Dear Maddy,
You'll find out some day that I'm a fairly sappy person. I cry at movies that make me sad, or happy. I find myself so wrapped up in the love stories I read that I believe they have to be real. It is because of this trait that I decided to make a play list on my iPod of songs just for you. I hope it is just the start of the soundtrack to your life. Most of them so far are songs about daughters, or children, but the rest are about living life to it's fullest, and love. I was listening to your soundtrack on the way home from work and was inspired to write this by "I Hope You Dance". So I bring to you a little wisdom to live your life by.
*Never pass up the opportunity to help someone less fortunate than yourself out. Do not do it to make yourself look better though, no, do it out of the kindness in your heart. Volunteer. Donate money to a worthy charity. Do something to give back for all that you have been given in life.
*Someday you will have your heart broken, it is an inevitable fact of life. Someday you may also break hearts too. I cannot tell you which hurts more, watching someone who you love deeply leave you, or leaving someone who loves you more than life itself. Just know that life always goes on, eventually your heart will heal, and you will find an even deeper love out there waiting for you.
*Don't take for granted the beauty of the place where we live. On a sunny day admire the mountains, their grand majesty and snow covered peaks, the fact that no matter where you turn there they are. Notice how the sun breaks through the clouds on a rainy day and the whole world glitters in its light. Take it all in, and enjoy its peacefulness.
*Every day is a new day. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to, and just because you didn't do it the day before doesn't mean you have to give up. Try again. The only thing that can hold you back is you.
*Never regret anything. Everything you have done in life has made you who you are. You may do things that you are ashamed of, but learn from it. Grow from it. Remember, never forget it, and move on.
*What you do defines who you are. Your actions will speak louder than the words that come from your lips.
*Don't say anything about someone when they are not around that you wouldn't say to their face.
*Beauty is only skin deep. You may be beautiful on the outside, but what really matters is the beauty hidden in your heart.
*Do not stay with a person who doesn't treat you right. You deserve respect. You deserve to be loved. You deserve to be happy. But remember little one, whoever you love deserves those things just as much. A relationship is a partnership, each of you should be just as important to one another.
*Love openly and freely, but do not fall in love too fast. Know the difference between love and lust.
*I'm going to tell you something a wise woman once told me; you are my daughter and I have to love you, but I don't always have to like you. You are going to do things someday that I probably won't like that much, but just because I don't like what you've done doesn't mean I don't love you. I will always love you.
*Treat every animal on this earth with the love and kindness you would a fellow human. Love your pets like they are a part of your family, because they are.
*Don't underestimate the power of the following words: Please, Thank You, Excuse Me Please. It is important to be polite and remember your manners.
*Another important word: No. I've learned the hard way that you can't let people take advantage of you. If you never say no they are going to walk all over you. Learn what your limits are, and when to politely decline.
*Shoes can make or break an outfit. No matter what your dad says, a girl can't have too many shoes.
So my little one, I hope that you'll use this advice in your life. I hope that as the years go by I'll be able to help you turn into the best person you can be.
When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.
Love,
Your Mom
May 21, 2010
May 12, 2010
An (Almost) 20 Week Update
I wanted to post a quick update. I feel like my belly just “popped” the other day and I’m looking more pregnant now. I came home from work last night and TJ told me the shirt I was wearing made me look really pregnant. I had been thinking the same thing all day. After we went shopping for dinner I came home and put on a tank top, at which point TJ said, “It wasn’t the shirt, you just look pregnant!!”. And I had to agree with him. It was as if overnight my little baby pooch became a not-so-little baby pooch.
Please see exhibit A, taken this morning before work. A self portrait of me and the girl:
I spent Mother’s Day with my awesome momma and sister, and we went a little wild. This little girl? She is going to have a kick ass wardrobe thanks to a few people who have shopping problems. We went to the mall and each spent a decent amount time and cash at The Pumpkin Patch (I love, love, love that place!!). When I got home I started to pull each item out of the bag to show TJ. I noticed he was losing interested so I pulled the remaining clothes out of the bag and his eyes went wide and he asked, “Have I already seen these?!?!?!” Hahaha, uhm, no! A girl needs cute clothes!
Before I go I have to brag on my husband really quick. Those of you who know him probably know he’s a pretty quiet, unemotional, even keeled kind of guy. He loves me a whole hell of a lot, but he isn’t the “romantic” type. It always throws me for a loop when he does something sentimental. I woke up on Mother’s Day morning and he bought me the BEST card. But it wasn’t the card that made me cry, it was what he wrote in the card, “I can’t wait to meet our beautiful daughter.” As I read it I lost it. He is going to be the best dad, and I can’t wait for both of us to meet her!
Please see exhibit A, taken this morning before work. A self portrait of me and the girl:
TJ and I are going to a nice dinner tonight that benefits Housing Hope, so I wore one of my maternity dresses today. The way it’s cut makes me look more pregnant than I am, but then I held my belly in the picture and realized, holy crap, I really look that pregnant!!
I spent Mother’s Day with my awesome momma and sister, and we went a little wild. This little girl? She is going to have a kick ass wardrobe thanks to a few people who have shopping problems. We went to the mall and each spent a decent amount time and cash at The Pumpkin Patch (I love, love, love that place!!). When I got home I started to pull each item out of the bag to show TJ. I noticed he was losing interested so I pulled the remaining clothes out of the bag and his eyes went wide and he asked, “Have I already seen these?!?!?!” Hahaha, uhm, no! A girl needs cute clothes!
Before I go I have to brag on my husband really quick. Those of you who know him probably know he’s a pretty quiet, unemotional, even keeled kind of guy. He loves me a whole hell of a lot, but he isn’t the “romantic” type. It always throws me for a loop when he does something sentimental. I woke up on Mother’s Day morning and he bought me the BEST card. But it wasn’t the card that made me cry, it was what he wrote in the card, “I can’t wait to meet our beautiful daughter.” As I read it I lost it. He is going to be the best dad, and I can’t wait for both of us to meet her!
May 7, 2010
We're Having. . .
Edit: Now with pictures below!
A baby. Ha. Gotcha.
Our appointment this morning went very, very well. And yes, we found out what we are having (more on that later. . .). I couldn't remember if I had scheduled our appointment for 7:00 or 7:15, so we decided to show up at 7:00 just in case. Plus, I was more than a little anxious. As we were walking into the hospital we ran into TJ's mom, since she works there. We told her we'd let her know as soon as we knew, and then we head up the escalators to check in at radiology.
I checked in and found out my appointment was really 7:30. . .so we were reaaaaally early. Luckily I brought my Ipod touch for TJ and I had games on my phone to play with as well. So we waited until 7:30 and an ultrasound tech name Lisa brought us back to the first room. Lisa was very friendly, she explained everything we were seeing on the screen and that it all looked great. The baby was not being cooperative though, Lisa needed a profile shot of the baby's head and couldn't get the right angle. She tired for a while to get it, and then asked me to get up, walk around and empty my bladder to see if that helped.
Like I said last week I'm starting to feel movements. Most of the time it feels like I'm going down a roller coaster and I've lost my stomach. I think I feel that way when the baby is rolling around. Just as I was about to lay back down I had the roller coaster feeling and so I was pretty sure we'd get a good shot. I was right, baby was laying the right way and Lisa was able to get all of the measurements she needed to get.
After Lisa had checked all that needed to be check she said, "Well, wasn't there something else that you guys wanted to see??" And we laughed. She started to move the wand around so we could get a good shot of everything. Right when she zoomed in I had a feeling of what she was going to say, but I just waited. She got a good angle and took a still frame shot for us and then typed on the screen. . .
THINK PINK!
So, TJ and I are elated to announce that come this fall we are expecting a baby GIRL!!! And I am happy to announce that I was right, since I like to be right. ;) The best part about it though is that from what Lisa could tell she seems very, very healthy! TJ was pretty shocked since he was certain the baby was going to be a boy. He said he knew as soon as she was looking around though that there weren't any boy parts, and so did I.
We sent a text or called our family as soon as we left the room, and then went upstairs to his mom's office to show her the pictures. Lisa was wonderful and printed out 3 3D pictures, 4 regular ultrasound pictures, and a "money shot" picture (that says THINK PINK!) for us. I think that it is actually a lot more photos than most people get, so thank you Lisa!!!! I handed Ann the pictures and told her the last picture told her what we were having, she asked if she'd be able to tell and I said yes. When she got to it she started to cry, then I started to cry and I'm pretty sure TJ did too. I called my mom and I'm pretty certain she cried too and I can't wait to show her the pictures on Mother's Day!
So, over all today has been a GREAT day! We're having a GIRL! Woo-hoo!! Once I get home I'll load the pictures on the computer and post them here for the world to see.
Dear October: can't you come any faster?????
A baby. Ha. Gotcha.
Our appointment this morning went very, very well. And yes, we found out what we are having (more on that later. . .). I couldn't remember if I had scheduled our appointment for 7:00 or 7:15, so we decided to show up at 7:00 just in case. Plus, I was more than a little anxious. As we were walking into the hospital we ran into TJ's mom, since she works there. We told her we'd let her know as soon as we knew, and then we head up the escalators to check in at radiology.
I checked in and found out my appointment was really 7:30. . .so we were reaaaaally early. Luckily I brought my Ipod touch for TJ and I had games on my phone to play with as well. So we waited until 7:30 and an ultrasound tech name Lisa brought us back to the first room. Lisa was very friendly, she explained everything we were seeing on the screen and that it all looked great. The baby was not being cooperative though, Lisa needed a profile shot of the baby's head and couldn't get the right angle. She tired for a while to get it, and then asked me to get up, walk around and empty my bladder to see if that helped.
Like I said last week I'm starting to feel movements. Most of the time it feels like I'm going down a roller coaster and I've lost my stomach. I think I feel that way when the baby is rolling around. Just as I was about to lay back down I had the roller coaster feeling and so I was pretty sure we'd get a good shot. I was right, baby was laying the right way and Lisa was able to get all of the measurements she needed to get.
After Lisa had checked all that needed to be check she said, "Well, wasn't there something else that you guys wanted to see??" And we laughed. She started to move the wand around so we could get a good shot of everything. Right when she zoomed in I had a feeling of what she was going to say, but I just waited. She got a good angle and took a still frame shot for us and then typed on the screen. . .
THINK PINK!
So, TJ and I are elated to announce that come this fall we are expecting a baby GIRL!!! And I am happy to announce that I was right, since I like to be right. ;) The best part about it though is that from what Lisa could tell she seems very, very healthy! TJ was pretty shocked since he was certain the baby was going to be a boy. He said he knew as soon as she was looking around though that there weren't any boy parts, and so did I.
We sent a text or called our family as soon as we left the room, and then went upstairs to his mom's office to show her the pictures. Lisa was wonderful and printed out 3 3D pictures, 4 regular ultrasound pictures, and a "money shot" picture (that says THINK PINK!) for us. I think that it is actually a lot more photos than most people get, so thank you Lisa!!!! I handed Ann the pictures and told her the last picture told her what we were having, she asked if she'd be able to tell and I said yes. When she got to it she started to cry, then I started to cry and I'm pretty sure TJ did too. I called my mom and I'm pretty certain she cried too and I can't wait to show her the pictures on Mother's Day!
So, over all today has been a GREAT day! We're having a GIRL! Woo-hoo!! Once I get home I'll load the pictures on the computer and post them here for the world to see.
Dear October: can't you come any faster?????
April 30, 2010
18 Week Update
Hello blog friends! I am a blogger fail, and apologize to the people who have complained ::cough::Mom and TJ::cough:: about my lack of posting. It's fair to say that all is great in the McG household though. You know, no news is good news??? Yep, that's us.
So this week I believe I've started to feel Herme moving around. From the way s/he kicked around like a frog during the ultrasound Aunt Donna did I have a feeling that I'm going to be kept awake at night with movement. I'm feeling things every once in a while just below my belly button, barely to the right of the center of my tummy. It's pretty cool, and I can't wait until TJ can feel it from the outside too.
Since I last posted I had my regular 16 week check up and everything is good with baby. I did the quad screen (a blood test which tests for the heightened possibility of Down syndrome, Spina Bifida, etc.), and the results came back negative. So by blood tests, which obviously aren't 100%, I'm at a very low risk. Woo-hoo!! Annnnd, I scheduled the anatomy scan! At 7:00 next Friday the 7th (a week from today, EEEKKK!!) we will know if Herme is a He or a She!!!
You may have noticed a new poll to the right (-----> up top!), you have until mid-day next Friday to cast your votes and decide if you think Herme is a boy or a girl! A little background to help with your decision; I am positive it is a girl and TJ is positive it is a boy with mixed results from people we know. The heartbeat has been steadily around 160 beats a minute. I didn't have any morning sickness. All of the Chinese gender charts say it's a girl. The only thing I've really been craving consistently is cucumbers (yum!!). Good luck! :)
On the naming of the human front we have pretty much settled the score. If you remember we decided on our boy name pretty early on, but were struggling with what to name Herme if it turns out Herme is a girl. So, drum roll please, if we are having a girl her name will be (and we are 98% sure on this): Madeline Rey! We'll pronounce it Mad-a-lynn, and I'm still toying with the idea of an alternate spelling of the name so she isn't called Mad-a-line (but it's not a big deal). And again, if Herme is a boy his name will be Porter James. The middle names are my middle name (Rey) and TJ's middle name (James). Madeline isn't a name with family meaning, but Porter is TJ's dad's last name.
So, there you have it! An update! I hope you (momandtj) are happy now. ;) Don't forget to vote if you believe we're having a boy or a girl! And now, I leave you with some recent photos. The first two I took this morning before heading out to work, and the last was a few weeks ago at the Tulip Festival (with Aunt Alicia). As you might see by the last photo Herme is starting to get in the way when I bend over.
So this week I believe I've started to feel Herme moving around. From the way s/he kicked around like a frog during the ultrasound Aunt Donna did I have a feeling that I'm going to be kept awake at night with movement. I'm feeling things every once in a while just below my belly button, barely to the right of the center of my tummy. It's pretty cool, and I can't wait until TJ can feel it from the outside too.
Since I last posted I had my regular 16 week check up and everything is good with baby. I did the quad screen (a blood test which tests for the heightened possibility of Down syndrome, Spina Bifida, etc.), and the results came back negative. So by blood tests, which obviously aren't 100%, I'm at a very low risk. Woo-hoo!! Annnnd, I scheduled the anatomy scan! At 7:00 next Friday the 7th (a week from today, EEEKKK!!) we will know if Herme is a He or a She!!!
You may have noticed a new poll to the right (-----> up top!), you have until mid-day next Friday to cast your votes and decide if you think Herme is a boy or a girl! A little background to help with your decision; I am positive it is a girl and TJ is positive it is a boy with mixed results from people we know. The heartbeat has been steadily around 160 beats a minute. I didn't have any morning sickness. All of the Chinese gender charts say it's a girl. The only thing I've really been craving consistently is cucumbers (yum!!). Good luck! :)
On the naming of the human front we have pretty much settled the score. If you remember we decided on our boy name pretty early on, but were struggling with what to name Herme if it turns out Herme is a girl. So, drum roll please, if we are having a girl her name will be (and we are 98% sure on this): Madeline Rey! We'll pronounce it Mad-a-lynn, and I'm still toying with the idea of an alternate spelling of the name so she isn't called Mad-a-line (but it's not a big deal). And again, if Herme is a boy his name will be Porter James. The middle names are my middle name (Rey) and TJ's middle name (James). Madeline isn't a name with family meaning, but Porter is TJ's dad's last name.
So, there you have it! An update! I hope you (momandtj) are happy now. ;) Don't forget to vote if you believe we're having a boy or a girl! And now, I leave you with some recent photos. The first two I took this morning before heading out to work, and the last was a few weeks ago at the Tulip Festival (with Aunt Alicia). As you might see by the last photo Herme is starting to get in the way when I bend over.
April 2, 2010
Introducing. . .Herme!
It is amazing how a baby can grow so quickly. Just a few short weeks ago Herme was just a blob on the screen. It's hard to believe that was only 6 weeks ago! Today though, Herme is looking like a real little person (hold your horses, picture to follow my ramblings).
Today was my day off of work, so I decided to drive over to Bremerton and see my Grandma and one of my aunts for a little while. My Aunt Donna is an ultrasound technician, she did the ultrasounds on my mom when my mom was pregnant with me (and Alicia). A while ago she told me that any time I wanted to come over during the week she would do an ultrasound for me and we'd video tape it. Who says no to an offer like that? Not this girl!
So, like I was saying, today I spent the morning and afternoon in Bremerton. My mom, Grandma and I all went to Aunt Donna's work, she whipped out her wand and did her magic. I was amazed at two things, one: Herme looks like a baby and not a blob anymore! Two: S/he is a mover and a shaker! S/he looked like a little frog kicking his/her legs around and rolling around. It was amazing. No, amazing doesn't even begin to describe how it felt.
While my mom and I were sitting in the car waiting to get on the ferry home she and I were talking about how I feel so relieved. Not that I'm complaining, but I've had almost no symptoms. I felt like I was going to go into the hospital in October and they'd tell me I wasn't really pregnant. I also worried that maybe there was something wrong. Today all of those fears have been lifted. Herme is measuring ahead at about 14 weeks 2 days, which would put my due date September 29th. I'm still sticking with October 3rd for consistency, lol, and because I'm stubborn. Herme's heartbeat was still a steady 162bpm. We saw the heart and the bladder (full, Aunt Donna said that means the kidneys are working, which is very good).
So now, we get to the good stuff. Aunt Donna printed out four different pictures for us. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! I can't wait to go over and see her again for more! :)
Today was my day off of work, so I decided to drive over to Bremerton and see my Grandma and one of my aunts for a little while. My Aunt Donna is an ultrasound technician, she did the ultrasounds on my mom when my mom was pregnant with me (and Alicia). A while ago she told me that any time I wanted to come over during the week she would do an ultrasound for me and we'd video tape it. Who says no to an offer like that? Not this girl!
So, like I was saying, today I spent the morning and afternoon in Bremerton. My mom, Grandma and I all went to Aunt Donna's work, she whipped out her wand and did her magic. I was amazed at two things, one: Herme looks like a baby and not a blob anymore! Two: S/he is a mover and a shaker! S/he looked like a little frog kicking his/her legs around and rolling around. It was amazing. No, amazing doesn't even begin to describe how it felt.
While my mom and I were sitting in the car waiting to get on the ferry home she and I were talking about how I feel so relieved. Not that I'm complaining, but I've had almost no symptoms. I felt like I was going to go into the hospital in October and they'd tell me I wasn't really pregnant. I also worried that maybe there was something wrong. Today all of those fears have been lifted. Herme is measuring ahead at about 14 weeks 2 days, which would put my due date September 29th. I'm still sticking with October 3rd for consistency, lol, and because I'm stubborn. Herme's heartbeat was still a steady 162bpm. We saw the heart and the bladder (full, Aunt Donna said that means the kidneys are working, which is very good).
So now, we get to the good stuff. Aunt Donna printed out four different pictures for us. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! I can't wait to go over and see her again for more! :)
March 18, 2010
Letters to Herme - Vol. 2
3/18/2010
Baby Herme,
Today is a big day. Today there are only 199 days left until, in theory, you are supposed to arrive. I have passed the 200 mark in the long wait to meeting you. Like I said though, this is all in theory. I suppose you will more than likely arrive fashionably late, just like your mama who cannot get where she needs to be on time. Ever. This morning while I was rushing to work I said to you in the car, “Herme, you need to be better about being on time to things!”. Take a page out of your dad’s book, getting places early is the way to go. Unless you’d rather show up like a tornado because you are rushing due to lack of time.
You are starting to become more and more real to me. I got to hear your heartbeat for the first time on Monday, and let me tell you little baby, I cried. Like a baby. At the doctor’s office. Awkward! Your dad had to work so he missed it, but I can’t wait for him to hear you as well. Your little heart was beating away at about 160 beats per minute, which is pretty darn fast.
I want to thank you, though it has more to do with hormones, but thank you for not making me sick. I have been feeling healthy and happy this whole time. I admit that I’m a bit more sleepy than usual – and I’ll also admit my “usual” is actually a lot more than most people’s “usual”, but I love to sleep! Most days I don’t feel pregnant at all. Now if you could work on not giving mommy stretch marks I’ll buy you a pony or something really awesome some day.
I just wanted to say that we are still so excited to meet you. We can’t wait to find out of you are a girl or a boy. I can’t wait to feel you kicking away from the inside, and your dad can’t wait until you can kick him on the outside. What a surreal experience that is going to be. Until next time, keep on growing little one. We love you!
Love,
Your Mom
Baby Herme,
Today is a big day. Today there are only 199 days left until, in theory, you are supposed to arrive. I have passed the 200 mark in the long wait to meeting you. Like I said though, this is all in theory. I suppose you will more than likely arrive fashionably late, just like your mama who cannot get where she needs to be on time. Ever. This morning while I was rushing to work I said to you in the car, “Herme, you need to be better about being on time to things!”. Take a page out of your dad’s book, getting places early is the way to go. Unless you’d rather show up like a tornado because you are rushing due to lack of time.
You are starting to become more and more real to me. I got to hear your heartbeat for the first time on Monday, and let me tell you little baby, I cried. Like a baby. At the doctor’s office. Awkward! Your dad had to work so he missed it, but I can’t wait for him to hear you as well. Your little heart was beating away at about 160 beats per minute, which is pretty darn fast.
I want to thank you, though it has more to do with hormones, but thank you for not making me sick. I have been feeling healthy and happy this whole time. I admit that I’m a bit more sleepy than usual – and I’ll also admit my “usual” is actually a lot more than most people’s “usual”, but I love to sleep! Most days I don’t feel pregnant at all. Now if you could work on not giving mommy stretch marks I’ll buy you a pony or something really awesome some day.
I just wanted to say that we are still so excited to meet you. We can’t wait to find out of you are a girl or a boy. I can’t wait to feel you kicking away from the inside, and your dad can’t wait until you can kick him on the outside. What a surreal experience that is going to be. Until next time, keep on growing little one. We love you!
Love,
Your Mom
March 15, 2010
11 Weeks
This week from The Bump we have a lime:Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through it. But fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds, and nail beds are forming -- setting up a significantly more attractive future.
I need to apologize. I have been seriously slacking on my blogger duties! Not a lot has happened in the past two weeks to blog about though. I didn’t take pictures yesterday or today, but, imagine me from week whatever (when did I post pictures last??), and that’s me. I haven’t gained any weight, I still fit in my pants, and I feel wonderful.
With all of the feeling great you are probably thinking I’m just making this up, right? But I’m not, I swear. I had my second doctor’s appointment today. No ultrasound picture to share this time, but I did get great news. The nurse had me unbutton my jeans and lay back to try and find the heartbeat. She warned me that it still might be too early to hear anything. I lay there, expecting to hear nothing. She found my heartbeat right away, and then a second later found the baby’s. Baby McG’s heartbeat was around 160 bpm. I cried, and then wished that TJ didn’t have to work so he could have heard it too.
According to the old wives tales it is a girl. Supposedly a heartbeat over 140 is a girl, and less is a boy. And, the Chinese Gender Chart also says girl. I have a girl feeling deep down. My mom however would tell you she is 150% sure that I am having a boy. Hopefully we'll find out in the next few months for sure!
Until next time!
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