St. Patrick's Day 2015

We made a special trip to Louisiana to see Jessie and Joey and go to the St. Patrick's Day parade. The kiddos really liked Jessie's bearded dragon.

We wasted money and life went to see the Spongebob movie... I'm not a fan. The kids are, sometimes Zac, but not me. No. But, the kids have been wanting to see it and there aren't many other kid movies playing, plus we haven't been to a movie with them since Frozen.

The littlest dude has been growing rapidly. This pregnancy is flying by so fast, but come July, I'll be wondering why August is taking so long to get here. He's so active, sometimes surprisingly so. Almost halfway there!

It's a...

It's a boy!

Pregnancy Highlights:
How far along: 17 weeks.
Size of baby: Turnip!
Total weight gain/loss: About five pounds gained.
Maternity clothes: Yes.
Gender: Boy!
Movement: All the time.
Sleep: Not sleeping well at night.
What I miss: Nothing right now.
Cravings: Snow cones.
Symptoms: Achey, tired, moody.
Best moment this week: Finding out my Bun is a boy and everything looks great.

My belly is large enough to keep my keyboard tray from sliding out completely, but if I lower my chair at all, it's awkward to type. Woe is me, right?
In unrelated news, it finally snowed. The funny thing is that Wednesday, the weather was around 80 degrees. I wore a tank top to the doctor's office, shorts, and was basically sweating the entire time we ran errands. Add that our AC doesn't work in our car right now. Thursday morning, I woke up to use the toilet and heard what can only be described as typing. Zac was asleep, so I decided maybe it was raining.

WRONG.

Snow everywhere! My frozen-faced pumpkins enjoyed crunching around.

In my hibernation, I've been crocheting things for the littlest pumpkin. Mostly blankets, one of which I made too small so it now belongs to Leah's doll. This is my favorite for now. I'm considering making a pair of booties that look similar. 

Also, I've been looking for a take-home outfit, but have yet to find something perfect. The Disney Store has this completely adorable ensemble and I'm thinking it is probably what I'm going to end up buying, unless I see something better. I wish I had looked for similar outfits when my other two were newbies.

Ten Years Later...

Hello, I'm Amy.

I'm 31 years old.

My husband is Zac. We've been together about 10 years and 7 months. He's my best friend, my other half.

I've been writing in this blog for 10 years, still focusing on the positives.

I still write about somethings, I still write about nothings. Either way, I still like writing and have gotten better at it.

I like playing the ukulele and crocheting.

I love rainbows, nature and alpacas.

My favorite movie is still Edward Scissorhands.

Where did I see myself ten years ago?

Happily married. Check.

Two (almost three!) children. Check.

Living happily ever after. Check.

Valentine's Day 2015

Valentine's Day has passed. It's our 10th. Zac cooked an amazing dinner of steak (my new obsession craving), twice-baked potatoes, homemade broccoli and cheese... oh my. And a nice glass of white grape juice. He's absolutely amazing.

And this year, we weren't able to celebrate Mardi Gras with friends. That didn't stop us from overloading on king cake. No beads, though. We have enough clutter.

The kids have been sick all week. What started out as assumed allergies turned into colds, coughing, fever, barf, and messy poop. It's been lovely. I took the week off homeschooling so they could rest. Luckily, I haven't caught anything yet, though my throat is feeling a little off. I hope it's all gone, like our disinfectant spray now.

I've started feeling baby flutters. It's recognizable compared to bubbles, and so very reassuring. My nausea is completely gone, which is awesome, but I'm still tired enough to take a nap sometime each day. I'm glad my kiddos can entertain themselves for an hour or two while I rest. It's much-needed. I'm also not stuffing my face every 10 seconds.

Random Update. 13 weeks

I've entered my second trimester finally. The nausea has subsided, I've been nesting, and the hunger is manageable. I had another ultrasound at 11 weeks and everything is right on track, but I've got partial placenta previa. My doctor is going to check everything again on the 25th when I go back. Hopefully, they can also tell me if this baby is going to be a boy or a girl.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How far along: 13 weeks
Size of baby: A peach!
Total weight gain/loss: About 2 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Soon. My pants are getting tight.
Gender: Not sure yet.
Movement: Yes! But it's subtle.
Sleep: Not enough. Frequent naps.
What I miss: Energy.
Cravings: Meat... salty meat.
Symptoms: Nesting, tired, moody.
Best moment this week: Hearing a strong heartbeat.

Mom turned 60 over the weekend. She's been thinking of getting her first tattoo. I'm a little hopeful to help her decide on something good.

We finally cleaned out our old apartment and everything is basically finished there. Next, we just need to have a walk-through with the landlady and we'll be set.

Potato Gun

Zac and I were at Walmart buying groceries and I came across a potato that looked like a gun. I found it amusing, so I figured I'd put it in here.

Late holiday post

I didn't blog about the holidays. Christmas was peachy. We went to Aunt Trish's for a family get-together. I wasn't planning on telling people I'm pregnant until the "safe zone" of 12 weeks, but Mom let it out already.

The spotting stopped after a few worrisome days. I'm already showing a little and have strong symptoms of hunger, exhaustion, nausea, and frequent trips to the bathroom. I've even started waking in the middle of the night with leg cramps.

Food cravings: Vinegar and citrus flavors.

Food aversions: Candy of all sorts, especially chocolates, bacon, fried foods.

Favorite food: Chik Fil A, Olive Garden. Luckily, Zac's been making homemade Olive Garden salads to tame the beast within.

Zac and I were watching Friends: The One Where Chandler Doesn't Like Dogs and decided to play the game of naming all the states. Neither of us could list all 50 states, but 45 is better than none, right?

Bun

I haven't been at my computer in forever, thanks to constant nausea and exhaustion. I had an ultrasound a little over a week ago. Growth was on target, heart rate normal.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How far along? 9.5 weeks.
Size of baby: A green olive!
Total weight gain/loss: No change.
Maternity clothes: Not yet.
Gender: Don't know yet.
Movement: Too soon to feel anything.
Sleep: A lot.
What I miss: Not feeling anxious.
Cravings: It's random.
Symptoms: Exhausted, nauseated.
Best moment this week: Seeing Bun's movement and heartbeat.

I'm very much in love with this little Bun. I've had a bit of brown spotting last night and today, but the clinic reassured me that there shouldn't be anything to worry about unless there is red blood, heavy bleeding and cramping. I don't have those, so I'm staying rested on the sofa and hoping the spotting goes away. I can't help but worry. My official OBGYN appointment is the 28th, when I'll be a little over 11 weeks. I'm going to see if I can get a sooner appointment and an ultrasound or blood test to check Baby's status. Meanwhile, I'll keep breathing and willing my body to hold on to this one.

2015 - A year in review: 2014

A year in review: 2014

1. What did you do in 2014 that you'd never done before?

Worked two jobs.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more?

I tried. Probably won't make any.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Rachel had Brendan.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

None.

6. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?

A baby, maybe?

7. What events from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory?

We went to Disney World!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I got pregnant.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Falling for Mom telling me Dad wasn't doing well and moving back to Mississippi.

10. Did you suffer an illness or injury?

No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A tattoo.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Zac for putting up with me.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Mom.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Moving.

15. What did you get really excited about?

This baby.

16. What song will always remind you of 2014?

Chandelier by Sia.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

-Happier or sadder: Happier.

-Thinner or fatter: Fatter.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Saving money.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Listening to my mom.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

We bought a real tree this year. We went to my Aunt Trish's house for food and I was annoyed that Mom announced my pregnancy when I wasn't planning on telling anyone yet.

21. Did you fall in love in 2014?

With this little bun.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

New Girl, True Blood, Bones.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Mom's pushing me close.

24. What was the best book you read?

I started reading The Hunger Games.

25. What was your favorite musical discovery?

I'm still stuck on 90s rock on Pandora.

26. What did you want and get?

Pregnant.

27. What did you want and not get?

More time in Louisiana.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Mocking Jay pt. 1

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

Stressed over moving. I turned 31.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Not moving back to Mississippi.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?

Jeans and tank tops.

32. What kept you sane?

Zac. Jena.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Same every year, Pinky.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Ebola. Isis. Healthcare.

35. Who do you miss?

Friends. Cookies. Ugh.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Keara.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.

Mother doesn't always know best.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"I'm gonna swing from the chandelier."

Random Update

I've just about finished shopping for Christmas. A few years ago, I had all the shopping finished in October. I guess as I get older, the shopping gets postponed. I finished a shawl and a snowman, but still have to get Leah's sweater finished... working on that tonight. Ugh.

Earlier this week, I went to the clinic for a pregnancy verification. I can get an ultrasound in early January and hear a heartbeat (hopefully). I'm about six weeks right now, which makes the due date August 16. I lost my last baby right before seven weeks... that time is creeping closer and I'm paranoid. I've been taking pregnancy tests every week to reassure myself. The line is getting darker and showing up faster, which is a good sign. I'm still taking one day at a time, but I feel good about this one.

The kiddos finally got their pictures taken with Santa at the Bass Pro Shop. We found some matching Minion shirts in the boy department last minute at Walmart. I'm super disappointed in the holiday selections. If there's something specific for boys, there's nothing similar for girls and vice versa. How am I supposed to coordinate?

I can't believe Christmas is happening in less than a week. When I was a kid, it couldn't get here fast enough. Sheesh. The dogs are unimpressed. I did get a super awesome Loki necklace in the mail, though. Early gifts are my favorite.

Holiday Season & Big News

My mom made this dress for me when I was about four or five. I hated it with enthusiasm, but seeing it on my own mini-miss changed the perspective. I'm sad she, too, hates it enough to tell me it's why she won't smile while wearing it.

Zac and I finally bought a real Christmas tree last week. We've been keeping it watered while trying to keep the dogs from drinking the water. Zac's going to finish popping the rest of our popcorn garland this evening while we watch Home Alone.

Tonight we went to the local park to walk around under all the Christmas lights. It was magical and freezing. Hopefully next week we can get the Santa pictures taken. 

Some big news: Baby #4 is due August 2015! I'm nervous, excited, paranoid, and so so so thankful. I  really hope this one sticks around. 

Mississippi

It's official. We're completely moved to Mississippi aside from a few things we left behind that we will have to pick up later (bicycles, clothes hangers, patio furniture...).

I really love our new place. I love that I have a sliding glass door to the balcony, complete with a screen. I love that I have a view of tree tops and leaves and not a neighbor's building. I love the carpet and that I have a real dining room and places for everything. The only thing lacking: washer and dryer. We're going to get one eventually, but for now, we drive 20 minutes once a week to wash clothes at my parents'.

Ladybugs are everywhere today. I've counted at least 13 on the balcony railing and a few more on the window. I love them and it's better than being surrounded by wasps.

I miss my old co-workers. It's weird not seeing them as often. I don't miss making cookies and smelling batter, though.

I put our fake Christmas tree up (it will come down once we get a real one next week) and have started decorating it with homemade ornaments, mainly to see how many more I need to make to fill it up. I've got a few Christmas-colored crochet "mints" and even (successfully) created some cinnamon-scented ornaments. Now I'm working on snowflakes. So many snowflakes.

I'm excited for Christmas. I plan to go shopping sometime next week while I'm off. This year, I told the kids that Santa was going to surprise them with gifts that aren't toys. It should be fun.