Brain Dump

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Holy moly! So much has been going on! To start I am 35 weeks and 3 days but there is room for discussion on that since my last ultrasound showed a rather large baby already! 6.3 lbs! I am hoping I go early, but everyone keeps telling me not to get my hopes up since most 1st time pregnancies go full term even post-term. I don't care though, my hopes are high and they are staying there! C'mon baby!

I am taking this Thursday and Friday off of work, why you may ask? Because I can. I feel I have been an exceptional trooper during this pregnancy and would like a little "ME" time before the baby actually arrives. All by myself. Doing "me" things like sleeping in, reading, cleaning, shopping, movies, lunch dates, and whatever my little heart desires. So I am pretty excited about that :) I plan on finishing a couple projects around the house as well and to still be incredibly productive.

We are about 95% done with Baby's room. All his clothes are washed and put away, I have two outfits ready for him for the hospital. I have to hang a couple poms my mom made for our shower in the room above the rocking chair - I think it will be the nice final touch that will pull the room together. I'll make sure I take pictures to share soon.

Work has been absolutely crazy. There is so much going on between in state branches, out of state branches, keeping up morale since there have been so many changes, workers compensation, unemployment, manuals, employee relation issues etc. I am on my toes literally ALL DAY! I am not complaining though because my hectic work schedule forces me to stay on a good schedule of eating, drinking, etc while growing this baby. Would I love to sit at home in peace and eat ice cream all day? You bet! But I think this is for the best. Only 16 work days till I go on maternity leave. Yippie!

Yesterday was Paczki today. I am not Polish, but my husband is and he was sweet enough to go pick up a dozen of them for my office and another 1/2 dozen for us at home. I am not going to tell you how many i've had. But I will tell you they were delicious!

Some of the things I am hoping to get accomplished on my days off and into the weekend are:

• Finish baby's room
• Really clean up house
• Finish Thank you cards and send them out
• Clean out car/fill up/wash (if weather is good)
• Get caught up with all laundry
• Pack my hospital bag
• Install baby car seat

There you have it. Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

Monday already?!

The weekends go by far too fast which bums me out. Lately the weekends have been so jam packed with the hustle and bustle of preparing for Baby. I am really trying to push through it because the sooner I get it done the sooner I can spend the next 5 weeks 6 days in peace!

Friday:

I got out of work a little early and Mike and I immediately left the house to go out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Bonefish in Novi. I got their Bang Bang shrimp and a bowl of their Corn and Crab chowder. So delish! We also tried their Chocolate Creme Brule - it was SO rich we couldnt finish it. After dinner we headed over to the theatre and saw The Vow. It was your typical sappy love story but let me tell you, it was SO fun to stare at Channing Tatum for the duration of the movie. After the movie we stepped outside to a full on blizzard! And I was still wearing my flats, FASHION FAIL! We drove 35 mph the whole ride home. Scary!

Saturday:

Saturday morning we slept in which was so wonderful. We lounged in bed reading, playing on our phones, cuddling. It was perfect. After lounging we grabbed a big bowl of cereal and played pinball on the xbox 360. Around 11:30 two of my co-workers came by so we could head out to the volunteering event we signed up for. It was for the Junior Achievement Jackson school district. We all raised money and bowled. I couldnt actually bowl since I am preggers but I had a lot of fun watching the fun. It was a crazy bowl meaning the first game was normal bowling and the second game was the crazy bowl where they team had to do a bunch of crazy things like get on all fours and toss their ball down using the palm of their hand or do a zumba line down. It was cute. After the event, we headed back home and I immedietly headed over to my parents house since I the bedding I picked out for baby v's room came in. I hung out there for a couple hours and headed home - LONG DAY!

Sunday:

Sunday was for getting things in order. I spent the day cleaning the house, washing and folding all of the babys clothes, doing our own laundry - 3 loads worth! Took a little nap, Mike put together the swing, we made dinner - baked chicken drumsticks and rice pilaf. As we were sitting down having dinner we hear a knock at the door. And since I am not a fan of strangers I was like we are NOT opening the door. But the knocking kept coming and so did the door bell. Finally Mike was like I'm just going to answer it! It was my in-laws! They dropped by since they were in the area to drop off a baby gift that was sent to their house and our valentines day cards/treats. We sat with them for about an hour - it was really nice! Afterwards I finished cleaning, putting away dishes, and folding more laundry until I collapsed on the couch.

It was such a fun and productive weekend. Glad I am still feeling well enough (energy wise) to get things accomplished. I am already feeling sluggish and not moving as fast. To be expected for 34 weeks, right?! This week is going to be busy at work so I am going to buckle down.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Lack o' Motivation

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Lately I've been more drained than ever. I feel as though I only do three things:

1.) Work
2.) Eat
3.) Sleep

I work all day, dealing with some pretty stressful things too lately... I come home help put on a meal and eat it then I promptly fall asleep on the couch until the hubs comes and wakes me up and I move to the bed where I lay awake for an hour or two and eventually fall back asleep. Riveting! I know this isn't going to last. I know my body is preparing for this little one and I should be grateful that I am getting as much sleep as I am now. And I am. But I'm ready to feel like my old self again. Motivated, productive, inspired...

Today although I feel like crap (got little sleep thanks to my neighboors kids having a party) I have some major motivation to get my house/baby stuff in order. I hope that by the end of the day today when I get home I still have that motivation - you never know.

1.) I have three baskets full of clean clothes to fold/put away
2.) I have another basket full of clothes, blankets, towels, bibs etc for Vincent that needs to be washed and put away
3.) I want to order his bedding today
4.) I need to sort and organize all of our wonderful gifts from our latest shower
5.) Put together items that need to be taken back (some dupes)
6.) Take back said dupes
7.) I need to start Thank you cards
8.) I should pack the hospital bag within the next couple weeks because hey - you never know.
9.) Make a list of things we still need to get before his arrival
10.) Deposit checks/money from shower to buy said gifts.
11.) Put the finishing touches on his nursery.

I reallllly hope I find and hold onto some motivation because we have less than 7 weeks and I still have a lot to do. I am ready and not ready for him all at the same time. I am ready to meet him and kiss him and start our lives together but I dont think I am quite ready mentally and emotionally for this. This experience is going to be life changing for both Mike and I and I think I need some more time to prepare for what it all means. I just need to do it, right? I just need to wash his clothes because i'll be happier once he is here and I dont have to worry about it. I just need to sort through the heap of gifts because once it's all organized i'll be able to enjoy the last couple weeks before he arrives in peace. I'm just going to do it. No matter how tired I am. Ok i am going to go take a nap now. Hah just kidding.

2011 in Review

This year has been one carazy year. Tons of fun stuff to reflect on, so lets take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

January - brought in the new year right.  Spent it with family and friends drinking, eating, dancing, singing.  It was perfection.  I find that over the years, going out and going crazy lost it’s appeal.  Staying in and bringing in 2011 at home felt right.

Went on photography adventure with my mom in downtown Birmingham

February – Mom and I with the help of my wonderful husband who drove us to Ohio and waited anywhere between 5-6 hours for us to get through all the lines where we met the Pioneer Woman and got her book signed.

I also started my new job as an HR manager.  SCARY!!!!!!!!!

March – Started making my own Ice Chai Latte’s – YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!

April – I talked about my favorite things

 

May – Mike and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary by keeping it low key.  We went out to lunch, saw a movie, had some ice cream and had dinner.  YAY!

My mom won tickets to the Oprah show’s very.last.show. no joke.  So we took the train down to Chicago and spent 3 days there sight seeing and having a wonderful time.

June – We got rained out in a big way.

July – Did some more with my photography, once again using Birmingham and Royal Oak as my muse

Treated myself to a lovely massage

Saw a Tiger Game with Mike and Family.

- Took our first pregnancy test and it came back positive!!!!

August – We celebrated a bunch of birthdays including

- My dad
- Mike
- My nephew

We also found out we were officially pregnant!!!!!!! Due in March!

September – Mike and I visited Washington DC and some friends.

October – Celebrated my birthday by visiting Saugatuck on the west side of the state with the Hubs.  We stayed at a very cute bed and breakfast, walked around the town, had a delicious lunch and bought a painting for our kitchen.  It was lovely!

 

November – Celebrated our 4th Thanksgiving with one another, Prepared for the holidays

Got a shellac manicure for the first time that lasted like 17 days.

 

December – Celebrated our 5th Christmas together, started putting the nursery together, paid off 2 credit cards (woot) Saved more money for baby fund, and ate a lot!

2011 was amazing.  No joke.  I am so grateful to God that he has blessed me and my family with goodness this year.  I traveled this year, I met new people, I tried new things, I failed at others, I saw a lot of movies, didn’t read nearly half as many books as I wanted, started a new job, found out we were pregnant, found out we were having a baby boy, kicked ass with our finances, and learned to love more and truly be grateful for all our blessing because life is good.  Looking forward to an amazing 2012

Groovin'

I feel like the last couple of months I have just been existing going through the motions of each day. Rarely doing anything for me and feeling anxious a lot. But I feel like the last couple of weeks I am slowly but surely coming back to life. I don't know why, maybe it's just something I go through from time to time. I'll go through a period where I am more anti-social than usual, no desire to go out, not investing in hobbies I enjoy (reading, taking pictures, exploring, going to see movies by myself, trying a new recipe) and than suddenly I begin to snap out of it (slowly) and I feel more like myself again. I haven't posted many updates about the baby because... i'm afraid (and superstitious) always learly of the evil eye (aka those who secretly dont wish you well) but im getting over that too. Because let's face it, it's a glorious thing... the good days the bad days.

It's odd that I am snapping out of it now, when the weather is changing because it's right around this time when it's really dark at 4:30 PM, the weather is getting freezing and most people begin their hibernating. I'm not complaining, because really, my mood is directly reflected to the weather. When it's cold, rainy and gray most days so am I... cold, rainy on the inside and gray. Oh well. So here is a quick update on things...

• I got a lot of Christmas shopping done too which makes me so happy because I seriously get the crazies when things aren't orderly and on time. So I crossed off a bunch of names on this years list. Amen.
• I got a Shellac manicure on 11/12/2011 and my manicure is STILL in tact (NO CHIPS) here is a pic but done mind my chunky fingers. This is day 17 so you can how much they've grown over the past two and half weeks but I'll tell you I'm impressed!

• I recently hung some pictures from our wedding ( a year and a half later, whoops) I really like how it turned out!

• I've been reading the Steve Jobs Biography and I am loving it! It's taking me a while to read it since I pick it up before I go to bed and I only manage to read a couple pages before my eyes cant take it anymore. Who knew he was kind of an ass!
  
• I haven't picked up my camera in a long time. Like a really long time people. Probably since my mom and I took our class over the summer. But this weekend I am rectifying that by taking doing a family photo session for my sister in law/brother in law and nephew this weekend. Hopefully the weather is good!
• I saw The Muppets last weekend. Loved it! Jason Segal is a dream boat.
• I am 23 weeks and 2 days pregnant! Baby boy is a little over 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound ( about the size of a large Mango!) I feel him move all the time and it's the greatest feeling in the world knowing he is in there growing and moving and happy. I already love him so much and can't wait to meet him. 17 more weeks to go!
  
• We are moving slowly on his nursery but it's coming along. We have it painted (need to do some touchups) and have some things bought for him. Need to get moving because he'll be here before we know it!
• I am seeing Wicked for the 2nd time next week. This play is so amazing and am looking forward to seeing it again especially with the people going with me. Mom and aunts - girls night out!

On finding out....

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I am 14 weeks and 3 days. In just a little over a month away we will be half way through the pregnancy and if that month is anything like the last couple months it is going to fly. I’ve debated on talking about the pregnancy on here simply because it’s something that is private. A special time in me and Michael’s life. A time that is so precious and beautiful that it sometimes brings me to tears. But there is something incredibly therapeutic about writing down your thoughts no matter how raw and messy they are and just allowing yourself to be vulnerable instead of holding it in and exploding once you can’t hold it all in anymore.

I also want this to be a place where family can go to read about our progress. How the little one is doing, how we are doing and how we are progressing with all the changes happening in our lives. So I'll begin with how we found our we were pregnant.

By the end of July, about a week before I should have started, I was feeling sick (not nauseous, just a tummy ache) for about a week and only at night. I would tell Mike, my tummy hurts and we would lay in bed together while he rubbed my belly to make it feel better. He would ask me what I ate for the day, maybe trying to connect the tummy ache with something I was eating. But we both kind of brushed it off as nothing. I was also experiencing some cramping which I tend to get before I am about to start too - pre-cramps. So I would carry some products in my purse just in case aunt flow arrived suddenly. I was about 4 days late when I told Mike I still hadn’t started, but shrugged it off because I was late last month. On July 28, 2011 I went out with my mom for a late dinner/movie. By then I was still late and was kind of getting curious/impatient. After dinner, I told my mom that I had to go get some gas so I would meet her at the theatre. But instead I ran up to the drug store and bought a test. I threw a stick in my purse and ran into the theatre. We bought our tickets and I mentioned I was going to use the restroom before we found our seats. I just had to get it done. I had to know. So there I was in a theatre bathroom holding up a positive pregnancy test, eyes wide open in disbelief. How was I going to go into that theatre and act “normal”? I don’t know how I did it - but I did.

After the movie I immediately headed home. I had to tell someone some interesting news. I came home and Mike came over to me and gave me a hug and kiss and asked how my evening was. I told him dinner was good, the movie was wonderful but that I had tell him something. I pulled out the test, handed it to him and said I took it on a whim and it came back positive. He put his hands on his head and sat on the kitchen floor. He had a smile while he did this but you could tell he was shocked beyond belief. He asked if I had another test and I said yes. He said take another one tomorrow morning. Which I did and that one came back positive as well. We took 5 tests total. All positive. I made an appointment with my OBGYN to get some blood work to confirm that we are indeed preggo. The next day, sure enough “You’re pregnant!” Those words rang in my head, You’re pregnant... baby.... inside you.... growing.... it’s real... seriously... life changed in that very second. It was no longer about me. Someone very small was counting on me. Things needed to change. I had to be better. And so our new lives began.... But first we had to let our parents know....

August...you creul beeotch

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August has been one of the most insane months this year. My work had three recruiting sessions this month which meant I was traveling every single week 2 hours away, interviewing, background checks, orientations, and more. We have a couple week reprieve then we are back on the road again. I am playing catch up with my e-mails, paperwork and trying to keep everything straight. We also had 5 birthday's and an anniversary to celebrate. But alas, I feel pretty content today.

My poor house is in shambles. My car needs an oil change, a good vacuum and a wash. My purse is in two different purses currently, I need to stock up the house, I need a new shower liner thing because mine is getting nasty, I need to clean a sink full of pots and pans, I need to catch up on laundry, and I need to pack for our vacation. We are also going to make time to see my brother and my sister in law when they come in Wednesday night. We are shooting for Thursday and Friday. So as you can see, my August has been absolutely chaotic right down to the very last days.

I also saw something very traumatic this month, it was the first time I ever had to call 911 and it was the 2nd worse thing i've seen in my life. It makes me thank God for my blessings and those who I keep close and cherish. It makes you realize that life is precious and we just dont know. We are playing out our lives, but let's be real - we have no control. None. We experience the things we do for a reason, we are placed in each others lives for a reason and God is protecting and watching over us at all times. I know this. I thank God for putting me in that place that day, regardless of how hard it was, so I could learn another very valuable lesson. Thank you God, thank you.

That was a lot to unload about this month... but since I haven't opened my laptop in ages and im barely hanging on with Twitter, I wanted to touch base and talk about this crazy ass month. I've never felt closer to God than I have this month... and I am happy for that. I hope you all have a splendid rest of the month, and I'll try to do another post before I leave for our vacation. Take care!

Done my soul good

So far today has been a good day. It started with my contemplating going into work since I was feeling burnt out and under the weather. But alas, I sucked it up and went. Although I would have much rather stayed home and catch up on some R&R. Check out this cute video of my hyper dog. I love her.

So I went into work friends, and let me tell you I do not look the part. My hair is half ass, my clothes looks blah... whatever, I still made the effort and that counts for something right? Anyway I walked into my crazy messy office and promptly freaked out over not only my work TO-DO's but my personal TO-DO's. So I turned on the music, got out a notebook and wrote down everything (including projects) that I had to get done for work. Then I began to write down all my home TO-DO's including cleaning (well mostly cleaning) and I felt better. Getting it down on paper always helps. So I began to get things done off my work To-Do's.

Around 12:30 my stomach began to grumble so I headed over to Panera and got myself a Tomato and Mozzarella Panini. As I was walking too and from the building I thought to myself what an awesome day it was outside. The sun was out, it wasn't muggy and there was a crisp breeze blowing. So I did what I typically DO NOT DO! I ate lunch by myself.... outside! PEOPLE I just dont do this!!! But I did. It was just too nice of a day to bring my lunch back to the office and eat inside. And it was decadent.

So i'm just finishing up my lunch hour and i'll be getting back to my list. Have a HAPPY WEDNESDAY everyone!

Busy Bee

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The last week has been jammed packed with a very busy work schedule leaving me exhausted. It has also been filled with

+ Cousin's BDAY party. Jenna is 10 and Laurel is 8... where does the time go?!
+ Madmen Marathon (it's streaming on netflix)
+ Visiting family
+ Trying a new recipe with Mike (beer can chicken - delish)
+ Reading (My name is Memory)
+ TRYING to keep up with the house
+ Lazy Sunday's
+ Being thankful

How has your week been?

Random lists on a random Sunday.

1.) I’m sick of feeling unbalanced so I am going to try Yoga.  I did a 10 min video tonight and ‘bout died but it’s OK.  Every big change starts with one day.  And tonight was my one day.  Once I feel more comfortable with it I’ll take it to a studio because I’m not ready to make an ass of myself just yet.  My confidence and esteem can’t handle it.

2.) Been cooking more and it feels good.  Recently cooked enchiladas, stuffed shells, homemade pizza, fresh bruschetta all so yum!! We are saving money and making healthier meals.  We do much better when we plan our dinner’s for the week and buy groceries ahead of time for those dinners. 

3.) Been feeling anxious lately and I hate it.  Been trying to thinking calming thoughts, relaxing thoughts and breathing slowly.

4.) I haven’t been able top pick up a book and read it lately.  I’ll pick it up read a couple pages then throw is across the room.  What’s up?!

5.) I need a vacation.  I have a vacation coming up – it can’t get here soon enough.

Mid-week happenings

Hey everyone, happy Wednesday.  The week is half over and im so happy.  Not too much has been going on around these parts just working a lot and trying to keep up with the ever messy house that cant seem to stay clean for more than an hour.  Sigh.  In other news, I did get a new camera.  It’s a Nikon L120, my baby Nikon D40 is so big and I am always having mini panic attacks about it dropping or getting stolen – I already jammed by 18-55 MM lens because it fell – but we don’t talk about it much around here… too sad.  So I bought this little nugget to get similar quality in pictures but much more portable.  Annnnd, I love it.  Don’t mind my frazzled frizzy hair or lack of makeup in this picture…

Im always trying to find enough energy to get out of the house during the week.  After working 9 hours and then coming home and cooking and doing chores I don’t want to do much, but I got out of the house yesterday and went to Ann Arbor.  It ptobably wansnt the best time to do so since they wer e shutting down street after street to set up the Ann Arbor career fair, after a near fight with a very rude art fair helper and praying to the parking Gods that we find a sweet spot – we did.  We got some delcious pizza from Silvio’s Organic Pizza – delish.  And saw Midnight in Paris at the State Theatre.  The movie was absolutely delightful and made me want to visit Paris and travel abroad again.  Hopefully soon.

Hope everyone’s week goes splendid.  I’ll catch up with you all soon!

A glimpse into our Spring

Michigan is notorious for having the must absurd weather, hell, it’s the only place in the world where you can get sun brunt and frost bit in the same week! Here is what our spring has looked like, although the last couple days have been nice break in the weather with all the sun.

The Good and The Bad

I know me better than anyone else, aside from God himself, I know what I am good at and I know what I am bad at.  Knowing who you are and constantly learning who you are puts you at a great advantage from everyone else.  It makes you unique, because there is only in fact one of you.  It makes you interesting, and it allows you to document and file away the little things that make you YOU.  Over the last 25 years I have learned some good things about myself, and of course some bad things as well. 

The Good:

• I am very understanding.
• I have an amazing husband who makes me laugh everyday.

• I have an amazing family who is always there for me.
• I have amazing friends who value my friendship.
• I have a very hard work ethic (almost to a fault)
• I like a clean house.
• I give people the benefit of the doubt
• When I put my mind to something I get it done.
• I have a very eclectic taste in music.  (listening to Kid Cudi now)
• I forgive but don’t forget.
• I’ve been working since I was 12 (had a paper route)
• I am always wanting to learn something new.  Whether it be in photography, writing, gardening, how to file properly….
• I am a huge movie fan.  Love seeing movies.
• I feel better when I have a purpose for the day and am moving. 
• The sun instantly makes me feel better.  I often take pictures of sunrises and sunets.

• I love reading.  My favorite books are chic lit lately.
• I love baking more than cooking.
• I tend to see humor in most situations.  Thankfully.
• I like to take pictures of my dog. 

• I build my relationships on trust.
• I don’t stick around in a crummy relationship or friendship if I don’t get anything out of it.
• I have passion.  I just need to hone in on it more.
• I feel most like myself when I listen to Muse.
• I have a love for office supplies.
• I love to be alone and spend time by myself.
• I am a BIG fan of Hooters Wings.  Hah.
• I get bored very easily.
• I have very strong beliefs
• Heading to the bookstore usually puts in my an instant good mood.
• This could be put in the bad – but I love to swear.  It makes me happy haha.
• I am fiercely loyal.
• My favorite magazines are People, Glamour, Self, Living Simple and Martha Stewart.
• I like to take pictures of weird things.

 

The Bad

• I get cranky
• I have a temper on me.
• When I make up my mind, it has a fatalistic effect.
• I hate doing laundry and the dishes
• I can get easily disorganized.
• Once I make up my mind about someone, that’s usually it.
• I leave half empty bottles of water/Gatorade lying around.
• I get frustrated easily.
• Stress does wiggity whack things to my body.
• I cry easily.
• I worry a lot.
• I have anxiety attacks
• I always think I’ll win the lottery.
• I am an instant gratification kind of person.
• I am impatient
• I chew the inside of my mouth when im nervous or bored.
• When I meet new people I tend to be introverted but once I get to know them I usually come out of my shell.
• Im way to hard on myself.

What are some things about you the good and the bad that you know without a shadow of a doubt? What are you slowly learning?

Hope everyone has a great Saturday and weekend!