35 Weeks

35 Weeks done and 35 Days left!   I cannot wait!  All I have to say is, thank god I don't have to be pregnant through the 2 hottest months of the year, I don't think this swollen body could handle any more heat!  This weekend we went to my cousins' annual Memorial Day picnic, and the temp was in the 80's, not too bad, but, man, when you are pregnant it is HOT!  I also have been needing our AC on a lot more this year than last year.  Thank goodness we invested in central air this year, that might be the best investment we have made in this house!

For the most part I'm surviving okay.  The worst symptom I have right now are my swollen feet/legs.  They don't even look like the belong to me.  Somedays they get so engorged they look purple.  If I get stretch marks I will most likely have them on my feet, not my belly!  They grew so fast!

We finished our final parenting class last week- Breastfeeding.  It was exactly what I needed to ease most of my worries about nursing Little Boy.  I was incredibly apprehensive about breastfeeding before the class, but now I feel a whole lot more confident!  Even if I do struggle, there are lots of resources out there and I will do all I can to make this work for me and Baby Boy!

-The Weekly List -

How far along? 35 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +30.  I was added three pounds this week.  Honestly, I added those three pounds about 2 days after my last post and it has everything to do with the massive amount of water my body is retaining right now.  

Maternity clothes? Yep and my family commented on how I am even outgrowing them!  Ugh, I am not buying any more clothes!

Stretch marks? Still none, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them on my right side and not by left.  He is snuggling in on my right and my whole belly is lopsided and awkward looking.  

Sleep: I can sleep okay, I get hot more easily now.  I am also really so if I stay on one side for too long.  I also really like napping whenever I get the chance!

Best moment this week: Quality time on Saturday with my mom and sister.  Corey treated us to pedis. I painted my toes blue for baby boy and loved soaking my feet in the whirlpool tub.  When she rubbed my feet, I wanted to scream.  Swollen feet being squished does not feel good!   After the pedis they came up here to help me organize all the shower goodies!  Thank god they were here, we got so much accomplished.  Everything is put away and we washed all the clothes and blankets and organized all the clothes by size!   We are almost ready for Baby Boy!!

Miss Anything? As I stated before, just feeling comfortable, being able to walk, not having to pee 30 times a day.  

Movement: He still moves a lot, but he seems to have gotten into sleep patterns.  I haven't really noted when he is sleeping and awake, but it just seems like it is more scheduled than before.  When he does move it is starting to feel more and more uncomfortable.  

Food cravings: Chocolate and soda. 

Food aversions: Nothing!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  The heat makes me feel weak.    

Ailments: Major swelling in my feet, legs and hands.  My face is starting to look a little swollen now too.  My sides (especially my right) are feeling really sore from all of his weight.  

Have you started to show yet: So much so that people I don't even know keep saying I'm not making it until July!

Gender prediction: Beautiful baby boy. 

Labor Signs: More Braxton Hicks contractions but nothing over the top painful.  Sometimes I feel wicked pressure, but it usually only lasts several minutes.    

Belly Button in or out? Out and not very attractive!

Wedding rings on or off? Off and I doubt my fingers will ever be as small as they were again.   

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but really tired!

Looking forward to: Seeing this little boy!  Holding him in my arms!  Kissing his handsome face!  Starting a family with my husband.  (Can't we just get this show on the road!!!)

Rounding Third

To keep with the baseball metaphor, that is where I seem to be right now: Rounding third and making my way home.  Actually, I'm probably halfway down the third baseline though, ready to make my slide into home plate.

I am so ready.

It is hot. I am tired.  I am swollen.  I am achy and sore.  I am HUGE!!!

Next time up to bat, I may plan a winter arrival for my home run!

I Lied...

So I'm not ready to post about the shower this weekend.  I really was going to tonight, but then I realized I don't have a single picture from that day.  I know a few people were taking pictures so I will just have to get them to either email me or make a CD.  If nothing else I want to make sure the world sees a picture of the cake.  It was adorable!!

On another note.  I have Fred Flintstone feet.  The swelling keeps getting worse and worse.  When I get up from bed my feet and ankles look almost normal and, no lie, in less than a minute they are swollen!  I really don't understand what is going on.  They are becoming really sore too, but not on the top where the swelling is visible, but on the bottom.  I haven't done much walking lately, and when I do it is incredibly slow.  At school I try to keep my feet up as much as possible, but I do not have a desk job so it is nearly impossible. Although, I do force myself to sit more than I did before.

If I didn't have the last day of school to shoot for, I would probably be planning my last day of work for either next Friday or the Friday after that.  It is getting increasingly difficult to get up in the morning and I take a nap almost every night.  It also doesn't help that I don't have a parking spot at school, so some days I have to park about 3/4 of a mile away and drag my nerdy rolling suitcase to school in the morning and back to my car in the afternoon.  Somedays I luck out and someone offers me their spot but most days I have a long, slow walk to my car in the afternoon (the mornings don't bother me so much!).  This is the biggest gripe I have about working in the city!

I have hit the third trimester wall, and boy have I hit it hard!

34 Weeks (1 Day)

We are getting closer!  Less than 6 weeks to go now!   Considering all the weight I'm carrying and how huge my belly is, I think I am feeling pretty good for a preggo lady.  I seem to have the typical 3rd trimester ailments and nothing is unbearable at this point.  

Sunday I had my wonderful shower.  It was beyond what I could have ever expected.  I don't want to share too much yet, since I want to dedicate a whole post to the event, but WOW it was absolutely, incredibly perfect!

Last night we had our Newborn Care class and it was fabulous.  I knew about a lot of the stuff, but I didn't know how to do the things; like, how to take care of the umbilical cord, how to sponge bathe, or swaddle a baby.  It was really informative and I am happy to have this new knowledge.  It just makes me sad to think that some women do not have the luxury to go to classes like this and how do they get through the early days with their babies?   I can't imagine just being thrown into motherhood without any training!

Today we went for our 34 week check up.  I am still gaining weight a little too quickly now, but nothing that they are concerned about.  My urine tests came back normal.  I don't understand why earlier in my pregnancy I had both sugar and protein in my urine and now I am experiencing neither. My blood pressure is starting to creep up, but still not too high at 120/80.  My doctor confirmed that  the swelling and pressure I am feeling are perfectly normal for this point in my pregnancy.  When she checked my belly she confirmed what I had believed...baby boy is in position!  His head is down nice and low, with this back up my right side to my rib cage, butt near my left ribs and feet down by his face.  His heart rate is now 130, which is lower than it has been, but that tends to happen as the baby grows.  My fundal height is 35 cm, about a week larger than I should be, but that is pretty much how Little Boy and I have been growing this whole pregnancy.  Everything is looking great!  Let's hope he comes a week early!  

I go back in two weeks, then my appointments will be every week!  Crazy how fast the time is flying now!

-The Weekly List -

How far along? 34 Weeks, 1 Day

Total weight gain/loss: +27 according to the doctor's scale.  I honestly can't believe the number I see when I step on that thing!  I have never ever been even close to this heavy in my life!! 

Maternity clothes? Everyday except I am actually more comfortable in my workout clothes I wore before my pregnancy.  So when I get home I usually change into my running shorts or capris.  I am so happy I can still wear those, as long as I keep the waistband below my belly!

Stretch marks? None, but I have a feeling some will show up after delivery.  Kiel informed me one day last week..."You have the line!"  Yes, I do now have the Linea Negra below my belly button.  I am convinced it appeared once Baby Boy dropped a little lower in my belly.  

Sleep: Luckily, I am still able to sleep well at night.  I only usually get up once to go to the bathroom.  I should probably get up at least one more time, but I hold it!   I am feeling incredibly tired.  I came home after my doctor today and took a two hour nap and I can't wait to crawl back into bed!  

Best moment this week: My ridiculous shower.  I seriously can't believe all they did for me!  I can't wait to share the pictures and a little narrative about the event on here.  I promise I will get to it tomorrow or Thursday!

Miss Anything? Nothing in the food department.  Just the usual, being able to bend over, feel comfortable, roll over, get in and out of bed or my car, walk without a waddle.  

Movement: He moves so much!!  And the movement is so "baby-like" now.  Back at 17 weeks I remember telling people it felt like he was flailing his arms and legs.   Then it transitioned to more synchronized kicks and punches.  Now it seems like he is rolling, and stretching, and carefully moving his arms and legs.  I can almost visualize what he looks like as he makes these incredible movements.  Oh and I just want to note that this kid gets the hiccups like 2-3 times a day!  No lie!  I am afraid he will be plagued by these things his whole life!   And another interesting tidbit...I haven't had the hiccups once this pregnancy.  I have been paying attention since I always wondered how it would feel for the baby if I got them and I never did.  He stole my hiccups from me!

Food cravings: Chocolate and fruit. 

Food aversions: Nothing!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  When I got to bed at night I have been feeling a little nauseous again.  It is nothing serious, just a bit annoying.  

Ailments: Increasing bladder pressure!  I go to the bathroom pretty much every time I stand up now.  Major swelling of my feet and hands.  I also have noticed my left side is slightly more swollen than my right.  Not sure if that means anything...

Have you started to show yet: Yep I am pretty stinking huge!  

Gender prediction: Beautiful baby boy. 

Labor Signs: I have been noticing very random and scattered Braxton Hicks contractions.  Some days I have none, others maybe 3-4 at the most.  And they are nothing serious yet.  I also have lots of pressure and seem to be carrying rather low.  

Belly Button in or out? Out and not very attractive!

Wedding rings on or off? Off and not even close to going back on!  I hope I don't need them resized!  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and surprisingly, not very moody considering how tired I feel.  I am just so excited!!

Looking forward to: Seeing this little boy!  Holding him in my arms!  Kissing his handsome face!  Starting a family with my husband.  

An updated version of my 34 weeks post will be added tomorrow.   Until then just wanted to say I'm feeling good, but swollen.  I guess that can be expected.

I can't wait to compare pictures from last week to this week.  I swear this child has dropped over the past 7 days!  I can't say enough how happy I am that we have been taking weekly pictures to see the "progress" we have made throughout this pregnancy!

Live Updates

Ten people have voted in my live update poll and it seems like most people are interested in seeing live updates via facebook.  Since I have more random facebook friends than I care to admit, I think I will create a private group so only the people that I want can see what is going on as it happens.

I am honestly not even sure how much we will even be able to update the world, but I guess we will just wait and see what happens.  

Be on the lookout for a group invite to Amanda's Labor and Delivery on facebook in the next day or so.  If you want to make sure you are included, please comment on here or message me on facebook so I can be sure to add you!  

Shower and such

Today is my shower.  I'm a little nervous about all the eyes on being on me.  It would be a little bit better if Baby Boy were actually here to take some of the attention off me, but I guess I just have to suck it up.

Posting will be a little sporadic this week.  My typical Monday night post will have to be posted on Tuesday since we have our Newborn care class from 6:30-9 and I have to tutor before that so fitting in dinner and our weekly picture may be a stretch!

Tuesday will be a good day to update though since we will be back at the doctor for our bi-weekly check up.  I'm curious to see how baby boy is positioned.  He seems to be head down and super low!

Friday we will take our final class-Breast feeding.  Kiel will be very into that, I'm sure!

Only 3 more weeks until I have a full-term baby inside of me and 6 more weeks until his due date!!!!

Type A??

I have always considered myself to have the "Type A" personality.  Wikipedia states:

"The theory describes a Type A individual as ambitious, rigidly organized, highly status conscious, can be sensitive, care for other people, are truthful, impatient, always try to help others, take on more than they can handle, want other people to get to the point, proactive, and obsessed with time management. People with Type A personalities are often high-achieving "workaholics" who multi-task, push themselves with deadlines, and hate both delays and ambivalence."


Anyone who knows me probably found themselves nodding as they read (perhaps the "rigidly organized" doesn't actually fit me, but everything else does!)


All this being said, I find it hard to believe we are 46 days away from my due date and I still do not have a name picked out for Little Boy.  Never in a million years would I have believed someone if they told me I would be this close to giving birth and still had not yet settled on a name.  I always thought I would have a name set in stone by Week 20 at the very latest!

Now, I don't see how people even decide on names so quickly.  Naming the baby is such a HUGE deal!  I can't imagine finalizing anything until I actually see him.   Up until now, I thought that once I saw him I would then have my "Aha" moment and the name would just blurt out of my mouth.  But now, I am not even so sure about that.

Will any of the three names we have match what he looks like?  Do babies even look like a name?  

At this point in my post my Type A anxiety is starting to kick in because the deadline is fast approaching and I think I am more confused now than I was 6 paragraphs ago!

I guess all I can hope for is once Kiel and I both see him we will just know what his name was meant to be.  Until then we all will just have to patiently wait....

33 Weeks

Seven weeks to go!!!

Everything I have read said the third trimester is the one that drags.  I beg to differ!  These weeks are flying now!  Perhaps it is because I have so much going on and the weather is really nice.  Regardless, I am so happy these weeks are flying by!

Today I am feeling great.  Lately it seems like one day each week is rough.  Like, "I don't know how much longer I can go being pregnant" rough.   But it seems like I have far more good days than bad!

I am getting super excited for the birth.  Surprisingly, I am not nervous for the actual labor at this point at all!  I am more nervous about our first night home.  I think that will be a huge change for us and I really don't know how to prepare for it!

I am also approaching the "I don't want to be pregnant anymore" days.  It is kind of bumming me out that I am beginning to feel this way since I know I am so lucky to be able to carry Little Boy and have him 100% to myself right now.  But there is another part of me that just wants to be comfortable again! I want to be able to walk without getting out of breath, bend without my belly in the way, get dressed without having to strategically swing my undies so they hook on my foot....

-The Weekly List -

How far along? 33 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +25 pounds.  Kept the weight gain down to a pound this week, which is great considering Little Boy probably gained about 1/2 a pound! 

Maternity clothes? Still feeling quite uncomfortable in most of my clothes.  My belly seems to be getting really low and very few of my pants fit comfortably right now.  

Stretch marks? None!!!

Sleep: Still not too much to complain about in this department.  I am certainly waking up more since I get quite uncomfortable if I stay on one side for too long.  I also have been noticing his weight shifts when I roll and it can be incredibly painful on my sides.  

Best moment this week: Getting our maternity pictures taken by my bestie, Lauren!  I can't wait to see how they came out!

Miss Anything? Mostly just feeling comfortable.  I really hate complaining about this, but right now I am kind of missing having my body to myself.  Making and carrying a baby is A LOT of work!!!

Movement: Moving a lot.  He totally shakes my body sometimes when he moves.  Kiel said the other morning I was sleeping and the baby's movements were totally causing me to jerk and shake.  He really isn't "kicking" anymore, it is definitely more like stretching and readjusting.  Sometimes when he gets into a weird position my whole stomach looks lumpy and uneven.  It is really crazy to see and feel!

Food cravings: Soda.  I kind of regret it every time I drink it since it makes me feel so bloated!

Food aversions: Nothing!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nothing!

Ailments: Bladder pressure.  And the newest ailment....swelling :(  My rings are now off, and my feet and ankles are swelling.  I hope it doesn't get much worse than this, I can handle the swelling I'm experiencing now, I just don't know if I can handle much more!

Have you started to show yet: I feel ginormous!  When I saw myself in some of Lauren's pictures when she was reviewing them on her camera, I couldn't believe that is how others see me.  On the bright side, after we took our 33 week picture tonight Kiel called me "gibeautiful!"  

Gender prediction: Beautiful baby boy. 

Labor Signs: No. Just that spotting scare from last week, which ending up being nothing to worry about.  I have been noticing a few more braxton hicks contractions, but nothing crazy.  

Belly Button in or out? Out and you can see it through my clothes :(

Wedding rings on or off? Off as of today.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still very happy, and excited, and blessed!

Looking forward to: My shower this weekend (the only thing I know about it is that it is Sunday and they want Kiel to have me there for 1:15)!  Seeing how the bump pictures came out.  Working on the ABC wall on Saturday.  Having my former student spend the weekend with us so she can come to my shower!  I have a lot going on this week.  

Mother's Day

There is just something about the quote above that gets me every time.  I pinned this picture on pinterest long before I even knew I was pregnant.  Now that Little Boy is in there being soothed by the beat of my heart, this quote means so much more.

Everyday I fall more and more in love with him.  I know once he his born and I see his beautiful face for the first time all the love I have for him right now will be multiplied exponentially (is that even mathematically possible...Kate?).

I hope he realizes that he means more than anything to me and I will never stop loving him.

"No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you, [Little Boy].   After all, you're the the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside."

I also would like to document my first Mother's Day card from my mommy and daddy.  It choked me up a bit...

Minor Scare...

Although I don't think it is completely necessary to share this, I am trying to document everything about this pregnancy for future reference.  Soooooo, on Wednesday morning we found ourselves in Labor and Delivery....

When I woke up at 4:30 for work and went to the bathroom there was blood.  Although I was not overly concerned, the more I thought about it the more I felt I should call the doctor.  It was the first time I have seen any blood during the pregnancy and there was a decent amount.  I also remembered reading that it can be an early sign of preterm labor.

After discussing my lack of other symptoms with the on call doctor, he thought it best to just go in to get checked out just to be on the safe side.  I really wasn't stressing, though, since little boy was super active and responsive to my voice and rubs.  We packed up a quick bag (just in case) and headed to the hospital.

Four hours later and after a series of tests were completed the doctor confirmed what I thought....it was just a perfectly safe side effect of pregnancy.  My cervix was not dilated, I was only having minor braxton hicks contractions, and some other preterm test confirmed there is virtually no chance of me going into labor in the next 2-4 weeks.  Phew!!

One fun thing during this whole ordeal was listening to little boy's constant heart rate and the muffled sounds of his movements.  I think Kiel was shocked to realize how much this little bugger moves!  

Also, both nurses that I had commented on how content little boy seemed based on his heart rate and near constant activity.  I have always thought the same thing!

It was also neat to see the braxton hicks contractions popping up on the contraction monitor.  I really hadn't realized they were happening so often since I really can't feel them, but it is good to know my body is practically constantly working out to prepare for the big day.

32 Weeks

(Kiel is not home so no picture at the moment.  I'll hopefully update this post tomorrow or Wednesday.  But you better believe I will be ready for the picture tonight once he gets home!)

Last week started off yucky.  Remember my 31 week post about really feeling pregnant.  I am happy to report that only lasted for Monday and for most the the week I was back to feeling great!  However, Friday was another tough day.  My theory is that the baby is getting into a strange position and just chilling there.  Oh, it hurts so much!   It is so uncomfortable and waddling is the only way for me to get around!   I'm just happy it is not an everyday thing!!

I have definitely hit that third trimester wall.  I am exhausted!  It feels very different from the first trimester, though.   At the beginning I felt so "hormonally drained"- very much like PMS tired multiplied by ten million!   Now I feel more like I have run 8 miles every day.  Carrying around all this weight is exhausting.   I don't know how people who gain 50-60 pounds survive!  Just these added 24 pounds are causing exhaustion and shortness of breath when walking.

Even though I am sounding pretty whiny now, it really isn't all that bad...YET!   Everything else seems to be going great!

-The Weekly List -

How far along? 32 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +24 pounds.  I am gaining a little too fast for my liking again.  I'll get an official weight on Wednesday when I have my check up.  

Maternity clothes? They are driving me nuts!  Nothing fits right.  My belly seems too big for the size of my legs, butt, and hips now.  So high banded pants have to be rolled down, but then they start to sag because my hips can't hold them up!  This is a very different problem from what I am used to!  

Stretch marks? Nope, and no Linea Negra, varicose veins, or hemorrhoids either!  I have gotten lucky in this department! (Hopefully I haven't jinxed myself!)

Sleep: Actually still sleeping relatively well.  Obviously not as well as the beginning of my pregnancy, but considering how big my belly is I am sleeping well.  I also haven't had any crazy leg cramps that they warn you about!!!

Best moment this week: Having the psychic tell me little boy will be here a week before his due date, but after the last day of school.  PERFECT!!

Miss Anything? Being able to put on my own socks!  Yes, Kiel has to do it now. Not having to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes.   Salami!  First meal is totally going to be a salami grinder (sub sandwich for anyone not from Eastern CT) with no cheese, toasted.  I doubt they will have that in the hospital so SOMEONE will have to stop and pick one up.... 

Movement: Still having the active/lazy every other day thing going on.  But when he does move my whole body practically moves.  He seems to be getting huge!

Food cravings: Fruit and chocolate!

Food aversions: I can eat anything and everything!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nothing!

Ailments: Still lots of pressure on my bladder when standing. When Baby boy gets into that weird position. 

Have you started to show yet: Yeah I'm huge.  One benefit...people go out of their way to hold open doors for me!

Gender prediction: Beautiful baby boy. 

Labor Signs: No.  I haven't noticed any Braxton Hicks contractions in a long while.  

Belly Button in or out? Noticeably out! :(

Wedding rings on or off? On, and still getting a little snug.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy and excited! 

Looking forward to: What his room will look like at the end of the week.  Painting my ABC's and getting the infamous ABC wall up.   Seeing his handsome face!

All About Mom and Dad...

Some info to share with Little Boy about his Mama and Daddy.  

What are your middle names?
 Acimo and Michael

How long have you been together?
9 years and 8 months!  It will be 10 years at the end of the summer.  Crazy to think that 1/3 of our lives have been spent together!

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
About three months.  We met after I transferred to his grocery store after our freshman year of college.

Who asked whom out?
He called to ask me out!

How old are each of you?
29- I love the months when we are the same age!

Whose siblings do you see the most?
We see all the siblings pretty equally.  I love that my brother has now transferred back to CT for college so we will be seeing a whole lot more of him!

Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
The way I get when I am tired.  I really can't think of difficult situations...

Are you from the same home town?
Nope but we spent most of our childhoods' only 15 minutes away from each other.

Who is smarter?
Definitely depends on what you are talking about.  I am book smart, but he is people/street smart.  It is a good balance!

Who is the most sensitive?
Me!

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
We don't go out a lot since we are always trying to save money for something, but when we do we tend to go to Olive Garden.

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Greece/Turkey for our honeymoon!

Who has the craziest exes?
Neither of us are in contact with exes so we don't have to deal with that.  He probably has crazier ones though just cuz I don't have very many!

Who has the worst temper?
He does. But I do have one myself!

Who does the cooking?
We share this responsibility.  Pretty much whoever comes home first starts dinner.

Who is the neat-freak?
He is.  We both hate how messy I can be!

Who is more stubborn?
I am, but being stubborn can be a good thing!  I don't give up until I get what I want, but he probably sees it as I don't shut up until he says I'm right!

Who hogs the bed?
He says I do!  But he hogs the blankets!

Who wakes up earlier?
Me for work, but on the weekends he is up before me.

Where was your first date?
Providence Place Mall for a movie.

Who is more jealous?
We are equally (not) jealous.  I think we both had jealous tendencies at the beginning since we were so young, but now jealousy is not an issue!

How long did it take to get serious?
Just a few days.  I think we both had a feeling even though we were so young.

Who eats more?
Depends on the day.  He can pack down more at a buffet, but I am an all day snacker!

Who does the laundry?
We share this too.  He has to bring it up and down the stairs though!

Who's better with the computer?
Me, but he has all other forms of technology on me (phones, TV, etc)

Who drives when you are together?
He almost always drives.   

Ten on Tuesday

1. What TV commercial do you think is the most annoying?
I hate (almost) all commercials!  But I really hate the Education Connection commercials.  Anyone living the the Massachusetts area may have noticed a new commercial on NESN.  "Cecilia's having a brunch!"  If you haven't seen it consider yourself lucky!  

2. What is the weirdest gift you have ever received?
I don't know!!!!  I wish I could think of something, but I got nothing!

3. What is a song you thought you knew the words and then later found out you were wrong?
Pretty much all songs.  I make up my own lyrics.  
So I just googled the lyrics for Pour Some Sugar on Me cuz I know I sing those wrong!  
"Livin' like a lover with a radar phone"
I always say : 
Livin' like a lover with a RED iPHONE. I'm sure there are a ton of other examples, but I can't think of them!


4. What are you most looking forward to this month?
My baby shower!   I'm kind of nervous about being up in front of everyone with all their eyes on me, but I am excited to see what has been planned.  

5. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? Explain.
I love my dishwasher and microwave.  They are both pretty much necessities.  But after further thought I realized I could not live without my refrigerator.  We had hurricanes and snow storms over the past year and when we lost power it is tough not to be able to rely on having our food kept cold.  I really wouldn't want to live without it!  

6. If you could have a gift card to anywhere right now, where would you choose? Why?
Probably Babies R Us or Target.  I foresee lots of diaper purchases in our near future!

7. What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Plain cheese or onion and pepper. 

8. Name something you’re thankful for aside from obvious answers (i.e. family, job, faith, etc.).
Aside from the obvious....the internet??  I love how easy it makes teaching.  I love that whenever I experience something weird I can just google it.  I love how I can stay connected to my friends and family.  I love how I am using it right now to document my life.   I love how you can find any answer to any question on the internet! 

9. What was your least favorite rule growing up?
Probably that we couldn't ride our bikes past our second neighbor's house.  I really can't think of anything else!

10. If you could train your pet to do one thing, what would it be? Example, “Weego” from the Bud Light commercial:
Pee and poop on the toilet.  That would be amazing!!!