What a weekend

My life is interesting. When it is busy, it is busy. Let us recap.

Friday – Dinner with my Mentor and three fellow students was wonderful. Everyone petted the belly and told me how wonderful I look. My mentor has a great opportunity and will go to China in August for a year with a university swap program. It is so good for her. Luckily, she will be in town for my shower, graduation, and when Baby arrives. It is very interesting for five accountants to get together, especially when 4 attended the same undergraduate and graduate programs and the other taught us all during our undergraduate degrees. I love how strong I feel around these women. My mentor did wonderful things for me regarding career and education decisions as well as my self-esteem.

Friday night our friends from Dallas, Terry’s best friend since High School, arrived with their two little girls. They are so cute. They stayed through this morning and we had a great time. After the girls went to sleep, we played games both nights. This was nice. We have not really played games with him since he moved out in 2003.

Our friends visited family while my Sweetie and I celebrated SIL’s b-day. Dave & Buster’s is so much fun. After my Sweetie beat me a number of times with the horse racing, he won me another big pillow. This time the pillow is a big orange daisy, simply perfect. He loves making me happy.

Today, after saying goodbye to our friends, we went to the store with Mom and Brother. I had some ligament pain during the store so it was not the happiest, but I still had fun. After the store, and some much needed Tylenol, we simply sat and talked for a few hours. Brother is doing so well. I love seeing him once a week. I hope it is helping him. Before he left we looked at the nursery to evaluate what needs to happen to make it perfect for our little one. Sweetie organized the room a lot before our friends arrived, so it was the perfect time for taking stock. We determined that the next step needs to be painting. This is exciting. So much to do and we are so ready. Playing with our friend’s children helps with our confidence level, especially the younger one. She is wonderful. Seeing my Sweetie holding a baby makes me so very happy.

So another whirlwind weekend comes to a close. We had a great time with family and friends. I love playing games with my Sweetie. Even with all the activity and group get-togethers my Sweetie took the best care of me. I hit the point in my pregnancy where discomfort sets in. This started Friday night. My Sweetie was so sweet and massaged my back while we played games with friends. Just one of the little things that he dose to show his support and devotion with our relationship.

Since Budi did not fully appreciate my Shower Scene post, I will try to keep in mind that a variety of readers enjoy my life. However, I cannot promise that occasional descriptions of loving moments will not appear in this blog : - )

100 Days

See my ticker today? It says 100 days. That is crazy. That means tomorrow we enter the double digits until baby’s due date. WOW. This is even more symbolic because my Sweetie and I planned our wedding in 100 days. From the point of deciding to move up the wedding and proceeding with the planning to the actual day of celebration, we only had 100 days. So 100 days means a lot to me. I cannot believe that 180 days of pregnancy have passed – 167 since conception. That sounds like so much compared to 24 weeks. It feels like so much longer. Life has been so wonderful, fulfilling, and complete since September 18, 2004.

Good Day Good Day

OK back to accounting speak. My company uses a 5-day close. This varies from company to company. I worked with 10 and 20 before and now this one is the fastest. Now it is not as bad as it sounds because we are a much larger department. This close I was determined to show off for my boss. Our Controller insisted that 5-day close actually become a 5-day close, sometimes other areas take longer. Today is day 4. Moreover, I am DONE. I ROCK. My boss called me a superstar today. Hope that means he is taking note. I feel accomplished in my work the last couple of weeks. I have worked hard and smart, with little overtime. I do like my job. I am lucky that I can wear flip-flops and jeans. I do not have a “do or die” start time in the morning and I can take lunch whenever I get hungry. While I mostly eat at my desk so I can leave early, another benefit, I am not penalized for a long lunch. I am having a “very happy with my job” day.

I just got word that my brother changed his work schedule so he can spend Sunday with me. This makes me very happy. My Sweetie has to work some this weekend. If he wants, I will go in with him and help him feel productive. In spite of such business, I plan to have a wonderful weekend.

Shower Scenes and Weekend Plans

Last night was our second Birthing class. It was great. We were late because of awful traffic. The new Whole Foods opened. This is so nice. We went there for dinner. It really is a neat store. However, the opening caused a lot of downtown to stand in gridlock. While we were late for class, we were not the last to arrive and we did not miss anything. This class was more interactive and Sweetie did great. It helped that our baby was very active with kicking and punching all through the class. Of course, during the relaxation and breathing time my Sweetie started singing silly songs in my ear making me laugh. That is the key to a lasting marriage – laughter.

When we got home, we attempted to order our crib. Apparently, this crib is going to haunt us. Once again, we found that the one that we want is sold out – from two locations. We might have to look into another crib for our precious angel to sleep.

Right now, I am experiencing a bit of a sinus headache due to all the recent rain. Once again, the sky is grey and cloudy. This is not going to kill my mood today. I slept great and woke up so comfortable in our bed. You know what I am talking about, when your sheets are extra comfy and you dread experiencing the cold morning – ok cold for Texas mind you. The solution? To sleep an extra snooze and compromise with a co-shower to save time. OK so it was not that big of a compromise.  Although, the shower is getting tight with my belly. I do not think the manufacturer intended on the shower holding three. I can’t imagine how it would be if I was like some on my pregnancy board who have gained 30 pounds. It was so much fun though as Sweetie soaped up my back and we discussed my ever-growing belly. I know TMI, but it made me happy – so you get to read about it.

Tonight I doubt I will be able to post, so I am getting my fill in today. Luckily, today is a slower day as I have completed 99% of my close responsibilities. The only item left involves me waiting on others. Tonight I am meeting with two-three school friends and my undergraduate Accounting Professor (my mentor). It should be fun. I have not seen them since I started showing. I am so cute today in my new shoes. Did I mention how much I love these shoes? I am also wearing a cute pink t-shirt and a black short skirt. The funny thing is that the only “maternity” item that I am wearing is my shirt. I am very luck with how much of my pre-pregnancy clothing that I can still wear.

Tonight we also have friends coming from Dallas. This should be fun since they are bringing their two little girls. We already warned them that the extra room is a mess right now. This helps me from freaking out. They are coming to see family so we are happy to help with a place to sleep. I love their girls and enjoy anytime that I can spend with them. The camera is loaded and ready.

Tomorrow (like all weekends it seems) we have plans. This time they are very fun plans. It is my SIL’s (husband’s sister) b-day celebration. We are going to Dave & Busters to play games and have a fun time. This is something that I love doing with my Sweetie. I tend to kick his butt on racing games. For the evening, we might get together with Mom, Brother, and his wife. Ever since his hospital-visit, he is making sure that he sees us on a weekly basis. I like this. This is how we are getting closer. I need to make efforts of the same for my MIL and SIL. I do not see them as much as I would like.

Time Flies

I know I say it with each week, but I cannot believe that I am 26 weeks this weekend. This is getting close. Best Friend is working with my mom regarding my shower. This makes sense since they recommend showers for around 30 weeks. That is only a month away, which means only 10 weeks until graduation, and like 8 weeks of school. There is so much to do for school. I think I will have to start having my Saturday mornings on campus to get everything complete. It will be very worth it though to walk for my MBA. In addition, I graduate on Mother’s Day weekend. There cannot be a better present. I get to graduate with our baby inside me and Sweetie hopefully will have baby in the world for Father’s day. It has been a long time since father’s day was special. I am hoping she comes before June 19, but I am afraid she will be much like her mama and decide to be 2 weeks late which puts her a week late for father’s day.

Last night my mom and I finalized the list for the shower. I do not consider myself an overly popular person. I have my group of friends and a small family. However, we came up with 30 names. I know that not all will be able to make it. However, it made me happy to be able to list names of friends/family that would want to know about the shower. Want to feel special, list the people with whom you want to share special moments.

If you know me at all, you know that I am not big on the present aspect of the shower. This makes me feel awkward. However, it is part of the ritual and I will play along. My Sweetie and I are hoping to start our registry this weekend. This is stressful – what do we need/want/desire. What will she like? I know that we are over analyzing it. I hope that once we get into the store things will go smoothly. It happened that way with our bridal registry. We had fun making that registry. We need to go ahead and order our crib this weekend. I think our weeknights are going to have to be more productive in getting the nursery ready. I cannot wait. It is time for a nothing-special room to become fabulous.

I just have to share our bedding. This is what my Sweetie fell in love with. We still need to order it, but it is the theme of the room – if you call it a theme. We are having an underlying theme with items in the room that are very “us”.

This is so much fun. Overwhelming? Yes. Scary? Of course. But it is fun. We have our second birthing class tonight. I cannot wait. The only thing I hope is that it is a little more interactive than the first class. It was very informative and I enjoyed it. However, Sweetie has issues with lecture type situations – he starts to go to sleep. Poor guy. Luckily, I know that he retains the information that he hears in a lecture format when he sleeps. This is very funny because he has a habit of appearing to be fully awake when he is sleeping in a non-lecture setting and he never remembers those conversations – lol.

Yummy Dinner

After a wonderful dinner, I am nicely fed sitting in my bed surfing the internet before time to drift off. Sweetie is on his game. He deserves it after cooking me such a wonderful meal. We had the fabulous pork stir-fry.

On the way home the Cyndi Lauper song “Time After Time” came on the radio. I love this song. Today the chorus really made me thing of my Sweetie. In case you forgot the lyrics, or were too young in 1983:

“If you're lost, you can look--and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you--I'll be waiting
Time after time”

This is so how I feel about my Sweetie. I love him unconditionally. Tonight while we were setting the table, he came up behind me and said, “You need to turn around for this”. Of course, I turn around and he grabs me and kisses me passionately. This is the kind of romance that I love.

Very good news, the kitties are great. The baby is acting as if she did not have surgery today. This is unlike any of our other cats. All others would hide under the bed for at least the next day. Not this one, she is begging for loving and playing in the water like nothing happened.

What a difference a day makes

I did not realize what anemia could do to a person. I have never had this problem before. The dark circles under my eyes and my pale complextion are almost back to normal after only one day on the iron supplements. This makes me very happy. I even have more energy today.

Sweetie took our newest kitties to the vet today. Mom to get shots and baby to get fixed. This meant that we had to lock them in the bathroom last night to keep them from eating and such. This killed me. The pregnancy hormones are crazy. I was crying last night because we put them in a bathroom. The next 14.5 weeks are going to be interesting.

I cooked dinner last night. Why do I mention this? Because my Sweetie has been so wonderful and does most everything at home for me. However, last night he wanted my famous Missy Mess. It was so good. It actually felt good to be in the kitchen cooking. To top it off, I was barefoot. That is funny.

I worked like a mad woman today. Not due to overwhelming stress, but because I want to be “on” for this close. So far, this is a success. Alas, I am tired – I think I was working harder than I thought.

It is almost time for me to pack up and head home. Tonight Sweetie and I are making a romantic dinner together. I cannot wait. Let’s hope I can stay awake.

Last thoughts before I head home....

As you hold me in your arms, I know everything will be ok.

Deep within your eyes, I can see how much you adore me.

Your tender touch on my face and on my belly is so loving, yet careful and cautious.

Laughter and smiles fill our time, silly inside jokes for no one but ourselves.

Being apart, for even working hours, causes our hearts to miss being close to each other.

The next step, a child, excites us and brings us closer still.

A simple glance is all I need for you to know if I need a kiss or a hug.

Everyday our love strengthens.

Everyday our commitment reestablishes.

While in public, your affection is strong and obvious. You do not care who sees us.

Daily you tell me how much you love, need, and adore me.

I fit perfectly in your arms as we drift off to sleep.

I need you in my life.

Blogs are Interesting

When I blog, I write what I want to and what I am feeling. I have several loyal readers (family, friends, and some unknowns), yet I do not write for them. I write for myself. If my blog begins to bore you – I am sorry. However, the focus on my blog is my life. My Sweetie has a blog with a different focus. While he cannot help but post from time to time about baby and me, overall his blog is about Design – as most of you know since the majority of my regular visitors also read his blog.

My SIL – husband’s sister – uses LiveJournal. She likes a feature that restricts who can read her posts. It works for her. However, I like blogger better. I like that whatever I write is accessible to anyone. If I put it out there, then it is ripe for the picking. I know this means that I am vulnerable in some aspects to those whom I do not care for. However, I am willing to take that chance. I do not write my blog for them. I use this as a tool, as a journal, as a way to express myself in a semi-creative way. With how things are in my life right now, I want a place to document how I feel. Things are so wonderful and I never want to forget.

I read several blogs on a regular basis. Some caught my attention with their history, others with their current situation. While I do not know these individuals in real life, I do know about aspects of their life. In addition, I am drawn back to read more on a daily basis.

Last night Sweetie and I went over to Best Friend’s house. I had homework to do so I packed up my laptop. While I sat in the living room using their wireless network, I had a sudden moment of technology overload. While this is not the first time for me to travel with my laptop in this manner, something about last night hit me. I was chatting with a friend in Dallas while sitting with my Best Friend. I had my computer, so all of my bookmarks as well as my documents were with me. It was not long ago, where our biggest form of communication was not e-mail or cell phones. Now, I have a cell phone, wireless internet, and a blog to inform all about my daily life. So very strange.

Beautiful Day

Yesterday, and so far today, have been so beautiful. Blue Sky, scarce clouds, green lawns, and a slight chill in the air make for a happy Missy. As much as I love the rain and overcast, nice beautiful days after a storm are so very enjoyable. Spring is definitely coming. I cannot wait. Of course Baby is coming in June and that is still in spring, so that might be a little overwhelming.

I made the official decision that I am waiting to test for CPA until after baby. Between pregnancy brain (which I didn’t truly believe in until I began experiencing it), wanting to do well in my last class, preparing the house for baby, and simply wanting to spend every second that I can with my Sweetie before we become three, sitting for the CPA now would only cause unneeded stress. I know that I am eligible to sit and I have the review information. The next step is only to apply myself and finish the tests. No rush.

The last day of the month is the slowest for me. Some other areas of Accounting experience this time as the busiest, such as Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable. However, since I am General Ledger, I come in after the fact and clean everything up. Tomorrow, I will be busy – actually this whole week will be busy. I completed what I can today before Inventory, AP, and AR finalize their numbers. For now, I am enjoying the calm before the storm and using this time to make “to do” lists and a brain-break.

Yesterday, while out with my Sweetie and Mom, we went to Kohls for shoes. I actually found some sandals that will be good for my back. And I listened to my Sweetie and bought the ones that made my feet feel wonderful. They are sporty and feel like slippers. Between that and the cream pops that we got at the store – I was in a good mood.

Today I sit working and looking out my window to a beautiful clear blue sky. While I wish I could be outside enjoying the weather, I am happy to at least have my window to look out.

Cleaning for a New Life

I know that I am blogging a lot this weekend. There is simply so much going on. We just got back from MotoDiva’s. Today was interesting with packing up her things. We helped as much as we could, with me as supervisor of course. Sweetie helped with lifting heavy boxes and being as wonderful as always.

It is very emotional to go through a house with a friend and decide what stays and what goes. I cannot help but think about my marriage. It would take forever to split everything up between us. Not because of how much we own, but because most everything we own is “ours” and not simply “mine” or “his”. I received several random hugs and kisses during the day from my Sweetie thanking me for our relationship. That always makes me happy.

Supporting my dear friend makes me realize how wonderful my marriage really is. It is something I hope I never take for granted.

Pregnancy is Strange

OK so today I decided that I wanted to measure myself. In the past, with working to lose weight, I measured myself regularly. This time was very different. I did not walk in hoping to go down another size, or with any other expectations. I simply wanted to see how my body has changed with my 25 weeks of pregnancy.

While my weight remains lower than pre-pregnancy, hey a pound is a pound; I figured my body would be very different. This week the baby has changed my diaphragm drastically causing the smallest of tasks to cause me to be out of breath. This is great for the ego ☹ Luckily, we discussed this in our child birthing class and I no longer feel as a freak.

This morning I ventured into the bathroom with the latest measurements in hand – could not find the set right before we got pregnant, so I settled for one a month before as it should be close enough. This time I was not nervous about the whole ordeal, simply curious.

At 25 weeks, the only difference is my belly. I assumed that I would gain on my thighs and hips, as much a part of pregnancy as the belly. However, not me, I am the same as I was in August. My waist is four inches larger – really, I thought it would be more. She has grown rapidly this past week. Since I always measured my chest under the breast, I know TMI, and it is the same as well.

On my pregnancy board, there are women who are like me with no gain and those who have already hit 25 pounds gained. Each pregnant woman is different, as each pregnancy. Since I started with more padding than needed, I worried about how any additional weight would affect baby or me. However, pregnancy is not the time to diet or add additional exercise. My savior has been my lack of appetite. My biggest issue, is not sweets surprisingly, it is salty like fries and chips. Overall, I watch what I eat, but do not limit or deprive myself of any indulgences. It will be interesting to see how the next 15 weeks go with body changes.

DarkDiva says the best tool for weight loss is being madly in love. I think this is very true and why my weight has not gone crazy.

So Very Tired Today

While I slept wonderfully last night, I am dragging today. Luckily, I found out why. I have pregnancy anemia. This is nothing scary. 95% of women suffer from the needed iron supplement. It has to do with my blood supply increasing so rapidly. So, I get to take a iron supplement along with my prenatal vitamin. Nothing bad. The good news is that the Cystic Fibrosis test came back negative – YAY! Also, my glucose test came back good. This means that, for now at least, I do not have to worry about gestational diabetes.

I was so busy at work today. So busy I did not eat until close to 2:00. While not eating makes me feel less than wonderful, I do love being up to my eyeballs in spreadsheets analyzing data and reconciling accounts. And my new computer ROCKS!! Although it is a PC….

Tonight was a fun filled evening with SIL, Brother, Mom, and Sweetie. It is so nice to have my Brother back to his old self. Tomorrow our plans are to sleep in and then head to MotoDiva’s to give support. I am hoping to get some relaxation this weekend – that and to get started on preparing house for baby.

Lost Love and Those Around

Today marks a very special day. We start our child birth class tonight. For the next four weeks we will be in class from 6:30-9:00. I can’t believe we are at this point. My Mom bought me a new shirt (pink of course) that I am wearing today. It makes me look very pregnant – so Sweetie is happy. Since the classes start so close to when we get off work, I drove Sweetie into work today. I will leave a little early and we are going to have dinner before heading to the hospital with our two pillows and a blanket.

On sad news, I found out that MotoDiva is leaving her husband. I do not know the details, nor would I post them here. It makes me sad. However, it makes me appreciate what I have with my Sweetie. We have proven that we can make it through anything while gaining strength and confidence. So, it is hard for me to see a couple close to us not make it. I want to hug my Sweetie right now. He found out before I did and sent me an IM thanking me for being with him. He is such a wonderful man.

I do not usually share private conversations – but this is what I received from my Sweetie during lunch today on instant messenger:

Me: sometimes Chick-fil-A is good, but not great - this time it is GREAT
Sweetie: that's awesome, mouse
Me: makes me smile
Sweetie: my sammich is very tasty today, too... i wonder if our lunches taste better than normal today because of "us" being "us" still and as strong as we are.
Me: you are going to make me cry
Sweetie: I love you so much
Sweetie: everything seems so much richer to me right now... more valuable...
Sweetie: you -are- the single most important thing in my life, Missy. I need you.
Me: I love you

On good news, we think we decided on a name. This is HUGE. This is a person’s life that we are forming. So far, pending any pregnancy last minute thoughts, we are going with the VERY unique name. Well, it isn’t a name. But we love it and are making it a name. So when you find out keep in mind that it is unique and please let it grow on you before you react. We thought long and hard about this one. This is the name we chose. The name that is perfect for us.

Getting Better

I think, knock on wood, that I am finally better. The last two nights I actually slept. This is good. Last night I slept great. I passed out early – ok not too early – but I went straight into a deep sleep. And much to my surprise I awoke to laundry complete (and put away), dishes done, and coffee table organized. My Sweetie is wonderful. These things were not even stressing me out. He did it all because he wants to make me happy. Little does he know that all I need to be happy is to hear that he loves me and to feel his wonderful hug.

Work was good today. I was busy and I got a new computer. This is huge since mine was crashing with errors talking about disk failures. Now I will be able to work more efficiently. If only it was a laptop…..

Sweetie was so cute this morning. As we were finishing getting ready for work he asked if we could ride together. He loves adding any minutes that he can to our time together. Hard to say no to such a cute face.

I just have to say it again; I am so happy right now. I feel close to my family. I am happy with my job. School is almost over. I have wonderful friends. And most importantly, I feel completely secure in my marriage and in our new little family. I am so very lucky.

Of course, there is that whole fact of having to be an adult now. No, two cars, a mortgage, college degrees, careers, and pushing 30 does not make you an adult. Having a child does though, LOL. There is no one else that I would want to become an adult with. It helps that we know each other better than anyone else knows us. Like how he knows if I move my legs a certain way it means that I am sick. I know that he stayed up too late if his eyes have purple lines under them. Of course, I won’t post everything that I know that others don’t, there is something so wonderful in being the only one who knows these things.

Baby has been wonderful today, kicking away. I love to feel these kicks. It is hard to describe. But it is wonderful. I can’t wait until this weekend. We are getting started on preparing the house for baby. There is a lot to do. However, I have a plan in place that will have everything ready before graduation. Yes, for those who know me, it is in Excel. And yes, I do have a copy at work and at home.

This post is so long because I am waiting on Sweetie to come and pick me up. It doesn’t bother me, it just causes me to have mushy gushy feelings since I just talked to him – heehee – and I have access to a computer – and a fast one now.

Tonight I have to do my school work. Let’s hope I can stay awake.

True Love

Want to know what true love is? When your man gives you his free iTunes cap to use for any song you want. Yep, that is what my Sweetie did tonight – it was a great surprise. Once again, simple pleasures. That is after drawing me a wonderful bubble bath. I have not taken a bath in months (don't worry I do shower, LOL) for fear that the baths that I like would be too hot for Baby. Imagine my surprise to find out that my baths were not in the “too hot” range. This means I have my baths back.

Pretty in Pink

Today’s appointment proved what we were hoping for – Indeed Baby is a GIRL. We are so happy. The drink did not taste as bad as I was afraid. However, it really affected me. I got jittery and could not think very straight. Nothing serious – but I did check the wrong doctor’s name when we arrived. Apparently, pregnancy brain is very common because the receptionist simply confirmed who my correct doctor is.

Overall, the appointment was fast. Other than waiting to give my blood (has to be one hour after finishing the drink), we were in and out. Urine test looks good. Weight is great – still down one pound from pre-pregnancy weight. Blood pressure is good. Baby’s heartbeat is strong. And get this – she has long legs. How is this possible? I am starting to think it will not be long before she is taller than I am. One nice thing about appointment day is that my Sweetie brings me to work – this means he has to pick me up.

I have to work on some schoolwork tonight, research for my big project. This is for my group project. Luckily, we split up the work needed for a Monday deadline. This semester has not been bad – although I have always taken more than one course – so that might be part of it. Five and a half years of more than one – sometimes 5 classes, while working full time, starts to seem normal.

I am just so happy that she let us see her parts – lol.

Now we feel motivated to work on her bedroom.

This is such an amazing journey. I knew it would change me (emotionally, physically, spiritually) but I had no idea the impact on my marriage. I knew my Sweetie would be interested and informed about the pregnancy, I had no idea that he would be so engaged in the process. He even refers to it as “our” pregnancy.

I think I am going to kidnap my Sweetie for a big date this weekend. OK so it will not be that big of a surprise since he reads my blog. Since the nausea left, we have not really had a great date night. I am aching to have a romantic evening with him. I have a cute black dress that wants to go out on the town. All I need is maternity hose – what fun. It is amazing how the same weight can be such a different shape. I cannot see my feet when I am standing straight – lol.

I read some other blogs of pregnant women and they post their bellies. I will consider doing this. Of course, it will have to be a great picture.

One. Two. Three. Hormonal.

Tomorrow morning is our next appointment, week 24. I have my glucose test then. This involves drinking a super sugary orange soda within 5-10 minutes and then giving blood after an hour. I hope that Baby will let us know for sure about the sex.

I love these appointments. My Sweetie goes to each one with me. His only request, as any other day, is that I dress to where I look very pregnant. He loves it when I show off my belly. He simply glows every time he looks at me. I am not the only one who sees it, in my love stricken state, everyone comments on how happy he is. If you know my Sweetie at all, you know he is a very passionate person. He finds it difficult to hide emotions when he feels them strongly. Even my Diva friends comment on how he takes such good care of me and is so in-love with me. This is the same reason we are always kissing and hugging each other – regardless of where we are or who is around. Sorry if this gets to anyone ☺ OK not really, I do not care what anyone thinks – I love being close to him. I love that I get to go to sleep in his arms every night and wake up next to him every morning. I love that we speak our own language or simply with our eyes. I love the history that we have and the future that is ours for the taking. Most of all, I love how he adores me, how he adores us. He is my best friend, husband, lover, companion, and my soul mate. And with soul-mates, even the biggest obstacles cannot keep the couple apart. These obstacles only make the couple stronger. What can I say? I love that man of mine.

OK enough mush for now. Stay tuned for more ultra hormonal pregnancy blogs.

I am Official

After almost nine months at my current employer, I received my nameplate. The time delay was only due to my not pressing the issue. The AP Manager was nice enough to make sure that I receive one. She looks after the GL group. We are small (only 5 of us), so AP adopted us and includes us with their functions and decorations.

The most wonderful thing is the amount of time that I have been with my employer. I was only with SKIDS for 7.5 months. I was looking for a job even before I hit the 6-month point. This place tried to break me. It is the only job where I walked out. My current employer is so much better. I enjoy the work. Even with a hard day, I do not dread going in the next morning. And now with baby on the way, I know it is where I am supposed to be.

Happy Weekend

I am so happy today. My Sweetie and I spent a lot of time with my Mother, MIL, and Brother today. I love living so close to our family. I love being able to spend time with our family without having to drive for hours or purchase airfare.

I also met with my Capstone group. This is my last class at my beloved university. While only one of my groups in the MBA program proved to be less than desirable, I worried that this last class would also provide a crappy return. This is not the case. My group seems organized, willing to work together, and competent to graduate in May. I think this is going to be a good semester. What is shocking is that we only have 10 weeks left of class and only 12 until graduation. This year is already passing so quickly.

I am finally starting to feel better. I hope it continues. This cold has kicked my butt.

Alas, it is time for me to put my laptop away and cuddle in the arms of the man I adore.

100 things about me

1.I was a bicentennial baby
2.Never lived more than 15 miles from the hospital I was born
3.I can be very silly
4.I can be very serious
5.I believe in comfort over fashion
6.I am 5'
7.I met my husband when I was 15
8.Married when I was 21
9.our honeymoon was at Disney World, it was wonderful
10.we are still together and are very happy
11.in fact happier than we have ever been
12.My family is very important to me
13.and often try to solve all their problems - rarely does this happen
14.I had four majors before deciding on accounting
15.I still long to do something with psychology
16.I was the first in my family to earn a college degree
17.Daisies are my favorite flower
18.Butterflies are also my favorite
19.they tend to follow me during stressful/emotional times
20.Did not ride a roller coaster until I was 16
21.It was the Texas Giant in Six Flags in Dallas
22.First airplane trip was when I was 18
23.It was my first time to leave the state of Texas and the country
24.When I am stressed I am obsessive about biting off all my nails
25.When I am writing a paper I am the same way about my toe nails
26.no, I do not bite them - I have to clip them
27.although I could physically bite my big toe nail before pregnancy
28.even with being overweight
29.I do not smoke
30.although I have smoked and "smoked" in the past
31.but never as a habit or on a consistent basis - purely social for both
32.and did not try "smoking" until I was 22 - I didn't care for it
33.I have never tried anything harder
34.I do not drink coffee in the mornings
35.instead I crave cold water and drink it all day
36.I like to drink Shirley Temples
37.They remind me of my Grandpa
38.As well as Tin Roof Ice-cream and Root Beer Floats
39.I received my love for ice-cream from him
40.I only drink alcohol on a social basis
41.and when this happens it is normally way too much
42.I am a "love everyone" drunk
43.I have lost more family members than currently survive
44.With every loss I try to focus on improving my life
45.when we lost my father-in-law my husband, then fiancee, and I moved in together
46.when we lost my father we moved up the wedding
47.when we lost my grandpa is when I started looking at going back to school
48.although it took a year before I got my butt in gear
49.I love being married
50.we have grown from mistakes
51.once you realize you really are with a person by choice - things can't help but improve
52.I know I am free to leave - I want to stay
53.I like watching stupid tv reruns before going to bed
54.I like thunder storms
55.I sing in the mornings - not only in the shower
56.mostly made up songs to the cats and my Husband
57.I have six cats - yes way too many
58.they are my furry children
59.we always wanted children
60.but wanted to wait until after I completed my education
61.I think we will be better parents for it
62.I will graduate when I am 36 weeks pregnant
63.I suffer from, and fight, depression
64.I do not like to use medication
65.It makes me feel numb
66.when I am upset, I tend to keep it in and try to stay away from others
67.a stress relief tool for me is a nice bubble bath or a long walk
68.One of my biggest accomplishments is financial independence
69.I sleep with a stuffed pooh bear
70.I get teary eyed with the national anthem
71.I use music as therapy
72.Such as Chicago, Tori Amos, and Sarah McLachlan
73.During hard times I listen to one album over and over
74.This repetition also works with movies
75.my mother and I reached a point of quoting lines from Steel Magnolias
76.it is how we bonded after my grandmother's death
77.I have completed two half marathons for charity
78.these were huge accomplishments
79.My husband met me on the course of the second and cheered me on until the end
80.I want a job that helps the community
81.my favorite thing in the world is being in my husband's arms
82.there is nothing more comforting to me - regardless of the situation
83.I am short enough that he can rest his chin on my head when he holds me
84.I am more of a morning person than a night owl
85.however, I have trouble getting myself to go to bed early
86.I love to take naps
87.I can sleep anywhere
88.unless it is the middle of the night and an Abby cat is meowing constantly
89.I can stress about anything
90.however, I like instant gratification
91.I am very close to my mom
92.I wish I was closer to my brother - I am working on this one
93.I want to live in other parts of the country
94.but not yet, my family needs me here
95.I want to be a better person (daughter, wife, friend, sister)
96.I do not have many good friends
97.But the ones I have mean the world to me
98.My friends now would never betray me - as I have experienced in the past
99.I believe in fate and in soul mates
100.I do not hold grudges, rather I try to focus on forgiveness.

Chemical Days

Today is rainy and yucky.

I am currently at Best Friend’s house. Everyone else (Best Friend’s Husband, Best Friend’s Oldest Friend, and my Sweetie) is busy playing FFXI. Luckily, I have my computer with me. Days like this are good. I love hanging out with these people. They really are wonderful for me.

Yesterday, I was able to leave work at 12:30. This was a wonderful treat after all the long hours of late. I planned to take a long bubble bath and pamper myself. However, since I am still not feeling wonderful, I ended up sleeping for 3 hours. Apparently, I needed it.

Yesterday afternoon and this morning have been hard chemical days. These are hard on my Sweetie. He feels powerless. While this was nothing like any bad days in the past, or even a few months ago, he reacts the same way. He tries anything to make me happy. While I do not like using chemicals even when I am not pregnant, bad days feel harder in some respects now. Perhaps it is because I have not kept up with my walking. Or because I really haven’t taken long bubble baths as I used to – for fear of being too hot. The good news is that I got a thermometer – so I will know for sure.

My Sweetie knows that being around others helps. Even if I swear that I want to live in my closet for a weekend, he will not allow it. Moreover, every time, yes 100%, I end up thanking him for making me get out of the house. While I did not try to stay home today – we are celebrating Best Friend’s Oldest Friend’s B-day. I did start feeling better after getting out and about.

The even nicer part is that Best Friend understands that I am pregnant and tire easily. Because of this, she set her bed up with fresh sheets for me as soon as I feel the need to begin checking for eye leaks.

There will most likely be more than one post tonight. I am in a blogging mood.

Happy Birthday Brother

Today is my Brother's 36th b-day. He is home and doing well. Unfortunately, SIL is sick so he came out to my house to celebrate. He is doing well, still gaining back his strength. My Sweetie, Mother, Brother, and I had a wonderful evening simply talking. It was great. I, however, still have a cough and this worries my brother. No worries, I am doing much better today.

My Sweetie and I are still debating names, not debating against each other. No, we agree – maybe that is the problem, we agree too much. We have it down to two names – no, I am not telling. One is classic with historic meaning. The other is original. It is a hard decision.

Baby is moving so much lately. It is a very strange experience for me to realize that I am two now. I am never alone. Everything that I do must involve consideration of her. I love it. This realization is more now since her movement has increased. I feel her moving during meetings and I hope that I am not smiling too much. Apparently, she likes the way I sit at work. She is active during this time. This is good since this is when I need her to be active – to remind me about my goals. This reminds me of the Simpson’s episode where Homer puts pictures of Maggie around a sign so that it reads “Do it for her”.

Although my Sweetie felt Baby move twice, he still touches my stomach every chance he gets. This makes me very happy. My Brother was getting a kick out of my princess status and how My Sweetie takes such good care of me.

Tuesday we get to see our little angel again. I cannot wait. I hope we get a definite answer on the sex. Hard to believe another month has passed. Hard to believe it was 22 weeks ago this Saturday that I got pregnant. It seems this pregnancy is going so quickly. There is so much to do. So much to prepare the nursery. Almost enough to make me crazy. On top of this, I have school to keep up with large assignments, which makes sense for the final class in the MBA program. I have class on Saturday from 8:30-12:30 – no sleeping in for me. Then on Sunday, I have a group meeting. This is not going to be the resting weekend that I hoped.

Melted Heart

Valentine’s day. Overall, it was a good day. My brother went home from the hospital – VERY good news.

Yesterday started with more simple pleasures. As I have described before, iTrip can be a wonderful invention. My Sweetie pulled next to me during our drive into work while noticeably singing aloud. I turn on the radio to hear what he is listening to – and it was one of our songs. As our cars began to part ways I looked over and saw him signing “I love you always”. I signed it back and had a large smile on my face all the way to work. It made me so happy.

Work was not good. Not at all. I even worked late. An 11 hour day sucks on Valentine’s day. Good thing I left when I did. My Sweetie was about to drive to my work and take me home. I arrived home to a homemade card, the best kind and a large melted chocolate heart. The theme was that his heart melts for me. It was wonderful.

For dinner we had exactly what I was craving – chili cheese dogs. It was so good. We sat together and watched T.V. It was perfect. While it will never top the Valentine’s of 1997, it was exactly what I needed.

The Weekend Comes to a Close

Today my brother was in a new hospital room. This is wonderful. His doctor said he can go home whenever he is ready. Brother is being wise to make sure that his strength returns.

Sleeping last night was hard, cold kept me awake. This allowed for a time during the early morning where my Sweetie and I were awake while lying in bed. A nice short, but strong, storm rolled into the darkness that simply sounded wonderful. If we were sleeping as we normally are during this hour, we would have missed this wonderful sound. As I said before, the simplest pleasures are the best.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. My Sweetie and I have some plans - pending I complete a paper due at 11:00 tomorrow night. I know we are wild and crazy people, but chili cheese hot dogs while watching a DVD sounds perfect.

My Brother made a few comments over the weekend about how happy watching my Sweetie and I make him. You see my Sweetie openly shows his love for my belly and me. Regardless of where we are – home, grocery store, or even a hospital – he can be found caressing and kissing my rounded belly. He is so happy about this baby. He is so passionate about us. He is so confident in our future. He is my Husband.

Brother Updates!!!

First, I must say I am still feeling pretty crappy. I worked 12 hours yesterday and it took its toll.

Now on to more important things. My brother is doing so much better. This morning we receive a call from the hospital. It was my brother asking when we were planning to visit - he was bored. However, this is huge. Not only is he awake, but also able to talk since all tubes were removed. The even better part? He spent the whole day sitting in his chair. OK that is not the even better part. The best part? They are moving him out of ICU. He would have moved today but there were 9 patients ahead of him waiting on a room. That is fine by me. All that matters is that the doctors are saying he is allowed to move ☺

Now all I have to focus on is getting me better. I am so relieved.

Pregnancy and Valentine's Day

I was able to work a half day today. That is an improvement. Good news is that my brother is no longer sedated. As of last night, he was conscious when my mother visited. Although he could not speak because of being ventilated, this is a big improvement. Of course, I will keep everyone updated.

One thing I must say is that my Sweetie takes the best care of me. He truly loves me and that is obvious. I am feeling sick and have a big belly, yet he is still interested in me in that oh so nice way ;-)

I have been thinking of how my life is different now that I am “with child”.
~Weight down 4 pounds.
~No longer take Excedrin on a daily basis
~No more in-grown toe-nails – I know TMI
~Increased self-esteem
~Bigger Boobies ☺
~Pregnancy Glow
~Treated like a princess on a daily basis now
~No longer have to suck in my belly – I couldn’t even if I tried – and people like looking at my belly now
~An improved outlook on life
~Falling in love with my Sweetie all over again

I love this. I love being pregnant, I love being a princess. As I write this, my Sweetie is cooking dinner while singing cute songs to me. Not saying that I do this, but this is a good sign that we are soul-mates.

Monday is the eighth anniversary of my Sweetie proposing to me. As he does most things, this was very grand and romantic. No other Valentine’s Day will ever live up to the night he described to 200 strangers how, since he had me, he no longer needed any of his senses. He called me up on stage and lowered to one knee. Needless to say, I said yes. He even had my parents and my god-mother in the balcony watching everything. It was the most romantic and wonderful way to begin the next step in our life.

Life is good.

Home Sick :-(

The colds around the office, a co-worker bringing her sick child to work on Monday, and the stress of this week finally casused me to get sick. I fought for two weeks. However, today I woke with a fever, coughing, sore throat, and stuffed nose. FUN!

Work is busy now and me being home doesn't help a thing. Luckily I am ahead of the deadline. I hope I make it to work tomorrow. In order to do that, I must take care of myself today. I am in bed right now with water and kleenex. I even ate breakfast - I had to or I will awake feeling worse thanks to my inner child.

Now it is time for the kitties to do their job and make me all better.

Fat Tuesday

My brother is still in ICU. He is no longer sedated through medical means. However, he is not completely coherent. I will feel much better when he is in a hospital room. The bad part is that his b-day is next Wednesday.

I am trying to keep the stress down – however, today it was harder. Today is day 5 of my brother’s hospital visit and it is starting to really worry me. I am working on relaxation techniques and my Sweetie is helping to relax me before going to bed, the best foot massages and reading to my belly.

For now I am very tired and full from a wonderful pancake supper – Happy Fat Tuesday.

Tomorrow we begin Lent.

ESP, Carnaval, and ICU

Unfortunately, since Friday, my life has not been very wonderful. Friday morning I woke up feeling not very well. I know that my body has been fighting a cold for a couple of weeks. I thought about taking an early afternoon.

Once again, my E.S.P. set in. On Thursday, after a 3 hour meeting without food or water, I felt exhausted. I told my Sweetie that I felt as though I would pass out. Knowing I had plans with my Divas that night - he replied instantly that he would pick me up from work and take me to DarkDiva’s b-day gathering. He is always my knight in shining armor without a moment’s hesitation. The evening was very lovely. We gave her a nice pen to use during her classes is pursuit of becoming a doctor.

This leads us into Friday morning. My Sweetie had to take me into work - since we left mine the day before. Due to a shortage in the gas take, the time between our offices took longer than normal. While at work, I suddenly got a fear that he was trying to get a hold of me. I pull out my cell phone – dead. This did not make me feel well. I continue to work assuming that I am overreacting. When I see my Sweetie on im, I am very relieved.

However, it was not my Sweetie that I was receiving. A few minutes later, I receive a call from an outside-unrecognized line. It is my SIL – Brother’s wife (I realize now that I write SIL for both of my SILs – I have two). She tells me that my brother went to the sleep study the night before and that now they were admitting him to the ICU. By the end of the call, she was crying – and very frantic. I told her that I would meet her at the hospital. I e-mail a couple of people and let my boss know the situation – a situation that I was unsure.

I spent the day with my mother at the hospital. The bottom line is that his Carbon Dioxide is too high – this is causing many problems, one is an enlarged heart. I did get a chance to speak with him Friday afternoon – he was sleeping during the morning and mid-afternoon. He was doing well – although still very sick. We left during a shift change for dinner. By the time we returned, he was on a ventilator due to not waking easy enough after falling asleep. From this point, he has been sedated.

My Sweetie and I did not visit the hospital yesterday. However, my mother was there for most of the day. We had plans to baby-sit for Dark Diva while she went to Carnaval. I took it easy during the day – knowing my mom would call if she needed me. I have to make sure that I do not let everything stress me too much. The evening was wonderful with the girls. DarkDiva painted MotoDiva with red and yellow - sans bra. She was beautiful. Along with a red feather headpiece and you have a carnaval outfit. Dark Diva was gorgeous with an Indian type outfit. Neither could walk on normal streets with their outfits – which made them even more irrestible. I cannot wait until next year – I will be there. From what it sounds, I will be painted. The girls were wonderful – a welcomed distraction.

Today, after everyone returned home from the hotel – my Sweetie and I headed back to the hospital. The good news is that brother’s swelling is down (have to assume it is a good sign) – although he is still sedated.

Now I am trying to make sure that everything for this next week is complete as well as relaxing. I will be back at the hospital tomorrow after work. I will not go into the history, but my brother has had a pretty crappy hand dealt to him health wise.

So everyone, please keep him in your thoughts. He will be 36 this month – much too young to go through any of this.

Simple Pleasures

After an interesting day – and not in the best of ways – with work, I found great comfort in my evening plans.

As I have mentioned before, sometimes the simplest of dates are the best. For Christmas, my Sweetie gave me a cookbook for Newlyweds. While we are no longer newlyweds, the cookbook is wonderful with traditions and elegant meals. His intent was that our family is starting and he wants dinnertime to be very special.

We have a goal of cooking a meal from complete scratch once a week – this being easier said than done when a pregnant wife does not know what she will want to eat. Of course, this goal also came about this weekend. We shall see how long it continues. While we made out the grocery list over the weekend, we were determined to find something to cook together.

My Sweetie and I arrived home at about the same time. This is very nice. We both started working on the meal. There is something so wonderful about cooking together. It was a nice change of pace for me since recently

I do not help prepare the meal. I am a princess – leave me be.

Seriously, my Sweetie takes great pride in taking care of me.

Cooking together last night was wonderful. We each took care of a needed item without anything feeling like a chore. The results? In less than 30 minutes we made a wonderful meal from scratch. We had pork stir-fry over rice with peanuts. It was so good; because of not only the delicious recipe, but also the way we made the food. This will become a part of our regular routine.

I have to interrupt my post. My Sweetie just called me at work to make me listen to a very silly song. This is something I love about this man. He is so silly. Moreover, a large part of this silliness is how we can be silly together. He can be himself – even when being himself means laughing at lama songs.

After dinner we headed out into the 30 something degree weather for ice cream. Doesn’t everyone think of eating ice cream in cold weather? We settled on Mocha Almond Fudge along with Magic shell, caramel, and chopped nuts. That was so much fun.

I love wonderful dates that involve staying home.

"Is that sorry on your breath?" Allison Kraus

Forgiveness, apologies, and mental growth.

Much as an alcoholic will not be able to seek help until ready, the same goes for correcting wrongs or forgiving those wrongs done unto you.

There are many things in my head today. Some are because of hormones. Some are because of the time of year. Next Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. I plan to attend my school’s services during the day. It has been a long time since I walked around with ashes on my forehead. It takes a confidence and pride to do this. I feel this Easter season will prove rather emotional.

I am in a transitional point in my life. This pregnancy brought much reflection and contemplation about my life. Please know that I do not mean to bore you with too many details, I simply wish to discuss the process.

In AA, the eighth step in the 12-step program involves listing those who you wronged and becoming able to reach the point of making amends. I believe this, much like all of the steps, are valid goals for any individual. It takes being in a certain place in your life to complete such a task; you must be confident and have come to grips with the issues at hand. This process cannot be forced. When a person requests an apology, this is useless. A better approach would be to wait, regardless of how hard, for the true apology. Not only will it be more sincere, but will mean more than a forced response. It is much like hearing “I love you” without saying it first; it simply means more.

I also believe that a step that is as important as making amends is the ability to forgive. This can be difficult. Holding a grudge or hatred inside can be addictive. This is not healthy. It takes great inner searching and understanding to forgive. I am not speaking of contacting the person, though sometimes that helps. I mean to get to a place where you can think of the situation without hurt feelings. This takes time.

My Sweetie thinks that I am very compassionate. It is one of the reasons that he loves me so. Part of this involves my ability to forgive. While people may drive me crazy in the short term – I try to not hold any grudges. He believes that when I forgive, I do so as fully as I can, as well as quickly. My life proves this. I can forgive those who hurt me deeply. I will even continue to feel compassionate about their lives and situations.

Through this pregnancy, I have reached forgiveness on many levels, for things that happened years ago – and some more recent. As adults, we carry discontent, anger, frustration, or feelings of failed expectations. Some of these feelings stem back to our childhood. Discovering that parents are simply adults is a hard lesson to learn. My pregnancy is even more profound in this sense because I am the same age as my mom when she had me, I will even deliver in the same hospital. It gives me a completely new perspective on my childhood. When I look back now, I think of the hardships that my parents experienced. I see them as adults – no longer the super heroes with expectations of unrealistic proportions. No, this does not mean that they fell; in fact removing expectations (and associated disappointment) causes them to rise.

Whether it is forgiveness or seeking amends, it takes time. There is no set amount of time to expect either to occur, for yourself or others. However, when you reach the mental growth to accept and stop the dwelling on issues in the past, it feels wonderful. It feels like a weight removed from your chest. Really, it all boils down to life being too short to hold such negative energy inside.

I hope that the second half of my pregnancy proves to provide as much growth as the first half. The growth that I have experienced truly is a transcendence one.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Age Do You Act?

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.

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.

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.

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 :-)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.