Jamaican Bun in the Oven

We've Moved

2009-09-15T18:04:00.002-05:00

I won't be posting here anymore because the bun is out of the oven. We've taken our journey into parenthood to a new blog with a cool new look! Come check us out at:
Marlie and Me

She's Finally Here!!!

2009-08-16T04:30:00.009-05:00

Teresha: This is just a quickie post to let you know that our BEAUTIFUL daughter Marlie is here! She was delivered via natural birth and is happy, healthy and strong! I will be posting her birth story is a few days on the new blog Marlie and Me so head over there and subscribe/follow.

39 Weeks and Still Sharing One Body

2009-08-13T07:07:00.008-05:00

Teresha: So much for predictions...Marlie is still holding camp. I can't believe I lost my own baby's birth date pool. Shouldn't a mommy know these things? All the expectations for an early delivery just set me up for disappointment. Luckily, I have a blog to vent my frustrations and a good sense of humor to see how silly I was being.

Baby girl is proving to be more like her daddy and less like me. I am someone who is always ahead of schedule. I don't even need an alarm clock to wake up in the morning. I throw back the covers and leap out of bed ready to start my day. My husband sets an alarm and proceeds to hit snooze at least two times. He definitely is not an early bird. Imagine my horror when I had the two false starts over the weekend...it was like she knew it was time to come out, but kept hitting snooze! I have another procrastinator on my hands! I think she is so cozy and comfortable, that it might take magnitude 5 earthquake to shake her out. At this point, I would be thrilled if she were just on time. My irrational fear is that she decides to take up permanent residence, and I wind up perpetually pregnant like Bonnie from Family Guy. LOL!
Please subscribe by email to the new blog Marlie and Me so you can get notice when she makes her debut!

My Version of the Stages of Labor

2009-08-11T00:23:00.012-05:00

Teresha: It is generally believed that a pregnant woman goes through three stages of labor: early labor, active labor, and birth (some believe delivery of the placenta to be a fourth stage). Anyways, I have found these "stages" to be lacking in emotional context. So, here is my version (based on the 7 stages of grief):

Eager anticipation: you are 38 weeks and your baby is fully developed. You get excited every time you feel a Braxton Hicks contraction or show signs of pre-labor (i.e. loss of mucus plug). Even though you are two weeks away from your due date, you secretly wish (s)he will come early. You won't entertain any notion that your baby will be overdue. Example: When people ask, "when are you due?," I start to answer "any day now" instead of saying "two more weeks."
Nesting: you will start cleaning and organizing like a woman possessed. You check and re-check the birthing bags. Everything has to be ready because it could be any day now, right? Example: I woke up at 3:00 am one night with a deep desire to sweep entire first level of our house.
Taking matters into your own hands: you literally try to make a deal with your baby. You promise him or her a pony if they will come out. If that doesn't work, you try physical encouragement: exercise and constant movement, sex, drinking herbal teas, eating black licorice(?!). Example: I drove over the speed bumps on my block at full-speed.
Misery: The days, hours, minutes, seconds tick by. You and baby are still sharing one body. Your belly is stretched beyond its capacity, your pelvic region is sore, you have contractions that don't seem to go anywhere. You just feel discombobulated. Your distress is compounded by the fact that you have been tricked into believing that you were in labor a few times. Example: After a walk on Sunday night, I started having contractions that were stronger, closer together and lasted longer. I thought this was it and jumped in the shower to get ready only to have them stop suddenly.
Disillusionment: you are confused by all the false alarms and starting to distrust your instincts when it comes to your own body. You might even start thinking that you'll be pregnant forever. You get annoyed when people inquire if the baby is here yet. Example: I stopped checking email and answering my cell phone on Sunday because I was tired of having to tell people, "not yet."
Consulting: You start seeking advice. You get reassurance from some wise women. They tell you to relax and get plenty of rest because that will be a luxury you can no longer afford soon. You decide to take their advice. Example: I sleep for four hours on Monday afternoon. It was bliss! When I wake up, I stop fretting over my bump and resume my life (which consists of emailing, texting, blogging, chatting on the phone). After all, a watched pot never boils.
Acceptance: the gradual realization that your baby is going to come out when (s)he is good and ready and not a minute sooner. You stop stressing over the when and start focusing on the now. Example: By Monday evening, I was over trying to rush the process and resolved to live in these last moments when I have her all to myself before I had to share her with the world.

Please subscribe by email to the new blog Marlie and Me so you can get notice when she makes her debut!

Please, Baby Baby, Please!

2009-08-09T14:23:00.002-05:00

Teresha: I thought for sure that the next time I posted it would be about sweet Marlie's birth story. Alas, she was not a full moon baby. My Friday visit to the midwife revealed that I was continuing to show signs of an early delivery. But when? I need a date and time! (I know that's not how it works). She told me that she'd be surprised if I made it to my Wednesday appointment. My mother-in-law arrived yesterday. Maybe Marlie was waiting for her grandma to get here? I started having more regular contractions last night that kept me up, but still nothing. We went to church this morning, despite my exhaustion, to witness our pastor baptizing her daughter. It was such a beautifully moving experience and tied in with the message of what children can teach us about spirituality. I can attest that the process of being pregnant and becoming a mother has brought me closer to God. I have been humbled by carrying new life. I find myself letting my guard down and letting go of the hurt and distrust or what Pastor Courtney calls "cleaning out the chambers of the heart." Now I feel ready to experience the unconditional love that is Marlie. I am so ready! So, come on Marlie! Please, baby baby, please! Maybe she knows mommy needs more lessons in patience. :-)

38 Weeks...Still Pregnant, but Full Moon Tomorrow!

2009-08-05T05:05:00.004-05:00

Teresha: Before you Twi-hards get all excited about the mention of full moon and think I have some scoop from the movie set, I am talking about the lunar schedule. This is the week my midwife predicted our baby girl would be born. It also happens that the next full moon appears tomorrow. It is a long-held, old-wives belief that many full-term pregnant women will go into labor on the night of or shortly after a full moon. From what I gather it has something to do with atmospheric pressure and the moon's gravitational pull that can cause the amniotic sac to break. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence (stories from maternity nurses about overcrowded delivery rooms) and some unscientific research to back this up. I found that this article, The Moon's Effect on Natural Childbirth, sums it up best. So hopefully, our next post will be about Marlie's birth story! If it happens, I'm going to get that T-shirt!

Damon: There are a lot of old wives tales about the full moon (click here). While I don't know if Marlie will decide to break camp tomorrow, I am excited that she will be here soon. I have also heard the babies are covered in hair - so maybe there is a link to the full moon.

Cat Metaphors and New Blog Coming...

2009-08-01T10:23:00.020-05:00

I am so giddy and ready to burst (literally and figuratively). But before I delve into the excitement, I have a confession...I do not like cats. This may not come as a surprise to those who have read about our dog Butters who has his own Facebook page and is a star over at MomLogic (yep, that's him in the photo). He is our best friend in every sense of the word and a lot like a child to us. But back to my disdain for cats (and I beg my bloggy friends who are cat people to hear me out). First, I am allergic to them. Second, I find their demeanor creepy. Third, I can't grasp the kitty litter thing. My feelings about cats, however, have been challenged by the discovery of an abandoned kitten in the crawlspace of our house. I first heard his pitiful mewing on Thursday evening. My hubby pulled back the grate and there was this tiny, apricot-colored feline just all alone and so adorable! Usually, I would have left the kitten to fend for itself, but my heart melted and something switched on in me. On Friday, I started emailing neighbors and calling no-kill shelters and found a foster home for him with some neighbors who are coming for him today. Meanwhile, it rained all night, and I kept getting up to go check on him to make sure he was staying dry. When I finally got into bed, I asked myself why I cared so much about this kitten when I don't even like cats. It struck me that kitty is a metaphor for my impending motherhood. This kitten was sent by the Universe to tell me something. What does it mean that I suddenly cannot abide seeing a kitten in distress? Is it a reassurance that I am ready to be a mommy? Interestingly enough, this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly devotes an entire article the whole Internet cat video phenomenon and what it represents culturally. The article isn't up on their site yet, but here is a link to the report card the best cat videos on the web.

Now for the exciting news! I am launching a mommy blog to continue documenting my journey into motherhood. It has a different blog address and a fabulous new design thanks to Diana Rambles at Custom Blog Designs. It is still under construction while I transfer some stuff over and set up widgets, but I figure it's not too early to start building my readership there. Please register for an email subscription so you can get the announcement of the big unveiling. I don't want to lose any of you! I am planning some cool things for the blog launch, including a giveaway, after Marlie arrives. I'll see you on the flip side real soon!

The Waiting Game: Week 37

2009-07-28T08:16:00.009-05:00

Teresha: So last week I experienced a period of manic activity otherwise known as nesting. I washed all of Marlie's cloth diapers and hung them to dry, organized her drawers, packed the bags, got the car detailed, and had Damon install the car seat. Last Wednesday I had some intense Braxton Hicks contractions that felt different. Hubby told our midwife about them at our prenatal appointment on Thursday while I was in the ladies room checking the PH and protein levels in my pee. She asked me to describe them and silly me says, "they are spasms 'inside,' but they kind of hurt." I guess she is used to clients who lack a grasp of medical terminology because she turned around without a puzzled look and said, "it sound like your cervix is opening up. Let's take a look." Sure enough I was almost 2 cm dilated. She tells me this is unusual for first-time mommies, but great news because I will probably have a fast and easy birth. Yay me! On the other hand, she prefers the babies she delivers to be at least 37 weeks, so no physical activity for the next 7 days (this meant S-E-X too in case you are wondering). She ended the visit by predicting our baby will come in the next two weeks. My heart soared. I could be seeing our honey bunny soon, which was my hunch anyway. Since our appointment, I have on hyper-vigilant watch for signs of labor. This week, a weird calm has come over me, and I have been taking crazy, long naps like a lazy dog in summer! Is this a sign? I have also been looking for the telltale "biological" signs such as shedding of my mucus plug or 'bloody show' and the obvious breaking of my water. But I have a feeling that it will be more subtle for me, like I will start with a slow leak instead of a gush. Several people have also told me that their bodies "cleansed" themselves just prior to going into labor. This would be a welcome change for me! Okay, enough of the over-sharing. I set up a baby birth date pool. The widget is located on the upper left-hand sidebar (the one with the teddy bear graphic). So go take a guess as to when Marlie is going to be born. Will she stay put or will she make an early escape?

Damon: I was kinda worried that Marlie would be a bit early. I think we are physically ready for her to show up, but I don't know if we are mentally prepared yet : ) I still need my three weeks! Butters also wants to have a little more time as a single child. All I can say is bring on the baby.

I Got Christmas Presents!

2009-07-23T15:50:00.012-05:00

A few weeks ago I signed up for my first blogger swap. I have done scrapping swaps before, but this was a different experience. This was Christmas in July! First let me say, that the swap hostess Angie 's Spot did an outstanding job organizing this goodie exchange. She is hosting another swap in November with another fun theme, so go subscribe to her blog to receive the post to sign-up.

I had the best time getting to know my swap buddy Six Flower Mom. We hit it off right away and sent each other several five-paragraph emails. On Wednesday morning there was a package on my porch decorated with Christmas stickers. Inside was individually wrapped items that I couldn't wait to tear open. Be forewarned that my buddy completely spoiled me! Try not to be jealous as you read the list of presents she sent me:

Scrapbooking supplies (a scrapper can never have too many)
Burt's Bees chapstick and a packet of herbal sitz bath (will come in handy before and after labor)
A Target reusable bag (fits nicely in my purse so I'll never forget to take it when I go shopping like a good environmental cheerleader should)
Stuff for baby (natural baby wash, a handmade Scrubby, an organic toy, and a maple teething ring made in VT)
Serendipity on DVD (to add to my John Cusack movie collection)
A journal and writing pens (the journal cover has butterflies, my favorite animal in nature)
Yummies (herbal teas bags and Vermont Maple candy-I had to remember not to eat all of these before I took the picture)
BOOKS!!! (Motherhood Rising, The Continuum Concept, The New Age Herbalist, Love You Forever. Now I have to decide which one to read first)

I can't thank her enough for all the cool stuff! This was a blast and can't wait to do it again!

UPDATE: Visit Six Flower Mom to see what I sent Amy!

In the Home Stretch (Literally)

2009-07-22T08:15:00.003-05:00

Teresha: My apologies if the picture grosses you out, but I wanted to give you an illustration of what I mean by literally being in the home stretch. I'm 36 weeks, and my belly looks like an over-inflated balloon. I don't think it has the capacity to grow any farther. Throughout my pregnancy, people have commented on how tiny I look. I just think I seem small because the bump grew entirely outward giving the deceptive impression that I'm not pregnant from the front or back views. From my profile, there is no denying that there is a bun in the oven, especially now! In the past two weeks it feels like my abdomen has been stretched to the limit. Even my belly button, which has stayed hidden this entire time, has popped out. Oh, and I found two stretch marks while doing my weekly belly inspection in the mirror! So much for the old wives belief in cocoa butter and vitamin E oil. I also developed a "pregnancy" rash and started itching beyond belief. Thank goodness for Standard Process USF ointment. It has lanolin and other good stuff that took care of that bit of unpleasantness. Ready for more TMI? I have struggled during the last week to pay my taxes to the porcelain king. Every day is an exercise in pain, strain, and little gain. If you don't get it, let me just add that I now own stock in Metamucil.

In other news about stretching, I have been obsessing about not tearing down there. My holistic doctor back in Atlanta advised that I begin perineal massage at 35 weeks. He swears by it (well his wife does...she delivered two babies naturally without an episiotomy and didn't need any stitches). So, I sat down last week with my olive oil and gave it a try. It felt too weird. I haven't done it again. I really want to avoid tearing though, so I asked my midwife if I should resume the massage or any other preventative measure. She shook her head and said she doesn't believe the massage makes a difference. What she does advise is in the form of postpartum perineal care by pre-freezing kotex pads (whic can be soaked in soothing, antiseptic herbs). I also read that a sitz bath is really helpful in the days after giving birth.

Marlie is almost here, so I am dedicating this week to the final preparations, including making sure the birthing and diaper bags are packed and ready to go! I have a two-foot to-do list, but it is impossible to get it all done. So I have priortized tasks by things that will be disappointments (getting a small water fountain to listen to during labor) or disasters (installing car seat, hello hubby!) if we don't get around to doing them. I have a feeling that she will come way before my August 20 due date. I can feel it in my soul. I have been dreaming of her every night for a week. Plus she has already dropped and is head down. She is ahead of schedule and following nature's directions, just like her mommy before her.

It Takes a Village to Party

2009-07-19T17:51:00.015-05:00

Teresha: Last night we threw an Hawaiian Luau to celebrate three milestones this year: our first year in our new house/city, our ninth wedding anniversary, and the upcoming birth of our daughter. Moving last summer took a brutal emotional toll on me. I left behind in Atlanta ten years of memories (our wedding, our downtown loft, our friends, my work in youth development, our favorite restaurants and farmer's market--to name a few). Plus, I had no job waiting for me and knew no one in Dallas. I thought I was going to die of loneliness. It took me awhile to end my pity party and start to reach out. I have met some truly wonderful people in our neighborhood, at Damon's job, and through our journey into parenthood. Last night was affirmation that it's going to be alright and that we have people here who love and support us. Sometimes, it takes a party to realize just how good life is!

We are 9 Years Married Today!

2009-07-15T00:33:00.000-05:00

Teresha: We met at the University of Florida in 1995 through a mutual friend. I was instantly smitten and something told me that he was The One. He was playing it cool though. We actually started dating after an argument about the same mutual friend. I just marvel at how divine intervention works when I look back at our fourteen years together (five dating, nine married). Yes, we work hard at our relationship, but I truly believe that God brought us together, has kept us together, and will hold us together forever. There is just no other way to explain how we've managed to survive as a couple through some pretty rough stuff (break ups, being broke, living in separate cities while married, illness, a move halfway across the country). I also credit the grace of God for all the happy times and joyous milestones in our marriage (our travels abroad, buying our first home and the impending arrival our firstborn next month). I can't imagine sharing these experiences with anyone else. He's my wing man, my road dog, my ace, my everything.Happy Anniversary boo!

Damon: I think she was playing it just as "cool" as I was when we met - maybe a bit more. When I look back over our fourteen years together, I can't believe how fast the time has passed. I don't know if there was ever a time when I felt that Teresha "was the one" but I have always felt that this (being our relationship) felt right - it just came natural. For instance, the first time I told her that I loved her (and she is the ONLY woman I have told this to outside of my family) we were out watching a movie and having a conversation about a love scene and how it related to our relationship. Without getting into too much detail, I causally blurted out that I loved her. The weight of it hit me as the words came out of my mouth - it was like I was watching my self say it: "I L-O-V-E Y-O-U". But it felt right and natural. So the other example of feeling "right" is a bit morbid. When I think of being on my death bed and who I would want to be there to comfort me, Teresha is the first and only person who comes to mind - even before we were married. She calms me and makes we want to be a better person. So that is how I knew this was right. I can't imagine sharing my quirky ass life with anyone else. I love you buttmunch!

Most Beautiful Woman in the World: Take that Angelina and Halle!

2009-07-12T17:26:00.001-05:00

Teresha: My family is full of women with smooth skin ranging from cafe au lait to dark chocolate in color. In addition to their perfect complexions, they tend to have narrow features. I have a round face and struggled with acne all my life until a homeopath diagnosed me with a gluten allergy. My point is that I grew up being told I was ugly or the more PC "not very pretty," and I believed it. Even as an adult, I have a hard time accepting compliments about my looks. It took being pregnant for me to finally recognize my own beauty. I may still not fit society's definition of beauty (or my family's), but it doesn't matter...I am gorgeous! To prove it, the hubby and I recently had maternity photos taken. We were both sick with a stomach bug, and I threw up and fainted during the shoot, (I think I've discovered the models' secret). But our photos turned out perfect and I can't stop looking at them...does that make me vain? I don't care! So this is what it's like to feel like the most beautiful woman on Earth!

Damon: Yeah - so despite the vomiting and fainting, the shoot went really well. I have always thought that Teresha was the most beautiful girl in the room (no matter what room we are in). So - I love the shots and I can't wait for our next turn in the studio when Marlie gets here.

Finding a Spiritual Home to Raise Baby

2009-07-09T15:43:00.000-05:00

Teresha: I have struggled with the concept of religion and church since I was young. I was the type of child that asked questions...lots of questions. My curiosity often drove my family and teachers crazy because they frequently did not have a good answer to my inquiries. This was especially true when it came to religion. Most of my mother's family are Seventh Day Adventists, and me and my siblings would attend an SDA church with our grandmother when we visited for summers. What I remember most is that we weren't permitted to watch television from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday and going to church on Saturday for hours on end while other kids watched cartoons and played in the streets. Why? My mother was a Jehovah's Witness for a few years when we were very little. I recall suddenly not being allowed to celebrate birthdays or holidays anymore and having to give up certain toys that were deemed devilish by the elders. Why? Life in the Kingdom Hall was particularly hard for a six-year-old who was already dealing with her parents' divorce. So my first memories of religion was that it equated to a lot of rules, rigid regimens, and restrictions. By the time I entered high school, I had enough of "church." Friends would invite me to their place of worship in hopes that they could save my soul from certain damnation. I would go, but always left feeling unsatisfied. I began seeking out spirituality in other forms and wrote my senior paper on Transcendentalism. My English teacher gave me a copy of The Celestine Prophecy and my suspicions of organized religion was intensified. In college I decided to give church another try when I started dating my future husband who was raised Catholic. We started attending service at a Methodist church where I first learned about grace and free will. I liked these tenets. We married in a Methodist church and were members for many years. Then my foundation was shattered over a dispute between the outgoing pastor and the church board over leasing the annex to a gay youth organization. When we moved to Dallas last summer we visited several churches, but I need more than scripture readings and singing hymns on a Sunday morning. I want open dialogue and community engagement. I also want to raise our daughter (and any future siblings) in a spiritual home, but I don't want our child(ren) growing up resenting religion like I did. I had almost given up when we were referred to a small, non-demonitional church that met at the recreation center in our neighborhood. Church in the Cliff is casual, welcoming, progressive, and interactive. On the Sunday we visited, the message and discussion was about body prayer. We actually practiced yoga-inspired prayer! Yesterday we attended Wednesday dinner at member's home where we fellowshiped over Ethiopian peasant food and talked about fasting using Jesus' 40-day lent in the desert after he was baptized as a central theme. When the time came to go home, I was making mental notes for Sunday's service. Damon and I talked all the way home about the topic. Isn't that how "church" should inspire its congregants? I have a good feeling that we are home.

Project Nursey: The Big Reveal and How We Did it on a Budget

2009-07-05T02:00:00.000-05:00

Take a look at our baby girl's nursery! We are even more proud of it because we did it ourselves (and with the help of family and friends). Do you want to guess how much it cost to decorate this entire room? If you are thinking around $1500+, try again. Our outlay (excluding the crib and glider, which were gifts) is in the $500 ballpark. Our nursery just looks expensive, but anyone can design a nursery like this on a budget. Ironically, the biggest hurdle is resisting the urge to spend. This being my first pregnancy, I wanted everything to be brand new, designer, and top-of-the-line. Then I came to my senses, realized that the baby does not care if she is sleeping in a $1,000 crib, and that our family would be better off putting that money in a trust fund. Besides, who can really afford to splurge in this recession? Here are my nursery-on-a-budget tips:

Step away from baby stores or go with a list and stick to it. Any product that is labeled as a baby item is priced at 500% markup (a bit exaggerated, but it seems that way to me). That $75 everything-but-the-kitchen-sink diaper bag? You can find an equally practical tote or "un"diaper bag for $25 or less. That $40 must-have diaper pail? You can get a similar 5-10-gallon garbage pail for $15. Another reason not to go to the baby store is that you wind up buying a lot of things you don't need. Those places are designed to tug on your emotional heartstrings as an expectant parent and get you to buy, buy, buy! Think...does baby really need a wipe warmer? Skip the hoopla and save your dollars to buy diapers. There is no skimping on these!

Shop at discount stores and outlets. Tuesday Morning carries closeout nursery bedding, plus lots of other baby items like blankets and layette sets. Sign up for their eTreasures newsletter to get first dibs on special offers, new arrivals and markdowns. Big Lots, Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshall's are my favorite stores for great deals on decor items like rugs, pillows, lamps, and picture frames as well as baby clothes and toys. Instead of purchasing a nursery collection with matching accessories, which can cost you upwards of $500 or more, pick a few colors or a theme (like underwater or shabby chic) and search for decor pieces that work. I like Target and Wal-Mart as much as the next gal, but you will always find me in the clearance racks. I purchased the shag rug in our nursery for 50% off at Target. You will be surprised at how much more flexibility and value you get when you bargain hunt.

Go for second-hand. There are big savings in buying gently used items and even items that someone bought, but never used. Craigslist was my go-to web site for finding baby stuff for sale. I once saw a post for a brand new crib and dresser set for $100 that had only been used for display in a model home, but it was snapped up quickly. Lesson: you have to be vigilant and act fast. I also checked my local thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. Hand-me-downs are also nice if you can get them. Someone in your family or community might have baby furniture they can pass down to you. We got a custom-built dresser/changer that was offered for free on our neighborhood parents' email list that we painted to match. Freecycle is a good place to look for baby goods that people are giving away. You can also post items that you want. Remember to check the national recall list before you buy or accept a second-hand item like furniture, toys, gear, or clothing. Then inspect the item for damage. Don't be afraid to politely decline an offer if you think it's unsafe to use with your baby.

D.I.Y. A little elbow grease can save you big bucks. It takes time, but the feeling that you get from doing it yourself is priceless. If you can sew, knit or quilt, why not make your own bedding, blankets, curtains and pillows? Those wooden hanging letters that cost $15-25 each at baby stores can be found unfinished at a craft store for around $2.50 per letter and then painted. We did this and think it looks better than store-bought! The same goes for painting the nursery. Throw a painting party and invite a few family and close friends over to help you. Murals are very popular right now, but artists charge anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. There are several online companies that sell mural kits that come with stencils or transfers that make it easy for you to do it yourself. The mural in our nursery is the Splendid Garden theme available for $100 from My Wonderful Walls (disclosure: I won a gift certificate toward the purchase of the kit from the blog, 3 P's in a Pod). We couldn't be happier with the results! Wall stickers and decals are another inexpensive way to produce the desired effect on your nursery walls.

Re-purpose.This may be a little harder to imagine doing, but here is an example. For ten years, we lived in a 750 sq. ft. loft that had no closets, so we bought two armoires. Last year we purchased a 2500 sq ft. house and brought our meager furnishings with us. Our new house has closets (lots of closets), but we kept the armoires anyway. We are now using one in the nursery in lieu of buying a new dresser. So, go rummage in your attic, basement, or garage. You might find a forgotten rocking chair or nightstand that can be painted or re-stained or a floor lamp that fits perfectly to go in your nursery!

Have fun designing your nursery and don't break the bank!

My Week

2009-06-29T02:43:00.001-05:00

Teresha: It's hump day and I am already exhausted and looking forward to the long 4th of July weekend. It's hella *HOT* in Texas so I will be avoiding the outdoors and just relaxing because I have done so much this week (overdoing it is more like it):

I hosted a cloth diaper show at the house on Sunday. I made one sale...just confirmation that I am not a good salesperson. However, I am working on scheduling one at hubby's company for their employees and letting Kristi Rooks, the owner of Hip Green Baby do the product presentation. Kristi has a wonderful selection of products and a wealth of knowledge to share. Visit her site and see for yourself!
I had a guest post published at Go Graham Go! on Monday. Check it out!
Still mourning MJ. He was the icon of my generation. I can't believe he is gone. Enough has been said about his personal decline over the last 15 years, the circumstances surrounding his death, and the fallout over his kids and estate. I just want to add that his musical legacy is unmatched and untouchable, and I hope he is resting in peace.
I have been slow to accept the physical limitations of my final stage of pregnancy. I have been trying to do too much and suffering the repurcussions (back pain, insomnia, Braxton-Hicks contractions). So I made a decision to take it easy and not view this as a sign of weakness (Superwoman is temporarily hanging up her cape). I had a pedicure today at The Spa at Whole Foods. I have been sleeping on this gem of a service at one of my favorite places. A couple of neighbors clued me in. It was heaven and all natural...no harsh fumes or chemicals in any of the products. Tomorrow I get my hair done. yipee!
We've been experiencing some problems with one of the midwives at our birthing center. She has a prickly personality and it was rubbing me the wrong way. I strongly considered transferring to another facility (even took a tour at one in another city in the Mteroplex). I have been guilty in the past of avoiding confrontation with people who remind me of someone from my past-who shall remain nameless. I want to break free of this habit, so using the tools from The Secret and Birthing from Within, I brought the issue to the attention of the head midwife. In summation, she did a bit of mediation. We had a good visit at our appointment today and I am optimistic that we are going to have a positive experience from here on out.

Okay people, I've recapped my week as a way of letting you know that I am emotionally drained and tired. So, I am going to be scarce over the next few days on self-imposed exile from blogging, emailing, Facebooking and general web surfing. I'll see you rejuvenated and refreshed on Sunday!

Just When I Want to Kill Him...

2009-06-28T08:57:00.001-05:00

Teresha: Since becoming an involuntary homemaker (more on that later), I have developed a fixation with crime shows. Not the fictional TV dramas like Law and Order although I am known to watch SVU from time to time. I am talking about real-life criminal case shows like 48 hours Hard Evidence and Captured, the ones that recount the crimes of murderers, rapists, and gangsters. My favorite is Snapped on the Oxygen network. This TV show tells the stories of women who kill...usually their husbands. My husband hates that I watch this program. He thinks I am getting tips on how to get away with murdering him. He has warned me that he told all his friends to suspect me if he dies suspiciously. I admit that I have learned from the mistakes that the wives on Snapped have made--like never use your cell phone when you are disposing of the body. The police can put you at the scene based on your phone signal pinging of cell towers in the area. Now don't go thinking that I am plotting my husband's demise. Far from it. But there are days that I do want to just kill him (FIGURATIVELY). Like this morning when I am preparing for a luncheon at our house this afternoon and there is no space in the fridge to put the platter of crackers or fruit salad because he has all these containers of leftovers that need to be thrown out and packages of fresh meat that need to be wrapped and put in the freezer EVERYWHERE!!! I am asking him to clean out the stuff so I can get the food for my guests ready and he tells me to stop bossing him around! Excuse me, but do you not know me?! Fast forward an hour later. He cleans out the fridge and makes me breakfast, but just not any breakfast. He has made a veggie omelet placed neatly inside whole wheat toast cut in the shape of a house with a side of butter shaped like the sun! I am touched...deeply. I make him go get the camera to capture this unbelievably loving gesture, and so I have proof that he is not always a butt-munch. He gets to live another day. I love you hubby!

Pregnancy Confessions

2009-06-21T09:28:00.000-05:00

Teresha: When people ask me, "how's the pregnancy going?" I am quick to extol the virtues of carrying a new life. I usually respond by saying that I would have done it sooner had I known it would be this easy. This is mostly the truth. I have little to complain about...I had no real morning sickness, no disgusting food cravings, no heartburn, no stretch marks so far. But I do have my off days, so I am coming clean about the dark side of pregnancy:

Some days being pregnant makes me miserable, especially now that the weight of the baby is straining my petite frame.
I don't care if I ever have sex again.
Paradoxically, I am horny all the time, but usually can't muster the energy to do anything about it.
I stopped shaving my legs (and other areas of my body) at 26 weeks.
I don't always eat healthy. Sometimes I prefer a bowl of cereal to a well-balanced, homemade meal.
I have reached the point where I just spot clean the bathrooms
I resent the fact that my husband can do things I no longer can like lay on his stomach, bend over, see his toes, walk fast, climb the stairs without gasping for air, and drink alcohol.
I relish the fact that I have this amazing bond with the life growing inside me, get to feel her every movement and response to my voice, and he doesn't!
Being pregnant is one thing...baby girl Petite is safe and snug inside me, and I have to do very little to except take vitamins, eat right, exercise, go to appointments, and get plenty of rest. I am petrified about the life changes that parenthood will bring.

Whew! It feels good to get that off my chest! So, what's your pregnancy confession? Spill it, sister!

Damon: I don't think there really is a "dark side" of pregnancy for guys. And even if there was one - I think my wife would kill me for putting any of it down in writing: ) To tell you the truth, the pregnancy has been somewhat uneventful for me. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait for baby Petite to get here, but right now it's just a waiting game. So, instead I have included a little cheat sheet below that I found on the internet for what expecting dads should be doing during the pregnancy. Um, I do each one to varying degrees - and I have about two months left to work on it!

List of Things To Do For The Expectant Father (Source: babycenter.com)

Pay attention
Be there
Get healthier, too
Love her changing body
Go the extra mile
Memorize the route to the hospital
Be a a partner in labor
Shop, talk and make lots of decisions together
Prepare for your new life as a family

I'm on a Hot Blue Winning Streak!

2009-06-17T13:43:00.000-05:00

Teresha: So I discovered the mommy realm of the blogosphere only when I was expecting my first baby and started a blog for family and friends to get pregnancy updates. I started reading other mommy (and daddy) blogs to whittle away the hours because I was home all day (bad economy, no one hiring, ya know?). I became entertained by posts, educated by product reviews, and obsessed with giveaways! I want to share my prize bounty list because my cup overfloweth, and I want to support these vendors and mommy blogs:

My first win:
Miracle Blanket @ Just a Mom's Take on Things

Other recent wins:

Two Boob maternity dresses @ Life Starring the Kids and Me!
$100 My Wonderful Walls gift certificate @ 3 Ps in a Pod
$5 credit toward blog design @ Custom Blog Designs
One-year supply of Ballpark Franks and Hillshire Farm products @ momlogic
Dysfunctional Father's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Babies @ A Busy Mommy
Melissa dress from Picaflor Kids @ My Organized Chaos
$25 Amazon gift certificate from Got Free Cards @ the Mom Buzz
So Easy Baby Food Kit from Fresh Baby @ My Four Monkeys (new win!)
$50 gift certificate for Tiny*Prints @ My Organized Chaos (new win!)

Pretty awesome, huh?! So, go enter some mommy blog contests, you gotta be in it to win it! I have more blogs listed on my blog roll...

UPDATE: People have been asking me how I've won so many times. Quantitatively, I haven't won a lot considering that I enter 1-3 giveaways every day. Statistically, I am in the bottom percentile. I do it for fun, so this doesn't bother me...it chases away the boredom, and I get to meet some cool mommy bloggers and learn about some great products. If I had to share one tip for winning, it would be to do the bonus entries and read this post by Victoria @ Life Starring the Kids and Me! Tips and Tricks for entering Blog Giveaways

I'm Going to Some Parties! Join Me!

2009-06-14T09:50:00.000-05:00

Tip Junkie is turning 2 years old and converting from a .blogspot to a Dot Com. In celebration of her anniversary, blogger (and fellow DFW resident) Laurie is hosting a birthday bash. For five days, she will be will be giving away 50 amazing prizes from June 15-19. Ten prize packages will be awarded each day during the Going Dot Com Birthday Bash. Go check it out!

I love swaps! I have done several scrapbooking swaps and enjoyed picking, packing, and shipping gifts for my swap buddy as much I loved getting a package. Angies's Spot is hosting a Christmas in July Swap. I am so there! The first 50 participants or whoever signs up by June 24 are accepted. Don't miss your chance to get in on the fun!

My First Blog Award!

2009-06-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

Teresha: This blog is a few months old and was initially intended for family and friends to get updates on our pregnancy. Then I met so many wonderful women bloggers sharing their lives, Superwoman secrets, product reviews and giveaways. I started to expand my writing so my blog can be like theirs when it grows up. Today I was tickled when Robbie at A Spiritual Connection selected me as a recipient of the One Lovely Blog Award. Go visit her, leave some comment love, and feed her fishies. I am so honored to receive this recognition and support, especially from fellow Dallasite!
So, now I am passing the award to these bloggers I've recently discovered, listed in alphabetical order:

Akilah @ Execumama
Brandy @ Irish Baby Bump
Cafe Mocha Momma @ Capuccino Confessions
Courtney @ The Artis 6
Dawn @ Painter Mommy
Denene @ MyBrownBaby
Diana @ Custom Blog Designs by FreestyleMama
Diane @ dkMommy Spot
Dumb Mom @ Parenting BY Dummies
Felicia @ Go Graham Go!
Jeni @ A Busy Mommy
Lolli @ Better in Bulk
Paulette @ Revelations that Turn Pages
Shari @ A Psych Mommy
Stephanie @ A Pocket Full of Buttons

What next? Follow these rules and pay it forward:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

9 Things You Should Never Say to or Do to a Pregnant Woman

2009-06-07T08:45:00.000-05:00

Teresha: Pregnancy is one of those life events that bring out the best or worst in the people around you. Family and friends will be a mixed bag of reactions. Some will be appropriately supportive and some will annoy you with unsolicited advice, poorly-timed jokes, maternity health warnings they read about on the Internet, or plain rude remarks. Strangers will think they can invade your body buffer zone. I have faced the fact that being pregnant is a personal moment on public display, so people will think they are not out-of-bounds to get nosy and all up in your business. Etiquette should not go out the window when you see or talk to a pregnant woman, people! In case you forget your manners, here is a cheat sheet:

Never ask her if she is pregnant unless it's absolutely obvious (like she will deliver at any moment). If she is, it's her news to tell, so don't ruin it or force her to lie. If she is just gaining weight, you will make her feel horrible. Either way, you are going to look like a heel.
Never tell a pregnant woman that she has stretch marks, swollen feet, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, varicose veins, etc...to look forward to. It sounds like you are wishing these dreaded conditions on her and just because it happened to you, your wife, your sister or friend does not mean it will befall her.
Never share tragic pregnancy or birth horror stories like, "my sister's-best friend's-cousin was 16 weeks pregnant when she miscarried" or "this woman at my job went into preterm labor due to an incompetent cervix." Are you trying to freak us out? If you don't have something nice to say, HOLD YOUR TONGUE!
Never ask if she is having a boy or a girl or what the name is going to be. Offering to guess is even more of a no-no. If this information has not been volunteered already, then it's probably a secret.
Never suggest baby names. Do you really think your opinion matters in something so intimate?
Never pat or rub her belly without permission. Strangers, don't even ask!
Never, ever look at a pregnant woman and exclaim, "Wow, you are huge! I know you're not going to push that big baby out." Pregnant women come in all shapes and sizes, which don't correlate to the weight of the baby.
Never ask the private, personal details of her birth plan. If she tells you voluntarily, this is not an open invitation to give your "expert" opinion about how "epidurals are the best" or "too many women are having C-sections." There is no right or wrong way to have a baby-- it's a matter of choice to be discussed with her maternity care provider, and you aren't part of the decision-making.
Never look at a pregnant woman coming down the aisle and not make room for her to pass or offer up your seat the front of the bus. Come on!

On behalf of expectant mommies everywhere, I beseech you to think before you speak to us. I know you mean well, but we are already anxious as it is about having a healthy pregnancy plus emotional from the hormonal rollercoaster. We don't need you adding to the stress by making insensitive comments. What we need is positive affirmation! So, when you see me or call me or email me, just express well wishes or ask how I am doing/feeling. I will happily share some details with you.

Damon: On the subject of pregnant women and questions, it is very clear and simple. I always call upon the tactics used to keep the Clinton marriage intact - "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Again - very simple. You don't ask a pregnant woman anything. You definitely don't ask her - "are you pregnant?" Even if her water has broken and she is ready to pop, don't ask - I would first just assume that she has wet herself or maybe she's bloated from eating at that discount Chinese Buffet. I could go on, but why? Again, clear and simple - "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Trust me!

Pregnancy is a Process of Self-Discovery

2009-06-01T07:09:00.000-05:00

Teresha: I am a spiritual woman, but I am also a thinking woman. This duality has served me well as a human being. I can deal with any situation from a sensitive, yet logical approach. Well, almost any situation. Pregnancy has really thrown me for a loop. It has heightened all my feelings, which now clash when they used to complement each other. It was rough going until we started our childbirth classes recently. Our instructor Leigh Anne teaches Birthing from Within along with the mechanics of birth outlined in the Bradley Method. Birthing from Within focuses on the emotional journey of pregnancy, labor and birthing. We are exploring our anxieties about becoming new parents and learning techniques that will make birthing a positive experience for both of us. As you might have guessed, you have to be open with your feelings to be able to succeed at this. So, in our first class we discussed suppressed feelings, worries, and fears that might interfere with a smooth labor and delivery. Leigh Anne said stress can make the process of giving birth more difficult and painful. That's all I needed to hear to let the floodgates open and let down my guard. I talked openly about the rift between me and my mother. I expressed the hurt over her not being engaged in my pregnancy, not attending my baby shower in Miami, and not calling me on Mother's Day or my birthday. Tears started to form. Leigh Anne thanked me for being honest and assured me that we would work through it so that I could resolve the emotional pain. Afterward, Damon asked me to call my mother. I dug in my heels and said no (I am a Taurus and I do have my pride, darn it!). Later in the week, I was talking to Tene (of nursery painting fame) and asked her opinion. She agreed with Damon (they often gang up on me). I agreed to give it some thought, but God was not letting me off the hook. On Friday, I happened upon my horoscope on Yahoo! This is what it said, "Even though you love them dearly, your family is not totally in sync with you right now. Do not be surprised if you have a hard time communicating with them. Saying what you truly want may feel difficult, but is that a difficulty you are imposing on yourself? Today, come clean with what you are thinking and just speak from the heart. You may be surprised at how warmly you are received. Expect the best, and you will get it." FREAKY! After consulting Damon and Tene, I finally submitted to the universe and called my mommy at work and asked her to call me when she got home. We talked for 2 1/2 hours that evening and I didn't have a meltdown! We both got a lot of junk off our chests, most of it just plain, ole' misunderstandings. I am happy to report that we are well on our way to mending our relationship. I am so loving this journey!

Yikes! I've Reached the Nesting Phase

2009-05-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

Teresha: It's happened. That maniac stage of pregnancy where expectant mothers develop a sudden urge to clean, organize, and plan everything down to the last detail. I thought I had another month before the madness set in. I am barely 7 months and I am already feeling the need to get everything done...like right now! It started innocently this weekend with shopping for baby gear. Babies R Us had a huge Memorial Day weekend sale. Armed with a 15% off coupon and a gift card from a friend, I was ready to hunt for a car seat. I swear I did not plan to have my husband drive 80 miles in one day to procure said car seat, but the one we wanted was not available at the first store. So, we had to drive to another location 30 miles away to get our hands on it. I am sure DH would have preferred to wait until the next sale, but I already had a mental checklist going and was not about to procrastinate. You want to know what else I did this weekend during my period of hyperactivity? I bullied the DH into spring cleaning on Saturday. We had our first childbirth education class on Sunday evening. Friends came over on Monday for BBQ and to paint a mural in the nursery. My husband is dead tired, and I'm just getting started ladies and gentleman! Next, I am going to see a pediatric chiropractor to get adjusted, shop for the rest of the nursery furniture, and schedule appointments to interview prospective pediatricians. Oh, and that's just this upcoming week. As long as I have the energy and motivation, I am going to complete as many tasks as possible because, once Miss M is here, I know I won't be up for anything except feedings and diaper changes.

Shower Me with Love, Cake, and Gifts!

2009-05-19T22:14:00.001-05:00

Teresha: Damon has been complaining that my posts are too long. So in the spirit of compromise, I will keep this short and sweet. We had a wonderful time this past weekend at our co-ed baby shower in Atlanta. It was one part reunion and one part baby shower, full of celebration and nostalgia. The hardest part of this pregnancy has been being in a new city away from all my family and friends. It was rejuvenating to be surrounded by people "who knew us when" and to share this special moment with them. We hadn't seen most of them in nearly a year. Everyone was so excited about our first baby and it showed in their video messages (which can be viewed on my Facebook page) and thoughtful cards and gifts. I felt so loved! I was also geeked to have my two favorite cakes...Chef Haynes' famous strawberry cake and a carrot cake with whipped, cream cheese frosting from Matty Cakes. Special thanks to the Ruffins who opened their Neighborhood Gallery Arts Center for the event and to the planning committee...Bonita, Charnae, Gwen, Lauren, Tameyer, and Tene. I love you ladies!

Damon: It was nice seeing friends and being back in Atlanta. Oh…life was soooooo simple then. The Atlanta shower was the second one I have attended. While I had a good time at the Atlanta shower, I don’t think that baby showers were meant to be co-ed. Guys don’t write poems about other guys and we really don’t like playing party games – unless they involve drinking. Our friend Tene was nice enough to let us stay with her – thanks Tene! We got to go to our FAVORITE pizza place in the world – Mama Rosa’s in downtown Atlanta. So, all in all it was a great trip. So officially our little bun has visited Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia. That is a good amount of travel to be only seven months old!

Our Birth Plan: Going Natural

2009-05-12T08:18:00.000-05:00

Teresha: With 100 days to go, we had our first appointment at our birthing center today. You read that right! We decided a long time ago to commit to a natural birth. We just needed a health care professional and a facility that would facilitate our wishes. Dr. Foxworth is a great obstetrician, but the hospital where she has privileges did not provide the options we were seeking. So we switched. After watching the Ricki Lake documentary The Business of Being Born, we both agreed that a hospital is the last place to go if you are adamant about having a natural birth (go ahead and watch the movie). Damon went online and found the Birth and Women's Center. During the tour, we were both so impressed with the level of care, the cozy labor and delivery room, and the feeling that we were going to be treated as partners (not patients) in the birth of our child. We signed up on the spot! I could not wait to tell people about our plan and was not prepared for the negative comments and backlash, which ranged from skeptical curiosity to outright questioning our sanity. Apparently, planning a natural birth is just foolhardy! I was told in various ways that I would never be able to stand the pain, that drugs are they only way to go, that I would never want to have another kid, that so many things could go wrong, etc... You'd think I was telling people that we were going to deliver our baby ourselves in a cornfield with only some towels and a pot of boiling water for supplies. I actually found myself on the defensive, explaining our decision to do this naturally! We didn't make this decision lightly. We educated ourselves and made a choice based on all the facts we gathered. This whole thing has left me wondering, when did having babies naturally become counterculture? All that medical establishment propaganda has really done a number on our society. For the unenlightened, birthing centers are typically staffed with nurse-midwives and have the same equipment as hospital maternity wards. In case complications develop, they transfer you to a hospital. Our birthing center is three blocks from Baylor University Hospital, so our bases are covered. If something does go wrong, get me to a doctor stat! But I personally believe this is a last resort. I also believe in doing what's right for you. I know women who have opted for epidurals and scheduled C-sections. I have never judged the way anyone else decided have her baby. So, it has been hard for me not to receive the same support in our decision to go the natural route. But I got over the hurt quickly once I realized that no one else's opinion matters. I am all about bringing my baby into the world au natural! I have been eating all the right foods, doing prenatal yoga, kegels, and signed up with a birthing coach who teaches a combination of the Bradley method and Birthing From Within. I can't wait to post pictures and video from our delivery at the birthing center!

Damon: So Teresha REALLY needs to stop making her post soooooo long. This is way to much pressure for me. Let's see...where to start. I would, like Teresha, recommend that anyone who is having kids or thinking about it watch The Business of Being Born. And I will not get off of my soap box. Since I am not having the baby, I will let Teresha lead the blogging on taking pain killers and other medications involved in the birthing process. I will say that having children is a natural process and pregnant women are not sick - so why is there so much fuss being make about not birthing in a sterile hospital full of sick people? Seems like that would be the last place you would want to bring a child into the world. Although - you should be in a hospital if you are having a high-risk birth. Anywhooo...I am going to briefly talk about how our little one coming in the world is slowly re-shaping the way I think/act.

Point #1: I am gradually coming to the realization that I will now have someone who it will be my responsibility to care for - this is a very scary proposition for me! While I think I am a fairly nice guy - I am not the most caring person in the world. And yeah - as a husband you take care of your wife. But - Teresha was taking care of herself before me and if anything happens she will happily (well, eventually after grieving for like 15 years) move on with her life. I also did not have any say in the process of my wife being brought into this world. That being said, I feel a greater responsibility to make sure that my child has everything she needs to lead a happy and healthy life. Scariness......

Point#2: While I have always begrudgingly understood that my actions affect (did I use the right one??) others, the personality and value system of this little person will be shaped by me and Teresha. Does the world really need another little me running around? And what if I screw her up? Teresha and I will be responsible for shaping this little being. Scariness....

Point #3: On a more practical note, I (we) am responsible for providing for our little bun in da oven. Historically, we have always had pretty low overheard so that we could quit a job at a moments notice if we felt like saying "screw the man". Now with a relatively large mortgage and Miss M on the way - I don't think that will be happening anytime soon. And we also need to think about our health and how our child will be taken care of if anything happens to us. Scariness....

Okay...that is about enough of the serious side for me. The immediate threat is that I may be asked to catch Miss M as she escapes from the womb. They have pictures of the fathers doing this on the wall at the birthing center - none of them have a look of joy/bliss! It must be something similar to catching a hot, wet, muddy football - except your wife will kick your butt if you drop it. So, I don't know if I am up for this task - and it looks like it's pretty messy. We have a box of ShamWows at the house. I am thinking of using one of them as a "net" to catch Miss M. It is pretty soft and it "holds 12 times its weight in liquid". Sounds like a winning idea to me.

April Showers (Technically, it was May)

2009-05-05T14:33:00.001-05:00

Teresha: Call me crazy! My six-months-pregnant self got on a plane Saturday at 6:00 am CST and flew from Dallas to Miami to celebrate my impending motherhood with friends and family at 1:00 pm EST...the very same day! Not to mention, the swine flu panic was evident at the airport as we saw several people in hospital masks (are they kidding me?). Again, you are free to call me crazy. In my defense, I have adopted this new way of thinking based on the Laws of Attraction (a central philosophy in The Secret). So, I was confident that nothing bad would happen because I took precautions and only had positive thoughts. I did not swell up or get Deep Vein Thrombosis from the flight because I got up and walked around. I did not collapse from exhaustion or dehydration because I took a nap and drank plenty of water. I did not get the pig pneumonia because I kept my immune system healthy with vitamins and lots of fresh, nutrient-rich foods, washed my hands frequently and kept them away from my eyes, nose and mouth (thanks for the tips Dr. E and Dr. Foxworth!). There is something to be said for the power of positive thinking and taking care of yourself. I was glowing and happy and absolutely enjoyed myself. Nothing and no one was going to spoil my special occasion. It was an intimate affair, attended my some really loving people, including a friend from elementary school with whom I recently reconnected on Facebook. Rhonda (BFF, Maid of Honor at my wedding) bought a gorgeous cake, had us play fun baby shower games, and made adorable party favors with rubber duckies and bubble bath products. A good time was had by all! Up next, the Atlanta baby shower!

The Beauty of Mommy Blogger Word-of-Mouth

2009-04-30T03:22:00.000-05:00

Teresha: I am relatively new to the blogging thing, although I have been writing and journaling all my life. I got deeper into the blogosphere when I became pregnant and have thoroughly enjoyed reading various mommy blogs. Many of them have these cool custom designs, and I admit to being a little envious. One of the neat things about the mommy blogs is that they are always hosting contests and giving away cool prizes for mommies and kids. So, I am reading the Thursday Tidbits on What's That Smell where she shares that the blogger at Once Upon a Mommy's Quiet Time is hosting a giveaway for a custom blog design from Subjective Beauty! How awesome is that! This is my chance (and yours) to get a blog makeover (valued at $300). Head over to Subjective Beauty and broswe her portfolio then go to Once Upon and Mommy's Quiet Time to enter the contest. The deadline is May 7th. Think you can get in more entries than me?

Project Nursery

2009-04-26T05:48:00.000-05:00

Teresha: So, we started working on Miss M's nursery as soon as we found out she is a she. I know some say it's bad luck to start decorating a nursery too soon, but I can't see myself running around at 8 months trying to get everything in order. By starting early, I get the benefits of taking it step-by-step, and I am giving myself time to relax in my last weeks of pregnancy. My mother-in-law purchased the crib, which has been assembled and fitted with bedding. My very good friends Charnae and Tene (accents on the last e's) came to Dallas this past weekend and voluteered for nursery duty (they might say I drafted them). There is just something about having your girls help you pick out stuff for your baby that makes the process feel like a party. We spent Friday afternoon and Saturday morning visiting all the good discount home decor stores...Tuesday Morning, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory, Big Lots. We found matching curtains, wallpaper border, and some cute baby clothes! Damon, Charnae and Tene then spent HOURS painting the nursery and matching accesories (I only helped a bit due to the fumes and the fact that painting is the one art form I suck at). The results are faboo!!! The walls are still pretty bare, which I hope to fill with a mural like the flower themed mural from My Wonderful Walls. It's a DIY stencil kit that is easy to apply, even for a art school-reject like me. They also have canvassed wall art that comes ready-to-hang if you can't paint your walls for some reason. Luckily the bloggers at, 3P's in a Pod and What's That Smel l are both giving away a gift certificate for a mural kit from My Wonderful Walls! You know I already entered the contests, so what are you waiting for? The deadline for entries is noon CST on April 30.

Sweet Face

2009-04-14T17:35:00.000-05:00

Why God Made Little Girls
Author: Henry Alfred Dixon

God made the world with its towering trees,
Majestic mountains and restless seas.
Then stopped and said, "It needs one more thing,
Someone to laugh and dance and sing.
To walk in the woods and gather flowers,
To commune with nature in quiet hours."
So God created little girls.
With laughing eyes and bouncing curls.
With joyful hearts and infectious smiles,
Enchanting ways and feminine wiles.
And when He'd completed the task He'd begun,
He was pleased and proud of the job He'd done.
For the world when seen through a little girl's eyes,
Greatly resembles His own paradise.

My Review of Jardine Olympia Single Crib - Natural

2009-04-11T20:01:00.001-05:00

Toys R Us

The Natural/Dark Pine Olympia Crib features a clean-cut contemporary style. This crib is known for its strong, high quality construction. The mattress support is adjustable to four positions to keep baby safely inside the crib. This piece coordinates with the Natural/Dark Pine Olympia Single ...

Great Value for Money

1st Time Mother-to-Be Dallas, TX 4/11/2009

Pros: Metal mattress platform, Stable, JPMA certified, Easily Assembled

Cons: Surface scratches easy

Best Uses: Infants, Newborn, Preemies

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

Just bought in-store and assembled today. Note: The price in store was $60 cheaper than online price. We also got the antique walnut finish instead of the natural. After looking at DOZENS of cribs, we both agreed on this one for sturdiness, the style and overall quality. Overall it was easy to assemble, just need an allen wrench (comes with). The one catch was installing the drop-side, which really takes two people to align it on the tracks (install from bottom like instructions say). The wood finish does scratch easy (we have scratches on the posts where we struggled to align the drop-side (might sand and touch-up). Other pros: JMPA certified, love that it has a metal mattress platform (not a single rod or plastic board). I think this will last until baby needs a twin bed. This crib is not a convertible. It doesn't advertise that anywhere. Jardine does make convertible/lifetime cribs in other models though.

: Picture of Product

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Petite's Anatomy

2009-04-07T12:07:00.000-05:00

Teresha: We saw the sonographer today to find out our baby's sex. After basting my belly with goop, she proceeded to take multiple measurements, which took forever. She showed us the face, spine, arms, heartbeat, and legs. Then she finally started examining our baby's nether regions. The little bugger was closed up like a clam, but the technician finally got a peek and said, "you see these three lines, they form the vagina." I knew it all along, and I'm not just saying that. I always felt like the baby I am carrying was going to be a girl. I even dreamed of her playing in our front room, dressed in a purple romper with ruffles on the bottom. Now that my prophecy has been fulfilled, I am scared to death. Granted girls are a lot of fun, but also a lot more work...combing hair, puberty, sketchy boyfriends, prom dresses, graduations, her wedding, and her own foray into motherhood. Wait, I'm not ready! To boost my confidence in raising a girl, I am going to write her a letter. It's going to be a promise that I will be a mother who is committed to raising a strong woman. It will be my personal motherhood mission statement. By the way, I have another prediction...she will be a total daddy's girl. She is going to look and act like Damon, and they are going to gang up on me. :-)

Damon: Today we found out that we are having a little girl! I really did not want to find out the sex until Miss M was delivered, but Teresha is big on “planning”. I do have to say that I am excited. While Miss M will bring a balance to the gender war in the house, Butters and I have already started planning on bringing her over to the dark side. MMM…har, har har... (insert evil laugh). So what was the difference between this sonogram and the last one? Well, while we could see the head and arms/hands the last time, this time there were bones! It was really freaky. We could see her spine (she was curled up with her back to us) and then all the other bones in her body. The sonographer focused in on Miss M’s face and said “oh, she is so cute.” Um hello – the baby looks like Skeletor at this point. Don’t get me wrong – it was awesome, but unless you are like an expert in bone structure – I don’t really know what she was talking about. Having a girl will be a lot of fun. I am already thinking about how to corrupt her (girls can get away with a lot of stuff) and how I am going to try and scare her boyfriends. Oh yeah, she was also sucking her thumb – that was pretty cool. We are also thinking of doing a natural birth at a birthing center. Our doctor was not too…umm what is the word?…supportive. We got a hemorrhage and a dead baby story from her to try and sway us away from the birthing center. People have had babies (and still do) outside of hospitals for a loooong time. Don’t get me wrong, we love Dr. Foxworth, but we are going to side with nature on this one (I think).

SAVE-THE-DATES
May 2nd: Miami Baby Shower
May 17th: Atlanta Baby Shower

Bump, bump, bump

2009-03-18T10:05:00.000-05:00

Teresha: I know it's been awhile since we've posted, but there really hasn't been much to report. I can't complain about any problems without giving TMI. Oh, there is the insomnia at 2 am on-the-dot that is driving Damon crazy. I get up every night at the same time, go rummaging in the kitchen, then watch TV for 2 hours. Otherwise, the pregnancy has been textbook, and things have been relatively smooth. I guess that's why they call this the honeymoon trimester. I am 18 weeks along and finally have a baby bump to show off! I look the same in my delusional mind, but I knew my belly had crossed the threshold when Damon began pulling my t-shirts down. So, we are going maternity clothes shopping this weekend...yeah me! I am still waiting for that moment when the baby gives me a swift kick in my gut to let me know who's the boss. I can't wait! And then there is the big reveal of baby Petite's sex to look forward to at our April 7 appointment. So, make sure to check back to learn if we are having a boy or girl!

Damon: So I found out that the acoustics in the kitchen are awesome. When Teresha gets up at 2:00am in the morning (about, oh I'd say two hours after I go to sleep) I can hear every little precious step that she takes in the kitchen. From the banging of pots to the slamming of cabinets. It's great because I always know exactly what she is doing and that that she and the baby are safe. What else - oh yeah, Teresha's tummy has begun to win the war with her shirts. It's very, very cute - the little bump is starting to show. So we find out the sex in a couple of weeks - that is pretty exciting. I would actually rather wait, but Mrs. Freckleton-Petite likes to plan. Like she said above check back soon to find out if the baby will bring balance to the force (me and Butters are winning the battle of the sexes in the house right now).

My Turn

2009-03-06T11:56:00.001-06:00

It's about time that I had a chance to speak up about this baby. And, boy, do I have a lot to say! First off, no one included me in the decision-making process. No one asked my permission to make any additions to our family. I like being an only child. I admit I was pretty upset for awhile, especially when my mommy wouldn't let me come near her, something about being sensitive to my smell. My natural aroma never bothered her before! Then my daddy didn't seem to have time to play with me anymore between working hard and making special meals for mommy. I thought, if this what having a baby around is going to be like, I want no part of it! But then things got back to normal. Mommy took me for walks and daddy started throwing the ball around with me again. I know it won't last because the baby will be here soon, and my mommy and daddy are going to be really tired with all the feedings and diaper changes. So, I know I will have to be patient with them and try not to act out. On the plus side, when the baby gets older, I will have a new playmate .

The First 100 Days

2009-02-19T08:35:00.000-06:00

Teresha: I am 100 days pregnant today (roughly 3.5 months)! I want to thank everyone for their well wishes. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and heart-warming. It has been awesome to talk about pregnancy and parenting with friends who have already taken this journey. Becoming a parent really puts you in another league of people. I feel like we've been told an ancient secret or given membership to an exclusive club. For me, the last 100 days feels like I am in The Odyssey, at the beginning of a bright, new adventure, but with so much more to experience and learn. That said, I am starting to enjoy being pregnant more each day. I am doing things to connect with the baby like talking to him/her and putting the ear buds of my ipod on my belly. Damon doesn't like it when me and the baby whisper about him. I have also been scrapbooking and journaling so that I can share this experience with our child when (s)he is older. Of course, the organizational freak in me has already picked out nursery decor for a boy or girl, interviewed childbirth instructors, created gift registries and planned a hundred other things in advance. Damon thinks I need to relax, but I know that I won't be able to keep up this Superwoman act once the baby arrives, so I might as well get as much done when I have the time and energy. I don't have much of a bump yet, but I promise to post a picture of my rounded belly as soon as I start really showing!

Damon: So, I am still feeling pretty good - no sympathy pains as of yet. I don't like it when Teresha talks crap behind my back to the baby. Butters is keeping on eye on her for me. Like Teresha said, I am a bit more laid back - and since I am not the one pregnant I can relax. The way I see it, if people were able to raise babies hundreds of thousands of years ago - we should be able to figure it it out. Cry, eat, pee, poop, sleep then repeat. I got this on lock-down!

Decision, Decisions, Decisions

2009-02-10T02:51:00.000-06:00

Teresha: I never knew how many decisions had to be made in early pregnancy such as registering for childbirth classes. Apparently, they fill up quickly. The hospital keeps calling to get me to enroll in their course, but the hippie nut in me wants a natural birth experience. Expectant mothers have more options these days, and I plan to take full advantage. Our doctor gently suggested that we sign up for something soon. So I have been interviewing hypnobirthing coaches. Thankfully, other decisions are easier to make...breastfeeding, cloth diapers, organic products. Speaking of which, I was pleased to find out that Target has started to carry organic baby products like Nature's Baby Organics that are Paraben, Phthalate, and Sulfate free. Even more exciting, the blogger at Piece of ME, is giving away a gift bag full of Nature's Baby Organics!

Letting the Cat Out of the Bag

2009-02-02T10:19:00.000-06:00

Teresha: I am starting to feel better as I approach the end of my first trimester. No more queasiness or tiredness. By week 11, I feel more normal. We start planning how we are going to tell our family and friends about our pregnancy. Of course, we are going to call our immediate family, but we are making a video to share the news with our friends. It's going to be so cute (and corny!). We go see Dr. Foxworth on February 6 for our 3-month check-up. We discuss genetic testing, breastfeeding v. formula, birthing classes, etc... Then she uses a doppler to listen for the heartbeat. She is scanning the surface of my belly, and I see the look on her face change from curious to concern. My own heart starts beating so fast and loud that the mointor picks it up. So, for a moment, I am relieved thinking I am hearing the baby until she says,"that's you." I start to panic, but the doctor calmly directs us to the more sensitive ultrasound machine. Our baby pops up on the screen just waving its arms and kicking its legs. I cry tears of joy and relief. I guess I just had my first mommy scare. Oh, the drama!

Damon: So we had a little scare yesterday. The doctore used the doppler (like the doppler weather radar) to listen for the baby's heartbeat. I could tell something was not right - it took a bit too long. The doctor could not find the heartbeat. I was not too worried, but I was concerned. We popped into the next room and the doc used the ultrasound - and there was BABY! Waving and kicking - it just made it sooo real - you could see the head, hands and feet. So although we had a little stress - it was worth it. I think the munchkin just wanted to say hi - so baby hid from the doppler - how mischevious! : )

Cool!

Keeping My Big Mouth Shut

2009-02-01T09:58:00.000-06:00

Teresha: The toughest thing about weeks 9 and 10 was keeping the good news a secret, but we agreed to wait until we crossed the second trimester. This was even harder to do after seeing the baby. I admit I told a handful people, but they were sworn to secrecy on penalty of death. :-) I have been keeping busy doing research on baby development, nursery decor, baby products, baby names (and job hunting). I have also been occupied with the changes to my body (no, not the ever-swelling boobs). I have noticed a heightened sense of smell and taste and changes in the texture of my skin and hair. I have the normal cravings for ice cream and salty foods, but the weirdest part is that I now find some of my favorite foods unappealing like chicken and chocolate. I also have an insatiable appetite for tomatoes and tomato sauce. I crave lasagna and spaghetti constantly!

Damon: So Teresha banished Butters from the couch for about a month. She said that she could not take his smell - he would not even attempt to lie on the couch with us for about four weeks. It was sad. I am pretty good a keeping secrets, so I only told one person - my boy Tony. He made the mistake of telling me that his wife was pregnant like two or three weeks in - lol. He got into trouble. Ladies, guys don't know that type of stuff! Anyways - I returned the favor. Tony is pretty tight lipped. Yeah - so I have learned how to make home-made spaghetti sauce. It's a combination of my mom's recipe and whatever I have available in the kitchen. All is well on the western front.

A Vision of Love

2009-02-01T09:53:00.001-06:00

Teresha: It's week 8, and we have an appointment with Dr. Foxworth. At the doctor's office, I pee in a cup (again?!), stand on the scale (lost 5 pounds), and have my blood pressure taken (perfect!). I lay on the exam table while Dr. Foxworth preps the ultrasound machine. Then the moment arrives...there is our little angel on the monitor! (S)he looks like a gummi bear and her/his little heart is beating so fast. It is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard!

Damon: I was taken aback when the doctor pulled out the "probe" (and I use that term loosely) and the gel for the sonogram. Yeah - guys, if you have not had a kid, the first exam is not the wand over the tummy! I was wondering if we were at the doctors office or a swingers club. Well - I guess that is why guys typically don't accompany women to the ob-gyn. Anyways, after I regained my composure a warm smile spread across my face as I saw our little one and heard his/her heartbeat for the first time. It was amazing.

Vitamins, Hormones, and Boobs, Oh My!

2009-02-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

Teresha: Weeks 6 and 7 were the roughest for me. I was tired all the time, had a throbbing headache, and felt some nausea. I am told that my symptoms are mild compared to other women. Whatever. Luckily, I could sleep all day and let the baby grow, which is exactly what I did. I also had no appetite and was very emotional. I cried during every sappy commercial and when the makeovers are revealed at the end of What Not to Wear. On the plus side, my swollen and sore boobs looked amazing! Damon took really good care of me by making me soup and ginger tea. I needed something to wash down all the prenatal vitamins.

Damon: I felt pretty good though weeks 6 and 7. There were a few hiccups with the house not being clean and my underwear not being ironed, but I am a pretty laid back guy, so I let it go. Teresha was emotional and cried at sappy commercials - so not very different from "that time of the month". Being pregnant is pretty easy. I think Teresha is enjoying her blossoming cleavage - a nice added bonus! At this point I knew we were pregnant - but the little freckeled baby was still just a spec on the screen. I can't wait til he/she gets a bit bigger.

How We Found Out

2009-01-31T10:57:00.001-06:00

Teresha: It's no secret that we've been trying to get pregnant since we've moved to Dallas. I was getting frustrated with each negative test and Damon kept insisting that it would happen when I stopped worrying about it. Finally, the stars and planets aligned around Thanksgiving weekend. I got my first clue that I was pregnant when I was getting ready for a job interview on December 12 and noticed that the skirt of my suit was a wee bit tight. I took a pregnancy test and surprise, a big-fat-negative! So, I just thought I was bloated since my period was due. After the interview, I got home and passed out asleep on the couch. I felt run-down the entire weekend like I had the flu, but the biggest symptom was that my period was late. That week, I waited patiently for aunt flo to make her monthly visit, too scared to believe that I was pregnant. Finally, I made an appointment with an ob-gyn for Dec. 19. Damon went with me. I peed in a cup and we sat in the exam room. The doctor entered the room and the first thing she said was, "I hear congratulations are in order!" I cried of course. Damon jumped up out of his chair, hugged me and said, "I told you so!" I could not believe it...we're having a baby! We attended Christmas Eve service and thanked the Lord for our blessing.

Damon: It's no secret that Teresha has been trying to get pregnant since we met as fledgling adults at the University of Florida. For over thirteen years, she has been flustered that her place in the Petite family lineage has not been secure. Well it seems that her rise to a matriarch within the Petite clan is nigh. After returning home from graduate school last May, Teresha put me through the compulsory duties required to produce an heir. As we readied ourselves for our trip to Europe, we both knew the intent for the summer was to travel over the pond as two, while returning as three. Unfortunately our tryst throughout the old country proved unfruitful. So, we returned to Dallas sullen yet unfaltering in our conviction to fulfill the obligation undertaken by every couple wed under the watchful eye of the Lord. After months of trying, Teresha began to worry that something was not right. My thoughts tended to focus on the journey, thinking the destination had a timeline of its own. The first clue to our impending joy, was revealed when the doctor entered the examination room and the first thing she said was, "I hear congratulations are in order!". I was a somewhat befuddled - yet I jumped out of my chair as I could see a gigantic smile spreading across my beloved's face. As we embraced, she said: "We're having a baby!" As that moment, I knew that all my years of preparation were not in vain! I exclaimed, "We're having a baby! It's the best Christmas present ever!"