It's a boy! We would have been very, very happy with a girl as well, but being as how my "motherly intuition" told me "boy," I am very happy to be correct in that :) I am not very happy, however, that I need to buy all new clothing for our new little addition to the family - At least our other baby products are relatively gender neutral :)

Weight....and stuff

Mrs. Dr. told me I need to watch my weight, as I have gained 6 pounds in 4 weeks. :) Well, to be fair, I haven't gained any weight other than that in my 21 weeks thus far, and I'm sure at least half of those 6 pounds is from all the eating out Brian and I have been doing over the past couple of weeks, due to traveling during the week. Otherwise, I am a very decent eater. I am actually quite sick of eating out. I don't know how people do it on a regular basis. I didn't tell the doc that, but she said "watch your weight and easy on the junk food!"

Lady, I rarely eat "junk" food :) and the bits I scarf now are definitely r/t being pregnant. Post baby, we are going back to vegan. It's hard to live my life with meat once you get used to living without it. Then again, it's a paradox, because I CRAVE it when I'm pregnant. I crave it, but it's a hassle to prepare, hassle to order...and afterwards I feel dirty. lol.

ANYWAY - My husband has been my constant reinforcer, telling me how pretty I am, and he's so lucky, blah blah all that sugar and spice :) Of course I am very happy and grateful for it, I just wish I could internalize it right now.

Let's face it (or at least I will face it myself). Whenever I'm pregnant, I feel FAT. I'm bloated, my self image becomes distorted.

I cannot wait to be done with this - and we are WAITING next time around, for number 3. I am whipping this body back into A1 shape, and hopefully even better than before.

I don't want to be a waif, definitely not - but I know the size I can get down to and still look "normal," and that's what I want. Health for crying out loud.

There are reasons for avoiding heftiness that have nothing to do with looking cute in clothing - Being obese or even just "overwight" thrusts you up into a category where you become more at risk for almost EVERYTHING cardiovascular, and even a lot of respiratory and endocrine issues. It's not pretty. There is a hidden reason for the "stigma" against heavy people, and it has little to do with looks for me.

Some people ARE larger, and you know what? That's one thing. My brother is a big boy. 6'4 and thick (not chub, but thick). He works out all the time, but does not have those rippling body builder muscles, and perhaps that's because he doesn't lift as they do, but the point is, he gets his blood pumping, keeps his numbers in check, and eats well. He's thick and can't help it. But just by looking at somebody, you may not be able to tell their habits right off the bat.

I am not talking about those people. People who have the "stigma" usually have the tell tale "muffin top," "beer belly," "thunder thighs...." I just want to grab a hold of those people and run with them on a track or something (or walk with good posture). It's not about aesthetics, it's about your HEALTH. You may not have any issues - yet - but just you wait. Weight isn't a laughing matter. We need to be active. Technology has done us a great disservice in this manner.

Well, being pregnant and having a belly makes me feel like I have a muffin top right now - especially since at 21 weeks you don't really have "a bump," but just a "poof" that looks like you ate at one too many buffets.

For someone like me who takes a certain amount of pride in the fact that I've ALWAYS had a smooth, flat belly (lots of work...no 6 pack, just a smooth belly), this damages my pride. Happy about baby, sad about baby body.

Then there are these women I see who are back to flat belly in a manner of weeks after giving birth. What the heck is up with that?? I was so sore "down there" from being torn and stitched up, and then all the bleeding, that I didn't have the desire to work on my abs. I bet some of these girls didn't have the time either, and just naturally shrunk. Those stinkers.

I can't think of losing weight right now though - I just need to (as the good doc says) "watch my weight." I shot up 40 pounds with my daughter, and so far only 5-10 with this one, but I still have 19-20 weeks to go.

Maybe I need to make the switch to vegan earlier rather than later. I usually just let my cravings take me because I don't crave "bad" foods, just foods that contain animal products - milk, meats, cheeses. I figure, "If I'm craving it, the baby must want it." Also, I tend to be anemic, so a little blood and iron won't hurt :). The hubbs and I never went vegan for animals anyway - we went for general health improvement.

Becoming vegan actually inspired me to change a lot of things in life. I was even cooking more because I could be creative and shock people with tasty foods that contained no trace of animal anything :) I didn't lose weight though - that'll only come by eating right AND exercise :) Well, with work, two babies, personal life to live and a household to run, I'll get things in order!

I can't wait to look cute in clothing again...

Totally the fat, pregnant lady right now. No matter what I eat (or don't eat), how active I am, the kilos keep coming, ounce by ounce!

*sigh*

20 weeks right now. I can still wear some of my jeans buttoned up - but only the jeans that have been a little larger on me to begin with. I am still getting use out of maternity undies, which is a good thing because the other undies I purchased after my FIRST baby cut into my groin now! lol. I am slowly expanding, feeling less and less sexy every day. Of course my husband constantly reinforces my appearance, but he's too sweet for words. He's always after me for a little physical activity, if you know what I mean, so I can't be that hideous. :)

We have a few happy holidays coming up here in the Padron home. MoMo Padron, Mom-in-law padron, my daughter padron, and me padron all have birthdays the first few weeks in August, and then Brian and I have our anniversary on the 15th :) Too much craziness!

...not to mention we will find out what we're having....I'm very excited about that!

OK, time for bed I think. G'night.

Craftiness

I've always wanted to be more of a "crafty" person, as it seems people I always seem to become close to do crafty things -

Well, part of that has begun with scrapbooking. I've been working on my husband's and my honeymoon scrapbook (the honeymoon was two years ago), and am continuing my daughter's baby scrapbook...It's actually a lot of fun making the process happen, but I am not the picture taker, so I run out of pictures quickly. lol. I need more pictures!

Also, my birthday is coming up, and I am hoping my husband gets me a sewing machine. I used my mother's for the longest time growing up, and then I've used others, so I am familiar with actually using one, threading bobbins, etc, and I've troubleshooted our old machine (which I don't have access to anymore), SO...Hopefully I can get a new one! (or a used new one). The whole fact of the matter is that I want to be able to make and repair items myself, and be crafty. I cannot really see myself as a knitter, and crochet has never been my thing - but I can sew! ...and I'm sure once I practice, practice, practice I will get very, very good at what I do :)

Also, I'm applying for new work positions. This weekend work is killing me. It's part time, but I am missing everything by working the weekend. I don't mind a weekend rotation, but I can't work every single weekend for forever! *sigh* Keep me in prayers, if you are reading this and are so inclined to pray!

Beginning in August I should find out what I'm having. I am officially 20 weeks along today, and I can feel the baby moving! It's such a happy thing :)

*sigh*

Usually when I post on forums, I am very docile and understanding of others, but i've come across a topic that steams my clams.

Fox news has an article about a restaurant that has banned children under the age of 6, and while this is certainly the restaurant owner's prerogative, I simply was reading and thinking "I hope this doesn't become a trend."

I mean I can certainly understand the frustration people feel when there are crazy kids throwing food, crawling under tables, running in restaurants and public places - but then there are babies, the little ones who know no manners and cannot help themselves but to cry at times. In PUBLIC.

Now, I will be 28 this year, and I have lived 27 years child free. I know what it's like to be on an airplane with a screaming child, or to have kids all around me acting a fool in restaurants.

First of all, if the kid is seriously disturbing the peace, surely it is the owner's prerogative to ask the family to leave, but you know what people? Kids are a part of life - DEAL WITH IT.

I hope that doesn't sound insensitive, but seriously. Our world is becoming more and more kid intolerant, and people just have less patients with kids! Again, I understand "brat." That's a word I believe can be applied to certain children, and probably because of a lack of discipline. I do, however, know parents who are good parents and have 2 good kids, and then had 1 that took a whole heck of a lot more hide tanning to get to "well behaved." Parents are NOT the enemy here.

I am so sick of society telling parents "Do your job! Do your job!" I want to shout back, "Then stop attacking my family!" Media today is NOT kid friendly, and for something to be "kid" friendly or family friendly, it "has" to contain innuendo in it for the parents or older family members to appreciate it at all. You put garbage on tv and then tell me to watch what my child is watching, when they are watching it so I am "aware." You tell me that my kid is a brat or undisciplined because he or she is having a "moody" day. Do YOU, society, even have kids?

All parents are not "Casey Anthonys" here. Personally, My baby is only 11 months old. She is pretty well behaved in public, for as well behaved as an 11 month old can be expected to be, but she also has a very strong personality, and I can see where her and I will have to do battle. I've rapped her diapered tushie with light but firm raps and said "No" on a few occasions. She wants to eat out of the litter box (she hasn't, for the record, but by golly that doesn't mean she doesn't try. We've moved it multiple times already). She cries when I pull her away or tell her "NO" in my strong voice. I don't know how long this lasts, but does this mean I am not disciplining her? I don't think so. She is only 11 months, and not really "comprehending" that sort of thing yet, but I am trying to set the stage. I want her to be a well behaved little girl.

...but it's all a PROCESS. Do people out in restaurants or in shopping malls not realize that parents (at least for the most part) are TRYING to discipline their children? What about on airplanes? Babies who cry will cry no matter what sometimes. It's not the parent's fault. Are we to ban babies from airplanes? I sure hope not! Airplanes are still the safest and fastest way to travel.

I just wish people would be more understanding of parents. Seriously. The world is out to attack the family. It's out to attack your children, it's out to attack parents. We already know society does not seem to favor parents, but what about the disservice it does to our children? Get on the computer more, play video games, your parents are nerdy and out of touch...Let's not even talk about how the family unit is attacked. What family unit?  At least I've seen some commercials for family game night (even if it is from board game companies or video game companies trying to push their products), and I've seen commercials for family dinner nights. Those are positives.

Talking should be a normative in families, not the exception or something odd. Of course kids don't tell their parents everything, and vise versa. Our society has a BIG problem with good communication, but that is entirely a different topic completely!

I am ranting and probably making more fumes than actual sense here, but my point is still the same - People may want kids and the "American Dream," but nobody seems to care about what a family actual IS. It takes WORK to raise a child, and you know what? Sometimes you may be in the crossfire inadvertently by sitting at the table next to me in a restaurant, or flying with me and my baby on an aircraft. We all affect each other in life. Kids, babies, are a part of life. You HAVE to accept this. Get over it. Your passive aggressive eye rolling really isn't going to make my baby quiet down any more. It will however, make me more angry and more stressed and possibly eat away at my patience in dealing with my little one. It's STRESSFUL to be a parent when you have a child that acts up. Mine is pretty good in public right now, but when she was a few months old, look out! My daughter has a set of lungs on her! I have empathy for parents even with older children who act up. I see many a parent disciplining their kids in public for acting a fool. It's not easy. However, if you believe civilization should improve and move on, than YOU need to accept children, because they are a part of life....and parents, even poor parents, are not the enemy. If nothing else, a poor parent needs parenting classes, not to be chastised for not knowing how to take care of their little one.

Still, I would venture to say that many parents are good parents, who are trying to raise their kids "right."

 For being a society claiming to be so "tolerant," we really suck at cutting some slack to some darn important things in life, and most the time are downright hostile to those important things.

Lol. I was like this before having children, now that I have kids (well, one and one on the way) I am so much more aggressive when it comes to defending children, parents and families. Parents need help, not a slap in the face, and certainly not "help" by banning their kids from every public facility until they reach a certain age!

TRYING....

Attempting to get to Florida this week. It is not an easy task.

I work on weekends, but, I can get next Saturday off. SO....On my side, I'm good to go. My husband, however, needs to get off Friday and Sunday...SO....if we all can get off of work, than we can get our tushies to the airport and fly down Monday through Saturday to spend time with family.

I haven't seen my brother in 2 years (he lives in Sierra Vista, AZ, I am currently outside of Philadelphia, PA), and I haven't seen my aunt and uncle in 2 years (they were all at Brian's and my wedding), and not only that, NONE of them have met our daughter yet. My bro is flying to my aunt and uncle's home, and my parents and sister are driving down. Brian and I will try to catch a nonstop flight from Philly to Orlando this week......

So, I am TRYING to make this work. I need to get to Florida! I miss my family, and I love them so much!

We are all nomads in this household. Everybody moves away and does their own thing. It's adventurous, but kind of lonely and sad at the same time! :(

....not to mention the fact that my husband's family also lives far, far away (in Texas). At least they've met the baby....Here's to hoping we can go to Florida!

I wish my 10.5 month old would EAT MORE.

I mean, we are transitioning pretty well to the sippy cup from the bottle, and if were to have been solely up to me, I would still be NURSING the kid (she turned me away at 5.5 months!), but alas, we had to go to formula.

...and so it was. We have formula bottles a few times a day, water in the sippy cup (usually. Sometimes formula, sometimes water, sometimes watered down juice).

The babers doesn't like to EAT so much. Well, she does enjoy her finger foods, and now that the kid is sprouting teeth, she especially likes the finger foods. I just wish there was more I could give her. Today for example, so far she's has half a jar of baby food (the applesauce kind), for lunch she had 6 of those baby finger sausages, and those Gerber graduates puffs she LOVES. She could eat those all day and be happy. She's had like, almost 24OZ of the baby formula today, and I'm sure I'll give her the rest of those sausages before the day is out. She loves the finger foods, and I DO give her what I am eating half the time. She had a few slices of peaches and a slice of pear today,  but I just can't tell if it's enough. She gets tired of eating in her high chair and eventually will not eat anymore but just play with her food, but then when I sit down to eat something she is pulling at my pant leg to eat it too. I can't tell if this is general curiosity or if she is truly still hungry.

She is small too. I mean, she LOOKS healthy, but she isn't BIG. I saw a BIG baby in the cafe at the hospital on Saturday. He had a baby like appearance, but his mommy was giving him a bite of her sandwich. The kid was a gargantuan wonder. He looked very chubby and was long, but he didn't look quite like a toddler.

Tatum on the other hand, still fits into some of her 9 month clothing. I think Tatum will be a thin girl. I have a pretty good metabolism, and her daddy has an awesome metabolism...She has "baby fat," but she is definitely thinning out. I just hope she is a HEALTHY thin, you know?

But what parent doesn't want a healthy kid?

In other news, this girl has taken to walking. Well, sort of. She can stand for about 10 seconds on her own and has taken a maximum of 4 steps before promptly falling on her hands and knees. lol. She's a doll. I keep cheering her on, and walking with her hands in my hands to help her get balanced. She is DETERMINED. I have a very head strong child here. When she is determined to do something, by golly she will try and try and try until she gets it, and then she will do it until perfection. Well, baby perfection anyway. I am proud of all her little moments.

I am not so proud that she is a tv watcher. But what can I say? This kid is fascinated by TV. Brian and I never had a tv when we lived in an apartment. Well, not true. We had and have an HGTV and a good video set up, but we only ever used it for moves and games. Here at the house though, it's already hooked up, so the baby watches Sprout and loves it. Of course she'd rather be playing, but she still gets hooked by the tv whenever it's on! I hope that we can break that. It's just difficult if I want to watch tv because she is right here with me wanting to watch as well.  I don't watch anything I wouldn't want a kid watching, it's just the principle of the thing. I don't want to set her up for bad habits. She'll discover those on her own without my help!