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Monday, November 25, 2013

Pregnancy: Week 20

How far along:  
20 weeks

How big is baby:  
The size of a banana.



Maternity clothes:  
I went clothes shopping and got some of the CUTEST maternity outfits!  Yay... I feel stylish again!


Stretch marks:
No new ones to date.

Belly button:
Sticking out.

Sleep:
Sleeping well... I miss being able to sleep on my belly though.

Best moment of the week:
Gia and I had coffee with my close friend Abby.  It was great to just relax and catch up over Starbucks.

Abby & Gia

Gia put on a show for all the patrons while we enjoyed our drinks.
Food cravings:
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes!!!

Food aversions:
None this week.

Nausea:
None... but baby boy is giving me LOTS of indigestion!

Energy:
I'm feeling good but getting worn out by the end of the day.


Movement:
Lots of movement.

What I'm looking forward to:
Thanksgiving with the family next week.  We are having a good friend of mine and my goddaughter come visit next week too!

What I'm nervous about:
Sorting out legalities of a divorce... it is really stressing me out.

What I miss:


Having a car!  Ugh...

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Control Freak to Faith


I will admit that I am somewhat of a control freak.  Okay, maybe that is not strong enough of a statement.  I am a total control freak when it comes to life - or at least I have been for the majority of my life.  I just want things to be good and peaceful.  Don't you?  Things have shifted for me...

I am really working to LET GO!  I have faith that nothing happens by mistake and God has everything under control.  As my faith has grown and strengthened over this past year, my need for total control has lessened.  I know that I am not actually in control of anything.  As scary of a realization as this has been, it has also been such a relief.  I can now breathe and let God lead me... I am so grateful for the path my life has lead me down.  Despite all my crazy adventures and rough spots, I am blessed beyond measure.

Can you take a deep breath and let go?

Thursday, November 21, 2013

A Mellow Evening With Old School Blogging

I love this Old School Blogging link up hosted by Elaine of The Miss Elaine-ous Life and her co-host, Brittany of That’s Vandy.  Elaine dug up these questions from 2008.  What a fun way to get to know one another better... and share a little more of myself with you.  


Where is your cell phone? On the coffee table in front of me.


Your significant other?  Is no more... I am recently separated and soon to be divorced.

Your hair? Seriously needs to be trimmed!  I am currently my natural color though... a first in about twelve years.


Your mother? Is a strong woman who has always been my constant.  

Me & Mom

Your father?
 I don't know my father.  I have never had good luck with father figures so I don't feel that I am missing out.

Your favorite thing? My children. 




Your dream last night? They were crazy!  People holding us hostage and us escaping... lots of guns and hooded figures.  Creepy...

Your favorite drink? Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte <3... If that isn't available, I love coffee.

Your dream/goal?  To be a successful mommy and business woman, working from home and raising my kids.

The room you are in? My baby and I have relocated to a one room accommodation, so I am sitting in the part of the room used as the living room.

Your fear? Failure.

Where do you want to be in six years? I would like to be a homeowner living comfortably with my children in East Nashville... or maybe I will move closer to the ocean.  Who knows...



Where were you last night? Out to dinner with my mom, sister, step-dad, and of course Queen G.  Pizza Hut quelled my pizza craving... yummy!

What are you not? A conformist... I break the mold on almost every topic!


Muffins? Definitely... blueberry is the best!


One of your wish list items? A car...


Where you grew up? Portland, Tennessee




The last thing you did? Ate chips and salsa.

What are you wearing?
 My new blue/black striped maternity shirt and black leggings...


Your TV? Is almost always turned off.  We don't have cable (and I don't miss it).  

Your pets? We have two female pit bulls, Mirage and Dralie.  They are both almost ten years old and are absolutely phenomenal with Gia.  She dresses them up all the time... they are great sports!
Mirage

Dralie
Your computer? Mac... I LOVE it!

Your life? Is always crazy and not at all how I planned it.  I am truly blessed though and wouldn't change it.  My children are my driving force and my reason for everything.


Your mood? Mellow... I have a quiet night to myself and am using it to relax and blog.


Missing someone? I always miss my baby when she isn't home... other than her, it would be great to catch up with some friends who don't live close by anymore.


Your Car? Doesn't currently exist... 


Something you are not wearing? Socks


Favorite store? T.J. Maxx and Target



Your summer? Was spent at home... I didn't get to take Gia to the beach this year.  :-(  We did some fun stuff locally though.




Like someone? LOL... nope.  I did feel like I was back in middle school with this question.

Your favorite color? According to Gia it is pink or black... but I honestly don't think I have one.

When was the last time you laughed? This afternoon... cutting up on the phone.

Last time you cried? Earlier today while watching this video online... One Miraculous Year In The Life of a Baby Born Too Soon



What is one thing on your To-Do list?  My list is a mile long!  Contact a divorce lawyer, make my blog business plan, give the dogs a bath...

Want to join in?  Link up with Elaine and Brittany and tweet with them @elainea and @BrittanyVandy, hashtag #OSBlog!  


I Will Not Be Shamed Into Vaccinating My Child

My day started out quietly enough (probably because I had the ringer on my phone turned off).  When I woke up I got the call to take my little sister to the doctor.  Since my own little one has had a cough and runny nose for the last week, I decided to go ahead and schedule her appointment for the same time.  I generally treat any sickness at home and as naturally as possible.  I've been giving her homeopathic syrup as an expectorant and cough medicine.  It is working well but I figured I could get extra reassurance by having her lungs listened to.

We arrived at the doctor's office late.  Big surprise since I will probably be late to my own funeral.  They took both girls back together and went through the basic checks of height, weight, temperature, etc.  The pediatrician came in and checked them both out after.  They are both great and time will fix their ailments.  This is where it got interesting for me.  Let me just mention here that their pediatrician is my childhood pediatrician.  When she asked me if my daughter is up to date on her vaccines, I politely informed her that I do not vaccinate my daughter.  This is not a decision I have taken lightly and I have done lots of research before finalizing my decision.  After giving me a look as though I neglect my child by keeping her caged, she proceeded to tell me that her office will no longer see my daughter because of my decision.  I am proud to say that I kept a calm respectful manner as I told her that I respect their views but stand behind my decision.  For the remainder of the visit, she threw out snide remarks and scoffed at my parenting.  She then proceeded to tell me that any doctor who would see my child was "weird".  Really?  This doesn't sound judgmental and close-minded at all, now does it?  This is not the first time I have encountered this type of reaction from a pediatrician.  As a result, we have been through over six pediatricians in her two and a half years.  I just refuse to be shamed into vaccinating my child.


I am somewhat of a crunchy mommy.  For those of you who have no idea what that means, let me explain.  I like to do things naturally.  I'm not all out crunchy, but definitely more than society's norm.  When Gia was born I knew I didn't feel comfortable with vaccines but was uneducated to reasons supporting my gut feeling.  With the help of my amazing doula, Laura, I embarked on a research project to make the best decision.  In general I feel that medicine is overused and I don't go to doctors unless absolutely necessary.  This is not because I think they are incapable of healing, I just think that they should be used when we are sick.  When I began reading about vaccines, I only became more strong in my convictions.

Now don't get me wrong, I understand that their are valid arguments for both sides of the vaccine debate.  Two of the determining factors in my decision are the amount of aluminum in vaccines and the fact that some vaccines are made from aborted babies.  I could go on and on as to my reasoning, but at the end of the day it is my choice and my right to make decisions in the best interest of my child.  I wholeheartedly believe this is what I am doing.  Why is it that doctors feel like they have the authority to shame parents into decisions about their children?

For those of you interested in some amazing pediatricians who support informed choice regarding vaccines, here are my recommendations:

Pediatric Partners of Augusta
Dr. William Cannady
Augusta, GA
http://www.pedpartners.com/

Intown Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
Dr. Fredly Bataille
Atlanta, GA
http://intownpediatrics.com/

What are your experiences on this topic?  Do you have any suggestions of good pediatricians in northern middle Tennessee?

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Thought for the Morning


I love this quote to start off the day!  I hope you all turn your lemons into lemonade and make the most of life... Have a blessed day!

What is one way you make the best of what life gives you?

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Pregnancy: Week 19

How far along:  
19 weeks

How big is baby:  
The size of a mango.


Maternity clothes:  
I'm starting to realize that I wear the same few outfits over and over now... maternity shopping soon!

Stretch marks:
Still the same... I don't think any new ones have sprouted.

Belly button:
Sticking out.

Sleep:
I am sleeping great... all through the night without pee breaks!

Best moment of the week:
It has been an AMAZING week!  Gia, my sister, and I put up our Christmas tree... Gia loves decorating!


It was also my birthday this week... the big 28!  For years my birthday has just been another day, but this year was extra special.  My sister and Gia went with me to an ultrasound appointment... keep reading for the gender reveal!  Then the whole family took me out to a hibachi dinner... yummy!

Gia was enthralled with the show!

Our chef, who also happens to be my future brother-in-law.

My little sister, Abby, & I.

Gia at most of my birthday cake... fried ice cream!

Yummy, yummy!

My step-dad & little sister.

My other sister - we are both due within a week of each other!

Me & my mom.

Food cravings:
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes!!!  Pure deliciousness!

Food aversions:
None this week.

Nausea:
A little here and there... not bad though.

Energy:
Feeling good!

Movement:
Baby flips all the time!

Gender:
I got the best birthday present ever... an early ultrasound!  

I am having a baby BOY!!!!
Surprise!
My little man's perfect face...

We are SOOOO excited!!!

What I'm looking forward to:
We are going to a bonfire this weekend!  I am thoroughly enjoying the cooler weather.  

What I'm nervous about:
I am still somewhat nervous about my platelet levels.  They are still very low and I am now seeing an OB and perinatologist.  I am waiting to hear when my hemotologist appointment is.  I am keeping faith that God will bring both baby and I through safely.

What I miss:
I am happy and content...

Monday, November 11, 2013

The SW30 Challenge: Describe the Last Moment You Felt Really, Truly Blissful

The last moment I felt really, truly blissful...


My life is always a little crazy and chaotic.  I don't mean for it to be, I just seem to attract it.  Because of this, I have to make a conscious effort to stop and absorb the little miracles in life.  My daughter is my serenity and daily reminder of this...

I took Gia to Gulf Breeze for a week last summer and I can honestly say that is the last time that I felt really, truly blissful and at peace.  It was a week all about her and watching her wonder and awe was blissful.  


She LOVES the beach and the ocean!  This was my week of pure bliss...

Ponder this...


What are you determined to learn?

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Pregnancy: 18 Weeks

How far along:  
18 weeks

How big is baby:  
The size of a sweet potato.


Maternity clothes:  
My newfound jeans actually keep falling down this week... stress has caused me to drop a few pounds this last week.

Stretch marks:
No new ones... yet.

Belly button:
Sticking out.

Sleep:
I am starting to sleep better... yay!

Best moment of the week:
Gia and I have been moving all week... so seeing her smile and be excited about our new adventure has been the highlight of my week.  She is such an amazing and resilient little girl.  She gives me strength...<3

Food cravings:
Junk food and water.

Food aversions:
None this week.

Nausea:
Some due to stress but not bad.

Energy:
I am running on sheer determination and mommy-drive this week.

Movement:
Lots of movement... such an amazing feeling!

Gender:
Only two more weeks until I find out!

What I'm looking forward to:
Gia and I are planning to put up our Christmas tree and decorate early... in the next few days!  I am excited to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

What I'm nervous about:
I have been planning a home birth with a midwife.  My bloodwork came back with super low platelets and I am now having to go to an OB and hematologist to see what is going on.  I doubt that I get to birth at home now and the whole thing has me quite upset.  My first appointment with the OB is this coming week and I am stressing over it.

What I miss:
Peace in my life... I'm reclaiming it.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

The Amazing Fairy Princess Witch


Decisions are tough... especially when you are two and a  half.  I have spent the last few weeks trying to get my daughter to decide what she would like to dress up as for Halloween.  Now don't get me wrong, it isn't that she didn't have an answer for me each time I asked the question.  She just has been unable to pick one.  

Mermaid... pirate... princess... monster... fairy... witch... the choice has changed each time.

I'm sure many of you are thinking to yourselves "She is two, just pick one and stick with it."  This sounds like such a simple solution and one I seriously contemplated.  The thing is, my daughter is a very opinionated, fashion conscious little girl who refuses to wear anything she doesn't like.  I would like to be able to say that I have no idea where she gets this from, but that would be a lie.

As Halloween night crept closer, my daughter finally made her declaration...
"I want to be a fairy princess witch."

Hmmm... okay.  It is a creative combination and completely doable = mommy victory!

I am not one who likes to go out and spend a fortune on a costume that will get worn one night.  So I decided to attempt to put together this ensemble.  I will credit the adorable tutu to my little sister (she wore it in a recital when she was three).  I repurposed a pink wand with black paint and silver glitter to add the fairy-ness.  My mom picked up the tiny witch hat that topped it all off.  I think it turned out precious!


She was so excited to dress up and go trick or treating!  Unfortunately the weather canceled all festivities on Halloween night, so we had to wait an extra day.  It worked out for the best though because we were able to go the next night and boy did she get lots of candy!



What was your Halloween experience like this year?


Saturday, November 2, 2013

Pregnancy: Week 17

How far along:  
17 weeks

How big is baby:  
The size of a turnip.


Maternity clothes:  
I finally found some more jeans that fit this week hiding in my drawer!  Yay!

Stretch marks:
Still just more obvious old ones.

Belly button:
Kind of sticking out.

Sleep:
Stress is making sleep a distant memory.

Best moment of the week:
We took Gia to a ghost and lantern tour... it was a nice family outing.

Food cravings:
Chocolate.

Food aversions:
None this week.

Nausea:
I've had major bouts of it this week... nerves.

Energy:
I am exhausted = none.

Movement:
Baby flips daily now.  :-)

Gender:
Still unknown... but our ultrasound is now scheduled for week 20! 

What I'm looking forward to:
Getting settled.

What I'm nervous about:
Lots... it's just one of those weeks.

What I miss:
Honestly... a stable family.

What's new with baby's development this week:
Baby's kicks will soon be felt when my belly is touched.