tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70924626206133229862024-03-14T13:49:43.475-05:00THE QUEEN OF RANDOMThe musings of my sporadic mindCynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-39981395504827535642012-05-19T21:49:00.000-05:002012-05-19T21:56:32.756-05:00ChangeUntitled...
I live by two mottos; live life with no regrets and never wonder "what if". This year I've encountered many set backs and have experienced many emotions which have helped mold me into the woman I am. Although life can be trying at times, there are lessons to be learned, now whether we or not we are able to admit we aren't always right is another thing. I like to think that I am always... Ok mostly, open to the idea of seeing things differently. I'd say about 75% of my actions/decisions are planned out. I meticulously plan out my goals and while there is always room for error, I usually have back up plans. I do my research and I seek advice, mostly from my knowledgable and supportive mother. And then there is that 25% where I allow myself to be Care free (although i wish i allowed myself more room to do so, i am an adult... And with that comes certain responsibilities)...And that is when I tend to stumble. I am not perfect, nor will I ever try to be. I embrace my resilient nature and that I do not get discouraged easily, If anything, I welcome any challenge. Sometimes it takes me a couple tries to get it right, then there are times where i have yet to be successful. The Taurus in me brings out the stubbornness and somewhat selfishness, so at times I pursue things that aren't necessarily in my best interest. Don't you just hate when your id gives into your ego? So even if the results of my actions are not in my favor, at least I can say I made an attempt. I don't ever want to find myself at a point in my life wishing I should have done something I never had the courage to do. Indeed, there are things I would have like to have done differently, but those are just lessons that make us stronger.
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So I found this unpublished blog I had started before Matthew was born... I think it was dated April 22, 2011. After reading and reflecting on my perspective before I was a parent and how I see things now, I realize that while I was 29 when I wrote that, I had no clue about being a real adult with real responsibilities. I don't think your really an adult until your responsible for someone other than yourself. Sure, you're grown, live on your own, make your own decisions, pay your own bills, and can do whatever the hell you want... Once you become responsible for someone else your whole perspective changes. As mentioned in that unpublished blog, I lived on the edge 25% of the time... Ok maybe it was a little more than that now that I look back... But that's ok... I can say I've lived. Now I can say I live for my son... And that gives me the utmost satisfaction. I live, breathe, and sleep Matthew; he is my reason for being. It's difficult as hell, for any parent, single or not. By no means am I complaining because I do have my parents help, but as a responsible parent, you now have choices to make that not only affect you, but your child as well. Needless to say, 100% of my actions are now planned out. There is no room selfishness and screw ups. My life is so different now, but I love every minute of it.Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-69675812773160338602011-10-14T22:16:00.005-05:002011-10-14T23:29:56.229-05:00My Angel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh7AidFQkanFcjkn4EXO81gVjpZle9waDNINIpggYmLVsQvLciLoZpxT8WKiPtLgXs8ormfZubvY5Kxvam3I9fjeZldeNp1cNAubantk6EMrXAfQeTREFAO2OMPM7uVH3gdTpC6JvUMU/s1600/grandma.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663568172907999554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh7AidFQkanFcjkn4EXO81gVjpZle9waDNINIpggYmLVsQvLciLoZpxT8WKiPtLgXs8ormfZubvY5Kxvam3I9fjeZldeNp1cNAubantk6EMrXAfQeTREFAO2OMPM7uVH3gdTpC6JvUMU/s400/grandma.jpg" /></a> Grandma's birthday is just around the corner, 5 days in fact. Not a day goes by that I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> think of her and how I wished she was here to see my beautiful son and give me countless advice, much of which I probably <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wouldn't</span> ask for but being the grandma she was, she'd give it anyway. I just know she would have adored him (along with Jacob and Alice, the other new additions to our family this year). I remember her last birthday with us like it was yesterday... She was so upset about it. She had cancer but believed with every breathe in her body she would beat it. She was upset with every gathering since her diagnosis because she said we were getting together like it was her last one... we never really knew when the last one would be, so we cherished each and every one. Even though she was upset, she got over it cause she always loved parties... she liked the attention. She used to say my grandpa got all the attention <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. Well, 2 years have come and gone since her passing, I can still smell her perfume... which were actually mine but she loved the scents so she would use them all. I can still feel her hands, they were rough and dry (kinda like how your hands feel after using clorox) and her knuckles were very bony <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">and large from arthritis</span>. She hated her hands, but that's what I loved the most about her. Those hands caressed my face, wiped my tears, patted me to sleep, and held my own. I'll never forget them. I see her in my dreams from time to time and it brings me peace, I wake up feeling like for just a moment, she was here again. Matthew smiles a lot during his sleep (as most babies do), I like to think that my grandma is whispering to him. I know she is our guardian angel, and that brings me comfort. I can honestly say, she was the best grandma in the world and I was so lucky to have her... Happy Birthday Grammy... I love you!Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-30242901294723509822011-10-08T23:51:00.001-05:002011-10-08T23:54:50.097-05:00Time's flyingI can't believe how time flies by these days. Perhaps it's the sleepless nights and days that all roll over to the next, the fact that I started working again, and the exhaustion making everything feel like a flash. My little man is a whole new person (and while I say this I hope I didn't jinx him), his tummy is much better and his formula has finally settled with him making him MUCH less fussy. Can I hear an AMEN! He is sleeping a little better through the night which is definitely helping. Some nights I can get 5 hours of sleep in between one of his feedings (then he usually wants to eat every 2 hours for the next couple of feedings). Even though it's been really rough coping with Matthew's tummy troubles and my hormones (very emotional), things are finally settling down. My mom has been a great help and I am very blessed to have her. The best part is being able to watch him play and coo and smile whereas before, he was much more serious and in pain all the time.<br /><br />Matthew had his 2 month check up (yes, ;( he got his shots) and he weighed in at a whopping 10 lbs 8 ounces. OK, so he is still little and doesn't weigh much but he's gained almost 5 pounds since birth. He did better than I expected with the shots, I, of course, cried much more than he did. It's just so hard to see your little one in pain. He pretty much cried for a couple seconds and fell asleep. I was expecting the worst... I heard all the horror stories with babies being so fussy and getting an elevated temp afterwards, but not my Mattey, he slept... and slept... AND SLEPT for almost 24 hours waking up only to feed and even then, he would eat just an ounce or two. He did throw up and got a major case of the runs though :-/<br /><br />Work has been going great and I've even tried working a little more this past week. It really kicked my ass but that's only cause I'm not used to working as much (it's not much more than I worked when I was pregnant, but I have been out of work for 2 months so it feels like more) and I still don't sleep much, I've been told I never will again lol and I believe it too. Matthew has done really good with the sitter, he doesn't get picked up as much as he does at home but he sits in his bouncy and watches TV... he likes the cooking channel lol, SHE likes the cooking channel. I don't care as long as he's OK... I just wish it was educational... Like ABC educational, not learning how to make a souffle educational (at least not yet lol) anyhow, it sure beats daycare.<br /><br />As far as me, my life obviously revolves around my son, and I like it that way. My mom said I needed to be more social, but aside from the women at work, I don't have "friends" here. I haven't taken the time to socialize and meet anyone, it's kinda hard to with a baby and right now, I'm not concerned about it. While I'm beginning to appreciate the small town life, the way I see it, there is nothing to do around here, at least nothing I'd like to do. From what I've learned first hand, you cant take a shit with out the whole town finding out. (I didn't mean take a shit literally, but you know what I mean), Some people just don't have anything better to do. I don't know, I guess I still miss the Valley and everyone there. I think what I need to do is focus on myself more. I need to get back into shape and it will most definitely help de-stress, thing is... I cant seem to get motivated. I heard on the radio that 28 is the best age to lose weight cause you're more dedicated... well, I'm a little past that lol. My metabolism is as fast as molasses, I just had a baby, and I'm tired all the time. I think those 2o pounds I lost, I have gained... oh well, nothing I can do about it now. I'm gonna do it... hopefully sooner than later lol. I think I need to make my motivation playlist with nothing but Madonna and J.T... Cause this momma is gonna bring sexy back! DAMN RIGHT!Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-74034927855372422282011-09-16T00:43:00.009-05:002011-09-16T01:52:37.759-05:00So much, so soonI should be sleeping at almost 1 am since I've had a rather exhausting day but silly me I decided to drink some ice cold tea and well, I'm caffeine sensitive :-/. My son is down for his "nap". I guess they're all naps since they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> last more than three hours. It wont be long before he wakes so I may as well stay awake.<br />This week has been quite difficult... it seems as if Matthew is growing ever so rapidly and it makes me kinda sad. Of course I want him to grow, but I also want him to stay little forever... And well, I know he will always be my bab<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6Oacuv_2RyXXX51p9Qd0EORlHBlMaM4JZsBaH1k0rDZRruX1jU41BjGDPiHWSBMLQ7X2nWr7840j-i-gmNQRJuWZXVb8igtBpeiFOB2lUm1P4c3J2Ok682jwNSGkDjFAq8x6urSF9Uk/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 189px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652842387464654402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6Oacuv_2RyXXX51p9Qd0EORlHBlMaM4JZsBaH1k0rDZRruX1jU41BjGDPiHWSBMLQ7X2nWr7840j-i-gmNQRJuWZXVb8igtBpeiFOB2lUm1P4c3J2Ok682jwNSGkDjFAq8x6urSF9Uk/s400/IMG_1639.JPG" /></a>y boy, I just wish it happened gradually... He is growing so fast, so soon. First he finally outgrows size newborn diapers a few days ago. My 5lb 13oz little bundle of joy is now my 8.5 lbs bundle of joy... I still wanna squeeze him into a tiny newborn diaper <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>... but then we have a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">poopy</span> situation... yes, he will poop out of them = NO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">BUENO</span>! Then I try at size 0-3 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">onsie</span>... AND IT FITS... a tad big, but it fits. Yes he still fits in newborn clothing (some tighter than others, so we'll just have to get rid of those) but this also means he fits into the next size. I guess I shouldn't complain, some babies don't even fit in newborn sizes and I got to enjoy mine for almost two months (he might even fit in some of them after... we'll see :))Today he drank 4 ounces of formula (does this mean another growth spurt?)... I'm not sure his tummy could handle it but 3-3.5 ounces was not filling him up. He was literally shoving his fists in his mouth cause he was STARVING... so he made it seem. In 13 days he will be 2 months old which means 10 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzyOGJNJgi4WylUnTHBM-IF-L1mIoOXlJlwl5Lu25-QnGxjfGKBEPaFg_Z0U61Y1K4bQ5efdIlQEGXWFMBSKcyqWILTVHn_evfbGKJXGw-DdxlSUDJrV32kF9kz6Ffw7GWaabcCWmAtU/s1600/chillin.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 210px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652842787499613682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzyOGJNJgi4WylUnTHBM-IF-L1mIoOXlJlwl5Lu25-QnGxjfGKBEPaFg_Z0U61Y1K4bQ5efdIlQEGXWFMBSKcyqWILTVHn_evfbGKJXGw-DdxlSUDJrV32kF9kz6Ffw7GWaabcCWmAtU/s400/chillin.jpg" /></a>months and 13 days till his first birthday... It's gonna fly by so quick. Yesterday he was able to lift himself off the bed... grabbing on to my mom's fingers of course... I know it's a milestone but like any mother would think... "My child is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">genius</span>" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. He is talking and smiling a lot more when he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">isn't</span> fussing... it's so adorable.<br />So much has happened so quick that it breaks my heart to go back to work on Monday, but unfortunately, I have to ;( not only financially, but I think for my own sanity. Don't get me wrong, I adore my son and would rather stay home, but I need adult time too and almost two months thus far of tummy troubles and constant crying really takes a toll on you physically, it just wears you out. I think my fear is that I am going to miss out on something that I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wouldn't</span> if I stayed at home... but again, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> have that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">privilege</span>. I took him yesterday to meet the sitter. She is an old lady and comes highly recommended. Apparently she's raised a few kids in town. She seems kinda physically slow, but then again she's old... what am I supposed to expect, right? She takes care of one other child, soon to be two years old. I hope she adjusts to Matthew cause her momma wont wanna deal with me if my son comes home with bites <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. When I arrived the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">TV</span> stayed on the cooking channel the whole time. Granted Paula Dean is fun to watch (and you'll get a bonus clogged artery at the same time just for watching) I kinda expected for cartoons to be on (not that I expect cartoons to baby sit the kid). I guess the kid has a good imagination since the old lady is a channel hoarder. One thing I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">necessarily</span> like was that she was telling me about the little girls lunch... She said that day she was being particularly picky and pointed to jello, so she gave her jello... then she pointed to marshmallows so she gave her that... ate a few bites of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">macaroni</span> and I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know what else. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ummm</span>, Sorry but that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">doesn't</span> seem like a balanced much less healthy meal. I sure hope that's not what she feeds my son when he is able to eat solids. Another thing... She said she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasn't</span> as "strict" as she used to be. I asked her how many naps the little girl takes through out the day and she replied... "I just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> think it's that big of a deal anymore... if she wants to nap, she naps, if she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesn't</span>, she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesn't</span>". OK... I've only been a mom for a second but I kinda know that kids need structure... and that includes naps. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Don't</span> get me wrong... I like the lady, she seems nice and it sure as hell beats putting Matthew in day care, so for now, it will work. It's been a while since she has taken care of an infant but she says she loves them... I just hope mine <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesn't</span> scare her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. I'm actually scared to leave him... I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> think anyone can care for him like I can (or my mom) but I suppose that's every mother. Since Matthew has been sick from his tummy since he was born, he is quite needy... I just hope both she and the little girl adjust... Matthew too for that matter, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> think she will cater to his every cry like we do.<br />I mentioned in a previous post about diapers... I change my mind... I still prefer Pampers <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Swaddlers</span> over Pampers baby dry... They are much softer and I think they keep the skin drier, but that is just my opinion, they still work pretty good. Just in case anyone wanted to know <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>.<br />Well, It's that time again... Feeding time or changing time... Let's go find outCynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-61675494386259268982011-09-13T13:13:00.006-05:002011-09-13T19:36:03.714-05:00Welcome to Motherhood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPHSQHLkK5oIPlhDiMNXXF9vJIpwEQWJCcvs4L2tV9XQnvNqPb0R5qDL2sC_r9MxoK-04TqlIC-1VZMkY7eXN9-_RCOAX00YqNih1UgwIYbwf9qwcb8EBUhYRgyGb7vlbxe9Yjy413IE/s1600/babysleeps.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 239px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651965087041824946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPHSQHLkK5oIPlhDiMNXXF9vJIpwEQWJCcvs4L2tV9XQnvNqPb0R5qDL2sC_r9MxoK-04TqlIC-1VZMkY7eXN9-_RCOAX00YqNih1UgwIYbwf9qwcb8EBUhYRgyGb7vlbxe9Yjy413IE/s400/babysleeps.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>It's been a while since my last post... Why you ask? Cause I've been <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">freakin</span>' tired, that's why <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. It's actually getting better but it has definitely been an experience. Being that I have friends and family members with babies on the way I'd like to share my experience thus far... Now don't get me wrong, every pregnancy and every baby is different and I was one of the not so lucky ones who got both ends rough. We all know my pregnancy was full of complications, the birth of my son was complicated (not too complicated but very far from what I had in mind), and as if it's not difficult enough to be a single mother, my son came with his share of complications. Let me give you a run down...<br />Week 1:<br />I arrived home from the hospital with out any pain killers to get me through the day/evening trying to recuperate from a c-section. Because I live in a cheap-ass town (OK it really isn't "cheap-ass" but that is how I felt when I was in pain and our local HEB pharmacy along with all the other pharmacies closed at 4pm or earlier). Because we live in the country, our roads are bumpy and when your uterus has just been sliced open and your skin is held together with a strip of glue (That's right, no stitches or staples), it literally feels like you're going to bust open. From day 2, Matthew had tummy trouble. He screamed for hours off the top of his lungs and to make matters worse I had such a hard time getting in and out of bed because of the pain... Remember, I had NO pain killers, and I'm sure there are some tough chicks out there who can do it with out pain pills, but I NEEDED them. My son went home eating less than 10 mL of formula, therefore he wanted to eat every 2 hours or less. He has gradually made his way up and is now eating every 2.5-4 hours. I tried having him sleep in the bassinet but that didn't work. I finally got my pain killers and it still didn't help, but you gotta get over it 'cause you have a whole new person you're responsible for. THANK GOD FOR MY MOM!<br />Weeks 1-3 were all pretty much the same. Matthew cried for hours, day in and day out. His tummy was hard and distended, he would scream when he had to pass gas or have a bowel movement... and as we would later find out, he is allergic to milk protein and soy, making him very gassy, thus causing him to scream ALL THE TIME. He was inconsolable, I rocked him, sang to him, bounced him, cradled him, caressed him, and NOTHING worked. We tried chamomile, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">salvia</span>, warm olive oil on his belly, Karo syrup, gas drops, gripe water, warm tummy compresses, spent over $150.00 in bottles trying to find the right one (Dr. Brown's, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Avent</span>, Playtex Nurser etc... we finally stopped with Playtex <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">VentAire</span>)... you name it, we tried it and no relief. I tried breast feeding but since I hardly lactated, I tried using a pump and between both breasts I would get less than 10 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">mLs</span>... That wasn't even enough to feed him. I was exhausted and frustrated and I knew my baby could feel it. My mom would come help, all he needed was a change of arms. All I wanted to do was console my child and I couldn't. I started to feel like he preferred my mother over me (I realized later that the baby could sense my frustration, my being tense made him more tense, but of course he loves his Grammy). I started to feel inadequate, I couldn't lactate, I couldn't give birth to my son much less see his birth since I was put under with general anesthesia which means I didn't hear his first cries, and I couldn't console him. I even questioned if I had post <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">partum</span> depression. It was really rough, I had my days where I cried because I didn't know what else to do. But seriously... crying doesn't get you anywhere. Matthew went through 5 formula changes and I quit trying to pump since I was completely exhausted. With him waking up every 3 hours to feed (which means he sleeps for 3 hours and I sleep for 1.5, IF THAT, after a diaper change, burping, rocking him to sleep, and however long it takes me to fall asleep). He had his bad days and he had slightly better ones.<br />Weeks 4-7<br />All of the above minus the self pity. I'm not sure if he was actually a little better or I was just used to it already... actually, I was just used to the constant crying and the frequent feedings. Matthew started to have blood in his stool. At this point he was on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Similac</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Allimentum</span> already which is already pretty sensitive. That's when his pediatrician said he had a reaction to that as well. Here we go again, my baby is a month old and another formula change. This time, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Enfamil</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nutramigen</span>. We started off with powder and yet he seemed to get worse so I switched him to the ready to use version of the formula. He seemed to tolerate it much better. If it's the same formula, why does he do better with one over the other? I spent over an hour on the phone with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Enfamil</span> since his pediatrician said there was no difference (he was pissing me off because he didn't seem as concerned as I was). It all boiled down to a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">probiotic</span> in the powder that isn't in the ready to use. If <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">probiotics</span> help his tummy, why was it doing the opposite? Finally after 6 weeks and trying anything and everything I finally figured out that he can tolerate the powder if I prepare it in advance, therefore the formula has time to breakdown more (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">IDK</span> that's just my opinion) and there is less air in the mix. He is still fussy but it is way more tolerable than before (I'm just hoping his caregiver can handle him). I can now sing my son to sleep, play with him, listen to him coo, see him smile, etc. One of the downfalls to his tummy troubles is that he now required to be rocked to sleep and he NEEDS to sleep with me. No bassinet and no "by-my-side sleeper" (tiny cradle that you can put on your bed. That's what happens when he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">practically</span> has lived in our arms for a month (not cause we were trying to spoil him, but console him) Oh yeah, and I changed pediatricians, that other one pissed me off and I just didn't wanna deal with him anymore. The new pediatrician said he could possible have acid reflux so she prescribed him some medication to help for that, he may eventually see a GI doctor... I'm thinking that's our best bet.<br />Although we've been through a lot in such little time, I cant say I know it all. We (my mom and I) are still learning and will continue to learn. But here is my advice, take it if you like, no hard feelings if you don't...<br />(These first ones are passed on from my friends) Be patient. Don't give up on yourself, you're stronger than you think. Remember your baby is new and sometimes it takes a while to get to know each other. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion. In regards to diapers, I prefer Pampers <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">swaddlers</span> over <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">huggies</span> little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">snugglers</span>...due to leaks. Matthew just upgraded to a size 1 and well I have bought Pampers baby dry to test them out since you get more for your buck... not too bad. If you have a colicky baby, I use Colic Calm (found at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">CVS</span>, homeopathic, does not contain sugar, alcohol, or sodium bicarbonate, but makes baby's poop very dark) and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wellements</span> gripe water (found at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wallgreens</span>, organic and has sodium bicarbonate, but no sugar or alcohol), some people swear by them, I was just looking for a ray of light. Formula is expensive especially when you have so many changes and leave many cans unused or partially used. Sign up at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Similac</span> or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Enfamil</span> website, you get coupons and they will even send you formula samples (usually a can or 2 if you're lucky). Use coupons, it's a money saver, BABIES ARE EXPENSIVE. So much for my 12 days of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dooney</span> and Bourke this Holiday season <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span> (Although, I think I deserve a push gift or two from myself, but I have my eye on a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Burberry</span> bag, we'll see ;) ) Don't buy crap for convenience, I learned that the hard way... Money wasters... Car and Nursery Bottle warmers (baby doesn't wanna wait 15 minutes for bottle to warm... get your ass up and warm it, I know you're exhausted, just make sure you check the temp, it took me a while to get used to it)... make sure the formula allows warming, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Enfamil</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nutramigen</span> has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">probiotics</span> that are no longer present when warmed... it kills the bacteria or something. I also ordered a travel wipe warmer from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">walmart</span>.com... Prince <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lionheart</span> travel warmer... only has room for 3o and they run out quick. I figured it was perfect for home and travel since it has both wall connection and car charger. We didn't have then growing up so I'm you pretty much dont need one. I bought it cause I thought I could take it with me when we go to town, it has a car charger, but with all the baby stuff you have to carry, I usually forget the warmer. Just get the big one if you insist on a warmer.</div><br /><div>Things I love</div><br /><div>I LOVE the Diaper Genie, that's just my opinion. Arm and Hamme makes these little poopy bags for the poopy diapers for when you're out on the town (Thanks Amy). Johnson & Johnson hand and face wipes, $2.50 for 25 count but they are a good fresher upper for the baby. Pampers Sensitive wipes... they supposedly dont sting and since Matthew's formula makes him poop like 8 times a day, his bottom can get raw (I'm considering switching to Huggies wipes (sensitive) since they are thicker). I have yet to find large receiving blankets so I use the ones I stole (YES I SAID "I STOLE") from the hospital. I kept three lol ;) While they aren't soft like the ones from the store, you can still swaddle your baby and have leg room. Huggies makes disposable changing pads (Because I now have a budget, if he doesnt poop or pee on it and I usually dont put his bottom down on it, I re-use it (I think only 8 come in the pack). I love anything I can get from Target but since it's an hour away, I gotta settle from our crappy selection at our local Walmart... And let m tell you, I'd rather order online cause they dont have JACK! I cant even find the ready to use formula that my son is on. I'm iffy on the bottle sterilizer... that's roughly 25 bucks you can save when you can just boil... I bought it anyway, it's pretty convenient nonetheless. Those blue pacifiers from the hospital are ugly and they get hooked, so if you plan on using one, take one of your own. Oh yeah... outings WILL NEVER BE THE SAME! I cant really think of anything else at the moment, I'm sleep deprived... Can you blame me? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. One more thing... Don't be afraid to ask for help or look for communities online where you can communicate with other mothers going through the same issues you are, it helps to know you're not alone. As for me, I'm scheduled to return to work this coming Monday, Let's just say I'm not too happy. I wish I could be a stay at home mom, at least for the first year, but I'm not that fortunate. <em></em></div>Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-43760865660304577292011-08-10T20:25:00.005-05:002011-08-11T00:11:20.996-05:00A whole new world...I have finally found a meaning and my purpose to this life... My son, Matthew Landon. Words can not describe the love I have for him, and as corny as it sounds, he completes me; He is what I have been missing my whole life. My eyes well up with tears (tears of happiness) and my heart skips a beat (or two, or three) at the sight of him. I have found the love of my life, one that is unconditional, one that I can call mine forever. I didn't expect to feel like this, well actually, I didn't really know what to expect. The day I found out I was getting induced I was beyond scared, I didn't feel prepared, but is anyone ever really prepared? Anxiousness and excitement followed. I didn't take any birthing classes, I just felt that when the moment came, I'd probably forget everything and nature would kick in anyway. Thursday, July 28, 2011 was like any other day, any other appointment. I had a non-stress test, followed by a biophysical profile, followed by a visit from the doctor... only much to my surprise, my doctor wasn't there so I had to see a midwife. Matthew hadn't been moving so much for the past three BPP's and my amniotic fluid dropped again. For the safety of the baby and of my own, they agreed it was time to induce. An EZ cath was inserted in to my cervix at the office... basically it's a foley catheter and they inflate the balloon with saline to thin/ripen my cervix. I was told I would be started on pitocin at 6 am. Ready or not... it was time. I drove myself to the hospital (yes walking with a catheter between your legs is quite uncomfortable, and to top it off, blood was dripping down my legs). Induction was started in the morning, the catheter didn't fall out until noon. My amniotic bag was broken around 4pm. I had been tolerating my contractions pretty well. I was trying to focus and breathing through them; Mom was a pretty good coach. Once the amniotic bag was broken, the intensity of my contractions doubled, and I thought they were quite strong already... They peaked on the strip so I didn't know how much stronger they could get. For roughly 2-3 hours my contractions were coming 1-2 minutes apart. My plan was to have an epidural... I didn't have anything to prove to anyone and besides, why put myself through the pain? The anesthesiologist finally came to give me some relief... or so I thought. He tried 6 times going higher and higher up my spine trying to get the epidural in, it wouldn't budge. Apparently I now have spinal stenosis or something or other. Well, I guess I'd have to endure a natural childbirth. And that was OK with me (It's not like I really had a choice lol). 7pm came around and I hadn't dilated past 4cm, the doctor decided it was time to take the alternate route, a c-section... What I wasn't prepared for was hearing that I had to be put under general anesthesia since the epidural didn't take. I've always had a fear of general anesthesia, partly because of my control issue, I wouldn't know what was going on, but worst of all, I feared I wouldn't wake up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbUFTnWC16QpCb_JrJDp-GJ_nwAET-jiqDCog6tCjtb9aCbKC99GhWdlKnk3U_YSWU_RPnUs-GyOZcIPdh95NXfKGQ-g3IzrfYT1AEJewf_dO3lacsSnM9tr4qxvnQGcjGiG35uiCHJk/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 253px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 367px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639425313780736402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbUFTnWC16QpCb_JrJDp-GJ_nwAET-jiqDCog6tCjtb9aCbKC99GhWdlKnk3U_YSWU_RPnUs-GyOZcIPdh95NXfKGQ-g3IzrfYT1AEJewf_dO3lacsSnM9tr4qxvnQGcjGiG35uiCHJk/s400/IMG_1557.JPG" /></a>. My mother was allergic to a type of general anesthesia and it nearly killed her. Here I was, about to be a mother for the first time, and what if I didn't ever get to meet him? OK, so I know I can be a little dramatic but fear is fear, and I couldn't control that. I cried and cried until I passed out, literally. I remember the anesthesiologist saying I'm going to press on your throat and it's going to feel like you cant breath... OK, who wouldn't panic when someone is practically choking you? I have no recollection of what happened next, I didn't dream, I didn't think. I woke up in recovery. I vaguely recall the sounds of my son's cries. The nurse put my son to my breast. I had to ask my mom if I cried when I first saw him 'cause I couldn't remember. She said yes. lol. Matthew Landon never left my sight. He was never taken to a baby nursery. He graced our presence at 8:21pm on 7/29/11 weighing in at 5lbs 13oz and measuring 18in long. He sure was a precious little peanut, and he was all mine!<em> </em>I feel like I missed the best part, seeing my son come in to this world. It almost feels like a dream and at any moment I can wake up like I fabricated this entire story. Clearly that's not what I want, I love my son and I love everything about being a mother. I just feel I missed a very important part of his birth but truth of the matter is, the best part is right in my arms. <3
<br />Because Matthew was never taken to a nursery, motherhood set in quite rapidly. Mom was there the first night in the hospital, but since my dad and his wife came in to town to visit my son and I, she gave them the opportunity to stay with me... which they didn't take, so I was on my own. To make matters worse Matthew had tummy troubles which meant I couldn't sleep a wink. The first half of the night I slowly managed to get in and out of bed to get him, the second half, I just let him sleep on my chest. He still cried and cried but at least I didn't have to endure the painful movements of climbing out of that hospital bed. A nurse was kind enough to watch him for a couple minutes so I could bathe... at 3 am. Yup... he had been so fussy I couldn't get away. I wouldn't doubt he kept the whole hall awake. I bet my "neighbors" were thinking... "what the hell are they doing to that poor child" lol. The second hardest thing I had to deal with was his circumcision. I debated and debated on whether or not to do it. I couldn't stand the thought of my newborn son being in pain. I cried and cried as I contemplated over my decision. The nurse came to get him. He was sound asleep when he arrived, but when the doctor came to check up on him, he screamed off the top of his lung when he heard the doctor's voice. For over half an hour my poor baby was inconsolable... and of course I cried, I began to regret my decision.
<br />So we are home now and he is almost two weeks old. Time sure flies. he is beginning to fill out... putting on some weight. His family jewels have healed up, thank God for that! He is pretty much on a schedule and feeds every 2-3 hours. My biggest challenge is breast feeding/pumping. Who the heck has time to pump every time the baby eats? Seriously? Between feedings, changing diapers, burping him (this happens to be quite the task/challenge), trying to get sleep myself... then pumping... and to make matters worse, I hardly lactate (doctor said my heat stroke probably had a lot to do with it, not to mention the fact that the baby was early). Regardless, I am determined, I may not pump as frequently as I should but I still try. I don't get enough for a feeding, not even half an ounce :( but what little I can offer my son is good enough for me. I've spent almost two weeks in pajamas, except for 3 days that we went out... 2 for appointments and once to have dinner. Time is flying and before I know it, I will be back to work, and my heart will break.
<br />I love every minute with my son. My life will never be the same, and I wouldn't have it any other way. God has truly blessed me, and I am forever grateful!
<br />Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-62999848038489195682011-07-26T19:17:00.011-05:002011-07-26T20:41:33.185-05:00No hugs for da thugs...(This one's for Missy... 'cause she says I only write about Matthew these days and AS IF SHE HAS EVEN READ A BLOG IN OVER A YEAR... What! Don't act like I don't know)<br /><div>Nope... no hugs for da thugs, from me anyway. So I get to a patient's apartmen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2oQoUhybiUfTQvVeQ8ywh0gtDKcP3C1uCTkuzTXAbEcaJcE_A3F4VrTrEiwNzw6FP7yzQoruAjfID9Egy66TP2pMcgkCFtOkeaclaS5oi8xx7VK38j5CeJWQDFi0RsgFxeuEmxFud0M/s1600/lowpants.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 259px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633836785151112786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2oQoUhybiUfTQvVeQ8ywh0gtDKcP3C1uCTkuzTXAbEcaJcE_A3F4VrTrEiwNzw6FP7yzQoruAjfID9Egy66TP2pMcgkCFtOkeaclaS5oi8xx7VK38j5CeJWQDFi0RsgFxeuEmxFud0M/s400/lowpants.jpg" /></a>t today and there were some NASTY looking wanna-be gangstas in a parking area near by (No offense to those who like the gangstas or the cholos.. and this has nothing to do with race... just so happens to be my observation today). No, I didn't get scared, nor did I hang on to my belongings tightly like I do when I go to Mexico (although, that might be a good idea since the patient did say to always lock up and never leave anything that can be stolen in the car), I mean... why should I fear them? They should fear me... They don't call me the "Nutcracker" for nothing! LOL Just kidding, I crack myself up sometimes... OK, so I made the "nutcracker" part up but I am from the Valley, so I'm sure I can scrape up some PSJA (Pharr-San Juan-Alamo) flava and lay it on them. Of course I look, NOT 'cause they're hot, but because their pants are hanging off their asses, my poor eyes are blinded by their ghetto foil paper grillz, and I cant help but wonder if those do-rags cut off circulation to their brain (That's just the nurse in me... What? I'm genuinely concerned). And can someone please explain to me why it is that men and I suppose some women too, who wear their pants at their knees have the need to grab their crotch? I don't desire to see the size of their package, if they really wanted they could ask me to measure it... like I said, I'm a nurse, and what nurse doesn't carry a measuring tape? Would they like me to examine their VD (venereal disease)? Cause I'd rather leave that up to someone else? And they don't just grab it for a second or two, they start walking towards me and keep it in their hand, and of course they got their swag and walk with a limp like they "got shot with a few shells" like 50 cent. Anyways... So no, I definitely wasn't interested in their looks as opposed to all the curiosities that flooded my brain at that moment. I don't mind all saggy pants wearing men... I mean.. I LOOOVE me some Usher and Chino Moreno... just to name a few, but they aren't gross and I suppose it's just a matter of personal preference, but that's just me. Anyhow... since I now live in the country and I dont see any Usher's or Chino's around here, I get<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWonf-ZVaZNvEzmm8U67Hgc7LeeZ5xtuga0R64QJCwXAQosYrh58y-E2RfurtrJR9_dzx5woOs9s5aW0mnN8Z3rCJ7wdJ-yYKmhnw2OrvOZvA6d2sHJBoSL3v5FNhCxwtkijQFjnj3Ows/s1600/imagesCAC13VTT.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 173px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633837177805904866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWonf-ZVaZNvEzmm8U67Hgc7LeeZ5xtuga0R64QJCwXAQosYrh58y-E2RfurtrJR9_dzx5woOs9s5aW0mnN8Z3rCJ7wdJ-yYKmhnw2OrvOZvA6d2sHJBoSL3v5FNhCxwtkijQFjnj3Ows/s400/imagesCAC13VTT.jpg" /></a> to see some nice looking "Wrangler butts". I don't always look at their face 'cause sometimes the teeth scare me (they either don't have any or they are in between orange, brown, and black... They snuff a lot around here... AND AGAIN, IT'S NOT EVERYONE BEFORE ANYONE STARTS TO FEEL OFFENDED) I like to look at a nice smile (and a nice butt), again... that's just my preference. </div><br />Back to that patient I was visiting... He has a lot of interesting stories he shares with me, some are scary, some are odd, and some are just way weird (I'm charting while he is yapping away, I really do listen and throw in an "uh huh" or an "oh my word" in every once in a while so he knows I'm listening lol). It's aways a different story. Today was about the prostitute that was getting evicted. So this young woman who has a husband in prison (who, btw, is getting out very soon) has been turning tricks out of her apartment. He sees all kinds of men at all hours of the day go in and out of that apartment. He said he has even seen young boys going going to get serviced. I was curious... so I wanted to see her and see what she looked like, I didn't get to though. He also said that this same woman came over to borrow something one day. From outside his door he said to the woman (wearing a mini tube top dress), you "know...it's not really that hot outside for so little clothes" she apparently got a kick out of it and flashed him. Now, the patient didn't say his reaction to the flash, so I wont comment on that part... but what old man wont get excited about that? Then again, what old man wont get a heart attack from that either? LOL. Anyways, he went on and on with different stories as he usually does, but I only have time for so much and my attention span doesn't allow for too much at one time. I'm sure I'll hear more on the next visit.Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-11861331469019246562011-07-23T22:12:00.012-05:002011-07-26T19:16:45.168-05:00Counting down...Almost 37 weeks and counting... I cant say I'm "miserable" like I hear most women say throughout pregnancy but with 3 weeks or less to go, I am finally starting to feel "pregnant". By that I mean short of breath, I got the penguin waddle down to the "T", I cant get out of a comfy chair as quick as I used to, I cant see my nether regions, and my calves and ankles merged (so I sport cankles now, don't judge... I like to think of them as Jessica Rabbit legs... you know... fr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlLT6G_xGGASaEgIH29EsRD1aUibu-6eWcoVU86ru77z-kPJSxRA4zXZP-LZukpxoNzyapeft-go5GwhMQTiSXRWoyVIgpcQDWrtynQ3VLSQEK3MuSqEyGCaF_kKPwQqwgRFcyP2PAqs/s1600/Jessica_Rabbit_by_claudiovc.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 225px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632771029461232626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlLT6G_xGGASaEgIH29EsRD1aUibu-6eWcoVU86ru77z-kPJSxRA4zXZP-LZukpxoNzyapeft-go5GwhMQTiSXRWoyVIgpcQDWrtynQ3VLSQEK3MuSqEyGCaF_kKPwQqwgRFcyP2PAqs/s400/Jessica_Rabbit_by_claudiovc.jpg" /></a>om Who framed Roger Rabbit... only I'm a little curvier in more than one place than she is), my hands and feet are swollen, and from what I hear... when baby is getting near, my nose is supposed to puff up as well (at least that's what I was told by the ladies in the office... so I have someone monitoring my face... OK kinda but not really) just to name a few. Oh well, it's just a small price to pay when you look at the big reward in the end.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I had my second baby shower that the wonderful ladies from Jordan Health Services threw for me/Matthew. He got lots of great gifts and the diapers were wonderful, I think I'm set for a good while... I said "I think" 'cause I don't really know how much babies poop and pee, but I'm sure I'll find out pretty soon. My room has has been transformed and accommodates my soon to be new "room-mate", I'm definitely ready for him once he gets the eviction noti<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3m5IvEU-FOQ6pVFaQatg76yoLVgGpe2_5aY2uqaely3Z4Lwlab26f2TmS3Ou7QxVSWyE4RAMvxHAbAy6yG0z5rFVutUnYjDfoGH2W7iiEg2hpDnBfV5pxXjYVI3gGjyijc9QlmOurUo/s1600/evictionnotice.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 173px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632771028157223794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3m5IvEU-FOQ6pVFaQatg76yoLVgGpe2_5aY2uqaely3Z4Lwlab26f2TmS3Ou7QxVSWyE4RAMvxHAbAy6yG0z5rFVutUnYjDfoGH2W7iiEg2hpDnBfV5pxXjYVI3gGjyijc9QlmOurUo/s400/evictionnotice.jpg" /></a>ce from my uterus... I'm hoping sooner than later, not because I don't enjoy being pregnant but because I cant wait to see him and hold him and squeeze him and love him forever and ever :) ... And now I sound like that Elvira character from tiny toons, but that's how I feel, I just love him soooo much already ♥ I don't think I can ever get enough of him. ♥ ♥ </div><br />On another note, I'm getting a little annoyed with people saying "get ready, your life is never gonna be the same" like it's a bad thing or a threat (some say it in a good way... I guess it's just their tone) and I should be watching out for the"no turning back sign". I'm sorry if kids made their life miserable but having lost my angel several years ago, I consider Matthew a blessing and I'm looking forward to the "no turning back" sign because he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I've had a great lif<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis7Fo1DxNEha-cs3wzJWtTnelzw6nbk8HLhYQKHoZO_L8fi4hsqfKg4oVMmOtiJrtuMjOt_AwTSw8XtoGDJ1h4n-6Y6UJBDlni64jKKGh0tN85BX5p-uw-r_ng4hGlrQ7PGN2pc4vV4E/s1600/bambam.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 225px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632773662199794658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis7Fo1DxNEha-cs3wzJWtTnelzw6nbk8HLhYQKHoZO_L8fi4hsqfKg4oVMmOtiJrtuMjOt_AwTSw8XtoGDJ1h4n-6Y6UJBDlni64jKKGh0tN85BX5p-uw-r_ng4hGlrQ7PGN2pc4vV4E/s400/bambam.jpg" /></a>e and my little miracle is going to make it so much better, so no, I don't mind missing my days of partying and up all-nighters, they'll just be a little different. Instead of cocktail parties and clubbing I'll have days of birthday parties and getting chased around with a foam club by my Matthew like Bam Bam from the Flintstones (Notice how I've made many cartoon references? Yup... I've done my research lol), and my up all-nighters will be countless nights round the clock feedings and diaper changes. Maybe I'm just a tad more hormonal these days but it really bothers me that some people make it sound so negative. Even with all my complications, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I just have to ignore them, I know I'm going to be a great mother, I cant say I'll be perfect, but I'll do the best damn job that I can, besides my mother is a great role model and although I'm still not Teague, Tx's biggest fan, I couldn't have made a better decision than being close to my mother.<br /><br />So until "D-day" gets here (I mean Delivery day NOT DOOM'S DAY), It's more of those bi-weekly doctor's visits (yes, this now includes those highly uncomfortable and painful pelvic exams, UGH). I'm gonna miss feeling him in my tummy the most. I know I've said it before, but I just love to see my stomach move from him rolling around or kick boxing (whatever it is that he is doing in there) the most... It is such an amazing feeling. Oh yeah... did I mention doc says to keep working? With my fluid fluctuations, I was actually hoping he'd say "modified bed rest" or "it's a good idea to stop working now"... but NOOOOO :( he said it'll keep me active, and I suppose it's a good idea to keep those paychecks coming since I'm not fortunate enough to have maternity leave... well, the paid kind anyway. My cousin Amy had her baby a few days before Father's Day, and her doctor told her to stop working 6 weeks before... and that's cause she works just 45 minutes away. I live about an hours drive from the hospital and I drive 45 minutes away in the opposite direction... AND MY PREGNANCY HAS BEEN COMPLICATED... sheesh! lol, yeah, yeah, doc knows best, I'm just jealous cause I'm tired these days, but my job is very accommodating to my appointment schedule, some days I work on days I have appointments (just a little) and some days I don't. I couldn't ask for more!Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-65329021205385670752011-07-16T19:01:00.003-05:002011-07-17T15:28:27.847-05:00Showered with loveMy RGV baby shower came and went and if you ask me, we had a pretty good turn out considering many people were on vacation. The best part was that I was able to make it to my shower. Everything was planned out, car was packed, and we were ready to celebrate this baby boy... But there was one thing... I had a doctor's appointment the Thursday we were planning to leave. The original plan was to get out of work around noon and head out to the appointment, then head south to the Valley. All that changed when my dr changed the appointment to first thing in the morning because my amniotic fluid levels began to decline again. I prayed and prayed everything would be fine. My report wasn't great, fluid levels were lower than previously but I was still allowed to travel (my dr wasn't there so his associate gave me the OK not knowing any of my history. I honestly feel my dr would have put me in the hospital and there would have been a baby shower without me). I had strict rules to abide by: push fluids, don't get over-heated, rest as much as possible, and do frequent kick counts. It was impossible to have an enjoyable time feeling so paranoid about the baby's health. Little by little I started to feel the chaos of things not going as planned. I had lots to do and very little help. I started to feel like baby-momma-zilla. Things weren't going my way and at that point I wished I would have done everything myself instead to avoid all that. Like they say, "if you want things done right, do it yourself". Of course, being that I was so far away, there was only so much I could do from a distance, regardless, I was happy and very much appreciative of the help... Anxiousness and impatience got the better part of me for a moment but I quickly regained my composure. The day before the shower I still had a lot of decorations to take care of and had no help whatsoever (mom was at my step brother's house working on her own tasks). I stayed at my dad's house and was appalled that my own step mother didn't offer to help... That is until the day of the baby shower and I was already out of the shower and ready to go. Uhhh... No, I don't need your help! She saw me lifting heavy boxes to take out being that my friend was going to pick them up and take to venue... Not one finger did that woman lift. And she wonders why after 6 years or however long she's been married to my dad and we aren't BFFs. She even had the nerve to show up an hour late. And stayed for only 45 minutes. Anyways... This isn't about her but she just chaps my ass 80% of the time... (She is a great cook so that makes up for the other 20%.) Mom, my friend, my Sis in law, my cousins fiancé, and myself arrive an hour early to set up... The hour quickly passes and we had guests arriving and we weren't completely done setting up, they offered to help and we were very grateful! I forgot to pack the cake knife, the games didn't run as smoothly as I would have liked, I was tired as hell, and so ready for the day to be over, but nonetheless I had a great time seeing family and friends all who are excited about Matthew as I am <br />The drive back was long and uncomfortable, I hardly had any room and stretching my legs was out of the question. My room went from the usual to super chaotic. I tried organizing as much as I could but with little space and so much of Matthew's things I was starting to panic. I had an appointment the next day and had to prepare for the worst being that my fluid levels kept decreasing. I tried cleaning up and arranging as much as I could cause in my mind, I'd probably be having a baby the next day (considering all the circumstances) my bag packed and Matthew's hospital bag ready as well... turns out I didn't need them... At least not yet! Things are looking up, just hoping they stay that way for a little longer. Of course I want to see my precious baby boy, I just don't want him to have any complications from coming too soon.<br />I retuned to work (doc says it'll keep me active, so no bed rest for me... And no getting off work early... Awww shux! Lol JK) and with paperwork up the whazoo (I don't know how everyone else finishes so early :-/ makes me miss my previous job with PSA) and not waking up till 9AM, I haven't had time until today to get all of Matthews belongings situated and my room cleaned out. I set up the bouncer yesterday and the diaper genie today... Let me tell you I had the hardest time setting up that diaper pail thing... 2 freakin' steps and it took me forever! I couldn't get the hinge to lock but no worries, I got it! Lol! And my room looks 90% better. YAY!<br />The kind ladies at work are throwing me/Matthew a baby shower on Wednesday so I'm excited for that too. I didn't plan one here in town since I don't know many people but I am very grateful that they thought about us, it was a nice surprise when they told me. :D<br />So for now just work and bi-weekly appointments till my Matthew gets here. I couldn't be happier :DCynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-82259579427724132912011-06-30T22:19:00.006-05:002011-06-30T23:36:56.254-05:00Shy GuyThis week started my bi-weekly appointments which means I have to make the hour (OK... almost an hour) drive to Waco to have my OB check-ups. I seriously HATE the drive, not 'cause I go alone these days but because I want to just pull over and take a nap. No, I wont pass out on the way, just saying... but if anyone knows me, I'm the type who gets in a vehicle and passes out when I'm not the one driving. I think I was one of those babies that was driven around to get to shut up and go to sleep lol. Matthew is pretty calm when I drive around... maybe he'll be like me in that way too. Anyhow, so I go to my appointments so they can make sure Matthew is doing well. They do a biophysical profile (has two parts; ultrasound and a non stress test) that basically measures the baby's health, they monitor his heart rate with a non-stress test and they do the sono, in which they monitor the fluid around the baby (my biggest problem right now), movements, breathing, among other things. In a nutshell, they basically score the quality of life in the womb vs. outside the womb. So far so good in the oven even though our biggest concern is the fluid levels (normal but barely) which, as I mentioned previously, I lost a lot of during Memorial weekend. Anyhow, They weighed Matthew today and he is at a healthy 4 lbs 10 oz... that's good for his gestational age... at least I think that is... I read my chart today and it said 37th percentile... So, I'm just glad he isn't HUGE or underdeveloped. My favorite part of the testing is that I get to see him on the screen. So the sonographer said, "YAY! He is still a boy"... Umm... I would hope so. As usual he was covering his face, this time with both hands (what a shy little guy) so I didn't even get to see his face... and that meant no pics for me today... and speaking of... I'm getting a little spoiled with the sono pics... Most people are lucky if they get two or three opportunities to see their baby... Well, my pregnancy is complicated, so I guess I have special privileges. I just wish I could get a really awesome 4-d picture, but the limited amount of fluid around his face prevents a clear picture ;( I'm just happy knowing my baby is safe and healthy... and that I get to see him twice a week now. I think it's funny when I'm sitting in the NST (non stress test) room and I over hear people's conversations... It's a row of 5 or 6 recliners where they hook the mom up to the monitors... The other day this young couple was talking and apparently they both worked at H-E-B... So the boyfriend asks the girl... so when do you plan on going back to work? The girl says... OMG, I'm still pregnant, how do you expect me to go back... lol. I asked her how far along she was a while later... 22 weeks... SERIOUSLY! LOL I went back to work after a freakin' heat stroke. And today... this girl goes in with her mom and two other girls (her mom was popping pills and looked a little high lol) the older girl of the two started talking about the pregnant girls stretch marks and said "OMG that looks ugly... I'm getting someone to have my baby", then she asks... "EEWWW, what's that mark in the middle of your stomach... ugh... that's so nasty" lol. Then she goes on to say that when she has her baby (yeah, I know... what happened to her having someone to have her baby?) she wants it recorded and she doesn't care who's up in her "junk" and that she wants a mirror to see. I'm just glad I got moved to the sono room shortly after that, not sure how much more of that idiot I could tolerate... What an airhead... SERIOUSLY... and she was 21 or 22.<br />Things are moving along with the baby shower... 9 more days. I get to go home and hopefully see everyone again. I really want to go to the beach but anytime I mention that I want to do something I get scolded like a two year old... "Now... You know... you're not doing anything that weekend... You better not even sit outside." Hello! as if I didn't learn my lesson... I'm not about to jeopardize my baby again (and it's not like last time was even on purpose... it just happened cause it was so freakin' hot and apparently I'm not used to the heat anymore). Today at dinner I just mentioned how I would love to go swimming and I heard an ear full... It's not like I was really gonna go, I don't even take a bath in the tub (mostly cause I feel like a whale these days). I know everyone is concerned so I might as well just not say anything that is gonna get me in trouble. Oh well...<br />After this week... 6 more weeks to go... I'm starting to feel a little apprehensive. Yes, I'm excited but waaaay nervous at the same time. I guess that's expected and I know I'm not the only one. I try not to think about it much because it doesn't do me any good. Doc said 50/50 chance of a c-section... I guess maybe that's the statistic for everyone... I haven't asked. It's all just a little overwhelming and while I am very excited, I still cant believe in a few short weeks my life will be completely changed for the better. AND I WILL BE A MOM! I never would have thought it... I see all his baby clothes and it seems unreal... It's like I'm 5 again and I'm buying clothes for my doll. I've purchased diapers and they are so small... they smell like baby... and then I think... "well, they wont smell like baby after he poops" lol. I smelled a can of formula the other day and thought that it smelled like baby vomit, or you know how there are some stinky babies cause their milk sits in the folds of the neck when they spill and the parents don't clean it (I don't know about y'all, but I know a few). Anyway, there is still time to get accustomed to all that, for now, I'm gonna try and enjoy the rest of my pregnancy. I think I'm gonna miss feeling him move inside of me the most even, when it hurts. There were times where I didn't feel him moving and it was a scary thought thinking something could be wrong, even now, if he doesn't move when I wake up, I get paranoid.. but I've chilled out a bit 'cause I know he sleeps too . I told Matthew I wouldn't complain if he hurt me as long as I felt him move... I'd rather feel something that nothing at all. I cant explain what it feels like... but it' a gift, and I am ever so grateful! <3Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-55171852468728085972011-06-26T22:27:00.007-05:002011-06-27T18:33:16.034-05:00Oh Baby, baby, baby...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">OK</span>, I'm really not gonna bust out singing to Justin <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bieber's</span> (however you spell it) song, although the song is quite catchy. I have to admit I've gotten lazy keeping everyone updated on the latest 411... What can I say other than I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">hella</span> exhausted. The last few weeks have been less than favorable but things have definitely turned around... for the better. So apparently I had a heat stroke/heat exhaustion over Memorial weekend... As if I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> know the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">RGV</span> sucks the life out of you... literally. I sweat like a pig the entire weekend and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> replenish my fluids, unfortunately that ended up taking from Matthew's amniotic fluid. My poor baby was kicking around in a puddle. It started with a severe migraine that was originally thought was caused by increased cerebral spinal fluid... and after what felt like 20 spinal taps and little relief from the pain, it was discovered to be a dehydration migraine. I had an OB for a follow up ( I had just started feeling better and ready to get back to work) where it was discovered that my amniotic fluid was low, VERY LOW. I was admitted to the hospital and then transferred via helicopter to Austin where I was told to prepare for the worst... Baby Matthew was to be delivered at 28 weeks. I tried to be strong and broke down a couple times; I wasn't prepared to have a baby I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">couldn't</span> take home, much less a baby I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">couldn't</span> hold for over a week... And not to mention, I still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">haven't</span> purchased all the much needed baby stuff (crib, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">car seat</span>, stroller... all the good stuff). Let's just say I wasn't prepared. Being a nurse, I've seen babies in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">NICU</span>, which are quite resilient, but when it's your baby all your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nursing</span> skills and knowledge go out the window. Miraculously, the day after I was flown in to Austin my amniotic fluid had doubled (still dangerously low but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> warrant an emergency delivery). I was kept on a modified <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bed rest</span> (I could only get up to use the RR) and had <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">IV's</span> and monitors attatched. So in all, two weeks in an out of the hospital sucked the big one. I'm just glad to be out with Matthew still baking in the oven. I couldn't have done it with out my mom by my side... she truely is a angel. While I was knocked out on Ambien, mom was awaken each time the nurse came in to check on me, labs were due, or baby snuck away from the monitor... which was just about every hour. She was pretty much sleep deprived for three weeks checking up on me in the middle of the night even when we were home. I'm proud to be her daughter and I'm lucky to have her. We've got a couple more weeks to go till I get to hold my precious baby boy! Things obviously are looking up now, I have appointments bi-weekly now, meaning I have to drive almost an hour twice a week (AND THE GAS... UGH!) to see the doc, but as long as I know my baby is being monitored and doing well, I wont complain more than I already have. I still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">haven't</span> made all the important baby purchases, and I'm not sure what I'm waiting on... but me and procrastination go hand in had... Guess I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> learn from the big scare :-/<br />So the last <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">RGV</span> trip made me a little homesick... well not homesick <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">per say</span>, but it made my miss all my friends and family. Home <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> seem quite like home anymore since my room <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> even have a trace of my existence... Not even one. Everything was taken out the back guest/storage room and even though they were my belongings, they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> even feel like mine. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> miss them... I guess I just moved on, I mean... what else are you supposed to do. That's life. Spending time with everyone was nice, even if it was just for a bit. Leaving was easier than I thought, especially since I woke up with that horrible migraine that lasted two weeks. I get to see everyone again in a few weeks for my baby shower but knowing how fragile I apparently have become to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">RGV</span> heat, I know I cant do much but stay indoors and drink lots of fluids; My baby's health and safety come first now and considering I dont want my brain to become cesos rancheros again, I'll definitely avoid being out too much. I wish we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> have to travel for the shower but truth of the matter is everyone lives too far away to come here and well, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> really know anyone here. I guess I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> make friends well... I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> play well with others... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">JK</span>, I guess I just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">haven't</span> felt the need to socialize. Mom and I worked on some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">baby shower</span> decorations today... they look super cute if you ask me... what can I say ;)<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">OOOOHHH</span>! I got new pics of Matthew. The 4d pic <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> come out too clear since the fluid is low around his face but he is still the most handsome baby boy if you ask me. I got to see his family jewels again and I even got a pic of his foot (it's a big foot <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>). We got a 15 minute video as well, it shows him breathing which is really cool... you can see his ribs moving in and out with each little breath. GOSH... I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> in love with this baby. How is it possible to love someone so much when you have never even met them before? So I'm gonna post the new pics and call it a night.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBfGN-u9GGhaxD8eKhSMQIWJgjVfo7y9j3zdtU4oJq5Z3bxDK6HXblNPeSf6i6GS_VoU19wTXt3O_1f8_27Q9pST3TJlvhk8UWzhxDBg0G6MZ3l3rDz-InjId58XuOhsYwExI0PHbR5c/s1600/matthewprivates.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622737070959281346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBfGN-u9GGhaxD8eKhSMQIWJgjVfo7y9j3zdtU4oJq5Z3bxDK6HXblNPeSf6i6GS_VoU19wTXt3O_1f8_27Q9pST3TJlvhk8UWzhxDBg0G6MZ3l3rDz-InjId58XuOhsYwExI0PHbR5c/s400/matthewprivates.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH7colGrMbIOap9Ufzk37s8o9BaUFm7gqUK180P3yUFu2tjcIzPBc1X51lV2HYfOvv-Z6EgCSHhYE179lugsAxT3jRhh3-w7htSQg53NWkZJkBcbipXsDKLLpEqBTGQvvctZM4oG4W3g/s1600/matthewface.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622737066390212370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH7colGrMbIOap9Ufzk37s8o9BaUFm7gqUK180P3yUFu2tjcIzPBc1X51lV2HYfOvv-Z6EgCSHhYE179lugsAxT3jRhh3-w7htSQg53NWkZJkBcbipXsDKLLpEqBTGQvvctZM4oG4W3g/s400/matthewface.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaMF0DQBOqXQNn3bnpvCkqXHTDGFnfDACIdO4i87kbiY8mEECRN3JCI03JV-BAQuay_Pe07eEivkGsZFE3xen_XXMdmLE7WWJyjQOm-pcWiySoqnEAO3pYqOvK94coNEHEQY-uowkzF8/s1600/matthewbigfoot.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622737865360334546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaMF0DQBOqXQNn3bnpvCkqXHTDGFnfDACIdO4i87kbiY8mEECRN3JCI03JV-BAQuay_Pe07eEivkGsZFE3xen_XXMdmLE7WWJyjQOm-pcWiySoqnEAO3pYqOvK94coNEHEQY-uowkzF8/s400/matthewbigfoot.JPG" /></a> (yeah... it's sideways)Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-37022464798686463152011-05-14T09:48:00.005-05:002011-05-15T23:06:38.196-05:00Time's a flyin'I cant believe how fast time is going. Before I know it, Baby Matthew will be here (in roughly 11 weeks)... I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> think I'm ready just yet, besides, I'm barely starting to enjoy my pregnancy. Of course, I still have a million and one fears that go through my head everyday and the fact that I am such a hypochondriac seriously <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">doesn't</span> help, but I've learned to appreciate and enjoy this little piece of heaven.<br /><br /><br />I'm still eating too much :-/ and gaining too much... That reminds me, my grandpa calls me to check up on me and the baby and the other day he called and out of nowhere he asked if I was getting fat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>, I said yes... He reminded me of my Grammy... she was always concerned about my weight, and everyone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">else's</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. I remember the last night I was with her at the hospital before she passed away. She was on Bi-pap since her O2 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sats</span> were very low so she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">couldn't</span> speak, well I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">couldn't</span> hear her and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> want her to take off her mask, I told her I loved her and that I would check on her in the morning, both she and I knew that she probably <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wouldn't</span> make it till the morning so she gave me a hug, we shed a tear or two trying to be strong, and she pat my tummy... I said, I know, I know... I'll watch my weight while rolling my eyes and grinning from ear to ear realizing that was the last thing she would ever tell me... Gosh, I miss her so much, it will be 2 years 9/11 and it still feels like yesterday. I wish she could be here to see Matthew, and the two other babies our family has been blessed with (Cousin Amy having a boy, and Cousin Melissa having a girl). Anyhow, grandpa really reminded me of grandma when he said that... it's just funny because that wasn't something I expected him to say or ask <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. Oh well, no offense taken, I've gained weight, it is what it is.<br /><br /><br />I did a little shopping today, even though I said I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wasn't</span> going to. I even shopped for myself, I bought some comfort sandals that I had been wanting... and some sneakers for work (last week). I actually feel kind of guilty for spending on myself, but I think I needed them, especially because my legs have been swelling like crazy (my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">BP</span> is good so no worries yet). Speaking of swelling, seems like everything else is growing too... I'm starting to feel like a cow. I woke up this morning thanking God I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> have utters between my legs, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>. So the chafing I mentioned previously has stopped, partly due to the Lady Anti-Monkey Butt (Makes me laugh <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every time</span>) and partly cause I stopped wearing those wretched maternity underwear. Yes, I still wear underwear, just not those... I'm back to my old faithfuls, but they are either starting to roll down in the front or ride up in the back... but all is good, cause NO CHAFING! Enough with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">TMI</span>...<br /><br /><br />I am still feeling very exhausted, I go to work and back and all I wanna do is take a nap. I did start walking like I mentioned I would (just not everyday so I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> think that helps much) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I've</span> been shopping more so that kinda counts <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. But yes... I am EXHAUSTED... WARNING DISCLAIMER: You do not want to wake up next to me, wake me up, or be in my path after a nap. Do so at your own risk. No, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> wake up looking scary or with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fiery</span> dragon breath (but I do suffer from both <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasionally</span> in the morning <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>, just being honest), I have been waking up with a bad mood from hell. I think it has to do with the fact that my mind is already refreshed from the nap, but my body isn't. It takes me a while to snap out of it... thankfully, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> wake up like that in the morning, at least for my patients' sake. Speaking of naps/sleep, I'm ready to hit the sack and start a new week. P.S. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> like Mondays :-/Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-67191728304694020042011-05-08T18:24:00.009-05:002011-05-15T00:23:26.984-05:00Happy Mother's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtQ4FeqhXAR2PqLPuHV9pcb6cWGhqZkH-FHGUTMFN9sXOJcUr71kHCBUOk86HxmI_ecHtEgxpgPtt3QAWIMoJ6U7fCzA8c6CxzmxbqbQORSdNNBgCcYgOQzebuy4DqOVdyNmjGA7vH4Q/s1600/55626_437234251206_505611206_5717743_834642_o.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 291px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604501516568374866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtQ4FeqhXAR2PqLPuHV9pcb6cWGhqZkH-FHGUTMFN9sXOJcUr71kHCBUOk86HxmI_ecHtEgxpgPtt3QAWIMoJ6U7fCzA8c6CxzmxbqbQORSdNNBgCcYgOQzebuy4DqOVdyNmjGA7vH4Q/s400/55626_437234251206_505611206_5717743_834642_o.jpg" /></a> <-- My beautiful Momma<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div>This has probably been the best Mother's Day EVER! Not for me (I don't count yet) but just the fact that I got to spend it with my mother, something I hadn't been able to do in such a long time. Sending cards and gifts across the miles just isn't the same as spending quality mother/daughter time. I've been spoiling my mom for the past two weeks, so in all, I'd have to say this has probably been the best Mother's Day she has ever had... well since before my brother and I left home and we got to spend it all together. I had plans to visit my hometown this weekend but many factors played into not making the trip... besides the fact that all I wanna do is sleep the minute I sit my butt down in a vehicle. With no one helping me drive the 8-9 hour trip (depends on traffic and potty breaks) along with bills, saving up for my little bundle of joy, and of course THE FACT THAT IT'S MOTHER'S DAY, I decided not to go. Unfortunately I cant make everyone happy and this weekend my mother was my priority. I would have loved to have been there to see my family and friends but I had to make a choice. Mom and I spent the whole day together yesterday and we had such a great time. We hadn't spent alone time practically the entire time I've been here... well, she has been accompanying me on my doctor's visits but those are usually stressful for me and well, we usually just do lunch, if that.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Our day started off kind of late, I've been feeling very exhausted so I woke up Saturday morning around 9 am. We went to look at some stuff for my baby shower, had lunch at Peter Piper Pizza (guess we were both just in the mood... I swear you'd say she is the pregnant one with all the cravings lol), we relaxed with mother/daughter mani/pedi's, and then she got to do a little shopping for her self. I've been needing new sneakers for work but yet again, I managed to not spend a penny on myself... well, besides lunch and the mani/pedi. At the end of the day, mom treated me to some Coldstone ice cream YUM. We were both tuckered out, me with my swollen and aching feet and what felt like waddling to each new destination and mom limping from pain (she is still not 100% after her surgery a year and a half ago). I cant complain... the day was great and being with my mom was the best. We had plans for church this morning, which was very nice followed by breakfast at a Mexican restaurant. We pretty much came home and spent the day here. We had other plans that fell through... someone (and I wont mention any names, but I will say was not my mother or myself) was being Oscar the Grouch. I get in a bad mood easily so that set me off. I cant stand when people shit on my parade, if you wanna have a pity party don't invite me! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Anyhow, besides the grump, my weekend was awesome! I even got an early mother's day g<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0sDNM7cOPh3AkFT7YsiSIzUZdjhCEs18qLAVb4fCe-HyxpveCJS-LjmZuaZwXB7LBQnVMZbt7_Gh8Odw43A-qbPiWOzv4eqHvz_cl_7FFobMt8684n2OcTAkUXxmFIv1MbrQHpGU4nI/s1600/kick.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 154px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604500434544534130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0sDNM7cOPh3AkFT7YsiSIzUZdjhCEs18qLAVb4fCe-HyxpveCJS-LjmZuaZwXB7LBQnVMZbt7_Gh8Odw43A-qbPiWOzv4eqHvz_cl_7FFobMt8684n2OcTAkUXxmFIv1MbrQHpGU4nI/s400/kick.jpg" /></a>ift, A SWEDISH MASSAGE. Nope, it wasn't a full body massage but more like an abdominal massage, lol, Baby Matthew is taking after his great grandma Minnie and has already picked up some massage therapy skills in utero. I can only imagine what he will be like when he is 4 and all I have to say is rub Mamma's feet and I'll give you a dollar... but I don't want to speed up time, I want to enjoy every minute of him when he gets here. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I may not be a mommy yet, but I have celebrated this day in my own special way for the past 5 years. My little Angel is always in my heart and there is never a day that I forget. I often wonder what life would be like, but God has a reason for everything and it's not for me to ask why, but rather to accept and know my Angel had a divine purpose. </div></div>Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-15567136004469941862011-04-25T20:56:00.012-05:002011-04-30T16:09:35.860-05:00The Cat's out of the BagI mentioned previously that I was afraid to tell my bosses at work that I am expecting. During my first week of office training, I swore I heard something along the lines of a pregnant woman being turned away... as it turns out, I guess I was just paranoid. There is a saying in Spanish, "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">el</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">sordo</span> no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">oye</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">pero</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">compone</span>", translating to “the deaf man can’t hear, but he can make it up.” I was so focused on my testing/training and worried that I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wouldn't</span> get hired because I was pregnant that I guess I heard what I wanted to hear... you know how that goes. Well it turns out some people from work had already found out but that's life in a small town. Unfortunately word got out on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span>, It apparently was one of my mom's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">acquaintances</span> since I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know anyone in town, nor did I tell anyone. Well you know people... they like to talk. I was more than furious, I will say though, if I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wasn't</span> pregnant, I would really give this town something to talk about. Anyhow, my bosses were fine with it, so they said. They expressed to me everything was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">OK</span>, thankfully, it was. I felt so dumb after the fact, I went into talk to my boss after our weekly meeting and I started tearing up in the office <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. It's the hormones. I hate that I am more emotional that ever. I'm just glad I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> have anything hanging over my head anymore. Work continues to go well. I wish I was better/more efficient at the paperwork but I know that all comes in due time.<br /><br /><br />Speaking of due time... going on 25 weeks. 15 weeks and 2 days to go Wow! Time sure goes by fast, I just wish I could enjoy it more rather than being worried all the time. We started to shop a little, mostly for baby shower stuff and it's pretty exciting. I bought some baby shoes and a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">onsie</span>, oh, and a couple of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">blankies</span>. I think I will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> wait till later to do more shopping. The idea of having a baby is finally starting to set in but I'm still a little in denial <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. I guess it really wont hit me till he's here. I think calling him by his name is definitely helping... Matthew..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYh5CMDqSScDAKbqmKJoH903jXRMgtaSXBP_ikt6n9IM57TEXUTbufGvPPcSoTwdQGBO914xBS5FHSNfw2GZ2U8kBdRr-h_0d5zZbpwQf_I0fX1CuXj2vttqrKTZ2PASJ4Pz-98ocKps/s1600/SCAN0021+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 228px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601413822676840898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYh5CMDqSScDAKbqmKJoH903jXRMgtaSXBP_ikt6n9IM57TEXUTbufGvPPcSoTwdQGBO914xBS5FHSNfw2GZ2U8kBdRr-h_0d5zZbpwQf_I0fX1CuXj2vttqrKTZ2PASJ4Pz-98ocKps/s400/SCAN0021+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a>. Music to my ears <3 <3 <3 Heartburn has become my worst enemy. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING gives me heartburn even water. UGH! There's an old <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wives's</span> tale that if you get a lot of heartburn, the baby will have lots of hair when it's born. Well, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know about that but time will tell. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tum's</span> and I and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">BFF's</span> these days. Baby's moving around a lot. Especially when my mom barges into my room, shakes my belly and starts singing to him. He is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> a lot like me so far, he is up late and likes to sleep in but since I have to wake up early for work... well, let's just say we're both not happy campers. I finally got my 4-D sonogram. If that wasn't the most beautiful sight I have ever seen, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know what is. When I see the image, I can see two different things, one with his profile, mouth closed and then another with the mouth open and slightly higher with a tiny nose between the his eyes (the second option is kind of scary... so Ill just go with the first one where his mouth is closed) They <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> exactly tell me, and well, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> exactly ask, I was just so happy to see him. He had his hand tucked under his chin (just not in the picture) ADORABLE! What can I say? That's my baby. So he is definitely a boy and I couldn't be happier. I just need to sit back and enjoy the rest of this pregnancy instead of being such a hypochondriac. The specialist looked at all his organs and said so far good. They want to monitor his heart closely so, I have another appointment with the specialist in a month and with my regular OB, in two weeks. I saw his kidneys, his the four chambers in his heart, his brain, his spine, feet, and hands. The doctor said his foot was over his head (wow his is just as limber as me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>, well I'm not so much these days). When the specialist took over, this little baby boy gave him a hard time. He moved too much at my 7 week <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">sono</span> to get a good measurement, he moved way too much at my 10 week <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">sono</span> (the doctor almost gave up, but after 50 minutes of pushing on my full bladder and almost having an accident, we got his measurements), When we found out his sex, he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> want to cooperate, and yet again with this appointment. Mom says he is shy, I say he is just as stubborn as I am... Lord help me!<br /><br /><br />While I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">couldn't</span> be happier that I'm having a baby, I am starting to feel self-conscious, something I RARELY had an issue with. I am gaining way too <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">much</span> weight. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> fit in any <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-pregnancy clothes so I went maternity clothes shopping a while back. I thought it would be a good idea to get some maternity underwear. I spent 45 bucks on new panties and I HATE THEM! Motherhood sure has expensive stuff and the quality is not so good, In my opinion. I like that the pants <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cinch</span> at the waist (when I'm not wearing them) so it looks as if my waist is the width of my leg (makes me feel good <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>), and then there are the maternity underwear. My new underwear look like parachutes :-/ Why cant they have that cool elastic thing around the waist too? As it is I already have a complex about my weight gain. My face looks fatter, I feel like I have three necks, my feet feel like they have grown a size, I cant see my crotch, and my thighs rub together now (not good). We all know what happens when your thighs rub... yup, chaffing. I think it's a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">combination</span> of thunder thighs and my new horrible underwear. It just baffles me that Motherhood cant even make seamless underwear. They <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">literally</span> feel like the .99 cent panties on the clearance rack at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">Walmart</span>, CHEAP. Anyhow, Mom and I went to Tractor Supply Company and Guess what I saw... Lady Anti Monkey Butt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9_fFQPMuJ6UbQ6sezJWKOseEo9wNGLtk-4YgJzFg8fl8cS0EHkcbMCd397uOMd7JfzeMkQnCAA_I_5Swm1vQRC-qWmH6yt_BA4SIEHVbKuunpUWD40I6Ba0S7O_zDnfKxjMnTsOqPEI/s1600/lady_butt.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601470187683677810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9_fFQPMuJ6UbQ6sezJWKOseEo9wNGLtk-4YgJzFg8fl8cS0EHkcbMCd397uOMd7JfzeMkQnCAA_I_5Swm1vQRC-qWmH6yt_BA4SIEHVbKuunpUWD40I6Ba0S7O_zDnfKxjMnTsOqPEI/s400/lady_butt.png" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I thought it was the funniest thing ever and I just had to try it out, it's for chaffing and has calamine lotion but in a silky, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">powdery</span> form. It smells nice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. I was going to get the KY anti-chaffing/silkening lotion but I saw this one first. It was this, or not wearing any panties at all. I think I'd rather wear underwear, besides I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> want to give Paris Hilton and Lindsey <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lohan</span> competition. I'd win hands down... Just saying. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. So we'll see how this powder goes.<br /><br /><br /></p>Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-41374583914422881252011-04-15T18:19:00.009-05:002011-04-20T22:29:13.352-05:00TEARS OF JOYYesterday (4-14-2011) probably has been the best and worst day of my life... OK, so I tend to exaggerate a bit (JUST A BIT) but it definitely was the best day of my life. I had been anticipating my prenatal visit with my new maternal-fetal specialist for over a month. My mother and I got off of work early so we could make my 1430 appointment. I could hardly sleep the night before and I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wasn't</span> sure if I should be anxious or elated... anxious <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span> at my last appointment I had blood work for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Down's</span>-Syndrome screening for the baby (who <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wouldn't</span> be nervous about that?) I get to my appointment just to be told the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">MFS</span> did not make it in for the week. He comes from Austin, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tx</span> two days out of the month. My heart sank and my claws came out. we had just driven about 40 minutes to get to my doctor's office and I hadn't received a call at home nor to my cell. I understand the clerk was just the messenger, but I just about ate her up and spit her out. I said I had driven all that way and I demanded to see someone. All she could say was sorry and I had a smart ass response for every excuse she had. I kinda made a scene (but only the people in line could hear, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> raise my voice). I spoke to the manager, (I was just about to spit the "I am gonna have a BF and write a letter" line from White Chicks. Due to the high risk nature of my pregnancy, I am supposed to get seen every two weeks. As it is, I had already gone a month without being seen. So needless to say I got my way, I got to see my baby despite the fact that my blood pressure went up to 140, that is pretty high. I started to shake from anger and frustration and as soon as they said, "go have a seat and we will call you in, we fit you in", I started to cry... 'cause I'm a big baby and that's how I deal with my emotions. I gave up on finding out the sex and just faced the fact that I probably had to wait another two weeks. As soon as I heard my baby's heartbeat I felt at ease. I had a heart to heart with my regular OB and my mom said we were so excited to find out the sex only to be disappointed. He said will that make you happy, we both said YES!!! :D. And of course I started to cry again... I suppose I could blame all the crying on the pregnancy hormones but I'd only be kidding myself, I've always been the emotional one <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>. We didn't get a detailed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">sono</span> but we got to find out the sex... they even gave my mom a pic too! Well... WE'RE HAVING A BOY!!! I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">couldn't</span> be any happier... and of course I cried again, and again, and again <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>.<br /><br />On another note... I just got home about 30 minutes ago with my "new to me" car. No more hopping in to the passenger seat rolling around to get to the driver's side with a pregnant belly scraping my elbows on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">upholstery</span>. My car is little, nothing fancy, but it will get me too and from work, does great on gas, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> have to enter the passenger's side, it's been very well maintained, and I can go on and on, but the best perk is NO PAYMENT! I paid it all up front. I used up all my savings so I've got about 80 bucks left to get me through. Luckily they filled up my tank so I'm good to go. Oh yeah... so today was my first pay day and my direct deposit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hasn't</span> kicked in yet, unfortunately, that means I have to wait for my check to come in the mail. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boohoohoo</span> for me. I was so ready to go shopping.Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-65553281173455435742011-04-12T21:17:00.006-05:002011-04-12T22:43:44.863-05:00The Worst Week EVER!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN15t33cPcBYiMvtLszBbfFqMOSp4yEZL07xCI5YgB258QnZGIw8NRsctwYL8gpnlmGiLG7kCQntpLvBXMi-EiYbzUwNetLSoEw-oLLnqU-bVjlKSsBDNuAFXzx4eYOAjQRwOvzabNknQ/s1600/imagesCASMEEQO.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 223px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594907930676456530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN15t33cPcBYiMvtLszBbfFqMOSp4yEZL07xCI5YgB258QnZGIw8NRsctwYL8gpnlmGiLG7kCQntpLvBXMi-EiYbzUwNetLSoEw-oLLnqU-bVjlKSsBDNuAFXzx4eYOAjQRwOvzabNknQ/s400/imagesCASMEEQO.jpg" /></a> So much has gone on this week and well, part of last week. For starters we all (our household) got sick. It started with my mother having a respiratory virus that turned into a full blown sinus infection. It hit her pretty bad she missed an entire week of work. I don't think she has EVER missed a week of work, OK, well except for when she had her spinal fusion last January. She finally started feeling better when I started feeling bad. It began with post nasal drip causing a sore throat and then the symptoms hit me all at once. I pretty much spent the whole weekend in bed, the one symptom I didn't get was loss of appetite. I was kinda hoping for that one LOL (not really). I still wasn't feeling well so I called in on Monday, yup... two weeks into my new job and I already called in sick. Let me tell you though, I seriously needed it. And so the cycle continues... Now that I am feeling better (sort of) my step dad is as sick as a dog... LITERALLY! Men are such babies LOL. But on a serious note, he is pretty sick. I just hope this passes soon so I can take him for his "Dino-Steak" with my first pay check, he took me so I guess now it's my turn to treat lol. So on top of being sick, now my truck happens to be quite pissed off at me. My truck and I have this awesome relationship. She hardly gives me any problems except for being a gas guzzler. I consider her my life saver. With my driving track record and all the vehicles I've totalled, this is the one that has lasted me the longest... besides, I feel safe. It's like a train. Cold, semi-shiny metal (She last lost most of her luster LOL) and compared to all these<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIb0VGmBH9YAo8pdOSl8b-oi7YJi-bXsOBBGM36IhoxRlMNAdFMxyMMqr-7DVkeDnmrVBRNnKyVdKl2fJ_9UvEimBKOKHA-Mg33epYPgbuV97WOyZdFRuAL9qxaveTZe3-aAqVNUdtTMg/s1600/mytruck.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 261px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594905823307631090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIb0VGmBH9YAo8pdOSl8b-oi7YJi-bXsOBBGM36IhoxRlMNAdFMxyMMqr-7DVkeDnmrVBRNnKyVdKl2fJ_9UvEimBKOKHA-Mg33epYPgbuV97WOyZdFRuAL9qxaveTZe3-aAqVNUdtTMg/s400/mytruck.jpeg" /></a> fiberglass vehicles, I feel safe. I've had this truck for many years now and I have a hard time parting with her. "Her" or "Him" whatever, I think men give me more problems so I consider my truck a "her". Anyhow... with this new job and driving about a 100+ miles a day and with gas quickly rising to $4 a gallon, I am considering getting a small economical car. I wasn't planning on going and getting myself into debt, just something to get me through the year until my baby comes... then on to bigger and better things. I must say... I WASN'T EVEN CONSIDERING GETTING RID OF MY TRUCK... besides, who knows when you need a second vehicle, or a truck for that matter. Anyhow, my aunt told me about a car her friend has for sale so I drove over to my aunt's house and waited for her friend to get out of work. You wouldn't believe what happened... I was walking to my truck to go check out this car and my door will not open... ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME??? It's stuck, and I mean, I can force it open but I will really mess up the body, the door is rubbing on the front fender or whatever you call it (as you can see I'm not a mechanic therefore I don't know parts, except for the ones I really need to know). I'm apparently the only one who appreciates my truck. My mom and brother are embarassed to be seen in it. They call it the "mojo" truck. It's a derogatory term used to describe Mexicans who cross the river. Anyway, I'll spare the details... And I'm Hispanic, Mexican, whatever you wanna call me, so yes, I can use the term. Anyways... so now I have to get into my truck through the passenger side... now that's ghetto. LOL, I'm actually quite embarrassed now. So now more than ever I want this car because I don't want to be seen climbing in and out of the passenger's side and sliding over to the driver's side all because my freakin' truck is pissed off at me for going to look at another vehicle. Now that's a bitch! lol. If climbing in and out like that isn't bad enough, try adding a baby bump. Not fun! <br /><div>So as if all that wasn't bed enough, today has <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_pgXu4CdOBnWNS_xFSRQOeyIBXo8ucaTeGb7-lw6dvXBFLXmK93VIl00PAy7xdYXeDIGkGptFHqu7xjh9UXusjNmOHRh494eQRwbFEzMvt4U1-DXgabHjYRzyXgbsA8yi9-5957Q7Fc/s1600/imagesCAFBLWM7.jpg"></a>had to be the worst day in my entire nursing career. I've been up to my elbows in shit, literally... and I'm a nurse so I could handle it. I've seen blood and guts, and smelled things I wouldn't wish anyone to smell... melena is pretty bad, and so is gangrene. Anyway, so I'm starting to spread my wings with the company a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxMKoB_BSbnupIp-6rWE8I6hHDt8OxWQ4qEidITh6oRpvDGnyZIdZ5YRvdzlkBKHuQNyW556fbqS8N7m0j8-ft6NUuEH-1yylyE__iwUnKgaLe-myb290l-zsfnsX-9yi5wGa0qY4RuE/s1600/imagesCAFBLWM7.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 176px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594907617176475282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxMKoB_BSbnupIp-6rWE8I6hHDt8OxWQ4qEidITh6oRpvDGnyZIdZ5YRvdzlkBKHuQNyW556fbqS8N7m0j8-ft6NUuEH-1yylyE__iwUnKgaLe-myb290l-zsfnsX-9yi5wGa0qY4RuE/s400/imagesCAFBLWM7.jpg" /></a>nd instead of shadowing I get to do patient visits now with supervision of course. I was forewarned about the living conditions of this patient. Her home is pretty much condemned and APS has been called several times but they don't do anything. Her home is INFESTED with roaches. There are four dogs living in the home that are never taken out so they do their business on the carpet. The home smells horrible, I almost gagged... and that's cause my sinuses are stuffed and my breathing is compromised. It was horrible. With in two or three minutes of stepping into her home, roaches fall on me from the ceiling... one fell in my blouse and into my bra. I tried so hard to maintain my composure and not scream while trying to get these bugs off of me. The other nurse helped me but I couldn't find t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh76aFW7Rn-cTPtjnTfqzI2XelCszfcqgonVVahzktsjIEnvuJYckWOdDoQCr5xPyFBURSWoRtKUkEl9FBYNsbH1CKKjQbMVx3xmuhK77JeshdJ_KhAHOjR0Rqp0Jb4YZZsvPCNUWULLs/s1600/diamondroach.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 186px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 139px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594905830968611634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh76aFW7Rn-cTPtjnTfqzI2XelCszfcqgonVVahzktsjIEnvuJYckWOdDoQCr5xPyFBURSWoRtKUkEl9FBYNsbH1CKKjQbMVx3xmuhK77JeshdJ_KhAHOjR0Rqp0Jb4YZZsvPCNUWULLs/s400/diamondroach.jpeg" /></a>he one that landed in my bra. Sorry bug, I don't plan on taking you home and buying you a diamond leash and keeping you as my pet. I DON'T THINK SO! I had the heebie jeebies all day, I felt itchy and felt critters crawling all over me. We pulled into a gas station where I ran to the bathroom and stripped to shake off my clothes. I never found the roach so I still feel the crawlies all over me. GROSS! This week is not even half way done yet but there is only one thing that will make this week so work it... TWO MORE DAYS UNTIL MY SONO! </div>Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-20118217283159300912011-04-04T21:28:00.010-05:002011-04-20T22:31:45.902-05:00Oh Baby!10 days and counting till I get to see my little one again, hopefully on a 4d sonogram. I'm keeping my fingers crossed this baby wont be as stubborn as I am and give me a little peep show so we can find out the gender. I am sooo excited I've been counting down since my last appointment. I've come to realize the more I count down, the longer the wait is. What is helping is that I get to work now, so that means I am not at home bored all day and my mind is occupied. Everyone apparently says this baby is a girl... I say, "who knows". Perhaps it's time for another girl. I'm surrounded by boys... all the great grand children on my paternal side are boys except for Miah... and on my maternal side... Damn... there are too many grandchildren to count, forget counting the great grand children lol, I lost track years ago... but there are lots of boys. I honestly don't care, this baby is a gift, and boy or girl, I am grateful. All I can pray for is a healthy baby with ten fingers and ten little toes.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>I've finally reached the half way mark... 21 weeks today and little by little I am starting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoyV0ChK8UbefWocHCh8hmozucSx5tVt3d0DzHS39C2NwQqDgSRz04fiiwE0xOf5hWQTdIzBnR-rJI4dLlshBpL_4eRqpHmDhnpz6pslWKDZyAUsZxqouxUnwIC6mSr64BqyH_UHz6Dc/s1600/imagesCA3S4SD5.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 233px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 168px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591939191798540466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoyV0ChK8UbefWocHCh8hmozucSx5tVt3d0DzHS39C2NwQqDgSRz04fiiwE0xOf5hWQTdIzBnR-rJI4dLlshBpL_4eRqpHmDhnpz6pslWKDZyAUsZxqouxUnwIC6mSr64BqyH_UHz6Dc/s400/imagesCA3S4SD5.jpg" /></a> to "feel" pregnant. Aside from the weight gain, I've managed to grow cankles... Oh Joy! As much as I have to run to the bathroom, I'm surprised there is enough fluid to stay in my legs and feet. Fortunately, blood pressure is good so no problems there. I hadn't had any swelling so I think the culprit was that half bag of pistachios I ate... which also gave me my first bout of pregnancy induced heartburn. Indigestion really sucks :-/</div><br /><br /><div>Work is going great. Since I still haven't mentioned I'm expecting, bathroom trips during ride alongs can get really tricky. Fortunately I've been with two nurses who pee just as much as I do. We literally make a potty break after every patient visit... yay for me! I don't know what their excuses are since they are roughly my age, but I blame mine o<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4yIltIl3COaHfy4Ojs3IL21oAVROVbEWzD8aA5GOODq6ym4GF54ELugJo01C9jm_ARGgGaDP_5ILbwCt2rYBo-8m7N3FXzyzJLaOhcZ1AxXtS5hLuyr4_JQ9tzXPgTugjRR7g-dfL28/s1600/imagesCAVVK11Y.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591939197326640338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4yIltIl3COaHfy4Ojs3IL21oAVROVbEWzD8aA5GOODq6ym4GF54ELugJo01C9jm_ARGgGaDP_5ILbwCt2rYBo-8m7N3FXzyzJLaOhcZ1AxXtS5hLuyr4_JQ9tzXPgTugjRR7g-dfL28/s400/imagesCAVVK11Y.jpg" /></a>n the tea... ;) Speaking of bathroom urgencies... Why is it that every time we go have family dinner and my step father drives, he ALWAYS makes a detour? AND I MEAN ALWAYS. I know the urgencies can come on rather quickly so I ask before we leave, "are we going straight home"? The answer is always yes and then he decides to take a scenic route when the baby decides my bladder is a trampoline. Men! I just about wet my pants and I was one more bump in the dirt road from asking him to stop so I could pop a squat. </div><br /><br /><div>Speaking <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_aEcZ0zYVuY_33hIqHgyJE07K2n0loxs0izQIR5ffjUnTMeU-I12rOQp1i0qpS0wQ_bdY3CJR6h5W81NYDZ-boXQa48Lpl-Qx-oXUTgXGDkH2Ww7WNWh470WvP93XLDY2rKZ6vYrbfM/s1600/superhero.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 121px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591939195163315938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_aEcZ0zYVuY_33hIqHgyJE07K2n0loxs0izQIR5ffjUnTMeU-I12rOQp1i0qpS0wQ_bdY3CJR6h5W81NYDZ-boXQa48Lpl-Qx-oXUTgXGDkH2Ww7WNWh470WvP93XLDY2rKZ6vYrbfM/s400/superhero.jpeg" /></a>of bouncing baby... This little body high-jacker is quite the "Ultimate Lightweight Championship kick boxer". I love to just feel him or her move inside of me. While it feels like an alien body snatcher has invaded my uterus, I can just sit or lay in awe while it karate chops away. How can something so small (about 10 inches head to toe and about 11 oz) be so strong? I can already feel some of the movements when I place my hand on my abdomen. I don't know about other babies but mine is probably gonna be the next super hero LOL ;) </div><br /><br /><div>As far as other pregnancy symptoms, I cant really complain. I can eat apples now and actually enjoy them (anyone who knows me, knows I HATED apples unless they were chamomanzanas- apples coated in chamoy candy). I cant say I "crave" them but I can see one, eat it, and enjoy it. My mom apparently has the munchies... She eats a lot of Cheetos LOL. Smells don't bother me so I can pretty much eat anything... but sometimes I'll pass on meat if it's in a soup or something. I am actually concerned about my weight gain, I suppose I should start exercising even though I say I am going to start every day, and I don't ;(. This next doctor's appointment will have elapsed a period of a month between visits. Usually my visits are every two weeks, I gu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAb4UefGg1HzaCGntZEIJrAAhUd1NbgWA6ilDWTaRRDGVivnPUmeAi6iq7Z53gFm4pVFZHxwS_pBgjAd-x9pyJqup3wgCFWSRNZJNf6OnkoQser267AqItaDkW5uFNRKqbfIzX1BEWE4/s1600/imagesCAGBD37T.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 202px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 249px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591939202892659986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAb4UefGg1HzaCGntZEIJrAAhUd1NbgWA6ilDWTaRRDGVivnPUmeAi6iq7Z53gFm4pVFZHxwS_pBgjAd-x9pyJqup3wgCFWSRNZJNf6OnkoQser267AqItaDkW5uFNRKqbfIzX1BEWE4/s400/imagesCAGBD37T.jpg" /></a>ess Doc thought I was doing well. So I've been dwelling on my weight gain. During one of our bathroom breaks today, I saw a scale... it said I lost twenty pounds. What a waste of a quarter. I knew it was impossible. I had to make a Wal-mart run today so I went to the scale isle and weigh myself. Bad news... I gained too much. Sheesh. It's impossible to only gain 15 pounds during 9 months when you're hungry all the time. I am seriously hoping I get a late case of "all day sickness" so I can lose a couple pounds lol. JK. I'm not a bulimic but it sounded good for a moment. OK, it really didn't but I guess I should really start exercising. Blah. If it's best for the baby, it shouldn't be that much to sacrifice. </div><br /><br /><div>I'm hoping the rest of this pregnancy goes well. Ive had minor complications and have a long road ahead of me still but with a few sacrifices, I hope for the best. </div></div>Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-68056387475333516722011-03-28T19:17:00.014-05:002011-04-20T22:38:28.098-05:00Cyn-Cyn got her groove back<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikINgiKQ41P3pmcMHwUWxAvuNTghzW8Cnd3h88fJndiVu7stbW9nPxyykWEpjLqRyuX0dVOkm2E7wAujFsGXSJDtiLe4U7wlh7Tsj0M45TjebG897p_QPTqgXiDwQSHhTQyr06uUvnNVQ/s1600/imagesCAM2QJ4Q.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 104px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589301069282207970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikINgiKQ41P3pmcMHwUWxAvuNTghzW8Cnd3h88fJndiVu7stbW9nPxyykWEpjLqRyuX0dVOkm2E7wAujFsGXSJDtiLe4U7wlh7Tsj0M45TjebG897p_QPTqgXiDwQSHhTQyr06uUvnNVQ/s400/imagesCAM2QJ4Q.jpg" /></a> I am so thrilled to be working again. I guess you could say I was DONE living off the fat of the land and I desperately wanted to get back into the workforce. Today was my first day and although orientation sucks, it's really the easiest money you can make. I cant complain of the 7 hours I spent straining my eyes with the computer screen, I wont complain of the countless exams I had to take (and I'm not even done yet), I think I could even feel my neurons moving across my synapses lol. OK so the HIPPA, PHI, and OSHA stuff is really boring, but getting NCLEX style questions really got my brain going. I swear I lost millions of brain cells watching TV, something I RARELY did. I didn't bring my nursing books so I didn't have anything educational to review so any news or updates I got from my nursing friends was my only stimulation LOL. Anyhow, my day went great and since I finished all but three exams, I get to go in at whatever time tomorrow to complete them. I think I'm gonna go after lunch... I'm not such a morning person. I guess I should get used to it with a baby on the way but for now, if I don't have to wake up at 7, I WONT!<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div>During one of my exams, while I was deep in thought, I swear that I heard someone say that a pregnant woman came in to fill out an application and they told her there were no openings. I could have misheard, like I said, I was really focused so I'm not 100% sure. Technically there aren't any full time positions open, just PRN or "as needed" (the company needs nurses for the area but being it is a small town that covers a large area, they leave the "full-time" positions for the larger cities or something like that... and I don't really care, I need the flexibility). I didn't tell them I wa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFvtzzGEUXhsHskLRPGHB0bLT-gRcaTiUsCZjoS3PJPAxdyhNMyxdU7j4e_KJMcd3WPwyFeLAOtKvVGk52CvJPf39jbqTXGM7k5hoHg0JmgKjkMSrr7xnzkL76DVvAmL0ykcMdbxPqts/s1600/pgshirt.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 146px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589301299969224274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFvtzzGEUXhsHskLRPGHB0bLT-gRcaTiUsCZjoS3PJPAxdyhNMyxdU7j4e_KJMcd3WPwyFeLAOtKvVGk52CvJPf39jbqTXGM7k5hoHg0JmgKjkMSrr7xnzkL76DVvAmL0ykcMdbxPqts/s400/pgshirt.jpeg" /></a>s expecting and well, they didn't ask... my intention is not to be deceitful, however I just didnt want to compromise getting hired.<br /></div><br /><div>I feel so much better now that I have a job... OK, so I've only worked one day, but to feel like you have a purpose is indescribable. I enjoyed not working for a week or two, but having bills to pay with no income coming in definitely takes it's toll. Not only that, you start (well I did) to feel somewhat depressed being at home all day. I respect stay at home moms and wives but I can honestly say, I don't think it's for me... at least not in the country LOL. Give me places to go and people to see and a nice allowance, and I'm good to go. Seriously though, I enjoy being a nurse, I love to help others... that is after all, my purpose in life. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I pray the enthusiasm lasts long, and when it doesn't, that means it's time for a change. There is nothing I despise more than an irritated and miserable nurse who stays in a position for the money. One thing I've learned in my short experience, never do something for the money... you really do work your butt off and the more money you make, the more responsibility and liability that comes with your job. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>So yes, I got my groove back. I am no longer pity party Cyn-Cyn. I cant wait for my first pay check :D<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 136px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 122px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589303342948935954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjMf4tdTjk9oHOLqvPWAw__NE-f6Ovx2MAnuFwKRjwYiCW-qlFdwW3tdQbTK9OflaAdFxEqIZxcXXIXxX8MuDH38ptt0di5Q-forVb1q95_cctfIrw0HUlyoVUlBaYA5eSx1sjYQ4RIo/s400/happydance.jpeg" /> </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-84822531129642154142011-03-23T22:21:00.003-05:002011-03-23T23:52:58.415-05:00Things are Looking upFor the past two months I've been moping around feeling sorry for myself because my only friend in town is my mom and I miss my friends and family back home, but truth of the matter is, life is what you make of it. Yes, I complain day after day that I am bored, but I suppose that is what I choose. I have family in town, but I CHOOSE not to spend time with them. If I'm bored and I need a breather, I can drive around and familiarize myself with the area, but I CHOOSE not too because my truck is a gas guzzler and with my savings at a dangerous low and gas prices as they are I CHOOSE not to be wasteful. My friends are only a phone call away and yet, I CHOOSE not to call (mostly because it's hard and I miss them like crazy and these pregnancy hormones do not help). It isn't as bad as I make it for myself, well, it doesn't have to be... that, or I'm really getting used to it here. I've come to realize that perhaps I wasn't ready for this place just yet, it's very slow paced and I feel completely out of my element, but that is the beauty of this place at the same time. I loved this place when I lived back home, I came here to see my mom and to escape the hustle and bustle of my life, and now I have it all the time. Why am I complaining? I guess I just had a lot of soul searching to do... I cant say I wont complain of boredom, but there is so much more to be grateful for.<br />On another note, Spring break came and went. It was no different than any other day. I guess my days of partying just might be over lol. I guess that is not such a big sacrifice since I've had about 11 years post high school to get all that out of my system. We went into town a couple times, I finally had some sushi (cooked rolls of course) and I had my Starbucks fix (it wasn't as great as I expected). We went to Austin to visit my step brothers and their families... nope, no partying down 6th St. I was the first one to call it a night. I also bought my first pair of maternity pants and needless to say, I wasn't in such a cheerful mood.<br />I had follow up with the doctor and the baby is doing fine. Unfortunately, because I have to see a specialist, I will have to wait another month to see him and God willing, we will learn the baby's sex. I started recognizing the baby's kicks about two and half weeks ago. I felt him or her before, but I always second guessed myself thinking it was gas or something. But I know for sure now. Apparently this baby is going to be like me, a night owl. I tend to feel more of the movements at night which tells me it's awake. According to my baby calendar, babies start to form a sleeping pattern by now. Uh oh, this means I'm gonna have some loooong nights. Hopefully that changes soon. One thing that is really starting to annoy the crap out of me is night time. It takes me a good twenty to thirty minutes to get comfortable and when I finally do, I have to pee. Then it starts all over again, I toss and turn until I get comfy, then I have to pee. I find myself asking this baby, Really??? Are you freakin' kidding me? And yes... then it kicks me in the bladder, on purpose. My mom asked me if it is finally starting to feel real... It really hasn't hit me yet. I hear the heart beat and I now feel the movements, and I'm starting to feel excited, but it really isn't real to me yet. Mom goes crazy when we go into stores and she sees all the baby stuff... I still feel like I'm shopping for a baby shower gift.<br />Speaking of baby showers... I'm starting to get ideas for mine but it's all so complicated and I am so indecisive... perhaps it will get easier when we know the gender. I have this question... or dilemma regarding baby shower centerpieces. I've asked several friends but I get different answers. What I really wanna know is, how do you keep guests from taking centerpieces that can be used by the mom to be? I've seem some cute diaper cakes that would make nice centerpieces, obviously the diapers can be reused and so can the items on them. Maybe it's just a RGV thing, but people take all that stuff... I have no idea why? I don't like to take them, I mean a lot of them are cute but it's clutter and chances are they just collect dust in the corner. I thought that's why we gave party favors. We had a nursing reception for school and people even took the live flowers... REALLY??? I was mortified, even the teachers. So do you just let them take the usable centerpieces, or do you politely tell them no? Do you put notes on the table that say, "please do not take centerpieces"? Maybe I'll just get cheap centerpieces that are cute and if they must have one, they can take it. Seriously though, people fight for them. They rush to tables with centerpieces and claim them. LOL. I went to this one shower that had rental centerpieces, and people actually tried to sneak out with them. OMG!<br />I was starting to worry about having this baby and my financial status... it's pretty hard with out a job. Fortunately, I haven't made any purchases for this baby yet. The job market is just as bad as the one in the RGV. It literally took me three months to find a job back home after graduation. New nurses graduate for many schools Valley wide and there aren't enough positions. During my preceptorship at the hospital, nurses were cancelled every day, every shift because the census was low and because of over staffing. It didn't help there were many nurses on work visas. It's hard for many of the nurses not to get upset about that, but being that they have work visas, they have every right to work. When I arrived here, I thought the market would be better. I placed many online job applications but truth of the matter is, because the community is so small, they prefer it all be done in person. I guess they aren't as "high tech" yet. I decided to take matters into my own hands, so I fueled up and drove around looking for work. I went to the hospitals with no luck. One of them about half an hour away, all they said was they had absolutely no positions open. WOW. I had been calling a local/statewide home health for some time, and I even went in person to leave my resume but the director was in another office about 45 minutes away. She finally called me back, and I got my interview... AND I GOT A JOB! Finally, one less thing I have to stress about. I also had an interview with the local nursing home, but I'm not to sure how I feel about working there. The liability is high in regards to patient/nurse ratio and it's every other weekend. I can work weekends with the home health if I choose. I don't think I'll take that job even though the pay is good. I'M JUST THANKFUL I FINALLY FOUND A JOB!Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-81369919197941130892011-03-08T19:35:00.008-06:002011-03-08T23:43:41.573-06:00Home on the Range... And nobody loves me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnF8X88M3AZfk-RWrDFo4Emcdlm9te4oEq66WL5eoTW3Pg-vm86GI1rhb8LBsShhx50naYQp8tW1M5yvSWTIm4ysdoN1LIgsJPMpcuRkZcslXYCkqk6KtKuv3WdrhLZp_04lC4cty5qAc/s1600/19437_312451286206_505611206_4065255_5445906_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 306px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581906981524473282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnF8X88M3AZfk-RWrDFo4Emcdlm9te4oEq66WL5eoTW3Pg-vm86GI1rhb8LBsShhx50naYQp8tW1M5yvSWTIm4ysdoN1LIgsJPMpcuRkZcslXYCkqk6KtKuv3WdrhLZp_04lC4cty5qAc/s400/19437_312451286206_505611206_4065255_5445906_n.jpg" /></a> Life on the ranch is quite different from life in the city... I remember when I used to think the Valley was hardly "the City". I yearned for bigger and better places but I got the country instead. I traded nights out with my friends, coming home at 6 am, 5 minute drive to anywhere... the gym, the mall, my favorite restaurants, city lights, sirens, and trains for birds chirping, cows mooing, pine, dew, and you name it allergies, starry night skies, and coyotes howling. I still think I made the best choice in moving here even though I miss my dear family and friends, I never thought I'd actually do it, but I did; no regrets.<br />Some days I'm home sick and since there is no point in crying or tapping my heel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHpaVobrtxBBJT2q_to4Tkxhwh6C-YLeUmwW6rmpn8aMXTPNAsQifK4VbViXmpX4ZAzEwDfw53jszwn-yoxvU7PSJaQU6HsBF8d25HixHD7pdYS6_EKzLyek6Yffp-wK3Awu12grP4cw/s1600/dorthy.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 165px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 152px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581907501442001634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHpaVobrtxBBJT2q_to4Tkxhwh6C-YLeUmwW6rmpn8aMXTPNAsQifK4VbViXmpX4ZAzEwDfw53jszwn-yoxvU7PSJaQU6HsBF8d25HixHD7pdYS6_EKzLyek6Yffp-wK3Awu12grP4cw/s400/dorthy.bmp" /></a>s three times, being with my mom makes the adjusting much more easier. I'm not alone, and that's the best part. Since I'm still out of work, my days are spent watching TV, applying for work online, and of course, how could I forget countless hours catching up on Facebook. CNN actually calls this social depression. Well, being I have no social life out here, that may be true to a minuscule degree (Dear friends, let's not get excited over thinking I'm depressed and home sick that I'm on the next bus home... It ain't happening lol). I'm adjusting, as does everyone who wasn't raised here.<br />So this is my routine, here on the range lol.<br />I wake up close to 9 am... mostly cause I'm up all night chatting with friends and texting. I eat breakfast, and now that pregnancy has caused me to switch to hibernation mode, I eat... then I wanna sleep. So I fight the sleepiness for a while then take my nap. I wake up just in time for lunch. In between feedings and naps, I watch some TV, or listen to Sirius and XM radio. T<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbipFx-UBp6SK4IXf5wkIwXYnwBU7LFVtb7J_I4mjTcCkG5e4sP_ZL61WSNq8zB8XehsNjsCLzrkEJR8s81fFesmWAaWX32mCDr-3py620ewXC1spc6CXwZDeM2rhSczwM11C5y930GlI/s1600/imagesCA23CVXO.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 144px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581907791485847618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbipFx-UBp6SK4IXf5wkIwXYnwBU7LFVtb7J_I4mjTcCkG5e4sP_ZL61WSNq8zB8XehsNjsCLzrkEJR8s81fFesmWAaWX32mCDr-3py620ewXC1spc6CXwZDeM2rhSczwM11C5y930GlI/s400/imagesCA23CVXO.jpg" /></a>he dog and I dance around for awhile till we get sufficient exercise. It's quite amusing; who wouldn't enjoy dancing and singing in your living room? The best part is... since we live in the middle of nowhere and are surrounded by trees, I can dance naked if I want... Hell, I can even take it outside and no one will see me... that I know of lol.<br /><br />So I get the whole day to myself. Mom has these two birds that talk... well they say a couple phrases. If I'm washing the dishes, the birds say... Take a bath, take a bath. So I splash them with some water. If they see us eat, they say "I want a bite". If they're scared they say, it's OK, it's OK. The girl bird says, It's OK, Kiwi (that's the boy's name) or if she is mad at him she'll say, "stop it, Kiwi, Stop it" I tend to fight with the birds cause they're the only other thing, besides myself, that I can talk to... well, I can talk to the dogs but they don't talk back. lol. The other parrot only says one word..."Cotorra", which means parrot in Spanish, but her name is Patty. She does the "hot-stuff" whistle... the woot wooooot lol. IDK how that translates into English. But when my mom and step-dad get home... all hell breaks loose.<br />The animals can hear my mom and step-dad's car from a mile away... LITERALLY. I know they're near before I even see them. The inside dog starts barking hysterically, the outside dog runs to greet him at the main entrance. The cows start mooing and start making their way to the house... the birds start screaming. Basically, it's a head ache. When my mom gets here the same thing... the dogs do their thing, the cows moo, but the parrots get even crazier... Patty does her woot woot thing, the two Quaker parrots start screaming and saying... "Oh look at the baby, look at the baby" I guess that's what mom says to them, so they say it back. It's literally like a hour of chaos. Mom stops to play the parrots, the cat, Boo Boo starts crying like a baby... the dogs are barking and jumping. It sounds like a freakin' zoo. She comes in to greet my step dad, she gives him a kiss, the dog gets jealous and starts crying and howling, she wont stop until she gets attention. And then there's me... NO BODY LOVES ME ;( lol (I got that from my sister in law... That's all she says..."no body loves me, why does every body hate me lol... what a nut) I have to come out of my room for attention 'CAUSE NO BODY LOVES ME lol. Oh well.<br />There are just some of the pets<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvpHNFUchuV1BPkW7yuDEmEN3nxKWXrT-GcfH0SxYYz0-8Xvses4PFcAbQEwpLXZNbZFWBjVmlgv32dtTZ5jZUY_R-lkSZAU_hRzKEt43UIg1ZAjUIkppwPel2j9uJyXoAsglr5LQ204/s1600/birds.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581909212309144962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvpHNFUchuV1BPkW7yuDEmEN3nxKWXrT-GcfH0SxYYz0-8Xvses4PFcAbQEwpLXZNbZFWBjVmlgv32dtTZ5jZUY_R-lkSZAU_hRzKEt43UIg1ZAjUIkppwPel2j9uJyXoAsglr5LQ204/s400/birds.jpg" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581909209520048082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNxlb0us7C7kkOf51N6QL9JiURSU-BFxKm-MTByJRzG5L0BYCZhMt-7TpWm62UX0pA6B23MAl0XAsySSQ30N689sAwyxxwIeyPFbjhNam99v1hklYZjjg7I4LRZGzf70UjgXY4RN8tts/s400/mompatty.bmp" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581909205783119026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlBmjrJLSqhhjDOcJ6rveKCD4VCr2MXqmIUlgZsa7g4oubEhjPS-J_wNLyWU9ze_m7q_ilrlY91jwteyNcGlQEenQuDvkw_M-quzjQXfqVNUSPO_PDpUW0yQMG73KLZMKiYU5DoLWZYU/s400/mommity.bmp" /><br /><div><br /><div>The weekends are different... we just sleep all day. According to my mom, my pregnancy has affected everybody, even the dog. we eat then sleep... we do that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner lol... seriously. I joke that ranch should be called "Golden Acres" cause we live like old people... eat, sleep, shit, and complain of aches and pains. But I think they secretly napped all day before I even got here and now they have an excuse.</div><br /><div>So that's life here on Golden Acres, I mean Green Acres. Seems like the only times we go to town is to get groceries or to hit up the pharmacy. We'd go to the "big city" only when we have appointments, it used to be that we'd go every weekend. Sounds kinda boring but like I said, it takes some time to get used to. I'm ready to start working so I can start to socialize... It's tough being home all day and just hanging out with the parentals but I'll get through it... One day at a time.</div></div>Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-10632635270995512992011-03-03T12:54:00.014-06:002011-03-03T14:29:24.557-06:00Redneck Woman<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6jO-jlmXUrZ2NiMhGN2RmofJMEt582TRyDMPaYnDJy1aQ542QqW9KwSQE-97lfGw0eslZs7zGgHlCD0cT0AyTF4VuWbgk0fvJM_Yhp6z0rA3xBoPfHf8qR3KD4TDmKOKQxHk_2AGKU0/s1600/150065_170274213001721_100000574306722_453655_1710037_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 321px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579938025740758786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6jO-jlmXUrZ2NiMhGN2RmofJMEt582TRyDMPaYnDJy1aQ542QqW9KwSQE-97lfGw0eslZs7zGgHlCD0cT0AyTF4VuWbgk0fvJM_Yhp6z0rA3xBoPfHf8qR3KD4TDmKOKQxHk_2AGKU0/s400/150065_170274213001721_100000574306722_453655_1710037_n.jpg%22" /></a> My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">lil</span></span> cousin actually made me think about this when she posted a comment on my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">SIL's</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> picture</span> of her and my brother in camouflage on a fishing trip (OK... In my brother and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">SIL's</span> </S<>defense, they wore <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span> cause it was cold... not cause they were trying to blend in to the environment <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>). She asked, "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">WoW</span>! When did y'all become rednecks?" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>. Well, My best guess was when they moved to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Teague</span>, my new home town. I suppose it's just a matter of time before I become one too. My brother has always been an outdoors man; hunting, fishing, the works, so he's always had his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span></span> gear... but my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">SIL</span>??? OK so she likes fish, but so do I. When they moved up here (and have moved back to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">RGV</span>) she got a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span> jacket and wears it in the winter... and If I'm not mistaken, my brother wears his too... yep, even when they are not hunting or fishing. So that got me thinking... as much as I try to fight the country, I suppose it is just a matter of time before I become a </span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">redneck</span></span>, or country too. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> even listen to country cause I'm scared I'm gonna become a redneck soon, and my baby listens to what I listen to... so that means it will be a redneck before it's even born... Stop the Insanity!!!!
<br />So let me tell you about redneck fashion...
<br />True story... Mom and I went to subway for lunch one day when it was freezing (actually it was the day I slipped in the snow). So we're enjoying our subs and this group/family <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">wal</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7IDSKmmayqkXqS1EtSAoPL77mORYkBjlo0H8Yh5i4hC1R_BDQJCCKTLw6_S9yQ5iWLknf2_qrZe9tsZKNc8JcBssDX_HvyL_lfZP0oaoCiyWvQQ2cc-TfHOXjysLFinay6Gez_ZiSxM/s1600/imagesCA72PNB0.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 165px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579938597623854162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7IDSKmmayqkXqS1EtSAoPL77mORYkBjlo0H8Yh5i4hC1R_BDQJCCKTLw6_S9yQ5iWLknf2_qrZe9tsZKNc8JcBssDX_HvyL_lfZP0oaoCiyWvQQ2cc-TfHOXjysLFinay6Gez_ZiSxM/s400/imagesCA72PNB0.jpg" /></a>ks in to the restaurant covered in head to toe <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span> gear. OK??? I scratch my head and I look at my mom, like... "are they for real?" She just nodded. I stared in awe... not in a bad way but in a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">OMG</span> twilight moment kinda way. They had <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span></span> coveralls, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span> trucker hats... but I knew they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weren't</span> going hunting, cause I've been around hunters my whole life... and these people were not going hunting anytime soon. I knew this because the girls had cute <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hot pink</span> polka dot rain boots and hot pink long john tops, and big <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">cheerleading</span></span> bows on their heads... and I knew hot pink <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">isn't</span></span> a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span> color. The boys were dressed the same, sans the hot pink, polka dots, and hair bows. Anyhow, the country has yet to get my mom, although she may head to town once in a while with out any make up, and the country definitely has yet to get me, so we pretty much stick out like a sore thumb. People literally stare at us when we walk in. My make up is done, my hair is done, and I try to dress as nice as possible. People can clearly tell I'm not from here and my mom has always tried to dress up although, I have seen a slight change in her wardrobe since she moved here. It's not as classy as she used to dress, although my momma will always be classy, and she wears a lot of pants now whereas before, she used to wear dresses to work.
<br />Most of the people around here wear sweats, no make up, hair looking crazy, walking around with spit bottles and huge wads of snuff in their mouth, cowboy work boots (OK so I have a nice pair which I have yet to be able to wear since my jeans no longer it), <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span> gear... yes, even the girls, etc... you get the point, typical redneck stuff (no disrespect, and NO NOT EVERYONE WHO LIVES HERE IS A REDNECK [in defense of those I know who <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">really</span> are not]). And the one's who do dress up, while they look really nice, they look rodeo nice... gem studded crosses, rhinestones everywhere, tight jeans, pretty make up... but they look country. I still, THANK GOD, look like a city girl... for now.
<br />I went to an appointment with another cousin of mine (who lives in town, but she isn't country, even though I noticed she's picked up that country twang). We took her son to his pediatrician and guess what I saw... yup, you guessed it, babies everywhere in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span> gear. Car seats and baby blankets in pink, blue, or regular <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span></span>. I even saw <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span></span> diaper bags and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">camo</span> sneakers. I think of my poor baby... my poor future redneck/John Deer baby. I already decided, I just cant fight it anymore... IF YOU CANT BEAT 'EM, JOIN 'EM!
<br />In preparation of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">raising</span> a redneck baby, I, myself, gotta be a redneck (Not sure if Hispanic people can be rednecks... I sure as hell <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> wanna be a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chuntaro</span>) </div><div align="center">(In case you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> know what a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">chuntaro</span> is... )</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="'" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtXI8Ux-WugEhrZVPlgcIG17XUV5gm3Y9k_6-2SdxMrfsBGikasSJs3IBrdg9ks-JFiPr4T7KNzXupW7sjidmFfsZk6tfi-S-zyHYFRKW8tlB3oIZ6jGXJCocJvJBtVmGL4mRtgwp6yg/s400/20100913_02.jpg" /> <p align="center">(Yeah, there's a website <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">LMAO</span>) </p><p align="left">
<br />So where<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_NxjXB0lALap2WBO_ogvXgY5sV2Ubg9Sn9R1pNEeOXW2I1_Z3zbll4nkhM_TI1ocsvX8vfGc0NBKPqFR2QgdrswN1J8bTpYL-riHv3Mnrm4bZ9LSIGaDHqBc4YyXDc_dU5bxoPTghp4/s1600/imagesCA2CRILN.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 165px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579944786973611874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_NxjXB0lALap2WBO_ogvXgY5sV2Ubg9Sn9R1pNEeOXW2I1_Z3zbll4nkhM_TI1ocsvX8vfGc0NBKPqFR2QgdrswN1J8bTpYL-riHv3Mnrm4bZ9LSIGaDHqBc4YyXDc_dU5bxoPTghp4/s400/imagesCA2CRILN.jpg" /></a> was I... Oh yeah... Just call me a redneck woman. From now on, my anthem with be... Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson.. 'cause I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ain't</span> no high class broad, and I yell hell yeah and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">hee</span> haw. So since I gotta start now, I've been looking in to redneck maternity fashion... I saw these awesome o<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKhRbykenpD_7qLlh_BMx5b2Gcy6cDjQiH4JEZjJhxraGxzxXm5dYJVYNY1fJPwtuvRx58lLVD1UI2ucjRGKK-JPZrPTCuzaCCxHnxlJFzN9qStp1GVJQ86Itsxxx9q6_-xK49voLdz8/s1600/imagesCA4VRJ7H.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 152px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579945514608747250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKhRbykenpD_7qLlh_BMx5b2Gcy6cDjQiH4JEZjJhxraGxzxXm5dYJVYNY1fJPwtuvRx58lLVD1UI2ucjRGKK-JPZrPTCuzaCCxHnxlJFzN9qStp1GVJQ86Itsxxx9q6_-xK49voLdz8/s400/imagesCA4VRJ7H.jpg%22" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">veralls</span>, but for some reason a man was wearing them, I guess their unisex, or he's a drunk cross dresser... I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> judge. And I gotta work on my swag... This will be me in a few months... I just gotta add on to my tattoo... it's not quite that big yet, Hell it might <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">stretch</span> so I'll just leave it alone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. And in true redneck fashion... I gotta have a redneck baby shower! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Don't</span> forget the cake... or the gifts. This will be on my baby registry..</p><p align="left">
<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-Zggmphe0NcI1WwmlWbEaVWEsQDoSNxmmketIUsk9_nTXnburkYPAzTwOkQHkCvppNgT7jsZpOIgdTkBwlp3qA4fQwptz2o7mKogO6XgmfwZXWzKlvqVBG8kmf621zuO4tNZyc5vLN8/s1600/johndeerbedspread.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579947364615364114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-Zggmphe0NcI1WwmlWbEaVWEsQDoSNxmmketIUsk9_nTXnburkYPAzTwOkQHkCvppNgT7jsZpOIgdTkBwlp3qA4fQwptz2o7mKogO6XgmfwZXWzKlvqVBG8kmf621zuO4tNZyc5vLN8/s400/johndeerbedspread.bmp" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb02kNcTi7hc6wO1Z15SDPytIuGh4LvPYPEVOkNzLG2LYZkuqaEM4K6LXimuSjkMHldafEhWA_fGMGhbiF05FnQ8IbA8xTKY0RlFyi0Qp7D5hEffpYKz3vUCMXfixr19QaRvpOVdrrXA/s1600/imagesCAR0SFKT.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579947365496988882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb02kNcTi7hc6wO1Z15SDPytIuGh4LvPYPEVOkNzLG2LYZkuqaEM4K6LXimuSjkMHldafEhWA_fGMGhbiF05FnQ8IbA8xTKY0RlFyi0Qp7D5hEffpYKz3vUCMXfixr19QaRvpOVdrrXA/s400/imagesCAR0SFKT.jpg" /></a> And this will be my beautiful redneck baby when he or she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gets</span> here. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Don't</span> you think it'll be adorable all "John <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deered</span> up? I sure think so... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Don't</span> hate on my baby cause yours <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_48" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ain't</span> a redneck.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLswSuOiw5sc0pdv1M6V2ljpiBtzqjvbuPl0brzSxHnEJh-_ARPHC_0srjy_CGrOWWf1To3Vis66_OpD8xkwvdvfkEYiW1cbAwv1VdbXv8Q9jkuasiGK4ztJoUIDCYvtCIpX6vmkI79Q/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579946173861739106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLswSuOiw5sc0pdv1M6V2ljpiBtzqjvbuPl0brzSxHnEJh-_ARPHC_0srjy_CGrOWWf1To3Vis66_OpD8xkwvdvfkEYiW1cbAwv1VdbXv8Q9jkuasiGK4ztJoUIDCYvtCIpX6vmkI79Q/s400/untitled.bmp" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM5raGDqh0SgLYCvAa4El-KFIx9Y-3gNI2mshyphenhyphenSVc26pXUBdCy0HlxCfoBGgPujYCJnuLfQLEf1mv3MmdK_25cDsDSs4tvdM7FIzUyZZ2CzPZ6vGBC6bVICec6GPt0VGQ5TIy7CKSx0Y/s1600/johndeerbaby.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579946176654969106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM5raGDqh0SgLYCvAa4El-KFIx9Y-3gNI2mshyphenhyphenSVc26pXUBdCy0HlxCfoBGgPujYCJnuLfQLEf1mv3MmdK_25cDsDSs4tvdM7FIzUyZZ2CzPZ6vGBC6bVICec6GPt0VGQ5TIy7CKSx0Y/s400/johndeerbaby.bmp" /></a>
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<br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPB5W4RAudrdgGZVQ02Z7fpjaquxbXK23jBaBlGnL1YPzYKLo9qMzyAvHxGLMV9f5RWKbl8E6hDOdKxFqtG8krXN7y6Hhl9i76nt8SGaLG2f7Jgt8oGFT85KPoLKde8leWgU8PZ-Bf0Y/s1600/imagesCAPSOMN8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579946172380565778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPB5W4RAudrdgGZVQ02Z7fpjaquxbXK23jBaBlGnL1YPzYKLo9qMzyAvHxGLMV9f5RWKbl8E6hDOdKxFqtG8krXN7y6Hhl9i76nt8SGaLG2f7Jgt8oGFT85KPoLKde8leWgU8PZ-Bf0Y/s400/imagesCAPSOMN8.jpg" /></a> </div>
<br />In all seriousness... No! I will not be a redneck, nor will my baby. I cant promise he or she will not have a country twang, because truth of the matter is this baby probably will. I think it's kinda cute. And since we do live on a ranch I cant promise no cowboy/girl boots and no John Deer clothes, some are actually kind of cute. If my baby wants to ride bulls and horses, he or she can, but no wads of snuff and no spit baby bottles. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_49" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. This is definitely gonna be interesting. Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-85764811248329935362011-03-01T13:21:00.009-06:002011-03-01T14:24:56.868-06:00Oh How Beautiful!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsToD7AZbYqaG8DiUGbPj44Wpqq8fQOi4obZ0ziE8oXx1c6oT0YXAZnGWRDQEI_1qZmfL2mfcLK-Ifc59RarrVw-fUGMvantpjKZkBtRxGhsMu0cRT7huH0A19Zh9YBh033dnu1ieWNc/s1600/fatskinny.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 151px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 324px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579203503791825170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsToD7AZbYqaG8DiUGbPj44Wpqq8fQOi4obZ0ziE8oXx1c6oT0YXAZnGWRDQEI_1qZmfL2mfcLK-Ifc59RarrVw-fUGMvantpjKZkBtRxGhsMu0cRT7huH0A19Zh9YBh033dnu1ieWNc/s400/fatskinny.bmp" /></a> Being that I am finally in my second trimester and the worries are slowly discipating, I finally decided to pick up a camera and snap a shot of my 16 week belly (and I wonder why that cow insulted me by asking if I was having triplets? Sorry, I just cant let it go... wait till I catch that Bia on the street) So I wasn't a svelte super model pre-preggo, even though I thought I was hotter than hell. I like to think I had the opposite or the better version of body dysmorphic disorder. LOL. My body wasn't perfect and I rarely had self esteem issues... those only came when I would actually start to work on my fitness and obsess over losing weight, AND THAT DEFINITELY WAS NOT FUN. I'd rather be fat and happy than skinny, obsessed and have more self esteem issues than when I wasn't trying. Anyways... I've totally veered off topic. So yes, my baby bump is larger than most 16 week-ers and I probably look like I've got mul<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOLf1QagsgNssm3A1PWV4ABEmWHRyzMe3L1oiX-mxzIIk7gIUUlhgpeapqtxn53plxO8ka0RkD6Go-s2x12X1tv-F8TlG_1LylmKrWci1Nitje-NtPwr3YcqOaR9Bv2X2FtZmj6ifmgA/s1600/babybump+16+weeks.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 193px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579203764600079554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOLf1QagsgNssm3A1PWV4ABEmWHRyzMe3L1oiX-mxzIIk7gIUUlhgpeapqtxn53plxO8ka0RkD6Go-s2x12X1tv-F8TlG_1LylmKrWci1Nitje-NtPwr3YcqOaR9Bv2X2FtZmj6ifmgA/s400/babybump+16+weeks.JPG" /></a>tiples in there (but it's actually just a few too many tamales and doughnuts). Either way, I'm starting to feel comfortable in my skin again. I still hide behind the sweaters a little, but I'm working on it. I thought I'd take the picture since I wanted to record my pregnancy as best as possible... speaking of record, I mentioned how I started that baby journal to help me cope with certain issues/worries. I slacked off when I moved to the ranch, I guess talking about the pregnancy was just as therapeutic. After about 5 weeks of no entries, I decided to pick up the slack and catch up... and back to the picture. I didn't get all dolled up, I just wanted to capture the moment. Since I haven't seen my brother in over a month I decided to send him my baby bump picture, I had also sent him a picture of a super, duper loaded rib we had for dinner and since I knew my brother was at work,I figured I'd make him jealous since he is such a carnivorous cave man and those ribs are<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQFB43dWdHeB7ZEGuqvKzMd8gMO_E2UFb81Z_Awl_HWv5BFfcOJDfdb3fVE2MAwf3A90znfePepLVempa7oi5BxciGXzv1sWJm6IsCtZF8tFkxf8K4VJ-oMokZB0zjZPTthhIngVLnHQ/s1600/rib.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 237px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 143px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579204161042658546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQFB43dWdHeB7ZEGuqvKzMd8gMO_E2UFb81Z_Awl_HWv5BFfcOJDfdb3fVE2MAwf3A90znfePepLVempa7oi5BxciGXzv1sWJm6IsCtZF8tFkxf8K4VJ-oMokZB0zjZPTthhIngVLnHQ/s400/rib.JPG" /></a> one of his favorites. (And again, I wonder why my belly is huge lol... I only had one for the record... and I didn't even finish it). So I sent him the pictures... around midnight I get a text message back, "Oh how Beautiful!!!) For just a moment there I thought he was talking about my baby bump... then I realized I sent him the picture of the rib. I asked him to clarify which picture he was talking about... he has yet to respond. Knowing my brother, I know for certain he was talking about the rib :-/ LOL, I guess that's what I get for teasing him. (it doesn't look that big in the photo, but trust me... IT WAS BIG!... and I mean the rib lol)Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-34033034183089730672011-02-24T22:21:00.011-06:002011-02-24T23:28:15.543-06:00The Joys of Aging... And Mom's gonna kill meSo my mom and I were having a snack at the table the other evening (BTW She is gonna be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooooo</span> mad I'm writing about this ;) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">tehehe AND NO THIS ISNT ABOUT HER AGING</span>) and she decides to review her mail. She received this catalog that she had never received before called Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Leonard's</span>... She was all excited cause it sort of looks like a fin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_oiZlm_97BogDRd_yqz5YbgZcUopb3vMVD1gsjqKKIqdXoJTDxplmlY51OHY7O-YJV2jE6uIoxJUDL3DcGh5U9zAor_y1i9coekS6Sv0garFrIzjwqz4GILB4wB620sEBWuDRcD3kpk/s1600/DrLeonards.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 233px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577481472825198434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_oiZlm_97BogDRd_yqz5YbgZcUopb3vMVD1gsjqKKIqdXoJTDxplmlY51OHY7O-YJV2jE6uIoxJUDL3DcGh5U9zAor_y1i9coekS6Sv0garFrIzjwqz4GILB4wB620sEBWuDRcD3kpk/s400/DrLeonards.jpg" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">gerhut</span> or ABC catalog, sort of. Anyhow I asked... "Mom, Why are you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">receiving</span> that catalog? That's for old people and the old lady that my Grandma <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Melda</span> used to work for would give her her left over catalogs... so she would just take them home and throw them away." They have some purposeful items that caught my attention like an orthopedic dog bed and coat. Anyways... So my mom is flipping through the pages content with what she sees. She says, "WOW! reading glasses so cheap... And WOW!!! that's a really nice bed spread... And OH!!!! Gibby (my step dad) could really uses those (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Prolly</span> some slippers or robe or something)". So she's all excited and I'm thinking to myself... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">OMG</span>! I cant <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">believe</span> my mom is looking at a catalog for old people. So she flips the page and screams... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">AHHH</span>! stares at it for half a second and flips the page. She is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">completely</span> red and I'm like, "What was that?" so she turns the page back to show me. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span> I start laughing hysterically. All I could say in my most serious voice was, "Well, old people need action too!... and sometimes when men get old, they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> function properly". She looks at m<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij2uUrDE2VCFiJPIK_0Dh21_-LVjAemugIQnmOsGJSXvIVKr-GGGLY2xsQBpxJogoOJ08UMrInc0jnz1hcEQS9qrtBmSXlD-lylyPdlxL5bchX8aSnCDmvZKS9qbuibefzqd6jIyAK5E/s1600/imagesCAMA6FDE.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 188px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577487600859854082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij2uUrDE2VCFiJPIK_0Dh21_-LVjAemugIQnmOsGJSXvIVKr-GGGLY2xsQBpxJogoOJ08UMrInc0jnz1hcEQS9qrtBmSXlD-lylyPdlxL5bchX8aSnCDmvZKS9qbuibefzqd6jIyAK5E/s400/imagesCAMA6FDE.jpg" /></a>y with this face and says "Shut up" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. So she proceeds to flip through the catalog... Again, she turns completely red and starts laughing... flips the page again and another page of personal <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">massagers</span> and products. She slams the catalog shut in disbelief. It was too funny.<br /><br />Personally, I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> think there is anything wrong with old people getting it on... I mean, they need some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">lovin</span>' too and I hope at that age I haven't lost my sex drive lol. So Lesson Learned...<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">(Actual Image from Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Leonard's</span> Catalog)<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577482544461681650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mov9bbCP4x2ltutbrsTNVF9WC9Ss2k1Hud8y0NBD3Y-MMHmby9mms9ZwQSK1w4M71yHYoddpa85jUGdiPsp2rwycpjfkRQFLI9i7uaZR8YU8-nJxPVQPtmQidjCCKUzJDkPb1UOXqNI/s400/dr+leonards.bmp" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577482543937243970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOkx6CGimTmDCy0LpaZB3veGjskSnzbEBPf6yYqkev8fOGcfNMcM5L7iaxGmxYFT1Zkw0h3LR97HbpSnpa2UtYZTI3BkPOGosJqkAiZbQQf3ifLMyRLEO50OJMb7ZR5daNHtcLk3xj50/s400/imagesCA2NCUTU.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577482548807575730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbhmJEnTcwXZ-F38NckIVlo7El3-BeTyLGFCsRv_puGXNQxGbjxKfUftuHcHAjbaFrVIEP0pKbjmjQgIloLQtOD3nhzQSj_EGfz9WzVQZ8n9zwzdQbu_VX1TXfAnGBa3pUhsBqUzRQyQ/s400/400_F_11445962_SovQGtBWRTVFRACIuQ2sjm4eu1fu3GiM.jpg" /><br />*********************************************<br /></div><div align="left">On another note...<br /></div><div align="left">Mom had a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">discectomy</span> and fusion last January and is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">slowly</span> but surely recovering. Unfortunately she still endures a lot of spinal and nerve pain. The weather change (rain and chilly) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">flared</span> up her pain. I'm in my room filling out some online job applications when she comes to my mom. "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bibis</span>... Can you rub some muscle cream on my back?" I get the tube and squeeze a generous amount of cream on to my palm, rub my hands together to warm it up, and proceed to giving her a mini massage. The only thing I think of to my self is... "Wow, this stuff <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesn't</span> smell like muscle cream... I guess it's unscented". So I'm done with her massage and she is watching <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">TV</span> on my bed and is rubbing her legs with cream. I'm still at my desk filling out applications and rubbed my face with left over residue of cream after I had washed my hands. She yells... "What! this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">isn't</span> muscle cream. So I turn around and much to my surprise it is definitely not muscle cream. I suppose as a nurse before we administer any medication or topical lotions/ointments we double check what we are administering... I just assumed my mom got the right cream. I guess she had picked up some anti fungal cream that my step dad had in a drawer and not the muscle cream. Gibby yells from the living room... "I have the muscle cream over here". Well as they say... If you ASSUME you make and ASS out of U and ME. So mom practically had anti-fungal cream all over her body while I was rubbing it on my face <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. Lesson learned... Remember nursing rules... Right dose, Right route, Right medication, Right patient... etc, etc... AND<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577488932014308514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJtVKMwHhPIkvDIOGOeVf0pgjIpevQGoW5iIoT4cNV40NCdgswKf4Zs9_NYWK6m-YPV7JupB8Ce-88Ic4pwQAYf07bRZqf_ytb82s4a54Y9gAoS9HsnfcPMLgoSsBkU6cCIdirP2LFM4/s400/imagesCAGA5EOH.jpg" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNmwNzQXsIuHPu6XyXsZ03nd62YnAlOrTfhAnRDmUiU_3E0vVffdvMyQe8fS3-F4neeutT42CjTWoo_EsmqONvyqoPFy8aJNlwdDHhthzOl-yf0dq9sjXqdSx2m3Bp6BPS3yIvjHSwBc/s1600/notequal.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 182px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577488938181691122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNmwNzQXsIuHPu6XyXsZ03nd62YnAlOrTfhAnRDmUiU_3E0vVffdvMyQe8fS3-F4neeutT42CjTWoo_EsmqONvyqoPFy8aJNlwdDHhthzOl-yf0dq9sjXqdSx2m3Bp6BPS3yIvjHSwBc/s400/notequal.bmp" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577488942542746770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDlZ-aWx9pqqPxZch_0EQie-gLy43lKtVhLsj1hkq-69SMX0e09xlx3WEDP1lZ7ECTGjY4Km3-nhmgzVOMAWLP5Ws9jwEqxL7mObKmt-g9mMM6-L7rurfihSxDNftf5HMLcXbmb2c0c4/s400/musclerub.jpg" /><br /></div>Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-38763001836032630462011-02-22T20:54:00.010-06:002011-02-22T22:12:02.261-06:00Baby Bumps and BadonkydonksAfter three long weeks of waiting to see my new doctor the time has finally come... well almost. I have my appointment on Thursday and I couldn't be more excited! Too bad I couldn't get seen sooner for that horrendous poison oak (I can only assume) rash I had all over my abdomen for two and a half weeks... THAT WAS HORRIBLE! All the nurses could recommend was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Benadryl</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">hydrocortizone</span> cream. After two days of practically feeling knocked out by the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Benadryl</span>, I pretty much stopped since the rash wasn't going away and I pretty much figured out it wasn't an allergic reaction. I treated myself with every possible cream in the first aid section but what worked the best was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caladryl</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sarna</span> lotion. But fortunately the rash has cleared and all I have left is a patch of dry skin where the rash was, no biggie compared to the intense itching. Time is flying by so fast and although I still worry, I am not as apprehensive as I was before. I'm now in my second trimester and hoping the baby's sex can be determined. I keep getting asked if I want a boy or a girl... truth of the matter is, I just want a healthy baby. It still feels surreal, like an out of body experience... I know it's happening but it doesn't feel like it's happening to me. Guess I'm still in denial but ready or not, here this baby comes.<br /><br /><br />There are so many old wives's tales that determine the sex of the baby... I tried the Chinese gender calendar, two actually... on<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgJHF_3pQheNdAAMV7HnpPGM4UV3CQGleYdk5efdG4rY4T1bHskMBDm_lrcV5_pTeMMtN7cM3gB1MsAfm2xz0BvDVVUiK41jDGoGiIE2Z-DrPAKnLVTTjsdP9y2DaHnINjmp5tSmvtXg/s1600/cartoon12.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 253px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 323px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576719181337687730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgJHF_3pQheNdAAMV7HnpPGM4UV3CQGleYdk5efdG4rY4T1bHskMBDm_lrcV5_pTeMMtN7cM3gB1MsAfm2xz0BvDVVUiK41jDGoGiIE2Z-DrPAKnLVTTjsdP9y2DaHnINjmp5tSmvtXg/s400/cartoon12.png" /></a>e where you input some information and another that's an actual calendar... one said boy one said girl... Uh OK. My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">BFFs</span> friend did some numerology thing and she said I was having a boy. My grandma said I'm probably having a girl since my cousin's little boy practically has a love/hate relationship with me. He's only two and wants me around but when I'm there, he kicks and hits me. My mom says it's a girl also since apparently I have a big ass now and have gained so much weight :-/ I don't over eat and stick to my diet 98% of the time... I give in to my mom's yummy cornbread... What? Don't judge! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. Either way I'll be happy with whatever God gives me. So as much as I try to hide behind loose clothes and my rapid weight gain, I must admit I have a baby bump... although you really cant tell cause I'm extra fluffy these days. I'm sure the Dr. is gonna have me on some serious fridge lock down and exercise but that's OK since Doc knows what's best for my sweet pea. And did I mention... this ignorant Mexican lady totally pissed me off. She said I got super duper fat and asked if I was having triplets. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">WTF</span>! I know she wasn't serious about me having three but she just wanted to put me down. My Spanish isn't so well that I can defend myself but if you could only imagine the English words that ran through my mind.<br /><br />Aside from all that I feel good, I don't even feel pregnant yet... OK so I have to pee all the time, especially at night which is REALLY annoying, I get out of breath easily which <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr3SoWYlaB26FORlfeNprrZZrHt2Wwy50t2QYyqKuGx1gj5skm-yoGuyrdIrPIVyYb6Up2LA3SPGE5psZZvJZwUfgvHrSFQUzjT_ONaujRC_Q7vjg1vYXZic32-Pl27dP7uYJHNBi9tA/s1600/cartoon15.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 280px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576724373550132226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr3SoWYlaB26FORlfeNprrZZrHt2Wwy50t2QYyqKuGx1gj5skm-yoGuyrdIrPIVyYb6Up2LA3SPGE5psZZvJZwUfgvHrSFQUzjT_ONaujRC_Q7vjg1vYXZic32-Pl27dP7uYJHNBi9tA/s400/cartoon15.png" /></a>only means I need to start exercising more, and I've gained weight in places I never thought I would... like my ass. So having a bigger butt has it's perks but not when you're still trying to fit in the last two pair of jeans you have left. I've out grown all my pants except for two pair of jeans that fit me big before I found out I was pregnant and my sweats which is very depressing. I think when we go to town for my doctor's appointment on Thursday (which is an hour away) I'm gonna hit up some stores and buy some maternity clothes. I swore up and down that I would never wear them... Oh well, I want some jeans and at this point I don't really care. Just taking this one day at a time. I sometimes think I can feel the baby move, which makes this feel more real... but then I think... maybe it's just gas... And while that is a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">TMI</span>, it's totally natural even when you're not pregnant... Besides, I'm also now the Queen of Belching. Yup... it's pretty gross and I really <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> care... unless I'm in public. Oh yeah... So I was saying I had no symptoms and here I am listing them all <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>, I guess I meant the major ones. Sleep has become my best friend these days... That's all I wanna do. I wake up at 8 or 9 to have a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast and I'm still sleepy so all I wanna do is crawl back into bed. Lunch time comes around and I get sleepy... at 4 I'm ready for another nap. Most days, I avoid the naps but I seriously need them... Just call me Sleeping Beauty. ;)Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092462620613322986.post-77157746833300858172011-02-04T21:42:00.006-06:002011-02-05T11:13:07.969-06:00Snow timeI can finally say I know what a real winter feels like. Back home (I'm originally from deep south Texas), it's cold (60 degrees) one day and scorching hot the next day. Only in the Valley can you get a sun tan in the winter... actually all year round. Back home a cold front (70 degrees and below) means grab a light sweater or jacket and don't forget your flip-flops cause by noon time, it's time to take off the sweater. Now that I've relocated to North Texas, we actually have seasons. I got to experience freezing weather (Actually, so did the Valley... I think it's cause the Valley really missed me) and while I've seen snow once in my life several years before, this was what I've been waiting for. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevOhkZKibVXeJMLJqsfIQCh3wTmOEiL0teEeBLIo6IsbyYhPFC5YFf1yOV0q7EM6hnOZdrBmq0g6KnDPk8kxVxhmn5jkN06TxwiqK_7yqo8uZxCmEZJ9UFOKNFY20aRyXsTMhfz4412k/s1600/snow2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570056567281835234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevOhkZKibVXeJMLJqsfIQCh3wTmOEiL0teEeBLIo6IsbyYhPFC5YFf1yOV0q7EM6hnOZdrBmq0g6KnDPk8kxVxhmn5jkN06TxwiqK_7yqo8uZxCmEZJ9UFOKNFY20aRyXsTMhfz4412k/s400/snow2.jpg" /></a><br />We got about 5-6 inches of snow, which is nothing compared to many parts of the country, but it was enough to get me excited. It was around 10 or 11 pm last night when we noticed that it was snowing. I ran outside to take a quick look and I was in heaven. I felt like "Kim <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boggs</span>" in "Edward <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scissorhands</span>" dancing under the falling snow... OK, so in my case there was no Edward shaving ice... and it only lasted literally three seconds because I had my mom yelling, "Get inside, you're gonna get sick"! So that was a major party crasher for me but considering I cant afford to get sick, I suppose she was right. I woke up with excitement... like Christmas day excitement. The light shined through my window, only much brighter. The sun, although barely shining, radiated off the snow and illuminated my room. I had such a big smile on my face... but when I realized it was so cold the dog didn't even want to go outside to do her business, I kinda figured I'd stay inside myself and observe the beauty from with in the comfort of our warm and cozy home. After a while, I gathered the courage to endure the cold. I threw on my boots, gloves, scarf, and jacket. I felt so bundled up, I waddled like a penguin from all those layers... It was still cold but I managed to gasp at the sight. I was ready to roll on the ground and make a snow angel, but the dogs changed my mind. They started playing and somehow got snow on my face. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ummm</span>, Scratch that. Forget the snow angel if that means I have lay on the ground and get cold... Needless to say, later in the day, I'd be laying in the snow.<br />We stayed inside most of the day. I know, I know, my second experience with snow and I'm not having fun. I'm also not a five year old and my immune system isn't exactly prepared for me to get sick. We went out to run a few errands in town. I decided to look cute rather than sensible for this weather. I opted for some boots that had no grip instead of my cowgirl boots (What??? It's rare we go into town and you never know who you're gonna meet. I just had to look cute! Don't judge <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>) Anyway, we were still on the property and I got off to open the main gait... I walked less than 6 ft before I slipped/flew on my back. It happened so sudden, I didn't have time to think <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. When I realized what happened I didn't know if I should cry or laugh, so I did a little of both. I was mostly scared, I feared for my baby's safety. My mom got out shocked and worried but she did manage to get a few laughs in as well. We were all concerned... but I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm more than positive this is going to be a very interesting winter season.Cynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00406065323420599873noreply@blogger.com0