Epiphany

Someone last week commented on how pregnant women always seem to be rubbing their bellies (as I was unconsciously rubbing my own belly). Tonight I figured out why that is, at least in my case. I rub my belly all the time...particularly after meals...looking for crumbs. Those little suckers manage to find their way all over me! Over my shirt, under my shirt, in my bra...it is really disturbing. So I'm constantly rubbing away to make sure there are no new crumbs lurking where they don't belong. So the next time you see a pregnant woman sitting at the table rubbing her belly, cut her some slack.

I also had a really interesting experience at the mall today. I was simply buying a pretzel. And the lady behind the counter really got me good. She started by asking if I was having an Easter baby...to which I had to respond "no, I have SEVEN more weeks to go." Oops. Then she wanted to know what we were naming him. Her response? "I have a dog named Chase!" Oops. As if that wasn't enough, she did the unthinkable. She reached out her arm, stretched as far as she could over the counter, and attempted a belly rub. Thankfully, I was standing far enough away that it was more like a half-rub. Oops. Lord, what is wrong with people? The saddest part is...those pretzel sticks were so good it was almost worth it. Almost.

Nightmare On OUR Street

So I've been meaning to write a cute post all about the dogs lately, and how the transition into a bigger family will affect their lives. This is not that post.

Last night I put the dogs to bed without taking them out to potty. So it was inevitable that they would wake me up at some point to take them outside. No big deal. Around 1:30 came the scratching at the door. So we got up, and I let them outside to do their business. They were already acting strange, going back and forth between porch and patio but never getting on the grass. When they finally decided to approach the grass, Meah took off around the side of the house. I gave her a minute, but she never returned. I threw a jacket over my nightgown and wandered to the front of the house to track her down.

Earlier in the day, she had followed Evan (unbenownst to him) on his run and was halfway down the street before I caught her. So when I didn't see her in the yard, I started stumbling down the driveway assuming she was out by the street. I reached the bottom of the driveway and heard a car approaching. Great. The good news is...it was Evan. The bad news is...it was Evan. After a brief heart attack on both of our accounts, I managed to get out of the driveway, and he managed to park without running over my scroundrel missing dog. The better news is that he realized that the crazy pregnant lady wandering around his front yard was me, and didn't grab his baseball bat...

When he drove up, we heard a single bark...Meah was in the yard somewhere! So I wandered back up the driveway and found her waiting patiently on the back porch to be let back in the house. Ugh! I am proud of myself for avoiding the hysterics this time though...not even a single tear!

It took me an entire episode of Home Improvement, and part of The Cosby Show to calm my nerves and get back to sleep, though. Man, if she wasn't so cute I would beat her butt...

Belly Blues

I am now 32 weeks prego. Yay! Except that there's still eight weeks to go. I am really beginning to think that the gestation period for humans is entirely too long. There was plenty of time to be sick, time to enjoy the kicking and wiggling, and time for people to ooh and aah. Now I'm just fat and bored. And ready. Not that I'll ever be fully ready, but I am sure that I'm as ready as I'll ever be. So I hope these next eight weeks hurry up and pass already!

Here are some of my recent experiences and revelations as a big girl:

• I have a built-in crumb catcher. Last week I was wearing two shirts. After dinner, brushed the crumbs off my belly like normal. Then proceeded to find crumbs in-between my two shirts, and underneath my undershirt. How does this happen???
• I am tired of not fitting places I used to fit. There is a recliner practically in the doorway of our living room that has become the bane of my existence. I cannot walk by without hitting something.
• Speaking of bumping my belly, it is almost impossible to fit into a bathroom stall anymore. The door almost always grazes my belly...yuck! I've resorted to using the handicapped stall as much as possible. On a side note, women are disgusting. I cannot tell you how many women I have seen either not wash their hands at all, or stick their hands under the water for two seconds, no soap, and leave. Gross!
• Cocoa butter (the kind you are supposed to use to prevent stretch marks) smells more like cocoa butt.
  
• Today alone my mother decided to tell me how BIG I am getting, as well as tell the cashier at Cracker Barrel (after she asked us if she wanted to buy jelly beans) that I already have a jelly belly. Thanks, mom. Appreciate the support.
• I am trying to satisfy some of my sweet tooth cravings with fruit. This week I have already polished off a container of strawberries and 1/4 of a watermelon. Even the fruit is better when the weather's warm!
  

I'm Lovin' It!

Spring is officially here! I am so excited I can hardly stand it! There are many reasons I live in the south, but one of them is the weather...I am a sunshine and hot weather kinda gal. And it has been one exceptionally cold winter here in Georgia. So I am taking advantage of every warm, sunny spring day I can!

I have decided that there is nothing that can lift a girl's spirit like the warm sun on her face (and a little color doesn't hurt either). Here are some pictures of my first day out in the sun.

What better way to elevate your swollen feet than out in the sun?

The whole family was excited...we celebrated with Frosty Paws (peanut butter flavored ice cream for dogs)

Apparently I wasn't the only happy one...someone painted this in the sky above my house.

PS - I'm improvising on my tan with a wonderful self-tanner I picked up at a Bath and Body Works OUTLET (I know - be still my heart!) on my way home from VA. How else am I going to get sun on the back of my legs...laying on my belly isn't an option! My dad was making fun of my splotchy legs (the first application of the season is always a little tricky), and told me to go to the tanning bed. Would you like your grandson baked or roasted, dad?

He Liked It...

So he put a ring on it. Five years ago this July, my then-boyfriend of 5 and a half months asked me to marry him. And he put a ring on it. This one, to be exact.

Then, a short month and a half later, it was a done deal. We were married. It seems like forever, yet like no time at all. And I am proud. Not in a "pride comes before a fall" kind-of way, but proud that, every time I look at my left ring finger, I get a reminder of the commitment I made to myself, my husband and God. I like knowing that when I'm out in public those symbols are clearly displayed for all the world to see.

So when I woke up recently with swollen fingers and realized it was time for the rings to come off, it was a little disheartening for me. I walked around for a few weeks with only my wedding band, but after another middle-of-the-night swelling incident, that one had to come off too. (Side note: there is something about having a ring stuck on your finger that can ensue panic like nothing else. Why is that, when you can simply go to any fire department and have the ring cut off?)

So I made a choice. I will not walk around with a naked finger for the next two months. Particularly what with me being knocked up and all. So one short trip to the mall later, and I emerged victorious with a $10.50 fake ring that will do until the real one can resume its place on my non-pregnant finger.Just out of curiosity, am I alone in this? Anyone else feel the same way?

Happy Trails

First and foremost, I must thank Kevin's mom for the title of this blog...and for getting that little ditty stuck on repeat in my head for the past three days.

Moving on. I've spent A LOT of time driving lately. Typically Kevin and I don't travel very often. But with his recent five month (I can't believe it's been that long!) absence and my lack of employment, there have been many opportunities for road trips. In January we went to his boot camp graduation (4.5 hours to Parris Island, SC), then I drove Kevin to Marine Combat Training (8.5 hours to Jacksonville, NC), then his graduation from there (another 8.5 hours), a visit to Birmingham (3 hours), and one final visit to see my hubby (11 hours to Virginia Beach). By the way, I am amazing. If you don't believe me, ask my husband (I love you babe!).

Anyhow, all of this time on the road has given me some insights which I felt the need to share with you:

1. Dear South Carolina, I have driven through you border to border 6 times now. There is no road work. Please take the signs down. Thank you.
2. Semi trucks, I am a girl who likes to drive fast. So I understand your need to pass the slow people as much as the next girl. However, if your intentions when cutting me off in the left lane are to pass another truck, then please do so rather than driving next to said truck at the same speed and holding up all of the other traffic!
3. While I'm at it, the same goes for cars. If you want to pass me, go ahead. No big deal. But please, do not fart around in my blind spot. Either speed up and go around, or don't be surprised when I get in front of you so that I can see where you are. Sitting in someone's blind spot is dangerous, people!
   
4. Who buys cars that are frequently used as police cruisers? And in similar colors. I get that at times it may be beneficial, what with people scrambling to get out of your way. But aren't there way more times where cars in front of you just can't tell whether you're a cop or not...and drive way slower than necessary? Do us all a favor and trade your car in for a better model. Thank you.
   
5. Acceleration lanes were made for reasons. Use them.
6. The same goes for cruise control. It is your friend. Use it.
   
7. I despise driving on divided highways, where you are constantly going through towns. You're trucking along at 64 (because the speed limit is 55), and all of the sudden...red light! What a bummer.
8. PS - on the divided highway note...I have a very hard time not stopping at every Target I see...another problem!
9. The ride home is ALWAYS worse than the ride to get somewhere. The fun is over, you're tired, and home seems like a million years away.
10. License plate covers that hide which county you're from should be illegal. It is very important for me to be able to identify where you're from so that I can tell you to return there while calling you a moron.
11. Another thing about license plates...vanity plates are gay. All of them.
12. To the owner of a black Volvo with North Carolina license plate UVA 98, get off the road. You are an idiot.
13. If you have a rebel flag anywhere on your car, I am judging you...immediately.
    
14. Last but certainly not least...when did it become okay to not turn on your headlights when it's raining??? I am completely astounded by the number of people, particularly those driving gray or silver cars that just blend in with the road, who can't be bothered to flip that little switch. Ridiculous!
    

Ask And You Shall Receive

I have come to the conclusion that either the meteorologists in VA Beach need new day jobs...or it is very difficult to accurately (or even come close to) predict the weather there. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Anyhow, every time we checked the weather reports, it said rain all weekend. Every time. Yet, after Friday night, the rain cleared up and we ended up with beautiful weather almost the entire weekend. Praise the Lord!

I had a great time with my wonderful husband! We definitely made the most of what will probably be our last weekend together until he graduates on June 11th! Friday night we hit the mall with a few of his friends. We hung out, ate some dinner, and had a good time. Then, we drove halfway around the city looking for ice cream for me. Because I insisted I have not just ice cream, but an ice cream cone. Bless his heart, he was bound and determined to get me what I wanted, and he didn't complain once!

Saturday we hit a second mall, this time with another buddy and his girlfriend who was also visiting. We did some more shopping (I got a really cute skirt for half off at Old Navy...okay, I actually got two...one in big girl size and one for later). Then we ate a really fancy dinner at a restaurant on the beach. I had a small meltdown over what to order (the menu looked like something out of Hell's Kitchen!), but a few tears later it was all good.

Sunday we stayed to ourselves, and had a great time! First up, the Virginia Aquarium. It was not spectacular, but it was still fun. All the pictures are from there. My favorite was the sea horses...they are the cutest things! Am I the only one who thought they were bigger than that? So I posted every picture of them. I spared you all of the snakes, dragons, etc...I'm sure you can find those on Kevin's facebook if you're really interested. Anyhow, after the Aquarium we hit Target and Best Buy. Then we saw Shutter Island. Pretty good, but it seemed a lot longer than it was. To top off a great day, we had dinner at Fazoli's. Yum!

All in all, we had a great time together. We definitely made the most of the little time we had. As proud as I am of my husband though, I cannot wait for this time to be over! I am counting down the days...

Here Comes the Sun...Or Not

I am currently in Virginia Beach, VA visiting my husband at MOS school. For those of you wondering why in the world I am blogging, it is because he has another hour or so of training before he is free for the weekend. (Rabbit Trail: I am borrowing Kevin's new laptop. And I am very thankful that I appreciate and understand his love for electronics. Because this beast hardly qualifies as a laptop. I would call it a portable desktop...because even at 30 weeks preggers, it is quite a bit bigger than my lap. Nothing but the best for Kevin, right Mom 2?)

Moving on, I really just wanted to share with you a little bit about my journey yesterday. The drive itself wasn't bad. Even stopping every hour and a half, I made great time and made it here in 11 hours flat. Here's the kicker. I drove 700+ miles...across four states...and never once saw the sun. Forget the sun, I never once saw a break in the clouds. If I hadn't been on the way to see my wonderful husband, I would probably have sunk into a deep depression.

It's mid March, already...bring on the Vitamin D!

Good Times

Nine years ago, as a freshman at Lee University...can we just pause right now for a moment of silence, because I am freaking out at how old I am getting?!? Sorry, moving on. Nine years ago, God blessed me with a gift that I had no idea I even needed at the time. Three of the best room/suite mates a girl could ask for. It didn't take long for us to grow close, and although we don't see each other nearly as often as I would like, I still consider them some of the best friends in my life.

Freshman year...Rory, me, Sarah and Brandi

Before my wedding...Brandi, me, Sarah and Rory

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of going to visit Rory, her husband and daughter in Trussville, Alabama. I am a little embarrassed to admit that, although Allie is 13 months old, this was the first time I had met her. It's always a little nerve wracking (for me, anyhow) meeting children for the first time. You never know how they're going to react to you, and I'm always a little worried that they won't like me...which can make things awkward. Well, I am pleased to report that she is one of the most precious babies ever! She had the best personality (and no, I'm not just saying that because her mom is a blog reader!), and is so much fun! She started walking about a month ago, and was all over the place. Just adorable. I really can't say enough good things about her, and how fun it was to see Roar as a mommy!

Wow...taking it back to Freshman year.

Seriously, could anyone resist this face?

We had a great time catching up. Went to a craft fair with Mama Davis (the spring equivalent of Christmas Made in the South), caught a movie, and did a little shopping (because who can resist a trip to Super Target?). There is nothing in the world like a friendship that is so easy! I had a great time, and I can't wait to do it again! I'll try to make it sooner next time :)

I also have to say a huge THANK YOU for the gifts I received...From Mama Davis...How cute is this...and, hello, there's a tail! You know I can't resist a cute butt...have you seen my husband? ;)

From Rory...I think I spot a coming home from the hospital outfit...

My little splurge from the craft fair. How cute is this, and what a great message! I also took away some great ideas for things I can make myself.

Monkey See, Monkey Buy

While Kevin was home, we went to both Babies R Us and Target and created registries for little Chase. Being first time parents, I think we were in a little over our heads, and it was quite an overwhelming experience. I have since gone online and changed the registries around 10 times apiece. I'm pretty happy with them right now.

While at Babies R Us, we registered for some really cute crib bedding. We're not into anything too bright or over the top, so we agreed on a more subtle set with an airplane theme. Not my first choice, but I will admit it is very cute.

If you have been shopping with me since we found out about baby Chase, you know that I have a strange obsession with monkey-themed stuff. I can't help it, I just think that it is just the cutest stuff in the world!

Well this weekend, mom and I were browsing through Babies R Us and happened to stumble across some monkey-themed bedding...on clearance! Not only were the on clearance for 50% off original price, but there was an additional 25% off. How could I resist? So after comparing prices, and of course getting Kevin's approval, I walked away with a bedding set (comforter, bumper, sheet and bed skirt), valance, mobile and diaper stacker. All for a grand total of $90. In case you haven't shopped for baby bedding in awhile, just the bedding set for the other collection was $180. And that didn't include any of the other cute accessories! So not only did I get a great bargain, but this stuff is just adorable. Now, if only I had a nursery to put it in...
The Bumper

The Mobile (unassembled)


The Comforter

The Finished Product (well, as close was I was going to get without a crib)

In This Belly...

Weighing in at a whopping 2 lbs, 15 ounces...Chase Michael (we think) Webb!

So today I had my routine growth and anatomy ultrasound. Apparently I'm pretty behind, because most people get this ultrasound at around 20 weeks. But with the confusion of the move and switching doctors, things just got a little screwed up. No big deal. Due to the size of my baby and belly, however, it was not my favorite ultrasound.

They are always adamant about remind you to drink 32 ounces of water before the appointment. So me, ever the rule follower, drank that and then some. Hey, this ultrasound is not getting screwed up on my account. Because I'm not drinking that much water in such a short amount of time again...cue nausea! So we get in the room, I lie down on the table to get started...and she decides that my bladder is way too full and it will distort the picture. Cue bathroom break...praise the Lord! She asks me to not completely empty, so I pee (a lot!) but don't finish. Back to the table...more yucky jelly on my stomach...and my bladder is still too full. Time to pee again. I can tell that the tech is getting frustrated. But hey, I was just following the rules! How could I not have a super-full bladder after drinking that much water in such a short period of time???

Anyhow, the ultrasound ended up taking about an hour total. That is a long time to have your belly poked, prodded and exposed to air conditioning. She wasn't able to get all the detail she wanted because a. he is too big, and b. he is stubborn and rolled himself up into a ball. She didn't tell me exactly how long he is, but she did ask if daddy was really tall. So obviously he's taller than average at this point. And according to this chart, he's a fatty. Which makes me nervous about the whole labor and delivery thing, but I'm also excited, because who doesn't love a baby with chubby cheeks?

Here is the latest picture. It isn't great and I'm only posting one. There's one of his nose, because the tech just thought he had the cutest nose...but to me it just looks like a goldfish so I'm not posting it. Okay, there's also one of his chubby cheek, which is a new development. But I simply cannot get a good enough quality photo to post. So here is the only picture. It's a repeat, but it's a special treat for mom #2: