11 Steps To Take {Before Having a Baby}

Step 1

1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Step 2
Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.
Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Step 3
A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Step 4
Can you stand the mess children make? T o find out...
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Step 5
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Step 6
Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.
Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Step 7
Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Step 8
1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Step 9
Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Step 10
Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Step 11
Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.


So, here it goes:
I don't know who came up with this, but I found it mostly true and a really funny read.  It got me to thinking about when we first found out I was pregnant with Macie.  She was far from planned and we had a lot going on in such a short period of time.  We definitely didn't have time for this checklist, but I do think it's a good checklist for those debating giving up their "all about me" life for a life of joy, happiness, messes, no vacations, and no sleep {possibly, for at least 2 years}. 

We were in the middle of planning our wedding, I had already bought a wedding dress {I was praying that I didn't get a belly before the wedding}, and we were moving into the cute little house in Stephenville {that I wish we still lived in, oh the simple life}.  We were so young and naive - not prepared for what was about to hit us!

  

Chris was responsible, finished college and landed a full-time job after graduation {thank goodness!} and I was busy living it up working at BINGO and hanging out with friends {and Chris when he got off work}.  We were living a great, fun life, then BAM!  here comes a baby.  I was so scared to tell anyone because Heaven forbid a pregnancy BEFORE marriage.  I only told my mom, aunt, {close} friends, and my SIL {poor Ashley had to carry around that big secret for a long time!}.  We still didn't know what was about to hit us....

We had a beautiful wedding {my dress fit!}, went on our honeymoon {two months after}, and just lived life to the fullest.  Chris was working and I quit my job because of the smoke {don't want second hand smoke for a precious baby}. 

We're really lucky and have a great family that provided most everything we needed.  I used my sister's baby bed and changing table and the rest was taken care of by our wonderful family.  We found out that our precious bundle of joy was a GIRL!!!  We still didn't know what was coming in a few short months.....

 Months of going through lists of names, doctor appointments, a baby shower, stocking up on the things we {thought} we needed and a few things we actually needed, setting up a baby room {that was not once used for the baby}, and trying to rest as much as possible....then finally January 9, 2008, I was induced and January 10, 2008, we were graced with the presence of our little angel princess Macie Victoria on her due date.  The happiest, proudest day of our lives.  We were in the hospital two full nights after her birth, then sent home as a family of three.....with no idea what to do with a baby.  We got the hang of things and figured it out as we went.

And it wasn't so bad, because now we are happily expecting Baby Pike #2 and we never had a checklist to prepare us for parenthood.

It wasn't easy, by any means, but everything happens for a reason and I love being a mommy, and more importantly a FAMILY, more than anything!
 
 

Toilet Paper Tuesday {7/26/11}

So, I think I'm going to start a new blog post on {most} Tuesdays call Toilet Paper Tuesday.  I will measure my belly each week and post how many squares I'm measuring - I'm just using regular Cottonelle toilet paper.

12 Weeks:  8 1/4 squares
Weight gained:  -1 {had some sick days}

Yeah, I know it looks a little ghetto right now.  I'll try and come up with something more "artsy" for next time.

Doctor, Sea Life, And The Weekend....

Last Thursday was a very busy day for Miss Macie and me.  We woke up, got ready, and headed out for the day:

1st Stop

My Dr. appt. - which went pretty well.  Just a routine visit.  We went through the usual stuff, then he attempted to listen for the heart with a doppler.  He couldn't find it and said it was normal to not get a heart rate on the doppler at 11 weeks {I think I just have a stubborn kid}.  Honestly, I'm not familiar with early prenatal care {because I didn't go in with Macie until about 16 weeks}, so I was a little worried at first.  So anyway, the sweetheart brought in his wheeled ultrasound machine and said "easy as that....see the little heart flickering?"  I was so excited!  Then the little pea started kicking around - already an active little bugger!  Macie was very active, so I won't be surprised if it's the same with this one.

Ultrasound picture! :)

12 week "belly"

2nd Stop

A trip for Macie - Sea Life at Grapevine Mills Mall.  The drive there...I'm going to be honest...was terrible.  I'm not familiar with that area and my GPS sent me through the stinkin' air port!!!  Well, it was all worth it for how much fun Macie had that day.  She loves sea creatures and probably would have stayed there looking around for hours if we would have let her. 

This is the best I could get with the bad lighting {plus, it didn't help that she moved quicker than lightening.}

P.S. They have a play area and if you want your kids to play in there, bring socks.  Poor Macie had on sandals and we had no socks {and I refuse to pay $1 for a pair from the gift shop...I know, I'm cheap}.  We have season passes, so the next time we go, I'll make sure to bring socks!

Macie was so scared of the glass floor.  She's so funny.

P.P.S. They don't allow flash photography, so I got crummy pictures.  At least I got some! :)

These were so neat - this one changed to three different colors in the short time we were there!

So, after Sea Life we headed over to The Rainforest Cafe.  The wait was long, but Macie really enjoyed the atmosphere.  We went a long time ago {when she was 1 1/2}, so she didn't get it then....this time she was really curious and loved it!

3rd Stop {me time}

Macie went home with her Lolli and I headed back to Granbury with a great idea that my mom needed to meet me for a 6:45 showing of Harry Potter.  Chris isn't a big fan of anything that has anything to do with using your imagination, so he refused to see it with me.  My sweet momma ended up coming and meeting me, so we had our Harry Potter fix.  I'm sad that it's finally ended.  I remember reading the first two books on my trip to London and seeing the first film with my bff, Lori {on a school night}.  Oh, the memories!

So, Thursday was an eventful day and I am happy to say I made it through without getting too fatigued.  I think the tortellini at lunch and nachos and candy at the movies helped me keep my energy running high.  Friday, was a lazy day.  I had all intentions to clean my house {minus a three year old terror} but I chose rest instead.

The weekend was lazy, too.  Saturday, we ran over to my parents' house to visit with them before their trip to Mexico - swam, ate a good authentic Mexican lunch from Zapatas in Meridian, visited with family, and relaxed {I had a 2 hour nap!}.  Sunday, we sat around the house, I took another {3 hour} nap, then we ended it with dinner at Tumbleweed BBQ in Cresson.  I'm telling you, LAZY!

So, due to the laziness I have a ton of housework to get done.  You see, I'm here blogging and should be cleaning.  I'll just go ahead and get on top of that!  {Right}

Mommy & Macie Outing

Over the last month, we have only left the house when it was absolutely necessary - no going out and messing around in other words.  Well, today I couldn't stand it anymore and we set out around 11 a.m. just to mess around in Ft. Worth {because we never go there} we walked around the mall for a little bit....I lie, like 4 hours.  We ate and window shopped for almost 4 hours! 

My main reason for getting out was to go grocery shopping....sometimes I just need a change of scenery, so I like to go to Super Target {or Central Market if the stinker isn't with me}.  The produce is so much better and they have a big selection of healthy food - although I didn't buy much of that today.  Macie was my little shopper, she absolutely did not want to sit in the cart and thought that she needed everything that had princess or Dora on it.  My cart looked like the Disney store and I didn't even realize until we got to the checkout. 

Princess bubble bath....she insisted even though we have bubble bath.

Caffeine free Pepsi - YES!  I get to satisfy my craving!

Princess and the Frog fruit snacks....wouldn't leave without them.

SQUINKIES!  I just had a conversation with Kristin about these - I think I jinxed myself when I said Macie was over the Squinkies phase.  We ended up without them, though, so that was a WIN on my part.

FYI - these are delicious!

 Needless to say....Macie-3 Mommy-0 {well, 1 if you count the Squinkies}.

We got everything we needed, except the one thing Chris asked me to get....a new Bluetooth.  UGH!  So now after he gets home from work, I guess I'll drive all the way into town to Walmart and get one.  I was hoping to avoid Walmart this week - I guess that went out the window.

Tomorrow is another outing, but we have to start much earlier!  Dr. appt. in the a.m. and meeting my MIL for a fun day at this place.  Macie is excited to see the SHARKS!  Wooo....I'm excited too!!!  I will follow up with a turn-out of our exciting day.  Can't wait!!!

 

Catch Up

It's no secret that my skin doesn't get much UV attention - whether it's real or artificial - you can tell just by looking at me.  Well, today I was going to attempt to "float around" in the little kiddie pool with Macie and try and get some sun.  That didn't work out so well - all she wanted to do was play {naturally} and all I wanted to do was relax {didn't happen}.  We were outside about 20 minutes....I took some pictures and walked around setting things up....then I started feeling light headed....I hate that feeling and it's been a constant lately.  If only it were 10 degrees cooler {is that a word in Texas weather definitions?} I think I might be able to enjoy the outdoors....maybe just a little.  It makes me sad because Macie wants me to play with her and I want to, but it's just not happening right now.  Well, enough of my pity party....I did manage to snap a few shots of my little stinker hamming it up and having tons of fun with water!

Just a little prissy?

Bad mom here - all of her swimsuits are dirty, so I pulled out one of her 4Ts that I bought for next year.  Yeah, it was a little big, so we improvised!!! :)

Loves the water!

Pretty.

I just love that cute little tushy!!!

I love my sweet girl!!!

By the way:
Holy cow!  My blog stats have jumped from less than 200 views a month to almost 500!  That's insane.  I know it's mostly because of our "big news" - I'm not kidding myself.  I just wonder who's all looking??? :)  Ya know, I need more blog friends - with only 9 followers, there's bound to be someone else out there peeking in on me that has a blog too!  So, if you have a blog {or even if you don't} follow me!  I would love to read yours as well. :)

Forgot about this past weekend:
This past weekend, I had a mini "photo shoot" with my niece, Hannah.  She has grown up so much and it never really hit me {or any of our family, for that matter} until we saw these photos.  She really is a beauty and I know she is going to grow into a classy, beautiful, young lady.  She's very sweet and loving - she really cares about others.  My sister and BIL did a great job raising this sweet girl.  Here are a few of my faves:

 

We can't forget Macie and Noah....

After swimming at Nana and Grandpa's

He has such a sweet face - what a mess. :)

The girls feeding the fish while Noah took a nap.

They love doing this!

Silly guy!

Macie and I haven't been doing much outdoor activity lately due to the terrible heat!  Geeze, when will we get a break?  I would like to take her to the beach {at the lake}, but I'm afraid we're {and by we're, I mean me, Macie doesn't seem to be phased by the heat at all} going to overheat.  Shoowee!

Today, I am 11 weeks along and there is this "gender test" called Intelligender that is supposed to tell you what you're having....through urine.  I still haven't figured out the science and really don't think it is very accurate, but I couldn't help myself.....I broke down and took a test.  The results were.....{insert drum roll here}.....BOY! 

I'm not convinced.  I think it's a girl {and not so secretly want a girl, but will be equally excited with a boy :)}.  We shall see.  I go to the Dr. this Thursday.... just a routine appointment, I think, and I'm just guessing we'll find out the gender either late August or early September {did I already post that?  I'm losing my mind here}.

I hope I don't jinx myself by telling my current conditions:  I'm feeling pretty good, still a little tired and have to take breaks when cleaning.  This is why my house if filthy....no really....it's bad.  If I could send Macie away for a night or two, I know I could get a lot done.  It's hard doing housework when a little tornado comes behind you destroying everything that was just picked up.  When I was really sick, I got to the point where I was like "no, I'm not picking up any more toys!!!"  And on top of destroying everything, she constantly asks for things....juice, a snack, to play.  Not enough hours in the day to do it all completely.  I really think we've just been cooped up inside too long.  Luckily, after the Dr. appt. Thursday, we're going here with my MIL.  She was sweet and bought us family passes....Macie is going to be so excited {and I'm excited that it's indoors}!!!  That's about it for our exciting life.  Friday, I think we're going to meet up with a playgroup here in Granbury.  We've lived here for over 3 years and I still haven't made new friends.  Maybe it's time?

Completely different topic:  I've been trying to figure out, on my own {with the help of asking Google}, how to add new different things to my blog.  The first thing I figured out was the navigation bar at the top.  From here, I hope to figure out how to make my blog a whole lot COOLER.  It's nothing now, but it will be awesome before I go back to school next month!  I just hope I don't get it all snazzy then totally neglect it after I get busy again....that would make me really sad. 

Tears and Happiness

" A woman wears her tears like jewelry." - Author unknown

What a glamorization of something that I consider my least flattering face.  Crying.  Something I have done a lot of lately.  I have been thinking about my Grandma Barbara a lot lately and while we hadn't been as close in the past few years as before, I still loved her very much and always will.  Happy things are taking place in my life and I have one less person here on Earth to share my news with.  

I cry about silly things, just reading a quote will make me cry, I cry about how much a love my sweet Macie, I will cry reading a news article, a blog, a book.  Heck I'm teary-eyed right now - EMOTIONAL!  

Back in May, I found out some exciting news.  May 26, I found out Chris and I are expecting a little lovey boo.  I have already been to the doctor - saw the sweet little bean growing and thriving - and I will go back June 21.  Due date is February 7, according to my calculations and February 10, according to the little spin wheel at the dr. office.  Maybe this one will share a birthday with my BFF, Lori {2/12} AND Abraham Lincoln!  Macie and the new one will be almost exactly 4 years apart.  A little farther apart than I had planned, but I think it will be good having a 4 year old helper around the house.  She will be more independent and willing to help {I hope!}.  

7 weeks

I was a little reluctant to share any news because we lost a little one back in December.  Now I am past where I was last time, so I am starting to feel good and confident with this one.  Plus, I've gotten to the point where I'm not going to be able to hide it anymore.  I don't know how to keep my mouth shut and  I am sick, sick, sick - makes me think GIRL!  Honestly, I think I want another girl.  I love all things girly and I've already had experience with one.  I will be happy with whatever I get after the heartache I've gone through, though!

Grow baby grow!  I'm ready for the bump!

  I asked Macie is she wants a brother or sister and first she said she wants Hannah and Noah {her cousins}, then she went on to say she wanted two of them {okay?}, and finally she says sister.  Of course, don't all girls want sisters?  She says she's going to name her "Girly."  Maybe a nickname?  Ha!

This is the new layering I finally figured out on Picnik!

The Great Discovery

Yesterday, we had a bad experience with a mysterious blue stain on my sweet pea's skin.  Today, Super Mommy found the culprit. 

It was this totally awesome blue stamp!

Now, I know this came in some "kid's meal" from somewhere - I can't remember at this moment.  I specifically remember putting it away because I knew what would end up happening....and it happened.  The little stinker is so sneaky and NOSY!!!  She will search drawer after drawer to find whatever she's not supposed to have - gum, candy, BLUE STAMPS.  Now she's able to open the refrigerator and freezer.  She will bring me random items of food, just laughing.  I don't know what's funny about it, but she gets in trouble every time.  Weirdo - she must me a gluten for punishment because when she gets in trouble for something, she tries it twice {sometimes three or more times}.

I guess I'm payin' for my raisin' as "they" all say.  I know I was a terrible kid at times {lot of times}.  God is just making me pay for how terrible I treated my saint of a mother.

I'll keep her, though.  After all of the silly, ornery things she does, at the end of the day when she tells me "you're my best mom" and "I love you Momma," my heart melts completely and a I'm a big pile of mush that would do whatever to make that little angel happy.

A movie date....sort of

Today, Macie and I went to see a movie....Cars 2, at the theater.  $10 for the movie and $16 for popcorn, snacks, and a drink....just to not see the end.  Yep, that's right.  Macie was ready to go home.  I tried to get her to stay, but I kept thinking about the little "warnings" before the movie - turn off your cell phone....remove disruptive children from the theater....you know what I'm talking about.  I just had a feeling that she was going to be one of the "disruptive" if we didn't vamanos soon, so I didn't take any chances.  We left and the little stinker was happy as a lark....except when we got to the car and she complained about it being too hot {I guess I really need to plan a water park day}.  She wanted to stop at Sonic for "a cheeseburger, french fries, chicken, and a sprite" but we kept trucking along {or car-ing along, since I do drive a car now} all the way home.  After spending $26 on a matinee just to not see the ending, I was done spending for the day.

Anyway, we got home and little miss had a bowl of her favorite soup, Campbell's Princess, and then she wanted a Popsicle.  She had a lovely blue one.  About 10 minutes later it was all gone and there was a mysterious blue dot on her nose.  I asked her, "Macie, where did that blue on your nose come from." To which she replied "nowhere."  I honestly really don't know where it came from because when she finished, I didn't see a blue mark anywhere on her body.  Ends up it was all over her ear and her hands.  Where did this mysterious blue come from???

So now we're just hangin' inside, trying to beat the heat.  We're snacking on pretzels, and drinking tons of water Kool-Aid.  Boo on you Texas Summer, boo....on....you!

I'm not sure what tomorrow has in store for us, but I'm going to figure something out - I'm already tired of sitting in the house. 

And I think she is too!

I actually think I'm going to have to go back into town now because I have nothing to cook for dinner.  It's amazing, I go grocery shopping once a week and always seem to still need SOMETHING from the store.  Well, here's to beating the after work crowd....ack!

Back from my hiatus....

So....I'm finally back.  Officially out of school {well the driving to school at least - still have an online class} and ready to party with Miss Macie for the rest of the Summer.  AND I'm so excited!  I'm going to have to sit down with her and discuss what activities she would like to do.  I know we will probably visit our "beach" a few times {at least}, we might try and head over to a nearby water park, and I'm not sure what else - go play with cousins lots, we'll just fly by the seat of our pants.

Honestly, we haven't been up to a heck of a lot.  We've been busy, but not a lot going on.  During the week we're the boring family. Chris works late every night and I've hardly even found time to cook and clean.  The house is a mess and I really should be cleaning now.  Oh well, a little blog time isn't going to hurt anything.  The cleaning isn't going anywhere, it will be there when I'm finished. 

So, I have been following the Casey Anthony trial since she was first posted all over Nancy Grace back in '08.  That was the year Macie was born and it just broke my heart that a mother could act in such a way.  "Missing" for 31 days and nothing but partying and getting tattoos for the mother?  Something is wrong right there.  Even if it was an accident, she should have to pay some sort of price.  No real mother would neglect their child in such a way.  I wish there was some way to keep her from producing any more children because she doesn't deserve the love of an innocent child. 

That being said, I came across a crazy article that made me giggle....a lot.  This "lady" decided it would be a great idea to use her mommy juice as a weapon.  Seriously, I didn't realize that breast milk could be used as a legit assault weapon.  Must be some powerful stuff.  In all seriousness, I hope they get her on some good "happy pills" and send her to therapy.  Poor lady....yikes.

Well anyway, onto what we have been up to.  4th of July weekend, we stayed in Paradise.  Spent time with the family, celebrated my BIL, Matt's bday, and on the 4th we attended Chris' cousin, Colin's, engagement party.  It was hot, hot, hot, but Macie had a fun time because she got to go SWIMMING in her Aunt Sheri's pool.  She loved playing with her cousin, Elizabeth - Macie really thinks a lot of her and she is so sweet to Macie.

Happy Birthday Uncle Matt!

My silly girl

My little lady

Sorry, I'm cutting this one short.  I've worked on it for a couple of days and I think it's time to move onto another one.  I'm hoping to have some activities planned this week and lots of pictures to post!  Yay for Summer break!!!