First Time for Everything

Sunday evening, Jake and I were laying in bed, watching football, and I decided to initiate a game. I like to call it "Wake Up the Baby". It's not one you play after a child is born, but rather when it is still in the womb. Up to this point I haven't felt any real "kicks" yet. I've felt fluttery movement, but nothing that Jake would be able to feel.

I propped my  back up with my pillow and start massaging my belly in different places, hoping I can generate some movement that Jake could feel. For a few minutes, nothing. I wasn't really expecting anything just yet, but was hoping because I'm far enough along to feel kicks.

AND THEN SUDDENLY....it kicks!

I started freaking out and grabbed Jake's hand. It kicked a few more times, but they were so subtle, he couldn't feel them. I pressed his hand a little harder into my belly and he felt it! The look on his face was priceless. I could see that it was all the more real for him, and it also was for myself.


Ever since then, I've felt nothing BUT kicks. It's pretty constant. It's the first thing I feel when I wake up and the last thing I feel when I fall asleep. And you can even see them too! It's a subtle pulse, but it's a big deal.

One funny thing is, at times when I'm feeling discouraged or stressed, the baby starts kicking a lot, almost as if to say "It's all going to be ok, mom. Don't worry."



It's all going to be ok.

"You're not drunk, are you?!"

Sorry I've been slacking on posting, but I have some good stories to share!!

Last Wednesday, I had just gotten off work and was driving home. I stopped at the gas station, put a couple gallons in the tank, and drove home. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary to me. I wasn't speeding or driving recklessly, but all of a sudden, a cop car with flashing lights came speeding up behind me. I figured they were after someone, so I pulled over to get out of the way, and he pulled over behind me. My heart dropped and I started to panic. I wanted to cry because I wasn't doing anything wrong, or so I thought.

The officer came up to my window, asked for my driver's license, registration, and insurance. Then quickly said, "I need you to step out of the car". I'm sure the look on my face was priceless, because then he asked "do you know why I pulled you over?"

"I have no idea, officer. It'd be nice to know!" I said as I got out of the car.

"Wait..." he said, "You're not drunk, are you?"

"No! I'm 5 months pregnant!" I said

I've never been laughed at by someone like I was just then. I didn't understand what was so funny and I was frustrated he was making fun of me.

"Doesn't it look a little dark to you?" He smirked.

I smacked my palm on my forehead. I can't believe drove all the way home from work without my lights on, and didn't even notice. And he pulled me over because he thought I was drunk. Good grief, I would be busting a gut too!

I asked him if we can blame it on my situation being the worst of all combinations: blonde and pregnant. He agreed, and we talked for a good 30 minutes before he handed my stuff back to me and let me go home.



Disclaimer: I have never EVER been able to talk myself out of a ticket. This was simply pure luck and the fact that the officer had a good sense of humor.

New belly picture!

It's been a while since I've posted a belly picture, so for your viewing pleasure:



19 weeks, 4 days. Just about half way!


XO


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Newest Obsession

I stumbled upon a website the other day, www.pinterest.com (beware before clicking, you may become addicted as I am!) Anyways, this website is mainly just pictures of things. DIY projects, fashion, home decor, people, wedding ideas, baby stuff, etc. Just pictures, but these pictures have really REALLY inspired me to get crafty and creative again. 

I cam across a word the other day. Upcycling. Upcycling? I had no idea what it meant so I did some research. And thanks to Wikipedia, I know fully understand. 

"Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value."

New? Better quality? Higher environmental value? Who doesn't like new stuff? I've never been all that good at recycling, but this seemed like something I could do. So I started searching pictures of examples of upcycling, and the results were endless! Here's a few examples:

 Suitcase stools? Who-da thunk it?

 I LOVE the idea of using old pallets as home decor!

 This cute sweater was "upcycled" from an old, oversized hoodie. I really want one!

Cute little girl's dress made out of daddy's old dress shirt!

Needless to say, with the way the economy is and how money is generally a little tighter for most of us, I'm definitely going to be getting into upcycling. 

One: Because half of the junk you own can be revamped into something useful, rather than throwing it out. Two: It's better than going out and shopping for new stuff, especially when you don't have the means to do so.

Three: I love the feeling of creating something.

Four: This girl needs a hobby rather than being a lazy couch potato all the time.

And for all of your thrifters out there, I found another website I am slightly obsessed with as well. It's called: www.newdressaday.com. This girl goes to thrift stores and buys pretty ridiculous garments, and turns them into chic, cute outfits for everyday and formal wear. She spends roughly a dollar on each purchase. Who wouldn't LOVE a new wardrobe or outfit by spending only $1?

Anyways, that's all for now! I'm going to go make cool stuff now :)

xo

Plan of Attack

I'm trying to distract myself from the "waiting game" of finding out what the baby is, since we have to wait 4 more weeks, so I'm seriously researching nursery ideas and trying to price everything out that I will need to get the room to look exactly the way I (I mean...), exactly the way Jake and I want. But, it would be SO much easier to plan knowing what the baby is! But, I guess that just make it that much more exciting.

Jake and I have a thing for argyle patterns. So either room is going to have an argyle pattern of some type painted on the wall. Here's an example of a boy's room with an argyle painted wall:

Not these exact colors, but I could totally paint this pattern on the wall. Just with a little elbow grease, and some help from Home Depot, I can totally do it!

Now, for a girls room, I really like the "shabby chic" style. Vintage furniture, soft grey and pink colors, soft fabrics. I try to tell people my idea, and they just kind of give me the "stink eye" and roll their eyes. Trust me, it's cute! Here's a visual of a total "shabby chic" baby girl's room. Granted, mine won't be exactly like this (IF I have the opportunity to decorate a room like this), but it would be similar.

Cute, right? I thought so too. I'm still working on ideas. Still figuring out what we want to do, still waiting to find out what we're having (sorry, I am a little bitter I wasn't able to find out). But I have more time to prepare and plan.

Thankfulness, Gratitude and NOT Being a Control Freak

For those of you who truly think that you can plan out your life, and make things go according to plan, I'm just going to tell you that you're nuts. Not necessarily a bad thing, because you're definitely not alone. I've had a moment or two or thousands of times, when I've stomped my feet and pouted because things didn't go the way I wanted them to. We all have our moments when we revert back to being 5 years old, slamming doors and hiding away from the world because we lost that control. Been there, done that. And I even find myself doing that still as a young adult, and I'm sure that many, MANY more moments like those I will repeat. I'm learning to give up that control and go with the flow. But to be honest, as much as I lose control in life and have to learn to deal with it's spontaneity, I'm grateful for it.

This morning when I woke up, next to the father of my future child, the man I am going to marry, I felt so at ease and content. Even though he was still asleep, just him being there, always being there like he is, just makes things so much easier. He doesn't realize that he has this huge effect on my life. He is the most unselfish person I know. He can always, ALWAYS make me laugh. And I love that he gets excited over little things. I'm sure there are times when he is annoyed with me, but he never shows it. We both have stresses, but we work together through them, rather than take them out on each other. I'm not trying to say our relationship is perfect or that we never ever have any issues, but he is my best friend. And I'm so glad that he feels the same for me. Both of us have grown immensely since becoming a huge part in each other's lives, but I honestly feel like it is for the best. We've grown and improved ourselves. He is so driven to be the provider and make a better lifestyle for us and baby, and I am striving to make our house a home and make our little family unit a strong one. Lucky for me, each of us preparing and trying to make these aspirations come true, has brought us closer. We are each other's biggest supporters, and we know that as long as we have each other's backs, nothing can stop us.

I'm thankful that things don't go according to plan. It makes those sweet moments sweeter, the funny moments funnier, and all those moments all the more real.


Happy Sunday!
xo

Bummer, dude!

Today we were supposed to find out the sex of the baby. Well, unfortunately I was misinformed about how this appointment was supposed to go about. Their policy is they don't do a "gender check" until 20 weeks. I'm only 17 weeks and 6 days. Needless to say, I'm a little bummed out. When they told me no ultrasound was going to take place, I honestly had to fight back tears. The first time during this whole pregnancy that I've wanted to just bawl my eyes out and bury my face in Jake's chest and tell those people how mean they were to not let me see my baby! But, I maintained my composure, pouted like a 5 year old for a few minutes, then got over it. I realize that this wasn't their fault per say, but just a misunderstanding. Which happens, as crappy as it is.

I realize, maybe this is to teach me patience. I am one of the most impatient people in the world. It just sucks because last night I tossed and turned all night because I was so anxious, excited, nervous, and maybe slept a total of 2 hours. So, I'm slightly sleep deprived, but we will be fine. Just got to wait a little bit longer! :)

Sorry for getting everyone all worked up and excited! Just a few more weeks!