The Best Homemade Smoothie Ever

Are you in need of a great, healthy, and nutritious snack for a hot summer day? I have the perfect smoothie recipe that is sure to cool you down.

THE best Smoothie
6 fresh or frozen whole strawberries (my trick is to use frozen for a really cold smoothie)
1 whole banana
1/2 cup of blueberries fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon of peanut butter (or sub honey for a sweeter smoothie)
1 cup of orange juice
1 cup of nonfat vanilla yogurt (or another favorite flavor)
3-4 medium size ice cubes

Blend together in a blender, pour, and enjoy :)

You must try it! I am enjoying one right now, and it is delicious!

Familiar Trends

It was a sad day when I went to put on my favorite pair of shorts to go out for dinner and they wouldn't button. I am seeing a familiar trend with all of my clothing. Did I have a boob job in my sleep? All of the sudden, I find my bras (even jog bras) are a little too tight and my favorite clothes are no longer favorite. Sigh. On the bright side, I have an 8 week old bundle of joy growing in my belly.

However, that 8 week old bundle of joy seems to be robbing me of all the nutrients I put into my body. I can not consume enough food. I eat and eat all day long, and 1 minute later my stomach is growling again. What gives, little one? David jokes it is a boy since it is already "eating" like one. We'll see about that.

My next appointment is next week. I pray there will still be good news!

It is about that time...

It is almost the end of July, which means school dayz are right around the corner. I thought I would be done with school, but I have atleast 2 years of graduate school to complete now. I started to look at my schedule for this fall, and it looks fairly easy. I am actually a little excited to start school again, however, it will be a little different this year. I will not be running or walking to class, I will be waddling to class.

I started to think about using the office as a nursery, and began to look online for decor. I found the cutest black and white crib set with a paisley pattern that will match perfectly with a large art piece I have already in the office. I am going to look for either white or black furniture. SO excited!

My body has determined that it will give me some relief of sickness between 3 and 5...and then I get sick again. So, I am using this time wisely. Seeing how it is 3:30, I need to wrap up this blog and take use of this somewhat relief.


On a side note...does anyone know of where to find "preggie pops"?

Ultrasound Picture at 7 weeks

IT'S GOOD NEWS!

Whew, dodged a bullet there...I had my 2nd ultrasound appointment this morning. The heartbeat is 130! WOOHOO. I was so happy to see that little heart still beating, you have NO idea. I figured, there is no way I am this sick and something is wrong. I am glad to hear my worries can cease for a little bit longer. The baby also measured about 8 mm (about twice the size of last week).

I have a very long road ahead of me. I am so thankful for all the prayers and wishes. Please, keep them coming!

Pictures are coming soon!!

Ginger-ale anyone?

Today is a milestone...I am 7 weeks! Only several more to go before I can hold a bundle of joy in my arms! I have my 2nd ultrasound Monday morning, and all I can do is pray that it is good news. I keep reading that a heartbeat between 90-110 is normal, so I wasn't that worried about the 96...but, it needs to be higher this time around.

David and I have done some shopping this weekend :). We bought its first pair of booties. They are hanging on my refrigerator as a simple reminder of that little grain rice making me SO SICK. It helps to know that there is a reason behind the madness. Did I mention that the sickness lasts ALL day?! It get worse when I am hungry, but then I am sick and can't eat...so it just gets worse until I force food down. Ha. But, thank God that I am not vomiting yet (knock on wood x 10000). Then, David and I went to the children's consignment exchange at the fairgrounds. We found a cute little frame for our first ultrasound picture. If only I had known what the baby is because there were TONS and TONS of clothes for only a few dollars. Hopefully they do another one in the next few months. Oh yes, I forgot, I also bought another maternity shirt and dress. They were soooo cute, and hardly look "maternityish". I think I could were them even after my bump shrinks (oh i hope it does).

If all goes well on Monday's appointment, I plan on making a more formal announcement to other family and friends. In the meantime, you can finding me sipping on ginger-ale (Which i hate) and eating saltine crackers. Yummy.

So, my secret is out :) hehe. I don't feel bad about blurting so early anymore.

Today, started out just like the rest of them this week...like crap. I roll over to see the sun shining in, and immediately I am struck with the feeling of puking. Pleasant isn't it? And I feel this way about all day. It gets worse when I am hungry (like before lunch and before dinner) and nothing on the menu seems tasteful. Usually, I stick with carbs and cheese, that seems to make it less painful. However, I was on a strict no-sugar diet before the pregnancy, so it is hard not to think about what I shouldn't or should be eating. I caved today and had a frozen pizza, and boy, let me tell you it was good!

This Saturday marks the beginning of week 7! Woohoo. I have a long, long way to go. But, not a moment passes by where I don't think "is that little heart still beating?" I mean, there is really no way to know. I keep praying that on Monday I will see and hear that heart beating at least 100 bpm. Over 100 would be ideal...omg, it is going to be a long weekend.

I bought my first maternity shirt last week while shopping for David's birthday present. It was on sale at target ($4.00!!) It doesn't look like a maternity shirt, which is why I bought it, but it is verrrrry stretchable. Seriously though, I need it. After a meal, I look 4 months pregnant. It is a little ridiculous. I have never seen my stomach protrude this much. Nor have i ever seen a pregnant belly so noticeable at this stage. Every one is different right?! I guess. I thought I would post my 6 week picture for all to admire...:-/. DON'T laugh, please.

You can not tell me that doesn't look at least 4-5 months already...?! I was thinking about posting the first ultrasound, but it doesn't take well on the camera because the paper is so shiny. Maybe next time :)

I can't keep secrets...

Ok, So...my hopes are that NO one reads my blogs and no one will see this. But...

DAVID AND I are GOING TO BE DADDY AND MOMMY!

Most of my family already knows...haha...but no one outside of it has a clue. I had my first positive pregnancy test on June 27th, which puts me at about 6.5 weeks. I went to the doctor on Monday due to some concerns I had over the weekend, and SAW THE HEARTBEAT the first time. It was only 94-96, and the doctors want it to be over 100, so we are trying it again on Monday. If you know me at all, you know I can not keep secrets...so I am attempting to let the cat out of the bag (but hey, no one will see this right?).

Now, it is still VERY VERY early, and my little pea is VERY little...so, we are still hoping for continuing positive outcomes. This pregnancy is totally in God's hands, and the outcome may be unfortunate...BUT, we will prevail.

I am going nuts sitting and resting at home, so I atleast need to blog about it :)
Considering all the problems I have had in the past, this baby is completely a miracle baby, which makes it all the more special. However, cross your fingers and toes and arms and legs with me and pray to God that he/she keeps growing and growing. And yes, there is only one baby.

How am I doing?
Well, that is a GREAT question. I had one bit of "morning sickness" even though it was at night, and now I am getting it again. BLAH. (even as I am typing). It DOES NOT feel good at all. The best way I can describe it is going to fair and eating about 3 fried snickers, 6 funnel cakes, and 2 candy apples and then riding every ride 3 times. Y-U-C-K. Other than that, I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary. The dogs have become very protective of me, especially Gracie. Today, I was making cupcakes for David's birthday, and Gracie was "guarding" me from the beeping timer on the oven. She refused to let me near it.


If all goes well, Baby Watson will arrive around March 5th. I pray multiple times a day that it will continue to grow and be healthy. There is nothing more special than becoming a mother, and I look forward to that day with great pride. And cheers for me spilling the beans, but atleast I get to write about it now :)

The Most Addicting Game on the Internet

No joke...its BOOMSHINE.

Don't even start playing it, i swear, you'll never stop!

Update: Who wants to play a game?

Anyone at all?

A couple blog posts earlier, I have a hangman game for all to play. Trust me, the message is well worth the trouble! PLEASE comment a letter!

Red, White, and Booze

This weekend, the Watson clan will be traveling west once again. Ever since I can remember, my dad and I have spent the 4th weekend on the boat and in the sun. And this weekend will be no different. I am excited to get home again and see family! I have begun to pack, but I will undoubtedly forget at least one thing. You know, it isn't easy to pack for 2 humans, 1 cat, and 2 dogs (yes, Bella comes too).

When I think of July 4th, I think of hotdogs, sunscreen, fireworks, the lake, and good times. But, we can't forget the reason we celebrate July 4th. Not only is it a federal holiday, it is a day of remembering independence and celebration. I think many of us get caught up in the festivities, and we forget the real reason for celebrating. I may be one of them. As I write this blog, take a few moments to celebrate our independance and this wonderful country we call home. But please, have TONS of fun this weekend!

What are your plans to celebrate July 4th?