...
In February 2005, I had a profile on Yahoo Personals. In the past, I hadn’t really pursued relationships with anyone I had met, and most had become either friendly acquaintances, or just friends. I was in a very toxic relationship that was off-and-on for a couple of years (not the same as my high school relationship), and was looking for an out. I was lonely and felt used by that person and I knew I wanted to find someone that would hold a level of respect for me that didn’t include using my family and me for money and other luxuries. I had decided to spruce up my profile and just let it be for a little while. I met some good people, but wasn’t really looking for a serious relationship (hey, I’m being honest). All of a sudden, there was an “ice breaker” in my email, which was a free pre-worded sentence that you could send to someone you wanted to talk to more after viewing their profile. It was from a person who didn’t have a picture in his profile, which to me was a HUGE no-no. But, for some reason I’ll never know, I decided to read his interests and what he was looking for. He had mentioned movies, which was a HUGE plus in my book since I’m an avid moviegoer myself. He sounded intelligent and he had my four requirements – taller than me, older than me, a job (so I wouldn’t have to give him money all the time) and a car (so I didn’t have to drive him everywhere). I sent him an ice-breaker back, and then got an actual message from him. I decided to fork over the $20 to get the ability to message him back. Pretty soon, we were talking online in real time and 3 weeks later, he asked me out on my first real date…ever. His name was Jake and it was the best date I could’ve ever asked for as my first. He even brought me purple carnations (my favorite color, and because he couldn’t find purple roses after calling all the florists he could think of).
After 6 months of dating, Jake and I decided to take a weekend and go down to Monterey for our 6 month anniversary. We both love the beach and he hadn’t been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in a really long time. We had talked about marriage and looked at rings, and I knew a proposal was coming, but didn’t know when. We walked to the beach after checking into our B&B and ended up at a park called Lovers Point with a rock formation that shoots out into the ocean. He decided he wanted to “hike” the rocks and I decided “Hey why not”. By the time we got to the end, I had twisted my ankle a tiny bit and needed to sit down. He sat next to me, put his arm around me and said “Do you know how much I love you?” I said “I’m sure I have an idea, but you can tell me again if you want” ;) He began to tell me how lost he was before we met and how I brought him such happiness and love that he never knew he could have with someone. As he was talking, he pulled out a small black box from his camera bag and opened it. All I could do was cry. Finally he said “Will you marry me?” and through my tears and disbelief that this was actually happening, I said “yes”. As we walked the trail from the park to the aquarium, I began to realize that in the 6 months Jake had been in my life, I had eliminated the toxic people in my life, I had a stable job, was going back to college, we were in the process of moving in together with 3 kittens we had just adopted/rescued, and my relationship with my parents was vastly improving. He was the one who was there for me while I rebuilt my life, but wasn’t willing to solve my problems or rebuild my life for me. He allowed me to be the person I wanted to without doing anything but being there. I was going to marry Jake, the first MAN I had ever loved.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Balsamic Roasted Pork Loin
Wow...how long has it been since I've posted a recipe!? Holy cow! Or in this case, Holy Pig!
I've been making more of an effort to post on the blog, and try new recipes. My goal is to try a new recipe at least once every two week, then get more ambitious and try a new one at least once a week. It could be a main dish, a side dish, dessert, or baked goodies (because we all know how great those are!)
I'm not a fan of the pork chop. I used to be until I saw a video on YouTube that changed everything (long story, don't ask). For some reason, though, pork loin doesn't bother me. So while on allrecipes.com, my go-to place for new ideas for meals, I stumbled across this recipe and thought I would share. It was dee-lish! :)
Balsamic Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Recipe by Melissa S. of allrecipes.com and photo by Lori L. of allrecipes.com
Prep Time: 5 mins (2 hours to marinade), Cook Time: 1 hour, TOTAL: 3 hrs. 5 mins.
Serves 4
1 lb pork tenderloin or roast
1 tablespoon steak seasoning rub
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup EVOO
1. Dissolve steak rub in balsamic vinegar, then stir in EVOO. Put pork into Ziploc bag and add marinade into bag with pork. Make sure the marinade covers the pork. Refridgerate for 2 hours (or overnight if you'd like).
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
3. Put pork into glass baking dish along with the marinade. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, basting occasionally (if you can) until the center of the pork reaches 145 degrees F. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy!
I've been making more of an effort to post on the blog, and try new recipes. My goal is to try a new recipe at least once every two week, then get more ambitious and try a new one at least once a week. It could be a main dish, a side dish, dessert, or baked goodies (because we all know how great those are!)
I'm not a fan of the pork chop. I used to be until I saw a video on YouTube that changed everything (long story, don't ask). For some reason, though, pork loin doesn't bother me. So while on allrecipes.com, my go-to place for new ideas for meals, I stumbled across this recipe and thought I would share. It was dee-lish! :)
Balsamic Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Recipe by Melissa S. of allrecipes.com and photo by Lori L. of allrecipes.com
Prep Time: 5 mins (2 hours to marinade), Cook Time: 1 hour, TOTAL: 3 hrs. 5 mins.
Serves 4
1 lb pork tenderloin or roast
1 tablespoon steak seasoning rub
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup EVOO
1. Dissolve steak rub in balsamic vinegar, then stir in EVOO. Put pork into Ziploc bag and add marinade into bag with pork. Make sure the marinade covers the pork. Refridgerate for 2 hours (or overnight if you'd like).
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
3. Put pork into glass baking dish along with the marinade. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, basting occasionally (if you can) until the center of the pork reaches 145 degrees F. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
PCOS to Parenthood - Part 2
...
Fast forward to my senior year, and things started happening to my body that were not expected. I began growing small patches of facial hair, but nothing that wasn’t remedied by a pair of tweezers. My abdomen was where I was holding most of my weight. I wasn’t a fan of how I looked and it’s where I first began to really have body image issues. When I was diagnosed with PCOS, I was unaware of the long term effects and what havoc it could wreak on my body. That’s when I first started researching possible treatments for PCOS, which at the time, there were none. Being on birth control was my best option, so I kept at it. The pill gave me a monthly cycle, for which I was grateful. It seemed to be working the way it was meant to. I was in a long term relationship at the time and I figured as long as I kept up with the hormone treatment and kept my handy dandy tweezers with me, I was all good. Of course as time wore on and I grew older, the effects of PCOS began to take hold of me. I still grapple with most of the symptoms today. But, in reading and researching this seemingly “phantom” disease I have, I read the one word I didn’t want to…infertility. At the second I read that word, I knew then that I would need medical assistance in becoming a mother. I had always had a dream of being two things in life: A wife and a mother.
A few years ago, I was an avid fan of the HBO show Sex and the City. There’s a character named Charlotte who was trying to get pregnant with her first husband, Trey. She tried for 3 months before diving in head first into IVF treatment. I was unaware of IVF treatment and the invasiveness of the procedures, but was aware of the occurrence of multiple fetuses in such pregnancies. When Charlotte and Trey divorced and Charlotte met her husband Harry, the two (Charlotte and Harry) were having a conversation about having children. When Harry expressed his desire to have children, Charlotte’s face shows the hurt and fear she held before telling him “…it’s not impossible, but it’s difficult”. In watching that scene and how accepting Harry was of Charlotte’s issue, I knew I would have to have that same conversation with my future husband, and I would only hope and pray that he would be as loving and accepting of my issue as Harry.
To be continued...
Fast forward to my senior year, and things started happening to my body that were not expected. I began growing small patches of facial hair, but nothing that wasn’t remedied by a pair of tweezers. My abdomen was where I was holding most of my weight. I wasn’t a fan of how I looked and it’s where I first began to really have body image issues. When I was diagnosed with PCOS, I was unaware of the long term effects and what havoc it could wreak on my body. That’s when I first started researching possible treatments for PCOS, which at the time, there were none. Being on birth control was my best option, so I kept at it. The pill gave me a monthly cycle, for which I was grateful. It seemed to be working the way it was meant to. I was in a long term relationship at the time and I figured as long as I kept up with the hormone treatment and kept my handy dandy tweezers with me, I was all good. Of course as time wore on and I grew older, the effects of PCOS began to take hold of me. I still grapple with most of the symptoms today. But, in reading and researching this seemingly “phantom” disease I have, I read the one word I didn’t want to…infertility. At the second I read that word, I knew then that I would need medical assistance in becoming a mother. I had always had a dream of being two things in life: A wife and a mother.
A few years ago, I was an avid fan of the HBO show Sex and the City. There’s a character named Charlotte who was trying to get pregnant with her first husband, Trey. She tried for 3 months before diving in head first into IVF treatment. I was unaware of IVF treatment and the invasiveness of the procedures, but was aware of the occurrence of multiple fetuses in such pregnancies. When Charlotte and Trey divorced and Charlotte met her husband Harry, the two (Charlotte and Harry) were having a conversation about having children. When Harry expressed his desire to have children, Charlotte’s face shows the hurt and fear she held before telling him “…it’s not impossible, but it’s difficult”. In watching that scene and how accepting Harry was of Charlotte’s issue, I knew I would have to have that same conversation with my future husband, and I would only hope and pray that he would be as loving and accepting of my issue as Harry.
To be continued...
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Scarlett - Two months old
Dear Scarlett-
Well, here we are, another month flown by.
You are growing like a weed babycakes, and I can't believe you're out of newborn clothes and diapers and into some bigger sizes. You're still a little munchkin, but you are growing fast. Many people have commented on how much bigger you are compared to when they first saw you. I wish you could remain my tiny little peanut forever, but I know you have to grow up.
You are smiling more and more each day and you've started "talking" to me when you smile, and when you play in your floor gym. When you get excited, you start to wave your arms and kick your legs all while breathing at an excited pace. I love hearing your little voice, it's a beautiful sound. You're growing more tolerant of tummy time, but you do get a little mad towards the end each time.
You went through a growth spurt which threw us for a loop with a sudden change in your sleep habits, but other than that, you are sleeping more through the night. Daddy and I have noticed that you are like me in that you don't like your feet covered. You could be wrapped up like a little burrito, but your feet will stick out of the bottom of the blanket. You also tend to wiggle your feet and toes when you are relaxed. That's a trait of mine as well. You are proving to be very ticklish and are starting to smile when we tickle you instead of get mad.
Your personality is peeking out more and more. You're still a little camel with being pratically insatiable when it comes to feeding. You love your milk still, there's no doubt about that.
Tomorrow is the big day where we get to see exactly how much you've grown, and also get your first shots. Daddy and I will be there for you baby, always.
We love you our gorgeous girl.
Love, Mommy
Thursday, May 19, 2011
4 years ago...
Wow...4 years. Has it really been that long? I was getting ready to marry my best friend, my husband, the love of my life.
This year has really been something, hasn't it? We went to Tahoe last year in June, then 2 months later, found out we were pregnant. It's been a heck of a year, for sure. But one thing remains the same...that Jake and I are a team. I don't know how I would get along without him. Life wouldn't be as fun, or funny for that matter.
Happy Anniversary Jake! :)
This year has really been something, hasn't it? We went to Tahoe last year in June, then 2 months later, found out we were pregnant. It's been a heck of a year, for sure. But one thing remains the same...that Jake and I are a team. I don't know how I would get along without him. Life wouldn't be as fun, or funny for that matter.
Happy Anniversary Jake! :)
On our honeymoon in Jamaica
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's Day thoughts...
Tomorrow is my first Mother's Day ever. As I type those words "out loud", I find it hard to wrap my brain around the fact that I am a mother. I am a mommy. I'm a mom.
As I sit and (sort of) watch my beautiful daughter sleep in her bassinet, I also find myself remembering how I got here. And it wasn't just me. It was Jake, my wonderful husband, who was my strength and hope throughout the entire process of infertility. He was my biggest cheerleader, and lead me back onto the path when I was desperate to just sit down and throw in the towel. And there's my family...my amazing family. From across the country to across the street, everyone lent support and a willing shoulder and ear. To them I cried, I smiled, I vented and explained. There was no judgement or prejudice. There was only love, and I truly felt the meaning of the word "family". Even those who I wasn't close to growing up were there for me in ways I never expected, but deeply appreciate to this day and always will.
My Mom and Dad who offered me everything from arms to hug me when I was in tears, to hours long phone calls and telling me everything will be OK. My time would come, and the baby that was meant to be mine would come one day.
But tomorrow is a day that will hold so much meaning for me. I mean, it always has as I have always been very close to my mom. But now, I am on the other side of the bridge. I'm the mom now. I'm not just the daughter celebrating her mother, but I'm also now a mother celebrating the reason why tomorrow has been taken to a whole new level in my life.
Of course, I also remember those who are still trying to become moms or those who are moms of little angel babies. I would never forget those who share the "process" and experiences I had. Please keep the faith that everything will work out. Because it will.
So as today's sun sets, and I look at my daughter's sleeping face, I can't help but think...I finally made it. I'm a mom...and nothing can change that.
Happy Mother's Day!
As I sit and (sort of) watch my beautiful daughter sleep in her bassinet, I also find myself remembering how I got here. And it wasn't just me. It was Jake, my wonderful husband, who was my strength and hope throughout the entire process of infertility. He was my biggest cheerleader, and lead me back onto the path when I was desperate to just sit down and throw in the towel. And there's my family...my amazing family. From across the country to across the street, everyone lent support and a willing shoulder and ear. To them I cried, I smiled, I vented and explained. There was no judgement or prejudice. There was only love, and I truly felt the meaning of the word "family". Even those who I wasn't close to growing up were there for me in ways I never expected, but deeply appreciate to this day and always will.
My Mom and Dad who offered me everything from arms to hug me when I was in tears, to hours long phone calls and telling me everything will be OK. My time would come, and the baby that was meant to be mine would come one day.
But tomorrow is a day that will hold so much meaning for me. I mean, it always has as I have always been very close to my mom. But now, I am on the other side of the bridge. I'm the mom now. I'm not just the daughter celebrating her mother, but I'm also now a mother celebrating the reason why tomorrow has been taken to a whole new level in my life.
Of course, I also remember those who are still trying to become moms or those who are moms of little angel babies. I would never forget those who share the "process" and experiences I had. Please keep the faith that everything will work out. Because it will.
So as today's sun sets, and I look at my daughter's sleeping face, I can't help but think...I finally made it. I'm a mom...and nothing can change that.
Happy Mother's Day!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Newborn Pictures
Here are some of our newborn pictures that were taken by the very talented KellyMPhotography. I absolutely LOVE these photos and I honestly can't pick a favorite.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Maternity Photos
I have been meaning to post some of our maternity pictures for a while, but as you can probably guess, we've been a little busy.
Thank you to KellyMPhotography for such beautiful images. I promise to post some of Scarlett's newborn pictures soon!
Enjoy!
Thank you to KellyMPhotography for such beautiful images. I promise to post some of Scarlett's newborn pictures soon!
Enjoy!
Game of Thrones
Jake and I have been watching a new show on HBO based on the book A Song of Fire and Ice. The show itself is called Game of Thrones, and the intro to each episode is really awesome to watch. The buildings grow out of the map like clock gears, and the music sets the tone for the show perfectly. So here's the intro..enjoy!
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