Avocados and Tomatoes

I'm pregnant and I love food.... gee could you y'all have guessed that?  I haven't craved too many crazy things.  Baby H is just fueling my desire for the foods I tried to avoid to keep my girlish figure.  The urge to eat peach rings, gummy bears, cherry laffy taffies and snickers is so strong and deep.  I mean this urge blocks all clear thinking.  It eliminates the rational side of my brain. Last night I ran to the store for a "quick item" to complete dinner. I purchased peach rings, cherry laffy taffies and cherry blow pops. Hibdon didn't say a word, just gave a cute laugh. He's been pretty good about my cravings.

I will say something I have been craving that is very healthy has been tomatoes and avocados. Yesterday the weather was warm and windy, not really the comfort weather I have been wanting to have some tomato soup or a grilled cheese with avocados.  So today God sent me the perfect comfort weather.  Its 48 and raining, some are reporting sleet.  I LOVE IT.  I am snuggled up with my pup and a good movie.  I sure wish the Christmas movies were playing now.... Any way back to my comfort food.  Today I made the most delish panini.  Recipe below. 

Garlic and Herb bread

Sliced Tomato

Sliced Avocado

Fresh Spinach

Fresh Basil 

Cheese 

Dash of mayo

Grilled to perfection

Seriously finger-lickin good.  I'm about to have another one,  just thinking about its deliciousness. 

So craving was met.  THEN I get a text from Sar-Bear.  She said family night was at her house after church tonight.  Guess what she is making for Baby H's cravings!!! Guac, not just any guacamole... Aunt Sar-Bear's guacamole. She makes the absolute best guac. I plan to eat the entire bowl of guac.  I hope Hibdon doesn't plan on eating any.  I'll tell y'all her ingredients, but I don't have permission to reveal the entire recipe.  Plus, I don't think there is a recipe.  I think it's just one of those perfect recipes that she just knows the right amount. 

Roma tomatoes

Avocados

Cilantro

Jalapenos

White end of green onions

Juice from a lime

Juice from a lemon

Salt 

Pepper

She does a rough chop, it's almost a salsa and not your typical creamy guac.  Oh lord, Baby H is going to be happy flips in my belly.  Nothing makes a pregnant girl happy more than a craving met.   

Must Love Dogs

If I were to create an ad in search for Baby H, I would most definitely add the list below.

1) Must love to sleep at least 8 hours a night
2) Must love to nap
3) Must request to snuggle and rock in order to nap
4) Must love all fruits and vegetables
5) Must hate sweets
6) Must obey everything I say & never forget the rules
7) Must love to read
8) Must never get sick
9) Must love weekend get-a-ways to Gpa & Hons, CCs, Papa's, Uncle Wil & Aunt Randi's, Uncle Shayne & Aunt Aub's, and Uncle Speed & Aunt Sara's
10) Must love to help with chores.

So obviously Baby H will probably not meet these requests and I will still love him/her with every fiber of my being.  Hey, a girl can dream!

While the never ending child development theory of Nature vs. Nurture is the influence of what Baby H will love it will be interesting to see his/her favorites.  I am sure there will be a lot of nurture things that Baby H will love.

1) Dogs- we love our Maddy Dog and all dogs for that matter.
2) Football- ESPN is fixed on our TV during the weekends.  Game Day and Red Zone..enough said.
3) Oklahoma City Thunder- I can't put into words my love for this team
4) Hot hamburgers- Texas toast + burger + cheese + fries + brown gravy over all = HEAVEN
5) Outdoors - Summer, Fall and Spring...sometimes even winter
6) The water- Every summer will be spent either on Papa's boat or in Aunt Aub's pool
7) Jeeps- we have two, Hon has one,  Uncle Wil just sold his, Aunt Randi has one and Papa used to have one
8) Wrestling- boy or girl, Baby H will understand the Hibdon passion for the mat
9) Fishing- boy or girl, Hibdon will load Baby H and Maddy in the Jeep, drive to his favorite little pond, eat ranch flavored sunflower seeds, listen to Eric Church and just fish
10) Family time- We love it, we love nights at Aunt Aub's, Aunt Sara's or when we all gather here.  We love when CC comes to visit. We love relaxing at Gpa and Hon's  We love staying with Mema and seeing Papa.  We love Uncle Wil and Aunt Randi's. We love family time-we need family time.

Things that will probably come natural to Baby H, good or bad Baby H will probably inherit these traits.

1) A ghetto booty- Sorry Baby H, Daddy and I both have one.  It will give you power when you swing the bat, but finding jeans is stressful.
2) Love chocolate & have a sweet tooth- This is dangerous, but Hibdon and I love to snack
3) Hairy arms- Ugh so embarrassing! At least it will be blonde.
4) Big Smile- Both Hibdon and I have large teeth.  I think it makes for pretty smiles.
5) If Baby H is anything like Hibdon he/she will be fast, a great athlete and insanely competitive.
6) Let's face it, competitive will be natural.  We both are.
7) Laid back.  We don't typically sweat the small stuff.
8) Optimistic. Glass is always half full with us. We are content with knowing things are meant or not meant to be.
9) Chatty- Hibdon and I both received the gift of gab.  Baby H will probably just keep up.
10) Cold natured- We love electric blankets and space heaters.

Making these lists spark an excitement for me.  Will Baby H look more like me or Hibdon?  Will Baby H naturally like all the things we do?  Will Baby H be the angel that I was as a child or the rowdy boy that Hibdon was.  Its blogs like these that make me want the next few months to fly by.

Public Service Announcement

I have a confession.  Oh gosh I am just embarrassed, actually ashamed. I don't even know where to begin.  I just need to rip it off like a band-aid.  Here goes...

Yesterday as I am driving home from work, singing along with the radio and getting excited to head to the polls, my phone chimes.  I have a text message.  I am driving and I have promised, sworn, looked Hibdon straight in the eye and said..."I won't text and drive". I even promised him to use the bluetooth feature every time I am driving.  This was pre-pregnancy folks, you can imagine the sternness in Hibdon's voice about texting and driving in my new condition.

So I ignore it and of course my friendly iphone chimes again to remind me there's a text message waiting to be read.  I try to look out of the corner of my eye to see who it is.  I can't, but I keep thinking I want to read it.  Turn the music up loud to drown the temptation. It did not work.  I caved, I told myself I will just look at my phone.  Just check to see who it is.

Wellllllll, it was my favorite, favorite, favorite friend Kym.  Kym lives in OKC with her hubby Hardin. Hardin and Hibdon played baseball together.  They kept in touch and married amazing women. I am so thankful Hardin married Kym.  I get to spend time with her!  We see them on occasion and it's the BEST time ever.  Hardin and Hibdon are seriously two peas in a pod.  Kym and I just go with whatever crazy scheme they come up with.  We don't go because we are gullible, we go because someone has to reel those two in.  They get a little wild together.  I love the Hardin's and I love that Kym is in my life. She will be a great Aunt for Baby H.

So now that you know Kym, you could understand why I was so excited to see her text.  I couldn't wait to see what it said.  I read it and told myself a quick reply will be fine. Bad right? Texting and driving, such a no-no.  Well, I am so embarrassed to report this, literally ashamed.  I am reliving this event right now and my face is red.

As I hit send on the text message I look up.  I had to slam on my breaks, full force slam.  There was a bright yellow school bus in front of me slowing down to turn.  I was also speeding slightly, just to add icing to my guilt stricken cake. Hey, when in Rome, tell all your secrets. I did not hit the bus I am so thankful to report.  Also, there were no other cars around.  I don't think the kids even noticed.  It was scary for me though.  I did pull over and the event was slow motion in my head.  I calmed my nerves and said a huge prayer.  I thanked God for not letting anything bad happen to that school bus full of kids, I also was thankful that Baby H and I are safe.  As I drove off it hit me that, those were some one's babies on the bus and that was some one's Daddy driving.  How could I be so careless?  How would I feel if that happened to Baby H someday? Praise God nothing happened and I able to learn a valuable lesson without any true consequences.

Moral of the story is it's not worth it people.  It can wait. I will NEVER text and drive again. Won't do it. Man I am going to get an earful when Hibdon reads this.    

Terrible Momma Strike One

I am going to blame this on a pregnant brain, 12 weeks isn't too early to use that as a crutch....right? I know, I know it's too early.  I am such a bad Momma.  I mean really, I should be disgusted with myself.  The other day Hibdon reminded me that I have forgotten to mention my sweet baby girl in my blog.  Yes this is the first time I am pregnant, but I have had a baby girl for the past 3 years.  Her name is Madison.

Madison came into my life when I was moving into an apartment by myself for the very first time.  I was pretty nervous to stay alone and Hibdon knew it.  He tried to be there as much as he could, but he had responsibilities and they weren't in my south Tulsa apartment.  So, he bought Maddy, my boxer-dog.

Okay, okay if you aren't a dog person this post seems silly, maybe even dumb.  Guess what its because you aren't a dog person.  If you are a dog person, you just said "bless your heart".  You can simply relate with the guilt I feel for not mentioning Maddy in my first post, let alone waiting until post 7. SEVEN people! Bad, bad, bad, Momma.

As I said, Hibdon bought Maddy for me as I was moving on my own.  She was such a special gift to me.  I loved her instantly.  She loved to snuggle and still does.  She was quite the wild woman when she was a pup, she has slowed down....slightly.  She is a true boxer, crazy girl.  She loves visitors and wags her entire little booty when she seems them.  She and Hibdon wrestle and howl almost every night.  When she gets tired she comes to my side, gives me a little whine and curls up next to me.  She will sleep for hours right by my side.  Mad-dog has always been a bit of a Momma's girl, probably because it was just us in that 1050 square ft. apartment.  She loves Hibdon and gets a little jealous when he shows me affection.

Maybe I am crazy, but I have heard dogs know when you are pregnant.  SIL also has a boxer, Andre.  He was very much her husband's dog and had nothing to do with SIL.  When she became pregnant with E, Andre started sleeping on her side of the room and followed SIL around.  Maddy has always slept on my side on the room.  She has been extra clingy here lately and less likely to sit with Adam.  She tries to get right by my side at all costs, regardless of how comfortable it is for her.  She now follows me to every room, up the stairs and even waits by the bathroom door.  You can imagine how many times she has just laid right in front of the bathroom door here lately.  Sometimes she even whines when I close the door.  I am not sure if she is mothering me and this is her form of care taking, but it's just presh.  IDK, maybe she knows these are the last days of her being the Baby Dog.  Maybe she is trying to soak up all she can.

Well, I say let her.  I love it and I love that furry, loud snoring, booty wagging, mean girl howling, bowing on command, sweet faced baby girl.  I can take all the attention she wants to give. I just hopes she can't feel the guilt I have of waiting for seven posts to express my love for Maddy.

Start Spreadin' the News

I just love that song when there's good news to be heard.  Now I just imagine myself in a black sparkly get-up, tux jacket with tails and tall black hat.  I'll do a high kick, baby bump exposed and I'll sing loudly, "Start Spreadin' the News".

Okay, so maybe our announcement of Baby H was a little less elaborate.  I will say surprising everyone and hearing their excitement was the most fun.  It's hard to describe how special it was to share this excitement that had been building for months.  Hibdon and I found out about Baby H at the end of September.  You've heard the story, it took us a little while to let it sink in.  I have also had some issues with my thyroid, they made me unsure that the news could be true.  Lastly, we experienced a loss with two people who are so very close to us. This made my anxiety rise even higher. So on October 29th we had an appointment and got the green light to....you guessed it... Start Spreadin the News!!!

Big Brother and I at our favorite tailgating spot in Fayetteville

Radi-Doll and I at TT's Oktoberfest 2011

I will say we did tell a couple a little early, well a lot early.  Big Brother and Randi-doll were the first to hear.  Hibdon and I made our new traditional trip to Bella Vista to see Big Brother and go to a Hogs game. We love this, we ALWAYS have such a good time.  I also love a good battery recharging at Big Brother's, in the middle of the Ozarks.  So here's how it went down... Big Brother and I were walking Marly and Yella Dog.  Big Brother tells me some great news, he raises his hand to give me a high-five. I freeze, I don't say congrats, good job, proud of you.  It just came out, I had an out of body experience. The words slipped out and there in the middle of the Ozarks, I said it. "I'm pregnant".  He let out a big laughed and grinned real big, looking just like Daddy.  He gave me a side hug and we kept on walking.  Randi-doll heard the news via email, all the way in Italy.  I'm sure she ate an extra plate of pasta for me.

CC at Olive Garden

After keeping it a secret for the month of October, I for one was relieved to tell my big secret.  I haven't ever been good at keeping secrets. I'm somewhat of a chatty Kathy.  So, it started with my Momma (Baby H's CC).  CC and I went to Olive Garden for our usual Mother-Daughter date.  I purchased a cake and had all the different names for Grandma written on it.  I slid the cake in front of her, she was confused.  I then showed her the ultrasound pictures. She said, "Well, how about that".  She was shocked.  She's not shocked anymore, she's beaming with excitement.  She will never be called grandma, but she will love the sound of Baby H wanting CC.  

Hibdon at his MBA graduation in 2011

The next to know was Gpa and Hon.  Hibdon had an elaborate plan from day one of Baby H.  He wanted a big family dinner, a prayer and he was going to blurt it out.  Well, I let Hibdon do the planning.  He's a boy, it didn't go well.  So once his plans fell through, he made a mad dash to Barnsdall and told Gpa and Hon they would be enjoying a new grandbaby.  They were excited. I'm still waiting their pic, but here's one that I love from 2011.

Shortly after it was Papa, he had just gotten home from the school.  He walked in and I told him, I have a present for you.  I pulled the framed picture out and he was slightly confused.  I then asked him if he wanted to be called Papa.  His eyes got misty and he smiled really big.  He had been wanting a grandbaby for a while now.  So, he was a little excited when he heard his baby was having a baby.

Papa holding his new pride & joy

Aunt Sara Beth and Aunt Aub

Then we told our crew.  Uncle Shayne, Aunt Aub, Uncle Speed-dog and Aunt Sara Beth.  The turkeys already knew.  They had been watching our every move the past 6 months hoping for a sign.  Of course it became more obvious the last month.  So just in case we were going to tell them, they were prepared.  There was a signed card, sparkling grape juice, hugs and I held back tears.  We were excited, E even gave us an applause. 

We then told the rest of our friends and made a FB announcement.  You know to make it official.  Tator knew a little early, I can't keep things from her.  Bill heard that day via text message, she was a little busy.  Now we have changed our group conversations from randoms to Baby H talk.  

Bigheart Day 5k with Bill & Tator

Kayla & Jade, Kristin & Levi, Meghan & Bentyn, Baby H & Me 

The last group to be surprised are three of my sweetest friends.  All moms and all amazing women.  There's Kayla whom I have grown up with, lived just down the street from her.  She also married a man that has been like a brother to me from birth.  There's Kristin, my soul sister.  She married my cousin Russ and it made my life complete.  Kristin is also the future care-taker of Baby H when I return to work.  Lastly, there's Meg, sweet Meg.  She is new to my friend life and I swear we are on the same wave length.  We had great lunch time convos about life, religion and politics.  She has been gone for 49 days (so my instant messenger at work states).  She's at home with one of Baby H's future playmates, Bentyn.  Telling these girls was fun. Here's the setting...McAlister's at lunch, we all gathered our food and had a seat.  We are talking about their babies and adoring Baby Bentyn.  Then I tell them I have a CRAZY story.  I start with something about the movie filming in town, throw in a work comment (it was the most random story).  My heart is pounding, hands are shaking and I am try my HARDEST to mask my smile.  Then I say, "I'm just kidding, I'm pregnant".  Meg almost chokes on her food, Kristin gasps and tears start to come and Kayla had a look of total shock then straight to a smile. It was so fun telling them.  I can't wait, I really mean it.  I am so excited to see our babies grow together, play together, learn from one another and become great friends. Maybe some day Baby H will sit down at a table with Jade, Levi and Bentyn to spread the news.

'Merica

Today Hibdon and I took our little Baby H to the voting polls, hopefully like most Americans.  I must say I have anxiety about voting.  I try to be responsible with exercising my right to vote.  Hibdon and I watched all the debates, I read all the reviews on not only the Presidential election, but local candidates.  I reviewed the questions on the ballot, weighed the pros and cons.  I have also been praying for this day.  

For some their votes were easy, they see things clearly with no middle ground. Hibdon and I have both expressed how confused we were with this election.  We both were slightly uncertain, we actually changed our minds after the last debate.  I know there are parties and some Americans are strict to their party decisions.  I believe we were confused at some of the great things our current President has accomplished, but fearful of some the things he hasn't accomplished or wants to accomplish.  We don't see his opponent as a devil in a $1000 suit, nor do we see him as the saving grace to our country.  In elections past I have felt as if it was picking between the lesser of two evils.  Maybe it's my pregnant heart, but I like them both.  I care about them both.  I care that both of them are in positions of power, leading people and making decisions on their behalf.  I pray that they pray, they make each decision with care.  Now I am certain that the above paragraph will offend many people within my family and circle of friends.  I'm sorry, I just don't see it clearly.  What I see is what I wish we all could be.  

⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

I wish we all could love like this.  Love doesn't care who you vote for, what party you claim or what box you checked.  It just doesn't, never has, never will. 

I will say I voted, I was proud.  I exercised my right and it felt nice to do so.  I had such a thankful heart walking into a church to do something that others have fought to keep safe. As I was standing in line they called the 1000th voter.  This voter made my heart swell.  He was a very tall, red-headed man.  He was wearing his military uniform.  The building was excited that he was the 1000th voter. I love America. 

Seeing him made me so thankful that I got to vote.  It reminded me that my Papa fought for our country. I have circled around my Mema's dinner table and grasped hands as my aunt prayed over our Thanksgiving dinner, she prayed a special prayer for my cousin Shawn.  He was leaving for his second time to fight, just days later.  I thought about my sweet baby cousin Ricky.  Praise God he hasn't left the luxury of Florida, but his name is on that list. I will fall apart if he's not safe. 

Regardless of who we vote for, in the beautiful picture of life it's a very small image.   I serve a God that loves both parties.  I know Baby H will vote one day and I'm afraid the lines will become even more unclear by then.  My prayer is that Baby H will vote with a prayerful heart. 

SIL and Sar-Bear

I was raised with Big Brother.  He was great at protecting and teaching, but we didn't talk about boys, make-up, hair or fashion.  We didn't talk about feelings or people.  While our conversations have evolved there's still a difference between girl talk and Big Brother talk.  I love him dearly, but he just can't hang.  He can't hang because I have the best of the best.  I have my SIL and Sar-Bear.

I love them both more than words can describe.  They both seem to baby me, which I kind of like.  They are both the same age, love all the same things (including this ridiculous obsession with salt). So, I'm definitely different from them.  I have emotions, they are like rocks. They don't need men really, but I need Hibdon.  There's something about the two of them that makes me feel loved and right at home.  They keep me sane when I'm irrational, but they are the first one's to take my side.  Even SIL over her baby brother.  She almost always sees it my way.

Tonight as I am sitting here enjoying the delicious dinner that I finally had energy to cook, the door bell rings.  Slightly creepy because it's 7:30 and Hibdon is still at wrestling practice. Who is at my door? SIL and Sar-Bear, with a gift basket.  Just a pregnancy gift basket. This basket included the following: bath pillow, box of chocolate turtles, sparkling grape juice, candles, lotion, bubble bath, chap stick, Tylenol, slippers, soft socks, brownie mix and a very special painting from E.  E is my nephew who is too special to mention here.  He will need his own post.

This basket melted my heart. Like I said, they take care of me. Its like God knew I need two big sisters. He knew I would need SIL to tell me what medications are safe and which ones to stay away from.  He knew I would need her advice on how to handle Hibdon when he got out of hand.  He knew I would need Sar-Bear to ALWAYS be there, to be my roommate, cousin, best friend, running partner and encourager.  He knew I would need them.  Best of all because God knew I would need them in my life Baby H will never know what its like to be without an Aunt Aub or Aunt Sara Beth.  Baby H will be spoiled be their love, comforted by their hugs, rocked in their arms and many many stories will be read.  I just hope they don't give my kid salt.  Those girls are out of control.

I love them, a lot.

Here's the painting E made me.  This made the basket perfect. Pretty sure those are strokes from a pure genius baby.