It's fun to make people smile (O:

I emailed my Aunt Emilia a couple days ago to tell her that we have decided to name our baby girl after her and my Grandma Hilda (whose middle name is also Emilia). I just received a response from Aunt Emilia and she was so excited. She also told me that Emilia was my Grams' mother's name too- so it's more of a family name than I realized!

She told me that my dad used to call her Mia when he was learning to talk. Jason and I both really like that for a nickname, which is neat since Dad used it too. We want her to go by Emilia and have Mia just be our nickname for her. But, we also decided that as she grows up, if she decides that she wants to go by Mia, we are OK with that. But, for now, she is Emilia (O: J and I just aren't big on picking a name because you like the nickname for it, so we want to call her Emilia and just use Mia as our family nickname. We'll see what happens. (O:

Anyway, it was so fun to share this excitement with my Aunt. She is one of the most loving, kind/warm-hearted, wonderful people that I know and I really hope our little Emilia grows up to be like her. My Aunt has already put in a request to be called either Auntie Em or Aunt Emmy. She said they used to call her grandma Emilia 'Grandma Emmy', and that's why she asked if our Emilia could call her Auntie Em. I suggested Aunt Emmy because Auntie Em reminds me of the Wizard of Oz, so we'll see which she picks.

I just wanted to share my happy afternoon happenings. (O:

Emilia is already making people smile and she isn't even here yet! (O:

Does Emilia have enough quilts?? (O:

Hello friends!

I know it's been over a week since I've posted anything (which, I want to say, I don't think it *that* bad...seeing as I used to go a lot longer between posts!) But, Jillian brought it to my attention that I suck at blogging. (That's Annie's paraphrase). (O: So, I'm going to remedy that right now.

I guess there has just been a lot of great stuff going on that I haven't had time to sit down and share it all! But, here I am, so let me fill you in on my latest exciting news. (I'll also post about all our lovely Christmases, but in a different post...too much for one!)

I have officially decided to sew my very own baby quilt! This is a big deal for me because I don't think I've sewn anything since I was in the 5th grade. My mom taught both Clare and I how to sew when we were young. Clare really took off with it and is awesome at anything she decides to try. (In fact, I was really trying to steal a baby blanket she has at her house last night, but didn't win that battle...yet.) I, on the other hand, always thought it was so cool how Mom and Clare could make anything they wanted/needed, but never really took the time to do it for myself. I don't always have the patience for all of it and because of that, never really got all that good at it.

But, last Saturday, after meeting Jason on his lunch break from work, I decided to check out the "Going Out of Business" sale at Jackman's. I should tell you that me walking into a cloth store is always overwhelming and it takes me a while to remember what I should be looking for. But, once I adjusted to the rows and rows of potential fabrics, I did just fine. I picked out 2 REALLY CUTE patterned fabrics that I'm super excited about. One is brown with pink paisley (?) design and the other is light pink with 2 different colors of pink polka dots. They go so well together and I can't wait! I also picked out a plain pink fabric that matches the other 2 perfectly.

I had to call Mom and ask how much I needed to do a 9 Patch quilt. She, so impressively, figured it all up in her head while driving home from Kentucky and told me how much I needed. I couldn't decide which fabric I wanted to use on the back, so I ended up getting extra of each. (Now, I've been told, I have enough for probably at least 2 quilts, maybe more!) So, I spent the rest of Saturday looking up different 9 Patch patterns, and I had "the one" all picked out. I made my own graph paper (this was tedious and made me a little cross-eyed) and started drawing out my design. I colored it in like Mom always does, and it looked so cool! I was so proud of myself that I packed up my fabrics and designs to take to my sister's apartment last night for our family Christmas.

Clare and Mom both agreed that I had done a great job picking out my farbrics and even liked the design I had drawn. BUT, in the corner of Clare's work area something pink and green caught my eye. It was this adorable baby quilt that I instantly fell in love with. That is when all my hard work and ideas went out the window because I knew I wanted my quilt to look like that one. So, I took pictures, had Clare and Mom measure it all out so I knew all the measurements and even started drawing it out on my *graph paper*. I also found out that this quilt pattern is a lot easier than the one I was planning to make, so that was an added bonus. I'm not good at explaining this stuff, so I'll post pictures later of what it looks like and of my fabrics, because I'm so excited. (O:

A side note to this blog (and the reason for the title)- Clare has been telling me that she is planning to make a baby quilt but doesn't know if I'll like the fabrics or the idea. So, I bugged her all night until she gave in and showed me the idea. I cannot wait for this one either! She found patterns to embroider all the old nursery rhymes, like Little Miss Muffet, Jack and Jill, etc. Each one will be its own square, on a nice tan colored fabric and the embroidery will be in pink. She also has a super cute pink paisley (?) fabric to coordinate, and then a green and a brown for borders. It's going to be so much fun, I can't wait!

I am going to continue to try and talk her out of the one that I found last night too, I keep telling her Emilia can never have enough quilts/blankets. Which, better be true, because this girl already has 1 that Aunt Mimi (Amy) crocheted for her and gave me as a Christmas gift. Then, she's getting one from me, at least one from Clare, and TWO from my mom. I know about one of them, Mom has shown me the pattern and it's so cool, I'm really excited. But, she's also got a surprise up her sleeve (sneaky little thing!)... She keeps telling me that I'm going to love it and Clare agrees. I love surprises, but I'm so bad about waiting for them. I keep asking about that one too, but Mom's a lot tougher to crack than Clare. So, I might just have to wait until my shower. Mom has high hopes of having at least the surprise one done by then. Everyone cross your fingers for me please! I can't take the suspense! (O:

So, what's the baby blanket count so far? 5-6 hand made with love quilts and blankets. Love it.

(Sorry, I just realized how long winded I am...)

Great weekend!

Even though I can't really remember parts of this past weekend (due to pregnesia), I have to say it was a good one!

Friday Jason and I didn't really do much, which was nice. I really enjoy just getting to stay home in our pj's and hang out with Zeke. It's so relaxing, and it's nice to just be mindless for a while.

Saturday, my Momma came over to finish up the curtains for Emilia's room (I plan to do a photo blog to show all the new stuff in there very soon...I just have to remember to take pictures!). The curtains look great, and it's so fun to have Mom help with all that sort of stuff. It makes that room so personal- Jason painting such a cool design on the walls and Mom helping with the curtains. This little girl is so loved and she isn't even here yet!

While Mom was working on the curtains, I was making approximately 9 dozen "Fudgy Fantasies" for our work Christmas Cookie Exchange. I will say that while I love the brownie part of my cookies, I think the recipe called for too many M 'n' M's. So, these aren't my favorite cookies, but for people who love M 'n' M's, they should be a hit! (O: (Oh, and let me just say, I have a CRAP LOAD of cookies now...we just got done exchanging all our cookies, so I have 102 cookies...anybody hungry??)

That night, Jason and I went with my mom to see Clare perform in the Christmas play at church. The message was really great and Clare did a good job. Afterwards, we all went to Applebee's for dinner. It actually wasn't that bad. It's been a while since we've all gone out together, and it was a fun time.

Sunday, ahhh, Sunday. How I Love Sundays! I went to church while Jason was at the Blue's game. I really thought the worship time was fantastic this week. I don't think they did anything different, I think it's just that it was exactly what I needed.

I did have to hold back tears sitting behind my friends Jon and Jaime. This was Jon's last Sunday at church before deploying, and I could tell that it was an emotional service for them. My heart broke just thinking about how much we are all going to miss him. Jason and I have grown pretty close to them and it's going to be weird to not have him around. Even though I'm partially "dead inside", the one time my heart always aches is when a friend is hurting. I know I can't do anything but love on Jaime and Jax while Jon is away, but I wish I could do more. I've been praying for them so much, and I know God will comfort all of them.

After service, we went to Outback Steakhouse by majority rule. I think everyone else enjoyed it and my cheesy fries weren't that bad. Except that they attacked me all night and gave me heartburn this morning... (Note to self, no more cheesy fries for a while!). Jason actually made it in time to eat with all of us, so that was good. Our group always has fun at dinner- lots of stories and laughing, it's just a great time. (O:

And that's it, that was my fabulous weekend. Nothing extraordinary, just our regular lives. I'm so blessed to have such great people in my life. (O:

My life as a Preggo!

I just realized today after spending some time catching up on Jaime's blog that I have really been neglecting mine...I've chalked it up to the fact that I've become a crazy person since getting pregnant, and only that Emilia to blame. (O: (Not really)

I realize that you may already know these crazy things about the new (I'm not sure I'd say Improved...) Preggo Annie, but I thought I'd list off all the ways my life has changed. So, get ready for the good, the bad, and the down-right-Funny! (O:

~I've already mentioned this, and it's getting worse all the time- I have Pregnesia! If I ever thought I was a forgetful person before becoming pregnant, I don't even remember that now! I literally have to write everything down, either in my palm or on a sticky note, so that I don't forget. So, I've got my palm glued to one hand and a sticky note stuck to my butt, I'm sure! I've missed friends birthdays (sorry Jaime!), didn't get Christmas cards done (they will now be New Year's cards...maybe), and have more than once paid bills late just because I truly forgot to pay them. Because of this, I've started prefacing most conversations with "I'm sure I've already asked you this" or "I know you told me this already but...". It's insanity I tell you! Oh, and it definitely carries over into work too...everyday I'm asked if I've completed this project or paid that bill, and most of the time it's, "Oh...I don't think so, I'll have to check". It's a wonder they haven't fired me yet! Luckily most of them are sympathetic ex-preggos. (Is that what you'd call someone who has been pregnant, but isn't now? I don't know, it sounded good!)

~I'm clumsy. Not just a little stubbed toe here or funny bone hitting there...I'm a flat out Klutz! It's actually really funny because I will trip over my own two feet (more than I did before getting pregnant...because yes, I've always done this!). The ones that get me the most are when I run smack-dab into someone's desk or a door frame, just because my spacial awareness is gone! That's when I laugh, it takes a really special person to walk right into a file cabinet. (O:

~I CRY! *Gasp*, I know. This might be the weirdest part of my pregnancy, because I alwasy thought I was dead inside. I never cry about things that I think I should. Sad movies don't do it, those cute little kids living in poverty on the infomercials don't do it, dead dogs on the side of the road? Nope, nothing. I want to say that these things DO make me feel sad-I'm not That heartless-I'm just rarely brought to tears over anything. (The only pre-pregnancy exception to this is when someone I love cries. That will get me everytime.) But now, it's like stinkin' waterworks around here! Let me explain just how bad this really is...This story just unfolded last night...Jason and I went out to eat with Mark, Treasa, Justin and Amy to BW3's in Edwardsville. Afterwhich, we decided to go to Target. Jason and I had decided we were going to purchase the crib mattress and baby bedding ourselves instead of asking for it on our registry (which reminds me...I need to remove those things from our registry!) So, we get everything we need, Treasa bought us the crib skirt to match and a couple cute little clothes to put in her shower gift and we made our way to the register. I had won a $50 Visa gift card at our work Christmas party, so we had planned to use that and in my head I decided we would put the rest on Jason's credit card and pay it off next month. Well, we get up to the register and the tragedy begins: The mattress rings up for $79.99 instead of $59.99...I hate, hate, hate when that happens because I get so embarrassed. Even though it's not my fault that it was in the wrong spot and there is NO WAY I could bend all the way down to match up a skew number, it still gets me all flustered. Treasa and I thought we had checked to make sure it was the correct one, the mattress is a Sealy and the barcode underneath (practically ON the floor...) said Sealy, so we went with it. Anyway, here we are, standing in line, the checker has to radio for help, the Target security guy comes over and radios to that department. Meanwhile, I've got 2 people behind me waiting to check out... I hate that part too, I know they are annoyed with us, but I can't do anything about it now. I've already committed to saying it was mis-marked. (And by "I", I really mean Treasa, she's braver than I am). While this is going on, I find out Jason doesn't even have his credit card on him (we had decided to leave it at home to keep from making jump-decisions...I just didn't know he'd taken it out already). I accidentally yelled at him a little about it, which is a BIG no-no in front of other people. I would venture to say Jason's biggest pet peeve is being disrespected infront of other people, especially his family. To add to my misery and near meltdown, I've got Justin and Mark a few lanes down, heckling me! Now, I'm not only embarrassed because we've grabbed the wrong item and there are multiple people waiting in my lane, but they are really making it worse. That's when I feel the tears start rising up...I just took a deep breath and made it out tear-free, but it was a close call! (I just realized I probably should have made that story it's own blog...talk about loooong....)

Darn it, now pregnesia has again reared it's ugly head... I had one more thing I wanted to report, but can't remember it...see what I mean!

Oh! I do remember. Haha, this is funny...

~I'm actually getting ditzier (as if that were possible!) The other night Jason thought our heater wasn't working well, so he went downstairs and asked me to turn it way up so it would kick on...I go to the thermostat and turn it down to like, 62. I ask if it's come on and he says no, did you turn it up? I said, "Well, I turned it down so it should kick on..." He just stared at me and I completely didn't get it! Apparently I've been doing this for weeks because it's always cold in the house and I'm always the one messing with the thermostat! It was hilarious because he was just staring at me waiting for me to realize what I had been doing and I'm staring at him waiting for him to understand my logic.

~I love water, BBQ, and Chinese. I've been drinking water like it's going out of style and actually loving it! I drink at least 4 big glasses a day at work, and at least one more at home. The only time I really drink anything else is at church or when we're out to eat. I would consider BBQ and Chinese my first official cravings. Obviously, not together, but I could eat either one every day of the week. I am a little sad that I can't handle Mexican right now, but BBQ and China have found new, special places in my heart! (O:

I just realized how long this post was...and I'm sorry for anyone who actually muddled through my mindless ramblings. I hope you aren't contemplating shoving a pencil through your eye just to make the pain stop...Don't do it, it's not worth it! (O: But, on that note, I'll stop now. Until I think of more of my Pregnant Annie-isms to report. (O: PS- Emilia just kicked at the desk, so I think she's done too (O:

Let's turn this day around!

Let me start by telling you all the things that are trying to work against me right now...

Last night was our work Christmas party, which was very fun! I left about 9:20ish and as soon as I left the parking lot I realized I had a flat tire...SO, I had to call Jason to come get me. He got there by around 10:00, changed the flat and I followed him in the truck to Sam's. We didn't get home until after 11, and my poor husband had to be at work by 5 this morning! I felt so horrible, but he was my hero!

Also yesterday, I had my first ever flu shot (because my doctor told me too...I fought it, believe me). This is not something I think I'll ever do when I'm not pregnant, it's really not fun. The nurse that did it at work was so nice and gentle; I didn't even cry! She did say it might be sore...man was she right! That night at the party my ELBOW was killing me...not my shoulder where she stuck me, but my elbow. It felt pretty much like when you hit your funny bone and it's not funny...yeah, like that...all night! Someone warned me not to sleep on that arm that night, so I took that advice...which made for an uncomfortable night of sleeping since I'm a tosser and a turner... And now this morning, the soreness has crept its way back up to my shoulder where it belongs. At least the funny bone pain has subsided.

Then, this morning, I was woken up to the lovely feeling of an awful charlie horse in my left calf! So, I'm trying not to lay on my sore arm while rubbing/punching the pain in my calf muscle until it somewhat goes away. I'm currently still limping because it's still sore too...

SO- now that I've explained all the exact reasons I need to turn this day around, we are going to start thinking positively! My lovely, wonderful Momma is on her way here right now to take me back to Sam's to get all new tires.

I also was able to squeeze Zeke into a spa appointment this morning, so we will drop him off on our way. I sometimes feel bad for him because I don't think he really likes the spa (really just the groomer, but I call it the spa), but he always looks and smells so nice when he's done!

And, while we are up in the Fairview area, I'm hoping to stop at Babies R Us and order my super awesome glider!

I also can't forget that tonight is going to be Mar-Vel-Ous! I've been so excited about Jaime's birthday bash and the amounts of chocolate that are going to be involved...I've got my (somewhat) sexy preggo outfit ready for its debut and I can't wait!

So, see? There are lots of great things happening today. It's going to be a great day!

She's really in there! (O:

Last night was so exciting in the Warren household...we felt Emilia kick for the first time!!!

I have actually been able to feel her swimming around, kicking and twirling, for a little over a month, but we have never felt it from the outside! Everytime I feel her moving, I try to press on my stomach to see if I can feel it from the outside, but it's never worked until last night!!

I was laying on the couch watching Survivor with Jason when she started her nightly aerobics. So, I starting poking around like always and I felt her!! At first, I thought I was imagining it, but I kept poking around and kept feeling her kick back! I think I was interrupting her exercise time, but I didn't care! Jason came over and felt it too, it was amazing.

Growing up I always said I never wanted to "have" kids. I wanted to be a mom, but didn't want to birth them myself. But, I will say this is such a wonderful experience. I never imagined how awesome it would be to feel a little baby growing inside me. I can't wait to meet my little Emilia.

tired tired tired

I just realized it's 11:20 and I would usually have been sleeping for over 2 hours if this were a regular night...I'm wore out!

Wednesday night Jason, my mom, and I left at about 6:30 to drive 6 hours to Kentucky. Arriving sometime after midnight, we went straight to bed. The next morning Jason and I slept in a little, but then were off to my Aunt Betty's house for Thanksgiving lunch/dinner. It was WONDERFUL. She does some GOOD country home cookin'. (O: It was so nice to spend a little time with that part of my family; we don't see them very often. And, when I say "little time", I mean we left that afternoon, around 2, to come home.

Jason had to work Friday, but came home sick. I still maintain this was because of the 3 Red Bulls and however many Mini-Thins he had consumed in less than 48 hours. While he was at work, and then at home, Treasa (my mother-in-law) and I were tearing up the Black Friday scene! We started at Wal-Mart at 4:50ish, then to Target by 6. We stopped for breakfast, I had yummy chocolate chip pancakes...Mmmm... Then, off to Kohl's in search of maternity black pants- what a lovely chore that was. While at Kohl's we bought out half their baby toy department (and when I say we, I mean SHE). (O:

After Kohl's we decided to hit the mall in Fairview, still in search of maternity dress pants. We did end up finding a cute pair (Thank goodness!!) and she purchased a few other items that are my Christmas gifts. Even though she made me take them with me that day (O:

We got back to my house around 2p.m. Then, after a short rest on the couch, we had to get ready for Jason's cousin-in-law's mother's visitation. This lady had a stroke in her car and I don't think she was found for a few days, it's so sad. Mary Jo and the family seemed to be doing well.

THEN- this morning J and I layed around for a while. I washed and folded MORE cute baby girls clothes (somebody stop me...!!) And then we were off to meet Owen and Jillian for their "wedding pictures". I was expecting Owen to be a lot more awkward than what he was and I think the pictures turned out great. I hope Jill and Owen are happy with them. (O:

NOW, I'm sitting here, checking Ebay to see if I've won anything new and yelling at myself in my head to GO TO BED!

All in all, the past few days have been so wonderful. I'm thankful for having time to spend with my mom's family, for our traditional Black Friday shopping spree, chill time with J, photos of friends and now my pillow.

Good Night lovers.

Yay for Baby Emilia!

Ahhh, it's such a relief to *finally* know what we're having and I can't stop smiling! I know there is still a risk that the ultrasound was wrong (it's harder to tell with a girl than a boy), but for now I'm just so wonderfully excited about having a baby girl.

I actually almost cried when we were told it was a girl. Not only because girl clothes are so cute, but a lot more because I can finally fulfill my dream of honoring my Grandma Hilda. It's still hard for me to talk about her or think about her without welling up (one of the very few things that has this effect on me..), but even as I type this, I'm holding back tears. She was my absolute most favorite person ever. Our bond was so strong, starting with me being her namesake, but it was so much more than that. She was the most caring and loving woman I've ever known. She was so proud of all of her grandchildren and wanted us all to be proud of our Cuban heritage. She used to send me books and postcards and anything else she could find about Cuba. Growing up, she was a strong constant in my life. My parents split up when I was 5, and even though she was my dad's mother, she didn't turn us away because of their divorce. We visited our dad every summer in Mississippi and every summer she would pay for us to fly down to Florida to visit her. She loved the beach, gardening and knitting/crocheting. She also loved shopping, every year we went home with a new wardrobe it seemed like.

She passed away a few years ago, before Jason and I got married. We used to call each other about every week or so, so she knew all about him. She told me that communication was the key to a successful relationship, and I agree with her. Unfortunately, they never got to meet. That makes me so sad because I know they would have loved each other. But, God has his own timing and I'm OK with that.

Even with Jason never meeting Grams, he knew how much she meant to me. So, when I told him I'd like to name our first daughter after her, there was no argument. Luckily, her middle name (Emilia) isn't as old-fashioned as her first name. So, this is why I'm even more excited about having a girl than maybe someone else might be. I can't wait for my Emilia to come into this world, I know she will have the same warmth and beauty that my Grams had.

OK. Now that I've dried my face (definitely near bawling just now...) I've taken some pictures of the CUTE CUTE CUTE baby clothes I had in a tub in the basement. These are just a fraction of my glorious yard sale finds over the years. I've also included my most recent additions, thank you again Jaime. Your thoughtfulness is always appreciated- I know our little Emilia will look so precious in each outfit. (O:

Side note- I just have to say, I must have magical powers because almost everything I've purchased from yard sales over the years ended up being the right size in the right season! I could hardly believe it! (O:

Here we go... (O:

Emilia's First 4th of July Outfit! (O:

Thanks Jaime, this is adorable!


Jaime has added to my love for dots without even knowing how obsessed I am with them! (O:


You're right Jaime, she will be SO CUTE! Especially in this. (O:

I purchased this coat *hoping* I would have a baby that could wear it, and now I will!! (O:

I bought this one because I knew Jason would love it, and he does. (O:

These two are up for votes...could I girl-ify them or should I pack them away for a boy someday?

Don't know if you can see them, but this one has 2 80's electric guitars on it.

I torture my husband with hot dogs and macaroni

I've been training the new front desk girl (Lois, no, not Lane..) since Monday and I am WORN OUT! I have never actually trained anyone before, which I think is the main reason for this drained feeling (that and I'm sure pregnancy is playing a good-sized role too).

I was so anxious about this all last week- worried that I would forget something or that I wouldn't do a good job. I don't know why, but things like this have always scared me. Even though I had the full approval of my manager, Patty- she's the one that asked me to train Lois, because she said she wanted Lois to learn from the best. I thought that was very nice of her to say, even if I don't know that to be completely true... I took the compliment and am trying to live up to Patty's expectations.

So far so good with Lois, she's a little older (which who isn't older than me there...by at least 5-10 years!) Which, Lois is probably late 40's/early 50's if I had to guess (and I'm a bad age guesser...) But, she's doing great, and I'm starting to feel a sense of accomplishment- I'm actually doing OK at teaching someone how to do something!

I do have to say this has been a completely draining experience- I'm drained phsyically and mentally! By the time 5 rolls around, I'm so worn out I want to pick up dinner on the way home instead of cooking anything. Which is why I made hot dogs and mac 'n' cheese for dinner tonight, talk about easy peasy! Luckily for Jason, his uncle who lives in TN was driving up for some meeting tomorrow and asked J to meet him at Lotta Wotta for a late dinner. J got out of a meal he told me I was mean for making (haha) and I got to enjoy a meal I have (for some weird reason) been craving all week!

Moral of the story- trainging new employees makes me a bad wife (haha)

Oh, and the really great part- I have another trainee starting on Dec. 1! (I think this experience has shown me that I am capable, now I'm just going to start going to sleep at 7:00 so maybe I won't be so tired!)

Have a lovely night my dear ones (O:

I've been tagged

My lovely friend Jillian has tagged me! This means I must now share 7 things about myself and then (in theory) tag 7 other people to do the same. This, however, has put me in somewhat of a perdicament because I only know 3 people on here- all of which were tagged by the lovely Mrs. Pye. So, I will share 7 things about myself for the three of you to read, but I won't be tagging anyone else. (Mostly because I don't think strangers would appreciate that...)

1. I could easily live off chips and salsa and will eat this delicious snack whenever the opportunity presents itself.

2. I didn't get my driver's license until halfway through my Junior year of high school. (No, Jaime, not because I'm bad, but because I was scared of making left hand turns) (O:

3. I organize the clothes in my closet first by color in alphebetical order and then within each color: long sleeves, 3/4 length sleeves, short sleeves, and tank tops.

4. In high school I was in the drumline of the marching band, and admittedly still thoroughly enjoy watching drumlines. (I have seen BLAST at the Fox and am dying to see STOMP next March, but I think it's too close to my due date...)

5. I still dream about being a kindergarten teacher.

6. I have worn the same perfume since the 8th grade- Gap Dream- and still love it!

7. The thumb on my right hand is double jointed and I used to freak people out by playing with it. (O:

Hope you are all having a great day! (O:

My hair has icicles

I overslept this morning and got a late start to getting ready for work. With that, I didn't have time to do anything to my hair, so it's up in a wet ponytail- isn't that lovely? I just don't like when I start a day already running behind, it seems to make the whole day off kilter.

So, to pull myself out of my current funk, I thought I would post a couple of my favorite pictures from the Gibson's photo shoot from Saturday. Jason got some really cute shots, and we all had a lot of fun (even if Jax was unwilling to cooperate most of the day). I hope you like these as much as I do, they make my heart smile. (O:

The Ramblings of a Crazy, Pregnant Lady

I've just spent the last 2-3 hours researching the best baby products to register for and have been having a lot of fun putting together the beginnings of our registries. Yes, I realize this might be a little early, but I just started it last week at work and now I'm hooked!

I have a 3-page list printed out that I compiled from several sources of all the necessities for a new baby. The list includes suggested apparel, diaper, feeding, bathing, and bedding needs, travel items, health and safety items and furniture. I will say, I have done a pretty good job making sure not to miss anything on this list. And, of course, I really do not expect to receive all the things I'm registering for- that would be a little selfish. But, this way, once we have the registries completed, I can print them out and have a copy for myself. That way, after our shower and once Titus/Emilia is here, I can go out and purchase any remaining items we really need.

After many conversations with Jaime, Jessca, LeeAnn and a few people at work I've narrowed down what I actually need from what Target and Babies R Us are just trying to sell me. Thanks to all my momma friends, this is a confusing journey already and it's obviously only going to get harder once little Titus/Emilia gets here.

Maybe that's why I'm so caught up in all of this. I guess I think that as long as I make myself as prepared as possible beforehand, those are things I won't have to worry about in a few months. Who knows if that's crazy or not, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Am I a moving Target??

Over the past several weeks (maybe months) I have been in quite a few near-misses of car accidents. Jason and I thought that when we got rid of our invisible car (the one I was rear-ended in twice in 6 months) that my bad luck would end. But apparently, it wasn't the car- it has to be ME!

On my way home from work last night was no exception... It was a little rainy, nothing horrendous, but enough to make all drivers in this area to become crazy people. So, I was coming up on a stop light and the 2 or 3 cars ahead of me stopped rather abruptly, and, in turn, I had to as well. I look in my rearview mirror, certain someone wouldn't be paying attention, and I was right. Here comes this gray Jeep Wrangler barreling along. I see his front bumper getting closer and closer to my back end so I'm bracing myself for the worst (it's not like I don't know how to react when getting rear ended!) He must have super power brakes because he didn't hit me, but he came too close for my comfort!

THEN! I keep driving along singing to my radio. I was in the right hand lane of 159 (this is important to my story) then some lady coming out of McDonald's tries to pull out...it wouldn't have been cutting me off- more of a T-Bone situation. Not Cool! I tried to honk, but I can never find the honker (or Horn as most would call it...) so I just gave her a mean look and kept going.

What is my DEAL! It's either I have a Target that only crazy people can see, or I'm just invisible. Which, the second could be a neat trick if I could just learn how to control it. (O:

OK- I need to get ready for work...today is Boss' Day and we are having a luncheon, which means I'll be eating ALL DAY. And I'm totally OK with that! (O:

What to do, what to do...

I was talking with Jaime tonight about some testing I can have done to see if Emilia/Titus might have any diseases or disorders. From what the doctor has told me, the preliminary blood tests aren't all that accurate, but if they show high levels of (Something), it might indicate certain conditions. In which case, I could undergo further testing to find out for sure.

I can understand and argue both sides of this, but I'm having trouble deciding what I will do. My appointment in in only a couple weeks, so I better figure this out. (I haven't asked Jason's opinion yet, and that, of course, will play heavily into my decision) But for now, I'd like to clear my head of these thoughts and see if I can get any other insights...

Side 1: Why do I need to know? Will it make me love my baby any less? No! Is it worth the stress of worrying for 5 1/2 months and what if it's wrong anyway. I should just wait and see what God has planned for me. Knowing now won't change the fact that Emilia/Titus is coming, so why add extra stress and worry to my life.

Side 2: It's just a good idea to be prepared! If I did find out that something might potentially be wrong (not wrong, just different than what I was expecting), I could have all that extra time to work out my feelings about it and hopefully be OK with whatever it might be. Plus, what an added stress to find out on the day the baby is born- there is so much I won't know how to do at that point, and then add a possible birth defect or disorder?

Well, Jason just got home, so I guess I will end this thought process for now...but I don't think I'm done.

Yard Sale Mania!

Today was the Hunter's Crossing Subdivision Sale and it was exhausting! A group of us went and had a blast. I found some really great baby bargains that I can't wait to use! Jason, of course, doesn't really care one way or the other, but at least he didn't ask me how much I spent. (O:

I found this awesome drum set for Jaxon, but the man selling it had told another person he would wait for him to come back and say if he wanted it or not. I told the guy, "I'm here right now with my $50, where is he??" He just said he was sorry and took my number in case the guy didn't want it. But, alas, that man took Jaxon's drum set.

When I got back home (at 2 o'clock!! Geez!) I realized I never put Zeke in his kennel...he was just left out in the basement that whole time. Luckily he didn't get into anything, but I did feel bad because the light wasn't even on down there! I'm such a bad pet owner. I think he forgave me though. (O:

I keep thinking about how he will handle having a new baby around the house and I hope we don't have any problems. Jaime has given some good advice on things to do and tips to try, so that should help. There's just so much I don't know about having a baby and I feel like I can't get prepared enough! But, I think at some point I'll just have to get over that and realize some things will just work out.

Now, my stomach hurts from eating too much Imo's pizza and I already want to go to bed...it's 7:18! I'm such a loser. But, I might as well, I won't be sleeping in tomorrow. Amy finally passed one of her tests for getting her Teaching Degree so we are all going out to celebrate tomorrow for lunch! I'm so proud of her, I know she has been working so hard at this.

Alright, this preggo is going to bed!

Great Weekend

Well, it's Sunday night and another weekend is gone too quickly! Jason and I worked on the landscaping around our front porch all weekend and it's finally finished! It looks so good, I'm so proud of us! (o:

Saturday morning I went yard saling, of course! Margo called me Friday night about going with her in her sister's neighborhood, so we did. It was fun to go with her, since I'm such a yard sale pro! haha. I did find some more cute baby clothes...better have a kid soon, I've outgrown my SECOND rubbermaid container! It's an obsession I have desire to control... (o:

Then, that night Jason and I went to the DMB concert and it was pretty awesome. Jason loves DMB and I just think it's fun to be with him at something he enjoys so much.

Tonight we finished the landscaping out front, and were VERY late for church...whoops! But, it was fun going to McAlister's with everyone. I love our friends so much, I look forward to spending that time with them every week! It's so crazy because when we miss a week, I feel like it's an eternity before I see them again! Even when we are just sitting eating, it's such a great feeling because they all mean so much to me.

God has truly blessed my life in more ways than I take time to notice. I am so thankful for our family and my friends. Each and everyone of them enriches my life in ways they don't even know.

Let's give this a try...

Well, I have decided to enter the world of blogging once again. I used to keep a blog, but that was about 7 or 8 years ago. I think it really helped me when I was in highschool- it was a private blog, and I was able to release all my thoughts without worrying about what anyone would think of me. I haven't done any journaling or blogging since highschool, so maybe it's time to get all my thoughts out again. We shall see...

As of right now, no one knows about this blog and I have yet to decide on whether I will tell anyone. I'm not as worried about upsetting anyone with what I say, but sometimes it can be pretty embarrassing to share your every thought. I'm such a "pleaser" that I wonder how I might alter what I'm writing if I knew my friends were reading it.

So, for now, it's just me...and whoever else might stumble upon my random thoughts and ramblings. I'm sorry to whoever you are!

I have today off for Memorial Day and I've spent most of the day scanning pictures of my mother onto Mark & Treasa's computer. Mom's 50th birthday party is only a couple weeks away, and I've decided to put together a picture slide show for the guests. I've sifted through many pictures, pulling out cute baby pix and trying to crop my dad out of others. I have run across a number of pictures with my Grams in them, that has been surprisingly difficult. But, I don't want to get into that right now.

I'm just so excited for my mom's party! She doesn't ask for much, but this is something she asked me for more than 2 years ago. She told me when she turned 50, she wanted a party, but no "Over the Hill" stuff. So, we are doing flamingos. She has about 60 people she's invited, hopefully the weather is nice, so we can stay in our back yard...my house can fit that many at one time!

I can't believe my mom is 50, I'm so proud of her. She is such an accomplished woman and stronger than most anyone else I know. She and I are very different indiviuals, but I sincerely hope I can be as great of a mom as she has always been to me.

OK, that's enough for my first sitting.. I don't want to overdo myself!

I think I'll try going for a walk, I need to start exercising.