Now when I first saw that faint, faint litte line indicating I was expecting I didn't believe it. Couldn't, believe in fact. So I downed the rest of my margarita and tried again. Yes, if that was the last drink for 8 months, I'm enjoying evey drop. I even ate the ice. Another faint half there line, am I seeing things. Pregnant or not? Will another Margaritta be okay, I mean we are at the beach? The beach, a place I will never go back to again. We conceived our first at the beach and found out we were pregnant with the second, at the beach. It's a curse. I'm never going back. No more margaritas for me.
How could this even happen? Adam and I were so looking forward to a planned pregnancy, where we could actually try to have a baby with all the activities that come with trying. We must be the two most fertile people in the World! Ok, that's a lie we werent as pre-cautious as we should have been. But when you have 10 minutes before your daughter wakes up from her 12 minute power nap pre-cautions get thrown into the wind. So here we sit with another bambino on the way.
I love being pregnant, really I do. It was amazing with Ellasyn. I don't remember being tired and I absolutely love the attention on my belly and baby. It's amazing growing a human. If I was tired I don't remember I was still working a lot so perhaps that kept my mind off of it. This time around I was tired for about 2, 3, 5, maybe 7 days. I don't know if it was tiredness or sheer fear of having another baby. We were excited, really we were, like really. This time around was different we were married which is a big bonus, we have a great house, and we live close to family. All things we didn't have last time. This time around we know what to expect and we know what not to do and do differently. So it's a fresh start to correct all our little mistakes we made with Ellie.
But another baby. WOW. A baby with a toddler. That will make them 20 months apart. I will have two kids in diapers. I'm going to need a bigger diaper bag. That is if I ever get the courage to take them both anywhere, which more than likely will not happen. Ellasyn hated the car, correction hates the car so why put myself through the stress. I'm going to become a hermit until Summer 2014. That's my release date....from prison. I'm kidding, I'm kidding that came out wrong. It will be fine, everything will work out beautifully. Sleep is overrated, I mean everyone has a sleeping disorder these days it's like the new black. So I will be fine. I keep saying it so it will sink in.
Ever since we found out we were expecting the big número dose we have been in Ellie project mode. What we were to lazy to change but now had to because we have to get ready for the next one. Getting her out of our bed, off formula, break the bottle and paci, oh and if she could sleep through the night, ride in a cart at Target, and not hate the car would be all added bonuses. The list is long but we have 9 months. And if she could be potty trained that would be awesome but don't worry I don't see that happening. So into the crib we go. First night she woke up what felt to be a gazzilion times. The second night was only like 10 and the third 7 and so on. It eventually came down to once. Then she got sick and is back in bed with us. Everything good came crashing down with one sneeze. And that's where we stand. Accomplished nothing but we will get there. And do not even suggest letting her cry it out unless you want me to use fowl language on exactly where I think you should shove your so called advice. We like sleeping with her but when society makes you feel guilty for it, you begin to actually feel guilty. When you shouldn't!!
We're wanting a boy of course. I say of course, because most people want the opposite of what they already have and for us that's a boy. And I worry if we have another girl Ellasyn and (Emmerson) will claw each others eyes out. I've heard horror stories about kids of the same sex being to close in age and quite frankly I'm terrified. I can't believe people actually try to have babies this close together. I mean I get it I really do. Just do it and get it over with so in 5 years their in school and in 18 their in college....hopefully. We also want a boy because out of Adam and his brother it would be the first. The golden child, the favorite. Yes, I said it, so sue me.
My due date is in November around Thanksgiving. All summer, fat and pregnant. Not looking forward to that but I will survive. All summer without a Strawberry Limearita in my hand out by the pool. Nothing but a good ole glass of H2O. I don't really miss alcohol that much. What I really miss is the unhealthy amount of caffeine I like to ingest. Ok, ok, I miss the alcohol too.
Today I am a wife, mother, and exhausted because I'm pregnant.
Keep Catching Those Fireflies!!
CJ
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Sip N Paint
As much as I love girls nights that revolve around a bar and drinks there comes a point in your life when it's just not exciting as it once was. That point came for me when I graduated to having a ring on my finger and 15 extra pounds of left over baby weight. Guys used to hit on me, right? I think. Maybe? If they did that was somewhere 5 years ago and sure hasn't happened since. Not that you go to a bar to get hit on but it would be nice to be noticed. I mean I showered, put on make-up and let my hair out of its sock bun.
Anyways, creativity had set in and we started searching for other things to do. Bar drinking is still on the list but mixing it up a bit is nice. Of course, the other activities chosen are still ones that can be done with a glass of wine in hand. So this lead us to Painting with a Twist. I've seen classes like this getting popular on Facebook when a group of girls would display their recent artwork. Well, that sounds fun. Painting I can totally do that. I was awesome in Art Class in High School. Who am I kidding, Art class at Newark (small town in AR) was a joke. I honestly walked away from that class learning absolutely nothing but the teacher was awesome so it was a nice break from all the other mono toned bores.
On Painting with a Twist website they have a few months calendars up of different painting options to chose from and sign up for that class. This seems easy enough. Pick what I think is cute, round up some girls and let the good times roll. I did just that. The only day I could actually do, was a painting of a Chandelier. It was cute and would look adorable along side Ellie's finger painting. Mommy's art, Ellie's art. I'm 26 not 6 months so what's my excuse. Oh that's right WINE!!:)
Let me take a moment to talk about my new BNF. I will tell you what that means in a minute so try and figure it out on your own. When we started building our house we couldn't be more excited. We picked the perfect lot and we made it one where no one else on our street could build our exact model. See in a cookie cutter subdivision you choose a house plan from a book and more than likely their are about 10 other ones just like it. But they can't build the exact same house next to each other there has to be a lot in between them. So we were set. We wouldn't have to worry about our house anywhere on our street, because our lot was positioned in the middle. It was a short lived victory. Adam got the call, THE call, that our house would not fit on the lot we chose and would have to move to the right or left. Are you kidding me?! These little snakes. So we moved, ugh and picked a lot we end up hating but loving all at once. Anyways, shortly after another house starts going in next to us. So, it's our house, the empty lot we wanted, then the beginnings of another house. Adam and I, are those nosy neighbors and want to know everything so we go ask what model of house they are building one empty lot away. Basically, it's right next to each other because there is no house in between. And it's OUR HOUSE! Our exact model. I was furious, red with anger. But then I met the young couple with an adorable 2 year old girl and fell in LOVE. They were funny, smart, and Awesome. She has become my Best Neighbor Friend. Our girls play together while we patio drink, it's a perfect match.
I'm done with the little back story.
So she is one of the girls I rally into going and painting with me. Her husband and her came over for dinner, we had a glass of wine and brought two bottles with us to the studio. A white and red, you never know what you might want. When we leave and are getting on the interstate I ask her if my head lights look like they are on because they look dim. She insures me they are so we go back to chatting. When we arrive there was only our small group of 5 in the entire place which was great! We didn't have to worry about anyone else and could be as loud or obnoxious as we wanted. My best friend from AR also came over to join in on the fun. We were supposed to be at book club but I thought this would be more entertaining. Shame on us, but we hadn't read the book so we would just be sitting there.
Our teacher was Christen and so nice. Dealing with drunk women repeating everything at least 5 times has got to be exhausting. When your in there you think I can hold my drink while I do this. It can be that hard. But to our surprise it does get a little intense. You have to pay attention and follow direction. So talking doesn't happen as often as I might have liked. And you draw everything with chalk first and then paint over it. The reason you do this is because you can just wipe off the chalk if you mess up. But in the end it was a lot of fun. So much fun in fact I signed up for another a month later. Now let me just tell you I hang these pictures up in my house no matter how bad they are. I think I'm going to start painting ones at my house just because they do make it look so easy, sort of.
We finish our painting and both bottles and my neighbor and I make our 10 minute journey home. During this painting course we learned more and more about each other and one thing was that we have both recently became obsessed with some Tay Swift. The ride home was blaring her music and singing along. We turn it down to talk and discuss what we think of the songs are about, while we sit at a stop light, when the light turns green, blue lighst fill up my rearview mirror. "Laura!!! Were getting pulled over." Deep breaths, deep breaths. I was far from drunk but probably couldn't pass a breathalyzer. Laura, my BNF, is a lawyer. We pull into an empty parking lot and I roll down our windows. It was like 28 degrees outside so I'm not sure why I did this. Its not like we had just smoked a big joint or anything. We smelled fine. Laura proceeds to take off her seat belt like she was going to get out and deal with this situation. "PUT YOUR SEAT BELT BACK ON" I demand and chuckle all at the same time. I cant find my drivers license. I also can feel my heart racing throughout my whole body. OMG OMG OMG were going to jail. I can't go to jail they will eat me alive. "Ma'am, did you know your headlight was out?" I knew something was up. I explain that I didn't but I would get it fixed right away. And that was it. Shoooo. I almost peed my pants. The rest of the car ride home there was no music we just rode quietly. Needless to say the next Sip and Paint I drank only water.
Anyways, creativity had set in and we started searching for other things to do. Bar drinking is still on the list but mixing it up a bit is nice. Of course, the other activities chosen are still ones that can be done with a glass of wine in hand. So this lead us to Painting with a Twist. I've seen classes like this getting popular on Facebook when a group of girls would display their recent artwork. Well, that sounds fun. Painting I can totally do that. I was awesome in Art Class in High School. Who am I kidding, Art class at Newark (small town in AR) was a joke. I honestly walked away from that class learning absolutely nothing but the teacher was awesome so it was a nice break from all the other mono toned bores.
On Painting with a Twist website they have a few months calendars up of different painting options to chose from and sign up for that class. This seems easy enough. Pick what I think is cute, round up some girls and let the good times roll. I did just that. The only day I could actually do, was a painting of a Chandelier. It was cute and would look adorable along side Ellie's finger painting. Mommy's art, Ellie's art. I'm 26 not 6 months so what's my excuse. Oh that's right WINE!!:)
Let me take a moment to talk about my new BNF. I will tell you what that means in a minute so try and figure it out on your own. When we started building our house we couldn't be more excited. We picked the perfect lot and we made it one where no one else on our street could build our exact model. See in a cookie cutter subdivision you choose a house plan from a book and more than likely their are about 10 other ones just like it. But they can't build the exact same house next to each other there has to be a lot in between them. So we were set. We wouldn't have to worry about our house anywhere on our street, because our lot was positioned in the middle. It was a short lived victory. Adam got the call, THE call, that our house would not fit on the lot we chose and would have to move to the right or left. Are you kidding me?! These little snakes. So we moved, ugh and picked a lot we end up hating but loving all at once. Anyways, shortly after another house starts going in next to us. So, it's our house, the empty lot we wanted, then the beginnings of another house. Adam and I, are those nosy neighbors and want to know everything so we go ask what model of house they are building one empty lot away. Basically, it's right next to each other because there is no house in between. And it's OUR HOUSE! Our exact model. I was furious, red with anger. But then I met the young couple with an adorable 2 year old girl and fell in LOVE. They were funny, smart, and Awesome. She has become my Best Neighbor Friend. Our girls play together while we patio drink, it's a perfect match.
I'm done with the little back story.
So she is one of the girls I rally into going and painting with me. Her husband and her came over for dinner, we had a glass of wine and brought two bottles with us to the studio. A white and red, you never know what you might want. When we leave and are getting on the interstate I ask her if my head lights look like they are on because they look dim. She insures me they are so we go back to chatting. When we arrive there was only our small group of 5 in the entire place which was great! We didn't have to worry about anyone else and could be as loud or obnoxious as we wanted. My best friend from AR also came over to join in on the fun. We were supposed to be at book club but I thought this would be more entertaining. Shame on us, but we hadn't read the book so we would just be sitting there.
Our teacher was Christen and so nice. Dealing with drunk women repeating everything at least 5 times has got to be exhausting. When your in there you think I can hold my drink while I do this. It can be that hard. But to our surprise it does get a little intense. You have to pay attention and follow direction. So talking doesn't happen as often as I might have liked. And you draw everything with chalk first and then paint over it. The reason you do this is because you can just wipe off the chalk if you mess up. But in the end it was a lot of fun. So much fun in fact I signed up for another a month later. Now let me just tell you I hang these pictures up in my house no matter how bad they are. I think I'm going to start painting ones at my house just because they do make it look so easy, sort of.
We finish our painting and both bottles and my neighbor and I make our 10 minute journey home. During this painting course we learned more and more about each other and one thing was that we have both recently became obsessed with some Tay Swift. The ride home was blaring her music and singing along. We turn it down to talk and discuss what we think of the songs are about, while we sit at a stop light, when the light turns green, blue lighst fill up my rearview mirror. "Laura!!! Were getting pulled over." Deep breaths, deep breaths. I was far from drunk but probably couldn't pass a breathalyzer. Laura, my BNF, is a lawyer. We pull into an empty parking lot and I roll down our windows. It was like 28 degrees outside so I'm not sure why I did this. Its not like we had just smoked a big joint or anything. We smelled fine. Laura proceeds to take off her seat belt like she was going to get out and deal with this situation. "PUT YOUR SEAT BELT BACK ON" I demand and chuckle all at the same time. I cant find my drivers license. I also can feel my heart racing throughout my whole body. OMG OMG OMG were going to jail. I can't go to jail they will eat me alive. "Ma'am, did you know your headlight was out?" I knew something was up. I explain that I didn't but I would get it fixed right away. And that was it. Shoooo. I almost peed my pants. The rest of the car ride home there was no music we just rode quietly. Needless to say the next Sip and Paint I drank only water.
The Chandelier in Ellie's room.
The Owl which is in my living room for all to see.
Today I am a wife, mother, and artist.
Keep Catching Those Fireflies!!
CJ
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Just say NO, or maybe don't.
As a newer mother the word No seems to be the only thing in my vocabulary these days. When I say 'newer' I mean I'm not fresh out of the hospital but instead I have survived my first year of motherhood. My daughter Ellasyn is 1 and a full blown toddler. I wished for this day everyday until it came.
From newborn to six months life was simple. She would just lay there, slept in her own crib, and was easy-ish. But when 6 months came along she was sitting up and the demanding 'don't leave the room I can see you wherever you go' kicked in. Ugh!! "I can't wait for her to crawl, so she can have some independence," I would explain to anyone who would listen. I would roll my eyes ans say that I was in hell, because she stopped napping and started sleeping with us and her new 'trick' of sitting was more of a burden than a success. I know, I'm horrible.
Army crawling came a month or so later and finally she could go after what she wanted,or follow me to the next room. She will be getting more exercise, which surely will help her sleep better. This will be an awesome accomplishment! Everything I just said is what I told myself, none of these things actually happened. She didn't go after what she wanted, she still screamed, what I believe to be constant, and if I dare stepped out of her sight that was it.
Regular crawling, then cruising, and now walking all followed. With each new thing she could do I became more and more thrilled on just how much easier this was going to be. While yes in many ways it did get easier but now I'm on NO patrol 24/7. No don't touch that, No don't climb that, No this and No that. I read that is good to give them a reason why they can't eat the rocks in the fireplace. So my No's became, 'let's not do that because if you eat those you will choke and die.' She would laugh and just do it again. Who writes these damn books on patenting?! Are they actually parents?! Not a single one says when you discipline your kid their going to laugh in your face and do it anyways.
And then if I raise my voice when I say no, even a little she cries like I just told her I was going to put her up for adoption. I'm glad she's exploring but does she really have to suck on the squirter of the Windex. Or eat lotion. Does that actually taste good? It doesn't. I tried sucking on the baby lotion to see if anything was actually coming out and there was. It tasted like soap. She obviously didn't mind it one bit because she just snatched it away and put it right back in her mouth. Which I will need to remember when she's older and says SHIT. Threatening to wash her mouth out with soap won't be so much of a threat. I hope she doesn't grow up to be on that show Strange Addictions. And even though we have everything locked away and the cabinets baby proofed she as just learned how to reach her hand inside and pull down that little white thingy. Now what am I supposed to do?
So tell me is No actually the solution? Should I sit down and have a heart to heart with her? With all the No going on in our house, she loves shaking her head...No. "Are you ready to get out of the bath?" She turns her back to me and shakes her head NO. "Would you like to add a Hell in front if that darling? Or maybe flip me the bird?"
It's bound to get easier. Then harder. Then easier....surely.
Today I am a wife, mother, and "Ellasyn, NO, get your hand out of mommy's wine. I don't share."
Keep Catching Those Fireflies!!
CJ
So I changed the name to Catching Fireflies. Because let's face it their slow so chasing them doesn't last long. I also started my Photogrpahy business. Well, I'm trying too. Since there's about a gazillion photographers out there its a competitive field. Check out my Facebook page Catching Fireflies Photography. Thanks!
From newborn to six months life was simple. She would just lay there, slept in her own crib, and was easy-ish. But when 6 months came along she was sitting up and the demanding 'don't leave the room I can see you wherever you go' kicked in. Ugh!! "I can't wait for her to crawl, so she can have some independence," I would explain to anyone who would listen. I would roll my eyes ans say that I was in hell, because she stopped napping and started sleeping with us and her new 'trick' of sitting was more of a burden than a success. I know, I'm horrible.
Army crawling came a month or so later and finally she could go after what she wanted,or follow me to the next room. She will be getting more exercise, which surely will help her sleep better. This will be an awesome accomplishment! Everything I just said is what I told myself, none of these things actually happened. She didn't go after what she wanted, she still screamed, what I believe to be constant, and if I dare stepped out of her sight that was it.
Regular crawling, then cruising, and now walking all followed. With each new thing she could do I became more and more thrilled on just how much easier this was going to be. While yes in many ways it did get easier but now I'm on NO patrol 24/7. No don't touch that, No don't climb that, No this and No that. I read that is good to give them a reason why they can't eat the rocks in the fireplace. So my No's became, 'let's not do that because if you eat those you will choke and die.' She would laugh and just do it again. Who writes these damn books on patenting?! Are they actually parents?! Not a single one says when you discipline your kid their going to laugh in your face and do it anyways.
And then if I raise my voice when I say no, even a little she cries like I just told her I was going to put her up for adoption. I'm glad she's exploring but does she really have to suck on the squirter of the Windex. Or eat lotion. Does that actually taste good? It doesn't. I tried sucking on the baby lotion to see if anything was actually coming out and there was. It tasted like soap. She obviously didn't mind it one bit because she just snatched it away and put it right back in her mouth. Which I will need to remember when she's older and says SHIT. Threatening to wash her mouth out with soap won't be so much of a threat. I hope she doesn't grow up to be on that show Strange Addictions. And even though we have everything locked away and the cabinets baby proofed she as just learned how to reach her hand inside and pull down that little white thingy. Now what am I supposed to do?
So tell me is No actually the solution? Should I sit down and have a heart to heart with her? With all the No going on in our house, she loves shaking her head...No. "Are you ready to get out of the bath?" She turns her back to me and shakes her head NO. "Would you like to add a Hell in front if that darling? Or maybe flip me the bird?"
It's bound to get easier. Then harder. Then easier....surely.
Today I am a wife, mother, and "Ellasyn, NO, get your hand out of mommy's wine. I don't share."
Keep Catching Those Fireflies!!
CJ
So I changed the name to Catching Fireflies. Because let's face it their slow so chasing them doesn't last long. I also started my Photogrpahy business. Well, I'm trying too. Since there's about a gazillion photographers out there its a competitive field. Check out my Facebook page Catching Fireflies Photography. Thanks!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Lesson I want to teach my daughter.
This list will continue to grow and change but for now here are 25 things I would like to teach my Ellie Bell.
1. Be nice to others and expect nothing in return.
2. Always wear sunscreen. It is the cheapest and best anti-aging tool.
3. If all else fails wear a pony tail.
4. Second chances are usually a waste of time.
5. People never change but then sometimes they do, but it's a slow process.
6. Old habits die hard but breaking them will be worth it.
7. Never chase a man. Or let him chase you. There is no need for games when you are in a relationship.
8. Wine is to be sipped not chugged.
9. Cameras are everywhere. So don't do anything you don't want the whole world to see.
10. You is kind, you is smart, you is important.
11. Learn grammar and speak well.
12. Cursing is not attractive. You don't have to use the f-word to get your point across. I'm still learning this myself.
13. The sunshine on your face is the only high you need.
14. Spend your life outdoors.
15. DO NOT LITTER.
16. Be kind to our planet and all the things that live on it. Only you can save it.
17. Grow your own food. It is a great sense of accomplishment.
18. Continue to educate yourself even after high school, college, or grad school.
19. Make mistakes and learn from them. But when you continue to make the same one I will always be there to catch you.
20. Don't gossip unless you want to be gossiped about.
21. There is no need to waste time with fake friends. Find the ones who truly know you and respect you. Then they become family.
22. It is better to have 5 good friends than 100 not so good friends.
23. Go Barefoot. Be a city girl and a country girl.
24. Your dad will say he's smarter than me but he isn't:)
25. You will never be able to get rid of me. This is something my mother always has
Told me and does. No matter what the mistake or decision I made she always supported me and I never feared that her love would fade. Our love for you will ALWAYS BE HERE!
You will always be our little girl. I love you.
Today I am a wife and a mother of a daughter.
Keep Chasing Those Fireflies!
CJ
1. Be nice to others and expect nothing in return.
2. Always wear sunscreen. It is the cheapest and best anti-aging tool.
3. If all else fails wear a pony tail.
4. Second chances are usually a waste of time.
5. People never change but then sometimes they do, but it's a slow process.
6. Old habits die hard but breaking them will be worth it.
7. Never chase a man. Or let him chase you. There is no need for games when you are in a relationship.
8. Wine is to be sipped not chugged.
9. Cameras are everywhere. So don't do anything you don't want the whole world to see.
10. You is kind, you is smart, you is important.
11. Learn grammar and speak well.
12. Cursing is not attractive. You don't have to use the f-word to get your point across. I'm still learning this myself.
13. The sunshine on your face is the only high you need.
14. Spend your life outdoors.
15. DO NOT LITTER.
16. Be kind to our planet and all the things that live on it. Only you can save it.
17. Grow your own food. It is a great sense of accomplishment.
18. Continue to educate yourself even after high school, college, or grad school.
19. Make mistakes and learn from them. But when you continue to make the same one I will always be there to catch you.
20. Don't gossip unless you want to be gossiped about.
21. There is no need to waste time with fake friends. Find the ones who truly know you and respect you. Then they become family.
22. It is better to have 5 good friends than 100 not so good friends.
23. Go Barefoot. Be a city girl and a country girl.
24. Your dad will say he's smarter than me but he isn't:)
25. You will never be able to get rid of me. This is something my mother always has
Told me and does. No matter what the mistake or decision I made she always supported me and I never feared that her love would fade. Our love for you will ALWAYS BE HERE!
You will always be our little girl. I love you.
Today I am a wife and a mother of a daughter.
Keep Chasing Those Fireflies!
CJ
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Born March 14, 2012
When we first found out we were pregnant, what a shock it was. It was completely not what we expected!
Ugh!!! Are you kidding me?! I hate when people say things like that. Like, 'Oh my how did I end up pregnant?' You had sex you idiot. And I'm going to assume without protection. Damn you Ocean City beach. How dare you trick us into having such a good time. I would have been happy with a souvenir shirt. But needless to say our little angel came from those few good days.
Anyways, as soon as we found out I was ready to quite my job, sit back and get fat. Adam, however, leaned more towards the, you need to work or you will get bored bit. Ummm, eating is entertaining. Fine, if I can't quit my job then I want to step down to just a part time manager who would only work a measly 15 hours but would still have enough power to boss around the associates. I was currently working, like a dog, as a store manager, of a store who had hood rats hiding stolen jewelry in the back part of the toilet. For goodness sake people! This was like the second most expensive county to live in, in the United States. Should people like that even be allowed to live here?!! So, since I couldn't step down I insisted on moving home. To the South. Where it's cheap to live and completely acceptable for grandparents to raise their kids, well kids. Not that I expected my parents to do that but it would have been nice for them to at least of offered. Kidding.
Adam put in his transfer papers and a few months later we had been transferred to Memphis. Oh joy. We went from one of the nicest, cleanest, thinnest places, to Memphis. Where fried chicken is actually on the food chart, and a packet of jelly is considered a fruit substitute.
Somehow I have went off on a rant about, well everything. Lets get back to the point, which is my bambinos arrival.
I had the best pregnancy. Except for a few minor pains which had me screaming and crying on the floor, begging Adam to call 911. They called it rounding ligament pains or something another. It was seriously worse than contractions. I thought I was dying. Other than that it was great. I was working part time for the same company I had worked for in VA. But the hours were more like 30 instead of 15 which I guess helped keep me thin-ish.
I craved cereal and those sugary cookies you buy with the printed holiday picture on them. I would eat a pack before going to the doctor and she would be like, 'So, have you been eating healthy?' Rolling my eyes and hiding my face usually lead to the, 'you don't want a fat baby' speech. Not to mention my doctors name was Betty Jo!! It doesn't get more Southern than that. I refused to let her measure my baby's head and say she's going to weigh 10 pounds. I mean really?! This is my husband, Adam, his nickname used to be Head, because he has a huge head. Of course, she is going to have a big head that doesn't mean she will be a big baby. She didn't scare me with the big headed fat baby crap just so I would cut out carbs! Carbs, I mean seriously, I'm pregnant.
My due date was March 9, 2012. It came and went. No Ellie Belly. I was ready for this chicka to come out. My liver had recovered enough. I needed a drink! She then set a day for me to get induced because she was going on vacation. Selfish B!
Now Ellasyn's name came off of a street sign we saw while out looking at houses, except it was spelled Elysian. Touching I know. We obviously were not pronouncing Elysian right because we thought it sounded like Ellasyn. You can also spell Ellasyn about a million different ways. We finally settled on this one and call her Ellie. Or Ellie Belly when she was in my belly. Bellamy came from Kate Hudson's baby daddy. And then you know Jones because letting her take my maiden name was out of the question.
March 14 was my induction date. I couldn't eat after midnight and wouldn't be able to eat until after she came. So I gorged myself on Olive Garden and then got up at 11:54 to have a mixing bowl size bowl of cereal.
We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. Got checked in and the party started. They gave me an epidural right away which I didn't understand. I hadn't even started having contractions. But I didn't want to feel any so it was fine. I had heard horror stories about an epidural so when the time came I was shaking and my blood pressure sky rocketed. My teeth were chattering and I couldn't sit still. I started stuttering because I was so nervous but excited all at once. The guy doing to epidural, whatever he's called, was calm and telling me to breath while Meryl, my nurse, was kind of pulling my shoulders in and down to arch my back like a cat. It didn't hurt one bit. I didn't even know when it was over. Shooo what a relief. The numbing running through your body is an odd feeling. Losing sensation of your total lower half is freaky.
They started inducing me and it got soooooooo BORING!!! I did have to be placed on oxygen the whole time which made my face sweat and was very uncomfortable. I was progressing slowly and didn't bring enough entertainment to keep me busy.
About 7 hours into it Ellasyn started having issues. Her heart rate was dropping on and off but they would roll me from side to side and it would come back up. Then all at once 6 nurses came rushing in. Telling Adam to move back and I was being flopped around like a fish back and forth from my right side to left. I had no idea what was happening because they don't talk to you just to each other. If I'm dying here could I at least have some final words? They called the on call doctor and got ready for an emergency c-section. I felt like this moment only lasted a second and I can barely remember it. I just remember looking at Adam and he just stood there. Pale. Worried. He had no idea what was going on either. They finally positioned me and her heart beat came back up and that was it, they all scurried out like a bunch of ants.
Then shit got real. I know what your thinking, what could be scarier or more real than that? The pain started. Bare able at first but grew intense quickly. They call an epidural person in to see what was going on. They injected me with more pain meds in a tub that was tapped to my shoulder and it made the pain worse. it burned my back so bad. If I could have moved I would have dropped kicked that little Mexican in the face. He kept asking me what I wanted him to do. I don't know your the doctor you dumbass, fix it. I told him to leave and bring back the original guy who did my epidural that morning. While all of this was going on, my nurse Meryl, explained to me that studies show that screaming and cursing doesn't help the pain. Really?! Well you know what would help the pain? You bringing your scrawny 98lb ass about 1 foot closer so I can punch you in the face. I swear her remark made the pain worse. Almost 2 hours later the original guy came back. Jiggles the tube going into my spine and wah-lah it's fixed. Ahhhhhh! Thank you God and this guy who gets paid to much money and probably smokes.
After all of this, it was time. As soon as I couldn't feel the contractions anymore it was time to push. Huh. What? I'm having a baby? Like right now? All questions I'm asking. The shaking and stuttering is back and there are people looking at my jewels saying numbers and doing things. I start to get very nervous. My mom was there, Adam, Adams mom and my dad was on the phone, on speaker. We were laughing and cutting up in between pushes. Looking back it was kind of fun. We all were having such a good time sharing this moment. I pushed for 45 minutes but it felt like 2 and there she was. When they laid her on me I honestly had no idea how to hold her. I was exhausted and everything was happening so fast. She was beautiful. Black hair, olive skin, and dark eyes. 7lbs, 7oz, 20 inches long of perfection.
We made it a year. Today was my little toddlers first birthday. There have been days where I thought I wasn't going to survive the screaming and then days where I couldn't set her down because I just wanted to stare at her all day. We're so lucky and blessed.
Will I have another perfect little angel? Hell No:)
Today I am a wife and a mother.
Keep Chasing Those Fireflies!
CJ
Ugh!!! Are you kidding me?! I hate when people say things like that. Like, 'Oh my how did I end up pregnant?' You had sex you idiot. And I'm going to assume without protection. Damn you Ocean City beach. How dare you trick us into having such a good time. I would have been happy with a souvenir shirt. But needless to say our little angel came from those few good days.
Anyways, as soon as we found out I was ready to quite my job, sit back and get fat. Adam, however, leaned more towards the, you need to work or you will get bored bit. Ummm, eating is entertaining. Fine, if I can't quit my job then I want to step down to just a part time manager who would only work a measly 15 hours but would still have enough power to boss around the associates. I was currently working, like a dog, as a store manager, of a store who had hood rats hiding stolen jewelry in the back part of the toilet. For goodness sake people! This was like the second most expensive county to live in, in the United States. Should people like that even be allowed to live here?!! So, since I couldn't step down I insisted on moving home. To the South. Where it's cheap to live and completely acceptable for grandparents to raise their kids, well kids. Not that I expected my parents to do that but it would have been nice for them to at least of offered. Kidding.
Adam put in his transfer papers and a few months later we had been transferred to Memphis. Oh joy. We went from one of the nicest, cleanest, thinnest places, to Memphis. Where fried chicken is actually on the food chart, and a packet of jelly is considered a fruit substitute.
Somehow I have went off on a rant about, well everything. Lets get back to the point, which is my bambinos arrival.
I had the best pregnancy. Except for a few minor pains which had me screaming and crying on the floor, begging Adam to call 911. They called it rounding ligament pains or something another. It was seriously worse than contractions. I thought I was dying. Other than that it was great. I was working part time for the same company I had worked for in VA. But the hours were more like 30 instead of 15 which I guess helped keep me thin-ish.
I craved cereal and those sugary cookies you buy with the printed holiday picture on them. I would eat a pack before going to the doctor and she would be like, 'So, have you been eating healthy?' Rolling my eyes and hiding my face usually lead to the, 'you don't want a fat baby' speech. Not to mention my doctors name was Betty Jo!! It doesn't get more Southern than that. I refused to let her measure my baby's head and say she's going to weigh 10 pounds. I mean really?! This is my husband, Adam, his nickname used to be Head, because he has a huge head. Of course, she is going to have a big head that doesn't mean she will be a big baby. She didn't scare me with the big headed fat baby crap just so I would cut out carbs! Carbs, I mean seriously, I'm pregnant.
My due date was March 9, 2012. It came and went. No Ellie Belly. I was ready for this chicka to come out. My liver had recovered enough. I needed a drink! She then set a day for me to get induced because she was going on vacation. Selfish B!
Now Ellasyn's name came off of a street sign we saw while out looking at houses, except it was spelled Elysian. Touching I know. We obviously were not pronouncing Elysian right because we thought it sounded like Ellasyn. You can also spell Ellasyn about a million different ways. We finally settled on this one and call her Ellie. Or Ellie Belly when she was in my belly. Bellamy came from Kate Hudson's baby daddy. And then you know Jones because letting her take my maiden name was out of the question.
March 14 was my induction date. I couldn't eat after midnight and wouldn't be able to eat until after she came. So I gorged myself on Olive Garden and then got up at 11:54 to have a mixing bowl size bowl of cereal.
We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. Got checked in and the party started. They gave me an epidural right away which I didn't understand. I hadn't even started having contractions. But I didn't want to feel any so it was fine. I had heard horror stories about an epidural so when the time came I was shaking and my blood pressure sky rocketed. My teeth were chattering and I couldn't sit still. I started stuttering because I was so nervous but excited all at once. The guy doing to epidural, whatever he's called, was calm and telling me to breath while Meryl, my nurse, was kind of pulling my shoulders in and down to arch my back like a cat. It didn't hurt one bit. I didn't even know when it was over. Shooo what a relief. The numbing running through your body is an odd feeling. Losing sensation of your total lower half is freaky.
They started inducing me and it got soooooooo BORING!!! I did have to be placed on oxygen the whole time which made my face sweat and was very uncomfortable. I was progressing slowly and didn't bring enough entertainment to keep me busy.
About 7 hours into it Ellasyn started having issues. Her heart rate was dropping on and off but they would roll me from side to side and it would come back up. Then all at once 6 nurses came rushing in. Telling Adam to move back and I was being flopped around like a fish back and forth from my right side to left. I had no idea what was happening because they don't talk to you just to each other. If I'm dying here could I at least have some final words? They called the on call doctor and got ready for an emergency c-section. I felt like this moment only lasted a second and I can barely remember it. I just remember looking at Adam and he just stood there. Pale. Worried. He had no idea what was going on either. They finally positioned me and her heart beat came back up and that was it, they all scurried out like a bunch of ants.
Then shit got real. I know what your thinking, what could be scarier or more real than that? The pain started. Bare able at first but grew intense quickly. They call an epidural person in to see what was going on. They injected me with more pain meds in a tub that was tapped to my shoulder and it made the pain worse. it burned my back so bad. If I could have moved I would have dropped kicked that little Mexican in the face. He kept asking me what I wanted him to do. I don't know your the doctor you dumbass, fix it. I told him to leave and bring back the original guy who did my epidural that morning. While all of this was going on, my nurse Meryl, explained to me that studies show that screaming and cursing doesn't help the pain. Really?! Well you know what would help the pain? You bringing your scrawny 98lb ass about 1 foot closer so I can punch you in the face. I swear her remark made the pain worse. Almost 2 hours later the original guy came back. Jiggles the tube going into my spine and wah-lah it's fixed. Ahhhhhh! Thank you God and this guy who gets paid to much money and probably smokes.
After all of this, it was time. As soon as I couldn't feel the contractions anymore it was time to push. Huh. What? I'm having a baby? Like right now? All questions I'm asking. The shaking and stuttering is back and there are people looking at my jewels saying numbers and doing things. I start to get very nervous. My mom was there, Adam, Adams mom and my dad was on the phone, on speaker. We were laughing and cutting up in between pushes. Looking back it was kind of fun. We all were having such a good time sharing this moment. I pushed for 45 minutes but it felt like 2 and there she was. When they laid her on me I honestly had no idea how to hold her. I was exhausted and everything was happening so fast. She was beautiful. Black hair, olive skin, and dark eyes. 7lbs, 7oz, 20 inches long of perfection.
We made it a year. Today was my little toddlers first birthday. There have been days where I thought I wasn't going to survive the screaming and then days where I couldn't set her down because I just wanted to stare at her all day. We're so lucky and blessed.
Will I have another perfect little angel? Hell No:)
Today I am a wife and a mother.
Keep Chasing Those Fireflies!
CJ
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Ellasyn's First Birthday Party
Welcome to Ellie's Pie Shoppe
Let's start off with what the adorable invites looked like. Are they not just the cutest thing ever?! I love the Pie Tastin' and Good Time Makin' part. As well as adding Ellie's Interest so people would know what she was in to. All thanks to the designer for that idea.
Then we have the front door to Ellie's Shoppe. I loved the Southern-ness of a Pie Party.
Ellasyn's fabric wreath. I am obsessed with fabric. I don't know why I just love the raggy look.
We decided to give away Pie Pops as our favor. I liked this idea because everyone could enjoy one. It wasn't something just for the kids but for the adults too. We placed it next to our front door thinking people would grab one on their way out. But no one did. So for future reference we will place them in a more predominate area.
Ellie's wooden high chair I found for such a steal. I also made her hat. With more fabric, of course. But I didn't have the stretchy band that is around most party hats I instead used ribbon with the assumption that I could tie it around her neck. Boy, was that a hot mess. It did not work so this hat went to waste.
Our food table. I used fake pallets of grass to give it the picnic feel. We have pulled pork sandwiches, cornbread salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, Cole slaw, fruit in waffle cones, pigs in blankets, and popcorn chicken for all the kiddo's.
Her Pie Tastin dessert table. With 6 different kinds of yummy pies to try.
Here is what confused me. The whole opening presents in front of everyone when my 1 year old could care less. I mean she doesn't show enthusiasm she's 1. She has no idea whats going on. So here I sit getting ignored by her and trying to be excited about a Minnie Mouse ball. In the future we will not open presents during the party. Sorry if that's wrong but it annoys me. Either your kid doesn't care of you have 15 other annoying children doing it for her.
She did love the Minnie Mouse ball. For a whopping total 20 seconds. Record Breaking I say!
Moving onto bigger items like her toy car which she lives in. She refuses to ever get out and just sits and screams until someone pushes her.
Smash Pie time. This was the only homemade thing on the table and it really wasn't even that homemade. I poured the contents out of a can. Yes!! I bought all frozen pie's. Like I actually bake. Puh-lease!
I was afraid she looked like a boy. She had on pink bloomers but you cant see them so I had to add the most obnoxious bow I could find.
And Wah-Lah here is was. She loved eating the pie.
Feeding mommy and daddy.
Ellie's Pie Shoppe.
All in all it was a good party. We had so much fun! I want to thank everyone for coming out and celebrating with us. I cant believe our little angel is 1. This years has flown by. I hope the next 17 do as well because I'm ready for this chick to move out. Hahaha I'm kidding, sort of:)
Today I am a wife, mother, and mother to a toddler.
Keep Chasing Those Fireflies!!
P.S. Look for a blog name change coming soon!
CJ
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Poop Happens
My oh my it has been awhile since I have blogged. Your probably thinking its because Im just too busy living this fabulous life to blog. It is a fabulous life indeed but I haven't been doing ANYTHING. I have had plenty of time to share my thoughts on why I think people wear camouflage outside of the woods or my bad day that lead me to cursing out the lid to the toothpaste.
But all in all I have been kind of busy. I'm wanting to jump start a photography career so I have been taking photos of precious little chittlins with baby ducks and chicks. It will be launching soon so look for it. My daughter had a smashing first birthday party that would lead to me shooting the bull with my dad until 3 a.m. A decision I am still paying for 2 days later. I have been working on a crochet hat for a friends little stud for several weeks now and still cant get it right, which has lead me to never wanting to crochet a another day in my life! So those are important things that I have been doing and blogging has just taken a back seat. I am very sorry for that because I love it so!
Anyways, lets get started. You always hear the phrase 'shit happens,' and while this phrase is true, on many occasions, tonight was a new one for us. I have heard horror stories of parents leaving their baby diaper less and poop being the sure outcome of this choice. My brother in law told us a story, that when he was getting his daughters ready for church he left the youngest one naked for a bit. She then came into the living room with poop down her leg which puddled in her dress up shoe that she proceeded to wear around the house. I could not stop laughing!!
This had never happened to us. We prided ourselves because we had, had no poop disasters. She peed on the floor all the time but never any poop. At least until now.
It was our normal evening routine. Dinner, scream. Play, scream. Bath, scream. Ellasyns new favorite thing is to shake her head no. Which helps out a lot, except when Im telling her to not do that or if she is ready to go. It's cute so I take advantage of asking her things that I know will guarantee a head shake. So we had finished eating and took a little trip around the house in her new car before pit stopping at the bathroom for bath time. She loves bath time. I mean who doesn't? If I had someone give me a bath I would be trilled. Hell, if I could just take a bath that would make me happy.
We adjust the water, add in toys and then place Ellie in. She's splashing and splashing and poop is far from my mind until I hear it. The grunt heard around the world. I was watching her play but also doing a bit of Facebook stalking when I heard it.
NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO in slow mo!
I looked down and there she was, leaning over to give room for it to happen. Looking back it is hilarious. She just leaned to one side and pooped. I had no idea what to do. I mean what does one do in this situation? We have been reading how you need to applause poop happenings so that their not one of those weird kids who goes and hides in the corner to do their business. So should I stand up and cheer? Fish it out and let her keep playing? See these are the kinds of things that should be in a baby book. Not all that other jibberish that I could care less about.
I decide on the more sanitary answer which is get her out of bath tub and cleaned up. Now that I think about it should I have given her another bath in another bath room because the bath she had was dirty? Well I didn't so go ahead and judge. I inform my sleeping husband that we've got a situation that needs his assistance. We bleach and sanitize then all is right with the world again.
I took a picture but won't share I just thought the grandparents would think it was funny and I may slip it into her baby journal I've been keeping for when she brings home some boy we think is anything but acceptable to date our daughter.
Today I am a wife, mother, and poop fisherman.
Keep Chasing Those Fireflies!
CJ
But all in all I have been kind of busy. I'm wanting to jump start a photography career so I have been taking photos of precious little chittlins with baby ducks and chicks. It will be launching soon so look for it. My daughter had a smashing first birthday party that would lead to me shooting the bull with my dad until 3 a.m. A decision I am still paying for 2 days later. I have been working on a crochet hat for a friends little stud for several weeks now and still cant get it right, which has lead me to never wanting to crochet a another day in my life! So those are important things that I have been doing and blogging has just taken a back seat. I am very sorry for that because I love it so!
Anyways, lets get started. You always hear the phrase 'shit happens,' and while this phrase is true, on many occasions, tonight was a new one for us. I have heard horror stories of parents leaving their baby diaper less and poop being the sure outcome of this choice. My brother in law told us a story, that when he was getting his daughters ready for church he left the youngest one naked for a bit. She then came into the living room with poop down her leg which puddled in her dress up shoe that she proceeded to wear around the house. I could not stop laughing!!
This had never happened to us. We prided ourselves because we had, had no poop disasters. She peed on the floor all the time but never any poop. At least until now.
It was our normal evening routine. Dinner, scream. Play, scream. Bath, scream. Ellasyns new favorite thing is to shake her head no. Which helps out a lot, except when Im telling her to not do that or if she is ready to go. It's cute so I take advantage of asking her things that I know will guarantee a head shake. So we had finished eating and took a little trip around the house in her new car before pit stopping at the bathroom for bath time. She loves bath time. I mean who doesn't? If I had someone give me a bath I would be trilled. Hell, if I could just take a bath that would make me happy.
We adjust the water, add in toys and then place Ellie in. She's splashing and splashing and poop is far from my mind until I hear it. The grunt heard around the world. I was watching her play but also doing a bit of Facebook stalking when I heard it.
NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO in slow mo!
I looked down and there she was, leaning over to give room for it to happen. Looking back it is hilarious. She just leaned to one side and pooped. I had no idea what to do. I mean what does one do in this situation? We have been reading how you need to applause poop happenings so that their not one of those weird kids who goes and hides in the corner to do their business. So should I stand up and cheer? Fish it out and let her keep playing? See these are the kinds of things that should be in a baby book. Not all that other jibberish that I could care less about.
I decide on the more sanitary answer which is get her out of bath tub and cleaned up. Now that I think about it should I have given her another bath in another bath room because the bath she had was dirty? Well I didn't so go ahead and judge. I inform my sleeping husband that we've got a situation that needs his assistance. We bleach and sanitize then all is right with the world again.
I took a picture but won't share I just thought the grandparents would think it was funny and I may slip it into her baby journal I've been keeping for when she brings home some boy we think is anything but acceptable to date our daughter.
Today I am a wife, mother, and poop fisherman.
Keep Chasing Those Fireflies!
CJ
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