He or She, We Shall See

How exciting is it to find out what you are having!? I mean I couldn't sleep the night before, the whole day at work I was antsy, and driving to the doctor's office all I could think was he or she, she or he, girl or boy, him or her!!! I had text all my friends and family to let them weigh in on what they thought the baby was. The score there was 15 for boy and 7 for girl. As for us, let me remind you that I'm thinking boy and Charles is thinking girl.

So, on Tuesday, August 26th, Charles and I went to have the anatomy ultrasound. It didn't take any time for the ultrasound tech to find baby p...and boy was he/she moving! She zoned in on the baby and wanted us to look and guess what gender we thought.  I don't know if you have ever seen an ultrasound of a 18 week old baby, it's not very clear. For one it's black and white, fuzzy, and a little cramped in there. I also wasn't wearing my glasses...so there's that. But of course, neither one of us had a clue! We looked at the sweet lady with confused looks on our faces and said, "I dunno!" She responded with a....

So there we sat, totally caught off guard with this huge announcement. A girl..a little bouncy, pink, ruffles, and tutus girl. I was so thinking boy that the news really shocked me! 

The rest of the scan was great. Her bladder, heart, and kidneys look good. And, might I add...her legs look really long. I know that at this stage I'm sure that all of the babies legs are approximately the same length, but you didn't see this child. She stretched her legs out and they went on for days. For me I'm thinking two things, one: great she will be tall and slender like her dad- two: that baby has got to get into the world some way and with long legs it's not gonna be easy! Charles was thinking that defending boys against long legs in 15 years will not be an easy feat! 

So there it is...a girl! I have gotten over the shock, spread the news, and started shopping. Did you know that baby bedding is so expensive! It's crazy! We are super excited to meet our daughter and hopefully she will have a name by then. Because right now....she doesn't! I'll keep you posted on that front. 

So here is the update for 19 weeks...

How far along: 19 weeks 4 days

Baby is is size of: a heirloom tomato (6 inches and 9 oz)

Current symptoms: still a little tired and some heartburn

Any cravings: not really this week

Baby bump?: yes, well it's starting to get noticed

Maternity clothes: some maternity stuff, but not all the way there yet. No pants, but I'm getting there!

Belly button in or out: in and I hope it stays that way!

Gender: baby GIRL!

Best thing this week: well last week...but finding out that she's a she!

Looking forward to: picking a name! Also, I may learn to sew (again)..so that should be fun!

Not Pregnant, Just Puffy

Well as you can see from my title...I'm not feeling very pregnant this week. I've started to notice that my pants are getting a little tight around the middle, but that isn't any different than my sad excuse for poor dieting in the past. Soo...I've decided I'm not pregnant just puffy. I'm happy that at almost halfway through this pregnancy (17 weeks), I am still able to wear my same clothes as before. However, I'm tired of getting the "looks".  You know what I'm talking about, "Has she gained weight?" "Is she swollen?" NO....I'm pregnant, my body just is slow to catch on!

We go next Tuesday to find out if our little baby squirrel (pollard family joke) or baby p is a boy or a girl! I'd planned to do a gender reveal party next weekend, but then remembered that it is Labor Day weekend and people probably have plans. But let me show you what I had planned...

I obviously blacked out the address...just in case there is a creeper on here ;)

That was the invitation I made. I love to fiddle around with Word and Photoshop...it wasn't the nicest invite, but I thought it turned out really cute.

I found these on pinterest and I thought I could make the cookies and the cake. Of course it wouldn't be exactly like these, I would've added my own flair, but you get the idea. The inside of the cake would be pink for a girl or blue for a boy.

I was also going to have an old wives tale chalkboard or poster set up so that people could see what it tells about the guess of the gender. Then everyone could vote and we would see who won. Here is an idea of the old wives tales chalkboard/poster....

so cute...right!?

Since I'm not doing this I thought I'd put what the Old Wives say about me....

Is baby's heartbeat: >140(girl) < 140(boy)--------------Girl

Cravings:  sweet (girl)  salty (boy)--------------both but maybe more sweet (girl)

Skin: acne/worse (girl) beautiful/no change (boy)--------Girl

Needle/String Test: circle (girl) back and forth (boy)----Girl

Ring/String Test: circle (girl)  back and forth (boy)-------Boy

Sickness: yes (girl)  no (boy----------------------------Girl

Chinese Gender Test: ---------------------------------Girl

Mayan Calendar Test---------------------------------Boy

Mother's feeling---------------------------------------Boy

Again, I'm not doing this, so you have just attended my Gender Reveal party (in my head)! I hope you had a great time! haha! 

I think what we are going to do is tell our parents on the day and then maybe try and go out to eat with our friends and share the news that way. We decided that we didn't need a big production, everyone that wants to know, we will tell.  

So here is the update for 17 weeks...

How far along: 17 weeks

Baby is is size of: an onion (about 6 ounces and 5.5 inches long)

Current symptoms: still a little tired, heartburn has continued, but no nausea in a couple days!

Any cravings: Peppers wraps for some reason

Baby bump?: not really, just feeling puffy

Maternity clothes: no maternity wear yet, my clothes still fit...kinda

Belly button in or out: in and I hope it stays that way!

Gender: no idea...as evidenced by the predictions above!

Best thing this week: nausea has subsided and I'm hungry A LOT!

Looking forward to: the Dr's appointment next week and finding out the gender!

Guess who's back....

Well hello! I haven't blogged in so long I feel that everyone has missed out on my life. Ok, ok so I'll admit that my life is not that exciting; and, let's face it, most people who read this blog do so just so when I ask, they don't have to lie to my face. (You know who you are) But, I have a very legit reason on why I haven't been in the blogosphere!

This is the announcement we used on Facebook. I thought it was a really cute idea. I have to say that I got it from Pinterest...of course!! So yes, we're having a baby!!!

It's scary and new and a little crazy. We're trying to sell our house, move back to my hometown, find a new house there, and have a baby in January. What a wild ride we're on right now. I thought I could use this blog to document all the stuff with baby squirrel (Charles' aunt came up with this little nickname...it's a long story).

So far I'm right at 15 weeks. Things are getting a bit better. I have been soooo sick that I luckily haven't gained any weight. And, if you know me...that's a good thing! I am getting over the sickness little by little and my energy is returning. Baby's heartbeat has been really strong- from 171 at the 7-10 week mark to just yesterday at 160! It was also moving around like crazy!! You could hear the little flips it was doing. So sweet! we find out in 4 small weeks if it is a boy or girl!! I'm beyond excited for that!

So that's it, the reason I haven't been on here to blog, I can't keep a secret! I knew that if I started a new blog entry it would end up being about how bad I felt, then I couldn't tell the reason. I just figure it's better to be silent than spill the beans! I hope I can keep a little update on here about everything, but I'm not gonna promise anything. I did see someone else do the cutest thing on her blog, it was a set of questions she answered every week (let's face it, mine will not be that often) so I thought I'd give it a go....

 I'll answer these same questions each time

How far along: 15 weeks

Baby is is size of: an apple

Current symptoms: nauseous, little tired, heartburn

Any cravings: fruit, mainly grapes and oranges..oh and sour candy

Baby bump?: not really, just feeling puffy

Maternity clothes: no maternity wear yet, my clothes still fit, thank goodness

Belly button in or out: in and I hope it stays that way!

Gender: no idea

Best thing this week: going to the Dr. and hearing a strong heartbeat and lots of movement

Looking forward to: getting back into the swing of work, I hope it peps me up some- to have to get dressed every day, sad I know! 

Have a great week!!

Em

Blessed

It's not everyday that you have the clarity to say, "I am so blessed beyond measure." Well today I had that.  Over the past few weeks my work family has been celebrating the birth of David Sacran, the child of my co-worker, Louis.  When David was born, he needed medical attention due to a heart defect. While getting him the help he needed, the doctors also discovered that David has Down Syndrome.  And today, after reading the latest update on baby David, I felt so blessed. Thankful of my life, my walk with Christ, and the relationships that we build every day.

If you know me, then you know that I love special needs children. I have always had a special place in my heart for any person that needed a little extra love to get through the day. I am also blessed that my job allows me to love these children as well.  I know that Louis and his family are going to be experiencing a lot of information overload and a lot of questions over the next few years. But, I also know that a Downs Syndrome child is truly a ray of light! I have never met a family that has a stronger faith in our God than the Sacrans.  I am so blessed to know Louis, but even more blessed that he now has a blog about David. As I said before, this child of God will truly be a ray of sunshine.  Well the family knows that and they are calling him Sunshine Sacran.

If you want to be blessed beyond measure and learn about this bundle of joy, I encourage you to visit and share their blog.  www.sunshinesacran.com  Start from the beginning and read how God has blessed and strengthened this family. You will not be sorry!

God bless,
Emily

I'm Gonna Knock your Socks Off!!!

Ok get ready. I am about to knock your socks off!!! Each year for Mother's Day I try to make a dessert that is tasty but also beautiful.  However, if you will remember from this post: http://ramblingsofrealcraziness.blogspot.com/2012/05/mothers-day.html my cake looked like a baby shower cake.

So....I decided to do simple this year. I found this recipe on Pinterest and unlike some recipes on there, this does not disappoint! It is phenomenal, easy to make, and again, will knock your socks off! Here it is:

First, gather all of your supplies

• Box of Chocolate Cake Mix (I used Betty Crocker Super Moist Chocolate Fudge)
• Can of Eagle Brand
• Jar of Caramel topping
• Heath Bar topping (I used the Bits 'O Brickle, but you can use the mix with chocolate in it too)
• 2 small tubs of Cool Whip (not pictured and the recipe called for 1 tub, but I LOVE Cool Whip!)

1. Bake your cake as directed on the box (you will obviously need the egg, water, and oil called for on the back of the box too)

2. Let it cool for about 10 minutes

3. Poke holes in the cake with a wooden spoon handle

4. Open your can of Eagle Brand and pour it on the cake. I really enjoy doing this part because you can take your time and make sure some of the ooey gooey goodness gets into every hole you poked!

5. Let this sit and soak for about 5-10 minutes.

6. Pour the jar of Caramel on top of the Eagle Brand goodness. Again, I like doing this slow because I want some caramel in every bite.

7. By this time your cake should be cooled enough to "frost" with Cool Whip. Here's a helpful tip...make sure your Cool Whip has thawed and is at room temperature. It will not spread if it is hard...don't even try.

8. Add your topping. In the picture below, I forgot to take a picture of the final project, so this is the half eaten version of a final project.

There you go...an easy and FABULOUS dessert.  I will add this: I made my dessert the night before and put the Cool Whip on, but didn't put the topping. Then before I served it, I added more Cool Whip and the Heath topping.

As well as this dessert, my family got together to celebrate on Sunday, here are some pictures from our Happy Mother's Day.....

 

I have the absolute BEST family in the world!!!!!!!! I am so thankful for my "other" family in West Point (my husband's family), even though I don't have any pictures of them, we had a Fantastic time Friday night! I sit here and realize how blessed I am to be surrounded by such amazing women. I was raised by wonderful women that taught me and molded me into who I am today. Thank you to every "mother" that I have had. I love you all with a whole heart!

I'm a Little Crazy

So it's only been a month since I wrote a blog... Let me toot on my own horn! With everything that has been going on, I'm pretty happy about this little accomplishment. My title for today is "I'm a Little Crazy", and I would like to explain why.

Since the last time I updated everyone I. Ads the announcement that we were moving, well we are but the process has not been what I planned. I thought that we would put our adorable house on the market and 2 days later sell it. I mean it is a good price! But alas we have not. Granted it has only been on the market for a month, but as stated above, I'm a little crazy! You might say, "Emily, you're not crazy this is normal." Before you make this declaration let me continue...I have all of these worries and questions, why doesn't anyone want to buy our house, when will we sell it, what if we don't sell it, where will we go if we do sell it, what if we don't find a house, what house will we buy, where will we put our stuff, will we live with my parents forever, what if my parents get tired if us, what if we hate living here, what if I go crazy before we move!?????? See I told you I was crazy! I know that it will all work out, I just need to trust in God to provide. But, that doesn't stop me from obsessing!

So instead of focusing all of my energy on the move, I put some of that crazy into a shower for my friend Cindy. I was on of the co-hostesses for this awesome shower. I decided that we would do Mad Libs and play a game based on the bride and grooms answers to some questions. I have to say they turned out so cute! The mad Libs are below and if you want a word copy of your own or a PDF of this, I'd be happy to share. I think in another lifetime I was a graphic artist. I don't want to offend any of my friends who are really graphic designers by my lack of training or true lack of talent, but I love making documents and cute invites!

 

 We also had great food! Elizabeth made this pasta salad that was to die for!! It was also so pretty. I made these sugar cookie cheesecake bars that were ridiculously good if I do say so myself.
The recipe is here: http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/cookies/cheesecake-sugar-cookie-bars-by-freda.html#.T41l94LA0xJ.pinterest

Let me warn you though...you HAVE to let the cream cheese get to room temperature before you make these. If not you will be disappointed like I was. The taste doesn't change but the look does. Also don't expect to pull these out of the fridge, cut them, and think they will look like the picture...not gonna happen. But what does happen is fireworks in your mouth!! I mean slap yo momma good! I'll admit that I went a little cray cray when I cut them and only half of the batch looked decent. But everyone ate them anyway and raved!

Here are some pics of the fun shower! Also, next weekend is the bachelorette party so get excited to hear about that..well some of it because I don't think I can censor everyone!

This is before all the food was plated, but look closely at the cheescake bars...not like the picture!

Doing a Mad Lib

She got all of the good pictures...plus she looked REALLY cute!

The Bride and Sloane

 I have to also share one really new thing that I'm adding to Emzy's Whimsies bow business...flower headbands/clips. What do you think?!

Bringing Me Through It!

Hellloooo... Ok just imagine that I am saying this like Julia Child! If you don't know who that is...imagine Mrs. Doubtfire, it's the same thing.

I have been absent for a few months, not that many people would notice, but my apologies.  This new year has been a whirlwind! We have been happy, sad, excited, scared, and any other emotion that might come to mind. There are a few things that aren't internet appropriate to tell you about, but I can say that we are one tired family!

These past few months have been a true test to my faith. Let me explain.. I tend to be the one that takes on everyone else's feelings (even when I don't have to). I hurt when someone hurts, I cry for someone when they don't even cry! In other words..I'm just a big ol' mix of emotions, ready to hand them out to whomever might need them. The hard part is when I need to face something on my own. Those emotions that I am so willing to throw around, don't seem to work for me! I don't know how to feel when it comes to me. So...I did a little soul searching during spring break and found out something amazing...I'm ok!

Those of you that know me might be saying, "No, you're are most certainly not ok!" So for those that may be thinking this...kiss it, I love you! So I may still be crazy, but in all seriousness, I'm alright! I have faced my fears (except birds) and I was good!

What really helped was when I got to hear my old youth pastor preach a few Sundays ago.  When he was talking all I could hear was this still, small voice saying listen Emily, listen to him.  He talked about love and loss, heartaches and triumphs.  He kept saying..."If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." He said it over and over, each time pounding harder and harder on my heart.  It was just the message I needed to hear.

After hearing this message, I talked over all of my emotions with Charles.  This little talk secured my thought that I must have done something right in another life to get him!! I am so blessed! I also talked to some great friends!! I was reminded that I have friends who are there for me even when I don't see them all the time. I have also made new friends that I treasure and that I am putting in my inner circle!  I think that a main thing that has happened this year is my eyes opening to see who is going to get me through the next 28 years. With my faith, family, and friends I know that I'm really going to be "ok".

So what is all of this about? Well for the most part it is all a good thing! God has brought my family and friends through a lot this year. My family is changing...we are moving! We aren't moving far, we are moving back to Booneville.  Charles has a job (as an administrator-so the school thing payed off) in Booneville and we have decided to sell our house and move "home". This means that our house is on the market, we are looking for another house, and we are semi packing. With this move, the emotions have ranged from excited to nervous and then overwhelmed! Other things that are going on... friends are getting married, having babies, and furthering their lives. It's a really exciting time...just scary and new.  So I am putting my faith in God...He's brought me to it, and I'm placing all my bets that He will bring me through it!

I hope to be a little more attentive to my blogging, but I am quite sure that everyone will survive if I'm not back on here until May! Haha! Oh...if you need a house in Saltillo, I have a great one for you!! :)