Well, I am 32 weeks today. The doctor said baby is probably about 4.5 lbs, which means if I go the full 40 weeks, he will be a 8.5 pounder. Epidural? YES. To celebrate the 32 week/less than 2 month milestone, I thought I'd share with you a couple top 10 lists. Enjoy!
Top 10 BEST things about being pregnant.
10. People will offer you their seat if you are standing and they are sitting. Even total strangers.
9. Strangers make conversation with you. (This could go either way, but today it's on the good list.)
8. The second trimester in general. I miss it. Well, okay I don't miss it.
7. I feel an instant bond with other pregnant women. I like this.
6. I like hearing other people's labor and delivery stories - no matter how exaggerated.
5. Skin doesn't break out hardly at all. (This was not the case in first half of pregnancy - when my face looked like a pepperoni pizza.)
4. My hair and nails are stronger and more shiny than EVER! On top of that, since my hair is thicker (it falls out less frequently when you are pregnant), I don't have to wash it everyday, AND it holds curl, which isn't normal for me.
3. Doctor's visits. They are like pregnancy milestones- something to look forward to.
2. Ultrasounds (seeing the little dude)!
1. Feeling the baby move and kick inside my belly!
Top 10 WORST things about being pregnant. (Minus the ones that you'd probably consider "TMI.")
10. I am literally losing my mind and forgetting things like crazy.
9. When walking in public, people do not make eye contact with me; they look straight at my belly. I do not like this.
8. Dirty looks at Starbucks. How do you know it's not decaf, people?
7. Maternity Clothes. They stink. And that's a MAJOR understatement.
6. Weddings, Christmas parties, etc. don't feel much like celebrations... for two reasons in particular. One you can guess. The other? No matter how dressed up you are in your maternity clothes, you feel like Frosty the Snowman- big and round.
5. Mood swings. Ask Matt about how I cried the other night because we were at a red light for what seemed like an eternity, and I just wanted to get out of the car because my back hurt so much. I was crying and begging the stoplight to "PLEASE, just turn green." I may or may not have been also shouting, "I HATE BEING PREGNANT!!!" Matt may or may not have told me that he's really not looking forward to what I will be like in labor.
4. Getting out of breath when you stand up... or even while your still sitting... it's really attractive to be huffing and puffing all the time.
3. Weight gain. Healthy or not, it ain't fun.
2. Back pain.
1. I don't know what the name of this is, but I will just be standing around innocently when all of the sudden I get this shooting pain down the inner part of my thigh, and IT HURTS!!! Doctor said that it is caused by the baby pushing down on a nerve. This is the most painful part of my pregnancy so far, for sure.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
it's THE as seen on tv Christmas
Could this be the new Snuggie?
The Original Dreamie. (Be sure to wait for the video to come on.)
I'd like to go ahead and call it what it is- a glorified sleeping bag. Or possibly a swaddling blanket for grown ups.
And while we're at it, the Snuggie is a glorified backwards bathrobe. I've said that all along. Be happy that I stopped myself from putting my fleece bathrobe on backwards to take a self-timed photo... or be really sad!
Also, I am officially narcoleptic. Happy Friday.
The Original Dreamie. (Be sure to wait for the video to come on.)
I'd like to go ahead and call it what it is- a glorified sleeping bag. Or possibly a swaddling blanket for grown ups.
And while we're at it, the Snuggie is a glorified backwards bathrobe. I've said that all along. Be happy that I stopped myself from putting my fleece bathrobe on backwards to take a self-timed photo... or be really sad!
Also, I am officially narcoleptic. Happy Friday.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
LIES, LIES, LIES
I feel as though it is my duty to inform those of you who may be... well, misinformed, about some of the supposed "perks" of pregnancy.
If you don't want to hear a pregnant person "grumble" about weight gain, then go ahead and move on from this post. Though I will argue that I am not grumbling, only informing. (I admittedly wonder where all the weight I've gained actually is, but I promise I am not complaining.) I do realize that I wanted to be pregnant, and I would not change that. (Though adoption suddenly seems like an amazing alternative to pregnancy. :) ) Okay on with it...
Many of you may believe that if you are pregnant, you can eat whatever you want (without feeling guilty). WOW, seems like a major perk! Sign me up for that!!
I understand the logic because, at one time, I thought it worked this way. You think that since you're losing your waist anyway that it doesn't matter if you eat like a total pig. You also think you need to do some sort of extra work to fatten up that baby.
This is all totally false. For one, the baby will really just take what he needs. Then your body will take what you need, and then the rest will be deposited in your fat cells, just as it would if you were not pregnant. Yeah, you may hide it a little more than you would if you didn't have a uterus the size of a basketball, but that just means more fat after the baby is delivered.
And like I have explained before, the child doesn't need much to survive. You only need 100 additional calories in the first trimester, 250 in the second, and 300 in the 3rd, according to Dr. Oz.
Let me put that in perspective. In the first trimester, you can eat an extra BANANA each day. In the second trimester, you can add a plain bagel (and be careful because a lot of bagels can be even 300-500 calories with no cream cheese), and in the 3rd trimester, you can go ahead an add a cup of light ice cream. Yippee.
ALSO, don't forget that you do WEIGH IN at the doctor every four weeks for the first 32 weeks, and then every two weeks after that. You're supposed to gain a little less than a pound a week from the second trimester on (though it does vary).
True story: I ate the healthiest I have ever eaten in my life (never depriving myself of course) in the middle of my second trimester. Of course, I was exercising and eating really healthy, so my non-pregnancy logic made me feel as though I should have at LEAST only gained two lbs (instead of 4) in those four weeks, or I should have maintained my weight or something! Right? I mean, I DID NOT DESERVE TO GAIN THE WHOLE 4 POUNDS, right?
Wrong! At the top of my game, my body did exactly what it was supposed to and I gained exactly the number of LBs that I was supposed to gain. The doctor actually complimented me on my weight gain at that appointment. (Uh, thanks?)
Well, this wasn't fun for me, so after that checkup, I reverted back to the false pregnancy logic. And from my last appointment to the one I had Monday, I basically said, "Well screwwww that! If I am going to gain weight anyway, then I'm eating whatever I want."
Result? On Monday, I had gained about 2 pounds more than I was supposed to. Doctor's response, "That's about par for the course over Thanksgiving." Translation: "You may have had one too many pieces of pumpkin pie."
Lest you think that two pounds is no big deal, I'd like you to remember that if I gained 2 extra pounds every four weeks of my entire pregnancy, then I'd end up putting on 20 more pounds than I was supposed to by the end of it.
Moral of this true personal story: You cannot eat whatever you want when you are pregnant. At least not without some tangible consequences (we call those consequences "LB"s). I realize that some of you are disregarding this information and don't really believe me... you can call me when you get pregnant and tell me that you are sorry.
And while we are on the subject, I'd like to go ahead and let you know that Matt thinks it is funny that it's very likely that I will pass him on the scale before the Hankster arrives. He taunts me. Is he evil or what? Should I secretly add a lot of butter to everything I make him for the next 11 weeks? Probably.
If you don't want to hear a pregnant person "grumble" about weight gain, then go ahead and move on from this post. Though I will argue that I am not grumbling, only informing. (I admittedly wonder where all the weight I've gained actually is, but I promise I am not complaining.) I do realize that I wanted to be pregnant, and I would not change that. (Though adoption suddenly seems like an amazing alternative to pregnancy. :) ) Okay on with it...
Many of you may believe that if you are pregnant, you can eat whatever you want (without feeling guilty). WOW, seems like a major perk! Sign me up for that!!
I understand the logic because, at one time, I thought it worked this way. You think that since you're losing your waist anyway that it doesn't matter if you eat like a total pig. You also think you need to do some sort of extra work to fatten up that baby.
This is all totally false. For one, the baby will really just take what he needs. Then your body will take what you need, and then the rest will be deposited in your fat cells, just as it would if you were not pregnant. Yeah, you may hide it a little more than you would if you didn't have a uterus the size of a basketball, but that just means more fat after the baby is delivered.
And like I have explained before, the child doesn't need much to survive. You only need 100 additional calories in the first trimester, 250 in the second, and 300 in the 3rd, according to Dr. Oz.
Let me put that in perspective. In the first trimester, you can eat an extra BANANA each day. In the second trimester, you can add a plain bagel (and be careful because a lot of bagels can be even 300-500 calories with no cream cheese), and in the 3rd trimester, you can go ahead an add a cup of light ice cream. Yippee.
ALSO, don't forget that you do WEIGH IN at the doctor every four weeks for the first 32 weeks, and then every two weeks after that. You're supposed to gain a little less than a pound a week from the second trimester on (though it does vary).
True story: I ate the healthiest I have ever eaten in my life (never depriving myself of course) in the middle of my second trimester. Of course, I was exercising and eating really healthy, so my non-pregnancy logic made me feel as though I should have at LEAST only gained two lbs (instead of 4) in those four weeks, or I should have maintained my weight or something! Right? I mean, I DID NOT DESERVE TO GAIN THE WHOLE 4 POUNDS, right?
Wrong! At the top of my game, my body did exactly what it was supposed to and I gained exactly the number of LBs that I was supposed to gain. The doctor actually complimented me on my weight gain at that appointment. (Uh, thanks?)
Well, this wasn't fun for me, so after that checkup, I reverted back to the false pregnancy logic. And from my last appointment to the one I had Monday, I basically said, "Well screwwww that! If I am going to gain weight anyway, then I'm eating whatever I want."
Result? On Monday, I had gained about 2 pounds more than I was supposed to. Doctor's response, "That's about par for the course over Thanksgiving." Translation: "You may have had one too many pieces of pumpkin pie."
Lest you think that two pounds is no big deal, I'd like you to remember that if I gained 2 extra pounds every four weeks of my entire pregnancy, then I'd end up putting on 20 more pounds than I was supposed to by the end of it.
Moral of this true personal story: You cannot eat whatever you want when you are pregnant. At least not without some tangible consequences (we call those consequences "LB"s). I realize that some of you are disregarding this information and don't really believe me... you can call me when you get pregnant and tell me that you are sorry.
And while we are on the subject, I'd like to go ahead and let you know that Matt thinks it is funny that it's very likely that I will pass him on the scale before the Hankster arrives. He taunts me. Is he evil or what? Should I secretly add a lot of butter to everything I make him for the next 11 weeks? Probably.
Monday, December 7, 2009
I cheer for the horns... and more on college football
In College Station, they have a name for those people who don't sell out for Maroon and White. They call us "two per-centers." If marrying a Longhorn doesn't make me a two per-center, then I don't know what does. So unless tu is playing the Aggies, I cheer for them.
This drives my tu-hating, Aggie sister nutzo. And to be really honest, it doesn't help my marriage much either because Matt doesn't really trust me. He knows that even if I root for the burnt orange, I could turn on his horns at any moment. He knows that I did, in fact, get brainwashed at Fish Camp in 2002, that I was once, in fact, a red-ass (the opposite of a two per-center), and he basically has no respect for my lack of loyalty to any team. Who can blame him?
By the way, don't ever waste your time taunting me about what a terrible football team the Aggies have. I do not care.
But now that you know I have no loyalty, conviction, what have you, when it comes to college football, I do have some peeves, I'd like to share with you.
1. ANNOYING- People who went to schools in Texas without a decent football team (I won't name them) OR anyone who didn't go to TU who refers to the team as "we," or who says "Hook 'em," etc. as if they actually went to the school. I have NO PROBLEM with people cheering for the horns, obviously. BUT PLEASE, if you did not go to school there, do not act as if you did. Please refer to the team as "they."
2. Annoying #2- Unless specifically doing so to taunt a Longhorn, Aggies have got to stop this psychotic belief that Dirty Mac pays the refs and that UT gets all the good calls, etc. I mean most of the time -;)- you can see the replay and know that Mac is not completely dirty. i.e. There was, in fact, time left on the clock or a horse-collar (for-instance). Anyway, the psychotic-ness basically just makes Aggies look... well, psycho. It doesn't bode well for us. I'm not sayin' you have to like it when Texas gets the benefit of the doubt, just keep your mouth shut and you'll seem less desperate or sorry or something.
Lastly, I really don't like Alabama. I come from a long generation of Auburn Tiger folk. So, I will be cheering for tu in the National Championship. I have a strong feeling that my sister will not be cheering for tu. Family Feud takes on a whole new meaning.
Thanks and gig 'em. ;) Wink.
This drives my tu-hating, Aggie sister nutzo. And to be really honest, it doesn't help my marriage much either because Matt doesn't really trust me. He knows that even if I root for the burnt orange, I could turn on his horns at any moment. He knows that I did, in fact, get brainwashed at Fish Camp in 2002, that I was once, in fact, a red-ass (the opposite of a two per-center), and he basically has no respect for my lack of loyalty to any team. Who can blame him?
By the way, don't ever waste your time taunting me about what a terrible football team the Aggies have. I do not care.
But now that you know I have no loyalty, conviction, what have you, when it comes to college football, I do have some peeves, I'd like to share with you.
1. ANNOYING- People who went to schools in Texas without a decent football team (I won't name them) OR anyone who didn't go to TU who refers to the team as "we," or who says "Hook 'em," etc. as if they actually went to the school. I have NO PROBLEM with people cheering for the horns, obviously. BUT PLEASE, if you did not go to school there, do not act as if you did. Please refer to the team as "they."
2. Annoying #2- Unless specifically doing so to taunt a Longhorn, Aggies have got to stop this psychotic belief that Dirty Mac pays the refs and that UT gets all the good calls, etc. I mean most of the time -;)- you can see the replay and know that Mac is not completely dirty. i.e. There was, in fact, time left on the clock or a horse-collar (for-instance). Anyway, the psychotic-ness basically just makes Aggies look... well, psycho. It doesn't bode well for us. I'm not sayin' you have to like it when Texas gets the benefit of the doubt, just keep your mouth shut and you'll seem less desperate or sorry or something.
Lastly, I really don't like Alabama. I come from a long generation of Auburn Tiger folk. So, I will be cheering for tu in the National Championship. I have a strong feeling that my sister will not be cheering for tu. Family Feud takes on a whole new meaning.
Thanks and gig 'em. ;) Wink.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Blizzard 2009
Everyone is FREAKIN out about the weather down here in Austin. The hysteria is pretty amusing- especially when we all know that the meteorologist accurately predicts the forecast like 25% of the time, and let's be honest, that's only in the summer when the forecast is hot and sunny. REAL tough job, dude. Nevertheless... we're supposed to get "snow" today or tonight or something like that. Matt is, of course, elated!!
Meanwhile, I'm more excited about going to get hair highlights today, which sounds about right, does it not?
Instead of curling up in front of a fireplace and drinking hot chocolate during the blizzard tonight, we get to go to Matt's company Christmas party! Woop de doo! Let me tell you, it's a pregnant lady's dream come true... you know, wearing heels and a not-warm maternity dress (cause I refuse to spend $ on another one) out in below freezing temperatures at a party where most everyone else will be enjoying wine and cocktails. Dream. come. true.
No but really, I'm sure it will be a blast.
Come to think of it, they've had these really good iced-sugar cookies at past parties. PLEASE LET THE SUGAR COOKIES BE THERE FOR THE PREGNANT LADY!
Tonight when you and yours are watching movies and eating in and staying warm, think of me...
Meanwhile, I'm more excited about going to get hair highlights today, which sounds about right, does it not?
Instead of curling up in front of a fireplace and drinking hot chocolate during the blizzard tonight, we get to go to Matt's company Christmas party! Woop de doo! Let me tell you, it's a pregnant lady's dream come true... you know, wearing heels and a not-warm maternity dress (cause I refuse to spend $ on another one) out in below freezing temperatures at a party where most everyone else will be enjoying wine and cocktails. Dream. come. true.
No but really, I'm sure it will be a blast.
Come to think of it, they've had these really good iced-sugar cookies at past parties. PLEASE LET THE SUGAR COOKIES BE THERE FOR THE PREGNANT LADY!
Tonight when you and yours are watching movies and eating in and staying warm, think of me...
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
soon it will be tough to see my feet
Today = 1st day of December and official 1st day of 3rd trimester! My tummy is big enough that now, if I bend over too soon after I eat, my food starts to come back up my esophagus - or that's how it feels. Gee, I can't WAIT to get bigger!!! Not. Not. Not. Not.
Since I never post anymore, all of my posts seem to be updates. So boring, I know. But here we go again. Most recently we have been...
Painting.
Guest room. Baby's room. Old furniture to go in baby's room. I tried REALLY hard to get a different/not neutral color to go in the baby's room, but it ended up looking like every other room in our house, which is neutral. I'm not a risky decorator.
Cleaning/Organizing.
There is no better feeling than trashing/goodwill-ing a whole bunch of old and unnecessary items and/or getting a closet or a drawer or a cabinet completely organized.
Buying Furniture.
After almost 4 years of marriage, we took the plunge and actually got real bedroom furniture (which means no more bedside tables from Target that I've had since before college). Didn't want to mention it, but we also upgraded to a king-size bed.
Matt was thrilled by the comment I made the morning after our first night in the new bed.
"This bed is AWESOME! I couldn't even tell you were in it with me!"
Honesty is the best policy. We aren't cuddlers.
And the crib is just waiting to be set up. Yay. (BTW, I know that's not how you spell "yea" and I don't care.)
Rearranging Furniture.
Good news for our guests: we have a king bed, so you get a queen bed. Bad news for our garage: what do we do w/ the daybed that was in the guest room? Our house is currently disoriented, but we spend ALL of our free time trying to get it back to normal and ready for the little man.
Okay we've been up to more than just that, but that seems to be the main thing. I'll do something crazy (like post pictures) whenever we have everything all finished.
LOVE,
Leah
Since I never post anymore, all of my posts seem to be updates. So boring, I know. But here we go again. Most recently we have been...
Painting.
Guest room. Baby's room. Old furniture to go in baby's room. I tried REALLY hard to get a different/not neutral color to go in the baby's room, but it ended up looking like every other room in our house, which is neutral. I'm not a risky decorator.
Cleaning/Organizing.
There is no better feeling than trashing/goodwill-ing a whole bunch of old and unnecessary items and/or getting a closet or a drawer or a cabinet completely organized.
Buying Furniture.
After almost 4 years of marriage, we took the plunge and actually got real bedroom furniture (which means no more bedside tables from Target that I've had since before college). Didn't want to mention it, but we also upgraded to a king-size bed.
Matt was thrilled by the comment I made the morning after our first night in the new bed.
"This bed is AWESOME! I couldn't even tell you were in it with me!"
Honesty is the best policy. We aren't cuddlers.
And the crib is just waiting to be set up. Yay. (BTW, I know that's not how you spell "yea" and I don't care.)
Rearranging Furniture.
Good news for our guests: we have a king bed, so you get a queen bed. Bad news for our garage: what do we do w/ the daybed that was in the guest room? Our house is currently disoriented, but we spend ALL of our free time trying to get it back to normal and ready for the little man.
Okay we've been up to more than just that, but that seems to be the main thing. I'll do something crazy (like post pictures) whenever we have everything all finished.
LOVE,
Leah
Friday, November 20, 2009
4 in 1
I have about 10 blog posts saved as drafts, none of which I think I will ever publish. So, I am stealing my friend, Katrina's, idea and putting a few mini-posts in one big post.
1. Mozart. Do you think anyone really plays Mozart to their child while in utero? I've had multiple pregnancy sources suggest this very thing. Perhaps a sign that our culture puts a little too much emphasis on success and giving children a head start? Well anyway, my boy's been listening to Miley Cirus. Think it will suffice?
2. Gestational Diabetes. Last Monday, I failed a glucose screening test, which meant that I had to take a 3 hour long glucose tolerance test to make sure that I didn't have gestational diabetes. (This was a humbling experience, since I typically tend to be the type who thinks that I can control everything about my health via diet and exercise - and yet I found myself completely out of control, though the doctor assured me that it had nothing to do with my lifestyle.) Well, the guy who tested my blood 4 times on Friday during the Glucose Tolerance Test told me that my numbers looked great and I didn't have anything to worry about. (Great! I celebrated with fro-yo and peanut butter M&Ms!) Umm SIKE! This Monday, a nurse called back to tell me I had a minor glucose intolerance and to avoid simple sugar. (Happy Thanksgiving, umm not.) I was confused since the dude testing my blood said all was well. So I called back again Wednesday to verify the numbers, and my favorite nurse, Judy, told me that actually my numbers were perfect, that I had nothing to worry about and that the other nurse probably was just saying I should be careful since I had to test twice. Phew. A whole lotta of drama for nothin! And I can still eat pumpkin pie. (Note: I chose the title "Gestational Diabetes" for this section so you would read it.)
3. Attractive Pajamas. Here's a modest belly pic for those of you who never see me. I have to take them on self-timer now because Matt loses patience if I want him to take more than one.
4. Nursery. For those of you who like this sort of thing. Here is a picture of the baby's Bedding and Crib, courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids. I have no nursery theme. I'm not really a theme girl, if you haven't gathered that already.
Bedding
Crib
1. Mozart. Do you think anyone really plays Mozart to their child while in utero? I've had multiple pregnancy sources suggest this very thing. Perhaps a sign that our culture puts a little too much emphasis on success and giving children a head start? Well anyway, my boy's been listening to Miley Cirus. Think it will suffice?
2. Gestational Diabetes. Last Monday, I failed a glucose screening test, which meant that I had to take a 3 hour long glucose tolerance test to make sure that I didn't have gestational diabetes. (This was a humbling experience, since I typically tend to be the type who thinks that I can control everything about my health via diet and exercise - and yet I found myself completely out of control, though the doctor assured me that it had nothing to do with my lifestyle.) Well, the guy who tested my blood 4 times on Friday during the Glucose Tolerance Test told me that my numbers looked great and I didn't have anything to worry about. (Great! I celebrated with fro-yo and peanut butter M&Ms!) Umm SIKE! This Monday, a nurse called back to tell me I had a minor glucose intolerance and to avoid simple sugar. (Happy Thanksgiving, umm not.) I was confused since the dude testing my blood said all was well. So I called back again Wednesday to verify the numbers, and my favorite nurse, Judy, told me that actually my numbers were perfect, that I had nothing to worry about and that the other nurse probably was just saying I should be careful since I had to test twice. Phew. A whole lotta of drama for nothin! And I can still eat pumpkin pie. (Note: I chose the title "Gestational Diabetes" for this section so you would read it.)
3. Attractive Pajamas. Here's a modest belly pic for those of you who never see me. I have to take them on self-timer now because Matt loses patience if I want him to take more than one.
4. Nursery. For those of you who like this sort of thing. Here is a picture of the baby's Bedding and Crib, courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids. I have no nursery theme. I'm not really a theme girl, if you haven't gathered that already.
Bedding
Crib
Thursday, November 12, 2009
i think i'm going crazy
I've been convinced for a week that I am in my 3rd trimester because I read somewhere that it started at 24 weeks... I REALLY DID READ THAT SOMEWHERE. But then I started feeling like the 3rd trimester was going to be really long, and that 24 weeks couldn't possibly be right... and I had stopped reading my pregnancy books like 2 months ago (about the same time I stopped reading blogs and the news), so I had nothing to steer me in the right direction if the Internet had mislead me. Turns out my 3rd trimester doesn't technically start till 28 weeks.
This is only one example of my pregnancy brain totally letting me down. In the last week or so I have dropped (and shattered) a glass of pasta sauce at HEB, put my shoes on the wrong feet and actually walked in them for a few minutes before realizing it, put my maternity jeans on backwards, and completely screwed up several common words and phrases. (Example: "to each his own." I proudly said instead, "each to his own.")
So here's to 3 more weeks of 2nd trimester bliss... and 15 more weeks of pregnant brain.
This is only one example of my pregnancy brain totally letting me down. In the last week or so I have dropped (and shattered) a glass of pasta sauce at HEB, put my shoes on the wrong feet and actually walked in them for a few minutes before realizing it, put my maternity jeans on backwards, and completely screwed up several common words and phrases. (Example: "to each his own." I proudly said instead, "each to his own.")
So here's to 3 more weeks of 2nd trimester bliss... and 15 more weeks of pregnant brain.
Monday, October 12, 2009
five funnies for you, friends
1. Matt's back to his typical sandwich for lunch! And you'll love how he now orders his deli meat/cheese. Instead of 1/2 a pound or a pound of meat, he asks for a certain number of slices. So this week, he's eating lunch out once and leaving town on Friday, so he will need 3 sandwiches at work. So, he ordered 9 pieces of turkey/chicken/ham/roast beef/what have you (3 slices for each sandwich). And he didn't want to be lame and only order 3 slices of cheese, so he went ahead and ordered 5. The cheese total was like 74 cents. I thought it was hilarious, but this way we get EXACTLY what we need.
2. I'm nesting, and I have gone psycho on every closet in my house. While I was organizing some really old CDs tonight (Blessed Union of Souls anyone?), Matt asked me if I was going to be this productive throughout the whole rest of my pregnancy. Clearly it's abnormal, and I think he's wondering what happened to his wife.
3. Matt and I lead a small group at our church, and I just found out last night that our couple friends from the small group like to impersonate us for fun in their free time. Nice. See when "we" are leading a discussion, "we" have some issues mainly because I am 1- a control freak and 2- a know it all, so I tend to behave in a pattern... dominate conversation, feel embarassed that I am dominating conversation and immediately apologize and make it awkward, let Matt lead discussion, repeat. Matt just usually looks at me or bluntly tells me how to behave (but in a loving way - you'd have to be there), and apparently our group finds these interactions extremely entertaining. You're welcome.
4. I started snoring. I'm blaming it on the baby. Matt decided he was going to impersonate me snoring in front of his whole family yesterday. I hit him. It didn't sound at all like what the actual snoring sounds like. If you see him, ask him to do it for you.
5. I have had baby names picked out since my sophomore year of college... two girl names and two boy names. (I liked planning ahead, which is also why I bought my wedding dress 6 months before I was engaged.) Anyway, Matt happened to like them, so that was really easy. We are about 98% sure on the middle name for our little dude, and then we'll make the name debut.
That's about it.
2. I'm nesting, and I have gone psycho on every closet in my house. While I was organizing some really old CDs tonight (Blessed Union of Souls anyone?), Matt asked me if I was going to be this productive throughout the whole rest of my pregnancy. Clearly it's abnormal, and I think he's wondering what happened to his wife.
3. Matt and I lead a small group at our church, and I just found out last night that our couple friends from the small group like to impersonate us for fun in their free time. Nice. See when "we" are leading a discussion, "we" have some issues mainly because I am 1- a control freak and 2- a know it all, so I tend to behave in a pattern... dominate conversation, feel embarassed that I am dominating conversation and immediately apologize and make it awkward, let Matt lead discussion, repeat. Matt just usually looks at me or bluntly tells me how to behave (but in a loving way - you'd have to be there), and apparently our group finds these interactions extremely entertaining. You're welcome.
4. I started snoring. I'm blaming it on the baby. Matt decided he was going to impersonate me snoring in front of his whole family yesterday. I hit him. It didn't sound at all like what the actual snoring sounds like. If you see him, ask him to do it for you.
5. I have had baby names picked out since my sophomore year of college... two girl names and two boy names. (I liked planning ahead, which is also why I bought my wedding dress 6 months before I was engaged.) Anyway, Matt happened to like them, so that was really easy. We are about 98% sure on the middle name for our little dude, and then we'll make the name debut.
That's about it.
Friday, October 9, 2009
and the verdict is in!
Drum roll please...
It's a...
BOY!
Most of you guessed correctly. Congratulations!
Sonographer's exact words when we saw the evidence? "Yep, there it is. He's real happy with himself right now." Of course we both laughed.
One of my friends explained to me that it's very necessary that Matt and I have a boy. Her reasoning? This way, Matt gets to have a buddy, and I get to remain the princess. Apparently she doesn't think it would be good for our family dynamic for me to have to compete with another girl for Matt's attention. And let's be honest, she's probably right.
We have a first name, but not a middle name, so that will be the next item on our agenda. I'll share when it's set in stone!
The Lord is good! And his love endures forever! :)
It's a...
BOY!
Most of you guessed correctly. Congratulations!
Sonographer's exact words when we saw the evidence? "Yep, there it is. He's real happy with himself right now." Of course we both laughed.
One of my friends explained to me that it's very necessary that Matt and I have a boy. Her reasoning? This way, Matt gets to have a buddy, and I get to remain the princess. Apparently she doesn't think it would be good for our family dynamic for me to have to compete with another girl for Matt's attention. And let's be honest, she's probably right.
We have a first name, but not a middle name, so that will be the next item on our agenda. I'll share when it's set in stone!
The Lord is good! And his love endures forever! :)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
also I am a germaphobe
pig flu epidemic + pregnancy = germaphobe = Leah.
I've been very fickle with my twitter account, and about three weeks ago, I reinstated it and started following Bobby Bones. If you don't know who he is, it's better for me that I don't tell you.
Anyway, today I was thrilled to find out via twitter that Bobby, like pregnant Leah, is a germaphobe. Thrilling! Anyone out there seen the movie, What about Bob?(No relation to Bobby Bones) Well, I just may be getting to that point!
I had the flu like 2 years ago, people, and I literally cannot imagine feeling worse! I used to be one who boasted that I never got a flu shot, but you'll stop that nonsense after you've had the flu, and if you don't, then you probably didn't have the flu and I'm serious! And Judy (my new favorite nurse) told me that it affects pregnant people so much worse, so I will continue with my paranoia.
Of course Texas received the pig flu mist this week, but pregnant women can only take the injection, not the mist, so I will continue in my germaphobia... but I'd probably do that anyway.
Meanwhile, I'd like to wish you all a HAPPY Thursday! (Austinites, tomorrow a COLD FRONT will blow through, and we should be getting some very heavy thunderstorms around the morning rush hour! So you drive safely to work, and I will drive safely to my 20 week ultrasound!!)
Peace and Love. :)
I've been very fickle with my twitter account, and about three weeks ago, I reinstated it and started following Bobby Bones. If you don't know who he is, it's better for me that I don't tell you.
Anyway, today I was thrilled to find out via twitter that Bobby, like pregnant Leah, is a germaphobe. Thrilling! Anyone out there seen the movie, What about Bob?(No relation to Bobby Bones) Well, I just may be getting to that point!
- I wash my hands like 10,000 times a day.
- I flush ALL toilet handles (including the ones in my house) with my foot/shoe.
- I do not dare touch a grocery cart without first wiping it with a sanitizing towelette (thanks HEB!).
- I do not dare get on any treadmill or machine at the gym until I have also wiped it down with a sanitizing towelette.
- After I lift weights, I immediately go to the nearest bathroom and wash my hands.
- Of course when I enter or leave the bathroom (or any room) I either use a paper towel to open the door, or I only touch what I perceive to be the "least likely to be touched" part of the door handle if it's even necessary to touch at all. And when you can push the door open, I usually do that by kicking it with my shoe.
- If I find out that you are sick, have been sick within the last week, or may possibly be feeling the slightest bit abnormal, I will immediately back up three feet.
- I carry hand sanitizer on my key chain, in my car and in my purse.
- I also carry a travel-sized Lysol in my purse.
- I have a new love for motion sensor soap and towel dispensers (and also automatic doors and automatic toilet flushers). Whoever invented these things is a genius.
I had the flu like 2 years ago, people, and I literally cannot imagine feeling worse! I used to be one who boasted that I never got a flu shot, but you'll stop that nonsense after you've had the flu, and if you don't, then you probably didn't have the flu and I'm serious! And Judy (my new favorite nurse) told me that it affects pregnant people so much worse, so I will continue with my paranoia.
Of course Texas received the pig flu mist this week, but pregnant women can only take the injection, not the mist, so I will continue in my germaphobia... but I'd probably do that anyway.
Meanwhile, I'd like to wish you all a HAPPY Thursday! (Austinites, tomorrow a COLD FRONT will blow through, and we should be getting some very heavy thunderstorms around the morning rush hour! So you drive safely to work, and I will drive safely to my 20 week ultrasound!!)
Peace and Love. :)
sweet potato fries
Sweet potato fries are easy and delicious!
Wash and peel 1-2 (however many you want) sweet potatoes.
Rewash (if you're a germaphobe like me) and dry.
Cut each in half and keep cutting till you get "fries" that are about 1/2 an inch thick.
Put potatoes on baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt, lots of pepper, and cinnamon.
Add about 1/4 cup olive oil, then mix it all around till the fries are covered
Bake at 425 for 30 minutes (turning fries every 10 minutes). You may need to bake them longer if you want them crispier or depending on your oven.
Enjoy! They are soooo yummy.
Wash and peel 1-2 (however many you want) sweet potatoes.
Rewash (if you're a germaphobe like me) and dry.
Cut each in half and keep cutting till you get "fries" that are about 1/2 an inch thick.
Put potatoes on baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt, lots of pepper, and cinnamon.
Add about 1/4 cup olive oil, then mix it all around till the fries are covered
Bake at 425 for 30 minutes (turning fries every 10 minutes). You may need to bake them longer if you want them crispier or depending on your oven.
Enjoy! They are soooo yummy.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
On second thought
Well those of you who subscribe to my blog got to see the belly pics, but when I called my mom to tell her she could find them here, she said, "You mean you posted pictures of your BARE belly!?"
So I'm unposting cause I guess you never know.
Anyway, considering the fact that most people who subscribe to my blog probably read somewhat regularly and aren't total strangers, I'm not too concerned about it.
Anyone else who didn't get so lucky, you should learn your lesson by subscribing. Or you can email me and I'll share.
So I'm unposting cause I guess you never know.
Anyway, considering the fact that most people who subscribe to my blog probably read somewhat regularly and aren't total strangers, I'm not too concerned about it.
Anyone else who didn't get so lucky, you should learn your lesson by subscribing. Or you can email me and I'll share.
Monday, October 5, 2009
What NOT to tell a person who is 20 wks pregnant
Tomorrow I will officially be 20 weeks along - aka halfway through my first pregnancy! PSYCHO! Nevertheless, I keep getting the same comment from people, "You don't even look pregnant!"
You'd think this is what I'd like to hear, cause it means I don't look huge, right? Um hello, NOOOO, that's totally wrong! I want SOMETHING to show for the almost 15 lbs that I've already gained, people.
Funny because at my very first appointment, my doctor gave me a little pregnancy information sheet. The very first line reads, "Limit your weight gain to 3-8 lbs by your 20 week visit!" (Oh yes, there definitely was an exclamation point.) Umm yeah.
So you'd THINK that if I've gained twice that amount that I'd at least look pregnant, but apparently not. Whatever. I'm over it. And I decided against making a t-shirt that says "bun in the oven" with an arrow at my belly. :)
Nevermind that, did I mention that this thing inside me MOVES and I can feel it?! Unfortunately, a family friend (who also happens to be an OB) told Matt he wouldn't be able to feel it till around 24 weeks. Perhaps this is the one upside to being the one who carries the child? To be honest, I'd much rather be me than the one who has to deal with me. Awwe, Matt's so great.
And, let me just say that Matt has been getting spoiled in the food department since this 2nd trimester began. I've actually been cooking more than just this little bun in the oven! The most impressive feat? I have now successfully made my mother-in-law's homemade pizza recipe about 3 times - all the way from scratch, even the crust! And as we speak, there are sweet potato fries (not from the freezer section) in the oven. Awesome.
I'll try to take and post some belly pics soon. For those of you who like that sort of thing. :) And expect an update on the gender sometime on Friday!!!
That's it. LYLAS! :) Haha. Jk I'm hyper. The end. Bye.
You'd think this is what I'd like to hear, cause it means I don't look huge, right? Um hello, NOOOO, that's totally wrong! I want SOMETHING to show for the almost 15 lbs that I've already gained, people.
Funny because at my very first appointment, my doctor gave me a little pregnancy information sheet. The very first line reads, "Limit your weight gain to 3-8 lbs by your 20 week visit!" (Oh yes, there definitely was an exclamation point.) Umm yeah.
So you'd THINK that if I've gained twice that amount that I'd at least look pregnant, but apparently not. Whatever. I'm over it. And I decided against making a t-shirt that says "bun in the oven" with an arrow at my belly. :)
Nevermind that, did I mention that this thing inside me MOVES and I can feel it?! Unfortunately, a family friend (who also happens to be an OB) told Matt he wouldn't be able to feel it till around 24 weeks. Perhaps this is the one upside to being the one who carries the child? To be honest, I'd much rather be me than the one who has to deal with me. Awwe, Matt's so great.
And, let me just say that Matt has been getting spoiled in the food department since this 2nd trimester began. I've actually been cooking more than just this little bun in the oven! The most impressive feat? I have now successfully made my mother-in-law's homemade pizza recipe about 3 times - all the way from scratch, even the crust! And as we speak, there are sweet potato fries (not from the freezer section) in the oven. Awesome.
I'll try to take and post some belly pics soon. For those of you who like that sort of thing. :) And expect an update on the gender sometime on Friday!!!
That's it. LYLAS! :) Haha. Jk I'm hyper. The end. Bye.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Are there any readers left out there?
I'm afraid to blog after the lameness of my last post. I promise not to give you any more "fun facts" about the weather. Anyway, between that and the infrequent posting in general, I probably don't have any readers left. Whatev.
Those of you who are left might remember that Matt and I totally missed a wedding awhile back because we never read the invitation, and on Saturday night, when we finally looked at the invitation, we realized that the wedding was on Friday. If you don't remember the story, it's a good one - you can click here and read it.
Well, about 3 weeks ago, my good friend, Rita, (using a nickname for privacy purposes) got married. After reading about the Friday wedding, she warned me that I better not miss hers - or else. Well, the day of her wedding arrives, and I am convinced it's happening sometime at night. Matt and I have our whole Saturday planned out, including Rita's supposed night wedding. Around 11am, Matt tells me that I need to double check about the time. At that point, I texted another friend to get the exact time of the wedding and yeah, it was at 2pm. We wouldn't have even gone home in time to check the invitation if I hadn't double-checked the time. Bad bad.
And that brings us to tonight. Thought the wedding we were going to was at 7, and then at 5:45, when we were nowhere NEAR ready, Matt checked the invitation for directions to find out that... the wedding started at 6:00! Awesome! We arrived at 6:45, just as the reception was starting - perfect timing, and no one noticed! Nice. Perhaps we've finally learned our lesson? We have another wedding next weekend, so we'll let you know how it goes.
In other news, Matt and I ordered a pizza from Pizza Hut at 10:45 when we got home from the wedding. I'm pretty sure I haven't done that since I was about 14 years old. No regrets.
Pregnancy news? We find out the gender FOR SURE next Friday, I'm still in the awkward phase where most people can't tell I'm pregnant, and this little one is constantly doing somersaults inside my belly. That's about it.
Those of you who are left might remember that Matt and I totally missed a wedding awhile back because we never read the invitation, and on Saturday night, when we finally looked at the invitation, we realized that the wedding was on Friday. If you don't remember the story, it's a good one - you can click here and read it.
Well, about 3 weeks ago, my good friend, Rita, (using a nickname for privacy purposes) got married. After reading about the Friday wedding, she warned me that I better not miss hers - or else. Well, the day of her wedding arrives, and I am convinced it's happening sometime at night. Matt and I have our whole Saturday planned out, including Rita's supposed night wedding. Around 11am, Matt tells me that I need to double check about the time. At that point, I texted another friend to get the exact time of the wedding and yeah, it was at 2pm. We wouldn't have even gone home in time to check the invitation if I hadn't double-checked the time. Bad bad.
And that brings us to tonight. Thought the wedding we were going to was at 7, and then at 5:45, when we were nowhere NEAR ready, Matt checked the invitation for directions to find out that... the wedding started at 6:00! Awesome! We arrived at 6:45, just as the reception was starting - perfect timing, and no one noticed! Nice. Perhaps we've finally learned our lesson? We have another wedding next weekend, so we'll let you know how it goes.
In other news, Matt and I ordered a pizza from Pizza Hut at 10:45 when we got home from the wedding. I'm pretty sure I haven't done that since I was about 14 years old. No regrets.
Pregnancy news? We find out the gender FOR SURE next Friday, I'm still in the awkward phase where most people can't tell I'm pregnant, and this little one is constantly doing somersaults inside my belly. That's about it.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Did you know?
Ever wonder why the weatherman says there is 90% chance of rain for the day when it is ALREADY raining outside? I mean wouldn't any logical person figure that the chance of rain would be 100% when it is already raining? Clearly.
Funny that I was contemplating this just YESTERDAY because TODAY on the Bobby Bones show (don't judge, Austinites), I learned exactly what that % chance means. What it means is that on past days when the atmospheric conditions have been the exact same as they will be on the day for which you are predicting the weather, it has rained on ___% of those days. Get it? That's how they can say there's only a 90% chance of rain when it is raining.
Turns out the meteorologist isn't a total idiot.
Funny that I was contemplating this just YESTERDAY because TODAY on the Bobby Bones show (don't judge, Austinites), I learned exactly what that % chance means. What it means is that on past days when the atmospheric conditions have been the exact same as they will be on the day for which you are predicting the weather, it has rained on ___% of those days. Get it? That's how they can say there's only a 90% chance of rain when it is raining.
Turns out the meteorologist isn't a total idiot.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
nesting and the weather...
Matt and I decided last weekend that it was finally time to say goodbye to the weeds that have been living in our flower beds and replace them with actual flowers. Maybe we are nesting, or maybe we are actually growing up. But I'm sad to admit that we already killed some of the flowers. I will say that dead flowers still look better than weeds. We were really proud of ourselves for planting the flowers though.
It's really sad, but I think I have become as much of a wannabe meteorologist as Matt. I have gotten into a daily habit of checking up to three different websites to see the forecast and watch the radar. In addition to this, I watch the local news in the morning and the evening with the highlight obviously being the weather segment.
I don't know what happened. I think I became legitimately concerned that local authorities were going to forbid me from showering or something. (We are in a severe drought here in Austin, even after 48 straight hours of rain last week.) So it started with that, and I guess the change of seasons has left me hopeful to see something unexpected in the forecast (like a heat index of less than 100 or rain, to be specific).
Well, get excited, Austinites! A cold front coming in on Tuesday (first day of Autumn) will leave the highs in the mid 70s for Tues-Thurs!! We also have a decent chance of rain on Monday and Tuesday. (I've learned that 30% chance of rain or less doesn't mean anything.) Happy Fall!
It's really sad, but I think I have become as much of a wannabe meteorologist as Matt. I have gotten into a daily habit of checking up to three different websites to see the forecast and watch the radar. In addition to this, I watch the local news in the morning and the evening with the highlight obviously being the weather segment.
I don't know what happened. I think I became legitimately concerned that local authorities were going to forbid me from showering or something. (We are in a severe drought here in Austin, even after 48 straight hours of rain last week.) So it started with that, and I guess the change of seasons has left me hopeful to see something unexpected in the forecast (like a heat index of less than 100 or rain, to be specific).
Well, get excited, Austinites! A cold front coming in on Tuesday (first day of Autumn) will leave the highs in the mid 70s for Tues-Thurs!! We also have a decent chance of rain on Monday and Tuesday. (I've learned that 30% chance of rain or less doesn't mean anything.) Happy Fall!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Princess Leah goes to the hair salon
Yesterday I made a somewhat calculated and yet somewhat spontaneous decision to let my hair lady, Jenn, who I have come to trust, turn me into a very dark brunette!! She did what I told her, which was brown with some dark blonde highlights and possibly a few auburn highlights too. Except, of course, there are several shades of "brown" and terms like "some" and "a few" are relative. I would have liked a few more than "some" and maybe some less than "a few." Wait... nevermind. Let's just say my hair is DARK now, and maybe you can see where the communication error came into play. :)
Anyway, I decided that this could be an opportunity to not take myself so seriously. So instead of flipping out and crying, like I did several times in high school and college over really bad haircuts and disaster at-home coloring experiences, I am trying to embrace my new brunette status. I think I might have gotten smarter or something. Just kidding, blondies. (And for the record, I never even considered crying, which is surprising if you consider my hormonal status.)
Anyway, you might remember that after I get my hair done, it is my ritual to go straight to Matt's office to show it off and make him tell me how much he likes it. You will LOVE our conversation from yesterday.
Matt walks up to car. "Wow! It's really dark."
Leah: "Do you like it?"
Matt: "Yeah, I do. I think it will take some getting used to."
Leah: "You hate it."
Matt: "No, I don't hate it. I like it. It's the new Leah."
Leah: "So you like it?"
Matt: "Yeah, it looks good."
Leah: "You hate it."
Matt: "No, I love it."
Leah: "You do? Okay good."
Of course, let's be honest. That conversation was not the end of the saga, but the beginning. I asked him at least 50 more times over the course of the evening what he thought. Funny, he never changed his answer.
Anyway, I decided that this could be an opportunity to not take myself so seriously. So instead of flipping out and crying, like I did several times in high school and college over really bad haircuts and disaster at-home coloring experiences, I am trying to embrace my new brunette status. I think I might have gotten smarter or something. Just kidding, blondies. (And for the record, I never even considered crying, which is surprising if you consider my hormonal status.)
Anyway, you might remember that after I get my hair done, it is my ritual to go straight to Matt's office to show it off and make him tell me how much he likes it. You will LOVE our conversation from yesterday.
Matt walks up to car. "Wow! It's really dark."
Leah: "Do you like it?"
Matt: "Yeah, I do. I think it will take some getting used to."
Leah: "You hate it."
Matt: "No, I don't hate it. I like it. It's the new Leah."
Leah: "So you like it?"
Matt: "Yeah, it looks good."
Leah: "You hate it."
Matt: "No, I love it."
Leah: "You do? Okay good."
Of course, let's be honest. That conversation was not the end of the saga, but the beginning. I asked him at least 50 more times over the course of the evening what he thought. Funny, he never changed his answer.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Well hey there! I've got a secret!!
What's up, bloggy friends? It's about 4:30 am, and I have been up since 3:45 because I had to go to the bathroom. Then I couldn't fall back asleep because I read something the other day about how if I lay down on my back, the baby's weight could inhibit circulation both to me and to it. Technically, at this point in pregnancy, it's still okay to lay on my back, but you know, I was being paranoid, and pretty much every other sleep position wasn't working. On top of that, I was hungry. And alas, here I am. Long time no see!
I feel as though I should give you an excuse for not blogging, and I don't really have one, but I will try.
Last FRIDAY was my 16 week checkup. And, it was supposed to be a boring one- like get some blood drawn, get a Flu shot, pee in a cup, weigh in, and that's about it. Little did I know that the nurse was going to give me a FREE ultrasound! Oh yes, she did. Her name is Judy, and she is now my favorite nurse of all time.
Here's a picture of the little one. Its back is facing us, and its head is resting on the placenta. You can see the ribs!
Judy and I scoped out the area between the baby's legs, and as of last Friday we have determined the gender of our child with 85% certainty!!! (Judy wouldn't give me 100% because she's not a sonographer, just a nurse.)
Matt and I decided to tell only family members until we can verify the gender at our next appointment in October. I don't know if I have told you this before, but I REALLY stink at keeping secrets. My best friends in the world won't tell me stuff if they want to keep it a secret. (I'm still bitter about a few of those things - you know who you are, RACHEL.) But anyway.
I've been telling people, "We know what we're having, and we're not telling!" So unfair, and so rude, but somehow it satisfies my desire to tell the secret, while keeping it at the same time! It's a win-win.
By the way, if the child is what the nurse says that it is, then my dreams have been correct, and that is something which I will very much like to brag about. If the child is not what we have determined it is, then my dreams are wrong, and I am going to have a seriously difficult time adjusting to the actual gender AND to the fact that I was wrong. I'm not sure which would be a more difficult adjustment. Ha ha kidding.
Anyway, I've realized that people all seem to have an opinion about what they think the child is. My brother-in-law thinks it's a girl, my bikini wax lady thinks it's a boy, and the old wives are split down the middle. SOOOO, now that I sort-of know, I would like for people to guess. Perhaps this is a tad egocentric, but hey... if you care, leave me a comment with your guess. (Mom, you are obviously not allowed to guess since you already know, but you can still comment.)
I feel as though I should give you an excuse for not blogging, and I don't really have one, but I will try.
Last FRIDAY was my 16 week checkup. And, it was supposed to be a boring one- like get some blood drawn, get a Flu shot, pee in a cup, weigh in, and that's about it. Little did I know that the nurse was going to give me a FREE ultrasound! Oh yes, she did. Her name is Judy, and she is now my favorite nurse of all time.
Here's a picture of the little one. Its back is facing us, and its head is resting on the placenta. You can see the ribs!
Judy and I scoped out the area between the baby's legs, and as of last Friday we have determined the gender of our child with 85% certainty!!! (Judy wouldn't give me 100% because she's not a sonographer, just a nurse.)
Matt and I decided to tell only family members until we can verify the gender at our next appointment in October. I don't know if I have told you this before, but I REALLY stink at keeping secrets. My best friends in the world won't tell me stuff if they want to keep it a secret. (I'm still bitter about a few of those things - you know who you are, RACHEL.) But anyway.
I've been telling people, "We know what we're having, and we're not telling!" So unfair, and so rude, but somehow it satisfies my desire to tell the secret, while keeping it at the same time! It's a win-win.
By the way, if the child is what the nurse says that it is, then my dreams have been correct, and that is something which I will very much like to brag about. If the child is not what we have determined it is, then my dreams are wrong, and I am going to have a seriously difficult time adjusting to the actual gender AND to the fact that I was wrong. I'm not sure which would be a more difficult adjustment. Ha ha kidding.
Anyway, I've realized that people all seem to have an opinion about what they think the child is. My brother-in-law thinks it's a girl, my bikini wax lady thinks it's a boy, and the old wives are split down the middle. SOOOO, now that I sort-of know, I would like for people to guess. Perhaps this is a tad egocentric, but hey... if you care, leave me a comment with your guess. (Mom, you are obviously not allowed to guess since you already know, but you can still comment.)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
a tribute to greedy doctors
So, if you've ever been pregnant, you have, without a doubt, been the ear to countless labor and delivery stories. Women love to exaggerate talk about the terror of bringing their children into the world.
The most memorable example of this for me was getting to hear it from the lady who did my last bikini wax. (Sorry if that is too much info. However, women, if you don't get bikini waxes, you should. It's worth all of the pain.)
Anyway, Natalie, my regular esthetician, was on vacation. (Btw, Natalie thinks I am having a boy. Not sure how she can tell that, but she claims to be like 100% accurate guessing the sex of her friends' children. Whatev.)
So this time, it was Brooke who was in charge of torturing me- both with the bikini wax and, much to my surprise, the tale of her labor.
The second I mentioned being pregnant, Brooke informed me that 6 short months ago she had delivered her first child- all-natural, at home, and it took her a whopping 36 hours to pop that sucker out.
My first question: "So why did you decide to have the child at home?"
She went into a spiel about how doctors are greedy, and they are on a schedule, so they just want to get you in and out as fast as possible. (I mean who would want that?)
She then took the next 45-minutes to recount, step-by-step, all the gory details of her labor. And instead of giving you the details (since I tried to forget them) I'll just say that she spit out a lot of cuss words.
I left feeling very thankful for my greedy doctor, who will gladly give me pitocin AND an epidural. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like a win-win?
The most memorable example of this for me was getting to hear it from the lady who did my last bikini wax. (Sorry if that is too much info. However, women, if you don't get bikini waxes, you should. It's worth all of the pain.)
Anyway, Natalie, my regular esthetician, was on vacation. (Btw, Natalie thinks I am having a boy. Not sure how she can tell that, but she claims to be like 100% accurate guessing the sex of her friends' children. Whatev.)
So this time, it was Brooke who was in charge of torturing me- both with the bikini wax and, much to my surprise, the tale of her labor.
The second I mentioned being pregnant, Brooke informed me that 6 short months ago she had delivered her first child- all-natural, at home, and it took her a whopping 36 hours to pop that sucker out.
My first question: "So why did you decide to have the child at home?"
She went into a spiel about how doctors are greedy, and they are on a schedule, so they just want to get you in and out as fast as possible. (I mean who would want that?)
She then took the next 45-minutes to recount, step-by-step, all the gory details of her labor. And instead of giving you the details (since I tried to forget them) I'll just say that she spit out a lot of cuss words.
I left feeling very thankful for my greedy doctor, who will gladly give me pitocin AND an epidural. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like a win-win?
Sunday, September 6, 2009
last dream post
So, after reading some of your comments on my last post about dreams, I remembered a few more of my recurring dreams. I also had a few more dreams about my baby this weekend, and when I was recounting them to Matt, I remembered some that I have had in the last few months. Definitely worth sharing.
First of all, last night.
I dreamed that our baby was born early (like at 16 weeks, which would basically be next week). As you probably know, if our baby was born now, it wouldn't survive, but in my dream it survived. The thing is, in the dream, Matt and I didn't know that our baby had been born. We were in a waiting room where they just started handing out babies, and of course, since it was 24 weeks prior to the due date, we were very surprised to have our kid delivered to us.
*Side note. In this dream, the sex of the baby and the resemblance was the same as in my other dream about our child, which is making it more difficult for me to stay neutral on what I think it might be...
Anyway, Matt and I spent the rest of the dream carrying our baby around trying to find my doctor or a nurse who could tell us more about why our baby was born so early and why it survived.
*Another side note, at some points during the dream, as we were walking through hospitals and random buildings, we felt it necessary to "hide" our prematurely born child in a plastic grocery sack which also contained a couple pairs of tennis shoes.
When we finally found a nurse, she informed us that the reason our child survived was because of the expertise of our doctor, and that we were very fortunate he was our doctor because any other doctor would not have been able to save the child. Phew.
NEXT. "Beam me up, Mommy."
When sharing last night's dream with Matt, I remembered that earlier in pregnancy I had a dream that our child was delivered via "beam." Obviously it's weird, so let me explain.
I got to stay at home while I watched (on a beam TV screen) my baby be delivered by my doctor in the hospital where I was not present. Somehow, the child left my body and simultaneously appeared in the hospital room, Star Trek style. That was it.
Other recurring dreams.
In the last couple of years, I've dreamed that all my teeth are falling out. If you remember my dentist posts, then that might explain it.
Also, I have a dream that Matt and I are getting married (again), and that I am late for my wedding, or that I am at the church, and I can't find my dress, etc. I recently had this dream with a baby spin on it, but I'll spare you.
Finally, let me just brag that I dreamed I was pregnant before I actually knew for sure. In the past, my dreams have had a weird way of becoming reality. Be very afraid. Okay, enough about my dreams. New topic. Suggestions?
First of all, last night.
I dreamed that our baby was born early (like at 16 weeks, which would basically be next week). As you probably know, if our baby was born now, it wouldn't survive, but in my dream it survived. The thing is, in the dream, Matt and I didn't know that our baby had been born. We were in a waiting room where they just started handing out babies, and of course, since it was 24 weeks prior to the due date, we were very surprised to have our kid delivered to us.
*Side note. In this dream, the sex of the baby and the resemblance was the same as in my other dream about our child, which is making it more difficult for me to stay neutral on what I think it might be...
Anyway, Matt and I spent the rest of the dream carrying our baby around trying to find my doctor or a nurse who could tell us more about why our baby was born so early and why it survived.
*Another side note, at some points during the dream, as we were walking through hospitals and random buildings, we felt it necessary to "hide" our prematurely born child in a plastic grocery sack which also contained a couple pairs of tennis shoes.
When we finally found a nurse, she informed us that the reason our child survived was because of the expertise of our doctor, and that we were very fortunate he was our doctor because any other doctor would not have been able to save the child. Phew.
NEXT. "Beam me up, Mommy."
When sharing last night's dream with Matt, I remembered that earlier in pregnancy I had a dream that our child was delivered via "beam." Obviously it's weird, so let me explain.
I got to stay at home while I watched (on a beam TV screen) my baby be delivered by my doctor in the hospital where I was not present. Somehow, the child left my body and simultaneously appeared in the hospital room, Star Trek style. That was it.
Other recurring dreams.
In the last couple of years, I've dreamed that all my teeth are falling out. If you remember my dentist posts, then that might explain it.
Also, I have a dream that Matt and I are getting married (again), and that I am late for my wedding, or that I am at the church, and I can't find my dress, etc. I recently had this dream with a baby spin on it, but I'll spare you.
Finally, let me just brag that I dreamed I was pregnant before I actually knew for sure. In the past, my dreams have had a weird way of becoming reality. Be very afraid. Okay, enough about my dreams. New topic. Suggestions?
Friday, September 4, 2009
these dreams go on when I close my eyes...
Since getting knocked up, I have had some very strange dreams. And, in addition to the strange dreams, I've also had an increase in the same recurring dreams that I've been dreaming my whole life. I thought I'd share some of them with you, so you can tell me if you ever have similar dreams or if I am just a psycho.
First things first. Since becoming preggers:
First things first. Since becoming preggers:
- I dream that other people are pregnant a lot, and that they are due either just before or after me. The problem with this is that most of these people are either VERY postmenopausal (aka old) or their pregnancy would trigger what we like to call "a shotgun wedding." So that's fun.
- I have only dreamed about our baby one time, and in the dream we knew the sex of the baby and the parent it resembled. I will not be sharing this information until it is confirmed w/ ultrasound. And for the record, I have no idea what the sex is... even after the dream.
- I dreamed that the devil, yes Satan himself, lived in my parent's shower. That was my recurring childhood dream. Wow. Fortunately I don't have this dream anymore.
- I dreamed OFTEN that I was sitting in the high school gym at a pep rally or basketball game and that all of the sudden I realized I didn't have any pants on. (Totally bare from the waste down.) At which point I would inconspicuously try to make it to the restroom. At which point I would be stuck in the restroom with no pants on.
- Also I dream that I have forgotten to go to a class all semester long, and that I just keep forgetting until Final Exam time. In my dream, it's usually my high school chemistry class on Texas A&M's main campus. (Matt also has this dream.)
- I dream that I'm supposed to be playing in a volleyball game that is about to start, and I am running late. When I finally get to the game, I can't find my kneepads, uniform, sports bra, what have you, and there is always the fear that I won't get to play. (This actually happened my Sr. year of high school. Long story, but I fell asleep and missed all of warm ups, etc, and made it to the gym almost just in time to play. The coach actually didn't notice - lucky me.)
- I am about to go on a mission trip to Africa (actually did that), but I am close to missing my flight. I am always running through the airport, showing up at the wrong gate and having to go to the other end of the airport to find the right gate. A variation of this is that I am already on the plane with all my luggage, but I get off, and then I fret because the plane is about to take off without me. Another variation of this one is that I am on the plane and ready to go, but I don't have my luggage with me because I forgot to pack.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
don't be offended okay?
Is there anyone else out there who sort of thinks that baby showers are a total drag?
Okay, so maybe this is not really a politically correct opinion (and maybe I won't ever get invited to a baby shower again), but really, to put it nicely... this pregnant chick is not a fan of baby showers.
So it follows that I have been dreading a future shower since the day that I found out that I was pregnant. Really. I am not lying. Just the thought of it has been adding unnecessary tension in my life.
Now, obviously the silly games, finger foods, and slew of onesies and diapers are a lot more fun when they are for your future child. And obviously, getting all dressed up for this occasion is a lot more fun when you're the one with the pregnant belly and everyone's fussing over just how cute you are. But I keep thinking about the poor people who will be invited. (I know, so selfless.)
Once again, I know this post is not PC - especially since I've received baby shower invites from at least a handful of people who read my blog, and to you five let me just say, it was an honor to be invited to your shower.
Nevertheless, I feel like when the time comes to send out those baby shower invitations it will be equal to inviting a bunch of friends to be tortured together for a couple of hours. And I do not lie when I say that I feel like I would be doing people a favor NOT to invite them. But you can't really do that. You have to invite people. You can't say, "Look, I hate baby showers and I like you, so to spare you the torture, I'm not inviting you." That obviously wouldn't work.
My solution will be to make the shower more like a party. Here are the rules.
1. Keeping it casual. No sundresses. To ease the delicate girly atmosphere that contributes to uncomfortable and awkward small talk.
2. Takes place at night.
2. CO-ED. For the same reason as number 1. Plus for whatever torture there is, the men should have to endure it also. Seriously, how do they get out of carrying/delivering the baby AND the awkward baby showers?!?!?
3. NO GAMES. Except maybe one where people guess the due date, and then they can get a cool prize if they are right, but definitely no games that require attention or mandatory sitting still during the shower.
4. Real food -like a meal- not finger foods. Once again. Finger foods = delicate atmosphere = awkward and uncomfortable. (Appetizers are allowed.)
5. There will be adult beverages. (Of course for everyone else but me.) This contributes to the celebratory/party atmosphere.
6. In a perfect world, we wouldn't open the presents in front of people. However, I know that some people actually like to go find special, personal presents and LOVE to see there gifts opened, so in the case that a guest might take offense to this, I'd be forced to open gifts at the shower, but people wouldn't have to watch. There would be no rounding up people to come watch. (I personally, as an attendee and gift-giver, would prefer that my gift be opened in private, but that's just me.)
BUT, this brings up another problem. I'M NOT THE HOSTESS. I mean, OTHER people throw showers FOR you, which means they're shelling out the cash, and you don't get to be the boss. Which MEANS, that I might have to have a torture party after all.
Alas, the tension remains.
Okay, so maybe this is not really a politically correct opinion (and maybe I won't ever get invited to a baby shower again), but really, to put it nicely... this pregnant chick is not a fan of baby showers.
So it follows that I have been dreading a future shower since the day that I found out that I was pregnant. Really. I am not lying. Just the thought of it has been adding unnecessary tension in my life.
Now, obviously the silly games, finger foods, and slew of onesies and diapers are a lot more fun when they are for your future child. And obviously, getting all dressed up for this occasion is a lot more fun when you're the one with the pregnant belly and everyone's fussing over just how cute you are. But I keep thinking about the poor people who will be invited. (I know, so selfless.)
Once again, I know this post is not PC - especially since I've received baby shower invites from at least a handful of people who read my blog, and to you five let me just say, it was an honor to be invited to your shower.
Nevertheless, I feel like when the time comes to send out those baby shower invitations it will be equal to inviting a bunch of friends to be tortured together for a couple of hours. And I do not lie when I say that I feel like I would be doing people a favor NOT to invite them. But you can't really do that. You have to invite people. You can't say, "Look, I hate baby showers and I like you, so to spare you the torture, I'm not inviting you." That obviously wouldn't work.
My solution will be to make the shower more like a party. Here are the rules.
1. Keeping it casual. No sundresses. To ease the delicate girly atmosphere that contributes to uncomfortable and awkward small talk.
2. Takes place at night.
2. CO-ED. For the same reason as number 1. Plus for whatever torture there is, the men should have to endure it also. Seriously, how do they get out of carrying/delivering the baby AND the awkward baby showers?!?!?
3. NO GAMES. Except maybe one where people guess the due date, and then they can get a cool prize if they are right, but definitely no games that require attention or mandatory sitting still during the shower.
4. Real food -like a meal- not finger foods. Once again. Finger foods = delicate atmosphere = awkward and uncomfortable. (Appetizers are allowed.)
5. There will be adult beverages. (Of course for everyone else but me.) This contributes to the celebratory/party atmosphere.
6. In a perfect world, we wouldn't open the presents in front of people. However, I know that some people actually like to go find special, personal presents and LOVE to see there gifts opened, so in the case that a guest might take offense to this, I'd be forced to open gifts at the shower, but people wouldn't have to watch. There would be no rounding up people to come watch. (I personally, as an attendee and gift-giver, would prefer that my gift be opened in private, but that's just me.)
BUT, this brings up another problem. I'M NOT THE HOSTESS. I mean, OTHER people throw showers FOR you, which means they're shelling out the cash, and you don't get to be the boss. Which MEANS, that I might have to have a torture party after all.
Alas, the tension remains.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
I never thought I'd say this but...
...I am so ready to start showing.
The other day, I waited in line for a bathroom for 12 minutes (I timed it) behind a kid who, much to his mother's chagrin, refused to get off the potty because there was no poopy in the potty yet.
I couldn't help but thinking the whole time that if I had been 6+ months preggo they might have let me go first.
I was also thinking that when I am huge, in places where they have "customers with small children" parking spaces, most decent people won't mind if I take one of those spots... or handicapped ones for that matter. We'll see what I can get away with.
So it seems that right now, I have all the downsides of pregnancy (obstructed bladder, acne, and lots of other fun things) and none of the benefits (well besides a growing affection for this cheese-slice-sized bundle of love, even while its gender remains a mystery).
I believe there are some pregnant women who don't really like the special treatment they get for being ginormo. Yeah. That will SO not be me.
GROW, BABY, GROW!
The other day, I waited in line for a bathroom for 12 minutes (I timed it) behind a kid who, much to his mother's chagrin, refused to get off the potty because there was no poopy in the potty yet.
I couldn't help but thinking the whole time that if I had been 6+ months preggo they might have let me go first.
I was also thinking that when I am huge, in places where they have "customers with small children" parking spaces, most decent people won't mind if I take one of those spots... or handicapped ones for that matter. We'll see what I can get away with.
So it seems that right now, I have all the downsides of pregnancy (obstructed bladder, acne, and lots of other fun things) and none of the benefits (well besides a growing affection for this cheese-slice-sized bundle of love, even while its gender remains a mystery).
I believe there are some pregnant women who don't really like the special treatment they get for being ginormo. Yeah. That will SO not be me.
GROW, BABY, GROW!
Monday, August 17, 2009
they should really post warning signs
I went to the "Total Conditioning" class at my gym today for the first time in 3 months or whenever I last blogged about it. You know, the one with all the moms.
Anyway, I decided that they should post a warning sign on the door with some of the following warnings.
WARNING.
After this class you will not be able to lift your arms above your belly button without them spazzing profusely. This will make it extremely difficult for you to 1 - drive home, 2 - wash, brush, or blow dry your hair, 3- fold laundry.
If you are pregnant, you will literally be rendered useless for at least 5 hours following class.
If you haven't been to class in 3 months, it is worse than you remember it. And, if you think class will be easier this time because you've been lifting weights on your own, you are severely mistaken.
Whatever your first instinct is about which dumbbells to use, subtract about 4 pounds, and use those instead. (Example. If you think using 12 lb bells and 10 lb bells is a good idea, go ahead and get 8s and 6s.)
-------------------------------------------------------------
On another totally unrelated note...
While recovering from class, I happened to see a news excerpt showing some PETA people protesting against McDonald's supposed inhumane killing of chickens. One of the posters featured a big picture cutout of a box of Chicken McNuggets and a line that read, "I'm hating it."
Someone needs to tell PETA that their protesting is actually producing the opposite effect. Seriously, as soon as I got hungry for lunch, I took a trip over to Micky D's and got myself a delicious 6 piece Nuggets with BBQ sauce. I know it's mystery meat, but it's so good. And baby thinks so, too.
Oh, and of course McDonald's disputes PETA's claims.
Anyway, I decided that they should post a warning sign on the door with some of the following warnings.
WARNING.
After this class you will not be able to lift your arms above your belly button without them spazzing profusely. This will make it extremely difficult for you to 1 - drive home, 2 - wash, brush, or blow dry your hair, 3- fold laundry.
If you are pregnant, you will literally be rendered useless for at least 5 hours following class.
If you haven't been to class in 3 months, it is worse than you remember it. And, if you think class will be easier this time because you've been lifting weights on your own, you are severely mistaken.
Whatever your first instinct is about which dumbbells to use, subtract about 4 pounds, and use those instead. (Example. If you think using 12 lb bells and 10 lb bells is a good idea, go ahead and get 8s and 6s.)
-------------------------------------------------------------
On another totally unrelated note...
While recovering from class, I happened to see a news excerpt showing some PETA people protesting against McDonald's supposed inhumane killing of chickens. One of the posters featured a big picture cutout of a box of Chicken McNuggets and a line that read, "I'm hating it."
Someone needs to tell PETA that their protesting is actually producing the opposite effect. Seriously, as soon as I got hungry for lunch, I took a trip over to Micky D's and got myself a delicious 6 piece Nuggets with BBQ sauce. I know it's mystery meat, but it's so good. And baby thinks so, too.
Oh, and of course McDonald's disputes PETA's claims.
Is that really necessary?
When I got preggers, one of the sweet ladies in Matt's office gave me this little daily flip book with updates about how the baby is growing... so you match the date with the day week and day of your pregnancy and it give you little updates. I love it.
Well, except today's update:
"Most of the weight you have gained cannot be blamed on me directly - I only weight about an ounce - as much as a slice of cheese!"
Gee thanks.
Next Tuesday is officially the end of the first trimester - 14 weeks. (Apparently not all trimesters are created equal because the other two are 12 weeks.)
Anyway, I've been hearing that the 2nd trimester is supposed to be the best I will ever feel in my life because of hormones and the like. Seriously, I've heard this from several different women. My sister, however, did not confirm, and so I'm not getting my hopes up.
Whatev. Happy Monday!!
Well, except today's update:
"Most of the weight you have gained cannot be blamed on me directly - I only weight about an ounce - as much as a slice of cheese!"
Gee thanks.
Next Tuesday is officially the end of the first trimester - 14 weeks. (Apparently not all trimesters are created equal because the other two are 12 weeks.)
Anyway, I've been hearing that the 2nd trimester is supposed to be the best I will ever feel in my life because of hormones and the like. Seriously, I've heard this from several different women. My sister, however, did not confirm, and so I'm not getting my hopes up.
Whatev. Happy Monday!!
Friday, July 31, 2009
I scared them away...
Every so often, I check Google Analytics for fun to see how people find my blog. It has a couple of features I think are fun like 1- A map overlay to show you where your readers are (had someone from Moscow, Russia this week - not gonna lie that sort of freaked me out), and 2- A list of key words that people type into search engines that somehow lead them to eventually click on the blog.
I have 3 awesome ones this week.
"Advice to husbands with pregnant wives."
"How husbands should treat their pregnant wives."
"Husbands with mean pregnant wives."
Needless to say those poor men probably didn't leave feeling very encouraged. :( Muahahahaha.
On another note, it's 5am, and I have been up since 3. Maybe we should all just say a prayer for Matt. ;)
I have 3 awesome ones this week.
"Advice to husbands with pregnant wives."
"How husbands should treat their pregnant wives."
"Husbands with mean pregnant wives."
Needless to say those poor men probably didn't leave feeling very encouraged. :( Muahahahaha.
On another note, it's 5am, and I have been up since 3. Maybe we should all just say a prayer for Matt. ;)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
we can laugh about it now
In the last week, I have had two spouts of uncontrollable weeping. I am going to go ahead and blame it on my "condition." (Note: My condition is also to blame for the lack of a uniform verb tense in this post.)
First episode: It's 12:30am and I can't sleep, so I decide to take a shower. While doing so, I drop my razor on my foot, and it starts bleeding uncontrollably - literally looks like a murder scene in my shower.
At this point, I decide that the world has done me a serious injustice, and start crying and screaming, "Why? Why did this happen to me!?" (Note: It didn't really hurt at all, I was just upset that it happened.) Realizing that I had not yet received a response from my sleeping husband, I cried ALL THE LOUDER... until he got up and came to check on me in the shower.
This is when I morphed from a weeping victim to an angry monster of a wife and started screaming at Matt to get me a paper towel. He patiently cooperated and after we got the blood cleaned up from the entire bathroom, I proceeded to cry myself to sleep for a solid 15 additional minutes.
Second Episode: This morning at about 6:30 or 7:00am. As my growing uterus continues to impede on my bladder, I can no longer sleep through the whole night without having to get up to go to the bathroom. No big deal if I could go back to sleep right? But, instead I get back in bed, toss and turn for an hour, give up, and end up staying awake till I can't take it anymore.
This morning, I was almost back asleep on the couch when it was time for Matt to get ready for work. So, as he starts making noise (not on purpose, but you know how everything sounds amplified when you're trying to sleep), I storm to our bedroom where I can shut the door on the noise.
The only problem is that our bedroom is the hottest room in the house, and since my body is now an incubator, I am constantly radiating with heat. Translation = UGH! At this point I throw all of the sheets onto the floor and start making angry noises. Not satisfied with the room temp, I leave our room, slamming the door behind me, and I march to the guest room. Oh, and on the way, I furiously punch the down button on our AC about 7 degrees.
As soon as I arrive at my new location, the weeping begins... uncontrollable weeping. Matt eventually made it back to the guest room to console me. "I'm so tired and uncomfortable. I just want to fall asleep!"
Matt is so sweet and considerate, especially when I am being totally irrational. This morning, while weeping, I ask him a question he gets a lot when I'm being a brat, "Why do you love me? Why are you being nice to me!?"
I'm telling you the man deserves an award.
First episode: It's 12:30am and I can't sleep, so I decide to take a shower. While doing so, I drop my razor on my foot, and it starts bleeding uncontrollably - literally looks like a murder scene in my shower.
At this point, I decide that the world has done me a serious injustice, and start crying and screaming, "Why? Why did this happen to me!?" (Note: It didn't really hurt at all, I was just upset that it happened.) Realizing that I had not yet received a response from my sleeping husband, I cried ALL THE LOUDER... until he got up and came to check on me in the shower.
This is when I morphed from a weeping victim to an angry monster of a wife and started screaming at Matt to get me a paper towel. He patiently cooperated and after we got the blood cleaned up from the entire bathroom, I proceeded to cry myself to sleep for a solid 15 additional minutes.
Second Episode: This morning at about 6:30 or 7:00am. As my growing uterus continues to impede on my bladder, I can no longer sleep through the whole night without having to get up to go to the bathroom. No big deal if I could go back to sleep right? But, instead I get back in bed, toss and turn for an hour, give up, and end up staying awake till I can't take it anymore.
This morning, I was almost back asleep on the couch when it was time for Matt to get ready for work. So, as he starts making noise (not on purpose, but you know how everything sounds amplified when you're trying to sleep), I storm to our bedroom where I can shut the door on the noise.
The only problem is that our bedroom is the hottest room in the house, and since my body is now an incubator, I am constantly radiating with heat. Translation = UGH! At this point I throw all of the sheets onto the floor and start making angry noises. Not satisfied with the room temp, I leave our room, slamming the door behind me, and I march to the guest room. Oh, and on the way, I furiously punch the down button on our AC about 7 degrees.
As soon as I arrive at my new location, the weeping begins... uncontrollable weeping. Matt eventually made it back to the guest room to console me. "I'm so tired and uncomfortable. I just want to fall asleep!"
Matt is so sweet and considerate, especially when I am being totally irrational. This morning, while weeping, I ask him a question he gets a lot when I'm being a brat, "Why do you love me? Why are you being nice to me!?"
I'm telling you the man deserves an award.
Monday, July 27, 2009
those pregnancy tests don't lie!!!
Here's our little munchkin! (No twins!)
Baby was moving arms and legs a whole, whole lot, and it was so awesome to watch! I think Matt was totally surprised that it was actually alive and kickin! As you can see, he/she is staying snuggled up close to the side of my grapefruit-sized uterus right now. So crazy!
I was off on the due date by 1 or 2 days, but I had the gestational age down to the DAY!!! Boo ya! So Baby Gibbers is 9 weeks and 6 days today. We get to go back to the doctor again on August 13th, and I will get to have ANOTHER SONOGRAM at that point! Can't wait. Really, words can't explain how cool it was.
And, lastly, the doctor went ahead and pointed out that the baby weighs less than one ounce and probably only needs about 1 calorie a day to survive. Translation = I should eat normal amounts of food. Whatev. ;)
Baby was moving arms and legs a whole, whole lot, and it was so awesome to watch! I think Matt was totally surprised that it was actually alive and kickin! As you can see, he/she is staying snuggled up close to the side of my grapefruit-sized uterus right now. So crazy!
I was off on the due date by 1 or 2 days, but I had the gestational age down to the DAY!!! Boo ya! So Baby Gibbers is 9 weeks and 6 days today. We get to go back to the doctor again on August 13th, and I will get to have ANOTHER SONOGRAM at that point! Can't wait. Really, words can't explain how cool it was.
And, lastly, the doctor went ahead and pointed out that the baby weighs less than one ounce and probably only needs about 1 calorie a day to survive. Translation = I should eat normal amounts of food. Whatev. ;)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
the opinion columnist
I've realized something about myself since getting married... something anyone with a brain could have pointed out to me my entire life, but somehow I was unaware... of the fact that I happen to be extremely opinionated.
I guess, I started to notice a few years ago that, although Matt has some strongly held opinions, he doesn't (unlike me) really feel the need to state them out loud (or via blog) or really at all. He always states them very diplomatically, during civil debates, in a way that makes him sound like a total genius. But normally he will only do this around very close family and around people who are being moronic... the rest of the time he just keeps his mouth shut.
I, on the other hand, LOVE to rant, and immediately put in my two cents about things that matter and things that don't matter, and most of the time I sound like a complete idiot for doing so, so I pay the price.
Maybe this is why Proverbs 25:8 is so convicting to me. "Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, when your neighbor humiliates you?"
NEVERTHELESS, new situations typically make me aware of strongly held opinions that I didn't even know I had. And I am here now to share a couple of them with you.
1. Women, the ONLY place where it is appropriate to wear shorts that do not cover ALL of your butt cheeks is at your home, the swimming pool, the beach, the lake, a hot tub, and the like... NOT at THE GYM on a treadmill, NOT at STARBUCKS. Trust me, it is NOT attractive, nor would it be even if you did have a perfect rump. So do yourself a favor and roll down those cotton SOFFE® shorts about 3 or 4 times.
2. If you are at the movie to see a chick flick, then ALL of the previews should be advertising chick-flicky-type movies, NOT CREEPY HORROR FILMS!
Last night while waiting for a chick-flick to start, two previews featuring extremely creepy horror/suspense type films were played. They were so creepy that I had to close my eyes and my ears and wait for them to be over at which point I exclaimed rather loudly to Matt (in a full theatre), "What the heck is wrong with these PSYCHOTIC people in our country?"
Dear movie people, I paid for a chick flick. The next movie I pay for will probably be a chick flick or something of the sort... unless I am a movie snob or a movie fanatic at which point I already know about the psycho horror films you are advertising. Please stick to showing previews in the same general genre as the movie I paid to watch.
Well that was fun. You're welcome. Perhaps this will have to become a series.
I guess, I started to notice a few years ago that, although Matt has some strongly held opinions, he doesn't (unlike me) really feel the need to state them out loud (or via blog) or really at all. He always states them very diplomatically, during civil debates, in a way that makes him sound like a total genius. But normally he will only do this around very close family and around people who are being moronic... the rest of the time he just keeps his mouth shut.
I, on the other hand, LOVE to rant, and immediately put in my two cents about things that matter and things that don't matter, and most of the time I sound like a complete idiot for doing so, so I pay the price.
Maybe this is why Proverbs 25:8 is so convicting to me. "Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, when your neighbor humiliates you?"
NEVERTHELESS, new situations typically make me aware of strongly held opinions that I didn't even know I had. And I am here now to share a couple of them with you.
1. Women, the ONLY place where it is appropriate to wear shorts that do not cover ALL of your butt cheeks is at your home, the swimming pool, the beach, the lake, a hot tub, and the like... NOT at THE GYM on a treadmill, NOT at STARBUCKS. Trust me, it is NOT attractive, nor would it be even if you did have a perfect rump. So do yourself a favor and roll down those cotton SOFFE® shorts about 3 or 4 times.
2. If you are at the movie to see a chick flick, then ALL of the previews should be advertising chick-flicky-type movies, NOT CREEPY HORROR FILMS!
Last night while waiting for a chick-flick to start, two previews featuring extremely creepy horror/suspense type films were played. They were so creepy that I had to close my eyes and my ears and wait for them to be over at which point I exclaimed rather loudly to Matt (in a full theatre), "What the heck is wrong with these PSYCHOTIC people in our country?"
Dear movie people, I paid for a chick flick. The next movie I pay for will probably be a chick flick or something of the sort... unless I am a movie snob or a movie fanatic at which point I already know about the psycho horror films you are advertising. Please stick to showing previews in the same general genre as the movie I paid to watch.
Well that was fun. You're welcome. Perhaps this will have to become a series.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Doctor Schmoctor
Well, I am giving my original OBGYN the BOOT! I got a call from their office today saying that my doc had a family emergency and they'd need to reschedule my appointment (which was supposed to be tomorrow). They told me the earliest I could get in to see a nurse practitioner would be AUGUST 6th! Hello people, NOOOOOO WAY JOSE!
Let's just say I responded the way a hormonal pregnant lady would respond.
So, my wonderful sister recommended another OBGYN who she claims is one of the best. (Not sure how she knows that.) I called, and they take my insurance, take new patients, and it's located at the hospital which is very close to my house, and they can get me in first thing Monday morning. (The previous hospital was right next to Matt's office.) So it's a done deal. Yippeee!!!!
Note to doctors: We appreciate what you do, but we don't have to put up with your crap.
Let's just say I responded the way a hormonal pregnant lady would respond.
So, my wonderful sister recommended another OBGYN who she claims is one of the best. (Not sure how she knows that.) I called, and they take my insurance, take new patients, and it's located at the hospital which is very close to my house, and they can get me in first thing Monday morning. (The previous hospital was right next to Matt's office.) So it's a done deal. Yippeee!!!!
Note to doctors: We appreciate what you do, but we don't have to put up with your crap.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
ballooning
I still don't know how I'm just suddenly supposed to be okay with packing on pounds. Your whole life, the world tells you to be skinny, and then one day you're just supposed to embrace weight gain. Sorry, no embracing over here.
In addition to this, all the pregnancy books say that you should probably gain no more than 3 - maybe 4 - pounds in your first trimester, and many times women who deal with bad morning sickness will even lose weight in the first 3 months...
Meanwhile, I still have another month to go in Trimester #1, and the scale has reached earth-shattering highs- waaaaaay more than 3 or 4 pounds. Uggh BARF.
Speaking of barf. My hunger-induced nausea has not gone away, so I'm really not sure if I can do anything about this dilemma besides keeping the pantry stocked while staying away from McDonald's and Coca Cola. Sigh.
Hey! Maybe I'm having twins? (Insert "no you've just eaten like an elephant for the last 6 weeks" comment here.)
But if you will remember from this post, I do think it would be nice to kill two birds with one "pregnancy" stone. I suppose we will find out on Friday.
Note: I don't really think I am having twins. The end. P.S. I can't spell. The end.
In addition to this, all the pregnancy books say that you should probably gain no more than 3 - maybe 4 - pounds in your first trimester, and many times women who deal with bad morning sickness will even lose weight in the first 3 months...
Meanwhile, I still have another month to go in Trimester #1, and the scale has reached earth-shattering highs- waaaaaay more than 3 or 4 pounds. Uggh BARF.
Speaking of barf. My hunger-induced nausea has not gone away, so I'm really not sure if I can do anything about this dilemma besides keeping the pantry stocked while staying away from McDonald's and Coca Cola. Sigh.
Hey! Maybe I'm having twins? (Insert "no you've just eaten like an elephant for the last 6 weeks" comment here.)
But if you will remember from this post, I do think it would be nice to kill two birds with one "pregnancy" stone. I suppose we will find out on Friday.
Note: I don't really think I am having twins. The end. P.S. I can't spell. The end.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Bertha (1997-2009)
If any of you have known me since high school or earlier, you probably know Bertha, pictured here.When I was in 7th grade, our other English Bulldog, Maddie, had 12 puppies, 8 who lived, and we ended up keeping the "runt" of the litter, Bertha! My brother and I still fight over who named her, but I won't back down - It was me.
As you can see, Bertha was never denied table food - ever. She didn't beg though. She'd just sit patiently next to my dad until he was finished, then she'd sit patiently next to someone else who wasn't finished yet. And she knew what "all gone" meant. She definitely lived the high life.
But this past year, she had some problems. She successfully had a cancerous tumor removed from her leg, only to find another one a few months later on her heart. My dad made the tough decision to put her to sleep yesterday.
We will miss Bertha! She was the sweetest dog, and we're thankful for the 12+ years she lived and loved us back. :) Here's a video of Peej (nephew) doing his Bertha impression 2 Thanksgivings ago.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
advice to husbands with pregnant wives
I know I should really be spreading the pregnant stories out, but I just can't wait. Enjoy.
Over the weekend, I thought my stomach was starting to look different. (This is where you ignore the last few posts about how much saturated fat I have been eating.) But seriously, it didn't just look fat, it was a hard fat, a pregnant fat.
So I said to Matt, "Look! I think I'm showing!"
Matt looks and responds doubtfully, "Ummm no, I don't think you're showing."
Mars-Venus translation: "Darling, I think that's the Freebird's Burrito you just downed, not our raspberry-sized fetus."
(Whatever! My uterus is the size of a grapefruit!)
Men, when in doubt, your wife is showing.
Over the weekend, I thought my stomach was starting to look different. (This is where you ignore the last few posts about how much saturated fat I have been eating.) But seriously, it didn't just look fat, it was a hard fat, a pregnant fat.
So I said to Matt, "Look! I think I'm showing!"
Matt looks and responds doubtfully, "Ummm no, I don't think you're showing."
Mars-Venus translation: "Darling, I think that's the Freebird's Burrito you just downed, not our raspberry-sized fetus."
(Whatever! My uterus is the size of a grapefruit!)
Men, when in doubt, your wife is showing.
cravings, aversions, and my new found sense of smell
Warning: This post may awaken cravings you didn't know you had. If you are on a diet or if you are hungry, I highly suggest reading this on a full stomach.
During the first 4 weeks that I knew I was pregnant, I was afraid I might give it away because my nose was smelling things that no one else's nose could possibly smell.
I felt like I was constantly asking, "Do you smell that?" Usually the answer was, "No psycho."
Most notably, I found out that our bathroom has a permanent stench which I have never noticed before. I won't describe it, but let's just say I don't really go in there anymore.
What about food aversions?
Well, I know you won't believe this, but I have not been to Starbucks in OVER a week. Honestly, just thinking about drinking plain coffee (my drink of choice) makes me feel sick. The good news is that the smell of Starbucks doesn't bother me, so when I stop sleeping all day, I plan on returning to my 2nd home to read, study, blog, etc. I will just have to get a frappuccino instead of coffee.
Also, guacamole. I can't even give it a second thought. SICK! I feel the queasiness rising up.
What about cravings?
Anything from Taco Bell, McDonald's, breakfast tacos, Mexican Food, Italian Food, SODA, cheese, salt, grease, fat, and anything along those lines for starters. Okay, but I'm not really wanting burgers at all. By the way, it's okay if you want to barf right now - that probably means you're normal.
Anyway, these cravings get very specific at very specific times. For instance the other night I really wanted the bread and garlic butter from Spaghetti Warehouse. How random is that?
Another night, I demanded that Matt take me to Yogurt Planet. When we got there, I decided I didn't want yogurt anymore. So we drove about 20 feet to Mandola's (Italian). Upon arriving at Mandola's, I decided that I didn't want to go there anymore either. At this point, I decided that the answer was Chuy's. So at almost 10pm, Matt took me to Chuy's because I really wanted the mini chicken burrito with deluxe tomatillo sauce.
(By the way, after this episode I apologized to Matt for being sort of a brat, and his response was, "That's okay, I've already told myself that in order to get through the next 9 months I have to remember that I am not dealing with a rational being." Whatever. I am perfectly rational.)
I finally realized that a homemade lasagna or cheese tortellini hits the spot almost as well as a burrito from Chuy's, so it seems our wallets may have a chance of surviving this pregnancy.
Some other low points? (Besides the burrito story above.) I actually ordered a Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell. Haven't had one of those since 9th grade.
High points? (This is debatable.) Pancakes with lots of butter and syrup from Kerby Lane... twice in three days. Also, the sausage biscuit mentioned in my last blog.
As you might expect, Matt is scared. And I think he is amazed that I haven't ballooned yet. Key word = yet.
During the first 4 weeks that I knew I was pregnant, I was afraid I might give it away because my nose was smelling things that no one else's nose could possibly smell.
I felt like I was constantly asking, "Do you smell that?" Usually the answer was, "No psycho."
Most notably, I found out that our bathroom has a permanent stench which I have never noticed before. I won't describe it, but let's just say I don't really go in there anymore.
What about food aversions?
Well, I know you won't believe this, but I have not been to Starbucks in OVER a week. Honestly, just thinking about drinking plain coffee (my drink of choice) makes me feel sick. The good news is that the smell of Starbucks doesn't bother me, so when I stop sleeping all day, I plan on returning to my 2nd home to read, study, blog, etc. I will just have to get a frappuccino instead of coffee.
Also, guacamole. I can't even give it a second thought. SICK! I feel the queasiness rising up.
What about cravings?
Anything from Taco Bell, McDonald's, breakfast tacos, Mexican Food, Italian Food, SODA, cheese, salt, grease, fat, and anything along those lines for starters. Okay, but I'm not really wanting burgers at all. By the way, it's okay if you want to barf right now - that probably means you're normal.
Anyway, these cravings get very specific at very specific times. For instance the other night I really wanted the bread and garlic butter from Spaghetti Warehouse. How random is that?
Another night, I demanded that Matt take me to Yogurt Planet. When we got there, I decided I didn't want yogurt anymore. So we drove about 20 feet to Mandola's (Italian). Upon arriving at Mandola's, I decided that I didn't want to go there anymore either. At this point, I decided that the answer was Chuy's. So at almost 10pm, Matt took me to Chuy's because I really wanted the mini chicken burrito with deluxe tomatillo sauce.
(By the way, after this episode I apologized to Matt for being sort of a brat, and his response was, "That's okay, I've already told myself that in order to get through the next 9 months I have to remember that I am not dealing with a rational being." Whatever. I am perfectly rational.)
I finally realized that a homemade lasagna or cheese tortellini hits the spot almost as well as a burrito from Chuy's, so it seems our wallets may have a chance of surviving this pregnancy.
Some other low points? (Besides the burrito story above.) I actually ordered a Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell. Haven't had one of those since 9th grade.
High points? (This is debatable.) Pancakes with lots of butter and syrup from Kerby Lane... twice in three days. Also, the sausage biscuit mentioned in my last blog.
As you might expect, Matt is scared. And I think he is amazed that I haven't ballooned yet. Key word = yet.
Monday, July 13, 2009
three songs that describe my life right now
1. "Hungry like the wolf." (Duran Duran)
So I had a conversation with a friend at church yesterday that went something like this.
Friend: So how are you feeling?
Leah: Fine, I am just hungry ALL THE TIME.
Friend: But your not nauseous or anything?
Leah: Well, only when I'm hungry.
My solution to this problem is to never get the slightest bit hungry.
Yesterday I hit up the McDonald's drive through on the way to church. I had plans to order the somewhat healthier Egg McMuffin with no cheese or anything, but when it was time to spout the order, pregnant Leah took over and ordered a Sausage Biscuit and an orange juice.
Let's just say taking prenatal vitamins is probably going to be a good idea.
Also Matt told me I was going to have to "reign in the cravings."
2. "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." (Candle by White Tie Affair)
Last Wednesday I literally was awake for only 3 hours between 12:01am and 4:45pm. At 4:45 I woke up, stayed awake till about 10:00pm, and went back to sleep for an entire night without waking up. The 3 hours I was awake were not consecutive. In between my naps I ate, read, and tried to go to the gym but to no avail.
I can't say most other days have looked much different. On Friday I woke up for breakfast with a friend, fell asleep till lunch, then woke up around 4:30 to get ready for dinner.
So I'm not sick, but I'm so tired that it feels like I have mono... so I might as well be sick is all I'm sayin'. August 12th is the end of the 1st trimester, and I am looking forward to it.
3. "I wish it would rain down." (Phil Collins)
This one has nothing to do with pregnancy, but everything to do with the fact that if we have another 100+ degree day here in Austin I'm afraid the entire city might actually burn.
Our grass is dying. Our electricity bills are not going to be pretty and neither are our water bills. And the lake might actually be empty if we don't get some serious rain by the end of the summer.
I would not be disappointed if it rained all day, every day, from today all the way till the end of September. And of course Matt is getting really bored with the forecast these days.
So tell me, what songs describe your life right now?
So I had a conversation with a friend at church yesterday that went something like this.
Friend: So how are you feeling?
Leah: Fine, I am just hungry ALL THE TIME.
Friend: But your not nauseous or anything?
Leah: Well, only when I'm hungry.
My solution to this problem is to never get the slightest bit hungry.
Yesterday I hit up the McDonald's drive through on the way to church. I had plans to order the somewhat healthier Egg McMuffin with no cheese or anything, but when it was time to spout the order, pregnant Leah took over and ordered a Sausage Biscuit and an orange juice.
Let's just say taking prenatal vitamins is probably going to be a good idea.
Also Matt told me I was going to have to "reign in the cravings."
2. "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." (Candle by White Tie Affair)
Last Wednesday I literally was awake for only 3 hours between 12:01am and 4:45pm. At 4:45 I woke up, stayed awake till about 10:00pm, and went back to sleep for an entire night without waking up. The 3 hours I was awake were not consecutive. In between my naps I ate, read, and tried to go to the gym but to no avail.
I can't say most other days have looked much different. On Friday I woke up for breakfast with a friend, fell asleep till lunch, then woke up around 4:30 to get ready for dinner.
So I'm not sick, but I'm so tired that it feels like I have mono... so I might as well be sick is all I'm sayin'. August 12th is the end of the 1st trimester, and I am looking forward to it.
3. "I wish it would rain down." (Phil Collins)
This one has nothing to do with pregnancy, but everything to do with the fact that if we have another 100+ degree day here in Austin I'm afraid the entire city might actually burn.
Our grass is dying. Our electricity bills are not going to be pretty and neither are our water bills. And the lake might actually be empty if we don't get some serious rain by the end of the summer.
I would not be disappointed if it rained all day, every day, from today all the way till the end of September. And of course Matt is getting really bored with the forecast these days.
So tell me, what songs describe your life right now?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Gibbizarre is justified.
Well, in only a matter of months we will be saying goodbye to our DINK status and our blog will be justified because...
(Notice the faint line on the very top one.)
(And you thought I was slacking over here at Gibbizarre. Au contraire, mon frère.)
I think you get the picture, but in case you need some help interpreting... I am preggers!!!!!!!!!!!! And it's only taken 6 pregnancy tests over the course of almost 8 weeks to convince me.
The very first test I took barely detected the pregnancy hormone, as you can see above. I took the test, and immediately the "not pregnant" line came up, so I threw the test in the trash and moved on.
About 5 minutes later I went back to the trash can, picked the test out of the trash to double check, and that's when I noticed a very faint line at which point I screamed - since I knew that a false positive was highly unlikely. At which point Matt ran to the bathroom to ask what the problem was. At which point I told him there were two lines on my pregnancy test. At which point he asked what that meant. At which point I told him. At which point he realized that this should be a special moment and so he gave me a hug.
Since I haven't really gotten sick (unless extreme hunger and exhaustion counts), I wake up some days and wonder if I am still pregnant. The result of this uncertainty is the aforementioned 6 completed pregnancy tests. Don't worry, the last 2 or 3 were like cheap HEB brand tests.
Matt has forbidden me from purchasing any more tests, and so unless something drastic happens I am going to assume that I am still in fact pregnant.
We've known since June 14th, but we just started telling the world last week. I will go to the doctor on July 24th, and according to my impeccable calculations I will be 8 weeks along on Wednesday.
No fear, I already have tons of stories, and I promise you'll be entertained for several weeks to come.
(Notice the faint line on the very top one.)
(And you thought I was slacking over here at Gibbizarre. Au contraire, mon frère.)I think you get the picture, but in case you need some help interpreting... I am preggers!!!!!!!!!!!! And it's only taken 6 pregnancy tests over the course of almost 8 weeks to convince me.
The very first test I took barely detected the pregnancy hormone, as you can see above. I took the test, and immediately the "not pregnant" line came up, so I threw the test in the trash and moved on.
About 5 minutes later I went back to the trash can, picked the test out of the trash to double check, and that's when I noticed a very faint line at which point I screamed - since I knew that a false positive was highly unlikely. At which point Matt ran to the bathroom to ask what the problem was. At which point I told him there were two lines on my pregnancy test. At which point he asked what that meant. At which point I told him. At which point he realized that this should be a special moment and so he gave me a hug.
Since I haven't really gotten sick (unless extreme hunger and exhaustion counts), I wake up some days and wonder if I am still pregnant. The result of this uncertainty is the aforementioned 6 completed pregnancy tests. Don't worry, the last 2 or 3 were like cheap HEB brand tests.
Matt has forbidden me from purchasing any more tests, and so unless something drastic happens I am going to assume that I am still in fact pregnant.
We've known since June 14th, but we just started telling the world last week. I will go to the doctor on July 24th, and according to my impeccable calculations I will be 8 weeks along on Wednesday.
No fear, I already have tons of stories, and I promise you'll be entertained for several weeks to come.
Friday, July 3, 2009
on the day when no one reads blogs
Happy birthday to MATT!!!!! My wonderful man is a whopping 2-6 today, and it's freakin' me out a little bit. So far I am really good at celebrating Matt's bday.
I brought him breakfast tacos at work (and of course picked up 2 for myself). Then I brought him a fresh, fast, and healthy SUB from Thundercloud for lunch. Of course I also had to stop at Chick-Fil-A to pick up a chocolate milkshake for myself before dropping off the T-Cloud. (I generously gave him a sip since it's his birthday.) And next to celebrate my prince charming, I will go get hair hilites. (And btw, that's the way the salon spells "highlights" so I left it.)
You might remember that usually after any sort of a hair appointment, I like to drop by Matt's office to show off the new hair. You might also remember that Matt has learned to flatter me and tell me how much he likes it. If you are really bored, I suggest re-reading those linked posts - they reveal a lot about our marriage.
Anyway, Matt knew I had an appointment today, but forgot what time it was so when I dropped by his office with lunch, he immediately commented, "Did you get your hair done?" I should have said yes to see how he'd react, but I told the truth since it's his birthday.
Another conversation we had as I was dropping off his lunch:
Leah (in a really excited voice): "HEY! If we dress up like cows on July 10th, we get a free meal from chick-fil-a!!!"
Matt (laughing/in a did you really just suggest that tone of voice): "Ummm, okaaaaaaaaaay."
I couldn't tell if he was down for that or not. What do you think?
On another note, I saw my friend from college, and fellow bloggy friend, Allison, at Starbucks yesterday. I'm sure the first thought to fly through her brain when she saw me was something along the lines of, "Funny finding you here." But she's a regular too. Is it a problem that I knew what drink she was going to order just from following her blog? Probably.
Back to celebrating this historic day of birth. Matt's getting off early to go play golf for his birthday, and I was going to try to be a trooper and ride around in the cart with him in the 1000000 degree heat, but then he found 3 other people to go with him, so now there's no room in the cart, which means I will have to take a nap in my air-conditioned house instead. Let me tell you how disappointed I am.
Well, that's all for now. I will try to stay more up to date on the blog posts. In the meantime, Happy Bday Matt! Happy Bday USA!
I brought him breakfast tacos at work (and of course picked up 2 for myself). Then I brought him a fresh, fast, and healthy SUB from Thundercloud for lunch. Of course I also had to stop at Chick-Fil-A to pick up a chocolate milkshake for myself before dropping off the T-Cloud. (I generously gave him a sip since it's his birthday.) And next to celebrate my prince charming, I will go get hair hilites. (And btw, that's the way the salon spells "highlights" so I left it.)
You might remember that usually after any sort of a hair appointment, I like to drop by Matt's office to show off the new hair. You might also remember that Matt has learned to flatter me and tell me how much he likes it. If you are really bored, I suggest re-reading those linked posts - they reveal a lot about our marriage.
Anyway, Matt knew I had an appointment today, but forgot what time it was so when I dropped by his office with lunch, he immediately commented, "Did you get your hair done?" I should have said yes to see how he'd react, but I told the truth since it's his birthday.
Another conversation we had as I was dropping off his lunch:
Leah (in a really excited voice): "HEY! If we dress up like cows on July 10th, we get a free meal from chick-fil-a!!!"
Matt (laughing/in a did you really just suggest that tone of voice): "Ummm, okaaaaaaaaaay."
I couldn't tell if he was down for that or not. What do you think?
On another note, I saw my friend from college, and fellow bloggy friend, Allison, at Starbucks yesterday. I'm sure the first thought to fly through her brain when she saw me was something along the lines of, "Funny finding you here." But she's a regular too. Is it a problem that I knew what drink she was going to order just from following her blog? Probably.
Back to celebrating this historic day of birth. Matt's getting off early to go play golf for his birthday, and I was going to try to be a trooper and ride around in the cart with him in the 1000000 degree heat, but then he found 3 other people to go with him, so now there's no room in the cart, which means I will have to take a nap in my air-conditioned house instead. Let me tell you how disappointed I am.
Well, that's all for now. I will try to stay more up to date on the blog posts. In the meantime, Happy Bday Matt! Happy Bday USA!
Friday, June 19, 2009
ah ha!
Well I realize now what the PETA guy meant when he said that he thinks we should give insects the benefit of the doubt. (Apparently I don't catch on too quickly...) He thinks that we should give them the benefit of the doubt when in question about whether or not we consider them to be animals, even if they are the smallest of animals. (Of course you all are smart and already got that.)
This is awesome.
Because if a fly is an animal, no matter how small, then the animals rights activists believe that it should have the same protection as a bird, or a cow, or any other animal that is "big." Nevermind that a fly won't ever grow up into a bird - it just gets to be a fatter fly (like the one Obama manhandled).
Meanwhile, a baby's heart is formed and starts to beat within THREE weeks of fertilization, when it is only 1/17 of an inch long. (That is most likely sooner or the same time that most women would know if they were pregnant or not.) And unlike a fly, the fertilized egg will actually keep growing up into a "real" human being. (Though I consider it a real human being from conception.)
So if a FLY deserves the benefit of the doubt regarding its animal status, how much more a fertilized egg regarding its human status?
This is awesome.
Because if a fly is an animal, no matter how small, then the animals rights activists believe that it should have the same protection as a bird, or a cow, or any other animal that is "big." Nevermind that a fly won't ever grow up into a bird - it just gets to be a fatter fly (like the one Obama manhandled).
Meanwhile, a baby's heart is formed and starts to beat within THREE weeks of fertilization, when it is only 1/17 of an inch long. (That is most likely sooner or the same time that most women would know if they were pregnant or not.) And unlike a fly, the fertilized egg will actually keep growing up into a "real" human being. (Though I consider it a real human being from conception.)
So if a FLY deserves the benefit of the doubt regarding its animal status, how much more a fertilized egg regarding its human status?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
animal rights
Apparently President Obama's fly swatting abilities are as good as Matt's. For those who don't know the story, The President killed a fly on camera during an interview. It was actually pretty awesome, but apparently PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is NOT happy about the situation. Take a look at the blog post linked above.
Here are my favorite quotations (along with my commentary) from the linked post:
And if I have to hear more about how the spanking police are upset with Kate Gosselin for spanking one of her sextuplets, I might have to get up and move to a different country on my birthday.
"Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." - Proverbs 13:24
And here is two 'versions'(I suggest you watch both of them.) of the YouTube video of the Pres swatting the life out of that defenseless, innocent little fly. May he rest in peace.
I think turning 25 has given me a new boldness.
Here are my favorite quotations (along with my commentary) from the linked post:
“We support compassion for the even the smallest animals," says Bruce Friedrich, VP for Policy at PETA. “We support giving insects the benefit of the doubt."
Giving the insects the benefit of the doubt? What does that even mean?! You may think that the fly is bothering you on purpose, but it's best to assume that they aren't trying to be annoying. Innocent until proven guilty after all.
"Friedrich says PETA supports 'brushing flies away rather than killing them' and was disappointed that the President had gone ahead and squashed the pesky fly."
I mean, most likely it won't come back if you brush it away, right? And since Newsweek's Evan Thomas thinks Obama is 'sort of God,' wouldn't you think that he'd be able to get the fly to go away by merely saying, "Shoo fly! Don't bother me!"
"This afternoon PETA sent a Katcha Bug, a device which traps bugs and allows their safe release back into nature to the White House."
Let's safely release that fly back into nature so it can get swallowed by a frog. I personally think the frogs should consider turning vegan.
And if I have to hear more about how the spanking police are upset with Kate Gosselin for spanking one of her sextuplets, I might have to get up and move to a different country on my birthday.
"Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." - Proverbs 13:24
And here is two 'versions'(I suggest you watch both of them.) of the YouTube video of the Pres swatting the life out of that defenseless, innocent little fly. May he rest in peace.
I think turning 25 has given me a new boldness.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Awe - Summm - ness
I received an award... bestowed upon me by my cousin Tracy. Tracy's blog is filled with all of her mommy activities, and I am constantly amazed at the variety of things she is able to come up with to do with her almost 3 year old (and one on the way!). Check it out. And thanks so much for the award, Cuz!
The rules are to post seven awesome things about yourself and then to pass the award on to seven awesome webloggers. Unlike, my cousin, coming up with my own awe-summ-ness was not hard! And I don't feel completely uncomfortable tooting my own horn, especially since I am just following the rules. On the one hand, I do agree that whoever made this award is completely narcissistic, and it could quite possibly be the same person who invented TWITTER. On the other hand, I can't say I'm disappointed about this opportunity. You can put two and two together. So here it goes.
1. I am really awesome at being a hypocrite. Yes, you read it right. Well, take for instance twitter, this blog post, etc. Am I the first to complain about how annoying it is to see that Johnny is soliciting opinions about whether to eat Cheetos or Doritos for lunch? YES. And yet wildly, at the same exact time, I tweet, I waste time devouring people's tweets, I share with Matt all the tweets I saw today, and I scare people with the information I know about them via social media. Ugh! I hate my own hypocrisy, but I'm good at it.
2. I am really awesome at saying NO. If you pick up any book or magazine that is aimed at women and moms, they are constantly trying to teach women that it's okay to say "no" every once in awhile, and you shouldn't feel guilty about it because if you are stretched too thin, you won't be able to do anything well. This is a concept I love and whole-heartedly embrace. So I say NO a lot. Also, I used to be awesome at breaking commitments, but Matt put an end to that (mostly) when we got married. So NOW, instead of saying yes and then flaking out, I mostly just straight up say no, and I do that kind of a lot. But my natural instinct is to say no first, and then after coming to my senses, I will come back and say yes. It's better than saying yes and then wishing that you hadn't - if you ask me.
3. I am really awesome at observing people and then making judgments about them. By "making judgments" I don't mean being judgmental in the condescending, Pharisaical way that you might be thinking. What I mean is that I observe and point out people's habits, personalities, and oddities. After collecting sufficient data, I make judgments about people, which serves as the framework for which I interpret their behavior in the future. As far as I'm concerned, my judgments are correct (hence, the awe - summm- nesss). I won't lie that there are some people out there that are just a big fat mystery to me, and I am perfectly happy leaving it that way because this isn't something I try to do. It is just something I do naturally... and awesomely.
4. I am really awesome at quitting jobs. This is just a fact. Can't say I'm proud of it. Can't say it's the right thing to do, but I think it really comes down to the cold hard truth that I just really don't like to work that much. Ain't sayin' this is good. But there it is. I am awesome at quitting jobs. Consider me Peter Gibbon's protege. I have no good defense for this.
5. I am really awesome at being an antagonist- a person who is opposed to, struggles against, or competes with another. (Note: I am also good at referencing dictionary.com.) Basically, if I feel comfortable enough in a relationship (and sometimes even when I don't), I will openly oppose any and all of someone's held beliefs and opinions with which I disagree. It's actually a rather annoying quality. But if you know that I disagree with you about certain things, consider it a compliment - it means I either feel close to you or I trust that you won't take the opposition personally. Two things I am working on: 1- Feeling confident enough to oppose strangers and acquaintances. 2- Easing up a bit on friends and family cause like I said - it's annoying.
6. I am really awesome at being self-deprecating. This might actually be a totally bad thing because it stems from too much self-consciousness, which if you couldn't tell already, I am very introspective. I pretty much underestimate myself a lot.
7. I am really awesome at living by the mercy of God. Note: That sentence contradicts itself. Note also: Gospel plug. Basically what you have learned about me is that I am an uncommitted, narcissistic, lazy, hypocrite who still somehow feels comfortable telling other people how wrong they are at life. Now don't you want to be my friend?!?!
But the deal for real is that I AM all those things, completely unfit for a relationship with God, The Creator of the Universe and yet, He loved me by sending his only son, Jesus, to live a perfect life and die on my behalf, so that in trusting His imperishable blood, my old self is dead and my new self is born again to live forever in relationship with Jesus and start to bear fruit that resembles Him. All because of His mercy and love. He has done this for the glory of His grace; I just believe that it's THE Truth. Capital T. The end. Game over.
I am also breaking the rules of listing my seven awesome webloggers because I honestly think all of my webloggy friends are awesome and it is hard to narrow it down. So, if you are my webloggy friend, here is your award and feel free to play.
The rules are to post seven awesome things about yourself and then to pass the award on to seven awesome webloggers. Unlike, my cousin, coming up with my own awe-summ-ness was not hard! And I don't feel completely uncomfortable tooting my own horn, especially since I am just following the rules. On the one hand, I do agree that whoever made this award is completely narcissistic, and it could quite possibly be the same person who invented TWITTER. On the other hand, I can't say I'm disappointed about this opportunity. You can put two and two together. So here it goes.
1. I am really awesome at being a hypocrite. Yes, you read it right. Well, take for instance twitter, this blog post, etc. Am I the first to complain about how annoying it is to see that Johnny is soliciting opinions about whether to eat Cheetos or Doritos for lunch? YES. And yet wildly, at the same exact time, I tweet, I waste time devouring people's tweets, I share with Matt all the tweets I saw today, and I scare people with the information I know about them via social media. Ugh! I hate my own hypocrisy, but I'm good at it.
2. I am really awesome at saying NO. If you pick up any book or magazine that is aimed at women and moms, they are constantly trying to teach women that it's okay to say "no" every once in awhile, and you shouldn't feel guilty about it because if you are stretched too thin, you won't be able to do anything well. This is a concept I love and whole-heartedly embrace. So I say NO a lot. Also, I used to be awesome at breaking commitments, but Matt put an end to that (mostly) when we got married. So NOW, instead of saying yes and then flaking out, I mostly just straight up say no, and I do that kind of a lot. But my natural instinct is to say no first, and then after coming to my senses, I will come back and say yes. It's better than saying yes and then wishing that you hadn't - if you ask me.
3. I am really awesome at observing people and then making judgments about them. By "making judgments" I don't mean being judgmental in the condescending, Pharisaical way that you might be thinking. What I mean is that I observe and point out people's habits, personalities, and oddities. After collecting sufficient data, I make judgments about people, which serves as the framework for which I interpret their behavior in the future. As far as I'm concerned, my judgments are correct (hence, the awe - summm- nesss). I won't lie that there are some people out there that are just a big fat mystery to me, and I am perfectly happy leaving it that way because this isn't something I try to do. It is just something I do naturally... and awesomely.
4. I am really awesome at quitting jobs. This is just a fact. Can't say I'm proud of it. Can't say it's the right thing to do, but I think it really comes down to the cold hard truth that I just really don't like to work that much. Ain't sayin' this is good. But there it is. I am awesome at quitting jobs. Consider me Peter Gibbon's protege. I have no good defense for this.
5. I am really awesome at being an antagonist- a person who is opposed to, struggles against, or competes with another. (Note: I am also good at referencing dictionary.com.) Basically, if I feel comfortable enough in a relationship (and sometimes even when I don't), I will openly oppose any and all of someone's held beliefs and opinions with which I disagree. It's actually a rather annoying quality. But if you know that I disagree with you about certain things, consider it a compliment - it means I either feel close to you or I trust that you won't take the opposition personally. Two things I am working on: 1- Feeling confident enough to oppose strangers and acquaintances. 2- Easing up a bit on friends and family cause like I said - it's annoying.
6. I am really awesome at being self-deprecating. This might actually be a totally bad thing because it stems from too much self-consciousness, which if you couldn't tell already, I am very introspective. I pretty much underestimate myself a lot.
7. I am really awesome at living by the mercy of God. Note: That sentence contradicts itself. Note also: Gospel plug. Basically what you have learned about me is that I am an uncommitted, narcissistic, lazy, hypocrite who still somehow feels comfortable telling other people how wrong they are at life. Now don't you want to be my friend?!?!
But the deal for real is that I AM all those things, completely unfit for a relationship with God, The Creator of the Universe and yet, He loved me by sending his only son, Jesus, to live a perfect life and die on my behalf, so that in trusting His imperishable blood, my old self is dead and my new self is born again to live forever in relationship with Jesus and start to bear fruit that resembles Him. All because of His mercy and love. He has done this for the glory of His grace; I just believe that it's THE Truth. Capital T. The end. Game over.
I am also breaking the rules of listing my seven awesome webloggers because I honestly think all of my webloggy friends are awesome and it is hard to narrow it down. So, if you are my webloggy friend, here is your award and feel free to play.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Ghetto-fied
We've had a slew of problems with Matt's car in the last three years, but we decided awhile back that we'd drive it into the ground. We've also stopped taking it to the shop to fix unnecessary things.
So, when the driver's side window fell down and would not go back up (during a month of what seemed like non-stop rain), we went ahead and got it fixed.
But, now for probably two years, Matt's had some trouble with the driver's side door in general. And by trouble I mean his key no longer unlocks the door, nor does the automatic unlock button.
For over a year, Matt has had to go to the passenger side door to unlock his car, reach through to the driver's side and open the door from the inside. He has had to perform this little routine in front of people, like after meetings for work, and he will tell you that it is embarrassing to say the least... but still not something that urgently needs fixing.
Well this week, when Matt was reaching through his car to open the driver's side door, the door handle BROKE OFF OF THE DOOR. He now has about 1 inch of handle to work with when he is getting in and out of his car. I will get a picture ASAP to show you.
We're still holding out on another car though. Matt's good at ghetto anyway. He's off the heezy fo sheezy! And we want to play a part in diminishing that whole "real estate agent slash luxury car" stereotype.
So, when the driver's side window fell down and would not go back up (during a month of what seemed like non-stop rain), we went ahead and got it fixed.
But, now for probably two years, Matt's had some trouble with the driver's side door in general. And by trouble I mean his key no longer unlocks the door, nor does the automatic unlock button.
For over a year, Matt has had to go to the passenger side door to unlock his car, reach through to the driver's side and open the door from the inside. He has had to perform this little routine in front of people, like after meetings for work, and he will tell you that it is embarrassing to say the least... but still not something that urgently needs fixing.
Well this week, when Matt was reaching through his car to open the driver's side door, the door handle BROKE OFF OF THE DOOR. He now has about 1 inch of handle to work with when he is getting in and out of his car. I will get a picture ASAP to show you.
We're still holding out on another car though. Matt's good at ghetto anyway. He's off the heezy fo sheezy! And we want to play a part in diminishing that whole "real estate agent slash luxury car" stereotype.
Friday, June 12, 2009
it's a twister!
Were you Austin people thinking about us last night? I bet you were. Why? Because there were tornadoes. Oh yes there were, and Matt was lovin' every minute of it.
Actually I can't lie, we were at a friend's birthday dinner downtown. We saw the rain start to pour and the lightening start to flash, but once the storm started to get bad, they actually boarded up the windows at the restaurant. Of course Matt loved this because it was dramatic.
However, I think he was secretly hoping that when we left the restaurant we'd be walking out to a disaster area... that didn't so much happen, but we got to walk in the rain to our car, so I think that sufficed.
Upon turning into our neighborhood, there were quite a few leaves on the ground. This rekindled Matt's hope to find at least a little evidence of weather drama.
"Oh man, look at that! It got bad over here!"
He's so presh isn't he? I love him.
(But sshhh - I don't think it got that bad.)
Actually I can't lie, we were at a friend's birthday dinner downtown. We saw the rain start to pour and the lightening start to flash, but once the storm started to get bad, they actually boarded up the windows at the restaurant. Of course Matt loved this because it was dramatic.
However, I think he was secretly hoping that when we left the restaurant we'd be walking out to a disaster area... that didn't so much happen, but we got to walk in the rain to our car, so I think that sufficed.
Upon turning into our neighborhood, there were quite a few leaves on the ground. This rekindled Matt's hope to find at least a little evidence of weather drama.
"Oh man, look at that! It got bad over here!"
He's so presh isn't he? I love him.
(But sshhh - I don't think it got that bad.)
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