Something I have been very worried about since I found out about Baby G is our other children (Alabama and Jack) and how they will react to having a baby around the house. I have made a list of things our dogs do that I foresee being an issue once our little bundle of job arrives.
1. When Stephen and I are on the couch, there is always at least one 70 pound "puppy" laying across one of our laps. How are we going to hold an infant with dogs laying where the baby should be?
2. When a person is on the floor, our dogs like to pounce on them. The biggest problem with this is when Jack drops his toys under the table, and one of us has to get on all fours to find it, Jack goes straight for the head. I am not sure Baby G will appreciate being pounced on... especially when he/she is on all fours learning to crawl. Baby G's head will probably fit inside Jack's mouth.
3. Our dogs eat on the carpet... Let me rephrase. Our dogs take a mouthful of their food from their bowl (which is kept on the TILE floor) and find a comfy place on the carpet to eat that mouthful, all the while, leaving a trail of food from the bowl to wherever they decide to settle down to eat. There are three underlying problems with this. 1. They eat more that one mouthful. 2. They do not eat in the same spot on the carpet each time they get a different mouthful. 3. They don't clean up the trail of food they drop. These three problems combined lead to fifteen or so trails of food all over the kitchen and living room. Which brings me to my next foreseen problem... What if Baby G is crawling around and sticks a piece of food in his/her mouth?
4. Jack is a very jealous dog. He can't even let his daddy and me hug without whining. I just have a feeling he is going to HATE Baby G for taking up so much of our attention and time.
5. Alabama isn't so needy with our time, but she will come and get it when she is ready for it. She is very independent... and when she feels it necessary to be petted, she will come stick her head under your hand until she is finished with you petting her. If we have a baby in our hands, we won't have an extra one to pet her when she is ready to be petted.
6. They both have a tendency of jumping onto pieces of furniture without checking to see who or what is in their landing spot prior to jumping. Beds, couches, ottomans, there is no piece of furniture safe and no object safe. The hope of having more kids has been in jeopardy more than once with them flying onto the bed with Stephen still wrapped up (vulnerably) in the covers.
7. The dogs like to go in the car. We have been trying to train them to ride in the very back of the mom-car, but so far, Jack still likes to ride in the front seat, and Bama still likes to ride in the middle, sprawled out. No room for a car seat. Sorry Baby G, we might be strapping you on the top of the Jeep.
8. Dog Toys vs. Baby Toys... They are both colorful. They are both filled with stuffing. How do we teach the dogs the difference? Alabama and Jack both chew on our nephew's toys already... This won't be good.
So many people get rid of their animals when they have kids. I personally think that is HORRIBLE! How can you just dispose of an animal like that? If you bought animals prior to having kids... and KNEW at some point you wanted to have kids... I think you have no right to get rid of your animals. We will just have to figure out a way to make Jack and Bama that they are not people. MUCH easier said than done!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Half Way There!
When we lost Baby #1, it made me paranoid that we would also lose #2. BUT after lots of prayer and blessings... we've made the halfway mark!
We went to the doctor last week with the proud grandparents so they could see the ultrasound. It was really neat to see how far Baby G has come in only 10 weeks.
To recap on the highlights of the past few weeks... here is a short list!
1. We are now over halfway to the due date.
2. The due date has been confirmed for January 20, 2011.
3. I had to go to the Emergency Room and/or dad's office several times for fluids because I was so dehydrated from throwing up, but that has improved tremendously!
4. We bought furniture, a lampshade, bedding, picked out paint, and bought a few pieces of unisex onesies for Baby G!
5. We have decided on names: Girl- Harper Jane and Boy- Brooks (but no middle name... possibly Brooks Ryan)
6. We've bought several baby toys.
7. Our ultrasound technician was able to see, without a doubt, the gender. She wrote it down on a piece of paper and stuck it in an envelope. Stephen decided we should auction the envelope off to the highest bidder (with a promise whoever wins won't tell a single soul). I LOVE this idea, but Stephen has been going back and forth about opening the envelope himself. So I'm thinking Stephen will open it and just not tell anyone.
That's pretty much the update for the past few months on our little human. Here are some pictures from the last ultrasound.
We went to the doctor last week with the proud grandparents so they could see the ultrasound. It was really neat to see how far Baby G has come in only 10 weeks.
To recap on the highlights of the past few weeks... here is a short list!
1. We are now over halfway to the due date.
2. The due date has been confirmed for January 20, 2011.
3. I had to go to the Emergency Room and/or dad's office several times for fluids because I was so dehydrated from throwing up, but that has improved tremendously!
4. We bought furniture, a lampshade, bedding, picked out paint, and bought a few pieces of unisex onesies for Baby G!
5. We have decided on names: Girl- Harper Jane and Boy- Brooks (but no middle name... possibly Brooks Ryan)
6. We've bought several baby toys.
7. Our ultrasound technician was able to see, without a doubt, the gender. She wrote it down on a piece of paper and stuck it in an envelope. Stephen decided we should auction the envelope off to the highest bidder (with a promise whoever wins won't tell a single soul). I LOVE this idea, but Stephen has been going back and forth about opening the envelope himself. So I'm thinking Stephen will open it and just not tell anyone.
That's pretty much the update for the past few months on our little human. Here are some pictures from the last ultrasound.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Practice at Parenting
Last weekend, Stephen and I had the pleasure of babysitting our nephew Baylem (AKA: BayWatch)! Me... the girl who doesn't do diapers, bottles, or screaming babies... successfully carried out the responsibility of BayWatch four whole hours WITHOUT killing anyone, pulling out my hair, crying, or puking.
Now, when I say "I" successfully carried this out... what I REALLY mean is Stephen was the responsible one. He fed Baylem, played with Baylem, and when Bay was screaming his head off, I tried picking him up and he reached for STEPHEN! REALLY BAY?!?! We are BLOOD for cryin' out loud.
So the main reason for the post is to brag on myself. I changed my first ever poopie diaper. Yes! I realize I am 24 years old, and YES! I realize I am about 5 months from having a poopie-one of my own... and that's why I finally decided it was time for me to grow up and grab life by the horns (or grab the diapers by the little sticky tabs). And by that, I mean Stephen and I played rock, paper, scissors... and I lost and had to change the dang thing. I tried to play the whole "Stephen, I've been feeling really sick today from being pregnant and I just think I might puke at the smell" card... mission unaccomplished. JERK.
Basically, I am awesome at being an aunt/mom because I can change a poopie diaper (and although I gaged repetitively) I did NOT puke. I have come to a new point in my life... I am a baby butt wiping, bottle makin', bath givin', all around amazing aunt!
Now, when I say "I" successfully carried this out... what I REALLY mean is Stephen was the responsible one. He fed Baylem, played with Baylem, and when Bay was screaming his head off, I tried picking him up and he reached for STEPHEN! REALLY BAY?!?! We are BLOOD for cryin' out loud.
So the main reason for the post is to brag on myself. I changed my first ever poopie diaper. Yes! I realize I am 24 years old, and YES! I realize I am about 5 months from having a poopie-one of my own... and that's why I finally decided it was time for me to grow up and grab life by the horns (or grab the diapers by the little sticky tabs). And by that, I mean Stephen and I played rock, paper, scissors... and I lost and had to change the dang thing. I tried to play the whole "Stephen, I've been feeling really sick today from being pregnant and I just think I might puke at the smell" card... mission unaccomplished. JERK.
Basically, I am awesome at being an aunt/mom because I can change a poopie diaper (and although I gaged repetitively) I did NOT puke. I have come to a new point in my life... I am a baby butt wiping, bottle makin', bath givin', all around amazing aunt!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Stephen's "Furture"
Two REALLY funny things that I wanted to blog about today.
1. When I was 12, I wrote a letter to my unknown husband. On the outside of it, it was titled "To the Father of my Furture Children"... Yes, That's right. I put FURTURE. And yes, That's right... That's not really a word. So on our wedding day, my dad handed over that letter that he had kept in he and my mom's safe all those years. Stephen read it, and it was pretty corny.
2. Stephen has decided he has THIS to look forward to (Please go to this link and watch this video.) It is hysterical. http://vimeo.com/12714406
1. When I was 12, I wrote a letter to my unknown husband. On the outside of it, it was titled "To the Father of my Furture Children"... Yes, That's right. I put FURTURE. And yes, That's right... That's not really a word. So on our wedding day, my dad handed over that letter that he had kept in he and my mom's safe all those years. Stephen read it, and it was pretty corny.
2. Stephen has decided he has THIS to look forward to (Please go to this link and watch this video.) It is hysterical. http://vimeo.com/12714406
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Dressing Like a Man
Alright here it goes... I, Jessica Lauren Garvin, like to dress like a man. Cross-dressing?? Don't mind if I do... Count me in!
I wear my husband's clothes every chance I get. There is nothing better than sitting around in Stephen's oversize t-shirts and gym shorts (with no bra on, but I will leave that out to protect my reputation). I actually have been doing it my whole life... there are pictures of me when I'm a youngster with my daddy's t-shirts on. And then once I left home, I would steal my boyfriends' shirts so that I could wear those as much as possible. I actually have to admit, I have one or two (or three or four) ex boyfriends wondering around somewhere missing a few pairs of gym shorts, t-shirts, and several pairs of sweatpants... and I have NO plans of returning any of these items... ever.
Now, the reason for the post. Stephen Shane Garvin has been wearing my stinkin' socks. He says "they fit better" because he likes his socks to fit REALLY tight. The problem is... once he wears them... 1. they are no longer tight and 2. they no longer fit me. See, when I wear his clothes, I don't stretch them out. It makes me soooo dang mad. No matter how much I complain to him about wearing them, HE WON'T STOP!
Ok, I've said my peace.
I wear my husband's clothes every chance I get. There is nothing better than sitting around in Stephen's oversize t-shirts and gym shorts (with no bra on, but I will leave that out to protect my reputation). I actually have been doing it my whole life... there are pictures of me when I'm a youngster with my daddy's t-shirts on. And then once I left home, I would steal my boyfriends' shirts so that I could wear those as much as possible. I actually have to admit, I have one or two (or three or four) ex boyfriends wondering around somewhere missing a few pairs of gym shorts, t-shirts, and several pairs of sweatpants... and I have NO plans of returning any of these items... ever.
Now, the reason for the post. Stephen Shane Garvin has been wearing my stinkin' socks. He says "they fit better" because he likes his socks to fit REALLY tight. The problem is... once he wears them... 1. they are no longer tight and 2. they no longer fit me. See, when I wear his clothes, I don't stretch them out. It makes me soooo dang mad. No matter how much I complain to him about wearing them, HE WON'T STOP!
Ok, I've said my peace.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Crib... Check
Stephen and I went crib shopping on Saturday. We spent a whole two hours in Pottery Barn Kids, and ended up purchasing the one we went into buy in the first place.
Last weekend Aunt Kari and Aunt Siiister have helped pick out baby bedding, a lamp shade, and paint colors. So now all that's left is picking up the furniture, putting it all together, painting the room, picking out a rocker, finding accessories... and OH! growing a baby.
I have to admit, when I first found out about Baby Garvin, I was a little upset. I felt like my whole life was being put on hold for this... but now, I am starting to realize that God has a plan... and that MAYBE I won't be as terrible as a mom as I think. I know Stephen's gonna be a fantastic daddy. I just cant WAIT til he/she gets here so I can make HIM do all the hard work! :)
Last weekend Aunt Kari and Aunt Siiister have helped pick out baby bedding, a lamp shade, and paint colors. So now all that's left is picking up the furniture, putting it all together, painting the room, picking out a rocker, finding accessories... and OH! growing a baby.
I have to admit, when I first found out about Baby Garvin, I was a little upset. I felt like my whole life was being put on hold for this... but now, I am starting to realize that God has a plan... and that MAYBE I won't be as terrible as a mom as I think. I know Stephen's gonna be a fantastic daddy. I just cant WAIT til he/she gets here so I can make HIM do all the hard work! :)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Super Mom!
I have decided to make a list of five women (who are not relatives because they already all know I want to be like them when I grow up) who I think are "SUPER-MOMS"... Women I aspire to be like. Women who I know. Women who I think go above and beyond normal moms. I think I will try to do this every once in a while... but this weeks super-moms (in no particular order) are:
1. Suzanne Winn- This lady is amazing. She is super crafty, thrifty, and soooo creative! She is so much fun to be around, always smiling, hilarious, and VERY sweet! I just hope when my kids get to be Jax's age, I can have as much fun as she does with her son (and baby on the way). Someday, I will let my kids paint the snow and make a spaghetti octopus!
2. Tara Kohlbacher- Wow. That's the only word I can think of to explain this super-mom's dedication to her Creator. She and her hubby are in the middle of adopting a baby from Rwanda (check out her blog @ http://kohlbacherclan.blogspot.com) Their story is one that shows the true impact of letting God be the Ruler of your life and the focus of your existence. She is so selfless, compassionate, and beautiful inside and out. Her honesty about her journey is truly humbling and inspiring.
3. Jalee Abbott- This woman is the person who encourages me more and more every time I speak to her. She is the strongest woman I know. She takes hit after hit and still gets up, puts a smile on her face, and never complains about anything. She is the most positive person I know, always sees the good in everyone and in every situation, and has more love in her heart than anyone I've ever met in my life. (No offense to all of you other people I've met in my life.)
4. Kendra Mobley- This smokin' hott super-mom just makes me excited about being a mom. The way she talks about how amazing it is to be a mother is just precious. I am so nervous about being one, but she makes it look so easy. She has made me see the true JOY in children and see what a blessing a child really is going to be for us. She makes me appreciate the miracle of creating life... and that has been one of the most important things for me to learn and understand over the past few weeks.
5. The momma bird that lives in the nest above my front door- No seriously. Stephen and I have a pair of birds that have been coming back to the house ever since he bought it over three years ago. The barn swallows mate for life. They also go back to the same nest every year. I just think that's amazing. This momma bird is REALLY awesome because this year she gave birth to TWO sets of baby birds. One group of four about two months ago and then another group of three about a week ago. These birds only come back to the same place if they feel it's safe for their babies. I love that they are so little, but have one goal in mind... finding a safe place for their babies. This little momma bird has taught me about being protective (She freaks out every time someone comes anywhere NEAR our front door! Yes, even us.) But its beautiful that although she is protective, she knows at some point she's gonna have to teach them to fly. Watching her raise the babies from eggs to flying birds is incredible. And although they make quite the poopie mess on our porch... I'm glad they are there, and that they come back every year. I just think it's sweet.
1. Suzanne Winn- This lady is amazing. She is super crafty, thrifty, and soooo creative! She is so much fun to be around, always smiling, hilarious, and VERY sweet! I just hope when my kids get to be Jax's age, I can have as much fun as she does with her son (and baby on the way). Someday, I will let my kids paint the snow and make a spaghetti octopus!
2. Tara Kohlbacher- Wow. That's the only word I can think of to explain this super-mom's dedication to her Creator. She and her hubby are in the middle of adopting a baby from Rwanda (check out her blog @ http://kohlbacherclan.blogspot.com) Their story is one that shows the true impact of letting God be the Ruler of your life and the focus of your existence. She is so selfless, compassionate, and beautiful inside and out. Her honesty about her journey is truly humbling and inspiring.
3. Jalee Abbott- This woman is the person who encourages me more and more every time I speak to her. She is the strongest woman I know. She takes hit after hit and still gets up, puts a smile on her face, and never complains about anything. She is the most positive person I know, always sees the good in everyone and in every situation, and has more love in her heart than anyone I've ever met in my life. (No offense to all of you other people I've met in my life.)
4. Kendra Mobley- This smokin' hott super-mom just makes me excited about being a mom. The way she talks about how amazing it is to be a mother is just precious. I am so nervous about being one, but she makes it look so easy. She has made me see the true JOY in children and see what a blessing a child really is going to be for us. She makes me appreciate the miracle of creating life... and that has been one of the most important things for me to learn and understand over the past few weeks.
5. The momma bird that lives in the nest above my front door- No seriously. Stephen and I have a pair of birds that have been coming back to the house ever since he bought it over three years ago. The barn swallows mate for life. They also go back to the same nest every year. I just think that's amazing. This momma bird is REALLY awesome because this year she gave birth to TWO sets of baby birds. One group of four about two months ago and then another group of three about a week ago. These birds only come back to the same place if they feel it's safe for their babies. I love that they are so little, but have one goal in mind... finding a safe place for their babies. This little momma bird has taught me about being protective (She freaks out every time someone comes anywhere NEAR our front door! Yes, even us.) But its beautiful that although she is protective, she knows at some point she's gonna have to teach them to fly. Watching her raise the babies from eggs to flying birds is incredible. And although they make quite the poopie mess on our porch... I'm glad they are there, and that they come back every year. I just think it's sweet.
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