Oh, and knock on wood before I get too excited!! So, Olivia slept through the night last night. Well, she woke up to eat every 3 hours, but that's no big deal. The was a slight bit of fussing, after she ate, but nothing like what we've been dealing with. Now, I am aware that this could be a one night thing. If so, it was just what the two of us needed for a little recharge, for sure!! There's also the fact that she had her 2 week check up yesterday morning, and her sleep schedule was off whack for the day. What ever the reason, I'm thankful, as is Carl. Especially since he put the house under quarantine after I got a positive Strep test Monday morning. Who knows how I got it, or where I got it, but I got it!! Carl said he's thankful to have gotten sleep since his throat was starting to hurt last night as well. I did inform him that if it starts to hurt even just a little, any bit today, he needs to go to the doctor ASAP!!

Why did nobody tell me that we should work on working in shifts with a baby? It wasn't until I got sick that we sort of accidentally started this. It actually works well since he'll be going back to work soon. I have the middle of the night shift and he works days. We're hoping that while he's at work, I can sleep when she sleeps the most, and be up with her at night. He will then take over a little before he goes to work, and after he gets home. I guess I should say we're more in the business of adjusting our sleep schedules at the moment. So far so good!!

As for gas and colic, we have found a routine that seems to be working, at least for the time being. We have decided to give her a little bit of Mylicon before she eats. We tried Gas X for infants but neither of us like the way her stomach sounded after we gave her the drops. Not to mention, it seemed to take so much longer to work, and seemed so much more painful for her. Then there was the Gripe Water. Albeit great, and effective, you can only give it to her 6 times a day. Granted, I would half the recommended dosage, and have the ability to give it to her more often, the Mylicon seems to be working better, and you can give it 12 times a day with normal dosage. So we give her a few drops, change her diaper, feed, then listen to her pass that gas for a little while before she falls asleep. I've also started letting her sleep in my arms or on my chest, in the recliner that Carl so thoughtfully moved into her room the other night. He's not extremely excited about the idea of starting such a somewhat bad habit, but I told him that if it gets us sleep, as well as her, I really don't care. He agreed. Besides, it's only during the night hours when she has the potential to be the fussiest. I say, "HEY! Whatever works, go with it!!"

Well, that's it for now. More later!! Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year. I will let you guys know now that my resolution is to become the best Mommy I can be! OK, so that's pretty generic, and not specific at all, but being new to this Mommy thing, it's definitely what I want to work on the most. That, and having the ability to keep my house clean/clutter free while doing all of this!!

So, it's been almost 2 weeks now. 2 weeks of dirty diapers, around the clock feedings (done solo, I might add), sore nipples, pretty pink clothes, and a lot of healing. I'm sure you're asking your self how she made her debut. Well, it started on Tuesday, December 16, at about 6pm. I went to use the bathroom before dinner. As I walked out of the bathroom, I got roughly 10 steps away and felt as though I had just peed on myself. I really had to wonder if this was in fact my water breaking or was it just a little urine I hadn't quite gotten all the way out on my last visit. All I can say is, "Thank God for panty liners." I returned to the bathroom to change the liner, and went to eat dinner. After dinner, I was refilling my glass and once again, felt as though I may have peed on myself. I tried to make it stop, but the harder I squeezed, the harder it came out. I then seriously suspected my water had indeed broke. The only reason I ever questioned it was because I never felt the "gush" that you read/hear about. I then called the on-call nurse, told her what happened, and she said to go to the hospital to at least have it checked, but it sounded to her as though my water had just broken. I had to call Carl. He and my grandfather had gone on a beer hunt (another story for another time). I explained to Carl what happened, and what the nurse said so he hurried home. By now it was roughly 7/7:30pm. We got to the hospital around 8pm. I had 3 contractions in that time, one at the house, and 2 on the way to the hospital. They took me to a labor and delivery room and checked me out. Initially they couldn't tell if my water had broken. The test kept coming back negative. I told them that I could feel leakage every time I had a contraction, which by that point were every 4-5 minutes. They tested me again. VOILA! Finally a positive test. So they checked me in, and started the pitocin because I was only .5cm dilated.

Now begins the wait. It took a while before I finally gave in for the epidural. Not that I was trying to go all natural. I think it was around 1 or 2am when I finally got it. AHHHHHH, relief! Up to this point I could see the pain in Carl's face that I was in such pain. He was just as relieved as I was once that epidural was inserted. I remember catching cat naps here and there. I woke up every time the nurse came to check on me and the baby. It was around 5am when the doc came to give me another check. He told me I had only progressed to 4.5/5cm. NICE, huh? All that time and I'm barely half way there. Well, while he was explaining to me that he thought I may need a C-Section since my dilation wasn't keeping up with my contractions that were now much stronger (although I still couldn't feel them), and much closer to each other. As he was explaining this to me, the next thing I see are about 8 nurses come flying in my room. One is giving me a shot to slow down my contractions. Another is telling me to drink something. It was like mass chaos. All the while the nurses are taking their time saying, "I know this is probably scary, but we need you to stay calm." Stay calm for what? I have no idea what's going on to begin with. Finally, the doc tells me the baby's heart rate has fallen, and we have roughly 5 minutes to get me into the operating room. Everything happened so quickly that I really didn't have time to freak out. They gave me so much medicine in those 5 minutes that I had the shivers so badly. I remember them saying "Time in to O.R., 5:17am." Within a couple minutes, Carl was next to me, talking to me, and calming me." He was so great!! I don't know what I would have done without him. By 5:33am we heard her first cry. I thought I was going to cry. I looked up at Carl and he had tears in his eyes. They got her cleaned up, and gave her to Daddy, who then put her on my shoulder next to my face so that I could see her before they took her to the nursery.
I got all stitched up and was in recovery by 6:15am. I got to my room by 7:30am, and that's where we were for the next few days. Our little beauty was born on Wednesday, December 17, 5:33am, and weighed a whopping 6lbs 12oz. HOLY COW! What a teeny baby! By the end of that day we were so tired, neither of us could go to sleep. Believe me, we tried too! Once again, I am so thankful to have Carl there with me, every minute we were in the hospital. I love him so much!

Now, here we are, almost 2 weeks later and we're doing alright. She's still alive, we haven't gone insane yet, and she even had her fist picture with Santa taken. We are dealing with a minor case of colic, or maybe a bad case of gas. Either way, she's fussy for about 3-4 hours a night with the worst cry she has. We've both determined that the cry isn't what bothers us. It's the fact that we don't know what's wrong, and can't fix it. That's so heart breaking. We'll figure it out though. It's all part of the parenting process.

As for the cat, he's still not sure about her. He might go up to her every once in a while to try to get a sniff, but as soon as she moves, he's gone! However, Daddy is another story. He has emerged into "THAT GUY." He takes pictures and video every day. He can't get enough. I love to watch him with her too. He has gone from the guy that proclaimed he didn't change diapers, to the most hands on dad you've ever known. I knew that guy was in there, but he's still amazed by him.





I'll give another update soon!!

We decided to do a belly cast. While I was registering at BRU online, I saw the kits to do this. I then said to myself, "SELF! There has got to be a cheaper way of doing this than $35+tax AND s/h!" So I set out to explore the internet and find a more cost effective solution to our project at hand. VOILA! Found one. The lady that posted directions also posted alternatives. She said you could either go to a medical supply place to get the stuff, or just go to Michael's, like she did. HELLO! We went to Michael's. After all, it's only right down the street. It cost me $16 and some change to get all of the stuff we needed.


We did this last Friday (5 December), and it only took about 15 minutes before I was able to pull it off. UH, pull it off for Carl to try on and model!! Yes I was able to get a picture!

Here's where we are now. Still in the adding-a-little-plaster-for-stability stage. So far it was just to the inside, and it's been sanded. Next will be plaster to the outside so that it can be sanded and then decorated!! Of course that's the part I look forward to.


I'll update you guys with more as it comes!!

Just got back from my weekly appointment. I said I'd let you all know what was going on, so here it is:
Baby is head down! YAY!! But I already knew that. My cervix is just starting to soften, and I'm still continuing to thin out. My next appointment is Monday (15th) afternoon. We'll see if we need it. A friend of mine told me that she had the same dream 2 nights in a row that I had the baby on Monday, 15 December. We shall see. Carl is thinking that sounds good to him. He's hoping that we go in on Sunday and have our own, brand new baby, by Monday.

Hello all! So, in case you're worrying, or wondering, there's still no baby. I do have a check-up today though. We'll see what he says. As my due date approaches (Friday), it seems as though everyone else is far more anxious for a baby than me. Not that I'm not, they just seem to want it more. I just keep telling everyone that she doesn't need to be in a hurry, and she'll get here when she's ready. I have dropped though. I started noticing around the end of last week, but we noticed for sure this weekend. Every time she moves I can feel the pressure on my pelvic bone. OH, what an interesting feeling!! It's like being punched there from the inside.

My grandparents arrived Thursday night. They'll be here and staying with us until after the 1st. God bless family that arrives to help. I know my grandmother helped out with all of the grandkids when they were born. She's so sweet!! So far we haven't let them do much, outside of washing dishes!! We figure there will be plenty for her to do after the baby is born.

Then, on the 23rd, my aunt and cousin will be here. YAY!!

That's about it for now. I'll be sure to post some pictures as we get them, and when we get them. As well as let you know about the baby!!!

So I hope that everyone managed to keep warm through the night. I know I did!! My darling hubster built a fire to start the night off. It was so nice. So nice, in fact, the cat had to get a piece of that action. Look at him looking so cozy by the fire.



That's where he stayed until the fire died. What is the funniest is when Carl starts to make a fire. That cat knows what's up. He sits next to Carl, watching him, the entire time until the fire gets going. After the fire died, we turned the heater on, and went to bed. I was just happy to have a bed buddy!! I've had to sleep all by my little lonesome for the past couple of nights because I wake Carl up, unintentionally, every time I get up throughout the night to potty!! He's been taking up residence in the guest bedroom. He said that was where he was going to stay until after the baby is born. I had to remind him that my grandparents will be here this weekend and that is where they will be staying.

So, I hope everybody, from Michigan to New Mexico, all the way down here in the sunshine state, and all those in between, managed to stay warm. I know I was quite surprised to wake up to frost and ice all over our neighborhood this morning. I looked at the thermometer for outside and it read 31. WHOA! My grandmother told me they've been getting snow for a while now, in Michigan. YUCK! So, let's enjoy this little bit of frost and be thankful it does not snow here!!!

Over the many, albeit short, years of my life, I have heard over and over again, "Having kids changes your life." What they don't tell you is that change really starts while you are pregnant.

In the past nine months I have made some minor tweaks and changes to my life and surroundings. Not enough to cause me to consciously have to work on these changes, but enough to create a positive surrounding for my upcoming arrival, as well as myself. These changes may be small, but they will have great impact on my family later in life.

One change I made is with friends. I learned really quickly how great true friends can be. On the flip side, I learned how your oldest friends can prove to be the biggest disappointments. No need to fret though! I just gracefully walked away without saying a word. If someone is not willing to be there for me when I need them, I do not need them. I found I have many, many others, both new and old, who will be there, and very happy to do so.

I also realized why so many moms, and mom-to-be, tend to gravitate towards each other. It is definitely a means of sharing experiences with someone who knows and understands. There is also the added benefit of kids having friends and playmates.

I learned rather quickly that I no longer have the patience for the daily/weekly gossip I once looked forward to hearing from some people. Do not get me wrong, it is always nice to hear, but just not on a regular basis, as I once did. Gossip just has this way of making me feel more normal. I would just rather talk about what is going on with me. Not in the "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" sense, but more in the "I CAN RELATE," or "HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU," or even "LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO" aspect. MOMMY TALK!

A wise friend once told me that once you have kids, you will notice that the people you surround yourself with are people that your children enjoy as much as you. You will have people around you that make you feel safe, more than fun. Life does change when you put children in the picture.

I think most amazing change I have been able to observe is Carl's. He is definitely extraordinary. He has taught me so much, and I have also learned so much from him, and about him. I look forward to seeing him with Olivia and watching them grow.

'Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply.

If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.

If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.

If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.

She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.'

So if you give her crap,

you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle!

BABY DREAMS! OK, so everyone talks about having baby dreams when they're pregnant. NOT ME! I haven't really had one. I don't know if it's because I'm the "live in the moment" one and takes things one day at a time. Where as, Carl is the planner and has to be prepared (he was never a Boy Scout either). Either way, he's the one that's had the baby dreams. Just a little food for though! I did have a dream the other night that someone was trying to snatch a bag from my hands. So, I pulled back harder and elbowed that person. In reality, I elbowed the crap out of Carl. I woke up to him saying "OUCH!" In the half a second it took him to respond to my nighttime abuse, the thought, "DID I JUST ELBOW HIM?" ran through my head. His "OUCH" confirmed it. I couldn't help but laugh about it for the rest of the day.

MEMORY LOSS! Does dyslexia fall into that category? I measured windows this morning to buy curtain rods for Olivia's room. The window measured 35 1/2". I even wrote it down. When i went to Target, for some reason, I kept thinking the window was 53 1/2". So, I bought curtain rods that measure 48-84". Now I have to take them back and exchange them for the right size. UGH! It'll wait until tomorrow.

SKIN GROWTHS! I have this thing (for lack of a better way of describing it) that popped up on my arm, just below my shoulder. I came up shortly after I found out I was pregnant, and continued to grow. It sort of looks like a cross between a mole and a big blood blister. I can tell you that it definitely bleeds like either one!! It has popped 3 times. The first two were early on. The third was today.... I accidentally scratched it! YUCK! I asked the doctors, and they have no idea. NOBODY KNOWS!! Carl is freaked out by it. I do have an appointment with the Dermatologist to have it looked at, but it's on December 1st. My due date is the 12th. I am going to call them and see if they can see me sooner since it's so close to my due date. We'll see.

OTHERS! We won't get into the Oh-So-Personal things that go on.... all over the body!! It's also not worth stating the troubles, every pregnant woman has experienced, of rolling out of bed in the middle of the night to pee. Man, I wish I could see myself. I bet that crap is funny! I should set up the video camera to do that! HA HA! I bet it's just as funny watching me try to get up off of the couch. In my mind I can get up just as quickly as before, but in reality... it's like slow motion!! GOOD TIMES!!

PREGNANCY PICTURES! We decided to go to Target. We're too cheap and poor to have them done anywhere else. We considered Penney's and Sears, but Target just has the better deal right now. Carl likes the idea of having multiple poses, and choosing the sizes we want, rather than having to choose only 1 pose, and being stuck with a certain number of sizes. We have quite a bit of family to send pictures to between the two of us. It would be a little difficult to decide who gets the 2 5x7's. Besides, we also eliminate the wallet sizes. Who uses those anymore, besides high school kids?

RULE #1: Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
RULE #2: Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
RULE #3: Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
RULE #4: Let each person know they they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!



RULE #1:
Got tagged by Angie
Rules are posted above.


RULE #2:
1. I don’t like talking on the phone. I’d rather text, or email, to say what I have to say. I’d much rather go to a place to get information, than call and ask for it.
2. I’m afraid of roaches. Snakes and spiders don’t bother me, but a roach will have me jumping on a table.
3. I’m looking forward to being a SAHM. I enjoy doing all the Martha Stewart type stuff that will save money, make my family happy, and keep me busy.
4. My favorite smell is the smell of CLEAN. Whether that be a freshly cleaned bathroom, or freshly washed clothes. The smell of CLEAN is relaxing to me.
5. I’m a closet soap watcher (AMC and OLTL). It took Carl almost 2 years before he found out and that was only because I started to DVR them!!
6. I’m an exclamation point abuser when I send emails, comments, and such.
7. My curse/swear word of choice is “CRAP.” It’s multi-functional… at least when it comes out of my mouth it is!!


RULE #3:
UHH… I need more blogging friends. That’s a hint to my fam that read this to start your own blog.
1. Angie
2. Lucie


RULE #4:
This might be kind of weird since the people I will be commenting to have already been tagged. I'll be doing it anyhow!!

Today was a good day (makes me think of The Gheto Boyz song, LOL). Carl and I went looking. I say "looking" because we are sort of on a mission. The crib we have is awesome. I love it. The only bad part is that the changing table (that's attached), does not have guard rails. However, it does have the changing pad that screws into the changing table (wherever you choose), with the strap on the pad to hold the baby.


(Ignore the missing knob. We were using it to try to match finishes.)
We were trying to avoid screwing anything into the crib, if at all possible. Our options are to screw the pad into the back of the table, but will leave the strap and stuff facing the crib. OR, we can screw it into the underside of the table, either inside the top drawer or the top shelf. So, we set out! We were looking for a dresser that we could double as a changing table for a while. We found so many, that we liked but there were a few problems: 1)they didn't come in the wood/finish we want, 2)too expensive, or 3)not quite what we need. It was a little frustrating. On the bright side, we did find an idea!! Carl may just fashion up a guard rail of some sort instead. We do still want a dresser though!! So that mission is still underway!!

Next, we bought 2 Christmas outfits for the baby! Aww, they're so cute. Depending on exactly when she's born will determine when she wears them. They could possibly be strictly Christmas outfits, or one could possibly be a take-home outfit. She got a red dress with bloomers and a reindeer sleeper. We also got her a little hat with a reindeer on it. They're too cute. One, or both, may also be what she wears when she gets her first pictures (for announcements and the house/fam).


Finally, I came home and finished some more dipes!! YAY!! That is so exciting... to me anyways! We now have a total of 24 dipes! 20 of which are completely finished, and 4 still need closures. The last dozen are going to be done with snaps. I'm not really into doing any with snaps this soon, but Carl wants some with snaps. AND LET ME JUST SAY.... IF HE IS REQUESTING SNAPS, I WILL OBLIGE! It's already a question as to whether or not he'll even change diapers. But if snaps will ensure it, I'll do snaps for him!! Personally, I think he'll find that the velcro stuff is better. We'll see, and I won't argue until then. I'll just let him figure it out on his own!



I decided to do pocket fitteds because after (water) testing the others, I realized they took FOREVER to dry. We have about a million birdseye prefolds that I'll just fold up and stuff in there. I also plan to use a lay-in soaker for some extra absorbency and protection.

Now on to me. I went to the doc last Monday. Everything is going well. I have my next appointment on the 17th. They'll be doing my GBS test then. NICE!! After that, I'll be going every week. Then there's my back issues. I found a way to relieve the lower back (sciatic) pain. If I get on all fours, and do a few pelvic thrusts, it helps to move my uterus off of the nerve. OH MY GAH! IT WORKS!! The only problem, it can't be done in public, if I happen to feel the pain while I'm out and about!! LOL! Can you just see me on all fours in some store, doing pelvic thrusts? HA! As for the other back problem... feeling like it goes numb/falls asleep under my shoulder blade... not much can be done about that. The doc said it has to do with how my ribs are stretching and pressing on that nerve. Outside of those little things, I'm feeling great. A little sleepy here and there, but nothing too bad. Sometimes I feel like I'm only taking a nap because I don't have anything else to do. I have discovered that I have a new-found chocolate craving. I feel as though I must eat something with chocolate after every meal. It can't be just a piece of chocolate. The thought of that still grosses me out. It's just something WITH chocolate... Twix (my go to), Butterfinger, etc. I can say, that's probably my "craving." That, and the need to eat a piece of cheese after ANYTHING salty like olives, pickles, etc! WHO KNOWS!

Well, that's it for now. I'll check back later!

The election results could not have been more appropriate for such a horrendous weekend. The only good thing that happened, since Friday, was Friday! Everything after that just became a snowball effect of tragedy, so to speak.

To start with, I really enjoyed Halloween and seeing all of the little kids in their costumes. It was absolutely adorable. However, it did get me thinking, already!! I couldn't help but wonder what sort of costume Olivia would be wearing next year. Hmmm! Will I make it, or buy it? Only time will tell. I can't see NOT making it since I will have the time. I don't foresee us taking her door-to-door though. She won't be a year old yet, so what's the point? She'll just be dressed for the occasion.

And here's where it gets bad, at least for me! First, there was the annual FL/GA game! Always good times. It would have definitely been better had Georgia showed up to the game. They played just as terribly as they did against Alabama. It was a disaster, to say the least. Carl has decided that he is no longer a Georgia fan this year, and he is now focusing his concentration on the Lobos (University of New Mexico). Same colors, ironically! Sunday began with promising optimism to restore my football faith. How could the Jags go wrong? They were playing one of the only 2 teams in the NFL without a win. CAKE! (INSERT BUZZER SOUND HERE)! Nope, wrong! How in the world can the Jags lose to a NO win team? Some how they managed to, by playing the same way Georgia played. David Garrard can not carry that team by himself. Needless to say, I have decided to put both of my teams in TIME-OUT! I have better things to do than watch teams that cannot pull it together when it's needed most!!!

Finally, was the day we had all been waiting for... ELECTION DAY! I should have known that would not go so swell either, given the events of the preceding weekend. It just amazes me that the main reason Obama won is due to the color of his skin. Or should I say HALF of the color of his skin. It's ridiculous. There are many other issues about this that I could rant about, but I won't. I hate that there are so many people in this country that feel it is the responsibility of the government to take care of them, rather than taking care of themselves! Apparently most of the people of this country will vote for higher taxes just to elect a man because of his skin color, and because he thinks the government should do more to help. As a former member of the military, and a soon to be spouse/dependent, I'm afraid to see what will become of our beloved military while he is in office. All we can do now is sit back, watch, and wait! I am currently monitoring the House results, and hoping that the Dems do not get FULL control of government.

I'm out! I have diapers to finish, and other random useless things to do.

What the crap did I do? I was fine all day Saturday at the Air Show. Sure, we did some walking, but a whole lotta sitting too. All I know is that I woke up Sunday morning and if I stood with my weight on my right foot, I felt like someone was jabbing me in the lower back/hip area with an ice pick. By 10a I decided that it was probably best for me not to go to the Jags game, so I watched it from home. Now, here it is Wednesday, and it still hurts. I'm fine for a while after I've been laying down. Sitting doesn't seem to help my cause, and standing... WHOA! I woke up about 6 times over the course of the night, to you know... potty, and every time was so excruciating with each left step. I didn't think I was going to make it, there or back. It wasn't until around 6a that I was able to walk to the bathroom without wanting to scream and/or cry. I sure hope this goes away soon. I have grocery shopping to do tomorrow. That should be fun!!

Carl and I were talking one day and decided that we were going to do cloth diapers (CDs). The idea came after seeing that Angie had her youngest in CDs. We made this decision for a number of reasons, but the first is money!! We'd rather spend a little to save a lot. So, after doing some research for a while, I realized that I could make these things. Not to mention, it gives me something to do. I chose the Very Baby pattern to start off with. It seemed as though they were a better fit for newborns, from what I read. As of yet, I have a dozen dipes. WHEW! I try to do a little each day. One day might be just cutting, and the next is sewing. It seems to go quicker that way. Here is a little of what I've done so far.

The top left is a pocket fitted, while all the others are fitteds with soakers sewn inside. The monkeys and Christmas are flannel. The top and bottom rights are just regular cotton fabric. I still have more flannel, with different designs, and a couple yards of sweatshirt fleece to use. By the time all of the fabric I have is used up, I should have a nice sized CD stash to cover Olivia's little tooshy.

This weekend has been quite a busy weekend. It really only marks the beginning of an upcoming busier time though.
It all started Thursday. I spent the day cleaning the entire house. NO! Not nesting. It just needed to be done. I hadn't really "cleaned" in about a month. It was time!
Friday was occupied by running around with Dee for last minute shower stuff.
I had my baby shower on Saturday, thanks to Dee, with the help of Angie and Lucie (I appreciate it guys)! Carl and I were given so much, by so many people, and we are so appreciative. I really don't know how we're ever going to let people know just how much we appreciate everything. Honestly, a THANK YOU card is not enough, but definitely a start. I'm getting antsy about putting everything away, but I have to wait. Carl hasn't finished the closet in Olivia's room. Yesterday he finished painting it, and putting up most of the organizer. Today he is just adding the finishing touches... a pull basket, drawers, shelves, and clothing rods. By the end of the afternoon the closet should be complete, and I should be able to have all of the gifts put away. Once I can put away the gifts, I will have access to my crafting room again and be able to really dive into my diaper making extravaganza!! YIPPY!! So far I have 5 usable dipes. That's definitely not going to get us far. I plan to do a little each day. By the time we need them, we should have plenty. HERE'S TO HOPING!

OH! I almost forgot the best part. This morning got off to the most amazing start! Carl officially proposed to me and gave me the most wonderfully, beautiful ring. I couldn't have picked out a more perfect piece of jewelry myself. He's amazing! I will definitely love him long time!!! Here is how it all took place:
Carl went to Publix for coffee and I asked him to grab some bread for dinner. When he returned, we did our regular morning hugging and holding in the kitchen. Why it's always in the kitchen has yet to be determined. It's just sort of coincidence. I looked at him, while we were still hugging and said: You know you're my most favorite person in the whole wide world?
Carl: Nah-uh!
Me: OK! You're my number 2!
Carl: Do you love me?
Me: Uhhhhh, YEAH.... sometimes!
Carl: Tell me then.
Me: I love you.... sometimes!
Carl: Will you love me long time? (and pulled a ring out of his pocket)

I think he was going to cry. He was a little choked up, at least!! I was totally taken aback! I didn't know what emotion to show.

Please don't pay attention to the fact that I need a manicure!!

Hello all! My name is Abbey, and this is the story of the journey down my road! I hope you enjoy it.

I just turned 30 years old, and I'm loving every minute of it. We'll be expecting our first bouncing bundle of joy in December. IT'S A GIRL!! We'll be naming her Olivia Marie. Up to this point, I can't complain about my pregnancy. It's been so easy (not to brag). I have the most amazing man in my life, with whom to share this experience, along with life in general. Granted, she shares half of his DNA, but that's not what makes him so wonderful. He makes me laugh. He opens doors for me. He can always make me smile. He supports me, no matter how crazy something is that I might do. We share everything. He makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Together, our life is extraordinary!

Before all of that came into existence, I had a fairly normal, yet boring, life. I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. I graduated high school in 1997. I explored college, and realized it wasn't what I wanted at the moment. In August 1999 I joined the USAF! LOVED IT! I found my niche. I believe the military is what helped make me who I am today. In June 2003, I was medically retired from the USAF after being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. I was 1 month shy of completing my initial enlistment. If that hadn't happened, I would have definitely reenlisted. I can say, without a doubt in my mind, I would have been a lifer. Things happen though. Life happens. Instead of dwelling on the things you cannot change, you have a pitty party and begin throwing your life away. Not really, but in a sense, that's sort of what I did. I was out partying all the time and going nowhere. Definitely not taking care of myself for the sake of my condition. One day I woke up and realized what I was doing to myself. I decided to get back on track. After a while of focusing on myself, I was out with a girlfriend, for her birthday, and met the man of my dreams. Since then, I've been living the life I've always wanted and dreamed of. I haven't had to force it, or try to make it happen. It has just occured organically, and I couldn't be happier.

That's me in a nutshell. This blog is a place to share my life, as it happens, after 30. 30 is where I believe life truly begins. Everything else was just trial and error. Learning lessons to prepare me for REAL life.