Keeping up to date...

A friend of mine told me today my blog was out of date, so I guess I should at least post something...

For the most part life is "business as usual." Noah continues to get into things as he grows and explores and drives me crazy! His most recent antics include a wide variety of things to keep my blood pressure up such as climbing on chairs and stacks of boxes to get to light switches. He has also decided he likes coloring on the walls, doors, boxes, etc. with whatever coloring implements he can find and then consuming those coloring implements. I guess he thinks he can hide the evidence - hard to do with purple ink running down your chin. He has destroyed half a dozen or so more books that are currently awaiting repair as well. Throw into the mix the crankiness that comes with teething and it's just a hoot and a holler at our house, often quite literally. Gotta love those two-year-old molars. He's only 19 mo, but one has already broken through on the edge. I can see white of another just under the gums. It's only a matter of time. I can't wait. I wonder if the drooling will stop after that since he seems to have very productive salivary glands even between teething times...

30 weeks, 2/17/2011

Despite Noah's activities like setting off his dad's car alarm multiple times and figuring out how to open the dishwasher (oh no, knives!) the comment about the blood pressure is thankfully not true, which is good with the pregnancy and all. So far so good in that department. I'll be 31 weeks tomorrow and everything looks good. I do get comments about how I don't look like I'm that far along (it really isn't fair when you compare me to someone who is further along and carrying completely differently). Sometimes the comments are a bit annoying, sometimes they are complementary - depends on my mood, really. It's just a bit frustrating, because it's not like I'm dieting or anything. I'm just not gaining a ton of weight and letting myself go simply because I'm pregnant. That's ok, after the baby is born I can just brag about how easy it was to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Maybe... if I'm lucky. Anyhoo... the baby is growing fine according to the doc and he's super active too. No other issues or complications so, yay! Unless you count heartburn. I really don't. I just have to up my dose of Pepcid - joy. I had to get shot (correction, injected) for Rh factor since I have negative blood - I don't remember it stinging that much - owie, but that's just part of the deal (Free bruise with every injection!). I'll have to get another injection if the baby turns out positive. We'll see when he gets here. I have noticed that I'm kinda chill about the whole thing. I know what I want for labor and I don't feel the urge to get all prepared. There are a few things we'll need to do like pull down Noah's infant clothes and car seat, install the baby car seat, set-up the co-sleeper, and what not; but, I'm not really stressed and I have no urgency to do those things right now! I did receive the additional diapers to supplement our stash, they were delivered about a week or so ago (Thank you to Taran's mom). I have to prewash all of them, but again, no rush. I'm mostly focusing on keeping track of the trouble maker. My doc advises me to pick him up less - riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight... like that's a feasible option. I guess I shouldn't have mentioned that sometimes I've been experiencing some lower back/hip/upper thigh discomfort. I need to learn to keep my big mouth shut.

I've been trying to work on my baby boutique stuff and pet nutrition consulting "business," but both have been slow going. Probably because I do it in my free time - wait, what's that? Oh, that's the problem! Most of my efforts in those departments have been brainstorming. It goes a little like this: "I need to increase business. What can I do to increase interest? Think, think, think." It's very Pooh-like. To be fair, I have developed two new products and a new style of diaper cake for my baby boutique all in the past couple of months so that's not nothing, but I feel like it could be better. Oh, and blogging for both the pet nutrition consulting and baby boutique. I've tried to keep that up too, so I guess that means this one is suffering.

Ok, well, once again it's time for diaper duty (heh, doody - sorry, mom humor - or just my 12 year-old sense of humor - you pick). I hope this something is sufficient for updating my blog. Let me know, Laura!

A visit from the Jehovah's Witnesses

Today I had the pleasant experience of a brief encounter with some Jehovah's Witnesses. We had a nice little chat, they gave me a book and then went on their way.

I really don't mind visiting with them, honestly. They are typically nice and polite, as are the Mormons when they come by. And honestly, you gotta give kudos to people that evangelize like this. It can't be easy. In today's day and age, they are as welcome as a telemarketer calling during dinner time. So, it's nice to see people keeping up with and sharing their faith.

Being the type of person I am, I of course started reading the little book they left with me. I flipped through the pages and read excerpts when something caught my eye. I also started looking up some other information about the beliefs and origins of Jehovah's Witnesses. It's quite interesting. Now, I also have to consider the source, because the source of information tells you just as much as the information they are providing. I'm learning quite a bit, and despite some similarities and commonalities, I can't say I really agree with a lot of what they teach. It is, however, enlightening.

I've always been one to try to learn about the beliefs of others and share my own beliefs. I love religious discussions. I do draw the line though, when they change from respecting my beliefs and sharing theirs to converting me or questioning and challenging what I believe. That's a conversation stopper for me. If I were asking about their beliefs because I wanted to learn and found my own beliefs to be lacking, that's different. But I don't. And every religious discussion I've been in, whether from someone simply conversing or trying to convert, has never done anything more than strengthen my own beliefs. Funny how faith works.

They may come again, I told them it was ok. I don't mind people evangelizing. I do, however, have a better idea of what they believe and teach and the methods in which they do so. If they do come again, that's fine, I don't mind brief discussions, but they won't get anywhere with me if they try to convert me. That's just the way I am.

Same ol', Same ol'

Not a ton going on lately. We are basically keeping with our normal schedule. Hubby goes to work, mama and baby stay home, hubby comes home, dinner, baby bedtime, then our bedtime, and repeat the next day. Sounds relaxing and a bit boring, but really when you throw in the fact that the baby is very active and I'm preggo, it adds to the "excitement." Yeah, that's the word I'll use.

I do try to get out, but lately I've been a home-body. Hey going out of the house costs money, even if it's just gas money. Eventually though, I do need to get out and run errands...

I had my 24 week visit on Monday. Nothing terribly exciting. All is well. I'm a bit bummed that I gained 5 lbs since I last saw the doc, but since my weight gain has been nil, well negative (I'm still technically under my pre-pregnancy weight) the doc isn't worried. I went to my mommy meeting yesterday and was asked if I was sure I was pregnant. It's a bit sad. Mostly because I'm showing, but because of how I'm carrying the baby (and this happened the last time too), I look like I'm chubby as opposed to pregnant. It's a bit depressing.

Taran may be going out to work on a rig in PA. I'm not too thrilled about that, especially since his schedule for that rig will be three weeks on, two weeks off. He said that means he'll have two stints out there before the baby is born. I don't like the idea of him being gone for three weeks at a time. Of course, he came home yesterday talking about all kinds of big changes in the company so he doesn't even know any more if he'll be going out. There's a lot going on this week for him. Today, he's giving a presentation for a promotion (this is the third time they've scheduled it because of various reasons) and then tomorrow he has one of their regular meetings. Both his presentation and the meeting are in Louisiana so I have almost two solid days without him. On Friday after his supervisor has a meeting he'll know more about what's going on with the rig job and other things at work.

I've gotten the urge to be crafty lately, but lack the time. Probably because I'm being lazy and watching TV or blogging when I have the free time. I did make a new bracelet pattern recently. I was intrigued by a pattern book I saw at Jo-Ann's the other day, so I picked it up. It had a bunch of patterns I knew or ones that were in other guides I have, but some were new or variations of what I'd done, so I picked it up. It took me most of the day to make the bracelet, but if I had been able to sit and make it in one session it probably would have taken 2-3 hours which is short considering the size of the bracelet. I like it, but I think I'll have to use different material if I do that pattern again. I'm not sure how long it will stand up.

This is the full bracelet. The patterned portion (without ties) is about 5" long and almost an inch thick.

 

 

 

 

Up close view of the pattern.

This is the backside of the bracelet. A bunch of people will wear friendship bracelets with the back facing outward (I'm not sure why), and with this pattern it kinda works, but I prefer to wear them with the top-side out.

Anyhoo... maybe I'll continue to be inspired by crafty projects so I feel like I'm productive. We'll see. Maybe next time I'll have something more interesting to write about. =)

Happy New Year and Keeping up with Christmas!

Time for resolutions, right? Yeah, right....

I just don't participate. Most aren't held up, and those that are last through January if you are lucky. I'll pass. Yep, that's right, I'm admitting I don't have the discipline. At least I'm honest.

I do, however, want to vent a bit. I was watching a news show of some sort, I think it was a talk show on CNN not long before Christmas. The topic kind of confused me. They had the host, a priest, and an atheist leader discussing Christmas and Christmas decorations and symbols and their affect on society. Apparently, some people are feeling awkward about Christmas. I'm guessing it has to do with not celebrating it. The thing that gets me though, is that Christmas is not exclusionary.

As a Christian, I celebrate Christmas recognizing the religious aspects of the holiday, and attempting to focus primarily on those. I prefer that to be the main focus of my celebrations of Christmas, and as a result, I maintain the decorations and try to keep up the holiday spirit for the full 12 days between December 25th and January 6th (aka the twelve days of Christmas).

There are however, many secular traditions like Christmas trees, decorations and lights, gift giving, and Santa Claus (in his current lore and apparitions) that are celebrated by many people that don't acknowledge the religious aspects of the holiday. Although many of the secular traditions have changed from religious origins or since their pagan beginnings have had Christian concepts superimposed on them, they can still be a part of Christmas celebrations without the focus on one specific religion. One of the biggest parts of Christmas is celebrating family and a spirit of sharing and giving. In that way, Christmas has nothing to do with religion and those that aren't Christian should feel no more excluded than an American at Thanksgiving.

The biggest thing though, that people seem to forget is that Christmas is a national holiday. The governmental recognition of the holiday may have roots in pagan, Christian, and other religious origins, however, in today's society, the national holiday is in tact in all it's secular glory. It is appropriate for salespeople to wish you a "Merry Christmas" just as they would say, "Happy New Year". Your religious beliefs are not an issue. It is not exclusionary if you are non-Christian or if you chose to celebrate the Winter Solstice instead of Christmas, but the well wishes are the same. It's an American thing, not a religious thing. It is naive to feel excluded or left out.

I celebrate Christmas my way. Every American is welcome to do the same regardless of creed. So I do hope you had a truly Merry Christmas! And for those still celebrating as I am, I hope your Christmas continues to be merry!

Finding a new appreciation for my blog...

So, this post sadly will not be an account of what has been going on lately. I figure, I can either drop that whole plan entirely or do that at a later date.

Instead, I'm going to use this blog as I please and write about what I think. That is the point after all...

See, I'm in a mild state of annoyance today. A Facebook friend of mine put up some post about how she was boycotting Amazon.com for an item they were selling, and she was wondering if that item had been removed from their list (in fact, I learned through her post that she isn't even the only one that decided to do that). Instead of argue or make a sarcastic comment in response, I decided to write on my blog. I don't want to call her out, but really?

So, here's the situation. The item she was boycotting Amazon.com for was a how-to pedophilia book. The book itself is of course a horrible concept, however, I would NEVER boycott Amazon.com for that any more than I would boycott Barnes and Noble for selling Hitler's Nazi book (which they do, by the way). To do so is to laugh in the face of freedom of press. That is what the first amendment is all about. Would I read such a book? No. Do I support the author and his/her goal of teaching people to be pedophiles? Of course not. But hell yeah do I support the author's right to write the book. It's our American right! Assuming the author is American anyway. And even if he/she is not, it's still within the rights of America to have that book available to the people. And I'm thankful for it.

Most of us had to read books like Fahrenheit 451 or 1984 when we were in junior high or high school. They make us read those books for a reason. They have a point. We need to protect our first amendment rights. They may not always lead to popular stuff like the book in question, but they are there for a reason. Boycotting Amazon.com for selling an item like that is almost like saying you don't support the first amendment. Sorry, but it's the way I feel. And thanks to the first amendment, I can write that.

Catching up...

There has been so much going on lately and my blogs have taken a back seat. Rather than spend a lot of time detailing everything that has occurred since my last post, which was what, two months ago(?), I decided to try to just summarize.

OK, here we go:

I spent a lot of time getting ready for the craft fair that was held at my grade school/church on the second weekend in November. It was my first foray into really selling my diaper cakes and baby gifts. I'd made several for friends and had a couple of orders and this was my first opportunity to build up some inventory and get some significant sales. The first part I accomplished. The second part was a bust, but then, not many of the vendors took in a lot, so it wasn't just me. I did have a lot of interest and people wanting my card, but given that I'm not local and hadn't figured out how shipping would work yet, I quickly lost some of that interest. I'll have a more detailed update on my diaper cake blog soon.

My mom broke her hip about a month and a half ago. She spent about a week and a half in the hospital and just as long at an in-patient rehab facility before she was sent home. When she was released and back at her house I drove up to Dallas to help her out so she wouldn't be alone during the day. I was there for about two and a half weeks until she was up and getting around without needing much assistance. At the end of that time period was the craft fair so it all worked out and I returned home after the fair.

I also have been attempting to feel normal again which is up and down. We learned a couple months ago that we were expecting our second child and announced it to people when I was about 12 weeks along. Now, at 17 weeks, I'm still not feeling normal. I thought my morning sickness was under control and only had a few bouts when I was up with my mom, but apparently that was a fluke. It's not terrible, but it unpredictably can take me out of the game for several hours. I was also dealing with some major fatigue issues - not tiredness, but just general lack of energy which my doctor tells me is due to lowered blood pressure and it is pretty normal. I'll be glad when that is over, and while it's not all of the time any more, I do have those moments where I feel like I just need to sit down and regroup.

So, in a nutshell, that's what's been occupying my time lately. Hopefully I'll get back into checking and updating my blog regularly, but who knows.

A long week.

So, last week seemed really long. Our mom meeting was switched to Tuesday, well, more accurately, they started a new group for crawlers and up that meets on Tuesday, so we went to that meeting. Having the meeting even one day earlier makes the week stretch on and it just seems longer.

I also was a bit under the weather this week. I was dealing with some serious head congestion that really seemed to take me out of the game. Throw in some serious headaches and major fatigue on top of the stuffiness and I was done for. I tried to lay around because I just felt punky, but Noah doesn't allow that much. He was, of course, up to his usual tricks meaning, I had to keep him within eye sight and make sure he wasn't getting into anything - which he always does anyway. Luckily, or unluckily, Taran got a few days off of work. His boss wasn't feeling well and stayed home on Tuesday and Wednesday so he told Taran he didn't have to go in. That did mean I had a bit more help with Noah which was a blessing considering how bad I was feeling.

I did make it to yoga on Thursday, though I felt like I was going to collapse and regretted it halfway through. I really thought I'd be ok, but apparently, I wasn't back to myself yet. I also had an nagging little voice tell me my iron was probably low and resulting in my serious fatigue that I'd been feeling over the past week in addition to the stuffy head (we cut most red meat out of our diets in an effort to be healthier, but I must have cut out too much and I just don't eat enough other foods that are high in iron). A few burgers later, I'm feeling better. =)

Saturday, I asked Taran to take sole responsibility for Noah after our mommy meeting so I could work on the order for diaper cakes I had received. I had collected everything over the past several weeks, but just hadn't gotten the opportunity to focus on putting them together. Being out of commission most of this past week certainly didn't help. So, I spent the entire afternoon working on the diaper cakes. I finished one and the bouquet that was part of the order. The second cake is built, but not decorated all the way. I'll probably post pics when I get them completed and give more detail on the design and what not. I sent pics to my friend that ordered them and she loved them. I'm so happy that she likes them!

So, today was Grandparent's Day. Noah and I worked on a sign which he then posed with (finally after wrinkling and bending it multiple times and ripping it too) for a picture to send his grandparents and great-grandparents to wish them a happy day. He helped color it. It was his first time with crayons. I really had fun watching him explore how they worked. He seemed to be especially attached to the orange one. Maybe a favorite color?

I'm hoping to finish up the other diaper cake tonight and get pics taken of all three items together. Then I can update my blog and Facebook page. I also figure this way, I get them to my friend with plenty of time before her sip and see that she is throwing next weekend.

I only hope that I continue to feel better. Today I'm almost back to my normal self with most of my stuffy head issues gone and I don't feel drained of all energy. With any luck I'll continue to recover and have a good week next week, and hopefully, one that doesn't seem to drag on!