Redemption

Okay, so I feel as though I needed to "prove" I don't look a hot mess all the time like I did in the picture I posted of myself, my Mom, my Mam-Maw and Preslei in the blog post titled, "Christmas 2011 in pictures".  I've always been like uber weird about appearances and I swear, when I saw how skank I looked in that picture, I was like, "Oh my gosh, Amanda....take some effort and do your dang hair every morning!!!" 

So, see, I don't always look skankified......not saying I look like Miss Hottie either but you get what I'm saying.

(Yep, I totally did the "white girl Facebook picture" and took a self pic in my office)

24 weeks

24 WEEKS

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 24 weeks.

Size of baby: 12 inches, just over a pound and the size of an ear of corn. (I am using a different picture reference from here on out.)

Gender/Name: It's a GIRL!!!! Annalise Claire Phillips :)

Maternity Clothes: They're a necessity these days.

Belly Button: Creeping on out there, lol. This is probably TMI but I think the inside of your belly button is so soft! Hahaha….gross, I know..but it is!

Movement: Morning, noon and night and it never gets old.

Sleep: This has been an awesome week for sleep! Like, to the point I can’t even hear the THREE (yes, three) alarm clocks going off in the mornings.

Symptoms: Let me just say, yep, I am about to start complaining and no, that doesn’t make me not grateful. Heck, if anything, I think women that have struggled to get pregnant have more of a “right” to complain!!! I say this because I read a post on Facebook a few weeks ago that basically said pregnant people and people with kids need to think twice about complaining because there are people out there that would love to be in our shoes. Correct, yes, but just because I complain doesn’t make me ungrateful. So anyways, I’m still having really bad aches and pains. If I take it really easy, I’m fine but I can’t sit down in a hard chair for long or walk around for long. This girl has been SUPER lazy lately but we had our little office Christmas party at my boss’ house on Tuesday night and we sat at the dinner table for a solid 2 hours and I couldn’t go to work the next day because the pain and pressure was unbearable. I slept the entire day on Wednesday. Since resting all day and laying down and not having any more added pressure down there, I’ve been a LOT better.

What I miss: Nothing at all! I am so thankful and blessed to be pregnant again.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting our new housekeeper on Monday! I’m SO excited! I’ve had two since Keith and I married but they didn’t last. One decided to get a “real job” (her words, not mine, LOL) and the other wasn’t very dependable. Growing up, my Mom always had someone come twice a month and that’s what I want. Plus, I just physically can’t clean like I want and it is driving me bananas. I just don’t think it is fair for Keith to do EVERYTHING around the house since I can’t do it. He already cooks (his choice), cleans the outside, he’s been giving Preslei her baths for me since it’s easier for him and I just don’t want him to have to clean the house too.

Questions/Concerns: Still concerned about how much longer I’m going to be able to work full time. When I came to work on Wednesday and had to tell my boss I had to go home because I was hurting, I started to cry. I feel like I’m getting defeated and I don’t like that. I never give up, ever. But, I have to listen to my body and do what is in the best interest of me and Annalise. He was SO supportive and said he will work with me any way he can and if that means that I have to go to part time, that’s what we’ll do. Now, I don’t like part time hours because that means I don’t get paid my full 40 hr check but, like I told him, we will cross that bridge when I get there and I’ll only do it unless it’s a necessity. Thankfully, I have an amazing boss that understands and is like family.

Cravings: Still nothing really except I’m back to wanting to eat Subway at lunch. I am getting tired of nasty greasy food.

Best moment this week: Definitely Christmas. Spending time with the ones you love is amazing. I love that Preslei knows the real reason we celebrate Christmas and to hear her tell people the story of the three wise men and how they followed the star to find baby Jesus melts my heart. Oh here’s a funny Preslei story for y’all……last night I was walking down the hallway and I noticed a big blue line going down vertically on my wall. I looked at Preslei and said, “Preslei, what in the world were you thinking?! You know you aren’t allowed to act like that.” She replied, “But Mommy, I was just seeing how tall I am. Annalise is the pink line and I’m the blue line.” I looked again and there is a small pink line. I couldn’t help but laugh and say “awww” at the same time. I mean, seriously, how can you get on to them for that?!?! Looks like we’ll be doing some touch up paint work in the near future. Bless her.

Christmas 2011 in pictures

Disclaimer:  I'm a HORRIBLE picture taker.  I seriously need to get better at this.  It wasn't until last night that I realized I didn't get a single picture of me, Keith and Preslei together on Christmas.  We rarely get family pictures and I really really need to start remembering to take more pictures together!  Hopefully now that Keith got me a new camera for Christmas, I'll use it!

Just a little bit of the Christmas destruction at our house!

 Preslei said her favorite present this year was her gun! Score one for Daddy!

 As much as I was SO nervous about my 3 year old having a BB gun, this picture makes it all worth it. 

 Testing out her new sleeping bag Aunt Bonnie got her.  Preslei told us we have to camping now....umm, Momma doesn't do the camping thing sweetie! ;o)

 My Dad, "Pop-Pop", got both Preslei and my nephew, Caden, these little cowboy sets for them to wear when they ride their little horse toy down in Pop-Pop's barn.  I thought it was SO cute because my Dad bought them all by himself. 

 This picture CRACKS me up!

 Mam-Maw with her two great grands.  (My Mam-Maw will be 91 on January 13th and I'm SO lucky to still have her in my life.  My Mam-Maw is my HEART!)

This one is getting framed.  <3

 I love this picture of the four generations minus one thing...me! Oh my gosh, I look like CRAPOLA.  Since seeing this picture, I have been making a big effort to straighten my hair instead of letting it go curly.  You see, before I got pregnant, I got a perm (yeah, I know, I'm laughing too....) because my sister in law got one and it was actually really cute on her.  I wanted to let my hair grow out long but was too lazy to straighten it every morning so I thought "hey, a perm is a great solution!"  Wrong.  I hated it.  By the time I let a few weeks pass (everyone told me to give it time to relax.....) I got pregnant and couldn't get the brazilian blowout done to basically reverse the perm.  So, I've already warned my friend and hairdresser, as soon as I am able after having Annalise, I'm getting that dang brazilian blowout!!! And I need to get some highlights or something in my hair.  Ugh.  But, I just love the fact we are all four in the picture!

 I absolutely LOVE my child (and my nephew too!)  Can't you just tell she has such a sweet disposition about her just from photos?? I am one proud Momma!

Mam-Maw is just silly! LOL

When they weren't fighting over Caden's toys (bless his heart, he's not the best at sharing) they were having a ball pulling this tool set across the living room floor! Hey, at least there was no screaming or fighting over this toy! ;o)

This is just funny to me. 

Poor baby was EXHAUSTED on Christmas Day!

My Mom, "Nonna", got her this doll with matching PJs and I thought they looked adorable!

The were even tired the next morning after Keith got out of the deer stand! Bless them. 

23 weeks

23 WEEKS

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 23 weeks.

Size of baby: 10.5-11.8 inches, 12.7-20.8 ounces and the size of a mango.  (This is the same as last week...I guess it will be like this for a few weeks)

Gender/Name: It's a GIRL!!!! Annalise Claire Phillips :)

Maternity Clothes: They're a necessity these days.

Belly Button: Creeping on out there, lol.

Movement: Morning, noon and night and it never gets old.

Sleep:  It is SO funny (not funny "haha" but funny "weird") how one week can be horrible and then the next I can sleep like a baby.  I don't know if I'm just tired and exhausted from all the holiday madness but I literally crash around 9pm and only wake up to pee (which is usually once or twice these days).

Symptoms:  Yep, I am still feeling like I'm waddling and thanks to my oh-so wonderful husband, he pointed it out for me last night.  Good one there Keith..... ;o)  The horrible pains are making their grand appearance again these past few days.  I talked to Dr. Morales about it and he got so tickled at me for describing the location of the pain as "down there, down there".  HA!

What I miss: Nothing at all! I am so thankful and blessed to be pregnant again.

What I'm looking forward to: Christmas!!!!!

Questions/Concerns:  This is a new one this week.  I knew there was something I was leaving out!  I'm really starting to get worried that I will have to go on bedrest.  Like really worried.  I'm a pretty tough cookie when it comes to sucking it up and being a "big girl" but I could seriously cry like a baby when these aches and pains "down there" start.  She is low and I know that's one reason they are as bad as they are and now my sciatic nerve is hurting.  My feet are swelling and they hurt and I'm only TWENTY THREE weeks pregnant!!! How in the world am I going to last another 16 weeks?!?! and I get NO maternity leave benefits at work and I definitely don't have short term disability insurance.  I looked into getting some Aflac a few years ago (not too long after Preslei was born to be prepared for our 2nd baby) but they said you had to have 5 employees to get short term disability and there is only me and Donna and of course, our boss.  :(  So, I'm a little freaked that we'll be eating Ramen noodles if I get put on bedrest.

Cravings:  Not much of anything this week.  For some reason, I've felt SO bloated.  Heck, we didn't even cook dinner the other night because Preslei fell asleep at 6:30 and never woke up and Keith and I decided if we got hungry, we could fend for ourselves. 

Best moment this week:  It would have to be my doctor's appointment.  Keith and Preslei both went with me and I know I say this ALL the time but I seriously have the best doctor and nurse.  Preslei wanted to see her picture again on the wall and Dana said, "Did you find all 3?" and we found them.  Dana said, "Yeah, you can tell who one of my favorites is".  Dr. Morales came in and asked me if I had any questions.  So I asked about when we could schedule the c-section since my friend, Brandi, (B4 Photography) is flying in from Dallas, TX to do our newborn pictures.  We have a tentative date of April 12, 2012! He said the hospital won't schedule it on their end until 6 weeks prior but he has it marked on his calendar.  I also asked which anethesiologist would allow an extra person in the room (I desperately want my Mom in there) and he said a name but that he'd check to make sure.  I have to call that office to specifically request that doctor and they will try to accomodate me.  :) Then, Keith said he was glad it wasn't the end of April because he will be in a skeet tournament and dang if him and Dr. Morales didn't talk about skeet and hunting the entire appointment, LOL.  It was hilarious to me.  I almost wanted to invite Dr. Morales to one of the many bird shoots/hunts Keith hosts during the year but I didn't, LOL. 

And then there was cake.....

You know, I literally just wrote this morning how I want some cake....some red velvet and a 14 layer chocolate cake.  Well, this may not be a 14 layer but it is an 8 layer and I'm totally happy with that. 

I think my boss must have been either reading my mind the past few weeks or knows the cravings of a preggo because he bought TWO cakes at the church's youth fundraiser (the other was Italian Creme and I just don't do coconut) and I wanted to scream like a little school girl when he said they are for me and my coworker!!!! Mad props go out to him.

Off to enjoy my piece of cake!!!

22 weeks

22 WEEKS

 

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 22 weeks.

Size of baby: 10.5-11.8 inches, 12.7-20.8 ounces and the size of a mango.

Gender/Name: It's a GIRL!!!! Annalise Claire Phillips :)

Maternity Clothes:  It's a necessity these days.

Belly Button: Creeping on out there, lol.

Movement:  Morning, noon and night and it never gets old. 

Sleep: Well hello insomnia.......I have woke up twice so far at 3:30am and not been able to go back to sleep.  I need SLEEP!

Symptoms:  I feel like I'm waddling already!!!! Seriously, I'm kinda upset about that, lol.  I'm only 22 weeks and I waddle....ugh. 

What I miss: Nothing at all! I am so thankful and blessed to be pregnant again.

What I'm looking forward to: Christmas!!!!!

Cravings: Sweets.....oh my land, give me cake and give it to me now.  You know what's sad is I haven't even eaten a piece and I'm DYING to! I want some really good red velvet cake with cream cheese icing and nuts on top and a 14 layer chocolate cake.....Mmmmm.......

Best moment this week:  My Mom being able to feel Annalise!!!! Poor Keith, I think Annalise is going to be like her big sister was.  Every time Keith puts his hand on my stomach, she stops kicking and moving.  :(

21 weeks (I'm a week late on this one)

21 WEEKS

Pregnancy Highlights

**Preface:  I am posting this exactly one week late.  Last week, Preslei and I both had the stomach virus and I was out of work for 3 days so I am just now having a chance to update my blog.  I'm also going to post week 22 after this one so I'll be current.**

How Far Along: 21 weeks. 

Size of baby: 10.5 inches, 12.7 ounces and the size of a banana.

Gender/Name: It's a GIRL!!!! Annalise Claire Phillips :)

Maternity Clothes:  They have been a blessing to me here lately.  Man, this belly is already poking out there!! My coworker, Donna, always says, "You are getting to be just baby now!".  I think it's hilarious.  At least I look pregnant now instead of just fat(ter).  I think (THINK) I may post a picture next week but man, I hate full length pictures.  I just think I need to document my belly at half way and then full term.

Belly Button: Creeping on out there, lol.

Movement:  She has been moving SO much lately.  My friend Sara and I went to Atlanta on Saturday (Dec. 3) and Sara is 3 weeks ahead of me and she was talking about Cohen moving around all day and I was like, dang, I wish Annalise would move all day and I swear, her and Cohen had some in utero conversations because that night at 10:58 (Yeah Sara, b/c you said it that night, I now remember the exact time HA!) I felt Annalise move on the outside for the first time and her movements tooks off after that.  So, thanks Baby Cohen!!! LOL

Sleep:  Not too bad that week.

Symptoms:  OH. MY. GOSH.  I seriously overdid it in Atlanta because my round ligament pains were absolutely KILLING me.  Curse my body for making those stupid pains be "down there" instead of where they should normally be!!! Any time I walk for an extended period, it kills me.  Well, imagine driving for 3 1/2 hours to Atlanta(we left at 7:30), checking into the hotel (11am), laying down for a quick minute, and then not getting back to the hotel until 10:30pm.  HOLY MOTHER.....I wanted to cry.  I was hurting so bad on Sunday that I couldn't even go to work on Monday b/c I got up in the middle of the night Sunday to pee and almost fell b/c the pain hurt so bad when I walked to the bathroom.  I called my doctor and they told me to rest, take tylenol and if needed, use heat.  (Sorry, but I'm NOT putting a heating pad between my legs, LOL). 

What I miss: Nothing at all! I am so thankful and blessed to be pregnant again.

What I'm looking forward to: Christmas!!!!!

Cravings: Still Mexican.  I could eat Mexican every day.

Best moment this week:  Even though it killed me physically, I had the BEST time in Atlanta. I really feel like I made the most of my time there because not only did me and Sara hang out with Stephanie and had a blast being the 3 preggos shopping but we were also able to have dinner with my best friend, Brian.  And OMG, that was the BEST food I've eaten in a LONG LONG time.  If you are ever near Atlanta, you have to go to Social Vinings in Vinings.  Maybe I was just starving but that was the best shrimp & scallops ever.  It was served on a bed of sweet corn risotto with brocolli and lemon butter sauce (I could have done without the capers) and it was heavenly.  Brian and Sara had me CRACKING up the entire night.  I was seriously crying from laughing so hard.  Brian has always loved impersonating and imitating funny youtube people and skits and low and behold, so does Sara.  They were doing Anjelah Johnson's "Nail Salon" skit and holy crap, it was just funny.  You can watch it here.  Anyways, it was just so much fun and exactly what I needed!!!

20 weeks

20 WEEKS

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 20 weeks! I cannot believe it (in the voice of that little dude on Little Einstein’s HA!) I am definitely feeling like I’m 20 weeks, well I actually feel more like I’m 30-something weeks.


Size of baby: 6.5 inches, 10.6 ounces and the size of a cantelope.


Gender/Name: It's a GIRL!!!! Annalise Claire Phillips :)


Maternity Clothes: Things are getting much tighter so I ordered some more maternity clothes earlier this week. I cannot wait for them to be delivered.


Belly Button: Still an innie but I don't think it will be an innie the whole pregnancy like it was last time.


Movement: Earlier this week, I was saying how it was on and off but it is getting more constant today. She’s been quite active today. That feeling never gets old!


Sleep: I’ve had some really good sleep the past few nights. As soon as I lay my head down, I’m out. I normally only wake up once a night and I think it’s because I’ve really tried to watch how much I drink a few hours before bedtime.


Symptoms: Crying, getting irritated at inconsiderate people (last night at the Christmas parade….I REALLY wish 1. People wouldn’t crowd my little personal space and 2. Smoking be banned or made illegal in public places).


What I miss: Nothing at all! I am so thankful and blessed to be pregnant again.


What I'm looking forward to: Going to Atlanta tomorrow night! I scored at room at the Intercontinental in Buckhead for $100. I love priceline.com! As much as I absolutely HATE leaving Preslei, it makes it ALL worth it when she comes running in my arms when I come back home. I’m also excited about Keith being able to spend some one on one quality time with her.


Cravings: Mexican. I have had a terrible morning and my emotions were getting the best of me (let’s see….my insurance company decided to DOUBLE my insurance premium for the month without sending me a notice so I had to call them and find out why (still doesn’t make sense to me but something about me adding my van to my policy during renewal time and them not collecting the right amount last month or some crap). Still ticks me off, if I owe more money, fine but send me a friggin’ notice so I am not shocked when I see I don’t have as much money in my checking account; then someone decides that my Facebook business is other people’s business (I’m going to be cleaning up the friends list soon or changing my privacy settings)) so when Donna (my coworker) wanted to go to Los Reyes for lunch, I was GAME!!! I was tired of crying all morning over stupid crap and some not so stupid crap that I wanted to scarf down some cheese dip and a chimichanga!


Best moment this week: 1. Going to the Christmas parade last night and seeing my sweet girl wave at everyone that passed on a float and get SOOOO excited to see Santa! Seeing her happy is the best feeling a Mom can have. 2. Keith killed his first deer of the season Wednesday night…yay for more meat in the freezer! 3. Finding all the pieces of furniture for Annalise’s nursery on Craigslist. I’ve decided on the “antique” look and theme so I wanted some antique pieces and I found matching dressers and a wrought iron crib!

Kelly's Korner Monogram Swap

When we had Preslei, I didn't get a lot monogrammed but now, I am LOVING the idea of having everything monogrammed for Annalise.  So, if anyone that is viewing has anything with "Annalise" or the letter "A" or initials "aPc", please email me at amandakines@hotmail.com. 

Thanks!!! :)

19 (and a half) weeks

19 WEEKS

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:  Thanks to all the hustle and bustle, I've just now had a moment to update so I'm 19 and 3/4 weeks.  I'll be 20 weeks on Thursday!!!



Size of baby: 6 inches, 8 ounces and the size of a mango.




Gender/Name: It's a GIRL!!!! Annalise Claire Phillips :)



Maternity Clothes:  Things are getting much tighter so I ordered some more maternity clothes this morning. 


Belly Button: Still an innie but I don't think it will be an innie the whole pregnancy like it was last time.



Movement:  On and off during the day.  I'm SOOOOO ready to feel her roll around and be able to see it!

Sleep:  It's getting a little better but I had another scary dream Sunday night.  I dreamed I was being chased by some gangbanger girls and they were trying to shoot me because I wouldn't give their friend some money.  I woke up and my heart was RACING!!!!

Symptoms:  Feeling MEGA bloated but hey, I am halfway to having this little girl!!! Yay for scheduled c-sections at 39 weeks! :) 

What I miss: Nothing at all! I am so thankful and blessed to be pregnant again.



What I'm looking forward to:  Going to Atlanta on Sunday with my fellow preggo friend, Sara!!! We are meeting our other preggo friend that lives there and going shopping!! Man, I love Atlanta! ANNNDDDD....we are going to stalk some celebs while we are there.  LOL.  Good times will be had by all! :)

Cravings:  I just made the statement to my other Mama a/k/a my coworker that I wanted something sweet.  LOL, she replied, "Well, I have some gum in my desk."  Umm yeah, no wonder you are miss tiny thing! ;)

Best moment this week:  Watching my big girl get SUPER excited about putting up our Christmas decorations.  She was most excited about finding Baby Jesus and getting him out.  She also found some of that weird shaped styrofoam you pack things in and said, "Momma, this is where Baby Jesus is stored."  She remembered that from LAST Christmas! I was impressed.  She was SO happy when I got out the nativity scene. 

18 weeks

18 WEEKS

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 18 weeks :)  I still can't come to the realization that I'm almost half way thru my pregnancy.  It just seems surreal!


Size of baby: 5.6 inches, 6.7 ounces and the size of a sweet potato.


Gender/Name: It's a GIRL!!!! Annalise Claire Phillips :)



Maternity Clothes:  I can still wear a few non-maternity pants and shirts.  I am now big enough that my maternity jeans don't fall off my belly and since today was a "casual" day at work (I got the text from Kevin, my boss, at 6:15 this morning...Score!) I wore them.  Man oh man, I was like "WELL HELLO BABY BELLY!!!!"


Belly Button: Still an innie but I don't think it will be an innie the whole pregnancy like it was last time.



Movement:  Seriously, I think this little girl just likes to show off.  I had my regular check up with my OB yesterday and it wasn't until on the way back home from Tallahassee she decided to either kick me or punch me.  I was like, woah there Annalise! It was awesome though.  She moved almost all day yesterday and kicked/punched me quite often and today, well, she's decided to be more shy.  Maybe once she gets some yummy lunch, she'll play with me :)


Sleep:   Welcome to the crazy dreams phase.  I've had three pretty scary dreams since I've been pregnant.  One of them was someone was dying and I watched that person take her last breath, another was I woke up spotting/bleeding and got totally freaked and the last one was I had taken Preslei to a birthday party at the skating rink and I was trying to talk to people and I couldn't because I couldn't catch my breath.  It felt like I was having an asthma attack (even though I have no idea what that feels like) and when I woke up, I gasped for air and I was SO HOT.  What makes it crazy is all those dreams happened about 2-3 weeks ago but I've been dealing with some major sinus issues this week and yesterday, I felt like I couldn't breath b/c I was so stopped up and it made me flashback to that dream.  Ugh.  I hate scary/weird dreams!


Symptoms:   Last week, I explained a little about my crankiness and said I was going to talk to the doctor.  He laughed and said, "well, just take a deep breath and count to ten and bang on the wall" LOL.  As you can tell by last posts, I've still been "ill" but I really really need to stop complaining so much because there are SOOOOOO many things I have in my life that outweigh all the other crap. 

Another thing that has been "bothering" me is the fact that my feet are still swelling but it's only during the week when I'm at work.  Dr. Hall (the doctor I saw yesterday and Dr. Morales' partner) said to just wear compression socks and I shouldn't be alarmed because my blood pressure looks good (128/89) and my lab work came back perfect.  I'm also having those dreaded round ligament pains but I always seem to get them REALLY low and I can't walk very far and long without it just killing me.  I'm going to keep my Tylenol handy when I go up to Atlanta next weekend. 



What I miss: Nothing at all! I am so thankful and blessed to be pregnant again.



What I'm looking forward to:  Getting my belly full of Thanksgiving food!!!!



Cravings:  Zaxby's White Cheddar bites......OH. EM. GEE. 



Best moment this week:  Feeling Annalise's kicks, Preslei playing "doctor" on me and using random objects as "wands" to see the baby in my tummy, finding the perfect bedding and seamstress to make Annalise's bedding, Preslei kissing my stomach and telling Annalise she loves her and then Keith getting all sad when I told him Annalise was moving and I hadn't called him over so he could feel her.  It was SO cute he got all bummed but I explained to him it would be a while before he could feel her on the outside.  Bless him. 

and this is why I need to learn to stop complaining....

My husband's cousin, Ashley, is pregnant with her first child.  She and her husband are overjoyed they are going to be parents to a precious baby boy named Joey.  Joey is more special than they could have imagined and this is their story. 

If you're grumpy & you know it, raise your hand!

I've said it many times on my blog how I'm so daggum moody lately.  I try really hard to hold in my frustrations and to focus on positive things but it doesn't happen very well.  A lot of people just get on my nerves, especially people on Facebook.  Isn't that horrible?? It's like I read some stupid status and I almost need stitches in my tongue from biting it so hard from not saying what I'm thinking.

So, what's the cause for my grumpy attitude today?? The fact I feel like I get punished because I have to work.  I want to enroll Preslei in gymnastics because there is one unnamed dance place that I refuse to send Preslei to and that only leaves one other in town and Preslei needs an activity where she can fully exert her energy instead of somewhere very structured and "prim & proper".  I'd love to send her there for dance when she gets older but my kid just likes rough and tough stuff and she loves jumping, doing foward rolls, etc.  So, I call the only gymnastics place here in town and what time does the class start?? Ummmm 3:15.  WTH...are there really that many kids in town that their parents have the luxury of either being able to take off work and take their kids there or that don't work??  Kudos to the parents that are fortunate enough to be able to stay home with their kids, seriously.  Well, let me rephrase that....kudos to the ones that can do that and my tax money doesn't pay for your food, housing or insurance because of the fact you don't work.  I could REALLY get on my soapbox about that but I will refrain.

So, where's the next closest place to take Preslei to gymnastics to?  The YMCA in Thomasville.  A good 35-40 minute drive from my house.  Yet, because I am not able to send her to either gymnastics place, it kinda makes me feel like I'm shitty parent because I can't and other people can.  Somehow in some stupid way, it makes me feel like Preslei is getting left out.  I am just so sick of being reminded ALL THE FREAKING time by instances such as these that I am not able to be a SAHM.  Keith and I both work our asses off to be able to provide for our family but we don't make enough to be able for me to quit my job.  It seriously makes me feel poor or something.  Seriously.  We live in a "quaint" little 3 bedroom/1 bath house, we don't drive new cars, we don't go and come all the time, we don't have major credit card debt or a lot of debt in general but yet we both have to work.  There is just absolutely no way we could live off one income, especially when we pay $600 a month just for health insurance.  No way.  So not only am I missing out on being able to watch my babies grow up 24/7 but now, I can't even take Preslei to a stinkin' gymnastics class. 

Oohhh, and let's top that off with the fact I was informed today that unnamed person #1 that hasn't even tried to contact me or my family in oh ummm......almost SIX months and then decides that after seeing unnamed person #2 at a convenient store on Friday that they want to come and talk with us at home.  Here's my question....what if unnamed person #1 didn't run into unnamed person #2 at the store...would they still want to stop by and "talk"?  That'd be a big hell no.  Did unnamed person #1 call/text/email to say congrats that we were pregnant? No.  Did unnamed person #1 call/text/email to give their condolences when we thought we lost the baby?  No.  Did unnamed person #1 call/text/email to say Thank you Lord when we found out we didn't lose the baby?  No.  Did unnamed person #1 call/text/email to remind unnamed person #2 of someone's birthday 4 months later?  That my friends, gets the answer of yes.  Oohhh, and does unnamed person #1 forward me STUPID emails randomly?  Again, the answer is yes. 

And there you have it folks......the grumpy Amanda for Monday afternoon.  :)

17 weeks.....already?!?!

17 WEEKS

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 17 weeks.  Okay, seriously, is it just me or does it seem like my pregnancy is FLYING by?!?! I think it feels that way because I focus all my "free" time on Preslei so I don't really have time to "dwell" on the fact I'm actually pregnant and that the holidays are fast approaching so my mind is thinking "Ho Ho Ho" and thinking about all that yummy food my fat pregnant butt is gonna shovel in my face!!! (You think I'm kidding.....oh my gosh....I CANNOT wait!!!! *nom nom nom*)



Size of baby: 5.1 inches, 5.9 ounces and the size of an onion.



Gender/Name: It's a GIRL!!!! Annalise Claire Phillips :)



Maternity Clothes: Most everything is maternity with the execption of a few shirts and pants.



Belly Button: Still an innie but I don't think it will be an innie the whole pregnancy like it was last time.



Movement: I can feel her on and off again but nothing routine.  Sometimes it feels like she's having a party in my uterus.  I just seriously can't get over how you can feel the baby so much sooner your 2nd pregnancy than you could your first.  It's crazy to me!


Sleep:  Ehhhh.....I have some good nights and some bad nights.  Lazy me, I'll wake up in the middle of the night having to go pee and I'll convince myself I can hold it until next time I wake up.  Isn't that pathetic?? LOL...I'm seriously so lazy.  It's usually the nights where I'm sleeping SOOOOOO good that I can't force myself to get up!


Symptoms: None really except just being a cranky you know what!  Y'all, I'm seriously not kidding.  I've always been a tad bit moody (ha! I was trying to think of a nice way to put it) I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm nice the majority of time unless I just don't like someone but people definitely know not to ever push my buttons but here lately, I feel possessed at times!!! The slightest thing just sets me off and I feel like I turn into a big ole' green monster!! This is something I'm going to address at my doctor's appointment next week.  Thank you JESUS I can control myself or else I'd have so many hate me!! I really do hate this because I was SOOOOOO pleasant my last pregnancy and nothing made me mad. 





What I miss: Nothing at all! I am so thankful and blessed to be pregnant again.





What I'm looking forward to:  A lot!!! The holidays, the food, getting our Christmas decorations out of storage and putting them up, my little excursion to Atlanta to hang out with my friend Stephanie and scower Atlanta for an antique dresser and fabric for Annalise's room  and then I'm SUPER stoked about taking Preslei to see Fantasy in Lights in Pine Mountain again this year!!!




Cravings:  Nothing in particular this week.  But I'm telling you, I am drooling at the mere thought of all that Thanksgiving goodness!




Best moment this week:  Coordinating a time to go baby shopping in Atlanta!!! I'm STOKED! I'm going up December 3rd! :)




Couple of pictures of Annalise

I forgot to share a few of the pictures I got from our gender reveal ultrasound.  We decided to go ahead and spend the extra for the 3d/4d because I thought it'd be cool to see what she looked like at 15 weeks!  Her little hand is my FAVORITE picture!!!!