Kent is 5

Happy Birthday to my amazing nephew Kent Samuel Lewis. 

I love you so much buddy. You are such a joy to me. You are so smart and have always had such a fantastic vocabulary. You talk to me like an adult and make me laugh. You always have a hug for me and you are the perfect definition of a boy. You are tough and strong and loving. You are an incredible big brother, Billie Marie is so lucky to have you as her brother. 

I can't wait to see what you are going to be some day. I am so lucky that Brody has you to look up to as a cousin. I love you so much buddy and I still can't believe you are 5 today! I remember the first day I met you like it was yesterday and to watch you grow has been a pleasure and here we are today....you crazy, funny, handsome boy! 

Happy Birthday! 

Emergency c-section

Dear Diary,

It's been a few weeks that I have written to you and I figured it was time. I have been asked a whole bunch about why Brody was considered an emergency c-section and I thought it would be a great time to answer these questions, so everyone will know what a blessing this baby is to me and how I thank God every day for keeping him safe. 

I explained my "have a baby" post {here} but I failed to mention why they had to take him so suddenly. 

So my body went from having no contractions, to having them every 30 seconds to a minute. Where normally, women get to that point gradually and are dilating the whole time so the process is much easier on the body and the baby. But because I was going so quick and wasn't dilating, it was causing my body to go in shock and it was causing him to stress out. When a baby gets stressed in the womb, it can cause them to poop and if you know anything, it is really bad if they poop inside of you. And my water still had not broken so my doctor comes in and explains to me what is going on. She wants to break my water to see if he had pooped and if he had, we would need to take him. And if he hadn't, then we can continue the process we were on. Well baby boy had pooped and because he was still in distress, she told me that she thought it would be best if we went ahead and took him. 

I could see the look in her face...like I am giving you the option but I am telling you what to do. Little did she know the tragedy that she saved him and I from and maybe she did know and didn't want to scare us. Once I was in the room and she had cut me open, she said that my placenta (the sack that Brody is in that keeps him safe and protected) was rupturing. Because of what was going on, it was failing. Brody was literally to big for my placenta and he was literally pushing his way out, which caused his partial collapsed lung. 

All making sense now? 

This is why I never looked bigger than 31 weeks. Which was great weight wise but very dangerous for carrying a baby. I will now be considered high risk when I hit 32 weeks due to the size of my placenta and the fact that I could possibly have another big baby. Which means I will have to get a sonogram each week starting at 32 weeks to monitor the baby and everything else. 

I can't even begin to thank my God for giving me my doctor and listening to me when I told her I hadn't really felt him move since Sunday. And being honest with me and taking care of us when we needed her the most. She will forever be in my prayers and will forever be my little hero that day. Because to think I would have never had the chance to hold him or him be much worst off than he was...I just can't think that way. Because he is here and he's perfect for Bobby and I.

Love, Me

National Dog Day

Happy National Dog Day to the best 2 dogs in the whole world! Your life lately has been turned upside down and I know you don't quite understand what the hell is going on but when Brody gets a tad older, you will love him. And it will be another person to love on you! Everyone who comes over just loves you both and ends up wanting to take you home with them. 

Thank you for being my pups and loving me unconditionally! I love you so much. 

3 weeks old

How old? 3 weeks 

Likes? Being cuddled, his play mat, music, being talked to

Hates? Baths, being cold

Milestones this week? His head control is amazing. He can turn his head to the sound of your voice. At his doctors appointment, he was up to 8.9 lbs and 20.50 inches. He is still long and lean but has chubby cheeks that I love.

Sleeping?  This week hasn't been the best for sleeping. He has been awake more which is great but because he gets so hungry, he wakes himself up after he has fallen asleep finally. 

Eating? He eats 3oz every 2 hours. In the middle of the night, we try for every 3 hours so we all get some sleep but it's give or take on that. 

1st and Kindergarten

I can't believe I am writing this but Landry Kate Smith started 1st grade today! 1st grade! And what's even more shocking to me.....Colton Levi Talbert and Kent Samuel Lewis started Kindergarten! I was a mess this morning when I got their photos. Y'all know how much I love my nieces and nephews and take great pride in my Aunt title so it was so hard for me this morning seeing them all grown up and going to school. I kept thinking of that Darius Rucker song It Won't Be Like This For Long and kept crying over and over again. 

Landry, Colton and Kent-

I can't even begin to describe how much I love you and how proud I am of you. You are going to rock this year. You are so smart and so sweet and you are going to make so many great friends! Good luck this year, have lots of fun and never forget how much I love you! 
-Aunt Dani

And now I need to pick myself up off the floor and just hope time slows down some! This aunt just can't deal. 


And thank you Kristen for sending me this even though you had no idea I needed it!

2 weeks old

• How old? 2 weeks and 1 day
• Likes? To eat, snuggling, being swaddled, tummy time, his momma-roo
• Hates? Being cold, his diaper changed, baths
• Nicknames? Hulk, pup, puppy, stretch
• Milestone this week? Finally latching on the boob (talk about that next week), having more head control, really focusing on things, turning his head towards the sound of my voice.
• Sleeping? He sleeps about 2-3 hours at a time. He tends to wake at midnight, 3am and 6am...somewhere around those hours.
• Eating? He eats 3oz, every 2-3 hours, rather it be formula or breastmilk. 

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday to my hero, my daddy! 

I love you more than words can say. You have been there for me every step of the way. You encourage me, you motivate me, you love me even though I am super stubborn and hard headed, you never give up on me, you always taught me right from wrong, you preached to me about putting God first and everything else second. You love my husband and now you are Pop to my baby. How lucky we all are to have you in our lives! 

You always say you are the luckiest man because of the family God gave you, but I'm here to tell you Dad...we are the lucky ones! 

I hope you have the best birthday and I love you so much! 

30 in 30: 1 and 2: Get an epidural and Have a baby

Alright.....

Let's get this story started! 

I will do my best to give you the facts and not bore you with the inbetween stuff. 

The morning of August 4th, I had a 40 week doctor appointment to see if I have dilated or any farther along with my pregnancy. At this appointment, I was supposed to talk to my doctor about what day to get induced and how everything would go. 

So I show up for my 10:45am appointment. Bobby was supposed to go with me but he ended up having a really important meeting that he couldn't miss come up so I told him I would be fine and just call him once I found out what was going on. I get back to the room and after being checked out, I had only dilated to a 1. Which is nothing. I told her that I really hadn't felt him move since Sunday. And you could see her ears perk up. She already wasn't a fan of my blood pressure so decided to send me down to triage to get blood work done and to get a sonogram. Just to be safe. So while my blood work is being rushed, they wheel me up to the sonogram room to check on little boy. The doctor was very honest with me. She wasn't a fan of what she was seeing. She said she would call my doctor and they would discuss what they think I should do. She wasn't gone but 2 minutes when she came back in and said that her and my doctor thought it would be best if they went ahead and admitted me and we get this ball rolling. They didn't like the fact that he wasn't moving like he should and my blood work came back bad. She told me it would be a slow process so to call my husband and tell him that when his meeting is over, to go ahead and get on up to the hospital. So they wheel me back down to triage to wait for a room. I got to the delivery room around 2pm or so. 

This is where it gets crazy.......

They had a hard time getting an IV started on me because I hadn't had any water so after 3 tries, they finally get it. Bobby arrives around 3pm and I have to say....I have never loved my husband more than when he walked into the room. There was this look on his face like OMG this is happening, like really really happening! Luckily he had been at his appointment and was able to go home and get all of our stuff. After he arrived, my doctor came in and told me they were going to try to get me to dilate more. That there was this small thing that they will place inside me to start helping me dilate. So I get that inserted and within 30 minutes, I was having contractions. Like major contractions. Like where I couldn't breathe almost. But I knew it was part of it so I just focused on my breathing and tried to stay calm. 

They came in around 4:30 to put the epidural in me. I have to be really honest, the thought of it scared me to pieces. And I was in so much pain that I was shaking so bad. The nurse had to hold me to help calm my body. I wasn't shaking cause I was scared, I was shaking cause my body was in so much pain. He had a hard time sticking me at first and I was contracting so much, it took longer than normal. So I just started praying and finding an inner peace and he was able to stick me. Not gonna lie, it hurt. But I knew this small amount of pain would help the massive pain I was in. After he was able to stick me, he went pretty fast. Then he told me he would gonna stick something in and to tell me if I felt nerve pressure on either my right side or my left side and he would adjust it. He stuck it in and I felt it on my right so I told him and he pulled it out and tried again and this time nothing. And like that....I had gotten an epidural. I only wish I was able to watch it or have some sort of documentation of it but they kicked Bobby out of the room for it. 

At 5pm, my doctor came back in and decide to take the thing that was inside me out because it was causing me to contract every minute. So I went from no contractions to contracting too much too fast. It was putting my body in shock almost. So after she pulled it out, my body was able to relax some. Which was a great relief to me. At this time, my water still had not broken and I was still a 1. She said she was gonna give my body an hour to see what it will do. So at 6pm, she came back in and decided to go ahead and break my water. She was afraid he might had pooped in the water and could be in distress and if so, we would need to do an emergency c-section to get him out. So she broke my water and lord did that feel weird. Like I just peed a bucket on myself. And like she had feared, he had pooped. She wanted to monitor us for 30 minutes to see what my body would do. She was gone 10 minutes when she came back in the room and told us she thought it would be best if we did a c-section. That something wasn't right and we need to get him out. So I looked at Bobby and we both said yes, get him out. Do what you need to do. So within 5 minutes, I was being wheeled into another room and getting prepped. I won't go into details of what they did because honestly, I really have no idea. I was numb from the boobs down and I knew he was in good hands. They brought Bobby in and it was go time. The only thing I actually felt was him being pulled out of me. It was like an uncomfortable feeling. Like something being sucked out of you. The amount of people that were in the room for this one baby was mind boggling. Because he had pooped in the water, she told me that once she pulled him out, that I wouldn't hear him cry. So to not freak out. That they would need to get all of the stuff out of his mouth because they didn't want him swallowing it. 

DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO LAY THERE AND NOT HEAR YOUR BABY CRY! 

But I trusted them and I trusted God and Bobby was there so I just kept praying. And then I heard it. And then I yelled at Bobby and told him to tell the doctor that I was gonna puke so he told him and he gave me something that knocked me out. I literally passed out. I really have no idea for how long, all I remember was hearing my son cry and passing out. They finally woke me because they were taking him out of the room and they wanted him to see me. 

At the time, I had no idea why they were taking him out of the room. And it wasn't until I got back into the labor and delivery room did I find out that he was in NICU for a partial collapsed lung. Bobby explained to me what was going on and that he needed to be monitored 24/7 in NICU for it. That they didn't see the need for surgery but he needed to be on oxygen for 12 hours to help him heal. And that he had gone to see him and he was doing good. If you know me, you know how emotional I am. But for some reason, I didn't cry when I found out. I had so much faith floating around me that I just knew he was going to be ok. That God was present and it was all in his hands. 

They decided to go ahead and wheel me up to our room but wanted me to stop by the NICU to see him. Those first moments of his life are really important in bonding. So they brought me in and he was under this oxygen thing. 

They took him out and placed him on me. I could have laid there forever people. FOREVER! All the pain I went through, all the unknowns and the all the scary things, none of it mattered. 

I get it now! I get what it's like to have a baby. It didn't go as planned. But what in life does? In 4 hours of being told this would take a day, I had a baby. My baby. My little boy.  In 4 hours, I experienced 2 of my 30 in 30. 

I am a Mom now! And there's no greater feeling than when I look at him. 

Just so you know, Brody healed himself in 24 hours and we were able to have him back in our room Thursday around 1pm. Praise God! 

Next week I will talk about how we came up with his name, why he and I were in distress during labor (there's a big reason and it's a doozy) and get you all caught up on our time at home. 

1 week old

I know a lot of you are so curious about what happened last Tuesday and I promise I will tell you all the unbelievable story of how my sweet boy came into this world but today, he is 1 week old and that is something worth sharing. Over the next couple of days, I will tell you the story of Brody Daniel Lewis. But today, today I am focusing on his 1 week. On Tuesday's, instead of my Dear Diary days, they will be Brody Daniel days. I will be moving my Dear Diary to Thursday's now. I can't promise I will be blogging everyday these next couple of weeks but I will do my best. 

He likes to eat and when he doesn't get it fast enough, he turns into the Hulk. And we have officially changed his nickname from Mighty Mouse to Hulk. Mighty Mouse was cute when he was in the womb but since he goes from 0 to 60 in a second, we thought Hulk was much more fitting and more manly. He loves kisses and be swaddled. He hates being cold and hates his diaper changed. He smiles a lot and he has a dimple on each side. He has my eyes and heart shaped face and he has Bobby's nose and Bobby's top lip. And he is long and lean like Bobby. He is both breast and bottle fed. Since he likes to eat and he likes to eat right now, the boob just isn't quick enough for him yet but we are working on it everyday and everyday he gets better. He really is a good baby and B and I couldn't be more blessed. 

I promise I will tell you all the story of how he entered into this world because it truly is a story for the books. But it is a long story so I will be sharing it over the next couple of days. Hopefully I can get everyone caught up on our crazy life! 

To my 3 boys,

Where do I begin? 

You 3 have already made me the luckiest women in the world. I get to be the wife to one of you and a dog-mom to the other 2 of you. 

Bullet,

You make me laugh on a daily basis. You have such a personality that can only be described as nothing from this world. You might not understand what is about to happen to your world, but as your mom, I promise you I will love you the same, no matter how much you might feel ignored these next couple of weeks while Mom gets in the groove of things. Mighty Mouse is going to love you so much and even though you might want nothing to do with him, you will love him too, especially when it comes time for him to start eating in a high chair and food "happens" to fall to the floor for you. I love you my Bully Bully and thank you for being my dog. 

Dash, 

My baby. My shadow. The most loyal thing I have in my life. I hate that your life is about to change so dramatically. I know everytime I get up to feed MM, you will be right alongside of me, even at 2am. One of the reasons I had your dad spend extra money on a double glider for MM's room, because I knew the other side would be occupied by you. I have a feeling you might end up becoming MM's best friend. You let anyone love on you and lay on you and I think he's going to do just that. Things are going to change and I can't stop it but I promise to love you the exact same way as I already do. I love you Dasher and thank you for being my dog. 

Bobby,

What an 11 and 1/2 years we have had together. And now a baby! A real baby. Like a real, talking, walking, human. Who knew the thug and the shy girl would end up here?! We have had ups and downs and through it all we have stuck together. In a few short days we are going to be parents! Like holy shit. PARENTS! Haha. We are going to go through this miracle of life together. Just you and I. We are about to experience something on a totally different level together. And I can't imagine doing it with anyone else. You make my life complete. You are the hardest working man I know, you put this little family of yours first and when I came to you over a year ago asking you what you thought of when we have a baby, me going part time so I can spend some time with him/her, you never once complained or bitched at me that I couldn't or we couldn't afford it or how I would be taking something away from you. You listened to me and understood where I was coming from and you never once told me no. And here we are! You are the man I never imagined I could have, a true prince charming and I can't wait for MM to learn from you. You are the most perfect role model for our son........OUR son! I love you baby and thank you for being my husband and baby daddy. 

And now I can pick myself off the floor, wipe my whole face cause I have been crying this whole time and get back to whatever else I was doing to distract myself from the reality that is about to happen!  

39 weeks

This will probably be the last photo with my boys. I am sending them to my mom's since I will be 40 weeks on Tuesday and since we don't know when he will come, it just makes sense to go ahead and get them taken care of. What a joy it's been taking these weekly photos with them. And they did so good for their last one! I love my babies!

How far along? 39 weeks and 3 days 

Total weight gain? 32 pounds. I have put on the weight this last week. The water weight has set in everywhere and with the heat, it's not helping. My doctor is happy with my weight gain and says I am perfectly healthy so it's whatever. 

Pregnancy clothes? Dresses. All the time. And when I am home, comfy shorts and a tank top. At night, I have resorted to underwear and a tank cause I sweat all night long due to hormones. 

Sleeping? Not very good. Not only do I sweat all night long, I pee all night long and I just can't get comfy. My stomach is rock hard and all baby so getting him in a position where he isn't on my ribs or on my bladder or digging in my side is hard. I slept on the couch last night because it was the only place I could get comfy for some reason. 

Best moment this week? We got his room about 90% done! All I need are drapes and few other small things and it's ready. But those things I am not as worried about. B and I had to put together his changing table and luckily I know what I am doing. So I did all the hard work about what piece goes into where and he did the lifting and assembling. It ended up working out great for us. Even with my bum ankle. 

Worst moment this week? Being uncomfortable all the time. When I'm sitting or standing or laying. It's hard to get comfy. And not only because of him but because of my ankle. It just won't heal and it won't heal till he's born because he is taking everything from me. I told Bobby that this is the first time this whole pregnancy that I feel extremely heavy and extremely uncomfortable. I have had a wonderful pregnancy this whole time but starting since I fell, it has hit me really hard. Bad headaches, stomach aches, allergies, not sleeping, gaining weight, bloating like a balloon. Just all of it together, all at once, is a pain. 

Do I miss anything? Running. Walking normal. Getting comfortable. 

Cravings? Oysters on the half shell and French white wine. It's all I have been thinking about and can't wait to go to nice dinner and this is what I order. Bring them raw, with crackers and cocktail sauce and make the French wine crisp, clean and extra cold! Oh and sweets still. I made gluten free Funfetti cupcakes yesterday and have been limiting myself because I will eat them all. (and I wonder why I am gaining extra weight....) 

Aversions? Nothing really. When I do eat, I don't eat a lot at a time. I get full extra fast so I have to watch what I put on my plate. 

Pregnancy symptoms? Lack of sleep. Bloating. Headaches. Nauseous. I feel like I have reverted back to the 1st trimester but my doctor tells me it's perfectly normal. Just to watch my blood pressure and rest as much as possible. Even if it's not very comfy, to just take this time to rest. 

Belly button? In

Stretch marks? None

Can I see my feet? I can see my toes so it still counts. 

Looking forward to? As much as I have loved this experience, I am ready to have him. To meet him. He has cooked the perfect amount so I am good if he would like to come any time now. There is a lot of people who want to meet him and if he is anything like his daddy, he will make a grand entrance and if he is anything like me, it will be a grand entrance on HIS time. 

Do Us A Flavor Contest

So here we are again....it's that time of year that Lay's brings out their new creations that people from all over the world submitted. Y'all....I submitted 24 flavors this year and one of the flavors that is in the contest was one of my ideas. I just didn't get it in in time since it's a first come first win kind of thing. And again, like last year, I found all 4 flavors and tried them all for you (ok...for me since I'm a chip whore but whatever, that's beside the point). 

Ok let's get started! 

First off: 

The new flavors this year are Greektown Gyro, New York Reuben, West Coast Truffle Fries, and Southern Biscuits and Gravy. 

Second off:

I found them at Walmart. But only in the big bags. My brother in law Tim found the small bags at Walgreens. 

Third off:

I wasn't the only critic. Bobby, my sister's whole family, my mom and my Uncle Steve and Aunt Karen all gave me their opinion as well. 

Fourth off:

Can you guess which flavor was my idea as well? 

Lay's Kettle Cooked Greektown Gyro-

Submitted by: James Wagner 

I love Kettle Cooked. They are so crispy and crunchy and just really add that extra flavor to the chip itself. Going into this chip, I had no idea what a Gyro was except that it was some kind of Mediterranean sandwich. At first bite, there was something I was tasting but I couldn't put my finger on it. So I ate another. And then another. And it clicked! Feta cheese. These taste like Feta Cheese. Bobby explained to me what a Gyro sandwich was because I had never had one. Meat, Feta, Onions, Lettuce, Tomato all in a Pita with Tzatziki sauce smothered on top. But all I could taste was Feta. So if you are a fan of this, you will love it. The only one who liked this chip was my Aunt Karen. No one else liked it. Bobby said he didn't hate it but he loves Feta and Tzatziki sauce. 

On a scale from 1-10: 2

Would I eat it again: Only if it was the only chip left

Lay's New York Reuben

Submitted by: Jeff Solensky

I have had maybe a bite of a Reuben sandwich in my life but I knew the flavor profile of it. It is corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing on Rye bread. The only thing I like out of those is the corned beef, hence why I have never had one. This chip fell kind of flat to me. Kind of had a plain profile. I didn't taste any of the ingredients. It was a good chip and would be good with a sandwich as a compliment, but I am looking for a flavor punch. Tim liked this chip but it wasn't the favorite. 

On a scale from 1-10: 5

Would I eat it again: Yes, especially with a burger

Lay's Wavy West Coast Truffle Fries

Submitted by: Angie Fu

Lay's Wavy is like one of my favorite chips. I love a wavy chip. So I was really excited when I saw this one because I love truffle flavor. LOVE truffle flavor. And I love fries. So I was really excited to try to one. And to me, it did not disappoint. It has a truffle, parmesan, fry taste. They are good by them self and that is what I look for in a chip. Something that can hold up by itself. Bobby actually wasn't a fan of these. He said they tasted different but it's the truffle. You have to like the taste of truffle to like them. 

On a scale of 1-10: 7

Would I eat it again: Yes, for sure, on my couch, by myself, with Netflix

Lay's Southern Biscuits and Gravy

Submitted by: Hailey Green

OMG guys! I don't know how they do it. But this chip taste like you are eating Biscuits and Gravy. To me, it taste like sausage gravy. That's the flavor profile I get most. I don't really get the biscuit part but I am perfectly ok with that. This was by far the winner in my family. Everyone but my Aunt Karen liked it. I don't know what you would eat these with except by them self so I really hope that doesn't hurt this chip from winning. 

On a scale from 1-10: 10

Would I eat this again: YES! I want it to win so I can always have it as an option. 

So my vote goes to Southern Biscuits and Gravy! 

You can go vote at https://www.dousaflavor.com/ or if you would like to help me promote Southern Biscuits and Gravy, please go to this link https://www.dousaflavor.com/ambassadors/64be5d3bcf/0

Let me know which flavor you think was my submission as well? 

Oh and isn't she the cutest thing you ever did see? I got this picture 2 nights before I could find them myself, taunting me. 

Kipenzi

My heart broke last night as I turned on the 10pm news. The sweet baby giraffe named Kipenzi died yesterday. She was only 3 months old. I watched her live birth, literally sat at my computer for hours waiting and then watching her be born and then seeing her walk for the first time. It truly brakes my heart. I was almost in tears watching the story of what happened. So if you don't know, they were getting the giraffes in and like any child, she was just running around having fun and bam....ran straight into a perimeter and broke her neck in 3 places. The zoo people say she died instantly but still. UGH! Tears man....so many tears. They let her mom Katie visit her before vet's took her away. 

So I have no idea if animals cry or feel heart pain like we humans do when we lose someone, but with MM almost here, I can't imagine what Katie must be thinking or feeling. Or does she even comprehend what happened. I know animals are smart, very smart but I just wish they could talk or scream or let out the pain they feel like we do. 

I always say God has a special place in heaven for animals and now Kipenzi can run as free as she would like. 

Here is what Dallas Zoo wrote on Facebook: 

"HEARTBROKEN: We are devastated to share the tragic loss of our beloved giraffe calf, Kipenzi. This evening as the giraffe herd was shifting inside for the night, Kipenzi began scampering around, as she loved to do. She made a sharp turn, and ran into the perimeter edge of the habitat. She broke three vertebra in her neck, and passed away immediately. Her mother, Katie, visited Kipenzi before veterinarians removed her.

Our hearts are broken. Please keep the entire Dallas Zoo family in your thoughts. While she was only here for a few months, Kipenzi was a beacon of light for her species and for the millions who watched her birth live on Animal Planet. Her stardom brought attention to the plight of wild giraffes in Africa, helped raise more than $35,000 for giraffe conservation and sparked conversations about her incredibly majestic species. Kipenzi will always remain in our hearts, and while tears are flowing freely here tonight, we are eternally grateful for the millions of smiles she gave us all.

Given the outpouring of love for Kipenzi since her birth, we encourage fans to post photos of Kipenzi or leave comments of support for staff on our Facebook and Instagram pages. For those interested in donating in Kipenzi’s memory, we recommend The Giraffe Conservation Foundation, our partner at the forefront of protecting giraffes in Africa. Visit www.giraffeconservation.org to make a donation."

What's in a ring?

Dear Diary,

So I had to do something this morning that I never wanted to do. Like it literally took everything I had to do it and not ruin my makeup for work. I had to take my wedding rings off. To some people, it's no big deal. They take them off at night, they take them off to shower, they take them off for girls night, whatever. I DO NOT! I never take them off. The only time I do, is to go through security at the airport and I watch them like a hawk and as soon as they come out they are back on my finger like it never happened. I tried my best not to cry this morning. But I am 39 weeks pregnant today and my doctor warned me that if I don't take them off soon, they will have to get cut off and be ruined. HELL NO! 

So what is it about my ring that is so special to me? That makes me cry just to think about it sitting at home all by itself for the next couple of weeks. It symbolizes my love for my husband. It is the one thing that no one else can have from each of us. That one small token of life. The circle is the symbol for eternity, with it having no end and no beginning. The hole your finger goes through symbolizes a doorway, a passageway, into the unknown with each other. In the early Christian marriages, it is said the reason it is placed on the 4th finger is because when the priest would recite "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit", he would take the ring and touch the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger and then when he said "Amen", he would seal it with the ring on the 4th finger. It is also said that the reason it is placed on the 4th finger is because there is a vein called the Vena Amoris that is a direct link from that finger to your heart. Scientists have shown this is false but what do they know :-) 

This is my ring and wedding band, taken at our wedding. 

(His is the bulky silver one). 

But beyond that, the ring to me shows other people I have someone in my life that loves me just enough to want to spend the rest of his life with. That he chose me out of all the women in the world to be his. If I go out, it shows other men that I have someone at home. I know some people don't care about a ring on the finger but to me, it's a big deal. 

So with that said, I knew I couldn't go throughout the day or weeks without wearing something on my ring finger to symbolize my marriage. A long time ago (remember, Bobby and I have been together for 11 and 1/2 years), Bobby bought me a really simple 3 stone ring. Ever since I got pregnant, I have been wearing it on my right ring finger. It's not flashy but it was my promise ring all those years ago and now that we are having a baby together, it seemed time for it come back out. But I like it on that finger and knew I didn't want to switch over. The second ring Bobby bought me was a beautiful pink heart ring. I had always wanted a pink heart ring. But it was bought to be worn on my middle finger. But guess what.....because it is a little big, it fits perfectly on my ring finger. So that is what I chose to wear the next couple of weeks, till I can get my rings back on my finger.  

So now I don't have to go through my days without a symbol to look at, without a reminder of that promise made almost 4 years ago to me. 

Today we are 39 weeks. I can't believe it. MM is the size of a small watermelon or a small pumpkin and should weigh around 7 to 7 and 1/2 pounds. He is moving around like crazy and likes to kick me in ribs every day. He sticks his butt out a lot and he is for sure head down. I go to the doctor this afternoon so we will see if any updates! Not much longer Mighty Mouse, for either one of us! 
(Notice the swollen ankle, still can't for the life of me get my ankle to heal or go down so not only do I waddle, but I limp)

Love, Me 

Fight Song

Oh man. When a certain song comes on the radio, I can't help but turn it up. Rachel Platten sings a song called Fight Song. I know you all have heard some part of it at least once (they play it in the Ford Edge commercial) but have you actually really listened to it. Actually taken the time to listen to what she is saying. Here are the lyrics and the music video. 

Fight song: 

Like a small boat

On the ocean

Sending big waves

Into motion

Like how a single word

Can make a heart open

I might only have one match

But I can make an explosion

And all those things I didn't say

Wrecking balls inside my brain

I will scream them loud tonight

Can you hear my voice this time?

Course:

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I'm alright song

My power's turned on

Starting right now I'll be strong

I'll play my fight song

And I don't really care if nobody else believes

'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

Losing friends and I'm chasing sleep

Everybody's worried about me

In too deep

Say I'm in too deep (in too deep)

And it's been two years

I miss my home 

But there's a fire burning in my bones

Still believe

Yeah, I still believe

And all those things I didn't say

Wrecking balls inside my brain

I will scream them loud tonight

Can you hear my voice this time? 

Course:

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I'm alright song

My power's turned on

Starting right now I'll be strong

I'll play my fight song

And I don't really care if nobody else believes

'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

A lot of fight left in me

Like a small boat

On the ocean

Sending big waves

Into motion

Like how a single word 

Can make a heart open

I might only have one match

But I can make an explosion

Course:

This is my fight song (Hey!)

Take back my life song (Hey!)

Prove I'm alright song (Hey!) 

My power's turned on

Starting right now I'll be strong (I'll be strong)

I'll play my fight song

And I don't really care if nobody else believes

'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

No I've still got a lot of fight left in me

                        

What this song to me is about how there are times in your life where you just want to give up. Where you just want to turn and run away. Where it seems easier to just stop. But finding the strength, finding the courage to keep going is where your "fight song" comes in. Everyone's is different. It's about finding that one little spark inside yourself to keep going. My favorite lyric in this song is "and I don't really care if nobody else's believes, cause I've still got a lot fight left in me". It's so true. No one needs to believe in you but you. I feel like that's what we have God for too. For being able to turn to him and being able to continue your "fight song" cause with him on your side, you don't need anyone else. Some of my most down days I find strength through prayer and being able to continue. 

Thank you Rachel for reminding me that even on those days I want to just crash, to throw in the towel, that there is still something worth fighting for. That my "fight song" isn't over!  

38 weeks

One week, one of them looks great and one of them is messing around. The other week, it's flipped. They have minds of their own. Hahahahahaha they really have no idea what's in store. 

How far along? 38 weeks and 3 days 

Total weight gain? 28 pounds 

Pregnancy clothes? I have been living in dresses. It's the only thing I am comfy in. So if you see me, I am usually in a dress. Pants are too hot, I have one pair of shorts I am good with and I don't have any skirts. And shoes have officially been an option. Especially this week with my bad foot/ankle. 

Sleeping? It takes me forever to get comfy. Like forever. But once I am, I am good. Ever since we got our bed off the floor and on to a bed frame, the sleep has been better. Just more comfy like that. 

Best moment this week? I have not had a good week so finding something that was the best this week isn't easy. But I do love going to the doctor and hearing his heart beat and them telling me it is strong and good. That is always great! 

Worst moment this week? Oh my ankle. My lovely ankle and me falling. I was finally able to put weight on it Wednesday night but now it is starting to bruise. And I can't get the swelling to go down, no matter what I do. And I have stuff to do so sitting around the house just isn't in the cards for me right now. At night I prop it up with ice and take a load off but during the day, I just don't have time.

Do I miss anything? Being able to walk normal. I miss having energy. I miss being able to tie my shoes normally. I miss going for a run. I miss being able to get up from anywhere and not grunt or have to shift my weight. I really have a had a nice pregnancy, so I don't like complaining but this week has just been awful so I feel like I have a right. 

Cravings? Sweets. Like cake, cookies, cupcakes, pancakes, waffles, cereal, etc. Not necessarily candy. I want substance and if it's warm and covered in frosting or syrup, just hand it over. 

Aversions? Nothing really. Just not very hungry or I'm starving and then I sit down to eat and I just stare at it. My appetite comes and goes. 

Pregnancy symptoms? I have officially hit the swelling part of the pregnancy. I hit it on vacation but when I came home, everything went back to normal. But ever since I fell Monday, I can't seem to get the swelling in my feet, ankles and legs to go down. My doctor says I'm good, that this is normal and to just keep drinking lots of water and relaxing. That after the baby, everything will go back. I can still wear my wedding ring but I think this is the week I take it off. And I will have an awful cry fest cause I NEVER take my ring off. It is a part of me. Like glued to me. But I know it has to come off so I keep telling myself that. 

Belly button? In 

Stretch marks? None 

Can I see my feet? Yes

Looking forward to? Meeting him. I was not dilated as of yesterday at my appointment so I don't see him coming this week (I go back Tuesday to the doctor so we will see) but reality is really setting in for Bobby and I. My doctor won't let me go past August 11th so we will for sure have a baby within 2 weeks and 4 days. And OMG.....like seriously hahahahaha. In less than 2 weeks and 4 days I will finally get to hold my son. I will finally get to see his face and see his features. Count his toes and fingers. I've been told there is nothing like seeing your child for the first time so I can't wait. And I can't wait to see the family see him. I just hope Bobby doesn't cry cause I'll lose it. I am already a cryer but if he does, Lord help me. I'm just glad we are taking an hour or so after he is born to ourselves to do what we need to do before the family meets him.  

Younique Update

Many of you have asked so here is the latest update with Younique. 

A week ago they brought out a new mascara, the 3D+ and many of you want to know the difference between the regular everyday 3D and the 3D+. The 3D fibers in the new 3D+ are coated with the Uplift Eye Serum for shiny, supple lashes that are moisturized and conditioned. There are two international patents on this (pending). The new 3D+ is still only $29! How great is that? It also intensifies your lashes 400%.  It has a new brush that has a small tip to reach those small lashes. I just love this stuff so much. Makes a world of a difference for me. 

Each month Younique puts out a different color of their Splurge eye cream. I love the Splurge eye cream. It goes on so smooth and creamy and stays on all day. I have found that I need it to dry for a just a few seconds for it to last. The color this month that they added is Dreamy. It is a light blue and so pretty. Looks really good with a bold eye liner and the 3D+. $26 and last you a really long time. Like seriously, you don't have to use but a drop to get a really bold color. 

The Kudos this month is so awesome! It is $32 and comes with a Liner/Shader brush and 2 exclusive Moodstruck Mineral Pigment Powders in Adorable and Enamored. 

You can find all of these and more at my website, https://www.youniqueproducts.com/DaniLynnLewis and as always, I am always around to answer any questions you might have. 

If you are interested in joining my Younique team, you can find all the information {here}. The presenter starter kit has been completely revamped and comes with so many great things to get you started! It is only $99 to start up and look at all you get right now! What are you waiting for? Join my Younique team! 

• Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+
• 3 Moodstruck Minerals Pigments: Corrupted (Matte), Confident (Shimmer), Sexy (Shimmer)
• Divine Daily Moisturizer
• 3 Eye Brushes: Deluxe Eye Brush, Liner/Shader Brush, Crease Brush
• 3 Moodstruck Precision Pencil Eyeliners: Perfect, Pristine, Pompous
• Lucrative Lip Gloss: Lovesick
• Shade Stick for Mineral Touch Cream and Powder Foundations and BB Flawless Complexion Enhancer
• White Status Charm (on purple ring)
• Free business website
• Instant Access to the Younique Virtual Party System™ (start hosting parties immediately)
• $25 USD in Younique Cash on your birthday, annually
• PayQuicker Younique bank account
• March 2015 Younique Cosmetics and Skincare Catalog
• Younique Presenter Guide
• All of this comes in our signature black faux leather, embossed Younique case