Connor's Birth Story

Happy Tuesday!

I had a pretty good weekend. Saturday, Josh worked on his new truck while I got us lunch and went to the store. Sunday, we went to our nephew's birthday party. which wore us all out! And yesterday, Zoey and I hung outside while Connor was sleeping. Zoey never slept as much as he does. He slept almost all day.

Now let's get to why you're really reading this.

Connor Alan: Monday Nov. 28 2016/ 9:28pm/ 7lbs 11oz/ 19.5in

I went in for my 41 week appointment the morning of the 28th. I had been dilated for 4 weeks already, the last two I had been dilated to a 5. I was very irritated, being extremely pregnant and going in just to hear I had no progression. I went in for my 41 week appointment the morning of the 28th. The weekend before my appointment, I felt like I was losing amniotic fluid, but I second guessed myself and figured it was normal. I brought it up while talking to my doctor. She did a test and it came back negative, we went through the routine prenatal check up and options for the next week. She glanced at the test strip again and it was positive. She brought Josh into the room (he was in the waiting room watching Zoey) and told us that I needed to be induced and get him out. I was pretty bummed because I wanted to go into labor on my own. He is most likely my last child and wanted to experience it. I called my mom and told her it was a go. I was so nervous.

We got into the delivery room and Josh had to leave to get Zoey to her Papaw's and get our bags. The nurse told me that I was allowed to eat up until I was given pitocin. Not wanting to eat hospital food, I asked Josh to get a donut or muffin. He left and I got hooked up to monitors. The nurse asked me if I was having contractions... No, just braxton hicks (and if you've read my previous posts, you know I had A LOT of them). She proceeded to tell me that they aren't practice contractions, they are the real deal. I was going into labor! I was so happy. They put off the pitocin to see how fast I was going to progress. My mom and dad got to the room before Josh did and my mom immediately took me out to walk around. I never really had the chance when I was in labor with Zoey. I was either in severe pain or sleeping.

My contractions finally started to hurt on the way back to the room. Josh finally had gotten back and I ate. We pulled out the birthing ball and I bounced on that for a while. During that time, we were all laughing and having fun. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. I am so lucky I have such a  supportive family. They kept me distracted through the pain.... Until I was given pitocin.

I was not progressing fast enough and they had to move it a long and get Connor out. It was urgent but it wasn't going to be a slow relaxing process. The pain really started coming. They gave me a heating pad that your rubbed to warm up ( it didn't work very long). Josh tried so hard to help with the pain. I had all back labor with a little in my stomach. I waited and waited.. it felt like hours before I got my epidural. Anyone who prefers natural labor; all power to you.. not my cup of tea. I believe I was 7cm by that time. The poor nurse kept turning me to get me into a position to encourage Connor to lower ( he was still VERY high when she checked after I got the devil stick in my spine). She did this for about 15-20 mins and I told her I was a lot of pressure. She checked me and he was right there. I had to refrain from pushing for maybe 5 mins until the doctor got in. He sat down and told me to push. I pushed for about 10- 15 minutes and he was welcomed into the world.

My appointment was at 8am and he was born 13 hours later. He fed for an hour the first time and he latched on perfectly. My parents left and we were sent to a mommy and baby suit. I fed him one more time before I finally fell asleep. Josh was already passed out next to me. I laid Connor in the bassinet and I slept for I think 6 hours. I woke up BEFORE Connor! Have you ever heard such a thing? Not even a day old and he slept for more than 6 hours... He didn't sleep like that for another 2 1/2 months. At 4 months old, he still doesn't sleep through the night.. Or in our room. We sleep in the living room. I'm still stuck on the couch y'all!

So, there is Connor's birth story. That is my fuzzy memory of it. He is my little mama's boy. He is screaming for me now for a bottle and Zoey needs to go potty (she on the big girl potty now).

Do You Need a Shout Out?

If you are a blogger yourself, contact me with your website and brief description about your blog. Email is the fastest and easiest way to get a response from me, but will get back to you going through social media. Every Tuesday I will be giving shout outs. If your blog is less than a month old, I will not post it, I will go back to your blog in a couple months and see how you are doing. If you are still posting fairly consistently, I will then give you a shout out.

Quick update for the Friday post!

Today's post will be up later tonight, due to the content.

Also..

I'M IN CLEANING MODE! ZOEY'S PARTY IS TOMORROW!

Sculpting My Blog On My Own!

Sculpting My Blog!

Welcome back!

Today, I am going to explain how I want to build my blog and the reasons behind it. 

As you know, I have a blog through blogger; a blog that is free. I'm not going to walk around the obvious, people who usually have a free blog, aren't looking to make it their career. As for me, I want to do just that and help support my family. 

It all started when my fiance, Josh, wanted to get a second job. It was only a couple months ago, but it hit me hard. It brought on anxiety like I never imagined. Because, why does he have to get a second job, when I am here... doing nothing. I mean, I'm not really doing nothing. I am the cook, maid, and caretaker. But, shouldn't I be the one doing more? I can't get a job outside of my home. I have a house, toddler, and soon enough a baby to take care of. 

From the beginning, we knew this was going to be my role (it has nothing to do with superiority or the fact that I am the woman). I always knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. While my mom went to work all day, everyday; I had friends who had moms that stayed home. I would have loved coming home to my mom after school. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely grateful that I had such a strong hardworking mom. I feel like I need to step in and help, before Josh runs himself into the ground. I understand why I can't go out and get a job. Daycare is outrageous and my whole paycheck who go to daycare. Why get a job, just to pay for daycare? That's not helping financially.

So, if I can't go out and get a job.. why not stay in and get a job. I know, there aren't many stay at home jobs that start you off at minimum wage (unless you have a certain level of education under your belt). 

I know it is very slow going, but I know if I work hard and treat this blog like a job.. a career.. It will become one. My hard work will pay off in the end.

But, why don't I just get my own website and domain? My success rate could go a lot faster. 

Because, I'm not going to ask Josh for the money. I want to do everything on my own. He is already helping me with my business (that is at a stand still, because I need my desk and computer set up first). That is for another post, at a later time. 

Instead of starting out with a paid website and paid ads of my blog, I'm going to start at the very bottom and work my way up. No matter how long it takes. I am not going to be seen as a failure and drop yet another project. 

How on earth am I going to make money blogging? 

Advertisement. I'm not going to lie. I know reviewing products and putting ads on your blog is kind of viewed as fake. "If someone reviews something, they're fake. They probably don't even like the product". Yes, there are some that do it for just the money and don't consider how it will effect their viewers. Those people are fake. If I don't like the product, I'm either not going to review it or I will be straight forward and tell you everything I don't like about it. Advertising products for businesses is what gets you paid.

Look at NASCAR drivers. They don't have all those companies on their car for poops and giggles. They are being paid to have it on their car. They would still be paid a hefty amount even without those companies, though.

Once I start bringing in a little bit of money, then I will buy my own domain and buy ads. 

I didn't make a blog just to make money though. It is a great way for me to cope with my depression and a great way to stay in touch with the world. Being isolated inside everyday with no friends, effected me more then I let on. I don't know how to be sociable anymore, I don't know how to talk to people. Building friendships with other bloggers and with my readers is going to help me open up and improve my writing skills and content. 

 To sum up this post in one sentence....I want to build my blog, with my own earned money. 

I don't think I should be ashamed for wanting to make money this way. It works for my family, with no stress.

Zoey's Bestfriend (my review on the Fire Kids Edition Tablet)

Morning time with the tablet. 

Back in Feburary my parents decided to get Zoey a Fire Kids Edition Tablet from Amazon. Of course, when they first told me, I thought "she doesn't need yet another screen that she is glued to". Then I did some research on it. I mean, come on! A 2 year old with their own tablet?! That's quite young.

There are parental controls that lets you set everything! From time limits to educational goals! There are tons and tons of apps and shows. All of it is educational! You've heard about Zoey and her stubborn side. She won't respond to you if she senses that you are trying to teach her. I am being completely serious. With the tablet, she thinks it's just a game she gets to play or a show she gets to watch. There is no pressure for her to learn (at least that's what she thinks).

She even learned all of the primary and secondary colors on this thing!

It comes with a thick and rubber case that keeps it nice and safe. It's like if you wrap yourself up in a lot of bubble wrap and jump off a cliff! Trust me, I'm a doctor! No, but being serious...don't... just don't.

It has a 2-year worry-free guarantee. So, if your child or significant other makes you made and you chuck the tablet out the window into on coming traffic; you can replace it with no questions asked...By the company... CPS might have a few questions, though.. So, don't do that, either...

The feature that finally made me decide to let them get it for her was, Amazon FreeTime Unlimited. When you set up a profile on the tablet for your child, you get all of the age appropriate shows, apps, games, and books (10,000!!!) for free, for a year! Yeah, I know. My parents only paid $99. That's the most inexpensive tablet I've ever seen.

You can choose what color case you want. They have blue, pink, and lime green. Lime green is my favorite, but my parents HAD to go with pink.

I know this sounded very "infomercial...ly", but I do really love this thing, and so does Zoey.

Quiet time before bed with the tablet (if she makes it).

Happy Labor Day!!

How was everyone's weekend? Did you go swimming? Have a cook out? Did you be lazy? Did you drink and drive LIKE I TOLD YOU NOT TO DO?!

We literally did nothing Saturday. I didn't really like it, but Josh really needed it, so I let him. I just did a lot of work on the computer and drew a bit. Of course, we played Halo with my Dad and brothers until 1in the morning. Sunday (yesterday), we put a few coats of paint thinner on my desk. Let me just tell you, it is a pain in the butt! We thought there was only 1 color on the desk, but NO! Not only purple, there is also white and blue! I'm starting to wonder if there is even a wood finish under all the paint. I just want my computer set up!

 Josh cut the grass, because he refuses to let me haul my big baby belly around the yard and mow. We put up pictures on the wall, finally. Put the letters up on her door and some pictures on her wall.


I think it all looks really good. We still have a lot more to do before Zoey's birthday party on Saturday (which I'm also working really hard on). I feel kind of bad, because the only ones that are coming to her party are her grandparents and maybe her Uncle and Aunt, due to the fact she could go into labor at anytime. Holy roll on sentence, Batman. Thankfully her other grandparents (my parents) want to have a separate party. I guess, it's a blessing in disguise, since she doesn't do well with a semi-large crowd. And no, it's nothing personal against Josh's family, my family just doesn't get to see Zoey much and they are going to find the best date to throw a party for her.

I got some, not-so-awesome, news. When I took my glucose test, I also had to get my thyroid levels checked. I got the results back on that... But first, I'll give you a little back story if you don't know.

Over a year ago, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In other words, my thyroid was barely working and that means my metabolism was pretty much non-existent. I was put on medicine (Synthroid) and I could tell my metabolism was started to boost. Five months later, they rechecked and it was still low. They bumped up my dosage. Another 5 months later (last weekend), checked my levels and.. still... low. They decided to bump up my dosage again.

I'm starting to think, it will never catch up. I'll be on this medicine forever. I have to take it every morning, before I do anything. I can't eat 3 hours prior and I can't eat an hour after taking it. I have gotten sick so many times, because my stomach wasn't completely empty.

Okay, Okay. I don't want this to be a negative post, lol. Back to my Sunday. After we got everything put up, Josh grilled out burgers! I don't know know why I never thought of this idea, but if you have a large mug (coffee mug/soup mug), you can make an almost perfect round patty! It made it so much easier and faster. I hate packing the patties. With the mug, it only takes me a few minutes to make 5 patties. The More You Know! I also made mashed potatoes (all that Zoey eats these days) and green beans. It was yummy, lol. 

Today, we are going over to Josh's Dad's house. A Labor Day get together. It is probably just going to be the three of us showing up, maybe his Papaw. It should be fun, it usually is. Swimming might happen today. I'm too warn out to swim, but if I have to get in with Zoey I wouldn't mind too much.

I have to get up and get laundry done and get everything ready to go. You know, adult things!

Make sure you follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Instagram, to see how much we are going to have.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

It's a long weekend!... Well, for some. Our weekend is going to be filled with refinishing furniture (I will take pictures) and having fun with family. By the time I get back to y'all, I should have my desk

This girl is so silly!

and computer set up. Or I'll be taking care of Zoey all weekend, because she is starting to act sick.. Poor girl gets horrible hay fever, just like her mommy.

Be careful this weekend! Don't drink and drive!

I look forward to posting again on Monday! Until then, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated with my weekend! Also, follow me on Pinterest to see ideas for updating the house and more!

(wow, that sounded commercialized)...

Facebook! Quick Post!

Oh Facebook.... Why do you make it so complicated?

I decided to make a Facebook page specifically for My Beautiful Life. Within an hour of making it, I got a restriction. That was a couple days ago. It now says that it is permanently unpublished. WTF? Why? I didn't even get to post anything on it. I'm not giving up, though! I'm appealing it.. again.. until they get back to me... we wait.

I don't know much about Twitter, but I'm going to set up an account there as well. How is everyone today? I wanted to post something so much this morning, but I had to get up and do adult things. That

is why I had my big mug of coffee!

Yes, it does say "Who's your Caddy?". I got it at a thrift store and I love it very much. I don't use it very much, because that's A LOT of coffee. Thankfully, it didn't take too long to get everything done.

Well I just wanted give you a little update about the social media problem. I'll talk to y'all tomorrow!

A Short Remembrance To Gene Wilder

I am so saddened by the news today. I didn't hop onto Facebook until about 6pm this evening. I went the whole day not knowing about the tragic news. It is hard to decide between, "The Sound of Music" and this wonderfully, joyous masterpiece, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" which one is my all time favorite.

"As they say in Corsica... Goodbye"
-Gene Wilder 

Gene Wilder's nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, confirmed his death as complications of Alzheimer disease. Early morning of August 29th 2016 at his house in Stamford, Conn. At the age of 83.

He was the face of an imaginative childhood. A childhood filled with chocolate rivers and soda that made you float. "In a world of, pure imagination". Yes, it was cheesy, but very true!

You were our Willy, our Frankenstein, our Skip... Those blue eyes that could make knees go weak.

You will forever be a big part of my life. My memory.

Cute Coffee Upgrade!

I just want to brag about my brother and his awesome skills!
He made this coffee rack from a pallet that was starting to get a little too old. IN A DAY!
Very talented man!