Slacker of the Year goes to...

I have been completely lazy in my blogging lately. In fact, I have simply been extremely lazy in all regards this year. I originally started this post 3 months ago, and today I pick it up again to finish it.

We have moved to Aberdeen, Maryland this month. We are living on post in a 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath townhouse with a nice carport and plenty of additional storage. We are slowly but surely getting everything unpacked and set up. Slowly is the operative word since last week I got put on bed rest for 24 hours but Adam is a worrier so he made it like 48-60 hours.

On Thursday we went to Lowes and bought me 2 rose bushes and a calla lily to plant in our little flower bed area then went to lunch. When we pulled into the parking lot for some Chinese food I suddenly got a sharp pain in my abdomen. I assumed that Sophie just moved into a bad position and was pushing on a nerve or a muscle or something to cause it. We went in, had lunch but I couldn't get the pain to cease or anything. As I stood up to leave the pain felt so much worse and I couldn't stand up straight or even get into the truck without Adam's help. Adam of course freaked and immediately took me to the clinic on post to see what the issue was. APG is a very small installation and does not have any OB equipment so after they did the normal triage stuff I got an ambulance ride to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center to get checked out. I cannot lie and say I wasn't worried, but I knew that Sophie was okay because she would still kick (right where I hurt). I was hooked up to a fetal heart rate monitor and a monitor for contractions to ensure I wasn't going into preterm labor. Thank God that I wasn't. Turns out that I strained the round ligament on my right side due to the increased activity lately. And no, I have not been over doing it, even the increased amount of walking we've done has contributed to it.

Our dining room is set up minus hanging up a painting (and a rug which we have to get at a later point in time). The kitchen, our bedroom, and guest bath are complete. the living room/office area is mostly complete as is our bathroom and the guest bedroom (just needs curtains and a little bit of storage cleanup). Sophie's room is the only one that is in total disarray. We need to get a dresser for all the clothing that my wonderful cousin Karen and amazing friend Augusta gave us. If we even tried to buy the amount of stuff they gave us we would be completely broke right now. We are both very blessed. Once we get our downstairs set up we can start doing Scentsy Open Houses and hopefully start bringing in some business.

(The above was written May 20th)

The slacking has continued as we try and continue to get things in our life set up.

We got Sophie's room all set up (minus things like a mattress, changing pad, and stuff like that). Her walls are all painted; one wall is painted Pink Whisper by Valspar with circles painted in Very Berry, Nautical, Berries Galore and Roasted Coffee. On the other 3 walls we added circles in the Pink Whisper to carry the theme around the room. I have actually sorted through all of the clothing so generously given to us from our friend and cousin.
(Yes that is our "I [love] My Big Al" onsie that I am planning on using to bring her home from the hospital in, draped over the edge of the crib)

We have been getting things all set up here. I had an interview at Picerne Military Housing here on post to be a Relocation Specialist on Tuesday. I really hope things went well, I should hopefully know whether I got the job on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Please keep your fingers crossed for me- this job would relieve about 82 tons of stress out of my life right now.

Thursday Adam and I drove down to Franklin Square Medical Center and had a follow up sonogram to check on things due to issues found at our 20 week one done in Wichita Falls. After that appointment I was informed that I had a low lying placenta which doesn't exactly cause issues with the pregnancy but more the delivery. Because of being early in the pregnancy the doctor wasn't entirely worried about it and just wanted it to be sure and recheck later since it usually moves upward as the uterus expands. I am so thankful that it did. Another matter of stress was being informed once we got here, which Wichita Falls Dr did not tell us, was that I have a 2 vessel cord instead of the normal 3 vessels. Normally there are 2 arteries and 1 vein in the umbilical cord to supply blood and nutrients to the baby. This is something that is relatively common apparently with side effects ranging from nothing up to being born small, heart defects or even Down Syndrome. Well, we've done the chromosomal testing and Sophie is good there, her heart looks perfect, and as of yesterday- she is DEFINITELY not small. Given her measurements she may actually be born in August rather than September. I know that only potentially moves her up a week or so but since 6 weeks ago she was measuring almost a week small, I am so thankful. Sophie has big feet, long legs, and her Daddy's head size- measuring in the 97.7%

We are looking forward to people coming to visit us. I know my sister in law is planning on visiting with her family in July, as is one of Adam's former coworker who is going to stop through sometime in July. Nanny and Papaw are going to probably take a road trip up here before the baby gets here since they are also coming up in December for the Army Navy game up in Philadelphia. My Aunt Kathy is planning on being here for the birth so she will be coming up end of August/early September. SIL is planning on heading our way as soon as she gets the word from Adam as well. I do want our family to know that they are always welcome to come visit, just let us know when since we only have 1 spare bed and 1 large couch (2 people can easily sleep on it). I'm not exactly sure when my Dad is coming up, but I recommended end of September/early October that way I can have some semblance of an idea what I am doing before he gets here.

And so, before I get too bored again or distracted, I guess I should end this blog otherwise it will be another few weeks before I ever finish and post something again. I promise- future posts will definitely be shorter and more on a single thought. 

Difficult few weeks

It has been a very uncomfortable few weeks for me. I am pregnant, which I am so happy about, but apparently my baby likes me to feel like poop. I have had the normal morning sickness, although mostly at night, but this past week has been something of a completely different variety.
We went down to Fort Worth this past weekend for my sister's bridal shower, which was beautiful thanks to the hard work of my SIL Katie. Sunday morning rolls around and my stomach felt not so hot, and not the normal "I need to puke" sensation. I took my anti nausea meds from my doctor and went about my day, even though I really just wanted to curl up and go to sleep forever. I managed to stay awake all the way up until 7pm then went  to bed until 645 Monday morning when we had to head back to Wichita Falls for me to be at work by 10. I got sick- normal for waking up and moving around too quickly immediately- but the feeling didn't go away. I basically slept the entire 2 hour drive home (with a cup next to me just in case). We made it home, and I got sick again- everything I ate that morning was no more. Go to work (which was from 10-7 since I had to get someone to work Sunday for me to be in Fort Worth) and barely survive the day.
I got home and ate my baked potato, something that's been safe so far then too my shower and got ready for bed. Oops, potato was no longer safe. I get sick and completely empty my stomach of everything, take a nausea pill then went to bed (at 8). 2 hours later, I am woken up to be sick again, then again at 1130, 1230, and finally at 150, I wake Adam up to take me to the ER since I was beyond empty and couldn't hold down water.
If you know me, you know I am not a "lets just go to the doctor" kind of person, I prefer to just sleep it off if possible. Well, obviously that didn't work last night, so we get to the ER and I run to get sick again while Adam checks me in and they immediately get me a room. Blood drawn, IV hooked up, and blood pressure taken first thing. They gave me more anti nausea meds through the IV and my body sucked up 1000 mL of fluid in less than 20 minutes. While waiting for the results of my tests, since they didn't know why I was so sick, I slept (ish) and I'm assuming Adam tried to sleep in his chair. At 430 they came back and told me all my tests were normal, and that I was dehydrated from emptying ever pore in my body of water, but that I can go home since they got the meds into my system. One last blood pressure check- 96/60. Wait that cant be right, so she did it again, 86/54. Whoops, thats not good. I thought they were going to admit me then, but I had to drink a couple cups of water, and it went up eventually to 106/72. So it was FINALLY time to go home, at 530am.
Needless to say, I did not go to work today, since I am still dehydrated and extremely weak. Adam went into work late due to him having to be at the hospital with me for 4 hours instead of sleeping. I am not a fan of doctors still, but I am so happy I went last night because I think if I had gotten up one more time to be sick, I probably would've ended up passing out in the bathroom and hitting my head on the toilet.
I am 11 weeks and 4 days, so close to being out of my first trimester, PLEASE let me start feeling better. I think I'm going to go take a nap again.

I'm still alive!

I know it may not seem like it based on my entries here, but I am still alive. I have been extremely busy over the last few months and I am so excited for the next few to make it here.
My birthday is on Friday and our anniversary is on Sunday. And while I will not be alone on Friday, I will be celebrating alone on my anniversary. The husband is still deployed, even though it is for only a few more weeks. He has been gone for nearly a year, and our anniversary just makes that seem all the more noticeable. I do get to go out to dinner with my Dad, Brother, and Sister in Law on Friday and I am getting a massage on Wednesday- which I desperately need. I was so stressed out prior to A coming home on his mid-tour leave that I started getting sick, gave myself stress ulcers and was just down right bitchy. But not this time. I am getting my massages, I get to play with my kids 3 days a week, and I have plenty to keep me busy between quilts, Wookie, school, and my grandparents.
A lot has changed since A was home on leave, I moved out of my apartment due to some very unfavorable decisions on my roommate's part, and moved in with my grandparents. Its actually pretty nice, they love my dog, and they keep her entertained all day and she keeps them entertained while I'm at work. Lucky for me, she is a very well behaved dog, and she loves her Papaw. I also no longer work for Delta Airlines, it was too stressful and too much bullshit to put up with for 40 hours a week making $1700 a month. So now, I work 1/3 of the hours, for 1/3 of the pay (so same rate) and I am HAPPY. I love the school I work at, I love the kids, and the staff. I have learned so much from them in such a short period of time. The only downside is that my job is 45 miles from my grandparents' house, so it is a bit of a drive but I'm perfectly content to make the drive for the time being. I'm getting that much needed experience, and it has let me know that this is definitely something that I want to do with my life.
A comes home soon! Only a few more weeks and he'll be here, and we can finally take that honeymoon that we didn't get to take last year. We are going to Hot Springs, Arkansas for 5 days the week of Thanksgiving. Sorry Family, but we will not be at Grandma's for Thanksgiving. We are staying in a little cabin in the middle of no where, apart from everyone else, and will just enjoy being together. I am so thankful for him coming home to me, and being safe and healthy. Apparently he has lost close to 40 lbs the last time that he weighed himself, and I could not be more proud of him. He is eating healthier and working out, and I don't have to worry about him as often.

Please try and help me keep busy for the next few weeks until my love comes home to me, and keep me from stressing myself out if at all possible!!

Scentsy Launch

With encouragement from my friend H that I was in boot camp with, I have become a Scentsy Consultant.
I am extremely excited to get my starter kit in the mail this week and hope that all of my friends and family will embrace this new direction in my life and spread the word to their friends.
My website is here and will be available 24 hours a day, obviously since it is online, for any of your home, car, or personal fragrance needs!!

Dont forget that Mother's Day is this Sunday, and you still have time to place your orders for those last minute gifts in case you forgot to get mom something already.

Again I Turn to Thoughts of Babies

As anyone who has ever spent more than an hour with me can attest to, I like to be prepared. Since we have come close to the halfway point of my husband's deployment and so very close to his leave, I have started getting checked for any medical issues that may arise to delay or inhibit getting pregnant. On one hand, I really wish I hadn't done this. Primarily for the reason that I am alone in dealing with it, even though I do have the support and comfort of my Aunt K, my sisters in law K and T, and a couple of the ladies at work. It is not the same as being able to have my husband there are the doctor's office holding my hand, or holding me when I cry because things are not as they should be.
I have done the hormonal tests, and everything seems ok, even if they are not the numbers they would expect to see from a 25 year old. I've said it for years and no one ever believes me, but my body has aged faster than the calender. Nearly 2 weeks ago I went to the doctor and they did a procedure that injects a dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes to check for blockages or tears. I see the images on the screen and I only really see 1 full tube, the other simply looks like a ball barely beyond the uterus.
Today I had my consultation with the doctor (which I have been freaking out about for the last 2 weeks) and she recommended surgery. For the life of me I can not remember the name, but basically they will put a camera in through my navel then make 2 punctures at my public line (one on each side) and try to figure out whether there is scar tissue or what ever is blocking the tube and fix it.
To be honest- I'm scared. I've never had a surgery that required anything more than opening my mouth. I've had my tonsils removed and I recovered quickly, and I've had my wisdom teeth removed but I was awake for that. I know this is an outpatient procedure, and that the recovery time is usually 48-72 hours but I am still very, very nervous. All of the "what ifs" keep plaguing my mind. What if I cannot have children? What if something goes wrong? What if after the surgery there is something else that goes wrong?

**5 days after starting this post***
My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday the 10th. I was hoping to get it done on Monday so I can do nothing all day Tuesday, but that didn't happen. Lucky for me I sit at a desk all day for work and answering phone calls/making reservations does not require much moving. I'm very nervous about this still, but a coworker/new favorite friend and my Aunt K both said they would be there with me if I need/want.

Hypocracy of our society

Sparked by a conversation we had Friday night after work, and due to the fact that I dwell on thoughts until I get them out, I must vent that I find out society to be extremely hypocritical.
Women have all of the power when it comes to children, child support, adoption, abortion, etc... Men have no legal right to tell a woman to keep a child, to abort it, not to put it up for adoption, anything really. If a man and a woman get pregnant, and the woman tells him she wants nothing from him- no contact, no child support, no nothing- she still has every legal right to change her mind at any point and require him to pay her money later on down the road.
If she decides to put the child up for adoption, she doesn't need the signature of the father (unless they are married) since she has every legal right to not put a name on the child's birth certificate. But should the father not want to be legally connected to said child, he has no option unless the woman agrees to have his rights severed in court and has another man willing to accept legal responsibility. But there are women that want the man to have nothing to do with the child except to send HER money every month. Not money for the child, but for her.
Our legal system is extremely screwed up when it comes to the rights of biological donors (male and female), I wont call them parents because that is a personality rather than a form of genetic connections. I'm not saying that people shouldn't take responsibility for their prior actions, but the court systems, child support offices, and such should also be reorganized to ensure that non custodial parents are not being raped by the custodial parents.
Put the money for child support in a separate trust for the child, in the name of the child. I'm definitely not saying that all single parents abuse the power that they have and are simply wanting to have more money in their pocket to do other things for entertainment, but there are enough of them that I think this does need to be implemented. You cannot tell me that you are a single parent struggling to take care of your child when you travel around the country going to cities every month that are at least 300 miles away from where you live, and spending $500 on Christmas presents for a 2 year old. I'm sorry but if you are struggling to get by, then you can't afford to do all of that. Especially when everyone knows exactly how much money you make and  your housing and utilities are free plus you get paid for food.
Its ridiculous when a woman tells the biological father of her child that she wants nothing from him, then finds out he is no longer single then demands child support (over a year after the last time they saw each other in fact). It is even more ridiculous when the legal system set in place to protect the rights of the child allow its practices to exploit the rights of the non custodial parent.

Great Week

Today is the first Friday at my new job with Delta. It has been a long week, but I have to admit that I really did enjoy it. I have gotten up between 04-0430 every morning, and have either gotten home after 9pm or around 3-430pm depending on the day. Needless to say after going from work to school on Monday and Wednesday, I was exhausted the next days at work.

 Today was even better because I got to pick up some of my ceramics projects. Some didn't turn out so great, like my trivet/coasters. But its ok, because who really looks at a trivet? You don't even see them underneath the pan.

 I made my dad a popcorn box. While not really practical for actual popcorn use, it is the right side for pens or straws or something else like that. The color didn't really work out as I planned, but I do like the result. I dunked the container in the glaze and it should've dried in a few minutes, but it was still soaking wet an hour later so I sponged off a lot of the wet glaze. This did result in a worn and weathered look rather than a nice, shiny color like you see inside the "g" in Big Al's name.












I also have a cute little bowl on the potter's wheel. I am very proud of this bowl, I didn't think I would be able to make a relatively even, balanced bowl so quickly on the wheel. I love the blue, it is so deep and vibrant. I don't remember what color I used on the bottom but it looks as though there was no color what so ever. Again, it may not have been intended, but I do like the result. I'm not sure what I will do with this, but I am happy with the bowl.

I also threw a small votive. I did add a ton of little holes to allow light through, but the glaze plugged the holes so I am a little disappointed in this. Even using a dremel tool, I couldn't drill through the glaze for fear of breaking the entire thing. I guess I will have to find a new function for this bowl as well. Sad a little bit, but I still like the bowl.

I made a wall art piece that has flowers and leaves. I was completely unaware of the color that I put in, but used it at the suggestion of my instructor. It is a little dark, and you don't get any of the detail that I put into the flowers or leaves, but I do think it turned out pretty. Definitely something I will hang up outside once I have a place to live besides borrowing the space here from my dad. Don't get me wrong, I completely appreciate him letting me stay with him while A is deployed, but I just cannot wait to have our own home and not feel like an over grown child living at home.

My abstract bank- it isn't exactly a work of modern art but I do like it. I love the color- Ginny's Rutile. I'm not sure what you would call the shape, but its my interpretation of abstract,  I guess being something that isn't exactly anything specific makes it abstract.

I am extremely happy with my angry frog bank, although he did lose a foot in the kiln. His foot must have had an air bubble so it split. Luckily it was a smooth break and fit back together perfectly so I just super glued it back together.


I also got my book stack finished. Even though the top book didn't hold the color as I planned it, I still like the coloring. There is only a little bit of red on the top and side of that book, I think it gives it a weathered look. Like it is such a good read that someone couldn't put it down and wore through the leather. I did carve book titles in each spine, but the bottom one was buried under the thicker glaze. I think because you can't see any part of it that it doesn't take away from the book, whereas if you could see the lines but not read it, it would look cheaply done. I did double check the coin slot on the top and it definitely fits quarters and there is a hole for a stopper on the bottom for easy removal of coins.

I also got my originally little piggy who sparked this whole banking habit. I was so worried that he would lose an ear after being glazed since he was cracked a little bit. Luckily the glaze did solidify the head to the ear. I was so happy, I was prepared for my one eared little piggy since cracks tend to spread in the kiln rather than seal by glaze.