Headless Chickens and Food Babies

Last night something happened... it had NEVER happened before. I mean not to me. And I was so caught off guard that I responded so differently that I normally would have.

Good thing I'm quick on my feet!

But I did NOT see it coming. Not at all! If you follow me on twitter, then you may have seen the tweet... but if not, here ya go:


I ran around like a Chicken with my head cut off yesterday evening. I left work early. Went to Petsmart to get dog food for Austin. Then to Lowes (where I witnessed this) to pick up side-splashes for our new vanity that was supposed to be installed today (another post for which I need to count WAY beyond 10 in order to post). Then I had to go home and make dinner for McStudly and the grandparents (and myself, of course). Then I Had to be at the church at 7pm for Worship Team practice. After practice I had to drive 25 minutes to another Lowes store in the area to pick up the other side-splash, because there weren't enough in stock. Then I FINALLY got home a few minutes before 10pm.


*breathe*


It was ridiculous.


But "it" happened at my final stop for the night. Lowes in a neighboring town.

As some of you may know (or not...) I'm not a big girl. I mean, I'm a "big girl", but not a "Big" girl. Does that make sense? I'm lucky if I tip the scales at 107. Seriously, folks... I'm not allowed to give blood. It's pretty ridiculous. So the story that I'm about to tell you is going to seem a bit hard to believe (and now that I think about it, I probably should've taken a picture to prove it), but it's all true. I've never lied to you, and I don't plan to start now.

...movingalong...

By the time I left Worship practice I had a stomach full of dinner (steak fingers and mashed potatoes) and about 2 bottles of water. (I'mma beast. 'Nough said.) I had to pee something fierce, but I decided to wait until I could do so on the comfort of my own toilet. Basically, I have one motherofa "food baby" a-peeping out by this point. Not my biggest, but it was getting there.

So I pick up the side-splash and head to the check-out counter.

I waited patiently behind two guys that were laughing and joking with the lady at the register. All fine and well, but I'm not feeling so hot... this food baby was kicking my BUTT and there was not a thing I could do about it. As soon as the mcflirties left, I saw "the look" in her eyes.


You know that look you give to a pregnant woman when she seems exhausted? (The Mrs., do you get that a lot?) The look that says "God love you... I'd never say it, but you look so tired!"? Well... she was giving it to me.

I smiled and looked away. I asked if they still gave military discounts (I know they did, but it's the most polite way to ask for them to apply it) and she waved over the manager for approval. Apparently I made a big mistake while we waited for her to walk over, because I kind've winced as I tried to re-adjust my pants to sit a little lower on my stomach (I told you that food baby was kicking my butt!) and that's when she did it.

She asked that question that you should never Ever EVER ask someone unless you 1 - know that person and have been told that they are pregnant, or 2 - look like they're about to bust AND are purchasing a baby stroller, car seat, etc.

Apparently, she didn't get the memo.


"Aww, you tiny little thing. When are you due?!"

*insert jaw droppage here* I responded with the only thing I could think of at the time.

"November 10th."

"You are just too cute. I was much bigger when I was pregnant, but everyone's different..."



Don't hate me. I didn't want to make her feel like a total flake (I do have moments when I'm nice and thoughtful, like that). So the first date that popped into my head was my wedding anniversary. Lucky for me it wasn't next month or anything.

She proceeded to tell me all about her daughter and her pregnancy, etc etc. As I tried my darndest to hide the utter embarrassment that was rushing to my cheeks. I payed and walked out, smiling and nodding. Then called McStudly as soon as I cleared the doors.


"You will NEVER believe what just happened to me."



Now, I warned you that it may be hard to believe, with someone as small as me, but you have to know - when I get a good food baby, it's really convincing. I blame it on the Taco Bell I had for lunch yesterday, but whatever the cause... it was a good one (though, again - not my best). I meant to take a picture of it last night when I got home, but it didn't happen. I'll try to catch it on camera next time to prove to you just how big it gets, but it all stays RIGHT in the belly area until I - well... deliver(??). So with all that "stuff" sitting in one place, it looks like I'm a few months pregnant.




I have never in my life been asked when I was due. Never. In. My. Life. And I hope to God that it doesn't happen again until I am actually several months pregnant.


That's all I can ask, really.

One Full Year

Okay - so Monday was McStudly and I's first anniversary. Can you believe it? An entire year!!





The day started off a little rocky. We slept in, and woke up to... nothing. The power was out. Yep - Happy Anniversary! Right?! It was out until about 3 or so. Nice.







Well, I got up and going while Mcstudly slept a little longer. I took Austin over to my parents' house (they were watching him so we could have a hott date that night *wink wink*), and then headed over to my Anniversary present.



Sunday night, McStudly gave me a little card with all the deets. It said "11/10/08, at 1:30, with Jeanne". Yesss!!! He got me a full body massage. SOOO amazing. And highly recommended (I think he ruined it for himself, though, becuase now I'm hooked). It was FANtastic! After the massage, I relaxed in the "tranquility" room with NO clue what time it was (and I didn't even care, really) and then headed into the ladies area where I sat in the steam room for a while and then hopped in the shower. I was taking FULL advantage of the comps, that's for sure!



When I finaly emerged from Robert Andrews, I went over to pick up Kyle's anniversary present, but it wasn't in, yet. He knew what he was getting, at this point, so there was no rush.





So I went home and slowly started getting ready. Okay, so I watched a few tv shows, first, but then I totally did start getting ready early. I straightened my hair out and fluffed up the back of it, then I slipped into my hott little black dress, and threw a sweater on with it. I think it made me look like an old lady with the sweater, but McStudly still thought I was hott. (pictures to come)





We went to Fogo de Chao in Baltimore City. TOTALLY amazing!

I highly recommend it to everyone!! It does cost quite a bit of money, but you SO get what you pay for! My drink wouldn't be half empty before it was refilled. The food was simply mathcless, and the $10 valet made it all so perfect!! Really, people. You've GOT to check it out. So what if you drop $130 in a single meal. If it's your anniversary or any other special occasion it's DEFINITELY worth it!!

After dinner, we swung by my parents' house again and picked up our anniversary cake (I totally forgot about it earlier when I dropped off the pup) and then headed home. The cake was still frozen, so we found some other things to do to fill our time... tee hee hee

Anywho - once we ate the cake (it was delicious, by the way), the night was over. By this time it was about 3 a.m. and I was pooped so off to bed I went.

It was a great night, and having the next day off was just icing on the cake. Err - extra icing?!

525,600 Minutes

That's how many there are in a year... and I think after this past year, we've all started measuring time a little bit differently. Why, you may ask?!

Let me essplain dis to joo:

One year ago today, she was in recovery. In the CSICU, to be exact. But she was strong, and would come out feeling better and more healthy then she could even remember.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October 4, 2008, my mother entered a last-minute "CABG 5" (said "cabbage five") heart bypass surgery, and was on the table for about 7 hours. So we waited.


It was tough, but we all tried to stay light-hearted, and made frequent (VERY frequent) trips over to the Great Cookie and the cafeteria for a change of pace and nice refreshing drink.


After her surgery, Thursday evening, she was moved into the Cardiac Ward for recovery on Sunday, and then discharged on Tuesday with lots of meds, and a BIIIG list of dos-and-don'ts for us all to follow. But it was nothing compared to getting our Mom back. It was along road of recovery, but 1 year later, she's 45-lbs lighter and feeling better than ever!

So on Saturday, we decided to go back to the hospital and visit the awesome staff that helped give her a life back. So she made some heart-healthy chocolate cookies for them (thanks to Food Network) and packaged them up in two containers. And then put some fiber-muffins and a singing card in a bag for Dr. Brown. Dr. James Brown, that is... and "OOOOWWWW!" She feels good, thanks to him... the singing card proves it! ;-)


Well, surprisingly to us, people apparently don't really do that kind of thing. All of the staff and nurses were completely shocked and so grateful that we remembered them. They were all smiles, especially when told that their cookies were heart healthy. Unfortunately, Dr. Brown wasn't in, so we left his bag with the CICU staff, with a promise that they'd deliverer it to him, and not eat his goodies.

There were a few times where mom got a little emotional, but that is totally understandable. This awesome hospital and amazing staff gave us our Mom back, and healthier and happier than ever before. We owe the people of the University of Maryland Medical Center a lot - because of them, my mom was able to not miss-out on lots of amazing things. And because of them, she was able to feel even better while enjoying them. We are SO grateful to them, and Mom just can't even put into words how appreciative she is.


And of COURSE I took pictures! Here are a few shots from our day out and about:

Mom's writing out her Thank-Yous.

Dr. Brown's Goodie bag, and singing card.

Getting packed up and ready to go!

Luke watching us - this is pretty much as excited as he gets.

Just adding the finishing touches.

The Happy Helper/Escort (aka: Moi!)

He's just a bucket full of good times, this dog... and getting impatient.

This is where the magic happened.

6th floor or bust!

Almost there!

And this is where we waiting... that "circle" of seats riiiiight there.

Her "5 Star" Accommodations.

They moved her into this area after she left the CICU. So she gave the cookies to the front desk secretary who was OH so grateful!

Bragging on her weight loss, telling her story and saying Thank You.

Pointing out her room to the CICU Nurses.

Thanking them, and telling them about Nurse David - the tattoo covered "favorite".

Striking a pose with friends... and life-savers.

There are always TONS of balloons lost to the ceiling, and we thought we even remembered some of the same ones from last year!

Yep - that's where it all went down!

Speaking of going down... this is mom taking it all in and admiring the view from the elevator.

And this is the view.

The little shop we frequented during our 7-hour stint in the Cardiac waiting area.

Just showing some UMMC love.

Want some proof?

We've got your proof RIGHT here...

Just a random shot, but we thought it was funny that homeboy was just-a-chowing down while he was sitting on their sign. ha ha ha

Just another random shot.

The whole kit-n-caboodle.

CLOSE-UP!!

Well there you have it. Mom and I talked about how fun it would be to do this every year on her surgery's anniversary. So hopefully next year all of us will be able to go back together and thank them again. This isn't the kind of anniversary you can accidentally forget. It's the day she got her life back.

Thank you, UMMC, and Thank you Dr. Brown. Our family is forever grateful to have our Mom back and happier than ever! You guys are awesome - keep up the good work!!

Crazy Birthday month from He...aven?!

Oy oy OY!!

This month is pure craziness. Check it:

9 May - Carrie's birthday (sorry, but I have to miss the party!!)
9 May - Diddy's birthday (our Young Adult Pastor, and no, his name is not really Diddy...)
10 May - Bridal/Welcomming Shower for some friends (shh... it's a surprise!!)
11 May - Mother's Day (so that means 2 mommas, and 3 Grandmommas...)
12 May - Malina's birthday (Kyle's little sister)
16 May - Bekah's birthday (My little sister)
20 May - April's birthday (My big sister)
24 May - Papa Bear's birthday (My Daddy... DUH!)

AND there are a few more birthdays, but if I named them all, I'd go crazy.

So as you can tell, it's a bit of a crazy month for Kyle and I. PLUS - 10 May is Kyle and I's 6-month wedding aniversary (aww... how cute!).

*Does anyone have any Ibuprofen? I need Ibuprofen!!*

So tonight is the big shopping night for everything. I kind've know what we're getting most people, but as far as money goes - WHOA!! It's a good thing we have a Gift Savings account on the side. BUT we love to give gifts... it just stinks that it costs money, sometimes. :-P


Alrigty - we'll I'm off to pretend I'm working. But I'm sure I'll probably be blogging again soon.


Tootles!!