The difference a month makes

Let's Ask America

A little back history….

I have been known to apply for a game show or two.  While living in Auburn, Deal or No Deal was the new game show on TV.  I applied.  I remember getting a call back while eating at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Acopulco’s.  Well, one phone interview turned into two then three.  Before I knew it, they had asked that my supporters that I wanted to be on the show come to Auburn to do a video interview with the show producers.  My mom, Maw.Maw., Gabe, and Scott all came to my apartment for the video interview and to play a round of the game.  I thought we had it in the bag, but I never heard back from the show.

Fast forward a few years….

Since being married, I was able to get my family an audition for Family Feud which fell through, and I recently went to the open casting call in Birmingham for Big Brother.  The Price is Right had a special episode earlier this summer for expectant women only.  I was put on a waiting list for tickets, and they notified me less than 24 hours before the show that I had a ticket.  Things just never seemed to work out.

A few months ago, a strange number showed up on my cell phone, and I answered.  They asked to speak with Casey Barrett.  Apparently, a new game show had gotten my application and my video interview tape from when I auditioned to be on Deal or No Deal 7 years ago.  They asked me to fill out a new application with my current information if I was interested.  I was interested!!  I had several phone and skype interviews with assistant producers and producers.   I knew it was getting serious when I had a hour long interview with the producer.  I came home from work a few weeks ago and had a box on my front porch.  When I opened the box, I read a letter that said I had been chosen to be on Let’s Ask America.  They sent me all kinds of Let’s Ask America gear like a shirt, bumper sticker, cups, etc.  They called the night I received the letter and set up a tape date for last Tuesday (8/21).  I was scheduled to start taping the show at 3:00 on Tuesday.  I played against 3 other people.  The game is similar to Family Feud.  Random people were surveyed, and we won money if we matched the correct answer.  After each round, the person with the least amount of money would be eliminated until only one person remained.  The grand total you could win was $50,000.  I made it to the third round, but I ended up losing to the only other girl on the show.  The final question was WHICH PERSON DID 100 ARTIST SAY THEY WOULD MOST LIKE TO HAVE AS A NUDE MODEL.  The possible answers were WILLIE NELSON, CARNIE WILSON, CATHY BATES, OR KEITH RICHARS.  I guessed Keith Richards.  The correct answer was Cathy Bates.  The other contestant didn’t get it right either (she guessed Willie), but I had the lowest score and was eliminated.  I was so disappointed.  I had big plans for my winnings.  Oh well, it was SO MUCH FUN!!  It was something I have ALWAYS wanted to do, but I think I’m hanging up my game show/reality TV dreams for a while.  Let’s Ask America is scheduled to premiere on September 17.  They didn’t know when my show would be on TV.  Only certain TV markets get the network that Let’s Ask America will be shown on, so I don’t think we will be able to watch.

You can read more about the show here:  http://www.letsaskamerica.tv/

26-27 weeks??

My due date is 11-22-12 (Thanksgiving Day) which makes me 26 weeks and 4 days today.  However, I always thought I was four days ahead of the due date given by the doctor (after all, I was there when I conceived and knew she was mistaken on her day of conception).  I thought my due date should be 11-18-12 which would make me 27 weeks and 1 day today.  Well, at my doctor's appointment on Friday, the doctor said I'm measuring 6 days ahead of the 11-22-12 due date which would make me 27 weeks and 3 days today and due on 11-16-12.  All of the dates are really close, but it makes it hard to take my weekly pictures and know how many weeks pregnant I am.

Size of baby:  Head of lettuce.  The doctor estimated that she weighed 2 lbs 1 oz on Friday.

Weight:  At my 26 weeks appointment on Friday (8/17), I had gained 1 lb in the last month.  I am now only 2 lbs below my starting weight.

Best moment of the week:  Before seeing the doctor on Friday, Scott and I got to see baby girl in 4D.  She's pretty cute!!

Movement:  All the time unless I actually want her to move (ex. during ultrasound, wanting somebody to feel her).  She is especially active before I go to sleep (10:00-11:00 pm) and before I get up in the mornings (6:00 am).

Symptoms:  Heartburn, Getting full quick but eating often

Food cravings/aversions:  Cravings-salt, meat; Aversions-still not eating a lot of sweets, potatoes

Belly button in or out: Looks normal

What I miss:  Drinking unlimited amounts of Diet Pepsi

What I am looking forward to:  My church and Gadsden baby showers in September

Nursery:  It's my favorite room in the house, and I love going in there to sit and rock.  It is coming together great, but I do need to go get a crib mattress.

Exercise:  I stay very busy at work and on the weekends.  I figure all that walking has to count as exercise.  Right??

Locust Fork Baby Shower

My SIL wanted to help host a baby shower for Scott and I.  Since she is a teacher and off in the summers, she came up with her family from Miami.  The shower was sweet and perfect.  She had planned the theme and ordered invites before knowing if Baby Partain was a boy or girl.  The yellow/black with touches of pink was adorable.

Mom and Rick in the Gadsden Times

www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120801/NEWS/120809999

There are a few typos in the article, but I think it's very cool!! My dad didn't pass away from brain cancer....it was lung cancer.  I called mom immediately after reading it thinking they had kept something from me.  Nope, it was just a typo.  I told her dad wouldn't mind, but if they made a typo and said that Gabe and I went to "that other school" he would be MAD.  I learned things about Rick that I didn't know.  Their backyard is absolutely beautiful, and I'm proud that it was recognized.

Kaci Lee's Wedding Shower

On Saturday, we celebrated my childhood friend's upcoming December wedding.  I'm sad about no longer being in the wedding, but my due date and her wedding were just too close.  I'm so excited to see Kaci Lee as a bride and will probably cry the whole day.  We have been friends since she was 4 and I was 12.

 Philip and Kaci Lee

 Kaci Lee with the hostesses

 The wedding party girls

20 weeks

Size of baby: Banana

Weight: I am still below my starting weight by about 4-5 pounds.

Sleep:  Sleep is like it was before pregnancy.  I get up several times a night to take out Junior and use the bathroom.

Best moment of the week:  Finally revealing the gender to our family and friends.
 
Movement:  Miss No-Name Partain is a mover and shaker.  Scott tried to feel her moving last night, but she stopped once he was touching my stomach.
Symptoms: Nausea (the Zofran helps!!), vomiting (it's not every day anymore!!), cravings, growing belly, heartburn, indigestion

Food cravings/aversions: Cravings-eggs, cheese, salt, olives
Aversions-sweets, potatoes of any kind

Belly button in or out: In. It looks the same as always to me.

Stretch marks: None.

What I miss:  I can't think of anything I miss right now.  I'm loving feeling her move and starting to show.
What I am looking forward to:  I'm looking forward to so much.  I'm excited to move along with the nursery.  I'm also looking forward to spending quality time with Scott for our 5th wedding anniversary on July 21.

Nursery:  Mom and I are about to go online and order the crib tonight!!

Exercise:  Trying to walk for a few minutes at a time, so I won't get too hot.  I'm using my 5 lb weights to keep my arms tone.

Gender Reveal Party

IT'S A GIRL!!

18 weeks

Size of baby: Sweet Potato

Weight: At the doctor yesterday, I had gained 2 lbs since my last appointment 4 weeks ago.  The doctor informed me that I am 6 lbs below my starting weight, and she said to eat anything that isn't tied down.  If it was only that easy.

Sleep:  I'm no longer having to take a cat nap when I get home from work. Skipping the nap has really helped me to sleep better at night.

Best moment of the week:  Seeing our baby for the first time during our ultrasound. 
Movement:  When I am laying in bed at night, I think I am feeling the baby move.

Symptoms: Nausea (the Zofran helps!!), vomiting (it's not every day anymore!!), cravings, watermelon shaped baby bump, linea nigra that goes up my entire stomach

Food cravings/aversions: Cravings-eggs, cheese, steak, salt
Aversions-sweets

Belly button in or out: In. It looks the same as always to me.

Stretch marks: None. 

What I miss: Laying out on my stomach during the summer.  It is way too uncomfortable.  At least I am tan when you see me coming.

What I am looking forward to:  Although we found out if Baby Partain is a he/she yesterday, we have to wait until next Saturday for the gender reveal party (June 30th).  We are having to wait a week because some family is out of town today.  I CANNOT wait to see the look on everybody's face!!

Nursery: It is 75% done.  I am going to start looking at cribs this week!! 

Exercise:  Since I have a lot more energy, I am getting outside to walk Junior more often.  I use my 5 lb weights at work to keep my arms tone and try to walk during one of my 15 minute work breaks.

I Actually Won Something!!

A friend of mine from Auburn put on her facebook wall that her photographer was having a contest and the winner would win a free newborn photo session worth $500.  I looked into it and immediately sent an email.  The photographer wanted you to tell a little about yourself and send pictures of your bump, nursery, and family.  Apparently nobody took the time to send in an email for the contest, and the photographer let me know that since there were only 2 entries we would both be getting a FREE newborn session.  I WAS SO EXCITED....Scott was too!!  Her photos are so precious.  Looking at her website gets me so excited for Baby Partain.  Check her out at http://lbstudiosphoto.com/ and on her blog http://lbstudiosphoto.com/blog/ .  Warning:  You can't look at her blog birth photos without crying.  Just saying.  She blogged about the contest and posted my entry email here: http://lbstudiosphoto.com/blog/index.php/2012/06/newborn-art-contest-winners/ .

The Difference a Month Makes

Trip to L & D

I went for my 14-15 week check-up this morning.  Baby Partain's heartbeat was strong at 155.  We were excited to get to hear the heartbeat again!!  Unfortunately, the doctor thought I had lost too much weight and I was spilling ketones in my urine, so I had to visit L & D to get 2 bags of IV fluids.  It wasn't bad at all, and I feel so much better.  Scott and I no longer need to do a hospital tour since we know our way around a birthing suite and to the nourishment center. :)

14 WEEKS!!  I am 4 days ahead of my ticker according to my own calculations.  Each new week starts on Sunday.

Size of baby: Lemon.....Yummy!!

Weight: Before I left for the beach 5 days ago, I had lost 11 pounds.  I've been able to eat more this trip then I have my entire pregnancy, so I'm thinking I may have gained a few pounds.  I'm sure I'm still below my pre-pregnancy weight though.

Sleep:  Pretty good as long as I have a LOT of pillows.  I thought I would have to get up to use the bathroom a lot during the third trimester, but it has started early and I'm up and down all night.

Best moment of the week:  Beach Vacation!!!!

Movement:  Not yet

Symptoms: Nausea and vomiting (especially if I eat the wrong thing).....I'm just glad it doesn't last ALL DAY anymore!!

Food cravings/aversions: Cravings-cranberry juice with salt and lime, lemons
Aversions-ranch, fried foods, sour cream

Belly button in or out: In.  It looks the same as always to me.

Stretch marks: None.  Scott did say and I quote, "You need to start oiling up."  He's seen some scary stuff when I'm watching my pregnancy shows.

What I miss: Eating unlimited amounts of seafood at the beach without thinking about mercury content.

What I am looking forward to:  My next doctor's appointment this week. I hope to sneak a peak at Baby P. 

Nursery:  It is 75% done.  I have to find out if Baby P is a boy or a girl before I do much more. 

Scott working in the nursery putting up vinyl letters that say "All because two people fell in love...."

Exercise:  Hauling our stuff to the beach and walking in the sand has been my workout this week.

Boy or Girl??

Suspend a wedding band held by a piece of thread over the palm of the pregnant woman. If the suspended ring swings in an oval or circular motion, the baby will be a girl. If the ring swings back and forth in a straight line, the baby will be a boy. There is also a version done with a needle and thread above the mother’s wrist or her belly. Results are the same. GIRL

If you carry your baby high and tight, it is a boy. If you carry your baby low and wide, it’s a girl. Too soon to tell

If you crave fruits and vegetables, it’s a boy. If you crave meats and starches, you will have a girl.  GIRL

If you crave sweets, you’re having a boy. If you crave salty foods, you’re having a girl.  GIRL

If the hair on your legs is growing faster than before you were pregnant, you’re having a boy. If it is growing at the same rate or slower, you’re having a girl.  GIRL

If your feet are colder now than before you were pregnant, you’re having a boy. If they are the same as before, you’re having a girl.  GIRL

If your husband is gaining weight right along with you, you’re having a boy. If he hasn’t gained any weight, you’re having a girl.  GIRL

If your hair is gray, you’re having a boy. If your hair is not gray (natural or dyed), you’re having a girl.  GIRL

If you have morning sickness early in your pregnancy, you’re having a girl. If you haven’t had morning sickness, you’re having a boy.
GIRL

If you look particularly good during pregnancy, you’re having a boy. If you’re not looking so good, you’re having a girl.  ???? Depends on the day I guess.

If your urine is a bright neon yellow color, you’re having a boy. If it’s a dull yellow, you’re having a girl.  GIRL

If you must have orange juice everyday, you’re having a girl. If you don’t like orange juice, you’re having a boy.  GIRL

If you’re having headaches, you’re having a boy. If you’re not, you’re having a girl.  GIRL

If someone asks you to show them your hands and you present them palms up, you’re having a girl. If you present your hands palms down, you’re having a boy.  GIRL

If you pick up a coffee mug by the handle, you’re having a boy. If you pick it up by the body of the mug, you’re having a girl.  ????

Chinese calendar based on mom's age at conception and month of conception.  BOY (I think.  Each Chinese Calendar is a little bit different.)

Mom's intuition.  BOY

Dad's intuition.  GIRL

We are scheduled to find out the gender towards the end of June.  At my next doctor's appointment on May 26th, we will schedule our 18 week appointment to FINALLY see our little turkey.

Baby Macon's Baby Shower

I went to B'ham the first weekend of May to help host a baby shower for my good friends Krystal and Mat.  Baby Macon is due June 30, and I can't wait to see his cute little self.

Little Turkey

Scott and I found out on March 12, 2012 that we were pregnant!!  Baby Partain was definitely planned, but it happened a lot quicker than I expected.  We had always planned on being married for 5 years before starting a family.  Baby Partain is due to arrive 4 months after our 5th anniversary.  At our first doctor's appointment on March 24, my doctor confirmed that I was due on Thanksgiving Day (11-22-12).

When we started trying to have a baby in January, I ordered a Big Brother shirt for Junior.  I'm so glad I had it ordered ahead of time because I could not have waited for a shirt to be shipped to tell Scott.  Scott tells everybody that he is hoping for triplets (2 boys and a girl). Ha!

When Scott arrived home from work on March 12, Junior was wearing his Big Brother shirt.

I am now 10 weeks.  We had our second doctor's appointment today and heard our baby's heart beating in the 150s.  The doctor gave me the go ahead to tell everybody (like I haven't already).  I have been taking weekly pictures and hope to keep the blog updated.

iPhone Dump

My new jewelry rack that hangs on the back of my closet door.

My new "P" frame in our guest bedroom. 

Scott making a wish on his 28th birthday.

The bed in the storage unit Scott bid on and WON. 

Krystal needed a double doozie snack while shopping.

Random

Have you tried the new Chicken Tortilla Soup at Chick-Fil-A??  I'm a big fan of chicken tortilla soup and can't wait to try it.  The picture makes it look creamer then the one I make at home, so I was expecting the Chick-Fil-A version to have more calories.  However, a medium bowl has 230 calories while the large has 440 (not sure if that includes the tortilla strips).  The sodium content is RIDICULOUS (>800 mg) though.  As mentioned in a previous post, I take my lunch MOST days, but some days the lunch I bring just won't hit the spot.  Luckily, we have a Chick-Fil-A less than a mile from work, so I plan to try their new soup (if I can bypass Zaxby's ARRR!!).

Check out this GORGEOUS dress I will be sporting December 15, 2012.  A very close childhood friend is getting married, and I have the honor to be a bridesmaid.  Let's just hope it fits.  It's hard to determine what size you will be in a year.  I have learned from past mistakes and ordered a size up.

Introducing Baby Burch

My good friend Krystal called around Thanksgiving to let us know that Baby Burch will be arriving in late June/early July.  Scott and I are so excited!!  Krystal and Mat are one of our favorite couple friends.  They found out Krystal was expecting the morning of the Halloween party they hosted in October ( Halloween Party 2011 ).  Krystal is now 14 weeks pregnant, and I had to go see "the bump" in person on New Year's Eve.  We spent the day shopping and eating at Cocina Superior.  Our other good friend, Mindy, was able to join us as well.

The little baby bump :)

Mindy and I were pumped to try on the fake bump at the maternity stores. 

I am officially guessing that Baby Burch is a BOY.  I have a theory that is right ~90% of the time.  My friends seem to have a baby that is the same gender as their pet.  Krystal and Mat have 2 boy dogs, so I've predicted them to have 2 little boys (hopefully not one that whines all the time like Toby).