Fruit Passion

A year and a week ago I wrote this post about strawberries. My view has not changed one bit! I've been eating the most sugary sweet strawberries I've ever had, and I'm looking forward to enjoying more all summer.

Throughout my whole pregnancy I've been craving cool, sweet, juicy fruit--I can't get enough of it! I've always loved fruit, but now I want to eat it all the time and I don't want to eat vegetables anymore (I still like them, just don't desire them). Lately it's been crisp Fuji apples, succulent navel oranges, sweet and sour kiwis, and crunchy red grapes. And I can't wait for watermelon, honeydew, mangoes, and nectarines to be in season shortly.

I'm happy with this craving: it's delicious and healthy! What foods did/do you ladies crave?

Splish Splash

We went swimming yesterday afternoon, and I wore my new swimsuit. Bad idea. The top is still big for me, causing two problems: (1) every time I jumped up and down (we were playing basketball), the top would float up, and (2) since I don't fill out the chest part yet, a very sensitive area got chafed and hurt a lot. I guess I'll be wearing my old bathing suit for a while longer. And the water was freezing! I still had a fun time, though. And I looked pretty cute. While most women suck in their tummy, I proudly stuck mine out.

Afterward, we had chips and homemade guacamole. Yum! Earlier we watched Planet 51. I don't recommend it: it was really dumb and had a lot of sexual innuendo for a kids' movie! Baby was really active again last night. Justin had fun feeling him.

First Maternity Clothes

Justin's dad and brother were here for a few days visiting, and as usual, we went shopping. My father-in-law wanted to buy me a maternity dress, but I told him I really needed a bathing suit and shorts. My dresses and shirts still fit for now, and pants are unnecessary in this weather. But I only have one pair of shorts that fit me and I need a new bathing suit so I can swim all summer for exercise and to keep cool.

Well, I hate swimsuit shopping and I didn't expect anything. We went to Motherhood Maternity, recommended by another pregnant friend, and struck gold. The very first bathing suit I tried on I fell in love with! That never happens! I wish they made one just like it in regular sizes. It's super cute and modest, and the color looks great with my skin tone. And it was only $35 for the top and bottom! I wish regular bathing suits were as well priced. I can't wait to go swimming in it!

I also got a pair of shorts and wore them the other day. They are really comfortable and cool (too bad that day was really cool too--I froze from the wind!). I'm going to wait until I'm really big before I buy more clothes.

 

I highly recommend Motherhood Maternity. They have cute stuff at reasonable prices (not cheap, but not more expensive than any normal store), and the service I got was excellent. The lady was super helpful and nice.

Little Karate Kid

This little boy was practicing his karate kicks early this morning after Justin left to take his dad and brother to the airport. I have never felt the baby this active before, besides during the ultrasound. I rolled over onto my stomach, and he got mad! He kicked as if trying to say, "You're squishing me, Mommy!" When I woke up a few hours later, he was at it again. I called for Justin and he felt the kick! It was really exciting. I felt another one a little while ago too. I love being able to recognize him moving now! Thanks for all the reassurance you ladies gave me.

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!

As I shared yesterday, I went on my first shopping spree for my little baby boy. This morning I went with my friend Nikki and her baby to a couple more thrift stores. She was really helpful in stopping me from buying too much, advising me to get bigger clothes since most newborn stuff I will get at baby showers. Plus, it was great to go shopping with an excited girlfriend, especially one who has a boy. We had a great time! And I spent less than $12 total for both days! I'm so excited to finally plan the baby's room and shop for my baby some more.

We're Having a . . .

Boy! I admit that at first I was a little disappointed that I wasn't going to get to buy dresses and frilly things, but then I was excited. He's a little wiggler, as the ultrasound technician put it. I could feel him wriggling when she pressed in certain areas. It took her at least twenty minutes to figure out he was a boy! Here's his profile:

He is 16 cm long and a little over a pound. The black dot in the middle is his heart, which we listened to again. He looks so cute and he's growing great. My tummy is too--21 cm. I still feel fat, but I look pregnant now.

In the evening while the boys were at the golf store, I hit up a couple thrift stores and bought six onesies for a grand total of $3.98. My favorite has a dinosaur on it and reads, "Snuggle Saurus, Ferociously Cute." Justin's favorite has a basketball on it and says, "not too little to dribble." I guess baby boy clothes can be cute too!

Boy or Girl?

Tomorrow is the big day. I have been waiting for it forever! I really want to know what the baby is so I can start planning the room and buying cute stuff. I admit I would prefer a girl simply because I want to dress her up in beautiful dresses and bows and get her cute toys and room decorations. I understand girls better, too. I don't know how to raise a boy! Then again, I may have a tomboy, and then I would be in trouble.

Justin wants a boy first to be the big brother in the family. I had two big brothers, and it wasn't always that great! :0) But I understand his reasoning. And of course, he could teach a boy to play sports and to be all manly. I'm ok with having a boy too and taking advantage of the time when he is young to have cute stuff, like a jungle-animal-themed room. And my friend Kara brought up the good point that a boy would save us money because I wouldn't be buying tons of cute stuff like I would for a girl. They're much more low maintenance (not that I would raise a high-maintenance girl).

Either way, I just want a happy, healthy, cute baby to smother in kisses and hugs.

Thanks, Everybody!

I feel so loved by all the responses I got. I realize now I kind of overreacted (blame the pregnancy hormones), yet you all backed me up. Although I am usually not one to milk sympathy via blog pity parties, it was great to know I have so many people supporting me. You guys are amazing, and I am so blessed to have all of you as friends!

In the future, such stupidity will be ignored. It doesn't deserve the attention I gave it. And it reminded me of what's important: that I have awesome friends who care about me and what I write.

First Wacko Response

I was surprised to read a rude, anonymous comment on my movies post a few minutes ago (since deleted, but copied below), especially since none of you other commenters reacted this way although you disagreed.

"You are insane! You don't even give movie a chance! I cannot believe you are so judgmental. What movies do you like? Cinderella? O no, probably not because the girl gives up her life for the guy. Maybe The Princess and the Frog? O no, because the girl turns into an ugly amphibian. Did you want Drew (in the Wedding Singer) to stay with the jerk who was cheating on her? And how can you not like an American Classic like Ferris Bueller?! It blows my mind. Maybe you don't like Breakfast Club either. Or Sixteen Candles. John Hughs movies all have the same basic message. I will hold my tongue for the rest of the classic and amazing movies you completely dissed for no apparent reason. Naive idiot."

I have never received something like that before, not even on my Mormon Light blog, which I would think would inspire more negativity from opposing people. I didn't think someone would find my personal blog so offensive. I am not upset that they disagree; they can have an opinion too. I am upset with their stupidity! This anonymous person, who didn't even have the courage to claim their own words, needs a lesson in logical arguments and respect.

• I'm judgmental because I have a personal opinion? Who says everyone has to like the same movies or like them for the same reasons? Furthermore, I even ended the post apologizing if I offended anyone or their tastes. X is demonstrating the same characteristics they are accusing me of!
• I admit I don't like the story of Cinderella, but not for the reason they suggested: because the girl gives up her life for the guy. Right. I obviously don't believe in that since I got married and started a family instead of serving a mission or studying abroad. I don't like Cinderella because I think she's a wimp: if anyone tried ordering me around like that, I'd slap them upside the head! And in previous posts I shared I liked The Princess and the Frog and saw it twice! And I think frogs are cute (Justin doesn't). Obviously this person doesn't know me or read my blog. Also, I never said a woman should stay with a bad guy. I was simply referring to a general movie plot I don't care for.
• After making fun of my reasons, X claimed I apparently had no reasons! Just because X disagrees with my reasons doesn't mean I didn't have any.

Well, who is the naive idiot now? If you can't respect that other people have opinions different than yours, then grow up! If you can't express your beliefs without being rude or looking stupid, then keep your mouth shut!

p.s. If I receive more comments like this one, I may moderate them or go private.

Fabulous Friends

In a previous post I wrote about new friends I had made. It's only gotten better.

My former visiting teachers were great. Sara made us a full-course dinner one Sunday night out of the blue. And it was delicious! Nikki and I are definitely friends now. Plus, I absolutely adore her baby.

Ashley (VT companion) got me a little Easter basket. It was so cute! I enjoy talking to her. I feel we click in a special way I don't with other women because we are the same age. Yeah, that doesn't really make a huge difference in friendship, but it's nice to have someone else in the same stage of life as I am. My other friends are all older than me. That happens to me often. Like my mom, I get along with older people, because, generally speaking, I act more mature than my age. In fact, the compliment of the year was from Cherise, who thought I was close to her age.

Speaking of Cherise, she is one awesome buddy. She has taken me under her wing as my doula. She invites me over often for company and healthy meals. She takes care of me without babying me, meaning, she pushes me to do what I need to do, as a true friend should. For example, one Sunday she dragged me out of the house for a walk with her and her daughter to their garden. A couple weeks ago, she invited me last minute to attend the temple with her. I almost didn't go; I'm glad I did. Yesterday, we went on a double date to Jamba Juice and then my house for Imaginiff. Our husbands get along great; they are so much alike!

Another sister in the ward told Justin she wanted to get to know me better and gave him her number to give to me. She has a cute baby girl and she makes the best coconut cake! We haven't done anything together yet.

You know, I think the problem is that all of us women are just waiting for someone else to make the first move. We're afraid of rejection and gossip. I wonder how many other women in the ward and neighborhood are sitting at home lonely waiting for a friend to reach out to them. I need to be that friend! I've had enough people reach out to me that it's time for me to spread the sunshine to someone else.

Maybe Baby?

I think I felt the baby last night. I was already awake around 2 a.m. and suddenly felt a tapping to the right of my belly button. It didn't feel like any normal feeling, and I even made sure it wasn't my pulse. I put my hand on my tummy for a couple minutes, trying hard to focus on the small kicks. Finally convinced, I woke up Justin, but the baby stopped moving, so he didn't feel anything. I haven't felt it again yet.

How did you know when you felt your baby's movements for the first time?

Guess What the Easter Bunny Brought Me?

My family! My dad drove them up Friday night. Saturday we watched General Conference on the laptop. In between sessions we went to the park for a ward brunch and after Conference we had a small birthday party with another family for my little sister. She is thirteen! I can't believe it. Makes me feel old.

Sunday was more Conference and then Easter dinner--fish, since I never get to make it because Justin doesn't like it. During dinner we felt the 7.2 earthquake from Mexico. It was the rolling kind; it felt like we were rocking on a boat. My dad freaked out and Justin was scared because it was his first earthquake. I kept eating dinner and laughing at them. I did feel dizzy afterward, though. After dinner, Dad left for home.

During the week, my mom and sister helped me clean the house. It needed it badly: it hadn't been cleaned since before I was pregnant. Yeah, gross. But the odors (both from food and cleaning products) bothered me, so it only got worse. It didn't end up being as bad as I thought though. Plus, my mom works wonders!

We didn't go out much, as we did last year when they visited, since Justin had the car. We did go thrift-store shopping, of course, and I found a way cute pair of polka dot heels. We saw The Princess and the Frog at the dollar theater and went to the farmer's market down the street. And we used our table (the one Justin's grandparents gave us with the griddle in the middle) for the first time for a special dinner. Friday night my mom and sister left.

That whole week I enjoyed Mom's healthy, yummy cooking and slept greater than I ever have since I got pregnant. Justin and I are still enjoying leftovers and lots of produce. But ever since they left, I have been sleeping terribly like before. I miss my mommy!

Woman at the Well

I am on a spiritual high from drinking from the gospel well:

• General Conference: Amazing! I love Conference so much for the Spirit and motivation it brings.
• Personal scripture study: I've gotten back into the habit almost daily and am learning a lot from the wars in Alma about fighting spiritual enemies.
• Family scripture study: While my family was here, we sang a hymn and had a spiritual thought every night.
• Family Home Evening: My little sister gave an excellent lesson on the Holy Ghost and truth.
• Priesthood blessing: My husband gave me a blessing of comfort. Read about it on my Mormon Light blog.
• Music: Whenever I work on my Mormon Light blog (which is a lot right now due to my spiritual high and my family being gone), I listen to my playlist of MoTab, hymns, Primary songs, and instrumental arrangements. Beautiful music brings the Spirit to my heart and home.
• Patriarchal blessing: I reread my blessing today and was dismayed that I had forgotten so much of the counsel and promises found in it. I need to read it more often.

This past week has reminded me of how important it is to do the small and simple things to keep up my spirituality. It isn't always sin that gets in the way; my recent time-wasting has diminished my enthusiasm for the gospel. I want it back, as I had my freshman year at BYU because of the constant spiritual opportunities and surroundings. I want to be the woman at the well again!

Hmmm, I'm sensing another post for my Mormon Light blog!

Pregnancy Progress

Today I am halfway done with my pregnancy! Woohoo! Nine months is a long time, so I'm a little surprised the first half went by quickly. (Ok, so it didn't feel like it when I was puking my guts out every day.) Next thing you know, I'll be holding a cute little baby in my arms! We find out if it's a boy or girl on the 19th.

At my last appointment we heard the heartbeat again and I felt my uterus. I'm showing, but not distinctly--meaning I look more fat than pregnant. My inner thighs are packing and I'm soft everywhere since I have not exercised in months. I'm going to start walking in the mornings (maybe evenings because it's cooler and quieter) and building up my arm muscles again.

Morning sickness is completely gone; it lasted for four months. For a while I woke up with bad headaches every morning, but that has since subsided as well. Now I'm just tired 24/7 and I can't sleep at night or nap during the day.

Food is not so bad anymore and my appetite has increased. I recently moved on to instant mashed potatoes and peas, scrambled eggs and toast, ramen, and canned pears. I still don't like to cook, obviously, but if something is put in front of me, I'll eat it.

This past week my mom has been here and has cooked for me, so things have changed a bit. I've been eating a lot and enjoying it. I think what I eat makes a difference in how I sleep as well. I have been sleeping great ever since my mom got here (minus when they arrived the first night at 2 a.m.), even with Justin's snoring. I'm going to eat healthier now and still drink more water!