25 Random Facts About Me

This is all the rage on Facebook. I have posted my 25 things there and have gotten a nice response, esp. regarding the breast feeding problems and the fertility issues. Seems like I am by far the only one with problems related to these two things...enjoy!

1. I procrastinate ALOT. In fact, I am surprised I am finally doing this after getting tagged like, 5 times.

2. One day I want to go back to school and get my masters in either School Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy.

3. I like the idea of School Counseling b/c I would get to do counseling but I'd also get my summers off!

4. I have wanted to be a therapist since highschool, during which I dated a very jerky dude who obliterated my self esteem (temporarily of course!).

5. I really love being a military wife and the fun and exciting life that comes with it.

6. My father was in the army when I was a kid and I lived in and visited more states and countries then most people could only dream of...I feel blessed for that.

7. The most exotic location I have ever visited is the Canary Islands, near Morocco.

8. My political views have changed alot since becoming a military wife...I was surprised by that.

9. I have fertility issues and think there is too much of a stigma associated with infertility - I wish it were talked about more.

10. As much as I know that Julia is a gift from God, sometimes I wonder if she is a TRUE miracle.

11. It irritates the hell out of me when I hear, (1) we got off the pill and it happened right away (2) my husband just looks at me and I get pregnant (3) you need to relax and it will happen (4) we planned our pregnancy so I'd deliver in _____(insert month here).

12. I am always happy for those who get pregnant - but always jealous too... especially when it comes so easily for them.

13. I think my difficult journey makes me appreciate and love Julia all the more.

14. I would love to give her a sibling and wonder how it will be for her if she is an "only".

15. I have always wanted a dog but have bad allergies and finally at the ripe old age of 29 I got my first one - Harley.

16. I am allergic to what seems like everything.

17. Breast Feeding Nazi women irritate me. Yes, BFing is a great thing, but not possible for everyone. It does not make you a better mother...your boobs just work better than mine! :)

18. I had a mild case of post-partum after having julia....I think it was tied to my BFing "failure".

19. I wish I had given it up sooner - I feel like I mentally missed Julia's first few months of life.

20. My husband will be deploying this summer. It will be our second deployment since 2003 and the first since we have been married.

21. I love living in SoCal....its no wonder people come here and never go back.

22. I miss my friends and family back on the east coast...I wish my parents were closer.

23. I feel so blessed with the nice friends I have made here...Im glad we made the decision to live on-base rather than out in town.

24. I love being a stay-at-home mom...and feel very lucky that I am able to be there for my daughter each and every day.

25. I love my husband...I can say he truly is my best friend.

One Of The Reasons I Love Having A Girl...

...is the ability to do cute things with her hair! Julia was a great sport as I put in her piggy-tails today. It was a bit of a challenge since she does not have much hair. Its taken 2 long years but we were finally able to pull it off.

Independence...

Julia has started to take an interest in dressing herself. She wanted to wear her horse shirt to the park but wouldnt let me help her get dressed. Once she put her shirt *on* she told me she was ready to head to the park. At least she put her head thru the right part of the shirt - albeit upside-down!

And the winner is:

Here is the car I ultimately decided on to replace the Xterra. It is the Highlander Hybrid Limited and it is beeeeautiful! Just dont ask how much it costs because I am trying SO hard to forget the fact that we will be paying on this car forever and a day. The good thing is that I plan on keeping it until I run it into the ground. Hence the going "all out" on the limited edition. I will post actual pictures of the car when it comes in next week. Strait from the factory baby! Woooot!

Harley's Diagnosis

As many of you who read this blog know, little Harley had a really difficult night last week. He endured 4 seizures in a 12 hour period. It was so frightening to see your beloved pet violently seize...it broke my heart in pieces. After having another round of testing done the vet does in fact believe that he may have Epilepsy. He has been put on Phenobarbitol, the most common drug for epileptic dogs. However, it does have pretty severe side effects, including liver failure, so I am doing all the research that I can to find alternatives to this medication. Right now it looks like Potassium Bromide might be a valid alternative...but it takes a bit of time for the body to get the levels high enough that he can slowly come of the Pheno. He is back to the vet on Friday to have a follow-up and we will talk about the short and long term treatment plans for him.

In the meantime, I have changed his diet which includes taking away the Science Diet and putting him back on the Blue Buffalo food. I have also decided to home cook some of his meals as well....I already made him a batch of "Healthy Adult Diet" which he devours in under a minute! I always used to joke that Harley was one of the most spoiled dogs in the neighborhood...but now with the home cooking, there is no doubt in my mind!

Also, upon the diagnosis, Harley's grandma and grandpa have ordered him this bed. This way we can keep an eye on him at night and know immediately when he has a seizure.