Coming to an End

Well, like normal...it's been a while. I guess having a 2 year old and being huge pregnant kinda gets in the way of updating my blog on a regular basis! I've been thinking about it a lot though...does that count?

I'm currently in my 38th week of pregnancy and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our baby boy will be here by October 19 whether he wants to or not! We've decided on another induction by that day if nothing happens before then. Olivia had to be evicted via Pitocin so I'm not expecting anything less from her little brother.

Speaking of Olivia...she is doing great! She will be 2 on Saturday!! She is really learning to talk and I just love her personality. She has a tendency to be bashful with new people, but it usually doesn't take long for her to loosen up. Overall, she is very well-behaved...a little clingy with momma, extremely independent at times, and so, so smart! We laugh a lot around here at some of the things she comes up with!

Sam is also hanging in there right along with me. He's definitely deserving of some type of "I put up with a crazy chick for 9 months" award! I don't think men realize exactly how psycho a woman can be during times like these. It's not something you can predict or prepare for...you just have to be smart enough to manage crises like extreme mood swings, sudden bursts of crying spells, uncharacteristic OCD about random crap like the laundry and who does/doesn't do it, and an overall needy wife who was once so independent she'd go to a bar by herself just to hear a certain band play. If all this is handled appropriately, then the man deserves a huge pat on the back. My husband...deserving for sure!

HOWEVER, let me inform you of some things that should NOT be done or said while your wife is carrying your child.

First of all...you did this to her. Without your "help" she would not have sweaty underboobs and therefore not need the baby powder in all those tight crevices her body has suddently inherited. So, just ignore the white powder all over her while she's getting ready in the morning. You won't be able to miss it...she'll be naked.

Secondly...just because she's naked does NOT give you the right to be inappropriate and is not an invitation for you to dance naked in the bathroom with that "oohh lala" look on your face. We are looking in the same mirror, darling...and it's not pretty, so quit acting like you've just run into a naked Angelina Jolie or Carrie Underwood.

During your wife's pregnancy is not the right time to "approach" her regarding any spending habits. This is especially true when shortly after this conversation (that ended very quickly I might add) you mention that new gun you are going to buy...for $1200! Hello!!! My $250 on MY credit card could have easily been doubled or even tripled if I had gotten that itch for a new Coach purse. Zip your lips honey!

All men should immediately start brainstorming and saving money for what is known as a "Push Present". I mean...as soon as the line turns pink you must begin. This gift is given to the girl for carrying your child and putting up with you for those 9 months. Now don't get me wrong...Sam has been AMAZING during both of my pregnancies but he is a man...which means dumb crap comes out of his mouth just like any other guy out there. The gift must be something special...preferably jewelry. Mine is a Pandora bracelet...just got it the other day. Want to know why I got it early? Well, because his new gun came in (eh hem, clears throat) and supposedly because Olivia got some new shoes the same day so he felt sorry for me that I didn't get anything. Regardless, I love it and he again...deserving of an award.

Now, ya'll know I'm not a man-basher by any means and I'm hoping this little blog helps a few men in their lifetime. I am by no means ungrateful for the one I married and he knows that. Sam was raised how boys should be. There is just that extra chromosome in there that forbids them from being 100% free of being a typical guy.

And now I'll end with the best quote of all time via Sam Ault. I will let you know that these words came out of his precious mouth AFTER Olivia was born and AFTER the post partum hormones had subsided...or else, he might be dead. While we were discussing the crazy, psycho person I turned into during my first pregnancy he pops out with "yeah...sleeping next to you was kinda like sleeping with a body that had been in the river for a few days". WHAT?!! Yes, he said it and no, I did not slap him. I laughed...because as crude as it sounds...it was true. And then he followed it up with a "but my sexy, skinny wife is back noooowwwww! woot! woot!" along with his special little dance he does just for me. I mean...what's he trying to do...get me pregnant again? just kidding! I love my husband.

So, the lesson is...pregnant women are very unpredictable and you should proceed with caution at all times during those sacred 9 months...and maybe a few weeks afterward just to be safe. If all the men can remember to just tell your wife how amazing she is and how it seems impossible to do what she's doing then you will be fine. For now, let's try to hold back from molesting your wife as she gets something out of the oven and instead of slapping her butt as she walks by...bend down and kiss her growing belly and say hi to your baby. You can't go wrong with that and it will probably get your further than your first instincts did!

To Sam: Thank you for putting up with me and thank you for being the man that you are. I am so completely blessed and I love you very, very much!

Sincerely,

The puffy pregnant one

Counting down

Well, hello there neglected blog! I think it's about time I updated you and the sweet people that keep up with us!

For starters, let me just say that I'm so tired of this crazy heat! I've compared it to being snowed in. After a day or two, we're all over it and are completely miserable being stuck inside. However, the problem with the last part of that statement is the fact that I am the mother of a toddler who has the energy of spastic dog on Redbull. Staying home all day everyday is not an option at our house.

So, in my attempts to keep her busy, stick to our budget, and keep myself cool and sane...we often resort to running the isles at Target, Lowes, and Wal-mart. Sounds so fun, huh? Please, feel free to join us at any time if you just can't resist! :)

Oh, how I wish it wasn't 95 by 10:00 a.m. I'm missing our pool time and my awesome tan I had going.

On another note...I am doing well otherwise. I am 28 weeks along with a little (big) boy who will be named Parker Sullivan Ault. No, that is not a family name...just something we came up with. Seems like the first question I get when I tell people that. I guess it will be a family name for him though! The naming of this child was quite weird actually. We had been set on another name for so long, but as soon as the ultrasound showed that little "extra" part I couldn't commit to it. We discussed it and I lost a lot of sleep that night because I swear God was repeating the name "Parker" over and over and over in my ear. I finally just said "Okay God...got it...his name is Parker!". I made Sam agree on the name at 5:45 a.m. the following morning and the announcement was made. I love it and have no regrets!

Olivia is now almost 22 months old. Holy moly, what a kid. She is so beautiful and smart...it amazes me. Her vocabulary is growing and sometimes we just laugh at what she says. The funniest thing I think comes out of her mouth is "toot toot" which is obviously her word for the expelling of gas. It's super funny when she "tells" on someone! For example, "mommy...daddy toot toot". Oh, we laugh so hard. So, watch out when your around Olivia...don't try to sneak one by her!

People have asked me if I'm ready for Parker. Um, gonna have to say "NO!" I feel quite unorganized at this point of the pregnancy and for all that know me, you know I'm very Type A and very OCD when it comes to organization and having a plan. I'm focused on getting things figured out, but it is causing me a lot of stress right now. Problem is...Sam is too. We both have to just tell each other that it's okay to not know the answer or not make the decision today. We have time.

One thing we've committed to is cloth diapering. That alone is a lot to learn. There is so much more than what our parents and grandparents had (thank goodness!). It's quite overwhelming at first. I feel that I've got a grip on it and I know what we need as far as supplies, etc. We will see how it goes when the diapers actually come out of the closet and onto baby's bottom! I'm so thankful (and kinda shocked) that all of my family has been supportive of this. There's been lots of questions like "what do you do with the poop?" or "what do you do when your out and about?". Even the menfolk in the family are on board with this decision and that makes me so very happy.

If you are wondering why I've chosen this route...there is a lot of reasons: Here's the main ones.

1. Obviously, so much better for the environment. Did you know that a single disposable diaper will take about 300 years to biodegrade? And the average child to the age of 3 will use approximately 30,000 diapers. That's 9,000,000 years of waste for just one kid. Whoa...that's a tough pill to swallow for me.

2. Never again will I have to cut into my grocery budget to buy diapers. More food for us!

3. The financial gain is outstanding. I'll probably spend $300-500 upfront for cloth diapers that we can use until potty training vs. $3000 in disposables.

Okay, yes...I'm a little "crunchy" or "granola" or even "hippie" at times, but that's me and that's how I've always been. So, don't be surprised when you see me out with my cloth diapered baby, listening to the Grateful Dead and wearing a skirt. At least I won't be smokin' a doobie! But, you may want to stay away from my "brownies"...kidding!!! Haha!

Anyhoo...life is treating me pretty good right now. I keep having flashbacks to how beautiful the weather was the day we brought Olivia home from the hospital. A cool, crisp 60 degrees and sunny. There is an end in sight...I just have to survive until then.

And here's a warning to all who may come a knockin' on my door at some random time this summer. We don't have blinds, and it's hot as crap outside, so don't be shocked when you see me and my kid running around in just our panties.

Sincerely,

The Hot Momma

Second Chances

Well, it's been a while hasn't it? Hello to all who actually read this! This blog has been on my mind for a while now, so I guess it's definitely time to update.

Olivia is now 18 months old and definitely a busy gal! She loves Sesame Street, pickles, purses, dancing, and her family. This age is amazing to say the least. I love teaching her new things and then watching her show me what she's learned. Her favorite things to say are "cup", "ball", "go", "hot" and "bye bye y'all!".

However, I think my all time favorite thing to hear her say is "momma". She kind of says it like she's going to ask me a question...kinda like "momma?" It's the sweetest thing and melts my heart every time. She loves her daddy and just lights up like a Christmas tree when he comes home from work. We have a happy baby that's for sure!

Now, let's just hope the next one is as easy as her!

Yep...that's right! We're expecting #2 in October. Actually, a week after her 2nd birthday...Lord help us!

We found out the news on Valentine's Day and it was indeed a shock. We have both been a bit guarded about this pregnancy considering our loss last September. That was a whirlwind of emotions and it was hard not to go back to that place when we found out this time. I have felt so much more positive and optimistic this time though. Last time...it just didn't feel right.

So, I am almost 12 weeks along and everything is just fine and dandy. I've had 2 OB appointments along with some extra lab draws and have seen and heard that beautiful heartbeat both times. It's just such a miracle to know your baby is only 1/4 inch long and already has a beating heart. Amazing.

"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to Him"

1 Samuel 1:27

I thank God for second chances.

Sincerely,
Christie

A New Year...A new ME!

I've been waiting on this one. I honestly cannot remember ever wanting a year to end as badly as I wanted 2010 to. I feel like the last 4 months just kind of took it's toll on me and my family. Everyone says that you can "start over" any time you please, but something about the numbers changing made it feel real to me.

I hate to wish my life away, but with the miscarriage, stress at work, and Sam being out of town just about every other week...Adios! Time for some new memories...good ones only!

So, of course I do the normal "New Year's Resolutions" like everyone else. And they are equally as boring too. Ya know, the typical...go to church more often...pay off debt...get in shape...yada, yada, yada. Well, I decided that along with those that I will have a "fun" one as well!

Enter "New Wardrobe 2011"

There really couldn't be a better time for it. After losing the baby weight I feel like I should go indulge in some overpriced jeans that'll make my booty look like it did when I was 21, maybe some new boots that I'll only wear 2-3 times per month in the Fall/Winter, and definitely some new work-out clothes to keep me motivated at the gym!

Frivolous? probably. Beneficial? definitely!

I have reached a point where leggings and tunics, jeans and long sleeve t-shirts, and yoga pants and a hoodie just aren't cutting it anymore. I need some REAL clothes to feel like a REAL person! Not just a mom or a nurse. I want to feel like a girl again!

So, if all else fails...I'll look cute at church I guess!

Sincerely,
A New Me

Role Models?

Definition: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others.

Uh Oh. I might be in trouble.

As a mother, I recognize the intense need for me to be on my best behavior at all times...especially when the tiny person is nearby. I have also learned that she can...and will...copy things that I do. "monkey see, monkey do", right?

Well, sometimes you just have to say screw the rules. My day was yesterday.

There comes a time when ice cream is required for lunch and cookie dough is required for dinner. The day comes that internet time, facebook, and playing with the new Kindle is way more appealing than squeaky toys and bouncy balls.

Let me start off by saying...God bless the stay-at-home moms! That role is NOT something I am cut out for. I have realized this and moved on from the guilt that came along with it. Why is it that women are so ashamed about wanting/needing time away from their kids? I personally don't know one single woman who is 100% happy being at home with her kids all day, every day. Disclaimer: this does not include the uber-rich ladies who can "lunch" and shop while their kids are at Mother's Day out. I'm pretty sure we could all get used to that!

I'm talking about the normal gals out there whose outings include Wal-mart and checking the mail. The ladies who are praying for nap time to come soon so they can shower. The ones who realize that it's 2 p.m. and they haven't eaten anything and are surviving on the 3 cups of coffee from that morning.

Am I alone, here? I think not.

So, since it's November and we are all listing the things we are thankful for...here's mine:

1. My husband. I can always count on him to notice when I need a break. He stays current on all his daddy skills so I can feel good about being away for an extended period of time...hours, not days, people!

2. My kid. She's the best diet a woman could ask for. She's got a built in sensor that immediately goes off when I sit down to eat. I bet she cuts my calorie intake in half...not to mention the fact that I never stop moving.

3. My job. It saves my sanity. I get to help families and talk to other people whose vocabulary consists of more than "cup" and "dog" and "ball".

So, those are the top 3. I have more, but in an effort to keep this at a readable level we'll stop there.

I will end with this...I love being a mom. I know it's a blessing and I know that not everyone gets a chance to take it on. My daughter means everything to me and I hope to expand the family even more one day. However, love for your child doesn't change the fact that poopy diapers and Nick Jr. get old. Love doesn't change the need for a mother to just be a woman every now and then. And it certainly doesn't change my desire to eat ice cream for lunch in front of my kid. She will be fine...she's a girl and will understand...in, oh let's say...31 years.

Sincerely,
The Honest Mom

Welcome to the REAL Parenting world!

Oh My! It's been a while since the last blog post and a lot has happened since then! Let me first say thank you to all who sent thoughts and prayers our way. We are doing great and we're back on the up-swing. Enough about that...

So, the strangest thing happened the other day...apparently my baby turned ONE year old! I could have swore it had only been a few months since I experienced that wonderful thing called labor (enter sarcasm here). And just a little while since the feeling of complete cluelessness came over Sam and I. Well, the latter hasn't really changed! It seems once we learn how to deal with Olivia's new milestones or challenges...she changes things up on us! Little stinker! Anyway, I guess the calendar doesn't lie. It really has been ONE WHOLE YEAR since that 8 lb 4 oz baby came into this world!

Here's what I've learned about various things this past year starting from the beginning of it all:

1. Epidurals are magical until they wear off. Know your Anesthesiologist and call for him 1 hour before you really think you need it. You may consider getting his name and address so you can send him a card when he saves the day with Epidural #2 just in the nick of time. :)

2. Newborn babies are smarter than they look. They know where their food source is located even with that oily crap in their eyes...and they know how to get it out within minutes of taking their first breath.

3. Good Lactation Consultants are angels sent from heaven.

4. Poop comes in many different forms. Sometimes it even flies across the room. All you soon-to-be new moms remember the 10 minute rule. "Leave diaper in place at least 10 minutes after first sounds of pooping". Trust me on this one.

5. Sleep deprivation is pretty easy to get used to.

6. Awakening from the first 5-6 hour stretch of straight sleep = immediate panic, feelings of doom, and standing with your face inches away from your baby to make sure she's still breathing...followed up by that proud moment of knowing your baby is sleeping through the night.

7. I've never seen my husband so proud as when Olivia said "Dada" for the first time. Unforgettable.

8. Your child will then proceed to say "Dada" constantly even though you are nursing, changing, rocking, bathing, and staying home with her. Wonder if it's the opposite with boy babies?

9. Bathing in water your child has peed in is no big deal, really. Just keep telling yourself that urine is sterile. It helps.

10. Swim diapers DO NOT hold in large amounts of poop. When the water around you starts turning brown...it's time to get out...very nonchalantly.

11. Babies typically do not like sand. Especially with an inch thick layer of sunscreen in place. Stick to the pool until they can walk.

12. Teething sucks...plain and simple.

13. The vocabulary of a 1 year old is hard to decipher. People will hear what they want...but mostly, it sounds like German.

14. Making "suggestions" or assigning birthday gifts for people to buy was the best idea I've had all year. NO returns!

15. 1st birthday parties are for the parents and family. You may be less than impressed with your child's cake smashing abilities. Especially when that child can ruin a phone, a remote control, rip keys off the laptop, shoot poop across the room, and stay up partying all night long.

Now, the biggest lesson of all....

Realizing this child is a blessing to you and making it your priority to give them the best life possible. Knowing God gave you this responsibility and trusting yourself enough to do the job right. Always wanting better for your child than what you had. Enjoying each day as if it could be your last and making sure your child knows how much you love them and will take care of them no matter what...even at 3 a.m. NO MATTER WHAT!!

I can honestly say that I enjoy being a mother and wife more than I ever imagined I would. It's easy when you have a husband like Sam and a baby like Olivia! (please excuse the mush)

Stay tuned for more about our new life with a ONE YEAR OLD!! Aaaahhhh!

Sincerely,
A Very Blessed Lady

Ups...and Downs

We've all heard the phrase "Life is a rollercoaster", right? Well, I tend to lean towards "life is a series of rollercoasters"...some more intense than others. Regardless, it's full of ups and downs and all-arounds.

Ya know, when you step on to that ride and you're headed toward the top it seems as if things just could not possibly be better. You think to yourself..."how did I get so lucky?" or "do I really deserve all this?" For so long, it just keeps going up...up, up, up and then you get to the peak and it pauses for just a moment. Just long enough for you to realize how wonderful and glorious your life is. Then it's moving...and it's headed down, only to hit the bottom before you can even blink your eyes. Oh wait...there's another uphill! But, it goes by so fast that you don't even realize it's passed. Before you know it this particular ride has stopped, you look around, jolted and shaken, and realize how very thankful you are for the person sitting next to you holding your hand through the whole thing...and listening. Sam.

On August 21, Sam and I were blown away to find out the news of our second pregnancy. We were not expecting such news since Olivia is only 10 months old. This was such a surprise it took a while to sink in for me. I could visually see the 5 different home pregnancy tests with the blazing pink line and even the one that actually said YES+...but, for some reason it just did not seem real to me. There were a lot of unanswered questions to say the least!

Fast forward to September 2. Doctor appointment at 2:00...actually saw the doc at 3:00 but still no answers until we could see the sonographer...at 4:30.

Finally, we would know how far along we were...when the baby is due...hear the heartbeat.

However, I've been in that chair before with the awkwardness of a first trimester ultrasound and I knew very quickly that something was not right. When she didn't turn the screen for us to see our little blob with the quivering of a heartbeat...I knew. And I was right.

I had been having these horrible visions of the doctor coming to tell me that there was no baby...and that's exactly what happened. I never told anyone that. I thought it was just the shock of the whole thing. I guess my uneasiness from the beginning was some sort of guard. It's very strange...but I think I knew the moment the line turned pink that something was very wrong. With Olivia, I had a peaceful feeling about everything. I was so calm and I just knew it was all going to be just perfect. And it was.

The doctor explained to us that he did not see a baby on the ultrasound. Only a yolk sac. He told us the different reasons for this and that there was a very small chance that we were just too early and it was just too small. He sent us to Baptist for some stat labs and would call me with results. At 7:30 a.m. the following morning I got a call from the doctor and the news was not good. My blood levels were very high. High enough that we should have seen the baby on ultrasound very quickly and easily. He estimated that I was about 10 weeks along according to my HCG results. Miscarriage.

The end result would be the same...but there were two different paths we could take. Let nature take it's course and drag out for weeks and weeks...or opt for the outpatient procedure. I opted for the latter. That was on September 3...the worst day of my life.

So, to say the least, things have been pretty tough around the Ault home lately. We both are thanking God everyday for Olivia. She has made this somewhat easier and we cannot imagine going through this without her here to help us. Her smile, laugh, funny faces, chunky thighs, crazy bed head, snotty nose, and her "mama's" and "dada's" are just what we needed. At the moment, I am doing fine physically. I'm struggling emotionally, but that is to be expected.

Some of you are probably wondering why I would share something so personal. Well, a lot of people knew of our pregnancy...and a lot of people know I'm not pregnant anymore. I wanted to bring everyone up to speed with minimal discussion.

So many of you have already offered to help in any way you can. I would encourage you to just say an extra prayer for me and ask God to help me through this. For now, my focus is to stay positive and to be hopeful for the next time...should we be so blessed.

In the meantime...I'll be looking forward to the next pause at the peak.

Sincerely,
Christie