Mary

At Christmastime, as a mother, I feel a sort of comraderie with Mary...Jesus' mother. I was listening to a Christmas songs, "New Kid in Town" and "Angels Cried"...they talk about the simplicity of Christmas and basically that the people weren't sure or didn't REALLY know that this little baby was the savior...But Mary did...

As a mother, I look at my tiny baby girl & my big boy and I think that Mary raised Jesus in these stages. I'm sure she spent countless nights awake with a screaming baby (as I did last night!), or had to discipline him as he made messes or was a little toot (like my big boy can be). And most importantly, she absolutely loved him more than life. She watched Joseph be an amazing father to her son. She watched him grow and felt the time slipping through her hands. She knew he had a big purpose...but he was still her little boy.

Its such a neat feeling to think of all of this at Christmas time.

Justin was asking me questions the other day about Catholics. He found himself in a position to defend Catholics. One thing many people think is that we "worship" Mary. This isn't true. She IS blessed! I was reading the Gospel of Luke's Christmas story...it's so beautiful. The angel Gabriel says, "Hail favored one, The Lord is with you!" When Elizabeth hears Mary's greeting, later, John jumps in her womb. Elizabeth says, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb". Which is part of our prayer, "Hail Mary".

Hail Mary full of grace
The lord is with you
Blessed art thou among women
Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus

Holy Mary, Mother of God
Pray for us sinners
Now and at the time of our death

We aren't seeing her as a god or "worshipping" her. We are asking her to pray for us. This woman who God favored and entrusted the birth of His son to. This "blessed" woman.

Anyway...I'm rambling...but I love to talk about Mary...and as a woman and mother, I feel connected!

Siblings

Cole~4weeks

Natalie~5weeks

I'm going to start running...hopefully soon!

I love to run...have since 7th grade. I ran cross country in highschool...always trying to beat Kelly (sorry Kel...you know you were my motivation!) I quit in college...but then in 2004, I decided to lose weight. I lost 40 lbs between running and the Firm DVDs. Well...the dvds are almost impossible in this tiny house with 2 kids. I've been reading some blogger's triumphs in running (kelly, kori, ashley). THEN..I read a great article in United's Spirit magazine that Justin gets. One of my FAVORITE people had an article about running...Tom Weis~Cheif Learning Officer at United Supermarkets. He used to run marathons when he was younger and just started back up...at 57 years. His "personal marathon philosophy" comes from one of United's famous sayings. It's one of my favorite sayings. It motivated me, and I hope it motivates my fellow runners!!! I plan on repeating it to myself when I run!

"With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable."

Tom goes on to say this, "My running isn't anything special, I just hang in there".

See??? Isn't that awesome? I'm always thinking...why run races if there's no way I can win? If Tom just hangs in there & loves it...so can I.

Anyway...it really hit the nail on the head for me!

Merry Christmas!

Yay! It worked! I'm spoiling your christmas cards...but oh well! I didn't print this off...I did Walmart cards. This is my home-made version! Let me tell you...It's a CHORE to take photos of a 2 year old and a 6 week old...TOGETHER! After about 200 photos, we managed to get about 6 decent ones. This is AFTER I quit & JP snapped great photos. He lucks out. Most of the time Cole ran around making goofy noises. Natalie cried herself to sleep...I just about cried & Justin laughed. We're lucky that these turned out...let me tell you! HOPEFULLY at least Cole will listen to us next year!!

Ornaments

Here I am in 3rd grade. Wasn't I so "pretty"??? Check out the nice hairdo (thanks momma...), Red Sally Jesse Raphael glasses, and the questionable bow on my shirt. Seriously though...my parents are great. I was obviousliy not so cute, but they always made me feel beautiful. I owe my confidence to them!

Funny video

I found this video from the night before we had Natalie. I'm HUGE!!! Cole is HILARIOUS. He loves to "get water" from our dispenser...and he's a persistent little dude!

New TV

Well...JP & I decided it was time for an upgrade. We've had my 27" Philips since 2001. It has done a FABULOUS job! We thought it was HUGE when I got it! I'll never forget going to Best Buy in Wichita Falls & purchasing it. It was my first BIG purchase! I felt so grown up...at age 20! haha!

We had decided on a 37" TV. The space in our entertainment center has room for a TV that is 41.5 inches wide. JP wanted a bigger TV...but we figured 10" is a big difference...so that'd be fine. Well...JP goes a little crazy when shopping (after I agreed to get one). We ended up with a 42" Philips (40.5 inches wide).

WOW...BIG difference!!! I've included a pic of our old TV....and then our new TV. We feel like we are in a movie theatre!! And by the way...it has GREAT picture & sound! AND...Mickey Mouse Clubhouse looks GREAT on it :)

A Few Quick Pics

Of course there's more on their pages!

I feel ok!

I've been having some baby blues...

It's HARD being locked up in a house all day with a newborn. We can't go anywhere because:

a. There's nowhere to go in Vernon
b. It's cold & windy
c. You never know when Nat wants to eat

So...I've been taking late showers & staying in pajamas all day. No cleaning or sprucing up...just waiting until 4ish to go get Cole & for JP to get home.

TODAY...however, JP went to work at noon so I got to sleep in a little. He watched Nat while I took a shower & got ready (at 11 :)). I decided to try on my "fat" clothes. These are the jeans I wore around the time I got married. I weighed about the same then as I did 40 weeks prego. They are my size 8 Levis and my size 7/8 Lee One True Fit. THEY FIT!! Not only do they fit...they are loose in the thighs! YAY! Now...they fit just fine in the belly...but I do have a bit of a muffin top. I guess that's acceptable for 2 weeks post pardum. Something is definitely up with my belly though...the abs are just sticking out there more than after I had Cole. I guess that happens when you've had 2 kids.

ANYWAY...I'm pretty pumped! I put my makeup on...fixed my hair & put on ...get this...a size Small shirt! hehe...I even put lipstick on. too bad I have nothing to do the rest of the day other than be a milk machine.

Crazy Eights

(Wow...I've been tagged....hehe!)

Eight TV shows that I watch:
1. One Tree Hill
2. Gossip Girl
3. America's Next Top Model
4. Grey's Anatomy
5. Desperate Housewives
6. Brothers and Sisters
7. Law and Order
8. Law and Order SVU

Eight Favorite Restaurants:
1. Abuelo's
2. Quizno's
3. El Chico
4. Samurai of Tokyo
5. River Smith's (Lubbock)
6. Casa Mañana
7. Mimi's Cafe
8. That really good Chinese place in DFW that's everywhere (my mind went blank)

Eight Things that happened this weekend:
1. My pain SIGNIFIGANTLY lessened
2. Watched tons of lifetime movies
3. Watched Hairspray
4. Thought Tech was playing & became disappointed when they didn't
5. Went to church for the first time with Natalie and Cole
6. Set up Natalie's Baptism
7. Went grocery shopping
8. Had yummy steaks

Eight Things I look forward to:
1. Natalie's 2 week appt tuesday
2. Thanksgiving
3. The day before thanksgiving when my parents come.
4. The day after thanksgiving sales (which I won't be attending :()
5. The movie Twilight (which I won't be watching any time soon)
6. Christmas
7. Losing these last 10 baby pounds!
8. Feeling 100% better!

Eight Things on My Wishlist:
1. Cole to go poo poo (he's extremely constipated these days! :( )
2. An hour or two on my own
3. New clothes
4. New running shoes
5. New makeup
6. laptop
7. a good set of books
8. Peace and Goodwill to all (Ok...i don't know what else I want! haha)

I tag...Momma, Danielle, Kelly T., and Kori! :)

My 1 week old baby!

To keep up with my little Natalie, check out her blog!

www.natalieannp.blogspot.com

Natalie Ann's Birth Story

We arrived at the hospital at 8am. The sweet nurse had a hard time finding a vein for an IV. The first one blew a vein. It was REALLY painful! The 2nd vein wouldn’t be budged. FINALLY another nurse got an IV in the top of my hand…weird!

The nurse called Dr. Lamar and they decided to start me on a low dose of Pitocin which would be increased hourly. I was already having contractions every 2-3 minutes ( I was only feeling them every 6 minutes or so). They were all in my back, so I immediately knew she was posterior. BY this point I was already a stretch 3 (before the pitocin). Which was neat because it just means she was MEANT to arrive that day! About 9:00 Dr. Lamar arrived and I was dilated to a 4 and he broke my water. It did NOT hurt like I expected! Immediately…hard contractions began. I had not ever cried during labor with Cole because of pain…until the end. By 9:30, I was crying because the contractions hurt so bad. We discussed an epidural…but decided to try & work Natalie to an anterior position. I wouldn’t be able to do that with an epi. I got Stadol instead (intravenous pain reliever). As soon as it went in…I felt the benefits. The nurse only gave me a half dose because I’m small. As soon as she left, I burst out laughing. I could NOT stop & was laughing for no reason. Justin was worried. I laughed so hard that I completely wet the bed! We continued the stadol…in the mean time my sisters and parents arrived. I finally convinced the nurses to get me a birthing ball. I was on all fours on the bed trying to turn her and sat on the ball and bounced. By about 12pm, I wanted everyone out of the room. I was in a lot of pain. The nurse said if I didn’t take an epidural THEN…I would have to wait until about 1:30 or so because the anesthesiologist was going to be in a c-section. We decided I could make it another hour! Turns out…the pain was HORRIBLE! That was the longest hour of my life! My nurse went on lunch and the stand in decided maybe I needed a full dose of Stadol. From that moment until it wore off…I lived in “marshmallow land”. Not real sure why…but I called Justin a marshmallow and told my mom that I lost my butt. I asked her if she could go find it. I still felt the pain of the contractions…but lived in a different world. It was strange and I wanted out! My regular nurse came back and was pretty upset! Anyway…I got the epidural when I was dilated to a 7. It was WONDEROUS! Why, oh why did I ever try to not have one? I felt no pain in the contractions. Until about 4:30 or so. I felt my contractions on the right side. By 5:00, I was dilated to a 9 and almost ready to push. The nurse got the anesthesiologist to give me something in my epidural to make the pain go away. It worked! ALSO…she turned! The pain was GONE when she turned! By 5:30 I was pushing. It took me a little while to figure it out…but once I did I just pushed as hard as I could! She came from a “0 station” to a “-2” in no time. Soon they could see her hair (I could also…in the reflection of the TV). I pushed one more time and her head was out. I was amazed…then once more and her shoulders “popped” out and the rest of her. I could NOT believe it & was in shock. The doc had to ask me twice if I wanted her placed on me. Finally I said yes. She was SCREAMING, so I talked to her and she calmed down. I touched her…all gooey & bloody & she just looked at me with these big curious eyes. Justin got to cut the cord and I remember him saying, “I’ve always wanted to do this!” They took her away to clean her. I felt the placenta come out. I laughed at the doc because he really wasn’t sure I’d be able to VBAC! Then…he said, “Have some bad news…you tore…4th degree”. He spent the next 20 minutes fixing that up with THICK string. He showed Justin EVERYTHING down there…bleh! By that point Natalie was SCREAMING and they brought her back to me. She immediately calmed down and I sang her our song, “Part of Your World” from the Little Mermaid. I breastfed her and she latched on right away.

The whole experience was amazing and everything I could have hoped for. The only downside was the tear…but it turns out that the recovery isn’t too bad! I’d take this over C-section!! (I say that NOW…3 days ago…not so much! Ha!)
My mom & sister Jessica were in the room with me the whole time. I’m glad they were there. My mom kept me sane and “nice”. I hope Jessica wasn’t scared to have kids! I was happy to share the experience with them. My mom cried.

The night before my little girl is born!

Well...it's finally here! It's kind of cool being prepared for the baby. Cole was 9 days early (shocker)...so we were kind of unprepared. Now I have my bag packed with everything (this time I know what we need). I have her bag packed, Cole's bag is packed. He is staying with Mimi & Papa.

Cole and I had Mommy & Cole day today. We went to Bealls & Walmart (what else is there to do in Vernon?) and had lunch at Pizza Hut. He was VERY loving and so sweet. We played all afternoon, took a bath, and read our favorite story, "I Love You Stinky Face". Then he went night night. Little does he know that tomorrow his life will change...hopefully for the better.

I'm so excited to be having another baby...but in a way I'm sad that Cole will have to share me. I don't think you can fully understand that until you are ABOUT to have that next baby. I know I'll have enough love for both...and more if we have more. My mom & dad did! (although Danielle and I know that Momma loves "the golden child" more than us..haha). It will be good though...I know!

I've been reading "The Power of a Positive Mom" (thanks Angels!). Such a great book. It's really helped me realize what it takes to be a good Mommy. I saw a lady at Walmart today just screaming at her kids...same age difference as Cole and Natalie will be...but older. I thought that I don't ever want to be seen as that type of mommy. YES...discipline is necessary...but not to the point that you humiliate your children for no reason.

Anyway...Induction is set for 8am tomorrow! The doctor will NOT let me go all day. So I WILL have a little girl on November 4th!!! Yay! I will update as soon as we get back home!

GO TECH!

I can rest easily now that I know my baby girl will be a Texas Tech Red Raider!!!!

I jumped & bounced the night away watching the game. Cole, (my little good luck charm) went to bed at half time...and what do you know...Tech started SUCKING IT UP. By the end of the 4th quarter...I was so mad at Justin being a stupid UT fan that I left. That's right..I drove off into the night. I heard the winning touch down & screamed down the street...I was sooo excited! Came home to watch the TTU fans ALMOST cost us the game twice.

BUT EITHER WAY...WE PULLED IT OFF!!!!

Too bad we won't be #1. It's ok...we'll show em all in the end!

Pregnant, sick, and EXCITED????

What could possibly make an overdue, extremely sick woman very excited???

Well of course the biggest game in Texas Tech history! Tonight, Texas Tech will beat the University of Texas in what will be considered history in the making! Natalie's college future is at stake. Justin is a big UT fan. I...of course am a Red Raider, having lived in Lubbock for 20 years and attending Texas Tech. Whichever team wins is the co llege Natalie will attend. (haha).

And...to top off this monumentous occasion...ESPN is hosting College Game Day there for the first time in Texas Tech history! The only thing that could make this day better is if I was there (or if I have Natalie before the game starts!).

WRECK 'EM TECH!!!!!!!!

Today is my due date!

Well...here I am at 6:30am on my due date...still pregnant! I NEVER thought I'd make it this far! I guess I jinxed myself "assuming" she'd come early because big brother Cole did.

Really, though, it's a good thing. I've come down with a really bad cold. It started 2 nights ago and now I have body aches, ear aches, drainage, sore throat, head ache...you name it...I've got it. If you have any ideas on how to get rid of it...please let me know! I'm going to call my doc's office today. I've read up & asked questions...apparently its ok if I'm sick when I have the baby. My breastmilk should give her the antibodies to keep her from getting sick.

I left work at 11am yesterday because I hadn't slept well the night before & had had contractions. They are still here...but not as often. Since I feel so horrible...I'm not going to work again. So maternity leave begins! No more work until January 2nd! YAY!

Please keep us in your prayers...to get over this sickness & have a happy & healthy delivery (whenever it may be!)

Oh yes...if you haven't seen Cole's new halloween outfit...check out his blog! He's ADORABLE!
Cole's Blog

39.3 week appt

Stats:
Weight--142 (lost .5 lbs)
BP--normal
Baby heart--Normal
Dilated to a 1.5
Effacement--75%

As you can see...I'm the same...

We have set up the induction for Tuesday, 11/4. I don't know the time yet, but it will be around 8 or 9am when they break my water. Hopefully we won't need to use that date! I'm hoping for an October baby!!!

38.4 week check up

So...

Stats:
Weight: 142.5 (up 28.5 lbs...WOW!)
BP: 110/62
Dilation: 1.5
Effaced 75%

I improved a little (shocker after being up for the past 2 nights with contractions). I asked him to sweep my membranes. It was a little uncomfortable...but nothing compared to how I feel now! I feel like he stuck his fist up there! (sorry if that was TMI!) Maybe it'll get things going!

Several people believe tomorrow is my day!

I talked to the doc long and hard about an induction date. He will be gone October29- November 2. I REALLY want him to deliver & he REALLY wants to deliver. So...initially we thought about October28th as an induction day. He told me he does NOT want me to choose that date just because he'll be there. We both agreed that we want Natalie to come on her own. We checked the on=call docs & they are both Pro-VBAC...so that's not a problem. Plus...one of them is the Doc that delivered Cole. He's so cute...Red Haired from Columbia and speaks Spanish...yes...I spoke Spanish to him while I was having a c-section! ha!

Anyway...my next appt is MONDAY 10/27 at 4:20pm. Then we will talk about inducing on Monday or Tuesday of the next week (11/3 or 11/4).

Maybe we won't make it until then though!!!

37.4 week appt

BLAH...NO PROGRESS...CAN YOU TELL I'M FRUSTRATED????

Stats:

Weight: 140.5 Total of 26.5 lbs gained
BP: ???
BAby heartrate: 132 (YAY! 130s!!)

I'm still dilated to a 1, but at least I'm 50% effaced. We are setting the induction/c-section date (c-section if it doesn't go well) for 11/4 (I think). It's a Tuesday. We thought about Tuesday 10/28...but I really want to go at least to my due date before I think about inducing. I do NOT want a c-section again...and inducing ups my chances of a c-section. I'd really rather she come on her own time!

JP has bronchitis. GREAT! So...I know we could use an extra week or two to get better, but I'm so tired & miserable. I'm ready for her! (Not that I won't be tired after she's born...)

PS...say happy birthday to Justin! He's the big 3-2!!!

Natalie's Room

For the most part, the room is DONE! We have at least one more thing to buy. I think I want a wooden plaque that says some cute saying like, "Some Day my Prince will Come" or something like that...

Here are some pics!

37 week belly shots

36weeks 4 days and Ultrasound

Stats:

BP: 100/60

Weight: gain of 1.5...so total at 26 lbs

Dilated to a 1 still. (I expected that)

(check out those chubby cheeks!) We changed our days to Mondays...so I'm not quite 37 weeks for this visit. I had an ultrasound also! She looks GREAT! Cute chubby cheeks & a big belly! She is still very long!! Her weight is estimated at 6lbs 11oz. We saw that she is MOST DEFINITELY still a girl! hehe...the pic is too vulgar to show you! My doctor blushed when I showed him the pic! haha...

The technician looked at her heart about 3 or 4 times. It really freaked me out...if you know Justin and I well...you know why heart issues freak us out. It turns out at she just has a lower heartrate today than normal. Normal is between 120-160 in-utero. She averaged about 123 today. My doc went to go ask the technician about it when he saw how worried I was. They saw a 4 chamber heart with perfect valves working hard. So....no need to worry. My doc said this is the time the heartrate begins dropping like it will when she is born.

Other than the doctor's visit...we got a wall clock for her AND....the CUTEST hairbows!! I LOVE THEM! I hope she can wear them for a while! I never thought I'd be a hairbow mommy...but they are CUTE!!

36 week appointment

Stats:
Weight: Same...so I'm still at 24.5 lbs gained so far!
Heartrate: GREAT & quick
BP: 110 over 70 (I guess that's good?)

I was dilated to a 1 and 40% effaced!!! He's guessing the baby is about 6-6.5 lbs right now. (he guessed small with Cole...but not this small). He hopes I go into labor in the next week or two to increase my odds of a smaller baby and successful VBAC...which tells me he will "help me along" at my next few appts! YAY! I don't mind 2 more weeks...I will be beggin to be induced after 38 weeks though!

35 week appt

Stats:
Heartrate...GREAT (I always forget to ask)
Blood Pressure...she didn't say...guess that's ok?
Weight...+2.5...total weight gain: 24.5
Measurements: 33 weeks (should have been 35)

So....since I'm still measuring small...I asked about it. He wasn't concerened...but went ahead & ordered an ultrasound for October 7th. It's a little bit of a drag...but Oh well...maybe I'll get to see her sweet face again!!!

It seems as though she's still head down. I'm really trying to keep her Anterior...not posterior like Cole. We are trying to decide when to set up a back up c-section date. Justin wants it on a Tuesday or Wednesday. SOOOO...that leaves us to October 28-29 or November 4-5. I don't really want to wait until November...but I'm betting she comes before either of those dates. Any preferences anyone?????

Just found out that the certified SS teacher who was supposed to be my sub backed out. I will now have a certified Special Ed/Science teacher as my sub. NIIIIIICCCCEEEE......urghhh. She wants me to leave extremely detailed lesson plans. I sure hope Natalie waits at least 3 weeks before she comes...that's about how long I need to get this figured out!!!

I wonder what Cole will think once my belly is gone. I'm sure he only remembers me with a belly....I've had one since May. He's so cute. He loves to lift my shirt & hug my belly. He has learned to climb on the couch, so he climbs next to me & we read books or baby magazines. He loves the pages where a baby's head is big & looks like it's looking at him. He laughs & laughs & says, "meme"....which means baby. Then he jumps on my belly. hehe...

One of my worst fears!!

Today was a normal day. Justin was off & then decided to go hunting. Cole and I were chillin' at home. He had a nice poopy diaper...and if you have kids...you know that once they are eating normal food...NO DIAPER GENIE can keep the smell away! haha. Needless to say, I took the diaper out to the dumpster like I always do (it's the roll out kind right next to the garage...literally 10 steps from the house). I shut the door behind me, making sure that it was unlocked.

When I came back, I could hear Cole crying through the door. I went to open the door and it was LOCKED! The DEADBOLT was locked. I don't know how Cole figured out how to do that...but he did. I went to both neighbors houses to use a phone. Luckily my mother in law was home & has a spare key. I ended up pulling up a cooler to the door & peeking in the window. Cole could see me & we sang "B-I-N-G-O" (his favorite song these days...other than any Taylor swift song) a few times. He was soooo devastated & cried the WHOLE time. He kept saying, " MAAAMAAA". I felt HORRIBLE! Seriously...my first thought was to break out a window!

Anyway...when Linda got to the house and unlocked the door, Cole ran to me & let me carry him for a good 15 minutes. He was worn plumb out.

Lesson learned: Always have a spare key!!!

This is TOO funny!!! My silly husband...

I still have tears in my eyes from this. I was walking to the bathroom when I noticed that I really don't look pregnant from the front on my shadow. I decided to video tape me from the front and then from the side...because man...I really pop out. Plus, I thought you'd all get a kick out of my HUGE belly & outie belly button!

At the end of my video...Justin decides to try and make his arm shadow poke at my belly button (honestly...it had something to do with the belly button...but only Justin understands what he was doing). Unfortunately...that's not what it looks like he's trying to do in the video...watch for yourself! hehe... I PROMISE...he is not some horribly nasty person. It's just how the shadow/video makes it look. We were both crying because it was so darn funny!


(Took the video out!!!)

Luckiest woman in the world!

The past week was really tough for me. I was gone to Austin for TAKS workshop stuff Monday-Wednesday. Nice time away...but I knew being gone from school would be HELL to return to.

Sure enough, I returned Thursday to the worst report from a sub ever. (ok...it wasn't too bad...but my kids did NOT behave well!) I wrote 12 detentions. That was very stressing because anything less than perfect is NOT acceptable when it comes to my classroom!

Thursday's conference period was filled with me dealing with those fires & all the paperwork I missed. I then had to leave work at 3pm to make it to our doctor's appointment in Wichita Falls. That meant...no time for work after school.

Friday we had an assembly that lasted from study all into my conference period. All of this meant...NO TIME TO GRADE, DO LESSON PLANS...etc. Friday afterscool I had a Builder's Club Meeting (oh yes...did I mention that I'm the advisor for that?). I got out at 4:30 and worked until 5pm when it was time to pick Cole up for daycare.

I had NO lesson plans done for next week, NO grades AT ALL in my gradebook because I've not had time to grade...and 3 week reports were due yesterday...and no clue when I would do it all.

Cole and I went grocery shopping and came home. As soon as Justin walked in I started bawling. In addition to all the stress at work, I'm really neglecting my boys. I don't have the energy to clean, no energy to play with Cole, & less energy for Justin (hehe). Lets not even mention getting things ready for the baby (or the maternity lesson plans that need to be done ASAP). The part I hate the most is that Cole is always the last one at daycare. All the other teacher moms pick their kids up right at 3:45...not me...i mosey in wasted from work at 5 or 5:05.

Justin just sat there & listened. He then told me that nobody expects me to do everything. He will clean (he does anyway)...etc. Then he told me that until I get it all squared away that he will keep Cole occupied all the time I need when he's home.

Sometimes I fail to recognize how lucky & blessed I am to have Justin in my life. He is the BEST husband and the MOST AMAZING father ever. Last night he & Cole grilled steaks & potatoes for dinner, cleaned it all up, cleaned Cole's room, organized laundry, cleaned the living room...all while I laid on the couch. Today he made pancakes & sausage and finished cleaning while I finished next weeks lesson plans & organized a to-do list BEFORE he had to be at work at noon.

I love this man!

33 week appointment

Stats:
Weight Gain: 2lbs. That puts me up 22 pounds. Yes...I have been calculating it wrong all along. My scale and the doctor's scale are 2 pounds different. SO....I am very on schedule with weight gain! I'm looking at no more than 35 lbs gained! Woohoo! (if I gain only 7 more pounds...less than 30!)


Other than that everything was great. EXCEPT...my belly is measuring about 2 centimeters small. He said he's not worried, but will monitor it. If I'm still small next time, he'll order an ultrasound. SIGH...

31 week appt

I went in on Thursday. Turns out that Natalie is head down...finally! AND...drumroll please...the placenta has moved up & out of the way!!! I can attempt a VBAC! (doc is doubtful...but I'm hopeful & open to all options). My cervix was nice & long meaning that I shouldn't go into labor in the next month at least (I'm sure MUCH longer than that though!)

Funny story...I have an "outie" belly button. Turns out it's a hernia. The hole from MY umbilical cord has opened & now I have bowels poking through (small intestines) which force my navel out. GROSS! You know you're a middle school teacher when you get excited to tell your students a gross story like that!

Stats
Weight: 134 (gained 22 pounds so far)

She is kicking me like crazy these days & I'm hoping she never finds my ribs!!!

I got sick this first week of school & am soooo thankful for the 3 day weekend! I need to catch up on sleep & school work (already). My kids are great though! I see opportunities to sneak into their lives & grow them! I love teaching!!! My birthday was the 2nd day of school & I got 3 b-day cards, 2 pans of brownies and flowers from my students! It was GREAT!

Speaking of my birthday...Justin got me a GREAT gift. I "flip" cam. It takes videos & is smaller than my blackberry. I'll try to post some videos soon. I also bought myself a sewing machine. I'll attempt my first sewing since 10th grade soon! Wish me luck!

28.5 week Ultrasound

We had the ultrasound today to see if they placenta has moved away from my cervix (of course they wouldn't tell me). Apparently no news is good news...but I'm calling back tomorrow!

She IS still a girl!!! She is also sideways breech. Her head is at the right of my belly & her booty is at the left. I hope she moves head down or we're destined for a c-section. I won't consider them trying to move her from the outside since I've had a c-section already. So...if by 34-36 weeks she hasn' moved, I'm going to schedule one. At this point, I just want her out & healthy! (haha...& I'm only 28 weeks prego)

They said she weighs about 2.5 lbs, but I take that with a grain of salt!

This is her best pic. It's of her face. It's sideways, so lean your head to the left. hehe...I hope you can see her...it looks like she has chubby cheeks like big brother Cole! Speaking of big brother, he had a doctor's appt today! Look on his page for updates!

Natalie's Room so far...

Wednesday night my Aunt Suzanne came to help decorate. Justin painted also! We chose a green color...Willowbrook. The green is so much brighter in person! I don't know why you can't tell...maybe it was the light in the room!!

The main things we accomplished were:

1. The paint

2. Cleaning the windows (a nasty but easy task)

3. The valances (aunt suzanne made)

4. Natalie's name in cardboard letters with scrapbooking on top (thanks for the idea Stephanie!)

The crib is ordered, the changing table will arrive today (we got it for $15 at a garage sale in Lubbock), and we are using a rustic wood colored dresser for her dresser. (we didn't find a cheap/yet cute dresser & didn't want this one to rot in the garage) Oh...and we have a wooden rocking chair that Justin's granny Pierce used to rock him in.

Here are a few pics!!!

27.5 week Doctor Appt.

Weight: 130.5 (WOW!)
Total Weight Gain: 18 (in the low-normal range)
Heartrate: very fast....didn't ask for it.

I'm measuring right on schedule. I asked the doc about traveling to Dallas & Austin in the next month. He said that was fine. I have an u/s on monday to make sure my placenta has moved! Hopefully it has and Natalie is still a girl...haha.

Also had my glucose test & that is fine, but I'm low on iron. BLAH...I hate iron supplements. They are sooo constipating :(

Cute journal entry from 12/27/2000

We're cleaning out our office to make the nursery for Natalie. I came across my FAVORITE journal entries. These are the last two in that journal. My next journal is all about me & Justin. I think it's so cute & funny, considering we end up together!

12/26/2000
Christmas day & I spent 6 hours driving a 3 hour drive to Wichita Falls from Lubbock (the horrendous snow storm of 2000). There's this guy, Justin Pierce, he's a manager at United, but I don't think he really cares for me.

12/27/2000
Well, Justin came over last night & brought me a big Teddy Bear!! It's cute!! We went to eat at IHOP & then went to do donuts in the stadium parking lot. Then we came home, pulled out my sofa bed & JUST watched Top Gun, then we fell asleep. He was soooo sweet! I'm afraid to let myself feel the way I want to. I'm SOOOO afraid of being hurt. I mean, he's 24, graduated, handsome...what would he possibly see in me?

Breaking Dawn

I finished the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Very good! I was a little skeptical at first because it was pretty predictable (the new book), but I enjoyed it! I highly recommend this book to anyone! I'm 27 & hopelessly addicted right along with 13 year old sister & students. Sure, you have to love Vampire stories too...hehe. Be careful about this book though...it's 754 pages long. Took me about a day and a half to finish it. Danielle got it at 12:30 am Saturday and was done with it at 5:30pm. BUT...she did nothing but read. hehe...

Mother Nature...sheesh

Well...we are NOT going camping :(.

Last night, after traveling to Lubbock & being COMPLETELY packed, spending over 150$ on food, another 100$ on supplies, we learned we will not be camping this week.

One of my parent's friends called to tell him that he was IN Ruidoso and the town had been flooded. The cute river, Rio ruidoso (noisy river), had been flooded by the hurricane storm that swept through mexico, far west texas and now New Mexico. 500 people had to be evacuated and 2 were missing. The campgrounds are probably demolished & I'm sure the river made new paths. The river rarely floods, but every 20 years or so, it does & does great damage. The river is the one that is about 10 feet from where we put our tent every year.

THANK GOD we were NOT THERE when it flooded. I can't imagine what we would have done. We would have lost a lot of supplies and who knows what else.

Sucky thing is that we won't be going next year because camping isn't fun with a kiddo who can't walk...and Natalie will be around 7 or 8 months old. Who knows...maybe we'll go stay in a cabin. FOR SURE we are going in 2010. URGHHHHHH....

Fun note...we're going to Austin instead! Thanks Auntie Suzanne!!!

Going Camping

Well friends & family...I'm doing something I never imagined at this stage in my pregnancy!!

I'm going camping. I'm 6.5 mos pregnant and have a one year old. We are staying in a tent. It is 7-8 hours away. WOW!

If you know me, you know I LOVE camping! We love to rough it and we've been doing it since I was about 2. Some of my all time favorite memories are from Ruidoso, New Mexico's Mescelero Indian Reservation. My grandparents went there on their honeymoon & took my aunts & uncles almost every year as they grew up also. They even knew the chief! (or one of them).

Justin and I started going to Ruidoso when we were dating & went every year until last year. Cole was too little. This will be Cole's first time. I'm worried about all the cuts & scrapes he will get...worried he will fall in the water...worried a bear will get him...typical Janet worries!! I think Cole will be staying my parent's trailer. JP & I will have to have separate air mattresses...I must be comfy! Luckily it will be no higher than the 70s there. I CAN"T WAIT!!!

Hopefully he'll love it just as much as I did when I was little!!! I will be sure to post pics when we return!!!

Help me decorate Natalie's Room!

Blog readers...I need help!


The school year is rapidly approaching (and I'll probably have this chick in about 13-15 weeks)..so I need to get decorating!


I need help with the following:

1. Paint color (only one color please & no pink)

2. Wall decorations

3. Floor rugs

4. any thing else



Here's what will be IN the room...
1. white crib

2. white dresser

3. white (if i paint it) changing table

4. pretty brown rocker/glider & ottoman

5. White letters spelling "Natalie"


Your help is GREATLY Appreciated!! (below are pics of the bedding! It's kiwi green/lime & BRIGHT pink!)

Amber had the baby!

My cousin Amber had her baby yesterday!



We were BFF growing up. She had a girl and I'm HAVING a girl :)



After 14 weeks of Taylor trying to come early...she arrived the day before her due date! I can't wait to see her, and more importantly...I can't wait for her little cousin Natalie to see her!



I love babies!!!

Afton's Wedding

What a great couple!!

I have LOVED Patrick since I met him...he is sooo sweet & just a perfect match for Afton (although he's a few inches shorter...hehe...who am I to talk about height difference!)

At the rehearsel (Gardski's), Patrick's dad told of the day A & P got engaged. Pat proposed, Afton said yes, and then they prayed. Wow...their faith from day one has always amazed me.

The wedding sermon by Father Tim was one of the best I've ever heard him give. They were one of the only couple's he's done a wedding for that wrote in the margins as to why they chose the scriptures they did. He shared their notes during the sermon. Again...unending faith & love for eachother. In his words, "They did not enter this union haphazardly". They have prayed & loved eacother to reach this point.

Afton was just gorgeous (of course). Jess was the Maid of Honor & was amazingly beautiful as well!! Poor Amber couldn't make it, but gave a wonderful speech via video at the reception (Frazier Alumni Pavilion at Tech).

Over all...great times! Have fun in Jamaica kiddos!!

23.5 week appt.

Weight: 123 (total weight gain...11 lbs)
Baby heartrate: 170! (WOW! she kicked the stethoscope thing)

Good news: ultrasound at 20 weeks shows baby looks GREAT...forming on schedule...perfect

bad news: The placenta is low. It is NOT Placenta Previa YET (where it covers the cervix). If it is, I can NOT deliver vaginally. He thinks it'll move (about 90% chance). If it gets worse, he'll have restrictions on me. Not sure what restrictions...he mentioned no hanky panky. I told him just to give me that restriction in writing now anyway...haha.

Cool news in light of bad news: I get another ultrasound!! YAY! At the next appointment we will schedule it for 28-30 weeks. I'm glad just so I can make sure she's still a girl!

10 years come and gone

I made it through my ten year reunion! (pictures later!)

It's amazing how easy it is to step back into the roles we had ten years ago. Some of you would have been shocked to see me shrink back down to that little girl. BUT...some of my high school friends were probably surprised to see a different Janet. (this is what I've been pondering in my head ever since) Most importantly...I spent good, quality time with an old best friend, Krystal. We lived a 1/2 block away from eachother from 7th grade-12th grade. Almost every minute of that we were extremely close. We went bike riding together, went walking around on Halloween together, went to Homecoming together, etc. I was there for her getting ready for all 3 proms. (the first...she was the only one of us to go...and I told her that her hair was PERFECT even though she cried because she hated it..haha). I've seen her struggle with her mom, heard her struggle when she found out she'd become a mom & now I've seen her BE a mom! She's amazing! I'm so proud of her...and she's VERY talented! Her husband is amazing too. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to spend time with her. (And...she's a total knockout...think Katie Holmes!).

It was great to see other people too! Of course there was the b-ball crew...Kelly (cross country buddy/competition), Diane, & Mandy. I've never seen Mandy more herself. I think I really like her husband!!! Kelly...wow...BEAUTIFUL!! My one regret is not talking to her husband more. He was SOOOO sweet & just seemed like the neatest guy. I'm going to HAVE to get to know him!! (hint, hint Kel!!) Diane...same Diane. That's what I love about her. She will always be Diane. I told Krystal (when we were deciding what to wear), "Diane will be in a polo shirt & jeans, lets just wear jeans". SURE ENOUGH! And her husband is the most amazing guy ever. He always has a hug & tons of stories to share & he's just...well AWESOME! They are the perfect match! I love you girls!

Justin & I really loved Stephanie's husband. He is just so....different. He and Stephanie are the perfect match. He does NOT care what the world things & really lives to his own beat & that is so cool. (I describe him as just cool! haha). One day we are trekking to College Station to go to his bar!

It's funny how you expect to see some people & just be able to talk about ALL these great times you had. Sometimes you do/can. With others you can't. My senior year & 2 years of college were spent with an old boyfriend. Our relationship ended, but I always look back at us & smile. We were buddies & friends & had really funny times. I soooo looked forward to bringing back memories & laughing. I reallly had this strange thought that we would all share a table & our spouses would even talk! Boy...that didn't happen. It was so sad. But you know...time changes things and people.

I had a GREAT time though. One thing I really learned is, while I had a GREAT time in highschool, I'm so glad we all moved on and grew up. I'm having an even BETTER time now. I have the MOST amazing/crazy/loving husband ever. I have the best little boy and a feisty little girl (in my belly). I love our little house we've built up. This is the best life I could have ever imagined!

10 year High School Reunion

Oh my...I can't believe its been over 10 years since I graduated! It feels like yesterday!

Saturday we will have our official reunion. I'm nervous! I LOVED high school. I seriously liked it better than college. College was filled with boy drama. Highschool was just fun.

Of course...I had always planned on being in super/tip top shape for this. Luck would have it that I'm 22 weeks pregnant! I guess I can't complain.

But then...CRAZY stuff has happened! I have NOT had a haircut since the 1st week of February. My girl charges $60 for a dry cut (so worth it though!! Kara at Tangles). BUT...that's 55 miles away. I finally decided to do a local salon for $20. (see blog below). WELL...they did ok...but I have layers...lots...I look weird. But I can deal with that. NEXT...I wake up today...my right eye is glued shut. I HAVE PINK EYE. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? WHY?? (ok...i haven't changed contacts in longer than i'd had a haircut) Then...the doctor tells me I must wear glasses for 14 days. UM>>>NO! But...I had to throw my contacts away and that was my last pair. I called my eye doctor (also 55miles away) & they refused to give me my prescription because it had been more than a year. SO...I had to drive to go get a trial pair. BY GOLLY...I'm wearing my contacts Saturday night!

Justin told me to just go all out like highschool. Wear glasses and go get braces while I'm at it. haha.

I'm not even going to go into how hard it is to find cute/trendy clothes for me being prego. I'm short, have no boobs, and I have a new fat a$$. GREAT!!! I bought all my clothes in the juniors section today. I HATE MATERNITY CLOTHES!

Hopefully it will all go smoothly and I'll have a GREAT time with my long lost friends! I can't wait!

Janet and the bills

Justin has handed over the finances to me this summer. I have not paid the bills or been in charge of our money since before we moved in together (umm....June 2002...so 6 years). He always grumbles about paying the bills...so I offered.

WOW!

It's scary and...the money does NOT go very far. I now find myself buying cheaper/store brand items a lot more...and just doing without certain things. I like to see AT LEAST $500/week in our checking account. If it ever falls below that...I FREAK & start hyperventalating.

Where does our money go?
1. FOOD!!!!!! (mainly Justin's snacks...when you're a giant...you must snack) ONe day, there were THREE $1.29 purchases from United. I asked him what it was...WATER. I told him to buy a .69cent gallon and refill a water bottle. URGHHHH...AND he has to eat out every day. Ok...I like my sonic Cherry Sprites...but STILL. Oh well. We are both doing MUCH better.

I now know his frustrations. I'm glad I have this opportunity. Makes me a much better spender!

New Fence

We've been wanting a new fence since we moved to this house 4 years ago (almost). It was a chain link. Last summer a tree fell on it & bowed it during our storm. During that storm, our dog Bandit got out & got run over. THIS summer, our new dog, Maverick, learned to climb the fence. We finally decided its time for a 6ft wood fence! It's been in the process since the middle of May. My dad helped Justin put the posts in, we hired out for concrete, etc. Finally...yesterday we started putting the fence up. It looks GREAT! I can't wait to experience the finished product! Please pay no attention to our chipped wood siding...that will be repainted before we move (if that's soon) or next summer! haha

19 week appt

I totally forgot the specifics...so thought I'd share!

I gained 0 pounds!!!! Which puts me at a total weight gain of 7.5 lbs this pregnancy. I had gained around 9 with Cole at this point...however...I'm 1.5 pounds over my weight with Cole. Overall...I'm pretty happy with that!

Little Natalie's heartrate was 146! She weighs about 11oz.

Next time the doc will give me "permission forms" for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesaerean). I really want to have a natural birth...but I'm scared too. The chance of uterine rupture is EXTREMELY low considering my low cut. (less than 1%) We'll try it out and see!

Next appt is 7/8!

It's a girl!!

Wow...we're having a girl!

I laid down at the doctor's office and the technician started doing her thing with the ultrasound. I said, "Hmm...I think I see the boy parts!". She said, "No...I don't think so". I just sat there with a smile on my face STUNNED. Sure enough...she made it her mission to prove to me that there were NO boy parts!!!

I could NOT BELIEVE IT!!! I have had 3 dreams she was a girl...but I still figured...NAH... Actually...I'm a little surprised at my reaction. I've always wanted a girl, but I found myself a little sad that Cole won't have a brother so close in age. So...I told Justin...we have to have another real quick! haha...we'll see about that!

We got several pics of her kicking her head! The technician kept saying she has REALLY long legs. I'm 19 weeks 4 days prego & her legs measured over 20 weeks. She also weighs about 11oz! Almost a whole pound!!!! I can't wait to see her!! Actually...she'd better stay put & not try to make an early entrance like her BFF Taylor Marie! (My BFF cousin Amber's baby girl who has been trying to come out since she was 26 weeks!)

I also bought the baby bedding. I was in Target and wandered across the clearance shelves in the baby department the CUTEST bedding popped out at me for 39.99 for the bumper, coverlet, 2 sheets & ruffle. It's "Tadpole Cherry Blossom" & is kiwi green & bright pink. I got home & saw that it's normally 149.99! I'm so glad I got it...I LOVE IT!!! (It's much brighter in person than it shows on the pic)

"totally worth it" things about being a mommy.

This one's for Kelly~

Ok...I'm not one to lie...being a mother is NOT a walk in the park. It's TOUGH, it's ROUGH, they TOTALLY PUT YOU IN YOUR PLACE once they make their entrance.

But it's all amazing! I really don't even like saying, "It's totally worth it". The saying just seems like at times having a baby may not be worth it...like it's a mistake. THAT'S NEVER TRUE! You can't guage it like that. You never look back and say...we shouldn't have done this. Or...it wasn't worth it to have this kid. You just KNOW that life is so much better with your baby in it. Life without your baby is unthinkable...and if you DO think of it...you want to die.

Being a mommy has made me really realize why I'm here. It made me realize why Justin and I met...to be parents!

The minute I felt Cole move...I was IN LOVE (even before then). I spent 9 months growing this tiny little person...I was taken. The first time I held him was priceless. You can't even begin to explain what makes it so amazing...it just IS! I mean...a part of YOU made this baby...he's your flesh and blood...it's a MIRACLE!

Late at night or early in the morning or anytime when they're brand new...sure...you're tired. But it doesn't matter...you can't help but stare at your new baby. Look how he breathes! Look how he eats his yummies...look how he grabs your finger...how he looks at you when you talk. He knows you already...WOW!

When I went back to work...I cried and cried ALL DAY LONG. I would RUSH back to daycare during lunch to see & feed him & then RUSH back to pick him up from daycare after school. Just like a girl running to see her boyfriend after he's been gone for a while. Each time my heart would RACE! I STILL do this & he's 15mos old!!!

When he started smiling...Ahhh I could've exploded with happiness & tried tickling him all day to make him do it again...and then laugh. I bawled when I moved him to his own room at 6 weeks (mean old grandma tried it out & he liked it :() I bawled when he slept all night (ok...partly because I was engorged)...but because I missed him. I was HEARTBROKEN when he weaned at 9months. That one was tough...HEARTBROKEN really describes it. Breastfeeding is the most wonderful experience. I still miss it & look forward to it again with this new baby (I hope it's as good of a latcher like Cole).

Now he says mama & HUGS!!! I say, "JUMP INTO MY ARMS" & he RUNS & does it & HUGS my neck so hard. I say, "Give me sugars" & he either kisses me with his mouth WIDE open, or leans his head in to be kissed. When he cries, he says, "mamamamama"...I'm who he wants! When he sees me at daycare he giggles & RUNS to me!

I can see him learning all day...whether its by watering the yard, watching daddy work, watching me work, "reading" a book, or looking at pictures or just PLAYING...he's learning! We sit & read about "tatoos" (tractors) all day long & he's so happy. He loves the mud & cuddling with animals & he LOVES DADDY.

All of this and so much more make it so "worth it". But this isn't even the BEGINNING of why. It just is. It's different for everyone. Even when he's mean & fussy...I never regret having him...I regret I can't make him happier at that moment. He makes me want to have TONS of babies.

And all those worries I wrote about in my other blog....those make me a mom...I welcome those worries...they are sweet & once you have a baby you realize you ALWAYS will worry & WANT to worry. It comes with the territory of being a mommy...the best job in the world.

15-16 week appointment

Had my appointment yesterday (15 weeks 4 days). The little kiddo's heartbead was 153bpm. We saw the nurse practitioner and she always tells us the heartrate...so that was nice! My blood pressure was great (although higher than my normal). Cole was with us and he just STARED down the nurse as she was taking my BP. It was so cute! Other than that...pretty boring! Oh yes...I gained 4.5 lbs this month (blah)...which brings me to 5.5 lbs total. Not bad for 16 weeks prego...but more than I had planned!

I did tell her that for some reason I'm very anxious and worried this pregnancy...maybe because of the bleeding...but it's soooooo much more than with Cole. She said she was the same way with her 2nd. She said she would look at her perfectly healthy & beautiful baby & wonder how God could bless her with another...surely something would be wrong. (it wasn't of course...perfectly healthy)

But that is EXACTLY how I feel. I look at my brother in law & his wife. They lost their first baby, Emily, when she was 1.5mos old. I always wonder...when is it our turn to have that kind of heart ache? Do we have to have something happen to us to make it "equal"? That's HORRIBLE, but I just keep thinking that! The nurse told me it was normal...but it doesn't mean that this baby will have something wrong with it, or that something will happen to Cole. It was comforting to know that I wasn't alone. Justin even said he's wondered that from time to time.

Anyway...our next appointment is June 12th. We get the ultrasound that day!!! Can't wait!!

Being a mother

So...I've been pondering this thought over the past few weeks...

When do you STOP worrying...or not worry about your baby/child all the time?

It starts the MINUTE you get pregnant. Every time I go to the bathroom I expect to see blood. Or I can't WAIT to make it to the 2nd trimester because the risk of miscarriage goes down. Now I can't WAIT for the doctor's visits to hear the heartbeat. What if the baby doesn't move as often as it did? Is it ok? Once I make it to about 28 weeks I feel safe that I can deliver a baby that will live...but will its lungs be ok? What if it has some development problems?

THEN...you get the baby home. Is the circumsision ok? How many wet diapers are they supposed to have? Is he eating enough? He's making jerking movements...is this ok? OMG...hesleeps with its eyes open! EEK! He's slept for 4 hours...why? Is that too long? (but please sleep longer...if you're ok)

Then food starts...will he choke or aspirate? Can he chew that puff that dissolves in his mouth? What is too big of a piece of food? Is he allergic?

Now...will he fall? What if he pulls a coffee machine on his head (again?) What are those bug bites? Are they brown recluse spider bites? How will I know?

Today's worry is...He has taken a 3 hour nap with no sign of waking up. Do I check on him & risk waking him up (I AM enjoying this 3 hour break)? What if he put his blankie on his head? Can he breathe? (then the spider bite worry again)

SIGH...then try doing the in-utero worry at the same time as the spider bite worry...NICE BIG WORRIED MOTHER AT ALL TIMES!

Totally worth it though! ;)

I finally had a JANET day!

Yesterday I had a workshop in Wichita Falls from 1pm-4pm. I went ahead and took the whole day off and Justin told me to take my time. He fixed the schedule so he could be off in time to pick up Cole from daycare. He was so sweet & kept telling me to stay in town as long as I wanted!

Well...the day was "interesting!

Started off with me waking up Cole who was in a GREAT mood! I gave him orange juice and breakfast. Then I went to school to set up my lesson plans for the sub. Cole had fun running up and down the hallways in his pajamas. I decided to double check with the school to make sure they had a substitute for me and the teacher I'm mentoring. NOPE! I spent about an hour getting that straightened out...but FINALLY we did.

THEN...immediately after that...Cole threw up...projectile vomit (orange juice). He had been coughing from drainage...so I assumed that's what had caused it. He was really in a great mood, so I took him to daycare.

I took a nice long bath & read a history book. Perfect! Then I headed to Wichita Falls. ON the way I stopped at McDonald's to try out the chicken biscuit. It was 10:20. Apparently they stopped serving breakfast 10 minutes early that day! URGHHHH...

I got to Wichita Falls FAMISHED & went straight to my favorite quick stop...Quizno's. BUT, it was raining full speed. After Quiznos I went to target for about an hour & bought a cute summer shirt and an umbrella. I'm so glad I'm prego when loose tops are fashionable!

I then went to the workshop which was nice. After that I went to the mall. I hit up Old Navy & got Cole the CUTEST swim trunks & matching hat. I got myself 2 books and my mom a mother's day present! Then...I went to watch "Made of Honor" all by myself! IT was really cute...predictable...but cute. Definitely glad I didn't take Justin..haha.

After that I went to Ross Dress For Less because I'd heard they always have good deals on maternity clothes. What do you know...I got 2 shirts, one for 6.49 and one for 7.49. I also got a cute dress for 7.49. AWESOME! Will be going back for that!

That's when I decided I was hungry for Samurai of Tokyo Japanese food. MMMM...I got fish with fried rice & 2 extra fried rices to go. YUMMY!!!

All in all it was a nice day. I got home just in time to tell Cole night night. I missed my boys all day...but it was nice to be on my own for a day!

Serenity

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things rightif I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.

Amen.

I keep stressing about things I can't do anything about. To the point that I spend every waking moment obsessing over it all. I asked Justin what he thought I spent 95 percent of my day thinking about...he said Cole...I said no...he said the new baby...I said no. Its about all this stress that I can't fix. That was an eye opener. Why worry about others when I have the MOST amazing husband and son to worry about. MY family needs to be my first concern. And right now they are in 2nd place. Not anymore!

I love the serenity prayer...it fits me today!

11 week appointment

Well...I went to my 11 week appt & heard the heartbeat! I'm so relieved!

After everything that's happened...I finally feel like I can enjoy this pregnancy.

It was beating fast. I'm starting to not fit in my pants now...but I've only gained 2 pounds this trimester! NOT BAD!!!

Big ultrasound will be June 12th! I can't wait! (I think its a boy though!)

Big Scare

Last Tuesday, I got a cough...during UIL judging. No big deal. Cole and I went on a walk that night and I was really tired...but chalked it up to being prego.

Wednesday...cough was BAD...went to doc. He casually said, "Janet...I wonder if you aren't coming down with the flu". We diagnosed me with a viral sore throat.

Thursday...102 fever ALL day with body aches--THE FLU. I missed half of Wednesday-Friday from school.

I was worried about the fever and the baby...sure enough...Saturday I woke up to spotting and cramps. It got worse so we all went to the ER. (don't ever do this...it was 1300$). They told me nothing except that my betas were 48,000 (I thought they said 4800...and that would mean I was losing the baby).

I was so sad & just knew I was losing the baby. monday we went in for an ultrasound and saw the heartbeat!!! I had another appointment Wednesday and saw the heartbeat again!!!

It was so scary. I never spotted with Cole...and here I am...a week later still spotting (rarely). I'm sooooo tired and can barely take care of Cole. I hope this passes soon!!!

Fun pic of Cole

Black History Month

I always love to celebrate this month with my students. It amazes me that so many children have no clue why we celebrate it....and many more think its not even necessary...they ask..."Where's white history month?" You may wonder that also...so here's my lecture. :)

"Guys...I'm going to tell you why I think it's ok...and RIGHT to celebrate Black History Month! Starting int he 1700s, Americans decided they needed help working their big plantations. Many of them started importing Africans in the "middle passage". The way they got the slaves is "hunting" them...just they way you hunt animals. They sought the biggest & strongest...just the way some of you want the biggest buck! They would chase them into the woods of Africa (usually the Congo because they produced the strongest/stockiest people...also...they are near the equator which is why a lot of the slaves had very dark skin as opposed to those of northern africa with light skin). They tore the africans from their families...leaving children, wives..parents behind. THEN...they shoved them on ships like the Amistad with hundreds of others. They had no room to move...once a week they were allowed to go to the bathroom. Can YOU wait for a whole week to go to the bathroom? Neither can I! They went to the bathroom on themselves (Oh yeah...they were naked too)...The urine & feces fell to those beneath them...many died of disease this way. They were also fed once a week. It took months to reach America...by then many had died of starvation also. Then...they arrived with their muscles atrophied...and beaten because they "weren't as strong" as they were in Africa.

Then they were put up on the blocks and sold like animals. You know that stock show we just had? You know how you had your animals stand so they showed their muscles just the right way? The people at the blocks did this with the Africans. Then they were sold to their slave owners. They worked for no money. They lived in poor conditions. If they tried to escape...they were beaten or killed...ads were placed in papers like a "lost dog" ad. The way they described them was..."long scar on back from a plow line"...etc.

Then...in 1865...slaves were set free (mostly everywhere)...but they had no money, no home, no clothes...some were worse off now! They persevered...but were never fully treated equally. They were hunted again by the Ku Klux Klan and other haters. We watched a civil rights video that showed how horribly Blacks were treated in the 60s...all of the people on the video were good people...doing nothing wrong...but they were hated.

Today, in Vernon, we have a black side of town, a hispanic side of town, and the white side.

Guys...its not over...and I'm GLAD to celebrate the history of people whose lives were forever changed in America. I WANT to know what happened & why! Don't forget!"

I had a journal question the other day "Why do we celebrate Black History Month? Do you think its right?" I"m shocked by the responses...
~"because they used to be slaves. To me its not important...I mean yeah, they were treated bad...but now they have way more priveleges than me" (as the student sits there with her coach bag and eyes rolling during my lecture)

~"because they were slaves. To me no..because I ain't black. Now they think they're something special"

~"Where's white history month? Most blacks think they're special...most are rude, they have it GREAT now...so why does it matter? We used to control them...now they control us" (how do they control us again?)

Then there are the good...

~"Because we treated them REALLY bad and they deserve a month dedicated to their history"

~Because blacks have been through a lot and deserve to be respected this way..."

~"Because they went through so much and they changed the ways for not only blacks but for EVERYONE!"

Eye opener!!!

New Rotation

Hello!!!

Last week was so busy...so I only worked out on Sunday, Monday and Saturday :(.

But...I've still not gained & people are really starting to notice the change. Plus I got my haircut!

Here's the new "FIRM" rotation I'm doing for the next 2 weeks...
WEEK ONE
1. Aerobic Body Shaping
2. Ultimate Calorie Blaster
3. Jiggle-Free Buns & Jiggle-Free Abs
4. REST
5. Supercharged Sculpting & Bonus Stretch
6. Ultimate Calorie Blaster & BONUS Hips & Thighs
7. Jiggle-Free Arms & Jiggle Free ABS

WEEK TWO
1. REST
2. Aerobic Body Shaping
3. Ultimate Calorie Blaster & BONUS Abs
4. Jiggle Free Buns, Jiggle Free Arms (& Bonus STretch)
5. REST
6. Supercharged Sculpting
7. Jiggle Free ABS & BONUS Hips & Thighs

These are all transfirmer dvds for those of you who have the Transfirmer. I have the extra Jiggle Free dvds though.

I'm a LOSER!!!

Hello world!

I weighed myself this morning (no clothes & after the potty) and I weighed 115.8!!! I'm saying it's 116. Still...this is great!

I've been working out religiously (except for the last 3 days). Tonight I did the Firm Total Muscle Shaping with Stephanie. She kicks my arms in to shape!!! I'm still shaking from muscle fatigue! It's a GREAT feeling!

I'm starting to see the difference in my body now too! My calves are muscling up again. Now, if my thighs can just take the inches off!

Measurements 01/26 (Kelly's Birthday!)

Weight: 116 (118.6)
Waist: 28.5 (29)
Bootie: 36.75 (37)
Hips: 34.25 (34.75)
Thigh: 22 (22.5)
Arm: 9.75 (9.75)...ok with this because the muscle is REALLY building!

So a total loss of 2.6 lbs and 1.75 inches in 10 days! Not bad!!! It's really starting to pay off and show! My eating habits are soooooo much better also!

If you are reading this...weight watchers and the FIRM REALLY work! It IS tough to start off...but once you stick to it for about 3 week...its easy and it does NOT feel like a diet or like HARD work. It feels GREAT! I have so much more energy and I am so much more happy at home AND work (Now...happy at work with 130 7th & 8th graders...WOW!)

New Measurements

Well...I was going to wait until I did my 10th Firm workout...but I got sick...I'm home & figured I'd measure today since I did do 9 workouts.
(in parenthesis is what I was last time)
Weight: 118.6 (119.8)
Waist: 29 (30.5)
Bootie: 37 (38)
Hips: 34.75 (35)
Thigh: 22.5 (22.75)
Arm: 9.75 (10.12)

Total loss of about 3.25 inches & 1 pound. Not bad considering I don't have too much to lose! I have a feeling the pounds will be coming off very soon. Once I get better...I'm going to make sure I'm not over doing it on the workouts. I was working out even when I felt sick...but that probably helped me to get really sick.

Yay! I'm glad I measured...I thought I was doing bad!!

Doing good...kind of

I was doing so great on the weight loss thing...THEN I got sick.

Cole had the stomach virus & I caught it from him. Since Sunday I've been too weak to workout. I may try today.

Yesterday I had a victory though. A student of mine asked if I like fudge. Of course I answered, YES! She handed me on the spot, about a pound or more of fudge (late christmas present). I ate four pieces and then...I broke my own heart. I threw the rest in the trash. I knew it would hurt my tummy & stall everything good I was doing. BUT...I feel much better about it today!!