Wednesday, January 20, 2010

RE: going postal

Dear Mailperson,

I believe you have read the post dedicated to you! How funny of you to trick me.. by putting one item of our mail in my box and the rest (2 magazines and 4 envelopes) in our NEIGHBORS box. You sneaky thing, you!

I think it's funny how a few days ago you delivered some of my mail to my in-laws house.. that have a completely different address and live a few miles down the road. So glad you at least got it to the right family. I needed those diaper coupons!

No more tricks, you silly boy!


________________________________________________

So I'm officially done with work. I'm going to try and take some belly pictures tomorrow. Write some interesting posts in the next week or so. Clean like a madwoman. Hide the clothes I bought Hartley today.. whoops. And relax!!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

going postal.

As I type, I'm watching the UPS guy walk through my neighbors front yard. There's a nice long drive way and a paved path to the front door.. but no. He has to walk through their yard. I don't get it.

I typically avoid walking on grass when there's a designated path. I wish others did, too.

So this post is for Mark Casem's blog stalker friends at UPS and USPS.



Dear Mailperson, (say that three times fast)

I appreciate it when you bring me gifts and cards from loved ones.. however, I do not appreciate it when you leave them at my front door unattended for who knows how long. We came home the other day to find our travel system. It was in a huge cardboard box that clearly stated what it was. We spent a good bit of money on it and anybody could have picked it up. Aren't you supposed to get my signature for that?

And all those Target boxes we've been getting.. shouldn't there be records indicating I received them. What if I didn't? What if I claimed I never got them (even though I did)? Would I get free stuff?

And the door to the mailbox isn't that hard to close. You just push it up. Really. And please don't drive on our grass. Or walk on it for that matter.

Sincerely,

The Current Resident


ps. why are some of my envelopes half opened?

Monday, January 4, 2010

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.

Friday, January 1, 2010

happy 2010!


from Marshall, Amanda and Hartley!

As we speak I'm having my.. hmm.. 4th or 5th contraction of the year. I found out Wednesday that I am indeed having contractions. What I thought was Hartley curling into a ball is SURPRISE! my uterus preparing for delivery.


I'm going to start keeping track of how often I have them and their duration.. because it's pretty often. Marshall says they are "regularly irregular." Nice.

We welcomed the new year by hanging out with Marshall's family. Eating spaghetti! Marshall wasn't feeling well yesterday so we came home at 8pm and by 8:30 he was out. He's feeling better today.. but still complaining and wanting a massage.

And we woke up this morning around 9:30.. had "brunch" around 11:30 and found out all FOUR of our smoke alarms work. We had some yummy bacon geese. Bacon.. in the shape of geese. I found this highly amusing because it sounds like bacon grease. Marshall was not amused.


For the remainder of the day, we will watch football with our new HD receiver (that was free with an extended 2-year contract with Dish). And possibly clean our disgusting bathroom. Hartley's clothes have been washed, folded and put away. Her travel system has been ordered. And her going home outfit has been chosen.. I think. She is welcome to come any day now.

And because of high demand, pictures of the new high chair. Beautiful!



In other news, one of the girls I work with who was expecting had her baby Wednesday. He is a whopping 9lbs.. that scares me. Our nephew Caleb was 9lbs also. We're hoping Hartley is a healthy 7-pounder.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I love free internet... sometimes.

If you were in a doctor's office and a baby decided to start crying, I'm talking full-out screeching, how long would you let this persist?

And the baby is not a baby baby. Baby can say, "I want Momma."

I think we're going on 10 minutes and this girl hasn't done anything but let the kid cry.

Oh, wait.. it stopped.

Nevermind, I spoke too soon.

........

Anyway. We're looking at 4-6 weeks until Hartley arrives. That means I really only have 1 week to get the travel system and make sure Marshall assembles it correctly and installs the car seat properly. Maybe we should have thought about this earlier.

We had a wonderful Christmas! We spent Christmas Eve day with Marshall's family. I got an amazing Willow Tree nativity set (not including creche and pretty accessories), nursing gown (super cool), hooter hider, burp cloth w/ matching "Hartley" bib and pacifier attachment, and Baby Wise book.

Oh and that baby stopped crying..

Then we spent Christmas Eve night with my mom's side. Christmas Day evening with my dad's side. And 2 days after Christmas with Marshall's grandmother. We had a busy week/weekend of traveling. I'm ready for this to be over with!

We got plantation blinds from my mom to complete our house! Finally.. it only took half a year but we have nice blinds, that actually fit the windows, throughout our house. We also got another bib!

There's a great baby consignment store in Columbus that I try to visit when in town. Fortunately for me, we found a great deal on a high chair. It's used, fold-able, and matches our kitchen! Matching my current decor was top priority. And it was only $33. Needless to say, I was elated.

I took down our beautiful Christmas decorations and put up the pack-n-play in the living room. I know, it's really soon.. but I want to make sure it's in a good location. I may change my mind in a few days..

If you couldn't tell from the opening sentences, I'm waiting at the doctor's office. It's a schedule appointment.. but I do have some concerns. I had some annoying cramps and back pain over the weekend. And Monday morning I had blood-tinged urine. So. We're on another round of Macrobid for a UTI.. and I assume that the cramping could be Braxton-Hicks. Still not sure about those. In preparation for a pelvic exam, I desperately tried to clean up downstairs.. but I couldn't see over my belly..

And I'm officially 136lbs.

There's really so much going on but I don't want to have an incredibly long and boring post. So maybe I'll get better about posting more often. Umm.. sure.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

we're in the short rows!

I feel like we have graduated into the final stage of pregnancy.

I've noticed that I'm no longer asked, "How far along are you?"

It's now.. "How much longer do you have?"

This is a good thing. We've got a good month/month in a half to go. When do you think Miss Hartley Caroline will make her appearance?

Her due date is February 5th.

Other facts:
  • Marshall and I were both born early. (I think Marshall was.. I know he came quickly)
  • We were both 7-8lb babies.
  • Marshall had a head full of black hair.
  • I was bald until the age of two.
  • Marshall was about two feet long when he popped out.
  • We were both really good babies... (Marshall- make any corrections as needed)
Please make some predictions! And the winner will be the first to hold her, when they come to visit.

Friday, December 18, 2009

what happened to 2009?

Due to foreseen obligations, the Moore Family apologizes for the blogging hiatus. But now I'm back, to let you know, I can really shake 'em down... da-da-da-da-da.. Do you love me? (Do you love me?) Do you love me? Noowww... that IIIII can daaa-aaaaa-aaaaaa-aaaance! Watch me now!

And I hope that song, if you know it, gets stuck in your head.

I think it's been at least 2 weeks since our last update. Sowwy.

What's new in Brooklet??


We had TWO showers last week, in addition to the flooding.. and more rain today. The bank threw one and my friends, Morgan and Krysten, had one in Columbus. Prior to them, I was getting concerned about Hartley! Marshall and I started taking birthing classes around that time and I think I became obsessed with the idea that Hartley was going to arrive any day. And she wouldn't have any socks or blankets. And the thought that she would freeze consumed my mind.

But now she's got plenty of socks, receiving blankets, diapers, wipes, onesies, sleeper gowns, and pacifiers. I mean plenty. And not to mention cute outfits and hooded towels. :)


We got back from Columbus Sunday night, and as I was putting away her new belongings, I realized that our little girl is really spoiled. But then I changed my mind.. she's just really loved!

So the past two weeks have been filled with working the "awful hours".. having to close the bank at 7pm, taking birthing and breastfeeding classes (after working til 7), having two showers in a span of 3 days, and simply being 7 months pregnant.

But thankfully my baby's Daddy is wonderful. I know at one point this past week I was going to dedicate a post to him. But pregnesia is back in full swing and I don't remember everything I was going to say. But, we'll try.


It began with the birthing classes. At first I didn't expect him to go with me, but after talking with coworkers, I would have been the only one without a husband. So I dragged him with me. And he sat for a total of 8 hours. And he saw lots of boobies and a head coming out of a vagina. And we giggled at the big titties together. And grimaced at ugly baby skin together. And we bonded, I think..

And we went home and Marshall wanted to practice breastfeeding positions..

(Hartley has the hiccups right now)

Then my Daddy-to-be went to Columbus for the shower and hung out with my step-dad while I opened tons of gifts with giddy girls. He also played with snotty-nosed Emma Leigh and put together her Christmas gift (a kitchen.. we are never getting an assembly required kitchen). And he unloaded a huge trailer when we got home and set up Hartley's furniture late Sunday night.


This post is getting really long. So I'll stop and try to clean up the house.. ugh!