Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Trusting in God

Just a word of warning. If you are a guy you will most likely not want to read this post. Or if you're not into that whole TMI thing don't read this either.

I woke up this morning and took a shower. Which is unusual because I always take a shower at night before bed. I was getting cleaned up when I noticed that I had some brown discharge coming from you know where. I hurried up and got out of the shower and went to the bathroom to double check that it really was brown that I was seeing and not just me having horrible vision in the morning and being in a dark shower. Sure enough there was some brown down there. I wiped again and it seemed to be gone. I prayed for a quick second that God would make sure everything was fine and then got dressed. I pulled Derek in our bedroom and told him what was going on. He obviously had NO idea what any of what I was saying meant until I told him that the brown color was old blood. He kind of looked nervous after that.

I put on my happy face for Stratton while we took him to the baby sitters house and made my way to work. I called the dr right at 8:00 and they called me back a few hours. I of course was perusing all over the internet to make sure that everything was ok. I think I psyched myself out a little and then calmed myself down. Reading different posts from girls that are just as far as me made me feel better about it.

Sure enough as soon as the doctors office called the nurse said it was normal and that unless it turned red or pink that I had nothing to worry about. Whew! I have been trusting in God today to make sure I don't drive myself crazy with worry and it seems to be working. Just as soon as I got off the phone with the nurse I felt the baby kick. I have been feeling it move around just a little tiny bit every now and then for about a week now. I know it seems early but I know for sure it's the baby kicking and not gas bubbles.

I have been borrowing my friend Erica's home Doppler for the last few days trying to find the baby's heartbeat and have had no luck. I think it's a mixture of not really knowing what I'm doing and being so early on in my pregnancy. I got a little bummed last night because I couldn't find it so I deep cleaned my bathroom. The nurse said that was probably another reason why I had a little spotting. I apparently over worked myself last night.

Anyway, I will have some pictures up hopefully tonight of our 4th of July and some more pregnancy updates.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Mangos

I love love love to bite into a juicy mango. But, now I will not be able to eat ANY more ever. I'm allergic to them. Yes, I said it. I'm allergic to mangoes. How, you ask, do I know this?

Well, last summer I enjoyed a few mangoes and then a few days later I woke up and my lips were covered in these tiny little water blisters that itches, my lips were swollen and the roof of my mouth itched like crazy. I thought I was some weird reaction to a chap-stick or even something else that I had eaten. I never in my wildest dreams thought it was from mangoes. About a week later they went away and I didn't really worry about it...until this summer. I had a few mangoes on Monday of this week and woke up yesterday with that same horrible feeling on my mouth. Yep, the water blisters were back and they itched horribly. The only thing I have found that helps them not hurt so bad is burts bees chap-stick.

So, I did some research and found out that mangoes are actually related to poison ivy (which also contains urushiol, the irritant component), and "mango mouth" is a well-known affliction, particularly throughout Asia. Seriously why did I not know this? It apparently is in the skin and can go as deep as 5mm into the fruit.

Moral or the story. Mangoes now suck and my lips still hurt.

To avoid: urushiol is in its highest concentrations in the skin and seeds of a mango. You can still eat mangoes, just use a spoon and wash your lips right after if you want to bite the flesh off the seed. I know how pleasurable it is to do, but if you are sensitive to urushiol, DO NOT diagonally score your mango cheeks and eat the cubes off the skin. Surefire way to get mango mouth. Finally, never ever pick mangoes; you'll get a reaction all over you. 

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

My Life in 99 Questions


1. Started your own blog 
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland 
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo 

11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Take a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke 
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem 

84. Had your picture in the paper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve
86. Visited the White House 
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Monday, July 2, 2012

Slacking

Well as you all can probably tell I have been majorly slacking when it comes to my pregnancy posts. I have been less than enthusiastic about my tiny bump and didn't think it warranted weekly posts just yet.

This week was pretty uneventful. We had my mom and dad over for dinner last night and later on Garrett, Steph and Payne came over because their power was out.

This week should be pretty good considering we only have a 4 day work week. Tonight we're eating dinner with Derek's family and Tuesday night we are going to a 4th of July party at Derek's brother Josh's house. It should be a pretty great time. Wednesday morning Derek and the family are going to be playing in the Jackson Park mud volley ball tournament. I'm pretty excited to go and watch. Trust me there will be plenty of pictures involved.

As for my pregnancy, nothing has really changed other than my dr apt again. It was bumped back again to the 24th of July. Oh well.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 10 Weeks
Size of Baby: Size of a lime (2in, .3oz)
Total Weight Gain/loss: one lb. there I said it. I have officially gained a pound.
Maternity Clothes: None so far - I've been wearing some stretchy pants and I'm now having to use a hair tie to keep my jeans up.
Gender: Not sure yet
Movement: Some tiny little popcorn kernels popping every now and then
Sleep: I've been sleeping a lot better lately. With Stratton finally sleeping back in his bed I have been sleeping like a rock. I've definitely been having some strange dreams but sleep has been a lot easier lately.
What I miss: Nothing yet.
Cravings: Lots and lots of fruit.
Symptoms: None lately. I haven't even really felt pregnant to be honest.
Best moment this week: Finally getting some much needed rain. Thank the lord.
How am I doing: I have been up and down this week. Sometimes I'm on top of the world and the next min I'm in tears. I blame it on the hormones.
Bible Verse for the Week: Psalm 105:4 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Picture Dump

Last Monday Derek and I took the day off work. We woke up, got dressed for work, got Stratton ready to go to Mrs. Lisa's house and then packed in the jeep. Once we got in the jeep Derek and I looked at each other and just knew neither one of us really wanted to go to work. So, we both caleed in and took the day to spend it with Stratton.

We headed for Jackson park first to walk around the lake a few times and play on the playground. When we got there we were greeted by some protective momma geese. They chased Stratton but he laughed the whole time.
 Aren't they the cutest?
 You gotta love the delinquents of Jackson, Mo. Haha. 
 The geese followed us around the trail while we were walking. I think they were hungry.
 Stratton and I played a game while waling on the trail. It was called don't step on the goose poop.
 Stratton and Derek are so photogenic.
 I love when my boys rough house together.
Walking on the trail is such a great way to wear Stratton out. If only it wasn't so hot lately.
 Derek was showing Stratton how to do the "my tummy is fully" walk.
 Of course Stratton wanted some leaves once he saw Derek pull some off of the tree.
 It wasn't good enough for Derek to just hand Stratton some, Stratton had to get his own off of the tree.
 The playground is definitely Stratton's favorite part of the walk.
I don't know what it is but I remember as a kid putting rocks on the slide and sliding through them. Now Stratton does it and it still enjoys as much as I did. 
 Derek had to be the rock supplier. Stratton made him sit at the bottom of the slide and refill the rocks once he went through them.
 This little guy was munching on a june bug. Derek was happy to see this since he sits on the back porch with his fathers day present (a battery operated bug zapper tennis racquet) and kills them at night.
After the park we went to Burger King for breakfast and then headed downtown for the Discovery Playhouse.

Stratton loved the fire truck. Derek and Stratton sat up there for a while just pretending to drive around and put out fires. 
 Stratton made Derek drive for the most part.
 They had this awesome garden that you could pick vegetables from the "soil" and pick fruit from the "trees."
 Derek was in love with the grocery store. He was the cashier and wore the apron so Stratton could get checked out.
 Stratton wanted mostly produce. He's definitely like his momma.
 Stratton could even milk the cow.
 Montgomery Bank had a bank set up so Stratton was pretending to be like Grandma Brenda and be the boss.
 He liked answering the phones too.
 This thing was my favorite, it was an actual air tube thingy that they have at the bank.
 He though the mirrors were hilarious. He thought they were so funny looking.
 He's growing up SO much. Even though he's in the 25% for height.
 They had an awesome water table there too. I think Derek and I had more fun playing with the water table than Stratton did.
 Two thumbs up.
After going to the Discovery Playhouse we went to the water park for two hours and then headed home for a long nap. It was such a great day off with Stratton and Derek. It was well worth it. We enjoyed it so much. It was fun getting to spend some one on one time with Stratton.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Just A Note

Well, my first doctors visit was rescheduled. I was SO nervous about getting my blood drawn on Monday I almost made myself sick. We had a bad storm roll in right around the time I was supposed to leave for my apt so I wound up calling and getting the apt moved back. Unfortunately, the only day they have that works with my schedule is July 10th! I called the nurse practitioner to make sure that was ok and make sure there wasn't anything else I needed to do between then and now. Her answer made me laugh, "no illicit drugs or alcohol." I think I can handle that. Haha.

Summer school started on Monday and I have NOT gotten back into the swing of doing school work again. I've left my planner at home the last two days and I absolutely feel LOST! That planner is seriously my entire life all rolled up into one book.

I'm kind of sad that I haven't found a good pregnancy journal like I had with Stratton. I got one but I'm just really not a fan of it. It's not fun at all like the one I had with Stratton. I'll most likely find the same one and order it online. That would be neat to have the same book for both babies.

Speaking of baby...Derek and I...well mostly I... have been throwing around names for baby bean (as my friend Caprice has been calling it). The boy name that I kind have like is Foster. The girl name I kind of like is Abby. I'm not for sure that we are 100% going to stick to these names but it's definitely a start. I have been going over SO many names trying to think of ones that I like. I love the name Sloan but my friend Emily just named her little girl that and I don't want to take that name from her. So, we are going to throw some names around more in the next month or two and get serious about picking out a name around the time we find out what this little one is.

Other than that, we haven't really been doing a whole lot lately. Derek and I have been watching lots of movies at night and spending some quality time with Stratton. It's really weird to think that in 7 months I'm going to have to share my attention, love, affection, and life with another little one. It is still a little surreal to me. I got sad the other day because of something I've said to Stratton ever since he was little. I always always always tell him that he is my favorite. The first time I said it to him he thought I was saying that he was food. Haha. I realized that I can't say that anymore after this little one gets here. I really hope that we have a girl so I can keep saying it to him but just change it up a little bit and say "you're my favorite little boy" or "you're my favorite Stratton." I'll come up with something.  

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a good week. I know this weather has been absolutely beautiful lately so I think we are going to have a date with Jackson Park tonight.


Friday, June 8, 2012

7 Weeks



Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 7 Weeks
Size of Baby: Size of a raspberry (.5in long)
Total Weight Gain/Loss: zero. I'm still at my "normal" weight
Maternity Clothes: None so far - I've been wearing some stretchy pants and I'm now having to use a hair tie to keep my jeans up. 
Gender: Not sure yet
Movement: None so far
Sleep: I've been sleeping a lot better lately. Derek and I switched sides in our bed and I've been sleeping MUCH better. Stratton has been hopping in bed with us around midnight so after that I don't sleep very well. My allergies are still kicking my butt lately too. 
What I miss: Nothing yet. 
Cravings: I had some pretty strong cravings for hummus lately. 
Symptoms: A little bit of morning sickness and some pudge around my mid section.
Best moment this week: Stratton playing tag with the baby this morning.
How am I doing: I'm actually doing pretty well lately. Derek and I have been putting money back in the bank and we even bought a second hand crib from a friend of mine. I'm ready for the weekend for sure to get some well deserved  rest and relaxation. 
Bible Verse for the Week: Psalm 105:4 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 


Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Watermelon and Babies

This weekend was a pretty easy and relaxing weekend. We stayed at home most of the weekend and enjoyed the downtime. We watched movies and kept the curtains closed. It was nice and dark and perfect for watching movies. I slept through most of the movies on Saturday and played with Stratton some too. I bought a watermelon on Friday and Stratton was just dying to eat some of it. Saturday before his nap I cracked it open and we all three sat on the back porch and gorged ourselves with watermelon. It was SO good!
 Stratton thought it was pretty cool that he could take a big bite out of the big slice.
 Daddy was eating his with salt so Strat had to give it a try too.
 Cheers to watermelon!

Sunday my friend Amanda and I threw a baby celebration for our friends Lauren and Alex who had a beautiful baby boy about a month ago. His name is Everett Dale and he is the cutest little thing.
He sleeps so well even though there were a million things making noise around him.
Stratton loved giving him kisses too while he was sleeping.
Alex and Stratton are best buds.
We had lots of yummy treats for everyone.
Amanda brought her new baby Lulu to the party to hang out too. Isn't she the cutest?
The boys played redneck golf in the front yard.
Stratton hadn't had a nap that day and was SUPER fussy.
Alex had quite the green thumb. This is one of his flowers in front of their house.
Look at that cute boy!
She is so precious. Stratton liked Lulu too. She kept giving him kisses.
Amanda with Everett. He is such a good baby.
Already sporting his cardinals gear. haha. We will have him dressed in Red Sox gear soon enough. ;)
Amanda spiked his hair. This kid has more hair at one month than Stratton had at one year.
Ice cream cake!
We love baby Everett.
These pictures of him are so adorable. These are his new born pictures.
Ashley came by to celebrate baby Everett.
Even Derek got to hold the baby while he slept. He said he could get used to this. Good thing! Because only like 7 more months and he's going to be doing this a lot.
This is Ashley's daughter Ella. She's 3 months younger than Stratton. They were definitely partners in crime on Sunday.
Our friend Lego and his girlfriend Sammy brought their puppy with them as well. His name was Weston.
He's a silver lab. Super cute! He had the biggest paws on him.
We say outside and soaked up the fresh air. Everett loved it.
Look at those cheeks!
Ella thought it was pretty fun to throw water at the boys.
Derek was her target for a few minuets.
I think Alex needs a little Lulu too.
Let me just go on record for just a minuet and say that I was actually dressed nice in a pretty dress with my hair down and no glasses but my son decided to spray the entire back side of me with the water hose before we got any decent pictures. So yes, I look like a slob but that was only because my son decided I needed another shower.

We are so blessed to have such great friends. We really enjoyed getting to see everyone and are so thankful for everyone that came and joined us celebrate.