Expecting Olivia

Thank you mom and dad.

2009-11-16T09:42:00.002-05:00

See that rocking horse up there...My dad made that and it rocks my socks. Since becoming pregnant and knowing I have a child on the way that I will be responsible for, I have a new appreciation for my parents. I have always known they were awesome, but seriously I am so lucky. Olivia is lucky to have such great grandparents too. My mom made her some handmade tutu's, outfits, blankets, bows, booties...the list goes on. They already love her unconditionally.

I only hope that I can be as good a parent as they are.

Five years ago today...

2009-11-06T15:04:00.001-05:00

Wedding Day, originally uploaded by hairgeek.

I married the man who I am still crazy about. We were married in St. Augustine, Florida at 5:00 in the evening. The weather was perfect and everything went the way we had planned.
We dated for two years before getting married. I remember before I met him thinking that there would never be anyone for me. I didnt know what true love was, in the romantic sense, atleast.

We met in November of 2002 on a blind date that his sister setup. She always said we were perfect for each other. In the first week of meeting we went out several times and then after a couple of weeks of dating, Justin asked me if we could be exclusive.

That Christmas he surprised me with a beautiful diamond ring, that was inside of a huge box. I knew it wasnt an engagement ring, but it was still very special and I was a little taken back that he cared that much about me. I knew he loved me, and I loved him.

For our first Valentine's Day he surprised me by placing a rose on my car in the morning before I went to work. Half way through my work day my friend told me to go look at my car, which was parked on the curb downtown, I immediately thought someone had hit it or broke a window. I walked outside and found it covered in two dozen long stemmed roses. He knew how to charm me, thats for sure! Later that evening, he gave me a big pink rose painting that I had been looking at buying for a while.

All of the things he did made me feel so special, and sometimes I cant believe that someone did that for me. I got to marry him, I get to spend my life with him and start a family with him. I feel so blessed.

Heres to another five years!

Week 30 at Disney World...

2009-11-05T11:10:00.002-05:00

Last trip of the year. Very bittersweet. My little dumpling will be here soon though, so I need to stay close to home and not travel anymore until she gets here. Honestly, going when you are due in 10 weeks is not nearly as fun as when your are not pregnant. Who would have thought?! Kidding. I knew what I was doing when I planned to go. My body always senses when vacations are near and it goes into some sort of shock. This year has been rough. Every vacation was filled with some kind of ailment or sickness. Starting with our February trip when I discovered I had a kidney stone. After having surgery, I returned to Disney and suffered a little more with a stent in my kidney. I just love pain. I plan on next year being much better.

Obviously Olivia will be taking her first trip to Disney World, so it has to be awesome. We have decided to take her to the Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom during the fall next year. She will be around 10 months old by then and we can dress her up like a cute little Tinker Bell. :) Our trips will now be planned from now on.

This is where we stayed this time. At the Contemporary Resort, right next to Magic Kingdom. It was SO easy staying here. Hop right onto the monorail, which runs through the resort, and then in a couple of stops you're there! This resort will spoil you and cause you to be extremely lazy. When you're pregnant, this is okay though. If you are planning a trip to Disney, I definetely recommend this resort. The Polynesian and Grand Floridian also connect to the monorail and those are really nice.

Cant wait to go back next year! With my little Olivia in my arms!

Week 28 Begins

2009-10-20T16:27:00.003-04:00

Today was the big sugar test I had been dreading, for some reason. Am I pessimistic for thinking I will have all these weird pregnancy plagues? Well, I passed it and I don't have gestational diabetes! That was such a relief. My OB said I am measuring the right size and that everything looks good. When they told me she was measuring "small" at my 20 week ultrasound, I thought that meant that I was doing something wrong nutritionally. Not the case though, he said he would rather see her in the 38Th percentile rather than the 99Th percentile. She is just average and he said to be happy that she isn't huge. :)

As I get closer to week 30 I cant help but think about when she will come. Will she arrive early, late, during the night or will it be scheduled? Every pregnancy is different, which is scary and exciting at the same time. The unknown is whats scary. I cant wait to meet her, however she chooses to arrive.

Week 26 is almost over.

2009-10-14T14:32:00.003-04:00

This has been a challenging week to say the least. On our trip to Sea World over the weekend I had stabbing pains in my upper back, which reminded me of the kidney stone pain I had in February. After trying Bengay, heat patches and anything else I could grab- the pain started going away. I woke up the next day and it was practically gone. It returned this week. The doctor said Olivia is probably laying on a nerve or I strained a muscle somehow. Or, it could have been a kidney stone that passed.

Overall, the trip was really fun. I discovered that pregnant women should NOT go down water slides. As good as you may feel, water slides will make you go as fast as they want you to. I screamed like a girl all the way down the slide. :) Then I got off the slide and thought about how stupid I was for doing it in the first place. This was when my back felt good, by the way.

Tuesday I go in for another Doctors checkup. No ultrasound this time. In five weeks I will have my last ultrasound. I cant wait to see how big she has gotten, because last time she was measuring in the 38th percentile. Which is weird, I dont think they should tell you "the baby is measuring small, but DONT worry!" You start thinking of all the things you could do to make her gain weight or that you have done something to create this. Of course, I know she is bigger now. She kicks and squirms everyday to let me know she is okay- or to let me know not to go down another water slide. I listen.

Sleep: Where can I buy some?

2009-09-26T15:15:00.003-04:00

I have bags under my eyes. I need some good sleep, like 9 hours worth to make up for these nights where I only get 4-5 hours. If you know where I can find some please let me know.

First Kicks

2009-09-15T16:00:00.004-04:00

Last week I felt Olivia kick for the first time. That is such an amazing feeling; I cannot even put into words. It makes you more aware that there is a life in there and not just a "fetus". I hear SO much from people about how horrible pregnancy was and they say "Oh, just wait. You won't like it so much in a few months!". It's horrible that they say these things and more horrible if they actually feel that way about it.

As I go into week 23 of my pregnancy, I feel so blessed that God allowed us to have a child. Sometimes I look at my husband and cannot believe that I have this life. Don't get me wrong, there are ups and downs of life but usually we are very happy people. Mainly because we grew up with simple things and have carried that through our own lives because it works. When I tell people I will be staying at home to raise her, I have actually had people question me about it- like its forbidden.

I tell people that I wont be literally staying at home all day. In case there is any misunderstanding. :) There is work to be done there, and lots of good memories that will be made with me staying at home. We may plant a little garden in the spring. I will be busy taking pictures of her. Trying to capture every little smile. I wish that everyone could experience this one day. Maybe I was born in the wrong generation or something. Or maybe things have just become too complicated with our lives that we have forgotten the simple little things in life that can make us happy.

22 Weeks and Counting...

2009-09-07T18:54:00.003-04:00

We just got back from our trip to Disney last week. Had a blast and went to all the parks as usual. Were excited about staying at the new Bay Lake resort at the Contemporary in November! It will be our fifth anniversary and also our last trip before Olivia gets here. :) The Magic Kingdom was decorated for the Not So Scary Halloween Party thats coming up. Everything looked so festive and put me in the mood for cold weather! Fall is my FAVORITE time of the year, hands down. Minus the leaf blowing, which I will not be doing this year.

Olivia Update:
This week I am going into my 22nd week of pregnancy. So far, I cannot complain about anything about pregnancy. I really havent slowed down too much, even though I am starting to learn that I may need to. At my check up last week I learned that Olivia is in the 38th percentile for her size and that I had only gained 6 pounds since becoming pregnant. Everything relies on numbers and calculations. After she is born, it will still be that way. Percentages and judging by how far she is compared to other kids. Anyways, they said she is fine, Im fine. If she is anything like me then she will be small. I weighed 5 pounds 4 oz when I was born at full term.

Disney Mom's panel update:
I will not be able to apply this year because of the above. :) It is too close to my due date and my Doctor will not let me travel past November 11th. I was very bummed about this, to the point of being sad over it. Even though I had no guarantee that I would be chosen. There is always next year to apply for it.

Leaving work

2009-08-26T20:46:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I thought giving up my job would be a piece of cake. Now, I have been feeling like I am going to miss it. Could be the pregnancy hormones, Ha! But no really, I will miss the interaction with my loyal clients. You should have seen the reaction on my clients face today when she found out I would not be working after the baby. Her jaw dropped and she just rubbed her face. I was worried that I may get scolded. LOL. She was dissapointed but understood. I know that when Olivia gets here I wont be thinking about anything but her well being though. Not to mention taking care of a baby on top of all the other house chores, grocery shopping and everyday cleaning I do.

I am(or..was?) considering working a couple of days a week just to keep my clients who come regularly. I just dont know if I will want to when she gets here. So, until she gets here and makes up my mind for me, I am sticking with being a full time SAHM. Me and Justin have always wanted it that way, so why change it now.

Besides, if I get chosen to be on Disney's Mom's Panel, that will keep me busy enough! :) I will be applying in September with the MP. I totally think I am more than qualified to answer questions and help others plan Disney trips. My passion, among other things, is Walt Disney World. I even read about all the secrets behind Disney, it's just fascinating to me!
Wish me luck and cross your fingers!

For my cupcake.

2009-08-22T18:20:00.004-04:00

I saw these in a magazine last night and I have to buy one for Olivia. A cupcake hat, oh yes. They looked handmade, as in ETSY, and they are! I was pleasantly surprised. They are by Artology on etsy. I hope we have some cold weather for a while so she can wear it!

Pregnancy rant number one.

2009-08-09T20:10:00.003-04:00

Work has officially started getting on my nerves pretty badly. What used to be an enjoyable job has turned into what seems like a prison. My best friend at work was let go from the company and ever since then things haven't been the same. She made everything fun and entertaining. My only form of entertainment now is dealing with psychotic clients, boy, is that fun! Lately, work has been putting me in a bad mood even after I have left for the day. This bothers me.
This is such an important time in my life, I am having my first child. I will never get to experience things the way I am experiencing them right now. This happiness is being taken away from me. Is it on purpose? I don't know. I feel like everyone has their opinion about MY life, and they don't really even know me, honestly. If they did they would never say some things they say. Would you ask a pregnant woman if she is going to be bored or get tired of being at home with her new baby? Or would you talk constantly about how bad pregnancy was and how when the baby gets here sleep time is over, party is over.
I'm not sure what childhood they had, but mine was awesome. Filled with endless love from my parents and everyone who surrounded me. My mom stayed at home with us and put us first. My parents managed to provide us with nice things, go on fun vacations and enjoy the most simple things in life. They taught us to appreciate life and each other. So, my "family values" may be different from theirs. I just wish I didn't have to hear their negative comments anymore. My life is going to be so good when Olivia arrives. How could they take something so special and make it negative? I'm so happy that I have the sense to know not to act this way towards others. My parents need to train these people how to have some manners, and keep their mouth's shut.

Thank you, I feel better. :) 2 Months until I am free...

17 Week Check-Up

2009-08-03T20:05:00.003-04:00

Today I had my 17 week check up at the OB. I was relieved to find out that everything was okay. I am always surprised when they say everything is fine, for some reason. Maybe I am used to bad things happening, as far as health and hospital things are concerned. Every thing has moved along smoothly. Almost in a scary kinda way. I guess what ever is meant to be...will happen.

We're working on names for our baby girl. Atleast we have it narrowed down a whole bunch more than we did. Everyone is asking what we are naming the baby, mostly because they want to put their two cents in, so I just tell them that we are still thinking about it.

I have learned that when you are either getting married or having a baby, everyone wants you to hear their opinion. And then I have to pretend like I am really interested and listening...The usual stuff. I am so used to by now I just smile and say thank you.

It's A Girl!

2009-07-28T17:45:00.004-04:00

100% Girl is what the sonographer said. :) So, I think I can run wild with that right? Hope so! We hit the stores afterward and bought some little outfits to start her closet.
And I have also had the bedding picked out for a while too.

I didnt want the average pink and purple princess room. I wanted something she would like when she gets a little bigger too. So, if her favorite color ends up being blue, its in there too! :) I hope she will like it. Cotton Tale Designs has had the best bedding I have found, and the best designs. They have some really cute accesories that go with each set. Like a toy bag that hangs on the wall, thats awesome. Also, a cute hamper that is awesomer.

Time to start painting the room! :)

I cant wait to meet you...

2009-07-28T09:01:00.001-04:00

I cant wait to meet you..., originally uploaded by hairgeek.

Today I find out if this little bump in my belly is a boy or girl. I dont know if I have ever been more excited in my entire life. I have been unable to sleep, but I still wake up with a smile on my face when I think about meeting my baby.

Week 15

2009-07-18T21:09:00.002-04:00

I cant believe that Week 16 is approaching and I will be find out the gender soon! I have wanted to know from Day 1. I thought I was a procrastinator, but maybe I am discovering that I am not so much. I am ready to know so I can get the nursery set up and painted. All the fun stuff.

We go next week to have our 3rd sonogram done and thats when we will find out. We invited both of our moms to go, and of course they are going! Hopefully baby will cooperate on that day.

I have been feeling really crappy this week. I think I have a sinus infection, which has made my dizzy spells even worse than they were before. So, I guess a Doctors appointment will be in order Monday or Tuesday. Tuesday I had the worst experience with the dizzy spells. It hit while I was driving, had just gotten off of the interstate and was sitting at a red light when things started going a little loopy. I pulled over and thought I was blacking out. It went away within a few minutes, thankfully. There is nothing worse than having no control over your own body. Will be mentioning that to my Doc.

My next update will most likely be an update on the sonogram! I have a hard time even turning on the laptop anymore. I like to stay busy with other things now, and it just isnt as entertaining as it used to be. :( Maybe I have been to the end of the web and back, and there is nothing else to see. Ha!

Getting healthy again...

2009-03-24T23:37:00.003-04:00

I exercised tonight, for the first time since last year. I had slipped right back into my unhealthy ways of fast food, no exercise and sodas. So, like usual, I have to change that and get back on track. I do just want to feel good, and be healthy.
It feels so good to exercise, maybe not while I am out of breathe and watching the clock to see when my 30 minutes is up...but afterwards it does seem worth it. I always complain about why I am overweight, then I do nothing to change it and wonder why life is so unfair. Living in a tropical place makes it hard to be out of shape.
Bathsuit season, dont even get me started.

Almost Spring Break!

2009-03-23T18:24:00.003-04:00

My spring break starts this coming weekend of the 28Th. A few days later I turn 26 years old. 26. That is like the down slope leading to 30, whether you think so or not! I will have my degree by the time I am 28 though. So, that's a plus.
Unlike other years of making birthday "Wish lists" with little stars and hearts surrounding the title, I have no list. I guess what I do want is a little juvenile though, Rock band 2! That game is addicting, and just proves even more that I chose the right career, which has nothing to do with singing or playing the drums. In the privacy of my own home, I will rock it out though, while making sure Justin is not recording it on my digital camera.
For my birthday we are going down to Disney World for the weekend to use our Annual Passes. Yet another juvenile thing, hmm. I sense a pattern here. It is my favorite place on earth though, seriously. I cant wait to go back to EPCOT at night. Its so amazing there at nighttime. Walking around Paris or eating at San Angel in Mexico. So romantic. :)

Downtown Disney Makeover

2009-03-06T17:31:00.006-05:00

As often as I go, I was hoping that some changes would be made there sooner than later. Changes are coming! D.D. will be getting a new attraction that will be a giant, tethered balloon ride that will take you 300 feet into the air to see the views of WDW resort.

Last fall, T-Rex opened and it is absolutely amazing! There are so many things to look at there, you almost forget that you should be eating. The food is great there too, better than Rainforest Cafe in my opinion. Dont forget to take your camera if you go...you can walk around and take pictures after you eat and you will want to. Each room there is themed differently and they are equally entertaining.

There are also going to be more stores and restaurants added this year and older restaurants are going to be refurbished. Sadly, Virgin Megatore will be closing May 31st. I loved their accesories and tee shirts, but I am sure it will be replaced by something good. Each time I have been there in the past few months, I have noticed that it is still just as crowded as usual.

Hopefully the makeover at Downtown Disney will bring in more people to keep everything open and thriving.

Redesign

2009-02-16T21:39:00.001-05:00

Will be re-designing this website soon. Staying so busy with school lately, but I will make time.

I need rehab

2009-01-11T21:34:00.003-05:00

While I study, I have been jammin' out to Rihanna's Rehab like it is the only song on my iPhone. It's so addictive. I will need some rehab, in order to stop playing this song five million times!

Rihanna - New Music - More Music Videos

Update on school:

Everything is going better than I expected. I have made myself a "schedule", so I can have plenty of time for fun and studying. Algebra is easier than I remembered it being, and then at the same time, I get ahead of myself and want to learn it all and master it all at once.

English is easy so far, and my instructor is cool. We are studying Creative Non-fiction and he encourages more modern writing techniques. I am enjoying it so far, and I am on my way to becoming the "Teacher's Pet of the Year". Oh Yeah!

New Year's resolutions I will try to keep...

2009-01-02T18:51:00.004-05:00

I phrased it that way on purpose, thank you very much. I will try. Here they are, in no particular order.

Volunteer in my community.

Stop complaining, in general.

Assume that other people have my best interest at heart.

Eat at home more.

Take advantage of the beach being so close.

Stop keeping such a messy closet! Its ridiculous.

Drink more water.

Put all I have into my schooling.

Let my husband be the leader, more.

Stop worrying so much about the little things.

I'm so ready for the New Year... Are you?

Happy(Early) New Year!

2008-12-31T22:49:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a happy and healthy start to 2009. Since Australia has already had their celebration, here is a video from Sydney. Their fireworks show is pretty awesome.

Favorite things: Twitter

2008-12-26T19:08:00.013-05:00

Dealing with the public, I am always talking to them about technology, computers and the iPhone.(Usually because they are also interested in it, too). I often get on the subject of Twitter and I usually have a way of leaving them totally confused about what it is and what purpose it serves. It's very simple, "What are you doing"?

All you have to do is answer that simple question. That is what its all about. Nothing complicated. Your friends can keep up with you(good or bad thing?) through your updates. They can respond to your updates and vice versa. You can also upload pictures to your update.

I think its more fun when you are updating on-the-go, otherwise it can be a little boring. Example, "Ugh, I'm just sitting on the couch eating bon-bons. Okay..that's all." That doesn't make for the most interesting post, and probably no one would care, unless they LOVE bon-bons. I know I have made some of those type posts before. When I really am doing nothing.

So, I try and update about something I am doing, or somewhere I am going. I have made some good online friends using it, and I feel like I know them in a way. I even like some of them so much that I think we would probably get along really well in person, too. So if you're not using Twitter yet, I suggest you get on there and get started tweeting. Come on. Go. Then we can be friends. :)

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T20:50:00.006-05:00

Today was so nice, lots of family time and fun. I feel like it went by really fast though, it seems like I just started buying presents...oh wait, I did. I'm a procrastinator when it comes to some things, and buying gifts is one of those things.

Justin woke me up this morning(twice) to open gifts and when I finally got up, we exchanged the smaller gifts we had bought each other. Its funny, among other things, we both got each other shaving cream. I guess we are trying to tell each other something. You know you have been married a while when you buy each other shaving cream.

Then we headed to Justin's parents for breakfast and gifts. There were so many presents this year! We have a new addition to the family, Aubree, who is 4 months old. It was fun watching her react to her gifts, she is adorable. I want one. In time.

Later we went to my parents, where we played Wii Sports and had our gift exchange. Wii is great exercise by the way, especially when you play it the wrong way like I do. The game doesn't require you to actually walk up and bowl or hold it like a baseball bat, but I choose to just to feel like I'm really playing.

I ended up with everything I wanted, plus some. I got my new laptop a week ago and have been using it, but that was actually my Christmas present. Other things I got were gift certificates, money(like that a lot!), Massage G.C.(awesome), perfume, laptop bag, and some other random items.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas too...Just 364 more days until we can celebrate again! :)

My Quarter-Life

2008-12-23T21:51:00.001-05:00

2008 was such a good year. I really changed a lot and became closer to who I really am. I know that sounds crazy, but its true. Instead of trying to be something I'm not, I have become very comfortable being myself whether someone likes me that way or not. I have gained a lot of confidence in my career, which has helped with other things in my life.

I turned 25 years old, which made me feel like a real grown-up. (Gasp!) I realize now that time really does fly by. It's hard to believe that my grandparents are almost in their 80's, feels like they should still be in their 60's. Most of the girls my age have already had a child, which really lets me know that time is ticking! I am the only girl in the family who has no children now, I guess I am next.

I had the opportunity to take my grandparents to Animal Kingdom this year, they hadn't been to Disney World in 20 years, it was overdue. It was more fun than I could have ever imagined. I am so lucky that I have them and they are able to go do things with us. Although, next years trip is coming up and I think we will have even more fun this time at EPCOT.

This year I decided to go back to school to pursue my degree in Computer Science. This was an idea I had played with many times, but never actually did anything about it. I was being lazy, I admit it. This is a personal goal, as well as something that I want my children to look at and get inspired from to pursue their dreams.

I think 2009 will bring a lot more changes in my life, a child, possibly. No matter what happens, I know I will always have my family and friends to be there with me and help me.

Happy Holidays!