The Exclusive

Warning! If you choose to read the following blog post (posted on January 18, 2012), you must agree to the following terms and conditions: You may not post, tag, comment, etc. any of this privileged information on Facebook. If you agree to the following statement, you may proceed with the following blog post.

So, did I get your attention? And I assume that you agree? If so, continue on.

I posted last month (Dec. 15th - Random Ramblings) that Tommy and I were on our journey to start a family. Well, we were successful in our attempts at becoming pregnant. That's right, I'm knocked up. I'm currently 8 weeks, 3 days pregnant and my due date is August, 26th 2012. Today, we had our first ultrasound and everything looks great! We got to see the baby and its' heartbeat. Unfortunately, it was a little too early to hear the heartbeat on the doppler, but I am going back on February 1st to hear it! (Once you see or hear the heartbeat, you chance of miscarriage drastically reduces to 3%). And yes, there is only one heartbeat. Sorry Lance and Shellie.....it's just a singleton. We are ecstatic!!!! I cannot tell you how happy I am.
(Photos are at the bottom of this blog post).

So, I guess I'll fill you in on what's been going on the last month. For starters, I'm an open book, so it's hard for me to keep anything hush hush. I'm great with other people's secrets, but for some reason, I just have a hard time holding my own. It's been really difficult not to post this on my blog. But, we are waiting until 13wks to post an official "Facebook Announcement," hence my terms and conditions.

Let me back track to my post on December 15th. Basically, (okay, some of this maybe TMI, my apologies) I started spotting and assumed my period was about to start....and I was so disappointed that my first round of Clomid 50mg days 5-9 was unsuccessful. (I was put on Clomid because I was not ovulating due to going of birth control pills). I went online, ordered more ovulation tests from Amazon (Wondfo's - $9 for 100 - such a steal) and I called Tommy crying telling him how disappointed I was. I was leaving for Texas the next day, so at least I had my trip to take my mind off it. I decided I'd bring a few pregnancy tests with me just in case. I had a great time on my trip, but on a whim (Sunday, December 18th) I decided to test, because I was going to have to start my 2nd round of Clomid on Monday...and I wanted to be 100% positive I wasn't pregnant before starting the medication.

I peed on my stick, hopped in the tub at my Nana and Papa's house, and then jumped out to see the results. Low and behold, there were 2 lines!!!! I called my mother into the bathroom to get her observation just to make sure my eyes were not playing tricks on me. And, yes, she saw the second line. I called Tommy and told him the good news. He was excited and shocked, considering that I thought my period was starting (it ended up being implantation bleeding). He was still wondering if it was actually possible. I went into the living room and announced the news to Nana and Papa, and my dad. They were elated! But like Tommy, my dad was optimistically cautious. A few hours later, I grabbed a digital pregnancy test and decided to test again. And, yep, it said PREGNANT. I sent the photos to Tommy, and he felt more confident, but still wanted it verified by blood work, as well as Dad. Typical of men, right?

Two days later, I made it into my OB/GYN's office and took the blood test. Sure enough, it was positive and all my numbers were normal. We shared the good news with our parents and a few close friends that knew we were trying to conceive. Of course, they'd notice at some point that I wasn't drinking alcohol, anyway.

So, the reason why I might have seemed a little cranky on my blog lately is because I'm dealing with exhaustion, morning sickness, mood swings, etc.! Sorry about that. And, when I've referred to a special diet, change in exercise, life changing events...it's all been due to the pregnancy. I feel good for the most part, just not my best. Yesterday, I received a care package from Bran and Michelle that included Reed's Ginger Chews (my new favorite treat), a pregnancy timeline journal, and a pregnancy instruction manual. It was so thoughtful and sweet!

And, last but not least...... here's our little peanut!!!!

Rants and Raves

I know we've all seen the Charmin commercials with "Pieces Left Behind" and their new "roll covers." They are really reaching in their marketing campaigns. First of all, I've never noticed any "pieces left behind" with any brand of toilet paper. What in the world are they talking about? And then when the dirty blonde, full figured woman says during the commercial, "Feeling clean is sooooo important." Well, that's why we use toilet paper, isn't? And then there are the roll covers. Since when does a toilet paper roll need a decorative accent piece? I mean, come on. Have you ever ventured into someone's bathroom, saw an extra toilet paper roll out, and thought.."Wow, that is totally inappropriate and needs to be covered up?" Of course not! Okay, sorry, but I had to get that out of my system. I just don't know what in the world Charmin is thinking.

This past weekend was pretty low key for Tommy and I. Saturday night, Tommy smoked ribs, wings, and sausage and it was delicious! Sunday, we just hung out at the house all day. We were in the mood to get out and do something, but there really wasn't much going on. This week is a pretty eventful week for us, but I'll post about that later on :) Below is a photo of Tommy rocking his "man apron" while preparing his smoked meats.

Nightmares

I had the most incredibly horrifying nightmares all night long last night. Literally, at one point, I woke up trembling, sweaty, and my heart was racing. I'd fall back to sleep, and just go into a completely different night terror. They were a cross between The Hills Have Eyes, The Village, and The Exorcist. One of my dreams would actually make a great novel or screenplay. I just might start writing it!

Tonight, I really hope I have peaceful sleep. I cannot experience what I went through last night. It was truly terrifying!

Patience

Typically, I am an extremely patient person, but not today. While running errands, I got stuck behind a truck going 15 MPH for 10 miles. And no, I did not have the ability to pass him. Then, I ran to the pet store to grab Sophie her food. I got into the checkout and waited behind a woman with her hairless cat who had a 10 minute conversation with the clerk about their pets. The store clerk was even whipping out her cell phone and showing photos. Of course, I might show off Sophie from time to time, but not when there are waiting customers in line! Argh. This normally wouldn't really phase me, but just not today.

Anyway, Leia, Shelby and I had dinner last night at Carrabba's. I will be the first to admit that I am somewhat of a food snob when it comes to chain restaurants. But Carrabba's I like. I do enjoy higher end chain restaurants like Ruth's Chris, Morton's, J. Alexanders, etc. But I'm not a huge fan of the typical American chains like Red Lobster, Applebee's, etc. I enjoyed the Seafood Pasta with Champagne Cream Sauce (crab, scallops, and shrimp) and a small salad. It was really good. Afterwards, I had a huge craving for a slice of cheesecake, so I headed to The Cheesecake Factory for a piece. Okay, yes, I realize Cheesecake Factory is a chain, but I will say that I love their Fried Mac N Cheese Balls and any of their Cheesecakes. I find the rest of their food to be mediocre and overpriced. They were out of the Vanilla Bean Cheesecake (my all time favorite), so I went for the Caramel Dolce, which is still an excellent choice.

Below are just a couple of photos at dinner...I had to co hearse the ladies to actually take the photo..lol. I look really weird in the photo of Leia and I....

Above: Shelby. Below: Me and Leia

We are finally getting some snow today! Well, I should say flurries. I am really hoping that we at least get one good snow this winter. Here's Sophie gearing up for her day in her "snow coat:"

Well, I'm all out of words....so that's it for me today!

Busy, Busy, Busy

I have been so bad at updating my blog this past week! I was under the weather Thursday and Friday, then finally started feeling better late Saturday afternoon. Saturday evening, we headed to Lance and Shellie's house. We played with the kids, put them to bed, and then grilled. I decided to have a pre-made kabob (uncooked) from Publix and it was Divine! I will definitely buy more of these in the future! We hung out and chatted, then headed home.

On Sunday, we prepared for Corner Pub's Annual Chili Cook Off. (Corner Pub is a local bar/restaurant that we frequent). Zachary and Leia came over around noon, and we headed to Athen's Greek Restuarant (featured in Food Network's Diner, Drive-Ins, and Dives). It was scrumptious as always, and then we headed to our house to start the chilis! Unfortunately, our pot didn't turn out as well as it usually does....a big disappointment for Tommy.

We headed to Corner Pub, entered out Chilis, and anxiously awaited the results. Tommy and I knew we weren't going to place, but we thought Zach and Leia would. They made a nontraditional chipotle chili. It was definitely a little different, but I really liked it! The results came in, and we placed in 8th. Zach and Leia unfortunately placed last.....which was a huge shocker. The chili that won seriously tasted like Ragu. It was weird, but oh well. We did get great comments on our chili and there is always next year! I just hope it comes out how it's supposed to. (This time we doubled our recipe and it just didn't come out the same - we won't do that again)!

Yesterday, I ran errands, cleaned the house, and made my famous spaghetti for dinner. Today is about the same, but I'm trying a new seared scallop recipe for dinner tonight.

Tomorrow night, Shelby, Leia, and myself are going to catch up at dinner. I'm excited to have some girl time! And, I'm going to take pictures....ugh...I meant to this weekend, but totally forgot!

I have a pretty full week this week, and I'm going to try to update as much as possible! Have a good one!

Not My Day

Today I feel like crap, look like crap, and I'm really cranky. Typically during the week, my attire is confined to my workout clothing. Today, I decided to brighten my day by doing a little shopping. I decided I'd wear actual regular clothing, put on makeup, and look decent. Well, I'm just having one of those days where I look awful no matter what I do...so I ended up throwing on my leggings and my hair in a ponytail.

I decide to go to Target first. My trip went well until I hit the checkout line. They only had two registers open and the lines were super long. I picked a line, and low and behold, a woman decides to cut right in front me! She even looked back at the line and me, then inched her way over in front of me! I'm peeved and say "Excuse me, ma'am...you just cut in front of me." She then proceeded to roll her eyes at me. I then respond with, "Seriously?" and then she went to the back of the line. People are so rude! Yes, I could have just let her get away with it, but I'm too cranky today.

Finally, I check out. After I pay, I start pushing my cart to my car. Upon arrival, I go to grab my bags...and the cart is empty. I left my bags at the checkout counter! Definitely a dumb blonde moment for me. I go back in, grab my bags, then head to Bed, Bath, and Beyond....feeling like a complete idiot.

I needed to go to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to stock up on SodaStream paraphernalia. On a positive note, I LOVE my SodaStream. I finally got it yesterday. Tommy and I made "Coke" and Root Beer and both are fabulous. And, all the non diet flavors are only 35 calories per serving, and the diet are 0 calories. You can even determine the amount of carbonation you prefer. So, no more buying traditional sodas for us!

Now I'm home, debating on what I'm going to do the rest of the day. Thankfully, tonight our favorite shows are back on with new episodes, so, I'm excited about that. Hopefully, my day will get better!

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a joyful and safe New Year's Eve last night! Tommy and I had a low key night. We went to our favorite restaurant, Park Cafe. I tried to take photos last night, but I forgot my camera! Carrying on...... They had a pre-set menu, which included 4 courses. To start, we both had the Lobster Bisque, big surprise, huh? It was really good, but the mixture was a little watery for a true bisque...but the flavor was right on point. Next, I had a mixed green salad with champagne vinaigrette, and a crispy goat cheese ball. The salad was yummy, but the goat cheese ball was seriously one of the best pieces of cheese I've ever had!

Next, we move onto the entrees. Tommy ordered the Duck with lentils, and I went for the Sole with crab risotto. We also ordered Park Cafe's famous Green Chili Mac N Cheese. Let me tell you that this is my most loved mac n cheese I've ever had. If you haven't tried it, you have to have it. Pictured below.

Last, our desserts were trio dessert samplers of Park Cafe's Creme Brulee, Coconut Lime Sorbet, and a Ganache Truffle. Their Creme Brulee is also my favorite. It's not a traditional version, but a must try! The brulee is layered between phyllo dough, and topped with caramel, almonds, and raspberries.

After dinner, we made a quick stop by Ray and Sandra's house, then headed in. This is the first year we really haven't gone "out" for New Year's, but I enjoyed the change up. Plus, we're getting old, anyway! I was actually pretty lame and was in bed by 9pm. Go ahead, laugh.

However, I was abruptly awaken by the sounds of what I thought was an air attack. Turns out, it was just fireworks going off at midnight. So, I guess I was awake to ring in the New Year after all.

And you know, I lied. I do have a New Year's Resolution. My resolution is to take more photos! This is something I've always slacked in, but this year I will make a big change in regards to photos.

I hope everyone enjoys their New Years Day!