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Positivity

Apr 3, 2012 In Daily Ramblings, Pregnancy

I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately, preparing myself for what I hope and plan to be a natural birth experience. Thanks to a recommendation from a dear friend who recently accomplished this lofty goal, I picked up Ina May Gaskin’s “Guide to Childbirth” and am hooked on the concept that positivity and encouragement can go a very long way during childbirth, replacing medication completely. Which leads me to my rant about negativity…

1) I don’t want to hear about how miserable I will be this summer. I’ve lived on the Gulf Coast for almost 10 years and I know what it’s like. Please spare me the details about your baby that was due in September and how your body swelled and blah blah blah. I can handle it in my own way.

2) It is not your responsibility to warn me about the pains of childbirth, especially if you have not had a natural birth yourself. I have a pretty good idea that it won’t be the most wonderful feeling in the world, but I’m going to use mental techniques to try to make it the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had. Mind over matter, people. Please don’t tell me about how much it will hurt. If you say something hurts then, guess what? It’s going to hurt! I’m trying to avoid that train of thought completely. Mind. Over. Matter.

The point is this: if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. I know people are trying to be so helpful and can’t wait to talk about their own experience and I want to welcome that, but I just can’t listen to the negativity anymore. However, if you would like to tell me about all of the good parts along the way, I’d be more than delighted to hear it!

And if you are expecting and want to try for a natural birth yourself, I highly encourage you to pick up Ina May’s book. There are some strange, hippie moments in there, but the overall message is that we CAN do this. Our bodies were built specifically for this task. We are superwomen! That book makes me want to move to Ina’s farm in Tennessee, live off the land and give birth around others who have been through the same thing.

P.S. Notice how I say I’m going to “try.” I’m not completely dissing pain meds – I just want to test my own strengths and abilities. If I end up getting drugs, I won’t beat myself up about it. I’ll know that I did the absolute best that I could. I’ll know that I tried.

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2

Life Lately

Mar 30, 2012 In Daily Ramblings

This little lady came to stay with us for the first half of her spring break. Do you have any idea how cool that makes me feel when a tweenage girl wants to spend her spring break with me? We had so much fun! We made breakfast together, took a few naps, went to see The Hunger Games, took the pup to the dog park, did a little shopping and finished off the trip with a day at the beach. There was even a trip to the ER thrown in there, thanks to a super fun ear infection for my girl – don’t worry, she was completely healed a couple of hours later. It’s a miracle! All in all, I’d say it was a successful start to Grace’s vacation, which she is finishing with her adorable little girlfriends at yet another beach. I hope she knows that she’s living the good life.

P.S. Doesn’t that maxi dress make me look HUGE?!?!

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1

Sweet Moments

Mar 22, 2012 In Daily Ramblings, Pregnancy, The Hubs

Seeing our handsome little boy wave at us during the ultrasound.(I can’t believe I’m breaking my own rule of showing people the inside of my uterus, but he’s so cute!)

Feeling his little hiccups and ninja moves all day and night.

Saying his name over and over, because I just can’t get enough of that sweet sound…Westley…Westley….

The look on Drew’s face when he felt Westley move, eyes wide with shock and awe. It was beautiful.

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1

westley & me

Mar 20, 2012 In Daily Ramblings, My Style, Pregnancy

Baby registries are for those essentials that a mom feels she absolutely needs when the baby arrives, but wishlists are for those little extras that make life with a baby (or bump) complete. I’ve put together my own little wishlist for Westley and me, which includes adorable little additions such as baby leg warmers and a super cute owl night light. And what little boy can live without a Radio Flyer? And that owl hat…I die. I’ve also added a few things for myself, because a mommy-to-be should pamper herself, too, right?

Click on the photo to see this wishlist on Pinterest and to get links to where these lovely items come from.

P.S. You should know that I swoon over anything from BabyGap. Just giving you fair warning.

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1

Dear Baby

Mar 17, 2012 In Daily Ramblings, Dear Baby, Pregnancy

I have two more for you…

—–

3.13.2012

Dear Baby,

You’ll figure this out soon enough, but I have a slight addiction to all things Harry Potter. I’ve read the books many times, seen the movies more that I can count, and I listen to the audiobooks regularly. Harry Potter’s world takes me on a magical adventure that I can’t wait to share with you. I’ll be reading the books to you before you can turn the pages by yourself. Need a little noise while you play? No worries, that’s what the audiobooks are for. And you better believe that you will be dressed up as a little Gryffindor for your first (and maybe second or third) Halloween.

Just thought I’d give you fair warning.

Love,

Mom

—–

3.17.2012

Dear Westley,

We saw your beautiful face yesterday and you are a BOY!!! We are so unbelievably excited! I cried happy tears because I can’t wait to raise a little gentleman. Your name is Westley McCorvey Davis. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

It didn’t take me long to feel the pressure of raising a boy. Boys grow up to be men – men who provide for their families and love faithfully and unconditionally; men who care about the fragile world that we call home, taking care of it and nurturing it. That’s a lot of character building right there. And if you become a wonderful man just like your dad, I couldn’t ask for more. He is amazing, as you will soon find out.

For now, I will practice saying your beautiful name over and over, and dream of the most adorable little man outfits I’m going to put you in. There’s no getting out of that for a few years, so just bear with me.

Love,

Mom

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1

Minty Fresh

Mar 14, 2012 In Daily Ramblings, My Style, Pregnancy

Cardigan: F21 // Dress: Francesca’s // Belt: came w/ Target blouse // Necklace: J Crew Knockoff via Ebay // Pumps: Shoe Station

I absolutely adore this necklace! What a statement piece! I got it for $20 on ebay. It’s a total knockoff of the $150 J.Crew version, but I’ll take it. Who said my standards were high when it comes to large pieces of jewelry?

As soon as this necklace arrived in the mail, I went searching through my closet for the perfect outfit and decided that a nice color-blocking action would be perfect for it’s first spin. I believe this gem will be lighting up my casual St. Patty’s day ensemble as well. Hooray for affordable knockoffs!

P.S. That’s a 17-week baby belly right there. Almost halfway!

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1

This Man

Mar 13, 2012 In Daily Ramblings, Pregnancy, The Hubs

Can I just take a moment to talk about this man? The one in the picture making me breakfast? Thanks.

This man is going to be the most amazing father. I see the love in his eyes when he looks at my ever-expanding belly. I feel the worry in his movements when he takes the place between me and cars on the road during our walks. I feel his excitement for the future and our child and it is wonderful.

This man isn’t perfect. He has flaws, just like the rest of us. But most importantly, he is kindhearted (underneath that sometimes rough exterior) and he cares about the world that we live in.

He is the most beautiful, loving man I’ve ever known.

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So this is what a small waist looks like?

Mar 11, 2012 In Daily Ramblings, Pregnancy

This was one of my very first outfit photos from a couple of years ago. I’ve been looking back on all the pictures I’ve edited using my beloved Picnik, which is closing in April. I’m on a mission to find a new photo editing website that will fit my needs, since I use Picnik all the time.

BUT LOOK AT THAT TINY WAIST!!! My waistline was the first thing to disappear during this pregnancy. Even before my belly got bigger, my waistline expanded. I blame it on things moving around in there and finding a new place to live, which is cool, but…will I ever get this back? I’ll damn sure try.

Which leads me to one of my biggest pregnancy pet peeves of all time – bigger even than people rubbing my belly or asking the same questions over and over. No, pregnancy is NOT a free pass to eat whatever you want. I think that is one of the biggest mistakes an expectant mother can make. Now is the time to eat healthier than you’ve ever eaten before. Load up on fruits, veggies and whole grains. Give that kid the best start they can get to a healthy life. Bonus: expectant mothers who put the right kind of calories in their bodies and manage their weight gain properly are more likely to lose the weight faster after delivery.

With that, I will step off my soapbox. Goodbye.

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3

My Favorite

Mar 9, 2012 In Daily Ramblings, The Hubs

I say, “You’re my favorite.”

He says, “I love you, too.”

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0

Life Lately

Mar 8, 2012 In Daily Ramblings, Photography, Pregnancy

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Not too much has been going on in my little world lately. Just trying to stay focused on the tasks at hand, like getting my iron up (what else is Five Guys for?), working part-time and going on daily walks with the guard dog.

I’ve also been in awe of my ever-expanding waistline and cooking up some pretty delicious concoctions In the kitchen (usually).

Bonus: Drew installed a composting bin in our backyard last weekend! We love that we will be less wasteful, while giving back to the earth. We hope to grow our very own little organic garden soon, too. Let’s all think happy thoughts about that. I tend to have a very black thumb.

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