Think About It Thursday - Some Friends...

Some friends....
Current mood: blessed

It's crazy how you can know a person, be friends with a person for sooooo many years, almost half of your life in fact, be in their wedding and have them in yours, then lose touch for a few years here and there, only keeping in touch periodically over the years and yet when you do meet up, it's like you have never been apart at all! You can just pick right up where you left off and catch up over coffee with all the goings on in each others lives. It is so nice to be able to talk to someone who knows you so well, and you in turn know equally as well so that when you sit down, the conversation just flows freely with no awkward pauses or silences. If there is silence, it is a comfortable one. To offer encouragement, support and advice and know that you are getting the same honesty in return. It is so nice to be able to be yourself around this person and know you aren't being judged by your actions--past or present. To know that even through all the years, there is that special bond, a place in each other's hearts, that this person will always hold, no matter the time or distance that may part you.

I am so blessed by the amazing special friends that I have in my life! I love each and every one of them!

Wordless Wednesday - I love my baby girl!

(For more WW posts visit Wordless Wednesday)

Halloween Costume

This year I am doing something different for Halloween...I have decided to MAKE my own costume!!! =) A) because the costume I wanted was only available online, and I couldn't bring myself to spent $50+s&h on something that I hadn't tried on, and B) because I couldn't see SPENDING $50+s&h on something that I will more than likely only wear ONE TIME! In the not so recent past, $50 was nothing, a drop in the hat, but these days, times are harder, things are tighter, and now instead of just myself to think of, there is my daughter. So here will be my attempt at "craftiness", which I am sadly lacking, unless it has to do with writing, because I really don't think I have a talented bone in my body! :P

This is what I am hoping my costume will resemble. Stay tuned for more pics on my progress!

Deviant Housewife

Blondness or Darkness...???

Okay, so I have been "blond" all summer...and have been toying with the idea of going back to dark here really soon...yet I keep getting compliments on my highlights, so I don't know. I love my hair dark and it is soooo much healthier...right now it just feels dry and damaged from the highlighting. Here's some pics, tell me what YOU think! =)

7 months...WOW! Badly needed update!

Madison, 9 months "Helping Momma at work"

Madison 8 months playing with her new toy!

Madison 7 months "First trip to the salon!"

Madison 7 months "Red Robin"

Doyle and I at Jessica's "Dirty 30"

Hello everyone!

Wow, I can't believe that it's been SEVEN MONTHS since my last post!!!! Yikes!!! I have no excuses, other than claiming to be a busy work-at-home mommy! =)

Things are going fabulous here!! Madison turned 9 months old last Friday, and Monday she had her checkup, she is 19.4lbs (60 percentile) , 28-1/2" long (90 percentile), and right on track where she should be with her health and development!!! She is doing FABULOUS!!! She is crawling ALL OVER the house now, and its rare that I can sneak a moment away from her, she always finds me! She is so smart!!! She is pulling herself up on furniture and I know it won't be long now before she starts to walk! She has her two bottom and two top teeth in, and her other four on each side are mostly in, she didn't even get her first tooth 'till 8 months...then it was ALL at once, literally! It was definitely a crazy--and uncomfortable--couple of weeks for all of us!

I am back to work now in the office--2 days a week--and the rest of the time here at home. I am so lucky to be able to do that, my daddy is the most amazing boss EVER! I love my job! I have lost all of my 'post pregnancy baby weight' and am back down to 130---I even put on a good 3-4lbs in the past month (blame that on Papa Murphy's cookie dough and strawberry mochas!!!). I am between a size 2 and 4, which is hard, but am super excited to be where I want to be...now I just need to focus on TONING! My wonderful neighbor, Mel, and I have become great friends, and we have motivated each other to work out---jogging 2 miles and doing my Bow Flex. We've been sorta on a break here these past couple of weeks, but I am hoping to get back to our routine here next week!

Doyle took his test for Commercial Journeyman Plumber in Sept. and passed it with flying colors...which meant promotion AND a raise! Woohoo!!! That has made life easier! He is also working MUCH closer to home now, so gets home at 4 in the afternoon vs. 5 or 7!!! THANK GOD!!!

We are still planning our wedding for summer 2009---although the place is still undecided. Stay tuned for further information!!!

In August, my Tuffy-cat went missing. I put up flyers all around the neighborhood twice, and no luck. He followed Melanie and I jogging one morning and the next morning sleeping on the couch was the last time I saw him. I think he must have ventured a little bit too far. I hope that he found a good new home and did not end up in the belly of some hungry coyote!! Tuffy was a part of my family for 5 years, since he was a kitten, and as much as he was an independent little bugger, he was such special kitty and had a special place in my heart. I will never forget him and I miss him dearly. =(

In May I traded in the ol' Nissan for a 2008 RED Mazda 3 (note the emphasis on the red!!)...I absolutely LOVE this car! It has made life A TON easier with baby!! =)

Also in May, my brother got married to his girlfriend of 5 years, Stephanie. Doyle and I were both in the wedding, it was a beautiful wedding and wonderful day for our family!!! Congrats, Mike and Stephy! I have gained a sister!!!

In June, I took my first ever real girls getaway---to fabulous Las Vegas--with three of my bestest friends ever, Brookie, Jennie, and Anni!!! We had a terrific time and spent the days laying by the pool and soaking up the sun, and our nights out clubbing and partying it up in the city. It was much too short of a weekend, but I was ready to be home, I missed Madison TERRIBLY!

Other than that, not too much else has happened...life here is pretty hectic most of the time! I haven't had any time to focus on my writing, but I have tons of ideas constantly floating around in the back of my mind! I am hoping to one day be able to get back to it. My friend and crit partner, Trish, in Louisiana, has finished her third book in her first series, a short story, and has even started another new series!!! Her work is amazing!! I am reading her second book now, and can't tear myself away from it!! I have it on my laptop so I can sneak into my office here and there and read a tidbit every time I get the chance! She is such a talented writer, I KNOW I will see her name on the New York Times Best Sellers list one of these days! Kudos, Trish!

I have made some amazing new friends this year, discovered the true meaning of life in my amazing daughter Madison, and am so very blessed to have the family and friends that I do!

I will try to be better about updating this a bit more frequently than every...um...7 months! LOL Sorry ya'll!

Until next time,
xoxo!!

We're Engaged!!!

(For more Wordless Wednesday visit http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/)

Madison is FINALLY here!!!!

Hi everyone!!! As you will see here in a moment, this is another long past due post!! I apologize for that, however and still adjusting to working from home and being a new mommy!!

On January 10, 2008 at 3:16PM we welcomed Madison Reese into this world! Maddie was born via emergency C-section and weighed 7.0lbs and was 19 3/4" long. She is BEAUTIFUL!

I went into labor early Thursday morning (Jan 10), at 1:48AM. By 3:30 the contractions were steady enough and 10-minutes apart, to call the hospital. They instructed us to come in when the contractions became 5-minutes apart, for one hour. We left home a little after 5AM and arrived at the Hospital around 5:30-5:45 (after checking in at Registration) and were put into the "large" birthing room. My mom and dad showed up almost immediately, followed by Doyle's mom and my "other mom" Sharon, and my brother Mike and sister in law, Steph. The nurses checked me and hooked me up to an IV. I was dilated to a 5. Around 7:30, the anesthesiologist arrived and gave me my Epidural. I felt nothing! Then we all just sat in the room and waited. And waited! We were making bets on what time Little Miss Madison would choose to make her grand entrance into the world! Around 10, we were starting to get bored...and sleepy! And around noon, I was starting to feel the contractions!!! Not good. The Epidural was wearing off and the anesthesiologist was tied up downstairs in the OR with an emergency. We waited about an hour before she finally arrived and was able to "refill" my Epidural. I was dilated to an 8 at that point, and let me tell you, those contractions for that hour were the absolute WORST! Ugh. Dr. Dickson had to break my water, because it hadn't broke yet and I was dilated so far, and once she did that, with every contraction, Madison's heart rate began to drop---at one point it was down to 85 (normal is anywhere between 120-160). Dr. Dickson told us that if we wanted to have a healthy baby, a C-section was the best option at that point. Otherwise, we might run the risk of brain damage. We, of course, opted for the C-section with no hesitation. Within minutes, they were prepping me for surgery and I was being wheeled down to the OR. Doyle, my mom, and his mom, were going to be in the room with me and they were rushed off to "scrub up".

At 3:16PM, Madison was born! Doyle was able to video tape the birth on his digital camera and also cut the cord! He was really excited!! Madison is so beautiful and perfect and we are enjoying every minute of her!

We were discharged from the hospital on Sunday Jan 13th--her actual "due date" and have spent the time since recovering and getting to know our little girl. Both mom and baby are doing great!

New Family!

Her first official hospital pic, minutes after she was born!

So pretty!

In the hospital!

Whew...badly needed post-holiday update!

Wow how time flies! Has it REALLY been a MONTH since I've been on here?? Sheesh! Sorry, ya'll...but well, you know how life goes. Baby on the way (due in 16 days!), setting up a home office to work from home, Thanksgiving, 29th-birthday, Christmas parties and Christmas itself to plan for...wow, this past month has gone by in a BLINK!

For the most part, since Thanksgiving, we have had something going on EVERY weekend and MANY week nights. Thanksgiving, a friend's baby shower, prenatal classes every Tuesday night for 5 weeks, MY baby shower, Hanukkah party to attend for some in-laws, my birthday, company Christmas party, Christmas shopping and decorating, Christmas Eve party at my house, Christmas Day (bouncing back and forth between my folks' place and his ma's house), and now, whew...finally time to catch my breath and get ready for the little one's arrival. Is it that time already??! I can't believe it! I am 37.4 weeks pregnant. There is only 16 days left 'til my due date of Jan 13. I can't believe it! The room is ready, my diaper bag is packed, the kitchen has been rearranged to accommodate a set of cupboards and drawer for all of the baby stuff like formula, bottles, bibs, pacifiers, etc. and pretty much all that's left is me packing MY hospital bag. What's the delay you ask? Bleh...the fact that I have NOTHING that fits that I can part with as a "spare" for the hospital bag! Honestly. I have gained a whoppin' 30lbs. And I am ALL baby. All out front. Nothing but sweatpants are comfortable these days...and let me tell you, Victoria's Secret or not, I am SICK TO DEATH OF SWEATPANTS!!! I can't wait to wear just jeans and a darn hoodie again!!!!! Wwaaaaaahhhhhh!!! Okay, that's me crying...pity party is over, there isn't much time left now, I know, and I can make it through!

Especially considering that I started working from home earlier this month. What a HUGE relief! It's SO nice to be able to sleep in, especially when I'm not sleeping more than 2-4 hours a night. It's also nice on said sleepless nights, to be able to get up and work! I am getting more accomplished here at home IN THE HOME, and working for home, in much less time! Granted, some day's I don't get my shower 'til 3PM, but well, small sacrifice, I suppose!

What else....hmmm...birthday was good, rather uneventful, just went to dinner at my favorite restaurant, THE KEG, with my family--and got some gift cards for post-baby delivery shopping!! WOOHOO!!! Nothing beats that! Christmas was much of the same, again, more gift cards and some cash! And a gorgeous pair of princess cut diamond earrings from the boyfriend! Awwww...I know... =) He's a keeper!

Today I had a routine OB appointment, all was well---and right on track with weight gain, blood pressure, and baby's positioning. I have not dilated yet, but soon. Today was a bonus because my doc also did an ultra sound so I got to see my little girl for the first time since the 20-week ultra sound on August 31 to determine the sex!!! As you can imagine, I was pretty ecstatic! I just can't wait to meet our little one!!

So what's new with everyone? How did you survive the holidays and plan to ring in the New Year? Fill me in!!

Tagged!

Thanks, Mel!

RULES

• Post the rules first.
• If you are tagged you have to tell your faithful blogging public 8 random facts about yourself in a post on your blog. It can be habits, an idea, facts or just um… stuff.
• At the end of your post, choose eight other bloggers you’d like to know something about and tag them.
• Leave a comment telling them you’ve tagged them and that they will need to read your post on your blog.

Okay, so here's my 8 Random Randomness! =)

1. I have 5 cats and a dog and have a problem saying NO to more animals, although I KNOW my boyfriend would kill me were I actually to bring another home!

2. I have never wanted kids. Ever. I am having one in 6 months! =) And I'm excited about it!

3. I've been married twice. And divorced twice. The second time was NOT my fault and I am sooo glad to be out of that one!

4. I am addicted to MySpace. Seriously. I NEED to check it. All the time.

5. I am OCD about washing my hands. And now, thanks to Mel, Wet Ones are my new fave!

6. I owned 5 horses growing up and lived on a 'farm' (okay, acreage, is that better?). I was a HUGE tom boy. Pfft! Really, I was!!! (I've even been in horse manure fights!)

7. I write what I would like to call romance novels, however, I haven't finished any of them yet and none is long enough to be considered a novel, so we'll go with "stories".

8. I ran out of TP at 9:30PM last night. Seriously. LOL And I NEED to remember to stop off at the store on my way home tonight or I'm in serious trouble!

Next up:
1. Ames
2. Jessica
3. Shelby

Um and since Mel already did it, I don't have anymore "blog friends!!"