Calling all ALA's (ass-laughers anonymous)

I have no shame; therefore, I will blog about this because I don't ever want to forget how good this laugh felt.

This evening my back was hurting all over, so I asked DH to use the plastic, knobby, massaging thingy on me.  He was going at it very lightly and I told him to use more pressure, being as I like to be walked on and abused when I get a massage.  WELL!  This deeper pressure sent me over the edge with laughter, even my ass joined in!  This is probably my first pregnancy-induced embarrassing bodily function that has occurred.  Okay, maybe second, but I just thank God it was in the privacy of my own home with someone that could appreciate how funny it really was.  DH says to me, "I didn't know it was possible to laugh, snort and fart all at the same time!"  I'm especially proud that it actually sounded like a laugh.  Ah, I wish my dad could have heard it.  He would have been so amazed and proud.

18 weeks & 4 days

My appt. went well today.  HB was 162.  I still don't think I've felt him, but who knows --- I'm feeling all kinds of stuff in there.  As it turns out I've only gained one pound in the past 3 weeks.  I treated myself with a gigantic turtle O:)  That was about an hour and a half ago, after dinner.  Now I want fried chicken!  I'm not hungry -- I just want it!  It's too late for that though.  I'll put today behind me and start over again tomorrow, bright and early at the pool.

I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks or even read up on the blogs that I usually follow.  Headaches have been plaguing me about five days out of the week.  I've also started to de-clutter the house and make room for baby.  I need to take inventory of what I have and what I need, so that's been keeping me busy too.  I'm going to try to get better at reading the blogs and commenting because after all I love getting comments too.

Tiffany and Me

My friend, Tiffany, left for Chicago today. It was a terrific visit as usual.  I can't wait until I can travel back to Chicago and get a Chicago Dog from Michael's.  This morning we had breakfast at Tiffin Inn and managed to get a picture this time.

It was a GREAT Mother's Day!

Mother's day at mom and dad's house in Abita Springs, LA.  Robert perfected his ribs recipe just in time for today.  He woke up bright and early to put them on the pit.  Of course, I slept in.  The puppies behaved themselves and the weather was awesome!  Some pics from the day ... unfortunately, I had to take the picture of myself!

Robert and my Dad (is Haley begging for beer?)

Mom and Robert (Rain waiting for something to fall out of the BBQ pit)

Robert haulin' the puppies around

Mamaw (just turned 83)

My self-portrait :p

17 week picture

My cat, Rita, had to get in on the action.  She is such a ham!

Tribute to our WWII Veterans

Please read the story behind the song, Before You Go, from the left side of the page.

http://www.managedmusic.com/php/BYGIndex.php?page=Sponsors

A Visit from BFF, Tiffany & an update

This week has been busy, AGAIN!  That's good though because I can chalk up another week.  My HS friend Tiffany lives in Chicago and she is down here visiting family and me!  I worked as much as possible so that I could take some time off to visit with her.  We went to dinner last night then got snoballs.  I had THE BEST chocolate snoball with condensed milk that I have ever had in my life!  I forgot to take pictures :(  Maybe I will get another chance on Tuesday.  We may be hooking up for breakfast before she flies back to the Windy City.  I can't wait. Also, Tiff gave me a wonderful little book of prayers called Mother's Manual by A. Francis Coomes, S.J.

(Update on pregnancy)

This week I got my results back from the AFP test .... all normal!  That's more than I can say for our little pumpkin's parents. I'm still getting migraines, they usually last through the night into the next day.  I take Ty.lenol, but it hardly ever helps.  I also have tried ice packs after a warm bath.  My headaches are directly associated with shoulder and neck tension.  I went to see my acupuncturist this week and it seems that all of the immunity points relieve the tension and the headache, so I suspect that allergies are the main culprit.  Zy.rtec has worked VERY well for me, so much better than Clar.itin ever had.  I guess I'm more allergic to cats and dogs than I thought, but they are my children too and they are staying inside.  

I noticed that in the mornings my belly is softer and smaller north of my belly-button.  In the evenings I look and feel like I've eaten a whole pig.  It's hard to move and breathe.  My acupuncturist suggested that my digestion is slow and I'm just filling -up so to speak.  I'm still very thirsty in the evenings and can't seem to get enough water.  I'm sleeping harder since I started the aqua-aerobics and swimming, which means that I don't wake up when I have to pee!  No ... not that!  I wake up in the morning and literally have to carry my belly to the bathroom while carefully dodging the way-too-slow cat that thinks the the best route from point A to point B is to travel in a zig-zag pattern.  She follows (leads) me to the toilet every time I have to go because once I sat there and brushed her while waiting for something to happen. I know, TMI.  Well, now she thinks that she is going to get brushed every time I go to the bathroom.  NOT!  

Let's see what else ... my energy is picking up in little spurts.  Today I washed the dogs and planned on taking them to the park for a walk, but got too tired by the time they were finished being bathed.  Oh well!  This weekend they will be able to play and romp around when we go to Abita Springs to visit my folks for Mother's Day. Maybe I will get more me pictures!

14wk pic & spring flowers

Haley and my Joseph's Coat roses...Lilies...

..And, here is my 14 week pic ... could be a better shot, but I was working solo.

When does the feel-good period kick in?

I'm 16 weeks and 2 days today.  I've been having a good day here and there, but no real burst of energy that lasts more than 30 minutes.  My back, neck and feet ache and I'm getting migraines several times a week.  What gives?  Am I going to be in pain for the rest of my  life?  Probably!

I'm still seeing an acupuncturist, a chiropractor, a PT for body work and a massage therapist.  I only work a few hours every day, so I really shouldn't be that stressed out.  I'm also swimming and started the aqua aerobics this morning.  Swimming kicks my butt, but it feels so GOOOODDDD!  

Anyway, am I the only one having a hard time here?  Also, why do I look like I swallowed  pig whole when others at 16 weeks have this little pooch below their belly-button?  Just wondering ...  Is it all genetics, or am I just a fat type of person?  Stupid question I know, since I've been too afraid to post any pictures.  Soon ... I will build up the nerve, soon ...