We need your help!

Ya know how Juliet says, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Well, she's wrong. If we were to take a rose and call it "crap", or "garbage" or "mold" would you really want those for Valentine's Day? Can you imagine saying to your friends,"You'll never guess what Corey did, he bought me a bouquet of garbage for my birthday!" And no matter how beautiful or sweet smelling they are, the name would turn you off. Take skunk cabbage for instance, although they are appropriately named (they totally stink) their very descriptive name gives it away long before you ever have to smell them. And then you have marigolds, pretty name, pretty flower, to most - not so pretty fragrance (I like them but well, I'm weird). You get the point.

Anyways, maybe I'm wrong and that's a lame way to start a post that's pretty obvious - baby naming sucks! Not the whole process just finding the perfect name. If you name your puppy something silly, he doesn't care, as long and there is food, love and toys you're all good. Name your child something ridiculous and they'll never live it down and neither will you. Can you imagine what Apple is going to say to Gwyneth when she's 16? Or how Moses is going to explain to his classmates why he can't part the Red Sea....good thinking Chris.

Back when I was pregnant with Bethany I did a post about some of the crazy baby naming aids there are out there, for example the baby name inventor . I love the name we ultimately chose for our daughter, it has such meaning to us and suites her beautifully. But some of the names that resided for a short time on "the list" would have been awful. I had every intention at 13 of naming my first daughter Belinda May....'nough said. (If your name is Belinda May I'm so sorry, no offense meant) I mean really Belinda May and Belinda May Not. I have a relatively simple name and yet I still got called Ashtray, Smash and my favorite Assley. Some days it seems there's no winning.



So here we are again, another child to name, another set of lists. We are as befuddled as the first time. Now there are a few on there that we favor, but none that say "THIS IS IT! I am the one! Bestow me on your child." I've got another baby name suggester and here's what they say....

- Bhadrashree Stone

- Jagruti Stone

- Bindusar Stone

- Safiya Stone

Are you kidding me? I mean I guess in some culture those are appropriate maybe even common names but for me, in this house...not going to happen.

So here's the thing...we need your help.

Make a suggestion, please let me know your favorite boy or girl names! Once they are all in we'll go through them, make up a survey and let you vote. Who knows maybe you'll have the great honor of naming our second child, or at least helping.

Ok, don't be shy, throw 'em out there, pleeease. We are need of a name.

Then and Now

Anybody wanna see a pregnant belly shot? No, ok, well then head over to My Addictions on the right and click on someone else's blog because this one today will have 2 of them.

I decided that I'd do a comparison post of the Sweetpea Belly (Bethany) and the Rosebud Baby (Name TBD). I'm 13lbs at least lighter now that I was with Beth at this point, having only gained 21lbs and am feeling pretty ok about it. With 7 weeks and 6 days left to go I figure that's not too bad, a far cry from my first pregnancy 60lbs...although as you read I'm pretty sure I can feel good ol' Murphy kicking me in the butt....

So why is it that the pictures aren't satisfying? Why is it that I don't see much of difference between then and now? My head knows the facts but my eyes and my heart see something different. The one good thing....we decided to take this photo pre-christmas baking season. Even if I can't eat most of the Christmas treats I still manage to find one or two that do not have some kind of corn derivative in them and thoroughly enjoy those treats.

Anyways, complaining aside, here is 30 weeks pregnant with Bethany

And here we are 32 Weeks with Rosebud

I was trying to see which stuck out further, my belly or the Christmas tree....my belly won. A post for another day, the 6' tree in my living room....the box lied!

Anyways, thanks for listening, you can decide for yourself if they are the same...Corey says No. I'm still pretty sure he's saying that because he remembers when he answered this question wrong, but for now my ego will hang on to every bit.

Have a great weekend everyone!

In the Mood

These days it seems I am totally Not in The Mood. Hold your dirty minds, not that kind of "not in the mood". It's more like, I'm not in the mood to do anything in particular. I'm not in the mood to blog (hence the lack of posts), or to comment, I don't feel like doing the dishes or tying my shoes, I'm not generally in the mood to eat or even think about making food, generally, if there is something to do, I'm not in the mood.

Sound like fun? Not so much, especially for my poor family. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not shirking my Motherly/Wifely duties by not doing the required tasks - dinner, dishes, playing toys, laundry, groceries....the list goes on and gets done. It may get done a little slower than before but it does get done, with the help of my husband and daughter. I'm still working and doing my PartyLite both of which I thoroughly enjoy but just don't feel like doing. Even with my lack of self motivation and my not in the moodiness I still manage to keep life going.

What am I in the mood for? Um, good question, I don't really know. Maybe a good book, a nap and then the eviction of the little munchkin who's decided to take up prenatal kick boxing in my uterus? Or a hot bath (which Corey lets me have whenever time permits, great guy I have!), a foot massage and a trip to Labour and Delivery?

See the common theme here? I'm totally over being pregnant and it's affecting my moods. We are 30 weeks and although that's 2/3's of the way there it's not close enough. Things in this pregnancy have taken a rather downward spiral and aren't going so well, making me once again hate being pregnant. The abdominal pain is back in full force, very different than with Beth but back none the less restricting what I can do or rather what I should be doing. With Bethy I could sit and relax most of the day, let Corey do some of the grunt work around the house and focus on me. This pregnancy I have a wonderful little girl who keeps me laughing and is a daily joy but also requires a lot of love and attention. I don't have the luxury of sitting in my recliner for 8 hours knitting, instead I have the pleasure of playing with Beth, hearing her laugh and carrying on with life. It's just some days that's a little tough to handle. Things have gotten bad enough that the doc sent us for an emergency ultrasound two weeks ago for fear that my placenta was separating from my uterus, talk about scary...praise the Lord it wasn't and little Rosebud is just fine. So, that means I need to be tough, and hang in there, they can't do anything for us.

Adding to that is the fact that like every other pregnant woman out there my growing belly is becoming a growing nuisance. I can't tie my shoes without feeling as if my insides are being folded into an accordion, walking up a flight of stairs results in my breathing like a sumo wrestler after a 1 mile jog and I'm pretty sure that someone has taken and put a vice grip on my pelvic bone squeezing just enough to make me feel as though it will break.

Oh I'm a positive one today....

In reality though, as bad as I feel and as unmotivated as I am, things aren't that bad. I still have my family, I'm not on bed rest (although I've been told that extreme rest is in order when I'm having a rough day, um hello? What's that? I have toddler, I don't even pee alone.), Rosebud is healthy and growing, Bethany is happy, we have a great home to live in, and at 30 weeks I've only gained 20lbs.

By this time with Bethany I'd already gained 34lbs and it was climbing fast. I was dead set and determined to not gain it like that again and so far so good. Now that's not to say that in the next 24 hours because I blogged about it I won't gain another 50lbs and not be able to fit into anything but as of right now things are at a steady climb. I credit part of that to the fact that I truly am not in the mood to eat very often. I do eat because I have to but I'm not hungry most of the time and when I am I can't consume very much. I don't crave the junk food as bad as with Beth and like I've said before I've learned to control those "cravings" (which are wants in disguise). Other than Starbucks Raspberry Wheat Scones and Subway sandwiches there isn't anything food related that is enjoyable, eating is just a job. It's still hard on my ego every time I step on the scale and see the little arm moving upwards. I worry with each doctor's visit I will hear that I'm gaining to much or too fast but as of yesterday he was very pleased with my gain and has no concerns. WAHOOO! I can't even tell you how much better it is to hear that then last time. He's also said that with this pain going as bad as it is he won't let me go over due. As of right now we'll go full term but if somebody doesn't GET OUT by 40 weeks she'll get a gentle nudge out, and if that doesn't work she's grounded till she's 50. He says that chances are good that she'll arrive early like Bethany but of course don't hold my breath.

Wanna know what? I'm so holding my breath, early is awesome! Not too early but just enough that she's ready and I'm free. The only good thing about being pregnant is the baby in the end, the rest I'd do without and won't do again.

So anyways, if you've missed my comments or longed for my posts (a girl can dream) I'm still around and I may be in the mood a little more often. But for now, I'm still there, still reading, still thinking about blogging but until I can Get In the Mood you're gonna have to wait. Sorry, it seems I'm holding out on you too.

I'm pregnant, not Budda, ok?

What is it about a pregnant belly that makes people want to touch you? Is it the fact that there is a precious baby who I am growing inside by ever expanding belly? Is it that I resemble Budda and you are down on your luck? Is it that you desire to feel a kick? Because if that's what you want I can arrange it quite easily without you ever touching my stomach.

I mean you don't walk up to a guy with a beer belly and start cooing and rubbing his tummy. When I'm not pregnant nobody says, "Oh, look how cute you look! I just have to touch that post baby, wrinkly stomach!" and they certainly don't say, "Awww that's great that you've had a baby and your stomach looks like it did when you were 19, can I touch it?" So, what makes this so different?

I know there are many a pregnant gal who relish in the attention they receive because of their growing baby and subsiquent tummy. And while I thrilled with the coming arrival of our little one, I am not a big fan of being pregnant and definately not a fan of the tummy touch. There are many who are quite fine with folks rubbing, touching and talking to the beach ball that is our stomach but I am not one of them. In fact, even just thinking about it makes me cringe. I don't like to be touched, not before I was pregnant, not now, not in general....don't touch me m'kay?

Don't get me wrong I'm not some calloused cow who doesn't like hugs from family and friends. I live for the hugs and even tummy rubs from my precious daughter, and nothing feels better than being in my husband's arms. But strangers who like to touch your arm when they talk to you or when you meet someone for the first time and they want to hug you, aaaahhhh. And if you really want to get my goat, try to touch my back, I dare you. On more than one occasion it's resulted in an elbow jab to someone's ribs and once I even swung around hard enough that I plowed the said back rubber in the cheek. Not with the intention of an injury but rather an instinct.

I have a big comfort zone ok? So, um, stay out of it. I'm more than happy to chat with you across a table or stand next to you (but not so close that I run the risk of you smelling my breath...what if it stinks?) and once I know you better and we're pals I will, willingly accept or give a hug. But before then can you all just please respect my need for at least an arms length of space?

Unfortunately for those of you who are belly rubbers, or are my poor mother, I am not wavering on the fact that I DO NOT WANT MY BELLY TOUCHED. I know it's hard on my Mom, I'm her only daughter, this baby is her grandchild and she is longing for that connection with Rosebud now. But I can't help how I feel. She's pretty good about respecting what I want but every now and again she'll reach for the baby bump or lean down to say "Hello" and winds up receiving my hip as I turn or a very dirty look. I'd take a picture to show you said look but, well, I kinda like you reading my blog, I don't want to scare you off.

But if any of you can explain to me the great facination with pregnant tummies, go ahead. And to you pregos that enjoy it can I send all these people your way? (Except my Mom, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be the same for her) Oh, and "you people", you know who you are, please respect us, at least ask before you reach to touch our bellies. It's a curtousy, just like if you forget to ask, I will politely request that you remove your hand from my gut before I locate my fist in yours - deal?

We are soooo over it!

I get a phone call from my Mom today telling me that she had a "surprise" for me. Being the Curious George that I am, Corey, Bethany and I headed straight for her house to see what this surprise was.

Reading my blog and spending large amounts of time with me my wonderful Mother knew how much I was craving and dreading some cake and had found a solution - a small cupcake. She purchased 3 of them at the local bakery, 1 for me, 1 for Corey and 1 for Beth. I was so happy and nervous, what if I fell in love? (Good Mom or what?)

Anyways, we came home and waited until after supper to have our cupcakes. After tonight I have learned two very important things about cake/cupcakes.....

The Cupcake !

Notice it's size, not as large as most.

"Hmmm, this looks yummy!"

"What do you mean it's sticky?"

"No Dad, No Dad, Noooo" (said in whine)

"What would my inner artist do?"

"PAINT!" *

"Dip, Dip, Dip"
This is what happens when Mommy tries to sneak some on her tongue (she'd like it if she let in in her mouth I thought)

"NOOOOOO Mommy, Peachies, pees(please), Peachies!"

Peachies

"Waaaay better"

"MMM"

That's right folks, I learned that my daughter doesn't like cupcakes and icing. She wouldn't eat her birthday cake waaay back in January but we just chalked that up to the fact that she'd only been eating regular food for a short time. But this little girl, cried and fussed over the cupcake and begged for some canned peaches. Ok, fine by me. She loves veggies and will eat huge amounts of all of them including pickled asparagus but her sweet tooth is still there. As it goes in the Stone family, she will devour any flavor or amount of ice cream you give her. Like Father like daughter!

Secondly, tonight I discovered that I totally don't want cake any more. I'm not a super sweets kinda girl most times, I bake cookies for Corey once a week or so and can never have one and be fine with it. Unfortunately pregnant or not I love salty things, espcially the chips, we don't keep them in the house in order to prevent my constant noshing! Other than my brownies I can completely leave a plate of sweets and chocolate alone. My fears over having pregnacy addiction to the cake and repeating the brownie incident of 2006 were unfounded. It was good, but not thaaaat good!

So thanks Mom for the treat! It was yummy but I'll pass on having any more, I'm so over it. But now that you've fixed that what can you do about the hormonal emotions? sniff

*We don`t normally allow her to play with her food but sometimes, kids just have to be kids and have fun :) *

It's a piece of Cake

I want cake.

It's actually that simple, I want cake. For about the last 6 weeks from what seems like the moment I get out of bed to the moment I crawl exhausted back into it at night, I am thinking about a piece of cake. And not really just any cake, I want either a really super cupcake, like we had from this amazing little cupcakery in Vancouver when we went away for our anniversary or else a McCain's Chocolate cake. You know the kind you find the freezer section of the grocery story, rich, chocolaty with just the right amount of icing.

I blame this, well, obsession on 1 really stupid but obviously well done commercial that McCain's is running right now for that blasted cake. It's where this woman is in her kitchen eating a piece of heaven (translate: THE Cake) and her husband comes in and announces that he's going to become a mime. Blah, blah, blah he performs she tells him he's an idiot basically and then goes back to the cake. Ever since that fateful day, I've wanted cake.....a lot.

The thing is, I still have yet to have a morsel of cake. Now, it's not for lack of seeing them in the grocery story, and there have been moments I have contemplated a trip to English Bay to indulge myself but the same problem remains. Would I have any will power?

You see, I am a very well, um, how would you say....

Headstrong - translate: stubborn

If I say I won't do something, it doesn't happen. If I say I don't like something, I'm not going to eat it and if I say no thank you don't even think of pushing unless you want to see my "wrath"

But back to the issue at hand. Before getting pregnant I had a firm plan of eating healthy and well all week, no snacks after supper, no treats during the week and especially no Coke from Monday to Thursday. Friday I'd "let my hair down" have a Coke, maybe a burger, a treat and enjoy my weekend, before returning to my regularly scheduled program on Monday. It's how I lost my baby weight and maintained a healthy lifestyle.

Since becoming pregnant, I've done my best to follow this same routine, being only slightly more relaxed. I might have a small treat during the week, and I need to snack in the evenings but it's usually a greek salad or cucumber. I still have my weekend indulgences but that's where the buck stops. So, this insatiable cake craving is kinda throwing a kink in my plans.

I use the word craving very seriously because, many of us pregos confuse cravings/"needs" with wantings. I want to go to Las Vegas with my family, I want a spa weekend, but I am totally CRAVING chocolate cake.

Are you asking yourself why this woman, who is so regimented and has the self control of a nun sitting across from a towel clad Brad Pitt, hasn't had just 1 piece cake?

Let me tell you, it's because I'm afraid of the cake. When pregnant with Bethany I baked Corey my ever delish Whatever Floats your Boat brownies and before he ever returned home from work consumed the WHOLE PAN. That's right, I ate the whole thing and the scary part....I enjoyed it. Many things have changed in my pregnancy handling this time but I don't want to start this cycle again.

By this point in my pregnancy with Bethany I'd gained 18lbs and rising. From week 23-24 I gained a whopping 8lbs. It only got worse, and I am determined not to repeat myself. I am currently at 8lbs up total and pretty happy, in that I don't wanna be "fat" way, but I'm still cautious.

Maybe cautious isn't the right word, maybe, afraid is. I know I've blogged of it before. I know weight blogs can be such a drag but really, I need to vent. I don't want to be exceeding the 200lbs mark this time. I don't want to hardly lose even the weight of my child after giving birth, I don't want it to take a year to lose all the baby weight.

I do understand that I can 't be healthily pregnant without a little weight gain, and that I did lose it once and will again. I know that it's not the end of the world and I chose daily what to put in my mouth but really, what if I like the cake that much?

What if I buy the cake, cut a modest slice, put the remainder in the fridge, eat it, put my plate on the counter, lick the crumbs off my belly and stare loooongingly at the fridge. Then because it's only a "sliver" more (you know a Paul Bunion sized sliver) have another bite and so on and so forth until it's gone. Then because I want to have some the "share" with Corey I get another cake, the cycle repeats with maybe Corey getting 1 bite and again I need more cake. Soon I will be the sole supporter of McCain cakes world wide and stock holders will be kissing my feet. And that's great for them because at least they will be able to see them, because I surely won't.

So, I'm a what-iffer. And so what, this is hugely melodramatic and I'm exaggerating a touch. I'm pregnant, hormonal, and I want cake. I went to Starbucks today for one of their Whole Wheat Raspberry Scones because it's a kinda substitute and it says "Whole Wheat" so it must be healthy. Anyhoo, they didn't have any and I almost cried! I'm not kidding I almost cried over a scone, and we're only at the 6 month mark. See what poor Corey and Bethany have to live with. I laugh till I cry one minute and then cry till I laugh the next.

It's going to be a long 17 weeks. Especially if I don't get some cake, really soon!

I surrender

So, basically a week after I posted about still wearing my "small fat pants" I had to give in and go maternity clothes shopping. It's not that I couldn't have probably made them work for another month and I will probably wear them on occasion around the house because well, they are baggy and comfy. But they aren't flattering, there were only 2 pairs that fit and 3 shirts. That kinda leaves a girl with a really limited wardrobe. After spending that week feeling frumpy, lousy and ugly I decided that my self-esteem and this pregnancy deserve better. I still in fact at almost 5.5 months have not gained what I did with Bethany and I'm proud of that. I also am slowly coming to the realization that I can't be pregnant and not gain something. I lost it once before and I'll do it again, so for now I'm embracing the belly....kinda :)



You know what I discovered all over again?



Maternity clothes are great! They are comfortable, generally cut to be flattering and definitely make me look like I'm a little pregnant not just packing on winter fat.



Know what else?



They are stupid expensive! Good thing the in styles right now are longer shirts, because I can avoid paying $49 for a t-shirt by shopping in regular people stores. Not that pregos aren't regular but you know what I mean.



Thanks to my PartyLite business and a very lovely gift from Mom and Dad, I am on my way to having a more work and life appropriate selection of clothes. Now I can feel sorta hawt again for my husband. You know in that chubby bunny kinda way.



See for yourself, below I am "modeling"* one of my new outfits - 21 weeks and 2 days pregnant.

Please excuse the poor quality of the shot...another camera malfunction. Auto is supposed to be better right? Wrong.

In other news, Bethany is finally starting to understand that there is a baby hiding in my belly. Up until this past week when anyone asked her if there was a baby in my tummy she'd say "No Way!". And look at them as if they had just sprouted a third eye. But the last few days she's been saying, "Sister" as in Big Sister, because we keep telling her that she's going to be a big sister when her baby arrives.

And then today she walks over to me, lifts my shirt, points to my tummy and says, "Baby". And then gives me a big hug and says, "Huggg, Bay-Bee, awwww" Aww is right!

She also decided tonight at colouring time after supper that she'd put on some "make-up". And proceeded to colour her chin green. Funny? Yes. All the rage in Paris? Probably not. Going to happen again? Who knows, she's quirky like that.

"Cheese"! Notice how it's drawn just below her natural lip line.

Mommy: "Bethany, who coloured on your chin?"

Bethany: "Sarah"

(Sarah is her doll/best buddy)

"She's not really mad Sarah, she knows we're cute!"

* I'm using the term "modeling" in a very loose fashion. Just like Paris Hilton uses the term "singing" losely.

What's one more?

Did you know that it's almost impossible to please a pregnant girl? If it's not too much Oreo cookie in your blizzard, it's not enough dressing on your EastSide Mario's Salad (ummm, hello world's most AH-MAZING Dressing!). If I'm not complaining that I'm naseous, I am sending my poor, sweet husband to the store at 9pm for a Booster juice.

Now, normally when not pregnant I can be a little eccentric (read: weird), I like ketchup on my Ceasar salad and have never had a drink of alcohol - ever. I was born with my heart on the right hand side of my body, with a partial twist to it and my left ear had 5 earlobes, that I had surgically removed for medical purposes at 13. I have an unusual facination/obsession with Post-It notes and have never seen the end of Apollo 13 due to the fact that I always fall alseep - after 8 tries at that movie I have given up.

Add to those "unique qualities", pregnancy hormones and you've got a recipe for disaster. See, in my first pregnancy I gained about 60lbs (including regaining the first 20lbs I lost in the hospital) and felt aweful about it. On a weekly basis I heard from my doctors that I was "gaining too much weight" I still maintained my diet of McDonald's, homemade brownies and potato chips, refusing to beleive it was that bad. Then Bethy was born, I was thrilled with my little girl and so happy to finally meet her but was hugely disappointed that I didn't lose even close to the 20lbs as was promised when I delivered her. I spent the next few months depressed about my body and the remainder of her 1st year hear enjoying every second with my girlie, all the while trying to lose the "baby fat". The hard work paid off and it finally happened, in April of this year I was officially slimmer than I was when I married Corey. YAHOOIE

Then I got pregnant. Great, we were excited, so looking forward to another baby. But secretly (or not so secretly if you're Corey and my mom) I've been terrified of the results of last time. I've been eating as well as a woman who outwardly heaves at random moments (the kind of heaves that have a disgusting noise, that is completely uncontrollable) can, maintaining my regulated "treat days" and been doing well. I've only gained about 3lbs so far and was pretty ok with it (I say pretty because I still have my panic moments), because as I keep being reminded I can't deliver a healthy baby without gaining a few pounds.

And if that weren't picky enough, I also have been begging The Big Guy, to please make it so that I don't show too soon. I hopped into my maternity pants far to early in the game with Bethany and really believe that those stretchy waist bands gave me license to nosh. And up until today I was ok with being 4 months pregnant and still wearing my skinny jeans.

Then I started seeing photos of other second time pregnant gals at my stage and wanted to cry. They all have baby bumps, I have a relatively flat stomach (it's never really been flat, just less bumpy at times than others). I'm not feeling so sick, my tummy still hurts but not like it did. This started the downward spiral of doubt.

Good ol' doubting Thomas and I could be twins from time to time. Not that I doubt God's ultimate power and precense, but I doubt a lot of my instincts, feelings and notions. I started worrying, "What if I've thought myself pregnant?", "Maybe I'm just crazy", "I don't know if I believe the tests"...You'd think after as many as I took that would be enough - it wasn't.

Corey reassured me that I was indeed pregnant, the tests said so, and the Doc did blood work. If I was only an imaginary pregnant girl they wouldn't have shown the right number of hormone levels, he'd have said something. It wasn't enough. With Beth by now I'd had 4 ultrasounds and had the reassurance of seeing my little one's heartbeat, this time I have to wait until September and I don't wanna.

Anyways, I got myself worked up enough that when Corey was out I had him pick up yet another pregnancy test. Ya know just to be sure. I know most of you are thinking that it's just the strange enjoyment I take from peeing on a stick but really this time, I wished I didn't feel the need to. I wanted to believe everything was fine but I just couldn't.

A long pee and an even longer 2 minutes later the stick showed two pink lines, I breathed easier and went back to being confident that I really am expecting.

I still don't want to gain to much weight, and I don't want to be huge pregnant before it's time, but now, maybe I'll pray a little less for the "perfect body" with no maternity clothes until I'm 9 months pregnant and spend a little more time praying for inner piece and earth shattering kicks to my spleen.

See what I mean - You just can't win, we're NEVER happy!

The great, the grumbles and a dilemma

You know, in this life, I've really been given a lot. I have a husband that with each day shows me more love than one soul (especially one this imperfect) deserves, a little girl who I never knew would leave me breathless with love and emotion and a little one on the way, that will make us a fantastic foursome and I can't wait to meet him (although I kinda think it's a "her" but we'll see soon). The family that God has blessed me with has been and I know will be the support that I need on those days that standing upright seems impossible (thanks Mom!), the strength that has held us all together on more than one occasion (love you Dad) and the unsolicited and of course undeserved (ahem, lying through me teeth) teasing, that results in boundless amounts of laughter ( Thanks "Squirt" :P ). On top of that, for reasons unknown to me, He decided that I'd have more - the extended family I've married into has come with another new batch of love, laughter, prayers, a sister I always wanted and more brothers to tease, laugh with and watch with pride as they become parents themselves.

Add to that the fact that we live in a city that even though it's not Kelowna, and it is kinda missing that fabulous Okanagan Lake - is beautiful in it's own right. (As long as you remember that it only stinks when it's not raining - if you've got an umbrella and a nose plug you'll be fine.) We are safe and warm/cool, the car - she runs preeety good, Corey's truck just got quieter hooray for not waking up to a big BANG every morning, and the sun has been shining. I really should have nothing to complain about - but I do.

I totally don't have what it takes to be pregnant gracefully. I hardly have what it takes to be pregnant. You see, I don't make a good pregnant gal - that was actually confirmed for me when I phoned back up to my baby doc's in Kelowna for some information. The receptionist is super sweet and we were talking about how I was pregnant again and remembering last time she asked how I was doing. I told her honestly, I feel like I'm gonna hurl, I'm hurting again and I just don't really like the feeling of being a prego - her response, "Yeah, I rememeber, you really aren't very good at being pregnant", most days I'd would've cried, but it made me laugh. She's right, I'm not good a it at all.

Now, it's not that I don't want this baby, not at all. I can't wait to hold another new, sweet, usually fresh smelling bundle of spit up, but the journey there is one that I really dislike. After my last experience, I always say I'd do labor anytime rather than be pregnant. It still results in a baby, does not last 9 months and was for me then accompanied by the ever amazing epidural. I am so fortunate that this time although I'm still hurting I'm managing without the hospitals, pain medication and anti-barf medicine. It's amazing the strength and motivation you find in yourself when you've got a little girl begging for your attention. Bethany's kept me laughing, sometimes groaning when she's running EVERYWHERE, but in general she's kept me from crawling into bed, declaring our bedroom a bomb shelter and refusing to come out until the end of January when this baby'll finally arrive. I mean really, do you know how far away January is?

Think I'm done? Nope, now moving to Chilliwack has had a few glitches. Nothing major really, and nothing that really needs to be noted, however....one of the big problems was finding a family doc. You see all the doctors are full, none are accepting patients, and we are seriously lacking in the family physician department. We were fortunate enough to get in with my Mom's new family doc, whom she'd gotten in to see because of a friend referral - it's all about who you know. For the most part he's been pretty good. Corey likes him, he's been good with Bethany, efficient, and was happy for us that we were pregnant. I figured we were set, until it came time for the "female" part of the first prenatal exam. Yes, I'm sure for many of you this is one of those TMI moments, if that's you, I suggest you head towards a blog with furry pink bunnies and soft fluffy clouds, cuz this ain't pretty.

I will spare you the actual details as they are more embarrassing than even the internet can hide, and really, every female out there knows what I'm talking about. But it seems that someone forgot to tell this fellow that those organ actually contain nerves, which means that I CAN FEEL THAT! And unfortunately for him, all the digging done on his expedition did not lead to China. I did speak up and complain, he apologized but said, that it had to be done. Ummmm dude? I've had a baby, I've been through this, these aren't new parts to me, it doesn't have to be like that. So here's the dilemma - I spoke to a prenatal nurse today (they call as part of the program here in the Fraser Valley) and she mentioned that there is an OB clinic here in Chilliwack - baby docs! Yay! And I'd like to go over there, my family doc from a kid is there. But I don't want to offend this doctor, he's a nice guy, I'll still need him for a family doc for Corey, Bethany, and the new baby and I when this is finished. I don't know what to do...I'm stuck.

What would you do?

Thank you and here we go

Thanks everyone for the lovely remarks, we are to say the least excited! Yes, I did pee on 7 sticks that are far to expensive but I like to be certain of things. That and I knew I was pregnant and the first 4 tests didn't give me the answers I wanted. You see, I have this stubborn streak that causes me to do ridiculous things like pee and pee again until I get the results I want. In my defense the first 6 tests were the two packs from Walmart that really aren't that pricey. The last 2 came in so faint of a line that I had to keep going back to the bathroom and staring at them with my glasses on - without said glasses, no line appeared. That's when, in desperation I swallowed my pride, pulled out my wallet and purchased the digital test. Those things are sweet! It says "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant", even I can figure that out. And ok, so I enjoyed it more than I probably should have but I'd way rather pee on a stick then have to pee on a friend's leg if they got stung by a jellyfish. (That Friends episode where Monica gets stung and Chandler pees....)



We went to the doctor last week for our first non-official (because the girl who booked us in wasn't listening to me and scheduled us the wrong kind of visit) prenatal appointment. When he asked if I had taken a test and we said 7, his response was, after the laughter settled down, was that I didn't need to pee in a cup there then, because 3 couldn't possibly be wrong. And ya know, I was kinda disappointed, I wanted him to confirm what I already knew. Because like I said, I like absolutes. Anyways, he figures we are due around January 31st 2009.



I can't believe we're doing this again! It's so wonderful and exciting, yet in the next breath it's scary and nauseating (literally). The first time was to say the least, rough and I don't want to repeat that. From everything the doctors can tell us, this time should be much less painful and go more smoothly. And from what other mothers are saying, now that I have a toddler to keep me occupied it may go a little faster (or not, but that's what I hear). So we're praying God will protect our little one, help him/her to grow into who God intends for them to be and that He'll lead us through each parenting decision. Because goodness knows having Bethany hasn't given us any claim to expertism, we are sailing on a wing and prayer daily. These days it's more the prayer part with her temper and 'Tude developing at the speed of lightening. Good thing she's generally a good kid and so stinkin' cute.



I know that His plan is ultimately the best one. Whatever this pregnancy may bring the end result, our new little pebble is worth the wait, the work, the tears, the laughter, the endless trips to the bathroom and far more than 7 pregnancy tests. Everyday looking at our Bethany, holding her, playing with her, hearing that laugh, seeing that smile and tucking her in at night is proof of that!

Father Abraham

This past weekend Bethany had the privledge of spending some time at Grammy and Papa's house. Now, it's not that we aren't there often (3 days a week at least for work) but this was different. She got to have a sleepover with Grammy, Papa, Great Grammie, and Great Pa, while Mommy and Daddy had an evening out for a good friends birthday party.

Bethany loves this time and as she grows older will cherish it very much. There is a bond between Bethany and my Mom that so resembles the bond I have with my Grammie, it sometimes tugs at my heartstrings. She looks at my Dad with an adoration that mimics how I feel about him. ( I forced myself to drink Coke when I was young and watch hockey so that I could be like my Daddy - look what that started, two of my biggest addictions haha). It's a blessing for us that we have them close, I don't post about it often because we have an equally difficult time with the fact that the other Grandparents are in different towns. We miss them, and when Bethany is around them her bond with them is growing and changing too. We just don't ever want any one set of Grandparents to feel left out - each relationship is unique, special and will grow into exactly what God has intended for it to be.

However, there are times we want to aknowledge Mom and Dad's amazing willingness to help out, babysit when they can and love Bethany like they did me (and my brother) and they do Corey. On this very special weekend my folks taught Bethany a song that I used to listen to in Sunday School on almost a weekly basis - Father Abraham. My Mom played her guitar and my Dad, like a loving, dotting Papa, hoped to his feet to teach Bethany the actions. Corey and I came home with our girlie sunday night and they'd gotten the song stuck in my head. After humming a few bars and seeing Beth dance around the kitchen, we decided to buy the song and video her shear dancing genius!

Father Abraham from Ashley Stone on Vimeo.

See the moves her Papa taught her? Did you catch Daddy dancing in the background? How smart am I for holding the video camera and avoiding that kinda of footage? Haha, next we'll have to get a performace from Papa, Daddy and Bethany!

Now, we aren't really sure if Bethany is dancing because she likes the song or because we found this laying in our bathroom

I know Corey and I were sure dancing. Especially when we realized it was mine! ;)

The room is done, where's the baby?

Ta Da! We are finished! Our baby room is now officially ready to welcome this new little squirmy pebble. After what seems like countless attempts at completion Corey and I buckled down this afternoon and got it done. We even hung the shelves without a level (I know I know, a carpenter's daughter with out a level, embarassing to say the least.) which was in it's self a very creative adventure. I have sorted and re-sorted the change table, packed the diaper bag with everything necessary to be stranded on Gilligan's Island and even put our first ding in the wall.

So my question to you all is, why isn't she* here yet? I mean seriously we're ready..."HELLOOOOOO, come out". At first I thought she was waiting for the change table to arrive, that happened last week so that wasn't it. Then I thought she was waiting for my hospital bag stuff to be ready, done...still no baby. I served her an eviction notice, hoping she'd get the point but she is a stubborn tenant. Finally I figured, "Of Course! She needs to know her room is tidy, ready and available", well it is and still it's empty. I don't know what else this kid wants...Donald Trump to re-evaluate his comb over? - not gonna happen.

Anyways, here are the pictures to survey our work. Don't worry the stuffies won't be in the cradle or the crib at the same time as the baby, they are just keeping things warm. And if any of ya'll have any "Get Baby out Now!" suggestions please let me know.

*Please be advised that any and all references to "she" may need to be replaced with "he" after the awaited birth.*

Sportin' a Tude and Sorry for it

One of life's greatest joys for me has always been sitting down and reading a book. If a book is good I will read and re-read it until the pages are falling out, savoring each word like chocolate. One of those books is called "Sportin' a 'Tude" by Patsy Clairmont. It is a wondefully inspirational and hilarious book about all the different 'Tudes as women we sport from time to time and how to turn them into a spiritual blessing. If you haven't read it I highly reccomend you do.

Over the past few days I have had quite the epiphany.....I NEED to pick up that book again because the 'tude this pregnant girl is sportin' is a whopper. It seems that the past week or so the raging pregnancy hormones have taken a pretty good grip on my moods and I've become a little less than friendly at times. I took a little gander back at the past few blog posts and don't I sound like quite the whiner, complainer and little Miss Cranky Pants. Life's not so bad but apparently I can't see that through my own self pity.

I am sick of being pregnant, 110% finished with this pregnancy. For the past 4 doctor's visits I have been informed that I've been gaining too much weight despite my desperate attempts to eat healthy and only gain the alloted 1lb a week. And even though I've "gained too much" I still don't look as pregnant as others have or do. Add both of those things to the fact that like every pregnant woman I have a permanant toilet seat imprint on my butt, I had to get my wedding rings CUT off yesterday because I'm retaining the Atlantic ocean in my hands and feet and this baby living in my belly has decided that practicing her soccer skills on my ribs would be fun, and you get a less than jovial companion.

However, I have a husband who loves me more than I thought anyone on this earth was capable of, my dad built us the most beautiful change table, my mom has been sewing her heart out making bumper pads, curtains, cloth diapers, Jackie(Corey's mom) has also been sewing for us with a vegence, we have a lovely home to live in, wonderful friends around us and many more things to be thankful for. I've just been so lost in my own woes I haven't paid much attention to them.

That being said please accept my most sincere apologize for the whining, complaining and self- centred grumpy 'tude. I promise to read my book again and have something a little more uplifitng for ya'll to read soon. Thank you to everyone who's been working so hard for both Corey and I and our new little one, we love you!. As was requested by a certain cousin below is yesterday's latest and probably the last belly shot I'm going to pose for.

Belly Shot and Head Down

The head is down! Far too early this morning Corey and I made the journey to Vernon for our final ultrasound. After climbing what seemed like a million flights of stairs we were greeted by a less than friendly techinician, who quickly informed Corey that he was not invited into the initial part of the ultrasound. Cranky old cow (I know I know...not nice), she has no idea how close she came to seeing the wrath of a very grumpy, very pregnant woman who had a bladder way beyond capacity. Good thing I have a smidgen of self control.

Was I ever releaved to hear that the baby's head is down and that she is "part of the way dropped" whatever that means. I don't know how much further she has to go but "Horray for Baby Stone!" she knows which way is out and is on her way. The tech spent some time diggin' around taking some more pictures and gathering the information that the doctor needs to determine whether or not this little one has enough fluid to swim in and is big enough. Then, as if she could read my mind she asked if I wanted to call my husband in, "Yes Please!!" I will take back the Cranky cow comment because after this point she wasn't so mean and actually showed Corey a few things - head, heart, nose, elbow etc. Turns out this little baby has a fasination with her hands and was sucking her thumb, just like the previous ultra sound showed.

Corey was so glad he was able to see another ultra sound and couldn't help but comment that he was glad to see that the baby got my nose...awww too cute. Thanks babe!

So as it stands right now things are looking good, no breech is a great piece of information. I was so glad to learn that I wouldn't have to have a C-Section and a tiny bit sad because I really wanted to know the exact arrival date. Oh well, be patient :P

Here is the latest belly shot. Not the greatest of pictures but proof that I am still growing.

Yet another baby!

Finally, a boy! Tuesday morning at approx 1am my cousin Garth and his fiance Jenny finally met their little guy, Cole Gabrielle. We have yet to see the new little hockey player but from what I am told he is 7lbs of perfection. Congratulations to Garth, Jenny and the new grandparents. This is the first boy grandbaby for my aunt and uncle - their daughter Vicki has 2 beautiful daughters. In the 7 couples that we knew of that were pregnant Garth and Jenny were the first to have a boy! Talk about defying the odds. All the statistics say that more boys are born than girls, Ha shows what they know.

Now as excited as we are for Garth and Jenny that their son has safely arrived, there is a tiny part of me that is jealous. Well, actually if we're being honest, there is a HUGE part of me that is jealous. Right now while my bladder along with my pants are shrinking on a daily basis, they are sitting back snuggling a precious baby. Who I'm sure they are totally captivated with and who must have the wonderful baby smell. Not only that but each and every Sunday we attend church there is yet another new babe. We are so very, very happy for the parents as their long waits are over but can't help but wonder, "When's it our turn?"

I know, I know, I have nothing to complain about and our time is rapidly coming upon us but as I explained awhile back - God dropped the ball on my patience gene. I don't want to wait another month, week, day or minute. Even my ever patient husband is starting to get excited. At church on Sunday, Luke, Tianna and little Danai were sitting behind us. Corey couldn't stop turning around to watch her. I had to keep tugging on his sleeve reminding him that the sermon was happening in front of him, all the while feeling my heart melt at the look on his face. He said on the ride home it had finally started to hit him that, it wouldn't be long and he'd get to hold and love our little one like that. He's sick of waiting too! Yes, finally!

I hope you all realize that even though I am starting to turn a little green with envy we are truely happy for all of the new parents! There is nothing more wonderful than the blessing of a baby and we wouldn't want to take that away from anybody, ever. We are just anxiously praying for and awaiting the day that our baby is born.

Too Small...

I finally was able to get my regular doctor's appointment yesterday. I had one scheduled for last week that they had to cancel because the doc was sick and then they had to cancel the re-scheduled appointment earlier this week because of the weather. I half expected them to phone me yesterday again to re-schedule the re-scheduled appointment but nope, they had found a fill in doctor. Normally this throws me for some what of a loop as I prefer continuity but apparently this lady is one of the doctors that covers for them over holidays. Since we are due in the middle of the year's biggest holiday season there is a good chance that she will be delivering our little one.

She took my blood pressure, made me stand on the dreaded scale (which I have decided has a personal vendetat with me), listened to the heartbeat and measured my belly. Just like everyone else around us she commented on how I hardly look pregnant and that my belly is quite small. After measuring 3 times and trying her best to squeak out the largest measurement possible she announced that I really am too small for how many weeks along we are. This could be for many reasons the baby is lying strange, too little amniotic fluid, lack of nutrition for the baby, a malfunctioning placenta, just a small baby and the strength of the abdominal muscles. Now we all know that this had been a trying time for my abdominal muscles so that is what we are praying the problem is. I mean how good would it be for a girl's ego to know that she has "superhero" abs that are keeping things nice and tight. I doubt it but hey, one can hope.

After making this assesment she decided to feel for the baby's position, I had mentioned that aside from the odd rib kick the majority of the baby gymnastics is still happening below my belly button and on my sides. After a rather uncomfortable external exam she decided that the baby is either breach or sideways, but certainly at this point is not head down. We are still 5 weeks away from our due date and the baby still has time to turn but she didn't want to wait to find out. So she decided that another ultrasound is important.

The soonest they could get a "high priority" ultrasound here in Kelowna was Dec 29, which the doctor felt far too long to wait. So Katherine, the world's greatest receptionist called Vernon and after 15 minutes of hold and some sweet talkin' she got us in for next Friday. Still a little farther away than was ideal but not too bad.

So once again here we are waiting, praying and wondering what's going on in there. I am sure it's probably nothing but there is always that small amount of doubt and concern that rests in the back of my head. What if I've done something wrong, not done something, what if..., what if..., what if.... I know playing "what if" isn't very helpful but it's a tough habit to break and one that drives my poor Corey nuts.

Wouldn't it be nice if we had some perminant window in there to see what's happening? It could have a curtain of course or maybe a little door but still we could take the occasional peak. I am sure that if that were an option it would satisfy my Curious George of an imagination!

Prenatal Practice

Last night was our second of 4 prenatal classes and once again we walked away with some interesting information. Our instructor Wendy is fantastic! She has a wonderful wealth of knowledge to share with those of us less than intelligent when it comes to the pregnancy and birth department. Her mild and relaxed personality also make her very approachable, which helps with some of those akward questions.

Our first class was spent mostly talking about an overview of labour, it's stages and progressions. That sort of thing. Last night we spent the first hour or so talking about labor complications. Prolonged labor (more than 24 hours no thanks), precipitate labor (less than 3 hours, bring it on!) among other things. It was very interesting to learn the solutions suggested by some of the reading material for getting your labor moving along at home. Who knew nipple stimulation and sex could be such handy little tricks, haha. Corey and every other dad in the room just blushed and looked at their significant others at the mention of this but I didn't hear any protesting.

The second half of the class was spent practicing breathing techinques and laboring positions. This was more than a little bit strange for me. Even though I know I'm pregnant, I can feel the baby move and I've seen the ultrasound pictures it still felt a little sureal last night. At first I just felt like a big dork, hangin' over an excercise ball, butt in the air "he he he ho" ing, then I felt like an imposter and finally I felt light headed. We couldn't help but get a few giggles out of the fact that here we are supposed to be relaxing from this breathing and I've got a death grip on Corey and the counter while trying to convince the room to stay in one spot.

None the less we made it through another class and are one step closer to the reality of birth. A hospital tour on Tuesday, one more class on Thursday and then it's all over. Hard to believe it's only around 50 days away - give or take a week. I'm so glad the finish line is in sight!

"The Baby Name Inventor"

The closer we get to our due date the more Corey and I are asked the question "Have you chosen any names yet?" In fact, we have thought of some great names that we quite like and are pondering over. We won't decide for sure what name we'll give our little one until we get to meet him or her. I don't think a person can truely make that kind of decision without seeing the little face about to carry the name and the personality that is going to have to suit it.

In the process of discussing the possible names Corey and I, like all parents have looked to try and find something unique for our little heir. I have looked at various Baby Name website searching for something amazing. Well today I pulled up my favorite baby site of all www.babyzone.com and discovered "The Baby Name Inventor". I was excited! To me it sounded like this helpful tool would be just what I was looking for. Now I assumed it would ask you a series of questions and then create something fantastic for you. Well in fact this ridiculous little tool just takes a bunch of letters and smooshes them together. Take a gander at some of the "suggested" names below and see for yourself.

- Ganectre Stone - Walamoyla Stone - Ugabero Stone - Smav Stone

and the list goes on and on. Can you imagine the teasing that would go along with any one of these dreadful names? I had myself a good laugh this afternoon just trying to pronounce some of them. These names are almost a cruel as naming your baby "Hippolite Williams." True story, when my mom was working as a nurse she had a patient give this name to her chubby little daughter....mean, just plain mean!

I think we'll just stick to the good ol' names on our current lists. At least they are easy to pronouce and actually have a meaning and origin when I look them up.

Excuse me...have you seen my feet?

Seems like that's a good question these days, as I haven't really seen my feet in awhile. Although my baby belly isn't as large as it will be at the end of this pregnancy, I am no longer able to see my feet. If I bend 1/2 way over and stick my butt out I can still catch a glimps of them but that's about it. Now you would think that being that this is winter and socks (not socks with sandles mind you...bare feet with sandles, socks with shoes people!) are the obvious choice of foot adornment, I am still concerned about the status of my toenails. I do not want to wind up in the World Book of Guiness Records for the nastiest pregnancy feet ever.

Up until recently I have still been able to maintain these ol' boats with minimal difficulty. However last week when I decided to remove the old flaky polish I discovered that reaching my toes was a new problem. For those of you who aren't familiar with me or my childhood I have grown up extremely flexable. It was never a problem for me to bend and contort in rather ridiculous looking positions to be comfortable, pick something up or give myself a pedicure. So my current range of motion status...none, was a little hard to swallow.

I spent the weekend debating what to do about this recent problem as these beasts still need some up keep and of course complained to my husband once or ten times. Being the wonderful, attentive man he is, he offered to do the job for me should the need arise. Talk about sweet. What man would volunteer to shove their face in someone's stinky feet, with stinky nail polish remover and even smellier polish? Mine! I know, I know I rant about how wonderful and perfect he is all the time and I'm sure some of you are gagging as you read but give me a break, I'm in love and we're newly weds!

I was planning on taking him up on this offer but today my sometimes too big pride won out. "I'm not going to let this growing watermelon get in the way of my vanity!" I thought to myself as I gathered my supplies. I decided to start off sitting in my recliner, it seemed like the best place to start. Well, when leaning only part of the way down emptied my lungs and caused a few dizzy spots to appear I figured I'd better try something else. Floor here I come! That didn't end any better, in fact I'm sure my lips were a little blue. Next I headed for the kitchen table. Thank heavens I can still get my foot up there. After 5 minutes of twisting, grunting and making the most unflattering faces possible I got one coat done. I was sweating! But none the less I managed this great circus act twice more just to insure the perfect pedi.

I do believe this will be the last self-administered pedicure I get until after our little one makes an appearance. I think I am finally getting the full impact of why vanity and pride are considered sins! Wouldn't it be just like me to have to learn it the hard way!

A side view

Well at long last here are some "belly shots". When we first found out we were pregnant Corey insisted on taking one a month at least and I found it enduring. After our hospital stay and the chaos that was summer we have only taken one more and they just keep getting put off.

Many a girlfriend have said that we should really make sure we have these as they are fun to look back on. Up until recently I however have refused to pose for such a shot. I was feeling more fat than pregnant and the thought of having to see what I felt was depressing. My parents were here for my birthday this weekend and my mom wouldn't take "No! I don't wanna!" for an answer.

Still, when I saw the pictures I was a little taken back, I had no idea my body had changed so much. To me it seems as though it's not even the same person. Funny what a camera can reveal. Oh well, over the next 9 weeks or so we'll make sure to take a few more of these entertaining pictures as I've been informed the real growing has just started.