It's a BRAND NEW YEAR! (By:Jess)

New Year's.

It's always a bitter sweet holiday for me.

I love it and I hate it.

I love it because of all the parties and the excuse to have an extra drink......... or 5! I love it because it gives me a "start fresh" feeling and I always feel the need to get really organized this time of year! I love it because I have an excuse to force myself to stay up til midnight and lay a big wet one on my hubby! (like I NEED an excuse! lol!) I love cooking a huge crockpot of sauerkraut and sausage, hoping for good luck, just so I take ONE BIG BITE with my nose plugged so I can't taste the sauerkraut! I love all the hype on TV and watching all the "year in review" clips that are complied. I love the tradition and nostalgia of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve", even though seeing Mr. Clark now makes me a little sad. I love hearing Auld Lang Syne and getting a little teary. Yeah, I guess New Year's has it's perks.

But, I sometimes hate New Years. I hate trying to make HUGE plans, and they NEVER live up to what I had imagined in my head. I hate saying "goodbye"......to anything. One year gone means one year that will never come back. :( I hate the thought of all the crazy party animals on the road who probably had too much to drink. Scary thought. I hate trying to get used to writing the new year. It always take me months to finally get used to the fact that it's a new year.

But, since I consider myself a somewhat positive, glass-is-half-full type of gal, I will try my best to focus my attention on the 1st half of this blog.

As I sit here, thinking back on 2011, here is a (quick) list of all the things that have occurred in my life the past 365 days.

1. Leo Beck Rolfes entered. Amazing.
2. I dyed my hair dark
3. We got 2 new cars. (correction: TOBY got 2 new cars)
4. I started a monthly meal schedule.
5. I found a new passion for photography, piggy banks, and walking.
6. "On Second Thought" was created.
7. Merry Maids is now part of my family.
8. We joined a small group at church which has been a huge blessing.
9. I dyed my hair back to light
10. I discovered Pintrest.
11. I found a new "drink"....Disaronno on the rocks with cranberry juice. Delish.
12. I can say, in completely honesty, that everything in our closets have a need and purpose.
13. I endured the pain of a level 3 episiotomy, having a crown put on my tooth, and the realization that Edward Cullen is off the market.

I'm sure there is more. I mean, I KNOW there is more. And probably more that is more important and less petty..... but I said a "quick list" if I remember correctly. If I had all the time in the world to sit here and reminisce, I'm sure I would have a much more lengthy and relevant list. I'm doin the best I can here..... it's only a matter of time until my 9 month old tries to stick his finger in the light socket or eat some of the dogs kibbles. So...anyway......

Good-bye 2011. You have been great, really. You gave a little and took a little. I will always remember you.

Welcome 2012! I accept you with open arms and an open heart! Come on it, make yourself at home, and stay awhile! I'm sure you have a lot in store! I can't wait to see what it is!

How Ya Feelin'? (By: Jess)

The question I get asked everyday is, "How are you feeling"? So, I decided to do occasional updates on that exact topic.

Size of Baby
a kiwi
Gender
Will not know until March.!! (I have a feeling it's a little lady!)
Name?
Still throwin' around a few, but I've got (2) girl names pegged down. I love them both so much that I honestly think we may have to draw out of a hat to decide! I also have (2) boy names being pondered, but for some reason I am paying more attention to the lady names.
Movement
I feel little "bumps", but I think it's gas!! :)
Sleep Report
Not easy. A lot of tossin and turin and I expect it only to get worse! Huge shout out to my BIL for the sleep body pillow he gave me for Christmas! LOVE IT! I didn't have one when I was growing Leo, and I remember really, really wanting one the next time I was pregnant! Oh, and been having some crazy a$$ dreams.
What I miss
Nothing really, just.....Red wine, Blue Moon, my skinny jeans, stable moods, extra caffine, sushi, Hydroxy cut, prozac, looking and feelin hot, my positivity, and my energy supply!
Cravings
Lemonheads, root beer floats, and fast food.
Weird Happenings
feeling more nauseated with this baby then I did with Leo. I've been a lot more weepy. Also, my waistline seemed to widen a lot sooner than with Leo. (see above)
Good Advise..... or bad.
Good- My friend, Laura, told me that she thinks it's great that Leo will not know what life is like without a sibling. She said "Leo and the new baby will be best friends". I think she's right. I like that.
Bad- If ONE MORE PERSON tells me "You are going to have your hands full" I think I may give them a high five, in the face, with a chair. Thank you, Captain Obvious.
Best Moment(s) so far
Hearing heartbeat for 1st time. Always a great moment.
My Dr. telling me, "This is the best surprise ever!!"
Telling our parents (in person this time!)
Meltdowns
Weekly. I'm not allowed to take my "medicine" while I'm with child, so my moods and hormones are all over the place. I swear my husband is scared to come home from work sometimes. Bless him. Seriously Lord...please bless him.
What I am looking forward to
Finding out the gender!
How many weeks left
28. Oui!
Getting Prepared
Trying to decide how much time I wanna take off work
Looking at baby girl bedding online.....just in case! *wink wink*
On the lookout for a double stroller.
Current Mental Status
A Hot Mess.

Confessions..... Part 2 (By Jess)

I read a blog called E, Myself, and I.

Check it out. It's awesome.

"E" does a "midweek confessions" page that I look forward to reading every week.

She makes me smile and allows me to realize that I am not that weird, nor am I alone in any way posible!

Thanks, E!



I feel the need to come clean......

1. I feel like my Christmas Decorations on the front of my house this year look ghetto.
2. I totally am starting to go to school with totally wrinkled clothes. Gasp. I'm trying to get over it, but I am having a hard time.
3. I ate fast food for BREAKFAST and LUNCH last week. Ick.
4. I told Leo to "stop acting like a baby" last night. I am the devil.
5. While starting to pack Leo's suitcase for our trip to Ohio for the holiday's, I didn't fold anything. I just threw everything in, willy-nilly. What's happening to me?!?
6. I have ignored a lot of calls recently. Sorry if one of them was you.
7. My nails (fingers and toes) are embarrassing.
8. I finally convinced my husband to PAY someone to clean my house. PRAISE THE LORT!
9. We haven't been to church in weeks....cause..... I. Have. No. Idea.
10. I took a day off work last week to "get myself in order" (in the words of Mrs. Jo Patterson). The ONLY thing I accomplished was making cookies.
11. Leo's crib sheets totally do not match his bedding. It's driving me nuts.
12. Sometimes finding socks that go with my outfit is the most difficult part of getting ready.
13. I almost forgot to put Gertie on our Christmas card and I hated myself for it. Terrible mother!
14. I have totally and completely abandoned my diet on all accounts.

That's all for now. I feel (slightly) better. Thanks.