Farewell Blogspot!
I have a NEW & IMPROVED blog on typepad!**I will no longer use this blog starting today. From now on, if you'd like to read of my lovely escapades go to: http://fresheyedpoet.typepad.com/mamasraspberry/You'll also be able to link right up to my poetry site if you click on my About Page :-)
Bye bye blogspot, it was fun (but typepad is waaaay better).
Doo doo baby things!
We're registered at Target! :-) Oh, I've selected soooo many doo doo baby things! And the cutest boy clothes..awww. Michael and I are really into the Graco Products and I just melt over a onsie ;-) And I looove this glider!
I heart these baby slings!!
The Red Batik sling is from www.peppermint.com And the cute grey pouch sling is from www.newnativebaby.com I MUST have one or two of these for me and my baby boy Caleb (*hint hint-I'm a size medium).
Here's something that just fits. So the room that we've chosen for the baby (at the dream house) just so happens to be painted a light beautiful blue! It's perrrrfect I tell you, perfect. It's the room/window to the left -if you're looking at the house. Oh I can't wait to get his room all fixed up!
Happy Thursday Pictures
Howdy all! Here are some pictures from the past week. -Me posing in mom and dad's backyard with my big ole belly!-Michael tending to his turtles last Sunday morning.-The Dream House!!! Ahhh...isn't it awesomely dreamy?!**Pics of baby boy Caleb are on the way!
The Results Are In...
It is a BOY!!! Caleb Patrick is on his way!! :-)
tomorrow is THE day
I can't believe that by 1pm tomorrow afternoon we're going to know what we're having. I can't believe that I'll be five months pregnant by next week. I can't believe that God has blessed us with this tiny miracle. I am over the moon...so much to be thankful for...
Have all bets been placed? I'm still thinking pink ;-)
til next time!!!
...and a white picket fence...
Yesterday a prayer was answered. We
will move into our dream house in the country! This is the dream house that Michael's business friends told him about with the white picket fence, 3 bedrooms, side patio, front porch, two large bradford pear trees in the front and sits behind an orange grove...yeah that dream house.
Well, Michael paid a visit to the Stillwell's (the owners) to discuss (beg & plead) if they had intentions of renting us their house. Turns out they do. And the renovations (that have been put on hold) are finally taking place.
We can move in the end of September.God is so good.
Dave said that he's decided to do more renovating than he planned-which is a great thing for us- and which is why we can't move in in August (New HVAC, possibly new tile in the kitchen, fresh paint, new shower door and other small but big details).
When Michael called and told me the great news I cried and cried tears of relief and joy. This has been a major stress for me and I am so relieved that we not only found a house but a fantastic house at that.
Yup, my hubby went by and spent two hours with good old Dave and even got to finally go inside the house! Apparently I will be super pleased :-) All the rooms are a good size, the living room is great, the kitchen is too, and there's a wash/laundry room ( I love it!). And it looks like as rooms are finished, we can start to move some stuff in (we'll have to buy a fridge and a dryer and that chocolate brown leather couch from Ikea).
*Our colors: Michael wants to ask if it's okay if he comes by to paint some of the rooms particularly the baby room--BIG smile. Oh wow, I'm thinking a light yellow...
So there you have it. We will finally have a place to call
OUR HOME. Filled with our things, our tastes, our style, our special treasures, our love.
We'll have our room, the baby's room and a guest room (my mommy has a place to stay!!). Oh gosh what color scheme will we go with? At our last apartment, in Takoma Park, Michael painted our dining room this gorgeous deep red wine color with white trim. It looked soooo chic against our dark black dining room set. All from Ikea, but of course.
So in two short months we'll be getting settled into our new home-sigh...;-)
August is already here too. I mean I leave in mid-August to go home for two weeks and then it'll be September (I'll also be turning, dare I say it 31 yrs. old--ohmigosh) and that month we'll be packing and rounding up stuff for the new place.
So...it will be here before you can say gimmie that Ikea catalog!
Well, have a great weekend all!
I'm getting a 1 1/2 hour pregnancy massage tomorrow morning...BIG sigh...:-)
Next Friday is the BIG day :-) :-) :-) Boy or girl? Have you placed your bets?
Here's a laugh
An hour ago I cut slits down the sides of my underwear. Stop laughing. I'm leaving for lunch in 5 min and as soon as I get home, these underwear from hell are going in the T-R-A-S-H.
On My Mind
The following is just a random stream of thought that I can't keep inside my head...***I taught my dance class last night at Sierra Studios and one of my students just seemed different and special to me (not different or special like she's slow or has downsyndrome). Monique is about 13yrs old and she took my two week hip-hop class. She's what my dance friends would call a non-mover. She had never taken a dance class and was very nervous the first day. Her "mother" seemed very encouraging and supportive and I said Monique, you'll be just fine I promise :-) She's a sweet girl. Very quiet. Small frame and timid. But you could tell that she wanted to learn, wanted to move and express herself. It was a challenge the first class to get her to mimick me. I did my best to attend to her as well as the other girls who were regulars at the studio. But it all worked out. And by the last class (last night) she had come out of her shell. She was smiling more, she was picking up movement better and when I called her name she said Here! with confidence. After every class I made it a point to hug her and say you did so good today. Aren't you proud of yourself? She would shake her head yes and smile.Well, after class the owners, Susan and Jim, told me that Monique is from a SHELTER!!!!!! She is an abused child!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not believe it. I just plopped down in the chair with mouth open and started to tear up. I knew that girl was special I said. I knew it. Susan said that the "mother" is not her mother but a volunteer at the shelter. Wow. The woman called a few weeks ago asking about classes for the summer. She told Susan all about Monique and how much she loved to dance around. But they couldn't afford the classes. Well Susan (and this is why I loooove this studio so freakin' much because they're good kind hearted people) let Monique take class for FREE/schoalrship. And if she wants to come in the Fall she'll let her come on scholarship!!After I said ohmigosh about 15 times, we three talked about how much Monique had improved over just FOUR ONE HOUR CLASSES. I mean a whole nother little girl.I am so moved for so many reasons. First, I'm glad that I didn't find out the she was from the shelter until after the camp. That way I didn't single her out or anything. Second, I am touched by the generousity of Susan and Jim Pallas. Third, I am honored that I was able to bring dance into her life and let her have an escape even if only for 4 hours. Lastly, I am so proud of this girl for going in there not knowing anyone, learning something new and embracing it. She is obviously more confident and comfrotable with her body which is a big deal being a child of abuse. Wow. That is why I teach. That is why I love the art of dance. This is my purpose.***It's no secret that I too am a child of sexual abuse. I've written about it in poems, I talk about it openly- I am not ashamed. I know that I am stronger because of it. I know that I have touched others with my poem "A Comfortable Quiet" and that makes me stronger because of it. I know that we are all here for a reason and that I did not stumble upon dance or poetry....I feel so blessed to have been able to use my gifts and my childhood to connect with others- family and strangers. I am truly moved by this little girl Monique.***First time mom jitters. I have them. I go from super elated to how the hell am I going to do this? Will I be able to get through labor okay? Will panic set it? That's my biggest fear. That my Panic Attack Disorder will strike and I'll lose all control. I want to be present and take in eveything and sometimes it's hard to stay positive. But that's normal right? Cuz there's times when I feel like, You got this girl. You're so ready, you're so in the right place and frame of mind. You'll be fine. But that's normal right? But also, what the heck is normal anayways??? I do know that I am over the moon with this pregnancy. It's all I've wanted and now that it's here...it's like Whoa. God thinks I'm worthy to be a mom? He thinks I'm okay? I've rid myself of my demons and dysfunction? I'm not lost like I thought I was some years ago? I'm not depressed anymore? I'm really a functional member of society who is and can balance this great blessings and task of being a mother??? Yes. I am. I just have to take it one day at a time right? As I'm writing this I hear my Grama's voice in the background....Tiffie, you've got to give it God. You've got trust in you. Everything happens for a reason....I hear ya Grama. All day I hear you.***I see that this post is a little on the down side. Sorry. Here's a pick me up.I need maternity underwear. Yup. It's time. The undies I have on today are horrible. They feel like they're three sizes too small (although they didn't feel like that this morning when I put them on) and the elastic in digging into my skin and expanding belly. It's all I can do from taking them off and throwing them in the trash can. I would if I wasn't wearing a damn skirt-rats! Michael called and he said well it's Thrusday, go online to Target and see if undies are all sale and we'll get you some. Sorry but am I the only one that finds that hilarious?***I dream of baby furniture. I'm really really really looking forward to fixing up the baby room (but we need to move first). I see light yellows and blues, clean white linen curtians, the baby's name stenciled above the door, a basinet, a glider next to the window so I can breastfeed and and feel the wind on us in the afternoon, one of those lights that has the moving mural inside of it so the shapes and pictures rotate on the wall. Oh I can't wait to do it up. A sweet little room for a sweet little baby. Who are you little baby? 7 more days...***Okay I think I'll stop. Thanks for reading my thoughts :-)
Post Secret
This website can be powerful and simple but always interesting to read. Check it out.
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
The Reality of Pregnancy - a website
This website http://shapeofamother.blogspot.com/ has put pregnancy in a whole new light for me. I am amazed by the honesty and bravery of these women who bared all to share their stories of pregnancy/motherhood.P.S. Watch out there are pictures of naked ladies w/child ;-)
What dancers body? This is a Mama body now!
Lounging by the pool...Where oh where did the dancers body go? Oh where oh where can it be???? HA!Oh the thrills and nuances of pregnancy :-)1. Well, there's the whole see ya later figure! I mean look at me! I'm a plump girl! Legs, face, arms (my arms could get kick Mr. T's butt), my tummy, my back, my booty, my ta-tas...no body part is left unturned for the preggo transformaiton. Getting my dancers body back will be...interesting.2. Heartburn of great balls of fire! Oh this one is my favorite. Especially when you think it's gone and there's that week of relief and then BAM! so sorry digesting food today is gonna suck so...mind how you eat. Small bites please, thanks.3. Sore ta-tas. Well this has finally subsided. If I could lay on my stomach I would but the basketball that was called my tummy will not allow it. 4. Catching ZZZZ's Yeah, good luck with that. There are only two ways to "sleep": on your side and/or on your other side with a pillow tucked between your legs cuz your back won't have it any other way.5. Jiffy John. How many times can you go to the bathroom? I've got it down to once every two hours and four times in the night. Now it's gotten to the point where I had to ask Michael to leave the toilet seat up so I won't have to bend over to lift it...HA! The bigger I get and the more my back aches me...plus it eliminates time in the John. Picture this, it's 3am: Roll, toss, roll heave ho and 3 min later I'm sitting up at the edge of the bed. Then I need a min to let my back get into gear. Then I open my eyes, then I waddle to the bathroom. 2 min later if an angel is on my side, the seat will be up so all I have to do is sqaut and drop and hoist myself back up to waddle back to the bed to do what? Plop, roll, toss, roll and place pillow ever so carefully between legs and close eyes. Repeat in two hours, thanks.6. Swollen feet and hands anyone? So long comfy feet and so long wedding rings. My poor little pitties (that's toes) are getting fatter and fatter and more uncomfortable. They feel like stuffed sausages. And I had to sadly and painfully, literally it was painful, take off my wedding rings :-( Yeah, that hurt. My fingers are like uh uh girl no you don't! There is not enough room for blood to circulate and them rings. Now I look like a fat pregnant unwed mom with swollen hands and feet.7. Hmm what else? Oh yeah! The constant stuffy nose, the plugged up ears, the longing for a nap at 2pm, the random headaches, the the the...But you know what? I LOVE IT. I am going to have me a baby and all this will totally be worth it!I am truly blessed to be a soon-to-be mommy...swollen feet, headaches, backahes, heartburn, constant fatigue and all...this little one is a dream come true!Two weeks shy of 5 months and 8 more days til the Mega Ultrasound appointment!!!
Small Joys Tuesday & Other Fun Stuff
First the fun stuff:
Finally a preggo pic! Here I am in Mom and Dad's lovely backyard on July 4th. Gosh that sure is a round belly!
Small Joys:
1. Weekend Away w/Fam
I had the best weekend away with mom, Melissa, Steve & Katelyn, Maci and Brianna, Lindee, Jared and Justin. We all spent three fun days up at the cabin at Hume Lake. Oh we had lunch by the lake, played Mad-Libs, laughed, relaxed and enjoyed each others' company. It really was a great weekend. I mean it was such a relief to get away from the heat! When we left V-town it was 109 and two hours later by the time we got to elevation 6000 feet it was a cool 70. Ahhhh. And the scenery! The beautiful red woods, the lake, the sky, the massive mountians, the cool air, the smell of pine....the view was awesome. Thanks family for a much needed weekend away. I really enjoyed spending quality time with all of you!
2. Back to Basics
My hubby got to get away too. He and Dad left Thursday afternoon for a Fishing Trip Excursion in Bishop near Mammouth. He got to be in his element --nature. I'm so thrilled that he had an opportunity to spend time with Dad and Uncle Pat and get back to what he loves--the outdoors.
3. East Coast Talks
I was feeling pretty down on Thursday and two people really cheered me up. I had a GREAT conversation with my mommy and later on that evening my Aunt Teena called me! After sulking about needing a family fix, I got to hear words of encouragment, cry and laugh loud. I really needed that, thank you!
4. Unexpected Email
On Thursday (my sulking day) out of the blue, I received a comment on my poetry blog from a former student @ the JCC, Rachel. She found my website and commented on my poetry and said just the nicest things about her experience in my dance class. She told me that my class was an inspiration to her...WOW. How sweet was that? And how random and how thoughtful? It was so good to hear from her and so touching that I made such an impression on her. That makes me feel good- I did my job :-) Thank you Rachel! Go to www.fresheyedpoet.typepad.com to read her comment.
5. Good Love
The best part about this past weekend was missing my husband. Sounds weird huh? Well, to be apart for three days was good because we got to miss each other...and on Sunday night it was so nice to see him and love on him. He said to me after a big hug, "I missed you and our baby". Ohmigosh...how sweet is that? We got to appreciate each others presence in just three short days. I couldn't wait to see him and tell him how much I love him. So, time away is good for the married soul ;-)
6. My Precious One
Oh I feel my little one moving and shaking these days! It's so crazy to know that there's a life inside me growing...I feel so blessed every time she (?) makes herself known. I love you little baby.
Those were my small joys what are yours?
maryland girl who's passion is dance and poetry and new to the west. i love any shade of the color blue, adore my husband, love way too much on my Lola cat, i'm 30 and proud of it, i have a hidden dream to be a scrapbooker, i cant wait to be a mom this December and one of these days i'm going to backback through Europe.
