Through the Roses

Bedtime Worries

2012-01-10T00:45:00.003-05:00

(FYI, this is a bit long, if anyone can hang in there I'd appreciate your tips/suggestions/etc.)

The biggest complaints I hear from moms (not just new moms but experienced moms as well) is bedtime woes. Horrible stories about how their babies don't sleep and in turn how they don't sleep. Let me tell you, I don't do well with no sleep--I will be a bad mom if I can't get sleep. I understand in the beginning things will be tough and I can suck it up for a little while, but honestly, it will be a very little while.

Here are a couple of examples of the horror stories I hear.

One of the nurses I work with (she has a 7 year old little boy and a 13 month old little girl, so not a new mom by any stretch of the imagination) has not slept through the night since her ;ittle girl was born. The baby wakes up not once, but twice if not three times a night, she gives her a bottle and then she goes back to sleep but heavens! I am not waking up three times a night with a kid older then 1 to give them a bottle, it is unnecessary (not to mention, this mom is EXHAUSTED!). Anyways, she is going to try getting her to sleep through the night by doing a bunch of things such as moving her into her own room (she is still in their bedroom), getting her a sound machine and honestly, I hope she lets her cry it out a night or two (but I cannot imagine how hard it would be to let your baby cry it out).

A friend of mine has a beautiful little girl, she is probably about 4 month old now and she is having the roughest time at night. Apparently her little girl is the happiest little girl during the day and then at night she turns into a terrible, unhappy, miserable baby. I feel terrible for my friend because she has this fantastic baby all day and then she turns into a different baby at night time. She is at a loss as to what to do. I contacted another friend who just got her 8 month old sleeping through the night to see if she could give my other friend some advice. We'll see where that goes. Hopefully it helps her.

As for me, being a first time mom, I have no idea what to expect. I mean I've been a nanny before, I've done the bedtime routine, but it was only once in a blue moon that I did the overnight thing. I think I am in for a shock doing this mommy thing 24 hours a day. I am making a list of things that I plan on doing to make night times as perfect as possible. Here's what I've got so far, please comment with any additions you have to my list. :) TIA!

Baby's own space--my parents will be in town for the first week of baby's life so they will be sleeping in the nursery in turn baby's pack and play will be in our closet, as soon as they leave baby will move back into his/her nursery. I know it may be harder for me at first but I think baby being in their own room is important to the overall sleep, not to mention, I don't want to have to worry about the cats trying to get into their pack and play.

Sound machine--this baby is used to noise, if not me working at night, to hubby and I talking, to the dogs barking, to even when it is quiet my tummy growls. I also think the baby getting used to the sound machine will help when we are out of town or even just when we are home and they are napping it should help drown out the dogs barking or the vacuum running or whatev. This is not a silent house. ;)

Black out curtains--I want the baby to learn they sleep at night. When the baby is awake, we will open the curtains and let the light in at night time or nap time the curtains will be drawn closed. Not to mention, early bedtimes 1/2 the year lead to the baby going to sleep when it is actually still light out.

Routine, routine, routine--Tentative bedtime routine, feeding, bath time, massage, story time, swaddle them and then them laying down to sleep.

Tete, paci, binky, etc.--The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends tetes as a way to help reduce the incidents of SIDS, I kind of baulk at them but with that being known, I think I'll definitely try it. I think a couple of useful tips for them are to use the soothies because they are soft and if the baby rolls on them it wont hurt them and a wake them up. Another tete tip is to take it out of their mouth once they are fast asleep before you go to bed because the baby will learn to sleep without them and most importantly, they will not wake up in the middle of the night when it falls out!

Dreamfeeds--it is a cute little term to describe waking the baby before they wake to eat. Basically you put them down at bedtime, then 2, 3, 4 hours later (depending on how old they are) you wake them up give them a bottle, the boob, whatever to satiate them before they wake up ravished.

Bedtime--I am a big fan of early bedtime. I am pretty sure we will do a 6:30 bedtime. With that bedtime, it will insure I'll be able to feed the baby and do bath time (which I love, love, love) and then hubby can finish out the rest of the routine when I leave for work.

Alright, that's all I've got for now. Let's try to prevent me being a frazzled, sleep deprived mom (and nurse), any tips you have are greatly appreciated!

Holy Catch Up Batman!

2012-01-06T21:42:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Sorry I have been MIA things have been so crazy around here, with the holidays, traveling, working, etc. But I'm back and I've missed everyone. I just posted most of my weekly posts because I definitely missed those, whoops. Other than that, the hubby and I are doing lovely, the puppies are fantastic and the baby bean is growing!

Here is a little pic to show you the growing:

I'll try to be back a bit more frequently!

9 weeks, Dec 15!

2012-01-06T21:33:00.004-05:00

9 Weeks (Dec 15, 2011)
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 9 Weeks

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a grape. This is what babycenter.com has to say about Gummy Bear's journey:

How your baby's growing:
Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Not quite sure but it's more then 5 lbs. I have an MD appt this coming week so we'll find out.

Maternity Clothes: Yep, hubby bought me jeans that I love love love! (Thanks honey.)

Gender: No idea--we'll find out on Valentine's Day!

Movement: Nope, not yet, but I'm excited for that to happen.

What I miss: Nothing really.

Sleep: Much better, but this time I've gone to the opposite end of the spectrum. Hubby made a joke about me hibernating.

Symptoms: I'm still peeing a lot and a bit nauseated by smells (which is not so kosher when you're a nurse)!

Cravings: Nothing really, I am eating a bit more then usual though!

Best Moment this week: Just knowing my little bean is growing!

What I am looking forward to: Our MD appt and ultrasound next week. I can't wait to see the little guy/girl again!

Here are the pictures of little Jelly Bean and her/his incubator for the next 9 months:

10 weeks, Dec 19!

2012-01-06T21:27:00.004-05:00

10 Weeks (Dec 19, 2011)
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 10 Weeks

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a kumquat, but we had an ultrasound this week and the baby was supposed to measure at 1.25 inches and our big baby measured in at 3 inches! This is what babycenter.com has to say about Gummy Bear's journey:

How your baby's growing:
Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.
He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.
If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.
In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained 6lbs at my OB appt this week. I feel like I've gained a heck of a lot more then that. I feel like a whale!

Maternity Clothes: Some, mostly not though, but I love my maternity jeans!

Gender: No idea--we'll find out on Feb 10. We do have names picked out for each sex!

Movement: Nope, not yet, but I'm excited for that to happen.

What I miss: Nothing really.

Sleep: Good, I'm really good at sleeping, lol.

Symptoms: My main symptom is my hyper sensitive gag reflex. If I cough I gag--it's disgusting!

Cravings: Nope not really. I like to eat, mainly comfort foods but no cravings as of yet.

Best Moment this week: Getting to see little Gummy Bear on ultrasound this week--it was awesome! It actually looked like a baby, so exciting!

What I am looking forward to: The main thing I am looking forward to is finding out the baby's sex, I can't wait to find out if it is a little girl or a boy!

Here are the pictures of little Jelly Bean and her/his incubator for the next 9 months (I forgot to get a pic this week :( but we did get a pic of baby!):

11 weeks, Dec 26!

2012-01-06T21:23:00.003-05:00

11 Weeks (Dec 26, 2011)
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 11 Weeks

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a fig. This is what babycenter.com has to say about Gummy Bear's journey:

How your baby's growing:
Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.
She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained 6lbs, as of my last OB appt 1 weeks ago. I feel like I've gained a heck of a lot more then that. I feel like a whale!

Maternity Clothes: Most of what I wear is not maternity besides the jeans but we are going to be buying a bit more maternity clothing in the near future because I am not fitting comfortably into non maternity stuff.

Gender: No idea--we'll find out on Feb 10. We do have names picked out for each sex!

Movement: Nope, not yet, but I'm excited for that to happen.

What I miss: Nothing really.

Sleep: Good, I'm really good at sleeping, lol.

Symptoms: My main symptom is my hyper sensitive gag reflex. If I cough I gag--it's disgusting!

Cravings: Nope not really. I like to eat, mainly comfort foods but no cravings as of yet.

Best Moment this week: Getting some maternity clothing and baby gifts for Christmas. This is going to be one spoiled baby!

What I am looking forward to: The main thing I am looking forward to is finding out the baby's sex, I can't wait to find out if it is a little girl or a boy!

Here are the pictures of little Jelly Bean and her/his incubator for the next 9 months:

12 weeks, Jan 3!

2012-01-06T21:13:00.005-05:00

12 Weeks (January 3, 2012)
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 12 Weeks

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a lime (mind you, our baby measured larger then the estimated 2 inches at our 10 weeks appt--I may or may not be giving birth to a toddler!). This is what babycenter.com has to say about Gummy Bear's journey:

How your baby's growing:
The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.
Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained 6lbs, as of my last OB appt 2 weeks ago. I feel like I've gained a heck of a lot more then that. I feel like a whale!

Maternity Clothes: Yup, aside from sweat pants almost everything I wear is maternity. I need to order maternity scrubs.

Gender: No idea--we'll find out on Feb 10. I do have nursery themes and names picked out for each sex!

Movement: Nope, not yet, but I'm excited for that to happen.

What I miss: Nothing really.

Sleep: Good, I usually wake up about 3 and a half hours after I fall asleep to pee and then another time before I wake up but I figure that isn't too bad.

Symptoms: My main symptom is my hyper sensitive gag reflex. If I cough I gag--it's disgusting!

Cravings: Tacos! I had my first craving this week and it was for tacos--I made the poor hubby get up at like 11:30 pm to take me to go get tacos he was a little unhappy to get up and go out when it was freezing but he loves me so we went!

Best Moment this week: Finally finding the baby's heartbeat on the doppler we bought. I love hearing the little bugger.

What I am looking forward to: The main thing I am looking forward to is finding out the baby's sex, I can't wait to find out if it is a little girl or a boy!

Here are the pictures of little Jelly Bean and her/his incubator for the next 9 months:

The Christmas Quiz

2011-12-12T16:11:00.002-05:00

The Christmas Quiz
Many thanks to the fabulous Cole for letting me borrow steal this quiz!

1. Eggnog or hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate no questions asked! Eggnog has raw eggs and that just majorily grosses me out. The only issue I have with hot chocolate is that since I didn't grow up drinking anything hot I have a hard time judging when it is too hot or just right and generally burn my mouth. I guess I'd change my answer to warm chocolate, lol.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
Santa wraps everything in our house and in the Hubby's house growing up Santa didn't wrap anything so we have had that talk lately since Santa will be coming around next year for the little jelly bean--guess what Santa is going to do....Santa is going to wrap everything. :)

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Colored in our house. Actually our tree we do orange and blue lights (Go Gators) and then multicolored elsewhere. I do love the look of white lights, they just look so classy but we tack it up with colored lights.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No but I need to find a pretend mistletoe after Christmas this year to hang up next year.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
I think decorations deserve to be put up the day after Thanksgiving. I did not do that this year, I still haven't decorated--I suck. No questions asked next year the decorations are going up right away!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
I don't have a favorite holiday dish...

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
Hm...we spent Christmas one year in Cocoa Beach and that was a lot of fun. Another favorite was when we spent a Christmas in Canada, I was really young but I remember skiing for the first time up there, I was so cold out there on the slopes so my Daddy bought me M&Ms and hot chocolate--I love my Daddy!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don't remember I was probably 10/11. But up until I moved out of the house there were always presents under the tree from the "Big Guy in the Red Suit."

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
We only open presents on Christmas Eve when we spend it with our family. If we do dinner at my Aunt's house we do presents from them and to them but that's it. Traditionally no.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
Fantastic ornaments. My hubby and I have gotten an ornament ever Christmas we've spent together and then we have odd and end ones from friends and family.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
Love it because the only time I see it is when I am vacationing. I think if I lived in a place that it snowed I'd hate it!

12. Can you ice skate?
Yep, I haven't been in a while but I usually love it!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I love all the gifts that I get. I can't think of a favorite though. I'm pretty sure I've gotten some fantastic dolls as a kid that I loved as well as some sports stuff. I think I got a Mia Hamm jersey one Christmas and that was pretty awesome!

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Getting to spend time with my family is probably my favorite thing about the holiday time. Phillip and I live 4 hours north of my parents and sister and it is so nice that we get to spend it together. This Christmas we are going to spend a week in the mountains and I am so excited about it!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
I love holiday cookies. I think that is the only real dessert I associate with holiday time.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
I love seeing houses decorated with Christmas lights. I need to find the neighborhood in our town that has the best lights, I have yet to find it. We used to have this thing called the festival of lights in South Florida which was amazing, you would drive through and look at all these incredible decorations.

17. What tops your tree?
A Gator, duh!

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving?
Giving, I usually do a good job Christmas shopping so I love when I give the gifts--this year I haven't done as great of a job so I'm not looking forward to it as much.

19. Candy canes: yuck or yum?
Yum, but I'm a purest--I like the traditional flavor the best.

20. Favorite Christmas show?
I love watching "Babes in Toyland," it is so old--made the year I was born but I loved watching it every year.

21. Saddest Christmas song?
The Christmas Shoes, easily the saddest Christmas song.

22. What’s your favorite Christmas song?
I love most of them! The hubby and I always listen for Trans-Siberian Orchestra and JAM out. Here is a fab video (do not watch if you are prone to seizures):

Christmas Love!

2011-12-05T15:32:00.002-05:00

I just got back from shopping for Christmas pressies! I did not do a good job planning for Christmas shopping this year, I usually got with lists and am so organized, this year...I just wandered aimlessly. I did get some shopping done.

I bought something for Phillip, for my Mommy, for my little sis and for Phillip's oldest sis. That's it. I really need to make a game plan and try again. I still have to buy for Phillip's Mom, his other sister, my Dad and I need a bit more for Phillip--oh and I need to do some stocking stuffing for him.

On another note, I still have not done any Christmas decorating, man I suck this year. I need to finish straightening up around the house and then get the Christmas stuff out of the attic. Hopefully we can get all the Christmas stuff up this weekend, I think that's a lovely goal (mind you it's been my goal for the last 2 weeks but you know, try and try again).

Lastly, once we get the Christmas decorations up, we need to do a Christmas picture of the hubby, myself and the two pups. I want to send a Christmas card out next week after my next OB appt where I get an ultrasound, wouldn't that be cute?!?!

December is here!

2011-12-01T08:38:00.006-05:00

I love December so much and I'm so happy it's here. December means:

Our anniversary:

The Nutcracker (which is my anniversary date from my wonderful hubby):

Heading up to North Carolina to see the family for a full week (this time there will be snow on the ground!):

and of course...Christmas (I probably should start shopping):

Happy December everyone!

8 Weeks, Nov 25!

2011-11-28T04:18:00.004-05:00

8 Weeks (November 25, 2011)
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 8 Weeks

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a raspberry (app says). This is what babycenter.com has to say about Gummy Bear's journey:

How your baby's growing:
New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean — is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained 5lbs, OMG! I need to slow the heck down, I think that weight gain is from me being vegetarian and starting to eat meat--yummy! My BFF who is preggo, about 11 weeks ahead of me told me to ignore this weight because most of it is bloating.

Maternity Clothes: Yep, hubby bought me jeans that I love love love! (Thanks honey.)

Gender: No idea--we'll find out on Valentine's Day!

Movement: Nope, not yet, but I'm excited for that to happen.

What I miss: Nothing really.

Sleep: Much better, but this time I've gone to the opposite end of the spectrum. Hubby made a joke about me hibernating.

Symptoms: I pee all the time, I've also been nauseated, I have to wake up in the middle of the night to have a snack and OMG do I get bloated--holy crap. Ok so all the same stuff as last week but add in there extreme and I mean EXTREME fatigue. I am so freaking tried it is unreal. No joke, yesterday I took a 6 hour nap!

Cravings: Nothing really, I am eating a bit more then usual though!

Best Moment this week: Seeing baby Jelly Bean on ultrasound, it was so cool!! The picture is just a little blob of something but seeing the heart beat was amazing!

What I am looking forward to: Going to the just between friends consignment sale with my friend Meghan next week. That should be fun, I went with her two years ago when she was preggo with Bree, it was cool and this year I get to actually buy stuff!

Here are the pictures of little Jelly Bean and her/his incubator for the next 9 months (Holy big belly, WTF?!?!):

Paparazzi

2011-11-28T04:03:00.003-05:00

Since I am mildly obsessed with taking pictures, this past MD appointment was just getting this little baby ready for his/her close up when they finally get here!

To be completely honest, before I was preggo people would always show me their ultrasound pictures and I thought oh that's great--I mean they never actually look like a baby early on and truthfully, my ultrasound is no different. Don't get me wrong, it was amazing to see the little baby's heart flicker on the video monitor but my MD printed us three pics or so and they are hanging on the fridge but it just looks like a little blob to me.

I know there are so many women out there that struggle with infertility and my heart truly goes out to them, but without getting any rude comments I am going to be a little honest for a bit (I mean it is my blog after all). I am scared shitless, I mean my/our life is going to completely change. Phillip and I had such a comfy little life where we get to do what we want when we want and that is going to change in 7 and a half month or so. We both go to the dog park every Saturday and Sunday morning with the dogs but on our way home yesterday morning it dawned on me that after the baby is here that isn't something we'll be able to do. Phillip said that one of us will go to the park and the other will stay home with the baby. **sigh** That is usually time we get to spend together. Another thing is Gator baseball, we had season tickets last year and will probably renew them again this year but for the 2013 season...we probably wont be able to get tickets because most of the games will start at the baby's bedtime. Another sigh.

I am well aware that people who cannot have children, probably want to shoot me for saying this but I just wanted to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I think having this baby will be absolutely incredible, but it will just be a change and for that will be an adjustment.

7 weeks, Nov 18!

2011-11-23T04:02:00.004-05:00

7 Weeks (November 18, 2011)
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 7 Weeks

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a blueberry. This is what babycenter.com has to say about Gummy Bear's journey:

How your baby's growing:
The big news this week: Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, your baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry.
If you could see inside your womb, you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. She also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained 5lbs, OMG! I need to slow the heck down, I think that weight gain is from me being vegetarian and starting to eat meat--yummy!

Maternity Clothes: Yep, hubby bought me jeans that I love love love! (Thanks honey.)

Gender: No idea, I had two different subconscious thoughts last night that it was a girl--we'll find out on Valentine's Day!

Movement: Nope, not yet, but I'm excited for that to happen.

What I miss: Nothing really.

Sleep: Much better, this past week I've still been flipped from work but I honestly haven't made an attempt to flip back.

Symptoms: I pee all the time, I've also been nauseated, I have to wake up in the middle of the night to have a snack and OMG do I get bloated--holy crap.

Cravings: Nothing really, I am eating a bit more then usual though!

Best Moment this week: My friend Meghan bought some wonderful stuff for baby Jelly bean and it is so cute--it gets me so excited!

What I am looking forward to: Going to the just between friends consignment sale with my friend Meghan next week. That should be fun, I went with her two years ago when she was preggo with Bree, it was cool and this year I get to actually buy stuff!

Here are the pictures of little Jelly Bean and her/his incubator for the next 9 months (Holy big belly, WTF?!?!):

Thanksgiving Thankful!

2011-11-23T03:51:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

This year I am working on Thanksgiving which is ok, because some kiddos are stuck in the hospital and at least I get to go home at the end of my shift. We are making a little feast at work and I am bringing in Apple Pie, Sweet Potato Casserole and lastly some Spinach Dip with Pumpernickel bread as a little starter. Yum-O! I'm super pumped about yummy food.

I think giving thanks all year round is super duper important, but remembering what this holiday is for is super important! I don't say it very often, but I am so blessed. I have an incredible husband who works hard every day to make my life as perfect as possible, I have a wonderful family--my parents and my little sister mean so much to me, we have a fantastic little gaggle of furkids who are just my babies, I adore them, of course I have some great friends who would go to the end of the Earth and back for me, which I would do the same for them, lastly, I have this little gummy bear growing in my belly--how freaking exciting is that?!?! I cannot believe that next Thanksgiving, which I am going to make sure I have off since I am working this Thanksgiving, we will be home in South Florida with my family and a little bitty baby. That is so freaking awesome!

I hope everyone has a fantastic time celebrating this wonderful holiday with your loved ones.

6 weeks, Nov 11!

2011-11-14T13:31:00.001-05:00

6 Weeks (November 11, 2011)
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 6 Weeks (Finally caught up on my weekly posts!)

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a (sweet) pea. This is what babycenter.com has to say about Baby Jelly Bean's journey:

How your baby's growing:
This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil (my iPhone app says pea).

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Next appt is Nov 22, we'll find out then (I hope not though).

Maternity Clothes: Yep, hubby bought me jeans that I love love love! (Thanks honey.)

Gender: No idea! Hubby had a dream last week that the baby was a boy, wouldn't that be great?!?!

Movement: Nope, not yet, but I'm excited for that to happen.

What I miss: Being able to take medicine I have an awful head cold and I can't take anything to make it better. :(

Sleep: Much better!

Symptoms: I pee all the time--that's about it.

Cravings: Nothing really, I am eating a bit more then usual though!

Best Moment this week: Telling my parents, they freaked! It was crazy but they ecovered quite nicely and we headed baby furniture shopping the next day. I have the best parents!

What I am looking forward to: my next appt on November 22 where I'll actually get to see the little bean!

Here are the pictures of little Jelly Bean and her/his incubator for the next 9 months (Holy big belly, WTF?!?!):

5 weeks, Nov 4!

2011-11-14T13:29:00.001-05:00

5 Weeks (November 4, 2011)
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 5 Weeks

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a sesame seed. This is what babycenter.com has to say about Baby Jelly Bean's journey:

How your baby's growing:
Deep in your uterus your embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he's about the size of a sesame seed, and he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He's now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his organs and tissues.
The neural tube — from which your baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.
His heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.
The third layer, or endoderm, will house his lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already on the job.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Nope, same weight as I was at my GYN appt back in August.

Maternity Clothes: Nope, just my normal clothing but they are definitely snug. We have plans to get some maternity jeans for me next week.

Gender: No idea! Hubby had a dream this week that the baby was a boy, wouldn't that be great?!?!

Movement: Nope, not yet, but I'm excited for that to happen.

What I miss: Nada.

Sleep: Much better!

Symptoms: I pee all the time, and my nipples are tender--that's about it.

Cravings: Nothing really, I am eating a bit more then usual though!

Best Moment this week: Hubby telling me he had a dream about the baby.

What I am looking forward to: telling my parents next week--I think they'll freak!

Here are the pictures of little Jelly Bean and her/his incubator for the next 9 months (I feel like I look like I'm getting bigger yet there is no real reason for that to be happening yet!):

4 weeks, Oct 28!

2011-11-12T12:58:00.000-05:00

4 Weeks (October 28, 2011)
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 4 Weeks

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a poppy seed. This is what babycenter.com has to say about Baby Jelly Bean's journey:

How your baby's growing:
This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when she'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with her development.
Right now your baby is an embryo the size of a poppy seed, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of her organs and body parts will develop.
The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of your uterus, creating spaces for your blood to flow so that the developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby when it starts to function at the end of this week.
Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house your baby; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion her as she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces your baby's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Not sure, I'm hoping nothing. I go to my first OB appt on 11/3, I'll have a reference range from my appointment because I went to the OB for my annual back in August.

Maternity Clothes: Nope, just my normal clothing--though I feel like they are a bit snug but I think it is just because I'm a little bloated.

Gender: No idea! Hubby and I are both thinking girl because we both come from families with lots of girls.

Movement: Nope, not yet, but I'm excited for that to happen.

What I miss: Sleeping.

Sleep: Pretty terrible. I don't know if it is because I'm excited or what but this lack of sleep thing is crap! I need to get a bit more sleep, this baby needs to grow.

Symptoms: I pee all the time...all the time, my lower back in a little sore, my abdomen is crampy and last and most surprising is how oily my hair is! It is ridiculous.

Cravings: Nothing really, I think I'm a bit more thirsty then usually but nothing yet.

Best Moment this week: Finding out that we are going to have a little baby in our home in 9 months! I still can't believe it!

What I am looking forward to: My OB appointment next week to confirm that we are going to be parents.

Here are the pictures of little Jelly Bean and her/his incubator for the next 9 months (I look so bloated!):

OMG...Surprise!

2011-11-10T21:49:00.000-05:00

Lookie what happened on Thursday 10/27:

Then I got my hubby a couple of presents to surprise him.

The piggy bank says:

"Let's start saving for Baby Jelly Bean's Uni of Florida tuition. Another N**** (our last name) Gator!"

The board book says:

"To my wonderful hubby, Start them young, raise them right! We've got a baby Gator on board--be prepared for the ride of your life. I love you, M."

Needless to say this was a HUGE surprise because we weren't going to even start trying until next summer, but I guess sometimes our plans are just suggestions.

Put a Lid on Costa Rica!

2011-10-31T16:33:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Sherry and John over at Young House Love, we decided to make a Costa Rica Jar just like their vacation jars that they explain in their Put A Lid On It blog post! We collected little knick knacks throughout our trip to include in our little memento jars.

We started by buying a dozen jars at Publix this afternoon, $10 for all 12--steal!

Here are all our goodies--first we started with a standard post card, we saw both a toucan and a family of these monkeys on one of our hikes.

Next we had our exit slips, you have to pay $26 per person to exit the country, we thought it was kind of funny.

Here are our two tickets that we got when we paid our entrance fee to Carara National Park. This hike was amazing, we paid a tour guide to show us the plants and animals and it was totally worth it. We were able to see a whole family of monkeys and one even had a baby on her back, we also saw a bunch of red macaws, a toucan, a sleepy sloth and loads of plants. The coolest part of this hike was that there was a huge storm while we were hiking and since the primary rain forest is so dense we could hear the thunder and rain all around but didn't get wet at all--so cool!

There Diet Coke is Coke Light--weird!

Our receipt from the toll booth.

Here is our Costa Rican money. The hubby also brought some home for his money book that his Dad started for him.

Final!

And up in it's new home. We will eventually change some shelving around in our home but this is where it'll hang out for now.

Living the Life!

2011-10-16T02:20:00.004-04:00

We are just loving life over in our house these days. My hubby and I just have a fantastic life, we both have jobs we love, we enjoy spending time together and we've got rocking fur babies. The newest addition is adorable, we've had her for 4 weeks at this point and couldn't be happier.

Roman is still adjusting, he gets grumpy off and on but that's just Nood for the time being. I truly feel that he is adjusting, slowly...very slowly but it is happening. They play together occasionally.

We headed out and about today, we started at the dog park a little before 8, then headed to get the puppy her vaccinations, then headed to the vet's office for some trifexis and then finally finished up at PetSmart to get both dog's nails trimmed. It was very busy, we finished up with all this by 11ish, so we were BUSY.

Here are some pics from the dog park this morning:

This is proof that they do interact together.

My absolute favorite all time pic of Riley thus far is a pic from today--I literally stuck my camera out the window to get it, definitely worth it!

Everything

2011-10-10T02:48:00.003-04:00

How cute is this? I found the tutorial on Pinterest of course and quickly through one together with the lyrics from the song we did our first dance as husband and wife. When it isn't three in the morning I'll do one a bit more creative but I do like this. :)

Luck of the Irish!

2011-10-04T17:52:00.004-04:00

Irish as in Erin Condren, truth be told, I don't even know if she is Irish but I am and I just got a brand new planner so lucky me! I ordered the planner on Sept 17 and (not so) patiently awaited the arrival of my new bff on October 1. My friend over at Little Woman, Little Home displayed her beautiful planner last month and I just had to have one! There were so many different planners to choose from, I ended up picking a design that I liked and customized it in my wedding colors, and I love seeing these colors in my life again. :)

Here are some pictures from my unwrapping my beautiful new pressie.

Oh I will "enjoy!"

I blurred my last name out for a little privacy sake.

I used the coupon code Welcome10 and got $10 off this beauty.

Needless to say, I'm in love with it and couldn't be happier that I went from electronic (on my iPhone) back to old school paper. I just feel like I am better able to keep track of my life and I love it.

Fall is here!

2011-10-02T23:08:00.004-04:00

I am so so excited that fall is here. Right now it is mid 50s in Florida and I'm loving it. Tomorrow my plans are to clean house and maybe swing by Michael's or Joanns and pick out a few little fall decor items. I love looking at all the fall decoration options and planning, with that in mind, I've been hanging on Pinterest (not so surprised eh?).

Here are some of my favs for Fall decor:

Don't you love it? Ack, I'm so excited. I don't think I'd be nearly as excited about Fall if we lived up north and I had to worry about snow coming but lucky for us--that's not the case. :D

That's all I've got for you.

Enjoy the beautiful weather.

Vroom vroom!!

2011-09-25T22:30:00.007-04:00

We are getting back into shape, come hell or high water!

We are running this bad ass half marathon in 4 and a half months:

I am registered as is the Hubby and my Mom is registering also. Today the Hubby and I headed out to the new running store in Gainesville called Fit to Run about spend $291 getting some new running gear for ourselves. We both bought new sneakers and a pair of Thorlos (these are without question the most amazing running socks out there).

Phillip has a terribly hard time finding good fitting sneakers because his feet are too wide so we kind of had the man find some that fit him best. Phillip ended up with a pair of New Balance (which we knew he would) 1260s. They cost us a little bit of money at $145 but it'll be worth it if training goes well!

I on the other hand got a much wider choice of shoes. I decided that since I ran in Mizuno's for my last half marathon that it would be good idea to stick with what works. I got this bad ass pair. The color is really wacky but for some reason I L*O*V*E* them! Mine were a little cheaper than Phillip's at $100.

That's my little update for today. ;)

Riley's New Life

2011-09-20T09:47:00.009-04:00

I obviously plan on doing a scrapbook for Ms. Riley but I'm not planning on doing it now. I need to keep a running post of Riley's life, so when I decide to actually do her book I'll remember everything.

Visit #1:
September 6, 2011

Roman Noodle and I drove all the way down to Ocala to just meet Ms. Riley. Roman and Riley played well together and I made the executive decision (since the hubby couldn't come down that day) that she would fit into our home.

Visit #2:
September 15, 2011

Phillip, Roman and I drove down to Ocala to pick up Riley. She was supposed to be spayed on Sept 14 and then we were picking her up on the 15, well we get down there and it turns out that they took the wrong "Ginger" to be spayed on Sept 14. Needless to say, we were super bummed. They wouldn't let us take her home. They told her us that she would be spayed on Sept 16 and they would drive her up to meet us on Sept 16. We decided since we drove all the way down there we would at least have a play date with this sweet girl. Here are some pics from that visit:

Gotcha Day
September 17, 2011

I know this is a shocker, but they took her into the OR too late on Friday that we couldn't pick her up until Saturday. (Whatev at this point--not really, I was pissed but I couldn't do anything about it.) Anyways, it is now Saturday morning, we pulled out of our driveway at 7:30 to drive back down to Ocala, yet again, this time to pick our girl up and FINALLY bring her home. Here are some pictures from our Gotcha Day.

Here is our sweet girl saying goodbye to the shelter. Dueces!

So stinking cute!

She finally settled down on our way home and just laid down and relaxed.

First walk with her Papa.

September 19, 2011

We had our first vet visit today. She did really well and everyone there loved her, but more importantly than her first vet visit--she stuck her head out the car window for the first time. ;) This may seem very silly but on our drive home from the shelter she was too scared of the wind to ride like a normal dog (head out the window) so I was pretty stoked when she finally did it.

Anyways, that is the run down on what has been going on with this little girl. She is absolutely adorable--she is fooling us into thinking she is potty trained already (?), we have been working on some commands with her such as sit, down and paw, she's just pretty much a badass like that. I <3 it. Roman is pretty grumpy, he is not feeling this puppy thing, I am hoping her is going to get over it sooner rather than later because it makes me sad that he is sad. :( The cats also are not feeling this whole puppy thing, the could do without her. Two of the cats are acting fine, Gibby and Moses. Gibby whaps her when needed and Moses does the same. I don't usually sit too far from the H2O spray bottle just incase I need it. Ok, well that's all I've got for you. I'll leave you with a picture to show you how much Riley is NOT spoiled, lol.

Lookie, Lookie!

2011-09-07T11:40:00.003-04:00

We will be welcoming this little girl to our family!

This is Ginger, she is an almost 15 week old boxer girl. I found her on PetFinder. She is located at the Marion County Humane Society and I went down there yesterday to meet with this little girl and to have Roman Noodle meet with her. We decided after our meet and greet that this little girl would be a great fit for our family.

She has to stay at the shelter for another week to get spayed and then we get to bring her home. Hubby and I went to PetSmart yesterday and spent a small fortune on buying new collars, harnesses, crate, crate bed, puppy food, puppy toys, etc. We have her new little home all set up, we can't wait to get this little girl home.

This sweet girl will be coming home with a brand new name, she is going to be Riley in our home. We cannot wait to get her home. Here are a couple of (crappy) pictures (I forgot my camera so this is all off my cell) of this sweet girl from our meet and greet yesterday, enjoy!

We're back!

2011-09-04T17:10:00.007-04:00

Costa Rica was amazing!! We are back and although we had the most wonderful time we are so happy to be back home. I have a billion pictures (well maybe not quite) but a whole lot and I'll separate them so your computer doesn't stage a coup and shut done on you. ;) We did some amazing things on vacay, we hiked in the rain forest (literally), zip lined way high above Earth and went canoying down waterfalls (true story). Here are some shots from our Zip lining adventure--enjoy!

We booked a zip lining adventure in the Quepos area of Costa Rica, it was about an hour drive from our hotel in Los Suenos. We were so excited to do this, well I was, the hubby embodied the fake it until you make attitude and ended up loving it too. I booked the trip from the US about a week before we left, it was one of the adventures we knew we needed to do and we are so thankful we did it. The company we used was Canopy Safari and we would use them again if we went back, no questions asked there.

Ok, so without further ado--enjoy some pics of our amazing zip lining adventure!

Here we are all decked out in our sexy sexy equipment!

This is our first zip line, wasn't too far and it was a great start!

Here is the scariest part of the trip, we did what was called a Tarzan swing, where we literally swung between two platforms a billion feet up from the rain forests floor. (So side tip, tricky me, knew that this was on our adventure and I conveniently forgot to tell the hubby because I knew he'd say no go on this adventure--we're both happy now I didn't tell him!)

Here is our holy f*** what are we doing look.

Then we rappelled down two different platforms--so awesome!

Can I tell you just how much I love this picture of my husband--he just looks so handsome!

Another few ziplines--so much fun!

Anyways, that was our zip lining adventure and it was beyond what we expected! We loved it!

Rest in peace my sweet angel

2011-08-19T20:46:00.006-04:00

Today is a sad day, my sweet Super Sadie went to the Rainbow Bridge today and she has been gone for less than 3 hours and I desperately miss her.

I am going to fill you all in the best I can on my angel girl.

I adopted Super Sadie in Aug 2005. I moved to Gainesville and then the first Saturday I was in this new town I headed to PetSmart to pick up some stuff for my kitties and there she was. Super was sitting in a crate up for adoption. I against my better judgement asked to see her, took her for a walk and fell in love with her. I was so young--just 19 and knew that adopting her was a bad idea at the time but I did it anyways.

That day Super moved into both my home and my heart.

We had good and bad days over the last 6 years together but what it came down to was that she loved me unconditionally when I literally had no one. I had no friends, no family in town, nothing for a period of time, nothing except her. Her loyalty was something incredible.

Over the last month her body just got weaker, we tried medications and she did better for a couple of weeks but it was just a temporary fix. It was Wednesday night that I realized she was not happy, she had lived her life and she was just waiting until I was ready to say my goodbyes.

Today she kissed me with her big tongue one last time while I sat on the floor with her at the vets office. She left this world for the Rainbow Bridge with her big beautiful head on my lap--gosh I'll miss that wonderful girl.

Tail Wagging Tuesdays!

2011-08-16T12:43:00.002-04:00

Yay, C Mae is back doing Tail Wagging Tuesdays and I'm pretty stoked about it. I love an excuse to brag about my fur babies.

This week is an easy one, it is just pics of our furbaby. It is too hard for me to post about everyone in these posts so this week I am just going to do Mr. Roman Noodle--he is such a sweet boy.

Join in on the fun and link up!

I Love Pinterest 2!

2011-08-11T10:40:00.000-04:00

I am obsessed with Pinterest. I spend a ton of time daily on this site, I also have the iphone app so I can pin on the go! Here are just some of the pins I've pulled off my DIY board!

How cute will these be at Christmas time? I might make some for the kiddos at the hospital! They'd love this!

My bestie Keri just started another school year on Monday, I might need to make one of these for her classroom. Such a cute idea!

I am going to wait to do this until I have maps from places my fabulous hubby and I have traveled together--in 3 weeks we can make the first map Costa Rica (so excited!).

What a sweet little thing to post up by my door so I can leave the hubs a love note on my way out the door. :)

I might dig around until I find one of my favorite romance novels (The Notebook, The Wedding, Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas) on sale second hand to make this!

I'm thinking about making some of the coasters for Christmas gifts, I'll use really pretty coordinating scrapbook paper. Easy, inexpensive and thoughtful!

I just love love love Pinterest!

General Blogger?

2011-08-07T17:16:00.011-04:00

I'm a little late in this one but I thought I'd link up!

I'm just a general blogger, nothing too exciting but I will post a reintro to whoever pops over here from the Fabulous but Evil blog!

I'm Meg, I am 25 years old, wife to a wonderful hubby, Mommy to a gaggle of furbabies, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a pediatric oncology nurse. Being all of the previous listed makes me who I am. I spend a lot of time at the hospital with the kiddos, more time sleeping and as much time as possible at home with my hubby and furbabies!

That is my hubby, he works for the University of Florida at Shands Hospital (which is the same hospital I work at) working on a research project for the department of surgery. He is a die hard Florida Gator fan, football season is almost here and if I thought he spent a lot of time in his man cave before this--I will be sourly disappointed come 3 weeks (it's all good, there are two recliners in that room). This man is my heart, he does everything for me, seriously treats me like a princess (I probably take that for granted most of the time).

This is us! We've been married almost 8 months and together almost 5 years. You can see pics from our beautiful beach wedding here!

Those are our two dogs, Super Sadie (the Saint Bernard) and Roman Noodle (the chihuahua). Super will be 11 in October and Roman will be 6 in December. They get along wonderfully and are so silly together. We love having two opposite ends of the spectrum with them and couldn't imagine it any other way!

That's Moses--he was my first pet. In October he will be 6. He is so fat and a bit of a bully but without question he is a Mama's boy first and foremost!

Here is Maximus, he was number 2 kitty addition to our family. He turned 5 in March. He is such a sweetie and a scardy cat, he loves his kitty siblings more than humans and that is ok with me.

Number 3 is Kiwi. Kiwi turned 5 in April. We say that she is Phillip's cat even though I got her before we even met. She adores her Papa, has no grace and likes to mess with her brothers. She can always make us laugh!

These are numbers 4 & 5, they are the twins--Gibbly and Revol. They turned 10 this past march. They are adorable and identical. They love one another and love to snuggle with their Mommy something I am clearly ok with. :)

That's all I've got for you guys. I spend my time blogging about random happenings in my life--I haven't been blogging too much lately that's because there really has not been anything going on. I hope you all enjoyed getting to know about me and my family and I can't wait to do the same with you all.

It's you, it's you, you make me sing.

2011-08-01T11:23:00.012-04:00

I know I am not one have a mushy blog--that's just not me, but heads up, this is a mushy post.

For whatever reason I am feeling compelled to write about what a fantastic husband I have and a how truly blessed I am. This man wakes up everyday and thinks to himself what can he do to make my day better--that is just incredible. He is so selfless and I do not know what I did to deserve such a wonderful individual, because I can honestly say that I am not nearly as selfless as he is. I just honestly feel I am so blessed to wake up next to this incredible man day in and day out, he is my everything.

1 Month!

2011-07-26T17:01:00.005-04:00

I am so excited, we will be in Costa Rica a month from today. We are so pumped and keep looking at things to do while we are there...hanging bridges, zip lining, kayaking, beach, volcanos, waterfalls--it is going to be incredible. As far as what's going on at home right now, SSDD so they say. I just wanted to post a post saying I'm alive and posting some pics of what we are looking forward to. CR here we come!

30 Posts on Truth--Post 6

2011-07-17T22:10:00.001-04:00

Let's get to know one another. Here is the reference for this project, it also lists all the future posts!

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

This is an easy one, I hope to never bury my spouse. I've seen too many marriages broken up by an untimely and early death of a husband or wife. It is terrible if you are young and newly married and I feel it is equally tragic when you've been married for 65 years. I've seen both in my line of work and they are just so heartbreaking. I think it got 100 x's worse for me after marrying my wonderful hubby.

You spend your life searching for your person, your soul mate and you find it--I feel like we should all die at 100 holding the hand of our spouse. Wouldn't that be picture perfect? (Go figure, it was in the movie The Notebook.)

Your up...link up:

I Love Pinterest!

2011-07-07T17:16:00.000-04:00

I am definitely hooked on Pinterest. I love it so much and can spend hours and hours on the site just putzing. Here are some pins off my quote board.

A change...again!

2011-07-04T11:15:00.002-04:00

You must all think I am nuts for changing our plans over and over again. Hell, I think I am a bit nuts but that's ok.

So last I posted we were planning on getting preggo in the next few months and I was stoked--well...my parents came into town and we all talked about it and our plans have changed. Phillip had originally said that he would wait a few years if it were up to him but if having a baby would make me happy then he was on board with that. With that being said, I thought about it and I didn't want him to resent me for making the decision to have the baby, which he promised he wouldn't. But it got me thinking that his Dad died before he got to retire, his Mom and Dad didn't get to do half the things they had planned together, wouldn't that suck? Well we are going to fix that, we are going to wait two/three years and spend it together just as hubby and wife.

I had a really tough time making the decision but then on Saturday morning, my alarm went off to head to work, I hit snoozed and snuggled up with my hubby for another 20 minutes. It dawned on me while I was doing this that if we had a little baby I couldn't do this. I would need to get up and feed the baby before work, we just wouldn't have this time for just the two of us anymore that made me sad. It did help me make that decision though. We've decided to do some traveling while we're waiting. Here are our game plans:

2011--Costa Rica in August/September then Savannah in October, and a surprise in December.
2012--Washington DC in April, Omaha in June, Italy/Greece in September.
2013--Still working on trip plans for then.

So there you have it guys, our plans have changed....again. Who knows, maybe they'll change again, these are tough decisions. :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful forth of July, I'll leave you with some pics from a few years ago:

BMTU

2011-06-30T16:34:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I spent the day on the bone marrow transplant unit learning about exactly what the unit does which is bone marrow transplants. Our unit does bone marrow transplants on all pediatric patients that need them, but they aren't done nearly as often as they are in adults. Our next pediatric transplant is happening on July 18 on a sickler patient (a child with sickle cell anemia). The reason I went to the adult unit is so that by the time I am off orientation I will have been able to do a transplant. Well I did exactly what I went for, I did a transplant yesterday. I did what is called an autologous transplant (which means the cells I transfused into the patient are they patients own cells which have been preserved). The only weird thing was the smell of the DMSO (this is the preservative used to preserve the cells while they are frozen), it smells like a weird garlic--yuck!

Other than that, my parents are coming into town tonight--I am so excited to see them. They are staying in town overnight and we will go golfing tomorrow (that is a usual outing when it is the four of us--Phillip, myself and both my parents). Want to see something fabulous? Here it is:

I think my patients will love it!

I hope everyone has a safe and fun July 4th weekend, I'll actually be working Saturday and Sunday. Remember what this holiday is about. Thanks to all the troops and family members of the troops out there. We appreciate all that you do!

Update

2011-06-27T13:47:00.002-04:00

I really don't have much going on, hence why I haven't been posting too much. I don't want to just talk about nothing, but that is exactly what I am going to do right now. I am sitting in my wonderfully comfortable bed, listening to Blake Sheldon preform on The Voice, snuggled up with the kitties and Roman with the sky's turning a very ominous gray outside--I <3 days like this, they are my favorite!

On the job front, work has been incredible. All the kiddos I take care of are adorable and I love work. My preceptor is named Kelly and she is so sweet. I get a major bonus with her because she is studying for the CPON (which stands for Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse) exam so she knows everything--all the little side effects of all medications and such. It is great. I hung some chemo last week and it was great, I felt comfortable doing it. I wish I had more information memorized but I'll get there, I know I will. I am still picking up one shift a week at North Florida to pay for our Costa Rica trip and it is nice keeping up with all the peeps there and it is also nice keeping my adult skills up.

The hubs and I have been pretty low key, nothing too exciting going on around here. He has been coaching 6 year old baseball with our friend Bill, it is for Cooper's team--unfortunately the weather in Florida in the summer isn't really conducive to outdoor sports so things keep getting rained out (my guess is today's game will be as well). I just love seeing him out there with all the kids, it reminds me of what an incredible Dad he is going to be (our future Jelly Bean will be so lucky!). He has been a working out machine and has lost 30 lbs since our wedding. I am so proud of him, he is so dedicated to this getting healthy, healthy and healthier!

That's really all I've got going on over here. Nothing going on for baby news (we are stuck using the dreaded condoms until Nov/Dec, boo hiss!). I'll definitely keep you all up on that and thanks for all your sweet comments about my previous posts. :)

30 Posts on Truth--Post 5

2011-06-20T13:38:00.001-04:00

Let's get to know one another. Here is the reference for this project, it also lists all the future posts!

Post 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

This is an easy one. I hope to one day be blessed enough to become a mother. I think I was born to be a Mommy and I will consider myself so fortunate when that happens eventually. I always get so sad for those women who try for years and years to have a baby and it never happens--I couldn't imagine how that would make me feel and I pray I never have to know.

That is the main "something" I hope to do in my life. :)

Your turn, I'd love to know yours. Link up:

New Plans--Yay!!

2011-06-12T03:29:00.005-04:00

Happy Monthiversary to us! We went to an incredible dinner at O Sole Mio which was rocking Italian food! I love you honey. :)

Ok, on to the exciting news! We talked about a change in our baby schedule that has me pretty freaking stoked. Remember back in the day (as in April) we set up a plan to start trying to expand our little family at our two year anniversary? Well today we were at our friends Meghan and Graham's new house helping them move in (another verbage for me playing with the beautiful 11 month old) and Meghan was talking about how they are planning on getting preggo again next January. Well she and I were both saying would it be awesome to be preggo together (not to mention Keri and Alex are trying to get preggo now and we have ALWAYS talked about getting preggo together) well Phillip was all "no, no, no..." until, he got to thinking. The main worry in his world is finances (which I truly think is most of our worries) and he said that if we are able to save $3500 by January then he is on board--I about went through the roof with excitement (clearly so excited I'm not sleeping and I have to be at work in um...3 hours)!!

Well needless to say I got super pumped, but as I was getting ready for dinner (which was excellent by the way!) I started to worry about maybe having badgered him into it, because as much as I wanted to get my way, I don't want to do it at the expense of his opinions, thoughts, emotions, etc. I headed down to the man cave to check with him. I asked him straight up if he felt like he was being back into a corner and he said if it were up to only him ideally he would wait, but since he knows it will make me happy--if we are able to get this one stipulation (having some savings) taken care of then he is on board. I <3 my hubby. :)

30 Posts on Truth--Post 4

2011-06-08T21:54:00.001-04:00

Let's get to know one another. Here is the reference for this project, it also lists all the future posts!

Post 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

I forgive my middle school boyfriend for spreading a nasty rumor about us to well everyone! Needless to say this got spread around the school and I was teased pretty relentlessly for months during my 8th grade year. Then it was the worst fucking thing that ever happened to me, now well it still sucks and remembering it still hurts but whatever. He was young and stupid and well a little mean but I can't hold that against him forever. I'll spear you the details of the rumor because that would just be opening the wound again and I'd like to avoid that. But with that all being said--Adam I forgive you for being mean and making some of 8th grade absolute hell for me. :)

Your turn, link up:

30 Posts on Truth--Post 3

2011-06-05T10:36:00.001-04:00

Let's get to know one another. Here is the reference for this project, it also lists all the future posts!

Post 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

This is a hard topic to write on, forgive myself for something...I've been thinking about what to write on this topic for days and honestly I'm still not 100% sure what to write about.

I think the biggest thing I regret is wanting to grow up so quickly--I almost feel like I wished away some of my childhood/teen years. That is something I've been thinking about lately and been mad at myself for. I need to forgive myself for that because I was young and silly and didn't know any better. Clearly, knowing what I know now which is that life is short, I would have enjoyed my childhood and teen years. With that being said, I forgive myself for wishing I was older all those years.

That's the best I've got guys--now it's your turn if you wish.

Link up!

Beautiful Girl

2011-05-30T15:12:00.002-04:00

My little sister loves her dog to pieces and I knew she wanted pics of the two of them together, so yesterday I was a meanie and made her get dressed and get on the ground. As grumpy as she was during the process--she was happy with the outcome (and so am I).

Here are some pictures of my beautiful little sister and her two year old mutt, Lily:

Hands

2011-05-27T23:43:00.001-04:00

30 Posts of Truth--Post 02

2011-05-26T07:16:00.000-04:00

Let's get to know one another. Here is the reference for this project, it also lists all the future posts!

Post 02 → Something you love about yourself.

I am so happy that this is a fun fabulous post! After writing this post we should all feel good about ourselves.

I love, love, LOVE...

...my green eyes, freckles, freckles in my green eyes and kinky, curly hair. These are things that I used to not like, it makes me different from everyone and growing up all we ever want to do is fit in, well I didn't. All my girlfriends had straight hair, brown eyes and beautiful tan skin and well, I didn't! I was once told growing up by a sweet old man that I had the map of Ireland written on my face. I <3 it now.

...my love for animals. I adore all my furbabies with all my heart, hell they are my heart outside my body (especially the Nood). I care for all animals and I feel a special connection to animals--deeper than most people I know.

"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated."
-Mahatma Ghandi

...that I'm a nurse and have found my calling in life. I've written a post on it before and there isn't more I can say on the subject other than I feel blessed to be a nurse.

Your turn, link up!

30 Posts of Truth--Post 01

2011-05-24T08:02:00.001-04:00

Let's get to know one another. Here is the reference for this project, it also lists all the future posts!

Post 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

I'm kind of bummed that this starts with something negative but I'm sure it'll set this whole project up for something wonderful.

Something I hate about myself:

...how I am never comfortable in my own skin. I always feel like something could be better. Either I could be skinnier or prettier, etc. I hate that I am never confident with myself.

...how soft my heart is for animals--I know this may seem really silly but if I see an animal out in the wild I feel compelled to help it, even if I can't do anything. I feel like I need to wait to make sure whatever animal is crossing the street makes it to the other side. This is something the hubby and I had beef with while we were dating because he never understood why I just couldn't let nature be nature. I guess it's not my nature, lol.

...how I come off to people, some people think I am a bitch just because my opinion is loud or my personality seems harsh--truth is, I'm not. I am trying very hard to soften my initial personality to people.

...how I come off to everyone as athletic and fit but only I (and now you all) know that it takes a lot for me to get into shape, and honestly, it isn't something I always want to do!

Now your turn--link up!

Goodwill what, what?!?!

2011-05-23T14:28:00.001-04:00

Let me tell you, as a kid I never shopped at Goodwill, it was a place my mom never went so in turn we never went. I honestly think I would have stomped my feet and threw a temper tantrum if my mother ever even hinted that I should head to Goodwill for clothing--ugh, me?!? Not, I am way too much of a spoil brat to shop second hand.

Well holy guacamole, since the monies are coming out of my pocket nowadays (apparently, I became an adult at some point--totally not everything it was cracked up to be), I'm going to be a bit wiser about where I drop my dimes.

I went to Goodwill twice this week, once to one of my side of town and once on the other side of town. I figure I'd swing by them both and try to get a bit more for my summer wardrobe. I was looking mainly for dresses and skirts--as you are about to see I think I did pretty well for myself.

Skirts:

{Cute little brown flowy number from the Gap!}

{Little sweet kacki flowy number, this should wear nicely in the Florida heat.}

Shorts:

{I think this pair of shorts will be perfect for Costa Rica in 3 short months!}

{Love Ann Taylor and I think this is just a nice pair of shorts--I will most likely be wearing it without the cloth belt.}

Shirts:

{Just an easy little Cami, bright pink--I love it!}

{This is such a sweet fluttery top, I love it. It looks great on especially with the pink cami from above.}

Dresses:

{I think this dress is just a little country, which is ok since I live in the most country place I've ever lived--the only delemia I have is finding shoes to wear (any suggestions?}}

{I can never say no to another little Gator number, we wear orange and blue in this town regardless of where we are headed--these two colors are always appropriate together.}

{Costa Rica, woo-hoo!}

{Tommy Bahama, are you kidding me, at the Goodwill? Perfect condition, I can't wait to wear it.}

{Love this dress, of course it is Gator blue which never hurts. :)}

{Not sure where I'll wear this one, nothing too special, but I thought it would be cute on a little date night with the hubs.}

{Love this dress on, I feel like it makes me look a bit taller--maybe it's the diagonal stripes?!?}

{This is another sweet flowy dress. I can dress this up with my cute wedges from Atlanta or dress it down with flip flops--we'll see!}

Scrub Top:

{This one is for the kiddies since in 2 weeks I start in pediatrics! I think this is cute and happy.}

If you lasted through this whole post I'm proud of you! :) Thanks for sticking through it.

30 Posts of Truth

2011-05-22T14:44:00.008-04:00

This was originally dubbed 30 days of truth, but I need to be honest and we know I'm not going to post these posts in 30 consecutive days so I'm just doing 30 posts on truth. I thought this was an interesting series to do because it really will allow us all to get to know one another. My goal is going to get two posts up a week, maybe more if I'm feeling crazy. I'll also post up a linky so everyone can join. I hope you do!

Here is the list of posts that are going to go up (you can get a head start on writing them if you want to participate--please do!):

Post 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Post 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Post 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Post 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Post 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Post 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Post 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Post 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Post 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Post 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Post 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Post 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Post 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Post 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Post 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Post 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Post 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Post 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Post 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Post 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Post 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Post 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Post 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Post 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Post 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Post 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Post 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Post 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Post 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Post 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

OMG this never got posted!

2011-05-21T22:50:00.000-04:00

Holy bananas, I wrote this post back on April 10 and it never got published! Well enjoy it now! :)

Who doesn't love new shoes? I know we all do!

Well in Atlanta, Keri and I went to DSW. While there we were just looking for whatever caught our eyes and I found these beauties. I know they are quite simple, but I love them. They are perfect for either skirts or jeans, love them! Not to mention, I got to spend all day on Saturday breaking them in at IKEA--I broke them in and didn't leave with any battle scars, woot-woot! I love Nine West!

Here is the break down:
Original price: $80
Marked down: $60
Then 30% off: $42
Coupon 1, $10 off: $32
Coupon 2, $5 off: $27

Final price of these beautiful Nine West wedges $27!

Yay for sales, coupons, mark downs, etc. I <3 shopping!

Fab Friday!

2011-05-20T20:37:00.005-04:00

It's that time again. I love linking up with little Ms. Laura over at Between the Lines. Join up.

{Thrift stores, I have been having so much fun there lately. I went to day and a couple of days ago to add to my summer wardrobe. I have purchased 7 dresses, 2 skirts and a few shirts. I am going to put up a whole post on all my goods but I'll leave you wanting more with this. :)}

{Florida Gator baseball, this is our last regular season series. Tomorrow is the last game, I'm excited about it. I didn't go this evening--I was too sleepy, lame I know, but it's the truth.}

{Books, I know I post this one often--but I love my books. I picked up a new one yesterday at Barnes and Nobel. I have been carrying a clip out from a magazine that reviewed this book for the last few months. I will definitely post a review up when I finish it.}

{Scrapbooking, I am an on again, off again scrapbooker. I love it though! I printed 93 pictures at the local CVS today and I am bringing a bunch of my supplies home (I'll fill you all in on those plans later) next week and plan to use them during my down time. If I get all the 93 pictures scrapbooked, I will have all of 2010 scrapbooked as well as 2011 up to this point.}

{My wonderful furbabies as always. I took poor little Kiwi to the vet a week ago because she was scabby and itchy, well she gets car sick and starts foaming at the mouth before she generally pukes everywhere (which she did). Here is a pic of my poor foaming kitty at both in the car (I was hoping if she could see out the window then she wouldn't puke--WRONG) and at the vet's office, lol.}

{Lastly as always to close my fab Friday post is my lovely hubby. This poor man will be on his own for 10 days while I am home with my family. Today I got the cooking done (Thank God). I made 2.5 lbs of chili, 6 chicken enchiladas and meat for 4 chipotle turkey burgers. That should keep him comfortable for a while. Here is a pic I had to pick out for the cover of our wedding album, I love that each time I look through all the images I find a new one to love--our photographer was phenomenal!}

So What Wednesday!

2011-05-18T15:28:00.003-04:00

I participating in So What Wednesday over at Life After I "Dew"...join in!

So what if I have nothing to blog about, so I am blogging a so what post.

So what if a couple of the girls called me into work today for a little lunch and cake and I made sure to dress a little bit. I'm not loving my body right now, so a getting a little dressed up and putting on some makeup helps me feel a bit better.

So what if I am laying in bed blogging and putzing on the computer instead of cleaning up my project that is still half done from yesterday. I cleaned out the hall closet and the laundry room so a bunch of junk is lining the hall way and I'm in no rush to clean it up...so what!

So what if I picked up a couple of cute outfits at the local Goodwill today and I still have to clean out my closet. I promise I'll get it done, hopefully sooner rather than later.

So what if we have no food in the house, we'll eventually get some. I have to stock up for the hubby since I am going down south to see my parents in less than a week. I'm making him a double batch of chili, a batch of chicken enchiladas and a batch of lasagna. Hopefully that'll carry him.

So what if I feel like a bad wife lately. I haven't been cooking dinner or packing my hubby lunch, I haven't been cleaning much. I've been a pretty lame wife lately, so what. Hopefully I'll be better soon.

Have a good Wednesday everyone.

Little of this and a little of that!

2011-05-11T22:11:00.000-04:00

Today is our 5th monthiversary, yay for us. We went and enjoyed dinner at another new restaurant in town, today we went to Limerock Road. It was a cool little bar/restaurant. Of course we took some pictures as usual. Here they are, we also had Nood with us tonight because I was headed to the boys house to babysit for a few nights after dinner. (Don't mind my rocking outfit, I came straight from work.)

We've also chosen a color for our bedroom (FINALLY!) It is a pretty green called Valley Mist, I can't wait until it is actually up on the wall. I painted the ceilings white last weekend so we are one more step in the right direction. Just keep swimming! :)

I'll just close with a little pic of the Noodle, we had just arrived at the dog park and this look is saying “Mommy, let me out of the car—all I want to do is play at the dog park, PRETTY PLEASE!”

I also played catch up on my daily pictures, here is the link to my Tumblr page.

A Calling

2011-05-09T10:25:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure I've every really thought of having a calling before now. I was at work yesterday and had 7 patients and RN duties on another 2 patients--there were only 6 nurse on our entire floor (because 2 people called in...flakes!) but all that aside, I felt like this is what I'm supposed to be doing. I just reorganized my normal schedule and worked in a few more patients and took care of all my responsibilities.

I'm a nurse, it's in my blood.

I truly feel blessed to have found my calling. I feel like people go through their entire life never knowing what they are supposed to be doing.

The only other calling I feel like I have in life is being a wife and a mother. I love my hubby more than anything, and I love him even more when he says to me yesterday, "Just think honey, you'll get to celebrate Mother's day in 3 years with a baby in your arms." By him saying these things makes me think that he too is excited about starting a family. I love that he thinks about this stuff!

I feel like once I am a Mom I will have met my callings in life and I cannot wait!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday.

Rio

2011-05-04T22:50:00.004-04:00

I went on a date to see Rio today. I loved it! It was so freaking cute! If you haven't seen it, run, don't walk to the nearest theater. :)

I got up this morning and I had a text message from Shelley (the mom of the family I nannied for before I was a nurse), it said that Jackson got hurt this morning and she finally got him calmed down and he excitedly said that he couldn't wait for me to pick him up today from school. She calmly said that she it wasn't today that I would be picking him up it would be next week (Shelley and her hubby will be in Costa Rica so I am watching the boys), well apparently he freaked ran to get the house phone and demanded that she call me at 6 AM this morning. Well lucky for me, she didn't call me, I just had this text when I woke up.

Clearly I couldn't let this little boy be so unhappy about his lack of Meg time, so I obliged the small child and picked him up from school today--he was my date to Rio. We both loved it. How freaking cute is he? I <3 him and I cannot wait to stay overnight with them from next Wednesday-Saturday!

I hope you all had a wonderful "hump" day.

Bling All Around!

2011-05-02T20:39:00.006-04:00

A little bling here, a little bling there--here a bling, there a bling, everywhere a bling bling!!

We all got a bit of bling. Here is my beautiful Shine necklace from Ms. Ashley at The Shine Project!

I love it, I wore it proudly for the first time today and I'm excited about wearing it for the first time in the hospital tomorrow.

We also received in the mail today our new ID tags for the pooches.

Roman's tag:

Super's tag:

Lastly we also received today our Mother day presents for our Mamas.

Here is the one for my Mama:

Here is the one for Phillip's Mama (the pic quality is better than the one I took of my mom's gift):

We ordered all four of these beauties from the wonderful Angela over at AoDesigns who worked within my cramped time frame. I think she did a wonderful job.

Celebrating

2011-04-27T21:04:00.002-04:00

Today I feel compelled to write about celebrating. I think celebrating is important, that is both the small and large things in life. Celebrating means living and being thankful for the daily accomplishments in your life. There are so many things to celebrate--the small things, such as today being hump day, the week is more than half over or the big things like birthdays and anniversaries.

These thoughts are stemming from work. I know I've talked before about my job and how it is constantly shaping my views on life, I know that I get too emotional attached to my patients and you know what? That's ok with me, I may get too close to them but I feel like I am better able to care for people when I'm too close. My past two teams all but one of my patients have been younger than my parents, all diagnosed with cancer. Boo hiss to the "C" word.

Anyways, back to my little celebrating tangent. Talking with my patients, I have never heard any of them say "damn, I wish I didn't celebrate more." I really don't know much more to say other than I think we need to celebrate life.

Tim McGraw sang it right in his song:

Tail Wagging Tuesday

2011-04-26T21:50:00.007-04:00

I'm linking up with little Ms. CMae and Aspen over at Live What You Love for her fabulous dog focused Tuesday. I always love a chance to put Roman Noodle in the spotlight, and yes, someone asked last week, I do have two dogs, but one is afraid of the camera so for the most part Super takes a backseat during Tail Wagging Tuesdays.

This weeks theme is where our dogs sleep--for Roman who spends a good 90% of his life sleeping that is an easy one and I decided it would be more fun for me to just illustrate this in pics. Enjoy. :)

The Nood always sleeps in the car, he doesn't discriminate as to where--as long as his Mama or Papa is in the car, he can sleep.

He has to make sure he can sniff any imposing danger!

He can sleep at the doggie park.

You can all see that he is such an excellent help with the laundry. ;)

Roman can occasionally be found sleeping perched up on a pillow.

He has to have a bed in the kitchen where he can keep a close eye on his mama cooking and he can also be found here praying to the food Gods for them to have our magical kitchen floors produce a crumb or two!

Especially if I am at work you can find Nood snuggled up next to his Papa watching a Gator game.

And for a little extra warmth Roman can be found snuggled up to a kitty sibling.

But more than likely, our sweet boy can be found sleeping under a blanket!

I hope you all enjoyed a tour of what a hard time Roman has finding a perfect place to take a little nappy poo.

Pure Sweetness

2011-04-23T22:03:00.002-04:00

Fab Friday

2011-04-22T05:53:00.001-04:00

It's that time again. I love linking up with little Ms. Laura over at Between the Lines. Join up.

{Diet Mountain Dew, loving it! It gives me just enough caffeine that I need to get kicked up. I hate coffee, I don't want to ingest things with calories and then enter my Diet Mountain Dew! Yummy.}

{Books, I am definitely a book worm and we banked at Borders last week! Borders is closing in our area, so we went--spent $29.72 and the receipt said we saved $155.91. Score! I bought The Mommy Diet by Alison Sweeney (for one day, like 3 years from now, don't judge, it was $4 and I love Ali!), How to Make a Pregnant Woman Happy (I plan on sending that to Alex--my bestie's hubby, they are going to start trying this summer), Notes Left Behind, Promise Me (this is the story of the Susan G. Komen foundation), 2 copies of The Emperor of All Maladies (this is the biography of Cancer--it is supposed to be excellent, I bought a copy to give to my boss when I leave next month), and the hubs got 3 books. I'd say we did pretty good. Needless to say, I don't need anymore books any time soon. Wouldn't it be rocking to have a library like this one day?!?}

{My new blog layout! Jenn at Munchkin Land Designs, so kindly made me an beautiful blog layout, do you all like it?}

{Our little home, I realize I constantly grumble about not having enough but I'm wrong. I need to step back and be thankful for all that I do have and one of the fab things I do have is my beautiful home. It may be small, there may be things that need to be redone, but it's my home and I love it and I'm grateful I have a beautiful safe place to lay down my head at night. Not everyone can say that.}

{My beautiful furbabies. I <3 them as always. Poor little Noody has been having seizures lately--3 in the last 2 weeks. I'm definitely not a fan. Here is the littlest man after his seizure today, he's on my side--not a fan either!}

{Last, but definitely not least--my wonderful hubby. We have had a lovely week together. Nothing too spectacular just a few games of Scrabble, some reading and trying to get caught up on Criminal Minds (we love that show). Here is one of my favorite pictures from back in the when we were just boyfriend and girlfriend, lol.}

I hope everyone has a rocking Friday!

Book Review

2011-04-21T10:44:00.004-04:00

I just finished the latest book by Emily Griffin. I love all of her books, I read them when they came out, I actually got into a debate with a girl about one of her books because I recommended it and she thought it was just terrible that it was about cheating. I loved it and thought it was very realistic. I wanted to say wake up girl, the real world isn't a fairytale!

Anyways, back to the book review!

It was another story about love and loss and about getting too comfortable in your current relationship. It was about a family of 4, typical-mom, dad (surgeon), little girl and little boy--then a family of 2, single successful mom and little boy. I don't want to give away the book but single mom meets surgeon dad and the story unfolds. Definitely a good read though!

**Spoiler Alert Ahead**

The single mom sleeps with the sexy successful surgeon but then not only did they sleep together but they fall in love with one another. The man sucks this woman (who desperately needs love) into his vortex (yes I did just blame the man, duh!). Then the man feels guilty, tells his wife and wants to work things out with her--leaving the single mom to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart.

I mean the ending would have been sad regardless if he left his wife and family or left the woman who he sucked into his world. I just feel for the single mom, that's all I'm saying.

Anyways, the book was a very good read, I enjoy all of her books. They are easy reads, chick lit if you will, always nice to enjoy something fresh and easy. :)

Wednesday!

2011-04-20T17:11:00.004-04:00

Today was a great day. I woke up a little early cleaned up the house--there was a fair amount to do, cleaned the kitchen counters, emptied all the garbage, threw on a load of laundry, straightened up my bathroom and then cleaned myself up. I had to head to Shands' HR today to get all my pre employment paper work. Shands' HR office is in a fancy building nicknamed "The Glass House," this is why:

(I really need to find my camera, I'm sick of taking pictures with my stupid cell phone!)

Then I met the Hubs across the street at the hospital for lunch and we played a game of scrabble. After lunch I headed to Publix to pick up groceries, came home and now the hubby has dinner marinated in the fridge, what's for dinner tonight you ask? Jamaican Jerk Chicken, hope the Hubs likes it.

Have a lovely Wednesday!

Tail Wagging Tuesday

2011-04-19T12:18:00.007-04:00

We are participating in Tail Wagging Tuesday over at Live What You Love, join in!

Today's Topic:

BLING BLING a.k.a show me your pet's bling! This means what they wear around their neck!

Roman Noodle wears a harness, I read that it is bad for little dogs to wear collars because of the pressure it puts on their trachea. With that being said, Nood always wears a harness. He has worn a harness since he was a puppy but there are harness that are made with nylon but I found that those rip his poor little skin so we have forever been fans of Puppia.

Here is little Roman showing off his harness (sorry about the crappy pictures, but my camera is locked in my car with my keys locked in the center console):

And here are some pictures of what the hubs calls Roman's wallet, it includes his normal name tag with my number, then his pet tracker ID, then his microchip ID and of course his rabies tag! Clearly, I want my dog to be returned to me if he every gets lost. ;)

Monday, Funday--well at least for me!

2011-04-18T10:30:00.004-04:00

Today is Monday, but it is actually my Saturday. I worked Friday, Saturday and Sunday--now I'm off until Friday, yay!

Today I woke up early, plan on having lunch with the hubs then coming home for a little nappy. We are planning on eating better so after the hubs gets home from work, we are hitting the gym and the grocery store. Anyone have good recipes for easy healthy meals? The hubs is right, we need to eat better (I've got some weight to lose!).

So honestly, besides getting the new job (thank you for all your sweet comments!) everything has been pretty normal. The hubby and I went to celebrate my new job at BJ's restaurant and we love some pizookie!

How fab does this look?!?! It is so yummy!

Here is a little getting to know me:

1. What's something you've eaten & liked, but didn't think you would?
Artichoke--I thought there was no way I'd like it but alas I loved it! Yum-O!

2. Plastic surgery? Yay or nay?
Definitely Yay, I'd get boobs; however, since my mom had breast cancer, I think it would be a stupid decision for me to get boobs because it could ultimately prevent early detection--we wouldn't want that.

3. Two things you love about spring are?
Duh, the weather and my birthday! Yay to both!

4. When's the last time you went on a picnic?
With my high school boyfriend, it was our first date. That's funny, this is the first time in a long time I've thought about that day, it was fun.

5. What's your favorite app?
Either my google reader app or the craigslist app. I love them both and use that both daily!

6. Who does the grocery shopping in your house?
Hubs and I usually go together, I like having a buddy to grocery shop with. :)

7. Would you rather take a spin class or zumba?
Zumba, I've never done spinning, but I love zumba--I'm going tonight.

8. How often do you go out to dinner?
Usually we go once a week but last week we were bad. We are trying to be better about it. If we make a menu and plan it out we usually do better (speaking of which, I plan on making a menu now).

Have a great Monday everyone.

Fab Friday!

2011-04-14T21:07:00.006-04:00

What a wonderful week it's been and you all can join me in counting our blessings with Fabulous Friday over at Ms. Laura's blog!

{This week has been incredible and since I've told my boss, I can finally spill the beans! I got offered a job by Shands at UF on their pediatric hematology/oncology floor. Ever since I was a little girl, before I even knew I wanted to be a nurse I knew I wanted to work with kids with cancer--I finally get this chance and I consider myself so lucky. My official start date is June 6 and I cannot wait!}

{My furbabies as always, since last week I posted two pics of the dogs--today I'll post a pic of the kitties. These are two out of our five kitties, Maximus and Revol (his name is lover backwards and so true!). I just love seeing these babies all snuggled up together, it makes me so happy.}

{Littmann, I currently have two stethoscopes and they are both Littmann. I have colleagues that have difficulty with the hearing breath or heart sounds and I've never had that problem. I'm in the market now for a peds stethoscope and of course I'm looking for a Littmann.}

{As always, the hubby. He is so good to me, he was so excited about me getting this new job--I love that he is always rooting for me. He is just a sweetheart.}

LOVE

2011-04-14T16:15:00.002-04:00

All you need is love.

I saw this cute prints on Etsy that had a state with a heart on it, well I'm frugal so I decided to make my own--now it'll go up on my gallery wall in a few weeks. I love it.

Let me know if any of you girls want one, I'd be happy to make one up for you girls.

2 Year Plan

2011-04-12T21:12:00.003-04:00

We've got a plan my friends! The hubby and I have been talking about when we want to start a family, but we have been on different plans--he wanted to wait until our 3 year anniversary, but I wanted to start trying at our 2 year anniversary. He kept saying no to 2 years, and it made me sad, but I can't back my hubby into a corner.

Well today we met at the hospital for lunch and he said that he had been thinking about it and decided that 2 years could work--under one condition, he wants to make sure he is getting his masters in something he wants. Currently he is working doing research for the department of surgery at UF but he thinks it is kind of a dead end job, he likes it but there is no place for him to go up with it. As his wife, how could I not respect that. He said that he wants to make sure he is not going from dead end job to dead end job with a family, he is such a good man.

Anyways, there are three calculus classes that he needs to take before he can enter into a Masters in statistics--we are hoping he can do the first one this summer. I am so proud of my hubby for pursuing a masters degree. :)

Anyways, for all you girls, how did you guys decide when you would start trying, or what is your baby plans? I am super excited about this!

Rocking Trip

2011-04-10T21:49:00.004-04:00

We had such a wonderful trip, it was more then I could have ever asked for. We did some wonderful things while visiting with my bestie and her hubby in Atlanta, but most importantly we had such a great time just being with them.

On Friday Keri and I spent the afternoon shopping and then the boys met us at Atlantic Station for both Dialogue in the Dark and Bodies exhibit. If any of you get a chance to do either of these, do them! They were incredible.

The Dialogue was a blind simulation--you go into a room with 10 people, a blind guide cane and a blind/visually impaired guide. They start giving instructions, the lights start to dim until it is completely black--I mean black! Then we were lead by the guide into different settings, a park, a grocery store, a boat ride and a bar. Once we were in these settings the guide would ask us where we were and we had to feel around and listen to the environment and answer questions--it was such a great experience, so cool!

Then immediately following Dialogue we headed into the Bodies exhibit, this was my second time seeing the exhibit and it was just as cool the second time as it was the first time. Go see it.

Anyways, that was the BIG thing we did while in Atlanta, other then that we went shopping (both clothing and IKEA), the boys went golfing, we ate a lot, the boys played a lot of video games and then last night we were up until 3:30 AM (yes, you read that right, 3:30 AM) playing Cranium, Catch Phrase and Battle of the Sexes--it was such much fun.

Here is a pic of Keri and I last night at Chilis:

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Fab Friday!

2011-04-08T09:41:00.007-04:00

Today is absolutely a fab Friday so I am hooking up over at Between the Lines with little Ms. Laura--join in!

{Something big is going on in my world--I can't post much on it now because who knows reads my blog, but I promise to share in the next week or two (to settle rumors now, no I am not preggo).}

{Mascara, I figured since Laura posted about her love for her mascara, I could post about mine--it is perfect since she too is in love with an Avon mascara. I use SuperMagnify mascara and I love it. I tried a new mascara from Estee Lauder that was $18 and I hated it! I just stocked up because Avon was having a sale and it was $3 each--woot-woot!}

{I too, like Laura produced a new blog layout--I like it, I don't love it yet. We'll see.}

{My bestie, I love visiting her! I <3 her!}

{Victoria's Secret, oh how I love thee. My bestie and I stopped in yesterday at the Lenox mall and I helped myself to two new bras. The hubby washed my other t-shirt bras and when I wear them it makes me look like I have lumps everywhere--boo! Pink's line of t-shirt bras were on sale, two for $20, thank you!}

{My 365 project, I am going to update that now actually. I am not getting on myself about not posting to it each day, as long as I take the pictures, I will post them up eventually (now) with back dates. I am posting everything for the project over at Tumblr, go check it out!}

{All my furbabies because I just adore them, I miss them since we are away on vacay. I've got the littlest Nood with me because well little man always comes with us. Here is a pic of my sweet boy on the ride up here and then here is a pic with me and my big girl Super from my birthday when we dropped her off with the sweet lady Gail who always watches her for me when we go away}

{Lastly, my F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S hubby. He is sleeping soundly next to me as I type this. You can't beat being on vacay and it being nearly 10 am. He and I are both living right. :)}

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-04-05T09:58:00.004-04:00

Happy birthday to me! Yay for 25 today, woot-woot.

Aside from turning 25 I've also started a new project. I've decided on doing the 365 project, which is where I take a picture a day for the next year. I started a Tumblr account so I don't flood my blogger account with my one a day pics--occasionally I'll post up pics from certain days but I spare you from doing it every day.

Of course I'll start out with today's picture and Tumblr post:

Here is the link to it: 365 project in case you want to follow it, but if not, here is the post:

Here is our rocking birthday weather. Notice the big ass rain drops on the lens of the first pic—whoops, think I went a bit too far out from the porch. This mean birthday girl made her baby chihuahua pee in this weather. Ohhh…mean mama!

Tomorrow

2011-04-04T22:33:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is a big day, well sort of a big day, it is my 25th birthday. Happy birthday to me. I am not really sure how I feel about it--I've actually been rather bummed all day. I am going to be 25, I feel like that is old. I mean that is officially an adult, I expected to have a job, a home, a hubby, a baby (?)....not sure about that last one but I feel like it is the only natural flow of things. Oh well, whatever comes will come, there is nothing I can do about that.

Moving right along, tomorrow there isn't much for me to do. The hubby is working and I'm at home chilling. We need to drop Super off at PetSmart to meet up with Gail (who babysits her) at 6:30 and then we are headed for a birthday dinner. I choose to go to a little Italian place called Amelia's in town (that is bound to shoot my diet straight to hell)--I plan to help my diet crash and burn with a little birthday cake as well.

Then Wednesday we are headed to Atlanta for a much needed vacay, I'm excited to visit with Keri and Alex, I miss them.

Tomorrow I also plan to start taking a picture every day for the next year, I'm pretty stoked about that. I am worried I won't remember to do it, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Any advice on taking a picture every day, has anyone else done that before?

Fabulous Friday!

2011-04-01T22:44:00.006-04:00

I found this adorable blogger Laura today--she is so cute! She is doing this great new link up called Fabulous Friday and since I am such a fan of being thankful for what we've got I'm all about it.

I am thankful for so many things.

{"My fitness pal" it's an app on my phone that I put in everything I eat and my activity and it tallies my calories. I am down 3 freaking pounds in the last week. Fatty no more--woot-woot!}

{Florida Gator Baseball, we just got back from the game. We won today 3-0, we have season tickets and I love going to each game.}

{12 days off, count them--1...2...3...you get the point. 12 days and I'm stoked about it.}

{My bestie, we are headed up to Atlanta to visit with her and her husband on Wednesday and we're staying for 5 days. We are pretty stoked about it. They are adorable and were married last May. Keri and I have been friends for almost 11 years and my hubby and her hubby click perfectly together, which works out wonderfully. Here is Ker and her hubby at their wedding last May, aren't they the cutest?!?!}

{All my furbabies. I love all my kitties and both the dogs so much. They make me so happy, I adore them.}

{Lastly, my F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S* hubby. There is way too much to say about him, so I'll just leave it at the fact that he is my best friend.}

Wall before and after!

2011-03-26T18:30:00.003-04:00

I decided it was necessary to put our wedding pictures up on the wall. I mean we both had the best time at our wedding--it meant so much to us, not to mention we spent a fair amount on our beautiful pictures. Duh, get them up on the wall. Here is a before and an after picture (sorry for the crappy phone pic quality, I was too lazy to get my big camera out--also, ignore the dog toys in the picture. There are so many dog toys in this house that I don't even notice them until they show up in a random picture, lol).

This is just another step in getting our house to rise up to meet us--Nate Berkus told me that. ;)

Formal Shots

2011-03-22T19:31:00.002-04:00

I thought I should probably post my favorite wedding formals. We had nearly 1500 pictures to sort through. Here are our favs:

Which is your favorite? We are trying to decide which to print and hang up around the house (I personally vote to just wall paper the walls with them all). ;)

Home Sickness?

2011-03-20T22:56:00.002-04:00

It is a weird feeling to be home sick at almost 25 at home with your husband in the next room, but I think I am. I am more people sick, I miss my parents, I miss my sister and I miss my best friend. This is a bizarre feeling for me--I started going to sleep away camp in middle schools and have spent huge amounts of time away from any family without a problem.

I think this is work making me people sick. Lately (well all the time usually), all of my patients are either dying, being sent to hospice or are getting a diagnosis that I know they won't live through and it is actually bumming me out. Most people would think duh, who wouldn't it bum out, but in the 8 months since I've been an oncology nurse I've never really been bummed like this. It is just a weird emotion.

I adore my job, I adore my patients, but it is just starting to get me worried--what if my mom is re-diagnosed and this time without a good prognosis, what if, what if, what if. I want to go on more, but with the fear of a HIPPA violation sitting on my shoulder, I will close out this post. Hug all your family a little tighter tonight.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-03-16T13:28:00.004-04:00

This is such a fun post, I think by jotting down what we love makes us more grateful for what we've got. We all need a little reminder.

{ONE}
I'm loving my hubby--as always. We spent last weekend in Cocoa Beach visiting my parents. On Sunday morning my parents headed to the gym and the hubby and I enjoyed a walk on the beach then a swim in the pool. I love spending time with him, he's my bestie.

Here is a picture of us on Cocoa Beach on Sunday.

{TWO}
I've had a a whole week off work--it has been heaven. I have slept in, enjoyed snuggling with my furkids, rearranged and spring cleaned my living room, went to a baseball game and just hung out. Ta-da...do I need to go back to work, do I really?

{THREE}
My Mama's birthday was Monday, I just adore my mom, happy birthday to her. I had such a good time finding her a birthday present. I mean it is hard to shop for a woman who has everything, so what did I do? I made a birthday basket. I started with a cute little wicker basket with a paw print on it (she can use it to hold the puppie's toys when she gets home), added a wonderfully soft throw blanket, a new tea cup, spiced chai tea from the spa I go to, as well as a new book and 3 little bookmarks--she was quite happy with her little surprise. :)

{FOUR}
Wild horses. Last week, the hubby and I went out for a hike on Paynes Prairie. Of course going hiking I definitely want to see some wild animals, well it got even better when we were within arm length of a wild horse mama and her baby. I was in HEAVEN! (The baby even decided he'd smile for me and my camera.)

{FIVE}
Lastly, I can't argue with this weather, neither could super. She enjoyed her head out the window the whole way from breakfast to PetSmart. Today the high is 80*, looks like I'll be heading out for a run. :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful hump day.

Furniture Revamp

2011-03-15T10:51:00.003-04:00

I have really gotten into decorating and furniture redos. I am loving playing with all this stuff--don't get me wrong, it is really time consuming but I love looking at the after pieces, I feel a sense of accomplishment.

I had this little TV stand taking up room in my garage and I decided to give my furkids a little place to snuggle up. All it took was a little sanding, some paint and painters tape--that's all. I like it!

My Sister has an Etsy Shop

2011-03-12T22:04:00.002-05:00

I am so excited for my little sister--she finally has an Etsy shop.

Her artwork is incredible, she is so diverse and incredible. I am going to post the link and if you feel like reposting it, please do, she can use all the plugs she can get.

https://www.cevesey.etsy.com

Thanks girls!

Monthiversary #3

2011-03-11T15:39:00.002-05:00

Today we've been married for 3 months. Yay for us.

We will be going out tonight, we've been celebrating each month and it is nice to have a prearranged date each month. Tonight we are going to Dragonfly Sushi which is a nice sushi restaurant tonight. Yum-O.

I am off for a week which is fabulous. We are heading to Cocoa Beach tomorrow to spend the weekend with my parents which will be so nice. We haven't seen them since Christmas, and Monday is my Mom's birthday so we will be having a little prebirthday celebration. We are heading Saturday to a Wine and Cheese festival and then Sunday we will be playing a round of golf. Should be fun.

I don't really have anything exciting to talk about, just wanted to post to say hey, so "hey!"

Little Check In

2011-03-02T13:15:00.002-05:00

I have been such a bad blogger lately and for that I am aware. I have been coming down off the wedding high and adjusting to life as a wifey, life as a nurse, life just living--it is different when you step back to notice everything going on without you.

I have currently been really focused on remodeling. Recently, I have refinished an old TV stand, painted the bathroom ceiling and walls and replanted the front yard. We've been busy. I have been making lots of stops at Good Will and checking out what they have available for me to transform. I also went to an antique store on Monday and picked up some stuff for the Hub's bathroom. I need to post pictures up of everything (soon).

Other than that, not too much has been going on here. I definitely have baby fever which I am supressing because I am very logical and logic tells me that now is not the time to have a baby, I've got other stuff to do. In a few years we'll get to be parents, and guess what? We will be parents from that day forward, so I am trying to enjoy the time I have with my wonderful hubby, just the two of us.

How is everyone else doing?

We've been blogged!

2011-02-21T12:18:00.002-05:00

Our incredible photographer blogged our wedding. Here is the link to it. Enjoy!

http://katie-beyer.blogspot.com/2011/02/florida-keys-wedding-photographer.html

Vacation, woot-woot!

2011-01-28T12:00:00.004-05:00

We have quite a BIG vacation planned and I'm stoked. We are going on vacay in August to Costa Rica. This will be our first time going out of the country and we are doing it together, I am so excited to be sharing this with my hubby.

We will be going for a week, and staying 4 days at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort on the Pacific coast, then 2 days at The Arenal Observatory Lodge which is literally located on a volcano on the northern side of the country and then we will be spending our last night in San Jose at The Marriott San Jose which is the city where we are flying in and out of.

Here are some pictures of each place:

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

The Arenal Observatory Lodge

Marriott San Jose

How awesome does this all seem? I'm so excited.

Ceremony firstYay for pictures**

2011-01-16T18:19:00.013-05:00

I finally got my DVDs with all the pictures on them (I say finally and it wasn't even a month after the wedding, but I was just so anxious to get them). There are 1600 pictures, I know...woah! I am going to post my faves in different posts, starting tonight with the ceremony pictures. I hope you enjoy. Let me know your faves because I'm trying to narrow my 286 favorites down to 60 for our album. :)

Welcome 2011

2011-01-03T13:09:00.002-05:00

I am excited that this is a new year. I rang in the new year sound asleep since I worked on 31 and then again on the 1, but my wonderful hubby woke me up at midnight with a kiss to wish me happy new year. Oh I just love him!

There is no question that 2010 was the best year of my life. I graduated nursing school, got a job as an oncology nurse and married my best friend. I don't know how 2011 will top it, but I am pretty confident it will.

I am trying to keep my "resolutions" realistic because too many people fail at them because they are just too strict. My two resolutions are to walk the dogs at least once every day--I had said I was going to do that before but then we had a cold snap and I stopped. I realize now that isn't fair to the dogs because it is the one thing they love to do, so come heat or cold we will be walking. The other "resolution" is to spend 15 minutes each evening picking up around the house. I am trying to stay more organized and when it gets too cluttered the task becomes to daunting. Hopefully by doing a little every evening then it shouldn't be too much work when we are doing big cleans.

That is all I've really got for you all. I am going to get a bit done around the house, possibly take a nap and then just wait for the hubs to get home from work. :)

Enjoy the first Monday of the new year.

2010 Holiday Card

2010-12-27T09:10:00.003-05:00

I like the idea of having a holiday card each year together. Since this is our first married year together I felt it was something I needed to do. Unfortunately with the wedding and then getting back and working 5 out of 6 days it made it a bit impossible to get a card really done this year. With that being said, I still wanted something to cherish!

Here it is:

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with their loved ones.

A Couple of Teasers

2010-12-22T13:17:00.002-05:00

My photographer was kind enough to send me a couple of teasers to satisfy my appetite before the holidays. Here are three pics!

I'm a MRS.!

2010-12-14T12:57:00.007-05:00

My wedding day was this past Saturday and it was incredible. I could not have asked for anything better.

Friday morning I took my matron of honor (bf), my maid of honor (sister), my mom and my sister's best friend to the nail salon and I treated everyone to a manicure and pedicure. The place was a bit weird but they did a great job on our nails and that was all that matters. After nails we ran to grab Publix subs and headed back to my parent's hotel suite to scarf our food and then head downstairs for the rehearsal. The rehearsal went great! We were goofy and played around, just like always. Friday night we took all of our guests who were in town on a sunset cruise and then had a casual BBQ. Everyone had a great time. The chef Friday night is the same we used on Saturday night and he was great both nights. After the BBQ my hubby (love saying that!) drove my matron of honor, my moh and myself to a different hotel and we picked up a pizza on the way. DH stayed with us at the hotel for an hour and a half or so just shooting the shit and hanging out. I gave the girl's their gifts and they loved them (there are pics in my bio of all their gifts)!

Here are a few pics from Friday:

At the rehearsal:

On the sunset catamaran:

At the BBQ:

We all slept pretty well that night and we woke up around 8 AM on wedding day. We all decided to shower and shave and then head down to breakfast. We went to the hotel restaurant and had a very expensive but wonderful $60 breakfast--whatever, I was at the point where it was just money and it was all worth it. I was so calm and relaxed, it was phenomenal.

We got back in time for the hairstylist to get there at 11 AM and get started. She started on my hair, which I thought was great because of course we ran behind and she wasn't rushing on my hair. My photographer arrived at 2 PM and my hair and makeup was done, so was my sister's but my matron of honor was still getting dolled up. I still wasn't stressed; it was actually amazing how calm I really was. We finally got ready got dressed and started pictures. My Dad cried when he saw me, which didn't surprise me. My Chihuahua was all dolled up in his new harness and boutonniere. Pictures we great, I kind of trekked through some stuff that I probably shouldn't have but it's all good.

We got into the limo and headed to the ceremony site. In the limo it was my mom, my dad, my sister, my best friend, my Chihuahua and I. Once we got to the ceremony site they pulled my parents out of the limo and got them lined up, got my girls out of the limo with my Chihuahua (he needed to be enticed to leave me with a little Danish). Then it was just me sitting in the limo--holy crap, my heart started beating so quickly. I just sat and waited (me and the limo driver, lol).

I watched my parents disappear around the corner and then my girls and then my Dad came back around the corner and it was finally my turn. I got out, got arm in arm with him and away we went. I turned the corner and saw my DH at the end of the aisle with tears streaming down his face, I nearly melted. Everyone was crying, my DH, my Dad, my Mom, my MIL, and my two SILs. It was ridiculous and also didn't help keep me together very well.

We did the hand ceremony, which was so meaningful, and then the efficient did the marriage reading then it was time for our vows. I made it through mine with only a few tears, but DH was crying as I was reading them, and then it was his turn. He cried during the whole thing, he said in his vows he knew that I was the woman he wanted to marry when he saw how much I cared for his family, especially his father when he was sick. More tears...from everyone. The vows were over; we exchanged rings, and were pronounced Mr. and Mrs.!

The party was freaking fantastic. The food was phenomenal. The liquor kept pouring all night long. Everyone was so very drunk, but it was an awesome party--I wouldn't change anything. I was so drunk that we ended up spending the night in my parents' suites, but the hubby and I spent the night together. I still wouldn't have changed a thing.

I am desperate to get the professional pictures back but here are some non-professionals for the time being. Thanks for listening to my recap girls.

Our Ceremony

2010-10-30T22:36:00.002-04:00

I have finally figured out how our ceremony is going to go. This was a project I put off for a long time because I knew it was going to be a very time consuming project. Without further ado, if you want to read a lot of words, here is our ceremony outline:

Pre Words (before Meghan walks down the aisle)

Good afternoon and welcome.

As we will be beginning shortly, those of you with cell phones, if you will please, turn them off at this time.

Opening Words

We are gathered here to join Phillip and Meghan in marriage. It is fitting that you, their families and friends, are here to witness and to participate in their wedding. For their ideals, their understanding, and their mutual respect that they bring into their marriage have roots in the love, friendship, and guidance you have given them. Marriage makes us aware of the changes wrought by time, but this relationship will continue to draw much of its beauty and meaning from the intimate associations of the past.

The Hand Ceremony

Meghan and Phillip please face each other and take each other’s hands, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes your way.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief overwhelms you.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold and protect your children.

These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

With eyes locked, and hands linked, this ritual is a beautiful symbol of the union of two hearts, two lives, and two souls.

Where there were only two hands before; now through this marriage there are four. May the both of you use these hands to build a marriage where all your dreams come true.

Marriage Statement of Intent

Meghan and Phillip, do you – with family and friends as your witnesses – present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined today in marriage?

[Meghan and Phillip: We do]

Will you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life, in sickness and health come what may, and to share the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together?

[Meghan and Phillip: We do]

Marriage Address

Meghan and Phillip have opened their hearts to one another and today, in just a few moments, will share their vows of marriage together. Any of us who has been fortunate enough to find and express the kind of loving devotion we are celebrating here today knows it is a wondrous and beautiful thing.

This understanding brings me to the first of three suggestions I will offer you, Meghan & Phillip:

(1.) Be constantly grateful for the presence of this precious person who has chosen to make a life with you.

Throughout your lives together you will inevitably have the words you will speak today challenged in countless ways. Whether it be hardship or loss, illness or tragedy…always remember that above it all you have chosen each other to embark on this journey with. Together you can make the world just a little bit brighter for each other.

My second suggestion is this:

(2.) Make each other the recipient of daily kindnesses.

This world can be a tough place. Daily stresses can take a quick toll on our mental state so be generous with compliments for each other. Be attentive and helpful, and enjoy each other. With your kind words, thoughtful actions and tenderness towards one another you can make your marriage and home a safe haven.

Last, but perhaps most important:

(3.) Make truth the unfailing bedrock of your lives together.

A happy and loving marriage is built on trust and respect. That trust and respect can only be sustained if you are both deeply committed to always being open and truthful in every exchange no matter how small.

My hope for you is this: that you make a home together that is both sheltering and welcoming; that you have many long years to delight in each other’s company and to feel gratitude for having found one another to love.

The relationship between the two of you will keep growing and changing--realize that you are two separate people with different ideas and personalities; and that you don’t belong to each other, but rather you belong with each other.

By entering into this covenant, you offer what is of most value to each other--your joy, your dreams, your tenderness, and your love. Even your disappointments, when faced together, can be a path towards greater understanding. Meghan and Phillip, remember that your love for one another is the source of strength that will be needed through the good and bad times you will undoubtedly face.

Love is the source of unity--an understanding so complete that you feel as if you are a part of the other person, accepting the other person just the way they are and not trying to change them to be something else. Love is the source of sharing--giving and taking in daily situations and being patient with each other’s needs and desires. Love is also the source of security--knowing that the other person will always be by your side regardless of what happens.

So, Meghan and Phillip love deeply, but not possessively. Love wisely...so you do not hurt each other. Love generously ...without thought of getting in return. Love highly... so your eyes see only the good. Remember love is stronger than your conflicts and bigger than life’s changes.

Meghan and Phillip please turn to each other and share the vows that you have so thoughtfully written.

Vows

Meghan’s vows

Phillip’s vows

Ring Exchange

May I have the rings, please?

A ring is an unbroken circle, a symbol of unity, of unending love, as love given freely has no beginning and no end. May these rings remind you of the vows you have taken today.

(Phillip to Meghan, as he slides the ring on her finger)

[With this ring, I give you my heart. I have no greater gift to give.]

(Meghan to Phillip, as she slides the ring on his finger)

[With this ring, I give you my heart. I have no greater gift to give.]

Pronouncement

Meghan and Phillip, we have heard your promises to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the vows you have made today before each one of us as witness. In the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, it is my privilege and delight to declare you husband and wife.

Phillip, you may now kiss your bride.

I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Nesom.

Any input you all have is always appreciated!

Day 1: Photo and Description

2010-10-18T20:52:00.002-04:00

Day 1 - A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.

Today was a great day. I was off and ran about a billion errands but now that I have a roomie to do them all with, today was a great day. I slept in and then we had to run to Shands to pick up a parking decal for the soon to be hubby since he starts his job tomorrow. After the University we went to Best Buy and to Target to pick up some things on our list: new headphones, an itunes gift card, a notebook, a lunch box, present for the littlest man I babysit, J who turned 3 yesterday--clearly essentials. We quickly ran into my hospital to pick up my paycheck from last week because we changed accounts where it is going to be deposited into so one check in between has to be paper, whatev. We then had to swing by the mall to have the battery in Phillip's watch changed out, and while we were there I remembered I had a card for a free pair of panties from Victoria's Secret (score!). After the mall I dropped Phillip off to get his hairs cut while I picked up the dry cleaning, swung by the bank and picked up some dlites. Far too many errands if you ask me, but you do what you've got to do, right?

I got home, putzed on the computer a bit, worked on our budget, ran 3 miles and made dinner. Rice and green beans for me, AND rice, green beans and crunchy chicken for the boy. Now, it is time for me to turn in because my alarm goes off at 5 tomorrow morning because tomorrow is day 1/2 in a row--wish me luck!

Oh and here is a pic of me, I am pretty sure most of you know what I look like, but just in case you didn't.

Day 4: Pic of the Bestie!

2010-10-18T11:27:00.007-04:00

We'll go out of order!

I <3 my bestie--I have two of them. My bestie Keri who I met summer before I started high school and my little sister.

Here is my favorite pic of Keri. She was just married in May so it would be easy to post all those beautiful pictures of her, but I love this one (technically speaking this is a terrible picture, but I still <3 it):

I went up to visit her in Atlanta right after she moved into her new apartment--we had spent the WHOLE day unpacking and finally settled on the couch to watch a Sex and the City marathon. Fab evening.

Here is my favorite picture of the two of us together. It was taken in March at her bridal shower.

I <3 Keri.

Here is Caity, she is my little sister--I guess at 21 she is old enough for me to stop saying little and start saying younger, re do: she is my younger sister, 3 years to be more specific. Caity and I had a hard time getting along for a while, but things have gotten immensely better--thank goodness.

Here is my absolutely favorite picture of Caitlin. I took it a few spring breaks ago while I was home visiting, it is of her and my Mom's golden retriever Rummy.

I am trying to think of my favorite picture of us, hm...oh here we go, I found one I really like. This is from the Rascal Flatts concert 3 years ago. We had such a wonderful time this night (picture wise, we were both a little chunky for us then, but it was still a fun night):

TA-DA!

I'm going to play with Ash

2010-10-18T11:23:00.002-04:00

Ashley at Mrsashcake is doing what she calls a 30 day Meme (no clue what a Meme is but I want to play!). I am going to do my best to get on and do this daily--can't make any promises because sometimes I get stuck at work for 14-15 hour days, but I'll try. My goal is to be back on later to post for Day 1. We'll see how it goes!

Day 1 - A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.

Day 2 - A photo of something you ate today.

Day 3 - Your idea of the perfect first date.

Day 4 - Your favorite photograph of your best friend.

Day 5 - A photo of yourself two years ago.

Day 6 - A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet.

Day 7 - Your dream wedding.

Day 8 - A song to match your mood.

Day 9 - A photo of the item you last purchased.

Day 10 - A photo of your favorite place to eat.

Day 11 - What's in your makeup bag.

Day 12 - A photograph of the town you live in.

Day 13 - Your favorite musician and why?

Day 14 - A TV show you're currently addicted to.

Day 15 - Something you don't leave the house without.

Day 16 - Your celebrity crush.

Day 17 - A photo of you and your family.

Day 18 - Something you crave a lot.

Day 19 - Another picture of yourself.

Day 20 - The meaning behind your blog name.

Day 21 - A photo of something that makes you happy.

Day 22 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

Day 23 - 15 facts about you.

Day 24 - A photo of something that means a lot to you.

Day 25 - What's in your purse?

Day 26 - A photo of somewhere you've been to.

Day 27 - A picture of you last year and now and how you changed since then?

Day 28 - Your favorite movie.

Day 29 - Something you could never get tired of doing.

Day 30 - A photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days.

Love music!

2010-09-05T18:13:00.004-04:00

I have had the hardest time trying to decide what I am going to walk down the aisle to but I finally figured it out! I am going to be walking down the aisle to the piano version of Tale as Old as Time.

Let me know what you think of it!

Tale as Old as Time, Piano version.

Go Gators!

2010-08-30T20:40:00.001-04:00

My hubby to be is a Gator x2. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2006 and he is now a University of Florida employee! Yay! That means I am going to have a roomie again...weird. I am so freaking excited for him and so proud. We are actually going to live together, under one roof...ALL the time. (That will definitely take some getting used to.)

I have been a busy little Bee working my butt off in both the hospital and in wedding planning.

My job is challenging a bit more so then I thought it would be. It is sad. I know, I know, what did I expect working on a cancer floor, but I don't know. I had 6 patients the last 3 days that I worked and 4 out of 6 of them had stage 4 cancer, 1 was a new diagnosis (Leukemia) and 1 was just a normal patient. I definitely had one patient that I got a bit too attached to, but it is probably good that I had Sunday and Monday off because I needed to step back a bit. I head back to the hospital tomorrow and I hope that I have that same patient again, but I'll try to keep my distance. Unfortunately on my floor it is such a thin line between close and nurturing and too close. I'm a new nurse, I guess there is just a learning curve.

That's all I've got for you guys for now. I miss being on here on a regular basis--ah, one day again. :)

P.S. T-minus 5 days until Gator football season is in full swing again. I <3 the fall! Go gators!

I'm Alive

2010-08-22T21:14:00.002-04:00

(I definitely think that I have used this title far too often!)

Work is going well. I am officially a nurse, it is crazy and scary and exciting all at the same time. I am learning to balance 6 patients, sometimes 12 different doctors and a million different medications all at the same time. I'm getting there.

On to much more exciting stuff!

I got my wedding shoes. I am so excited they are fantastic. Here they are my beautiful Juicy Couture wedding shoes. I feel like I should have an alter to them. I <3 them! Without further ado, here they are:

Tulle Tuesday

2010-07-27T19:13:00.002-04:00

I think that title is cute for a wedding post!

I have done a lot of the centerpieces up and finally got pictures of one of the vases that will sit on the guest tables. We will be using one large tall vase like the one shown here and then we will be using 2 4x4x4 cube vases on each table as well. These two stems are tied together with green floral wire as seen here...any advice on how to make it so you can't see it? Does it look fine like that? I will definitely do a pic up when I have everything done so you can see it all together. :)

Through the Roses

Bedtime Worries

Holy Catch Up Batman!

9 weeks, Dec 15!

10 weeks, Dec 19!

11 weeks, Dec 26!

12 weeks, Jan 3!

The Christmas Quiz

Christmas Love!

December is here!

8 Weeks, Nov 25!

Paparazzi

7 weeks, Nov 18!

Thanksgiving Thankful!

6 weeks, Nov 11!

5 weeks, Nov 4!

4 weeks, Oct 28!

OMG...Surprise!

Put a Lid on Costa Rica!

Living the Life!

Everything

Luck of the Irish!

Fall is here!

Vroom vroom!!

Riley's New Life

Lookie, Lookie!

We're back!

Rest in peace my sweet angel

Tail Wagging Tuesdays!

I Love Pinterest 2!

General Blogger?

It's you, it's you, you make me sing.

1 Month!

30 Posts on Truth--Post 6

I Love Pinterest!

A change...again!

BMTU

Update

30 Posts on Truth--Post 5

New Plans--Yay!!

30 Posts on Truth--Post 4

30 Posts on Truth--Post 3

Beautiful Girl

Hands

30 Posts of Truth--Post 02

30 Posts of Truth--Post 01

Goodwill what, what?!?!

30 Posts of Truth

OMG this never got posted!

Fab Friday!

So What Wednesday!

Little of this and a little of that!

A Calling

Rio

Bling All Around!

Celebrating

Tail Wagging Tuesday

Pure Sweetness

**Fab Friday**

Book Review

Wednesday!

Tail Wagging Tuesday

Monday, Funday--well at least for me!

Fab Friday!

L*O*V*E*

2 Year Plan

Rocking Trip

Fab Friday!

Happy Birthday to Me

Tomorrow

Fabulous Friday!

Wall before and after!

Formal Shots

Home Sickness?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Furniture Revamp

My Sister has an Etsy Shop

Monthiversary #3

Little Check In

We've been blogged!

Fab Friday

LOVE

Ceremony firstYay for pictures**