Just Keepin' It Real

If you are easily offended or grossed out by bodily functions, don't read this post.

Seriously, people. I'm really beginning to believe that childbirth is easier than pooping when you are pregnant. Yah, some of you may be shocked to read me talking about such things and others of you who know me well aren't shocked at all. I don't mean to gross anyone out, but for the love! I mean, I realize I had a very smooth, what I would consider "easy" labor/delivery. So, comparing "pregnancy constipation" to childbirth may be different for me than for others who had a different childbirth experience. Nonetheless, it would be great to just take a pooh without feeling like I might give birth on the toilet.
I remember reading Jenny McCarthy's book Belly Laughs and I still crack up at the way she described this "oh so lovely" part of pregnancy. She likened it to "passing Stonehenge". That book is a hilarious read, sans her potty mouth. No pun intended.
I don't really know why I thought I'd share this. I do know a friend or two who will be laughing their heads off knowing that I actually blogged about this. And those friends won't be surprised that I did, either. I know there are plenty of pregnant women who experience this, so honestly, I'm not really embarrassed. In fact, I've talked with friends when they were pregnant who had the same issue. So, don't get your panties all in a wad if you don't like the subject matter of this post. I just felt like posting it and I hope that a couple people get a good chuckle at my expense. :)

Cuz I've been asked for updated pics....

I haven't felt the motivation to think of some exciting story to blog about or to sit down and write anything interesting lately. This is probably because I've been emotionally kinda down in addition to the fact that Little Buddy has been fairly difficult recently. So, instead, I'm just posting some updated belly pics. These are me in week 23. I definitely look bigger in some angles than in others.

Drumroll, Please.....

Here are my belly pics from week 20.... and we found out that Little Buddy is gonna be a Big Brother to a Little SISTER!

It's a girl!!!

"It's the Economy"

Yesterday, my husband learned that his company was cutting about 280 management positions, one of which was his. In addition to this, they didn't give much notice. They told him yesterday and tomorrow is technically his last work day, although he is still "an employee" through the 28th. As you can imagine, this news has created a whirlwind of emotions for us...especially for me. I've been angry because of empty promises made by his company, one of which was that his job/salary/title was guaranteed through at least the end of 2009. I've been scared because of the uncertainty of what happens now. I've been fearful of something going wrong with the child growing inside of me, due to the stress. I've cried so hard that my body has wretched and I couldn't breathe. It scares me that my blood pressure or something else could be out of whack because I'm so worried. And, then I worry about the fact that I'm worried and could be harming the baby. I feel helpless as a 4 months pregnant stay-at-home mother who is unlikely to be hired by any potential employers due to "my condition". Plus, child care would eat up any salary I'd make, most likely, so it isn't all that practical for me to try to work. But, because I can't really look for a job myself, I feel like a burden that my husband shouldn't have to carry. I'm confused about the best way to go for ensuring that we have adequate medical coverage after our insurance runs out through my husband's company. I can't believe this is happening. Yet, there is a part of me that sorta expected it, too. I think I've been waiting for "our trial" to happen. Our lives have been fairly smooth sailing and we haven't encountered too many significant trials, for which I'm grateful. But, I always knew that our turn would come. This may be our time.
For those of you who have called me, emailed me, tried to love me the past couple days, thank you. I apologize now for not being more interested in talking. I can't really talk on the phone without the tears starting to fall. I made the mistake of answering the phone this morning and learned this the hard way. No offense, Steph. I appreciate your call very much. But, I hated that half of the time I was silent because I simply couldn't speak through my tears.
Anyways, we covet your prayers right now.... especially that we would both feel God's peace, guidance, comfort, direction and calming spirit. If you know of job opportunities, we'd love to know about them too.
As a side note, my husband asked me yesterday how I'd feel about relocating, if we had to do that. I could hardly answer him because I felt so torn. On one hand, I feel like beggars can't be choosers and who am I to say I'm not willing to do what we need to do to survive? But, the truth is that selfishly, I don't want to move. I know. Surprising to some. For quite a while, we were both looking to move back "home". But, as the time has passed, I've started to become settled. We have developed such close, meaningful relationships with such dear friends and we have such a trusted, safe, important group of friends here. The idea of leaving them, and the family we have here to potentially move somewhere where we would have neither friends nor family just kills me. So, selfishly, I ask you to pray that we don't have to move and leave some of the most important relationships we have. Thanks.

All Grown Up

Seriously, when did my toddler become a grown boy? My mom dressed him in one of his little polo shirts and khaki shorts the other day. She also wet his hair and combed it over like a grown-up. These pictures were taken before he decided to run his hands through his hair and make it messy again. But, I couldn't believe it. Looking at him standing by the wall, with his hands in his pockets, he just looked like a kindergartener ready for the first day of school. I'm not ready for him to be all grown-up-looking yet. He's still my sweet little baby boy, isn't he?

Take A Bow

Little Buddy just loves his T-ball set. While practicing his swinging the other night, Daddy taught him how to take a bow. Too funny.

1st Official Belly Pic

Here's the bump.... Seems like it is bigger than it should be, but with this being number 2, I guess that is what happens. :) Here I am this time around:And, last time, at the same point in my pregnancy...
More to come in the future. We are going to try to be diligent in taking pictures along the way to document baby #2 as well as we did with Little Buddy. Wish us luck!