Finally an Answer...Though Not the One I Wanted

I'm not really sure how to approach this post...so I guess I'll just jump right into it! 

For the past 15 years or so (my dates are a bit foggy), I've had some pretty major gastrointestinal problems.  Forgive me while I get a bit graphic with you all!  I've had cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation and just plain discomfort for pretty much every day of those 15 years.  I don't remember the exact date it started, or how old I was...just that I began having "stomach" issues sometime early in my life.  I was first diagnosed with ulcers, then as that diagnosis seemed to no longer fit, I was diagnosed with IBS (irritable Bowel Syndrome).  Finally...an answer I thought.  The doctors (and I saw many) basically told me that they didn't really have a solution for my pain, just a diagnosis and some pills that might temporarily relieve my pain when I was having an "episode"!

I can clearly remember many instances where I was doubled over in pain, and the little green pills they gave me to "relieve" my pain, were simply not cutting it.  My most vivid memory is lying on a park bench at Bush Gardens Florida where my family and I were vacationing.  I was in such excruciating pain that I couldn't walk anymore.  I had to lay down in the fetal position and hope the pain would subside enough with time that I could actually walk out to the car.  That happened more times than I can count!  Still, IBS was the diagnosis, and "sorry about your luck" was the basic solution!  I remember one particular doctor making a joke of the fact that the pain I was feeling was comparable to labor pains and that it would be old hat when I was actually in labor some day!  I now know he was right...gee thank Doc!  It's enough to feel that and have a baby a few hours later...but to experience it as a kid, with no reward...yeah...not fun!

Anyways...over time, I gave up talking to doctors and having tests run on me over and over, that I settled with the IBS diagnosis and decided it was simply something I would deal with my whole life.

Fast forward several years...My cousin had been diagnosed with Celiac disease, and the family soon became aware that several of them had a gluten intolerance as well.  Still no red flag went off in my mind, and I ignored my aunts suggestion to the extended family that we all get tested since it was a genetic condition! 

Fast forward again to last week, when after reading several blogs and miscellaneous websites, I was convinced I had a gluten intolerance.  To be quite honest, I wasn't actually convinced, instead, I was feeling a bit like a hypochondriac, but none the less, called my doctor and requested a "celiac" panel of blood work be taken.  Well, I got the call this weekend, that indeed my blood work came back positive for Gluten Intolerance.  Wow!!! 

The past several years started running through my mind, and the realization that not once did any one of my doctors or specialists suggest that I might have a food allergy of any kind.  How was it missed, when it was so clear to me after doing the research?  I guess that's neither here nor there.  I now have this diagnosis and am not quite sure what to do with it.  I guess going Gluten Free is the obvious solution, though the selfishness in me doesn't want to "give up" the things I love so much.

I don't really think it's that...as much as I don't want to be different.  I don't want to have to be the girl who asks for the "gluten free menu" at the restaurant, or who goes around examining food labels while at the grocery store.  Or how about the girl who diagnosis dishes that people bring to potlucks, or family dinners, and when asked why I'm not eating something have to respond "oh...I'm gluten free"...like I'm too good or something.  So while I'm not happy about being "that girl", I guess I will have to be her and hopefully the relief from pain that I will soon be feeling...will be worth it!!!  Right?!?!  Ugh.......

SoulMates

I turn 30 this year and have decided that this next decade will be dedicated to personal wellness, stepping out of my "box" and making a difference! One of the ways I hope to achieve those goals, is to participate, as well as complete a half marathon. I've never been a runner, and the idea of running 1 mile, let alone 13 miles has been previously overwhelming to me! However, some girlfriends and I got together and decided this was a goal we were going to accomplish in our lives, and what better time than now! What started out as 1 half marathon in June, has turned into 3! Yes, I plan on completing (emphasis on completing, not necessarily running) 3 half marathons this year:


Eugene Half Marathon, 5/2/10
Pacific Crest Half Marathon, 6/26/10
Eugen Women's Half Marathon 9/7/10


The making a difference portion of my goal was to join the team of SoleMates for Girls on the Run. As a SoleMate, I will become more physically & mentally fit while helping (literally!) to change the world, one girl at a time through Girls on the Run! Girls on the Run inspires 3rd-8th grade girls to say true to themselves and live free from societal stereotypes. The 10-wk program innovatively weaves training for a 5K run with lessons to empower girls to celebrate their bodies, honor their voices, and embrace their gifts.

I am committed to raising $262.2 by September 1st, however my goal is to raise $500. Your donation will help directly support the girls in the Willamette Valley. Truly any amount (even $5) will help our local girls become strong and empowered young women. You can make a donation and support me at www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2011/KAlbin. Also, if you have a new year’s resolution of fitness or your bucket list has completing half or full marathon on it, joining the Girls on the Run SoleMate team will be a fun way to meet your goal! As a Solemate you will receive a customized training program to walk, walk/run, run/walk, or run a half or full marathon (your choice and all fitness levels can participate!). If you would like information on becoming a Soulmate go to http://solemateswv.wordpress.com.

NOTE: If you live in the area, the Eugene Women’s Half Marathon, September 5th includes an AVEDA spa experience at the finish line and chocolate and Champagne (and it benefits Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and American Cancer Society)! Plenty of time to train between now and September…

Thank you for taking the time to read what I'm up to and for considering sponsoring me! Happy Running!

Momma Needa a Whole Lotta Willpower

As a new year is upon us, many things begin fresh and new! Every year I think of resolutions that only end a few days after I begin them! I have good intentions, but no willpower. No willpower to finish something I start when it gets a little hard, no willpower to not eat, when I've resolved to lose some weight, etc. etc. Well...this year is hopefully going to be different!

2010:
* Play more with my kids
* Eat more fruits and veggies...okay, just eat better...I truly eat junk
* Go on a date with Kevin at least once a month
* and...dare I officially say it...yup, to run a half marathon! This from the NON runner!!! I will run 13+ miles in June, when I can barely run 2 miles now...I can do it, I can do it, I WILL do it!!!

Play more with the kids, and dates nights with Kevin...those should be fun! Eating better, and running a half marathon...not so fun! Insert Willpower!!!

Speaking of willpower. We are participating in a week of prayer and fasting...Sunday through Sunday! If there is anytime for willpower, now is the time! We're going on 34 hours...only 134 more hours to go!!!

Slightly Addicting

Kevin has always been a video game "junkie"!!! He has had almost every gaming unit, from the original Nintendo, to his current favorite, the Playstation 3! I on the other hand have not. Every once in a while as kids, we were allowed to rent a Nintendo from the video game store, or we'd enjoy playing at friends houses, but owning a unit...we never did! Anyways...Now that I've been married to Kevin, I get to enjoy a video game every now and again! The only problem is...Kevin likes sports games! We've got football, basketball, golf, etc. etc.! I on the other hand enjoy the "Donkey Kongs" and "Mario Bros" of the gaming world, but no such luck for those games in our house!

So...when the Wii came out, I talked Kevin into getting one, thinking a break from the "Madden" games might be kind of nice! We played it for a bit, truly enjoying a friendly boxing match here and there, and I even got a Wii fit! It was fun and we played it often! Then...we began to do other things, watch different TV programs, and surf the Internet. Our Wii and beloved Playstation3 began to collect dust!!!

It wasn't until recently when the guys at Kevin's work, got him the Tiger Woods golf game for the PS3, that the machine got dusted off, and came to life again! Kallen even picks up the controller every now and again, and is quite the little golfer!!! So...all that to say, that we were in Best Buy the other day, and I saw Super Mario Bros. Wii, and memories of the old school Nintendo game started flooding back! I handed it to Kevin saying let's buy this! He just laughed and said..."no way...the only games worth playing are sports games"! I said "Well, I guess it will be my game then," and we went ahead and bought it!


That night I played my Mario Bros on our little mini TV, while Kevin played Tiger Woods on the big TV (I know...we're hard up on a Saturday night)! Anyways...it wasn't long before Kevin had turned off his game and we were playing Mario 2 player! We haven't laughed that hard in a long time, and couldn't stop playing. We went late into the night laughing, joking, yelling, and trying to pass levels that Kevin once could pass with his eyes closed!!! It was fun, to say the least!

Every night after that, I found myself laying on the living room floor, squinting at the little TV, getting my Mario fix! I was hooked! Then lying on the floor wasn't fun anymore, so I took the Wii into our bedroom, and there it has remained! I typically go to bed around 9:30 these days, though I don't actually turn off the lights and call it a night until midnight or so! Kevin plays his Tiger woods for a while, then comes in and joins me on Mario! We haven't gone to bed before Midnight in the last week and I pay for it in the morning! It's slightly addicting I tell you, and it couldn't be more fun!!!

Whose Your Momma???

While I was killing some time this afternoon at my mom and dad's, I came across this picture...

Then I compared it to this picture...

Hmmmmm...

Me

Kynlee

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but...

Blessings,

More Than a "Mom"!

I recently attended the National MOPS convention (if you don't know what MOPS is, go to www.mops.org and check it out), and was fortunate enough to hear Kathy Peal speak. She gave a workshop on "The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy Organized Home", and it was fantastic! Along with many other things, I came away with a job description that really describes my "job". In fact...it's posted on my refrigerator as we speak, and I recite it every morning with pride. Okay...maybe I don't recite it every morning, but it's not a bad idea I tell ya!

I oversee the most important organization in the world
Where hundreds of decisions are made daily
Where property and resources are managed
Where health and futures are discussed and debated
Where projects are planned and events are arranged
Where transportation and scheduling are critical
Where team building is priority…
I AM A FAMILY MANAGER

Blessings,

Momma on a Mission

Kallen has a fishing pole that lately has become one of his favorite things. The bright yellow and red pole is kid friendly and oh so fun. One of the wonderful features that came with said fishing pole, is the bright red rubber fish that attaches to the line. You see...we never have to put a hook on the pole and Kal still has a great time...I mean...he catches a fish every time, who wouldn't have fun with that???

Anyways...we were at the lake this weekend and Kallen was fishing away. First he was standing on the catwalk fishing, then he moved to the end of the dock. I was holding Kynlee and watching Kal's every move...that is until I turned around to see what the men were doing. Of course, right at that moment, I heard a loud "thud", then a "splash", followed by an "oh no...my fishin' cole"...as I turned just in time to see the end of his beloved pole sink out of sight. Had I not had Kynlee in my arms, I might have dove in after it (Okay...be real...the water was only 68 degrees, and there was no way I was jumping in after a fishing pole, but it sounded good.)

So...the hours that followed were filled with lots of tears about the fish borrowing his fishing pole and not understanding why grandpa was going to help him pick out a new one, when he had a perfectly good and much loved pole simply sitting at the bottom of the lake. The water is about 20 or so feet deep right in front of the dock, so sometimes we have luck diving down and getting things, and let me tell you...many a thing has been dropped off the end of that dock...but weather/water conditions were not permitting such a dive...so the tears fell, and fell, and fell!

Well, what's a mother to do? I spent the next little bit, trying to search the property for something that might miraculously bring the pole to the surface. We thought of sticks with fishing line and sinkers, buckets tied to ropes, another pole with lots of hooks tied into it, and finally, our old family friend Pat, brought an old paint roller out of the back closet. I was quite the laughing stock as I tied the ski rope to the end of that roller, but I carried on. Kallen sat silent and still as he watched in anticipation...everyone else just with their hands over their faces to cover their snickers. I dropped the roller in, drug it one direction, then the next...nothing. My dad then suggests throwing it out, and dragging back to the dock. Okay...I tried that and announced to everyone that I felt a little tug. As I pulled up the line...something red was wrapped around the paint roller. My first reaction was that I pulled up some kind of plant or something, and that I was really going to get laughed at...but as I pulled it closer and closer...what do you know...THE FISH! All I heard behind me was "no way", and I pulled the remained line up along with THE FISHING POLE!!!!!!! I jumped and screamed in excitement as did Kallen. "You found it, you found my fishin' cole, yeah, yeah, yeah" was his exuberant response!

Everyone else just thought I should go buy a lottery ticket!!!

Blessings,

A Little Light-Headed!

For as long as I can remember, I've had long hair. Kevin is very open about the fact that he likes my hair long, and that he's not a fan of shorter hair cuts and styles. I've always tried to honor him and keep my hair a length that he liked...afterall...don't we all want to look good in our husbands eyes??? Anyways...Now having 2 kids and no time to style my "mop"...I always ended up getting out of the shower, throwing my hair in a bun of sorts, and going on my merry way.

I began feeling "frumpy" and a little "blah" about the whole situation. My hair is extremely thick and adding to that is the length, so...going to the salon is basically a half day trip. Therefor, I never go. I think the last time I went in even for a trim was 12 months ago, and the last time I had it colored was 6 or so years ago. Coloring a "mop" like mine can get rather pricey. Anyways...I finally requested to Kevin that I get a new...refreshing...style! My hair had gone from this, several years ago when I actually took care of it...

To this, as captured from my cellphone, minutes before the cut...

Though reluctant...he said "whatever makes you happy". Actually...If I'm being quite honest...when I left that morning, I combed my fingers through my hair and said "take a good look...this is the last time you'll see my hair this long". Kevin then chuckled, pointed to his wedding ring and said "if you chop it off...take a good look, this is the last time you'll see this!" He was kidding of course, but we definitely had a good laugh!

Anyways...My day of pampering was a amazing, as I mentioned before...and after 4 hours of cutting, coloring and styling, my hair now looks like this...

or this...

You know...whatever I'm feeling at the time! And yes, for those of you who are wondering...I did donate my "remanents" to Locks of Love!!! I Love my new hair, and I can't believe how easy it actually is each morning! I've got a little sas back in my life, and Kevin actually really likes it!!! So there you have it!!!

Blessings,

I Think I have OCD!!!

My sister Danielle Tagged me, to write 6 random things about myself, so here it goes...

1. I like things to be symmetrical: Something tall on this side, we need something tall on that side...Bed in the center of the wall...quilting...scrapbooking...yadda, yadda, yadda...it's all got to be perfectly symmetrical in one way or another!

2. I can't leave the TV volume on an odd number: I always have to go up or down 2 notches when changing the volume of the TV. 11 just won't do...it's got to be 10 or 12, which sometimes is too loud or too soft, but I just can't bring myself to stop it on that "dreaded" odd number. There is something about being able to divide whatever it is I'm doing in half...back to that symmetry again!

3. When I eat colored candy (skittles, m&m's, jelly beans, etc.) I have to separate them into even colored piles: Whatever candy is left over goes in it's own pile, and I attack that first! Then I pull from the other piles, one piece at a time, in order to always keep them equal! Yes...EVERY time I eat these candies!

4. Big gouges or scrapes in tubs of food items, drives me nuts: When dishing up icecream, I scrape the top of the tub in such a way that it is left perfectly flat. Same with butter. If someone has gouged the center of the butter...I try my best to smooth it out.

5. I Organize Everything I can: The clothes in my closet, as in my children's, are arranged by color, then by sleave length within each color. The fabric in my sewing room...the towels in my linen closet...the socks in my sock drawer...etc, etc, etc...all arranged by color. The DVD's and CD's...all arranged alphabetically. Books on the bookshelf and games in the game cupboard...by size. The spices in my spice cupboard...by uses. Baking spices all together, rubs and seasonings all together. The kids toys are even separated into baskets. A basket of cars, farm stuff, art things, etc. etc. etc.

6. We have 14 pillows on our bed...only 4 of which are decorative:

Okay...so after reading this, I think I offically have OCD...anyone know a good psyciatrist?

* Anyone else who wants to play along...feel free! It's kind of fun, and most definitely revealing!!!

Blessings,

A New Me...scratch that...A Healthier Me!!!

Last week I was reading a post by MCK Mama over at My Charming Kids, and realized If I'm going to be successful (like her), I need to share my journey with others who can support and encourage me, instead of trying to do it on my own "behind the scenes". What journey you ask???

Well...Tomorrow, February 4th 2008, I am beginning a program called Body-for-LIFE! It's a LIFE program that involves eating healthy and exercising...novel idea...though something I haven't been doing! Kevin's college roommate did this proram back in the day, and we all thought of it as a "body building" program. However...after devouring the website and reading through the book, I realize it is not that at all. I even have a friend who successfully completed the "challenge" and looks and feels great several years later! So...

After seeing some current pictures of myself, and examining the person who was looking back at me in the mirror, I realized that my body just wasn't the same as it used to be. My weight is the same as it has been for the last 10 years or so...however the saggy, flabby, skin, and tight fitting jeans, just arn't! (Truly a realization that the numbers on the scale don't mean as much as the way my clothes fit!) Anyways...this program (though I heard about it years ago), was put in front of me just at the right time. I'm making a commitment to change...for me, my husband, and my kids!!!

This was a hard decision for me to share this with you all or not, because I tend to be the person who wants to change before anyone knows I'm trying. The problem is...failure tends to be my middle name, and if no one knows...then there's no one to keep me accountable! So...I'm letting you all know, and I'll be posting about my progress each week for the next 12 weeks (and hopefully beyond), and I would love all the encouragement and support I can get!

Come back April 28th for the results, and each week in between for my progress!!!

Blessings,

Look What I Learned...

When my sister was in college, she took a couple of different Photoshop classes, and in turn, gave me a few unofficial "lessons". I knew how to do some basic things, and even a little here or there that wasn't so basic. I have been by no means taking full advantage of all the program has to offer.

Well, now that I've got my new camera, I decided that a little doctoring of the pictures might be fun too...I got online and looked at a few tutorials, and look what I learned how to do!

From this...

...to this

and this...

...to this

I know, I know...all you camera savvy, and Photoshop professionals have been doing this for ages, but it's all new to me, and I am so thrilled. I'm even taking a class of my own here in a couple of weeks. "The possibilities are endless!!!"

Awaiting My "Retreat"!

Well, today is my birthday...I know...Happy Birthday to me! Anyways, due to a hometown basketball game tonight, and a much anticipated "Civil War" football game on Saturday, we celebrated last night with the family! I made a big pot of stew, warmed up some good ol' fashioned garlic bread, and had some good times hangin' out with the fam!

As you know, with birthdays, come presents...so in summary...I'll be baking a stew in my new roasting pan, while wearing my new sweater and Moroccan shoes, before heading out to spend my $25.00 and enjoying a day of "refreshment" at the Retreat Day Spa here in town! Yes, while I got many wonderful things from the fam...the best, and most rewarding thing was a gift certificate from Kevin. I am supposed to "prepare to be refreshed", with a manicure, pedicure, hair wash, cut and style, and a 1 hour massage! I may just add a facial to that too!!! He said he may even watch the kids for me (joking of course...he's most definitely watching the kiddos!!!) I've got the phone number right here, and I'm making my appointment as we speak! I can't wait!

Picture Me

I was tagged by Amy to do this fun little meme! I'm supposed to post a picture of myself, then write about it...so here it goes:



This is a picture of Kevin and I on our "second honeymoon" to Cancun! When we got married, we were both still in school, and finances were a little tight. It was the middle of January, so we simply went for a fun weekend away in the snow!


In December of '04, Kevin and I decided to take the honeymoon we never had, a trip to Cancun, and this was us on the first night we arrived! We had a great time just being us! It was also on this trip that we decided when God was ready for us to be parents, we were ready too! I was pregnant with Kallen a month and a half later! Good times!


Now I tag Dani, Kim, Jessica and anyone else who wants to participate!!!

A New...well, recycled...Adventure

After Kevin and I got married, I got a wild hair to try something new and bring in a little extra cash as well. I became a Pampered Chef consultant! I was finishing up my teaching degree, had some time in the evening, and LOVED Pampered Chef products myself. So....why not sell them! I did it for a year or so, and really had a great time!

Then...I was at a point of almost being finished with school, and beginning my career, and felt that I no longer had time to devote to this "hobby"...so I stopped!

Well, It's been nearly 3 years of friends and family continually asking if I did, and requesting me to...sell Pampered Chef...so...Here I go again! I just reactivated my consultant information, and have once again become a Pampered Chef consultant! I'm not going to be holding "home parties", but instead doing a once-a-month "open house", where people can come see new and seasonal products, and place orders! Email and phone orders work great too, and pretty soon I'll have my own PC website where people can log on and order directly that way! I'll also be doing catalog parties for people as well!

So...If you need Pampered Chef...I'm your gal!

Alaska - Installment #4

Here goes the not so pleasant final stage in our trip to Alaska:

Sorry if this turns into a LONG venting session for me. Hopefully you'll understand where all my ranting and raving comes from when I'm through!

Back tracking just a tad...When I went through the security checks in Portland, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew that security was high, and that they were very particular about what is allowed in your carry-on. Due to that fact, I made sure that any scissors, clippers, tweezers and the like were in my checked luggage, and that my carry-on was free of contraband...so I thought. Well, getting up to the line I realized they were being very particular about liquids. You needed a clear bag with all your "liquids" in it, and there was a volume amount that was allowed. Being that we had such long layovers, I had all our bathroom things, shampoo, lotions, etc., etc. in my carry-on.

The line in Portland was really long, I had the stroller, a restless kiddo, our bags, and I definitely looked like I had my hands full. The security lady looked over my bag of bathroom goodies, kind of gave a funny look and said "these things are borderline". I told her sorry, I didn't know, and she let me through...no big deal. Well...Fairbanks, not so nice.

Here I am, saying goodbye to my friends, and anxiously awaiting the flight home to see one very missed husband and daddy. "Shoes, coats, blankets, things for the baby, and anything liquid in the tray please." Sure, no big deal, we've been through this before. Then came the problems...shampoo & conditioner, garbage, lotions, garbage, garbage, garbage, garbage. Gee, thanks for leaving the toothpaste and toothbrush at least! Fine, I understand, just let me get on the plane. "uh ma'am, you're going to need to come with us...we need to thoroughly check your bag." What...what do they need to check my bag for, because I'm carrying a toddler, my arms are full, and I just want to get home. Fine, check away. Out comes a sealed Apple juice box, my liquid foundation, and a sealed cup of mandarin oranges. "Why didn't you disclose that you had these things in your bag ma'am. These are liquid items, and we asked for all liquids." Are you kidding me...um, because I wasn't really thinking about it, and quite frankly I forgot. "Well, we need to confiscate them, and we need to bomb sweep your entire bag, stroller, and any loose belongings. Ahhhhhhh, fine...sweep away.

All clear, big surprise...Now we board the plane. Once again on the flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks we had an entire row to ourselves, which was a blessing from God as it turns out because of the roughness of the flight. Let me tell you...I haven't been on a lot of airplanes in my life, but this was the worse flight I've ever heard of. The turbulence was so bad that the flight attendants never left there seats, and the plane didn't stop rockin' and a shaken' until we landed. We had multiple "bags" (the little ones in front of everyone's seat...catch my drift) passed to the center isle, and the paramedics even had to be called for one lady because she was so sick, and so weak they were afraid to let her get off the plane. Thank you Lord we were on land!

We found our trusty Anchorage nursery room, laid Kallen in the crib, took a cat nap myself, then headed to our final plane. Plane number two also had major turbulence issues, but nothing like the seat mates I had next to me. I'm already rambling enough, so I'll save that little story for another time...it's a duzzy. Needless to say, we didn't have an extra seat next to us, because the entire flight was full, so that was an interesting dynamic to add to the flight! Kallen did fine, slept on my lap almost the whole time, and woke up just in time to see the lights of Portland. Remember I mentioned this earlier...Here's the daddy story. It's 5:00 am, the entire plane is silent and everyone is asleep. Kallen finds the window shade and thinks it's funny to open and shut it, open and shut it. Fine, he's being quiet, and he's not disturbing anyone. Then we see the lights and I simply say..."look Kallen, we're almost home. My precious son blurts out in almost a scream "dadda". Wow...that woke everyone up around us. Then he proceeds to lift the shade up and down, and every time he pulls it up, he yells "dadda" again and again. I tried to get him to stop by distracting him, but all he wanted was his dadda and he was going to let everyone know!

We landed safe and sound, Kallen got to see his daddy, and we climbed in the car headed for home sweet home! It was a great trip, but we were glad to be home!

Thanks for listening to my rambling during these Alaska installments. We hoped you enjoyed reading all about our trip.

28 weeks - Is someone sitting on my chest?

Here we are at 28 weeks, and the beginning of the third trimester.

I've heard for some women this is a very relaxing time in the pregnancy and things just run smoothly from here on out. Yeah, I'd like to know where those women are??? No, I'm only kidding. That was definitely the case when I was pregnant with Kallen. I had no issues to speak of other than the occasional SLIGHT heartburn attack. I was comfortable, full of energy, and often times forgot I was even pregnant...other than the humongous growth that was protruding from the middle region of my body! Anyways...things this time, are not so.

I have been having the worse bouts of heartburn I could ever imagine, and literally have such a lack of energy that I find myself crawling around the house to get places. Also if I'm down on the floor, Kallen doesn't think he has to be up in my arms all the time, which drains my daily allowance of energy to nothing.

When these heartburn attacks first began, I thought I was dying and that I needed Kevin to take me to the emergency room. I quite frankly thought I was having a panic attack or something because the first episode was the night before I left for Alaska. The whole next day I felt as if someone was sitting on my chest, making it nearly impossible to breath. The good ol' trusty doc recommended Zantac and said the symptoms should clear up within an hour. I watched that clock like a hawk, and the doctor was only about an hour off in her times. It took almost two hours to feel any relief, but when I did...Oh sweet relief!!!

Now I sleep propped up with several pillows (almost sitting), don't eat at least three hours before bed, and watch foods that seem to trigger the symptoms (which actually seems to be anything, so I'm a little stuck in that department!)

I keep telling myself it's all worth it to see my precious little babe here in another 3 months, but then 3 months sounds like forever...so I say 12 weeks...uhgg, still sounds like forever...what about 84 days...huh...is it really that long?

Help please!!!

* UPDATE: I figured it out...I had done it correctly, but there were two http://'s at the begining of the link. Attention to detail!!! Thanks for the help ladies!

Sorry, I know...two posts in one day...and this one doesn't really say anything informative...I'm just looking for some help!

Okay, so I'm having some problems linking an old post to the post I just made. I've gotten good at writing things, and adding some pictures, but that's about all I can do! I'm just starting to branch out, and I even added some other blog links to my site...Yeah for me!

Now I'm stuck. Any of you bloggers out there...How do I link an old post to a new one? I thought I had done it, but there seems to be an error! Huh...

6 Months!

Well here we are...we've reached the 24 week/6 month mark! Things are still going great, and we are getting so excited to meet this little one!

We've started to paint the babies room in a soft olive green, so that if our little one is a boy, we can bring in the "camo" theme Kevin is so excited about, and if a little girl...we're doing daisies and lady bugs!!! It's been really fun to start pulling some of Kallen's old baby things out, and get them all cleaned up! I forget how much stuff we accumulated in such a short amount of time!

Kallen still doesn't get the whole baby thing, but at least now he's starting to hug and point to my belly when we say "where's the baby". I'm sure the poor kid is confused, and wont know what to say when he sees an actual baby, but that's okay, he'll get it one of these days!

Well, here are some updated "belly shots"...I hope you enjoy!

20 Weeks

24 Weeks

I survived...and so did he!

Kevin and I did it...we finally left Kallen over night! This might surprise you, but Kevin has actually been the one reluctant to leave him, and I've been begging for the time away. Kevin thinks it's no big deal to take him every where we go, and for the most part...I agree. I don't mind taking him out to dinner, or if we go visit family and friends...BUT...taking him to a plumbing trade show in Seattle didn't sound like something I was excited to do. Kevin's comment was "it will be no big deal." Sure, for him...I'm the one who will be chasing the little munchkin all over the convention center, while he was wheelin' and dealin' and looking at all the new products.

After weeks of pleading my case, Kevin finally agreed. Yes!!! Kallen would be staying with Grandpa and Grandma, and Kevin and I would have a night away in Seattle. It took a room full of hundreds of plumbing propaganda to get our time away, but we did it!

When we dropped Kallen off Friday morning, the tables had turned. Kevin was excited, and I was second guessing our decision. "Why did we need to leave him? He'd be okay with us. We'll just take his stroller, and lots of snacks and it should be easy peasy lemon squessy, right?" Okay, fine...with lots of coaxing, Kevin got me in the car, and we were off! Seattle, here we come...alone!

I called mom 2 hours after we left, and then 4 hours later. Everything was fine, and Kallen hadn't even noticed we were gone! Okay...it's getting easier. Kevin and I roamed around the show a little bit, then went for a romantic dinner at "The Cheesecake Factory". Neither one of us had ever been, but let me tell you...The Chicken Medeina was the best chicken dish I've ever had, and it was all I could do to keep Kevin's fork off my plate. I had to keep telling him to get his "own".

We got back to the hotel, and both crashed early channel surfing between reruns of CSI: Miami, and the Disney Channel's "Freaky Friday". I don't think a hotel bed has ever been so comfortable and cosy, and Kevin and I both slept like babies! We woke up this morning, enjoyed our contenintal breakfast, went to the show for a few hours, and headed home. Kallen, here we come!

When we arrived at mom and dad's, Kallen was in his highchair eating dinner, and didn't even blink an eye when we walked in the door. Okay, so maybe we missed him a little more than he missed us, but I guess that's the way it should be. I'd rather him be having a grand ol' time and not even know we were gone, than to be crying for us every other minute. Our little boy is growing up so much!

Bottom line is he survived...and so did we. I guess another vacation away isn't out of the question, and hopefully this time we can be alone without hundreds of other plumbers there joining us!!!

Go Team!!!

Since having our little munchkin 15 months ago, I haven't had many opportunities to get away for a day without the little guy. It's not because I haven't wanted to, or haven't trusted someone else to watch him...it's been more of an issue of not having anything to do. Now that might surprise you because you think I have Kallen with me day in and day out, so how can I possibly get things done...but I manage. The thought of going somewhere, just to go somewhere, doesn't appeal me. I've never enjoyed shopping by myself, nor taking a stroll along the river. Having someone to talk to, even if I don't understand what he's saying is always better!!!

Well Saturday, I had an opportunity to hang with the girls (and Dawson) all day and leave Kallen home with Daddy!!! It was a very refreshing, and much needed outing. Brandy, Ellie and I (with their babies Dawson and Syndey in tow), drove to Portland for the State Cheer leading competition! For those of you who don't know...I cheered in high school, and attended one of these very competitions as a competitor, so to come back as a spectator, was great fun! As you can see from the picture...Dawson didn't want everyone to know he was hangin' out with the girls, so he tried to tried to lay low and keep his face from being seen!!!

Going to "State" with our old coach Crissy, has been a tradition since we all got out of high school...though I've only been able to attend a few different times. Brandy & Ellie have gone religiously and know the ropes inside and out, this time was different though! They both had babies under 6 months and our coach was unable to fly up from California for the event. I will definitely say that sitting for 5 hours when it's not just yourself you're worried about can be quite exhausting (although I wouldn't know...since I was baby free). No...in all seriousness...the babes did GREAT! The only fit that was thrown was when the moms behind us (who turned out to be quite the "poor sports") kept hootin' and hollerin' at the top of their lungs right during nap time. All the load music and announcing didn't make the babies flinch, but the high pitched whistles and incessant screaming did them in. Finally when the school they were really cheering for competed...the noise behind us lulled to a bare minimum and we were all able to enjoy the rest of the meet!

I came home to a sleeping baby, a spotless house, and a hug and kiss from my darling other half! All in all it was a great day out, and and great day in for daddy and Kallen!