Did you know?

That when a man and woman kiss, it sends shivers down the spine? It actually burns calories to kiss! The man feels energized and the woman feels relaxed. Huh?? Who knew?

Men who kiss their wives in the morning live five years longer than those who don't.

People are more likely to tilt their heads to the right when kissing instead of the left (65 percent of people go to the right!)

Falling in love can induce a calming effect on the body and mind and raises levels of nerve growth factor for about a year, which helps to restore the nervous system and improves the lover's memory.

Brain scans show that people who view photos of a beloved experience an activation of the caudate — the part of the brain involving cravings.

Philadelphia International Airport finished as the No. 1 best airport for making a love connection, according to an online survey.

According to mathematical theory, we should date a dozen people before choosing a long-term partner; that provides the best chance that you'll make a love match

and my personal favorite...

A man's beard grows fastest when he anticipates sex.

I need a replacement...

What's the warranty on this thing?

Well, at least that's what my parents should've asked when I was born.

Today, I am sitting at home, in my bed, dosed on large amounts of IBProfen, trying to ice my back. It seems leaning over and pulling a 22lb human onto your lap may not be that great of an idea :)

Yesterday, while trying to maneuver Mr Man, I pulled my back. And since I already have a mild case of scoliosis, it really did a number on me.

I went to the chiropractor, only for him to tell me I am royally screwed and I should stay in bed. Boo!

So, my awesome aunt in-law is over, taking care of Mr Man, while I rest in my bed.

Darn, I just need an upgrade? Why hasn't Dr Rey put together some sort of upgrade package? He'd be a bazillionaire! Maybe I should email him... any ideas on his email address?

The Hottest new "drug" around!

Do you have feelings of inadequacy?

Do you suffer from shyness?

Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Margaritas.

Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions.

Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything.

You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live.

Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hiding and start living, with Margaritas.

Margaritas may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas.

However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include: Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration Erotic lustfulness Loss of motor control Loss of clothing Loss of money Loss of virginity Table dancing Headache Dehydration Dry mouth And a desire to sing Karaoke

WARNING: The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.

ANOTHER WARNING: The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.

OKAY, ANOTHER WARNING: The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing.

SERIOUSLY THIS IS THE FINAL WARNING: The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spittingJ.

PO'd!!!!

Today, I woke up at 4:30 in the morning (and had fasted since Midnight last night) to go and get my tilt table test. This was THE test to tell me why my BP is so low and why the fainting spells are occuring. I head out the door and I was ready for whatever they were going to throw at me.

First, (I need a Garmin) but I turned on the wrong highway - thank you Texas for naming highways a name and also a number. See, before I left hubs tells me to turn onto highway 12, so I am driving and looking and no highway 12. Then, all of sudden I see downtown right in front of me? Um... ok, I am not stupid and I realize I have gone too far. Call hubs. Hubs - pissed off that I can't find my way - yells to turn onto this highway. I, in turn, yell at him, telling him there is no highway called that, only some guys name. Oh guess what?? That's right, there are 2 names and apparently you are supposed to know all names to the highway.

Finally, I arrive at the hospital. I am escorted to day surgery, where they proceed to tell me to take off my clothes, put this awesome gown on (NOT!) and wait for the cardiologist. About 10 minutes later, the phone in my room rings. I thought they had the wrong number, so I let it ring, but it doesn't stop ringing. Hmm? So I pick it up.

"Hello?"

"Hi - Mrs (my name), this is the cardiologist and I am not sure why no one called you, but this test was cancelled. I don't know who dropped the ball, but we are not going to be able to do your test today."

"I'm sorry... WHAT? I just woke up at 4:30 in the morning, left my baby with my husband, drove all the way down here and now you can't do the test? Why?"

"I think it was an oversight with my office. We were supposed to have called and told you the test was cancelled."

At this point I think steam was actually coming OUT of my ears, when the cath lab manager came in to tell me how sorry he was. I accepted his apology, got dressed, headed home and here I am.

No freaking test. No freaking answers. Wide awake and starving. And no one to blame.

I am so pissed off I don't even know what to do. This was the last damn test. The final test to tell me what was wrong. OMG!

Crap-Tastic!

Last night the Giants lost to the craptastic Browns. I mean, really Eli, how many freakin interceptions can you throw in a game. Just when we look good and go against a 1-3 team (2 and 3 now) do we fall apart. BLUGH!

I have to get more blood drawn for more freaking tests today and I have to get an EKG. Is there anything else my docs would like to throw at me? I may look like a human pin cushion but I have feelings too :( Stop poking at me.. boo!

My grandmother tore some ligiments in her ankle and I am thinking about going up there. She is in an apartment in NY where there are only stairs, so I am worried she is being held hostage in her own apartment. It would be a lot with the baby (and no hubs) but sometimes Moms have to be SuperMoms! I can do it! Plus I would get to see all my family and they would finally get to meet B.

Anything craptastic about your day?

Pumpkin Patch... here we come!

This is my mom and I, on my second halloween :)

Yippeee! Mr Man and I (and hubs!) are getting to go to the pumpkin patch today. I am so excited to get some great photo ops and to pick out Mr Man's very first pumpkin.

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On a health note, THANK YOU for all the prayers, because I went to the doctor yesterday and I do not have cancer. Thank you Lord!!! She said my nodules were too small to even biopsy. Yeah! Why the doctor couldn't have told me that, I have no idea, but I am thankful none the less.

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This weekend; however, I would ask that you pray for a very dear friend who just found out she has breast cancer. Her husband is having health issues as well and she is headed in for surgery some time next week.

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Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and pictures soon to come of the pumpkin patch!

Sugar Challenge!

So I was watching the Ellen show yesterday and there was this nutritionist on there who said that Cheese, Chocolate and Sugar, when eaten, release small amounts of opiates that put happy thoughts (and feelings) in your brain. So, the more you eat it, the more "false" happy you feel. The problem is, the "high" only lasts as long as your are eating it and it is being digested.

What is funny is that when I was pregnant I started craving sweets, especially desert after meals. So... being pregnant, I indulged myself. Now; however, I can't stop. I see an ice cream commercial and I want ice cream. I see chocoloate... and Poof! I am on a mission to get me some chocolate. Not to mention I am lactose intollerant and Italian (which is really like God's sick joke), but I LOVE cheese, unfortunately, every time I eat it I become sickly!

So... I am throwing out this challenge. The nutritionist said that if you stop eating sugar, chocolate and cheese for 7 - 10 days, the toxins/opiates will be removed from your body and you will no longer crave these things. Obviously, I am trying to get as healthy as possible, so I am going to try it.

Who's with me??

---------------------------------

On the health front... we did get the scan results and, unfortunately, they were not what we were hoping for. We are being sent to an endocrinologist. Thank you again for all your prayers and well wishes. I am SURE everything will be fine. God has a plan and I believe this with all my heart!!! Whatever comes my way, I know this is God's plan for me.

I had an apt with the Russian Mob

Who just happened to also be a Neruologist :)







Let me back up...







Seriously, I hate doctors offices. I hate the fact that they can keep you waiting for say, 1 hour before you plop your ass on some white paper to... that's right folks... wait some more! Let me just let you sit here reading the most dated issue of People magazine there is and "we'll be with you in a minute." Yeah right, last time a minute took a freaking hour was... hmm... NEVER!







Then I get stuck in the waiting room with this very nice gentleman who just so happens to ask me why I am in a neurology apt when I am so young. Well, kind sir, I am pretty sure you didn't get an MD in the 40 minutes we have been sitting here, but let me tell you. I have been fainting. Ok, nice talking with you. Oh no, oh no, that is not all he wanted to talk about. Greeeat!
"Well, what happens when you have these fainting spells, are you eating enough?"

Um, sir, are you freaking kidding me right now. I am pretty sure I am not sitting in this waiting room for YOUR expert opinion. Luckily, 10 minutes later his name was called and he was along his way, phew!


Seriously, do I have a plaque on my head that says Billy the friendliest patient, please come talk to me, because hey, I've got nothing else better to do with my time. I was really interested in reading how Shiloh was just born. I mean come on! Do people STEAL the new issues of magazines.


Sorry, I digress.


So, I am sitting on the white crinkling paper, with my every move making the loudest sound, when this little man who looks like he just came off the parallel bars from the olympics comes bounding in the room. I really wanted to comment on the dismount, but I held my tongue.


"Ms. (My name here)"

"Dr L, nice to meet you." In the thickest Russian accent you have ever heard in your life. I seriously thought he was going to offer me Borscht any second. You know when Carrie meets the Russian at the red restaurant at midnight and he orders for her. Yeah, think him, with an MD in his name and THEN talk about neurology. Brilliant!!

Then he asks me about my symptoms, blah, blah, blah. He has no idea what is wrong with me, when in the middle of a sentance he says.

"You don't eat enough salt, you like french fry?

"I'm sorry, french fries, do I eat them, um... no I don't eat salt??!?"

"You small girl, most small girl don't eat salt."

"It's not that I don't eat salt for my weight, I just don't like it?"

"Well, you eat salt, and you sleep on 30 degree angle. Ok, now I order test to scan your brain and test your brain waves. Any questions?

"Um... no, I guess?"

"Good, you have good day!!"


Um, alrighty then, Mr Russian Mob Neurologist, I will be sure to eat more salt and sleep at a 30 degree angle. Weeeirrrd! Thank for ordering some test and seeing me for all of 12 seconds, while I sat in your office for my entire life.

An Update

Well, there really is no update. I have been to a number of doctors this week and they have no real explanation for my illness. The fainting spells seem to be getting worse so my primary doc moved the in depth test of my nodule up to today.

We won't find out anything until next week at the earliest but at least we are on the right track.

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes. I am sure things will be fine!
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On a happier note, Mr Man is bouncing off the walls lately! He is rolling everywhere, talking all the time, and just being overall rambunctious :) I knew he was going to be a mover and a shaker but I thought I would have a little more time to breathe :D
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Also, next week, my girlfriends and the kiddos are all headed to a pumpkin patch!!! I am so excited to take Mr Man and get some adorable pictures! I love fall! I just wish the weather was a little cooler so I could put him in his cute sweaters. Oh well, all in due time!

I will keep you updated on my bizarre health! Hope you all have a great pre-Friday!!

The Post in which I ask for Prayers!

I got a call from the doctor today and it wasn't the call I was hoping for. Unfortunately, it is not Anemia.

When I went to the doctor originally my thyroid levels were elevated and so he ordered a sonogram. We were hoping it was nothing, but unfortunately they found a nodule.

We are not sure what that means, but I have a more in depth test scheduled on the 8th of Oct.

I would ask that you pray it is nothing serious.

And I leave you with my favorite prayer!

St. Theresa's Prayer:

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Pity Party, table of 1 please.

I am hesitant to write this post, but I really just need to get it out of my head so I can stop worrying. PLEASE don't worry for me, I am sure I will be fine (or at least I need all of you to think that - positive thought please!) but for the past month or so my health has been declining.

Declining may be the wrong word, but I feel like my body is throwing red flags my way that I should pay attention to. I want to make this clear, I have no idea what is wrong, and I could just be freaking out for no reason, but I just feel like my body is giving me signs something is wrong.

For the past month I have had... neurological symptoms (just leave it at that), and today I called my old RN and she said I had to see a neurologist STAT (I feel like I could be on ER with that last sentance). Anywho... I am waiting to get into the doctor so they can tell me I am completely whacked out of my mind healthy and that all is well.

I am a little scared, only because of what happened last time, but I am praying it is a fluke and I have something stupid like Anemia! Pray for Anemia people! Anyway, I would ask all of you to pray that my health is peachy keen!

Phew I feel better, ok not really, but I am trying to keep a positive outlook.

A Little Fever

Well, yesterday Mr Man got his shots and it was horrible - just as I expected. He cried, I cried, it was just bad all around.

Then, last night, we fed him his rice cereal and put him to bed. However, at around 2am he woke up with a 99.8 fever. We read the "discharge" sheet thoroughly and it said that was a normal reaction with the shots.

So, we gave him some more Tylenol and put him to bed in our bed. He was still pretty fussy this morning when he woke up, at around 5 am, so I held him until he fell asleep in my arms.

It is so heartbraking when your baby doesn't feel well and you can't do anything to fix it!

He has yet to eat his breakfast (rice cereal) and he is taking another nap.

I just hope he is ok by the end of the day. If his low grade fever continues, I am going to call the doctor.

Please pray that Mr Man is ok. It seems all his little friends are getting a bit of a cold, so I am just hoping it is the shots and nothing else!

Hope everyone has a good Wednesday!

Healthy?

Oh my gosh. I am so. sick. of. being. sick!

Over the past 2 years I have had some bizarre issues. Some very easily fixed, and others, not so much. See, last year, when I was in the hospital, they discharged me with no diagnosis. Awesome! Then, when I had B, I had that little scare of bleeding out.

It seems I am always the crappy 1% of people that get stuck with weird illnesses, or weird happeneings. Why can't I just be normal? You know... like when the doc says "well, that only happens to .5% of people, so I wouldn't worry about it." And then you DON'T worry, because who is that crazy .5% anyway. Yeah thanks, table for one!

So yesterday, I head to the GI, and he tells me some crappy news. I think I need a stomach transplant... do they do those? How much pain would I be in? Could you nip and tuck this 8 lbs while your at it? Geesh!

One time I just want to go to the doctor and them tell me, "Nope, your perfect, nothing wrong here. Go on your way now."

------------------------------

Not to mention today is B's 2 month checkup. I am really excited for the doctor to tell me Mr Man is the most beautiful baby she has ever seen and that he is a genius (wink, wink), but I am not so thrilled because he gets his first shots. I am so terrified of seeing him in pain! I couldn't even stand it when they pricked his foot. I was crying with him. EEK!

Luckily hubs will be attending this appointment with me, so I may get to leave the room. Oh my gosh, I am so scared. I know it will be fine, but let me tell you, when you hear your child scream in pain, it is more painful for you. Or at least for me.

3 Days old...

Since I have slept about 4 hours in 3 days... here is a post in pictures!

As for my health... I am still quite yellow in color and my lips are pretty white, but other than that, I am in no pain and I am walking, nursing and loving staring into the face of my baby.

I am a little nervous with him here (at home) but I am getting used to it. He slept in the bassinet last night and every time he wimpered I rushed to his side. Hopefully in time, this will go away. He is also sleeping a lot during the day and not so much at night, so I need to fix that. But as my best friend says... whatever works!

My little man has his first doc's apt tomorrow and we are very excited! We will let you know how it goes.

Labor Update...

OK. This is Hubs with a labor update...

Andrea is 90% thinned. And she has hit 5cm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're getting much closer and should be able to meet our son by 7:00 tonight at the latest!

Thanks from Andrea for all of your sweet words today. She has had her phone near her all day and you have all brought smiles to her face as she reads and posts your comments while laying in bed waiting.

We will update again (maybe right before the major pushing) in a little while.

- Hubs

Hee Hee... Whooooo!

Just an update:

Last night I walked into the L&D (labor and delivery) at around 9pm and we got the process started.

We signed the consent forms, got an IV and got ready to be thinned :) At around 11pm they gave me a "pill" that is inserted next to your hoo-ha and it makes your cervix drop and thin. Luckily I had alredy started moving to mid position, so when I got the pill I had already progressed.

After 2 doses of that pill, I started having steady contractions.

It is 7:30am and the doctor just broke my water and OMG it is the weirdest feeling!!! It feels like your peeing on yourself and people are walking in and out of the room.

Not to mention the contractions have gotten WAY stronger and WAY more frequent. I seriously thought I could handle more pain than this, but apparently I am a wimp. I have already gotten something that is supposed to "take the edge off" and LORD I am feeling it. I feel so LOOoooopy!

As of right now I am tired and in some amount of pain.

We will keep you informed once he gets here.

Thank you again for all your prayers and well wishes.

The 17th it is!!!

So... I just got back from the doctor and it is set. We are due to have Brady on the 17th of April, which happens to be 1 day after his Godfather's birthday. We are SO excited! I cannot even tell you HOW excited I am.

This morning hubs looks at me and says... "2 more days and then we can have the whole weekend with him!" and I look at him and say... "honey, we are gonna have him a lot longer than a weekend!" Hee hee! Men... they have no idea. :D

The Event: It looks as though I will go in on the evening of the 16th and be given some medicine to induce. Then... anywhere from 12-24 hours later, our little man will be rocking in our arms!

Wow!!! Can you believe it has taken 9 months to create this little guy and now in only 2 days he will be in our arms?? Geesh! I thought the last few nights have been sleepless. I can't imagine every going to sleep for the next 2 days.

No Baby Yet...

This pic is after dinner of last week. I only ate about half my meal because I don't have any more room!

So... it looks as though, Mr. Brady will be here NO LATER than the 17th of April.

We have a doc's apt at 10:30 am tomorrow and we will know more then :)

But... where it stands now, is we will go into the hospital on April 16th at around 10pm and be given an inducement pill. Once that takes place it is 12-24 hours before our little man will arrive.
EEEK! Only 4 days and I will meet my man!

P.S. I started a new blog (yes - another one!) it is a nursing guide for a new mom. I want to chronicle the ups and downs of nursing a newborn. If your a new mom or just want to gain knowledge on the benefits of nusing... check it ou.

A Boob Blog!

Contemplation...

After yesterday, I just feel like I have so much on my mind. I thought so hard, last night, I gave myself a headache :)

I feel like a hypocrite, an impatient loser and everything else you could throw at me. You see... after my baby bro was born (who, by the way, was induced) I told myself, induction was NOT an option. And here I was... preaching it to all my friends. Now, here I sit, 37 wks pregnant, actually thinking about this idea.

I know that once you are in the situation it is much different, I just feel like I shouldn't have this option. I really don't want to induce. I don't even (think) I want an epidural. (However, I did ask the RN and you can be 8 centimeters before I decide to get one). I wanted Brady to come when HE was ready. I, however, have a huge fear of hospitals. I rarely trust them, and the moment I start walking in the doors, I start praying a Rosesary. After what happened last time, I am taking no chances.

It is just that I feel I have prepped for every possible scenario, except of course, my doctor going on vacation. Not like I can blame him. Shit, he has come to see me in my false labor 5 previous times. I am just so worried something will go wrong again and I will end up in the hospital with no explination AND a newborn to take care of.

I do want to say, however, thank you, thank you, thank you!! to all of my freaders who send such kind words. It is those "faceless" words in comments that always seem to put a smile on my face!

I only pray that Brady decides to grace us with his prescence before the 14th (my next doc's apt.) That way, all things will be solved and I won't have to "play God." I ask all of you to say a tiny prayer that Mr. Brady comes on his own, when HE is ready.

Thanks again! Hope you guys have a good Tuesday!

I want to curl up...

In a ball and stay there for 3 weeks! So... just got back from the doc, and the news, in my opinion could not have been more dissapointing.

1. I am still at 1 centimeter and I am still in posterior position (have not started to thin or the cervix has not moved forward), pretty much no labor in my near future.

2. My doctor is going out of town for my due date, which REALLY erks me because the whole reason I kept this doctor after the lap fiasco, was so that no one would "push" me into a C-section and would know my entire situation during labor.

3. and 3... my favorite (says in the MOST sarcastic voice) my due date has been pushed back to April 27th. You see, on my first sono they told me it was 4-27, then when I went back in a second time (previous to being diagnosed with GD) they told me, since Brady was so large, the due date must be moved to the 23rd. So... hubs and I have been calculating from the 23rd (38 weeks.) But no my friends, I am only 37 weeks and 1 day. Greeeaaat!

Not to mention, right before we left, I was expressing to hubs how uncomfortable I am and how I would like to discuss options. *And yes, please I know, EVERYONE has an opinion about this, Pitocin or not... I would like to just know the options* And he says to me, you know, we will just have to see what he says, because we really need to be thinking about when Brady wants to come. To which I reply: duh... but I would like to think about me for a second. I mean, I have this scar that burns every second my bellly grows, I haven't slept in weeks., and I am utterly exhausted just having to carry this child. To which HE replies: Trust me... you think about yourself enough for the rest of us. And to be honest.... that was it!

After that comment, I just feel... defeated! I am huge, I cannot sleep or get comfortable. Everyday I wake up and immediately want to take a nap and now... it is 80 degrees and the only pants that fit are jeans and cordoroys (sp??) because I don't want to buy more maternity clothes this close to the date. UGH! Defeated is the only word to describe my feelings.