Tuesday, June 29, 2010

27 week check up with Dr. J

I had another great check up with beloved Dr. J today. Everything is going well...except that I only have one more visit with him until Gummy Bear is born :(
You see, Dr. J is close to retirement, he doesn't do deliveries anymore. He has handled my pre-natal care up until now, but the time is coming when I get to start seeing the Dr. who will actually deliver Gummy. Ironically enough, this particular Doc also delivered Rockstar Daughter because Dr. J was on holiday when I went into labour with her, so I am familiar with him, and feel pretty good about seeing him again (I just really love my Dr. J!)

Check-up check-points:
BP was excellent, as it always has been. I've never had high blood-pressure in my life, and I'm super happy that its staying on the good side! One less thing to worry about.

The scale gave me quite a little surprise though....a good one! I am down another 3.5lbs. I almost fell off the scale when I saw the number! I mean, I've been eating. everything. especially Fuzzy's Fries. It doesn't seem to make sense, but I although I do indulge from time to time, I'm actually eating healthier then ever, so I guess that is the key (duh). I was initially worried when I saw the number, but when I asked Dr. J he said he thinks I'm doing wonderful and not to worry. So, hes the Doc, and I'm gonna take his word for it!

Dr. J listened for the heart beat with this weird, prehistoric, stethoscope type thing with his ear on one side and the other side pressing on my belly. He said he could hear it VERY LOUD! Yay Gummy has a strong heart beat. Unfortunately, I was only able to use his regular ol' stethoscope to hear and could only pick up a faint noise. I know, I know. My Doctor doesn't have a Doppler. WTF right? Well, that's what I thought, but he said my first appointment with delivery doctor I will be able to hear it for myself. He assures me everything is great with his/her heart.

So far, no swelling anywhere, so that's good to!

All in all, a great appointment! This Mamabear is satisfied!

Smells Like Summer

Grading day here in CB! What an exciting day for all the kidlets who have worked so hard all year! It also marks the beginning of Summer Vacay for Teachers and other Support Staff, like myself, who work within the Education System. 2 Lovely months free of tests, packed lunches, bells and buses! Yahoo! I'm not as excited as I usually am on Grading Day because I'm really nervous that I won't be able to go back to work in September seeing as how Gummy Bear is due to join us October 1st....but here's hoping I can!!

Congrats to all the kids and especially our Rockstar Daughter who had another wonderful report card again this year! She is promoted to GRADE SIX! Can't believe my baby is old enough. We are very proud of her, and will make sure she enjoys her hard earned Summer Vacation....Mamabear will be enjoying it right along with her!

xoxoxo

Friday, June 25, 2010

Technical Problems

My two previous posts on the one year anniversary of MJ's death were published under a date different then today's. If you would like to read them, they are under the June 17th date!

RIP MJ

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Hamster See, Hamster Do

Just read this adorable post from a friend of mine's blog. She is also a fellow Mama-to-be (Their first) and she has joined our huge family/group of friends through my Sissy. Ok, here goes....She is my Sissy's Husband's Twin Brother's Wife. Got that? So, in essence, she is my Sissy's sister-in-law. The way my twisted mind works, that makes us some kind of sisters....right?

Her Blog is the one that I've been reading loyally for a long time now and actually finally gave me the guts to go ahead and write my own!! Thank you, little hamster :)

Check it out, its Beau-tee-ous:

www.newlyb.blogspot.com

Anyways, this was her latest post and I thought it was so cute, why not do one for my Gummy Bear?


Several of my favourite mommy & mommy-to-be bloggers post semi-regular updates of their pregnancies. Since Gummy Bear is taking up so many of my thoughts these days, it seemed to make sense to fill you in on our progress.


How far along? 26 weeks :)


How big is baby? The latest book that I'm nose-deep in and the pregnancy website I frequent tell me that Gummy Bear is just under 2 pounds and about 12-14 inches long. A good food comparison would be an eggplant. *Funny moment last night while grocery shopping with the Fam we somehow stumbled upon an Eggplant (I've never bought or attempted to cook one before) and I proceeded to hold it up to my belly and announce, look, its our baby. I think the grocery store was quite empty, otherwise I would have gotten the look from Rockstar Daughter. That would have been scary.

Total weight gain: As of my last Dr's appointment I had gained 1/2 a pound. But I've actually lost 37....so I guess that brings my total to minus 36.5?


Maternity Clothes? I have plenty of yet-to-be-worn maternity clothes (see above) so I have not purchased any lately, but I was just saying to Hubby this morning that I am going on a hunt for some good maternity skivvy's this week.

Stretch marks? None yet!


Belly button? I'm about half way between an innie and an outtie now, but I can feel it changing more everyday!


Sleep: Gahhhh....what is this mythical word you speak of? SAH-LEEP?
Ok, I may be exaggerating a bit, but my sleep patterns are totally messed up! I'm finding it harder and harder to find a comfy position and spend most the night tossing and turning. I've tried it all. Sleeping with extra pillows, sleeping with minimal pillows, sleeping with my legs propped up, heck, there were a few nights where Hubby and I actually slept Head-to-Toe. Sad, but true. So far, I have yet to find the perfect sleeping position, but I'm going to keep on truckin'. Besides, my napping is at an all time high during the day, so at least I'm getting my shut eye then!

Movement: Love. Nothing feels better then feeling Gummy Bear kick the crap out of me. He/She has a very distinct sleep pattern already. I notice it A LOT more right when I am laying down in bed or on the couch (which you just learned happens frequently now).

Food cravings: Two words. Fuzzy's Fries. One more word. Yum. I wouldn't say that I'm craving them. That is putting it mildly. I'd phrase it like, I'm at the point where it's "Take me to Fuzzy's now or I will make the rest of your life a living hell" phase. For those of you unfamiliar, it's an awesome little chip wagon here in CB that sells home-made, fried in peanut oil, smothered in pepper and vinegar, french fry goodness. And they are super cheap to! What a lethal combination!!

What I am looking forward to: Obviously meeting Gummy Bear is event that I'm most excited for, but there are others too. I am excited for the ultrasound that should take place a few weeks before He/She gets here. I'm excited to have our in-place-of-a-baby-shower BBQ get together at our place. I love going to the Doctor's now as well. So many things to be excited for!

Milestones: I'm so happy to be getting ready to enter the Third Trimester! YAY! That's a pretty big milestone that is coming up. I can't believe how much time has passed already! Feels like yesterday since we found out Gummy Bear was on his/her way!


That was fun!

Gotta go get me some Fuzzy's :P

Monday, June 21, 2010

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Well, I've read about 347 books about pregnancy so far and each one of them has their lists of changes you will experience during the exciting 9 month time frame. I'm making up my own to document all the changes I've experienced over the last 6 months and also during Rockstar Daughter's dwelling within my womb.

1. Food likes/Dislikes

I've never been picky. Besides not liking a few foods like celery, cheese whiz (if that even counts as a food), and pea soup, I've always eaten what was put in front of me. But man oh man, am I one picky preggo person (alliteration anyone?)! When meal time comes around I can actually see Hubby's dread on his face. Whatever he suggests is not what I want. When he actually mentions something I would like to eat, it takes me some time to actually commit to eating it because I'm still not 100% sure. I've even gone to the extreme of having to "hide" things in the cupboard that are unappealing to me. There was a few months where the sight of the canned tomatoes would make me want to run to the bathroom and puke up whatever measly breakfast I had that morning. They are still in their hiding place to this day because I'm just not sure if I'm ready to come face to face with them yet.

2. Energy
I'm tired. All. The. Time.

3. People's attitudes towards your bump.
Who doesn't love a little baby belly? This time round, its altogether different. I was a very young Mamabear 11 years ago and, although I had nothing but support from my wonderful family/friends, there were more then a few times when I had run-ins with complete strangers who lacked any kind of accepted social behaviour. Luckily, I knew what the people around me thought and that was all that mattered to me. This time, its like people instantly smile when they see the belly! :)

4. Clothes
Obviously, your body changes and therefore, so does your wardrobe. But, something funny kind of happens to. You know when you go shopping (Now, not everyone will get what I'm saying, but most women will), and you go in the dressing room and your like...."Hmmm...I like this, but I wish it was longer/looser or hides my belly more"? Well, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THAT NOW!! Its so nice to go looking for clothes that shows off your belly!! :)

5. Emotions
Ok, so I was never the type to cry during a sad movie, or after reading a sweet card or anything unless it really merited a few tears. Now I cry over everything!! Commercials, movies, songs, greeting cards, emails from friends, etc. Now, mind you they are all "Oh I'm just so happy I could cry" tears but this is all new to me!! My hard ass rep is being compromised...... :P

6. Hair Growth
Another not so pleasant change. All the books will casually mention that your hair MAY grow quicker and thicker during pregnancy. Now, its lovely that your once flat hair is now full of volume and shiny-ness, but you know whats not so lovely? Wearing an extra layer on your legs. Yea, that's not fun. Now I know what men feel like during their five o'clock shadow time. I know, lovely mental picture....my bad. Its annoying, obviously, but besides the fact that our budget for razors has flown completely out the window, its not that bad. My only regret is that I'm not preggo through the winter....it sure would come in handy to my home-made, naturally grown leg warmers then instead of now!

7. How you "express yourself"
There are two types of people in this world.
- The ones who say I never curse, ever.
&
- The ones who think I could give a rough looking, tattooed sailor a run for his money in the profanity department.
As you are reading this, you can easily place yourself in either category.
The first group mostly consists of my family, work friends, Rockstar Daughter's friend's parents, etc and most importantly, any child within ear shot. I'm a firm believer of sheltering kids from all those bad words, even though, BELIEVE ME, they hear them at school! Sissy and I never heard bad words growing up, well not from our family anyways, and I'm trying my hardest to make sure Rockstar Daughter doesn't either.
Now that all the books say Gummy Bear can hear sounds through the belly, Hubby and I find ourselves shushing each other a lot when its just the two of us, saying "SSSSHHHHHH, the baby can hear!"

There are many more changes that each Mamabear experiences (and Daddybears to!) but these are the most prominent in our Happy Little Home.
Would you add any to the list?

Always, Sometimes, Never

I always:

* Have music playing. In the car, kitchen, bedroom, anywhere!
* Give hugs/kisses good night to Hubby and Rockstar Daughter....even though she thinks she is too old.
* Make up to-do lists in my head. Haven't mastered getting them on paper.
* Smile.
* Feel guilty about not getting to see my and Hubby's Grandparents/Family as much as we would like.
* Am up for a bon fire, party and company. The more the merrier.
* Get sucked into a few silly, pointless reality TV shows every season.
* Procrastinate.
* Leave stuff in the back seat of the car for days then finally ask Hubby to bring it in.

I sometimes:

* Eat too much Chocolate and feel sick after.
* Throw myself a pity party before I realize how lucky I really am and snap out of it.... Life is Good.
* Embarress Hubby or Rockstar Daughter with my good natured antics in public.
* Put the household chores on the back burner in order to spend more time to do other important things.....like Napping.
* Buy things I don't really need just because they're on sale.
* Forget to email, call or text people back.
* Forget how big my family is until weddings, funerals or Holidays.
* Fall and hurt myself.
* Watch scarey movies and then immediatley afterwards wonder why I chose to do that?
* Forget to lock the door to the washroom and start panicking when I hear someone's footsteps near by.
* Have a hard time admitting I'm wrong. Luckily, it hasn't happened often! :P

I never:

* Say never.
* Had a single cavity my whole life! I use this as a challenge for my very competitive Rockstar Daughter....So far she is doing great!!
* Want to forget all of my favourite memories.
* Drink Coffee. Yuck.
* Want to make anyone feel bad about themselves.
* Be late! For anything. Hopefully that won't change when Gummy Bear gets here!
* Cry in front of people if I can help it.
* Enjoy wrapping presents, the only thing I DON'T like about Christmas.

Copy Cat Blogger

I saw this on one of my favorite blogs, and thought i'd see how adventurous my life has been. The ones i've done are in bold. When you're done reading this, you should put your own experiences to the test....

1. started your own blog

2. slept under the stars

3. played in a band (Does Rock Band count? I'm guessing it doesnt!)

4. visited hawaii

5. watched a meteor shower

6. given more to charity than you could afford to

7. been to disney

8. climbed a mountain

9. held a praying mantis

10. sung a solo

11. bungee jumped

12. visited Paris

13. watched a thunder and lightning storm

14. taught yourself an art from scratch

15. adopted a child

16. had food poisoning

17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty

18. grown your own vegetables

19. seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. slept on an overnight train

21. had a pillow fight

22. hitch hiked

23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. built a snow fort

25. held a lamb

26. gone skinny dipping

27. run a marathon

28. ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. seen a total eclipse

30. watched a sunrise or sunset

31. hit a home run

32. been on a cruise

33. seen niagara falls in person

34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. seen an amish community

36. taught yourself a new language

37. had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person

39. gone rock climbing

40. seen Michelangelo’s David in person

41. sung karaoke

42. seen old faithful erupt

43. bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. visited africa

45. walked on a beach by moonlight

46. been transported in an ambulance

47. had your portrait painted - (drawn)


48. gone deep sea fishing

49. seen the sistine chapel in person

50. been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. kissed in the rain

53. played in the mud

54. gone to a drive-in theater


55. been in a movie

56. visited the great wall of china

57. started a business

58. taken a martial arts class

59. visited russia

60. served at a soup kitchen

61. sold girl scout cookies

62. gone whale watching

63. gotten flowers for no reason


64. donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. been sky diving

66. visited a concentration camp

67. bounced a check

68. flown in a helicopter

69. saved a favorite childhood toy (Which Ma H threw away!!!)

70. visited the lincoln memorial

71. eaten caviar

72. pieced a quilt

73. stood in times square

74. toured the everglades

75. been fired from a job

76. seen the changing of the guard in London

77. broken a bone

78. been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. seen the grand canyon in person

80. published a book

81. visited the Vatican

82. bought a brand new car

83. walked in jerusalem

84. had your picture in the newspaper

85. kissed a stranger at midnight on new year’s eve

86. visited the white house

87. killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. had chickenpox

89. saved someone’s life

90. sat on a jury

91. met someone famous


92. joined a book club

93. gotten a tattoo

94. had a baby

95. seen the Alamo in person

96. swam in the great salt lake

97. been involved in a law suit

98. owned a cell phone

99. been stung by a bee


I have 37 out of 99! Not too shabby!
Were you surprised at any?

How would you stack up?

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Fajah's Day!

We had a great Father's day this year here in our Happy Little Home! We hosted a BBQ for 12 (including Hubby, Rockstar Daughter and I). All the Father's were celebrated! We had a great meal, had lots of laughs and played a lot of Basketball, Volleyball & Badminton! :)

Cheer's to those special guys;
Father-in-Law
Bro-in-Law (Dad's to Furry, 4 legged children are just as important)
Grampy (Its a day for Grampies to!)
Hubby (Already a wonderful dad, and can't wait until he has two Monster's to help him celebrate)
Dad (The BEST Fajah in the whole world)

Hope you all felt as loved as you really are!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Saturday, June 19, 2010

A Great Cause

This is something very near to my heart. Autism is becoming more and more prevalent in today's world. People are now accepting and encouraging others who are in any way connected to it. Over the last few years I have met, worked with and fallen in love with many children and their parents who are affected. Personally, I'm so happy that the social stigma is on its way out and look forward to spending more time with my new friends! Rockstar Daughter and I participated in the Walk the Walk for Autism today and am pleased to say that we are definitely going to continue to support and be a part of this cause. I got to see a lot of old friends there today, and spend time with my newer ones! :)

Check out the website below:


http://www.walkthewalkforautism.ca/cape-breton.html

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Top Ten

I promise, this will be my last Michael Jackson post. Wait, there is no way I can actually promise that, so I will rephrase. I promise, that this will be my last Michael Jackson post.....today. Yea, much better. Realistic even.

In honor of the Great MJ I've compiled a list of his top ten tunes according to moi. See if you agree:

10. Thriller

You may be surprised that I chose this song as number ten. I've always liked it, but it doesn't make me really wanna groove like some of his others. I think the reason I like it so much is because it is Rockstar Daughter's absolute favorite! She is too cute singing along and making up dances....brings a tear to my eye, I tell ya!

9. This Is It

I really enjoyed the movie that came out shortly after his death and this was the title track and name of the movie. He is backed by an orchestra in one of the versions and its really a great song and actually kind of ironic.

8. Scream

Now, I'm not usually a fan of duets, but there is just something about Michael AND Janet Jackson singing together, dancing together and flipping the camera the bird together. I really liked this video and I always sing along!

7. Will You Be There

Anyone my age will remember the Free Willy movies. This song was played during the credits of the first movie and I've loved it ever since. I love how his voice sounds during this song and the lyrics are beautiful.

6. You Rock My World

This song reminds me of the Capri Club....shudder. I can recall many nights dancing like a maniac, trying to moonwalk (Oh god) across the dance floor and singing along as loud as I could! Good times.

5. Earth Song

How can you ignore a song that describes exactly what the world is going through. This song was actually recorded in 1995, and in my opinion was ahead of the game as far as talking about the environment. Here is a little tip....you have to listen to this song LOUD! It takes it to a whole new level.

4. Billie-Jean

Ahhh....my kitty's namesake. Has a special place in my heart. I've listened to this song since, forever. I still become mesmerized with the video and Rockstar Daughter knows all the words. Just a feel good song with a unique beat that cannot be, um....beat.

3. Human Nature

MJ recorded this song in 1983, when I was 1. I didn't know it existed then, but I started listening to it as a teenager and fell in love. No real reason, I just think the lyrics and melody are great.

2. I Just Can't Stop Loving You

Another Duet. If you saw the movie you will remember the wonderful singer who accompanied him, she was great and really complimented the song. The original singer (Siedah Garrett) does a great job to. I wish I was able to convince Hubby that this would've made the PERFECT wedding song! :)

.....................................................................................

Numero 1.

We have a tie ladies and gents:

REMEMBER THE TIME

I know, its not the song with the best video (Though I thought and still think its awesome!) or the deepest lyrics, but I just frickin love this song. Can't pinpoint exactly why, but it just makes me wanna bust a move!!

THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL

Nothin makes me wanna dance more then this song! I love the beat, the lyrics, the video, the everything about it!! When MJ did a surprise duet with Britney Spears (Gag) at an awards show a few years ago, they performed this song and it was so great!!

Some people might be surprised at some songs I've left off the list. There are no songs I really dislike, but there are a few I skip through, even though I take the time to add them to my IPOD Library or burn to a CD (I think its a loyalty thing).

Some of these said songs:
Beat It
Bad
Ben
and
Don't Stop Til You Get Enough

Any surprises?

Thanks for reading my list. This was a fun post!!

RIP M.J.

Another One Bites the Dust

Alas, dear Facebook, our intense Love/Hate relationship has finally ended after three years of fun, wonderment and hours upon hours of wasted time.

Yep, I've had it. I'm trying to cleanse my world of the evil. Besides keeping touch with my besties and wide spread fam, it has done little to help me! I know, its just mindless entertainment, but I'm over it. I had an account for three years and I'm going to take some time off! I'm going back to good ol email and texting and (CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?) the old fashioned phone!!! :)

I've been off it for about 21 hours so far and besides the occasional withdrawal symptom (night sweats, screaming in my sleep and constant crying) I've been fine! No, I kid, I kid.....I'm doing pretty good.

How long do you think you could last?

How long do you think I will last?

RIP

June 25th.
One year ago today Michael Jackson died. He was 2 months away from his 51st birthday. It was a sad day in our usually Happy Little Home. I remember that we were sitting on the side lines of Rockstar Daughter's first soccer game for that season when I received the first call. Ma D called to ask me if I heard the news. Now, usually I would be up on all the happenin's of this crazy world, but that particular day we were switching tv/internet and phone service providers and we were left without all three for about 12 hours. I refused to believe it. I decided that no matter what, if I didn't hear or see it for myself there was no way it could happen, right? Well, pretty soon after countless phone calls and posts on my FB wall and text messages from concerned friends and family I finally accepted it.

I know I'm sounding dramatic but....I LOVE HIM! I've been a huge fan since, well, my whole life! Ma and Pa H tell stories of me as a BABY sitting upright out of a dead sleep when Thriller came on the TV or radio. This always gave me a hilarious mental picture of them trying to keep MTV off the TV and keep the radio turned down when I was napping (This was probably not easy, music was always playing at our house. It's like I have my own personal soundtrack of my childhood). Anyways, I will elaborate on the MJ obsession. I have a cat named Billie-Jean and we had a pup named Jaxon (I switched the spelling so Hubby would agree to the name) who passed away only a few short months after his namesake. My IPOD is FULL of MJ songs and our wedding had all the classics played. I have 3 biographies, 2 calendars and DVDs which are all frequently used. While watching his televised funeral, I cried so hard I made Rockstar Daughter uncomfortable enough to quietly leave the room and CHOOSE to go do her homework in her room. With the door closed. And her stereo on Full Blast as to drown out my sobs. I still remember looking at her through my blurry from my tears, red, blotchy eyes and saying, very defensively, "I can't help it, it's just SO SAD!". Yep, that was her cue to leave me alone. Hopefully the therapy bill won't be too big.

I.JUST.LOVE.HIM.

I proclaim his innocence whenever I feel it is being questioned and Hubby STILL tries to argue with me. He never wins though. All my friends just accept the fact that his songs will always be played in my car, at parties or even as my ringtones. Even Rockstar Daughter has succumbed to the madness. She is the only 11 year old that can sing along with all the classics and really appreciates the music. Or, actually, she may be just humoring her Mamabear....either way, its fine with me!

MJ is missed all over the world, and very much by moi.

Just wanted to give a little shout-out to the King

RIP

Monday, June 14, 2010

Pre-Gummy Bear To-Do List

Any of you who know Ma H & my Sissy already are aware of how they are amazing with lists. They make them, follow them, and add to them ALL THE TIME. Me on the other hand? Well, I always have good intentions when it comes to "The List" but I always seem to misplace it, forget it home and not realizing it until I'm walking around the produce section or just simply not bother with making one. Even Hubby is a great list maker/follower. So, I'm gonna give it another go! I thought to myself if I post a list on burstingsmile then it can't be lost or forgotten on the counter or get misplaced within the depths of my purse, so why not? We do have a very good handle on all the supplies we will need for shortly after the baby gets here, but there is always something else to add!

- Get a dresser for Gummy's clothes
This is (almost) taken care of. We have a dresser lined up that lovely friends P & G are giving us within the next month, so really all we have to do to cross this off our list is simply transport it to our house!

- Gummy's Crib
This item also is pretty much taken care of. Ma & Pa D kindly offered to buy the baby's crib as a wonderful gift! Can't wait to pick it out and set it up. We are in no hurry for that of course, seeing as how we are hoping to keep him/her in the bassinet we have in our bedroom

- Baby proof the house
I know we don't really have to worry about baby gates and those door handle thingy's yet but it's still on our "list"

- Purchase a small video camera
Hubby & I have always wanted one and seeing as how Rockstar Daughter's entire baby-hood was videotaped and enjoyed still to this day we would like to do the same for Gummy as well. Plus, it serves as excellent blackmailing material for the teenage years which Rockstar Daughter will shortly discover.....muhahahaha

- Bathroom Reno's
Seems like in our happy little home we always have something we want to do....its fun and we all really enjoy it! Right now the basement is being (slowly but surely) transformed into a teenager haven for Rockstar Daughter. Before we get back to that we really want to change the fixtures in our bathtub. The existing ones are very dated and not the most energy efficient. This is something we really want to change before the due date!

Hmmm...this list business sure seems easier then I figured. I guess I will have to keep adding to it as time goes by. I just may be a born-again List Maker!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Yard Sale Finds

Success!! Ma H and I set out early this morning in search of useful treasures for Gummy Bear and we were not disappointed! First stop of the day and she was able to score the EXACT same playpen Hubby and I bought on our first yard sale mish. It was in perfect shape and not only that, but she paid only $5.00!! In case you don't remember, we paid $20.00 for the one we found! Needless to say Ma H was beaming with pride and satisfaction for the rest of the morning. Still not sure if this is due to the find or paying so much less then we did! :)

At the same sale I purchased one of those music thingys that attaches to the baby's crib that plays lullabies and emits some soft light with an aquarium background for $2.00!! YAY. Those things are expensive new, and I feel even better about it because I know the family very well! Double YAY! Not only did she give us great prices, but also told me to call her this week because she has a stroller/car seat duo she would like to sell me for a great price! I already have a stroller, but do you think it would be worth it to have an extra one for grandparents visits, etc? I don't want to get too much but it seems like such a good idea to be prepared!

After many more attempts at various yard sales we were unable to get any more baby stuff, but we did get some nice things for our homes. Ma H found very pretty vases and I scored a beautiful material wall hanging piece that will look lovely in my foyer! Very happy.

After finishing up with yard sales we decided to pop into the local Farmer's Market. We both picked up very pretty home-made crib sheet sets and burp clothes. All really durable and soft for Gummy Bear's sensitive skin!

I'm going to go ahead and say that this week's adventure was very successful and also a lot of fun!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

5 Best Flicks about Pregnancy

I love a good movie. I love love a good, funny movie. I love love love a good, funny, movie that you can relate to! I've compiled a little list Du Jour about my favorite movies that are focused on pregnancy, baby daddy's, labour, and other hilarious points of the wonderment of those 9 months!

5. Where the Heart Is
Ok, so this one is not really funny, more of a drama, but I still really liked it. This was made in 2000 and features Natalie Portman as the mamabear who is struggling with relationships and life in general. It has a great cast that includes Joan Cusack, Stockard Channing and Susan Sarandon. Check it out if you haven't seen it!

4. Juno
This movie started the Ellen Page movement. She was brilliant as the main character and was complimented great by Michael Cera (one of my favorites). Her crazy family will make you laugh every time they are in a scene. Great soundtrack to! I also developed a huge crush on Jason Bateman after seeing it, even though he was kind of a jerk in the story.

3. Knocked Up
Another comedy that lets you sit back, relax and not think for a beautiful 1.5 hours. Full of laughs and one liners and cute scenes. I have to admit, I'm not a huge Seth Rogen fan lately, but this movie was one of his bests when he was the newbie comic with all the funny lines! This movie is complete with bad language, graphic labour scenes and a happy, if unrealistic, ending.

2. Nine Months

Now, if your like me, and find Hugh Grant highly boring and very annoying, try to watch this movie and I think you will be pleasantly surprised! This was made in 1995 so, he was kind of new to movies and very likable in this movie. Julianne Moore was great as well, they both complimented each other and it was a believable story. Joan Cusack and Tom Arnold were hilarious as friends of the couple and stole many scenes! A nice bonus is Robin Williams as their OBGYN who, before moving to the U.S.A had specialized in prenatal care and delivery.....in rats!

Drum Roll please..........

1. Father of the Bride Part 2
How can you not love this movie? Still to this day if I'm channel surfing and see it on the guide I cannot resist a good chuckle along with Steve Martin, who is not only waiting for his grandchild to be born but also is own son/daughter, as the love able dad who eerily reminds me of my own Pa H (not including his little mid-life crisis of course!) and Frank (Martin Short), the hilarious wedding planner who they befriended in the first movie and thankfully he made his way to the sequel. This is the perfect example of a feel good comedy. If you haven't seen this movie yet.....whats wrong with you?? Go rent it!!!

So, that's it, my short list of pregnancy movie faves...do you have any to add??

Monday, June 7, 2010

Newest Obsessions

Yard Sales and Kijiji

Hubby and I decided to try our luck with a few yard sales Saturday morning just for something different to do and we were pleasantly surprised! We went to a few and only really found one with some baby items for sale! We found a beautiful GRACO Playpen at this one particular spot that folds up in a nice little case and was only used a few times! It is very user friendly, which is a must for us (Those of you snickering obviously know Hubby & I's combined clumsiness is one of our most redeeming qualities!). :) The lovely couple only asked $20.00 for it! We were so happy! So, since then I have recruited my Momma, Rockstar Daughter, Lovely Nanny and Crazy Aunts to accompany me on a Yard Sale Extravaganza this Saturday complete with a schedule of destinations in my hunt for baby bargains! Days spent with these ladies always ensures laughter, good natured insults, lunch and sometimes the occasional visit to a pet store to see the puppies (We can't resist). On another note, very excited for Sissy to be able to join us next time since she is moving home in 3 days but has prior commitments for her first weekend home.

And ahh yess, the wonderment of Kijiji! Yesterday I was browsing the baby items and came across the cutest bathrub ring for infants that not only is comfortable for the little Gummy Bears but also adds arm support for the Mamabears as well! The brand is Safety First. The ad said it was used only twice and was in perfect condition so after a quick 7 minute drive and another $20.00 (This was a lovely gift from Ma & Pa H) it was ours! I know its a little early seeing as how our Gummy Bear isnt even here yet, but I could never resist a good deal! :)

I strongly reccommend any new Mamabears to try out these great ways of finding some real steals!

I'll make sure I post what I find in the upcoming adventure because I would hate to leave you all hanging! :P

Friday, June 4, 2010

Could Blogging be bad luck?

That's the question of the day. I'll tell you why. You may recall me doing some "bragging" about how wonderful and peachy keen I have been feeling lately in yesterday's entry. Well, lemme tell ya that changed in a fricken hurry about, oh, lets see 12 hours after publishing it. Last night I re-lived the first 3 months of the pregnancy in about 4 hours. It was not pleasant. I'm still getting sick today. Luckily I work under a great teacher who is wonderful about my dashes to the staff washroom. I have to admit, there has been some instances where I just barely made it to the kids bathroom....don't worry, I've never run into any little kidlets as of yet! Its like my "morning sickness" has mutated into this new, yet to be discovered strain of vomiting. Oh the joys of pregnancy. The good definitely out-weighs the bad....but its a little hard to keep that mantra when I feel like I could get a gold medal in the Olympics for Extreme Barfing.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Gummy Bear News

As I've mentioned earlier, our Baby, who we affectionately named Gummy Bear will be joining us in 4 short months! So hard to believe. Let me take you back to when it was new to us!

The day started out like any other, but ended on a very different tone! After finally deciding to purchase a pregnancy test (Hubby was sure I was preggo, me, not so much!) to our surprise and delight it did show as positive! Directly after, I instructed Hubby to please go get us another one "just to be sure". As he was backing out of the driveway at 6pm to make a run to the drugstore I promptly called Sissy C. She guessed right away what my news was. We had our little "YAY"s and "OHMIGOD"s and she then told me to call her back RIGHT AFTER I took the second test! Well, as you probably guessed it gave us the same results! But, the funny part is, I was so stunned I actually got Hubby to go to the drugstore again and get us a THIRD test! There were many phone calls made that night to Sissy lets just put it that way!

We initially decided to wait a little bit to tell our families (Besides Sissy of course) but that idea went out the window shortly after we agreed. Thankfully both Hubby and my parents (Ma and Pa H & Ma and Pa D) live on the same street in our little community so it was easy to make the trek to spread the news! The rest of our family/friends had to wait until I at least had a visit with my doctor.

Since that wonderful day alot of happenin's have occurred in our happy little home. After almost 4 months of extreme throwing-up-ness (MORNING sickness my arse!) I lost 37 pounds in total. Now, pick your jaws up off the floor because I have to be honest, I had it to lose. All of it.....and then some! The definition of cruel irony is having tons of beau-tee-ous maternity clothes that my Lovely Nanny bought me and not fitting into them. Not only am I not fitting into them (STILL) but I am wearing clothes that didn't even have a chance of sliding onto my curves before I was preggo! Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy and feeling wonderful about getting some extra weight off, but it was hard at first to except the fact that it was perfectly fine and safe to lose some of those curves! Actually as of my most current Dr's appt yesterday I've gained.....wait for it.....half a pound!! I thought it would be so much more considering I'm now scarfing down anything that looks yummy to me! All involved, Doctor J, Hubby and me are pleased :)

Long story short, I'm feeling wonderful now and am happy to say that people are finally noticing the pregnant belly.

Rockstar Daughter

Oh our little lady is sure a character. She is funny, creative, beautiful, athletic, smart, unorganized like her Mamabear, silly, special in so many ways, fair, friendly, sweet, thoughtful and saucy (only to us of course!). As you could imagine I could go on and on and on about all her wonderful and unique qualities, and make no mistake about it,I will! She fills me with so much pride and happiness I would surely explode if I didn't share it with you all!

Rockstar Daughter will make many appearances on Burstingsmile because she is such an important part of my life. Everything I do, say, think about, plan and accomplish is because and for her.

Mamabear loves her little Rockstar

Game of Catch Up!

Now I have the mission of explaining to you all the reason for my choice to Blog!
Well, it's simple! I wanted an outlet to keep all my loved ones near and far informed of our life here in Little Ol' Cape Breton! Seems like my list of friends and family who have moved or are moving from this wonderful Isle keeps expanding, and I wanted a way (besides Facebook....shudder) to keep them up-to-date on how we are doing, news from the Island, etc.

So first big piece of news is Hubby and I are pregnant! We are expectig our little Gummy Bear in October. Obviously this isn't big news to most because, well, HELLO, I'm in my fifth month but why not "oficially" annouce it here on Burstingsmile?

It really is wonderful news and has us all full of excitment, planning and anxiety!

Rockstar daughter is very happy and cannot wait to be a big sister! She is 11, so I'm especially overjoyed to share this experience with her and have her involved as much as possible! She is our little monster already, but soon she will have a littler monster to love, play with, teach, and blame things on! Hubby and I both have only one sibling (he a younger brother, me a younger sister) so we are so happy for her have someone to share her childhood with.

Most of my entries will be pregancy based because I love reading others experiences and dammit, people are going to love reading mine to! (Did I mention I was a tad pushy?)

Hmm..what else, what else? Oh, here's a good tidbit! Sissy and Bro-in-Law are moving home this month!! 6 days, 11 hours and 28 minutes to be exact. Well, I have to discuss what time I would like for them to leave their current home but I'm sure they will follow my timeline I've schedualed for them to follow. ;)
This is wonderful news, and both of their families have been anxiously waiting for it to get here! It has been 6 years since they have lived in Cape Breton! YAY

Keep checking back :)

Blogging Anxiety



My first blog. Ever. Experiencing a little anxiety about having to live up to those fan-tab-u-lous blogs I have been reading to educate myself on the world of bloggers! I can't promise anything, but I'm sure excited to try!

What do I write about? Well, I thought since this is my first entry I would educate those of you who do not know me as well as some of my lovely family & friends. Where to start?

I guess you would have guessed from the title of the blog that I LOVE to laugh! I laugh as much as I can. I am one of those truley cliche-believing people who chants whenever I feel necessary, "Laughter is the best medicine". Sometime I catch people snickering or gaping but that doesn't stop me! Just today someone called me "Positive Polly"!

Some proper titles that I could use to describe myself would be:

Wife
Mother
Daughter
Daughter-in-Law
Grand-daughter
Sister
Sister-in-Law
Cousin
Friend

Some other descriptions:

Chauffeur
Cook
Maid
Receptionist
Stylist
Personal Shopper
Counsellor
Mediator
Nurse

And these, of course, are only the few that I can think of right now!

I'm looking forward to expanding on this topic....I mean, C'mon, who doesn't like to talk about themselves? :P