tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83425958356005099422024-03-14T00:28:27.746-07:00Living the DreamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-85670770897749920332018-01-29T05:37:00.003-08:002018-01-29T05:37:49.568-08:0025 Weeks<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">How far along? 25 Weeks and 2 days</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Total weight gain: 16 lbs at my last appt about a week ago. With matthew I had gained 23 lbs at this point and with Emma I had gained 15 lbs. I'd say I'm right about in range, however Doc says best case scenario I only gain 20 lbs total. (I laughed out loud when I heard this). We shall see what the next appt bring.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Stretch marks? Will never go away at this point</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Sleep: Sleep is ok, but unfortunately it's getting worse. It's hard to stay comfortable all night and if I wake up for any reason I obviously have to pee.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Best moment this week: Take the kids outside to run around. It's been too cold and rainy/snowy and we are all getting cabin fever on the weekends.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Miss Anything? I miss sleeping on my back the most. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Movement: Lots every day. Keep it coming :)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Food cravings: SWEETS! God help me!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Gender: Girl</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Labor Signs: No</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Symptoms: Just lots of movement, heartburn comes around often, but my love of spicy food does not help.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Belly Button in or out? In-ish - it's hanging on by a thread these days, getting pretty flat.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wedding rings on or off? On</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Happy or Moody most of the time: It depends on the hour, but I'd like to think Happy most of the time.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Looking forward to: Being able to tell everyone her name! Chris and I had a very hard time picking a name and then the other day I said a name and we both just looked at each other and said "I LOVE IT". So it's officially official.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Next appt. (Feb 13th) I have my glucose test. WISH ME LUCK! I'll also start appts every 2 weeks, which is kind of fun to look forward to because it means it's getting closer! - this is what I said when I was 25 weeks with Emma :)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I already had a glucose test once this pregnancy and passed. I'm hoping this one goes just a smooth. I just don't want to have to have anything extra to worry about these day.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We are currently on the lookout for an extra fridge/freezer. With Matthew, i had a very healthy milk supply and it got a little iffy at one point on where we could fit it all. I"m sure we'll find something that works and who knows, maybe this time I'll have no supply and it'll all be moot any way. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I've gotten my first (you sure there's only one in there) comment. Let the good times roll!!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Until Next time........</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-15041932140790665762018-01-17T09:40:00.000-08:002018-01-17T09:40:13.725-08:0023 Weeks<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">How far along: 23 weeks 4 days</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Total weight gain/loss: ~ 12 lbs - YIKES!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Sleep: Sleep is actually going pretty well. Kids are sleeping through the night and so am I. I get up maybe once, but sometimes not at all right now. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Best moment this week: Having Monday off with Chris and still taking the kids to school. It was nice to go to breakfast and go shopping and just take our time. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Movement: 24/7 and I'm not complaining, although at this very moment I feel like she's trying to kick my belly open. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Food cravings: Still in the - I'LL EAT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING phase and chocolate tastes extra good. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Labor Signs: nope.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Belly Button in or out: innie.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">What I miss: Wine to help me relax after a stressful day! - still true</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">What I am looking forward to: Looking forward to baby girl :)</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />We put together the crib and the dresser today. I LOVE IT!!! We also picked up a few pieces to accent the baby's room while we were out last Monday.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Here are some pics:</span><br />
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<img alt="Image result for she believed she could so she did glitter art" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/9b/6e/8d/9b6e8dc028cc1aa051a1230132fc6422--favorite-quotes-favorite-things.jpg" width="129" /> <img alt="Image result for simmons crib" height="200" src="https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/51485153_Alt01?wid=520&hei=520&fmt=pjpeg" width="200" /> <img alt="Image result for hobby lobby gold shelf" height="200" src="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hl-cdn-prod60/3/b0/5e/3b05ed5355cdf7f6d08f82a6f82cfcbdb5da39e3/350Wx350H-1287127-1117.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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I'm going for gold accents in the bedroom...can you tell?<br />
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So, we've picked a name, but per DH's request it is a SECRET! I'm sure I'll be able to wear him down and shout it from the rooftops soon enough, but until then I can say I LOVE IT :) haha.<br />
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Matthew and Emma are doing amazing and are super excited for baby to come. Emma is counting down the days before she can feed her a bottle and dress her up. Secretly I am too. I daydream about Emma and Matthew falling in love with her just like they did with each other. Even if I have to force them to.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Until Next time....</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-73332453362608585662017-12-18T06:11:00.000-08:002017-12-18T06:11:27.672-08:00HALFWAY!<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">How far along: 19 weeks 3 days</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Total weight gain/loss: ~ 7 lbs - the Cookie Exchange I went to yesterday did not help!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Maternity clothes: Last time I'm posting this because from here on out, it's maternity all the way.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Sleep: Sleep is ok. Sleep would be better if Matthew would stop getting up at 2am. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Best moment this week: BABY KICKS! Last night Chris even felt a kick. You have absolutely no idea how much you need to feel that baby when you're pregnant. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Movement: Oh yeah. It's not all the time on the outside, but I felt her dancing around all night last night and I feel her a lot when I'm sitting at my desk at work. This just started about 3-4 days ago, but I'm so happy it has finally started.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Food cravings: I've reached the - I'LL EAT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING phase. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Labor Signs: nope.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Belly Button in or out: innie.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">What I miss: Wine to help me relax after a stressful day! - still true</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">What I am looking forward to: The holidays and then getting started on the nursery after the holidays are over.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Weekly Wisdom: Relax and Enjoy! - I'm working on it! - still working on it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">So next week is my official anatomy scan. We've already seen most of the body parts because of my other scan earlier. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Things that are worrying me these days:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">So I'm not 100% sure on any of this, but I'm pretty sure I have an anterior placenta because I think they said that. This causes me concern because I hear that it can make the c-section complicated. That is very scary to me. I've read it can cause extra bleeding and just make things harder in general.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Subchorionic Hematoma - It's still there. Why are you still there? GO AWAY! I'm praying that by my next scan it's gone, but what if it's not. Can it cause issues?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">And this isn't a worry, but I'm already anxious about getting everything ready. We've got 140 days until little lady comes. I have so many clothes that need to be organized, we have to move furniture, buy furniture, get all the baby stuff out and cleaned. And don't even get me started on a name.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">All in all, since feeling kicks I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">At some point I'll take a belly picture.......not today. :)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Until Next time....</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-4729646469837740972017-11-28T09:08:00.000-08:002017-11-28T09:08:02.868-08:00Baby #3 - 16 Weeks<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Well Hello!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Long time no talk? Surprise, Baby #3 on the way and I'm already 4 months along. For some reason we didn't share the news so early this time. This pregnancy will probably be our last and unfortunately so far it's been our most dramatic. I currently have a subchorionic hematoma, which means there is a bleed between the placenta and the amniotic sac (i think). I won't get into the details, but to make a long story short, I had some bleeding and it was pretty scary for a few days.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">As of now, baby is doing absolutely great. Growing well and the hematoma doesn't seem to be affecting the pregnancy much. All it is affecting is my emotions and my brain power. It's made me quite cautious and scared and I'm hoping it's gone by my next ultrasound so I can finally relax and enjoy this pregnancy as much as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">The only good thing is we have had the chance to see the baby much more and we were even able to see the gender at our last scan. Hello BABY GIRL!!!! :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">How far along: 16 weeks 4 day</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Total weight gain/loss: 3 - 5 lbs</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Maternity clothes: Wearing maternity pants all the time and pretty much shirts all the time as well. I can squeeze into a regular shirt every now and again, but it's much better if I just stick with maternity wear.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Sleep: Sleep isn't too bad. I pee at least once a night, sometimes twice, but DH got me a pregnancy pillow early this time so sleep has been very comfortable for the most part so far.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Best moment this week: Best moment was having a few impromptu dates with Hubby. We went to see Justice League (which was amazing) and the Sixers Game. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Movement: I think I can feel a little bubble in there every now and again, but impatiently waiting to feel actual kicks. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Food cravings: I crave different things every other minute of the day. Currently cold things are my friends and really juicy fruits. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Labor Signs: nope.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Belly Button in or out: innie.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">What I miss: Wine to help me relax after a stressful day!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">What I am looking forward to: Feeling baby move.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Weekly Wisdom: Relax and Enjoy! - I'm working on it!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-65754441737086565132017-09-29T08:41:00.003-07:002017-09-29T08:41:37.441-07:00Dear Matthew Francis......<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dear Matthew,</span><br />
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Happy 3rd Birthday!</div>
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My big boy, my baby, my three year old delight. This past year, you have grown up more than I thought possible. You speak so well and you potty trained yourself in a week!!! Mommy and daddy enjoy nothing more than watching you play with your sister or use your imagination with your dinosaurs and animals. You are OBSESSED with gorilla's right now and I'm pretty sure the movie 'SING' has something to do with it. You love to dance and you love to sing.</div>
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You are a very good eater and we are hoping that your palette continues to grow as you do. I am amazed at how much you watch your sister and mimic her and love her so much. You have already become protective and you definitely don't like it when she is getting in trouble, almost more than when you yourself are getting in trouble.</div>
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You just started soccer and daddy loves taking you on Saturdays to run around and show off your skills with red light green light. Your biggest problem is you want to do too much, but you're learning how to take turns. Everyone at your preschool loves you and thinks you are just the sweetest, which I tend to agree with. </div>
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You love your momma and never refuse me my demanded hugs and kisses. You ask me to lay with you at night when we say your prayers and I hope this continues for years to come. Thank you for giving mommy and daddy so much joy. Our lives are better with you in it and we love you more than you'll ever know.</div>
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Love,</div>
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Mommy</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-76300050597865436002017-04-17T11:08:00.001-07:002017-04-17T11:08:08.966-07:00Dear Emma Jean....<div style="height: 0px;">
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Dear Emma Jean, </span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;">I'm late on your birthday love letter. I turned around and you've turned into this beautiful crazy little lady.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">4! FOUR!!!! I'm already dreading next year when Kindergarten is right around the corner. Looking back to where you were at least year, I can say you are 100% fully potty trained. There was a time I thought that was impossible, but I blinked and it happened. </span></span></b></div>
</span><span style="color: #741b47;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">I think the most exciting thing is YOU STOPPED SUCKING YOUR THUMB. I'm not sure when, I'm not sure how and I have no idea why, but YOU DID IT! </span></span></b></div>
</span><span style="color: #741b47;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">You are so amazing. You LOVE to sing at the top of your lungs and you still love to dance and show off your ballet moves. Fortunately you now have a little boy that is obsessed with everything you do and wants to be just like you. Speaking of your little brother, you are a wonderful big sister (most of the time). You make sure no one is too hard on him and you are the only one allowed to make him cry ;)</span></span></b></div>
</span><span style="color: #741b47;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Your favorite food is STILL peanut butter and jelly, but you also love fruit. Mango and raspberries seem to be your favorite at the moment, but you really do love most of them. </span></span></b></div>
</span><span style="color: #741b47;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">You can now say the 'Glory Be' all by yourself. Actually you don't let anyone say it with you anymore and you hate to go to bed without saying your prayers or reading at least 3 books.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">I hope that you know how much I love you Emma Jeanie. You are a bright light in my life and you make my heart grow with every smile.</span></span></b></div>
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You are a beautiful, smart, kind little girl. Please stay this sweet and innocent as long as you can. </div>
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With all the love I can give,</div>
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Your Momma</div>
</span></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-88916801934528720622017-01-19T10:13:00.001-08:002017-01-19T10:13:29.961-08:00If I knew then what I know now............If I knew then what I know now, I would have been way worse :)<br />
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If I knew how much kids are supposed to get in trouble and explore and take chances, I would have taken more.<br />
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I was an extremely straight edge kid. I got good grades, I was involved in everything, and I think I NEVER broke the rules.<br />
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I have no idea what I was so scared of. My sister was bad growing up (really bad) - sorry Brook ;), My brother was even worse, haha. But me, I am not sure what element was missing in my brain but I was a goody two shoes to the MAX!<br />
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In college I may have let loose a tiny bit, but still, breaking the rules was not my thing.<br />
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If I knew then, what I know now, I would realize how much of it doesn't matter and I should have relaxed.<br />
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This popped into my head because as I was sitting eating my soup for lunch, all I could think was, I better get a load of laundry in, I have to clean up the kids room, I still have to shower, I have to get the kitchen cleaned up, what should I do about dinner if I take the kids to the park. Is it too cold for that? Are they bored? and so on, and so forth.<br />
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I am always over thinking life. DH will probably be smiling and shaking his head as he reads this. I don't think I definitely have anxiety issues, but there is a pretty good chance. I am always thinking I'm not doing enough or something could be different or better. I have to check the locks in a specific order EVERY NIGHT or else I can't sleep. I don't have OCD, but WTF?<br />
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So I have a question. If you are over 40 or your kids are in school, TELL ME! What do you know that I don't. I am specifically saying I will listen and be open to all advice. I think I stress too much about the stupidest things. If you could tell your 32 year old self with a 2 and 3 year old, what would you say?<br />
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On another note, tomorrow is date night :) Heading to <a href="http://www.wyebrookfarm.com/">Wyebrook Farm</a> for dinner and a drink. It's BYOB, which I love from time to time because you bring what you like. It's a self-sustaining farm to table type place. We've been there several times for lunch/brunch and it's never disappointed. I am quite excited for tomorrow. Special outfit and all!!!<br />
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Remember when I said Body Pump wasn't for me? Well, I'm officially hooked....UGH!!! So now it's cycle 5 days a week and pump 3 days a week. What next? YOGA? I wish (secretly).<br />
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I'm trying hard to make changes in my diet to coincide with my new love of exercise. It's going pretty well, but nothing crazy yet. I did have a ginger shot on Tuesday (loved it) and a wheatgrass shot this morning (YUCK). Eggs have become a welcome addition to my morning green juice (on the side, not in it). I even had two protein shakes one day (1 for breakfast and 1 for lunch) and I did not faint. My biggest hurdle is dessert. I gotta have my cakes/pie/pudding/whateverisonthemenu when it's available. It doesn't help that baking is my therapy. I was actually thinking about baking a 5 layer ombre cake just because they are pretty. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH, see what happens when I go down that road?<br />
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Last topic of the day - STEELERS! AFC Championship game on Sunday evening. Gonna be tough, but they've pulled through many times before!<br />
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Also looking forward to dinner with my youngest nephew on Saturday. My BIL and SIL are stopping over and a date is long overdue! Did I mention my sister in law is pregnant with twins? GIRLS! I am so freaking excited because whenever there is two, there is always one available to hold.<br />
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Well, as I see myself going more and more in different directions, I better end it for now.<br />
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Until Next Time...........<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-63896695156002169782017-01-09T17:52:00.000-08:002017-01-09T17:57:25.343-08:00Current HappeningsToday I did my first body pump class. Needless to say I am SORE! Not as sore as I'm probably going to be tomorrow, but I could definitely feel it when I was washing my hair in the shower.<br />
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Did I love it? NO! I didn't hate it either though. It all started in cycling class today. My one instructor that I have on Mondays and Wednesdays always goes and she's been trying to get me to try it. So, today was the day. In fact, I'm pretty sure everyone in cycle class decided to go together which made it way more fun for me :)<br />
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I do like the idea of body pump, but I can't say I'm sold yet. The thing that wasn't my favorite was the fact I was pretty much just out there on my own. I probably could have asked for help or gone closer to the front, but showcasing my shortcomings isn't my favorite thing to do. A few of my cycle peeps helped me out in the beginning, which was a huge help! When we were laying down I pretty much just had to do whatever the people next to me were doing, because I couldn't see the instructor and I'm not down with the lingo yet. At least I could add in a few of my own breaks.<br />
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I'll go again, but probably only once a week. On a side-note it was held in the room I used to do jazzercise with my mom many years ago. It made me so happy to think of those memories and how ridiculous those dances were.<br />
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Cycling still holds my whole heart these days! I'm currently obsessed with finding workout/cycling tank tops, however I can't bring myself to spend over $20 on one shirt. Only 6 more months til my birthday, haha<br />
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What else, what else...We are heading up to Scranton this weekend for Disney on Ice! I took Emma last year and she LOVED it. I'm extremely excited to take her again and I think Matthew will like it too! It'll be nice to spend a long weekend up north and away from the everyday norms.<br />
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I just took Emma to see SING at the Movie Tavern. I loved the movie and enjoyed the MT because we had plenty of room and she had a place to put her food and drink while we watched the movie instead of in her lap, which normally ends in a spill. <br />
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I'm hosting my first "event" for this MOM group I joined this week. I think it'll be fun and hopefully my children behave and share while they are in their own house. Most of the events are crafts for the kids....wanna know what mine is called? COFFEE and PLAYTIME! HA! Crafts aren't my thing, but coffee I can do! Maybe I can think of something before Thursday. Here is my latest "craft" - it's called "let's wash coins"<br />
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For the record, I did not think of this myself, I read about it. Turned into emma washing 1 quarter, then Matthew just dumped all the coins in the water and splashed around until they both just stood up and walked away soaked.<br />
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Well, Steelers are in the playoffs and just dominated the Dolphins for the Wildcard win, so I'm hoping this season continues on for a few more weeks!<br />
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Until Next time.........<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-75968463251933588102016-12-22T11:13:00.000-08:002016-12-22T11:13:05.402-08:00Oh....HelloSo here I am, it's 1:45pm and I'm sitting on my <strike>unmade</strike> bed finally writing a blog post after two months! Have I ever gone this long before? Possible, but I'm too lazy to look :)<br />
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Have I told you the news? I'm a stay at home mom - OFFICIALLY. WTF!<br />
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I think I'm pretty blessed as I have a job that thinks I'm worth keeping around so technically I am still employed and I'm a "casual employee". I work when they need me/when I have time. I love what I do and everyone I work with, so I'm pretty happy with the situation. It was kind of stressful in the beginning because I was wondering when exactly I would be having time to work, but it's going well so far!<br />
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I had these huge plans of blogging my first day as a stay at home mom. I searched and searched about women who went from working to being a SAHM and couldn't find too much. Want to know why??? We have no time. :)<br />
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I have read so so so many articles about being a working mother and a SAHM. Both are easy, both are hard, both judge each other. Let me know what you'd like to read about and I'll send you an article. They are all out there.<br />
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Do I love this? Sometimes :) Do I hate this? Sometimes :) Am I happy I'm doing it? 95% of the time.<br />
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Here is a typical day:<br />
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(sidenote: - for those of you who don't know I have a 2 year old little boy and 3 1/2 year old little lady)<br />
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Wake up around 7am. We go downstairs and eat breakfast. I unload the dishwasher while they eat every morning and I turn on the news because I noticed that when the TV is completely off, all they do is ask for a show. When the TV is on, they eat, then go in the playroom and play together.<br />
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I have finally gotten to the point where they watch no TV (of their own) until after nap. Sometimes I'll put on a show before lunch just so I can have 5 seconds to make something in peace.<br />
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Back to the day - So hubby leaves for work around 8am. At that time I get dressed (in workout clothes) and get the kids dressed to be out the door around 9am. I do a spin class at the local YMCA every day from 930 - 1015. EVERY DAY! I need it. I LOVE IT! and it's the only place I can work out and bring my kids to be watched.<br />
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So after work out we normally have an errand or two to run. We go to Wegman's or the dry cleaners or somewhere and we get home around 11-1130am.<br />
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Then it's lunchtime. Lunch around 1130 - 12pm. Directly after lunch is naptime. One thing I am very thankful for is both kids still nap. They don't even fight it. They ask to go night-night after they are done eating.<br />
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Naptime is normally from about 1230 - 230pm. (my daughter is now sitting next to me watching Paw Patrol as I finish typing this - it's 1;56pm).<br />
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During naptime I shower and clean something in the house. Today it was the basement. I didn't even clean up lunch because I needed as much time as I could to clean the basement and shower before someone got up.<br />
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After naptime I have them play or watch a movie. We do storytime sometimes. I hate the winter because we are stuck inside a lot. I take them to the park if it's warm. We went to playdium in downingtown one day to get out of the house. I recently joined a playgroup as well that has fun things for the kids.<br />
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We have played music with the local retirement home, had different play dates, went to the local My Gym. It's nice. I'm still getting to know everyone, but we're getting there.<br />
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I start to cook dinner around 4-430pm. Kids eat first and DH doesn't normally get home until 630. So I've been cooking second dinner for us to eat together when he gets home.<br />
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I struggle every day with my patience, but I have to admit... I'm learning :) I'm learning what works and what doesn't and we make progress. There are also days when I just lose it. I was dropping them off at the YMCA two Fridays ago and to make a long story short I just burst into tears when I got there.<br />
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Wow, this post is way longer than I expected, but that is what happens when you wait so long to write I guess.<br />
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I think my biggest struggles are that I feel extremely guilty if I complain. I feel like I'm being judged all the time and I feel like I'm never DONE, like the house is NEVER fully clean. The second I clean it, they destroy it. Did I ever mention I have control issues? Well, we will just have to keep working on it.<br />
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In Other News: Emma had her second ballet recital. I loved it and enjoyed the fact she barely had any of the steps down :) Matthew is talking to where I can understand him 90% of the time and he loves to sing. It's adorable.<br />
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I miss my mom like crazy and all I want to do is ask her advice 2,493 times a day. I'm trying to allow myself to be sad more and not feel guilty about talking about being sad. Can't say it's easy, but what the heck is these days?<br />
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Christmas is in 3 DAYS!<br />
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I guess I should end it here, because I'm starting to rant and get scatter-brained and maybe I'll have something to write about later in the week.<br />
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Until next time..........<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-55990082362692074732016-09-28T08:13:00.001-07:002016-09-28T08:13:32.068-07:00Dear Matthew...Dear Matthew,<br />
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You're two! My baby is two. You are the most cookie cutter little boy I could ever imagine to exist. You love rocks, dirt, climbing, wrestling, and pretty much just being a complete daredevil in everything you do.<br />
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You love animals!! You take your elephant in the bath with you, you sleep next to your tiger, and you can't walk past a giraffe without a smile.<br />
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You also love to sing and dance, which makes me happier than you can ever imagine. It's crazy to hear how much you talk already!! and I can't get through one page of a book anymore without you saying "what's that?, what's that?, what's that?" <br />
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My favorite phrases include "thank you mommy, I love you mommy, and where's Emma?" If don't have your sister in your sights you need to know why and you aren't happy about it. She is your favorite person it seems and every time I hear you yell "come here Emma" I melt just a little bit.<br />
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You are still my little momma's boy and could probably sit in my lap 24 hours a day if allowed. I love your hugs and kisses, maybe not your scratches and punches so much, but we're working on it. :)<br />
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We are entering the world of tanturms and I think I may have been a little easy on the discipline with you, but again, we're working on it.<br />
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You eat a lot better than your sister does. You like rice, corn on the cob and all of the regular kid stuff as well. You get really upset if I cut up your food these days and I would stop if you would learn how to take one bite at a time. <br />
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You still sit through Frozen like it's in style but Aladdin seems to have caught your attention as well. <br />
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You love to read books. It's one of your favorite things to do and you already know the words to Goodnight Moon and always fill in for the old lady whispering "HUSH".<br />
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Daddy and I love you more than words and your sister adores you with everything she has.<br />
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Thanks for being our little bruiser boy. Happy Birthday Chewy (tomorrow)!!!<br />
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Love,<br />
Mommy<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-57352831858655233422016-09-13T09:02:00.001-07:002016-09-13T09:02:41.427-07:00P-I-T-T Let's go PITTThis past weekend DH and I went back to where it all began!!! PITTSBURGH BABY!<div>
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We left on Friday morning and took the long 5 hour drive down the turnpike to get to the city where we fell in love.</div>
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Driving into Oakland gave me a sense of nostalgia that never goes away. We spent Friday walking the campus, having dinner at my favorite restaurant and having a few drinks.</div>
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Saturday Morning it was Game Time - PITT VS. PENN STATE! We thought it was going to be rainy, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. Although we had to tailgate with some of our friends who were Penn State Fans (boooooo!) we had such a great time and ended up meeting up with some other friends after the game as well.</div>
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The ride home wasn't as fun, but taking two days away, just the two of us, was definitely welcome and very very fun!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-80084965538613105952016-08-31T07:41:00.002-07:002016-08-31T07:41:55.038-07:00Matthew is growing up! :(So last week, my cousin came and stayed with us. We were sitting down having a nice chat and I happened to glance at the monitor......Matthew was not in his crib. At first I assume he has huddled into a corner for the night, which wouldn't be crazy, but as I scan the camera all around, all I see is a little foot leaving the screen area out of sight.<br />
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AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!<br />
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Running upstairs with a slight scream, I catch Matthew as he is on top of his changing table about to descend his crib head first onto the floor.<br />
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Then it hits me....he needs a toddler bed.<br />
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Am I ready for this? Well, ready or not, we did it on Saturday. It's official, I have no cribs in my house any more. WAHHHHHHHHH,HHHH! <br />
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If I look at these past 3 nights objectively, I would say he's doing very very well. He's gotten up several times, but normally goes right back down for another few hours.<br />
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Last night after I put him down, he made it to 1:30am. He woke up and cried for me, then after I put him back down he slept until 6am. I'd say that's pretty good. I added an additional nightlight to his room, because for some reason when he wakes up, he immediately turns off his air purifier, which also acts as a night light, so his room would get pitch black. I have no idea why he does that, but the good news is, I know this is just a phase, and he'll eventually grow out of it. Like I said, he's doing well and I have to remind myself it could be A LOT WORSE!<br />
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Diner en Blanc was AMAZING! I found a $10 dress at Kohls and had such an amazing time with my friend. It was at the Philadelphia Art Museum, right on the steps. I'm hoping this isn't my last time.<br />
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I haven't done much for the big #2 birthday yet, besides send out invitations. I have no idea what I'm serving or how I'm decorating. Fortunately, I don't think he'll care too much, as long as there is cake.<br />
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Emma just started in her Preschool room at school. I have to admit, it was kind of sad dropping her off today. New teacher and new friends, none of her other friends that started with her were there yet. I know she'll be fine, but if this is how I feel for preschool, I have no idea how I'm going to make it through sending her to an actual school!!!!!<br />
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This morning Emma woke up around 545. I brought her into bed with me and even turned off my alarm for workout. I decided a kiddie snuggle was what I was interested in this morning. It was so nice to take my time in the morning with the kids and not rush. I need to do that more and hopefully I will be able to more at some point. Even when Matthew was freaking out, I knew why, and he had a point. (we didn't have normal breakfast stuff because I'm trying not to go shopping before Labor day). So we worked with what we had and he got over it. (graham cracker for breakfast anyone?)<br />
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I love my babies. I love my husband. I'm lucky to have someone that I miss when they are gone.<br />
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I'm lucky to have a BFF who's also my dear diary when I'm being weird. Because I am weird.....often :)<br />
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Well, that was all over the place, but so is life....Until next time :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-28845539740937302392016-08-16T05:43:00.002-07:002016-08-16T05:43:59.414-07:00Summer - It's love/hateI feel like summer is coming to an end, even though it's been over 100 degrees this past week.<br />
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It's already halfway through AUGUST!!!!<br />
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This weekend is my family weekend at the lake house...sister, brother, father, families all attending. Should be interesting??? AND FUN! I'm hoping we can do a little swimming, s'mores making, and laughing. That's really all I need.<br />
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Thursday I'm going to DINER EN BLANC in philly with my friend Devon. I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED! I'm been wanting to go to this dinner for like 3 years, Google it, you'll get obsessed!<br />
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And then there is the big thing - MY BABY IS TURNING 2 NEXT MONTH!!!! WTF!<br />
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My baby - is turning - 2!!!!! WTF!<br />
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My baby is turning 2.......wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh<br />
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Ok, moving on, party planning needs to start and DH officially thought of the perfect theme for our little monster - LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS, OH MY!<br />
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We are also trying to plan a family trip to the zoo too for his birthday. Matthew is obsessed with animals right now and Emma was only at the zoo when she was like 5 months old and she loves animals too. I have daydreams of a perfect trip to the zoo with my two perfect children having fun and being well behaved and gracious and loving it.............sure - it'll definitely be just like that ;)<br />
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On another note, I came to this inner epiphany the other day. I've really been feeling overwhelmed this past year. I've been feeling like I can't handle everything and I've been emotionally and mentally kind of not as strong as usual. I was driving to daycare two days ago and all the sudden a light bulb went off....I though, wait a minute, my mom just died. Then part of me was like, that doesn't have anything to do with work or home or my own emotions......................right?<br />
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Nope, probably has everything to do with everything. She was my sounding board. The person I told EVERYTHING to, the person who gave me extremely <strike>unbiased</strike> motherly advice. She called me every day and she genuinely wanted me to be happy in every aspect of my life. I am not really sure what any of this means, but maybe, just maybe, I should start giving myself a little credit and a little more time to figure it all out in this new way of life.<br />
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These next few weeks are going to be tough, but that's ok. They are also going to be awesome. Birthdays, Zoos and Dinners - OH MY!<br />
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Until next time :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-85038301763750810682016-08-09T06:25:00.000-07:002016-08-09T06:25:09.211-07:00100!!!Today I went to my 100th Fit Body class.<div>
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I may not have lost much weight yet, but I've definitely gained strength and energy.</div>
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I used to be so tired in the afternoons during work, but after I started my workout, it's definitely gotten easier to make it through the day without an IV for coffee.</div>
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When I started, I couldn't do 1 real pushup....not even 1!!!</div>
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Now, I can do a great set of 5, a good set of 10, and an attempt at 20.</div>
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I can do exercises that I never though I would even try and I've made some great friends along the way.</div>
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I'm "working" on the <strike>diet</strike> nutrition part of it, but slow and steady wins the race.</div>
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I also just got about 11 inches cut off my hair. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! My hair grows really fast and I know I've had 1 or 2 posts in the past about cutting my hair. I just love short hair and how easy it is to wash, style, etc. still long enough for a pony, but short enough for comfort.</div>
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I know I look pissed in my pic at the bottom, but really I'm just trying not to smile.</div>
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Anyway, I don't want to get too crazy on the long blog posts just yet, so until next time..........</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-21245019504351706872016-08-03T07:03:00.001-07:002016-08-03T07:03:28.612-07:00Back to BasicsWell Hello There!<br />
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It's been so long since I've posted and so much has happened.<br />
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My children are growing up soooo fast! Matthew is officially almost using complete sentences and every time he does, DH and I just look at each other in disbelief. He will go "I wanna snack Mommy" or "Where daddy go?" Obviously his pronunciation needs work, but HE'S NOT EVEN 2!!!<br />
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I'm so focused on that and I think it's so funny. He's almost 2, but still only 1. I think every parent does that with their youngest at the time. Tries to keep them young forever!!!<br />
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Emma is just a little sweetheart these days too. True, she has her moments, but I feel like she is just turning into the cutest little caretaker with Matthew. She shares with him and gets so upset if he cries.<br />
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She's been having some trouble waking up early, so we bought a "Ok to Wake, OWL". Now she can't go to sleep without it. Her nighttime routine is getting so structured and I think she loves it more than we do sometimes. We got her a princess toothbrush and toothpaste, so now that is a MUST, which is awesome. We read 3 books and we pray. Than after everything she says "can we snuggle and cuddle for a little bit"...........i mean i guess i will :) :) :)<br />
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I never thought I would be praying with my three year old every night. It's not something that I take too seriously or make long or too structured, but it's something that she actually likes to do and it certainly can't hurt anything.<br />
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Matthew is my champion though. Bathtime, Book, Bed......LIKE A FREAKIN BOSS! Rarely he will wake up and need a cuddle in the middle of the night, but it's so rare that I actually kind of like it sometimes. Let's not get crazy though. His nickname is still sticking like glue - CHEWY!!! I love my little chewables. <br />
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The "are they twins" questions have officially started since he is only about 3 inches shorter than Emma now.<br />
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Their diets aren't perfect, but they love fruit and green vegetables. Apparently Matthew now has an appetite for almonds as well. all i think is CHOKING HAZARD, but what else is new.<br />
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DH and I are working like crazy. We don't tend to our outside home aesthetics as much as we should, but I'm ok with that being a low priority right now. .Grass is cut, house stays clean (with help) and my kids are happy. Seeing weeds out the window could be worse.<br />
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We had our annual beach vacation and Matthew and Emma LOVED IT. We had treats every night and sand and sun every day. They loved the waterpark and it just made me happy to see their smiling faces.<br />
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I love writing my blog. I need to do it more. It's a release and it's always nice to reflect on the good times that are flying by so fast.<br />
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Until next time..........<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-43562850764384078362016-04-13T07:46:00.000-07:002016-04-13T07:46:57.279-07:00Dearest Emma Jean....My Dear Sweet Emma Jean,<br />
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I don't write a lot of blog posts at the moment, but writing you these little letters on your birthday is something I hold near and dear to my heart.<br />
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You are now 3 years old! You are almost fully potty trained and you speak like an actual little human being with the funnest conversations. <br />
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You never run out of excuses not to go to bed and you are adamant that getting a chocolate and getting a snack are two separate things. (You think you should have one of each every night).<br />
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I love how much you remind me of me. It's scary but I know that your strength and confidence will take you far in this world. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. You may be growing an overbite with your refusal to stop sucking your thumb, but your smile is contagious and your laugh is magical.<br />
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My heart warms when I see you sharing with your brother and it's a good problem to have that you like to hug him maybe a little too hard. <br />
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You have started ballet and although you are the youngest in the class, you light up the room with your twirls and toe taps.<br />
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Thank you for loving me. Hugs and Kisses from you bring brightness to my day.<br />
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You are currently obsessed with peanut butter and jelly, but at least that makes me know you are pretty normal. I appreciate that you like to pick out your own outfits in the morning and as long as we can keep them weather appropriate, I'll try to let you be as creative as possible.<br />
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We have officially entered the "you can do it yourself" phase. Even if you can't, you certainly do like to try.<br />
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I may not be the perfect mother, but your smile helps me know I'm doing a pretty good job none the less.<br />
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With my whole heart,<br />
Your Momma<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-50034707897569529642016-02-16T13:51:00.001-08:002016-02-16T13:56:30.453-08:00A VoidI'm what some would call, a joiner :)<br />
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I think I was a part of 15 extra-curricular activities in high school. Everything from Band to FBLA to Field Hockey. </div>
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In college I was a wrestling manager by month 2 and on the field hockey club team. </div>
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When I graduated and moved to Baltimore I joined Girls in the City (I think that is what it is called) and Junior League and the Baltimore Field Hockey Association.</div>
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Why am I talking about this you ask? Well let me do what I do best and make a short story long.</div>
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The other day I was having an internal battle, a personal struggle, an emotional breakdown.......</div>
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Am I good mother? Should I work? Should I travel? Should I be a stay at home mom?</div>
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In March, I'm taking 4 work trips. My husband will probably roll his eyes saying "enough already" because I mention it often :)</div>
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I'm going to be away from my kids for probably 12 out of 31 days. That is a lot considering I'm already away from them most of the work day. If you're just joining my journey, I have 2 beautiful children. Just scroll up, you'll see!</div>
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The flip side to this is I really like my job. I get to meet new people all the time, I get to work in excel (because I'm a nerd) and my coworkers are extremely enjoyable. I've been doing it for a while now and I'm getting pretty good at it.</div>
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So, back to my story. I was looking for some kind of backup. Some reassurance that I'm not abandoning my children. Because no matter how many times I tell myself I'm not, the feeling creeps back in every now and again. So I went into my phone, went down each one of my contacts and saw NOT ONE other mother that travels for work (that I know of) (Maybe I just don't have enough friends, ha). OK, 1, but we are like friends of friends. (if she reads this she'll know who she is and probably laugh). So I did what any barely friend would do, I texted her! </div>
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I pleaded, "what are we doing? is this the right thing? are we bad mothers?" and so on and so forth and she probably thought in her head, WTF, leave me alone, but instead. She said some great things and reminded me we do this for our children, our daughters, to show them that if we want to do something, if we want to run out into the world and be great and have that job that sends us places farther than we want to go and longer than we want to be away, we do it. </div>
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I'm not playing this "should i work or be a mother gig" IT'S OVERPLAYED!!!! I leaned in alright. I'm also not playing the which is better card. I fold and everyone is different so leave me alone.</div>
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I made the decision, I'm not a stay at home mom, I'm a working travelling mother, but now what!!! Everyone left me in the dust after the decision was made. </div>
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So today I googled "working traveling mother". Feel free to google it. No I don't want to be a surrogate or a mother planning a trip for her kids. I want to know what other women like me do. I want to talk to them and hang out with them and tell them everything I hate about life and love about life because in reality sometimes no matter how hard you try, if it ain't you, YOU DON'T GET IT!</div>
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There in lies the void in my life.</div>
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Don't get me wrong, I'm happy but it's like being a teacher and trying to describe how frustrating school is and return all you get is "well you have summers off" (like 80% of my friends are teachers)</div>
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Or being a stay at home mom and probably wanting to pull your hair out and all you get is "you don't work"</div>
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All I'm sayin is, where my girls at???</div>
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And because in the end, I am a mother and I wouldn't trade it for the world (unless matthew never stops teething)- here are my babies:</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-41617414910716467892016-01-19T10:55:00.000-08:002016-01-19T10:56:59.266-08:00A haircut, a train ride and a lot of color.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My My My</div>
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Life is Good.</div>
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Chris and I took the train into Philly to meet some friends for dinner in the City. It was so nice to take advantage of that and know we can do that in the future.</div>
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Emma and I got the opportunity to see Disney on Ice this year. She loved it soo much - I cried. </div>
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Could they be any cuter?</div>
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My sweet sweet boy got his first haircut. He didn't cry and didn't wiggle and just sat there. perfectly.</div>
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My best friend continues to take care of me and took me on a coloring date. </div>
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Emma went to her first birthday party. </div>
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Life continues. So many wonderful things are happening. I wish I didn't still wish for more. I wish my mom was here to be a part of this.</div>
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Matthew had his 15 month checkup yesterday. Normally I ALWAYS call my mom to tell her the deets. She loved it. I just don't get to have that any more and I am extremely sad about it. But, so is life.</div>
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Matthew is 15 months old. 34 inches tall and 29 lbs and 12 ounces. Officially. Although I swear he is heavier than that. He LOVES to climb on everything and everything. He loves to babble. He LOVES FROZEN. ha Matthew has had peanut butter but we still limit it. He eats everything and anything but doesn't love fruit as much as Emma Jean. He goes to bed like an F'ing champ and other than the occasional mid-night scream he sleeps pretty well through the night. </div>
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I started fit body boot camp. I am OBSESSED! It's at the perfect time and I love it. I'm "trying" to diet or just eat a little healthier. We'll see.</div>
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I switched jobs, than my company got bought out so essentially I switched jobs twice in like 2 months. </div>
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Man plans and God laughs?</div>
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Anyway, that's all for now.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-10620780391874319102015-12-11T05:50:00.001-08:002015-12-11T13:19:56.827-08:00Newest ObsessionsSo as I have been shopping for everyone for Christmas I have come across a few things I WANT and a few things I want to share because they are awesome!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.thegivingkeys.com/">www.thegivingkeys.com</a></span><br />
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THe giving keys is officially the best thing I've heard of in a while. You get a key and give it to someone either on a necklace, bracelet, ring, whatever, then once they either "live that word" or find someone else who needs it they pass it along. I love it, but I feel like it would take a lot for me to give it up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.theskimm.com/">www.theskimm.com</a><br />
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Just read it and you'll get it<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1739008751"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.fightingpretty.org/">www.fightingpretty.org</a><br />
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I bought this for my mom when she was sick. And by bought this, I had one sent to her and I donated money so one could be sent to someone else too. It sends a nice package to women fighting cancer to help them still feel pretty. and they get awesome pink boxing gloves too! Look into it and do it if you know someone who could use it.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.fabfitfun.com/">www.fabfitfun.com</a></span><br />
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I have to admit, I'm obsessed with subscription boxes. I have never gotten this one, probably because it's $200 A YEAR! but doesn't mean I don't want it :) I like boxes that give you full size products and different varieties of products<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Amazon Prime</span><br />
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Yeah, I know that is so 3 years ago, but how nice is it to keep finding gifts and not have to worry about shipping every time. I recently learned Amazon has yet to make a profit because they lose so much on shipping costs. I'm still questioning the logic but I have a feeling they are smarter than me.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.hellofresh.com/">www.hellofresh.com</a></span><br />
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I have yet to make a meal i've hated. I'm excited for the holiday travel schedule to be over so I can get another box and make it easy to make at least 3 good dinners in one week.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dancember.tv/">www.Dancember.tv</a><br />
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I am one of the millions who is obsessed with YouTube and vlogging families. I would love to do it except I work too much, i'm not that interesting, and I know nothing about videography/producing etc. It's Judy's Life is a vlogging family, but every December they raise money for a good cause. I wish I could donate more.<br />
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So New Years Eve I am having several families over to celebrate the New Year! I am excited but also a little nervous to hope everything goes well. I'm sure it will, I just like to make sure everyone has a FANTASTIC time whenever they are at my house. May be a little bit of a pipe dream because you can't always make everyone happy, but it's worth a shot.<br />
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Subject Change<br />
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I think I have asked myself the same question for the past 3 days now. "Do I think of my mother every day?" I think that is a weird question to actually ask myself. Like, am I a bad person if I don't think of her at least one time every day. For the record, I actually do think that I think of her probably 46 times every day, but that won't last forever. I've had at least 3 dreams about her since she passed away. Last night was dream #4. I had a dream that my father was going to pick her up from Chemo. He was saying it was a really bad day and she wasn't doing well that day. During the dream DH and I lived in a house where a tiger had recently taken shelter in so I told my dad we were going to move in because we couldn't live with a tiger and we wanted to help him out with my mom. He was actually a little hesitant but said if it would help us out so we didn't have to live with a tiger than it was fine. Dream Meaning???? No idea. - HA!<br />
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I recently received a letter from a dear old friend. Her father passed away maybe 7 years ago give or take. She wrote very kind words and gave me three pieces of advice:<br />
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#1 - Keep reliving the good memories. It's ok to think about her all the time and to think about memories.<br />
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#2 - Holidays are hard, so eat lots of chocolate to help. (She included a batch of some of the most delicious brownies I have ever eaten)<br />
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#3 - Relationships will change. Some won't know how to deal and will push away but some will realize what is truly important and will try to connect closer so be open to everyone.<br />
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She was always smarter than me. The story gets better too. As I was texting her for a second time about how good the brownies were she wrote back the next day saying "sorry I couldn't reply, I was being asked a very important question"....... and now she's engaged :)<br />
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Life still goes on. Life is good. I miss my mom. Life would be better if she were here. Breathing helps.<br />
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Oh yeah, and I tried my hand at some new crafting</div>
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Not too shabby.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-57218980722963342152015-12-07T05:13:00.002-08:002015-12-07T05:13:36.189-08:00This is why...Monday Morning wake up at 1am to a crying baby. Doesn't need food, doesn't need changed, just needs his momma to hold him while he falls back asleep.<br />
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2am back in bed to wait for the 5am wake up from big girl who is awake and doesn't want to be alone.<br />
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6am starts the day with showers, breakfast snacks and out the door to get to daycare and back for the 8am work day.<br />
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Workdays consist of inconsistent meetings and deadlines and sporatic phone calls that make "lunch gym time" impossible.<br />
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5pm workday over and time to make dinner. As the children get home, 545pm starts crazy dinner time or really just individual food fights between my children and the floor.<br />
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630pm starts bathtime and bedtime routines. Baby boy goes down around 730 after his bottle and big girl goes to bed around 8pm.<br />
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9pm regularly consists of a wail from big girls room because she needs 1 of 4 things:<br />
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needs to go potty even though she went before bed<br />
needs water like she hasn't had a drink in weeks<br />
needs to be covered with her "special" blanket, then throws it off after you put it on<br />
needs a hug (alright I guess that one's ok)<br />
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10pm consists of strict bedtime as DH & I need at least 5 hours of sleep to function as a human most days.<br />
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In between these crazy times, the house needs cleaned, laundry needs done, groceries need bought, christmas decorations need to be hung, presents need to be bought, visits with family need to happen, yards need to be taken care of. (By both DH and I)<br />
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- This ladies and gentleman is why parents of small children can't work out!!! - Any advice as to where we can fit it in would be great!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-60266877098073780972015-11-25T05:36:00.004-08:002015-11-25T05:36:36.376-08:00Picture Haul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last weekend we babysat my nieces for the whole weekend. It was crazy but it was tons o fun.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-60622075706173667292015-11-20T13:08:00.001-08:002015-11-20T13:08:16.845-08:00Happy Happy Joy JoyThis weekend I am having my nieces over for the WHOLE WEEKEND! I'm so excited, but not as excited as my kids are going to be, lol.<br />
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DH and I went to the store and pretty much bought out the snack aisle. I thought to myself, they are gonna LOVE coming to Aunt Tracey's house, then I thought, wait I gotta give this junk food to my kids too! Hence the phrase YOLO! (you only live once).<br />
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We are gonna watch movies and stay up late and bake pies and eat pizza and everything is just going to run perfectly smooth............RIGHT???<br />
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Fortunately I'm finally getting over this cold that has been lingering around the house. I think the chicken noodle soup my sister made me definitely helped<br />
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Doesn't it look yummy?</div>
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We also celebrated our 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Whoa. It's funny to think about it like that, because really DH and I have been together for about 13 years now. Since I was 18 and a freshman in college (man I miss those days). Life with DH isn't always 100% roses and cupcakes but it's an adventure I'm thankful I've got a front row seat to.<br />
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We went to Philly for the day on Veteran's Day because I have off and he took a vacation day. We had so much fun just being tourists. We ate breakfast a the Reading Terminal, than we shopped and walked and shopped. Had drinks at <a href="http://www.akitchenandbar.com/">A BAR</a> - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try this place if you are ever in town. It was the best part of our day. and I highly recommend The Picket Fence as a drink. I probably could have had 10. <br />
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Lunch was served at Luke's Lobster. It was good but I think my mind had already been blown from the drinks we had previously.<br />
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So Friday was our real anniversary. Since we already went out and had an ER trip that morning (more on that later), we stayed in. Had some great cheeses and ordered appetizers from a nearby restaurant. All in all - I'd say it was a success!<br />
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We were supposed to visit with my newest nephew again, but since Chewy (AKA Matthew) had some issues (again ER trip), we stayed home while DH had some fun with his brother....Looks like Chewy was still a little out of it, hahaha.</div>
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So to make a long story short, Matthew had an allergic reaction. Thursday morning he had hives but Urgent Care said it was ringworm. Cut to the next day, it had gotten worse and was swelling his eyes so momma bear came roaring and said enough is enough, it's ER time.</div>
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Turns out it was NOT ringworn. We now have an allergist appointment scheduled for next month. Sounds like a nightmare, but you gotta do what you gotta do. All in all, it wasn't that bad and it could have beeen a lot worse, so I'll thank my lucky stars.</div>
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So changing subjects, I really needed to write another blog post, I was going crazy seeing the pic of me and my mom every time I came back to the blog. I don't want every post to be sad and about her but even at lunch today I told DH, "I'm sad that I don't know when I'll ever not be sad". I hate to be so cliche, but it's a feeling you will never understand until you live it. I could say a million more things but I want to keep the post light and happy. </div>
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Matthew and Emma are happy and thriving. Emma may kill me with potty training and Matthew apparently only needs 5 - 6 hours of sleep a night to function, but my children are my life. My children are pure and perfect and I made those little snot buckets. They came out of my body after I grew them for almost a year. It's pretty crazy if you really think about it sometimes (cliche #2 of the day). I wrestle with not spending as much time as I want to with me but that's for a different day. </div>
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Well, Until Next Time........</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-19777255981150061592015-11-03T04:47:00.002-08:002015-11-03T04:47:29.826-08:00Life Goes On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">This was the last pic I have of us.....when we found out the cancer had grown and spread. I laid with you in your chemo chair while you kept on fighting (and tickling my head). - You were the best!</span><br />
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My mom died.<br />
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My mom died 33 days ago. She was 51. Everyone reading this already knows this. (probably)<br />
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If it was a little while between blog posts I would get a simple two word email....."Update please"<br />
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I don't get those emails anymore.<br />
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If there was a dawn of a new day I would get a phone call "Just calling to chat"<br />
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I don't get those phone calls anymore.<br />
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It is so easy to cry. So easy to be sad. It's so easy to wish this on someone else. and I do....all three....all the time. Sorry but not sorry.<br />
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95% of the time, I think I'm doing pretty darn good. When my daughter mentions Grammy I don't even cry. I just remind her that she is in heaven and Emma replies "Oh Heaben" and we continue on with our day.<br />
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As I write this, off the top of my head I know at least 6 people that have lost a parent. I wasn't there for them like they were there for me. I didn't get it. Nobody gets it. Which is fine, actually a good thing. You shouldn't feel this pain unless it is hitting you in the face.<br />
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It was extremely personal and my mother perfectly orchestrated the moment she decided to leave this world. That's all I'll say about that.<br />
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And life goes on.......<br />
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Matthew is walking now. Running almost. He is also trying to kill me. The past 2 nights have been AWFUL! Where did my perfect little boy go and why doesn't he sleep anymore? Growing pains? I don't know, but all I know is, please don't keep this up for too long. He's lucky he's so darn cute and I'm lucky he can't speak english yet and repeat the things I say 2 am. ;)<br />
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Emma is turning into the cutest little lady. I am so excited she's in the "kids say the darndest things" phase. it's amazing and I could listen to her talk all day. Except when she isn't getting what she wants. Every new age is a learning experience for DH and I. We lose our patience but then we find it again and we work together and work against each other and find a balance every 3rd hour of the day with these kiddos. Than we joke about having a third, HAHAHAHA!<br />
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NOT ANY TIME SOON!<br />
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Emma had a UTI a few weeks ago. Had a fever go up to 104. I would have called my mother but she wasn't there. instead DH and I figured it out together... and we made it.<br />
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I was having some issues a few weeks ago. I had an ovarian cyst, no big deal now, but at the time I was freaking out. I literally went down every name in my phone and said, ok, who is the most like mom I could call......I'm still looking.<br />
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Ok, going down the depressed road, but honestly I just wanna get these thoughts out, because once they are out, maybe they will stay out, at least for a little while. <br />
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And I'm not so alone. I have the best big sister in the freaking world. Who I could call about my child's fever and my own issues. And I do most times. She's the best. I wouldn't make it without her that's for sure. and I have a DH who sits right next to me at 3 am taking my daughter's temperature reading her books as I put a wet washcloth on her face, not making me do this alone. And I have a dad who listens to me about my ovarian cysts because he's pretty great too. I have a lot of people who love me. Life ain't so bad. - rant over<br />
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Anyway, we have a family wedding this weekend!!!! So excited. I'm a bridesmaid and it's just going to be a really nice time to enjoy love and life. Did I mention it's on DH's side of the family so my 'oh so wonderful' sister is taking the kids - FOR TWO NIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!! HALLELUJAH!<br />
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Me and Bride to Be!</div>
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Some updated photos! :)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-52115472198880002432015-10-13T12:37:00.000-07:002015-10-13T12:37:03.451-07:00Dear Matthew.....<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Basic; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Dear Matthew,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Basic; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Basic; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Basic; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">My little baby boy. The apple of your father's eye and one of the holders of my heart. I have never met a happier baby than you. A morning is not complete without a little extra snuggle and I know I can always get a little extra sleep if I bring you into bed with me and hold you close as your close your eyes in pure bliss. I have a love/hate relationship with the term "Momma's Boy" but if there ever was one, I'd say it was you. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Basic; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Basic;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Your birth-day was quite a bit different from your sister's as we knew exactly when and how you would be meeting us. That was about all we could predict as the nurses laughed when I said you would probably be 10 lbs. Even then you didn't want to leave your momma and they had to vacuum you out during the c-section. Your arrival certainly came with lots of excitement and drama as your blood counts were low, but a little time with Mommy and Daddy and everything evened out and you were just fine.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Basic;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Basic;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">You loved to be in my arms so much that the nurse had to put a sign on the door for no one to come in because you gave mommy and daddy no sleep the first few days you were here. I can tell you I loved every second of those first few days in retrospect, but I love even more that they are behind us. hehe</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Basic;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Basic;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">You still haven't figured out a real word yet and your walk could use some work, but to mommy and daddy you are perfect and your smile is contagious. Your sister adores you almost as much as you adore her and it makes mommy and daddy melt whenever you smile at each other and play together. Although there is nothing we like better than when you torture her a little bit. Don't worry though, she deserves it after the jealous wacks she used to give you when you first came home ;)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Basic;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Basic;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Thank you for making me smile every day. Thank you for hugging me the way you do. Thank you for coming to us and being our special little boy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Basic;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Love,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Basic;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Momma</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342595835600509942.post-45019424397374436412015-08-19T10:21:00.002-07:002015-08-19T10:21:29.497-07:00I take less Pictures Now<span id="goog_445576031"></span><span id="goog_445576032"></span>I take less pictures now because I like to be in the moment. Sometimes when my children are doing something cute DH or someone will say, take a pic quick!<br />
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It is always nice to have pictures of good times, but I'll take staying in that memory right now instead of taking myself out of it for the picture.<br />
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There is give and take :)<br />
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So Big News - EMMA JEAN IS POTTY TRAINING<br />
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She actually doing quite well. She doesn't many accidents at home or at school for that matter and she even wakes up with a dry pull-up most of the time. The Caveat to that means she wakes up sometimes once or twice because she has to go potty, but I guess I can't get too mad............<br />
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EXCEPT...........<br />
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LAST NIGHT, when she screams at 5am she has to go potty and wakes up my other child, than both are just UP! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Oh yeah, extra fun stuff is when this happens when DH is AWAY ON BUSINESS!!!!!!!! F - M - L<br />
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Other Big news - Matthew is now eating the menu at school!!!! Bottles on their way out and sippy cups coming in the future.<br />
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So Mom didn't get the best news at the doctor recently but we are still on the "glass half full" train..... It's tough to talk about more in the sense of, nobody knows any answers..........literally.............nobody more than an emotional toughness to talk about. <br />
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We all have our moments of sadness/madness/confusion/weakness/fear but today I talked to my mom, so today is a great day. Yesterday I saw her and kissed her and that was an even better today. I think tomorrow might be pretty good too :)<br />
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Lots of things happening in the coming weeks..........Celebrating my friend Jen's bridal shower at the end of the month - Can't wait :)<br />
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Then a family wedding coming up - It'll be nice to dance and drink and be merry with some of the people that matter the most.<br />
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Matthew turns 1 next month (WAH WAH WAH)<br />
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Then we have more wedding festivities and birthdays and did I mention (5 year wedding anniversarys?) WHOA!<br />
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I can not live life enjoying every blessing if I do not accept that there are also bumps along the road. I am so lucky to appreciate love and life and continue to show it to the ones that matter the most.<br />
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Until Next time.......<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00446999304856726424noreply@blogger.com0