Saturday, December 29, 2012

20 Random Facts About Myself


1.   I am left handed, and so are a few other family members. My dad is, some siblings, and my dad’s siblings.
2.   As mama’s little girl, I was very spoiled. I’m ashamed to admit it but I never did laundry until I went to college. My first load of laundry, I had to call my mom and have her walk me through it.
3.   Surprisingly, laundry is my favorite “chore” to do. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll be learning to do laundry WAAAY before college!
4.   When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a botanist (study plants), and an astronomer (study stars). Later I found out that I was never very good at science!
5.   Growing up, I lived with a lot of different family members. Uncle Jere and Caleb grew up in Chinook, Uncle Jeff and Jon occasionally stayed. My cousins lived with us for a little while. And eventually, everyone moved out and I felt like an only child.
6.   While daddy was deployed to Iraq, I painted my nails about every other day to keep myself preoccupied. It turned into a tiny obsession.
7.   I love to shop… but I’m cheap… but I hate chasing sales.
8.   In high school, I shared a birthday with about 4 kids (out of the less than 200 in the school) and in college I shared it with 2 others.
9.   My favorite color is green, but my favorite color for my nails are pink (red for my toes).
10.   I find it so gratifying to harmonize with a good singer; it gives me goosebumps!
11.  The biggest thing I miss about high school is sports teams. I frequently dream about being back on a team.
12.   Speaking of dreams: I remember a LOT of my dreams.
13.    One of my favorite things is to sneeze. I love the satisfaction I get from a good sneeze!
14.    Even though I hate scary movies, every once in awhile I get a hankering to watch one (at home so I can fast forward if it gets too intense!)
15.   I always have at least one bad habit. Old habits include: biting my nails, biting my lips, biting the inside of my cheeks.
16.  Strangely, I can remember a lot of things from when I was very very little. Some of my first vivid memories are from when I was two years old.
17.   It kills me inside if something is unfair. Even as a kid, if other kids were cheating at games I would get very upset.
18.   My favorite subjects in school were English, year book, and pottery.
19.  When I was a kid I used to love eating purple cabbage and green peppers.
20.   Water activities dislike my head. I’ve been thrown into a pool and hit my head on the bottom. Someone threw a bucket full of water at my head while white water rafting. And I blacked out when I connected heads with a friend while falling off a jet-ski. 

Friday, December 28, 2012

30 things my kid(s) should know about me.

Let me start by saying: I am NOT pregnant again. I say kid(s) knowing that I would like Everett to have a sibling some day.

OK back to the show folks!

I found this really neat blog today: www.babymakingmachine.com. She started doing this "30 things my kids should know about me" post. By doing 30 posts, she hopes her kids will some day read her blog and know what she was going through that time of her life. I decided to also take part! I'm realistic and know that I cannot do 30 posts in 30 days. Heck, I don't know if I can finish a post in a day (as Everett is currently sleeping on my chest-he received some shots at his appointment today). 

Here is the list that I will be following:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your spouse.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. People who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. What’s the hardest part of growing up?
14. Describe 5 and weaknesses strengths you have.
15. Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or how I fell in love.
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What do you think your spouse loves most about you?
19. How did you feel the moment you became a parent?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. Describe your relationship with your parents.
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. What’s your favorite holiday and why?
24. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about parenthood?
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What’s your favorite quality in your spouse?
29. What are your hopes and dreams for your prosperity?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.


Coming soon... 20 Random facts about me

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Life up to 6 Weeks

Everett is six weeks today! Every day he is changing and growing. I can't believe it!

Our first couple of days home, my parents were able to stay with us. It was great but we were very happy to have spent time alone with him, getting to know him. Thankfully, Ben was able to take almost a full month off! During this time, we got to know each other.

Rhett taught us how to put on a diaper correctly (there are tons of dirty onesees to prove our mistakes), he also taught us not to expect any sort of routine at first. Before having our child, Ben and I were convinced that we could create a schedule but we learned quick that our lives now revolve around this boy. Also in the first few weeks, we were able to travel to the high line for Thanksgiving to visit family. Travel was successful, Rhett enjoys sleeping in his car seat.

In December, my mom, Lu Ann, was able to come and stay with us for over a week. With her help, we were able to convince Rhett to sleep during the night. Mom was very enthusiastic about burping and changing diapers. She even stayed up with him during some fussy hours of the night. I was able to shower, blow dry my hair, put on makeup, and change out of sweats! This was a great luxury. And lucky for me, she was here when I got sick!

I had a week alone with Rhett before my dad got here (oh boy is it tough!). Ben's parents were just here and were able to spend a little time cuddling him. And now Rhett is laughing, talking, and giggling. It is so much fun! His gummy smile melts my heart. He even has a dimple!

So this is a quick update. Sorry it's been awhile. It's funny how a little baby needs so much of your time. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Day 1

 Week 6

Monday, November 26, 2012

Birth Story

I'm sorry this is extremely late. It's busy with a newborn! Here is my birth story, minus some details.

On Saturday, November 10th I started getting contractions in the afternoon. They weren't strong enough or regular enough to go to the hospital yet. Ben had been really busy at work so he was a few hours late. I sent him a text that said I would probably have to go to the hospital that night, as the contractions were getting closer together. When I called the Billings Clinic Family Birth Center (FBC), they suggested I go for a walk and take a bath to make sure things progressed, so Ben and I headed to Wal-Mart to walk (that night was really cold so there was no way we could go for a walk outside).

At 11pm we arrived at the FBC and were pre-roomed to be monitored. They watched me for about 20 minutes and said I wasn't progressing enough so they had me walk around the halls. Because I still hadn't progressed enough, they sent me home at 2am.

By 3 am at home, I was in so much pain. The contractions came about every 2-3 minutes but I still didn't want to go straight back to the hospital and then get sent home again. I sat at home for almost 3 hours trying to watch a movie to keep my mind of the pain. I would sleep for about 2 minutes between contractions then be woken up. Somehow, Ben slept through my almost-screams in the living room. But every time I would change positions, the pain became worse than ever. The only thing I regret is not eating before going to the hospital.

When Ben woke up, we went to the hospital and they admitted me to a room. I asked for the epidural right away, I couldn't believe how painful it already was. Thankfully, I was able to get rest with the epidural. My parents arrived at noon and by 4 pm they turned my epidural way down. At 5:10 they had me push. Even without eating for over 24 hours, I still threw up about 6 times while I was pushing.

At 5:55 Everett was born. He came out a little sideways and they were worried he might have swallowed some of his own poop, so I wasn't able to hold him right away. At midnight, they took him to the NICU because they were worried about his blood sugar levels. By 8 am he was back in my room, having never had to put him on an IV.

He's the most amazing little thing I could ever even imagine to have the privilege being the mother of.


Saturday, November 10, 2012

40 Week Survey

I hope this will be my last survey!!

How far along? 40 weeks
Baby is the size of? A full grown baby, haha.
Average size: 20.16 inches, 7.63 lbs
Maternity clothes? I have 2-3 pairs of work pants that fit…. Sweats are my best friend
Stretch Marks? None.
Sleep: drastically reduced. Contractions and hip/knee pain keep me up at night.
Best moment this week: It’s been sort of a miserable week so it’s hard to think of a great moment this week. But I made a onesee with E’s name on it for him to wear to reveal his name.
Miss anything? My sanity.
Movement: He still moves like he’s got all the room in the world.  
Food cravings: None. I’m not even that hungry anymore.
Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope
Gender: Boy
This week’s fetal heart rate: 142
Labor signs: Contractions, back pain, groin pain, other gross things I won’t get into.
Symptoms: swelling, back pain.
Belly button in or out? Outie-ish
Wedding rings on or off? Off-wearing dad’s wedding band when I leave the house.
Emotions: This was a rough week.
Looking forward to: the birth of my boy.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Saturday Survey-39 Weeks


How far along? 39 weeks (approx 1 more to go!!)
Baby is the size of? A Watermelon
Average size: 20.16 inches, 7.63 lbs
Maternity clothes? My favorite are pajama’s and sweats.
Stretch Marks? None yet but that skin is getting pretty thin!
Sleep: Lots of hip pain, it hurts to switch positions but I still sleep.
Best moment this week: Having the chance to hang out with great people before our lives change.
Miss anything? At this point, I kind of just miss everything. This is such a long process.
Movement: He’s a big boy with big movements.  
Food cravings: I wanted an orange last night.
Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope
Gender: Boy
This week’s fetal heart rate: 130 (he’s just chilling now!)
Labor signs: Pelvic pressure, a few contractions.
Symptoms: swelling, bathroom trips, my tailbone hurts so bad.
Belly button in or out? Outie-ish
Wedding rings on or off? Off-wearing dad’s wedding band.
Emotions: This was a good week, but I get moody.
Looking forward to: 3 day work week, and hopefully seeing my boy!

I was a pregnant prom queen-just got done with a makeout session in the back of a car.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Sunday Survey-38 weeks


How far along? 38 weeks (approx 2 more to go!!)
Baby is the size of? A Pumpkin! Happy Halloween!!
Average size: 19.91 inches, 6.8 lbs
Maternity clothes? My best friend.
Stretch Marks? I think I’m still mark free.
Sleep: Would be longer if I didn’t have to pee about 5 times a night.
Best moment this week: Lots of time with my hubby.
Miss anything? I wish I felt less physically limited. I’m excited to be able to move and sleep however I want.
Movement: We are really able to pick out limbs now because he has such big movements.  
Food cravings: I've been back to craving drinks.
Anything make you queasy or sick? Nothing
Gender: Boy
This week’s fetal heart rate: 140
Labor signs: Same: hip pain, a couple of contractions (nothing regular).
Symptoms: Swelling, congestion, lots of pressure on my bladder.
Belly button in or out? I don’t really know how to explain this one so I’ll just say out.
Wedding rings on or off? Off: sometimes I wear my dad’s wedding band but I found a ring of my late grandmother’s that fits better.
Emotions: Up and down but still a lot of joy.
Looking forward to: Only working 3 days this week, Halloween, spending time with the husband.


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Sunday Survey-37 Weeks


How far along? 37 weeks (approx 3 more to go!!)
Baby is the size of? A Winter Melon
Average size: 19.13 inches, 6.3 lbs
Maternity clothes? Almost exclusively in maternity. Pretty sure I will be growing out of some of the tops.
Stretch Marks? Nothing that I can see but I’ll ask the nurse to check at my next appointment.
Sleep: Lots of interruptions/bathroom breaks.
Best moment this week: Getting to spend time with my husband. We even went on a date! And meeting my friend Candace’s new baby.
Miss anything? Sleeping positions, my favorite drinks, getting off the couch in one step.
Movement: Strong movements. Sometimes I can feel him stretching out and hiccupping.
Food cravings: Craved a pumpkin pie blizzard.
Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope.
Gender: Boy
This week’s fetal heart rate: 144
Labor signs: hip pain, a couple of contractions (nothing regular).
Symptoms: huge stomach, congestion, and swelling. Surprisingly I’ve probably had more energy the last two weeks than I have this whole pregnancy (and I probably just jinxed myself)
Belly button in or out? Technically the belly button is in but the space above my belly button has “popped”.
Wedding rings on or off? Off and barely fitting into my dad’s wedding band from how swollen I am.
Emotions: I had a very good week this week. I get annoyed easily but I felt a lot of joy and excitement.
Looking forward to: Seeing the progression at the doctor’s appointment. Only working 3 days this week! Woop!
A winter melon (because I had no idea what this was)

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Nursery-Now What?

The nursery is FINISHED!!

  

 The mobile leans because the front of the crib is scooped. We can't put it on the sides because they are kind of a sleigh style. It's so cute anyway. The wall animals and soft, but I'm worried that owl might scare him!


Notice the police car on top of the bookshelf. It's supposed to be for E but Ben has already "tried"it out, you know, to make sure that it's safe for E to use.

Changing station. 




The dresser I painted. Doubles as the changing table. 


And guess what....? The hospital bags are packed! The index cards have everything that we need to pack just before we leave for the hospital. 

Ok people, now what do I do? The bags are packed, the nursery is done, every essential is purchased. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. I got a pedicure today but it wasn't relaxing at all; I was so uncomfortable. I also made freezer meals last weekend! So lets hear some suggestions. "Just relax" isn't doing it for me. When I'm occupied, I don't realize how uncomfortable I am. 

Saturday, October 13, 2012

"Sunday" Survey-36 Weeks

Work Baby Shower outfit-35 weeks and 1 day


How far along? 36 weeks (approx 4 more to go!!)
Baby is the size of? Honeydew!
Average size: 18.66 inches, 5.78 lbs
Maternity clothes? Can’t wait to be out of maternity ;)
Stretch Marks? None! Woop!
Sleep: There are good nights, there are bad nights.
Best moment this week: My work baby shower.
Miss anything? Bending over, not having to rest so much.
Movement: Really big movements, such a strong boy!
Food cravings: Nothing, just thirsty all the time.
Anything make you queasy or sick? I had a whole night of “sleep” where I was just nauseous all the time.
Gender: Boy
This week’s fetal heart rate: 140
Labor signs: Lots of hip pain, hard belly.
Symptoms: This big belly is alone a symptom!
Belly button in or out? In, but depending on where the baby is, there is a little bump above my belly button.
Wedding rings on or off? Off, wearing dad’s wedding band.
Emotions: Ugh, it was a rough week.
Looking forward to: Doctor’s appointment, being one more week closer to seeing my baby boy.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Sunday Survey-35 Weeks


How far along? 35 weeks (approx 5 more to go!!)
Baby is the size of? Coconut
Average size: 18.19 inches, 5.25 lbs
Maternity clothes? Living in maternity
Stretch Marks? None for sure, the nurse confirmed it!
Sleep: Sleeping but I wake up about every hour because my hips hurt so bad.
Best moment this week: getting spoiled and my parents being here.
Miss anything? Breathing, real sleep, adult beverages.
Movement: Still an active boy!
Food cravings: At one point, I really wanted applesauce and chocolate pudding but I was never able to satisfy that craving.
Anything make you queasy or sick? I get randomly queasy in the middle of the night.
Gender: Boy
This week’s fetal heart rate: 144
Labor signs: A few contractions, hips spreading, etc etc etc
Symptoms: hips in pain, lower back pain, itchiness, hard time sleeping.
Belly button in or out? It’s still in but there is a little bump above my belly button.
Wedding rings on or off? Officially off, but I've been wearing my dad’s wedding band.
Emotions: Earlier this week was rough because I was sick.
Looking forward to: My work baby shower!  


Sunday, September 30, 2012

Sunday Survey


How far along? 34 weeks (approx 6 more to go!!)
Baby is the size of? Butternut Squash
Average size: 17.72 inches, 4.73 lbs
Maternity clothes? Rocked the maternity pants all week and it felt so good!
Stretch Marks? None.
Sleep: I’ve taken a few naps in addition to my 9 hours of sleep. I haven’t been feeling very well.
Best moment this week: Eating cake and getting flowers.
Miss anything? Breathing.
Movement: Lots but I notice that he sleeps at night when I sleep, which I appreciate.
Food cravings: Nothing that I noticed this week.
Anything make you queasy or sick? I’ve been under the weather so I’ve been randomly nauseous.
Gender: Boy
This week’s fetal heart rate: 154
Labor signs: I may have had some contractions over the last few nights.
Symptoms: Itchy, frequent trips to the bathroom, painful sleeping positions, trouble breathing.
Belly button in or out? It’s still in but there is a little bump above my belly button.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Emotions: I have little to no tolerance.
Looking forward to: Another week closer to seeing my boy.  

34 weeks, sorry about how bright the flash is.