tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955003634174694622024-03-08T15:16:11.544-06:00Perception is EverythingJanna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.comBlogger820125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-86274007955987612932016-07-05T21:14:00.001-05:002016-07-05T21:14:09.298-05:00Hey guys!<br />
Just checking in. Things have been grrr-eat. I got a new job as a Marketing Specialist when I wasn't even looking for a job, and now we have a one year old. Ca-razy I tell you.<br />
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I should be through training soon, and then I hope to share pictures from her Birthday, and the vacation we are about to go on. It will be pretty epic, and we will be hitting Asheville, Nashville, Wadsworth, Ohio, and Williamsburg, Virginia all in TEN days. Speaking of which, do any of you know good hikes with waterfalls in Asheville (preferably nearish to downtown Asheville), or what to do in Nashville? I think I'm most excited about Nashville because I've never been, so any advice would be super helpful. Thank you!Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-61346899835120561582016-04-13T07:00:00.000-05:002016-04-13T07:00:16.342-05:00Mom ParanoiaHi. Remember me?<br />
I'm still me, only different.<br />
I'm a mom, but I still don't feel right using the title. Sure, I keep a fifteen pound bundle of joy alive and well, but I always assumed moms knew everything and could handle 'it all'. As the military say... "You don't know what you don't know," but now I am well aware of a LOT of things that I didn't know. We only survived because of family, friends that are nurses (thankfully on call 24/7), and Google. Dear, sweet, Google.<br />
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That's partially why I took an unplanned blog sabbatical, and then when you throw in a PCS (military move), deciding to buy another house, a renovation, and mom paranoia I'm sure it's obvious. I guess the mom paranoia isn't necessarily obvious, but that's where I am stuck. I've always felt a freedom in sharing our life story, and even when we were told to censor ourselves because of terrorists I felt compelled to continue on living our normal life and blogging about it. Now, however, I have become very protective over Miss Charlie and her online presence. It's the real reason that I stopped blogging, and went so far as to start a private Instagram account. I know it's completely normal to share our kiddos over social media since I've been enjoying other peoples children online for years, but for some reason I've been very reserved. I figured it was better to err on the side of caution than to regret it later, so I've been waiting to see if the feeling passes. Unfortunately, it's only gotten stronger.<br />
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She's been the center of our world for almost three hundred days, and I don't even think I've posted that many pictures via Facebook and Instagram combined in nine months. But don't worry, I've probably taken 9,000 PLUS for our own enjoyment, haha. In the end, I guess that's all that matters. She is a perfectly healthy and happy baby that has turned our world upside down, and she has most definitely become my favorite photo subject. Will is still a close second (don't tell him I said that), but I just can't help documenting every adorable thing she does.</div>
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So am I crazy? Am I just being paranoid? Please tell me this is just a phase, because I think I'm ready to start blogging again. I have soooooo much to tell you all, and I need to catch up on all of your lives too! I think of you all often, and I hope I haven't missed anything too important. Let me know if I have and send me links for fun stuff I missed.</div>
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<br />Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-45683547079093002282015-08-05T09:55:00.000-05:002015-08-05T09:55:32.853-05:00In The Headlines, And An Anouncement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/food/the-33-best-burgers-in-america-125265820336.html">33 Best Burgers In America</a></div>
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I'm sad to say I haven't had a SINGLE one of these burgers, because we happen to LOVE any burger we can get our hands on. <b>However, there's a good chance we will be heading to Fort Bragg, NC in about a month, so we can visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnsons-Drive-In/275244445821287">Johnson's Drive In</a> located just outside of Fayetville!</b> In case you are wondering, that's the announcement. More on that below.</div>
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<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/food/kraft-recalls-36000-cases-of-cheese-due-to-125757178406.html">Kraft Recalls 36,000 Cases of Cheese</a></div>
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So let me get this straight...some people didn't take off all of the plastic before eating their over processed fake individually wrapped cheese, and now there's a recall on the whole product? Seems a tad bit excessive, and I don't even support Kraft. #nogmo</div>
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<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/sheriff-shackled-handcuffs-school-children-disabilities-video-191928430.html">Shackled Children</a></div>
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If you can't handle 8 and 9 year olds, you probably shouldn't be on the force. Plus it's against the law to use handcuffs on children in that state specifically, so there's that.</div>
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<a href="http://time.com/3980245/ronda-rousey-bethe-correia-body-shaming/">Ronda Rousey Body Shaming</a></div>
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No doubt she's awesome and the fact that people are body shaming her is ludicrous, but I think the fact that she's calling out other women in her response is just as bad. I personally think her comeback would have been more powerful if she wasn't shaming someone else in the process.</div>
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<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/music/s/gwen-stefani--gavin-rossdale-split-after-13-years-of-marriage--no-doubt-singer-files-for-divorce-001139973.html">Gwen and Gavin Split</a></div>
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The shit is bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. I happen to think that celebrities have a small dating pool because they tend to date within the industry. As such, if you limit yourself to a specific pool, there is no guarantee Mr. Right is going to be in there. Hopefully they will find love in the future! At least they made beautiful babies!</div>
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<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/travel/following-cecil-the-lion-killing-delta-bans-125775729687.html">Cecil The Lion</a></div>
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I'm from a family of hunters, but they hunt to eat and for population control. In fact, the only antlers my dad has is from a deer that they tried to rescue after it broke it's back jumping a fence. Hunting these gorgeous creatures is just greedy and I'm glad Delta isn't allowing Big Game Trophies on their planes.</div>
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<a href="http://www.krgv.com/news/local-news/Civilians-Guarding-Military-Recruitment-Center-in-McAllen/34264666">Civilians Protecting The Military</a></div>
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I don't want to go too in depth about the threats to our military and families stateside, because it really gives me anxiety. It's way too close to home, and brings up so many hot button questions about soldiers that can't protect themselves, and it's a problem that I can't believe we have in this country. On a positive note, the support from the community has been inspiring to watch. I know it's not safe or realistic to have vigilantes running around trying to protect the soldiers, but I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I wanted to be out there with them to prove that something needs to be done. We live in fear while our soldiers are deployed, but we don't get hazard pay to worry about them stateside. What happened America?</div>
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Okay, so as I mentioned up there, we are 90% sure that we will be heading to North Carolina in a month or so! I've already been picking <a href="http://www.thelindsayerin.com/">Lindsey</a> and <a href="http://coreyandcarrieoconnor.blogspot.com/">Carrie's</a> brain, but if any of you have insight into Fort Bragg or the Fayeteville area please send it my way! It's hard to figure out where to live when you've never set foot in a town, and yet we do it to ourselves every time. </div>
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-4389556343722903122015-08-03T00:00:00.000-05:002015-08-03T00:00:00.798-05:00We Have A One Month Old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A month ago, the nurse told me that each day would get easier even if I couldn't see it day by day, and I am thankful to admit she was right. I've cried more days than not, and felt like I must be doing everything wrong more than I'd like to admit, but I feel like we've come so far since then that I'm slowly forgetting the root of all of the fears and 'baby blues'. As my love for her grows, everything seems to have begun falling into place and I can now have more of a sense of humor about all the ups and downs. Yep, love, a sense of humor, and savoring the little things seem to be the key. Here are some of the little things:</div>
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+ Her eyes have begun to lighten.</div>
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+ Loves to sleep on us, but especially Daddy.<br />
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+ I love that I can calm her by simply putting my hand on her chest. It's funny that I've been doing that to her daddy for years. Proof that he's trained me for motherhood well.<br />
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+ Tried to get her on a schedule, but she showed us who's boss. For now, we are just thankful she can sleep up to 5-6 hours at a time at night. Doc said let her sleep, so that's what we are doing even if it does mean changing the sheets.</div>
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+ She is strong, which she showed by almost ejecting herself out of the bucket during the newborn photos, and she's only gotten stronger since. Every time she holds her head up it blows my mind, and we love tummy time for more practice...even if sometimes her strength is fueled because she is mad I woke her up for tummy time. Sorry Charlie! <i>Pun intended.</i><br />
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+ We can't believe she's already grown out of the Newborn Swaddles, hats, socks, and is even too long for some of the onesies. Speaking of the swaddles, she's also an escape artist and can get out of them no matter how good we swaddle her. This kind of defeats the purpose when she spends all night fighting them, but it still seems to be better than her flailing her arms around. I'd love any insight on this from other parents of escape artists.</div>
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I had actually posted a one month photo last week because I was going by weeks, but as Will kindly pointed out- we now have to go by months. Even worse...eventually we have to go by years. I know this is common sense, but I'm beginning to realize how fast time is going to fly and I don't like it one bit. Sure, there are days when I look forward to taking her to Disney World, school recitals, and getting to re-experience life with her, but I know that when those days come I'll be desperate for the memories of late night snuggles during feedings, her little fingers wrapped around mine, and yes...even the laughter caused when diaper changes go wrong. <b>Charleston Quinn...you are a pretty cool chick so far. Keep it up.</b></div>
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<br />Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-14993102763556232482015-07-31T09:21:00.000-05:002015-07-31T09:21:35.153-05:00Things Are Lookin' Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A lot of times we get wrapped up in what's wrong and forget to be thankful for what's right. Sure, we have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to Miss Charlie, but then we also get caught up by lack of sleep, changing diapers, dirty laundry, etc. and realize that things aren't all rosy when you have a newborn. Like seriously...I don't know how this tiny little thing can create so much laundry. Anywho, there have been some positives this week!</span></div>
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+ After a FULL week of no AC, we now have a brand new unit!</div>
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+ Will had his final check ride last night, so he will have the rest of the week off and more importantly, NO MORE NIGHT FLYING. I can't believe that we have two weeks until graduation and we are done...D-O-N-E with flight school.</div>
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+ Charlie has grown a FULL inch in four weeks and is in the 90th percentile for height. We had a checkup this week and she's still doing great! I need to take her one month pictures before she changes anymore, and I swear she's one month going on sixteen.</div>
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Now if only I could manage to get her to sleep on my schedule...Ha...Ha. Have a great weekend everyone! We are starting ours early.</div>
Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-7644417282314458372015-07-28T00:00:00.000-05:002016-07-28T07:39:25.493-05:00Birth Story: The Best And Worst Day Of My Life<div style="text-align: center;">
I still hold our wedding day as the best day of my life, but the day we brought a baby into the world together takes the title for "BEST and WORST Day of my life". Everyone kept telling me that my labor would be <i>so easy, </i>and the doctor even swaggered in thinking that it was going to be a breeze after bragging to my nurse friend that he wished all of his patients were like me. They said this would be a <i>great labor experience</i> with my health and fitness, however, that's not exactly how things turned out...but let's go back a few days.<br>
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On June 30th I went in for my last OB appointment a day after our original due date. I was 2 cm, 60% effaced, so we came to the agreement that we would <a href="http://www.babycentre.co.uk/what-is-a-membrane-sweep">Strip the Membranes</a> {natural way to induce labor}, and if that didn't work, I would be scheduled for an induction. I hadn't wanted to be induced because that's just more drugs, but we also knew that leaving her in there for too long without knowing a true due date was a gamble too. So basically, we scheduled it, gave the family notice to head this way, and we were rarin' to go. My parents and Natalie {Charlie's Godmother} even arrived the night before, so we all had a nice dinner and a very sleepless night. Natalie and I giggled over the fact that we were basically having a sleepover like the old days, only now we were whispering about babies rather than boys and instead of staying up until 4AM, we were getting up at that time to go to the hospital.<br>
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<br><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It didn't take long to check in, but emotions were high as we got the process started. Dressing gowns, IV's, Monitors, and going </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">over and ove</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">r the process filled the time until the doctor arrived, and then the Pitocin drip started about 8AM. Just in time for Will to finish up his academics and meet us at the hospital. {We couldn't have him missing class if we could help it!} Slowly the contractions started, and I realized that the day would not pass as quickly for everyone else as it was for me, so I sent them off to get some rest, which left time for Will and I to rest in between contractions. As you can imagine, we didn't have much success with that, so around 11:30 I was ready for the Epidural. I had been a little apprehensive about it, but I can honestly tell you that the lidocaine they use to numb you is the only thing that I felt. As a matter of fact, I didn't feel anything for the rest of the day and not in a good way. Well, good in that I wasn't feeling any pain, but bad because I didn't have any feeling from the ribs down. I was pretty worried when I touched anywhere below my ribs and I felt like I was touching a corpse. When they would move my legs I would say "What legs? I don't have any legs", </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">and <b>if</b> <b>only</b> they had believed me...</span></div>
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Fast forward to 6:02pm, and the pushing began. I had no reference for how to push, but I listened to every bit of advice to start getting her down the birth canal. In spite of the fact that I had zero feeling, she was moving down and things were looking good up until we realized that she was turned to the side and didn't want to budge past my pelvic bone. After thirty minutes I suggested turning off the epidural, but the doctor seemed apprehensive. Instead, they pulled out extra handlebars, gave me every option known to man about how to push/pull/contort my body, and had Will and Natalie wrangling both my legs. This lead to another thirty minutes of pushing that got us nowhere until I could tell my doctor was getting frustrated. He was telling me to push where I felt his hand, so I told him I would if I could feel where he was pushing. I think it finally clicked that I did not have enough feeling to do what needed to be done and the epidural was then turned off. It would have been nice to take a break until it wore off, but nope...we kept pushing, and they kept telling me I was doing sooo great. I had to be on oxygen, was getting conflicting advice on how to push, and simply emotionally and physically drained, so I snapped back "I don't believe any of you". Luckily, it only took another thirty or so for me to tell that things were coming along, and as Natalie started getting bucked every time I pushed with growing strength in my legs, I at least felt like we were getting somewhere.<br>
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It was when I regained feeling in my abs that I knew we were in business. A nurse took over the leg opposite Will, and although I had barely any strength left, it only took one push for the doctor to realize it was time to pull out the safety net and put his delivery gown on. Two more pushes and he <strike>threatened</strike> mentioned that he may have to <i>open me up</i> to give her more room. Apparently that was just the push I needed to get her out, because he wasn't getting anywhere near me with those scissors. One more push and a tiny little human was placed on my chest. I was exhausted, they were sewing me up from a small tear on the left side, among a few other minor complications, but I could care less. I just was happy to be done with the hardest two hour workout I'd ever had in my life.<br>
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While they cleaned her across the room, we marveled at how long she was. We were thinking she would be 6 pounds and change, maybe 19 inches, and instead she was 7.13, 21 inches, and all legs! Actually, not <i>all</i> legs at the time because she had the WORST cone head I'd ever seen. I told Natalie to get her hat ready, because baby girl was not going to meet everyone like that. I know it's normal, but I totally had a "what have I done to my baby?!" moment. Poor thing hung out under my pelvic bone for so long that it was inevitable. I was only thankful that her face was perfect from being turned, and all that really mattered was she was healthy and loved.<br>
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<b>Finally, once everybody had gone home, the three of us began our new life together. We clung to the natural instincts we didn't know we had, and hoped that would be enough to get us through the night, and well, the rest of her life.</b><br>
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-13506108084057107842015-07-24T00:00:00.000-05:002015-07-24T10:23:18.416-05:00Why Does The AC Only Go Out In Summer?<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm glad y'all have appreciated all the pictures this week! It's funny, they make it look like we've got our act together, but just so you know...that's impossible with a newborn. In fact, on the day we took the newborn photos I was so engorged that I told the photographer I didn't want my chesticles anywhere in sight, and even worse- we forgot to refasten Charlie's diaper all the way on the way home and as you can imagine, we had to take apart and clean the whole car seat. See what you future parents have to look forward to!?</div>
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As if life with a newborn isn't difficult enough, <b>we woke up to hot air blowing out of the AC unit</b> on Wednesday. I called and let our rental company know that we had a newborn in an 85 degree house which got us moved to the top of the list, but then we found out that the whole unit may need to be replaced, which doesn't happen in one day. We now have two window units working full force, and I don't mind running errands so much right now.</div>
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All in all, things are going as good as can be expected, though. We are still working on our breastfeeding, but she's still alive and growing and I have proof. I took a meal to another brand new mommy this week, and was blown away by the difference between the two babies. Christian was born at the exact same stats as Charlie (7.13 pounds, 21 inches), and yet she's grown SO much in the two weeks before he was born. Crazy right?!</div>
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And in non-baby related news, I braved Target while out and about with Charlie and finally found my favorite calendar/planner! For whatever reason, my brain only functions with a calendar that is set up horizontally, and <a href="http://www.bluesky.com/planners-calendars.html?size=22">Blue Sky</a> is the only company that makes one. These buggers are hard to find in stores other than online or Target. but they are still worth the hunt. Forget those expensive calendars that all bloggers are addicted to {you know which one I'm talking about}, because these are where it's at and the price tag is way better!</div>
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Now it's time for us to get out of this hot @$$ house, and head home for our final baby shower/reveal with the family. I've been stressed about driving Miss Charlie all the way to Pensacola by myself, but maybe the AC going out was meant to make me want to leave. Not that I want to leave Will and I feel bad that he'll be stuck here in the heat, but he knows he could come with us if he wanted {I'm only slightly trying to make him feel guilty}. Unfortunately, he's got studying to do to get ready for his FINAL check ride, and he doesn't think he'll be able to study as much with the fam. Either way, his girls will miss him terribly. He's been the only thing keeping me sane, so we shall see how this goes without him. Wish us luck!</div>
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-78049277560173796372015-07-22T01:42:00.003-05:002015-07-22T01:42:52.988-05:00Charlie's Newborn Photos!<div style="text-align: center;">
Soooo I was going to hold out on these, but that would be pure torture for me. I drove all the way to Dothan with baby in tow on Monday just to get them, and I'll have you know I cried the whole way through the gallery <a href="http://www.charlottekingphoto.com/">Charlotte</a> put together for us. I couldn't believe how incredibly beautiful they turned out with the two beings I love the most as the focus, and mostly...I was blown away by how much she has changed in her two {almost three} weeks of life.</div>
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Things are hard when you have a newborn, but having moments like these to look back on will make it all worthwhile. People constantly ask how things are with our little bundle of joy, and I reply "Hard, but we are lucky she's so darn cute, so I don't mind!" We love you Charlie bug! Even if you do keep us up all night.<br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-16171054567528891842015-07-20T00:00:00.000-05:002015-07-20T08:30:12.800-05:00Love Comes First<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi. My name is Janna, and I've been deliciously lost in the eyes of my newborn. I mean there's also breastfeeding, diapers, loss of sleep, and allowing myself to heal, but mostly we are just enjoying our new doll baby. I have started the birth story, but I'm takin' my time while trying to find appropriate words for the...um... 'intimate' parts let's say. I also figured that before we get to that I should probably share the maternity photos first, because I don't ever want to forget the special moments where we were just 'us'. I look back at these, and it's amazing that I really do love him even more now that we have charlie, and I can only hope that this love continues to grow. Love is where it all started after all.<br />
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I can't believe that two months ago we were footloose and fancy free on that beach, unaware of how much would change, and now it is bittersweet as I come to the realization that life will never be this simple again. I worry about the changes a baby can cause in a relationship, but I know that we both have the desire to become even stronger for her.<i> First comes Love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage...</i><br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-25355897331569007792015-07-06T00:06:00.002-05:002015-07-06T00:06:48.372-05:00World Meet Charlie, Charlie Meet World!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On July 2nd, Charleston Quinn finally made her appearance! She was born at 7:55PM, weighing 7.13 lbs, and 21 inches long. As of now she has dark blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. I wish I had time to share more, but there's a little one that needs me a whole lot at the moment. Thanks for all the Instagram love, and we will update you soon!</div>
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-27469366856800295622015-07-01T00:00:00.000-05:002015-07-01T00:00:00.135-05:00Pregnancy Bucketlist<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that this pregnancy is coming to an end, I can share how we ended up making the most of this experience. I wish I could tell you that we have a baby already, but she's STILL hanging in there. In fact, I think she has grabbed onto my ribs and is hanging on for dear life, because that's what it feels like. However, don't be surprised if you see something popping up via other social media in the next day or two. I think the stork may be a'comin!<br />
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When I asked everyone what were our must do's during the pregnancy, everyone agreed on date nights, movies, and stocking up on sleep. I figured these were some good tips, but it wasn't enough for me. I'm not one of those people that thinks our life will be over when we have a baby, but I am embracing the fact that our priorities will change. Luckily, even before we knew we were pregnant we soaked up every minute of fun and will always savor the memories.<br />
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Throw a party {or three}.<br />
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Bike ride while you still have balance.<br />
Whip up a labor intensive recipe that you won't be able to enjoy with a newborn.</div>
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Dance even if it's superdeeduper awkward with a belly.</div>
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Run {or walk} a 5K.</div>
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Wear a bikini while no one can judge you.</div>
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Go on at LEAST one adventure.</div>
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Volunteer in some capacity.<br />
Visit any theater...movies, musical, comedy, and/or thespian.</div>
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Get a tattoo...j/k, but I did do this by accident. Whoops.</div>
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Date nights, both on the town and cuddled on the couch.<br />
Enjoy fun in the sun and water whenever you can.</div>
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Travel until your doctor grounds you.</div>
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It's strange to think that a year ago I was sending Will off to Survival Training and a month apart. So much has changed in that year, and I can't believe the memories that we've made. Some of the best times of our marriage have actually happened while we've been pregnant, and still I know even better memories are to come. Once Charlie gets here, it's like we get to experience life with her all over again, and I can't wait.<br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-52785112785330396602015-06-29T00:00:00.000-05:002015-06-29T00:00:00.679-05:0040 Weeks, Can You Believe It?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u>How Far Along </u></b>40 flipping weeks. I love being pregnant, but I just keep thinking about how big she's going to end up if she keeps cooking...yikes.<br />
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<b><u>New Experiences</u></b> Heartburn. Only once, but once was enough.<br />
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<b><u>Gender</u> </b>Still assuming both doctors and three US techs are right, and we have a girl ;)<br />
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<b><u>Total Weight Gain</u></b> I almost made it to 25 LBS, but then I lost a few pounds. Apparently that's normal towards the end, though. Total is now 21 pounds of baby love.<br />
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<b><u>Sleep </u></b>I'm a bit tired of waking up before my alarm clock, but it could be worse.<br />
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<b><u>Pregnancy nightmares</u> </b>Yup, and <a href="http://perceptioniseverything.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-worst-nightmare.html"><b>it was TERRIBLE</b></a>.<br />
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<b><u>Miss Anything</u> </b>At this point I know I'll be able to eat and drink the things I 'missed' soon, so now I could care even less. You better bet there will be a Jersey Mike's Sub in my future, though.<br />
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<b><u>Cravings</u> </b>Nada.<br />
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<b><u>Symptoms </u></b>According to old wives' tales she's about to come out. My uterus has been super tight, I started breaking out from the hormone changes, I was in a 'mood' Thursday, and I'm less hungry. On top of that, the doc confirmed I was 1cm dilated, starting to efface, and she's moved down the canal. Friday also brought on some early labor signs,<br />
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<b><u>Mood</u> </b>Mostly, I'm just thankful that we are more prepared for her arrival than I expected to be. However, Thursday I was most definitely in a mood. I was frustrated with everyone bugging me about when they should come like I miraculously know when she's going to make her appearance. I'm very appreciative that she has so many people that love her and want to be here, but I'm not a psychic and our house isn't a hotel. I can't tell you anything other than our home is open to you for the birth, but you will be sharing it with whomever else shows up at the time. I have one guest bedroom, one air mattress, and two couch slots. First come first serve people. #notmyproblem<br />
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<b><u>Best Moment This Week</u> </b>I went to the doctor expecting to hear 'no change' for my 39 week appointment, but when he said 1cm and starting to efface I was elated! I know it's still up to her, but at least that meant my body was doing it's job.<br />
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<b><u>Looking Forward to</u> </b>Meeting her, le duh.<br />
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<b><u>Exercise</u></b> Still going strong! I have to start off reeaaally slow and build up, but I'm determined not to quit. The thought of not working out for up to six weeks after is extremely motivating. Plus, anything that might move her along is a bonus.<br />
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<b><u>On My Mind</u></b> Labor is going to suck. That is all.<br />
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Before I forget, I'd like to send a special shout out to <a href="http://katbskorner.blogspot.com/">Kathryn</a> who sent Charlie clothes and some adorable <a href="https://kathrynb.origamiowl.com/">Origami Owl jewelry</a>, <a href="http://barbieandkenbrinkerhoff.blogspot.com/">Courtney and her Mia</a> for the adorable romper and drawing, and <a href="http://pinkypersistence.blogspot.com/">P!nky</a> who has been checking on us everyday via the sweetest text messages. In fact, everyone of you that has kept up with Charlie has meant the world to me,and you guys are all why I keep blogging! Now I hope you all have a great week, because I think we will too ;)</div>
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<br />Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-85404302576316911792015-06-26T00:00:00.000-05:002015-06-26T00:00:00.781-05:00I Got Scammed<div style="text-align: center;">
Buying second hand is an amazing thing, but there is always a chance you get a dud or worse...a scam. I'm usually very diligent about comparing the pictures from ads with the expected product and buying from specific sites that I trust, but I let my game slip since we were in Dothan and I found a great deal on an Ergo Baby Carrier. </div>
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It wasn't a 'too good to be true' scenario, so I didn't question anything. Even after meeting the woman and physically holding the carrier I was satisfied with the quality. However, when I got back in the car I noticed the Chinese writing on the box and felt that sinking feeling in my stomach. I should have said something right then and there before she got too far away, but I was embarrassed, blamed myself, and simply believed that I would never get my money back. We even made it all the way home before I voiced my concern to Will, who immediately looked up the counterfeit information and confirmed I was right. He suggested I contact her, and I figured what have I got to lose? Surprisingly, she agreed to meet us the next morning and give us our money back while playing the victim herself saying she didn't know it was fake. She was a dern liar and I could see right through her, but I played along all the way up until I had the money in my hand and said 'deuces'. So here are a few tips to avoid this scenario:</div>
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#1 Giveaway: The box will not be in Chinese. {Duh...Janna}</div>
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#2 Giveaway: The padding won't be as thick on the straps.</div>
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#3 Giveaway: The Buckles will say 'STEALTH'. Although some fakes still do.</div>
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.<b> Find even more tips <a href="https://thehumbledoula.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/how-to-spot-a-fake-ergo-baby-carrier/">here</a> and <a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/counterfeits">here</a>.</b></div>
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It's sad we live in a time where people peddle fake baby products, but to be honest, it was a really good knockoff. I think I would have kept it if she had charged something more like $25, but I'm thankful we will now have a carrier that I know will be safe and warrantied.</div>
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-24653760078245547482015-06-24T00:25:00.001-05:002015-06-24T00:25:35.728-05:00My Worst Nightmare<div style="text-align: center;">
There are many things that could fall into the 'my worst nightmare' category, but I'm actually referring to the nightmare I had Monday night that was the worst nightmare I've ever had in my life. They say that pregnancy dreams are extra vivid, but I hadn't really experienced that until I dreamed that Will was unhappy in our marriage and decided to divorce me while I was still pregnant. He didn't want to be tied down anymore, and although I kept waking up, every time I went back to sleep the dream dragged on. On top of or perhaps because of that, I also had heart burn in the form of acid reflux for the first time in my life to the point where I thought I'd choke because I couldn't swallow. Sounds lovely, huh?</div>
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I know this isn't a premonition or something I worry about, but it is my worst nightmare played out. There is no question how much I love this man, and I just never want to let him down or even worse...lose him. I made sure to show him that when he came home {<i>teehee},</i> and he accused me of just trying to get Charlie to come early, but either way- he wasn't complaining.</div>
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Me later that night: Sweet dreams, lover.</div>
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Will: Hope you have a nightmare.</div>
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Me: Yeah, yeah, yeah. You basically got makeup sex due to a dream.</div>
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Will: Well, it did work out in my favor.</div>
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To end on a positive note and have the obligatory post photo, here are some lovely gems that my MIL recently sent to me. I particularly enjoy the bath tub picture, but he's just darling across the board. Can you tell he likes playing sports?</div>
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Now wish me luck tonight in the heartburn department. I know I don't have room to complain with how easy this pregnancy has been, but that ish is TERRIBLE.</div>
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-27273282604975796762015-06-22T07:38:00.000-05:002015-06-26T00:06:18.195-05:00The Best Father's Day I Ever Had<div style="text-align: center;">
Will was hoping to have Charlie make her appearance on Father's Day, so we started celebrating last Sunday. I was determined that Father's Day wouldn't be forgotten if I did go into labor, therefore he got his presents last Sunday and then the real fun kicked off Friday with a couples massage. It was his first spa massage and a first couples massage for both, which made it extra special. He had a check ride that morning and got his stress worked out, and the only pain I've had this pregnancy was my piriformis muscle, ergo my masseuse spent over half of it on my bootay and I couldn't have been more happy about it as strange as that sounds.</div>
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Saturday, we went to Dothan to play at our friend's pool/clubhouse and it was a blast. We had fun in the sun, grilled some amazing food, and played a few rounds of the most intense 'Timber Tower' Jenga you've ever seen. Yours truly even won once or twice, which never happens when I'm playing against Will for anything. I guess my balance exercises have paid off along with a new found level of patience I recently acquired.</div>
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Then come Sunday, Will and one of our sweet friends (that wants to remain nameless) surprised me with plans to have a cleaning party to get the house spotless for Charlie! I mean, can I be any luckier? <i>Oh wait...I can</i>...Will also made his famous ribs for us on top of it. I'm still in shock that these two came up with the plan to have a cleaning party, and I'm just so thankful for the wonderful people in my life. I almost feel bad that Will's first Father's Day weekend turned into something that was just as much for me, but I guess that just proves how great of a dad he already is. I wouldn't want to go "halfsies on a daughter" with anyone but him!<br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-49163228840515391462015-06-19T07:17:00.000-05:002015-06-19T07:17:37.776-05:00I Don't Want To 'Adult' Anymore This Week<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not like this week has been a bad week and I actually feel very accomplished, buuuuut it's been a doozy. Let me break it down for ya: I had to call Direct TV to get our bill lowered when it went up $40 bucks at the year mark. Sure, I knew it was coming, but you know stuff like that doesn't fly with me. Our bill is now $20 cheaper and we have free movie channels. I had to call our insurance and every Medical Supply around to find out how and where to get a breast pump now that <a href="http://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/BenefitUpdates/Archives/06_08_15_BreastPumpPolicyChange.aspx">Tricare is covering them</a>. I almost think it's too generous of them, but I'm not about to pass it up- you know me and 'free'. Then I discovered that our water usage had doubled and I crawled around in the dirt checking the meter to find we had a pipe leak in the yard. I think I'm most proud of the fact that I've been tracking our water usage and even though the bill only went up slightly, I knew something was wrong and probably saved our landlord a lot of money if that hole was never discovered or the pipe eventually burst. To top it all off, I paid bills, worked on paperwork, and tried to get some things done on our rental property so that if I go into labor it all won't be forgotten. Like I said...I feel pretty dern accomplished.</div>
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Luckily, my wonderful hubby did the part that I didn't want to do and that's backup/activate/setup/restore my new iPhone! My Lifeproof case finally came in, so I am now allowed to play with my new toy. I was pretty disappointed with the new Lifeproof colors, but then I stumbled upon <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSkinDudes">The Skin Dudes</a> and am way happier with a waterproof vinyl skin than just getting another colorful case. I guess I'm happy with the phone in general even though I haven't tested it out much. All I know is that the zoom setting is amazing, because I was getting too blind to read the tiny screen on the 5S. Will did get to upgrade to my 5S until his upgrade, and bonus: I sold his old 5 for almost what I paid for the new phone. Oh, and in case you've never thought about getting a <a href="http://www.lifeproof.com/shop/us_en/iphone-6-cases/">Lifeproof case</a>, we have saved $1,000+ by not having insurance on our phones for the last four years, and you can't beat that.<br />
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Now I just hope Charlie doesn't make her appearance this weekend...we have Father's Day activities scheduled, a pool party with friends, a trip to Dothan, and another surprise happening for me on Sunday. I guess we will be finishing this pregnancy with a bang either way. Cheers to all the fathers and baby daddies out there. It's your weekend!<br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-422857498921108822015-06-17T00:17:00.000-05:002015-06-17T00:17:12.855-05:00Charlie Will Have Some Strong Women In Her Life<div style="text-align: center;">
About a month ago my parents came to visit us and rub the baby belly. It was AWESOME to have them for a day of fun, but my mom totally tried to guilt me into coming to her retirement ceremony. Normally a jaunt down to Pensacola is no big thing, but the ceremony was after the cutoff for when I was supposed to travel and especially since I'd have to go alone.</div>
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However, it's not everyday you get to witness your mom retire from teaching after THIRTY-FIVE years, so I went and surprised her anyways. Apparently my oldest sister thought the same thing, because she surprised us all when she showed up all the way from North Carolina too! There were 50+ retirees, but our mom had the loudest cheering section. I can honestly say, she earned every bit of recognition she got and then some.<br />
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She was the one in the red for reference. I dropped the ball on getting a closeup in all the excitement, but here's a closeup for ya...<br />
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That would be my incredible Mother-In-LOVE that retired from the Air Force after twenty-two years, BEAT Breast Cancer, and has re-entered the workforce running the show of her own department in an Aviation manufacturing company.<br />
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You don't have to be as badass as these two to be a strong woman, but I'm most certainly happy that they will be in Charlie's life. Heck, I'm happy they are an inspiration in my life too. Congrats to both of our momma's making big impacts and kicking butt in their careers. This one's for you ;)<br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-35082678063603805912015-06-15T00:00:00.000-05:002015-06-15T00:00:04.252-05:00Here Comes Peter Cottontail...<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are on baby watch, we've made it another week without any indication that miss thang will make her appearance. Technically, my doctor was supposed to begin checking me for dilation two weeks ago, but a) I'm not ready for that process {they have to get all up in your cervix and that is just as uncomfortable as it sounds}, and b) he has seen no indication that I've been remotely close to starting this labor.</div>
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I'm happy to say we have crossed all the must haves off the list to bring her home, so if I can make it through this next week I have no doubt in my mind the rest will fall into place. However, I still haven't made it to that 'cleaning phase' that everyone talks about, so we will see how that goes. I told Will that worst case scenario, if I go into labor the first thing he needs to do is call someone to clean. I know we will have family in town and the last thing I want to worry about is them showing up to a messy house. I know most relatives would understand, but you don't know how much of a cleaning nazi my grandmother is. Oy vey.</div>
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One of the main reasons I wanted to at least make it this far was that our friend Jo's baby shower was this weekend, and I was kinda in charge of decor. I had it all ready for them in case I did go into labor, but luckily I was able to attend the event <strike>and stuff my face.</strike> The theme was Peter Cottontail, which I happen to think turned out beautifully with help from Hannah's bomb.com diaper cake, and in an unrelated note...Karie made <strike>me</strike> Jo a watermelon cake again!</div>
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It's funny, when Jo told me she was pregnant, I was super happy for her but thanked my lucky stars that we were still child free. Little did I know...I was not only pregnant, but three weeks ahead of her. <i>Whoops</i>. Well, at least we got to go through this together and now we are both in the home stretch. The gang is actually taking bets to see which of us will pop first since she's already having contractions, so I'm just gonna guess we go into labor together. Women 'cycle' together, so maybe we've synced up our pregnancies too. Man what a great story that would be if our betrothed children are also born together.</div>
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-61570699498393434892015-06-12T00:00:00.000-05:002015-06-12T00:00:05.185-05:00When You Witness Good Deeds First Hand<div style="text-align: center;">
It's Friday, and I like keeping things light to kick off the weekend. Luckily, we've had some amazing stuff happen here in Enterprise lately, so that's easy. Now, you know how you see all these viral feel good stories and some of them almost seem to good to be true? I try to take them at face value and just appreciate the positive vibes, but lately I've gotten to witness these types of good deeds firsthand, and I feel very blessed.<br />
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<b>Good Deed #1</b><br />
A lady was having a yard sale to raise money for her son's youth group. Her son got sick in the middle, so she put everything on the curb and said Free or for donation for her child's Youth Group trip. When they returned from the ER, she found a pile of cash in place of the goods.</div>
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<b>Good Deed #2</b><br />
A woman with no connection to this soldier whatsoever, drove two hours down to Panama City and scoured the beach for a stranger's wedding ring. Not only did she find it, but the community helped her reunite the ring with the thankful husband.</div>
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<b>Good Deed #3</b><br />
When soldiers witness someone in need, they ALWAYS step up. I've seen it time and time again, and just recently we had a soldier that immediately took charge when he witnessed a terrible car accident. On top of that, he physically laid in gasoline with a family until they were rescued from the car and then disappeared without needing to be thanked. When the victim posted about it on our Fort Rucker Spouse Club site, everyone knew that he had to be found and 324 'shares' later, they were reunited in a matter of days.<br />
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And this is why I can't imagine being anywhere else during this pregnancy and for the beginning of Charlie's life. It is such a positive environment and unlike any other I've ever experienced. All of these scenarios happened in a matter of weeks, and this is how it always is here. We may not be able to stay here past the Fall, but at least I know we will always come back here since it's the "Home of Army Aviation". Alabama, I love you!<br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-35277722736843193542015-06-10T00:22:00.000-05:002015-06-10T08:13:14.142-05:00Anchor Habits<div style="text-align: center;">
I was reading <a href="http://heyhollywoodblog.blogspot.com/">Holly's blog</a>, and her post about <a href="http://heyhollywoodblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/what-are-your-anchor-habits.html">Anchor Habits</a> really stuck with me. Anchor habits are those habits that we develop that keep us steady and feeling secured, and as a creature of habit in general this totally made sense! I've never been one to have any 'vices', so I guess these are what keep me going. Plus. this was further proven when I looked back at a <a href="http://perceptioniseverything.blogspot.com/2012/12/capture-that.html">Day In The Life</a> post that I did and I pretty much have the same anchors two years later.<br />
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<b>Daily,</b> it is an absolute must to start my day with coffee while blogging, I have to follow the exact same face wash routine, and I either workout or find some way to be active each day.</div>
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<b>Financially</b>, I balance our accounts at least once a month and adjusting our budget really makes me feel at peace. I've blogged about my <a href="http://perceptioniseverything.blogspot.com/2012/05/baller-on-budget-jannas-budget-breakdown.html">budget obsession</a>, so of course this is an anchor.<br />
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<b>Marital-ly</b>, isn't a word, but you know what I mean. Most of these could fall in the 'Daily' category, but their significance falls here. I text Will "Morning lover" every morning without fail, we have dinner together at the dinner table without distractions every night, we put away social media while we cuddle before bed, and I always go to bed with him. Even if I stay up to blog, watch tv, or get up after he goes to sleep to work on something I always try to be there as he goes to sleep. Add in date nights, and you have the anchors that really form our relationship.</div>
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Now I know things are going to change drastically here in the near future, but I will still love my coffee even if I have to drink it cold, budgeting will be even more important to me, and I hope with all my heart that we can maintain the habits that Will and I share after Charlie comes. It's strange to think about how much things are about to change, but I'm looking forward to creating new habits that include her. What are your Anchor Habits?<br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-61372447617429993842015-06-08T00:15:00.000-05:002015-06-08T00:15:02.332-05:00I'm A Sucker For...<div style="text-align: center;">
I like to think that I make pretty rational decisions most of the time, but I guess I will always be a sucker for some things. Aaaand it doesn't help to be in the home stretch of pregnancy where my will power is slightly diminishing. Don't judge me.</div>
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<b>Anything 'Cake Batter'</b>, and if you want to know what heaven is:</div>
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<b>Donuts on National Donut Day</b> and taking Will to Krispy Kreme for the first time. He's had a Krispy Kreme donut, but we all know that unless you have them hot off the line it's not the same. Although, he still didn't even want one, so that meant more for me! Seriously though, I don't know how you can watch the freshly glazed jewels come down the line and say no.</div>
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<b>A good deal, and even better,</b> <b>a good deal on an iPhone</b>. Yeeaaaahhhh, I know I wanted to break up with Apple, but most of you told me you were happy with the 6's and I already knew I liked the camera from trying a friend's. What sealed the deal, though, was the sale that Sam's had last week. I got the 64GB for a whopping $197, which is unheard of. That's a HUNDRED BUCKS off, and I can get minimum $115 for our old phone. We also save money by using Lifeproof cases instead of buying insurance, but since it's not here yet I've had the phone since Friday and it's just sitting on my dresser. I'm telling you, Will gets on to me if I even look at it longingly. Hurry up Mr. Postman! <b>Oh, and anyone need an iPhone 5?</b></div>
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<b>Tubing down the river against my doctors advice. </b>Technically, he never said "don't tube down the river", but I'm pretty sure it was implied when he gave me a long speech about not traveling at this point, staying near the hospital, taking it easy, etc, etc. Sorry doc...we had to get one trip in this year, because we probably won't be here next summer.</div>
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As usual, it was an absolute blast to leisurely float down a river on a warm Alabama day with some of our best friends. It's sad that we've got the whole trip down to a science now that it's probably the last time we will go, but oh well. We will most definitely end up stationed here in the future, and it will be a whole new adventure we can share with Charlie. Perhaps a little more G-Rated when she comes, but fun nonetheless.</div>
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-37585321939971825092015-06-05T00:00:00.000-05:002015-06-05T00:00:06.808-05:00Will Spills All: What A New Dad Is Really Thinking<div style="text-align: center;">
I've had my dear husband on the blog multiple times when he so sweetly entertains my interviews, but it's usually upbeat and mostly a joking tone. When I came up with a few questions that I thought we would all be interested in a man's perspective, I assumed he would approach it in the same manner. However, I found tears streaming down my face very quickly and in complete shock that he took it so seriously. I'll just let him do the talking...<br />
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<b>1. How surprised were you when I told you?</b><br />
I was pretty much flabbergasted (sweet word, right?), the possibility of you being pregnant literally never crossed my mind. You just kept complaining about how big your boobs were getting, so I naturally kept pretending to be upset too, haha.<br />
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<b>2. What were you thinking when we found out how far along we were at the first US?</b><br />
Definitely pure shock, because it honestly didn't feel real up until that point. Being told is one thing, and seeing it is another...Seeing an almost fully formed mini-me inside you made it very real, very fast. Followed by "What the hell do we do now?"<br />
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<b>3. How do you really feel about this pregnancy? I won't get mad, pinky promise.</b><br />
It's honestly been the first time I have ever thought about money in the long run. She's gonna want fancy stuff and need even more, and we both know that I love toys- the more expensive the better, haha. I also feel kind of left out with school, homework, or studying to do, so I leave you at home all day to plan everything and make decisions for her. Now she's coming in less than two months, and I have no idea how to be prepared or what to do.<br />
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<b>4. What makes you the most nervous?</b><br />
With us finding out so late the doctors gave us several speeches about how not taking prenatals and other medicines that you had been prescribed could affect her growth and development among other things. I am just very thankful Janna isn't a drinker and we are very healthy other than that. My only hope is that she's healthy, and so far she's perfect.<br />
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<b>5. What was important from your childhood that you hope to share with our daughter?</b><br />
SPORTS, lots of SPORTS! Not that I want to force her into anything she doesn't want to do or make her a Tom boy, but I feel sports will help her build self confidence and a positive self image. Be it from soccer or chess club, I don't care. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I find watching sports boring, I will gladly play any sport at any time, but watching them is just dull aside from the big events. However, growing up playing sports kept me mostly out of trouble, and also made sure I had friends everywhere we went when my family moved every two years with the military. Other than that, I want her to be self sufficient. I was a latchkey kid from about 4th grade on. My parents were gone when I woke up and came home after me in time to make dinner. This forced me to take care of myself, get to school on time, get cleaned up after practice, and make myself snacks when I wanted them. I want her to rely on us, but also be capable of taking care of herself.<br />
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<b>6. What are you looking forward to the most?</b><br />
Probably to her being a toddler, because at that point she will officially be my little minion to train and unleash on the unsuspecting masses, MUHAHAHAHA! Also, Janna seems to have some skewed vision that she has some say in whether or not she becomes a daddy's girl. So, I'm looking forward to seeing how that lifelong battle plays out, should be fun, haha.<br />
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<b>7. You've come up with a daddy daughter name, would you like to share?</b><br />
CHUCK! I know, I'm a genius. I figure she will be around thirteen when she starts begging me to stop greeting her with "What's up, Chuck?" in front of her friends and in public. So of course I will begrudgingly agree to stop, only to absentmindedly continue and blame it on old age.<br />
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<b>8. Anything else you'd like to share?</b><br />
Pizza should be it's own food group. That is all...<br />
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I'm going to get really real here...I felt really guilty that Will felt in the dark. I know a big part of it is that he spends every bit of spare time learning to fly helicopters, but I also realize that maybe I underestimated how involved he wanted to be, not to mention I'm terrible at asking for help. I'm sure it's a combination of just being a doer, but I'm ashamed to admit that I don't always trust other people. Part of it is 'If you want it done right, do it yourself', but a big part of it is that I don't trust that people actually want to help when they offer. I figure if they really mean it, they'll just step up and join in like I will, and since most people aren't like that I do a lot by myself. Will steps up a LOT, don't get me wrong, but there are many times I want to ask him to do things, and I don't because I don't want to add more to his plate. He tells me over and over that he will do anything I need, and I should have been trusting him when he said that.</div>
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It's still strange for me to refer to Will as a Dad, but he is and I love saying it. Dad, DAD, DADDY!! He has even proven it when he sold his precious GTO to get a Volvo, every time he makes dinner when he can tell I'm tired, when he's attended baby classes, checked out baby books from the library, researched the perfect jogging stroller, helped me pick out the fabric for the crib set, and a million other little gestures. I happen to think that he's probably more prepared than a good bit of expectant fathers, but I have still been working harder to make him more included since I read his responses last month. I know hardly anyone is ever <i>really ready, </i>but I think we've both come along way in a very short time and that's more than enough.<br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-30402536123843020432015-06-03T08:41:00.003-05:002015-06-03T10:26:46.763-05:00Reading? What's Reading?<div style="text-align: center;">
Before Social Media {and specifically blogging} I used to devour books. Technically I'm still 'reading' other blogs and I will always love writing as my main creative outlet, but I do really miss getting lost in a new book each week. This past month reading was a goal priority, and still I only halfway accomplished while trying to cram in all things baby related.</div>
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<a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" title="Life According to Steph"><img alt="Life According to Steph" src="http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae274/venustrappedinmars/GoalSettingLinkup.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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The good news is I made it to the library and rechecked my overdue books. The bad news is I realize I've been trying to read the same book for nine months according to Instagram:<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/sN1wz8q-Ky/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_top">A photo posted by Janna renee (@jrbogert)</a> on <time datetime="2014-08-27T21:08:16+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 27, 2014 at 2:08pm PDT</time></div>
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I really, really want to get into this book because Will raved about it after he read it, but I haven't been able to get past the beginning yet. I love running, so I want to delve into the crazy running feats this Mexican tribe has accomplished in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307279189"><b>Born To Run</b></a> {like running for days on end, all the races they conquer, running from enemies, etc}, and I've heard that it's 'riveting', so I just hope I get to the riveting part before they won't let me check it out again.<br />
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Other than that, I've been loving my Kindle App because I can read in the dark. For the past few months I've found myself wide awake early in the morning, so I click into the app and read until I get sleepy again. I've made it through the following this way and am now reading Home To Stay. It takes me a pretty long time to get through each book this way and every now and then the plot keeps me up, but I do enjoy the solitary time I have reading without distractions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Meant-Be-Lauren-Morrill/dp/0385741782"><b>Meant To Be</b></a> If you like travel, Europe, Shakespeare, and/or a young love story, then this is right up your alley. It follows a young girl on a school trip to London, and as the story unfolds she learns to let go in general and in love.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-What-Happy-Looks-Like/dp/0316212814"><b>This Is What Happy Looks Like</b></a> might be my favorite lately. It's another young adult fiction where a teenage movie star accidentally sends an email to a small town girl, they make a connection turning into pen pals, and he moves an entire movie set to her town to meet her face to face. It's summer love at it's finest with a few surprise twists, including a mother in hiding and a political father that's never been in the picture, and a fun read.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Stay-Anchor-Island-Novel-ebook/dp/B00FEVBUPE"><b>Home To Stay</b></a> This one is a little 'Safe Haven' esque with a woman moving to a small island to hide from her past, but the story focuses on the island and it's inhabitants, as they work together to build up the tourism, plan a wedding, and seem like real people until a new love story unfolds. It's gotten pretty steamy lately, which I wasn't expecting, but I'm looking forward to how it all turns out. I know something big is coming...dundunDUN.<br />
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It's probably strange that I like Young Adult Fiction so much, but YA is like the PG-13 of books, and there's a reason that Will tells me that movies are PG-13 when he's trying to get me to watch them. Whether it's a book or movie, I just don't enjoy horror, gore, overly sexualized characters, or shock value just for the sake of shock value. That being said, <b>any good recommendations that fall into the PG-13 category? Have you guys read any of these?</b><br />
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-84244407613519559482015-06-01T00:12:00.000-05:002015-06-01T00:12:12.307-05:00NINE Months, What??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cheesy, I know, but I guess I'm just feeling pretty strong and ready for this baby. Well, as ready as I'll ever be, which is good considering she's practically here. I'd like her to cook as long as possible, but I am starting to feel antsy about meeting her ;) It's funny, I told the kiddos I was watching that I would bring her over after she's born so they can meet her, and Jackson chimed in with "Uh...we've kinda already met her." Man, leave it to a ten year old to put me in my place. I do feel like I already know her and I think it's cute that it's possible for others to feel that way too. She really is quite the character already.</div>
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In other news, at nine months pregnant I'm officially a SAHW again. Technically I'm almost a SAHM now, but I think she actually has to go through the birthing canal before that applies. Anyhoo, we got word this weekend that ten people had to be cut from the Fort Rucker exercise I was supposed to work in two weeks. They took volunteers, but obviously everyone wanted to work. I knew that it wouldn't really be fair for me to take a spot when there was no guarantee that I would even make it to the middle of June before labor {let alone all the way to July}, so I didn't make the cut. I'm a little sad because it's a super fun job, I love the people I work with, and who doesn't want to make easy money, but in the grand scheme of things it was really bad timing and I already had that in the back of my mind. I still plan to get as much done in the next two weeks as I can because who knows when little miss thang will decide to make her appearance, but at least I won't be feeling the pressure.</div>
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Speaking of which, you can find the <a href="http://littlemissbogert.blogspot.com/2015/06/nine-month-bumpdate.html">bumpdate on the baby blog</a>, and these are the questions on my mind right now. <b><u>Questions This Month:</u></b></div>
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Have you tried Amazon Mom?</div>
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How many bottles does one need to start out with if you plan on breastfeeding?</div>
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What are you tips for last minute baby preparation?</div>
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What was in your hospital bag?</div>
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95500363417469462.post-54150737878030989682015-05-29T07:56:00.000-05:002015-05-29T08:58:20.395-05:00The Secret To MY Easy Pregnancy<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This post is strictly about my experience, helpful knowledge that I have found, and advice I've been given. There is no denying the benefits of fitness and nutrition, but I realize that every pregnancy is different. Just want to make that clear ;)</b><br />
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I must admit, every time someone has said "Don't be intimidated by the pregnant chick running faster than you" or "You make me feel inadequate when you outrun me", it's a BIG ego boost. Not that I'm trying to outrun anyone these days and I'm certainly not running as fast as I used to, but it's an amazing feeling to be defying everything I've ever heard about pregnancy. I truly believe that between fitness and my healthy eating habits, I have found the formula to the perfect pregnancy {FOR ME} and I think all you non-preggers need to take note before you are faced with morning sickness and back problems. Yup...I've avoided all those pesky symptoms. </div>
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The trick is starting these habits well before you get pregnant to have the most effect and to be SAFE. <b>You want to know the biggest secret?</b> While Will was deployed everyone talked about how easy it is to get pregnant when the boys return, so I started working out with the mindset that if I accidentally got pregnant I would be fit and ready. Some may say that was my biological clock ticking, but all I knew was that I didn't want to end up like friends I've had that were lethargic, miserable, and in some cases bed ridden because their bodies were not 'primed' AS THEY PUT IT. That being said, here's why you should start now and keep going on strong:</div>
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1. Any fitness routine for any reason will boost confidence, improve body image, make clothes fit better, and up your immune system along with a long list of miscellaneous benefits. Yadda, yadda, yadda... I know this has been shoved down your throat for years.</div>
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2. When you have an established routine, your doctor will tell you to keep on keepin' on if you get pregnant. There are a <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-13-rules-of-safe-pregnancy-exercise_622.bc"><b>few restrictions</b></a> that must be considered, but my OB told me that my pregnancy and labor would be a LOT easier if I was able to maintain a routine. Even if you have to slow down, modify your routine, and take breaks, you are still burning major calories cooking a baby and working out. Matter of fact, they say a pregnant woman laying on the couch burns more calories than a body builder. Hence why any activity has even more effect than normal. <b>Good bye every ounce of fat and water weight on my body, and hello healthy pregnancy!</b></div>
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3. Just as a good <a href="http://elementsmassage.com/bocaraton/blog/2503/5-ways-a-prenatal-massage-should-be-different"><b>massage</b></a> helps balance hormones, exercise does too. They say that massage during pregnancy helps to regulate the hormones associated with stress, relaxation, and mood: norepinephrine, cortisol, seratonin, and it has been found that exercise has the same effect! My doctor asked Will if I had any mood swings up until five months and he really couldn't think of any. Sure I've gotten a tidge bit weepy lately, but 99% of the time I'm overly happy and 'love everything', i.e. the watermelon cake, how nice people are to pregnant women, how sweet my husband is, etc...I can even tell a difference between the hormones when I work out and the recovery days. Plus they say the regulation of these are said to help with complications throughout the pregnancy and leads to an easier delivery. Please be true...please be true!!<br />
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4. Remember I mentioned water weight? The fluids that you gain during pregnancy are actually what make women 'blow up' {well, other than ice cream and other terrible cravings}. Your body DOUBLES the levels of blood and other fluids to make a baby, so between that and natural water retention you can easily feel bloated and even develop pregnancy complications. But alas, there is hope! Even 'easy' pregnancy friendly exercises that have never exercised before <a href="http://fitpregnancyandparenting.com/2012/06/10/how-to-prevent-water-retention-during-pregnacy-and-beyond/"><b>can prevent water retention</b></a>. I had feared this the most, because honestly, I've always retained water. Other than detoxes and clean eating, I've never even seen my abs or my real arm muscles, but now that I'm working out while pregnant I've dropped EVERY BIT of water weight I carried! If that's not a good enough reason to get going, then I don't know what is.<br />
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5. I don't know if this is concrete fact, but I read that nausea could be associated with sugar levels, and that makes sense to me because I've been managing my Hypoglycemia for seven years with fitness and nutrition and I never even got nauseous once. I also think that these practices have had some effect on controlling my cravings and allowing me to make healthier choices, which <i>could be</i> the magical combination for an 'easy pregnancy'. </div>
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Now I know this sounds unappealing and daunting to those that aren't about that 'fit life', because I was you a few years ago, but I can promise you that if you get pregnant you will regret not getting started as you think of this post if you are part of the unlucky group that lives in the bathroom and simultaneously gains 60 pounds. More importantly, think of your baby. I could care less about these bonus benefits because I know that I'm being healthy for her. This is also why you need to speak with your OB about your personal fitness and <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-13-rules-of-safe-pregnancy-exercise_622.bc"><b>know how to do it safely</b></a>. As much as I LOVE running, <b>I made the decision yesterday that I ran my last mile of this pregnancy</b>. It's putting stress on my lower abdomen even with a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/maternity-medium-support-elastic-belt-with-pocket-gabrialla/-/A-10951294?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=10951294&CPNG=Women&kpid=10951294&LID=22pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=10951294&kpid=10951294&gclid=CLPvif_35sUCFRQcaQodOU0Atw"><b>maternity support belt</b></a>, so I'm sticking to core workouts to keep her safe. My motivation is to be the best wife and mother that I can be physically and mentally, and I'm completely okay with that.</div>
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Until getting pregnant, I would look in the mirror and see things I still needed to work on. Now, I look in the mirror and think "Look how my hard work has created the perfect vessel for my baby." Because I sweat, she will be healthier, because I condition, she will be stronger, because I am dedicated, she will enter this world ahead of the game, and that's what keeps me going.</div>
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PS. I am very interested in hearing experiences of other pregnancies out there, good and bad! Especially personal experiences, and how it affected your labor and delivery.
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Janna Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03803772675815432282noreply@blogger.com14