My Baby is kicking!

Today was a rough day. So far its been a rough week.

We have been so busy at work. Let me first say that I am grateful we are busy. With the job market as of late, I am grateful to have the job security. On the other hand, I wouldn't mind if things calmed down a little bit. Just a little. That would be nice. My boss has been running around like a headless chicken as all of our deadlines come to a head at once. Its been real fun.

My Toyota Highlander has been acting up as well. I have only had this car for 5 months. I've already had to replace part of the computer, and now there's a chance it may need a new engine. I won't go into the boring details, but I am hoping it will be an easier fix. And if its not, I am really hoping the dealership will work something out with us. I am hoping the fact that we have purchased our last 2 vehicles from them and that Joe is one of their vendors will work in our favor. I am crossing my fingers. And my toes.

I am also a little down about my mom. She has been so bummed about being layed off from her job and worried about what she is going to do. Luckily, she is getting a pretty good severence package and will still be receiving her salary for the next 9 months or so. But she has worked there for about 20 years and just doesn't know where to go from here. She's worried that because of her age and lack of a college education she is going to have a hard time. I told her that if it came down to it, and things got really bad, that me and Joe would love a live-in nanny and a handy man. That made her laugh a little. I was actually being serious though. I have been trying to convince her that it can't possibly get too bad to handle. But I hate to see her so upset. I just wish I could fix it.

So as the work day was coming to an end, and I was leaving to take my car from a little local car shop to the dealership, I started to feel this really strange feeling in my lower belly area. I wasn't sure what it was at first. It didn't feel like gas (yes the rumors are true, pregnant woman get lots of gas), and it didn't feel like hunger pains or cramps or anything like that. I started to wonder if it was the baby moving, but it wasn't anything like what I had expected. I am not sure what I had been expecting, having never been this far along in a pregnancy before, but I guess I was expecting something more obvious. It kept happening, and even becoming a little stronger. I started to get really excited, as what was going on began to really sink in. It was definitely the baby moving! I can't feel anything on the outside yet, so Joe is just having to take my word for it, but he got really excited too. It was cute.

This little baby is already making me smile and forget about all my worries, even when I am having one of the worst days ever. Awe.

In honor of feeling the baby for the first time, here is a new picture of my belly. I am 17 weeks and 4 days.

Someone has a case of the Mondays... and all about my exciting weekend.

Ahhh Mondays. Definitely my least favorite day of the week. Mondays suck so bad, they even leak onto Sundays a little, as the inevitable oncoming of Monday can overshadow an otherwise wonderful weekend day. But I am not going to bitch too much about it, I just wanted to vent. Just a little.

It was a pretty great weekend. After we got home from work, Joe and I grabbed Daisy and headed to the park to go for a walk. We decided to venture off the paved path, and take one of the hiking trails into the woods. I have always wanted to check out the trails at this park, but since I am usually there by myself, I just didn't feel it was safe to venture off into the woods alone. It was beautiful. The trails went up and much further into the parks property then I had ever been. I didn't realize the park was so huge. The hiking trail went along a really pretty creak (almost a river), and wound up and down huge hills and over all kinds of mini creaks and other interesting "woodsy" type things. We hiked about 4-5 miles. I few trails we had to put off until later, when I am no longer pregnant, as they seemed way too vertical for me. At one point, we were way up high, overlooking the creek far below, and I was really wishing I had brought my camera. I will have to bring it along as we plan on going alot more. Yay!

After we had worked up quite an appetite, Joe and I finally went to Wendy's to try their new fish sandwich. I am a big fan of fish sandwiches. I love seafood in general, and although a fried fish sandwich from a fast food joint isn't particularly healthy, I still can't resist their deliciousness. I am over McDonald's filet-o-fish. I know they are a bit of a cult classic, but I don't think any type of fish should be perfectly square, and they are a little too greasy for my taste. I really like the Arby's fish sandwich and Burger King's as well. I recently discovered that Joe had never, in his entire life, eaten a fish sandwich. I am not sure how I missed this. He really likes seafood (especially if its fried), so I was really shocked he had missed out on this. I found this out after I was oogling the Wendy's commercial for their new fish sandwich. They had me at Panco bread. So Friday night we decided to finally go and try it. It was fantastic. And Joe seemed to enjoy it just as much as me. I guess he will be eating more fish sandwiches from now on.

After dinner, we picked up a movie. We decided to rent Bill Maher's film Religulous. I thought it was a great documentary. I don't necessarily agree with his point of view on everything. But it was interesting to hear his interviews with people all over the world and to see religion from his point of view. I was raised catholic and went to catholic school K-8th grade. I decided well before I went to public school in HS that Catholicism was not for me. I don't think its wrong, I can't say that the bible is wrong, or that anyone that goes to church is wrong, but I do know that for me, organized religion doesn't feel right. I am not sure what is, or isn't right, but I know that I am a good person and that I believe strongly in Karma. Ever since I have kinda taken on karma as my "religion", I have been a much happier person and have lived a much happier life. I do strongly believe that no matter what you follow, as long as you are a good person and live a good life, that everything will work out in the end. And having that point of view, I was able to enjoy the film. If you are very religious, it will most likely just piss you off.

Saturday I spent most of the day finishing Eclipse, the 3rd book in the Twilight Saga. At first I thought these were books more for young girls. And although they kinda are, I have really enjoyed reading them. They are a quick and easy read and sometimes thats a nice change. I almost wish I had went ahead and watched the movie before I started reading the books. I may have enjoyed it more. But after reading Twilight (the first book was by far my favorite), it made me appreciate the film less. I heard recently that the next book is being made into a movie too, and that will be coming out in November. Even though the books are obviously better (it's kinda hard to cram 500+ pages into a movie), it's still alot of fun to see them portrayed on the big screen.

Saturday night we went over to my sister's house to hang out. Its so much fun having my youngest sister Erin back here with her family (they are temporarily living with Amy, my middle sister). I just love being able to be around my nieces and watching them grow up. It was hard when she lived in Springfield. Even though its only 4 hours from here, we still didn't see them near as often as I would have liked.

And then there was Sunday. I wish I could say I spent Sunday relaxing and sitting around the house. Thats what I wanted to do. But instead, the whole day was spent cleaning up my house, and grocery shopping. I was glad Joe went with me to do the shopping. We went to four different stores! Which sounds crazy, but I thought I would try out the buying-whats-on-sale-at-each-different-store thing and see if it really made much of a difference on our grand total. Before we left, I went through all the ads and made a list of what I needed that was on sale at each store. We went into each store, grabbed what was on the list, then went on to the next. I gotta say, we got a TON of food, way more then usual, and for about the same price as I usually spend just at one store. All the stores were pretty close together, so its not like I spent alot of money on gas either. After having always thought it wasn't really worth the time and effort to do this, I have to admit I was wrong, and I will be using this method from now on. It made a huge difference!

Sunday night Joe baked a cake for me. Is he trying to make me huge?

So now here we are. The weekend is over and its Monday. Atleast the weather is supposed to be gorgeous today and after I get off work, Joe and I are going to go hiking again. Hopefully its not too muddy from the random snow we got over the weekend. Tomorrow I will post a new pic of my belly. I forgot to take one yesterday. Hope everyone has a great Monday!

Where did my blog name come from?

So my friend Anrazel over at Companion to the Wind requested that we write a blog explaining where our blog name came from after a great explanation of hers. I thought that would be fun, since my blog name probably doesn't make much sense to most people.

It actually took me a while to figure out what I was going to call it. I probably spent too much time and cared too much, but I can be that way sometimes. And I wanted to try to come up with something that I really liked so that I wouldn't want to change it later. I actually had a long list of names, but they were either already in use or just ended up sounding really cheesy after I thought about it for a while. I am glad I took the time to wait and think it over.

So anyway, why did I finally settle on the name Wringing Out My Sponge? Well, I am glad you asked, I will be happy to fill you in. I think of a blog as someone's way to share their thoughts with everyone and express how they interprit things going on around them to the rest of the world (even if no one else is really reading it). It's also so nice to get comments and feedback from others who have something to say on the subject. It's a place to go to think about events that have happened and whats going on with their lives and those around them, and how these things effect them and others. It's like you are soaking up life and what you are writing in your blog is what comes after you wring yourself out.

My blog is a way for me to wring out my sponge and to help me clear my head. I can say what I want, when I want and not really have to worry about someone else wanting to have this conversation with me or not. I think in some way, on some level, it's the same thing for other bloggers as well. So the name seemed appropriate and even though it's hit or miss with many things that I finally settle on in my life, I still like the name.

And for anyone who knows me, I have a reputation for being a bit of neat freak. So, when I told my friend Toni about my blog name, she said, "And it suits you since you like to clean so much." I guess the name was more appropriate then I thought.

I would love to hear how some of you came up with your blog names.

Sexy Blogger Award - Ooh La La!

Gina awarded me the Sexy Blogger award. Awe thanks Gina! Me and G kinda have a thing for each other;) Well maybe not really, but we like to joke around about it and make the people around us wonder. Its fun.

So anyway, I am supposed to list five things that I think are sexy about myself and then pass the award on to other sexy bloggers. So here goes nuthin...

1. My eyes. I get alot of compliments on my eyes so I guess I could consider them sexy.

2. My personality. Some people would think its sexy, come people might think it can be too much. I know what I like and what I want, and I am not very shy about it. But I also think I am good at reading people and not pushing them. I also like to think that I am a very nice and caring person too. Hopefully I have found a good balance. I really do try.

3. My lap dancing. I have never done this professionally, but from time to time I like to give people a good lap dance:) Its usually only my friends at a club and I am joking around, but I have alot of fun with it. Anrazel has been the recipient of a few of these:)

4. My boobs (pre pregnancy). I think I have some pretty great boobs. They are a little too big right now, but hopefully they will go down again and somewhat back to normal after the baby and breastfeeding. I am not counting on it though.

5. My feet. I have always had some pretty nice feet and get compliments on them alot.

Okay so here is the blogger I would like to extend this award to. I am not going to give it to anyone Gina gave it too or anyone who gave it to her. That doesn't leave very many bloggers that I follow.... so I will just give it to one for now. I am still new to this site... so hopefully in time I can pass these out to more people.

1. Anrazel - She is one of the sexiest chicks I know. She has been my bestest friend for about 15 years now. She is one of the sweetest and cutest people I have ever known.... what could be sexier then that?


The weekend, my bigger belly and the possible onset of a 70's bush.

The Spring Fling BBQ Friday night went fantastically. We had a big fun group of people and lots of kiddos running around. Tons of food and good conversation. My sister E's hubby even set up all his DJ equipment from the bar he used to own and everyone was dancing and doing some karaoke. The weather was even pretty nice, but we still set up a huge heater in the garage to help keep everyone warm. Out back we had a bonfire, and there was some marshmallow roasting going on. I was glad I already had the crib in the nursery with some bedding. I had two babies take naps there throughout the evening. The rest of the house looked like it had been completely taken over by children. There were toys, car seats, excer-saucers, and other random child-related things strewn all throughout the place. Things have come along way from the parties we were having only a year or two ago. When the only things strewn throughout the house were empty beer cans and passed out friends. We are definitely getting older.

Saturday night we went to a trivia night fundraiser. Its been a long time since I have been to a trivia night. I remembered why I don't go to them. They are way too long and boring. Or maybe I don't like to be reminded about how little I know about trivial facts.

Sunday I spent most of the day reading. I pretty much read the entire book #2 in the Twilight series. It was kinda hard to put it down and I didn't have many other pressing issues to attend to.

So I looked at this weeks belly shot compared to only one week ago... and holy cow! I really did get alot bigger! Joe took this picture on Sunday. I am 16 weeks and 2 days.


I can't believe what a big difference one week can make! I look at pics of other preggo bellies at 16 weeks and I feel like I am huge. I guess everyone was different though. Good thing we've already seen the little nugget on an ultrasound, or I might be wondering if I was having twins. And I can definitely tell. Tonight while shaving my legs, I noticed that it wasn't as easy as usual. It was still do-able (I'm not that big yet), but I can definitely see how things are going to become an issue. And what about trimming up the uh... you-know-what... the va-jay-jay? What do you do once you can't reach down there? Do you just grow out your 70's bush with pride, or do you use a mirror or something to see around things? These are all questions I am beginning to wonder about. I wouldn't mind some opinions from those of you that have already gone through this. I mean, I know it shouldn't be a big deal. Its not like the doctor cares, and if my husband really did, well he better get over it quick, but I still care! Maybe that will change later, but for now this is something I can see becoming a possible issue.

I have a appointment tomorrow with my OB. I am afraid to see how much weight I have gained and wonder if she will say anything to me about it. I mean what else could I possibly expect after 2 months of nothing but sleeping and eating and sitting at my desk at work. I can tell the past 2 weeks have been better, as I have been more energetic and have been getting back into working out, but definitely the damage has been done. I have a tendancy to bloom out from my booty first when I put on weight, and lets just say flowers aren't the only things bloomin'.

I can't wait to hear the heartbeat tomorrow. I still have 4 more weeks till my next ultrasound where we will find out the sex. But for now, its nice to have that little reassurance of the heartbeat.

Happiness is realizing that nothing is too important. ~ Antonio Gala

Me and Joe have been talking alot lately about what we would do if one of us lost our job. Things have been so slow for Joe at work, and there is always the possibility that things could change for him there. We keep trying to prepare ourselves of this very real possibility and what we would do if it happened. We have both been very worried about it lately, especially with the baby coming.

It seems like everyone I know is going through a hard time right now in some way. People are losing their jobs and their homes right and left. People are scared and they don't know what they are going to do.

But over the last couple weeks, our perspective has changed. We decided that no matter what happens, we'll figure it out and we'll get through it as a family. Just like we will help the rest of our family if anyone needs it. We all joke that if it came down to it, we would all have to live together in one house. But if that really happened, and that was the worst case situation, would it really truly be that bad? I think about families in other 3rd world countries where they all (kids, parents, cousins & gradparents) live in a hut with a dirt floor and have no idea how they are going to find the next meal for their children. Then I feel guilty for feeling so sorry for myself. If we truly put ourselves in our worst case scenarios with what is going on, could it really be that bad? We will all have each other to lean on and get through this and together, as a family, we will make it through.

Our family is bonded by our strong love and support for one another. We may all have different ways of showing it, but in the end, we all feel the same and we all love each other very much. When I really let myself see past all of the material things and what we really do not need anyway, I swell up with emotion when I truly realize how lucky I am to have everything that I do. I have a wonderful husband, the best parents and sisters, and some of the most amazing and caring friends.

My family:


Me and My Hubby:

My first blogger award - Thanks G!

My friend Gina, who also happens to be one of my very dear friends in real life too (so yeah, she is obviously biased), gave my first blogger award yesterday.

So apparantly, I am to list 7 things I love and then pass on the award to 7 other bloggers that I love. Okay here goes....

1. I love Sushi. This is by far my favorite thing to eat. Before I became pregnant, I was eating sushi 2 or 3 times a week. After I became pregnant, I was told that I could not eat sushi, even if it didn't have raw seafood in it, because of the risk of cross contamination. I tried to stay away, but out of all the things I had to give up (yes including all alcohol), I was having the hardest time with sushi. Me and my sister even made some at home. It was good, but not the same. So I went to my favorite sushi restaurant a couple weeks ago and talked to the sushi chef. He wiped down and sterilized his entire station, along with all of his knives and everything else he used before he made sushi for me without any raw seafood in it (I had crunchy shrimp and a california roll). And he did it all with a smile! It was so delicious and I feel like he is going to make my entire pregnancy that much better. I will have to wait till the baby gets here to have my favorite, the spicy tuna.

2. I love it when spring comes along and it is 70 degrees outside and I can open all of the windows in my house after a long stuffy winter. There is usually a pretty short time frame here, during the spring and then again in the fall, when you can actually have your windows open all day. I absolutely love laying around with a good book while feeling the breeze coming in through the window.

3. I love camping. My family has taken me camping since I was a baby. I have been camping just about every year of my life, and usually several times. I just love being outside and sleeping under the stars. And when I say camping, I mean real camping, with a tent, and no electricity or running water. Real roughing it. As I get older, I reserve the right to change my mind on this. In the past few years, it seems I camp less, but we are planning a trip for Memorial weekend. I can't wait!

4. I love the look and smell of my house right after I finish cleaning it from top to bottom. I may have mentioned before what a neat freak I am. I am not kidding. I really am. And after I spend 8 hours cleaning my house, I love looking around and seeing how clean and nice everything is. This is sad, I know, but it is what it is.

5. I love jumping off really high things (e.g. cliffs, rope swings), into a big lake or river.

6. I love capri pants. When they first came out, I hated them. But, after I got used to them, I realized how awesome they are. I don't like wearing shorts, I never have, and pants are so hot during the summer, so these are a good compromise. I may not have had this on my top list, but they are fresh in my mind as I cheerfully unpacked them from the maternity clothes my friends have lent to me.

7. I love behaving like I am 10 years old. I do this more than I probably should. One of the reasons I am so excited to have children is so I have other people to act totally goofy with all the time.

Ofcourse, these are totally random and in no particular order.

So picking out 7 bloggers that I love is kinda hard since I just started blogging on this site and don't follow too many blogs yet. And some of the people I might have picked, G already picked in her list. So I am just going to forward this on to a few people for now...

1. Anrazel - companiontothewind.blogspot.com
2. Emma Jewel - emmajewel.blogspot.com
3. Brittany Ann - brittsbeat.blogspot.com

And Since I was only supposed to list "things" in my list, I also felt like mentioning, in addition, some "people" that I really really love.

I love my husband. So far, during my pregnancy, he has been so attentive and helpful, that it has only made me realize it even more.

I love my parents. I never forget or take for granted how much I love them and how much they mean to me. They are not just my parents, but my very good friends as well. I have alot of fun with them and I can always count on them for anything. I was a big, huge, pain-in-the-ass for them growing up, and I will never forget the patience, guidance and love that they showed to me. I owe a huge part of why I am who I am, to them. I just hope that I can be just as good of a parent to my children.

I love my sisters. They really are my best friends. We are all pretty close and are lucky enough to be able to see each other all the time.

And these are a few of my favorite things...