A Year in Review.

2009 come and gone already!?  Every year seems to come and go faster and faster as I get older, and I have a feeling that with a baby coming oh-so-soon it's not about to slow down.  It's time to focus in on enjoying every day as it comes and stop wishing for Friday or next Tuesday or that vacation months away to hurry up and get here because - well my gosh! it will be here and gone before you even know it!

It has been a good year for Nate and I - we were able to take a few vacations, including our one big trip overseas to London, celebrating our second anniversary, and my cake business grew and grew hitting an all-time high with my first wedding cake!  (p.s.  I'll be back in business some time around late Feb./early March - so go ahead and get your cake orders ready and in!) But, no doubt when we reflect back on 2009 we will remember all of the times circling around the pregnancy with our first child.  Taking the at-home test (June 5, 2009), telling our parents (June 6, 2009), hearing the heartbeat for the first time (168 bpm), getting our first glimpse of the little one (it's a boy!), and making it together through morning sickness (13 weeks of it), weird migrane/contact issues that caused me to lose vision, round ligament pain, and two visits to the hospital for pre-term labor. 

It's been a roller coaster ride straight from Six Flags, but we could not be more excited to meet our little man - who apparently is really excited to meet us too, but God willing he won't come until 2010 (he's still got about 11 hours, and nothing would shock me at this point!) haha

All in all, I have enjoyed '09 and am looking very much forward to 2010.  A new baby and all that comes with it.  Nate and I still plan to travel (I know it will be harder with a baby - got the memo) and I can't wait to see which destination we pick!  We have a "bucket list" of sorts for the traveling hotspots we want to visit at some point in our long lives together - and baby peanut just may be one of the best traveled kids of his time...at least we hope :)

I wish all of you a very Happy New Year in 2010!

Bed Rest.

Yes, those dreaded words have just recently entered my vocabulary of pregnancy.  I was again admitted to the hospital Tuesday night after having consistent contractions.  They were 3 minutes apart for a good 8-10 hours.  Thankfully, no dilation - but with contactions like that, it is/was sure to start.

Friends, I believe in the power of prayer.  I had been given 1 shot and two different kinds of pills when the nurse came in and gave me a second shot and said this was my "last chance" before I was to be put on magnesium - a very, very powerful drug with terrible side effects for me.  I mean the thought of being put on it made me cry.  Before that nurse left, she laid her hand on my arm and prayed that my contractions would stop and reminded me that we have faith and claim it.  She came in two hours later (4am at this point) to tell me that I was doing wonderfully and I was not going to have to take the magnesium.  Prayer works even when medicine doesn't want to.

I am now on a pill every 6 hours as needed for my contractions - and I've needed it every six hours since I left.  They just will not stay away on their own.  The medicine makes me jittery and my heart race and the little man usually gets the hiccups when I take it, but it has effectively kept them away.

If I'm being completely honest - they just want me to make it to 34 weeks (which thankfully is next Saturday, Jan 2) then they won't make me go back into the hospital if I start having them again they'll just let them come.  The thing with these contractions is - the doctor told me that I could keep having them for weeks and weeks and the baby not come because technically there is no dilation so I'm not in labor.  It's just that at almost 33 weeks, it's too much of a risk for them to allow me to continue to have them.  We don't want our little boy here just yet!  They have reassured me that if he did come, he would be fine - would just be in the hospital for a little while, but he would be fine.

So, I am asking that you please pray for the peanut.  And pray that these darn contractions STOP!!  I can't wait to hold my baby boy, but I want him to wait a few more weeks!  Thanks everyone!

Christmas Survey.

Well - I'm on temporary bed rest because I'm having consistent and close contractions.  When I rest they stop - so here I sit.  Bored. Out. Of. My. Mind.  I was NOT hard-wired to relax.  I don't even think that part of my brain works.  So I'm trying to think of things to do to stay occupied.  This Christmas survey is my distraction of the moment :)

Are you a Black Friday Shopper?

Last year was the first year I had ever participated in Black Friday Shopping and I got some awesome deals.  You gotta have a plan though, or it's a waste of time.  This year I went because it was 4 am and I couldn't sleep - oh the joys of pregnancy.

When do you put up your Tree?

Right after Thanksgiving.  You need time to enjoy it!

Do you Travel at Christmas or Stay home?

Well we live close to all of our family which is sometimes harder because then you are expected to be at every single event that day - even if it means going to 4 houses in one day.  So, we travel at home.

What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time?

I think, Tim Allen's The Santa Clause.


Do you do your own Christmas Baking, what’s your favorite treat?

Surprisingly, not really.  I don't eat that many sweets anyway so it's not necessary.

Fake or Real Tree?

I love a real tree!  Nate says next year we're getting a fake pre-lit so he doesn't have to do it anymore.  (I have no idea how to put lights on a tree - so I'm no help.)

What day (as a mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done?

Not a Mom just yet, but I know me - and I'll say Christmas Eve. haha

Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?

Probably.

What Christmas craft do you like the best?

I don't really have one.  I like decorating the house and tree, etc.

Christmas music. Yes or No, and if yes What is your favorite song?

Yes!  I love Trans-Siberian Orchestra anything and everything by them.  Mary did you know? Silent Night.  I hate. hate. hate "Christmas Shoes" - but other than that it's all good.

When do you plan to finish all your shopping?

Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to finish my shopping this year because I can't walk around :/ but my Mom and Sister are finishing it right now for me.

When do you take the tree down?

Probably after New Year.

Do you like eggnog?

I don't think I've ever had it - and I don't think I would like it either.

Hardest person to buy for?

My Daddy and my brother in law.

Easiest person to buy for?

My sister.

Worst gift you ever received?

A pair of English knee-high riding boots when I was younger.  I a) did not ride horses and b) did not have a horse.

When do you start shopping for the holidays?

Black Friday.

Have you ever recycled a present?

I don't think so.  But won't judge if you do as long as you don't give it BACK to the person that gave it to you the next year (this happened to my Mom)

Favorite thing to eat during the holidays?

Dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, ham!

Lights on the tree?

White lights, please.

Angel on the tree top or a star?
I actually don't like anything on top of the tree - I think it overpowers it.

Favorite ornament theme or color?

I have a lot of reds and golds as the basics, but my favorite ornaments are from the places Nate and I have gone together or personalized ones from over the years.

What gift are you hoping to receive this year?

Well, I need a camera so I can take pics of my baby boy :) - but I'm so spoiled, I really don't need anything.

Mission Accomplished.

I finished my first wedding cake!!

Amber, bless her heart, trusted me enough to allow me to do her wedding cake - and while I'd love to show you all 67 pictures I took of it, I refuse to steal this bride's thunder and will allow her to enjoy her honeymoon and have time to post her own pictures before I do.  I will, however e-mail you one if you are just dyyying to see it.

I actually had the privilege of going back to the reception hall and cutting the cake for everyone.  Amber looked beautiful and the place was set up very nicely in her Christmas-y theme!  I loved it.  Girl, thanks so much for letting me be a part of your big day - even if it was just a small one!

Now that I've done a big cake, I can officially say that I love it!  I was worried that wedding cakes might not be my style, but it was great!  It, obviously, takes more preparation and a few days work instead of just one night, but it is pretty cool and very rewarding.

Baby Update:

I'm 32 weeks today - thirty-two weeks.  Eight months.  Holy moly.

The baby boy is currently doing jumps off the high dive or some kind of somersault in my belly causing the whole thing to move.  It's an interesting experience.  My belly "dropped" this past week - it is significantly lower than it was.  I'm convinced he's coming early for some reason.  I guess from all these Braxton Hicks contractions I've been having and what not.  I just want him to wait at least 4 more weeks!!

I haven't taken on any more cakes since I am so far along and don't want to risk not being able to finish the cake because I'm in labor!  I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with my life until he gets here now! I have done at least one cake a week for the last 10 weeks or more, and it will be very strange not to come home and get started on a new one!  I think it will be a much needed break before my little man gets here - but once he does, and I'm all-clear we'll be right back at it!  Cakes are what I want to do!

I'm hoping to write more over the next few weeks - I have lots of topics in my mind that I want to write about.  So stay tuned!

Ramble On.

I can't sleep anymore.  My new car had leather seats put in it today, and it's purdy.  Work stresses me out like no other.  I temporarily have lost partial vision twice in my pregnancy.  Yeah.  Men see colors different than women.  Coral pink and orange are not the same thing.  Just like lavender and light blue are not the same thing.  I failed my sugar test last week so I have to go back next Wednesday and take the 4 hour test - probably gonna fail that too if I had to guess.  I can't wait to hold my son.  It makes me tear up to say, "my son."  I'm making my first wedding cake in 18 days.  I'm nervous and excited.  I just bought my dog a $27 embroidered stocking that matches the ones Nate and I have.  I really like decorating for Christmas.  I like listening to Trans-Siberian Orchestra even more.  I have amazing in-laws.  I really can't imagine life without Nate's family.  Of course, mine is awesome, too.  I still haven't seen New Moon.  This is upsetting.  Now that I've seen "pictures" of my baby boy, I have no idea what I want to name him anymore.  Not being able to sleep makes me delirious - especially in the morning.  I'm ready to wear jeans that actually button.  I do not like maternity pants.  Even though I've been through some pretty bizarre and scary things in the last 7+ months, I wouldn't say I've had a "bad" pregnancy and would do it all again in a heartbeat.  I really need to go attempt to sleep.  I hope y'all have a good week!

Meet Little Man!

Here he is in 4-D, and I hate to start bragging but...how FrEaKiNg cute is he!? I love him already!  Nate sure can't deny him, because he already looks like him!  He also looks a little like my brother from some angles and has my facial expressions.  Crazy we can see that already, huh!?  When we were having the ultrasound it was more like a live video instead of pictures, and the way he moves his mouth looks just like me.  He looked really mad a few times and well, that's when he looked like his Mama! 

It's hard to fully comprehend that this little thing is growing inside of me.  It is so wonderful to feel him move and kick - at 2.5 pounds he can't hurt me...yet! 

I had two family showers this weekend (Nate's famililes on both sides are HUGE so we split them up) and seeing all of the little outfits, receiving blankets and bibs has me itchin' to hold my little man. 

I'm feeling better - still having Braxton Hicks, but not nearly as frequent.  Looks like I'm just gonna have these until he gets here!  I guess it's good practice! 

Can't wait to kiss these little feet!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

I'm not entirely sure there is a whimsical way to introduce this story, so I'm  just gonna tell it like it is since basically no one knows...

Saturday night I started having some right-sided abdominal pain (think where your appendix is) and chalked it up to a pulled muscle.  I mean after all, I had been super nice and sat in the back of a two-door car - super stupid.  Anyway, that pain continued constantly and became unbearable to a mental breaking point for me after going to bed Monday night - so Nate and I called the doctor  around 12:30a and they told me to come in immediately.

Once hooked up to all the monitors (which was pretty immediate,) it was very clear that I was having contractions every 3.5/4 minutes.  These contractions only hurt because of the right sided pain, but were otherwise painless.  The nurses eyes grew wide when they saw how often and consistently they were coming, so my cervix was checked and hallelujah - it was still closed.  Everyone breathed a sigh of releif and it was on to the side pain. 

Basically, I spent the night in Labor & Delivery and heard two little ones cry their first little cry in this world while being taken to the nursery.  It was beautiful. 

I was given pain meds for the side and in hopes of easing the contractions.  They didn't slow - so I was given a shot which stopped them altogether. I was released about 10 hours after we got there after being re-hydrated and having the pain under control.  The side pain is the infamous "round ligament pain."  Fine.  I suspected that all along, but it was the contractions that were causing it to be unbearable for so long and what were cause for concern.

I can't wait to see my peanut...but not yet!  I need him to cook a little longer.  I have a new perspective on having him now.  I honestly don't see myself making it all the way until February 13, but I will pray every day that he is a healthly strong little boy and stays in as long as he wants!

When the nurse said the words, "we need to see if you are going to be having him within the next few weeks" Nate and I were floored and in shock.  We've realized now how much we have to do: birthing plan (wtf is that, really?) we don't have a carseat, not one single bottle, no crib - we're totally unprepared!  But, we're not really supposed to be yet!  This is not to say that we are planning on him coming early, but all of the sudden the, "oh my gosh we're having a real baby" has hit us and we both would like to be more prepared - at least mentally.

As of today, the right-sided muscle pain is better, but I am still having some Braxton Hicks contractions pretty consistently.  Thankfully, I have a doctor's appointment today anyway so I have a list of things to ask the doctor.  After my gestational diabetes test...I get to see my peanut!!! Today is the 4-D Ultrasound and I am PUMPED.  I haven't "seen" him since September 4th - and I can't wait.  I'll try to post some pictures after we get them.

Right now, I just ask for your prayers for little man. He's fine and in NO WAY in distress (he's actually very healthy and active,) I just want to be sure he bakes a little longer :)  I also have a lot on my plate coming up as far as cakes.  I'm booked until Dec. 19th (the wedding cake!!!!) and am so excited about all of these opportunities - I'm just going to need a couple of prayers a long the way.  And no, I wasn't given any restrictions or written out of work, they told me to continue life as normal.

I'll keep you guys posted and will hopefull get some pics up of that ultrasound soon!

Well, I tried.

Hey long, lost blogger friends!  After much debate with myself - I have decided not to discontinue this blog and start over.  After all, if someone is really that interested in my cakes and my life...so be it.  You can google my name and the blog will pop up anyway, so I will just be careful what I post - as I always have. 

I have truly missed writing, but oh-my-gosh have I been busy.  Not only have I been preparing for the baby, but I have had literally 3 or more cakes a week since I last wrote.  Such a blessing!  But also very tiring.

In baby news - I'm in my third trimester now!!!  Holy schnikes!  I'm doing better with the hypoglycemia and have learned to eat appropriately.  Of course I still mess up from time to time, but I'm doing better!  Our 4-D ultrasound is in two weeks, and I can't wait to see my little man again!  I also have my gestational diabetes test (which we already know I DON'T have, but pray I don't fail it falsely!)

Nate painted the nursery last night and I love it!  I'll post some pics as soon as there is something in there to actually look at!  We had our first shower Nov. 1 (oh the blues and greens!) so we have things, just no furniture.

Well, I must go ice a cake - but it feels good to be back!

Under Construction!  Please check back later!

I am not one to mumble and mutter and moan on about what's going wrong in my life...while it's going wrong, so I have been absent the past few days. First off, Peanut is totally fine so everyone breathe.

I have been having some serious issues with eating for the last week, two weeks...by that I mean - I eat food, and then 30 -45 minutes later my heart POUNDS out of my chest, causing me not to be able to breathe, I feel heavy and I nearly pass out. I called my doctor last Tuesday and told them my symptoms, they said increase your protein because your blood sugar is causing you to crash. Fine. So I do that. Thursday I had the worst episode yet and could not breathe properly for two hours. After the first hour I called the doctor and they told me to get in there as soon as I could - well that scared the shiz out of me. A friend from work took me to the doctor where blood work and such were tested.

Basically, I have problems with blood sugar. It's not gestational diabetes, if anything it's the exact opposite. When I eat, my blood sugar sky rockets, and the "crash" is what I am feeling, causing the racing heart, inability to breathe, etc. I have to minimize my carbohydrate intake (significantly) and pretty much cut out sugars. Thankfully, I don't like sweets that much, but the two times I've crashed the hardest were after grape jelly and apple juice. Yeah, yeah - it f'ing sucks.

I've spent the past 5 days trying to figure out what I can and can't do, and more often than not, I have failed. Sugars get me - bad. Carbs are okay minimally, and I mean like a TINY bit of mashed potatoes. Eating smaller portions helps the most. If I basically eat like 4 almonds here, a tiny Nutrigrain bar there it doesn't happen.

I like to eat. I like to eat a lot. So I had a small breakdown, but peanut will be worth it. Like I say, he's fine - they checked his heart rate and I feel him move all the time. It's just mommy who has to suffer this time. I already prefer it that way. So here's hoping it's only temporary or at least goes away after the baby boy gets here. I'm trying to look on the bright side - at least I'll minimize weight gain as well, because well no Thanksgiving and Christmas sweets for me! Just protein, protein, protein!

p.s. My hands are a little swollen so I had to take off my wedding rings today. So now not only do I look like I'm 15 and pregnant - I now look like I'm 15, pregnant and not married. Fantastic. haha!

That's it! I'm moving to Canada.

I just stumbled across this information regarding the maternity leave policy in Canada. I've always had an issue about the American maternity leave - 6 weeks is just not enough to bond with a child that you just birthed. It's just not. NOW, after reading this. I think I may move to Canada for my next child. Bring on the maple syrup!

"Maternity benefits are paid for 15 weeks, and only a birth mother is eligible to receive these benefits. Even surrogate mothers, or those whose babies do not survive, may apply. Parental benefits are paid for 35 weeks, and partners and adoptive parents may receive these benefits as well. If parents share benefits, the total between them may not exceed 50 weeks. In addition,there is a 2-week waiting period on the shared claim, so the total time away from work is 52 weeks..."

http://www.strocel.com/canadian-maternity-leave/

52 weeks? FIFTY-TWO WEEKS. That's a year, folks. And I get SIX? And two of those six are my PTO. WTF, man!? I don't blame my work, of course, because this is a standard policy in the US but DANG we need to do something about this. I think I shall now write a scathing letter to my Congressman.

f.i.f.t.y.t.w.o.w.e.e.k.s.

Update on Peanut.

So - I went for another prenatal appointment this Wednesday, and after measuring me for the first time they've basically determined that I'm farther along than initially thought....meaning he may be here sooner! Ahh!

When we went for the ultrasound at 17 weeks, peanut measured 8 days ahead but they chalked it up to operator error because moving one millimeter means days worth in measuring a baby, but I'm measuring 1.5cm ahead, too - so now it's a lot more probable that I really am farther along! They haven't officially changed my due date but the doc said he totally thinks peanut will be here earlier in February. My bet is on Super Bowl Sunday. (Feb. 7)

Of course, it's all speculation anyway and I might just be having a big baby - but we're all so anxious to meet our little man that thinking he might be here sooner is really exciting :)

"Fetching..."

I have a confession to make...I was a jerk today. (Who, me?) Yes, me. I was the jerk who wasn't paying attention when the light turned green because I was too busy reading everyone's status updates on facebook causing who knows how many cars to miss the light. Birds flying. Horns honkin'.

Okay it was only for a split second that I wasn't paying attention and no one really flipped me off or blew their horn, but I'm being dramatic here, okay!?

So anywho, once I regain the football field between me and the car in front of me, I got to thinkin' (you know, I think I'm going to name my car "Dawn" because I seriously have 90% of my epiphanies in the car) when the hell did I get so wrapped up in other people's statuses? Do I really CARE? Is it a habit? Boredom? Am I afraid I'm going to miss the newest gossip on what people had for lunch, how awful they feel, how they wish it was Friday already, how they wish their entire weeks away for a weekend (you know, one day they're going to wish they had that droopy, sucky Monday back when their days are limited - but that's for another post).

I recently resolved to only check status updates on my Blackberry 3 times a day between 8 a.m and 6 p.m - once I'm home I can press refresh on my computer until my little finger is sore and soak up all the statuses my brain can take. I allow - once on the way to work when I'm sitting in traffic for one poorly placed light for 15 minutes. Once at lunch, and once on the way home (enter said jerk) while sitting and sitting and sitting on every road I turn "Dawn" on.

This obsession of knowing whats going on with the 480some-odd friends that I have on facebook dates back longer than I even really realized. I remember my computer illiterate ex-boyfriend getting SO mad at me because I spent so much time tooling through AIM looking at "those stupid yellow thingys" beside all of my Away friends screenames. Did I really need to know their quote of the day or the song they liked at the moment? Nope. Sure didn't. Didn't learn a thing from it ('cept for maybe some good gossip).

I have come to terms with the fact that I am a facebook stalker. I'm one of many, and the sooner people can admit that they, indeed, stalk too - we can take a step in the right direction towards getting back to our own lives and the things that matter the most...

Ahhh - who am I kidding? It's so much fun to know what's going on in people's lives! I don't know why! I don't know what the draw is!? It's like we just. gotta. wanna. needa. getta. hava STATUS UPDATE.

I am totally off my rocker today.

Cat Woman.

When I was a little girl I wanted a kitten. My Daddy hated cats - never liked them, still doesn't - so we never had them. I don't remember how we came about obtaining "Buttons" but he was an orange and white tabby cat and he suddenly was welcome at our house. About 6 hours into having this new animal, I distinctly remember sitting with him in the back yard near our swing set when the stupid thing went nutso and scratched the mess out of my arms like I had just kicked him. Screw having cats. I'm on team I-hate-cats. I've been a member for 16 years. Got the jacket and the t-shirt. I can't stand a cat.

Pause - I know most of you (if not all) probably really like cats - so, I must interrupt with - I have no problem with you having a cat and I'm glad that you like yours. In fact, I would be nice to your cat if I saw it and wouldn't even try to run over it if I came to your house. I personally just want nothing to do with the feline species as far as pet ownership goes. You may feel the same way about chocolate dogs. To each his own. That said...

The stare. That flick of the tail before attack. The sudden quick movements. The claws. The nurturing of the furball for YEARS before it acknowledges you or trusts you and God knows you better not do something it dislikes ONE time or your own its' litterbox list.

While thinking about how much I loathe this creature and how dogs are just WAY better one day, it suddenly occurred to me that the reason I may dislike cats so much...is because I'm just like one.

I have the stare. The distrust. The sudden movements when you piss me off. My temper flares. I trust few and you do one thing I dislike, and well, you're on MY litterbox list.

After years of seeing friends and family turn their backs on friends and family I live somewhat of a guarded life when it comes to relationships. Of course I'm generally friendly and will be nice to mostly anyone I meet (unlike a cat,) chances are I don't fully trust you until you deserve it - much like a cat. I also have the ability, especially during certain times of the month or when pregnant, to flip my shiz for no reason at all, whip out the claws, leave you with a lashing and then totally expect you to pat my head when I come waltzing up later.

Dogs are the jam. I love all dogs immediately, and only dislike them when they prove to be idiots or vicious - but I don't want to be like one. They're trusting, goofy, loopy, silly and did I mention trusting? Most dogs, when in the face of danger, would probably rather lick it to death in hopes of there being a treat somewhere afterwards than to actually protect itself or it's owner.

I would rather be like a cat but a good cat. One that trusts few, but loves and adores those that they do. Who is beautiful, hypoallergenic, graceful, always lands on their feet and knows good and well why you just got attacked, even if your not smart enough to figure it out yet. With this new found knowledge and perspective, perhaps I am at cat person after all!

Award!

So, Ashley gave me an award about eight years ago and I just spazed and forgot to tell everyone. Ashley, I really am appreciative! :)

Here are the rules:
1.) Thank the person who gave this to you.
2.) Copy the logo and place it in your blog.
3.) Link the person who nominated you.
4.) Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.
5.) Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6.) Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7.) Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them!

Seven Unknown Facts:
1. I started learning the violin (and then piano) at age 4. [Teach your kids young, folks! They won't ever forget!]
2. I only had perfect attendance one time in school - the 3rd grade. It was because I loved my teacher, Mrs. Mills.
3. However, I was late almost every day.
4. I hate coffee.
5. Peanut just kicked me.
6. I don't think I've ever said this on my blog - I'm a Sigma Sigma Sigma.
7. I want to get married again (to Nate) just so I can plan another wedding! :)

More things I've learned:

In celebration of making it to 20 weeks and being half way to meeting my little man, I thought I would share a few more things I've learned since becoming preggers. It's been a heck of a ride, and the best part seems yet to come.

Vampires aren't the only things that cause anemia. My nose bleeds near constantly - especially at night. I wake up with blood on my face, hand, pillow anything I may have touched while dreaming. Not to mention, I have to have my head propped up on Mt. Everest in order to be able to even remotely breathe through my nose. This is probably my least favorite symptom of my second trimester.

You can not be held responsible for what you dream. I got an e-mail from BabyCenter one day and was more-than-relieved to find out that strange dreams are a common occurrence in pregnancy. I'm talking uncomfortable dreams that make you wake up and feel shameful. Cheating. Lying. Spouses cheating and lying. All normal. Monday night I dreamt that Nate cheated on me with none other than Megan Fox. I distinctly remember thinking in my dream that I couldn't blame him because she is so hot (haha!) but I woke up in tears.

Practice makes perfect. Every night now - Every. Single. Night I have to get up and go to the bathroom. I have the capability of "holding it" of a 3 year old - nonexistent. Waking up at 2:00a.m. has made for being awake at least 30-45 minutes in the middle of the night as a) I wake Bailey up who then thinks it's time to play and b) I wake Nate up and make him realize suddenly that he, in fact, needs to pee, too. I told him that it's just God's way of giving us practice for being up in the middle of the night with a crying baby.

Walking in your closet can suck. I am half way done with pregnancy and also half way between my old pants (via help of a bella band) and my maternity pants...and it sucks. My regular pants are split to the point that the zipper won't budge upward in the slightest, but my maternity pants fall down. Before I went on vacation to the beach I sat in my closet and cried because I had nothing that fit right. I know, woe is me.

Baby kicks are interesting and wonderful. Most all mother's tell me feeling their baby move is what they miss the most about being pregnant. It's awesome, wonderful and a little weird all at the same time. Sometimes he feels like a little fish swimming around in there and if I think about it too much it totally makes me feel like an alien. I don't like it when he rolls on to my bladder and makes me have to pee four times in an hour, but I try not to complain. One of the best lines out of Jenny McCarthy's book Belly Laughs (which I HIGHLY recommend - it's hilarious) was how she was frustrated with how often her son got the hiccups but then a friend told her to look at it this way: it's just his way of saying, "Hi, Mom! I'm in here - and I'm okay." I'll live in the bathroom if that's what he's trying to tell me!

Shopping in a maternity store isn't half bad. I was terrified the first time I walked in to Motherhood Maternity Outlet - not because of the price or admitting that I needed much larger pants, but because I had no freaking clue how to understand sizing (honestly, because I've never looked). SO - to save you future mommy's some anxiety...you wear the same size you do now! Who knew? If you wear a large top regularly, you buy a large maternity top. If you wear a size 3 jeans you look for small pants. Medium dress = medium dress. I don't know what the heck I expected, but it wasn't going to be that simple in my mind. I thought I was going to need a measuring tape and scissors and some glue to figure out how to dress my newly developing body. Not so! So easy - annnd if you're in a maternity store they typically offer you water or juice. Ahh the perks!

Speaking of perks... I have grown a whole cup size. This is a way major, huge, ginormous, exciting, BIG deal for me. I have struggled to fill an A cup my entire life. I never knew what growing pains felt like because I never had them. Now my A cup overfloweth. You may not want to know that, but I don't care. :)

While we're on the topic- Breastfeeding terrifies me. Terrifies. You need me to dilate to 10cm and push out a watermelon? Awesome. Done. But, you want me to do WHAT with what, where and pump what into that bottle? I can not explain it. Having a complex about being on the itty bitty titty committee my entire life has led me to be somewhat...protective (ashamed?) of the general area, and the sight of it (with the OH SO INFORMATIVE reading material), thought of it, everything makes me want to curl up into a ball and cry. I literally had a panic attack when we stood in front of the breastfeeding section at Babies R Us two nights ago. I know, I know it's silly and I have no idea how I'll feel when he's born -but - I haven't learned that yet! This is me telling you how I feel now!

Registering is fun! We decided to start early simply because my showers will be earlier than "typical" because of the Christmas holiday. I don't want to monopolize anyone's time so most of my showers will be done by November. No regrets already - there were two other women that were reeeeally pregnant registering and they looked miserable. I on the other hand had a great time. Still worn out - but had a lot of fun.

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed a peek into my brain. I know I may be shallow at some points, but just tellin' ya how I feel! Happy Friday!

Help?

Does anyone know how to unlink the two blogs that I have? Meaning that they are two seperate websites rather than one connecting to the other.

I'm trying to expand my cake business and don't really want random people I give my card to to have to read all about my personal life.

If anyone knows, holler at ya girl :)

Premonition.

Last night I got home around 8:45 from a lovely dinner with my Mom & Dad. Nate, being the avid hunter that he is, haaaad to go to the woods because, "I haven't been out there ALL season!" Bow season (for deer) started Saturday. He really hasn't missed that much. Bless.

Anyway, I'm be-boppin' along with my dog and come in the house to find that, well - I didn't leave myself a light on in the kitchen, so it's dark and I immediately get scared. I flip the switch, take a deep breath and continue in. Rounded the corner of the kitchen and notice that my bedroom light is on. I do not recall leaving this light on. The way our house is laid out from my kitchen you can see (through a window) my bedroom door that leads out to the back yard. I just kept staring at it like I was going to see a shadow or something. If you're nervous imagine how I felt!!

I put it out of my mind, but refuse to go in my bedroom. In fact, I refused to leave the kitchen. Well I'm about to calm down, I mean Nate is only 5 minutes away - surely no one will rape, murder and dismember me in 5 minutes, right? (that was harsh, I know - but these are my thoughts) Blood pressure is returning to normal and then the chocolate dog lowers her head and lets out a threatening growl staring straight down the hall at..where else? my bedroom.

Oh, hell no! I grabbed my keys and cell phone so fast Speedy Gonzalez woulda been put to shame, calmly called Bailey and we got our butts in my car. I called Nate and told him that I refused to stay in the house until he got home because I just had a strange feeling. No reason to feel strange, really - I just couldn't stay. He surprisingly didn't ask questions and said he would be right there.

Minutes later we all pull back in (Bailey and I circled the neighborhood) and I sit in my LOCKED car with the window cracked mere inches while I have Nate search my house. This, my friends is why I am glad that my husband is a "gun-toting redneck." He opens his safe, grabs a gun that would take down an elephant and goes in. I pity the fool on the other end of that piece of metal and gun powder. Moments later he emerges and tells Bailey and I it's safe to come out from under our rock and that nothing was wrong at all in the house.

Didn't ask questions. Didn't make me feel stupid. Just did it. Now THAT is a good husband. I'm now calm and have come to the conclusion that it was my nerves, hormones, something - but really, nothing. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong somewhere so I checked in with my siblings - all fine - and then just prayed for everyone I knew.

In my defense, in the past I have had feelings like this and totally been right. Illnesses in family members, my sister having a bad night, an animal dying at my parent's house - I mean numerous occasions. This is why I took my instinct seriously.

While trying to confirm my sanity, my Mom just said that sometimes we get these feelings that we can't explain and it's better to err on the side of caution rather than be sorry. I mean maybe there wasn't a person back there, but there could've been a snake, or a giant spider or something like that that might have harmed me had I gone back there at that time. Better safe than sorry, kids. Better safe than sorry.

I'm baaack.

Nate and I just spent a wonderful weekend at Garden City Beach with family. It has been a while (if ever) since I have actually taken a whole Saturday to Saturday off and gone on a vacation. It was relaxing and nice, but like all vacations it flew by and well, I missed my dog. Luckily, my chocolate dog is still in one piece and not lost like I kept worrying she would be. My housesitter was great, and life is back to normal.

On our way out, we decided to stop at the Tanger Outlets at North Myrtle to shop at the baby outlets. Oh. My. Gosh. Now I REALLY can't wait for peanut to get here! We got the cutest little outfits. I can't believe it, but it's already time to start talking about showers, buying the crib, and names! We have yet to come to a name that we just love, so we're going to keep thinking and looking through our 50,001 baby name book. haha

I also got a jump start on my maternity wardrobe. I'm very fortunate and up to this past week I have been able to wear most of my regular clothes (some with the help of a magical bella band) but I need to start making the transition now. I got cute dresses, 2 pair of jeans (maternity jeans are the jam,) black dress pants and a few tops to mix and match. It's just extremely frustrating to walk in to your closet and not feel like you can't (or should) wear anything in there! Hopefully that won't happen so much now!

Here's a belly pic at 18 weeks:

I prefer you to see it this way:

Reminder: my eyes look so sleepy because, well - I hadn't slept very good the night before because I was so anxious to know what my peanut was! When I got in from my ultrasound on the 4th - my lovely cubemate had filled my office with pink and blue balloons. It was so sweet! Funny story - as soon as I got there and annouced it was a boy the pink balloons started falling as noted in the u upper left hand corner of this picture. It was like they knew they weren't needed! One even made an attempt to leave my office! It was the craziest thing!

I hope everyone has a good week!

Boy Edwards

Here's my handsome little one! I forgot to scan it at work so this is actually a picture of the ultrasound picture I took with my phone. I have a few taken from bottom up and there is nooo doubt - this little one is a boy!

I am feeling overwhelmed this afternoon. I have been showered with blessings, balloons, and love and now being able to say "him" instead of "it's" is just shocking. It took me about 4 months to comprehend the fact that I am pregnant, so now maybe by the time he's here I'll comprehend he's a boy!

It's a...

Boy!!!

We are so very excited. Last night when I got in bed I looked at Bailey (the dog) and said "you know, it'll be just fine if I have a little boy because I already have a baby girl!" I think I knew it was a boy because that just made so much sense to me. haha

We really don't have any names picked out yet. It was too hard to do when we didn't know the gender. I honestly thought we were having twins. No lie. So now I can focus on my little man. I'll scan in the ultrasound pics later and post them! Peanut gave me a "thumbs up" while we were lookin' at him - so all is well!

And now the fun begins!

Cast Your Vote.

Alright guys - my ultrasound is at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning and I have no idea what to expect. Boy? Girl? Boy and Girl?

You know how there are always people who can just "call" whether a baby is a boy or a girl really quickly and be right every single time? Well, I know 2 of those in particular and both of them aren't getting a vibe or the vibe waivers back and forth - so either I'm actually having a puppy or I'm having a boy and a girl.

I want to take a poll - just because I think it's a lot of fun to guess! What are your thoughts!?! Boy or girl!?

Little Kicks.

Well I'm (pretty much) sure that I (might have) felt the baby move! I only say it that way because, well I have no idea what it's supposed to feel like! One thing is for sure - I have been feeling something since last Monday and it seems to be getting stronger. Today I think it straight up kicked me.

Only 3 days til I get to know what "it" is! I've been praying that he/she is turned the right way so we can tell, but by gosh I'm not getting off that table until they tell me! haha I'm slight distracted because all I can think about is Friday morning. ahhh!

In other happy, exciting, God-must-really-like-me news...I have been consulted to potentially do another wedding cake next May! Even if I don't get the gig, I'm still thrilled that the possibility is even out there!

Exhausted.

I have pushed myself to the brink of sheer exhaustion this week. With working extra time, dinner with my favorite, birthday celebrations, and a four hour fantasy football draft - I'm worn out. Tonight I will go home, bathe, don my pajamas and hopefully not move until about 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

I am a whopping four months preggers today! Still doing well - and this time next week, we'll know if it's a boy or girl!!! Our appointment is next Friday at 8:30 a.m.! I am so very excited. After that will come the real planning, registering, thinking about showers, wall colors, bedding - oh! I'm so excited!

I'm mostly just excited to finally see my peanut! Everyone and their mother's aunt's sister's girlfriend has told me I should have seen it by now, but damn it, I've asked - and my doctor told me it's their policy that if I'm healthy and the baby is healthy there is no reason to do one until past 17 weeks. Of course I WANT to see him/her, but I can't make a hospital change their policy over night. PLUS, I can't be the only one because I have heard multiple stories about women that didn't find out they were having twins until they went to find out the sex of the baby and I hate to break it to ya, but they are at least 17 weeks along when they go for that. Ugh! I feel better.

Annnd I'm officially ready for fall. Even though we're headed to the beach with the in-laws the whole week of labor day - when I get home I'm ready to wear a hoodie and snuggle up with a blanket. Though I'm totally sure that I'll be wishing this warmth back in about January - I'm tired of the heat. Football games. Fall leaves. Crisp Air. Can't wait.

A big thanks to my blogger friends who weighed in on my weight/healthy eating dilemma. I am happy to report that I came out of my box at the grocery store and bought new things! This is a major feat for me. I have eaten 3 different kinds of fruit and haven't gotten sick as of yet...so woo hoo - I can be healthier now! I also just made some ahhhhmazing chicken salad and lawsy I could eat the whole thing right now.

I started cleaning out "the baby's room" this weekend - that is surreal to say! That room has basically served as storage for the past year and some change that we've been here. I've also started looking at cribs, bedding and carseats. It's all a little overwhelming, but luckily I have quite a few friends who just recently had babies, so it'll be nice to have some veteran help.

I do have one question for Mama's (or anyone else who has an opinion) - would you go for the crib that is a 3 in 1 - and by that I mean the ones that go from crib to day bed to full size bed, or should we just start with the crib and work our way up on our own. I'm afraid my taste will change, but the crib I like is cherry and is classy so I don't think I could go wrong.

I guess I just worry that this looks a little too harsh for a baby being dark and all - lighter colors scream baby so I don't want to regret the darkness. The bedding I've picked out for both is light and breezy so I think it would lighten the mood. I just don't want to spend X amount of dollars on this bed and be stuck with it for many many years and regret it - ya know?

And now back to the Harry Potter weekend on ABC! :)

Time to Vent.

Today has been one of those I-just-need-to-cry-because-I-freaking-can days. I have two pairs of pants that I can comfortably wear to work. Two - and one of them I can't button. Much to my dismay, my husband did laundry last night and both of them had been put in the wash. Nothing to really get upset about. I am very fortunate to have a husband that is willing to do the chores for a while because I would live in a pig stye and have absolutely no clothes to wear. So thank you, Nate.

I know that gaining weight in pregnancy is normal - and well, encouraged, but when I stepped on the scale a few days ago it kinda punched me right in the face. I have no plans to diet or anything crazy like that so nobody freak out (I like to eat SO much that I'm pretty sure you may never have to worry about me dieting) BUT it got me thinking about my eating habits since my pregnancy began.

From week 6 - 12 I pretty much needed to eat what I could when I could because of the nausea and vomiting that would come at all hours of the day, and the things I grabbed to eat were always quick: fast food, spaghetti-o's, etc. anything that I could have in my hands and eat faster then the nausea could come back. My doctor told me this was totally fine - eating anything at all was my main goal and to focus on the nutrition part when I felt better.

Now that I'm much better - I haven't fixed my habits. I really need help from Moms and healthy people alike. What the frick am I supposed to eat?! The thought of this this morning while squeezing on my pants brought me to tears. I literally could not think of anything in this world that I could eat that was a) feasible in the short amount of time I had to get to work and b) was healthy. Crying just makes you feel better sometimes, but I still haven't solved my dilemma.

I have eaten a pop tart for the past 10 weeks it feels like every single morning. I am over the pop tart. Nate suggested granola bars, but they last me about 30 minutes and then I'm hungry again so unless I eat like 16 granola bars that won't work either. I, for some reason, have had issues with keeping fruit down. Cereal is out because I can't eat until I get to work anyway because my stomach isn't settled until then and oh my gosh I'm rambling. Suggestions?

Lunch - what the heck is healthy for lunch?! I have been advised against eating cold turkey and ham. My doc said if I make the sandwich, it's fine - if the sandwich meat is heated, it's fine - but eating a club is not fine. If you haven't heard of this new pregnancy rule and you really like cold cuts close your ears because I would have been JUST fine living the "ignorance is bliss" way of life had a friend not told me about this - if you contract a certain bacteria that can be found in cold cuts (as well as poorly prepared or undercooked meat) you basically will miscarry. The M word is enough to keep me making my turkey sandwiches in the safety of my own home (so to speak) but seriously, what the HECK am I supposed to eat?! Prior to pregnancy I ate turkey sandwiches, clubs etc. on a regular basis and now I'm just screwed. No wonder America is fat - they don't have a CHOICE.

I think I've rambled enough, but seriously I'm frustrated.

And if that's not enough - I moved my baby brother to college yesterday.

Jake and Zane (his roommate) in their new dorm. They refused to smile.

I'm very proud of him - and super happy he's going to college - it just hurts that he's not going to be at my parents house every time I go down there. At least he has Zane and his beautiful girlfriend Alexa there to keep him company :)

I'll shut up now.

Baby Bump.

Soo...everyone has requested "baby bump" pictures - and while I'm not entirely happy about showing them just yet because right now I just look like I've gained weight instead of a child...I will post them because one day it'll really look like a baby belly and not an extra 5ish pounds.

Okay, this is what we started with: 6/5 - day I had the positive pregnancy test

(4 weeks)

On my birthday - 7/12
9 weeks

And me today...lawsy
Almost 14 weeks - first second trimester pic

Ahh that was painful. Please be gentle.

Some days I look HUGE and some days you can't even tell I'm pregnant - they tell me that's according to "bowel movements" haha but I will not share that information with you.

The Best Sound Ever.

I got to hear my little one's heartbeat today! It was a long time coming so I anxiously crawled up on the table and lay flat anticipating the dishwasher swishing sound. The nurse started on the left and slowly started moving to the right across my low belly. For some reason I just knew peanut was on the right side all along! It started off quiet, and then she found it right on and oh! it was so loud and so strong. 160 beats per minute - I'm just so proud.

The doctor came in (one I've never met since I have to meet all of them in case they're on call in February!) and looked over my charts and said everything was great! He said we're both right where we need to be and that he was at a loss because he didn't have anything to yell at me about. haha. Nate immediately approved this doctor because he was wearing cowboy boots. Oh the standards of a man.

Even more exciting news - I get to have my first ultrasound and find out what my peanut is on September 4th! My "mother's instinct" on the sex of the baby is severely lacking. One minute I'll swear it's a boy and the next minute it's totally a girl. The Chinese Calendar says it's a boy, but the Chinese needle gender test screamed that it was a girl.

Nate thinks it's a boy AND a girl. Twins do run in both of our families. Bless. Guess we'll just have to wait 4 more weeks to know!

Things I've Learned

..since finding out I was pregnant.

1. Always eat every 3 hours - even if you don't want to. This, believe it or not, has kept me from full days of nausea. Took me about 2 weeks to figure this out.

2. Everyone is a pregnancy/child expert - though I have not had anyone be rude (yet!) everyone likes to tell me (especially MEN!!) what I can and can't do while I'm pregnant. I laugh at it now, but I'm sure it will get old.

3. Throwing up isn't fun sober either - the first few times I got sick I would sit in the floor and cry for like 15 minutes. Nate can testify. While I don't enjoy it now, I have learned to cope and maybe only feel like crying.

4. Always ask what's in the lemonade - at week 4 I went to a child's birthday party where no one knew I was pregnant. After skimming through all the beer and wine (my friends really like to drink, okay) I settled for a nice refreshing glass of lemonade. After consuming about an 6oz glass someone said, "boy that vodka lemonade was delicious!" Shoot me now. I know, I know I'm fine - and I didn't even worry because clearly there wasn't that much in it if I didn't taste it - it just taught me a lesson. Always know what you're sippin' on!

5. If you choose to wait and tell everyone, tell a friend at work if possible- I told my cubemate at work at 6 weeks and it was the best decision ever. (Most trustworthy person ever, lucky me!) This was my best decision because she was able to cover for me while I died in the other room.

6. Don't worry what others will say - the anticipation of waiting until week 12 got my mind wandering, "oh how will she react" "what will he say" "will they talk about me being only 24" etc. When I broke the news to everyone I got nothing but congratulations and happiness and love - and those that told me previously "to WAIT to have kids" were the most encouraging about how great parenthood really is. (Pretty sure I predicted that one in a previous blog, too).

7. Babymoons are a pretty cool story - though we didn't plan it this way, Baby Edwards has about 98% possibility of having been conceived in London. We hope to get peanut a "Made in London" onesie!

8. Dogs are smarter than we are - Looking back, there is absolutely no question that Bailey knew I was pregnant before I did. From the second we got back from our trip she treated me differently. Bailey LOVES Nate - he is her best friend, but since June she sits in front of me at night, waits patiently for me to get out of the shower and even waits outside the bathroom door when I'm dealing with nausea. Nevermind that she sniffs my belly, too. She is going to be the best big sister ever.

Well look at all I've learned in my first trimester! I'm sure that I will learn more than one thing new everyday, and now I'm just excited for our little one to get here!

Too Cute Not to Share.

I made these cakes for a friend at work's daughter over the weekend and I am just so happy with how they turned out that I had to share (and do a little advertising!) You can see all of my cakes at http://thecakeboutiquecharlotte.blogspot.com/

Thank you for all of the sweet comments about my news! I can't tell you how happy we are - and how much of a relief it is to be able to talk about it and not worry who is listening! I am due February 13th - sorry I left that out on the last post!

Show and Tell.

You may have noticed that over the course of the past two months I haven't been blogging much. In fact, I would be surprised if I have posted over ten entries since June. Well that's because I have been hiding a really, really big secret...a secret I can not hide for much longer because, well - my pants are getting snug.

Yes, you read right! I'm going to be a mommy!!! I am 12 weeks and doing just fine. I have struggled with the morning (more like all day) sickness, but luckily that's beginning to subside. My books and websites tell me that peanut [which is what we call the baby] is about the size of a plum or a lime, has all functioning systems, and basically looks like a really tiny baby with a really big head.

Nate and I are so very excited. I have wanted to shout it from the rooftops, but my neighbors may have thought I was insane.

I have suffered from writer's block because every time I would go to write a blog I would want to say something about being "the crazy pregnant lady who cries over commercials" or "the crazy preggers chick that makes her boss leave his office so she can throw up in his trash can" - oh yeah, been there - done that.

I promise not to make this a totally baby related blog, but I'm sure it will come up from time to time :) Having that huge elephant sitting in my room while writing was causing some serious issues - it should be free flowing henceforth.

Yay blogger friends, you now share my secret!

I just wanted to take a second to remember my good friend Joey Houck. Some of you may or may not have known him, but he was killed in a car accident the summer after we graduated high school. Six years ago today.

He was just one of those special people that could make anyone smile for just about no reason. He had the goofiest grin and was about as thugged out as a white boy can be - but he had a heart of gold.

Not to mention him today would be a disgrace, so whether you knew him or not, please say a prayer for his family and friends today who are still dealing with the loss of their son, brother, cousin, boyfriend, or best friend. Thanks.

Obsessed Much?

Yesterday, Nate and I made the seemingly short trip home from a great weekend in Charleston with friends (pictures to come later). Having had a few too many drinks and a little too much sun the day before (thanks to a wife who apparently doesn't know how to apply sunscreen evenly,) Nate asked that we switch right around Columbia and I drive the rest of the way home.

He promptly fell asleep in all of about 4.2 seconds and I was left to my thoughts. Driving long distance is calming to me, I don't mind it at all - heck I don't even mind riding in the car long distance. As I came up I-26 I people watched, or should I say car-watched, and found travelers from Ontario, Florida, Texas and all over the States. Almost every car I passed had some sort of memorabilia on it, whether it be a college sticker or license plate frame (saw about 4,000 for Clemson) or a random sticker from somewhere they like to vacation.

Along the drive I started to notice that there are just a few obsessions that I don't get.

Betty Boop - Okay she was a cute cartoony pinup girl, but WTF do you really need 3 stickers a license plate and a steering wheel cover that display your love for Miss Boop? I don't think so.

Flip Flops - what the heck man. There are flip flops on bags, shirts, earrings, stickers on cars and about any beachy item you can think of. I think I am going to start putting pictures of belts on things...same concept, right?

Stick People - You know the ones. Nate jokingly asked me if I wanted to get a Dad, a Mom and a dog to put on the back of my car. Heck to the N-O. Someone is making millions off of these things because every yuppy in Charlotte has them, and I'll admit that some of them are cute - but I don't really need to know your family tree. Thanks.

Tweety Bird - Of all the fantastic Looney Toons characters, you're going to pick one that's only line was "I tawt I taw a puddy tat?" I love cartoons...love.love.love. cartoons, but I'm not going to plaster a ginormous Spongebob on the back of the car. No thank you.

Now, I think with all this one point can be kept in mind: moderation is key. If you like Clemson, or flip flops or even Tweety Bird that's fine - one little sticker on the back of your car and I won't make fun of you (too much) but when your whole car is decked out in a shrine to an old cartoon, I'm going to make a lot of fun of you.

p.s. if any of my readers happen to have one of these things on your car, I'm sorry. I don't think you're a loser - I would just like to know why?

Strange Dreams.

Since Nate and I got married I started having crazy dreams. It's not that I think our marriage is related to it - it's just that is when I remember the really weird stuff beginning.

When we lived in our apartment, I distinctly remember several occasions where we would wake up and have been talking to each other - asleep. Several occasions. Many times it was about something I just told Nate I saw, and he was asking me where it was etc. etc.

Nate talks in his sleep. He talks about cars - a lot, yells at employees, and on one specific occasion he yelled at me because I was being mean to him in his dream (go figure, right!) I talk in my sleep - I've done that since I was little. Just ask my sister. No one ever remembers what I say, just that I talk.

Back in the apartment I started a new wave of sleepytime weirdness where I would "hallucinate" and see whatever I was just dreaming about standing in my room. (Hence I would tell Nate what I just saw). So in that room I saw a giraffe, a UFO, a person and many other objects. As soon as I wake up I realize that it's a dream, don't get frightened and just go right back to sleep. That stopped for a while, but now it's back in full force.

Every. Single. Night for weeks I have seen something in our room. (Creepy, I know.) And believe me, while I don't like seeing this stuff, it doesn't really scare me. I wake up - realize it wasn't real and go back to sleep.

Only this week I have seen people standing beside me. Yes, weird creepy men that I DON'T know watching me sleep. And, my most horrifying one was for two nights I saw dementors (Azkaban guards in Harry Potter) standing at the foot of my bed. One was covered in Cheetos.

I wake up with an "ahh" or "NATE" or ya know some sort of alert, realize I'm retarded and go back to sleep. I would say that I think Nate doesn't appreciate it, but he never remembers it happening and rarely wakes up anyway. (My protector sleeps like a rock.)

I was telling a few girls at lunch about it yesterday and someone said that I'm having "night terrors." Now - the only occasion I've ever heard of night terrors is with Travis Pastrana who screams and sees horrible things all night long to the point that none of his motorcross friends will even sleep in the same room as him. - He sees dead babies in fireplaces and dreams people are trying to kill him. THAT my friends, is a night terror.

Though I don't know what to call my "specialness" it doesn't seem to be a terror to me. I've started to notice that it mainly (or possibly only) happens when I'm awoken from a dead sleep. Like if Bailey moves at the foot of the bed or if Nate turns over. They say that you only remember your dreams that you wake up during so maybe my tired little brain can't decipher between sleep and awake when I'm startled and therefore I see whatever I was just dreaming about in my room. That's fine. I can deal with that, but what does that say about my dreams though?! Why can't I see happy things? Puppies. Babies. Family Members. Anything.

Does anyone else have weird dream/sleep time issues? Or am I totally alone and really weird on this one!?

I love birthdays!

Another year has come and gone, and I am now the ripe young age of 24! Nate and I spent all day yesterday with our families at my parents house. We laid out, got in the pool, my daddy made some ahhmazing steaks and mama made me a strawberry cobbler. It's my favorite birthday in recent memory...or maybe ever. I've never been one to party-hardy, so it was nice to just sit back, relax and enjoy my day.

I don't fret about age and turning a year older because well, it beats the alternative. Of course, when I'm turning 54 I might take it a little harder than 24, but right now my goal is just to appreciate every year as it comes!

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

I just don't know what it is, but when Nate leaves the house at night Bailey-dog goes crazy on me. Everything she sees or hears positively terrifies her. Not to mention, she will stand at the foot of my bed and lower her head and grrroooowwwwllll really low while staring at my bedroom door.

Anyone else feel safe?

I guess Nate really is the Alpha in our house, and without him Bailey is lost without confidence. I do feel that she would protect me should the need arise, but mere moments ago I was sitting in the bathtub with her hazel puppy dog eyes watching my every move (you're jealous) and we both heard a noise (probably the TV in the other room) and rather than protecting me she looks like she just saw a ghost and needs to jump IN the bath tub with me for safety. (Okay, all of that happened except for her actually jumping in - I stopped that one this time).

This is my "I'm about to jump in" face. (She was moving so it's a little distorted)

I promptly sent a message to Nate informing him of these events, and he beamed - I could actually feel his pride come through my phone. Bailey is Nate's dog. Nate is Bailey's best friend. They are in love, and I swear Nate likes her better than me sometimes! Just kiddin' but seriously there is nothing like a man and his dog!

This is her completely wiped out after a long day of playing with her 7 cousins down on the farm. She was lethargic for about 30 hours.

Luckily, Nate will be home shortly and life as we know it can go back to normal!

Hello, July!

Umm is time flying, or what? Luckily, I'm not a student anymore, but I feel like I would be majorly depressed if I knew school would be starting in about a month again. It's like every day the clock ticks a little faster and before you know it bam! a whole week (or month) is gone.

I don't have a whole lot to update on - the Fourth was great, though! We spent the day out at Nate's cousin's at Lake Wylie! It was super nice, and a good time was had by all!

I am, however, in desperate need of a vacation. Sure London was about 2 months ago, but that friends, was not a vacation. I walked about 10 miles a day and couldn't even move when we got back to the room at the end of the day. London was work. I need a sit-on-my-butt-and-read-on-the-beach vacation. Not to mention, I am seriously disappointed in my tan this year. I'm usually a pretty bronzed babe, but not so much right now!

We are hoping to do a mini-cation the last weekend in July with some friends at Garden City. Fingers crossed! If not, I'm going to have to wait all the way until Labor Day to get my seaside fix. It depresses me that I can't quickly think of the last time I was at the beach. Here's hoping!

I <3 Awards.

So Ashley and Amber both gave me this award :) Thanks, guys!

With this award you're supposed to list 7 things that make you Awe-Summm and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers you love. Make sure to tag your recipients and let them know they have won! Also link back to the Queen that tagged you.

The 7 things that make me Awe-Summm are:

1. I put my family first.
2. I have an awesome chocolate dog.
3. I decorate some pretty sweet cakes.
4. I’ve lived in a different country.
5. I like to fish/camp/hike with Nate.
6. I watch cartoons on a daily basis.
7. I love me some Jesus.

Don't Give Me That Look.

Hollywood is full of beautiful women of all ages, skin and hair colors, and occasionally they all gather at awards shows to show off their latest look/fashion/hair style. While I love to see these beautiful men and women, I'm over THIS LOOK "the pout" that so many celebrities put on.

Vanessa Hudgens pout.

Paris Hilton pout.


The Masters of Pout. The Olsen Twins.

I realize this sexy pose is occasionally necessary for a photo shoot, stop and pose, etc. but I'm talking about girls that make that pout all. the. time. It's like Vanessa Hudgens has just forgotten how to smile. "Think sexy. Think sexy." Ugh! What happened to a good ol' Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts SMILE.

Which brings me to my next reluctant point. The pout should never occur in a movie that you are playing unless it's part of your role. Y'all know I love me some Megan Fox. The girl is the definition of sex appeal. However, I went with my family to see Transformers last night and I was somewhat disappointed in her. They played up her looks to the absolute MAX (which is fine - I mean I know movies need sex appeal) but it was extremely frustrating to see her have a sexy pout face while running from the Deceptagons. How does a woman running for miles from a metal monster make sexy eyes while looking terrified.

One could argue that she's beautiful enough that it just happens, but it was SO overdone that it was a little unbelievable. It's like the director said, "Hey, Megan - look sexy first, then try to act if you can." I just had to laugh a couple of times. Still a great movie, though.

Still love her, she's still my number one in beautiful women, but she's going to have to do better than that to gain my support as an actress.

Bless.