The Fabulous World of the Rowes

1 Year

2011-10-22T17:15:00.001-07:00

Well the day finally arrived-Bennett turned 1 year old! I cannot believe it! We had an amazing Yo Gabba Gabba themed party, full of yummy food, bright colors, and a lot of friends. It was a fantastic day!!!

Bennett is so wonderful-I am loving this stage in his life more than I have all the others. He is so funny and has so much personality. He has been walking since he was 10 months old, so he is really good at it and can kind of even run. He enjoys his toy cars and balls and the simpler stuff like empty boxes and spatulas.

We go outside every night and let him drive his car. After a little driving, he is ready to get out and walk around in our driveway. He loves doing this every night. Bennett is now eating "big boy" food-basically, whatever we eat. Though I am happy with not always having to keep up with bottles, it is a little sad to let them go.

In summary, Bennett is the most amazing boy ever!!! I am desperately in love!

This Summer

2011-07-05T18:17:00.001-07:00

A couple of posts ago, I was sharing my feelings about being a working mom. It was really a struggle for me, as all I wanted to do was stay at home with Bennett. I thought that I would be able to give up work so easily. I was elated for summer to come and get to be a stay at home mom-what I had wanted for so long. So you can imagine my surprise when I had what I wanted...and didn't like it.

I guess I should rephrase- I LOVE being home with Bennett and getting to see all he has done this summer. I have gotten to see him crawl, pull up, get starting walking and all kinds of stuff. I love being with him. I love having our own little routine. I love having our time together. He is amazing. It's everything else I don't love-dishes, laundry, the end.

It is hard to explain but being away from school makes me feel like something is missing in me. I do not consider myself a workaholic, however, when I am not working for a couple of months I miss it. I miss being creative, having a routine, using my brain, interacting with a lot of different people.

As much as I have CHERISHED this time with my wonderful, perfect little guy, I have learned that I am just going to have to find a way to balance it and be content with it. I want to be alright with being a mom and wanting to work-I guess that is the biggest part. As a mom, I feel like I should want and love to stay at home. I have struggled with feeling guilty over not wanting this full time at home all the time. It makes me feel like I am hurting Bennett. But logically, I know I am not hurting him. He likes interacting with other people and will love getting to play at school all day At it makes our time together more special.

But it seems that dealing with the guilt is where my work is. I have to come to terms with the fact that it is just ME to want to work and enjoy it when I do...and somehow not feel guilty about that. But that's for another day. For now, I will relish in this 100% Bennett time.

9 Months

2011-06-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

In close to a week and a half, Bennett will be 9 months old. CRAZY! I will say this time has been so much fun. Bennett's personality is shining bright! He is so happy and sweet, and awesome...he's started giving kisses now. I LOVE it! He laughs all the time and finds joy in pretty much everything.

And talk about moving...he is about to be getting going! He is about 2 seconds away from crawling. He can pretty much get to wherever he wants, it's just a little slower at this point because it is more of a scoot/drag than a crawl.

Some of the biggest joys in Bennett's life

Greco doing anything
Watching the garage door open and close
Yo Gabba Gabba

Easter

2011-04-25T18:37:00.001-07:00

I'll be honest, I always love getting the family together, but I am not into Easter really. By that I mean, Easter eggs and baskets and all that are not really my thing. I don't know why, because all the other holidays I get excited about. But Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies, well, I just don't get it. So I can't say that I took Bennett to a ton of Easter egg hunts and did all that stuff with him. But, I can say that it was still a good time.

He did attend a couple of Easter egg hunts. The first one, at my aunt's house, my big sister Misty took him around and hunted eggs with him and the second one, at Adam's Nana's house, he sat in my lap and chewed on a plastic egg. Perfect.

The best thing was that he got a new outfit which he looked beyond adorable in. I mean, just check him out. To. Die. For.

The Struggle

2011-04-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Still trying to deal with my sad feelings about being a full time, working mom. It's not that I mind the work-I love working, as it gives me fulfillment. However, I do have a pretty demanding job and I often feel like I lack the energy at the end of the day to really get all that I can out of my evenings.

Before Bennett came, I was just sure I would never want to be a stay at home mom. "I'll always want to work," I said. "I could never stay home full time." And then Bennett was here. And all of that changed. I never thought I would feel this way, but I really want to stay home. Here's the problem: that isn't in the cards for us. We are struggling to make it now, without me leaving work.

The biggest problem here is that I am having such a hard time dealing with this obvious truth. I want to just see things as they are and learn how to cope with it. But every morning as I pull out of the driveway, I have this feeling of "this isn't right. I shouldn't be here. I should be home waiting on my boy to wake up." I have got to be able to shake these feelings if I don't want to go crazy.

I know there are plenty of moms that work. And their kids are great. I get that. It's not about my feeling that Bennett will have something go wrong if I leave him in daycare. That's not it at all-heck, he's in the best daycare of all-the one at my school. It's more of my desire to be with him all day and teach him everything. It's for me.

I wish we were in a place financially where we could change things up. I REALLY wish that. It is so frustrating to me and oftentimes embarrassing to me to say "We can't afford that" or "We don't have the money for that." I HATE saying that!!! I want to be able to live comfortably, afford the fun things for Bennett, and not feel like I am in a constant save for the future/struggle in the now mode.

More than anything, I think, I'd like to accept things as they are now and learn how to be content in that situation. I think that, above all things, would make things easier for me.

6 Months

2011-03-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

I am tired. I have no time to myself. I am constantly carrying around 20 pounds on my hip. I have to do things at warp speed during nap time. I get worn out, and then I look at this...

..and somehow it makes it all ok.

Bennett has been great from the beginning. But here lately, it is even better. His personality is in full swing! He laughs and squeals and yells and it is AWESOME! He keeps me rolling! I am not sure who makes the other laugh more.

He has learned to roll over. Actually, he learned that a while ago, but it took me weeks to see it for myself. Adam witnessed it first, and then the nursery worker at school. But me? Nope. He apparently wanted to keep me in suspense. Well, he kept that up for about 3 weeks. I would go in his room and find him on his belly, so I knew he was able, but just taking his time. Yesterday, he decided to grace me with his talent. It was awesome!

As if yesterday couldn't get any bigger, Bennett's first tooth also popped through the gum! Bottom, right! I almost cried. I would never have dreamed there would be a day where a tooth popping through an infant's gum would bring tears to my eyes.

Although he still wakes up through the night (he is learning how to sleep on his belly, since he rolls onto it every night) and gets a little gripey later on in the evening, he is so worth it. He has become his own little person and I am seriously loving watching every minute of it! He is AH-MAY-ZING!

The Other Man in my Life

2011-02-26T06:40:00.001-08:00

I wanted to write about the other man in my life-not the little man Bennett...the big man, Adam. I always thought he'd make a good dad. He is so sweet and kind. When Bennett came, I will admit-I had this new nervousness about him. He was a man, and kind of unsure as to what to do with Bennett sometimes. It just made me nervous. But once the hormones settled and I was able to chill out a bit, my eyes were opened.

Adam is a king. Bennett is so lucky to have him as a dad, and I am so lucky to have him as my husband and my little guy's daddy. I never have any fear of how they are doing when they hang out together. He works so hard to meet all of Bennett's needs and really learn him. As much as it PAINS me to admit it, there have been a few times when Adam has known what to do, while I have been lost. It's also nice to raise Bennett with someone who is a little bit thicker skinned. A couple of times when Bennett has needed to gripe a little at bedtime, Adam has sat there with me while I sobbed and assured me that I am ok and still a good mom.

Adam comes in kisses Bennett, talks to him, holds him, and on and on. He cheers when he rolls over and gets excited at all the new things Bennett is learning to do. All the things a super dad does. I feel such love for both of them when they are together. I have a daddy who I am pretty sure walks on water and I am so happy Bennett will have the kind of dad he can feel that way about.

4 Month Check Up

2011-02-22T18:46:00.001-08:00

Bennett had his four month check up yesterday-even though he will be 5 months next week. He's a big boy, so it seems. He weighed 18 lbs, and was 27 inches long. He is in the 85th percentile. He is in the 75th percentile for his 23 inch head. The doctor let us know that yes, he is a fat head. :o) Our doctor said he is "thriving", which made me one proud mama.

We were told that we could start experimenting with some foods, just to see how he likes them. We tried bananas. The first bite he ate and swallowed, no problem. The second was a little slower with a little nose crinkle. The third had a bigger nose crinkle. But it was just new to him-he seemed to like them. I am excited to introduce him to the world of food-I think he is going to love all the fun, yummies!

Bennett is doing so awesome! He laughs out loud, he can almost roll over from back to tummy, and he reaches out for stuff like crazy! Anything he can get a hold on goes rapidly to his mouth. And he is almost sleeping through the night. Currently, he sleeps from 8 pm- 7:30 am with one wake up between 12:00-1:00. But it's great because when he wakes up, he takes a bottle and then is right back to sleep. And since Adam gets the late shift, I have not been up with him in close to a week and a half. That means I have gotten a full nights sleep for a week and a half. It's glorious!

He is doing so great and I am loving all this personality he has. Watching him growing up is so much fun! Such a HUUUUUGGGEEE blessing!

Book Time and Cute Faces

2011-02-11T18:26:00.001-08:00

I need to be going to bed because I am so tired, so I will make this short.

I am thinking about the book reading these past couple of nights. Bennett has made it even better-I did not know he could. He kind of sits up on my leg when we read, and usually looks at the book. But he has started looking up at me after each page with his mouth open and his eyes wide, as if it is the best book he's ever heard. I end up spending most of the reading time laughing rather loud.

I tell ya- I have always loved reading books, but that look I get up at me after each page makes it way more incredible than I ever dreamed it would be.

4 months...

2011-02-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

I have a four month old! Wow! I will probably say that every month! :o)

Bennett is growing and growing. Well, every part of him but his hair, that is. That seems to have been scrubbed off by him or just generally falling out. But luckily he's handsome as a bald guy. :o)

Bennett is very active. He loves to lay on his changing table, play mat, or just on a blanket and kick. He's a strong kicker! He is very attentive now, moving his head quickly to follow you when you move. It used to take him a while to catch up to you when he turned his head. Not anymore! He whips that head around like crazy! And his latest trick-blowing spit bubbles. He is a drool machine!

My favorite part of the day is quickly becoming bedtime. Not just the quiet time in the house (although that's not too bad, I must say), but more so the pre-bedtime. Particularly book reading. On the nights when Adam is working late, I hold him and read to him. But when Adam is home, it gives me a new perspective. I sit and face the guys and read the book. This is the best. Bennett LOVES to read books. He will sit through them without getting antsy. I love getting to see his face. His eyes stay locked on the page. They scan back and forth, taking everything in. Sometimes he looks at me quickly as if to say, "Isn't this great, Mom?" Then back to looking at the book. It is so wonderful and cute!

On a rough note, I have been having a tough time lately with working and having Bennett. I hate leaving him. Granted, I am in the second best situation, with having him in the nursery at work and all, but some days I can't help but feel I should be at home with him. And on those days that Bennett wakes up at 4:00 in the morning and then goes back to bed, when I can't, I am exhausted. Exhaustion never helps me cope. I go to school and often I am the only one there beside the janitor. It is a lonely feeling, walking in to the school, day after day. But I feel like it is best for me to go on to work because it gives me a little time to get things accomplished, which I need. It is tough to know what to do.

The one thing I try to keep in mind always is Bennett's sweet face. He is so cute and wonderful. He just talks and squeals and blows spit bubbles. I know it won't always be this way. I will eventually get sleep. I will eventually have something steady. And things will eventually fall into place. Until then, I will just keep smooching on Bennett's chubby cheekers!

Better Day

2011-01-12T10:38:00.001-08:00

It is amazing what some sleep will do for you! Actually, that is no surprise to me. I have always known I cannot handle many things on little sleep. But today I feel better. One, because I got sleep. And two, because Bennett did a great job last night!

We decided that maybe he would be better going to bed earlier instead of later. So, we put him to bed at 8:00. We also made sure that we picked a time we could commit to. So, 8:00 is it. We started at 7:00 with the bottle, bath, stories, etc. At 8, we swaddled him up and laid him down. He griped a little, but fell asleep on his own. He woke back up about 9:30, but Adam convinced me to let him be and cry for just a little. He fell back asleep in less than 5 minutes. He slept from 8 until 2...6 hours! At 2, he woke up and we decided to feed him. Adam fed him and laid him back down in his bed awake-and he fell right to sleep on his own without crying at all! He slept until 8 this morning. HOLY COW! 12 hours with only one quick wake up! I am ecstatic!

Even today has been great. He got up this morning very pleasant, ate and played for a while, then when it was time for his nap, I swaddled him and laid him down. He griped a bit, but fell asleep. When he woke up too early, I let him cry for a bit, and he was back out within a few minutes.

I guess this makes me so excited because it gives me confidence. I feel like I am doing to the right thing-and it is working. So much of the time, I feel confused. One book says one things, another says something else. I never know what to do. But now, I feel like I am on the right track! YAY!

I Just Feel Like Posting

2011-01-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

I am not sure what I want to write about I should be cleaning or folding laundry or something while Bennett is napping, but GOOD GRACIOUS I am so sleepy! Bennett somehow forgot how to sleep more than three hours last night. He woke up at 1 am, 4 am, 7 am, then 10 am. At the 5:00 mark, I burst into tears and had to go wake Adam up for help, after I stood there and sobbed for about 5 minutes. I was just so tired and desperate to go back to sleep and here was Bennett at 5:00 am, just smiling up at me, wide eyed. Adam let me go back to bed and put Bennett to bed. Bennett had to gripe a little bit before he fell asleep.

I am feeling overwhelmed with all of the scheduling things. I have read Babywise and tried to follow it, but it doesn't seem to work. Then, if he sleeps for 30 minutes, what do I do? Get him up? Let him cry? Or go rock him back to sleep. I guess the hard part is that I feel like I am doing something wrong because he won't sleep through the night. Yeah, I know that babies are all different and he'll sleep when he's ready, blah, blah, blah. But that only works in my brain logically. It doesn't help me to not be frustrated though.

Parenting is Hard

2011-01-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

These are the times that parenting is the hardest. I am tired, I don't feel well, and all I want to do is take a bath and go to bed. But I can't. I have a little boy to feed, bathe, and put to bed before I can do all of that for myself. I feel bad because I know I am supposed to be more happy about taking care of Bennett than myself-and 99.9% of the time, I am. But there is that small little bit when I would rather be worrying about myself. Does that sounds terrible? I am just so sleepy and am kind of missing those days where I did what I want, when I wanted, all the time.

Bennett has been great today-sweet as ever. But today is just one of those days, I guess.

3 months

2010-12-28T08:55:00.001-08:00

As of yesterday, I have a 3 month old. I doesn't seem like 3 months have passed by. It's gone so fast and been so great! Bennett is beginning to reach for things. Although he still doesn't have great control over his arms, you can tell he knows things are there and swats at them. He now prefers to sit up on your leg, just to check out everything. He doesn't like to be tilted back unless it is time to eat. Sitting up is his choice now.

Unfortunately, he is still not sleeping through the night. Sometimes he'll wake up

once, sometimes twice or more. It is very unpredictable. He was doing great with going to sleep on his own, but then he got sick last Sunday with a cold. I have been rocking him to sleep the past nights. We'll get back on track soon, I know.

Bennett smiles like crazy now! I love it!!! I turn into mush when he lays that grin on me. I squeal and laugh like I have won the lottery-I guess, in a sense, I have. He is

definitely a charmer.

Motherhood has been amazing. I love being Bennett's mommy. It has not been easy, I will say. Adam works so much and I often feel left alone to do everything. And when

Bennett cries and I can't fix it, that is so hard for me. Trying to juggle everything-going to the store, going to the bank, laundry, dishes, work-on top of having a baby is so much...TOO much sometimes. Some days I get so angry that I am so overworked. But honestly, that all fades away when he lays that smile on me. I can't resist but fall in love all over again. He is amazing.

Check Up and Sleep

2010-12-19T18:57:00.001-08:00

Bennett had his 2 month check up a few weeks ago. Our pediatrician, though describing him as a "hunk-o-baby," said he was right on track. He weighed 14 pounds 3 ounces. He has reached all of his milestones. Pretty much, he's perfect. One of the other things the doctor said was "Ya know, he is big enough to be able to sleep through the night." Then he gave me the game plan, which he said will have him sleeping through the night in just three nights.

Now I have heard of the cry it out method, and was not a fan. I thought it was basically putting your child in their crib and letting them cry until they fell asleep, even if that took hours. Once I realized that it was a tool to teach your child they could fall asleep on their own and that you could go back in every few minutes to comfort them, I was somewhat on board. And then Bennett started griping every time he needed to go to sleep, even if he was really tired. After a couple bouts of trying to rock and bounce to no avail, I finally just held him while he griped until he went to sleep. After those couple of times, I realized it would not be the end of the world if he cried a little bit when it was time to go to bed. Then I was totally on board. But in case it was terrible, I decided to wait until Christmas break to start.

Last night, we began. We fed him, bathed him, read him a book, then swaddled him and put him in his crib. He griped for less than 10 minutes. He didn't even cry. Since we are getting better about keeping him awake longer, he was ready to go to sleep. He pretty much went straight to bed. Tonight was the same. I am so excited. Though I was kind of ready to let him put himself to bed, I knew I would give in if he cried too much or too hard. I am so glad he went to sleep easily. Now I am guilt free.

Now, if I could only get him to sleep past 5 am ....

Work and Bennett

2010-12-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

So it turns out that working was not as bad as I thought. The toughest part of it all, honestly is the mental battle I have with myself. It is so tough to work all day and come home and keep going, taking care of a baby. Especially when I have always been used to coming home, eating and sitting down to read. It's hard. But I try to take time every day to just look at his sweet face-it truly does make it worth it.

I think I have written about this before, but I am in a new school this year. One of the awesome things they built in the new school is a nursery. This means that Bennett gets to be at school with me everyday. I knew going into it that it would be pretty cool, but it is even better than I thought. I get to go down there and have lunch with him. I get to hold him and kiss his chubby cheekers. And if he is asleep, I'll love on one of my friends' babies who are there. It really is working out great!

Although I am tired and mentally worn out, I am enjoying being back at work. I feel more refreshed and excited to be there. I feel like I have something that is mine again. I think I would have been happy continuing on in the stay at home mom direction, but this is still great for me and I am glad to be back at work. It is going great!

A Few Pics of My Little Man

2010-11-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

2 Months and Work (Bleck!)

2010-11-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

Well, the time has arrived... 8 weeks have gone by and I am returning to work tomorrow. It is not that I am not happy to go back and see my friends, my students, and to get back into some sort of a structure-I am. But I am so sad to be away from Bennett. The longest I have been away from him since he was born is maybe 3 hours. He is just so much a part of me, that to be away from him all day will be a huge adjustment. On a happy note, since I only work 2 days this week, Mom agreed to keep him. Since Adam will be off work tomorrow, Adam will keep him Monday and Mom has him Tuesday. And then the tough part comes-the following week he goes to infant care. That day will be hard too.

On a brighter note, Bennett is doing great! He is almost 2 months old! It is crazy! He is SO FREAKIN' CUTE, I can't stand it sometimes! He has been making a lot more noises lately. Some of his happy noises just make me melt! He likes sitting in his swing and his bouncy seat and will often sit there for quite a long time. It gives us time to hang out and chat. He enjoys the bath tub. He kicks his legs and flaps his arms a lot and I love it! I am very excited for his first Thanksgiving and Christmas-the holidays are going to be so much fun!

Even though I am bummed about going to work, I am so happy that is he growing up and being a sweet, cute boy. He is literally a huge light in my life. I love every moment with him He is one of the biggest blessings in my life!

1 Month

2010-10-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

It is awesome that Bennett is one month old! It does not seem anywhere near one month since he got here. Of course, that could be because, being awake at odd hours of the night seems to make my days just run into each other.

Bennett is doing awesome. He is more alert, more often. He likes to stare at my face, which I love. It works out because I love to stare at his face. He is breathtaking. He has recently discovered a painting on his wall of the ABC's and stares at them while he is being changed. He is a good sleeper and eater and just generally a good baby.

I have 2 weeks until I return to work and I will say, I am dreading it. I would love to take longer if I could. Even though he will be at the nursery at school with me, I am still nervous about leaving him there in the care of someone else who isn't my family. I some how feel like I am doing him an injustice. But I know it will be ok. I know it will get better as time goes on.

As I have said before, mother hood is even better than I expected. It may sound weird, but I love the little stuff like feeding him, bathing him, and putting on his clothes. He is such a dream and I feel like the luckiest person ever to have him in my life.

Thoughts on Motherhood

2010-10-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Doubts, fears, insecurities, anxieties-you name it, I probably had it about motherhood. I was afraid I would not bond with Bennett. I was scared of the hospital. I was nervous about leaving work. I was worried I wouldn't know what to do with a newborn. I was flat out, just scared about everything imaginable.

And then, at 6:22 on September 27th, all of that went away. And since that day, it has been pushed further and further back. I cannot believe that I spent all that time beforehand being so worked up. Things have gone even better than I could have imagined. Bennett is gorgeous and perfect. And mommyhood is something I am enjoying WAY better than I thought I would. I just look at him everyday and I think about how great things are. He is so sweet and I just love wrapping him up in my arms and snuggling him tight to me. I love to make him stop crying and listening to his little squeaky noises.

My labor was rough-long day, no sleep, lots of pain. But I would do it again in an INSTANT for this little guy. He is now my world and I cherish him more than I knew I could.

He's Here!

2010-09-28T20:01:00.001-07:00

Wow, what a great past few days! It was a tough road, but I am so thrilled that Bennett is here!

Adam and I checked into the hospital Sunday night, the 26th at 10pm. They did a couple of checking in and medical type things. I was supposed to get some sleep, but that did not happen. Mom and I ended up sitting up all night and talking. At 6:00, the doctor's came in to start the pitocin drip. A few hours later, I was given some pain medication. At this point, I had been up 24 hours, so I was very tired and the medicine hit me very hard. I was quite drunk! My family has had a good time retelling all the stories of that day.

Long story short, labor progressed slowly. I got my epidural at 2 cm-earlier than they wanted, but contractions were happening so often even though I wasn't dilating too much, so they went ahead and gave it to me. I spent most of the day laying around out of it because of fatigue and medicine.

Being a bit spacey, as it turns out was quite a blessing. Once the doctor broke my water, it became apparent that something wasn't going well. Every time I had a contraction, Bennett's heart rate would drop. Turns out his cord was near a body part-most likely his shoulder-and each contraction would push his cord against his body, causing his heart rate to drop. The nurses kept coming in often, continually turning me from one side to the other, and monitoring his heart rate. Had I known all of this was happening, I would have been very scared.

Finally, around 5 pm, I dilated to ten and was able to begin pushing. My doctor was awesome-she did not want me to have an emergency C-section or have to use any kind of tools to get him out, which I did not want either. It took an hour of pushing, but finally at 6:22 pm, Bennett Gibson Rowe made it into the world, weighing 8 lbs 1 oz.

It was one of the longest days of my life-when it was all said and done I had been awake close to 40+ hours. Needless to say, I was delirious. But it was completely, totally, 100 million percent worth it!

Almost here!

2010-09-21T17:05:00.001-07:00

As I sit down to type tonight, I am blown away that I will have a little baby boy in just 6 days! This is amazing, scary, exciting, all at the same time. This pregnancy really seems to have gone by fast. Ten months ago, I was telling Adam, "It says pregnant and I am NOT lying!" And now here I am, making sure my little guy has the "right" clothes and packing my hospital bag and getting ready for his arrival.This has been an interesting experience to say the least. It has been a tougher one than I expected, but still very good. In the end, seeing his face will make it all worth it, I know.

And new news-my induction has been moved up to Sunday the 26th, which will put him here Monday the 27th. I have also moved hospitals. I was originally scheduled to go in Monday and deliver Tuesday, but I got a call last week letting me know that Tuesday night my doctor was on call until only 7:00. That meant if he came too late on Tuesday, I ran the risk of her not being able to deliver him. So, if I moved hospitals (Women's East was full on Sunday night), I could deliver on Monday and she would be able to deliver him. So, it looks like I am headed out to Parkridge East. This is kind of cool, since that is where I was born. Bennett will be born at the same place I was! I like that!

I am tired and ready for this guy to get here! 6 days!!!

37 weeks

2010-09-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

36 weeks

2010-09-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Bennett's Room

2010-09-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

When I decided that I wanted dinosaurs for Bennett's room, it did not seem like that much of an undertaking...until we went to look for dinosaur stuff. What I found was either too "big boy" or just flat out ugly. Adam and I picked out colors from a random string of dinosaur lights I saw at Kohl's that I liked and we kind of tried to go from there. We painted the walls, but that was about all I had. I knew I wanted some dinosaurs on the wall but was very specific about what they were to look like. I found one single sheet of scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby that had dinosaurs on it, and decided those were the ones that were perfect for his wall. My mom volunteered to help me paint some of the stuff that I wanted on his wall. She and her friend Kathy are amazingly talented and crafty, so they were enlisted just for a few simple dinos on the wall-and then it took OFF! Mom found so many great ideas online. She transformed my puny little vision into a masterpiece. His room is seriously THE most amazing baby room I have ever seen in my life!!! Here are some pics from Mom and Kathy's work of art.

They added dinosaur feet to the pulls for the fan
His 3-D palm tree with the dinosaur lights that started the whole thing
The front of his changing table

Love this saying!!!

The crib is Greco tested, Greco approved.

Above his crib

The corner area-rocking chair with changing table and bookcase.
His window-the dinos underneath are the ones from the piece of paper I found.
His closet door with his growth chart.

The room from the door.

37 Week Doctor's Visit

2010-09-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my weekly doctor visit. Some good news, some not so good news. Turns out, my body is still not doing anything-not good news. No dilating, no effacing, and Bennett still hasn't completely dropped. My doctor explained to me that she would induce no earlier than 39 weeks, which I totally agree with. I don't care to wait until 40 weeks to be induced. She also let me know that if I induced any earlier than that there are health concerns to Bennett as well as a higher chance of having to have a C-Section. I did decide that I wanted to be induced, however, I wanted to wait until 40 weeks. So, the date for my induction is set Monday, September 27, which will put him here, most likely, on Tuesday, September 28th. We will go in Monday night at 10:00 pm.

I am very excited about having a date, though I do still know Bennett could decide to change that date at any time. However, I am very nervous about some stuff. I have never stayed in the hospital in this capacity before. The last time I was at a hospital overnight was my own birth. I have never had to sleep in a hospital bed and have never had to be hooked up to that type of machinery. Also, given the fact that my body isn't doing anything right now, I worry that I may run the risk of ending up with a C-Section anyway. That makes me nervous about having major surgery, as I have never had that either. So many firsts, so much that is scary.

As scared as I am, I am getting more and more excited to meet this little guy. His room is incredible and cozy and I can't wait to show it to him. I can't wait to see his head full of hair and put on his own, cute clothes. I can't wait to hold him. The days are counting down now instead of up!

17 days!

36 Weeks...almost 37

2010-09-07T15:58:00.001-07:00

As of tomorrow, I will be 37 weeks along. Just 3 weeks from Bennett's due date. Wow!!! If you've been reading this blog, you know that I have often struggled with my lack of excitement. I have felt very insecure about all the doubts that have plagued me. I am so happy to report that those fear and anxieties seem to be subsiding. Well, I am not sure if they are subsiding or my excitement for Bennett is starting to outweigh them.

I think now that it is getting closer, I am just so happy to get to see what he looks like-I think that is what has me hooked right now. His face is something I cannot wait to see. I am sure it will, without a doubt, be the most handsome face ever!

One other thing that is contributing to my excitement over Bennett being here is the knowledge that I will no longer be pregnant. I am ready for this to be over quite frankly. I am looking forward to not only having a sweet, precious little boy, but also some other perks such as :

rolling over in the bed without pain.
walking up the stairs without huffing and puffing.
not sweating when I haven't exerted myself at all.
having my ankles back.
sleeping through the night.
only peeing a few times a day.
and SO much more!

Today's Doctor Visit

2010-09-01T14:59:00.001-07:00

Today was yet another doctor visit-I am going every week now. Last week when I went, I was 35 weeks, but my belly was measuring 39 weeks. This week I had an ultrasound and it looks like I am right on track. This was a really cool visit, as we got to see him really well on the ultrasound. And we got to learn a lot about him.

One of the things I am most excited about is he has hair! I figured he would and was really hoping he'd have a head of hair when he is born. I am excited that he does! He currently weighs 6 lbs 11 0z. The doctor estimated he might be in the 8 lb range at birth. And we got to see his hiccups. Bennett gets the hiccups at least once a day. It was so much fun to see them instead of just feel them!

As far as when he will be here, obviously he could come at whenever he feels like it. But as for my body- I am not dilating or effacing any. He's not even dropped all the way down yet. She told me that if my body continues in this path, then she will either have to induce me (if I want to deliver on my due date) or I will have to wait past my due date (if I want him to come when he comes). Induction, please! But I am well aware that this could all be pointless, as he could come tomorrow if he wanted...which is why things are packed for the hospital and I am getting as much done as I can.

It was so great to see him on the ultrasound today, I can say that. I have been pretty excited today, thinking about seeing his sweet face. It has been mostly stress for me along the way, I have mentioned that. So I am very happy that today brought feelings of excitement and not fear. I can welcome some excitement in this journey!

Oh, and also it was reconfirmed that he is for sure a boy. :o) Adam was relieved.

Bennett's Stuff

2010-08-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

First, I think it goes without saying that Bennett has a TON of stuff!!!! Clothing, especially! But I was playing around on Picnik and thought I would make a collage of some of the stuff he has gotten so far. So here it is- A pair of pajamas for when he gets bigger (the bottoms are big boy shorts and so cute), a pair of shoes with his initials on them, a onesie that says "Dad's Cool-A-Sauraus", and some dino p.j.'s with claws on the feet. He has so much cool stuff!

Baby Update

2010-08-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am now 4 1/2 weeks away from Bennett's arrival...hopefully. I went to the doctor on Wednesday, and she measured my belly, as she always does. Usually she says "Right on track." This time she said, "Hmm, you are 35 weeks, but you are measuring 39 weeks." I, of coursed, started to have a panic attack and said what any normal person would-"Does that mean he is coming next week? I don't have lesson plans ready!" She told me that it, most likely, does not mean he will be here next week, especially since she checked me and I have not dilated any. That is a relief. But, just to be sure, I got moving on my lesson plans, talked with my principal, and got my maternity leave forms turned in. I was getting really worried about not getting things done (which of course, I still am), but doing those couple of things really helped.

Bennett's room is almost finished, which is great. It is finished enough that he would have a cute room, should he come early, but my mom and her best friend Kathy are coming to paint some stuff on his wall. That is why I have not posted pictures of it yet-I want to wait until they get all the painting finished. I will say though, his room is going to be ADORABLE!

I had a baby shower this week with my friend from the school I taught at in Dalton. It was so awesome. My friends Jessica Aslinger and Luisa Hale threw it for me. It was so cute and thoughtful and I LOVED it! Here are some of the pictures from the shower.

My kind of shower food-pizza, chips, and candy! It was so yummy!

His name hung above the door-Jessica made it. It was SO cute!

Dinosaur cake. Made by Cynthia Martinez. Awesome and TASTY!

Opening gifts.

35 Weeks

2010-08-29T07:59:00.002-07:00

OOPS! Somehow, I missed a pic of Week 34. Oh well, I think it would have looked the same as week 33 and 35!

33 Weeks

2010-08-29T07:59:00.001-07:00

Baby Shower

2010-08-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I had a wonderful baby shower hosted by my sister, Misty; my aunt, Jennifer; and my grandmother. It was so cute and fun! Adam and I were blessed with so many great gifts. We got many cute clothes, but also some bigger things like a stroller and car seat. Of course, there were many cute outfits too! Here are some pics of the great day!

Adam sat on a cupcake

Paper bottles for people to write advice on

Diaper cake-Misty made it. So cute!

Baby Thoughts

2010-08-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Just finished putting Bennett's cute little stroller/car seat together (who knew you had to assemble the things?) and am now sitting here looking at it in my living room. I am thinking about the little person who will soon be sitting in it. I am hoping he will have a beautiful smile like his dad's and will smile up at me from his cozy little car seat, thankful at the sweating I did to get it put together. I am sure he will be eternally grateful.

Baby Bennett's arrival is getting closer and closer. Most days I am not sure what to think about that. Sure I am nervous and scared about the whole process. But most days I find it just crazy that I am having a baby in the first place. Doesn't anyone see I am too young and immature for this? I mean, no one is going to try and stop me?! I am often comforted by the memory of getting married and feeling these same feelings. I felt too young to be getting married, to be someone's "wife." But, in time, I fell into that role and I did not feel so weird about it anymore. I know it will be the same way with being someone's "mom." In fact, I wonder if I might even fall into the mom role easier. We'll see, I guess.

As the arrival date gets closer, things are falling into place. His room is almost finished. And we have gotten some great stuff (I will post about the baby shower later), and life is getting more prepared. Of course, that is just life and the details. I, however, am in full on nesting mode. I think I may be more hormonal than I was at the beginning. I know poor Adam's head must be spinning. I am tired, cranky, and want everything ordered and perfect before Bennett gets here. I know that is stressing Adam, as I tend to snap at him more often these days.

I think the both of us are getting to the stage that we are ready for him to be here, no matter how anxious we are about it. Me because I am tired and irritable and big. And Adam because he probably no longer wants to deal with a tired, irritable and big me!

5 1/2 weeks...

32 Weeks

2010-08-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Update

2010-08-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

I am now 32 weeks along (picture soon). This means I am 8 weeks away from delivery! Wow! I know that is 2 months, but that seems right around the corner. I went to the doctor this past week and got a good report-his heartbeat sounds great, he's growing fine, and his head is down. Also, according to her many years of medical training, he is going to be "a rascal."

Most of my days right now are filled with pain and fatigue. This pregnancy has not been a breeze, and some form of ache is my constant companion. Plus, I started back to work this week. It might not be so bad except for two things- One, I am trying to run at the warp speed I have always run at. I am learning that is no longer possible. And two, I am working in a building that is HUGE! This means that anytime I need to go somewhere, it is usually quite a haul to get there. Most days I have been so tired or my back has hurt so much that I feel as if I am running in slow motion. I go to work, come home, and park it on the couch with an ice pack for the duration of the evening.

Ok, so that is enough of my complaining. On to the good stuff. Although this is my first pregnancy and I have nothing to compare it to, Bennett seems to be quite the active boy. He moves a lot! And the sharp kicks have mostly become the squirmy, rolling wiggles. I will say that is one thing I enjoy.

Also, his room is almost finished-I will most pictures when it is completed. It looks great so far and is coming together with the things I have picked up along the way for him. And of course, his drawers are filled with clothes! :o)

Things are going great-minus the achenes. I have a shower coming up soon that I am so excited about! And work is starting which I know will make the time fly by-he will be here before I know it!

31 Weeks

2010-08-07T05:23:00.001-07:00

30 Weeks

2010-08-07T05:22:00.002-07:00

29 Weeks

2010-08-07T05:22:00.001-07:00

28 Weeks

2010-08-07T05:21:00.001-07:00

27 Weeks

2010-07-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

26 weeks

2010-07-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

25 weeks

2010-07-07T19:08:00.001-07:00

NESTING!

2010-07-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

NESTING! That is pretty much all I have been doing lately. In a quest to get things ready for Bennett, I have been going what feels like non stop. My mom has been graciously dedicating a ton of time to helping me do the things I have been wanting to do in the house and have either not done or not known what to do (I am nowhere near as decorator minded as my mom). We have painted rooms, made little crafts, rearranged rooms, etc, etc, etc. I am so happy that these things are getting finished-honestly, they may not have gotten done otherwise.

Here are a few things we have gotten finished:

We got this cabinet for $2.50 at the thrift store. After $1.00 worth of paper and some Modge Podge, I now have a new and super cute bathroom cabinet!

We made some wall art out of canvases and fabric. About $15.00 total for the whole thing!

This deal was awesome. We needed furniture we could use both for storage and for sitting on-hence, this bench. The bench was originally $200, but we found it on sale at a place for $120. This bench had a piece that was damaged so we got it for $40.00! And to spruce it up (too much white on white), we decoupaged the inside and the back. We are in the process of doing a couple other things to it, but this is what it looks like so far. And this is the back!

Even though we have gotten a lot done, there are still a few other things I want to get done, which are all in the works here in the next few weeks. And this Friday, we are starting Bennett's room-YIPEE! I will for sure post pics of that!

6 Month Update

2010-06-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

It is crazy to believe I have passed the 6 month mark of my pregnancy. 25 weeks down, 15 to go. Woah! A couple of things have happened in the past month, the biggest of which is the movement. It is crazy and cool! Not only can I feel him like crazy but when he kicks, I can see my stomach jump. Adam and I lay in bed every night and try to catch a glimpse.

Bennett now has a sleeping pattern. He is awake when I lay down at night and when I wake up in the morning, and pretty still during the day. Sometimes I get a little movement in the evening, but it is the strongest at night and first thing in the morning. I am really hoping he gets that sorted out when he gets here. :o)

Adam, my mom, and I also went to get paint for his room. With my mother the master decorator, and my husband the visually blessed guy, my little guy's room is going to look amazing! We are possibly going to be starting it this Saturday or next.

I can't believe it is getting so close. I am scared and excited, both at the same time. I am sure that'll never go away!

24 Weeks= 6 months!

2010-06-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

23 Weeks

2010-06-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Kickin' It

2010-05-30T14:37:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while in the last week I would feel a flutter that I thought might be Bennett kicking. I wasn't sure though, as it wasn't too strong or consistent. And then last Friday, during a meeting at lunch, I felt it like crazy! I knew it had to be him kicking. It was as if one day he suddenly woke up! I know he's been moving for a while and that I have just not been able to feel it, but it was so sudden, it felt as if he had recently gotten the hang of it or something.

I will admit, the first time I felt it, it was pretty scary. Not the kicking itself, but the thoughts it brought to my mind. I have blogged before about how I have not found this journey as seamless and euphoric as I had thought I would. This kind of went with that. Feeling him move made it feel even more real, which brought about the feelings of "OH Lord, this is REAL." A double edge, if you will. It brings more happiness because it feels real, but even more fear because of it being real, if that makes sense.

I guess motherhood is something that I am entering into on faith. It is one of the first times in my life where I am scared out of my mind for how things will be-adjustments, difficulties, etc- but I am trusting. I know that I am scared now, but I have faith that it will be ok in the end. These feelings of fear won't always be here. And while they are here, I am learning to cope and be honest with myself and just keep reminding myself that it will all work out fine in the end. That gives me peace.

Teaching

2010-05-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

As I sit here tonight, looking up ideas for teaching spelling, I am in a word-OVERWHELMED! I know it is probably the craziest thing, to think of it being summer and I am spending my evening looking up spelling information. Here is the problem-I get to thinking about it and how I want to find out some more information. So I go see if I can find anything on the Internet-which leads me to about 1,000 different places and down so many roads. For someone whose mind can go crazy thinking about the endless possibilities of teaching, this is not a good thing. I end up about losing my mind!

I commented to Adam, "Trying to do well in your profession can be so exhausting." I don't wish that I had another profession. I don't wish I taught somewhere else. I don't wish anything other than that my mind would not take off like an Indy car when I think about one thing I want to improve in the upcoming year.

ROOOOOOAAAARRRR!

2010-05-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

Dinosaurs. Most of the clothes I buy have a dinosaur. The decorations are dinosaurs. Everything is dinosaurs! I never realized there was so much great stuff for boys with dinosaurs on it until I decided Bennett would have a dino room-then I found tons of stuff. Here is some of the great things I have gotten for him so far.

This outfit has dinosaurs all over it-even the feet have little claws on the ends.

A lamp for his room. There is a bank, lights, and bookends to match.
My favorite! This is on the way from Etsy, once the girl crochets me one small enough for a newborn.

20 Weeks= 5 Months=Halfway

2010-05-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I am 20 weeks and am now officially at the halfway point. I'd like to say that I have finally made it to the point of feeling like a mom and that I am ready for this new stage of life. But that would be a lie. Though I have thoroughly enjoyed shopping and buying all types of things for Bennett (clothing, furniture, books, etc, etc, etc), it hasn't completely hit me yet. It kind of feels like it is happening to someone else, though judging by the belly, I am almost positive it really is happening to me.

I have learned that the journey into motherhood is just that: a journey. I have learned it doesn't come all at once, the feeling of being "ready to be a parent". I have learned that being pregnant doesn't automatically put me into mother mode. And I have learned, most importantly, that that is ok. I have accepted that it's a journey, not an "everything, right this instant" situation, and take one day as it comes (most of the time). I know that I will not always feel apprehensive about being a mom. I know that when the time is right, I will step into that role naturally and with grace.

19 weeks

2010-05-10T18:07:00.001-07:00

Blue!

2010-05-08T05:52:00.001-07:00

Wednesday we went to the doctor and found out that we are having a baby boy! I cannot describe the joy of that day. Although we originally decided to surprise our parents later at the party, we made a last minute switch-a-roo and invited them. So, we had quite a posse with us at the ultrasound.

When we went into the room, it was much bigger than a regular room-I guess for all the people who usually need to cram into them. I laid down on the bed, and directly across from me on the wall was a little tv, so I could see everything else that the doctor and the family were seeing. It took pretty much less than a minute for her to find his legs, which were spread wide for us (what a cooperative boy already). She said something like "There's his legs." I said, "It's a girl isn't it." Her response was a simple "Nope." I kind of did a double take and said, "Wait. It's a boy?!" When she said, "Yeah, it's a boy," my family heard her. And here is the best moment of the day-there was a cheer from my parents, myself and Adam that I later learned was heard on the whole floor. Adam and my dad pumped their fists in the air and hollered like we'd won a football game. I burst into tears. My mom screamed, then leaned over to hug me. The whole thing was so awesome because everyone was excited. The Rowe's were kind of standing off the to the side, so I am not sure what they did. But they made it clear they didn't care what it was-it is their first grandchild, so anything was great.

After we left the doctor, we went home to get ready to tell everyone. We set up the living room to be both genders. Then we decorated the kitchen with all the blue paraphernalia. We covered the kitchen door with white paper so no one could see the decorations too early. The first thing everyone had to do when they came in was make their guess as to what it was. It was a pretty even divide.

Once everyone got there, we made the announcement that it was a boy, and yet another cheer went up. We tore the paper off the kitchen and let everyone in.

All in all, it was a great day-one of the best ever, actually. And now I know that we will have a sweet baby boy, which I am elated over! Everything was beyond perfect.

?

2010-05-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow is the big day-the day we find out if we are having a girl or a boy. I will have to say, this is the most excited I have been so far. The only downside is that I made my appointment for 3:00, so I have to wait all day-it's going to be the longest day ever!

I won't lie-I am really hoping for the news of a boy. Not that I would be forever upset about a girl. We just have so many girls in my family-it is time for a crazy, rough, loud boy. Well, I don't think the loud would make a difference-we are all loud already.

I hope it cooperates because we have a family gathering planned for tomorrow night to share the news. We are going to eat and have a great time, and I don't think everyone would love to be told we still don't know!

I can't wait for tomorrow!!!

18 weeks

2010-05-04T18:36:00.001-07:00

Pregnancy Update

2010-04-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

I realized most of what I have been posting lately is pictures. So, here is an update on how the pregnancy is going.

In a word...GREAT! I am not having any complications or anything like that. I am pretty tired, but I am not sure if that is really pregnancy-it might just be trying to wrap up a school year with a bunch of summer-crazed kids!

I have gotten a small belly, which is making it begin to feel a bit more real. My students are enjoying it. They ask me almost everyday when I get to find out what it is. And, I tell them everyday, "May 5th. It's not changed." They are as excited as me! I even have one student who is enamored with my stomach. More so, she is fascinated by the way my stomach pops back out when she pushes on it. I am not sure what this is about. Maybe she expected it to be able to be molded like Play-Doh?

As I mentioned earlier, May 5th is coming quick, which I am so happy about. I am looking forward to feeling this baby move and figuring out if it is a boy or a girl- I think that will make it more real. Right now I am not sure it has fully set in.

16 weeks-4 months!

2010-04-19T14:14:00.001-07:00

15 weeks

2010-04-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Fruit

2010-04-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Adam and I used to joke about the fact that I would probably be crazy about food when I got pregnant because I was so picky to begin with. Though it is true that there have been some foods that I had quite an aversion to and have not really regained a love for them back yet-ie, chocolate- I have not gotten really hung up on anything...until now.

Fruit, fruit, and more fruit. I can't get enough of it. I have made special trips out to Publix just to buy a watermelon because no other stores around me have it. Publix is the store farthest away from me! I have had watermelon 3 times in the past 4 days and that one day I did not have it, I thought about it all day and whined because the Bi-Lo was stupid enough not to carry it. I have had pineapple with my lunch the past two days and tonight I got some fresh pineapple.

In fact, I am going to end this blog because I can't quit thinking about the pineapple. Oh, and if anyone wants to add a watermelon to the Brittany-craving-fund, you are MORE than welcome to! I am going to go broke buying them right now!

Doctor's Visit- Monday the 5th

2010-04-07T05:13:00.000-07:00

Monday I had another doctor's visit. It was a LONG one! After we got in the room, we waited about 20 minutes. At that time, the nurse came in and told us my doctor had to go deliver a baby and would be back in 45 minutes. We told her we would wait. There is just something about doctor's offices when I am with my mom and we have to wait-we have way too much fun!

The doctor finally made it back in and chatted for a moment. Then....I got to hear the heartbeat. I know everyone says how amazing and life-changing it is to hear the heartbeat, but honestly it wasn't that for me. It didn't sound like a heartbeat. It was fast and muffled. However, I did keep hearing this "whooshing" sounds. A lot of them. My doctor told me that was the sound of the baby moving. I will admit-THAT was pretty cool! Although, maybe a little scary since it was very active. The doctor said everything sounded "perfect," which is just what I like to hear. A successful doctor's appointment.

And in super exciting news, we booked our next appointment. This is so exciting because we will get to find out what gender it is. Now, since I got pregnant, I have had this overwhelming feeling it is a boy. My mom's had that feeling too. I have thought, though, that maybe it is just hope because I really want a boy! Either way, I have felt all along that it is a boy. But so far I have had 2 dreams where it is a girl. And the old wives tale about the heart rate and gender told me that it was a girl. Oh no! What will I do with a girl?! Anyway, May 5th will be our day to find out! I am so excited I may not be able to sleep until then!

14 weeks

2010-04-03T05:12:00.001-07:00

13 weeks

2010-04-03T05:11:00.001-07:00

Donors Are Amazing!

2010-03-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received notice that something amazing had happened. Well some background info first...

This past October, I went to a website called DonorsChoose.org. This is a website where teachers can go and create "projects." This basically consists of typing up a report on what I am wanting to implement in my classroom and picking out the materials to do so. I went on the website and saw a bazillion awesome projects that teachers have. There was so much! Intimidated by what felt like a long shot, I went ahead and created a project. I asked for over $300 worth of books on c.d.'s. There are 12 books, each with it's own c.d. These are books I am particularly excited about, as some of my students would like to read some of the books, but cannot because of their lower reading level. Anyway, donors from all over can go on and find projects that they want to donate to. They just find the project and give any amount of money they wish to it.

So, the best part...I got an email saying my project had been funded! I could not believe it! $300 worth of listening supplies are on their way, FREE to me. They are mine to keep! Is it not incredible?! The other thing that got me is that 3 or 4 of the donors were not even from the state! One was a big cellular company, others were individuals.

Not only is this exciting for me because I get new supplies, but more so that it shows people really do care. I think people want to help out financially-they just need to know that they are going to really be a part of something real and something that makes a difference. It's great for people to not be bashing education, but supporting it- and with more than just their words. And one of the best parts is there is a thank you package my students and I get to do that they'll send to the donors-I am looking forward to us personally getting to say thanks for what they've done.

This was so life-changing to me that I have told everyone. And I have started another project. This time I am asking for educational Literacy games. Oh yeah, there are a ton for math! But are there any fun games to help you practice multiple-meaning words? Oh yes, I found some-and hopefully that project will be funded soon!

12 and a Half Weeks

2010-03-22T15:36:00.001-07:00

I am more upset with myself that I began taking belly pics in the middle of a week. What was I thinking?! Now I will feel compelled to even it out. My next post will be a 13 week post, even though it'll be like, 4 days from the previous one. But if I get my 13 week belly picture, I will feel evened out and the pictures can resume on a weekly scheduled basis.

But anyway...here is my 12 1/2 week belly. It is actually starting to stick out a little bit. I am officially in the "is she fat or pregnant?" stage. Always great to be in.

Cleaning

2010-03-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

I got home yesterday from work and did something I have not done in quite some time-I got busy cleaning. Since becoming pregnant, all I can think about at the end of the day is finding something to eat and sitting down to rest for the remainder of the evening.

Not sure if the fatigue is starting to go away a bit or that the day was so gorgeous I felt inspired-either way, I came in yesterday and put some items away that were still in boxes from the house remodel. I even used some contact paper! If anyone has used this, they know of the frustration that comes with using sticky paper in small spaces. But it worked out great. I was thrilled! So I moved on to scrubbing counters and sweeping and mopping floors. The kitchen looks and smells great. Now if I can carry that momentum into today through the rest of the house...

Chaos

2010-03-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

I guess I should have known, with my personality, that getting pregnant would send me into a tailspin. I feel like I am in a frenzy of worry and anxiety. Maybe it is just being fatigued, maybe it is just that I am neurotic, who knows.

I know that I have about 6 months to get things done, but somedays it doesn't feel like that. Getting a nursery set-up, painting rooms in the house I have been meaning to paint, clean, get rid of old stuff, childcare, money, etc. It just feels like it all needs to be done tomorrow. Now, I totally get that this is not rational-I have plenty of time. I get that. But I still feel so anxious about getting things done before the baby gets here.

What it probably is, honestly, is worry about what life will be like when the baby gets here. Will I ever get to sleep? Will it be a good baby or not? Will Adam and I be able to learn what to do? Will our house be a good one for a baby? Will we have money? And since I don't have any of the answers for any of those, trying to get my house painted somehow seems to make those things better-kind of like having control over the things I can have control over when everything else seems out of control.

I know the simple answer is just "Relax. Breathe" etc. But that seems much easier said than done.

First Doctor's Appointment

2010-03-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

Monday the 8th was my first doctor's appointment. It was awesome! Obviously, it wasn't the most wonderful of experiences, as any woman knows, but once I got my ultrasound it made it all worth it!

As weird as it sounds, I did not expect it to look like a baby. But it was a perfect outline of a perfect little child! My mom went and she got to see it too. It was amazing for me to see, but the best part was Adam. He gasped and moved around to the other side of the table so he could see the picture better. It was most moving seeing him be so excited and amazed. He was in awe.

The doctor gave me a good report. The baby is healthy and on track. My due date is set for September 29. In about 8 weeks, I will get to find out what it is. Here is the picture! It's head is on the left, and that is an arm bud sticking up on the top.

Doctor's Appointment...Bummer!

2010-03-01T16:01:00.001-08:00

Well, I was scheduled to have my first doctor's appointment today. I have been excited about this for about 4 weeks now. Buuuuuuut.....there was a meeting at school today that I couldn't miss, so I had to reschedule. Bummer. However, now I have another week to anticipate this exciting day. Sigh...

8 weeks...

2010-02-18T16:55:00.000-08:00

Well, as of yesterday, I am 8 weeks along. The nausea has kind of waned in the last couple of days, so I am very excited about that! I have not yet been to the doctor so there have not been many cool things to report in the category-ultrasounds, heartbeats, etc.

At this point, the main thing to report is how crazy I find it that I will be a mom in a matter of months. That does not seem possible. I am too young to be someone's mom! I guess in some way, it still has not sunk in. But then again, I guess I have time for that...

Sisters...

2010-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

So having a sister that has already had two babies is AMAZING! My older sister Misty called me yesterday and told me that she was getting ready to sell all of her baby stuff. But before she sold it, she wanted me to come look through it and take what I wanted. Most of the stuff I got because it can be used for either gender. If, however, I find out I am having a girl, I have a TON more stuff to go get!

I am so excited to have all this stuff. It will help things financially of course, and also it helps the fun factor. It is so fun to have a bassinet full of stuff sitting in my living room floor. Adam gets so excited whenever he walks by and s

ees it. It warms my heart to see him get so excited.

Two weeks until my first doctor's appointment! I can hardly wait!

In this bassinet are bottles, onesies, bottles, bottle liners, tummy time mats, socks, bottle drying rack, grocery cart covers, and cloths. INCREDIBLE!

Nausea

2010-02-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

So my newest constant companion is nausea. I am all good with making new friends. However, this is one friend I wish I could get rid of. I guess I should be thankful that I am not puking my guts up every morning-and I am- but I still hate feeling nauseous constantly. It is hard to go to work and put on a happy face when you are queasy. I am hoping this friend will be gone soon.

Blood work

2010-02-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

Today was my first visit to the doctor. It was a short visit, as all I had to do was get blood work. They took my blood and are going to test it for some things (per a friend of mine, they'll make sure certain levels of chemicals are right). I should get a call tomorrow for the results.

I am very nervous, as I want things to be progressing the way they should be. I want everything to be going well and for me to have a healthy baby at the end of this. But positive thoughts are in order as I sit by the phone tomorrow and wait for it to ring.

This is a picture of my wound from the day. :o)

2010-02-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

I think I may be pregnant.

Baby Rowe is on the Way!

2010-01-31T04:53:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2010

Well, I took a pregnancy test today. I don't know why I took one because I have taken a pregnancy test the last 3 months in a row. I have a weird cycle, so it is kind of hard to tell when I am late. Anyway, I took one today, honestly for the heck of it. It showed a "Pregnant."

Since taking pregnancy tests seems to have become part of a hobby, I was shocked. I did not expect it to say that. WOW! I took one a couple hours later and it said pregnant as well. I am going to take one tomorrow.

January 31, 2010

I guess I can believe it now. My third pregnancy test (the one I took this morning) said pregnant. Not that I didn't think it would. But I felt the need to take one anyway. We went ahead and told, well, everyone yesterday.

At first, we were just going to tell our parents. But then I wanted to tell my sisters and his sisters. And my best friend Jessica. And so on and so on... My older sister, Misty, was so excited she could not wait to make a Facebook announcement. So I let her. At first, I was wanting to be "safe." What if something happened and the pregnancy didn't work out? But after the amazing response I got yesterday, I don't care if the whole world knows "too soon."

Adam's parents were very excited, as I knew they would be. As soon as we told his dad, he started planning the playroom for our little sesame seed. They hugged us and told us how excited they were.

As of his point, I have not told my dad. I was going to tell my parents today, but since my mother is super sleuth, the very way I asked her if they were going to be home today made her ask if I was pregnant. She's good! So we are telling my daddy this morning at breakfast. I am so excited!

Both my sisters and his sister are so happy! My sisters have already started taking bets on what it will be.

I don't want to go on and on, but I do want to say this. For a long time, I have had it in my head how the day would go when we told our families that we were pregnant. Yesterday, I am elated to say, went just how I envisioned it. Perfection.

My sweet...

2010-01-10T06:46:00.001-08:00

WOW! I knew it had been some time since I had last blogged, but over a month-woah! I am spending some quiet time to myself this morning, as Adam is still in bed. I love waking up to a quiet house and having some time to sit in my comfy chair and do whatever I want to. Burgundy gets in bed with Adam, and Greco and I sit in the living room-he gets in my lap or under a blanket on the couch while I read or do something else.

This morning is no different, but I am spending this morning just in thought. I am thinking of how I feel right now. My basic feelings could be summed up as happiness. I am so happy with my husband. We are great. Before we got married, I read so many marriage books to "prepare" me for marriage. That didn't work. I struggled with things the books never mentioned! I panicked, that after all this prep, Adam and I were still fighting. There was lots of tension. After a year, it go better-MUCH better. It was AWESOME! But, we still have our days. Days where there is tension and I feel like we can't communicate. So recently, I have tried to focus on communicating better. For me that means being open with my feelings without beating myself up for feeling them or fearing I will look stupid to Adam. I have tried to do that as best as I can, and I find that I am getting better at it!

Us communicating better has made us that much better. It's just fear, I know that. But the more I practice, the easier it will get. All that to say, I am so happy to have Adam. He is a beyond fabulous husband. He is so patient and really tries to learn me and the things I am feeling. Sometimes he even knows what I am feeling without me even saying a word-I LOVE that one! He and I, even though we are so different, are perfect for each other. There honestly is no one better for me. I am in reflection today about how well things are going for us, and how I am so thankful for such a caring, kind husband. We still have lots to learn, but I know it is going to be ok and that we will learn it all just fine.

Weight Watchers

2009-11-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

So, Adam and I started Weight Watchers together last week. Not because we think we are needing to grease the door frames so we can get through them or anything...not yet, anyway...but mostly just so we can get a handle on things with our eating and weight loss. We go on Mondays, get weighed, and attend the meeting. It lasts about 30 minutes. This Monday will be our first weigh in after starting the program.

I thought it would be really hard. And I will say-it is definitely more difficult than swinging through the Taco Bell. But it has not been so bad. I am lucky because now that I am teaching, my meals are a bit more healthy. I usually have some small, healthier things for breakfast and a light lunch. It's not too bad.

My struggle is not taking the easier route, like the above mentioned drive through. After a long day, I would rather just grab something quick. I think if I can realize what my weak points are, I am more apt to do better.

So, we are off and running! Monday's weigh in is coming up fast- I am excited!

Grocery Shopping Today...

2009-11-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

Today was an incredible grocery shopping day. I went to Bi-Lo and Publix and here is a picture of what I got.

Here is the list of what I got:

4 bottles of laundry detergent

1 package of Playtex disposable gloves

2 boxes of dog treats

1 bag of apples

2 bag of fresh green beans

2 sweet potatoes

9 cans of soup

3 bags of cheese

1/2 pound of turkey

bread

1 package of wheat pita pockets

1 package of sandwich thing

2 boxes of frozen veggies

5 bags of Green Giant Steamers

4 Glade candles

1 Lysol disinfecting spray

2 bar soaps

2 bags of carrots-I think that's all...for.....

$50.00!!!

The Week...

2009-10-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

This week was great....and exhausting!

I finished my first full, official week at school. I am so excited to be there. I am loving it. I like having kids that are a bit older. However, they were super crazy this week! We had many different things to attend this week (plays, etc) so that was part of it, as well as Halloween-they're always crazy about this time. Either way though, I am happy with the week-it went very well!

Last night, Adam and I went to see This Is It, the Michael Jackson movie. It was so good! It's weird though-I watched it for about an hour before it hit me that he is dead. Crazy! Ya know, a lot of people were sad to see him go, since they thought it was the end of his genius music being released. I hate to say it, but I think the end of his genius work came a long time ago. Don't get me wrong-I had his newest stuff and liked it very much. But it wasn't "Thriller" or "Billie Jean." Most of his music was dedicated to saving the world or relaying his hurts and didn't seem to be as much fun anymore. Of course, that doesn't mean that it was ok that he died. Not saying that. All in all, the movie was cool. Amazing what that tour was gonna do! The Thriller stuff was INCREDIBLE!!!! I would have loved to have seen it all.

Oh, and ...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Like, Totally!!!

2009-10-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

Last night, we held and 80's themed going away party in honor of our dear friends Josh and Amy Pearson. They will be leaving for Orlando, FL early Monday morning. With all the party planning to focus on, I have not focused that much on the fact that they really are leaving. Today it is starting to hit me, as I am making time to go say goodbye. That's weird. I don't want them to go. Josh and Adam have been friends for so long and I know he will miss hanging out with Josh. Amy and I have become great friends, even though we have known each other only two years. I feel like her friendship is one of my important friendships. Ya know, the kind that you might only have one or two of. The deep ones. Anyway, I am not wanting her gone. I have loved having her in my life-to run and get dinner with, to take have play dates with our dogs, to understand the (sometimes :o) ) frustrations of being married to a band member. She gets me in a lot of ways. My life won't be the same without her here.

On a more happy note, I did take a ton of pictures from the 80's party. Here are some highlights.

Good News!

2009-10-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

After many weeks of waiting and back and forth, I finally found out that my certification issue is going to be worked out. Many of you may know that I was in the process of adding something on my GA certificate to my TN certificate. It was taking a long time and my start day for school is getting closer and closer (I start this Monday, the 26th). I was getting so nervous that I would not even be able to teach on Monday.

I talked with an AWESOME lady at Hamilton County Human Resources and she was helping me figure out the different avenues we could take. However, we did not have to try and go another route, because we received word that my add-on was approved!

This is such a relief! I have been down at school for the past two weeks, getting ready for the job I was not really even sure would work out for me to be able to take. I am glad it all worked out! So, now all I need is Monday to get here.

Shadowing

2009-10-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

This past week, I spent Tuesday-Friday at my new school. I was shadowing the current teacher just to get an idea of how things go around there and all. I am so excited to be there!!! I got to kind of chill out in the back, take some notes, think of some things I would like to do the same and different, and I even got to do a little planning for when we come back from Fall Break.

I was very nervous about what 5th graders would be like-I have never taught them. The highest I have ever taught is 2nd grade. In fact, I was so nervous about them, that I seriously debated even taking the job at first. If it wasn't for my husband's encouragement and sheer excitement, I might have wussed out. But he had so much faith in me and how much I would love the job that I decided to trust his judgement and go for it. And let me say...I LOVE IT! Fifth grade is not scary at all! In fact, I love it because I can talk to them, joke around, and feel like they can handle more stuff.

I was debating about changing the room around-ya know, rearranging, taking down some stuff, adding some stuff, etc. The teacher there before me was very encouraging about that. She told me she pretty much expected that I would change it. She understood that I needed to "make it my own" and do what is best for me. That was helpful. And also, I think the kids can handle it. They aren't Kindergartners that flip out if you move a basket of books. So I'm happy about that part.

Not only do I love the kids, but the staff has been SO great. They have made a point to welcome me, introduce themselves and help me when needed. I don't feel like an outsider as I have in the past in new positions. I like the feeling of being welcomed. I am excited to already be meeting some awesome people-an even some people who,as it turns out, new me as a kid. Crazy!

Now for the problem....In Tennessee, 5th grade is considered Middle School as far as certification goes. In TN, I am only certified Pre-K-4. While I taught in GA, I got a middle school certification added to my existing certification. However, I never got it added to my TN license. And now I am racing the clock to get it added in time for me to officially start on October 26th. I received word Thursday that all of my paperwork had made it to Nashville (that is where TN Teacher Licensing is located) and was just waiting for approval, assuming it is approved. So currently, my fate rests in the hand of a guy named Brandon in Nashville. He is the one who decides if they will add my middle school certification to my TN license. If he says yes, it's all good. But if he says no, I cannot keep this position. I am on pins and needles, waiting to hear the answer. I of course hope he says yes because I am LOVING this position already and do not want to lose it!

Back to school...

2009-10-12T17:45:00.001-07:00

Although "Back to School" time happens for most people in August, mine is beginning this year in October. I kind of like the change up. :o)

Tomorrow I kind of officially/unofficially start my new job. Although, the class is not mine until after Fall Break (the 26th), I will be going in for the rest of this week to kind of "shadow" the teacher that is there now. This way I can kind of get to know the routine and how things are done.

I am excited of course, but also nervous. I hate being "the new kid." I much prefer getting settled in and just knowing what to do. I am sure everyone does. I am looking forward to this new adventure, where I think I will be very happy, but beginning is always the hardest part.

As I do every year though, I will breathe deep, listen to some "Billie Jean" on the way to school to get pumped up and walk in like I know exactly what is going on!

Misty's Couponing Class

2009-10-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

Upon writing my last entry about my love of couponing, it occurred to me that maybe I should share about my sister's couponing class.

My sister, Misty Willhoit has decided to put on a couponing class of her own. She found that she was constantly telling people about the great deals she found,how she did it, etc, that she decided to just hold a small class to give people the basics. She will be giving an overview of how to begin couponing as well as talking in depth about drug stores and how to work those so that you pay very little to nothing for stuff you need.

The class will be on October 10, 2009 from 9 am-11 am. The will be held at the Country Place restaurant on Shallowford Rd. Registration is $20 and includes the following-a notebook (to help you get started organizing) , a copy of the Sunday newspaper, and a copy of the newest All You magazine. If you want to register, feel free to email me at britt224@me.com.

Hope to see you there!!!!

Publix today

2009-10-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Publix. It was a picture-taking kind of day. Here is the picture of what I got.

Here is the list of what I got:

4 boxes of cereal

6 boxes of Hamburger Helper

1 ox of Cheez-Its

1 loaf of bread

2 bags of Chex mix

1 bag of frozen biscuits

6 cans of soup

4 cans of refried beans

4 large jars of pasta sauce

1 shopping bag

4 boxes of Green Giant frozen veggies

and 44, yes, 44 containers of yogurt.

The grand total was $48.59!!! I came in under my weekly budget of $50.00!

This is a total of 56%!

I just love coupons!!

Today's Interviews

2009-09-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

So today was the day of my two teaching interviews. I was very excited for today's events. I had a Kindergarten and 5th grade interview at two different places. I went in being much more excited about the 5th grade than the K position, but I left just the opposite. I am really hoping now to get that Kindergarten position.

When I first moved to teaching second grade, it was because I felt that the Kindergartners were just a little too small for me. However, I have recently had a change of heart. Not that I would mind teaching the older ones-there are great things about that too. But things with the small ones are just so basic. And I love that. Letter sounds, numbers, color words. So much fun!

I think the bottom line is that I will be ok with any grade I should get at this point. I would, however, be extra excited if the Kinder position was granted to me. I loved the school. It was beautiful and the both the principal and assistant principal were so nice! I am not sure when they are supposed to be making their choices, but I hope it is soon. Waiting isn't exactly my forte!

Things are becoming clearer...

2009-09-24T16:45:00.001-07:00

These are counting bears. They represent who I am in a way. You see, these are used in schools to teach all kinds of things-counting, patterns, sorting, etc. I love these bears. I have used them for a TON of lessons. They are my go to. These help fuel my love for teaching-the kids love them, I love them.

I have been on a quest to figure out what I need to be doing in life. I taught school, then left that, only to discover it is what I should be doing after all. So, I began the task of finding a teaching job after the year had started-one I was not sure would bring me much luck.

Not only did it bring me some luck, it brought me more than I thought. I have two interviews for a teaching position tomorrow-and they could not be any more different! One is 5th grade, mostly Caucasian kids, teaching Language arts with 2 classes-one of boys and one of girls. The other is teaching Kindergarten, all subjects, with a class of mostly African-American students. Wow!

I tell ya though, I am just so excited for tomorrow, I'm not sure I can sleep! Well, that may be a bit much...I can always sleep! :o) Either way though, I am so happy for these opportunities!

Confusion...

2009-09-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

How does anyone figure out where they are supposed to be? So many times I feel like I should be teaching. At other times, I feel like I should try and figure out this marketing position I am.

I miss teaching-I feel that it allows me to tap into certain things I like. I get to be creative, help kids learn. It has crayons and construction paper and glue! I love the stickers the counting bears, and the colorful rulers. But, I don't have as much freedom. I am there from 7-5 and don't ever leave. If I need to be off, it takes an act of Congress.

This job gives me freedom to come and go. I live just 15 minutes away. I am learning some new stuff. I don't feel emotionally drained when I come home every day. I don't feel like I go a billion miles an hour every day.

I don't know why I feel the need to have it figured out right now. I chastise myself constantly for being so wound up about it. I need to figure out how to just slow down and take things one day at a time.

Here is my thing- I want to go back to teaching. But what if I get back there and I feel stuck again, wishing I had stayed in the job that gives me freedom? How do you figure out where the line is between trying to deal with the things you just don't like about a job and realizing it's not for you?

Strike out!

2009-09-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

I went to my interview today...not so great. Well the interview went great-the principal was really nice. But she informed me that the position she had was already filled. However, she let me know the reason she still interviewed me was so that she could let the other principals know about me. She said she would send out an email after our meeting, letting them know about me and my credentials, etc. I am not sure what will come of it.

I have kind of had the "wind let out of my sails" so to speak. Honestly, I expected to get the job. I mean, I thought who would be applying for this job this late in the year-me and 100 other people it turns out.

But I know it is ok. I am just not good at waiting things out, which is something I may have to do on this one. I guess my dreaming of counting bears and plastic money will just have to stop for a bit.

Whirlwind...

2009-09-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

In literally two days time, I have all but decided to go back to teaching, applied for a job, and been booked for an interview! I have an interview at 4:00 today and I am really nervous. Normally I am not that nervous, but the principal explained to me that they had a girl there that was doing a great job, though she would still like to talk to me. I feel like the fact that my grandfather, who I found out is friends with her, talked to her and she is just throwing me a bone. But, either way, I am glad to get to sit down and talk with her. It is still a good opportunity. Of course, that doesn't make me any less nervous!

New beginnings...in the middle

2009-09-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy past two days. Amazing the craziness that can go on in such little time! I will not go into the whole story, but there were a couple of happenings that went on to make me consider going back to teaching for real. Not bad happenings. Just happenings. So, I decided to just nonchalantly look into it, which resulted in my applying for a job, which ended up in my grandfather mentioning that the principal at the school is a good friend of his, which lead to him telling me he would talk to her when he is down there tomorrow for a ceremony! In one day, I am back on track for teaching. Literally not even 24 hours.
Of course, this is not to say that the decision has been made. Merely that I am seriously considering it. My biggest "hurdle", or fear, was that my dad would be upset. It was hard to say something to him. I was excited to somewhat "fit in" to his world and admitting that things in my life made me no longer fit in was hard. I was scared he would talk to me like a boss and tell me that I was crazy for wanting to leave this world of new found freedom. I was afraid there would be disappointed mostly. But it was amazing. He recieved my concerns with openess and understanding. He encouraged me to search to find what I needed to do, whether is be teaching or something else. I could not have been more relieved! It was so great to have him support what I was thinking and feeling.
And so here I am..at a crossroads. I am waiting to see how the application to the school pans out-it may be that I end up there or I may not. I am nervous for the outcome.

Publix Round Up-Tuesday the 15th

2009-09-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

I went to Publix today and, OH MAN, was it a good trip! Here was what I got...

2 boxes of Kix cereal

4 jars of Newman's Own pasta sauce

2 boxes of Healthy Harvest pasta

1 Skintimate Shave gel

2 boxes green giant frozen veggies

2 boxes Stouffers french bread pizza (2 in each box, so 4 pizzas)

Charmin Toilet paper

Twix bar

1/2 lb of turkey

2 bags of grapes

Grand total...

$22.07!!!

I Handed it to Publix and Bi-Lo

2009-09-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

So, I went to the grocery store today-one of my new favorite hobbies. I am going to be one of those lame people who compiles a list of all the things I got, including a picture, because I am SO excited for my trip today. Here goes....

2 bags of Check Mix

2 bags of Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes

4 bottles of Ketchup

25 Yogurts

Grapes

4 boxes of Cheerios

2 Publix reusable bags

2 jars of spaghetti sauce

Lysol bathroom cleaner

Pup-peroni dog snacks

Large bag of frozen vegetables

6 packages Kraft cracker cut cheese

2 packages Kraft sliced cheese

2 containers of Lysol disinfecting wipes

Glad wrap

Mayonnaise

Twix bar

My total before coupons: $91.84

But I got all of the stuff listed above for $52.16.

A total savings of 44%! And this stuff was on sale-if it had not been on sale, my bill would have been WELL over 100!

YAY FOR COUPONS!

My Life Has Been Changed!

2009-08-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I decided I wanted to kind of give this whole couponing thing a try. I went to a class with my best friend Jessica. We left there thinking that there was no way we could get as good as the ladies who were teaching the class. We left overwhelmed, honestly. I often had to keep reminding myself at the beginning that if I started slow, I would eventually get the hang of it! I kept on clipping and kept on reminding myself to just take it slow.

Last week, I went to Publix. My original bill was 48 something. My final bill was 26 something. I cut it almost in half! When I texted my mom to tell her, she texted back with "It looks like you got the hang of it." And then it hit me..yes-I DID have the hang of it! Just taking it slow paid off! Literally! :o)

I am loving this couponing thing. It has made going to the grocery store a fun time. Yes, I said it-FUN! It is kind of like a competition. I try to see each week how well I can do. And, my sister Misty and I have starting getting together each week to kind of map out our strategies-it's been fun to get to hang out with her and catch up every week. We are hoping that others will join us and we can grow our group of couponing gal pals.

To wrap it up, couponing has been amazing! If anyone would like to join us and get a "crash course" we would love to have you and help you change your life too!!! :o)

Back to School

2009-07-28T08:33:00.001-07:00

Well, in less than a week, everyone will be starting back to school. Everyone but me. If you had talked to me around the beginning of this year, you would think I would be more than happy with school starting without me-I would have thought that too. But the truth is, I am very sad over this.

I am not saying that I don't like what I am doing now. I really am liking it. I actually feel like a normal person who goes to work, goes home, and has a whole evening to cook and wind down. I feel like I have a life for the first time in years.

It's just that it feels like I have moved away or something and life is going to go on without me. Blue Ridge will continue on-people will go about their daily routines and that will be that. It just all feels weird to me.

And on top of that, my best friend Jessica will be back to school. I won't be there to support her and laugh with her. We had so much fun together-the hardest part honestly, is leaving her. It is tough to always have someone there by your side and then be gone from that, even if you chose it.

I wonder if I will find my way back to teaching one day. I would say yes, but I know that it would only be speaking from sadness-it might be that I decide to never go back the longer I am in this job. Who knows what might happen. I just know that I am sad about Monday.

50/50

2009-07-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day about housework issues I have begun to feel with Adam and I. Basically, I always feel like I do more. It has started to make me feel very angry. When I brought these feelings to my friend, she pulled out a book she used at a conference. There was a ton of great information in there, but the part she pulled out was in the section "Five Threats to Your Marriage." One of the threats was viewing marriage the way that the world views marriage. The specifically related to me, as it pertains to the 50/50 principle.
The world teaches us to do our part-you do half, and I'll do half. But, the problem with this is that's not what God tells us to do. God calls for us to give 100% of ourselves to the marriage all the time. OUCH! Do I give 100% all the time? No way, I don't. Because what happens is I expect Adam to do his half and I plan to do my half. When he doesn't, I get angry-I'm not affectionate, I try to retaliate, and I want to do less. Is that 100%? Certainly not.
My friend went on.... The 50/50 rule is doomed to failure. There is no way it can work. Besides what I mentioned above (that it's not God's plan), it will fail because half cannot be measured. What is half? How can you measure when the other person has done exactly half? The fact of the matter is you can't. It's also doomed to failure because one person will always feel like they are doing more. No matter if Adam busts his butt, something is going to happen that will make me feel like I am doing more. If you were to ask Adam right now, he may feel like he is the one doing more.
And so it comes down to this-Adam and I will be soon working out a better system. And while that is happening, I am going to work on us being more of teammates and getting things done together. And I am hoping somewhere in this process I learn to give something a lot more closer to 100%. I challenge you to do the same.

Updates from the past year...

2009-07-22T15:03:00.001-07:00

I hate that it has been so long since I have blogged. I have done a terrible job at keeping up with it. Right after Adam and I got married, I traveled a bit, which was relaxing. But then school started and it all got crazy. Teaching school is busy work!!! :o)

So, to catch up, we got married-we got Greco-we got a new dog,Burgundy- We got a new niece-- I finished school-we bought a house-I started a new job-Adam started a new side job- and life continues to move on. I plan to keep more updated on my blog. Until the next time, here are some highlights from this past year.

It is my plan to keep on blogging and keeping whoever is interested up to speed with out lives. Thanks for reading!

Our new son...

2008-07-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well, after quite a bit of coaxing Adam, we finally got a dog! His name is Greco. He is a 3 year old, chihuahua/miniature pinscher mix. He is absolutely adorable, and quite a mama's boy I must say. I was a little worried about being able to love another dog as much as I loved Prissy, my pekingnese I put to sleep a year and a 1/2 ago. But it isn't like that. I love him in a different way-he doesn't replace Pris at all. It is so good to have Greco to keep me company when Adam is gone. He is soooo cute and keeps me highly entertained!!!

And...it's over.

2008-06-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well, it is over. The wedding anyway. Actually, it was over like, 3 weeks ago or something. I am not really on the ball with my blog huh?
Sooo...the wedding was beautiful. Just everything I had envisioned. We had such a great time and it all looked wonderful. The pictures are n the way so that everyone else can see how pretty it was too. Quite honestly, it was just the perfect day.
Adam and I have settled into married life pretty well, I'd say. We are living in Hixson now. Adam is traveling and I am usually going with him-about every other trip---I am not sure that the band life is the life for me. But I DO enjoy getting to see Adam play, so it does make it worth it.
I was afraid I would have lots of trouble adjusting to married life. Although there have been certain adjustments, it has been an easier transition for me that I thought. I won't lie though-there's been a couple of nights I have cried to Adam about missing my family. That part has been tough. But he is understanding, and it makes it better.
All in all, marriage is going quite well and I am LOVING it!

Soakin up the rays....

2008-06-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

So Adam and I are in Cozumel. We are officially married and on our most amazing honeymoon. The weather is great and things are so much fun. We have a pimp room and are enjoying every second of it.
The wedding was gorgeous-just what I imagined it to be. I was so touched to see all the people that came out to our wedding.

Ok, back to the sun!

And the countdown is on...

2008-05-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

Well, not that it wasn't before. But now the countdown is OFFICIALLY on! Yesterday marked the final day of school. And though I have to work next week Monday-Thursday, my kids are gone, so the strenuous days are over. Which means, I am really counting down the days until the wedding, which as of today are SIX! Yes, SIX!
It literally boggles my mind that in 6 days I will be a married woman. Somehow that just does not seem like it could be true. But it really is and I am so excited. I go back and forth between nervous and excited, and today is an excited day! I have been packing for the honeymoon and the day of the wedding and it just kind of gets me pumped.

I hope to see everyone there!