Saturday, December 26, 2009

Oh baby!

Time has become a warp for me as I get used to taking care of Lexi. When I want to eat - nope sorry mom, my turn to eat. When I want to sleep - eyes wide open wanting to know what we are doing next. Most days I don't feel like I've done anything that isn't baby related until around 2pm, and that certainly doesn't include lunch or a shower. Every day is such an adventure with this little one though. She is incredibly brilliant. She is learning so much by watching and observing. She LOVES the mobile over her changing table. She watches Pooh and Tigger rotate around with a big smile on her face. She is indifferent to Eyore, and she just plain doesn't like Piglet.



Christmas was an adventure in baby clothes. Yes, Jon and I did receive some great gifts, but Lexi did well in expanding her wardrobe and her toys and her decor. She did not remain awake for much of her gift opening, but Benji was kind enough to help open her gifts. Benji had a wonderful Christmas as well. (I do miss getting together with extended family over the holidays, so next year I think I am going to do something about that.)



Being a new mom is an emotional journey that surprises me every day. Lexi is a joy, and every day I see her grow and develop a bit more. I hope I can help her achieve everything I want for her life.
-Jenni

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Can she really be 3 weeks old already?

As I sit at the computer practicing my new skill, one hand typing and one holding Lexi, I marvel at how fast time really does fly when you have a little one. I woke up today unsure of the day of the week, but once I realized it was Thursday already, I found myself grasping at the memories of the past weeks. I don't want to forget a single moment of Lexi's babyhood. We have taken many, many photos, but those don't convey her beautiful scent, her 45 minutes of wake up stretching, her coos that almost sound like a giggle. She truly is a treasure!

We are t
hankful for all the assistance we've had, gifts we've received, and food that has been provided. On some occasions, it's food from others that has nourished us all day. We are truly very happy to be parents. This little girl is loved! And since I am sure you don't care to read much more without seeing pics of the beautiful little girl...




- Jenni

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Our beautiful baby girl

It is difficult to put her down. You can see why from these pictures. Alexis Belle Clifton was born Friday November 20, 2009 at 7pm. She weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long. She is perfect in every way, and the most beautiful thing Jon and I have ever seen.

We are doing well. I am so glad Jon is off of work for a few weeks as we get the hang of our new schedule. We hope you enjoy looking at her as much as we do.

-Jenni & Jon & Lexi & Benji










Last belly pic

I had to share this pic.
Two days before the baby is born and I finally look good and pregnant!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Shew weeee it has been a long weekend. So exciting to welcome our new baby girl Alexis Belle Clifton (we call her Lexi)! I never imagined to love something sooooo much. We will be giving details and post pictures in the future but know that we are happy and it is fun say that I am a Daddy!!!

~Jon

Thursday, November 12, 2009

It's a Nursery!

The nursery is finally to a point we can call finished. It looks good, and it is a comfortable place to be. My sis-in-law Tera finished the animal mural, and it looks awesome! The bedding was made by my step-mom Gail and the soon to be placed letters by my friend Molly. All of their creative talents amaze me! Here are the first pics...

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Becoming Reality

There is nothing like a good car seat check to let a person know that they are really on their way to being a parent. Jon and I went for one today. We basically did everything wrong. Now in our defense, there was nothing in the book that illustrated how to get the base to extend downward for our bucket like seat, so we used a towel as so many online videos suggested. Nope, not good. No one yelled at us, but we were schooled. We now have a correctly installed car seat. The person helping us suggested we take it out and re-install to practice, but we say why mess with perfection.

The last week or so have left me feeling weird. I've had minor cramp like things. I ate a whole pumpkin pie myself in less than 24 hours. (Pre-pregnant Jenni didn't like pumpkin pie.) I continue to go instantly from nesting to napping. Benji has gotten more accepting of the nursery, but he also demands that he be sitting on the otto
man to be part of the action. Tera is almost done painting the mural. We will be washing the rest of the clothes today, and getting the crib made up tomorrow. We assembled the pack and play. We finished painting and getting hardware up in our bathroom. We are 'ready,' or so we think!


This morning we were watching some history show on Einstein, and we had places to go, but were in no hurry to get there. I told Jon that next weekend we may not be able to do this. The air in the room got very thick. We are ready, but still terrified. After almost 15 years of US being Jon and I (and 12 of that with Benji), we will soon have a new definition of US, and we aren't entirely sure it won't take some getting used to!
-Jenni

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The other side of pregnancy

I've heard rumors of women who said they loved being pregnant. I have to admit that I've had one or two days that I've felt like maybe I can be ok with the feeling of being pregnant, but love, no. And those days are probably ones where I had forgotten that I was pregnant.

I'm just under a month to go, and all of those other things that I've heard of are starting to happen. I can't sleep, my hips hurt, my back hurts, it hurts to sit-stand-lay down. My maternity clothes are all getting very tight. It feels like baby has found a playground around my ribs and diaphragm. When there is movement, I feel it all the way to my toes. I can't eat much, and I don't care to cook. And I have rapid swings between nesting and napping.

Jon and I have come closer to the realization of reality- we are having a baby, and we love her very much already. That has been comforting. To have Jon as my partner in this adventure makes me feel more secure and more ready. We can't wait to meet her. Will she have dark hair, light hair, a big nose, long eyelashes. We will know very soon. Meanwhile, the nesting and napping will continue. I am washing clothes and trying to fold them, but they are so tiny.
Mommy to be - Jenni

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

ONE MONTH TO GO!!

WOW I can't believe that I will have a baby in my arms in one month. So many emotions and thoughts are going through my head right now. Jon and I are excited and nervous. There will be a learning curve, but I think we will do ok. I do wonder at what point do we look at each other and realize together that we are doing ok? I think that is the point where we really, truly, will think of ourselves as parents!

Jon took a couple of belly shots last night, and in the f
irst one, of course, Benji was standing there with a look of excitement and love as he looked up at my belly.

The second one however...


...he looks frightened at the spectacle that is my bare belly. I think he's looking forward to being a big brother, and to all the naps mommy is supposed to take once the baby is born! He has been a good nap buddy throughout my pregnancy. And before we know it, baby will be throwing food on the floor, and Benji will realize his true happiness!
-Jen

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Quick Update

At the doctor on Thursday we found out that baby is low, lower than he expected. This doesn't necessarily mean she is coming any sooner, but he was surprised that I wasn't in pain from her location. I don't think she's dropped too much because I can sure still feel her in my ribcage. Also, she's changed activity patterns. She used to move a lot when I would lay down. Now, when I'm hungry, she's hungry, and she kicks and throws a fit until I actually eat.

The doc also said that I had gained a lot of weight since my previous visit. I told him that was odd since I hadn't been eating much (again, hard to do with a child pressed against my stomach) and he said it was water weight and I need to stay off my feet. Now this isn't a full on restriction, just a hearty recommendation. Of course I took it to mean keep doing all the work you want to do before baby is born, but just rest more often. When Jon came home on Friday to find the garage completely cleaned and organized, he explained that I really do need to stay off my feet. (In my defense, I did sit often while cleaning the garage.)


It's difficult for someone as stubborn as I am to just sit when there are so many things I need to get done. Cleaning the garage was one of the major ones. Now I have a few small chores, and I will pace myself. Jon has also been doing many, many projects, so his weekends aren't really looking very relaxing... I feel bad, but a month from now, or maybe less than a month from now, our whole worlds will be different.... Can't wait.
-Jenni

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Diaper cakes and baby dreams

Jon and I (and baby, of course) have all been very blessed in the past few weeks. I truly think we have been blessed beyond any idea that I had of people's generosity and caring. We have had 3 showers thrown for us in the past weeks, and each one showed us how loved this baby is going to be by so many people. We now have a nursery that is well stocked up. I was overwhelmed a few months back when I looked at the empty room and realized that we would have to spend so much money for just the basics. There are now only a few things that we need to purchase ourselves. I can't thank everyone enough. The feeling of looking around and realizing the level of generosity is humbling.

I have to admit that waves of panic have been coming more often as the big day gets closer. I've experienced panic attacks for many years. I've gotten to the point that I can talk myself down by telling myself that it's only the anxiety talking and everything will be fine. That soothing mechanism doesn't work as well when it comes to baby panic attacks. I woke up in a cold sweat one night after realizing that even with all of the adorable clothing we've received, I have no idea how to dress a baby. I actually had the thought that she'd be taken away from us if I bring her out in public in the wrong clothes. Jon has been the one talking me down from this one. And I spend a lot of time googling 'what clothing do you bring baby home from the hospital in' and 'how to dress baby in layers.' I can't call this an irrational fear since it is a truth that I really don't know what to dress her in. I'm sure I'll come up with many other subjects to panic about in the future, but then again, I guess that is part of being a mom!


And I've heard from some that it is difficult to add comments to this blog. I think to sign up for a login you have to have a gmail account, and then sign up with that gmail address. I hope that helps.
-Jenni

Monday, September 28, 2009

The belly shot

I had to add this to the blog for those who don't use Facebook. Yes, it's still pretty small, but it's still a baby bump to be proud of. Two months to go. YIKES!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Lovin' Craigslist

When I first discovered Craigslist, I was in Portland and Michele had a hot water faucet that she wasn't using, but it was still perfectly good. She posted it on Craigslist, and someone came by her house and she handed it over, no questions asked. That is one less thing in the landfill. I went home and started looking at the Wanted section to see if there was anything I had that I could give away to satisfy someone's need. One ad seemed to perfectly describe a 3 bin recycling container that was in our garage taking up too much space. I emailed the ad writer, he called, he came by and picked it up. I had more room in the garage, and he had something that his son really wanted to use to help his family recycle more. Lots more out of the landfill.

In the last few weeks we've debated whether we wanted a glider rocker for the nursery. I don't enjoy rocking. I don't know if the baby will want to rock. Babies R Us has some really nice models for $400 or more. So, I turned to Craigslist, and I sent emails to the holders of 3 gliders all under $50. The result...



We went from not sure we wanted a glider, to the proud owners of two of them. One is in the basement TV room (Man Room), and one is in the nursery. And, in Benji's opinion, the best part about the new chairs is that the footstool part is exactly the right height for him to get an ear massage. This is one of his favorite things. He often walks up to our feet and bumps into them to let us know he's ready for his massage. Perfect placement in the eyes of the doggy! And as Jon and I often say, it's all about the Benjimin!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Jason Mraz told me to have a baby

I don't actually know my favorite musical artist Jason Mraz, but when I first heard a song on his latest CD when it came out in May 2008, I was in the midst of trying to decide if we were parent material. I felt this song was telling me to get over myself and have a kid already. I believe it brings to light that there is so much more to life and the best thing to do is live all the way or- "Live High."

Live High

"I try to picture a girl
Through a looking glass
See her as a carbon atom
See her eyes and stare back at them
See that girl
As her own new world
Though a home is on the surface, she is still a universe

Glory God, oh God is peeking through the blinds
Are we all here standing naked
Taking guesses at the actual date and time
Oh my, justifying reasons why
Is an absolutely insane resolution to live by

Live high
Live mighty
Live righteously
Takin it easy
Live high, live mighty
Live righteously."

For the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA6sh1FM82w

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Pregnancyland

Things change daily in Pregnancyland, and the latest development... I am now completely lactose intolerant. I LOVE milk, cheese, ice cream, etc. I have never had a problem digesting milk before ever. Then one day I had ice cream, and my tummy hurt like it has never hurt before. Of course the next evening, I had ice cream again, and same pain. It took Jon's nurse know-how (and his own case of milk blahs) to correctly diagnose me. A few days later I drank a glass of milk, because I do that almost every day. BAM, more pain. The final straw was cheese on pizza, tummy pain all night, etc. I hope, hope, hope that this is just a result of the baby, and it will all go away on November 20 (cause I'll have the baby on my due date). But in case I'm stuck, I am wondering if baby will also be lactose intolerant. Jon was from day 1. He was on soy formula, so we will be purchasing some of that, just in case it is needed. No point in all 3 of us sharing tummy aches.

So after a week of no dairy and drinking juices with calcium additives, I decided today to buy something I've never purchased before- Silk Soy milk, unsweetened and lactose free. And I actually like it. I mean really like it. It's like I am drinking milk. I am very happy, and it has calcium, which baby needs right now as she expands throughout my ever expanding tummy. So, at least one of the inconveniences of Pregnancyland isn't so bad after all!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Work to do

The cooler weather means that maybe I can actually get some work done in the yard. I have given myself the rest of September to tackle our overgrown backyard. I am done in front, but by done I just mean tired. There is still lots to do, but I take comfort in the fact that it will soon be covered in snow and no one will be able to tell exactly what I didn't get done. The main front flower area looks good though.


In the back I need to weed the rose garden, weed under the deck, and weed the dirt and weed area. It is also our garden, but it mostly doesn't know that. I did finally find good weed block fabric, so I will get more of that and place it down all around the areas I weed in the hope that next year I can just landscape rather than wrestle weeds for the first half of the summer.

I refuse to accept that summer is over. Yes, it's not 90 degrees, but until I NEED a jacket to go outside, it is summer!


I plan to turn to the inside of the house come October, mainly because of the fact that my belly will probably get in the way of much of my outside work by then. So far there isn't much of a belly, but there sure is a baby in there.
She likes to kick and push me at the same time. It is a strange feeling. I have also surmised that she likes chocolate. Every time I eat it, she flutters around happy! -Jenni

The two sides of Benji

Day time Benji


Night time Benji




After 8pm every night, Benji becomes a crazy animal who has to play play play. After all he's been through lately, we are happy to see him playing, but it would be nice if it wasn't during our TV time.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Third Trimester

So far much of what I knew of pregnancy has turned out to be true. There are a few things that have avoided me, which is both a blessing and a curse. Where is the hair growth that I was promised? I don't believe my hair has grown at all since I've been pregnant. And the big huge belly, well thankfully that has so far left me alone. The much anticipated growing fingernails, forgetfulness and hunger/nausea/heartburn have all visited me. No swelling though. I can say I've been blessed. I have also had the benefit of the advice of friends who have been there. You have no idea how comforting it is to know that I have so many people in my life that I can call when I have questions and they help me truthfully and honestly. Talk about being blessed!

With three months to go, it still seems too far away to be real. Yes, we are buying things, planning things, registering for things, but in the midst of it all seems to be a bit of disbelief that a baby will be joining our family. We are trying to prepare Benji best we can. We caught him in the baby's room sniffing at the stroller. Of course, he was probably wondering if we are going to make him ride in it. We have also read about giving lots of treats and lots of time to the pet when the baby comes home. Jon is already planning to bring a blanket home for him to get used to the baby's scent, but I anticipate that Benji will just assume he now has a new blanket! You should have see him with the pillows his grandma Alyce has made for him, we get them in the mail, set them on the bed, and he jumps on them and curls up to sleep. He knows the world is his pillow. Here is Benji and the pillow he received one Christmas.


And speaking of Alyce, Jon's mom, she would be very happy to hear that I bought a dresser for the baby's room off of craigslist for $20 today. We were having a very hard time finding a dresser we liked at a price we liked. We were finally realizing that we were going to have to spend $300 for a dresser, and we were trying to choose the right one. Well, thank goodness for craigslist.

Time for lunch. And tonight for dinner - ice cream. I am going to Maggie Moo's with Jenny, and I am very excited about it! Of course, there have been times when I wasn't pregnant that I ate ice cream for dinner, but usually there were no witnesses!
-Jenni

Monday, August 10, 2009

101 Days to go

I have to admit that 101 days or 4 months to go sounds a whole lot better than 14 weeks to go. No matter how I look at it though, the baby will be here soon and we are still a bit terrified.


I have to post a new belly pic because Julia asked about how big I was getting. Julia is our Brazilian daughter. We let her go back home when her exchange student time was up, but she will always be our daughter! Her family is wonderful, so I guess it's ok. (Notice how Benji had to get himself into the picture!)

We have started registering for gifts. There are so many little things that I have no idea if we'll need or not. There are also many things that she'll grow out of within a few months. And then there is the bouncer vs swing debate. Jon and I will continue on this for awhile, but the swings just don't look safe to me.


We have also decided not to disclose the baby's name to anyone until after she is born. First, there is a chance she may turn out to be a he, and the name doesn't fit a he. Second, a friend recommended that we meet her first to make sure the name fits. Third, another friend said that they freely told others of the name before their first baby was born, and people suggested other names, said they didn't like it, etc. They probably won't do that after she is born. But in the meantime, if you need something to call her, it's Pedrina! There you go Michele, you can have naming rights for the last 101 days before she's born!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Oh Baby...

Well, the final results are in. After a genetic ultrasound yesterday it was revealed that this little baby is 1) definitely a girl and 2) stubborn and silly. Everything measured and looked good, normal and on schedule. But every time the tech tried to get a good pic of her profile she covered up her face. In some of the images you could see a little smile as she did that. That's our girl!




We now have 4 months to go, and so much to do! I will refrain from posting a picture of my baby bump right now since I still really don't have much to show. I tend to get yelled at when I do that. I can tell you that she might not be popping outward yet, but she sure likes to kick for more room. Her first toy will be a soccer ball!


-Love Jenni

...and Stuff

I'm not sure if I should continue writing about stuff other than the impending arrival of our little one. I really don't know if anyone cares about anything else that I am thinking. I guess you can just peruse it for valuable info.


After a fun and relaxing 5 days of camping with my boys and my dad and step-mom, home and reality is back. More people I know have lost their jobs. I think the govt is trying to spin that things are improving in the economy, but it really isn't. Ok, so only 156,000 net jobs were lost in June 09. Well, those jobs have faces, families, homes. I am a very empathetic person, so seeing and knowing a few of these people makes it very personal to me. Let's hope Congress realizes that finding ways to spend millions (billions?) on health care will not improve the economy, and they need to get back to the business of representing the people and the REAL needs of this country.

Then there is the heat. Yes, we are breaking down and looking into getting AC installed. We have fans in almost every room, but when it's 90 outside, it's at least 82 inside. I think we also need to look at adding insulation or an attic fan, but whatever we do, we need to do it fast before we melt. And Benji has to wait another week for a fur cut, so he is one fuzzy hot dog right now.
Speaking of Benji, he is doing excellent. After much contemplation, we all 3 decided against the radiation. The night after Benji had his staples out, he refused to get into the car with me to pick up Jon from the airport. He LOVES car rides. He had fear, and that is something I'd prefer to protect him from. The radiation would require 18 trips to the vet at WSU. They would also knock him out for each treatment. I feel like he wouldn't be the same dog after all of the fear, radiation and knock out drugs, so we have chosen course #2, wait, operate again if it recurs. Meanwhile, Benji isn't missing a step in his love of life.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Summer Daze

The nursery received an important addition today- carpet!! Here is a pic of the empty room awaiting, well, everything.
We are planning to purchase the dresser with some of the money we received from our shower in Ohio. We've also picked out the crib and the changing table. My step-mom is making much of the bedding and curtains. My sis-in-law Tera is planning to add animals to the walls, which mystifies me since I am the opposite of an artist. That task would be impossible for me to even fathom. She did a great hula girl on our niece Angie's wall. I admire her skill. Anyway, my friend Molly will use her artistic talents to make letters. We've agreed that I'll purchase the letters and there will be a few more than necessary in order to not reveal the baby's name. She'll probably figure it out, but I think she'll be nice and pretend she has no idea!


As for the rest of those things that I intended to get done in my
hiatus between working and being a mommy, I haven't accomplished much. Jon said I should pace myself, but I really only have 4 months and then my entire world will be turned on it's side, and pacing myself at that point will be much more of a challenge. I still intend to sew, I even bought fabric. I have lots of work to do outside, but the 90+ temps have made that more difficult. And then there is cleaning. I actually spend less time cleaning now than when I was working full time because I always figure I can get it done later....tomorrow....next week... I will hopefully hit the reset button on this soon and maybe make lists of things I want to accomplish. As long as I see some progress I will avoid becoming too upset with myself!

Benji's staples and stitches come out tomorrow. He definitely has his puppy back. He's playing, demanding walks, and generally being Benji. We are very thankful for that!
-Jenni

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Benji, Benji, Benji

The vet says Benji's cancer is called hemangiopericytoma, blood vessel cancer. It's actually a better type of cancer to have, as cancers go, than what we thought it was before. It will recur, but in 20 years as a vet our wonderful vet has never seen it spread to organs. We have a few options for treatment- radiation, waiting and operating again, amputation, etc. Right now, we are just thanking our lucky stars that Benji is a hyper crazy doggy with lots of love to give us, even though we won't let him lick his stitches. His cast is off, and his poor little bald arm is bugging him a bit. A few good naps and he'll be doing much better.

I've been doing tons of research about dogs and cancers, and I've found supplement after supplement that promises to cure him, or at least give him more time. We asked Dr. Streeter about that, and he said yes, anything with antioxodant and omega 3 properties are good, like olive oil. Funny how the sites that sell things like mushrooms and flax seed and fish oils don't mention that olive oil will work just fine. He now has some olive oil mixed in with his cottage cheese and tuna feast. Again, one happy spoiled dog.

Benji has requested that no photos be taken of him with the cone around his neck, so I'll comply with his request.
-Jenni

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Benji and his cast

It doesn't seem to be slowing him down. The cast comes off on Saturday!


Sunday, July 5, 2009

Wow so much has happened in the past month. We get to go to Ohio to visit my family in the first time in 4 years. Plus, it was for fun and not a funeral or someone in the hospital. My parents hosted a wonderful baby shower for us and I really liked seeing all my friends and family support us. Then we find out that our dog who is an equal member of the family has cancer cells in his right front leg. All I can say is WOW...really I am speachless. I am scared and I want everything to be OK and for this cancer to be gone. Tomorrow he is having surgery and I won't be able to do anything.

The day after the news of cancer we find out we are having a supposed girl. They weren't 100%. For as exciting as that is it is hard to get ramped up because of Benji. Soooooo many mixed emotions. Having a baby is exciting, scary, happy, scary, wonderful, and did I mention scary. I know Jenni and I will be OK but what a change to the lifestyle. I have been reading the expectant father book and it is pretty true what we are thinking. Money, education, support, am I going to be a failure? all of those things. How can you not think those things when you go onto any new adventure in life. Jenni and I have always been each others' rock and we make a great team. So, I know God will lead us in the right direction to raise a healthy family.

As I have said these are exciting and scary times. Thank you to all of our family and friends who support us every day. ~ Jon

Thursday, July 2, 2009

We're halfway there...

Week 20 in this adventure called pregnancy is today. I only have 20 weeks left! Apparently the baby is about 10 ounces and 10 inches long right now. I am feeling more 'fluttering' which I am told is the baby moving. It is exciting, and still freaky, like something from an Alien movie. Jon read to my belly yesterday, and Benji barked and barked at me, right in that region. This kid should realize now they are coming into a lot of love, and loudness.

Benji is doing well. I am going to Portland until Sunday, but Jon has promised to spoil Benji rotten while I am gone. Since I've been home, Benji and I have spent a lot of time together, and he's kind of ignoring Jon. A few days away will let them have some man time. I also bought lots of foods for Jon that aren't the
healthiest, but they will both enjoy them.

Benji's surgery will be Monday. I am hoping and praying that he is back to his normal hyper crazy self within a few days of the surgery. There is too much spirit in this little boy for this small tumor to knock him down. Say a prayer for him!
-Jenni

Friday, June 26, 2009

Halfway point ultrasound

A bit about Benji

Before I post the ultra sound pics, I have to say something about the subject that is weighing on my mind more than anything right now. Benji has a tumor on his arm and part of his chest and it could be any number of types of cancer. I've been ignoring him to read countless descriptions of tumors and their surgical results online. I realize that isn't the best way to handle this, especially for Benji. It's my nature to want to solve it. The only thing that can solve it is surgery on July 6 to remove the tumor. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. The good aspect of this is that he is 100% his normal self right now. He's hyper, hungry, ruffing, running everywhere, and just a happy dog. We just went for a 45 minute walk, and it wore me out, but he's fine. I am taking this as a good sign that he'll be ok.-Jenni


Thursday, June 25, 2009

It's a girl, I think...

I'm not sure how to take "It looks like a girl, but...". So we may be having a girl. We may be having a boy. If you look at some of the ultrasound pics of the face straight on, we may be having an alien. However you look at it, the baby is right on track with growth, and moving A LOT. Every time the tech got close to the reveal, the baby moved. So she thinks it is a girl, but because of all the movement, we might want to try again in a month. Or we might just wait until November.

I'll post the pics tomorrow. Right now, the couch and a large piece of german chocolate cake are calling my name!

-Jenni

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Expansion and the Tooth Debate

I find it hard to believe that the time has come for the expanding panel pants. These are the funniest looking pants i have ever seen. They look like regular pants, but then there is an expanding panel around the belly area. The lady at Motherhood Maternity said "it can expand to 50 times it's size." That doesn't make me feel better since I do not care to expand to 50 times my size. Anyway...
I also had a filling replaced last week on a tooth that had become sensitive to hot and cold. WELL, since the new filling my tooth has become MORE sensitive to hot and cold, and it just plain hurts when touched. I did some research online, and apparently being pregnant can cause increased tooth sensitivity. So, I probably shouldn't have had the darn thing replaced. Now that I can't turn back, I am eating and drinking like a weirdo to make sure nothing goes to the left side of my mouth.

I decided to go back to the dentist this morning just to see if everything looked right to him. You guessed it- he got out the darn drill. Yes, my tooth hurts really bad, PLEASE HIT IT WITH A DRILL. Now the first time the electric drill was used as a part of dental science was in 1875. Since then there have been no innovations??? Jon and I both went to a laser dentistry practice when we lived in Tacoma. If and when I return to going to a dentist, I will find one that uses lasers. The 'drilling' with a laser is very light puffs of air, and you don't even need novocaine with a filling because so little of the tooth is removed with the laser.

I am sure Jon will laugh at me for this revelation to the world, but I believe dentistry is a racket, along with ophthalmology. I don't believe people actually need glasses until they've been 'hooked' into wearing them for a short time. Then they will never be able to go without glasses again. Great racket if you are the doctor. I feel this way because when I first got glasses in 8th grade, everything I looked at was sideways. The doctor said my eyes would adjust. That was code for keep wearing them and I'll make more money. So now, I don't wear glasses, and I see perfectly.

As for the dentist, when a tooth has a cavity, they drill a bigger hole around it and stuff a filling into it, and that may or may not help. You complain, and they drill it until you want to scream. That ends the complaining. I think some other theory on dentistry needs to be developed, and I may not go back until that happens. I feel confident that I can properly take care of my teeth, and Jon's drill will get to stay in the garage where it belongs.

-Jenni

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Deep Thoughts

Just a few thoughts rolling around that I thought I should get down...

I am going through a customer service debate with Jon. Usually when I get angry with a service I just never go back. After telling my dental hygienist 6 times that I did not want the fluoride painted on my teeth (it is a slow release over 6 months thing, and it's a new product, so I was thinking best to limit chemicals baby may come in contact with-people I used to work with will understand the great fluoride debate)- I finally had to stand up to prevent her from putting the stuff on my teeth. I am scheduled to return on Monday for a filling, and then I intend to never go back. Jon feels I should let the dentist know that I felt like my wishes weren't being respected and that I don't intend to go back. I prefer the non-confrontational approach. I don't really want a confrontation, but with pregnancy hormones, there would probably be some stern words.

I am reading a great book that I think everyone in America should read- American Mania: When More Is Not Enough, by Peter C. Whybrow, MD. He is a neurobehavioral scientist, and he is analyzing why we as Americans never get to a point where we say "There it is, I have enough." When we eat, we reach a point where we stop eating because we are satisfied. Why do we not do that in careers, possessions, money, etc.? His theory is that we like having that reward center in our brain stroked, and each time it is stroked, we desire to have it stroked again, so we strive for more. For example, when we get a promotion and a raise we feel good, and we want to feel that again, so we strive for the next promotion and raise. When a CEO gets a $10 million bonus, his first thought may be "I want $20 million next year." We enjoy the feeling of being rewarded with things and with money, so we keep pushing for that reward. It's almost like an addiction. I am about half way done with the book, and I think the second half delves into why.

We did have a great time in Ohio, and the humidity stayed away for the most part. Our family and friends surprised us with a shower for the baby, and we were truly blessed. We got to talk to many people we haven't seen in years, and got to know quite a few people much better. We also got to spend a day at Jon's brother's in Michigan, where we relaxed, and Jon fished, and then we went to the zoo. It was good to get home, but we did enjoy seeing our friends and family.

Here are some pics of Jon fishing in Ohio, the beautiful cake Jon's sister Denene made for the shower, our nephew Miles, and Jon reading to our beautiful nieces Kylie and McKenzie.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

A baby bump.... maybe.


I don't really see it, but I can tell something is going on. My clothing is starting to become tight, and I can no longer attribute it to the dry cleaner. I don't often dry clean cotton shorts and t-shirts. I have actually had to use the belly pillow that my sis-in-law Tera got for me to get comfortable some nights. I also feel something. It's like a slight scrambling. It usually happens when I lay down after eating, so it might be the baby, and it might just be digestion.


We scheduled the ultrasound to try to reveal the baby's gender for June 25. We are curious. I am overwhelmed. Only 6 months until I'll be a mom, and there is so much to do.

My last day of work is tomorrow! That does relieve a bit of pressure from my world. I will relish being unemployed.
-Jenni

Monday, May 18, 2009

No More Stuff!!!

This weekend while going through what has been the storage room, and what will soon be the nursery, I became overwhelmed with the amount of "stuff" that we've accumulated. There are many things that I don't want to part with. There are many things I think I may use someday. And there are a few things that I can't get rid of fast enough. It is a problem. I will probably repack much of it for storage in another part of the house, and then I will donate the rest.

It is a good time for me to be going through this "stuff" as I prepare to embark upon a new chapter of my life. I want to live a simpler life. I want to spend less time in the pursuit of financial security and more "stuff," and more time with family, with friends, and with time to enjoy life. In theory, by not working I will have less money to spend on "stuff," and more time to spend in leisure. It will be difficult for me to break the bond of buying "stuff" because it goes against the culture of our 'it's all on sale' society. This will be the first challenge of my new chapter.

It has helped me to make a list of the "stuff" that I want to buy, and hold on to that list for a week or two. Upon review of this list, I usually find at least half of the items are no longer necessary. We will always have things we need, but I hope to break the illusion that society has painted on many of these things that make me think I must have this now!
Best of luck, to me!
-Jenni

Thursday, April 30, 2009


Here is our latest glimpse of our 'little turkey.' When the ultrasound first started, the tiny little image gave a big stretch. The little features are easier to distinguish, and pretty darn cute if we say so ourselves. We also heard the heartbeat, and actually saw the little heart fluttering. The turkey is measuring 4 cm, which is right on track.

I have to say that it is adorable when we hear the heartbeat. Jon's smile could light up the room. He is being such a wonderful daddy as he takes care of a mommy who isn't having the greatest time of things. I've been sick. Not just in the morning. Whenever the mood strikes, I feel ill. I had to receive IV fluids a few weeks ago, and spent the rest of the weekend in bed. Although I do enjoy sleeping, there are many other things I'd like to be doing. I hear this gets better in the second trimester, and I am looking forward to that.

Meanwhile, I get to spend my 35th birthday home from work, trying to hydrate and eat. I never thought those things would be this challenging. I did find out last night that a good friend is also expecting. That makes 3 of us braving this together. It does help to know there are others I can share this experience with. And since they've had kids before, they can answer some of my many, many questions.

Jenni

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

My (beautiful) garden


In front of our house we have this beautiful garden area that I have put hundreds of hours into since we moved into the house. Right now, well, the ravaging winter has taken it's toll. I have many many hours to go to get this garden into shape, but this is one of the aspects of spring that I look forward to most.

Usually by September or October I have exhausted any desire to pull a weed, trim a branch, or otherwise be outside gardening. Then about February I stare out into the snow covered yard and dream of planting and trimming and being close to nature. Hopefully this spring I will have the energy to take on some of these projects. So far this little turkey that I'm growing has zapped all of my energy.