UnRaVeLeD eMoTiOnS

30 DaYs Of PoStInG cHaLlEnGe: Day Four

2011-10-26T21:46:00.000-04:00

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn't have

Today, I'm suppose to tell you all about a habit of mine I wish I did not have. Let me think about this for a second......hmmmmm, I'm really not sure about this one. I have many habits, all of which could be categorized as positive or negative depending on how you look at it. Here are a few of them, no one said I was perfect:

Bite my nails (for the record, I rarely do this anymore).
Throw my clothes on the floor and never pick them up. The worst part is that I have a laundry basket but I'm really too lazy to care.
Allow the dishes to pile up in the sink and on the counter. Mainly, so my hubby will get sick of all the dirty dishes and install the dishwasher we bought months ago.
And the list can go on...

Overall, I guess I'm lazy and I procrastinate. I would rather lay in bed all day than to work on a project due in two days or leave my shoes by the door then to open the closet and put them on the shoe rack.

I wish I was motivated to be more organized but I am not that kind of person. Don't get me wrong, I have an organized mess. People like me know what I mean. But for those who don't, it is simple...ask me where something is and I'll be able to tell you to look under the third t-shirt on the floor and magically you will find what you were looking for. It is kinda funny when I think about it.

But now it is your turn. What is one habit that you wish you did not have?

30 DaYs Of PoStInG cHaLlEnGe: Day Three

2011-10-26T19:56:00.001-04:00

Day 03- A picture of you and your friends

Some of my college friends from NJ

Some of my local PA friends

My sorority sisters-Friends bonded for life

Sorry, I couldn't pick one picture because I have lots of friends and the ones above are just a few of them.

30 DaYs Of PoStInG cHaLlEnGe: Day Two

2011-10-24T20:25:00.001-04:00

Day 02- The meaning behind your blog name.

Unraveled Emotions, these words meant so many things to me when I started this blog. I will try to explain a few of them now.

We all realize that everyone goes through life changing events throughout their existence. It is how you cope through those events that make you who you are and how you react to those around you. That being said, I am always finding ways to enlighten myself and learn from either those around me or from my own reactions and experiences. Initially, starting a blog would allow me to document events in my life that may begin a transformation within my personality or allow others to witness my true thoughts and/or feelings regarding certain events.

I have always had a tendency to be blunt and raw with my thoughts with most people, while with others, I may shut down and never give them a reaction or response. Either way, the emotions are there, whether I show them or not. This tiny place within a network is where I thought I could just let them UNRAVEL. A place where I could be frustrated, scared, excited, depressed, or just be full of EMOTIONS.

So there you have it, unraveled emotions.

What comes to mind when you think of "unraveled emotions"?

30 DaYs Of PoStInG cHaLlEnGe: Day One

2011-10-23T20:48:00.001-04:00

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 facts about yourself

(my daughter's 1st b-day party)

My name is Michele and I don't really have a nickname.
I am the third of four siblings.
I'm a sucker for...shh, don't tell anyone...teen drama shows (i.e. the secret life of an american teenager, teen mom, vampire diaries, etc.)
I LOVE chocolate especially if it has fruit or nuts in it or BOTH. YUM
In high school, I was a cross country runner and I still pretend I'm one now.
Atlantic City is where I met and fell in love with my husband.
Flying from NJ to CA and driving back in a weekend...on my own dime... to rescue a friend is how much I value my friendships.
Not a big soda drinker but I prefer Coke over Pepsi if I have to choose between them. Rootbeer is my favorite soda overall.
In college, I joined a sorority my SENIOR year, Delta Delta Delta aka Tri-Delta, I'm so happy I did because those girls hold a special place in my heart.
One of my favorite colors is dark teal.
Needles don't scare me but spiders typically do, eek.
Whistling isn't a talent of mine. Not really sure how people can push their lips together and push through air to make a sound...maybe one day it will happen but I won't hold my breath.
I'm allergic to all lip products (i.e. chapstick, lip gloss, lipstick, etc.), weird I know.
I have this very small pillow that I have slept with since I was a child. I tried giving it to my daughter but after two weeks of her not caring it was in her crib, I took it back because I still need it.
Traditions are something I'm jealous that other families have so I'm starting my own with my NEW forming family. I wanna pick pumpkins in the fall, build a snowman in the winter, plant flowers in the spring...you get my point all that boring stuff that seems like a given but just isn't for some people.

Tell me an interesting fact about you!

30 DaYs Of PoStInG!

2011-10-22T08:38:00.001-04:00

Yes!! I have let my blog just sit here, and I've decided to do something about it.

Its called 30 days of Me! I know, I know, I'm not that interesting, or so... you THINK I'm not. Why don't you follow me for the next 30 days and find out!!

Here are the things I will be posting about! I'm undecided if I'll start today or tomorrow, but you'll know as soon as I do!

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your blog name

Day 03- A picture of you and your friends

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to

Day 06- Favorite super hero and why

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why

Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends

Day 12- How you found out about blogs and why you made one

Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

Day 14- A picture of you and your family

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

Day 16- Another picture of yourself

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot

Day 24- A letter to your parents

Day 25- What I would find in your bag

Day 26- What you think about your friends

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned

Day 30- Who are you?

Hope you stick around or at least pop-in from time to time to listen to my rants and updates.

Do you think you would do a 30 days of posting challenge about yourself??

SnEaK pEaK: Gifts!

2011-07-08T09:55:00.000-04:00

Just ordered one of Little Bird's 1st B-Day Gifts, take a look:

Deluxe Mini Play Cube by Anatex

I ordered it off Zulily, (daily deals for moms, babies, and kids) because it was on SALE (I paid less than $60, it retails for so much more) and I know she will love it. If your not a member of this site, you should be! What's great about this site that the deals aren't just for one day so you don't have to be really impulsive like Groupon. It gives you a couple days so I can do some price comparisons first. Anyway, enough about Zulily. I'm so excited to start planning Little Bird's 1st B-day that I started with a gift. I know a little backwards but I really couldn't miss this sale opportunity for such a great gift.

So, readers what do you think of it?

Half A Year Old

2011-07-05T10:20:00.000-04:00

*This letter is long past due and was sitting in my draft pile for a couple months*

Six Months

Dear Baby Bird:

I can't believe your six months old. I'm amazed on how much you have grown. You are 27inches long (77th percentile) and 17.9 lbs. (65th percentile). Let's not talk about your head circumference, it's just big, that's your daddy's fault! However, you hide it with all your hair so it's not noticeable. You have so much hair for a baby your age and people mention it all the time. Strangers stop us wherever we go to admire your beauty and they always say you look older because of all the blond hair you have. Momma secretly hopes you hair will get a little darker so you will look a little more like me.

You are sitting up like a "big girl" and you are able to tolerate tummy time now. I was really worried that you were going to resist tummy time forever due to how you hated it with your harness. I really felt horrible having to put you on your tummy since you would cry the very second you knew it was going to happen. I'm so glad we are past the tummy time torture and we can now play in either position (i.e sitting or on your tummy).

Within this last month, you have started eating solids. I started you on oatmeal cereal then sweet potatoes. Currently, you are eating oatmeal mixed with fruit/veggie twice a day. I want to make sure you have a gradual start to eating solids. I want it to be a pleasant experience so you are more willing to explore different foods rather than resisting and being a picky eater. I'm excited to introduce you to all the fun tastes and textures solids have to offer.

In just six short months you have changed my life in so many ways. From the instant our eyes met when you were born I knew I was reborn.You have challenged me (i.e patience, breast-feeding, sleepless nights, etc.) yet you have bought me so much joy. I enjoy and continue to look forward to every laugh, smile, snuggle you give me.

I love watching you with your daddy. Anytime he enters the room your give him the biggest smile I've ever seen. You absolutely adore him and you have stolen his heart. You light up his life and everyone who meets you.

Keep growing little bird. I look forward to watching you grow the rest of your life, you will always be my little bird though.

Love you to the moon and back,

YOUR Mommy

PaReNt CoNcErNs: Milestones

2011-03-25T11:38:00.001-04:00

When you have a baby you try not to compare yours to others but it just happens. Some parents worry more about milestones than others. I find myself being in the middle, I don't over worry and I don't under worry. I know little bird will grow up at her own pace and she will be the best at some things and not so much at other things. I won't be that parent who is obsessed to have the most "gifted" child in the world. "Average" is fine by me.

I understand as a mother that when you hear about a baby who seems more advanced in one area or another, it's natural to worry or at least wonder whether your own child is "okay." But in the end, every baby grows and develops at his or her own pace.

Little bird doesn't roll over but she sits like a pro, while her playmate army crawls all over the place but doesn't sit. Eventually, they both will crawl and sit and it won't matter who did what first. Instead our concerns will shift to "did we baby-proof that room yet?".

If you have concerns about your baby (as most parents do), it is better to learn about the normal timeline for development than to use other babies as a reference mark. Just keep in mind, that even milestone charts are a "general" guide. I always have to remind myself that little bird may be temporarily focusing on one skill rather than another right now or she just needs a little more time. If I still feel uneasy about something, I make sure to ask my pediatrician since they are the REAL experts on baby milestones.

Thoughts?

SoLiDs: starting oatmeal!

2011-02-15T12:15:00.000-05:00

I decided to take the plunge with little bird and start solids. I wanted to wait till she turned 6 months since the latest research says "By six to seven months of age, the intestines of babies are more mature and are then able to filter out more of the offending allergens"... but I think she is ready to try something new. She has been showing some of the signs that signals she is ready for solids like being a supported sitter, constantly checking us out when we are eating, seems to be hungry a lot more often, and loves putting everything in her mouth.

I decided to skip rice cereal after hearing that a lot of mothers (specifically those in my playgroup) were having problems with their babies being constipated from it and thought we would try oatmeal cereal instead. I was so nervous to start solids because it is something new for us. I think any kind of change involving my little bird is scary since I don't want to mess anything up or do something wrong. After talking to my fellow "new moms" at playgroup about it, I was ready to do it.

One afternoon, after little bird woke up from her nap and would be due for a feeding, I decided it was time. I placed her in her exersaucer and prepared her oatmeal. I got all the things I needed before placing little bird in her high chair. Spoon, check. bib, check. oatmeal in bowl, check. disposable wipes for 'just in case' moments, check. camera, check. Oh, and her bottle for when we're done her oatmeal to complete her normal feeding schedule, check.

After getting everything ready, I placed her in her highchair, put the bib on her, loaded the tip of the spoon with some oatmeal and watched as she began to shake with joy. Seemed like she knew this was her moment and she couldn't wait. As soon as the spoon was near her mouth, she opened her mouth and shut it before I could get the spoon in, lol. So, okay this was going to be a little tricky, I needed to time it right and quickly get this mixture in her mouth to be successful.

This is a picture of her 1st time eating oatmeal, she wouldn't stop looking for the spoon.

Once, we both figured out this new technique...it was obvious that she LOVED it! These days, she gets so excited when I put her in her highchair and put on her bib.

When I was a kid, I remember loving banana baby food the best. What was or is your favorite baby food flavor?

My HeArT

2011-02-14T19:58:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

<3 Little bird and I spent her 1st Valentine's Day cuddling around the house <3

How did you spend your Valentine's Day?

New Pediatrician: 4-month well visit

2011-01-29T16:02:00.005-05:00

Little bird is growing everyday. I can't believe tomorrow she will already be 5 months old. In one more month, she will be half a year old. (Geez, seems like a blink of an eye ago that she was just a little pea.)

This week, I took her for her four-month well visit at her NEW pediatrician's office. We decided to change pediatricians because it just wasn't a good fit for our family. They weren't as open-minded as they let on to be so I switched because I have no time to waste hoping that the care of my child will improve. Its the simple things that really make a difference. For example, the new place keeps her file electronically along with a hard copy and gives us a summary of our visit to keep. The old place was very old school in practice and technique, I just couldn't take it.

I had so many questions for our new pediatrician since her last visit to our old pediatrician was at her two month mark. Since then, little bird had developed a mild case of cradle cap, a skin rash on her elbows, and I wanted to know about sleep training. Truth be told, I was also concerned that little bird wasn't meeting certain milestones like rolling over.

For the cradle cap, we were told to wash and brush her hair everyday, if it didn't clear up we should apply some baby oil, brush her hair, and wash it out.

For the skin rash, it turns out it was just a mild form of eczema which most babies develop. To treat, use a mild soap during bathing and apply Aquaphor or a lotion to treat eczema 2-3 times daily especially to dry patches.

Sleep training: It was suggested that we try to avoid her afternoon/evening naps, start a consistent bedtime routine starting around 8pm, and try giving her formula as her last meal (even though little bird still is receiving breast milk, the thought is that she will sleep longer because formula is digests slower than breast milk).

Milestones: Little bird just started tolerating tummy time and her head control while on her tummy had never been great until recently. The pediatrician said that due to her wearing the pavilk harness for two months it could have delayed her a bit on this milestone, which is understandable. They assured me she is doing well for her age and that I shouldn't be concerned about her not rolling over just yet. On the other hand she is doing all of the following:

Sits when propped with pillows or assisted (Physical)
Transfers toys/objects from hand to hand/mouth, uses 'mitten like' grasp (Physical)
Babbles to get attention, watches mouth movements, showing interest in solids (Language/Social)
Blows bubbles, flaps arms to be picked up, laughs when tickled, tracks accurately (Language/Social)
Changes hand positions to touch certain objects (Cognitive)
Is aware that people/things have labels like "mommy" (Cognitive)

They also suggested I switch her bottles to Dr. Brown bottles since they will help with little bird's gas issue which keeps her from sleeping through the night along with mylicon gas drops. (Just got them today, so it's worth a try.)

Here are little bird's latest stats:

Weight: 15 lbs. 11.9 oz. (74.32 percentile for age)

Length: 2' 2.5'' (94.99 percentile for age)

Head circumference: 17.52" (98.01 percentile for age)

At the end of the visit, little bird got her vaccinations (2 total, one of which was a combined vaccine). She's such a little trooper. She got her first one and was fine. Then came the second one, she stared at me with those big blue eyes with a look of shock on her face and started to whimper. I had a bottle ready for her so I stuck it in her mouth and she quickly stopped to eat and was fine.

I'm glad I changed doctors and look forward to this new partnership.

Can you believe how tall little bird is getting?

LaTeR

2011-01-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

Wow.

Everyday I tell myself I'll update my blog, call this person, do this chore, begin this workout, and so on. As the day goes on, I realize I will not call that person, do that chore or begin that workout. I spend all day playing, talking, cuddling, laughing, smiling with little bird...oh, and I can't forget wiping her drool, changing her diapers, and feeding her.

One must realize these are moments I will never get back since she's only a little bird once. These are OUR moments. Thus, I'm sorry if I don't get to update my blog as often as I would like, make that phone call, complete that chore (so my house will remain a mess and I will continue to be in my pjs, lol), or shed those post-preggo pounds.

I will get to it LATER, if time allows.

How do you balance your time?

NoT tHe SaMe

2011-01-09T13:23:00.000-05:00

Sleep...Life will never be the same for me.

Before little bird, I slept 8+ hours. I enjoyed my weekends when I could lay in bed and watch movies all day long. I went to bed when I wanted and I was on my own schedule. Life was soooo much easier, as I now realize.

These days, sleeping three hours in a row is a luxury. Little bird isn't "sleep trained" and she co-sleeps with me. Which means she is up until I go to bed which is around 10pm each night. She use to wake up once a night around 3:30am but that has changed. Lately, she wakes up three or more times a night either due to gas or hunger. I'm exhausted everyday but as a mother you get up and take care of your duties.

Other mothers report their children (around her same age) go to bed around 7 or 8pm and sleep through the night to about 6-8am. I would never want little bird to sleep that long but if she could just sleep through the night I would be happy.

I'm also super jealous that my hubby gets to sleep normally. Sometimes, I find myself so angry at him just because he continues to "sleep in" on the weekends while I'm up with a crying little bird. I understand he works during the week, pays the bills, and keeps us fed. However, do they (our husbands) realize we work 24/7. Being a SAHM (stay at home mom) is great but it certainly isn't easy. Don't get me wrong, I get to wake up to little bird, I get to witness all her milestones, and I just LOVE her to pieces but there are those days that I feel alone entirely.

Most days, the only other person I talk to all day is little bird. Hubby gets home from work late most nights so when he gets home he wants to play video games, check his emails, make music, or check out the stars for the whole night. Yes, he has been working hard all day and should be able to have "his" time but where's MY time?

I hate the days...

I don't get time to myself.
I can't take a shower (and yes, there are many of those).
I don't get to eat three meals a day.
I can't sleep in when I desperately NEED to.
I don't get invited to social outings with friends.
I can't go shopping whenever I want.

Although, there are days that I could live without. I would never live without little bird, she is MY world. Having little bird is such a blessing and being a SAHM is amazing. I am the same person as BEFORE baby just a lot more STRONGER because of her.

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, It's about learning to dance in the rain"

Does anyone have any advise regarding "baby sleep training"?

WoRdLeSs WeDnEsDaY: Daddy's Girl

2011-01-05T19:15:00.001-05:00

She already has him wrapped around her cute little finger.

DiApErS: Cloth vs. Disposables

2010-12-10T08:00:00.004-05:00

When I got pregnant with little bird, I started thinking about diapering options. A majority of people don't realize they have a choice. Usually people just register for disposables and call it a day. I, on the other hand, had a lot of time on my hands and researched all sorts of things while pregnant from home births, baby food making, baby wearing techniques to cloth diapers.

After talking to a few people about cloth diapers, I decided that was something I was going to TRY. I registered for chlorine-free disposable diapers and a few cloth diapers. I even noted on my registry that I was going to cloth diaper. THEN the questions and comments started pouring in from everywhere.

Why are you cloth diapering?

What is a cloth diaper and how does it work?

Are you using a diapering service? No. Are you crazy? Do you realize you have to clean them?

Blah, Blah, Blah...

I sounded like a broken record. Why, did I have to defend MY decision to TRY cloth diapering? At first, I got defensive but then I educated others on their lack of knowledge of the topic. I'm by no means an expert on cloth diapering but these were a few of my reasons:

It's better for the environment ("it can take several hundred years for the decomposition of disposables to take place, with some of the plastic material never decomposing.")
It's better for my hubby's wallet (since it's cheaper in the long run because you are reusing them instead of buying more and more diaposables)
Babies who wear cloth tend to get diaper rash less often.
They look cooler (they come in all different colors and prints).

When little bird was born, she wore her disposables for the first week or so, then I started her on newborn cloth prefolds with cute covers. She looked so cute! But truth be told, I didn't really like the prefolds because she seemed to pee right through them. I was still new to using them so maybe I didn't pre-wash them enough.

Either way, I started shopping around for All In Ones (AIO). But at 5 weeks old, little bird was put in a pavlik harness for her hips and it seemed that she wouldn't be able to use cloth diapers because they would be hard to get through her leg straps. So, we decided to use disposables till she got the harness off a few weeks ago. Everyone assumed I gave up on cloth diapers but that was hardly the case. I couldn't wait to TRY them again.

Yesterday, was the first time I put little bird in her first AIO cloth diaper. I was hesitant, as with anything new to try...but I just jumped right in. I have always liked a challenge and diapering is no different. Why are so many people scared to TRY it? It wasn't bad at all. She pooped in it, I took it off, cleaned her and put another cloth diaper on. Then I put her in her crib and took the cloth diaper to the sink and washed off what I could and threw it in her wet bag to clean later. It was easy and today I washed them.

At the end of the day, I think I'm going to use both and figure out what works for our family along the way.

Doesn't she look cute?

Do you cloth diaper? If so, which brand do you like the most?

P.S. If you have any cloth diapers that you would like to donate, please do...always looking for some to try on my little bird.

TiS tHe SeAsOn to GiVe: Cookies for Haiti

2010-12-09T14:37:00.001-05:00

It's the holiday season and everyone knows that means it's really the season to GIVE. So, my dear friend, Val, is giving her time to bake home-made chocolate chip cookies to raise funds for a cause she believes in called I Run For His Glory.

I Run For His Glory is a running team put together by Alan and Jackie. Alan and Jackie are full-time missionaries living in the Dominican Republic. Alan is a part of the Sports Ministry Team that teaches kids how to be a part of a team & trains adult men to be Christian leaders in their communities. Jackie is the Director of the Short-term teams overseeing nearly 50 teams a year that come to the Dominican Republic and Haiti to serve.

Val is selling her cookies via her blog: Homemade Jack.

Picture of Val's cookies she baked last winter and I won't be missing out this season!

Cookies for Haiti cost $20 per order (One batch is at least 50 cookies) and 50% of every order is going to I Run For His Glory - which all ends up in Haiti for the work Alan and Jackie Perez are doing there. Please place an order to aid in their efforts...doesn't it sound good to help others while sitting on your couch eating some home-made cookies???

It did to me...I just placed my order!! Can't wait to get my yummy cookies!

If you do not want to order cookies, but would like to make a donation you can do that on the running team blog... safely through Paypal.

Tis the Season for HoLiDaY cArDs!

2010-12-07T11:47:00.002-05:00

The Holidays are approaching much to quickly and one of my favorite parts of the holidays are all the cards I get from family and friends. This year I can't wait to send my own since little bird is here to share in the holiday cheer.

One of my favorite places to get cards is Shutterfly.com and the best part is they have great prices and quality. They also have great service and amazing products such as their unique birthday cards and personalized calendars. It is so nice to customize the calendar with photos that the recipient will love like below:

Have you picked out your holiday cards yet? What will your cards look like? If not, I suggest you head over to Shutterfly today to make your selection ! Good luck as there are lots to choose from. In fact, I posted a few of my favorites below...

Sisterly Love

Simple and Sweet

Family Focus

Right now... Shutterfly is are doing a wonderful promotion for bloggers... 50 free cards! Click (here) to learn more about the 50 free cards for bloggers. At more than $1 per card that is such a phenomenal deal. In fact, I am headed to Shutterfly now to start on my holiday card!

Update (12/14): Below is the holiday card I created!

Family Wall Blue Christmas Card

Create modern Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

BiG nEwS for little bird...

2010-12-02T18:28:00.000-05:00

Today was little bird's follow-up ultrasound appointment for her hips. She's been wearing the pavilk harness for two months (for her hip dysplasia) and today we were going to find out if she gets to finally take it off.

The ultrasound went well and the doctor informed me that her hips have developed has we had hoped. So, she was able to be harness-free! I was super excited for her and didn't even hesitate. I stripped that harness right off of her and just watched her kick away. She seemed so happy with her newly free legs. Her legs are still in the same position that the harness had them in but she will position them normally in due time.

She will have to be seen in three months for an x-ray to make sure everything is developing as they should but for now I will enjoy this day! This was great news, just in time for the holidays.

I couldn't wait to get home and put her in all her different outfits. This whole time she has been wearing sleep sacks for outfits, that's not acceptable. When I got home, I ran straight up to her nursery and opened the drawer that is filled with all her 3+ month clothing. YAY!!! I was a kid in a candy store. What outfit do I pick?? How about that one (a onsie with strawberries on it) or that one (a pajama with footies!). Oh!! This is soooo exciting! In all honesty, I ended up trying both on her and decided to go with the jammies for the comfort factor since she was due for her nap.

She's purrrfect! (kitty-themed jammies)

On my way home, I had called hubby and told him the wonderful news, he was ecstatic. Wen he got home from work, he picked up his little bird from her swing...they both smiled at each other as she kicked her legs FREELY in the air.

Little bird has gotten her wings back!!

RaNdOm WeDnEsDaY

2010-12-01T15:12:00.001-05:00

Random Thoughts of the Day

Why are Avelina's naps so unpredictable? Sometimes, she naps for 10 min. and other times she can go for 2 hours. I still have loads of thank you cards to complete, birth announcements to send , and would love to get holiday cards out but never have the time.

My mommy-milk supply is is also something that varies. It feels like I'm at war with my own boobies and their winning. When I want them to produce more, they produce less. When I want them to produce less (cause they feel like they are going to explode), they produce more. Never a win-win situation.

I take a moment to look at my living room for a second while writing this post and notice that my home is being taken over by little birds things! We have teethers, baby rings, rattles, and baby bottles (when I pump milk) on the coffee table and her baby swing, pack n play, and play mat/activity gym all in the living room. The couch has her bib and a baby rag for random purposes. Her carseat and diaper bag is next to the door for any moment I NEED to get out of the house. Just shake my head in amazement!

I LoVe waking up to my daughter every morning (we co-sleep). She is absolutely beautiful. When she smiles in her sleep it melts my heart. Sometimes I catch her peeking through her eyes to make sure I am there (or at least that is what I tell myself).

I'm really excited about the "BOB Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller" hubby just got me!! I've been wanting a jogging stroller and hubby surprised me with it the other day. I can't wait to take it for a test walk with Avelina. I really want to get back into running again and I think this will help.

Hubby and I were sick this week, boo! Luckily, little bird didn't get sick, I think mommy's milk has been keeping her safe. For some reason when I'm are sick, I always make Jell-o, but only one flavor: ORANGE. That is my favorite flavor and only one I ever buy. Hubby likes exotic ones like melon fusion, etc. but those never get picked up when I'm shopping (he's probably sick of that flavor, who cares!)

Do you have random thoughts like mine??

ClOsEt FrUsTrAtIoN

2010-11-12T17:44:00.000-05:00

I wanna kill my closet!

Hubby and I are having our first date night since baby bird was born. I've been looking forward to a date night for what feels like forever. Just me and hubby time. Time for us to update each other on what has happened in our new everyday lives that we don't get to tell each other due to factors that prevent us from really communicating (i.e. diaper changes, bathes, etc.). Pre-baby, I think I took that time for granted.

Thus, date night was something I was excited about. I enjoyed thinking about the new restaurants we could try or movies we could go watch. I wanted time for ourselves. I wanted to be romanced. I wanted to laugh at the random things he says. I wanted to time for us to pause co-parenting and focus on "us". Wish granted.

We decided that we are going to try a new sushi place that many of our friends have raved about. We love sushi so much!! All day I thought about our date night and couldn't wait. My mother came to babysit little bird so we didn't have to worry about her all night. We have no curfew which feels great, not that we plan all going on an all night binge drinking rampage (although, I would like to, lol).

Dinner time was approaching, so I needed to get ready. Going to dinner in my pajamas was out of the question right? Well, after my shower I stood in front of my closet and realized I have nothing to wear that fits. Ugh!

I have lost some of my baby weight but not all of it, which bothers me. I know it will take time but I can't help to feel frustrated right now. I want to feel sexy and I don't. As I rummage through my closet, I feel more and more hopeless. I tried on a dress, no that won't work...my legs are not what they use to look like. Jeans it is... since everyone looks good in jeans, right? Now to decide on a shirt, wait, what about under garments? A nursing bra is sexy, right? hahaha, just kidding. Let's go with a black bra that always looks great. Now I'm looking in the closet again, hoping it will magically provide me with an outfit that will conceal the changes to my body motherhood as done to me that I'm not so proud of...wish not granted.

Okay, time to give myself a pep-talk. "You will look better in due time. Don't worry. Your husband loves you and will be blinded by your beautiful smile and brown eyes to even notice the rest. Enjoy your dinner, oh, but don't forget to put on a shirt before you head out. Try the black shirt over there and don't forget your heels."

(Deep breath) I am dressed and after doing my hair I am ready for dinner (and a drink). Of course, I had to blog about this before heading out. Now it's time to kiss little bird good night and out the door we go for our date night :)

Mothers out there, what have you done to overcome closet frustration or better yet your body image after child-birth?

TwO mOnThS

2010-11-01T18:43:00.000-04:00

Little bird is 2 months old!

How cute is Miss Personality?

TwO mOnTh WeLL ViSiT

2010-10-28T10:06:00.001-04:00

Little bird had her two month "well" visit today. She was not a happy camper after this particular visit at the pediatrician's office. First, she was sleeping when we got there, so she wasn't happy when I had to strip her from her comfy clothes to get weighed and measured.

Head circumference= 16 inches (89th percentile)
Weight= 11.14 lbs. (63rd percentile)
Length= N/A (couldn't get an accurate measurement since she is in her pavlik harness)

The doctor spent a lot of time talking to me about how things were going and the vaccination schedule (which I was trying to express my concern and my decision to delay); however, my undressed daughter started getting fussy and began to cry and cry. Nothing seemed to soothe her and now she needed to get her vaccines. She ended up getting three shots. The first one went in her right thigh and she cried for two seconds. "Wow, she did great!" I thought. Well, we weren't finished. The next two went in her left thigh, back to back. Oh boy, she was super upset after the whole ordeal.

The "Well" visit didn't go as I would have liked it. I only wanted little bird to receive two shots but she ended up getting three. The doctor wanted to give her five, so I guess we compromised but at the end of the day I felt defeated because it's my child and my choice and the doctor should respect or at least follow the schedule I feel comfortable with. Am I wrong for thinking this way?

Little bird is sleeping right now but she is miserable when she is awake. I think the areas on her upper thighs where she got her shots is sore. It doesn't help that her harness cause her thighs to rub on her little tummy every time she moves her legs so she is reminded of the pain. poor little bird :(

P.S. Little bird has a big head like her father!

HiP DySpLaSiA

2010-10-27T20:48:00.002-04:00

My little bird was diagnosed at birth with bilateral hip dysplasia. I was told that doctors usually don't notice hip dysplasia in newborns and that I should make an appointment with an orthopedist as soon as possible. Thus, I made an appointment for her to be seen (by an orthopedist) at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) for a month later (since that was the soonest I could get in). Meanwhile, my pediatrician checked her a day after discharge from the hospital and said she was fine. A week later his wife, the nurse practitioner, checked little bird's hips and confirmed she was "normal". Four weeks later, they noticed a hip click, my heart sank. The next day I had my orthopedic appointment, the hip specialist also reported that she felt fine but he would order an ultrasound to confirm it.

I arrived to CHOP thinking all would be fine since three people reported her hips were "normal". All was not fine, the ultrasound confirmed she did, in fact, have hip dysplasia (a mild form). I was soooo mad at everyone who said she was fine. That same day she was fitted for a pavik harness. It broke my heart to see her in this contraption. She cried and cried and so did I. Watching her try to move her legs made me cry even more. It was a sad day.

After 48 hours, she seemed to adjust to it but it took more time for me to adjust to seeing her like that and to learn how to bath, nurse, etc. with this new thing attached. She has to wear it 24/7 and its really hard to deal with at first. I'm adjusting fine, now, that a month of her wearing it is approaching. She was told she has to wear it for at least three months; hopefully, that is all the treatment she needs. She has been wearing sleep sacks for the last month, I can't wait till her hips are "normal" and I can put her in cute outfits and make bath time fun again. Washcloth baths are not her favorite :( I know that things could be worse and I also know that this treatment is for the best; however, as a parent you just want your child to never feel any kind of pain or discomfort.

Have you heard of hip dysplasia or know anyone who has gone through this?

PiNk TuTu

2010-10-26T14:06:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago little bird had a little photo session with my dear friend Ashley to debut her hot pink tutu. It was loads of fun and super cute to see my little one so girly.

Isn't she adorable?

To see more of her in this cute tutu, visit Ashley's photography page here.

Phillies Pride!

2010-10-25T18:08:00.000-04:00

Avelina attended her first Phillies game this past Saturday. It was game 6 of the post season and we had seats in the Hall of Fame Club.

Her gammy (my mother-in-law) made her a Phils blanket out of rally towels, its so cute.

Avelina's BiRtH sToRy

2010-10-25T17:50:00.002-04:00

(Sorry for the long wait for this posting)

My due date was Saturday, August 28, 2010. On Sunday morning, August 29th, at 1am my water broke. Unfortunately, I thought I had peed myself from a weak bladder (which you tend to develop late in your pregnancy since the baby is really low) so I did not take the leakage seriously and returned to bed after clean up. I woke up Sunday morning around 9am and informed my hubby while he started to make breakfast about my "accident". He asked if I had called the Birth Center and as I was telling him I had no other labor signs so I must have peed myself I started to feel some cramping. The "cramping" felt very faint, just a slight discomfort; thus, I wasn't really concerned about it at first. Until that very moment, I had never experienced any of the symptoms that you learn about to inform you that your body is about to go into labor (i.e. cramping, burst of energy, loss of mucus plug, water breaking, etc.). I told my hubby, my mother, and my hubby's father (mom and my F.I.L. were visiting for the weekend) that I was going to lay down for a while so I can time the "cramping" as per hubby's request. To my surprise, the "cramping" was consistent and were 4 minutes apart; thus, I was having contractions, right? Hubby insisted I call the Birth Center and inform them about what had happened early this morning and my current symptoms, just to be on the safe side. After talking to a midwife it was decided that I grab my hospital bag and head down to the Center to determine if my bag of waters had in fact been broken.

I was convinced that this was a false alarm but gathered my things anyway. Hubby and I made our way to the center. Once at the center, the midwife instructed me to test my urine for proteins as I always do on every visit. This urine sample was different from all the rest...when I looked at my sample I noticed a little surprise in the cup...I lost my mucus plug!!! I was soooo nervous about this discovery but needed confirmation so I told my hubby about it; although, I was embarrassed to show him. But if I was in early labor he was going to see much worst soon enough. We informed the midwife of our discovery and she said that it was normal and she would now check to see if my water had broke. I allowed her to check and run her tests and she confirmed that my water had in fact been broken and insisted that she run a "stress test" to determine if I was experiencing contractions and to monitor my daughter's heartbeat. Her findings revealed that baby's heartbeat was strong and I was definitely having contractions even though I was in no pain. She decided to admit me...

Hubby and I called our parents to inform them that we were going to have a baby soon. We walked down to the birthing suites and picked our birthing room and got settled in. Throughout the afternoon our parents visited, we had lunch, and I spent most of the time bouncing on the birthing ball (aka medicine/exercise ball) to pass the time. The contractions started to get closer and the pain seemed to increase but as long as hubby applied pressure to my lower back, I could bounce through it. I kept drinking water and Gatorade to keep hydrated so multiple bathroom breaks were a must. Unfortunately, every time I had to go to the bathroom I was on my own during a contraction, no bouncing or pressure on my back. You really have to be your own motivator when your on your own. I had to keep telling myself, "I can get through it, it will end soon". I was equally anxious about pushing, I had this feeling that I had to go "number 2" but read many times that would be the feeling right before delivery so I was scared that I would deliver if I pushed. Feeling like you have to go "number 2" every time you go to the bathroom is not fun. It started to get harder to wipe yourself clean as well since your body is tensing and you really can't bend or reach around your body as before.

The midwife would come in at random times to check in on things and my vitals. The first time she checked for dilation she informed me that I was about 4 centimeters dilated, our baby was 100% effaced and I would be delivering that night. Well, the first two things were right but the last thing she said we would soon find out was wrong. The nursing assistant recommended I get into the tub at this point to help with the pain and to get my body to relax for further dilation. WOW! I would recommend this for everyone able. The tub was filled with warm water and the jets were a perfect distraction, it was sooo relaxing.

Since it's been over a month, the rest of the details of the "Birth Day" events are not as specific:
At some point the midwife came back and checked dilation. I had only progressed a half of a centimeter more. since I wasn't progressing fast enough on my own because I was too tense, she recommended two options. First, I could be transfered to the hospital right then and get an epidural and pitocin or Second, I can get a dose of Stadol (narcotic) to relax my body in hopes to get my body to dilate further. I really wanted to have a natural, as possible, child birth so I opted for the Stadol. After a couple minutes, I felt nothing and took a nap with some funny visuals. When the narcotic wore off and the midwife checked dilation I had ONLY progressed another half of a centimeter, it was four hours later, so it was not the news I wanted to hear. Overall, labor was already passed the 24 hour mark.

At this time, another midwife was assigned for a change of shift. The new midwife Denise was amazing! She held my hand during each contraction and helped me breath through them as it started to get harder for me to do so without support. Hubby was still a trooper and continued to provide the lower back pressure I desperately needed. I will admit that I was exhausted and would find myself crying through some of these contractions, I started to feel defeated. The new midwife checked for dilation and informed me that the left side of my cervix was not softening, it was a "hard piece" preventing me to dilate further. She tried pushing it out of the way and had no success. She had me go for a walk and we tried the tub again; however, hours later no change.

At 3pm the next day (August 30th), the midwife made the executive decision to transfer me to the hospital for an epi and pitocin since I was in labor for longer than anticipated and further dilation was not happening on its own. Luckily, baby was not in distress. I tried my best to avoid this hospital transfer but I knew at this point it was for the best. We got my things together and drove over to the hospital (one block away). I was admitted and waited for the anesthesiologist to arrive to give me the epidural. In the meantime, I was hooked up to the monitors and got to enjoy some ice chips since my eating and drinking privileges were now revoked, boo!

The anesthesiologist arrived and gave me my epidural. It wasn't bad at all. People make it out to be so scary but it felt like a little pinch. I didn't see the needle but hubby did and he says it was loooong. Now that the epi was administered and the pit was on a drip, I was able to relax and take a nap. Hubby napped as well, we both needed it. At around 6pm, the midwife returned to check for dilation but mainly to see if my cervix was softening. It was not, so she increased the pit and we waited two more hours. At around 8pm, she checked again and bought another physician to get a second decision before telling me that I may have to get a C-section because it's approaching 48 hours of labor and my cervix is still hard on the left side. I was soooo upset and couldn't believe that this was going to happen to me especially since I was trying so hard to have a vaginal delivery for so long.

The midwife understood my birth plan and suggested we try again to push the hard part of my cervix out of the way. She informed me that if it didn't work I would have to have an emergency c-section. I understood. She told me to push with all my might and I did just that. Let me tell you it is very hard to determine if you are actually pushing since you are numb from the epidural but I tried anyway. After three tries, the midwife had success and we were ready to delivery my baby girl :)

I placed one leg on hubby's hip and the other on the nurse assistant's hip and with each contraction I pulled my thighs close to my upper body, took a deep breath, held it and pushed really hard. In between each contraction push, hubby fed me ice chips, I was THIRSTY. The midwife made sure to spread oil down on my lady parts to avoid tearing. After about six pushes, our baby's head was exiting and hubby was shocked at the amount of hair she had. The midwife had us feel our baby's head, it was slimy, lol. After a couple more pushes our baby entered our world and her cries brought us so much joy. The midwife placed her directly on my chest and our baby looked up at me as she peed and pooped on me, lol. None the less, she was the most precious thing I have ever seen. As soon as the umbilical cord stopped pulsating, hubby cut the cord. She stayed with me for sometime to bond before being taken away for a weight, etc.The oil the midwife used worked because I only had to get three stitches for a small tear.

Hubby and I made it through the journey of child birth together and Avelina was the end result!

Avelina's Stats

2010-10-06T09:58:00.002-04:00

Avelina's Stats

Birth:
   Weight: 7 lbs. 3 oz.
   Height: 19.5 inches

Discharge from Hospital (3 days old):
   Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz.

1st Doctor's Visit (4 days old):
   Weight: 6 lbs. 14 oz.

2 Week Old Check-up:
     Weight: 8 lbs. 1 oz.

Height: 20.5 inches

Month Old Check-up:
Weight: 9 lbs. 5 oz.
Height: 21.5 inches

seems like Momma's nursing is helping baby bird grow

BaBy BiRd Is HeRe!

2010-09-24T23:17:00.000-04:00

Sorry for not posting in a while but as you might have suspected my little miss has arrived :)

Avelina Synnove

7lbs. 3oz.

19.5 inches

Born at 9:11pm on August 30th

Her name was a combined effort by my hubby and I. I came up with her first name which was my father's grandmother's name (he was raised by her so it means a lot to him) and hubby came up with her middle name which is Norwegian for "Gift of the Sun". Hubby is really into astronomy so of course he would find a way to connect his latest interest with our daughter, lol.

And now for her blog debut, I present you my amazing daughter:

She already has daddy wrapped around her finger!

FiVe (ThInGs) On FrIdAy

2010-08-27T10:03:00.000-04:00

5 things I did yesterday:

~Wrote thank you cards for my (2nd) baby shower gifts

~Washed some more baby clothes

~Met a friend for gelato (I got nutella flavored, yum!)

~Cooked dinner for the hubby

~Watched the Jersey Shore (I can't help it, its funny to watch)

5 random thoughts:

~When will my baby decide to come out??? (I really am curious since I'll be 40 weeks tomorrow)

~"The ring of fire" is a scary thought (child birth term)

~my house needs to be cleaned (but I'm not going to volunteer)

~Would love to be on the beach right now with a cocktail in hand (wishful thinking)

~Is summer really coming to an end; I completely missed it.

5 things I can't live without right now:

~my cell phone

~laptop

~FOOD

~a bathroom nearby

~oh, my hubby

What "5 things" are on your mind today?

CaReEr EnVy

2010-08-24T11:20:00.000-04:00

As September approaches, I can't help myself but feel a little career envy.

I've been in school for a long time and all I ever wanted was to use my education (that my mother was able to bless me with the opportunity of achieving) and feel a sense of purpose. Part of that goal was to land a career/job as a school psychologist once I graduated. Since graduating, I have been working for a district as a school psychologist but on a contracted/case by case basis. As such, I don't have a steady schedule nor an office to work in but I have the flexibility of working when I want, which can be dangerous, lol. Regardless, I'm thankful that I have been able to keep my skills in my field fresh and that I had some kind of employment and still do even though I'm taking some time off to be a MOM.

Last spring, I was offered a full-time position in a district that was an hour and half away. I turned it down because I didn't want to commute that far as a new parent. This year, districts around my home town are hiring and although I keep interviewing while pregnant I am aware that I will not be offered these positions and I know in my heart I don't want them right now either, as I would like to focus all my energy on my daughter's development.

However, I can't help feeling like I'm missing out on a career. I know I'm young and I will have my whole life to work but seeing my fellow graduates obtain jobs and going on interviews makes me a little jealous. I want to be able to tell people I'm a Full-Time school psychologist for "..." district and feel a sense of normal (cause people who work full-time are normal, right?) but this year, I get to say I'm a Stay-At-Home Mom and remain a contracted School Psychologist for "..." district. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I can be both and I'm excited to be a MOM which is a career in itself but I long for the opportunity to be a contributer (financially) in my growing family and a advocate in education.

At the end of the day, I know my day will come to work in my field and I may want to quit on my first day, so for now I will try to enjoy the time off.

For you moms out there, did you have some form of career envy when you were pregnant?

LeTtEr To BaBy

2010-08-20T11:34:00.003-04:00

Dear little love bird,

In less than 8 days or so we should be meeting you. It sounds so far away, but also really close at the same time. If you choose to come a little earlier, we wouldn't mind one bit.

We cannot wait to meet you...We think about it every.single.day.

We can't wait to see what you look like, or who you look like.

Will you have dark hair? Light hair?...No hair at all? (which would be weird since your dad and I clearly have lots of hair)

I think about the day you come into this world all the time (the joy and the pain of course but mostly the way you will change me forever <3). I'm not 'scared' of delivering you...I'm excited. It's like opening the best gift ever...one I've been waiting for all my life.

I can't wait to hear your cry that first time proclaiming to the world that you've arrived. My heart leaps at the very thought.

I can't wait to hold your squishy little body in my arms (slime and all, lol), and know that you're all mine and daddy's too!

Little bird, I can't wait to cuddle with you and kiss your little cheeks and ooh and ahh over every silly face you make in your sleep (please be a great sleeper so mommy can sleep, too).

I truly can't wait to be your mommy.

You are the FIRST little baby that will make me a mother. A "Mama". I'll try my best, and do everything I can to be the best mom I can be.

I cannot wait to watch your Daddy melt into a pile of love-mush when he holds you for the first time. It makes me super happy just thinking about it. He's going to the best dad, and I hope you always see that and feel his love and protection.

Hope you feel loved because you truly are!

Until I get to meet you in the flesh, little lady....I am cherishing every kick in the ribs and ninja move you make :)

ThAnKfUl ThUrSdAy

2010-08-19T11:22:00.000-04:00

so thankful for the gorgeous weather we have been having lately, being able to turn off the central air and open our doors and windows makes me sooo happy. I love hearing nature sounds while relaxing with a light breeze.

thankful that my 38-week prenatal appointment yesterday went just perfectly fine...baby bird's heart-rate in the 130's and my blood pressure is good. No signs of early labor, seems she loves being in momma's belly.

so thankful and in love with my husband who's been sooo supportive throughout this pregnancy. He set up our infant swing the other night and I absolutely love it!

feeling thankful that I can sleep better these last few weeks, since I moved to the couch which believe it or not is way comfy for my back and belly rather than my constant tossing/turning in our bed.

so thankful that we didn't lose our cats the other night. Hubby accidentally left the back door open and our cats got out, which was a big problem since their indoor cats. Luckily, one of them showed up on our front steps and the other was hiding under our deck in the backyard, case-closed, both are safely inside :)

I'm thankful for the 'ready' feeling....I mean, I don't feel worried, anxious, or nervous--I just feel ready. I'm not yet at the point where I"want.her.out.NOW" either. We have things in order (or at least I think so although there is always something I could be doing like washing more clothes, writing my thank you cards, etc.)...and she's welcome anytime.

Also...I'm overwhelmed and full of so much thanks for all people have done for us, given to us, showered us with love and gifts for our daughter. It's amazing the love you feel when you're about to have a baby--we've been so blessed with things, and it makes bringing her into this world so much more feasible.

Thank you, all of you...for all your sweet words, gifts, thoughts and prayers...!

Win a Nursing Top!

2010-08-17T10:46:00.000-04:00

Bumblewee nursing wear is giving away a free nursing top every day for 30 days!

* Win A Free Nursing Top every day for 30 days!
* Enter and receive a 50% off coupon to BumbleWee Nursing Wear's sweepstakes items.

If you enter, tell them I referred you! (Michele Weller)

Every day is a new contest so come back daily for more chances to win.

Click here to ENTER :)

NuRsErY: Sneak Peak

2010-08-13T11:10:00.000-04:00

Well hello there friends! As you know I have been hard at work creating the puuurfect little room for my sweet baby bird that will be joining our family in the next couple of weeks. I still have so much to do but I thought I would share a little peek at her nursery. It's still not complete so I am waiting till it's done to do a nursery tour but thought you might enjoy a glimpse into her future world. Enjoy...

This is my little bird's crib. It's a Bonavita crib which I really wanted and was a gift from my MIL. I wanted a traditional white crib for my little bird's nursery, isn't it pretty?

This is a view of inside her crib. Her bedding is from Pottery Barn Kids and so is everything else pictured here (from teddy to stroller blanket). Did you notice the name on the stroller blanket?? That's my little bird's name!! That stroller blanket is super soft, I just love it!

So, here are some little details from her room:

A little Piggy bank and frame with her initial (picture to come).

A look into her changing table/dresser, filled with receiving blankets, baby hats/socks, and wash cloths.

Linen basket filled with newborn pre-folds (aka cloth diapers from greenmountain.com).

Hope you enjoyed a sneak peak of my little bird's room. She will be here in less than 2 weeks and her nursery decor may not be finished but I'm okay with that. Can't wait for her arrival :)

PrOgReSsIoN nOtEs: 37 weeks

2010-08-12T13:43:00.002-04:00

How far along? 37 weeks; FULL TERM!!

Total weight gain: 31 big whopping pounds...amazing isn't it.

Maternity clothes?: Of course. I'm loving my maternity pants and will miss them after baby is here. They are so comfortable and its so easy to pull them up and down when needed without messing with zappers and buttons. I love wearing flowy dresses and hope to still wear them after baby (since I wasn't a big dress wearer, pre-baby).

Sleep: Still only waking up about once a night to pee. However, I'm just up more finding myself awake at random moments dealing with different aches and pains (like leg cramps, sore thigh muscle from lying on one side for too long, etc.).

Cravings: Nope, not really. Haven't been a big craver of things during this pregnancy. Love all the same things!

Best moment this week: Nesting. Getting baby's crib all ready and hanging a little pink robe up in the nursery mad it feel sooooo real :) She's almost here!!

Movement: Um, yes. I think baby is squished, lol. I feel my belly is so tight and won't grow anymore. Thus, I do feel her a little more, especially in my ribs. I don't think she likes mommy driving because she loves to torture my ribs, etc. while driving. Either way, I really do love feeling all her movements since I know she is doing well.

Gender: "She", "she", "she"--of course, a girl.

Labor Signs: Some. Braxton Hicks and some cramping started yesterday :/

Belly Button in or out? In and staying in.

What I miss: Going out like crazy during the summer (to the beach, dancing, drinking, etc.) and looking in the mirror without looking like a blimp.

Weekly Wisdom: You may feel unorganized or not ready for baby but once she arrives you are a mother and everything will fall into place.

Milestones: Full term. She can literally come at any time! Everything is developed fully. She is welcomed to make her debut.

Favorite Moments: The day I told hubby I'm pregnant, the first heartbeat, the first kick/movement, joining a MOMS club, etc. I've had a great pregnancy, thus far. Thank you baby!

BaBy ShOwEr!!

2010-08-07T11:15:00.001-04:00

This post is long over due (sorry, I don't have pictures of my guests or decor but I didn't have my camera).

Last month, I had my very first baby shower (I'm having another one in August for those who live in NJ). It was a lovely Sunday afternoon and my family and friends (PA related) were all coming into town to celebrate my journey into motherhood. I've been anticipating this day for weeks because nothing really brings to light your having a baby then in your face baby stuff.

So, many people came which made me feel my daughter is already loved. Some of my family drove all the way up from Virgina and others drove from Connecticut. WOW, what a drive! But I was so happy to see them. The festivities started a little late but everything went really well. We played a trivia game, baby shower bingo, and I got to open all the nicely wrapped gifts for my daughter (of course, my mother was there to help me when I needed some assistance, lol).

At the end of the shower, dessert was served. My MIL and Aunt-in-law decorated my baby shower cake to go with my nursery theme (which is a calming, naturist, birdie theme--I don't like over stimulated themes). Didn't it come out great? The cake was yummy, too! It had a butter-cream frosting with a cheesecake mousse filling, yum!

Overall, it was a great shower with family and friends. My daughter and I are so blessed to have such supportive people in our lives :) Look at all the great things she received:

Here is a picture of me with those who helped organize the shower:

Traci, Sara, glowing mom-to-be Me, future grandmom Pat, and Nancy

ReViEw: The Business of Being Born documentary

2010-08-02T13:42:00.048-04:00

At the start of my pregnancy, I wasn't sure what kind of birth plan I wanted. I don't really think I knew I had options, until I started telling people I was preggo. Everyone seems to enjoy telling you about their birth stories or knowledge about pregnancy. In some ways that is a positive thing cause your getting exposed to ideas/pregnancy topics but it can also be a negative thing cause you can develop unnecessary fears or thoughts. Either way, I'm the type of person that wants to know everything I can and I'm open enough to realize that everyone's experiences are different and will not allow myself to focus on the negatives.

As I was doing my own pregnancy research and learning about birth plans, many of my friends and websites I came across mentioned this documentary called "The Business of Being Born". Everyone had one thing to say about it "It was a must see". It's offered on Netflix; however, since I and none of my close (near my home) friends have Netflix, I ordered the DVD. So, if anyone wants to borrow it, let me know.

So here is the synopsis taken right from the website: (http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/index.php)

Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business.

Compelled to explore the subject after the delivery of her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to question the way American women have babies.

The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal.

Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?

When I initially got pregnant, I think I assumed I would have my baby in a hospital with a possibility of a c-section cause that is what was normal, right? Wrong. For the average person, this is what they are expected to believe. No one ever (Ob, etc.) ever explains the other choices. Fortunately, I was exposed to different birth plans and yes, I'm aware that some things don't happen as planned and that is okay, too. Not soon after getting my first ultrasound, I made the decision to switch from my OB/YN to a Birth Center with Midwifes. Since I decided I wanted to try for a natural, epi-free, vaginal delivery and I knew that it was highly unlikely that it would happen in an hospital.

I received many questions from people who either didn't know what a birth center was or just wanted to know why I would opt for a "painful" delivery experience. I find it interesting that many women seem to think having a hospital birth with interventions (epidural, inductions, IV attachment, being attached to a monitor, the STRONG possibility of MAJOR surgery aka C-section) is a less painful way to bring their baby into this world. I'm in no way judging these people but wish people were aware of the facts before assuming my plan is the CRAZY plan.

Back to the main point, the movie. This movie basically discusses this idea of the lack of knowledge being provided to women and the lack of support for a natural vaginal delivery that women around the world have been able to do for years. It really opens your eyes to the birthing industry/business and I have to say I recommend this video for those willing to open themselves and have their preconceived notions challenged.

Have you heard of this documentary or have you seen it? What are your thoughts on the video or on natural vaginal delivery?

UnDeR tHe WeAtHeR

2010-07-30T16:44:00.000-04:00

Ugh.

I am feeling under the weather today. Being 9 months pregnant and sick is not the greatest feeling in the world. It started a few days earlier with me feeling a little tingle in my throat and an itchy ear. Today, I just feel sluggish, loss of an appetite, and a post-nasal drip dryness. I hate not being able to take medication to treat my symptoms. I've been trying to keep my fluids up and get some things done since I have lots to do.

I still have to get the nursery organized, pack my hospital bag, wash baby clothes, etc. I feel like I don't have enough time to get everything done and getting sick won't help me with time management. Today, I managed to get the hubby an oil change on his car; thus, walking to and from the auto place allowing me to get my daily walk in. I also finished my thank you cards for my baby shower gifts I received (so excited I'm done since I have another shower in a couple weeks and didn't want to be drowning in thank yous and gifts). I plan on doing a post discussing my baby shower with pics, so stay tuned.

On another note, I received the "Business of Being Born" DVD, I ordered the other day and can't wait to watch it. I'll be sure to discuss my thoughts about the documentary once I watch it. Have you heard of this movie or have you watched it? If so, what are your thoughts?

Wish me luck on getting better soon :)

WoRdLeSs WeDnEsDaY: Happy 3-year Anniversary

2010-07-28T12:33:00.000-04:00

PrOgReSsIoN nOtEs: 34 weeks

2010-07-22T13:07:00.001-04:00

How far along? 34 weeks 4 days

Gender: Little GIRL!! I'm soo excited to meet her :)

Total weight gain: Starting weight: 127 lbs. Current weight: 156 lbs. Total weight gain: 29lbs.

Maternity clothes? I am wearing mostly maternity bottoms, now. My shirts are still a mix of maternity and regular. I feel much more comfy in dresses (yes, I said a dress...not typically something I usually wear) and loose fitting clothing.

Sleeping Habits: I have some nights that I sleep right through the night. However, most nights consist of me waking up around 3:30-4:30am for a bathroom visit and back to bed I go.

Best moment this week: This past Sunday, I had my PA Baby Shower! It was great seeing friends and family. I got much needed gifts for my daughter and feel somewhat ready for her arrival. Her furniture in the nursery is all painted and looks fabulous (Thanks, Cheech!) and hubby got her crib and assembled it. I'm loving her crib!! Can't wait to get her bedding to set it all up :)

Movement: I feel "full of baby". Apparently, she has been head down for a while (according to midwife) so I get to feel her kicking under my ribs from time to time. When I'm driving she must feel cramped cause she is always trying to get comfy.

Belly Button in or out? Still an inny.

What I miss: I'm starting to miss sleeping comfortably at night. If it isn't baby waking me up, its a bathroom break, or restless legs or my side becoming sore.

Food Cravings/Aversions: No aversions but I'm skipping the steak these days, as I can't stand my steak well done so I don't bother having it at all. If I'm out and about, I love a Starbucks frap but who doesn't, lol.

Does my tummy look small to you?

PeDiAtRiCiAn

2010-07-16T15:46:00.000-04:00

At my last pre-natal appointment, I was told by one of my mid-wives that I had to begin my search for a pediatrician for my daughter. She went on and on about how I need to ask around to see where other parents take their children, then I have to pick a couple so I can interview them, and finally decide on one so they can fill-out some paper work about seeing my baby the first week she was born. Throughout her chatter, I began thinking "what in the world is she talking about, can't I just have her see my family doctor?". Apparently, that was not the suitable option. So, I began my journey to finding a pediatrician for my daughter...

I started where anyone who is addicted to the internet would start, I posted a status update on my Facebook page asking if anyone had any recommendations for a pediatrician near me, lol. After two days with that status I got some leads :) Then I did what a smart person would do and I went to my health insurance website to look for providers in my area who were board certified. After getting sidetracked from other topics/web pages, I finally picked three pediatricians. I called all three offices and I was able to schedule to meet with two pediatricians the next day, free of charge. I say "free of charge" cause some offices charge you to meet with them which I found out was the case with one of the pediatricians on my list, so I decided it wasn't worth it. They were going to charge me $40 and reimburse me if I chose them, no, thank you!

I suggest if your looking for a pediatrician that you ask around and then look up your approved providers so you aren't wasting your time or theirs. Also, there are a lot of good interview sheets online for questions you may want to ask the pediatrician who you are interviewing. I used a couple of those sheets to customize my own interview questions. The next day, I went on my interviewing journey.

The first person I interviewed had his practice near my home (about 10 min. away). I loved that it was a convenient location near me so that if an emergency came up I could get there soon. They had two separate waiting rooms (one for sick and another for well visits) which is important to me. It seemed kid-friendly and the interview went great, since we were on the same page on a lot of the topics I wanted to cover (i.e. breastfeeding, vaccinations, co-sleeping, etc.). The only negative thing I could think of was that the pediatrician was older than I would have liked and the office seemed boring. I really liked that one of the nurses is a lactation consultant and as the doctor put it "can get milk from a stone", which is really big for me since I plan on nursing.

The second person I interviewed had his practice about 20 min. away from my home and on a busy intersection (which made it hard to get to his office). As soon as I entered the office, I was greeted by two dogs, eys you read it right, two dogs. Apparently, the dogs are there everyday. Don't get me wrong I love dogs but I don't think they belong in the doctor's office. The office was overstimulating as there was not one bare wall in the place, very colorful/murals. They did not have two separate waiting rooms and the wait to see the doctor was a little longer than I would have liked. The interview went fine but I wasn't really comfortable. Although, the said they were supportive with me nursing, they made sure to send me home with formula coupons.

In a nutshell, I chose the first pediatrician and hopefully it will be a good fit. For those of you who have had kids, how did you choose your child's doctor? For those of you, who don't have kids, do you think you will interview doctors when that time comes or will you just chose the first one recommended?

FoUrTh oF jUiY: rEcAp

2010-07-09T19:01:00.002-04:00

This past weekend was the famous 4th of July weekend that many people across the country look forward to for some reason whether its for BBQs, family gatherings, or fireworks. For hubby and I, we were looking forward to this weekend for many reasons. First, it was his bi-annual family reunion in Pittsburgh. Second, we got great seats for the Phillies game. Third, hubby was looking forward to star-gazing since the house we rented didn't have loads of light pollution and lastly we were going to be relaxing (which we always love).

Friday:

My MIL and I drove down to our rental (located in Seven Springs Resort, one hour away for Pittsburgh) house early morning. We stopped for lunch at this awesome place (can't remember the name of it but it was a country club) in Bedford, PA. The lunch was yummy, too. After we arrived at our rental, we were able to relax a little until we had to meet the gang (hubby's side of the family) for dinner at another cool place near Uniontown, PA. Hubby didn't make it to dinner since he had to work that day and wouldn't arrive to the house till about 10pm. The gang met, socialized, ate dinner, and we all were excited for the events planned for the weekend.

Saturday:

The gang met for lunch at an Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh, which if you haven't guessed already was so yummy! I love to eat :) Afterwards, we went on the local "Duck" tour around the city of Pittsburgh (which to be honest, I found boring and just for the record, I don't like to be told when I should "quack", lol). After the duck tour some of us went on the "Incline" while others just hung around town until it was time to catch the ferry to the PNC BANK ball park to watch the Phillies kill the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phillies game was such a great game and the Phillies won, of course.

We had club seats and I discovered a Pittsburgh novelty called "Funnel Fries" which can be described as funnel cake in the form of fries, very easy to consume :) After the game, the ballpark had the best fireworks display ever, hubby got some pictures of it. At the end of the night, I was sooooo exhausted and we still had a long car ride back to the house, which I did not enjoy.

Sunday:

The gang went rafting and the hubby and I relaxed at the house since preggo people are not allowed to put their soon to be children in danger. It was a very hot day so I'm glad I was able to sleep in and relax. Later the gang returned to the house and we had a family BBQ/potluck dinner. There was sooo much food and you guessed it, it was all so yummy! After everyone caught up on life stories and ate dinner, we all lined up for our family reunion photo. Check us all out!

Overall, the family reunion had a great turn-out and everyone had a great time. It was my first time being in that part of PA and I enjoyed the experience but could live without all the winding roads that cause me to be a sick passenger :(

Happy 4th everyone!!

How was your fourth of July weekend?

I'm A gOd-MoThEr!

2010-06-30T10:28:00.001-04:00

Kendyl's Baptism

On my June 22nd post, I commented that I just became a God-Mother over the weekend! I forgot my camera at home; thus, had no pictures to share. My God-daughter's mother (aka long-time childhood friend) came prepared with boyfriend photographer in hand, lol. So, here are a few pics from my God-daughter's, Kendyl's big day!

Recap:
When I was first asked to be her God-mother I was delighted and said YES! Afterwards, I realized I really didn't know Baptism Etiquette. I didn't know what the responsibilities of the God-mother were except for the biggest part which is to take care of the child if anything ever happened to her parents. After a Google search (yes, you can laugh at me), I realized that all I was really required to do was be supportive with her being blessed/baptized. I also got her a goodie bag filled with candy, a baby rosary bracelet with her birthstones and her first little prayer book. Her big sister Kylie just graduated kindergarten so I gave her a goodie bag, too, but hers from filled with candy and 1st grade summer workbooks (that's the school psychologist in me, always thinking of learning goals, lol). Both girls were really excited about their gifts.

Kendyl was have a very "shy" kind of day and wanted to hide behind her hair and in her mommy's shoulder while at the church. In the photo above that is me, Danielle (Kendyl's mommy), my god-daughter Kendyl in her mommy's arms, her big sister-Kylie, and her uncle Brandon (aka God-father). Oh, I should not forget to mention that my daughter is also in this picture in my belly bump :)

I decided to include this picture because it is one that you can actually see Kendyl's face but also it is the moment that her mother receives a rose for motherhood from the church. Motherhood is one of the greatest achievement a women can be recognized for and I can't wait to join in on this adventure/rite of passage very soon.

MoMmY bLuEs

2010-06-29T16:08:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, I just get overwhelmed with the littlest things, I call this my mommy blues. I can be fine the whole day but something will set me off and put me in a "mood". When that happens I am not nice to those around me and may say things I may not mean or use a tone that they don't deserve. It really sucks to feel that way but I can't change it right at that moment and it makes me feel bad after each interaction that I just wanna cry. This doesn't happen that often so I can't really complain that much about it but it bothers me none the less.

Example:

Someone will call my house-line and my phone decides to hang up on them twice. They keep calling which bugs me cause I'm trying to call them back on my cell phone. We finally touch base but I'm in my mood now. So, instead of explaining that my house-line is retarded and isn't working properly, I kinda yell at the person and explained they should have called my cell if they weren't successful with the house-line. What ever they called me for now to me at that time is not important, it's a bother and everything they say is irritating. So, I give one word answers and basically am rude the whole conversation so I can hang up. Afterwards, I find myself evaluating my behavior and the reasoning behind such an interaction and my world comes crashing down, I am now upset that I am overreacting to the little things that should not matter. I am upset because my baby probably feels me upset, I am upset cause I feel like no one can understand, and I am upset for being upset, ugh. Crying is a sense of release for me and when I'm done I can finally regroup and feel better.

I know this is probably common for mothers-to-be but it doesn't mean I like it (I'm sure no one enjoys this feeling/emotion/reaction), I actually hate it! For someone who tends to be a strong person, it is a weakness!

Do you get the Mommy Blues? If so, how do you cope?

NeW tOy!

2010-06-28T17:53:00.001-04:00

Just checked the mail today and found my daughter's new toy that I won a couple weeks ago on a mommy site (Mamaslittlehelper.org) that I follow. YAY!!

I won their giveaway from Discovery Toy company and was able to choose the toy of my choice from their catalog. I decided to pick the "Baby Grooves" toy. It's a musical instrument set. It promotes sensory stimulation, eye-hand coordination, and musical awareness. It even comes with a Play-Along CD and Parent Teaching Guide. I'm really excited about it, I know I'm silly but I just can't wait to enjoy learning time activities that are fun with my daughter. I'm sure watching her learn and develop will be such a thrill for me. Unfortunately, she won't be able to play with it until she is 6 months old but I'm still excited about the new toy.

Do you have a kids toy that your excited about or can recommend for new parents?

ThAnKfUL tHuRsDaY

2010-06-24T11:29:00.006-04:00

Today, I am thankful...

...for my family and friends; without them I would not be the person I am today. They drive me crazy at times but at the end of the day I still love them.

I am sorry that my sister is hurting today as she has lost a dear friend to her. However, I am thankful that this person has positively impacted so many lives in so many ways while she was with us. She will be missed.

....that my baby is still "baking" in my "oven" and that she is doing well.

...for my NEW LG 3-Door French Door Refrigerator that was delivered this beautiful morning! I've been wanting a new fridge since we bought our home last year. I finally convinced my hubby that we needed a new one since I plan on breastfeeding and it is important to have a fridge you can count on to store our daughter's future meals. Doesn't it look awesome?

...for things have have received from friends; thus far, for my daughter. I have loads of baby's clothes to sort though.

...for the internet so that I can keep in touch with those who I care for, blog, kill time, waste time (lol, usually on facebook), and researching stuff all day because I love google.

Lastly, I am thankful for the last Roman Nougat chocolate I am currently eating from my Russell Stover chocolate box (My god-daughter gave me this box as a gift, YUM). It is my favorite chocolate from that collection, mmmmm.

What are you thankful for today?

RaNdOm WeDnEsDaY

2010-06-23T18:15:00.000-04:00

30 weeks

30 weeks exposed

Can't believe I only have less than 10 weeks left of my pregnancy to go until we get to meet our little girl. How time flies by as you get older...I still feel unprepared for her arrival. Crib and mattress should be here mid-July, hopefully, she doesn't decide to come early so I can get her room decorated and set-up for her. Oh, how she will turn my world upside down---I can't wait!

PrOgReSsIoN nOtEs: 30 weeks

2010-06-22T16:58:00.002-04:00

How far along? 30 weeks 2 days
Gender: Little GIRL!! Check out her first little pair of shoes she got from my BFF, Ashley! Super cute even though I don't really love pink, I'm growing to like it more and more with all the cute little girly things I find.

Total weight gain: Starting weight: 127 lbs. Current weight: 152 lbs. Total weight gain: 25lbs.

Maternity clothes? I am wearing a mix of maternity clothes and my own still. The belly band has made me feel less fat as it allows me to wear my favorite "regular" jeans without buttoning them. It is a "must have". I have noticed it is especially hard to find formal maternity dresses. I have a wedding to go to soon and I couldn't find a single dress that was flattering. Most dresses are ugly and they all are black, which I normally wouldn't mind but I want some color in my life. So, I'm stuck with a dress that I just bought in a BIGGER size that is not maternity.

Sleeping Habits: So, I am back to getting up in the middle of the night for a stroll to the bathroom, gotta love the active bladder. My little brother just moved in with us for the summer, so hubby and I are back to sleeping together, we'll see how long this lasts.

Best moment this week: This past week, my family was able to hear our daughter's heartbeat with our heart monitor. Everyone was super excited, especially my dad :) Another favorite moment was that I got to baptize my childhood friend's daughter making me a "God-mother"!

Movement: Baby Weller loves to kick me in my ribs at times. She lays low and has been treating me well.

Belly Button in or out? I'm still an inny. My belly button ring is still gone, although from time to time I check to see if the hole is closed yet--it is not.

What I miss: I'm starting to miss blue cheese with my wings, on my salad, and on my burger. I still want a beer...I keep telling myself I will be able to have one soon :)

Food Cravings/Aversions: No Aversions. I don't really crave things but I enjoy eating lots of fruit, drinking lots of water and I still love my occasional sweets which usually consist of cookies or something chocolate.

28 weeks preggo-Photo taken by Ashley Jacobsen Photography (http://www.ashleyjacobsenphotography.com/).

FaThEr'S dAy

2010-06-21T16:30:00.002-04:00

Another Father's Day has come and gone. However, this year's father's day has been very memorable for me.

I have always been a Daddy's girl. I love and cherish my dad without even really knowing who he really is, other than my dad. I accept him for all that he is and all that he is not. I have felt his love for me throughout my life without him ever having to speak of those affirmations.

Growing up I have battled with knowing the real him and knowing "his" life story. I have come to the realization that I will never be able to break down a barrier he has created for many years to learn such information. Especially since he has been recently diagnosed with Dementia. The day will come (hopefully, not too soon) that he may forget his beloved children, etc. This year has been a roller coaster ride for him; as he was in a REALLY bad car accident a few months ago where he had broke all his ribs and was lucky to have survived the accident. His health has been of get concern and he constantly gets diagnosed with something. Thus, I look forward to every chance I get to see my dad or speak to him on the phone. I know the day will come which he will not be there for me to talk to and I fear that day will come too soon.

This past Saturday, I was able to arrange to have dinner with my dad which is a rare occurrence. To add to the rare event, my siblings were able to join me along with my hubby and my brother's daughter, son, and girlfriend. To get all of us in the same place and to have us all get along is extra special (since one of us is always bound to make another pissed off, usually). I am sure my dad was happy to have us in his home enjoying each other's company.

My stepmother made a huge dinner and I do mean HUGE. I was stuffed. Afterwards we all sat around with our full bellies and socialized. For my father's day gift, I gave my dad a "little one" photo album that contained a few pictures of my baby bump, ultrasound pic, etc. so that he can be apart of my pregnancy and my daughter's new world. I even bought my fatal heart monitor and let everyone hear my little baby girl's heart beat. The look on my father's face when he heard my daughter's heartbeat for the first time was priceless. He said, "Whoa, that is really loud" with a big smile on his face. I really can't wait for everyone to meet my daughter, especially my father :)

CyBeR ShOwEr

2010-06-16T09:23:00.000-04:00

Okay, so before I begin, I must explain that I belong to a mommies site (www.justmommies.com). Specifically, I am in a group of mother's that are pregnant and are all due in August. So, we decided to have a cyber shower, in which your given a cyber buddy and you have to send them a gift by a certain date.

I got my cyber shower gift yesterday!!

I haven't had my baby shower yet; thus, it was so exciting to get a package not for my husband for a change, lol. I got the Nature's Baby Shower Gift Bag which is filled with an assortment of vanilla tangerine-scented must-haves for a new baby including a shampoo/body wash, face and body moisturizer, diaper cream and two organic sherpa washcloths.

Thanks Cyber Buddy, MariyaEvans!!!

ReGiStRy MaDnEsS

2010-06-14T15:13:00.000-04:00

Preparing for any big event in life can be stressful. Especially, planning for the arrival of a new member of your family, aka baby. Since this is my first child it's all a little overwhelming at times. I mean thinking about all the things that you need or want to get for you new addition.

As of now, I have decided that I will TRY to be a mother who gives birth naturally (no induction, C-section, and/or epidural... at least that's the plan) breast feeds, cloth diapers, and makes some of my baby's food. Some may call me crazy or whatever since they have not chosen that road but as with everything in life, I love a challenge.

Lately, I've been driving myself crazy with what kind of things I will be needing for my daughter. I have modified my registry (I decided to register at Baby R Us and Pottery Barn Kids) many times. Registering for baby stuff is a little different from registering for wedding gifts. Wedding gifts are usually things you want and don't really need but registering for baby stuff is really important so you get items that will help your baby with a variety of activities whether its bathing, feeding, sleeping, etc. You spend a lot of time looking at different types of strollers, car seats, cribs, etc. Researching all these things will drive you crazy at times. At the end of the day, I just want to be the BEST mother I can for my daughter, I don't care what color she loves (which I know will probably be pink cause I couldn't stand it for years but it is slowly growing on me, lol.), what stroller, car seat, or crib I get. I want her to be happy and LOVE her parents.

At the end of August, all these material things will not matter. My daughter will be here and then I may be blogging about the MaDnEsS of motherhood :)

RaNdOm WeDnEsDaY: nervous nellies and where's my food

2010-06-09T18:22:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I've noticed that people are generally nervous for pregnant women. Everyone is worried about the baby, and worried about your well being. It's a time when people will tell you it's okay to sit back, relax, put your feet up and watch tv for hours...because, "you need to rest, its good for the baby and for you."They will tell you its okay to not to do household chores (which my hubby will never say, lol), cooking dinner, and doing 'strenuous' tasks, because, "you're pregnant!"

While I know all these things are true at times, I totally struggle with it. I like being able to do the things I need to get done. I don't like relying on other people to help me. At work, people offer to carry my testing kits to my car and really insist. It makes me a little irritated even though I know they are trying to help.

Some of the things I get to hear throughout my day are the following:
"Oh MY! You be careful my dear. Take it EASY!"
"Oh sweetie, you really need some help with that."
If I drop something its...
"Let me get that for you or you really shouldn't be bending down"
Okay, so I'm pregnant!! I will be careful and I'll let ya know when I need help, trust me.

~~~~~~~

So, let me share with everyone a laughable moment.

The other night, me and Ash (BFF aka my talented photographer friend) were at the local bar. I was soooo hungry so I decided to get something to eat. We were sitting at the bar and I ordered chicken quesadillas and a rootbeer. I get my refreshing rootbeer and a half an hour goes by and I still haven't gotten my food yet.

Okay, so I call over one of my friends who is a bar-back and ask him to check on my order. He signals from the kitchen just two more minutes. Alright, I can wait a little longer, so I think. then I see him bring out the food and place it in front of another couple. After watching other people (6 people to be exact, yes I was counting) get their food. I got soooo pissed and when I get angry I cry so here it comes. My eyes start to water and I look at Ash and next thing I know she is pushing me out of my seat and telling me to go outside for some fresh air.

OMG!! That came out of nowhere. I couldn't control it. I got all upset over food. I was sooo embarrassed and after I collected myself I entered the bar from another entrance to go refresh in the ladies room and the manager happened to be back there and asked me if I was okay, which I was and told me my food would be out shortly since he was working on it. Deep breath and feeling like a idiot I refreshed in the ladies room and returned to my seat at the bar where the bartender who took my order apologized and insisted he pay for my meal and free rootbeer all night, lol.

I was given bread sticks to hold me over until my food came but when it did it was just what I needed. I just have to say that this thing of not having control of your emotions cause your preggo, sucks! I hope this is just a phase and I won't continue to have emotional breakdowns since my pregnancy has been pleasant thus far....so fingers crossed.

At least, I can laugh at myself :)

NiGhT OuT w/ My SiStErS

2010-05-27T16:57:00.000-04:00

So, for those of you who don't know this already, I am an alumni of the Delta Delta Delta (Tri-Delta) sorority, Gamma Omega chapter at Stockton College. I loved college life and joining this sorority very much contributed to me becoming the person I am today. I continue to be involved in gatherings with new and old members and provide support for those who seek it. I love my sisters just as if they were my very own blood.

So from time to time, we try to have little outings and keep in touch via Facebook. Recently, we had to have an event called "We are all getting so busy with life that I figured I would pick a day so we can all see each other!", so that we could get together for some fun. It is always a great time spent with my sisters. However, this time I will be the preggo one of the group, boo!! Usually, our night consists of us reminiscing, pre-gaming, bar/club hopping, a little slot machine action, and LOTS of drinking, oh, and for me I LOVE to ride the mechanical bull at one of our favorite spots called Game-On in Atlantic City.

I was really excited to spend time with my girls; however, my initial thoughts were "what the ~~fuck~~ heck am I going to do without an alcoholic beverage in my hand" and "holy hell I can't even ride the ~~shitty~~ bull this time", ugh! I'm 26 weeks preggo at this point, I can overcome these obstacles and still have a great time right?

The girls and I met for dinner (where I had a sip of sangria, mmmm, heaven). We gathered at one of the girls' apartments and waited for the "drunk bus" to come pick us up since we all didn't fit in my car and I would be the only sober one, lol. Once we got to the Tropicana, beverage and shot orders were all the rage as usual. I sat there drinking my water and dancing to the music. Overall, it was a great night for me. As I got to spend time with my girls and still bust a move on the dance floor with preggo belly attached, hahaha. I truly amazed myself. I have to tell you that wearing high heels and dancing while pregnant really doesn't go well after a couple hours, feet really start to hurt and you get tired really quickly.

I ended up leaving some of the girls early (it was 3:30 when we got home, we are usually out till 6am and that was not an option for me this time) since they all wanted to head to other hotel and I wanted to pass out and eat of course :)

In the morning, we had our routine breakfast at the local diner, discussed the night, and discussed how we should get together more often and how we will continue these types of nights into old age. I love these girls and always have a blast with them.

Here is a picture of my sister Jess and my preggo-ness!

BiRtHdAy NoNsEnSe

2010-05-27T16:19:00.001-04:00

My birthday was this month, May 8th. No big deal really--and honestly, what's an almost-24 week preggo (during that week) gonna do to enjoy it, honestly?

~*~

How many birthdays have you celebrated so far?: 27, thus far :)

When is your next one coming up?: Next May. I was actually born on Mother's Day (what a great gift I was to my mother).

If you could get anything, realistically speaking, what would you ask for?: This year, I asked my hubby for dinner with close friends at a Moroccan restaurant near-by which we love and a pre-natal massage I will be using in my near future.

If you could ask for something magic or like superpowers, which kind?: How about...the ability to have skip the delivery of my baby and just have her here magically? Is that possible?

Who do you want to be with during your birthdays?: Family and friends! This year, I celebrated it with my hubby, F.I.L., and close friends.

How do you plan to celebrate your upcoming birthday?: Next year, my birthday will be on Mother's Day and I will be officially a MOMMY! I plan on spending it with my own family (hubby and daughter) doing memorable things.

What was the worst present you ever got on a birthday?: Nothing I can remember. If it was that bad, I probably chose to block it out. Permanently.

What was the worst birthday fiasco you ever had: When I turned 16, I invited the whole school and hardly anyone showed up :(

Did you ever purposely give someone a crappy gift?: That's cruel! I don't think so...(hehehe)

Who would you never ever ever want to attend your birthday?: Can't think of anyone right now...

What was the best birthday present you’ve ever received?: I have a really bad memory; thus, I don't know.

What was the best birthday you’ve ever had?: It was probably my 21st birthday, cause I celebrated it twice at DejaVu nightclub with my hubby (once when I was really turning 20 and then again when I was actually 21). I also enjoyed my 15th b-day as I had a backyard extravaganza and the whole school showed up. GREAT TIMES!

Why was it so great?: Because I was happy. I usually have this thing about crying on my b-day but no tears here! None this year, either. For the record :)

What is your fave birthday activity, even if you havent done it (yet)?: Just being around those who I love and hopefully food and drinks are involved :)

Who would you love to come to your birthday to celebrate with you?:A bit redundant now...but...family. Oh, and I'd love for my friends from afar to join in...

What did your family do to celebrate your birth?: Probably said,"ANOTHER girl?!" No, really, I have no idea. I'm sure I got lots of cuddles and visitors.

What happened for your sweet 16th birthday?: The 16th b-day is a big deal in my family so we planned a big party where we rented out a place and I got a special dress made specifically for me (which I got to design). So, long story short we had a big party and my father got me a motor scooter since I was of age to drive it around.

Would you be okay with dying on your birthday?: Seriously, weird question. Umm...I don't want to die especially since I'm about to become the best thing in this world, a mother. But-I'll go whenever its my time, since I don't have control over that anyways :)

Enough of the birthday nonsense.

PrOgReSsIoN nOtEs

2010-04-12T22:22:00.000-04:00

How far along? 20 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain:

Starting weight: 127 lbs.

Current weight: 140 lbs.

Total weight gain: 13lbs.

Maternity clothes? Thankfully, I have been given some maternity clothes from some friends. The greatest donation came from a long-time childhood friend, Valerie (mother of three beautiful children). I was so excited considering my normal jeans are having trouble staying buttoned...thus I'm beginning to need a more comfortable alternative :)

Sleeping Habits: Unfortunately, due to my constant tossing and turning while I sleep and getting up in the early A.M. to use the restroom, Hubby has moved into the guest room during the week. Now he sleeps soundly so he isn't tired for work. On the bright side, I get the whole bed but I'm missing my hubby :(

Best moment this week: Getting my 20 week ultrasound and feeling my baby move :)

Doesn't it look like baby Weller is rocking out in my belly?

Movement: I felt baby Weller for the first time the other night. I was sitting on the couch, Indian style and I was eating a slice of pizza. I was slouching and all of a sudden I felt this little kick/flutter in my lower abdomen, I waited for another second before moving and it happened again. I instantly sat up and my hubby wanted to know what was wrong. I told him with a big smile that I felt it!

Gender: I found out today but I'm not telling right now :P
Belly Button in or out? I'm still an inny. I also decided to take out my belly button ring out for the rest of my pregnancy.
What I miss: I'm starting to miss my flat tummy. LOL, I feel like I'm in that in between phase of looking pregnant or having a beer belly. Oh, I still go out with my friends for happy hour and I really miss having a beer.

Food Cravings/Aversions: I don't have any food aversions right now. I crave fruit and cookies with milk at times.

~~~~~~<3~~~~~~

BaBy MoOn & 2Nd PrEnAtAl ViSiT

2010-03-15T22:12:00.032-04:00

Last week, Hubby and I were on our small vacation that some may call a "babymoon". We went to Cocoa Beach, Florida for a week with my father-in-law (since its his timeshare).

Hubby and F.I.L. went fishing one of the days while we were there and hubby decided not to wear sunblock or a hat thus, his whole head (scalp included) is pealing. On the bright side, he caught a fish!

On another day, we went to Epcot. I mean who doesn't love going to Disney World, right? When hubby and I started dating, one of our very first trips together was to Disney World (back in 2004). It was a blast even without kids (mainly cause we're kids and still are). While we were there in 2004 we decided to become part of Epcot's legacy wall. We took a picture of our photo on the wall this time, check it out!

All in all, this "babymoon" makes me want spring to come so much more. Can't wait for beach season! Next year, when we head out for Cocoa Beach I'll have a little baby with us, so crazy to think about but I truly can't wait!

Yesterday, I went for my second prenatal visit. I was looking forward to it because I really wanted to hear my baby, waiting a month to make sure he/she was there was too long, lol. Since I can't feel he/she, listening to the heartbeat is so exciting (makes me feel so much closer to baby). Well, if you remember the first prenatal visit it took a while to find baby's heartbeat but this time it was instant. The midwife put the doppler on my belly and baby's heartbeat was so loud and strong. It instantly made me smile and made my whole day.

Weeks ago, I had blood work done because my mother had mini-strokes and a heart attack with her last pregnancy and doctor's wanted to make sure I didn't have any genetic blood disorders/risks. Blood work came back and all was normal. Hubby said something a while ago that makes me smile every time I think about it. He said, "You were made to have babies". Yes, its really simple but for a couple that was scared we could not have kids (for no particular reason) and my health issues as a child it is so sweat to hear especially since he's referring to how my body is built and my mothering nature (I basically raised my little bro and treat him often as my own). I mean some people can't have kids and we are truly blessed :)

I'm so excited for next month!! I'll be able to go get the ultra sound me and hubby so impatiently are waiting for...finding out the gender and making sure baby is developing appropriately. I haven't seen baby since my 7 week mark so seeing our little bundle in the monitor is going to be so great.

PrEgGo PrOgReSsIoN nOtEs:

2010-02-19T15:16:00.025-05:00

How far along? 14 weeks 5 days

Total weight gain: Before being preggo, with all the holiday eating, my start weight was 127 lbs. according to my scale. Currently, I am 131 lbs. with my little baby bump. For a total weight gain of 5 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Nope. Still wearing my regular clothes for now.

Sleeping Habits: Try to take a bathroom break before going to bed and stop drinking at least an hour before so that I don't wake up in the middle of the night anymore with a bladder full. Since this change, I've been sleeping in bed the whole night but fall in and out of sleep throughout the night due to me toss-n-turning.

Best moment this week: Developing the smallest belly bump and having my BFF, Ash, take pictures to document my belly bump progression (check out her other work: http://ashleyjacobsenphotography.blogspot.com/). Take a closer look below!

Movement: My little mysterious one is still too small for me to feel any movements.

Gender: Still a mystery. Wanna take a guess??

Belly Button in or out? I'm an inny like I've always been. Don't know what to do about my belly ring. Should I take it out or should I get a flexible prego belly ring? For those of you who have had a belly piercing and had a baby, what did you do?

What I miss: I'm spoiled and have no will power. I usually give in to all my needs, well when it comes to food/drinks. I miss SUSHI the most. I miss drinking my favorite beer and other alcoholic beverages when I'm out with my friends at the bar. I miss the occasional of brie or tuna tartar. Just before getting pregnant, I started drinking coffee, so in the early morning I miss drinking caffeine.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Not really craving anything. A month ago, I couldn't even be in the same room as a steak, but I think that has subsided.

FiRsT vIsIt

2010-02-12T13:31:00.001-05:00

Last week, the hubby and I had our first visit to the Birth Center (a.k.a. TBC) we are using for our prenatal care, ob-gyn, and delivery services. I was so excited about our first visit that we showed up the day before our scheduled appointment. Of course, it was accidental. However, it worked out cause I was able to take my time and fill out all the necessary documents needed for my real appointment the next day. They would have seen us if they weren't already booked. None the less, we returned the next day.

As soon as we checked in they handed me my file, which has never happened. Usually, doctor offices like to keep the file in the back and you only ever get a glimpse of your file the whole visit. Apparently, TBC likes you to be involved in your treatment/care every step of the way. So, having easy access to your file is the first step. Then, you are to provide a urine sample at every visit but you are to test it yourself prior to giving it to them and your are to weigh yourself. Seems like no big deal but you feel a little more involved in the visit rather than "sit here and give me this" type of visit that most are accustomed.

During my hour long visit, we discussed background medical history and they reviewed my blood work in detail with me that was done last month (that my previous gyno ordered and never cared to explain). Everything was normal and my blood type was O positive. (Good to know). She then performed a regular exam and since I was about 11 weeks at that point she decided to see if we could hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. Hubby was really excited.

At first, she couldn't find it and said maybe he/she was too small for the size Doppler she was using so she got another one that they usually use for smaller babies. A couple seconds later (along with the look of worry all over hubby's face) we heard the softness noise of our baby's healthy heartbeat for the first time. WOW! Hubby and I just looked at each other and smiled.

This weekend, I'm approaching my second trimester as I'll be 12 weeks. It still hasn't hit me yet. Maybe after week 20 when I will get my next ultra sound to determine the baby's sex it will slap me in the face with the reality of I'm really pregnant.

SoMe NeRvE!

2010-01-26T21:05:00.002-05:00

Some people have some nerve. I truly have to control my "jersey" attitude at times and remind myself that I have come along way in life to let what people say bother me. I guess I should explain to help you better understand what I mean. Today, I was socializing with individuals (because I have to, not by choice, aka work related) and we were discussing my pregnancy.

Basically, it all started because Person A announced that she was pregnant, too. However, I spoke to Person A a week ago about my pregnancy and she neglected to share this information (personally, I don't care if you don't want to share this type of information with me since you are not a friend anyway). Person A explained how she normally doesn't like to share this type of information until she is 12 weeks along and knows her baby is healthy. Her plan failed as she is clearly showing at this point. She is only a couple weeks ahead of me (she is due Aug. 11th). As Person A walked away, Person B leaned in and whispered, "so, is the rumor true?". I said, "What rumor?". She said, "Are you pregnant?". I said, "yeah, it's true." She congratulated me and we continued on.

Person A has a big mouth. I didn't tell everyone and their mother because its none of their business. None the less, Person A came back into the room and we all discussed different things about pregnancy. All was fine until I decided to share a comment from another person I worked with. He stated, "Children are enjoyable...when their 28." I explained to him that sucked since I was only 26 and thus I must not even be enjoyable yet. Geez. This statement at the time was a joke and I didn't think twice about it. Well, both ladies (Person A and Person B) chuckled and I decided to be on my way. I was literally behind a border that separates the two rooms when I heard them whisper to each other the following:

Person A: "Did you hear that? She said she was only 26. Oh, my gosh."

Person B: "Yeah, babies having babies, married and all. I can't even imagine. When I was 26 that was far from my mind"

Idiots!! If you are going to talk about someone, at least wait till they leave the area completely or at least act your "old" age that you are and say it to my face. I realize at that moment that I really am more mature than closed minded Person A and B combined (bonus: I have a higher degree than them as well so that makes me feel better). As I explained earlier, some people have some nerve.

Yes, I am 26. But I am also a wife, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a friend, a role model. I am a high school graduate, a college graduate, and a graduate school graduate (two different degrees). I am many things. Am I less of a person because I am to be a mother?

No! I am not. I am living and after the birth of my baby I will continue living; but me living will have REAL purpose. I will be a MOTHER!

So, those of you out there who will judge me because I am 26 years old and pregnant...F*CK OFF!

Is It NaP tImE yEt?

2010-01-15T22:15:00.005-05:00

A week and a half of morning sickness has gone by and I'm so grateful to be able to eat again. I just hope that I don't have to go through that again any time soon. Currently, I have been so tired. I go to bed early at night and I have to take a nap in the middle of my day or I'm sluggish. It is kinda hard to do that when I was working two jobs. So, I had to make some changes. Due to my nausea, tiredness, and food aversions, I decided it was time to leave my waitressing job since I couldn't risk getting sick at work. It wasn't a be change since I only took on that job for extra spending cash.

At the present time, I continue to work on a case by case basis as a school psychologist (which I hope I will be able to continue till the end of the school year). In the meantime, I'm applying for full-time school psychologist positions as they are posted by local school districts but I am faced with the dilemma of knowing I may not even get hired due to me needing maternity leave or the fact that I rather not work during the first two years of my child's development. It's something I struggle with everyday. I've been in school my whole life and I would really love to finally have a permanent position in a school. I think have a full-time job with a really nice salary would make my husband, but mainly myself, feel secure. Don't get me wrong, my husband is doing a great job supporting me now and paying all our bills but he also spends carelessly and I feel if I had a great paying job I wouldn't care about his purchases (i.e. new dvd's, sports cards, etc.) as much.

On another subject, hubby and I went to the Birth Center orientation seminar last Saturday. It was very informative and I think it made hubby understand the concept of a natural birth better. They discussed pain management, birthing techniques, and what happens if there are complications, etc. They showed us a video of a delivery story and then gave us a video tour of the facility considering it was a busy day at the Birth Center (the delivery floor was booked), usually they would allow us on the floor if no one was delivering. At the end of the session, he is now officially on board and excited about our new adventure.

That Monday, we had our first ultrasound. I don't know which was more exciting looking at my baby for the first time on the screen or watching my husband's face light up like never before (well, at least this type of delight was different). According to the ultrasound measurement, I was 7 weeks and 2 days along. They estimated my due date to be August 28th (which is Gary's father's B-day). Well, at least I can be fat during the summer and have an excuse right? The ultrasound lady tried to tell me she wouldn't be able to give a photo at first because her printer was down. Maybe that would be okay for other mothers but for this JERSEY GIRL that was not an option. I made her turn it on and try again and magically it decided to work. That machine knew not to mess with me, lol.

So, I leave this post with a picture of my raspberry for your viewing pleasure :)

Baby Weller at 7 weeks and 2 days

NeW yEaR...nEw BeGiNnInGs 2010

2010-01-07T21:38:00.003-05:00

The hubby and I chose to spend the new year with our friends at our friend's mountain house (in the Poconos). Sounds like fun right? Well, it is usually a weekend full of drinking, eating, more drinking, sleeping, wake up and drink some more. That being said you can see where I might not be so thrilled this time around. None the less, I made the trip with my hubby and drank juice, ate, drank water, slept, and woke up sober. It snowed and everyone took that opportunity to go sledding, "pick-up truck" sledding, snow ball fighting, and building a snowman and attacking it with a potato gun. So, while everyone was drinking and having fun in the snow including my hubby, I decided to bring my Kindle and read the "Lovely Bones" (which is a movie that I plan on seeing) during my stay. This winter, I was really looking forward to going snowboarding guess I' going to have to put that on hold for next year.

(Side bar: I found the book not all exciting considering all the "hype" it has been getting. I'm sure the movie will be better.)

So, the new year started whether I drank champagne or not (who knew?). This year I started the year with my favorite... sparkling apple cider, yay! On the way home from the mountains, hubby made my day. We stopped at our favorite place, Callie's Candy Kitchen, where every valentine's day he orders me the best dark choc. covered strawberries from there. I love this place.

On another note, if anyone told me that I would begin the new year with morning sickness, I would tell them they could have all my choc. covered strawberries for the whole year if I could skip that side effect of my pregnancy. OMG, this constant nausea throughout my day is the worst feeling. I hate having no appetite and being tired. I am by no means a picky eater, I like everything!! But of course, things I once found so appetizing (i.e steak) can no longer be in the same room as I :( I find myself "craving" certain items and think about calling the hubby and telling him he needs to bring "it" home or else, lol. But I have restrained myself thus far, I'm sure my restraint won't last long.

So, I lift my shot glass (filled with OJ, of course) and hope that morning sickness leaves my life forever! HAPPY 2010!

WoW, sO...i'M pReGgo!

2009-12-30T10:46:00.003-05:00

Sorry, its been a little while since my last post but its the Holidays and it tends to get too busy for any down time to blog.

Well, yup..you read the title right :) I'm pregnant!! It's really early (I'm about 5 weeks along) but it's true. My husband and I found out about two weeks ago and are ecstatic. At first, he didn't believe the first home test I took (which said positive) so I took another and it said negative. Oh, man! Could it be that I had a false positive? Its never happened to me before (ok, so this isn't the first time I thought I was pregnant, sue me, lol) so I took four more home pregnancy tests after that....drum roll....they ALL said I was PREGNANT. Believe it or not, my hubby was still not too sure it was true even after I missed my regular scheduled cycle. So, I went to my doctor's office and got a blood test done. A day later, I received a call stating, "Michele, happy holidays you ARE pregnant."

Finally, my hubby thinks its true, lol. His behavior transformation is exciting to watch. Everything now is "hunny are you ok?, hunny do you need anything?, hunny can you eat that?, oh wait hunny I'll carry everything just get inside"...its so funny but sooo cute. He feels my tummy often even though our baby is only a size of a sweet pea right now.

During the week of Christmas, we told our families and close friends. Of course, there were some mixed emotions from some but many people were thrilled and excited for us. Ultimately, it only mattered that my hubby and I were excited for this new year and journey.

Over the next few days, I scheduled gyno visits, started taking prenatal vitamins, and learning as much as I could about pregnancy (birthing options, healthy diet, physical and emotional symptoms, etc.) Everything is so exciting but scary at the same time. I do well with change, never had a really hard time adapting but this is the BIGGEST change of my life. I'm concerned about the things people don't talk about like the possibility of a miscarriage, or whether I'll be prepared enough for my baby to come into this world, or if my body is capable of the natural birth (I desire), and if I'll be a good mom, etc. I guess with any rite of passage in life there is always uncertainty until you complete the task. Pregnancy is something that happens and ends in a couple months but motherhood that's forever so I better get use to this feeling of the unknown.

In the next few weeks, I have an ultra-sound scheduled to better estimate my due date and I scheduled an orientation seminar for a birth center I am considering. So, stay tuned for updates on this journey that is sure to unravel some emotions :)

I leave this post by saying "I'm going to be a mom sometime around late August/early September of 2010!"

Happy NEw YEar to ALL!!

GoNe BuT NeVeR FoRgOtTeN

2009-12-10T21:23:00.002-05:00

This week, my husband and I have experienced a loss. One of his high school pals passed away, he was 30 years old. It was unexpected and very sudden. It has caught us all by surprise.

As a psychology major, I'm very attuned to my emotions and I have a good understanding of the grieving stages (denial, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance). I'm thankful for the knowledge and skill sets I have as it has prepared me to handle a majority of situations.

When I initially found out that our friend was no longer 'here', I was at work. It was at the end of my shift and I rushed to get home. I was in complete denial and I needed to be with my husband. The house was dark and my husband laid awake on the couch. I can't even imagine the thoughts going on in his mind. So, I sat by his side in silence.

As the week went on we discussed our first reactions to the news, DENIAL and guilt.We couldn't cry about the loss since it didn't feel real. We could still see his face and smile so vividly in our minds. I'm sure every memory my husband had with this person, raced through his mind throughout the day and night. We felt guilt because you feel like you could've helped this person in some way. You feel anger because he had a whole life to live (even though he may have thought differently).

Yesterday, we attended the viewing and it was surreal. For me, I hit the "depression" stage. I was finally able to mourn and shed the tears. So, that I could move on and reach acceptance. For my husband, I'm sure it will take longer to get through these stages as he had the stronger connection than I.

In the end, this experience has strengthen my relationship with my husband as I was able to be the shoulder he needed to lean on. Our friend is gone but he will NEVER be forgotten. R.I.P.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Jrsygurl4life~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HeRe I aM

2009-12-10T15:26:00.003-05:00

I am not a great writer; thus, blogging was something I thought I would never consider. However, a few of my friends have blogs for various reasons and I enjoy reading them, primarily because I don't get to see them that often and it keeps me bonded with them. So, I thought...if I enjoy reading their thoughts, ideas, adventures regarding their lives then perhaps someone out there may enjoy reading about mine or at least it gives me a way to UnRaVel my emotions when needed.

So, here I am! Ready to start this blogging journey. I don't know where this road will take me but I'm ready for the ride.