13 weeks

How far along? 13 weeks and 3 days

Total weight gain? 3.1 lbs

Maternity clothes? A little bit. I luckily have a friend who let me borrow 2 of her pregnancy jeans and I wore one this week. The are big on me but it is better than my skinny jeans hurting my bump. I am carrying so low, so my jeans just aren't working. I did purchase a belly band but I am not the biggest fan of it.

Sleeping? Yes. I am sleeping great. I don't take naps during the day (even though 3pm hits and I want to curl up in my chair and sleep) so I think that is helping me sleep at night. Plus I have been working out some so that is helping me too.

Best moment this week? Getting to see this little gal/guy on the sonogram I just came from. I did the genetic testing and was able to look at this little one for a good 5 minutes. I am so in love already. Doctor said everything is looking good so far so that's all I care about.

Worst moment this week? Can't say I've had one. It's been a pretty easy week for me. The food I really don't want....I really don't want. To the point I might throw it at you if you try to get me to eat it!

Do I miss anything? WINE!!!!! and Sushi!!!!!!! I just want a nice crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc with a piece of ahi tuna or tuna tower or some sort of raw fish, wrapped in rice and dipped in soy sauce!

Cravings? This week it has been Peanut Butter, so much I am eating it off a spoon every night before I go to bed. I get a small glass of milk, my prenatal vitamins and a spoon full of creamy peanut butter. And at the end, I put a dab on my finger and give it to Bullet while Dash licks my spoon. They sit and just wait for it. 

Pregnancy symptoms? Tired. Forgetfulness. Boobs growing and hurt always. Sex drive heightened. I smell everything.

Belly Button? In

Stretch marks? None thanks to my Cocoa Butter

Looking forward to? Shopping for this Mighty Mouse of mine. It's all I have wanted to do. Is go shopping for it. I have been on Pinterest pinning both boys and girls clothes, preparing me for what I want to look for.

Gender? The doctor was 90% sure of what we are having, so after Bobby gets back and we tell all of our close friends and family tomorrow, I will do a blog post sometime next week on it so stay tuned for that.

Name? Mighty Mouse (for now). We have 1 girl name and 2 boy names so whatever the results, we are ready!  

Due? August 4, 2015 (doctor said baby girl/baby boy is right on track so that's great!)    

I want to know what you think we are having? I have polled family and close friends but I am curious as to what everyone is leaning too. Without telling you what Bobby and I think it is, here are the results so far from the poll I have gotten! (if I have not asked you, either comment below or comment on facebook and I will add it to my list going)

 

26 people think it's a boy (so far)

17 people think its a girl (so far)

 

Who's right and who's wrong?!

Will my house be covered in more pink things (lord help us) or will we have a future football stud on our hands?

Find out next week!

The only time I don't fast-forward through the commercial's is in the Super Bowl

So if I asked you what your favorite part about the Super Bowl was...what would you say?
 I would tell you, The Commercial's!
Today I am showing you my top 10 favorite Super Bowl commercials that I love. Some make me laugh and some make me cry (to the point I can't watch them anymore because it just ends in me and the ugly cry).

 

Coming in at #10:

Britney Spears Pepsi Commercial-

Ok I don't care who you are, you all paused when this commercial came on. I have loved her since she first came out. She had it going on. They were brilliant in getting her to do this. Then she messed it up by drinking a can of Coke in public before her 1 year contract was up but whatever. She's hot, she can dance and I will always be a fan.

 

Coming in at #9:

Budweiser "Wasssup" Commercial-
So I wasn't a fan the first time I saw this but then I couldn't get it out of my head. To this day I still laugh at it. Everyone for a few years after this would walk around saying Wasssup to each other. It's annoying but in a funny way.

Coming in at #8:

Sketchers French Bulldog Commercial-

 Ok, you all know my love of French Bulldogs and my love of animals so this definitely falls into my top 10. It makes me laugh every time I see it running super fast and then moon walk over the finish line. And ending with Mark Cuban is just the cherry.



Coming in at #7:

E-Trade baby Commercials-

There are many commericals with the E-Trade baby. And I couldn't narrow it down so luckily I found someone else who loves them like me and put their favorites (which happen to be my favorites) into one.



Coming in at #6:

Cindy Crawford Pepsi Commercial-

Ok so this is a classic. If you don't like this one, get off my blog. Pepsi knows how to get the lady's. She is so pretty and I love the car. And the little boys in this are what any boys would do if they ever saw her. Except in the commercial they are excited about the new Pepsi can that has just came out.

Coming in at #5:

Bridgestone's Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head Commercial-

This commercial I love so much! She nags and nags at him for everything but then when her lips come off, her angry eyes come out. How many people can relate to this? Or wish their spouses lips could fall off for a few minutes to give you some peace and quiet?

Coming in at #4:

Coca-Cola Mean Joe Greene Commercial-

Ok so this classic you must have known would be on my top 10. Even though he is portrayed as mean to begin with, by taking the coke and guzzling it down, his spirit is shown after he drinks the coke and when he throws his jersey to the kid. Joe Greene is one of the top defensive lineman to ever play football. Making this commercial still so popular today.

Coming in at #3:

Budweiser "Brotherhood" Commercial-

This commercial makes me cry. Oh lord, I can't even see it. In a short story, the man raises this horse, sends him to be a Budweiser Clydesdale, finds out he is coming into town to march in the parade, the man goes into town to see the horse, the horse notices him and as the man is walking to his car the horse races after him to hug him. And now I'm crying. :...)

Coming in at #2:

Doritos "Hands off my Doritos" commercial-

How I love this commercial. It makes me laugh so hard every time. This little boy is classic and what I imagine all little boys who have single moms would do. But I am with him....."Keep you're hands off my mama and keep your hands off my Doritos"!

And coming in at #1:

Budweiser "Puppy Love" Commercial-

Like you already didn't know this was #1 for me. Even my dog Dash loves it. I could watch this commercial every day and never get tired of it. Makes me want a farm full of puppies though!

 And this year the puppy gets lost.....I already warned Bobby I will have to watch this years commercial at home when I can do the ugly cry ALONE, while I hold my dogs in my lap and have them lick my tears as I watch it over and over again.

 

 

 

Are you're top 10 in my top 10?

Is there one you think I should have in my top 10?

What commercial are you looking forward to this year?

Aren't you glad that they pulled the GoDaddy commercial this year?

 

I am taping the Super Bowl this year and will re-watch all the commercials and make a list of all my favorites and have them for you next week. Would love to hear feedback about the ones you love that you see Sunday night. I will be doing the post on Wednesday, you have till then to let me know what you loved.

 

Super Bowl Food

I don't know about you, but I love the Super Bowl! The action, the drive of the players, the commercials and the food! It's one of those nights you just eat and worry about it later. So I went to my trusty friend, Pinterest, and found some amazing food ideas for the super bowl this year. You can click on each picture to take you to the website for the recipe. Note, not all of these are gluten free. So if there is one you like and you notice it is not, you can always substitute to make it.

Double Decker Taco Cupcakes-

Anything you can make simple and easy and doesn't require a lot of time, is good in my book. Taco's are one of my top 5 favorite things to eat. Try a whole foods or a store like that for gluten free wonton wrappers for this. 

 

Cheesy Bacon Oven Chips w/ Chipotle Ranch-

Cheese and Bacon always do me in. But you put it on a thin potato and bake it and move over. This does require a little time but the results are worth it.

 

Hot & Spicy Sausage dip-

Easy. And if you don't like hot, you can swamp for regular sausage. I just want to bathe in this.

 

Cheese-Stuffed Doritos-

Wait....what? This is this pregnant girls food fantasy right here. OMG. Not only am I always craving Doritos......but this is like you take a cheesestick and married it with a Dorito. Kill me now.

 

White Pizza Dip-

Who doesn't love pizza? But for us gluten free people, it can be hard to find options. But this settles it. Take out the crust and turn it into a dip.

 

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites-

Another fun idea for trying to make a healthier version of something. I love Buffalo sauce (especially my buffalo popcorn I make) and Bobby and I love to use cauliflower where we can. I really want to try this recipe.

 

Nacho Bar-

This is a fun way to feed a lot of people. Make a yummy taco meat cheese dip and have everyone who is coming over bring one ingredient. Make sure you tell each person what to bring so you aren't overloaded with chips but have no jalapenos. That would not fly at my house.

 

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bacon Wraps-

Chicken has not been my thing lately but you wrap it in bacon and put some heat to it and I would eat the crap out of it. I love how this is a simple finger food. Finger foods go over so well at Super Bowl parties because people can eat and mingle and watch the game, all at the same time. And it makes  for easy clean up.  

Peanut Butter Football Dip-

I myself am not a peanut butter + chocolate lover. So this I wouldn't eat but I love how they shaped it into a football and used chocolate sprinkles. Makes it so much easier to make and eat. Make sure you get a gluten free pretzel to go with. Glutino makes amazing ones.

 

Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings-

And what is a Super Bowl party without wings? And these are made in your slow cooker so you can make these ahead of time and let them slow cook all day. Load up on ranch and blue cheese dressings and make sure you have some carrot and celery sticks to go along with it. 

I hope I have given you some awesome ideas for some really good recipes. You can always find much more at www.pinterest.com and search Super Bowl food (and add gluten free if you are). You can also follow me on Pinterest. Just go to http://www.pinterest.com/danilynnlewis/ and there I am.

 

 

 

Who do you want to win the 2015 Super Bowl?

Seattle Seahawks or New England Patriots? 

 

Are you as excited as me to see Katy Perry?

 

Do you tape the Super Bowl so you can re-watch the commercials?

 

Do you have any Super Bowl rituals you do?

 

I wanna allllllll hear about it!!!! Let me know below....   

I could eat pizza anytime of day!

Dear Diary,

I am so excited. I heard yesterday some great news. Pizza Hut is now offering a gluten free pizza! Pizza is one of my favorite things to eat but I am always limited to where I can go. Around me, I can go to IFratelli's in Las Colinas and I can go to Fireside Pies in Grapevine. Which by the way, they both make AMAZING gluten free pizza. I actually prefer the crust over regular crust any day. It's thin, it's light and its super crispy! Dominos has a gluten free option but I don't like it. So I was excited when I heard that Pizza Hut has an option now. I follow Udi's on Instagram and they were the first to announce it. So I raced over to the website to check it out. It does start at $9.99, which is great but I do have to note that Dominos does start at $7.99 but for an extra $2, I would still go with Pizza Hut because I know the brand of crust they are using. Now if Papa John's could jump on board (they have my favorite garlic dipping sauce) and if they all could figure out a way to come up with gluten free breadsticks, this pregnant chick would be one happy momma!

Oh and don't forget, the Super Bowl is this Sunday so if you have a friend who eats gluten free, this would be nice treat for them to have for the game. A way for them to join in on the fun and not feel left out cause they can't eat pizza.

Clicking on the picture will take you to the website for more details

Bobby has a guys weekend this weekend so you can guess what I will be doing Friday night. Ordering me a gluten free pizza with extra pepperoni and banana peppers and drinking a root beer (cause I can't have regular beer or cider). And renting a movie on Redbox! Now....just need to decide what to rent. Brad Pitt's Fury just came out this week but I might get yelled at by the hub's for seeing that without him (but he has left me for the weekend and I have to go to the doctor by myself and look away when they get to gender reveal section so maybe I just might stick it to him and rent it) or it just might be Boyhood instead, which looks amazing and won many Golden Globes. Decisions decisions.....

 

(and now I'm starving! #pregnantgirlproblems)

 

Love, Me

Gdad

Just wanted to say a Happy Birthday to one of my favorite men in the whole wide world. My Granddaddy. What an amazing man you are. I have always looked up to you and I have always considered myself your girl. You and I have a very close bond, always have and it is something I always cherish. You are so very special to me and I love you so very much!

 

 

12 weeks

How far along? 12 weeks & 3 days

Total weight gain? 2 & 1/2 lbs

Maternity clothes? Nope. Everything I own still fits me pretty well.

Sleeping? Yes. I do wake up about 4 times a night to go pee but I always fall right back to sleep.

Best moment this week? When I was sitting on the couch watching TV, Dash jumped up on the couch next to me, proceeded to lay down and put his head right on my stomach, right where the baby is positioned. He has become super clingy lately (doesn't bother me) so I have a feeling he is sensing something. Then, he wrapped his arm around my stomach and fell asleep. I swear he's human.

Worst moment this week? Almost falling out of my jeep when it was raining. I have a big monster jeep and I am pretty good about getting myself in and out of it but I had my hands full after work and the sidebar was wet where I step and I lost my footing. I did catch myself on my seat with my free arm but it scared me for a second. From then on, I have opened the passenger door, emptied my stuff on to the seat and then walked around to get myself in my car.

Do I miss anything? I miss wine. And sushi. And being able to take medicine when I don't feel good. And Taco Diner/Mi Cocina's Mambo Taxi's.

Cravings? I am not craving anything. The only thing I think about at night is chips. But it hasn't gotten to the point where I make Bobby get in the car and go get me bag (plus he probably wouldn't do it anyways and I would thank him later for it). And sometimes, I randomly want a pickle. But it hasn't gotten to point where I just have to have something. Which is great.

Pregnancy symptoms? Tired. I never got morning sickness (thank God) and I don't have weird hair growing in places (thank God) and I'm not an emotional wreck (thank God). My skin sensitivity has become worse and my sense of smell is so wonderful I can smell a mile away. And my boobs always hurt. And I am dreaming up a storm. Oh and my memory is shot. For example, I wrote this whole post and forgot to add my memory lapse and remembered my memory was bad 2 hours later. I use to believe that memory loss when you were pregnant was a bunch of horse poop.....so I apologize for ever thinking that. This is FOR REAL! Like when I forgot my keys to my car at the CVS counter and got half way out the door when the sweet ladies behind me yelled at me that I wouldn't get far without these and jingled my car keys in the air.

Belly Button? In

Stretch marks? None. Using Palmers Cocoa Butter everyday.

Looking forward to? Finding out what I am having. That is all I think about. One day I think boy. One day I think girl. I read all these articles and take test and they say boy. But I've dreamed of having boys and they say that what you dream is what you don't get. I think I just need to stay off the internet for the next few weeks.

Gender? Don't know but hopefully find out next weekend when I go for the genetic testing. My next Friday's post will not have the gender revealed. Bobby has a guys weekend plan and won't be with me at the doctor. So I am having the doctor write it down for me and seal it and then Bobby and I will open it together when he returns and record it as we do. Bobby isn't a fan of gender reveal parties so I thought it would be cute to record our reactions and then forward that video to family/close friends. Don't worry, you won't have to wait long. I will post the video on the blog as soon as all our close peeps know.  

Name? We have 1 girl name and 2 boy names. So we are prepared either way. And I love all 3 names so much. I am so excited to call this little one a name. For now, I call it Mighty Mouse. It's the nickname I gave it when I found out. And it's funny because I thought I was 9 weeks along but because he/she is growing so good, they put me to 11 weeks. So it's like a little Mighty Mouse in there. Growing big and strong.

Due? August 4, 2015

He's my frenchie!

Happy Birthday to one of the best dogs in the whole wide world! What a joy you are to me Bullet. You are funny, quirky, have the biggest personality, stubborn and you snore. You hate being cold, hate the rain and snow. You love to be under the blankets where it's nice and toasty. Your favorite thing is to be in either my or your daddy's arms, asleep under the covers. You love to eat and play with Dash. You have what your daddy and I call a "frisky hour" at 6pm every night. You get really hyper for about 30 minutes. All your family is home and it's when you are the happiest, so you must just play and wrestle and fight with Dash. I can't believe you are 8 years old today. You have brought so much joy in my life and I thank God everyday for you.

I love you Bullet!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are thinking about getting a pup that is easy, good with kids and doesn't require much exercise, get a French Bulldog. I swear they are the best. They are even good for people who have allergies. And always, if you can, please adopt from an animal shelter. There are so many pups that need good homes. Open yours up to them. All they give is love and don't need much in return. But you just can't help it...I mean....look at that face! Perfection :)

It already likes to dance and be in front of the camera!

There are still a bunch of questions that I have been asked so once again, I thought I would answer the most frequently asked.

 

 

How am I feeling?

I feel great. I honestly can say that I feel wonderful. When 3pm hits, I start to sink down in my chair and could really go for a nap. I get my second wind about 4pm and then start to crash again about 830/9pm. That's when I take a bath/shower and go to bed.

 

Did I get sick?

No, I never got morning sickness at all. Never experienced that nauseous feeling. The only time I did get it a little was in the car ride over to Clyde for Christmas. But it was because I was in the back and Landry had me keep reading stuff instead of focusing forward. I already get a little car sick being in the back anyways.

 

Did I really have the flu?

YES....I really did have the flu over Christmas. It sucked really bad. It took everything away from me. And I couldn't take any medicine except Tylenol Cold medicine so it didn't really kick in for a few days. It took me a good 2 weeks to finally feel ok from it.

 

Am I in maternity outfits yet?

No, I am still in my regular clothes, which I am thankful for. I can feel them getting to the point where in a few weeks they wont fit but for now, I am making it work.

 

Do we have names picked out?

We do have names picked out. I have had a girl name since I was like 17 and Bobby has always liked it so it's never changed. Boy names are harder but we do have 2 picked out that we like and when the time comes and it is a boy, we will have to pick. They are both so different so it might be a "lets see what he looks like and then pick the name".

 

Do we want a boy or a girl?

We really don't care. If God were to ask me what I want for real, my first choice would be a boy. Only because I really want Bobby to have a boy and they are cheaper and I always wanted a older brother growing up. Not that I didn't love having a big sister, but big brother's were always so cool and had hot friends :) But then I see Landry and Billie Marie and my heart longs for a girl. So I am torn.

 

Are we going to find out the sex of the baby?

YES.....are you kidding me? It's all I think about. I honestly think I am having a boy (even though I am probably wrong) but I just want to know! I want to be able to pick out colors and register for all pink or all sports. And start buying a wardrobe. I am going to go broke shopping, but at least my child will be fashionable dressed.

 

When will I do you weekly updates?

Fridays. I think it's a good way to end my week, plus it gives me all week to get a good picture. Still trying to decide on what to do.

 

Am I having any cravings?

CHIPS! Any and all kinds. It's all I want. Doritos, Fritos, Cheetos, Lays, Pringles, Kettle Brand, Zapps, etc. If it is thin and crispy and salty and savory and delicious, just hand it over and move away! I am not allowed to go to the grocery store anymore. My cart would be full of chips. As far as weird cravings, none. Only thing I don't want to eat is Chicken, but I don't like chicken much so it's not that weird that I am avoiding it.

 

Am I experiencing any weird things going on with my body?

Not really. I found this a weird question but thought I would address it. My boobs have grown a lot and hurt majorly. I noticed yesterday that my stomach is starting to come forward some. Not around/wide, but forward. My back is already hurting. I am having a few skin allergies, more than normal. I've always used Tide free and gentle because all other fabric washes I am allergic too, but now I have had to switch to dye free, chemical free, scent free fabric softener. And my dryer sheets are all free and gentle too. My face has broken out some, not too bad, just few blemishes. It did that when I got off birth control for a few months and then cleared up so I am waiting for that again to happen in my second trimester. I am having weird dreams, which is very normal I am told. Some where I am saving someone, some sexual, some where all I am doing is eating, some where all I am doing is crying. I have saved my dog Dash from something more times than I can count. I once had a dream I had twins and one was sick and the other was ok.

Oh....and I pee A LOT! About 20 times a day I pee.

And if I don't eat every 3 hours....well lets just not go there!   

 

Can I see the baby?

Of course. I do have to warn you....it's quite precious! Yes, it is sucking its thumb. Best story from the sonogram was when we were looking at it and the doctor was pointing everything out and checking some stuff, it started to dance! It moved its little arms and legs like it was dancing to the music. Like it knew it was in front of the camera and was prepared. Like it was always saying Hello Mom and Dad! God sent me to be with you and here I am!!!!! And then it was done and started sucking its thumb again.

To my little baby,

I can't even being to tell you how much I already love you. From the moment I knew to the day I actually saw you was kind of a blur. But everything became real clear the moment you popped up on the screen. The world out here is really big and can be scary but don't you worry, you are going to be something great! You already have a lot of people who love you and will do anything for you. God made you for me and your daddy. I don't care if you are a boy or a girl, as long as you are mine. Keep growing big and strong and in 27 or so weeks, I will see you!

I love you, Mom

How did I...?

Dear Diary,

So I am pregnant. That much is true. But I haven't talked about it to many people because up until last Monday, I hadn't even got to see the little cupcake of mine so there wasn't much to tell people. I have been asked a lot how did I find out and how did I tell family and how am I feeling and are you going to do pregnancy weekly photos and updates, are you going to find out sex of baby, do you have names picked out, etc.? So I thought I would answer a few questions over the next couple of days to clear some things up, just in case you are one of those wondering minds.

How did I find out?

I have been off birth control since July but my doctor told me to wait one month so I can have a regular period to get my body use to being off birth control. So after I got my period in August, I knew everything was good to go. I had read that if you try and stress over it, it will take a long time. So we did our best to not stress over it. We both wanted it but the moment I started my period in September, it upset me. And then it stressed me and my mind and when I started again in October, I got really upset. I started to blame myself, I blamed him and told him he needed to get checked out. All these things. Then I read an article somewhere about someone who tried for 2 years and never lost there faith. Never blamed anyone, never blamed each other and finally got pregnant. And here I am only 3 months in to trying and blaming everything under the sun. So I stopped blaming myself and Bobby and I started praying. When I started at the beginning of November, it didn't upset me this time. I continued to pray and at about this time, the Garth Brooks "MOM" song just came out and my mom texted me saying that this was my song. That there was someone special waiting for me and that it was all in God's hands. I had never cried so hard in my life. I thanked God for all the things in my life and dried my eyes and started my day. I had been documenting in an ovulation calendar app I had and I accidently put in my period date wrong for the month of November. So when it was coming time for me to start in December (going based off my calendar), I didn't. But to me, I was only 1 day late. Then I went back to my everyday calendar I use (because I put it in 2 different calendars) and noticed that I had actually started a week earlier. So I was actually 8 days late! It was a Friday so after I got off work, I drove to CVS, grabbed a Clearblue pregnancy test, rushed home, hide in the bathroom and peed on the stick. It took about 30 seconds for it to change.

 

How did I tell Bobby?

After about 1 minute of staring at the pee stick, I knew Bobby was in his office working. I tried to put the pee stick in my Younique case because I thought it would be cute if I handed it to him and told him I had a gift for him. But the stick didn't fit so I knew I was running out of time and he would come looking for me. So I put it behind my back, walked up behind him and quietly put it over his head in front of his face. He said " What the..." and turned around and said "Are you kidding?" 'Is this a joke?" "Is this fake?" I just laughed. He picked me up and spun me around while the dogs went crazy around my feet. It was like a scene from a movie. I will never forget that moment of telling him. He just kept saying 'Wow" over and over again. He asked me if I had another pee stick, cause he wanted me to be sure. So I peed on a second pee stick just to pacify him and in 30 seconds, it was a plus sign again.

 

 

 

How did we tell my parents?

Do you know how hard it is to not tell anyone? How hard it is to not share in this excitement? I knew we wouldn't last long so the following week (Friday), I had my company Christmas party and told my parents to come over a little early to have some wine before we go. So they thought nothing of it. Well I had gotten a bottle of wine and a jar of Prego sauce. Every time I had texted about getting pregnant, I always used the word Prego. So I knew they would get it. Boy was I wrong. I put the wine bottle down and said "Well I had a whole lot of this..." and then I put the Prego bottle down and said "and now I'm this!". They both just stared at it reading everything. So I said it again. And for a third time. Nothing. You could see their minds working like crazy. It finally hit my dad and he said "prego....are you pregnant?" I said 'yes" and lord almighty you should have heard my mother. She screamed and did her little rain dance with her hands in the air...."OMG my baby is going to have a baby!" and more screams.

 

How did I tell my sister?

Well I knew we were telling the Lewis clan that Saturday evening (more on that next) so I decided I would call my sister Saturday morning. Little did I know she was standing in line to see Santa. I told her I had a quick question so she called me and said "What's up?" I said "I was wondering if you are ready to be an aunt?" You could hear it in her voice. She did her best to not scream it to the world because Landry was standing right there. She said "I am standing in line to see Santa and you tell me now?! (in a whisper) Tim, Dani is pregnant." I could hear Tim say "What?" She said "Let me call you back when I am not trapped between random people and kids" Instead of calling me, she texted. This will be her first time being an aunt so she finally know what it feels like, what I always tell everyone about the joys of being an aunt.

 

How did we tell his parents?

So that night was the night we went out with the whole Lewis clan to Prairie Lights so we thought it would be a good time to tell everyone then. We went over to Bobby's parents a little early so we could tell them. We started talking about her Christmas tree and all her ornaments and Bobby goes "Well you will have to add another one next Christmas because Dani is pregnant" Debbie jumped off the couch and ran to me and squeezed me so tight. You have to understand something....Bobby is Debbie's baby. Her favorite (Angie and Billy know it, no secret), he can do no wrong, nothing. So for her to come over to me before she went to him meant so much to me. Debbie has always loved me because she knows how good I am for Bobby. I have a great relationship with Debbie but in that moment, it meant so much to me that she picked to hug me over him. And not just hug me, she liked HUGGED me for like 2 minutes. I know that sounds childish and all but I can't help it. Then everyone else showed up.

 

How did we tell Billy, Kristen, Matt and Angie?

So we rode with B&K to the prairie light show and on the way we told them. They were both so excited for us. Kristen screamed of course, even though she knew it was coming. Then she looked at me and said "I think Boy". On the way back from prairie lights, we rode with Matt and Angie. Bobby and I were very nervous to tell them. With everything that happened with Aubrey, I didn't want to rub it in their faces that I was pregnant. A few weeks before that, Angie sent me a text telling me that she wanted to know when we got pregnant. That what happened to her, should not take away from the baby I am going to have. So with that in mind, Bobby told them. Angie was so excited. She gave me huge side hug (cause we were in the car driving) and it was such a relief. Matt and Angie are incredibly strong but I just didn't want to bring up emotions for them.

 

What about everyone else?

I knew my appointment wasn't until January 12th so I really wanted to wait to tell extended family and friends till we saw the baby and knew everything was ok. We did tell a few close friends before we went to the sonogram. Bobby was just way to excited. Up until that point, I thought I was only 9 weeks pregnant. When we went in to do the sonogram, turns out I was almost 11 weeks pregnant. The baby was growing really big so she pushed my original due date August 12th to August 4th. So we knew it was time to tell people. We made a lot of calls and a lot of text to extended family and close friends. Everyone was so excited. Bobby and I have been together almost 11 years so when you have that much history, that much love, that many people see you grow from these kids to adults together, they were just as excited as we were. I am super blessed to have the people in my life that I do. My support system is amazing.

 

How did I tell Landry?

As far as the nieces and nephews in my life, Landry was the one I was most nervous about telling. Actually she was the one I was most nervous about telling period. She has been my girl for almost 6 years. I was afraid she would think I wouldn't love her anymore, or love her less or be upset with me or not want to be around me. All these things. I didn't want Landry finding out early because the girl has a big mouth and would have told everyone she saw. So we waited. I knew Colton and Kent would hear it and move on. And Hayden and Billie are too little. So Kara brought her over Saturday morning so I could tell her. She was in the kitchen talking to Kara so I went and grabbed the sonogram picture. I said "Landry, do you know why mommy brought you over to see Ninny?" Then Bobby goes, "Oh she doesn't know?" and Kara goes "Shhhh!". She said "No, why did mommy bring me over here?" I said " So Ninny could tell you that she is going to have a baby!" She got really quiet. And just stared at me. I could see her mind going a thousand miles a second. I said "Do you want to see it?" and she said yes so I showed her. Kara explained to her that it's like when Hayden was in her tummy. She said "Oh ok" and left the kitchen. Just like that. Kara said "Don't worry. As soon as we get in the car she's going to ask me a thousand questions" Then they left and Kara texted me later saying that when she walked into Tim's mom's house Landry goes "Memo, Ninny is going to have a baaabbbbyyyy!" And Memo asked her what she wanted and she said "A girl because there are too many boys already!" 

 

 

 

So here we are today. I am 12 weeks today but I will be doing my weekly post on Friday's for you. So far I have been told people think its a boy more than they think its a girl. I don't care. As long as its healthy, I am good. Here are my photos I have taken. I didn't do every week since it was still so soon in the pregnancy.

 

 

I am hoping to find something more creative to do with the weekly photos. So far its been me taken them. I need to find a way to incorporate the dogs. Any suggestions would be greatly taken?

 

 

Love, Me

MLK Day

The third Monday of every January we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. But I wonder if you knew some interesting facts about this day.

• His actual birthday is January 15th but because that day would fall on a different day each year, they decided to pick the closest day to which his birthday would fall on, which happens to be the third Monday of every January.
• A campaign to get make it a holiday, in honor of him, started in 1968, soon after his assassination.
• President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983 and it was first observed 3 years later.
• Some states resisted observing the holiday and some even combined it with other holidays. Some states even changed the name of it.
• It wasn't until 2000 that all states finally acknowledge it as a holiday, 32 years after it was campaigned for and 17 years after President Reagan signed it as a holiday.
• New Hampshire was the last state to have the holiday named after him.
• A Japanese city called Hiroshima also celebrates MLK day
• As does Toronto, Canada
• In honor of MLK, hundreds of volunteer centers and volunteers across the country donate their time to make a difference on this day

I have yet to see Selma but I have heard how amazing it is. I have read a lot of facts and information on Martin Luther King Jr. and to this day, I find him one of the greatest men to ever walk this Earth. His bravery, his courage, his drive, his message, his life is something that needs to be celebrated.
Even though I do work on MLK day, I still take the time to thank him and thank my God above for giving the World a man like this. He should be remembered for being the voice of reminder to us all on how we are all created equal in the eyes of God and how we are all united as one, no matter the skin color.

He should and he will be remembered for this. This is why there is a day named after him.  

"I have decided to stick with Love. Hate is too great a burden to bear"- MLK, JR

11 years ago.....

11 years ago today a boy drove over an hour to pick up a girl in the freezing rain and drive her to see a movie that he didn't want to see (Lord of the Rings, part 3). He fell asleep in the movie, she sat next to a really fat man who ate popcorn the whole time (3 and 1/2 hours). When it was finally over he started to drive her back home but because it was so rainy and so cold, the windows fogged up really bad so they had to wait for them to unfog. While sitting in the car she decided to write her name in the fog on his window, so just in case his window ever fogged up again, he would see her name and think of her. 11 years ago today, a boy fell in love with a girl he had just met. 11 years ago today, a girl realized that maybe God hadn't given up on her when it came to finding someone who made her truly laugh. 11 years ago today, God had a plan, a bigger plan then that boy and that girl could see.

 

And here I am, 11 years later thinking back on that blonde hair, blued eye, pants sagging, chain wearing kid I met, the boy I fell in love with, the guy I got engaged to, the man I married and the husband that has given me my newest title......

 

 

"Mom"

By Garth Brooks

 

"Little baby told God hey I'm kind of scared.
Don't really know if I want to go down there.
From here it looks like a little blue ball
That’s a great big place and I'm so small.
Why can't I just stay here with you?
Did I make you mad, don't you want me too?
God said oh child of course I do
But there’s somebody special waiting for you

So hush now little baby, don't you cry
Cause there's someone down there waiting whose only goal in life
Is making sure you're always gonna be alright
A loving angel tender tough and strong
It's almost time to go and meet your mom.

You'll never have a better friend
Or a warmer touch to tuck you in
She'll kiss your bruises your bumps and scrapes
And anytime you hurt
Her heart’s gonna break

So hush now little baby, don't you cry
'Cause there's someone down there waiting whose only goal in life
Is making sure you're always gonna be alright
A loving angel tender tough and strong
It's almost time to go and meet your mom.

And when she's talking to you make sure you listen close
She's gonna teach you everything you'll ever need to know
Like how to mind your manners, to love and laugh and dream
She'll put you on the path that bring you back to me

So, hush now little baby, don't you cry
Cause there's someone down there waiting whose only goal in life
Is making sure you're always gonna be alright
A loving angel tender tough and strong
Come on child it's time to meet your mom" 

 

I like to spoil them and then give them back.

I sometimes get in these moods where I really miss my sweet kiddos. And by kiddos I mean Landry, Colton, Kent, Hayden and Billie Marie. And whenever I get in this mood, I tend to text each sibling, or go to Facebook/Instagram and ask for/look at a photo. Just seeing their smiling face makes my heart so very happy. You already know this but being an aunt is one of my favorite things in the whole wide world. And it's super easy when you have as great of kiddos as the ones I got.

 

So today's blog is pretty simple. Just some updated photos to make you smile.

:)

 

 

Fun fact about Landry- She now has lost her 2 front teeth. I haven't heard her yet but I bet she is talking pretty funny. She has the biggest smile and seeing it lights my heart. And I just found out she has her first official crush on a boy in her class that she likes to rub in her daddies, her pop's and her bumba's face. Landry will do anything for a laugh. She likes to be center of attention (on her terms) and if she can get a response, especially from my dad, her pop, she will. She is also drawing on everything. Kara says she finds Landry's name on everything in the house. I was just like that as a child. I still am like that. 

 

 

Fun fact about Colton- he is the pickiest eater but loves to cook! Angie is always showing us how he loves to be in the kitchen. Now if he only ate what he made, he would be the most diverse eater ever. I'm hoping soon he will cook me something to eat. I am dying to taste something he has made. And then I will have to chase him to get a hug and a kiss for him to just wipe it off. And then I will have to catch him again and over load him with kisses that he cant wipe off. It's a fun game we play.  

 

Fun fact about Kent- he is a mover and shaker and goes goes goes all the time but as soon as he sits in the barber chair to get his hair cut, he is a stiff as a board. He will be talking and running around but as soon as he hops in that seat, he becomes a statue. I am dying to go one of these days to see him that still. And so I can secretly take photos of his face. Have you seen his eyelashes and lips? They are gorgeous and it's not creepy because I am his aunt!

Fun fact about Hayden- He is talking up a storm. Kara said he is saying bear, ball, bye bye, hi, good (which means food), mama, dada, seeter (sister) and digel (their dog Angel). (We really need to be working on Dani/Ninny!) And he is also shaking his head no when he really doesn't want to do something. He has always had a sweet personality and he is one of the most laid back babies I have ever come across so I love seeing him come out of his shell a little. He likes to dance to music, he has one move but he has mastered it. 

 

 

Fun fact about Billie Marie- she is army crawling and can not be stopped. Kent is really good about keeping his eyes on her because he tends to move with her. If she gets stuck somewhere, best believe he will get to her first. She is really starting to eat and every time she gets around Aunt Dani, she tries a new thing. One time it was beans, one time is was mashed potatoes. Soon it will be chocolate (sorry Kristen). Her favorite thing right now is chicken/sweet potatoes (2 things I hate). Her first word is dada but I am working on Dani/Ninny. Whichever she wants to call me. And she is really starting to smile for photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 I have such a soft spot for these kiddos. Luckily there is such a thing as Facebook and Instagram and smart phones that allow me to keep up with them. I don't know how people did it back in the day. I go crazy in just a week not seeing their perfect faces. They are loud, crazy, annoying, talk to much, scream all their words, have food on their face, dirty their clothes, cry, whine, and love ME with their whole heart and I wouldn't change it for the world!