Dakota's Baby Shower at Work

Okay, so this is my second pregnancy. I never expected anyone to throw Dakota a baby shower. Maybe it's because of the things I've heard from other people: "With your second one, don't expect anything." I guess, that was from their own experience?

Cheyenne was blessed with several baby showers and we still have so much of her baby things that we can reuse --- knowing that, all we really NEED are a few products and the necessities, diapers and wipes.
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Well, today, my co-workers threw Dakota a baby shower. I'm overwhelmed and so thankful. A GINORMOUS THANKS not only to my co-workers, but my family and friends who have all showered Dakota with gifts. THANK YOU!

Okay, now more about the baby shower today...
I'm the official photographer, but today my co-worker took a stab at my job. I think I have job security. haha! Nice work, there.....

The Spread. So much sugar, my tummy hurts. I'm telling you, people love to feed a pregnant woman.

Don't worry Trey, I saved a piece of cake for you.
Anytime I go somewhere and they have cake, I try to grab a slice for Trey. At this point, he kind of expects it. He's spoiled.

Opening gifts.

These are all the presents Dakota got

Oh and two more things....Yeah, my jaw dropped too. Thank you, Nursing Department.

I know my mom and Trey's mom would appreciate a belly picture, here it is. Goodness, my profile looks ridiculous!

While I was chatting, at the baby shower, with my co-workers they were in awe because Dakota was moving like crazy. My belly was doing the whole alien shift thing. It was freakin' them out. I was laughing, which made her move more. She is always active.

Looking for a Ballet Camp for My Dancer

Summer is creeping up on me and that has me thinking about Summer Camps for Cheyenne. I would love to put her in a ballet camp and Trey is on board with the idea too. That's kind of important....

I've been looking at one specific week long program with a reputable ballet company. Dakota will be a few weeks old, when/if Chey participates. Goodness, lugging around two kids postpartum is going to be interesting. I'm waiting to see if there are any slots available at this camp, if there are, I'm going to sign her up. Now, if they would only return my call....Stop dancing and answer the phone!


Cheyenne has been participating all semester in a ballet class with her best friend Brianna. They've been going every week. Cheyenne loves it! In a few weeks, she will have her end of the year recital. I am looking forward to it, probably more than she is. I'm warning you now, I will take a million pictures at the recital and probably video AND then I'll post them on the blog just because I can. :)

"Muffins with Mommy Day"

This morning, I woke up on my own with zero assistance from an alarm clock. It was so nice to have an easy going morning and not have to rush off to work. I had a late start because today, was muffins with mommy day at Cheyenne's school.

This was the first time all semester for me to take her to school. I felt like that mom --- "the working mom" that misses out on stuff like dropping her child off at school and the mom who could only stay for 20 minutes because I had to get to work.

Well, Cheyenne was excited to show me around. "Momma, I play on that playground and that's my friend Jackson and I sleep right there during nap time." She was full of energy and excitement.

Her teacher gave us four mini-muffins to share and Chey ate all of them. I told her I didn't want any and she said, Dakota needs them!
When it was time for me to leave, she gave me the death grip to the neck, kind of like in the photo. "Momma, don't leave me!" I didn't want to, but I had to. She didn't shed any tears, but she made it clear, she wanted me to stay.

This was us last year at her school. It was the same thing -- Muffins with Mommy Day.

I had some one on one time with Cheyenne this morning and last night Trey did too. He took her out to get a snow cone. She likes the Barbie one, I'm assuming because it's pink.

36 Weeks Prenatal Appointment

Here are my DailyMile Stats from last week:
Cycled: 16 Miles
Walking: 6 Miles
 Elliptical: 1 hour

Trey is suggesting that I take it easy from here on out. I think I might do that. I hope I don't lose my mind, in the process.

Today, I had a doctors appointment. The nurse had to poke me with the needle twice because she had a hard time finding my vein. The first time she poked me, it stung like wasp. I wasn't mad, I was surprised because normally, she gets it the first time around. Now, it's 9 pm at night and both of my arms feel bruised.

My appointment went well. I'm 36 weeks, only four more weeks to go. The doctor said, Dakota has started to "drop." I have not started to dilate, yet -- which is fantastic, since I have FOUR freelance gigs this week. They are all photography jobs -- Graduation and Honors Society related. I'm going to need a full body massage by the end of the week. Ohhhhhh, Trey.....
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After my appointment, I got the oil in the car changed. Cheyenne and I patiently waited in the lobby. She watched Rio on her DVD player. Oh, modern technology, you are wonderful. I seriously wish I had one of those, when I was a kid.

Hey, look who got to drive?

Trey moved the car from the driveway to the garage and he let Chey drive it in. She loved it!
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Saturday, my little sister, Natasha went to her Senior Prom. I wish I could've been there to see her in person. Absolutely gorgeous!
 
Prom = Memories.
 Here is a blast from the past, Trey's senior prom.
 

Still Living Off of Freebies, Rockin' Da Bass & Another Baby Shower

I'm still living off of birthday freebies. I went to La Madeline, Saturday morning and received a free slice of cheesecake. Yes, it's been a week since my birthday, but I'm still celebrating --- Happy Birthday to me.

While I was there, I figured I'd dine-in and try their breakfast. Trey was sleeping in and Cheyenne didn't feel like going, so I had some quite time by myself. I'm the perfect date :)

The food was delicious.

This morning I had an early wake-up call. I had to get to church really early for band practice. The guy who normally plays bass guitar had to work and the worship leader asked if I could fill-in. I was happy to help.

The band sounds great -- they play together often, I on the other hand sounded really rusty during practice. After we were done, I stuck around for a few minters and worked with the worship leader on some of the songs  --- that really helped because I sounded 10x's better during the service. Did you know I've played bass for more than 13 years, but I've never owned a bass guitar? True Story.

Dakota was kicking and moving like crazy while I was playing. I think it was all the noise and vibration.

Immediately after the church service, we went to Dakota's baby shower, hosted by Erin. It was another diapers, wipes and gift card party. We are blessed. Thank you, church family! 

The rest of the afternoon, I made myself relax. I sat on the sofa and didn't move for an hour. Then Trey wanted to go to Subway for dinner. We ate there as a family for only $9 dollars. Trey and I each got a sandwich, drink and chips -- Chey even got a sandwich. The cashier gave us the hook-up, I mean all that for $9 bucks . That seems to be a trend, lately. HEY, I'm not complaining. Maybe it's because I'm pregnant, people feel it's necessary to feed me and give me food deals. I'll take it.

Cheyenne's First Haircut

My baby girl is 3 and half years old and she finally got her first hair cut.

Erin, watches Cheyenne while I'm at work. On top of watching Chey, Erin also does hair. She has a lot of clients in and out of her home, so Cheyenne watches her cut other peoples hair often and she has asked Erin more than once to cut hers.

It was time for a trim. Chey was more than excited.



We didn't go crazy with the cut, but it is a noticeable difference.
 
Doesn't she look like a big girl now?

Trey requested a short video clip.

My Week in Instagram Pictures

If you haven't found me on instragram yet, what are you waiting for?
@domander

I kind of like posting all my pictures at the end of the week to the blog. It's a random post, but I like it.

Trey's mom gave me this photo. It was Trey when he was a wee lad. What a handsome boy.

I inherited this platter, from Trey's great grandmother. She recently passed away and Jomi set this dish aside for me to have. It's beautiful. Every time I use it, I will think of her.

My niece Angelica took this photo of us at ACU.

4:30 am Cardio. I think I only woke up early once this week to workout. Oh, well. Dakota is making me extra sleepy, so I've been giving myself a break. I have been walking some at work though, so that should count for something.

My sweet Grandma Mary made Tasha this crochet pancho. Grandma, where's mine?? She made Cheyenne one --- well, actually she's still working on it.
Trey's favorite donut shop, you know the place where the workers know him by name -- they sell cheap great tasting coffee. Starbucks, take note.

Look who is making a dent with Sam's Club eggs?

Remember this is what I started with (the end of march). Umm, they should still be good, right? Anybody? Well, they taste good to me.

35 Weeks Pregnancy Snapshot.

I look ridiculous! I'm not sure my frame can handle another added pound.

  35 Weeks with Dakota                            36 Weeks with Cheyenne
    
Looking at these pictures side by side, I'm convinced Dakota is laying down with her feet at my back and the top of her head facing my belly button. She's all spread out, compared to Cheyenne. Crazy Baby. And what's up with my stomach being all cone shaped? People who don't know me assume I'm having a boy. I guess, it's that old saying, "boys ride higher, than girls." Trey's mom thinks I'm having a boy, but then again she thought I was having twins.

So, I've been giving out the wrong information. This week I'm 35 weeks, but I thought I was 34, so that's what I've been saying... Trey finally said, that's not right and I pulled out the calendar. Sure enough, I'm 35 weeks. What's another week, she'll come when she wants to come. Besides, due dates are just rough estimates, the doctors don't really know and I can't gauge whether she will be early, late or on time. For those at home following, my due date is JUNE 8th. So, that's roughly a month from now. YIKES!

Cravings
LIMON Chips are still my number one. Trey bought me a bag Sunday and the bag is still in the pantry. It's not full, but still, there are chips left, (crumbs). Be amazed, people! I know, I am. Another craving is warm chocolate chip cookies, straight out of the oven...EndraFit Challenge? What Challenge? Oops!


Energy
This week, I've been nodding off, at work. Luckily, I work in a service department where people ask for assistance, so I won't be tempted to give in and fall asleep on the clock. I have too many interruptions for that...thank goodness? In this case, YES.


I'm Feeling...
Lately, I'm an emotional basket case. Yesterday, I went to Wich, Which, to redeem a free birthday sandwich and apparently, my coupon was only valid at a specific location and guess what --- I went to the wrong location. When the cashier told me, she couldn't give me my birthday sandwich, my eyes started to tear up. What is wrong with me????? It's a freaking sandwich. Trey said I should've pulled the pregnancy card. I was too embarrassed I was about to break down and start sobbing, so I said OK and left. F- That location. Yeah, I said it. Well, not really, but whatever.

I'm still hurting --- That's the story of this pregnancy. With all this pain, it's hard to believe that I was running up until 24 weeks, pain free. I miss it. Sure I was slow, but at least I was clocking some miles.

Sleeping
I'm starting to get heartburn in the middle of the night. I've also started waking up around 1 am, needing to vomit, but I don't -- it just feels like I need to. I don't like to sleep in one position all night long, but when I go to shift, my body it's so heavy. Oh, and I grunt a lot....shifting in bed, bending over, cleaning, getting in and out of the car. It's like I'm an old person.

Now, everyone is thinking -- pregnancy sounds terrible. Well.....It's just getting harder because I'm getting bigger and I'm so active. I should probably chill. I need the doctor to prescribe me some chill time or I need more hours in the day.

Natasha's Senior Portraits

This past weekend, I had an opportunity to take my little sisters candid senior portraits. Thanks Abilene wind for being a pain! It was so windy and HOT! We made due and here are a few of my favorites. I'd like to take more inside, if I get a chance. Maybe I can do a set-up soon, but next time include more pictures with Bella, my niece.

Maybe, I got carried away with the color correcting. :)
It's different....but Tasha looks gorgeous.








 
Look how red Bella's face is...I'm telling you -- it was HOT. HOT. HOT. I'm not ready for summer.

A Litter of Puppies

The same day my mom and Frank got married is the same day their dog had a litter of pups. They are pit-bulls. They look so sweet and innocent ---- now.
Cheyenne enjoyed holding and petting them.

Trey always tells her, he's going to get her and Dakota a lap dog, when they get older. I don't know about that. Having a dog is a lot of responsibility. If you go out of town, you have to make accommodations for the dog, you have to take them to the vet and keep up with their shots. It just seems like a handful on top of having two kids. But at the same time dogs are great companions.

Did You know.....
Trey and I had two dogs before we had Cheyenne? We had two Welsh Corgi's. One was a purebred and the other was a rescue (corgi-terrier mix).


Corky
He was the purebred. He had short legs, but he could cover some ground. He was my running partner. We would run several days a week, 3 miles at a time.

Harley
She was a the terrier mix. A real sweetheart. She didn't care too much for running.

After Cheyenne was born, she spent a week in the NICU -- that's when we decided to find the dogs a new home. Now, writing this post makes me really miss them, but then I remember all the shedding. Okay, I'm good.
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My DailyMile Training from last week
Walk: 9 Miles
Cycle:0 Miles
Elliptical: 15 minutes

Last week, my body was ??????? You guessed it,  SORE. Do I sound like a broken record? It's not exercise sore, it's I've gained a ton of weight and my baby feels like she's about to fall out --- Sore. I never understood when my friends use to tell me, "My baby feels like it's going to fall out." Now, I know. It's an unpleasant feeling. Some days are worse than others, last week was a painful week. Last night, I felt pretty bad too, but now I'm feeling a little better.


P.S. I never got my birthday massage. What does a girl have to do to get a massage? I guess, I'm just going to have to pay someone.