they say it's my birthday!

Well, it was. A few days ago.

I'm such a good aunt I wanted to share my birthday with my niece, Anna!

Anna showing everything the Shoney's Strawberry Pie (homemade)

Anna had her birthday party Saturday, so we celebrated my party Monday night. Marshall's family is the best about celebrating birthdays (no offense.. Daddy.. I don't have issues I just would like a phone call).

Mrs. Jean and Rebecca made a fabulous dinner with all that I requested! Ham, green bean casserole, pineapple casserole, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and pie!

I also got some fabulous presents! I wanted to take a picture of everything together, but it would look slightly ridiculous. So let me describe my idea of the picture to you...

First, I would be wearing the NON-maternity jeans my mother got me. I would be laying in the hammock that Hartley got me. With the wreath Rebecca made me around my neck. Reading a cookbook that Janna gave me. All on top of a scale that weighs how much fun I had this birthday. With an Athens postcard somewhere in there too.

But I guess this picture will have to do.

Hartley has been "attacking" us lately.. and she attacked Caleb the other night, too. It's mainly just heads and faces. I wonder if she's trying to give kisses.

And she's sitting up as well!

I had a wonderful birthday!

the eyes have it.

Okay, okay. So Hartley looks just like her Daddy. I was really hoping she'd get something from me, like my eyes. They like to change colors, depending on what I'm wearing, if I'm outside, umm.. if I've been crying thanks to Marshall or Hallmark/Publix commercials or putting away Hartley's clothes she's outgrown..

They can be dark blue, or crystal blue, green, greenish-blue, bluish-green, bluish-gray. You name it...

So I was hoping maybe Hartley would get blue eyes! They've been bluish-gray since she was born. Until now..

Marshall has brown eyes. No exclamation point. They've changed colors since he stole me from his roommate though. They were brown-brown, but now they're brownish-green. And one day we were outside and they had blue in them!

They reminded me of sunflowers that day.

In the past week, Hartley's eyes have changed colors a little bit. It's hard to get a picture of them.. and they're really dark so nothing comes out very clear.

But they appear to be her Daddy's. Darn. I thought she'd get at least one thing from me. But nope. So far they have a hazel tint around the pupil and bluish-gray on the outside.

I don't get it. Everyone in our family has blue eyes- except Marshall and I think his Daddy. Gosh his genes are strong. But I'll take them 'cause he's so handsome.

randomness

It takes about a week for me to process what's happening in my life, hence the delay of the Father's Day post...

So we'll go back to last Monday.. I had my "annual" lady appointment. I had a few concerns. Prior to Hartley's grand arrival, there was some friendliness.. I mean like less than 24 hours before her arrival. Marshall tried to convince me numerous times that I had nothing to worry about.. but I would feel flutters in my stomach every now and then. So for about 4 months I was 38% sure that I was pregnant.

Hey, Isaiah! His necklace is for teething!

After the exam, I jokingly asked, "I'm not pregnant, am I?" Maybe I should have been like, "DOCTAH! Check my urine, blood, and do an ultrasound because I- I mean, we- can NOT get pregnant any time soon."

I think he laughed.. and said no.

[He also did a simple procedure to remove a polyp. Ouch. Eh, it wasn't too bad.]

Anna twirling.

So that happened Monday. For two days my mind is at ease about the pregnancy thing.

Hello, Thursday, nice to see you again.

I got a call from my brother that morning. Random...

"Hey, are you pregnant!?"

No, why?

"Because I got morning sickness again."

Well, it's not me. I just went to the doctor Monday and he said I wasn't.

Or am I?!! Well, I kinda laughed it off. Thursday progressed. By lunch time I wasn't hungry. Marshall and I even went to Chick-fil-A and he finished most of my meal because I didn't have an appetite. And that afternoon my stomach started aching- just feeling different.

This continued Thursday evening and Friday I stayed in bed most of the day.

Oh.. and guess what else happened Thursday...

My doctor called. I wasn't able to get to the phone in time, but he left a message.

"Hey Amanda, it's Dr. ___. I was just calling to talk to you about the results from your exam and about your procedure. Everything looks fine, I just need to discuss somethings with you. I'll be out of the office Friday. I hope you have a good weekend and I'll talk to you Monday."

Stomach drops even more.

I waited all weekend to hear from him. It's like back in college and going on a date with a boy and he doesn't call. Oh wait, that never happened in college. Anyway.

Hello, Monday, you're finally here.

And my doctor called and I asked him about 3 times if I was pregnant. He said I wasn't. And my pap smear looked normal, actually he said it looked "great!" And my polyp wasn't cancerous. I thought you'd want to know all the details. :)

So, I had a little stomach bug. I barely ate anything Thursday or Friday. I'm still trying to get my appetite back. Unfortunately, it's hurt my milk supply. So, we're trying to nurse as often as we can, pump, eat lots of food, hydrate, and rest. And count wet diapers.

I used to believe..

Occasionally I visit this page. Random people tell random stories about what they believed when they were kids. Some things are funny, some I remember believing, and some.. well some are just stupid.

when it snowed in Feb.

I always thought "monsters" lived under my bed and in my closet. I had no idea if they were really monsters.. they could have been snakes or cougars. But I knew something had to be hiding. Taking care of the ones in the closet were a breeze. I just had to shut my closet door every night. Even in college, I felt the need to close my closet door.. which was a curtain.

Those creatures under the bed though.. gotta be careful about them. One must never have a limb hanging over the edge. Some thing is gonna grab you and pull you under the bed. I never though what would happen if I was caught.. I just made/make (yes.. present tense) sure not to lure any monsters.

And of course, you had to jump out of the bed and clear a good distance so they wouldn't grab your ankles.

Did you ever think there were monsters in the toilet?

I'm sure there were. I always feared snakes coming up and chomping off my.. parts. That made going to the bathroom at night really quick. In and out. Don't get caught! Or just hold it until daylight.. they go away in the light.

Morgie and Garrett visiting Miss Hartley

Now- the worst belief I've had. That I believed well into college...

The "windshield" factor. Of course. Somebody puts a thermometer on the windshield, probably those kind that my elementary school used to stick to my forehead, and that tells us how cold it is in the car.

Wrong. [insert game buzzer]

Yeah. I was a sophomore in college when it was clarified as a "windCHILL" factor. Hey, my logic sounded really good though.

And you can't live life without growing up believing something your older brother told you. For me, it was that there are bugs inside hush puppies. I know the truth, now, but I still think of the lie every time I eat hush puppies..

I wonder what Miss Hartley will grow up believing. And this is how we find her a lot of times. She gets unswaddled and pulls her blanket up around her face. Probably trying to protect herself from the monsters under her crib. I don't blame you, girlie..

2009: a year of growing-up.

Lame as it is, I love filling out surveys. I just love myself that much..

Here's my attempt at the 2009 survey. I hope it's entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking. Who am I kidding? It's about me.. it's going to provocative!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
A lot. I bought a foreclosed home on the steps of the county courthouse.. in the freezing cold. I successfully and naturally had an egg implanted by my husband that eventually developed into the freakin' huge 5lb "fetus" she is now.

There were a lot of little things that happened. Random things actually. I bought a kitchen table with my father-in-law. That was the best bonding experience we've had. I had awkward breastfeeding conversations with my mother-in-law. That scarred me for life. I realized I can no longer laugh and control my bladder.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I want to say my resolution was to be a better wife. I didn't exactly fulfill that everyday. But I attempted. I think Marshall did a better job being a better husband. He's taken over so many household responsibilities (medical, car and home insurance, paying and setting up utilities, the entire yard, cooking and cleaning). I'm very blessed to have such a obedient, I mean well-rounded, husband.

If I were to make a resolution for 2010 (and I say twenty-ten), it would be to be less selfish. I am so selfish. I like to sleep in and do things my way, when I want.. and I won't be able to do whatever I want with a baby. She's going to come before me.. but I have to remember my husband comes before her. Growing up sucks.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
So many. And many adoptions, too! Brother-in-law adopted Isaiah. Sister-in-law delivered Caleb. Friends, Mollyanne and Laurie. Coworkers, Christa and Lacie. Church people.. so many I can't remember.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

2009 was hard. My Grandmommie and D-Dad both passed away, 6 weeks apart. Our family knew it was inevitable. They battled with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, respectively, for years. It was for the best. I only wish Marshall and Hartley could have seen them when they were well.

5. What countries did you visit?
The US of A. That's sad. I only traveled to one other state, South Carolina. Marshall and I have never had the time to travel.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I was really blessed in 2009. I could be selfish (which I'm trying not to do..) and ask for a new car.. but I'm happy and content with my almost 11-year-old T-rex.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 3rd - bought our house.
May 20th (I think) - probably conception date, right before my mom remarried.
June 5th - we're pregnant.. and we didn't wait long to tell everybody!
September 8th - we felt baby kick
September 10th - baby is a Girl!
October 4th - Hudson was born.. and that was D-Dad's birthday. A very good day!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


There were a lot. I helped Marshall graduate from vet school. :) And then he thanked me by knocking me up.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not fulfilling my resolution.. *snickers*. I didn't eat very healthy, follow through with my prenatal yoga (that Marshall even bought for me!), nor floss my teeth everyday or week...

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had some nasty stomach bugs early in the year. But that was about it. No morning sickness!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Our house. I love my house. I love my nursery, too. And our flat screen tv. And all the maternity clothes I just had to get. If you can't tell, we had more money this year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Marshall. He's such a good boy.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?


I shouldn't be depressed by somebody's behavior. But I got really ticked off with a coworkers lack of effort. I still am. Glad to have the day off of work! Four day weekend.. what what!

14. Where did most of your money go?
Lowe's. And McAlister's. But it's all Marshall's fault. He would go to Lowe's during lunch practically everyday. And when I would tell him I was leaving work, he would tell me to stop and get something to eat. I would then tell him I didn't know what I wanted to eat.. he would say McAlister's.. and the cravings began.

15. What did you get really excited about?
Hartley Caroline. Decorating her nursery and imagining how much she looks like her Daddy.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Taylor Swift songs. I know, lame. But I really started liking her music. Not her voice.. or her acting.. just her music.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

(a) happier or sadder? Happier. Definitely. 2009 was a year of uncertainty. Would we buy a house or rent a few more months/years? Would we get pregnant? Would Marshall actually graduate?!

(b) thinner or fatter? I was probably 108 when 2009 started. I am at least 136 now. Hmm..

(c) richer or poorer? Richer. But we still live modestly and think twice (or 5 times) about splurging.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?


Travel. I hate traveling though. But I think Marshall and I should have planned a trip for the two of us. We just didn't have the time. And when we had the time.. it's because we weren't working and didn't have the money. Life is funny. But at least we had each other. (lame)

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?


Attempting to connect to the internet. This has been our third year without paid internet. And it sucks when I have to walk around the house trying to find good reception. My current route starts in the freezing garage, when I get a good bar (just one) I hurry to the dining room and sit in front of the window. That works.. sometimes. I think we're going to breakdown this year.. even though we said that months ago. But I would really like reception in the comfortable chair in the nursery so I can blog while I breastfeed!

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With all the family! It was great! Christmas Eve was spent with Marshall's side and later my mom's side. Christmas day was spent with my mom and then my Dad's side. The next day was a nice break, full of cramping and contractions. And then we went to visit Marshall's grandmother. I was definitely glad to come home from all the traveling.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Sassy and I bonded a lot since we moved. Sometimes I feel bad because I think Maddie knows that Sassy is my girl and she is Marshall's. It's a weird situation.. but I have really taken to Sassy Bean.

Oh.. and I'm head over heels in love with Hartley. It's strange how you get to that "point" in the relationship. I've never met her. Only seen her a few times. Feel her everyday. But I can't wait until she arrives. I'm just going to stare at her for hours. And play with her little hands and feet. And compare her looks to Marshall's. And giggle when she makes funny faces in her sleep. And I can't wait for her to meet the dogs. I look forward to watching her and her Daddy together. I'm gonna cry a lot probably.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother. Hilarious.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

That's horrible.

24. What was the best book you read?


Lots of baby books. I should read more in 2010.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Taylor Swift!

26. What did you want and get?


I've wanted to get pregnant since I was in high school. That sounds really weird.. but it's true. I've always wanted to have babies.. but the desire to be pregnant and experience it had consumed my mind for years. That happened. And it was the best experience because I haven't had complications. I never had morning sickness. I didn't have to use the bathroom 2-3 times during the night (until this past week). I think my belly is really cute.. and I only got a few stretch marks that only Marshall can see (so those don't matter). I can only hope for a smooth labor and delivery.. and well-behaved child.

27. What did you want and not get?

I don't know.. internet access?

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I don't think Marshall and I went to the movies in 2009. If we did, I don't remember. We just saw "The Blind Side" and it technically came out in 2009, although we saw it New Year's Day.. it was good. Does that count?

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 24 and Marshall took me to Savannah! We ate at Bella's and had authentic Italian food. And Starbucks. He originally wanted to take me on a weekend-getaway/Babymoon.. but those were thousands of dollars! I exaggerate.. only one thousand.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Getting a Publix and Target in Statesboro. Seriously. I would have eaten healthier and dressed cuter. And spent a lot more money. Go economy!

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Clearance Rack!! I bought so many $3 tops at K-mart! And I now know where all the good maternity sections are (Target, Belk, K-mart, Kohl's).

32. What kept you sane?


Only working part-time. Venting to Marshall.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Chuck Bartowski.. I don't even remember his real name. But apparently, he's my baby's daddy (such good dreams I've had).

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The gossip that went on down at Snookie's. Them Sea Island bankers be talkin' bad 'bout my First Southern. Dey's my family! (really..)

35. Who did you miss?


Marshall and I really missed our church family in Athens.. until they betrayed us and never visited. So we don't miss them anymore! I've missed having my Momma close. We really bonded throughout the pregnancy. And she always bought me stuff when we were together.

36. Who was the best new person you met?


I haven't met her yet. But I'm sure Hartley is the coolest person ever.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

Everything happens for a reason.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
That's a lot of work.. but I'll try. What song could possibly have the lyrics that include buying a house, graduating from vet school, moving away from friends and getting pregnant? I give up.

Happy Anniversary to US!

We've finished the second year of marriage, 67 more to go. More or less.

Today we celebrated with a nice dinner.. tomorrow the real celebrating starts. Marshall is on call tonight, so we have to play it safe and stay home. He's already had one call.. hasn't gone in (yet).

Tomorrow we're heading to Savannah (the 3rd time for me this week) and enjoying a "Great Date Experiment." We're gonna have dinner at Firefly Cafe.. apparently it's pretty good. And free dessert at Sonic (FREE ROOT BEER FLOATS WEDNESDAY!).

In the meantime, I made a delicious 2 course meal.

Table for 2 anyone? Everything was on the table when Marshall got home. I've been really good about having dinner ready right when he walks in the door from work. What else am I supposed to do all day? Sleep?

Tonight's menu: Peppercorn Pork Tenderloin, Roasted Potatoes, "Fancy" Green Beans, and Sauteed Mushrooms; Dessert: Lemon-Berry Granita

We really call the green beans "fancy" green beans. They're frozen, not canned. I steam them (in the bag) then saute them in EVOO, garlic, and teriyaki sauce.


Lemon-berry Granita.. homemade.. made the man come back for more. Granita is like Italian ice. Easy. Fairly quick. And so delicious.

For the granita, I picked some fresh blackberries out of the backyard and pureed them with some frozen blueberries. Then mixed the puree with a room temperature sugar syrup (1cup sugar + 1cup water; zest and juice of 2 lemons; boiled until sugar dissolved). Poured into a baking sheet and froze. Checked and stirred every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours.

Then to complete our Anniversary Night, Marshall connected our new home theatre and he's watching Jurassic Park. Our flat-screen should be arriving any day now!

The night's not over.. and we'll see how tomorrow goes!

maybe i AM rude..

With any type of customer service job, you encounter various types of customers. Sometimes I'm lucky. I'll have a good day and get my favorite people. Other days.. like today.. you get the people that think the world of.. themselves.

We have a new "rule" in the drive-thru. We're not gonna give you a deposit slip to spend 5 minutes filling out, so that the customer behind you.. that came prepared.. has to wait for you. Plus.. we don't like waiting either. This "rule" wasn't my idea, but I like it.. and I definitely enforce it.

So, Customer Lady pulls up to a tube.. I greet her.. she sends in her transaction. Hmm.. driver's license and a check with "deposit only" written on the back. I know what she wants to do, but.. I'm not supposed to act as smart as I am.. and ask if she wanted to deposit it..

Um.. Ms. Lady did you want to deposit this?

Yes, that's why I wrote deposit only on the back with the account number.

Okay, well, we require that you present a deposit slip. We have them available inside the bank if you don't have one. If you have your ATM card you can make a deposit at the ATM without a deposit slip.

I have TWO kids in my car! I can't come inside.

[At this point she sends the tube back.. with her ATM card]

Ms. Lady you would still need a deposit slip.

I'm coming inside to close my account!!



.. so are you gonna bring your kids inside??

This isn't the first time this has happened.. and it won't be the last. The lady came inside, with her two children ages 7 and 11, and closed her account. I'm assuming she wasn't going to bring her kids inside to fill out a deposit slip because they would have misbehaved and she would have had to hold them the entire time...

And she also told the personal banker that the girl in the drive-up was rude. That's also not a first..

I love the excuses I get about people not wanting to come inside..

I got a broke leg!
Really?! How'd you get IN the car?

I got a baby..
Looks like a toddler.. I bet he can walk.

My kids are really bad!
Maybe you should take them to church more often.


I really like my job.. sometimes.

a start

My husband decided to make his famous coffee milkshakes last night.. probably much later than we should have had all that caffeine. But as usual, totally worth it. Needless to say, I stayed awake much later than I would have preferred. With all the quietness I started thinking about possible blog topics.. "blopics" .. hmm? So.. here goes..

On the most recent Grey's episode, one of the patients was an elderly woman who would not die.. eventually she did.. and when she passed, all I could see or think about was my Grandmommie. They way the patient was laying, on her side, hunched over, her frail, bony fingers. That's how Grandmommie looked the last few years of her life. She passed away back in January. We had been expecting this for a while, she had battled Parkinson's for about 5 years. Even though, when you know it's coming and you prepare every visit to be the last.. it's still shocking and painful. She was my only grandmother, and the best grandmother. Ever.

A chapter closed in my life after the death of Grandmommie and, six weeks later, my D-Dad. When my mom left my dad in high school, everything changed. But Grandmommie and D-Dad continued our family traditions of Sunday Dinner and, when my father wasn't there, my grandparents were. Concerts, award programs, a car.. most high school memories include my grandparents. Around the time I was leaving for college, D-Dad began having strokes and was later diagnosed with Alzheimer's. We had also found out Grandmommie had Parkinson's, this being after she successfully survived breast cancer and a masectomy.

It seemed each time I came home to visit, they had both taken dramatic steps into their diseases. On one visit, D-Dad greeted me at the door and asked, "Hey! Who are you?!" I replied, "You know who I am!" I thought nothing of it at the moment. D-Dad was known for his teasing and humor.. I know I got it from him.. and I thought that was his way of getting at me for not visiting as often as I should. We we sat down with Grandmommie and talked for a bit, only for D-Dad to tell us a little later that he really didn't recognize me at the door. That was the first hurt. To know that this disease was real.

With Grandmommie, her legs and hands would shake constantly. I found it sweet when D-Dad would hold her hands so the shaking wouldn't be as noticeable.

I think it was easier for me to adjust with their deaths because I mostly remember the "real" Grandmommie and D-Dad. The Grandmommie that could sew anything I asked for, made the best homemade hot chocolate, and made me feel like her favorite grandchild out of the ten of us. Even though I knew I really was.. at least for a good 8 years because I was the baby. I always wished Marshall could have known D-Dad. They would have shared a passion together for wood working and projects. I could see them drinking Coke and having a Hershey bar. But D-Dad was far gone around the time Marshall showed up. D-Dad would have made him laugh, too.

On a lighter note, I have become a pro at making homemade ravioli. And finding tops for $3-4.00. Oh and $60.00 pictures frames for $6.00! Now I just have to work on the do I really need this or do I just want the good deals? part...

a fresh beginning

I always have good intentions when I begin a new blog/journal/whatever.. hopefully we'll see where this goes. I have some good friends that may assist in making this somewhat successful and perhaps have a purpose. Again.. we'll see.

Where could this go? Options..

• 29 minute meals.. because I'm that much better than you, Rachael Ray..
• Baby stuff.. umm.. we'll see..
• Marshall says home improvement projects.. maybs.. if he decides he wants to contribute to the trend.
• Transitioning to small town life.
• Or I could have the most amazing blog devoted to my wonderful dogs!

If you have suggestions, let me know.. because I'm not good at this.