Christmas 2009

On Christmas Eve, Chris and I packed up all the gifts and our clothes we would need for the following few days, dropped Baxter off at Jon and Emily's, and headed down to Hot Springs.  My side of the family always gets together Christmas Eve and it's always a blast.  We used to have it at my Grandma's, but it's now held at my mom's and dad's house.  There was flooding on I-30 from Little Rock to Benton, so a portion of the highway had been closed.  Family that lives in Little Rock had to get a little creative on how to bi-pass the highway in order to make it there!  My cousins Keegan and Morgan are getting married and they brought their fiances with them...it was so great to break them in! :)

Uncle Robert, Aaron, and Ken

Uncle Robert, Aunt Susan, Shane

James and me

Jimmy (Keegan's fiance) and Morgan

Hubby!

Keegan and Grandma

Christmas Eve was so fun!  I can't wait for Luke to be here for next year's festivities!

Christmas morning we woke up and did Christmas with my little brother, James and my mom and dad.  We had breakfast and the plan was for Chris and I to head to NWA to do Christmas morning, but NWA and Fort Smith got snow and ice Christmas Eve, so we were stuck in Hot Springs for an extra day.  We made the best of it and really ended up having a great time.  Finally, on Saturday, we came back to Fort Smith via Little Rock and went over to Jon and Emily's for a bit.  Sunday the four of us and the pup dogs trekked to NWA to do our Christmas with the Beaty's!  We had a great time there, and I only ended up with one picture, so I'll have to steal some at a later date.

We were so blessed this year!  So many wonderful things have happened!  We love our family, we love our life, and most of all, we love our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  Next year will be our first Christmas as a family with a child!  We can't wait!

To Wrap or Not to Wrap, That is the Question...

I usually LOVE getting ready for the holidays, but I'm having trouble finding the motivation.  Maybe it's the little ninja I'm carrying in my womb, or the big decisions and work that lie ahead of us in the next month.  Either way, I just need someone to give me a swift kick in the butt and shake some magic Christmas spirit over my head.  Do you think you could handle that?  Thank you.

I have all the Christmas shopping done, it's actually been done for about a month.  The last hold up was finding some gift worthy for my mom, but I finally bugged her enough to tell me what her heart really desires...pinking shears.  How lame is that?  But alas, that's what her heart desires, so that's what her favorite daughter has gotten her.  Can you just imagine the scene as we are all opening presents Christmas morning?

Mom, this gift is for you.
Oh!  What is it?
You're going to have to open it and find out!
Just what I wanted!  Pinking Shears!  Thank you!
*silence* *birds chirping*
Look! Here's a gift for dad!

And I know I should wrap my nephews presents, but I'm tempted to just put them in a decorative box.  And to all my family (all 3 of you that read this), don't be surprised when you're handed a bag instead of a cutely wrapped gift with bows and all that jazz.  It just ain't happenin' this year.  Uh uh.  No way.  So now you've been forewarned, prepare for the awesomeness of the bag (with tissue paper that may or may not match the theme/color of the bag) coming your way Christmas Day.

Letter to the Womb

Dear Baby Squash (aka Luke),

Luke, you are 29 weeks in the womb now, which makes you about the size of a squash.  Kinda neat, huh? But I do have one favor to ask.  Do you think you could keep your little squash feet still for more than an hour at night?  That's mommy's favorite time to sleep, so if you could accommodate me, I'd surely appreciate it!  I'm pretty sure a moving truck has brought in a disco ball and beat box while I wasn't looking, and while I'm glad you are decorating your little space in my body, let's use the daytime to rock out and leave the night to a little rest and relaxation.

I also think I felt you have the hiccups yesterday.  I was talking with a patient and working on their hearing aid when all of a sudden the hiccups started!  It only happened about 4 times, but it sure was cool feeling you jump around!

I love our little talks, and I hope you enjoy them too.  You're still being a stinker whenever someone else (aka daddy) comes over to feel you move around.  I can just imagine you getting a big laugh out of it when you all of a sudden become so still!

But most importantly, son, we love you.  Happy 29 weeks in the womb!
Mom and Dad

Love, Renewed

Last week I made a quick trip to Hot Springs to work with my dad a few days.  I had this uncontrollable need to fiddle with some ears, so off I went.  The past 6 months, Audiology lost some of its' luster, but last week, I totally fell in love again.

I am so grateful that I have my dad to fall back on, although that was never part of the plan.  He has graciously opened the doors of his office to me and his patients have welcomed me with open arms...so far.  I love collaborating with him and having his knowledge to fall back on, and I think he enjoys talking with me and seeing how the new school of thought works.  It's been 20+ years since he has worked with another Audiologist, so this is totally new for him.

I hope that I'm able to continue working with him for a while, it will be great to be able to take Luke with me to the office.  It's such a blessing to have my dad in my life!

The Dangers of Walking a 5k

A few hours after walking the Jingle Bell 5k, I had some serious pain in my left foot.  I was hardly able to put my weight on it, which made walking lots of fun.  After putting up with this for several days, I went and saw a podiatrist in Hot Springs.  He took x-rays and couldn't really see anything, but ultimately decided I had either a stress fracture or a sprained ligament.  Either way, the only way for it to heal is to stay off of it (which I've not been good at doing) or wear a boot when I insist on walking.  So blog world, meet my new friend:

Isn't it pretty?  Pretty ugly (haha).  It's heavy and cumbersome, and it's making my calf sore from lugging it around, but my foot is feeling better.  I'm glad to be home so I can really stay off of it tomorrow.  And next time, I won't walk the 5k one week shy of 7 months preggo :)

Jingle Bell Run: Take 2

This morning I woke up in Jon and Kricia's guest bed (which is super comfy) and knew that later in the morning I'd be waddling my way through a 5k that benefits the Arthritis Foundation.  And I was not looking forward to it.  Last year I walked with my mom and some of her teacher friends and had a great time and sure enough, this year was great, too!

Kricia joined us this year, but she ran (in 27:24) the race while we walked it.  I was a little concerned about being able to make it the entire 3.1 miles being one week shy of 7 months, but I was determined to do it!  Last year mom and I made it to the finish line in about 53 minutes, and today we made it just over an hour.  Not too bad for a waddler!

After the race we got our goody bag and water and went to Canon Grill in the Heights for lunch with everyone.  We had a great time chatting, and one of the teacher's teenage daughter admitted she did not know the Lord's Prayer and vowed to never marry a man whose mother lived in the country or if she was alive. We all got a big kick out of that!  Apparently her 'Nanny', her mom's MIL gave her mom a dust pan and a book on how to keep a tidy and orderly home.  We all cracked up!

Today was so much fun, but I'm so sore!  I hope Chris doesn't oppose to giving me a back and foot rub! I'm gonna need it!  And here's to next year with the 'St. Nick's Chicks'! 

Thanksgiving

Chris and I got up early yesterday morning and drove to my parents' house about 2.5 hours away.  When we got there, dad was blowing the leaves out of the front yard, but the wind was making it pointless because as he would get some leaves cleared from a certain section of the yard, the wind would shift directions and make more leaves cover the same spot he had just cleared.  He was pretty frustrated, but I thought it was funny!  Mom was in the kitchen running around trying to figure out what exactly needed to be done next.  It was a madhouse in there!  But in true Chris style, he jumped right in where he was needed.  He's never afraid to pitch in and help, and that's why my parents adore him.

I set the table and became the telephone answering service.  Every time I set the phone down or walked away from it, someone else was calling wanting to talk to mom.  It felt a little like at&t!  After I set the table, Chris brought in the Christmas ornament box and we decorated my parents Christmas tree.  Dad had set up the tree, it was our job to decorate it before anyone arrived.  Also, my parents hate decorating the tree, and since Chris and I haven't had a place to put our tree up in about 4 years, we don't mind.  

We were supposed to have about 12 people for dinner, but my Peepaw was sick so he and Grandma did not come.  Then my dad's sister, my Aunt Jean and her husband, Uncle Everett, were supposed to come, but Aunt Jean was not feeling so hot so they cancelled.  That brought our party of 12 to a party of 7.  We had so much food for us 7!  We had 3 kinds of turkey (fried, smoked and oven baked), 4 pies, 2 other desserts, lemon cake and jello...in addition to all the other Thanksgiving day fixin's. We were stuffed!  

After dinner we cleaned up and my Aunt Jean called saying she was feeling better so they were on their way.  I hadn't seen Aunt Jean since our wedding in 2004 and hadn't seen Uncle Everett in I don't know how long.  It was really great to see them and be able to catch up.  We had a wonderful time seeing my Aunt Susan and Uncle Robert as well.  We just laughed the entire time!  James was there and I was so happy to see him!  We are supposed to go to Chris' parents tomorrow, and I know we'll have a great time!

What I'm thankful for:  

My awesome hubby!  With the events that have occurred in the past few weeks, he has been so supportive and hasn't freaked out once.  I couldn't ask for a more wonderful husband and best friend.  

Family.  To have such close family means so much to me.  I love knowing that they are there for us no matter what.  They are so supportive and wonderful!  I love them!

Baby Beaty.  It's weird to be thankful for someone we've not met in the flesh, but feeling him move and seeing the changes in my appearance as he grows is awesome.  I just can't wait to hold him in a few months.  I know we will fall in love with him even more when he arrives!

Baxter.  He is such a great dog!  He has become such a little lap dog since we found out we were pregnant.  It's like he knows.  He is so well behaved (most of the time) and I just love that he curls up next to us and gives us his unconditional love.  

Lowe's.  Chris has been with Lowe's since Hurricane Rita hit Beaumont in 2005.  He just reached the 4 year mark!  They have been so good to us!  He's been able to transfer from store to store each time we've moved, and they are going to create a position for him when we move again in the next month or two.  Our insurance is through them and it is wonderful.  I couldn't ask for him to work for a better company.  

Our Heavenly Father.  Without Him, nothing we have done could have been possible.  We are so grateful for His plan for us and can't wait to find out what's next!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Poo Post

Chris and I made a little trip over to T.J. Maxx this afternoon, and as we were walking through the baby section, I suddenly started to smell, well for lack of a better word, poo.  I was hunting for a dirty diaper as there were no kids around us and told Chris what I was smelling so he came over and started sniffing with me.  He leaned over and took a big whiff and could smell it, too.  I know they were eyeing us on the cameras getting a great laugh out of us, but I just couldn't find the source and it was driving me batty!

We went over to the check out line and I stopped smelling the poo, so I just decided it was hidden really well over in the children's section and forgot about it.  As we were driving home I started smelling it again, so I checked the bottom of my shoes and they were fine.  I told Chris that the smell must just have been seared into my nostrils and I couldn't shake it.

When we got home, Chris took his shoes off in the garage just in case.  He picked them up and turns out, he was the culprit!  He brought his shoes in and asked where he could go clean them.  Don't worry, I directed him to the faucet on the side of the house.  Then after cleaning them, he pondered shortly about where to set them to dry, so I suggested he leave them in the garage or outside.

So the moral of the story is, if the poo smell follows you, and it's not on your shoes (or elsewhere), then check everyone around you!  Find the culprit and direct them to the nearest faucet.

Day 1 as a Domesticated Housewife

Yesterday I got my first glimpse into being a housewife.  And to tell you the truth, I kind of like it!  I suck at it so far, but I think I could totally get used to staying home!  I would even love the opportunity to continue to be a housewife when Luke is born, but since I put us thousands of dollars in debt by going to school, the least I can do is help pay it off.

I decided that I was going to need a plan to get through each day.  Are you surprised?  I always make a plan.  I decided that Monday was floor days so I swept and mopped all the hard tile surfaces in the house and cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom.  I also worked on the blog book for the year.  I made a picnic lunch and went to pick Chris up from work.  We went to a park and it was too windy and cold to sit outside, so we sat in the car and talked about what the future holds.  The funny thing about it all is that we are both completely calm about our situation.  We know it will all work out, it's just a matter of when.

After lunch with Chris, I made my way to the grocery store.  I would typically do anything to get out of going to the grocery store, but since I'm turning over a new leaf, I figured it now part of the plan.  I had my list and made it out of the grocery store without jumping on anyone's head or banging my head on something sharp.  And I only spent $35!  When I got home, I unloaded the groceries into the fridge and cozied up on the couch for Ellen and Oprah.  Hey, don't judge, you know you love them!

Chris called and said he was heading home and we decided we were going to make lasagna for dinner from my new cookbook: The Pioneer Woman (and it's even signed!  I know you're jealous).  The moment Chris walked in the door I realized I didn't buy any hamburger meat for it, so instead we made Chicken Fried Steak.  Yummm-ohhhh.  Just let me say, if you don't have The Pioneer Woman cookbook, you must go directly to her website and find it.  It was so flippin' delicious!

So today I must go back to the grocery store and pick up a few more items that were left off the list.  But I can do it!  And one day, I'll be able to make one grocery store run and not forget a thing!  I know it's possible, don't burst my bubble!

Going Private

After the events of the week and some advice, I've decided to make this blog private. If you still want to read, just email me at scbeaty@yahoo.com and I'll add you to the list. I'll set it to private on Sunday, so let me know ASAP. Please include your name in the email so I know who you are!

I know it's a pain in the butt, and maybe I can make it public again soon, but for now this is best.

Happy reading!

Life's Funny Little Turns

Ok, so maybe it's not such a funny little turn, but it's a turn in life nonetheless.

When we packed up and moved to Texas in 2005 we had a goal. We had made a plan and were setting out to work that plan. I began graduate school that year to become a Doctor of Audiology. And it worked! It was hard and there were times I would've have loved to taken the easy way out and quit. I didn't quit; I persevered and graduated in May 2009. And that would not have been possible had it not been for the emotional and financial support I received from my amazing husband (did I mention I didn't work for 3 whole years while in grad school?) and family.

I completed my 4th year of graduate school, a residency so to speak, at a clinic in Little Rock. I could not have asked for such a wonderful group to work for and to learn from. I immediately felt like one of the family the moment I stepped foot in the door. Towards the end of that year, I was excited to be able to go out and find my place in the Audiology world. I was full of rainbows and gumdrops thinking that I would be able to transition into another clinic and feel as awesome as I had in the Little Rock clinic. Boy was I wrong.

I interviewed with a private practice in Fort Smith and ended up taking the position. It was a big leap. Chris really supported my decision and encouraged me to try something new. It may have been easier to take a position at my father's office, but I knew I needed a little more experience before diving into that world. In fact, I wasn't sure that was a world I even wanted to dive into. We packed up (for the 4th time in our marriage) and moved. We took a short vacation before jumping into our new lives and by the time our first day rolled around, we were rested and ready.

Everything started off okay at the new clinic. It was hard to come in because I was seen as 'replacing' the other audiologist that was on medical leave. That was one of the hardest things I had to come to grips with while deciding to take the position. That very first day, the boss and I went to lunch. We talked about the future of the clinic, the way that the clinic runs, and just some basic chit chat about life in general. I was told that above all else, I was the audiologist and she was my boss. I didn't answer to anyone else. That quickly changed. After the 2nd staff meeting, it became apparent that I was an outsider. It rapidly became a place where I could chat with patients as they came through the door to a place where I was confined to my office and I felt like I was only allowed out to see my scheduled patients.

In my Little Rock clinic, I could jump in anywhere and help out wherever it was needed. It started out that way here, but then I was told that the front office staff were easily distracted and if I were up there than I might be a distraction for them. So there went helping with repairs, answering the phone, scheduling an appointment, etc. So I stayed in my little office and twiddled my thumbs until the next patient arrived. I saw that patient, had human contact for however long, and then back to the cage it was for me.

Then in September there was a meeting between me, the boss, and the office manager. My 90 day probationary period was up and they wanted to extend it another 90 days. They just said they were not sure they could afford me anymore. While they were super swamped before I got there, now that I was alleviating that load, there just wasn't enough to go around. I was okay with that, but asked to be kept in the loop so I could plan appropriately should they decide they could not keep me on. They agreed, and things went from bad to worse. I immediately felt that next week that I was unwelcome. A thorn in their side. Nobody would communicate with me. I would find out information relevant to me from the front office staff. It was almost like I was being shoved out. And I should mention that I love the front office staff there, it just wasn't appropriate for them to be told to tell me stuff. That almost made it like I was the lowest man on the totem pole when I had been told 3 months prior that I was the audiologist and essentially over them when it boiled down to it. So obviously I've been having a super hard time there, and everyone that would ask I would put on a big smiley face and pretend everything was okay. Chris, my parents, and a best friend were the only ones that knew the extent of what I was going through. I started to talk to my old boss at the Little Rock clinic, and so they knew as well.

Yesterday, Chris and I met for lunch and I was having a hard day. He kept probing me to find out what was wrong, but I hate that he kept having to hear how awful my job was and how unhappy I was. When we walked to our cars, I started to cry. I was just so emotional and fed up. I was being ignored by the boss. There was so much turmoil there, it was just unhealthy for me. Then, yesterday afternoon, as I was finishing up some notes for the day, the boss walked by and said she'd like to meet. I grabbed my stuff and followed her into the front office. She just basically laid it out and told me they couldn't afford me anymore and that was that. There was so much I wanted to say, but just kept it in. Ya know, pregnancy hormones and all.

I grabbed my keys and bolted. I immediately called Chris and told him his wife, whom he had supported for 3 years while she was getting a doctorate so she'd never be jobless again, was in fact jobless again. Then I called my dad. Can I just tell you how amazing my family is? Chris didn't flip out and ask a billion questions, he knew it was the best thing that could have happened...the timing just sucks being 6 months pregnant and no job availability in my profession in the area. My father immediately said he'd put me on the payroll. In-laws, brothers, every family that knows, has offered something. And I really appreciate them and am so thankful for all their generosity. We couldn't have made it those 3 years without them, and I am so glad that they have my back in this crazy life.

So now we have some decisions to make, including when to move (for the 5th time in our marriage). I'm also hoping that our next move will be the last for a while. I know that God has a plan for me, I just need to listen a little more closely to find out what it is. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to staying home and not having the stress of work on me and the baby. I think it's time for a little nesting. Also, if you could keep us in your prayers that this whole mess works out, we'd appreciate it.

Question

Ever wonder what your life would have been like had you chosen to go right instead of left when you reached that fork in the road?

Yeah, me too.

Letter to the Womb

Dear Son,

Don't go ninjin nobody don't need ninjin.

That includes your mother.

Thanks for your cooperation,
Mom

Letter to the Womb

Dear Son,

I'm fairly positive you were digging your way out of my belly last night, but your Dad insists you were just getting comfy. Either way, thank you for moving around so forcefully that your Dad finally got to feel you. To him, it felt like a little tap. To me, it felt like a big forceful push. You've got 4 more months to go in there, don't run out of room quite yet!

Love,

Mom and Dad

What's in a name?

Chris and I had planned on keeping the name we picked for our son to ourselves, but we did a little art project for him and I've been dying to blog about it. So, after a little gentle nudging from me, Chris gave in and gave me permission to post about it.

We picked a transportation theme room of sorts and decided we needed some artwork to complement it. We came up with this idea, bought the supplies, and this weekend we whipped it up. We think it turned out awesome and can't wait to hang it in his room!

And if you're super smart, you'll know his name before the last picture :)

That's right! His name is James! Haha, just kidding, it's Luke. Chris drew everything and then we painted them. Chris added hardware to the back of them to hang as well. And no, we're not for hire. Unless you're paying :)

A Belly Story

We are 22 weeks along and so I thought it was about time to post some belly pictures. Enjoy!

~9 weeks

~12 weeks

~15 weeks

~19 weeks

22 weeks

My scrubs no longer fit...except for one pair, which is odd, because they are all the same size. I outgrew my my regular pants in September and was forced to buy some 'Thanksgiving day pants' of my own. (That's a 'Friends' reference...guess that episode!)

My back is starting to hurt so I sleep with a body pillow on one side and a regular pillow on the other in addition to my pillow for my head.

I can no longer keep Chris' pace walking (which is sad, because it's never really been an issue) and I've had to remind him several times we aren't at Lowe's and he's not racing across the store to answer a page.

Baxter likes to jump on me and sleep in my lap lately, but one day he was just standing on my belly. I said "Baxter, stop standing on your brother!" Chris got a big kick out of that.

I am feeling Baby Beaty move even more. He is really pretty active at night and really early in the morning. I joke with Chris that he pretends my bladder is his trampoline around 3 a.m.

That's that! Hope you like the belly shots!

Shots

Well, I'm officially vaccinated! I had my seasonal flu shot a little more than a month ago and survived, so I decided I would go ahead and get the H1N1 shot. I called the health department and they had some available, and since my OBGYN wasn't receiving any, that's where I was sent.

I was prepared to wait a good while at the Health Department, but I was only there for 30 minutes! The shot burned a little and my arm was sore for a couple hours after, but so far so good! I haven't passed out or stopped breathing, so that's a plus! :) I know there's a lot of hype in the media about the vaccine, but being preggo, I felt I needed to get it if it protected our son...and me. Better safe than sorry, I suppose. Plus, my OBGYN recommended it and so did Kricia (my SIL who is an allergy and immunologist doc).

On another note, Chris and I are getting lots done in preparation for our son. We have ordered his bedding, planned an art project, and have started thinking about registering. It's so exciting...and overwhelming, all at the same time. I mean, how do you know what breast pump you should really buy, and what bottles and pacifiers? How many swaddle blankets do you really use in a week? And diapers? I'm sure all you experienced moms will give me all the advice you have...and I could really use it! So please, pour the advice my way...I'm desperate :)

Letter to the Womb

Dear Son,

It's okay to move around and get comfy all you want during the day, but if you could not wake me up at 3 am right now (because I know that reality is fast approaching), I'd appreciate it.

Love,

Mom

Halloween Prep and Big News!

I love fall, and I love Halloween...especially decorating pumpkins and the candy given freely by all the generous people with their porch lights on! This year I wanted to do something different for decorating, and I ran across a craft blog (I don't even remember which one) and got this great idea! Well, at least I think it's a great idea! :)

Chris bought us a couple pumpkins and the supplies and we got to work! We had to let our pumpkins warm up inside for a few hours and clean them off pretty good, but then we went outside to the garage to prep. We painted our pumpkins with Chalkboard paint and I think they turned out so cute!

Our pumpkins with our Chalkboard paint ready to go!

One pumpkin down...one to go!

Outside to dry

That's right, folks! We're having a BOY!

It's really no surprise our little Gummy is a boy. There hasn't been a girl in 5 generations on the Beaty side. I guess all the boy genes are just stronger swimmers :). We are so thrilled!

Everything looked perfect today on the ultrasound and our little boy is pretty modest...it took a lot of work for him to show us his anatomy. My mother and grandmother were able to come up from Hot Springs for the ultrasound and I was thrilled they were able to share this with us. After the ultrasound, they left and went straight to JCPenney...needless to say we have some little boy clothes now!

Stats:

I've gained 2 pounds this pregnancy

Little Boy is 13 ounces

Chris is already feeling the sleep deprivation

Baxter still has no idea he's a big brother and the tormenting will start very soon :)

A Letter to Baby

Dear Baby Gummy,

You are 20 weeks today, and my has the time flown by! I always looked at pregnant women who said the time goes by faster than you think like they were crazy. I mean, who doesn't know how long 9 months is? Just ask my nephews (your cousins) when Christmas is and they'll be the first to tell you it's forever away. Like light years away. But for us grown adults, Christmas is practically here the day after New Year's. And every year, it seems like it just keeps coming faster. And that's how I feel about this pregnancy. You're going to be here any time (even though I know you aren't coming until March) and I just wanted you to know that I am preparing as much as I can.

You're our first human (you know you have a brother named Baxter...he's furry, 4 paws, likes squeaky toys) and to be honest, we're a little nervous about everything you will require. Not that what you require won't be met, but because like I said, you're our first human. And we couldn't be more thrilled...and terrified :)

However, we have a plan, and that's because you're Great-Grandpa (whom I'm sure you met in the pre-existence) always said "Make your plan, Work your plan". So we definately have a plan...kind of. I mean, you are just 20 weeks and we have till March to finalize the plan...right? And the plan right now is just to hold you and cuddle you and cater to every whim. What more could you ask for? Oh, ok, we'll try to keep Baxter from licking you too much :)

So, Baby Gummy, we will know whether you're a Gummy boy or Gummy girl in a few days, and our plan will evolve to include more specific details. But in the meantime, don't worry about a thing, just keep growing and getting strong and healthy for your arrival into this world, and your mom and dad will keep the freaking out to a healthy minimum.

Happy 2o weeks in the womb today, sweet baby gummy.

We love you already, even more than you could imagine.

Mom and Dad.

Top 10 Reasons Today Is Going To Be Awesome

10. I got to sleep in. And I slept very well, which hasn't happened in a few weeks.

9. It's cold outside. Brrrrr....rabbits!

8. My awesome hubby doesn't have to work weekends anymore!

7. I have new clothes to wear. And not any old regular clothes...maternity wear! Yes, folks. My belly is getting bigger than my fat pants allow. :)

6. We have the Boomerang channel for free right now, and I'm getting to watch all the old classic cartoons. Smurfs, The Jetsons, Wacky Races. It just doesn't get better than this.

5. Did I mention my awesome hubby has the weekend off? It's so awesome!

4. Our new couch was delivered and we're going to get to sit on the wonderfulness of it all and be cozy and comfy all day!

3. My awesome hubby (the one who has weekends off) is making breakfast. Omelet's, hashbrowns, and OJ. Yumm-oh.

2. It's Saturday, which means my awesome hubby has the day off and college football is on. Time to cozy up on our new couch and relax! Or throw things at the TV...depending on how the games go :)

1. The Razorbacks are playing! Go HOGS Go!!

A few questions

What happens when your best just isn't good enough?

What happens when a million awesome things go unnoticed but one bad thing shines a bright spotlight on you?

What do you do when you just can't seem to find your rhythm?

Is it ever possible to have just one awesome day? Or does something always have to hit the fan?

How do you just 'grin and bear it'? Or let things roll off like 'water on a duck's back'?

What do you do when you find out where you belong isn't where you are?

Is it ever possible to make everyone happy?

How many times do you have to fall before you stop picking yourself up?

Is the saying 'If at first you don't succeed, try try again' always true?

I guess I'm in deep thought about life and needed somewhere to pose these questions, but don't feel obligated to answer.

I can't make this stuff up

I have a patient who is a sweet elderly man who loves to tell stories and gave me a hug last month when I told him I was expecting. Yesterday, I brought him back to my fitting room for a quick adjustment. As I showed him his seat he said "Doc, I'm willing to bet you've got 2 babies in there!". I quickly replied no, there is one and one only. He said "Well, you're awfully big for 4 months!"

Thank you very much.

Texas Labor Day

On the 3rd, I flew to Houston for a conference and Chris drove to pick me up. We made it a long Labor Day weekend and headed for Beaumont to visit with some friends. We had a wonderful time, having a delicious dinner with Celina and Jake, getting to have lunch and being able to spend time with Arthur and Gretchen and the twins, spending an awesome evening in Lake Charles, LA with Shannon, Jeremy and Joni for Shannon's birthday, and then to top it off, chillaxing in the hotel room catching updates from the Razorback game and watching BYU beat OU! We had a wonderful trip and really miss all of our awesome friends from SETX!

Our hotel had a delicious continental breakfast, with waffles in the shape of the state. We thought it was only right that we took a appropriate picture!

Because I was a slacker and took all of 2 photos our entire trip, I have relied on others for their dedication. We went to a hibachi grill for Shannon's birthday and really had a great time. Chris and I didn't end up sitting together, but that's okay because I got to catch up with 2 of my friends from grad school. The only person missing was Lindsay, but she was cycling in Austin.

Chris was amazed at the mad skills the hibachi chef demonstrated...until he broke an egg right by Chris' elbow trying to do a trick!

Joni, me, and Shannon!

We had an amazing time, and the next time we go back, baby Gummy will have been born and ready to meet the SETX family!

Some insights into pregnancy nobody ever told me...

Eat what sounds good when it sounds good. Tomorrow it's going to make you want to throw up.

It's okay if you lose weight. Apparently you'll gain it all after you give birth anyways.

When you find out you're pregnant, so do 72 of your closest friends. This is great because they are the only ones who know what it feels like when you become a strict vegetarian during pregnancy when you were strictly carnivorous pre pregnancy.

It's easier to train the dog during pregnancy. It's like he knows.

You may not have to make a single trip to the bathroom all day, but at night, the baby decides to treat your bladder like a trampoline. You might as well make yourself a cot in the bathroom.

Your husband thought PMS was bad...mood swings during those first few months of pregnancy can be much worse.

New research says pregnancy has no effect on your memory. That's crap.

That's all I have for now...more to come later :)

Life in the Real World

Dear Life:

Life in the Real World sucks. Totally sucks. I'm so frustrated it's hard to put into words. When life doesn't continue the way one had known it for so long, it's hard to justify the changes you've put into place to help alleviate the burden that was once there. I know this is going to be a complete post rambling on about something very specific without being able to come right out and say it, so I'm going to make it as general as possible.

Change is hard. It's difficult, frustrating and overwhelming. Trust me, I know. It's hard when your friends change, it's hard when your church changes pastors, it's hard when you have to start getting regular checkups because you're getting older. Whatever the change, it's not always easy...but we try to adapt and do the best we can to overcome our feelings about the change that has taken place. It's hard on both ends. It's hard on you and the new pastor/friend/doctor because there's a learning curve that has to take place. You have to develop a comradery with the other party. But this can't happen if the other party is UNWILLING TO PARTICIPATE!

So you go on, trying to do the best you can, hoping that what you're doing justifies the change. But sometimes, all the other person sees is twiddling of thumbs, running on ice, whatever you want to call it. But that person never comes to you to find out how it's going, or to help the comradery develop because the change they decided on was a tough decision and now they aren't so sure it was the right one. And you're back to square one, treading on thin ice until the next comment is made or stone is thrown.

Having a hard day.

Clare

3 month appointment

We had our 3 month appointment on Wednesday and everything went great! We got to listen to Gummy's heartbeat again, and it was so strong! After our doctor let us listen to the heartbeat, she asked if we had any questions for her, and even though I had a list of questions in my head, they all went away because I was so overwhelmed listening to the heartbeat. :)

I did find out I was A- blood type, which means I'll have to have a shot at 28 weeks if Chris isn't a negative blood type. Basically the shot protects the baby because my body can start building antibodies against the baby and reject it if I don't get the shot. So Chris has to have his blood type tested and we'll go from there.

I also LOST 2 pounds! I thought in pregnancy it was supposed to go the other way! I really haven't been able to eat a normal portion of food because I've been so dang nauseous, but it looks like I'm going to have to start eating more times during the day then just breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm sure things will turn around and I'll start gaining instead of losing!

Other than that, everything has been going smoothly! Chris and I bought the baby it's first stuffed animal; a sock monkey! :) I've been reading baby books galore and doing some 'browsing' online and picking out appropriate nursery themes if it's a boy or girl. I know our parents are super thrilled about having a new grandbaby in the family and we are excited to have our first child!

Our Little Gummy Bear

Here's just a couple images of our little one! We had our first ultrasound at 9 weeks 1 day, and found out our new due date is March 4, 2010. We got to hear the heartbeat and found out the baby was just under an inch long!

During the ultrasound, the technician made a comment that sometimes babies look like little gummy bears at certain views, and this baby definitely looks like a little gummy bear from this view, so we now call the baby 'Gummy'.
We should find out in October if it's a boy/girl and can't wait!

Family, Friends, and American Idol!

This weekend we got to go to Little Rock to see American Idol Live!  We were really looking forward to the concert, but we were thrilled just to be back in Little Rock with my brother, SIL, and nephews.  We even got to have dinner with our awesome friends Jennifer and Joe.  

Friday night on our way into town we stopped in Conway to meet up with the Rogers' and have dinner at Chili's.  It's hard to find a place to eat with two prego's.  We had a great time with them and it was great because it was an adult only dinner!  

When we got to Jon and Kricia's, Jon was working overnight and Kricia and the boys were up waiting for us.  They were so excited when Kricia told them that we were coming that they stayed up way past their bedtime.  When they finally went to bed, Grant asked for Chris and I to come tuck him in and he told us not to leave and go back home.  I thought that was the sweetest thing!!

Saturday, Kricia and Grant went to a party, so Chris and I took Jude to the sprinkler park down by the Arkansas River.  He had a great time, and Chris was so great with him - he didn't even mind when he got wet by the sprinkler suddenly coming on behind him :)  

Then last night we went to the concert!  We were there an hour early, but that's just our nature.  The show was so fun and Kris Allen was so humble!  He even led the crowd in Calling the Hogs!  I'm sure the other Idol singers were wondering what the heck was going on!  All the singers rocked out, and there were some that we liked better than others, but my favorites were obviously Kris Allen, Anoop, and Allison.  Allison did a duet with Adam that was awesome!  I don't really like Adam's style of screaming over singing on most songs, but he sang 'Mad World' again, and that was great.   We had a wonderful time!!

A new chapter in our lives

Chris and I have been trying to conceive since the beginning of the year, but with school, graduation, the job hunt, it just wasn't happening.  We moved to the Fort the end of May, and the best we can tell, conceived our first child the very same week I started life in the real world at work.  

Chris made me take 3 pregnancy tests, just to be sure the first one or two weren't defective :)

So, yes, you read right, we're prego!!  And we are so excited!  We'll keep you updated as we progress through this awesome journey!

We had our first doctor's appointment yesterday and learned we are 8 weeks and 4 days and our EDD is Feb. 28th.  Chris is kind of disappointed it's not a leap year :)

Notes from the Past

My parents came to visit us last Friday night, took us to dinner, brought us coupons. You know, the usual with parents. But this trip had a hidden agenda to it and little did I know, it was a note from the past. Not just any note, either. This note was written by my Grandfather (my Mom's dad) on sheetrock inside my Grandma and Grandpa's home, January 8, 1972.

I wasn't even born then, but I'm fairly certain I chose my family in the pre-existence because of my grandparents. They are (were) totally awesome. Even though some people didn't get my Grandpa, thought he was too strict, too frugal, too cheap, whatever, I adored him.

My Grandmother is still alive and remarried to Ken, my Peepaw. Grandma is amazing. I ran away to her house during a sleep over down the road once. She opened the door, let me in, and offered me a snack and a coke.  She's so cool.  She didn't even beat me when I told my little brother to kick her. Hey, I was only 5! 

Grandma and Ken have been doing some remodeling in the house they live in; which also happens to be the house my Grandma and Grandpa built. During all the renos, my Grandma became worried that the city would fine them for all the sheetrock laying out, so she went to go break it all up so it would fit in the garbage cans. During this tedious process she found the note written by my Grandfather 37 years ago.

The note reads:

Jan. 8, 1972

Hello to you.  This house was built by Mervyn R. David for his family to enjoy.  You probably won't ever see this note, but if perchance you happen to run across it some day, it will be because it is being torn down, so treat it tenderly as it was once a beautiful home.  May God be with you always.

Mervyn R. David.

My Grandma knew I would love that little note, so she and my mom snapped a picture of it and had it framed.  It will always be a little reminder of my Grandpa, and I am so thankful for it.  

Happy Independence Day!

Chris and I went down to Hot Springs to visit my family last night to visit, and then to party with them and friends today!  We had a great time, getting to have dinner with our great friends, Jenn and Joe, and then watching a British sitcom called 'My Family'.  Mom had rented the first 2 seasons from the library and they are so funny!  

This morning, mom and dad tried to talk us into going to the 'sunrise breakfast' at church.  When we asked how early was sunrise and they told us 6:30 am, we laughed and decided to sleep in a little.  While they were still at church, we decided to put up the new outdoor fans they had us purchase the night before and started getting ready for family and friends to come over.  

We had so much food, there was too much to sample on just one trip.  Jennifer, Joe and Brock had a great time, Pam and the girls came over and Maddy actually got in the lake!  Grant and Jude loved going on boat rides with Paw and playing in the kiddie pool.  Baxter got to stay outside all day, he even went for a swim in the lake and went for a boat ride!  He slept the majority of the car ride home!  

We're all exhausted from the wonderful day we had!  

Happy 4th!

Happy Father's Day

Happy (belated) Father's day to all the dads in my life!

Peepaw, Jon, Chris, Dad, James, Uncle Robert

Jim

3 weeks and counting

May 28th, Chris and I moved.  We packed up a U-Haul with the help of our great friend Joe and my brother, Jon and uprooted ourselves to a new city.  We were going to rent a car hauler, but thanks to Jon, we didn't have to.  He offered to drive with us so my dad could drive our other vehicle and then they could ride back together.  The move went really smoothly, which was a shocker for us!  This being our 4th move, we are used to something happening!  And it may have happened if we dropped the U-Haul off with night drop because the U-Haul employee in L.R. didn't credit back the car hauler correctly, so it would have been reported as stolen.  I can't imagine what it would've taken to get that corrected!

Jon, my dad, Jon (the other brother - Chris' brother), Chris and myself worked to unload the U-Haul and then had some pizza our first night.  It was delicious and I know everyone was exhausted after that long day!  My mom came up the next day to help us unpack and that was so helpful!  Chris' parents were able to come down later that afternoon to help us as well!  We definitely could not have done all that in that short amount of time without everyone's help!

Chris and I had scheduled a vacation for the next week after the move.  We went to Big Cedar Lodge outside of Branson, MO on Table Rock Lake for 4 days and it was incredible.  There is so much to do and it was a totally different vacation for us.  Completely relaxing!

Our Cabin

Our bed...totally rustic with all the wood

Our cabin had a little kitchen...

Complete with an antler chandelier

We grilled steaks on our deck the first night

We rented a paddle boat at the Bent Hook Marina

We imitated animals at the putt-putt course

And we caught a huge fish!

Just kidding, it was the 9th hole.

We even made smores!

After getting back from our awesome vacation, we geared up to start our new jobs.  Private practice is definitely different from ENT world, but so far it's great.  The people I work with are very friendly and helpful!  I hope it continues to go well!  Chris is becoming adjusted to his new position as delivery manager at Lowe's.  He's so used to Outside Lawn and Garden, so it's a different world for him as well.  He's only been there 2 weeks and they've already been audited and had a walk by the Regional VP.  He's worn out!!

I promise to keep you more up to date now!  We just got Internet and Cable hooked up!  It's so nice to not be in the stone age anymore!

So Much to Post

so little time.

We JUST got Internet and cable hooked up after moving several weeks ago.  Bear with me as I come out of the stone age :)

Flaws in technology

Being bored means you Google lots of things, at least in our household.  Tonight, we decided to 'Google' directions from where we live to Honolulu, HI.  Google Maps tells us to head to Seattle, WA and then to KAYAK across the PACIFIC OCEAN!  For 2756 miles!  Oh, and then take a slight right at Turtle Bay Hilton.  I assume we'll be able to see the Hilton after that quick trip across the ocean.  I doubt we'll be dehydrated, sunburned, or passed out in the kayak.  It is, after all, only 2756 miles.  Or, just a measly 15 days worth of traveling.

Planes are so overrated.

AOC Party Night

Wednesday night, my co-workers threw me a party for a graduation!  Well, it was for Kevin (the other student), too, but one can dream...right?  Chris and I had a great time!  We had Olive Garden catered in and a yummy cake.  We even watched the American Idol finale with everyone! 

Kevin and I

From top left to right:

  Mark, Jason, Tony, Rachel, Jim, Jano, Kristen (holding Gracie), Brent, Leslie, Debbie, Charlie

Tiana, Kevin, me, Chris and Diane

I sure am going to miss working with these people!  They are so incredible!

Lamar University Graduation

Saturday, May 16th, I officially graduated from school!  With my doctorate!  It was very exciting and nerve racking, all at the same time.  We were told to be at the graduation site at 8 to get our name cards and get lined up and get in order.  I was the very first one in line!  Doctor of Audiology was first, and then my last name put me as numero uno!  

We marched in and heard the President of our University speak, where we learned we were the largest graduating class in the history of Lamar!  Because we all had plans following graduation, it was only natural to be part of the biggest graduation because that meant that we were all late for our plans afterwards.  

Our key note speaker was Secretary of State for Texas from '05 to '07, and despite his "Texas is the best state ever" speech and his tiny little soapbox for voting, it was a rather good speech.  When he was finished speaking, they were ready to call us to be hooded.  I was so thrilled I was going to be the first one up and was sitting towards the edge of my seat when they didn't call my name first.  They called someone from a whole other department.  Sitting 6 chairs away.  I was super confused, my heart was beginning to beat faster, and then I realized that they were graduating from the College of Education, and I graduated from the College of Fine Arts.  E comes before F.  Whatever.  I got my turn and was pleased as pie to finally get my hood on!

My whole family came, including my little brother and his girlfriend from Montana/Oregon!  My older brother rode with Chris and I to Houston to pick them up and then over to Beaumont.  We got to the hotel, but couldn't find anyone waiting for us, so I called my mom, and they weren't at that hotel, they were at another one...and no one had told us!  We were all a little peeved at the situation, but it was fine in the end.

Mom and Dad were so wonderful to me, they even got me a diamond necklace!  I was so ecstatic over it, it was totally unexpected!  

Also, my Grandma and Peepaw made the trek down with my Aunt and Uncle.  It was great to have their support on this huge day in my life!!

Now feel free to call me Dr. Awesome :)

AOC Game Night

A couple Friday nights ago, my work rented a pavilion at the Traveler's stadium (Arkansas' Minor League Baseball team) and gave us all tickets to sit and watch the game and midget wrestling.  Chris and I got to go and have yummy hot dogs and hamburgers, popcorn and ice cream.  Here are a few pics from my phone!

Kristen and Brent

Kevin and Tiana

Kevin is the other student, and he's the complete opposite of me.  He's so laid back I sometimes want to shake him!

Of course, us!