Sleep Deprived, Alone and Losing My Mind

For over a month I've been having trouble sleeping at night.  At times, I'll go days without sleep.  Not only am I dealing with sleep deprivation, but also a husband who is gone all the time, even when he's not working and a toddler who is becoming uncontrollable.  It's getting to the point where I just can't take it.  I cry my eyes out all the time.  I don't know what to do.  I feel like a pregnant, single mom struggling to make it through each day. 

I'm not a single mom. I've been married for 3 years now.  We just celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary last week.  Yet, I struggle to get through each day feeling alone, helpless, lost and sad.  When he is home he complains about something not being done around the house or somehow makes me feel like I'm not adequate as a wife, mother or even a human being.  He's not abusive, just not understanding or helpful.  He thinks that being at home once in a while is enough.  I understand he has commitments with work and whatnot, but when he's home he spends hours away from his son and I outside either talking on his phone or just playing on it.  He has an iPhone and I hate it!!!!  Because of that phone, he spends less time with his family.  He's like an addict.  He says he can't stand me when I'm pregnant, so he tries to stay away as much as possible. That makes me feel alone in the relationship too.  When I was pregnant with our first son he would talk to my belly, read to it, and just bond.  This time around he's talked to my belly once.  I only have 3 1/2 months to go.  Heck, he barely talks to me or his son either, so why am I surprised.  My husband just doesn't understand being pregnant, nor does he care to. He thinks I'm just moody and complains that I'm always tired or not feeling well for no reason. Being the way he is makes me feel much worse. It's hard to deal with our son feeling the way I'm feeling. With him being gone all the time, I don't really get any help. I don't get any breaks or time to myself, which I desperately need right now. When I do have time, I'm doing things like laundry or dishes or cleaning, so I really don't get any time. He doesn't understand how much he affects me when he says or does some things and I don't think he cares at all.  It's no big deal to him.  I'm starting to wonder if he even wants this child I'm carrying.  I don't think I could feel more alone than I do right now. 

With the feelings I'm experiencing, I believe that has everything to do with me not sleeping.  I can go several days with no sleep at all.  I try so hard to lay down, clear my head and fall asleep, but I just end up with a migraine.  I know being pregnant is uncomfortable and can lead to sleepless nights, but when I can't stop my mind from wandering, that's the leading cause.  Because of this lack of sleep, I become extremely moody.  I think everyone does when they're so deprived of it.  When I can sleep or want to sleep, I can't.  I have commitments too...he's about two years old, with the cutest smile.  He's the most important anyway.  I also have to keep up with dishes and laundry and household chores.   Yet, according to my husband I don't keep up with them enough.  It's a vicious circle!  I just can't win. 

Not only is it hard to sleep, it's extremely hard to deal with my son when I have no control over my own emotions.  I love him so much, yet I can't help but feel that I'm not good enough to be his mom.  He deserves so much more than I can give him right now.  It all leads back to how I'm feeling.  He just turned two and is throwing tantrums all the time.  I just can't take them.  Right now I don't have the patience to deal with them the way I should be.  I just end up mad and frustrated, which doesn't help the situation at all.  He looks to me for everything, including guidance and discipline.  How can I guide him when I can't guide myself?  This affects him and how he deals with things.  He learns from me.  I'm failing! I don't even have the energy to properly discipline him when he does do something he isn't supposed to.  What am I supposed to do?  My son needs his mommy.  He needs me to be rested, mentally and physically.  He needs me to be strong emotionally.  He needs me to guide him.  All of these things I'm failing miserably at right now.

The discouraging doctor

As I've said before, I'm pregnant, approximately 22.5 weeks along.  To give you a little history about what lead up to where I am now...I had to get a new doctor with this pregnancy because my doctor moved further away.  If I didn't have a toddler in tow and all the time in the world, I'd probably continue to go to her, because she was amazing.  Since I do have a toddler in tow and very little time to get out and get errands done, I was forced to look closer to home for a new doctor.  I was originally looking for a female doctor.  I just feel more comfortable with a female, especially one that has given birth.  At the time I made my first appointment at this new office, there were 5 doctors there, 4 being females.  I went into my appointment, which was supposed to be with one of the female doctors, and was surprised to learn that something had happened and I would be seeing the only male doctor in the practice.  I was a little uneasy about this, but went ahead with it anyway, because I have heard great things about this practice.  Anyway, from the time I had my first appointment to the second one, 4 of the doctors had left the practice, leaving me with the only male.  He seemed nice enough...

As I continue to see him, I am becoming very weary of him.  He seems like his head is elsewhere, which is not where you want your doctor's head to be.  He is doing more and more that makes me believe he isn't the right doctor for me.  He delivered my friend's child and she said he was awesome in the delivery room.  I guess that's why I don't get why he is so different in the office.  He doesn't ask me any questions.  If I tell him that something isn't right with me, he ignores my ideas of what it may be and comes to a conclusion of his own, which happens to be the wrong conclusion, while mine was right.  I know my body and I've done this before.  I know how I react to pregnancy.  When I ask him to do a particular test, he refuses to do it, even after the test he ordered came back normal.  Then he tells me If I want to, I can get some supplements and take them, but that's completely up to me.  It's like he doesn't want to admit that he had something wrong and his patient knew it from the beginning.  It's not looking good for him. 

A doctor that doesn't ask questions, spends very little time with their patients and doesn't listen to their patients is assumed to be a bad doctor.  I have another appointment with this guy next week.  I think if things don't improve, I'll be looking elsewhere for my medical services in the future.  I really hate to leave, because the nurses at this office are top-notch.  They couldn't be any more wonderful! 

I have been reluctant to leave because this doctor was absolutely fantastic during my first visit.  He listened and spent time with me.  I am starting to believe that with him being the only doctor left in the practice, he is in way over his head.  Maybe he has too much going on to pay attention to his patients.  Still, that's no excuse.  His duty as a doctor trumps his overwhelming practice. 

It's a bit scary to even think of seeing a new doctor more than halfway through your pregnancy.  I mean, this new doctor doesn't know anything about my pregnancy, aside from what they read in my file.  Nonetheless, you have to do what's right for you and that unborn child. 

From Crib to Toddler Bed Transition...Success!

While we were recently on vacation, visiting family, our son started crawling out of the playard he was using to sleep in. It's much more difficult to get out of the playard than the crib, so we used this as a sign that it's time for the big transition from his crib to his toddler bed.

I've noticed the boost in independence and self esteem since. I think it really makes him feel like a big boy. By using fun, colorful bedding and placing familiar objects on his bed, he was thrilled to hop right in and lay down. His blanky and two of his favorite stuffed animals made the transition with him. The other stuffed animals had to find other places to stay.

(The new toddler bed and bedding)

He happily gets in and out of bed for his naps and at bedtime. Even when it's not time for him to sleep he wants to be on his new bed. Our bedtime routine has changed a bit, but he doesn't seem to mind one bit. Rather than sitting on my lap reading a book, he wants to be in his bed, while I (over 5 months pregnant) have to sit on the floor beside him. I know getting up from the floor is going to become more difficult as I grow in the next few months, but I guess the payoff is greater. We have kept his bedtime book the same. When he hears me read that book to him, he lays down. When we are finished I tuck him in and he goes right to sleep.

His naps have become more difficult in one sense. He will play for up to 2 hours in his room. Since he has the independence of getting up from bed as he chooses, he destroys his room for the 2 hours until he is tired enough to sleep. When that happens, he crawls into bed and goes right to sleep. I end up with a mess to clean up, but at least he eventually takes his nap.

Ahh...SUCCESS!

The big 2nd birthday!

My big boy is turning two this weekend, so it's up to me to plan the big party...on a very tight budget. We are doing a Micky Mouse theme which turned out to be a great idea. There are so many resources on the internet for great ideas and free printouts.

For the invitations: I created the invitations on the computer by coming up with a cute phrase that goes along with the theme that explains what the party is for. Toward the bottom I put the details of the party (date, time, location, rsvp, etc.). Centered at the top I placed a simple picture of Mickey Mouse and printed them out on white carstock. Then I cut them down to the size I wanted and glued (elmers glue stick works best) them to pieces of black cardstock (centered) that were cut down to a size that was approximately 1/2 inches larger on each side. I ordered envelopes from LCI Paper, Inc. online for a great price and had invitations for the price of a postage stamp.

For the decorations: I am only purchasing a few items with Micky Mouse on it. That stuff can get quite pricey! By using red table covers and red or white napkins, with white cups I can get away with only using Micky Mouse plates. I am making Mickey Mouse napkin rings with paper, glue and a printer. Other things that can be made using the same idea...centerpieces, cupcake picks, coloring book favors (for the kiddies) danglers and other decorations. The colors for Mickey Mouse themed parties are red, black, yellow and blue. Some simple, inexpensive streamers and balloons and you have a Micky Mouse themed party fit for any child.

For the food: To save money I am making cupcakes rather than ordering a cake from the local bakery. Also, I have to be sure of the ingredients, since one of the little boys is allergic to several things. I don't want him getting sick because of something I served. Cupcake liners are very inexpensive and the cupcake pick decorations can be made using simple pictures from the internet cut out and taped onto toothpicks. Since it's a midday party (between lunch and dinner), We can get away with serving very little food. We are getting pizza (the owner of the pizzaria gave us a really good deal), watermelon chunks, chips, salad and a trifle, with some pop (2 liter bottles) and water. By keeping things simple it also makes it easier on you.

For the favors: I found coloring pages of Mickey Mouse along with activity pages to create a Mickey Mouse coloring and activity book. I printed out the wording on a piece of cardstock and positioned the picture in the center of the cardstock folded in half to make a 1/2 page book. Then I compiled several coloring and activity pages I found on the internet onto pages, again going with the 1/2 page-size book format. Printing 4 color pages to on full sheet (front and back) meant less paper waste and easier construction. After all of the pages were printed and put together I folded them in half (to make a 1/2 page book), then aligned the pages and stapled the middle twice. Very simple and easy. There are so many websites that provide coloring pages for children, so it's free too (aside from the printer ink and paper). Along with the coloring books, the children are getting packs of crayons (24 pack) which can be purchased for nearly nothing when you buy them during the back to school sales. I only paid $.20 per pack. By throwing in some mini flying discs, which you can buy in packages of 3 or 4 for only $1, and a few pieces of candy into the Mickey Mouse themed favor bags, you have favors for about $1 (maybe slightly more). The kids will love them too!

Being on a very tight budget causes you to be more creative than you thought possible. Just use the internet for resources and your noggin for how to use those resources and you can throw a great kids birthday party for less than you could imagine.

After the big day, I will add photos of the party and decorations that I so easily made. 

The Terrible Twos Phase In

Okay, so it's more like they just happened overnight. One day he's a sweet little angel who shares, listens and shows love all the time. Then the next, he's a little demon! I was waiting for his head to start spinning around. I think I can deal with "no", but not that combined with hitting, defying everything I say, and just being a brat!

They tell you to be patient...much easier said than done, especially when you're pregnant and mood swings are inevitable. No one ever gives you advice for these situations. I try to stay calm, but every time I have to repeat myself my voice gets louder and louder. I've been reading through articles on Parents.com and they're really helpful when dealing with the child, but not dealing with the child while you're carrying another. It makes it that much more difficult. I'm working on getting through this "phase". After reading through the website www.parents.com and some of their very helpful articles I did find a few points that will go into effect in our household that completely make sense.

Toddlers need a little independence. I understand that keeping them from this independence makes then frustrated. Other things that make them frustrated is not having the ability to express themselves or not being able to do something they really want to do on their own. I'm sure that would make any of us frustrated. Working through it and trying to find things that work or help to curb the newfound attitude is the trick.

If you're a parent and your child can talk, you've heard the word "no" more times than you would like, I'm sure. You've probably also dealt with hitting or pinching or some other form of negative behavior. Sometimes it's so hard, but it's a must-do, to work patiently with your children. Explaining everything to children (who can understand, of course) is a great way to help them comprehend why they can or cannot do something. Sometimes if they hit for example, you could tell them that hitting is not nice and that it hurts. Explain to them what they can do instead, like say that you're mad. Encourage them to use their words instead of negative actions.

Defiance and resistance...need I say more! It's hard to get a toddler to do something you want them to do. Sometimes it's darn near impossible. Here is some thing to try out. Rather than telling them what you don't want them to do, tell them what you want them to do. It keeps it positive. A toddler is a toddler! No matter how much you try to curb the inevitable "phase" It will still happen. The most you can do is work through it.

I will admit that I won't trade these years for anything. I love it when my son comes up to me with pursed lips for no reason at all. Or when he climbs on my lap and snuggles close. Or, when he does or says something that is as cute as all get-out! Those times make it all worthwhile. Those will also be the times you remember when you look back on this time in your lives. It's the absolute best.

The Non-stop Tot

This past Saturday my husband, son and I went to a wedding. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony, which we arrived late to, of course. The bride was walking toward the isle just as we were walking up the long woodchip path. My son was, well, being a toddler, so my husband had to take him away from the ceremony so he wouldn't disrupt the service. It was HOT, nearing 90° just before 5 pm. Since we were late I had to stand back. I couldn't exacly walk up the isle and take a seat, especially when there were very few and far between. Being in my second trimester alone, I've been having issues standing for long periods of time. The heat just increased my misery. Luckily one of the photographers noticed and found a chair, which she brought over to me. I couldn't thank her enough. If she hadn't done that, I would not have been standing by the end of the ceremony.

After the ceremony we walked back up the long woodchip path toward the building the reception was going to be held at. There, they had the dinner area closed off. At least we were out of the heat. There was a cocktail/lounge area where everyone gathered for drinks and hor derves. The seating was VERY limited yet again. I ended up sitting on the floor in my dress and heels with my purse and diaper bag leaning up against the wall, because I couldn't bear to stand the whole time. My son, still quite a ball of energy would not stop running around and yelling. He was just being a toddler, so we can't fault him for that. My husband brought him outside because he was being disruptive. The wait for the dining room to open seemed to take forever.

Finally the dining room opened, so I called my husband and son back in. We were seated with a young couple and their 4 year old son. There was no one else at the table. The boys hit it off very well. As soon as the music started teh boys ran out in the dance floor with another toddler and ran around dancing. The other boys took several breaks, but not my child. He ran around the entire room over and over. He ran in the middle of everyone dancing, although they didn't mind at all. He ran and danced until about 10 pm. The bride and groom danced with him, the bridesmaides danced with him, everyone enjoyed just watching him. My husband and I received so many comments about how full of energy, how adorable and how happy he is. One comment was really cute. One older gentleman came up to me and asked me if I have to plug him in at night. I told him that there's no need, since he's solar powered. So many people just couldn't believe that he did not stop once. Between my husband and I, we took turns chasing after him, so we could catch our breath throughout the night. It was so hard to get him to sit down and eat dinner. He was having so much fun interacting and playing with everyone. We knew he had a lot of energy, but we didn't even realize that he would last as long as he did. We had an hour drive home and he still wasn't asleep by the time we arrived.

I have no idea where he gets his energy, but I wish I had a fraction of it, especially now since I'm pregnant. If I could bottle it up and sell it, we'd be rich.

The Difference Between a "Father" and a "Dad"-A Tribute to My Husband

With not a whole lot of daddy experience, I'm not an expert on fathers.  My own father passed away when I was 11.  Before you start feeling bad, he wasn't exactly a nominee for father of the year when he was alive.  I grew up in an awful, abusive, disfunctional home.  Not the ideal environment for any children.  When I remember my father, I remember getting beaten with an old, thick razor strap.  I'm not going to lie...it hurt!  I did what any abused child does in school...I lied about my injuries.  I made things up, like I fell down the stairs.  That was the one I used most often.  I basically pretended to be a klutz.  No teacher ever questioned it. I guess back then it wasn't a big thing. 

When I was 16 my mom met this man, who is now my stepdad.  He's more of a father than mine ever was.  He's a good man.  I know he didn't know how to be a dad or what to do with a daughter.  He has never had any children of his own, so it was a whole new experience for him.  He did his best and that's all I could ever ask for.  When I got married, he walked me down the isle.  I felt he deserved that honor after all he has done for me and my family.

My view on "father" and "dad" is a bit unorthodox I guess, but that's how I've always seen it.  The term "father" is a formal word that demands respect, yet seems intimidating.  I always thought that "father" lacks the love, support,and bonding that the informal "dad" reflects. A "dad" is all about love, respect, fun, bonding, and closeness a parent has with his child.

When I met my husband, I knew he'd make a wonderful dad.  He really didn't think so.  I see my husband with our son and it becomes clear to me...that's how a dad should be.  My husband is the "fun" parent.  He acts like a big kid himself when they're together.  One thing is definitely for sure, our little guy loves his daddy more than anything.  It doesn't matter what they do, they're both pretty happy just being together.  My husband works a lot of hours at his job, so he's not here much during the day, but when he is, it's special, quality time. They both cherish the few hours during they day the get to spend together. 

When we first got married my husband swore he didn't want kids, but now you'd never know it.  Every day our son brings a smile to his face and vice versa.  My husband is a great role model for our son and a great guide through life.  It's obvious that our son looks up to him. For some reason, unknown to me, our son also tends to listen to his daddy a heck of a lot better than he listens to mommy. 

I know that the daddies who are actually willing to change diapers are few and far between.  My husband will do it all.  Granted, sometimes I have to remind him, but that's just because I'm around our son more.   I realize how lucky we really are have my husband around.   He's a great man, a great provider and a great supporter.  He is strong, confident, funny and intelligent.  He is loving, caring and good-hearted.   He is everything a great dad should be and more. 

Now I know what a dad should be. 

Security Objects

One thing my child has in common with many other children...security objects.  My son's object of choice is his blanky.  I don't see why he chose this particular blanky.  It's not even soft.  There must be something he loves about it.  Now I wish I would have gotten two of them, so I had a back-up.  My husband doesn't like the idea of him having this security object, but I don't see a problem with it, so to compromise, we have a rule with his blanky.  It must stay in his room at all times.  Eventhough he's not even two yet, he knows and follows the rule with no problem.  As soon as he goes to his room he pulls his blanky out of his crib, but when he leaves the room, he puts it right back, then closes the door on his way out.  What a great kid. 

According to Wikipedia, research on this subject was performed at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee by Richard H. Passman and his associates. Their research showed that security blankets do, in fact give security to children.  They also showed that a security blanket can help children adapt to new situations, aid in their learning, and adjust to physicians' and clinical psychologists' evaluations. In the United States alone, approximately 60% of children have attachment to some sort of security object.

EMS and Police carrry security objects, such as stuffed animals in their vehicles to help children adapt and to comfort them when in traumatic situations. 

Having a security object is a perfectly normal attachment and has it's benefits.  Sometimes it's hard to get people to see that, like my husband.  At least he is attached to a blanky and not something far more bazaar.  My thought is, if it helps him to transition through life and it helps to make him feel better, then there is nothing wrong with it, unless he's still carrying it by the age of 10.  Then I may have a problem with it. 

When the baby sleeps through the night...

The parents can finally relax and get some sleep themselves.  I definitely don't miss the months of sleepless nights after we had our son.  I was desperate for sleep.  This is something we face again in the near future.  I'm trying to prepare myself mentally for it.  The positive side is that we can use what we've learned the first time around.  Routines and schedules are a mom's best friend. 

When my son was born his sleep schedule was completely backward.  He was wide awake until 6 am and slept for most of the day.  That was really hard on us.  I was so sleep deprived that mood swings were inevitable.  I was NOT a pleasant person to be around.  I just couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel.  We eventually got to the point where we just couldn't take it any longer.  That was a great day. Why?  Because we finally did something about it. Granted, it did take a few days to slowly alter his schedule, but it worked.  We kept him awake later and later each day until he was going to sleep at a more desireable time.  It seemed like within days he was sleeping at night and awake during the day.  It worked!  He still woke up during the night, but babies do that.  There's nothing you can do to change that.  Ultimately, our goal was met and we were able to sleep.  That light at the end of the tunnel...it was so bright! 

Now, my little monster loves to be in his crib. He's one in a million!  At bedtime, all I have to do is ask him if he wants to go night-night.  He says "Go" and excitedly heads up the stairs.  Once we get to his room, he pulls his "blankie" out of his crib and lays down on the floor so I can change his diaper and put his pjs on.   After he's all ready for bed, we sit in the rocking chair in his room and read for a while.  He lets me know when it's time to go in his crib, which usually is only after about 10 minutes.  He doesn't go to bed until his night-night book is read though.  His night-night book is our ritual, it's a book I read to him every night right before I turn the light off and lay him down in his crib.  Sometimes he goes right to sleep and sometimes he doesn't.  There are times where he just wants to be in his crib to play.  I have NEVER seen or heard of a toddler who loves his crib so much.  It may be because that's where his "blankie" stays.  That's another subject I'll get to in the near future...Security objects. 

It is so wonderful having a child sleep as well as ours does.  It's great for our marriage and for our sanity.  I finally have some "me" time, which is what every mom needs.  My husband are able to spend quality time together, which is what we needed.  I am also a lot more pleasant to be around...not for long though.  My hormones are really kickin', but I try to fight against it. 

I have a feeling the second child won't be this easy to put to bed.  We may have our work cut out for us.

Free Nursing Covers from Udder Covers

Go to Udder Covers and use the promo code "family2010" to save $32 on your order, which is the price of a nursing cover.  You will be responsible for $9.95 shipping and handling, but this is definitely a great bargain. 

Hell Hath No Fury...Like a Mom Protecting Her Babies

On a recent family trip out to see family in South Dakota, we stopped for the night at a hotel, Knights Inn in Albert Lea, MN.  We had no idea what was in store for us.  It was late when we pulled into the parking lot. My husband had gone into the lobby to get our room.  A red flag should have gone up when I saw this girl (young, and dressed like she stepped out of some bunny ranch in Nevada with everything but her nipples showing) with a much older man.  The first thought in my mind was that she was a hooker, street walker, prostitute, whatever you want to call her.  That was none of my business so I just ignored the image.  My son and I waited for what seemed like forever before my husband finally came back out.  We were all tired and hungry, so we gathered our stuff and went up to our room. 

We got settled into our room and my husband left to get a pizza from a pizzaria across the street.  I got our son ready for bed.  I set up his play yard and put him in his pajamas.  Meanwhile he was watching one of his animated movies on our portable dvd player while sitting on the bed.  So far the entire time we've been there he had not been on the floor yet.  He finally got down off the bed and started wandering the room, while I searched for something to watch on tv and started e-mailing friends and family to let them know our status.  He wasn't even on the floor for two minutes and he had found a little blue pill.  I didn't realize he found this pill until it was already in his mouth.  I got the pill out of his mouth as soon as I could, then called my husband. He got back with the pizza and spoke to the front desk about the incident.  He had asked the person at the desk to have the manager call us as soon as he gets in.  We have yet to receive that call.  Not good customer service on your part Knights Inn. 

We asked a pharmacist friend of ours to help us try to identify the pill, but she can't seem to figure out what it is.  She said it must not be legal.  So, within no time at a hotel our son manages to put an illegal substance in his mouth that he found on the floor, due to neglegent cleaning procedures!  I've sent e-mails and my husband has posted negative reviews about the experience...still, 3 weeks later, no call.  I am beyond furious!  My child could have died because they didn't clean the rooms well enough and we don't even get so much as a call to appologize.  Needless to say, I will never stay at that hotel again.  I won't let it go either until we/my son gets the least he deserves...an apology for nearly indirectly killing him!  Most importantly, I won't let it go until their procedures change, before someone else's child gets severly sick or even dies.   I can't even imagine what would have happened if I didn't catch it as soon as I did. 

Introduction-My Life as a Mommy in a Nutshell

Hi there!  My name is Danielle and like a lot of women out there, I'm a wife and a mom.  I'm proud to say that I have one very happy, very energetic almost 22 month old and one on the way.  My family is the center of my world. 

My son (pictured above), who challenges me at every turn, is starting his terrible twos.  However, he is a wonderful kid.  He's so sweet and loving.  I can't remember life without him.  Lately he's been throwing tantrums just about every time he hears the dreaded word "No".  We are "controlling" them to the best of our abilities.  His pediatrician tells us to simply ignore his tantrums.  Easier said than done when you're standing in line at the store and he breaks out into one of his fits.  All because I won't let him have something.  He acts like I'm torturing him.  It's amazing how in a split second every eye has turned to you.  Really, it's embarrasing!  But, despite all of  his tantrums, he is the most amazing kid in the world.  I know, I'm his mom, so I'm biased. I wouldn't trade anything for any second I've had with him (yep, I'm including the fits...crazy huh?).

Not only do I have the challenge of daily life with a toddler, but I am also preggers.  That's right, I'm dealing with all of the first trimester joys (I guess joys was a bad word choice, because it's not even remotely fun).  That means that the morning sickness, acid reflux, tiredness, pains, cravings, etc. are in full swing.  Whoever said a pregnant woman "glows" is out of their mind!  I can't see how you can glow when your face and body suddenly breaks out, or while you're vomitting over the toilet at all hours of the day (morning sickness is yet another phrase I don't quite understand), or when you're so tired you need toothpicks to prop your eyes open.  I won't lie, this pregnancy was an uh-oh, but we're excited to see and experience this new baby and everything he/she has to offer the world.  Right now, the worries are health, of course.  Will he/she be born with all of his/her limbs?  Will he/she be okay mentally?  Will he/she be okay physically?  The typical worries of parents-to-be. 

My husband (who I guess you could consider my third child) is wonderful!  He tries really hard to be a great dad, husband, and supporter.  I know with the many hats he has to wear, he's stressed out.  Since I lost my job when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with our first child, I haven't been able to find another job that pays enough.  The economy is rough for everyone, so we just have to make the best of it and try to do whatever we can for our family.  My husband carries the financial burden of the whole family.  He works so hard to pay the bills and provide for our family.  He's a great husband. I hope that someday I can do the same for him.  He deserves a little relaxation. 

That's my family in a nutshell!  We have our challenges, but we find a way to get through it, because we love each other.