Bed rest

I had a doctors appointment this morning at 8am. They did another sugar test on me and an exam.... Come to find out, I am dilated 1 cm and am now on complete bed rest! :( They hooked me up to monitor my contractions and in the 30 minute time span I had 2 fairly good contractions that were 20 min apart as well as about 5 or 6 really small contractions (Braxton hicks). I couldn't feel any of these which makes me wonder how many and how often I have been having them. My doctor put me on Albuterol in order to try and stop the contractions and keep me from going into pre-term labor. I'm only 34 weeks and she wants me to make it to 37 weeks at least. I really hope little Ava can hang in there and wait it out a few more weeks *at least* I'm pretty bummed about being on bed rest seeing as my husband works out of town all week and I have a small puppy to tend to as well as keeping the house in order and so on. Its gonna be extremely hard for me to stay laying down all day and really don't see myself being able to although I am going to try my best. I had an appointment scheduled to see my doctor in 2 weeks but she wants me to come in next week.

To Do List

This is my 3rd post today...
Ooops :)

I decided to make a To-Do list of things that need to be accomplished before Ava arrives.

To Do List:

--Figure out what we are all going to wear for our Family Portraits on the 9th. DONE

--Call about Cookies obedience classes

--Get Cookie's next set of shots

--Baby Shower InvitationsDONE/MAILED

--Register at Clear Lake Regional DONE

--Buy Nursing Pads/BrasDONE

--Buy needed contents for Hospital BagDONE

--Pack Hospital BagALMOST DONE (just need to put it in bag)

--Buy Ava's "Coming Home Outfit"DONE :)

--Get video camera from Mom

--Clean out hallDONE/master closetDONE

--Move a few boxes to the attic

--Borrow carpet cleaner/clean carpet

--Bring a few baby items to moms house DONE

--Get stuff from scrapbook store for baby announcements

--Take paintings down from playroom and move to pool room DONE

--Clean/Re-arrange garage in order to park car in there DONE

--Wash Baby Clothes and put away in her dresser ALMOST DONE

--Call Pediatrician

After Baby Shower:

--Wash all new stuff (clothes/blankets) DONE

--Put everything in its place DONE

--Figure out what it is I still need and get it **Still want to get a diaper geannie, wipes warmer and s few other things for decorations in Ava's room.

That's all I can think of for right now.. I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff. I'll be editing and updating this as things get accomplished and adding to it if I think of anything else.

Due to being on bedrest now (UGH) I am very doubtful that even half of this list will actually be accomplished. Which really sucks and is going to drive me insane! Hopefully I can make it at least 3 weeks with no more problems and by then I should be taken of bed rest and may possibly be able to get some things accomplished before her arrival (Im trying to look on the bright side!)

02/28/08 Update:

I got quite a few things marked off!!! YA! Still have some other things to get done, but Im thinking a couple of them just may have to wait. We shall see...

My Calendar

It's exactly as the subject says... My calendar. It will be edited and updated when needed.

-January 30 2008: Dr. Appointment @ 8am
(do not drive or eat after midnight night before. Sugar test)

-February 8 2008: Pick up Tyler and Elise

-February 9 2008: Family Portraits @ 12pm at Sears

-February 13 2008: Dr. Appointment @ 10am

-February 16 2008: My Baby Shower @ 2pm, my house.

-February 22 2008: Pick Up Tyler and Elise
Brandon's 1st Birthday!

-February 23 2008: Megan's First Birthday Party @ 2pm, Neighbors House

-February 24 2008: Brandon's First Birthday Party @ 2pm

-March 2 2008: Katie's Baby Shower @ Steph's House

-March 3 2008: Amber's 18th Birthday/Jennifer's 22nd Birthday

-March 7 2008: Pick Up Tyler and Elise

-March 8 2008: Jeannie's Baby Shower @ 2pm

-March 13 2008: Ava's Predicted Due Date!!! :)

-March 15 2008: Cierra comes to Texas to visit

-March 17 2008: Harley's Birthday

-March 21 2008: Pick up Tyler and Elise

-April 9 2008: Heathers 21st Birthday/Baby Masons Predicted Due Date!!!

-April 19 2008: Tyler's 13th Birthday

Hospital Bag

I decided to go ahead and make a list of things that I should pack for the hospital. I have been reading some posts at a mommy website and have some what gotten an idea of the basics that I need to bring. If you see anything missing or anything that you would recommend, please let me know! :) Thank you. I do not have insurance just yet, therefore I am bringing anything possbile in order to keep from having to use anything at the hospital (i.e. pads) because they charge you for every little thing!

List of Items for Hospital Bag:

For me:
-My own pillow and blanket
-Pajama's/Robe
-Comfy pants/shirt *Outfit to wear home*
-Slippers/Socks (non-slip)
-Bra's/Panties
-Nursing Pads
-Shampoo/Conditioner etc.
-Brush/Ponytail holder
-Toothbrush/Toothpaste
-Pads
-Witch Hazel pads
-Undies
-Nipple Cream
-Lotion
-Cell phone Charger
-Camera/Video camera
-Pens/Paper/Journal
-Book
-Snacks (maybe?)
-Batteries/Charger for camera
-Chapstick
-Something to listen too
**Don't Forget the Carseat!!!***

For Ava:
-Baby book to put footprints in!
-A couple onsies/nighties
-"Going Home Outfit"
-Baby blanket
-Baby lotion

My *Brown* (not burgundy) hair

So there you have it.

Brown hair.

DARK brown hair.

I guess it could have been worse.

It's just not what I asked for.

Glad she is fixing it for me.

I think on Thursday.

Ill post a pic afterward.

Good day. :)

Manic Monday

Ill just start off by saying..

That today didnt necessarily go the way I had intended. :(



Ill start from the beginning.

After my last post- I got off the computer, got ready and was going to head out the door a few minutes after 11:30, as my hair appointment was scheduled for noon.... Until I realized that my keys were definately NOT in my purse!



I *always* know where my keys are. And that is in my purse.

Unless my wonderful, sweet, loving husband decideds to take my car.

As you can guess... He drove it this weekend and isnt very good about putting them back in my purse. I became quite frustrated after realizing that they were absolutely *no where* to be found.



I just cleaned the house from top to bottom yesterday and if I would have come across them I would have put them in my purse. So I call Michael. Crying. Yes, crying! I was *SO* upset! He racked his brain trying to remember where he had put them.



I searched *everywhere!!*

-In the couch cushions

-In the laundry room (thinking maybe he had left them in his jeans)

-All the kitchen drawers

-My closet

-Both night stands

-Both the kids' rooms

-Hall closet

-Garage

...you get the idea. After about half an hour of this. (note: I am now late for my hair appointment) I sat on the couch and cried and cried. I was so excited about my pamper day and just knew that somehow he had ended up with them in his truck or something which would have been horrible news seeing as he is in CORPUS CHRISTI! He searched and did not have them with him.



Let me first tell you that, we have a sectional couch which is actually two pieces. Thus meaning that if something falls in the couch where the two pieces meet, then it will end up falling all the way down to the floor. That being said.. while sitting on the couch, bawling, after deciding to give up; I decided to check the couch one more time (notice it was one of the first places I checked) But this time, instead of just looking under the cushions I reached my hand all the way down to the floor and WA-LA! The mystery was solved! I immediately walked out the door and headed off to my hair appointment that I was now half an hour late for. I forgot to mention that during my emotional breakdown, Patty (my hair dresser) called me to see if I was still coming, which upset me even more! So I finally made it to my appointment. Patty isnt even open on Mondays but took me and another client today. By the time I made it there, the other client was there for her appointment so I had to hang out for about an hour before getting started on my hair.



Moving on to my next.... disappointment I guess you could call it.



First off, I brought a few pictures with me to show her so that she could get an idea of what color I wanted. Burgundy. She finally finished my hair around 4-ish... and.. well.. it definately was NOT burgundy. UGH!! It looks more like DARK, DARK brown.. almost a black color, with lighter brown highlights. I told her that it wasn't what I wanted and she explained to me that due to the fact that I had blonde in my hair that she wasnt able to dye it burgundy because it would have come out like a pink color. Maybe... but still. $150 bucks later, and Im left with something other than what I asked for. I really didnt want to be a pain so I just dealt with it. After leaving I headed off to my moms house who agreed that it was definately not burgundy. I decided to call her back around 7 this evening and explained to her that I really was not happy with the way it turned out and hoped that maybe we could work something out in order to get the color closer to what I had originally wanted. She asked me to wait a couple days so that the color could set in/fade that way she will know what she's working with and she assured me that she will get it to the color I wanted. Whew! Im still a little frustrated... but happy to be getting it fixed at least.



My sister Amber and my little sister Harley came with me to the nail salon tonight. Harley got her nails painted pink with little white flowers on her thumb. Cute! Amber and I got solar nails with white tips and I got butterflies on my thumbs, really cute! I also got a spa pedicure of course and an eye brow wax.



After that it was off to Walmart! I bought 4 movies and 2 books and am now at home relaxing on the couch, having a movie night with Amber. :)



The day could have been much worse, and now that I look back on it... I guess it wasnt TOO bad. But it definately wasnt what I had expected.



I think Ill try to take a picture of my hair tomorrow and post it on here to show you how much it *does not* look like burgundy!



Anywho, how was your day?

Good I hope.

Have a great week loves. :)

YA!

I'm about to get ready and head to the hair salon for my cut/color!
Then off for the mani/pedi and eyebrow wax.
I'm excited about this.

Especially since I really didn't sleep well at all last night.
Ava had her foot in my ribs all night.
Not very comfortable.

Today is going to be very nice.
And my house is clean.
YA! for an awesome Monday.

Happy Monday to you all.

A Night With Friends

Michael left around 2 today to head to the office and get loaded up to head to Corpus. I picked up the house a bit and started getting dinner ready around 5ish. Jennifer and Jessica showed up around 5:30 and Katie and Mandy got here around 6:30. Perfect timing too, as I had just finished cooking. We all sat down and enjoyed the salad Mandy brought as well as the spaghetti and garlic bread I made. YUM! We all watched Rock of Love and threw out our opinions of how trashy some of the girls on that show are! We enjoyed some of Katie's homemade chocolate chip cheesecake and it was D-E-LICIOUS!!! We all just hung out and talked and before we knew it, it was 10:00! I really enjoyed having them all over and it was nice to get to know Katie and Mandy a little better. They seem like really great people and I'm so happy to have made some new friends!

On another note, it feels great to start the week off with a clean house! I ran around trying to clean as much as possible before the girls got here. The house wasn't really bad, but I always have to pick up toys everywhere and clean the kids' rooms after they leave. Once I got started I was pretty motivated and actually got a lot accomplished as far as house cleaning goes. All I really need to do still is vacuum. :)

I'm so ready for my relaxing day tomorrow! Hurray!
Goodnight Loves.

Girls Night...

...Is at my house tonight. :) I am making spaghetti and garlic bread (I know, I know. I'm taking the easy way out this Sunday) But in my defense, there will be a few more mouths to feed tonight than usual. Although Jeannie and Caity aren't able to make it tonight (bummer) Jennifer and Jessica are coming over around 5 or 5:30 and then Katie and Mandy (new friends from Mommy Club) should be arriving around 6 or 6:30. Katie is bringing a chocolate chip cheesecake (YUM) and Mandi is bringing salad. I originally thought Jeannie and Caity would be coming as well, which is why I chose something as simple as spaghetti to cook. But I'm sticking to the plan anyways! LOL I'm excited to have them all over tonight. I haven't spent much time with Jennifer and Jessica over the last few months due to that fact that we weren't necessarily talking... I'm happy to have them back in my life! :) And of course it's always wonderful to meet new people! Katie and Mandy seem like very nice people. Katie is about 29 weeks pregnant with her first little boy, Mason. Mandy has a little boy named Brandon who will be 1 at the end of February. Katie and I will be having our babies pretty close together as well as Jeannie... YA for play dates!!! :)

Yesterday was a pretty low-key day for us. Morgan and Madison came over and played with Elise for a while until it was definitely noticeable that Elise was well ready for a nap. She played really hard and wore herself out completely. Our neighbor Eric came over and played X-Box 360 with Michael and Tyler for a little while while the kids played. We had to have Elise home at 5. Michael went ahead and dropped her off while I stayed home because he wanted to get a haircut afterwards. Needless to say, the place he gets his haircut at, closes at 4... So instead he went to Best Buy and picked up a new 360 system to switch the hard-drive to b/c his has been giving him problems. Wonderful. At least he stopped by the store for me and picked up some things I needed for dinner tonight. He's been pretty good about doing little things like that for me when he's home, as he knows I really would rather not get out any more than necessary due to the simple fact that it is getting more and more uncomfortable in that car! On the bright side of him purchasing the X-Box 360... I get a pamper day! I started thinking about how *little* i have spent on much of anything lately. I usually stay home while Michael is gone during the week except for an occasional lunch with a friend (i.e. Mommy Club lunch last Friday) . So I told Michael that I really would *love* to have a day to pamper myself. I have been wanting to color my hair back to my normal burgundy or some what close to. I'm just really not digging the blond highlights on me. But hey at least now I know! I also need a trim, although I *really* don't want too! I have been trying to grow my hair back out and its really getting there, only to turn around and trim it! :( Bummer. But I really have got to get rid of these split ends. I am also in dire need of a mani/pedi. Wondering what my husband said to this? "Go for it." I replied "Do you know how much all of that is gonna cost??" Yep, he does. And says it is fine. So I called today and set up a hair appointment for tomorrow at noon. I'm ecstatic! I was trying my best to wait until after Ava was born to dye my hair again due to the simple fact that I have heard numerous things about whether or not it is safe to dye your hair while being pregnant. But after a little research and advise from others, there is no harm in it. So off I go to the salon tomorrow!

In other news, as I stated in my last post, Michael did our taxes. Well. Unfortunately, I have yet to change my last name through the social security office. In my defense, I did drive all the way out to Galveston one day with my sister Amber, only to find that there was a 2 hour wait, no where for me to sit, and no where for me to pee! It smelled so bad in there too! There was no way my big pregnant self was going to lean against the wall, hoping I didn't pee on myself, and breathing out of my mouth in hopes that I wouldn't puke all over the place due to the rank-ass smell! No thanks. So we left. When Michael filed our taxes, he used my new last name instead of my old one and they wouldn't accept it, nor would they allow him to change my last name. In order to file our taxes we have to mail it in now because I have to sign it. Which then means, we will be waiting up to 6 weeks to receive our tax return as opposed to 2. Bummer! Which will also put a delay on purchasing a new vehicle. I'm just hoping that we receive our tax return much sooner than 6 weeks, considering my girl is due to be here in 7 weeks IF she doesn't come early. Which Michael seems to think she will. We shall see.

I should be going now. I am expecting the girls to start showing up in less than 2 hours and I should really pick up around here before then. Hope you all enjoy your Sunday.

Happy Birthday to Jared!

Last Sunday my Dad and Kim had a birthday party for Jared at Kim's house. Michael left to go out of town and we didn't have the kids, but I still attended. I have a few pictures..

Paw-Paw and Jared

Jared and Kim

Jared, excited about his new toy...

He loved it! :)

And some of the family at Jared's Birthday party...

Paw-Paw

Maw-Maw

Daddy

Aunt Tami, Maw-Maw, and Kim's Mom

Today is Jared's actual birthday. He is now 6 years old! My dad got him for a couple hours tonight before having to take him back to his moms. So Michael, Elise and I picked Tyler up a little before 6 and met my dad and Jared up at Chuck E Cheese's for a little bit of fun. The kids played and we ate pizza of course. I forgot my camera, but here is a photo of Elise riding the Chuck E Cheese's ride:

She was smiling for so long that by the time the ride actually took the picture, she had gotten tired of smiling. LOL But I think it still turned out cute. The kids enjoyed themselves. We came home and all spent some time together. Michael and I showed Elise the 4D ultrasound pics of her little sister Ava, and she even felt Ava kick! She kept putting her head down on my tummy and saying "I love my sister" It was SO cute! Elise and I played with Cookie a little bit while Michael and Tyler played X-Box 360. We then, of course, brushed our teeth and had bath time.

I must admit.. I am exhausted! I met with Mommy Club for the first time today. We went to Casa Ole for lunch. There were 6 of us and 5 little ones. It was actually really fun! I really liked all of them and am really happy to have met some girls around my age that are also becoming Mommy's or already are. They were all so sweet and it almost felt like I had known them forever. I just felt so welcome. I look forward to next Friday with the girls :)

I feel like, between Mommy Club, laundry and picking up around the house, getting the kids, Chuck E Cheese's and doing the bedtime routine with Elise, that I have maxed myself out today. Don't get me wrong, I loved every second of it and wouldn't trade any of it for the world... But by the end of the day, my feet are swollen and my back aches like no other! I practically cried this morning because its almost a chore getting dressed now. It sucks having to bend over, and I constantly feel like I'm squashing my belly! I guess I'm just being a little wuss... Just felt like complaining I guess...

I'm really ready for this cold weather to start warming up. Cookie doesn't like going out in the grass to potty when its cold and wet. No matter how long I stand out there and run around in the grass trying to get her to come out and potty, she just wont do it.. instead she goes in my house! UGH! That's so frustrating too! Elise also loves playing outside with the girls next door, Morgan and Madison and just doesn't seem to understand that it's too cold and wet outside. Lol. She thinks that because she has a jacket and shoes on that it's OK. But I really hate for her to be out in this weather anymore than she has too, especially with the cough that she had for some time. I also just want it to warm/dry up because I'm a bit sick of the cold wet weather myself! LOL

Michael did our taxes today.. We should be getting a pretty decent amount back if our calculations are correct :) I'm also getting insurance for myself next week I believe. I need it to make sure that Ava is covered when she is born. We also discussed the vehicle situation. We were going to get rid of the mustang in order to purchase something that would comfortably and safely carry the whole family. But if we were to get rid of the mustang right now, we would end up losing money because we owe more than we could get for it. Michael spoke with Joy from the bank and was told that we could get approved for a loan to cover a new vehicle that way we could keep the mustang long enough to get ahead on the amount owed. I really don't care to keep the mustang, but if its better for us in the long run, then I guess it's fine with me. I'm just happy to be getting something that's big enough for us all. I cant stand riding in Michael's truck! So... we should be getting a new vehicle in the next couple weeks! :) I'm excited. I'm not real sure what we'll be getting, but I would like to look at the Ford Explorers...

Welp, I think that's enough rambling for tonight. It's bedtime! It's gonna feel wonderful to crawl in the bed under the nice warm blankets and fall asleep.. at least for an hour or two until I have to get up to pee! BAH! Goodnight Loves.

I Just *LOVE* Him!!!

I haven't had too many cravings really, but one that always sticks, is snow crab legs from Red Lobster! Of course that can turn into a really expensive craving. But my wonderful, sweet husband surprised me again when he got home a min ago.. He had stopped at Red Lobster on the way home and picked up some snow crab legs for me! YUM! I'm really excited about this. Time to enjoy...

Surprise, Surprise!

Yesterday afternoon, I'm sitting at my vanity in the bathroom, blow drying my hair, and look up to see Michael standing in the door way!!! :-) Such a great surprise! He came home early :) It's always good to have him back home. He figured out what was wrong with the washer.. some switch.. so he rigged it and got it working again. Thankfully! I spent a little time with him yesterday afternoon before heading off to Jennifer's. I felt bad about leaving him, since he came home to see me. But he was dozing off by that point anyway and I had already made plans before he came home. I brought food over to Jens and cooked dinner for her, Jessica and I. It's been some time since us 3 girls have had the opportunity to have a girls night. Jess and I haven't been talking, but things went well last night, so I'm hoping we have all been able to put things behind us and get back to being the besties that we once were. We were able to do a lot of catching up last night and talked a lot about Ava and her arrival. They seem to be just as excited as I am, and that's awesome! Michael and I have been spending time cuddled on the couch today, catching up on our DVR'ed shows. He just ran to get blizzards from Dairy Queen for us :) It's been a pretty relaxing day. Just finishing up some of our laundry and then Ill be washing all of Ava's clothes and putting them away :) Im counting down the days until my baby shower... Im so excited!

R.I.P. Heath Ledger

R.I.P. Heath Ledger

I was shocked when I found out about the death of Heath Ledger today. I think I am still in disbelief. Here is bits and pieces of an article from CNN...

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said.

Heath Ledger was unresponsive when a housekeeper found him in a Manhattan apartment Tuesday.

Ledger was found naked and unresponsive, facedown on the floor at the foot of his bed by a housekeeper trying to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse, said police spokesman Paul Browne.

"Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," he told CNN.

"This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet."

Browne later told reporters some prescription medications were found in the room, including sleeping pills.

But he stressed police have made no determination of the cause of Ledger's death -- that would be done by the medical examiner.

He said the pills were not "scattered about."
No note was found and there was no indication of foul play, Browne said. Ledger was found at about 3 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel about 3:30 p.m.

A crowd of onlookers, photographers and reporters gathered outside the apartment building after news of Ledger's death was reported. Police officers were guarding the doors.
Browne said he did not know how long Ledger had been renting the apartment, which he said took up the entire fourth floor.

An autopsy would be conducted on Wednesday, said Ellen Borakove, spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner's office.

Ava's Bedroom Furniture

Michael and I had a pretty good weekend together. We got a lot accomplished, which was good. He finished painting the wall in Ava's room and decided to put the crib together in the entryway while the paint dried. I tried to tell him that he should probably wait to put it together in her room because we wouldn't be able to fit it through the doorway. But no, he said they design these things to fit through doorways... Needless to say he had to take it halfway apart in order to get it into her room. LOL. It felt good to be the one saying "I told you so" for once. ;-) So we have Ava's room all set up, as far as furniture goes anyway. Now I'm just waiting for the baby shower so I can finish putting away all of her things and get her room completely ready for her. YA!! I took a few pictures of her room with the furniture in it. You'll have to excuse the spots in the pics, I guess the lens wasn't clean.

I got a *BUNCH* of clothes from my neighbor and Melanie gave me a few outfits also. I went through all the clothes from my neighbor and gave some to Jeannie for Dawn. I just had so many, plus I'll be getting some at the baby shower I'm sure. I started thinking about it and she is gonna grow so fast that she probably wouldn't have even worn half of the clothes I had before she grew out of them. So I though it'd be nice to share :) Michael worked on the washer this weekend (it was broke) and got it working again.. well of course as soon has he leaves, the darn thing quit working again! UGH! Which is a bummer because I bought some Dreft so that I could wash all Ava's clothes and get them put away in her dressers, but now I cant :( Oh well... I guess it can wait, LOL. I do still have some time.

Last night Jeannie and Caity came over to my house to hang out like we did last Sunday. It was fun! I think we are gonna make it a Sunday tradition for us girls. At least for now... I made some pork chops, rice and gravy and green beans and they stopped at Olive Garden on the way and picked up some peach tea and an *awesome* chocolate cheese cake dessert thing. It was delicious. We had a good time hanging out and chit chatting. I love those girls!

Today has pretty much been a relaxing day.. I've read a little and been playing with Cookie a lot. I'm reading this book that Shauna gave me called "Diary of a Mad Mom-To-Be" Its pretty good, I think ill go read some more. Goodnight loves.

4D Ultrasound of my little angel

I had my doctors appointment this morning at 10:30. Michael wasnt able to make it to this one, but my mommy and daddy both came with me. When we were in the waiting room waiting on them to call me back for the ultrsound, Ava was moving SO much! She was doing flips, I swear. It was so cute, cuz my daddy was on one side of me with his hand on my belly and my mom was on the other side of me with her hand on my belly and they could feel how much she was moving. But sure enough, as soon as we start doing the ultrasound she didnt wanna move her little hands away from her face. But we were still able to catch a couple of good pics of her before she turned face down and refused to move! We tried everything from shaking my stomache, me jumpin up and down a couple times and even laying on my side. LOL. Guess she has finally gotten comfortable. When the nurse first turned the ultrasound on all I could do was smile, but as soon as she switched it over to the 4D, I cried! It was so real! She just looked so peaceful and so precious! Gosh I cant wait to see my beautiful baby girl. Here are her ulrasound pics:

Bummer!

I guess the hormones of this pregnancy have started to get to me a little more lately. Yesterday while I was sitting on the couch reading funny pregnancy stories on baby gaga I noticed my shirt was wet, only to figure out that my boobs are leaking now! (TMI, sorry) And it didn't stop there.. I didn't have any breast pads and it just made me feel gross all day and I guess it kind of bummed me out. I'm getting tired of feeling like a huge, pregnant cow. My body just keeps changing it all sorts of ways and things are happening that you just don't seem to have control over anymore. I know its all a part of being pregnant and everyone goes through the same things, but I cant help but get upset about it sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I'm so very thankful to have been blessed with our precious little Ava, but at the same time I'm just so ready to have my body back. To be myself again. So the whole "boobs leaking" incident really put a dint in my day and to top that off, Cookie really upset me too. I noticed that she has started using the front room as her "poop room" or something and I was SO upset with her because I take her out like 20 times a day and she goes outside! But these past few days I have to stand out there in the cold and rain with her for like 20 minutes and she refuses to poop! I have come to the conclusion that she doesnt like the cold, wet grass. She will just sit on the patio and doesnt like to go in the yard, so Im hoping this will all pass once it quits raining and warms up a bit. But it's like she is waiting to come inside and poop in the front room. I'm putting a stop to that real quick! I kept her in her crate all day yesterday and let her out here and there for a few minutes at a time and played with her a little, let her eat and drink and took her out. But other than that she stayed in her crate. I hate leaving her in there but my mom says not to let her roam around the house all day because she is just a puppy. This house is so big that I lose her in here very fast and have no idea where she ends up pottying, if she does. I started crying to Mike yesterday on the phone when I was telling him all this. He was so sweet! He calmed me down and told me it would all be okay. He got my mind on other things and cheered me up a bit. He handled my little outbreak really well.



I sat here at the house on the couch reading all sorts of pregnancy stories and things like that all day yesterday. I didn't leave the house once. I was so bummed and cranky, and achy all day. I can tell that the "extremely uncomfortable stages" have started to really kick in. My back hurt so bad all day, my legs were cramping and I just could not get comfortable for the life of me. I was up until 3am! I tossed and turned all night unable to really get much sleep at all between all the aches, cramps and pee breaks, so needless to say I was NOT very happy when I got woke up this morning by the workers just a hammering away on the house they are building next door! I was furious and wanted to bawl like a little baby at the same time.



Thankfully Raina had me come by today to get a bunch of baby things she was giving me and that kind of got my mind of things. I hung out with her and the girls (Morgan has been home sick with a fever and ear infections for the past 3 days) for a little while and then went back over there this evening for dinner with them. So today was a little better than yesterday... up until the washer broke! UGH! I was in the middle of washing a load too and it just quit working. So my washer is full of water that my clothes are just sitting in. It's times like these that I really wish my husband were home. Which brings me to my next point... he probably isn't going to make it to the doctors appointment/3D ultrasound in the morning.. :-( I am a little bummed about that as I really thought he would be able to make it. But the crane operators mom died and Mike is having to run the crane. Something went wrong that cost them $5,000.00 and Bob dis-located his shoulder today and Mike had to take him to the hospital. They said it was one of the worst they had seen and it took 4 people to pop it back in place! Poor Bob... So anyways, I know he is having a rough week and I know he would be here if he were able too. My mom and dad both are coming with me tomorrow so at least I'm not going by myself. Mommy Club is also meeting for lunch tomorrow at Johnny Tamales. I'm not sure that I will be able to make it though, because my appointment is at 10:30 and they are meeting at 11:15. Being that tomorrow is a Friday, I am expecting that I may be at the doctors office a while. But if not, I'm excited to be meeting them :) I'm hoping that tomorrow is a better day for me all around. Ugh.

A letter to Ava...

To My Precious Little Ava Renee:

It seems as though the months have dragged on so slowly, but at the same time... I look back on it and I just cant believe that I only have about 2 more months until I finally get to hold you, my princess, in my arms. Every week that passes, I feel you moving around in my tummy more and more. Its one of the most amazing feelings in the world! I can feel you flipping, kicking and you even get the hiccups at least once a day! My mommy used to say that I'd never understand the love a mother has for her child until I have one of my own, and although I have yet to meet you, I have already started to understand what she meant by that. I never could have imagined the love I feel for you already. Your daddy and I are still preparing for your arrival but are so excited and anxious for the day we both get to hold you in our arms. I just want you to know, that although you wont understand a lot of things until you yourself have children, everything your daddy and I do and every decision we make regarding you, will only be for your own good. You mean the world to us already and all we will ever want is the best for you. Daddy and I love you with all our hearts and your brother Tyler and sister Elise couldn't be more excited to finally meet you too. Elise kisses my tummy every time she is here and asks me when she can see you. :) I'm so happy to be your mommy and will always try my hardest to not only be the best mom I can be, but also your best friend.

Jessicas 21st Birthday!

My sister Heather has been best friends with Jessica for almost 5 years now. Our whole family has grown pretty close to her over the years. Yesterday was her 21st birthday!! She had a bunch of her friends meet up at hooters for some wings and beer. So Heather came into town from College Station with 2 of her girl friends, Kara and Carissa and meet at my house. We picked Amber up and then headed to Hooters. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to hang out there for too long before I just *had* to leave. It was so smokey, hot and LOUD in there that I felt like I was gonna pass out. I couldn't get comfortable on the stools, my circulation was horrible and my feet were swollen. So my brother came and picked me up and took me home. My sister, her friends and Jessica and her friends came to my house once they left hooters to drink some Jager and hang out. I actually had a really good time with everyone! Although I was *very* tired once everyone finally left a little before 1. I have a bunch of pictures from last night.. Here they are:

My sister Heather, Jessica, me and my sister Amber at Hooters

*Best Friends* Jessica and Heather

Jess dropped her beer, therefore she had to chug the next one...

YA! She did it!

Jessica, Heather and 2 random guys, LOLJessie and my pregnant self at Hooters before I left.

Jessica and her friends, hanging out

Jessica's first LEGAL Jager Bomb!

Jessie and my brother, David

Jessica, David and I

More shots...

The Birthday Girl and her Brother

Heather, Jessica, Me, David and Kara

Heather, Jessie, Me, David and Carissa

Belly's!!! Guess which one is preggers!? LOL

It's Love :)

I love this girl! (Heather's face in the background is PRICELESS!!!) LOL

Carissa, Me, Jessie and Heather being silly

My siblings, I love them!

Attitude is Everything

There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs remaining on her head.

Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

"H-M-M," she said,
"I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.

"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.

"YEA!" she exclaimed,
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything.

Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly.......

Leave the rest to God

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain!!!

And the date is...

Saturday, February 16th, 2008 for my baby shower!!! :) It will be held at me and Michaels house at 2! Im excited to have finally set the date!! If I dont already have your addresses please email them to me so that I am able to send out invites. Thanks a bunch!

Mommy Friends! :)

Michael left yesterday afternoon for Corpus Christi again. We had a pretty good weekend with the kids. Kind of low-key, but good. We went to Mikes sister Tracy's house and visited with Bob and the girls while Tracy was at work. On Saturday night she met Michael and I up at Babies R Us to help me go over my baby registry. I registered with Babies R Us and Target and made the final changes on Saturday so I think its all ready to go now. Mom and my Aunt Becky are planning it for sometime next month but we haven't set a date yet. Michael and I also picked up the crib while we were there :-) We still have some painting and major cleaning (when my Uncle sanded her wall down it left a think layer of dust everywhere!) so we have not yet set up her crib but are supposed to be doing that next weekend.

After Michael left yesterday, I went by the store and picked up somethings for spaghetti and headed over to Jeannie and Tim's house. They just moved into their home not too long ago and I hadn't yet seen it, nor had I seen them since my wedding! Jeannie is also pregnant and is due at the beginning of April :) I picked up some "I love mommy" and "I love daddy" bibs for her as well as some really cute "I love mommy" pacifiers on my way over there. Jeannie's really good friend Caity was also over there. She has a 17 month old little boy who is such a cutie!!! Us girls cooked dinner together and talked about our men and our pregnancy. I got there around 5 and didn't leave until after 9. I had a really good time hanging out with my mommy friends! :) Jeannie and I are SO excited about our baby girls and are counting down the days!!! Here are a couple pictures of Jeannie, Caity and I..

I have also been invited to join the "Mommy Club" with some girls from myspace that I used to go to school with. They meet up on Fridays for lunch :) That should be fun!