The Fun Has Arrived...

...And her name is Sophia Rose. She was born on December 13 at 7:41pm. She weighed in at 6 pounds 5 ounces and 19 inches long. She has lots of dark hair and her Daddy's olive complexion. (YAY!) She has her Mommy's lips and feisty personality. I also think she has Daddy's eyes but it is a bit too early to tell just yet.

It all started at 3:30am on December 13. I woke up to go to the bathroom and thought it sure was taking a while to finish. The thought crossed my mind, "Is this my water breaking? Nah!" So, back to bed I went. At 4:30am I was awakened with the need to pee yet again. I went in to the bathroom and sat down. That is when I noticed something peculiar...my water had indeed broken. I was in shock! We were not due for two more weeks! I sat there for 20 minutes trying to convince myself that my water hadn't really broken. Finally, reality set in and I got up and got in the shower. I knew I needed a good one since it might be a while and I wanted to be minty fresh for the day's adventure. After showering, I went in and told Michael that I was "pretty sure my water just broke". He didn't believe me at first until he realized that I was already showered. He got up and did the same while I finished the last minute packing of the hospital bag. (It was one of the few things I hadn't finished on my "To Do" list. I had planned to finish all of this when we got home from church later that very day.) So, in between contractions, I gathered up what I still needed and then we headed to the hospital. By the time we got there and in the room it was almost 7:00am. This is where the fun really began!

After getting me all checked in and checked out, they confirmed my water had indeed broken and I was dilated to a one. I thought, "A one? Crap! This is already more fun than I had anticipated." I told the nurse, "Any time they were ready, I was ready for my big fat epidural." She laughed and sent for the anesthesiologist. It took him about 45 minutes to get there and another 15 or so to get set up. By this point I had begun using the lovely breathing exercises we learned in our 6 weeks of prenatal classes. Also, my contractions weren't coming at regular intervals nor intensity so they put me on some petocin. This is where Nancy's dream delivery looked like it was going down the crapper.

The epidural didn't take.

"WHAT?!! I should have felt it working by now? Well, I don't. Argg!" So, the very sweet and capable man tried again. This time, he got blood. Not good. He tried again. And again. Yep. 4 times with no success. By this time, now dilated to a 4, it was around 1:00pm and Nancy is no longer trying to be the brave little soldier she thought she should be. I told the nurse through tear streamed eyes that "I needed something to take the edge off or to help me deal with this lovely childbirth experience...even if that meant she would have to club me over the head with a mallet." They gave me some sort of narcotic which helped for about 45 minutes. Then the fun came back...this time bringing friends. The "man with the drugs I really wanted" came back in and said he could only try one more time. If it didn't take, the epidural wasn't going to happen.

Let me just say that in all of the reading, preparation and planning for this event, I had prepared myself. I knew it was important to keep an open mind because things might be different than expected. I wanted a "down town" birth but if I had to have a C-section for whatever reason, I would accept it. Same with an episiotomy and whatever other surprises came my way. But the epidural was NOT one of those things in which I was willing to negotiate. It was a sure thing in my head. So, needless to say, I was one freaked out puppy. I said a huge prayer...pleading with the Lord to let it work. Around this time Michael found someone who could help him give me a priesthood blessing. The "man with the good drugs I wanted" came back in with an idea. He maneuvered me into a new "Indian Style crossed legged while leaning over my legs and grabbing my cankles" position to see if that would help him hit the correct spot. It was then that he found the problem. Due to a previous car accident, my back had some issues and he had been going in the wrong place this whole time. Nice! So, we all crossed our fingers and toes whilst he tried one last time ...and it FINALLY WORKED! I started not feeling the party going on. I went from ARRGGG to AHHHH within about 15 minutes. Nancy liked the drugs very much. (Side note: I admire all those who want to do it Au natural. If that is how you want to do it, more power to you. I am just not that girl. Please don't judge.)

After my brief bout of euphoria as well as tears shed due to the overwhelming feeling of gratitude for prayers being answered, they did an ultrasound to find out what position the baby was in. She was head down, as she should be. But they couldn't tell which direction she was facing nor could they tell from the "down town" exam. So they kept on keeping on with how things were. I went from being dilated at 4 to a 10 in about an hour and a half. Sure was glad the epidural finally took!! So, it was time to push. And push I did....for another hour and a half. That's when my fantabulous doctor came to the rescue. He was not on call that day but came in any way to do my delivery. Have I mentioned how much I heart my doctor? Well, I do. Anyhoo. After being there a total of 10 seconds he realized our little gal was in the posterior (face up) position. This is a more difficult position to deliver and she wasn't going to move much more. So, he had to turn her whilst in utero. At this point I was shouting for joy that the epidural had finally worked. I can't even imagine what that would have felt like without the "good drugs". Once he got her turned around, it felt like I sneezed and she came out. (Okay. A bit of an exaggeration. But close enough.)

Then she was here!!! The first thing I saw was hair. Black hair and lots of it. YAY! I was secretly hoping she'd have her Daddy's hair color. She was, of course, covered in all the fun that comes with childbirth but all I saw was her. She was here. Michael cut the cord and then she was placed on my tummy and we said hi for the first time. She was beautiful!! My little monkey. She was crying and I tried to comfort her. It worked. YAY! Score one for Mommy! Then the nurses took her to weigh her and do their examinations. I couldn't take my eyes off her. It was a strange feeling...like I was a mother bear watching/guarding my cub from danger. I watched every move they made. She started crying again and didn't really stop until she was in Daddy's arms. One look into her eyes and he was a gone-ner! It was one of the sweetest moments I will ever experience...watching them meet for the first time.

She loves her Daddy and Daddy is a smitten kitten! Then Daddy gave her back to me and I didn't want to let her go! She cozied into my chest and there she stayed.

Our little family together at last.

It was the nearest thing to heaven I've felt on Earth. She is here and I am in love with my little girl!!! Gratitude washed over me like a warm blanket. How did I get so blessed to have such a sweet little girl for my daughter?! It's hard to believe that the little girl on my chest and in my arms is all mine.

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Ten

On the Tenth Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

My babalicious body. Not only am I a sexy beast, I have a body that works and is generally healthy. Not everyone is so lucky. My friend Tara posted on her blog about body image and self acceptance. She challenged everyone to name five things about our body that we liked. In response I posted that I like my hair, my eyes, my "ladies", my hands and my legs. Afterward I realized there were even more things than I listed that I liked about my physical appearance. It surprised me. I find it funny (and a bit sad) that we sometimes don't see ourselves accurately and how, in general, men can find the good in themselves easier than women.

It's also funny how when we focus on the negative, that is all we see and when we compare ourselves to others, it will inevitably make us unhappy. Case in point, I was flipping through the channels the other night and Jimmy Kimmel had Heidi Klum on his show. She just had a baby 6 weeks ago and was already modeling underwear for a Victoria's Secret runway show. I thought to myself, "I wish that would happen to me but I know it won't." (She had the body before the pregnancy, too. That probably helps.) ;] But then I thought about it later and decided that it was okay that it wouldn't happen. I am happy to be me. Whenever I have moments like that, a line from Stuart Smalley from SNL comes into my head. "You're good enough. You're smart enough. And doggone it, people like me." It not only makes me chuckle but it makes me happy remembering that I am okay to be me.

Thanks for the reminder, Tara. Anyone who reads this may feel free to accept the challenge. Just don't hate me because I'm beautiful! ;]

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Nine

On the Ninth Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

The ability to make dreams come true through setting goals, hard work and determination. We have so many opportunities in this country to dream, to set goals and to achieve success in those goals. We also have many people who use their "power" of influence for good and not evil. We all have the ability to influence those around us in helping them succeed or by working against them. I'm thankful for the people in my life who believe in me and want to see me succeed.

15 Movies

Rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen movies you've seen that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. (Don't necessarily have to be favorites or even deep and meaningful. Just ones that impacted your life and/or you'll never forget.) Tag friends if you'd like people to play along.

1) Sound of Music
2) Mary Poppins
3) Fiddler on the Roof
4) The Mummy/Mummy Returns
5) Life is Beautiful
6) Pride and Prejudice
7) White Christmas
8) Pollyanna
9) Summer Magic
10) Zorro the Gay Blade
11) Robin Hood (cartoon)
12) Anne of Green Gables/Avonlea
13) Margie
14) Sixteen Candles
15) The Scarlett Pimpernel

I tag anyone who wants to play along. I'm interested in seeing what movies you choose.Leave me a message on my blog if you do so I can come check out your answers!

Fun Ads, Good Message

I love these ads. They are so creative and make me laugh. I can totally see Michael being this kind of Dad. It will be fun to see him playing and having fun with our little one! :]

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Eight

On the Eighth Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

Sleep. Not getting much lately which makes me appreciate it all that much more. For some reason my body thinks four hours of sleep is enough. Then I wake up wide awake! I wish I could say I am getting more done because of it. But, alas, that isn't the case. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and I can say that it is true. Once I get to sleep, I am a happy girl. Which also makes me thankful for my sleeping mask. It is a glorious thing to be able to block out the world, even for a few short hours. If you haven't tried one, do it! They are like a little piece of heaven on your face! :] Happy sleeping!

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Seven

On the Seventh Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

Modern day medicine. As I went to get my shunt changed today for IV therapy, I watched the nurse in awe as she went to work. It never ceases to amaze me what they can do and how it has helped me get through my pregnancy. What's the big deal about it? For starters, at the top of my weight loss, I had lost 50 pounds due to not being able to keep food down. Hyperemesis gravidarum is the technical name for what has ailed me. Also, my situation has been especially challenging because my veins are so deep that they have to find them with an ultrasound machine. This has been going on since I was 8 weeks pregnant. I am now at 34 weeks. People think I am weird but I find it fascinating to watch the ultrasound image while the needle is finding the vein and being threaded. You can actually see it! The nurses laugh because, while searching for the vein, I now know what to look for and sometimes find a good one before they do. I know all of the supplies they use and, if needed, I could set things up for them. They tease saying I could probably do it myself. I probably could but I don't think I would want to. It's been a good education but I am ready for it to be done. We are hoping that will be this week. :]

I am also thankful for another type of ultrasound...the one where I can see the baby! I have (probably) my last ultrasound scheduled for Tuesday. I can't tell you how comforting and amazing it has been to be able to see our daughter in utero as much as we have. This will be my 7th ultrasound. It is really amazing to look at pictures from the beginning and see how she has developed and to hear and see her little heart beating each time we have seen her. Also, with my previous miscarriage problems, it has been so comforting to see her and and know she is okay. I know this has been a huge blessing from my Heavenly Father!! With as sick as I have been, He knew I needed it. I am so thankful!!

Lastly, I am thankful for drugs...the epidural type. :] We watched another birthing video at our last prenatal class and the girl was in a ton of pain and didn't use any medicine. Good for her but that will so NOT be me! When asked if I wanted an epidural, there was no hesitation in my response. "YES!!!!" I was born in this day in age for a reason. Gimme gimme! (I admire women who want to go without but I don't want to be one of those women.) I'm thankful I have the option.

It has been amazing to learn about fetal development and how the body adapts and changes during pregnancy. The more I have learned, the stronger my belief in God. It is hard for me to imagine how someone could learn all that happens and not believe in Him.

Even with all my struggles, I have loved being pregnant. And, if I had to go through it all over again, I would still choose to do so. It is amazing to feel her growing and moving inside of me. As I type, she is kicking and letting me know she is okay. I love it and I love her more than I can express! I can't wait to see her and hold her in my arms!! :] Without modern day medicine, I don't think that would have been possible.

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Six

On the Sixth Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

The ability to love and to be loved. When I say love, I don't necessarily mean romantic love. Just love in the pure sense of the word. To better define what I mean, I went to this site which gives the following explanation within the definition of love:

"Love, affection, devotion all mean a deep and enduring emotional regard, usually for another person. Love may apply to various kinds of regard: the charity of the Creator, reverent adoration toward God or toward a person, the relation of parent and child, the regard of friends for each other, romantic feelings for another person, etc. Affection is a fondness for others that is enduring and tender, but calm. Devotion is an intense love and steadfast, enduring loyalty to a person; it may also imply consecration to a cause."

I have known people who simply cannot feel nor allow love in their hearts. Whether it was due to an abusive situation, a tragedy or bad experiences with love, they simply can not love anyone nor allow others to love them. I think this is a true tragedy. There are many people in this world I can say that I truly love and mean it with all of my heart. There are also people that I know love me and I feel a safety in that love. How sad that must be to not know love for others, of their love for you, or even love of self.

I'm thankful I was brought up in a home where love was expressed often and freely. We were encouraged to express it and shown it by example. I saw love every day of my life when watching my parents. I saw possibly the most intimate, pure expression of love I will ever see when I watched my Dad on his death bed give my Mom a priesthood blessing, told her he loved her, and then kissed her tenderly. That was a moment I will never forget because it showed me what true love really means.

I am thankful for a husband who tells me and shows me he loves me every day. I've never been left to wonder how he felt about me since the day we met. I'm also thankful I can freely show my love to him without fear of teasing or a feeling of insecurity. I love that he also shows expressions of love to our unborn daughter. It melts my heart to see how much he already loves her.

I am thankful for family and friends whom I love dearly and know love me. Whether near or far, it doesn't matter. We remain close and constant in the loyalty of that friendship. I feel truly blessed.

Lastly, I am thankful for the love of my Savior and my Heavenly Father. They love us all and have shown us perfect examples of how we should love each other. There is a scripture that is my absolute favorite that so perfectly defines love, why we should do it, how it should be expressed and how it can bless our lives. It is 1 John 4:7-19, which reads:

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

"No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

"Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

"We love him, because he first loved us."

I am so thankful to them and to all of you. I love you all!

Amusing Apparel

I was online the other day shopping for Baby and came across a site* that was selling some awesome Baby Mama t-shirts. I saw these shirts and laughed my pregnant bootie off! I would love to own a few of these awesome tees. Here are some of my favs:

For every day Baby Mama wear:

For those moments all pregnant women have, you can wear this shirt as a warning:

For the Sci-Fi fan:

Having a boy? This one is for you:

My personal favorite:

And, we can't forget the Baby Daddy! For the man in your life:

What pregnant woman wouldn't want one or two of these? They are good times in a t-shirt!

*Can't link for some reason. Will try later.

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Five

On the Fifth Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

Friends. Over the years I have developed some great friendships with some amazing people. (By people, I don't mean just women. Some of my best and closest peeps are guys. So don't feel slighted by the picture.) It is amazing how the Lord puts people in your life at the exact moment that you can best benefit from the amazing-ocity of that person. I have been blessed with many wonderful friends who have encouraged me to grow, to think, to believe, to trust, to love, to play, to not take life so seriously, to go for my goals and dream big, and many many more ways. I am so thankful for each of you. My life is better because of you. Thanks! I heart you all!

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Four

On the Fourth Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

People with a sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. It is a difficult world in which we live. There are lots of pressures and stresses that put a strain on each of us. But does that mean we have to let it get us down in the dumps? No! Life is difficult. We are here on this Earth to learn and grow. It's not supposed to be easy. But that doesn't mean we can't laugh and enjoy the ride. I am thankful that I have many people in my life that are positive and can laugh at life with me. (Or laugh at me and my life.) ;] Life is too short to not find the joy in the journey, the comedy in the crap, and the sarcasm in the sucky times. Thanks to all of you who make life laughable!

Firelight...the New Twilight

I saw this and laughed my bootie off. Now, before I get any Twilight lovers out there upset with me, I read all the books and loved them. But I still can laugh at things that are funny! Like this:

So, unless you've been hiding under a sound proof rock, you are aware the next movie in the Twilight series comes out this weekend. Am I excited? Yes, I am. Although New Moon was my least favorite of the four books, I have hopes the movie will be better. Why was it my least favorite? All of Bella's whining and depression. I kept thinking, "Okay. We get it. You're depressed. Move on!" Not that I'm trying to criticize the writer. It had to be done to keep Bella's character consistent in her love/borderline obsession with Edward. But, at times, it made for frustrating reading. The end of the book made up for it though. Hence why I kept reading.

The mania behind these books/movies is quite interesting. People either seem to love them or hate them. I haven't seen much in between, except maybe my husband. After I had read them, we read them together. He likes them but isn't obsessed with all things Twilight like I was when I first read them. I didn't start reading them until December of last year, after the fourth book had been released. I read them in rapid succession. My poor hubby. Many a night he would wake to me reading in bed or on the couch, unable to put the books down. He was a Twilight widower for a month until I finished reading all four. Poor guy! Lucky for me, he still loves me. :]

Now for the answer to the big question....Do we have tickets on opening day? Yes, we do. Jealous? If not now, you will be! :]

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Three

On the Third Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

My Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I am thankful to have the gospel as a central part of my life. I am thankful to know that this life is not the end, but a part of an eternal experience. I'm thankful to know that families can be together forever. Death does not part us. I will see my Dad and sister Laurie again and will be able to continue those relationships forever. I will also be with my sweet husband and children as well as the rest of my family forever. I am thankful for the Atonement of Christ. I make mistakes on a daily basis. It is wonderful to know that I can repent and be forgiven of all of the dumb things I do. I'm thankful for the Book of Mormon and the Bible as guiding sources of inspiration and direction for my life. I am grateful to know I am a daughter of God who loves me and has a plan for each of us. It is comforting to know that life has meaning and purpose...to progress and grow, to make correct choices, to learn from our mistakes, to give of ourselves, to show kindness and love to others, and eventually to return to live with our Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for a living prophet and apostles (one of whom is shown in the video above) who lead us and guide us through direct revelation from our Savior. I am thankful that I am not left alone to get myself through this life. I have a constant companion in the Holy Ghost who, when I am listening, guides me, comforts me and teaches me. I'm grateful for the Temple. It is so wonderful to leave all of my worldly cares and worries outside while feeling of the peace that is found within. Lastly, I am thankful for faith. There may be things in this world that confuse or frustrate me, things I may not understand. But I know that all will be okay if I trust in the Lord, follow the prophet and continue to seek guidance and direction for my life. I don't have to have all of the answers nor do I have to be perfect right now. I just have to keep on keeping on.

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Two

On the Second Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

My husband, Michael. He is truly my hero, and not just since I've been pregnant. He is such a wonderful husband. Not a day has gone by since I met him that he hasn't expressed his love and affection towards me. He always makes me feel beautiful, even when I'm not looking my best. He works so hard to take care of me and our little family. He is so excited to be a Dad and already loves our little girl and would do anything for her. He goes to prenatal classes with me and never complains, even though he worked a long day and I'm sure would rather stay home and be cozy. He can always make me laugh, even when I am crying. He has held my hand and my hair during morning sickness and has surprised me with dinner when he knew I didn't have it in me to cook. He is so easy to please and quick to laugh. He is so smart. He has a wide range of interests and likes to share what he likes, knows and learns with me. He is such a good man. I love how dedicated he is to the Lord. I never have to wonder if he is going to go to church or fulfill his obligations. I love him with all of my heart and am so grateful he is mine forever!

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day One

I have always thought that Thanksgiving, as a holiday, gets the shaft. Months before every other holiday we are bombarded with ads on TV, aisles filled with products at every store, and music on the radio in celebration and promotion of the holiday. Poor Thanksgiving gets a nod here and there but doesn't get the props it deserves.

My hubby, Michael, decided this year to start a personal celebration...the Twelve Days of Thanksgiving...and he invited all who wanted to do so to play along. So, here I am. So each day between now and November 26, which is Thanksgiving Day, I am going to list one thing for which I am thankful.

One the First Day of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for:

The opportunity I have been given to be pregnant and to stay pregnant. It has been a long, tough road. But, if I had to do it all over again, I would do it in a heart beat. There is nothing in this world that compares to feeling life inside me grow and move and to see her develop. I can't wait for the day she will make her appearance in the outside world. I'm excited to be able to have another ultrasound next Tuesday and to get another sneak peak at our daughter.

If anyone would like to play along, feel free to join in on the fun!

Waste Not or Want Not?

I was talking to someone today who thought blogging and Facebook were a waste of time. It kind of bothered me for several reasons. First being because blogging and Facebook are my main way of staying in contact with friends and family who live all over the world. People who live as far away as Switzerland, England, Korea, Australia, Germany, Japan, Afghanistan, etc. I can still know how they are and they can check in on my life, too. Second, both were super wonderful during the time when I was on complete bed rest because, other than the telephone and my husband, they were my link to the outside world. I didn't feel quite so secluded because I knew friends and family were a click away. Third, because I have been able to make new friends and strengthen old friendships, too. And lastly, they are also both great ways of journaling.

During my pregnancy I have posted different things on my blog and on Facebook that I want to remember. Things like..."Michael saw the baby kicking from the outside of my stomach the other day for the first time. I had just had some chocolate milk and she was kicking and swimming all over the place! It was wild! After seeing it, he said it reminded him of the movie Alien. Bless his heart!" Fun memory. I have since gone back on Facebook and copied all of my status updates and several of my blog posts and am adding them to her scrapbook. How cool will that be for our daughter to read these things!?! I wish I had something like that!

Another reason I love blogging specifically is because my hubby blogs. He has blogged since before I knew him. Because of this, I can go back on his blog and read what he wrote the day we met, see how his feelings for me grew as we dated, hear his version of how he proposed, as well as our life together as a married couple. How lucky am I?! When I scrapbooked about our proposal, I printed out his version of the story and added it to the page. It is one of my favorite layouts! It is wonderful to hear our life from his point of view.

I understand that not everybody gets what is so great about blogging and Facebook and they really aren't for everyone. Just as things like quilting, baseball or running a marathon aren't for everyone. But, just because it isn't for you, is it necessarily a bad thing? I think not. But can a good thing become a bad thing? Sure it can. I do think there needs to be moderation in all things. As Mr. Miyagi says, "Must have barance". Maintaining balance is important. But, because everyone is different...have different life circumstances, goals, family situations, interests...that balance is an individual thing that shouldn't be dictated by someone who wears different "hats" in their life than you do in yours.

I didn't mean to make this post a blogimony. I'm not trying to convince anyone to start a blog or a Facebook account nor am I getting royalties for people doing so. (I wish!) ;] I just needed to vent and to have my voice heard since what I said to this person fell on deaf and decided ears. Ultimately, I wish people would show more tolerance, especially about things they don't understand. Maybe someday. (Wishful thinking? Hope not!) Until then, I will try to exercise more patience and to take offense less. How does that song go? "Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me..."

You may now go back to your regularly scheduled program. :]

45 Life Lessons

While blurking the other day, I came across this list. Nothing ground breakingly new but good reminders for me. Hope you enjoy them, too!

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

(Life Lessons, by Regina Brett (Cleveland, Ohio) and Courtesy of Bakow Babble. Thanks!)

Life Imitating Art...

I've received complaints about not posting anything on my blog for almost a month. Oops! Sorry about that! In my defense, October was an interesting month. I came down with a really bad cold that moved to my chest. I was pretty miserable for about two weeks. No energy. (That is, even less than a normal pregnant woman. If you can call me normal.) ;] In the meantime, we had a leak under the sink in our kitchen and had to pull everything out of all of the cupboards and pull out all of the drawers. Boy! Was that fun! The leak took some time to fix and then we had to wait to make sure it was truly fixed and dry. So, I've had dishes in boxes on my kitchen table, on the chairs and on the dryer for about a month now. That combined with being sick and having no energy, my house became a disaster area! Never before in my life have I wished harder for a fairy godmother. But alas, she was a no show. And, if the sick thing and the kitchen fiasco wasn't enough, I got a super nasty virus on my laptop. I've never seen one that nasty and clever. Luckily, I had my brother Ben...otherwise known as Super CPU Healer Man...come to my rescue. He was able to get 'er fixed and I didn't lose any files in the process. Yay! So, don't cry for me, Argentina. All is getting better. Computer is fixed, I'm starting to feel human again, and my house is slowly, but surely being rediscovered. That definitely makes Nancy a happy camper.

Joys of Being a Mom...

Did I know what I was getting myself into when I signed up to be a Mom? As Scooby Doo says, "Ruh Roh!" ;] I kid! I kid! I'm excited. But I saw these and thought they were hilarious! I'm sure I will love them even more once our little gal gets here and I can more easily relate. Hope you enjoy it, too!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Recognize any of these? I know I did! Hope you enjoy the highlights.

(Courtesy of Mindi. Thanks!)

S-M-R-T...

The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.

Here are the 2009 winners:

1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus : A person who's both stupid and an a$$hole.
3. Intaxication : Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation : Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy : Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti : Vandalism spray-painted very, very high
8. Sarchasm : The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte : To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteopornosis : A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon : It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The gruelling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido : All talk and no action.
14. Doppler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.) : Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.

And the winners are:

1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted , adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate , v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach. -
4. Esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.
6. Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.

(Courtesy of M-Cat. Thanks!)

Getting excited!

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Trailer in HD

Anyone else getting excited? I sure am. I'm surprised that I'm excited because the 2nd book was my least favorite of the 4 books. I'm hopeful that the movie will be better. Keep your fingers crossed! :]

26 Weeks Along

Here I am at 26 weeks (6 1/2 months) along. Sophia is getting big and kicking Mommy like crazy. She found my bladder this week and is now using it as a punching bag. She currently is 14 1/2 inches long and weighs 1 pound 14 oz as of our ultrasound on Thursday. (Didn't get any pictures this time.) She was shy but is healthy. Yay! Hope you enjoy the picture.

Unforgettable moments...

I had one of those moments tonight I will never forget. Michael came home from work and was so tired. He had parent-teacher conferences after school and was wiped out. He got things ready for tomorrow and then we cozied on the couch for a bit while talking about the days events. I could tell he was so ready for sleepy time so we read scriptures together so he could go to bed. This is when the sweet events unfolded before my eyes. The second he starting reading, the baby moved over to the side where he was sitting and started kicking very enthusiastically. She didn't stop until he was finished. The thought came to me that she recognized his voice and was excited. I don't blame her. I love his voice. After we were done reading, I told Michael what had happened then I gave him a big hug and a smooch, thinking that he would then get up and head to the bedroom to go to sleep. But instead he leaned down and laid his head on my baby bump and started talking and singing to the baby while kissing and rubbing my tummy. In response, she moved right where Michael's lips were and we felt her give several gentle kicks. Tears filled my eyes as I watched this sweet man talk and sing to our baby while showering her with sweet love pats and kisses. What a tender moment! As I watched and felt this happening, I kept thinking what a wonderful husband I have been blessed with and what a fabulous Dad he already is to our little girl! What did I do to deserve such a wonderful, loving husband?!! I sure do love that man!

I Need to Remember...

It's funny how real dreams can seem! Since being pregnant I have had some doozies! Some are pretty freaky and with others I wake up and shake me head thinking...why on EARTH did I dream that?!? So crazy! I tell Michael about them and he tells me I should be writing them down. I could make them into a book or a movie. Some are so detailed and have plots and subplots. The mind is an amazing thing!

I had a dream the other night that I had the baby 2 months early. We didn't have the car seat or even an outfit for her to wear home from the hospital. So the hospital said I couldn't take her home with me. They held out their hands for me to give the baby to them. I was holding her in my arms. I looked down at her and she started talking to me. She told me I needed to get in gear and get things ready so she could come home. I went to kiss her and she was gone. I woke up the next morning in a panic. It didn't help that I was super nauseated and the nausea wouldn't calm down. I went to lunch with my Mom and sisters that day. I was stressed and super emotional. But, to my surprise, my sister Nikki had a present for me...an outfit for our little gal. That made me feel calm for the first time since I woke up that morning.

Tanning Beds...

I just read this article about tanning beds. I remember growing up that my Dad hated it when I would go to tanning beds. He would say that they cooked your insides and your skin. I would listen while thinking to myself that he was crazy. Turns out he wasn't that far off the mark and that was way before he got skin cancer. For those of you who don't know, my Dad died of melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. I haven't gone tanning in years. Yes, my legs and body are so white I am see-through but my chances of getting skin cancer will decrease because of it. It's a topic that has deeply affected the lives of my whole family. Just want to get the word out. Enjoy the article!

July 29 (Bloomberg) -- Tanning beds are as certain to cause cancer as smoking, according to a new risk assessment.

Sun beds and all types of ultraviolet rays are now ranked in the highest risk group by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, putting them in the same group as plutonium and radium, researchers said in a paper published today in the medical journal Lancet Oncology.

Sun beds and UV rays are now considered “carcinogenic to humans.” Using a tanning bed raised the risk of developing the type of skin cancer called melanoma by 75 percent in users that started tanning before the age of 30, researchers led by Fatiha El Ghissassi of Lyon, France-based IARC said in the study.

“Some people feel the need to tan to compete. My advice to them is: don’t do it with a sun bed, don’t even go get the tan outside,” Vincent Cogliano, the head of the IARC Monographs program, a World Health Organization unit, said in a telephone interview yesterday.

Melanoma originates in a type of skin cells called melanocytes that make skin tan or brown and protect the deeper layer from the sun, according to the American Cancer Society’s Web site. In 2009, the ACS estimates that 68,720 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed and 8,650 patients will die from it.

The researchers also said UV-A rays are now deemed certain to cause skin cancer. UV-B rays had already been classified in the most dangerous category.

The radiation and the beds were reclassified to reflect new scientific evidence, Cogliano said. Tanning beds were previously classified as “probably carcinogenic.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Eva von Schaper in Munich at evonschaper@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: July 28, 2009 19:01 EDT

It's Delissio...

I saw this commercial on this blog and laughed my bootie off. Enjoy!

I Will Never Forget

I remember that day all too well. I was living in Kentucky and working at a private bank. The Branch was on the first floor of a hospital. We catered to the doctors and their offices. I was at work and was setting things up for the day. I turned on the radio. Music was on and playing a good song. All of a sudden they interrupted mid song to announce that a plane had just hit the World Trade Center. I was in shock! We turned up the radio and listened to the commentary and speculations. Then another plane hit the second tower. I called my Supervisor who wasn't in yet. She was watching it at home on TV and said she was going to bring her TV in so we could watch what was going on. The news kept trickling in with more and more information. The Towers collapsed and thousands died. The more I heard, the more shocked I became. People would come in to the Branch and just sit and listen to the radio or go over to the TV and watch it in silence. They would then tell their coworkers we had a TV and they would come down to watch, too.

Later that night, friends gathered together at our place to watch things continue to unfold on the news coverage. I had been in near tears all day thinking of all those people in those buildings and on the air planes who woke up that morning not knowing it was their last day to live. It was an emotion filled day.

As the hours, days and weeks past, we learned more and more about what happened, that it was a terrorist attack, and the numbers of the people who had died kept growing. What the terrorists hadn't expected was that we weren't going to shrink in defeat, that American's pride in our country would grow, too. The country became more and more united. United We Stand became the motto heard every where. Flags were flown by every business and every home. They were in car windows and on people's clothing. People were encouraged to pray and to be united. Songs were written. People's hearts were softened. People showed pride in their country and faith in God.

Months and years have past. Slowly the flags came down and people started to forget. Things went back to "normal". People started fighting against prayer and In God We Trust on our money again. We have become less and less united. It saddens me. I just hope that it won't take another 9/11 to bring us together again.

There are few events in my life that stand out as life changing. 9/11 was definitely one of those for me. I will never forget how I felt that day, the images I saw, nor the pride in my country that was increased in the weeks and months that followed. I will also remember how grateful I was that I had faith in God and His plan. Having that knowledge helped me to have peace during that time of chaos and uncertainty.

Two Little Boys

Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons and proceeded to the checkout counter.

The man at the counter asked the older boy, 'Son, how old are you?'

'Eight', the boy replied.

The man continued, 'Do you know what these are used for?'

The boy replied, 'Not exactly, but they aren't for me. They're for him. He's my brother. He's four. We saw on TV that if you use these, you would be able to swim, play tennis and ride a bike. Right now, he can't do none of those'.

(Thanks for the chuckle, Mom!)

I Came...I Listened

For those of you that didn't get a chance to watch the speech given by President Obama to Americas school kids, here you go. His actual speech starts at 2:30 on the video. I got it from the White House website.

After watching it, I came away thinking that there was a lot of controversy and build up for nothing. Sure, there were elements of politics in the speech. But that is to be expected from a politician. But I thought what he had to say overall was good. The main message that came across to me was that it is each student's personal responsibility to work hard, set goals, and to keep going even when they fail. He also talked about America throughout history. "The story of America isn't about people who quit when things got tough. It's about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best." I thought it was worth watching. Hope you do, too.

Now, don't fret. I'm not switching sides nor am I becoming an Obama supporter and I won't talk anymore about this. I just feel like we as a society should do our research before we condemn things. We hear a portion or a version of the story that is presented as truth and we allow ourselves to be swayed to fight against it. I hope in the future we will understand more fully just what we are fighting. Also, I think we need to give our kids some credit. Just because they hear something doesn't mean they will necessarily believe it. Don't believe me? Here are two articles, one from the Deseret News and one from the Salt Lake Tribune, that discuss the speech as well as quote kids who watched it. Enjoy!

We Want Postum Back!!!

Some of you may remember this post I wrote back in October '08 discussing the sadness and sorrow that is the discontinued family favorite, Postum. Well, apparently there is a group that has started a petition to bring it back. I wanted to show my support by not only signing the petition, but by getting the word out.

WE WANT POSTUM BACK!!!

If you want it back, too, click here and sign the petition. And, if you don't, sign it anyway. You will enable my family to continue on with a family tradition. That and I'll be your best friend!! Every signature counts!! If we are successful, I will invite you all to a Welcome Home Postum Party! (Now you are convinced, eh?) Happy signing!!