I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!! This year was bittersweet for us. Just as we have the last 6 years, once again we had our double gathering. We spent the early afternoon at my mom's and the night at home. That's a lot of food!!! This year, however, thanks to a growing bundle, I could hardly eat a bite for dinner. We have tons to be thankful for this year. Thankful that both our families have been in the same town, to make it easier to spend the holidays with each other for the last 7 years, thankful for all the experiences, good and bad, and time spent with Justin's parents the last 7+ years, thankful for the opportunity to finally make a house our home, for being able to live our life together on our own and really get to grow with one another, and last but certainly not least, thankful for the wonderful life we are very excited to meet in the coming weeks, and the time we have to prepare for her arrival.
~THE HOUSE~
In the last few weeks, since Justin's parents moved, we have been working hard to get things re-organized and the way we like it. It's starting to feel more like us, and our home, rather than living in someone else's, and that is a feeling I have been longing for, for a long time!!! It's a good feeling to come home, and know that things are where you put them and they will stay there. There are a few things we still need to get done, in time. Finish putting up the trim throughout the house, replacing doors, and two more rooms to paint. I am looking forward to tackling those things in the future!!! For now, I'm glad to feel home!!!
~THE ITCH~
So, for those of you who do not know, I am 36 weeks pregnant today. Thus far, I really have no complaints for the most part, as she has been very kind to me. I am so thankful for not experiencing "morning sickness", and not developing Gestational Diabetes or Preeclampsia, two things I was really worried about, and that ran in my family.
I do have slightly high blood pressure, and that has made for more frequent appointments, but I really enjoy listening to her heart and movements, as well as sometimes getting to peek in on her. She is going to be a stubborn lil thing, but I am certain she is going to make life much lighter and filled with lots of laughter, joy, and love.
People have told me the last month or so is the worst, miserable, uncomfortable period of pregnancy. And, I have to say, most of the reason's friends have shared why their's was so miserable, are different than my reason. She doesn't stick herself in rib cages, she doesn't keep me up at night with movements, really, I am not uncomfortable in a way that most are or would think I would be.......but, my discomfort comes from something else. THE ITCH!!!! And, this is not the usual expected pregnancy itch caused from skin stretching and drying out.........this is the most miserable, uncontrollable, nothing makes it feel better, crawl out of your skin, ball your eyes out itch.
Referred to as PUPPP, this is a more rare type of rash, that starts in one place and eventually spreads EVERYWHERE!!!! I have tried almost everything under the sun to help ease the itching.....and pretty much everything does nothing. My skin is scratched, bruised, and scabbed, and the bad thing is, a lot of the scratching I do, happens in my sleep. When I sleep.
For future mom's to be, in the absolute unfortunate time that you may come down with this itch, the two things that provide the most relief for me, are Aloe Gel and Ice Packs. But, as the rash worsens, the effectiveness of those two things, are much less.........but, don't give up hope, as much as you want to rip your skin off, crawl out of it, or cut limbs off......there is a med the dr can give you to help. I just started mine yesterday, and last night I was still quite itchy, but hopefully tonight will be better. And, I keep reminding myself, it's almost over, it's almost over.
But, I pray, you do not develop THE ITCH!!!!
~THE BABY'S ROOM~
Over the last couple weeks, Justin and I have been working in her room, organizing and preparing for her arrival. We have all of her laundry washed and put away, toys all in one bin, blankets and such organized. We set up all of her equipment, pack n play, bouncy chair, and rock n play. Moved the rocking chair in. We are going to hopefully arrange things how we'd like them this weekend. And we need to get the trim put up in her room as well. It's very exciting to see it all coming together, now we just need to put her in it!!!!! We can't wait!!!!!
So, that's pretty much what's been going on in our world. Making a home for our expectant baby!!! We can't wait until we can share her with you all, as well!!!!
Justin and I thank all of you for your kind offers and help, up to now and for after she arrives. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year!!!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Peevish Pregnancy
We have all heard others stories about the moodiness of pregnant wives. As for myself, I had always assumed it couldn't be as bad as some would say, that they were exaggerating for effect, but in all honesty, I'd have to say, it can be BAD.
I'd like to start out by saying that I have a very fun-loving jokester of a husband, whom I wouldn't trade for the world. He likes to lighten up our mood by joking around and "picking" at one another, when one or both of us has had a long day. As I remember and take a look back, this was some of the most fun we'd have during our days. Obviously, there are times when the joking around just doesn't do the trick, and sometimes is the last thing you want to do, but in general is effective.
As I sit and remember back to how much fun the joking used to be, I realize that, with time and age, I think we both have forgotten to enjoy those moments for the fun that they truly are, and just see it as bothersome. More often than not, and I think I am more guilty of this than he is, we let what is supposed to be fun become this annoying irritating situation, and snap. Instead of cherishing a moment that one or the other is trying to cheer the other up after a bad day, we take out our frustrations on each other.
Back to the moodiness of pregnant women. As hard as it is to say, and as much as I'd like to think I'd be just as bothered if I weren't pregnant, I have been BAD!!!! Although, I haven't actually come out and admitted to Justin, that he is not the one who is being over bearing, but that I am really the one being moody. It seems as though, especially the last few weeks, that no matter what he does to joke around, or pick at me in a fun-loving way, I snap instantly and get into a worse mood than I was before, or if I wasn't in a bad mood, I am after.
I realize I can't control my hormones, and he does too, but I feel like I have been absolutely awful lately. So, first I'd like to say to Justin that I am sorry for taking for granted the silly little gestures you do to try to bring a smile to my face, and that I hope we can both sit back and truly enjoy what each other is trying to do for the other. As I can't promise that I will never get irritated by something so simple for the next 3 months, I promise to try to see your purpose for what it is, rather than instantly bite your head off :)
I'd like to start out by saying that I have a very fun-loving jokester of a husband, whom I wouldn't trade for the world. He likes to lighten up our mood by joking around and "picking" at one another, when one or both of us has had a long day. As I remember and take a look back, this was some of the most fun we'd have during our days. Obviously, there are times when the joking around just doesn't do the trick, and sometimes is the last thing you want to do, but in general is effective.
As I sit and remember back to how much fun the joking used to be, I realize that, with time and age, I think we both have forgotten to enjoy those moments for the fun that they truly are, and just see it as bothersome. More often than not, and I think I am more guilty of this than he is, we let what is supposed to be fun become this annoying irritating situation, and snap. Instead of cherishing a moment that one or the other is trying to cheer the other up after a bad day, we take out our frustrations on each other.
Back to the moodiness of pregnant women. As hard as it is to say, and as much as I'd like to think I'd be just as bothered if I weren't pregnant, I have been BAD!!!! Although, I haven't actually come out and admitted to Justin, that he is not the one who is being over bearing, but that I am really the one being moody. It seems as though, especially the last few weeks, that no matter what he does to joke around, or pick at me in a fun-loving way, I snap instantly and get into a worse mood than I was before, or if I wasn't in a bad mood, I am after.
I realize I can't control my hormones, and he does too, but I feel like I have been absolutely awful lately. So, first I'd like to say to Justin that I am sorry for taking for granted the silly little gestures you do to try to bring a smile to my face, and that I hope we can both sit back and truly enjoy what each other is trying to do for the other. As I can't promise that I will never get irritated by something so simple for the next 3 months, I promise to try to see your purpose for what it is, rather than instantly bite your head off :)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Happy Ending.....Exciting Start
In 36 days a very long chapter in our lives will come to an end, and a new one will start.
The last 7 1/2 years have been filled with just about every emotion possibly imaginable. There have been many times I've wanted to throw in the towel; but deep in my heart, I knew that isn't what I wanted. I am the type to always try to find a positive out of every situation in life, because I firmly believe that there is always a positve, no matter how unpleasant the experience. I may not find that positive until well after the experience has ended, but if I remind myself that there is good in everything, I never fail to find that positive.
In October of 2004, I made the biggest decision I had ever made for myself; I moved out of my teenage home. I chose freedom, independance, for the first time ever. As short lived as it was, I loved every mintue of it. I was encountered with a new decision to make, just a short few months after I moved out on my own; to move back in with "parents". My roommate decided to move back home, therefore, I couldn't afford my current living arrangements; but did I want to go back to what I had just finally freed myself from????
My husband and I had been dating for about 7-8 months at this time, and we decided to ask his parents about my moving into their home. With no questions asked, they took me in. A start of a slightly new chapter. To this day and always, I am very thankful for their decision, more than they probably know, and more than I probably show. With time, everyone got adjusted to the new living arrangements, and things were pretty great. Three years after they took me in, Justin and I got married. A year later, we bought the house from his parents. And three years after that, we are all still living together.
Do not misunderstand or misinterpret, all four of us love each other very much, but after 7+ years, of living in a small space together, two married couples, from two very different upbringings, can create a very uncomfortable & stressfull environment. I had always been cautioned about living with a close friend, because it can have a negative effect on the relationship; I feel the same applies with family. When people reach a certain age, there is a need for being able to live and express one's self in their own way. When that is very limited or non existant, living can be frustrating.
For myself, I feel as though I do not know what marriage or being a homeowner is truely like. It's almost like, legally I am these things, but in all reality, I don't have a clue. That's hard to accept at times. Just as hard as it is for myself and Justin, I can imagine how difficult it is for his parents as well. They are living in the house they built, but it is no longer "their home". I can imagine it would be terribly difficult to adjust to new ways, when your ways have been all you've done, basically your whole life.
In 36 days, that will all be changing, and not only am I excited for Justin and I, but I am excited for his parents as well. Justin and I will finally be able to enjoy each other to the fullest. We will finally have privacy in our home, be able to do things and keep things how we like them, develop our own routines and traditions, finally start the life we committed to 4 years ago. And his parents will be able to continue their way of life, with out the worry of stepping on our toes, or doing things we may not like, and maybe even become closer to one another, because they really haven't lived a life with just the two of them for 26 years.
So, in 36 days, two couple's who have sacrificed and endured things for a very long time, will finally get the opportunity to discover new things about each other and life together and apart, and hopefully as time needed to adjust to the new life style for both passes, we can all become closer to one another again.........
I think that is how I've gotten through the last 7+ years( besides the amazing friends and husband that I have).......keeping the almost garunteed possibility of all four of us coming out a lot stronger individually, and becoming much closer as a family.
The last 7 1/2 years have been filled with just about every emotion possibly imaginable. There have been many times I've wanted to throw in the towel; but deep in my heart, I knew that isn't what I wanted. I am the type to always try to find a positive out of every situation in life, because I firmly believe that there is always a positve, no matter how unpleasant the experience. I may not find that positive until well after the experience has ended, but if I remind myself that there is good in everything, I never fail to find that positive.
In October of 2004, I made the biggest decision I had ever made for myself; I moved out of my teenage home. I chose freedom, independance, for the first time ever. As short lived as it was, I loved every mintue of it. I was encountered with a new decision to make, just a short few months after I moved out on my own; to move back in with "parents". My roommate decided to move back home, therefore, I couldn't afford my current living arrangements; but did I want to go back to what I had just finally freed myself from????
My husband and I had been dating for about 7-8 months at this time, and we decided to ask his parents about my moving into their home. With no questions asked, they took me in. A start of a slightly new chapter. To this day and always, I am very thankful for their decision, more than they probably know, and more than I probably show. With time, everyone got adjusted to the new living arrangements, and things were pretty great. Three years after they took me in, Justin and I got married. A year later, we bought the house from his parents. And three years after that, we are all still living together.
Do not misunderstand or misinterpret, all four of us love each other very much, but after 7+ years, of living in a small space together, two married couples, from two very different upbringings, can create a very uncomfortable & stressfull environment. I had always been cautioned about living with a close friend, because it can have a negative effect on the relationship; I feel the same applies with family. When people reach a certain age, there is a need for being able to live and express one's self in their own way. When that is very limited or non existant, living can be frustrating.
For myself, I feel as though I do not know what marriage or being a homeowner is truely like. It's almost like, legally I am these things, but in all reality, I don't have a clue. That's hard to accept at times. Just as hard as it is for myself and Justin, I can imagine how difficult it is for his parents as well. They are living in the house they built, but it is no longer "their home". I can imagine it would be terribly difficult to adjust to new ways, when your ways have been all you've done, basically your whole life.
In 36 days, that will all be changing, and not only am I excited for Justin and I, but I am excited for his parents as well. Justin and I will finally be able to enjoy each other to the fullest. We will finally have privacy in our home, be able to do things and keep things how we like them, develop our own routines and traditions, finally start the life we committed to 4 years ago. And his parents will be able to continue their way of life, with out the worry of stepping on our toes, or doing things we may not like, and maybe even become closer to one another, because they really haven't lived a life with just the two of them for 26 years.
So, in 36 days, two couple's who have sacrificed and endured things for a very long time, will finally get the opportunity to discover new things about each other and life together and apart, and hopefully as time needed to adjust to the new life style for both passes, we can all become closer to one another again.........
I think that is how I've gotten through the last 7+ years( besides the amazing friends and husband that I have).......keeping the almost garunteed possibility of all four of us coming out a lot stronger individually, and becoming much closer as a family.
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