kristinjaneen

my summer "vacation"= my summer "staycation"

2011-07-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

While reading other blogs, browsing facebook, and just chatting with people in general it really boggles my mind at how many people have been able to take a vacation this summer and it's turning me into debbie downer.

Chad and I don't make a lot of money and we cannot financially afford a vacation--or even for him to take off time from work (since he works 6 days a week, it's very difficult). Although I should be used to not vacationing by now, it really dampens my mood whenever I hear others talking about excursions they've gone and done. I feel like I have to put on my pretend happy face and ask questions as I watch their faces light up like the heavens opened and Jesus personally blessed them (yeah, that's really what it looks like from my perspective).

Our personal bills are out of control right now... which is the major problem for us to even be able to save money. Sometimes I feel like when we do save that something always comes up and we have to us most of our savings on random events. Our car bill for Chad alone is almost $400, his school loan is $300, the list just goes on and on... and people ask why we're still living with my parents! Chad and I have made a lot of other sacrifices, such as no personal shopping, no eating out, and no starbucks runs (that is KILLING ME)! :X

Although I could get a job, when I did have one I was only bringing home $300/mo working PT and more "work baggage" and stress than any of us needed. Plus, my grades were suffering at school (since I am a full-time student) and after working for almost 2 years plus being FT at school... I pretty much wore myself out and am still in the recovery phase during that time of my life. I feel like I am complaining but sometimes I just wish something could be stable in our life enough so that we could go out of town and enjoy ourselves. I realized a few days ago that I haven't left our side of town in over 6 months... and that concerned me. If anyone is in the same boat feel free to comment and let it out! I want to know that we're sane and not alone!

summer time is now my favorite time

2011-07-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Now that my daughter is older, she is really showing me how to enjoy the hot heat here (it was 103 degrees yesterday) and I am able to enjoy myself more and get creative with things we can do in the heat.

I'm not gonna lie, I am not a huge fan of the heat and try to be outside the least amount of time possible if it's over 90 degrees. My daughter apparently did not get these genes because she could be sweating with a red face and the second that I tell her that we're going back inside she has a complete meltdown. I try to take advantage of the early morning time to let her play outside and we have "breaks" for water and snack inside to help cool everyone down. I have also become a total sunscreen nazi and find myself slathering it on 20 minutes before we do anything. My boyfriend, daughter, and I all tan very easily (which is nice) but when I notice the color of our legs compared to our stomachs... it makes me uneasy about how much sun we're taking in.

How do you protect your kids from the sun? My daughter REFUSES to wear hats or sunglasses (she just rips them off). Any advice is helpful! Also, what kind of pool safety do you practice with your toddler or older children? Did you do swimming lessons? I bought my daughter a vest but the neighborhood pool has a "beach incline" going in so I swim with her and just let her hang out with me. I had another woman approach me and ask me if I wanted her to wear a vest... which I thought was rude. She wasn't even watching her daughter so I guess I understand why she asked me.

Let me know what you do for summer fun with your kids! Hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend an got to relax for the holiday. :)

oh em gee... this giveaway will make you pee your pants!

2011-06-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

WOW this would definitely help out our family, especially in time for summer. Madelyn spends most of her time outdoors and it would definitely be a godsend to have this for her. We spend a lot of time at parks as well as there are NEVER any kids there... what a shame, sometimes I think "We might as well stay home!"

I just entered into this contest, check it out for yourself!
Here's the post from One Bored Mommy:
http://oneboredmommy.blogspot.com/2011/05/by-far-biggest-giveaway-ive-ever.html

This is brought on by Kid's Creations who makes some pretty awesome swing sets, so check them out as well:
http://www.kidscreations.com/

Girls can wear blue (and green), too!

2009-12-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

The last few months have been really busy for me. Picking up more shifts at work, finals for 3 classes, and Madelyn is now about 8 months old! The realities of adulthood and life have fully set in at this point and I am no longer having a nervous breakdown. Okay, I never really had one but I am no longer suffering from New-Mommy-Hood. People ask me how I do it all but honestly after a few months you really just get used to it. I am pretty proud of myself for accomplishing what I have and it's given me a lot of confidence to push myself further than I thought I could.

The holidays brought on a new meaning this year... not getting many gifts sucks (NOT gonna lie) but I think I was more excited about Maddy's gifts than her! She'd rather play with a box anyway...

Two of the COOLEST gifts she got were both handmade. One by my fabulous AND NEWLY ENGAGED sister, Alyssa. Here's a crappy cell phone picture because I can't find my camera (sue me). She hand-sewed this book with lots of little buttons, ribbons, and other things Maddy loves to play with! It was SUCH a cute, great idea so I had to share it!

The second gift Chad's little bro Jared made. He drew pictures and screen-printed them onto different colored onesies! SO. FREAKIN. CUTE. I don't care if Maddy looks like a boy in blue, I think that people need to realize girls can wear that color as well!!

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday spending time with your family and friends. Now I gotta go work off all the cookies and cakes I have been secretly consuming late at night... ;)

work+school+baby= my crazy life

2009-11-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

Recently I have become a Starbucks employee! Oh excuse me, a partner. ;)

Most of you probably know that this was definitely my night home. After Madelyn would go to bed, Chad and I would go over there and do homework, play Magic (can you say, nerd?!), read, and make new friends. This job is totally what I was hoping for and all of my co-workers are rad. And now I have money to spend on clothes for Maddy and myself!

Speaking of Maddy... she turned 6 months last week!

I can't believe it. It's so crazy how time has passed and that her first birthday is not that far away. Yep, already thinking of what we're going to do as well. She's the most adventurous, talkative, and sweet little girl and totally captures everyone's heart wherever we take her. I am so proud to be her Mommy!

And speaking of being a MOMMY- my life is just out of control right now. Although I love being busy, I am d-e-a-d tired! I've never been so tired in my life! I wouldn't change any of it though. My classes are taking up a lot of my free time, especially since it is getting towards the end of the semester. I have two research papers that are both 6 pages due at the end of this month- EEP! I've made some REALLY cool stuff in my graphic design class and I am really proud of myself. My portfolio is going to be extremely varied, which is what I was hoping to achieve. Here's some examples of my work:

So if you or anyone else you know would like a logo, layout, anything made I'd be more than happy to do it for FREE! Have a great week, everyone!

Adventures [in the front yard]

2009-10-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

I'd like to pay homage to something that people tend to forget about these days: your front yard.

Pic of Maddy and Chad outside this weekend (yes, that is DROOL PEOPLE! She is teething! EEP!)

Since I walk around the neighborhoods in our area (almost 3 times a day), this is something that really shocks me: people are not taking advantage of the wonderful weather and changing greenery! I know that people can "get busy" but really make a point to getting outside once in the morning and at night, even five minutes can make a difference in your day. (Because trust me, I have very little time to be able to save my sanity and boy do I need a break!)

Some other things to share with you this week:

What's on my play list?
Where the Wild Things Are is coming out soon so I am re-listening to my old Arcade Fire CD, Funeral. If you haven't checked them out, please do!

Blog Goodie-bag Giveaway:
My sister's friend Talia is giving away goodies, including stuff from Alyssa's store Pinned Up on Etsy!

Cutest baby and kids clothing:
I randomly found this website a few weeks back and I am just dyyyyyyyying to buy everything on here! Maybe someone will buy Maddy something for Christmas off of here? ::AHEM::

I am seriously already getting anxious to put up a Christmas tree! Maybe it's because it will be Maddy's first? Oh crap, imagine all of the vacuuming I will be doing because of the pine needles. :X

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE! <3

omg, is it really 74 degrees outside?!

2009-09-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Today marks the beginning of fall and the end of summer... because it's not 100 degrees out anymore! (I am totally crossing my fingers on this one.) I don't know how people get through the summers here; this is my first one in a few years being back in Bakersfield. I think my mood is going to instantly get better due to the colder weather- for some reason I thrive in it! So in light of change, I am also going to change how I update my blog. I'm just going to post and comment on things I've enjoyed lately. Photos, videos, websites, articles, etc. I think this is more entertaining for me anyway! :]

Here's what I have been drooling over lately (two of my fav boots died last year, RIP.)

I've also been addicted to this website called eclectic cow. I am finding that all of the euro art/design websites are so much more informative and interesting than any blogs I've read... and this one in particular. I am finding tons of new music, design ideas, inspiration, you name it! Thought I would pass this gem along to all of you. I'm going to be posting my fav find of the week on here. And this week's is Gianluca Fallone!

And last night I discovered that my scarf that I have been working on for Chad is missing. Not sure where it went to but I am hoping today that I will find it so I can work on my knitting skills. My goal is to have a scarf finished for each family member for Christmas. This may be a bit ambitious but I think I might be able to do it when I have free time... and not doing homework. Go me!

I've also been wanting to perfect my photography skills. I've been totally slacking the last few years and I want to learn more about photoshop. Here's on of my favorite pictures I took this week of Maddy and Chad!

The "do it all" complex.

2009-09-18T10:20:00.001-07:00

I totally have it... and it's TOTALLY KILLING ME. I guess you could say it's bittersweet in the sense that I am not letting a newborn baby get in the way of my goals I set for myself but I am so FREAKIN' exhausted (not only physically but mentally). Lots of emphasis on how I feel because I have never worked so hard in my life.

I really do hope that this will all pay off: the intense planning, taking the extra classes, going the extra mile. Lately I feel like I should be doing more but I've had a few good friends tell me that I'd probably die trying (and maybe they're right). But sometimes even when you are doing your all- you feel like something is missing. I really do feel like something is missing and I don't know what that is. Maybe I am missing the alone time with Chad? Alone time with myself? I have found myself not knowing what to do when I have free time so I spend it furiously cleaning or starting on my next homework assignment for one of my classes.

Not having money is also wearing me out. It's not that I need money but sometimes a little therapeutic shopping really does help a girl mellow out. I know that sounds really bad but it's the only time I do something for myself and hey- I could always use another pair of shoes! It's not possible for me to have a job at the moment so I guess I need to find a way to quench my thirst...

Have you ever felt like this or been in a similar dilemma? Although I am in a little bit of a bummer mood... here's some accomplishments of the week:

Finished my logo for graphic design!!
Completed my 4-page paper for psych on pain tolerance.
Read 3 chapters
Cleaned out our closet/dressers
Bleached the entire bathroom (holy crap that was toxic!)

Stop texting on your phone while I am talking!

2009-08-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else agree with me that there should be a required class for every college student concerning modern day etiquette?

With all of these technological advancements, everyone's lives getting busier, and being strapped for time- I believe all courtesy has gone completely out of the window. After working in retail for two years (yes, that's ALL I needed before I told myself, "Never again!") I've had it UP. TO. HERE. And "HERE" is pretty big. Not only have I been called a bitch in public while working at Target because I WOULDN'T CHANGE THE PRICE but I have also had to put up with my almost-60-year-old-father texting during dinner at a restaurant whilst trying to have a normal conversation. How rude can people be? Maybe I need to grow a pair and tell people when their actions are out of hand but I also don't want to be the person to tell someone to, well, basically GROW UP and then have it blow up in my face.

I don't know if anyone saw this recent episode of Oprah about this issue, but it really made me pleased to hear that someone wrote a book on this issue. Dr. P.M. Formi of John Hopkins University wrote Choosing Civility on these very issues (now I wish I would have thought of this brilliant idea before because I probably could have made a ton of money). And now I want to buy EVERYONE a copy for Christmas. Maybe that should be my ultimate comeback to the people that I can't confront about their extreme rudeness.

My hopes in posting this is to share with you all the importance of being a courteous and good person to others and ultimately yourself. Although I myself am not perfect I do believe that being rude to people, even if you are "unaware" of it is something that needs to be corrected and most can finally kick their bad, RUDE habits.

decisions are [seriously] my worst enemy

2009-08-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

In everyone's lifetime there have been determining moments of you standing in a fork in the road and having to decide which way to go in life. I've made a few of these before and they were all either done last minute jumping head first into whatever happened or I paced myself. I believe there are some circumstances where you can just dive right in but I am not sure what to do.

Right now I am thinking about getting into Graphic Design and I am a few classes shy of completing my gen ed at the community college here. There are a few schools in California (other than private) that I am considering but it's just really hard this time to think about moving because now we have a family and EVERYTHING has to be planned out. There is also a part deep inside of me that is screaming "GET OUT OF CALIFORNIA!!!".

::sigh:: What's a girl to do?

Anyone have any tips? Were you ever in a circumstance similar to this and how did you wind up solving your issue?

Why am I humming wedding songs outloud?

2009-08-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

After having a baby I have realized a lot about myself that I didn't know existed.

Yeah I've been engaged before to a guy (one that I'd rather not talk about because he seriously just instant messaged me like a minute ago... it never ends with him) but I never was "excited" about the process of engagement and marriage. I thought I was just one of those people that wanted to go against the grain. I'd tell people things like, "Jewelry and engagement rings are for SCHMUCKS!" or "I don't want a 'fairytale' wedding because they're too extravagant and ridiculous". ALL. OF. THIS. HAS. NOW. CHANGED. I am also bawling over things I never cried over before. If I know Oprah is having one of her "serious" shows (she only has two types of shows: ones that make you hysterically cry or ones that make you want to go hug a puppy) I know to grab a box of tissues because my eyeballs will be exploding with tears. What the FUCK? WHY AM I DOING THIS???

Before I met Chad or got pregnant I thought I wanted to be one of those traveling journalists that never got into a serious relationship or had anything to do with kids. I had never even THOUGHT about children. Hell, I had never even HUNG OUT with children! Now I cringe at the thought of being a journalist in general. (Maybe because most of the media S-U-C-K-S!) And I can't imagine my life without my daughter... is she seriously only three months old? Wowzers.

Because of all of these changes I have been dropping about five to ten hints a week at Chad about an engagement ring, what kind of wedding dress I want, or even where I want to get married! Maybe I am making more estrogen? I seriously don't know what's happening but NOW I WANT TO BUY JEWELRY EVERY DAY. And shoes... and clothes... wait... I did all of that before. (HAH!) Maybe some things don't change. But I do want to get engaged. ::cough:: ::cough::

I have found a new definition for "love"...

2009-08-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

Today Madelyn is three months. I am pretty sure I never thought this day would come but honestly, it seems like she has been here so much longer than that. I was told by many women that the first three months are the hardest. They were tough but I wouldn't trade them for anything in the whole world. I have a newly found respect for women and Moms everywhere- there is something so powerful about a human being growing inside of you and giving birth to. All you Moms out there know exactly what I am talking about and my hat goes off to EVERY. SINGLE. ONE OF YOU.

Sure times can be rough, where I want to scream because I can't get her to sleep or write an entire book about how "hard" it really is. But honestly, if you are patient and loving- it's really not that hard to be a Mom and you will find that there is nothing that can stand in the way of you loving your child. I am a stronger, better person because of my daughter. Never in my life did I ever think that I would become a parent... and now I am and I can't wait to have more joyful moments like these.

Here is a part of the letter I wrote to Madelyn in her baby book.

"There you are every morning with the most beautiful smile on your face- even if you have pooped through your diaper and it has soaked into the mattreess- I cannot get angry at you. Your joyful coos and giggles are non-stop and everyone around you knows that you are the happiest baby! Rarely do you cry or scream and usually it's just because you want an extra hug or kiss from Mommy and Daddy. There is nothing more special to me than you and your father and I want you to know that we are doing everything to show you the world in the best point of view: free of fear and full of knowledge. I know you are going to be a beautiful, smart girl when you grow up and I cannot wait to make memories with you the rest of my life. I love you with every fiber of my being, Mommy"

Really now, has it been THAT long??

2009-08-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

Apparently I haven't blogged in about 4 months... I guess it's time to update! Well, I had my beautiful daughter Madelyn Rae (just in case SOMEONE didn't know!) and she's 3 months old this week! Thank god she's inherited my sleeping schedule because I was dreading not being able to get my entire eight hours of sleep a night... and don't ask me how this happened.

Since my daughter has arrived, I have taken a huge interest in interior decorating. I had a total blast putting together her room and lets not forget the "nesting" stage (why did I think it was going to be fun to make 2 sets of curtains and pillowcases when I had never sewn before is BEYOND ME). Putting together Madelyn's room was quite the challenge because everything was either already ours or had been given to us. I believe I have a knack for this kind of thing and now I wish I owned more houses so I could just decorate them all day.

So now that I am out of rooms to decorate, I am onto RE-decorating my parents house. Most of you know that we are currently living with my parents (they ARE gone about 5 days out of the week). I am on a mission to update their 24+ year furniture/style. I seriously had to talk my Dad out of getting rid of his VHS tapes so I know that this is going to be rough for them. I think I am beginning to change their minds that 80s style is somewhat laughable. And I should mention that my Mom had a short obsession with grapes... so most of the house is purple and green. I don't think food should be an inspiration for an entire theme of a house. EVER. This will definitely be an interesting journey and I will definitely post pictures as this process happens.

It's almost time!

2009-04-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today I am 37 weeks pregnant... and I totally feel it. I had my second (amazing) shower this weekend and noticed that my legs and feet were swollen. I seriously looked like a hobbit from the waist down. Doctor said swelling like this is normal and unfortunately I can't do anything about it from now on. I remember asking him, "Well... can't you wave a magic wand and make it go away?". I really am starting to believe in magic powers right now. HEAL ME!

On a better note, we have literally everything we need now that both showers are done. I am thankful for everyone's help thus far and I couldn't have done it without my best friends- CHAD AND MY MOM! Both of them are the greatest people in the world and have made this process more fun in the last 5 months of my pregnancy. Here are some photos I took today to show you what we have done in the room. It's still not finished but we're getting there!!!!

This is a bassinet that I purchased from craigslist for $30, gave a bunch of TLC and finally got it into our bedroom today.

Sewed these curtains a few weeks ago, now I am going to sew some curtains and new pillow cases for our bed. I am on a sewing spree! Fabric $20, curtain rod was $15.

I wanted an eclectic feel in this room- mixing and matching lots of little goodies. Let me know what you think... would love other opinions!

ALSO: I am holding a drawing for a bag of goodies! These are things that are definitely for a baby girl- wash cloths, CIRCO receiving blankets, cute towel w/hoodie, baby listening monitor and a FIRST 5 kit (this includes parenting DVDs, books and lots of info for first time parents). If you are interested post a response on here. :]

and 30 pounds later...

2009-03-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am going to be a Mom in FIVE more weeks... I never really talked about having children and didn't think I would until later on in my life. Things have definitely changed but for the better. Madelyn's room is coming along nicely- I am going to be posting photos when I actually finish the room. Just had a beautiful shower last weekend and I am waiting for photos to talk more about it.

Doc told me last week that I have gained 30lbs total during pregnancy (eep!). Most of it was put on in the very beginning due to me quitting smoking (yaaay!), which made me eat and eat and EAT! I remember during my 3rd months I could already not fit into clothing and I KNEW I had to slow down. I wasn't really exercising either... which has totally changed in the last 4 months of my pregnancy.

I have been working out 4+ times a week every week doing lots of walking, working out on the elliptical machine and recently Chad and I have taken up bike riding! I seriously have bike fever! I am trying to find something to pull Maddy in whenever she's born because I think I found a lifelong hobby that our entire family will really enjoy. I am hoping that I bounce back into my pre-pregnancy bod ASAP. ::crosses fingers::

P.S. Also just took my final for math and passed the class! YAY!

spam mail

2009-03-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

You all know what I am talking about- it fills up your e-mail and REAL mailbox every day. Sometimes you might open it and find out a surprise and that's exactly what has been happening at work this last week.

It all started out innocently enough, we got some really strange letters that are pretty much illegible from an unknown source. The most I could read was something about bonds, banks, lots of crazy account numbers, and our company helping them out somehow. Oh yeah... and it was hand written 4 PAGES LONG! My boss (aka my Dad) was kinda creeped out and told me to just throw it out. The first thing that came to my mind was, "I hope I don't have anthrax on me." And just as much as any other spam mail I eventually forgot about it.

Today I went to work for the first time in a few days and after collecting and sorting through our mail... TWO MORE letters from our mystery person! Now I was getting concerned! My office bud and sister Alyssa told me to google the address and I was glad that I did. Come to find out that it was from a retirement home! I called their phone number and the lady on the other line IMMEDIATELY knew, "Ohhh did you get something from ____," as she laughed. I told her that she was writing her Social Security and Credit Card No. on the letters. The woman did not seem concerned at all and reassured me, "...honestly it's all mumbo-jumbo. I would suggest you write her a letter back and tell her to stop writing to you. She wont listen to me if I tell her to stop. She does this to a lot of companies around town." I seriously could not believe it! My favorite part... in the last letter she also included an order form for checks that was partially filled out and had a sticker on it.

So next time you toss away junk mail, you might was to open it and look into it... you never know what you will find!

yes, my stress level is going down in this economic hardship!

2009-02-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

It's been about three months since Chad and I moved to Bakersfield from Santa Cruz. It has been really rough adjusting from this, especially since he had found a GREAT job that he loved and we dearly miss our great friendships we started there. This wound has just started to heal over and I am proud to say that everything seems to be falling into place. Although I may have thought moving to Santa Cruz was exactly what I wanted with my life, I really feel like I have direction now. This is the first time I have felt like my genuine self and am able to make responsible decisions about my own life. I feel very in control of things.

Before the baby, I was a total mess. I procrastinated and spent money on clothes or whatever I wanted. I started to get behind on payments because I just cared about myself. Now that our daughter is on her way here, I have completely changed my way of thinking. It is so joyous to be able to dig your way out of debt on your own- especially when there is an economic crisis and so many people cannot do this. Of course I would not have been able to succeed without my parents letting Chad and I stay with them but they know we are working extra hard to make goals for ourselves and eventually work towards moving out on our own as smoothly as possible.

Last week I got my tax refund and it was a large amount of money. I feel like I got lucky because I was able to pay off medical bills from the past, help Chad with some car repairs, pay off my credit card and after all of that I am still able to put some in savings. I hope that maybe others will be inspired to do the same, don't blow all of your money on just paying off credit cards because your savings will help you out more in the long run!

Note: Chad got a wonderful job working with autistic children, he just started this week and it's great pay, works with his schedule and he knows he cannot lose this job because he signed a year contract. I am so proud of him and very excited to see how this will help us in our parenting adventure. :]

weekend photoblog <3

2009-02-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

The title really sums it up for you. I can't really pin-point anything in particular that made me "busy". Valentine's Day was particularly special because Chad made me the cutest, most adorable card ever. I can really make that statement because he drew little pictures of us on it with captions... I may just scan it and post it one of these days. I cried for like a half an hour it was so cute and wonderful (or maybe it was pregnancy hormones??!?!).

Since Chad and I don't have much money, we try to get out of the house and do things for free. This is NOT easy when everything is not in walking distance and there aren't a lot of hang out places like we had in Santa Cruz. I guess I was spoiled there! We spent a lot of time at Barnes and Noble and Borders. One night we decided to go to Wal-Mart JUST to make fun of people! I was so focused on getting out of there the second I walked in that the people weren't as distracting. I wish I could think of other things to do that is... well... free. Bakersfield isn't the best place for cheap amusement.... suggestions maybe??

Chad and I did also did a lot of little projects for Madelyn's room! I am still itching to paint the walls because they are white but I am trying to refrain from it (I just keep thinking about having to paint OVER them- NO THANKS!). Anyway, Chad is working on a wall mural for the room... not sure what his design plan is but here are some of the things he is drawing:

After all of the fun stuff, I got down to business! Went to the storage place and FINALLY went through my files. I haven't done this in seriously a couple of years (I know that's soooo bad), my trash pile was literally 3 bags full (getting ready for nursery rhymes, can you tell???). On top of that the shredding pile was just as big! Here is my newly organized files! Spring cleaning fever has totally hit me!

Oh and this was hilarious... thought I would throw it in. Chad worked at Starbucks for 4 years and after cleaning out his car among other things, this is how many sharpies we have (from writing on cups)! HAHAHA!!!

cute crafty things <3

2009-02-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

This is something Chad made for Madelyn... I thought it was SO CUTE! So we framed it and put it on one of the shelves in her room.

After I got home from work today (and after getting some inspiration from Chad) I decided to do something from my chore list. Maybe I shouldn't call it a chore... it's more like a "to do" list of projects for baby Madelyn. I have been debating whether or not I should paint the drawer pulls or buy new ones. Since I am on a pretty tight budget (uhm... aren't we ALL?) I decided to paint them!

My Mom has a plethora of paints but they are all from the early 90s, maybe even the late 80s. I tried to use them but most of them were hardened and Chad then suggested, "Why don't you just mix your own colors?". DUH!!! I don't know why I didn't think of that to begin with. I took a color theory class about a year 1/2 ago and I still have my paints. So I mixed my own colors and here is how it came out.I am really happy with it, they were just wood colored before... I am also thinking about painting all of the furniture white whenever we move into our own place. Ideas? What do you think?

PLEASE HELP!

2009-02-09T11:44:00.003-08:00

I need to dazzle up my blog... you can see that my attempt has failed and I am too lazy to change it. HALP ME!

No pb&j?!

2009-02-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

So I spent probably a good 5 hours yesterday between my at-home nurse visiting and then also going to my doctor's appointment. Because I don't have insurance I got onto Pregnancy-Only Medi-Cal and I guess that the downfall of being on "the system"- HAVING TO WAIT FOREVER! I spent 2 1/2 hours at a doctor visit yesterday!! What the heck?!

Being the nosey-noserton that I am... I decided to ask the nurse why there were SO many people here. She told me that my OB/GYN only comes 2 times a month and that it is the only time they can schedule all of the pregnant ladies and their small babies. (For a minute there I thought I was going crazy and just thinking EVERYONE on the planet was preggo/having a baby- whew what a relief!)

Here are some things that happened at doctor:
-had to drink a super sugary substance that I deemed "melted popsicle"
-blood drawn for the BILLIONTH TIME
-found out that this cool looking mold of a baby on the wall was where they strap babies down and to give them circumcisions... AHHHH! (I am so glad I am having a girl!)
-dr. told me NO MORE PB&J SANDWICHES! Apparently it has too much sugar... but cake and ice cream is fine?! I DON'T GET IT!
-dr. also said I gained 9 lbs in the last month. HOW??? I exercise religiously for 45mins-hour EVERY day, I eat super healthy and drink lots of water. I even went on a hike this last weekend!

So needless to say, the doctor visit was not fun and left me angry and sad; I felt super fat and creeped out. Maybe next time I go to the doctor I should tell him that I have been eating an only pb&j diet!!! That'll teach him to lecture me on my weight!

little by little!

2009-01-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

So today Chad and I have been cleaning and re-organizing EVERYTHING! We put some pictures in our room from the former craft room (now baby Madelyn's room) in order to move more of her stuff in. The cool thing about the paintings is that my great grandmother Ruth did them- she was an art teacher for many, many years. I had this crazy urge to clean, vacuum and dust EVERYTHING! I heard that this is a total preggo thing. ;)

Anyway, took a lot of people's advice, brought in some different colors and moved things around. Let me know what you think about these new pictures from Maddy's bedroom! I DO want to know what to do with the 3 pink storage boxes and the green clock on top of the big bookshelf. If you like how it looks let me know or if you have other ideas send them my way! THANKS! :]

today is a big fat yawn

2009-01-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

I woke up around 9am this morning... thinking it was REALLY late. I have noticed that most nights it is getting harder for me to fall asleep. Heartburn has become a nightly thing for me, which I have never had before. It's kind of annoying because you can't really lay down and it's not comfortable sleeping totally propped up. Maybe this is the beginnings of my life of no sleep from now on? Who knows! I know I sleep well when I wake up less than 3 times in one night. Sadness.

Yesterday Chad had a job interview with this guy that runs after school programs for the Bakersfield City School District. He hired him! Although it's only 10 weeks long, I know that Chad will do great and eventually find something to do during the summer. I am really happy for him because he wants to teach and this will bring him closer to young kids, which is what he wants to do anyway. What is REALLY cool about his job is that he is going to be teaching kids how to make their own comic books!!! If you don't know, Chad is an avid comic book fiend, he probably has a few hundred...or more.

Even though we don't have much money I wanted to treat him yesterday for this great news. I took him to this little place downtown that sells vinyl and collectable toys (Star Wars, Simpsons, different movie and action figures, etc.). He found one of his favorite comic book character masks! It was like five bucks so I bought it and then we went to the filling station and got the BEST blended drinks EVER! I had mint and chip and he had some sort of kaluha white russian, but it really didn't have alcohol in it. On the drive home Chad was like, "Hey don't we have that party to go to in an hour?" TOTALLY forgot to get ingredients for the potato dish. My pregnancy brain has gone to the pooper for sure. I forgot to put an important check in the mail the day before, too. :[

Anyway, this weekend I plan on working on Madelyn's room. I have some painting and re-arranging to do. I need to also wash and degerminize (yeah I made it up) everything in the room. Apparently you are supposed to buy a different kind of detergent because babies have sensitive skin so that is on the list. My brain is switching to baby mode all of a sudden. I never knew I had so many motherly instincts!

dunnys, elephants and bears oh my!

2009-01-21T21:28:00.001-08:00

Chad and I went to the storage unit to fish through our things to add to the nursery today. Since we're both vinyl toy collectors we thought it would be fun to put them in Madelyn's room! Although the organization is definitely in need... I wanted to get your opinions on the stuff we brought into her room (arrangement is needed so beware!!!). I know went a little crazy and matchy-matchy with a lot of the bedroom stuff so I want to bring in things that don't really "go" so well but still make a statement. Give me your opinions!!!

25 weeks pregnant today!

2009-01-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? I am almost 6 1/2 months pregnant!! I am very excited for my little girl to come out and it will be hard to have to wait a few more months. :[

Lots of news with the baby, as well as other news.

What I have been most excited about lately is that I got into this Nurse Family Partnership program. I have an at-home nurse come to my house every other week until Madelyn is 2 years old to help educate me with parenting, relationship, health and personal goals. I was lucky to have found this program and it took a lot of persistence to get into it which totally is going to pay off in the future. The program has done studies over the last 30 years on children and parents who used NFP and found that children have higher GPAs, better overall behavior, parents have better relationships, etc. This is really exciting to have it covered on my Medi-Cal! I am only 1 out of 125 people in Kern County to get into this program so I feel VERY, very blessed. <3

More baby news! I had my second ultrasound yesterday, this time it was done by an actual doctor. Baby was very easy to see this time and her face was so cute! It was amazing to see her mouth moving but I thought it was crazy how LONG her legs were (I guess that's a given considering how tall Chad and I are). She weighs 1 lb 12 ounces, which is RIGHT on schedule. I am also on schedule with my weight gain, which makes me happy. My Mom and I have been getting her room ready and we picked out the bedding last week. I went against what most people had said to buy and got the Pink Pop bedding by Amy Coe (see last post)! It's adorable!

On some personal news, I decided that I am going to take a self-paced math class this semester at Bakersfield College. I am about to head over there right now for orientation and I need some grub! Yeah, I totally ate this morning but I puked it up. :[

Wish me luck! :D

amy coe pink pop or... ?

2009-01-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to a second hand baby store and found the most amazing crib by Baby's Dream, in the Kathryn set. After looking for a month and researching, I have noticed that this was something I could NOT pass up- the crib itself sells for almost $550! I got the crib and a dresser in almost new condition for $600!

Now the hardest part... we are stumped as to what bedding to get. I don't want anything "typical" for the baby's room and neither does Chad so we need your help. I guess we have narrowed it down to 3 different sets. My favorite is the Amy Coe Pink Pop (I am SURE you can tell which one that is) and Chad's favorite is the brown one with the birds. Let me know what you think!!!! There is also a 3rd choice just for fun, Chad doesn't care for it too much but I think it's adorable.

holiday feasts!

2008-11-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

I think this is the first Thanksgiving I have had with my awesome significant other- and a great one at that (as you can tell)! I spent most of the morning helping my Mom with a casserole dish for 23 people and it wasn't easy. She pretty much ditched me and I freaked out because I had never made it before and it asked for some pretty unusual ingredients... wound up having to google what a 1/2 tsp. of accent was for! (Apparently it's msg... I thought that was gross and left it out but don't tell anyone!)

Being 17 weeks pregnant at this point, most of my family had not seen me in all of my preggo glory. I was surprised to know that I could still pull off looking cute despite my larger belly and 15lb gain! In just a few weeks I will find out the sex of my baby and it is becoming increasingly stressful now that the time is getting closer. Maybe I shouldn't be laying on my stomach while I type this, lol.

Even though I am still getting used to my ever-growing body, I still had a great time. We went up to my parents beautiful cabin in Shaver. It was relaxing but I really wish that we had put it off because of the move from SC last week, adjusting, Thanksgiving... I feel like I am pushing myself beyond belief and I just want to sit around! ;)

Hope you all have great holidays! I am planning on making all of my gifts this year, maybe I will post some crafty things I am doing since I have access to a lot of supplies here at my parents house.

on the road again...

2008-11-20T14:13:00.000-08:00

The boxes are piling up around the living room, it is almost weird thinking that I only moved here a year and a half ago and now I am going back to where I left. We are a couple of days away from leaving and although it may not seem that I am sad on the outside or that I display it towards anyone but trust me, I really am. I think it will hit me when I actually move to Bakersfield- the afterward is when a situation usually affects me. At least that's from my observation in big life decisions I have made. I am going to really miss all of the lovely people I have met here, made a few great friends and I know that I will keep in touch with them and come back to visit!

While embarking on our cleaning adventure, Chad and I tried out a product I have had some sketchy thoughts about... the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I will tell you straight up though, it's the BEST cleaning investment you will ever make. I cleaned all of the kitchen cabinets, scratches on the walls, spots on the baseboards, refrigerator and it took it off everything without harsh chemicals and any elbow grease at all. So if you want to cut your cleaning time in half and make things look brand new again- GET ONE (or ten)!

I also had a doctors appointment today and it was the fastest appointment of all time. I think it took a total of 10 minutes for the "exam". Kind of a waste of an appointment... all the doctor did was let me listen to the heart beat if it was healthy. Of COURSE I want to hear it but seriously, I would rather buy my own baby hearing equipment and do it myself! DUMB! Although it was dumb, Chad was there and he totally teared up so it was worth it after all. :]

Another thing I found out today was that Chad does not pay attention to the color of peoples eyes! WHAT?? I asked him what my eye color was and he said GREEN. I've known Chad since I was 15 and he did not know my real eye color- hahaha! They do randomly change colors (usually more gray-blue than anything) but green, really? Hah! Well I'd better get back to cleaning and packing, we still have quite a bit to do.

Saying goodbye is not easy.

2008-11-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

Here I am on a Friday night and I am sitting here thinking about things and writing in a blog! Wow this sounds lame! I have some thoughts though and I would like to write them down.

I am really sad that I have to leave Santa Cruz because I am not going to have the luxury to have everything so close-by. I am REALLY going to miss my friend Taylor- I've never had a close girlfriend like her. I was very emotional today but I know that it's going to be worth all of this effort. I want to be able to do things with my friends again and not worry about money all of the time. Oh and also to be able to help support my shopping addiction! ;)

But on the flip side of that thought, I am also going to love going back to Bakersfield. Mainly because I miss being with my family, especially my Sister. We haven't had a close relationship and ever since I moved away we've been having a hard time keeping it together while we both are so busy with... life! I am thankful that my parents are helping me out in more ways than one. They are really great and I don't know many people's parents that would do what mine are doing for me. I talk to them pretty much daily and I always can get a laugh or have a good cry.

So anyway, a couple of places said they would hire me as a alternative model and the SECOND I told them I was pregnant they said no. I have been pretty bummed because I feel like being pregnant is a disease to some people. If I didn't have my Dad offer me a job back I don't know if I really don't know what I would do. So I am trying to revive being a pregnant woman and feel more beautiful about yourself. There aren't a lot of hot pregnant ladies on tv. WHY NOT?

Here's a tip when you're pregnant or know anyone that is pregnant:
This is the time to bring out your sexiness! Let your nails grow long (they look AWESOME when you're pregnant) and hair grow out! My hair hasn't ever looked this luscious!

I colored my nails in this beautiful shade of Robin Egg blue, dyed a chuck of my hair blonde again... it felt really great to give into a small beauty trend and made me feel a whole lot hotter!

So anyway, this week I have had two days off and it's back to my work week! Ciao!

Bringing sexy back...

2008-10-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

So Chad and I have decided that it would be best to move to Bakersfield. Although this isn't ideal for me, it would be the best for my family that I am starting. I made a tough decision and I am going to do whatever is necessary to finish my education and be a second provider for my baby! This makes my decision to move a whole lot easier and my stress levels have gone way down.

Anyway, it's been hard realizing that I am not going to be in Santa Cruz much longer. I will miss a lot of good friends I have made... namely Tona, Taylor and Santos. I know Chad is going to have a hard time as well, I mean he just got here! Walking around today in the nice 70 degree weather (maybe even colder) and seeing different colored leaves all over the ground, people biking, friends passing by saying hello daily. It's going to be a hard thing to miss, having a community feeling. But I really miss my immediate family, their support is more important to me in my state of life right now. It's priceless to me.

So before we leave, Chad and I are going to get our friends together and have a big yard sale at a park and potluck after. No dates yet confirmed but we know a going away party at the apartment could NOT happen... fitting more than 8 in here is really stressful. Plus I don't want to clean up any messes! So long beautiful beach and weather and hello to hot and oxygen-deprived pollution!

P.S. I need maternity clothing BADLY! Today I wore leggings and an oversized plaid button up shirt. Trying to stay cute is SO HARD! Gah!

turning a new page in life

2008-10-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Note to others: never make a smoothie with grapefruit and lemonade juices combined. It might be the most tart thing you've ever had... although it is still very refreshing! ;)

A couple of days ago I went to the doctor and had a lovely physical. I really hate getting poked and prodded but I guess I am going to have to get used to it. The only good part was hearing my baby's heartbeat... I actually started crying. I was overjoyed but also sad that Chad was not there to hear it (he had to work). Next time he will hopefully be able to be there. I am really anxious about finding out the gender... I am honestly getting a gut feeling that it will be a boy. Boy names are the hardest for me to think of, I am very picky. Usually when I ask people what we should name the baby/ideas they just say funny things. I do need help! Websites are terrible so I am keeping my eyes peeled and you should too!

Today Chad got a call back from his interview to be an Assistant to the Food Service Manager and unfortunately did not get the job. He was really upset but I believe that something better will come along for him. I wish that he didn't feel like a failure because he hasn't (what he says) "accomplished" anything. Everyone goes to school and gets degrees but that doesn't always mean that people will enjoy school or that it is for them. I think that if you know what you want to do, that's great and you should get a degree but if you are happy with your job and just want to live life you should feel accomplished at where you are, as long as you are making yourself happy.

On another note, my good friend Taylor came over and made tuna casserole and homemade tapoica with Chad and I. I am so thankful for her, nobody else in this town has been such a good friend to me and it's a blessing to have her around- a mega mood booster for sure!