Jamie and Kim - "When God made you..."

[Jamie'sBride]

At my dear friend's (http://forums.onewed.com/member.php?u=10303) request, so begins my after wedding journal. I found this site about a month after our wedding, and I would have LOVED to have been a part of it and had my own wedding planning journal. There are similar sites I frequented, but without mentioning any names, I'll just say they made me feel... less than adequate. For instance, I didn't plan on having three different wedding dresses to reveal throughout the night costing upwards of $15,000 EACH. Just wasn't my kind of place ;) Made me feel about thisbig.

You are all so friendly and encouraging and helpful and down-to-earth. I found a whole forum of people just like me. What an amazing place! And even though the wedding of my dreams is over, I can't stay away.

Here's a little tease of the wedding pictures. I can't seem to upload more than 4 pictures at a time, so I put some favorites in a collage. Click it to see my entire album.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j316/Kimberlygrace12/mosaic6094509.jpg (http://kimandjamie.blogspot.com/)

So, that's my little recap. It's nice to meet you all. :)

[WebLady]

We are glad you like it here and we are glad to have you :grinhappy:

Great pictures; thanks for sharing!

Congrats :flower:

[KMS]

It's great to have you! I would have loved for you to be here during your wedding planning. It seems like we have very similar tastes...a very feminine, lacy, and pink wedding! I am absolutely smitten with your pictures! You had an amazing photograher.

Welcome to OW! :flower:

[Kirby]

Yay!! I can't wait to see more entries in your after wedding journal! :)

Your wedding was beautiful and I would have been there in a second if finances would have allowed it.

[PGDesigns]

Welcome!

The pictures are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

[NicksBride]

Welcome, Welcome! What a gorgeous wedding you had. your dress was so pretty!!!
Can't wait to hear more about you and your new husband!

[Jamie'sBride]

How's THAT for a title? I'm not telling a soul about this, except my husband of course, so I figured why not post it on the Internet? ;)

We've officially stopped taking the pill. That was part of Jamie's Valentine's Day gift to me; telling me that he felt like we were in a place where we could start trying. He might as well have balled the whole world up in his hands and presented it to me. That's what it felt like. I had been given the WORLD. I've wanted children since I was a child. I've been ready since long before we were married. I've often told Jamie that I think my purpose in life is to be a good mama. That's it. That's why I'm here on this earth. I strongly believe that my children will cure cancer or save the president's life one day or something equally heroic...lol;) Seriously, I've never felt anything stronger or wanted anything more. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it.

And for the first time, I really feel like Jamie has shaken away some of his fears about fatherhood and is excited about this. I worried at first that he agreed to it just for me, because he knows how much I want it. But it's just the things he's been doing lately...out of the blue saying "Abby will like to have..." (Abigail is going to be our first born daughter's name.) Or we'll be lying in bed about to go to sleep, and he'll stroke my hair away and say "how long to you think it will take?" He was sitting there, thinking about conception... maybe I'm cheesy, but that thrills me. That he's right there, on board with me on this. There was a time that I wondered if he ever would be. His father fathered like a drill sergeant, and Jamie has a lot of pain associated with that. His fears stem from his childhood a lot but, I try to remind him he's so tender and gentle...you should see him with our niece and nephew. He's amazing, and they ADORE him. And not to mention all of our students! (Have I ever mentioned that we run a martial arts studio?) They all love him. I love to look at the awe and respect in their eyes when he teaches. Plain and simple, he's going to be a wonderful father. I just wish I could convince him of that.

I officially stopped the pill last Sunday, the 17th. I have an appointment with my OBGYN on Monday for preconception counseling and to start prenatal vitamins and to receive demands about stopping caffeine and all of that fun stuff, I'm sure.

And I can't wait.

[Kirby]

Eeee! Kimmy I am so excited for you!! :bbbiggrin: That is such great news. You and Jamie will make terrific parents.

Your post was so sweet. The fact that he told you how he felt on Valentines Day is so... awww! :soppy:

[PGDesigns]

Sounds like the two of you will make great parents! On the internet, emotions are not always clear since they are simply words on a screen, but after that last post, it is quite obvious how you two feel about each other. (And I am sitting here smiling for you!)

Good luck!

[KMS]

I don't even have our wedding pictures yet! We are still saving up money to afford the cd. We're just starting out and we're still pretty poor! Poor, but happy and in love! I can't wait to post all of the pictures on here to share with all of my OW girls though!

It is so, so wonderful that you guys are going to start TTC! That is such a blessing! I can just tell how excited you are. Chad & I plan on waiting a few years, but we'll just have to see what's in store for us. I look forward to following along on your journey!

[lize566]

Congratulations on marrying the man of your dreams and for getting the okay to start TTC!! I also can't wait to follow along on your journey because I can't wait to start trying myself. Your post was so sweet, and I total relate, b/c I also have always wanted to be a mom, but DH has some major reservations about it, mostly b/c of his father, as well. Good luck with everything!

[Jamie'sBride]

We had our first official house hunt Sunday morning. 10 houses in 5 hours. You know how they always say with life changing decisions, when the time comes to make that decision, you just know what's right. Kind of like my wedding dress, I put it on and I just knew. Well, the Realtor told us finding our home would be the same. I hadn't thought much about her statement since she said it, really figuring that there were so many options and overwhelming information involved in choosing a home that having that feeling was a luxury we just couldn't afford. Well, on Sunday, we had probably already seen about 7 houses, and we were going over stats and square footage, monthly payments, pros/cons, etc. when we dove up to a house that I didn't want to look at particularly at all. It was about $30,000 UNDER our budgeted price range, and come on, who wants to go down? I just thought it a waste of time, but Jamie said it was important to explore all areas. So, we pulled up to this....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2290741295_8cd4ce7ec1_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlygrace12/2290741295/)


And when we walked in the door, I got it. I felt it. For the first time that day. We stayed in the house for a long time taking pictures and looking at all the little details and discussing the things we might want to request or change a little bit. We were SO excited. It made it hard to even look at the rest of the houses on our list. When we got home last night and were going over all of the information, calling parents to tell them about it, Jamie said "You know what? That house just felt like home." It's not the biggest we looked at, by any means, nor the nicest. But it's like a glove for us. It's exactly what we need. Some pics...

Big master...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2049/2289358819_94f502f558.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlygrace12/2289358819/)



Jacuzzi!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2140/2290146108_c387d93314.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlygrace12/2290146108/)


And my favorite part, the tray ceilings!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2365/2290150006_6ccd95c021.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlygrace12/2290150006/)


Now, the pessimist in me wants to just not even post this. Because things might fall through, other opportunities might come up, any number of things can happen. But as of right now, we love it and we can't think of anything else. Keep your fingers crossed for us! Offers and negotiations will begin soon.

[lize566]

Buying a house is so exciting!! When we bought ours, it was the only house we looked at!! I knew it was the one for us, so we didn't waste anymore time. It's such an awesome feeling! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, b/c it can be such a stressful time, with all the waiting and anticipating and everything!! Good luck!!

[Kirby]

I already told you, but I love it!!! :goodluck:

[Jamie'sBride]

I had my preconception counseling session yesterday afternoon. I was so worried they were going to do a myriad of exams and blood tests to reveal that I can't have children because I have some rare disorder or disease that I didn't know about all these years. This completely irrational fear had consumed me, and I've been almost dreading the appointment since I made it. That's pretty much me...I'm the definition of hypochondriac. While I had nothing specific I feared was wrong, I just KNEW it was there. I want this so much that I keep thinking there must be something that will keep it from happening.

But as I left work yesterday and headed out to the doctor's office, I got a surge of energy and excitement. It was a beautiful, sunny day, traffic was great, and I was in a fabulous mommy-type mood! As I got settled into my seat in the waiting room, I listened to two women chatting a few feet from me. Both pregnant, of course, they were discussing childcare options and whether or not they're going to breast-feed, etc. I closed my eyes and just imagined being in their place. Then upon further eavesdropping, a father was mentioned, and one of the women replied that he was "gone"..."not going to be around" and I noticed there was no ring. My heart sunk a little bit for her. Without Jamie, this just doesn't work. (aside from the obvious reasons, of course) None of it does. I can't fathom raising a baby or being excited about childbirth without him. As I told him on the phone after my appointment, he's the linchpin in this whole deal. It all hinges on him. The house, the children, everything. He's the center of it all. My heart aches for that young, excited girl as I sit here and type this. She doesn't have what I have, yet her head is held high and she has a positive outlook from what I could tell. I feel blessed not to be in her shoes, yet I admire her at the same time.

My name was called, and I eased into the seat in the examination room, no gowns or sheets or icky stirrups this visit. Just talking. It was a really great visit. The basic list we discussed:

Prenatal vitamins
Walking at least three times a week
Only 1 - 2 caffeinated beverages a day
No prescription drugs without letting the doctor know we're trying to conceive
NO excessive alcohol. He stressed that that's the worst possible thing I can do. A glass of wine here and here, but no heavy drinking. I've never been a drinker, so that wasn't a problem.
No smoking, of course
And the weirdest thing he brought up, dental work! He said if I have any dental work that needs to be done, DO IT NOW!

He estimated that if we do these things, and of course another thing no less than three times a week, we should be with child in less than 6 months. 6 months seems like an eternity to me, but I'm sure it will happen sooner. Oh, I hope it does... And there were no blood tests or anything like that. He said that only women who have not had regular annual physical exams need all of that work done, and he assured me that if anything was wrong, my physicals would have shown it. I'd rather see proof that nothing is wrong with me, on paper, in front of my eyes, rather than just assuming it would have been caught.. But, I think I can deal with doing it this way.

So off I went, giant box of Prenatal vitamins and unbridled excitement in tow.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j316/Kimberlygrace12/DatabasePics005.jpg
Said giant box awarded me much conversation in the elevator...women congratulated me and asked if it was my first, how far along I was, etc. I didn't want to give complete strangers a spiel about our attempt to conceive, so I just said "Yes, it's my first." I can't even tell you the chills I got from saying those words.

[NicksBride]

That is soooo exciting. I am so glad to hear your TTC. It is really an exciting time. That house you are looking at is GORGEOUS! I love the tub and the ceiling. Its huge. LOL
Can't wait to hear about your lives unfolding together in the coming months!

[Kirby]

I'm glad the appointment went well. :)

I think that is is so wonderful when a couple plans a baby. When they wait until they know they are ready and it is the right time. When they prepare their body ahead of time and purposely stop using protection hoping to get pregnant. What a wonderful way for a baby to start it's life- coming into a world where he or she was planned and hoped for.

So many people I know get pregnant and go "Oops!" and talk about how the baby wasn't planned and wonder if they are ready and how they are going to do this. They learn to deal with it and usually end up happy that it happened, but it's just not the same. Plus, they are usually not married so they dread telling their families, fearing negative comments and opinions.

Sorry I'm getting all sappy. I just think that it is great to do things like you are. I hope that when Jon and I have children it is just like that. :)

[Jamie'sBride]

Was doing a little research last night, and found this list of things to do and not to do while you're pregnant...

Things You SHOULD Do
You Should Get Regular Medical Exams

You Should Get the RDA (Reccomended Daily Allowance) for Folic Acid - Do prenatal vitamins not have the RDA of Folic Acid? SHOULDN'T they?
You Should Check Your Immunity to German Measles (Rubella) - How do I do that?
You Should Take Prenatal Vitamins
You Should Eat Plenty of Protein
You Should Eat Well and Get Plenty of Exercise.
You Should Be Sure to Get Enough Fat in Your Diet - Woohoo!
You Should Do Kegal Exercises - Kegal? What's that?
You Should Use House Plants
You Should Focus on Your Child and Avoid Negative Thoughts and Actions
You Should Take Care When Traveling
You Should Talk to Your Doctor about Existing Conditions and Your Family HistoryThings You Should NOT Do
You Should Not Smoke or be Around People Who Do
You Should Not Drink Alcohol
You Should Not Take Illegal Drugs
You Should Not Take Presecription Drugs or Over the Counter (OTC) drugs, Including Aspirin, Unless Told to Do So by Your Doctor
You Should Avoid Hot Dogs - Wha?
You Should Avoid Caffeine
You Should Avoid Contact with Reptiles - huh?
You Should Avoid Tick Bites
You Should Avoid Fish - For the love of God, no! Does this include crab?
You Should Not Eat Junk Food - :bawling:
You Should Avoid Vitamin A Supplements
You Should Avoid X-Rays
You Should Avoid VDTs
You Should Avoid Microwaves
You Should not Use an Electric Blanket
You Should Not Use a Water Bed
You Should Avoid Drinking Tap Water
You Should Avoid Stress
You Should Not Expose Yourself to Pesticides
You Should Avoid Fumes from Paint, Paint Thinner, Household Cleaning Products and so on - No more cleaning, check.
You Should Avoid Raising Your Body Temperature
You Should Not Use a Sauna, Hot Tub or Take Long Hot Baths
You Should Avoid Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes.

You Should Avoid Uncooked Meat. - No more cooking, check.
You Should Avoid HerpesIn essence, I realized how truly clueless I am! This is not going to be as easy as I thought...and I didn't think it would be easy... :helpsmilie:

[4424]

[quote=Jamie'sBride;240207]Was doing a little research last night, and found this list of things to do and not to do while you're pregnant...

Things You SHOULD Do

You Should Get Regular Medical Exams
You Should Get the RDA (Reccomended Daily Allowance) for Folic Acid - Do prenatal vitamins not have the RDA of Folic Acid? SHOULDN'T they? most prenatal vits have between 500-800mcg of folic acid. recommendations are 400mcg unless you have a reason to take more (ask your dr.). prescriiption strength prenatal vits tend to have 1000mcg i think.
You Should Check Your Immunity to German Measles (Rubella) - How do I do that? your doctor will run a lot of blood tests when you're planning to make sure you are properly vaccinated/immune to many diseases. this includes rubella, hepatitis, etc.
You Should Take Prenatal Vitamins
You Should Eat Plenty of Protein
You Should Eat Well and Get Plenty of Exercise.
You Should Be Sure to Get Enough Fat in Your Diet - Woohoo!
You Should Do Kegal Exercises - Kegal? What's that? kegal exercises are pelvic floor exercises that are usually done in patients if they have stress incontinence (pee when they cough, sneeze, etc). this happens because the muscles are too loose, usually after many vaginal deliveries. kegal exercises help strengthen these muscles.
You Should Use House Plants
You Should Focus on Your Child and Avoid Negative Thoughts and Actions
You Should Take Care When Traveling
You Should Talk to Your Doctor about Existing Conditions and Your Family HistoryThings You Should NOT Do

You Should Not Smoke or be Around People Who Do
You Should Not Drink Alcohol
You Should Not Take Illegal Drugs
You Should Not Take Presecription Drugs or Over the Counter (OTC) drugs, Including Aspirin, Unless Told to Do So by Your Doctor
You Should Avoid Hot Dogs - Wha?
You Should Avoid Caffeine
You Should Avoid Contact with Reptiles - huh?
You Should Avoid Tick Bites
You Should Avoid Fish - For the love of God, no! Does this include crab? for hot dogs, reptiles, fish, they all carry a risk of having viruses or organisms that might infect the baby
You Should Not Eat Junk Food - :bawling:
You Should Avoid Vitamin A Supplements
You Should Avoid X-Rays
You Should Avoid VDTs
You Should Avoid Microwaves
You Should not Use an Electric Blanket
You Should Not Use a Water Bed
You Should Avoid Drinking Tap Water
You Should Avoid Stress
You Should Not Expose Yourself to Pesticides
You Should Avoid Fumes from Paint, Paint Thinner, Household Cleaning Products and so on - No more cleaning, check.
You Should Avoid Raising Your Body Temperature
You Should Not Use a Sauna, Hot Tub or Take Long Hot Baths
You Should Avoid Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes. see below about toxoplasmosis.
You Should Avoid Uncooked Meat. - No more cooking, check. to prevent the risk of toxoplasmosis, also something that can hurt the baby/defects if you get infected.
You Should Avoid Herpesi hope that helps.

[70707Bride]

I love your journal already! I'm so glad that you like it here at OW, it is hard to stay away! Lol. I am so excited for your baby, and didn't realize everything that you should avoid during pregnancy...I'll have to remember your post when the time comes!

Oh, and I love love love that house! Just from the few pics, I'd have so much fun decorating! I hope you get it!

[June_Bride2008]

I love the house. I hope all is going well for the 2 of you guys!!!!!

[KMS]

I haven't been around here much for the last few days, except to update my food journal because I just can't help it! I missed so much new info from your journal! Any house news? I love, love that house! I know what you mean about that feeling. I know it's not the same, but as soon as we saw this apartment we just stopped looking. It felt like home!

It is so exciting that you had your doc appointment and that you are moving forward with the TTC. So many of the items on the to do and not to do list are things that you can get accustomed to and carry them with you beyond pregnancy. I know it's going to be difficult, but look at it as a good opportunity!

You are such an entertaining writer. You just have a way with words! :happy:

[KMS]

So I was reading my Natural Health magazine and ran across an article on fertility. I thought that I would share it with you so you can be super fertile! :laugh: Some of the tips are already in your to do/not to do list...

Changeyour diet.
-Eliminate trans fats (hydrogenated oil) from the diet. These fats may derail ovulation by interfering with a cell receptor that controls inflammation, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity.
-Eliminate or reduce white sugar and flour
Eat foods that keep your blood sugar balanced.
-Buy Organic
To reduce your exposure to pesticides, stick to organic food. Many pesticides contain estrogen-mimicking endocrine disrupters and other reproductive toxins. Shop for organic versions that normally have high levels of additives or residual pesticides, like meat, poultry, dairy, rice, oats, onions, potatoes, celery, spinach, green beans, strawberries, peaches, apples, and grapes.
-Get enough protein.
Eat atleast 2.5 oz of protein a day. The amino acids are essential for egg production and vital for producing fertility-promoting hormones.
-Eat some fat.
A small amount of fat is important for your body to make fertility-related hormones. Eat a handful of nuts & seeds for unsaturated fat. You'll find essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil, eggs, pumpkin seeds, leafy green veggies, and soy products.

-Take a fertility supplement
-Relax!
Try yoga or meditation if you find that you can't relax enough.

[Jamie'sBride]

Peridot_Bride said she wanted to see my Guest Book, so here it is...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2302920602_ae1e44ede3_o.jpg

We actually used it as an "attendant book" and everyone in the wedding party signed it, kind of like a year book. We had a more classic, traditional guest book at the ceremony.

[Jamie'sBride]

Well, guess what? WE GOT THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We submitted the offer, requesting that closing costs be paid, and we knocked off $2,000 from the list price. When our Realtor gave the offer to their Realtor, they said she was crazy! The sellers had just reduced to price and we were just insulting them with that offer...well, our Realtor played hard-ball and said "okay, well...they like lots of houses. You have until 10:00 PM to respond, we'll go ahead and book some appointments to look at the other houses again this weekend..." Two hours later, the sellers accepted the offer. They didn't even come back with a counter! Our Realtor is awesome, by the way.

We will close on April 3rd, and I am just BESIDE myself with excitement! I've already gotten a few boxes to pack up the things we don't use, and my mom and I are going shopping tomorrow for some deco-type things.

EEEKK!!

Oh, and Keely? Onewed says I've given you too much reputation, LOL, so I couldn't post this above, but THANK YOU for that list. I've been meaning to look at things that will make me more fertile. Of course, the OBGYN won't mention any of it until we have a problem, but I see no reason not to. Certainly couldn't hurt, right? Thanks again!

[KMS]

Happy dance ---> :jphappy:!!!

I am so happy for you guys! Things are just falling right into place!

And you're very welcome for the list! :flower:

[Kirby]

Congrats on the house!!!! I am thrilled for you!! :ura1:

I love your book! Thanks for posting! I like the idea of using it for just the attendants to write in. Did you have them sign it at your rehearsal dinner?

[Jamie'sBride]

No, the photographer had a weird policy of bringing the guestbook with her the morning of the ceremony, but there was MORE than plenty of time for them to all sign it while we were taking pictures.

[uptowngirl]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! On the house!!! Yay! That is so exciting!

So when do you close/move in??

[Jamie'sBride]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j316/Kimberlygrace12/Home2BStuff2B003.jpg

We decided to finally make good use of all of my wedding gift cards and buy things for the house. Now let me tell you, I LOVE to shop, but I don't think I've ever had more fun on a shopping spree than I had on this one. Partly because it's for our very first house of course, but mostly because I didn't spend a DIME! And I still have lots more gift cards left over, so I'm not done yet. Today, I got...

Towels
Deco towels for guest bathroom
Soap dispenser/soap dish for guest bathroom
Mirror to go over the mantle in living room
Mat for the front door
Paper towel holder for the kitchen
Various other deco things
Eee! So much fun!

Thanks for all the congrats! I'm still so excited I can barely contain myself! I don't think it has sunk in yet; and it won't until moving day I'm sure. Thanks again!

[70707Bride]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats on the house! I can't wait to see more pics!

[WBandMe]

Ahh! Congrats on the house! Congrats on TTC! In spite of it being 4am your journal just perked me right up. You have the most wonderful attitude about things--you just exude love and happiness over your husband, your soon-to-be baby, your beautiful new home ... and that's over the internet! Impressive :) Seriously though, it just seems like life is falling into place beautifully for you. I truly do wish you the best in everything!

...off to check out your wedding album!

Haha, I still had time to sneak in and edit this. Your pictures are gorgeous and I LOOOVE your cake! Wow!

Also, my FH is a martial artist too--what kind does your DH do?

[Jamie'sBride]

Hey WBandMe!! Thanks so much for all of your compliments! Wow, that was just so sweet of you! I know what you mean, I love 4AM OneWed-ing ;) One post leads you to another, then to a profile, then to a journal...before you realize it, you've been on for HOURS!

That is SO cool that your FH is a martial artist too! We even go up to Illinois once a year for a big tournament. Jamie is Tang Soo Do...what's your FH?

[WBandMe]

You're welcome! William has sampled this and that, but his big thing is Budo AikiJutsu. I tagged along to one of his classes but it was just awkward for me to watch him teach--it made me feel the same as I would if I went to work with him and sat at his desk all day, like I was somewhere I shouldn't be haha. So, anyway, I know it's something he DOES...but that's about it.

[Jamie'sBride]

...but I feel like I have to say something! It's just all technical stuff going on right now. Our loan paperwork has all been APPROVED!! Woohoo!! We pretty much figured it would be, considering how much lower we went than originally anticipated. We had our inspection scheduled for Friday morning, Jamie took off work to be there for it, then the inspector's office called and said he couldn't make it because we had just a little bit of snow coming down. And this was about 15 minutes after the scheduled time! Poor Jamie was sitting out there in the driveway waiting for him. It breaks my heart when someone does that to Jamie, and I was LIVID! I kept asking Jamie who I could call and yell at, but he just kept telling me to calm down. He never gets upset about things like that...but he took off work to be there! That's valuable vacation time, gone. But they rescheduled it and it was taken care of this morning. We'll get the report on Tuesday and then the stress of getting things fixed will begin!

You know, I'm getting a little bit sick of people calling it a "cute little house" and crinkling up their nose when I tell them the square footage. We actually were going to go with at least a 2,000 square foot house to begin with, but then I really, really thought about it. And I know so many couples who bought the bigger house and were so happy with it, then had children and that huge mortgage prevented them from doing the things for the baby they wanted. And with what we've chosen, I won't even have to work after we have children. That's infinitely more important to me than a big house. It's exactly what we need, so I guess all those people can continue to assume what they want!

One more thing...I've been nauseated every night this week, at the same time every night. Eeeek!! I've never been so happy to be feeling sick, LOL. Jamie says I'm imagining it because I want it so bad. And he just might be right. But if I were imagining it, wouldn't it come in the morning? I dunno. Period is scheduled to start on Thursday. Pray that it doesn't!

[Kirby]

Yay on getting apporoved. And how rude of the inspector guy to do that to Jamie. Jon is the complete opposite of Jamie I think. He would have freaked and been really cranky about it, and I would be the one telling him to calm down, lol.

Ok, that house does not look "little" to me! And not "cute", it's beautiful! Don't listen to what people say. Just because some people choose to go into major debt for a mansion that has so much room they don't know what to do with it doesn't mean that everyone has to. You know that it is the perfect home for your family and that is all that matters. That is awesome that you guys are ggoing to be able to afford for you to stay home with the babies! I know that is what you really want.

And "Eeee!" about the sickness. (that sounds so weird to say!) I will be thinking of you on Thursday! :bbbiggrin:

[Jamie'sBride]

Luckily we were snowed in from work on Friday afternoon when UPS knocked on the door with the WEDDING PICS!! Yes, I do realize that it's been 4 months since the wedding...they were HARD decisions! I couldn't resist putting one of my ideas together immediately. My inspiration piece was this frame...

http://bp0.blogger.com/_D0cOELt-WIw/R9Np6bCKJ5I/AAAAAAAAAb8/-CLB_jD7fM8/s400/Wedding+Collage.JPG (http://bp0.blogger.com/_D0cOELt-WIw/R9Np6bCKJ5I/AAAAAAAAAb8/-CLB_jD7fM8/s1600-h/Wedding+Collage.JPG)

And I ordered just these 4 pictures in "sephia" rather than color. Doesn't it all come together well? Can't wait to get it hung up in the new house! I also have a large canvas and several other prints to have fun with. I think I'll wait until money isn't so tight to get those ready.

[Kirby]

That is so pretty! I love it, great choice! How big is the canvas?

[70707Bride]

Ooo! I love the picture frame! It'll look good with the sephia, sometimes they just look better not being color!

[uptowngirl]

You know, I'm getting a little bit sick of people calling it a "cute little house" and crinkling up their nose when I tell them the square footage.

This cracked me up! Our "cute little house" really is - we have about 700 square feet, and it's all that we need! Our mortgage is low, and it takes about 10 minutes to clean the whole place! Your house is just beautiful - the ceilings are amazing, and if it makes you guys happy that is all that matters!



One more thing...I've been nauseated every night this week, at the same time every night. Eeeek!! I've never been so happy to be feeling sick, LOL. Jamie says I'm imagining it because I want it so bad. And he just might be right. But if I were imagining it, wouldn't it come in the morning? I dunno. Period is scheduled to start on Thursday. Pray that it doesn't!

Wheeee!!!! I am excited for you! :)

[Jamie'sBride]

A very unwelcome visitor showed up last night. 3 days early, too. I guess that's good though. At least I don't have to worry myself sick now waiting for Thursday.

I know I've only been trying for a month, and it's really probably selfish of me to even have hoped that it would happen that fast. But I just really thought it would. Isn't that crazy? We had just finished eating dinner last night when it was discovered, and I was all hyped up to finish the dishes and the ironing. Then it happened. I told Jamie about it, then went straight to bed. Jamie was very sweet, he immediately followed me into the bedroom to cuddle me and reassure me that it would happen, I just have to give it time. I didn't cry or anything, I just felt numb. Then I was sitting in a meeting at work this morning, and I got this feeling...the only thing I can think of to compare it to is 5 year-old me, standing in the middle of Target just after my mother told me I couldn't get my Teddy Ruxpin, throwing myself on the floor, kicking and screaming, demanding my doll. That's what I want to do right now. I've taken leave of all of the sensibilities that maturity and rationalization have developed over the years, and I just want to scream until I get what I want. It's an overwhelming feeling.

Patience is a virtue. I just have to keep telling myself that.

And to top thing off, you know this the first period I've had off the pill in three years, and I had forgotten what they were like! So, to add to my depression, my whole back ACHES, my sides are cramping, my head hurts, I'm weak and shaky, the flow is unbelievably heavy...it really sucks.

So that's me, bringing a ray of sunshine into your lives this morning.

[JCM]

Sorry to hear about your unwelcomed visitor. Just be patient it will happen, maybe this is just God's way of keeping you from being pregnant while trying to pack up for a new house. Just keep in mind that everything happens for a reason!

[BrandyGibbons]

Now that you are off of the pill your body needs time to get back to normal. This period is telling you that everything is working and that is good to know. Give it some time, you have a lot on your plate right now with the house, once you are in the house things will happen. Just be positive.

[70707Bride]

I'm sorry to hear that! I know its not what you wanted, but when it does happen, it'll be perfect! Just be patient for that!

[Kirby]

I'm sorry Kimmy! :bbsad:

[KMS]

I've had many friends who got off of the pill and took a few months for their body to readjust before they got pregnant. I know how it is when you start feeling sore or nauseated and are thinking, "Am I pregnant?". I'm so sorry that your bubble was burst like that.

:purplex: about all of the cute little house comments. When I first got engaged, one of my friends kept calling my ring "dainty". Ahem...Thanks? It's what you guys want and I can totally see it as a happy little home with you TTC and all. I just love it!

[Jamie'sBride]

Been quiet lately...not a whole lot to say. No baby at the present moment, and all of the house plans are still underway. Closing day is April 3rd, and we gave them 7 days to get moved out, which they took. :irked: But, on the plus side, they have to pay us rent for that week which we'll get at closing...and that will cover the cost of our security system install. So it all evens out, but doesn't take away the fact that I'm SO ready to move in I'm going crazy!

Noticed a trend here? Patient I am not.

Wednesday nights are my night off from the school, and my night out with my mom. She has come to affectionately call these weekly dates "Girls Night Out." We usually go to a nice dinner and my favorite thing...SHOPPING! And it normally involves my second favorite thing...shopping on her. Woohoo!! We're going to get my big wedding canvas framed tonight! I can't WAIT to see what it looks like in its frame. Will be posting pictures, of course.

Big Easter weekend is coming up, and I'm already dreading it. All of you out there in the Mrs. Club, is it normal for holidays to all SUCK after you're married and/or seriously involved? I don't remember things sucking this bad when I was little. But, then again, we lived hundreds of miles away from extended family. I'm starting to think that's the way to go. I feel like all we do is run around trying to please everyone else and avoid hurting any and all feelings. Forget about enjoying it ourselves. It's just not about us anymore.:purplex:

[KMS]

Yeah, it does tend to get hectic during the holidays when you have people come at your from both sides. I'm really trying to get in the frame of mind where I just enjoy the holidays rather than being a people pleaser. However, I'm a people pleaser in general so I'm not too confident in that plan!

[Jamie'sBride]

We went to Michael's to have the canvas custom framed. We decided to go ahead and put it behind glass because of this awesome "Conservation Masterpiece" glass Michael's has, it makes the painting just POP out...plus, I really think portraits look better matted. So, after all choices were made, we got the total...$140!!! I was SHOCKED! If my mom hadn't been treating, I would have had to tuck my tail between my legs and take my lonely portrait home with me. It's due to be ready on April 3rd which, if you remember, is also closing day. Good day!

The office is closing at noon today for Good Friday, and I'm just chomping at the bit to get out of here!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j316/Kimberlygrace12/HE.jpg

[Kirby]

Oooh, I'll bet it will look good. April 3rd will be a great day for you!!

[Jamie'sBride]

We opted out of going to church this year...mostly because we still don't have an established church yet, and Jamie seems to think it's "silly" to just to to church once a year. :snide: Once is better than none! I wanted to go to the church where we got married, but it's a Methodist church and he grew up Southern Baptist...and there are issues, let's just put it that way. He has promised me that we'll start looking for a church once we get moved and settled. I'm totally fine with Baptist, I just want to GO.

Anyway, we decided to go see the daffodils instead. There's a mountain just outside of Little Rock where MILLIONS of daffodils peak for about two weeks in early Spring. I've been hearing about it since I moved here, about 5 years ago, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2361450626_a079b78786.jpg
We were just the tiniest bit disappointed. Jamie and my mom didn't even get out of the car! Jamie was having allergy issues and figured the flowers would just do him in, and my mom just didn't want to walk, LOL. So my dad and I trekked our way through the flowers. At one point my dad remarked. "This might be worth it if we had a fat little baby to plunk down in them to take pictures..." And I excitedly replied, "Well then next year it will be GREAT!" He's right, it was too crowded to even get a picture of just the flowers. And they're already starting to wilt a little.

After that, we went to Jamie's parents' house for Easter lunch/dinner. Our niece and nephew must have had WAY too much candy by the time we got there, because they were so wound up, they were talking a mile a minute. Here they're trying to get Jamie to quit being so camera shy...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2359485065_4ecc11e576.jpg
...They had to pin his hands back to keep him from covering his face.

We ate dinner and had nice conversation.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2359484161_54e7e22b2c.jpg

[Jamie'sBride]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2359484559_4ee4ec67b6.jpg

This has got to be the scariest little lamb I've ever seen! We went back and fourth between it looking like "The Crow" of the lambs or the clown from "It" Jamie's mom makes it every year, but it's never been quite so scary.

It was a nice time I guess. The biggest problem I have with going there (Who am I kidding, it's not the biggest.) is how long we stay! They requested us there at 3:00...dinner wasn't served until 5:00!! And dessert wasn't served until after 8:00. So we didn't head out until 9:00..that's 6 freaking hours! Way too long. For family dinners like that, I say 3 hours at the very most. I finally had to go get my shoes and purse before anyone got the hint that it was TIME. Rules and manners just don't apply when it's late on Sunday night and I still haven't done laundry.

Next week, we are CLOSING on our HOME!! I can't believe it. Then we move the following week. I'm so ready to get there...to quit tripping over boxes and not being able to find anything. Our apartment has been smaller to me these last few months than it was the entire 3 years we've lived there. Isn't it weird how that works?

[70707Bride]

Great pics! Good luck finding a church!

[KMS]

Wow, oh wow! All of those daffodils are absolutely amazing! I was taken back by the beauty. Until I saw that terrifying lamb that is! :bblol: I literally gasped and then started laughing. Seeing as how "It" is one of the most terrifying movies to me and gave me a lifetime fear of clowns, not to mention gutters, I thought that lamb was not very saintly. Hehee.

Good luck in finding a church. We are in a search ourselves. It's not very easy to find a liberal charismatic christian church around here. We may just have to start our own! My mom always said that "when two or more are gathered in the name of the Lord...". That just may have to do. :laugh:

[uptowngirl]

That lamb is the saddest/scariest thing! The little bowtie cracks me up!!

Finding a church is so hard!! We are in the same boat - the one church we do like is so far away that it is hard to make ourselves go! It doesn't help that I was raised Mennonite and FH was Catholic! :)

Out here we have a tulip field that looks like the daffodil one you posted! I have never gotten to go, but in college I worked in a film lab and every spring it seemed like everyone was dropping off pictures from there!