Gearin' Up for Christmas

I'm sure you've been somewhere and someone said, "Christmas isn't all about the presents."

That person is absolutely correct. Christmas, is a time where people commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Although this isn't the primary focus, the central truth of the Christmas story is this:

the Child of Christmas is God.

Christmas is not about the Savior's infancy-- it is about His deity. The humble birth of Jesus Christ was never intended to conceal the reality that God was being born into the world. BUT, the modern world's version of Christmas does just that. And consequently for the greater of humanity,

Christmas has no legitimate meaning at all.

I don't suppose anyone could ever fathom what it means for God to be born in a manger. How does one explain the Almighty stooping to become a tiny infant? Our minds cannot begin to understand what was involve din God's becoming man. No one can explain it. No one will ever be able to tell us exactly what happened. God became a little baby. Without forsaking His divine nature or diminishing His deity, He was born into our world as a tiny infant.

Needless to say, we do not forget the real meaning of Christmas in this house, but we do celebrate as a modern family. This year, we are on our own, in our own home, and celebrating as a family like we have dreamed of since Braxton was born. The previous years have been a little difficult and we weren't able to "celebrate" by dousing one another with gifts. Last year, we were living at Chad's parent's house. Chad was laid off and I wasn't working either. We didn't have any money, just each other. We woke up to someone else's tree, other people's gifts, and traveling to other people's homes (my family). The year before last, we were living on our own, but Braxton was nearly 3 months old and, again, Chad was laid off from that company. We didn't have money. We didn't have any presents under our tree. We didn't have anything but each other and our extended families. I don't want to seem ungrateful because I am far from that, but I do want to express how happy I am that we were able to prepare a nice "Christmas" for Braxton this year. Chad has landed himself into an amazing opportunity, working for a really great company. We are sitting comfortably and we are so very thankful that he provides for our growing family.

 

This year, we were able to get Braxton things like:

Building Blocks

Books

Leap Reader

Leap Reader Books

Clothes

'Jammas

Movies

Paw Patrol Stuffed Animals

& Some other little things.

It might not sound like a lot, but to Braxton it will mean the world! I cannot wait to wake up Christmas morning and watch him open his gifts. He is going to be the happiest boy, ever!

What did you get your little one for Christmas and how old are they?

What does Christmas mean to you and what are your traditions?

Embarrassing Questions Answered

"I'm the type of girl who will burst-out laughing in dead silence 

because of something that happened yesterday."

Today's blog post is primarily made to answer a few "embarrassing questions" that I was asked through Instagram. Now, before you get excited, feeling like I'm about to reveal the dirtiest dirt, ever... Let me remind you that I am not one to be "embarrassed" or feed into "awkward" situations. Basically, if something is embarrassing or awkward, to me, I will simply laugh! 

Laughing is the best medicine, anyway. + If that is true, I should be super healthy for decades!

Question One: You're like what, a D-Cup?

After reading this question, the first thing that came to mind was, "Do people really look at others' boobs and guess what size bra they wear? If that's the case, who wants to go "cup guessing" this weekend?" To answer your question, no, I am not a D-cup. I am currently a DD and growing with pregnancy! I hope I don't get any bigger... Victoria will have to share her "secret" with me as to where to buy size F bras!!!

Question Two: Did you poop when you were giving birth?

I think one of the biggest pregnant-woman fears is pooping during labor!

Although I wasn't really afraid of defecating during labor, I did ask Chad if it happened or not. At first he wouldn't tell me. His exact words were, "Why would I tell you that?" After begging to know, he simply told me that I did. I pooped during labor. He said, "Yeah, a little, but they scooped it out of the way fast like it never happened." I giggled and thought to myself, "Yeah, I'm sure you wish it never happened! LOL." But, hey, since we're on the topic, let me share a quick story with you. 

When we arrived at the hospital to be induced, we were taken upstairs to be settled in. The nurses got me my gown, hooked up some monitors, and took my vitals. After an hour or so, we were told that we could walk around the halls to get the process going. After the first lap around the floor, I told my mom that we needed to go back to the room because I had to poop so bad! My mom kept on telling me, "Hunny, you don't have to poop. But, you can try." We got back to our room and I went into the bathroom and tried to poop. Minutes later I came out bawling my eyes out because I felt like I had to poop so bad and nothing was coming out. This happened more than once! Little did I know, the "having to poop" feeling was just the contractions gradually getting stronger and pressure from Braxton getting ready to come into this world! LOL. 

Question Three: Do you want to go dutch?

Well, first of all, I don't even know what this question means... If, by chance, the person asking this question meant, like, "dutch oven," the answer is- no, thank you? I think a Dutch Oven is when you're lying in bed and you bring the blankets up over you and your partner's head to experience the worst kind of breathing experience known to man. If the person who asked this weird question is reading this, please do explain yourself... What exactly is "going dutch" and do I really want to know? I think I'll still answer with, no. 

Question Four: Were your children planned?

(I'm not sure why people think this question is embarrassing or awkward).

Um, to answer this to the best of my ability without pissing off or disappointing family members (lol), Chad and I were not preventing with either pregnancy. We were fully aware of the repercussions and we were fully aware of "the birds and the bees." Yes, we're young. No, we're not married. Yes, we were willing and ready to have a family if it happened. Well, it happened and here we are 11 weeks in to our second pregnancy. We had talked about having a second child, soon after (now-ish) having Braxton. Although we were not expecting to be pregnant until mid-next year, we are excited and anxious to add to our little, growing family. 

Question Five: Have you ever done drugs? 

Yes.

Question Six: Do you fold or wad?

Ahhh, the notorious toilet paper question! I'm a wadder.

Question Seven: Do you ever think about or talk to your exes?

No? The first thing that comes to mind when reading this question is, "Your exes are part of your past for a reason." Have you ever seen those memes that say things like, "Don't be bitter about your exes or people you used to talk to. Take what you learned about yourself and become a better person." Or, the ones that I prefer that say, "EX means: Thanks for the EXperience. Our time has EXpired. Now, EXit my life and please don't return."  As harsh as that sounds, I am 110% content with who is and who is not in my life.

Is that all you got?! These questions were not embarrassing or awkward at all! 

Send me your questions on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and I will answer them, here, on my blog!

Shake The Mom Funk

Want to know what annoys me more than anything?
When people say to you, "Oh, you're a stay at home mom... What do you do all day?"
As soon as someone even starts to THINK those words in my direction, I have to gather myself enough to refrain from pulling a Rick Grimes on The Walking Dead and ripping someone's jugular out of their neck... with my teeth.

I don't care how much or how little you think I do as a stay at home mom- your opinion is irrelevant.

BUT! Lately, I've been kind of blegh, feeling lazy, and unproductive. Part of me is okay with this. The other part of me is telling me that I need to get out of this Mom Funk, pronto!

• I spend too much time staring at screens and not my child.
• I refresh my social media more than my soul.
• I eat crap (when I do feel like eating) more than the loads of fruits and veggies in my fridge that I sooooo dearly needed to buy.
• I want to spend more time on the couch, cuddling, than I should cleaning the kitchen or folding clothes.
• I get bored, lazy, and overall unproductive.

I think a big part of my plummeting energy is because I'm pregnant and it's kicking my ass.

A big part of my success and my life depends on technology and I feel like it's a suck-hole. Online schooling, online training for work, marketing for Simply Rad Co... The list doesn't seem to end!

When I feel a severe case of Mom Funk coming on, I'm even more short tempered than I already am, my words are short with Chad, and I get super cranky.

But, you know how I look at it? Mom Funk happens. It's part of the package. Here's my conclusion (I think):

• Get some fresh air. I know the weather is kind of bi-polar lately and basking in the sun isn't ideal this time of year, but fresh air seems to help for me. Not only does it help when I'm feeling nauseous and blegh from this pregnancy, fresh air seems to help my attitude and it reminds me that life isn't that bad. A couple minutes outside does wonders, even if it's just to collect your thoughts.
• Clean one thing. With the new puppy and just moving into our apartment, my house is crazy and overwhelming. Today, I woke up knowing that there would be a mess in the cage, but I didn't let it ruin my day. After finding Benny Boggins, our Elf on the Shelf, I made Braxton breakfast and started to tackle the disgusting, vomit-inducing dog cage and I didn't even wince. After it was clean and I could breathe again, I had enough ambition and energy to wash the dishes! Now that I have accomplished at least one thing, today, I can feel like I "did something."
• Make a list. I love lists. I make them for everything. When I'm in my Mom Funk, my brain doesn't work like it should. I KNOW there are things I should be doing, but with Mom Funk Fog, I can't, for the life of me, remember what I should be doing! Having a list really helps me stay organized and focused, regardless if the list is even complete or not! ;)
• Disconnect. Right now, I don't see myself doing this, since Chad is away. BUT! When he is home, I like to turn my phone on silent or in another room, to devote my time and attention to him and Braxton. Even if it's for an hour or so, it feels nice!

Try it. Let me know what you do to get out of your Mom Funk. Really. I'd love to know!



10 week, 5 day BUMP POST

 

How far along: I just told you... 10 weeks and 5 days. I'm cutting it a little close, eh?

 

Weight Change: Still down 7 pounds. Not that I couldn't lose those pounds to begin with, I wish I would just top puking and feeling so sick. I told Chad the other day that I feel like this pregnancy is going to make me have a damn eating disorder!

Changes: This week has been pretty blah. At this point, I see the rest of my pregnancy weeks being hell, too. I’ve been nauseous as all get-out! Also, I think I’ve already turned into a demon and I’m not even in labor, yet! I feel like I’m creating more saliva than normal? And I feel like my lips are more chapped (although this code be the “winter” air)! I think more of my mucous plug keeps falling out annnnnd I'm constipated. TMI? DON'T CARE.

Maternity clothes: No, not yet! But I’ve only been wearing leggings and sweat pants… Does that count as maternity clothes? Lol.

Stretch marks: None other than the ones I have from my previous pregnancy. They are faded.

Sleep changes: I. Feel. So. Tired. All the time. Being pregnant with a toddler is sooooo different than being pregnant the first time around. With your first pregnancy, you can sleep whenever and wherever you want! You don’t have to worry about anyone else, but yourself. I wish it were that easy this time around.

Best moment of the week: Thanksgiving happened. That was cool. We went over to Mom's house for dinner. Mid-eating I puked everything up. The struggle is real, honestly. Nothing really great happened this week.

Worst moment of the week: The dog, of course. Other than that, Chad left us for two weeks for training. I know he has to go and provide for us, but we don't do well when we're apart and I don't do well sleeping alone :(. Two weeks isn't that long of a time, but when you're not used to it anymore (Chad used to travel for work and be gone for months at a time), it's so foreign... and lonely.

Do you miss anything?: Chad. Sleep. Pooping.

Food craving: I don't think I've experienced any cravings, yet. In fact, I don’t really want to eat ANYTHING. Unless it’s chocolate… You can’t EVER pass up chocolate.  

Movement: No. I can't wait until I feel the first movement!

Anything specific that triggers sickness: I always feel nauseous when I wake up, after eating anything, and when I lay down to sleep. (Oh, and any other time in between then).

Have you started to show?: No. I have this weird fear that people will think that I am just even more fat than I already am. I am dreading the "in between" stage. I pray that you will be able to tell the difference between my fat belly and my pregnant belly!

Gender: Unknown, but we are hoping for a girl!

Labor signs: God, I hope not! Week 10?!

Belly button, in or out?: In. I think this goes with the whole, being chubby already, thing. With my first pregnancy, my belly button stayed put. There was a time where it was super close to being flush with my other skin, but never popping.

Rings: On and comfortable.

Happy or moody: Moody, oh, so moody! I feel like there's like a different person in me (no, but really). I go from 0-999,999 in less than a second and I don't know how to control it!

What are you looking forward to?: I am looking forward to Babe to come home to me and my next doctors appointment where we can see the baby again. I think the normal doctors appointments are so mundane and boring. I am looking forward to the moment Braxton fully realizes there is a baby in my belly. I am looking forward to knowing the gender. I am looking forward to not feeling nauseous anymore!

Braxton's reaction/knowledge of the baby: I have said a couple times, to Braxx, that he is going to be a big brother. He responds so happily, "Big brother?!" I think it will take a while for him to fully grasp that there is going to be a baby in my belly and another baby in our lives. I think he will be a great big brother and I think he will enjoy playing with he/she.

Chad and I: Lots of states away and on edge. Sore subject.

 

9 Week Bump Post

How far along: 9 Weeks! After the ultrasound, we were told a new due date (as I had expected). Instead of being due June 19^th, 2015, we are now due June 25^th, 2015. How cool would it be to have the same birthday as our second baby!?

 

Weight change: Down 7 pounds. This nausea is killing me!

Changes: This week has been pretty blah. At this point, I see the rest of my pregnancy weeks being hell, too. I’ve been nauseous as all get-out! Also, I think I’ve already turned into a demon and I’m not even in labor, yet! I feel like I’m creating more saliva than normal? And I feel like my lips are more chapped (although this code be the “winter” air)!

Maternity clothes: No, not yet! But I’ve only been wearing leggings and sweat pants… Does that count as maternity clothes? Lol.

 

Stretch marks: None other than the ones I have from my previous pregnancy. They are faded.

Sleep changes: I. Feel. So. Tired. All the time. Being pregnant with a toddler is sooooo different than being pregnant the first time around. With your first pregnancy, you can sleep whenever and wherever you want! You don’t have to worry about anyone else, but yourself. I wish it were that easy this time around.

Best moment of the week: Seeing our little baby on the ultrasound! It was so cool! I figured you wouldn’t be able to see anything other than a little blurb. BUT, you could see arms, legs, the heartbeat (which was 166 btw), and a face structure! The little munchkin was waving it’s arms and everything! I’m so glad my mom came with me to see the baby! OH! AND! We announced to the Facebook World that we are expecting. Now everyone knows. <3

 

Worst moment of the week: Other than the endless battle of Grizzly shitting on the floor, I was pretty sad that Chad wasn’t able to come to the ultrasound. I came to a solid understanding that he has to work to provide for us and that is that.  

Do you miss anything?: No, not yet.

Food craving: I don't think I've experienced any cravings, yet. In fact, I don’t really want to eat ANYTHING. Unless it’s chocolate… You can’t EVER pass up chocolate.  

Movement: No.

Anything specific that triggers sickness: I always feel nauseous when I wake up, after eating anything, and when I lay down to sleep. (Oh, and any other time in between then).

Have you started to show?: No. I have this weird fear that people will think that I am just even more fat than I already am. I am dreading the "in between" stage. I pray that you will be able to tell the difference between my fat belly and my pregnant belly!

Gender: Unknown, but we are hoping for a girl!

Labor signs: God, I hope not! Week 9?!

Belly button, in or out?: In. I think this goes with the whole, being chubby already, thing. With my first pregnancy, my belly button stayed put. There was a time where it was super close to being flush with my other skin, but never popping.

 

Rings: On and comfortable.

Happy or moody: Moody, oh, so moody!

What are you looking forward to?: I am looking forward to my next doctors appointment where we can see the baby again. I think the normal doctors appointments are so mundane and boring. I am looking forward to the moment Braxton fully realizes there is a baby in my belly. I am looking forward to knowing the gender. I am looking forward to not feeling nauseous anymore!

Braxton's reaction/knowledge of the baby: I have said a couple times, to Braxx, that he is going to be a big brother. He responds so happily, "Big brother?!" I think it will take a while for him to fully grasp that there is going to be a baby in my belly and another baby in our lives. I think he will be a great big brother and I think he will enjoy playing with he/she.

Chad and I: We’re great. :)

 

5 Week Bump Post

How far along: 5 Weeks! (According to my own calculations... My first doctor's appointment is on Tuesday. After the initial screening, the ultrasound tech will be able to make a more accurate estimation!)

This was quite an interesting week (and by interesting, I mean shocking). I didn't even suspect that my I was pregnant. Taking a pregnancy test was totally off the wall and at random. I found out on 10/16/14 around 6:40pm. I went to my car and grabbed an extra pregnancy test that I had secretly stashed in my glove box (weirdooooo) and went upstairs to take the test before heading to my moms house to hang out. I hastily ripped open the package while doing the pee dance and did my deed. Expecting the test to take a couple minutes, I was totally shocked seeing how quickly my lines just popped up! The first line was not pregnant, *phew*, then the second line began to faintly appear and the tears in my eyes started to flow. At this moment, I didn't really know if these were tears of happiness, tears of sadness, or tears of shock... I'm going to go with tears of shock. I took another test the following day and it reassured me that I was totally pregnant... No doubt about it.
 

 (First test)

(Second test)

 

Changes: This week has been an emotional roller coaster. I have been nauseous every day, all day. I've dry heaved, I don't know, how many times and nothing comes up! There have been times where that nasty acidic crap comes up, but that just makes me even more cranky! It's funny how pregnancy changes your mood-- A few days before finding out our big news, I remember texting my mom telling her that there is something seriously wrong with me because I just snap from 0-5,000 in less than a second and that cant be healthy, lol. (Little did I know I was preggers). Other than "morning" sickness and mood changes, I can definitely feel the uncomfortable bloating happen already, and my lips seem to be more chapped(?). Last night I had some uncomfortable pains in my middle button (is that weird?).

 

Maternity clothes: No, not yet! But let's be real, my ass could probably use those anyway.

 

Stretch marks: None other than the ones I have from my previous pregnancy. They are faded.

 

Sleep changes: I. Feel. So. Tired. All the time. All I feel like doing is laying on the couch and sleeping, literally, all day, but with a 2-year old that seems nearly impossible. I get a random burst of energy around 7:00pm-ish. When it is time for night-sleep, I am SO ready. Usually getting to bed around midnight or-so, I seem to be tossing and turning a lot already. Perhaps it's because I'm so freaking hot at night...

 

Best moment of the week: Knowing that my mom supports me. Aside from Chad, my mom was the first person to know about our pregnancy. She told me her concerns, but she also let me know that life is life... You cannot change it, so why not make the best of it. She is my best friend, ever, and I do not know where I would be without her.

 

Worst moment of the week: I was letting Turbo (our 3-year old Boston Terrier) out for his morning potty break and his collar came loose. Instead of coming to me when he's told (what dog wants to listen to their owner), he decided that as the high-school student walked past our house, it would be the perfect opportunity to make a friend. Little did Turbo know that he would be risking his life doing so! He ended up running down the block and into a busy four-way intersection. I was crapping my pants. I was so furious. I got into my car and the little shit got into my passenger side door. I'm so glad he's safe, but soooo mad that he darted!

 

Do you miss anything?: No, not yet.

 

Food craving: I don't think I've experienced any cravings, yet. I've been trying to make smart choices like grapes and apples and salads. Although, I did have a strong want for a donut the other day and I do have the urge to go get some KFC Mashed Potatoes and gravy, right now, but I think I'm just fat and hungry. It's hard to have food cravings when you're constantly nauseous.

 

Movement: No.

 

Anything specific that triggers sickness: I always feel nauseous when I wake up, after eating anything, and when I lay down to sleep. (Oh, and any other time in between then).

 

Have you started to show?: No. I have this weird fear that people will think that I am just even more fat than I already am. I am dreading the "in between" stage. I pray that you will be able to tell the difference between my fat belly and my pregnant belly!

 

Gender: Unknown, but we are hoping for a girl!

 

Labor signs: God, I hope not! Week 5?!

 

Belly button, in or out?: In. I think this goes with the whole, being chubby already, thing. With my first pregnancy, my belly button stayed put. There was a time where it was super close to being flush with my other skin, but never popping.

 

Rings: On and comfortable.

 

Happy or moody: Moody, oh, so moody!

 

What are you looking forward to?: I am looking forward to my first doctors appointment. I am looking forward to all of my family and friends knowing about our precious news. I am looking forward to the moment Braxton fully realizes there is a baby in my belly. I am looking forward to my first ultrasound and hearing the heartbeat for the first time. I am looking forward to knowing the gender. I am looking forward to a (hopefully) happy and healthy pregnancy. (Stress on the happy).

 

Braxton's reaction/knowledge of the baby: I have said a couple times, to Braxx, that he is going to be a big brother. He responds so happily, "Big brother?!" I think it will take a while for him to fully grasp that there is going to be a baby in my belly and another baby in our lives. I think he will be a great big brother and I think he will enjoy playing with he/she.

 

Chad and I: We are doing okay. I am kind of bummed by Chad's initial reaction to our news, but he doesn't really show emotion well, anyway. Later talking to him, he said that he was happy and excited-- he didn't know how to react seeing that I was crying, telling him our news. He is hoping for a girl! <3