Way TOO Soon

The time has come for me to hang up my workout shoes for now. I can't express how depressed I am about this. Usually, I love when it is time to take a break. I am usually burnt out and super tired of it, but this is way sooner than I was hoping for. When I was pregnant with KC I taught my classes until I was 34 weeks, and he was born a little after 38 weeks. With Charlie I stopped at 32 and he was born about 37 1/2 weeks. I got a nice break from working out and was able to get the finishing touches prepared. I am only 28 weeks and I was really hoping to go at least another month, now the rest of this pregnancy is going to take forever! I understand I am no spring chicken and my body isn't how it was when I was in my 20s, blah, blah, blah! BUT, I am in way better shape now than I was then, or at least until I got pregnant I was in way better shape. Luckily, nothing is wrong and the pregnancy is progressing great. Now, if pregnant issues gross you out, you might want to stop reading now.....anyways, the issue this time around is pelvic pain....major pelvic pain! Tuesdays are usually my really busy days. I teach 2 classes, train 4 clients, and completely love it. Well, this Tuesday during my first class my pelvic bones started killing. I even sat out the 3rd sets of everything (well, kinda, it's very hard for me to take it easy). I went throughout my day and when I went to go teach my evening class I thought, well, this will make it better or completely kill me. As I was teaching that spin class it felt great. I remember thinking how good it felt at the time....not just physically, but mentally. I had a great class, but once I got home I could barely move. I don't mean to complain, but it hurt, I thought my bones were going to burst apart! Luckily, Wednesday is my break day, so I did nothing....well, I didn't work out. I painted, finished laundry, etc, but I didn't work out! I am trying to be smart about this, so I got subs for my Thursday and Friday classes. When I woke up Thursday it felt better, but it still was not great. I know most of this discomfort was self inflicted, so I was really torn! I could either continue teaching and pay the price for it in physical pain, or let me body recover and feel better. For those of you that have an addiction, even though you know it's not the best thing for you, you still want it! Working out for me is not just a physical thing, yes it makes me feel better, justifies my mass amounts of food consumption, etc, but mentally, mentally it has kept me out of the loony bin. I am constantly saying how teaching has saved the lives of my children as well as keeping my marriage alive! So, needless to say, I am scared! Summer has just started, the boys are wonderful, but they are a lot to handle! Teaching 1-2 hours a days was physically tiring, but mentally refreshing. The physical safety of my children is not my only concern here, but if I was able to gain 24 pounds while I was working out, imagine how much more I am going to gain not working out! I know, this isn't the most important thing, but I don't like being huge...it's not fun. Oh well, we'll see how the rest of this goes. Now, after expressing all of that, does it make sense to say I really enjoy being pregnant? If I wasn't a worker outer, everything would be dandy! Oh, one more downside to this not working out thing....I am not sure if I will ever shower again. I hate showering and getting ready....a shower after working out always felt great, but really, the motivation factor now is pretty small! I know, I am disgusting, but it's the truth. I am going to have to force myself to get showered....I think I am worse than the boys! I will continue to do my personal training, but it's not the same. I know people have serious issues to deal with, and this really isn't a big deal, but it is a big part of me that I have to put on hold for a while.

Yes, I Am A Swinger!

I am not embarassed to admit that I am a swinger. I have read that it is normal.....full on mood swings!!! If you read pregnancy week by week, one of the "symptoms" is mood swings. I can be incredibly upset, angry, happy, etc., and switch just like that. It doesn't feel good to feel crazy, but it feels better knowing that it is normal to feel abnormal! My poor family has had to deal with this. That is why I say that if my marriage survives this 6th pregnancy then I think we'll make it in the eternal spectrum! Besides, Scott could not afford the massive child support! Despite my complaints of this pregnancy, I really do enjoy it. I really do. Some people dislike pregnancy, I love it. It definitely comes at a price, and it certainly isn't easy, but it is something I have always been grateful for. Being a fitness instructor and pregnant is pretty comical. I feel like I need to have a disclaimer before each class stating that the workout is effective and apologize for what they have to watch for the next hour. I entertain myself by saying things like, "If a pregnant lady can do it, you can too!" I don't think they appreciate comments like that, but I think I'm funny. I can't exactly move how I use to, and body weight resistant exercises like push ups and tricep dips are way harder when you have an extra 20 pounds on you. That's right, 20 pounds. I am totally keeping it real people. I can teach 7 classes a week and still gain....A LOT! I am about 6 months pregnant, and would like to keep the weight down, but oh well. It's not like I haven't been through this before. I already have some of the regular discomforts, but I still really love this little person. I love the comfort of feeling him flip flop around and I dig the pregnant stomach. I love lifting up my shirt and walking around the house to completely gross James out! September seems far away, but we have a lot of things to do before hand. We told KC he was going to move into the large room with George and Charlie so the baby could sleep in his. He was more than happy to get to sleep with the 'big' boys. After his first night of sleeping in there he woke up and immediately asked if the baby would come out now. He was very cute and keeps telling me he is going to rub the baby's back when he is here. Lets hope he keeps that loving attitude.

I'm Not Gonna Take It....Anymore!!!

I think we've all had those moments when people come up to us and say things that you just can not believe are coming out of their mouths. Some people can say the rudest things, and they usually get away with it. I know that when people say rude things to me I am usually so in shock I can't think quickly enough to reply. Well, not anymore. It may have taken me 6 pregnancies, but I think I have reached my limit. Some pregnant women hate it when people come up and pat their bellies. I actually don't care, I'm not saying I think it's right, I kind of think it's weird, but it doesn't upset me. What has been pushing me over the edge is rude comments. Throughout a few of my pregnancies, some people think it's ok to tell me that I look larger. Even though it is a fact, it doesn't need to be said. So, I decided that if people are bold enough to tell me their opinions about my physique, I am allowed to tell them how their opinion makes me feel. I got the opportunity just this morning! I was at the gym and this lady was walking towards me and says,"Wow, you are big!" She definitely was not talking about just my stomach, she was talking about my entire body. I just looked at her and said, "Yep" Then she felt it necessary to go on and ask if I got this big with the other ones. I again replied, "Yep" Then I said this....."You should probably never say what you just said to me to another pregnant person ever again. What you said was extremely insulting, and really hurts feelings." I definitely caught her by surprise and she tried to back track and say, "well, you were so skinny before" That is when I said, "When you are pregnant, you are very well aware of the way your body is changing, and the last thing I need is someone pointing it out to me, because it's just not nice." I am pretty sure she felt bad, because she was kind of lost for words at that point, and I just left. I also did not feel bad for saying it. It is about time people learn that we don't always need their opinions. I understand I work in a gym, and people are very critical of changing physiques, and most people are very kind and sympathetic, but there are those few you just want to smack! Oh, here is my other gripe....(sorry, but I'm using this forum to vent!) If you don't like the name I have picked out for my unborn child, I don't care and I really don't want to hear it! I have never told anyone I don't like a name they have decided for their child.....for some reason people feel compelled to do so. There have been times I don't care for some names people have picked, but I understand that if they are naming their child this that they love it, and I would never insult them by telling them how much I don't like it! Granted, I pick names that are a bit old fashioned and not trendy. Hence....George! Anyways, I initially wanted to name this little boy of mine Harvey....Scott for some reason thinks he has a say, and has expressed his extreme distaste for this name. Whatever, I still love it, but I am leaning towards Eldon James. Eldon was the name of my Great Uncle and as you know, James is my oldest boy's name. Some people think that's weird, but I don't care. I think it's a great honor to James to have his youngest brother named after him, and I love how it goes with Eldon. Anyways, if you don't like it that is totally fine, just don't tell me! I didn't mention what Scott's #1 name pick is.....get ready....Duke! Feel free to express your opinion on that one :)

Skinny People

Most skinny people drive me nuts, because they do things like "forget" to eat, look good in skinny jeans, and usually don't exercise. But, one of my most favorite people in the world is one of the skinniest people I know.....Curtis. Curtis celebrated his 11th birthday this week. He didn't want a party, he barely asked for any presents, and he didn't want a cake.....who doesn't want cake? Anyways, when he told me he didn't care what kind of cake I make because he doesn't like it, I was in awe. I joked around asking him if he wanted fruit instead......and of course he replied with an excited yes. Who is this person that actually came from my body? Anyways, this is what 'dessert' is for a skinny person.......

I threw in the melted chocolate so I could look forward to it....I think I actually saw him eat a bit of it....but he didn't completely soak it like his mother did!

I usually let my kids ditch school on their birthday. I do so out of protest. Ever since they stopped letting the kids bring cupcakes and/or treats on their birthdays I decided there was no point of making them go on their day. So, Curtis, KC and I dropped the kids off. We went shopping for new shoes and jeans that Curtis wanted. I don't love skinny jeans, mostly because they are probably one of the most unflattering pieces of clothing on me, but they're not my favorite look on boys. Curtis tried on a few pair, and even the supposedly tightest fit was loose on him.....again, in awe! We had to go a couple of sizes smaller for them to fit better. They barely fit his length and are baggy in the waste, but they make him happy! We decided to go see a movie, so we went to a store to get some treats. Out of all of the chocolatey, peanuty, nougaty, caramely (not sure any of these are words), yummy, fattening choices, what is Curtis's top pick? TIC TACS.....that's right, the one calorie per serving mint?!? Tic Tacs are something I eat if it's in front of me, not a fun movie snack. Don't get me wrong, Curtis will eat a candy bar, and he is a non stop eating machine, but his natural instinct is so unfattening! I felt like I had to balance it out, so I was all about the Twix and M&Ms. He then got a package of chewy Sprees because I refused to leave the store until he got something in addition to the Tic Tacs. Anyways, we went to the show and had a very fun time together. Curtis is a fun kid that makes anything you do a good time. I'm so glad I got to get him. I love, love, love this naturally smart, naturally skinny, naturally sweet, naturally nice, naturally pretty perfect kid! Sorry for the bragging, but I really do like him!

It's Official

Scott has saved us hundreds and hundreds of dollars by cutting the boys' hair. It would be an easy $100 for all of them to get it cut everytime. Some cuts have been better than others, but they are boys, and it works. Anyways, it is starting to get warmer, so it was buzz time. James is way too cool for a buzz, so he just got a trim. I think the boys look very cute with their "warm weather hair". Plus, it makes the mornings so easy. I know that combing boys hair is WAY easier than girls, so it's a good thing I have boys!

You may have noticed that Charlie's cut is a bit different, but Charlie is a bit different. Charlie is a rough and tough kid. Even his voice is rough. Charlie is the kid that noone really wants to get in a fight with, because his pain tolerance is high, and he is hardcore. Charlie is NEVER clean, and he could care less! My dad asked Charlie what sport he wants to play. Now, most kids say baseball, football or basketball.....nope, not Charlie. Charlie replied that he wanted to play UFC. I try to ban that from the TV, but the kids always find a way to sneak it. Anyways, if anyone knows of a UFC league for 5 year olds, let me know! He believes that his new haircut is perfect for what he wants to pursue. He is a very funny kid....so, here he is

I was very concerned about him going to school like this. I warned him that it is a shocking hair style and some kids might make fun of him. I had him take a hat to school in case he was feeling uncomfortable. After the first day I asked if anyone made fun. Charlie said, "Noone made fun of me, but one kid told me he didn't like it". I asked Charlie if that hurt his feelings and he said, "No, that kid doesn't even comb his hair!" Charlie is definitely unique. I don't think I will ever have to worry about him following the crowd. He is who he is. If any of my kids were to get lost, I think I would worry about him the least. He is a professional pan-handler! There are times when we are at the baseball fields and I get to the point (usually when I run out of money) where I refuse to buy them anymore snacks from the snack bar. Charlie always manages to still get snacks. He will straight out ask strangers for money, or even go to the snack bar himself and work it til he gets what he wants. Realistically, people probably just get sick of him and give in. The other day none of our kids were playing at one of the fields. Charlie was hanging out there with one of his friends and came back with a snack that was an after game snack for some random team. Honestly, it is incredibly embarassing, but he seems to be successful.

I love Charlie dearly! This new hair style of his has officially made us true white trash. We are what we are, I guess we'll own it!

Patience Is A Virtue.......That I Don't Have!

I really am the most impatient person in the world. I know it's not good, but I struggle. Not that I am excusing my behavior, but when you have five boys and you are pregnant, it is kind of torturous not knowing if it is a boy or girl. I am so impatient, I went out and bought that at home urine test that is suppose to determine gender. Unfortunately, I am a little challenged, because I couldn't even determine the results. If I had to guess, I would lean more towards the boy result. So, my friend called me and told me about an ultrasound you can go get that can determine gender as early as 12 weeks.....well, I was 12 weeks on Friday. So, you can bet that I was on the phone and made an appointment. Luckily, it rained today, so all of the boys' baseball games were cancelled. I should have stayed home and taken care of some really necessary chores, but I am also a procrastinator, so I called back to see if they could get me a same day appt. Yep, so we went on a family activity to an ultrasound...that's normal, right? It was very cool! This little person is just like the rest of them, and could not stay still. Stretching, rolling over, rubbing the face.....the kids really enjoyed it. So, the ultrasound got a great view right between the legs.....I could tell immediately. There it was in all of its glory....the penis! I am being completely honest when I say there was zero disappointment. The boys cheered.....I laughed. Now what am I going to name this person. I have had Annie Brook picked out for 13+ years. James suggested, "well, instead of Annie, we can name him Andy....it's kind of the same." So, we'll see. So far, Andy is the only name that I like. Now, the technician did say that it is super early, and it is possible that what we saw could be the female parts swollen....but, she did follow it up by saying that it is 80% chance a boy. I have the opportunity to go back in a couple of weeks for a redo....which, I will. I am pretty sure it's a boy, but when my mom heard there was still a 20% chance it could be a girl, I knew I'd have to go back just to shut her up. So, to quote "Dumb and Dumber", she keeps saying, "So, you're saying there's a chance!" In this case, I doubt it! Scott is extremely proud that he has an immaculate record of 6 for 6. It also doesn't help when we are leaving the office and the next couple's husband tells Scott that Scott is his idol. Seriously, Scott doesn't need to hear that! So, looks like I will be surrounded by men forever. I don't mind, but I will be honest....the only thing that bums me out is thinking that I may never see any of my grandchildren born. I know that is really far off, but I am a freak, and these are the things I think about. It is very rare that a daughter in law wants a mother in law in the delivery room. I would like to state for the record that I have....my mother in law and mother have been at 4 out of 5 of my deliveries......lets hope Karma works for me on this one! Anyways, Scott and I are very consistent.....plus our license plate will be easy to change from "YEP5BYZ" to "YEP6BYZ".

Zero Tolerance Policy

Now that I am pregnant with my 6th child and experiencing mild morning sickness off and on throughout the day my patience has reached zero tolerance. I am a bit off kilter, and I know it. I apologize in advance to any I may snap at, yell at, or just simply stare down. If you know me....well even if you don't know me well, you have probably picked up on the fact that I am not the most patient person in the world. Now, it is even worse. This does not excuse my behavior, but it at least explains it. So, lets talk about this baby for a minute. Before you even ask me if this was an accident....DON'T! I am very well aware of consequences to actions, and this was the result I was going for. This baby is wanted and I am thrilled beyond words. People are very interesting. Many are very hesitant to even say congratulations. I get it, but it's still weird to me. I really, truly appreciate those that are genuinely happy for us. I can't tell you how many people have said..."Well, congratulations, I guess". I don't know, but that doesn't feel genuine to me. Whatever, I went into this knowing that society would look at me even weirder than they did before. Part of me is a bit hesitant to go out in public with all of my kids once I start showing, but another part of me can't wait.....I'm like a social experiment. I know there are people that have more kids than me, but realistically, out here in So Cal there aren't many. I have always wanted 6 kids, and I can't wait. So, I feel like I have been pregnant forever and I am only 9 weeks. I think I found out a day after I was pregnant.....I thought I was almost 2 weeks further along than I really am. Right now I look like I did when I was 5 1/2 months pregnant with James. I will prove it by posting pictures soon. Please don't tell me it's because everything is already stretched out.....I might have to come over and smack you! (That's my pleasant side popping up again) I really do enjoy pregnancy......you will definitely hear me complain constantly, but it is something I really am grateful for. We have discussed expanding our family, and received mixed emotions from the boys. James has always asked us to stop. His main reason is he can't stand his brothers, and it would be too much additional work for him. The rest of them were pretty positive. So, when we gave the boys the announcement, their reactions were not surprising. Here are some quotes from them:
James - immediate reply "I am moving out" I told him Grandma and Grandpa will make up a room for him, but I experienced growing up there and wouldn't recommend it.
As my wasteline has continued to grow James says to me "Maybe you're not really pregnant and you are just getting fat"
James's reply to his Sunday School teacher when he was teasing James about ANOTHER sibling "That's a rumor....you really shouldn't believe everything you hear"
My reply to James when he asked what I would name the baby if it's a boy "Well, I'm kind of out of boy names, so I think I'll recycle...James #2" Needless to say, James doesn't think I'm funny!
So, James isn't super thrilled, but it's growing on him, and when I want to be super annoying to him, I flash him my large stomach just to gross him out.
Charlie is my super affectionate one and is constantly rubbing my tummy and giving my stomach kisses. Curtis is very concerned about my nausea and loves to know if I've thrown up. I've convinced him that rubbing my feet helps calm my sickness....which it does, and Curtis will do it to make me feel better. George is my sensible voice of reason and is always thinking. He told me the other day, "Mom, when you get really fat with the baby I do not want you sitting in the front seat...it is too dangerous" Very sweet, but we really need to teach him to never call a pregnant lady fat!
So, the first most frequent question asked is if I'm happy about being pregnant....second most is if I will find out the sex.....ummmm YESSSS! As stated previously, I am super impatient, so of course I will find out. I believe my ultrasound is scheduled for April 19th.....I will see what I can do about getting it moved closer.
I have an appointment with my favorite midwife next week. I am honestly a little nervous about seeing her. She has put up with me my last 2 pregnancies, and I'm not an easy patient.....I beg for my epidural once I hit my third trimester, and I am super annoying. She actually advised me to not have anymore pregnancies after my last one. I assumed it was due to physical reasons, but she assured me I was totally capable of more pregnancies.....she went on to say it was due to mental reasons. Besides that, I really think she likes me! I'm also a little nervous to see the boys' preschool teacher....she's taught all of the boys and gets KC this September....she also asked me if I would stop having kids. I didn't take this offensively either....I totally understood where she was coming from. The other person I was very, very nervous to tell was my dad. I actually called my brother who works with my dad and said, "Hey Marcus, can you do me a favor and tell Dad I am pregnant?" Marcus was shocked I was pregnant again, and started laughing and said, "No way am I telling him, but I am definitely going into his office to see his face when you do!" So, when I told my dad I was as nervous as a single teenage girl who had to tell her dad she was knocked up. My dad doesn't really like kids, he loves mine, but can't understand why I keep having them. He is known to say that mine keep getting worse...which is kind of true! Anyways, I think deep down inside he is excited.
This child is expected mid September....I believe in working towards goal, so my goal is late August or VERY early September. For all of my beach buddies, you can take turns sitting by me, because I will make you look super skinny!