They Called it "Winter Storm Watch 2008"

Our "snow storm" pictures! They closed the schools down. I mean, it was a pretty good snow, but not THAT bad.

(The Morning after)
It snowed for a long time last night! We even woke up to the white this morning! It wasn't much granted, but it was nice. I told Ryan driving home and just being in it made me feel comfortable. As much as I love the weather here, it's nice to have some snow once in a while. I grew up in it, and so it feels like the days of yore when I get to see it again. Ryan was super excited, and let me tell you who was even more excited? ALLY! She LOVED the snow! She kept wanting to go out in it and eat it and loved jumping at the snow flakes. We got a cute video of her. Hopefully you can see it... Trish, that's you. :)



I went for my 32 week check up yesterday. Ben is back in the norm for his size. In fact, he went from the 95th percentile to the 30th! But he did gain a pound and he's now 4 lbs. Which is totally normal for how far along I am. Although, his head measured at 35 weeks... so I'm thinking he might have a big noggin! But that kind of runs in my family! Oi vey... fun for the birthing process I'm sure! Jiznin came with me and it was fun to see her reactions to him moving around and all his little body parts and stuff. We got to see his little mouth moving, that was pretty cool. I was glad she could be there since Ryan couldn't. And to boot, she brought a HUGE bag of TONS of clothes and shoes and socks for the baby! It was so sweet of her, THANKS JEN! We love you and the gifts!
I have to tell you though, I REALLY dislike my doc's office. After Jen left when the Ultrasound was over, it was like 9:30 and that's when my appt was to see the doctor. Well, I didn't get called into the examination room until a little after 10. I sat in the waiting room until probably 10:40 or maybe even later before she finally came in. No apology. Gave me some info about the GD and before I could even ask her some questions she was making her way out the door. I had to stop her and say "I have questions"... she kept slowly making her way towards the door as I was talking and she was talking. It's like, wow... just because YOU'RE an hour late lady doesn't mean I'm less important. I just don't really feel like they care that much there. They don't take their time, they're always running behind so the appointment part is too short and I never feel like I really know what's going on. None of them really know who I am and I always kind of feel in the dark when I leave- I mean, this is my first time- I don't know what's going on! I we decided for sure next time we're going somewhere else.
Anyway- I guess I better do some work. It's SO Friday...

IT'S SNOWING!

Okay, I know a lot of you in Utah are thinking "big whoop". But I'm in GA! It really doesn't snow here, and I missed the snow when we went to Utah so I'm excited! I took a video outside our office window- I don't know if you can see it. But it's worth a try! We're expecting an ice storm tonight though, and those SUCK... and I'll be pissed if I have to miss seeing my baby at my doctor's appointment tomorrow!

No Cookie For You!

Well, the doc called yesterday morning. And I unfortunately have Gestational Diabetes. It was a little hard for me to take, not to sound dramatic or anything. I have to say that I feel very blessed in my pregnancy to have not had a whole lot of issues. However, this seems to be a pretty big deal and just another thing to add to the worry/stress level you feel as a pregnant woman who is exhausted anyway and stressed about this new change to come. I had my little cry on my loving and supportive Ryan's shoulder and he did just what I needed, just let me cry- didn't say anything, just rubbed my back. I know it's going to be okay, and I know we'll make it through it- it was just good to cry. I had time to think about it, and read about it. And we've decided that this is a good thing, not bad- and it will be difficult at times and will suck, but that overall it's probably something I should be watching anyway. My mom is diabetic and so I've already got that against me. Plus I'm overweight and especially after the bambino is born- I'm going to do my best to watch what I eat and keep my weight down. I have a goal and I REALLY want to stick to it. I have so much more than just myself to worry about now.
The nurse called me today and is going to schedule a time for me to take this Gestational Diabetes class that I'm supposed to take- but she has to schedule it for me first. I'm quite annoyed too because the classes are only offered during the week and most likely from like 8:30-12:30. So... that means I have to miss work! And she wasn't sure how many I'd have to take (I know, she was SOOO helpful...) and so I'm still sort of in the dark about it all.
I have my 32 week appointment on Thurs, and because Ryan can't come with me- my old roommate and friend Jiznin is going to come with me! I'm having an ultra sound so she'll get to see him. She's leaving for her mission to Mongolia in February and will miss actually seeing him in person until she gets back. Boooo :(! But hopefully this will suffice until then!
Side note- I've been drinking Cherry flavored Mylanta lately, and it's SO much better than Tums. Especially for the kind of crazy heart burn I've been having lately. I don't even measure! Ha!
Well, we're off to see the Bishop to see about getting prepared to be sealed to each other!

Food, Glorious FOOD!

So... I just had my 3 hour glucose test. IT SUCKED. For those who haven't had the honor of having one or will never have one... consider yourself LUCKY.

• So I had to "fast", completely as of midnight last night. But we went to bed at 10:45, so the last time I had water or anything was then.
• Woke up thirsty, keep in mind I'm still sniffly and coughing. Not fun. And brushing my teeth was about the most torturous thing in the world... I just wanted that handful of water for the purpose of swishing out the toothpaste to be for swallowing!
• And about the time it was to leave, I all of a sudden got a growly, hungry tummy. Probably like on fast Sundays when you know you can't eat and so your stomach growls even more than normal.
• Got to the office, had to wait for the lab technician to get there (20 minutes later than my scheduled appt time...).
• She took my blood first, to see where it was at a fasting level I guess. Then made me drink the nasty drink again. In this case, the third time is NOT a charm. And I did the fruit punch again, but this time it was not as cold and crisp as the last two times I've had it and made it even worse. Bleh.
• Took my blood an hour later, took it again an hour after that and then took it one more time an hour after that. ALL in the SAME arm, in the same area. After the first two we tried my other arm, but had no luck so we just had to stick the same poor little vein. It hates me right now.
• Also, the lady that took my blood luckily had a good starting point to go to because I had like this little dot scar on my arm from previous times of getting my blood taken so it was easy for her. But instead of pulling the needle out THEN putting the gauze on my arm to stop bleeding, she'd put the gauze on and apply pressure then take the needle out. It hurt more then going in. And it was EVERY TIME. I almost said something, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't have cared though.
• After 3 hours in there waiting and getting stuck and about 14 hours of no food or water... let me tell you, Popeye's never tasted so good after not being able to eat for so long. I sang the song in the title of the blog in my head as soon as I took that first crunchy bite of yummy chicken. mmmmm....

I guess I'll hear back Tues or Wed, but my 32 week appt is on Thurs- so I might have to wait until then. I'm a little anxious, but not totally worried about it. I get the feeling I might just be "borderline" if anything, which hopefully will be easy to control.

The kid is also finding new places to put himself... it's his legs or arms or something. Like right under my boob in the ribbage area. It's not super comfy either... especially when your torso is as short as mine. Can't wait to see what it's going to be like in the next couple of months as he gets bigger and bigger! Also, it's starting to be difficult to sit and to get up from sitting. I remember as a kid watching the Cosby show and watching Sondra being pregnant with "the twins" and thinking how silly it was to watch her fake sitting and standing up with such a big belly. I'm beginning to know what she was pretending to feel. Although, I don't think I'll ever make such an exaggerated effort as she did. But who knows, maybe there will be no avoiding it. I just hope I don't look ridiculous like she did.

Home Again

I'm frustrated. I'm at home... still. I was supposed to take my 3 hour glucose test Monday morning, but couldn't because I was too sick to fast. However, I went in to work for most of the day on Monday- but had to leave early because I felt so crappy and couldn't stay. Nor did I want to torture my coworkers with my nasty germs and constant hacking. My boss insisted that I go to the doctor and I also felt like I should, so I left work and went there. Well, she basically told me the same thing I assumed- just a bad cold, but this cough that has been lingering for over a month was what was really exhausting me. So the doc gave me 3 prescriptions; one generic Robitussin with Codeine in it, a decongestant and then an antibiotic. Well... that night I took the Robitussin with Codeine and it did nothing but make my cough worse. So I ended up waiting until I could take something again and just took my regular Robitussin for night time and it worked MUCH better. Poor Ryan got kept up because I was coughing my head off until after 2am. I stayed home yesterday too... there's no way I would've been able to go in- I was still pretty drugged up and sleepy and stuffy and coughing by the time Ryan got up to go to work. But during the day, I felt more energetic than I have in the last 5 days and felt like I was getting better and was happy because that meant I could go into work today. Well... I took my night time cough medicine at like 8:30 last night, but it didn't actually "hit" me until 10:30 and then I felt like my head wasn't screwed on tight and so I went to sleep. Well, that "not screwed on tight" feeling has really yet to leave me today. I was up through out the night coughing again... and having weird dreams. Anyway, I woke up not in a state to stand or drive or anything and was completely frustrated because I had EVERY intention of going into work today. Now, I have only about 2 days of sick time, and it's only the second week of the year. BOO. Luckily I have plenty of vacation time.
And speaking of plenty of time... I've been watching a Baby Story the last couple days. At first, it made me emotional- now I consider it as more of a preparation of sorts. Don't get me wrong, I still cry everytime that baby comes out! And let's be honest, I am REALLY not looking forward to the giving birth part, for the exception of him coming out and seeing him for the first time and hearing his little baby Ben cry for the first time. Anyway, I'm just looking at it as a warning of what to come and expect. After all, it's easy to take care of him while he's still inside of me... but what's it going to be like when he comes out!?
I also have to say that I'm grateful for answered prayers, even very small ones. In the middle of the night in a drugged stupor which I hated, I suddenly got scared that because of how I was feeling that something wasn't right with the little one. I hadn't really felt him move a lot and I started to get worried. So I said a couple of prayers and asked that I could know that he was okay with just a little kick or movement and about 5 minutes later, he was moving around AND kicking. It was just a really good reassurance (and a small but important one) that Heavenly Father is mindful of me and my little guy. Even if I really didn't have much to worry about since he was probably just sleeping.
Oh and I've also realized that Billy Mays has WAY too many products to sell. And I don't understand why he has to YELL everything at you. Sure I like his products, but don't yell at me! FINE! I'll buy it!

Okay, well I think in my dizziness I'm going to take a nap.

Well, sadly- today is day #2 of staying home from work. I'm fine, don't you worry. I just have an annoying and exhausting cold. I think that I got one again because the beginning of the week I wasn't getting enough sleep and my immune system wasn't as tough as it should be- plus in just about every group of people I've been around lately someone has been sick or getting sick. Including coworkers who have been sick. So it was inevitable. BUT luckily (I guess) now that it's the new year, I have time off again including sick time. I don't know how I would've functioned or IF I could've functioned if I would've had to go to work. The rest and laying around has been greatly needed . I am pretty bummed though that I had to use two days already. I feel like one of those little Puff's Pals kids with the red sore noses... every time I blow my nose my whole body and face hurts. I told Ryan that whoever said it was okay for a woman in her third trimester of pregnancy to get a cold was just mean.

Okay, this blog entry wasn't to complain. It was really to update those who are interested on my latest and greatest doc's appt. I had my 30 week appt yesterday. Can you believe it's already 30 weeks? Anyway, I like the doctor we saw yesterday as I go to a group of several of them. I don't even know if I could count how many I've seen. Let see... okay, only 5- but out of all of them, she's been our favorite. I always feel rushed and a little in the dark when I leave my appointments. Yesterday I went in with questions which I'm glad I did because I felt a little more enlightened this time. She, the doc, didn't seem all too concerned with the blood sugar level I had. She goes by 135 instead of 130 so my score of 138 didn't seem something to worry about for her. BUT, I still have to take my 3 hour test on Monday. And it will suck. No ultra sound this time, but his heartbeat was strong and we found it right away. My blood pressure was a tad bit high at the beginning of the appt but then they made me lay on my left side and retook it and it decreased A LOT. That always seems to happen, it's high when I check in and then as soon as I get in the room and they take it again- it's back down. Also, I think I lost 3-4 lbs since my last visit. She was a little concerned about that- but my appetite hasn't been too great lately, so I'm trying to eat smaller more often. All in all everything is good and he's healthy and hopefully these next glucose test results will show that I am too.

Ryan started to paint the baby's room this week too, which is exciting. We need to refinish the OLD beat up dresser we have in there, and my poor big brother who has been really sick the last few days is going to ship us the crib and changing table they're giving us soon. Ryan's parents also got us the bedding set we registered for and so hopefully it'll start to all come together soon. We got a couple gift cards for Christmas to get the bassinet for the baby too. I, like Bobbie, feel like there's still SO much we need to get him. Ryan's sister is giving us a bunch of clothes which is SO nice. And we still have a little time, 10 weeks tentatively. I guess it all depends on how much bigger he keeps getting.

We'll also have a full but happy house next month, my sister Delinda is going to come live with us for a while, not sure how long yet- but it'll be nice to have an extra pair of hands. And we love having her with us- we all laugh with each other and make fun of each other and it's fun. So come March, we'll have my mom here for the birth, Delinda, possibly TWO dogs and then the arrival of little Ben! Full house! All with people we love though, so it's great.

Couple of things

-My dog LOVES ice, every time someone gets ice from the fridge ice maker she runs to it. So we try and give her little pieces to chew on and she loves it. So strange.

-We saw the movie Juno the other night and loved it. It's not for the overly sensitive though.

-I'm so glad that Ryan's last night of working late is tonight.

-Sleeping positions that are comfortable are becoming very difficult to find nowadays.

-I'm tired and need to go to bed now.

I want a free diaper bag. Please? http://flipflopmamma.blogspot.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's already 2008! Last year was such a good one, I hope that this year brings the same happiness! I got to thinking, it's going to be weird when we get to 2010 in a couple years, are you going to say "back in twenty-ten..." or "back in ten..."???? For New Years Eve, I had to work until 3:30 and then we met up with our friends Michael and Lori and also Candace. The five of us went to dinner at a fancy-schmancy place called The Geisha House in a new little trendy area of town called Atlantic Station. We were definitely under-dressed but not one of us cared. The food was good and actually a lot better priced than I thought it would be.

Anyway, after that we went over to Candace's house and ate cheesecake and pie and played some games. Well, I was so tired I laid on the couch and watched.

We decided after much deliberation that we were going to go to our friend Ashizzley's house (which I was really happy about) and ring in the new year with the folks there.

Okay, I'm aware this is a random and weird video. But I like it.

My right pointer finger wont stop twitching.

This just in... I got my blood sugar test results back for the second time, and this time my blood sugar levels were 138 and the "safe" range is apparently 60-130. So I'm over that range, but I'm not too much higher than average, especially because just this year they changed the range from the high at 139 down to 130. But I think they're mostly concerned because he's a big baby already. SO, what does that mean? It DOESN'T mean that I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes...yet, however it DOES mean that I have to go back on Monday and do a THREE HOUR test. BOOOOOOO!!!! That means they give me the nasty drink again and then the take my blood every three hours. Here's an explanation...Although, this isn't completely accurate to what my doctor's office does- but it's close. And by the by, I'm really glad I listened to my "motherly intuition" and told them that the first test went over the time limit and I'm worried that my little guy is so big. Hopefully it will end up I don't have it, but in case I do- I don't know that they would've caught it in time!

So that makes an appointment every week, four weeks in a row. I have one this week for my 30 week appointment. I think we might get to see him again, but I'm not sure. I do love seeing my little muchacho. I forgot to attach his last picture we got, keep in mind this is just a picture of the ultra sound that I took with my cell phone- so it's not exactly cripy clear. If you can't tell, he's looking forward like right at you, and his right arm is up by his face. Look at that belly!!! I think he looks kind of funny... so I'll just say he looks like his daddy in that picture! HA!

I have an issue... what's new eh? I have an issue with women who take their sons into the bathroom with them. No... not the sons who are like maybe 6 years old and under, the ones that are like 11 or 12 and know how to go to the bathroom on their own. Twice in the last month I've seen women who have taken their 10-12 year sons to the restroom with them. Come on...

and a partridge in a pear tree...

Well, it's Ryan's first [night] of work. And I'm here alone with Ally. I miss him already. I know, I know... it's only the first night. But I'm used to coming home and seeing my man waiting for me at the door with the doggy ready to give me a kiss. Luckily it's not a permanent thing, because frankly if it was- I don't think I would've encouraged him to take the job. I am glad he has this new opportunity though, and I KNOW he was ready for the change which I know will make the adjustment for HIM a lot easier. He's such a good man and he has so much faith that he doesn't even know he has! In the meantime, this is what Ally does to keep herself occupied because she doesn't have her dad to run around the house with.

It's also the day after Christmas and we had a really good day! It was quite a different day for me, but not bad in any way. I missed my family at times, but kept my thoughts occupied otherwise and Ryan had a good idea to help me feel better. He suggested that we do a web video with my parents and Delinda. So even though the sound didn't work (thank goodness for speaker phone) the video did and it was good to see them when I'm so far away. We had a wonderful time with each other in the morning doing our own little Christmas celebration and then a very wonderful time with his family. We got spoiled and got to watch his nephews and niece get spoiled as well! The food was good and so was the company. It's so good to have good families to be apart of on both sides... we are very fortunate. Because honestly, the presents are great- but being with family is all that matters to me on Christmas. It's so important. It even sleeted in the morning which made it a little more Christmas-y for me and not so jealous of the wonderful snow everyone in UT got! We also got to spend Christmas Eve at Ryan's Aunt Vicky and Uncle Lanny house and other family as well and exchanged gifts after a YUMMY lasagna dinner. They spoiled us too!

Today I went in for the second time for another glucose test. The experience this time was remarkably better and I had NO problems whatsoever. Although I'm glad I said something because the lady that couldn't find a vein last time was the only one working in my doctor's office lab and I requested that someone else do it this time. So luckily there was a lady across the hall at another doc's office that was willing to do it. She got me in her lab right on time, maybe even a little early, I told her the right arm and she found one right away! I praised her for being so good. So, we'll see what the results say in a couple of days.

Here's a couple of picts from our Christmas Eve and Day!

It's Christmas Eve... and I'm working. BOO. Luckily there's NO ONE but a few of my coworkers and I here, so I doubt we'll stay very much longer. Or at least I hope not. I'm not sure why it was required for us to even come in. If people call us, well then they're retarded. Sales reps shouldn't be selling or even thinking about work today... they need to be with their families. Just like I do.

Anyway- I reckon that after this we will be too busy to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

We hope your time today and tomorrow and any other time you get to have with your family is WONDERFUL!

Lack of Communication!

Ryan here.....

So, lack of communication is one of the big reasons i just quit my job after almost 7 years. Now since the doctors, nurses, and idiot labtechs dont communicate, Heather has to take the glucose test again and get poked with a needle again. You would think that a labtech that takes blood for a living would have no problem finding a vein.. argh....... ok bye

you think YOU'VE got problems...

28 Weeks

Tuesday Ryan and I went to the doc for my 28 weeks. This was for my glucose test visit. First things first I got my drink and swigged it down in like 2 minutes (they give you five) and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was Fruit Punch flavored and just reminded me of a very sugary kids drink that I wouldn't normally drink. So exactly ONE HOUR after you finish drinking it you're supposed to have your blood taken. After a few minutes in the waiting room we got called in and got weighed which for ONCE in my life I actually am curious about every time I go. I gained 4 lbs in the last month, which is fine. So over my whole pregnancy- I'm still in the negative. I lost 11lbs my first trimester and then gained one or two then lost again... so I'm not complaining! I've got plenty of chubbiness to go around. Anyway- after we did that the ultra sound tech was waiting for us (which is a first) and we went right in and saw our little guy. It was good to see him again and he wiggled a lot and we got a couple cute pictures. He's still a boy too! The tech said "nope, nothing fell off since last time!" I asked her how much he weighed and she told us he's already 3lbs! She said that for the percentile for how far along I am he's in the 95th percentile. Which... if you don't know what that means (and we didn't- I had to have the doc explain it to us), 50% is average. So at 95% he's big for his "age" and so she said that could be a sign of the gestational diabetes. After the ultra sound was the visit with the doc. Well, after we had waited for her and then visited with her- we were getting to be over our time limit for them to take my blood for the test. Finally when that was through we rushed to the little room where they take blood and this is were the crap hit the fan. As soon as I sat down in that wretchedly uncomfortable chair I told the woman that my veins are hard to find and that it's best to just go ahead and try my right arm as opposed to the left where they usually try and draw blood from. So where does she try? The LEFT arm... and so we're pressed for time, and here's this lady literally poking and prodding around on my arm (luckily just with her finger) for like 5 minutes and obviously not finding a vein. So then she proceeds to tell me that she would probably have to through my hand... painful! And with out even trying my RIGHT arm first like I suggested! ARG. Ryan was getting so mad he had to leave the room. So before she tried my hand I asked her to try my right arm, so she poked around on my right arm and didn't find anything...still! Keep in mind, THE CLOCK IS TICKING! So she pokes my hand- and if you've ever had a needle or IV in your hand you know that IT HURTS! And guess what? She couldn't find the vein there either!!!! So finally, thank goodness, the other person in there asked her if she needed help. By the time she got to me, she checked my right arm- twisted a little and found the vein... it was now 20 minutes over. So we were just pretty much bugged that first no one knew why we really had the ultra sound and that they took like 20 minutes to draw two little bottles of blood from me! And now I have a pretty bruise. Anyway... they called me today and said I passed the test! YAY! Except... Ben is still 3lbs... and they went 20 minutes over. So I told her that and she said she'd call me back. I haven't heard back from her, but I'm thinking that if I was something to worry about- we'd know. Anyway... I've got another appt in 2 weeks. So we'll see what happens then.

Until then, I've got a chunky monkey in my belly.

because I love this picture

Ryan, Me, Delinda and Brookey

this has taken me forever to write...

I think I'm coming out of it. I think I'm doing much better with this. No, not the cold- still got that. I've been in a freak out and stress mode the last oh maybe week or more about becoming a mother. I know this is normal, but I feel very worried about being able to take care of him. I know Ryan will be great and that we'll be great together, but it's really been a stressful thing for me. I've never had a problem with kids, I've always been quite good with babies. But I really haven't been around one for a while and I'm afraid I've lost my touch, and that when it comes to my own kid how different it will be. I've tried to read books about being a mommy and what to do and what not to do and it seriously stresses me out. I'm so afraid I'm going to be walking around with him crying and think to myself "the book told me to do this or that!" and stress out even more. It's been quite heavy on my mind. I haven't really talked about it because I don't want to seem like I'm not excited or anything. I am, very excited. I've also been really stressed and kind of sad that I have to go back to work. At this point, we don't really have a choice, and luckily there's a daycare in my complex where I work. More than anything though I wish that I could be home with him. It scares me to think of someone else taking care of him, especially when he's so little.
BUT... I'm coming out of it now and I'm getting excited to see him and his little feet and knees and nose and all his cute little baby body parts. And I've also decided that I'd much rather have him out of me than in me. I've still got three months... and it'll get worse... but I hurt and I feel awkward and like they all say- this body is not my own. I'm tired... and I realize that will never change. I have years of being tired to look forward to.
My tummy is finally looking like I'm pregnant. Today though, I went downstairs to our little cafeteria type place and got a bagel, a banana and some juice and this lady that works on my floor was going up the elevator the same time as me and said "you saving room for lunch?". Now, she could have meant that because we were having our company luncheon today she hoped I wasn't eating too much too close to when it started... but still. I was like "oh no, I'm eating for two". Things people say... I think some people still don't realize that I'm pregnant and that my stomach doesn't just stick out further than my boobs for fun. Oh well...
Also, we had a couple tough decisions to make this last couple of weeks too- but we made it through and prayed a lot and exercised our faith. And Ryan has given his two weeks at a job he's been at for almost 7 years and will start working for a steel company with his best friend the day after Christmas. It's steady hours plus overtime and benefits and all. It's a big change, but one that I'm sure he'll welcome because he's sick of his current job. I think this will be a much better fit for our little family and will allow him to make more money and have better opportunities. I'm SO proud of him for making this change, I know it's been a hard decision for him.
We have our 28 week appt on Tues and hopefully I can get some remedy for this cough, because seriously- it sucks. I'm hoping to get some good rest this weekend. I'm not making any commitments until I know I feel rested. Peace out y'all.

It's hot. Okay, maybe not "hot" but it's too warm.

This is our forecast for the week. It's December 10th today and it's 75 degrees. Not only that, but one of the "chillers" is broken in our building here at work. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I do know that it's HOT in here. All morning I was having hot flashes like no body's bidness (that's the Atlanta coming out in me) and as soon as I got out to my car for lunch I BLASTED the A/C... IN DECEMBER!!! 15 days before Christmas! What's going on here!? It's supposed to be COLD! I'm wearing a short sleeve shirt and sandals today, and NO coat! Ryan likes it... and I'm not saying that weather isn't nice, but for the Holiday season I prefer cold. I need the cold to cuddle up in a blanket to, and to wear gloves and scarves and jackets... it doesn't have to be FREEZING or anything. Anyway... I guess I shouldn't complain and just enjoy it. I think I would if it wasn't Christmastime. Fine if it wants to be warm after January. But not only do I want it to be colder and rainy or maybe even snowy (I know, that's stretching it) for the Holiday's, we REALLY need it since we're in such a drought! I'd like to have water please. Is that too much to ask?

On another note. I'm still coughing. And it's ticking me off. I'm done with it.

I love the Sweeney Sisters

I forgot to mention that we're registered for the little boy at Babies R Us. Our registry number is 67339806. If the registry number doesn't work, you can search by my maiden name too. You know, just in case you're interested...

Pregnancy Complaints... I mean updates.

• remember that one time i said colds suck when you're pregnant and already REALLY tired? still holds true. and to throw in a cough just isn't nice.
• little guy is starting to kick so hard you can see it outside of the belly. but only if you watch really hard for a while. i mean, i see it all the time because i can feel pretty much when it's going to happen. luckily Ryan saw him do it the other night.
• he also is starting to recognize his daddy's voice too, at least that's what i think. today he was quietly active and then Ryan came to pick me up for lunch and as soon as he started talking to me and baby heard him- he was kicking HARD. i think it's a sweet sentiment, so don't ruin it for me if you don't agree!
• my lower back and left hip or apparently sciatic nerve is becoming more and more of an issue. especially after sitting for an extended period of time on a hard/wooden unsupported chair or surface. holy monkey's on fire it hurts to get up and walk around after that!
• i'm snoring now. i'm used to Ryan snoring and waking him up, but now the tables have turned and he's waking me up! it just started like two or three weeks ago though. and sometimes i wake myself up doing it. i hope it goes away after bambino is born.
• luckily i'm still sleeping pretty much through the night besides the potty calls. although i'm feeling him kick me in my sleep and he wakes me up in the morning now.
• i still feel pretty self conscious about not looking completely pregnant yet- but i'm getting there. some people at work still don't realize i am unless i tell them.
• i'm starting to get some wicked pains in the lower parts of my stomach, some cramps too. i'm really only hoping that he's just elbowing or kicking or doing something to some nerves and it's not something i should worry about, even though it doesn't make it hurt less.
• we have our 28 week appt in two weeks and i'm not excited about the sugar drink- but i am excited to see the little guy again. i want to see his cute nose! that also means that in two weeks i'll be in my THIRD trimester! yowza!
• last night, i woke up to go potty and on the way back to my bed i all of a sudden became incredibly terrified of being a mother. like a wall of bricks hit me and i almost started to cry. what if i do it all wrong? it's a good thing i've got Ryan. he will be an AWESOME daddy. i know... i'll be fine. it was just a moment i had.
• i shouldn't complain... i've been VERY blessed with my pregnancy. these things i'm complaining about are all completely normal. and i guess i'm not complaining really- i love feeling my little baby moving around inside of me and kicking me, and to know that i'm the only one that can do this is amazing to me and a great privilege. my sister in-law and i just agree that being pregnant is joyous, but not necessarily "fun".

How Our Weekend Was Spent.

One of my favorite people got married this past weekend! Congrats to them! She was a beautiful bride and I am excited for their new life together! We helped set up and decorate for it all. It's good to know that the decorations I used for my wedding can be used over and over again! This was round 3 for them!
We went out and bought our Christmas tree! It smells SO good! And it's so pretty! We had fun decorating it. I love a lit up Christmas Tree with all the lights off!
We put the lights up on the house! We have a house to put lights up on! I've been waiting for this day! I think they're pretty stinkin' cute too!
Ally doesn't like the vacuum. So she sat on me. Just like this. Look at her legs! She looks like she's about to do some gymnastics or something. She stayed there for quite a while too! And yes... she totally has an "emo" haircut.

Slide Show of Our Trip!

This is sort of long, but it's for posterity's sake...

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our Little Thanksgiving Trek-This will be long.

Ryan and I went to Utah this year for Thanksgiving to visit my family. After waking up at 2:30am Wednesday and having our dear friend Cecilia so willingly come pick us up at around 3:15 to get us to the airport, we got on our 6:15am flight with no problems or lines (although, we JUST missed the lines, they started right as we got through). When we got to SLC, we met up with about half of my family for lunch at Rubios in SLC. After that we really just spent the rest of the day hanging out at Greg's house down in Highland and spent some good quality time with each other. I feel like I'm missing something, but I don't think I am. By the time we got to bed that night though, we'd realized that we had been awake for approximately 22 hours... I was a tired little pregnant lady! Thursday we woke up fairly early and went to the store for some extra stuff, like some Mac and Cheese for Ryan to eat with his Thanksgiving dinner. Let me 'splain for those who don't live in or know what Mac n' Cheese is to the South. It's seriously considered a "vegetable" here. You pretty much can get it anywhere you go here and it's eaten with everything. And Ryan just loves it... so we knew he'd miss it since our traditional meal doesn't include it. But hey, the kids loved it! After our meal we hung out for a little bit and then we sent all the little kids downstairs so the grownups could talk and help my parents decide how to move on to the next chapter in their life. It was really cool to be there with my siblings and parents and figure out how to help our parents who have done SO much for us. After we talked for a bit and came to some conclusions and starting points for them- some of us went to see Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.

It was pretty cute... it had a really good message, but it was missing something. Not sure what- but it didn't completely satisfy me. I didn't really want to see that one- but all the kids did. It was fun to go with them though. After the movie we went back to Greg's and had dessert; apple pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and red velvet cake- and sang happy birthday to my dad since his birthday is tomorrow. Then we sat and talked some more while the kids played. It was just really cool to all be together and laugh and have a good time. Bed time followed shortly after that!

My sister in-law Sam and I had planned to go shopping EARLY the next morning at Gymboree for good sales on the clothes there for her girls and my little guy too. So I rolled out of the bed at 7:30am, brushed my teeth, brushed out my hair, wiped the residue mascara from under my eyes and threw a sweatshirt on over my ugly pregnant lady jeans and she came and got me at 7:45am! I know! Ryan asked if he could go, but I told him no- it was kind of a girls thing. So we set out on our way to the mall and Sam said Delinda (my sister) wanted to meet us for breakfast around ten because she was going shopping. So we went and did our thing and drove over to Mimi's Cafe where I saw Delinda... and then my sister Shauna and her partner Randi... and my mom... and, and, and... ANDREA! I was so surprised! Then realized that my friend Kate was there too... then saw another friend Bobbie... and then her mom... I was like "What the heck is going on!?" Delinda just looked at me and said "it's called a 'pssshhhh' (hand motion like a shower)!" Sam and Delinda had gotten together and thrown me a SURPRISE baby shower! I was SO surprised too! I had NO clue! It was so sweet and fun, and I felt SO loved and honored! So we had The Maxwell Girls including Linda, Bobbie, Trish and KK, Melissa, Kate, Andrea, my mom, Sam, Delinda, Claudia, Shauna and Randi! It was so great! Thank you to all who came and "showered" me with gifts! After the shower we took family pictures in the FREEZING cold wind, but it was fun. And it was the first time in a LONG time we've had everyone together.

After pictures we said our farewell to John's family and Shauna and Randi. That night Delinda and Ryan and I hung out with Andrea and Travis Green. Pretty low key.

Saturday was spent mostly with friends, in the morning we said goodbye to my parents and then had breakfast with an old friend of mine. Afterwards we SEARCHED for a large enough box to ship the crib, mattress and changing table in that my brother and Sam are so GENEROUSLY giving us. No luck, but it'll get here somehow! Then that night us and Delinda met up with Andrea, Travis, Mark, Ryan & Kate Webb and went to dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory at Trolley Square and then went to see the lights at temple square. It was lots of fun. Well, it was cold and we weren't there for long- but it was just right. Poor Delinda was feeling horrible and little did we know that she was suffering from bronchitis and a sinus infection poor girl!

Sunday was filled with sacrament meeting to listen to Greg's beautiful solo (that made me cry and the baby go crazy moving all over the place), cleaning up the place we were staying, resting a little, and a ride up to American Fork Canyon just before going to stay over at the Green's. We watched Hairspray (which I was a little skeptical about) and it was really funny! The next day we ate breakfast, thanks to Andrea's mom, and flew home! It was good to get back to our COMFY bed and little Ally and ... humidity! We had a REALLY good visit. One of the best I've had, I didn't get to see some friends I'd hoped I could- but there will be a next time, and our home is always open!! Only if I know you of course... :)

Tomorrow, when I have more energy and time I will post a slide show for more picture viewing. time for beddy bye!

I'm a tad bit emotional... dang hormones.

I've decided that I don't like it when my husband "goes missing", especially when I'm just about 6 months pregnant. See, every morning he texts or calls me to say that he's at work- which is around 7 o'clock. Well... when I hadn't heard from him by about 7:20 today I texted him to ask if he was there. Didn't hear back for a few minutes... so I called and his voicemail picked up right away. So I left a message. Then my poor little pregnant freak out hormones kicked in and the thought of previously heard sirens (and several of them) popped into my head. So around 7:40 when I hadn't heard from him, his phone was off, he wasn't answering my texts and hadn't called me from work or his work cell phone... NOTHING, I started to well, FREAK OUT. I knew there had to be something wrong because we're VERY communicative (willingly) with each other about where we are and what we're doing, etc. So I knew it wasn't him just "forgetting" to call me. So yeah... I didn't know what to do because I didn't have his work cell phone number. So I called his mom to see if she had it, her voicemail picked up right away. I called her work phone... rang and rang and then her voicemail there, me leaving a sobby message saying I'm worried about him. So at like 7:50 when I'm having to leave the house, I called his work and of course- they don't open until 8!!! AHHHH! Okay, so I'm crying at this point- have been for like 15 minutes. The dog is worried, my head is starting to hurt, I'm starting to breath crazy and get shaky... (I'm sort of embarrassed now to admit this) and I STILL can't get a hold of my RYAN! I of course had been praying my little head off that my man was okay and to please just let him call me! So I'm driving to work but thinking "okay, maybe I'll make a detour and go to his office and see if his truck is parked there and just tell work I got caught up in traffic... even though it's the holidays and NO ONE is driving out here...". I was a mess. I decided to call back in to his office and got his supervisor and got the cell phone number for Ryan and made sure he made it in and everything. Call the cell and he answered!!!!!!! Relief swept over me... and then the tears turned on again! He was okay! Everything was fine! He was safe!

He said he'd been trying to call me for an hour and 15 minutes and that my voicemail kept picking up right away. He'd gotten my voicemails I left him but never me on the phone... and while we were on the phone with each other finally, both of the text messages I sent came in... turns out there was something wrong with DUMB DUMB AT&T. Both of his parents phones weren't working either, and to my knowledge his mom's phone is still acting up even now 4 hours later!

Anyway- I came to realize even stronger than ever (like I didn't know before) that I love this man more than anything in the world and that I simply cannot live with out him! I told him he was NEVER allowed to leave me or get hurt. He just simply responded with "yes ma'am".

I mean, holy hormones Batman! I'd look at this stuffed frog he bought for me for Valentine's Day that the dog loves to sleep on and started to cry, I saw a picture of him on our table in the family room and started to cry... like I had already "lost" him or something. I started thinking of our trip we leave for tomorrow and how I wouldn't be going if he wasn't alright... it was HORRIBLE! I mean, all the worst thoughts that I could think of came to my head! The water works just wouldn't stop! And now... now I have a ROYAL headache, dry burning and glassy eyes and I'm all tuckered out.

Ryan thinks I should call AT&T and make them credit our bill for the month for making his poor pregnant wife so stressed out. He was almost to the point of freaking out too... so that made me feel a little better. Anyway... I'm okay, he's okay and I'm just not a big fan or the hormonal crap going on in my body right now. Happy Thanksgiving if I don't post before then. Oh and if you want some entertainment go to this article my sister sent me.

T.G.I.F.

I'm glad it's Friday. But it's panning out to becoming a pretty busy weekend. Which I'm not especially excited about. I guess it's life... but I'm sick of EVERY weekend being so busy! It's also that time of year too, so it's not slowing down anytime soon. Got engagements pictures to take of some friends, hair to get done, dinner with the in-laws to go to, Stake Conference, laundry...

I went to the doc today for my "24" week check up, even though I'm only 23 weeks. But we'll be in Utah next week so I had to go in early. Got to hear little guy's heartbeat, which always makes me happy. She measured me and basically told me I was good to go! Short and sweet! Next visit, the week before Christmas (at almost 28 weeks), I have to do my glucose test (blah) but the bright side is while they're waiting to test my blood they're going to do an ultra sound so we can see how our little guy is growing and all that good stuff. We're both excited to be able to see him again! I thought we'd have to wait until he came out before we saw him again. So that's something to look forward to in what will be (I've heard anyway) a wretched appointment. Anyway, we're headed off to Utah Wednesday morning until the following Monday for Thanksgiving. I am SO excited... I'll admit it- I'm "homesick". Even though Georgia is my "home" now... my whole family is out West and so I miss them and can't wait to be with them. Luckily every last one of us gets to be together for Thanksgiving. I'm SOOOO excited! And I get to see Andrea, and The Webbs, and Travis and hopefully some friends from my old work (cough, cough, hint, hint) and The Mathews and Emily B.! It will be fun. And also... the MOUNTAINS! REAL LIFE MOUNTAINS! Ryan's not looking forward to the flying part... but we'll get through it just fine. Anyway... I'm just about ready to leave work for the day. Peace out y'all.

Dashing Elves

I had to copy Shannon on this one... it was too funny to resist! Go here and check this cool little DIDDY out!!!

I Got Tagged By M.P. Vest

Seven things about me you might not have known...

1. When I was in about the 4th or 5th grade the neighbor girls and I would go in my room and put in my tape player anything from Paula Abdul to Tiffany to Wilson Phillips and sing along as if we were in a girl band. Sometimes we'd be brave and go with out the music and make up our own lyrics and tunes and record them on the the little black tape recorder with a teal colored record button. I did my own version to that rap song "Wild Thing" by Tone Loc. I wish I still had that tape... although, it might be REALLY embarrassing.

2. We had a bathroom window upstairs that looked over the roof of our family room and the back yard of the house. For as long as I could fit through it, I'd use the counter as a boost and crawl out the window and sit on the roof. I liked to sit up there (barefoot) to look out at our yard or down the hill behind our house. There were always such beautiful sunsets in Flagstaff and we had a good view of them from the back of our house. It was a quiet place to be, but now thinking about it- probably wasn't the safest place for me to be! And come to think of it, I don't think I ever got in trouble for being up there either... I wonder if I sneaked doing it. I can't imagine my mom loving me doing that. Although, I think they had me do it once because one of the bedroom doors was locked and I had to crawl out there and go to the bedroom to unlock the door. I could be making that up too though.

3. I had a crush on Jonathan Brandis when he was popular, for like a second. Back in like 1991 or 1992. A long time ago.

4. Even though I haven't in a while, I like to scrapbook. I'm not super creative when it comes to doing this, and I've only got like one stencil and just a few fun edged scissors- but I do it because I really love my pictures. I have two of those plastic storage containers FILLED with pictures. They are like gold to me and I would be so sad if they were ever taken from me or destroyed! So many memories therein contained! (Yes, I did say "therein".)

5. I like pickled beets. They have to be pickled though- not just regular beets. Another weird combination I like (and no it's not brought on by pregnancy) is warm blueberry muffins with a little bit of butter and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Also, a grilled cheese sandwich with a smidgen of honey or jam on top of the bread after cooked is delicious. Hey, Ryan even tried that one and thinks its good. Don't knock it until you've tried it. Plus, I blame it on my dad.

6. I used to have a pink blankey that was made for me (I think my mom and a friend of hers made it) when I was a baby that I LOVED. When I got older, I called it my "daddin". Not sure where that one came from. It was pink gingham on one side and then on the other it had pictures of this cartoon girl with red hair doing something... I think primping in front of a mirror and maybe playing tennis in a white dress...or something. It was quilted together with yarn knots. and by the time I was through with it when I was *cough* 16, all that was left was the pink gingham side which was completely see through and a little bit of the batting that was in the middle and the yarn ties. I used to sleep with it and take that thing every where with me- well, everywhere but school. I loved how it smelled (especially after my mom reluctantly washed it-tempted to throw it away) and would rub it's softness on my top lip. I used to also suck my ring and middle fingers on my left hand and twirl my hair. When I had to "retire" the blanket, my dad gave me a feather pillow that he didn't want to use anymore and that became my blankey subsitute. I still sleep with it to this day, rub it on my lip and I still twirl my hair (most of the time, I don't even notice it). But, no- I don't still suck my fingers. I stopped that when I was *cough* 8.

7. I rode the ride at the top of Stratosphere in Las Vegas, NV once. It was just about one of the scariest things I've ever done. It was cool and fun and stuff- but I'll probably NEVER do it again. Especially now that I'm becoming a mother!

I tag anyone who wants to participate. It was actually pretty fun to think of random things about myself. Some of those things I hadn't thought about in a long time!

My Niece the Dare-Devil

So my brother and his girls went to Disneyland this weekend and apparently my 5 year old niece Brooke is in love with Splash Mountain (good choice Brookey!) and loves the butterflies it puts in her tummy! They went on the ride three times! Here she is in front of my brother in the very back and behind the guy who looks like he's about to have a heart attack in the yellow hoodie! She's SOOOO cute!

P.S.- who couldn't love those cute little faces?

Thanks for loving me... I'm glad that people still do. Well, I'm still stuffy and congested and coughing and sneezing and Im thinking it's worse than a cold, so I'm going to the doctor this afternoon. Hopefully he can give me something that will get rid of what I think has become a sinus infection.

Okay, is it me- or are there a lot of people that call a sinus infection or sinuses in general just "sinus"??? Is that proper and I'm not getting it? I've heard on so many occasions "I think I have a sinus." And I think to myself, yes... we all have sinuses, and that's plural. I've come to learn that I have to interpret that to mean "I think I have a sinus infection." Right... See, there are several sinuses... not just one. Maybe it's a Southern thing... or have you heard people NOT in the South say that too?

Anyway... moving on, last night Ryan got to feel The Bun in the Oven or "Ben" as we have affectionately started to call him. He was VERY active last night so Ryan got to feel him move and kick and punch! Ry thought that was pretty cool. And how I know is that every time I've talked to him today he's brought it up... very cute! I'm glad he got to feel him though, because now he's seen him and felt him! It's all very real! I just looked at my Creepy Floating Baby thing and it says I only have 18 weeks left! WHOA! CRAZY! And yes, we're going with the name Benjamin Ryan for now. Well, I say for now- but it's really set in stone. We've got a back up though just in case he doesn't look like a Ben when he gets here. We both like the name though, and it feels right so that's what it is!

Well... I guess I better get back to work. Although, I don't want to. So not in the mood. Darn sales reps... (no offense of course to anyone who sells...)