It's about time I shared this with y'all...

Hey y'all! So I have some news to share, something that's been eating at me for the last couple of months.  I have been avoiding my blog altogether b/c I had wanted to share it so badly, but knew the timing wasn't right just yet.  (In doing so, I totally missed a blog post by a girlfriend announcing her pregnancy! Boy did I feel dumb, but now I'm in that loop.)  So now that I have waited for an appropriate amount of time, here goes nothing: I'm back on facebook. Ya, I did it. Why, you ask?  Oh just b/c I wanted to share the news with all my family & friends that I'M PREGNANT!!!  I let that cat outta the bag this past week on facebook so why not here?  Yes, I'm officially going to be a mommy - it's my turn!  :)  Today I am 13 weeks and I couldn't be any more tickled! Don & I are so excited to become parents next May (5/5/13)!! After much patience, prayer and a little planning, we were able to conceive.  And we are so thankful for this!  I may have already mentioned, but a girlfriend of mine had told me about an ovulation kit her friend had passed to her (bought on  amazon.com) and suggested I get it.  I finally did, b/c what would it hurt? So I did the urine test every morning, to find the right day that I was ovulating.  Magic happened!!  I knew I was pregnant almost 2 weeks after.  Neurotic?  Maybe, but that's okay.  I took about 8 tests again, spread them out a couple a week, just to make sure I was still pregnant. So we told my mom about 5 weeks, then had my first ultrasound @ 7 weeks - saw that little gummy bear's heart flutter!  Then we told my dad, bro.  We just told Don's dad today, b/c Don wanted to wait until after our appt to hear the heartbeat.  Just to be sure.  What a sweet sound that is!  It took 2 girls to find my little bear's heartbeat, but when they did, ahhh. Exhale. It's REAL.  God is so good!  I've been doing pretty well, thankfully.  Only some nausea, but nothing bad.   Being able to have this out in the open is so much more exciting.  I have been excited the whole time, but now that it's out, and ALL of our friends pretty much know, it's easier and we can share the excitement.  Oh, and I just found out another girlfriend is pregnant too!!  Her due date is 5 days before mine!  So we'll get to go thru this journey together, too.  Little Coco has been so sweet to me. She is glued to me a lot of the time, but then sometimes she's all about Don.  All day yesterday, even w/the windows & doors open, she was with me for most of the day. She knows she's going to be a big sister, I'm sure.  And she'll do a great job.
In the spirit of the excitement, I had seen this on two other blogs I follow, so I wanted to do the same.  This is just a cute way to document the pregnancy, and it actually helped me know a little of what to expect!  So enjoy!
How far along?  13 weeks today!
Total weight gain/loss: Lost 4lbs since pre-baby
Maternity clothes?  Yes! My mom bought me a few starter pieces - some good maternity jeans. And boy are they worth it!  I can breathe now.  I've lost weight, but my tummy feels so bloated!
Stretch marks? Not yet.  I've been instructed to get that Palmer's stretch mark lotion, so I'm trying to be good about that.
Sleep?  Heck yes.  I can sleep like a boss, and I love it.  (So does Don b/c I'm too tired on the weekends to want to do anything.  We do our best to make sure the sofa doesn't float away.  So far, so good.)
Best moment this week?  Sharing this news w/all of our friends - via calls, text or facebook.
Miss anything?  Sushi.
Movement?  Have felt a few flutters, but nothing in the past couple of weeks.
Food cravings?  Oddly enough, tomato-based things like pizza, lasagna & my mama's homemade vegetable soup.  I'm kinda over it now though. Nothing sounds super yummy to me.
Anything making you queasy or sick? Sodas, sweets, sweet coffee.  So I've lost some weight!  Oh, and raw onions.
Gender?  We will be finding out @ 18weeks.  I cannot wait!  I want to plan a room, clothing, etc. I refuse to have a baby shower full of yellows & greens!  Don is convinced it is a boy.  My mom, she thinks it's a girl.
Labor signs?  no
Belly button - in or out?  um, she's still in
Wedding rings on or off?  they're on!
Mood?  Now I'm happy & excited.  Before sharing I was happy but more calm. It's helpful b/c my husband is amazing and has taken such great care of us!  Glad to be getting over the nausea, too.  Nothing a tums won't cure.
Looking forward to? Finding out the sex, and to start showing!!  Oh, and Thanksgiving dinner!! mmm...

with a nip in the air...

Hey there! How great is the fall weather?  Well, even if it got up to 80, it's been lovely & we've had our windows & doors open most of the day. It's amazing!  I am so excited for this chilly weather, and you know that means it's scarf time!!  I wore 4 different ones last week, and loved it. It's nice (and smart) to have lightweight scarves b/c you can wear them w/sleeveless tops, and still look season-appropriate. Yesterday I wore a blue & orange one since the Gators had a big game - and killed it!  Go Gators!!  My husb & I went to my mom's and watched the game, had some grilled cheese sammies & yummy vegetable soup that she made - just for me! mmmm...  It was nice.  Esp since she and I had a successful shopping trip earlier.  I picked up some more candles from bath & body, since they were buy 2, get 1 free (winter & spiced autumn or something like that).   I also got a new polish @ ulta, OPI's suzi skis in the pyrenees , a creamy dark blue/gray.  It's very rich, inky, perfect.  So I gave myself a mani/pedi here at home, and love this color.  Perfect dark, but doesn't look weird.   As I was looking for a pic to link to this color, I noticed something that just drives me insane: uneven nail lengths.  Seriously, do y'all not realize how bad nails look with dark polish, or any for that matter when you have a nubby nail, 3 long ones and then a med-length nail?  Not good.  Please take my advice and even those puppies out!  Dark polishes tend to look better w/short nails, like right at your skin/fingertip - or shorter. Learn it. Know it. Live it.  Sorry for that little rant, but it's simple stuff.  Well, tomorrow is a big day for me, and I will divulge the contents of it at a later time. If you think of it, please say a quick little prayer for me around 3:45 Monday afternoon.  I appreciate it loves!
Oh, one more thing y'all may find humorous.  You know I had been thinking of going back to facebook per a previous post - to keep up with family, friends of old, etc.  I really do miss that aspect of it, b/c I don't talk on the phone regularly with them or email them all the time, and a lot has been going on w/them. My step-bro just graduated flight school for the US Army, a few of my cousins have recently had babies, and just stuff like that.  So while we were at mom's yesterday, she let me go on her page, look at her timeline to see all of my cousins' babies, etc.  I quickly was reminded how I didn't miss all of it...  Politics mostly. Goodness!  Whichever way the election goes, people will not be happy.  But you know what, America will still be America.  Let's just hope it's a smarter America... But anyway, I think I got my fill in those 10 min, so I'll be okay.  ;)  
Have a great week!!

xoxo

Someone Special

My mother sent me an email a while back, with one of those poems that just made your heart happy and gave me the desire to share it. I've dragged my feet for a while to do so, but today, I'm taking the time to share it.  I don't know the author, but I hope that you enjoy it. As a Christian, we face a lot of judgment, as well as the weakness of judging others that may not be living as we think is appropriate.  First let me say that it has been hard to come to this, but when I finally realized that I am in absolutely no place to pass judgment, my life got a little easier.  It is a relief to just ignore that human nature (as much as possible) and to make the conscious decision to let God handle all of that.  After all, it's His work, not mine. When I read this, it struck me that being a "Christian" didn't mean just carrying around a title.  It was very humbling to read this, and a gentle reminder of how we are to act - to show others, not just to tell them we are Christians.  The hardest part is to live by example, and that's something I need to strive to do each and every day - some days more than others.  I hope you enjoy this, and are able to share it with your friends, both Christians & non Christians alike.  :) 
xoxo 


When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living.
I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say 'I am a Christian', I don't speak of this with pride. 
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. 

When I say 'I am a Christian', I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on. 

When I say 'I am a Christian', I'm not bragging of success. 
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to help me clean up my mess. 

When I say 'I am a Christian', I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian', I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian', I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's grace. 

What am I thinking?!

Is it wrong that I kinda want to reactivate my facebook page? I mean, I spoke w/a good friend & my step-bro this past week and both said they missed me on there, if for anything, little updates or whatever.  I kinda get that feeling too, mostly b/c of family (cousins, their new babies, etc). So I went back thru my blog posts to find when i deactivated it - and it was only in June!  Holy 4 months ago that's nothing. It feels like it's been forever ago!  I told my step-bro maybe I'll do it after the election - I don't need to see all the crazy political rants on there.  It's only what, 5 weeks from now? Can I make it?  haha yes, of course.
My friend & I scored a killer deal on some essie polishes we found in the clearance bins at our local Walgreen's last week.  Ya, you read that right, essie & clearance bin.  Y'all, if you have a Walgreen's near you, go there to get your essie polish.  They are less there than at Ulta (only $7.99/8.00) and they have sales!!  I picked up stylenomics, a beautiful dark green, and skirting the issue, a gorgeous dark burgundy.  Wanna know how much I paid for them? $2 each.  You read that right, too.  $2 each!  We freaked out!  All of the colors in the stylenomics fall 2012 collection were in that bin!!  Wowzers.
Still waiting on some news from our realtor about the house we put an offer on, and oddly enough, I just got a text that she's got news! Oh my goodness, wonder what it could be?
Oh, so last but not least, we went to Savannah for the Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Race this past weekend.  There were so many dachshunds all over the place!  It was so cute to see so many there in one spot. Coco sure was one of the prettiest & well behaved there.  But the race... she didn't really care for that one so much.  She made it out of the gate, but stopped halfway and then escaped!  Aww, it was just so loud and so overwhelming, we're not sure if we'll do it again, unless my mom comes with us. She sure loves her grammy!!  So we'll see.  All in all it was a lot of fun, so that was worth it.  :)

More updates to come!
xoxo

Just blabbin'

Hey kittens!
Today I'm writing you from work, just sitting here during a little break. One of my coworkers made some crock pot lasagna and had it cooking in here this a.m.  Yummers, it was tasty!  So now I'm sitting here, full of lasagna, slightly miserable (but didn't over-eat, thankfully) and sleepy.  A nap sure would be nice right about now.  We have a very comfy couch in the office, too... I may have to wander over there soon.  ;)
I have a confession.  Y'all know that I like to polish my nails, and I have been pretty regular about doing so.  I have not done it in so long!  My toenails aren't even polished!! I had all intent of doing it this past weekend, but I never got to the mani/pedi.  I decided that resting was much more needed.  I promise, I will have one soon. I even got some new Butter London colors, and I'm super ready to use 'em!
My sweet little Coco turned 4 on Monday.  To celebrate, I gave her some scrambled eggs w/her breakfast & grilled chicken w/her dinner.  And I let her stay out all afternoon & into the evening, getting as dirty as possible.  She did that again last night and was filthy!  She looked like she was having fun, though, so it was fine. Bath time was last night.  To even further celebrate, this little banshee has been running free in the house b/c she's potty trained & doesn't eat anything, but now she is in a crate.  I had to borrow one from my mom, so it's huge for her dog, so I know Coco is fine.  Why?  B/c the place we're renting is now up for sale.  It was just listed last night and already someone is coming over to see it.  Yikes... We have until the end of October, so maybe our house will go thru and we won't have to move twice.  Fingers crossed!
Had a review at work today, I did well!  My [new] manager gave me good marks, so that was nice to hear this a.m.  All in all, today is a pretty good day!
I hope all is well for y'all!

xoxo

Pardon me while I vent...

Hey dolls!  I'm watching the news and a few things are coming to mind that I just don't understand or get all the hype. Get ready, I'm not holding back. 

1. This youtube video that has the muslims all over up in arms, attacking our embassies.  Really? I thought they were peaceful people.  I saw a quick street interview that said the US didn't act fast enough in removing it from youtube.  My thought - is that the only video they found opposing Allah? Good grief.  Burning US flags, what if we started burning their flags randomly?  Whatever. I hope this clears up asap, time to act on this, Obama.  

2. Nude pics of the "royalty" surfacing.  Sheeeeeesh.  Who cares? There are TONS of celebs that get caught in the buff.  My thinking, I'm glad I don't have to hear about ol' naked Prince Ginger, but good grief! Hey, I know it's an invasion of your privacy, but you're royalty.  You think you can hide?  People will find you and they will take pics of your skinny body and your boobs.  No, you can't hide, and I am sorry for that.  I think the paparazzi is redonk, and it's unfortunate that certain people can't just enjoy their privacy.  But why are we in the US all over the prince & duchess' nude pics? Move on!  It's sad, but it's not tragic! 

3. I am completely addicted to the Wheel of Fortune!  I have got to get on this game show!  We have watched it all week long and I am convinced that I can win this game.  Where can I sign up?!? OMG I could kick butt at this game!  (well, tonight's show... haha) 

So enough of that, I'm sorry, but it all just hit me at once.  I had to vent somewhere, b/c you know, I'm not on facebook. lol!  (p.s. on a side note, listening to some little bits of drama from people about facebook & how people are so ill over little things, I am happy to say that I don't miss it AT ALL!!)  One new piece of info this week:  I now have to wear glasses for the computer.  Yes, I was told by the eye dr that it just happens in [my] 30's  So... I've got nerd glasses!  I had found a beautiful pair of Gucci frames, but sadly, they were out of my price range... (duh) So I chose these beauties - same frame, 1/3 of the price and fell in love!  

Update on the house - our file has been fully submitted to the bank (Wells Fargo) and is in the system. It's moved to a new stage, and we are literally waiting on the approval of the price we submitted. So that is a highlight of the week, too! 

This weekend is football (Go Gators & Jags!), finally a mani/pedi & a birthday dinner for our niece - who is turning 16 in a week!  Yikes!  Big girl! Coco's big race is in a few weeks, and we may need to start practicing w/her running.  I should probably find out how long the run is so that we can get this pup in prime condition.  

What are your plans for the weekend?? 

xoxo 

What day is it?

I think it's Wednesday... right?  3 day weekends really throw me off, don't they you?  I have to say, though, that it was a nice long weekend!  No laboring whatsoever, I promise you that. Well, okay, I finally cleaned up my dirty dishes in the sink & emptied the dishwasher Monday night, but that just had to be done.  Other than that, I spent my weekend w/family & even went to go see a movie w/the husband!  I was very surprised, but he said we could go on Monday.  We went to see the Avengers, since it came back out to the theaters.  It was awesome!
I really don't have much of an update for you on the house or baby front, just that we are still patiently awaiting to hear news on either. I took my mom in the house a week ago, and she also really liked it.  We went after some heavy rain, and we didn't see any wet spots on the ceiling, so that was great.  This house will be a project, but at the price, if it's approved at this particular price, it's great.  Don assured me that we would not let the projects go undone.  It will be nice to finally put my decor up, rather than having it stored away - like the vases, or bowls or pictures, whatever.  And projects - hello pinterest!
As for the baby, we shall see.  Patience is doing very well, and when there's an update on that, you'll know!  Let's just say that I have set up a couple of appts w/my OB (same that I visited w/the first pregnancy) in the next couple of weeks, so maybe I'll get some info then. It's funny b/c I pretty much announced what my ov. schedule is to all my female coworkers, and they're watching me (esp when I pour on the hot sauce - which is totally normal anyway), and asking me questions.  And then to a friend of mine & my mother, I've mentioned a couple of things.  Like that I've been tired a lot, and then I was feeling nauseous all day yesterday, and that my boobs hurt, I don't like sweets, etc.  I mean, hmm... When I get news from the dr, whatever it is, and whenever I decide to share, if it's positive, they'll all be like, "um ya, Lara, we knew."  haha!  So I kinda painted myself into a corner on that one.  You know what else is weird? It's been a year ago that I miscarried. Did I mention that already in a post?  I was thinking, that it was exactly a year ago - give or take a few days.  We shared the info w/my mom a week or so before her b-day (which is 9/30) and then after that, in October, was when I miscarried.  So you get why I'm not wanting to say anything just yet. butohmygoshifeellikethiscouldbeanamazingmonthforusandi'msoanxiousthati'mbustingattheseams!!

So, how's your humpday going?  Tonight I'm super excited to have dinner w/one of my bestest girlfriends at Cantina Laredo, a yummy tex-mex place.  She and her precious little girl will be there, so it will be fun.  This friend of mine, can probably read me better than I can, so I'll have to put on a poker face!  (Oh wait, she's awesome at poker, too!!)  I'm a terrible liar, so this will be fun if she asks me any in depth questions.  teehee

xoxo