26.0

Now that I quite literally have all the time in the world, I thought it might be a good idea to write about our unexpected hospital stay a week and a half ago. It all started on Wednesday, August 29th. I was at work, and started to feel some cramping. Nothing painful, just uncomfortable. But when you're 24 weeks pregnant, any amount of cramping is unsettling. Luckily, I was kind of an "extra" staff member that day. All I had to do was give some of the girls their lunch breaks, then I could go home. So I got home around 3:00, right as Joey was leaving for work. Since the cramps were just uncomfortable and not painful, I wrote them off as Braxton Hicks and just laid down on the couch for the rest of the night. I was watching the Republican National Convention, and the cramps got a bit worse. (Nothing but a coincidence, I'm sure. Haha.) I had a bit of anxiety, but I've been such a nervous wreck this entire pregnancy, I told myself I just needed to calm down and that everything was fine. Once Joey got home from work, I felt much better. This next part is probably considered TMI, but nobody really reads this blog, so I'm okay with it. Anyway, I woke up in the middle of the night feeling as though I had peed my pants. Well, I didn't. But there was clearly something going on. I immediately pulled out my doppler to listen to the baby's heartbeat and make sure she was okay. (Yes, I spent $60 on one of those things, and it's possibly the best investment I've ever made. For peace of mind, I'd be willing to pay a lot more.) Well, since the baby was fine and I wasn't feeling any more cramps, I decided to try to get some sleep and call my doctor first thing in the morning. I called & let my boss know what was going on, called the doctor, (or her nurse, rather) and she told me to go straight to Labor & Delivery in case my water had broken. I surprisingly wasn't scared, but I think that's because I was in shock. Our pregnancy had been incredibly uneventful up until this point. Once at the hospital, I changed into a gown and got probed for awhile. Not fun. I knew the nurse would have to be "up in my bidness" to see what was going on, but she also had a young, male intern shadowing her that day. Joey wasn't a huge fan of that! I'm going to keep some gory details out of here, but suffice it to say that my body was doing things it should not have been doing until December. Prepping itself to deliver a baby, only 16 weeks too soon. At this point, I was hooked up to a machine that monitored both the baby's heart rate and my contractions. Even though I was feeling absolutely nothing, apparently I was contracting pretty consistently. My doctor came in and checked everything out. Given the fact that I was in preterm labor, she told me that we'd be staying overnight for observation, and from there on out, I'd be on strict bed rest. I could feel my blood pressure go up right then and there- we're barely making ends meet with both of our paychecks combined; how were we going to survive if I'm not bringing in any money? Luckily, I am starting a family with the most amazing guy in the world, who seemed to read my mind and immediately told me not to even stress about money issues. "I'll do whatever I need to take care of us; you just focus on our baby." I sure am one lucky son-of-a-gun to have found Joey. I really am. He never left my side while we were in the hospital. I know he was scared, but he put on a brave face for me. I didn't have much anxiety during our hospital stay, despite what we were there for. I think the fact that we had nurses and doctors surrounding us made me feel that everything was going to be okay. Knowing that the babe was constantly being monitored made me feel so much better about everything. Oh! And my water had NOT broken. That's kind of important. Anyway, we were discharged from the hospital the next morning, and so far- so good. As good as things can be, given the circumstances. I'm on medicine to stop contractions, but am still having them from time to time. This week has been so much better than last, though. The first few days after the hospital, the contractions were still pretty bad. My doctor is more of a realist than an optimist, which I actually appreciate. She's had premature babies herself, so she knows her stuff. Also, she's a doctor. Anyway, we've set two major goals with her. The first is to make it to 28 weeks. If our princess were born now, she would live- but she would be in the NICU for months and would be so sick- it would be heartbreaking, and her mama is not strong enough to watch her go through that. So she's definitely NOT allowed to come out anytime soon. Once we hit 28 weeks, the risk of neurological problems goes way down. So that's our first goal. Our second goal is 32 weeks. The doc says that babies born at 32 weeks & beyond will probably only spend a month or so in the NICU, and by the time they are a year old, will be catching up on their milestones and thriving at a very similar rate of babies born full-term. So those are our baby-step goals. Only 2 more weeks until we reach the first one! I still am hoping for a miracle- that I'll be able to keep her in until her due date, and maybe even longer than that! I'm probably one of the very few people who would be just fine with being overdue- although that wouldn't be the case had I not gone through this whole experience! As scary as it has been, though, I'm glad it happened. Because now instead of wishing my pregnancy away and just wanting it to be over with- which was exactly what I was doing a few weeks ago- now I'm just so grateful for each day that I get to keep my little girl growing inside me. I'm SO incredibly excited to meet her, but I won't say "I can't wait" anymore. I can. =)

My man.

[What is his name?] Joseph, but you can call him Joey. [How long have you been married?] We are not! However, we've been living in domestic bliss (or sin, or whatever you want to call it) for a few months now. [How long did you date?] I guess we're technically still "dating", although it sounds weird to put it that way. Anyway, we met a few days before Valentine's Day and have been together ever since. We never did the "just friends" thing. [How old is he?] 27. [Who said "I love you" first?] He did. [Who is taller?] He is much taller than I. [Who eats more sweets?] He used to. Now that I'm pregnant, we're about even. [Who can sing better?] Haha, definitely me. Although he sings more often... [Who is smarter?] We both border on genius. [Who does the laundry?] I do mine, he does his. Although he sees it as wasteful to not just pile it all in there at once. I guess I would feel weird having anyone else wash my underwear. [Who pays the bills?] I pay my bills, he pays our bills. [Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?] Depends on whether you're facing the bed or in the bed... he sleeps closest to the door. [Who mows the lawn?] He is doing that right now, actually. [Who cooks dinner?] Me, cooking? Now, that is funny. Joey is an awesome cook, though. [Who drives?] When we're going somewhere together, he always does. [Who is more stubborn?] We both have our moments. [Who kissed who first?] I kissed him. He had been trying to do so all night, but I could tell how nervous he was. So I just did it for him! [Who proposed?] We're not technically engaged, but he has asked me if I will marry him someday. Which of course I will. Just focusing on one major life change at a time, is all. =) [Who has more siblings?] I have 6 more siblings than he does. [Who eats more?] He does, even with my growing appetite. [Who wears the pants in the family?] Joey does! I can't even fit into any of my pants anymore. ;-)

And her name shall be...

Noël Christine Wolford. (This is not 100% official, as I am still trying to sell her dad on the name. But I trust he'll come around.)

We're baaack! (Awesome dinosaur movie.)

It's funny that my most recent blog post- which wasn't very recent at all; over a year ago- is titled "My Babies", and referred to my favorite little humans. Sweetly ironic, because in about 6 months, I will be meeting my very favorite little human of all time- my beautiful baby girl. =) A little over 4 months ago, I met a very handsome boy named Joey. Let me tell you, love at first sight does exist, because it happened to me. Joey is my best friend and the love of my life, and I'm lucky enough to be bringing a miracle into the world with him by my side. Last year, I had truly come to terms with the fact that I would probably be single for a very long time, and that if children did come into my world, it wouldn't be anytime soon. Well, as they so often say happens, as soon as I stopped looking for it, I found it. I never in a million years would have been able to predict what my life would be like at this moment. But things happen for a reason, and I believe that people come into our lives when we are ready for them. I've never felt more blessed, and I'm just so happy that God is trusting me with one of his angels. Being pregnant has turned me into a pretty sappy person, but I'm okay with that. And don't fret, because I'm still hilarious and humble. (And to the dismay of some, my crude sense of humor isn't goin' anywhere!) Some things never change. ;-)

My babies.

Hello, Readers! (All 5 of you.) The rumors are true; I am, in fact, still alive. Today I had this crazy idea to blog, so... here we are. Today is a happy day because one of my best friends gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Now, anyone who knows me at all knows that I have wanted to have kids since I was a kid myself. I've always been a mother at heart- I guess that's what happens when you are the oldest of 10 children. I always give my 12-year-old brother a hard time when he asks my mom to make him a sandwich or get him a glass of water. "Are you KIDDING me?! Boy, when I was your age, I was changing your diapers! Make yourself a sandwich!" =) I know that once I find a guy who I like enough to marry, I will, and I'll have babies of my own. He's got to be out there somewhere, right? Until then, though, I get by with a little help from my friends... most of which have darling little kiddos who I just love. I actually have four "godchildren" now. (I know, I know- you're supposed to be Catholic for that. But hey, it still works.) I have decided it's high time to dedicate a post to my little munchkins. Warning: you are about to experience a cuteness overload. Proceed with caution.

Samantha~ Sam was my very first "godchild." My amazing friend Alli brought this beautiful girl into the world 5 years ago, & I still remember holding Sam at the hospital for the first time like it was yesterday. She will always have a very special place in my heart.

Ava Belle~ Ava is Alli's second baby, and as you can see, she puts the Gerber baby to shame. She is a year old now, so this picture is pretty outdated, but it's my favorite picture of her. I don't see Ava as often as I'd like to, but I am hoping this will change once Alli & Davin move back to Bountiful. =) I love this pretty little girl to pieces!


Tristan~ One of my best friends, Manda, brought her 3-month-old baby boy to the daycare I worked at back in 2008. That's actually how I met Manda, and my little love, T-Man. I was lucky enough to be able to take care of T at the daycare until he was a year old, so I got to watch him grow up. I am absolutely in love with this little man. He will be 3 years old in a few months, and I can hardly believe how fast time flies.



Today's birthday girl, Audrey~ This gorgeous baby showed up just this morning- Manda's second baby. I won't meet her until I go to the hospital tomorrow, but I cannot wait to hold her. You did good, Manda!
So there ya have it, my four adorable godchildren. I'm a very lucky Auntie to have all of them in my life.

And of course I can't forget Miss Tegan! She isn't my "goddaughter," but she sure is one of my favorite kids ever. I spent some quality time with Tegan last summer while I babysat her for Mandy. My siblings adore her, as do I. She and Tristan had lots of fun playing together, as well. Mandy, you know that whenever you need a sitter, I'm the one to call! =)

Well, I hope you made it through the wall of cuteness. I really am going to try & blog more. So stay tuned!

A throwback to the Myspace era.

What's your favorite name for a girl?
Peyton. One Tree Hill almost ruined that name for me, though, because that character was awful.

What's your favorite name for a boy?
My first son will be Cohen. 2nd son, Charlie. And no way will I ever allow them to watch the shows that the characters they are named after are in.

Have you read Twilight?
I read Twilight, and I liked it... but not as much as Cherry ChapStick. Really though, I made it through the 2nd book in the series, then I just got bored.

What does your car smell like?
Cherry... ChapStick.

Have you ever eaten a marshmallow burnt?
Who doesn't love a roasted 'mallow?

Do you have a gerbil?
Even better. A dwarf hamster.

Are you afraid of airplanes?
Nope.

What gives you goosebumps?
Goosebumps books.

Whose your favorite character on TV?
Sweet Dee. Was this question even necessary?

favorite song?
"Not Afraid"- Eminem
"If I Die Young"- the Band Perry
"When I'm Gone"- Eminem
"The Good Stuff"- Kenny Chesney
"Beautiful"- Eminem
AND pretty much every other Eminem song... I've always loved him; can't help it.

Do you like ice cream?
Sometimes.

What is your least favorite movie?
Why would I bother remembering something like that?

When do you think the world will end?
Soon, hopefully.

Do you live in the moment?
I live by the hour.

Do you consider yourself tolerent to others?
I discriminate against people who can't spell or use proper grammar. Other than that, I'm pretty forgiving.

How long does it take you to shower?
Half an hour.

Do you...?

Smoke?
Nope.

Do drugs?
Only heroin, and only on Thursdays.

Go to church?
Not so much.

Sleep with stuffed animals?
Harold.

Talk to people even if you hate them?
Ever had a job?

Believe in premarital sex?
Is that like believing in Oprah? Then yes, I definitely do.

Want to get married?
Eh, it'll happen.

Want to go to college?
Tried that once.

Want to have children?
Much more than I want to get married.

Like coffee?
It's delicious. I am a sinner.

Wear makeup everytime you go out?
I wear makeup even when I'm not going anywhere. I like to look good; sue me. Or something.

like roller coasters?
More like love.

Like to cook?
I've done it a few times.

Have you ever...?

Been out of the country?
One time.

Been in love?
Two times.

Gone skinny dipping?
Sadly, no.

Had surgery?
Only dental.

Played strip poker?
Didn't get very far.

Been on stage?
Oliver, Oliver...

Pulled an all nighter?
More like an all-weeker.

Gone one day without food?
Easy.

Slept all day?
Even easier.

Kissed a stranger?
He wasn't that strange.

Had a dream that came true?
Tess.

Broken the law?
Aplenty.

Stolen anything?
I stole 11 gumballs from Ryan a few months ago. Maddie knows about this. She was my accomplice.

Been on radio/tv?
Kid stuff.

Bungee jumped?
Gross.

Had a dream that kept coming back?
All too often.

Shopped at Abercrombie and Fitch?
No, but that LFO song is amazing.

Broken a bone?
Fractured a wrist. Does that count?

Been to a theme park?
Lagoon & Disney.

This or That

Pepsi or Coke:
Pepsi.

McDonalds or BUrger King:
BK.

Chocolate or Vanilla:
I've always been attracted to black men.

Burgers or Hot dogs:
Well, now I feel like this survey is getting a bit inappropriate...

is the glass half empty or half full:
Always full of somethin'.

romantic comedy or thriller:
Horror.

waffles or pancakes-
Waffles.

First thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Their face.

Right this moment...

What are you wearing?
Clothes, mostly.

The Last...

Movie you watched:
Saw 3-D. Awesome, in case anyone was wondering.

Movie you rented:
Nobody does that anymore.

Book you read:
"the Help." Great read, by the way.

Person to call you:
The only calls I get are either from Mom or work. Everyone else just texts.
= )

time you wore a skirt:
It's been far too long. I live in scrubs.

Your favorite:

Color:
Blue.

Candy:
Starbursts.

Pizza topping:
Pepperoni.

Fruit:
Watermelon.

TV Show:
It's Always Sunny & SVU.

Holiday:
Christmas.

Number:
11.

Sport to watch:
Basketball.

Flower:
Do not have one.

Aren’t thunderstorms awesome?
They certainly are.

Do you like expensive things?
They're okay.

Why do you smile?
Because I have an amazing one... or so I've been told.

Do you like taking pictures?
NO.

Are you happy you are alive?
I'm pretty stoked about it, yeah.

What or who makes life worth living?
My family, cute babies, & our patients at the hospital.

Do you think you are a nice person?
Too nice, most of the time.

Do you like swimming?
Favorite thing in the world.

Have you ever swam in the ocean?
A few times.

Ever climbed rocks?
Yep.

Was it fun?
It was terrible. Whoever thinks hiking is fun needs to be kicked in the head. By a rock.

Name someone you miss really badly:
Seaners.

Have you lost any one close to you?
Yep.

Ever witnessed some one dieing?
Yep.

Do you have a job?
Yep.

Do you like it?
If I didn't love it, it wouldn't be my job.

Do you have any animals?
One hamster. I raised her myself.

How many windows are in your room?
Uno.

Have you ever online dated?
Hell, no. Forgive the language.

Do you like bulldogs?
Not really. Everyone says they're so cute, but ugh... I don't see it.

Do you like classical music?
I like it about as much as my mom likes rap music. = )

Have you ever dated 2 people at one time?
I like to keep it at 3 or 4.

Have you ever sniffed someone's hair secretly?
No, I have never been a rapist.

Will you tell your friends to do this survey?
Wouldn't dream of it.

Good Morning, Campers.

Some days I think to myself, "I really should blog more. I'm just too busy to find the time." Other days I think, "I really should blog more. I just don't have anything to blog about." Yes, it's true- my life is pretty effin' busy. I spend most of it at work. But I also don't have a lot of life-changing announcements or updates, so I feel like there isn't much to say when I post. At the end of the day, though, it just feels good to write. So I'm going to make a true effort to do so more often. If it's boring, who cares? It's still better than nothing. Right? Right.