Unwrap a Smile!

First ever craving! I never had any cravings with my girls and didn't really expect one, but all of the sudden during a nap today I had an overwhelming craving for Oatmeal Creme Pies! I can't remember the last time I had one of the Little Debbie snacks. My husband was good enough to run out and get me a box. Oh, so yummy! :) Hopefully, it doesn't become too much of a steady need- not so healthy. ;)

I also found a recipe to make the cookie at home. Interesting. :) Maybe I might try it out...

To circumcise, or not to circumcise...

...that is the question. Or, in all actuality the question should be: To leave my son intact, or cut him... cut almost 1/3 or more of his perfectly functioning penis off. When you put it that way there is a whole different spin. There is NO question in my mind anymore after much research.

I never really thought about circumcision until I started questioning what would my decision be if I was asked right here and now. And, then I found out I was having a boy and my intensity of research increased. I was slightly alarmed that I would base my decision prior to knowing anything about circumcision just on the mere fact that the image of the "normal" penis was the cut one in my mind. Why? Why is this "normal"? Why do we cut males? What is foreskin? Is it really that unsanitary? Well, to my shock as I kept reading and reading I became more and more furious at the misleading and downright incorrect information we have all been fed in regard to our sons penises.

I would like to share the following articles with all those who may be interested:

A baby could die from circumcision and it is more common than you think!
Baby Dies from Circumcision in South Dakota

The foreskin serves a purpose! Imagine that?! Furthermore, circumcision really gained popularity because of its claim to minimize masturbation. Once again a religious backed fear of sexuality.
The Case Against Circumcision

Circumcision impacts women...
How Male Circumcision Impacts Your Love Life

The Sexual Effects of Circumcision

And, if you're still not convinced than take a look at these articles that actually debunk the whole religious case for circumcision.
Biblical Circumcision Information

Circumcision and Christianity

The Book of Mormon on Circumcision

These are all incredibly researched and well-cited articles. It makes me so sad and disgusted for what we as adults feel the need to do to our baby boys. We do this with no care for the rights of a tiny baby welcomed into the world and then mutilated without his obvious consent... because that is what is done, or that is the "norm," or it is easier to clean!!!

I am merely writing this post to express my rethinking on the subject and a certain outrage to the majority for which I probably would have followed not too many years ago. I think this subject along with so many others is a chance for us as humans to progress... go against currents that are proven no longer viable or necessary but actually harmful.

Fit For 2

Tonight I went to my first Fit For 2 class. Now, don't ask me to bend down and pick something up. My inner thighs are still burning! Will be doing a lot of toning in that area getting ready for the big day. :)

I can't tell you how excited I am to be going to this class. It is so nice to be around other pregnant women of all different sizes and trimesters. It is twice a week (one night is dedicated to Yoga and Pilates and the other to strength training). I wanted to attend during my pregnancy with my second, but somehow never coordinated and demanded that time for myself. I just feel like I need this desperately right now. I need the motivation. I need the time outside of the house. I need the time away from my girls. I need the time around other people. I have been going just a little insane. :)

On another topic... recently, I found out (in the newspaper, might I add) that my midwife is leaving in October! I was so emotional about this I uncontrollably sobbed and sobbed for what seemed forever. I wish she would have told me herself, but I guess whatever. Anyway, more importantly she delivered both of my first babies and she is so important to me because I don't have my mom. I delivered on pitocin without an epidural, and that is no small feat. I can't do that with just a regular doctor who comes in at the end. I need some woman who can help me through it, and my midwife was that person.

I hate my mother for not being there for me and the births of my children. And, yes hate is a strong, terrible word but I mean it. For what a crappy mother she has been to me the last 7 years she was a great mom and would have been perfect with helping me in delivery. You know how a good mother usually knows exactly how to comfort and calm you, well I will never deny her that. But a lot of good it does me now.

However, I am pretty well over all the shock and helpless feelings of losing my midwife, and now am moving forward. This baby is coming whether I have my midwife, mother or not and I need to accept that and move on. I guess they are replacing my midwife with another and I hope to meet her on the 3rd to see if I like her and can see her being there during my labor and delivery. I am also keeping another possibility in the back of my mind and that would be to have my Grandma or Aunt with me. We will see, I would rather not ask that of them, but I know they would be there for me if I really needed them.

Right now, though I am enjoying trying to prepare my mind and body for what I have to do and exercise is a beautiful thing. I really hope someday to become basically addicted to exercise. I need it, everyone needs it. :) I hope you all are doing well and I will be in touch...

Goodnight.

The Versatile Blogger Award

Versatile Blogger Award! If, versatile is a nice way of putting "easily distracted," then that is me! :) Thank you so much, lavenderdiva for this great award! I really appreciate it, especially since I have been a mediocre blogger at best lately. I think so much of you and your journey as I have come to know you through the blogging medium. So, this award coming from you means so much!

I will update at a later time "7 things about me" and a list of other bloggers I would like to pass this award on to.

I am doing pretty well so far. Honestly, I just don't know how women do it... stay relatively small during pregnancy. I am getting bigger and bigger by the minute and I still have 4 months left! Yikes! I am really missing slim legs and arms. Oh, and I was stretching in the mirror last night and oh my word my behind is getting ginormous! If I could just keep my blossoming bosom and leave the rest that would be wonderful. :) But, this is how it is. I am just so happy I know what to do after it is all said and done!!! The knowledge of HCG keeps my sanity. I will be one hot mama again soon enough. :) Hope all is well and if you see me on the street try not to stare in shock at my hugeness. haha!

Rain is falling tonight... a good night's rest is sure to be in store!

PS: I know these polka-dots are kind of annoying... will change background soon. I just can't find one I really like. I am difficult to please apparently. :)

It's a...

...BOY!!!

He looked great and healthy on the sonogram! :) Only 19 or so weeks to go and he will be here!

Now, what am I going to do with a little boy. haha! :) I am sure it will all come, but with two little girls I have been in the pink zone for awhile...

Talk to you all later.

Today is the day!

Going in for the sonogram this afternoon! Very excited! :) I always love this part, however it signifies I am over the hump and on my way down the slippery slope to extreme pain... thinking I might get an epidural this time (way too much anxiety about labor this time).

But, then the little bundle is here and it is something wonderful- even including sleep deprivation, diapers, bottles (hopefully nursing this time *cross fingers*), saggy belly, emotional ups and downs, looking like hell, etc... you know, the usual. :)

On a different note, hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! Tomorrow is my birthday, too! The big 27. I will update later on the results of the sonogram... until then.

18 weeks

Howdy! :) I am still here and just wanted to drop in real quick to let you all know it. I am doing much better. I am 18 weeks along and wanted to share my bump. See below. These are the only pregnant pictures I will probably share. I have a few from my other pregnancies and let me just tell you- it ain't pretty. :) I have gained a ton, but I am not weighing myself at home (just every 4 weeks at the doctor's office- last time I gained a pound a week). I don't really want to put myself through the bother and worry right now. I am never going to be one of those little, tiny pregnant ladies with just a belly, and you know- I am over it! :) I still think I look pretty decent and it really is about getting my third baby here safely.

I am betting this baby is a boy based on how sick I have been. I wasn't all together that sick early on with my girls and I seem to be carrying the baby higher too. So place your bet now. :) I will know at 22 weeks (I have an appointment next week and then have to wait four more weeks until the next appointment for the sonogram).

Momma in red heels. :)
Until next time... happy HCGing!