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