Slacker.

I've always been a procrastinator. I enjoy completing projects, don't get me wrong, but I take forever with starting and finishing them. And I neglect little things, like my poor blog. And my husband.

I should work on this before I have this child. I have new pictures of our little one, our little girl. But I haven't gotten around to getting them on the computer. Maybe tomorrow.. or the next week.

Exciting news for the Moore household...

We had our anatomy ultrasound last Thursday. Both of our mothers came and we had a good time watching the baby.. and mainly listening to the tech go on and on about how perfect, funny, cute, etc. the baby is. I love our ultrasound tech.. she always brightens my day.

Our first view of the baby.. the butt. It was clear. Girl! Momma and.. Mama.. had no idea what they were looking at and still have a hard time.. but the proud parents knew. Marshall even called it, I think in June.

So now, we can call her her. And we can also call her Hartley Caroline. Marshall called her Ms. Hartley the other day. That made me smile. I've even been pronouncing her name with a Southern drawl, like with Scarlett O'Hara. This is so much fun!


I've been slacking with taking pictures, imagine that. But my cameraman isn't the best, no offense Marshall. Anyway, Hartley Mo is a healthy 9oz with freakishly long legs. Those are from my side.. Marshall has surprisingly short legs. She didn't move around as much as I wanted her to. In the most recent ultrasound (July) she was doing gymnastics, but she didn't do anything this time. I was really wanting our mothers to see her being active. :(

Last Tuesday we started feeling her kick. Marshall came home from work and I was still napping away on the couch. Eventually I woke up and all of a sudden there was a huge thump in my stomach. Is that what I think it is? And then it happened two more times. I informed Marshall on what was going on and he put his hand on me.. she kicked for him, too! And that night before bed she kicked a few more times for us. Friday night she put on a real show. She started kicking on the right side, moved to the middle, over to the left and back to the right. Feels like a little fish swimming around in there. (Marshall wants her to be swimmer, too.)

Now I'm feeling little movements that only I can feel. And this morning she had a whole body spasm because it felt like my insides jumped.

I just think it's weird how suddenly I could feel her kicks. I started feeling little tickles in August and then out of the blue I felt a solid kick. We felt a knot the other night and Marshall decided to press on it really hard. I'm hoping it wasn't her face..

I'll try to get ultrasound pictures uploaded. I have a video, but it's at least 35 minutes long.. I don't think anyone wants to watch that.

No one ever told me..

There are many things I've learned the past few months about pregnancy.. that no one ever told me about.

Something I learned this week: my boobies now touch my stomach. I never thought this was possible. But then I found a sweat pocket in my upper rib cage.. why is this happening? Oh, my boobies are becoming even larger and I have this expanding stomach.. and they touch!

Do you know why God created constipation? So that women could practice pushing for labor. Really. At least that's what I'm thinking.

Nobody ever told me about pregnesia. No one told me that I would forget how to spell words, lose grocery lists, forget how to pronounce words, completely forget peoples' names.

I was never informed that my stomach would be hard as a rock when I woke up in the morning. Thank you, full bladder.

These are only a few, and I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting a lot more. But what's new, right?

I forgot, as usual..

I failed to mention a few important details from the past two weeks..

I have indeed felt Baby move. It was a little tickle for a few days and that was it. One evening I decided to focus on movements. I remember feeling some tickles a few days before that night, but I'm always moving around so I didn't think anything of it. And then I felt it, that tickle I had been feeling lately. It's weird. Like someone is rubbing the inside of my belly button. It went away after another day or so.. I don't feel it that much anymore.

We might have felt some thumps, but that could have been my stomach digesting. Who knows...

I try to discern movements before bed each night. Sit up in bed, with my hands on my belly.. poking around. We even tried Marshall's stethoscope. I thinks there's just a lot of natural gurgling going on in there.

And I forgot to mention how wonderful my husband is. Whoops. Sorry, Marshall. :)

We had babysitting duty (and no doodie!) Friday night. We watched Anna Kate (2) and Caleb (4 months). Anna is pretty easy to watch, when she's in the same room at least. She can entertain herself, which makes for an easy job. However, Caleb.. fussy! He needed to take a nap but he resisted, which made matters worse. He was hungry, but didn't want to be burped. My amazing daddy-to-be swooped in, after a long day of work, and calmed Caleb down, fed him, burped him, and got him to go to sleep. Oh, how thankful was I!

He didn't change any diapers, but that's okay. He saved me from losing my sanity and he let me eat dinner first. What a good husband.

In other news, Maddie continues to amaze me. She likes to help Marshall "burn" in the non-fenced-in area of our yard, so she's pretty much free to run around wherever. Sunday night, she was helping him and I guess Marshall didn't see her run off. Well, all of a sudden there's a knock at our front door. I thought it was Marshall's parents bringing us fried pies, but I was so shocked when I opened the door.

It was Maddie.

She left her Daddy and decided to wander around the yard. I guess she needed some water so she wanted to come inside?? She's so smart.. and polite. I trained her very well. :)

seventeen

The past two weeks have been a blur. I'm pretty sure I thought it was Thursday when it was only Tuesday. Our house is never clean. I eat way too much sodium, I think. Our insurance blows. Marshall is driving me crazy. And we haven't slept in the same bed 3 nights this week..

I have no recent picture because my computer (the one we've been using lately, that I have updated newest baby body pictures on) has decided to quit accepting wireless internet. So we're using Marshall's slow, crappy, falling apart computer. :(

But believe me, I'm showing. :)

Since school is back in, that means all our part-time college students change their work schedules. Which means I have to change mine, too. Instead of the wonderful 8-1 everyday, there are some days I have to go in from 1-5, or the awful days 11-1 and then 3-7. I think this is why I have no idea what day it is.

I'm still exhausted in the afternoons. Therefore, that means a dirty house and no supper for Marshall.

My most recent cravings include, but are not limited to, Ramen noodles, soup, and pickles. Yea, Ramen.. can't explain it. It's easy, quick, and flavorful. For the record, Marshall has never eaten Ramen. I think that's crazy...

And yesterday, I actually had ice cream (nutty chocolate.. yum) and then a pickle. I didn't even realize it..

Now, on to the worst part of our life right now..

Our Insurance. Or lack of. Prior to becoming pregnant, we were informed that our insurance was wonderful! Thirty-five dollar co-pays, a maternity plan that you can switch in with ease.. yeah, yeah, yeah..

What we find out, maybe 2 weeks ago, I think.. we owe almost $700 to our Ob/Gyn. Because our supposedly wonderful insurance doesn't pay. And that we have no "maternity plan." Don't fret, friends. We're sorting things out. I politely asked for a discount and received one. And our bills are paid.

It's just been a lot of unneccessary aggravation that has caused ulcers (really).

But what I would really like to tell you about is the conversation I had with the receptionist at the doctor's office.

This is after leaving a pleasant visit that only consisted of a finger prick... and after I informed them I would pay whatever we owed. And I think I'm going to liven up the conversation..

Ms. Receptionist, I guess I just owe the co-pay.

No, you have to pay the full amount. Remember, your insurance doesn't have a maternity plan.

How silly of me! I want to give you all my money. How much do I owe?

Well, the urine sample is this much and the hemoglobin is this much..

Really, I have to pay YOU to give you my pee? Crazy!

[so I fork over the money without any complaints.. and then..]

Ms. Moore, I think you should apply for Medicaid.. since you have no maternity plan.

[what? oh no she didn't..]

Woman, you don't know me.

You pay taxes, you deserve all the help you can get.

I'm pretty sure with my husbands income we wouldn't be eligible.

You're married? You might be eligible. It doesn't hurt to try!


...

Breathe. In. Out.

I left the office in tears. Marshall needed to hear what happened, but I didn't expect to start sobbing when he answered. Great, thanks pregnancy hormones. Not the opportune time for this, as I'm leaving a baby appointment.

All he could hear was me crying and no words were coming out. He thought the worst at this moment, something has happened with the baby. Eventually I got everything out, he was relieved. And I cried for another 15 minutes.

So.. we're going for the anatomy ultrasound on September 10. Marshall is invited back.. especially now that receptionist lady told me I was poor and thought I didn't have a baby's daddy.

Any guesses??

And finally, allergies have emerged along with some back pain. I slept on the couch a few nights, to prop myself up. And Marshall decided sleeping on the couch last night would help with his neck. We only have one couch, so I guess we're taking turns. We'll have to flip a coin for tonight.

Do I have any good news?!? I had a wonderful birthday and appreciated all my birthday wishes and gifts. Marshall purchased the first few sets of plantation blinds and installed them for me. And I bought items for our guest room, since we have real overnight guest this coming weekend. Marshall was also a good husband and bought me cookies and chocolate and took me out for Italian food and Starbucks.

If only my birthday was every month..

productive Saturdays.

I had the option of going to the annual Brooklet Peanut Festival today, however, I chose to sleep in and save my energy for cleaning.

I made the right choice. :)

I would say that, for the most part, our bedroom and bathroom are complete. We still need to get a towel rack/hook, mats for the shower and maybe toilet, and decor for the bedroom. I would also love for Marshall to put down hardwood in our bedroom. The previous owners were not aware of carpet cleaner or vacuums, therefore we have really nasty carpet. And I'm maybe contemplating a taupe colored paint for the bedroom, it's too bright for a seductive resort. I apologize, Marshall, for not informing you of your next projects.


Ah, the almost, finally complete master bath. I'm excited that this has finally come together. We weren't sure what we were going to do in the beginning. Remember paint dilemmas? Well, I'm extremely satisfied with clearance blue I found at Wal-mart. And I'm glad I went with a blue and brown theme. Marshall wanted some green in there, so a rug and wall art have his tints of green.
Thank you, TJ Maxx for the towels and art and Wal-mart for a not-so-low-price rug. But it was exactly what I wanted..

We have a double vanity. Unfortunately, the sides are not equal. Marshall has a larger space to clutter and I have very little room for all my primping items. :(


Finally, you are finished! I think. We still need to figure out why there's no hot water coming out of the shower. We have hot water in the garden tub and sinks.. but none in the shower. We're hoping it's an easy fix.. we don't to have to drill into tile..


Marshall found some cute planters at Lowe's. I'm not sure what we've got growing, but apparently it grows like crazy and really well in bathrooms.


My latest on-going project is with Maddie and Sassy, especially Sas. We've received some baby items, so I'm slowly introducing the dogs to them. When I brought home the pack-n-play, they were immediately interested and would not stop smelling it. What happened when I introduced them to a stuffed teddy bear??


Maddie decided it was for her. I mean, why not? I'm saying, "Maddie, this is the baby's." As I hold it right in front of her face. She slowly opened her mouth and tried to bite the teddy. She was really gentle, I'll give her that. Sassy is a little freaked out by the teddy bear. And she runs away when I make a crying noise..


We've received the "family bassinet" too. This will be going in our bedroom for the first few months after Baby Moore is born. And Marshall says the dogs are going out of the bedroom. Boo on you.


The beautiful and inexpensive pack-n-play. Oh how I will enjoy having you in the living room while I do P90X.. hah.

Hopefully the dogs with learn Baby is a good thing. Having Baby means Momma will not be at work all day. And Baby will drop food on the floor.


.....

And in other news, I'm officially fat.

Marshall and I were in Arby's a few weeks ago, and the chair I was sitting in decided to break. And last night before bed, I'm trying to get out as much teetee as I can.. and the toilet seat breaks. Coincidence??

monday, monday..

The beginning of the week, an early day of work, a day not to sleep in.. and worst of all- the weekly Wal-mart trip.

We've started going through gallons of milk and oj, bread, vegetables and fruit. Not only am I eating for two.. but since Marshall started P90X and manly vitamins, he's been complaining of hunger every hour. So we have to refill our pantry much more often.

And since Statesboro refuses to allow for a Publix or Kroger, I do most of my shopping at.. Wal-mart. :(

To make matters worse, I'm a people watcher. If I'm standing behind you in line, I judge you. I see you're getting healthy yogurt, good for you, you could stand to lose some weight. But- those frozen pizzas and Jimmy Dean breakfasts.. what are you thinking? Here, have my pretzels..

And! What's with large women sticking cell phones in their bras? Marshall was behind a lady one time and he could hear her talking. It wasn't until she turned around that he could tell she was talking on her cell phone, that was in her shirt.

I understand these big girls and their phone holding boobies (and sometimes you find someone pulling money or wallets out of 'em too).. but why did I see a 20-something girl, flatter than me (especially flatter than me 3 months ago) with a phone in her shirt?

Oh Statesboro.

In other news, I visited my mother in Columbus this weekend. Fortunately for me, my birthday is right around the corner (hint, hint) and Momma wanted to buy everything I desired. She got me a pack-n-play and some tops from a consignment store, some skirts from Target.. and.. wait for it.. a beautiful pair of jeans from Motherhood Maternity. I think I have found my new favorite store. I've received some borrowed maternity clothes that are unfortunately way too large for my petite frame.. so I can't wear any of it, at least for another 5 months. But these jeans are amazing. And they were not on sale..

I also got a tummy sleeve. Momma kept calling it a tummy tuck, but I think she really wants to get one, too. She still can not get over how huge my boobs are.

Marshall got some Yankee candles.. because he's fruity like that. And I came home with way more than I needed.

It was a fun weekend with Momma and I can't wait til Christmas!

somethings that amaze me.

Lately, I've become intrigued by small things in my life.

For instance- never have I purchased my own tupperware. I've received so many lovingly worn plastic containers that sometimes I'm embarrassed to let others see. I would never let anyone look into "that" cabinet. I see commercials all the time for Ziploc stackable containers.. and secretly I really want them. But then I dread the day Marshall heats lasagna or spaghetti in the microwave in the container.. and it's pink/orange for eternity.

Silly.

I'm also amazed at the beautiful curves I have recently acquired. I remember being 10 years old (and 11, 12.., 21..) wishing for bigger boobs before blowing out my birthday candles. It was the same wish every year. And ya know what? It came true this year.

I broke down and bought new bras. Never would I have imagined being a C-cup.. but it's amazing! I feel like a new woman!


I'm also amazed at the difference trimesters make. They say libido increases in the second trimester. I don't know if it's that or because I look hot without a shirt on.. but I've been super nice to my husband lately.


Jalapeno kettle chips are also amazing and a current crave. Too bad I just finished off the bag I bought yesterday.

Now, excuse me while I rest after working from 6:30am to 3:30pm.. yes. That's right.