True Southern Hospitality

As a lot of you know, I am a first grade teacher in South Georgia. These wonderful women are the first grade team (yes, we have nine first grade classes in my school...huge school).

They threw me a baby shower at school! These women have been so nice to us since we arrived in South Georgia. It feels like we've lived here forever and have been a part of this town since we were young.

Only three weeks five days left until little ????? arrives. We have a new name.... Olivia. We still like Ainsley and Samantha, too. If it was my choice we would call her Reese and be done with it.

Family Time!

We recently went to my cousin Johnny's wedding in Burlington, Vermont! It was a BEAUTIFUL wedding with the leaves being at their peak before they fall.

My cousin Kristy as a beautiful bridesmaid.

The happy couple right after they were married.

My happy Aunt Sue.

Another highlight of the trip was going to Ben and Jerry's national headquarters. Yummy!

Here she is!

Here is the little tike at 31 weeks. She weighs 3 pounds 8 ounces, and is 16.8 cm long. She is on track to be about 7.5 pounds. She is head down and getting ready to come! I go to my epidural class tonight (9/23/09), so anytime after tonight would be just fine. Well, maybe a few more weeks.

"Wow! Look at those extra long toes..." said the ultrasound tech. A lot of my side of the family has these abnormally long toes and fingers!
I realize you have to really use your imagination with these pictures (and these are pictures of pictures), but I think her profile looks a lot like David.

That blob is her head and near it is her hand. I have about ten others, but they are just as hard to distinguish.

Do you like the name Samantha Reese Fox? or Ella Grace Fox? or maybe neither...

I love coupons!

Want to learn how to save $money$ quick? First, get pregnant. Second, use coupons!

I have recently been introduced to couponing by a friend. After she gave me a few Pampers coupons for $1.00 off, I was hooked. I used that dollar and went straight to Starbucks because I felt I deserved it after saving a buck! This is a great way to save money, huh? I have to admit it was a lot of work to find the best deals, looking for a certain coupon, comparing prices, figuring out a store's policies, then having to go to Wal-mart (in South Georgia, enough said) to save a few bucks.

Then thanks to the addicting online social networking that goes on now days, my couponing world is now limitless. I kept reading status updates of "saved 60% on my groceries today" or "got $75 off of $100 at Old Navy today". I quickly contacted this friend and she introduced me to www.southernsavers.com

Here is how it works: A group of women will go to several stores weekly, finding what is on sale and a coupon to go with the item that is on sale, and then they post all their great finds with links to get the coupon. And no, the deals are not for places like Wal-mart, or dollar stores. They are for nice, honest grocery stores. Now this site is just for the Southeastern part of the U.S., but surely there are some for your area of the country.

Today alone on my grocery bill I saved $62.89 by matching a coupon with what was on sale, knowing the store's policies (which was all posted on this site...no research on my part), and knowing how to work a coupon to its fullest potential. And it's not just for grocery stores either. These ladies find sales and coupons for retail, online sites, home stores, and one of my favorites...Target. I got some Glade candles, which I never buy normally, for .16 cents thanks to this site. I loaded up and now I have 10 in my linen closet.

Now this last point brings up an issue David has with my new found passion. He claims I come home with stuff I normally would not buy. But in my defense I would never buy it because it was a big waste of money. And if I can get it for only .16 cents it is not a waste of money. It's a great .16 cents to spend because now I know if it is worth buying again. Everyone loves smelly stuff for their house, right? But it is okay if I find a deal on his Doritos and Mountain Dew and come home with a ridiculous amount of them. He actually asked me today "Are there any deals on Pepsi products?" Because he is almost out of the five 12 packs I found him a month ago. Hmmm...

Regardless, couponing has become a game with me. I feel like I am beating these stores at their own game thanks this wonderful website.

Now if I could just get over my coffee habit (decaf right now, of course) I think I could find another extra $62.89 in our bank account.

"It's the subject that makes the picture, not the photographer," said David

Me: David, will you take my picture?

David: Why?

Me: Because I asked you to.

David: (rolling his eyes) Is it for the stupid blog?

Me: Who cares if it is.

David: (click, click) Could you just not smile and look forward? You don't take a very good picture. (click, click, motioning as if to be a professional photographer. click, click, flash, flash).

Me: (not smiling and looking forward) You're not a very good photographer.

David: It's the subject that makes the picture, not the photographer. (click, click)


Here is the bad subject taken by the great photographer( approximately 7.5 months prego).

Me: (grabbing the camera from him) So if you're the subject and I am the photographer, will it be a good picture?

David: (nods yes, with his smart a** smirk on his face).

Here is the great subject eating his frosty with dirty feet on the coffee table that a terrible photographer took.

Okay, so neither of us take a good picture, whether we are the subject or the photographer.

I can feel that life is beginning to pick up in our house. The school year has begun for me again. I am over halfway through the first quarter with my 14 first graders. Yes, only 14... it's great! Our "no worries" newly married days are coming to a quick end. The baby is constantly on both of our minds. "Do we need this? Do we need that? Oh, we forgot..." Unconsciously I have found I am trying to get every type of appointment in before the baby comes (dentist, hair, veterinarian, locksmith, alarm guy, insurance, pedicure, pediatrician, OBGYN...every other week now, baby classes, epidural class, breast feeding class).

David has settled in nicely with the football season; however, work has been uncharacteristically busy for him this time of year. Several meetings and some tournaments are taking up his time. Not only that, but he cleans a lot too. Is there such a thing as "nesting" for the dad?

I am certain Albert knows there is a baby in my belly. And he is just as ready for it as we are. He is still the happy go lucky dog he has always been, but he has developed some behaviors we have never seen before. A lot of "happy" whining (if there is such a thing). When other people or dogs are around, he whines and his tail is going 100 mph. Previously, he would just jump on them and want to play. And he is obsessed with licking himself. HE LICKS ALL OVER HIS BODY ALL THE TIME. The vet said he has probably developed some allergy over the past year. Lovely.

Only 11 more weeks until little (blank) arrives! Anyone have a name for us?

Some people should not own dogs

Every day I take Albert for a walk on the same route. Every day Albert and I see the same dogs and a lot of the time the same people. Albert loves to go for walks, and yes, I do spoil him by taking him most days.

Albert and I also see the same dogs EVERY DAY in the same back yards (or cages, kennels, pens, etc.) getting the same lack of attention. These dogs run to the fence to visit Albert and I as if we are the only human being it will see all day. We always feel guilty walking away from them because they will be sitting waiting for us to come by again tomorrow. Yes, these dogs have food, water, and shelter. They are safe. And their owners probably pick up their waste too. But what is the point of having a dog if it is just there to occupy the backyard (or 5 x 5 area they designated for it). Even if it is a hunting dog, it is not fair to the dog.

Dogs need just as much attention and interaction as humans need. Would you ever dream of sticking your kid in the backyard to live and entertain itself? Some of you might say that a kid is totally different, but IT'S NOT. Dogs are just like kids. They need to be talked to, played with, exercised, and feel loved.

If you don't want the mess or the fleas (yes, ALL dogs do get fleas) that comes with a dog, then please don't get one. Even if your child is begging and pleading with you. Get that child a fish.

Dogs don't deserve to be put in an area to live and entertain itself.

Back to the drawing board!

Well we have officially ruled out Ella and Hadley. They just weren't working for us.

What do ya'll think about Ainsley? Yes, we heard it from Ainsley Earhardt of Fox News.

I think I'll stick to fiction!

Summertime is great for catching up on reading! I have devoured several "mom" and "baby" books this summer.

But I've been asking myself "Do these books really help?" Because I feel more overwhelmed than knowledgeable. For example, should I let the baby cry, or go to her side? Let her develop her own sleep patterns, or try to establish one for her? Go back to work at six, eight or twelve weeks? What about our dog Albert? He is just as much my baby as this new baby is. And breastfeeding, where do I even begin? What kind of pump? Doesn't it hurt? How do you know how much milk the baby is getting? Oh and immunizations and vaccines. Wow! Now that was a scary book. Then there is all the CRAP that these books say goes with the baby. I think if I look at buying another plastic, yet necessary, gizmo, my husband's patience will run out.

I am sure these books have helped many new moms, but I am going to lay off them for awhile. I was very happy with the way my parents raised me and I will use that as my backbone to get through this thing called "motherhood".

So I put the mommy-to-be books away for now, and pulled out one of my favorites to finish off the summer...

Did you know it is coming to theaters August 14th?

Dear Ella/Hadley

Dear Ella,
I'd like to say your room is going to eventually look like this. But it's not. We'll try to coordinate as best as we can Ella, but can you really tell the difference between "dark cherry wood" and "cherry wood"? Because your mom and dad didn't know there was a difference. They just wanted to save a little money. And you can forget about the $500 bedding, bedroom chandelier, etc.


Oh, and Hadley, you can just erase the word "pink" from your vocabulary.


In the mean time, Albert is getting ready for a playmate. I really think you two will enjoy spending time together. Sleeping.


And your mom is happy your growing so well, but she is ready to be done growing herself. You have 20 more weeks until the fun begins...
Love, Mom and Dad

Back on the Blogwagon!

My friends blogs are funny (their lives are interesting too, of course). We enjoy keeping up with each other through this free communication tool. Well, I guess WE is not the right word, because I can keep up with them but they cannot keep up with me. Because I don't update my blog. BUT I AM BACK! I will no longer be the partial friend i've been.

To begin with I will let you know, briefly, what we have been doing since my last post of November 9, 2008. (David said "Does anyone care?")

Thanksgiving in SLC

Christmas in Kansas City

New Years in Jacksonville

February Ski Trip

2009 South Georgia Classic

Amy's Beautiful Wedding

10 year High School Reunion

It's a girl!

The big 30!

It was David's 30th birthday on FRIDAY! He chose to go to the local BBQ resturant, then to the Valdosta High School football game (yes, I did say high school. This town is nuts for high school football. The college rents the field from the high school. And the college is Division 2 football champions! Crazy! But, he does need his football fix). After the game we went to our friends house and played Monopoly and lost to the birthday boy. It doesn't take much to make this boy happy!


A couple of weeks ago david wanted to re-live his college days and go to a K-State football game. Manhattan, KS sure did miss this boy.


Fun was had by all...


there was purple everywhere! it brought me back to my high school days.


we sat close to the field. sometimes david thought he was calling the plays...


i think the wives had more fun in aggieville!

Update

Oh, blogging. I don't know that it is my thing. Keeping it updated, obviously, is not the easiest think for me to do.

I will jump right in. David and I lost the baby at 20 weeks. We went in for an ultrasound at 18 weeks and found out the baby was having some problems. The doctor couldn't tell us much, and we had to go to a Level 2 doctor. After seeing that doctor we were told the baby has an extremely rare non-genetic disease and has no chance of living. She, yes it was a girl, had a Cystic Hygroma with Hydrops. It's basically a lot of fluid all throughout the body and it was invading all the organs of the baby. She shouldn't have lived past 8 weeks. The baby was under a lot of stress so the doctor decided to induce me on September 9. It took me 12 hours to deliver. It was yucky, painful, and probably the saddest thing David and I will ever go through.

We had some testing done with the baby to find out exactly the causes and if we will have problems like this in future pregnancies. We should get those results sometime this week.

Babies are such miracles! We can't wait to be pregnant again!

Finally, home sweet home.!

Okay... so I am not great at keeping up with the blog. And I am terrible about taking pictures. I get so wrapped up in things we do, I forget pictures.

We went to Mesquite, NV July 4-11. My parents treated us with golf for the week. It was at least 110 degrees every day while we were playing. The golf courses were beautiful. I called them "feel good" courses, because they are so short in length (which helps your score). I shot my career round of 90! The course that David and I belong to is way to long and I am lucky to shoot 100.

As much as I like to travel, it sure is great being home.

Schools in Georgia start so early,with my first day back being August 4th! However, we were strongly encouraged to come in earlier due to "meetings." That's fine with me, I don't do well sitting at home.

The baby is growing so quickly! I am feeling a lot better!

I promise more pictures to come.

Doc today!

We went to the doctor today! The baby is still as healthy as can be. The doctor said my Rubella count is low, but it was nothing to worry about. He said he has never seen any problems with having a low Rubella count in his 20+ years of practice. Apparently the vaccine didn't take well when I was a little girl. And he does not recommend getting the vaccine while being pregnant. I go back to the midwife in 4 weeks, and will hopefully be able to hear the heartbeat.

I feel absolutely terrible. I have been on the verge of throwing-up for two days now. But the doc said it comes with the territory and gave me some ideas to lessen the queasiness.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

We went to Mexico for 5 days with friends Mandi and Matt. We were in a town south of Cancun called Playa Del Carmen. The town is full of European tourists, small shops, and great white sand beaches. We actually were the minority being the Americans.

I was worried I would not make it to Mexico because my passport was in my maiden name. Luckily, David figured it out before we left by calling the passport office and airlines. Getting into Mexico I was questioned, but coming back they didn't notice the two names were different. Kind of scary.

The hotel was all-inclusive. I did not enjoy the food, however; the rest of the party thought it was great--especially the french fries. I thought everything had a terrible after taste. I think it was the pregnancy hormones talking. My stomach still turns just thinking about the food.

The first day we arrived we ate at the buffet and shared the exciting, yet surprising, news of the baby with Matt and Mandi. They live in KC, and we thought it best to share in person.

We then met up with a great friend of ours Joe Mazzeo an his lovely girlfriend Vicki. Joe worked with David and I in Atlanta. He is now the tournament manager for a PGA Tour event held in Playa Del Carmen.

It was great knowing a "local". He and Vicki practically knew everyone in town. They also could tell people to leave us alone when they were trying to rip us off.

On day two we explored the resort and took in what it had to offer. We hung out at the pool, played in the ocean, and Mandi and I attempted to climb on the large sandbags like the little kids were. In the afternoon we went to the popular 5th avenue. I think it was 105 degrees. But, David did finally find some new flip-flops. David has had the same pair of flip-flops since I have known him (5 years). He has been holding out for the perfect pair. Thank goodness he finally found the chosen pair. We also found a cute little dress for our new baby. (This was our first purchase for the baby. You may be thinking "how does she know it is a girl?" Well, according to the Chinese calendar I am having a girl. And it claims to be 95% accurate.)

We met Joe and Vicki for dinner at an Italian restaurant. Yes, I know we were in Mexico and we should be eating Mexican. But the locals we had with us said this Italian place was great. And it was. That was probably the best meal I had the whole trip. After dinner we went to a bar called the Blue Parrot. It was great fun. The bar was demonstrating a fire show. It was amazing how long these girls danced with this fire without getting burned.

Saturday was Mandi's birthday! The boys went to play golf, while she and I celebrated. David would like me to mention that he won golf. However I would like to tell you that Matt and Joe out drove him by 30 yards each drive. Mandi and I worked on our Mexican tan, successfully got up on the enormous sand bags, and went para sailing. I thought I would be a little nervous, but once I got up there I felt like I was on a big swing.

That evening we went to the best restaurant in Playa (according to our local guides Joe and Vicki). It was Mayan food. David was totally out on this idea, but we told him he would be eating by himself if he did not go. He ended up going and liked it more than any of us. Maybe that will teach him to branch out a little more. The camarero sang happy birthday to Mandi and served her a delicious piece of cake. The Mexican happy birthday song is so much longer than the American.

The last day we decided to travel a bit to see some ruins. Tulum was about 45 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen. The roads in Mexico are terrible. The lane lines are not marked, or if they were, it looked like a two year old child marked them. And to top it off, David was driving. So it was a scary ride down.

I would have to say the best thing about Tulum was its location. It was situated right on the edge of the Carribean, and the views were beautiful. Apparently this was beneficial for Mayan ships for trade. Tulum means "wall" in Mayan, and it makes sense due to the wall surrounding the ruins. Once we were inside the area, it was about 110 degrees due to this wall. The wind was completely blocked. Even under the trees in the shade, it was hot. And I think this was an average day. I don't know how they lived in that heat back in the days. There were several structures, a city center, and a temple within the walled area. The ruins were built near 1200 A.D. Unfortunately our camera died right after this picture.

All-in-all, Mexico was a wonderful trip. It was great to see our friends, get a tan, and learn a bit about the culture.

Blogging, what's blogging?

After re-connecting with some friends, I've learned about this new thing called blogging. After reading several, I am now motivated to get going. What a great idea. I don't scrapbook, or keep track of any memories for that matter, and I thought this is wonderful for the lazy woman that I am. So very simple and interactive. The motivation not only came from the re-connection, but also we wanted to share some news with many people but didn't know where to begin.

Much to our surprise, David and I are going to have a baby. That's right, A BABY! We went to the doc today for our first visit. We saw the midwife, and we really liked her. She said we can opt to see the doctors if we don't feel comfortable with midwifes. Well we decided she was pretty cool, and if she is excited about the baby she is a winner.

Apparently I am a low-risk pregnancy. I don't have any issues. Which is great! We go back in a week to do some more tests. Yippee!