The Temptations

I just saw this adorable little thing at Footlocker. Little Jordan's! A must have for
my little male spawn. Yes, I think I'm going to be THAT mom. Better save up.

-Sent from my iPhone

The Homemaker in Me

I think I've figured out why I don't like cooking... you eat it and it's gone. There's no lasting enjoyment or opportunity to "show off" as in other homemaking projects. My husband thinks it's strange that I take pictures of everything I cook. I've been really good lately about making stuff... It's still been ingredients all conveniently placed in a box, but a couple of weeks ago I made this chicken Alfredo stuff and I had to cook the chicken on the frying pan and cut it and everything! Yes, I took a picture...I accidentally deleted it though and I'm really mad!

Anyway, like I was saying, I like some other homemaking projects like sewing for instance. I never thought I'd want to sew but after seeing a lack in cute matching collars and leashes for my boy dog I decided to learn how to make him some! Now I have my own small business making collars for a shop in Utah as well as lots of people here in Austin!

Lately I've noticed some of my friends dress up their cute little girls in the most ADORABLE hair bows!! I MUST learn how to make them! Anyone know how? I can't imagine it being very difficult. It almost seems like a matter of gluing.


I'm hoping if I start soon I can have a different color/design for every day of my darling little girl's infant/baby/toddler life!... And hopefully even have some for shower presents along the way.

I've told myself I WILL NOT buy things for a baby I'm not pregnant with... But I never said I wouldn't MAKE something *evil smirk*

The New Look

What do you think? I designed the whole thing myself! (I'm talking about my blog BTW). I have been determined to make something on my own and learn some HTML in the process. I was up until 6am doing trial and error and I'm liking how it has turned out. It looks better on a Mac cause the screens are wider.

Anyway, that's all today. Hope you like it! The heading is still enormous, and I'm going to work on making that smaller later.

The Stresses

I was watching Snoop Dogg's "Father Hood" show and was really impressed with their parenting. Ok, I know it's television, but have you seen that show lately?

The mom (Shante) said a really good quote that I want to remember: "Once you become a mother you never stop worrying." Wow! I think my mom could agree with that... What about some of you moms?

Lately my dog Snoop has been getting into fights and lately I am ALWAYS worrying about him. I'm going on a vacation in a few weeks and I'm worried about where he'll stay while we're gone. If I'm stressing out and worrying about my DOG this much I can't IMAGINE how I'll be with a child.

I can't imagine worrying about much more than I do now and still being a sane person. Seriously... I think I'm already developing an ulcer. If I add much more my worries will burn an acidic hole through my stomach.

I'm worried about my career, where I'll be living a year from now, heck... where I may be living two months from now. Will my '96 Corolla last another year?-Cause Lord knows I can't afford another car payment right now.

Today is one of those days where my baby fever has died away and I feel fine waiting another decade.

The Rabbits

I knew the time would come but I didn't think it would be this soon... My friends are spawning their second before I have one.

Forget the list of friend's without kids... in a few more years I'll have a list of friends with less than 3 kids! What the eff? No really, I'm happy for them. So very very happy. It's just really weirding me out!

Here's how the conversations have been going:
Friend: "Hey did you know [insert name] is pregnant?"
Me: Again?

Yes again. And I feel like I'm watching a ship loaded with my friends sail away from me--To the land of rabbits.

There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel though. Other friends, same age, are still looking for that special someone. One may think they're "behind in the game" but really, they're just able to take notes.

Take my friend Paul for example. He's sent a few girls on missions, graduated college, got a great sense of humor, is good looking, open to marriage and he's still single. He has no sympathy for me when I tell him I feel behind.

It's times like these where I ESPECIALLY have to remember timing is different for everyone. My time will come, and so will Paul's, no matter how far behind we are.

The Holiday Wishes!

This is the first Christmas I've celebrated with just my hubby and myself. I was getting all excited about wrapping every little present. Yea... I'm a dork!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Happy holidays! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas day!
Kiss the cute babies for me! Enjoy yourself!

The Namesake

What would you do if there was someone in your family you loved dearly who wanted you to name your child after them? If the name is a nice name, or a name that's "with the times" that's probably not a problem right? But what if the name is something you absolutely are not a fan of?

My family has a mixture of "normal" and "unique" names. There's Johns, and Richards and... well, that's about all of the common ones in my extended family. I have grandparents named "Ronald" and "Siebra." My mother's and grandmother's names are "Joy." My mom I guess wanted to give all of me and all of my siblings the VERY NORMAL (almost too common) names and gave us: Jennifer, Heather, Michael, Lauren and Kimberly. But trust me, I'd take that over any of the latter.

My dad goes by DJ but his birth name--Are you ready for this?... Dyke.

I love my grandpa, and I want to name a child after him, but "Ronald" isn't my first choice in names.

What would you do if someone in your family wanted you to name your child after them but the name wasn't... Let's say it wasn't one of your top choices. Would you still do it?

The Regret

I got one of these a few years ago. It sat in my closet for a year collecting dust. When a co-worker mentioned wanting one I sold it to her for 200 bucks! Now I am thinking of cooking and stuff and I kinda wish I still had it. But then again, I've only used my hand-mixer once in four years...It was a big mess. Do you have one? Should I get another?

The Secret

So, ummmmmm, yeeeeeeea..... My husband doesn't know about this blog yet, so if you know him, don't tell him, ok?

I'm thinking I'll break the news of my public confessions when we're like 9 months pregnant and very secure in our marriage, that way he won't leave me.
Just kidding, it's a 2010 surprise for him.

(And honey, if you're reading this right now, I'm just kidding (about everything).)

The Urge

Why am I even contemplating creating spawn? I'm asking myself the same question. About two and a half years ago I worked at a credit union in Utah County. I worked with several other women who were a year or two older than me. I only worked there for a month, but just about everyday we'd get into a conversation about having kids. They pretty much wanted to get pregnant right then and there. I, on the other hand couldn't understand why. I couldn't wrap my brain around the idea of having a child at 22 or 23. It just seemed so young to me. I didn't want to hear the excuse "when you get older complications... blah blah blah" cause we all know the serious risk isn't until you're in your mid 30s. I know marriage can get... Mundane if you let it, after a few years. I've been married four years (on Tuesday!) and while we have a lot of fun together I can imagine it being more fun and entertaining with a little one.

Now when I stop and really think about why I want to have a kid relatively soon (2010, I'll be 25) I can only think of a few honest reasons:
1. It's going to be dang cute... I try not to say this too much cause I'm afraid I'll jinx myself into a weird-looking baby. But seriously, I can't wait to see what a little mini-us looks like. It's exciting.
2. No more boring life. Sometimes I'm mad cause I wish my car could be a transformer or my husband was a vampire... You know, the cool stuff. I easily get bored if I don't have a lot of things on my plate... Have a baby... problem solved!

3. Everyone else is doing it! (Aka: I'm jealous)

Sounds like the best reasons to have a kid right?

Aren't I suppose to feel like "I want to learn what it's like to sacrifice" "I want to learn patience" "I am excited to take care of another soul" "I'm ready to say goodbye to the life of a young free flying bird that goes wherever she pleases only worrying about my adjacent soulmate"? I'm not sure I'm--No, wait... I KNOW I'm not ready for any of that. But I've still got the urge!

It's like I'm hypnotized! I asked my husband for a blessing so I wouldn't be hypnotized anymore and he just laughed at me!

On the other hand, when I do the math and calculate that having a child at 27 would be a great wonderful age, but another 4 years seems like so long! What the heck am I going to do with myself for another 4 years? I love my husband but heck... I may get bored! I guess I can work on advancing more in my career, but do you even understand how hard it is seeing all of your friends having cute little kids and posting cute little stories and stuff? On one hand I want that too, but on the other hand, I think "I WILL have that too, just not now, and when I do, their kids will be bratty teenagers." But really, that's just to make myself feel better.

Why now? What is it that makes me want a kid so soon? And how in the world do I keep myself from jumping on the bandwagon?

Last week one of my dear friends called me asking the same questions so we talked about "the urge." Talking things through with her made me think I should take my own advice: Make personal goals to achieve before having kids, make plans to do things as a couple, maybe things you couldn't do with kids. Basically keep busy, and enjoy the time without kids because this is the one and ONLY ever time you have with just you and your spouse. Really, it's the ONLY time you'll have that... EVER (without having to worry about babbysitters and what not). Consider yourself special, because you have what many married couples don't... being childfree. And once you start you can't go back, ever ever ever EVER!

The thing that helps me the most is really realizing that and really trying to enjoy this young married couple time we have now, and living it to the fullest. I hope that works.

Any other tips?

The Things I'll Miss Pt.2

Need I say more?

The Best Age to Have a Baby Pt.2

Since my first post I've been getting more interesting stories... here's one:

Danielle (was 29): I waited that long because (first off I wasn’t married until I was 24) I wanted to get my degree, have a career, travel, etc w/o having to worry about and take care of kids. Plus I thought it was best for my husband and I to have US time before having kids. We love our daughter but even now I think we could have waited longer. I wasn’t in a rush and I’m not in a rush to have another but someday would like a second child. It just felt like the right time when we did have her. And it was planned. Got off the pill for a couple months and then whamo bammo. Pregnant.
The reason why I say we could have waited longer is because my husband and I both liked our jobs. We enjoyed the work and enjoyed the money we made. We knew once we had kids that I would either not work at all or I would stay home. I now work part time and had to switch job paths because of that and the money is decent but we’re nowhere near what I was making. So we’ve had to make some changes in our money spending and saving. It’s not bad, just very different. Went from buying what I wanted when I wanted because I knew had the money to logging into my account to see how much I have in case I wanted to get something. Blessing in disguise, I guess. It’s taught me more about budgeting and should something happen down the road we’re better off because of this experience that I know we’d be okay.
Ups - everything - even the bad stuff is an up because I get to experience it
Downs - at times it’s stressful, I’m sleep deprived, feel like I’m constantly doing something, underappreciated, takes a lot more time/money to travel, can’t pee without an audience, need a break once in a while Anything else?

The Quiz

According to an 8 question quiz I took on Parents.com I'm Probably Ready for parenthood, here's what it says:

Quiz Results: You're probably ready! You may not have ironed out every wrinkle, but you're well on your way to developing the priorities that define a great parent. Talk to your partner (my husband)and be sure to bring any anxieties you feel into the open. And remember: Some of the best moms and dads around were nervous going in.

Probably huh?... Does probably mean maybe? Cause maybe seems a little risky. But then maybe rhymes with baby and maybe that's code for "yes." Then again if I'm taking online 8-question quizes to find out how ready I am, "probably" probably means "probably not."

The Best Birth Control

Watching this showDang cute. Dang Funny. But Dang Scary!

The Mommy Moment of the Month

As stated in a previous post I literally have more married friends with kids than without (and that short list to prove it). A lot of my friends have blogs and WAY cute kids with great stories. I've decided I'll share some of the favorite stories I find with you!

Since I'm not even a mother myself and this blog is about ALL types of motherhood (pre, to-be, and actual) I'll look at blogs from my friends who may not be mom's yet either, because those stories are just as great!

The November pick (yes I'm starting with November since I started this blog last month) was easy, I read the long story in a couple of minutes because it was so intense! My beautiful friend Jamie told the story of the scariest moment of her life when her son got locked in an elevator:
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Last night we attended a Christmas party at the church. I was in charge of food and was busy scurrying around the kitchen taking care of things. All of a sudden we hear a fire alarm. Our friend Emmerson comes into the kitchen and says there is a baby stuck in the elevator!

I run out to find Dan and frantically ask him, "Where is Bryson?!" He says he doesn't know.

I sprinted downstairs to the elevator door and could hear my baby screaming over the sound of the alarm. I cannot even put into words the terror that was in my heart for my little boy. I honestly thought his tiny little fingers could be severed in the elevator door.

He was trapped because he had switched the emergency button, causing the elevator to freeze between the first and second floors.

Men from the ward were running around like crazy trying to force the elevator doors open. Dan called 911.

My dear friend Michelle came down and said a prayer with me. For the next ten minutes we sang "Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam" and "I Am Like a Star Shining Brightly" at the top of our lungs, trying to reassure him that we were there. Meanwhile, I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to fight back the tears.

Finally, after ten painfully long minutes, Bryson managed to switch the emergency button again, which opened the doors.

Just then a fire engine pulled up and four firefighters arrived, one with an axe in his hands! I'm so grateful they didn't have to use it!

Bryson, who never lets me hold him, climbed into my arms and buried his little face into my shoulder. I have never been happier to hold my baby! After things settled down Bryson said to me, "Crying. Scary. Elevator. Button. Crying."

Needless to say, I poured out my heart to Heavenly Father in gratitude last night, so thankful my little boy was safe and sound, asleep in his crib.
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I can't imagine what that must have been like for her. The story was told so well that I could got scared just picturing having an experience like this! As a mother, your mindset must change completely, you no longer have yourself to think about but a whole other life form that can't really do much on it's own. Oh the responsibility!!

See it on her blog here.

I'm looking for a December post now. Have a nomination?

The Bad Sign

As stated in my "About me" section I have an adorable 1-year old puppy. He's a Sharpei-mixed mutt and his name is Snoop.

We adopted him February of this year, he was a Valentines Day gift to ourselves. I potty trained him, fitness trained him, taught him tricks, and I've been doing obedience training with him.

My sister-in-law taught his beginner obedience class, and right from the start we could tell he was one smart cookie. He loves to learn! The same rang true the whole way through his intermediate training class we've been taking here in Austin... But everything changed today, at his graduation, my emotions came out and it wasn't pretty.

It all started when we first arrived. We split up into teams and were having a relay with obedience tricks. Each dog/owner team was suppose to take their dog to their corner and get them to sit-lay down-sit then lay down and stay before returning back and tagging to the next dog. We practiced before it was time for the race, we had this in the bag. Our team was short one dog and we even volunteered to go twice to even the odds... Bad idea.

Snoop wouldn't even sit then lay down, he would sniff the food in the isle nearby, try to say hi to the dog on the other side of the store, play dead, ANYTHING but what I was telling him to do! I was getting frustrated, and he was getting frustrated at my frustration. I thought the second time around he'd get it right but no... Same story. We lost... big time. And I wanted to cry.

The teacher must have seen my frustrations because she looked at me, kind of laughed and said "It's ok, it's just a game." Luckily he won the second relay but the rest was downhill.

Not only did he take the longest time to listen to me before healing in front of the class... At the end of class, when they were each called up to get their diplomas, we each had to do a trick in front of everyone. Snoop knows TONS of tricks (he even did a really cute bow on Live TV last week) but tonight... Nothing. He was interested in everything except me and the treats in my hand. I was so embarrassed. If the last day was a final exam he would have FAILED.

Normally he's so good in public I don't know what it was... Maybe my anxiety? All of the distractions? The fact that he didn't have a walk that morning? I was so mad, and I was even more mad at the fact that I was mad.

On the way home I was telling my husband about my frustrations with Snoop and that's when it hit me... I'm going to be "that mom." You know... the one that's yelling at her kid from the bleachers: "WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOOT??!!!" "I TOLD YOU TO KEEP YOUR HANDS UP!!!" "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!"

Please no... Lord, don't let that be me.

The Perfect Age to Have a Baby

Ok ok, obviously the time is different for everyone and from what I've hear you're never really "ready," but for the sake of my blog, humor me a little while I compare and contrast.

As of now I'm thinking I'll be in my 20s when I have my first child, but that has fluctuated over my four years of marriage. I have no intentions of being in my 40s but early 30s could be a possibility. Here are some interesting tidbits I learned from a very long article.

20s

-"Physically, the 20s are the ideal time for pregnancy," doctors say. Because your body is primed to handle the demands of carrying a baby.
-You're less likely to have pregnancy complications or babies with Down Syndrome.
-You can also grow up with your child (I'm personally not a fan of that idea, I can't imagine having a teenager before I'm 40... SCARY!!!
-Mentally: A lot of my (non-LDS) friends won't have kids yet, and I may have to put my career/advanced education on hold for awhile.
-Also, still relatively new in a marriage, we'd have to make sure we plan more time for each other.

Stories:

Carla (was 21)-The down side: Being a young mom means that it's hard not to be selfish about my time. I used to sleep in, read, or watch TV whenever I wanted and go out with friends any night I pleased. All these freedoms go away when you're a parent.

The good side: Bouncing back after pregnancies is easier when you're younger. I've gotten down to my starting weight after each one. Two weeks after I had Aliza I was in a bridesmaid dress.

I'm happy that my kids have young grandparents -- they're all in their 50s -- and seven great-grandparents. I'm always calling my mom and mother-in-law for advice

Samantha (was 25)- My career had been important to me -- I was just starting out and was very ambitious. But during my maternity leave, I realized that motherhood was what life was about for me right now.

My friends hadn't had kids yet. Some of my closest mom friends are women in their 30s and 40s whom I met in the neighborhood or at playgroups. They were eager to take me under their wing and share their wisdom.

There are times when Chris and I hear about all the wild things our single friends are doing and we're envious. But then something magical happens at home with our boys and we're reminded that we have such a full life to be thankful for.

30s

-At higher risk of developing certain complications. But the majority of healthy women still have uneventful pregnancies at this age. At age 35 there's 1/200 chance of having a child with Down Syndrome.
-More likely to have a C-section
-Mentally: I've had time for myself and my marriage, and I've accomplished some professional goals. This could give peace of mind if wanting to take a break to spend time with spawn.
-It'll be easier to find a support group of pregnant friends and get advice.

Stories:

Carol (was 30)- Good side: Financial stability -- we own our own apartment now, and we've got some money saved for Emily's education. It also meant that Emily doesn't have to compete with my career. I put so much time and energy into my job in my 20s that I felt like I was able to step back a little once I had her. I found a new position within the company that allows me to work at home sometimes, so I can spend more time with her.

Because we waited to have kids, our parents are all retired or about to retire, which means I get a lot of help! My parents-in-law watch Emily every day while I'm at work.

(apparently she had no down sides)

Erica (was 36)- I'm glad that I had time to be spontaneous, go out with friends, and travel before having kids -- it's a lot harder to get out of the house and do things when you have a baby. And I feel like I'm a better person for having had the experiences I did before having Lena. I just hope that she'll feel the same way and that she'll keep me young.

40s

-Having a baby in your 40s is common these days, and the majority of older mothers have totally normal pregnancies. Still, the risk of complications rises after age 40.
-This is crazy: If you're physically fit, eat well, and don't have preexisting health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, your overall risk of other pregnancy complications isn't markedly higher than that of a woman in her 20s or 30s.
-The self-confidence and perspective you've picked up in your life may make you more patient in dealing with a demanding newborn.

Story:

Andrea (was 44)-Down sides: My friends' children are now in college, so I'm completely out of sync! They went through all the sleepless nights and playdates and pediatrician appointments years ago -- and I'm just starting. I honestly don't feel my age at all, but I realize that as I get older it's going to become more challenging.

I thought being older would mean that I'd be more prepared for motherhood. I was centered, had traveled extensively, had eaten in all the best restaurants, and had bought all the clothes I wanted. But honestly, the experience of the two of them brings me to my knees. I wouldn't have been more prepared at 144.

As of now I'm saying the perfect age is..... (Drumroll please)...... 30!! Not in 30s but 30. That'll give me another 7 years to get where I want to be in my career, hopefully have a Master's Degree, and I'll have been married for *gasp* 12 years!! -Do I think that'll happen? No, but as of today,that's my story and I'm sticking to it. (Ask me again tomorrow).

I'd love to hear your stories!! I'd love to see personal examples from people in 20s 30s and 40s! (Or opinions of why you'd prefer one over another).

-Also, if you'd like to read more about pregnancy in each age group here's a few more articles.

The Confession

When I lived in Utah I didn't even want to THINK about spawn/kids/children/offspring. Now that I'm gone and don't feel the need to REBEL anymore, I want one.

The OMG Moment of the Week

You've GOT to be KIDDING me...

Ok, I love the Seriously So Blessed Blog. If you haven't read it yet I suggest you do. It's a great satire of LDS culture. Well, TAM (the fictional name of the writer of the blog) is having a Moprah giveaway, and while I was looking through some of the items I came across one of the funniest/ridiculous-looking things I have seen in my life... No joke!! Check this out:

They're... I don't even know what to call it (a pretty sheet?). They're called "Designer labor and delivery gowns" and are $50 each. If you're feeling extra special you can even get a matching blanket to catch the baby in or as they call it a "receiving blanket."

I don't think it's the idea that makes me laugh as much as the models posing in them. I can just imagine a lady walking into the hospital wearing one of those and being like "Ok I'm ready!"

I don't know about you, but what I'm wearing when I deliver a baby will probably be the LAST thing on my mind. And doesn't the hospital give you one for free? Well, maybe those are ugly, I don't know, but $50? Common!

Sorry, but if I see anyone wearing one of these in their "first family picture" I'll admire their cute little baby, but then I'm going to laugh... a lot.

The First Accomplishment

I cooked! I made Chicken Parmesan. It wasn't completely homemade but it was made at home!

Originally I was going to make chicken alfredo but the dogs ate the chicken I had on the ocunter defrosting, so I had to make the parmesan instead.

The box said "Ready in 30min" which really means an hour for me but it came out well. The picture doesn't look pretty but I promise it tasted yummy! I even lad leftovers so I could eat it at work the next day.

Things I'm Looking Forward to Pt1

The Nursery:
One thing I CAN'T WAIT to have is a nursery. I don't know why but I've always dreamed of having a decked out room for a little baby. I want a matching bedroom set with a really cute fancy crib, and a fun theme. I thought it would be easy to decide what kind of stuff I'd like but as I was Googling images to add here I realized how picky I am. One thing for sure... I'd NEVER be able to decorate on my own. I suck at matching things and I'll either have to choose a picture out of a magazine and order the complete package, or hire a designer. I think I have more of a sophisticated taste in design. I don't like a lot of frills or wallpaper design print stuff. I like stripes, argyle, and dark colored beds (using the word "crib" gives me the creeps unless it's regarding a house).

If I were to find something I like now, I'd choose something like this for a girl:
And for some reason right now I really like this hot air balloon room for a boy, although I think I'd rather do a sort of golf-related like the second one.
Of course in an ideal world I'd take one from the top and one from the bottom and squish them together in a room for twins...

Anyway, who knows what my taste will be like by the time I actually give birth?! Don't you love how I'm posting all this stuff about kids and I have no idea when I'll actually have one? I'm a weirdo, and obviously a tad bit bored.

The List

I was at a friend's house making gingerbread houses when we got on the topic of marriage and children. She said she has hardly any friends who are married, and I told her most of my friends were married, and a lot of them have kids. I started showing her some of my friends' blogs and we 'oooed and aaaahhhhed' over the cute little families. She couldn't believe how many friends I have with kids. I made a list a while ago and I'm not sure if I can even come close to remembering all of my pregnant friends or friends who have recently had kids, and I was going to put it here to keep track, but once I quickly thought up about 15 couples I realized it would probably be easier for me to post my friends who DON'T have kids, then keep track of when they cross over to the dark side.

Chow and Russ
Cody and Marco
Becky and Ryan
Gina and Cody
Heidi and William
Heather and Bryce
Hilary and Cory
Kim and Clay
Jana and Dave
Jen and John
Jessica and Reece
Megan and Claudy
Randi and Chad
Sarah and Dave
Shannon and John
Sharyl and Sonny
Stephanie and Patrick
Stacey and Spencer

If I have forgotten to put your name on this sacred list, forgive me. Let me know and I will add it.

My prediction is that by the time I'm pregnant, half of these people will be pregnant or have a child. This will be fun to look back at :o)

The Green Baby

My good friend Cody send me an email with an article about being careful what kind of toys you get your baby this Christmas. Is it just me or are people going so crazy about organic stuff lately? I feel like I'm so left out and behind that I'll die next year or something.

One thing I do want to do before I have kids is get better educated on stuff like this.

The Update Part 1

Here's an update on my previous challenges (cooking and jogging):
I suck.... I ran once this last week and haven't cooked yet. Cooking is just REALLY hard for me. I printed out all of these yummy recipes that seemed like they'd be easy to cook, but I got SO overwhelmed and got a headache just trying to figure out what was what at the store. Basically anything that needs more than five ingredients is out of the picture for me right now. I bought a couple of boxed dinners that have the stuff you need... Chicken, parmesan sauce, and all that extra stuff separated into different baggies. Then on the box it takes me through step by step how to make it. I know it's pathetic, but seriously that's all I can do... And I haven't even done THAT yet!! I'm making the chicken parmesan tonight though. I'll let you know how it goes.

Meanwhile, please let me know your favorite EASY (key word there) recipes. I'm seriously going to take baby steps with this cooking thing.

PS: Everyone keeps telling me about allrecipes.com but I can't seem to find the easy section... where's that?

The Free Gift

Obviously, I have the baby itch right now. I go through phases and currently my phase is "on" for having a kid! Well, since that's not going to happen for a while I've decided I'll help treat my baby bug with other people's babies, and I've offered free babysitting to all of my friends at work. I also believe this will be good practice.

Here's the email I sent to people I know have kids:

**Free Babysitting**

Hello!

If you're getting this email it's because you have a cute kid (or one on the way).

I want you to know that I am at your service if you ever need a baby sitter. I LOVE kids!

Now you may be thinking "who are you to watch my kid?" But let me tell you... I have LOTS of experience. I worked in daycare for 3 years (I worked with infants for a about 6 months, 3-year-olds for about a year and one-year-olds for the rest of the time). I also was a nanny for about 6 months and I am the oldest of 5 kids, (the youngest is 3 years old).

I (and if my husband's not working him too) will watch your kid(s) while you go out and have fun! I'm available all day Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday-Friday nights.

You can bring him/her/them to my house or I can go to yours! Just try to give me a at least a day's notice. My personal cell number is...

References available upon request!

Hopefully I don't seem too desperate and/or INSANE!

The Names

There was a point in time where I worked at a cell center and I talked to dozens of people every day. While I worked there I took note of certain names that caught my interest. Sadly I lost that list. But I've started a new one that I hope to keep updating here. Here's what I have so far:

Boys:
Ray-Rayshaun, Raymond
Ty-Tyrique, Terique, Tyson
Tre-Trevon

Jaxon

Braxton

Girls:
Joslynn
Jovita
Tamara
Tiana
Vanessa

My family has a little tradition of naming the first girl with a 'J' name then 'L' for the middle name. My grandmother's name is Joy Luise mom's name is Joy Lynn and mine is Jennifer Lynn so I like Jovita Lynn a lot right now. But obviously I'm in no rush to decide.
What names do you like?

The Facts on Contraceptives

I was out with some friends the other night and we got on the topic of birth control.

First off, by our conversation I came to the conclusion that a lot of guys just expect the women to do what they have to do to make sure they don't get pregnant. Excuse me... But unless you want a bunch of baby mama's I suggest you do your part to keep that from happening.

I also came to the conclusion that there's a lot of misconceptions about what birth control does what. That inspired me to post this blog... To hopefully educate.

I've done a lot of research myself and tried a lot of different methods. Obviously, they've all worked for me, but I've preferred some over others. I'll put my personal rating beside each method. Obviously, you're entitled to your own opinion.

Condoms
87–98% effective
Protects against nastiness but some people are allergic, and it can be uncomfortable. Bet you didn't know it's effectiveness could be that low either! The female kind is only 75-95% effective.

Contraceptive implants
99% effective
The good news is it can last up to 3-5 years, bad news is the side-effects can be bad. It cane cause some scarring when it's put in, and sometimes it can be hard to get taken out.

Depo-Provera injection "the shot"
99.7% effective
It's nice because you only need it once every 3 months, and you don't have a period. But the bad news it is can cause you to eat a lot more and since it's SO much hormones at once, it can cause ya to act a little crazy (crazier than just the pill in my opinion).

Ortho Evra aka "The Patch"
About 99% effective
Nice because you only have to think about it once a month. But I'm not sure about the stickiness bein' on me all the time. And according to this site, depending on your health, this can raise your risk of blood clots.

NuvaRing aka "the ring"
About 99% effective
Still fairly new, but it's nice that you only need to worry about it once a month, and it's real effective. I haven't tried this one but I like the sound of it.

Birth control pills
95–99% effective
Cheaper, and reduces cramps but sometimes harder to remember. I know it's pretty effective but I seem to meet a lot of people who get pregnant when they were on the pill, it was hard for me to remember to take, and it made me a little moody.

Mirena IUS (IUD)
Over 99% effective
It's nice cause you can have it up to 5 years, it reduces cramps, and it doesn't have the hormonal effects some birth control pills do. You can take it out whenever you want. Bad news is sometimes it can slip out. If you don't check it occasionally you may not notice.

ParaGard (Copper T IUD)
Over 99% effective
Can last up to ten years, but can increase cramps and aunt flow.

Fertility Awareness Methods: (Basal Body Temperature (BBT), Sympto-thermal, Billings Ovulation, "Rhythm.")
88–98% effective
I personally won't use this method until I know I'm closer to WANTING to get pregnant. 88% effective isn't effective enough for me, it takes a lot of work and with my luck I'd mess it up. On the other hand, there's no side effects whatsoever so that's a plus.

Withdrawl aka "Pull out method" -
Typical use: 73% effective Perfect use: 96% effective
Of every 100 women whose partners use withdrawal, 27 will become pregnant (with typical use) and 4 will become pregnant with perfect use. In my opinion this is a bad idea, so I give it a negative gold star.