Pregnancy Week 12 (and Ultrasound Pictures)

I feel great (minus missing my hubby)! Seriously, if it weren't for the little cold I have, I think I would feel better than I usually do when I'm not pregnant!

I think I'm finally looking more pregnant, less fat, but I'm still waiting for my belly to pop. But my acne is still horrendous. So, yesterday I called the OB to discuss using Proactiv. Some say its fine to use, others are really concerned about it. My doctor wasn't concerned, especially since I'm done with my first trimester. So, I picked some up (at one of those automated mall kiosks) yesterday, and I'm praying it'll help. It's gotten to the point where my face actually hurts. So not only am I ugly, I'm in pain. Totally not cool, hormones!

I'm getting really gassy, too. It's probably a good thing The Sailor isn't here, lol. And I can be fine one minute, then so hungry I feel like I'm gonna pass out the next. It's annoying; I have to carry snacks with me.

So, onto my NT scan. Apart from literally having to wait an hour and a half, it went really well! Apparently if whatever they're measuring in the back of the baby's neck is wider than 3mm it causes concern; our little Sea Monkey's neck thingy was barely over 1mm. So that along with blood tests I got at my last OB appointment means we have screened negative for a handful of chromosomal abnormalities. This does not mean it is impossible, but its just a lot less likely. Add that to the whole "healthy 23 year old" thing and I don't feel the need to do any further (and much more invasive) procedures.

The ultrasound itself was amazing, too. Since this office has a much stronger machine, everything was so clear. The Sea Monkey didn't put on that much of a performance, (s)he did have a few hicups, which was flipping adorable. (S)he also kept bringing their hand up to their face (quite quickly) so in the pictures it looks like they're sucking their thumb.

The ultrasound person tried to figure out the sex of the Sea Monkey, but from one angle it looked like a boy, from another it looked like a girl. She tried to get the little sucker to roll over but apparently my Sea Monkey didn't want to...I almost asked if it would help if I did a handstand or something, but I thought that would be weird, lol. Instead I just called my baby a jerk for the first time (hahaha) and accepted the fact I'd have to wait to find out what we're having.

Oh, and apparently I'm really good at growing babies. So, last ultrasound the Sea Monkey measured at being due on April 6. This time, two weeks later, the Sea Monkey measured at being due April 5!!! If my oven (aka baby-growing-system) keeps this up, we'll be greeted by our lovely Sea Monkey well in March!

* I am fully aware this is not how gestation works. I just find it amusing, and I sorta wish that was how it worked, lol *

I guess that office does the official anatomy scan, so I'll be going back in early November for that. I also have another appointment with my normal OB in two weeks, and although I doubt I'll get an ultrasound at that appointment, a girl can have dreams, right?

Until next time...

PS - the ultrasound picture where the Sea Monkey is looking straight at you is totally creepy looking...but it doesn't compare to the 3D picture they took - which I'm not sharing with you cuz it'll probably give you nightmares. Seriously people, 3D Ultrasounds should not be performed at merely 12 weeks, because the baby is still waaaaay too alien-esque. 

So yeah...he's gone...

The Sailor's flight was at 6 am. So, we had to get up at a little before 3 am in order to get him to the airport on time.  Plus side - the stars out here in the middle of nowhere are gorgeous at 3 am. Downside - it was fucking 3 am.

I made him drive there. I was exhausted, and my eyes we still adjusting to the middle of the night. We really didn't talk much. Honestly, what was there to say? I'll miss you...? That's a given, and its been said enough already. Are you nervous/excited/whatever...? We really talked about that in length already.

So, what do you say to your husband when you're on your way to the airport to drop him off to get deployed and won't see him again for 5 months? I chose nothing; just held his hand.

When we said goodbye I didn't cry. I didn't get teary eyed. I just said goodbye. I probably won't cry when he gets back either; I'm just not that kind of crier. Luckily The Sailor was well aware of that, so he wasn't expecting a dramatic goodbye.

We said our goodbyes, he grabbed his things, and he was gone.

But in the grand scheme of things, 5 months is not that long. Especially when it comes to deployments.

I'm lucky {that as long as nothing bad happens} he'll be back before the baby is born. And although I've never experienced a deployment before, I have lived 100% by myself before. That may not seem that important, but honestly, it can be strange being all alone at first. It takes time to adjust to cooking for one person.

I'm lucky to have my amazing dogs. Honestly, they keep me sane; they keep my life in some sort of schedule. Not to mention they're the best cuddlers ever! And thank goodness I've already met some people on base.

So yeah, it sucks. My husband is being shipped off to a boat where he'll miss all the major holidays as well as my birthday. Nobody wants that. But it could definitely be worse, and I can't forget that.

I'll probably post my 12 week update (as well as the results of my NT scan/ultrasound pictures from that appointment) either today or tomorrow. But this is all I've got for now.

Until next time...

PS - totally took this pic of Gabby this morning...how effing perfect is it?

Being a Navy Wife Sucks Sometimes

The Sailor is being sent to the boat on Wednesday.

We knew this was coming. And as much as I didn't want to accept it, I knew it would be last minute (he just found out this morning). But we thought he would get a little more information than he did!

Yup, all we know is that he's leaving Wednesday. Don't know where he's leaving from, what time, or even if he's going straight to the boat or not! I'm just annoyed.

And I feel bad. I went out for the majority of Saturday with Navy Wife Kim. After I had been gone for a few hours, The Sailor texted me and said, "this could be my last weekend home..." But I thought to myself, it also might not be. And I can't live my life expecting you to leave for the next however many months. But he was right, and I feel bad for not spending every minute with him.

This just sucks. I don't want him to leave. I don't want to be alone in this big house. Shit, I don't want to be alone period! But I knew this was coming, and it won't be the last time he gets deployed. At least he's scheduled to be back in time to be there when the baby is born.

Until next time...

Gabby would be so embarrassed if she knew I told you...

Last night, Gabby wet the bed. (FYI - in case you're new here, Gabby is a dog, lol). She straight up peed in her sleep!

So, yeah, I was sleeping, lol, and I woke up cuz I heard Gabby licking something like a mad woman. I felt around for her, trying to figure out what the hell she was doing when I felt a big wet spot. At this point I thought she might have thrown up (and the licking was her trying to clean it up - yummm ::gag::) so I went and turned on the light.

Now, The Sailor wakes up, and I notice the wet spot is a freaking pee spot! Then I look at Gabby and notice its all over one of her hind legs. She was licking because she was trying to clean the leg that was covered (inner thigh and outer) in pee. It's at that point I realize she peed in her sleep. I mean, a dog knows how to take a piss without covering herself in it!

Then I had to strip the bed and start doing laundry so it wouldn't stain my new comforter. And I realized Gabby needed a bath since she was covered in her own freaking pee. Yeah, at 2 am. It was not a fun experience. Then I realized Gabby was probably just trying to prepare me for motherhood, lol. And as long as this doesn't become a regular thing, I'll forgive her; I could tell she felt really bad. Plus, she's the best dog in the world!

Until next time...

Almost had a Pregnancy Breakdown today...

The Sailor and I (well, mainly just I, lol) decided we wanted to have an NT scan done. In case you didn't know, an NT scan is a completely non-invasive (aka - its just a high power ultrasound) early test for chromosomal abnormalities. It has something to do with measuring the skin in the back of the fetus' neck. I don't know exactly what they're measuring, I'm not a doctor, but I do know it has to be performed between 11 and 14 weeks.

Some people would never even consider having it done. I think that's kinda silly. Even if we find out there is something wrong, we plan on keeping the baby. I just like to be prepared. In my eyes, the earlier you know about an issue, the sooner you can be prepared for it.

Other people would say its silly for me, specifically, to get one since I'm a healthy 23 year old. The odds of an issue like this are pretty slim.  Well, they're also pretty slim with a healthy 20 year old, like my sister back in the day. Yup, my sister was pregnant with a baby who had down syndrome. She didn't have an NT scan, and didn't find out until late in the second trimester. At that point, she and her boyfriend at the time made the decision to terminate the pregnancy. They were in college; they knew they barely had the means to care for a healthy baby, never mind a baby with special needs. That decision killed my sister, so, please don't judge!

Plus, its just an extra chance for an ultrasound! Who would say no to that?

Well, I hadn't heard anything regarding the referral (I have to go see a special doctor off-base for it) so I called the insurance company today.

They never even received the referral request.

I almost died. It takes at least a week for a referral to be processed. I'm 12 weeks today. That would mean if they processed it quickly I would have to get an appointment within a week or I'd miss the window for the scan.

I cried. Once I pulled myself together I called the Ob clinic. The referral lady wasn't there, but I asked to have her please, please, please call me back ASAP since I only had 2 weeks left where I could have the scan and I'm at risk since there's a family history. I think the nurse who was taking my call could tell I was about to fall apart cuz she was super sweet.

When The Sailor got home I told him he had to go kill everyone in the Ob clinic because they fucked up. After I explained what I meant by "they fucked up" he talked me down a little bit. He reminded me we still had at least 2 weeks, which was better than nothing. I just kept saying "if they can't put in an effing referral, how can I trust them to deliver my baby!?!"

I still felt like crying, so I angrily did laundry instead of continuing to yell and just make myself more upset.

Then, the referral lady called me back. She fixed everything.

Yup, she put in the referral, called the insurance to push it through (given the family history) and she even made me an appointment...for Monday! So, I guess I can forgive her for messing up initially (by not putting in the referral right away).

So, not only was my first pregnancy-breakdown completely averted, I get to see the Sea Monkey again on Monday!!!!! I'm excited, and I trust the Ob clinic again...

Did you have an NT scan? Why, or why not?

Until next time...

Gettin' In A Groove

I'm happy to announce that despite the fact that I quit my job at Michael's I am getting into something of a schedule (finally).

I'm totally a creature of habit. I thrive on a set schedule. That may be why I wake up at the same time every day, regardless of whether I have something to do or not. When I was in Pittsburgh (and working full time) I got up at 630, even on the weekends. But I wouldn't have my first cup of coffee til 7. I just like structure.

Lately, I've been waking up at 7. It's not like I set an alarm or anything, but every day I just wake up between 645 and 7. Then the dogs notice I'm awake and they start scrambling (:: Time to go out? Time to go out? Time to go ooooouuuuuuut! ::) so I get up and let them out.

While they're out I do the dishes. I totally blame my mom for this habit; she never did the dinner dishes at night, she always let them "soak over night" and the kitchen would be clean when we all woke up. When I was living with The Ex, he was OCD and I think he would have died if a pan sat in the sink overnight, so he always did the dishes. But The Sailor couldn't care less, so I just do them in the morning!

Then I let the dogs in, do some general tidying, bring out the trash/recycling as needed, and I Clorox Wipe all the hard surfaces downstairs (what - I'm terrified of getting sick while pregnant). Then I finally brew some coffee, feed the dogs, pull together some breakfast and go watch the Today show.

After I eat my breakfast I either dust or go pick up dog poop in the back yard (I alternate doing those things) then grab cup of coffee number 2 (dont worry, its half-caf) and I watch the Today Show til 830, which is when I bring the dogs on a quick (25 minute) walk.

I get back just in time to watch Regis and Kelly, and while I watch I drink some juice and eat some fruit. After Regis and Kelly the scheduled part of my day comes to a close and I either go work out, get dressed, or whatever. I would like to get into a habit of either vacuuming (need to get a vacuum first - I know, its horrible...I don't have a vacuum), swiffering/mopping the hard floors, doing laundry, or cleaning a bathroom after watching Regis and Kelly. But, we'll get there eventually I'm sure!

After I get more stuff I'll hopefully spend my afternoons doing DIY Projects. But this afternoon I have to go get dog licenses and upholstery cleaner so I can clean our yellow couch. And hopefully Navy Wife Kim will help me figure out the knitting pattern for the Kitty Lovey-esque Blanket so I can start making that!

Overall, my life is pretty boring, but you know what? I'm loving it! I feel like I can get so much done and for the first time in my life I don't feel grossly overwhelmed with life. And, I'll enjoy the boring leading up to baby because after the baby comes I'm well aware it'll be a while before my life has any sort of schedule again!

Writing this post is now interrupting my Regis and Kelly time, so I've gotta wrap this shit up.

Until next time...

PS - pictures of my four-legged babies just because they're perfect...HAH!

Boobs...hooters...ta-tas...

Call them what you want, but I think we can all agree the twins are pretty awesome...most of the time.

Pre-pregnancy I loved my honkers. I was a full-B, small-C. They fit nicely in clothes. I had cute bras. When I worked out they didn't hurt, and a basic sports bra kept them in check. But not anymore.

My lovely B-cups have blown the eff up. It isn't even funny. The D-cup that I got from Motherhood is starting to give me a little quad-boob action (you know, when your bra is too small and they start spilling out creating an extra set of ta-tas). Which means I'm going to have to get a DD soon...at merely 12 weeks along.

But not only that, they hurt. My nipples are always hard and that gets quite uncomfortable after weeks on end!!! I think I need to get better sports bras because when I work out they practically punch me in the face.

It looks like my new (already too-small) bra could eat my old, cute bra. It makes me sad. I miss my old body.

But, I just have to remind myself that boobs are awesome! They're getting huge and uncomfortable in preparation to feed my baby. And that's pretty freaking amazing.

I'm not gonna lie though...if they keep growing at this pace and I end up growing off the standard cup-size scale, I'm gonna be pretty pissed. So, I get it, pregnant body - we're just prepping ourself for baby, but let's try to keep it under control!

Until next time...

Random Updates

I blame moving for feeling like I've fallen behind. In reality I missed one, maybe two, of my normal posts, but I honestly feel like SO much has happened, so I'm just gonna do an update post...

1 - We moved! Yes, we're in our house on base, and I couldn't be happier. Our house is awesome, but it'll be WAY more awesome once we get more furniture, lol. And once we get a few more pieces I'll be happy to share the whole place with you. For now you'll have to settle for a picture of the outside (below).

2 - I quit my job at Michael's. I know, I'm pathetic. But honestly, its quite a hike from our new place, so the commute isn't really worth 4 hours of minimum wage. And standing in place on a cement floor was giving me back spasms. I asked if I could be switch to working on the sales floor, thinking walking around would hurt less and they said no - I was hired to be a cashier. So, eff them. I'm over it!

3 - I forgot to take an 11 week photo of my belly growth. I'm kinda pissed at myself for it. But in the grand scheme of things, its no big deal.

4 - I think the end of my first-trimester-exhaustion is in site. First of all, I've actually been cooking dinner. And not feeling disgusted by it. And yesterday I brought the dogs on not one, but two walks (a short - 25 minute - one in the morning and a longer - 40 minute - one in the evening) and I went to the gym! I did 3.5 miles on the treadmill, running some and speed walking the rest! It felt great! And this morning I brought the dogs on a short walk and I'm getting ready to head to the gym soon! Go me!

5 - The Sailor may be shipped out as early as next week. Hopefully we'll get more details today.

6 - I'm making all sorts of decorating/DIY plans. But, I'll just share them with you all as I actually start them, I just wanted to give you something to look forward to, lol.

Ummm, I think that's all for now!

Until next time...

Major Fail Red Lobster!

Okay, so I've been craving a lobster roll like woah for what seems like forever. But, out here in California, they aren't exactly common. See, I'm from Massachusetts. My grandfather, yeah, he lives on the Cape ("the Cape" is in reference to Cape Cod for those of you who didn't know). If I wanted a lobster roll, I could find one. Hell, if I wanted to make my own there are regular old grocery stores that have live lobster for sale (although I would probably go to fresh catch to buy it)! But nope, not here in California. Apparently California is too cool for lobster rolls! (More likely scenario - its just too damn expensive to get lobster here...I was so spoiled growing up in Massachusetts!)

So, I was running some errands without The Sailor when I drove past a Red Lobster. Red Lobster should have lobster rolls! So I decided to stop and get lunch. Yes, by myself.

See, I actually enjoy eating out by myself. I think its relaxing. And I enjoy people watching. Not to mention it gave me a chance to catch up on my Google reader (moving put a big back up on my blogroll)! But the receptionist definitely gave me a confused-dog look (you know the one I'm talking about - head tilt and all) when I said I was eating alone. Why is it socially acceptable for a senior citizen to grab a bite to eat by himself but I get funny looks when I want to?

Anyway, back to the meal. They did have lobster rolls (praise Buddha) so I ordered that, a Sprite, and a cup of clam chowder.

I was actually seriously impressed with the chowder. Growing up a half hour south of Boston kinda makes you a chowder-snob. It just comes with the territory. But, Red Lobster did it up. Add some pepper (just like my Dad does, lol) and nix the crackers (cuz they're gross) and voila - chowder delicious-ness.

Then the lobster rolls (yes two of them came) and what a flipping disappointment! First of all, instead of one glorious leaning tower of lobster salad, there were two little dinky rolls. There was WAY more bread than there was lobster meat. And I'm all about a little spice, but the paprika was overpowering. And, the worst part was, instead of big, meaty chunks of lobster, it was like shredded. So sad. I could have cried.

Don't get me wrong, I ate them! But I was seriously disappointed. My new plan is to find somewhere that sells live lobster so I can just make my own!

So, I totally have tons to update you all on, so be prepared for a multiple post day! But for now, I have to take the dogs on a quick walk around the neighborhood before Regis and Kelly is on!

Until next time...

t

Re-dressing the Dresser - Part 4

THE BIG REVEAL!

In case you missed them, please go back and read parts 1-3 before checking out the big reveal...

http://amandaleaps.blogspot.com/2011/09/re-dressing-dresser-part-1.html

http://amandaleaps.blogspot.com/2011/09/re-dressing-dresser-part-2.html

http://amandaleaps.blogspot.com/2011/09/re-dressing-dresser-part-3.html

Okay, now that you're all caught up...so I already went over painting the dresser and giving some new life to the totally 80s-tastic hardware, but the biggest pain in my butt was actually fixing up the mirror. First of all, its round and had a gold (aka 80s-tastic) frame. On top of that the base was in rough shape.

My original plan was to spray paint the base white like the dresser then carefully hand paint the frame blue to match the hardware.

First problem - even after the fresh coat of paint, the base still looked like shit. So, plan B...paint the really ugly bit blue. Turns out, this looks flipping awesome. And it brings out the chevron-esque design! In case you didn't know, chevron designs are totally in right now. Don't believe me? Just check out the new line of clothes and housewares for Target (
http://www.target.com/c/Missoni/-/N-5ouwb )! Yeah - told you so! Chevrons flipping everywhere...

Second problem, which I totally anticipated, but it still sucked, was painting the damn round frame! It was impossible to not get paint on the mirror! So, I did what any girl would do when you can't paint within the lines...I got my manicure kit, haha. Q-tips, cotton balls, nail polish remover, and even a cuticle pushy thingy. I painted with reckless abandon (aka - got paint all over the mirror) then cleaned the whole disaster up with nail polish remover.  Seriously, that shit is a life saver. If I had a toolbox, I would keep nail polish remover and q-tips in it.

And there you have it!  That's how I transformed a shiny, beat up, 80s-tastic dresser/mirror combo into a classy, updated piece of furniture! Since its used, before I put anything in it I want to line the drawers with contact paper, and I still need to find a decent dresser for The Sailor to use, but all in all, I'm very happy with how my first furniture re-do went! What do you think of the finished product?

Until next time...

Mleh - I'm still computer-less and for some reason a) my phone just made this whole post italics. Sorry, but I'm not re-typing it. And b) it won't let me rotate the picture, so you're stuck tilting your head to the side. Deal with it!

10 Weeks Pregnant!

...and I had my first ultrasound today! And my little Sea Monkey is perfect!!!

But first, the usual...

Physically, I think (aka hope) my skin is starting to clear up! And I'm hoping once we get out of the stinky-water apartment it'll get even better! And I'm starting to get kinda gassy. Mainly burping a lot, but just gassy in general

And mentally, I feel so flipping relieved! Cuz like I said, my little Sea Monkey is in tip top shape. But, I should start at the beginning...

I heard if you drink a lot it'll make it easier to see the little sucker during the earlier ultrasounds. So I was sucking down water like no ones business. And, I didn't want the little guy to be sleepy, so I had The Sailor stop at McDonald's so I could get an apple pie to give the Sea Monkey a sugar boost.

When we got there I found out they wanted to do a full annual exam. It was a little awkward to have The Sailor in the room while I had a pap done, but hell, he's gonna watch me push a baby out my hooha, this is a good place to start, lol.

Then it was finally time for my long awaited ultrasound. Since I'm only 10 weeks and some change, they did the hooha probe instead of the belly version. Whatevs, just show me my baby.

The Doc starts poking around and every time she gets a clear view of my little love, (s)he starts doing flips. And karate chops. And funny faces. Ok, I can't say with certainty that (s)he was making, funny faces, but in my mind (s)he was... One of three this was happening...option a) the little Sea Monkey had a sugar high from my pre-appointment snacks. Option b) ultrasound turns on and the Sea Monkey said something like this "mleh...what's that noise. Get away from me...I don't like that noise." And finally, option c (aka the most likely scenario since the little sucker is currently living in my uterus) ultrasound machine turns on and the Sea Monkey says something like this "what's that noise? Is someone watching me in here? Look what I can do :: back flip :: look what I can do :: karate chop :: hehehe...look at me :: funny face ::"

Okay, so the third option isn't that likely, but that's what I started thinking about while (s)he put on a show. And I started cracking up. Straight up laughing like a moron while the Doc is twisting a probe around in my hooha trying to get a good shot of the fetus.

When I finally got all my giggles out, the Sea Monkey calmed down, and we finally got a clear shot to date the pregnancy with.

So, Doc does her measurements and asks how sure I am of how far along I am. I said I'm 99% sure I could pinpoint the hour we conceived. And she asks how far I thought I was - I told her....10 weeks 4 days. She asked when I thought I was due - I told her...April 6th.

And she said I was exactly right. That's right, this baby and I are totally on the same wavelength. I hear/read about women who charted and knew exactly when they conceived, but the baby still measures at having a different due date. That doesn't sit well with me. This baby and I are totally gonna get along if (s)he keeps this up, lol!

So, the baby is healthy as can be (with a heart rate of 174 bpm), there's only one in there, and it looks like (s)he loves staying on schedule as much as I do! I couldn't be a happier Mama!

So, I've got a healthy baby, my first real shift at Michael's tomorrow, and we pick up the keys to our house on base on Thursday! Life is good.

Until next time...

Re-dressing the Dresser - Part 3

The hardware on the dresser was gold :: gag :: and although I want to get new, snazzy hardware eventually, I just didn't feel like spending the money on it right now. So instead, I painted the existing hardware!

Step 1- clean the crap out of the existing hardware.

Step 2- paint it.

And...you're done! Super easy, and it totally gave new life to these handles!

Until next time...

Praise Buddha!

WE'RE MOVING OUT OF THIS HELL HOLE OF AN APARTMENT!!!!!!!!!

The Sailor just got the call from Lincoln Military Housing that they have a house for us. A three-bedroom house at that!!!!

Let me tell you - a three bedroom house is gonna feel like a mansion compared to the sad excuse for a one-bedroom apartment we've been in. And no more stinky water! And it'll just be more convenient overall! Seriously this is the best news I've heard in a while.

We can move in anytime we want. Since we have a month to month lease here we'll probably just take our time moving, but we'll go get our keys and check it out tomorrow when we're on base to see the doctor. What a big day...an ultrasound and a house! Eeeeeeeek!

Until next time...

PS - this picture is stolen from the Lincoln Military Housing site and its of a house in the neighborhood we'll be living in...and each house within a neighborhood is essentially identical, lol.

My Mom called again this morning...

And we actually talked for like 2 and a half hours.

It was awkward at first. I could almost tell she wanted to yell at me some more, but she restrained herself. She finally brought up the fact I'm pregnant and the first thing she said to me was "you know a baby is a 24/7 responsibility, right?" No...really Mom? I never realized that! After she got that off her chest she seemed to be in a much better mood, though.

She asked how I was feeling, talked about what she might want to be called, asked when I was due, etc. She actually seemed excited, which was refreshing.

She cried at one point and I had to beg her to stop before I started sobbing uncontrollably (shit, I cried watching Sex and the City yesterday, hearing my mom cry was killer). And she decided she wants to come visit. But she doesn't want to come to Lemoore (because there isn't anything to do). She wants to go to San Francisco and for me to meet her there, lol.

It sounds all good but I'm still skeptical. She has a history of being happy with you then randomly going back to hating you, so only time will tell.

Honestly, I think she's ready to move on because we're now past when my wedding to my ex was scheduled. See, my wedding with my ex was planned for 9.10.11 (or this past Saturday). Apparently she spent last week in Maine with her boyfriend and now I guess she's ready to move on!

Hopefully things will continue to move in a positive direction, but only time will tell.

Until next time...

PS - in case you forgot, my first ultrasound is tomorrow...keep your fingers crossed that everything on there is ok!

Re-dressing the Dresser - Part 2

In case you missed it, be sure to check out Part 1 first:
http://amandaleaps.blogspot.com/2011/09/re-dressing-dresser-part-1.html

So, I had my dresser/mirror combo and all my supplies, so all that was left was to get to work! The process of re-finishing furniture isn't difficult, its just time consuming.

Step one: clean the crap out of it. Especially if it was purchased from a hoarder. For this I used an all-purpose cleaner and a sponge. Easy peasey.

Step two: sand that sucker down. I used a super fine sandpaper since the dresser is a particle board type material with a shiny finish to it (rather than solid wood).

Step three: wipe it down with a damp paper towel to get rid of any dust from standing. Wait for it to be 100% dry before moving on.

Step four: paint away! Again, because of the material, I chose to use spray paint rather than paint and a brush. Since I had prepped the hell out of it and it was white to begin with I painted without priming it first. The whole project took two coats of paint, so I don't regret foregoing the primer.

Et voila! You're as good as done! I wasn't done at this point, haha, but if you were just refinishing a basic dresser, you could be.

I'm still not gonna show you the actual furniture yet (I'm saving that for the big reveal - I know, I'm such a tease) but we're almost there, I promise!

Until next time...

Don't be stupid...

And go read Our Little Casita -
http://www.ourlittlecasita.com

Specifically check out the baby girl subway art she made for a friend (
http://www.ourlittlecasita.com/2011/09/baby-girl-subway-art.html ) because its flipping awesome. I now 100% plan on making something like that for our nursery; its just too cute for words! And the heartbeat quote totally melts my heart! (The photo below is of said quote, stolen from the blog)

There actually aren't that many blogs where I read every.single.post and this is one of them. So, scoot! Go check it out! And don't forget to show her some love and let her know Amanda @ Leap! sent you!

Until next time...

More human interaction, perhaps?

When you get to the point where you're trying to rationalize with your dog, I'm pretty sure that's a red flag that you need more human interaction.

Seriously - I was just sitting on my couch, watching the Today show, eating my breakfast, and Gabby got all up in my face hoping to get a nibble. Instead of just saying "no" or "off" (the logical commands to use in this situation) it went more like this...

"Seriously Gabby? Do I get all up in your business when you're eating breakfast?"

:: Gabby looks at me like I'm nuts and drools a little ::

"No, I don't. So I would appreciate the same consideration."

:: Somehow, some way, she understood me and got off the couch but continued to drool ::

"Now that's much better!"

:: I give her a bite and she starts really drooling ::

That's totally a true story, and it really just happened.

But, luckily I got the job at Michael's and I have orientation this afternoon! (More human interaction - check!) And I'm surprisingly excited. In my mind, you wouldn't even apply to work at a craft store unless that interested you, so I'll be working with a group of people who have similar interests as I do.

Is it a dream job? No - does anyone actually want to work in retail? But, it'll be some extra income and guarantee that I'll have to talk to someone other than the dogs occasionally, lol. Plus, I'll be the first to know about sweet sales and I'll get a discount on craft supplies! And, it'll be good for me to be forced to walk around regularly...its been so hot out, I'm turning into a bump on the log.

So, the dress code is black polo, khaki pants, and black shoes. I had none of these things so The Sailor and I went out last night to get them. And I officially got my first pair of maternity pants - dundunduuuuun! I figured I'll need them eventually, so why not just take the plunge? The black polo I found was actually a men's shirt, lol, but I couldn't find any women's. And the shoes are horrendous. I'm ashamed to have purchased pure black sneakers, but I was forced to do it! (You can see the shameful foot attire in the photo below)

That's really all I've got for now...have you ever worked in retail? Any advice?

Until next time...

PS - I'm including a picture of the puppies, simply because they're flipping adorable...

Pregnancy Weeks 8 and 9...

I missed one. So sue me!

Apart from broken out and fat/hungry I really don't feel much physically. How flipping miserable is that?

In all honesty as long as I get up and start doing stuff (not just go lay on the couch, lol) I feel pretty normal! Which scares the crap out of me. I'm fucking pregnant, I should feel something (other than thoroughly unattractive).

Which brings me to how I feel emotionally...so.flipping.excited! Why, you ask? Because a week from today is my first ultrasound! Then maybe I can stop freaking out so much!

And I have this strange feeling they won't want to have me come in again until my 20 week appointment - to which I will just say no. I've been on the verge of an anxiety attack this whole time, and since I know myself pretty well, I know seeing the little Sea Monkey will calm me down for all of 5 minutes. Then I'll go back to over analyzing everything and thinking something is wrong. They're gonna see me at least once a month whether they like it or not.

So, now I get to show off how fat I am (seriously...I feel gross).

Until next time...

I've got an interview!

And its at Michael's!
But first, a little backstory on me....I went to college in Pittsburgh. I was studying Information Systems Management and had 2 great internships before I graduated. I wasn't at the top of my class or anything, but the work experience I had was worth more than a killer GPA. And when I graduated in the Spring of 2010 I went straight to working full time for the Investment Company I had been interning at...and things quickly went from "I love my job" to "I fucking hate my job."
I graduated in May and instead of staying with the group I had been interning with I was transferred to another group to start my career as a Business Systems Analyst. 4 months later, one of my three co-workers opted to transfer to another group (cuz our boss sucked). A month after that another coworker quit leaving our group of four with just two (plus our horrible boss). We finally replaced coworker one just before Christmas and he quit two weeks later.
Things sucked. Really bad. My boss was an idiot, I had an obscene amount if responsibility with no hopes of advancement in the near future since I had only been there for like 9 months. I did get a raise but it was so small it was insulting. And overall I just hated my job.
Eventually we hired 2 new people who were decent workers, but they were still new. And then the one other person who had been there longer than me quit (again because my boss sucked) and I knew I couldn't stay there any more and I started looking for a new job.
I found one within weeks and since I felt bad for the two new employees at my current job I gave them a chance to match my other offer. They told me they were "offended" I was even looking elsewhere. Seriously? I was paid as an associate level but had the workload and responsibility of a senior level and your offended I was looking for a new opportunity? I almost laughed, but held it in and gave my two weeks notice.
One week later is when I "ran away."
The Sailor is amazed I'd be willing to work at a job that in his eyes is below me. I have a college degree, work experience, and I'm good at what "I do." But I have no desire in the immediate future to go back to being a business analyst. I actually start panicing at the thought of it. I just had such a bad experience with my first real job. I don't want to go through that again.
The thought of working st Michael's, however, is super exciting to me! In an ideal world I would work around 30 hours during the day during the week. I'm not really picky about what I would do, but I would love to work toward a part-time manager position. Or get to be one of the people who gives demos!
And I may not have any significant retail experience, but I have PLENTY of crafting experience!
-Jewelry making - both beading and friendship type jewelry (knot tying)
-Papercrafting - scrapbooking experience but more card making. I have a Cricut expression, a Gypsy, and a Yourstory laminator and book binder.
- I love making my own bows with wired ribbon. I also know how to make a number of flowers out of ribbon.
- With experience being a camp counselor, I've done every kind of "kid craft" you can name. And I'm a pro at tie-dying and t-shirt decorating (what else do you do at summer camp, lol)
- Although amateur, I have experience sewing and have taken a few lessons so I actually know a decent amount about the supplies and when you should use what.
- And Navy Wife Kim taught me how to knit on Friday! I'm no pro, but I think I'm doing alright for just learning (check out the picture below). And I've planned my first real project already - a kitten blanket for the baby (photo and pattern can be found here: http://www.greasy.com/nittineedles/kitty_kuddles_free_pattern.html )
Basically, if they don't hire me, they're crazy, lol.
So, I may seem crazy for wanting to get a part-time retail position when I have a college degree, but that's what I want!  After the baby is born, I'd love to keep working just super part time. And not for the income, for the discount! Seriously, crafting is expensive! And if I'm ever able to open my own online store of handmade goods that discount would be killer!
Now I just have to figure out what to wear to an interview at Michael's!
Until next time...

Re-dressing the Dresser - Part 1

This morning I'm pretty sure I bought a dresser from a recovering hoarder. But I'm getting ahead of myself...(I just couldn't help but start the post with that - admit it, that's an awesome opener)
So, as I've told you before, we came to Cali with minimal furniture. By minimal, I mean a mattress, a TV stand, and a TV. We already got our yellow couches and today I went and picked up a dresser that I found on Craigslist! Which, its about damn time, cuz as fun as it is to have the majority of your clothes just sitting around in piles in your bedroom, I'll be happy to actually be able to put my clothes away!
So the dresser was actually a decent ways away, so I used the GPS on my phone to find the house. Lucky for me, my phone is really considerate and likes to send me on the scenic route, so at least it was amusing for me! (See the photos below - yes, I'm a horrible person and took pictures while driving)
When I finally got there, I was a little taken aback...this woman is a fucking hoarder! There is stuff EVERYWHERE! Well, I think she's technically a recovering hoarder since she's selling a bunch of her stuff. If she hadn't been waiting for me, I totally would have taken a picture of the piles of furniture and dog crates this woman had in her back yard! Another thing that was totally photo worthy, but socially unacceptable to photograph was the woman herself. Please imagine this...older woman, probably in her 60s. She had SUPER long grey hair in a braid going down her back and huge chandelier earrings on. Then she was wearing a very large, floral print top and plaid capris. Under the capris she had on nylons that had visible runs on the ankles and multi-colored ked sneakers. She was a site to see amongst her piles of stuff!
So, I take a look at the dresser and mirror, and everything looked good, so I paid the $50 and started heading back to the general area of our apartment. Part of me just wanted to go home and sleep, but I decided to go get some supplies I would need to refinish this sucker first.
I went to Home Depot for cleaning solution, sandpaper, and spray paint. I was super pumped cuz they give a 10% off military discount. Not super pumped that I got fucking carded buying spray paint though! I blame my stupid pregnancy acne for it though.
Then I headed over to Michael's to get a blue accent color paint and all their paints were 40% off! Yatzee! And I also got paint brushes for the accent color.
Then I went and did some random shopping before I came home and now I'm ready to take a nap, lol. What - I did a lot today compared to what I've been doing lately! I'm not even gonna show you the dresser yet - I'm gonna let the anticipation build first. That, and its still in the truck since The Sailor isn't home yet, haha.
I might start the project tomorrow, or I might learn how to knit...we'll see how I feel tomorrow! Have you refinished any furniture? How did it turn out for you?
Until next time...