My love with our first born. He's one hell of a dad already.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Pregnancy Faves
I’m basically the pregnancy expert on this blog so I wanted to list my Top 5 Pregnancy Favorites while they are fresh in my head.
2. Target Brand Prenatal Gummy Multivitamins: I started taking these last January. They taste good and never made me nauseous so I stuck with them even after my doc wrote me a prescription for prenatals. My doctor had a cute way of explaining why prenatals are important and I think of it every morning when I take them. He said that the vitamins are more for the mother than the baby. That essentially, the baby is going to rob me of every vitamin it wants and leave me with whatever is left over. He said that if I want my teeth and bones after delivery I should take them. Enough said, I’ll take the vitamins.
These vitamins don’t have Iron so I’ve recently been diagnosed with Anemia. It’s not too surprising because I’m usually borderline Anemic anyway. So now in addition to my gummies, I’m taking a prescription Iron supplement too. I was hopeful that it would help with fatigue, but no such luck.
3. Genie Bra: Haha...yes, I love infomercials, but I think this is the first time in years that I’ve bought something because of one. My last purchase was in college, the Miracle Blade Perfection Series III, and that was awesome so why not. I love these bras. It’s kind of like wearing a sports bra, but you don’t get that weird uniboob and the straps go where normal bra straps go. Bras might not be an issue for ladies with normal sized boobs prepregnancy, but let’s just say it’s not fun starting with big boobs knowing they are only going to get bigger. Ugh. Counting down the days until my last child is born and I can go see Dr. 90210. #katiegetsaboobjob2018
4. What to Expect App: Nine times out of ten when I’m on this app it’s because the CRAZY women on the message board make me feel really normal, drama free, and smart. It’s so funny. There was a post recently from a woman who is “SO ANNOYED” with her husband because “he just says ‘I love you’ way too much. It’s lost its meaning.”
But aside from the highly entertaining Message Board, it does have a lot of valuable information and a daily topic to read that’s customized for you and your due date. Today’s topic - Day 212 of Pregnancy: How to prevent that Puffy Feeling. Not all of the daily topics are winners, but I recommend the app.
5. Tums Smoothies: As my stomach has gotten higher and higher to accommodate everything else that’s moving around (organs, a baby, etc…ew!), indigestion and heartburn have become a part of everyday life. Thankfully, it’s not too bad and Tums always does the trick. For about the last 6 weeks, I’ve never been more than 6 feet away from the closest Tums.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
30 weeks...10 to go!
Week: 30!
Size (according to Babycenter.com): A head of cabbage – 15 inches and 3 pounds which would be the biggest head of cabbage the world has ever seen.
Total Weight gain: No gain, 7 lbs. I’m confused…on a typical year I gain at least 5 lbs Thanksgiving week.
Physically, I'm feeling: Pretty good, but a little sore. I think the babe has found my ribs and they are really, really fun to play with. I had a doctor’s appointment this week and everything looks great. The heartbeat was a solid 150 bpm and I’m measuring right on target.
Emotionally, I'm feeling: Thankful. Cheesy as it sounds Thanksgiving week always makes me pause and realize how insanely fortunate we are. This week I’m especially thankful for my family, my amazing friends, and all of our health. Nothing else really matters.
Sleep: Honestly, not great, but I’m trying so hard not to bitch all the time. However, I don’t want to read this next time I’m knocked up and make it sound like everything was roses and cheery at 30 weeks pregnant.
I’m just pretty uncomfortable and sore so sleep is tough. Only a few more weeks to go. I’ll live.
Baby's Movement: I wish I knew how to insert a gif because this is where I’d put a gif of The Bride from Kill Bill in the Crazy 88s scene.
My little guy is really starting to enjoy himself. No complaints from me…I’ll take a lot of movement over a little any day. I asked the doctor if I’m supposed to be “counting kicks” because that’s what a lot of websites and apps say I should be doing, but it’s not something she’s concerned about. She told me that she only asks her high-risk patients to count. Sounds good to me…one less thing to worry about.
What I'm nervous about: No pregnancy worries this week, but I’m starting to obsessively stress about what happens after the babe is here. It’s easy to say, “I have 10 weeks to go! Yay!” But that’s far, far from the end. I’m mostly worried about going back to work and finding the right place for the babe. I know I’m going to take at least the full 12 weeks guaranteed by FMLA which will mean he’ll be 3 months when I go back to work because I plan to work until I’m literally on the way to the hospital. If I’m being honest, in a perfect world I could work part time, but keep my benefits with no out of town responsibilities. Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like it’s an option.
I haven’t actually started looking at daycares (other than online research) so maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised and find something that seems prefect and is in my price range. Right?
So right now, if I had to rank my preferences for May 2013, they’d look like this:
What I'm excited about: Bud and I are getting closer and closer to choosing a name. If you ask Bud we’ve chosen one and he LOVES it, but I’m still on the fence. I’m indecisive about small decisions like where to go for lunch so it’s not too surprising that this is dragging out. I like the first name that Bud has fallen in love with, but am tripped up a bit on the middle name. Do kids really need two names? That seems excessive.
Anything else?: My sweet grandma fell last weekend and broke her pelvis on the left side. This has been my mom’s biggest fear for the past few years and I hate, hate, hate that it’s happened. Nannie spent a few nights in the hospital and now is at a rehabilitation hospital. Early on there were scary terms thrown around like “bedridden for the rest of her life,” but we are now hopeful that she’ll recover enough that she’ll be able to move into her new place in assisted living although she’ll most likely be in a wheelchair for good. I feel so bad for her because she must be in so much pain and her spirits are just not that high. I want her to fight, work hard, and get better, but she’s 93 and so, so weak. Even before her injury I couldn’t see her doing the amount of physical therapy that’s expected of her now. It’s going to be a long road. So if you’re the praying type, please say a prayer. And if you’re the sending good vibes type, please send her good vibes. More than anything she needs motivation. I’m hoping and praying that meeting this little boy will give her that.
Size (according to Babycenter.com): A head of cabbage – 15 inches and 3 pounds which would be the biggest head of cabbage the world has ever seen.
Total Weight gain: No gain, 7 lbs. I’m confused…on a typical year I gain at least 5 lbs Thanksgiving week.
Physically, I'm feeling: Pretty good, but a little sore. I think the babe has found my ribs and they are really, really fun to play with. I had a doctor’s appointment this week and everything looks great. The heartbeat was a solid 150 bpm and I’m measuring right on target.
Emotionally, I'm feeling: Thankful. Cheesy as it sounds Thanksgiving week always makes me pause and realize how insanely fortunate we are. This week I’m especially thankful for my family, my amazing friends, and all of our health. Nothing else really matters.
Sleep: Honestly, not great, but I’m trying so hard not to bitch all the time. However, I don’t want to read this next time I’m knocked up and make it sound like everything was roses and cheery at 30 weeks pregnant.
I’m just pretty uncomfortable and sore so sleep is tough. Only a few more weeks to go. I’ll live.
Baby's Movement: I wish I knew how to insert a gif because this is where I’d put a gif of The Bride from Kill Bill in the Crazy 88s scene.
If you haven't seen this movie, please don't read my blog anymore until you do.
My little guy is really starting to enjoy himself. No complaints from me…I’ll take a lot of movement over a little any day. I asked the doctor if I’m supposed to be “counting kicks” because that’s what a lot of websites and apps say I should be doing, but it’s not something she’s concerned about. She told me that she only asks her high-risk patients to count. Sounds good to me…one less thing to worry about.
What I'm nervous about: No pregnancy worries this week, but I’m starting to obsessively stress about what happens after the babe is here. It’s easy to say, “I have 10 weeks to go! Yay!” But that’s far, far from the end. I’m mostly worried about going back to work and finding the right place for the babe. I know I’m going to take at least the full 12 weeks guaranteed by FMLA which will mean he’ll be 3 months when I go back to work because I plan to work until I’m literally on the way to the hospital. If I’m being honest, in a perfect world I could work part time, but keep my benefits with no out of town responsibilities. Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like it’s an option.
I haven’t actually started looking at daycares (other than online research) so maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised and find something that seems prefect and is in my price range. Right?
So right now, if I had to rank my preferences for May 2013, they’d look like this:
1. Working part-time at the Alzheimer’s Association (with benefits and w/o out of town work) and an in-home nanny that I’m totally in love with.
2. Working part-time at the Alzheimer’s Association (with benefits and w/o out of town work) and a nearby daycare that I’m totally in love with.
3. Staying at home full-time
4. Working full-time at the Alzheimer’s Association (w/o out of town work) and an in-home nanny that I’m totally in love with.
5. Working full-time at the Alzheimer’s Association (w/o out of town work) and a nearby daycare that I’m totally in love with.
What I'm excited about: Bud and I are getting closer and closer to choosing a name. If you ask Bud we’ve chosen one and he LOVES it, but I’m still on the fence. I’m indecisive about small decisions like where to go for lunch so it’s not too surprising that this is dragging out. I like the first name that Bud has fallen in love with, but am tripped up a bit on the middle name. Do kids really need two names? That seems excessive.
Anything else?: My sweet grandma fell last weekend and broke her pelvis on the left side. This has been my mom’s biggest fear for the past few years and I hate, hate, hate that it’s happened. Nannie spent a few nights in the hospital and now is at a rehabilitation hospital. Early on there were scary terms thrown around like “bedridden for the rest of her life,” but we are now hopeful that she’ll recover enough that she’ll be able to move into her new place in assisted living although she’ll most likely be in a wheelchair for good. I feel so bad for her because she must be in so much pain and her spirits are just not that high. I want her to fight, work hard, and get better, but she’s 93 and so, so weak. Even before her injury I couldn’t see her doing the amount of physical therapy that’s expected of her now. It’s going to be a long road. So if you’re the praying type, please say a prayer. And if you’re the sending good vibes type, please send her good vibes. More than anything she needs motivation. I’m hoping and praying that meeting this little boy will give her that.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
She's All Mine
I paid the FINAL payment on my Jetta today!!!
I'll freely admit that I didn't get a good deal on this car. In November 2006 I wanted/needed* a new car and basically bought the Jetta without any research on how to buy a car, what a good deal is, what a bad deal is, etc. Needless to say, 24-year-old Katie kinda got screwed (6 year car loan with a horrible interest rate = dumb). But again, I was clueless. Live and learn.
The good news is that she’s all paid off now. Yay! Our plan is to keep her as long as possible. Let’s see how far the German engineering can take me. Say it with me.... FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS!
*If you don’t know the story of why I wanted/needed a new car in the fall of 2006, it’s a doozy.
My sweet first born was spayed on a Friday in August 2006. At the time, I was driving my red Jetta (with cloth seats) which was in good condition. When I went to pick her up from the vet she was so pathetic. Just imagine Uma at 20ish pounds all drugged up with a big incision on her belly. I picked up her little body, put her in the car, drove home and let my car sit there ALLLLLLLLLL weekend with the windows up. Neither Bud nor I left her side all weekend because we were crazy first time parents. I’m not exaggerating…Bud slept downstairs with her all weekend because we didn’t want her to try to walk upstairs. We were a bit crazy about that puppy…who am I kidding, we still are.
So Monday I get in my car to go to work and the smell was OVERWHELMING. I got about two houses down before I realized that Sweet Baby Uma must have peed on the way home THREE DAYS ago and that shit had baked in all weekend. Again, it was August…in Florida…with the windows up…and cloth seats. Yikes.
I had the car deep cleaned a couple times, but it was useless. I had no choice, but to buy a new car. And that's the story of how the gold Jetta came into our lives. Thanks, Um.
I'll freely admit that I didn't get a good deal on this car. In November 2006 I wanted/needed* a new car and basically bought the Jetta without any research on how to buy a car, what a good deal is, what a bad deal is, etc. Needless to say, 24-year-old Katie kinda got screwed (6 year car loan with a horrible interest rate = dumb). But again, I was clueless. Live and learn.
The good news is that she’s all paid off now. Yay! Our plan is to keep her as long as possible. Let’s see how far the German engineering can take me. Say it with me.... FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS!
*If you don’t know the story of why I wanted/needed a new car in the fall of 2006, it’s a doozy.
My sweet first born was spayed on a Friday in August 2006. At the time, I was driving my red Jetta (with cloth seats) which was in good condition. When I went to pick her up from the vet she was so pathetic. Just imagine Uma at 20ish pounds all drugged up with a big incision on her belly. I picked up her little body, put her in the car, drove home and let my car sit there ALLLLLLLLLL weekend with the windows up. Neither Bud nor I left her side all weekend because we were crazy first time parents. I’m not exaggerating…Bud slept downstairs with her all weekend because we didn’t want her to try to walk upstairs. We were a bit crazy about that puppy…who am I kidding, we still are.
So Monday I get in my car to go to work and the smell was OVERWHELMING. I got about two houses down before I realized that Sweet Baby Uma must have peed on the way home THREE DAYS ago and that shit had baked in all weekend. Again, it was August…in Florida…with the windows up…and cloth seats. Yikes.
I had the car deep cleaned a couple times, but it was useless. I had no choice, but to buy a new car. And that's the story of how the gold Jetta came into our lives. Thanks, Um.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
29 weeks...11 to go!
Week: 29
Size (according to Babycenter.com): Butternut squash which looks exactly like spaghetti squash so I’m totally confused. He’s supposedly 15 inches and 2.5 pounds.
Total Weight gain: 7 lbs.
Physically, I'm feeling: Pretty good, but seriously large. Gaining 2 pounds in one week doesn’t sound like a lot, but I can certainly feel it.
Emotionally, I'm feeling: So, so, so happy that MY WALKS ARE FINALLY DONE! Cue celebrations! It’s such a relief to be done with them until next fall. SUCH a relief. I still have quite a bit to fundraise between now and the end of the year, but no formal events to stress over.
Sleep: About the same. I’m so thankful that, for the most part, I’m falling asleep pretty easily. That’s usually my weakness when it comes to sleep. Like I’ve said before, I’ve never been a good sleeper. Usually the tiniest thing can keep me awake for hours, but falling asleep hasn’t been a problem lately (knock on wood). I’m most comfortable with a pillow (just a regular pillow) between my legs. Luckily there’s been no need for a $100 pregnancy pillow or some insane contraption. Seriously, look at this shit:
Baby's Movement: I feel like he’s either a freakishly long baby or he moves really quickly because I swear I can feel him really high one minute and really low the next minute.
Side note: I know movement is a good thing and it definitely reassures me every time I feel the little guy, but it’s still totally creepy that there’s something moving inside me. Ew. Just think about that.
What I'm nervous about: Good God, plenty. There’s been…cough cough…just a couple a million things that I’ve been putting off “until my walks are over” and now here we are. First up is finding a pediatrician and daycare.
What I'm excited about: Thanksgiving and a short work week! Bud’s sister, Sarah, and my two nieces are coming in town tomorrow and will be here for about two weeks. I love when they are here!
Anything else?: I think June has figured out that I’m pregnant. It’s like she all the sudden knows. Every night last week she would jump in my lap and put her head right on my big belly. It’s so sweet. Sorry this pic is so grainy, but seriously...how cute is my Junebug?
Size (according to Babycenter.com): Butternut squash which looks exactly like spaghetti squash so I’m totally confused. He’s supposedly 15 inches and 2.5 pounds.
Total Weight gain: 7 lbs.
Physically, I'm feeling: Pretty good, but seriously large. Gaining 2 pounds in one week doesn’t sound like a lot, but I can certainly feel it.
Emotionally, I'm feeling: So, so, so happy that MY WALKS ARE FINALLY DONE! Cue celebrations! It’s such a relief to be done with them until next fall. SUCH a relief. I still have quite a bit to fundraise between now and the end of the year, but no formal events to stress over.
Sleep: About the same. I’m so thankful that, for the most part, I’m falling asleep pretty easily. That’s usually my weakness when it comes to sleep. Like I’ve said before, I’ve never been a good sleeper. Usually the tiniest thing can keep me awake for hours, but falling asleep hasn’t been a problem lately (knock on wood). I’m most comfortable with a pillow (just a regular pillow) between my legs. Luckily there’s been no need for a $100 pregnancy pillow or some insane contraption. Seriously, look at this shit:
This is EXACTLY how I sleep...with a red rose in my hand at all times. Doesn't everybody?
Baby's Movement: I feel like he’s either a freakishly long baby or he moves really quickly because I swear I can feel him really high one minute and really low the next minute.
Side note: I know movement is a good thing and it definitely reassures me every time I feel the little guy, but it’s still totally creepy that there’s something moving inside me. Ew. Just think about that.
What I'm nervous about: Good God, plenty. There’s been…cough cough…
What I'm excited about: Thanksgiving and a short work week! Bud’s sister, Sarah, and my two nieces are coming in town tomorrow and will be here for about two weeks. I love when they are here!
Anything else?: I think June has figured out that I’m pregnant. It’s like she all the sudden knows. Every night last week she would jump in my lap and put her head right on my big belly. It’s so sweet. Sorry this pic is so grainy, but seriously...how cute is my Junebug?
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
I PASSED!
Wahoo! I passed the glucose tolerance test which means that I definitely do not have gestational diabetes. Yay!!!!!!!!!
And now, I shall celebrate with an Icee. Oh, I love you so.
But after my lovely cherry coke Icee (62% coke, 38% cherry...obvs) I really do need to start eating better. I was really good until about 3 weeks ago and I've seemed to have gone off a cliff. This babe deserves some food with actual nutrition not just calories. Damn it, I hate being responsible for someone else. Can’t I just go back to abusing myself with junk food?
I’ll try to be better, but I’m not making any promises.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
28 weeks...12 to go
Week: 28…that equals SEVEN months and the THRID trimester. Holy shit!
Size (according to Babycenter.com): Chinese Cabbage. I give up on the produce thing. The website estimates that the babe is 15 inches, 2.25 lbs. That makes way more sense than “Chinese cabbage.”
Total Weight gain: 5 lbs…holding steady this week, but feeling enormous. I promise I'll post a picture of my hugeness this week.
Physically, I'm feeling: Good…so much better than last week. My cold is more or less gone other than some occasional coughing and throat clearing.
It’s definitely getting more difficult to move around. Not painful, just difficult. I can’t jump right off the couch or bend over as easily as I used to. L
I had a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday and it went well. I’m measuring right on target and the babe’s heartbeat is nice and strong. This was also the appointment where I had to do the lovely glucose screen to see if I’ve developed gestational diabetes. The drink was gross, but not nearly as bad as I was anticipating. Unfortunately, I failed the 1 hour test (daaaaaaaaaaaaamn it) so I had to take the 3-hour, 4 blood draw, fasting test on Friday. Still waiting to hear if I passed. I really, really, really hope so. In my defense, I ate Subway right before the 1-hour test. Probably not the best choice.
Emotionally, I'm feeling: Happy and excited. Can’t believe it’s the 3rd trimester already.
Sleep: Same. I had a couple sleepless nights this week because of my Walk next weekend, but other than that it’s been ok.
Baby's Movement: According to the Baby Center app, the baby should now have sleep/wake cycles. Seems true for this guy. He’s either freaking out or totally quiet. There are very few soft, small movements now. Bud still hasn’t been able to feel him move. Every time he comes close the babe freezes. Not cool, little man.
What I'm nervous about: My damn glucose tolerance test results. I really, really, really want good news on Monday. Just to be safe, I’ve stuffed my face with all kinds of treats this weekend that would be off limits if I get bad news (pumpkin spice latte, cream soda, Dr. Pepper, a donut, etc).
Side note: after looking over that list of "treats" I noticed that a majority of my calories probably come from drinks, right? Wow, Bob Harper would totally disapprove.
What I'm excited about: I read this week that even though it would involve weeks/months of NICU treatments, the babe would have a very high chance of being ok if he was born today. Isn’t that crazy? Of course, I want him to stay put for another 12 weeks, but it’s kind of reassuring to know that we are entering a “safe zone” so to speak.
Anything else?: Oh, just this:
How exciting, right! Grandpa (Bud's dad) came over today and helped us set up the crib. I still can’t believe that we were given this crib. Isn’t it awesome? We are so lucky to have such generous people in our lives.
Unfortunately, the fabric that I shared a couple weeks ago was sold out when my mom and I went to buy it yesterday so I hope you weren’t too attached. I found something else that I like, but I want to look at one other fabric store before I pull the trigger.
Size (according to Babycenter.com): Chinese Cabbage. I give up on the produce thing. The website estimates that the babe is 15 inches, 2.25 lbs. That makes way more sense than “Chinese cabbage.”
Total Weight gain: 5 lbs…holding steady this week, but feeling enormous. I promise I'll post a picture of my hugeness this week.
Physically, I'm feeling: Good…so much better than last week. My cold is more or less gone other than some occasional coughing and throat clearing.
It’s definitely getting more difficult to move around. Not painful, just difficult. I can’t jump right off the couch or bend over as easily as I used to. L
I had a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday and it went well. I’m measuring right on target and the babe’s heartbeat is nice and strong. This was also the appointment where I had to do the lovely glucose screen to see if I’ve developed gestational diabetes. The drink was gross, but not nearly as bad as I was anticipating. Unfortunately, I failed the 1 hour test (daaaaaaaaaaaaamn it) so I had to take the 3-hour, 4 blood draw, fasting test on Friday. Still waiting to hear if I passed. I really, really, really hope so. In my defense, I ate Subway right before the 1-hour test. Probably not the best choice.
Emotionally, I'm feeling: Happy and excited. Can’t believe it’s the 3rd trimester already.
Sleep: Same. I had a couple sleepless nights this week because of my Walk next weekend, but other than that it’s been ok.
Baby's Movement: According to the Baby Center app, the baby should now have sleep/wake cycles. Seems true for this guy. He’s either freaking out or totally quiet. There are very few soft, small movements now. Bud still hasn’t been able to feel him move. Every time he comes close the babe freezes. Not cool, little man.
What I'm nervous about: My damn glucose tolerance test results. I really, really, really want good news on Monday. Just to be safe, I’ve stuffed my face with all kinds of treats this weekend that would be off limits if I get bad news (pumpkin spice latte, cream soda, Dr. Pepper, a donut, etc).
Side note: after looking over that list of "treats" I noticed that a majority of my calories probably come from drinks, right? Wow, Bob Harper would totally disapprove.
What I'm excited about: I read this week that even though it would involve weeks/months of NICU treatments, the babe would have a very high chance of being ok if he was born today. Isn’t that crazy? Of course, I want him to stay put for another 12 weeks, but it’s kind of reassuring to know that we are entering a “safe zone” so to speak.
Anything else?: Oh, just this:
How exciting, right! Grandpa (Bud's dad) came over today and helped us set up the crib. I still can’t believe that we were given this crib. Isn’t it awesome? We are so lucky to have such generous people in our lives.
Unfortunately, the fabric that I shared a couple weeks ago was sold out when my mom and I went to buy it yesterday so I hope you weren’t too attached. I found something else that I like, but I want to look at one other fabric store before I pull the trigger.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Happy Birthday, Juno!
Happy, happy birthday to my sweet baby, Juno (aka June aka Junebug aka JB aka Bug aka J-bird aka Birdy aka angelface-lovemuffin-sweetheart-baby)! My sweet girl turned 5 today. She still is such a puppy that it’s hard to believe. I’m trying to convince her that 5 year old dogs don’t jump on people, especially pregnant and elderly people, but she’s perfectly content acting like she’s 5 months old and that’s ok with me.
Paparazzi pic
For those of you who don’t know, June had another family before us. The Kennedys in Athens, GA bought her from a breeder in Atlanta when she was 8 weeks old. The Kennedys are apparently idiots and assholes because 3 months later they returned her to the breeder saying that they didn’t know how much work a puppy would be. NOTHING makes me angrier than bad pet owners. The family had three kids, ages 2, 4, and 6, and were not prepared for a puppy. Sweet Baby June apparently knocked over their toddler once so they put her in a crate and basically never let her out. They told the breeder that they would keep her crated up to 20 hours a day and then “she was crazy” when they’d let her out. You think? Morons! They also wouldn’t let her off leash despite the fact they had several acres of property because they didn’t want her to go to the bathroom where the kids played. So mean! Can you imagine what a little 10 week old puppy must have thought about that arrangement? In early April 2008, they gave up on her and returned her to the breeder.
We had just moved into our house and I was DETERMINED to get a second doodle, but wanted to adopt rather than buy like we did with Uma. I was on some weird Labradoodle Message Board (don’t ask) and saw a desperate posting from the breeder in Atlanta. I called her almost immediately and knew that Juno was my girl. The woman was incredibly sweet, but also in a bind because she had two litters on the way and 5 month old, 40-pound June was not something she was able to take on. I wouldn’t say June is a true “rescue dog” considering she came from a breeder, but I feel like I rescued her from the damn Kennedys and a lifetime of being neglected.
I met the breeder in Valdosta 2 days later and the rest is Garro family history. She and Uma have been best friends since day one. We’ve never had any aggression or dominance between the two….they just seem get along. Juno WORSHIPS the ground Uma walks on.
Juno hasn’t always been the easiest dog to own (we definitely dealt with some of June’s destruction), but she always been easy to forgive and easy to love. She is the most affectionate dog I have ever met and loves nothing more than to cuddle and kiss.
Happy Birthday, my dear June. I love you so. You’re going to become a middle child soon, but will always be my baby.
One day old...Juno and her "biological mother," Kaylee
4 weeks old...June was originally just called "Teal Girl." She was meant to be in Jax, right?
4 months old...her name with the Kennedys was Stella. This was the first picture I ever saw of her. I didn't have a choice except to fall in love.
Friday, November 9, 2012
High Tech Shiz
Whoa, whoa, whoa....look what I did. --------->>
There's now a little thing on the right side of the page where you can be emailed everytime I update so that you don't have to waste your time checking every five minutes like I know you do. All of you...all 10 of you. I think the economy will certainly rebound now that this time suck has been eliminated and you can all get back to work.
There's now a little thing on the right side of the page where you can be emailed everytime I update so that you don't have to waste your time checking every five minutes like I know you do. All of you...all 10 of you. I think the economy will certainly rebound now that this time suck has been eliminated and you can all get back to work.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Brit Brit
OK, I'm not saying she's solely responsible, but Britney Spears is to blame for the rash of pregnancies that's going around. I might not have "scientific" evidence to support my theory, but hear me out.
July 23, 2011 - Seven friends go to see Britney during her Femme Fatale tour in Jacksonville, FL. None of them are pregnant. All of them are enjoying their jello shots.
July 23, 2011 - Seven friends go to see Britney during her Femme Fatale tour in Jacksonville, FL. None of them are pregnant. All of them are enjoying their jello shots.
Just ignore the the flare. Grier loves props and we all oblige becuase (1) we love her and (2) who doesn't want to wear shit like this and look like an idiot at all times?
The show was a-mah-zing (say it like Penny on Happy Endings), but BritBrit and her fertile-mertile ways infect the crowd. Our seats were a little too good.
Look at her. Just willing the crowd to have their own little Seans and Jaydens.
July 23, 2012 - FOUR of the SEVEN friends have either had a baby or are currently pregnant. Myself included. Coincidence? Doubtful.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
27 Weeks...13 to go
Week: 27
Size (according to Babycenter.com): A head of cauliflower
Total Weight gain: 5 lbs
Physically, I'm feeling: Ugh, not so hot. Having a cold while pregnant is not fun. I just want to breathe through my nose and stop coughing like a man who has smoked for 40+ years. Honestly, the worst part now is that I’m achy...head ache, ear ache, etc. The Tylenol is helping a little, but I’m still feeling pretty blah.
Size (according to Babycenter.com): A head of cauliflower
Total Weight gain: 5 lbs
Physically, I'm feeling: Ugh, not so hot. Having a cold while pregnant is not fun. I just want to breathe through my nose and stop coughing like a man who has smoked for 40+ years. Honestly, the worst part now is that I’m achy...head ache, ear ache, etc. The Tylenol is helping a little, but I’m still feeling pretty blah.
Other than the cold, I’m ok. Yesterday was the Jacksonville Walk that I was
excited/nervous about. My 4 Jax
besties and Bud volunteered at the event.
It means to much to me that they were there and happy to help. Bud was essentially my shadow, not
letting me lift a thing that weighed more than my sunglasses. We raised $128K which is great, but I need about another
$30,000 to make goal. I have until
the end of the year to find it…wish me luck.
Emotionally, I'm feeling: Thankful. As I mentioned, having Grier, Erin, Deena, Sam, and Bud wake up early to volunteer at the Walk meant more to me than they probably know. It’s such a wonderful thing to have friends like them. Also, my amazing in-laws and sweet mom came to the Walk as participants. It really made my day seeing them there.
Sleep: Oh man. Unfortunately, it was much worse this week. The combination of a head cold and having a lot on my mind was lethal. I woke up one or two times every night and had a rough time going back to sleep. Let’s not do that again.
Baby's Movement: He seems fine to me. He’s most active at night, but will “check in” a couple times during the day to say hey. I think he had the hiccups the other night, but I can’t be sure. If it wasn’t the hiccups, then my kid has pretty good rhythm for a white boy.
What I'm nervous about: This is a BIG week. I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. I get a little nervous before every appointment, but especially this one because I have to take my glucose screen to see if I have gestational diabetes. I don’t have any of the risk factors (excessive weight gain, African American, family history), but I’ve been worried about it because I wasn’t in the shape I wanted to be when I got knocked up.
Emotionally, I'm feeling: Thankful. As I mentioned, having Grier, Erin, Deena, Sam, and Bud wake up early to volunteer at the Walk meant more to me than they probably know. It’s such a wonderful thing to have friends like them. Also, my amazing in-laws and sweet mom came to the Walk as participants. It really made my day seeing them there.
Sleep: Oh man. Unfortunately, it was much worse this week. The combination of a head cold and having a lot on my mind was lethal. I woke up one or two times every night and had a rough time going back to sleep. Let’s not do that again.
Baby's Movement: He seems fine to me. He’s most active at night, but will “check in” a couple times during the day to say hey. I think he had the hiccups the other night, but I can’t be sure. If it wasn’t the hiccups, then my kid has pretty good rhythm for a white boy.
What I'm nervous about: This is a BIG week. I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. I get a little nervous before every appointment, but especially this one because I have to take my glucose screen to see if I have gestational diabetes. I don’t have any of the risk factors (excessive weight gain, African American, family history), but I’ve been worried about it because I wasn’t in the shape I wanted to be when I got knocked up.
They’ll give me a one
hour test first. It involves
drinking this orange stuff, waiting an hour, and then a few blood draws. If I pass, I’m good to go after
that. If I fail the 1 hour test,
I’ll have to take a 3 hour test to find out if I have it.
I really hope I’ll
have the 1 hour test and that’ll be it.
How sad with Christmas be without any buckeyes or puppy chow?
What I'm excited about:
The election being over. Here’s
hoping that it goes my way and this boy will be born with a President who I
believe is on the right side of history on many social issues. One way or another, however, this will
all be over soon. That, I think we
all agree, is a good thing.
Anything else?: Bud and I have started looking for a pediatrician that we’ll feel comfortable with. A close friend highly recommended one in Jax Beach, but unfortunately they aren’t accepting any more newborns in February. Who knew finding a pediatrician is something I should have started thinking about months ago? I thought I was being pretty proactive….guess not. There are two on Hodges that seem good so I’ll try to set up an interview soon.
Anything else?: Bud and I have started looking for a pediatrician that we’ll feel comfortable with. A close friend highly recommended one in Jax Beach, but unfortunately they aren’t accepting any more newborns in February. Who knew finding a pediatrician is something I should have started thinking about months ago? I thought I was being pretty proactive….guess not. There are two on Hodges that seem good so I’ll try to set up an interview soon.
I’ve also begun to look at daycares around our house and
around my office. This will need a
post all of it’s own. So, so, so
many thoughts on this. This
parenting shit is full of hard decisions.
Why can’t Uma just be the nanny?
She might not have thumbs, but she’s pretty good at taking care of June
all day.
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