the lil' black booger

She's One!

2010-07-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well we made it. Ruby turned one yesterday. I was going to write, but was too tired from the days events. Ruby has changed our lives forever and we love her so much for it. It has been an amazing, emotional, wonderful, and challenging year, but we survived. Yay for us. I think she still loves us for now.

Yes, time does fly with kiddos. It doesn't seem possible that it has been a year. I don't remember other years flying by this fast. It did have it's moments though when I thought oh my is this moment going to end. Like the endless crying during her first 8 weeks or the grinding of her top teeth a couple of weeks ago (sent chills down my spine everytime she did it, I should be frozen by all the chills actually). But I wouldn't give her back for a moment. She's beautiful, spunky, funny, and makes me smile so much my face hurts at the end of the day.

Thank you God for blessing us with Ruby!

Ruby Facts

Still not walking, but likes to make us walk her.

Has a total of 3 teeth that you can see, but more coming in, making her Miss Cranky Pants.

Is great with the ball, loves to kick it and is actually pretty good.

Loves stairs and will manipulate any unsuspecting person into walking her up and down, up and down, up and down, and up and down them with her devilishly sweet dimples.

Well Hello There, It's Been a While!

2010-06-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Pickles!

Swingin'

Easter. Yes, that's a bow.

Ruby Collage. Savor the sweetness!

I've been very busy is all I can say. So here's a list of things that's happened in the life of Ruby and her parents. Enjoy.

At Ruby's 9 month appt. she weighed 17 pounds. We've made it out of the single digit percentile surprisingly.

Ruby started crawling on our 5 year anniversary. 5/14/10 Yay, but can I say exhausting. She really wants to walk so she immediatly crawls to something she can pull herself up on. We haven't gone too nuts baby proofing. Just around the fireplace. I try to give a firm no, but she's just so cute. I think we are going to have to fill in those dimples pretty soon.

She waves like a sweet beauty queen and claps at everything, even people on T.V. She waves by and hi.

She said dada first, but has started saying mamama. Oh melt my heart. It's adorable, for now at least.

She loves to swing. See pics.

She throws things and enjoys watching us pick them up.

She has a false teeth pacifier. Hilarious. Pics will come soon.

No one told me how hard it would be to blow up a stinkin baby pool. Especially when you don't have the proper nozzle thingy. I would have just bought the silly blue plastic pool. The neighbors I'm sure got a good laugh. I think I burned 1000 calories in sweat. Ruby seemed to enjoy it so I guess that made it all worth it.

My first mother's day was great. Josh got me a ring with a Ruby in the center and 14 diamonds surrounding it. Good job Josh. Now I've got to figure out what to get him? Hmmm, ideas would be appreciated.

I'm so excited to be off for summer break and be a stay at home mom for a couple of months.

Stinky diapers smell worse when you leave them in a 100 degree car for 8 hours.

Ruby likes pickles just like her daddy. I forsee even more pickles canoes around the house. As long as I don't find them floating in the toilet I'm okay with them. Though I think pickles really stink.

She hates peas.

Josh needs to start cleaning that shot gun. She's a big flirt and boys seem to like her. We have a list of husbands to be already started. It's like The Baby Bachalorette.

She has spent the night at her Memaw's, Uncle Stephen's and Aunt Kelly's, and Grandma's & Grandaddy's all in the same weekend. And no one sent her home early.

Well that's about it for now. Maybe since I'm off for a while I'll keep up with this more. I'm sure a post about walking will be in the future.

Ruby News

2010-02-14T14:37:00.001-08:00

Ruby now weighs in at a little over 13 pounds. She is small for her age only in the 1%. Doctor says we shouldn't expect a 5'8 basketball player or anything. She's healthy though so that's all that really matters. She's wanting to walk. Our backs are a little sore these days. She stiffens up like a board when we try to sit her down. She's also fascinated with the fact that she can control her hands. Which is very amusing to watch. I had to tell her no the other day, but her sweet dimples make it hard to be very firm. That might be a problem later on. We might have to fill in those dimples. Botox anyone?

SNOW

2010-01-30T11:17:00.001-08:00

Thoughts of a New Mommy on a Snow Day

2010-01-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

Today was the first snow day of the year. This is just as exciting for a teacher as it is for the kids. I knew the night before we would be out. Last year this would have meant sleeping in and getting a little extra cleaning done or making some art. This year, however, was different. I have a new alarm clock this year. She doesn't know that it's a snow day. This is an alarm I have little control over the settings. Life has definitly changed.

I'm not going to cherry coat my thoughts. In the beginning I thought about it when people asked me how life was going now that we have a baby. I would have been lying though and I'm not good at that. My eyes cross and I break out in red spots when I try. Anyways, I digress. The last 5 1/2 months have been hard. Terribly hard. I have struggled with my new position that God has blessed me with. I have struggled to try and remain sane when I am so tired that I could fall asleep bouncing her. I have struggled to balance home and work. I am learning a lesson in selflessness. Which I really needed. I have felt guilt that aches at my soul so much I want to throw up for thoughts that want to creep into my head. Don't worry none of them have been life threating. But enough about what I know seems like a whiney, pessimistic, hormonal, crazy person talking. Here's the wonderful blessings that have accompanied all this.

Tonight I rocked my baby and held her tight for a lot longer than I really had too. Because I think she is the 2nd greatest blessing God has ever given me. Josh being the first. She is a blessing for so many reasons. Here are a few.

I am not a patient person. I have to be now and it's not so bad.
I am selfish. Can't be that either. I can try, but the consquences are not so good.
I thought I could handle everything on my on. I am weak and that is okay.
I took my husband for granted. The brief moments we get to spend together now are so wonderful and I see him so differently. He is great and I am undeserving of his kindness.
My job is not my whole life. Though I am thankful for it.
Life goes by fast. I held a newborn last night and already couldn't remember Ruby being that small. I need to slow down or I'll miss the important things. A super clean, could be featured on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens, house is really not that important.
I need God. I need His guidance every second and for His unwavering love I am thankful. I am also thankful for His forgiveness and His presence in my life.

So this whole Mommy thing, very hard, but I like the person it is molding me into. I would not trade it for the world. God knew I needed this position. He knew I would fail sometimes, but He also knew that it would make me a much better person. Even if sometimes it feels like a punch in the face, a wake up call. A really sweet wake up call that doesn't matter if it's a snow day.

KangaRuby and the Holidays

2010-01-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

Ugh I hate it when this happens. It won't turn so you'll just have to turn your head.
Wooo paper. I love yummy paper.

Christmas morning.

One day Ruby might realize that Santa works in the bike shop with Daddy when he's not delivering toys to the good girls and boys.

Ruby's present from Santa.

The holidays have come and gone so I figured I should update the Ruby blog for everyone. She loved the tissue and the bows of course. Santa was pooped on Christmas Eve so he came at about 6:00 in the morning. He brought her a Jumper thing. You can see it in the pictures. She loves to bounce so Santa figured something that jumps would be better than a saucer. She forgot to leave him cookies though, maybe that's why he was so late.

I had so much fun with her over my break. It was hard to leave her this morning and go back to work. I have finally figured out how to get a few things done while she sleeps and we played a lot. She's grabbing at things now and her mouth is the typical landing pad for the things she grabbs. Ruby's also learned the dropping things so she can watch mommy and daddy pick up things over and over again game. Fun Fun! She's very vocal and we are trying to teach her some sign language. Ruby has also started cereal. I thinks she's been hanging around her great mema too much. Ruby looks eerily like her when she is eating.

Well enough writing. I hope you enjoy the pics.

4 Months and the Flu

2009-12-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

Happy, Sleeping Ruby

Sleepy, not feeling so good, Ruby.

The 4 generations picture.

Sitting up in the BeBe Pod.

Ruby's look of infinite wisdom.

Well, well. Ruby's first Thanksgiving will definitly be a memorable one. She got the flu. The doctor said that it was H1N1, but it was not serious. Ruby is obviously a fighter. Mommy was sure worn out after it all.

On a much happier note Ruby can almost put her toes, that's right people I said toes, in her mouth. She has also discovered that she can pet Pedro. Her idea of petting is pulling his hair, which thankfully he doesn't seem to mind. She loves "feeling him up". This looks a little weird but oh so cute.

Sorry, we don't have very good 1st Thanksgiving pics, but I figured I can put her in the "My first Thanksgiving" shirt and recreate the whole event sans icky running nose, red eyes, hacking cough, and blood wrenching screams later.

Fingernails and blue jeans

2009-11-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

I have successfully made a murder scene that looked like something from CSI. I cut Ruby's nails. I don't know if I will ever cut her nails again. They can just curl over and twist like those people with the world's longest nails in the Guiness Book of World Records. Although I don't know if I can take the scratches or the looks I get from the scratches around my neck. I'm sorry but I have no picture of the crime scene.

On a happier more exciting note. It might seem like a little thing, but it was exciting to me. Ruby got her first pair of blue jeans. She can wear them everyday and no one will say a thing because you can do that with blue jeans. Right?

My Little Stinker

2009-10-29T18:55:00.001-07:00

I actually thought about dressing her as a booger, but after thinking some more decided that it would just be a little too cruel.

3 Month Giggles

2009-10-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

Happy 3 months!
Her great mema.

Getting Chopper kisses.

Grandaddy, Uncle Buddy, and Uncle Kirby

Holding a toy on her own.

Ruby and Aunt Nancy

Ruby and Aunt Mary

Ruby and Aunt Marsa.

Ruby turned 3 months last Wednesday. I can't believe I've survived what seems like endless spitup, poop, and crying so hard that I still hear it after it's stopped. I must say that the last month has been the best so far. She changes every day. I feel like tommorrow I'll be having to send her off to college.

It was harder to leave her and go back to work after fall break than it was when I first went back. She's so enjoyable now. It's not that I didn't love her the first time, but now she laughs and smiles so much. It can really melt your heart. My students love her, even though most have never met her yet. One student asked me where she was like he thought I was going to bring her to school everyday. I told him she was in the closet. She's the topic of many conversations. And I thought I would never get their attention the day I set her picture out by the computer. I didn't realize having a baby would make me super cool to a bunch of elementary kids.

Here are some milestones:

Ruby can sit up by herself as long as her back is against something. However, she does start leaning like the leaning tower of Pisa and eventually she falls over.

She grabs things and holds them herself. My hair will never be worn down again nor will I be wearing necklaces for a while.
We actually saw her put her pacy in her mouth. I don't know if she was aware she did this.
She is giggling more than ever.

Just today she started talking baby talk. She and Josh had a full blown baby conversation for about 30 minutes. I also had to take her out of church not because she was crying, but because she was giggling so hard and making funny noices.
She can do stomach crunches and curls better than any pilates instructor.
She pooped all over her grandaddy for the first time. Lovely.

2 months WOW

2009-10-01T04:49:00.000-07:00

Just a few days of diapers.

Doing her Jane Fonda workout.

Well our little girl is growing up. She turned 2 months last week on the 21st. It's going by fast and she seems to change everyday. Ruby has her daddy's sweet dimples if you haven't noticed by the pictures. You can really notice them now that she's gottn some fat on her cheeks. I think she's going to be a runner or a swimmer. Her legs are constantly moving and she already does her stretches.

She had her 2 month checkup. Which also means she had her shots. Call me a mean mommy, but I just couldn't help and laugh when she got her first shot. She was happy and then the nurse stuck her little thigh. Ruby cocked her head back and her face turned as red as a tomato. Her mouth opened wide and her lips quivered, but nothing came out for like 30 whole seconds. Then, the loudest noise I had ever heard was leashed from one of the tiniest little mouths ever. I'm sure the nurse thought I was crazy, because I was chuckling. I did hold her little hands during this whole episode. So maybe I'm not that mean.

Ruby now weighs in at a whole 10 lbs 6 ozs. She is 21 1/2 inches long.

Updates and stuff

2009-09-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's Football Time. This will be Saturday's outfit.
She smiles!

I think this one is hilarious! She looks like she's gotten a little too much caffeine in the milk.

A teacher at school made this yummy banana pudding. I don't think Ruby is quite into it yet.

Bath time.

Ruby is doing great. Josh and I are getting a little energy back or our bodies are just adapting to life with a baby. She is only waking once during the night. She was going down around 9:00 last week and Josh and I were so excited. This week is a different story. One night was close to 3:00 the rest have been anywhere between 10:30 and 12. She's become very alert and wants to take in everything. I think she believes if she sleeps she'll miss something. I know I'm missing my sleep!

She took her first rode trip on Labor day. She rode with my parents to Land Between the Lakes. Josh and I lead the way on the motorcycle. We took the long way which took about 4 hours. She hardly cried according to mom. It was so nice to ride with Josh again. It had been almost a year. Ruby did wonderful. My parents took care of her most of the day . Thanks guys. I didn't get a lot of pics because my camera apparently got scared when Josh decided to disturb two copperheads with a photoshoot and quit working.

If she contiues to nap I'll post pictures, but if not you'll get them later.

one month pics

2009-08-22T11:49:00.001-07:00

Ugh! I can't get this one to turn!

Gorgeous

2009-08-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been one month already. Ruby is such a gift from God. He knew exactly when we would need her most. She has been such a positive light in the recent sad days. Josh's dad passed away this week after a long battle with lots of different things. He did get to hold little Ruby a couple of times and for that we are greatful. One of the last words he spoke was "Gorgeous" in a one word description of her to the chaplin at the Hospice center. I have a hard time calling her gorgeous as it makes my eyes a little weepy.

Without Ruby this week would have been tougher to get through for Josh and everyone. I believe that Ruby now has a special angel watching her from above and I don't care how cheesy that may sound. We will me miss Pepaw (Teddy), but know he's in better place.

2 Week Pictures and Noteable Firsts

2009-08-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

Ruby is a traveler. I can't stay at home for very long so she has already been many places. This I'm sure appalls some germ fearing people, but my sanity and the feeling that she'll be exposed to so much more later on anyway makes me not fear the germs so much. She's well wrapped when we go out and I don't let strangers touch her. We've been to Target at 9 days old, Dos Margarita's and Daddy's work in Nashville at 11 days, Cracker Barrel at 12, an art show at 18 days, and Church at 19.

She lost her belly button stub this past Wednesday and has managed to spit up, pee, and poo on me all at the same time.

She started sleeping in her crib on Thursday. Yay! She's slept peacefully in her lovely crib for the last 3 nights, which means Josh and I have slept somewhat peacefully in our room for the last 3 nights also.

The Life of Ruby, so far.

2009-07-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

Bright eyes

Ruby's Room.

Ruby's Arrival at her new home.

Car Seat 101

Going Home.

Ruby and I celebrating our Birthdays!

Daddy Loves Ruby

Aunt Jimama?

She has frog legs because she was breach. Kinda cute though.

She's here!

Minutes before arrival.

Ruby Soleil is Here

2009-07-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

She's here!!! Ruby Soleil Black arrived this morning via c-section. My water broke around 7:30 and I called the doctor around 8:45. She was dipped out at 12:28. Ruby weighed in at 6lbs 3ozs and is 19 1/2 inches long. Her hair is brown, but I think it will change. I'll post pics tomorrow.

Estimated Time of Arrival

2009-07-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Thought my water broke last night in bed. Went to the hospital. Wasn't my water soooo....I'll let you figure the rest out. Apparently she just kicked me in the bladder very hard. Josh remained fairly calm and got me to the hospital in one piece with most of the stuff on our list to bring. Yay, Josh! Too bad he had to unload it all this morning after about only 4 hours of sleep.

C-Section has been scheduled for the 28th. She's sitting diagonally, head up and bottom down, in my uterus and refusing to move. My tummy often looks very asymmetrical. Makes for very interesting comments. My huge elephant feet are also a big topic, even with the girls behind the counter at Dairy Queen.

More Baby Room Progress

2009-07-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

The painting under the mirror was made by one of my deaf ed students at SCE. It is a sun, flower, and a heart. She told me that she loves the sun because it makes the flowers grow and that warms her heart.

I bought it from her because it warmed my heart.

She's definitly not going to go naked anytime soon.

For some reason the above pic won't rotate, but I wanted to include it because Josh is actually reading the directions on how to put together the crib. Whata' man!

The painting of the giving tree was made by my friend Rachel, the top painting was made by my cousin's 2 yr old daughter, Mattie Mae, and the bottom one was painted by Josh's nephew, Alex.

I painted the mural on the wall behind her crib last week. It has a momma bird, a daddy bird, and a baby bird to represent our family. Pedro was jealous I didn't paint cats.

Josh putting together the crib. He didn't have any parts left over and he it didn't take him very long. Probably because he read the directions and he's very handy.

Opening the dresser/changing table.

Just An Update

2009-07-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

It's been an eventful last two weeks in the pregnancy department. Last Thursday I thought I was having contractions, but it turned out to be kidney stones. This is my second tour with the "Stones". The pain is just as intense as labor. 2 shots of demerol and lots of fluids got me back to normal. Gotta love those painkillers. It was a good trial run. I stayed overnight at the hospital and we got to listen to her heartbeat all night on the monitor. It was so soothing and sweet. When Josh touched my stomach or talked to her you could see her heartbeat raise a little and she would move. The nurse came in to turn the monitor down, but both of us at the same time told her to leave it turned up.
I would like to thank my friend Lydia for moving back to Gallatin just in time to take care of me until my parents and Josh could arrive at the hospital. She was great at distracting me from the pain.

We also found out yesterday that she is folded up like a taco with her butt down. Which spells out C-Section. The ultrasound tech and the doctor were not very optimistic about her turning. Though they didn't totally rule out that it could happen. I think they just said that to make me feel better. I'll go back to the doctor on Monday and she will do another ultrasound. This will make number 6. This child is going to think she is a movie star. She is also going to check to see if I've dilated anymore. If so she said she would schedule the c-section for this Tuesday or Wednsday. If not then the next week. I was a little worried at first, but I'm fine now. I've spoken to lots of people who've had c-sections and I feel okay about it. I figure as long as she's healthy it's all good. Josh will just get to pamper me for a little bit longer. I'm okay with that too. I do ask that you pray for all of us. I know that God will watch over us if we ask Him too and we'll all be alright.

Yes, I know I'm Small!

2009-07-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

So I passed my homework assignment. I'm still pregnant and hot. I went to the doctor this past Monday. Josh went with me because I always forget the questions I want to ask her and he's great at remembering them. The doctor said that I was a little small or she is a little small for how far along I am at this point. This was not hard for me to believe since everytime I tell someone when I'm due they exclaim, but you're so small! I usually take this as a compliment, but since the doctor seemed a little worried I've become a little worried. I think everything will be alright though. Mom told me that Stephen and I were both just around 6 lbs. when we were born. The doctor said the placenta could not be working properly or she could just be rolled up in a ball. I think she loves her mommy so much that she wants to make labor and delivery as easy as possible. Another good thing about the situation is that I get to have another ultrasound, even though I'd rather see her in person than on a screen again.
Everything else is fine. She has a great heart rate and she kicks a lot and hiccups. It's like someone is thumping the inside of my stomach everynight.
Pedro, our cat loves her stroller. He sleeps in it and lets us ride him around. We only do this inside the house. We wouldn't want the neighbors thinking we are any stranger than they already think.
Oh yeah, we also passed our childbirth class. We have a nice certificate to prove that we are experts in the profession of parenting. Hee, Hee!!

Homework

2009-06-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

My doctor said my homework for the next two weeks was to stay pregnant. I'm trying my best. I'll be 35 weeks by then and the good Doctor says that she's okay to make her debut. I'm thinking, "let me get through my inservice on June 30th and July 1st". Anything after 3:30 on July 1st will be just great with me, because I'm hot and swollen and I'm just ready to meet her.

We started childbirth classes. That's been eye opening, especially for Josh. He got to see a birth on video. I think they zoomed in a little too much for him. He's been a great support person so far. He's really on top of the breathing stuff. He's even made me practice.
I had to think of a place to focus on during labor. When the instructor asked me what my happy place was, I blurted out "Anywhere but here." Just giving everyone a little taste of how cranky I get when I'm uncomfortable. Watchout everyone!!!

Baby Room Progress

2009-06-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Proud Papa showing off his and Brian's handy trim work. He picked out the stars in the corner just for her.

(Note: My friend Tiffany and I painted the walls green last Thursday. "Bristle Grass" to be exact. Thanks for helping me Tiffany. Don't worry it was no odor paint & I didn't climb on any ladders.)

Josh putting primer over the orange, Yay, bye-bye orange!!!

Josh and Brian putting down new hardwood.

Before. When it was the computer room.

Too Big for My Britches

2009-06-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Sooooo this is probably too much information for some, but I thought it worthy of noting for all time in the baby blog.

WARNING: If you don't want to know then stop reading NOW!!!!!

I had to buy grown up girl undies yesterday. My baby body has forced me out of my bright, youthful, there's no point in even trying to fold, undies. I wore them until I just couldn't take it anymore. Plus no one likes to see a lady picking her wedgie all the time. I was just glad to find them in fun patterns and not so granny pantyish. It was a sad moment for me, but at least I feel more comfortable and I can say that my panties are no longer in a wad. This also adds to my list of post baby goals.

Getting back into the bright, youthful, there's no point in even trying to fold, undies.

We Survived My Brother's Wedding and a Few Other Things

2009-06-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Which of these bridesmaids dresses does not look like the other ones?

We survived wedding week and gained a few pounds too many. I had huge feet and got my first pedicure ever because I can't reach my feet comfortably anymore. I was a little weird about someone other than Josh touching my feet, but didn't really trust him to paint my toenails. The wedding was beautiful and I'm so happy for my brother and Kelly.

I went back to the doctor yesterday for another ultrasound and my regular appointment. Everything seems fine and she doesn't look like an alien so much anymore. I get to see the doctor every two weeks now. Yippee. She was curious about how I had gained so much weight this month. I told her about the bridal luncheon, rehersal dinner, and wedding. She didn't say anything more.

Josh and I registered at Target on Sunday. That was fun. Josh really seemed to enjoy it and anything he picked up I felt obligated to scan because he was so excited about it. Once again I think he is going to be a great dad and a cool one too. I wouldn't blame her unique dress all on me though. He's picked out some pretty unusual things himself. If he had it his way everything would be tie-dyed.

P.S I've also added some pics from the day we told the family. They are in that post.

2009-05-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I've been very busy every day and every weekend since March it seems.

Here's some updates and funny stuff.

No gestational diabetes. Yay! That stuff you have to drink is icky. I'm glad they don't make you take that test in beginning.

I haven't let the name slip yet. It's driving mom crazy, but it's been fun for Josh and I.

She kicks and moves all the time. She kicked all the way home during our 5 hour drive from Athens, GA. Last week I actually saw my tummy move. It was weird because she apparently was doing double axles and triple somersaults. It looked like a groundhog building a tunnel under my skin.

I had my first shower. It was given by the related arts teachers at Station Camp. It was wonderful. I had asked for gift cards to Babies R Us. Hoping that maybe we could buy some of the nursery furniture. We received enough gift cards to buy the dresser and the crib. We only had to pay $85 out of our own pocket! Love,love, love you Station Camp and H.B.W.E teachers and staff! We couldn't have done it without you.

This has nothing to do with the baby, but I'm sitting here on a super rainy, stormy day and the ice cream man just went down the street. The only thing that I could maybe think might stop would be the millions of cats and dogs it's been raining.

The doctor says that I'm doing well as far as my weight is concerned. I go back to the doctor for another ultrasound on June 1st. Maybe she won't look so much like an alien to Josh this time. Maybe she'll even wave and say how she can't wait to see the outside of my body and her daddy.

Josh and I believe her first words will be Pedro. That's our cat. We say and yell his name a lot. He also likes to sit on her (my tummy).

We bought hardwood flooring for her room this week. Josh and Bryan are going to install it on Monday. Then hopefully we can paint the walls.
I realized the other day that taking care of your child never ends. Even when they are 28 years old. I realized this as was I sitting in my car behind the dumpter at Hardee's waiting for my mom and dad to come get me because I had just regurgitated everything I had just ate all over myself and the car.
And last but not least some stories about my students.

Yesterday a 1st grader told me he could see my baby coming out. Hopefully he was speaking of my expanding tummy.

One of my sweet special needs students realized after hugging me that something was different about my stomach. He asked, "What is that?" as he pointed at my stomach. I said there is a baby growing in my tummy. He wanted to see the baby and thus a tug of war began. He trying to pull my shirt up and me trying to keep it down. This went on in the lobby of the school during kindergarten registration for what seemed like eternity. I eventually won and ran away as fast as I could.

I Get to Be Mysterious!

2009-03-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

On Monday we found out that we are having a girl. Yay! I think a part of me really wanted to have a girl, but really only because I wanted to be mysterious about the name. Don't get me wrong, I would have loved whatever I was blessed with. I think Josh is a little nervous about a girl, but he'll be fine. He's very excited and I believe seeing the ultrasound made it all a little more real to him. Especially when he said she looked like an alien on the screen and she turned her head and started opening her mouth. Like she was saying to him "Look who's talking! You big poop head!" I think they'll definately have a special bond.

The other exciting thing is that they moved my due date to July 30. Josh was excited because that's really close to his prediction of July 29th. If he's right I might start making a business out of his predictions. You should see him predict weight loss on the Biggest Loser.

What's Happening in Lindsay's Tummy

2009-03-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure that I've felt the little booger move. I 've been feeling this weird movement for about 2 weeks and I've decided that it's not gas. I used a very scientific method to figure this one out. The movement is in the location that we have been finding the heartbeat and I know when I'm gassy. That one's not hard to identify these days.

Here is the best way I can describe what it feels like:

1. I have swallowed a lava lamp. I feel like those little bubbles of whatever it is that floats around in those lamps are floating around in my lower abdomen.

2. A tiny elf has imbedded itself in my stomach via my belly button and is playing soccer against my uterus.

6 Pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

I did really like my doctor. I still do really, but she made me feel like I had exploded and transformed into the Marshmellow Man from Ghostbusters.
"Where did this 6 pounds come from!" she exclaimed.
Where did it come from? Let me think, hum. Oh I know! It was the 6 pound bowling ball I had for breakfast.

On a much happier note though, we heard the heartbeat again and I got to schedule my ultrasound.

Hopefully on March 9th the lil booger will expose his/herself to the world. Unless he/she wants to drive her mommy crazy before she's even born. I hope the lil booger knows how much I like to decorate and how anal I can be.

Thoughts From the Mouths of Babes (aka My Students)

2009-02-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

So my students are more interested in my pregnancy than I ever imagined. You'd think I was having their little brother or sister. It's very sweet. I teach elementary kids art for those of you who don't know. I am amazed everyday by their concern and excitement. I didn't actually tell them myself. A few of the teachers told their classes and the "rumor" has seemed to spread without me saying a word. It's been fun to watch and listen. Here are some of the things they have said.

From one 3rd grade student to another who was not making very good choices one day.
"Stop acting that way! You're going to stress Mrs. Black out and that's not good for the baby!"

"I didn't know you had a boyfriend."

"You're gonna have a baby? Wow I feel sorry for you because that's really gonna hurt. My mom's done it twice." -a 3rd grade boy

This was said to me just this week.
"Have you gotten your baby yet?" -2nd grade

"Mrs. Black, I heard a rumor you were going to have a baby." -various grades

This one is like a broken record. I finally just made an announcement to all my classes about it.
"Is it a boy or a girl?" "When do you find out?" "What would you rather have a boy or a girl."

"Girls are better."

Fun Facts About My Pregnanacy

2009-01-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have been sick. It comes at random times, day or night. At 13 weeks I am starting to feel better.
Josh seems to be handling my whininess and moodiness just fine. Or maybe it's really nothing out of the ordinary for him.
I had an ultrasound and heard the heartbeat at 7 weeks. I also heard it at 13 weeks.
I am due August 2nd. Josh insists July 29th. I'm not sure why, but he's pretty good at predicting things. Too bad he hasn't predicted lottery numbers, not that we play.
I'm delivering at Hendersonville Hospital.
I haven't craved pickles or salad. Josh hasn't lost hope though.
We have names picked out. If it's a boy it's Syd Garrett Black. (After Syd Barrett, from Pink Floyd, Josh's idea. Oh, Josh's middle name is also Garrett.) If it's a girl we are keeping it a secret. Sorry Mom,but you will not dig this out of me.
I've stopped running, but continue to do Pilates and weights.
I have had to buy 2 bridesmaids dresses for the same wedding. I found out 2 weeks after I ordered the first that the lil booger had been conceived. The seamstress was reluctant to alter the first one. Too bad they wouldn't take it back either, oh well.
Josh is the best husband in the world. Sorry all you other husbands reading this. I would have strangled myself by now. He's going to be a great dad too.
This will be my mom and dad's first grandchild. It will be the second for Josh's parents.

Telling the Family

2009-01-29T16:19:00.000-08:00

Josh and I decided to keep the lil booger to ourselves for a while and tell the family on Christmas Eve. We needed time for it to sink in for ourselves before overwhelming our families with this great surprise. It was hard for me, really hard to not tell my mom. My extra horomones kicked in quick 5 nights after we found out. I wanted my mommy. I wanted someone to talk to about what was going on in my body and all my feelings. Yes, I know that this is what Josh is for, but somethings you just need your mom for. We made it through Thanksgiving dinners without saying a word or giving a hint, but the Sunday after I told mom. I, of course, had to tell dad too. I told mom at the Plowhaus art gallery while taking down art work and we told dad at Sonic later on that night. He wondered why I was waiting in his car after church and why Sonic was a must that night. Both promised not to tell anyone. Mom told one person I later found out. Thanks Gaye for keeping it a secret.

We told everyone else on Christmas Eve as planned. I made bibs and onesies that said things like, "I Love my Uncle Stephen." We wrapped them up and on Christmas Eve, before we ate, Josh and I gave out our presents. We have never done this before so I think everyone knew that something was up. I just told them I got a good deal on the gifts.

Everyone opened their gifts and was quiet. Kelly was the only one who seemed to get it or maybe everyone else was just processing it. Stephen thought his bib was for the dog. I could tell Kelly wanted to say something outloud, but both of us noticed the quiet in the room. Then it hit and everyone was excited and that became the topic of conversation the rest of the night. Sorry Stephen and Kelly for not talking more about the wedding.

Explanation of Title and Finding Out

2009-01-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I realize that some might think of boogers as gross. I see boogers all day in my line of work. Boogers are gross, but I think the word is kind of cute. Can you really call someone a lil' booger without smiling? It was also the first thing I thought of calling the wonderful life growing inside me and making me sick at random times of the day. I thought the name appropriate.

So please don't take offense. I love my lil' booger and it makes me smile just to say it.

Finding Out

Realizing my little friend had not come to visit yet, I awoke the Monday before Thanksgiving, pulled out an old e.p.t I had stored in the back of the sink's cabinet, and did what women do on the tip of those test. I didn't have my contacts in yet and I was not very alert, so when the little blue line appeared the first thing that came to my head was that I was still asleep. I tried to wake myself, (impossible if you are already awake) and grabbed my glasses. The line was still there and bright. Even for a test that had expired a year earlier.
Most of you that know us also know that we haven't really been preventing for 2 years. This bright blue line was most definitely a line of surprise. So much so that when I went back into the bedroom to alert, warn, tell Josh, all I managed to do was flip on the light, pull the covers off of him, and sit and stare at him. Luckily Josh is not very grumpy in the morning. He covered his eyes and asked what was going on. I said, "Nothing." Josh is a smart guy and he realized that turning on the light and pulling the covers off of him at 6:00 was not just "nothing". I can't remember what I finally said, but it woke him up and he rushed to the bathroom to stare at a stick I had just peed on.
Being that the test had expired my smart husband decided we should go buy another one. This was an adventure all in itself. Who would have believed that Krogers keeps the e.p.ts locked up with the condoms and cologne. Maybe that says something about our society these days. Not the locked up part, but the grouping of those 3 products. I'm kind of shy so I did not want to ask someone to open "the case" for me. We walked out and drove across town to Food Lion. They don't keep theirs locked up. And you can figure out the rest of the story.