow, I'm decorating M's wagon. We're pulling her and "A" (our neighbor's daughter) in it for trick-or-treating. I've got some black tulle and silver tinsel with stars that a girl at work gave me to use. It's gonna be cute!

I'm making chicken tortilla soup for tomorrow. We're also having hamburgers and hot dogs because I come from a family of finicky eaters. My dad and grandpa would probably not touch that soup with a 10-foot pole. I'm also making hot apple cider and caramel apples. Yum-O.

Anyway, enough of my incessant rambling. 'Till next time...

Damsel In Distress

2008-10-15T14:25:00.003-05:00

Today I took M to get her flu shot. We were in the office for about 35 minutes total. When we got back to the car, IT WOULDN'T START. ?!?!? My battery was dead. The car made a little ticking noise when I attempted to start it. So I called H, a little panicked. He gave me the number to the Allstate Emergency Assistance (I had a card with the number, but wasn't thinking at the time). So I gave them a ring, and they sent a tow truck out to jump start my car. About 40 minutes later, a scruffy looking man (what other kind of man would be driving a tow truck?) showed up and had my car started in about 2.5 seconds. Then he was getting all of my information and this is the conversation that ensued:

Scruffy: Do you have WIC for you and the baby?

Me: looking confused What?

Scruffy: Do you have WIC for you and the baby?

Me: still looking confused No.

Scruffy: Do you know what it is?

Me: bumfuzzeled by this time Yeah.

Scruffy: Sorry I don't mean to be nosy.

Seriously, what kind of question is that to ask a stranger? Do I look like I can't afford to feed my baby? Do I look incompetent of holding a good-paying job? I was actually looking pretty good today...jeans, black Banana Republic tee shirt, black espadrille wedges, full makeup (even mascara and lipstick) and a moderately-sized rock on my left ring finger. And my car, although dirty, is not even 3 years old.

Anyway, I went on my way, thankful that the scruffy, nosy man helped me out, and stopped at Pep Boys because Scruffy said that an auto store like that should be able to check my starter system (whatever that is) for free. I got M out of the car and left it running for fear that it would die if I turned it off. I asked the girl at the front register and she sent me to the service department. So I told the old man (mid to late 50's, I'd guess) my story about how my battery had died and I got someone to come jump it off and I wanted someone to check it real quick. He said he could, but it'd be a while. When I asked how long, he said about an hour. AN HOUR! I just spent 30 minutes waiting on a flu shot, 40 more on a jump start, and he wants me to wait another HOUR with a hungry, tired toddler?!? I told him that the car was still running in the parking lot, and he quickly interrupted with "We can't look at it in the parking lot. You have to bring it around back." I sighed, said thanks, and turned around and walked out. Whatever happened to helping out a damsel in distress?

So, now I'm home and my car won't start. I hope I don't have an emergency before H gets home with a new battery.

The Fever

2008-10-01T10:14:00.002-05:00

I've had it for a while, but it's real bad now.

Baby Fever.

I visited a friend in the hospital last night who had just given birth, and I am SO itchy to do that again! To have another sweet tiny little person so dependent on me. To experience that new bond with another being I will spend forever loving. To give my sweet little girl a baby sister (or brother)...a best friend.

Okay, I'm getting all weepy now, so I'd better stop.

New Music

2008-08-27T09:29:00.002-05:00

As I was making my daily rounds on the MySpace, I noticed that my sister is now friends with "Frank Foster." Frank is a guy we went to high school with. (OT, I feel horrible about leaving that last sentence ending in a preposition, but I don't feel like fixing it.) So, I clicked on his picture, and it's a music page...you know, like the kind of page that bands and musicians have on myspace. No freakin' way! Little Frank is a singer! As the music began to play, I was like "that's not Frank! He must be playing the guitar or something." But sure enough, he sings, plays the guitar, and writes music! And it sounds great (for country music...LOL)! Anyway, check out his page and help him get famous!

The Witching Hour--Conclusion spoiler alert

2008-08-22T12:59:00.003-05:00

I finally finished this über-long book. Okay, so I finished it last weekend, but I'm just now getting around to updating y'all on it.

I liked it. I actually did.

Seriously.

I didn't really like the way it ended (Lasher becoming "human," running off with Rowan to Europe, and Michael left pondering why she left him). But I guess it leaves room for the next book, Lasher.

I thought I may like to read the next installment in the Lives of the Mayfair Witches series, but after reading reviews on it, I'm not sure. It seems many people like the first one, but the second and third just don't measure up.

So now I'm reading The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I hear it's a lot different from the movie. I could lie and say I watched the movie, but I won't. Actually, it wouldn't be a total lie. I did attempt to watch it, but as usual I fell asleep about mid-way through.

The Witching Hour: Update

2008-07-24T20:12:00.002-05:00

So, I'm nearly halfway into The Witching Hour, and it's not nearly as frightening as I was expecting it to be. The only part so far that's sent chills down my spine is when Rowan is home alone in the middle of the night, and she wakes up with a feeling that someone is in her house. She goes looking for whoever it is (first mistake...I'd never leave the comfort of my bed), and sees Lasher (a spirit, but to her he's just a strange man) outside, looking in the window at her. Of course you're probably thinking that I'm silly, but that kind of stuff freaks me out.

It's been a really good read so far. The consensual incest (yeah, that's what I said) is a bit disturbing, but other than that, I'm enjoying it.

The Witching Hour

2008-07-01T20:02:00.002-05:00

That's the title of the book we're reading in our book club this month. It's an older book (1990) by Anne Rice...the first in the Mayfair Witches series. I was a little apprehensive at first about reading an Anne Rice novel. I mean, witches and vampires aren't really my thing. I'd rather read some chick lit or something. But I'm going to be a good sport about it and read the book. H picked it up last Friday at Books-A-Million for me. I took it to work and started on it. It starts out just a little freaky. The worst of it is the anticipation of being scared. I've never read one of her books before, so I'm not sure if they're "scary" or not. I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat, ya know. I hate horror movies, and I really hate serial killer/murder movies. Needless to say, I don't read books like that either. Yesterday I bought a couple of other non-scary books just in case I get too scared and need something to read to take my mind off of the witches.

PMS, temper tantrums, and BFNs

2008-06-10T19:30:00.004-05:00

So I just realized that I only had one blog post for the entire month of May. Not that I didn't realize that I wasn't blogging much, but I thought I was doing better than that. So this post is just a filler really. Just some major rambling.

I've been PMSing today...just ask H. I've been so witchy all day. H, if you're reading this, I'm sorry. :)

M has been kinda witchy herself today. Temper tantrums worse than ever. I wouldn't let her have my Coke today at Counter Culture, and she wouldn't stop crying, so we had to leave. She's had her bath and is currently in bed...but not asleep. Poor thing is crying. :( I never thought I'd be one for "cry it out," but sometimes that's all that works. Eventually she'll sleep. Last night she woke up crying around 12:30, so I got her and brought her in the bed with us, and that's where she slept. She hasn't slept with us since she was a tiny baby. She's always to hyped up to sleep when I bring her to our bed. I usually wish she *would* sleep with us...sometimes I just want to cuddle with her. But not always. I'm lucky that she'll sleep in her crib, and I hope that letting her sleep in our bed every now and then doesn't ruin it.

Maybe some of you are wondering if I'm knocked up yet. Well, no, not yet. I did test the other day, just because it was day 27 of a "who knows how many days" cycle. It said "not pregnant." I know that it'll happen when the time is right, but I'm really wishing for that big preggo belly (instead of the big fat one I have now), feeling the movements of someone so tiny and dependent, being able to park in the expectant mothers space at Brookshires. Heck, I even wish for the nausea and vomiting!

Anyway, we're about to watch The Other Boleyn Girl now. Until next time...

Oh, and she's asleep now. :)

Old Greg

2008-05-26T08:50:00.002-05:00

It's Old Greg mania in the NICU. Our favorite charge nurse, P, introduced us to Old Greg. It's not for everyone. H thinks it's totally stupid. And to be honest, I probably would have too, if I hadn't watched it with P. She laughed and laughed and laughed. So I couldn't help it. Now I love it! And everyone else there (that matters) loves it too. Last night people had the script and were entertaining us with their fabulous rendition of Howard's encounter with Old Greg. L's British accent was great, and M was totally rockin' the Old Greg voice. It's kinda scary how good he was. Anyway, take a look at the video!

Goin' to the Gym--Pt. 2

2008-04-30T11:05:00.002-05:00

M was up early this morning, so we ate breakfast, got dressed, and headed to the gym. The girl at the front desk was going over all of the prices with me, and then came out with a special deal for summer: no initial fee and a discounted rate for 3 months. So over 3 months, I'd save $96. Sweet deal! The only catch is that it doesn't start until May 15. So my quest to get skinny is put on the back burner for another 2 weeks. I did go to the dreaded WalMart to get some workout clothes (you know, to pump myself up) and came back home to try out my pilates DVD. HA! Maybe I should get a little more fit before I try that again.

Goin' to the Gym

2008-04-29T13:31:00.003-05:00

I'm fat. A big ol' blob. I feel so gross. So I'm finally going to do something about it. I'm going to join the gym. Too bad that's not all I have to do to get skinny. I actually have to go to the gym and work out. I'm supposed to go today with L to "try it out," but M and I had a busy morning and she's just now taking a nap and will likely still be asleep by the time I'm supposed to be there, so maybe another day. Maybe tomorrow morning I'll go and sign up. I'm not sure how long that'll take. I wonder if they do fitness tests or measure your BMI and body fat and all that jazz? Oh the horror! I really want to do some kind of class...maybe aerobics or spinning or pilates. I really like pilates, but I haven't done it in years...since I was actually skinny and in shape.

Now I'm going to go load my iPod with some workout tunes.

M's Spring Photos

2008-04-16T11:00:00.004-05:00

It's been quite a while since I posted a blog, so forgive me. Give me a break...I'm a busy mom!

So on Thursday, April 3, M got her spring photos done. My good friend LM (*waving wildly if you're out there!*) met us at my alma mater, Centenary College, to begin the shoot. I was afraid M wouldn't cooperate because isn't that just how kids are? It only took her a few minutes to warm up to LM (she's so good with kids), and after a few chicken nuggets and some apple juice, she was ready to roll. The pics in the green smocked ladybug dress were taken at CC, and the ones in the black and white dress with pink bows were shot at Norton Art Gallery where the azaleas were in full bloom.

We're doing another photo shoot next week for birthday pictures. Yeah, I know her birthday was in February, but April is just such a nice month for pictures. :)

Building a Fence

2008-03-26T17:08:00.002-05:00

It's tax refund time, and we've decided to use our big chunk of change to build a privacy fence. Our neighbors built their fence last year, so after assisting with one, building one should be a piece of cake, right?

Not so much....

Actually H and my dad are building our fence and my sister's fence. H is on spring break, so they have lots of time. Daddy got here around 8 this morning, and the dynamic duo headed to S's to measure her lot and then to The Home Depot to rent the equipment. S and I (and M of course) went to the grocery store. When we made it back home at 10:30, they had just gotten back with the equipment (big machine to dig holes with, and machine to mix cement with). They lollygagged around for a while before going to Lowe's to buy the lumber, etc for S's fence. It was about 4:00 before they even started digging the holes. Mind you, they only have these machines for 24 hours. They may need to get some spotlights so they can actually finish on time.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T15:55:00.005-05:00

It's Easter Sunday and I have to work. :( I didn't think it'd be that big of a deal because I didn't think M would be able to hunt for Easter eggs this year. But I was wrong. She did hunt for Easter eggs at great grandma's house. And I missed it. Oh what a bad mommy! At least H got some pics of her.

Here she is with her Mamaw and Papaw

It was a little cool, so she had to wear a sweater over her cute dress.

Little Miss Big Stuff

2008-03-18T21:44:00.003-05:00

Well, M is finally walking. Wednesday she was walking small distances from one person to another. Thursday she walked a little farther. Friday when I got her out of her crib, I put her down and she walked to Britt (she was there to babysit). Saturday she walked all day. And she's been walking ever since.

Picky Toddler

2008-03-13T13:49:00.002-05:00

So I've been visiting this website called wholesometoddlerfood.com. It gets me so excited about making good, healthy food for M. Last night I picked a few recipes and made my grocery list. This morning we got dressed, ate breakfast, played for a few minutes, then headed to Wal-Mart. Typically, I refuse to go to Wal-Mart unless it's before 8 am, but I was trying to be frugal (LOL). Our trip ran into M's naptime a little, but she didn't mind. At 11 when we returned home, I put her to sleep, lollygagged around, and began on her wholesome lunch. Chicken Potato Chowder. Yum-o. When she woke up from her nap, I let her play around for a while. She saw me put the bowl of chowder on the table, and looked like she wanted it. She took ONE BITE and made a face, SPIT IT OUT, and refused to eat anymore. She stuck her hands in the bowl a few times and licked her fingers, but that was it. I wouldn't care so much that she didn't eat any if I hadn't actually made it myself. Doesn't she know how hard I worked on that? LOL.

Maybe she'll eat the tofu nuggets that I make tomorrow.

MTV Cribs - NICU

2008-03-12T19:59:00.001-05:00

OMG! This is the funniest thing I've seen in a while. You probably have to be a NICU nurse to get it, but boy oh boy is it funny!

The New Results...

2008-03-11T09:55:00.002-05:00

Not Pregnant. I should have stopped at Starbucks on my way home.

The Results...

2008-03-11T07:49:00.005-05:00

So, I'm sitting on the pot, trying to pee on this darn stick, and I stop midstream, checking the stick. It's still dry. I've just woken up, mind you, and my vision is still blurry. I have problems with depth perception anyway, so being newly awake just compounds that problem. Part of me said, just put it away and try later. It's still dry, so no harm done. I didn't listen. So I try again, because I still have pee left. I managed to hit the stick, but I don't know if it was under the stream for the 5 seconds that it was supposed to be there. I put the cap back on and sat it on the back of the toilet. I waited. Not for the 3 minutes, because I'm impatient and can't wait that long (AEB my taking this stupid test anyway). As I peered over to the results screen, I saw what didn't look like words on the screen. Instead, there's a picture of a little book and an arrow. I grab the instructions and find the little picture next to the words "book error." Book error?!?!? WTF?! Apparently this means there is either too much or too little pee on the stick. Damn! I knew I should have stopped while it was still dry. In all my years of taking these darn tests, I have NEVER gotten an error. NEVER. Is this a sign? A sign that I shouldn't take a test yet? Or a sign that I should just pee in a darn cup and test that way.

So, after I dress the rugrat, we'll be heading to the nearest retailer of HPTs.

POAS (Pee On A Stick)

2008-03-10T21:41:00.004-05:00

So I bought a pregnancy test today. Not that I really *think* I'm pregnant, but just to be sure...you know. I was going to go this morning after I got off work, but when I went to pick up M, she was dressed in her pj's, and I didn't want to take her to Wal-Mart in her pj's, especially in the rain...to get a pregnancy test. The checker girl would probably think it was a crisis situation.

Anyway, when H got home we had to go get *dog* some food. Along with a few other things from Target. So I picked up a HPT then. I wasn't going to tell him that I was going to POAS, but since he was there, I did. No biggie. I'm waiting until morning to do it though...when he's at work. If it happens to be a BFP, I'll have a little time to think about how I'll break the news. I'm thinking I'll just take a pic of it with my BlackBerry and send it to him in a message. Of course, H rarely checks his messages anyway, so I doubt he'll even get it. I got the kind of test that says "pregnant" or "not pregnant," so if he does get the message he won't be confused. Of course if it's a BFN, I'll just silently mourn, while pretending that I didn't really want to be pregnant now anyway, and act nonchalant about it when he asks.

Really we aren't *trying* to get preggo, but we're not *not trying* either. KWIM? I have PCOS, so I typically have about 4 cycles per year (not on the pill), but since December, I've actually had *short* cycles--like 23-26 days. Today is day 26 of my cycle. Maybe giving birth straightened some things out down there in the reproductive region. So I'm just leaving it up to God. Personally I think we should wait a little while longer, but part of me really wants to be pregnant NOW. And I know that God has a perfect timetable, so I'm just going to go with it.

Blogging

2008-03-10T15:19:00.000-05:00

So, I've decided to start writing a blog. I'm not really sure how it's going to work out though. What will I write about? Will anyone read it? Will I have time to write on a consistent basis? We'll see. I'm thinking I'd like to write about my life as a mom. How boring is that? Or maybe it'll just be a mush pot of all my thoughts. Or maybe I'll blog my next pregnancy...whenever that may be. I had to think of a name for my blog before I began. I wanted something original. I like pink. And I like pickles. M (my 12.5 month old daughter) likes pickles also. So Pink Pickles it is.

Oops, the husband (H) is home. Gotta run.