Life

Amelia- 10.5 months old

2010-07-25T20:05:00.005-05:00

I can't believe how big my little girl has gotten. Almost 11 months old! How is it possible I am already planning her 1st birthday party?? I get teared up when I think that she's almost not a baby anymore..

I got her some rainbow striped leg warmers at the craft fair yesterday. I know it's July, but they are so freakin cute. and check out this hat my sister made.

It matches perfect! I love her mischievous little grin and her chubby cheeks :)

My sister also made this tutu for her. I think it suits her perfectly.

She really just fills my soul with love every time I look at her. I can't believe she is mine. My sweet, perfect, adorable girl :)

And I'll leave you with this picture- Amelia showing off her goods.

Gotta love those cheeks!!!

Things I'm loving right now

2010-07-01T20:24:00.004-05:00

-This weather. Humidity is gone (for now) and it's so beautiful outside.

- That I got the lighting for my studio today. So. Excited.

- Newborns. I did my second newborn session yesterday. I feel really good about it. Here's a peek:

I love that this job allows me to get my newborn fix without having to actually have a newborn. It's much better this way. Go here to see the rest.

- Tastee Freeze. More specifically, their Strawberry cheesecake hard ice cream. Best. Stuff. Ever.

- The upcoming holiday weekend. It will be much fun with great Friends.

- Birthday party planning. I can't believe my baby will be 1 in just 2 short months.

What are you loving now??

Father's Day

2010-06-20T19:56:00.002-05:00

Today is Ben's first Father's Day and to celebrate, we had lunch for him and my brother at my mom's. It was a wonderful meal and I ate way too much, as always. Later, we went over to my friend Sam's house for a dip in the pool and to hang out since she and her parents just got back from a vacation to England and Ireland. (yes, a tad jealous here) Even though Amelia was pretty fussy and cranky and I got this look a lot

it was a good time and I got some good sun which is always nice :)

Wait, here's a smile

and my two loves :)

The one thing that did keep Mia smiling were these two characters

Rudy- He would sneak (and by sneak I mean deliberately walk up and lick as many times as possible before someone yelled at him to stop) as many baby kisses as possible. He is so funny. He also LOVES to swim. Especially jumping in the pool and splash everyone.

And Buddy, who is too scared of Mia to get within 3 feet of her and who is also terrified of swimming. So he stands on the outside and catches water in his mouth that you splash at him.

All in all it was a very relaxing day and I hope Ben enjoyed his first Father's Day. I must say, Amelia has the best Daddy I could have ever imagined. Ben loves her so much it overwhelms my heart to see it. I mean, I knew the guy was a softy deep down, but this

this is something, you can't even explain. Pure, true, love. He tells me all the time just how incredible he thinks she is and I have to agree. She's amazing. And I'm not sure, but I think she really thinks he's awesome too

That's one lucky girl and daddy. And I am the luckiest of all, cause I get both of them. Happy Father's Day Ben. You are the best :)

Summer :)

2010-06-17T06:58:00.005-05:00

Aside from the blistering heat and the overwhelming humidity, I. love. summer. I love it even more now that I get to share it with the most beautiful little girl on the planet.

just watching her soak it all in, the outside, the sun, the....bugs (she tries to eat them) just fills me with this passion and zest for life. There so much I can't wait to do with her, and so much I can't wait to show her.

Yesterday she got to experience the splash park that right next door. And boy did that girl have a ball.

We will without a doubt be spending more time at the splash park. I could never get enough of her smiles and giggles. They make my heart swoon.

And check out these thighs! Aren't squishy babies the best?? I could just eat them up!

Vacation

2010-06-08T07:24:00.005-05:00

We are having a blasst on vacation and Amelia has been better than I ever imagined. She LOVED swimming for the first time yesterday

We went for a stroll in The Village

went to the aquarium

This is a sling my friend made me. It is so comfy and Mia LOVES it. Thanks again Megan!

Some more random pics

We met up with a friend of mine who has a boy a month younger than Mia. They loved each other and it was so good to see andrea

And the cutest picture I've ever seen. Ever.

We love Gatlinburg.

new logo

2010-05-22T21:24:00.002-05:00

My insanely talented husband designed an awesome logo for my photography. I absolutely LOVE it.

What do ya'll think?

Family pics

2010-05-22T21:08:00.008-05:00

I've been theaching my friend Megan a thing or two abot photography and she has been taking some pictures for me. First she took this picture for my website :

Then today, she did our family pictures, and let's just say, they turned out AMAIZING. She took them, I edited them. Here they are.

my favorite

My sweet girl

I painted her toes to match mine :)

I adore my little family.

Going, going, going

2010-05-20T10:32:00.004-05:00

I know it's been a couple weeks since I last blogged but life has been crazy! Not an excuse, I know. And I keep telling myself I need to blog everything Amelia is doing or I will forget and I won't have those precious memories to come back and read when she is 18 and going off to college and I'm cryng because I remember when she started crawling and talking and learning so many new things. Hopefully I'll "remember it like it was yesterday". Dramatic I know, but that's how I think but I never, ever want to forget this first year of her life. So to catch up :

- Mia started officially crawling on May 1st. She is getting everywhere now! At first, she kinda had a gimpy crawl where one knee would be down but the other foot she used to kinda push off. It was adorable. She will do it now and ten still but it's mostly a normal cral now. She also pulls up and cruises around the furniture. She's not too graceful so she also has many bruises and scratches. She's not fazed most of the time and I tell her to "shake it off." ha! She did end up with a bloody nose one time but a cuddle and kiss from her momma made it all better.

- She got her first tooth. It's been about a week now that she's had her bottom left tooth coming in. I know she's in pain and she's super fussy but there's nothing I can do but hold her and cuddle her. Can't wait until she has all her teeth so she's not in agony anymore.

- We are going on vacation in 2 weeks! Gatlinburgh :) We will be going with Gabe and Trin and their kids and it's going to be so fun! Our cabin is enormous and has been calling my name for weeks. So close..

- Amelia can clap her hands now. It is the Cutest. Thing. Ever. Anytime you sing "Patty Cake" she will start clapping...even though "Itsy, Bitsy Spider" is her FAVORITE song. Seriously. She could be having a horrendous, red in the face, all out fit, but if you start singing itsy, bitsy spider, she has the hardest time trying to not smile. I love that kid.

- Life is good. I've been getting more business and am really looking forward to being in my studio by the end of the summer. It's hard for me to believe sometimes that I could actually be making a living by being a photographer in the near future. It actually makes me giddy.

That's all for now. Maybe I'll blog more regularly. No promises though.

Crawling (almost)

2010-04-20T11:03:00.002-05:00

Here's 2 short little videos of Amelia almost crawling. She is sooooooo close! It's pretty scary! I'm in trouble in a few days when she finally gets it figured out.

Photography Blog

2010-04-12T09:31:00.003-05:00

I have decided to make another blog strictly for my Eden Photography. This one will be my personal blog and any photo shoots I will post to here.

You can check it out, but I only have 2 posts there so far. More to come though!!!

Movin' on up!

2010-04-09T13:51:00.003-05:00

So this morning, while i was getting ready for work, I had Mia in her crib, like every other morning. She can see me in the bathroom from there so that makes her happy. She had some toys and was playing and at one point I heard her squeal so I looked back and SHE WAS STANDING!! She had used the crib rail to pull herself up and boy did she think she was a hoot. She was laughing and squealing like crazy, even as she slowly slouched and fell to the side. I just stood there saying "What are you doing?! You shouldn't be doing that yet!" Haha!

It was a big reality check though that our house needs to be baby proofed a bit. I told Ben he needs to lower her crib mattress tonight before she goes to bed especially since she is now sleeping unswaddled (yay!).

I'm just don't think I'm ready to have a kid yet. I mean, I just got used to having a baby!

For Funsies

2010-04-08T09:30:00.003-05:00

Saw this on another blog and thought it looked fun. Bolded lines are things I've done.

99 things
1. Started your own blog (duh)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (I wish!)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (Not by choice...it was TERRIBLE)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightening storm (love it!)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run -
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (once again...terrible...)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (Just did!)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (total accident)
68. Flown in a helicopter (over the Rockies...soooooo cool!)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (my teddy named Chocolate, I plan to give it to Amelia for her 1st birthday)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (bleh!)
72. Pieced a quilt (Does helping my grandma do it count?)
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

There's soooo many more that I want to have bolded in my lifetime. I still have a long way to go!

My lively place

2010-04-06T10:23:00.006-05:00

I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Enjoying the Small Things, today and at the end of it was a give away and in order to win you had to take a picture of a lively place in your home and send it to the blogger with a brief discription of it. A place where life happens. As soon as I read what she wanted, I looked up from my lap top, grabbed my camera, and snapped this photo:

This picture simply, yet beautifully, captures our happy life.

This is our coffee table in our living room, and just glancing at it gives away so many things about our little home. Even though the table gets cleared off countless times a day, at any given moment, it can look just like this. Aside from the dirty bib, Easter egg, book, video game controller, cell phone, paci, and other misc. things, you can see my sweet little girl having tummy time with various toys around her in the background.

To many, this may not be a good or interesting photo, is but to me, it is amazingly beautiful.

This is where our life happens.
And what a beautiful life it is.

Big Brothers

2010-04-06T06:54:00.005-05:00

This has to be the most adorable set of siblings I've ever seen. They did so good too! And you can so tell these brothers absolutely adore their baby sister Lucy.

Jackson has gorgeous blue eyes

Too cute!

Mason is so full of energy, it was hard to get a good shot of him by himself but I really do like this one.

I couldn't get within 5 feet of Owen with out getting this handsome smile.

My Papaw

2010-04-02T10:55:00.005-05:00

It's been about a year and a half since he passed away. and though I wasn't extremely close to him, he was the only grandpa I knew and I miss seeing him dearly. Today, I'm honoring his memory with a few facts and memories I have about my grandfather.

My papaw was a quiet man. He was never much of one for conversation but he was full of love and had a huge heart and wouldn't hesitate to help a neighbor or a stranger.

He loved my grandma more than life itself and it filled my soul up with love just watching them.

His two best friends were his recliner and his weiner dog, Barney.

His yard and garden were his pride and joy.

He was very cold natured. He NEVER wore shorts and would wear his winter coat until it was 90 degrees outside.

Even if he didn't say much, he had a great sense of humor that showed occationally and unexpectedly.

He did the BEST Donald Duck impression.

Today my Papaw would have been 76 years old.

Happy Birthday Papaw.

Love you and miss you.

Amelia's Spring pictures

2010-04-01T14:44:00.002-05:00

So I took these without help from anyone and it was pretty difficult. She was difficult. She kept wanting to eat the grass and drooled like crazy. They didn't turn out as good as I wanted but they'll have to do. She's so stinkin' cute!

Finally!

2010-03-23T08:15:00.003-05:00

My website is up and running! I still need to get out a few kinks and fix some things, but for the most part, it's ready. Go check it out and let me know what you think!!

www.edenphotography-in.com

Ava's Easter pictures

2010-03-20T08:35:00.012-05:00

OK this girl is so dang adorable, it really is hard NOT to take good pictures. We had so much fun just playing and running around and I think I got some excellent shots. Here are just a few for you to enjoy :)

Toe nails and some pictures

2010-03-17T08:54:00.008-05:00

Spring is on its way so that means time to paint the toe nails! For the first time in who knows how long, my toes actually had no paint on them. So, while I was at walmart, I picked up new shade. Meet Flirt Alert.

Haha not too keen on the name but I love the color.

Ok Spring, I'm ready for ya now!

Here's some random pictures from the past few days.

learning to play guitar with Daddy.

Huh?

My little bunny :)

Helping mommy with the laundry.

Just thought this was cute. The girl can never keep her socks on and she was in her jumperoo when i took this.

This and that

2010-03-15T10:54:00.002-05:00

So I'm in full swing of trying to get my photography business off the ground. I'm designing some business cards, booking shoots, looking up contracts...all that good stuff. Oh did I mention I'm getting a studio??? YEAH!! Its going to be in the new building our church is getting and they are letting me have one of the big rooms for my studio. It's and old industrial arts building and by old I mean totally horror-movie-creepy so it's going to need some renovating but I'm hoping possibly by the end of the year I will be up and going. I'm beyond excited and soooo ready to be doing what I love full time while getting to spend more time with my beautiful daughter. It really will be perfect. So if you need pictures, you know who to call :)

I really wish I could post more pictures but seeing as I can only blog at work, its not quite possible. I have some great pictures from a play date Amelia had the other night with a little girl only a month older than her. A month older yet, 5 lbs smaller. HA! Mia looks like she could eat her, its too cute though.

I'm totally and completely ready for spring. It's been teasing me lately with nice days here and there but the rain and cold always returns.....come on sunshine....we miss you so much!! I bought Mia's Easter dress the other day and boy is it precious. Her first Easter....I can't wait!

A Beautilful Story

2010-03-10T16:13:00.002-06:00

It's kinda of long but if you have time you need to read this. It is absolutely beautiful and I bawled like a baby (at work) when I read it. I adore this woman's blog and her photography. She's definately one of my role models both as a mother and photographer. After reading it, go hug your babies.

Spring/Easter child portraits

2010-03-09T13:20:00.005-06:00

I've decided it is definately time to update my portfolio so anyone who wants Spring/Easter portraits of your kiddos, let me know!

All sessions are $30 ($45 for more than one child) You will receive about 10 images on a CD and the rights to have as many printed as you wish. Call or email me to set up a date (weekends-April) time, and location (outside). Shoots are limited to 1 hour. There will be a real bunny available for all shoots prior to Easter so hurry!!

Jada Brock : 812-449-8100
bjbrock@yahoo.com

Spring is coming!

2010-03-08T20:32:00.006-06:00

We went to the park yesterday to soak up the beautiful sunshine. I didn't get many pictures but here's Amelia in her adorable sun hat.

She LOVES going for walks in her stroller. She loves being outside period. She just looks around and is the happiest baby in the world. I can't wait for summer!!

And who else loves walks??

Yep. Cyrus. Notice the mud? He also loves running through the ditch behind our house after the walk....

and getting hosed off afterward. He's crazy and I love him.

I'm ready for spring to be here for good so we can have more walks...

Learning to relax

2010-02-26T14:59:00.006-06:00

So I really haven't felt like my self for the past, oh, 13 months or so. Ever since I found out I was pregnant with Mia, it's like I was transported to a different body and mind. It wasn't bad, but I just felt like I wasn't me anymore. I was a nurturer of this tiny soul inside of me and then, after having her, I become a mother and still had to feed and care for this little person. Well, I stopped breastfeeding about a month and a half ago and nature has taken over and strangely I feel like the old me again. Not completely of course, having Amelia has forever changed me, but a tiny piece of the old me is still there, calm yet thriving.

I have at last learned how to be a mom and do normal everyday things. It's just common place now and not something I am constantly thinking about, like, "I have to make sure we have this, this, and this if we go out with the baby", or, "We can't go out until after the baby eats." I just go with the flow. That was the hardest thing to learn so far on this journey of mommy hood.

Just relax, everything will be ok.

So what if her shirt has spit up on it? or we may have to wait 30 minutes at the restaurant and she may get fussy? I have realized its not the end of the world if she doesn't have a bib to match her cute outfit. What matters is that I have this perfect little girl that makes my heart swell with her smiles and makes the end to every day perfect. She has taught me lots in the nearly 6 months she's been here.

She completes me.

I love this soul.

2010-02-23T07:20:00.004-06:00

Amelia Jade, 5.5 months.

Before

2010-02-22T20:31:00.004-06:00

I must say, I'm incredibly embarrassed to post these pictures but I know it will keep me motivated to get the "after" pictures on here. Now remember, I did have a baby 5 and 1/2 months ago...

Ben didn't want me to put his up here so I'll wait until he has an after picture to go with it.

Ok...hitting the "publish post" button is like ripping off a band aid...

one...two...three

Day 1

2010-02-22T16:05:00.004-06:00

Today at approximately 5:30pm I will begin torturing myself with a new exercise program, P90X. I am excited to get in shape (for once in my life) but extremely terrified of the immense pain and soreness I will endure. Ben started this morning and when I asked him how it was he said "It destroyed me." That is coming from a man who is in decent shape already.
Awesome.
I am in no shape (unless you consider flabby a shape) whatsoever, so this should be interesting. I will be posting both of our "before" pictures later tonight so I have something to keep me motivated. Though we both have completely different goals we are going for (he wants to GAIN body mass and muscle, I want to lose weight and be toned) we are doing this together to keep each other accountable. We will also be dieting (I have been since the new year and lost 6lbs already!!) and try to live a more active life all together. Here is my list of reasons why I want to have this major life style change:

- Amelia. I want to set a great example for her and encourage her to live a healthy, active life. Plus, the healthier I am now, the longer I will be around...I want to be a great-great grandma someday.

- I want to be proud of my body for once. I don't want to have to question whether or not something looks good on me, I want the confidence that it does.

- 1 Corinthians 6:19 says "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own..". My body should be an outward example of what is on the onside. We have to take care of the bodies that He gave us.

So there, now, not only am I being accountable for myself but to anyone who reads this blog. I don't want to disappoint. I am determined to get in shape and stay that way. Who is going to join me?

I need a name..

2010-02-19T14:30:00.003-06:00

for my photography business. I've been trying to think of one for ages and just can't seem to come up with something cool and snappy. Since I know sometime in the future Ben and I will have our business together (me doing photography and him doing graphic design) it will need to be a name such as "Blah Blah Photography and Design." Any got anything?? I don't want anything like "A Moment in Time" or "Picture This"...you know, nothing cheesy. I would like to maybe use our names somehow but so far the only thing I can come up with is "J & B Photography and Design" but that just doesn't flow right. So anyone got any ideas to throw out there??? Please, anything....

update

2010-01-23T20:41:00.003-06:00

Life is busy, as usual. Amelia is growing like a weed. She has started laughing every once in a while. It is so cute when she does. She babbles like crazy and it always sounds like she is saying "I good" but its really more just like "ahhh gggggg." She does the "g" sound the most. At 4 and 1/2 months, it just amazes me at what she can already do. She is also almost sitting on her own. Oh, and we started trying some baby foods this week. So far just pears (which she LOVES) and sweet potatoes (which she thinks are just "ok") I really enjoy letting her try new things. She wants to feed herself already so she has to hold my hand that has the spoon in it the whole time. So cute!

Work is pretty much the same. I would LOVE to not have to work so much and spend more time with my baby but that's just not something we can afford right now. I hope to get my photography business off the ground soon then I will be home a lot more. Someday....just waiting for God's timing.

I love being a mom. My world is completely different and I see life in a totally different way. I never knew I could love another person as much I love this kid. It's like every part of me woke up just to love her and she makes me incredibly happy. I know all you moms out there know exactly what I mean. It's awesome!

Here's a picture I took tonight on our web cam. Just me and Mia, hanging out:

She was smiling cause she could see herself on the screen. She LOVES to look at herself. It's so funny because she could be screaming and if I hold her up in front of the mirror, she will stop immediately and smile at her reflection. Can you say conceited...haha, just kidding. Seriously though, she's the coolest kid ever.

Firsts

2009-12-19T09:57:00.004-06:00

So this week has been FULL of firsts for Amelia. Ok first she started reaching for stuff. I think I mentioned that last post but she has been doing it soooo much more. She can bring things to her mouth now to chew on them, like her bib. So CUTE!

Next, she got her first little tooth peeking though. I about flipped when I saw it. I new she was teething but I just didn't expect to see a tooth so soon! Needless to say, she has been a MUCH happier baby since it came in. That brings me to the next first...... she had her first real baby laugh. I, of course, did not get to witness this, but Ben did. And what was it that got this baby to give her first real laugh???............Cyrus. Yep, the dog! He was going crazy running around the house and every time he would run back in the living room she would laugh at him. She hasn't done it since but I really wish I could have heard it!!! Baby laughs are the best!!

OK that's about it I think. Everyday is full of new things and discoveries for her and I absolutely LOVE seeing her learn and grow! I am truly blessed to have her in my life!

I know, I know

2009-12-15T08:27:00.002-06:00

When it comes to blogging, I fail miserably but give me a break, I'm still adjusting to this whole "being a mom" thing.

Life is crazy to say the least. Work is super busy, and any free time I have is spent with my beautiful daughter and wonderful husband. This blog is constantly in the back of my mind nagging at me to get on here to update and keep a record of all the amazing things Mia is doing now, but seriously, I never have time. I'm hoping one day I will learn how to be a mom, work, and still get things done like all the other moms I know but I still have yet to figure it out. How do you all do it??? And with more than one?..that's insane!

Anywho, update on Amelia. She is growing sooooooo fast! At her 3 month appointment she weighed 14 lbs!! That's in the 90th percentile! What a chubby yet adorable little girl I have! She coos, talks, laughs, and smiles all the time now and there is nothing in the world that melts my heart than that. She is also beginning to teethe and that is not so fun. I feel so bad that there's not much I can do to help her but hopefully it doesn't last too long and she can go back to being just a happy baby. I know, I have a while to wait but I can hope can't I?

Last night she reached for a toy for the first time. Not that it was super graceful or anything but it was soo cute. I think she surprised herself more than anything that her arms actually did what she wanted them to do lol. It is so fun to watch her learn and discover new things everyday. I am so blessed!

Well I hope to get some pictures on here soon but until then, check out my facebook...there's plenty of pictures there!

update on Amelia

2009-10-29T09:34:00.002-05:00

So Mia had her 1 month appointment yesterday....even though she is almost 2 months. We had to reschedule her 1 month bc her dr was having surgery but I thought they would consider this one her 2 month but they didn't...kinda confusing....oh well

Anyway she is up to 11lbs 2oz and 21.25 inches. She is in the 95th percentile for her weight and the 50th for her height. Definitely a growing girl! Doctor said she is perfectly healthy and we just need to keep doing what we are doing. It feels so good to know that I'm doing everything right...lol...it's just hard to not worry when you are a mom.

Amelia is starting to do so much new stuff and getting so big! She can hold her head up for a few minutes at a time. We have actually tried her in her bumbo seat and she looks sooooo big when she is sitting there. She has started cooing a lot and oh the smiles!!!! I just adore her big toothless grin. I spend most of my time just trying to get her to smile or giggle. It melts my heart...

I can't believe my baby is almost 2 months old!! It has just flown by!

I'm still here....

2009-10-26T16:33:00.003-05:00

and back to work...already.

Mia will be 8 weeks old on Friday. Eight freaking weeks!

I know, I know.....it's been ages since I've posted anything. I just haven't had the time since Amelia was born. Oh yeah...I never even posted that I had her. Well so ya know I'm not still pregnant.....thank the Lord.Yeah she came 4 weeks early on September 4th. I will post her whole birth story later.

I don't have tons of time now so this will just be a short post letting you all know I'm planning on blogging a lot more...just so I can record everything Mia does and write about her so I will have it in the future and so she can read it when she gets older. I don't want to forget anything.

My life has already changed so much since she has come into my life. It's like I was alseep for 22 years and my body just woke up to have her and love her. Ben is amazing with her. It just melts my heart to see him hold her and sing to her. I am so looking forward to watching her grow and learn.

Ok more later. Promise.

35 weeks

2009-08-27T14:11:00.004-05:00

So I have been a true slacker in the updating and blogging and to be completely honest it's simply because I haven't wanted to. But I figured I really need to do it soon because if not, I never would so today's the day. Ya hoo!!

At my last appointment my doctor told me that I've been measuring 3cm ahead the whole time and she wants an ultrasound at my next appointment on the 8th to check Mia's weight. I'm not sure if this means I'm measuring 3 weeks ahead or not but that would be totally cool with me :) because that would mean at my next appointment I would be almost 40 weeks and hopefully she will want to induce me or something like that if Mia is big enough because I know they don't want her getting too big. I know it's wishful thinking, and I really have no clue how I could be measuring that far ahead but hey, a girl can dream can't she? I really think I more like just a week ahead but still that means only 4 more weeks. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! I am sooo beyond ready for her to be here now.

Ok so here's my 35 weeks picture:

To put it simply, I'm huge. Don't think so? Let's take a look at my 9 week picture....

I never thought I'd say it but I can't wait to look like this again. I actually look...dare I say...SKINNY....*sigh*....someday...

Amelia's Room

2009-08-27T13:59:00.006-05:00

Ok so the nursery has been done for awhile but I've been a slacker in the picture/blogging department. Here is the finished product:

Ok this is the view from the doorway.

This is the wall opposite the crib. That is the diaper cake on her dresser, I figured I'd leave it until I use it lol. Oh and the swing will be moved to the living room once we have her and we have a glider that will go where the swing is but Ben is using it downstairs for now as his gaming chair.

I painted the picture frames and took the pictures that are in them. It was fun pretending to be crafty.

The bedding up close..it needs ironed still so ignore the wrinkles.

This is her name I painted and posted earlier but it's up on wall now. It's hard to see in the picture but there are little daisies underneath it.

This is another little crafty thing I did. These I used from different things like one of the gift bags from the shower, one of the cards I got, part of the thank you card i used and some ribbon from the diaper cake. Cute and has a personal touch. These oare on the wall next to the closet.

That's it for me...now all it needs is a baby

32 weeks

2009-08-08T09:04:00.003-05:00

8 to go :)

It's been awhile

2009-08-08T08:42:00.013-05:00

And I've been putting off blogging because I haven't really had anything worth updating on. Until this week of course but it has been a crazy busy week so here I am now, updating. Isn't that nice of me?

Ok I had my shower last Saturday and it was AWESOME thanks to Sam and Meagan for doing such an amazing job!! It really was the best shower ever! Here's few pictures:

The tables...aren't they so cute?

Up close of the table decorations.

Sam, Me and Meagan.

The adorable cake. Which was delicious by the way.

All my wonderful gifts.

Opening the presents.

This is a sock/washcloth bouquet and a diaper cake my aunt Jennifer made. They were so adorable and she is too crafty!

Here's a picture of me and my sister in law Tara. She was 34ish weeks and i was 31. Not too much difference except mine is much higher lol.

It really was so much fun and I love all the gifts! I got everything put away this week and we still have a few little things we need to buy before the baby gets here and I'm so glad we can finally get everything done! Not much longer!!!!!!

29 weeks

2009-07-16T09:28:00.002-05:00

Not much to post about so I think I'll just do the picture today.

Here's Mia and I at 29 weeks:

28 weeks...a little late

2009-07-13T09:13:00.008-05:00

Ok so yeah I'm a few days behind but at least I'm here. I just kept forgetting to take the picture and so I finally did it yesterday.

We have been getting a lot done in the nursery and I sorted all the clothes last night by size and let me tell ya...this kid has tons of clothes and she's not even here yet. And I still have the shower...man, she will NOT be in need of clothes that's for sure. She seriously has at least one trash bag full of every size up to 24 months.

Anywho I took some pictures of the progress of her room.

This is the new curtain we bought and once we get a glider it will go in front of it. You can kinda see the swing on the side. That will of course eventually be moved to the living room but we keep it here now to keep the dogs from destroying it. And the bookshelf next to the crib is really nice and we got it at Target for only $20.

Here's the crib with the bedding in it and the wall words I bought from my new favorite website Etsy.com. If you can see it, it says "A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep-Cinderella" I know...my little kid is showing but anyone who knows me should have guessed there would be SOMETHING Disney involved.

We are still working on the dresser and should have it done this week and it will go on the wall opposite the crib. And this

will hang on the wall above it. I bought these wooden letters at Michaels and painted them myself. I think they turned out really good if I do say so myself. I also did another little crafty project with fun fabrics in picture frames but I forgot to take a picture of that. We'll save it for a later time I guess.

Ok so here's me at 28 weeks, 3 days.

In the 3rd trimester finally. Woo hoo! 80 days till her due date :)

27 weeks

2009-07-02T13:46:00.003-05:00

So I had my 27 week appointment today and I had to do the glucose screening test for gestational diabetes. For anyone who happens to not know what that is, it's where they make you drink about 8oz of this orange stuff that I didn't really think was too bad. It was just like orange soda with a little extra sugar. Then you have to wait an hour and have your blood drawn. They will call me when they get the results to let me know if I have to go back and do the 3 hour test which I'm pretty sure I will but am hoping not.

Other than that all is well and Mia is healthy. Heartbeat was 152 and sounded good. I have actually lost 1.5 lbs which I know is not good but the doctor didn't say anything about it. Not too sure why I have lost weight...I eat ALL THE TIME. Maybe I've been a tad stressed lately and that's why, but I'm sure it will pick right back up.

I know I didn't post last week but I have just been so busy. what's one week though?

Anywho here is my 27 week picture. I actually took it last night but it will do.

My pants make my belly look kinda weird but really it's nice and round lol.

I'm addicted...

2009-06-24T09:27:00.002-05:00

to Etsy.com.

Beware of clicking on that link. Seriously. If you don't want a new addiction to Internet browsing/shopping, stay away.

It is a sight where people buy and sell handmade things. Kinda like ebay but it's all things that people have made in some way. They seriously have EVERYTHING on there from woodworking to candles to purses. I spent all day yesterday just looking at stuff on there. It's amazing. I will be buying some stuff for the nursery from there.

Don't say I didn't warn you....

25 weeks

2009-06-19T12:57:00.002-05:00

Not much to update on with the pregnancy. I've been feeling pretty good except for the occasional swollen feet. Sorry I look so bad in the pic. We took it yesterday when I got off work at our house which was 88 degrees. Blah! But the AC should be installed and going when I get home today. Yay!

Update

2009-06-18T08:58:00.003-05:00

Problem with the water- the breaker was flipped..duh!

Problem with the stinking water- pretty much gone. There's still a slight smell but I'm sure with time, it will disappear.

Problem with the AC- Getting replaced tomorrow. It was way worse than I thought. Something about the fan belt was broken and with it being such and old system (about 30 years old), it's not worth putting a dime in and the furnace is in the same condition so we are replacing everything. We don't really mind because we were going to do it with our tax return in the spring anyway but since we need it now we opted to go ahead and do that. I just can't wait to have a cool house. I don't think I fell asleep until 1am this morning because it was just so darn hot. I ended up sleeping on the couch and Ben was on the living room floor because the downstairs was like 10 degrees cooler than our bedroom.

One more night....

Well since I don't have a picture (again) I'll do my other weekly update tomorrow :)

We are...

2009-06-16T12:42:00.003-05:00

officially home owners. We closed on our house last night and we got the rest of our stuff moved. I am so excited and even more exhausted. We moved all weekend (well Ben moved and I cleaned..and cleaned...and cleaned) So last night was our first night in the new house. It was not pleasant. Not that I'm ungrateful at all because I LOVE the house....it's just not quite up and running yet.

First is the water. So the water had been turned off for like a year. That's a year of water sitting in the pipes/water heater. So when we turned it on and started using it it had a very funky smell. And by funky I mean like rotten eggs. Very old rotten eggs. On top of that, I went to take a shower last night and there was no hot water. Yeah...so we have very stinky, cold water. We aren't sure why there is no hot water. Ben is going to look at it the water heater today and see if he can figure it out. But the stinky water, we are clueless. I thought after it had run for awhile the smell would go away but that is not happening. Anyone have any idea how to get rid of the smell???

Also, the a/c seems to not be working. It is running but only warm air is coming out. I'm thinking (hoping) it just needs some free-on and will be fine. So any one know how to do that?

Oh the joys of home ownership :)

as promised...

2009-06-12T09:50:00.004-05:00

ok here is last week's picture

and this week's

and just for fun here's some bare belly pictures

growing, growing, growing..

Have a great weekend everyone!

24 weeks

2009-06-11T10:09:00.003-05:00

So I've been a huge slacker in the blogging area. Well actually I didn't post last week because I didn't get the picture on my jump drive to post from work because our computer at home is M.I.A (aka: Ben took it to his friends house so he can play games) (I also just noticed that M.I.A spells our daughter's name. lol) I did take the picture however it's still on my camera. And today's picture has yet to be taken because Ben is on 1st shift for a few weeks so he wasn't home this morning to take it.

Anywho, I will take one tonight and just bring my camera to work with me and upload it that way. So no pictures till tomorrow. Sorry.

I have been feeling really good. Ben and I have been taking the dogs to the park to walk 3 or 4 times a week so I think the exercise has been helping a lot. I did have an appointment last week which went good. I gained 10lbs which sounds like a lot for 4 weeks but it actually puts me right up to where I should be so I'm not worried. I just hope I don't gain that much at every appointment. My next appointment I have to do the glucose test done which will determine if I have gestational diabetes which I'm scared I will. We'll see I guess.

I am now officially 6 months pregnant. It's gone really fast and I can only hope the rest of it goes as fast. Which it should since we will be moving (hopefully this weekend) and getting everything ready and all that jazz. I can't wait to get the nursery together. I have the crib and should have the bedding really soon so I can start on that. Ok I better end this post before it gets too long.

Pictures tomorrow. I promise.

22 weeks

2009-05-28T09:14:00.002-05:00

So I'm now 22 weeks pregnant. It seems to be going much faster and that makes me happy....even though it could never go fast enough I don't think.

I can feel her kicking ALL THE TIME now. I think she is still in the breech position because the kicks are still really low. I wish she would turn so I could let other people feel them. I guess she will in her own time.

I'm really tired and can't think of anything else to report so I'll just post the picture now. It was taken this morning and like I said, I'm really tired and I think it shows.

21 weeks

2009-05-22T09:09:00.004-05:00

A day late but oh well.

I still have only gained 3 or 4 pounds which is pretty good I guess. I feel like I've gained 15 at least. Ben can feel her kick now which is so cool. I think she has started doing somersaults in there which feels so weird.

We have begun to obtain baby clothes from friends and family who have girls and are getting rid of stuff. Right now we have about 6 boxes full of clothes. Yes, 6. This kid will never be in need of clothes. We also have a stroller and car seat combo (which we got for $30!) and a crib and mattress. I'm sooooo excited to started getting stuff ready which of course we can't until we move. Hopefully that will be in another week or so. I think that's it for now.

Here's the 21 week picture.

20 weeks

2009-05-14T12:36:00.003-05:00

Halfway there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really can't believe that it's been 20 weeks already. Well at times it seems it's flown by but others it seems like it is just dragging.

I feel huge this week. And I'm pretty sure my belly is done filling out and is beginning to stretch, which is not comfortable. I've started having round ligament pain on my sides and those suck. Bad. Other than that, all is well in my world.

I never did get a picture last week but made sure to get one today.

Definitely bigger!

We are still in the waiting process of getting our house but all looks good and if we're lucky, we will be closing by the end of the month. I can't wait!!!

5/6 ultrasound pictures

2009-05-08T14:04:00.015-05:00

If you click it will enlarge them:)
These are her huge feet.

Her arms.
It's a girl! Can you see the split? lol

Her arm and back. You can't see her head because it is covered by the amniotic fluid in this picture but I promise, she is not headless.

This one looks so cool.
And this one looks so freaky.

I love this one because it looks like she's posing with her hand propped up under her chin. So cute!

And this is the little skinny minny from the side. She could definitely use some chunkies on her.

week 19

2009-05-07T09:17:00.003-05:00

I had a doctor appointment yesterday and another ultrasound. It was the one where they measure all her parts and they said she (yep, it's still a girl) looks very good and that she is actually measuring a week ahead. I have lots of ultrasound pictures that I still have to get scanned in and I'm going to try and do that tonight and post them. She was quite active during the ultrasound and it was so fun to watch her on the screen. I wish I could do that everyday.

I don't have a picture today because I forgot. I'll try and get one tomorrow though.

Amelia is the size of a mango this week. Well that's what the email update said but since she is a week bigger than that I don't know what she's the size of exactly.

I've only gained 2 lbs so far which I think is fabulous. There was sugar in my urine and the nurse said I will most likely develop diabetes but they won't test for it until week 28. I pretty much knew that was coming because diabetes runs in my family and I've had to be tested for it several times already. Not looking forward to that but other than that everything looks great.

Oh and.....we are buying a house!! Our offer was accepted on Tuesday and we are just waiting for the financing to go through. I will post more on that later but we are really excited to finally have a house to call our own. Lots of new stuff going on in our lives this year. Compared to last year, it's a huge relief. God is Great!

It's a...

2009-05-02T10:44:00.002-05:00

GIRL!!! We are both SUPER excited because we both really wanted it to be a girl. YAY!!! Off to look at baby stuff :) Have a great weekend!!

18 weeks

2009-04-30T09:22:00.002-05:00

So....in just 2 days I get to find out if our baby is a Jasper or an Amelia. I am so anxious it's killing me!

I have started feeling it kick this week. A lot. It's really weird but so neat at the same time. It isn't hard at all, it just feels like someone lightly flicking the inside of my lower belly. Ben had his hand on my belly the other night while we watched TV and he said he felt it kick. I'm not sure if he really did or not because I haven't even felt it from the outside yet but I let him believe he did. Maybe he really did. Who knows...

So it's the size of a sweet potato this week. Growing, growing, growing....

Here's the 18 week picture.

Preggo Brain

2009-04-27T13:59:00.001-05:00

I'm at work and I was verifying something and when I went to sign it I signed my name "Jada Branch." No Joke.

It's going to be a long week.

week 17

2009-04-23T09:02:00.004-05:00

Again, not much has changed. Baby is the size of an onion now (about 5.5 inches). We get to find out what it is in 9 days. I soooo can't wait!

I still haven't felt it kick which sucks cause all the things I've read say I can possibly feel it by now. I know most likely it will be another month or so for that but I look forward to it.

I've had a pretty nasty cold this week and it seems to be getting worse. Lots of congestion and coughing and my chest is starting to hurt. Maybe I should go to the doctor....nah, I'll wait it out.

I actually remembered the picture this morning. I really feel like I am much bigger this week but ya'll might not be able to tell. My belly is definitely firmer and bigger though. I promise.

Sorry, I know the red shirt and the dark red background make it harder to see but if you click on it, it will make it bigger.

And just for fun, here's a bare belly one.

week 16 belly

2009-04-17T09:02:00.001-05:00

week 16 and Happy Birthday to me!

2009-04-16T12:21:00.004-05:00

So today marks month 4 of pregnancy and year 22 of life for me....quite a day!

I did take a picture this morning but I forgot it at home so I'll have to put it up tomorrow. The baby is the size of an avocado this week...not nearly as tasty as an orange but it will do.

I get to go to Olive Garden for my birthday supper and I must say, I'm super dooper excited. Lately, I've been getting full very fast when I eat. Like after 5 bites. No joke. I am reeeeally hoping that I can eat more than that tonight. If not I'm sure I will cry.....and that won't be the first time I've cried over food since being pregnant. It's just very sad.

I don't know that I've posted the names we have picked out for the little peanut so I thought I'd put them up today. We'll know in less than 3 weeks :) Our boy name is Jasper Kael (pronounced like Cale) and our girl name is Amelia Jade. It will be Mia for short which I totally love. Anywho, that's all I got for now. Till next week!

15 down

2009-04-09T09:18:00.003-05:00

25 to go....:)

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and it was pretty quick and simple. No weight gain (WOO HOO!) and heard the heartbeat. It was at 156 BMP which is great. I will have an ultrasound at my next appointment on the 6th and we will find out the sex if we can't find out on Saturday at the clinic.

And here's the pic for the week.

edited to add: oh yeah it's the size of a naval orange this week!

belly @ 14 weeks

2009-04-03T09:15:00.003-05:00

Week 14

2009-04-02T12:11:00.003-05:00

So I'm 3 1/2 months along now....it's sure is slow going. The baby is a lemon this week. Which I'm now craving....great.

My great sister-in-law Trin is awesome and since she works out at our church's Abba Clinic, she got me an ultrasound next Saturday morning. I'm super excited and hopefully we will get lucky and be able to find out what it is (I'll only be 15 weeks but it's possible). Fingers crossed!

My aunt got me this really cool pregnancy journal where you can keep pictures, record what happened at each appointment, put weekly pictures, and write your thoughts and feelings. I asked Ben if he wanted to write something and he said sure. He came home this morning and told me he did so I read it, expecting it to be a couple of sentences to the baby. Well it was a page and a half and it made me cry. A lot. It was by far the sweetest thing I have ever read and it just melted my heart to know what he really feels about this baby. He is going to be such an awesome dad. I can't wait!

So I of course forgot the picture again but I'll try and have it up tomorrow. :)

13 week Belly

2009-03-27T09:09:00.001-05:00

Ok here's the belly at 13 weeks. I swear I look 5x bigger in the picture than I do in person...

week 13

2009-03-26T14:34:00.003-05:00

Not much has changed. I have been feeling really good lately which is awesome. I'm excited about this whole second trimester thing. It is already much better than the first. I'm not nearly as tired and haven't felt nauseous in about 2 weeks. I have, on the other hand, become very forgetful and scatterbrained. Especially at work. I could be waiting on a customer and then have to just stop and think for a few seconds because I totally forget what I am doing. It's not too cool.

I meant to have a picture so I can start having one each week of my growing belly but I forgot to take one this morning so I will have to do it tomorrow. Hopefully I will remember....

So the baby is peach-sized this week. That's prety cool that it is that big already. From and appleseed to a peach.

Only 6 more weeks until we find out what it is! I pretty much can't wait to see if it is a Jasper or an Amelia.

That's all for now.

12 weeks

2009-03-19T12:47:00.003-05:00

Goodbye first trimester! Ok so I technically still have a few more days but I'm still excited. Only 28 weeks to go. Ha!

So it's a plum this week and this is me...

The picture was taken by Ben so thats why it's kinda crappy....shh don't tell him I said that. Anyway, I think I look huge but I'm my worst critic I guess. I haven't gained any weight yet which is good. I have actually lost 2 lbs which I have no idea how considering I eat like a cow. Lol, it's going to catch up with me though, I just know it. Ugh!

Obviously

2009-03-16T08:55:00.004-05:00

I get very bored at work and have way too much time on my hands because I find neat things like this to do. I found this site that lets you upload pictures of you and your honey and it will give you an idea of what your kid will look like. I couldn't access the page from work so I did it yesterday at Trin's house and this is what I came up with.

I don't think they turned out too bad. I thought they would be all deformed looking like I've seen some of them before but they are actually kinda cute. I guess we'll just have to wait to see how accurate they are. Oh and you can also put in celebs pictures and all sorts of fun stuff. I know you are just dying for me to give you the website so you can go try it too. It's www.makemebabies.com. I hope you all try it and if you have kids already I want to know if it looks like any of them. Enjoy!

Something fun

2009-03-13T10:16:00.002-05:00

I found this site where you answer questions and it gives you a prediction for the day your baby will be born. Not that I believe it at all but I just thought I'd post it cause its fun.

The day you deliver, outside will be cloudy. Your baby will arrive in the late afternoon. After a labor lasting approximately 9 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 5 pounds, 3 ounces, and will be 16-1/2 inches long. This child will have light amber eyes and curly blonde hair.

So I'm guessing she will be pretty early cause she's so small. Lol. Other than that and the 9 hour labor, I wouldn't mind any of this. Especially the curly blonde hair!

Week 11

2009-03-12T10:36:00.003-05:00

Not to much to update. My first trimester is almost over. Woot! The little peanut is about the size of a lime this week. Good grief it grew fast!

Here are some ultrasound pictures from the 4th when I was 10 weeks. They are crappy because they are pictures of the pictures and I took them on my cell phone. Hey, I don't have a scanner so back off. Anywho, here they are. Oh, the bottom one is 4D . The head is at the top and the hand is up by the face. Too cute!

Update

2009-03-05T13:18:00.003-06:00

So I'm now 10 weeks. Yay! 1/4th of the way done.

I had my doctor appointment yesterday and all is well. We had an ultrasound and saw the little peanut moving. It was so cute. I cried of course. The heartbeat was good. 158 BPM. I feel much better now that I know everything is good.

I met my doctor for the first time and I love her. I really do. She was so nice and answered all my questions and even told me things that are fine to have (chocolate, Excedrin). I'm really looking forward to having her as my doctor. The only thing she is concerned about is she said I have a very narrow pelvis. Which means.....I am much more likely to have to have a c-section. But she said she's seen worse and they delivered fine so I shouldn't worry too much.

All in all, I'm much more relaxed and still very excited.

9 more weeks until I find out what it is :)

And the baby senses win

2009-03-03T08:34:00.002-06:00

For 3 days now our house has had a funky smell. Not just funky, but gross. The first time I smelled it, it woke me up at night and I have smelled it every since. It was always strongest in the kitchen but at first I thought maybe it was just the trash and it would go away when Ben took it out so I didn't say anything.

The next day, it was a bit stronger and I noticed the trash had been taken out so I went on a journey to find the origin of the awful smell just to come up with nothing. So I asked Ben if he smelled the awful smell in the kitchen and he went in there, smelled around, then looked at me and said that my baby senses are just on overdrive and it's probably just the way the house smells naturally because he smelled nothing. I told him if that is the way our house smells, I'm moving. It was horrible.

So we came home last night from my mom's (day 3 of awful smell) and when we walked in the house the smell practically smacked me in the face, it was so strong. That's when Ben said he could "kinda" smell it now. Well thank God. I was beginning to think I was going crazy.

So that's when we both when through the kitchen and living room smelling everything in sight, searching all cabinets, looking under the couch in the fridge. It was something rotting, that's all I knew. We checked EVERYTHING only to be even more clueless as to what it was. That's when it hit me. I looked at Ben and said, "it's a dead mouse." He then adamantly denied that's what it could be but he checked all the traps anyway. Nothing. Once again.

Until this morning. I had had it. I was going to find it and I wasn't leaving until I did. I noticed it was strongest in front of the fridge and stove so I made Ben move them to look behind and under. Nothing. So Ben decided to take off the bottom part of the back of the fridge to look inside. After about 10 minutes he looks up at me and says "I found it, you were right. It's a dead mouse." Aha! I knew it. I win.

I am so relieved to be rid of the horrid smell of a dead animal in my house but I can't help but wonder why in the world could I smell it THREE DAYS ago and Ben couldn't until last night. Is my sense of smell really that much stronger now? Pregnancy is so weird.

9 weeks, 2 days

2009-02-28T18:16:00.002-06:00

Nothing New

2009-02-27T12:56:00.004-06:00

this week. I'm 9 weeks along now and have felt really good. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. That's awesome.

The little tadpole is the size of a green olive now. See the picture at the top of? It has fingers and toes now. How cool!

My friend Whitney is also pregnant and she finds out on Tuesday what she is having. I'm so incredibly jealous. But I know, my time is coming.

Since I pretty much lead a very boring life, that's all there is to post for now. I go to the doc on Wednesday so I'll let ya'll know how that goes. Till then....

The woman knows how to

2009-02-25T09:17:00.004-06:00

make a pregnant lady's day. I would be talking about my wonderful sister-in-law Trin.

My morning started off less than great. I got to work in a good mood because this is my short day (I'm supposed to get off at 3) but one of my co-workers called in sick so I was asked to stay until 5. Ok so 2 hours isn't that big of a deal but I was excited about that 2 extra hours to myself today. Not to mention another co-worker wasn't coming in until 10:30 so that left only 2 of us to run around like crazy getting everything done. Stressful morning.

Then Trin calls out of no where to ask what I want from Starbucks. What a great question to be asked in the middle of a crap-filled morning. I couldn't think of the name of what I usually get so I just told her to make it cold and sweet. And she did a get job of that.

So now I am sitting in enjoying my wonderful chocolate chip frappicino thingy and it is fabulous. Thank you Trin!

2 months down...

2009-02-19T13:46:00.002-06:00

....7 more to go.

Ugh.

Have I mentioned how impatient I am? No? Oh, well I am. Very.

This week the little lizard inside of me is the size of a raspberry. It's also officially no longer an embryo but a fetus. Moving on up in the world.

I have felt pretty good this week. I have been more energized and hardly nauseous at all. Hope it stays that way. I am definitely noticing snugness in the waist area of my pants. And firmness in the tummy. And I can see a little bump forming. This is all very exciting because it makes it seem more real than just an idea in my head.

Time for some clothes shopping I suppose. Yay!

Today...

2009-02-18T09:14:00.002-06:00

is a good day. I made it to work without feeling like I had to throw up like I have for the past week and a half. I have lots of energy today and I might actually eat Chinese for lunch. Do you have any idea what that means? I haven't felt like having Chinese is weeks and its my favorite. I just hope I don't regret it.

My doctor appointment is 2 weeks from today and I really can't wait. To actually see the baby on the ultrasound is going to be so awesome.

Well that's pretty much it for now. Week 8 is tomorrow so I'll be posting the weekly update then. Happy Wednesday!

Week 7: Baby Blueberry

2009-02-12T09:47:00.002-06:00

It's now the size of a blueberry which is funny because I didn't know that this morning when I was making blueberry muffins. Yum. It is developing kidneys, hands and feet, and a tongue. That's neat to know.

This week I feel pretty much the same as last: tired, a little nauseous at times, and still really excited.

It seems that everyone in my family is also popping up pregnant. My brother's fiance found out the day after I did (it's their second one together). She is about 3 weeks farther along than me (she thinks) and my cousin's wife told me she is about 2 days ago. We've been friends for a long time so it will be fun to have someone kinda close to share this with. I'm about 5 days further along than her. My kiddo will have at least 2 cousin's quite close in age and that's cool.

So if you aren't wanting to get knocked up right now, I'd say don't drink the water.

Week 6

2009-02-05T10:08:00.003-06:00

This week my little alien is the size of a sweet pea, it's heart is beating already and it's growing arms and legs. Also it's sprouting ears, eyes, nose, chin, and cheeks. Sounds cute but you should see the picture. Not cute. At all.

I have been feeling more and more nauseous. Some mornings I feel like I'm going to pass out and puke but others (like today) I feel totally fine. No vomiting yet and lets hope it stays that way. Also, the way freaky dreams have started. Mainly they consist of giving birth in public places which really is a horrible, horrible nightmare. Other than that, no news to report. Have a great Thursday!

Power!

2009-02-03T08:36:00.004-06:00

We finally have power back after that freaking ice storm. It was almost a whole week that I had to spend away from my house and bed. I stopped by this morning just to see it for myself and realized I will have a lot of cleaning to do tonight. Thankfully Ben cleaned out the fridge and freezer but our house still smells like a mix between musty old basement and a garbage can. Not pleasant. But at least I will get to sleep in my own bed tonight. And that makes me happier than words can say.

My little appleseed

2009-01-30T09:53:00.003-06:00

So I'm now 5 weeks pregnant. Not much has changed. I feel queasy at times but it's not too bad. Mainly I just feel extremely exhausted all the time. A nap sounds great 24 hours a day.

I got this weekly pregnancy update in my email that tells me how the baby is growing and all this fun stuff. This week it is the size of an appleseed. I'm going to call it that all week. My little appleseed.

On a completely different note, because of the stupid ice storm, we still have no power so we have been staying at Trin's house. I really, really hope it comes back on soon. Not that I don't mind staying at Trin's (and I am so thankful they have allowed us to) I just really miss my home. Please, power, come back!

seriously?

2009-01-26T08:54:00.003-06:00

Watching tv last night and an insurance commercial came on.

I cried.

I was watching some other tv show about a wedding.

I cried.

I feel like I am constantly on the verge of tears. I'm ready to not be on hormone overload.....but I guess that won't be happening any time soon.

And the wait begins

2009-01-22T16:30:00.003-06:00

So I pretty much think my head is going to explode from all the reading I have done the past 3 days. Andi brought me some of her pregnancy books and I have read the majority of them. And looked up everything I could possibly need to know about being pregnant online. I can honestly say I think I'm ready for this whole carrying another human being inside of me thing. As creepy as that sounds to me right now.

All there is to do now is wait, and boy is there a long time for that! From what I calculated online my due date is October 1st. I am looking forward to my first doctor appointment though, which is on March 4th. Getting to hear the heartbeat and seeing it on the ultrasound will make it seem more real to me I think.

We have names picked out already so I can't even distract myself with that task. As for what sex we want....it doesn't matter to me. Ben wants a boy but is convinced it is a girl. I guess for his sake I want a boy but really.....I don't care. Well that's all there is to report for now, I'll keep you all updated!

And that's that

2009-01-20T09:56:00.002-06:00

Yep you are seeing right....I'm pregnant. Most of you probably knew that already.

Um, I don't really know what to say or think yet. All I know it that Ben and I are both really excited. So yeah.....that's that.

Lilly

2009-01-15T10:31:00.008-06:00

Last week Lilly got fixed and of course, it didn't slow her down for even a fraction of a moment. But yesterday her incision did not look so good....kinda swollen and the staples were ripping her skin and grossness was all around. Well though it didn't seem to affect her at all, I thought I'd call the vet to make sure. I told them everything and they said to bring her in to be looked at. I had to just drop her off cause they didn't have any appointments and the vet would look at here when she got a chance. Well about 15 minutes later they called. They said everything looked OK (it did NOT look ok to me, just ask Trin) but I trusted them.

They said to put Neosporin on it and that she would get an Eco (I think that's what they called it ) Collar so she doesn't lick it. Yes it is one of those funnel looking things. She looks so pathetic with it on but it's only for a week until she gets her staples removed. I don't have a picture of that yet but here is some of her and Cyrus from the other day.

Sitting pretty

And then she eats his face..

I love these dogs!

Fasting Day 9

2009-01-13T12:10:00.004-06:00

All goes well...mostly.

I have had horrible cravings for "normal" food. This week has been a little bit easier than last. I really want cheese. Why is that? Out of everything I have cut out of my diet, cheese is pretty much the only thing that is killing me not to have.

We did just water again on Sunday and it was also much easier than last week. One more day of just water and then the home stretch next week.

I do feel that I have gotten much, much closer to God through all of this. Even though some crap has happened, I haven't completely lost it cause I have my faith in God and am comforted by Him.

Hope all you other fasters are doing well.

P.S. I took pictures of the dogs last night but of course forgot to bring them in to post. Hopefully I'll get to that before the end of the week.

Peace.

God is a pretty cool guy..

2009-01-08T13:12:00.005-06:00

Ben and I live out in the country and have a propane tank that we use for heating our house. Well it came time to fill it up for the rest of the winter so I called the company and since I know it could be pretty expensive, I asked if they did a budget billing where I could split the payments over 12 months instead of paying all together. The replied "Oh yes, when you get your bill just call the corporate office and they will set it up." I though that was awesome (since we didn't have the money to pay up front) and told them to come out and fill up the tank. They did.

I got the receipt a few days later and it was $776.07. Yeah that's a big number when you're broke but I didn't think much of it cause if I could pay over 12 months it would be around $65 a month which we could handle.

So the next day I called to set up the budget billing and she said they only set that up between March and September. I was stumped and furious. WHY WOULD THEY NOT TELL ME THAT WHEN I ASKED ABOUT IT?????? So she said we have 30 days to pay and if we didn't it would ruin our credit with them and we would have to pay before they brought it from then on and blah blah blah.

I can't even explain the anger I had. I had to just hang up because I knew I would say things I would regret.

How the heck was I going to pay $776 in a month???

That's when God stepped in.

Ben has a 4-wheeler that he has been trying to sell for about a year and a half with absolutely no luck. Well.....the day after I got the gas bill, Ben got a phone call from a guy wanting to buy it the next day. For how much you may ask???

$800.00

Ben hadn't prayed about selling his 4-wheeler until a couple of days before and I was praying for God to provide.

Kinda awesome that as soon as something hit us that we couldn't pay, God gave us the money to pay it. God is so cool.

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm 55:22)

Lilly and fasting Day 2

2009-01-06T08:50:00.003-06:00

I don't think I ever posted about my puppy that I got. I had been wanting another dog for Cyrus for a long time and I knew I wanted a boxer (cause that's what Cyrus is a mix with.) But we could never find a cheap pure bred boxer. That is until one day Ben found an ad for some very cheap ones. So I called and the next day we drove 2 hours to go pick her up. She was the runt and the only girl left so I just had to have her. My early Christmas present.

That was about 2 months ago. I would post pictures but I'm a slacker and forgot to bring them with me to work to upload them but believe me she is the cutest darn thing you will ever see. She is also the meanest. She is only about 20lbs right now but she has full authority and control over Cyrus (who is 80 lbs.) Don't get me wrong she loves to cuddle too but she is in full puppy mode still and full of spunk.

Tomorrow she gets fixed. I am sad that she has to go through it but I know it is necessary. Cyrus also gets to go to the vet to get his shots, so tomorrow morning should be interesting. I am making Ben go with me cause there is no way I could handle them on my own let alone if there are any other dogs there (Cyrus insists on being friends with every dog he sees)

As for fasting, well....I will be honest and say it is freaking hard. Ben got really sick last night and couldn't go to either of his jobs and I woke up this morning with a splitting headache and was incredibly shaky. Since Trin is doing this with me, we decided that since Pastor Aaron said we could split it up any way we want we decided it would be best to do one day of just water once a week. So I had an apple this morning and it was awesome. I feel 100% better. I will still be following the guidelines for the Daniel Fast for 21 days. I can honestly say that I can already feel God moving in my life. If it's only day 2, I can't wait to see where I'm at on day 21.

Daniel Fast- Day 1

2009-01-05T09:17:00.004-06:00

Ben works third shift and last night was the first night be has worked in 2 weeks because he was on vacation. Since we started fasting today, he had to go all night without food. He came home this morning whining like a baby about how hungry he was. It had only been 8 hours. Something tells me he's not going to be a happy camper by Wednesday evening. But I suppose I too, will be pretty grumpy by the end of today so I can't really say anything.

I have many things to be praying about and can't wait to see what God is going to do.

To everyone else out there fasting, good luck and my prayers are with you!

Short update

2009-01-02T16:13:00.004-06:00

In preparation for my upcoming Daniel Fast which starts on Monday....I have cut out soda's already from my diet. My last one was on Christmas day and let me tell you, it's been a rough week. I have had some pretty horrible headaches from lack of caffeine but that makes me realize more than anything that it needed to be done.

Also, Ben has decided to do the fast with me. You have no idea how excited this makes me. No idea. Not only is it going to make it easier for me to do, but for him I am deeply excited. I mentioned before that I had a pretty crap-o-la year and well Ben did to. I know he's been struggling big time and having a hard time getting over his past and putting faith in God but we had a long talk the other day and he is ready to be a warrior for God and put his past behind him. Am I am too! I am so anxious about what God is going to reveal to us during this fast and what plans He has for us this year.

The devil kicked us around pretty hard in 2008 but this year it's not going to be that easy for him.

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. " - Psalm 25:4-5

Some pretty pictures for you

2008-12-27T09:38:00.012-06:00

I took these pictures on our anniversary camping trip to Brown County State park back in October. I have plans to put them in frames on my living room wall.

Christmas

2008-12-26T09:13:00.004-06:00

Every year my family does breakfast on Christmas day. It has always been at my grandparents house and is usually very nice.

Well since my grandparents have passed away and we no longer have the house, my mother decided to have it at her apartment this year. Her 2 bedroom apartment. Oh, did I mention there are about 24 people who come. Yeah, it was a bit cramped.

Other than that, I had a very nice Christmas. After we had breakfast and opened presents at my mom's, we went to Ben's parents house for lunch and that was much less cramped. From there we went home to spend the afternoon doing nothing. Well I napped and Ben played his new computer game. When I woke up, I decided to clean. And not just a little. I scrubbed the basement floor, did the laundry, dishes, vacuumed, and cleaned off the table. Sort of unorthodox for Christmas but it just needed to be done. We ended the day with a couple episodes of Lost and went to bed rather early. All in all, a very peaceful day.

Who is the most impatient person you know?

2008-12-23T11:06:00.004-06:00

Well that would be me. At least I'm aware how bad it is.

Since Ben and I did our Christmas presents way early this year (I got a puppy and he got parts for his bike) we are just doing stockings like we do every year. And every year there is a disagreement on WHEN we should open them.

I always win.

So we both went to Walmart separately yesterday to get all the fun stocking stuff and then when he got home from work I nagged him endlessly until he finally gave in. (not fair play but who cares) He would rather wait until at least Christmas Eve but I just won't have it.

This post is really about what he got me as a "stocking" gift. If you can even count it as that considering it's about 3x bigger than the stocking. He got me this pillow. I slept with it last night and it was pretty much fabulous. I usually have a somewhat stiff neck when I wake up but not this morning. If you don't have one, order it from that link. You will not be sorry.

A blah year

2008-12-18T08:58:00.007-06:00

For some reason this year, I have not been able to get into the Christmas spirit. In the past it has taken nothing; I hear one chord of a Christmas carol and my heart is overflowing with Christmas joy. Not this year.

I just now got my shopping done and it consists of mostly gift cards because I was in no mood to be creative or thoughtful.

I am so sick of Christmas music. I think it's making me grumpier.

I have yet to wish ANYONE a Merry Christmas.

I'm not sure why I'm such a Grinch. Maybe it's because it was a really crappy year and I'm just ready for it to be over.

On a completely different note, I'm going to be doing the 21-day Daniel fast along with many others at my church at the beginning of the year. Since my husband won't do it with me (because he thinks he will die) Trin is going to do it with me and we will support each other. I'm really looking forward to this because I know it will bring me closer to God and help me to rely on Him even more and become stronger in my walk with Christ. I'm ready for the challenge and the awesome experience and the deliverance it will surely bring.

Also at the beginning of the year I will be starting a ladies study of the book of Esther. I can't wait to start this either. To delve into the life and actions of this amazing woman will be pretty awesome.

Needless to say, I am determined to have a better year next year and there's no better way to do that than give the first fruits to God.

Wow

2008-12-13T08:27:00.003-06:00

it's been a long time since I've blogged. Well there's not too much going on to blog about but here's an update anyway:

I have been transferred to a different branch at my job. It was just supposed to be for a month but that was in October and I'm still here. They really need another teller and I am filling that position until they find full time teller.

And it might just be me.

I'm part time right now but I have the option to go full time but I would have to stay at that branch. It's really a hard decision because I really want to go full time but I like working at my hometown branch better. But I think I have decided that I need to get over it and accept the full time position. I could really use the extra money and I don't see them sending me back to the other branch for a long long time anyway.

So why not?

Well you may be saying "because Jada, you are going to do the smart thing and go back to school next semester so you can get your degree and start your own photography business someday, and not be the college drop out." And then I would say...

Your wrong.

I am not going to go back to school next semester, or the one after that. In fact I'm not sure WHEN or IF I will go back to school and frankly that doesn't bother me one bit. I am very happy at my job. It pays well, I have great co-workers, and it's an easy job. I've never liked a job this much and I honestly can't see myself quitting anytime soon, even if I do get my degree. So I'm going to save myself the money and time and not go back to school unless I somehow change my mind. I can always go back to finish but I just don't have the desire to right now.

Besides, I have learned enough about photography that I can still do it on the side and make a little more money. I have clients lined up until next October already so I don't think I will have a problem. I love photography and just because I'm not in school doesn't mean I can't still do what I love and profit from it.

The full time position is not an absolute yet but I'm 99% sure I will get it the first of the year.
I feel very good about my decision and the possibilities it has for my future.

I'm still here

2008-10-09T16:14:00.003-05:00

just don't have much to blog about. We are all moved in and have redone the bathroom that was done in what Andi called "awesomely tragic" golf and plaid wallpaper. There was nothing awesome about it. I had "before" pictures but I accidentally erased them. I really need to stop doing that. But I will have after pictures posted as soon as I get somewhere where I can upload them.

That's another thing. Still. No. Internet. Is sucks bad.

Ben and I got tattoos yesterday. I would post pictures but again, no internet at home and at work I'm not allowed. They are the same thing but different. Mine's a girly looking cross on my wrist that has "Matthew 19:6" going down it. Ben's is the same but with a more manly cross and it's up a little more on his arm. They are freaking awesome. Oh and so you don't have to look it up the verse is "So they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has put together, let no man separate." It is perfect.

Hopefully my next post will have some pictures. Till then...

still.....

2008-09-17T10:15:00.000-05:00

no....power.....or....water.....goin on 4 days......it sucks.....real bad....that's all...

Home sweet home (without power....still)

2008-09-16T12:27:00.004-05:00

We have been without power at our new house for 2 and 1/2 days now. Even better is that we have no water because our well pump is electric. Lovely. I spent the first night at Trin's which wasn't bad it just wasn't my bed and it's always hard for me to sleep when I'm not in my own bed. Yesterday I went to mom's to shower and stuff. I ended up sleeping (well trying to) at my house and halfway through the night Ben came home with batteries for his fan. I fell right to sleep after that. I am never going to take advantage of the sound of a fan again. So I am hoping and praying that when I get off work, I will go home to a house with power and water. That would be awesome.

As for the dog, we decided that now is really not the best time for a new dog. We are going to wait a few months and get settled in and then I think we will get a puppy. Maybe.

Ben started his job at Crackle Barrel yesterday. He is just training on the computer right now so it's not too bad. He thinks he will like it. I hope he does.

That's it for now....

I forgot..

2008-09-12T14:35:00.002-05:00

We are also getting another dog. Since we now have a HUGE yard we think Cyrus really needs a brother. We were going to get a puppy but my friend Whitney has to get rid of her boxer mix and since Cyrus is a boxer mix I thought it would be perfect. We are taking Cyrus to meet him tonight and if all goes well (and Ben isn't allergic to him) we will be taking him tomorrow. His name is Mater. I will hopefully have pictures up of him soon too. Thanks Perri for offering to let me come upload pictures at your house...I will definately need to.

That's all for now...

All the changes...

2008-09-12T12:13:00.003-05:00

have left me feeling like I kinda have a new life. We got moved this week. There is still some unpacking to do but we have everything at the house now which is a relief. I'm still sore from all the moving. We are without cable or internet for who knows how long....it has to be ran out there first. At least I have internet here at work so I don't go completely crazy.

As for other changes....Ben is getting a second job. Just kinda out of no where he decided he wanted to take a part time job so we can get our debts paid off faster. I thought maybe I should be the one to get another job since I only work part time now. My dad works at Crackel Barrel as the training manager so I thought I could get on there as a waitress. Well since my dad is in charge of training, I found out I can't work there...so Ben decided he would. Yep that's right, Ben is going to work at Crackel barrel as a cook. He went in yesterday to fill out an application and had his interview then and he starts on Monday. It actually will work out pretty good cause he is ONLY working Mon. Tues. Thurs. and Fri. from 2-9. He will still have weekends off. He's only going to work there for about 6 months or so or until we get some crap paid off. It really is going to be so weird because we won't see each other much during the week. I'm not really sure how I feel about it but I keep telling myself it's only for a few months AND we will be getting stuff paid off. Hopefully it will work out well...

That's it for now....I'll keep ya posted on how things go and hopefully I can somehow get some pictures on here of the house!

We are Moving!!!

2008-09-02T16:05:00.004-05:00

My mom's cousin messaged yesterday to see if we were interested in renting her parents farm house. She said it sits on 10 acres and is in good condition and cheap. I said "how cheap?" Well it turns out its only about $50 more than what we pay for our apartment. So we went and looked at it last night. It is so cute and private and has a HUGE yard that Cyrus loves (yes we took him to look at it too). I think it could use a little updating but for the price, it is awesome. So.....I talked to her today and we are going to be moved in by the 15th! That is 2 weeks from today. I was stupid and didn't take my camera but here is an outside picture of the house I found online.

It has two bedrooms upstairs and an office, living room, bathroom, and kitchen down. It has an unfinished basement with (this is my favorite part) a washer a dryer. I can now do my very own laundry! It also has a huge barn out back for Ben's man things. We are both VERY excited that we actually have a house now.

Now, let's get movin!

You'll Never know

2008-08-23T14:01:00.004-05:00

just how much it means to me that I know I have SEVERAL people in my life who will do ANYTHING for me when I need. I have been going through a very difficult time in my life the past week or two and to know that I have some amazing people there, day or night, to be with me, talk with me, and pray with me, really is an awesome feeling. They know who they are so I don't need to mention names. But I love you and thank God for you. Even if it seems I didn't take up your offer of help, it means the world that you at least offered.

I know most of you don't know everything that is going on and that's a good thing (trust me) but I am definitely going through a time in my life where Satan has decided to attack and attack hard. I have stood my ground though and will NOT let him win. I have God on my side and therefore cannot lose. If I had not had my eyes on Him right now, I would have lost everything I have. But I was looking at Him and therefore what I have is only going to get better and stronger. Right now it's going to take lots of time to start moving forward and get past this huge bump but I have faith that God will be with me to the end.

My God can NEVER fail!

I'm still here...kinda

2008-08-21T10:12:00.003-05:00

These are the lyrics to a song by Rachel Lampa. I think it fits me perfectly right now.

I'M FOLLOWING THE LINES LOOKING FOR THE ANSWERS TO A PRAYER
I'M LOOKING FOR THE SIGNS WAITING FOR THE SIGNAL THAT UR THERE
IF YOU ASK WHY I BELIEVE-
O THE ONLY THING THAT I COULD EVER SAY

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN LIFE WILL TURN AROUND
ONE DAY YOUR FAITH'S STRONG THE NEXT IT CAN'T BE FOUND
AND YOU'RE NOT LOOKING AND ALL I KNOW IT'S OUTTA MY CONTROL
AND YOU NEVER KNOW I TRY TO FIGURE IN THE TIME WHEN MIRACLES SHOULD HAPPEN TO APPEAR
AND WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT THERE'S NOTHING MORE THAT I CAN DO DOWN HERE

I WANNA PLACE IT IN YOUR HANDS EVEN THOUGH
I WANNA UNDERSTANDYOU NEVER KNOW WHEN LIFE WILL TURN AROUND
ONE DAY YOUR FAITH'S STRONG THE NEXT IT CAN'T BE FOUND
AND YOU'RE NOT LOOKINGAND ALL I KNOW IT'S OUTTA MY CONTROL
AND YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU WANNA SPEND YOUR LIFE IN YOUR DESIGN,
YOU'RE ONLY WASTING TIME

...........

2008-08-20T09:08:00.001-05:00

evrything is going to be ok. everything is going to be ok. everything is going to be ok. everything is going to be ok. everything is going to be ok. everything is going to be ok. everything is going to be ok. everything is going to be ok. everything is going to be ok. everything is going to be ok.

No matter how many times i say it, i just don't know if i believe it.