Web of Confusion

As you might have read yesterday, I’m hoping to get a tighter grasp on my finances this year. (It’s not a resolution; they’re just some goals I’d like to work on this year – and in years to come!) I alluded to the fact that I’ll be researching some techniques that may help me, but also to some factors that have me thinking about cutting out some other “techniques”.

That may sound vague, so I’ll let you into my brain. I read an article discussing, of all things, the censorship issue that’s been plastered all over the news and web and how the 24-hours without Wikipedia affected folks. From there, it poses the question of having ZERO internet.

A huge internet fail would be a huge shock in many parts of, well, all of our lives. Lots of our jobs rely on the interwebs, but even the way in which some of us live our daily lives would be blown out of the water. I know mine would…although, there’s an antiquated part of me that hopes, one day, to be able to use the internet for brief positives, but simultaneously be able to disconnect without “jonesing” for it. And, dude, I’m not even a smart phone user.

I thought further about how a major loss of internet would impact my finances, and realized that – holy crap – it really would. While I utilize a local credit union that has very basic, infrequently updated online banking services, I also use them to pay certain bills automatically. Most of these auto payments are made online. I only pay two monthly bills traditionally – with real math, a checkbook, and a stamp.

Many of us use the convenience of payment services (and direct deposit!) to make our lives easier. It’s so easy that I have very little connection between my money and where it goes – seriously, what bills do I pay, anyway? It’s just that easy to get disconnected from your money. So, when it’s nearly gone, you have no idea – or go into shock when you check your account only to realize the amount isn’t what you thought it would or should be. It’s a tough lesson, and a pretty depressing way to live.

Even after doing my best to keep an eye on spending this month so far, I realized that I still wasn’t aware of what my income was doing. It’s a lot like a relationship – if you don’t pay attention to it, you can’t expect it to be all that it can be (fulfilling for both involved, supportive, etc), and before too long you’re in trouble. So, I realized I need to develop a relationship with my finances. I’ve gotta spend more time with it, check in to see how it’s doing, and focus on it – even if it’s inconvenient.

So, rather than changing absolutely everything immediately, I’m going to start (one at a time) getting back to paying bills by check. While I hate the idea of receiving bills in the mail, as long as I’m getting a reminder of a due date, I think that I’ll be much more aware of my finances again. Kind of old-fashioned, but at least I won’t be so reliant upon the interwebs – and hopefully I’ll be more self-reliant, instead. And I’d be if lots of us made changes like these, the postal service wouldn’t be in its current mess.

What method do you use? Auto-pay (but are on top of your stuff, unlike me)? The old-fashioned way? Do tell!

Web of Confusion

As you might have read yesterday, I’m hoping to get a tighter grasp on my finances this year. (It’s not a resolution; they’re just some goals I’d like to work on this year – and in years to come!) I alluded to the fact that I’ll be researching some techniques that may help me, but also to some factors that have me thinking about cutting out some other “techniques”.

That may sound vague, so I’ll let you into my brain. I read an article discussing, of all things, the censorship issue that’s been plastered all over the news and web and how the 24-hours without Wikipedia affected folks. From there, it poses the question of having ZERO internet.

A huge internet fail would be a huge shock in many parts of, well, all of our lives. Lots of our jobs rely on the interwebs, but even the way in which some of us live our daily lives would be blown out of the water. I know mine would…although, there’s an antiquated part of me that hopes, one day, to be able to use the internet for brief positives, but simultaneously be able to disconnect without “jonesing” for it. And, dude, I’m not even a smart phone user.

I thought further about how a major loss of internet would impact my finances, and realized that – holy crap – it really would. While I utilize a local credit union that has very basic, infrequently updated online banking services, I also use them to pay certain bills automatically. Most of these auto payments are made online. I only pay two monthly bills traditionally – with real math, a checkbook, and a stamp.

Many of us use the convenience of payment services (and direct deposit!) to make our lives easier. It’s so easy that I have very little connection between my money and where it goes – seriously, what bills do I pay, anyway? It’s just that easy to get disconnected from your money. So, when it’s nearly gone, you have no idea – or go into shock when you check your account only to realize the amount isn’t what you thought it would or should be. It’s a tough lesson, and a pretty depressing way to live.

Even after doing my best to keep an eye on spending this month so far, I realized that I still wasn’t aware of what my income was doing. It’s a lot like a relationship – if you don’t pay attention to it, you can’t expect it to be all that it can be (fulfilling for both involved, supportive, etc), and before too long you’re in trouble. So, I realized I need to develop a relationship with my finances. I’ve gotta spend more time with it, check in to see how it’s doing, and focus on it – even if it’s inconvenient.

So, rather than changing absolutely everything immediately, I’m going to start (one at a time) getting back to paying bills by check. While I hate the idea of receiving bills in the mail, as long as I’m getting a reminder of a due date, I think that I’ll be much more aware of my finances again. Kind of old-fashioned, but at least I won’t be so reliant upon the interwebs – and hopefully I’ll be more self-reliant, instead. And I’d be if lots of us made changes like these, the postal service wouldn’t be in its current mess.

What method do you use? Auto-pay (but are on top of your stuff, unlike me)? The old-fashioned way? Do tell!

Financial Aid

Web of Confusion - image  on https://megactsout.com

I’ve been focusing a lot more on my finances in 2012. Between not being as “on top of” them as I’d like to be and wanting to have more of a cushion (thanks to the addition of a new baby in the upcoming year), it just makes sense. And, somehow, with the new year came a new motivation to do way better than I have been in the past.

So far, it’s been the basics for me – writing down what I’ve been spending. I tried analyzing my expenses at the end of December, but admittedly this is an easy way to get an inaccurate account of the truth. Hello, Christmas!

I’m actually excited to analyze where my ka-ching is going. I’d like to put it into a pie chart (since I am, apparently, a visual learner) and make decisions about what spending choices of which I approve and disapprove. I’m sure some will make me cringe (and delve into a deep self-loathing), but some will be an interesting challenge/eye-opener. It’s time to be real and honest with myself, and I’m hoping to drag Dave into the conversation, too. I already know what his challenges are, and what he does particularly well keeping on top of, but I don’t think he’s ever seen ME deal with financial challenges; I’ve always helped him through his. So, I think it’ll be good for him to hear that his wife’s not perfect. Not financially, anyway. *wink*

Since it’s silly to go forth simply to “see what’s what”, I think it’s a good idea to set some measurable goals. These may change or shift or turn into a completely different goals – hey, they’re goals, they’re allowed to do that.

So, the simple few goals I’ve got in mind?

1) Setting a budget. I’d like to have an “individual budget” as well as a “family budget” (ie D+M+baby). Nope, I’m not working off of a specific budget, currently. I’m sure that makes me a shame to my mother and sister – two financial wizards, in my humble opinion. So, I’m gettin’ with it.

2) Building a nest egg. While I have some savings, it’s certainly not the suggested amount that I’m always reading about. I contribute to my 403(b) (the educator’s version of a 401(k)), but I’d also like to be able to maintain a separate account, as well as start some college savings for the little one.

3) Trim the fat. Now it sounds like I’m dieting. Nope, I’m just hoping that with honest analysis comes some solid realizations about my spending. Pretty simple…but easier said than done.

4) Determine the best habits, then make commitments to maintain them. Find out what I’m doing wrong, determine what to do to fix them…then make them part of our lifestyle. And keep it up from there, of course.

So, there are some financial goings-on in my head. I’ve got a couple of methods that I’m interested in learning more about (as well as some that I’m going to cut out/avoid); one of which I’ll be sharing tomorrow. And I truly appreciate having this blog to just blah-blah-blah about this stuff. While I try not to be chained to everything I say here (flexibility and ability to change is a good thing), it does give me a sense of accountability to myself – a positive one, and I like it. So, thanks for reading and thanks further for keeping me in check. Ha! Get it? Check?!

Financial Aid

Web of Confusion - image  on https://megactsout.comI’ve been focusing a lot more on my finances in 2012. Between not being as “on top of” them as I’d like to be and wanting to have more of a cushion (thanks to the addition of a new baby in the upcoming year), it just makes sense. And, somehow, with the new year came a new motivation to do way better than I have been in the past.

So far, it’s been the basics for me – writing down what I’ve been spending. I tried analyzing my expenses at the end of December, but admittedly this is an easy way to get an inaccurate account of the truth. Hello, Christmas!

I’m actually excited to analyze where my ka-ching is going. I’d like to put it into a pie chart (since I am, apparently, a visual learner) and make decisions about what spending choices of which I approve and disapprove. I’m sure some will make me cringe (and delve into a deep self-loathing), but some will be an interesting challenge/eye-opener. It’s time to be real and honest with myself, and I’m hoping to drag Dave into the conversation, too. I already know what his challenges are, and what he does particularly well keeping on top of, but I don’t think he’s ever seen ME deal with financial challenges; I’ve always helped him through his. So, I think it’ll be good for him to hear that his wife’s not perfect. Not financially, anyway. *wink*

Since it’s silly to go forth simply to “see what’s what”, I think it’s a good idea to set some measurable goals. These may change or shift or turn into a completely different goals – hey, they’re goals, they’re allowed to do that.

So, the simple few goals I’ve got in mind?

1) Setting a budget. I’d like to have an “individual budget” as well as a “family budget” (ie D+M+baby). Nope, I’m not working off of a specific budget, currently. I’m sure that makes me a shame to my mother and sister – two financial wizards, in my humble opinion. So, I’m gettin’ with it.

2) Building a nest egg. While I have some savings, it’s certainly not the suggested amount that I’m always reading about. I contribute to my 403(b) (the educator’s version of a 401(k)), but I’d also like to be able to maintain a separate account, as well as start some college savings for the little one.

3) Trim the fat. Now it sounds like I’m dieting. Nope, I’m just hoping that with honest analysis comes some solid realizations about my spending. Pretty simple…but easier said than done.

4) Determine the best habits, then make commitments to maintain them. Find out what I’m doing wrong, determine what to do to fix them…then make them part of our lifestyle. And keep it up from there, of course.

So, there are some financial goings-on in my head. I’ve got a couple of methods that I’m interested in learning more about (as well as some that I’m going to cut out/avoid); one of which I’ll be sharing tomorrow. And I truly appreciate having this blog to just blah-blah-blah about this stuff. While I try not to be chained to everything I say here (flexibility and ability to change is a good thing), it does give me a sense of accountability to myself – a positive one, and I like it. So, thanks for reading and thanks further for keeping me in check. Ha! Get it? Check?!

Cravings Thus Far

“Crave for a thing, you will get it. Renounce the craving, the object will follow you by itself.” – Swami Sivananda

And when a preggers lady renounces a craving, WATCH THE HECK OUT!

Web of Confusion - image  on https://megactsout.com
(Great. Now I totally want mint chocolate chip.)


Seriously, I haven’t been craving a whole lot. The first trimester, I had a few random ones, but mostly had nausea. No “actual” illness (luckily!), but lots of appetite-killing nausea. The urges are currently a lot milder when I get a craving, though. I think it’s due to the fact that I wasn’t eating much at all before, so when I finally WANTED something to eat, I’d jump at it immediately.

In all honesty, my cravings have mostly been junk food-related. Oh, the shame! This includes one trip to McDonald’s (yes, you read that correctly…I still weep over the treatment of the cow I ate), another trip to Taco Bell, and several other very much non-organic, non-natural choices. *sigh* Can we say Fruit Loops…or Jax with ketchup? (And I historically ate Jax; it’s not a weird pregnancy thing.) If you don’t know what Jax are…well, you’ll need to find out. They’re awesome!And, seriously organic Fruit Loops BETTER be in the works…which disappoints me about how processed some of these organic foods are, ick.

Pickles are a norm for me, so I figured I’d lose the taste for them during pregnancy. Nope! Still tasty to me. So, I eat organic versions of those. I snack on baby carrots (generally organic) and hummus, eat apples, nosh on organic low-fat mozzarella sticks, immerse my all-natural salsa with multi-grain tortilla chips, and dip into my Chobani strawberry Greek yogurt (occasionally with a handful of Grape-Nuts or Kashi cereal). I’m drinking close to zero caffeine (caffeine-free green tea, yes) and as much water and milk as I can currently stand. I’m sure the water’s still not enough, especially at this lip-chapped time of year, but I’m trying. I’m trying with everything I eat.

My meals are pretty normal, except for the occasional crapfest from a fast food joint (or even a frozen all-natural pizza – just because Paul Newman’s name is on it and they do their best to make it with less chemicals, it’s still horrible for you). I’d LIKE to eat more chicken and fish, but I’m lucky if I get one serving of each per week, just because I tend not to be hungry enough (and fish tends to make me a tad sick). At least I can stomach a simple salad again, ‘cuz for awhile there it was rough for my salad-eatin’ hubby.

So, that’s a quick update on what I’m eatin’. Exciting stuff, I know. 😉 In the beginning, I was constantly researching what we could eat (my poor mother had cut up an entire pineapple for me only to find out that it was on one of my “you’re askin’ for complications” lists…now I’m dying for it!) But, hey, considering that my grandmother had 5 successful pregnancies while drinking TONS of coffee and smoking LOTS of cigarettes, I guess I can’t mess things up too badly, can I? 😉

Anyone want to share cravings they’ve had while pregnant – or, for those who’ve never had a baby, what you’re looking forward to totally indulging in? 😉 What? It’s fun to dream!

Cravings Thus Far

“Crave for a thing, you will get it. Renounce the craving, the object will follow you by itself.” – Swami Sivananda

And when a preggers lady renounces a craving, WATCH THE HECK OUT!

Web of Confusion - image  on https://megactsout.com(Great. Now I totally want mint chocolate chip.)


Seriously, I haven’t been craving a whole lot. The first trimester, I had a few random ones, but mostly had nausea. No “actual” illness (luckily!), but lots of appetite-killing nausea. The urges are currently a lot milder when I get a craving, though. I think it’s due to the fact that I wasn’t eating much at all before, so when I finally WANTED something to eat, I’d jump at it immediately.

In all honesty, my cravings have mostly been junk food-related. Oh, the shame! This includes one trip to McDonald’s (yes, you read that correctly…I still weep over the treatment of the cow I ate), another trip to Taco Bell, and several other very much non-organic, non-natural choices. *sigh* Can we say Fruit Loops…or Jax with ketchup? (And I historically ate Jax; it’s not a weird pregnancy thing.) If you don’t know what Jax are…well, you’ll need to find out. They’re awesome!And, seriously organic Fruit Loops BETTER be in the works…which disappoints me about how processed some of these organic foods are, ick.

Pickles are a norm for me, so I figured I’d lose the taste for them during pregnancy. Nope! Still tasty to me. So, I eat organic versions of those. I snack on baby carrots (generally organic) and hummus, eat apples, nosh on organic low-fat mozzarella sticks, immerse my all-natural salsa with multi-grain tortilla chips, and dip into my Chobani strawberry Greek yogurt (occasionally with a handful of Grape-Nuts or Kashi cereal). I’m drinking close to zero caffeine (caffeine-free green tea, yes) and as much water and milk as I can currently stand. I’m sure the water’s still not enough, especially at this lip-chapped time of year, but I’m trying. I’m trying with everything I eat.

My meals are pretty normal, except for the occasional crapfest from a fast food joint (or even a frozen all-natural pizza – just because Paul Newman’s name is on it and they do their best to make it with less chemicals, it’s still horrible for you). I’d LIKE to eat more chicken and fish, but I’m lucky if I get one serving of each per week, just because I tend not to be hungry enough (and fish tends to make me a tad sick). At least I can stomach a simple salad again, ‘cuz for awhile there it was rough for my salad-eatin’ hubby.

So, that’s a quick update on what I’m eatin’. Exciting stuff, I know. 😉 In the beginning, I was constantly researching what we could eat (my poor mother had cut up an entire pineapple for me only to find out that it was on one of my “you’re askin’ for complications” lists…now I’m dying for it!) But, hey, considering that my grandmother had 5 successful pregnancies while drinking TONS of coffee and smoking LOTS of cigarettes, I guess I can’t mess things up too badly, can I? 😉

Anyone want to share cravings they’ve had while pregnant – or, for those who’ve never had a baby, what you’re looking forward to totally indulging in? 😉 What? It’s fun to dream!

A Few Answers…and Non-Answers

Web of Confusion - image  on https://megactsout.com

So, ever since we made our “big announcement” (which I simply alluded to here, sneaky me), which was actually news quite awhile ago for close friends and families and came out in strategic drips-and-drabs to avoid being completely inundated by kind folks, we’ve had lots of questions flung our way. Some, I’m happy to answer. Some, however, we won’t. The only reason we’re not answering them is because we are brutally mean and out to piss every person we know OFF. BIG time.

(In case you don’t realize, that was a complete joke. We’re not out to upset ANYONE!! 🙂 We want our bundle of joy to be just that – bringin’ nothin’ but happy.)

If you’d meet Dave and I face-to-face, you’d find that we are actually pretty quiet and low-key about everything baby-related. This isn’t to say that we’re not absolutely ecstatic and excited about our special delivery. We really are!! But, we, as a couple, tend to stray on the side of privacy and, to a certain extent, are uber-controlling about that side of our lives. I’m sure it’s one thing that frustrated a family member or two (or all of them) as to how we went about planning our wedding; we wanted things a certain way (and not “out of our hands”) and didn’t appreciate a ton of interference in the process. I know that this is impossible with a certain amount of things, baby-wise, but some of it we can keep tabs on.

There’s a part of me that feels guilty even writing about the fact that I am pregnant, knowing that some I’m very close with may be against being so public, but while Dave and I are a private couple, I tend to be a huge embarrassment of an open book. This blog is insanely important to me as an outlet, and if anyone out there can learn from my experiences and mistakes or get a chuckle from how miserably I fail at something (simply bound to happen, folks!), that means everything. Simultaneously, I’m not even sure that I’ll divulge pictures of the baby on the blog when that time comes, or post its name. (We’ll see!) So, clearly, there’s a level of protection that my family deserves, while I’m able to spout off about whatever-the-heck-I-wanna here in Blogland.

As for the little one, we’re learning as time goes by and we sit on certain ideas and questions, that answers often arise on their own, without much conversation whatsoever. It’s the “Zen Decision” method, and it works well for us. On other points, we’ll have to discuss until the very end and possibly not have a decisive outcome…but those are between the parents, anyway, so folks won’t even know whether we’ve made a decision or not. We’re sneaky lil’ buggers. 😉 Mwahahaha!

Some of the questions that we’ve received that we’ve got answers for include:

“When are you due?” (Thank goodness no one has asked this out of the blue. I’m not really showing yet!) July 3rd, but I’d love a July 4th baby. A “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, if you will. And I’ve heard all the fireworks jokes and comments one human can stand. 😉

“Are you going to find out the gender of the baby?”
No. This was one of those “sat silently and thought about it” decisions that we agreed to completely in the end. Strangely enough, before we got pregnant, Dave was all for this decision and I was all about finding out. Then, one day, it just hit me…then DAVE was the one reminding me how hard it was to purchase clothes, etc in advance for my sister’s daughter (who remained sex-less ’til she arrived).

It was a tough one for us, but knowing that a) mistakes can happen (the doctor thought he saw a *honk-honk* when it was actually an *awooga*) and b) I very much dislike when someone refers to the baby by its name (because the gender is supposedly known) before it’s born – especially at a baby shower (with the name in decorations all over the place – ack!). My Irish blood feels like it has to do a million counter-superstitions to make up for it.

So, no. We don’t want to know what it’s packin’.

“What’s its nickname?” If, by nickname, you mean “Peanut”, “Bean”, “Pea”, or any other adorable concept such as “Scooter”, it doesn’t have one…yet. If it does, that will probably be between Daddy and me. It’s another sort of privacy thing. The same as not posting the ultrasound pictures all over Facebook or on the blog (although I’ve shown the folks who have wanted to see, in real person). “Sure, let’s put my wife’s uterus out there for the whole world to look at.” When Dave puts it that way, I totally agree. I know folks want to share the connection to the bundle of joy as soon as possible (I get it – 9 months is a long time to wait before meeting someone), but it’s a game of patience, I suppose.

“What names are you considering?” Nice try! I’ve mentioned a few to my mother and mother-in-law, but even that I’m considering halting. For example, the next week, I’ll find that Dave suddenly doesn’t feel the same way about the name, or apparently never DID like it, or something to that effect. Yeah. We haven’t gotten into the discussion much, but odds are we’ll have two girl names and two boy names in our back pockets going into labor, then after meeting the little one, we’ll make the decision. I’d hate to say one name then have it look nothing like that name. 🙂

“But how will you decide what colors to put in the nursery, then?” (asked with a sense of panic, which I find hysterical) Hee hee, I already know. Well, for the most part. While I’d love to have the nursery 100% complete when the little one comes home, I’m aiming for maybe 80-90% done.

Currently, the color on the walls is a nice light blue. No, I’m not “hoping for” a boy – although it would be neat to have the “big brother protector” like I had (but I have a feeling it’s a girl…I’ve had dreams…and it’d be neat to give my niece, Lizzie, a female cousin pretty close in age), but it’s a nice color and I’d like to work with what we have, to an extent. PLUS, we’ve already found the perfect shade of green (no, not sage) to go in the room – just gotta get more accessories to go with it. Then, after the little one comes, I’ll throw up some orange accents for a boy or purple accents for a girl. Seriously, it works in my brain. This is one area that I’m happy to “divulge all” here. 🙂

“Cloth or disposable?” Tentatively, cloth (but some more eco-friendly disposables in the very beginning – most cloth diapers don’t fit a newborn very well). And they ain’t your mama’s (or grandma, depending on your age) cloth diapers. Stay tuned for lots more information that I’ve dug up through hours upon hours of research. 🙂

“Bottle or boob?” Is anyone surprised that I referred to it that way…and is anyone else surprised that I’m actually WRITING about such a personal thing? (Seriously. Have you MET me?) Yes, I’ll gladly talk about boobs and what comes out of them…but not find out the sex or divulge the name. I’m weird, what can I say?

Anyhoo, to answer the question: If I can, I will. If it’s too much of a challenge to the point where it’s no longer healthy for the baby to keep trying, I’ll admit defeat and consider it a job well-attempted. But, I’m really, really hoping that it works.

So, those are the questions that we’re WILLING to answer, or at least have answers for. As with lots of big life changes, there’s always a chance that an answer or two will change. We’re human, and it’s our prerogative (anyone else start singing the song in their heads…or, better yet, out loud?) to reconsider.

I’m always open to positive input and feedback, so feel free to share experiences and comment below! 🙂

A Few Answers…And Non-Answers

So, ever since we made our “big announcement” (which I simply alluded to here, sneaky me), which was actually news quite awhile ago for close friends and families and came out in strategic drips-and-drabs to avoid being completely inundated by kind folks, we’ve had lots of questions flung our way. Some, I’m happy to answer. Some, however, we won’t. The only reason we’re not answering them is because we are brutally mean and out to piss every person we know OFF. BIG time.

(In case you don’t realize, that was a complete joke. We’re not out to upset ANYONE!! 🙂 We want our bundle of joy to be just that – bringin’ nothin’ but happy.)

If you’d meet Dave and I face-to-face, you’d find that we are actually pretty quiet and low-key about everything baby-related. This isn’t to say that we’re not absolutely ecstatic and excited about our special delivery. We really are!! But, we, as a couple, tend to stray on the side of privacy and, to a certain extent, are uber-controlling about that side of our lives. I’m sure it’s one thing that frustrated a family member or two (or all of them) as to how we went about planning our wedding; we wanted things a certain way (and not “out of our hands”) and didn’t appreciate a ton of interference in the process. I know that this is impossible with a certain amount of things, baby-wise, but some of it we can keep tabs on.

There’s a part of me that feels guilty even writing about the fact that I am pregnant, knowing that some I’m very close with may be against being so public, but while Dave and I are a private couple, I tend to be a huge embarrassment of an open book. This blog is insanely important to me as an outlet, and if anyone out there can learn from my experiences and mistakes or get a chuckle from how miserably I fail at something (simply bound to happen, folks!), that means everything. Simultaneously, I’m not even sure that I’ll divulge pictures of the baby on the blog when that time comes, or post its name. (We’ll see!) So, clearly, there’s a level of protection that my family deserves, while I’m able to spout off about whatever-the-heck-I-wanna here in Blogland.

As for the little one, we’re learning as time goes by and we sit on certain ideas and questions, that answers often arise on their own, without much conversation whatsoever. It’s the “Zen Decision” method, and it works well for us. On other points, we’ll have to discuss until the very end and possibly not have a decisive outcome…but those are between the parents, anyway, so folks won’t even know whether we’ve made a decision or not. We’re sneaky lil’ buggers. 😉 Mwahahaha!

Some of the questions that we’ve received that we’ve got answers for include:

“When are you due?” (Thank goodness no one has asked this out of the blue. I’m not really showing yet!) July 3rd, but I’d love a July 4th baby. A “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, if you will. And I’ve heard all the fireworks jokes and comments one human can stand. 😉

“Are you going to find out the gender of the baby?”
No. This was one of those “sat silently and thought about it” decisions that we agreed to completely in the end. Strangely enough, before we got pregnant, Dave was all for this decision and I was all about finding out. Then, one day, it just hit me…then DAVE was the one reminding me how hard it was to purchase clothes, etc in advance for my sister’s daughter (who remained sex-less ’til she arrived).

It was a tough one for us, but knowing that a) mistakes can happen (the doctor thought he saw a *honk-honk* when it was actually an *awooga*) and b) I very much dislike when someone refers to the baby by its name (because the gender is supposedly known) before it’s born – especially at a baby shower (with the name in decorations all over the place – ack!). My Irish blood feels like it has to do a million counter-superstitions to make up for it.

So, no. We don’t want to know what it’s packin’.

“What’s its nickname?” If, by nickname, you mean “Peanut”, “Bean”, “Pea”, or any other adorable concept such as “Scooter”, it doesn’t have one…yet. If it does, that will probably be between Daddy and me. It’s another sort of privacy thing. The same as not posting the ultrasound pictures all over Facebook or on the blog (although I’ve shown the folks who have wanted to see, in real person). “Sure, let’s put my wife’s uterus out there for the whole world to look at.” When Dave puts it that way, I totally agree. I know folks want to share the connection to the bundle of joy as soon as possible (I get it – 9 months is a long time to wait before meeting someone), but it’s a game of patience, I suppose.

“What names are you considering?” Nice try! I’ve mentioned a few to my mother and mother-in-law, but even that I’m considering halting. For example, the next week, I’ll find that Dave suddenly doesn’t feel the same way about the name, or apparently never DID like it, or something to that effect. Yeah. We haven’t gotten into the discussion much, but odds are we’ll have two girl names and two boy names in our back pockets going into labor, then after meeting the little one, we’ll make the decision. I’d hate to say one name then have it look nothing like that name. 🙂

“But how will you decide what colors to put in the nursery, then?” (asked with a sense of panic, which I find hysterical) Hee hee, I already know. Well, for the most part. While I’d love to have the nursery 100% complete when the little one comes home, I’m aiming for maybe 80-90% done.

Currently, the color on the walls is a nice light blue. No, I’m not “hoping for” a boy – although it would be neat to have the “big brother protector” like I had (but I have a feeling it’s a girl…I’ve had dreams…and it’d be neat to give my niece, Lizzie, a female cousin pretty close in age), but it’s a nice color and I’d like to work with what we have, to an extent. PLUS, we’ve already found the perfect shade of green (no, not sage) to go in the room – just gotta get more accessories to go with it. Then, after the little one comes, I’ll throw up some orange accents for a boy or purple accents for a girl. Seriously, it works in my brain. This is one area that I’m happy to “divulge all” here. 🙂

“Cloth or disposable?” Tentatively, cloth (but some more eco-friendly disposables in the very beginning – most cloth diapers don’t fit a newborn very well). And they ain’t your mama’s (or grandma, depending on your age) cloth diapers. Stay tuned for lots more information that I’ve dug up through hours upon hours of research. 🙂

“Bottle or boob?” Is anyone surprised that I referred to it that way…and is anyone else surprised that I’m actually WRITING about such a personal thing? (Seriously. Have you MET me?) Yes, I’ll gladly talk about boobs and what comes out of them…but not find out the sex or divulge the name. I’m weird, what can I say?

Anyhoo, to answer the question: If I can, I will. If it’s too much of a challenge to the point where it’s no longer healthy for the baby to keep trying, I’ll admit defeat and consider it a job well-attempted. But, I’m really, really hoping that it works.

So, those are the questions that we’re WILLING to answer, or at least have answers for. As with lots of big life changes, there’s always a chance that an answer or two will change. We’re human, and it’s our prerogative (anyone else start singing the song in their heads…or, better yet, out loud?) to reconsider.

I’m always open to positive input and feedback, so feel free to share experiences and comment below! 🙂

Word of the Year

I was inspired (as always!) by the positivity of Layla at The Lettered Cottage, with her recent post about choosing a “Word of the Year”. As you know, I don’t really “do” resolutions. But to look forward on the new year ahead as a way to recharge and rethink things a bit – now that, I do. 🙂

As some of you may have noticed on one of my very rare Facebook posts recently (sometimes it’s the only way to connect to the most people, whatchya gonna do?), we’ve got some exciting news in our humble little house. So, when looking forward to the year ahead, how could my “word of the year” NOT be…

Web of Confusion - image  on https://megactsout.com

Yep. I’d say that accurately describes what’s to come in 2012. There are a few reasons that “life” just works for us this year, but the most important is the fact that we’re bringing new life into the world this year. More specifically, early July (if all goes according to plan…and how often does THAT happen?).

I could have gone all one-track-mind and said that “baby” should be the 2012 word of the year, but for over half of the year, there won’t be a baby in sight. (On the brain, sure. In sight? Nope.) Plus, I’m sure that, although the little one will be our “big news” (and the biggest CHANGE) this year, there will be other interesting occurrences that will definitely be a part of our “life”. In a way, I’m sure the word “change” would have been an appropriate choice, as well.

Every cliche quotation or saying that uses the word “life” seems to be relevant. I’ve heard so very many times that “life begins when you have a child”. As the joy of parenthood hits both of us, “life is beautiful” rings true. So, sure, all that’s to be expected…and is making 2012 out to be the most important year of our lives so far.

But, there are a few other aspects of “life” that we’re hoping to focus on this year, in addition to “the addition” – a lot of it is to make life happier FOR the little one.

One life change that we’re already working on, big-time, is simplification. Life around this place has been pretty cluttered, especially when it comes to our clothes situation. That whole “you only wear 20% of your wardrobe” (or 10%, depending on what you read) seriously rings true. While we’re not donating or selling 80% or 90% of our clothes (and accessories), I’m aiming for closer to 50% for my own belongings. We’ve currently got a pile growing in our upstairs hallway, which is daunting, but I’m hoping will feel therapeutic and uplifting to be rid of.

Our closet situation includes one in our office, one in our bedroom, and one in our guest room (soon to be nursery). Dave was using both the bedroom and office closets and I used the guest room closet, mostly because he wears lots more suits to work and has lots of other items to store that wouldn’t fare well in the basement. He also has two small dressers in our room; I have a large one in the guest room, which we’re finally paring down and moving into our room. It’ll be a big game of “musical dressers”, but I’m inspired that Dave already worked on emptying one of the dressers. We’re gettin’ there!

Oh, and we even did a big haul-and-donate from, of all places, our built-in area. I’m sure I’ll be posting about the “after” of this space, but I’ve just got to share how ecstatic I was to be able to find a way to dispose of the unopened health and beauty products that I don’t use (the non-environmentally friendly ones that I had stocked up on awhile back). Dave dropped off a box of items to Evelyn’s House, which provides housing, education and care for mothers and babies who have become homeless. Seriously, I cried reading about the place – although it’s pretty easy to get me sobbing over truly meaningful subjects lately. Hormones!

Along with simplifying how much stuff we have, we’re adding organization solutions and will try to utilize the space we have better. I’m excited to set up an organizer in our basement (which Dave is in the midst of cleaning/Dryloking/painting!) that will give us at least another closet of organization. And while we hear that babies accumulate lots of stuff (let’s rephrase that: when babies COME, stuff SEEMS to accumulate), our requests for baby items will be well-thought and with need and space in mind. We’re already appreciative of whatever we’ll receive, but hope that folks can keep these things in mind, as well. 🙂

I’m hoping that 2012 will bring with it some inspiration and clarification as to some of the big questions in our lives, helping us to truly live life to the fullest and not take things for granted. We also hope to maintain balance in our lives in order to give our child (and future children) the best experiences that we can.

I know this post seems a bit vague in some areas, but when the future brings some unknowns, it can be a bit anxiety-invoking. Ultimately, the biggest philosophy I need to remember is that this is where life begins…everyday…and it’s up to us to do with it what we deem possible and necessary. While thinking about “life” everyday could be daunting, I find it a reminder not to sweat the small problems and to truly enjoy the (small and large) good. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

The Lettered Cottage

Word of the Year

I was inspired (as always!) by the positivity of Layla at The Lettered Cottage, with her recent post about choosing a “Word of the Year”. As you know, I don’t really “do” resolutions. But to look forward on the new year ahead as a way to recharge and rethink things a bit – now that, I do. 🙂

As some of you may have noticed on one of my very rare Facebook posts recently (sometimes it’s the only way to connect to the most people, whatchya gonna do?), we’ve got some exciting news in our humble little house. So, when looking forward to the year ahead, how could my “word of the year” NOT be…

Web of Confusion - image  on https://megactsout.comYep. I’d say that accurately describes what’s to come in 2012. There are a few reasons that “life” just works for us this year, but the most important is the fact that we’re bringing new life into the world this year. More specifically, early July (if all goes according to plan…and how often does THAT happen?).

I could have gone all one-track-mind and said that “baby” should be the 2012 word of the year, but for over half of the year, there won’t be a baby in sight. (On the brain, sure. In sight? Nope.) Plus, I’m sure that, although the little one will be our “big news” (and the biggest CHANGE) this year, there will be other interesting occurrences that will definitely be a part of our “life”. In a way, I’m sure the word “change” would have been an appropriate choice, as well.

Every cliche quotation or saying that uses the word “life” seems to be relevant. I’ve heard so very many times that “life begins when you have a child”. As the joy of parenthood hits both of us, “life is beautiful” rings true. So, sure, all that’s to be expected…and is making 2012 out to be the most important year of our lives so far.

But, there are a few other aspects of “life” that we’re hoping to focus on this year, in addition to “the addition” – a lot of it is to make life happier FOR the little one.

One life change that we’re already working on, big-time, is simplification. Life around this place has been pretty cluttered, especially when it comes to our clothes situation. That whole “you only wear 20% of your wardrobe” (or 10%, depending on what you read) seriously rings true. While we’re not donating or selling 80% or 90% of our clothes (and accessories), I’m aiming for closer to 50% for my own belongings. We’ve currently got a pile growing in our upstairs hallway, which is daunting, but I’m hoping will feel therapeutic and uplifting to be rid of.

Our closet situation includes one in our office, one in our bedroom, and one in our guest room (soon to be nursery). Dave was using both the bedroom and office closets and I used the guest room closet, mostly because he wears lots more suits to work and has lots of other items to store that wouldn’t fare well in the basement. He also has two small dressers in our room; I have a large one in the guest room, which we’re finally paring down and moving into our room. It’ll be a big game of “musical dressers”, but I’m inspired that Dave already worked on emptying one of the dressers. We’re gettin’ there!

Oh, and we even did a big haul-and-donate from, of all places, our built-in area. I’m sure I’ll be posting about the “after” of this space, but I’ve just got to share how ecstatic I was to be able to find a way to dispose of the unopened health and beauty products that I don’t use (the non-environmentally friendly ones that I had stocked up on awhile back). Dave dropped off a box of items to Evelyn’s House, which provides housing, education and care for mothers and babies who have become homeless. Seriously, I cried reading about the place – although it’s pretty easy to get me sobbing over truly meaningful subjects lately. Hormones!

Along with simplifying how much stuff we have, we’re adding organization solutions and will try to utilize the space we have better. I’m excited to set up an organizer in our basement (which Dave is in the midst of cleaning/Dryloking/painting!) that will give us at least another closet of organization. And while we hear that babies accumulate lots of stuff (let’s rephrase that: when babies COME, stuff SEEMS to accumulate), our requests for baby items will be well-thought and with need and space in mind. We’re already appreciative of whatever we’ll receive, but hope that folks can keep these things in mind, as well. 🙂

I’m hoping that 2012 will bring with it some inspiration and clarification as to some of the big questions in our lives, helping us to truly live life to the fullest and not take things for granted. We also hope to maintain balance in our lives in order to give our child (and future children) the best experiences that we can.

I know this post seems a bit vague in some areas, but when the future brings some unknowns, it can be a bit anxiety-invoking. Ultimately, the biggest philosophy I need to remember is that this is where life begins…everyday…and it’s up to us to do with it what we deem possible and necessary. While thinking about “life” everyday could be daunting, I find it a reminder not to sweat the small problems and to truly enjoy the (small and large) good. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

The Lettered Cottage