tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78147401375974062782024-02-20T11:23:57.156-05:00G.I. Joe's WifeA day in the life of this Army Wife...Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.comBlogger779125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-6640467480095744972014-05-29T09:00:00.000-04:002014-05-29T09:00:08.349-04:00Moving On<span style="font-size: large;">As of today, I will no longer be blogging here. It's slightly sad, but not much is changing except for the name. Still me. Still you. {I hope!} Still the Army, kiddos, and life in general. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheVcqQNpqRuq64n0yCnUDaiuS4_KW7CcFndFUMhNslB5ED7nSLPPTaYWvOJqJAw19cFG0_oWViZgOnQZpP7OShjNsDdqfZsM8yAygYrUwsnNRtdgcjZ_CGiNwPkCdpJrfUo1AbZzLGIkD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-28+at+9.28.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheVcqQNpqRuq64n0yCnUDaiuS4_KW7CcFndFUMhNslB5ED7nSLPPTaYWvOJqJAw19cFG0_oWViZgOnQZpP7OShjNsDdqfZsM8yAygYrUwsnNRtdgcjZ_CGiNwPkCdpJrfUo1AbZzLGIkD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-28+at+9.28.23+PM.png" height="265" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've got a new post over on <a href="http://sewraisingarrows.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sew Raising Arrows</a> today, so please go check it out and follow over there! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUewqSSPXQjk4W-unLA4rFV4yQo-gBLPLQTTwMGy-0qvm5IrjgTxVq_lvDProC6wiJND4bIKttMluhWKiTBTkSybYQOO1IyWYav-q23wrTRMbSOqgnA7AuOzNOo7pPDS9bgc0wvbm5wiiN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-28+at+9.30.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUewqSSPXQjk4W-unLA4rFV4yQo-gBLPLQTTwMGy-0qvm5IrjgTxVq_lvDProC6wiJND4bIKttMluhWKiTBTkSybYQOO1IyWYav-q23wrTRMbSOqgnA7AuOzNOo7pPDS9bgc0wvbm5wiiN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-28+at+9.30.34+PM.png" height="323" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And while you're there, you might want to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewRaisingArrows" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> too. :) I know, I know. Shameless self-promotion. What have I got to lose?! I'm excited about my new adventures, and I'm hoping you'll stay with me for the ride! It's bound to be interesting.</span><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-53583234221406769402014-05-27T09:00:00.000-04:002014-05-27T09:00:00.461-04:00Open for Business<span style="font-size: large;">I have two exciting things to share with you today. One you already sort of know about, and the other I've been keeping a secret. Until last week, only Joe knew about it. Like everything else, I couldn't keep it a secret from my best friend, Melissa, very long. ;-) Ok, so here goes.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thing #1</span></i></b><br />
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My new blog, <a href="http://sewraisingarrows.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sew Raising Arrows</a>, is officially live!! It has a clean, new design, and is hopefully easy to navigate. You'll see pretty much the same things you see here as far as content is concerned. I'm just changing the name of the blog to fit my lifestyle a little bit better. I've also got new social media 'handles', so be sure you check those out. I also have a new email address, so if you want it you can just leave a comment here and I'll share. :) Before you head on over to my new blog, let me tell you about something else you're going to see...</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thing #2</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4ioAq6u1IlbmxrLhan53giR5ddpJnIkB4J2VvR1nWEC6vKpkWt07fx2wD9-SFfr_rnsgoYs0zxiU40K9TKbtwZM238oYOXN_DfYWYERJrEUAJAmvRfoKLICRc44jVa1DGndI9wAYZpoo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-23+at+1.21.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4ioAq6u1IlbmxrLhan53giR5ddpJnIkB4J2VvR1nWEC6vKpkWt07fx2wD9-SFfr_rnsgoYs0zxiU40K9TKbtwZM238oYOXN_DfYWYERJrEUAJAmvRfoKLICRc44jVa1DGndI9wAYZpoo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-23+at+1.21.45+PM.png" height="507" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You are looking at Sew Raising Arrows - the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewRaisingArrows" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! :) Opening an Etsy shop is something I've had on my mind since before Millie was born. I could have done it then, but I didn't want to have to take a step back once she was born. Really, it's a good thing I didn't because life was <i style="font-weight: bold;">crazy</i> once that girl arrived. Lately I've been feeling the need to do <i style="font-weight: bold;">something</i>. I never could put my finger on what exactly, but then the more I thought about doing this - opening a shop on Etsy - the more excited I got about all of the possibilities. I'm hopeful that this will go well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For now, my focus is on selling pouches like the ones in the photos. If you've been reading long enough, you know that I can sew more than just those things. So, maybe in the future I'll be creating other things as well. Joe keeps thinking up things I can make and sell in my shop, lol! It's funny that he keeps thinking of these things (because he comes up with something new almost every day!), but it's also pretty awesome because I know that means he supports me 110%. :) Can't say I don't love that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I'm excited about all of this, and I hope you will all go check out the <a href="http://sewraisingarrows.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">new blog</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewRaisingArrows" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! I'm planning to do a little giveaway on the new blog within the next couple of weeks. Don't miss out! </span><br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-70399757857914101742014-05-15T11:11:00.000-04:002014-05-15T11:11:55.605-04:00Changes<span style="font-size: large;">It's taken a lot of thought lately, but I've decided to change a few things around here. Well, technically, not here. Let me explain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I first started thinking about changing things, I really just wanted to change the name of my blog. I'm still a military wife - GI Joe's Wife - but that's really not the focus of my blog anymore. Let's face it: most of the time I post about my kiddos, or baby-related things. So I feel like a change is needed. The good thing about blogs is that they can change and grow with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not long after I decided I needed a change, I found a verse that I really liked. And the rest just came together.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Children are a gift from the LORD;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">they are a reward from him.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Children born to a young man</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">are like arrows in a warrior's hands.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">~Psalm 127:3-5</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are raising arrows. Our hope and prayer for our kiddos is that they will grow up knowing and following Jesus. He has blessed us with them, so we will raise them to know Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The new name I came up with is <i style="font-weight: bold;">Sew Raising Arrows</i>. I added "sew" partially because "raising arrows" was already taken, and partially because I'm not just a parent. I do other things, too - things that I enjoy, like sewing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sharing all of this for two reasons:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">As of today (after this post goes live), <i>I will be changing my IG and Twitter handles</i>. I'll also be changing my FB, but since I don't post there too often it's not really a priority. I'm on IG and Twitter pretty much all the time, and I know that most of you will probably notice a change. ;-)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I am also going to start <i>a whole new blog</i>, with a URL to match. This won't happen for at least a few days (maybe even a week), and I will definitely be sharing the URL. I will redirect everyone to that page once everything is "live" over there.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also have another little surprise to share (NOT of the baby variety ;-)), but I'm not quite ready for that yet. So here's to growing and changing. I hope you'll all stick around for it!</span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-39111640452974354982014-05-12T12:39:00.000-04:002014-05-12T12:39:42.268-04:00Tricked, Spoiled, and Blessed<span style="font-size: large;">I was very pleasantly surprised this Mothers Day. I had <i>thought</i> that Joe hadn't gotten me anything. Usually what happens is I remind him of an event, suggest a gift or two (because he needs some help), and then leave the rest up to him. A few days ago, I asked if I'd have a gift by the weekend. For the last year or so, he's been notorious for getting me gifts way after the fact. Anyway, he pretty much had me convinced that my gift would be here late. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Sunday, he woke up and got in the shower before my alarm went off, so I got a little extra rest before church. As I was getting ready, I heard him running all around the house. I really just assumed that he was getting diaper bags and stuff ready. I thought I smelled coffee, but I was kind of hungry so I chalked it up to that. Since the girls were still asleep when I was finished getting ready (wahoo, happy Mothers Day to me!), I came in to get some breakfast. And I found coffee, donuts, and a gift waiting for me on the coffee table. Shock. Of. A. Lifetime. He totally fooled me! I got one thing I asked for and a surprise gift, too.</span><br />
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Rings with the girls' names on them. LOOOOOOVE!</div>
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(I asked for this. ;-))</div>
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And a Nicholas Sparks book I haven't read!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mom also gave me some flowers, which was totally unnecessary and also very sweet. :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcYsXR9IQE_y5z_zdo3GYglaXb-nD-jL61AAxEVgtmQZySgnBbfWnQI-c2ZjEkcigjYdfDzojLIwXgT1xuBstG67MoqoRqu-djRATo7xbPn7X93nnQ6HeI8UUIvG3i_yClMxJDs3uR30y/s1600/IMG_3227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcYsXR9IQE_y5z_zdo3GYglaXb-nD-jL61AAxEVgtmQZySgnBbfWnQI-c2ZjEkcigjYdfDzojLIwXgT1xuBstG67MoqoRqu-djRATo7xbPn7X93nnQ6HeI8UUIvG3i_yClMxJDs3uR30y/s1600/IMG_3227.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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Please excuse the mess that is my kitchen counter and bar. </div>
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It's a work in progress.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also got a flower from church when we were picking up the girls from the nursery/children's church. I was definitely not expecting anything (mostly because they didn't do this last year), so it was a sweet surprise.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Xp4-bPOgqGVj7rWctLb9Vz11j91XcHdfyYtYBIFJjjqldWezkxg8qKfUMfdqiOkAAfitZCSbK-ZKvIKi0H7jEqNcNTw6oyH0gzo_itzBmqksPRExqUMncCV9b_qCB9JT98qxpFRnRlX5/s1600/IMG_3228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Xp4-bPOgqGVj7rWctLb9Vz11j91XcHdfyYtYBIFJjjqldWezkxg8qKfUMfdqiOkAAfitZCSbK-ZKvIKi0H7jEqNcNTw6oyH0gzo_itzBmqksPRExqUMncCV9b_qCB9JT98qxpFRnRlX5/s1600/IMG_3228.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We went to lunch after church, which is something we never do. Then we just spent the rest of the day hanging out around the house. It was really nice!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I kept thinking about things our pastor said at church yesterday, and one thing really stuck out to me. Out of all the women in the world, God chose <i style="font-weight: bold;">me</i> - specifically me - to be the mother of these girls. I don't know why, but He did. He made <i style="font-weight: bold;">me</i> the most influential person in their little lives, and gave me the ability to stay home to love, care for, raise, teach, grow, and cuddle them. It's often a pretty tough job, but it's a special one. In all, the message was a good reminder that I have a special calling and an even more special place in their lives. And I'm so grateful for them.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-127-3" id="en-NLT-16101" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative; text-align: start;">Children are a gift from the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-3" style="position: relative;">they are a reward from him.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-127-4" id="en-NLT-16102" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative; text-align: start;">Children born to a young man</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-4" style="position: relative;">are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="text Ps-127-5" id="en-NLT-16103" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-127-5" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">~ Psalm 127:3-5</span></i></span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-77159221182456380702014-05-09T09:00:00.000-04:002014-05-09T09:00:04.534-04:00Birth: Pain Free vs. Drug Free<span style="font-size: large;">Looking back on both of my girls' births, I can't help but compare them. They are drastically different, and that difference really kind of surprises me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the beginning of Millie's pregnancy, I knew I wanted to try for an all-natural (drug free) birth. My doctors induced me with Charlotte because of my gestational diabetes, and also because I had some hypertension. It definitely wasn't what I wanted, but truthfully, I wasn't prepared to fight them on it. I did get them to wait an extra week before inducing, but that was as much fight as I had in me. Most of that I think was that Joe was in WLC, and unable to go with me and help me 'fight' them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I really did want to try and avoid having an epidural with Charlotte. But with induction comes lots of medications and interventions. Even though I wasn't induced with the ever-feared Pitocin, they were still forcing my body to do something it wasn't ready to do yet. And once I hit transition, I was pretty miserable. I couldn't get out of bed (which still frustrates me), so there wasn't much I could do on my own to help relieve the pain. Eventually, I asked for an epidural. When the anesthesiologist couldn't come in a few minutes, I asked for pain killers. <i>That</i> is something I still wish I hadn't done. The epidural was fantastic, but the pain killers were basically useless. All they did was make me sleepy, which isn't something you need when you're in active labor in the middle of the night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I ended up pushing for 2 hours, which now I think is mostly because I couldn't feel anything. Sure, I could feel the pressure of her moving, but I couldn't actually feel how/where she was moving. The plus side to that was that my body had time to stretch, and I didn't tear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't notice it then, but there were plenty of <b>downsides</b> to having a "pain free" birth:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Charlotte was so sleepy. She was pretty alert after her birth, but she was still groggy - too groggy to nurse before they cleaned her up. She was so sleepy that we had to wake her for feedings. I wonder now if that's why she developed jaundice while we were in the hospital.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I</i> was sleepy. Birth itself is tiring, but the medicine made me plain exhausted. I thought that I was just tired from giving birth, but the truth is it isn't <i>that</i> tiring. I felt like a zombie. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt2sYdUvcXQeH3T8Zqh7po-rIgVoSJIarogfu-rskzsubCoWm9srlVORqOxaQ5sTikSPzbilH6HP_QsJ9wdMsEqEbm-ISr-lkVLVTcFJ6k0_SYEI3uLkacxoOpsl9414lP4YqwUCbvQA1/s1600/DSCN2765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt2sYdUvcXQeH3T8Zqh7po-rIgVoSJIarogfu-rskzsubCoWm9srlVORqOxaQ5sTikSPzbilH6HP_QsJ9wdMsEqEbm-ISr-lkVLVTcFJ6k0_SYEI3uLkacxoOpsl9414lP4YqwUCbvQA1/s1600/DSCN2765.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was smiling, but I was asleep on the inside. Haha:)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also had a little bit of difficulty walking - even to the bathroom - while we were in the hospital. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Part of me also wonders if my "baby blues" were fueled by the drugs I had while in labor. I was so incredibly emotional.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Whereas, with Millie...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I went into labor on my own at 39 weeks - a full week longer than I was pregnant with Charlotte. I was in labor much longer, but I felt that the contractions were far less painful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ0wMMxhFVCEUbq_BRHD6gzsSY82IftYkFJeKi7MNP2OOn9DW8cWnlUOWtlVA3jKTsallLf2HrG1SI0g143kb31AgfZAWo6T2fJlgjx58u0vHbYEmmolpwvqElIWwnLWCCr-A4cYQSTQ9/s1600/IMG_2071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ0wMMxhFVCEUbq_BRHD6gzsSY82IftYkFJeKi7MNP2OOn9DW8cWnlUOWtlVA3jKTsallLf2HrG1SI0g143kb31AgfZAWo6T2fJlgjx58u0vHbYEmmolpwvqElIWwnLWCCr-A4cYQSTQ9/s1600/IMG_2071.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Taken while I was in labor. Do I look totally miserable to you?! <i>Nope. </i>;-)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did have an IV placed (for saline), but I could move around with help from my nurse. Changing positions, having Joe put counter pressure on my lower back, and using the labor/exercise ball helped <i>tremendously</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I pushed <i>3 times</i>. The actual I'm-doing-this-on-my-own pushes lasted mere minutes. My body did most of the work before the nurse was actually telling me to push. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did tear this time, but mostly because I went from 8.5cm to pushing in less than an hour. My body just didn't have time to stretch properly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Millie nursed for about half an hour, less than an hour after she was born, while we were doing skin-to-skin. She started rooting and bobbing her head, all on her own. She needed very little assistance. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKCnFBPSotjPiWfD-hfEtBhJI_5dnb3vgEL-3KbiP7CsgyWovZwDVpY1KMLCVqKjiueUIE0KRXlZ1ptrVALdWwe1WFuBaWakHrf6SS7SVCn_b203lXNUYaXSRHP6Yaf3x0z-7PSqi3ex_/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKCnFBPSotjPiWfD-hfEtBhJI_5dnb3vgEL-3KbiP7CsgyWovZwDVpY1KMLCVqKjiueUIE0KRXlZ1ptrVALdWwe1WFuBaWakHrf6SS7SVCn_b203lXNUYaXSRHP6Yaf3x0z-7PSqi3ex_/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Taken probably 10 minutes after she was born.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She was also very, very alert. We didn't have to start waking her for feedings until we came home from the hospital. Even then, the times we woke her were few and far between.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The biggest difference: <i>I felt great.</i> I mean, yeah, I hurt pretty badly from tearing and being stitched. Otherwise, I felt great - especially mentally. I was tired, but I wasn't exhausted. I was up and walking after Millie finished her first feeding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It <i>has</i> taken me longer to heal because of the tear, but in every other way I felt so much better after giving birth. And it makes me wish I had been able to do it this way with Charlotte, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The difference in how I've felt this time makes me want this kind of birth for everyone. It's just so much better. It makes far more of a difference in how I feel - and how my baby feels - than I ever imagined. Sure, an epidural would have been nice. Who doesn't want to be pain-free!? <i style="font-weight: bold;">But</i> the pain of contractions is completely manageable, especially if you take the time to educate yourself on natural ways to handle it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Am I totally against drugs during labor? No. It's kind of hard to say that after having them with Charlotte. Do I wish I hadn't had them the first time? Absolutely. Whatever anyone says, babies do get that medication in their system, and it does make them groggy. There are even chances of other things happening, but I'm not into fear-mongering. (All you have to do is Google the risks of having an epidural anyway. The information is out there, you just have to look for it.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Barring extreme circumstances, I think everyone is capable of having a drug-free birth. And I encourage it! It's empowering. I thought I felt superwoman after having Charlotte...and I felt even more so after birthing Millie with no drugs! I wish that for every woman, because our bodies can do amazing things!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-15702228686836462472014-05-06T09:30:00.000-04:002014-05-06T09:30:02.804-04:00Life's a Mess<span style="font-size: large;">Life with two little ones can be pretty challenging - fun, but challenging more often than not. Like pretty much everyone else on social media, I post pictures on IG and FB that make our life look great. Maybe even perfect. But really, it's hectic and messy. My living and dining areas are usually a giant mess. The tables are catch-alls for mail, crayons, toys, snacks and sippy cups. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uhIbF16KeJhyphenhyphenJ1I3YyB53jAL9F5uoRnj2hFy48s-PZ7xubyUAJhBWgnk1K66qkydhzGawVgQAMYXYEV-TDlTd1f9XbE5OhaFxJo2YTTeO0MNK3iZ4FzA_II_CSl9vqJPZxEWxMd2eUwE/s1600/IMG_2895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uhIbF16KeJhyphenhyphenJ1I3YyB53jAL9F5uoRnj2hFy48s-PZ7xubyUAJhBWgnk1K66qkydhzGawVgQAMYXYEV-TDlTd1f9XbE5OhaFxJo2YTTeO0MNK3iZ4FzA_II_CSl9vqJPZxEWxMd2eUwE/s1600/IMG_2895.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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See? Overtaken by toys.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spend the better part of the day nursing Millie and parenting Charlotte from our perch on the couch. Which inevitably means lots of TV watching. She will run around and play, too, but yeah. The TV is on. Sometimes I feel bad about it, but I really don't know how else to do it!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcWEJY8RJEFvsxeHpM2Uu5xHShm_E7Y8lGn4CsEAMJLfCXnUNItsXqdrq-iC9pbHomP0cbAhgCf2JKWwXkva9VTn773NMuIMjaoDdif5hxuCY93UgHXDt6u3HXm-R97vx9FqcXdfYIDzZ/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcWEJY8RJEFvsxeHpM2Uu5xHShm_E7Y8lGn4CsEAMJLfCXnUNItsXqdrq-iC9pbHomP0cbAhgCf2JKWwXkva9VTn773NMuIMjaoDdif5hxuCY93UgHXDt6u3HXm-R97vx9FqcXdfYIDzZ/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I took this in February, but this still happens allllll the time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, Millie has started napping better, which means Charlotte and I are able to have some good one-on-one time. I usually try to do some sort of activity with her, whether it's an indoor tea party or playing outside. We've also been working on letter recognition lately, and she's getting pretty good!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLHBhSIZY9qRkwjokmP2wa6Hlcj7iwFvaav1bm1VXz0gp96Ehd9P7GIWlZnMetMMcB4dGzg3w_qFFwDMFigu-ejpIPhuDcQaDdAIr4Jf_E1mEQIz5r41gEovDyYWgzGVS8xvTF2B4bFE3/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLHBhSIZY9qRkwjokmP2wa6Hlcj7iwFvaav1bm1VXz0gp96Ehd9P7GIWlZnMetMMcB4dGzg3w_qFFwDMFigu-ejpIPhuDcQaDdAIr4Jf_E1mEQIz5r41gEovDyYWgzGVS8xvTF2B4bFE3/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr9FvnomaQzES6h7-ZeLax-VyPK6iaUo7M4ZpNUj1quDuqhj0BDimVLo0UH4lcnFltZzjrSbcxLyLMN-agocxt4GtB3jVkVfxBnD6myE6fnqePqs9K3bh7RkTm5QiOr8rkl-RThyrQUP3/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr9FvnomaQzES6h7-ZeLax-VyPK6iaUo7M4ZpNUj1quDuqhj0BDimVLo0UH4lcnFltZzjrSbcxLyLMN-agocxt4GtB3jVkVfxBnD6myE6fnqePqs9K3bh7RkTm5QiOr8rkl-RThyrQUP3/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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I just love this one. =)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjFdoLeyZkMrwqtmBxre5UsTEpsomhVx4LJqg8vtcKtQKNdhcPw1_AUxK9vDEl3-LNbhmP6-WnXfr7syBYlpw_BcWCYa0DLxcFFKq6fNyPYwab7W6PA4FxNMwgyG3SeQft_QUW90lN7qO/s1600/IMG_3129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjFdoLeyZkMrwqtmBxre5UsTEpsomhVx4LJqg8vtcKtQKNdhcPw1_AUxK9vDEl3-LNbhmP6-WnXfr7syBYlpw_BcWCYa0DLxcFFKq6fNyPYwab7W6PA4FxNMwgyG3SeQft_QUW90lN7qO/s1600/IMG_3129.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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My cool girl.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Between meals, loads of laundry, dance parties, nursing sessions, cleaning, diaper changes, and everything else, I think this sums up most of my days with the kiddos:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoq9xhzDUBVqr0YUu0eHFG-Nd8rcaUPfVe3Rh0LDxNo3Hej5rhLY37VOusVAGvQh-PDDJXNAR0eVfBcpeCMkELzQ1de_fpElGtRsY3mKk4DjbSWSh7DBKlhzHvfWZITHsw85BqezeyWdgf/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoq9xhzDUBVqr0YUu0eHFG-Nd8rcaUPfVe3Rh0LDxNo3Hej5rhLY37VOusVAGvQh-PDDJXNAR0eVfBcpeCMkELzQ1de_fpElGtRsY3mKk4DjbSWSh7DBKlhzHvfWZITHsw85BqezeyWdgf/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Holding Millie while helping Charlotte climb up on the couch to sit next to me. Because nobody is happy unless they're close to Mommy! And everyone is still in PJs. =P But that's life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So the next time you see a picture-perfect post of mine (or anyone else's, for that matter) on IG or FB, remember this: </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">My house is messy, my floors need sweeping and mopping, there are dirty dishes in the sink, and toys everywhere. But everyone is clean, fed, and happy. One day my house will be spotless, but until then...I'm going to try and enjoy the mess that is life with littles.</span></i></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-35825543916932449322014-05-02T09:30:00.000-04:002014-05-02T09:30:03.111-04:00Favorite Things on Friday<span style="font-size: large;">Taking a break from talking about my kiddos... Let's talk about a few things I'm loving lately! Nice, easy, and fun for a Friday. =) {Say that 5 times fast!}</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. This <a href="http://www.target.com/p/gilligan-o-malley-reg-women-s-cotton-nursing-cami-assorted-colors-patterns/-/A-12250744#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=gilligan+%26+o%27malley+nursing+tank+top" target="_blank">nursing tank top from Target</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcCtH6CR1TvNDV__DP5mZwOKxxFiTfU_i7ECjdAqTyjtvptzWiBGJLHlWVTfhyjt5TmkniZYwY7319xu18fLd6I1lPptbLtdQaYWQFmMXNFT_n_3skUzrd-e_W2g-4CzVngLrCJd2J3o1/s1600/14969109_201312180043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcCtH6CR1TvNDV__DP5mZwOKxxFiTfU_i7ECjdAqTyjtvptzWiBGJLHlWVTfhyjt5TmkniZYwY7319xu18fLd6I1lPptbLtdQaYWQFmMXNFT_n_3skUzrd-e_W2g-4CzVngLrCJd2J3o1/s1600/14969109_201312180043.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's pretty much my most favorite item right now. First of all, it's a necessity because I'm nursing. Second? It's <i style="font-weight: bold;">cute</i>. Third, I love the material! It's nice and soft. Ahhhhh. ;-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. This <a href="http://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/ProductDetail/Hair-Care/Frizz-Ease/3-Day-Straight-Semi-Permanent-Styling-Spray" target="_blank">3 Day Straight spray from John Frieda</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPemuHQKCiW1JHsxh8Ae86C5wnbOEmnHU0lI0Tm_1xY0EikL-JggIJ2RqynyK3U_mmg5Q-MdIM4Q6FYwpLaLlw_Us7jfWaUolZzt-lyVftWZlI359FYeTRpQV53wqm5VzL8KSWNbkf1NpV/s1600/fe-3-day-straight-semi-permanent-styling-spray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPemuHQKCiW1JHsxh8Ae86C5wnbOEmnHU0lI0Tm_1xY0EikL-JggIJ2RqynyK3U_mmg5Q-MdIM4Q6FYwpLaLlw_Us7jfWaUolZzt-lyVftWZlI359FYeTRpQV53wqm5VzL8KSWNbkf1NpV/s1600/fe-3-day-straight-semi-permanent-styling-spray.jpg" height="320" width="127" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I received a sample of it in my <a href="http://www.influenster.com/" target="_blank">Influenster</a> box back in February. And I never blogged about it back then because life {and 2 kiddos} got in the way. Anyway, this stuff is <i style="font-weight: bold;">awesome</i>. If I blow dry and straighten my hair after using this, it definitely last 3 days. I may have to touch it up with my flat iron in between, but it takes less than 5 minutes. For me, this is fantastic, because I don't have that much time to mess with my hair on a daily basis! {Which is partially why I chopped my hair off again.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/Natural-Acne-Solutions-3-Step-Regimen-Kit/00530-00,default,pd.html?cgid=naturalAcneSolutions&start=7&q=#start=7" target="_blank">Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrrNlazFbkIdifjg21rqIS9Rjt9i0Y4xg_wHLvAmVzipfrfEYVITTI4TPdHgj5EYOH6OYUBzPRbHcY2j6yqOBZVf_YWTrtOqF_9dlyQeIsVEQzvcdB0i4XQ0mifUhU9GElio3tULKaUTB/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+10.39.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrrNlazFbkIdifjg21rqIS9Rjt9i0Y4xg_wHLvAmVzipfrfEYVITTI4TPdHgj5EYOH6OYUBzPRbHcY2j6yqOBZVf_YWTrtOqF_9dlyQeIsVEQzvcdB0i4XQ0mifUhU9GElio3tULKaUTB/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+10.39.54+PM.png" height="320" width="216" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I bought this stuff at Target a few weeks ago. I'd been using something else to treat my acne for quite a while, and even though I wasn't dissatisfied with it, I wanted to try something I could pick up somewhere other than Ulta. The good news is I'm really liking it! It doesn't dry my face out like the other stuff I'd been using had a tendency to do. It's also natural, which I really like. AND it's cheaper! Score all the way around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. My latest purse - a Franco Sarto tote bag, purchased from <a href="http://6pm.com/">6pm.com</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxcfGb7i-RQPkg5KyHTQ4FXWk4pDcqwFgI1VQijZUjJBouWO4ROKpuMOjfTUi1nzehOg5tU4IGzaaULYsE1IGWTq1XaxLlPyq3qqeT-0Zzv3pD3vV8f6shqIJGB-BAHar7kLzhM-bR84k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-30+at+2.22.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxcfGb7i-RQPkg5KyHTQ4FXWk4pDcqwFgI1VQijZUjJBouWO4ROKpuMOjfTUi1nzehOg5tU4IGzaaULYsE1IGWTq1XaxLlPyq3qqeT-0Zzv3pD3vV8f6shqIJGB-BAHar7kLzhM-bR84k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-30+at+2.22.40+PM.png" height="277" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love pretty much everything about this bag. The price was great (although a tad more than I'd usually pay), it has plenty of pockets, and lots of space. It's essentially a diaper bag...without being (or looking like) a diaper bag. SCORE. And since I breastfeed I don't really need pockets for bottles. I throw in some diapers, wipes, a snack and sippy for Charlotte and I'm good to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Doctor Who.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXannQvB8kWLsieOiy4MTx8htqmtL8icbMrJGyoQTWUqNJgqDbxiepbWBWza2WMSikDPtSMGEKGP6pzUw_WQsBMvz7-BvsntU5q3cWE6JjBPA-DrREVWnbHdu9YT6iHD-Wdp_3VKt5oSP/s1600/Doctorwho_50th-anniversary_thumbnail_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXannQvB8kWLsieOiy4MTx8htqmtL8icbMrJGyoQTWUqNJgqDbxiepbWBWza2WMSikDPtSMGEKGP6pzUw_WQsBMvz7-BvsntU5q3cWE6JjBPA-DrREVWnbHdu9YT6iHD-Wdp_3VKt5oSP/s1600/Doctorwho_50th-anniversary_thumbnail_02.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We started watching the series on Netflix last summer, I think. I wasn't sold on the first season, but it grew on me. And when David Tennant showed up on the series as the 10th Doctor, I was hooked. LOVE me some Doctor Who! Pretty sure we've watched the series about twice now, not counting the "classic" episodes. Part of me really wants to watch them, but I have a hard time with them....unfortunately. Anyway. I'm a sucker for anything spacey-wacey and TARDIS-related these days. =)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What are your favorite things lately? Anything I should try? Let me know!</i></span></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-52894176772454702962014-04-30T10:00:00.000-04:002014-04-30T10:00:06.060-04:00Growing, Growing Baby<span style="font-size: large;">Let's talk about this itty bitty girl of mine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, first of all, she's not really that itty bitty anymore. In fact, she's catching up to her big sister rather quickly. And holy cow, she's 4. months. old. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFarl0kPiV0CsuV3AjTVq1rzKlkoycdNDvegLNgUP5xYMhLNzUsRwqutv_7K1N0P8hIgrFZ_myQJBRa9ymQRZcqEq1t4fndTQk2fmqZD4D0x09LX9yA77B_NSQ9qw80PjoZ_u0id9GjbQ/s1600/DSCN1546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFarl0kPiV0CsuV3AjTVq1rzKlkoycdNDvegLNgUP5xYMhLNzUsRwqutv_7K1N0P8hIgrFZ_myQJBRa9ymQRZcqEq1t4fndTQk2fmqZD4D0x09LX9yA77B_NSQ9qw80PjoZ_u0id9GjbQ/s1600/DSCN1546.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That picture captures Millie's personality pretty darn well. Now that we've passed the colic phase (thank you, Jesus!), she's pretty happy most of the time. She's always moving, and chewing on her fingers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT8MoPBolx34MmRZlsD1ZlLr8L9Jzjq_xwxh8yUwYq4LLYFX0XD35JobeDLNr37LSo2KLIlvQC9q6AjJj1A-koKecrrFevca5pP3W-oexayOklpdVoSDCqElQ-QKxS-NP77tn8QCqjJXB/s1600/DSCN1538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT8MoPBolx34MmRZlsD1ZlLr8L9Jzjq_xwxh8yUwYq4LLYFX0XD35JobeDLNr37LSo2KLIlvQC9q6AjJj1A-koKecrrFevca5pP3W-oexayOklpdVoSDCqElQ-QKxS-NP77tn8QCqjJXB/s1600/DSCN1538.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She spends a lot of time in the bouncy seat...which is pretty much her favorite place. She's starting grasping toys, and bringing them to her mouth. She can roll from tummy to back, and from back to her side. So close to doing both! She's getting very vocal, which is no surprise. ;-) And she's starting blowing raspberries lately which is pretty much the cutest thing ever.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvQfbjA2J3lK7aQlrSuUMbD7upFH5GAsMhcQ8PAVWfdUXCbSEUi6RYW2vHLQgJtnrI1tkHkrI8k5klILiFEllN_dKtnjFQUtMz63EOArN0CABWpfJ81x_rer2zXTep468vyXAA3q7XNaX/s1600/DSCN1553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvQfbjA2J3lK7aQlrSuUMbD7upFH5GAsMhcQ8PAVWfdUXCbSEUi6RYW2vHLQgJtnrI1tkHkrI8k5klILiFEllN_dKtnjFQUtMz63EOArN0CABWpfJ81x_rer2zXTep468vyXAA3q7XNaX/s1600/DSCN1553.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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I mean, seriously. Look at that face!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her sleeping is much better than it used to be, and I hope we're beginning to have some sort of schedule! I know a lot of people buck against having a schedule for their babies, but it's really harder for me to <i>not</i> have one. And I'm not super strict about it. I just need that routine! And since Charlotte does so well with it, I'm totally cool with doing it with Millie too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhbBp5H5EmARWmW_ma8SCDB66Yk9jZHS4RA0Hz94qjXG7ChDraXP6fXFZDLkFiYHbqIanlqnISJaZPtAQXAucJPq0li_hIvjHKOLqbTs5iDTLrtNuvT1UNP77b7KaNQk099SVze-sijbv/s1600/DSCN1556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhbBp5H5EmARWmW_ma8SCDB66Yk9jZHS4RA0Hz94qjXG7ChDraXP6fXFZDLkFiYHbqIanlqnISJaZPtAQXAucJPq0li_hIvjHKOLqbTs5iDTLrtNuvT1UNP77b7KaNQk099SVze-sijbv/s1600/DSCN1556.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's a nursing pro, and would probably nurse all day if her tummy would allow it, lol! She loves to suck on her fingers, too. She's not quite as good at getting her thumb in her mouth... I'm starting to wonder if she's going to be a finger sucker instead of a thumb sucker. Only time will tell!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrGDmwuNzQ7WqDPwUpMNnmHozfkH08108K5VYwq347LnA3VFZc3ZdM0lPUCRtP2IZDLck270XeSW5t1uDsYvMDTjHy5KE8QQWpluBy6goUA_8aRZXuGjgB925f5XxydBuT4mMziMdaBED/s1600/DSCN1573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrGDmwuNzQ7WqDPwUpMNnmHozfkH08108K5VYwq347LnA3VFZc3ZdM0lPUCRtP2IZDLck270XeSW5t1uDsYvMDTjHy5KE8QQWpluBy6goUA_8aRZXuGjgB925f5XxydBuT4mMziMdaBED/s1600/DSCN1573.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What else can I say about this girl? She's sweet, happy, cuddly, and slightly noisy. ;-) Looking very much like a chunky version of her sister, and a brunette version of her mama. We love this smiley girl so stinking much! {And so do the ladies in the church nursery, LOL! She's quite the little charmer. :)}</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-58271430803134132492014-04-28T14:54:00.000-04:002014-04-28T14:54:49.397-04:00TWO<span style="font-size: large;">Exactly a month ago, my little bean turned TWO. I don't even know how this is possible. It seems her second year went by even faster than the first. *sigh*</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHLKUZzKBLpp9D_c86k93_7CCUKJpWKdMCBWm5hq0UIT9hrBsS_H4vS3UIS9VtKZ6CnikXFb4QPWDwT6533688-t73bygpDazWQWhI0yq7IVOwF7I_aDQJivXUTuOmzO1Gij3gyCalhvU/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHLKUZzKBLpp9D_c86k93_7CCUKJpWKdMCBWm5hq0UIT9hrBsS_H4vS3UIS9VtKZ6CnikXFb4QPWDwT6533688-t73bygpDazWQWhI0yq7IVOwF7I_aDQJivXUTuOmzO1Gij3gyCalhvU/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Left: First birthday; Right: Second birthday. </div>
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So much changes in a year....</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We first celebrated her birthday in NC, a couple weeks before her actual birthday. All of our NC family was there, and Grammy (her great-grandmother) made her birthday cake. Even though she wasn't feeling well that day (she had a yucky cold, and also busted her lip right before the party), she had a great time. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YFwa6n2hbuzEUg5xMzwfa70Xxw2LFaR0L-FDa4-MuCfpmaGgZOvC17XuXJcUMk-aHVRothiP_ROVANT4uGAhVBf2PklcETPTfvRkF0wtYy2XoZ8U1mkucUFEEkh5Q_Hvl6lXr9jm8XRF/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YFwa6n2hbuzEUg5xMzwfa70Xxw2LFaR0L-FDa4-MuCfpmaGgZOvC17XuXJcUMk-aHVRothiP_ROVANT4uGAhVBf2PklcETPTfvRkF0wtYy2XoZ8U1mkucUFEEkh5Q_Hvl6lXr9jm8XRF/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next weekend, my parents came to visit and we celebrated her birthday <i style="font-weight: bold;">again</i>. Needless to say there was no shortage of celebrating this year!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfh78gqYiHw13qmtXpYQwqRO3gK9I65Am598tk9p35pzznIHzZiekISe1LqQJR4o77awIAnizn_kmFP75U6if9fwCEWkcLSTp7wBAzuOv7xpKvXB8GdYrseZwqHSUfVbWTI0xnO8UaemQ/s1600/IMG_2563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfh78gqYiHw13qmtXpYQwqRO3gK9I65Am598tk9p35pzznIHzZiekISe1LqQJR4o77awIAnizn_kmFP75U6if9fwCEWkcLSTp7wBAzuOv7xpKvXB8GdYrseZwqHSUfVbWTI0xnO8UaemQ/s1600/IMG_2563.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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My mom and dad. Known to Charlotte as Mimi and Pop/Papa.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AUel7OSyfagBU6bGe7eGOYGMS3m_6fzlkJ3gjfoxZCYxkIQVSVo0PrPG5QwIAQWl1VwCgipQhj4RMO8eRoH-5NPesMeh2nA31BMbGnyb2hrRUo34V31Xu2kR90L8zzRHZ7uglyYT2LPU/s1600/IMG_2557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AUel7OSyfagBU6bGe7eGOYGMS3m_6fzlkJ3gjfoxZCYxkIQVSVo0PrPG5QwIAQWl1VwCgipQhj4RMO8eRoH-5NPesMeh2nA31BMbGnyb2hrRUo34V31Xu2kR90L8zzRHZ7uglyYT2LPU/s1600/IMG_2557.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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The girl knows <i style="font-weight: bold;">exactly</i> what to do with birthday candles. LOL</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Kz2JTyDZXr1mrdXrueIgUCY1V7s77FfemiWd-xTGGYWAxhIK86yS3fTafFwSqR4vTRWofW3_r15g_pE4G4RfADtrNxFfK3DKEgjr3xghPaOSTj9vpIBBLJiLXYrvxxiddH7WjplGupCI/s1600/IMG_2561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Kz2JTyDZXr1mrdXrueIgUCY1V7s77FfemiWd-xTGGYWAxhIK86yS3fTafFwSqR4vTRWofW3_r15g_pE4G4RfADtrNxFfK3DKEgjr3xghPaOSTj9vpIBBLJiLXYrvxxiddH7WjplGupCI/s1600/IMG_2561.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Charlotte and Daddy.</div>
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Toys!</div>
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Mommy, Daddy, and the birthday girl. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since we did so much before her birthday, we had a pretty low-key day on her actual birthday. Don't worry, we still had cake. ;-)</span></div>
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Showing me "two." Haha.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some facts about the birthday girl:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">She's still earning her nickname, Bean. At her 2 year checkup, she weighed a whopping 19.6 pounds. No matter how much she eats, she's still teeny! (And I'm thankful we finally found a pediatrician who doesn't freak out over her size. Only took 2 years. *sigh*)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She has a huge vocabulary...and uses it constantly. LOL! She said her first 3+ word sentence in February, and now surprises us with all the things she says. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Her favorite show is "Jake." AKA Jake and the Neverland Pirates. And we watch it all. the. time. (Read: TV is how you survive 2 kids under 2/3.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She recognizes a bunch of letters, and can sing most of the ABCs. She can count to 10, but only when she wants to. :P</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She loves playing outside on her little jungle gym my parents bought for her last fall. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She loves dancing to music, and frequently asks me to sing either the ABCs or "Spider" (Itsy Bitsy Spider) so she can dance.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She loves Jasper...much to his dismay. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She LOVES shoes, which makes me a proud mama. Haha</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She loves to give us all hugs and kisses. She is the best little cuddler. I hope this never changes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She is the best big sister - always making sure Millie has her toys and isn't upset. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She's also started throwing tantrums, so I'm guessing we're smack in the middle of the dreaded "terrible twos." YAY.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could probably write forever about her, but you get the gist. ;-) Basically, she's a two year old and I can hardly believe it. When she's not throwing tantrums she's a bundle of fun, and I'm loving it. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday to the sweet little girl who made me a mama.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Love you forever, Bean.</span></i></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-63292672539850360542014-04-25T09:14:00.000-04:002014-04-25T09:14:11.320-04:00Oops<span style="font-size: large;">So.... <i style="font-weight: bold;">Hi.</i> It's been a while. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think this might have been the first time I've taken a completely unexpected blogging hiatus. I can't even really say why, other than to say <i style="font-weight: bold;">because life</i>. I was pretty much a crazy person without Joe here in February. I'm still not even really sure how we survived, but we did. Actually, I had help. At least once a week a friend would come over, watch the kids for me, and I'd go get groceries. Twice, the same friend came over and also cleaned my house. She's basically the awesomest person ever. Anyway. It was rough, but we survived. And all the kudos to all my milspouse friends/readers who have done a deployment with a newborn. I can't even imagine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once Joe got back the first week of March, life didn't really slow down all that much. The second weekend of March, we drove up to NC to have an early birthday party for Charlotte, and so that part of our family could meet Millie. The following weekend, my parents drove in from Oklahoma and stayed for 4 days. The same week they were here, Joe started ALC. The weekend after that was Charlotte's actual birthday. </span><br />
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Millie and our oldest niece, Eden.</div>
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Charlotte before her birthday party in NC.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gN8Hr91breK7wMNxUD_ugL6sNWwQ5PaC8psbiZ7pWuYSo6c8roxmEMeDp_UK1F93vmWL3f8pqOHWrh3R7AiYIHUwoGAByA1RuzuE47fbtLQDljziOKGt9TwMZCjl6_coiB8W_L_ofjnz/s1600/1009859_824845202684_2051820083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gN8Hr91breK7wMNxUD_ugL6sNWwQ5PaC8psbiZ7pWuYSo6c8roxmEMeDp_UK1F93vmWL3f8pqOHWrh3R7AiYIHUwoGAByA1RuzuE47fbtLQDljziOKGt9TwMZCjl6_coiB8W_L_ofjnz/s1600/1009859_824845202684_2051820083_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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My mom with the girls. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that brings us to April. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, yeah. It's been nuts around here. I'm hoping that I'll be able to find a few minutes here and there to get back to blogging again. I've missed it!! And I have a few things planned, so stay tuned! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here's hoping more than 3 people are still reading this thing... ;-) </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-63396777938225958242014-02-18T16:36:00.000-05:002014-02-18T16:36:01.537-05:00You Can't Make This Stuff Up<span style="font-size: large;">So last week, I had this nice post planned. Where I talked about how crazy difficult it's been since Joe has been TDY. Complete with stories of screaming babies and toddlers, and attempts to get out of the house. To sum that up: <i>we're surviving. It's been tough, but we're doing just fine. Hallelujah!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But just about the time I finished that post, this happened:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me give you the only-slighty detailed version.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monday was pretty dull, actually. Just some rain and we stayed home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday, I had a friend from church come over to watch the girls while I ran out to get my ID card scanned for this fancy gate system they've started on post (Anyone else's duty station starting this? Seems kinda dumb to me...), and then I went for some last minute (pre-apocalyptic) groceries. By the time I was heading home, it was already starting to sleet. I suppose that should have been a sign.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday we woke up to a little bit of ice and snow. I had assumed the worst would have happened overnight, and that if we'd made it that far things would be hunky-dory. Oh, was I ever wrong. It continued to sleet and snow throughout the day. Around noon the power started flickering. Over and over again. Sometimes a couple times in an hour; sometimes it would flicker and then not again for a couple hours. Before I put Charlotte to bed, I tossed her in the bath and put her in warm PJs. Not 30 minutes after I put her to bed the power flickered about 5 times before finally going out. Cue panic attack. I called and texted several people to see if maybe we could stay the night with them, but none who were close had power, either. And there I was. Alone. In a powerless, heatless house, in freezing weather, with a toddler and a newborn. GREAT. I put an extra blanket on Charlotte before I went to bed. Thankfully the house was still fairly warm at that point. I bundled Millie up as much as I could without freaking myself out. I even attempted to put her in bed with me, but she wouldn't sleep. (Of course. The ONE TIME I'm okay with bed-sharing.... SIGH.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thursday came around and, while we survived the night, the house was cold. Too cold for my babies, for sure. Basically I spent the morning trying to keep Charlotte under blankets, and Millie from being cold. And I made calls and texts to see who we could stay with until our power came back. But the problem was that someone would have to come get me... Our driveway is far to steep...and even if the ice hadn't been there, a tree was blocking my car. UGH. So around noon, a friend's husband came to get me, the girls, and all our crap. (By the way I packed you'd think we were leaving for a week. Why do kids need so much stuff?!) I found it funny (ironically so) that this man who I'd met maybe once was walking into my incredibly disastrous house, loading my stuff, and my kids in his car for us to stay at his house. Not even that, but HE had offered to his wife (my friend) to come get us. Needless to say I'm a fan. ;-) Oh, and he even calmed down Millie while I finished packing. I mean, seriously. Anyway. We were at their house until around dinner, when another friend who lives less than 5 minutes away told me her power was back and we could stay with her and her kids. So, we packed up again. :P </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friday rolls around...still no power at my house. The local news was reporting that the power company I use was estimating Saturday at midnight for everyone in the area to have power again. And when I heard that, I pretty much gave up all hope for going home. Meanwhile, her husband comes home from a TDY...with flowers. <i>Oh, right. Valentine's Day. GREAT.</i> Poor Charlotte ran to the door with their kids, because, you know...daddy's home. My poor sweet girl misses her daddy so much. So basically, my heart hurts for her - we're not home, daddy's not home, her little world is so wrong. Thankfully she's a true military kid and rolls with the punches. She had a pretty good time playing with their boys, and all of their toys. Haha:) After lunch I had her husband drop me off at my house so I could check the power, and get my car since all the ice and snow was gone by this point. (And the tree was no longer leaning over my driveway.) <i style="font-weight: bold;">Still. No. Power.</i> I had to get some gripe water for Millie, so I also got a cute little stuffed puppy for Charlotte and some chocolate for myself. Gotta survive the day somehow, right?! Finally, around 6, we got our power back. We had dinner at her house, and then I packed up the kids and headed home. WOO! Oh, but the day wasn't over yet... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got to talk to Joe one last time before he had to turn his phone in for a couple weeks. It was nice, but definitely not long enough. I changed into PJs, sat down on the bed to plug in my phone....and I heard a loud rumble. Not totally unusual since I live pretty close to railroad tracks. So, I assumed it was a slow, heavy train coming through. But then I didn't hear a horn. And then I felt it under my feet. And then my walls and windows were shaking, and I found myself terrified to move.<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>You know, because<b style="font-style: italic;"> the ground under me was shaking. </b> (<a href="http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/Columbia-Co-EMA-director-confirms-sizeable-earthquake-in-Augusta-area-Warns-of-aftershocks-245637721.html?device=phone" target="_blank">Link to the local news story</a> about it, just in case you think I made it up.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So let's run this down real quick. In <b>less than one week</b>, I experienced: an ice storm (first one since I was a teenager), a 2 day power outage in which I stayed in other people's homes, loss of all the food in my fridge and freezer, the frying of my computer's hard drive thanks to the power outage, <i style="font-weight: bold;">and a freaking earthquake.</i> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuryH_SAYxf-7hd4bPvIrkliIYOXbm28eW-UYtuE-kYi48M3kYeu2VQdnQVBS8Rlx3XKgcAEA6SxE76VaxxfVzQXIKWiaC8wpSUA0FvQPb6P8qic95XWM3toAzEvukQOMV1bsKGLluTr98/s1600/1898253_813352040074_1457875207_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuryH_SAYxf-7hd4bPvIrkliIYOXbm28eW-UYtuE-kYi48M3kYeu2VQdnQVBS8Rlx3XKgcAEA6SxE76VaxxfVzQXIKWiaC8wpSUA0FvQPb6P8qic95XWM3toAzEvukQOMV1bsKGLluTr98/s1600/1898253_813352040074_1457875207_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just about the time I thought Murphy was finished with us, Charlotte woke up with a cold on Monday. At this point, I don't think any mishap will surprise me. I am SO DONE with Joe being gone. And I'm even more ticked at the Army for this. (Because, YES. It is their fault. He was NOT supposed to go to NTC this round.)</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Is it March yet?!?!?!</span></i></b></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-92201112343499047442014-01-28T08:30:00.000-05:002014-01-30T02:38:15.239-05:00Leave it to the Army...<span style="font-size: large;">Just when I thought things might be getting better/slightly easier around here, the Army steps in and screws everything up. Isn't that the way it always goes, though?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Move to Hawaii - husband deploys.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">9 months pregnant - husband in WLC until the weekend before induction.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Adjusting to life with a newborn - husband works crazy hours.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Buy a house - husband in the field the week of closing.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">7 months pregnant (and TIRED) - husband in the field all week, again.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the most recent:</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">1 month old colicky baby - husband TDY for 5 weeks.</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, and it gets better: <i style="font-weight: bold;">he wasn't even supposed to be on this mission.</i> The guy he's replacing basically went to his doctor to get a note stating he couldn't go. (To be fair, he is having a procedure done, but it wasn't scheduled to take place until after the mission.) So all this time we've been thinking Joe would be on mock rear-d (you know, because it's not a deployment), instead of on this mission with a sub-par NCOIC. So he's going to be across the country, in the field, and miserable. Meanwhile, I'm here. With the kids - a colicky baby, and a tantrum-throwing, hunger-striking toddler. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Fan-freakin-tastic.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not only was he not even supposed to go, we found out less than a week ago. So I haven't even had the time to mentally or emotionally prepare for him being gone. Let's face it - I'm one month postpartum, and those hormones are still slightly screwy. Toss in some sleep deprivation and a baby who wants to do nothing more than scream or nurse, and yeah.... I haven't handled this very well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm mad. Mostly at the guy who copped out of going, partially at the "powers that be" since there is no one else to fill this guy's spot. And if I'm being honest...I'm kind of mad that God would let this happen. I've had a difficult enough time handling Millie and Charlotte by myself during the day. Knowing that I'll have help after 5 or 6pm is all that gets me through some days. Now? <i>Nada. All mama, all the time.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuD39XEokK_HDPeTEuPMTw323A-alvuxiSJE-cFCn7NCQbTLVs1CcExu-J17_1rPVho0_kkzfp3jaaSH__yaeIwpL_Ce-I878RqGCSXHTSE-SRx4wiukXFUJBmxAZq8FWtudHA3y5kb2K/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+2.55.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuD39XEokK_HDPeTEuPMTw323A-alvuxiSJE-cFCn7NCQbTLVs1CcExu-J17_1rPVho0_kkzfp3jaaSH__yaeIwpL_Ce-I878RqGCSXHTSE-SRx4wiukXFUJBmxAZq8FWtudHA3y5kb2K/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+2.55.26+PM.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i>This sight alone just makes me mad and overwhelmed.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Listen, I know it's only 5 weeks and in the grand scheme of things, 5 weeks is nothing. But really? I just don't know if I can handle it. Unless you've had a colicky baby, I'm not sure you can understand my worries. It's different - <i style="font-weight: bold;">completely</i> different. It wears on you like nothing else ever could. I only thought I had a tough time with Charlotte when Joe went back to work. Looking back now, that was a cake-walk. Of course, having a toddler only compounds the frustration when your colicky baby is screaming in your ear. So that makes a big difference too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love my girls, but it's been tough. Joe has been an amazing help since Millie was born (not that he's ever been less than helpful), and I'm just worried. Worried that I'll lose it. Worried that either one of the girls won't get all the attention they need. (More worried about Charlotte in that regard, because 1) she's a daddy's girl, and 2) she feels things - like the lack of attention - so intensely.) Worried about the lack of sleep, and help in the middle of the night. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl-aiODOdzob9H21RyvyDHBUOtYyEdRUSS8ATzl1CxBYohEFFjRrmfB4cIFwUwXLSb6dc5S_5jl1TFsywHFQ8R5y-SnnJujdNCixMmAvrfIlTydXef-QZP0p0CyeLjca5XPdTwYsPplkK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+2.55.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl-aiODOdzob9H21RyvyDHBUOtYyEdRUSS8ATzl1CxBYohEFFjRrmfB4cIFwUwXLSb6dc5S_5jl1TFsywHFQ8R5y-SnnJujdNCixMmAvrfIlTydXef-QZP0p0CyeLjca5XPdTwYsPplkK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-27+at+2.55.39+PM.png" height="398" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<i>I foresee lots of this happening, just to make the crying stop.</i></div>
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<i>Because it's gonna happen.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just don't know, guys. Joe's grandparents have graciously offered to let us stay with them in NC for a while, and I am seriously considering it. I know it will be almost equally difficult to be in someone else's house, but I'm not sure I can go the whole 5 weeks without any help.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, if you think about it, say some prayers for the 4 of us. We're gonna need all we can get.</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-53276193144189233852014-01-23T10:34:00.001-05:002014-01-23T10:34:36.635-05:00Let's Chat<i><span style="font-size: large;">Warning: This post is slightly rambly. But please stick around, because I wanna chat with you!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm pretty sure that my last post was Millie's birth story. She was born one month ago now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First of all - that's craziness. It's easy to forget in the middle of a hard day that the days are long, but the weeks go by quickly. Second...adjusting to having this baby girl has been <i style="font-weight: bold;">difficult</i>. Some of the hardest days and nights have been had since she's been born. I thought that adjusting to having Charlotte was difficult, but I was oh-so wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just adjusting to having 2 kids has been hard enough, but we also get "help" in the difficult department from the dreaded <i style="font-weight: bold;">colic.</i> If you follow me on Twitter, you've seen my "up all night and crying all day" tweets. It's been really hard, you guys. So much harder than I ever thought it would be. Colic basically means I have a cranky baby more hours of the day than not. Not only is she cranky, but holding her doesn't guarantee that she will stop crying. Most of the time, she ends up screaming in my face. To be honest, there's only so much of that I can handle. <b><i>It sucks.</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<span style="font-size: large;">I know it's not her fault. <i style="font-weight: bold;">I know that.</i> It doesn't make it any easier, though. I wish it did! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Part of me feels incredibly guilty for complaining about her being up all night or not sleeping during the day. I mean...I wanted this baby, <i style="font-weight: bold;">right?</i> For crying out loud, she's my rainbow baby! The one I should be extra thankful to have after having a miscarriage last year. <b><i>Right?</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah...about that. I read something posted by Diana Stone a few weeks ago, about <a href="http://www.babble.com/kid/the-myth-of-parenting-after-losing-a-child/" target="_blank">parenting after the loss of a child</a>. It was dead-on how I feel. (You should really go read that before you continue here.) Just because I lost a baby doesn't make parenting the babies I have any easier. Maybe I <i>should</i> be thankful for my girls - trust me, I am. But loss doesn't make me thankful for sleepless nights, though countless others would welcome them. Loss doesn't make me thankful for toddler meltdowns while I'm nursing the baby. Loss makes me appreciate life more, for sure. And in reality, I should be thankful for all I've got anyway, because that's what God wants from me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcIpfXDUv_MX8kCzHGuR6r8wwwy-deRvTIlaN785fEelqVOhFkcWWub_yX8PD7jRPR4rKHvkMdde4ElGmFvBx7kERP5i9GttSrozkVKnWekmPd6fimQF1jhedrlOS_oY6vGt2QFlRAUq8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-23+at+10.31.31+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcIpfXDUv_MX8kCzHGuR6r8wwwy-deRvTIlaN785fEelqVOhFkcWWub_yX8PD7jRPR4rKHvkMdde4ElGmFvBx7kERP5i9GttSrozkVKnWekmPd6fimQF1jhedrlOS_oY6vGt2QFlRAUq8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-23+at+10.31.31+AM.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also know, though, that God knows where I'm at right now. After all, He did give this to me - this baby, this situation. He knows what's going on. I think it's okay for me to not be thankful for the OMG-I-want-to-pull-my-hair-out moments. I think it's okay to not be thankful for colic; but to be thankful for the baby that has the colic. And yeah, she is pretty cute - when she's sleeping. ;-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sorry for rambling. This is just what has been rolling around in my head recently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, let's chat: Did/do you have a baby with colic? How did you survive? If you have more than one kiddo, what was the hardest adjustment: 0-1, 1-2, 2-+? I'm curious! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-44142000244560254022013-12-31T17:39:00.001-05:002013-12-31T17:39:04.941-05:00The {Birth} Story of Millie<span style="font-size: large;">On Saturday morning (the 21st), I woke up with some contractions. I was all set to go to the hospital and then.... They faded - completely. So instead of heading to the hospital, I headed to town for groceries. Afterward, I unknowingly snapped my very last pregnant picture. =)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBBoJd10oEdBMN3szCFvJ5yxmYmM0Pi50Xs1mKsZCJPRPEtL4OXsyN-sITdTLX_0cH7Gx0fs9q8C4CUoYzE3mTuCqZWrctoYhgpWxl5SR1VFjkJbP9eUpMySKfsPIbW_AeutfrzfwjbWc/s1600/IMG_2060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBBoJd10oEdBMN3szCFvJ5yxmYmM0Pi50Xs1mKsZCJPRPEtL4OXsyN-sITdTLX_0cH7Gx0fs9q8C4CUoYzE3mTuCqZWrctoYhgpWxl5SR1VFjkJbP9eUpMySKfsPIbW_AeutfrzfwjbWc/s400/IMG_2060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent the rest of the afternoon frustrated, eating pineapple, and attempting to bounce on my exercise ball. Kinda hard to do with a toddler around!! Nothing was happening, so I made dinner, we gave Charlotte a bath and put her to bed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The contractions came back after that, and I seriously considered going to the hospital again. I even texted our babysitter and my MIL to let them know the situation. Once again, nothing happened. The contractions slowed down and then stopped by the time I got ready for bed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then around midnight I started having contractions about every 20 minutes or so. They weren't too bad, but they were kind of annoying since I was trying to get some rest and all. Around 3am I decided just to get up and move to the living room. I didn't want to wake Joe if the contractions were just going to go away again, and I thought the exercise ball might help with the pain. (Which it did.) I spent the next 2 hours doing random stuff around the house, bouncing on the ball, and leaning on the kitchen counters during contractions. A little after 5, I was so tired and out of things to do, so I headed back to bed. The contractions slowed down a bit so I could get some rest, but they were getting fairly strong. I think I ended up waking Joe around 7, and then Charlotte woke up so we all got up and had breakfast. Or attempted to...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Halfway through breakfast I felt like I might vomit. It was at that point I decided we really should go to the hospital. We texted the babysitter and called my MIL. It took the babysitter (which was actually a couple from our small group at church and their 2.5 yr old son) about 20 minutes to get here, so we got ready while we waited. Surprisingly, I was still able to move around and do stuff. Charlotte kept asking me if I was okay during contractions - "Okay, mommy?" It was seriously the cutest thing ever. She is such a sweetie. =) She almost had a meltdown as we left for the hospital, but thankfully she's easily distracted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had one strong contraction on the way to the hospital, and another as soon as I got out of the car to walk in. (Yes. I walked in. Because I'm stubborn and was determined to walk that baby out!) Once we got in L&D and into a room, the nurse asked me about a gazillion questions, and finally checked my cervix. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>I walked into the hospital dilated to 7cm.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joe was shocked. LOL! I'm pretty sure my nurse was shocked, but she hid it pretty well. I had a feeling I was <i>at least</i> 5cm, but you just never know. So, obviously, I got admitted and we got prepped to have a baby!</span></div>
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After being in early-ish labor for about a day, I was totally ready to have this baby!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm557GnJS_SBU_WtHSac7b_y4nIjuxAGaLVx1Intza05dBRPUFRB6nK39uz9ic17_nb25mxIeBba6ybT6T2C_veeYgH5FcVaLkLE9Mw8U_HDfCT38u_lleIQ527imKkJ6Fu5IhIWEfy_bC/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm557GnJS_SBU_WtHSac7b_y4nIjuxAGaLVx1Intza05dBRPUFRB6nK39uz9ic17_nb25mxIeBba6ybT6T2C_veeYgH5FcVaLkLE9Mw8U_HDfCT38u_lleIQ527imKkJ6Fu5IhIWEfy_bC/s400/IMG_2073.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I don't think Daddy was quite as prepared as I was. ;-)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm assuming that they set up our room so quickly since I was already at 7cm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My nurse and the baby's nurse felt pretty certain I'd have her by lunch time. But babies come when they come, and Millie was in no hurry to make her entrance. <i>Yet.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, my OB was not on call this weekend. Her call started the next day...so I was seen by her "partner". He seemed nice enough, but I was kind of upset that my fantastic OB was going to miss this. But, my nurse, Carman, was pretty awesome so that helped make up for it. She made sure I was able to do as many things on my birth plan as possible. A lot of women go there for natural births (since they're the most "baby-friendly" hospital in the area), so that was really nice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once I dilated a bit more, I was able to sit on their labor ball. I was on that thing for most of the afternoon. I bounced and rocked back and forth, and side to side. Between that and having Joe put counter-pressure on my back during contractions, I'm not sure I would have made it. Not only does the rocking help with contractions, bouncing (and just sitting on it) helps the baby's head get into the right place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After an hour or two on the ball, I started to get really uncomfortable. My nurse helped me change positions - or just stand up, leaning on Joe - several times. Not long before Millie was born, I ended up leaning over the back of the bed, squatting into each contraction. No lie - it was hard work. But it really did help with the pain. There's also something to be said for controlled breathing. It hurt so much worse when I wasn't taking deep breaths.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also had Joe pray for me/us several times while we were there. Not just for the pain aspect, but also that her birth would be expedient. I was getting tired, and I was really ready to meet her and just be <i>done</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At some point between getting off the ball and back on the bed, my nurse checked me. I hadn't dilated much, but I had started to feel lots of pressure. We considered going ahead and telling the on-call doctor to come in, but I'm not sure if we ever reached a decision. What I do remember is this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got back in bed, laying on my side. The contractions got way more intense and closer together. So much so, that I could hardly think. At some point, I started feeling the "ring of fire." I mentioned it to my nurse (who hadn't left my side in a while) and I'm pretty sure she left the room to call the doctor at that point. Everything is hazy because I was completely in "labor land." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon after, my nurse started telling me not to push and to try and breathe through the contractions differently. I completely understand <i>why</i> she didn't want me to push yet (no doctor!), but telling a woman who feels the urge to push to <i>not push</i> should be considered torture. At that point, I got a little cranky. I distinctly remember telling her to stop pressing on the monitor on my belly because it hurt so much. I think I asked her to stop several times. Joe was in the bed with me, putting counter-pressure on my back still, and reminding me to breathe. I can't tell you how many times I told both of them that I couldn't <i>not</i> push. It <i style="font-weight: bold;">hurt</i> to not push. And really, my body was doing 95% of the work. I wasn't voluntarily doing it, it was just happening - kind of like instinct, I guess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, I think my nurse got the gist that this baby was coming whether the doctor was here or not. I remember her all but running to the door, and yelling at the nurses' station, "Someone make sure Dr. Charity is on his way!" I really wanted to laugh, but, you know...<i>contractions, baby in the birth canal and all. </i>Next thing I know (as my body is still doing most of the pushing), I'm surrounded by nurses, and 2 of them are trying to flip me to my back. This hurt like crazy, first of all. I think I may have yelled at them, but I don't remember what I said. LOL! I remember my nurse telling me to push 3 times. Twice for her head, once for her little body. <i>And there she was.</i> I felt her little arms and legs flop onto my legs, because they didn't even have time to break down the bed for her arrival. 3 pushes, you guys.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> My body did all the work before that. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Amazing. </i>And seriously, what relief I felt after she was born! All the other natural/drug-free birth stories I've read talk about this high you get...I was totally there. =)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had wanted a mirror to see her birth, but obviously things happened to quickly for that. I also had wanted to delay clamping/cutting her cord, but we weren't able to for two reasons: 1) A nurse delivered her instead of a doctor, so they followed 'protocol.' 2) Her cord was wrapped around her neck twice, so they wanted to make sure she was okay. After that, the doctor walked in. Then the baby nurse (who was fantastic, by the way) handed me my vernix-covered little girl for some skin-to-skin time.</span></div>
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Yes, I made Joe snap a shot of our first feeding.</div>
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I look like a hot mess, but that's what happens when you birth a baby. ;-)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't remember how long we got to hang out like that, but after just a few minutes she started bobbing her head and making her way to the breast for her first feeding! This moment was second only to pushing her out. It felt so great to be able to have that time, and for her to feed all on her own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only downside of her fast, non-medicated birth is that I did end up tearing this time, and so needed stitches. I can honestly say I have never disliked a doctor more in that period of time than I did this guy. He was not very gentle (unlike the OB that I hand-picked), and apparently he didn't realize that most redheads need more medicine to actually get numb that other people do. I had to tell him repeatedly that I could feel what he was doing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall, I feel great about her birth. I feel great about myself - knowing that my body <i>can</i> do this without any help. I also feel so much better physically than I did after Charlotte's birth. The recovery has been different because of the tear, but I feel so much more myself this time - and not in a haze from all the drugs.</span></div>
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Daddy and Millie =)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to my doctor, who stopped by the next morning, we were able to go home after only 24 hours in the hospital. <i>That</i>, my friends, is another upside to having a non-medicated birth! </span></div>
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Took my rainbow baby home in her rainbow blanket from Auntie Anna!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Things have been great and also difficult since being home... We had help for the first week, but now we're on our own! I know we'll get the hang of having two littles eventually, but right now it's a roller coaster. So, we'd appreciate your prayers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are so thankful to have this little rainbow baby of ours...and also for her big sister, who has been very sweet to her. Perfect way to end the year. =)</span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-8313364196196084262013-12-20T09:00:00.000-05:002013-12-20T09:00:05.450-05:00Finally Ready!<span style="font-size: large;">It should seem obvious by now that I'm <i>more than ready</i> to have this little girl who's been growing in my belly for almost 39 weeks. Her lovely little room, however, hasn't been ready until this week. It's been a serious work-in-progress. While I took my time with Charlotte's nursery, it was finished a couple weeks before she was born. I've been burning the midnight oil around here lately, trying to get everything done before Millie arrives! I know it could be another week, but I've felt all along that she'll be early. How early isn't exactly up to me, though!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her room was more work than Charlotte's was mainly because I was already pregnant when we moved into this house. Not only was I pregnant, I was still in the first trimester and feeling <i>sick</i> most of the time. Oh, and I had another baby to take care of! So, pregnant, sicky, and mama to big sister....<i>kind of throws a kink in things!</i> Because we obviously wouldn't need her room to be ready for a while, it became the catch-all room. Which basically means if I didn't want to deal with certain boxes or pieces of furniture, that's where they ended up. So when it came right down to it, we had a lot of boxes to go through and furniture to move or get rid of. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZs6WhN9IVdRkFoMfReOH3kzBO8b2XT5UyBL37v-8j7G_-hF7QxOKBgwbkhJ1pN1AHc11Z4_9y4rqVLJFAXke5-SM9TLG8MGX3P-TdgM7C7VdUntprh7nQkiOCZD71RgtJAPpwye8ucGu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-19+at+11.34.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZs6WhN9IVdRkFoMfReOH3kzBO8b2XT5UyBL37v-8j7G_-hF7QxOKBgwbkhJ1pN1AHc11Z4_9y4rqVLJFAXke5-SM9TLG8MGX3P-TdgM7C7VdUntprh7nQkiOCZD71RgtJAPpwye8ucGu/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-19+at+11.34.50+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just to give you an idea...</div>
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There was a lot more in here (top pic) when we started clearing things out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko5PECRgl9hQE3_HfTfZccIvQYCe6sD0i2HZpTm_Pz-rmZ9h08O8eXKpThkLCPbesA-jt-rb1yRy2lgBXgv14o9bjwyzehHDroYRhUGTW257I3-asb_GCmuizg_aF5g13A9Pyt8E_PDaC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-19+at+11.33.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko5PECRgl9hQE3_HfTfZccIvQYCe6sD0i2HZpTm_Pz-rmZ9h08O8eXKpThkLCPbesA-jt-rb1yRy2lgBXgv14o9bjwyzehHDroYRhUGTW257I3-asb_GCmuizg_aF5g13A9Pyt8E_PDaC/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-19+at+11.33.28+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pretty sure it took 2 months for this kind of progress. LOL</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And <i style="font-weight: bold;">then</i> I had to actually make her bedding. I really procrastinated on this one way too long. I didn't order fabric until November. I had honestly planned on doing it earlier, but money has seriously been tight around here lately. I don't really even know what happened... It was just like all of a sudden - no extra moneys! Anyway, ordering fabric took forever. Then it took me a while to work up the nerve to start. Cutting fabric is seriously nerve-racking <i>because once you cut, you can't take it back!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPTsnGuC1gjcZZRYX8UyvQa8RND6oW2rjacitlv4jGBr1NVEiQAxAEQAFReWzeG_CvOROQJyCNiF3d4xdBC6mC4fmH2eynGi7cmOgsd0OqTHqW9oPVra6fh0dLCHBNbM3lyHAycQyXiNY/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPTsnGuC1gjcZZRYX8UyvQa8RND6oW2rjacitlv4jGBr1NVEiQAxAEQAFReWzeG_CvOROQJyCNiF3d4xdBC6mC4fmH2eynGi7cmOgsd0OqTHqW9oPVra6fh0dLCHBNbM3lyHAycQyXiNY/s400/IMG_1589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bumper fabric</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuPhqXYXBDRuIMaaSjQBo55aUAtN7fgfyh65f6RVl2bn2rvhrdXBipcFWDTV-cK2u9goeW30SP80OXYLlQyane1VuLlzUK2rRjoGAeSxAbVGDu6OlETfZFIAJPSKzCd4n9-afzXYnzPo1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-19+at+11.34.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuPhqXYXBDRuIMaaSjQBo55aUAtN7fgfyh65f6RVl2bn2rvhrdXBipcFWDTV-cK2u9goeW30SP80OXYLlQyane1VuLlzUK2rRjoGAeSxAbVGDu6OlETfZFIAJPSKzCd4n9-afzXYnzPo1/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-19+at+11.34.19+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Quilt fabric (this was pre-cut for me! ;))</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, I've never made crib bedding before. I've done a few quilts and other small projects, but nothing like this. Suffice it to say I was really nervous about it. Thankfully, I have a seamstress for a best friend and she walked me through it. <i>Pretty sure there were a few times she wanted to come through the phone and smack me. </i>;-) I freaked out a lot and bugged her with a ton of questions. My brain doesn't work the way hers does, first of all. Second, I'm pregnant and my brain just <i>does not</i> work the way it used to! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Long story, short: I have an awesome best friend who sent me instructions, texted more instructions, and Skyped/FaceTimed for even <b>more</b> instructions. Oh, and she also let me borrow a foot for the sewing machine that ruffles things. If not for her....well, I might have thrown in the towel before I even got started.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now, after weeks of hard work and late nights, here is the final product! I did the quilt first, because I had fabric for it first. =) Though not perfect, I'm really happy with the way it turned out. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun03iXc983S7f5NkYWs1Jhai8Avp75c6MWTlTanNiztUaZ3W36_gYaAtFeHQpknMt2iQ-0h53ldgn_sOVUgbdf7ov30-SUKLFQIhOFHU7I4i4AgWXmexUs6btAyliBrVN3KuHK7Iasu7c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-19+at+11.33.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun03iXc983S7f5NkYWs1Jhai8Avp75c6MWTlTanNiztUaZ3W36_gYaAtFeHQpknMt2iQ-0h53ldgn_sOVUgbdf7ov30-SUKLFQIhOFHU7I4i4AgWXmexUs6btAyliBrVN3KuHK7Iasu7c/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-19+at+11.33.57+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bumpers took the most time to cut out, but were probably the easiest part to sew. I wish I'd known that going in, because I probably wouldn't have put it off for so long!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCiTNk1xx8HwV30GcJ8RuQ1RfhHwnWdadCuQJqPeLFYGflRBgxFrgFvxhsDs3D06NELJb__5lw4T9vgZJovt5dTOBsFy4xoYKo2ghbu2FAyYyZB_rkgHPQm1PZENjTRYJ3fw9LoZBnW-E/s1600/IMG_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCiTNk1xx8HwV30GcJ8RuQ1RfhHwnWdadCuQJqPeLFYGflRBgxFrgFvxhsDs3D06NELJb__5lw4T9vgZJovt5dTOBsFy4xoYKo2ghbu2FAyYyZB_rkgHPQm1PZENjTRYJ3fw9LoZBnW-E/s400/IMG_2013.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And finally.... The crib skirt!! Putting this thing together was a <i style="font-weight: bold;">huge</i> pain. Cutting it, and even hemming it, wasn't so bad. But getting it just the right way onto the fabric that goes under the mattress? <i>Ridiculous.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have to say that, even with help, I'm pretty darn proud of myself. ;-) It's <i>definitely</i> not perfect, and there are some things I would love to change, but <i>I did it. It's done. </i></span><br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> I'm ready to see her in this bed!</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-10995119798413292892013-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:002013-12-17T09:00:00.641-05:00Very Pregnant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That's my response to everyone who keeps asking "how are you?" Because seriously...that's how I feel. =P</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzo7Y68ji05VORnJv8Da-WFCBSjiYA3CjZdXzozSpNyCYyPtvkquOvLWmNMx4RKSsR0hQQrtgql9FoTrJvKmL7begvFvFoW-Wy9Kpjrlzp-wIPX39j9NyQ3WctqnmY6WOH9JDmM8F9J9H/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-16+at+7.30.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzo7Y68ji05VORnJv8Da-WFCBSjiYA3CjZdXzozSpNyCYyPtvkquOvLWmNMx4RKSsR0hQQrtgql9FoTrJvKmL7begvFvFoW-Wy9Kpjrlzp-wIPX39j9NyQ3WctqnmY6WOH9JDmM8F9J9H/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-16+at+7.30.12+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Taken at 38 weeks, 1 day. Officially the most pregnant I've ever been.</div>
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And quite possibly the most <i style="font-weight: bold;">tired</i> I've ever been.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How far along?</b> 38 weeks. And feeling it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Size of baby:</b> At my ultrasound last week, they estimated her to be 6lbs 9oz. I'm not totally sold on that, but suffice it to say she's full term and out of room! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Maternity clothes?</b> <i style="font-weight: bold;">Absolutely</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Getting that much closer to having all of her bedding done and nursery 100% ready. I should have it all done by the end of the day today. THAT is a great feeling!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Miss anything?</b> Yep. But I really don't like complaining. I'm definitely ready to not be pregnant anymore, but I'm thankful that she's healthy and growing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Movement: </b><i>Oh, yes.</i> She's a mover, even this big.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food cravings:</b> <i>All the sweet things!</i> You know, as usual. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food aversions</b>: None, really....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gender:</b> It's a GIRL! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Labor signs: </b>Sadly, no. Like I said, I'm <i>ready</i> for this. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sleep: </b>Sleep is frustrating. I'm so uncomfortable...I wake up throughout the night to turn over, which hurts. Then I wake up for potty breaks. *sigh* <i>Have I mentioned I'm ready?</i> Although, I know I'll just be trading these wake-ups for middle-of-the-night feedings...but at least I'll have a cute reason for waking up. ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Symptoms:</b> Basically, I just ache all over - feet, back, hips, pelvis...you name it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Belly button in or out?</b> <i>Out. Definitely out.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Looking forward to: </b>Having this baby girl! But first, getting her room (and the house) as ready as possible for her arrival. =) Hopefully a birth story will be on the blog next week! <i>A mama can hope, right?</i></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-8066860958004928592013-12-16T09:00:00.000-05:002013-12-16T09:59:19.510-05:00A Christmas Mug {Swap}: Link-Up!!<span style="font-size: large;">Hooray! Today's the day!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0p4c4zvGQiBaEpkyBlClhK_PnaD2Qh6Ms21VdNrVEXIBFuTq0w3ziM07bHwHfor43_wFy-QlbKMAU1Tp3vIhBkjPLX7iwZPFIL2EsmRZQXgmIinoYYfMNz73KA4f2GWpPI4bPOY2RX5F/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-31+at+10.26.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0p4c4zvGQiBaEpkyBlClhK_PnaD2Qh6Ms21VdNrVEXIBFuTq0w3ziM07bHwHfor43_wFy-QlbKMAU1Tp3vIhBkjPLX7iwZPFIL2EsmRZQXgmIinoYYfMNz73KA4f2GWpPI4bPOY2RX5F/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-10-31+at+10.26.01+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By now, most of you should have received a little something special from your swap partner in the mail. I got word that my partner <i style="font-weight: bold;">finally</i> received hers just a few days ago! Woohoo! Even after the little snafoo, I was glad it got there in time for the link-up. =)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately I have not received mine yet, but that's okay! I was happy to see her reaction to receiving her package. And I know I'll have mine eventually! These things happen. =) And in the event that something similar has happened to you and your partner, I'll be keeping the link-up active for a week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to reading about how the swap went for each of you! And if you want, feel free to post about the swap on Instagram. You can tag me (@gijoeswife) and use #ChristmasMugSwap to make it easier to keep up with all the posts! {Just FYI, my profile/pics are private on IG. Keepin' it stalker-free and all that. ;-)}</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Merry Christmas, and happy coffee-drinking!</i></b></span><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-23101757593555944252013-12-12T09:00:00.000-05:002013-12-12T09:00:05.089-05:00A Christmas Mug {Swap}: Check-in!!<i><span style="font-size: large;">Once upon a time, in a land called The South, there was a woman named Sarah. Sometimes, this woman forgot things - important things, like events she was hosting. This is part of that woman's story.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I initially set the deadline for swappers to receive/send gifts for December 10. The reason is/was because I wanted to do the link up on Monday, December 16th. I thought it'd be nice to for everyone to have received their mugs by then. <i>And then I let my husband my partner's gift...</i> So, hopefully she'll get it sometime before Christmas. *sigh* Silly husband....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Anyway!</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, swappers, have you sent your mugs? Received them? Do tell!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And don't forget, I <i style="font-weight: bold;">will</i> have a link-up ready for the 16th so that you can share your goodies (not <i>those goodies</i> *wink wink*). Are you ready?! =)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0p4c4zvGQiBaEpkyBlClhK_PnaD2Qh6Ms21VdNrVEXIBFuTq0w3ziM07bHwHfor43_wFy-QlbKMAU1Tp3vIhBkjPLX7iwZPFIL2EsmRZQXgmIinoYYfMNz73KA4f2GWpPI4bPOY2RX5F/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-31+at+10.26.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0p4c4zvGQiBaEpkyBlClhK_PnaD2Qh6Ms21VdNrVEXIBFuTq0w3ziM07bHwHfor43_wFy-QlbKMAU1Tp3vIhBkjPLX7iwZPFIL2EsmRZQXgmIinoYYfMNz73KA4f2GWpPI4bPOY2RX5F/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-10-31+at+10.26.01+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-68739666346784629862013-12-10T08:30:00.000-05:002013-12-10T08:30:05.790-05:00My Little Family + 37<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">While we were in NC for Thanksgiving, I had one of my SILs snap some quick (and I do mean <i>quick</i>) family photos of us. Thankfully, we managed to get a few good ones! I was kind of surprised considering how spur-of-the-moment it was. Good surprise, though, since these are doubling as Christmas and maternity photos. :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LZ081gX0BAgs0CDdnidJB895PWu6jawJHF7USjBZQIjB7LJZL6uHFVcXxnA0bAPytXaAip3XbITbGc7KiZ_XwVBIBLTenO34Gelfuute8mY_dTeKoCs1QI4DXMAZiRSPqQpMfSo4anus/s1600/DSCN1043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LZ081gX0BAgs0CDdnidJB895PWu6jawJHF7USjBZQIjB7LJZL6uHFVcXxnA0bAPytXaAip3XbITbGc7KiZ_XwVBIBLTenO34Gelfuute8mY_dTeKoCs1QI4DXMAZiRSPqQpMfSo4anus/s640/DSCN1043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Charlotte loves doing this! I can still hear her say, "one, two, free!" Haha! :)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp99eGf_loZGWnD9aneZ5a81v48F95MZDwCA9z_XtsE4JgNjxjr1hdJRGPiy1kMozimnbnLRPVoKbB1CCIRB60a9I_Mbtp652Esm2TlCd63AY50eZ8Z7XMCgxnp75hPsJV1pBjk5T6MLa/s1600/DSCN1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp99eGf_loZGWnD9aneZ5a81v48F95MZDwCA9z_XtsE4JgNjxjr1hdJRGPiy1kMozimnbnLRPVoKbB1CCIRB60a9I_Mbtp652Esm2TlCd63AY50eZ8Z7XMCgxnp75hPsJV1pBjk5T6MLa/s640/DSCN1048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Winner, winner, chicken dinner!</i></div>
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<i>This one is my favorite.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUJaJnh7tcodTLZACNzxAMmxGuxrWl3cLMvFuzJfmYt7fUqmDzIeCev92TN3NadPr22hLGQqChLd0CC_uSbJuoiZryYLJxobGlftiYdUs1RYW1GBzG44IXHIpAZbYSfk7khmLtUURsQBh/s1600/DSCN1052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUJaJnh7tcodTLZACNzxAMmxGuxrWl3cLMvFuzJfmYt7fUqmDzIeCev92TN3NadPr22hLGQqChLd0CC_uSbJuoiZryYLJxobGlftiYdUs1RYW1GBzG44IXHIpAZbYSfk7khmLtUURsQBh/s640/DSCN1052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>And this one is a <b>really</b> close second. Because seriously, look at her face!!</i></div>
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<i>I just love it. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And since she reads my blog, <i>thanks for taking the pics, Anna! And for Charlotte's dress. LOVE!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">❉❉❉</span></div>
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<i>Holy geez, you guys. This girl has <b>dropped low</b>!</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How far along?</b> 37 weeks, you guys. <i>Thirty. Seven.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Size of baby:</b> Big? =P Big enough, anyway. Full term!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Maternity clothes?</b> Um, yes. Oddly enough, I have a tshirt or two that 'fits', but all maternity...and some of hubby's tshirts. Haha!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Seeing her cute little face on the ultrasound, and getting her nursery a little more organized. (Big thanks to hubby for that one!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Miss anything?</b> At this point, I pretty much miss <b><i>not</i></b> being pregnant. But I want this girl to grow as much as possible, so I'm trying not to complain too much. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Movement: </b>Girl is a crazy mover. Feet in and under my ribs all throughout the day!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food cravings:</b> <i style="font-weight: bold;">All the sweet things!</i> What's new, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food aversions</b>: I think we are kinda past those. I pretty much want to eat everything, haha!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gender:</b> It's a GIRL!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Labor signs: </b>Actually, I haven't had any in a couple weeks. I'm okay with that...as long as she comes on her own!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sleep: </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Meh.</i> Sleep is getting stinky. I want sleep. I enjoy sleep. It's just not easy these days.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Symptoms:</b> Back, hip, and pelvic pain....heartburn... You know, pregnancy things. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Belly button in or out?</b> Oh, it is <i style="font-weight: bold;">so</i> out. It was only a matter of time!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Looking forward to: </b>Finishing her bedding (my goal is to have it done this week), getting her nursery exactly the way I want it...those types of things. </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-36183661461776846742013-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:002013-12-05T09:00:04.997-05:00...And Then There was Thanksgiving<span style="font-size: large;">I swear it happens every year around this time... </span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do great blogging before/around Thanksgiving, and then <i style="font-weight: bold;">WHAM!</i> Between the celebrating, decorating, cleaning, traveling, cooking - whatever I happen to be doing - and life, I forget to stop and blog for a minute. Not to mention this year I'm also preparing to, you know, <i style="font-weight: bold;">have a baby</i>. That's kind of a big deal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, Thanksgiving!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left Wednesday afternoon to spend the holiday weekend in North Carolina. A holiday! With family! *gasp* We've made it to see family for Christmas - usually - but this was our first Thanksgiving with family since before we moved to Hawaii. And seriously, that feels like a bazillion years ago now. Our lives were so different then... We were still newlyweds, still new to the Army, didn't have babies, and...just different. It was definitely a nice change. {Although I'm not sure if I will ever agree to traveling 9 months pregnant again. Even if it is only 4 hours in a car.}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a great time with family, but I have <i style="font-weight: bold;">zero</i> pictures from Thanksgiving. I'm blaming preggo brain on this one! I did attempt a few shots of Charlotte with her cousins, but none of them turned out well. <b><i>Of course.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Black Friday, we boycotted shopping {even though I was <i style="font-weight: bold;">dying</i> to get an iPad mini} and went to the mountains in search of Christmas trees. Even though we didn't come home with a tree, we enjoyed tagging along with everyone else. </span></div>
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Ahhhhhhhhh.</div>
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Grammy, Gramps, (Joe's grandparents) and the kiddos.</div>
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Charlotte and Eden holding hands. They are the sweetest little girls!!</div>
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Charlotte and Auntie Sarabeth, clearly excited about Auntie Sara's tree. Haha</div>
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Charlotte and Auntie Anna</div>
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Family pic! One of us wasn't thrilled. </div>
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My cuties. LOVE.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, my lovely SILs threw me a baby shower! It ended up just being family, but that was just fine. I didn't have any family around for Charlotte's shower, so it was a nice change. Although I did miss seeing my NC friends, I knew it would be difficult to arrange with it being a holiday. We also took some family pics, but I'm saving those for later. <i>Spoilers.</i> ;-)</span></div>
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The preggo and the hostesses with the mostest. ;-)</div>
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Family shot!</div>
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Me and the gifts. =)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We drove back to GA on Sunday, and I've basically been playing catch-up with laundry and housework ever since. We left the house in a bit of a mess (all of us got sick with a cold last week), and then Charlotte's cold got worse on Monday. And I'm 9 months pregnant and <i style="font-weight: bold;">tired</i> most of the time. So....bad combo! Plus, I've got quite a bit of things to do to get ready for Millie's arrival. <i style="font-weight: bold;">24 days, people. Twenty. Four. Days. Until my due date.</i> I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around that one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a couple posts rolling around in my brain, so stay tuned! I promise not to go completely AWOL unless I'm giving birth or something. ;-) And even then you know I'll be back with baby pictures!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>How are you recovering from the holiday....and preparing for the next? </i></b></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-44198436245651779942013-11-22T22:34:00.003-05:002013-11-22T22:34:51.751-05:00Thankful - What a Week!<span style="font-size: large;">So I have no idea what really happened this week, but obviously blogging took a backseat. I think maybe I'm just <i style="font-weight: bold;">tired</i>. Oh, and I've also been working on Millie's quilt. So it's not like I've been doing nothing. (And taking care of a toddler, too!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Between my bible study at home, church, and PWOC I feel like I've been given opportunities all week to stop and be thankful for <i>something</i>. And that's really a good thing, because life isn't always easy...and we're so busy and caught up in what's going on in front of our faces that sometimes we miss stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's what I'm thankful for this week:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because this should always be #1: <b><i>my faith, my salvation.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's the only sure thing I have. Everything else in this world will fade away. Most of all, like that verse from Job, I'm thankful that I <i style="font-weight: bold;">know</i> that <i style="font-weight: bold;">my Redeemer lives</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thankful for <b><i>sweet, sweet new friends</i></b>, who do amazing things like watch my daughter for me...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">....and then clean my kitchen, too. Her husband (who randomly had the day off - thanks, Army!) also raked and bagged a ton of leaves in the front yard. I mean....<i style="font-weight: bold;">seriously</i>. It doesn't get any better than that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thankful not only for <i style="font-weight: bold;">my sweet little rainbow baby</i>, but that she also is head down again. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you see her hands clasped together and in/near her mouth?! Ah, <i>so cute!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm especially thankful for <b style="font-style: italic;">these two, and their relationship </b>that melts my heart.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBEZfrxsiuxHjqYDu0ZMedjicVS3mxDaCJWMUa2W-HFrYPU-kqs-ueroNuyNyqk1z_GMZghZQCnIb26sseuZI55DuotWfANOJIPq8v4jM26w_pHDjdREtR9Rkki7dokZcEjoowGgHSlfr/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBEZfrxsiuxHjqYDu0ZMedjicVS3mxDaCJWMUa2W-HFrYPU-kqs-ueroNuyNyqk1z_GMZghZQCnIb26sseuZI55DuotWfANOJIPq8v4jM26w_pHDjdREtR9Rkki7dokZcEjoowGgHSlfr/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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This was after he came home from work one day (for lunch, I think). She was so, so happy and wanted him to tickle her. Haha! She is getting to be more of a daddy's girl every day. Just recently, she started asking him to "read da book" before bed. So now, I get her ready for bed and hand her off to daddy (after I get a hug and kiss, of course :)). I gotta say, it's kind of nice that she doesn't feel like she needs me to put her to bed every day. I do miss it occasionally, but I also know it'll come in handy when Millie comes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm also thankful that this week is finally over. =P It felt so long and drawn out! Probably because it was busy. I'm looking forward to hanging out and relaxing a bit this weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>I hope ya'll have a great weekend!</i></b></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-2211710726504007402013-11-22T08:30:00.000-05:002013-11-22T08:30:00.260-05:0034 Weeks...Say What?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG0QZtpZeSsTZ-vZR9AAR7bFb6G81bFnKA6IY2turgO1dmVfu4A3QMh7rr9hnlsmDBZT2l7MGfuFDzqJzGY6FSxcATylTnnHLsDhW8WqLHlj0KtL1h55DIKiEka7hqdVlaqnP0uJ48wCE/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG0QZtpZeSsTZ-vZR9AAR7bFb6G81bFnKA6IY2turgO1dmVfu4A3QMh7rr9hnlsmDBZT2l7MGfuFDzqJzGY6FSxcATylTnnHLsDhW8WqLHlj0KtL1h55DIKiEka7hqdVlaqnP0uJ48wCE/s400/image.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How far along?</b> 34 weeks! And holy moly, look at that bump! {Now that I'm almost 35 weeks, it seemed like a good time to do a post. Haha!}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Size of baby:</b> Well, I haven't looked it up, but at the last ultrasound, little missy was estimated to be about 5 lbs. And the rest of her was right on target for her gestational age. Wahoo!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Maternity clothes?</b> Oooooh, yes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Finding out she was back in her head-down position! At my appointment last week, she was breech which totally freaked me out. I am totally on board with delivering a breech baby, but most hospitals and doctors are <i style="font-weight: bold;">not</i>. Anyway, I'm just glad she turned back around. That I can handle. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Miss anything?</b> Yes and no. I miss being able to turn over in bed, get out of bed easily, not having heartburn or back pain....but that's just all part of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Movement: </b>This girl is <i style="font-weight: bold;">crazy active</i>. Not all day, but she moves a ton. Of course, now that she's bigger I feel every little movement, so there's that too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food cravings:</b> <i style="font-weight: bold;">All the sweet things!!</i> Doubly frustrating thanks to GD. *sigh*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Food aversions</b>: None, really. Other than the usual list of things I don't eat. ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gender:</b> It's a GIRL!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Labor signs: </b>Yep, had some of those this past weekend! Sunday I had contractions for an hour. About 30 minutes in, I started to freak out (because OMG it's too early for that!) and decided I should drink some water and lay down for a bit. That did the trick, though not immediately, and they slowed down right at the hour mark and then just went away! It was so crazy because I never had anything like that happen when I was pregnant with Charlotte. I had the normal, run-of-the-mill Braxton Hicks, but nothing like this! Even better - when I mentioned it to my doctor, she was totally happy about it. LOL! She is with me on not inducing this time (at least not before my due date), and she said this is a good indication I won't need to be induced. <b><i>Hooray!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sleep: </b>Getting worse. :( I wake up all the time, either because I'm uncomfortable, need to use the bathroom, or I wake up sweating. Ugh. A few nights ago, I didn't get to sleep until 1am because miss Millie was having a dance party. *sigh*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Symptoms:</b> <i style="font-weight: bold;">Everything.</i> Well, except nausea. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Belly button in or out?</b> <i style="font-weight: bold;">Almost</i> out! Depending on her position, sometimes it <i>is</i> out. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Looking forward to: </b>Finishing her quilt, starting her bumpers, and going to NC for Thanksgiving next week! It'll be our first Thanksgiving with family in 4 years, and the first time in 3 years that I won't be cooking or hosting. Slightly weird, but also great! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? Hosting? Visiting family?</i></b></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-62949756021089158772013-11-15T09:00:00.000-05:002013-11-15T09:00:05.153-05:00Christmas Mug Swappers, Swap Away!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0p4c4zvGQiBaEpkyBlClhK_PnaD2Qh6Ms21VdNrVEXIBFuTq0w3ziM07bHwHfor43_wFy-QlbKMAU1Tp3vIhBkjPLX7iwZPFIL2EsmRZQXgmIinoYYfMNz73KA4f2GWpPI4bPOY2RX5F/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-31+at+10.26.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0p4c4zvGQiBaEpkyBlClhK_PnaD2Qh6Ms21VdNrVEXIBFuTq0w3ziM07bHwHfor43_wFy-QlbKMAU1Tp3vIhBkjPLX7iwZPFIL2EsmRZQXgmIinoYYfMNz73KA4f2GWpPI4bPOY2RX5F/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-10-31+at+10.26.01+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, this post is basically just for the lovely ladies who are doing the mug swap with me this year. Sorry to all the rest of you!! (But if you're looking for a recent post to read, you can check out yesterday's <a href="http://gijoeswife.blogspot.com/2013/11/thankful-thursday_14.html" target="_blank">thankful post</a>. It's a bit sappy, but worth a read, IMO. ;-)) This was supposed to go up earlier in the week, but we had a power outage and then a super busy couple of days and, well.... <b><i>It didn't happen</i></b>. That's life, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway! On to business. :)</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">After the sign-up deadline (and a minor snafoo or two), names have been drawn!</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Although it doesn't show up this way on the website, the person you drew in the swap also drew your name. I've checked and re-checked that, so don't worry!</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Now's the time to get a wish/recommendation list to your swapper! You can do that by creating one on the Elfster site, making a board on pinterest and sending that to your partner, OR simply by sending them a message. <i>Easy peasy.</i></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Make sure you also get your mailing address to your partner. That's <i>kind of important.</i><b> </b>;-)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget, your partner needs to receive their gift by December 10th!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, go forth...shop, and swap! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-35233554235237684732013-11-14T08:30:00.000-05:002013-11-14T08:30:04.493-05:00Thankful Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbPf-9qYb_hyXgrF5ByIa1Y3K49vEHcEz9T3Z-OZLjTcKYpE70nTmpn0JV2MnT-zNXkPiEIVWM42FLKUj1OoR-cN7NfHweL6KzJWvo0USMRHL6xeZNxOv0IvUhAClJwwJHI0PMOoZ-xuU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-06+at+10.38.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbPf-9qYb_hyXgrF5ByIa1Y3K49vEHcEz9T3Z-OZLjTcKYpE70nTmpn0JV2MnT-zNXkPiEIVWM42FLKUj1OoR-cN7NfHweL6KzJWvo0USMRHL6xeZNxOv0IvUhAClJwwJHI0PMOoZ-xuU/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-11-06+at+10.38.51+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One thing I really like about November/Thanksgiving is that it gives you a good reason to take a look around you and be thankful for all your blessings - big and small. So that's the reason I'm doing these posts this month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's what I'm thankful for this week:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">My in-laws.</i> Example #1? A text from my FIL yesterday:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLthu5tE4LLhBUQpFW60zlhgLg8xuvWX9-Yjng1k4jMajny2mm35z-zPAFd666LaMzfml6s3O5hiHDfTAYXFlz581M6T2aIfcoj8kB6RkSDH-zX9baKn8VeAgd5iDw03lb1HENHPkHJifc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-13+at+10.18.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLthu5tE4LLhBUQpFW60zlhgLg8xuvWX9-Yjng1k4jMajny2mm35z-zPAFd666LaMzfml6s3O5hiHDfTAYXFlz581M6T2aIfcoj8kB6RkSDH-zX9baKn8VeAgd5iDw03lb1HENHPkHJifc/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-11-13+at+10.18.42+PM.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could go on and on, but I'm so thankful that I have a good relationship with them. And I'm really looking forward to my MIL staying with us for a while after Millie is born. AND I'm looking forward to having them 3-4 hours away next year instead of 12-13!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Babysitter possibilities.</i> A couple from our small group have 2 girls (a teenager and a "tween") who could quite possibly become regular babysitters for us. Our small group meets at church on Sunday nights (mainly because it's a marriage group and we need childcare) and all our kids were in a room together playing last week. When I mentioned babysitting, both of them basically said "sign me up." LOL. Not that we can afford it all the time, but I'd like for Charlotte to have a regular babysitter. And I also think it's good for teenagers to babysit - gives them an idea of what parenthood is like. ;-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Friends who bail me out!</i> This week Amanda is watching Charlotte for me while I go off to my OB's office again. Next week, a friend from our small group is watching her for another appointment. Since I have to do NSTs now, it's really best if I have someone watch her at home. Unless Joe were able to go, too. Then it might be okay. But he's in class this week and next. <i>Thanks, Army.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">My babies.</i> I suppose this one is a bit of a given, but it's still true. Charlotte is growing so fast, it seems. I mean, really. I don't know where my baby went. For the most part, I'm loving this stage/age she's in. She's <i style="font-weight: bold;">hilarious</i>, smart, chatty, and OMG so sweet. The unsolicited hugs are my favorite part. This growing thing is definitely bittersweet for me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIc9E_i7NSJVlRFQ0G-qd-g9zUGtohWz0csEOVH0ExOWZ2TmpWAG34YQdmQS0f7F5b3z2mgeD7OSDVl-CTW7QmDNYCz7LhTakTFHdq8q62Rp5w6uWsIYgbkcwJDzlBJ7ZNshHJDELqh0p/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-13+at+10.40.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIc9E_i7NSJVlRFQ0G-qd-g9zUGtohWz0csEOVH0ExOWZ2TmpWAG34YQdmQS0f7F5b3z2mgeD7OSDVl-CTW7QmDNYCz7LhTakTFHdq8q62Rp5w6uWsIYgbkcwJDzlBJ7ZNshHJDELqh0p/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-11-13+at+10.40.40+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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At least she still looks like a baby when she sleeps. Right? :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even though I haven't met Millie yet, I'm thankful for her - for the opportunity to grow her, and feel her move inside me...even though those movements are really starting to hurt! I admit to complaining a bit more than when I was pregnant with Charlotte, but truth be told, this pregnancy has been harder on me. More than anything, I'm looking forward to meeting her and getting to know her. And I can't wait to see how Charlotte is with her!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNqu1LE02yHDjDojtOF5ttiiiXkEBTX8EZkvbrEbs-TiXbbpfmcFXrnK2NCW18H_0txfi4_eRWmk8Ckj8QAsvzC12HnO7Wihz8QFZLAh3pynUezReIJSa09DS4m4k3OqiYaV8TxDfL4Rn/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNqu1LE02yHDjDojtOF5ttiiiXkEBTX8EZkvbrEbs-TiXbbpfmcFXrnK2NCW18H_0txfi4_eRWmk8Ckj8QAsvzC12HnO7Wihz8QFZLAh3pynUezReIJSa09DS4m4k3OqiYaV8TxDfL4Rn/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So smushed in my belly, but SO sweet.</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7814740137597406278.post-17299197781814144532013-11-12T08:30:00.000-05:002013-11-12T08:30:03.642-05:00The Stare<span style="font-size: large;">It never ceases to amaze me that people feel the need to "weigh in" one way or another on someone else's life, especially that of a total stranger. You kind of expect family members and close friends to offer unsolicited advice, or even off-the-wall remarks. You expect it because you "do life" with these people - you call, text, send photos, and share pieces of your life with them. Naturally, they have a response to anything big - or small - in your life. But strangers? That's what I don't understand....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last night, we went to eat at Cracker Barrel. We didn't go because they were doing something for Veterans Day (they weren't), but simply because we wanted to. While we waited for our food, Joe suggested that I go look around the shop because I always want to and never get enough time whenever we go. Obviously I jumped at that chance. ;-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I took my time perusing the store, looking for possible Christmas gifts or cute clothes and toys for the girls. As I was looking over the toys, an employee stopped to ask if I was having a boy or girl. Since I'm <i>very obviously pregnant</i>, this is pretty common and unsurprising. I answered her, and she mentioned how fun it was shopping for a girl. I basically replied with, "Yes, I'm very familiar with that since I have an older daughter too." Then, of course, she asked the next obvious question: "How old is she?" When I told her that Charlotte is 19 months, she said nothing, but widened her eyes and stared at me.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">She just stared. That was it.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But the look on her face said it all - all the things I've heard before:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, you're going to have your hands <b>full</b>!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Don't you know how this happens?</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, that's awfully close together!</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I bet that was a surprise!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And on and on and on. Because I couldn't care less what she had to say next (if anything), I laughed and walked away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because what would she say if she knew? If she knew that we lost a baby before this one? If she knew that this baby was helping to slowly, but surely heal my heart? What would she say if she knew that I don't care that my hands will be full, because my heart will be overflowing? If she knew...she'd probably be the one walking away from the conversation with nothing left to say. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have no doubt that having 2 under 2 will be difficult. But I also know that this is <i style="font-weight: bold;">my path</i>. It was chosen for me - or I was chosen for it. And by the grace of God, I'll get through any tough times ahead. Besides, I'd rather have my young babies and my husband with me and have tough times, than not have them - or any one of them - at all.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdR_XUu0PSykD-zWsWxROQI7PHA_NSvThwH3_ld6D1YbqFdot0G1-MNb2E6egOVBk0puAB0hHMAJLASP1AFc6gcyTpFr2ZyEP_4qiW-GPT02wEIyf_mor1jvziJKh9bGb2AENXaRdacPv/s1600/DSCN0953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdR_XUu0PSykD-zWsWxROQI7PHA_NSvThwH3_ld6D1YbqFdot0G1-MNb2E6egOVBk0puAB0hHMAJLASP1AFc6gcyTpFr2ZyEP_4qiW-GPT02wEIyf_mor1jvziJKh9bGb2AENXaRdacPv/s640/DSCN0953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Also, how can you be upset with someone for making <b>cute</b> kids like this one?!</i></div>
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<i>(P.S. Let this serve as proof that we did, indeed, visit a pumpkin patch this year. ;-))</i></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16524398204443659883noreply@blogger.com0