The joys of being a step-parent...

Since I don't have a child of my own (yet), I only know what it is like to nurture others. I have been in love with children since I was a child myself and have always wanted to be a mom.

When I met my current boyfriend (Jeremy), children were part of the package, and not once did I think of that as an obstacle. I am very happy to have 2 wonderful kids in my life, and feel that they have and are showing me how to be the best mom to them and our unborn child.

I realize that I don't get the same kind of love that a blood parent that knew them from birth does, but I do get a different kind of love that I am more than welcoming of.

I am also awakened to a whole new sense of patience that I was unaware of! Wow, I knew I was impatient, but that is changing, as well as not getting things done exactly the way I had planned...

Parker and Presley have shown me to take a breath more often, and to explain the "whys" in life more, often leaving me with MORE questions myself... which is always great... re-evaluation is a must!

I am very lucky to be a step-mom. Through the tantrums and giggles it is a honor I wouldn't trade.

I think I lost my job this year for a bigger reason, to get to know these great babes a bit more before their father and I thank them with a new sibling next year. People keep asking me if I want a boy or girl... honestly, the more I think about it I don't care as long as the baby is healthy. I am already blessed with one of each.

Pictures from the Pine Tree Apple Orchard 2009

Thank you Parker for always saying the sweetest compliments when you know I need them, you are so aware and sensitive to others feelings it always amazes me. I know the movie that you and Papa are working so hard on will be a great success after much hard work!

Thank you Presley for always making me laugh, you have the most hilarious voices that I have ever heard! You always amaze me with how quickly you learn! Just today you rocked a spelling "test" and left me with my jaw on the floor. I could see from your beautiful secret smile that you were quite proud of yourself. Good job!

Two very bright and beautiful kids, thank you.

Mucho love!

Martha Stewart and Betty Crocker move aside...

Who am I these days?! In the past few weeks Jeremy and I have made home-made, jam, pickled green beans, canned sweet n' spicy carrots, apple crisp, apple pie, home-made chicken & veggie soup, and home-made granola... I swear to all of you that know me dearly I am still the same sweet ol' Amy; I just have a weird case of being a home maker these days.
Next week: Canned salsa, pickled beets, and freezer applesauce!

You'll probably be benefiting with some free home cooked goods, so it's not so bad!

I woke up this morning to find a honeydew melon placed inside my stomach... This picture (below) was taken the night before, and I'm just too dang lazy to nag my boyfriend to take another one right now. Trust me, I am now down to the "fat pants" of my wardrobe. No fun... must go shopping later today for a nice pair of pants! The pants in the picture below are from my White Trash 30th Birthday and say "Flirt" on the butt... not really appropriate pregnant pants, but knowing me... I wear them because I'm like that.

Well, just wanted to write a quick note today! Jeremy, Parker, Presley, and I are off to the apple orchard to frolic. Hope you are all enjoying this very Fall-like Sunday. Beautiful!

Mucho Love!

... and the energy kicks in!

Pregnant Lady | Wk 16:

I woke up this morning at 5:30 am with my eyeballs wide open and a smile on my face... if you know me, this is not common.

Amy pre-pregnant didn't like to wake up until 10 am (if she could help it) and didn't have a smile until about noon; after much coffee was consumed!!

I'm digging this portion of the pregnancy, and all of it thus far!
I've only been sick once, and that's due to the fact that I ate the most TART apples ever with salt on them first thing in the morning... that's just like battery acid on a persons empty belly! What was I thinking?!!

Well anyhoo, I'm starting this blog to track my first pregnancy and keep the memories for the little one to be.

Quick rundown on me:

• Dating a wonderful man named Jeremy (Teacher, Actor, Athlete, Carpenter... Etc)
• Step-Mom to 2 kids | Parker 8 (Boy), and Presley 6, (Girl)
• Unemployed currently - Member of the economic downfall layoffs of 2009
• Living in a Duplex with insane neighbors below (many stories to come I'm sure)

Funny story #1:
Jeremy and I are SUPER eager to find out the sex of this baby!
We don't really mind either way, I am just more excited to shop, etc.
We heard of this test called "Intelligender" that is available at Walgreens for $30, so we immediately ran out and bought it...
http://intelligender.com/

After following the instructions and allowing mixture to sit for 10 minutes we ran in to check out the results! Initially to me it was looking like (orange) girl at eye level, then Jeremy picked it up and decided to swirl the contents before I could really assess further.... a BIG No No!! So then all the stuff mixed after sitting for the 10 minutes it was supposed to and looked more like a (green) boy...

I have no clue what to think, so here are some pictures. Remember these were taken AFTER Jeremy swirled the concoction.



























What do you think?!

Purchase #2 | Heart beat monitor
Can't use until I'm 20 weeks, but so far I can hear my stomach digesting food?!

I'll keep this as updated as possible with all the stories to come, and pictures of my belly!

Hope you all enjoy!
Mucho love!

*****Update: 9/28/09
I emailed the above pictures to the "Intelligender" people and was sent this response:

Based on these pictures this is a girl result!

Congratulations and please let us know when you confirm!

The Moms of IntelliGender

So, again this is a waiting game, but we'll see via a ultrasound on 10/14/09!!!