Mommy's little badass!

Here is my little dude with his new mohawk! Doesn't he look dangerous? LOL...if I were a robber, I'd think twice before crossing this vicious guard dog!

It's all in who you know!

I had an OB appointment today. Steven was unable to get off work, so my cousin went with me. She is a Labor & Delivery nurse and works with my OB. The appointment was pretty standard. Lots of questions and then we heard Carter's heartbeat. I love that sound!! I have to go back on Thursday to Fetal Diagnostics to have my cervix checked. I was kinda concerned because I am nearly 20 weeks and still haven't had it done. I just want to make sure that my body is still doing what it is supposed to. So...back to the hospital Thursday, then another OB appointment in 3 weeks.

Now for the exciting news! My cousin was working L&D yesterday and one of her patients had a doula. My cousin complimented her on the way she treated her patient and they started talking about the doctor (who happened to be my OB). From there, they began talking about me and my situation. The doula said she would love to meet with me, but that she is booked for December. She told my cousin that she is sure her partner would love to be my doula...for free! I am super excited!! We have to call her and set up a meeting, but Steven and I already discussed it and we are pretty sure that we will take her up on her offer. I will keep you posted!!

Some weird form of nesting?

I am on a friggin roll this week! I seriously usually don't get this much done!! I'm thankful to have some energy back, but I wasn't expecting to just jump in this way.

1) Our driveway is done. Not that I personally paved it myself, but I have a huge sense of accomplishment from knowing that it is over. We have been waiting on my ramp and the driveway for months, and now both are complete!!

2) Today, I made an appointment for Bailey to have his mohawk fixed. Steven cut it a little crooked and I want to make sure he looks like a little stud for our Albany trip next weekend. He goes to the doggy spa Tuesday morning. I will probably go with him. I trust the groomer with him 100%, but he is my baby and I hate leaving him!! I will definitely post pics of him on Tuesday!

3) Bills are paid! I hate to see the money go, but its done!!

4) Plans are in place for the trip next weekend. Steven and his friend are driving out Friday and going to my mother-in-law's. My mom and I may drive out Friday as well. My shower is Saturday at 3pm in Albany, which is about 8-9 hours from here. So, instead of waking up at the ass crack of dawn on Saturday, we may spend Friday night in NY. The only thing I have left to do before the trip is change my oil...which I hate. What a waste of $30!

5) Our central air is in the process of being fixed...$2,400 later!! Apparently, the entire outside unit is shot, so we need a new one. Go figure! If its not one thing, its another! Oh well...I'm pregnant and its too damn hot to go without it!

6) I finally ordered our Cord Blood Collection Kit from CBR. Now that I'm halfway there, I figured I better get all my ducks in a row with that. We're pretty atoment about it because of my paralysis. It's not necessarally that I want the cord blood for myself, but I certainly don't want Carter to ever have to suffer the way I have. So...that's done and I am relieved!

So...I am trying to relax now. I had a craving for those after-dinner mints, so I sent a friend out for them! I will probably eat the entire bag then get back up and get some housework done!!

By popular demand...

Here are my 18 week belly shots. I didn't realize how round I am until I looked at them!! LOL, I am just glad I'm past the "pregnant? or fat??" stage! Now its safe for people to ask when I'm in public!!

Still BLUE!

We had our 2nd trimester ultrasound today. We still have a BOY! He is the most adorable boy ever, too!! See...

Steven and I have also decided not to name him Noah. We love the name, but I am so afraid that he will end up in a class with 3 other kids named Noah. I guess I didn't realize the popularity of the name until I was more aware of it. We picked the name out when we were in high school, so there wasn't much discussion on it recently. We were watching "The Bucket List" this weekend and Steven goes "I really like the name Carter." I absolutely agreed. So...after much debate, we have decided that our baby boy will be Carter John Butchino. I promised him today that we will not confuse him like this ever again!! I guess its better to change his name now, rather than after he is born!

Anyway, the ultrasound was so fun. The sonographer had to poke at him for awhile, but he was moving all over. It was breath-taking. Then the doctor came in just to double check that everything looked good physically (which it did) and he goes "Whose lips are those??" LOL, Steven goes "Hers!" It was funny...but I do have big lips! Its amazing to see our features on his face. I want more ultrasounds!!

So...everything is normal and looking good. I was informed that the lady who did my very 1st ultrasound gave me the wrong due date. My real one is December 19, which makes me 18 weeks and 3 days, not 17 weeks and 5 days. Anyway, just that much sooner that my boy will be in my arms! I can't wait!!

In my dreams!!

OK, I heard the dreams you have during pregnancy were quite graphic and sometimes "naughty", but holy cow! I was just discussing this with Sara...so now I know I'm not the only one!! I don't feel so bad. Anyway...I thought I'd share, because they're downright funny.

At first, the dreams were strictly Steven and I. I would wake up thinking we were actually in the middle of "doin' the deed"...and he'd be fast asleep on the other end of the bed. I kinda thought my brain was just going crazy, but I hadn't seen anything yet!

In the last week, I have dream-cheated on my husband with 2 different men. I feel terrible about it, because I seriously do NOT fantasize about anyone else when I am awake. At the beginning of the week, I had 2 different flings with Memphis from Big Brother 10. Last night, I switched my sights to Brady Quinn, QB for the Cleveland Browns. In my defense, a news story on him was the last thing I watched before bed...I think that's why. Reguardless, I feel dirty and I need to find Jesus!!!

Pregnancy just gets weirder and weirder!

We're still here!

We're still here...just enjoying the nice weather. It has been so nice the last few days. I just hate that this pregnancy has made me so lazy! I seriously have had no energy. Maybe its because I don't work...I just need motivation. That is why I can't wait until my 1st shower on the 2nd. After that, I will be able to start Noah's room. I need to compare the bedding we picked out to paint, so it matches well. Here is the one we registered for.

I think I want the paint to match the lighter blue color in the quilt. We'll see how it comes together!! I can't wait until everything is ready for our little MVP to come home!

I have an appointment for an ultrasound on Monday, so I'm just waiting for that. I can't wait to see our little man again! And I promise I'll post a belly pic soon!!

You mean they're gonna get BIGGER??

I had a fun day of shopping at Motherhood today. I needed jeans because my other ones have been hurting my stomach. They were just too tight. So, first I picked out a pair of Secret-Fit Belly jeans. I am hesitant to wear them because I am in denial that I need full panel front jeans. But they do look verrrrrrrry comfy!! I also got a pair of overalls because they were on clearance for $16.99. I love them and see myself living in them for awhile!! Then, I began my mission for something to wear to my shower in Albany on August 2nd. I found an adorable dress shirt that will match my black maternity dress pants. Jackpot! I also bought 2 tanks to wear under all the low-cut shirts that I now ooze out of. Here's my problem...

My boobs are out of control. I'm not a very big girl. Last week, I went to Victoria's Secret to buy a new bra. Well...the 34D was too small. Sooo...I tried on the 34DD and it was just a teeny bit too big. It fit better than the D, but I have a hard time moving up cup sizes because I hate boobs!! I found a 36D that seemed to fit. Well, when I got it home, it felt kind of tight. I am only going to get bigger, right? WTF is happening to my body?????

A great big "Thank you!"

I wanted to post to show my gratitude to all of our soldiers that risk their lives every day for people they have never even met. Before this war began, war was just something that happened a million miles away...something that I was never really directly affected by. This war is much different. My little brother just got back from Iraq and will be heading back out shortly. On his first deployment, he was shot in the leg by an AK-47 after being in Iraq for only a few hours. Thank the Lord, he made a full physical recovery after a few months. He went out knowing that he could be hurt or killed, but did it anyway...as many others do. I respect them with all of my being and I am so proud of all of our soldiers. So, to all of you out there fighting, and to their families...THANK YOU!

I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow. While you're grilling and enjoying fireworks with friends and loved ones, slip in a prayer for all those who can't be here with us.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!

Almost...but not quite.

I had about a week of no morning sickness. I thought I was good to go. Steven and I were at Walmart last night...another flat tire! Anyway, I started feeling kinda queasy in the store. By the time I got out to the car, I had my head in a plastic bag. I got sick again before bed. Steven rubbed my back until we fell asleep. He is the perfect pregnant husband!! I felt nasty right off the bat this morning...lovely. I took a Zofran, but I still feel kinda yucky. Thankfully, I don't feel like I'm going to toss my cookies, but its still early!

Right now, my dogs are running around being protective. There are a few guys in the driveway and yard. We are having a ramp put on the back of our house. Up until now, I have just had Steven carry me in and out of the house. It has sucked during the day when he is at work because I have no way in and out. I just sit here and watch TV or make sure the house is clean. So, next week, I will be free! It will be nice to just get up and go whenever...if I'm not feeling sick, LOL!