Battles Between Heartprints & Fingerprints

Yes, I am a good mom!

2012-01-16T11:12:00.003-06:00

I've been pondering this blog for a while (like everything in life), but I read a blog the other day that made me say "ah ha". If you haven't read Don’t Carpe Diem you really should.

So, here's my take on Mom-ing and Carpe Diem...

The meaning of Carpe Diem is popularly translated as "seize the day".

I love being a mom, absolutely love it. (Remember this is coming from the girl who was iffy on child raising!) Maybe I love it because really for the most part Kenzee is very easy going, tender hearted and loving, but I more like to think I love being a mom because at the end of the day I can reflect on the good things. I remember the hard part of the day, but the good things are what I concentrate on.

My goal each and every day is to be able to say we survived the day, we had a good time doing it, and I learned something today!

It also helps that I have a sign that says "You're the best MOTHER in the Universe" that I look at every morning and evening!

I hope you are "Carpe Diem-ing" today!

Revamp...

2012-01-09T16:40:00.004-06:00

Hello?!? Anyone out there?? If you are, kudos to you for sticking around, if you aren't well I can't say I blame you.

I think I've taken blogging WAY to seriously, and put to much pressure on myself to be a good blogger. I can't be good at something I'm not doing. However, I love the creative outlet it lends! So, I'm not going to be the best blogger around, but I am going to dust this baby off and use it to "journal" our daily lives so I have something to share with Kenzee when she is old enough to want to know!

I actually just ran across my recap of 2010 with it more than 1/2 way through the year, yet unfiinished. So how about something a little different?

Here are the top 11 things of 2011 (in no particular order)!

We experienced our first trip to Chuck E Cheese with Kenzee

Scabbies (with other illnesses piled on top of that, and an ER trip)

First Day of School

Barefoot Dream Designs birth (including classes, photo shoots, designing, and many other projects!)

My first overnight trip away from Kenzee

Potty Training

Spring/Summer in Oklahoma (including storms, and crazy heat)

Kaleb aka Buboo graduating from High School

Brandon aka Uncle B graduating from the Police Academy

Vacation (including throw up)

But most importantly time with family and friends still ranks at the top of the list for us!

With that being said, here are some of my favorite pictures from 2011 and a kick off of a wonderful 2012!

How do you teach your child?

2011-02-17T10:49:00.003-06:00

I heard something on the radio this morning about the comparison between a child when they are in kindergarten vs. college. It was one of those daily affirmation type commercials (and I probably read more into them than a lot of people do), and it really made me think about how we are raising Kenzee. The comparison was about a child in kindergarten who will sing, dance, draw, really everything in front of an audience, vs. an adult who will do very little in front of even their biggest fan. The reasoning behind the commercial was to get you to think before you act, rather than criticize someone for something instead to encourage them.

I can think back to the exact time someone told me I looked “dumb” in the way I was dancing. It was at that very minute that I stopped dancing, and unless it was a choreographed dance routine then you would NOT catch me dancing/free-styling or anything that could make me look “dumb” (even in the security of my own bedroom). Those words came from the mouth of a friend of mine and we were probably 8 – 9 years old, but even then I KNEW I did not want to give someone a reason to make fun of me, or to think I looked “dumb”.

Of course there is no way I can ensure this doesn’t happen to Kenzee, but what I can do is encourage her to play, create, and be confident in the things she does. I can create an environment where she is comfortable just being her, and teach her that her confidence will only come from within!

As my friend BETSY said in her blog the other day, “fake it until you make it”.

Does she look confident?!?

Blogging Ideas...

2011-02-17T10:26:00.003-06:00

Since it's been so long since I blogged (a real true post), I think I should just jump right back in. Right? It can't be that hard. Right? Isn't it going to be kind of like jumping into the swimming pool for the first time of the season? Just jump in feet first, and enjoy the cold icy sensation that comes over you? Ok, maybe not that painful, but you get the drift!

I have been beating myself up for not blogging more for Kenzee, for not documenting every day life. And that has held me back from blogging - my thinking I need to go back and catch everyone up from the past year. Well, that's not going to happen, so welcome to the middle of February 2011. We are going to start from here and move forward!

If you don't know me, well you should. If you don't know the cast of characters in my life, you are probably going to get to know them fairly quickly!!

I've thought long and hard about the challenge of daily blogging, and while I don't know if I can keep up with daily blogging, I am definitely going to try to keep up with normal blogging!

So without further adieu...

Here are a few things I have on my list (imagine that - a list) titled "Things to Blog About"

- Crying
- Where you live
- Am I making her just like me?
- Baby vs. No Baby
- Body Language
- Labels
- Life Purpose
- Life is NOT Fair
- Sometimes you have to find the blessings
- Birth Order
- Don't Give Your Power Away
- What's You Intention?
- Never Get Stuck in One Spot
- Technology Kids
- Miscarriage
- Most Important Person in a Child's Life

So if you are following along with me let's get to it! AND if you have any ideas or suggestions you would like me to follow up on let me know!

Wow...

2010-12-22T13:29:00.002-06:00

I have been a horrible blogger - and I think one of the "resolutions" I had for 2010 was to document our lived better in writing. Wow - I have been horrible at that. How about I write a year in review - and I also talk Brian into doing the same thing? Then you get two different views, and the whole run down!

We will make that a priority to do in the coming week, so stay tuned for an update on 2010!

Haffy Birthday Kenzee!!

2010-06-09T14:02:00.003-05:00

My baby girl is 18 months old today! Since Kenzee was born in December we have talked about having a "Haffy" Birthday for her once she gets old enough to realize her birthday is so close to Christmas. I thought I would go ahead an celebrate a "Haffy" Birthday for her!

She is growing like a weed, and more importantly learning things almost by the minute. Learning by the minute isn't always a good thing - because if you turn your back and it gets quiet - watch out!!!

How about a few funny things that have been happening as Kenzee LEARNS!!

The other day we were getting ready to go out to dinner. I told Brian to just leave Kenzee in the bathroom with me while I showered (this is not abnormal). When Brian returned he found puddles of water on the bathroom floor, Kenzee in the shower with me, and me laughing hysterically. Kenzee had climbed up on the edge of the bathtub and was standing there waving at me. Rather than risk a trip to the ER because she fell, I jumped out of the shower, and put her in with me (hence the puddles of water on the floor).

Another morning as I was getting ready to leave the house, again getting ready in the bathroom, Kenzee found my nail polish and was carrying it around. (She is already much more fashion conscious than I am!) I heard something hit the tile floor, and Kenzee say, "UHOH MOM!". Those two words are not a good combination. She had dropped the nail polish and it had busted. I guess because of the look on my face Kenzee backed up into my carpeted closet, and got hot pink polish on the carpet. I snagged her up and attempted to clean her off first (water only smears polish), and then went to work on the tile, grout, walls, carpet, potty chair, door, and glass shower. Just in case you were wondering nail polish remover only works on nails - nothing more. Windex works wonders on carpet though. I am still working on the grout, but have heard a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will do the trick. (I will let you know!)

So there you have it - the life of a mommy with an 18 month old!

Nail Polish

2010-06-03T13:42:00.002-05:00

I know I should blog more, much more just to keep a record of the great things going on. This is one of those instances I can't pass up - sorry no pictures though.

This morning when getting ready Kenzee was doing her normal thing. Playing with anything she could get her hands on in the bathroom. She is normally really good and plays in the floor, and doesn't string everything out. This morning started off just the same. Then I hear something drop and Kenzee say, "Uhoh".

I saw pink nail polish all over! She had dropped the bottle and it broke. It was on her feet, hands, the tile floor, grout, door, wall, potty chair, and carpet. Oops!

My first thought (after making sure Kenzee was ok), was to get her cleaned up as quickly as possible so it wasn't tracked anywhere else. Then I broke out the polish remover. Before using that on the carpet I decided to use my best research tool - the internet. Luckily, I found that Windex is the magic cleaner for nail polish and carpet. After much scrubbing the untrained eye can't see the hazy pink-ness!

Oh the things we will have to tell Kenzee!!

Little Girl

2010-04-08T10:09:00.004-05:00

Where did my baby go? How did she become a little girl so quickly? I LOVE getting to watch her transform on a daily basis. Kenzee is learning so much, and so quickly!

That's my excuse for not updating - I am busy watching my baby become an independent little girl!

So a quick run down of everything going on -

- Easter was great - low key, church, lunch, Easter Egg hunt! (I really stink - I didn't get many pictures.)

- Easter Pictures - they were almost a flop because of Kenz going through teething hell. (that's the only way I know how to describe teething makes her feel.) Runny nose, and all SWEETBERRY PHOTOGRAPHY did a GREAT job! Thank goodness it was a mini session because it was super windy and cool outside. Kenzee was so funny with the ducklings and chicks, and finally warmed up to the thought of holding them after the session!

- I am in the process of "thinking outside the box"... I know that isn't abnormal for me, but I am really trying to push myself to do different things, and maybe those different things will lead to more open doors in life for the Doughty's. That's just a glimpse at what I am thinking, but I will update later as I have more information!

Let's see - what is coming up for us?
- Planning vacation?
- Kenzee and I are going to Odessa via AIRPLANE in a few weeks! I am excited, but VERY nervous about the thought of confining both of us for an extended length of time!
- The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is coming up quickly. I have NOT been running at all, so this is going to be very interesting!

After that the busy-ness of summer starts, and I am so excited! I NEED to go to the lake!

Love Giveaways!

2010-03-24T13:45:00.002-05:00

I have been meaning to blog for a long time, but this gives me reason to do so!!! I LOVE Kendra's work, most of you know that already. She designed all of Kenzee's 1st Birthday Party stuff, and helped me set the stage for the rest of the decor.

Kendra is not only a wonderful designer, but and wonderful person and I am lucky to call her a friend too!!

Check out her blog give away -
MISS PRISS & ME

Team Doughty!!!

2010-02-18T15:28:00.002-06:00

Thank you to those of you who have already voted!

For those of you who don't have any idea what I am talking about check out this email that I sent out:

As all of you know TARA has been a wonderful friend of ours, she photographed our wedding, my maternity pictures, and has captured wonderful pictures of Kenzee from birth to her first birthday. On top of being our photographer, Tara and Derek have become wonderful friends. We would do anything to promote TLP, without reward, however, this comes with a little something for us!

I would love to have a beautiful board book of Tara's creations of Kenzee's first year, and this is THE way I can have that!!!

Would you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE become a fan of TLP on her facebook page below? Then post a comment on her wall with the words "Team Stacy & Brian" to let her know you represent the 6-5-4 team!!! If you don't have a facebook page I would encourage you do set one up just for this if you don't want to use it for social networking... If you need any help setting a profile up - just let me know.

One last thing - if you will pass this along to everyone you know I would greatly appreciate it!!!

Thanks!! We love you all!!
Stacy and Brian

--- On Thu, 2/18/10, Tara Lokey wrote:

WIN AN 8x10 CUSTOM-DESIGNED BOOKBOUND ALBUM!

HOW TO WIN
Get as many people as you can to become a fan of my new Tara Lokey Photography page on Facebook. The client with the most fan referrals by midnight CST on Sunday, February 21 will win the prize.

WHO CAN ENTER?
This contest is open to all current and former clients of Tara Lokey Photography.

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Send people to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Lokey-Photography/308371657206?ref=ts
2) Ask them to become a fan of my page
3) Have them write on my wall your couple name as Team Bride & Groom (example: "Team Stacy & Brian")

DEADLINE
The contest will end at midnight CST on Sunday, February 21. The winner will be announced via email and on my fan page on Monday morning.

PRIZE
The winner will receive a custom-designed 8x10 layflat bookbound album with 24 sides (12 pages) filled with the TLP images of their choice. The album features a full image glossy cover. Very cool! (a $450 value)

Good luck and let the games begin!!!

Tara :o)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
//// TARA LOKEY PHOTOGRAPHY ////
Wedding photography for the fashion-inspired bride

www.taralokey.com | ph: 405.323.4634

So if you are on facebook, or just need a reason to join, please back Team Doughty!!!

Catching up

2010-02-15T15:52:00.004-06:00

I have a lot to write to catch everyone up! Sorry for it taking me so long...

- at the end of January we had a great time reconnecting with old friends! Dinner at their house, and so much fun to watch Kenzee interact with their Miss Priss!!

- vacation to Colorado was great!! We left snow, freezing fog, and just general yuck. When we arrived to great snow and sunshine!! The slopes were great - at least to most of us! I loved skiing - until it started to get icy. And then the skies opened up and it snowed, and snowed, and snowed! That was wonderful and made for great skiing once again. We rode snow mobiles, ate yummy food and had a great time!! (I will update with pictures later - I took most pictures with Mom and Tom's camera!) The only downfall to the trip was the ride home. It took 14 hours to get there, and over 18 to get home. That doesn't make for a happy baby girl.

- Kenz decided that getting sick right before vacation wasn't enough she wanted to cut teeth while in Colorado. One made is presence there, and another the day after we got home. This brings Kenzee up to 4 teeth!

- we are closer to joining a new church. Our family needs a church home, and this past weekend we checked out the nursery. I know Kenzee needs this interaction, but man it's hard on momma. If you have any tips please share them!! (Remember to be easy on me, she's never stayed with anyone other than family...)

- and I am a sucker for brown, milk dud eyes... We have adopted another black lab. Her name is Queenee, she is 3 or 4 and just has the sweetest personality! She and Wriglee have taken up very well, and she and Kenzee are working on getting to know each other.

Layla Grace

2010-02-11T09:48:00.002-06:00

This LITTLE GIRL and the entire Marsh family need some prayers...

thinking...

2010-02-10T19:11:00.002-06:00

So, I've been thinking about another blog. I think this blog should be dedicated to our family, and Kenzee. I think I've mentioned I have some ideas in sharing these stories with Kenzee when she is older, and if you get down to it, some of my ramblings are totally random!

So, if I start another Random Ramblings blog would you follow both, or would I be lonely?

Fever - Not Cabin Fever

2010-01-26T16:32:00.003-06:00

We have our very first fever. *ugh* Poor baby girl!

Yesterday Kenzee wasn't acting like herself. She was just acting off, then through out the day she decided to throw up a few times. No fever, and nothing else. She napped more than normal, and slept good last night. This morning Kenz was back to herself, so I figured it was just something maybe she had eaten or whatever. I thought it had passed.

Fast forward to afternoon nap today... Kenzee woke up SCREAMING! I got her up, held her for a bit, she nursed, and then I noticed her cheeks were BRIGHT red. Sure enough - fever. Just low grade, so not enough to call the doctor. Hopefully, Motrin will cure this!

Blog hopping

2010-01-22T20:29:00.004-06:00

When you blog hop you can come across just about anything and everything. There are blogs that can provoke many feelings.

Even though I didn't get to meet our first baby I had hopes and dreams for her. I could post many thoughts or feelings about losing a baby, but this blog is just so - yea... I can tell you this MAY 2ND will be a different kind of day!

Really?!?

2010-01-22T09:59:00.003-06:00

Last night Kenzee and I had this conversation...

Me: Kenzee, do you even like me? (this was as she was pinching me and making this scrunched up face knowing it hurt)

Kenzee: Nope

So, those are the conversations I have with a 1 year old. Where did the attitude come from anyway?

After that conversation I should have known I needed to keep my guard up! Little did I know!

Kenzee has been playing in the living room with Wriglee laying on the couch watching closely. They both disappear as I am trying to tie up a work phone call, and the house goes quiet. Not even quiet, silent. You know that silence when you can just feel something is happening that shouldn't be? I quickly wrapped up my call, and at that exact same time Kenzee let out this crazy squeal (not a hurt noise), and then I hear Wriglee jumping around. When I rounded the corner I could see them both playing with the same diaper (clean!). They both dropped it and looked at each other as if to say, "Mom s/he did it!".

I can only imagine what is yet to come between these two!

Something just crashed gotta go!

Such a Big Girl

2010-01-18T21:29:00.003-06:00

Don't you wish you could understand? This is about 10 minutes into the conversation when I picked the camera up!

Pics - Days 13 & 14

2010-01-18T21:27:00.000-06:00

Day 13

Pizza is Yummy!

Day 14

Sharing a Sippy with Wriglee

+ Extra

Day 10, 11 & 12

2010-01-18T21:23:00.000-06:00

Day 10

Messy Packing Paper (Thanks Aunt Nicki!)

Day 11 (2)

Don't Steal My Cookie

More (signing)

Day 12

A Working Mommy's Lunch

Pics - Days 6, 7 & 8

2010-01-18T21:18:00.000-06:00

Day 6

The Princess Needs More Room (in her closet) -

Day 7

To Do List

Day 8 with an extra!

Napping Baby

Don't Look Mommy

Uhoh...

2010-01-18T17:29:00.000-06:00

I missed a day of picture taking. Hopefully I've taken plenty of pictures to make up for the missed day. I'll just tack a day on at the end of the project.

Here's a quick recap of the past few days since I've been missing in action with blogging. I've come across some fun make it yourself blogs, and organizing blogs! I'm going to take the advice on one mom's blog about how to keep your house clean - or some tips!

This weekend we went to Hobby Lobby for some make it yourself Valentine's Day decorations. I need to get over my lack of holiday decorating for my baby girl. I think the reason I've never been a big seasonal decorator is because it tends to make things look cluttered, but I am going to overcome that a *wee* bit! So, bring on the Pink, Red and White. Ok, not really, but how about in my compromise some Black, White and Pink? Does that count?

Little Miss has been a busy girl. She is going through big changes that are amzaing! Some things she is working on learning: textures, what belongs, and what fits, standing up - without pulling up. And on top of that her looks are changing. She is looking more and more like a little girl, rather than a baby. Where has the time gone? *sigh* Last but not least she is learning to give real kisses. When she wants to give you a kiss she will go "mmmmmmmm" and then try to "smack" after the kiss. Soooo, cute!

I've been a bit busy with work, so when I'm done working I really don't play/post much. I'll be back later with some pictures!

Quick Drive By...

2010-01-16T12:44:00.000-06:00

Just because I put this somewhere else. Check out how our baby girl has grown!

Newborn -

and One Year -

I can't believe how big she is getting!

FS!! Everything!!

2010-01-09T18:06:00.000-06:00

Just kidding. Not everything is for sale, but I am in the process of cleaning out Kenzee's closet. I have a TON of stuff that needs to go. If you know anyone who is having, or has, a baby girl let me know. Kenzee's wardrobe starts at some premie stuff, then gradually progresses. A LOT of the 9 month clothes still have tags on them because she just quit growing for a bit of time.

I will be in the process of posting in different places to sale. You know the money will go towards a new wardrobe for the Little Princess!!!

Happy 13 Months to my baby girl!!

2010-01-09T12:29:00.000-06:00

Picture Days 4 & 5

2010-01-09T12:23:00.000-06:00

Day 4

So I LOVE the look Kenzee has in this picture - but wow, the color was WAY off, and there really is no focus... I have done some photoshopping to it, but my photoshopping skills are LIMITED, so I'm not sure if it is better or worse.

Bath time is one of Kenzee's favorite times of the day!

Just an out take - better color!

Day 5

Brushing her teeth with a big kid toothbrush for the first time. You can see the determination on her face. I was brushing my teeth at the same time, so she was mimmicking me.

Change?

2010-01-08T11:59:00.003-06:00

Why the title change you ask?

Right after Brian and I were engaged a poem called HEARTPRINTS was sent to us. We loved it, and used it as a reading at our wedding. It just fits life.

Then with those heartprints add a baby and you have fingerprints! Lots, and LOTS of fingerprints!!! But at the end of the day it isn't those fingerprints that matter most, it is the heartprints.

However, this is a battle that I face every day because I NEED organization, I thrive on things being "right". I like............ ok let's be honest here. A lot of people would consider me anal about things. And that is probably a correct analysis. Now, with all of this being said I enjoy every single minute of our disruptive, crazy house!!

So there you have it - Battles Between Heartprints & Fingerprints! May your battles be as easy to fight!

The Poem:

Heartprints

by Author Unknown

Whatever our hands touch -
We leave fingerprints!
On walls, on furniture
On doorknobs, dishes, books.
There's no escape.
As we touch we leave our identity.

Wherever I go today
Help me leave heartprints!
Heartprints of compassion
Of understanding and love.

Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor
Or a runaway daughter
Or an anxious mother
Or perhaps an aged grandfather.

Send me out today
To leave heartprints.
And if someone should say,
"I felt your touch,"
May they also sense the love
that is deep within my heart.

Pic Day 2 & 3

2010-01-07T10:04:00.000-06:00

I'm not always the best at getting pics uploaded daily, so I might post weekly. In the mean time here are Days 2 & 3...

Day 2 - Kenzee has been pretty clingy and just not feeling like herself. This pretty much explained our whole day:

Day 3 - Saltee wanted to get in on the action:

But then Day 3 took a crazy turn - the Artic Blast hit and in the middle of cooking dinner, and getting Kenzee to bed Mother Nature decided to make sure we knew she was still in control. We spent a few hours like this, and as we started to make plans to stay the night somewhere else OG&E came to our rescue.

Manic Monday!

2010-01-05T19:28:00.002-06:00

I actually started my pic a day yesterday (and I will also include some video!)...

Here is what we are dealing with! I'm not sure if she is studing or just trying to make me crazy:

And some videos!

NONONO

Kenzee Dancing

Loveable Girl!

Thoughts for 2010

2010-01-05T14:47:00.000-06:00

What a weird number to write... 2010 - not only does that number usher in a new year, but a new decade too. Crazy really! I don't make resolutions, but I have been thinking about what I would like to do differently this year - kind of some new (or old) stuff to focus on.

So here's my 2010 to do list in no particular order:

Take a picture a day (at least one - of anything! with this maybe i can justify a new camera)
Get organized (this is a work in process - every.single.day) & stay organized (including those deep dark places we have been avoiding in the house!!!)
Start running again & stick with it (i should go ahead and register for some races to keep me motivated)
Documents those fun things we do - and get them scrapped!!!
Be creative - daily, and get Kenzee involved

So if you want to join me in any of the above feel free!

Title?

2010-01-04T22:10:00.000-06:00

For those of you that follow me...

What do you think about me changing the title of our blog? Is that a huge faux pax?

Leave me a comment to let me know what you think!!!

Catching up

2010-01-04T17:00:00.001-06:00

I'm going to do my very best to catch everyone up to date in the life of the Doughty's! (minus the Princess Party as I know you all WANT to see pictures!)

Our month of December was crazy fun! Thank goodness I don't have a "real" job, huh? Or wait, thank goodness my bosses are pretty involved in my personal life so they understand everything going on in life!!!

The first weekend consisted of The Ford Family (if they had a blog I would insert a link here! *wink*wink*) coming up for a visit and to help with the Princess Party. Brian and I had already started on our crazy late nights. Yes, that means staying up until the wee hours of the morning to make sure EVERYTHING was perfect for the Princess Party! Everything for the party was either handmade by me, or carefully selected and handmade by somebody close to us! Thanks KENDRA for helping establish a theme!

We had a wedding to attend in Branson on the 20th, so Kenzee and I left on the 17th and Brian came up on the 18. He left on the 20th and we returned home on the 22nd.

Then that is when the fun started. The Blizzard of 2009! Christmas Eve was VERY eventful due to the snow. Brian helped numerous people dig their vehicles out of the snow in Mom's neighborhood, and when it was time for us to return home we felt pretty confident we wouldn't have any trouble. That was true - until we were within a 1/2 mile from the house, and the snow drifts were at least 4 feet tall on the main road into our neighborhood. You couldn't tell where the road ended and the sidewalk began. There were vehicles stranded everywhere and how we made it through without hitting one I will never know. When we were high centered on a snow drift (that even 4 wheel drive couldn't rescue us from) an Angel showed up with a bigger truck than ours, and helped us! Crazy weather - really crazy! We ended up with 14.5" of snow - the most I have ever seen for Christmas!

Brian's parents were able to join us for a bit on Saturday so we could celebrate Christmas with them! That meant the highways were passable at least during the day.

We were scheduled to head to Odessa on Sunday, and there was question about us being able to leave since they continued to close the highways. But again luck was on our side. We left Sunday morning and returned home Wednesday afternoon after Christmas with the Ford's.

Now if you are tracking drive time - we spent about 24 hours in the car in less than 2 weeks. Luckily Kenzee is a wonderful traveler!!

With all of that going on we spent New Year's Eve here at home. Kenzee went to be before 7, and Brian and I sat on the couch and rang in the New Year with Dick Clark!!

A Resolution

2010-01-02T22:59:00.001-06:00

My resolution this year should benefit you! It is to do better at blogging. AND to get Brian involved. Really he is a wonderful writer, he just won't admit it. He has promised a post to sum up 2009. I am going to hold him to it!

So some things I need to update on (I know I am WAY behind!)
- The Princess Party
- Christmas
- New Year's
- And in all of that our travels

Prepare Yourself

2009-12-13T20:37:00.001-06:00

to fall in love, and then have your heart just ripped right out of your chest. I'm not sure if this just hits home because of a beautiful little baby girl or if the name has anything to do with it. This is the kind of story that makes you go in and wake up your sleeping baby - just so you can hug her, and hug her again.

Enjoy the little things - even what you think is "bad"...

KENZIE.

Nostalgic kind of day...

2009-12-07T12:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Little Miss' birthday party. Yep, the first birthday party. I think it was highly successful. Our house didn't burst at the seams, but we had more people here than we ever have. It was so nice to have everyone celebrate with us. We had a great turn out, and missed those who couldn't join us.

Brian and I didn't struggle with the day (well a bit, but not too much), but it wasn't her "real" birthday either. Wednesday might be a totally different story.

Here is the rundown of the birthday party -
- Princess dressed in zebra and a wonderfully handmade tutu, complete with a matching hairbow
- Presents, presents and more presents!!! (I might need a bigger house for the new toys!)
- Cake - And yes she actually got a bit messy! However, she didn't exactly enjoy her daddy pushing her hand into the cake.
- Playing with all of those presents and enjoying her friends!
- Little Miss crashing just as people started to leave.

Now some of my tips for those of you planning a 1st Birthday Party -

- Have someone else take pictures for the big day. Then you don't have to worry about trying to capture everything yourself. Hire someone, enlist in a great friend, or family member. You won't regret it. I didn't pick up a camera during the party and it was nice. Plus, there might actually be some pictures of me!

- Whatever you can do ahead DO IT! Mix the punch up and have it ready to go. Someone else can and will pour it for you. If you can't (or don't want to have) have everything out have those items handy for restocking, and someone to help!

- Don't worry about spending big money. Baby won't remember where the cake came from, but she will remember all of those little notes that people left for her!

- If you forget something don't worry no one will know you had it planned anyway. (Unless it is something like the cake!)

- Enjoy!!!

Now that the party is over and the toys have a new home (ok, maybe in the middle of the floor), all of the friends are gone and I had a full night of sleep it is a nostalgic kind of day.

How does this happen?!?

2009-12-04T13:33:00.001-06:00

I wish time would just stand still for a few more days - let me slow down, and just savor the last few days of my baby girl not being 1, but still talking about her in "month" age. That's ok though, because I can say I have been able to enjoy this year and feel like I have been able to take it all in, rather than looking back saying I wish I had done (insert anything here). I have enjoyed every single bit of being a mommy - even when sleep is lacking.

We are going to seal a time capsule for Kenzee to open when she gets older. If you would like to contribute please let me know! If you have any ideas of something to put in it let me know that as well.

I will update again soon!

Lists, lists, and more lists!

2009-11-24T08:54:00.001-06:00

It's been a while again. I can sum up in one word why - lists! Honestly, I've not always been a list maker, but after I got pregnant I swore I lost my mind, and it still hasn't come back. Sooo, I've had to start making lists to know what I need to accomplish, and what I HAVE to accomplish. The nice thing is I like to see things completed on my list!

With that being said here is what is on my list of lists -

Birthday Party - This has multiple sub lists: guests who will be joining us, party items to purchase, items to be made, everything that goes into planning a Princess Party. (if you have a little girl who will be planning a Princess Party and would like to see my lists just email me and I will scan a copy in for you - just in case you think you might miss something!)
Thanksgiving
Wedding stuff I am helping with
Christmas - again multiple lists: each of our wish lists, gifts purchased, decorating that will take place after the Princess Party, what needs to be packed for each trip, weekend, overnights, everyone else's list that we will purchase a gift from
Stuff to be accomplished at the house

All I can say is thank goodness for lists! I'm sure there is something I am forgetting, but shhh don't tell me!

Hello???

2009-11-03T11:37:00.000-06:00

Who has my baby? Because I would really like her back! She is fussy today. I am going to blame it on those darn teeth trying to come in.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T16:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween from my Princess Batgirl!

Quick weekend catch up

2009-10-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

We had a great weekend! Friday my mom, Kenzee and I went to An Affair of the Heart. Crazy, crazy - stuff, people, estrogen! I think you could possibly get high off of the amount of estrogen packed into buildings (or maybe it is just a mixture of perfume!). Anyway, it was great this year because I KNEW who I was shopping for. I probably spent a little more money than Brian thinks (oh babe just kidding - but please don't look in my wallet for any receipts!) but definitely well worth it!

Saturday my mom and I went back. We were able to knock out a few Christmas gifts, and even better those gifts are being shipped so we didn't even have to carry them! SCORE!! After AAOTH I came home to snuggle with Baby Girl and watch some football. Pretty low key kind of night really.

Today - we met up with some friends and let the girls play at the park! It was super nice. I wish the weather was a bit nicer, but for what we have been experiencing I will take it. No wind, and not incredibly cold. The girls had their jackets on, but not to bad! We will be doing more stuff like that so Kenzee has some exposure to other little people.

Now back to laundry and getting ready for the week.

9 Month Check up

2009-10-22T08:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read that correctly. At 10 months 1 week and 5 days Kenzee had her 9 month check up. She is doing great, and perfect. Of course that is what we expect!! Her weight is below the 50th percentile, and her height is right at the 75th percentile. Funny - she is tall and skinny! I am thinking she gets that from me!

Not only am I here you update you on Kenzee's stats, but I am also here to tell you about our horrible pediatrician appointment yesterday. I probably should have left before we even walked in the door! (Not to mention I already knew there was something very pressing for me waiting at work.) Anyway, as we were running into Kenzee's 8:30 appointment (yes, in the parking lot right on time!) a lady who was walking much slower than we were got in our way. We walked into the office, and the waiting room was busy, not full but busy. There was a mom and what I assumed were her two children sitting across from us. Upon further observation I figured out the little girl was not hers but she belonged to another family! The little girl was interacting with the baby as if he were her brother. Strange!! Even stranger that the girl's mom came over and picked up the baby after he fell down, including reaching around the mom!! I was totally shocked. Brian was daring the little girl to come over to "help" with Kenzee. I can't imagine what he might have said to her!

So moving along! A lady walks in with what I assume are her grandchildren. I question that though because this lady is successfully wearing the youngest baby in a wrap. (Something I wish I could master with Kenzee, but I just know somehow I would end up with the fabric wrapped around my neck!) I am telling Brian that I think that is so cool that she could do that, and at the same time she completely pulls up her shirt to nurse the baby... I figured out very quickly this is not grandma, but mom. Brian was taken back with her age, or what we would have figured her age to be, but I was appalled with her lack of consideration for others while nursing. **please note - I am one of the biggest breastfeeding advocates there is. I don't have any issues with breastfeeding, breastfeeding in public or anything!! but the manner in which she proceeded was HORRIBLE!** When I say she raised up her shirt, her COMPLETE midsection was exposed. Collarbone to the top of her pants. This baby she was nursing didn't appear to be hungry, she wasn't crying, and she wasn't a young baby either. I would say she was probably 8 months old. I just feel there is a way to nurse in public, and it shouldn't be bothersome to other people.

With all of that, and the children that have no idea how to behave I was ready to be DONE... Oh and we didn't leave the office until 11. Yep, that is 2.5 hours after our appointment was scheduled! And most of that was waiting in the waiting room

Keep saying it...

2009-10-19T18:36:00.000-05:00

I have a dozen different thoughts for blogs in my head - I just have to find the time and energy to get them written down!

A little background before I give you something for a peace offering. Kenzee has been having "issues" with sleep the last few days. She wants to get up early, not sleep at night, and then not nap. I hear this could be a sign that she is on the verge of a breakthrough. I'm not sure what she is breakingthrough, but I give! I like to sleep - really like to sleep. Today at work after I had picked paci up off the ground for probably the 1,912,416,942th time (and it was only 8:42 a.m.) I threw paci on the desk and this is what I got in return! (I didn't have my camera with me at work, but Kenzee did a wonderful job of re-enacting the scene for me.) These make the sleepless nights and days so worth it...

Enjoy -

Quick catch up...

2009-10-12T10:26:00.000-05:00

I am going to do a quick catch up, and then promise to get back into blogging. It seems I let the blog go down before I let anything else fall, so I apologize.

So the quick run down on the D-household...

- Kenzee is 10 months old *ack*. Momma is really in denial that it is time to plan a 1st birthday party.

- Brian had to have surgery a few weeks ago, after an overnight stay in the ER. I am requesting a better "resort" to stay in next time. Luckily we were close to home, so I could go home in the middle of the night to feed Kenzee. Thanks Grammy for staying the night with Kenzee!

- Brian's dad has had two mini strokes over the past few weeks. Things are going well, and hopefully the new meds they have him on will take care of things. Lifestyle changes are hard to make, but as we all know - essential at times.

- Most of you know I forced myself a few years back to love to run. It was/is a love hate relationship, but it is time to do something again, so back to the LOVE relationship. Even better I was given a treadmill so that makes me LOVE it even more! Debating on the 1/2 in April! Remind me this is a LOVE relationship if I should complain.

- Our household has a new family member - Saltee. I do have pictures, but haven't uploaded them yet. Saltee (named after Saltalamacchia) is a male Beta, and his coloring is identical to a Rangers jersey.

- Kenzee also has a new cousin as of last Thursday! The family is doing well!!

That should catch everyone up to speed!

Technology

2009-09-13T22:22:00.000-05:00

Isn't it great. I mean because of technology I can sit here at my bar eating dinner (yes, it is 10:30) on my laptop and blog, or even blog via my PHONE. Thank goodness right - because I know you all want to keep up with us!! tee hee hee. Now we all know that when things go bad with technology we all tend to get upset, so then it isn't so great.

We love our house - we really do, even if it is a work in progress (just because I can't be decisive). We even like our neighborhood, and the neighbors. (This reminds me we need to get out and meet others soon!) I like our neighborhood because there is one way in and one way out. 2 streets, and most of the families are about our age and live here for the same reasons we do. It is great that there are so many kids, and even better that there are probably 10 babies - ranging from a year to newborns.

Now that I have you, my avid readers, shaking your head thinking I really should go to bed you want to know what I am talking about... Well because of all of the babies that live so close to us, and technology together we are a pretty close neighborhood. HOWEVER, I don't want to know everything about you, your job, etc... Yep, you got it - that baby monitor is the culprit! I know we can cross with 2 different families.

So, if your neighbors seem to know EVERYTHING about you. They probably haven't hacked into your computer, or broken into your house - they've probably just been listening to your conversations through the baby monitor!

I think it's time for an upgrade!

(If you live close to me you might want to change channels!)

Necessity

2009-09-10T17:31:00.000-05:00

It's become a necessity that we childproof IMMEDIATELY! I was thinking we would be able to phase things out slowly. For instance - take the low breakables away, then take things off of the coffee table. But that isn't the case. Everything has to change, and now. Take a look at why:

It's all about me...

2009-09-09T21:50:00.000-05:00

haha... not really! kenzee and i are both sick. well not so much her, but me. yep, i have the horrible sinus infection that everyone else seems to have. prior to pregnancy i was used to instant gratification with sinus issues. high powered steroid shots, high doses of antibiotics, and then all chased with a great antihistamine. those aren't options now - i was only rewarded with a z-pack, a b-12 shot, and saline nose spray... while i miss being pregnant for a few reasons and don't miss it for a few others, i do miss being pregnant because my allergies and sinuses never bothered me. *ugh* couple that with teething, kenzee's allergies, and brian being out of town tonight, and you don't get a happy momma. it really isn't that bad. kenzee is out, wriglee is out, and i am sitting here checking out a blog of an old friend...

i need to do this more often... really... i know i say that a lot, but i will do better!

my brags for the day -

- kenzee is a crawling machine now. she looks like the baby doll that crawls. she crawls with intent

- kenzee's signs have come a long way. you can ask her what she wants and she can *kinda* tell you. so far we have the following mastered: milk, dog/puppy, bite, hi/bye, and she has her own signs that we are really working on picking up. it's time to break out the dvds again

so with that being said, i am headed to bed now. i hope kenzee sleeps well, because her mommy needs it.

Wow... Take a look at a year ago!

2009-09-02T10:53:00.000-05:00

and see how far we have come!

My little bug is doing so much lately! It is amazing to watch her learn something new every day. I can't remember the last time I posted, and what I posted, so here are some of the big highlights:

- Two bottom teeth (when this happened someone stole my laid back baby girl, and replaced her with a look alike screamer!)

- Sitting up from a tummy position (this is her preferred way to get around the house. roll, sit up and scoot, repeat!)

- Crawling - she has no desire (See above!)

- Pulling up - Kenzee is really working on this! I am sure she is going to be cruising soon enough! (Time to childproof)

- Eating - Kenzee wants to eat anything we are eating. Baby food is just secondary at this point in time. The only two things we have found she won't eat are peas (surprised?!?), and meatloaf.

- Big girl "stuff" -
- we have Kenzee from sleeping in the pack and play in our room to her bed in her own room!
- High chair - the bumbo at home is no more
- Car seat - Kenzee still (technically) fits in her infant carrier/seat, but it is just such a pain for me to get in and out of the car, and keeping her confined in it in any store is like Chinese water torture

- Wriglee - he is doing an amazing job with her! The other day I put her in her bouncy seat so I could do something very quickly, and by the time I looked at Kenzee (seriously 30 seconds later) she had managed to flip over and was attempting to Houdini her way out. Wriglee was standing there with his nose on her so she couldn't wiggle out.

- Play Toy - Kenzee's day is complete when her daddy comes home. She hears him lock his doors and the garage door close, and just sits very still and quiet waiting on him to open the garage door and then it is squeal/laugh fest!

Other than that, we are just keeping up with life! Ranger baseball season has kept us busy as we have been to Dallas to watch some games, and now college football season is upon us as well!

So, I guess I will close with two final thoughts...
Come on Rangers - let's see some postseason this year, and BOOMER -

I was gonna..

2009-08-18T22:02:00.000-05:00

Blog today, but apparently the storms had other things in mind when it fried our modem. AT&T is going to come visit tomorrow and fix our issues. I will be back the because I haven't mastered blogging via phone!

Who am I?

2009-07-02T13:27:00.000-05:00

Have you ever google-ed yourself? I have and I do on normal occasions. There are times when I'm not clear on who I am, or if something has happened to me...

So here are my options -

Stacia Doughty - This doesn't pull any true information up about me.
Stacia Marie Doughty - Yep, there is something there about me, and it's true!
Stacia Marie Ford - Again, there I am, two times, and I have no idea what one of them is!
Stacy Doughty - The first entry - yep, that is me. The second (main entry), again, that's me. And the third, that is definitely me!

Brian's options -

Brian Doughty (lucky for him he has never changed his name!) - I went through 5 pages, and NOTHING that is him as far as I know...

Kenzee's options -

Kenzington Doughty - Nothing
Kenzee Doughty - WELL LOOKY THERE!!! Not only is it her, but even her beautiful pictures in the first entry. And in the 6th entry again!

So there you have it. If you ever want or need to know about yourself, just google yourself in case you have forgotten! I will bing us later!

On my soapbox...

2009-06-30T14:20:00.000-05:00

It isn't often that I get on a soapbox, but when I do it is only because I care very passionately about something... Right now obviously I care a lot about infants, and their health.

DISCLAIMER
This isn't a place where I feel like I need to push my beliefs on someone else, but in all honesty this is my piece of cyberspace, and mine only. If you don't like breastfeeding that is your prerogative, and if you don't want to hear about it, well then don't read... BUT if you continue on, I don't want to hear about the benefits of formula feeding, or for someone to think I am complaining. I am merely stating the facts based on my current situation.

I just don't understand how people don't understand how much breastfeeding takes out of a mother - emotionally and physically.

Emotionally - if things don't work out and you have set your mind to it, it can be a tremendous let down. As a woman you have things in mind that WILL work out, and that is how things are supposed to happen! If they don't then it becomes a let down. I am glad this isn't something I have had to deal with. But I am emotionally involved with breastfeeding Kenzee. There is no one else who can do that for me. Yes, I can pump and Kenzee could receive a bottle, but then what are the benefits (other than nutrition) for me to continue breastfeeding. I don't want to be attached to our pump. It is an awesome invention when necessary, but for our situation this isn't necessary.

Physically - Let's not even get into the nitty gritty of breastfeeding, but the nutrients have to come from somewhere, and all to often leaves my body feeling depleted... WAY depleted... And we must remember this is all on demand...

Let's only look at the average facts here:

Kenzee eats an average of 6 times a day
Each of those feedings takes an average of 15 minutes
Kenzee has been nursing for over 6 months now, but for a round number let's look at 6 months of breastfeeding, or 182.5 days

Time Totals:

That equals 1095 feedings at a minimum since she has been born
Totaling 16,425 minutes of her nursing
That makes 273.75 hours of nursing
Totaling 11.41 DAYS in 6 months nursing
Totaling a bit over 6 working days...

So as you can see at 6 months I have spent almost 2 weeks feeding Kenzee. What other one activity have you spent almost 2 weeks doing in the last 6 months? And to look at 2 weeks - that is the average time most people get for VACATION (actually 10 days) at work...

Now tell me how come people don't understand why it can be stressful, draining, and so rewarding all in one?

6 Month Update

2009-06-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

I have really been lax in updating everything - pics included. Here is a quick rundown of things going on in our lives, and I will have to come back with pictures to make the story more real!

I think the last time I updated Kenzee had been to the doctor for tummy issues. Her tummy cleared up pretty quickly, but we also found out she had an ear infection. The first, and hopefully the last! She was a trooper, and wasn't fussy. Kenzee didn't act like she was in pain so I didn't feel *to* bad about not knowing she was sick. (I keep trying to tell myself that, but it doesn't always work!)

We had Little Miss' 6 month appointment a *wee* bit early. She stands at 26" tall, and weighs in at 15#s. Not bad in my opinion. Her weight was in the 50% and her height was in the 90%. (I think she gets both from me!) At that point in time my body had been giving her 99.9% of the nourishment she had been receiving.

We started her on "solids" a week before her 6 month appointment. Kenzee LOVES food! She has even licked out her cereal bowl! We have mastered all of the veggies in what they consider stage 1 (well except peas, and she isn't going to master those with us being her parents!). She loves sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, and she likes fruit, but would prefer veggies over fruit.

I'm sure she is going to love me for posting this for the entire world to see as she gets older! Early this week I had to quit giving her solids because she was constipated. I fed her prunes for 3 meals, and that seemed to do the trick. I will start adding things back into her diet now.

So some new things in Kenzee ever growing world:

Sitting up is her new favorite thing! In fact if Kenzee has been sitting up and she has to lay down you should expect her to wail.
Swimming - Kenzee loves to swim! In fact, she is starting to associate Grammy's house with swimming. Even if we aren't actually in the pool she expects to have her feet in the water! Going under isn't her favorite thing to do, but she is getting used to it.
Crawling - While Kenzee is attempting her own version of army crawling, I don't think she is very interested. I think she is going to go straight to walking.
Wriglee is Kenzee's very best friend. She just loves him and squeals when he comes into the room. Wriglee is adapting to her quiet well, and is becoming more and more intersted in her. Playing outside is their favorite thing to do together.

In the rest of our world -

Kenzee still comes to work with me, and is a huge hit with the guys here. She has a boyfriend, but shh don't tell her daddy! Wyatt, one of Kaleb's friends is working at the shop this summer and she just adores him!
Brian and I bit the bullet and bought a boat a few weeks ago. We love it, even if it is a learning experience. Brian's boating endeavors are pretty limited, but he is learning quickly. I love everything about it - as I always have. I hope some of Kenzee's best memories are lake memories too! She loves being in the boat, and loves the water. Her least favorite thing about the lake is the life jacket, but what child likes to feel like they are in a straight jacket? (Do you see a pattern emerging here? Kenzee and water? I am not sure where she gets this!!!)

I think this should bring you up to date with our small world! I hope I haven't lost all of our readers. I really will try to update more often!!!

kenzee dr update

2009-05-07T22:25:00.000-05:00

Our visit to the dr office went just fine. Kenzee has a touch of the tummy flu. She should bounce quickly according to the np.

drive by post...

2009-05-07T09:45:00.000-05:00

i have a post in the works, but just can't quiet complete it - the feeling just isn't right.

just dropping in to let everyone know we are taking kenzee to the doctor this afternoon. she is throwing up - not spitting up, and just isn't a happy camper. there is so much sickness and i think the dr is just wanting to check her out. i will update everyone this afternoon as soon as we know something.

thanks!

april 26 - may 2

2009-05-03T16:26:00.000-05:00

What a busy week! Just a quick recap so I can get us caught up.

April 26th - OKC MEMORIAL MARATHON. We were up bright and early - 3:45. Kenzee was a great sport. We were downtown a little before 6 and in position to start the race by 6:20. Dale left us and took his place with the true runners while we hung out in the wings to line up for the 5k.

Kenzee continued to sleep through everything, except the airhorns that started the race.

I love everything the marathon stands for, and it is such a emotional feeling to be able to be there to participate in something that symbolizes something so tragic. Everyone there is a family, and it is awesome to see strangers come together like that for the memory of the BOMBING.

What a difference:
Then:

Now:

Kenzee Slept:

Kaleb Pushed:

We Finished in about 50 minutes:

We were awarded:

Then we waited and watched... I took a few pics of some random things:

Then it was time to cheer!! Dale looked like he was very comfortable in his run (this is the last 1/10 of a mile of the 13.1 mile run):

Monday and Tuesday were pretty normal days. I worked, Kenzee worked. I conversed with legal council, Kenzee squealed and sang to legal council.

Tuesday after work Mom, Kenzee and I went shopping for wedding attire for Krystin's wedding. Kenzee decided that she was hungry when we were trying on dresses so she experienced her first feeding in a dressing room. I am sure it won't be the last. Not long after that she experienced her first diaper changing in her stroller at the mall. While at the mall Kenzee won the hearts of many salespeople. (I am not used to so much attention!)

Wednesday we were off to a different mall but this time for shoes for the above mentioned wedding.

Thursday we worked from home to wrap up a project that required undivided attention.

Friday I had an eye doctor appointment. Kenzee did great - until they wanted me to look in some silly machine and she felt like she didn't have my full attention. At that point in time she decided to scream at the top of her lungs. I was able to teeter on the edge of the stool and hold her while clicking the button for the fuzzy images.

After our eye appointment we had lunch with Grammy where Kenzee decided it was time to squeal at the top of her lungs. I was disappointed because I didn't think ahead of time and capture much of the conversation on video, but I did get a bit of the exchange. (I need to figure out how to rotate video!)

After that we visited a few garden centers to look at the pretty flowers for ideas on what to plan this year, and from there we chilled at home waiting on Daddy, Bev and Brandon to arrive. That evening we had a great dinner, and then us girls chilled at home while the boys enjoyed the Yard Dawgz game.

Saturday was a day of opening presents, and a day of reflection on the day a year ago. Last year Brian took me to the Kenny Chesney concert! We had a great time, but when we got home it took a down hill turn. The next day was one of the many stays in the hospital I had over the course of the year. BUT this May 2nd was completely different. I not only managed to stay away from the hospital, and to venture further than the couch we managed to eat lunch out, take another trip to the mall, a trip to the market (where Kenzee only participated in napping in the car with Grandpa), and a wonderful dinner of Japanese food!

It was a rather memorable day!

What a trooper...

2009-04-25T22:06:00.000-05:00

Today has been super busy! I didn't get started as early as I thought we should, but it all worked on in the end. Kenzee was snuggly this morning and I go to enjoy her loveyness.

The party was a hit, the video was great! Granny was suprised, so that was great.

Tomorrow starts early so I am trying to wrap up the day.

No fun pics uploaded yet but I will ge to them!

Just a few minutes left...

2009-04-24T23:52:00.000-05:00

Nope I haven't forgotten, but it has been a super busy day! Quick recap so I can get to bed before tomorrow.

Work
2nd to last day to pick kaleb up from school
Meeting - secret project
Festival of the Arts
Complete prep work to make tomorrow run smoothly

So that is the quick version of my day.

Kenzee is so very close to rolling over now. Bathtime has become very tricky!

I just found AMY SEELEY. I really like her music. I can't wait to find some more. If you have any good bands or artists I need to check out leave me some names - I am always looking for something new to listen to!

So I'm not getting in bed before tomorrow.

Spring in Oklahoma...

2009-04-23T22:09:00.000-05:00

I took some pictures of the sky tonight. This was after Brian groaned at me for climbing on the arms of our outside chairs. I need to upload them and then I will get them posted. It was very pretty! I can't wait to get some more vegetation planted in our yard, hopefully some fun stuff in the backyard this summer.

Yesterday I told Kaleb that if we had the boat, and it was lake prepped we would have been at the lake. Today was another one of those days. Until tonight - the wind is blowing so hard the flag pole across the street is bending. So welcome to OK - WHERE THE WIND COMES SWEEPING DOWN THE PLAIN. Not my pictures, but WOW!

Nothing out of the ordinary today.

I love my baby!

Happy Administrative Professional Day!

2009-04-22T21:20:00.000-05:00

Just a quick recap of our day...

Work, out to lunch (a first for us!), took Kaleb to the doctor (a first - the nurses who have treated me for ages were so happy!), and then Kenzee and Brian hung out for 3 hours while I ran out to do some errands (another first!). As you can see today we ventured out of our "norm" and it was fun!

The rest of the week is going to be busy! The FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS is going on and I would love to take Kenzee, well and to go sample the food. Saturday is going to be a day hanging out with extended family (more to come on that later), and Sunday is the OKC MARATHON.

I hope to get to work with my camera a bit this weekend and hopefully learn some new (learn how to shoot in manual) settings. I also need to work on my photo editing skills!

So I will leave just a cute random Kenzee pic:

Links

2009-04-22T08:11:00.001-05:00

I have been adding some links to my post, however, they don't show up... So, you might have to hover over some words if you think there might be a link!

ETA: LINKS ARE NOW TYPED IN ALL CAPS!!

One of my favorite days - April 21st

2009-04-21T17:33:00.000-05:00

April 21st is not one of my favorite days, but when flower start blooming in my very own yard - that is one of my favorite days!

I neglected to blog yesterday, and even had some words in mind. I don't know what happened...

So along with the blooming flowers, Kenzee growing like an overtaking weed,

today also makes me feel close to my age - almost 31. I'm going to blame it on Kaleb. I have been able to put my head in the sand and ignore the fact that he has turned 16. How have I been able to do that? Since the laws have changed over the past 15 years he wasn't able to just run out and get his license the day he turned 16. Instead he has had to follow the new rules, so that has allowed me to be oblivious to the time passing over the past few weeks. So you probably think he has gotten his driver's license today - nope... We drove his car to Best Buy to have the system installed. He really is a 16 year old male. He isn't a baby anymore, instead I have my baby

right here with me laying on the couch covered up by her very favorite blanket.

Yep, my birthday is approaching quickly - it is inevitable.

Don't forget to check out many more pictures.

My Attempt to Revive...

2009-04-19T16:47:00.000-05:00

So as the title suggests this is my attempt to revive our blog. I'm not sure how many followers we have since I have been so lax in updating, but I think it is kind of like the saying, "Build it and they will come". So here it is...

If you ask what has me so motivated to liven up our blog check
this out... Wow! What an awesome writer, photographer, and just all around creative person. I wish creativity came to me so easily. I have to make myself think and be creative.

It really is ironic that I came across matt liz and madeline's blog when I did. Brian and I were talking just the other day about "what if". (Yeah, I know not something you want to talk about on a daily basis.) I think the conversation was brought on by the death of a wonderful friend Mindy and her relationship with her hubby, Rocky. They were true solemates - you know the kind of relationship every young couple wants to have. They were the very best of friends, they knew each other, but still seemed to always want to know more about the other. They were the couple who could sit up all night long and just talk to each other, and the even cooler thing is that is what they did. Mindy was such an inspiration to so many people. She was a definite God fearing woman, and so many of us can learn so much.

So with all of that being said I am going to try to do a few things:
- more photos of our daily "stuff"
- more written encounters just so Kenzee can look back and she will know her hisotry

...and we do have life insurance now...

Update... Far overdue!

2009-03-27T21:48:00.000-05:00

Yep, it's Friday night and I have finally decided to take the time to blog. I really do mean well, and need to post more updates for those of you who track my/our life online.

So some updates from the Doughty Household:

Kenzee is knocking on the door of 4 months old! That is so hard for me to grasp because it seems like yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. And just a year ago I didn't even know I was pregnant. Wow how time has changed! Kenzee is growing like a weed! She weighs in right at 13lbs, and is getting so long. She is such a happy baby, and loves to talk. She will give you a piece of her mind if you will let her.

Wriglee is adjusting well with his new sister. He is such a trooper when she cries. He has 2 favorite times of the day. One is when we give Kenzee a bath - he hasn't missed one yet! And the other is when Kenzee and I leave for work. I think he spends most of his day rotating from the couch to the bed. Wherever he can follow the sun!

I am back at work, mostly full time. Kenzee does very well at work, and has a good time charming everyone who will check in on her.

Kenzee is a wonderful traveler! She has been to 3 states, and stayed many nights away from home. (Not away from us.) Luckily we got the travel pack and play because it has logged many miles. We have traveled to Arkansas, Texas and Missouri (x's 2). In one week Kenzee and I logged 24 traveling hours in the car! She was ready to be home and out of the car - not to mention how ready I was to stay home!!!

One of our trips was to Odessa to introduce the little Princess to some family who hadn't met her in person, and to friends who prayed for her safe arrival. It was a lot of fun even if it was a short trip! It was nice to be able to share her with those friends who live many miles away, but continue to pray for us and her!

We have taken 2 trips to Missouri just to get away for a bit and we have had a lot of fun...

We are super ready for summer time! When we were in Odessa my daddy surprised us by saying he would love to give us their boat. I am stoked about that as Brian and I have thrown around the idea of some sort of recreational play toys. He and I didn't see eye to eye on what to buy (boat vs. jetski) so we didn't discuss it in depth. When daddy made the offer to give us the boat we jumped all over the idea! I can tell you a lot of my childhood memories are at the lake, so I hope to share those memories with Kenzee. I am looking forward to her learning to swim, ski, kneeboard, etc!!! I have a feeling I will be paying for all of the times I just HAD to jump in the water!

Really that is about it here in the Doughty Household. We are just watching our little Princess grow up right in front of our very eyes!

Wow...

2009-02-24T11:14:00.000-06:00

I really need to update here - I promise our blog is not a thing of the past! That will be my goal this week - to come back to update on our growing baby girl!!!

1 Month

2009-01-06T12:53:00.000-06:00

Can you believe Kenzee is one month old today? It is really crazy to me, really crazy. My baby girl is getting big, and amazes me on a daily basis. Brian is definitely Kenzee's hero, and he is doing a wonderful job. He never shes away from a dirty diaper, or a bit of spit up. That makes for a happy mommy!

My biggest goal is to take a shower daily. Even more of a goal is to take a shower BEFORE Brian gets home from work. (That still hasn't happened!)

I am really surprised at how "easy" recovery has been from the c-section. It isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, but maybe that is because I am focused on my beautiful baby girl!

Wriglee is an awesome big brother! He understands what comforts Kenzee and tries his best to help us out. I am shocked at how protective he has already become.

I still need to get my birth story written out, but really lunch calls first! I am working on a picture site so I can share a lot of pictures of Kenzee, but not have to try to put them in here since I haven't learned the easy way yet. (If you would like access please email me so I have your email address!)

Stats...

2008-12-14T20:12:00.000-06:00

I need to get my birth story typed up and then will post it. Hopefully some time this week.

So without further ado -

Introducing our Baby Girl aka TweedleBug -

Kenzington "Kenzee" Rian

Birth date - December 9

Born @ 9:53 p.m. via C-Section

7 lbs 1 oz

20.5 inches long

She is beautiful (of course), with blue eyes, and long dark hair. Kenzee is amazed by her daddy and has been since she was seconds old.

I am really recovering pretty nicely after both labor and the C-Section, and am completely in love with Kenzee. She is a really good baby, and tolerates just about anything.

Here are a few pictures - (they seem to be out of proportion, so I will fix that later)

Eviction Date!!!

2008-12-05T10:59:00.000-06:00

I am taking the easy way out and copying an email that I just sent out...

Hello!

I just wanted to let you know TweedleBug will be evicted on (well hopefully) Tuesday, December 9th. I go in to be induced that morning and if everything goes according to plan we should have our baby girl by that evening!

We are very excited, but nervous at the same time. Even though we have prepared ourselves for this for what seems like an eternity now, it is still crazy to believe we are this close to having a baby in our household.

We will keep you posted as we can either through email or if you prefer text please email me your cell number as things progress and Baby Girl makes her appearance!
Thank you all for following us in the wonderful journey to becoming parents!

Maternity Pictures

2008-12-02T18:07:00.000-06:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Tara?!? If not, well I LOVE Tara. She is an awesome photographer and had the uncanny ability to capture the essence of me and Brian. Her pictures ooze "Stacy and Brian" even down to the goofy sides we both have. While we try to remain serious, she always seems to capture at least a few of the "funny face" moments.

If you haven't checked out Tara's site you should - http://www.taralokey.com/ and her blog - http://taralokey.blogspot.com/

Here are a few pictures she took here at our house for us to treasure this special time...

Funny Faces...

Our expanding family...

Anxiously Awaiting

I think it's to big for her

If the crown fits

Oh so Close!!!

2008-12-02T17:58:00.000-06:00

TweedleBug is so very close to her arrival! I know everyone is very excited to meet her, but no one can truly understand how excited Brian and I are. There are some things I already know about her and can share with other people, but I can't always get the point across. For instance, TB does NOT like to have the hiccups for very long. She throws a fit, and lashes around. TB loves music - any type of music. I think she is going to be a dancer! I honestly believe she is getting uncomfortable in her cramped quarters, and is attempting to escape out my right side.

Not only are we ready to get to know our Baby Girl's personality, we are ready to get to know her sweet spirit. We are ready to be parents. Our house is ready, her room is ready, and our hearts are ready.

Not only are we ready, my body is done. I am having regular, irregular contractions and hope they are doing their job. I am sure I have the same complaints that all pregnant ladies have, but I really hate to complain. Walking is one of the most painful things I have to do on a daily basis, getting in bed is the worst part of my day, and I think I need some new shoes... But even with all the complaints and aches and pains I wouldn't trade them for anything but a healthy baby!

If everyone will just follow along I think she might listen... I am ready!!!

Milestone!!!

2008-11-24T13:01:00.000-06:00

Here is what is going on this week...

You are considered full-term now and your baby's final touches are being made. The crown-to-rump length of your baby is now 14 inches and the total length is around 21 inches. Your baby weighs approximately 6.5 pounds. Your uterus may be measuring about the same as it has been and is probably about 6.5 inches from the top of your bellybutton.

This week your baby should engage into your pelvis. If this is not your first pregnancy, it may happen later. When your baby engages, his head drops down into your pelvis and you might feel a slight sensation called `lightening` as the pressure on your ribs eases. As your baby drops into the final position for delivery, you may experience a buzzing feeling and shooting pains in your groin and leg. Normally, you will be able to breathe and eat easier. However, your uterus pushes down harder on your bladder and you will have an increased urge to urinate more frequently. Even if your baby engages now, you still possibly feel his feet in your breastbone around week 40.

Your baby is now fully mature and ready to be born. However, your baby is still growing and developing every day. Fat is still being laid down at a rate of a half ounce a day. If this is your first pregnancy, you can expect to deliver closer to 40 weeks or shortly thereafter. If this is not your first baby, you might go earlier than 40 weeks! Make sure that your bags are packed for the hospital and remember to preregister for admission.

Your doctor may begin doing weekly pelvic exams to evaluate your cervical changes and progression. Your healthcare provider will make sure that you are not leaking amniotic fluid and will also examine your cervix to check for effacement and dilation. Before labor, your cervix is thick and 0% effaced. During labor your cervix thins out and right before delivery it will become very soft and 100% effaced.

Research shows your baby can be affected by stress hormones. Make time to relax, to have fun, and to rest.

Your baby has learned to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing so it can do all three when breastfeeding after birth. Babies practice shallow breathing before birth, using amniotic fluid.

Pictures

2008-11-14T22:07:00.001-06:00

I really need to post a proper update, but for now I know pictures will hold you all over!!!

Nursery Pictures...

2008-11-07T22:37:00.000-06:00

Since I try to do as I promise here are some nursery pictures. Remember I am not a pro photographer, so I hope to have some more pics after this weekend!

Closet -

"Gear" -

Nursery -

Looking in the door

Panning to the left -

More to the left on the back wall -

Standing by the window -

Armoire - Standing in the corner by the small rocking chair -

Wriglee's new favorite place -

Photo Shoot

2008-11-07T22:01:00.000-06:00

Brian and I met up with a friend of ours to have him take some pictures with just the two of us. Devon did a great job, and we have had a hard time picking out our favorite pictures. Here are a few - enjoy...

Shower Update...

2008-11-06T10:39:00.000-06:00

Our shower was wonderful! It was great to see those that we rarely get to visit with. Nicole, Krystin and Beth did a wonderful job, even with the amount of people we had show up. Thank you all for the wonderful gifts!!!

We recevied so many clothes for baby girl - her closet is full already! Just what every daddy wants to see before she is born!

If you were to look in our guest bedroom (sorry no guests for a while now) you would think we are having twins. All TweedleBug's gear is in there so we can complete the nursery and have pictures taken in there this weekend. (Gear = swing, bouncy chair, stroller, carseat...)

A few pictures - I have a ton more at home, and will update here soon... These are from Bev's camera.

Me and Brian -

OU Bear!!!

All the loot (except you can't see what is in the crib), and Wriglee checking it out.

Countdown to TweedleBug's Arrival - Stats

2008-11-06T10:32:00.000-06:00

For those of you who have requested a blog I apologize for not getting to this sooner! I think I will do a few updates to keep things short and you can come back and read as you have time...

Book Stats -
Dates and numbers: There are 38 days until your due date on December 15, 2008.
You are 242 days pregnant.
You are 7.9 months pregnant.
You are in your 8th month of pregnancy.
Your 3rd trimester: September 22, 2008 to December 15, 2008. (28 - 40 weeks)

Your baby's crown-to-rump length this week is approximately 12.8 inches and the total length is around 19.8 inches at this time. Your baby now weighs almost 5 pounds. From your bellybutton, it is about 5.6 inches to the top of your uterus. Measurements of your uterus vary from woman to woman. You should not worry if you do not measure the exact same as your pregnancy friends or family members as long as you are growing appropriately. When your uterus grows and gets larger at an appropriate rate, it shows that your baby is growing well inside of your uterus.

Braxton-Hicks contractions are going to get stronger and more frequent within the next few weeks. Braxton-Hicks contractions feel like a tightening at the top of your uterus that spreads down and then relaxes. Many women mistake Braxton-Hicks contractions for true labor contractions, but this is rarely the case. Braxton-Hicks contractions will diminish if you get up and walk around and they should not be painful.

Your baby's hair continues to get longer and thicker. Your baby's hair color probably is not going to be the same color from birth onwards, so you should expect it to change in color. Your baby is shedding most of lanugo, but the amount of vernix caseosa is increasing. Your baby is taking calcium from you to lay down lots of bone. Continue to take your prenatal vitamins and drink milk to ensure that you receive enough calcium.

If you were to deliver your baby now, it would probably be called a pre-term infant instead of premature. The only difference is in the maturity, particularly lung maturity. A pre-term baby is less likely to need intensive care because its lungs have developed. Doctors can test lung maturity with an amniocentesis that checks levels of surfactant.

The baby now rests on your uterus and is no longer floating.

My Stats -
TweedleBug weighs about 4.5 lbs
TweedleBug is measuring right on track
I have gained 10 lbs (yes, if you are following that means I have lost 2 lbs in the past 3 weeks)
I am getting heartburn again

Really that is about it for the stat side of things!

Shower...

2008-10-22T10:51:00.001-05:00

I am stoked about my shower this weekend!

Lot's of friends and family we don't get to see enough...

Nicole comes to town tomorrow night, and Bev the Friday morning...

It just sucks...

2008-10-22T10:46:00.001-05:00

My first furbaby, Toree, died on Sunday morning...

It just sucks...

There is so much going on right now, and so many things going on in our family I didn't want to lose a family member...

I don't want to hear "she was just a dog" because she wasn't "just a dog", she was my companion, and my first "little girl".

I miss her, and well it just sucks...

Recap - Doctor's Visit

2008-10-22T10:32:00.000-05:00

I am sorry I am just now getting back to update about last week's appointment. Let's see - the normal happened, check for protein, blood pressure, weight gain, baby measurements, etc... Then we asked our questions and went over the "restricted" diet plan.

No protein or sugar, so that was good...

Blood pressure - right where it has been, a wee bit low...

Weight gain - overall 12 lbs. Dr. Huff would still like to see me gain 20 lbs, but she is happy overall...

Baby measurements - she weighed about 3.75 lbs, and Dr. Huff is predicting her to be about 6.5-7lbs when she is born...

Restricted diet plan - she really just wants me to watch refined flours, and to limit my sugar intake. So not quiet as restricted as I was led to believe or believed, but still to watch. I am sure a lot of that has to do with family history and is a great precaution.

Dr. Huff is so pleasant to visit with, and that is such a relief to know that she isn't rushed and will talk to us about any and all concerns we have. She was very please to know that I looked "less stressed".

We asked about TweedleBug's position - she is head down, and will most likely stay that way for the remainder of my pregnancy. That is just fine with me because the less she moves her head around the better off I am! TB tends to make my tummy look like I have an alien in there. She either does the worm, or some other type dance that I am sure I have no idea how to do!

Thank you all for checking in on me...

Doctor's Appointment

2008-10-13T20:43:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is my doctor's appointment... I hope I am able go get some answers about what "limitations" really are.

Disappointed

2008-10-09T13:04:00.000-05:00

I got the call from my doctor's office - I didn't pass the 3 hour GTT. So that pretty much stinks. They want me to limit my carbs, and sugar intake. (Of course) As we all know I have pretty much lived on carbs since the morning sickness hit. Crackers have really been my staple food, but that will have to come to an end.

I guess I am really more disappointed about yet another limitation being placed on my eating habits.

3 hour gtt

2008-10-08T16:24:00.000-05:00

The 3 hour GTT is over - that is about the best part of it... I could try to sugar coat it and say it wasn't that bad, but I will just tell it how it is on this subject. It was horrible, as in seriously horrible. At numerous points I felt like I would pass out, throw up or quiet possibly both. Not eating for 16 hours and being pregnant is not a great combination to start with, then add the fact that I had to have blood drawn 4 different times. I opted for 2 times out of each arm, and begged for them to find somewhere else the final draw. At one point in time I went outside just for some fresh air and sat in my car to read.

Seriously, I don't think I would wish this morning on someone I didn't like.

I should have the results back tomorrow...

The bright side - I got to read a lot of my book (of course on the hot topic of childbirth) and it is very interesting. I love the concepts behind the book, and most of all the way it reads.

30 Weeks

2008-10-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

Here are a few updates that take place during week 30...

(I have added my own comments in bold italics)

There are 68 days until your due date on December 15, 2008.
You are 212 days pregnant.
You are 7 months pregnant.
You are in your 7th month of pregnancy.
Your 3rd trimester: September 22, 2008 to December 15, 2008. (28 - 40 weeks)

You may feel as if you have been pregnant forever at this point. It might be hard to imagine being pregnant for another ten weeks, but your baby still has a lot of growing and developing to do! By this time, your baby's crown-to-rump length is a little over 10.8 inches and the total length of your baby is about 17 inches! Your baby weighs about 3 pounds now. Your uterus can be felt about 4 inches above your bellybutton. I didn't know I had 4 inches above my bellybutton. Your uterus, baby, placenta and the amount of fluid will get larger over the next ten weeks. You should be gaining about a pound a week at this time. I might gain 20 pounds for the entire pregnancy then...

Because you are getting larger, you are probably becoming slower and clumsier. You should try to be careful to avoid dangerous falls. Good posture when sitting and standing can help you feel better during your pregnancy. You also should be rolling over on your side to get up after lying down because your muscles have stretched to accommodate your growing uterus. You don't say. I could tell my stomach muscles had stretched to their limit when attempting to sit up my tummy turns into a cone... Very nice!!

Even though your baby is cushioned by the amniotic fluid, she can feel and respond to pain. Your baby now does `practice breathing` to get ready for life outside of your womb. If you have an ultrasound at this time, you will be able to see this. If your baby swallows amniotic fluid down the wrong passage, she will still get hiccups that are noticeable by you. If your baby were born at this time, she would be able to keep herself warm.

The skin begins to smoothen as fat deposits accumulate underneath. The fat insulates and is an energy source.

So those are the cool things going on with TweedleBug...

The Doughty household updates -
We are still working on TB's nursery. I can't wait for the bedding to arrive!!!
We received the pack and play - I am super glad we went with the smallest one, otherwise I don't know where we would put it.
We are finally down to deciding what to put on TB's walls.
Hopefully in the next few weeks we can get Baby Girl's bookcase, and get that in her room.
Toree and Wriglee are getting used to the baby gear that is now overtaking the house.
It is going to be very interesting when we have a baby, and two dogs that string toys all over the living room.
It seems that everything is part of a list - because I can't remember a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. anymore.

Brian -
I think he is getting anxious to meet the little one... We were talking about who she would look like the other day, and it is interesting to hear what genes we both think she will or won't inherit.

Me -
It has been an emotionally trying week. Week 30 seems to be the hardest emotionally but hopefully that will pass sooner than later. AND I am very anxious about the 3 hour GTT. I know there are a ton of pg ladies that fail the one hour and pass the 3 hour with flying colors, but I didn't want to have to walk that path. Baby girl is VERY active! She can make my tummy do some crazy things. If I had to guess I think she is head down, and has her feet hooked up around my right side where she uses my ribs as a footrest. You can see her little bum moving around across the top of my stomach. If she is kicking or pushing around, you can push back and she will respond. Baby Girl really likes to stop and listen to who is in the room. If there are voices that she recognizes she will become active, but if it is someone loud or that she doesn't recognize she will become very still as if she is taking everything in.

I have been very lucky that strangers don't try to touch me (as we all know how much I like to be touched), but I have found a shirt that says "Ask Before Touching"and I have thought about getting it just for kicks. I really have been very lucky that strangers don't try to talk to me very much about being pregnant because I have heard some horrible stories. The funny thing is I have many comebacks ready just in case. The guys at work tend to be very sweet, minus a few, but I can threaten to keep their paychecks if it gets out of hand. :)

Since we aren't sharing TB's name it is so interesting to hear what people have taken on calling her. If you so wish, please share your opinions!!!

Bummed...

2008-10-01T09:15:00.001-05:00

I am a bit bummed about the whole failing my GTT. I know tons of people do fail the one hour and then go on to pass the three hour, but that doesn't keep me from being bummed out. Food has been so difficult while pregnant, so I hope I don't fail the three hour, and my food limitations are medically restricted. Who knows...

In other news - I get my hair cut today - woohoo!!!

And this is how I feel:

TweedleBug is a strong little girl now, and I swear you can figure out what she is moving around!

September 30th - Test Results Update

2008-09-30T14:41:00.000-05:00

I just got a call from the nurse - apparently my red blood cells are WAY low, so I will start a heavy dose of iron. I also failed my 1 hour, so now onto the 3 hour GTT. I go in next Wednesday at 8:00. I am really not looking forward to that trip to the lab. BLAH...

I am really not looking forward to the nasty orange drink again, but mostly to fasting for 12 hours.

September 30 Appointment Update...

2008-09-30T14:39:00.000-05:00

Unless noted otherwise they are regular OB appointments.

~~May 12 - Meet with Nurse to go over family history~~
~~May 29 @ 8:45June 2 @ 2:30 - NT Scan~~
~~June 26 @ 11:15 - Updated - June 27 @ 8:45~~
~~July 24 @8:45~~
~~July 24 @ 10:00 - Complete OB ultrasound~~
~~August 26 @ 9:15~~
~~September 25 @ 8:45 - Glucose Screening~~
---> October 8 @ 8:00 - 3 Hour GTT Screening <---
October 14 @ 9:30
November 4 @ 8:45
November 20 @ 9:15

I think that brings us up to date on the rest of our appointments...

Just some fun things...

2008-09-28T20:29:00.000-05:00

Dates and numbers:
There are 76 days until your due date on December 15, 2008.
You are 204 days pregnant.
You are 6.7 months pregnant.
You are in your 7th month of pregnancy.
Your 3rd trimester: September 22, 2008 to December 15, 2008. (28 - 40 weeks)

I am super excited about the ideas Krystin, Nicole and Beth have come up with for the shower. Our shower is scheduled for October 26.

We will be scheduling our classes tomorrow. We are taking - The Birth of Your Baby and Caring for Your Newborn. The birth class is a full 8 hours on a Saturday. Really we are only taking the class for the hospital tour and so Brian can understand the progression of birth. I could go into the "different" beliefs I have on childbirth, but will keep that for another post. I am doing a home study course on Hypnobirthing and LOVE it!! We are looking forward to Caring for Your Baby just for the simple ideas behind it.

We have our professional pregnancy pictures scheduled for November 9th, and I am super excited about those. We haven't seen Tara in what seems to be ages, and we are super excited about getting together with her and hopefully Derrick. Not only do we love them, but they seem to capture us as well us. If you haven't seen her work - www.taralokey.com . The only thing that is pressing for pictures will be to have TweedleBug's room complete.

Our bedding is scheduled to ship on October 10th and I am SUPER pumped to see it!!!

There are a few more things that I want to research before time gets away from us, but things are coming along nicely now.

Welcome to the 3rd Trimester!!!

2008-09-25T12:47:00.000-05:00

Woohoo - we are in the home stretch. Literally - stretch. At my doctor's appointment Thursday she seemed very pleased with everything going on. In fact Dr. Huff was pleased that I was still smiling even though everything right now is difficult. I told her if I couldn't smile through it and joke then it would only be that much worse. Right now I get about an hour and a half of sleep before waking up to either go to the bathroom, or need to move around and adjust ALL the pillows that I sleep with. Sometimes it seems that I readjust more than I actually sleep.

Not much is new since my last post so I am thinking this will be pretty short and sweet...

Brian and I do "kick counts" every night, and we really enjoy seeing when TweedleBug will be the most active. Her kicks, punches and who knows what else are very strong now. I did have to ask Dr. Huff about the horrible pelvic pain I have been having and she described it as the "ice pick" pain, and that is EXACTLY what it feels like. At night I do normally have about 2-3 contractions an hour for a couple of hours, but Dr. Huff doesn't seem worried about those at this point because they do go away after a while. She did kind of tell me that I need to lighten up on my schedule some or the risks of a premature baby are significantly higher.

I think that is about it... My next appointment will start the 3 week appointment.

Just some things to think about -
A baby is considered full term at 37 weeks.
If Dr. Huff only lets us go to term TweedleBug will arrive in about 9 weeks!!! Insert crazy busy smilies here!!!

Appointment Updates

2008-09-25T12:40:00.000-05:00

Unless noted otherwise they are regular OB appointments.

~~May 12 - Meet with Nurse to go over family history~~
~~May 29 @ 8:45June 2 @ 2:30 - NT Scan~~
~~June 26 @ 11:15 - Updated - June 27 @ 8:45~~
~~July 24 @8:45~~
~~July 24 @ 10:00 - Complete OB ultrasound~~
~~August 26 @ 9:15~~
~~September 25 @ 8:45 - Glucose Screening~~
October 14 @ 9:30
November 4 @ 8:45
November 20 @ 9:15

I think that brings us up to date on the rest of our appointments...

Pregnancy Progression Pictures

2008-09-19T20:50:00.000-05:00

I haven't been very good with consistently taking pictures, but you can see some progression in these. Please excuse some of the green looks - remember it has been rough at times!! :) I will update some more when I upload them!

Week 5

Week 9

Week 13

Week 14

Week 17

Also, week 17

Week 18

Week 20 (1/2 way mark)

Week 23 (Wriglee wanted to be in the picture)

Profile Picture

2008-09-15T19:36:00.001-05:00

Here is our little photogenic girl... (taken on Friday when she was finally snoozing!)

We're Having a What?!?

2008-09-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

Oh yes, a baby. Our house (or at least one room) is starting to look like we are having a baby. TweedleBug's room is actually kind of looking like a little human could live in there soon - and we are getting excited.

So, let's see what all comes with a baby?

A crib (remember I said it is STARTING to look like a baby could live in our house) -

A place to store a little girl's wardrobe -

And of course bedding for a princess (well at least the fabrics) -

We registered at Babies R' Us, registry number 77594341, and we plan to register at Target for the essential items.

On top of getting TweedleBug's room ready for her we are also preparing the rest of our house for a baby's arrival. No we aren't baby proofing yet, but we are getting everything else organized. Brian and I are hoping if things are organized before she gets here they will stay organized (or at least take less time to put up if things have a definite place). So, in getting organized that also means a lot of purging. I think we probably have enough stuff to take 3 truck loads to Good Will. I have cleaned out my closet anticipating never wearing a size 0 ever again. (Let's be honest - I haven't worn a 0 for a few years!)

So that's the update on preparing our house for a baby...

TweedleBug's Stats (26 Weeks) -
There are 93 days until your due date on December 16, 2008.
You are 187 days pregnant.
You are 6.1 months pregnant.
You are in your 7th month of pregnancy.
Your 2nd trimester: June 11, 2008 to September 23, 2008. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: September 24, 2008 to December 16, 2008. (28 - 40 weeks)

She is about 9.3 inches long from crown to rump, or about 12" long and she weighs about 2 pounds. This week the air sacs in her lungs are developing, and TweedleBug will begin to open her eyes. (Yes, we will have fun with a flashlight!)

TweedleBug is a mover and shaker. She is laying with her head on my right side down low, and you can see her movements most of the time now. I think she likes to sleep with her hands up by her head, and continually stretches out. Brian tends to get upset with me for poking back at her when you can see some sort of body part pushing in my midsection.

My stats -
I can still wear a lot of my non-maternity clothes, but prefer the elastic waist pants that get to come along with being pregnant. Nausea wise - it seems that over the past week things have been a bit worse, but nothing that is unbearable. I try to snack a lot, and really try to do my best to drink plenty of water. I am sure I could always drink more water though. Of course I could go on and explain everything that is normal for pregnancy aches and pains (i.e. backache, visiting the bathroom all the time), but I think I will spare those details.

I did get to visit Labor and Delivery yesterday (again), but not for dehydration. I was having some cramping/contracting yesterday and just to be safe Dr. Huff had me go in for monitoring. 5 hours later and plenty of monitoring I got to come home. Not by choice I got to see TweedleBug again, and of course she was just as photogenic as normal. Maybe I am biased, but she has a beautiful profile. Dr. Huff ordered an ultrasound just to double check my cervix. It was fine according to the u/s tech and the nurse let me come home with instructions to drink plenty of fluids and take it easy. I was glad they were proactive and even more so that something wasn't horribly wrong.

Just because it seems that my blogs could be perceived as negative and I don't want that here are some very cool things about my pregnancy:
- I really have enjoyed being pregnant
- I am enjoying getting to know my little girl in a way no one else will EVER get to experience
- I will be able to recognize the things she does after being born that no one else will "get"
- I know what kind of noises she likes and what makes her timid
- I know when she is awake, when she is sleeping, and when she doesn't like something going on
- I will be very sad when I am not pregnant any more, but oh so happy to meet my little mini
- I love the ultrasound tech that has done most of my ultrasounds, and she loves our little photogenic baby girl. They have gotten 3d machines and Sarah told me to request her when we have to go back in October and she will "play" for us! It is amazing that some people will go above and beyond. (She is the same tech who had to be called in for us to know JuneBug was gone.)
- I love to watch Brian's face when she does crazy things and responds to him.

So, we will be meeting this little miracle sooner than later. We are in the double digits for our true due date, but I believe we will be meeting her before her due date!

UPDATED - Important Dates

2008-08-26T17:13:00.000-05:00

Unless noted otherwise they are regular OB appointments.

May 12 - Meet with Nurse to go over family history
May 29 @ 8:45
June 2 @ 2:30 - NT Scan
June 26 @ 11:15 - Updated - June 27 @ 8:45
July 24 @8:45
July 24 @ 10:00 - Complete OB ultrasound
August 26 @ 9:15
September 25 @ 8:45 - Glucose Screening
October 14 @ 9:30
November 4 @ 8:45
November 20 @ 9:15

I think that brings us up to date on the rest of our appointments...

August 26th Doctor Appointment Update

2008-08-26T17:01:00.000-05:00

Updating...

Don't forget about our fun game: http://www.expectnet.com/games/Tweedlebug Come take a guess at TweedleBug's stats!

Today our doctor appointment went well - very low key. Dr. Huff still wants me to gain weight, but she is happy with the 5 lbs that I have gained in the last month with everything going on. Other than that we talked to her about some of the classes that are available for us to take, and how she wants me to try to keep my stress levels down. We made the rest of our doctor appointments through the end of November. That is a bit intimidating...

Other than that, things are going well in the D-Land...

Pictures

2008-08-19T20:31:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't posted pictures of Baby Girl I figured I should!!!

Hand:

Foot:

Profile:

Girl:

23 Weeks

2008-08-19T20:02:00.000-05:00

Wow, quiet a bit of time has passed since I updated here very well. Things in life are still trucking along.

So, let's see about a proper update. TB is very active. I think we have a night owl on our hands because she seems to come alive around 9 and doesn't stop until I don't know when. Last night she was still moving like crazy when I finally fell asleep at midnight, and was moving around when I got up to go to the bathroom at 4. That really makes it hard to go back to sleep with a little one stretching in your tummy. We do know that TB likes music - really any kind of music, but I noticed her "dancing" to Kanye West the other morning. I had to let Brian know because his choice of music is definitely country. I think Baby Girl is a bit shy, she definitely knows when someone is around me she doesn't "know" because she will get very still and it seems that she is "listening". I think most of all she loves Wriglee. When he lays down across my lap she seems to come alive and wants him to know she is there. Wriglee is already becoming protective of her, do I hope that friendship lasts for years to come! I am not going to post the generic week update since I have missed the last couple of weeks, but if you want to know what is going on in my tummy feel free to google "23 Weeks Pregnant".

It seems like it has been forever since I have been to the doctor, so we have a lot of questions for Dr. Huff when we go in next week. I am not going to say the nausea has left completely but it has subsided a lot. I am so grateful I don't have to take all the meds I was taking a few weeks ago, but I still have to take a pill on occasion. I still graze quiet a bit during the day and try to eat a good dinner. I am really hoping I don't have to meet with a nutritionist next week, but there is no telling. I have gained some more weight, but I don't think it is over about 5 pounds. I just don't know what else I can eat, or when. I do look pregnant now, but can still wear a lot of my non-maternity clothes. That has been very nice - my shorts have lasted most of the summer, and I am guessing I could probably still wear my Lucky jeans if I wanted to. I really don't have the other pregnancy yuckies like so many people talk about. I try to walk around often at work, and keep my feet propped up so I am sure that helps. It is pretty funny to be around all the guys at work because they are so "careful" around me, but they all want to know how things are going, or how much longer or what TB's name is going to be, but still maintain their cool-ness.

So what else comes along with a baby...
Nursery - I have already posted we have TweedleBug's armoire and it is filling up very quickly with blankets, shoes, socks, animals, and pink clothes. Our crib has come in, but we haven't picked it up yet (we still have some things we need to accomplish in our house before we move a crib in). On Saturday Brian and I ordered our glider and that felt like a big accomplishment. We were able to find something comfortable for both of us that will be useful in our household for years to come. Last but not least we have decided on TB's bedding. We got the fabric samples in the mail and were able to decide very quickly what we wanted to do. I will call and order everything this week. After that I think the only thing we will need (other than the cute-sy stuff to complete the nursery) will be some sort of storage unit/bookcase. (If you have suggestions please pass them along.)

Registry - Brian and I have been looking and trying to decide what we want. Assuming this weekend goes as planned we will go register at Babies 'R Us. I don't think they have everything we want, but that will at least give us a starting point. From there, I promise to post what else we decide to do, or where else we plan to register. I promise it will be done in plenty of time for our shower.

I think that sums almost everything up going on with us! I will do my best to update more often...

Improper Update

2008-08-08T09:55:00.000-05:00

Have just a few minutes to do a quick update - very improper...

Prayer Request -
Continue to pray for my dad, he had some more tests run yesterday
Continue to pray for Kaleb, he is healing nicely and we hope there are not setbacks.
Our business - http://www.koco.com/news/17106205/detail.html This really sums it all up...

Baby Girl -
She is doing well - moving like crazy and that is so nice for the reassurance for me with everything going on.

Nursery -
has been put on hold until things calm down.

It'sa.....................

2008-07-28T11:32:00.000-05:00

Girl!!! Brian and I are both thrilled beyond belief - really more for a healthy baby.

So the "big" reveal went wonderfully I think. Only a few people knew prior that we were having a baby girl. I was glad we were able to make it special for the special people in our lives. I know it was difficult for some people to wait longer (mom and Krystin), but I hope it was well worth it... Now I know, let the shopping begin!!!

If you missed the party for good reasons I am sorry you missed it - we had a blast!! If you missed it just because - your loss. I think we counted 30 people, some we see daily and others we don't get to see often enough.

I think I previously posted that I didn't want to know the gender of TweedleBug (aka BG "Baby Girl") but because I thought Brian might go into convulsions we compromised. We found out TB is a girl, but we are going to keep her name a secret until she gets here. Sorry - Yes, I know that makes the shopping spree a bit more difficult, but pick your poison. So, please no bugging and if you don't like our decision please keep that to yourself or share it with someone who won't tell me you don't "approve". (It could be worse and I could have chosen not to start this blog to keep everyone up to date, but I really want my family and friends to be able to keep up!)

There now that I have given my disclaimer for the next few months we can move along.

I finally made a decision, or Brian made a decision a couple of weeks ago, and I finally followed pursuit. We purchased some of the "big ticket" items on Saturday. We bought the crib and armoire for the nursery. I don't know that we will put much more furniture in the nursery other than a glider. Now it is time to make some decisions on bedding. We had decided long ago (or possibly I decided) the main colors will be black and white, green and pink. Since I am pretty particular I think we are either going to have to make the bedding our selves or have bedding custom made.

I think that is the latest going on in our world! Thanks for sticking around and reading about our changing lives...

Lotsa Updates...

2008-07-24T12:39:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to properly update here, but every time I have started I just can't find the right words... For some reason the past 1.5 weeks I have been melancholy - I am not sure if it is because this pregnancy is flying by or if it is because of the what should/could have been's. Or maybe it was because I was anticipating my appointment(s) today. Who knows... So let's see what is new?

First - thank you all for praying for my dad while he was in the hospital and continuing to do so while he is home and recovering.

Updates -
I had to make an unscheduled stop at the doctor's office last Friday - diagnosis UTI/Bladder infection. Yucky. Antibiotics are helping a lot though.

Dr. appointment - today went well. I have gained a pound in almost 5 months of pregnancy. The nurse and I threw a little party!! I knew that would be a topic of discussion with Dr. Huff, and sure enough it was. She wants me to add some higher calorie snacks to my pantry, and try to eat those in the afternoons. I told her I graze all day long, and she was good with that, but I do need to be gaining some weight now. Not for TweedleBug's sake, but for my own. TB is getting everything needed right now. Blood pressure was on the low/normal side, which was a bit surprising since I was worked up about the appointment. TB is measuring right on track and my tummy is looking pregnant according to everyone around me. Brian and I were able to ask Dr. Huff some questions that we have come up with, and were very please with her answers. She did remind us that we are half way through this pregnancy and things are going very smoothly, so she doesn't anticipate any issues or problems along the way now. I went down to the lab where they took some blood.

Ultrasound - So today was the day for the "BIG" ultrasound, also known as the complete OB ultrasound. Our favorite u/s tech called us back and that thrilled me. Sarah was the tech who did our both ultrasounds with JuneBug, so we feel like we have come full circle with her. She is so kind and caring, and doesn't mind explaining everything along the way. Sarah was wonderful and hurried through the first part since I was almost in tears from needing to go to the bathroom. Then she took her time and examined TweedleBug's fingers, toes, arms, legs and feet - you know the parts every expecting parent thinks about. Then she moved onto the "other" things - those that a doctor wants to see. Sarah showed us TB's heart, brain, kidneys, diaphragm, brain, spine, upper lip and nose. She told us that everything looked great to her, and asked if we wanted to know if TB is a boy or girl. Sarah looked around and TweedleBug cooperated very well, and kept a well placed hand where anything visible would be covered!!! HAHA! So you can decide from there - is TB a boy or a girl?

Brian - Brian has had his first pregnancy dream. I secretly hoped he might be nauseous when he woke up, but not a chance. He dreamed that he was in labor and "it hurt like hell". Now if only I could manage to have him throw up just once during this pregnancy I think I would have it made. Not really! He has been such a trooper and lets me do things at my own pace, gets me what I need, and leaves me alone when I just can't seem to function at a human level.

TweedleBug - I think I am beginning to feel the acrobatics of a baby in uetro. TweedleBug weighs almost a pound now and is about the size of a large tomato, or about 6 inches long. My ultrasound has TB measuring at 20 weeks, so still a few days older than Dr. Huff. This week marks some very definite changes in brain development, so that is very exciting to me. This is the time when experts suggest reading, talking, and singing to baby.

Me - The nausea is still very prevalent, but typically only in the mornings and late evenings. I do still throw up on occasion, but not daily. I do still take my meds on schedule. People are so funny asking me about cravings and find it odd that I don't "crave" anything. I guess most people think every pregnant woman should crave something crazy. If I crave anything it is ice. I am sure my dentist is going to kill me when I go in in August. ACK!! The heat really zaps me, so I try not to do anything outside well while the sun is up. People are starting to notice that I am showing a bit more and even yesterday I had a complete stranger ask me how far along I am. That is the first time someone has said anything directly to me who doesn't already know.

I think that is about the extent of what is going on in our fast changing world! I hope you are all doing well, feel free to drop us a line just to know you are reading along.

Oh yes, before I forget don't forget Brian's 30th Birthday is next week!

Improvements

2008-07-15T13:33:00.000-05:00

The past week has been very nice - aside from being nauseous in the mornings and a few gagging spells life has been tolerable. That is until yesterday. Yesterday was pretty bad, but with the help of wonderful modern medicine I was able to get the throwing up under control and able to eat by last night. WOOHOO no trip to the hospital!!! All the throwing up yesterday has made for a sore tired body today.

This past weekend Brian and I started the marathon of baby furniture looking. There really are no cribs like there were years ago. They are all convertible cribs - meaning they make into toddler and even full sized beds later down the road. That really doesn't matter for most people, but for me that means no drop down sides anymore. Really that shouldn't be a problem assuming I don't mind throwing a toddler over the rail of their crib while sleeping, or climbing into the crib myself. (Hey, I have been known to do crazier things!) I am contemplating steps like dogs use to climb into bed. So, I guess I should find a baby doll that is about the size of a toddler and try them out!

Do you know they make swings that not only swing, but rock, sway and vibrate? I won't even get into that because I have my own demented thoughts there, but seriously no wonder kids these days have ADD or ADHD, they have been bounced, sung to, really everything short of being stood on their heads to make life "better". Give me something simple like a windy swing and I think I will be set!!! haha! This is coming from the girl who will do anything to make life easier. Oh wait one more thing - don't even get me started on lite travel systems, snug rides, and everything else. Really - I just want to know that I can put a baby into the carrier, and the stroller. HELP! (People just think pregnant girls get tired because they are making a human. What they really neglect to mention is pregnant girls get tired because there is so much to decide on. I mean if we don't eat the right thing, or we subject a newborn to a swaying/rocker we could potentially harm them from getting into the very best college. ACK!)

Then there is the whole registering thing... I guess I was hoping Brian would take care of that on his own since he really did have a good time when we got married, but I don't think that is going to happen. I love technology, because I hope to do a lot of registering from the comfort of my very own (yep, you guessed it) couch.

So I guess this is my plea to those of you who have kids, thought about having kids or have ever been in the same room as a child - how do you decide on everything? Where do you start?

In other news - I think I have felt the "brushes" that all pregnancy books to tell you is the baby moving around. It is very interesting to me that something the size of a bell pepper is growing in my body (no to mention excreting bodily fluids) and I really don't know any difference. Wriglee is not please that something is going on in my tummy. I think he felt TB move Saturday morning when we were lounging on the couch, and was none to happy with me as he sulked for a while after.

I hope you and your families are doing great and enjoying the wonderful summer weather we are having. This is the very first summer I have complained about the heat, ever. I can tell you I am enjoying it from the windows of a very cool vehicle, the (yep you guessed it) couch, or with my entire body immersed under water. I am so glad I have a pool to swim in this summer!!!

It's Raining!

2008-07-09T15:19:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update -

Last night when I got home from work I had a message from the nurse at the doctor's office to call them at my earliest convenience. So after a sleepless night I called the office this morning (why do doctor's offices not take phone calls before 9 a.m.?!) It appears that all of my organs are working the way they are supposed to. They did tell me that if I continue to have problems after I deliver we will do some more testing but for now things are ok. They want me to continue with the "diet", but they would like me to start taking fiber. I guess I need to figure out how to add that to my diet in the form of something my stomach I can tolerate.

I think the "sore-ness" is starting to creep in. I feel like I have done many crunches (and we all know that isn't happening), my back is sore, and my hips are sore. I have started filling out some, but still not looking anything close to pregnant. I still feel like I look a teeny-bopper with a little extra weight, but I guess the "cuteness" of being pregnant will come when it needs to.

I think that is about it for now. Thank you all for the prayers - I do feel better, still gag a lot and mornings start very slow, but the nausea isn't untolerable now.

17 Week Development

2008-07-09T15:17:00.000-05:00

Dates and numbers:
There are 159 days until your due date on December 16, 2008.
You are 121 days pregnant. You are 4 months pregnant.
You are in your 4th month of pregnancy.
Your 2nd trimester: June 10, 2008 to September 22, 2008. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: September 23, 2008 to December 16, 2008. (28 - 40 weeks)

Your baby's weight has doubled in two weeks and now weighs about 3.5 ounces! The crown-to-rump length of your growing baby is 4.4 to 4.8 inches. If you spread your hand out opened wide, you can see about how big your baby is.

Your uterus is moving up and is now approximately 1.5 to 2 inches below your navel. You are showing more now and there is a noticeable swelling in your abdomen. At this point in your pregnancy, a 5 to 10 pound weight gain is normal. Other people can probably feel the difference in your lower abdomen if they were to rub your tummy. To be the most comfortable, you should be wearing maternity clothes or clothing that is too large for you. You may have felt your baby move already. However, you might not feel it move every day at this point. As your pregnancy progresses, movements become stronger and more frequent. Feeling your baby move can help reassure you that your baby is doing well. You might also notice that your gums or nose bleed occasionally. This is from the increased blood volume that puts pressure on small blood vessels and capillaries.

Huge changes continue to take place within your developing baby. This week fat begins to form and will continue to do so until he is born. Fat is important to the body's heat production and metabolism. Right now, at 17 weeks, water makes up about 3 ounces and fat 0.018 ounces of your baby's body. In a baby at term, fat makes up about 5.25 pounds of the total average weight of 7.7 pounds. The placenta is continuing to grow at an amazing rate. The placenta will continue to develop in tandem with the fetus and it will weigh more than a pound at birth! By this week, the placenta is large and well established with a network of blood vessels that exchange nutrients and waste.

The eyes are facing more forward. The ears are now close to their final position. Your baby is more flexible with ability to move head, mouth, lips, arms, wrists, hands, legs, feet, and toes. Fingerprints are forming now.

Understanding "Morning Sickness"

2008-07-03T12:28:00.000-05:00

Forewarning - a downer post...

So for the past 4 months I have been avoiding a certain word at all costs - one that indicates "severe" morning sickness. I have been hopeful that what I have is "normal" and will pass and I will be able to "enjoy" being pregnant like so many other ladies talk about. This past week I have had to face that dreaded "H" word. Hypermesis. If you don't know much about it, trust me, you aren't the only one.

Here is a pretty good definition -
Hyperemesis gravidarum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hyperemesis gravidarum (from Greek hyper and emesis and Latin gravida; meaning "excessive vomiting of pregnant women") is a severe form of morning sickness, with unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids. Hyperemesis is considered a rare complication of pregnancy but, because nausea and vomiting during pregnancy exist on a continuum, there is often not a good diagnosis between common morning sickness and hyperemesis. Estimates of the percentage of pregnant women afflicted range from 0.3% to 2%.

While I haven't had the weight loss that is associated with hypermesis, I have had just about every other symptom. It stinks really, really stinks. I don't want to sound ungrateful for being pregnant, because that is the last thing on my mind, but I really just want to catch a break. While I do have good days mixed in with the bad days, it is hard to enjoy those good days, and I am sure to some extent I try to make up for those bad days on the good days. It is what appears to be an unbreakable cycle.

Tuesday was another really bad day. I woke up to vomiting at 4 a.m. Not very pleasant, I took the meds that they have given me, and tried to go back to sleep after sipping on some liquids. Nothing - no break. I did finally come into work because there are some things that just really have to be done, but other than what had to be done, I was rather unproductive. About lunch time I gave up and called the doctor. She is out on Tuesdays, and I knew that, but I was hoping for some sort of answer. (you know - just something to give me a break.) After some botched phone calls with the nurse I finally got my point across that I felt I needed fluids, and was not going to be able to accomplish that on my own. Finally at 3:30 they called to tell me they agreed, and I probably needed to go in. At midnight I was still throwing up - after 1 shot, a good amount of fluid, and phenagren in the IV. I made the decision to go home so that I could finally get some rest.

Wednesday I was back up throwing up, and was really at my wits end by that point. I hadn't had any relief other than to sleep for the few hours. I called the doctor's office again, and my doctor was still out. I talked to the other on-call doctor who happened to have hypermesis, and she was so understanding and reassuring. She wanted to be sure that everything else was ok with me, so she sent me in for an emergency ultrasound on my gallbladder, liver, pancreas, etc. I had that u/s this morning, and the tech said that I didn't have any gallstones, but we wouldn't have a full report until the radiologist looked at everything. (I should have those reports next week sometime)

I don't know if it is a relief that they didn't find anything, or if it is just another unknown, but that is how it is.

I think what is really rough is that everyone seems to want to give advice (i.e. eat before getting out of bed, eat small meals, this will pass in the second trimester, etc.), but what a lot of people don't understand this isn't "typical". I have tried everything short of getting up in the middle of the night to eat something. I drink all the time, but it just isn't helping. I have tried all the meds that the doctor's are comfortable giving, and even a combination of those meds. This isn't normal, and even though so many women have paved the path before me, not many understand what this nausea 24/7 really is. I literally will myself not to throw up. I count the minutes hoping that it will pass, I have gotten fairly good at tuning out things so that I can concentrate on not throwing up. But that just isn't helping. I don't want people to notice me because I am sick, I want people to notice that I am pregnant, and getting a cute little belly, or I have that pregnancy glow, but I don't. I worry that I am not getting the vitamins that I need, or that Tweedlebug needs, I worry that if I venture to far I will have to throw up some place that I don't know. My body hurts, my toes ache. I am pregnant, but I am really doing my very best not to whine or complain, but this really stinks.

There are some good websites out there for information on hypermesis, but so far this is the best I have been pointed to - http://www.helpher.org/ . I have had numerous girls point me in that direction...

So I guess if you ask me how I am feeling face to face, then I am probably feeling ok, and that is about all I will say. If you don't see me well it is because I am hanging out on my couch.