tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84721784600726158592024-03-12T21:11:58.745-07:00My New Life Through A Mothers EyesGiulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-24850386862646351972016-01-11T11:44:00.003-08:002016-01-11T11:44:55.185-08:00A New Year, Old ResolutionsAs one of my Resolutions I plan to blog more.<br />
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As with the start of a new year my newsfeed instantly becomes an ad for Gyms, pinterest recipes, and the new fad diet/cleanse. Im glad the juice cleanses have taken the back seat at least.<br />
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It took me 2 years after I had Charlie to get to the gym.<br />
I tried clean eating; I take back my earlier comments on quinoa, it can be quite tasty. <br />I bought an eliptical for the house; its in the garage for $100 if anyone wants it. <br />I tried walking; I hate walking, I do, I can do 3miles at the gym but get me to walk half a mile on the street and I want to die.<br />
These things did not work out for me, and as I hit a rough patch in life and started questioning my self worth my sister came in on a beautiful white unicorn and said she got me 3 months at her gym for my christmas present,(my familys not subtle on presents, one year all I got was bath products....I dont know what they were getting at). Before anyone says she was calling me fat though we had talked about me doing something for myself. What does a stay at home mom do for herself though? Im not really artistic so I cant be a Pinterest mom, I dont do sports...and writting, well its still at home in between "get down from there" and "stop taunting the dog". The gym was a getaway.<br />
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My first day back at the gym was like first day of High School. All these girls wearing make up, and good looking outfits. I stood with my Mickey Mouse shirt trying to check in and trying to fit in. Now that I think of it the gym is pretty much a high school.<br />
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You have:<br />
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Popular guys- Sleeveless shirts, checking the phone constantly,<br />
The jocks- Theyre on the treadmills going 100mph making it look effortlessly.<br />
Popular girls - Wears full face make up, makes her way around gym without ever working out.<br />
Poser- Takes selfies.<br />
Drama kids- Comes for the classes, zumba, step, yoga..etc.<br />
The stoners - They come for the free pizza. (Planet Fitness)<br />
The outsiders- There to work out and leave, doesnt make eye contact with anyone.<br />
Super seniors- The old guy who wants to look like hes young by wearing "cool clothes".<br />
Basketball players- Theyre...playing basketball, usually has an entourage.<br />The Teachers- The ones doing cardio watching CNN.<br />
Band Geek- Loud music in their ears.<br />
New kid- Usually being shown around by the trainer.<br />Foreign exchange student- Has a friend by their side, may go into the jacuzzi.<br />
Bullies- One making fun of others, has a "bro",<br />
Nerd- May use the bikes, will be watching some sort of video on phone.<br />Teachers pet- Trying to show off how much of something they can do..<br />
Coach- Pushing their friend to their breaking point.<br />
The Dropout- Not there.<br />
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Of course these are just fun stereotypes please don't take it seriously.<br />
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It can be hard to make life changes, and I hope that all of my friends stick to their resolution of becoming healthier. I dont like seeing "resolutioners at the gym" memes because its poking fun at someones expense, these people are brave for taking a step at bettering themselves. They shouldnt be made fun of, they should be taught how to use equipment, especially for their safety.<br />
I also hope that if anyone sees that happening that they step up and help out that person, because thats another good resolution, Helping others more.<br /><br />Whatever your new years resolutions may be, I hope you all have a wonderful new year and that you may grow and be who you want and are meant to be!<br />
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<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-78915065827286627782015-09-04T09:03:00.000-07:002015-09-04T09:11:18.957-07:00whats the right way?Let me tell you a little about my mothering style. Its not right, its not wrong, its too little and its too much. Its not what you or her would do. But its what I do and I have a happy healthy kid.<br />
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You see my kid running around without shoes in the backyard. I see a kid who ran out before I could put on his shoes. But also a kid who is enjoying the feeling of grass and earth under him. (Not on cold or wet days obviously)<br />
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You see my husband cursing in front of my kid. I see a time my kid will shout SHIT in front of others and it will be embarrassing, but we will laugh at it years later. It happens. He will know those words are adult words.<br />
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You see my kid eating at the table without a high chair and thats dangerous. I see a little human who wants to do everything that everyone else does, he cheers with his glass, he eats in regular bowls (corelle life saver) and he sneaks food to the dog. And eats and tries everything.<br />
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You see my kid with a dirty shirt. I see he has been playing eating enjoying whatever it was. A little dirt never hurt anyone. At the end of the day he gets a bath, gets clean clothes and goes to bed.<br />
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You see an almost 2yr old who isnt talking much. I see a kid who hears two languages constantly. Who understands when I ask him to get a diaper in the other room but cant tell me what ye wants to eat, but will grab it from the fridge. Hes independent and likes to do things for himself.<br />
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You see my kid awake at 9pm. I see a kid who stays awake to see his dad come home. Whose naps are set to a t, but sometimes is tired by 7 sometimes not until 10.<br />
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You see my kid watching tv. I see the inevitable. Their future will be filled with electronics and internet. All I can do is make sure he does more than just that, watch tv, play games he will know harry potter, lotr, star wars. He will know family time and the outdoors and board games.<br />
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You see my kid fall and freak out as I congratulate him. I know the difference between a stumble and fall and a dangerous fall. In doing that he gets up wipes his hands off and keeps going. He also knows the difference between pain and reaction.<br />
(I was at the store the other day and this 10yr old tripped on his shoes and fell, he dell to the ground and stayed there waiting for his mom to come back and help him, he even scooted closer to his shoes. This was a very uncomfortable 3 minutes trying to go around him to get my groceries).<br />
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You see my kid playing with a doll. I see him imitating me. Thats what children do. I wont take a toy away from him because of "gender roles". If he wants to play with his cousins old cabbage patch kid I wont stop him. There are no "boy version" of dolls for toddlers. Also something pink wont turn him gay.<br />
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You see my kid getting sick. I see a growing immune system. My kid doesnt go to daycare or is around a lot of kids, so he isnt exposed to a lot of the germs they grow immune to. Hes not the boy in the bubble but hes only been around less than two years so there will surely be a lot of sickness.<br />
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You see my kid being a wildman, wrestling, running, jumping, hitting, climbing. I see a kid. A toddler. An active little boy.<br />
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You see my kid throwing a tantrum. I see nothing. I will not acknowledge these.<br />
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I see a social, loving, funny, sweet, intelligent, wild, carefree little human.<br />
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We all see things different, we all have different parenting styles. What you may see as bad that someone does, may not be bad in their eyes.<br />
Im always learning and taking advice, and sharing advice.<br />
I know the way I raise my son wont necessarily be the way he raises his children, but I know hes happy for now.<br />
<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-52780504007014307232015-04-23T22:00:00.001-07:002015-04-23T22:07:44.414-07:00a bond like glue. super glueEvery mother expects to have that instant bond with their baby after theyre born.<br />
Almost every mother Ive talked to said the moment they held their baby it kicked in.<br />
I blamed the drugs, the lack of sleep, the inexperience with babies.<br />
Truth is, I didnt feel that instant bond. I felt terrible and kept waiting for it to happen.<br />
Of course I never told anyone because who admits to that? Am I so heartless?<br />
Could it have been the epidural and that my body didnt naturally produce the chemical that causes that bond?<br />
I knew I loved my son. I knew from when I was pregnant that I loved him. So why didnt that instant connection happen?<br />
I kept wondering if it was never going to happen.<br />
Which only worsened my ppd.<br />
And maybe that was it? The hormones that were all over the place. So many nights I cried while holding him, or changing him...<br />
I will never forget the first time he fell off the couch, I think he was 6 weeks and i set him down and turned to fix the blanket and he fell. My heart sunk. I had that ugly cry with the hiccups. My husband ended up googling stories of other moms who it had also happened to. I couldnt get over it though, I just felt like a terrible mother.<br />
I know it was an accident. Im not a terrible mother i know I love my son, I know my son loves me.<br />
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As time went on we created our bond. Weve recreated our bond time and time. Its like falling in love with your significant other.<br />
Ive learned to trust my motherly instinct. Hes learning to be more of a mommas boy. Hes being more affectionate. He trusts me. I trust him. I now understand what that bond is. Maybe I didnt have it right away. I have it now which is more than some moms.<br />
Maybe our bond is even stronger, hes made me realize so much in the last year and a half. It feels like hes been a part of my whole life.<br />
I really dont recall much from life before him, it wasnt bad, it just, was (wake up go to work, come home, watch tv, go out once in a while) .. Maybe thats why I always wanted new pets, I wanted a bond with something that loved me unconditionally.<br />
I remember being really young and in the shower wanting to bathe with my cat. I know its weird and probably when my cat lady ways started, but it was more to care for something.<br />
Today after I cut charlies hair we both needed a shower, so we both hopped in and took a bath together splashing and playing with the toys.<br />
Certain moments solidify your connection, that was definitely one for me.<br />
I love my son, I love his hugs, his messes, his laugh, his smile, his walk, his kisses, his slober. Hes taught me to be okay with my insecurities, to love myself, who my real friends are, that its okay to cry and be vulnerable. That its okay to rely on someone else.<br />
Just because something didnt click right away doesnt mean it wont happen. There is nothing to be ashamed of.<br />
Nobody starts out perfect.<br />
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<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-78609282054362796392015-02-05T13:55:00.002-08:002015-02-05T13:56:14.012-08:00For my first act Ill bring back an eradicated diseaseHave you seen measles in front of you? What about smallpox? Maybe polio? Chances are you haven't. These diseases have been eradicated in the US. At least they were. Measles was virtually gone until 2000, then breakouts started happening.<br />
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This year 102 cases have been reported from one person that visited Disneyland. One person! 14 states, 102 cases. Let that sink in.<br />
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Humans think we're invincible, that in every situation it will "never happen to me."<br />
My generation is the worst, if we dont see it then it didnt happen or it wont.<br />
Something changes inside of us once we are faced with something, until we see it, until its too late.<br />
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So why are parents deciding against vaccinating their children?<br />
I posted a status asking and these were some of the answers.<br />
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*First born had allergic reaction so they dont vaccinate the others in fear of allergy.<br />
*Hippies<br />
*Big Pharma is not to be trusted<br />
*Afraid it causes autism<br />
*Blindly following others without doing research<br />
*Not knowing the ingredients<br />
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These are terrible reasons to gamble with your childs health!<br />
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We can not rely on others doing it, Ive heard the story; "why does it matter if my child isnt vaccinated if yours is?"<br />
While vaccines work 95% for those vaccinated theres also the ones who are too young or for health reasons can not get them.<br />
They rely on "herd immunity" to keep them safe.<br />
When more and more people go against it, it puts everyone in danger.<br />
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Most of the time outbreaks come from other countries. Someone traveled to or came into the country whether vaccinated or not (maybe they needed a booster). Planes dont get cleaned thoroughly in between flights. One person.<br />
one layover.<br />
How many people could that one person infect?<br />
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The way traveling works now days is the reason kids have to have so many more immunizations. Something that isnt common in Washington could be in Asia.<br />
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Some say that our own immune system can fight off the diseases. At what price though? What about side effects or different complications that may come from that one sickness?<br />
Im overly vaccinated, I have the scar on my arm from the smallpox vaccine. Every year in Brasil I would kick and scream because I didnt want to get any shots. Im healthy. I never had chickenpox.<br />
I had the vaccine, at least I wont get shingles.<br />
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Autism is not caused by vaccines. Its insane how one doctors false research could become one of the biggest reasons behind peoples decision making. A research that was retracted and a doctor who lost his license!<br />
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My friend pointed out that we will never be able to eradicate any more diseases if people dont vaccinate.<br />
While were over here being picky and chosing not to vaccinate, a mother in a third world country is walking 20 miles in order to give her child a chance at not getting sick.<br />
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Maybe its going to take seeing these diseases come back and in person. Maybe it will take having a global pandemic. Maybe it will take being too late.<br />
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<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-8860438026954287632015-01-20T10:30:00.000-08:002015-01-20T10:30:05.561-08:00I am 297 months old.I never understood why after 1 year parents still counted how many months their child was, and when do they decide when to stop? You dont see adults saying "Yes Lisa is 48 months old."<br />
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The other day at the mall playground I had to chase Charlie who was trying to steal some guy's drink away from him. (We've already had to pay for someones Panda Express because he decided he was going to run up to their table and grab it and try to run away.)<br />
We got to talking, and apologizing. And the usual questions come up, "Oh shes so cute how old is she?"<br />
"This is my 23 month old, and thats my 4 year old."<br />
* Oh you're one of those people.....*<br />
<br />
Why can't you just say shes turning 2 next month?!!! I find myself telling months because someone else is telling months. Then I wonder, what if someone else is doing that just because Im doing it too!!?!!<br />
The insanity has to stop.<br />
Charlie turned 1 in November. No more 14 months.<br />
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Is it so the other person knows what size clothes they wear? Let me tell you My disproportionate son wears 24 on top, and 12 on bottom. He's got that top heavy from his dad. Maybe my short little legs?<br />
Is it because the doctor says it so now we feel like were more sophisticated and must use the same lingo as them?<br />
Pregnancy ended many many months ago, a part Im all too happy to forget, but now instead of counting weeks, Im counting months.<br />
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I think its cute and perfectly okay to use months for the first year, I mean that year is when so much happens. They go from being little helpless babies to crawling and walking and talking! Thats a lot to learn in just a year.<br />
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So unless we stop the nonsense of telling months after a year I will refer to my age to months as well. 297.8 months. (Yes I used a calculator, For math is another language to me)Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-78954815111883096662015-01-18T23:43:00.001-08:002015-01-20T10:07:44.383-08:00The book>The movieI read this joke the other day and it went.<br />
How do you tell if someone's read the book before they've watched the movie?<br />
They'll tell you, oh they'll tell you.<br />
I couldn't stop laughing because well, that's me. And I apologize to my friends whom Ive ruined shows or movies for but I can't help it. The book is often times so much better.<br />
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Think of it as this way; I'll use food because well I like to eat, a lot.<br />
The book is a Royal Red Robin burger, its got all these layers. The cheese, the meat,the egg, the lettuce, ketchup and bottomless fries.<br />
The movie....its like a school cafeteria hamburger with 5 soggy fries.<br />
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For example. Characters in books are complex, the writing makes you create this version of a character that at times when brought to live is less than acceptable. And god forbid the actor is replaced in later movies.<br />
One instance is Harry Potter (I'm also mildly obsessed with harry potter).<br />
I typically read a book then watch the movie, however being 10 and really not into fantasy I need up watching the movie first. And I was hooked,so I read the books. I got sucked into a land of magic, and to this day with all our moving I guess my letter to Hogwarts was lost in the mail.<br />
Richard Harris played the perfect Albus Dumbledore, he had the twinkle in his eye and reminded me that while he was old he was still fierce and caring at the same time. Unfortunately Richard Harris a passed away ad was replaced with Michael Gambon. Bad casting, were all too aware of the notorious almost strangling in the 4th movie. I just....no.<br />
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<img src="http://hellogiggles.hellogiggles.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/08/tumblr_mu8vxluda71rwkt5co1_500.jpg" /><br />
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Movies tend to leave out important information while keeping seemingless unimportant things in it.<br />
For this I'll use the Hunger Games, great books, not translated into movies very well...<br />
I took my husband to see the first one when it first came out, I was super excited to watch it and show him this awesome movie where kids fight to the death because society's so messed up.<br />
I don't know who left the movie theater more confused. Why wasn't Madge in the movie? Avoxes hello?<br />
You have all this money to make this movie ad you're gonna get so much more back and this is what you give us?... A jungle with kids running from each other?..This is one of the rare moments he was actually happy that I read the book and didnt stop talking about it.<br />
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And then there are the movies that start out so good and you think OK they're staying close to the book,and in the end they're running out of time and just throw random things in?<br />
Divergent.<br />
I started out really into the movie and enjoying it, they could have gone more in depth about the aptitude test I'll let it go. But they completely forgot to film Edwards scenes!!! And there was a lot more chemistry between four and Tris that's all....I wasn't disappointed with the movie, But I did find Eric more attractive than Four.<br />
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However not always are movies a bad interpretation of the book.<br />
Jurassic park was very loyal to the book. Also another time I watched the movie before the book, I was actually unaware there was a book until in middle school. One minor difference was that Hammond actually dies in the first book.<br />
The shining was also a great adaptation, I prefer the second BBC version which is also like 4 or 5 hours and didn't have Shelley Duvall (who I find very irritating) but they put in everything the book had.<br />
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I know I'm picky. And I have ridiculous expectations out of my movies, after all I bet invested into my books. And every person focuses on different parts of books. I know there's no way tp perfectly translate word for word into a movie...<br />
But someone tell me... How the hell is 50 shades of gray turning into a movie and its not.... porn??Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-15067205103232740762015-01-17T18:31:00.000-08:002015-01-17T18:33:42.120-08:00What would you do with a whole day to yourself?Today Charlie got to go spend the day at his boppys and Mimi's.<br />
That means I had a free day as my husband calls it, good because I think I was catching Charlies cold.<br />
In the morning I packed his bag lots of clothes, boogey wipes(just a fancy name for saline wipes), his sheep, and off he went to a day adventure.<br />
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What was I to do with a whole 9 hours to myself?!? About once a month Charlie goes over to his yayas house and spends the night, usually its someone's birthday or something were doing that night so while its great to get to do something were usually trying to pack so much in that day that its more exhausting than having him. Seriously one day we dropped him off, had to rush to lunch at the space needle(courtesy of Doms work) and make it to everett for a hockey game, all in about a 5 hour span.<br />
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So today was nice that I had no plans, and had no plans on folding the laundry that has piled on the night stand, and wherever else charlie drags things to. The house is clean otherwise. Big thank to my mom who's been cleaning the kitchen. Did I mention my parents are living with me?? Some may think its inconvenient, I think its yummy. I'll take my moms delicious food any day!!!!!<br />
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So I started my day with reading my book, I'm currently reading the Divergent trilogy. Its taken me way too long to read a book that's less than 500 pages. I'm a huge bookworm so I get really invested into my books, but I'm happy to say I finished the first book and on to the second.<br />
I did my nails, my toes and my hands. Well whatever little tiny hand nails I have now that I don't constantly do them anymore. It was a 2x a week thing.<br />
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I was able to go to the bathroom and shower and not have little hands slapping the door or trying to get under.<br />
I actually left the bathroom door open all day without having to run in and drag little hands out of trying to get into the toilet.<br />
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In spent time with my cats, all day fat jack and Kobe laid in bed with me while I read or watched TV.<br />
I caught up on TV shows, and watched more Friends.<br />
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The greatest of all I got BORED! I haven't gotten bored in a very long time. It was a reminder that I enjoy being on my toes all day being a mom. I'm fortunate to have all day to play and hang out with my little man. But I'm also grateful for family to get a breather day here and there. Thank you guys.<br />
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Being a parent is hard, it can put strain on your marriage or relationship. So once a month, take time out from being parents and indulge in being significant others. Go to a movie, to the beach, have a picnic in the living room and watch movies.<br />
You'd be surprised at how much that can lift your spirits.<br />
<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-52372971137745426722015-01-15T22:20:00.000-08:002015-01-15T22:22:31.280-08:00Extra junk in the trunkCelebrities give us a false idea of what were supposed to look like. Its hard enough trying to learn all that stupid kim kardashian contouring and looking red carpet skinny.<br />
Then they get pregnant and you secretly hope they gain 80 pounds and look terrible...and they don't. Seriously who wears 5inch heels weeks before they're due??!!<br />
And just when you think it couldn't get worse, articles of them 2 weeks post baby bod come out.<br />
Come on! Are you even human???!!!!<br />
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Two weeks after having Charlie my hair was a mess, my stomach was all sorts of deflated and jello and I did not leave the house. And I didn't even have a c section!<br />
The whole idea that women need to get back to their post baby body as soon as possible is incredibly unrealistic. It took 9 months to get like this and it sure isn't going to go back in weeks, not even a couple of months.<br />
Not only are you extremely exhausted from lack of sleep, healing, emotional, but now I gotta worry about how skinny and how not in shape I am?<br />
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There is nothing wrong with taking your time to lose the weight. There's nothing wrong with having a little saggier boobs, there's nothing wrong with having new stretch marks. Theres nothing wrong eating carbs!<br />
The world needs to stop rushing women into getting back to shape or they're not considered attractive anymore.<br />
It takes 6 weeks for your body to get over the trauma of childbirth and I've heard something like 2 years to really get back to normal.<br />
Your whole life has changed, you cant expect your body not to.<br />
Give me a break. Even now a year later my weight isn't my priority. I have an elliptical in the garage I use, not as often as I'd like, but its something.<br />
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Just give a girl time, shell lose the weight when she's ready. I don't need to feel obligated to get back in shape before my kid can even hold its head up.<br />
I'm only human.<br />
<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-80559430330428616592014-02-04T13:40:00.001-08:002014-02-04T13:40:40.081-08:00JUST a stay at home momToday I read a blog post from a husbands point of view about his wife being a stay at home mom.<br />
I decided I'd write one from the perspective of a "stay at home mom/wife"<br />
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I am guilty of having thought that being a stay at home mom was an easy job. Like most people I thought "Why is she complaining? She doesn't have to go out and actually work." or "Shes just lazy." While I woke up at all different hours of the night to feed or change a baby the mom in me told my old self "Told you."<br />
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Do we not value stay at home moms because they're not actually getting paid? Or because she doesn't get up put on a suit and go out into the world? In many cases having a job outside of the home you are still taking care of someone. Having worked retail and hospitality you are always at someones hand and foot. The only difference is at the end of the day you hate your job because you're tired and nobody really appreciates what you have done for them. While at home you may be tired but you know those little eyes appreciate everything that you have done for them.<br />
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I used to think that going to work for 9 hours was hard, to only have a 30 minute lunch, and get off work so late that you had missed going out with everyone, or getting off work and being so tired all you want is to sleep.<br />
A stay at home mom doesn't have a 30 minute lunch. I swear everytime I try to go eat he wants to eat too. So that nice hot dinner gets put aside while he gets his food.<br />
I once loved showers, long hot showers and I'd just stand under the shower head without a care about how long it was. Now I'm lucky if my showers last 10 minutes.<br />
A Friday night used to be putting on make up, that nice black dress, heels and going out and drinking and having fun.<br />
Friday night now is no different from any other day, bathe baby, feed baby, hope he falls asleep. Clean up some more, and maybe catch up on some tv if you're not passing out already.<br />
The nice thing about a "real" job is that you clock in and clock out. Once you clock out and leave you dont have to do that job until your next shift.<br />
I don't have a clock in clock out button. <br />
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JUST because she's a stay at home mom doesn't mean she's JUST taking care of the baby. She's a cook, a maid, your wife, a nurse, a ninja.<br />
While the baby sleeps she's making dinner, cleaning the house, organizing paperwork, doing some sort of project, and trying to sneak in a little Netflix.<br />
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I have a "real" job on the weekends. And I will say, while it's hard to wake up and go to work, the job is a lot easier than being full time mommy.<br />
Am I upset that I'm a stay at home mom? At times I catch myself thinking I need a job I need to make my own money. I've always been a hard worker. But I look at a giggling Charlie and think there is no way that "making my own money" compares to this.<br />
I used to not want to have kids, I was independent, made my own money, could spend my money on anything I wanted.<br />
Now all the money I make or get goes to Charlie. And I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
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While I'm sitting here I have a basket of laundry waiting to be folded. But theres a baby in front of me in his jungle pad giggling looking at himself in the mirror and talking. He also has the hiccups which dont seem to affect him much but I should get those taken care of. (By the way old family trick, lick a piece of paper and put it on their forehead. works. every. time.)<br />
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So before you go judging and saying she's JUST a stay at home mom. Think to yourself, your job is 8 hours, hers is 24 hours.<br />
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Note: Charlie is very fortunate to have so many people that take care of him. He has a daddy who not only works a "real" job but is always helping out when he can. His grandma who is always willing to watch him if we need to run out and do errands. And great grandparents who love to tell him stories and sing to him and watch him while mommy showers.<br />
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<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-39314191754385200212013-09-27T14:18:00.000-07:002013-09-27T14:18:54.504-07:00When facebook goes wrong.I woke up this morning and did the first thing anybody does these days, check Facebook.<br />
In
the midst of many ecards and TGIFs there was a post with some animal
abuse. Thank you jerk for completely taking away any joy I had.<br />
While its your page and you can post whatever you want, I think people are taking things to a new level now days.<br />
<br />
Please take my guide of things to post and not to post, lets elaborate:<br />
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<br /><b>Cute cats</b>- Thats easy, cats own the internet, there can never be too many cute cats.<br />
<b>Pets</b>-
all other form of pets are also acceptable, unless they have no legs or
too many legs. (My rule for being okay with animals, 2 legs 4 legs ok,
no legs and too many legs no)<br />
<b>Kids</b>- It be babies, toddlers,
your kids graduation. It is ok. Unless you're posting birthing videos
and pictures then no, please keep those to yourself, locked up, your kid
will never want to see that. In fact I dont really know why people take
videos of their birth.....not doing it.<br />
<b>E-cards- </b>They're hilarious. And sarcastic. Two wonderful things<br />
<b>Cute cat videos- </b>Again, cats, moving, go google frankenstein cat. Its priceless.<br />
<b>Funny ish- </b>Now this one is a little vague. But if it makes me laugh, if its a quote, a picture, a video, we are okay.<br />
<b>Family pics- </b>This includes "my and my boo". and any form of family together. and #tbt's.<br />
<b>Vacation- </b>I
want to see where you went on vacation since I cant afford a vacation
of my own. Also applies for road trips and hikes to the mountains.<br />
<b>Food- </b>I
love food. #foodporn right? Does not apply to weird green shakes and
kale. I personally dont care much for any diet food really, I want to
see the good stuff. But if it makes you feel better about sharing your
diet food that is okay.<br />
<b>Transformation pix/stories- </b>Adding
this one on. Motivation!!! Do not take that as I want pictures of you
constantly at the gym though, no. Nobody should take pictures at the
gym. It makes you look like a douche.<br />
<br />
Things not to post<br /><b>Constant political- </b>Keep
that to yourself. The only thing I want to see about political is IM
VOTING or a I voted little sticker. The President sucks posts are
getting old. Please go to an online forum to discuss politics if you
must.<br />
<b>Constant religious- </b>I believe in God. Do I need to
read 50 posts about religion a day? No. Facebook is not a church. And
I'm sure I have friends of all different religions who some may not
appreciate constant posts about religion. One here one there alright,
but again why not share it with people who would appreciate it more. <br /><b>Dead animals- </b>Why?
Seriously, why do you think it was a good idea to post that?!!! No I'm
not gonna watch the pitbull getting beat up video. The "Im spreading
awareness through facebook" is lazy. Please go help out at an animal
shelter. If I wanted to cry with animal videos I would turn on the tv in
the middle of the night and watch the ASPCA commercials.<br />
<b>Abused humans- </b>Again
another one I don't understand why you would spread that. I'm pregnant
and very sensitive right now, I don't need to see that!!! And honestly
most of the time those stories are fake. Oh this also implies the please
donate to such and such microsoft will donate....surgery....no. its
fake.<br />
<b>The drunk/high pics- </b>If you don't want your mother
to see it don't post it. I don't want to see you more than half naked.
Look those pictures will be up forever. Good luck getting a job thats
not at McDs. While on the topic, could really care less about your weed,
remember while its legal in WA its not federally legal so I'd keep
those to text your homies.<br />
<b>My life is so horrible- </b>Please get off the internet and go make friends. That is your problem. <br /><b>Pics asking for assurance- </b>Come
on writing "Im so ugly" on a pic should be illegal. If you thought you
looked so ugly you wouldnt have posted it. This also refers to those
annoying vague posts. Just stop with the annoying "SO mad" "Why?" "I
dont want to talk about it" Please delete your facebook.<br />
<b>Pretending a reddit post is yours- </b>One
of the worst offenders. I like reading it on reddit, when you try to
pass it off as your own it just ruins it. Didn't you learn in school
that plagiarism is illegal? You should all be reported!!!!!<br />
<br />
I'd
like to think that with these guidelines my newsfeed would be
completely cleared of stupid things, but I know better. But hopefully if
I can at least reach a few people and change their ways.....<br />
And I
know someones going to say why don't you just delete so and so or
unsubscribe them. Yeah what if they write something really good one
day?!!? I hope nobodys excluded me or theyll be missing out on this epic
blog post.<br />
And it had nothing to do with being pregnant....eh<br />
<br />
So next time you post something, think about the guidelines. They may save a life.<br />
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<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-48072324375944854922013-09-15T15:12:00.000-07:002013-09-15T15:12:07.721-07:00Why is it called a babyshower?Charlie had his first baby shower yesterday. It was a great afternoon filled with games, great food, friends and stories.<br />
We're very thankful for everyone who came and spent the day with us. Especially for the greatest hostesses around, Viktoria and Miranda. The decorations were beautiful and the cake was the cutest thing. I think Viktoria might have a future in baking cakes.<br />
<br />
The night before the shower Miranda and I went to the brazilian store for some things, and of course to cure my craving of empadas and cheese bread. Somehow in the midst we decided to make coxinhas and empadas for the baby shower. Something we had never done, so I enlisted the help of my mom through Skype. She was watching the Rock in Rio concert and David Guetta and Beyonce were playing that night.<br />
Empadas are like chicken pot pies, and coxinhas are little fried balls with chicken inside of them.<br />
Not knowing what we were up against we set off on an adventure. Making the empada dough was pretty easy, its salt butter and flour. The coxinha dough was a task. You have to cook the dough, constantly adding flour in to it and stirring until it becomes like a pizza dough. Great arm work out!!!<br />
We didnt get done with cooking until late but things turned out good, thankfully.<br />
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The next day when leaving VIktorias house for the party, as we were running late already I ended up dismentling the diaper cake...we arrived a little late but all was well and we got down to it on the decorations, well Vik and Tina did haha. I needed food.<br />
After everyone arrived we played a couple of games. One was guess how many candies were in the "jar", jar being a big baby bottle, and the other one which turned into quite a hoot was finish the sentence how you think Giulia would react.<br />
Questions were things like "What would Giulia do if she went to check on Bean and he had pooped himself all over?" and " What book will be CHarlies first book"<br />
Harry Potter obviously!! We even Skyped my mom in Brasil, who was very excited to be included into the baby shower.<br />
We opened presents for Bean and I have to say, hes got some pretty awesome gifts :)<br />
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When all gifts were opened it was time for dessert. Mel finally made her wonderful amazing raspberry cobbler and we also had the cake, which I was a little sad to cut into...</div>
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Both were delicious!!!!</div>
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After a lot of food and sugar it was just time to hang out catch up and relax. By 9 we were all pretty beat and it was time to go home.<br />
We got everything downstairs and I fell onto my bed and asleep.<br />
When Dom got home he went to look through the presents, and he comes into the bedroom wakes me up, holds up the shark robe and says very excitedly "This is the coolest thing I've ever seen!" <br />
Not to be mushy but it had to be the cutest thing I had seen.<br />
He had gone to check out the gifts by himself and had fallen in love with something.<br />
I like this side of him, I know hes gonna be a good dad.<br />
:)<br />
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Less than two months!!!Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-27563322865398912132013-07-26T10:24:00.000-07:002013-07-26T10:24:13.840-07:00Quinoa spinach brown rice grain of wonderI always see people posting pictures of their healthy meals online.<br />
My thoughts are always the same.<br />
Nope, not eating that!!!<br />
<br />
As wonderful as that may be for my body. It was probably way out of my budget and the way I see if once I'm old and frail all that I will be eating will be liquified or pureed, so might as well enjoy my teeth and eating what I want.<br />
<br />
I understand that while pregnant your diet has to be a very healthy one. But its insane the amount of things you can't eat while pregnant.<br />
*Hot dogs and deli meats (Have to be cooked thoroughly)<br />
*Larger fish (swordfish, shark...) (Also I would never eat a poor defenseless shark)<br />
*Sprouts (Bean sprouts count??)<br />
*Unpasteurized juices (Seriously?)<br />
*Excess caffeine (Meh)<br />
*Herbal tea and supplements (But I like tea!)<br />
*Soft cheeses (Why fetaaaaaa?)<br />
*Raw or undercooked meats and fish (Sushi Land, Nijos...Ill miss you guys)<br />
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Honestly though, you'd rather me go and buy some fake juice instead of a nice fresh squeezed orange juice? Sometimes it doesn't make sense. Also I may or may not be following that very thoroughly...<br />
I still wonder how they come up with all of these do not do while pregnant things.<br />
I know for a fact my mom smoked probably a pack a day while pregnant with me and drank gallons of espresso. I think, and correct me if I'm wrong but I think I came out alright.<br />
<br />
I really dislike warm sandwiches, so the first few times going to Subway I had to get my meat heated up...I thought it would be more of a Quizno's hot sandwich and it was nowhere near that....The ham was lukewarm...I dont think that made much of a difference on whether I got listeria or not so I have decided not to heat it anymore. Not that I get Subway very often, I tend to somehow always get sick from different stores...<br />
I have a very sensitive stomach okay?!<br /><br />
I've unfortunately become lactose intolerant with this pregnancy. Not
that I was ever much of a milk drinker..but really its summer and I
like milkshakes!!<br />
So its been coconut/almond milk for pregnita. I
went to get froyo yesterday with my friend and sat there trying out all
of the froyos...ooops.<br />
I'm really hoping that this goes away after pregnancy. <br />
<br />
I cant live off of fruit and vegetables, I have to dip my toes into some sort of bad food right? I have the right to!! I have been sick for the past 4 months I think I deserve some good fun. While I've never been someone who likes sweets I have found myself with quite the sweet tooth I can't get rid of.<br />
So when I felt that need of sweet goodness after dinner the other day everyone seemed happy that Bean wanted something sweet. We trekked to Whole Foods where they sell pie slices so everyone was able to pick their own. Grandma got a very nice lemon meringue, Grandpa and Carol both got decadent chocolate cream pies, Dom got a very nice Kahlua creme (what an alcoholic) and I came back with a Hazelnut Fudge cake...I didnt just eat it, I devoured it.<br />
<br />
Dom's had a few cravings himself. Blue Cheese. Which to me not only smells like feet but also tastes like what his feet would taste like.<br />
Speaking of feet, our last ultrasound we got to see that Bean might become a gymnast. He had his feet up to his face and Im quite sure he was sucking on them.<br />
I wonder if I can find my picture of me doing that, I used to do it all the time when I was young.<br />
<br />
Lastly a great thing about pregnancy is all the heartburn. If I had any doubt before whether he'd be hairy I don't now. Say it is a old wives tale? I think it's quite true. Please don't let my baby come out a werewolf. But if anyone has a good cure for heartburn please, share.<br />
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Oh and one last update, I'd like to thank my girl Liz for helping me with a job. I will be working with the "oldies" as an activity coordinator. I may even create a new activity once Bean's born. "Take care of baby time". Old people love babies. That's a fact.<br />
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<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-35990442879687572652013-07-14T10:48:00.001-07:002013-07-14T11:13:28.340-07:00What's in a name?Naming a kid is different than naming say a pet or a doll.<br />
That individual will have that name to be with for the rest of his life.<br />
Through kindergarten where they may make fun of them for their name, through elementary school where they will try to find their own nickname, in high school when they may want to take more of an adult style nickname or use their real name and in college where that name will be used in a piece of paper that will determine their career path.<br />
<br />
I have chosen the name Charles Robert Kramer.<br />
<br />
Baby Charles will have many nicknames to chose from. Charlie, Chuck, Chuckie, if he wants to use his middle name then, Rob, Robbie, Bobby, Bob....<br />
<br />
I chose Charles because it is a name that's not very common. It's a timeless name. I believe that a name gives you personality. If you have a strong name you are bound to become something powerful.<br />
Also I don't want my kid to be racially profiled when he's older and trying to apply for a job. There are many names that may get stereotyped. As wrong as it is, it happens, and no I don't agree with it. <br />
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The middle name Robert is from Dominic's Grandfather. We agreed that if I chose the first name he could have the middle name. I think its a great middle name and both first and middle name mesh very well.<br />
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It doesn't bother me if you don't like it. You're not the one raising my kid. I was going to keep it hush hush to keep the bad juju off of him but why should I? I'm proud and happy of the name I chose. <br />
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Charles means free man, it is the name of the first Holy Roman Emperor and a name which many royal families use. There have been many intelligent individuals in history with the name Charles. Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, Charlie Chaplin...Chuck Bass...<br />
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While you may ask why I didn't pick anything from my own family's past I will say I didn't have many choices. I did like the name William who was also my step grandfather it is also the name of my sisters adorable fluffy cat. I couldn't let him live thinking I named him after my sisters cat. (Even though Will is the most amazing cat I've ever met, besides Leo obviously.)<br />
In a conversation with my sisters mom she kept throwing out names and I kept deflecting them with the fact that well they've all been used on one pet in the family. Leo's name is retired, may he rest in kitty heaven. Jackson is also longer name for Jack....She said I used all the good names on my animals.<br />
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Then there's the fact that well...my family's from Brasil. My mom's side of the family was from a small little town and you know how those names work out. My grandpas name was Geneval and what a great man he was from stories I've heard. But say that out loud, what does it sound like?? ......Yeah not going to work out. And even though I have rekindled a relationship with my own father I don't think that I will carry on his names to my own child. I think the many years I gave him the first piece of cake on my birthdays should be plenty.<br />
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Even though Kramer isn't the best last name (Seinfeld anyone??) I wont subject my kid to having a hyphenated last name to include both my name and Dominic's. We aren't married (yet....) but I think 5 years with someone is enough to pass on his name to our offpsring.<br />
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But who knows? Maybe he won't like his name and will think its horrible and will change it after turning 18. At least he'll have it for 18 years of his life. As long as he doesn't change it to something weird like Meta World Peace it's up to him. But to me, he will always be Bean.<br />
<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-34449821745083131612013-07-06T13:33:00.000-07:002013-07-06T13:33:25.799-07:00Welcome Home!As a few of you have experienced our surprise already it is now safe to say we are back in the Northwest.<br />
No more cockroaches, no more humidity, no more Texas!<br />
<br />
My last day at work Ms.Flor my mother figure at work bought two delicious cakes to celebrate my going away. Veronica my wine expert bought Bean his first outfit. That was when it became real that 1)We were going home and 2)Oh I'm having a baby!<br /> Dom's front office team threw us a baby shower, unfortunately I had already left work so he had to step in for momma duty. Bean got so many cool presents I'm excited for him!!!<br />
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7 States in 3 days with 2 cats and 1 dog. We left Sunday morning and drove all the way to Albuquerque, NM. 12 and a half hours of driving but we were out of Texas. We hit a horrible thunderstorm in New Mexico our windshield wipers couldn't keep up with the amount of rain, it was bucket fulls. Of course there was no way to pull over because what if there was a flash flood?? We stayed the night at a Motel 6. They're not terrible, but if I ever hear someone compare the Hyatt to a Motel 6 again I might kick that individual.<br />
The second day we drove to Twin Falls, ID. We drove through all of Utah and some Colorado. I must say out of all of the states we went through Utah was the most beautiful. That second day was another 12 and a half hours drive. Lots of fast food on the way.<br />
On our last day we drove all the way through Washington and Oregon. It was the best feeling getting into Washington, I had missed the nature and trees and beauty.<br />
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The start </div>
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My favorite picture of Jack </div>
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Tigger found a comfortable spot </div>
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Utah<br /> </div>
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My chauffeur </div>
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Twin falls <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPB5u_NZWVI4bxd0tHtZQ4Ct_ErguKIGT9omE_-nNw3txszu60EVX4q0NhAO8V0VAeIN8AGlns5ad-KSCq3skF-a99bAwwKEZo-C_m00eeQjnF7N1f3t_Ib8n9ZqSs66OPVG_XQ_VDu_UB/s1600/20130702_080546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPB5u_NZWVI4bxd0tHtZQ4Ct_ErguKIGT9omE_-nNw3txszu60EVX4q0NhAO8V0VAeIN8AGlns5ad-KSCq3skF-a99bAwwKEZo-C_m00eeQjnF7N1f3t_Ib8n9ZqSs66OPVG_XQ_VDu_UB/s640/20130702_080546.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Bored on the last day </div>
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Are those trees?! </div>
We dropped off the cats at my friends mom's house, who loves cats and says its been a great thing having them around. My sister and I contemplated giving her a cat once we get a place and have to take mine back...I think it might happen ;)<br />
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We are staying with Dominic's grandparents until we find a place. Kobe is in love with the new found freedom of a ginormous backyard. And he has a new roomie, Piper. His grandparents little westie. We're still getting acclimated as Kobe likes to use his paws a lot and pipey is a smaller dog.<br />
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Like every year for the past 5 years the tradition is to go over to Kingston and go to Bobby's cabin. We surprised everyone when we showed up and they were walking the boat to the dock and we started honking. I thought there were going to be tears....The shock and confusion on everyone's face was priceless. It was great to be reunited with friends! The boys set out crab pots that day and we caught a ton of crabs. Tina and Emily were really excited to crack crabs and the boys had no problem with that haha. <br />
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So now were back to real life. Dom will be working at the Edgewater as an Assistant Front Office Manager and I'm waiting to hear back from the Hyatt. </div>
<br />I need to find a new OBGYN or a Midwife now. If anyone knows of a place they liked I'd love to hear about it.<br />
<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-53437962376570255162013-06-20T16:58:00.000-07:002013-06-20T17:36:03.392-07:00A napkin and iceTo most it is just a cloth napkin, ice and some paper towels.<br />
To me, it meant the world.<br />
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I'm 18 weeks tomorrow and still the morning sickness has not left me. The past two weeks have been especially hard at work as one of the managers has been out because of surgery. I've been opening the restaurant every day at 5am. On my Saturday I was extremely sick. I did my opening duties and went into the office to work on the rotation sheet. I couldn't keep anything down and the trash can and I became best friends. At one point one of my servers came in the back with a bowl of ice a napkin and some paper towels. He said "Here you go momma I know you get hot and it makes you feel sick." (The back office has a no form of ventilation, we have a fan but it basically blows hot air in your face). I looked back at him and had no words to explain how much I appreciated his gesture.<br />
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I'm not someone who likes to ask for help. It's hard for
me to do that, I feel weak, and I know asking for help isn't weak its quite the opposite of that, it takes strength to ask for help. While pregnant I've encountered a lot of ignorance from people, people who see pregnancy as a disease, people who think you can't do anything because you're pregnant, the list is ridiculously long. So showing one sign of being under the weather has really been something I'm trying not to show. <br />
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Many of the people at work have had kids (none of the managers). One of my server's assistants had 8 of them!! They understand that some of their pregnancies might have been easy, but mine wasn't a trip to Disneyland. As a Supervisor I am the person always checking on them making sure they're okay and not overwhelmed, but they became that to me also. "How are you feeling?" "Hows the baby" "Its definitely a boy". That connection made me the person that they went to if they had an issue. One day I had taxi issues and didn't get to work until about 5:40, I was crying and freaking out about what was going to happen. When I got in, they had already done their side work, opened the silverware cage, opened the office and everything was set. They could have came up with excuses, slacked off, or only done their job but they chose to go above and beyond and help me out. <br />
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Compassion isn't something that you teach someone, it comes from within. I can "coach" my associates how to properly serve a table, how to clear a table, to carry trays correctly. But I can't teach them compassion, that is all on their own. If I've learned anything from this experience its that you get what you put out into the world. I could have gone into this job and quit after finding out I was pregnant, I could have gone to work done my job and went home every day. I chose to stay, to build relationships and have a connection with them.<br />
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These 5 months of work haven't been easy. I'm not someone who boasts and throws things in other people's faces. But if you think that you can make it working at 5am every day with a full buffet (eggs, cant ever eat them again). While "feeling hungover" and smelling every European's cologne/perfume within a mile of them. I give you my most respect.<br />
But the days where nobody will get a break and I get them some pizza from room service and I walk into the room to see everyone sitting next to each other on the bench and smiling and thanking me, it makes it all worth it.<br />
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I just want people to know that being pregnant or not, the smallest things you do to someone else can change the world to that person. Have you ever had a day where you wish someone would have just given you a smile? Too often we are so caught up in our own problems and issues that we don't take the time to reach out to others. The thing is, nobody knows what someone else is going through. As a society we've learned to hold our pain inside. Many people walk around with a smile on their face to hide their pain. If someone were to reach out and help another with their pain they may realize that they're helping themselves as well. <br />
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"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all
of which have the potential to turn a life around."
<br />
—Leo Buscaglia<br />
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I promise you, as silly as a napkin and some ice sounds, I will never forget that.<br />
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<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-65283936926197223482013-06-10T13:30:00.002-07:002013-06-10T13:44:11.242-07:00Eating in PublicMy friend Jenni posted something up on facebook today about some breast feeding nonsense. I'm from Brazil where there is no prejudice against breast feeding in public. So I'm going to go on a little bit of a controversial rant....<br />
We all eat, just because I don't like the guy at table 12 chewing with his mouth open or slurping his soup doesn't mean I'm going to be going up to him and telling him off for bad habits.<br />
The problem with breast feeding in public isn't that it's a bad habit, it just makes people uncomfortable.<br />
The question is why??!<br />
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You were breast fed when you were a baby, I was breastfed when I was a baby. When did it become such an "ugly" thing to feed your baby in public?<br />
I haven't breast fed yet so I don't know how it is, but I imagine it would be uncomfortable having to cover yourself up and your baby in 90 degree weather just so Mary Sue over there doesn't get offended by your boob showing a little Also It cant be comfortable being smothered underneath a shawl to eat as a baby..<br />
Am I flashing you? Am I going out of my way to make you feel uncomfortable? No. I am merely thinking about feeding my baby, I could care less about you and your ideals. I think its a lot more offensive to see a 17 year old girl working at a bikini coffee stand than seeing a woman breast feeding...<br />
Should you really change something thats not necessarily offensive just perceived as offensive because society has become so sensitive in the past 20 years?<br />
I personally have never seen a mother who's breastfeeding sit next to me and shove it in my face, most of the time all they want is a little peace and quiet and for their baby to eat and relax. They're not doing it because they want to show you their boobs, they're doing it because they have to, their baby is hungry. Once the baby is done eating that boob is going back inside her shirt and she's going on with her day. Is that mother thinking about whether she offended you? She probably feels insecure about that nasty glare you're sending her way, but what is she to do? Stop feeding her baby, tell her baby that they aren't allowed to eat unless they are at home in the comfort of their privacy? <br />
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<img height="393" id="irc_mi" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/p480x480/388513_10151516604088394_1306825537_n.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="523" /> <br />
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You want to tell me that feeding a small baby is sexual? Because my breast is out? How does a baby eating even become sexual? It's a breast, yes, is that mother fondling or shaking it in your face?<br />
Are her boobs just out in plain view? No, there is a baby in front of it. I have seen so much worse walking through the mall now days, side boob everywhere, outrageous cleavage shirts, see through tops and bras showing. None of that is scandalous though?<br />
<img height="393" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.rickey.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Miley-Cyrus-Side-Boob.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="323" /> <br />
It's not offensive because her nipple isnt showing?<br />
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The way I see it, is if you don't like it don't look. It's easy. I don't like guys with soul patches but do I march up to every one of them and bitch and moan about how douchie a soul patch makes you look?<br />
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Look I'm not a hippie or that crazy all natural mother who's going to
use cloth diapers, but I will stand for not giving into what the public
sees as offensive when it's merely a natural act of nature. Why is it that an animal drinking milk from an udder is okay and "cute" but a baby human isn't?<br />
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At the end of the day you gotta remove yourself from the situation and think, "Is this woman doing this to make me uncomfortable?" No. She's got so much on her mind trying to take care of a crying baby its the last thing on her mind whether you're upset.<br />
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I will be that lady breastfeeding wherever my baby decides he wants to eat. If you have an issue with it, don't look. It's simple, I'm not going to suffocate my kid so you can feel comfortable, I'm not going to go to the bathroom to feed my kid....I'm just not. I'm not flashing you or doing anything sexual, I'm merely feeding my baby, like you were fed and others before you.<br />
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<br />Until the day that a 17 year old girl can wear scantly clad outfits and not be berated for walking around like a complete hooker and a mother who's silently feeding her baby gets judged for it our society will never evolve.<br />
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<img height="393" id="irc_mi" src="http://pics.blameitonthevoices.com/122012/small_how%20to%20to%20keep%20from%20offending%20people%20when%20breastfeeding%20in%20public.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="353" /> <br />
I will however buy this awesome beenie!!<br />
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<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-7130963194784495452013-06-08T14:47:00.002-07:002013-06-08T14:50:19.318-07:00Dom winsFor the past 24 hours I have battled a horrible case of food poisoning, or at least it's what I'm going to blame it on. Good thing I had today off, so I'm laying in bed with some gatorade, water, crackers, and Harry Potter. <br />
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Yesterday as I was leaving for work I spotted a little kitten next to our side door. Before I could get out and take him though Dom was driving away, so of course I was bummed, but he told me he would go and check on him when he got back. I got a text later saying there were 4 kittens and a momma. Of course I was excited, so when I got home I went out there and Zoey (Momma cat) came out, I left her some food and figured out that they were making the upstairs neighbors porch a home, (Good thing they got rid of their husky german sheppard mix). A guy from the gas company had came to turn on the new neighbors gas on and she ran away, which gave me time to go see the kittens! They are adorable, there is one black one with orange eyes, and two gray tabbies. Unfortunately they got scared and ran away, I didn't think they would be back since I now knew of their hiding spot, but I hoped that since she had gotten some food that she would remember. Dom came home and I took a nap while he made some food, for himself and the dog mostly I was deathly ill. While I was napping with Jack we heard some kitty cries, both him and Tigger got very agitated and ran to the window, I found a kitten on the fence, I went outside to see if everything was ok and Dom was already doing that, we left some more food for Zoey and I came back to bed. I opened my blinds so the cats could look outside and I could keep an eye out for them, when I looked up and she was standing on the fence looking me straight in the eyes. It wasn't a I hate you glare but a thank you appreciative look. Throughout the night I heard a couple random kitten meows and saw them all playing outside my window. I'm glad I'm gaining her trust and that she can have some food to be able to feed her babies.<br />
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It's been a very eventful couple of weeks, last week we also bought a car. A 2010 Mercury Milan. It's our first real family car, as our old cars have been more commuter cars. We must have looked for hours at CarMax. Let me explain to those of you who aren't familiar with Carmax. Think of Best Buy for cars, all cars of different sizes, makes, and colors. The sales guy was really pushing us for <br />
a 2012 Nissan Altima, which I was okay with, but it was a bit of money for a very basic model. It started pouring while we were in the middle of the parking lot so we had to go for cover, which was when I saw it, this beautiful white car, keypad on the outside (Dom tends to lock keys inside the car) and a sunroof. That was the one! As we were looking at it another couple and a salesman came over also, I shook my head at them saying back off its mine, and asked my sales guy to put a sold sign on it, I was taking it home. A couple of hours later I was driving Snow off the lot and on our way home. All the hassle of having to get a cab in the morning gone, all the hassle of having to get a cab for Dom to come home gone also... And now we can go to an actual grocery store instead of the 1950's limited one by our place. Which I did, and I bought fresh OJ and guavas.<br />
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Now for baby news! I've been feeling very dizzy the past week, and I had gone to the doctors already for it, my blood pressure was 100/60 which is pretty low considering it was fried chicken friday at work. The PA had told me it was fine to not eat bananas anymore and to eat more often and eat more protein. A week doing what she had told me and nothing had changed. Its very frustrating to be standing at work and randomly want to pass out, have to get off the floor and go sit. So I made an appointment for Thursday, the only time they had open was at noon and luckily Dom had the day off! I picked him up after work and we went. No Botox Brandi, Kathleen would be seeing me. We get my vitals, 104/62 not too bad... check babies heartbeat 150. Kathleen is very young compared to BB, and she looks like she might have been a cheerleader. She listened and gave me advice, then she said she thought that maybe we should get some more blood tests done, the blood tests I had done in my first visit showed nothing wrong but maybe things had changed. Alright, we're getting somewhere finally, and I had expressed how I was feeling a sharp pain on my left side, the last doctor thought it was kidney stones and I cancelled that idea out within seconds. I know kidney stone pain, I had them when I was 15. I don't have kidney stones (thank goodness). Kathleen said that she would check with the ultrasound tech and see if they could get me in. I went to get my blood drawn, something I hate, I dislike needles with a passion but this woman was a miracle worker. No pain no anxiety lots of blood. If I could bake her cookies I would.<br />
I sit back waiting for the ultrasound with Dom. 20-30 minutes go by and we're confused, finally someone gets out, and her whole family. There must have been 10 people in there! Wow, thats a close family! I like the ultrasound tech, I think her name is Melissa? She's a sweetheart and she remembered me, even though my last ultrasound was at 7 weeks and it looked like a lizard. She tells me the gel is actually warm which I'm perfectly fine with, were not probing me anymore! I have now decided to call Bean Skeletor, the first time seeing Bean with bones and all it was the only thing that came out of my mouth. Bean now looks like a human though! She asks me if I knew the sex yet and I said no, then she asks if I'd like to know. I said well if we can I guess. I didn't want to give off the impression that I was super excited to know! I was super ready I was going to name her Amelia Rose Kramer. Until she moved it to she side and I instantly knew that was out the door. Melissa didn't even have to tell me I knew the moment I saw a little peanut in between his legs that it was a BOY. Dom had an instant grin on his face of course. I guess I'm destined for all boys in my life. We got to see Bean more around a little more, he started out looking up and ended on his stomach and laying on his hand.<br />
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I thought for a while of how to tell everyone, I wanted something a little interesting. So I came up with the idea of posing with a soccer ball. Unfortunately nobody understood....Eventually everyone got it. Or they got it when I posted a picture of his little winky. I'm excited to be able to call Bean a him instead of an it now. He's finally getting his identity. Grandma Anja has already bought him Superman onsies. <br />
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That's it for now friends. Bean and I are ready for a nice little nap.Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-42323150381691482342013-05-24T15:36:00.000-07:002013-05-24T15:36:23.770-07:00Sick as a dog...Warning: Somewhat graphic information about pregnancy nausea. I warned you! <br />
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For anyone who's drank in their life they have probably at said "I will never drink again" at least once. Hangovers. Never fun, you feel dizzy, nauseous, head achy, lethargic...the list goes on.<br />
But whats the real worst about it? The nausea and vomiting. Which brings me to my topic today. Pregnancy nausea. (Even though all those other symptoms are also found during pregnancy)<br />
My best friend and I would always go out, drink and mix, and I would feel just fine and dandy the next day, but I would always wake up to her staring me down and saying "I'm nauseous". <br />
And while everyone has a "cure" for a hangover; greasy food, lots of water, pedialyte, more drinks, and tylenol, it usually goes away as the day goes on.<br />
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The problem with pregnancy nausea is as the day goes on, the nausea doesn't ease up. It's not even just in the mornings that it comes. It hits you out of nowhere. I was at work the other day making the board when the night cleaners were finishing and cleaning the stainless steel doors, the fake citrus smell of the cleaner sent me over the edge, from that moment on I felt sick.<br />
And let me tell you there are times you think oh its probably going to be just a quick vomit, or easy, and all the sudden it's like you're in the Exorcist and cant quite even figure out what it is you're puking.<br />
I have two bathrooms at work to chose from; the upstairs kitchen and the lobby bathroom,, the upstairs bathroom is vile, it smells of sewage and food and even if you are not sick you will be once you start walking up the stairs. But there's a nice little chair in there to take a mini break. The one in the lobby really shouldn't be used by employees...even though most front desk, managers and supervisors all use it. Neither bathroom is close enough though...I usually have to do some old lady jogging 7 <br />
Lots of people say your second trimester you aren't sick as much, but that's not a for sure thing. My friend Natalie is well into her 2nd if not 3rd now and the poor girl has to run to a trash can or toilet constantly. I feel this will be what's in stores for me. I have become accustomed to having a little bag in my purse just in case.<br />
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How do you fix pregnancy nausea? You really cant... There are pills the doctor can give you, and they can work pretty well, but here's the thing. It stops things from leaving....completely. So now you're not puking, but you're not getting rid of anything else as well. I'd rather puke.<br />
There are a few foods I find better to eat if I know that its going to be one of those days where nothing stays down, I don't know if I've uncovered anything new women just don't talk much about puke....<br />
I find that crackers help a lot with the acidity, bananas, soda, drinking water with lime<br />
And then there are things I stay away on those days, anything oily, olives, oatmeal, rice, spicy and acidic things. <br />
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And I know this plays no part in nausea I have had some weird cravings, I don't like cantaloupe, in fact I don't fancy any melons, but yesterday I found myself putting salt on it at lunch and having quite the delicious little salty fruit. In fact I keep putting salt in everything, and if you know my parents thats what they do, salt in everything, including pizza. Although I do like salty food I'm not one to just pour salt into my food. I'm trying to ween away from salt and limes but they're just so darn delicious!!!<br />
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So that's my take on pregnancy nausea, if you want to put yourself in my shoes please go outside get as many different colored drinks and don't eat and see how your day plays out.<br />
<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-37717464330148227212013-05-18T16:34:00.000-07:002013-05-18T16:44:43.500-07:00End of Tape 1....trimester 1I know if I don't start writing more blogs I'm going to end up kicking myself for it. I'm just so tired all the time!!! No more excuses. And since pizza seems to take about an hour to get places here I should make use of my time.<br />
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I feel like I'm listening to a very long audio book. Let's say Twilight just for the heck of it. I despise twilight. but you can think of it as any book you disliked...A book you read in HS?. I read Twilight in high school because everyone was reading it, mistake one. I read 4 books in record time, but it was because I kept thinking it was going to get better. It didn't, and now I have a book I left in Brazil for whoever gets really bored at the beach house. So incorporating this feeling of a terrible book into pregnancy, I keep thinking its going to get better. So for now we're putting in tape two of the book. Trimester number 2. Everyone's favorite apparently. And just because it's their favorite doesn't mean it isn't going to suck, because guys, I'm sorry pregnancy isn't for me. While you may have had birthed 6 or more children and love the pregnancy feeling I'm so happy for you, I don't. I'm ready to buy a time machine and fast forward to the good part<br />
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This is Leo and I napping while reading Twilight<br />
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So as of yesterday I am now 13 weeks, we're in the safe zone!! Not that I was afraid anyways, Last year, while at zombie prom there was a crazy card reading woman, and while she got almost everything wrong she pointed out that I'm very fertile and that I would move somewhere sunny (ding ding its 90+ degrees today, Ive barricaded myself in my bedroom with the AC) . But maybe there was more in those cards and I didn't pay much attention. Anyways Bean, now a lemon (maybe not as sour as a lemon) has finger prints! I don't know why I find it so fascinating. Maybe its because now Bean has his/her own identity that nobody else has. Fingerprints and your tongue are each different from everyone else (I wonder if Bean has a little tongue already?). But as much as I know and am feeling pregnant I don't think it has particularly hit me really that I'm going to be a mom. Even writing that sentence felt weird. It's not that I see Bean in my future already, I keep daydreaming on the bus about a wedding and having Bean there which would be totally awesome!! But I feel like I'm going to go through this whole pregnancy and not really realize it until I'm holding a baby. And then it's going to be a moment "Oh **** I'm a mom." In a good way by the way, I just tend to have a little bit of a sailor's mouth. No need to blame me folks that's all my dad who was in the Navy.<br />
Maybe things change once I get to see an actual ultrasound of a human inside me, and knowing whether its a boy or girl. Next month we'll know. Or once Bean will have an actual name. Sorry Kurt Cobain I can't name my child Bean.<br />
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We have picked out middle names. If it's a girl Rose, for my grandmother, and Robert for his grandfather, which also happens to be his best friend's name. Speaking of names it's a little complicated having to go bilingual with them. I couldn't pick a cool name like Riley (unisex name :)), Riley just wouldn't sound good coming out of a Brazilian's mouth, it sounds like angry German. And I wouldn't feel right naming my kid Rodolfo because all I keep seeing is Jennifer Aniston in Along Came Polly and her ferret. <br />
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I think it's time for some tv. I recently just purchased Netflix, I had it before the big changes and it just wasn't worth it. I have been glued to my TV. I have found a pretty fun little show called The Pretty Little Liars and its been entertaining. If you don't have Netflix, I highly suggest getting it, but I think I might have been the only one now days without it.....<br />
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And while I finish this my pizza should be here, is it? Of course it isn't....Texas....I'm counting down the days until I leave. <br />
Maybe this is a test of my patience, I'm sorry, I came out of the womb early. What makes you think I will learn now?!<br />
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Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-91888571141967938922013-05-12T16:21:00.002-07:002013-05-12T16:21:51.051-07:00And the beat goes onFirst let me start out by saying Happy Mother's Day yall!!<br />
A mother doesn't have to give birth to someone to be a mother, there are many types of mothers out there, grandmother, step mother, mother to be, pet mother, adopted mother, your best friends mother who you have taken on as your own mother ( I have a few of those). She is someone who loves you unconditionally and is always there to listen to your worries. <br />
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My mother hasn't been around for the past few years, but I've had the pleasure of having great mother figures to turn to in the mean time. I have a great grandmother in law who has been such a great support for Dom and I throughout our relationship. Dom's step mom Anja even though his dad's no longer married to her (and lucky you lady!) has been a great friend/motherly figure. She's german and we're always VERY excited to go hang out with her and her family, her parents also have the most beautiful place in Stanwood. Then there is my sister, who although not a mother (a pet mother of many actually) has been a mother/sister/best friend so many times. Then theres my Brazilian mothers, mt friend Claudia's mom has always been a great second mom, I would sometimes go over to their place and end up talking for hours with both of them or sometimes just her mom. Dom didn't understand why I said I was almost leaving and ended up getting home 2 hours later. And Jenni's mom who is always saying if I need anything I can always go to her and willing to share her recipe of cheesy potato casserole (it's beyond delicious).<br />
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But this is my mom!!! And shes not replaceable<br />
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I spoke with my parents today on my way home from work. My sister was there and they were all enjoying the nice Sunday. I didn't have much time to talk because they live on the beach and the connection is always terrible. Dad said that mom was going to try to come up for Bean's birth. I'm very excited. I mean its sort of a right of passage right? Grandma always helps out with baby once it's born! Also, my mom's birthday is November 24th, two days after Bean is supposed to come out, with any luck I can hold onto two days and give her a good present. This will be her second grandchild, my sister has a son who's 8 so it's about time for another one.<br />
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Moving on to Bean, Bean is now 12 weeks old, and Bean is no longer a bean, its a plum!!<br />
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Almost done with the first trimester, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Its dim....a bit dim....I'm no longer having much morning sickness but now I have dizziness. It seems I'm destined to have everything in the books huh? I'm starting to show also..My work pants are no longer zipping and I've started to use the second button thats technically only there to make sure it looks good. I see lots of dresses in my near future. The weather is starting to get really hot also. I know I'm from a tropical place but no I'm not a fan of heat, I hate heat, no, I hate humidity. Its a constant sauna outside. And then there's the thunderstorms....and flash flooding...<br />
Why Houston? Why must you make us suffer?<br />
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I went to the doctors on the 1st for a check up, Dom didn't go because we had to change the appointment day. I trekked all the way there by myself, without headphones because I forgot them at home, and knew by the time I got back the dog would have eaten them already (he also ate my brand new inhaler took it out of the box and ate it fastest way to lose $50).<br />
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I finally got to the building after sweating a good bucket because for some reason, the 30 minutes from my house to downtown the temperature went up 500 degrees. The moment I walk into the building I was instantly calmer, I think they have pheromones in the air, I mean its a women's only place and there's a LOT of hormones, so I can understand it, and I appreciate it really. I checked in and I decided to try out the 4th different type of chair in the waiting room. I think this is the one for me, its white and fluffy and squishy. I get called back and we check my vitals I've always had lower blood pressure, which isn't fun when you go in a sauna, or hot tub, it usually ends with passing out. So not to my surprise 104/60, could this be why I'm so dizzy?!<br />
I go in the exam room and she pulls our the doppelganger to listen to babys heart. Of course before she even puts it on my stomach I have my phone out and asking, well telling her mostly that I was going to record it. After a couple of minutes we hear the heartbeat 158bpm, somebody was just as excited as I was!? <br />
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Botox Brandi finally came in, after an eternity. She asks the usual, "How are you feeling, any questions?" Yes, I've been dizzy, she tells me that there are two reasons dizziness happens; blood sugar is low and blood pressure is low. Well B.B you saw my bp is low and she decides to tell me it's my diet. I told her I drank juice in the morning along with a banana. Apparently that's not okay, its too much sugar and I crash from the sugar. So instead she tells me to add crystal light or use mio in my water, so you'd like me to not have any natural sugars but its okay to have fake sugar? Lady all that botox has gotten to your brain. I have decided that I no longer wish to have her as a doctor, I will switch her out with someone else. Dont worry Dr Briger you're safe, for now.<br />
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Speaking of work Dom finished his training in record speed, what was supposed to go on until June is done. He is now an Assistant Front Office Manager. Woohoo! Unfortunately that means well be working opposite shifts, I work mornings like crack of dawn early and hell be going into work when I get done. Lame. But its a good thing, hes moving up fast. In my mind that means we'll end up home sooner.<br />
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Thats pretty much whats going on with us though. I think its about time for another Galveston trip? Last time we went puppy had a blast covering us with sand. <br />
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Week 10 with Kobe waving<br />
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Week 12<br />
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Heres a picture of an update of the cats and dog, it may look like they are all getting along very well but Tigger and Kobe are going at it. At least theyre all able to lay on the bed together.Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-21894924953990742402013-04-05T17:47:00.000-07:002013-04-05T17:47:55.980-07:007 Weeks later...So it looks like we're 7 weeks as of today. I worked 10 straight days at work in order to get today off so I could go to the doctors. And let me tell you, working 10 straight days isn't easy, now try doing that with morning sickness and a constant tiredness.<br />
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My birthday was on the 27th, and while I wanted to go out and have dinner or do anything I worked at 5am and came home and puked the rest of the night. And this wasn't my 21st birthday, so you can imagine my joy. Dom got me a puppy for my birthday so I didnt expect much, he did come home with the most beautiful flower arrangement a couple of days before my birthday which smelled wonderful. I also received a lot of love from friends and family, which I read in between trips to the bathroom =p<br />
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I have been working morning shifts at work for the past two weeks. I arrive at work between 5am and 7am, Im not much of a morning person if you know me. I like to take my time waking up, maybe watch some tv then get on with my day. I think working this early has played a big part in my morning sickness, don't let the "morning" part fool you, that stuff follows you around all day, all night even haunts you in your dreams. Apparently I wasnt one of the lucky ones that doesn't get morning sickness...sigh..<br />
I had a prescription for anti nausea meds but I was too lazy to go get it, and I dont like taking pills, especially when you tell me things like oh you're gonna be constipated...Oh that sounds great, I wont puke but I also wont poo....Well 3 days ago I finally gave in and got the pills. I took one and it probably took a couple hours for it to kick in, (I had just eaten a subway sandwich, and it probably had to get through that to start working) Also Fun fact: When you're pregnant you have to heat/cook your deli meats.I didnt know that. Back to the little pill of wonderfulness, I felt like I had woken up from a coma. I was finally able to enjoy life again, for the first time in 2 weeks I was able to come home and do something besides lay down in the bed and stay there until the next morning.<br />
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Anyways we had our second visit to the doctors today, we rented a car as puppy had a vet appointment also, and figured payday friday, lets do some shopping for things we need. Our grocery store by our house isnt very big. Let me give you an idea, the types of fish they sell is Catfish and Catfish. Dom swore he saw salmon there one day, I still dont believe him.<br />
Im starting to build up my little mommy to be things, I recently bought the preggie pops, which are supposed to help with nausea, theyre pretty yummy and theyre sour! And I also bought the book What to expect when you're expecting. I shall go start buying baby diapers tomorrow and will continue with every paycheck as everyone Ive spoken with said to start buying things early on.<br />
Our appointment was at 9:20 for the ultrasound and the other appointments would follow, well the car rental place took their sweet time in getting us a car so I had to call and let the doctor know I would be late. We got there 15 minutes late. The receptionist checked me in and I sat in a very nice little blue recliner, its going to be my goal to try out all of the different chairs and couches in there I have decided. We waited 15, 30, 35 minutes and finally I hear my name called. Elizabeth takes us into the ultrasound room, a spacious room with a 40in tv on the wall a cute little seat and the exam table and ultrasound. She leaves the room while I get settled in, a minute later there is a knock on the door and shes back. The stirrups, have pink fuzzies on them, nice try, they still freak me out. I have to get another inside ultrasound again. She must be a genius because all I see is black and weird shapes in there. She finds little bean and I see some pumping motions, the heartbeat!!! My little alien has a heartbeat of 130 beats per minute. She then checks my ovaries and tells me that bean came from my left ovary. It was bound to happen I am a leftie. After shes done with my ovaries we go back to bean. It is the oddest and most surreal moment to see this little line and a tiny little heart beating. Theres a yolk sac next to it and she tells me that its only temporarily there until the placenta grows.<br />
I'm still thinking about the little heartbeats. Theres a blueberry inside of me and it has a beating heart. Limbs will start growing next week, and then fingernails come sis.<br />
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It looks a little long....could I possibly have a little basketball player on the way?<br />
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When we get done we go back outside and wait to go and talk to the doctor. After an eternity she finally comes in, this is the actual doctor, Dr. Brigger. She looks familiar, and has a genuine smile, she glowed. Well I later found out why she has a glow, shes also pregnant! Shes due in July so I should be fine to see her in November. She tells me everything looked great in the ultrasound, and that all of my bloodwork came back normal, no stds, no cat litter disease, and Im O+ which I already knew, feel free though to keep that blood and use it for future reference on things. I did however have imbalanced bacteria so Im taking antibiotics for it, it apparently happens to a lot of pregnant women.<br />
We have an appointment for the 3rd and an ultrasound at 20 weeks to find out the sex. I could pay $100 extra and find out at 16-18 weeks but I think Ill wait.<br />
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Brandi is the PA on the left, Dr. Brigger is on the right.<br />
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We talked to the financial coordinator after everything, all I owe the clinic is less than $200. I knew my 90/10 insurance would come in handy one day.. I have to register at the hospital which is across the way from them, and then figure out how much hospital costs will be. Oh dear. They say it can cost up to $18,000 in hospital fees to have a baby, thats insane!!! Please oh please health insurance this is your time to help me.<br />
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It had been a very long day already and what was supposed to be a 1 hour appointment turned longer, we didnt get out of there until almost 12pm and we were both starving. I or maybe bean was craving country fried steak, unfortunately theres no pattys eggnest or leenas here. So we went to Cracker Barrel for the first time, for $10 I got my country fried steak and 3 sides, no wonder everyones so fat down here!! Dom got a chicken club sandwich which he finished in 30 seconds....poor guys eating for two since I havent been eating much.<br />
Tomorrow were going to go see Jurassic Park 3D. Yes, bean will be taught only the best movies.<br />
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November 22, 2013 little bean will come into the world. Give or take a couple of days. <br />
<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-66046691634439142712013-03-20T17:24:00.000-07:002013-03-20T17:24:57.843-07:00First visit to the doctorsIts been exactly one week since I found out I had an unexplained visitor residing within me. There wasn't much sleep last night, in between cats walking on my face, puppy whining, and the gosh awful humidity I was kept up and wrapped up in my mind and thoughts.Not to mention I accidentally forgot to turn off the sound system for the tv last night and around 2am we heard a screeching noise and a warning about thunderstorms...I never heard that thunderstorm the crazy man was talking about.<br />
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This week hasnt been all that blissful, Ive been nauseated, I had my first pregnancy puke yesterday, I have cramps and these prenatal vitamins are horse pills!!....But nothing makes me feel better than seeing how Dominic is reacting to the news. It's as if hes on daddy mode already, somehow hes turned into a great chef, and has been cooking. Ive been doing the dishes mostly. <br />
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One night we had beef and broccoli rice and lumpia. <br /> The next day we had some amazing sliders and curly fries.<br />
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So at 6:30 am we finally get up to get ready, my appointment wasnt until 9:15. But he needed to shower and get ready, I stayed and slept a little longer. I got up walked puppy outside came back and it started a torrential downpour so Dom went to the little corner store and bought a couple umbrellas, I dont know why we got rid of ours when we moved, did I think that it wouldnt rain in Texas?? <br />As we start walking I manage to break the umbrella with my endless fidgeting, <i>Im such a brute!</i><br />
We caught the 7:26 bus to downtown and had to change to get the light rail. <i>This </i>is <i>such a journey!</i><br />
We get off at the stop and have to walk a little bit to the building, while on the walk we managed to escape being drenched by cars passing by puddles. We had a systematic thing going on, walk on grass, walk on pavement. At some point I end up walking on what Im pretty sure is wet cement, but it felt so squishy and fun to walk on...Bad idea, we get to the building and I still have a ton of it on my shoes...<br />
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We get to the doctors office and of course their carpet is some light color, go figure. This office is just amazing, there are pictures of babies on the walls, not the babies that you just go oh ew, but artistically done and quite beautiful, there are fresh beautiful flowers, the chairs and couches and sofas are like what you find in the cutest fanciest houses, and there are chandeliers, Chandeliers!!! Ok so I make my way up to the desk and tell them that Im fashionably early for my 9:15 appointment. <i>By fashionably early I mean an hour. </i>The receptionist asks me to fill out some other paperwork and I ask for a pen, she point to the pen holder, ok...so I grab what happens to be the worlds prettiest pens. Its got some jewels on it, its a light silver and has the name of the clinic engraved on it. I wanted to take that pen home.....Why is everything so delicate and feminine in here!!<br />
Well I fill out my paperwork return it and she takes a picture of me. Why? If I knew there were gonna be pictures I would have showered this morning not last night ok?!<br />
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I sit back down and after however long MaryAnne the super adorable MA calls me back. She didnt call me Goolia or Guy-ulia. She called me the correct name. Kudos MaryAnne I already like you! <br />We got my weight,blood pressure and I peed in a cup, <i>good cuz I had to really go. </i><br />She asks lots of questions, one even being are there any jewish, italian (a few other choices) in you? Why? I finally get into one of the uncomfortable pink gowns they put you in and stare at the ultrasound probe.<br />
My PA comes in, Brandi, shes very smiley. Blonde, bob, I think she has had some botox done....<br />
She introduces herself and is a very nice woman. She does my boob check <i>Ouch it hurts ok! </i>And then goes in for the kill, I gotta get a pap smear. Oh hooray!! Shes talking me though everything and Maryannes right there in eyesight of my hoohah...Sorry I guess there goes our chances of ever becoming friends.<br />
She finally finishes the dreaded pap, no seriously there isnt a single woman who can actually leave after one and go on with her day as if she didnt just get molested by a Qtip.<br />
Brandi then says its time for the ultrasound, yes! Finally, ok Im ready, Im not intimidated at all by the ultrasound, since its too early to be able to see though an outside ultrasound they have to do it though inside. <br />
As it turns out though, were only 5 weeks in, meaning tadpoles actually only a black blip on the ultrasound. But its there!!! Theres a little human growing inside me. Im like a clam turning a grain of sand into a beautiful pearl!<br />
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<i>The little black dot in the middle left</i><br />
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After the ultrasound Brandi tells me that I have to now go get some blood work done. They were also gonna test me for Toxoplasmosis, since I have cats and litter boxes may contain it? Im not quite sure about it. And NO I will not get rid of my cats! I go and get my blood done, I hate needles, despise them. And I only have one good vein, I sure hope they wont have to keep drawing blood, I dont want flashbacks of my Pima days!<br />
After all was done we set up another appointment for the 5th, well be around 7 weeks and hopefully be able to hear a little heartbeat and see something.<br />
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We left in happy spirits, everything is going well so far. I have a lot of positive energy coming from everyone. At least everyone that knows. Dom still hadn't told his family or friends. On the ride back I kept thinking well, its 3 months before they say its safe. Gosh thats an awful long time to not say anything to his family.<br />
We get home and Im clearly quite uncomfortable after everything so I lay down on the couch, he makes us some food before heading to work.<br />
About 15 minutes later I got tagged in a status that he had posted.<br />
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Well thats one way to put it!! Since, I have been showered with such positivity and so much great enforcement, I am truly lucky to have all the people I have in my life.<br />
Thank you all even though I'm not near most, I still feel as if they're all here with me, doing this.<br />
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Oh and also my sister posted this up and I thought it was pretty cute!!<br />
I hope we can have one for every week or every few weeks when it starts changing sizes?? eh? ehh!!!<br />
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<br />Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472178460072615859.post-45612645640473077242013-03-20T15:58:00.004-07:002013-03-20T15:58:56.731-07:00My unplanned surpriseFirst time blogging, my aunt gave me the idea to start a blog as I seem to have a little tadpole within me. I've always been told Im a pretty good writer also, so hopefully this will be entertaining as Im sure Ill have a lot to say.<br />
I guess when I really think of it, it wasnt such a surprise, I had gotten off birth control to get my body back to somewhat of a normal hormone balance, and I had gained a bit of weight with the last one. Ive always been kind of a weird-o about pregnancy scares, not that I ever was before, but I had taken plenty of tests before. But I never knew what I would do if any of them ever came back positive, or 3 of them.<br />
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Obviously the 16 year old in me had to call my best friend. I call her multiple times and she doesn't answer. I ask her to call me back ASAP. In the 2 minutes it took I went from being completely composed to a bawling hot mess. Shes telling me her husbands getting his citizenship and shes at the homeland security office and that this was NOT the place to hear such news. I start laughing and there might have been a lot of swearing also, she had told me before I left that I was gonna get pregnant in TX and be with a bunch of guns and bibles. I finally calmed down enough and her last response is "does he know?" No of course he doesnt know yet!!! I cant just say heyyy by the way.....um I might be pregnant? It had to be something better, epic, and not to count that I was scared out of my mind. I mean here I am, just moved states, a new job, a new puppy!!, and we dont even have a car yet!!<br />
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So I go to work, and I try to call my sister but shes in class. So I text her. (This whole texting thing is very convenient. You cant screen a text!) I get to work and luckily all the other managers are at a meeting so I have time to calm myself. Im in shock. I get a call from my sister and I tell her, well Im at work and have no time to freak out so you're gonna be an aunt. She pauses then tells me shes very excited and that everythings gonna be okay. Probably some more things too, I cant remember too well. One of my hostesses called and says she was gonna be late because her mom is 3 months pregnant and having back pain and she needs to help her. Is it just me or is everything about babies around me lately?? That had been the 4th thing I had heard over the past few days about pregnancy or baby. I had lunch with Dom that day, something that doesn't happen. All I kept thinking is oh god will he be mad? Hes always told me he wants kids and that he'd like to be a young dad, but was this the right time? When my hostess showed up I asked her how her mom was, and she said she was okay that it happens. She tells me she was thinking about me and how I had been feeling lately (nauseous!!! lethargic, very tired DING DING DING all symptoms) and just smiles at me. She said I was already glowing. How did she know!?! Was she some sort of baby whisperer?! We spent the rest of the day finding out ways to tell him. It was decided that I would buy baby booties and present them to him.<br />
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I got off work early and went to the store. There were no baby booties, I had spent the whole day texting my sister and best friend and they pointed out that while I had the whole day to process what was happening I couldnt expect him to be completely fine with everything the moment I told him. And since I had done the whole "negative" on myself that I should present it in a positive way to him. So I did what I thought was best, I went to the beer aisle and bought a "40 oz" then went back to the baby aisle. The cheapest thing was a baby bottle. Why didnt I think of that!! I also picked up a random stuffed sock puppet. I came home and he was outside with the neighbor hanging out, I start sweating and make my way inside. He comes to use the bathroom and I lock myself in the bedroom trying to set things up. (I had also promised Viktoria I would record his reaction) I ask him to come in and he looks at my set up kind of confused, then says "Are you pregnant" I dont know where my voice went I weakly said yes....and immediately want to start crying. He asks me how Im doing if Im okay and all I want to know is how HE is if hes scared upset mad...Hes smiling, no not smiling, grinning from ear to ear. What a relief. Honestly I had never seen him so happy. He then says well you dont know me you got me the wrong 40....Give it to him to talk about the beer! He asked me to go outside with him to drink, " oh no wait you cant drink anymore!"<br />
Okay hes getting the hang of things, I think well be alright!!!<br />
I stayed behind to call back Viktoria and my sister to let them know how it went. As I went outside my neighbor had baby clothes in her hand and said Id like you to have these. What an amazing gesture! They had problems and had bought some clothes already, but she said shed love it if I had them. This southern hospitality thing is really an amazing thing. <br />
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Now I know what they say, "Dont tell people until your 3rd month" Ive never been one for much patience. So I had to call my parents, it was the right thing to do! They had just had some missionaries rent out their place and went 5 days without internet , the internet at the beach house is terrible. So their phone wasnt working. I finally got a hold of mom on facebook (Shes very social network savvy) and asked for them to call me. Again I get scared, these are my parents! I talk a little with her and finally I say, Youre gonna be a grandma!! She started crying and cheering and thanking god for such a blessing. When dad gets on the phone and I tell him hes a little different, hes always been more conservative, and he was in the Navy. So I got a congratulations Im very happy for you and theyre very happy for another grandchild. When I got off the phone with him I had a notification on my facebook, mom had tagged me and said she was so happy she was getting another child, now this would have been mortifying in one language but she included both!! I had to explain to he the 3 month rule and that his family didnt know yet. It was great to see her so happy though. Hopefully they come back, as me and my sister have planned in our minds, mom could babysit and dad work...<br />
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I also went online that day to look up ob/gyn's in the area. Where would I go? Thank you google! I found a place that seemed nice, its all women doctors and in their pictures they all have very nice white teeth...<br />
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So here I am now. I have an appointment on the 20th.. I havent got a clue about pregnancy and what goes on. Im a bit scared. Ive always thought by the time I was having a kid that there would be some sort of x-ray that would zap the baby out of me...<br />
I know how delicate the first few weeks and months are...Im hoping for the best. Giulia Mendeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033098190634856002noreply@blogger.com1