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5 Months Old

2012-01-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

Emerson will be five months old on Tuesday! I can't believe how time has flown by. Here are his stats:
Five Months Old:
Weight: He probably weighs about 21 lbs; I haven't weighed him recently.
Height: About 27 inches.
Diaper size: Still wearing a size 3 on those chunky thighs!
Clothing sizes: Totally in 6-9 month clothing; I packed up the last of the 3-6 month stuff this morning. There is a huge consignment sale in Asheville in February, and I'm thinking I'm not going to buy ANY 6-9 month stuff; I'm only buying 12 month. I can't believe that probably by Easter, he'll be wearing 12 month clothing.
Milestones: He has become very adept at rolling from his belly to his back, and when he's on his back, he likes to roll to his side and play with his feet. He is very close to sitting up; he does excellently assisted, as long as he's not too tired.
Eating: He takes 3-4 3oz bottles of breastmilk at the sitter's during the day; at night he nurses a few times in the late afternoon/early evening, and then wakes at least twice at night; sometimes more. We have sort of started solids, but he doesn't have much interest, and I'm totally fine with that. We've tried both rice and oatmeal cereals--hated it. He seems to like sweet potatoes, so we're sticking with that. I'm not going to push food on him ever, but around 6 months, I'll start offering him table food per Baby Led Weaning.
Sleep: He goes to bed around 6:30; sometimes a little earlier, sometimes later. He sleeps till around 10:30pm, nurses, sleeps till 1:30am, nurses, and usually (!) stays down until arond 6:30am or 7am. He is still pretty random with this though; we never know what he'll do. Naps are an absolute disaster right now. Gone are the lovely three nap days; he now takes SEVERAL 30 minute naps. I still put him down 1.5 hours after he's been awake, and he sleeps exactly 30 minutes and is up again. I have tried keeping him awake longer, to no avail. I luckily got a two-hour nap out of him yesterday, late evening, but today....disaster!

I love this boy more every day. I can't believe how big he is!

Playing Catch-Up

2012-01-16T17:29:00.000-08:00

So four months have gone by without a post...Emerson is HUGE! I'm just going to put out a photo-bomb, and let that tell what he's been up to, and then do a re-cap of updates on his growth and development.

One Month Old:
Weight: Emerson weighed about 10 lbs at one month.
Height: He was around 21 inches long.
Diaper size: He wore a size one diaper.
Clothing sizes: He wore all 0-3 month clothes
Milestones: At this point, he was becoming more alert during his wakeup times, and was able to follow objects with his eyes. He really enjoyed looking at black and white pictures. We noticed that around 2 weeks old he had excellent head support, and really loved to look around at things.
Eating: He nursed about every 1.5 to 2 hours, and about every 3 hours at night.
Sleep: He slept in three hour spurts, and at this point, went to bed whenever he was sleepy. He took several naps a day, of varying lengths.

One Week Old

Newborn Photos

Two Weeks Old

Three Weeks Old

One Month Old

Two Months Old:
Weight: Emerson weighed about 13 lbs at his checkup.

Height: He was around 24 inches long.

Diaper size: He wore a size two diaper.

Clothing sizes: He wore all 0-3 month clothes, but was getting into 3-6 month clothes. By Halloween, he was in all 3-6 months.

Milestones: Emerson started smiling around six weeks, and laughed out loud around 8 weeks. He enjoyed bath time a LOT, and didn't enjoy tummy time AT ALL.
Eating: He nursed about every 1.5 to 2 hours, but went longer at night.
Sleep: We started a bedtime routine at this point, which consisted of a bath, then pajamas, and nursing to sleep. He slept in our bed for the entire night, on a pillowcase with a waterproof pad in it. He was swaddled with a velcro swaddle sack, or the miracle blanket. He slept around six hours, and then was up every two or three.
Special events: Emerson celebrated his first Halloween and Thanksgiving this month!

Three Months:
Weight: Emerson weighed about 15-16 pounds this month.

Height: He was around 25-26 inches long.

Diaper size: He wore a size two diaper, but went up to size three around the beginning of December.

Clothing sizes: He wore all size 3-6 month clothes.

Milestones: Emerson continued to smile and laugh; he is a very happy baby. He became very interested in his toys at this point, and soon became able to hold them in his hand, and started bringing them to his mouth. He got his first two teeth (bottom middle) at Thanksgiving time. He started staying with a babysitter (we love Mrs. Casey and our Nanny and Mimi!) during the day so Mommy could go back to work. :(

Eating: He nursed about every 2 hours, but went longer at night.
Sleep: Emerson was still following his bedtime routine, and he slept up to eight hours at once (not every night, mostly it was about six) and then was up every three. He was an excellent sleeper at three months. He was still swaddled.
Special events: Emerson celebrated his first Christmas this month!

Four Months:
Weight: Emerson weighed about 19.5 lbs at his checkup.

Height: He was around 26.6 inches long.

Diaper size: He wears a size three diaper.

Clothing sizes: He WAS in all 3-6 month clothes, but we recently switched out to a lot of his 6-9 month clothes. He is a chunky monkey!

Milestones: Emerson can now roll over from his tummy to his back, and he can sit supported. He loves sitting in his high chair and playing with his toys, and sitting in his Bumbo seat. He has recently become interested in books, especially ones with bright colored pictures! He loves being tickled, and loves Mommy and Daddy playing peek a boo with him! He is such a happy, funny baby.

Eating: He still nurses about every 2-3 hours during the day, and CAN go six at night, but now our sleep is...interesting....
Sleep: I wish it were as good as it looked above...he is certainly going through the dreaded "four month sleep regression" and we're hating it. He wakes up about every three hours if we're lucky, and his naps are hit or miss. I'm hoping he'll be back to normal soon.

Birth Story and Pictures

2011-09-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

Emerson Wilde is finally here, although he came 4 days late (7 according to the doctor's calculations and the "almighty wheel of pregnancy")! We had scheduled an induction for September 6th, but he ended up coming on August 31st.

I had no symptoms of pending labor at all up until I lost my mucous plug around 6pm August 30. I had a feeling I'd go into labor soon after that, just because he was already so late. I was right! After having major crampiness all evening, I laid down in bed around 11:30pm, and immediately felt a pop! Got up to get on the toilet, and sure enough, my water had broken. Problem was, the fluid was green-tinged! I knew there was meconium in my water, and I immediately went to Colby and said, "we have to go to the hospital. Now."

We got there in about 30 minutes, and it's usually about a 45 minute drive. There's lots of construction going on, but since it was night, we didn't have to worry about it. We got to the hospital, and the nurse checked me in, and checked my dilation. I was only a one, but she confirmed I was definitely in labor.

On the way to the hospital, I'd started having contractions about 4 minutes apart, and they stayed that way until we got checked into a labor and delivery room, at which point, they went all over the place. I was having them 3 and 2 minutes apart, then I'd have one after 30 seconds, and they were all in various lengths. I labored until about 4:30AM with excruciating, untimeable pain, until finally, I couldn't take anymore, and got an epidural. I was terrified of an epidural, but after that amount of pain, and me starting to vomit everywhere, I just couldn't take it. I honestly think if my contractions had been regular, I would've been able to do it.

After getting the epi, and not really progressing past 2 centimeters, the doctor decided to give me some pitocin to speed things along. After that, I dilated to about 4 centimeters in 2 hours, and then everything stopped. They upped my pitocin dose to an 8, and then Emerson's heartrate went down every time I had a contraction. We were beyond worried about him. They took me off pitocin, and then I still wasn't progressing. Around 1PM, Dr. Jackson decided enough was enough. He told me it looked like I needed a C-section, and they could do it in about an hour.

I was completely devastated. I wanted to do what was best for the baby, but the vaginal birth I'd prepared for was gone. I would never, ever again get the feeling of going into labor on my own, I'd never get to push a baby out by myself with Colby coaching me. I knew that my future of giving birth naturally was totally ruined. I also know how selfish it sounds for me to even say that, but it doesn't make my feelings any less real.

Around 2:00PM, they prepped me for surgery, and we went into the operating room. Before we went, Dr. Jackson prayed with the nurses and Colby and me, and though extremely comforting, it was still very scary, and heartbreaking.

The C-section went perfectly. I will never forget when I first heard Emerson cry, and although I didn't get to feel him come out, it was the best moment of my life. I also got to see him get cleaned up, because they had a monitor on him. He was beautiful.

After I got cleaned up and sewn up, we went down to the recovery room for about an hour, and I was able to try breastfeeding, which went well at that point. He latched right on. Then for the next several days, we went into breastfeeding HELL.

My recovery was fine, I wasn't in a lot of pain, and I spent the next four days in the hospital trying to get Emerson fed, and I knew he wasn't getting ANYTHING. I had a little colostrum that would leak out occasionally, but I knew there was no milk. By day 4, he'd gone from 8 lbs 6 oz to 7 lbs 3 oz, which of course was way more than 10% of his birth weight. I was at an absolute loss as to what to do. I had nurses telling me to give him formula, and at the same time, a pediatrician and lactation consultant telling me to wait it out, and not give him formula. That night, we went home from the hospital, and I was in complete hysterics. I was terrified I wouldn't be able to feed my child. He wasn't crying non-stop or anything, in fact, he was very lethargic (probably due to my taking Percocet, and him being a little jaundiced) We called the pediatrician's night hotline, and the nurse told me how much to give him, and so we did. The next day we saw a lactation consultant, who developed a plan for us, which involved feeding, supplementing, and then me pumping at EVERY feeding session.

Luckily, we only had to follow the plan for one night, because the next morning, my milk was in!!! I woke up engorged and full, and he was DOWNING the milk! We had a pediatrician's appointment the next day, and his weight was already back up a few ounces. I was so glad! Of ALL the things I wanted, I wanted to breastfeed more than anything else. I knew it was the right thing for Emerson, and the best thing I could do for his health and well-being. The very thought of not being able to do it simply petrified me. Thank God it actually happened!

So since then, we've been a very happy little family of three. We have taken copious pictures, of course, and are just completely in love with this little boy. He eats about every 3 hours, day and night, and he's alert and happy for about 2 hours in the morning, and 2 hours at night. Waking up every 3 hours to breastfeed is the LEAST of my worries; I know these feedings will get farther apart the older he gets.

We are so blessed.

39 Weeks...Still Pregnant

2011-08-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

How Far Along: 39 Weeks.

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a watermelon!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 40 pounds.....

Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way, and my shirts are getting short. I was so glad to be done with work this week, because I'm running out of comfortable things to wear!

Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!

Movement: He moves pretty regularly, but he's definitely run out of room!

Sleep: For the past two weeks, I've slept in the guest room, because our bed is so high up, I can barely get in and out of it. I sleep a lot better in there, as much as I hate it.

What I miss: I have certainly loved being pregnant, but I think I may have hit my threshold this week. I'm ready to meet this little guy, and to be comfortable again!

Cravings: Not really anything.

Symptoms: Still lots of crotch pain/pressure, and I feel like my belly has "dropped." It all of a sudden doesn't look as huge, and the top of my uterus is a little lower.

Best Moment this week: Being done with work! Each thing I check off my list brings me a little closer to having this baby!

Oh, and here's a picture of our "other baby" just for good measure. Can you tell we got a new camera this week? :)

36 Weeks--One Month Left!

2011-08-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

First, here are some pictures from my church shower on Sunday! It was great; got a lot of great baby stuff!

Opening precious overalls...

This was the cake table. My friend Donna set up this little barn, and the blocks with his name! So cute!

My mom made this quilt. It has Noah's Ark on it, with baby animals. I love it!

This afghan was made by one of my mom's best friends, Jodie. I wish the detail on it was clearer; it is stunning! The edges have two layers of crochet, and there's a white ribbon running through it. Gorgeous!

This is after we got everything home! So overwhelming!

Here are some pictures of our beautiful nursery! I had so much fun putting all this together. My favorite piece in the entire room is this huge E over the crib. I got it on Etsy, and trust me, it is even prettier in person!

The rocker and curtains...

Changing table...we've gotten a better pad for it since the picture was taken.

Up close of the crib bedding. I LOVE IT.

View from the door...

This little cabinet came from my father in law's furniture store...it used to be green and white, but I painted it to match the room.

Here is his little bookcase. I adore this picture over the bookcase. It's one of my favorite things in the room.

Finally, here is my 36 week pic!

How Far Along: 36 weeks.

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a small watermelon!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 37 pounds.....

Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way, and some of my pants are too tight! This is NOT good news!

Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!

Movement: He's moving pretty regularly every day, and has been for a few weeks. At my 34 week appointment, doctor confirmed that he was head down, but "sunny side up." She said this could change up until a few minutes before delivery, but I'm still worried about back labor, since I want to do this naturally.

Sleep: SUPER hard to get comfortable at night!!! My back and hips KILL me! Plus I'm still peeing a ton!

What I miss: Not a thing! I love, love, LOVE being pregnant! I do miss being able to get comfortable during bedtime though.

Cravings: Still not a lot. I really am obsessed with fruit, especially peaches. I love, love, love the diced peaches in juice!

Symptoms: Lots of pressure down below, a few episodes that I *think* are Braxton Hicks contractions, and lots of kicks, punches, and hiccups.

Best Moment this week: Having my shower, and going to the doctor. My shower was wonderful, and the doctor says that although I'm not progressed at all, he's head down, and ready to go! I have another shower next Sunday that I'm looking forward to; it's a library shower! I hope Emerson enjoys books and reading as much as Colby and I did as kids. Well, we still enjoy it, but who has time to read!?!??!?

Pregnancy Update Weeks 29-35...

2011-07-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Around 30/32 weeks...

34 Weeks...

How Far Along: 35 weeks.

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a honeydew melon!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 35 pounds already, and still have a month to go....

Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way!

Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!

Movement: He's moving pretty regularly every day, and has been for a few weeks. At my 34 week appointment, doctor confirmed that he was head down, but "sunny side up." She said this could change up until a few minutes before delivery, but I'm still worried about back labor, since I want to do this naturally.

Sleep: SUPER hard to get comfortable at night!!! My back and hips KILL me! Plus I'm still peeing a ton!

What I miss: Not a thing! I love, love, LOVE being pregnant!

Cravings: Still not a lot. I had the 3 hour glucose test right before my 30 week appt, and I passed with flying colors. I just like eating in general!

Symptoms: Heartburn got EXTREMELY bad around 30 weeks, and the doctor recommended I go ahead and start taking some Prilosec. I have, and it's totally gone, thank GOODNESS! It was seriously making me sick to eat.

Best Moment this week: I'm done with the nursery! My mother in law is getting us our glider and changing table, and as soon as I get those set up, I'll post pics. My shower is next Sunday! I'm so close to holding this little boy in my arms! Can't wait!

28 Weeks

2011-06-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

No picture yet, because we're living at my parents-in-law's house! How did that happen, you ask? We have no air conditioning. We noticed about a week and a half ago that there was some frost on the unit that's inside the house, and it was making a weird noise. Colby called the guy, and he told us to turn it off for a couple of days and change the filter, and see if that helped. Nope. Still got frost. So the man came out there, and our whole system is INSTALLED WRONG!!! We've been waiting on a part to fix it for over a week now, and we're camping out at Colby's parent's house. With Piper. Who has had "bad potty" on the carpet no less than EVERY DAY!!! It's getting kinda old....but I digress....

How Far Along: 28 weeks.

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a small cabbage. He's getting big!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 22 pounds already. I'm a little scared of that number, since I still have about 2 1/2 months to go...

Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way!

Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!

Movement: He has been WILD the past two days!! I love it! I'm doing a play right now, and he LOVES when I'm talking on stage. He just goes crazy! Hopefully, theatre is in his blood!

Sleep: Still really hard to get comfortable, but I'm sleeping pretty well. As long as I don't drink a ton of water at night, I don't pee every five seconds. I've also been having some leg cramps at night, which wake me up.
What I miss: Not a thing! I love, love, LOVE being pregnant!

Cravings: Still not a lot. I CLEARLY need to lay off the sweets, though, because I failed my glucose test on Monday. :( This means I have to take the three hour test next Monday. Yeah. Not looking forward to THAT.

Symptoms: Heartburn is still around, but it's actually getting better a little. I cannot tolerate ANY fruit flavored Tums, so I've switched over to the mint kind. Like them SO much better! I'm also having some hip pain, but I know that's typical. It's not bad or anything, just annoying.
Best Moment this week: It actually JUST happened! I'm sitting here, feeling Emerson squirm all around, and he stayed in one place long enough for me to feel this little part of him THROUGH my stomach. I'm pretty sure it's a foot, but who knows? Second guess is elbow or knee? Anyway, there he stayed, and I could just rub his little body part with my hand. AMAZING!!!!!!! I am so in love with this little boy already!

26 Weeks and Disney!

2011-05-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

This Saturday marks the 26th week in my pregnancy! I'm almost in the third trimester, and I can't believe it. Colby and I went to Disney World May 3-9 on a "Babymoon" with two of our friends (my roommate from college and her husband) who are also pregnant! Here are some pics, and then I'll do a pregnancy update.

My belly is getting big! I LOVE it!!! Here is the pregnancy update!

How Far Along: 26 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of an eggplant. He was over 1 pound at my 20 week u/s, so I'm assuming he's put on some weight since then.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 15-18 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way! There are now NO tops I have that I can wear....maybe two...that aren't maternity.
Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!
Movement: Feeling him more and more! He woke me up kicking last night. I must say; this is the one thing that causes me the most anxiety! Every time I realize that I've not felt him in a couple of hours, I freak out. But then he always moves, THANK GOODNESS!
Sleep: Still really hard to get comfortable, but I'm sleeping pretty well. As long as I don't drink a ton of water at night, I don't pee every five seconds.

What I miss: Not a thing! I love, love, LOVE being pregnant!

Cravings: Not a lot. I went to get ice cream today between classes, and it was DELICIOUS.
Symptoms: Heartburn is every day, several times a day. I'm getting sick of Tums...I think pretty soon I'm going to be switching over to some Pepcid.

Best Moment this week: Best moment of ALL was going to Disney World, and getting a WONDERFUL surprise Mother's Day gift on that Sunday from Colby. I can't believe that I'm finally able to celebrate Mother's Day, which I have avoided at all costs for three years. After we got back from Disney, I've not had any wonderful moments, but I'm REALLY enjoying being pregnant!

It's a Boy!!!!!!

2011-04-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

We had our 20 week anatomy ultrasound today, and it's a BOY!! I totally knew it all along. I've thought from the VERY beginning that it was a boy, so no surprise to me! :) Here is the "money shot" and then a profile pic!

And here is the preggo update so far!!

How Far Along: 20 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a banana. I hate this comparism. It seems so small compared to other fruits!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 10 pounds according to the doctor.
Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way! There are a few tops I can still wear that aren't too short or too tight, but not many! Pants are all maternity!
Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!
Movement: Feeling him more and more! The ultrasound tech told me today I have an anterior placenta, so movement will be harder to feel out front. I definitely feel him on the sides, and Colby actually felt him the other night! I love, love, love feeling that little guy move!
Sleep: Still peeing at night a bunch, and it's getting harder and harder to stay comfy! I have a body pillow, but I hate it. It's like having an extra person in the bed! Yuck!

What I miss: Not a thing.
Cravings: Meh. Not really much. I eat a lot though!
Symptoms: Still having the heartburn on and off. I'm now carrying Tums in my purse....and at both schools...and at home...and in the car...

Best Moment this week: Finding out the gender, and that everything was perfect with our little boy! We are so overcome with joy! After all this time, waiting, praying, doubting, and believing, we have the BEST GIFT EVER!!!!!

18 Weeks...Oh Dear!

2011-03-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

How can it have POSSIBLY been a month since my last post!?!?! Here is my 18 week update...plus info from weeks 15-17...

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 18 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a turnip.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Probably about 8 pounds total, but I don't know really, since I refuse to get on a scale until my prenatal appointments. At my last one at 16 weeks, I'd gained about 5 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants all the way. I just can't wear anything else, and I've been this way for a couple of weeks. I bought some maternity dresses, too, and some shirts. Wore them all once, and then WHAM! it's freezing cold here again, and had to go back to other options. My mother in law bought me a pair of skinny jeans today. LOVE them. I guess they're technically "jeggings" since they stretch, but I hate saying that word...
Gender: Still thinking boy, but we'll know for sure on April 11th!!
Movement: I've felt a couple of things that I THOUGHT might be the baby, but I don't know yet. I can't wait till I really feel it!!
Sleep: Sleeping okay...really tired in the afternoons and evening.

What I miss: Not a thing.
Cravings: Still not a lot...but I've made some desserts...

Symptoms: Heartburn has subsided over the past month, still get it on and off though. Other than that, no real symptoms.

Best Moment this week:Well, in week 15 there wasn't really anything...week 16 I had my appointment, and baby's heartbeat was 150 and everything seemed good. Week 17 was Drama Competition (kids did amazingly, btw! All kinds of awards, and I have the best actor AND best actress in NC!!) and so that was really stressful, and then this week...well, I'm fat. That's about all.

14 Weeks

2011-02-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

I know I completely skipped Week 13, but I've been so busy. Right in the middle of competition, and doing a production of the Vagina Monologues (which was so much fun!). But now I'm through with VM, so I can actually post!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 14 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a lemon.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Probably about 5 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: I bought two pairs of maternity jeans, and the stretchy panel is REALLY comfy, but I'm having a problem keeping them up above my butt! I know it's big, but still...so I haven't really worn them more than once; I'm hoping this gets better as I get bigger.
Gender: I'm really thinking this is a boy. According to the Ramzi Method, and the Shettles Method, it's definitely a boy!
Movement: None, but I'm really looking forward to it soon!
Sleep: I've still been sleeping okay, but every night I can't stay out of the BATHROOM!!! I pee about every 10 minutes until I fall asleep.

What I miss: Not a thing.
Cravings: Still not a lot. This week I ate salt and vinegar potato chips every morning at ten....
Symptoms: Heartburn! Almost every morning. It's not terrible, but it's annoying.

Best Moment this week: I'm going to highlight the best moments for the past two weeks. Our appt on Feb 15 was great; we heard the heartbeat immediately, and then started telling EVERYONE. We announced it on Facebook that afternoon, and both had an amazing outpouring of kind words. My students are already wanting to touch my belly, which I'm totally fine with (I don't know WHY this bothers some people! It's not like it's a big deal!) I'm also slowly getting bigger, even thought my belly hasn't "popped" yet....

12 Weeks

2011-02-12T14:54:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 12 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a large plum.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have no idea, I've not been on a scale in weeks. My guess is about 2 pounds or so.
Maternity Clothes: Still none yet, but things are a teeny bit tighter, and sweatpants feel so much better than jeans.
Gender: Still no idea.
Movement: None.
Sleep: I've been sleeping really well. Thursday night I cam down with a voracious stomach bug, and the next morning, got a call-in prescription for Phenegrin. That stuff works, but it makes you SLEEPY! I'm still feeling yucky today, but not as bad as yesterday!

What I miss: Nothing really.
Cravings: Not really anything so far, except for sweets, off and on, but it gives me heartburn, so I'm trying to lay off that stuff.
Symptoms: Hardly any, but this is the start of the second trimester, so it's to be expected.

Best Moment this week: Making it to the second trimester! Can't wait for my appointment on Tuesday!

11 Weeks!

2011-02-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

11 Week Bump Shot:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 11 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a lime.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Probably about two pounds.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet, but I do feel some of my tighter jeans getting a little too tight, though! Gender: We don't know yet, but I'm thinking girl right now. I'm craving sweets, and that's supposed to be a sign of a girl, but who knows?
Movement: None.
Sleep: We had a full week of school last week, with a delay on Friday, so it was pretty tiring. I'm sleeping heavily at night, but as soon as I lie down, I have to pee!

What I miss: Nothing really.
Cravings: None, but I need to get back to eating a little more healthy. I ate out a LOT this week, just because I didn't feel like cooking, or fixing a lunch..
Symptoms: Hardly any. Boobs slowly got a lot less sore; and I've only been a teeny bit nauseous a couple of times.

Best Moment this week: Nothing really, except I am looking forward to my appointment next week, on the 15th! I'll be twelve weeks, and out of the first trimester!

Week 10

2011-01-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

This is two days late and has no picture, but I really look exactly the same, so just see above, lol.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 10 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a kumquat.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: None that I know of.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet, but I do feel some of my tighter jeans getting a little too tight, though! I thought about doing the rubberband around the button trick this morning, but I forgot about it.
Gender: We don't know yet.
Movement: None.
Sleep: I'd been loving all the snow days, but unfortuneately, it looks like we're in for a full week of school this week! :( I have rehearsal for competition every day this week as well, so I'm in for an exhausting week, I fear.

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe drinking real coffee or Diet Pepsi?
Cravings: I've been craving fruit, so I've had lots of different kinds this week.
Symptoms: Not a lot this week. Still sore boobs a little, but not nauseous at all. This worries me a little, but I did have a bad headache today, and I know that's a symptom too.

Best Moment this week: Telling my high school drama teacher (and now my friend) that I was pregnant. She was so excited! It was fantastic.

We're Expecting!

2011-01-24T17:31:00.000-08:00

After more than two years of trying, one miscarriage, hundreds of ovulation predictor kits and monitors, countless pregnancy tests, and night after night of crying in despair, we are finally pregnant! We had our first prenatal appointment on January 18th, and everything looks wonderful. Baby Martin's heart was beating, we've got two arms and two legs, and two chambers in the brain, which they look for. We could not be more excited, and we have only God to thank for this miracle.

Sorry this picture is so blurry; it's a picture of a picture, obviously.

So from here on, I'll be doing weekly pregnancy updates:

9 Week Bump Shot:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 9 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a grape.
Total Weight Gain/Loss: None.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet, but I do feel some of my tighter jeans getting a little too tight, though!
Gender: We don't know yet.
Movement: None.
Sleep: I'm sleeping very well. We've had so many snow days, I've been able to get lots and lots of sleep in, and I think that's why I've not been too terribly exhausted. This week I went to work four days, so I was more tired than usual.
What I miss: Nothing really - maybe drinking real coffee or Diet Pepsi?
Cravings: I have on and off cravings, but mostly it's just hard deciding what I want to eat. Once I know, though, I must have it, or someone might get hurt!
Symptoms: Nauseous on and off; I feel better when I eat something, but also feel nauseous when I eat too much. Realized this morning that I felt sick, and remembered I'd eaten nothing yet!

Best Moment this week: Seeing our precious little baby on the ultrasound!! I will never forget that moment!

Williamsburg VA at Christmas!

2011-01-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

This year for Christmas, Colby and I decided to take a mini vacation, just the two of us. His mom got us season passes to Colonial Williamsburg for Christmas, so we went up there on the 23rd, 24th, and came back on Christmas Day. It is beautiful up there! I can't wait to go again when it's warmer; we'll probably do this on Spring Break. (If I get a Spring Break, that is....we've been to school three days since Christmas break, it's snowing now, and isn't stopping until Thursday!)

This is what I did on the drive to VA: played with my iPod. I love how serious I look in this picture.

Our first adventure of the evening: eating supper at Christiana Campbell's Tavern. Pricey, but ok food. We sat in the basement, and were entertained by a fiddler, and a woman who monologued about being Christiana's "daughter."

They had these huge bonfires at night on the streets. It was kind of neat, and awesome to stand close to them and (sort of) get warm.

Our lovely and cozy room at the Applewood Bed and Breakfast. Highly recommended! The breakfast was awesome!

The governor's palace:

The courthouse:

This was a gun and weaponry making place:

Another building...

Inside the Capitol Building:

Colby...

This was inside the museum. There was an amazing quilt display, and this neat table where you could design your own quilt square with wooden blocks. Of course I had to play...

On Christmas Eve, we went to a Yuletide Supper (very festive!) where we had a delicious four course dinner, and lots of authentic Christmas entertainment. It was really awesome! This was one of the trees inside the Williamsburg Lodge, where the Supper was held.

Ice sculptures outside the Lodge.

Happy Holidays!!

Disney Trip 2010

2010-06-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

We went to Disney from June 14-June 19. We had a blast, but we didn't take NEAR as many pictures as we usually do, because we have pictures of EVERYTHING! Ha! We did our vacation a little differently this year. We usually stay in a moderate resort during a time when they have free dining, but this time, we HAD to go in the summer (they're offering free dining in the fall) because I'm out of vacation days. Plus, even though it is crowded in the summer, the parks are open for HOURS later than they usually are.

So we stayed at a Value Resort (Pop Century) and paid for all our food. It was a great trip, and the focus was eating, so that's always good!! :)

This is what I did the majority of the way to Florida, since we left at 3AM. It was worth it, though! We got there around 2:30 and got to spend the rest of the day in the Magic Kingdom. Colby forgot his camera, so we didn't get any other pics of that day.

And so begins our eating journey...cinnamon rolls...mmmmm....

The aquarium at Epcot.

I'll bet we have 12 pictures like this, at least.

At Pop Century! Note: I was in LOVE with this romper! I wasn't so sure when I bought it, but it was perfect for Disney! Very cool and comfortable!

Quintessential castle shot...

They brought back the Electric Light Parade! It was awesome! I've gotten tired of watching Spectromagic! the past few years! Haha...you know you've been to Disney too much, when....

We always take pictures in the teacups! It's our favorite!

Hollywood Studios in the Indiana Jones gift store. Snakes!!! (Colby was pretending to be Bear Grylls and act like he wasn't scared, ha ha)

This was the AMAZING!!! dessert we got at The Flying Fish Cafe. What an incredible place to eat! We ate there on our honeymoon, also, and it was scrumptious then, and even better now!

Colby at Flying Fish...

This was the CUTEST Cheshire Cat birdhouse that we found. It's made by Jim Shore, and it was SO PRECIOUS!

Mr. Potato Head was dead. It was kinda creepy. We rode Toy Story Midway Mania three times that day. Once waiting at park opening, then with fastpass, and then we walked on right at park closing, and hardly waited at all. I highly recommend doing this! They'll let you on with about three minutes to go. It's great!

In front of the Great Movie Ride...

Before riding Kali River Rapids. We NEVER ride this, but it was SO HOT!!!

And after...ha ha.

The gibbons at Animal Kingdom. Love them. There was a mama and baby that were so cute, but they were too far away to get a picture.

Shot of Everest! We rode three times that day, but then it got rained out. There was a MONSOON!! I've never, ever, been so wet in my life. It was literally like we'd jumped in a pool with our clothes on by the time we walked to the parking lot! Miserable! I was SO GLAD we drove that day instead of riding the bus, because those buses are FREEZING COLD!!

Giraffes on the safari!

At Rafiki's Planet Watch the next day! Love that place! You ride a train to get out there, and they have a petting zoo, and an animal veterinarian exhibit, and characters. It's really fun.

Magic Kingdom picture, taken by a security guard!

Colby pretending to be Jimmy Carter in the Hall of Presidents. We each pretended to be several presidents, but I look HORRIBLE in all the pictures, so I didn't include any of them, ha ha!

The swinging bridge on Tom Sawyer Island. We hadn't been out there in two years, ha ha.

On the back walkway from Tomorrowland to Toontown Fair.

Back at MK, going to see the Country Bears!

Dark clouds over the castle...getting ready to rain...again...

At Narcoosees, MY FAVORTE RESTAURANT EVER!!! That almond cheesecake is SCRUMPTIOUS!

Sitting in the Grand Floridian lobby. They had an amazing piano player, and then after that, a big band. I love that hotel! We've never stayed there, but we will someday!

And then there was THIS woman, wearing her bathing suit in the hotel lobby. Colby was pretending to take a picture of me. It was hilarious. I know that's wrong, but we laughed so hard. She just looked SO out of place in the lobby!

We had one of the best vacations ever, but I think we're going to cool it on Disney for a couple of years. They're getting ready to do some AWESOME things to Fantasyland, and I think that we're going to wait until they're totally finished to go back!

Shoes!

2010-05-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

I bought the most AMAZING flip-flops today! I had a doctor's appointment this morning to do some lab work (he's checking my progesterone, prolactin, and thyroid--it's Day 21 of my cycle) and went to Dillards afterward to kill some time. I have been having some terrible back problems, and my massage-therapist sister has told me that it's probably due to my wearing cheap flip-flops (I'm a sucker for the Old Navy 2 for $5!!). I've been on the lookout for some more comfy sandals, and the other day, I bought these Clark's online:

Cute, huh? One of my students has them in the Pewter color, and I tried them on and loved them!

THEN, like I said, I went to Dillard's and found THESE:

They are Sanuk brand, and made from Yoga Mats! They are the most comfortable flip flops I've ever worn. And not only that, they're brown Zebra print!! I was smitten! They have tons of other colors. I noticed they also have them on Shoes.com, but they're a little more expensive!

Love me some shoes!

It's Been FOREVER!!!

2010-05-09T17:04:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that I haven't posted anything since FEBRUARY!!! There haven't been many exciting things going on recently, but I didn't have time AT ALL in February or March to post, because I was smack-dab in the middle of drama competition.

The kids were AMAZING at competition. Three of my students got acting awards, with one of them winning BEST ACTOR! I was so impressed. We also got Superior Play for The Diviners, which is the top honor. Yay kids! We also received several other awards, for costumes, ensemble acting, etc. I tell people all the time, if I didn't have the kids I do, there's NO WAY we'd do as well as we do at competition. I love them.

Spring has quickly turned into summer. It seemed like one minute it was brown, with little daffodils everywhere, and then the next minute, it's summertime. It's going to frost tonight, though, so I'll have to cover my tomatoes. I decided this year that I'm not going to go overboard and try to plant a huge garden. That little escapade did NOT work last year. I just don't have time, and I don't enjoy pulling all those weeds. So my "garden" this year is four tomato plants, and some herbs in pots. I think that's enough. We have a wonderful farmer's market here, so if I need any veggies this summer, I'll just go buy them.

There's a little hopeful news here on the baby-making front. Dr. Wonderful (that's just what I call him, but he truly is--I've never been to a more compassionate doctor) told me that if I wasn't pregnant by Spring, when I was due for an annual exam, that we'd talk about our next steps. Well, of course I wasn't. Last week I had an appointment, and he told me, after I told him how incredibly frustrated both Colby and I are (that really doesn't even BEGIN to cover it) that it was probably time to try something else. So he's doing bloodwork on May 17, which is Day 21 of my cycle. He's checking my progesterone, thyroid, and something else, and I'll start Clomid after my period. So I'm a little nervous, but I'm VERY hopeful.

Mother's Day has been hard the last two years, but I found this poem on two other blogs that I love. It's enough to give anyone some hope:

There are women who become mothers without effort,
without thought,
without patience or loss,
and though they are good mothers and love their children,
I know that I will be better.

I will be better not because of
genetics or money or because I have read more books,
but because I have struggled and toiled for this child.

I have longed and waited.
I have cried and prayed.
I have endured and planned over and over again.

Like most things in life,
the people who truly have appreciation
are those who have struggled to attain their dreams.

I will notice everything about my child.
I will take time to watch my child sleep,
explore, and discover.
I will marvel at this miracle every day for the rest of my life.

I will be happy when I wake in the middle of the night to the sound of my child, knowing that I can comfort, hold, and feed him
and that I am not waking to take another temperature, pop another pill, take another shot or cry tears of a broken dream.
My dream will be crying for me.

I count myself lucky in this sense;
that God has given me this insight,
this special vision with which I will look upon my child.

Whether I parent a child I actually give birth to
or a child that God leads me to,
I will not be careless with my love.

I will be a better mother for all that I have endured.
I am a better wife, a better aunt, a better daughter, neighbor, friend, and sister because I have known pain.

I know disillusionment, as I have been betrayed by my own body.
I have been tried by fire and hell that many never face,
yet given time, I stood tall.

I have prevailed.
I have succeeded.
I have won.

So now, when others hurt around me,
I do not run from their pain in order to save myself discomfort.
I see it, mourn it, and join them in theirs.
I listen.
And even though I cannot make it better, I can make it less lonely.

I have learned the immense power of another hand holding tight to mine,
of other eyes that moisten as they learn to accept the harsh truth when life is beyond hard.

I have learned a compassion that only comes by walking in those shoes.

I have learned to appreciate life.

Yes, I will be a wonderful mother.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, mothers-to-be, and mother's in waiting!

Beauty Tips

2010-02-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love beauty projects, and when I saw that Kelly was doing this for SUYL, I was so excited!

I wash my face religiously with this face wash. I get it at CVS, and it looks like they're discontinuing it. Boo! I don't know what I'll be doing then. I love this face wash because it's 95.8% natural, and has no sulfates, which strip your skin. I have always had a problem with my skin, and I've tried EVERY acne skin care product in the world. One day I was reading about how doing less to your skin can make it better. So I tried this, and it really worked. I've not had a bad zit in over a year.

In the summer, I don't use moisturizer, but in the winter, I use this:

I actually don't keep a lot of makeup in my bag, because I've found what I like, and I kind of stick to that. Whenever I buy a product that doesn't work out, I put it in the makeup case that I use for doing plays. There are some funny things in there, like sparkly purple eyeliners, an assortment of false eyelashes, bright pink lipsticks, etc.

I use Revlon New Complexion foundation, and have for years. I absolutely love it. It goes on really smooth, covers good (I don't need concealer) and stays on forever.

I currently use the Lash Stilletto mascara in black. I like it, but I change mascaras every few months, so I'll probably use a different one soon, ha ha.

I have brown eyes and fair skin, and I go back and forth between using brown and black eyeliner. It took me forever to figure out how to really apply eyeliner, and I discovered that the key (for me at least) is to be really careful and use a light hand, then smudge it all in to my lash line. I buy an eyeliner with a smudger at the end. If I'm going out, or it's a special occassion, I'll use a heavier hand, and not smudge so much.

I have a bazillion lipsticks, but really all I wear is Burt's Bees Lip Balm. It's the best thing ever. I do have several MAC lipsticks and glosses, and I LOVE THEM. They of course, last me forever, because I forget to use them.

As for hair products, here it is. BEST. HAIRSPRAY. EVER. IN. THE. WORLD.

If you don't use this, go out and get some right now! I use the original at home, and for drama stuff, I use the heavier hold. It's amazing. I spray it on the bottoms of kids shoes to keep them from sliding around on stage. I spray it on pantyhose that have runs in them. I'm sure you could use it to fix a falling hemline, ha ha!

Dolly Rebecca

2010-02-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

I was all set to do an entire post on my ridiculous love for Dolly Parton. But I'm going to just post this instead.

Amazing, huh? A video from the 80's, that makes me cry every time I watch it? Love her.

LOST TONIGHT!!!

2010-02-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

I cannot tell you how excited I am about the fact that Lost is on tonight!!! But I must say that I'm quite nervous, because I've heard that even though it's the last season, they're not going to reveal all the secrets! Booooooo!!! My husband and I started watching Lost in it's 3rd season, and we rented the first 2 seasons and watched them. We were hooked!! We literally watched Lost every night for about 2 months.

I am so excited about seeing these guys:

There's a lot of TV gossip over "who will Kate pick? Sawyer or Jack?" I think the choice is obvious...

My husband and I jokingly call Sawyer "my boyfriend."

One thing I'm very excited about is seeing this guy again. He was one of my favorite characters, WHOM THEY KILLED!!! I cried my eyes out when he died!!

9PM cannot get here soon enough! I am DYING!!!

On a random note, I'm getting my hair cut today. There's no school, but I have rehearsal, so I'm trying to put a post up really quick before I go to the salon! Maybe I'll let her do something new and exciting. Or maybe not...

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

2010-01-24T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. A church in my area has 3900 blue and pink flags in their front yard, representing the number of babies lost each day to abortion. It really makes me think about what each one of those children could have been. It also makes me mad that those women truly thought they had no choice, or that they didn't consider their actions before they chose.

As someone struggling with infertility, it absolutely astounds me that someone would willingly give up the chance to have a child. I saw this video a few months ago, and it really spoke to me. I thought I'd post it here.

Please pray for mothers and babies today!

Idols

2010-01-21T10:52:00.000-08:00

Lindsay has a wonderful post on her blog about not letting healthy living become an idol in your life. It is a wonderful, biblical discussion, and it really spoke to my heart.

I am all about "real food" and organic products, etc. However, about two months ago or so, I realized that it is completely impossible to eat this way and use these things 100% of the time. I was completely convicted about the "evils" of processed products, and would feel very guilty if I ate something that wasn't on the "good list." It was getting in the way of our tithes to the church, it was getting in the way of our budget, and it was getting in the way of my life. It became an obsession, and therefore turned my thoughts from God.

So I'm slowly trying to calm down about things. If I make a casserole that has canned soup in it, I won't die immediately. If I realize that real laundry detergent works better than the natural kind, and is about $4 less expensive, then that's what I'll do. I can't let frivolities get in the way of giving myself to the Lord.

Thank you Lindsay!

Puppy Antics

2010-01-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

Please look at this animal. She is hilarious.

Yesterday, I was at the grocery store, and picked up one of these humongous rawhide bones for her. She's not had one in months, and she just LOVES them. She becomes 100% obsessed with it, even before I unwrap them.

Last night, she was loudly chewing it in our room, and so Colby kicked her out. So then she proceeded to prop the bone against our bedroom door, and gnaw as hard as she could, banging on the door the whole time. I swear she does these things on purpose. Colby took the bone away and put it in our closet. So this morning, before she went outside, she went to get her bone, and TOOK IT OUTSIDE WITH HER. Of course, she then left it out there. And we weren't about to go get it, since it was FOUR DEGREES this morning. No thanks, Piper.

Of course, she's gotten it back tonight, and we've been able to amuse ourselves by watching her chew this ginormous bone. Love this dog.

I tried to get a picture of her carrying it through the house, but she's too fast for me.

Just so you know, she also "hides" her bone in the house. I stuck my hand under my pillow one night and felt something weird. And, yeah, there it was. Thanks Piper. I'm glad that our bed is just one giant yard where you can hide your things....

New Years Resolution

2010-01-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

This year, I only have one New Years Resolution. To get closer to my Lord. Back during the summer, I was praying daily, reading my Bible semi-regularly, and going to church every Sunday, except during our Disney vacation. Then, after my miscarriage, I just quit. I didn't do it on purpose, it just happened. I went back to work, got busy, and worldly, but much less important things took over my life.

I need Jesus. There are days where I long to be in His Word, where I long to talk with Him, and for Him to show me the way. If it weren't for His amazing Grace, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

This Christmas, I really reflected on what it meant for God to give His Son to us. As I thought about my baby in Heaven, I realized how hard it was for me to give my baby to God, and how much it affected me. How much more did it affect my God to give his only son, just to be tortured, and die a horrible death, taking on the sin of the entire world?

So I resolve this year to spend more quality time with Jesus. To rest at His feet. To let Him lead me in all I do. To know Him better.

"This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'"

--Jeremiah 6:16

Save the Drama for Your Mama, This is Theatre Class!

2010-01-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

It will NOT stop snowing in Western NC! It has pretty much snowed every day this week. We've gone to school Monday, and today, and it looks like we won't go tomorrow. As much as I love snow days, I'm directing two plays for Drama competition in March, and we MUST rehearse!!

Speaking of which, anyone who says they dislike middle schoolers doesn't know what they're talking about. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these kids. My degree is K-12, so when I was in college, I had to observe and intern in all three grade levels. Loved elementary schools. Uncomfortable with high school. HATED middle school. (Probably because I hated it so much when I was in middle school.) So, when it was time for me to student teach, of COURSE, my advisor placed me at a middle school. I loved it from the first day. I was hooked from then on out. When I was offered a job in my hometown teaching Drama at the two middle schools, I couldn't believe it. God really does have mysterious ways...

My favorite grade is seventh. Sixth graders are babies, like elementary schoolers, and eighth graders are "too big for their britches" as we like to say. But I really like them all. I wish I could tell you all of the hilarious stories that I have from over these past seven years.

And yes, they have problems. And HORMONES! But most of them have tremendous hearts. I've seen it come out of them so much when they find something they're passionate about, like the Holocaust, or anti-bullying, or treating everyone equally. And you wouldn't believe the hearts many of these kids have for Jesus. They passion that comes across their eyes when they're telling me about their church, or helping someone less fortunate, or sticking up for someone who's being picked on. Amazing.

And yes, whenever God blesses us with children, I would LOVE to stay home. Some days I think I'm made for that. But then I have a really, really, wonderful, productive rehearsal like I did today, and I just don't know...

I have such a heart for Theatre. I was made to be onstage, or directing. It is such an incredible experience to watch a sweet little shy sixth grader turn into a brilliant eighth grader, winning acting awards at competition. I love these students. It is an honor to be entrusted with their Dramatic education.

Sad Snow Day...

2010-01-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

It's snowing outside, so school was canceled. I have literally been in the bed all day.

It's not been a good start to the New Year for me. I took yet another negative pregnancy test on New Years Day, and saying that I'm discouraged or disappointed would be a huge understatement. We've been trying for over a year (since Sept 2008) to have a baby, and we finally got pregnant in July 2009, only to have a miscarriage. We had taken a couple of months off from trying before then, and were so, so excited that I had finally gotten pregnant. I was devastated when I didn't see that heartbeat at my first ultrasound.

Since I had to have a D&C after the miscarriage, we had to wait three months before we could try again. So December was our first try. I really, really thought that I'd get pregnant right away after our three cycle wait. Everyone, including our OB told us that you're more fertile after a miscarriage, but I guess that's not true for us. We thought we'd figured it all out.

I have gone back and forth about blogging about this, but I'm the kind of person who feels like I need to just get it all out on the table. It makes me feel a little better to talk about it.

I know that God has a plan for us, and that we will get our miracle baby in His time, but I'm having some serious struggles with waiting. I also know that there are people who've waited a lot longer than we have, but that doesn't make me feel better. It just makes me feel even worse for those women.

At the end of the day, I still have hope. I know in my heart that I am meant to be a mother. I just wish it would happen a little sooner, and cause me a little less heartache.

Cast Iron Cookware

2010-01-03T09:56:00.000-08:00

If you know me at all, you know that I love, love, love, traditional/antique cooking utensils. Especially cast iron cookware. There are many benefits of using this cookware.

First of all, since the cookware contains iron, that is deposited in your food, which is a good thing. Second, if seasoned correctly and cared for, your pots and skillets will be totally non-stick, without a scary Teflon coating. I read somewhere the other day about teflon, and how when heated to 500 degrees (basically preheating on high heat) the fumes will kill an exotic bird, like a parrot. Yuck. (On a side note, I just hate teflon/non-stick pans because you have to use plastic or wooden utensils only. It's a pain.)

Here are some pictures of some of the pieces I've collected over the years.

A Dutch Oven with Glass Lid. If you ever purchase one of these, buy one with a lid.

A skillet. I have a three of these. The size is determined by a number on the back.

A griddle pan. It's like a grill pan, but with no ridges. I actually don't use this one a lot, because it is really old, and therefore made for an older stove with burners that are closer together.This is the back of it, by the way :)

A griddle and a corn stick pan.

My favorite piece, the muffin pan. It makes 11 muffins, which I think is so quaint, and it makes THE BEST muffins and corn muffins ever in the history of the world. They are always perfectly browned on top and bottom. I love it!

Brands:

There are several different brands of cast iron cookware. The most popular is probably Lodge, but I detest it, because their skillets come "pre-seasoned" and are impossible to season yourself. I had a Lodge skillet that I sold because it never, ever, became non-stick, no matter how much I used it.

I recommend going to an antique store, flea market, or an auction, and buying either Griswold or Wagner pans. They are the absolute best. They'll say Griswold or Wagner-ware on the back. If it doesn't, don't let anyone tell you that's what it is. A real Griswold or Wagner piece will run $30-$50 dollars in an antique store, but you can find cheaper ones at auctions or flea markets.

Trust me, whatever you spend will be worth it. Your great-grandchildren will still be using your pans.

How to Season a Pan:

When you get the pan home, get a heavy-duty scrubber (I like the Brillo pads with soap in them) and scrub all the gunk off. (This is why Lodge pans are not that great; you can't ever get the store gunk off.) If it looks pretty black, slick, and shiny, you can skip this. If there is any rust or anything, you need to do this.

Turn your oven on to 400 degrees. Coat your skillet with an ANIMAL FAT grease, such as bacon grease or lard. Alternately, you can cook some bacon in the skillet, eat the bacon (yum!) and leave the grease.

Put it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, until the grease is all melted. Then, CAREFULLY, with paper towels or an old rag, get most of the grease out of the pan. Leave a good coating on it.

Put the pan back in the oven at 200 degrees for several hours. I usually just leave it in there and forget about it all day.

You are ready to use the pan! It won't be instantly non-stick, you'll have to cook in it awhile. I suggest cooking greasy foods at first in it to help the seasoning.

Care of Your Pans:

1. After using, rinse with the hottest water your sink will produce. You can use a scrubber, as long as it's not metal (like a Brillo pad).

2. Let dry completely before storing. This prevents rust.

3. Do not ever, ever EVER use soap on your pans. It will take off the seasoning.

4. If you cook something acidic, like tomato sauce, and leave it in the pan too long, it may take off some of the seasoning. Just season again, or cook something greasy next time you use it.

Enjoy your cast iron cookware! It lasts several lifetimes!

New Years Supper

2010-01-01T16:04:00.000-08:00

It's a Southern tradition to eat two things on New Years. First, is black-eyed peas, because they bring good luck in the new year. Second is collard greens because they bring money in the new year. I haven't gone without eating these two things on New Years Day as long as I can remember. I was born in March, and by the next January, I was eating table food, so I'm sure I had my peas and greens as a 10 month old.

Usually we eat roast pork, or leg of lamb with our greens, but this year, I decided to do something a little different. We had shrimp and grits, collard greens, and Texas caviar. If you've never had Texas caviar, it's basically a dip made from black-eyed peas.

If you THINK you don't like collards, I BEG you to try this recipe. Most people do not know how to cook this gem of a vegetable. They don't cook them long enough, and they add too much liquid.

Southern Collard Greens:

You need to get a big bunch of collard greens. One large bunch serves about 4-6 people, depending on what else you're serving (and who'll eat them, of course!) Then, before you wash them, strip them of their stems and chop. I usually roll them up like a big cigar and slice them. Please, please don't leave the stems on. They are just tough and gross.

Put the chopped greens in a sink full of cold water, swish them around a bunch, and then drain in a colander.

Then, in a big pot (I use a cast iron dutch oven) put about a tablespoon of either butter or bacon grease, and fry up some salt pork, or bacon at med-high heat. We bought a half-pig this year, and I had some uncured bacon (basically side meat) and I used that.

Fry until crisp.

Then, put in your greens. You'll have to put in a few at a time, and stir them up to wilt them. If you put them all in the pot at the same time, you won't be able to stir.

Then you're going to put in the following:

1 1/2 cups of chicken stock (homemade or store bought, whatever)
1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar (I use a natural sweetener like sucanat or maple syrup)
1 1/2 tablespoons of vinegar
Salt to taste (my chicken stock is homemade, and unsalted, so I used about 2 tsp.)
Red pepper flakes (just sprinkle on to taste; I probably used about 1/4 tsp or a little more)

Stir all that up and put the lid on. Let cook on med-med/low heat for about 30-45 minutes. When the greens are dark green, tender, and they've absorbed most of the liquid, they're done. My hubby eats these with extra vinegar on the side.

Texas Caviar:

This recipe is a Rachael Ray, and I thought it was "delish." I found the BEST tortilla chips to serve with this. They came from Sam's Club, and they're whole grain, organic, and yummy!

You need:

4 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained and cooled (I used a frozen bag, and cooked them about 30 minutes in about an inch of water.)
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup diced red onion (I used all yellow onion; just a big one)
1 green or red bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon black pepper

You just mix everything together and then put in the fridge for 12 hours, or until you get tired of waiting, and open the chips. :)

Shrimp and Grits:

This is really a breakfast food, but we always it for supper, ha ha.

First, you need to cook some delicious, creamy grits. Now, usually, grits are just made with water, but these are outstanding. Ever since I found this recipe, I make grits this way.

You need:

2 cups of water

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup grits

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup half and half or cream, divided

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Boil the water and butter. Add the grits and salt. Cook on med-low heat, until they're creamy, and absorbed a lot of the water, about 10 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup half and half, and cook 7-10 more minutes. Add last 1/2 cup half and half and cook until done (about 5-7 minutes).

(Isn't this measuring cup pretty? It's depression glass!)

Add cheese and stir until all melted.

Shrimp with Gravy:
You need one pound of shrimp for this. I used the frozen, pre-peeled and deveined kind (DON'T get the pre-cooked kind-blech!) and defrosted them by putting them in a colander set in a bowl of water for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry REALLY well after this.

If you have access to really good, fresh shrimp, then I am really jealous.

Put the shrimp in a bowl with:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1 tsp salt
Set aside.

Then fry up 1/4 cup onion and 1/3 red or green bell peppers with about 3T bacon grease (it really is better with the bacon grease!)

Add 2 tablespoons of flour to make a roux. Let the mixture get golden brown.

Next, add 3/4 chicken stock and your shrimp mixture.

Cook just until shrimp are pink, and gravy is thickened. If it's too thick, you can add a little more stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve over grits.

We were two happy customers, let me tell ya!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

I Am Not a Commercial, I Promise!

2009-12-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is the silliest post EVER, but I have to tell y'all about my new pot scrubber brush. It came from Williams and Sonoma (I know, I'm "posh"--just kidding, it was a Christmas gift card purchase) and it is AMAZING!!! Lookee here:

Do you see the long handle? The brush part is just wide enough, and it scrubs really well! I LOVE THIS THING!!! For the first time ever, I want to wash dishes. This is crazy, I know. It costs $4.50, but I would WILLINGLY buy another one, even without a gift card. I also love how it's wood, and not plastic. I love wood handled kitchen tools. I'll have to do a post some time about my antique ones. They work so much better than new tools.

But I digress..

Great is Thy Faithfulness!!

2009-12-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

I couldn't pass up the chance to join Laura in a Gratituesday for all of 2009. I am thankful to God for so much this year.

1. My wonderful husband. We have had our share of tragedy this year, but our marriage has become stronger because of it. I love him more every day.
2. My church family. Recently a young man at our church was tragically injured in a logging accident. A tree branch that was being cut struck him on the head, and caused damage to his frontal lobe and severed his spinal cord. Thanks be to God, he has no brain damage. He is paralyzed, but is taking it in stride. Our church banded together to pray for this boy, and on Sunday, as his dad wheeled him into the worship service, we all stood together, clapping, and praising our Savior, who HEALS!!!
3. My wonderful dog Piper. She is a loyal companion, and foot licker.
4. Colby and I both have jobs. In this tough economy, with the 16% unemployment rate in our community, we know just how lucky we are.
5. We have a warm and cozy house to come home to every night, with more than enough food on our table. That is more than millions of others have in the world.
6. My salvation. Without Jesus, I am nothing.

What are you thankful for this year?

SNOW!!!!!

2009-12-20T08:10:00.000-08:00

Disney World!

2009-12-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

Colby and I just returned from our favorite place, the happiest place on earth, DISNEY!! This is, embarrassingly, the second time we've been this year. We went over the summer, and then we couldn't pass up the FREE dining plan they started around fall, so we went again, December 3-8.

One of my favorites, the Tea Cups. Colby, of course, must spin the wheel as fast as possible. I just stare right at him so I won't get sick. He almost fell out of the teacup this time. Lol.

My personal favorite thing. Colby rubbing my feet on the TTA.

Cinderella's Castle lit up with special Christmas lights. Amazing.

This is the first time (out of 7 that we've been together) that we've ever gone around Christmastime. I highly recommend it, except I would've gone a little earlier than we did. We went around the first weekend in December, and we should've gone during the earlier part of the week. There was NO ONE there on Thursday or Friday, but it was PACKED on Sunday and Monday.

It was also FREEZING cold on Friday and Saturday, and it rained all day Friday. 45 degrees and raining is COLD in Florida. We didn't bring near enough clothes, and had to buy stuff, of course. This is how we looked on Saturday night.

I had on like three shirts underneath that, and was still really cold. It was totally worth it, of course.

Here we are at the best ride ever: Toy Story Midway Mania. We rode three times, and I finally beat Colby the third time.

Oh, how I love Disney!!!! I would totally go back again next month, but we're thinking it's going to be a while before we go back :(

Our Piper Dog

2009-10-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

Piper goes by many names: Piperika, Boosey, Fauna, and Piper-dog. She is the worst dog in the world, and we LOVE her. We got her from the shelter when she was 6 months old. Someone had taken her before, when she was 3 months, and had given her back because she chewed furniture. Now, have you ever met a puppy that didn't?

She has chewed many, many, many things in this house over the past two years. The best was when we went to Disney in Fall 2008 and came home and saw the havoc. One of my dearest former students, Emily, had kept Piper (and at that time we had another dog that we have since given to a better loving home--another story). This is what Piper had chewed/destroyed:
1. The corners of: the china cabinet, our dresser, antique child's table, boot chair, two over-stuffed chairs.
2. She had peed on the floor numerous times. Thank God for Emily, or it would've just been there.
3. She ate two pillows off our bed.

This was after she had eaten over that past year:
1. A patch of carpet underneath her crate. She learned how to scoot out the under-tray.
2. A couch cushion.
3. 4 brand new rugs.
4. Probably the equivalent to a roll of paper towels.
5. A sewing kit, buttons, needles, and all. She didn't die.
6. Two pans of brownies (you know what they say about dogs and chocolate? Not true.)

She also CANNOT be outside without a leash because she will run away and not come back for hours. Trust me, nothing can lure her inside. She's too smart. She just comes in when she's darn good and ready.

We hated her for the longest time, but she is very endearing, because she's the smartest dog either my husband or I have ever had. Her latest trick is that she is obsessed with a laser pointer. The first time she ever saw it moved, she was hooked. Now she thinks it's called "The Red Bug" and if you even say it, she'll look for the red bug for 20 minutes. She tries to catch it by leaping straight up in the air and pouncing on it. Hilarious.

Piper is definitely one of those Marley and Me situations. Very bad dog. Funny dog, but very bad dog.
But she's ours.

25 Things

2009-10-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

I thought that I'd start out by doing a quick 25 things about me post...

1. When I got married, someone told me that I would have a good marriage if I put God first, Colby second, and myself third. What great advice! I now pass this on to everyone...
2. I love being Southern, and all things to do with it. I'm a little obsessed.
3. My Southern idols include: Paula Deen and her butter, Julia Sugarbaker (from Designing Women) and her attitude, and Jill Connor Brown (who writes the Sweet Potato Queens books) and her dirty mouth.
4. I teach drama, but I really hate going to see plays (I analyze them WAY too much--it's one of the pitfalls of a Theatre degree)
5. The best show I've ever done with my students was Quilters: The Musical. It was just amazing. I had a cast of seven girls, and they were the most talented middle school students I've ever had. I've never been as close to a group of students since, and they are all in 11th grade now.
6. I love teaching, but I REALLY want to be a stay at home mom.
7. I am dissatisfied with the public school system, and think about homeschooling my future kids one day.
8. My best friend at work is 10 years older than me.
9. I have one dog. We used to have two. But TWO worst dogs in the whole world was one too many...
10. I have a cat who doesn't live with us anymore. We excommunicated him to my mother's house, where he is much happier.
11. My husband is the most wonderful man in the world. He is hilarious. For example, the other day, he came home with a 10 dollar bill, that his dad had given him for helping him move furniture, and he gave it to me because I "had saved a lot of money this month." I wanted to punch him in the face.
12. My favorite songs are the ones Colby has written for me. One when we were dating, one when we got engaged, another when we got married, and the most recent one "just because."
13. I adore cooking and everything to do with it. I have drawers full of kitchen utensils and tools...it's an illness. If you're hungry, you just come right over to my house. I'll feed ya.
14. Since my in-laws run a furniture store, all the furniture in our house is from their store. And no, we didn't get it for free. But it sure is an awesome deal!
15. I am as close to my mother-in-law as I am to my own mother. I know, weird.
16. I have a collection of antique linens that would put Martha Stewart to shame.
17. I love doing laundry, except for the part where you have to fold and put away the clothes. So I guess I love half of laundry.
18. My husband and I go to Disney World every year. He used to live in Florida, and so he's literally been hundreds of times. I've been to Disney with him 6 times. We never, ever, get tired of it. And we're going in December. For the SECOND time this year.
19. I eat mostly organic food (I try to avoid the "Dirty Dozen"), avoid plastic containers, grow a garden, buy free range meat in bulk, and make EVERYTHING from scratch. I'm kind of obsessive about it. We're trying really hard to avoid all processed food.
20. I love birds, and have a collection. My husband says that once I get two hundred things with birds on them, he's going to start a really trashy collection--like wolves or eagles.
21. Put a baby in front of me and I can hold it all day long.
22. My New Year's resolution was to keep my house cleaner. HA HA HA HA HA!!!!
23. I asked for a freezer for Christmas...and got one. It's so awesome!
24. One of my favorite memories of college is drinking Cosmopolitans and writing papers. Another is renting movies and eating pizza and milk duds on snow days. Good times...
25. I hate scary movies. Don't ask me to watch one. No, for real. Don't.

(One of my favorites at Disney...The (Extra Corny) Country Bear Jamboree!)

Happy Fall, Y'all

2009-10-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, fall is finally here, and I thought I'd finally start a blog, after being a ridiculously lurky lurker on everyone else's blog in the world. So here it is. A place to document my life in Small Town, North Carolina, our journey as a couple, and our journey to have a child. I hope that the four people who read this will enjoy it, and I hope you are filled with God's blessings!