Back in my mid-twenties, I would have given anything to wake up in the morning and think, "I have no desires today; today I am happy with exactly who I am and what I have in this precious life." Which, coincidentally, is exactly what I woke up thinking today, on my 34th birthday.
The thing is, all of the days I woke up wishing I had more or something different are the very reason why I can appreciate the amazing life I am living. I should really thank all those tear-filled days and those times filled with unanswered prayers, huh? Thank you, icky days and unknown times...because you happened, I am truly, finally able to see the beauty in the world around me.
I am married to my soul mate (the most amazing person) and just 9 weeks away from giving birth to a little person we created together... I have an incredibly loving and supportive family that has always given me reason to believe the world was my oyster and I could do anything I put my mind to... I have many wonderful friends who make me laugh and love me just the way I am... I have two of the sweetest dogs on Earth that make frantic little 'CLICK CLICK' noises as they excitedly dance on the wood floors when I get home from work, who shower me with smiles & messy kisses.... And, uh, I have wood floors, which means I actually have a HOME, a safe, warm (and cool - YAY!) home... I have a job to go to each day, one that is ending on the last day of this year, which will give me some of the much-needed time I crave to spend with our Chickpea, to take time to become the mom I have always dreamed of being... And, sure, I have a ton of material things that are pretty and useful, and I have the money - for now, anyway (if Chickpea is a girl, Lord help us!) - to spend on the things we need and want.
So, yeah. I don't need a single thing. A dear friend sent me a text message today that said, "Think of any kicks from Chickpea today as his/her way of saying, "Happy birthday mama, I love you!" And it made me smile from here to there. I'm loved, and kicked from the inside, and all is right in the world.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
"Dear Chickpea" - A Letter From Mama
Dear Chickpea,
It's late and way past your mama's bedtime, but I couldn't help but take a couple minutes to tell you something:
YOU ARE SO, SO LOVED.
Today your Grandma Carole & Auntie Alicia threw us a beautiful baby shower and I was overwhelmed by the amount of excitement in the room that was filled with ladies who already love you so much. There are so many people in this world who are hoping the best for you, that can't wait to smell your pretty little head and cover you with kisses.
I kept looking around today thinking about how lucky we both are to have so many people who care about us. Some day you'll learn that many people in this world aren't quite as fortunate, and because of this love and guidance you will gain from the wonderful people in our lives, I feel confident you will quickly learn how to freely share your own love with those who might not be quite so blessed. You have such amazing examples all around you and you aren't even out of my belly yet! This realization knocks the wind out of me sometimes...you have every opportunity available to you and it's because of the unwavering support of the family and friends your daddy and I are lucky enough to know and love.
I can only think of one drawback to all of this, precious Chickpea: you better get used to lots of hugs and kisses. I have a feeling there are a L-O-T coming to you soon enough!
I love you to the moon and back,
xoxo Mama
It's late and way past your mama's bedtime, but I couldn't help but take a couple minutes to tell you something:
YOU ARE SO, SO LOVED.
Today your Grandma Carole & Auntie Alicia threw us a beautiful baby shower and I was overwhelmed by the amount of excitement in the room that was filled with ladies who already love you so much. There are so many people in this world who are hoping the best for you, that can't wait to smell your pretty little head and cover you with kisses.
I kept looking around today thinking about how lucky we both are to have so many people who care about us. Some day you'll learn that many people in this world aren't quite as fortunate, and because of this love and guidance you will gain from the wonderful people in our lives, I feel confident you will quickly learn how to freely share your own love with those who might not be quite so blessed. You have such amazing examples all around you and you aren't even out of my belly yet! This realization knocks the wind out of me sometimes...you have every opportunity available to you and it's because of the unwavering support of the family and friends your daddy and I are lucky enough to know and love.
I can only think of one drawback to all of this, precious Chickpea: you better get used to lots of hugs and kisses. I have a feeling there are a L-O-T coming to you soon enough!
I love you to the moon and back,
xoxo Mama
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Squeeee!
My good friend Erica is just one of about 5 of my friends who are pregnant right now. As a matter of fact, she was the trendsetter, which means she is totally about to have that baby any minute now. The poor thing was due on the 16th. And as of right now, (THE 29th!) she's still pregnant. BUT! She's being induced today at 2pm and I could wet my pants over the excitement...she's about to have a BABYl! I just keep praying everything goes well for her and the baby - Chickpea's first friend! She is the only person I know who also kept the gender unknown, which means I'm doubly excited to get the notice that the baby is here. We will finally know if it's a boy or girl.
Speaking of that, I had a dream last night that she had a boy and named him Nathan. If I had to put money on it, though, she'll have a sweet little red-headed baby girl. Hopefully we'll know in the next day or so if I'm right!
Push, Erica, PUSH! :o)
7/1/10 Update:
Erica JUST had her baby at 11:24am!! I should have bet money...it's a GIRL and from what I hear, she has reddish hair! Cameron Grace came in at 9lbs & 22 inches long and is perfect & healthy. What a little butterlump! Congrats Erica...I am beside myself with joy for you and can't wait to meet your little one. YAAAAAAAAAAAY!
Speaking of that, I had a dream last night that she had a boy and named him Nathan. If I had to put money on it, though, she'll have a sweet little red-headed baby girl. Hopefully we'll know in the next day or so if I'm right!
Push, Erica, PUSH! :o)
7/1/10 Update:
Erica JUST had her baby at 11:24am!! I should have bet money...it's a GIRL and from what I hear, she has reddish hair! Cameron Grace came in at 9lbs & 22 inches long and is perfect & healthy. What a little butterlump! Congrats Erica...I am beside myself with joy for you and can't wait to meet your little one. YAAAAAAAAAAAY!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
More Cuteness
In case you were mistaken about who has the best blog readers, I'm here to set the record straight. That would be me. Sorry, but I call it like I see it!
On Tuesday I arrived home to a package from Bean (who just found out she is also pregnant after trying for a long time!!). Inside, there was the sweetest painting she made just for Chickpea:
And a precious receiving blanket to match! I sent Bean a text later to thank her and said, "I can't believe I'm going to have a baby small enough to wrap in this soon!!"
And then yesterday, I was greeted with another package in the mail from Val. She shares my love of books (and works in...a BOOK STORE!) and couldn't resist sending this one my way:
How cute is that? It is sooo soft and has a little movable baby bird that nestles into different nooks throughout the book:
Thank you ladies - I could get used to this 'present at the door every day' thing! ;o) You are just too kind. Mark, Chickpea and I appreciate your thoughtfulness so much. Most of all, I appreciate your unwavering support and how great you are at picking me up when I need a verbal hug - you're the best! ((hugs))
On Tuesday I arrived home to a package from Bean (who just found out she is also pregnant after trying for a long time!!). Inside, there was the sweetest painting she made just for Chickpea:
And a precious receiving blanket to match! I sent Bean a text later to thank her and said, "I can't believe I'm going to have a baby small enough to wrap in this soon!!"
And then yesterday, I was greeted with another package in the mail from Val. She shares my love of books (and works in...a BOOK STORE!) and couldn't resist sending this one my way:
How cute is that? It is sooo soft and has a little movable baby bird that nestles into different nooks throughout the book:
Thank you ladies - I could get used to this 'present at the door every day' thing! ;o) You are just too kind. Mark, Chickpea and I appreciate your thoughtfulness so much. Most of all, I appreciate your unwavering support and how great you are at picking me up when I need a verbal hug - you're the best! ((hugs))
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Lotion...it does a body good!
I came home from a crazy day of work only to be greeted by a thoughtful, unexpected present from my dear friend Jilly (I briefly mentioned her in this post)! If you ask me, the best kind of present is the kind you aren't expecting that you get for no reason at all. Lately, I've gotten a few of these because of this thing I'm doing...you know, growing a baby? And along with growing comes stretch marks! But Jilly wouldn't let those nasty things happen to me...
Because she treated me to some fancy belly oil and lotion!
And let me tell you, this stuff smells amazing.
Thank you so much, Jilly! You are such a sweetie to think about my future bikini needs. Er...just kidding - I think my bikini days are o-v-e-r.
While we're on the subject of lotion, let me share with you what's on our computer desk right now:
HEY, get your mind out of the gutter! Ohhh, don't try telling me you didn't just go there*!
Truth is, the reason there is lotion and a washcloth on our desk is because I spent the morning trying to record and upload Chickpea's heartbeat with the use of our new doppler.
It didn't go so well. I'm technologically inept. WOE IS ME.
I won't give up, though. Promise. You WILL hear that amazing heartbeat soon. But if any of you know how in the heck to record sound with a dual audio jack (using our Mac - which hates me), I'd greatly appreciate your input!
*Sorry for being a bit inappropriate, mom - you know I can't help myself. Hahaa...
Friday, January 29, 2010
I don’t *want* to drink, I just want to *pretend* to…
SO! I’m newly pregnant and no one knows! This presents few problems, except for wanting to yell from a mountaintop: “I AM FERTILE, HERE ME ROAR!”
Ahem.
The other main problem is when we have plans to do something with friends. Do you know what plans with thirty-somethings always seem to include? That’s right, alcohol. I’m lucky I haven’t missed drinking at all, since I’m a lightweight and don’t drink a lot, anyway. Really, the only time I would drink before getting pregnant was in social situations and rarely did I have more than one or two in one sitting (I've grown up - and more responsible - over the past few years: SHOCKING!!). Still, it’s quite obvious to my friends when I don’t drink now, since I’m always known to bring a six-pack over to share when we get invited to a gathering or order a glass of wine or beer during a dinner out. Therefore, I’ve been shirking plans and telling people I’m busy when asked to have a drink after work, which really stinks! Just because I can’t drink doesn’t mean I don’t want and miss the social interaction. I’ve even ignored several email invites from a few friends asking me/us to get together for dinner and drinks. And that’s just plain RUDE.
Some would say to lie, but I’m not a good liar and I honestly feel like lying would be jinxing things. And since there are several people who know we were trying to get pregnant, I would feel wrong telling them I’m not if they were to ask if I am. If I say ”no?” JINX! I know that sounds silly to some, but it honestly stresses me out to think about. Lying leads to bad things, folks.
I have plans this weekend to go home to Grand Rapids to have drinks with my older sister, Alicia, and my cousins Kimberly and Julie. Julie sent an email early this month asking when would work for us to all get together for drinks, since it’s been waaaaaay too long, so we decided on January 30th. That would be tomorrow. When we made the plans, I didn’t know I was pregnant and as I mentioned before, I honestly didn’t think it would be this easy for us to conceive. I’m NOT COMPLAINING, obviously, but it does put me in a slightly sticky situation if I’m not quite ready to share our great news yet.
I think I might arrive early to the restaurant and have a little chat with the waiter, asking them to bring whatever I order (daiquiri, margarita, etc.) to me, only WITHOUT the requisite alcohol in it. That could work, right? BUT, the idea of sharing this news with a stranger just so it isn’t shared with the people who have known and loved me my whole life seems so…wrong.
This secret pregnancy thing is so confusing, it could almost drive me to drink. ;o)
2/1/10 UPDATE:
I survived the dinner/drinks with my sister and cousins! I only had to fib a little (and I'm SURE they saw right through it, anyway...) when I ordered Soda and Lime and got a funny look. I simply said I was dealing with drainage from a cold & wasn’t feeling great and no one pressed. No one wants to talk about your phlegm, yo. I can live with this, especially knowing I will soon be able to admit the fib once we’ve been to the doctor and feel more comfortable sharing this news. I’m not condoning lying, kids, but if you plan to tell the truth later? I SAY GO FOR IT.
Ahem.
The other main problem is when we have plans to do something with friends. Do you know what plans with thirty-somethings always seem to include? That’s right, alcohol. I’m lucky I haven’t missed drinking at all, since I’m a lightweight and don’t drink a lot, anyway. Really, the only time I would drink before getting pregnant was in social situations and rarely did I have more than one or two in one sitting (I've grown up - and more responsible - over the past few years: SHOCKING!!). Still, it’s quite obvious to my friends when I don’t drink now, since I’m always known to bring a six-pack over to share when we get invited to a gathering or order a glass of wine or beer during a dinner out. Therefore, I’ve been shirking plans and telling people I’m busy when asked to have a drink after work, which really stinks! Just because I can’t drink doesn’t mean I don’t want and miss the social interaction. I’ve even ignored several email invites from a few friends asking me/us to get together for dinner and drinks. And that’s just plain RUDE.
Some would say to lie, but I’m not a good liar and I honestly feel like lying would be jinxing things. And since there are several people who know we were trying to get pregnant, I would feel wrong telling them I’m not if they were to ask if I am. If I say ”no?” JINX! I know that sounds silly to some, but it honestly stresses me out to think about. Lying leads to bad things, folks.
I have plans this weekend to go home to Grand Rapids to have drinks with my older sister, Alicia, and my cousins Kimberly and Julie. Julie sent an email early this month asking when would work for us to all get together for drinks, since it’s been waaaaaay too long, so we decided on January 30th. That would be tomorrow. When we made the plans, I didn’t know I was pregnant and as I mentioned before, I honestly didn’t think it would be this easy for us to conceive. I’m NOT COMPLAINING, obviously, but it does put me in a slightly sticky situation if I’m not quite ready to share our great news yet.
I think I might arrive early to the restaurant and have a little chat with the waiter, asking them to bring whatever I order (daiquiri, margarita, etc.) to me, only WITHOUT the requisite alcohol in it. That could work, right? BUT, the idea of sharing this news with a stranger just so it isn’t shared with the people who have known and loved me my whole life seems so…wrong.
This secret pregnancy thing is so confusing, it could almost drive me to drink. ;o)
2/1/10 UPDATE:
I survived the dinner/drinks with my sister and cousins! I only had to fib a little (and I'm SURE they saw right through it, anyway...) when I ordered Soda and Lime and got a funny look. I simply said I was dealing with drainage from a cold & wasn’t feeling great and no one pressed. No one wants to talk about your phlegm, yo. I can live with this, especially knowing I will soon be able to admit the fib once we’ve been to the doctor and feel more comfortable sharing this news. I’m not condoning lying, kids, but if you plan to tell the truth later? I SAY GO FOR IT.
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