28 Weeks

Short and sweet post this week!  ENJOY THE HEAT,  I know I am loving it! (not a joke) ... BUT I HAD TO SHARE THIS TOO:   

Life really boils down to 2 questions...

1. Should I get a dog.....?


OR...

2. Should I have children?




Exercising?  Ya Baby!  Got in some walking, yoga, AND weight lifting!  Feeling like a million bucks this week!  This is a great turn of events, people... I feel like I will be going in strong to the third trimester... going to be keeping active for the next few months now!   Despite the increase of waddling it causes, I am loving the soreness in the mornings form working out!

Maternity clothes?  I did make a couple purchases this past week.  First of all, I have been wearing sport shorts anytime we are outside... I was starting to get annoyed by not having any casual/cute shorts to wear if we went to any summer parties....and considering I get much hotter, much faster I will not tolerate jeans for the summer like I would pre-pregnancy....  so I did cave in and buy these gray shorts which basically go with everything!  On top of that, I found this clearance rack tucked in the corner that had some REALLY NICE fall maternity sweaters I can wear for work.  The original tags said 45/50$ each!  But I got a couple for 20/25$ and figured once the summer is over, I might not have any choice but to be looking for maternity tops so it might be nice to have a couple on hand without paying 50 bucks a pop!!  And holy moly, if it comes down to paying 50 bucks for a sweater to wear to work- I will just wear the same sweater over and over and over and over!!  CRAZY.... Also have had many other suggestions from previous pregnant ladies (thank you), so I will keep them in mind when I NEED to get anything else, but for now, I think I am set for the summer!
  
Sleeping?  I am still finding myself rolling (ALMOST) onto my back in the middle of the night which actually takes some pressure of my ribs.  Who knows... so far nothing crucial has come out of it, but I am so looking forward to the night I do NOT have to lay on my left side!  Oh man, three more months... three more months...... It also helps to use a pillow in between my legs and use Tyler as a pillow if I start to roll onto my back.  Hehe. 

Missing Anything?  Yes, I am coming to believe the ultimate thing I miss is more room in my body for these poor ribs!  Let me just say, it is NOT unbearable 24 hours of the day (thank God).... For the most part they hurt all the time, but then there are a couple days a week with a couple hours of torture where I seriously wonder how I will last till September with this pain.  Knowing that it will go away soon and I will have a little relief in-between major flame ups helps, but my gosh, when they are pounding pain and radiating into my back I cant function.... it is so frustrating!!!!!  It is even to the point now where they are sore to the touch, ALL THE TIME... so, who knows... we shall see what is next with this, but for now REST is really the best help.  I have noticed that when it is hurting, the best thing to do is just lay down because if I push it I will be regretting it within hours....

Food cravings?  I was watching my sweet tooth this week, promise!  Especially because I knew I had to go in for my glucose testing on Monday the 25th.... hehe.   But since I have not had any acid reflux issues I have been pretty lax on the fried food.  In the past I tried to only do fried food once a week to avoid any tummy/throat issues... haha... these days I might eat fried food every other day!  So that is something I need to watch, because my luck now with baby growing bigger, heartburn and acid reflux could be right around the corner and then I will really be regretting some of those food choices.  

Heartburn?  Nada, just rib pain... which I did do a little online research (I know not to believe EVERYTHING I read online) but it seems like I am not the only one with this WEIRD pain!  All the ladies that said they had it with previous pregnancies talked about how much it sucked and how little helped relieve the pain, BUT it was gone within hours of the baby being born!  So I suppose another great thing to look forward to with the arrival of Sal is PAIN FREE RIBS!  Until then... rest and Tylenol.

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Lysol spray... when women use the ONE bathroom we have upstairs on the main floor at work to go number 2 and then douse down the bathroom with the Lysol spray, I can't go anywhere near it... I gag and cough and frankly feel like I could throw up in the hallway before I reach the bathroom!  And embarrassingly enough people at work had WITNESSED (more than once) this happening when I have to walk by the bathroom to fill my water bottle.  I wish the ladies would use the downstairs, very private, bathroom with a couple stalls to do their business so that I don't have to inhale that damn spray!!

This Weeks Symptoms?  Waddling... lots of waddling... Maybe from working out, maybe from sore muscles, maybe from this growing belly...  I DON'T KNOW... But I for sure felt like a waddler this past week!  

Any Movement?  Absolutely... alive and well I am assuming by the strong movements and activity going on in there!  He is still a little night owl, just like his mommy, and still likes to mess with Ty... Just when Ty will try to catch him moving to get a high five before bed time... he stops moving or he decides to punch/kick my organs... then, just when Ty takes his hand off and rolls over in bed to sleep, Sal goes crazy!  Hehe.  Already playing games.......  OR maybe he is well behaved and just being very attentive when his dad talks to him.... umm.. guess we'll see about that!  

Labor Signs?  Nope!

Belly Button: in or out?  Out... and now people will comment on it sticking out my shirts! Haha... funny little thing. 

Wedding rings on or off?   On... while at work...off while at home and working out. 

Overall Mood this week?  HECTIC AND BUSY!  Running here and running there, plans with this person and plans with that person, always filling every minute of my day with SOMETHING to do.... Tyler says I am never home!  Haha... I don't disagree either... the only time I am around is if I am stuck on the couch nursing my rib pain!  I am trying to enjoy every second I have of "freedom"... once the puppy and baby have consumed our lives I will look back at these days and say, "Wow, I was NEVER home!"  haha.....   But I know I will not regret it, because soon I will be home a lot and it will be a nice change of pace.... 

Looking forward to? We get to pick up Baya on SATURDAY!!  Seriously don't know how I will get through this next week knowing we get to bring our little princess home on Saturday.  And yes -- we know --  we will have interrupted sleep, lots of running around with a puppy, and some hard training a head of us.... it seems that people love to acknowledge how crazy we are for getting a puppy, and on top of it an ACTIVE VIZSLA, three months before a baby.  And yes -- we know -- we have NO clue what we are in for, we are aware this will not be a piece of cake, but we are excited to take on the responsibility and we are looking forward to WORKING hard at building a good family dog for our kids!  So I will rephrase this again just as I have been for the last couple weeks while people give us their opinions: We are crazy, but we are excited and ready to tackle it all... and you only live once so we have to make to most out of everything!  We are looking at it all with the glass half full attitude, and if you would like to squish our excitement, just know, we have no room for negativity these days... it is nice that some people might be concerned for us, but just so you know, your worry will go in one ear and out the other.  Now, if you have any great advice on how to juggle a growing family in a busy life, WE ARE ALL EARS! 

Pit of the week?  I don't think I can explain to you how BUSY we really have been... I honestly look into next week and do not see a day of rest till Sunday (unless my rib decides otherwise)... and even then, Sunday will be day of rest and play with the puppy.  And honestly, "BUSY" never bothers me, but I would really like to fit in "finishing of the nursery" to the "BUSY".... I am crossing my fingers I get to put a paint brush to the wall SOMETIME this coming week!  Oh and again, "BUSY" doesn't bother me, but when these ribs decide to knock me off my schedule, I get pretty pissed.  So if they could stop interrupting my "BUSY", I would be a much happier person!  There is just no way for me to make commitments because my ribs truly decide my schedule lately!

Peak of the week?  Working out and being active when I can be has really been a great part of my week.  I can't tell you the difference I feel just because I am getting back into the swing of things!  It is an absolute mood booster when I can get my workout in and it helps me make better food decisions, too... no room for candy and sugar when I know I will be sweating a little later!  Also, I just love that sore feeling after a great workout.  It is like a constant reminder that you are pushing yourself and making your body stronger.  I have not felt that in a while, so I am welcoming it over and over and over and over again! 

Can't wait to share our homecoming with Baya next week!  
Make it a great week everyone!    
Much Love,    
Jax

27 Weeks

Happy (belated) Father's Day to all the wonderful daddies out there!  How awesome to be a "hero" in a little kid's life.  Although I do not have many memories of my dad before he was sick... there are a few silly ones that I want to share.  I remember whenever we would stop at a gas station he would always buy me sixlets candies.  They were candy coated chocolates shaped in little balls in a long thin plastic wrapper.  You could open the top of the rap and pop them in your mouth one by one.  Another fond memory I have of my dad comes from my temper tantrums when I was younger.  I remember screaming at him in the hallway and crying because I was not getting my way and he would always say, "when you go to work you won't be able to act like this to your boss... "  haha... I realized quickly my dad was the only one I could act like an idiot in front of because he was right... my boss would fire me if a got on the ground, stomped my feet, and cried!  The last memory is one of my favorites ... It was when Joe and I were young and were were working on homework around the kitchen table.  He was helping Joe with a project.  It was a Christmas "poem" where Joe had to use every letter in the alphabet and relate it to a Christmas word.... when he got to Z he was stumped.  I couldn't think of anything for him either, so my dad said what about "ZOOM"?  Joe and I looked at each other and laughed at him... we said, "Dad, how does ZOOM relate to CHRISTMAS!?" and his answer was priceless and Joe and I joked about it for many years after... "You know, Zoom!... Like the noise Santa's Sleigh makes!"  Haha.... he was not always the brightest crayon in the box (much like myself), but he was totally right and it fit perfect for that situation!    

When talking about fathers I can't forget to mention, these days, the other father that has been in my life for quite a while now.  Steve Foti, aka Mickey has been a huge inspiration to Tyler throughout his life, and I see exactly why over these years.  As you might know, working in politics runs deep in the Foti family.  Grandpa Foti was Mayor of Oconomowoc for a long time, back when Tyler was young (probably a great reason the Foti kids were so gosh darn GOOD growing up- everyone knew them!) Mickey worked in the 38th assembly district and was majority leader at some time.  When I first started dating Tyler and told people what his family was involved in, no one was shy to give me their opinion on politicians.  I get it, no one likes a couple guys with a little bit of power.  Of course "politics" has a different definition for everyone.... so I, falling hopelessly in love with Tyler, was determined to seek out my own view of this family in case this is what my future would hold.  And honest to God, I have never meet a couple of guys who are more generous and genuine than the Foti gentlemen.  Mickey would give you the shirt off his back before you even ask for it if he knew you needed it.  These men truly try to uphold the strong family values and characteristics that every community and man should embody!  They were great leaders nature, which is a true resemblance of why their children turned out so wonderful as well.  You know I cannot speak anything but amazing things about Tyler, but I often remind him how much he is like his dad when it comes to his big hearted-friendly attitude towards everyone.  Mickey is always thinking about everyone before himself.  Working here in Pewaukee, I still get people who know the last name and talk about what a great guy he was when working in the assembly!      

Tyler has always had a very close bond with his father.  When Tyler and his dad are together talking politics, I sometimes feel like I am listening to another language.  Back in 2007(ish) when Tyler was working in the golf business he asked his dad what it would take for him to come work for the lobby firm his dad owns.  Tyler was willing to drop the golf dream and follow the Foti footprint in politics.  His dad said, lets get you into the capital so you can make a little name for yourself and start meeting people.  Tyler spent a great four years working for Senator Scott Fitzgerald during a historic time in Wisconsin.  Although he was leaving his golf dream behind, I don't think Tyler looked back ONCE on his road to where is he now.  He could not have picked a better time to step into the political scene and learn his way to where he is now.  He was a true Foti.  As far as some people I know might say he is a little shy, but stick him in the capital dressed in a suit and he will know every person who walks in and out of the building.  I think the best part about it, was the love he felt from people for the previous Foti family members that worked in politics!  I know even more now that Tyler is a great product of his wonderful father.  That being said, his natural leadership skills and take charge attitude mixed with his strong family values are really everything you could ask for when thinking about the father of your own child!  So on this Father's Day I wanted to think about my own dad, Mickey, and the father that Tyler is about to become and celebrate what wonderful men I have in my life!

 Exercising?  Lots of walking...   In fact, Saturday, while we were soaking up our time in Cincinnati before the wedding (5pm), we walked all day around downtown... visiting the stadiums, eating lunch, exploring, and a little shopping.  It was a total workout for me considering Tyler and I have not been up to our usual 4 miles a day walk.  On Sunday, I was one sore pregnant woman and driving back to Wisconsin for 7 hours did not help the matters!  Every time we had a bathroom break it was probably comical to see me get out of the car and walk.... It was a good sore though and I am so glad we did it.  

 Maternity clothes?  Working it out so far without a shopping trip (although I did peak at Kohl's and grab some comfy breathable summer pants and sporty tank tops) ....But now is the season it gets little easier for me- wearing dresses for work.  Both dresses I wore over the weekend were not maternity dresses, but they worked out oh so well!  Going to try to avoid buying dress pants, although the ones I bought a couple months ago were great at the time, they are not so comfortable any more and I prefer more breathable fabric for the summer!  I am the ultimate lover of HEAT, but I can tell the heat gets to me a little more than usual!
 

Sleeping? I still feel like I don't need that much sleep still so I have been continuing to push the limits on bed time... but once my head hits the pillow I am dead to the world.  One big bummer that I foresee being a problem more now is that my rib pain will wake me up a couple times a night.  If I even try to move a little bit, it sends strong pains to my ribs and I am awake instantly!  Ugh... I suppose ONLY laying on my left side does not help the matters because it is often my left rib that hurts most at night....  I did try laying on my right side, but it just feels wrong... haha.  Maybe that is in my head.      

Missing Anything?  Well... I am thinking I am entering the "uncomfortable" stages now... and I am beginning to miss not being in pain (ribs) and I am beginning to miss being able to MOVE with out looking funny.... I feel like every move I make is catered to this growing tummy and it feels so "abnormal"!   I always saw in the movies and watched pregnant ladies in real life and I thought to myself, I am going to try to look more graceful than that when I move around....  Well no, that "moving" comes with the territory!  You can't choose how to move one way or another, it is just the way your body LETS you move when you are carrying a basketball in your tummy!  Haha... no grace about it, but I can tell this will be a little annoying for the months coming.  

Food cravings?  I know in the beginning I was all about fresh fruit, and I still am... but I have also been all about candy lately!  Growing up I ate so much candy!  I always have had a sweet tooth, but lately I can't seem to get enough candy!  I never turn down a Peanut Butter cup,and now I have added many other candies to my sweet palate.  I have really been into starbursts, skittles, red licorice, sour patch kids(as you already know), and many more fruity chews! 

Heartburn?  Nope... just rib pain.  Again- it is so unpredictable and seems to come when I least WANT it to come.  I had it pretty bad Wednesday night and it kept me on the couch all night after work.  And then again on Saturday night at the wedding it was pretty unbearable.  I was so frustrated that I wanted to have fun and enjoy being around family, but I was pretty much trying to hold back my anger about this damn PAIN!  It was shooting into my back and Tylenol was not helping...  Thank God Tyler was super drunk and super entertaining.  He kept me smiling most of the night.  There was a time where I had to call it quits and in between the reception and after bar I had to go back to the hotel and lay down.  What a bummer, but most of all I just wish there was something I could do to prevent this or minimize the pain!!  

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Nothing ... enjoying all types of food and smells at this point...  

This Weeks Symptoms?  Swelling and itchiness!  Being outside in the heat all weekend was a great indication of how my pregnant body loves to retain water!  At one point we had taken a break from our walking and got lunch... I could not even MOVE my rings because my fingers were so swollen. (I still opted to bite into a salty pickle at lunch!)  That being said, as bad as I wanted to wear high heals Saturday night for the wedding, I don't think my feet would have fit in them.  Thank goodness for my PRACTICAL husband, when we stopped at payless he bought me some open strapy, dressy sandals to wear for work and they actually looked okay with the dress, too!  I will admit, if he wasn't there, I was totally eyeing some big white heals that would have looked killer with the dress.... (HEALS! another thing I have been missing!!), but he was right - the heals were not the answer at the time!  Along with the swelling, my skin has been pretty itchy, so I making sure to moisturize everyday I can!  I am still in the clear with stretch marks and going to keep doing whatever I possibly can do to try to avoid them with this bump growing by the minute!  

Any Movement?  Now I think I am at a point where if I don't feel movement I should be worried.... as for now, that is NOT the case.  He is moving like crazy and sometimes it can be a little uncomfortable!  Haha.  It is so funny how women are like "Yay- no periods and no cramps for 9 months!"   WELL I WOULD NOT SAY THAT PREGNANCY IS A WALK IN THE PARK PEOPLE.... Sometimes his movements are so strong and sudden I feel like he might kick an organ out of my body (exaggerating a little)!  And like the rest of all these wonderful symptoms of this miracle, I am sure this will get more uncomfortable as the months proceed, but I will admit, it is totally worth it and AWESOME to see when he punches/kicks to the outside of my body and you can see my whole tummy move!  

Labor Signs?  Nope...         

Belly Button: in or out?  Out... and starting to flatten a little.... I am assuming the more the belly grows the more it will stretch as well.    

Wedding rings on or off?   On.. but with this weeks heat on the way... not sure they will be on more than the hours I am at work....       

Overall Mood this week?  The week went so fast I don't think I remember the MOOD of the week.  I had off on Friday to travel and Monday through Thursday were a whirl wind... Work was crammed busy and the nights seemed to be as well... It did not help that I was out of commission on Wednesday night for my rib.  By Thursday night I was running around the house like a chicken with its head cut off finishing laundry and packing!  5am on Friday came too fast!

Looking forward to?  Walking/yoga this week... keeping on the move.  After the great sore feeling I felt from all our walking downtown, I am totally motivated to keep that going.  I forget how awesome it is to "feel the burn"!  I am so looking forward to working out after the babe is born.  Lindsay (my sister-in-law) and I were just starting our Insanity workouts when I found out a couple weeks in that I was pregnant.  The fatigue and exhaustion did not let me keep up with her... I am determined to have her push my butt into gear come workout time!  Soooo looking forward to it, too! 

 Pit of the week?  It was a VERY busy week- at work and at home.... I had no time to get anything done that I wanted to get done!  I was very overwhelmed and although I was looking forward to the long weekend of traveling and partying in Cincinnati, the week flew by so fast!  That being said, I did not get any painting done in the nursery.  Crossing my fingers that this week leaves me some time, motivation, and ability to get that taken care of!  Wanting to get that straightened up sooner than later!! 

 Peak of the week? One week down and 2.5 to go until we get to bring Baya home with us!  I am hoping these next couple weeks fly just like the past one so that I get to be united with Baya sooner than later!!  I have been reading up on puppies and especially reading blogs/forums specialized for training Vizslas.  I know that raising a puppy is pretty similar across the board, but these specialized blogs have GREAT information about when/what/how to expect our Vizsla to react to training!  Every day I think about her and I get so  unbelievably excited!  She will be a great distraction for the waiting arrival of Salvatore.  I am totally enjoying all this learning and preparing, but I will for sure enjoy it more when Baya is home with us!    

Sorry for the last post!
Take it a great week everyone!  
Much Love,  
Jax

26 Weeks

We got to meet our princess this past weekend!  The puppy I am holding with the baby blue collar is her sister, Malibu.  She is the feistier one of the two.  There is a litter of seven, with two girls, and Malibu likes to pick fights with all the boys.  So we are taking home the puppy in the pink collar(pics below), the calmer one of the two. Best story about the pink collar puppy is that when she was born she had a white mark on her tummy/neck in the shape of a backwards seven, so the breeder called her SEVEN!  "No way!" I freaked out when she told us this and told her the connection we have with that name! (if you recall from my last blog- Seven was the name given to the puggle Tyler brought home a few years ago)... I think it was fate that she was suppose to be ours!  As you can see by these next several pictures... I am already OBSESSED with her.  It was so hard to leave her, but I am so excited for July 5th to come so we can bring her home!  

 AND THEN... they were pooped after all their visiting, playing, cuddles, and kisses with us.... The breeder let them nap on the table while we talked about tips to ease Baya's departure from her siblings and homecoming with us.  

And now on to the reason this blog was created in the first place... I hope Salvatore does not think we are stealing all his attention... hehe.  Hopefully he will enjoy the many fun years ahead, growing up with a buddy as well.  

Exercising?   It was not a good week for exercise... Did a little walking but not much else.  I know it was beautiful outside but I don't even know what I did this past week because we were sooo busy every night!  This coming week I have to get my butt MOVING, outside, walking, biking, something!  Use it as a excuse to get away from the busyness in the house and take a break!  Pretty soon I will have a great reason to do that (walk/bike with Baya) and I cannot wait to feel completely obligated to get up and go for a walk and come home from work and go for a walk and when I just need to get out for a little bit just go for a walk.... OMG so soon!!  Cannot wait!   

Maternity clothes?  Still trying to avoid the maternity store a little longer....  I just don't want to spend the money on clothes that I wear for a couple months now and possibly wear for a couple months down the road for any other pregnancies.  So I am making it work so far with what I got....goal is to just try to "not hide" the bump or I just look fat.  I guess I have to embrace it and wear it loud and proud!  

Sleeping?  Oh man...  I was so naughty this week with getting to bed at an appropriate time....  Tuesday night I was so fascinated by the elections I was up till midnight, and then even after that I was in and out of sleep, watching the news, till maybe 1am!  Wednesday and Thursday I SAID I was going to go to bed early because I was absolutely exhausted, but I do not recall that actually happening!  Just too much to do in too little of time!  I did get a little more couch time in this week than I have since we have had the house, so that was very nice.  

Missing Anything?  Not really... I mean, if you want to get picky I could still go for a nice "slightly" dirty martini, Grey Goose Vodka, with blue cheese stuffed olives.  Wow. My mouth is watering right now.  Who wants to make a martini date sometime at the end of September!?  But really, I was actually proud of myself this weekend.  I went to a bachelorette party on Saturday and I got home at 2:20AM on Sunday!  Yes, I hung out with 25 girls hot drunk girls, all who were mostly three sheets to the wind, stone cold sober and enjoyed the heck outta it!  They were so sweet and genuine in their drunken state to honestly try to have good conversation with me, knowing that I was no where near where they were on the intoxication chart.  So it really made me not miss drinking that much because I didn't need to drink to have fun!  I HONESTLY had a great time being sober, even though I did comment plenty of times that I wish I could have a drink, it did not ruin my time!  haha.  I had a blast.     

Food cravings?  Lets talk about "craving"... I mean if I get home from work and say "I feel like eating a pickle." - Is that a craving!?  Because even when I was not preggo I would come home and raid the pickle jar... so I am not really counting that as a "craving".  But I do find myself wanting something with cheese(mac and cheese/pizza/queso dip) one minute, and then the next minute wanting salty(like pickles or chips), and then I get done with salty and I want sweet (like sour patch kids!).  Its a weird little snacking cycle.... other than that, no "cravings" that are making me drop everything and run to the store.     

Heartburn?  Nope!  STILL no heartburn!  STILL no acid reflux!  So happy about this!  Unfortunately, my ribs are still a big pain in the a$$ and I am thinking it has slowed me down a tad bit, because when they are really hurting bad I usually don't want to move.  I just want to sit and breath out the pain....  but the Tylenol is helping a lot to manage the pain. 

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Nope... feeling great!    

This Weeks Symptoms?  So there is for sure a little waddle about me... but that doesn't bother me too much.  It is so weird how I notice this bump getting bigger (feels like every day) and I feel him moving in there all the time, but it just doesn't feel real... like I don't feel a heavy weight in my tummy... I cannot explain it.  I feel the little growing pains around my tummy and I keep expecting to feel "heavy" in my tummy area.... but nothing... in fact, I would say my chest feels like it weighs more than my tummy!  Now, this being said, I know there are times when he moves and the pressure on my bladder is so annoying and almost "heavy" feeling.  That's when I feel the weight of the baby in there.  Other than that, maybe my feet are growing or swelling or something because by the end of the day I just want to be barefoot.  I don't want anything around my feet!  By the time 5pm hits they do not like to be restricted by shoes!  In fact, I just want to sit back and put my bare feet up!         

Any Movement?  Oh ya, for sure!!  And I am thinking that time frame that I said before 8-10 pm where I feel the strongest movements is getting longer.... like 8pm-12am... I wonder if he is taking after my bad habits of staying up too late... Even if I tired to go to sleep at 9pm I don't think it would happen because I have a party going on in my tummy!  What a little night owl! Tyler and I were laying in bed Friday night and he was literately bouncing out of my tummy... Tyler and I were laughing every time we saw the punches and kicks trying to come out of my belly!  He is a strong little bugger!    

Labor Signs?  nope      

Belly Button: in or out?  Out.  You can even see it through my tops sometimes!  Haha.

 Wedding rings on or off?   On.. but getting a little tighter by bed time.     

Overall Mood this week?   Kinda "Blah"...  I was nervous about participating in the bachelorette party (lots of hot girls, drinking and dancing... and here I am all pregnant and sober...)  I was also very interested how our meeting with Baya was going to go. Puppies always seem to take to Tyler so I was hoping I could win her over, and I think I did!  Both those little ladies couldn't get enough of me!  So, despite the nerves and uncertainty, both events were fabulous!!   

Looking forward to?  Getting the mural painted!  No promises that it will happen this week, but I have a strong feeling I need to take care of business before I can't physically do it... Here is a picture of the chalk on the wall to give me an idea where the paint goes!  It is just a skeleton so don't judge!  but it should be a great way to make sure I know where I want to paint!  

 

Pit of the week?  We have a customer that comes in everyday to the bank.  He is a very friendly guy maybe in his 40's, sometimes overly friendly with the girls... for about the last year I have bottled up my anger with him and have become very short and actually I try to avoid him at all costs.  When I do have to help him I think I have made it clear by my "bitchy" attitude that I don't really want to have small talk with him.  I am not one who likes being called "sweetie, honey, babe" or touched from random older men ESPECIALLY in a profession setting... so I have never really LIKED this particular guy from day one because that is just what he does...  But on Friday, I was about to punch him square in the face.  Out of NO WHERE he rubbed my tummy!  I must have had smoke coming out of every hole in my body.  I didn't even KNOW what to say.   Ugh!!  I know women talk about this problem and I thought, oh, it will be fine if that happened - no big deal... la de da... but no ladies and gentleman, it is NOT fine when someone you don't KNOW and frankly don't feel comfortable around in the first place touches your tummy!  I was so unbelievably grossed out and I think this was the worst feeling I have felt since I was pregnant.  I am sure it is all bundled up in the fact that I think this guy a too touchy, creep in the first place, but from here on out - He will not be touching my tummy!  And yes, I took it to my boss and told him how awkward it feels to be angry about it, but I was fuming!  So I have support if anything goes wrong, but I will be telling this customer next time that the touching is a no-no.  And to all my friends and family - this does not mean I will be upset if you touch my tummy (maybe just ask first so I see it coming) but strangers are a NO-NO, and I wish they would understand that!      

Peak of the week? Meeting our little puppy!!  I don't think I expected to be THIS excited to have her!  I just cannot stop thinking about her and planning for her!  It was so hard to leave her there, knowing that she is ours and we get to keep her forever, but she is still too little and she needs to be with her mommy and siblings for now.  3.5 weeks.... oh Baya... we are waiting in anticipation!!!  Again, I have NO patience!   

Hope I didn't overwhelm you with Baya pictures and talk!

Take it a great week everyone!
Much Love,
Jax

25 Weeks

In 2008, the summer before we had moved out to Madison,Tyler had brought home a puppy out of no where!  She was a puggle and she was as cute as all heck.  Despite my not so "dog loving" personality, I really kinda liked her more than I expected.  Tyler named her "Seven" (ya, that should have taken away ALL his naming rights in my book, but I guess you have to love Seinfeld as much as he does to understand).  Tyler was her main squeeze, though, and they bonded VERY strong and very quick.  He was the one that trained her, walked her, fed her, took her out in the middle of the night to go potty, and he was the one that spoiled her like crazy.  I was basically in competition for my boyfriend with a damn dog.  Anyway, when we rented our condo out in Madison we were unable to bring Seven with us.  Seven went to live with Tyler's mom and step dad in Eagle.  She quickly began to love the large yard, friendly neighboring cows, and attention that she got in that home.  We were happy that we were able to visit her when we were in town!  And boy did she LOVE seeing us and hearing Tyler's voice when we rolled up.  She still goes crazy, EXTRA crazy, when Tyler visits her.  

I always thought dogs were a pain in the ass - still do, but so are kids and we are jumping on that boat so we might as well add a DAMN DOG to the mix!!  Over the last two years we have discussed size, breed, energy level, grooming level, fun factor.... I mean I think we broke it down to no end.... We could NOT stop coming back to the Vizsla breed.  They are just one of the most beautiful, intelligent, and loving breads that we could find while doing our research.  Yes, and VERY high energy, but heck- SO ARE WE!  We have heard nothing but amazing things about these dogs from people that have owned them.  Vizslas are lovers and protectors.  We had a breeder lined up about a year ago and then we just never pulled the trigger or put a deposit on a puppy.  We just thought we had so much going on and it would be hard to get adjusted to a pup.  Well FOUR months shy to welcoming a baby into our family, we are going to start our sleepless nights early with our little pup, Baya (Bay-yah).  I got to name her this time!  We figured if we don't just do it NOW we might be putting off a dog for a couple years...Since it would be 100% preferable to have the puppy trained before the baby comes!  Once the baby comes, more babies will come, and then it would be so hard to tackle a puppy on top of babies!  So we pulled the trigger and called the breeder.  Told her to sign us up ASAP!  We got so lucky- it was almost like fate, really!  Puppies were born early May and we so we get to meet our puppy already on June 10th when we drive down to IL to see her and her siblings! The first weekend of July we get to bring her home!  We are already looking into kinderpuppy classes and manners classes near by home.  We are putting ABSOLUTE FULL efforts into making this the best trained and well behaved puppy on the block.  Good practice for a baby I am hoping!
  

 If anything, at least I will have a little princess to put some bows on!    

Exercising?   Tyler and I are always looking for new ways to be outside, stay in shape, and have fun at the same time  We got bicycles this week and already got some great mileage on them!  It was a great way to get in some workout despite the chilly weather!  Also continuing to work on the house, which seriously drains me mentally and physically!!  Walking/running up and down all the stairs and (light) lifting and bending and squatting ... it's like being in a gym!

Maternity clothes?  Still have not made another trip to the maternity store, but it should happen soon, maybe!  Clothes are going to start to get interesting since this bump is really popping out now.... The only bummer is just being limited to the number of pants or tops I can wear, so I feel like I wear the same thing all the time.    

Sleeping?  Sleeping okay this week.  I think I had a little insomnia.  I would feel tired, but by the time I got up in bed and ready to relax, I was wide awake and sometimes, so was Sal!   I am also back to being up at east once during the night to use the bathroom but I suppose this might be because Sal is sitting pretty darn low and there is always pressure on my bladder! 

Missing Anything?  Not really... I thought being pregnant would make me feel "bloated and fat" but it is so crazy how this bump does not make me feel that way at all!  It feels totally different than I expected.  I am not holding myself to believe that I will feel this great for the next four months, because the bigger I get the more I NOTICE the bump, but it is a better feeling than I had expected for right now! 

 Food cravings?  Just loving my fruit and pickles.... and I suppose this might be a "craving" but I could not wait for Tyler to open that darn bag of sour patch kids.... so I helped myself... to the whole bag....  haha.  (Thank God it was not in one sitting- but still naughty).  Then he scolded me that Sal shouldn't eat all that sugar.  Haha.  Sal shouldn't?  I don't think I should have EITHER!   Oh well...  

Heartburn?  No heartburn- just some angry ribs.  Still a good amount of pain on the right side right under my boob,  I did feel the beginning of the pain on the left side but for a VERY short time and then it was gone.  But I even helped myself to some spicy chicken wings this week and a cup of coffee on Sunday.  Maybe pushing the limits, but no sign of acid reflux or heartburn!    

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Sunday, during our cleaning session, I was not taking to the cleaning supplies very well.... I know being pregnant you are suppose to be very careful of what you use, but I had been feeling pretty good about the open windows and fans going for ventilation.  Well that did not help.  The bathroom cleaners were pretty strong and my tummy was not liking them!  Thank goodness my mom is a cleaning queen and dominated with little of my help....  then on top of that, Tyler was so excited about finishing the flower garden in the front yard that he wanted to top it off with some chairs on our front porch.  We got some wood ariondrack chairs and decided to also get some white spay paint.  As we started to pull all the pieces of the chair out and began spray painting them, I instantly knew I had to get out of the vicinity!  Haha... again, I left someone, this time Tyler, with a big job to do all by himself because I was not thinking I should be tolerating that awful smell!  But other than that, been feeling good!

This Weeks Symptoms?  I know I am not keeping up with my pre-pregnancy workout routine, but I don't feel TOTALLY out of shape, just a little gushy.  We are staying pretty active outdoors and I am VERY active working in the house, but every time I walk after sitting I feel a "waddle" about me... just a small one.  I typically feel this big time in the morning when I first get out of bed.  I feel like my first couple steps are more like waddles in pain from stiff muscles and joints!  Please tell me this goes away after the pregnancy or I have just turned into a 70 year old lady in a matter of months!?      

Any Movement?  I have decided that Sal's favorite time to cause chaos in there is between 8-10pm.  These are when I feel the strongest movements for the longer periods of time.  From what I hear, this is the same time after they are born that they will be most alert!  I think Tyler and I are going to have crazy time between 8-10 every night.... just a prediction!  

Labor Signs?  nope    

Belly Button: in or out?  Out, and very soft.  So weird!!    

Wedding rings on or off?   On    

Overall Mood this week?  Umm... feeling progress!  Progress on the house.... progress on the pregnancy (I mean this bump is like a watermelon is attached to my tummy!...  progress on the nursery....  In fact I am IN LOVE WITH the blue that we chose to go with.  It is Dutch Boy brand and the name is Twilight Navy.  So from here.... no stripes (bummer) .... but on the up side I am changing the mural from black to white (actually cotton blue, but it is predominately a white base).  It will stand out BEAUTIFULLY on these blue walls! This coming week I will work on sketching the mural on the wall.  Soooo looking forward to sharing progress with you on this as well... now that we are HAPPY with the color!  Haha.    

Looking forward to?  Getting the start of this mural going.  Once I have the sketch down I will feel like the room is close to success!  I was so disappointed about how much the yellow stripes DID  NOT work that I almost just thought the whole room was going to be a flop!  But my mood is totally changing now that this blue is looking AMAZING!  I am re-energized and feeling the creativity coming back to my finger tips!  

Pit of the week?   You win some and you lose some.   After all of Tyler's HARD work on the nursery it was NOT turning out well as we planned....  In fact I couldn't even take pictures to show you... I could hardly stand in there and look at the walls myself, I was sooooooooo disappointed.  I think that I was trying to "fix" that first bright yellow base by choosing a more honey yellow to tone it down for the stripes, and I loved the honey yellow... BUT NOT WITH THAT BRIGHT YELLOW!!  :(    The honey yellow was great... I would have painted a whole wall that color over that damn bright yellow... but the idea was scratched real fast and I handed the baton to Tyler... He choose blue, just like he wanted from the start, and in the end it looks like blue was the PERFECT answer to this mess!  (the pictures ARE NOT THAT GREAT, but I had to give you an idea.  - i would prefer to take them with sunlight, not darkness in the window.)

Peak of the week?  I am so excited to get our little puppy... super unbelievably excited, actually!  I should be posting pictures next week after we visit her!  I am probably forgetting how much work this will be because she is a puppy and all.... but I want to cuddle with her and teach her everything she needs to know to be a good lady dog!  And to have a buddy to play with and keep me on my toes will just be "fun"!  Oh ya, and a buddy to have around when Tyler is traveling for work!!  I foresee those will really be the times I appreciate having Baya around!    

Make it a great week everyone and can't wait to show you pics of Baya next post! 
Much Love, 
Jax