Monday, January 31, 2005

Long time and no blogging?

I am here. I was surprised today to see that my last post was on Wednesday. Since then, things have been quite crazy. Wednesday night my Sweetie and I decided to have an impromptu date night. He picked me up from work and we went to the mall for a little shopping and dinner. It was so wonderful. The simplest of dates can seem the most romantic.

Thursday and Friday were very hectic. My boss was out of town the majority of the week due to a death in his family. We are in a crunch time and I had to do some overtime to compensate for his absence. Boy did I miss him.

The weekend was very family and friend oriented.
~Friday night we had dinner with my brother, SIL, and mom. It was a nice relaxing visit that I hope occurs more often.
~Saturday afternoon involved going to the horrible BabiesRus again. It wasn't so terrible this time. We looked at cribs, and I think we made a decision. We also looked at strollers very closely. Of course, the car seat that we like does not come on the stroller that we like.
~Saturday night was hanging out with Best Friend and her husband and oldest friend. We had a blast. I love it when the 5 of us get together.
~Sunday was the normal errands as well as some visit time with MIL and niece.

My weekend ended with me starting my first paper for Capstone - welcome back, here write a paper, and my Sweetie cooking me dinner - as always.

I am feeling a little sick today - like I am catching a cold. I am determined that I am not getting sick - I don't have time for it.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Pregnant Ramblings

Today I am in a much better mood. Actually the drive home last night helped a lot. It looks like another beautiful day here in Austin. While I love the cold, or at least what we call cold, and rainy days - the weather this week has been uplifting. Yesterday my Sweetie and I had lunch outside - it was wonderful.

I know that you got sick of hearing about me feeling ill - but now it is the exhaustion that is kicking my butt. By 10:30 I pass out as if it is 2am. I sleep for 9 hours and still wake with slight bags under my eyes. The worst part is that I am not even getting up to go to the bathroom during the night - so there goes that excuse.

Remember that list that I keep mentioning - yes I still need to start it. This semester is very busy with my capstone course. It is one thing to slack off when only your grade suffers. This time I have two companies waiting and relying on my analysis and hard work - this means no procrastination. This is so much easier said than done.

Did I mention that I am tired?

I have so enjoyed my time off in-between semesters. It is going to be a struggle to get back into a routine. My Sweetie and I have had so much fun just enjoying each other's company. But it will be so worth it in May. I did find out that my class ends on April 20th. That means I will have three weeks before graduation to focus on baby.
Which is good because I want the nursery finished before graduation. No stress that is only 15.5 weeks away :-)

One issue with this point in my pregnancy is the emotions. I am obviously pregnant now - everyone can tell.
Side note : today while I was waiting for the microwave to heat my lunch, I was speaking with a guy from Revenue. He is a dad and a great guy. He didn't know if I was for sure - smart man - so he asked if I have anything going on outside of work right now. I wish I could tell his wife how good he was.

As my belly expands I think more and more about being pregnant. I also think more and more about my life and being an adult. I think about those who are not here to enjoy this time with me. I think about how my baby will not have a grandfather. Not trying to change the mood of this post - it is just something that I think about. I also think about all the fun we are going to have. And how spoiled she is going to be because of her Grandmothers.

Now the big issue is a name. This is a hard hard hard decision. I want a name that is strong and distinguished. I want something that is feminine but adult.

And in case anyone is wondering - the heart burn arrived this past week. The next 19.5 weeks are going to be interesting.

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Post Appointment Blues

Ok not as bad as it sounds. I am tired today. I also feel some chemical depression. Nothing caused it, or promoted such feelings. But I feel like I am out of touch with life and simply want to go and hide in my closet this evening - hey there is a plug in there and I have wireless so I would be all set.

The weather is perfect outside - a nice 76 degrees with a clear blue sky as I write this. If I get home while the sun is still in the sky, I may spend some time on my swing.

Between work, school, and baby there is so much going on right now. It is downright overwhelming. There is so much to do before baby arrives. School started up on Saturday and we are right into the mix. It is going to be a rough semester - thinking CPA needs to wait a little - I have a baby girl to prepare for.

Monday, January 24, 2005

Wonderful Appointment

Our appoinment was wonderful. We saw a beautiful brain, strong heart, and wonderful spine. The classical music and plasma screen made for a memorable experience. We have pictures, I can't wait to scan them in to display. While the tech is not certain, she thinks it is a girl. Hopefully we will know more in 4 weeks. For the time being, we are thinking it is a girl, but we are not buying anything pink yet.

We did make the decision that the name should be kept secret until after the birth. That is going to be rough, esp since we are pretty close to having a name :-)

Everytime we go to the doctor, this becomes more real. This is compounded when we see a 9oz baby inside me and can call her by her potential name. That makes her more human. She was so cute moving her arms around, she was not happy with our poking and proding.

Today I am so very happy!!!!

T minus 2 hours

Until we see our baby.

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Halfway to Baby

This weekend marks the halfway point of my pregnancy. I am so excited. I can't believe it is only 20 weeks until my due date. What I can't believe even more is that 18 weeks ago I got pregnant. In some ways it seems so long ago, and others it seems like yesterday. Overall, I have become very used to pregnancy, even to the belly rubs. However, at times I even find myself shocked when I think of the outcome - LOL.

I am so very happy right now. Anxious, yes, especially with the level 2 sonogram so close. However, I know everything is going to work out. I blogged before about how life changes in a heartbeat. This is proof. It is so nice to have my life completely change due to life - instead of death.

There is so much to do in the second half of pregnancy - so much to prepare for. Luckily, I have a man who adores me and this baby. I know he will help out in any way possible. He already treats me like a princess. I cannot complain at all about him. Just an example of what he does - every night, after I move into the bedroom to watch stupid tv and to drift off - he brings me OJ, my prenatal, and my thyroid medicine. He takes the best care of me.

Overall, even with the bad morning sickness that I had, I cannot complain about this pregnancy. I truly enjoy being pregnant. I hope the second half is as wonderful as the first.

Friday, January 21, 2005

So very tired

I hit that point in my pregnancy where sleeping 9 hours does not completely refresh me. I am physically asleep - but I believe I am not getting quality sleep that I need. Not sure what to do about that. Here I sit at work and about to pass out. I have a co-worker who is 21 and thinks I am so old. She is single and recently moved into her first apartment. Our lives are on very different spectrums - yet I consider her a work friend. She wrote to me this morning saying she is so tired - I start thinking that I can relate until she says that she went to bed at 6:30 this morning and woke up at 8. I didn't even do that when I was her age. Of course at her age I was already old and married LOL.

Today is Friday - but not the end of my work week. I have orientation for my only class tomorrow from 10-1. After I get the privilege of coming in for work. Auditors will be onsite asking their questions and such. Rarely do I work overtime, honestly - rarely do I work 40 hours. So I am not complaining. I am simply so tired this week and needed a couple of days to recoup.

Now I am off to have lunch with a hot date. I love working close enough to meet my Sweetie for lunch. It makes the day so much better.

Thursday, January 20, 2005

Let's have some fun

OK so HOPEFULLY we will find out the sex on Monday - not soon enough.

In the meantime - here is some fun.

It's a boy if:
# You are carrying the extra weight out front
# Your belly looks like a basketball
# You are craving salty or sour foods
# You are craving protein -- meats and cheese
# Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy
# Your hands are very dry
# Pregnancy has you looking better than ever
# Your urine is a bright yellow in color
# You are having headaches
# You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived the number is even

It's a girl if:
# You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
# You are carrying high
# You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread
# Your breasts have really blossomed!

So according to this the score is 4 for a girl and 10 for a boy. I wonder if there is anything to this. I dreamt about a boy. My SIL put one of my earrings on a chain and hung it over my belly. According to her - it is a boy.

I really don't care either way. As the time of knowing approaches, I think more about it. I wonder if I would be harder on a girl. Of course my Sweetie worries that he will be a pushover for a little girl. I asked him if he will be prepared if we find out it is a girl. His responded with:
i will be, as best as a man living in a world dominated by cuteness can be prepared for the onslaught of obscene amounts of MORE cuteness, and it will only be compounded by the fact that your cuteness will multiply if it is a girl. Missy-izms will be all i ever hear after June. so yes... i will be prepared however - YOU must be prepared for having a spoiled girl. Anything she wants will be had if she comes to me for it.


Of course we know nothing until Monday - and even then we might not find out anything. So for sure we will find out when I have the baby - LOL.

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

5 more sleeps

I can't stand it. 5 more sleeps until I get to see my baby. The last sonogram was at 12 weeks. The change from 8 to 12 weeks was simply amazing. I can't imagine from 12 to 20. I want to know more about this little person inside me.

I am half way through my fourth month. I am running out of time of gradually increasing workouts before my third trimester. So last night, after eating a Wendy's hamburger (single with cheese) and watching The Biggest Loser, my Sweetie and I headed out for a short walk. Although I could have done more I am listening to everything that I read regarding starting slowly. The walk was wonderful. I love walking with my Sweetie. Which is good since he helped me get through the last part of my last half marathon as the break stations began packing up for the day.

Today was crazy at work. Nothing like year end and a quickly approaching audit to make everyone want something - what is this number, analyze that number, one more entry, update that rec. I don't mind. But sometimes I want to say "Can't you tell that I am working on something else that is tedious. I will come to you when I have a moment". It is hard to be the Absolute Dictator.
Short version of that story is that my boss named me absolute dictator only after a month or so of my arrival.
I still am very happy where I am. I love the hours, the pay, benefits, and the ability to chat with friends and family during my workday. If you are an accountant you know, it can get pretty quiet during the busy times.

With as tired as I am right now, waiting to finish this post before I head home, not eating lunch until almost too late - stomach empty is a very bad thing, and a headache, I still enjoy my work. I feel that I am challenged on a daily basis. I was working with the Assistant Controller today and started day dreaming about being in his position. I would love to be an ass controller - hahaha. Seriously I am happy where I am. I think after I return from maternity leave I will focus on trying to climb the ladder in front of me. Of course, with all the changes in my life recently, I will be very picky about any change in ventures.

I was thinking last night about the pregnancy. Oct 5th, when we found out about our future, seems so long ago, years even. I am coming up on my halfway point in the pregnancy. I can't believe it. It makes me smile to think about the day we found out. The shocked expressions on our faces when we found out. The walk to our cars, because we met at the doctor, and stopping and hugging, crying, and kissing, and my Sweetie lifting me off the ground. The meal at WhataBurger - although I barely remember being there - LOL. The day ended with our best friends and their reactions were so wonderful. Such a perfect memory.

Now with a big belly - and no longer able to look down and see my feet - it still seems so unreal. I can't believe it is happening. I can't wait. Thank goodness work is busy. Tomorrow I get to post only 4 sleeps until baby.

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Another Semester

Today marks my last semester. In as many ways as I am happy about this day, I also have sadness. Over 5 years ago I started at my wonderful school. I love my school. It is small, beautiful, and focuses on values that others do not. I do not judge anyone for not attending my school - this was simply the best option for me to finish not only my undergrad degree, but my Masters as well. Very soon I will no longer have the pride of calling myself student. I did not realize how much I love this until this last semester approached. For the last 5 years I have been working while attending school. This impresses people, as well as myself.

This break was wonderful. 6 weeks off is very nice - and rare with how a trimester structured program works. While I have had the holidays to distract me, overall I have felt a need to do something. I like the structure school gives me - even when I am stressed and procrastinating.

I know that right after graduation I will not be thinking about the lack of school in my life - my focus will be on our baby. However, I am already looking at the next venture for myself regarding learning. My Best Friend still believes that I will go back for my PhD. We shall see. Not yet. I am thinking more along the lines of learning Spanish.

My favorite photo of me and my Sweetie was taken after my graduation for my BBA. I hope that I will have the same kind of picture after my MBA graduation. Of course, I will be huge by then. I only hope that I can attend the ceremony :-)

I go to campus on Saturday - this is an internet class so there is no set class times on campus after this orientation. This will be my first time to walk around my campus since I started showing. That is going to be very strange for me. I know of several women that had babies while attending SEU. However, to me, it seems to make me stand out as a non-traditional student even more - even though I am younger than the average age for the MBA program.

Time to stop my ramblings and head home. I am very tired from the days work, perhaps a bubble bath is in order.

Now it all makes sense

Now I know why all my friends seem to be in their 30's.





You Are 31 Years Old



31





Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.



Being a Kid

My mother's company had their holiday party at Dave & Busters yesterday. When she heard I was going home early she invited me and my Sweetie to attend for a free lunch. I won't say no to a free lunch. We enjoyed the free food and company - my mom works with some great people.

It is official. I am pregnant. Strangers that are not certain about my "condition" are speaking of my pregnancy, asking when I am due and such. That is a big step. This happened on Saturday as well. Hard for me to imagine that I am obviously pregnant.

After lunch we went and played some games. I always love playing games with my Sweetie. As we were leaving we say a stuffy crane machine. The only exception is the size of the items inside. They are HUGE. My mom wanted my Sweetie to win something for me. I picked out a large blue smiley face. It was so amazing, he actually got it for me - AND on the first try. This pillow/stuffey is so big that I can hide my belly behind it. He makes me so happy.

After lunch Mom came over and hung out while I rested on the couch. It was very nice, we chatted and watched TV. After she left it was almost time for dinner. I was starting to go to sleep when my Sweetie came out to take my dinner order. I barely agreed to Macaroni and Cheese when I fell completely asleep. I slept while he cooked dinner and awoke to a hot meal in front of me. He takes the best care of me in the entire world. Yesterday was his day off. He could play video games all day. What did he do? Laundry - lots and lots of laundry. He even put it away.

I am married to an amazing man.

Monday, January 17, 2005

It is MLK Day - and I am at work

Today is a holiday. This was obvious with the traffic this morning. I, however, do not get this day off. I could use one of my 4 floating holidays, but I did not want to waste a single day of my vacation time - want to save up for baby.

I do not feel well though. I think I have a head cold. Not fair when I can only take few things. I think I will have to head home early today - come on bed.

The neat thing is that my semester, my last semester, starts tomorrow. I am excited about this semester. This is an on-line course. However, the software needed does not work on a Mac - figures. So I will use this excuse to visit my beautiful campus on a regular basis.

Still not sure on the CPA testing. Everything will happen, I know it. Nothing to stress over. Still need a list for baby - will try to work on that today, something preliminary to ease my mind. Good news is that we received the doctor's estimate of his charges this week. Not too bad. Hope it doesn't go up too much. Even better news is that we have the money to pay it off now - we have the option of paying over 5 weeks. That means pending anything abnormal, we will only have the hospital to pay after baby arrives. That is a big relief.

Weekend Warrior

This weekend was busy. Friday night my mom, Sweetie, my Niece, and I all went to dinner and shopping. We had a b-day party the next day and needed presents. My niece is so wonderful. She is 8 and I love it when she comes to visit. I hope we get her a couple more weekends before the baby comes - just time to enjoy her. We ate at WhataBurger - it was her decision. It is amazing to watch an 8 year old eat adult sized hamburgers lol.

Saturday was very interesting. Suprisingly it did not scare me into a stupor. We went to an indoor kids play place. It was packed. DarkDiva's oldest turned 3 and this was her day to "pay". While she loves me, she adores my Sweetie. She is his little friend. We played for almost 5 hours. That makes for a long day.

One neat thing about the day is that I ran into someone from high school. We were in Brownies together. While we were not friend's in high school - we knew of each other and held mutual friends. Her little girl is so adorable. It was so nice to see her. She looks so happy and reminded me of the good people in high school.


Saturday night was laid back due to the busy day. I did not mind. Sunday was the grocery store after a wonderful breakfast at iHop. My niece was slightly bored with the outing - a sign of her growing up. The remainder of Sunday was easy going - watching TV, playing games, and laundry. And, of course, my Sweetie cooking me dinner.

Friday, January 14, 2005

Happiness Is

Having a husband who can't stand being away from you that he calls about 10 minutes after leaving just to say "I love you and miss you". And then having him im and say that he wants to have lunch saying "I just miss you terribly". Keep in mind, we did not have a fight, or anything like that to prompt this sweetness. My Sweetie simply adores me. Now I have to get some work done so that I can meet him for lunch.

Thursday, January 13, 2005

150 days

As you can tell from the top of the page - if you are reading this on 1/13/04 - there are only 150 days left of my pregnancy. Of course, this is not the exact number, but close enough to make me freak a little.

So on Monday, I caved and bought maternity jeans. They are great - no panel - but they are a bit big for me, I have to pull them up LOL. Talk about a boost, to wear the size I was before and have them big, I know it is because they are maternity, can't a girl have her moment.

Back to the 150 day thing. 8/16/04 was 150 days ago - that seems like day before yesterday. There is so much to do, and so little time. I think I will start making some lists. Also need to recruit for painting and such.

OK fine so I actually got on here to post some GREAT NEWS!!!! While I am not old, my doctor did want me to go ahead and get the AFP testing. I gave my blood on Jan 3rd at our last appointment, I always end up giving blood while I am there.

THE GOOD NEWS??? All three tests came back NEGATIVE. I know it doesn't rule out everything, but what a relief. It wasn't until after the call that I realized that I wasn't nervous or scared about the outcome. However, I will NEVER turn away good news.

Now we wait on the Cystic Fibrosis test. I am not worried about this one. However, my sweetie and I have a good friend with the disease and my Sweetie also does pro-bono work for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, so we wanted to make sure. Mind you the outcome will not result in termination, only allowing us time to cope with anything that our future holds.

How can it be 11 days until our level 2 sonogram. I so desperately need to see the little one. Not so much about finding out the sex, but making sure about its health.

Last Friday Amelia came to visit. She is very petite. At 2.5 months she is doing wonderfully. Her neck is strong and holding up her head. She isn't as small as I was afraid, but still a little intimidating.

Monday night our long-time friend, with my Sweetie since 7th grade and me for the last 12.5 years, and wife came to visit. They brought along their 2.5 year old and 5.5 month old. I must say 3 months makes a huge difference. I was not intimidated by this precious child. She is wonderful. Now the 2.5 year old, that is my speed. She was so cute. She went into the dining room, after telling bob hello a million times, and pulled out a chair. She sat down and so cutely said "I want dinner". I asked if she wanted to come and play in the living room and she said "no, I want dinner". We settled it with cheerios and OJ. She is so cute with saying "please" and "thank you". I gave her a color changing plastic spoon so I was very cool. It is blue and turns purple with cold. So every time she pulled out her spoon she would say "purple". I have only seen her 3 times (she is from his wife's first marriage). However, you wouldn't know it - both girls acted like they completely knew us. I think a trip to Dallas is in order for more quality time. My Sweetie even held the younger girl more than I did.

I think we are ready :-)

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

High School Reunion and Other Thoughts

My high school reunion in this summer. I assume, based off of other reunions, that it will be around June. Perfect timing, huh? I decided if I am nice and cutely round that I will attend. There are a few people that I would like to see and shove my pregnancy in their faces - sorry hormones and all :-) If I recently had the baby, there is no way that I am going. Because of this fact, I dream a lot about high school. The dreams are not me when I was in high school - but rather me going back. Several dreams have me having to go back to finish my MBA. Where I must take high school courses in order to graduate. In one I even planned on attending the prom and thought - wow I will be so pregnant then and reminded myself that I am not a normal graduating senior. This makes sense. I am graduating with my MBA 10 years after high school. I am very proud of this fact. I have issues with some that I might run into at the reunion and am trying to prepare myself. My goal was to look great - but now that I can't lose any weight, I have to focus on cuteness.

Pregnancy is interesting - it brings out many feelings and about things that you don't expect. I am overly emotional about everything. Family and friends are dear to me. Those who try and cause problems with my family or friends get me irate. It is hard to explain. And here I am going off topic.

It has been almost 10 years since graduation. What has changed? Well I am sitting at work, for one thing. I also am very happily married, own a home, almost have an MBA complete, and am working on bringing a new life into this world. I am also a very different person with very different friends. My self esteem is higher, in spite of my weight being higher as well. I am a completely different person than I was then. My only real constant is my Sweetie. For this reason I do not think that I will be that upset if I miss the reunion.



Tuesday, January 11, 2005

My Secret

Baby made its presence today with not one, but three movements over about a 4 hour period. I felt sensations before that mothers tell me were the baby. However, this is the first time that I felt something that I knew was the baby. It is amazing. I am just over 18 weeks. According to the books, I am right on schedule. This makes it very real. It also make me want the 24th to be here already.

Sunday, January 09, 2005

Weekend Insight

As music heals, movies remind us. The cinema shows us an alternative to our ordinary life, a chance remind us of how things could be. I am a very passionate person, what I listen to and watch affect me deeply. I relate these moments to my life and use the characters' lives to reflect on my own. The results, for me at least, are my life is better than I thought it was going into the movie.

Another thing that fascinates me on a daily basis, and probably why my first major was psychology, is how every person's life is different. Even when living under the same roof, each life is individual. My thoughts, emotions, and experiences are my own. No one can take them from me. At the same time, others may try to alter your universe, to penetrate the umbrella of happiness. I believe it is up to you, the attacked, to choose if the umbrella begins to leak and cause unhappiness, or if you dance in the new exposure embracing the changes and allowing a learning and growing experience from the situation. After life, what is life without learning and growth?

I am not certain of my stance on reincarnation. However, either way, I think we need to try to get the most we can out of life. I am not referring to items, money, or status. I mean learning with life experiences, in learning how to be a stronger and more independent person. I believe life is a constant evolution of oneself. At least that is my goal. No matter what is handed to me, and I have been handed some nasty shit, I try to grow, expand, and learn more about myself during these trying times.

I am no saint, there are days that I dwell too long on the badness. I have to pick up my frame of mind and turn it to the good aspects of life. Sometimes this is hard. Depression causes the mind-set to feel cemented in at times. However, it is my goal. My Sweetie says I am strong and compassionate. How I can deal with things and how, I try at least, to keep a positive outlook, impresses him. Just as an example, I can take the most horrible of days and create wonderful memories to sit along side. I do not replace the bad in the day - I simply create good around it in order to learn from, grow from, and in the end became a happier and more well-adjusted person.

I think the most important thing about life is to learn from, never forget completely, hold no regrets, and move on. Once a minute passes, we cannot change it. Once an action completes we can no longer take it back. Regret is a waste. I have always believed this. I try to live without regret, to live embracing the moment focusing on the future. While what happens in the past defines us, the present is the only moment we have to live.

I believe in fate, signs, and meant-to-be's. I think that events happen - good or bad - for a reason. And after something bad happens the best thing in to do is to take stock in your current situation. The present must outweigh the past.

Now that I rambled long enough. I will end with this. I am so very happy right now. I embrace the future as I see how wonderful the present treats me. I focus on continual growth and development. I will not allow the past to drive me or define me.

Friday, January 07, 2005

Random

I must apologize about this post. I have no goal for writing today. I am just going to write as things come to me.

Today is a beautiful day. The sun is out and the grass is green from all the recent rain. I have to work tomorrow. Not looking forward to it, but I will be a trooper and come in with my smiling face.

I get to meet Amelia tonight. I cannot wait. She is 2.5 months old. I know seeing her is going to freak me out. I have been around this age before, but it has been quite some time. I like it when they can interact with you, like at one or three.

I am feeling especially pregnant today. I am wearing a shirt that my Sweetie LOVES. It is pink, purple, white and black horizontal stripes. It makes me look so very pregnant. Moreover, he adores when I look pregnant. He even requests me to wear this shirt. He loves that I am pregnant. He adores taking care of me. Last night I worked late went home with an empty belly and, sure enough, when food hit my belly I started throwing up. He instantly stocked my purse with extra snacks. This episode was fairly violent, causing me to be excessively tired after. He was good enough to clean the house while I went to sleep.

I am in a good mood today. I kept the sadness away by focusing on happy thoughts.

Regardless of having to work tomorrow, it is still Friday and that means FUN!

I think I will make my Sweetie take me out on a bit of a date on Saturday.

Thursday, January 06, 2005

Work

I am at work still. Yes, it is late, but I do not mind. Today is one of those days that it really hit me that I like what I do. Even with pregnancy brain - which really set in this week - guess it is because I started my 5th month on Monday. The funny thing is that I am wearing my jeans. Yes, the ones I thought were past their prime. Other than having to wear them slightly lower, they fit. I am not obsessed about weight gain during pregnancy, but I do not want to go crazy either - I have enough weight on me already. I think it is because I am carrying high. Although, after 4 months I am still below my pre-pregnancy weight by 5 pounds. My complete aversion to sweets is gone. However, I do not have the sweet tooth that I did before - good thing. One other thing that I noticed is that my tongue allergy to citrus is worsened by a great deal. I will have to be extra careful when choosing foods. I am aching to start walking again. Unfortunately work and the weather keep interfering.

OK I must brag about my Sweetie again - I know as everyone sighs. But he has been the best. He takes such good care of me. I know of many women who were not pampered during pregnancy. I cannot claim that even in a joking fashion. Yesterday I mentioned that I was hungry for Sloppy Joes. So on the way home we stopped and picked up the stuff and he went home to cook everything for me. This is the way it has been since we conceived - before we knew for sure. I do not lift a finger. I must say, if you can live this lifestyle - you should try it. It is all with the goal of keeping me healthy and stress free. So far that is working. Overall, my stress is so much below normal.

CPA is worrying me. My pregnancy brain is changing my ability to comprehend items. I knew that memory loss was normal - but to all of the sudden feel like you are in a bizarro version of Flowers for Algernon. Something entered my body and changed my brain to that of a simpleton. I worry that suddenly while testing that I will forget the simple balance sheet formula taught in accounting 101. This does not mean that I am giving up on the idea. Not by a long shot. I know I can do it, I might just require a little more studying than before baby.

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

2005 and Contemplation

2005 is a big year. I know as a child 2005 sounded like light years away. However, as time often does, 2005 arrived quickly. This year marks a significant b-day with my Sweetie turning 30, an MBA graduation for me, first baby for us, and hopefully some CPA accomplished.

Every year is its own creature. You know what I mean. While some things are constant, every year feels slightly different from the last, whether it is based on worldly events or situations close to home. This year will be no exception.

As my belly swells, I am reminded of the commitment and love between my Sweetie and I. What truly amazes me is the ability for a married couple to evolve. I know of several situations where the evolution turned the relationship sour. However, I am a witness to the opposite. Our marriage is very different today from the beginning, or even a year ago. This evolution is not what I would have expected. At least my analytical brain would never put this cause and effect together. We are stronger, more passionate, and more respectful than ever. I could token it to falling in love. Although when you fall in love, typically, you do not know the person very well and are in the new phase of the relationship. While feelings are deep for this person, complete security and unconditional love take time. No, this is not like falling in love. Our situation is more like walking along a path in a park. You believe it to be the most beautiful area, in spite of some of the surroundings. You walk it daily enjoying the beauty. One day you find yourself falling into a hole, a hole that somehow you missed. While falling, you feel hurt and pain. The reward is when you land. The beautiful park of before compares nothing to the enchanted-like forest you stand in now. The miracle is when you discover that you stand within the park from before - only transformed into something more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

If you have never experienced such a transformation, this may not make any sense. If your transformation was only to the worse, simply imagine the exact opposite happening. My life, in so many ways, is so different from 4 months ago. It is for the better. I still feel that I am in a transformation, a dream state of sorts. I feel that at any minute I will awake to find that the beautiful forest does not exist. I cling to this state, not knowing what the future holds, not knowing how 2005 will feel.

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Baby and Anniversary

Yesterday marked the next appointment with our OBGYN as well as our 7th wedding anniversary. We started the day at the doctor. While we did not receive a sonogram this time, we did get to hear the heartbeat. It is wonderful. Just another visit to make this event more real.

We then headed to the Georgetown courthouse to purchase my Sweetie's vehicle registration. I didn't mind - it meant more time with him on our special day. After, we went to WhataBurger, as we do every year. You see after our wedding we were hungry so we went to WhataBurger in our wedding wear for dinner. The limo did not fit in the drive-through so we walked in. Every year we go for lunch or dinner in honor of this special day. We finally made it in to work at about 1:30. That makes for a nice and short day.

We celebrated after work with dinner at our favorite Chinese place of all time, Nanking. The evening was rather relaxed since our vacation served as a week long celebration. We did enjoy the remaining portion of my non-alcoholic cranberry apple champagne and Godiva chocolates, which is another tradition of ours.

Gifts? You want to know about gifts? Of course you do.

My Sweetie tries to stick with the traditional gifts, or rather the material of the traditional gifts. For example our first anniversary he made me a dozen paper daisies and a book filled with original poems. 1st anniversary is Paper. Our 5th he carved his love into wood. 5 is wood. Seven is cooper and wool. I received a medium sized square copper bowl filled with pebbles. Inside the pebbles held a white vase. In the white vase are flowers made from wool. On top of the rocks are many pieces of folded up paper naming the reasons why he loves me. My Sweetie is so very romantic.

I gave my Sweetie a large copper colored metal star that holds a candle. When lit the light comes out through many small holes. Inside the star I put an original poem about the importance of stars in our relationship right now. I also gave him a very neat picture frame for his desk at work. This is to symbolize our future. Along with these items, I took a copper pen and wrote renewal vows. As you can tell, we both are very romantic.

I think back 7 years ago, I was 21 and he was 22. We thought we knew everything. We thought we were adults. We were not. Yes, we paid our bills and lived on our own, but when I look back I see ignorance. Every year with this man is better and better. Even the hard years have something better about them. Whether it is learning from mistakes or overcoming obstacles in a way that brings us closer together, every year we become closer friends, more intimate as lovers, and a stronger couple.

The events of this past year prove to me that we can overcome anything. Together we are unstoppable. I love being married to my Sweetie. I cherish everyday that I have with him. I am honored to be the woman that stands by his side.

I love you Terry.

Monday, January 03, 2005

Day Four of vacation and New Years

Day Four was our last real day of "our" vacation. We slept in, ate breakfast, slept more and headed to USA Baby. I know that it is still a large chain, but it is nicer items with MUCH better customer service. The location is close to SKIDS - although it seems to take forever to get there now. It was a wonderful way to end our vacation.

Friday was relaxed as well. My Sweetie, mom, and I went to ICOM to help clean up. It appears the end is very near. This was very emotional. I started there over 7 years ago. It is where I worked when my father passed away, where I brought my mom to reenter the workforce, and where I determined that I wanted to go back to school for accounting. I learned a lot of lessons there. This was the first, of many, steps of independence for me. During the two years I worked there I got married, bought a house, and went back to school. Not too shabby considering I started at 20 and left at 22.

Friday night - New Years Eve. It was exactly what I needed. I only wanted to be with my Sweetie, not meaning wanting to be alone, but wanting to be near him. We had a party invitation, but I did not want to get out in the traffic and hustle and bustle. Instead we had my brother, SIL, and mother over for snacks and games. It was relaxing and enjoyable.

Saturday - New Years. It was nice and laid back. My Sweetie, mother, and I went to Luby's for lunch - tradition. Then we were spontaneous and went to see The Incredibles. I liked it a lot.

Sunday was the normal routine of shopping and chores. However, we did have dinner with Best Friend, her husband, and her oldest friend. This past week is when I have really started feeling better. No getting sick for over a week and a half. It is so amazing. But that really is for another post.