Last day of the year...

It's finally New Years Eve and I am not the least bit excited about "celebrating" tonight. That's terrible, I know. We are going to Ryan's friend's house this evening to celebrate...if that's what you want to call it. Starting an evening at 8:00 in the evening in no way, shape, or form sounds appealing to me. I would much rather put on jammies and be curled up in front of the tv while Ryan watches Duck Commander and I read a book. That's an ideal night for someone who is nearly 6 months pregnant.

I know we will have a good of a time as possible considering the conditions, but I can't help but be a Debby Downer about it all. NYE is my favorite holiday. Ever. There isn't a holiday that really even touches it and I'm extremely sad that today, the most glorious day of the year, is just one of those blah days. I've even cried about 3 times today. Pathetic, right? I know that I am probably feeling sorry for myself...considering I won't be with my besties, I won't be getting to dance my little heart out, I won't have a drink at midnight...in fact, I probably won't even see midnight this year. It's all very awkward to me.

In an effort to make me feel better about the conditions, I did make homemade peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. (And when I say homemade, I literally mean from scratch.) Go me because they were awesome! Last night we had dinner with all but one of my best friends. It was so wonderful getting to have one last dinner of the year with the people I adore. We had lots of laughs, which is always expeceted. It compensated for not getting to ring in the new year with them.

I know that I shouldn'd be such a DD today, for tomorrow starts a new year. A year that is going to be the best year ever. We will be welcoming little Wyatt Hudson into our family and that alone in itself has me more excited than I could ever put into words. I know he is going to steal my heart the moment I actually see him in person. I will have lots of growing up, learning, laughter, and tears in 2011 but I know it will all be worthwhile.

So, in an effort to make the rest of my day a little bit better I will wish everyone a wonderful two thousand eleven. I hope that it is your best year yet!

2010 in pictures

One last Monday

The last Monday of 2010 made its big debut today. I can’t help but feel a little upset that this year is almost over. How is it that 361 days have flown by so quickly? I can think back to this time last year and remember the pure excitement I was feeling looking forward to ringing in the New Year with my husband and best friends. I was ready to have a few drinks, dance, laugh, and steal lots of sugar from my love. I knew that 2010 would be the best year of my life. There was absolutely no question about it. I would be marrying the love of my life, traveling to Alaska, and embarking on a wonderfully scary world of a newlywed. There was so much to look forward to…and so much that I couldn’t even begin to plan for.

Each year of my life has only gotten better. My friendships that I have maintained for 10+ years continue to flourish. I am so very lucky to have the girlfriends that I do. I don’t talk to them every single day (very, very close), but I know that if I ever needed anything all I would have to do is pick up the phone. Ryan and I have learned a lot about friendships and relationships during this year---whose matters, whose doesn’t, whose exceed all expectations, and whose will always fall short. I love knowing that if we need something or help with anything we know who to count on.

Our families have continued as well to bless us, care for us, and support us in ways we didn’t think possible. From giving away a daughter and gaining a son my parents graciously accepted Ryan into our family and have always treated him like their own. They shoot the bull with him, laugh at and with him, and make him feel like another child. They have 100% faith in Ryan’s ability to take care of me, provide for me, and treat me the way a husband is suppose to treat his wife. (I like to think my poor dad was ready to give me away. Not because he wanted to, but mostly his checkbook needed a break!) Ryan’s dad has done a wonderful job embarking on something that was completely foreign to him- gaining a daughter. He knows that I will do anything and everything in my power to “take care” of Ryan but most importantly to “keep him in line.” He honestly treats me like his own daughter. Ryan’s mother and step-dad have also done a great job in accepting me into their big family. Gaining another daughter, especially when you have one already, I think would prove to be a more challenging endeavor. However, my mother-in-law has done a great job in making me always feel welcome, giving me advice regarding her son, and understanding how matter-of-fact I am and that I times I can be the dreaded b-word. (I think a lot of this comes from the fact that my sister-in-law and I are pretty similar. What can I say? We are both Scorpios!)

As the last few days of 2010 fly by, I have a constant reminder of just how wonderful 2011 is going to be. I’ve got a precious little boy growing inside of me, giving me pure joy each day as I feel him move. This upcoming year will be huge. We are going to take on yet another challenge that will prove to be even harder than the one we tackled this year. Married life proved easier that I thought…and even though I am 3 months shy of a year, I can say that our future is very promising. I firmly believe that we can mark this year with a W. Parenthood, on the other hand, is a bit more scary…I am so ready to take on the challenge and I am very lucky to have a husband who is just as eager…

As I sit here with a fur-baby curled up next to me, a kicking baby inside me, and a handsome hubby ready for me to finish blogging so he can read it I can't help but think of how truly blessed I am and how different each Christmas with Ryan has been.

We started dating in November of 2008 so our first Christmas together was what you could definitely consider the "awkward" one... you know...the one where you are just beginning to date and you ponder whether or not to do the gift exchange and if so, how much do you spend? Do you get personal? Buy something they have probably received from every other girlfriend or try to be a little different? Buy something useful? Show how cute, witty, and funny you are or be boring? Either way it is, or can be, a difficult task. However, with Ryan I knew what I was going to get him instantly. Ryan and I are goofy, it's that simple. We somehow got on the conversation of shirts and he mentions the one that Ricky Bobby wore in Talledega Nights...the Crystal Gayle one. I immediately began a search for the shirt and found one at none other than her fan website. Score! I knew Ryan would love it and couldn't wait until Christmas rolled around. We spent Christmas Eve Eve together and did our exchange, somewhat awkwardly. Oh how I miss those days! He loved his shirt that I got him and I truly loved the book he got me. (He obviously paid attentions to my nerdiness.) We both went with a sentimental avenue and had a successful first Christmas together. Here is the beauty that I got:

And here is him actually wearing it over Memorial Day weekend at a camp/float trip---the same trip that Ryan "pre-proposed" to me and asked me when I was ready to go ring shopping...see, it paid off!

Our second Christmas together, last years, was our first one as an engaged couple. We pondered how we were going to tackle the day. There were three different households to visit and we weren't sure how to handle it. Ryan had shared with me that he had always been super stressed out during this time of year because of not wanting to hurt any one's feelings...add another family to the mix and I honestly felt bad for him and even assured him that we would make it...and we did. We changed traditions that we had held on to for years...for each of us it was me spending the night at my parent's and Ryan at his dad. We decided this year to wake up at our home, do our Christmas, and then head out to conquer the day spending time with family. Christmas breakfast at my parent's, a late lunch at his dad's, and an early dinner at his mom's. It was a lot of running around and I truly began to understand what Ryan used to go through. The one thing that absolutely made my day was as we were crawling into bed, doing a recap of our day and Ryan told me that this was the best Christmas he had ever had and the reason why was because of me. I had made his Christmas perfect and stress free and he actually looked forward to holidays now, knowing that I would be by his side. That's what marriage is about and I am lucky to have a husband to realize that.

This year, it is our first Christmas as a married couple and with a baby on the way. I've already got my presents so I will not have anything to open in the morning. This upsets Ryan a bit since he has presents to open (event though he knows exactly what they are) and I won't. But what makes me extremely thankful is that Ryan and I are truly blessed where we are in our lives. We don't need anything...we have everything and more so our gifts are very functional. New running shoes and pillows for me. (I'm sure Ryan about stroked out spending more than $40 for a pillow, but it's what I wanted.) I love that we decided to forgo a lot of Christmas presents so we can spend more on Wyatt (which we have successfully done). I love, love, love being married and I love that this is our first Christmas as a married couple. Next Christmas is going to be even more different. We will have a son who will be about 8 months old and we will be dying to play Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. Granted, we know that next Christmas won't be that "exciting" since Wyatt won't really get the concept but for momma and daddy it will be the best time ever. Each Christmas Ryan and I have spent together only gets better and better. I am so excited for tomorrow and spending time with our families!!

Crying in Cracker Barrel

Sharing a sense of humor with your spouse is very, very important...to me and mine at least. Ryan and I can find something funny in just about every situation. Tonight was no different.

As we walked into to Cracker Barrel for dinner tonight I was making a beeline for the hostess. Little momma was starving at this point and had only one mission: Get seated and get some biscuits. My dear husband had another plan. He wanted me to get a good look at what every patron entering the restaurant would witness: A man bent over showing nothing but some good ole flannel long johns busting out of his britches. I, of course, had missed this sight due to my tunnel vision but I can always count on the hubs to point out something I missed. We got a good little chuckle after I called him a sicko and went about to our table and enjoyed some dinner. After we paid we did a little looking around, admiring all the stuff we "can't wait to buy" when Wyatt gets big enough. We stumbled upon one of the Christmas-ey tables right in front of the door...(what would make this story even better is if it was the exact table as Mr. Underwear himself, but it wasn't.) Ryan picked one of the two books began flipping through it and handed it to me and proceeded to pick up the second. I just stood there holding the book, minding my own, waiting for him to finish when suddenly out of nowhere I heard the one thing that Ryan and I will always laugh about...a toot. A loud, there is no denying what it was toot...and...immediately following in a cute little lady's voice we heard an "Ooops." I lost it. Seriously lost it. I started shaking violently, laughing uncontrollably, tears were forming in my eyes, when Ryan asked, "Was that what I think it was?" But, my body language had already given him the answer he was seeking. He took the book out of my hand for what I am certain is fear it would end up on the floor with me, as I was so close to doing. We stood there laughing and laughing not really knowing if momma was going to make it...We finally made it two foot to the door where the incident happened and continued to laugh. What nearly killed Ryan and I was when we saw the culprit...one of the two little old ladies that was getting into their car. Lost it, again. We finally got into our car and got settled down, caught our breath, and headed home. There is nothing like a man with flannel underwear peeping out of his pants and a little lady who accidently toots walking out the doors of a restaurant to give Ryan and I a glimpse of what we will probably one day be...

24 Weeks, 2 Days

How far along? 24 weeks, 2 days (EWWW on the picture this week. Dear future Sarah, do not take early morning pictures when you are slightly puffy from sleeping. Any, if next week you still look slightly puffy and it's not an early morning picture it's simply because you are pregnant and growing...HA!)

Total weight gain: 11 pounds

Maternity clothes? Negative

Sleep: I sleep pretty soundly.

Best moment this week: Having my tummy transform into a wave pool when Wyatt starts moving.

Movement: He moves all the time now. Daddy actually gets to see him creating little waves all over the place. My mom, Ryan's mom, and Auntie Kylie have all felt him move.

Gender: Boy! Wyatt Hudson

Labor Signs: No and don't want them until April.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings: Still none.

What I miss: Sleeping on my tummy.

Weekly Wisdom: Just a sip of Red Bull is not a good idea...

Milestones: We finally painted Wyatt's room and ordered his crib today. We are making progress...

And the award for dumbest mommy-to-be goes to...(drumroll)...this girl! For my acceptance speech I would like to apologize to my son, Wyatt and his dad, Ryan. To Wyatt, I just want you to know that I really enjoy Red Bull. I have for a while now and it's a treat when I get it. I used to have it stocked in my fridge during my last semester of college, but I quickly grew out of it. On occasion I would buy one at a gas station and when I went to a bar I would have a shot or two (or three or four...) with a little Jager it in, but nothing too terrible. I honestly like the taste. Sigh...which brings me to today when Daddy happened to have on in the fridge (saved from a early morning of hunting). I begged him to let me have it as soon as I discovered it was in there, but like a responsible person he refused...until today. When he was leaving to go back to work he took it with him and I begged and pleaded for him to open it right then and give me a sip. A sip- that's all. I figured it couldn't hurt considering there are women who drink a lot, lot worse. (By this I mean non-alcoholic beverages and more specifically a Mt. Dew or something similar...something just all around bad.) Well he caved, opened it, and let me have a sip. Literally it was less than a 1/2 ounce because he was pulling it away before I even got my lips on it. The taste was magnificent and just as spectacular as I remembered. That was all I needed was that little bit. So, to Ryan, sorry I am completely irresistible..er, persistent...and always get what I (think) I want and need. When I got back to work I literally felt like a horrible mommy. My child wasn't moving any and he normally does in the afternoon. (To make me feel better, I've about got Wyatt's sleep schedule down...I'm moving up on my negative mommy points.) I felt guilt...I've poisoned my child I had decided. About an hour after the Red Bull "accident" Wyatt came down from his "cocaine" high (or paralysis...whatever you prefer) and was moving about as normal. I apologized and promised never again. . .

We did get Wyatt's room painted this past weekend and I am getting more and more excited about getting it ready. We are ordering the crib tonight and I guarantee it's going to be a we got this, and this, and this in the next few weeks. Reality it really setting in that we have a little boy on the way. But check it--- Wyatt's mobile is waiting for him...

Yes...those are in fact duck decoys and yes, I am in fact joking...

Good lookin'

I never like to miss an opportunity to share just how wonderful my husband is. Well, that and how silly he really is. After going to church, lunch, and a quick run to the store to get some cat food we were finally headed home. It suddenly hit me just how much I love Ryan. It's a lot. Maybe too much. I even asked him if he wanted to know what my favorite part about being married was. He, of course, said yes and I responded with "After being together for a little over 2 years I am still happy with you." He just laughed and said he was too. (He's quite the sweet romantical person.) It is true though...I have never been happier in my life and I know I am on the path I am supposed to be pursuing. Ryan is the perfect husband for me and I am the perfect wife for him. I look forward to many, many years with him when I am still happy and still content and we are still laughing our butts off at each other. We enjoy each other's company above anyone elses and when we add little Wyatt to the mix it's only going to be that much more wonderful!

Seriously, how can you not love a guy who tucks in a shirt into his pajama pants (and is putting my pants up)?! He will want to punch me in the face for posting this, but he is down-right adorable (and delicious) to me! He should just be happy I didn't get a picture of him wearing my cute little pajama pants with puppy dogs, bows, and candy canes when he didn't have any clean lounging pants. Never a dull moment with this hansome devil.

Don't hate me Bunney...I know how to punish you in a bad, bad way...you can kiss having someone do your laundry goodbye if you do!

22...23 Weeks

It's true... I am skipping week 22. Why? I have been counting the weeks of my pregnancy by my original due date of April 16. However, my due date is April 9th so I feel it's best to be accurate with my progress (and who doesn't like a closer due date?). So here is my week 23 post!



How far along? 23 weeks

Total weight gain: 10 on my scale...Friday we will find out on the Dr's...

Maternity clothes? Nope!

Sleep: I sleep pretty soundly.

Best moment this week: Seeing my stomach pop out when Wyatt moved.

Movement: He's quite the active little boy and I love it.

Gender: Boy! Wyatt Hudson

Labor Signs: No. No. and No.

Belly Button in or out? In.

Cravings: Nada.

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly.

Weekly Wisdom: Knowing that on those "yucky" days it's all worth it in the end.


Milestones: The lady at Red Lobster is the first stranger to congratulate me on being pregnant. This only means one thing: I'm no longer in the "Is she or isn't she pregnant?" category!

Toda I bought Wyatt his first book!

Ryan and I read it to him tonight once we got back from eating an early Christmas dinner in Little Rock with his aunt and cousins. We had a great time getting to visit with them! I plan to get some of my books from my parent's and begin reading to Wyatt daily. I only hope he will be a little reader like his mommmy!