Dear Matt,
I've been reading Great Expectations and I found a spot that made me think of you...
"Out of my thoughts! You are part of my existence, part of myself. You have been in every line I have ever read... You have been in every prospect I have ever seen since- on the river, on the sails of ships, on the marshes, in the clouds, in the light, in the darkness, in the wind, in the woods, in the sea, in the streets. You have been the embodiment of every graceful fancy that my mind has ever become acquainted with. The stones of which the strongest London buildings are made, are not more real, or more impossible to bee displaced by your hands, than your presence and influence have been to me, there and everywhere, and will be... to the last hour of my life, you cannot choose but remain part of my character, part of the little good in me, part of the evil... I associate you only with the good, and I will faithfully hold you to that always, for you must have done me far more good than harm..."
All my love,
Jill
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Clean Freak
Dear Matt,
Yesterday we cleaned the whole apartment and got rid of a ton of stuff we didn't need! Mostly it was in preparation for when we move to the new (and bigger) apartment, but it was really nice to just get everything cleaned up.
Normally, I'm not much in the mood to do heavy cleaning because I absolutely hate it, but I got in the spirit yesterday after I took half of one of your A.D.D pills. I was so fast and focused! Who would have thought that I could get so much done in four hours!
Thank you for letting me take the lead and helping in every way possible. You were so amazing.
Now I just have to get used to having the apartment so clean! It almost looks like we've been robbed.
All my love,
Jill
Yesterday we cleaned the whole apartment and got rid of a ton of stuff we didn't need! Mostly it was in preparation for when we move to the new (and bigger) apartment, but it was really nice to just get everything cleaned up.
Normally, I'm not much in the mood to do heavy cleaning because I absolutely hate it, but I got in the spirit yesterday after I took half of one of your A.D.D pills. I was so fast and focused! Who would have thought that I could get so much done in four hours!
Thank you for letting me take the lead and helping in every way possible. You were so amazing.
Now I just have to get used to having the apartment so clean! It almost looks like we've been robbed.
All my love,
Jill
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The Rules
Dear Matt,
Here's a list of things you will inevitably need to do with our daughters.
Here's a list of things you will inevitably need to do with our daughters.
1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.
2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.
3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.
4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.
5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.
6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.
7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.
8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.
9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.
10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.
11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”
12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.
13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.
14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.
Photo Credit :: Danielle Rocke Toews
15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.
16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.
17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.
18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.
19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.
20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.
21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.
22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.
23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.
24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.
25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.
26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.
27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.
28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.
29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.
30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.
31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.
32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.
33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.
34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.
35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.
36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.
37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.
38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.
39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.
40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.
41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.
42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.
43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.
44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.
45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.
46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.
47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.
49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.
50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.
I'm looking forward to it.
All my love,
Jill
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Cravings
Dear Matt,
I'm getting baby hungry. I know I shouldn't, because we aren't nearly where we need to be to prepare for a baby.
You keep telling me that no one is prepared to get pregnant. I disagree.
But maybe I'll start listening to you because all my eggs are dying.
All my love,
Jill
I'm getting baby hungry. I know I shouldn't, because we aren't nearly where we need to be to prepare for a baby.
You keep telling me that no one is prepared to get pregnant. I disagree.
But maybe I'll start listening to you because all my eggs are dying.
All my love,
Jill
Friday, November 18, 2011
Gone
Duckie,
We lost you several weeks ago. I haven't been able to blog since because it makes me incredibly sad to think about you.
I miss you so much.
All my love,
Jill
We lost you several weeks ago. I haven't been able to blog since because it makes me incredibly sad to think about you.
I miss you so much.
All my love,
Jill
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Getting Bigger
Dear Duckie,
I'm gaining weight. A lot of weight, considering that I'm only about 8 weeks into this pregnancy. It's kind of fun because people are starting to notice. The other day, I had a person ask me for the first time when I was due. Your dad and I didn't answer for a minute because we were certain that she wasn't talking to us. Then we realized that there was no one else around, so it had to be us! It was kind of cool.
Of course, your gramma thought that it was crazy and had me send her a picture so she could see exactly what I look like right now...
Hahaha. She's getting excited. We all are! Your aunts, too! Your Aunt Amanda said "Baaaawwwwww. Lookin' hot!" and Auntie Em said "Holy crap, you have a belly!" I can't wait for all the funny things they'll say as you get bigger and eventually join us! :)
All my love,
Jill
I'm gaining weight. A lot of weight, considering that I'm only about 8 weeks into this pregnancy. It's kind of fun because people are starting to notice. The other day, I had a person ask me for the first time when I was due. Your dad and I didn't answer for a minute because we were certain that she wasn't talking to us. Then we realized that there was no one else around, so it had to be us! It was kind of cool.
Of course, your gramma thought that it was crazy and had me send her a picture so she could see exactly what I look like right now...
Hahaha. She's getting excited. We all are! Your aunts, too! Your Aunt Amanda said "Baaaawwwwww. Lookin' hot!" and Auntie Em said "Holy crap, you have a belly!" I can't wait for all the funny things they'll say as you get bigger and eventually join us! :)
All my love,
Jill
At A Loss
Dear Duckie,
I work in a building that has several other pregnant women in it. Today I found out that one of them, who was only due in a month, lost her baby. The doctors think that the umbilical cord got wrapped around his neck and he choked himself to death. She hasn't been coming in, understandably.
I feel really bad for her, but it surprisingly doesn't worry me with you. I obviously don't know what's going to happen and I won't say I never freak out when something feels weird, but I know that even if I lose you now, I'll get to see you again someday. Our faith teaches us that families can be together forever, and I truly believe that. The reason that we all have to come to Earth in the first place is to gain a body for our spirit. Your spirit now has a body, no matter how small it is. Even if you go back to our Heavenly Father before I get to hold you in my arms, I'll have some sense of peace knowing that your spirit was just so good and so strong that all you needed from Earth was that tiny body.
Though, I'll be honest... I'd still be pretty sad if I didn't get to be your parent here on Earth.
All my love,
Jill
I work in a building that has several other pregnant women in it. Today I found out that one of them, who was only due in a month, lost her baby. The doctors think that the umbilical cord got wrapped around his neck and he choked himself to death. She hasn't been coming in, understandably.
I feel really bad for her, but it surprisingly doesn't worry me with you. I obviously don't know what's going to happen and I won't say I never freak out when something feels weird, but I know that even if I lose you now, I'll get to see you again someday. Our faith teaches us that families can be together forever, and I truly believe that. The reason that we all have to come to Earth in the first place is to gain a body for our spirit. Your spirit now has a body, no matter how small it is. Even if you go back to our Heavenly Father before I get to hold you in my arms, I'll have some sense of peace knowing that your spirit was just so good and so strong that all you needed from Earth was that tiny body.
Though, I'll be honest... I'd still be pretty sad if I didn't get to be your parent here on Earth.
All my love,
Jill
Friday, September 16, 2011
Hormonal
Dear Duckie,
Child, you are making my life difficult. Ok... it's not 100% your fault... it's mostly just the hormones that accompany pregnancy. Specifically, they're doing a couple different things to me...
1. I'm craving all kinds of food! And since your dad is gone, I can't get any of it! These cravings specifically include a roast beef and cheddar sandwich from Arby's, chicken garlic pizza from Papa Murphy's, yellow cake with chocolate frosting (not even the good stuff... just from a box), brownies (also from a box), and THE MOST DELICIOUS CHINESE FOOD IN THE WORLD. By the time you can actually read this, you will have experienced all that Lim's has to offer. I want some soooo bad right now. I seriously even considered trying to walk to California from Idaho. That's how desperate I am.
2. I have major "pregnancy brain," as they refer to it in my office. This includes: not being able to do your work normally because you're suddenly stupid and saying all kinds of dumb things. At least the second one amuses the boys in the office.
3. I can't make up my mind about anything! I'll wake up in the morning and lay there thinking "I really don't want to go to work today." Then, I get home from work and lay around for a couple hours and think about how much it sucks to be cooped up in the apartment. This pattern literally occurs every single day. I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.
I'm told it's supposed to get better soon, but in the meantime, I'm going to see if I can figure out a way to get some of that Chinese food out here. Maybe your gramma can freeze it and mail it to me? It's quite delicious, even reheated.
All my love,
Jill
*** Update: I asked your gramma if she would freeze the Chinese food... this is the response I got...
Child, you are making my life difficult. Ok... it's not 100% your fault... it's mostly just the hormones that accompany pregnancy. Specifically, they're doing a couple different things to me...
1. I'm craving all kinds of food! And since your dad is gone, I can't get any of it! These cravings specifically include a roast beef and cheddar sandwich from Arby's, chicken garlic pizza from Papa Murphy's, yellow cake with chocolate frosting (not even the good stuff... just from a box), brownies (also from a box), and THE MOST DELICIOUS CHINESE FOOD IN THE WORLD. By the time you can actually read this, you will have experienced all that Lim's has to offer. I want some soooo bad right now. I seriously even considered trying to walk to California from Idaho. That's how desperate I am.
2. I have major "pregnancy brain," as they refer to it in my office. This includes: not being able to do your work normally because you're suddenly stupid and saying all kinds of dumb things. At least the second one amuses the boys in the office.
3. I can't make up my mind about anything! I'll wake up in the morning and lay there thinking "I really don't want to go to work today." Then, I get home from work and lay around for a couple hours and think about how much it sucks to be cooped up in the apartment. This pattern literally occurs every single day. I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.
I'm told it's supposed to get better soon, but in the meantime, I'm going to see if I can figure out a way to get some of that Chinese food out here. Maybe your gramma can freeze it and mail it to me? It's quite delicious, even reheated.
All my love,
Jill
*** Update: I asked your gramma if she would freeze the Chinese food... this is the response I got...
She never responded back.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
For the Momma
1. What is something your mom always says to you?
"Patience is a virtue," "Sit on a tack and spin," (when she answers the phone and knows I'm sad ) "Ohhhh! Poor baby!"
2. What makes your mom happy?
Lots of things. Reading, cobalt blue glass, her children (most of the time), her husband (most of the time)... the list goes on and on.
3. What makes your mom sad?
That she no longer has her mother around (in an earthly sense).
4. How does mom make you laugh?
She makes the most hilarious funny faces in pictures and has the most incredible sense of sarcastic humor.
5. What was your mom like as a child?
She was a classic eldest sibling. Tried to be responsible for the world she couldn't control. She was also a nerd, like me. :)
6. How old is your mom?
I don't know if I'm technically allowed to release this information, but she's 52. She sure doesn't look it, though!
7. How tall is your mom?
5' 2"
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
She loves to read, get pedicures and have girls time with her babies (who are all old enough to drink alcohol... not that they all do).
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Focuses on other kids who (mostly) didn't have the fantastic upbringing that I did. She's an example to a lot more kids than she even knows.
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Writing. She could absolutely write a book.
11. What is your mom really good at?
Comforting me whenever I need it, even about the stupidest things. And NOT RAISING HER GIRLS TO BE DOORMATS. :)
12. What is your mom not very good at?
Math. We always had to ask dad.
13. What does your mom do for her job?
She has all kinds of jobs! Outside of her main job as wife and mother, she works part-time at the Public Health Department and works for St. Joseph's Church running youth group and other teen activities.
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Hmm... tough question. Pasta, maybe? Nonno's olives? OOOOH! Probably fresh sourdough bread. I bet that's it.
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
She is a conqueror of worlds. She's definitely not the June Cleaver that people wanted her to be. She taught us to stand up for ourselves and that we were (and are) capable of doing anything.
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
The Super Mom from those old Coke commercials ("Thanks, Mom... You're super!). Or Wonder Woman.
17. What do you and your mom do together?
Right now, we mostly just talk on the phone, since we aren't in the same state. When we are together, we get pedicures, go shopping and talk a ton. We also like to see movies and eat delicious food.
18. How are you and your mom the same?
Every single way, except one... I haven't proven myself as a mother yet.
19. How are you and your mom different?
I don't know yet if I'll be as good of a mother as she has been to me and my sisters.
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
She's always been good at showing us that she does. And when we were growing up, she told us 'no.' That's always a sure sign that a parent loves their kid.
All my love,
Jill
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Leaving, in a Ford Focus
Well Duckie,
Your dad is leaving us. Granted, it's only for 3 days, but it feels like an eternity from this side of the fence. He has to go to a training for his new job at the Simply Mac store. For some reason, they do the training in Salt Lake City instead of Idaho Falls where the store is. Seems like a massive inconvenience to me, but whatever.
It'll be a weird 3 days. We've only been married a little more than a month, but this is the longest we will have been apart in a while. I'm really not sure if I'm going to sleep better or worse without him there. Now, let's be clear... I love your dad, but he moves in his sleep and usually physically abuses me unconsciously somehow, so a bed of my own for a couple days is potentially very exciting. Then again, that's a lot of warmth I'll be missing out on! Plus, what if I have a bad dream like the one I had recently where Phineas was hit by a car and I had to carry his dead body home for like a mile? OR the one I had the other night where he got married to Dana Bambino, my best friend from the third grade?? I tell you what... hormones are crazy. They make me have these dreams and then I get all sad about them even after I'm awake. What a pain.
I think the worst part about your dad being gone is that I'm going to have to take the bus to work. It wouldn't ordinarily be so bad, but I'm really unclear as to where the bus actually shows up and stuff. The public transportation system here SUCKS.
There are, however, two plus sides... The first is that I might be forced to do more walking with this whole bus situation. BOTH of your grandmothers have made it very clear that I'm to walk 30 minutes every day. I've been having some trouble with that. Something always comes up. Yesterday the weather was bad, but most of the time, I'm too tired or your dad is feeling lazy and absolutely refuses to come with me. He also thinks that shopping at the grocery store counts, which is entirely wrong. So, maybe I'll have to work a little harder.
The second plus is that there's a bunch of stuff that needs to be done around the house. It's possible that with your dad gone, I'll get bored enough that I'll actually get up off my sorry butt and take care of the giant checklist of things in my head that should be done. It's also possible that I'll feel tired and go to sleep at 7 pm (pregnancy makes this possible AND allows you to sleep through the full night AND still keeps you tired the next day).
So. There you go. What a week we've got ahead of us...
All My Love,
Jill
P.S. I'm hoping when you're older that you'll understand that the title of this blog was fashioned after the song "Leaving on a Jet Plane."
Your dad is leaving us. Granted, it's only for 3 days, but it feels like an eternity from this side of the fence. He has to go to a training for his new job at the Simply Mac store. For some reason, they do the training in Salt Lake City instead of Idaho Falls where the store is. Seems like a massive inconvenience to me, but whatever.
It'll be a weird 3 days. We've only been married a little more than a month, but this is the longest we will have been apart in a while. I'm really not sure if I'm going to sleep better or worse without him there. Now, let's be clear... I love your dad, but he moves in his sleep and usually physically abuses me unconsciously somehow, so a bed of my own for a couple days is potentially very exciting. Then again, that's a lot of warmth I'll be missing out on! Plus, what if I have a bad dream like the one I had recently where Phineas was hit by a car and I had to carry his dead body home for like a mile? OR the one I had the other night where he got married to Dana Bambino, my best friend from the third grade?? I tell you what... hormones are crazy. They make me have these dreams and then I get all sad about them even after I'm awake. What a pain.
I think the worst part about your dad being gone is that I'm going to have to take the bus to work. It wouldn't ordinarily be so bad, but I'm really unclear as to where the bus actually shows up and stuff. The public transportation system here SUCKS.
There are, however, two plus sides... The first is that I might be forced to do more walking with this whole bus situation. BOTH of your grandmothers have made it very clear that I'm to walk 30 minutes every day. I've been having some trouble with that. Something always comes up. Yesterday the weather was bad, but most of the time, I'm too tired or your dad is feeling lazy and absolutely refuses to come with me. He also thinks that shopping at the grocery store counts, which is entirely wrong. So, maybe I'll have to work a little harder.
The second plus is that there's a bunch of stuff that needs to be done around the house. It's possible that with your dad gone, I'll get bored enough that I'll actually get up off my sorry butt and take care of the giant checklist of things in my head that should be done. It's also possible that I'll feel tired and go to sleep at 7 pm (pregnancy makes this possible AND allows you to sleep through the full night AND still keeps you tired the next day).
So. There you go. What a week we've got ahead of us...
All My Love,
Jill
P.S. I'm hoping when you're older that you'll understand that the title of this blog was fashioned after the song "Leaving on a Jet Plane."
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Jiggles
Dear baby,
I'm just DYING to know if you're a boy or a girl... I'd like to start calling you by your actual name. The funny thing is, once I know what you are, I'll probably only talk to you using dorky nicknames I make up.
Last night I came to a sad realization. My cute little body is going away. It was 4 am, and I had taken Phineas out to go potty. After he finished, I picked him up and started walking back to the apartment. I had only traveled a few steps before I realized that something was very wrong. Walking didn't feel quite the same as it had before. Then it came to me... my back fat was jiggling. That was an entirely new feeling for me; a feeling I could definitely do without. I mean, honestly, I was just getting used to the fact that my boobs were starting to jiggle! Now I have back boobs that jiggle, too! It was a sad night, indeed. Goodbye cute, tiny body. I guess the one good thing is that I'll be more prepared for Idaho winter. *sigh*
Don't worry. I still love you, even though I now constantly feel like a cow.
All my love,
Jill
I'm just DYING to know if you're a boy or a girl... I'd like to start calling you by your actual name. The funny thing is, once I know what you are, I'll probably only talk to you using dorky nicknames I make up.
Last night I came to a sad realization. My cute little body is going away. It was 4 am, and I had taken Phineas out to go potty. After he finished, I picked him up and started walking back to the apartment. I had only traveled a few steps before I realized that something was very wrong. Walking didn't feel quite the same as it had before. Then it came to me... my back fat was jiggling. That was an entirely new feeling for me; a feeling I could definitely do without. I mean, honestly, I was just getting used to the fact that my boobs were starting to jiggle! Now I have back boobs that jiggle, too! It was a sad night, indeed. Goodbye cute, tiny body. I guess the one good thing is that I'll be more prepared for Idaho winter. *sigh*
Don't worry. I still love you, even though I now constantly feel like a cow.
All my love,
Jill
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
First Trimester of Doom
Dear Embryo,
Good gravy. The first little bit of your life is making me miserable... no offense. Between the puking, feeling sick when I'm not puking, heartburn (which is brand new to me... thanks so much for that), the memory loss and unpredictable mood swings, it's been a real kick in the pants.
The plus side is that we FINALLY got to tell all your grandparents that you exist! It was pretty cool, too. We had rubber duckies on our wedding cake that were dressed like a bride and a groom. So to tell them, your dad and I went out and found little rubber duckies dressed as babies. We presented a duck to each set along with bubble gum cigars. Their first two responses were "Wow. That was fast." and "Bubble gum cigars in pink and blue? Does this mean we get to vote on if it's a boy or a girl?"
I think my parents took it the hardest, since you'll be their very first grandchild. It probably didn't help that everyone expected us to wait a while after we got married before we made a baby, though. That was the plan, but you'll learn early on in life that things don't always go according to plan. Of course, your dad and I are going to do as much as we can to give you an amazing childhood, but even so, there will come a time when we won't be able to watch our for our little duck anymore. I will, of course, try to delay that moment by all means possible, but eventually you'll fly away and have problems you'll have to take care of all by yourself. I just hope that your dad and I will have given you the tools you need to deal with those problems calmly and rationally. *fingers crossed*
The absolute worst part of the trip was the drive home. I don't think your dad and I are going to make any long car trips for quite a while. This last one was a doozy. I barfed all over the place, soaking the car door (he couldn't find a place to stop). I also made him stop several times so I could open the door and throw up on the street. That grossed him out pretty bad. In addition, I cried for like 15 minutes because he didn't want to go on a walk right away when we got home. We were both pretty freaked out by that reaction.
Today is better. I'm learning more about what I can and can't eat and I've got to tell you... this is absolutely going to be the healthiest I've ever been. I've cut all the bad stuff out of my diet and exercise more than I have in the past. All for you, kid. So don't say I've never done anything for you. :)
All my love,
Jill
Good gravy. The first little bit of your life is making me miserable... no offense. Between the puking, feeling sick when I'm not puking, heartburn (which is brand new to me... thanks so much for that), the memory loss and unpredictable mood swings, it's been a real kick in the pants.
The plus side is that we FINALLY got to tell all your grandparents that you exist! It was pretty cool, too. We had rubber duckies on our wedding cake that were dressed like a bride and a groom. So to tell them, your dad and I went out and found little rubber duckies dressed as babies. We presented a duck to each set along with bubble gum cigars. Their first two responses were "Wow. That was fast." and "Bubble gum cigars in pink and blue? Does this mean we get to vote on if it's a boy or a girl?"
I think my parents took it the hardest, since you'll be their very first grandchild. It probably didn't help that everyone expected us to wait a while after we got married before we made a baby, though. That was the plan, but you'll learn early on in life that things don't always go according to plan. Of course, your dad and I are going to do as much as we can to give you an amazing childhood, but even so, there will come a time when we won't be able to watch our for our little duck anymore. I will, of course, try to delay that moment by all means possible, but eventually you'll fly away and have problems you'll have to take care of all by yourself. I just hope that your dad and I will have given you the tools you need to deal with those problems calmly and rationally. *fingers crossed*
The absolute worst part of the trip was the drive home. I don't think your dad and I are going to make any long car trips for quite a while. This last one was a doozy. I barfed all over the place, soaking the car door (he couldn't find a place to stop). I also made him stop several times so I could open the door and throw up on the street. That grossed him out pretty bad. In addition, I cried for like 15 minutes because he didn't want to go on a walk right away when we got home. We were both pretty freaked out by that reaction.
Today is better. I'm learning more about what I can and can't eat and I've got to tell you... this is absolutely going to be the healthiest I've ever been. I've cut all the bad stuff out of my diet and exercise more than I have in the past. All for you, kid. So don't say I've never done anything for you. :)
All my love,
Jill
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Oh Baby
Dear Baby,
Oh boy... pregnancy sucks. So far, morning sickness is the worst part. Even that wouldn't be too terrible, but today has had some twists and turns.
When I got into the office this morning, it was really hot. That's unusual. I ordinarily have to wear a jacket all day. Instead, the guys came in and immediately started complaining. I didn't mind it too much at first. That is, until after lunch when it got SO warm that I had continual recurring morning sickness. In addition, I'm tired all the time and the heat just makes me want to sleep that much more.
There's still two hours before work ends, but I'm hoping Mike lets us leave a little early... you and I need a good nap.
All my love,
Jill
Oh boy... pregnancy sucks. So far, morning sickness is the worst part. Even that wouldn't be too terrible, but today has had some twists and turns.
When I got into the office this morning, it was really hot. That's unusual. I ordinarily have to wear a jacket all day. Instead, the guys came in and immediately started complaining. I didn't mind it too much at first. That is, until after lunch when it got SO warm that I had continual recurring morning sickness. In addition, I'm tired all the time and the heat just makes me want to sleep that much more.
There's still two hours before work ends, but I'm hoping Mike lets us leave a little early... you and I need a good nap.
All my love,
Jill
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A Bun is Clearly in the Oven
Dear Fetus,
Well, I'm definitely pregnant. I was going to wait until Friday to take a pregnancy test, but your dad and I got a little bit curious and decided to see what would happen if I took one last night. Apparently, I'm so pregnant that the test didn't even need the full three minutes to make a decision.
Well, I'm definitely pregnant. I was going to wait until Friday to take a pregnancy test, but your dad and I got a little bit curious and decided to see what would happen if I took one last night. Apparently, I'm so pregnant that the test didn't even need the full three minutes to make a decision.
Fetus, I must say, you're quite decisive. I like that. You remind me of me. :)
We wanted to be really certain though, so we used a second test...
Prego Test Numero Dos
Pregnancy Tests 1 and 2
The plus side is that we won't have to fight about what your name will be. We already have a boy's name and a girl's name all picked out.
If you're a girl, your name will be Jane Harper Haskett.
If you're a boy, your name will be Joseph Edward Haskett.
Now we just have to wait to find out if you'll be our little Janey or JoJo.
All my love,
Mom
Monday, August 22, 2011
Bun in the Oven?
Dear Possible Baby in my Tummy,
I'm very worried that you're in there right now. I've always wanted to be a mother, but I don't feel like we're ready to take care of a beautiful new life yet. We aren't financially stable and we're both really busy. Your dad has school starting soon and he's trying to get a job. In the meantime, he's attempting to potty train a puppy that would much rather pee on our carpet. As for me, I'm at work all the time. I'm the one making money and I need to keep supporting our little family. Once you come, I'll be a stay-at-home mommy who can't help as much with the bills. I get a little worried about making your daddy the one who has to go to school and make all the money. It seems like it would be a lot of work.
But then again, maybe you aren't in there. Here are the signs I have so far that your dad and I have produced you:
And if you are in there, please go easy on me... pregnancy is sort of terrifying. Also, when you get here, give us a break every now and again. We have absolutely no clue what we're doing.
All my love,
Jill
I'm very worried that you're in there right now. I've always wanted to be a mother, but I don't feel like we're ready to take care of a beautiful new life yet. We aren't financially stable and we're both really busy. Your dad has school starting soon and he's trying to get a job. In the meantime, he's attempting to potty train a puppy that would much rather pee on our carpet. As for me, I'm at work all the time. I'm the one making money and I need to keep supporting our little family. Once you come, I'll be a stay-at-home mommy who can't help as much with the bills. I get a little worried about making your daddy the one who has to go to school and make all the money. It seems like it would be a lot of work.
But then again, maybe you aren't in there. Here are the signs I have so far that your dad and I have produced you:
- There have been a couple days when I've had trouble getting into my jeans
- I've been eating more than usual
- I've had weird cravings for salad, Pepsi and buttermilk ranch dressing
- I've been randomly sick at different moments during the day
- Everyone keeps telling me they think I'm pregnant
And if you are in there, please go easy on me... pregnancy is sort of terrifying. Also, when you get here, give us a break every now and again. We have absolutely no clue what we're doing.
All my love,
Jill
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