What's a Girl to do?!

Yesterday we drove down to Las Vegas. "We" being myself, DH, my 2 boys and my brother-in-law. This is the FOURTH time in 5 months. You'd think I know what I'm doing by now! We came down to get the rest of our stuff and for my niece's baptism - which is today. In a few hours as a matter of fact.

So I'm setting out the boys' outfits, and get out my own when I think... "Where did I put my makeup "caboodle"?" And as I think, I horrifying realize that I left is back in Utah. "No. Way!". I start to feel a little sick to my stomach. (Can you IMAGINE?! I tripple checked the house to make sure we hadn't forgotten anything - but I didn't even go INTO the bathroom after I had gotten ready for the day!). I slyly go outside to the car, hoping no one notices the horrified expression on my face, to check again.
The back. No Makeup case.
The middle row. No case.
The front. No. Case.
Now, understand that this case not only contains my makeup, but my deodorant, razors, accessories, hair products... my HAIR BRUSH!!!!
I slowly walk over to DH who is having breakfast... and I sit next to him. In a half-whisper I say - I left my makeup case in Utah.
He looks over at me and asks me if I'm sure. I reply that I am. I just checked the car. No. Makeup Case.
He says he's remembers putting it in the car.
I ask him if he's sure.
No. He's not.
(note: DH got me the makeup case for Christmas for these very events. Having everything in ONE place for traveling and such!)
This sucks.

So, here I am distraught. We're really trying to be more frugal or else I would just go to the nearest store and get the necessities. Or do I just clean up and go au'natural!? Ugh. Now that I need a TON but lets just say I would look like the walking dead without a little color. The truth is harsh sometimes. But it is what it is.

What would YOU do if you were me? I'm so flabber-gasted that I'm even in this situation! But instead of getting MAD I'm blogging. I'll let you know what ends up happening...

Contact Me!

Hey Ladies!
Send me a message and let me know what you like about me my blog, or what you think would make it even better!! I love getting mail from ya'll! I made it easy, just fill out that form (the one right down THERE...)

Your Name :
Your Email :
Subject (Something like "You Rock" is perfect...) :
Your Message to Me:
Image (case-sensitive):

Bodily Functions.

I have determined that becoming a mother has decreased my femininity. But before you lay on the Estrogen - here me out.

Let me just sum up the past week (but it pretty much goes for the past 2 years!)...

I've been puked on.

I've been peed on.

I've had snot wiped on my clothes (both intentionally and unintentionally).

I have had to change N.A.S.T.Y runny diapers.

Did I mention I was puked on?

I think that means that SOMETHING has come out of all the "holes" in both of my children! Well. Except for their ears. HOORAH for that! I've thought about plugging them up. But I suppose that isn't really a loving thing to do...

It has all been NON STOP for over a week now.

It is DIS.GUST.ING.

I guess I missed that fine print! (I'm realizing I missed a LOT of fine print...) Where did it say Motherhood = "get over your fear of cooties, woman! You're about to deal with NASTY bodily functions (NOT Your own!) for a loooong time!"

How am I supposed to feel like a woman when I am CONSTANTLY wiping boogies, cleaning up puke and dealing with the runs?

How?

No, really. HOW?

I think I am losing my mind. And my hands are dry and cracked from washing them a million times a day!!!

I like to think that I am not really a "gagger". But I am GAGGING! Just thinking about it makes me queasy!!!

I HATE this time of year! Can we please have warm weather, clean air and get rid of all these freaking BUGS!?!?!

PUH-LEASE?!?!?

Hawaiian Monk Seal

Wednesday's Featured Foto:

I just love this picture. This Hawaiian Monk Seal has some nasty green on him... but that is how I recognize him/her! This same seal comes to nap at Lawai Beach often. You aren't allowed within 100ft of a Hawaiian Monk Seal - so I was especially excited when I happened to have a zoom lens with me this particular day! I don't know if you share my opinion - but these suckers are cute!

Cancer Schmancer

Please, please, please visit Fran Drescher's Blog, Cancer Schmancer! This is a very inspiring and necessary cause! Read a great interview with Fran on MomDot, here. Whether you have experienced cancer first hand or not - Support this cause! As women, lets lead lives of higher quality by educating, and caring for, ourselves (and those we love!)!!

Show Some Love, Monday!

ALOHA! and Welcome to "Show Some Love, Monday!"

How it Works:

1. I let you know about a blog I like.

2. You visit featured blog.

3. You "Show Some Love" by leaving a comment at said Blog!

Not too Painful. I know you can do it!!!

HERE WE GO!

Go check out:

She is funny and refreshingly real!

You. Will. Love. It.

Just check it out.

Go.

Now.

Now!

And. I'm. Back!

So very sorry for the week-long absence. We have been busy busy busy getting settled and I do not have an internet connection on my laptop!! TORTURE!

Although, taking a break from blogging helped me see things in a different light, it also gave me lots to thinks about and ideas to blog about!! And I wanted BACK!

Blogging is my therapy. It's therapeutic! And it boosts my self esteem to know that people actually COME HERE and Read what I have to say!!! Seriously! I just think that is soooo COOL!

So Thank You!

I'm back!

Friday Blog Skins!

Because I like you guys, and because I enjoy creating these blog skins, from now on, on Fridays, I will post a few new free blog skins! That simple!!!

So, here are today's skins and their codes... (instructions below)

_____________________________________________

Blue & Red Stars

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/blueredstars.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________
Baby Blue Dots

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/blueribbondot.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

____________________________________________

Simple Green Decor

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/simplegreendecor.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________

Sunset Flowers

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/orangeflowers2.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________

Tropical Greens

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/pinkgreenblackflowersfabric.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________

Tropical Fuschia

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/fushiagreenblackflowersfabric.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________

Instructions for using skins:

*Works best with "minima" template.

Login to blogger.

Go to "Layout"

"Add a Gadget"

Add" HTML/JavaScript"

Insert "the code"

Leave the title blank.

"Save."

"View Blog."

If you love 'em, let me know! Feel free to let others know about it as well! Also, if you like a certain color scheme let me know, and I'll see what I can come up with! Have a GREAT WEEKEND!!!!

Make a Virtual Cupcake with Kelly Ripa!

This Valentine’s Day when you send a virtual
cupcake, Electrolux will donate $1 to help
fight ovarian cancer.

This is the cute cupcake I made! Angel food cake, pink frosting, heart candies... mmmmhhhmmmmm!

Visit Kelly Confidential to make your own virtual cupcake and send it for a chance to win a new “Red Hot Red” front-load Washer & Dryer (an estimated $3,600 value) from Electrolux,' You can enter once daily!

Get on it!!

 

 

New Adventures

Technically, I shouldn't be blogging right now. I should be cleaning and finalizing the packing. But can I just say that I AM SICK OF MOVING!!! Like, if I move again in the next year I will not be a very pleasant wife (horrible excuse, I know. But right here, right now. I really think I'll pop a vein if I have to do this again!) Just to give you an idea, this is the 9th time we've packed our crap (which we have very little of) and moved. This time the move will put us in a good situation. And as long as nothing out of our control happens... we will be sitting tight for a while.  I'm not countin' my chickens though. But I won't lie. I'm per-i-tty fer-eaking excited!  Good things are already happening! But like I said - not countin' those chickies!

If you are a wife, I'm sure you've been there. Maybe more than once. You love the guy - no one is debating that. But there are patterns. Patterns that possibly trickle down from fraternal lines... patterns DH has recently recognized and wants to change! And being his super-side-kick wifey, I support and love him as best I know how! Change is a process. It's doesn't happen overnight. And that's ok. I don't expect him to. But in the mean-time, we are all learning the lessons, if you know what I'm sayin'! 

And I'll admit. 9 out of 10 times it isn't really his fault. But it can't be mine!  ("I would never do that if it were just me! But it's not. It's US. And yes, I did do that. And I'm sorry. ") WE make the decisions. Doesn't matter who's original idea it was, we made the choices together. So as much as I would like to blame unpleasant outcomes on DH... it really isn't his fault. We made the decision we felt best about! ... and 9 out of 10 times things turn out just fine and dandy... but that 10 %.... freaking A! Why can't it all just be HIS fault and then I can get mad and move on?

That's not how marriage works. I know! I know! But can't I just let up for a little bit? Can't I just scream and yell once!? He'll get over it, right? RIGHT? Or will the damage be done. Will my sweetheart's heart break because I was unkind? I think mine would.

But I didn't yell. I wanted to. But I didn't. Instead, I took a break and watched Grey's on abc,com. He didn't necessarily like it - but I know it was way better than the alternative. Now we're all good.

I still hate moving. But I still love him. And I'm preeetty sure he still loves me.

Man! That was a disaster averted!!!

Alrighty. I will not blog until everything is done. I will not blog until everything is done. I will not blog until everything is done. I will not blog until everything is done. I will nto blog until everything is done...... (yes, I actually typed that out. no copy and paste here!)

Featured Foto

I love this picture because a) I love how his tummy is showing just a bit. b) Fall is my favorite season and I thoroughly enjoy taking pictures in Fall leaves. c) It makes me smile. He was throwing leaves at me while I was taking some pictures and I like how the leaves are bunched in his hands. Oh yah, and that whole outfit (Cords, Turtleneck, Jacket) was $12 at Ross Dress for Less. Can you say score?!

A little bit about Alicia

In my pursue of happiness and successful blogging, it only makes sense to let you get to know me a little better! I mean I'm sure you're wondering, who is this chick that is trying to make the world a better place, anyway? Why should I care what she has to say? You shouldn't. But in the off chance that you do...

Meet. Alicia.

Alicia, what is your favorite...

*Pair of shoes? My pink cork-bottom high heels.  I hardly ever wear them, but I have kept them through 4 moves. That means I looove them.

Way to do your hair? Straightened, parted a little to the right, flipped out a little bit. Like in the picture on the sidebar. That was a good hair day.

TV show? The Office - Hands down. LOST is a close 2nd. But get this, I don't actually watch them "on TV". I haven't had cable (or any channels for that matter) in my home since I was 11!  We have all 4 seasons on DVD. If we do want to watch the current season, we meet up with friends or watch it on nbc.com!

Animal? The Cheetah. I did a repot on them in the 7th grade and have been fascinated ever since! The first time I saw one in real life (at the Vallejo Six Flags) I was emotional. 

Place to get ice cream? Maggie Moos. Coconut. Meetchya there!

Store to buy groceries? I hate buying groceries. So I usually get what I need while I'm at Walmart.

Halloween costume? Elf. Definitely an elf! Ears. And. All.

Class in high school? English. It was easy so it was fun. I could study Shakespeare all the time!

Do you get easily embarrassed? If I  am caught off guard or unprepared - yes. I don't like being the center of attention in large groups.

What kind of critters are you scared / nervous of? Rodents.  Any size, shape or form. They make me jumpy.

Would you rather be in a really cold place or a really hot place? Really Hot Place. Hands down! I detest the cold.

Do you feel younger or older than your current age? Younger. I feel like I am still 19. Time sort of stopped when I met DH. But then I look in the mirror and realize... well... I'm not 19 anymore!!!

What is your own personal bedtime routine? I don't have one! I usually fall asleep while putting my boys down for bed. Or stay up with DH until I can't take it anymore and have to go to sleep. Exciting, I know!

What was  your favorite movie or book was as a child? My favorite book in 5th grade was Tuck Everlasting. My favorite movie was Willow... well, it still is. One of the best movies ever!

Where do you call "home"? I grew up on the small island of Kauai. My family moved there when I was 4 and my parents and siblings are still there! That is home to me.

So there you have it, folks!  Have another question for me? Please, ask me! I will collect and answer them in a future post !

(*Questions courtesy of "Random Questions")

Bloggy Contests...

I'm really getting deep into the blogging world now and discovering new things all the time! I've been aware of contests on blogs... but holy Schmok-es. It's a whole 'nother universe, I tell ya! And there is some seriously AWESOME stuff to be won. Not just for mommies, but full-blown-pretty-much-anything-you-can-imagine type stuff!!!

Blog contests are a GREAT way to get your business/name/brand out there!!! Provide a sample of what you're all about and WHAM it  is in the blogging Universe! Now that is good Advertising! Especially if you can get your product/service reviewed before hand. Everyone will want one! And those who really wanted one but didn't win one - can buy it! It's all at our fingertips!!!

Here are a handful of contests I've found and a handful of places to find MORE! Go get yourself something cool for free!!! If you win something, I would love to celebrate and be happy with you so let me know!!! Really!!!

Contests that speak to me...

(ends Feb 11)

Apron giveaway (ends Feb 16)

Resources for MORE contests!! (Click the image or Title)

Be Different... Act Normal

dk Mommy Spot

Green Mom Finds

And there are more more more!!! So have fun!! Let me know what kind of stuff you find and win!

Show Some Love, Monday!

Welcome to "Show Some Love, Monday!!!"

How  it works:

1.I let you know about a blog that I like,

2.you visit that blog,

3.if you like that blog too, let that blogger know by leaving a comment!

Not too Painful. I know you can do it!

The purpose is to increase your blogging network and learn a thing or two! I will be featuring blogs who WANT recognition (by my own interpretation). If your blog is just for your family and friends, I respect that, and will not feature you (and just to be safe, you should probably let me know. I wont be offended - Promise!).

If you are a chef extraordanaire, love to cook ,maybe even got a degree in culinary arts or just have a family you want/have to feed... you will LOVE:

The Sister's Cafe are recipes that are tried and tested by these cute sisters for real-life recommendation! Actually, this blog was referred to me by a "real-life" friend who has made many of their dishes and her family (4 kids and her DH) loved them! Along with this dessert:

"Forget love! I'd rather fall into CHOCOLATE! "  Doesn't that look DIVINE?! Try it. Let me know how you love it!

Now go SHOW SOME LOVE!!

Labor and Delivery (For your information...)

I've decided to post my labor and delivery experience with my 2nd son. I posted it on our family blog, but I think I should share it! So... here goes nothin'!

Labor and Delivery
Originally posted May 10th, 2008

"Alrighty... into the fun details of how it all went down... along with my recommendations and suggestions for those of you about to have your own little bundles of joy in a few weeks! Ill consider this my journal entry and print it up and stick it in his journal... So, on Sunday around 11am I start feeling contractions... consistantly about every 5 minutes but they dont hurt at all, just a tight feeling. I decide to let DH know, and I get ready for church and finish packing my bag - just in case. For the ne

Publish Post

xt hour Im getting pretty excited as the contractions continue to come consistently... We go to church because DH was invited to be in the circle for a good friend's baby's blessing. All throughout sacrament meeting the contractions continue... still not painful, but now I'm starting to feel really out of breath when they come. Just after the baby blessing is done I really start feeling funny and let DH know that we should go after Sacrament is over. Now DH starts to get a little anxious and excited... :) After Sacrament meeting is over, we let my sister and my mom know that we're going in and ask them to watch Blue Eyes. No problem. We head to the hospital, and decide to run home real quick to get a change of clothes for DH... then we realize we forgot to leave Blue Eye's car seat at the church... so we drop that off quickly... all the while the contractions are getting just a bit more intense, but more than anything, I was getting more and more out of breath with each contraction. We get to the hospital, and since its not regular ours, we go to the ER, and the lady checking us in is not in any hurry whatsoever... I preregistered a while before, so it didn't take too long... then this nice nurse named Sarah came down and took me to Labor & Delivery in a wheelchair (love it!)... we got to L&D Room 1 where we get all comfy in the hospital gown... I'm thinking things are gonna move pretty quickly (everyone kept telling me it would with baby #2)... so when they told me I was at 2cm I was sooo bummed! but contractions were coming regularly, so from 3pm-6pm I was pretty much under observation... when the doctor (Dr McDonald) finally arrived to "make the call" he didn't get in to see us for another hour or so because they had to do an emergency c-section for another lady there. I didn't mind waiting. Dr McDonald comes to see me and I'm now at a 3/4. He tells me that I'm staying and that I'm going to have the baby tonight. Yay! I've already let them know that I would like an epidural, so he recommends getting that done asap, since baby #2 could come really quick. The nurse (now Lea) gets the IV running because I need to be nice and hydrated for the epidural. I had an epidural when I had my first son... and to put it simply, having him was a pleasant experience. So, naturally, I wanted to do it again. Got the IV going, now Dr Sanchez, the anesthesiologist (sp?) shows up for the administering of the epidural. It goes as well as can be expected when injecting 3 needles into my spine... the weirdest thing was that when Dr Sanchez said I might feel a "zing" down my leg, I'm thinking a tingling feeling... and then "WHAM" my leg shot up! lol... and the nurse tells me "right on cue!" It scared me more then anything, since I was trying soooo hard to hold completely still! So now... we wait. and wait... and wait... then sleep... but all night long the nurse is coming in and out of the room to get random things from the cupboard and checking my vitals every so often, so it wasn't like a nice long nap or anything. The blood pressure arm-wrap thing would go off and a nice loud beeping would always follow... all the while the baby monitor was going and baby looked "just great"... So sometime during the night they let me know I was at 6 cm... which was just great! so when Dr McDonald came in at 5am and told me I was at 8cm and the baby was finally low enough that he could finally break my water... so he did. By 6am I was feeling the pressure of the contractions even with the epidural. And the pressure kept getting more and more intense... and then the weirdest thing... I felt like I should start pushing. I heard about that, but didnt feel it with my first... they just told me i was ready and told me what to do. But this time, I really felt "ready"... and I finally told DH to go ask them to hurry because they seemed to be taking forever! Just after 6am they came in and the Dr told me that we were having this baby before breakfast... and we got right to work. The nurse (still Lea) was still there and she must've been exhausted because the whole time I'm pushing she was so distracted going off and doing things in the middle of my contractions, so I finally told DH that he needed to take charge and tell me when to push and coach me because the nurse was ticking me off and not helping at all! After about 30 minutes of seriously intense pushing, he was here! he arrived at 633am to be exact. I'll get to the spinal heachache in a bit... this episode of "Lost" is almost over... :) And it's getting a bit intense..."

Labor and Delivery Part 2
Originally Posted May 11, 2008

"(VERY LONG part 2 of Labor & Delivery...) A little graphic and might make you uncomfortable. .. but women have been having babies FOREVER and if you're a woman who has not had a child and plans to someday... this will get rid of a few of the surprises. If you're a woman who has had a child you will appreciate it or loath me for reminding you... and if you're a man reading this... it might do you a little good to know what your mother/wife/sister/daughter has or will probably go through one day. Did I mention the episiotomy? No? Well, there. I mentioned it. After Brown Eyes arrived, they put him right on my chest so I could look at him - and he was beautiful! Messy, but beautiful! Then we noticed he seemed to be having a little trouble getting a full breath of air, so off he went... to the little station just next to my bed where they helped him clear the gunk out of his lungs. Then once he was in the "all-clear", brought him back to mommy to enjoy for a few minutes until I insisted DH have his turn. What I REALLY like about this Hospital is that they DID NOT TAKE HIM OUT OF THE ROOM! To clean him up, change him, weigh him, bathe him, give him his dose of Vitamin K (or something to help with the circumsision the next day), the eye gunk, all the quick little tests they do... they did right there. With my first, they took him to a seperate part of the L&D wing to do... and DH went with. But it was nice not to have to think about it. DH was able to give him his first bath and change his first diaper and it was special to watch it all. Then they brought breakfast (the Dr promised breakfast after baby), and seeing as I hadn't eaten anything since 10am the previous day, you would think I would have ravaged that meal... but no! Just after getting some medicine for the pain - Zonk - out like a light. That was the best feeling to just konk-out and sleep. I surprised myself with just how incredibly exhausted I was! When I woke up, I was pretty surprised to discover I still had an incredibly painful headache after taking those hospital strength pain-killers. I was able to take a shower (divine!) and the headache persisted - weird. So, I mentioned it to the nurse (Lisa) and she had that "this-is-not-normal" look on her face and asked if it got worse when sitting up straight - I said yes - and she suggested it could be a spinal headache, meaning that when the epidural was administered I may have received a tiny scratch in my d-something and a little fluid may be leaking from my spine. She said she would call Dr Sanchez and get him up there asap to evaluate. Do it. Now, I wasn't too freaked out because I had heard of this happening before, and the nurse told me that what they do to reverse it, is to take some of my blood and inject it into the area the epidural was administered to clot the scratch. Okay. Dr Sanchez just HAPPENS to be right outside the door when Lisa goes to page/call/phone him and is able to come right away. He apologizes and genuinely seems to feel really bad about it. He's a nice guy, and stuff like that happens - yah! like one in 100 or less! He says it happens maybe once or twice and year... did I pick a lucky number I didn't know about? Oh well. So he goes over the procedure, should I choose to do it, and all its glory (same risks as the original epidural). He tells me that the "blood patch" is 95% successful and that they wont do another blood patch for 24 hours, but the 2nd time its 99% successful and that if needs be, the 3rd time is 100%. Not life threatening. (Be warned, the following talks about blood and needles) So, I sign the "little" consent and we get ready to pretty much do another epidural. Lisa draws the blood from my hand (about 20mg) while Dr Sanchez is numbing my back with his own two needles... then once she gets the 20mg out of me, Dr Sanchez injects the 20mg of blood into my back. Now, I knew this wouldn't be the best feeling in the world... but 20mg of blood is A LOT of blood and the feeling of it all going into my back was not exactly painful, but really really unnatural. The pressure was in my back, my butt, my head... everywhere! Once the whole 20mg was (back) in me, I was instructed to lie down flat for one hour. The flatter, the better. And while I was lying flat the headache didn't bother me one bit. The pressure in my back relatively quickly went away... now it was just waiting out the hour... and I REALLY had to pee by then. lol... My sister had arrived to meet the baby and was there for the procedure, but both she and DH were instructed to be seated during it, for safety precautions. (Dr Sanchez told us about a very sad lawsuit going on in Pennsylvannia against a hospital because a man fainted while his wife was getting an epidural, hit his head and actually died. So Sad... so in PA no one is even allowed in the room while epidurals are being given. There's no law like that in Hawaii, but none-the-less a safety precaution). Okay back to the "I really had to pee"... When there was about 20 minutes left to my sentence to lie completely flat for one hour... I really really had to pee. I'm still being pumped with fluids from the IV... so it was pretty much torture and every few minutes Id ask DH and DS how much time was left and they would tell me "15", "11", "10", "6", "5"... time has never gone by so slowly. But I made it. Once I was able to sit up, the throbbing headache was completely gone... I was a little dizzy from lying completely flat for one hour... but that too passed. And I was as good as new... lol... okay, not really. But I was able to get up, do my thing, and walk to the room next door where we would be staying. And there we stayed for 2 more nights enjoying all three meals in bed, nurses checking vitals every few hours (my right arm felt bruised by the time we left), adjusting to feeding Brown Eyes every two hours (he is a very good, consistent eater), and basic post-partum recovery. All-in-all, pleasant. Will I do it again? Yes. Eventually. But I am definitely going to space the next one out a little more then 16 months!!!! Okay here are my thoughts and recommendations. (be warned, a little graphic and personal, if you don't like the word "nipple" don't read on.) 1. Bring your own music. I bought "Absolute Relaxation" and "Peace" from Walmart by Andrew Fitzgard (or something) in the fung shui section (okay, thats not really the department, but its the one with candles)... LOVED IT! I still listen to it in my car and play it on my computer... its super relaxing. Anyway, it's very nice to set the atmosphere yourself. 2. Make sure that whoever is coaching you during the pushing part of labor is loud. Or loud enough that you dont have to ask "what?". Dont ask. It'll just make me frustrated. (just kidding, you can ask if your really curious.) 3. It's better to be snipped than to tear. It helped the baby come quicker and like I mentioned, it's better to be snipped than tear. (One big reason I go for the epidural, snipped or tearing - I don't want to feel that!) 4. Take a shower as soon as you feel up to it. I didn't with my first because I was too tired and didn't care - but the really nice nurse-helper suggested I should and helped me move the IV thing around with me. And I tell you what that hot water was heavenly. I didn't get my hair wet, but it was still incredibly refreshing. 5. If your planning to nurse, it's gonna hurt. It was exceptionally painful with my first (like excrutiating, I would have given birth again if it meant THAT pain would go away...) a) Last time I discovered Lansinoh Nipple Creme ( A MUST, even if you arent in as much pain as I was)... if you dont have it, get it. If you know someone who doesnt have it - get it for them. And b) This time I discovered the nipple shield. It took Brown Eyes a day to get used to it, but once he did it was the best! It takes a little more prep to feed, but it's worth it if your chi-chis get really raw and tender... it makes nursing a "pleasant experience". That was the best discovery this time around. 6. Bring your own pads. And Panties. It was way more comfy then what the hospital provided. This time around they provided some really big pads that were diaper ish and those were great, but they only gave a certain amount because I technically didnt need one THAT big, they're just more comfy than the regular strip pads. I read on a forum on parenting.com about what women recommended or didn't recommend, and I took the idea a woman suggested to bring depends, or a similar product. I recommend Poise Panties. I used those once my ration of big-orange diaper-ish pads ran out... and they were fabulous. Awesome for over-night security... (I could be on a commercial! "Awesome for Over-Night Security!!"). Anyway, love 'em. And I just got the $1 briefs from Walmart, cute pink ones... lol... enough of that. 7. Another recommendation from parenting.com that I tested and approved... two braids. Okay, I didnt actually do this while in labor, but wish I would have. I did it for the rest of my stay, and it was cute and even though it was matted, it kept the hair on the sides so when I laid down or leaned back, i wasnt on a chunk of hair and didnt get in baby's face when eating. If you can, have a girlfriend/sister who's visiting do it for you. It's always nice to have someone do your hair, and asking someone to braid your hair isnt that extraordinary of a request. There you have it. I am now fully prepared to put this experience (mostly) behind me and move on to the next chapter of motherhood. Two Boys. Oh man. This should be good.... "

Hope you're not traumatized. Maybe you learned something. Maybe you took a trip down your own memory lane. Have you recorded your experience?

Small Talk Six!

Over at Momdot.com they started the Saturday "Small Talk Six". For a list of the Saturday "6" Topics for 2009 go here.

Todays "6"...

6 songs that you love to dance to when nobody’s looking

bahaha... oh man. the key is "when nobody's looking"!!!

Destiny's Child, Bootilicious

Chris Brown, Forever (Thanks SYTYCD)

Magdalena (from Dance With Me Soundtrack)

Justin Timberlake, Sexy Back (Thanks SYTYCD Season 1)

T-Pain (I Think!), Low

Nelly, Batter Up

Inversion. Snow. COLD.

How in the world is it that I love Utah so much? Ever since we've been here (2 weeks!) our health has rapidly depleted. Every stinkin' one of us. Both boys have noses that are running like a freaking waterfall, I swear! We must have used up an entire rain forest worth of tissues!  And DH has only stopped complaining about his dizziness and nausea in the last few days now that I feel like crap... because... well... I trump that! We can't have both of us being downers!  (Love ya, hun!)

We suspect the pollution, I mean inversion. And the cold. Which equaled snow  falling from the polluted heavens! So between the unclean air we're breathing (okay, I'll admit. DH gets it the worst because he actually goes outside) and the freaking cold ... we're all sick and borderline miserable.

But it feels right.

Being here, I mean.

I really was ready to call Las Vegas home for a while. Alas, it will not be. We just can't escape these  snow-capped rocky mountains!

And believe me. We Tried.

This will be the fourth time I've moved back to Utah since 2002. Nope! Not kidding.

Just can't quit Utah.

I admit, I love it here - minus the seriously crappy unpleasant Winter weather. We've met some exceptionally choice people in the areas we've lived. So I can't hate.

Anyway, my point is...

uuh...what is my point?

Well... what do you think of this place? (whether you live here or no)

You MUST

check these out!!!



I think I can/will actually DO THESE!!! Little Birdie Secrets has some other really really great ideas for similar pops (cake pops, Marshmallow pops, cookie pops...)I think I have fallen in love. These are perfect valentine treats! And even BETTER - you can change them up for ANY holiday!!! I Freaking LOVE chocolate!

Get some SKIN! (For your blog, that is!)

It's that day of the week!!!! ALOHA FRIDAY!!!! I mean, "Win a Skin Friday!"

how it works:

On Friday (as soon as I get around to it) I post a handful of backgrounds (or SKINS for your blog) that I've made along with the codes (EASY to Insert!). I've decided to leave the codes for these. That simple! Enjoy!

So, here are today's skins and their codes... (instructions below)

_____________________________________________

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/bwredhzskin.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/hapaiB.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/VHeartsBACK.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/VstripesBACK.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________

<style type="text/css">
body {background-image: url("http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/VstripesBACK.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="http://theladyisablogger.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img border="0" src="http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo129/BlogAddict/tag/tag-1.jpg"/>
</a></div>

_____________________________________________

Instructions for using skins:

*Works best with "minima" template.

Login to blogger.

Go to "Layout"

"Add a Gadget"

Add" HTML/JavaScript"

Insert "the code"

Leave the title blank.

"Save."

"View Blog."

If you love 'em, let me know! Feel free to let others know about it as well! Also, if you like a certain color scheme let me know, and I'll see what I can come up with! Have a GREAT WEEKEND!!!!

Body Art

While visiting my awesome aunt, my little Blue Eyes (he's 2) decided he wanted to try his hand at a little creativity. On. His. Tummy.

Thank GOODNESS it was not permanent. Well, I suppose if it had been it would eventually  have come off.... right? I mean, it's not really permanent...RIGHT?

Haha... I'm glad I had my handy-dandy phone with me. I figured this would give me something to blog about.  I MADE him pose for the pictures before cleaning him up. It was amazingly easy to wash off, and am ever grateful for waterbased markers.  Where were these when I was a kid? Marker never came off that easily!

Interesting choice of colors. The purple with a hint of yellow and turquoise... hmm... we may be on to something!

At least it wasn't the wall... or the carpet... or his brother... or me... or the carpet...

Wednesday Challenge/Featured Foto

I'm ix-nay-ing the Wednesday Challenges. Maybe I'll bring them back later. Maybe.

For now I am replacing the Wednesday Challenge with a Featured Foto. It will probably one of my own. Maybe it wont. You'll just have to see!

...

I took this one during a family portrait session on Kauai. I love it. It makes me long to walk along Kealia barefoot. And play with my babies in the sand at the water's edge! And maybe get a tan (if even an itty-bitty one!) I miss Kauai.  I love this picture.

Working on an Eternal Marriage Here!

So my DH and I have had a trying 4 years. Not so much that our marriage was ever "on the rocks" but we've just been through some out-of-the-ordinary stuff. And I still love him. I married him knowing full well he is not perfect. But neither am I. So not.

I know my DH like no one else. NO. ONE. ELSE. I know how hard he works everyday, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. No one knows his weaknesses better than he does. The last thing he needs me (his *beautiful*, eternal companion and best friend) doing is reminding him. again. and. again.

I'm a nagger by default. And by default, I mean it took a while to realize that nagging can be detrimental to a marriage or any relationship for that matter. I am one of those "just get it done" type of people. He's not. So not.

But I still love him.

He's a good man. Not perfect. But No. One. Is.

I am only now really truly accepting him for who he really is. And I can only do that by getting to know him better. and better. and better. And with every imperfection I accept, I love him more and more.

is that weird?

Sometimes getting to know the real him is hard. painful. makes me cry. dissapoints me. but once I work through those emotions  I love him more. I feel closer to him because it is the real him that I love, not the idea of him that I married.

I mean, how well can you really know someone after a month? two years? 5 years? You can know a lot. but there is always more to know. every memory. every wish. every thought.

always more. always, always.

I just realized all this last night. And we have been married for 4 years. And have 2 kids.

I believe that every trial we go through together bring us closer. makes us stronger.

Wow. Marriage can be so rewarding. I learn more about myself all the time. I love it.

*Edited to Add: My cousin sent me THIS LINK that goes nicely with this post.