Waiting for Elijah

Valentine's Day!

2012-01-25T07:28:00.002-08:00

I must admit, I get way more excited about Valentine's Day now that I have a kid. I love having a reason to send out Valentine cards and make goodies to send to his daycare class!

Speaking of cards, I know I want to order some for Eli but Tiny Prints has this card that makes me laugh. This would be something that Dale would appreciate getting!

http://www.tinyprints.com/greeting/product/32166/valentines_day_cards_i_like_you.html

I love Tiny Prints. I think I have ordered Christmas cards from them for the past 2-3 years. They have great quality cards for affordable prices! They are giving away 50 classroom Valentine's Day cards to bloggers that post about their V-day Cards! How cool is that?

Click on the link below to be taken straight to their card selection. It's not too late to buy cute Valentine's Day cards!

http://www.tinyprints.com/tiny-prints-valentines-day-cards.htm

Other cool ways to stay in touch with Tiny Prints
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/TinyPrints
On Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tinyprints
On Pinterest (gosh, I love this site):http://pinterest.com/tiny_prints/

Are you ordering Valentine's Day cards this year???? If you are, you better send me one! :)

2012-01-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

Somewhere between here and there I know have an almost 1 1/2 year old. The strangest thing happens when you have children. You finally, for the first time, start living for someone other than yourself. You have to throw your selfish desires away because you don't really have a choice anymore. Fortunately, I am okay with this. Unfortunately, it has left me with very little free time to blog.

Suffice it to say that I am SO incredibly, unbelievably happy God trusted me to be a mom to Eli. I would be straight up lying if I told you I don't have bad days, that I never wonder what it would be like without him, that I never wish for a break- I do think those things. Sometimes often. But I would also be lying if I never told you that this sweet, handsome little person has taught me more about myself and life and love and patience and giving in the past 17 months than I ever thought was possible.

He's pretty rad and I love him a whole lot.

Merry Christmas a month late!

Time flies...

2011-11-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

I admit, I am bad at blogging. Must do better. Must do better.

Eli is 14 1/2 months old! I don't want to forget what he is doing at this point in his life so read on for some fun stuff.

-He loves books now. This is a recent change as a couple weeks ago, the kid couldn't care less. He will grab a book and bring it to us, want to sit in our lap and go through it. Now his attention span is still about 30 seconds but it is slowly getting better.
-Loves playing with Molly. She will even get a little rough with him and he cracks up.
-His favorite part of the day is when his socks and shoes come off when we get home from daycare. He is hilarious. He takes after his daddy and has sweaty feet so I think he likes "feeling free" if you will.
-He is a good sleeper and eater. Sleeping through the night- still going down before 7 each night beacuse he is NOT a napper. I'm over that battle so it is what it is. He sleeps well at night- I'll take it. He loves most foods. He isn't a big meat eater, which is weird to us but he'll at least always try stuff.
-No more milk problems which is great. He is completely on organic whole milk (yes, I am that mom that gives organic because the hormones in milk freak me out). I think it just took him a solid 2 months to get used to it.
-My reflux spitter-upper is CURED. No more spit up. I don't know if I ever thought I'd see the day that we wouldn't need a bib or burp cloth but we are there, FINALLY.
-He loves to play outside. He would be out there all day if we let him. He has some cars and outside toys he likes to play with so he, for the most part, occupies himself when he is outside which is nice. He's still too young to get the playground idea or do much climbing but he'll love that when he is big enough too.
-He babbles constantly. He doesn't have many words yet but he is always making noise. I think within the next couple of months his vocabulary will get a lot better.

Ok. I am sure there is more. Must do better. :)

Eli is ONE

2011-09-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

How does time go so fast? HOW?

Dear Eli-

Today you turn one. I made Daddy take a picture of you asleep before you woke up this morning so we could have the moment captured forever. I sent you to daycare in your "It's my birthday shirt" with matching "birthday boy" bib. I didn't use to be this way. I am usually not this sentimental. Maybe I should say, I wasn't this sentimental before I had you. But you've changed me. In so many wonderful ways. And you challenge me- to become a better mommy, a better wife, a better friend...

I really don't remember what life was like without you in it. Which is okay because you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love watching you grow, take steps, feed yourself, play with Molly and enjoy life so much. I can't wait to watch you grow up into a wonderful young man. You are a true joy in my life and I love you SO much.

Now please don't start those toddler tantrums too early, okay?

Love,
Mommy

AHhhhhhhhhhh 11 month old.

2011-08-10T18:48:00.001-07:00

I have an 11 month old. That's one month away from a year. Someone hold me.

At 11 months Eli is:
-sleeping through the night still and we have officially gotten rid of the sound machine.
-No new teeth this month which has been good for routine.
-Eating well. Breakfast, lunch and snack at daycare and dinner at home. He likes food and it's been an easy transition.
-Still in 12-18 month clothes. He will be in 2T soon though. The kid is big.
-His balance has gotten better but he still isn't walking.
- Has officially started tantrums where we take away something he can't have and he launches into screaming fit mode. At first it scared me, now I laugh.
- Size 4 diapers still and size 4 shoe.
-Takes 4 bottles a day still but we have started the switch to milk. In a couple weeks, he will be off formula! This is nice.

Eli had a great summer staying home with daddy 3 days a week. He had trips to both grandparents houses and the aquarium. If I was a good mother, I would post pictures from that but I haven't uploaded them yet.

Soon....

The next post will be ONE YEAR.

Holy 10 Months Old!

2011-07-04T16:51:00.001-07:00

How did this happen? I really can't believe how fast time flies. It will be a year in no time!

At 10 months:
-consistently still sleeping through the night
-4 teeth on the bottom and 4 on the top. This changes pretty much weekly as another tooth will pop through.
-Eats all solid food now and no more purees... even at daycare! I like this but it is also harder because I have to pay more attention to what we are eating and what he can and can't have. We'll get the hang of it eventually.
-LOVES cheerios and goldfish crackers. Eats sweet potato fries, rice with peas and carrots, graham crackers and cheese are favorites. And ALL fruit. He loves fruit.
-In all 12 month clothing. Some 18months already.
-Has taken a few steps here and there and I am sure he will be walking by a year.
- Is in a whiny phase. Wants to be held a lot but still plays independently a lot too.
- Size 4 diapers still and size 4 shoe.
-Loves to be out and about and to ride in the carseat. This is nice!
-Loves to people watch.
-Takes 4 bottles a day still. I know he isn't ready to go down to 3 or he will wake up overnight to eat.
-Mastered the sippy with water. He has never had juice and I want to keep it that way for as long as possible.
-Loves to play with the dog. They give each other kisses and he grabs her tail. Molly does great with him.
-He babbling and talking pretty much constantly. It's not real words but he is always saying or squealing something.
-He has been in the pool a couple times this summer. He tolerates it for a few minutes but it's definitely not his favorite. :( We will keep trying, maybe it will grow on him.

I love this kid!

9 Months Old

2011-06-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

Good lord time is flying by and I can barely keep up. Eli is now OVER 9 months.

Sweet Jesus.

At 9 Months:
-26 11 ounces (98th percentile), 29 1/2 inches long (87 percentile!)
- Takes 28oz (4 bottles a day)
-3'ish meals a day
-Eats puffs, baby food, ground turkey, peaches, oranges, green beans, rice, carrots, peas. A lot of stuff!
-Has 4 teeth... and at least 2 more popping through the top. He pretty much gets fussy and refuses to eat for 1-2days and we know he is teething but we can't see anything. Go to sleep and the next morning, he has a new tooth or two!
-Most of the time, sleeps through the night. Thank you Jesus!
-Loves to MOVE. It not okay sitting still- true boy. Pulls up on everything!
-He has no favorite toy or favorite thing to look at on television because nothing holds his attention more than 15 seconds!!!
-Crawling all over the place!! Non stop.
-Can pull up on things like a couch and hold himself up for several seconds
-Loves to play with Molly and give her kisses.
-Will smack his lips back at you when he eats
-Can wave now!
-Mumbles words very close to "dada" but I am not sure he really gets it yet. But it sounds close!!
-Uses the sippy and actually gets stuff out of it

I want to post some pictures but it won't let me! Bah. I'll try again later.

8 Month Breakthrough

2011-05-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

It appears that 8 months is going to be a huge developmental month for Eli.

Just this month alone he has:
Mastered the sippy
Started crawling
Started pulling up
Had to have his bed lowered
SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT (can I get an amen?)

Here he is going straight for the dog's food:

We took his 8 month shots but they are on the computer at home so I will update later. I feel like my baby is a little boy! Growing up so fast.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest and say I didn't really expect to care about this day much. I am sentimental but I think I was holding myself back from feeling the true feeling of how amazing it is to be a mother. Eli "made" me some art with his handprint at daycare Friday and I cried in the car looking at it. I love that sweet boy so, so much.

Dear Eli,

Today is my first Mother's Day. I cannot even being to express to you how wonderful being a mother is. These past 8 months have been the most rewarding 8 months of my life. I want you to know that I love you so much and I am so blessed to be able to call you my sin. I pray that you can grow up to be a happy, healthy little boy and eventual man and one day a father that gets to enjoy the rewards of parenting that we are enjoying so much now. You are absolutely precious to me and I thank God for you every day.

Thank you for making me a mom sweet boy. I love you.

Mother of the Year

2011-05-06T16:56:00.001-07:00

... I am not. Eli was 8 months old on Monday. We have yet to take pictures. We are just so freakin busy and Eli goes to bed at like 6:30 lately and there just isn't time! But I will update with some fun facts about 8 months!

-FINALLY regularly sleeping through the night. This is amazing! I feel refreshed and just better overall about this.
-around 25lbs... STILL a big boy
-eats 4 times a day, 7oz at a time
-Loves to drink water out of a sippy cup. We finally found one that works well for him!
-eating solids well. 2 meals a day and a snack. Has tried rice, chicken, peas, carrots, sweet potato fries and bananas (real food)
-almost crawling. He is scooting everywhere and crawls for about 2 steps before he falls on his tummy and scoots. he will be there soon.
-Babbling a lot more
-Has started to hold his bottle on his own
-Moves ALL over the crib at night. I need to get some good pictures because they are hilarious
-can have a little bit of separation anxiety depending on his mood and the day.
-Loves when we sing "Old McDonald" and "Pattycake". I need to learn more to up my song repertoire. Those two get old fast haha.

I promise pictures soon!

Working Mom!

2011-04-28T06:39:00.001-07:00

Goooood morning!

PDXMomma does a Working Mom guest post each week and yours truly is up for today! Check it out if you want to go going here.

It was so fun to write out everything! Thanks for the opportunity!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that Eli's allergies are in full force, we had a pretty good Easter. My family met us in Hattiesburg and we went to church this morning and then Dale's parents came over after church and we all ate together at the house. It was nice to not have to travel anywhere but exhausting playing hostess and mommy but it went well!

Of course, I barely took any pictures but we got some cute ones in between the snot and drool. Don't think we took any as a family. Sigh. I've got to get better at that.

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7 Months!

2011-04-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Clearly you can see he is 7 months and 1 week old today. Yeah, we're busy ha. here is what Eli is up to this month:

-Had to officially remove bumpers from the crib because some decided he likes to play in the crib and not sleep
-Suddenly loves to sleep on his tummy. He NEVER used to sleep on his stomach. We just woke up one morning and there he was. Now he is like that 95% of the time.
-Still not consistently sleeping through the night but we dreamfeed around 10 and he usually makes it until 3 or 4 and I just give him paci. He doesn't eat in the middle of the night anymore which is an improvement so I'll take it!
-Pretty much all in 9 or 12 month clothing.
-Still loves bath time but now he sits up in the tub and plays with toys and splashes water.
-Loves when daddy sings Old McDonald and when mommy sings patty cake.
-NEVER SITS STILL. He still isn't crawling but he is seriously frustrated with his lack of mobility. He's pushing off of everything and pulls up so I feel like we are close.
-Eats 2 meals a day. We need to go to 3 but it's so hard to fit it in during the work week. He eats purees at daycare and puffs to snack on (LOVES these). At home we try to introduce tabled food. He's had bananas, peas, rice, carrots, pasta, chicken, ground turkey and beef. He seems to like most things.

I know I am forgetting things. Oh well. Here are some cute pics.

Laughing with Dad!

2011-04-04T16:02:00.001-07:00

Just precious. Love them!

Zoo!

2011-04-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

We took Eli to the zoo today. It was the zoo's birthday so there was a lot of fun activities going on. I'm not sure if he was much into the animals but he LOVES the stroller. These are some of the shots we got:

Eli was also officially 7 months old today. We had such a jam packed day- zoo in the morning, out to lunch, grocery shopping and Dale's parents came to visit since it was his birthday- that we didn't get to take 7 month pictures today. We will take them tomorrow!

Sneek Peak!

2011-03-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here is an extremely tiny sneak peek of our photo shoot from last weekend. They are coming out great!

St. Paddy's Day

2011-03-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Dale did a photo shoot for St. Patrick's Day and Eli looked pretty darn cute if I do say so.

I feel like every day he just gets bigger and bigger!

6 month Stats!

2011-03-14T12:37:00.001-07:00

We just went to the doctor this morning!
Weight 22 pounds 11 ounces (99th percentile)
Height 27 3/4 inches (85th percentile)
Head 95th percentile (I can't remember the measurement)

His weight and height are finally slowing down and evening out a little bit. Don't get me wrong- he's still a big kid but he gained 6 pounds between 2-4 months and only 2 between 4-6 so I feel a little bit better. He also got 3 shots. Cried for about 10 seconds and was fine. He's so strong- such a champ. We go back at 9 months and no shots that time. yay!

6 Months Old

2011-03-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know how it happened but somehow I have a half year old baby. I've never understood how fast "time flies" until I had a kid. Whoa. Let's slow down.

Here is Eli at 6 months:
-Goes to doctor next week so I'm not sure his height/weight. He's at least 23lbs. he's heavy.
-He is in mostly 9 month clothing
-We switched to a convertible for Dale's car- got a Britax Roundabout. So far, so good. Baby boy needed more space.
-We have a SITTER! completely, unassisted. Mastered around 5 1/2 months. I am liking this stage of baby land. NOT ready for a crawler.
-Food is going, slowly but surely. I probably need to get better at introducing different and new foods. He likes most stuff, it is just hard to fit in trying foods when he is at daycare all day.
-Goes to bed by 6:30 most nights. Still wakes at least once a night to eat. He scarfes down a bottle every time so I know he is hungry.
-Finally cut a tooth on the bottom of his mouth.
-Stil drools and spits up uncontrollably.
-Moved to size 4 diapers
-Loves to laugh, be held and walk around and go for walks in his stroller.

Pictures!

2011-02-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

Here's what Eli has been up to lately:

Sweet boy is 5 months!

2011-02-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

We have been traveling and so busy that we haven't taken the 5 months shots yet- but we will tonight. So I'll add those later.

This is what Eli is up to at 5 months:
-still not consistently sleping through the night. It seems we get into a good routine that only lasts 3-5 days and then we start over.
-Loved to suck his big toe, he's quite flexible
-FINALLY go 3 1/2 hours in between bottles
-Taking it slow on the baby food. Pretty soon I'll have to do better but right now, it's just a hassle to get him home at 5:30, feed, play, bathe and get him to bed by 7 (bedtime set by him- not us).
-Likes to grasps his moose
-Enjoys playing in the high chair. I am particularly excited about this because it means Dale and I can eat with him at the table and he can entertain himself for 15 minutes or so.
-I don't know what he weighs but the Big Chubowski (as my sister calls him) is in 6 months and up. Really 9 month clothing.
-Loves daycare but gives you the biggest, most adorable smile when you pick him up
-Has found his thumb!
-Can sit unassisted for short periods of time, I feel like we will master sitting up this month
-Squeals really loud when Dale tickles his tummy
-Still takes reflux meds and spits up but it is a lot better

Man, I've got to do better at remembering things. I can't believe he will be 6 months old in 3 weeks. Time really does fly!

FOOOOOOOD!

2011-01-24T07:01:00.001-08:00

So far, he has tried sweet potatoes, apples and butternet squash. I have been feeding him the Sprout organic baby food which we really like. It's a little bit more expensive but I know I am not the super mom that can make his food and I really can't stand the gerber food so this is working for now.

Since Friday, he has been back to sleeping through the night. 3 nights is definitely his longest to go. I am scared to say it may be official because I don't want to jinx us but I would be SO SO SO happy if we were finally there. Hopefully, this will become the norm.

It is still a struggle to get him to take bottles a lot of time. At least on weekends. He seems to do fine at daycare. I don't know if we stress him out at home or if he just doesn't feel like eating but some days, I can barely get him to eat 20oz- which even though he is a big boy, he needs at least 24oz each day. If he is going to sleep through the night, he needs to take more during the day because waking up and eating at night used to be how he caught up on his calories. I'm not too worried about it yet- just something I am watching to see if we need to alter his feedings or figure something out.

Other than that, all is well! He's happy, growing, smiling, making LOUD noises and generally being the sweetest, most easy-going baby there is!

4 months!

2011-01-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

Well I am about 2 1/2weeks behind on the 4month pictures. Eh. I promise to change the Christmas background soon too.

4 Month Stats:
20 pounds 3 ounces (HUGE)
27 inches long
In Eli's defense, he went to his 4 month appt at 4 1/2 months so I think if we went at 4 months, he would have only been 19lbs or so. But still, he's taking after Dale. The funny thing is he barely eats. He still only takes about 4-5oz at a time and only hits about 25-30 ounces a day. He just isnt a big eater. The pedi couldn't believe he was that big and ate that little. He suggested we start solids which we have slowly started to introduce. he gets a little once a day. I'll post on that next time.

At 4 months:
-still not sleeping through the night. Those 2 nights he did before were a fluke. Because he eats so little, I do think for now he still wakes up at night to eat once or twice. He always scarfs down a bottle and goes right back to sleep so easily so I don't mind getting up to feed him. It's just the nights that he is up every 2 hours that are killer. Hopefully by 6 months we will have figured this out.
-is a supported sitter. he can handle it for about 30 seconds before he rolls
-tolerates tummy time pretty well. can push up on his arms and elbows on his stomach.
-day care says he is rolling over fairly regularly but we sitll haven't seen it. I think he wears himself out doing it so much at daycare he doesnt want to when we get home.
-is in mostly 6 month and up clothing
-LOVES to laugh at Dale when he is on his back and Dale puts his face on his tummy, I need to capture this on video. it's precious.
-still loves bath time
-is fighting a cold right now. he's had it for a couple weeks- it's pretty much just a cough now so hopefully it will go away soon
-likes apples and sweet potatoes (the only stuff he's had)
-talks to himself and us ALL THE TIME. he is quite the babbler.

And now...for the pictures.

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Valentine's Day Cards

2011-01-17T13:42:00.001-08:00

Filmstrip Red Valentine's Day Card

Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Today is good day because....

2011-01-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

Eli slept through the night! First time ever. 7pm to 6am.

Just wanted to document that it did actually finally happen. :) It may never happen again but at least now I know he IS capable of doing it.

4 month old

2011-01-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

I have a 4 month old. Time really does fly.
Here is what Eli does/likes/dislikes at this point:

-the reflux is still in full force and I am desperately waiting for the day that my baby does not spit up
-still not sleeping through the night. had a TERRIBLE stretch over the Christmas break of waking every hour or two. It.was.brutal. We still haven't recovered.
-still eats twice throughout the night. Which I am okay with if he would just wake those times. It's the constant night waking that is the issue. We'll see.
-hasn't started solids yet but we go to the doctor the 13th so we'll talk about it then
-can tripod sit for about a minute or so
-is really close to sitting up on his down, just needs a bit more balance but he really loves to be upright and not held like a baby
-got an exersaucer for Christmas. it's still alittle too big for him but I think he will really like it when he gets bigger
-has become a really good car rider
-is not a napper. IF we can get him down, he's never alseep for more than an hour. We've tried everything. he just doesnt like to nap. (I'm hoping daycare will help with this)
-is pretty much in 6 month and up clothing
-laughs out loud at Dale more than anyone else
-can hold objects for a few seconds and reach for them

I love my sweet boy!

Daycare

2011-01-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Well. It's official. Eli is a daycare baby. Today is day 2. So far, so good. I didn't cry and I really don't feel that bad. Maybe 10% guilt and I know it will get better and easier as he gets older. It's our reality and I'm good with it.

The routine of getting up earlier and getting myself and him ready, however, is kicking my butt. I know it's only the second day. What makes matters worse is he has the crud. The coughing, congestion cold crud. I feel so bad for him but there's just not much you can do. But having to wake him up, dress him, feed him, give him tylenol, saline nose drops, suction out his nose, etc. It's cold outside, I need his diaper bag, bottles. blah blah. It will get better...it will get better.

Not too much to say...

2010-12-15T06:47:00.001-08:00

Eli will be 3 1/2 months old tomorrow. Time really does fly! I want to post his santa picture but it is saved on the home computer and I am at work so I will have to do that soon.I'm off to Target today to get sweet boy some more clothes. He is outgrowing everything we have! He is in 6 month clothing for the most part and some 3-6 month sleepers. All the clothes people bought us were newborn and 0-3. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful he had those clothes- I just didn't think we would need to buy so much more so soon. He isn't even a big eater, he's just going to be big like his daddy. He'll need new stuff anyways since he starts daycare in 2 weeks. :/ I am just ready to get him there and get the new routine started. I know he will be fine and I will be fine too but it's the anticipation of leaving him that is the hardest now. Everyone I have talked to has said it gets better and easier every day so we'll see. I know we don't have a choice and I know I want him in daycare because I think it is the best opportunity for him, it's just going to be hard not having him at home watched by my mom. Sigh. Life goes on. We are bringing him by next week to see everything we need to get and do some dry runs so I'll feel prepared come January 3rd. Wish me luck!

I really am making an effort...

2010-12-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

to update the blog more regularly. Here are some 3 months pictures.

3 Months Old!

2010-12-01T09:40:00.001-08:00

Since I am on a roll I figured I'd keep going. I am back at work now which is weird. I know it's going to be an adjustment for awhile. My mom and his mom are watching him for these next 3 weeks and then in January he starts day care. I'll save that for another post.

Eli is going to be 3 months old tomorrow! I will post pictures later of 3 months and this weekend (we are going to visit Santa at the mall!!!)

SO 3 months:
-I know for a fact he weighs at least 17 pounds. He doesn't eat a lot at all and spits up even more because of the reflux so he is just a big kid. Dale's child for sure.
- He is happiest in the morning and will smile and laugh at you constantly.
-Still swaddled even though I know I need to break it soon.
-Now he is sleeping froma bout 8pm until 3am and then eating once and going back to sleep from 3-6 or 7. I can handle this. MUCH better than before.
-Still sleeps in the rock n play. I know he needs to go to the crib soon but I don't want him flat on his back yet because of the spit up.
-He does NAP in the crib- on the boppy- a no no but it works for us and someone is always watching him. He takes a long morning nap for about 2-2 1/2 hours and then either one or two afternoon naps. this is SOOOOO much better than just 2 weeks ago. Praise the Lord for sleep!
-Still loves the bouncy seat but is quickly outgrowing it
-We finally took the head support out of the care seat and moved the belt up a notch because he is outgrowing that thing. I still hate to lug it around and rarely ever do. Dale takes it if we are out together or I just take him out and hold him
-Does pretty good out and about and sleeps in the car as long as we are moving
-Getting better at tummy time. He still doesn't move much but he isn't screaming and can chill for a few minutes so I consider that a success.
-Loves his elephant blankie and has to have it for naps
-Starting to chew his hands to self soothe. I am excited about this because he seems to want/need the paci less!(still can't find this thumb though)
-Almost out of 0-3 months clothes and size 2 diapers. he's like a month ahead!

I think there's more but that's good for now!

At last... birth story and the first two months Ha

2010-12-01T08:58:00.001-08:00

Yeah 3 months later. The first 8 weeks or so of his life are all hazy to me. We were in survival mode. But I want to get it out before I completely forget...

I was due August 30- a Monday. After about 36 weeks or so I was definitely ready for baby boy to make his appearance. I wanted him to cook as long as possible but I was phsyically and mentally over being pregnant. I was HUGE (gained 40 plus pounds at that point which was solely based on me eating like CRAP for the last month or so but I realy didnt care... I care NOW as my thighs and butt are huge still and none of my pants fit but oh well). Started going to the doctor weekly at 36 weeks and was slowly progressing. 1 cm or so at 36 weeks and stayed there until 39 weeks when it jumped to 1 1/2. I never had a real contraction- I still just think they were braxton hicks. After about 38 weeks or so I really started assuming he would go past the due date. I was a late baby and maybe I blocked out the water breaking, heavy contractions, laboring on my own thing because I just couldn't handle it or maybe deep down I knew I would have to be induced.

At my appt. that Monday I still hadn't felt a change and doctor was on call for that Thursday so she asked if I wanted to come in that morning (at 5am!) to be induced. I thought about waiting it out but I just didn't think I had it in me so I said let's go for it. Of course, I could have gone into labor that night or Tuesday or Wednesday but I just knew I wouldn't.

I took off work Wednesday and so did Dale so we could enjoy our last day as just two. I can't even remmeber what we did that day or where we went but I know I was anxious. As anxious as you could be having NO FREAKING CLUE what was about to happen. You can read as many books as you want, websites, talk to other moms, doctors, etc but you relaly just have NO idea what you are in for until it happens hah.

I was up pretty much all night Wed/Thursday morning. We went to bed around 10 but we had to be up at 4 to go to the hospital so I was just up pacing reading all my books about what happens when you are on labor. Ha so silly now. Took my last shower as a free woman and headed out.

Got to the room and checked in by about 5:15am. For as much as we had to pay to deliver a child you would think Dale could have gotten a better chair/bed to sleep in but it was AWFUL. I felt really bad for him. Anyways- I knew since I was being induced I would ahve to be hooked up all day and not able to walk around plus I was strep positive and rH negative so I had extra IV fluids and meds all over me (this was tramitizing as well because I had never even been around a pregnant lady in a hospital let alone be the one in the bed). I had no idea how painful and annoying being pricked 10 times was or having 3 needles in your arm and hands for hours a day could be. And the TAPE oh the tape they use to keep things in place is itchy and HURTS. I digress...

Went to the bathroom to take care of business (DISGUSTING) with the help of my nurse and then I was in the bed for the duration of my labor. Pitocin started around 6:30am. Not bad for the first hour or so. Around 7:45 though it was already too much for me to handle (I knew I wouldnt last long and how ANYONE can deliver naturally is BEYOND ME because I would have DIED from the pain.. I'm being dramatic but serious. I could.not.handle.it)I started making Dale's hands bleed and I figured it was time to get the epidural. There were like 345345 other women delivering babies that day too so the epidural cart was being used. I started to panick. Nurse asked if I wanted a shot of Stadol in my IV to help with the pain a little. It wasn't supposed to take away pain but make me relax a little more so it wouldn't hurt as bad. Even as she is saying this I'm thinking "if it can't take the pain away, I'm going to still be frekaing out". But I took it anyways. I wouldn't call it a mistake but it sucked. Didn't work at all, still felt the pain and just made me feel dizzy. My blood pressure got really low at this point and I was really out of it. They had to pump something in my IV and within 30 minutes or so I was feeling less dizzy but still dying from the pain. FINALLY the doctor (not an anethesiologist which was interesting) came in to do the epi. It takes like 15 minutes for them to get you up, turned around, taped out *that tape stayed on me FOR WEEKS* , test it out and then put the shot in. I know I was panting like a dog at this point because it hurt so bad. FINALLY- it was in and within 5 minutes or so I was numb from the waist down. Best feeling of my LIFE.

After that I pretty much gained a cm or so every hour. I was at 8 by about 3 or so and by 4 I was "readyto push". I had a really hard time feeling the contractions since I was so numb but I didn't think I could handle the pain if they turned the epi off. Pushed for about an hour and at 5:11 PM Elijah Thomas came into the world. Pushing was hard. I was worried at a point that he wouldn'tcome out on his own because I wasn't getting anywhere pushing and the mean nurses kept looking at Dale and shaking their heads like I couldn't see them. Doctor had to give me an epiosotomy and I tore- 4th degree. The worst. I was happy he was out but had NO idea what a recovery from an epiosotomy and tear like that would be like. I hadn't even thought about that hpapening to me or what recovery would be like AT ALL when I was pregnant. It took her about 45 minutes to stitch me up (also awesome, NOT) and the nurses said I didn't want to know how many stitches I had. Okay great. I still had the epi so I didn't feel anything then UNTIL LATER.

We had maybe the SLOWEST male baby nurse ever. It took him literally 2 hours to do all the stuff before I got to hold him. I was so tired and annoyed at that point I made Dale chase him down and tell him to hurry up. Gah he was slow....

Finally, got to hold him and let family see him. I know they say everyone thinks their babies are hte most beautiful and I guess I get it now because I just thought he was the most precious thing ever. He just looked perfect.

We stayed in the hospital until Saturday evening. I had to stay the full 48 hours becasue I was strep B positive so I had to be monitored. At this point when the epi wore off I was feeling it. It hurt to move, sit up, walk, sit down etc. ALL OF IT. I left the hospital with perscriptions for 800mg ibprofen and tylenol with codiene and I used ALL OF THEM. Hah- I'm not a druggie but I sure felt like one. They really helped because it was hard for 2-3 weeks afterwards.

Breastfeeding got off to a bad start when they had to prick Eli 5 times in the hospital to check his glucose levels because he was so big and give him sugar water to get them to where they need to be. He HATED latching, never wanted to do it would just shake his head all around but never latch on, my milk never came in even with reglan and I felt like I was starving him by the time we got home. Which I know people say they dont eat much and dont need to for the first 48 hours or so but after that, they are HUNGRY. I had no milk to give him and what little I did, he'd never take. I pumped for about a month afterwards what little supply I had to give him but it was too much to take care of him, pump 12 times a day, feed him etc.

He also had to have his bilirubin levels checked at the hospital 2 times after we were discharged. That was intesnse too because they had to prick him and he cried and I just hated it for him. Luckily, it never developed into jaundice.

Like I said- the first 8 weeks were a blur. I was overwhlemed, felt bad most of the time, was so tired, baby was spitting up all the time and fussy alot. He never slept like a newborn as in they sleep all the time. He never did- he was up ALOT. Finally at about a month we took him to the doctor and learned he had reflux really bad. We added cereal to his bottles to help with the spit up and got him on meds for the reflux and that helped A LOT. No more fussiness because his tummy didnt hurt and less spit up (he still spits up ALL THE TIME). He finally started sleeping better and things have been better and better since then!

Here is what I remember from the first two months:
-Not a good sleeper but he got better when we started swaddling him
-Loved his paci, it was the only thing that calmed him down most days. I said I'd never let my kids have one but I was totally mistaken. It is a must, for now.
-HE IS STRONG. I remember when he was only a couple weeks old tryin to hold his head up and liking to be up on his feet.
-The nurses said he had the biggest hands they had ever seen on a baby. football player maybe?/ ;)
-Gave us his first real smile around 6 weeks
-LOVES to kick in his bouncy seat. He seriously bangs his legs on that thing for 10 minutes at a time and loves it.
-even though he was a big baby (8 pounds 5oz) and was gainly weight rapidly, he was in newborn diapers and clothes for the first 6 weeks or so. This was very strange to me as I thought that wouldnt last long at all. He was just long and skinny. Finally betwen 7-8 weeks he started to get CHUNKY. Like rolls chunky. SO cute.
-not a tummy time fan at all. screams actually... this is better now at 3 months.

2 month stats:
24 3/4 inches long and 14.2 pounds. BIG BOY. He is in like the 95% percentile for weight at this point. He goes back in January for 4 months and I am so curious...

Okay. I feel better now. And if you read all of this- well I am terribly sorry.

FREE holiday cards!

2010-11-19T11:43:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Sara and Heather for pointing me in the direction of savings!!! This is such a great deal.

Shutterfly is giving away 50 free holiday cards to bloggers this year! Not only do I take about 456456 pictures of Eli these days (which I obviously have neglected to add to the blog and will SOON I SWEAR), but I LOVE Christmas cards. I love mailing them and receiving them. They make me smile. I collect the ones from friends and keep them all stashed in a folder. Seriously. I was secretly excited when Dale and I got engaged becasue I felt like I could officially start to send out cards now without looking totally lame. BUT this year, we have even more reason to send out cards due to our little edition. This year I definitely want to do a photo card since we have so many pictures of Eli and Shutterfly honestly has tons and tons of brillant designs! I love cards with bright colors and modern designs. Look at all of their holiday cards! AND since daycare is expensive and we both work for the state, we are not bringing in the big bucks. :) I am super excited about this! If cards aren't your thing, check out the personalized mugs. Who wouldn't love their morning cup of joe from a mug with your face on it!

If you have a blog, go here and check out the promotion so you can get your own holiday cards!

I have an 11 week old...

2010-11-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

...And I have yet to post about him. Mom FAIL. But the upside is, I return to work Nov. 29th and I will have more time on my hands to update on Eli and all crazy things baby in my life! Get excited.

My Child is stubborn.... like his mother

2010-08-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Days and counting! Eli will be here next week. CRAZY. I am due Monday but so far am showing NO signs of labor or being in labor or anything close to that. I go back to the dr. on Monday to see but if nothing has changed, we will probably be talking about inducing sometime next week. It's weirdly exciting all at the same time. I am excited that he will finally be here but having a concrete timeline at this point is nervewracking as well. It's my plan to update more when he gets here as I must force myself to document moments and memories so I'm not one of those awful mothers that has no documented stories and memories of her first-born. I am hoping it will obviously be easier to talk about him and not myself once he gets here so it shouldn't be too hard. That, and with me being gone from work for so long I'm sure I'll have time in my day!

I will do one final "baby through the weeks". I see the last time I posted I was 31 weeks which seems like an eternity ago. I am SO much larger and more miserable now. I have been lucky in that symptom wise I haven't had it too bad. No swelling, feel pretty good most days, able to still go to work, etc. But it's definitely time. I threw weighing myself to the wind and just ate whatever I wanted. I didn't get out of control but I definitely didnt monitor myself. Doctor never said anything about it so I consider that a success. Even though now, I have one pair of pants and like 3 dresses I rotate through for work because nothing else fits or is too uncomfortable. I am hoping what they say about losing weight if you breastfeed is true. That would be nice.

Also, I made it all the way until about 2 weeks ago without ANY stretch marks and I now have a few on my stomach. I don't really care- just think it's interesting they waited until the last month to pop up. How nice of them.

After I hit the 37 week mark, I was officially ready to not be pregnant anymore. So the past few weeks are definitely a struggle. But there's light at the end of the tunnel!

Here's to baby!

Birth Month!

2010-08-02T14:49:00.001-07:00

Bah- I can't believe I let it go an entire month without updating. I fail- again. July was crazy. We finished Previews, my boss is out on leave (had to have surgery) so I have been in charge of the office which has been hectic to say the least. Good news is I have about four weeks until baby is here! I can't believe it's this close. Gone by soooo fast. Most everything is prepped and ready to go. Just last minute touches and supplies. I promise I will post later this week after the doctor appt I have tomorrow morning. Hoping to see where I stand and what baby looks like!

I'm alive!

2010-06-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

3 more orientation days in the work week this week. Then a short break and back to the grind for the last 3. Makes the summer FLY by. I will try to recap the past few weeks as best I can...

Daycare situation has been solved. We visited a place we really like that had an opening so we filled out the paperwork and got on the list. Our first choice is still probably the center on campus (it is also $200 cheaper each month) but if a spot never opens there- which is likely- baby will have a place come January. So prayer answered. We like the place a lot- you bring your own toys and bedding for baby so he can be familiar with everything just like it is at home which I really apreciate.

Everything for baby's room is done except we are waiting on the rocking chair from my mom and decor for the walls which I've already picked out, we just need to buy. After that, shower gifts will start taking up space I'm sure and we should be good to go. Can't beleive it is only 2 months away! I washed all the baby clothes last night so that is done too. I don't even wash clothes that I buy before I wear them so this child is already getting special treatment!

Here is the breakdown:

How far along: 31 weeks today!

Weight Gain: I kind of stopped looking at the scale and trying to figure it out. Doctor said everything is fine and I don't feel like I look huge yet so I've tried to quit worrying about it. What a curse hah.

Maternity Clothes: Except for undergarments, everything is maternity. I've had to buy new Preview clothes pretty much every week because the last week's clothes are now too tight. I'm trying to do lots of skirts and dresses since there is more stretch in those and to save money.

Stretch Marks: I think I have one new one but I surprisingly don't care about it at all. I never walk around with my stomach hanging out before I was pregnant so I am pretty sure I won't after baby anyways. Dale can get over it.

Movement: He doesn't move a lot but he consistently moves every day. I think I am carrying really low so I get kicks in the lower abdomon that don't really hurt at all. I know women say baby kicks their ribs all day and it is painful but he is too low to get to that point on me so I am thankful for that. Saturday morning I think we experienced his first hiccups. It was sweet too because Dale could feel them also.

Food: I still don't really crave anything. I just want to eat a lot of stuff all the time. Everything sounds good and nothing sounds bad. So you can see why I am avoiding the scale...

Pregnancy symptoms: Heartburn is still bad. I pop tums like no one's business. The hip pain has gotten better over the past couple of weeks so besides waking up 34545 times to pee, sleeping has been pretty pleasent. Knock on wood.

9 weeks to go!

You Gotta Have Faith

2010-06-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4:6

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt. 6:34

These are two verses I have been saying over and saying again the past day to my anxious, fearful self. Why is it so hard to just have the faith that it will all work out? I have been freaking out lately about two things really. 1. Money (when will anyone ever have enough?) and 2. Daycare for baby.

1. I hate that money matters as much as it does but it does. With baby coming in less than 3 months, we are really having to try to watch what we spend money on and cut down on monthly bills if possible. Not a big deal and I will continue to do it if it means a better life for baby but it just seems like more and more expenses keep popping up with less and less money to go to them. I'm not taking a pay cut (I mean you can't exactly cut what little I make anyways) but I used to get paid extra for 8 months for teaching classes as an instructor. Because of budget cuts, there's no longer money there to pay us. Okay, I get it but that $350 bucks extra each month really helped and is really gonna hurt in the fall when baby arrives. Also we had to wipe a lot of savings to get a new AC a few months ago and while that was necessary and I am glad we had the money saved up, now we have nothing. I know we have enough money to be just fine but I worry about it nonetheless. Another big expense is day care which takes me to #2.

2. I don't know where baby is going to be come January when we need someone to watch him. We are on waiting lists but no one can tell us until Nov./Dec. if they have any openings. I understand that but what am I supposed to do until then? It means we will have no idea until a month before IF he gets in and if he doesn't get in anywhere, it will be way too late to just find a new place. It's WAY too expensive (i.e. not even an option because it's too much) to get someone to come to the house to watch him. We simply cannot afford that. So we wait. And I pray and I just hope I have enough faith to realize that whatever is going to happen will be okay. But it's hard. It's hard to have to trust that and do nothing about it now. It makes me anxious and nervous all the time.

So I try to focus on the good things. I am pretty sure I will be able to take 10 weeks off if baby arrives on time with no problems so that is great. It is paid leave so I am lucky I won't have to worry about that. My mom and Dale's mom have offered to watch the baby for Novemeber and December when I go back to work and rotate with a sitter who will just come for 3 days a week which will save us money. Our shower is July 17th and I know we will gets lots of things for the baby we need which will help us out a lot too. And I am feeling good and getting really excited so I just have to make it a couple more months and I will be good to go.

Had my 28 week dr appt today. I start going every 2 weeks now. Everything is pretty good. I had to do the sugar test but I won't know my results for a couple weeks. Hopefully I don't have to go back for another test or worse, have GD. I am rh-negative so I have to get a shot in my butt the next time I go back so my blood doesn't hurt baby's blood or something blah blah. All I hear is "shot in the butt". Awesome. Can't wait for that.

All and all, I'm hanging in there! Bring on the summer heat! Whoa....

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

I am really excited to have these 3 days off. First Preview is next week and I am just bracing myself for being HUGE and putting in 10 plus hour days at 8 months pregnant. I can't believe how fast time flies. It seems like it was just January and I was 6 weeks and now next week I will be in the 3rd trimester and 7 months pregnant! I don't want to get too behind so here's the update:

How far along? 26 weeks and 5 days

Total Weight Gain: When I went to the dr. at 24 weeks I had gained 16lbs which was 7lbs in one month. That kinda freaked me out even though doctor said it was normal so I've been *trying* to watch what I eat and at least be a little more mindful. We'll see at my week 28 appt. Oh well I try to enjoy it since it's for the baby!

Maternity Clothes: Everything I wear now is maternity. It is usually more comfortable but so annoying having to buy more stuff every week or so because I keep getting bigger or it just doesn't fit right. And then you only wear it for a few months and you're no longer pregnant. I feel like I'm being duped into spending so much unecessary money but you have to have clothes that fit.

Stretch marks: Still haven't seen any but I don't exactly go looking for them. Hah.

Best Moment of the week: Un baby related, I am just excited about my Monday off. Baby wise- I am ready for him to be here. I mean obviously not really but am getting excited that it is getting closer to go time. I'm sure once it's here I'll be nervous and anxious but right now, I'm just excited.

Movement: He is still an afternoon mover. It's usually pretty regular but it varies day by day. At least I now know what it feels like and don't have to keep guessing. It is still movement and doesn't hurt me at this point. Can't wait for the day that he is so big he's punching and kicking my ribs Hah.

Food cravings: This is pretty much the same as last time. I just seem to be really hungry all the time. Like hunger pains an hour after I eat a meal. It gets better some days and worse others but I don't necessarily "crave" anything. I'm beginning to think that's an old wives tale or something.

Pregnancy symptoms: heartburn (pepcid is my friend), my hips hurt at night so sleeping is pretty awful at this point. they go numb or get really painful if I am on them for too long so I flip flop back and forth. I guess not sleeping well now is just preparation for when baby comes and I'll never sleep again haha. I love sleep- I really struggle with this. Other than that and the fact that I think I sometimes waddle, I am pretty good.

P.S. We have to get a new home computer because we had been using one Dale brought home from school that he had to turn in at the end of the school year and my old one from college is like 6 years old and dunzo. Hopefully, we'll get that over the summer so that when baby comes I can upload pictures and update a lot easier. That is my plan at least....

I know, I know

2010-05-11T09:05:00.001-07:00

I try to update once a week and it's been like 3 weeks. Shame on me. Here goes:

How far along? 24 weeks and 1 day (WHOA)

Total weight gain: I go to the DR tomorrow so I'll have to step on the dreaded scale. I have been avoiding it at home so I really have no idea. I'm sure I'll be in the normal range but feel huge. That is pretty typical these days.

Maternity clothes: Between last post and this one, I have definitely gotten bigger. I can only wear pre-preg shirts. Everything else is maternity. And I am learning that dresses are my saving grace. Pants just annoy me when I sit all day at work. Dresses/skirts it is!

Stretch marks: I (cross your fingers) have not experienced these yet. Maybe the "big" stretch hasn't happened yet....

Best moment this week: I am going to talk about the previous 3 weeks. Since then, we have painted the baby's room (I don't like calling it a nursery for some reason), bought the crib and are getting the dresser tonight. I have also MAYBE gotten a little out of control on the buying clothes thing. I just got so excited when we found out it was a boy that I had to do something! I have calmed down....

Movement: There are no questions anymore. I feel him more often. he's more active in the afternoon and at the end of the day when I am on the couch. Dale has felt and SEEN him move now which is crazy. He's up by my belly button.

Food cravings: I still don't feel like I am craving anything but I am HUNGRY all the time. I seriously bring 2 lunches and 5 snacks to work and some days by 3, I am out of all of them and starving. It's out of control.

Pregnancy symptoms: Heartburn is still bad. I am goin to ask doc about it tomorrow. I think I need something stronger. Other than that, sleeping is hard. Waking up to go pee and not being comfortable but I know it's no where NEAR what it will be soon...

Okay I feel better now that I have documented the past 3 weeks of my pregnancy. Summer is here! Wow.

Almost let the week get by....

2010-04-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

without updating! Whew!

It hasn't necessarily been a busy week but just one in which there was always something going on and always something I was putting off. Isn't that always the case though? I can't believe it will be May before we know it! Dale is coaching the last baseball game of the season tonight (can we say AMEN?) I am pretty excited about that but it will be slightly short lived as he starts spring football practice on monday. At least there are no games and he will be home by 8 on most nights. I tell you what.... no one in Perry County works longer or harder than that man and I guarantee you he does it for the least amount of money possible too. Downright shameful I tell ya. I am thankful he enjoys his job and has such a selfless heart. I get selfish when I miss him so much but he is doing his job well and that's all I can ask for.

On the baby front decisions are being made! We registered at Target Sunday. That was quite the expedition seeing that we obviously have NO previous baby experience. Shout out to SIL who took my 1000 texts about "do we really need a baby monitor?" and "do I have to register for a bumbo, I think they look stupid". After about 2 hours, I think we had it down. I check it out online everyday because I am always changing my mind about something but the reality that I am far enough along to have a baby registry is awesome.

We decided on doing a "fish" themed nursery. Originally, the simplistic modern in me didn't want a theme and just wanted something color coordinated but I do like this pattern and it's very subtle so I caved. Dale's parents offered to buy us a crib and my mom is refinishing a rocking chair and dresser she used when I was a baby for us to use as well. I'm excited about getting it all in and setting it up. Add it to the list!

I skipped the fill in the blank last week so I know I need to do it today. here goes!

How far along? 21 weeks and 4 days

Total Weight Gain: I think all that bad eating has finally caught up to me. I was up 9lbs last Tuesday and as of yesterday morning, I was up 13. 4 pounds in one week! Yikes. I immediately began implementing my walking routine again. Not because I am trying to lose weight but because I hadn't really done much moving in the 4 months since I found out I was pregnant and I want to say fit for labor (BIG HA).

Maternity Clothes: Even though I still don't feel like I am showing a cute little bump (it's more of an awkward B shape)I am definitely round enough and hippy enough to need special clothes now. I ordered some from Old Navy last week (because our store in the burg has ABSOLUTELY nothing maternity wise) and they came in last night. Surprisingly, I made good guesses on the sizes and almost everything fits. One pair of capris are too big now but I am sure I will fill them in later on. Also, Jessica gave me a lot of her maternity stuff and I tried it all on last night and 80 perfect of it works so I feel like I got a new wardrobe over night. Best part- it was all free (my mom paid for the old navy stuff). Can't beat that!

Stretch Marks: Don't see any new ones but I'm not exactly examining my body at this point. ha

Best Moment this week: getting clothes that fit and not having to worry about what I am going to wear to work that doesn't really fit me anymore. Registering and picking out nursery stuff!

Movement: I think because I want to feel baby so bad I am imagining things so I am not going to worry about and stress over it and I am sure it will happen on it's own. Seeing him on the ultrasound last week made me feel better to see him literally kicking all over the place so I know when he is big enough for me to feel it, I will.

Food cravings: surprisingly, a lot of my "I just want to eat something really bad for me" cravings have passed. Even though I am lazy and dont want to cook, I don't want to eat out either. We'll see how that works out...

Pregnancy Symptoms: Heartburn is back. It got so bad I had to go buy Zantac this week. But that seems to be helping a lot. Sleeping is still a challenge. Dale hasn't been sleeping with me for probably a week now and while I hate it and miss him and feel bad, I get SUCH better sleep when I can move around and take up more space. My belly is getting big enough to where I forget I can't just bend over real quick or sit a certain way because it is painful. I have to train myself to remember it's there. Ha that sounds weird.

Name of child: (I added this one) We have NO idea what we want to name baby. We pick a name and then change our mind. Originally I didnt want to tell anyone what he will be named until closer to the due date but now I just feel all this pressure to figure it out. I know we still have plenty of time but I want to know for peace of mind. I think I'm thinking too much. typical.

Okay I'm out. So happy it's the weekend!

Put Me In Coach...

2010-04-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

HE'S ready to play!

Baby BOY Holmes is on his way! It took the ultrasound tech like 15 minutes to make sure because child is moving around SO much. He is literally doing like leg squats and punching his arms constantly- which is interesting because I still can't really feel it. The umbilical cord was also in between his legs so we had to wait a little bit and try to move around so we could tell for sure but the tech was 100% sure it was a boy. I think Dale pretty much expected boy all along but I am SO excited to just finally know. I feel like it is more real to us now and now there is actually stuff we can do to prepare for baby. We are going to register this weekend at Target and start looking at baby nursery things. We went to Campus Book Mart as soon as we left the dr. to get baby Boy Southern Miss attire. Child will be wearing Golden Eagle socks and a hat home from the hospital!

I won't do the break down this week but all is well. I have gained 9lbs. which Dr. said is "perfect". (Whatever that means) and baby weighs 11 ounces which is average. Dale thinks it has a big head which wouldnt be surprising since his head is huge and he was a 9 pound baby. We'll see though. I still haven't "popped" so it is getting annoying to hear people say "oh you are half way, you don't look pregnant at all, etc." because I get it. I know it will come soon enough so it doesn't bother ME except when I am tired of hearing about it 24/7. My pants are tighter EVERY DAY so I'm running out of options. There just aren't a lot of maternity places around here... I might have to start buying online which makes me a little nervous having no idea about sizes, etc. Oh well, I'll figure it out.

Anyways- all is well. I'm a little less anxious now that I know he is okay. I hadn't been to the dr. in 5 weeks so I just needed to hear everything is okay. Dale is wrapping up baseball season which I am pretty excited about since he has games so often. It will be nice to have him back for a little bit. Then he will be off and can start really working on baby stuff. Our AC has been broken and we finally fixed that today too! All and all- great day!

1 week!

2010-04-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

one week from today, Dale and I will be in the doctor's office HOPEFULLY finding out the sex of baby Holmes! Can you tell I'm excited? I'm also ready to see baby again and make sure it's growing well and that everything looks normal. It's been 5 weeks since we've been to the Dr. so I need to calm my anxiety down and just make sure everything is okay. I feel good most days and am just ready to get started on things. We have started researching all the necessary baby items: stroller, car seat, pack n play etc. It really is like a marathon session just figuring out what you like, what's good, what gets good safety ratings etc. Not to mention there is like 34545 different brands and opinions about everything. Once we know the sex, we'll try to narrow it down and at least start on the nursery. Dale's parents offered to buy us the crib and we are using a bassinet his mom had from when he was a baby. My mom is getting the rocking chair she used for all of us kids refinished for us to have so there is minimal stuff we actually have a buy. We are definitely blessed for that- babies are not cheap.

All is good on the work front. Getting geared up for summer orientation. It will be here before we know it and go by so fast. I know summer means baby is right around the corner too so I'm trying to enjoy the moment where we are now. Dale is still coaching baseball- they finish up in a few weeks. I am glad he gets summer off because he needs a break. And football season will really be here fast plus baby, plus a hormonal wife so I think he needs a few months to get his head on straight. Bless him!

Here we go....

How far along: 19 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain: 6.8 almots 7. I still haven't hit that big weight spurt thats supposed to happen around this time. I'm sure it will come soon enough.

Maternity Clothes: same as last week really. Except pants are getting tighter after I wash them so inevitably, clothes shopping will need to happen soon enough, especially now that it is warmer I can't wear my winter pants.

Stretch Marks: Same as last week

Best Moment this week: One more week to go, spending time with Dale researching nursery colors and patterns. He is really into it and I love watching his face light up when he sees something he likes (even if I hate it and we will NEVER put that in our child's room :))

Movement: I still think I feel things but it's probably nothing yet or something un-uterus related.

Food Cravings: Sara- I ate NO caliente last week! haha. I don't know what that means as far as whether or not it was a craving but I feel better about it. I am tired of fast food and unhealthy food and really crave healthier, homemade things. the only problem is getting the energy to cook them. I'm getting better though.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Sleeping has become pretty non-existant. Well, at least good, uninterrupted sleep. Dale and I rotate nights we sleep on the couch because I need so much space on the bed or my leg hurts too bad in bed so I go to the couch. This is very new and differnet to us because we are usually good sleepers that are in bed by 11 and we both sleep straight through the night. I'm adjusting as best I can. I haven't had to wake up to pee yet so add that to the mix in a few weeks and I am pretty sure I will be miserable. Heartburn has been better so that's good. I don't know if it will come back or not but it hasn't been an issue the past couple of nights!

Labor signs: None yet!

Next time I post, we'll know what baby is!

2 more weeks...

2010-03-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

till we find out the sex of Baby Holmes! I am READY! I feel like then I can finally start to buy stuff and pick things out like crib, nursery colors, etc. April 13 is the lucky day. Which also happens to be the day GLEE comes back to TV. What a GREAT day.

Baby H is doing well. I am definitely rounder but I have yet to "pop" if you will. I feel as though I will regret this later but I am just ready to LOOK pregnant. 2 weeks will also be 20 weeks- the half way point- but the first half is all so laidback because you don't look pregnant nad honestly, don't feel pregnant all the time. Some days I even forget for awhile that I am pregnant!

I figured I needed to start documenting baby moments in more detail or at all really so I am going to try to update every week now that I am in the 2nd trimester and getting closer to due date.

I saw this on someone else's blog who is pregnant and thought it would be an easy way to gather my thoughts....

How far along: 18 weeks and 2 days

Total Weight Gain: 6lbs. - I am finally starting to gain now which is good.

Maternity Clothes: I bought 2 pair of pants a few weeks ago that I love. Otherwise, I just wear old pants were too big. My belly isn't big enough to wear maternity shirts yet. I know this will change soon and I hate shopping so I better get ready.

Stretch Marks: I don't think I've gained enough weight yet for those but I know they are coming as well....

Best Moment this Week: Knowing that in 2 weeks we will know what we are having (hopefully, there's always the possibility baby won't cooperate and I really should be prepared for that)

Movement: I THINK I might have felt something that COULD have been the baby a couple nights ago but it's too early for me to tell. The thought of feeling something living inside you move both excites and weirds me out all at the same time so I bet that will be interesting when it finally happens.

Food Cravings: I'm not really convinced yet that pregnant women actually "crave" things. I think we are just justifying our want to eat something bad for us or that we know we shouldn't. I ate Caliente 3 times last week. I usually eat there 2 times a month. Is that a craving? I don't know. Check back with me about that one.

Pregnancy Symptoms: I have real bad pain in my left leg at night. Part of it is restless leg syndrome and part of it is the baby pushing on my sciatic nerve. It's is painful and wakes me up at least 3-5 times a night so sleeping is a little bit hard lately. I've also been getting bad heartburn around 10 each night that lasts until I fall asleep. I've never had heartburn in my life... I didn't even know what it was. Dale had to google it. HAH!

Labor Signs: Don't have any yet.... thank god.

Okay, off to work. Update next week for sure!

Truckin' along!

2010-03-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Little news to report. Baby Holmes is good. Heart beat 156. We find out the sex on April 13th so the countdown has officially begun! I'm pretty good... have my energy back. Only complaints are a little bit of indigestion and some awful sciatic nerve pain that I learned today will not go away for at least several weeks. It feels like a pinched nerve in your butt. HA as awful as that sounds, it is PAINFUL and can hurt when I walk, sit, stand and sleep. I just pray it doesn't last forever!

Other than that, no complaints. I am leaving tonight to take Southern Style to Louisvill for SROW. We are driving ourselves this year because of budget cuts so no nice bus... just 15 passenger vans but we'll make it. I'll be back on Sunday and then have the WHOLE WEEK off for Spring Break! So excited about that but lots to do!

Long time coming...

2010-02-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

So Sara has something to read :)

Is it embarassing that I still have Santa wallpaper haven't updated 3 in months? I have been meaning to over and over again and then somehow it just never happened. Back in January, I had really exciting news to blog about but we wanted to keep it a little hush hush for a bit. So now that that time is over, I guess I can BABY blog away!

To be honest, I don't think I could have blogged much in my first trimester anyways because I was SOOOO tired. I would work 8-5, barely make it at work in the afternoons, come home- throw something together for dinner, lay on the couch until 9 and go to bed. Repeat, week after week with some nausea and bouts of vomiting thrown in there. I really can't complain too much. My morning sickness hasn't been too bad as long as I eat like every hour and other than being tired, I feel great. Baby Holmes is due August 30th. Right around football season (whoops). Needless to say, it is going to be a hectic fall for the Holmes. I think I should be worried about that and the logistics of it all and how tired and overwhlemed I might become but I think I am too tired and excited right now to care. So it will just have to wait!

The second trimester is when you are supposed to feel great and get your energy back so I am ready for that! Hopefully, in April we can find out the sex of the baby. Then, I will feel like I can really start doing baby stuff. I haven't wanted to buy anything yet because I don't know what baby is.

Anyways, we are excited. Grandparents are elated. Life is good. :) I promise I will be back to blogging world more frequently becuase now that I am started to feel better, I will want to at least somewhat document the pregnancy.

The End of a Perfect Season

2009-11-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

The end of something is always bittersweet. The Perry Central Bulldogs perfect season has ended at 12-1. The Morton Panthers were just too much for us and our boys played their hearts out in a 21-14 loss. While I am always a little excited when the season ends because I get my husband back and our front yard suddenly becomes neat and pretty again, I am truly sad this season is over. This was Dale's first time really having responsibility for a team in being the D-coordinator. He has learned SO much this year about coaching and I am thankful he got the opportunity to grow as a coach. PC was the distrcit champions for the first time ever in the schools 25 year history, were undefeated in the regular season at 11-0 and made it farther in the playoffs than they ever had before. Definitely nothing to be ashamed of.

Just to say I posted this week...

2009-10-08T12:38:00.001-07:00

I put this up on facebook too. Thought I'd put it here.
Okay okay- I tend to avoid discussions about things like this, publicly that is. Ask Dale how tired of it he gets at home. But I felt like this needed mentioning...

I find it extremely discouraging that some can be so cut and dry on the issue of universal health care. And when I say some, I mean Christians. Say "No way" right off the bat as we continue to let people die from preventable diseases and tell the 46 million uninsured people in essence "I don't care about you, I'm just fine and that's all that matters".When did that attitude become Christ-like? That is the COMPLETE and TOTAL opposite of what we are called to do as Christians. I am not saying Obama's universal health care plan is the answer or that it is even right. I am simply asking thatwe THINK for just a moment about who we claim to be and show a little compassion for those less fortunate struggling everyday in our broken system. Discussions about HOW we can better the system, universal or not are necessary, period.

This is from http://blog.sojo.net/2009/10/08/a-faith-declaration-for-health-care-reform/ if you care to read the original or what have you.

A Faith Declaration for Health Care Reform

Over the course of the health-care debate, voices of faith have been raised about the moral values at stake beneath the policy discussions. As bills are finalized and moved through both chambers of Congress, now more than ever we need to remind ourselves of the values that move us to reform. From the Bill of Rights to the abolition of slavery, from women’s suffrage to the civil rights movement, those who have raised the question of values have often changed our country for the better. Change can be scary in uncertain times, but it always comes when a nation chooses hope over fear.

Unfortunately, God sent Moses down from the mountain with only the Ten Commandments, and not a health-care bill ready to be passed out of committee. There is no one “right” religious position on how health care should be provided. But I believe there are some fundamental moral and biblical principles on which to evaluate any final legislative agreement, principles on which many people of faith — even politically diverse people — might agree. After the heat of the summer’s confrontations over health care, it’s time for a cooler fall debate. It’s time for a re-set of the health-care debate, and a return to some basic principles could help.

Five Principles of Faith for Health-Care Reform

Health, not sickness, is the will of God. We can see this from the story in Genesis of the garden, where sickness was never found, and from the vision in Revelation of a city in which death will be no more. When we are instruments of bringing about that good health, we are doing the work of God. The gospel stories of Jesus healing people, of restoring them to physical wholeness and full participation in their community, always signaled God’s presence.

United we stand, divided we fall. The division between those who can afford adequate coverage and those who cannot is a threat to our unity, to the health of our neighbors, and to our nation. 46 million people in our country are uninsured, and millions more who are insured still can’t keep up with their bills. Our moral and religious standards say no one should be left out of a system simply because of not being able to afford good health. The common good requires a system that is accessible to all who need it.

Patients not profits. No one should be discriminated against in their health care because they are sick. Our faith mandates that we give extra consideration and help to those who are sick, but every time an insurance company denies coverage for “pre-existing conditions,” excluded ailments, or confusing fine print, their profits go up. Every doctor I know decided to pursue medicine to help people. Many insurance companies make a profit by not helping people, but our faith requires it.

Life and liberty must both be protected. The health-care system should protect the sanctity and dignity of life in accordance with existing law and the current rules, and the prohibition on federal funding of abortions should be consistently and diligently applied to any legislation. Strong “conscience” protections should be enacted for health-care workers to ensure they have the liberty to exercise their moral and religious beliefs in their profession. Evidence suggests that supporting low-income and pregnant women with adequate health care increases the number of women who chose to carry their child to term — if we reform health care in the right way, we can reduce abortions in the U.S. While religious people don’t all agree on all the issues of abortion, we should agree that those differences must not be allowed to derail the crucial need for comprehensive health-care reform.

For the next generation, health-care reform should be based on firm financial foundations. Health care is a vital and wise investment for the future of our families and society. But the way we pay for it should be fair and equitable and seek to lessen the burden on succeeding generations — both in bringing everyone into the system and by bringing the costs of health care under control over time. Our religious traditions suggest that social justice and fiscal responsibility must not be pitted against each other, but balanced together in sound public policy that is affordable for individuals and for society.

So let us have the moral dialogue and debate — let’s take the best of who we are, the greatest parts of our tradition, and use that to lead the way. The misinformation, falsehoods, and outright lies that have been circulating obscure the moral and religious core of this debate: that millions of people are suffering in an inequitable and inefficient health-care system, and that too many powerful people are profiting from that broken system in defiance of the common good. Perhaps the faith community could help model a more civil debate and find the sensible moral center that will help the country find the best solutions to the health of the nation.

Okay. I am off my soapbox. It's almost Friday!

Is this wrong?

2009-10-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been "escaping" from work to read ridiculous websites. peopleofwalmart.com and awkwardfamilyphotos.com seem to be my escapes of choice. Have you ever visited these? I find myself literally laughing out loud sometimes at the ridiculousness of people. What are they thinking? Part of me feels bad for being so judgmental and while I try to make myself feel guilty for it, the other part of me is just laughing too hard to care! If you are ever bored, tired, need an escape- PLEASE check them out. I guarantee you will laugh. Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here.

P.S. Everytime I go to Wal-Mart now I am watching people thinking to myself "am I going to find any peopleofwalmart.com worthy shots in here today?" So far, surprisingly, I haven't.

New Promise!

2009-09-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am going to get back into blogging... I am going to get back into blogging! I use to blog all the time in college. I don't really even think I am more busy now than I was then so I really have no excuse....

Fall means football in the Holmes household. Dale's high school team is undefeated at 5-0 and that makes for a happy Coach and a pleased wife. I am glad all of his hard work is paying off. It's great for him to reap the benefits of all those hours of practice and watching film and creating defensive schemes, etc. People tell me I must be crazy for marrying a coach and that they could never do it because it "sucks your free time up and takes your life away" (rather harsh statements in my opinion) BUT I also don't think people understand how much I genuinely, truly, deeply, and intensely LOVE the sport of football. Even if I wasn't married to a coach, I could watch football ALL THE TIME. So I really don't see it as much of a sacrifice and am most of the time, happy with him putting in extra hours and not being around much. It balances out.

I am trying to learn how to run this fall. There is a 5k program at Southern Miss called "My First 5K" that helps people that aren't runners learn how to train to be able to run a 5k. I have never ran in a race before in my life. I have never really ran before in my life. This is week three and I am finding running to be an extremely difficult task to master. I am not a runner. I am not athletic. I prefer to stay inside and sit on my butt. BUT- I made a resolution of sorts this past January that I was going to change my sedentary lifestyle and get moving. This is just another step in that process. I am pleased that I have lost about 30lbs. and am learning to cook better for Dale and I and am generally more energetic and happy overall. Running is just killer. I am not going to quit the program or give up but it definitely takes a lot of me to stick with it and so I hope come race day Novemeber 14 that I am able to actually complete the task and mark it off of my "change your life in 09 list". Ha. Pray for me... If any of you "runners" or "joggers" have any tips... please let me know!

I think that's sufficient for now. No big news really. No- I am not pregnant. But my sister-in-law is! Yippee. She is a strong woman on baby #4! Can't wait. I know a lot of people that are pregnant or just had babies. Guess it's that time in our lives! :) I promise I'll post again before two months!

Beach Pictures Take II!

2009-07-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Beach Pictures!!!

2009-07-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

OMAHA!!

2009-06-11T09:15:00.001-07:00

Dale and I and some friends from LSU (I know) are leaving at 5am tomorrow morning to drive to OMAHA to watch the Eagles in the College World Series. I have been nervous and excited ALL week. Seriously. Here's to a good drive up there (15 hours!!!) and a successful run in the CWS for the first time ever. SMTTT!!!!

I'm here... barely.

2009-05-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

I decided it would be cool to try and run on the treadmill at the Y last night instead of just doing the elliptical. BIG MISTAKE. Not so much the running, but I am so sore. Sore that I have never felt before. My butt hurts. I didn't know that was possible. I can't bend over 90 degrees. I am just really, really sore. Everyone tells me that's good and that means it's working and that I should keep it up but that is strangly not comforting. Mainly because I am lazy. So if something hurts, I want to quit. I have no perserverence. Is that an inherited trait or something someone can acquire?

Anyways, Dale and I have a busy weekend. Saturday, one of my best friends from high school is getting married and Sunday is my sister's graduation party. I am excited about having Monday off as pretty soon we will start orientation and I will be working NON stop over the summer. Bring it on.

I'm Alive

2009-04-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand, I am back. Well, briefly.

Natalie got married in Baltimore this past weekend and I am pooped. More on that later. I can't wait for this weekend. Why? I have absolutely nothing to do and hubby and I are going to buy a kiddie pool and play outside all weekend. I need a tan, desperately.

What are you doing this weekend?

I promise, Sara, I will update more.

2-0-0-9

2009-02-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

even though it is only february, i feel like 2009 is just FLYING by. i hardly have enough time to read blogs let alone update mine, but here I am today. It's Mardi Gras so students are out. This is probably the first Mardi Gras season I have not been to New Orleans or a single parade... and I think I'm okay with it. I've got lots more Mardi Gras' in me.

Anyways, so 2009 while fast, is seeming to be a pretty good year. In January, Dale and I hit 6 months of marriage. That was surprising.. just how fast it goes. I can see us in 10 years wondering where the time has gone. I love love love being married though and to see how we have changed and grown more in love in just 7 months is amazing to me. I never thought I'd learn how to cook but you really just have to practice. And Dale is getting better every week as far as helping around the house and picking up on my moods and what I need from him. Bless his sweet heart.

We have also joined the Y and Dale shoots hoops downstairs while I hop on a treadmill 3 or so times a week. I am actually enjoying being active, I just hope we stick with it. I've lost about 10lbs and he has lost near that much too. (Of course, he can sweat for an hour and be 8lbs lighter... I can workout for 4 hours and weigh MORE.)

The head coach at Perry Central (where Dale coached) has left for a new job so there is a little uncertainty about whether or not Dale will be coaching at the high school next year. BUT he still has his jr. high head coaching job and a teaching job so I would say we are pretty lucky.

On a side note, I need a hair cut. Any suggestions? I try every year to grow my hair out but once it gets a certain length, there's just nothing I can do with it but pull it back.

How has your 2009 been? Are you following through on your resolutions?

2009-02-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

thanks to sara... i discovered scrap blogging..BUT thanks to me being inept when it comes to computers and what not, i havent figured out how to make it smaller and how to get a design for the whole blog. and unfortunately, i have a meeting to go to so I won't be able to mess with it. Such is life I guess... bare with me.

2009-01-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

I'm slightly over the alphabet game. But I'm here none the less. That picture is supposed to be below my typing but I hit the wrong button and well, I'm not going back.

I was tagged and I am supposed to go to the 6th picture folder and take the 6th picture out and explain it. Then tag 6 other people to do the same. I am on my work computer so I don't have most of my pics... but this will do.

This picture is from my wedding. Well, wedding rehearsal night to be exact. I think Natalie took it while we were on the boat. I love it because it has some of my most favorite people in the whole wide world in it and because I am doing the "open mouth". For those of you that don't know, I used to open mouth smile in my pictures ALL THE TIME. Seriously, I never smiled... it was always open mouth. I don't really know why... I was just goofy I suppose. But then I met Dale and he became the only one I really took pictures with and I always wanted them to be "cute" so I could frame them or something. (lame) So in closing, I love this picture because it represents the best of both worlds if you will. (And no, I'm not talking about the Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana type). It blends being young and fun with good friends and moving on to the next step in my life.....

I tag whoever else wants to do this. I only have like 5 of you on here... ha.

I didn't forget... D is for DRIVERS LICENSE!

2008-12-29T18:57:00.000-08:00

this is a rant. i realize that but I needed to vent. at least I warned you...

After nearly 6 months of marriage, I decided it was far time I got a new social security card and having lived in Hattiesburg for the past 6 years, a new MS drivers license. I figured that this week off was the perfect time to accomplish some of these things I had obviously been avoiding for some time now. It wasn't that I didn't want to get them done, I just always had an excuse or something else "more important". So, I woke up this morning feeling purposeful.

Dale and I headed out at about 10am to the social security place. No prob, Bob. In and out in about 4 minutes.... minus the pat down and security measures you have to go through when entering the federal building.

Next on my list was the drivers license place. Now I call it a "drivers license place" because I have no idea what to call that god forsaken place. And because in Louisiana, it's the DMV. But MS, the smartest state in the union, doesn't do DMV's. It was the worst 2 hour experience I have ever been through. We arrived to a packed house in an already cramped building. Seriosuly, Hattiesburg is NOT a small town. It's the 3rd or something largest city in Mississippi and you are telling me that your "drivers license place" is no larger than my 1200 square foot house????? And you dont even have a separate room for the poor people taking driving tests to go? They have to stand (STAND!) at computers in the same room! We were number 69 (nice right?) and they were on number 34. 3 freakin 4! We should have just left... I knew in my soul we should have just left but I really wanted to get these things accomplished I told myself over and over.

After about 5 minutes of standing next to a mentally challenged young man who kept inappropriately touching my arm, I realized the real problem. They had 3 people taking numbers behind the desk, 1 working on a computer problem, the other, an 800lb man who only knew how to renew licenses and even then had to ask "Mrs. Margaret" next to him what the fo to do, and 3, "Mrs. Margaret" who was so busy helping big man that she couldnt do her own work. We were moving at a rate of about 2 numbers every 20 minutes. AND THEN... THEN it approached 11 or so and 2 of the 3, TWO OF THE THREE, workers decided they were going to take LUNCH. LUNCH? like the 65 people waiting in front of you didn't want to eat lunch today? Like we thought the "driver license place" was going to take us 2 hours in the middle of LUNCH? WHAT THE HELL? At this point, I thought a big black woman was about to raise hell but then her cell phone rang so, sadly, no fight ensued.

So left with ONE worker person, luckily the one that knew what she was doing, we waited another 45 minutes or so to get up to the desk to FINALLY get my MS drivers license. It was a nightmare. And I am not a demanding person, but clearly there is a problem here.

1. I pay tax dollars for you to fund these departments. There needs to be a bigger building.
2. If you have that much demand, even if it was due to the holiday, of people that need your serivces, YOU HIRE MORE PEOPLE. even if it is temporary, when you have 45 people waiting and 3 people available, PROBLEM. And you train the ones you have WELL so they will be prepared to handle all kinds of situations.
3. WHY CANT THESE PLACES TAKE CHECKS OR DEBIT CARDS? The whole world has done away with cash except for the "drivers license place". What gives?
4. And this is probably the one that makes me the most upset and the number #1 rule of customer service (which they obviously care nothing about). YOU DONT GET TO TAKE A LUNCH BREAK when you are slammed. I work in an office with 3 people and we dont ever close the office for lunch because we always need to be there. How can you just peace out with 45 people waiting to be served? I dont care if you hate your job, or your life for that matter, bring your lunch. YOu dont get a break unless there is no one there. That's like walking into a furniture store and wanting to talk to someone about buying a couch and everyone is "at lunch". or worse, going to mcdonalds and no one is there to take your order becuase they are all "at lunch". Its preposterous. Why is that so hard to understand?

I just dont understand why this is acceptable customer serivce? Who regulates this stuff? He needs to be fired.

Whew. Okay. Done. Sorry. Happy (late) Christmas!

Bored at work

2008-12-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

Last day of work before Christmas. Let's just say I'm not exactly motivated...

1. Where is your cell phone? out on my desk
2. Your significant other? enriching the young minds of perry county
3. Your hair? actually just dyed it black last night. not sure how i feel about it either...
4. Your mother? is having a colonoscopy today (yikes)
5. Your father? is probably with my mom
6. Your sibling? (s) off for christmas break from college and seeing that it is only 10am, they are most definitely still asleep
7. Your dream last night? can't ever remember them
8. Your favorite drink? diet coke
9. Your dream/goal? make a difference daily
10. The room you’re in? my office at work
11. Your fear? not feeling fulfilled
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? somewhere that has 4 distinct seasons
13. Where were you last night? i mean i think i was ok.
14. What you’re not? awake yet
15. Muffins? blueberry please
16. One of your wish list items? china
17. Where you grew up? la
18. The last thing you did? read peoples blogs
19. What are you wearing? jeans! it gets an exclamation because we usually can't wear jeans to work but we could today!
20. Your TV? makes funny noises sometimes
21. Your pet? is wonderful, but dirty. she needs a bath
22. Your computer? gets slower and slower each day
23 Your life? is blessed
24. Your mood? excited about Christmas
25. Missing someone? I always miss Dale
26. Your car? 's driver side back seat door doesnt work and its bothering me
27. Something you’re not wearing? socks, its 70 degrees outside
28. Favorite Store? Old Navy, Ann Taylor Loft
29. Next summer? I will be working.
30. Favorite color? blue
31. When is the last time you laughed? when dale fell asleep at 8:30 last night
32. Last time you cried? can't rememver
33. Who will/would re-post this? no clue...
34. Four places I go over and over? walmart, my house, work, sonic
35. Four people who email me: does work count?
36. Four favorite foods: pasta, anything mexican, my grandma's hashbrown casserole and mac and cheese
37. Four places I would rather be right now: in bed, somewhere that feels like Christmas, with extended family, not at work

Enjoy!

C is for...

2008-12-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

well, duh. Christmas!

I tried really hard for the past two weeks to think of a C but all I kept coming back to was cheerios and Christmas. Cheerios, honey nut of course, are my morning staple. But there just isnt a lot to blog about Cheerios. So I went with Christmas.

If you are on facebook, which who isn't these days?, you probably saw the pictures I posted of Dale and I decorating our house. This really consisted of Dale doing the tree and me doing everything else. Christmas decorations are expensive. I am slightly ashamed at how much money I spent on decor this year so I will not disclose that information. BUT since this was our first married Christmas together, we needed some staple items that can for sure be used for Christmases to come. That was my thinking anyways. You know, like save the lights and wreath, etc. Dale seems to think because of my fascination with all things new and shiny however, that each year I will need to re-buy everything we already have simply because a new and better version has come along. I have yet to tell him, he is probably right.

Anyways, Christmas is my and about 100 million other Americans favorite holiday. I really try to to remember the reason for the season but that gets harder and harder each year. The "worldly" me becomes obsessed with "wants" and "must haves" and completely forgos all practical thinking. There is always going to be "stuff" that we want. Being that we just got married and got everything wecould possibly imagine for our house from friends and family, I really dont "need" anything for Christmas. But of course I find things. Like an upgraded ipod nano or a nintendo DS. (which i really want purely for entertainment purposes). And it's not that we aren't supposed to enjoy receiving gifts, because I do. But I also know how much joy I get in giving gifts. So Dale and I decided each year of marriage, we would pick a different organization or charity to donate time and/or money to. This year was the Salvation Army Angel Tree, you know where you pick the angel off the tree and buy toys and clothes for them. I picked a baby girl and dale had a 4 year old boy. We went to Walmart Monday night and bought all kinds of fun stuff for them. Audrianna got a pink jacket and a Diego riding toy (They were out of Dora). And Deran got some track pants and hot wheels. And while we dont really get to see them receiving their gifts, it is satisfying to know you helped someone this Christmas and that is what it really is all about!

B is for.....

2008-11-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Bald Face :(

Well after a few months of a beard i shaved. I was told i had to before we took our christmas card picture. It will be missed but i guess ill live. Oh yeah, this is not Emily. This is the doting husband Dale. I would hope Emily would not be able to grow a beard. I guess if i were a single man i could grow a beard and no one would care but i guess shaving is a form of compromise in marriage but just on my part. If Emily didn't shave her legs that wouldn't be considered compromise that would just be wrong. Life is not fair:). If a beard is the only thing i have to give up for a great wife and a happy marriage i would suppose that i am lucky.

"By fearing failure, you prepare yourself to become one of those cautious people who tries to win by not losing."
--General Patton

A is for....

2008-11-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

AGILITY.

Since rather new to the blogging world, I figured I'd do the alphabet thing too to give me something to talk about!

A is for agility. Of which I do not have. Recently, Dale and I decided that we needed to start making better choices for ourselves in regards to what we eat (currently: unhealthy) and how active we are (currently: non-existant). I have never really been an active person. I played sports growing up but quit as soon as I could becasue it was too much work. ha. I am really lazy. Dale, on the other hand, has been an athlete his whole life with playing football and all. I think because he was so active up until 3 years or so ago when he stopped playing, his metabolism is still going strong whereas mine dwindles by the day. Either way, we argued, we both needed to improve.

SO, we decided to start running for a number of reasons. It is easy and convenient. We live in a house and it's in a decent neighborhood. We can do it together without going to a gym so it is free AND we can bring along Molly (the dog). Now please let me clarify, our "running" consists of walking, merely jogging, walking again, and then maybe getting up to a running pace for about 50 feet. Dear lord, it is hard to run. It pretty much makes your whole body sore. Dale thinks it is fun to challenge me when we get back with sit ups but I think it is pure torture. It also doesn't help that he can do everything better than me becuase he is bigger, stronger, and more agile.

We've been ralkogging (run, walk, jog) for the past 2 nights. Not exactly a committed amount of time, but you have to start somewhere right? And the past two nights have been so cold that your lungs hurt after you run that it is a miracle we (I) haven't given up yet. That counts for something, right?

I caved... in more ways than one

2008-11-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

A little spare time at work and what do you know... Emily has created a blog! Oh NO!

Some ramblings...

Note to self #1: Holmes is much more common last name than DeLuca. Before marriage, if I were to pick out a screen name or user name or whatever, DeLuca would always be available. When I was just asked to select a name for my blog, holmes, theholmes, emily holmes, and holmes family were not available. I am going to have to get used to being so "mainstream".

Note to self #2: After 4 months of marriage, I have officially caved and gone back on my word. Dale always had a television in his room growing up. I never had one. When we got married, I told him I didn't want one in the bedroom because bedrooms are for talking and cuddle time and other adult activitise. I didn't want to have a tv as an excuse to not communicate. "Honey, I don't want to talk about my day, I am watching something." Also, I don't want our children to have tv's in their rooms so even though kids are not in our immediate future, I thought we could start to practice what we preach. Cause you know there will come a day when offspring #1 wants a tv and says "well that isn't fair, you guys have a tv in your room". To which, I obviously as a parent, could respond with "Life isn't fair offspring. Parents make the rules we can do whatever we want". But still. The principle was there.

SO fast forward (man it is hard to tell a story on a blog without being long...) to buying a house and needing furniture. I picked out a coach and loveseat that are cute and I thought, functional. WRONG. While there is space to people to rest their butts in our living room, if we both want to lay down and watch a movie together, our options are nonexistant. We both can't fit on the couch and that leaves one person scrunched up on the loveseat or worse, on the hardwood floor. Not ideal for cuddle time. Alas, I became grumpy when all I wanted was to cuddle after a long day of work with my husband and watch television, because it was not possible. On Sunday, we bought a tv for our bedroom. I feel compromised but I was not forced to buy this television, it was actually my idea so I guess it is okay to cave for all practical purposes. Man, marriage is tough.

I think blogging is going to be so much fun!