Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

This year has been so great! We changed a couple things up from our normal "traditions", but I actually think it went waayyy better and was a lot less stressful. Yesterday was Christmas with my dad's siblings and mom and today we're having Christmas with my immediate family and with mom's siblings and parents later.

I hope everyone is having an AWESOME Christmas!!!

Half way lazy Saturday

Oh Saturdays... the day of the week when we get to sleep in or watch Saturday morning cartoons or eat a nice breakfast. Only, not so much for us! Saturdays are the days when Jason and I do most of our work for our landlord. This week wasn't so bad, though. We had already gotten half our hours out of the way during the week which makes me feel so much better! Normally, I'll do about 4 or 5 hours of work and Jason does the rest because it is getting just too difficult to be on my feet that many hours! Jason is such a hard worker... he does all those hours and never once complains. I am so dang lucky! Now Jason is playing a video game while I do some blogging and laundry, lol.

Tomorrow is the Duree family Christmas party. Then Wednesday and Thursday will be spent between my parents's house, my dad's mom's house, and my aunt's house - busy busy! Jason and I havee already exchanged gifts... kinda, lol. I wanted to get Jason the Lord of the Rings Risk board game so I looked for it EVERYWHERE! But no one had it because it is out of print now so I had to win it on ebay and I did!! It hasn't arrived yet and I don't think it will until after the holidays with the crazy weather that we've been having. Jason is getting me the nursing wrap I fell in love with! Basically, it's a cover/bib that I can put around my neck that will cover me and the baby while I'm nursing - very modest and an awesome idea! We're going to pick it up on Monday - yay!

Speaking of Monday, we are going to tour Labor and Delivery at St. John's that night and I'm kind of excited I guess, lol. It just makes it more official that I'm having a baby and soon! Only 2 months!!! Jason and I are so excited to meet our little guy. We went for our last follow up ultrasound on Friday for the baby's brain cyst and they said the cyst is completely gone!! I love the ultrasounds - We got to see him yawn! As the ultrasound tech said, "I love it when babies act like babies!" So we got some more printed pictures and a lot more on the CD they gave us the first time. I cannot wait to see what he looks like and to start seeing his personality! All I know is that he hiccups just like Jason - when either of them gets the hiccups, they have them for a very long time, lol. Oh, and he likes to kick my ribs/liver, lol

Christmas time!

I am happy to report I am FINALLY getting better! The first couple days were absolutely miserable, but I went on antibiotics for about 5 days and starting getting much better. I still have an riduclous flow of mucous (gross I know), but it's not uncontrollable.
With one week until Christmas, I am getting so excited! We've been having snow, but it's not the fun kind... it's the kind that makes you afraid to get in your car because you know when you do, your car will be ice skating, lol. I am pretty sad, though... this weekend, mom and I were supposed to get together and bake Christmas cookies, but the only day she has available is Saturday and I have to work for my landlord that day. I definitely miss baking with Mom at Christmas time! Another thing I look forward to at Christmas is gift giving... but it's not what you think - I LOVE the gag gifts! lol... I'm thinking some people are concerned that I'm going to give stupid or redneck gifts or something... idk. But I have the most awesome gag gifts that I've been recycling since I was in high school. I'll probably have to go easy with Jason's family since apparently everything I do is weird of stupid.
So Jason and I went to the doctor yesterday and he is getting pretty excited for the baby to come! He's the Dr who delivered me and both of my brothers. He said I am doing awesome with my weight gain (I still haven't gained back everything from when I was super sick and I didn't gain anything in the last month - yay! Especially since we went on the cruise a couple weeks ago, lol). Tomorrow we have the 7 week follow up with the specialist for the baby's cyst. We'll have another ultrasound and are expecting great news!
One thing I've noticed about this Christmas is that when everyone asks me what I want for Christmas, I have no idea what I want! lol, I told mom that I wanted kitchen stuff, but beyond that... i just don't know. Nor do I really care, lol. I'm just getting excited to spend time with my family and not have work!!! yay!

Crying on the floor

As pathetic as the title sounds, it's basically all I can do at the moment. I got a cold about a week after my birthday (around the 18th or so) and it was VERY hard to get rid of. Being preggo, there's not much I can take except Sudafed and Tylenol. Of course they're very gentle and don't really help much. Anyway, I finally managed to be almost back to normal right before leaving for my cruise on the 30th. But, of course, one particular person I was traveling with was sick... my father in law. Eventhough he's been around countless pregnant women over his lifetime (50 + years), he STILL doesn't understand that bringing germs around us is the worst idea EVER. Now I am sooo sick and feeling awful. I can't sleep at night because I am so congested, I get so congested at times that I can't swallow, and my chest and back hurt so bad! Before everyone thinks I'm an awful person for blaiming Jason's dad, let me explain - he didn't have to go on this trip because he didn't even pay to! He lucked into a ticket because my brother in law is gettinng married and couldn't go. Second of all, if you are sick, take care of yourself before you go around big groups of other people.

I am just sitting here feeling truly miserable. Jason is at class so I am all alone, too. He hasn't eatten dinner so I know when he gets home, he'll be hungry and I don't have the energy to get up and do it. I know he doesn't expect it, but I'm his wife and want to take care of him just as well as he takes care of me. Anyway, I'm done being pathetic for the day. I don't really know who to talk to this about and since reading my blog is optional, I figured this would be a good place - so no complaining about my complaining!!!!!

Just some pictures

I was just looking through some pics from the past few months/yearish and wanted to post them. Enjoy!



Most awesome day ever - Wedding Day! November 24, 2007


















Opening Day with the Cardinals 2008


















Because, yeah, he's just that cool, lol















At my family's pig roast Oct. 2008



















Don't punch me daddy! Don't punch me! lol
Also pig roast 08.












Jaders chilling by the fire













Jason getting lasik surgery Feb 08











Mason's Birthday! March 21 2008... So cute!

More upbeat today, lol

Ugh... I am so tired I can barely see straight! And tired of not posting upbeat blogs, lol. Basically, I am so sick and can't get any sleep at night - I'll fall asleep, toss and turn forever, wake up with a mouth full of cotton (at least that's what it feels like), and be up the rest of the night. Occasionally I'll be able to fall back asleep after Jason leaves for work, but, even then, that only lasts about 45 minutes. So then I get up, get ready and head off to work. Anyway, enough... I must be happy! :)

Today is Jason's last day of work at the old folks home - YAY!!!!!!!!!!! No more lonely weekends, early morning alarms, no more working by myself, and lots more early morning cuddling! lol... I have been looking forward to this day for, like, 2 months and it's finally here!

Another exciting note - my house is no longer freezing! Thanks to my always awesome sis in law, Linda, Jason and I have an amazing electric fireplace! It's gorgeous and very warm - yay! So, Jason and I have re arranged our house twice now this week to make room for baby and the fireplace... totally worth it!

Life is super great right now. More time with Jason, semester winding down, warmth, more time with Jason and *drum roll* Mine and Jason's one year anniversary!!!!! I cannot believe how fast the last year went. We had so much fun! My brother in law said something to the effect of "Well, now the hardest part is over..." and I laughed! I was like, "If this is the hardest part, then I've got nothing to worry about" lol. Seriously, yeah, we had some disagreements, but nothing worth giving up on. I love Jason so much and am so happy to know that my time with him will never end!

OUUUUUCH!!!!!!!!

So, yesterday I was doing some laundry and i guess I decided to try to claw the door frame which I was walking through and got a splinter under my nail - wayyyy ouchie! Anyway, I went home and immediately starting fishing out pieces of wood from under my fingernail - just what I was hoping to do yesterday. Joy. So I got a big chunk out and assumed that was it. I went and put peroxide under my nail and some antibiotic ointment. My finger was still swollen and red, but the wood in this woman's house is, like, 100 years old so I thought maybe that would explain the swelling... not really. So, today my finger was still red and swollen and, now, numb above the first knuckle. I decided to dig some more *ugh* and found an even more ginormous splinter waayyy under my nail. So I sucked it up and pulled it out too. Two days full of ouchie and sickness - gross!

Icky Sicky

Today was Jason's day off from the old folks home which means it was my day off from the crazy house. Jason and I rearranged our bedroom and it is awesome!!!!! I love it so much and it looks tons bigger! So I spent most of my day straightening things up and organizing to make more room for baby - 3 1/2 months left!!

Anyway, we had to run some errands and by the time we were finised, I was not feeling good at all! My throat hurts so bad and I have a head ache! I keep having flash backs to this time last year when I had the ulcer in my throat and I just keep praying that I won't have to go through that again - so hard! I spent some time with my sis in law on sunday and her and my nephews have been sick for a while, but she says that it's not the same symptoms so I'm not sure where it came from dang it! lol, well, atleast I have insurance so I can go to the doctor! Anyway, I'm still feeling pretty crappy so I'm going to make this a short post

It's almost here!!!

It's almost the single most awesome day in history - my 21st birthday!!!!!!!! While I don't plan to spend it like most people (completely wasted hanging out in a casino), I AM excited to go hang out with my family! After Jason leaves for work, I am going to pack up me and the puppy and head off to work, then to mom and dad's - yay! I haven't seen them in, ummmmm.... a month or so. Way too long, way too long. I am so sad that I won't be able to spend my birthday with Jason... :( But he has to work and has his state nursing exam that night - dang! But we're going to hang out Friday so I guess that's cool. I hope I get a super awesome surprise tomorrow!!!!!!

Up Early... again

So I was exhausted last night! I fell asleep at 9 - very early compared to other recent nights. However, I was woken up by Jason calling me saying he needs to go to the hospital. Apparently he knocked heads with another guy at EQ basketball last night and split open his eye brow... joy. Jason wanted to keep playing but I made him come home. After looking at it closer, I decided he wasn't in dyer need of stitches so I just cleaned it up and put a band aid on it and he's doing fine. So he took a shower and came to bed. After sleeping for about half an hour, the puppy decided she was going to whine until Jason put her in bed with us - not what I wanted, but she wouldn't stop!! So she slept by Jason's feet most of the night. Around 2 in the morning, I woke up to her whining more and found out she had wedged herself between the mattress and the foot board! I felt so bad but she was fine and fell right back to sleep.

Needless to say, it was kind of a restless night. And, of course, now that I'm awake, I won't be going back to sleep anytime soon. Sad day... but I'm unfortunately getting used to it, lol

Look-y at my puppy!!!

Here she is! Our newest addition. We named her Molly after another Golden Retriever I had a few years ago. She is 3 months old and so cuddly!

Jason has been wanting a puppy forever and after unsuccessfully telling him a baby was going to be enough, we came home with Molly on Tuesday. She really is a sweetheart though and we love her. The best part is I don't have to pay ridiculous vet bills because I can do it all myself! I've already started worming her and cleaning her ears. All I have left is giving her her shots! I kneww working in vet clinics would pay off someday...

It's really hard to leave her at home because she has so obviously been abused. She HATES cars and will avoid them at all costs. She is also terrified of the bathroom of all places. As I sit here watching her sleep, she must be having some crazy dreams because she will twitch and whine before violently waking up - it makes me so sad! Atleast I am able to spend most of my day with her. She is so excited when I come home and she LOVES Jason. Eventhough house training is kind of difficult, it is totally worth having her around - she keeps me company while Jason is at school.

They are so sweet!

Needing a Handbasket

Because we all know where we're going... No, I am not an Obama supporter. Eventhough I am in a position to accept help from this "Spread the Wealth" theory - I don't want it! I have been taught my whole life to work hard or what I want and to not promote the welfare system. Seriously, it's like those VW commercials with Brooke Sheilds about people getting pregnant for a mini-van... only in real life, it's for a welfare check - STUPID!

I just don't understand how people can be so easily persuaded. Do Obama supporters really think he can accomplish his ridiculous goals? Everything takes time and he only wants to serve one term? Not going to happen.

I just want to point out that I did not want a Commander in Chief who has no military experience. I voted for a guy who spent more time in a POW camp than Obama has spent in Congress... think about it.

Election and Puppy Day!

Today has been a fun day so far. Jason and I slept in - I actually slept in past 7!! We woke up, I gave Jason a haircut, and we ate breakfast. Once breakfast was over and cleaned up, Jason and I headed to the polls! We got there, we were pleasantly surprised by the line. It was less than an hour from the time we got in line, to the time we got back into the car to go home... only, we didn't go home. For weeks, Jason has been saying how much he wants a puppy. Well, today he got his wish. We went to the Humane Society and adopted the cutest Golden Retriever puppy! We've named her Molly and love our newest addition!

It's my Son!!!

Here he is!!!! We went back for our follow up ultrasound yesterday and came home with a CD full of pics - how awesome!



We talked to the doctor about the baby's cyst and he is very optimistic. He said the cyst has gotten smaller which is exactly what we needed to hear! He said that the cyst could be a genetic "marker". Basically, babies who have this cyst have an increased risk for Trisomy 18. Trisomy 18 is a genetic disorder where the baby has 3 18th Chromosomes instead of 2 and is unfortunately fatal. About 95% of fetuses die in eutero and the percent that are born alive, die within about 2 months. The good news is that another big indicator of Trisomy 18 is a heart defect which my baby does not have - yay!!! Plus I am significantly younger than most mothers whose babies are diagnosed with Trisomy 18 so things are looking great!

Besides getting such awesome news yesterday, Jason and I also had a lot of Halloween fun! After the doctor, we went to our ward's Trunk or Treat which was actually a lot of fun. Then we went to fright fest at 6 flags which was ALL for Jason! The lines were much worse than any summer day when I had been there - not to mention that I couldn't even get on a ride! I did ride Scooby Doo - oh yay. But, Jason had fun and that's why we went. Besides that, we just spent the day together which is always great! Especially when he works every day of the week including Saturday and Sunday from 3 - 11pm. It makes for a lonely night. Jason is such a hard worker and still finds time for school and me - he's amazing! lol

Drumroll Please

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!! We are super excited! We found out last Thursday at the ultrasound which, by the way, was probably the most amazing thing I've seen! I actually got to see my baby move, watch his heartbeat, watch him suck his thumb - precious! We have the most adorable pictures and I'm hoping to post them soon. We did find out that the baby has a cyst in his brain where the cerebra-spinal fluid is produced. It was very scary to hear, but 99% of the time, it clears up with no complications by about the 28th week. My doctor wants me to have a more in depth ultrasound this week to just make sure since the baby is also measuring about 2 weeks small. It is hard not to get worked up about what is going on because it was just so unexpected to hear - I don't think anyone would expect to hear something like that. But I do have Jason who keeps reminding me that everything will be ok, and my mom (who's a nurse) who is helping me every step of the way. I didn't want to look up anything about the cyst on the internet because all I would find is worst case scenarios. So my mom did for me and if I ever need to know more, she will know what to tell me.

It's been so amazing to be pregnant. It has been incredibly hard, but definitely amazing! It's so awesome to think that Jason and I are going to be parents. To raise our baby the way we want. To have someone who is a complete reflection of us. I can't imagine doing this without Jason - he's always been the person I've needed to lean on.

It's Tomorrow!

It's finally here! The BIG day!!! Well, one of many in my lifetime, lol... Jason and I get to learn if the next 18 years will be about football and cars or dance class and flowers. I can't believe how fast four weeks went by! I saw my midwife today and things are going well. The baby's heartbeat is about 150 bpm so little one is doing great also! And my water intake was perfect!! For the first time since I've been seeing my midwife so we were sooo excited! I can't believe that tomorrow I will know if I'm going to have a son or a daughter - crazy!!

Just wanted to share my excitement with everyone - YAY!!!!

Why I am so crazy!

These past couple weeks have been insane for me. Jason starting a new job, reaching the half way point in my pregnancy, landlord in the hospital, pig roast with my family - so much to do!

Jason is really enjoying his new job... sometimes, lol. He enjoys the fact that he is taking steps to get where he wants to be, but dealing with cranky, old people is not his favorite thing. He deals with it though, gets through the day, goes to school, and finally lands on the couch at about 9 at night. 6 in the morning to 9 at night - I do not envy him! Not to mention that when he comes home he still does the dishes and takes care of me. I am so glad that I have been blessed with such a hard worker for a husband.

20 weeks tomorrow - holy crap!! It is so surreal! I'm half way to being someone's mommy. Now that I am a mere week and a half from finding out the baby's sex, it is becoming more and more real. I've been buying things here and there (depending on the deals I find on Craigslist), but now Jason and I will be taking an even bigger hit financially as I buy all the cute baby clothes I've been dying over these past 20-ish weeks, lol. Too exciting!

So while my landlord's been in the hospital, Jason and I have been staying in here house and it is weird! This big, old mansion and just Jason and I... it takes some getting used to for sure! It's nice on the weekends when we can sleep in b/c the sun doesn't shine right into our windows. Our landlord has Congestive Heart Failure and has been in the hospital for almost a week and a half and they're not sure when she'll be able to come home. They're trying to regulate her heartbeat and see if she has an infection somewhere. Like I said, we have to stay in her house while she's away, so it made last weekend a bit of a challenge. Friday we had to take my car to the shop out in Warrenton and since we had to drive all that way, we decided to take the day off work and go to our favorite Mexican restaurant - Dos Primos! Then we went to my parents' house to help get things ready for the pig roast. But, rather than staying the night like we had planned, we had to drive all the way back home (over an hour) just to sleep in the big, creepy house. Then we drove back out to mom and dad's the next morning and back home again. But we did have an awesome time at the pig roast! Jason and I have been looking forward to it for awhile so we were super excited to go!

Christmasing and stuff

I don't know why, but all week (by week, I mean Monday to Monday), I've been soooooo excited for Christmas!!! Jason and I went to Hobby Lobby because they had their 40% off coupons and bought Christmas lights and more ornaments. Jason and I decided that every year we would buy a special ornament for our tree. After looking at Hobby Lobby, we decided to get the ornament we go and cut down our tree (Jason is very adamant about cutting down our own fresh tree). We have also listened to Trans-Siberian Orchestra almost everyday we're at work together. We are so excited to go to their concert next month!!!!

So, aside from Christmas before Halloween, there's actually a lot going on. Jason got offered a job at the nursing home so he's no longer volunteering - yay!!!! And I am very fond of how they determine over time - anything over 8 hours in one shift is considered overtime. So awesome! I definitely miss working with him everyday, but it makes coming home that much sweeter!

I also had to go to the ER on Saturday. For about 2 months, I've had sores popping up all over my legs. I went to the hospital when it first started but there was nothing for them to culture, so they gave me antibiotics and sent me home. I had another sore come over last week and it ruptured Saturday so Jason and I went to the ER where they were finally able to culture it - yay!!! It hurt soooo bad, but it's totally worth it! I found out today that it's MRSA and they were able to give me the right antibiotics. They did give me another prescription on Saturday, but it was just broad-spectrum, so the odds of it actually taking care of the problem were slim to none. So they adjusted the meds today and I can pick them up tomorrow - so excited! I am ready for this to go away!!!!!

So, I'm almost half way through pregnancy!! And still not really showing! I've gotten so many compliments. I couldn't wait to start showing when I first got pregnant, but now, I realize that not showing yet means I'm not only keeping a good eye on my weight, but that (contrary to popular belief) I'm not going to have a huge baby, lol. Which is very reassuring b/c Jason was a big baby! We are so excited! We're just enjoying being very happily married before making the transition into parenthood, though. I hate it when people find out they're preggo and then all they talk about is mommy, mommy, mommy! I'm obviously so excited, but I will have the rest of my life to coo over this baby... so I'm spending all my time with my wonderful husband!

Not the best of days

Today started rough but I stayed optimistic... but my optimism was in vain.

Jason and I slept with the windows open last night because I hate sleeping with the AC running. Anyway, I woke up with an awful head cold. But, today Linda and I had a jewelry party so that's always cause for excitement. I got ready and left for work. I left to go meet Jason for lunch, and my car broke down. Like, I was driving, and my car stopped. The weird part is that I was able to put the car in neutral and it started right back up... no problem. It has been having serious problems for a couple weeks now so I took it straight to the mechanic and just told them to figure out what's wrong. The worst part is that for the last few weeks, no one has been able to figure out what's wrong with it. Hopefully it got bad enough to find out now. Now I'm sitting at home feeling pretty miserable about my car and being sick... I hope things can better quickly!!!

4 more weeks

So, I FINALLY got to the doctor today... but no ultrasound *sigh* You'd think that because I'm 17 weeks along and haven't seen my dr yet, that he might be curious about what's going on in there. But, alas, there wasn't time. My insurance took almost an hour to get straightened out so I had to have a pretty quick appointment. But my doctor was VERY impressed by my baby's heartbeat. Seriously, for everything it's been through, it's doing awesome! Only 4 more weeks until I get to see my little baby!

Jason and I went on a date after work today to Dave and Buster's. Basically, a restaurant with a HUGE arcade attached - it was so much fun! Jason had his bachelor party there but this was my first time. We had some really awesome food, then our waitress gave us $40 worth of game cards for free! She was really sweet!

On our way home, I remembered we needed milk and I wanted popsicles so we stopped at Schnucks and it was a mess! We got out of the car and were immediately approached by a woman asking for money to take the bus and metrolink out to St. Charles (30 miles from where we were). I just walked away but Jason (always trying to be helpful) was listening. After a while, Jason called me over and asked me, in front of this woman, if it was ok if we gave her about $13. I was like "Thanks for not putting me on the spot hunny!!" He does this ALL the time. So, we walked into the store and I told Jason to immediately tell the cop who was on duty in the store. Long story short, the woman got escorted off the property - THANK GOODNESS!!! Because there was no way I was going to walk back out to the car without an escort with that woman out there. I was so terrified that someone was going to hurt either me or Jason - I was pretty terrified! But now Jason and I are safely home watching the debate.

Early Morning Blogging

Jason started his clinical hours today so it was an early morning! (And still is!) Jason woke up at 5:50 and I got up when he left. Actually, I had been awake most of the time he was too, but there was no point in me getting out of bed. So I just laid there wishing I were sleeping, lol. Jason "woke" me up before he left - awww, sad! This is the first time since we've been married that we haven't gone to work together - it's weird! His clinical hours are over in November, right around my birhtday, but who knows when he'll get a new job. That also depends on if we move or not. If we do move, he'll continue to work for his brother, but if we don't (hopefully we won't), then he'll start looking for a job immediately. We will have to see what the next few weeks bring. We don't really want to move, but, at the same time, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ready for a new start. I've been in the St. Louis area my whole life except for my first year in college and that change was amazing! I was always happy to come home, but it was nice to be away from people who know my life story and who are full of drama and it was just AWESOME change! I don't know... we'd be moving when i'm almost 8 months pregnant and moving at all is a stressful chore. I guess Jason and I have more thinking and planning to do!

Sundays... in the park... with George? LOL

So, chances are, unless you were in show choir with me, that title means nothing to you. And if it does, then your a rock star!

Anyway, I woke up ill again today (basically a regular occurance for me, but I'm still hoping for change... and not the kind from Obama, lol). It took basically everything I had to get ready for church, but before I knew it, I was in the car. I really enjoyed church today. Eventhough I was basically miserable through Sacrament, but once I got to Nursery, things got better. Our nursery size has decreased dramatically! We had 16 or 17 kids every Sunday during teh summer and now we're down to 7 - sweet! But they were a pretty rambuncious group of seven, lol. But I love them all!Now Jason and i are just chilling on the couch watching Spider man.

Jason and I get to go see my OB on Friday and I am sooo excited! We're going to hopefully be able to determine the sex and can't wait! I'm almost positive it's a boy. The whole time I've been pregnant, all my dreams have been about a baby girl; I've always said "she" when refering to the baby - just generally assumed pink. I have no idea why! A couple days a go, I had a dream that the baby was a boy and was kind of startled. Not that I wouldn't love whatever the Lord blesses me with, but I wasn't expecting it. It really made me realize that even though the baby is aleady a boy or a girl, I don't yet for sure and shouldn't make assumptions or get my hopes up for one or the other. Jason and I have always thought our first would be a girl for some reason and I think my family would respond well to a girl and Jason's mom is so hoping for a girl... I guess we'll find out on Friday! Hopefully!!!!!! Until then, Jason and I will enjoy our Sunday and dream about our little one.

Weekending!

So, I went to see my midwife today and all is well! We heard the baby's heartbeat and all my levels were right on target! It was so good to know that despite all the illness, my baby is fighting for everything he/she needs and is doing great! I was feeling so crappy because I felt like I wasn't doing everything last little thing I could do for my baby. I can not wait to meet this little person!!!!!

I am sooooo ready for the weekend! This week is just going by soooo sllooooowwwwwww - it's driving me crazy! My weekend won't be much of a break, but it won't be work so yay!!! lol. I just want to chill for an afternoon.

Jason started his CNA (certified nursing assistant) program a couple of weeks ago, and he loves it!! He says he's never enjoyed studying or going to class, but this is so different for him! Probably because it's a step towards his degree, I'm just glad he's happy and liking class. He starts clinic hours next Tuesday so I took him to buy scrubs today - it was so cute! He would stand there in the scrubs and flex his muscles and walk the runway and be hilarious! I'm so excited for him!

Frustrated ranting

I know, 2 in one day is a bit excessive, but I'm kind of venting.

Jason told our landlord today that I'm pregnant and she asked us to move out. We have until January, but I feel like... I really don't know. I'm relieved because Jason and I haven't really been comfortable here since we moved in. I'm scared because we haven't saved enough money to move out... back to renting... *sighs*. I'm a little upset because when asked about kids before we even set up a lease and she said that it would make things difficult, but not impossible. I don't really know what I'm feeling. Just a general shock basically.

Change of plans

So, yesterday I was at work when Jason's cell phone rang. It was his little sister calling to tell us she was in labor! I quickly finished all I could at work so I could go be with her at the hospital. When I got there, I walked into the room and saw not only my mother-, sister-in-law, and nephew, but also Jason's aunt, cousin and grandma. It was really fun getting to be there and tell funny stories. Heather progressed well through out the morning. She got her epidural when she was 3 cm (at about 4:30 in the morning) and was put on pitocin after the doctor broke her water at 7:45 in the morning. Her contractions starting getting pretty intenst and regular about 2 or so and the baby's heartbeat was being compromised so they took her off pitocin and let her body deal with labor naturally - a very smart move in my opinion! When they checked her again around 3pm, she was almost fully dialated! I had to leave to go give Jason the car shortly after that and he dropped me off back at the hospital around 4:15 or so. We were just kind of waiting to se what would happen next. While Heather was sleeping, I was chatting with Linda when Heather all the sudden sat up, looked at us with huge eyes and said "He's coming NOW!!" We looked at the monitors confused because they didn't say she was any closer, but Linda went to get the nurse. As she walked out of the room, the baby's heartrate shot up from 125 to 173 and then plumited to 35. The doctor came rushing in and said Heather was going to need an emergancy C-Section - a Heartbreaking announcement for everyone... but, of course, most of all to Heather. She had made it very clear the whole time that this was not the path she wanted! Once the baby was delivered, we found out that the cord had been wrapped around his little foot and wouldn't let him decend into the birth canal. Both mom and baby Austin are doing great! Heather did such an AWESOME job yesterday and even though did not have a successful natural childbirth, atleast she knows her body can do it next time - great job Heather!

Exhaustion

So, my landlord is having this huge party tomorrow (seriously, like 300 people) so Jason and I have been working our tuchies off all week long! Jason's been doing work in the morning then we go to work. I drop Jason off at school then come home and hustle to work for my landlord and make dinner so I can take it to Jason when he has a break. Then I come home, finish working for her and do the things that need to get done around my house. I'm so tired! I was so glad that she didn't have much for me to do this afternoon - thank goodness! I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend for sure!

I was so excited today around lunch time today... I felt the baby move for the first time!!! It was awesome! Jason and I had gone to get lunch and while we were sitting there waiting for our food, I felt sommething move. I wasn't really sure so I waited for about a minute or so and I felt it again - a lot more this time. I can feel things adjusting to get bigger these days and it's finally starting to be real to me! I wish Jason could say the same, but it's just going to take time. I can't wait to see him hold our precious baby for the first time - it makes me tear up just to think about it! Jason always says how much he worries that he won't be a good dad, but I think he's going to be the best. He has so many fathers to look at my dad, his dad, his brothers and we talk about what qualities we like from each and which we could live without. He's gonna do great! It seems like we will never make it to the day when we will finally meet our first and we can hardly wait!!!!!

Good mornings

Another good day! This may be getting old to some, but trust me, after the past couple weeks, I am feeling so very blessed for any little piece of goodness! Jason is at class and I'm at home by myself so I got some work out of the way for my landlord and now I'm just enjoying listening to the thunder outside my open windows. I think my days have been so good lately because of the way Jason and I choose to start them - by cuddling, lol. We actually get up a couple minutes early, just to lay in each other's arms. Despite morning breath and eye crusties, it's one of my favorite times of the day, lol. Then we get up, eat breakfast, watch the news and go to work. This week we're finally not busy with work but we are super busy working for our landlord. She's having a big benefit party at her house on Friday so, of course, everything has to be immaculate! Then again, if I were having over 300 people at my house, I would want everything perfect as well. So, I don't really know what else to say, I've got to get some laundry folded so I should probably get to it!

A sigh of relief!

I'm finally starting to feel like myself again!!!!! I woke up this morning a little cautious to put my feet on the floor, but as the morning progressed, I felt better! My stomach is still a little on edge, but I finally ate more than cereal! And, I must say, this weather is FANTASTIC!!! If you aren't taking advantage of it - you are seriously missing out! OK, I know some of you aren't experiencing our amazingness, but it's not been over 75 degrees in, like, 2 days and it won't for the next 10 days at least and I'm so excited! It just reminds me that fall is here and I love it! It makes me think about everything that was going on in my life at this time last year... mainly that Jason and I were deciding about getting engaged. Obviously, we all know how the story plays out, but I love to reminesce. I'm just very happy today. Happy to be feeling better and relaxing and going to a jewelry party tonight!!! Linda and I haven't really done anything with jewelry since before July 4th so we're pretty stoked!

Ya gotta do whacha gotta do

Ok, so being pregnant has been a breeze... until Monday. I had gone to a picnic with Jason and my sis-in-law and her family, then we went to the pool, then we went to Pizza Street and by that time, I was soooo exhausted, I was ready to be home! Well, I got home and was sooooooo sick! Monday was no comparison to Tuesday, though. All day at work I was miserable and actually took a 15 minute nap on the floor because I had no energy. And that was about all the sleep I got. When I got home, I crashed on the couch but was constantly running to the bathroom. Anyways, after attempting to sleep on the bathroon floor all night, the next morning wasn't any better and all I could do was cry to make myself feel better. So, Jason called my father-in-law to take me to the hospital where I was admitted for Gastrointeritis (?). I was on IV fluids for over 4 hours and given anti-nausea meds. I realized then why people hate the hospital so much. I was there by myself for the better part of the 5 hours and it sucked! I did have an awesome nurse, but she couldn't be there for me the whole time. I was so happy to see Jason walk through the door at 5:15. The best thing (beside me feeling about 1000% better) was that Jason got to hear the heartbeat for the first time and he was amazed! The whole time I've been pregnant, we struggled with the idea of this being real because we really haven't had anything confirm it besides the preggo test. I can't WAIT for our first ultrasound to see our little peanut!!!!! We are super stoked!!!!

Labor Day

Jason and I had a very busy and fun weekend! Well... mostly. Saturday, Jason and I worked for our landlord and spent time together just relaxing which is always nice! Sunday, we missed church because I wasn't feeling well. Later that afternoon, we went out to Jason's brother's house so he could go to the McCain/Romney/Huckabee rally which (I heard) was pretty cool. I didn't get to go... I guess it was assumed that because I am a girl, I have no interest in politics and would rather have stayed home with the kids... a very poor assumption!!!! It wasn't so bad though. I hung out with my sister-in-law and my nephews. Then, when our husbands came home, they jumped in the hot tub while Linda and I continued to watch the kids... some sort of pattern here, lol. Anyway, we all got up this morning and went to a Labor Day picnic and swimming at Linda's new subdivision. It was a blast!! I love to hang out with my nephews - they're so cute! After swimming, we went back to their house, changed and went to dinner at Pizza Street. It didn't last too long because all the kids were tired because they missed naptime. So, after a long weekend, Jason and I made our way home... dodging accidents along the way. When we got home, our landlord totally chewed Jason out because we didn't water her lawn today. She seems to think that the lawn will completely DIE if it doesn't get watered every other day. She is completely ridiculous. So now Jason is outside watering the lawn at 9:15 and I feel so bad. I wish things could be different. Jason is so upset and we've had a pretty rough week. We told my family that I'm pregnant and it didn't go well. So we're still dealing with that and we have an utterly obnoxiously rude landlord. We need to move!!!

In a nut shell...

Yay for no more morning "nausea"!!!! I never actually threw up, but I certainly felt like I was going to, lol. Although, throughout this whole thing, I've come to realize that I don't care much for soda anymore. I basically lived off Ginger Ale and Sprite and now I'm done! Even switching to diet didn't really help - it's all pretty gross about now.

I am also a medical mystery. Two weeks ago, I was bitten by a brown recluse spider for the third time in five months - how did I manage that?!??!! I wish I knew, because I would change it in a heartbeat! It's just too much pain and suffering for one person. Jason has been so great taking care of me, though. I don't know what I'd do without him... I was only in severe pain for about 3 1/2 days or so before the pain was gone and all that's left is the nasty hole. Because of all of the stress and pain of the spider bite, my body is responding in strange ways. I got a major cold sore which is FINALLY going away! And on the leg opposite from my bite, I have atleast two boils (gross I know!) and this weird rash. I've asked several people I know that are doctors and they don't know what it is. Fortunately, I got insurance today - about time!!! So, I'm going to the doctor as soon as I get my card!

OH!! Most exciting baby news of the week - I heard the heartbeat on Sunday! It was amazing!!! Jason came with me to my midwife appointment and at just under 12 weeks - we heard it! Well, Jason wasnt' really sure what to listen for and it was pretty faint, but I am positive I heard it! The midwife heard it too so I know I wasn't just imaging it, lol. It was too cool!!!!!!

Week 6 1/2

I always thought that when I was finally pregnant, it (the side effects) wouldn't hit me for awhile. WRONG! I can't sleep through the night - having to get up 2 or 3 times for the bathroom. I can actually feel what's going on in there and it is strange! And I can't believe how tired I am! I get one poor night of sleep and my sleep habits are off for atleast a week. But I am still so thrilled! I am so dang nervous to tell my family though. I wanted to tell them this weekend, but it was fair week and EVERYONE was in a pissy mood. I'll probably just tell them over the phone because I don't think I could face disappointment right now (if they are). I don't know why I'm so afraid to tell them. I'm married and we're doing great supporting ourselves.... I guess I just seek approval too much and I know that they think this is a bad time for me. But how bad could it be? I got pregnant while I was on birth control so I know this is what Heavenly Father thinks is good for me. Yes, we're both in school, and work for our landlord, but we're working out the kinks (we have plenty of time) and it'll be great.

Expecting!!

We're having a baby!!!!!! Here's how we found out:

I was at home and was trying to decide whether or not to go back on the pill. (I had been having a VERY hard time being on the pill so I had stopped using the pill and we were using something else) I was just fed up and figured the pill was easier so I called Jason and had him pick me up a pregnancy test just so I could be sure because taking the pill while being pregnant is very dangerous. Anyways, he brought the test home and, honestly, I totally forgot about it. When I finally remembered, I took the test and finished some things while I waited for the result. When I went to throw the test away (because I was almost certain it was negative), instead of 1 line, I saw 2!! I couldn't believe it! I showed Jason and he was speechless as well. Still unconvinced, I took the other test and it also came out positive. Holy Crap!!!!!!!!!!!! I spent the next few days in disbelief, but when I set up my first appointment with my midwife, it finally hit me - I'm really having a baby! Jason and I are so excited! The more we look at the baby books and see pictures of what our baby looks like now and what it will look like in the coming weeks, the more excxited we get. Jason already swears he can hear the baby's heartbeat (yes, there is already a heartbeat) and talks to her all the time - it's so sweet! My due date is March 4th - it's going to be here so fast!

A Change is Gonna Come

WE'VE MOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We moved last Saturday and it was awesome!!! No more rent, no more utilities, no more neighbors that make meth, lol... atleast for the next 2 years - so great! We were all moved in by 11 in the morning and completely unpacked by the next evening. Awesome hussle! lol Today we ad Charter come by and set up the cable and internet so now i can be online ALL THE TIME at home too! Sweet, now, its time for dinner! Later

Happy - Not Just From Clinique

I've been having a pretty awesome life lately, lol.

We're moving in 11 days!!! I am stoked! Obviously. I've been packing here and there with the hopes that it'll make THE day a little easier. We've got lots of help coming so I'll have to wait around for the gas guy to come by and turn off our gas. I hate the gas company! In fact, I hate everyone who gives a 4 hour window of time to come by and do something. They told us they would come by between 8:30 and 12:30. Seriously, it's not like I don't have anything else going on that day. I am still excited though!

The other thing is my sister-in-law and I are LOVING the jewelry business! We just went to the warehouse yesterday and got more beads for jewelry making awesomeness! We're also planning a road trip! We'll go to Arizona, Vegas, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho. We probably won't be able to go until September, but we're planning! Anyway, that's about all i've got for now

Troubles

I've been having a really hard time in the past few days. Wednesday was great because Jason and I got to go to the temple and it was needed badly! We go almost every week, but with me being sick and both of us working all the time, the week would be over and we would realize that we hadn't been to the temple - it was rough!! When I entered the temple, I felt an immediate difference and the time flew - I knew I was in the right place! One of the temple presidents and his wife were with us and she told me how happy it made her to see Jason and I at the temple so frequently - she's the nicest lady! She was there helping me when I went through the temple the first time and she's awesome! So Wednesday was great, Thursday wasn't really anything special but yesterday was a different story.

We came into work yesterday and got our work done super early so I suggested that we go to 6 flags since we have season passes and season parking - so we never have to pay anything when we go unless we want food or something. We spent some time in Hurricane Harbor and when it closed, we changed and rode some rides. We had a great time! The only ride I really, really wanted to ride was Mr. Freeze so we saved it for last. We walked to the other side of the park with just enough time to wait in line and ride once before the park closed. So we're waiting and waiting and then, out of no where a bunch of people from a certain ethnic group who think they deserve the world start cutting in line - not just 1 person, but, like, 8!!!! I WAS SO PISSED!!!!!!!!!!! K, I normally have no problems with these people - I like them, I show them respect, they show me respect - no problems, right? I got soooo upset! Seriously, EVERYONE waits in line - I don't care if you're friends are 50 people ahead of you, wait your turn!!!!! I got so mad and so frustrated tat I just left. I just gave up and left. Should I have said something - Oh, I had LOTS going through my head, but none of which were appropriate to say. Thinking back, I should have stood in front of them and said no, I should have stood up to them. At the same time, I felt a little better giving up my spot in line - even though it was only one spot. I just lost it. I got so mad and I just had to leave. Jason saw how upset I was and tried to make me feel better by offering me frozen lemonade - which I had wanted all day - but, by the time we got to a shop, they were closed and I didn't even get frozen lemonade - great! Yesterday really made me think a lot less of 6 Flags - seriously.

Today's not been so great either. Nothing's really gone wrong, I'm just ready to go home, lol. I need to clean my house and do the laundry and go buy food and all the things that go along with be an adult - ha!

gas, amusement parks and the like

I love my husband.

The end







Ok, so I have lots more thoughts than that, but that's for sure the most important.
Will the car problems ever end?!!?!?!!?? Seriously, it's gone overboard. The started on Jason's car was just replaced, the dimmer switch on my car was recently replaced, my mazda was totaled (which we finally received the settlement check for - begin the hallelujah chorus!) and, now, either the battery or the alternator needs replacing on my car as well *sighs* COME ON!! enough already! I am poor enough without the stupid cars (and their gas tanks) draining my savings... seriously $3.89 per gallon - I WANT TO FREAKING SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know that there's nothing for me to do but piss and moan about it so i typically don't but it has just been eating at my insdies for so long that i'm taking out on my blog - so take that!!!!! It's getting just absolutely ridiculous! I can't take it! I'm moving away. Where you might ask? To the island from Lost because apparently gas prices are the least of their worries, lol.

K, i'm super excited because tomorrow Jason and I are going to 6 flags - sweet! I love going to 6 flags b/c it's a freaking blasty blast and I need some enjoyment after nearly pulling my hair out about the stupid cars.

sooooo, now that i've thoroughly blogged to my heart's content, I'm going to bed.

nighty night!

Vacation?

So, this past weekend, Jason and I went on vacation with his family to Branson... yawn.....
It wasn't all that bad, because I needed a vacation. The problem was that we went on vacation with the people I wanted to take a break from! Less than effective.... It was a pretty sweet deal. We got the room, most food, and our amusement park tickets for free. We paid for gas and that was about it. Plus I got to eat at my favorite restaurant in Springfield - Fuji!!!! We got home yesterday and had to go straight to work - the joys of working for family - then home. I was so exhausted and had so much to do when we finally got home - not to mention I was so sick and could barely stand up. Nice. Jason was so sweet and did all the laundry and made dinner.

I have no idea what is going on with my body - it can never decide what it's doing. I'm not even sure why I'm sick besides the fact that 2 of my nephews have been sick lately. I should start taking my cocktail of vitamins that helped my stay well - but I don't wanna! lol, I've just always had to take so many pills that it gets a tad obnoxious after awhile.

I am ready for today to be over! It's just not really been a great day. It started off poorly and has continued to be. I am so frustrated that no one is listening to me! Everyone is treating me like they can walk all over me and I am so tired of it! I need a break.... from eveyone? YES! I'm tired of people saying one thing to my face about something and me hearing from Jason that they feel differently than what they told me. I've spent my whole life around two faced people and, I must say, they are my least favorite!!!!! I have no respect for people who can't be honest.

Clearly, my vacation did me a whole lot of good!

Frustrated, much?

For me, the answer is quite simple - YES!!!!! All I want to do is pull my hair out right now! Work has been ultra boring lately because we have to sit in the store and do nothing... seriously. My boss decided to have this book giveaway/sale and NO ONE has come since the first day - which was last Monday. I am so bored!!!!! I guess it's ok because I just get to chill on the internet or play guitar hero, but that gets way boring after awhile!

My boss's brilliancy streak continues. He bought new printers for both stores (which were desperately needed!!) and I'm trying to install it and it's not working!!!! I don't know why, i have more important things to do than be a computer geek! I have 3 jobs, I'm a wife and a student and annoyed!!! my back hurts because I've spent the last hour crawling under the computer desk trying to get this stupid thing to work, which is also wreaking havoc on my knees - oh joy! Then Jason, who has just been playing video games the whole time turns to me and asks "Is it working, YET?!?" Seriously, don't open your mouth if you're not going to help... you may end up losing a tooth or two... ish, lol

Yesterday, we called the people who currently live in the house we're moving into and it did not go well. Jason asked them which day they would be moving out and they replied that they haven't found a new house yet and wanted to stay there until the end of July - WhAt?!?!?!!?!1 We were supposed to move in on June 15th and now they're saying the end of July!!???!!!!! That's not OK with me. We have already told our landlord that we were moving out and he's found someone else to replace us.

Oh how I pass the time

So, this week at work is pretty cake. We're having a book giveaway and all we have to do is sit around while people are here - that's it! We're usually here from 9-4ish everyday anyway, but we feel bad if we're not doing anything work related. This week, however, we have to be here so we can slack off like they do at the main store, lol. Seriously though... the owner (my brother-in-law) and the manager (my other brother-in-law) and some random other employee (who I just don't get) sit around and play video games all day - wtf?!?! So now it's our turn! I'm sure by the end of the day I'll be so bored and have to find something interesting to do. Luckily, tomorrow I'm cleaning in the morning and in the afternoon, I'll be going to the temple with a friend. At least I'll get some break from the boredom!

We're rapidly approaching moving day and I couldn't be happier! Saturday we went and bought kitchen cabinets, a curio (whatever that is), and a microwave cart. I'm definitely done spending money for awhile (at least until next paycheck... which is Thursday, lol). Now, all we need to do is pick up our pantry from my sister-in-law and then we're set! I'm kind of overwhelmed thinking about moving, but so stoked as well! I just hope we don't end up regretting it.

And there it goes

Only 1 more class until freedom!!!!!!!!!!! Freedom and summer fun - yes!

Sooooo.... my sister-in-law and I are on an adventure - a jewelry adventure! She has started up a jewelry business and we're partners in crime so to speak. OK, I'm her assistant, but still totally stoked! Also, my new nephew = total cutie! It's so great to go over and see him.

We are coming in on our final days in our apartment!! We're moving on June 15th into our rent free house - sweet! No more obnoxious neighbors who cook meth and use our washer and dryer without permission. Oh! And we get to get rid of our washer and dryer! Maybe i'll just sell it to someone who lives in our building and price it really high to make up for all the times they used it before... hmmmmm.....

Yeah, those are basically the highlights of my life today. Outie!

In the Beginning

There was a blog! I've decided to give this a try even though I've never really had a desire for a blog. hmmmm..... Stay tuned for more!