11.30.2011

Remembering

Today I finally got to meet Jennifer! Her boyfriend's sister is expecting a baby girl in February and I had some formula I wasnt using so I gave it to her. Jennifer is someone I met (well, met online, I guess) through Shaun, in a way. Most of you know what happened a few years ago but for those of you who dont, Shaun was a boy that I met in 2008, dated in 2009, and was by his side when he passed away, also in 2009. It was a very difficult time for me, not only because we all lost a wonderful young man, but also because I was there and it was a bit traumatizing. We had taken a fun-filled road trip to Phoenix that weekend and it happened totally unexpectedly. So not only did that happen, but I had to drive his car back to Colorado with all of his belongings in it to his mom. It was rough to be alone on that journey back but ultimately, I didnt want his mom to have to go pick it up herself. She didnt need that after everything that happened. It was all kind of a fluke accident and to this day, I dont really know what happened. I guess a couple medicines were taken together that shouldnt have been. It definitely was not on purpose; it was a total accident. But I woke up to it, called 911, and tried to do what I could with the operator telling me what to do on the phone. By the time the medics got there though, it was too late. After lots of questions and moving to a different room for the night (it was already too late in the day to start heading back, especially after all the emotional upheaval), I was so tired.

It was actually a bit weird because Shaun and I had gone to see a comedian the night before he passed and we met this lady there who was trying to sell us on a timeshare situation. Of course, we werent really interested, but we listened to her politely, and she said she hoped to see us at a breakfast meeting the next day. Well, then what happened, happened, and I completely forgot about it. She ended up calling me after the police and ambulance left and I was in my new room. She was wondering why we didnt come, so I told her what happened and she immediately came over to the hotel and took me to dinner, practically forcing me to eat. It was amazing though because I didnt know anyone in Phoenix. I had never even been there before that weekend, so I was completely alone. However, it was great because then I had company and I was able to talk to someone about how great Shaun was. I ended up heading home the next day, and while it was a rough ride (I had never even driven his car before then), I made it and I stayed with his mom for a while that evening. I have a really great relationship with his mother and for that I am thankful. She is so wonderful. We had his funeral service over Memorial Day weekend (which I thought was fitting) and my dad even came out to Colorado to attend the service to be supportive.

Shaun's mom always told me that as hard as it was, she felt content knowing that he was happy that last weekend. She had received a call from him the night before, telling her all about how much fun he was having. And we had taken lots of pictures there, so I was able to give those to her and she could see his happiness radiating through them. She was also glad I was there, despite me having to go through that; she was happy someone was just there with him. 

I always thought the timing of everything was a bit ironic; I had met Tony in February of 2008 on eHarmony (officially met in June 2008) and then I moved to Colorado in August of that year. Shaun actually worked for one of the Hermesman businesses (the first place I worked at for them) and that's how we met. There was nothing between us as I was so obviously smitten with Tony. But then Tony and I broke up in February of 2009 because we didnt have time for each other with all the businesses. That's when Shaun and I started hanging out more (he then worked a different place not owned by the Hermesmans) and we got closer. We started "dating" at the end of March and then he passed away in May. After months of working nonstop (because there was nothing else I could do) and grieving / moving on, Tony and I ended up getting back together in October. Then, of course, we got engaged in March of 2010, married in October, and had baby girl in September of 2011. It's crazy how far we've come in that amount of time. I cant believe it will be 3 years next May since Shaun passed away. Time really does fly. I never expected 3 years ago that I would be where I am now. I know now that I was ultimately supposed to end up with Tony (he is my love and I know that wholeheartedly), but I almost feel like Tony and I were supposed to have that break so that I could be there with Shaun. I am glad I could make him happy but I'm still sad about the situation. He had lots of plans and he loved life. He was very intelligent, funny, and a blast to hang out with. I know he is in a better place and that he is fondly remembered and loved by lots of people. I'm also glad that I can share his story and that I have the honor of that. 

So anyway, after he passed, lots of his friends from all over the world (I'm not even exaggerating; he traveled a whole lot and touched lives everywhere he went) started reaching out to me and Jennifer was one of them. Well, after Tony and I moved back to Oregon last year, I learned she was moving here as well with her boyfriend! Well, we finally met today and I hope I get to hang out with her more! She's so nice and always has been. 

That whole experience had so many ups and downs, but I'm ultimately thankful because it taught me so much about myself and life. Shaun was truly an inspiration and I will always remember him.



11.29.2011

Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood

Yup, season 6 premiered tonight. YES! Finally. I've only been waiting for over a year. Sheesh. I finally got my fix haha. I loved it, as always. I'm so glad I can look forward to seeing them every week now for a while. They also premiered a live segement to introduce their new baby daughter, Hattie (who was born on me and Tony's anniversary!), who was just freakin adorable. She kind of reminded me of Anistynn actually. It's ironic because the main reason I really like watching Tori and Dean is that it reminds me of me and Tony. Tony agrees. I'm like her in a lot of ways and Tony resembles Dean's personality, while also maintaining the same interests. And of course, how they act as a couple is very similar to how we act too. I always thought that and when Tony watched it for the first time, he said the same thing without me having to say anything ;) So anyway, I'm stoked, to say the least.

Besides that, the fam and I went to Lia's band concert tonight. We started out by going to dinner at Olive Garden first though and that was yummy. So overall, a good night. Anistynn was all dressed up in a cute winter outfit. Check out some pics below:





11.28.2011

The Newest Thing

Anistynn is so smart. I'm sure every parent feels this way about their child but I'm experiencing it all for the first time, so cut me some slack ;) 

So baby girl has been smiling lots lately (and even laughing in between a bit here and there) and I just adore it all around. It makes me light up to see her so happy. What a wonderful thing to wake up to, see in the middle of the day, and fall asleep to. Anyway, the newest thing is sticking my tongue out - she loves it! She smiles constantly when I do it. Tony tries and she'll maybe give him a hint of a smile. I guess it's mama's thing ;) Also, she is pushing her tongue out while watching me. Today she stuck it out when I stuck mine out and then yawned when I yawned. It was great. It's so fantastic to watch her zero in on my mouth and just stare at it so intently, really trying to take it in. And then to watch her try to imitate it is just wonderful.

I love her so much!!! This is going to be so fun watching her grow and learn. 

11.27.2011

Two Adorable Pics In One Day

Sunday - church bound:


Sunday - just arrived home (I left her in her car seat while I ran to the bathroom and came back to this):

11.26.2011

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Yesterday (after hanging out with Lia and then going to dinner with Lia, Josh, Tony, my dad, and Anistynn), Tony, Anistynn, and I went shopping. It was still Black Friday, but it wasnt as horrible since we went in the evening. We were able to get everything we needed for the Secret Santa situation on both sides of the family. Plus, we picked up a couple of things for Anistynn (she was asleep so she didnt see anything, dont worry haha). The only thing I have left to get is something for Tony. That's it! Ahhh, feel's good to be done with that.

Today we went and got some family photos done. We were hoping to use one of these for our family Christmas card that we are going to send out, so we wore our matching outfits. We received a postcard in the mail saying we could have a photo shoot and $30 worth of prints for free. So we basically went in, took the pictures, and left without having to pay for anything :) We didnt purchase a disc this time, but the pictures were available online to look at and share so I'll post them here. Because of that though, there are watermarks across them. Hopefully you can still see them okay enough. 











The second to last one is hilarious. Anistynn laughed (for the third time in her life) and so we started cracking up because we werent expecting it! It was so adorable and we have no idea what she was even laughing at. But it's such a funny picture because we are all looking in different directions. Tony and I were both looking at the photographers and Anistynn was looking at the camera. It was great.

As for Christmas decorating, I'm waiting until December 1st to put up any decorations. Then everything will go up :) 

But I'll tell you what I am loving: made-for-tv Christmas movies. I love this time of year because I will obsessively watch all the ABC Family, Hallmark, and Lifetime Christmas movies. Gosh, I love those.

11.25.2011

Black Friday

..... sucks. 

Ohmygoodness, what a pain. I havent been real Black Friday shopping in a while. I went last year, but during the day and I only went to Target. It wasnt that bad. I got a lot of really great deals and I basically had all of my Christmas shopping done that day. The last time I really went (as in at midnight) was in Durango but it wasnt that big of a deal because it's a small town and there's only a Walmart. 

I decided I would go this year because of the great deals I got last year. I originally planned to shop during the day but at the last minute, I decided to go at midnight to get it over with. And that way, I wouldnt have to take the baby to that crazy mess. Lia went with me. We didnt want to be waiting for hours for anything to open so we went around 11:40 PM. We went to Kohl's first and the line was super long. For those of you that live in Gresham, it went beyond Fred Meyer. Ridiculous. So Lia and I ran and got in line. It rained on us and we were only in sweatshirts and sweats haha. Truthfully, I didnt even have anything on my list at any place; I was going to wing it and see what they had to offer. After we finally got into Kohl's, we looked around.... they certainly had some good deals, but nothing crucial for me to get. I did find a possible Christmas gift for someone, but after seeing the line wrapped around the entire store, I quickly rethought that situation. 

We made our way to Target next. We got there around 1 AM and the parking lots was full, with a line wrapping around the building. Ugh. We luckily found a parking spot right up front, but we still had to wait in the wind and the rain for a while. There were police cars lining the parking lot and there were officers standing behind the Target employees letting groups of people in to make sure there were no crazy mobs. After we got in, I found a few things that I would like to have gotten, but again, the line was out of this world. People were weaving in and out of the aisles almost around the whole store. The employees were ushering people to the end of the line. Frankly, there was no way I was going to wait in it. I wasnt getting anything amazing (just a bunch of little things) so it wasnt worth it. 

After that, I decided to not go to Walmart (the only other place on my list) because I was exhausted - and I hadnt even bought anything or waited in line! All I have to say is.... never again, unless I have a game plan. Unless I know ahead of time what I really want to get and the deal is so dang good that I cant pass it up, I probably wont go again. The people are annoying (they just stand in the aisles like idiots - move, people, move! - and they're rude), the lines are ridiculously long (that's what keeps you out so long, not the actual shopping), and it sucks waiting around in the cold and rainy weather. That's something I save for Harry Potter only.

So.... lesson learned.

11.24.2011

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! 

In honor of this day, I'll list the things I'm most thankful for:

~ My sweet baby girl, Anistynn Grace! I'm thankful for being able to have her, that she is healthy and thriving, and that she made me a mommy - the thing I most wanted to be in life.
~ My husby, Tony, for all that he does. For loving me, for putting up with me, and for making it possible to have my little girl. I'm also thankful that he supports our family. So in turn, I'm thankful for eHarmony :)
~ Our families, the Ways, the McQueens, and the Hermesmans. We are surrounded by so much love and support, it's insane.
~ Our friends, who provide love and laughter.
~ Tony's job so that we can pay our bills and have a place to live.
~ Food Benefits and WIC, for supplying us with food and formula in hard economic times.
~ Our wonderful car that has never caused us ANY problems - we are thankful to be able to get places and Tony can get to work.
~ My experiences in life, from loss to love and everything in between (traveling, etc) that have made me who I am today. 
~ LIFE and that we can continue to live it. Hopefully there are many many more years to come.

Thanksgiving 2011

11.23.2011

Worries

So to get this out of the way.... As I mentioned in yesterday's post, money sucks. I think we all know this. Whether you have too much or too little, it sucks. Anyway, I was just stressed out because of a couple of reasons. 

Reason # 1: 

Tony isnt getting as many hours as he used to due to the holidays, so that's affecting us a little bit. Granted, he did get a raise a while back and that helps, but he needs more hours. So he's looking into getting a second job. He did have one for a while but he basically quit it after Anistynn was born because it wasnt working out. It was too far away and he only worked weekends there and we had too many things going on right after she was born. So now he's looking again. Anything is fine, we just need a little bit more income coming in. He applied at Papa John's today to be a delivery driver (which I'm totally cool with because I looove their pizza!) so we'll see what happens there. We discussed me getting a job but Tony wants to do everything he can to allow me to stay home with Anistynn, which is just one of the many reasons why I love him. I would prefer that too (I think anyone would) but if it becomes absolutely necessary, I will find work. It doesnt make sense for me to get one since the income would be about the same if Tony had 2 jobs or if he was working and I was working. Then there's the fact that Anistynn would need to go to daycare. I'm sure grandma and grandpa could occasionally babysit, but certainly not all the time. So then that means us working to pay for her daycare. Ohhh it's retarded. And truth be told, I would hate having her go somewhere else all day being watched by someone else, and me missing out on all her precious moments. However, if it needs to be done, it will be. I'm not against daycare, I just want to avoid it if at all possible. I know lots of moms (single moms in particular) have to rely on that and they have no choice. I give kudos to them because I know it must be so hard. I'm lucky to have Tony and all that he does for us. Also, we're going to Durango for a week, so that's another week that Tony wont work (so no income). But we are SO incredibly excited to go down there and visit and I'm really glad we're doing it.

I'm trying to help out as much as I can by pet sitting (which totally relies on when my clients or new clients need it) and by clipping / printing coupons. I also keep our home clean, the laundry done, the dishes done, do the grocery shopping (bargain shopper right here!) and take care of baby girl all day. So I do my best with whatever I can. And Tony works his butt off for our family by going to work every day at 6 AM, coming home and playing with Anistynn (aka: letting mama take a much needed shower), and taking care of anything I cant do. 

Reason # 2:

The other thing that happened was a mix up with our bank account. For some reason, our joint checking account card was denied on certain bills that are paid for on it each month and I had no idea why. We had the money in there for those bills but for some reason, each one was charging our account and then debiting it back. I called the bank and they said everything looked fine and we just had to wait it out. Well, in the meantime, I'm sitting over here unable to do anything, stressed to the max that if it keeps happening, we'll either get late fees on our bills or overdraft charges (the likes of which are $35 for each item). I checked again today and some things cleared up while others are now missing. So I'm still trying to figure that out. I hate when I lose control on things like this!!! Soooo frustrating! 

But besides all that, I love our little family! Speaking of which, here are some more Anistynn pics!:












Oh! Here's a fun story: Anistynn was crying (still a little sore and running a bit of a fever from her shots the day before) so I picked her up and was walking around with her, rocking her. We walked from room to room and she almost instantly stopped crying when we walked into the living room. I looked over my shoulder at her and she was extremely focused on the tv. She totally started zoning out on it and I looked up and saw that Friends was on! Ahh a girl after my own heart. Tony snapped these pics:




=]

11.22.2011

Suck

Money.

It sucks the big one. 

Ughhhhh.

I really am so stressed and exhausted that I just dont have much energy to write. I will say however, that despite financial issues, my life is pretty blessed.

I will blog about money crap more in depth tomorrow. This mama is tired today.

Here are a few more pictures from our weekend with Ted, Bonnie, and Ashlee:



11.21.2011

2 Month Check Up

Today was baby girl's 2 month check up. I've been both looking forward to this day and dreading it with my entire being. On one hand, I want to make sure Anistynn is right on track with everything and healthy and happy. On the other hand, I dont want to see my baby hurt. 

All day up until her appointment, I was talking to her about going to the doctor and that she was going to have to get some shots but that it would be over quickly. I know she cant fully understand it yet, but I wanted to be honest with her and tell her straight up. She needed to be informed, not tricked. Sooooo, we went in at 2:10 PM and checked her in. She always gets fussy at the beginning because she doesnt like being in the nude and of course you have to take everything off to weigh her. So first she was measured (23 inches) and then weighed (10 pounds). She also got her head measured but sadly I cant remember what it was. However, I do know that the doctor said she was right on track and everything was growing "up" so that was excellent. We talked with Dr. Eki for a bit, just updating him on her eating habits (about 16 oz - 20 oz a day), sleeping habits (in bed usually by 10 PM - gets up once or twice during the night - starts her day around 8 AM), diaper  habits (at least 8 wet diapers a day and lately she's had number 2 once a day and sometimes once every other day), and anything she was doing to let us know she was developing on track (coos - she talks back all the time - smiles, and laughs). He said she seemed to be progressing very well. The physical exam went great; everything perfect there. 

We did notice her right eye getting more teary yesterday and some gunk would build up in it and we were worried that it was going to be pink eye or something but the doctor said it was probably just tears pooling up in her duct (I cant remember what it was called exactly) and that it's fairly common. He prescribed her some eye drops to use 3 times a day to help with that. That was about it on the concerns list. 

And of course, Anistynn got her vaccinations today. She got 6 total. Luckily, some of them were combined and one of them was taken orally so she was only poked twice. She did perfect on drinking the one (she made these adorable slurping sounds and the nurse was just cracking up) but then the shots came and it was so sad. We were feeding her a bottle when the nurse did it, to try to help calm her but of course, as soon as she was poked, she knew something was going on. She was all bright eyed, drinking her bottle, and then poke! She had a look of instant surprise and then started crying. She didnt scream bloody murder or anything but it was definitely a different cry than usual. Tony and I were each holding one of her hands (the nurse preferred we didnt hold her in either of our arms) and she was grabbing on to both of us so tightly. It was sad. I think it hurt me more than it hurt her though! I hate not being able to explain why she is getting hurt :( Anyway, she got one poke in each thigh and then got 2 super cute band-aids (a blingy silver one and a pink camo one) although she could care less what they looked like. I picked her up as soon as I could and she cried a little bit and then calmed down pretty quick. But then about 20 seconds later, I think she thought about it again and started crying once more haha. After another minute or so, we got her all settled into her car seat and left. About 5 minutes later, she was out and remained sleeping for 4 hours. We ran some errands (Tony had an eye exam and got some glasses) and then came home. 

As soon as we took her out of her car seat she started screaming. The doctor said she might have a slight fever and her legs would be sore for about a day. We changed her diaper, gave her a tiny dose of Children's Tylenol, and gave her a bottle. She went through 7 ounces in about an hour. She was crying in between. She would eat some and then just start crying. She couldnt help it. Tony was working with her and then I couldnt take it anymore seeing her so sad, so I went over and tried and she immediately calmed down. I guess it just took a mother's touch on this one :)

Now Tony and Anistynn are asleep on the couch side by side and she seems to be sleeping pretty peacefully but there's no telling how later tonight may be. I feel so bad for her, having to experience shots and a fever of sorts all in one day, when she's never experienced either before in her short little life of 2 months. If she screams and cries tonight, I wont mind because I know that's what she needs to do. All I can do is just be here for her. And you can bet I will be.

11.20.2011

Sad To See Them Go

We had another great day today. Tony, Anistynn, and I went to church this morning and then we met up with Ted, Bonnie, and Ashlee again to do some more shopping. We went to Walmart, Target, and Lowe's. Tony got some tools and a pair of black jeans for work. Anistynn got a pair of giraffe sunglasses (a must have), 2 headbands (a giraffe print one and a purple one with cut out flowers), a winter sleeper with a penguin on it, and a black and pink sleeper with "Rock Star" on it. I got some make up. And we got our fake Christmas tree today too, as well as a miniature version of the exact same one for Anistynn's room. HAHA. They were having a great sale on them today so we couldnt resist ;) We also went to Jamba Juice and then to Starbucks to take advantage of their BOGO event this weekend :) Yummmm peppermint mochas! Oh, and Tony also got his hair cut. Finally. I was almost ready to get down on my knees and beg. Whew! ;)

After all that, we hung out at our place and Ted and Bonnie just played with baby girl for a while. It was nice. Then we headed to Portland to eat dinner at Spag Fac on the waterfront. My parents and Josh and Lia came out to join us as well. It was fun. 

But sadly after that, we parted ways since Ted, Bonnie, and Ashlee leave tomorrow morning to fly back to Durango. We are sad to see them go but we will be seeing them again soon since we are going there for a week next month! 

Here's Anistynn from tonight - a sleepy girl, as usual ;)


11.19.2011

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

Today consisted of.... can you guess? That's right.

Shopping.

I'm exhausted! Tony's grandma wanted to go shopping today so we went out and about everywhere. We to Kohl's, Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Lil' Britches, and the Clackamas mall. Here's what we got today:

Tony 

- 2 pairs of jeans
- 2 shirts
- 1 jacket
- Pack of undergarments (yes yes)
- 1 black and white plaid scarf
- 1 pair of shoes (Adidas)
- 3 books on business
- A Peppermint York Patty ;)

Danielle (me) 

- Running shoes (Nike)
- Heart necklace
- Bookmark
- Fir tree scented ornaments to hang on our tree (since sadly we will be having a fake tree this year and I needed my smells)

Anistynn

- 4 white onesies
- 4 vintage onesies
- 1 pink flower onesie
- 1 white onesie with pink flowers on it (it is indeed different from the one mentioned above)
- 1 onesie with bows on it (printed bows, not actual ones haha)
- 3 headbands (one red one with a black flower on it, one blue and white striped one with a blue bow on it, and one blue one with a massive amount of things on it - bows, ribbons, feathers, you name it)
- 2 pairs of vintage socks
- 1 plaid shirt with white pants set
- 1 sleeper with a peacock on it
- Stocking holder in the shape of an 'A' for Anistynn

So we made out pretty good ;) After all the shopping, we went to dinner at the Macaroni Grill. It was Tony, Anistynn, Ted, Bonnie, Ashlee, Josh, Lia, my dad, and my grandma, Shirley. It was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures from tonight:










And here are my new running shoes:


Yay! I'm so excited to start running again! I havent ran since before we found out about baby girl. I love to run so I'm glad I can finally do it again since I'm not pregnant anymore nor am I healing from a surgery. Plus, I've had my old running shoes for a while and they were crowding my toes so it would have killed to run in them any further. So yay!