Fifty Shades of Red

This is kind of a guest post today because I am going to tell a story to add to all the Fifty Shades nonsense. This is about my friend G. It’s a good one, y’all. I can't wait for these movies to come out and the hopefully embarrassing/awkward stories that they produce.

Fifty Shades of Red

G just moved to a new town and with that, as you know, is the task of establishing a new home, new schools for the kids, and the dreaded chore of finding new doctors (to me, this is the worst). G is not a huge reader, but I encouraged her to read the Fifty Shades Trilogy. Why not? Who doesn't like reading about sex? She flew through the books and during them, she had her first visit with, we’ll call him, Dr. Shady.

So she is in the waiting room and reading her Fifty Shades book when they call her back. She goes through all the normal protocol with the nurse. She stashes the book in her purse as Dr. Shady walks in. A tall, handsome forty something, and his eyes are just a lovely steel blue. Perfect.

G immediately glances at the book in her purse and thinks “This can’t be happening. Of course I would pick a hot doctor.” Dr. Shady proceeds to introduce himself, and they start going over her medical history. The conversation goes a little something like this:

G: I am really fine. I just need some refills on my meds for my anxiety and what not.

Dr. Shady: Ok, what are you taking now?

G: I am on Happy Meds #1, but I am thinking about gradually weaning off of them.

Dr. Shady: Ok, why would you want to do that?

G: Well, they are really taking a toll on my libido and ya know, I kind of need to keep that alive for my marriage. 

Dr. Shady: There are some other SSRI's and options that you could try. Maybe you should think about trying a vibrator.

G turns a deep shade of pink, and breaks out in a small sweat.

G: What? Oh. Ok, well you know, we just moved here and I really would not know the first place to even look for one. I really haven’t checked into any novelty stores here yet. I am sure there are some and I could ask around to find one. I mean I have used them before but it’s been years so I really had not even thought of that.

Small sweat is now turning into pit sweat.

Dr. Shady looks at her questioningly.

G: I mean if you think that is what I need to do then I am willing to give it a shot. I just figured I could wean off my Happy Meds #1 and that would help.

Dr. Shady: I am sorry, Mrs. G, but what did you think that I said?

G stares at Dr. Shady and is more of a crimson color at this point in the visit. 

G: Get a vibrator.

Now, Dr. Shady looks uncomfortable.

Dr. Shady: Um no, Mrs. G, I said maybe you could try Happy Meds #2 (Vibrant?), which does not have the sexual side effects as Happy Meds #1.

Pit sweat has turned to full blown body sweat plus fidgeting.

G: Oh, oh my God. I am so sorry. I am just reading this book right now, Fifty Shades, and so I just thought that you said a vibrator and…

Dr. Shady glances down at book in hanging out of her purse.

Dr. Shady: Yes, I have heard that is a good book.

G: Oh it is...I mean I just started reading them...

G is ready to sprint through the door at this point. 

Dr. Shady: Well, moving forward, I think we should try Happy Meds #2 and see how that helps. Let's continue...I'd like you to come back in three months to see how you are doing.

So G is about Fifty Shades of Red as she leaves the office and bolts out to the car. She realizes as she gets in the car that she can never go back to Dr. Shady as she will always be known as "Vibrator Girl" from here on out and she just got Fifty Shades Fucked.

To be continued after her after her next appointment with Dr. Shady...

Simple Thoughts

Sweet boy is 2 months old already!

LF refuses to believe this is a "Tree Skirt".

Simple Thoughts:

1. Cancer sucks. My dad is on a new round of chemo and is hard to see him "not himself". This too shall pass.

2. I am so thankful to have my husband support me.

3. The holidays stress me out, but it is my favorite time of year. So, it's a love/hate relationship.

4. I have a new love for Twitter. (Thanks Ash!)

5. Sometimes, I just have to stop and take a deep breath.

6. I am really happy that Alfonzo is back (our Elf on the Shelf).

7. I have some awesome friends that always keep me laughing, even when they are stressed out. It's the glue that keeps us all together.

8. I feel blessed to have the families that we do.

9. I love visiting everyone back home, but I am so happy that we do not have to leave the state of OK for the next month and a half.

10. I was worried that I might be getting pink eye last night. I'm not.

11. Some people are annoyed by Christmas music, but I love it.

12. Running/working out is so much harder when I do not get adequate sleep. I can't wait for us to get in our little routine up here.

13. I wish my brother did not have to go overseas again. Boo.

14. Since my brother is going overseas, I can't wait to see my sis-in-law in March for a visit and my first 10K. Yea!

15. I think the Gangnam Style Dance is Hilarious. LF and I love doing it in the car!

Adorable.

16. I reeeaaally need to get a pedicure.






17. Cam is the cutest. Period.






18. This is what happens when there are two kids in the picture. Those are all clean, by the way.

That's all.

Life is good.

I am so behind on my blog!! Where do I even start? Ok, first things. I had Cam on September 19, 12:05 p.m., and he weighed 8 lbs 4 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. And absolutely perfect! He did hold out until we checked in the hospital and literally during labor the nurse was pushing him down because he kept trying to creep back up in me rather than come out!

This labor and delivery was so much different than with LF. Everything went just as it should. We checked in that morning, he broke my water, started the Pitocin drip (on the lowest possible amount - I insisted and my nurse was awesome), contractions really started picking up, and I called for the epidural between around 7 cm or maybe a little more than that. At that point too, she had cut off the Pitocin so it was all me with the contractions. The nurses were really impressed I held out as long as I did. I was so focused on my breathing and relaxing through each one, it was really tolerable til that 6-7 cm mark. She told me they should film me so other people could see how calm I was! I had to have constant cold cloths on my head and neck. When I was trying to decide if I really wanted to go through with the epidural, I actually asked if any Tylenol would help. Tylenol??? I must be crazy. The nurse was great, and we went over the best options and the epidural was the most logical decision. And after I said to do it, I was like "Dear Lord please tell the anestisologist to hurry!" When he got there, he said,  "She is about to have this baby!" And I was like, "Give me the drugs!!!!" The nurse said, "This one asked for Tylenol and a cold cloth!" I am sure I gave them all a good laugh that morning! It made for an awesome experience this go round. I will say it was much harder to push him out though since you can't feel anything down there. I looked at the nurse at one point and asked "Is this working??". I knew what muscles to focus on when pushing, but it was hard to tell if anything was happening! I could feel the pressure of what was going on, but that was it. Needless to say whatever I was doing was working because it did not take too long to push him out. Kegels people, kegels.

I was actually laughing during delivery! Funny little story here: As I was pushing, my Andy was helping to hold me up, and I think he was actually straining almost as much as I was with every push. So my Doctor looks up and says, "We're gonna have to get him some hemorrhoid cream - look at that vein popping out of his head!". Seriously y'all - I was in mid-push when he said this and I was dying laughing! And with that, I think it was one or two more pushes and my Cam Cub came out crying! I had so many tears of happiness. My heart just feels so full, and our little family really does feel complete now with Cam here. He is just a joy too. He latched right on and sleeps and pees and poops and is such a good baby.

 LF is adjusting to him and is a great little helper. I have started letting her help give him a bottle before she goes to sleep at night and hold him, and she is really good at helping with diaper changes too. She does not like to hear him cry either! She gets so worried about him and is constantly either putting his pa-pa (that's what LF called her pacifier) in his mouth or yanking it out because I know she secretly wishes she was using it. The only thing we have had to watch her on is basically not smothering him with kisses and hugs and watching her like a hawk because she wants to pick him up by herself - which she did manage to move him from one couch to the other at my parents house! We were finishing dinner, and I thought Andy was in the den with them but he had gone upstairs to do some work. Well, LF comes in the kitchen and says something to the effect of  "Cam on couch". I imagine I had that deer in headlights kind of look, and I ran in the den. Sure enough, he was sprawled out on the couch, still in one piece thank goodness. Oh, we are not terrible parents either and did have him in a little travel bed that was on the couch so he could not roll off. She just picked him up out of that. Ai ya yiiiiiih. He slept through the entire incident though, so no harm done. We have a lot of talks about how her hands are still to little to pick up babies and only Mommy's and Daddy's and big people need to do that. She is pretty stubborn though and thinks she can do it all by herself. That apple did not fall far from either tree!

Honestly, I feel like adding the second is actually easier than having the first. I think our confidence is much higher, and we've  already been through all the worries and concerns once. I am so much more laid back with Cam than I was with LF. I was always worried she was not breathing or not getting enough milk or not developing properly. Even though I was in Early Intervention and know development, I was still freaking out!    I have just let him let me know when he's hungry and what not.

We made it back to OKC and are getting settled here again. That was probably the most overwhelming thing of all. I felt like we were just getting settled back in Shreveport, and then it was time to move it all back to OKC. I was so happy to be home though, and we are all getting into the routine, somewhat. LF was super excited to see her dolls and house, and she actually did not come out of her room for quite some time. Last Monday, Andy left for work in Enid. That was hard since I was not ready to jump back into being a single parent during the week with not one but two kids now. We had our nanny start too, and I will probably call her DG in here. That stands for Domestic Goddess. She is awesome. She also makes Harry Potter wands. Like I said, she is awesome.

I actually had two job interviews and was offered the first. It was a sales job, but I am not taking it since the hours are crazy. I would really never see Andy, and only get to see LF right before she goes to bed. I am not ready for that amount of space from my baby girl by any means. I am ready to get back to work and miss it. Weird, right?  I am a worker so I have missed it since North Dakota. Say a little prayer for me! I know it will all work out as it should. It will be hard to leave that sweet little smile though once it happens!

Life is good, my friends, life is good. When I get a full 8 hours of sleep, life will be amazing! HA!

It's time!!

Well, it is almost time to meet our Cam Cub guys! I think Lila Faye is getting to the point where she is not sure if we are serious about a baby coming or if we are just kidding with her. She has told me numerous times the past week that she is ready to hold Cam. She is going to be the best big sister. She practicing her swaddling, so I can't wait until she shows us how to correctly swaddle when Cam is here. She is very particular with her babies!

Just being adorable in her hat! She looks ready for the Derby!

6 days left!

Practicing for Cam's arrival!

This has been a pretty stressful pregnancy with the moving, my parent's cancer, job changes with Andy, and my poor veins. Oh, did I mention my brother is deploying again in November? Oh, that is happening too. I am so lucky I have been able to get my walks and exercise in because I think that has been the only thing that has kept me from completely going insane (and lots of chocolate). I can really tell the days that I don't because I just don't feel as good mentally (and physically for that matter).

So the contractions have really started picking up and getting stronger, and I have continued to dilate over the past two weeks. Unless our new man comes before the tomorrow, then we are inducing. I have my nerves and am overly anxious about everything, but I am ready. I had three huge "cries" last week with Andy being gone so it is just time. I guess I saved up all the emotions of the past 9 months for last week!  Plus I feel like Cam is running out of room! I can feel him wanting to stretch out and well, that is just not really happening for him. The doctor gave us the green light, and I have not decided yet about epidural/pain meds and all that. It is different this time around with inducing because we go in at 6 a.m. rather than the night before. So, we shall see! I am just praying that everything will be fine and just having Andy here has already helped me relax. I know a little girl that feels exactly the same way too! She ran up to him and gave him the BIGGEST hug when he got here.

I have compiled a list of what has helped me during pregnancy and odd things that are possible because I think every pregnancy has its ups and downs. I hope that most are smooth sailing but you know, life is never easy and there are struggles we all have to deal with. Here is a wrap up of my pregnancies:

1. Take a walk. EVERY day. If you can. I try to get a least a 20-30 minute walk in, whether it be a power walk or leisurely walk. I highly suggest it.

2. Take a bath! And by that I mean a really nice long soak. I take one very night and not only does it help me mentally relax and get ready for those zzzz's, it just helps redistribute all that blood and fluid and and helps me feel better physically all over. Plus, once the kiddo is asleep this is sometimes the only relaxing time that I get during the day!

3. If you are a coffee drinker, have your one cup in the morning. Look, I can't give up my coffee. I look forward to it the night before! I only have my one cup in the morning, and I think that I perfectly fine. I Every now and then, I have a cup of decaf in the evening too. I love coffee!! I gave up caffeine a few years ago except for my one morning cup. CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT!

4. If you worked out before pregnancy, continue! I worked out a lot more with my second pregnancy than the first. I really didn't want to give up all of my muscle tone that I had been working on before. I never feel as guilty eating a little extra since I know I am burning calories too (which you burn extra calories anyways during pregnancy, so make sure that you are taking in enough). LF is a big snacker so we had our breakfast lunch and dinner and snacks together.  Always get the ok with your doctor but I am sure he will suggest to continue light to moderate workouts throughout the pregnancy.

5. Take a nap. Now with my first pregnancy, I did not get as many of these as I would have liked. I worked and that was hard, but even if I had time to just set my alarm, close my eyes and relax for ten minutes on my lunch break, it helped. With this pregnancy and keeping up with LF, when she naps, I napped. I really didn't have a choice because by the time I read books and got her down, I think I was asleep before she was most of the time!

6. Eat some chocolate, chips, or whatever. Yeah, it's ok. That is another one I can't give up. That little mini Milky Way or Twix or Dove Dark Chocolate calls my name and you know, it's pregnancy. Enjoy the cravings and all. One day I would crave chips and salsa and the next day I want brownies...the next day it might be a banana and yogurt...and I ate that. And I am totally ok with it. I am not sure about other people, but I love food, so please see number 4. I try to eat in moderation but sometimes you just gotta have that extra cookie. I also mentioned My Fitness Plan in a previous post and that helped me keep my calories in check. Just make sure you keep a balance - I eat a lot of vegetables and fruit too!

7. Put your feet up!

8. Wear compression hose. I WISH I would have done this during my first pregnancy. I really wonder if it would have made any difference with the second. I did not have any problems with my veins til at the end of LF's pregnancy but at that point, I really did not think too much about it. As torturous as they are, if I don't wear my compression hose now, my leg just plain aches and hurts (and not to mention my ya-ya). And let me tell you, you know it is bad when you don't care that is 115 degrees outside and immediately feel like a hair dryer is blowing in your face and you break a sweat when you open the front door - these were a must every single day. A lot of days I tried to get them on as soon as I was up too.

9. Wear comfortable shoes. I mean, if you want to wear high heels when you are 8 months pregnant, by all means go for it. I'll stick to my FitFlops (I have two pairs and LOVE them) and tennis shoes, 90% of the time, with the occasional flat or cutesy flat sandal with a cute outfit. Save the heels for your first post pregnancy date with your hubs.

10. Take everything with a grain of salt. Ok, I have seen and read about some pregnant women who get so worked up over remarks or comments like "Oh you look like you're ready to pop any day now" (when you are only 6 months pregnant) or let's see, oh, "Hey there Fatty!" (yes, this happened but I just compared my belly to his and shut that down pretty fast). Most people are smart enough to tell a pregnant woman how beautiful, glowing, or cute she is pregnant - but understand, there are those that are not. And just let it roll off your shoulders...please. It is not worth getting upset over. And it will happen! I usually like to make a comeback remark too such as "Oh, I am not pregnant...I just really like beer and tacos." It helps. Promise.

11. Try not to compare to other pregnancies. This is another one that is somewhat impossible because all you do when pregnant is look at other pregnant women. It's like you have on pregnancy blinders when out in public. I highly suggest do not compare yourself. Everyone gains weight differently and wears a baby in different ways. My sister and I carry completely opposite (hers sit under her belly button basically and mine are up to my boobs!) if that tells you anything, and we are related! And this kind of also goes with #10 but try  not to get too worked up when anyone compares your pregnancy with someone they know. It's just not worth getting upset over. "Oh so and so only gained this much weight during her pregnancy." Congrats! "She actually ran 6 miles last week and is 5 months pregnant." Fantastic! It is just not worth comparing or getting upset over. Promise again.

12. Enjoy your alone time with your husband. Can't stress this enough...especially after you have your first. I think it is so important to have date nights, see movies, or even just go to the grocery store by yourselves if you get the chance. Remember that your husband's life and routine is changing as well but he is hopefully the biggest supporter that you have. Try not to be too mean to him when coping with all the aches and pains. He loves you and it is hard to see his partner in crime in pain and not be able to really do too much.

13. Make sure you ask your hubs for a back rub or foot rub or to even just to pick up take out for dinner! Trust me, he would rather stay busy than have you yelling at him with the aches and pains for no reason.

14. Ask for help. I think this really applies after your first kiddo. I have no idea what I would do without my family and friends that have helped out with LF. I have a hard time asking for it but with all the traveling and everything this pregnancy, I have had to have the help with LF when we have been in town. I am so grateful for all of it and getting some "me" time in when I could, even if it was just going to the grocery store by myself.

15. Treat yourself to a pedicure. I think at the end of pregnancy this is relaxing, and it gets impossible to bend over to try and paint your own little piggies! I got one today and had the works. I also feel like since every one and their mother get to see your ya-ya during delivery at least your focal point will look fresh and nice! Ha!

16. You will probably feel like you are going insane at some point or do really off the wall shit. Please see picture below. It happens and most likely more than once. I was able to capture this moment on my phone.

Oh! That's where I left the milk the night before! 

Well, I hope this helps, and it will be fun to look back and share all of this with Lila Faye and Cam when they   have kids one day.The biggest thing I can tell you is to just enjoy pregnancy! It is a life changing experience to feel that little miracle growing inside of you.

 Tomorrow is the start of the next chapter, and we are so excited! Lots of prayers and positive thoughts please!

Preparing for Battle

So here are just a few things that are running through my mind lately:

1. Is it really almost September?

2. Thank the Lawd for some rain up here in OKC.

3. Our Princess is really growing up when she you ask her to do something and she says to us, "That is ridiculous." Oh boy.

4. I am so excited to meet Cam in a month, BUT I am having so much anxiety about the delivering process. I lost so much blood after I had LF that I am really terrified it is going to happen again. And I want to be able to hold my little Cub right after I have him, unlike having to wait several hours before I could hold my Princess.

So, this is really the biggest thing on my mind, and Andy telling me I need to discuss all this with the Doc at my next visit. He tries to be reassuring, but I know he is nervous about everything too. I feel stronger with this pregnancy than I did with LF. I have really tried to exercise every other day if not every day. But at the same time, I am not sure if  that really makes a difference in what my uterus will or will not do after delivery. When I first went in to see Doc for this visit, he said "Now, you are going to behave this time, right?" Ha! He totally kept his cool during everything after LF, but I know it took him off guard completely. And like he told us, "You just really never know when something like that is going to happen or not." I was induced with LF, and I am hoping that Cam in just going to come out all by himself. I do not plan on having an epidural or any medications (I did not with LF), but this go round I really want to steer clear of the Pitocin. I still wonder if that is actually what caused my uterus to just wimp out after all those contractions. I know that is pretty necessary with women that are induced and have epidurals from what I have read, but my contractions were off the charts.  As soon as he broke my water, things were moving pretty fast (he broke my water at 7:30 a.m. and I pushed her out at 11:05 a.m.) I don't think the Pitocin would have made a difference in the amount of time I pushed LF out. I think they ended up pumping me with more Pitocin in order to get my uterus to contract after too. I just know it was terrible, and I think I had an out of body experience. As soon as I pushed her out (which was an awesome feeling - like "I DID IT!!!") I remember feeling like I could breathe again, then I saw the reflection of red in my doctor's glasses and was not quite sure if that was normal or not. And then I just kind of floated...as soon as they got some blood back in me though I was like a new person. I remember my mom said my color was coming back and she knew I was on my way. I also know it gave Doc a scare because when he came to check on me he said, "Oh good! I am so glad to see your smile again. You have such a pretty smile and you gave us a little scare for a minute there."   Lots to discuss with the Doc this next visit...

I am also doing some research on Early Expression, if anyone has any thoughts on that. I produce a pretty good supply of milk and just the same with LF, I have already started leaking colostrum. I contacted my lactation consultant to get her thoughts on if I could pump that or do something with it. You can actually hand express colostrum before delivery and freeze it! My main concern for doing this is because if I hemorrhage again, then I would prefer my Cub to have the colostrum with all those good antibodies, rather than glucose water or formula. And maybe that will help keep him at bay until I can breastfeed him.  I don't really remember all the time frame but I don't think I even held LF until 5 or 6 hours after she was born. It took about two units of blood back in me for me to regain some strength. Nipple stimulation can cause uterine contractions too, so if that helps move the process along without Pitocin, then I am all for it. Just another reason that I feel so strongly about breastfeeding.

I do know that I am in good hands with my doctor and that whatever happens, it will all work out in the end. I am such a planner and that is one of the hardest things about being pregnant! You think you have this plan and everything will go a certain way, but no, that does not always happen. I think I actually only know a few people where everything has just gone completely the way that they wanted!

Childbirth in itself is one thing to go through, and I think every woman that has given birth, (whether vaginally or C-section), can probably say that it is one of the toughest experiences of their life (well, except Gisele Bunchden, but she is a freak of nature). Well, enough of the worry and concerns today...it feels good to kind of get some that off of my chest. I will continue to prepare for battle because really, that is what happens before you have a baby! It may terrify others but thinking about the pain helps me prepare! I swear labor is 75% mental and the rest is physical. When I was about 9 cm and getting close to the pushing point, I looked at Andy and said, "I don't know if I can do this anymore." He told me exactly what I needed to hear and that was "You are almost there - you told me you would say that and that means that it is all almost over! You can do this!" BEST. COACH. EVER.  So I will end with this quote today because it makes me happy:

“Why do people say "grow some balls"? Balls are weak and sensitive. If you wanna be tough, grow a vagina. Those things can take a pounding.”

― Betty White

 

True dat, Betty, true dat.

6 Weeks LEFT!!

I can't believe that I am already 34 weeks! It feels like such an accomplishment for some reason. I remember feeling that way with Princess, too, around 32 weeks. With all of my education and experience with kiddos, I know if something were to happen, and I went in to labor, the chances of the baby being ok are much higher. It kind of feels like a big sigh of relief!

We have been so busy that I have had a hard time keeping up with my blog. I'll admit that getting an iPhone has not helped. I feel like I never need my notebook again! So here is a quick update:

 I finally have my "workout Andy" back. He kind of went through a slump when he was by himself in ND. It was really hard to get motivated to stay in shape up there, and I understood that once we moved up there too. That cold makes it hard to stay motivated! Once we got there, it was better for him because we joined the Rec center, and we would take our little family walks. But, for those months when we were apart, he went through a pretty rough patch. I think it went down like this: work, eat, drink and then repeat that cycle pretty consistently throughout the week. You can ask anyone that has lived up there though, that is not from there, and they will tell you how hard it is to be that far away from home.

Anyway, so he has started back on watching his diet and working out and I am so glad! It helps me when it is a family effort, and I love working out with him. We used to all the time before we had LF. He is so knowledgeable about strength training exercises.  I got him started on an app call My Fitness Pal which helps us watch our calorie intake. I was 2 points off on my glucose test so my doctor told me to try to stick to a 2000 calorie diet. Whatever. I tried to explain to the nurse that the milkshake, birthday cake, candy at the movies, and the Lucky Charms I had for breakfast, probably did not give me an accurate reading. But I always listen to my doctor's advice and have tried to lay off the sweets, to an extent. I have really been craved ice cream throughout the summer and my guess is just because it has been so damn hot! The My Fitness Pal app has helped me so much with my portions and keeping up with what I eat, and I am really looking forward to keeping up with it after I have Cam. I had no idea that one cup of Mac and Cheese was like 400 calories! Wow! I am feeling pretty good and getting in my daily walks and light weights, but I can tell it is getting to that uncomfortable stage. At night, my hips hurt and you know how that pain goes down your leg when it hits your Sciatic nerve? Yea, that is happening. I have a lot of trouble getting more than 3-4 hours of consistent sleep. And wowzer, who forgot to tell about how much stronger Braxton-Hicks are in the second pregnancy! I know everything has already been all stretched out once but really!




We also had a two week trip to see the Marlette's, the Gage-Lancaster's, and the Bentley's, plus a week in Shreveport seeing friends and family there. That was a long time to be gone, but we all survived, and we also celebrated Andy's 35th birthday during all that. It was fun, but by the final day at my grandparents house outside of Mena, Princess went in to a total meltdown in the bathroom, Andy was borderline meltdown, and my lasting patience with both of them had pretty much fizzled out at the point. I walked out of the bathroom with LF and was like "Bye everybody! We are leaving now!" Thank goodness we had finished our lunch, but I knew that we had a long drive back that day and I was ready to get on the road. LF slept about 3 out of the 4 or so hours back too if that tells you anything! I feel so blessed to have all of these wonderful family members, and it was nice to just be encompassed by love the entire time.

The last three pictures are actually from when we visited with the Marlette's in Tulsa for Sarah's graduation. I didn't get any when we were at the actual reunion with everyone...except the one where LF is in her panties at the park. DaDa forgot to bring her a new pair of shorts after she had a little peepee accident!

So here are some little pics of Cam, and I am just so ready to meet my little man! That sweet little foot is constantly in my ribs and I can't wait to kiss it!

We also celebrated our 6 year anniversary...my, my how time goes by. I still look at Andy and just feel overwhelmed with a love that grows every day. He's pretty easy on the eyes too! So we have celebrated over the past 6 years in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, North Dakota, and now, here we are in Oklahoma. I was actually able to get a sitter to keep LF for two nights so we were able to have a REAL date night on our actual anniversary. We went to a little restaurant in Enid since he is working there this week, and it was pretty good! I also convinced him earlier that day to let a professional cut those eagle talons on those toes, and I think he kind of liked it. We also got to work out together that morning at the hotel so that was fun too. That is a pic of the baby bump before we went to work out. I feel so terrible with Cam because I have hardly taken any belly shots! I was all about it with LF, but it is so true with the second that you just don't have nearly as much time or energy! It was very relaxing day though - exactly what we needed!

Potty Training = Hell

The last post that I started said "Well, I can't believe that June is halfway over already!". Oops. Well, now we are at the end of July! Holy moly, where is the time going? I can't believe that I only have 8 weeks left until Baby Cam gets here too. I really need to get my head in the baby zone, but we have hit the potty training pretty hard the past month or so with LF.

She basically woke up when we were staying in Enid with Andy and decided that she should pee on the potty that morning! This was very exciting but I was totally unprepared for it that day. She was ready to do it and I thought, "Great! This is going to be a breeze!". I was a little ahead of myself!

SO, I'll just go ahead and say it, potty training is hell. Really. If you thought your limits had been tested before, then just wait - unless you are one of those unusually lucky parents that their kid just immediately gets on the toilet and starts peeing and pooping with no accidents. In that case, I hope you stub your toe to make up for the misery that the rest of us have to endure.

Here is what is frustrating for us: Princess has had less than 5 peepee accidents since we started. Andy and I can take partial credit for those since it was really the fact that we forgot to remind her to run to the potty when we got home. The problem for us is that she is not recognizing when she needs to have her bowel movements or I guess she is not relaxed enough to do it on the potty . Also, please refer to earlier post about poop and Andy. As you have read and know, my hubby has a very hard time with poop. I will say though, and for the love of God I can't figure out why, Andy has not been sick one time since we started all this. THANK THE LAWD! I might be more proud of him than Princess! I guess it's because it's not just sitting in her diaper marinating for however long. We have set timers, asked every thirty minutes, used positive reinforcement, probably used some negative as well, and tried every trick in the book I can think of and have asked other Mommy's for advice too.

Ok, literally for twenty minutes the other day, she told me she needed to poopoo. We went in, she stripped down, sat on the potty, and BAM - nothing happened. This sequence happened around 5 times. Ok. She then went to her room to play and I am not kidding comes right back out and says "Mommy I poopooed in my panties." And here comes the steam that wants to come out of my ears - and what I really want to say to her is, "Why the hell didn't you shit on the pot 5 minutes ago???!!!" Instead I say, "Well, honey, run in the bathroom and let's try to make some more come out in the toilet." So, we dump the poop from the panties, wipe up, and try some more. If she has an accident, she gets a sad face on her board instead of a Disney Princess sticker, and she still doesn't get her new baby that she picked out at Target. Baby is just staring down at her in the bathroom, waiting to play with her. I felt like we really may have sparked things with her after she picked out that baby because she went poop in the potty that evening! I thought it worked!! Nope. That lasted about two days and the excitement wore off. Maybe I need to take her out of the packaging to get things going? I know she'll get it, and I know she can do it. BUT, potty training is REALLY testing the limits of my patience. I guess I am grateful that we are not dealing with the peepee accidents since that is wet and a pain to clean up. But, I keep praying every day, please Lord, let this child poop in the potty!!

Oh also, not only did I have her poop to clean up the other day, but our Boston Terrier, who I am pretty sure has a chemical imbalance of some sort, shit all in her kennel that night. Awesome. I love waking up to dog shit. And then cleaning up my kid's bowel movements throughout the rest of the day.

We left two weeks ago for the start of a long trip for the Marlette Family Reunion, my mom's side of the Gage-Lancaster Family Reunion, and finally my dad's side of the Bentley Family Reunion. We stayed in Shreveport the first week for my doctor's visit and to spend some time with Andy's mom and sister's family and to hang out with our friends. We then traveled from Shreveport to Lake D'arbonne, back to Shreveport, up to Iron Mountain in Arkansas,  over to Mena, Arkansas, and then back to OKC. The first week was still unsuccessful with LF's pooping in the potty. On the Sunday before we left the Marlette reunion, I decided she should not wear her panties until she pooped in the potty or we were on the road. I knew that she needed to because I could see the signals. She probably came in and tried about three times and FINALLY - SUCCESS!!!! She did it!! Other parents out there - I am sure you can realate to this - but how in the world does that much poop come out of such a tiny human being?! Wowzer! Oh man, I was just so proud of her and excited! She got some M&M's, and I knew she was really proud of herself too. So, if letting her just run around naked is what works, then that is what works. Also, Dada told her if she pooped on the floor, she was going to get a spanking and it was not going to be soft! She really hasn't had many of those but she told me a couple weeks ago to make sure I spank her "really soft Mommy" (I think this was after I threatened her because I thought she was going to suffocate our Boston Terrier when she was trying to "pick" her up), and also to brush her hair "really soft Mommy" (which I tell her over and over if she would quit wiggling it would not hurt!). She told Papa Bear that too. I just about died because he was like "Lila Faye, if I spank you it is NOT going to be soft". Oh the joys of parenting!

Since then, she's had a few more accidents, but it is much better. I think by the time she starts school, she should be pretty good. She finally got to hold that baby that was staring down at her for the past month too!

Ugh...who in their right mind thinks they can remake Steel Magnolias?

I mean this is just really ridiculous. I get remaking superhero movies...some classics...whatever. But Steel Magnolias?? You have got to be kidding me. There is no way in hell that a remake could even compare to the original. The casting in the first movie was unforgettable. The casting in this movie is, well, interesting.  I know that I use quotes to this day from that movie and my friends do too. There is no reason to even think about remaking it.

There is no way that anyone will ever be able to hold a cake to Sally Field in the graveside scene. "I could run all the way to Texas and back! But my daughter never could!!" "I wanna know whyyyyyyy??".

So, I am just curious as to why anyone in their right mind would feel that it would be a good idea to remake the original? I am posting the link so that you can form your own opinion.

http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/lifetime-movie-club/video/a-preview-for-steel-magnolias

Really Queen Latifah? I thought you had a better head on your shoulders.

I may be a bit biased since it was filmed in Natchitoches when I lived there and my mom, brother and I got to be extras in the original. HOWEVER, I am pretty sure I would have the same opinion even if this wasn't the case.

I will not watch the remake as there is no way I want to taint any original scenes that randomly play in my head or I laugh out loud thinking about Ouiser's dog's hair falling out or I tear up just thinking about how awful it must have been for that mommy to lose her baby girl. The emotional depth is there, and I don't think it could ever be recaptured as it was originally filmed.

 In my mind, this is the only Steel Magnolias that has ever existed! Ok Hollywood, let's come up with some new ideas!

The Last Bit of May 2012

Memorial weekend was super busy and lots of fun! We had a wonderful visit with Mam-Maw coming up that Thursday before and staying through Sunday. LF was so happy to see her and insisted on sleeping with her both nights. We got to eat a nice dinner with her Friday night at a place called Red Rock and went to the OKC National Memorial and Muesem that Saturday. Andy and I visited the site when we were dating but I think they were doing some work then. "We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity." We were all just in awe of the Survivor Tree. I got a little teary eyed during the tour. It was so hard to think about all of those sweet babies that were killed. I remember when it happened but it takes it to another level emotionally when you actually walk the area where it happened. After that we were all ready to eat and I wanted to try a place called Mutt's Hot Dogs that Andy's cousin had recommended. If you get the chance to try this place, you should. It was a fantastic dog! None of us ventured on the wild side but next time we go back I am. The girl that took our order said her favorite had something like a polish dog, goat cheese, and some sort of fruity toppoing. I'll give it a whirl! The fried pickles were pretty good too. We were very sad when Mam-Maw had to leave on Sunday. It seems like visits are never long enough. So Mam-Maw left around noon that Sunday, we put LF down for her nap, and then Pops and Nonna pulled up around 2:30 or so. 

It was just in time for LF to have a good nap and wake up to run into their arms! We had a couple of errands to run so we all piled in and headed for the Penn Square Mall (which has a Macy's, Pottery Barn, Banana Republic, a huge Sephora, Williams-Sonoma, and a ton of other stores I love - I am in TROUBLE!). Andy was in desperate need of some new shorts since he got rid of all his college plaid shorts.  "I'm a grown up now. I can't wear plaid shorts!" - his quote. As we walked in Macy's, I tried not to drool over all the Coach, Michael Kors, Jessica Simpson, and other name brands. It was awesome. Really. We got him set with new "grown up" clothes and then made a loop around the mall. I can't wait for Uncle Gene to come visit because they have a LEGO store. He will be in heaven.

That evening, Andy cooked us shrimp and ribs that were delicious. Aunt Boo and her gang actually made in before 9 (ha! and if you know my sister's family, this is monumental!) that night so we were able to visit with them and get some dinner in their bellies as well. LF was finally getting her cousin fix! A strange thing happened though, and the electricity flickered off for a minute, probably around 10 or so. That had never happened before and the weather was fine so we just assumed it was a power surge or something. Everybody got settled in for the night and as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out. About 12:45, I woke up for my usual, waddle to the bathroom in the dark to pee, and noticed that it seemed strangely warm. Oh dear. I check the thermostat, which was set on 71, and it read 78. Oooohhhhh dear.

It was, I think up to 89 degrees in the house by noon. We just put the kids in their suits and did lots of water play. I was, at one point, tempted to just go turn the car on and sit in the air conditioning but luckily the air conditioner people got there a little after noon.  Pregnant and hot and two parents with cancer and hot just was not cutting it! They had us back in  business and the house FINALLY started to cool  back off. You know, it's bad juju beans y'all...of course the air would go out with a house full of people!

 Aunt Boo's crew headed out around 2 or so that afternoon, and Pops and Nonna decided to stay another night. Andy and I snuck in some more shopping while they were all napping. I got Cam a few little outfits! It was really weird to shop in the baby boy section. I'll tell you that I felt really out of my element! No frills and lace? I did find some seersucker overalls that are so adorable though! I am so glad that Cam has two boy cousins and lots of hand me downs coming from them!

Tuesday morning everybody headed out and it was just me and LF again. We took a great nap that day! It was such a busy and fun weekend that we were both tuckered out.

That night we survived our first storm without Andy being home, and it was some of the biggest hail I have ever seen. I made us all (me, LF, Brutus, and Hazel) get in the closet just in case any of the windows were to break. We have a big master closet and the dogs were freaking out and Brutus kept passing gas. Gross. It sounded like there were 1000 baseball bats beating against the outside of the house. Pretty scary! We stayed on the phone with Andy the entire time and our OKC friends called to check on us too. Luckily, we didn't have any damage but our other friends up here all had hail damage on their cars. The below picture is hail that I managed to sneak out and grab from the back porch. I saw one picture on the news that was as big as a softball!!

What a great and busy month May was! Our move to OKC, traveling and moving stuff up here from Shreveport, quick day trip to Dallas, a visit to see Andy in Enid - I mean do things ever really slow down? I can't imagine that they will at all and especially after Cam makes his entrance in the world. It is fun to stay busy but this weekend it has just been us and very relaxing. I was feeling a little under the weather yesterday so we stayed in and watched the Thunder beat the Spurs again! I must say, I have never been just super interested in the NBA, but now that we live in a city where there is a professional team, it is so much fun! I am obsessed with Harden. That conditioned beard is just amazing. If I ever meet him I am going to ask him about the upkeep for it. Does he comb it? Use scissors to trim it? Does it ever itch? Andy has tried to grow his beard out and he usually shaves it when it starts to itch. So many questions! We are ready to get our Thunder gear on! Basketball season may become just as important as football season in this household!!