He or She?! We Shall See!

Happy Friday! It seems like it has taken forever, but today is the day! Today we find out if Baby Sparks is a boy or girl! We are off to the doctor this morning, so in an early celebration of this, I figured I would run through some "Old Wives Tales" about gender prediction. Just for fun...and to tide you over till later! So let's get started!

1. Chinese gender chart says: Boy
2. Pencil test says: Boy
3. Carrying high (girl) or carrying low (boy): Boy
4. Lots of morning sickness (girl), or not too sick (boy)?: Boy
5. Do you crave sweet foods (girl) or salty (boy)?: Both!
6. Is your skin clear (boy) or do you have breakouts (girl)?: Girl
7. Is the heartbeat high (girl) or low (boy)?: Girl
8. Have you been more clumsy (boy) or graceful (girl)?: Neither?!
9. Has your husband put on sympathy weight (girl) or not (boy): Girl
10. Consider your age at conception and the year of conception. If both are even or both are odd (girl). If one is even and one is odd (boy): Boy
11. My "mother's intuition" says: I don't know! Most of my pregnancy I thought Boy, and then for a  few days Girl, but now I'm not so sure. If I had to guess I'd say Boy
12. The husband's "father's intuition" says: Boy
13. My mom says: Girl
14. My father says: Boy
15. Mother-in-law says: Boy
16. Father-in-law says: Boy
17. Sister-in-law says: Boy
18. Brother-in-law says: Girl
19. Other brother-in-law says: Boy
20. Husband's family history: Boy

What do y'all think?! Will we be buying trucks and dinosaur toys or princess crowns and dolls? Leave a comment with your vote!

Our Pregnacy Journey, Thus Far

So, since we spilled the beans about our little one, I figured it would be fun to go ahead and tell everyone our journey up to this point. It will also be nice to have it saved to look back on later. My pregnancy journal, of sorts.

Found Out We Were Pregnant: May 26th

I found out I was pregnant on May 26th at around 4 a.m. Jarrod and I had been trying for a few months, so there wasn't any "surprise" in that regards. I was about a day late, so we decided I would take a test the next morning. However, I kept waking up in the middle of the night to go to the restroom (from anticipation, mostly) and decided that I should just go ahead and take it. Might as well, right?! I can remember so clearly turning the test over and seeing the perfectly clear plus sign. I sat there in shock. In excitement. In pure joy.

I crawled back in bed, peeking over on Jarrod's side to see if he was awake. He stirred a bit, and then looked over at me and asked "So...?" I cuddled up next to him and just whispered "You're going to be a Daddy!"

Told Our Families: June 3rd

It was ridiculously hard not to tell our families right away. I wanted to tell Jarrod's family in person, but the next time we were going to see them was during his sister's graduation...which I was told explicitly by her not to announce that I was pregnant during that time. She is the youngest of four and wanted that day to be HER day. I totally understood, but at the time she told me we weren't even trying. We decided to tell everyone the day after her graduation. It was so hard not to just come out with it, especially when we got questions about when we were going to have kids. But, we kept our mouths shut so we wouldn't steal the focus from his sister's day.

His parents and all of his siblings came over to eat lunch together on Sunday afternoon. As we all gathered around the table, Jarrod stated that he needed to go grab the professional pictures from his MBA graduation (he had graduated just a couple of weeks prior). When he handed the envelope of pictures to his mom, she didn't see Jarrod in a cap and gown, but rather this:

It took her a second to process what she was seeing. She just looked up at us and asked "Is this for real?"

Later that same Sunday we flew back to Houston and drove to my parent's house that night. We did the same routine - Jarrod pretending to have MBA graduation photos. It took my mom a little longer to process it. Actually, she didn't get it at all. After a couple of minutes of trying to subtly explain what the picture really was, she finally got it. It was pretty humorous.

First Doctor Appointment: June 15th

I had my first ultrasound on the 15th at 7 weeks. We weren't able to hear the heartbeat (didn't have the Doppler machine set up), but we definitely saw it flickering on the screen. It was amazing. I cried. It made it so real.

First Time to Hear Baby's Heartbeat: July 6th

We heard the heartbeat at my next doctor's appointment when I was 10 weeks. It was 163.

That is pretty much it. I am now in my second trimester. Besides the occasional nausea, my first trimester was very easy. I am very lucky. I am now 15 weeks (about to be 16 weeks on Wednesday) and have heard the baby's heartbeat two more times - once was 159 and the other 152. We find out the gender at the end of this month and cannot wait. Definitely more updates to come!

One Year Ago I Was...

One year ago today I was marrying my best friend and the love of my life.

It is hard to believe a year has already come and gone. It seems like just yesterday that I was walking down the aisle and vowing to love and cherish Jarrod for the rest of my life. I remember how incredibly happy I felt - I couldn't stop smiling! I was so excited to become his wife and to begin our journey together.

Since that day, life has thrown a few curve balls our way. But Jarrod has been my support through it all. And I can say with absolute certainty that I am even more happy and in love with him than the day I walked down the aisle. I am so blessed to have a strong, Christian man that loves me unconditionally.

I love you so much, Jarrod. Happy Anniversary.

Love,

Kimberly

Are you still there?

Hello!

...Umm...anyone still out there?

I know, I know...I have been on quite the blogging hiatus. And for that, I am sorry. Life has been such a whirlwind lately and, unfortunately, the blog took a backseat in my mind.

But things are settling down and I am back on track! Of course, it took a few of my readers scolding me for not blogging to kick me back in gear...so, apparently I have been missed?

Let me just quickly summarize everything that went on in the past two months: my mom's birthday, my dad's birthday, my father-in-law's birthday, Thanksgiving, a bridal shower, putting our house for sale, buying a new house, a cruise, my dad having surgery, Christmas, Piper contracting mange from the kennel we left her at, moving into a new house, still trying to sell our old house, a bachelorette party, New Year's and a wedding.

Alot, people.

I will be updating you on a few of those items later on next week. I promise. But, for now, I must get work done so that I can make it to the aforementioned wedding!

Glad to be back!

Flowers Make Me Smile

Look at what my wonderful, thoughtful and super awesome husband surprised me with today. Love.

Thank you, Jarrod! They are beautiful.


***Update***

Here are what the flowers look like two days later:

I wanted to post pictures, since they really bloomed since I got them. They are so pretty!

A Flair for the Dramatic

I am not going to deny it - I have a slight tendency to be somewhat dramatic and over exaggerate. I blame my father.  My dad is a pro when it comes to story-telling. He would always tell his "war stories" while I was growing up. And y'all, these stories are famous in my family. They include recollections of life in an all boys Catholic school, to growing up in Philly, to serving in the Air Force during Vietnam. My aunts, uncles, and cousins know all the stories by heart. And, what is funny about them, is that the story slightly changes every time he tells it.

Take the killer bee story, for example. It's a hot afternoon in Brazil, where my father is stationed during the war. All of his comrades are sitting around a hotel pool, enjoying their day off. Nearby, a group of young, mischievous boys find a bee hive and begin to hit it with sticks. Suddenly, a huge swarm emerges from said bee hive and begins to fly over to the pool area. World War III ensues. Everyone is running around, trying to escape from the attack. My father runs over to the pool, but accidentally stubs his toe on the edge. He falls in, bees flying into the water after him like bullets from a gun. Sometimes during the story he claims to have been stung ten times. Other times its only twice. He calls it his "Purple Heart" story, since he nearly lost his life during the event. And had a purple toe for a few days.

I tell you all this because I had a traumatic experience a few nights ago. Jarrod claims I am over-reacting, but I beg to differ. Obviously he just is unaware of the severity of the situation.

You see, I almost chopped my finger off while cooking. No joke. I was chopping spinach when it happened. I began to bleed and the moment I saw the blood I became light-headed and nauseous. While Jarrod ran upstairs to grab me a band-aid, I laid on the floor, tears streaming down my face, feeling as though the pain would never end. I was certain I was either going to bleed to death or lose my finger altogether. There would be no way to salvage it.

Seriously...look at how bad that wound is!

Life threatening, I tell you.

Momma, I Hungry

According to his mom, Jarrod has been an early riser since he was a wee-one. When we first started dating, she recounted a story of how he would sneak into her bedroom while she was sleeping and stare at her. Once she woke up, obviously startled by her offspring acting so...strange, he would exclaim "Momma, I hungry!"

I always thought that was such a cute story. I could just imagine a 3-year-old Jarrod with his white blonde hair and chubby cheeks just standing there, waiting for his mom to wake. His beady little eyes staring at her relentlessly. And when she finally rose, proclaiming to be fed.

I thought it was funny...until it happened to me this morning.

Well, ok...he didn't ask to be fed. But, I did wake up to someone standing over the bed staring at me. To say that it frightened me doesn't even begin to describe. I screamed. When I finally realized it was Jarrod (and not some psycho killer dude), I groggily asked him what on earth he was doing. His answer?

He was waiting for my alarm to go off so he could hit the snooze button. So I could sleep a little longer, since I had a bit of a restless night.

I married a weirdo, y'all. A really sweet weirdo.

Football Season is Here!

This weekend, Jarrod and I are making the hike up to Austin for the Texas vs. Rice game. It is the first game of the season, and I am really excited that we are able to go. We went to a lot of the games last year, and it was so much fun to hang out with Jarrod's drumline friends and participate in the school spirit.

Jarrod and I at the Texas vs. Rice game last year

Even though I am a Baylor girl, I have always enjoyed Texas sports. I was a big fan of Major Applewhite growing up. Chris Simms? Not so much. There were a few dark years when I swore I would go to Texas A&M...but I just blame that on youth. I was a lot younger and didn't know any better. ;) I do sometimes wish I had gone to Texas for college, but then I have to remind myself that I would have never met Jarrod at that Baylor happy hour. :) God knew what He was doing.

Jarrod and I at the Texas vs. OU game last year

In front of Big Tex at the State Fair

We are planning on taking Piper to a couple of tailgates (when we don't have tickets to the game), so of course, she will have to be supporting her team. I want to get her a jersey, but Jarrod is firmly set on no clothes for dogs. He is no fun. We did end up getting her a Longhorn ID tag and we are planning on ordering a Longhorn collar and leash. She is gonna be stylin'.

Petco.com

Petsmart.com

So, we've got our Texas fold out chair and Longhorn tumblers packed. Our burnt orange shirts are washed and ready to be worn.

Football season is here. Hook 'Em!...and Sic' Em!

And the Best Husband Award Goes to...

This dude.

Let me tell you why...

1. Before he leaves for work he always kisses me goodbye, tells me he loves me and that he hopes I have a good day. It is an amazing way to wake up and start the day off right.

2. He tells me that I am beautiful daily. It doesn't matter if I have make up on or not, if my hair is done or sticking straight up, or if I am dressed to impress or in a ratty t-shirt and pajama pants.

3. He loves food and going out to nice restaurants. Definitely wines and dines me.

4. He washes the dishes and loads the dishwasher without me even having to ask.

5. He installed, by himself, a custom shelving unit in our closet so I would have enough room to hang my clothes. It is absolutely wonderful!

6. He takes care of me. This week I have been a little under the weather. Sniffles, coughing, sneezing...that crud. When I began getting ready for work this morning, I discovered a Vitamin C pill and a glass of water that Jarrod had set out for me. It was so thoughtful.

7. He takes my car in to get it fixed, since he knows I hate dealing with that stuff.

8. He looks amazing in a ball cap. Even better in a button-down shirt and some slacks. Oh my goodness, y'all.

9. He cleans up the dog's messes. Enough said.

10. He opens up my car door every single time. Doesn't matter if we are just running to the grocery store or if we are on an actual date. The other night he opened up my door and a group of girls saw and started giggling and giving him a "thumbs up." It was pretty funny.

11. He helps my mom with bills, house maintenance and other errands while my dad is recovering. He has been a tremendous blessing to my family during this time.

12. He watches obnoxious reality TV shows with me. And doesn't complain. Seriously, this guy is a saint.

13. Whenever he is in a meeting and they provide snacks/candy, he always picks out the Almond Joys and brings me home a couple.

14. He makes me laugh. Alot.

15. He is always there to support me. To be my shoulder to cry on. To listen to my thoughts and frustrations. He is my absolute best friend.

So, as you can see, my hubby deserves some positive recognition. I am a very, very lucky girl.

Ah, We Meet Again

Friends, I have great news...

I have mastered the art of the bundt pan.

If you recall, I had some trouble the last time I used a bundt pan. After that incident, I accepted the challenge and began preparing for the day the bundt pan and I would meet again. That day came Wednesday night.

I decided to make the chocolate chip banana bread again, since the buttermilk was about to go bad. I generously floured the pan and then once it came out of the oven I waited a good 30 minutes to let it cool. And it came out beautifully! I can't take all the credit for this success, though. Jarrod helped me remove the bread from the pan, as I was scared I would mess it up again. Sorry that a big chunk is missing. Jarrod couldn't wait till after I took the picture to eat some of it.

Ok, ok...neither could I.

Good Morning, Sunshine

I am not a morning person.

It really isn't a secret. Most of my family is aware of it. My mom claims I was happy in the mornings when I was younger, but evidently I have become grumpier with age. Don't get me wrong, its not that I hate the mornings. I just cherish my sleep. Due to that, I need a set amount of quiet time before I can converse with the outside world. I have to wake up gradually. But, once I have fully woken up, I am good to go.

My husband, on the other hand, is most definitely a morning person. Every day he wakes up, with a smile on his face, before the sun even rises. This wouldn't be an issue, except for the fact that the boy loves to talk. The concept of "quiet time" is lost on him. He goes on and on and on about the most random topics. And if that wasn't bad enough, he uses every tactic he can to wake me up from my peaceful slumber.

Take the other day, for example. It was a normal Friday morning, except that Jarrod had the day off from work. I, unfortunately, did not have the same luxury. It was around 6 a.m., about 30 minutes before my alarm was scheduled to go off. I had been sound asleep, but was suddenly awoken by the bed's movement. I turned over to realize that Jarrod was rolling back and forth on the bed. I mumbled something angrily at him, and he soon stopped, allowing me to drift back to sleep. About 5 minutes later I heard a familiar voice loudly stating "To listen to your voicemail, please enter your password and then press #." He was listening to his cell phone messages on speakerphone. I mumbled something angrily at him again, and he quickly turned off his phone. Then, not even 5 minutes later, he started talking about his plans for the day. He began listing all the errands and chores he wanted to accomplish. It was when he started asking what he should eat for lunch that I finally turned over and smacked him with a pillow.

The boy has no shame when it comes to waking me up. He has also used tactics such as turning on the lights, stealing the covers and exuding a tremendous amount of body heat while cuddling.

It is torture. He is lucky he is cute, though. Otherwise, I would have killed him.

Seriously, don't mess with me in the mornings.