I'm watching Baby Story on TLC and it has me inspired to recount my pregnancy and the birth of my amazing daughter. Of course, it's such a long tale that it will take more than one entry to complete. Plus, I want ya'll to come back and read more! So, here goes!
December 2012
December brought about a lot of changes for Joe and I. We found out that he got hired to General Motors! Yay! But...the plant is in Wentzville, Missouri and we lived in Flint, Michigan. Boo! Mid-December, Joe started his new job. I hadn't gotten my transfer from work to go through yet so Joe moved to Missouri without me. That was probably one of the worst days of my life. I cried so hard I nearly vomited...but onto a different story.
For a few days after he left, I had weird feelings...and was late getting my period. On December 18th, a Sunday, and also Joe's birthday, I went to church like usual. The church I attended in Michigan is a Metaphysical Church. We have a portion of meditation during service and after we share any messages we may get during meditation. Anyway, before I went to church, I had made plans to stop at the store on the way home and get a pregnancy test, just to assure myself that I wasn't pregnant...just feeling weird. Well, during message time, one of the reverends stood up and said that she had seen me, not to far in the future, holding a swaddled baby. My baby. I stood up and said, "Nah, I'm not pregnant. Joe got a new job and we are moving to Missouri...that's the new life we are getting. Seeing me with a baby is just symbolism." But now I really started to worry.
After church that night, I hung around with Nicky and talked. I shared with her my suspicions and my plan to pick up a test. She made me promise to call her as soon as my test came back, either positive or negative. The whole way home I kept thinking, "what am I going to do if this test is positive?!" Stopped at the store, picked up a two-pack of pregnancy tests, and headed home. As soon as I got home, I took the first test. Surprise! I'm pregnant! Now, you should know this. Joe has never really been sure he wanted kids. He was leaning more towards not wanting them. So now I'm freaking out. Not because I'm pregnant, but because I don't know how I'm going to tell him. And he was 650 miles away and not due to come home until Christmas Eve! Do I wait? Do I call him? I really didn't want to have that conversation over the phone, but didn't want to surprise him with the news right before we went to the family Christmas party!
I called Nicky and shared my news! She was the first to know that I was gonna be a mom. She assured me that things would be alright and told me to call her if I needed anything at all. I debated all night what I was going to do. I resolved that after work the next day, I would call Joe and tell him. Give him some time to think about it before he came home. Work went well. I cheated and told a couple people at work that I was pregnant. Most were surprised!
Monday evening came along. I was increasingly nervous about the phone call I had to make. I settled down on the couch and called Joe. I told him that I needed to tell him something but he needed to promise not to hang up on me or freak out. He promised and I told him that we had got an early Christmas present. He was confused. I said, "We're having a baby?!" He was speechless. I thought he had broken his promise and had hung up on me. "Are you there?" Nothing. "Hello? Are you there?" "How did this happen?!" I tried to break the tension...unsuccessfully. "Well. Sometimes when a man and a woman really love each other..." "This isn't funny!" "I'm sorry...I don't know what to say." Anyway, I won't bore you with the most uncomfortable conversation I've ever had. He assured me that he still loved me, just needed some time to think about things.
I really was nervous that I was going to lose him. We talked a few times throughout the week and he was getting accustomed to the idea of being a dad. We decided that we were going to surprise our family for Christmas with our news. That Saturday was Christmas Eve and Joe would be home when I got home from work early that afternoon. Throughout the week I had gathered supplies to make gifts for our family for the big reveal. Joe's mom, who was the first to know, got an angle ornament that said "My Grandma is an angel" My mom and stepdad got coffee mugs that said "#1 Grandma(pa)" and my dad got a tshirt that said "World's Greatest Grandpa". Joe's mom's reaction was the best!
http://youtu.be/QgnPdzlpbjA
and here's my mom's reaction:
http://youtu.be/4MGMUOB5TRs
go watch them. they will make you smile.
So, now life was on track to change drastically. We were going to be parents. After 6 1/2 years of being together, we were going to welcome a "little us" into the world. I couldn't wait! Just like I know you can't wait until the next part of the story!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Ladies and...gentlemen???
So, the topic that prompted me to finally create this blog. What is up with the battle of the sexes lately? Why are we so concentrated on gender? And limiting the rights of women? And blaming rape on women and not the men who rape them?!
I have never met a rape victim that was like, "yeah, I totally wanted to be raped." NO! That's what rape is, FORCED SEX WITH AN UNWILLING PERSON!! I mean, it just sickens me that people think that women who dress "slutty" deserve to be raped. Why is the current thinking "teach girls to be ladies and dress properly" and not "teach boys to be gentlemen and not treat women like shit." Why is it the fault of the victim. It's like saying that people who are murdered are at fault for the person who pulled the trigger. it's absurd and totally ridiculous.
Recently, the morning show changed on my local radio station. Now I listen to the Elvis Durand Show every morning on my way into work. A couple weeks ago there was a story about a school in New York (I think) that was trying to make the female students take a "no swearing" oath in order to be more ladylike. The male students were not required to take the oath. Why should the boys not be taught to be more like gentlemen? Why are we trying to force women back?
I understand the separation of gender spheres to a point. It's important in child development to have two parents. To have a male and a female role model (these don't have to be the parents...) I am firmly of the opinion that with the exception of reproduction, men and women can do everything that the other gender can. I work in a male dominated field and am doubted by men daily. Simply because I am a woman. Hell, I'm doubted by women too! That's more insulting to me! Anyway, off topic.
Rape is a crime. Criminals don't deserve (much) sympathy for the crime they commit. The victim deserves some sympathy. Not blame! Do we blame someone who gets hit by a drunk driver for getting hit? No, we blame the drunk person. Why then do we blame women who are raped? Why, why why??? I really am saddened by this.
Birth control is another gender issue that bugs the crap out of me. If we want teen pregnancy to go down and want people to be more responsible about reproducing, perhaps methods of birth control that are more reliable than condoms should be made readily available. I really feel that at the very least, birth control pills should be FREE for every woman who wants to take them! Just because a woman takes birth control doesn't make her a slut. I have taken birth control for 7 and a half years and have been with one man my whole life. Not the definition of a slut.
Insurance companies will cover vasectomies but not birth control. Sexist? yes. The medical profession is a huge problem in our country. If people went into medicine because they truly wanted to help people and not because of the money, we wouldn't have nearly the amount of problems we do. No one will do anything to help people medically unless they are getting paid! it's awful! and the insurance companies are just as bad. if not worse.
*Sigh* these things have been on my mind since before the election and the dumb politicians who think that rape-induced pregnancies can just be automatically terminated by the body. God, I'm ashamed to admit that Todd Akin was up for election in the state I live in!
I know that some of you will disagree...but I don't really care! :)
I have never met a rape victim that was like, "yeah, I totally wanted to be raped." NO! That's what rape is, FORCED SEX WITH AN UNWILLING PERSON!! I mean, it just sickens me that people think that women who dress "slutty" deserve to be raped. Why is the current thinking "teach girls to be ladies and dress properly" and not "teach boys to be gentlemen and not treat women like shit." Why is it the fault of the victim. It's like saying that people who are murdered are at fault for the person who pulled the trigger. it's absurd and totally ridiculous.
Recently, the morning show changed on my local radio station. Now I listen to the Elvis Durand Show every morning on my way into work. A couple weeks ago there was a story about a school in New York (I think) that was trying to make the female students take a "no swearing" oath in order to be more ladylike. The male students were not required to take the oath. Why should the boys not be taught to be more like gentlemen? Why are we trying to force women back?
I understand the separation of gender spheres to a point. It's important in child development to have two parents. To have a male and a female role model (these don't have to be the parents...) I am firmly of the opinion that with the exception of reproduction, men and women can do everything that the other gender can. I work in a male dominated field and am doubted by men daily. Simply because I am a woman. Hell, I'm doubted by women too! That's more insulting to me! Anyway, off topic.
Rape is a crime. Criminals don't deserve (much) sympathy for the crime they commit. The victim deserves some sympathy. Not blame! Do we blame someone who gets hit by a drunk driver for getting hit? No, we blame the drunk person. Why then do we blame women who are raped? Why, why why??? I really am saddened by this.
Birth control is another gender issue that bugs the crap out of me. If we want teen pregnancy to go down and want people to be more responsible about reproducing, perhaps methods of birth control that are more reliable than condoms should be made readily available. I really feel that at the very least, birth control pills should be FREE for every woman who wants to take them! Just because a woman takes birth control doesn't make her a slut. I have taken birth control for 7 and a half years and have been with one man my whole life. Not the definition of a slut.
Insurance companies will cover vasectomies but not birth control. Sexist? yes. The medical profession is a huge problem in our country. If people went into medicine because they truly wanted to help people and not because of the money, we wouldn't have nearly the amount of problems we do. No one will do anything to help people medically unless they are getting paid! it's awful! and the insurance companies are just as bad. if not worse.
*Sigh* these things have been on my mind since before the election and the dumb politicians who think that rape-induced pregnancies can just be automatically terminated by the body. God, I'm ashamed to admit that Todd Akin was up for election in the state I live in!
I know that some of you will disagree...but I don't really care! :)
Monday, March 18, 2013
Let's continue that introduction
So, back to our introduction.
Many of you who will probably read this initially probably know me personally. But let's refresh. I'm Anna. I am 27 (for 2 more weeks) and live outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Coincidentally, I have lived here for a year, today. I work retail...at an aftermarket retail automotive store. Legally I don't think I can mention it...I recently was promoted to store manager.
I am in a relationship with a wonderful man. This June will be 8 years that we've been together. Holy crap. 8 years...
In August we welcomed our first child, Cecilia Belle. She is my world. She brings so much joy to my life. She will probably be the primary subject of my blog posts. I have learned so many things since I became a mom. Well, to be truthful, the learning started when I got pregnant. The story of my pregnancy and birth will come later.
So, as a store manager I work 50 hours a week. And I have a 7 month old baby at home. Life is busy. I have learned the true meaning of "multi-task".
I have been out of high school for almost 10 years. Holy crap. 10 years...Went away to college and majored in history. During this time, my inner feminist came out! And not just feminist...but humanitarian. I developed some pretty strong opinions...which I will talk about in this blog.
I never did get my degree in history...I do, however, have an Associate's Degree in Arts. My job at the auto place has recently turned into my career. Never thought that would happen!
So, in conclusion; I'm Anna. I'm a mom. I work full time. I'm pretty opinionated. And I like to talk! Welcome! :)
Many of you who will probably read this initially probably know me personally. But let's refresh. I'm Anna. I am 27 (for 2 more weeks) and live outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Coincidentally, I have lived here for a year, today. I work retail...at an aftermarket retail automotive store. Legally I don't think I can mention it...I recently was promoted to store manager.
I am in a relationship with a wonderful man. This June will be 8 years that we've been together. Holy crap. 8 years...
In August we welcomed our first child, Cecilia Belle. She is my world. She brings so much joy to my life. She will probably be the primary subject of my blog posts. I have learned so many things since I became a mom. Well, to be truthful, the learning started when I got pregnant. The story of my pregnancy and birth will come later.
So, as a store manager I work 50 hours a week. And I have a 7 month old baby at home. Life is busy. I have learned the true meaning of "multi-task".
I have been out of high school for almost 10 years. Holy crap. 10 years...Went away to college and majored in history. During this time, my inner feminist came out! And not just feminist...but humanitarian. I developed some pretty strong opinions...which I will talk about in this blog.
I never did get my degree in history...I do, however, have an Associate's Degree in Arts. My job at the auto place has recently turned into my career. Never thought that would happen!
So, in conclusion; I'm Anna. I'm a mom. I work full time. I'm pretty opinionated. And I like to talk! Welcome! :)
Introductions...oh wait, there goes my child...
Hi!
For starters, I'm Anna. I'm a Mom. I also work full time. Oh, and I have an opinion about...everything! Don't we all? This will be the place I come to vent about things in the world that drive me crazy! Also a place to brag about my wonderful daughter, Cecilia. I'd love to post what's on my mind, but that wonderful daughter of mine that I just mentioned is making her way towards things she's not allowed to play with!
For starters, I'm Anna. I'm a Mom. I also work full time. Oh, and I have an opinion about...everything! Don't we all? This will be the place I come to vent about things in the world that drive me crazy! Also a place to brag about my wonderful daughter, Cecilia. I'd love to post what's on my mind, but that wonderful daughter of mine that I just mentioned is making her way towards things she's not allowed to play with!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)