Gunpowder-and-Lead

My Favorite iPhone Apps

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:13:00 +0000

I am in love with my iPhone, ask anyone. I rely on it for just about anything. So, I'm always looking for new apps. Where better than to look than Pinterest, right? While I was surfing through pins, I decided I should do the same; share my favorite apps.

Weather

1. Swackett [Free] - This is finally the first weather app that I love using. It opens and gives you just what you need to know; the tempature, what it feels like, and chance of rain. Best of all, it shows you what you should wear on a 'peep.' It still has everything basic weather apps have, just in a better looking format.

Photography

2. Instagram [Free] - The only people I know who doesn't use Instagram, don't have a smart phone. It's the coolest photo app with a great social network side. I'm personally glad that Android users can download it. I've got so many more amazing photos to look at!

3. Camera+ [$0.99] - A neat photo editing app. I downloaded it after Mrs. Stephanie T posted her two step edit she does for Instagram.

4. BeFunky [Free] - The photo editing app that had step two from the tutorial above. I love that you can decide how much of the filter you use with this app.

5. Shutterfly [Free] - I love Shutterfly! I've lost so many photos due to computer crashes over the years, I'm terrified of that happening to Conner's pictures. Shutterfly is where I keep every single one, print them from, and I have a cute Share Site for family who doesn't get to see him much to keep up with him. Since a lot of my pictures are taken by my phone, this app saves me so much time!

Wallpapers

6. Cuptakes [$0.99] - Best $0.99 I've spent! Once I got my iPhone, I was dying to know where everyone got their cute wallpapers. I can't even remember where I found it, but I was in Heaven! A one-time fee and you get updates every single month with new wallpapers for that month.

7. Cuptakes Frames [$1.99] - I was a happy girl when this app was released! I love having my little man on my lock screen, so I use to edit the Cuptakes wallpapers to have a picture on them. I wasn't half bad at it, but it took a bit of time every time I wanted to change it up. Now, she gave us an app that does it for me! In under two minutes, I've got a new, coordinating lock and home screen with a picture of my baby on it!

Random

8. Big Day [$0.99] - I will forever be the girl who has no idea what day it is or how close an event is going to happen. I love countdown apps for that reason. This one has a cute animated countdown and you can personalize it with a picture you'd enjoy looking at.

9. Pinterest [Free] - The single quickest battery draining app I have installed. I scroll through this every time I get bored.

10. Goodreads [Free] - I'm an avid reader and I like keeping up with what I'm reading. The second I start/finish a book, I update my Goodreads account.

11. Netflix [Free] - This is the best on lunch time at work. I turn on a 30 minute show and I'm entertained while eating and I know when my lunch is over. It's a great thing to keep Conner occupied in public.

12. IMDB [Free] - When I watch a movie and I recognize an actor, but I don't know from where, I have to look it up. I use it way more than an average person would.

Games

13. Temple Run [Free] - Such a simple objective: Run while avoided obstacles. Yet, I can sit and play for an hour straight and never realized it. I've wasted many nap times with this game.

14. Angry Birds [$0.99] - Everyone, everywhere plays this game. I'm still in love with it.

Music

15. Pandora [Free] - Unless I'm on a kick (which is currently Katy Perry), I'm terribly indecisive with music. I usually end up skipping 90% of the music in my library and it's never what I want to hear. That's when I pull out Pandora. That was I can at least discover something new.

16. TuneWiki [Free] - Once of the apps I hated losing from my Droid X was Verizon's Song ID. I used it almost every time I listened to the radio. My uncle told me about this one and even if it misses some songs, it's still one of my favorites that I use often.

How about you? Are any of these your favorites, too? If not, what is your top app picks?

I'm going there..

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:19:00 +0000

Have you ever had a book hangover? I've never really had one. Don't get me wrong, I feel a little bit of lost when I finish a good book. I genuinely miss the characters. But I've never really had the urge to re-read a book. I know what's going to happen, what they'll say, and what the outcome will be. I am bored beyond belief when I try to re-read even one of my favorite books. That is until now.

Once I got into e-books, I read anything and everything people were talking about it. I found free ones and checked them out from the digital library so I could abandon the book if it ended up crap. That's how I came to read 50 Shades of Grey. Everybody was talking about it. My usual taste in books are very far from anything this book has been described. I like dystopian, apocalyptic, or down right odd (think Chuck Palahnuik). So I figured it would last 2 chapters, which is what I give any book before I put it down. But no, half way through the first chapter, I was smitten with Christian Grey. I read the entire trilogy in less than a week. I couldn't stop. I wanted to live in the story.

Now, I don't agree with the labels that are put on this book. I don't believe it's erotica. Yes, there are some detailed scenes, but I think that's just it. James is descriptive writer. At it's core, it's a romance book. Albeit, a romance with a little spice. Which is probably why I stayed interested; I hate the romance genre. Christian isn't your typical literary hero. He's mysterious, intriguing, and captivating. Like I said, I don't really re-read books. Yet, I've added the entire trilogy to my e-reader again and I'm 6 chapters in. I'm hoping the film the movie quickly and don't ruin story I love so much. It'll save me some time to just pop in a dvd when I miss Christian again.

Photo Book

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Today I decided to officially start my Day Zero Project. If I actually tried to finish the list before I started, I would probably never start. Plus, having a few slots open allows me to add goals that I'm not thinking of right now. In addition, it also gave me one more goal, "finish this list." ;)

Since today was the first day, I decided to start on a positive note by actually working on one of my goals. I just ordered the pictures for Conner's photo album (the first of many, I've realized) so it seemed fitting that the photo album was the first goal to work on. In all fairness, I did start working on it last night. But only because I was so excited to start on it!

A work in progress.

After all the pictures I printed out, I have only 17 slots left to fill! I can't believe that didn't plan for every slot to be filled on the first go, but what are you going to do? I even printed off his Easter photos twice, I was so unorganized with it. I mean, it seems to be a pretty simple task till you actually start. After those 17, I still have to write captions for them (I only wrote the date from the back at first). But that will be the fun part! So I'm very close to having this book done! With any luck, I'll take about the same amount of pictures for the second half of his first year. Because this book ends the day before he turned 6 months old! I have the entire first half in one album.

Even though I'll have this album finished within the next week, I won't be checking this goal off my list. I've got to complete the entire first year, not first album. So I've still got a little over 5 months to go on it. But I've already started this list off a hell of a lot stronger than I ever have before!

Day Zero

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:21:00 +0000

I have tried to finish a Day Zero project for a few years now. My last attempt actually ends pretty soon. If I kept up with it, I would have been no where near finishing everything on it, or even half of list. And most of the goal aren't even something I'd want to do now. But I'm going to try yet again! I figured this time most of my goals are family oriented. I've got a whole big chunk just for Conner related goals alone. So maybe I can be successful with this one. Or at least accomplish more than a handful of goals.

I've created a site for it over on the official website. I had a website for it the last time I tried but I couldn't maintain it. And we all know how hard it is for me to keep up with this one (we're ignoring the fact that this is the first post in months). So I'm trying a simpler approach with the online part and I'm keeping up with it my progress on my phone. Now, the site says I've started the list, but that's only because you have to 'start' to create a list. I'm not going to get into it until the list is finished. I've made that mistake every time I've tried. I'm gonna try to at least accomplish the list before I do the first goal. Which means I have a few (ok, 21) more goals to think up. If you've got any ideas for some goals, I'm open to suggestions. I'm at a lost on what else I want to do!

Here's to hoping I can keep up with my list. And actually update this blog with my progress.

Could It Be?

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Yes, I'm actually updating! It's been a while since I've been here. I made the amazing decision to get an iPhone which means I had to forfeit my internet. I knew I would be getting internet when I moved, so it wasn't too big of a deal. Now that I've had internet, I've had no motivation. Which is like normal for me. But here I am and a lot has happened. I now have a 3, almost 4 month old. We've moved beside my Mom and have a much better apartment.

He gotten so big! :(

Conner is doing wonderfully. He's smiling, laughing, rolling over, trying to hold his bottle, and officially sleeping through the night! I already can't believe how big my baby has gotten. And it's only just begun! It's crazy! He's napping right now. I've got to get him up dressed soon so we can head to Tractor Supply. There are still coworkers who haven't seen him. Oops!

Like I mentioned before, we did move. We're beside my Mom which is a blessing for me. Everything about this apartment is better. I never knew I could be in love with a dishwasher. I just need a washer and dryer and I might never leave. I'll leave the details for another post. Once it's fully decorated, I'm going to take some pictures of the place.

I've got a few plans for this blog. With any hope, I'll be updating more regularly. Or at least I'm going to try.

Wonder Where I've Been?

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:31:00 +0000

It's been over a month since I wrote. Forgive me, I've been taking care of a small person.

Only a few hours old.

On November 30, at 11:53 am, Conner decided to come a little early. Since then, the only source of the internet I've had the energy for was from my phone. I'm not at freaked out and as terrible at this as I thought I'd be, but I am as exhausted as I guessed. But it's a good thing. Even during labor, I still didn't have those motherly feelings popping up like I had assumed would. The second the doctor laid him on my chest, they did. I couldn't imagine not having him now.

Hospital picture!

I was hoping that mommyhood would inspire me to write more. Honestly, it's made me hate this blog. I still want to blog and share, but I've finally realized I have no talent for coding anymore. I'm way too simple with it and it leaves me with a design I simply can't stand. Adding in pictures irks me because I can't even get a small border around them. I've relied on the "helpers" that make anyone thing they can design a layout for so long, I've forgotten half of everything I ever taught myself. And to think, this is what I wanted to go to college for. So, you can see why this whole thing makes me feel like a failure. I'm going to give it one more shot. New layout and all. After that I'm done. Truthfully, I don't even want to be on blogger anymore. I'd like to try wordpress, but sadly, I've got so illiterate with this, it confuses me. So here's to nothing, literally.

How Pinteresting?

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:59:00 +0000

If anyone could catch a glimpse at what I do all day on my phone, you'd be surprised that I am barely on facebook or twitter. I periodically check in, but not for long. I'm mostly on pinterest. A site that I'm very happy is becoming popular. Because I'm such an addict, I decided that it would be a neat idea to post my top 3 pins of the moment. I could say I would do this weekly, but we all know that my blogging is more on the sporadic side. So how about we settle on whenever I have some pretty awesome new pins?

1. 'Conner Jay' Board - I love these! I don't love that they cost $35, though. So this is now a diy project that I really need to finish. I've got them created, I've just got to print & frame them. Orange, Green, and Red are going over his crib and Blue is going over the "diaper station." Except, I'm going to colorize them to match his bedding. :)

2. 'Do-It-Yourself Projects' Board - Wallpapering the back of a bookshelf. I don't know why I'm obsessed with this. A bookshelf would be a bad idea for me. I have so many books crammed on mine, you wouldn't hardly see the design. I do have my computer hutch that I would love to do. You could totally see it when I'm on the computer and make it much nicer when I'm blogging.

3. 'Too Funny' Board - Jenna Marbles is amazing! Now, I'm usually not a big youtube fan. I don't really see how it's entertaining to roam the site all day watching different videos. I get bored with it. But I have to watch hers. Something about her, I die laughing.

Hopefully soon I'll be making some post about actually accomplishing something I've pinned.

Holy Baby Supplies, Batman!

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:44:00 +0000

This past Saturday, my mom and aunt (actually her best friend, but she should be recognized as my aunt) threw me a baby shower. Most mother-to-be's would be ever so excited at this event, but I'm not most. I don't like to be the center of attention or have a fuss made over me. Needless to say, I was screw on that part. But the day did turn out to be a success. Rusty was a trooper and sat by my side for the whole two hours of awkwardly opening presents and trying to be a good little social butterfly. Which didn't work that well, but I can't please everybody.

Didn't we look thrilled?

Though my invitations were lacking any bit of registry info, my family was pretty good at guessing what they thought I would like and need. I had more presents than I could have imagined getting. I figured when I got home, there would be a few more things that I would still need to pick up, but my list would be much shorter than before. Boy, was I wrong. That night, both me and Rusty were tired, so we just put everything we got in the crib. Which was over flowing. The next day, I pulled everything out and sorted it on the bed. Once it was all out and grouped together, I just stood there with my mouth opened.

There's more that's not pictured..

Rusty did his manly duty and built the storage bins we're using for his dresser and I organized. After figuring what should go in which bin, I still ended up with the crib being full. Now it's just bottles, diapers, wipes, bedding, and clothes that need to be washed. While I organized, I checked everything off on my neat little check list I have on a pregnancy app on my phone. I couldn't believe it when I checked every essential off. The even more shocking thing was the amount of returns I have. Four. Yes, that's it. Out of everything you see in the picture, there are only four items that are duplicates. I'm so very impressed at everyone's shopping ability without a registry that has clues! I couldn't do it.

So now we have to endure the tiring parts. All of his clothes must still be washed, along with the bedding. I have to figure out where to store the all the many diapers and wipes that will be used so quickly once he's here. There are so many bottles, nipples, and pacifiers that need to be cleaned before he uses them. And some place has to be made for all the bottles in the cabinets! Plus, Rusty and I both have diaper bags that need to be packed. And the hospital bag! No, I still have not got that all packed and I'm down to just a mere 5 weeks before he's here! It may be in these few weeks that I quickly lose my sanity.

Our Furry Guest

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:20:00 +0000

Wednesday was my birthday. Not that exciting, if you ask me. I've never been one to really party or make a big deal about it. So I prefer to keep it simple. I had a doctor's appointment that afternoon, which probably took up all of 40 minutes. Nice and quick. Then Rusty and I did a little shopping because all I really wanted was a queen sized zebra throw from Target. I've waited a month and a half to get this throw seeing as I could only justify buying a $20 blanket if it was for my birthday. That night, we had a quiet dinner out, just us two. It was a good birthday.

But it wasn't all average. On the way home, Rusty spotted a great pyrenees dog standing in the middle of the road only 2 minutes from our apartment. Both of us being the animal lovers that we are, we soon had a fluffy white dog in the truck with us. She had to be the sweetest dog we could have found. Let's not even mention how pretty she was. I've always loved great pyrenees'.

Since she's a french herding dog and oh-so pretty, I called her Joli.

Once we had the dog in the truck with us, we called Rusty's mom. She is pretty much the Stokes County Humane Society. Yes, I do mean to imply she is the organization herself, she's pretty much the imbodiment of it. We got the basics of what to do so that no matter what this dog had a happy ending. After a pretty easy meeting with our cats, Jill and Wesker, we got to have dog for one night. Though, she pretty much just ate and slept. Wesker tried to have a new playmate, but Joli realized he was a tad too small to be playing with.

First meeting. Excuse the crappy phone pictures.

In the morning, Rusty took Joli to the animal hospital in front of my work to see if she was microchipped. It would be nice if that's where it ended because she had fully responsible owners, but nope. Rusty got creative. He stopped at the house in front of where we found her since the guy was mowing his yard. She wasn't his, but gave him an idea where to head. He went down the suggested road and stopped to ask a guy who was working with his dog and some goats. Luckily, he knew the dog. He sent him to the owner's house and she was united with her family. I'm extremely happy that her adventure ended safely. Even thought, thanks to Mona, there was many ways she could have gotten a happy ending. Though I wish I had been with Rusty if only to option a better name for her.. her real name was simply "Girl." I can't really talk to much though, seeing as I have a dog named "Runt."

I did just realize that I have never wrote about my two cats, who I also rescued. Be on the look out for those when I'm having a few uninteresting days.

Why Aren't You Scared?!

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:07:00 +0000

I'm laying here on the couch, cuddled up to my cat, just surfing through facebook. I'm amazed at the amount of 'wtf?' thoughts that go though my head. Usually I see these ridiculous posts and I feel better about myself. Sort of my like slice of free therapy. But tonight, it just left me feeling scared for out future generation.

Since I've gotten pregnant, I've seen many on my friends list make the same announcement or noticed the announcement of a new life. I don't know if it's because pregnancy in my area is up (though I could say this about my area at any time) or that since it's become a part of my life, I notice it more. Probably the latter. Regardless, it seems to be popping up more. When I found out I was pregnant, I sat beside Rusty with both of us staring in complete shock. We couldn't form words. I couldn't speak the words "Mommy" or "Daddy" without bursting into a fit of hysterical laughter. I was sure something snapped and I had finally went mentally insane. The thought of parenthood was something that scared the life out of Rusty and myself. This is also what I believe the appropriate response is for someone in our situation. We are unmarried, barely getting by in our tiny one bedroom apartment, and now we're expected to be responsible for a tiny little person. Hell, I was still working on being responsible for just me! It was months before I could utter the words to anyone other than family. Just saying it to family was enough of a challenge for the both of us. It took us sometime to realize the enormous change our lives are taking and to come to terms with it. Since then, we have accepted our new roles are excited about having a son together. But we still aren't taking the challenge lightly, as no parent should.

This leaves me to question, why is it that no one seems to be having rational thoughts anymore? Yes, there are a handful of people who seem to be taking the news with a sense of responsibility that they should have. But I see so many more who make it out to be playing house. This is a huge change to your life. I know I haven't taken on the challenge yet myself. But I've paid attention to those around me who have, I listen to every piece of advice someone has bestowed upon me. Yet, I still find myself having moments of freaking out. I'm just worried about these parents-to-be and the babies I guess. Then again, I've always been told I worry too much.

Do I Have to Get Dressed?

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:40:00 +0000

I cringe when I have to open my closet now. Every time I open my side of the closet, I'm met with my cutest tops. The ones that I can't bare to put in a tote till one day I can fit into them again, regardless if it makes me wish for this all to be over soon.. very soon. I have two pairs of maternity jeans. Why only two pairs you ask? Because the price tags on maternity wear give me sever panic attacks when I think about buying them. Seriously? $80 for a pair of jeans that I can only wear while a child is growing inside of me? Hmm.. I think I'd rather pay my electric bill, thank you. I was also told to wear my bigger pants and just use an elastic band to button them. That worked.. till I hit 6 months. I have no hips. Wait, HAD no hips. Now, because a small child will have to exit them, they have appeared. Which means that absolutely none of my jeans will fit. Let alone allow my thighs to actually breathe.

Don't get me started on the style. Yes, there can be some cute tops that work with my own personal style. But like I mentioned before, I prefer to pay my electric bill. Every time I look for something that is possible affordable, I feel as if I should be in my mid 30's, at least. If I try to wear something of my own that could maybe fit over my stomach, I look like I should be filming an episode of 16 and Pregnant. I've always looked younger and, for the most part, hope it stays that way so I don't look like I'm 60 when I'm really only 40. At the moment, it's not a good thing though. Add a big Hollister or American Eagle logo on my shirt and I have people lecturing me on teen pregnancy. Even though I have to admit I love waiting till they're done and finally telling them my real age. The pure look of 'a$$hole' on their face is just too priceless.

Yes, this post is just me ranting about wanting to wear my cute, spunky clothes and feel normal doing so. I miss my flowy tops being flowy, my skinny jeans not looking off balanced, and my boots with heels not making me want to scream from agonizing back pain. Though, I can say it has helped with one thing. I no longer fear having a small child to take care of. At least once he's in my arms and crying his head off, I'll be so very close to a normal looking me. Regardless of how exhausted I may look.

Why Bother?

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:25:00 +0000

That's been my exact thought when it comes to this blog. I want to write. But I never do.

First, I like to have a distinct space for things. I miss having my desk set up in the corner of my room where I could do all computer things and feel completely organized. Now, in my amazingly tiny apartment, the only place I had for a desk is now where Conner's crib sets. I've tried to come up with places to put it but, like I mentioned, my apartment is tiny and finding the room for mine and Rusty's things have been more than difficult. Add in all of Conner's things and the idea of organization seems like a cruel joke. So no bloggy space for Mom.

Secondly, I felt as if I have to censor myself. Now, when I say this, it's an inside thing. Most all blogs I've went to about being a mom are all about the cute parts. They are highly organized, stay-at-home, baking, happy moms. Yes, I know there are moms out there like this. And for a while I tried to fit into that idea while preparing for Conner. Then I hit my third trimester. I have no energy to even try to be all cutesy about it. I just didn't dare say that. That's when I found Motherhood, WTF? I fell in love. This is how I see my parenting going. Frustrating, difficult, sanity-killing, yet somehow exciting and joyful at the end of the ~~day~~ week. Her blog got me back into the mindset to blog myself. I don't care if I can't come up with a cute new recipe to post. Let's face it, I can make chicken casserole and cupcakes. You'll be bored by my third recipe post. There are somethings that I just need to get off my chest. Even with this new found openness, I will still have to censor myself to my disappointment. There are something that I would love to say, that would get a laugh, but I don't want to deal with the repercussions of saying those things. I would love to write out exactly what I would tell people who just royally get on my nerves but never do because I was raised better. For the simple reason, the most annoying people in my life will read this. And sadly, be the most dedicated. I'm still deciding if that's a win or loss.

The third, and probably the one that I could ignore if I wasn't me, is the fact that my layout makes me want to barf. Not literally, but close. It's more about my creativity or lack-there-of. I use to code layout after layout for whatever social network site I was on. Or multiple sites, if I'm being honest. Facebook has ruined me. I felt no need, they didn't allow customization of your profile. I was okay with that because it's exhausting work and the old I got, the more things I wanted to do than to just make sure my profile was cute, like making sure I was dressed cute. And anyone who knows me, knows that it's an effort when I want to be girly. So now, I feel like a failure when trying to make a simple blog look decent, not even amazing.

I'm back now. So, I will be trying to ignore all of these reason to not blog, and just go with it. I'm done trying to fit in to something I never really wanted to in the first place. Time to be me. Though, I"m hoping to remedy that last reason tonight. If I can keep my sanity mind you.

The Verdict is In..

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:34:00 +0000

We went to the doctor's last Wednesday and..

IT'S A BOY!!

Rusty and I are so happy! He had a feeling and I've been calling him a him from the start. We even had his names picked out. He'll be Conner Jay. We both just love the name Conner and Rusty's middle name is J, just the letter. So he wanted to give him the same one, just without the headache, so he gets Jay. And of course, I have pictures!

Wives Tales

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:12:00 +0000

I've got the internet! For some reason, one of the tethering apps works on my computer again, but for how long, I have no idea. But for now I'm enjoying having the internet again!

Now, since we find out the gender of the baby on Wednesday (if the baby cooperates) I thought it would be cute to do a wives tale post. I looked around for a decent list and like this one.

Old Wives Tale #1: Heart Rate
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy.
-Both times we've heard the heartbeat, it's been around 155bpm.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.
-I seem to be carrying low, but I think I'm gaining all over.
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #3: Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle.
-This one is tricky. Rusty said it was doing both (and I know there is only one in there) and his hands aren't very steady.
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #4: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones.
-I had finally gotten clear skin.. then I got pregnant.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #5: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.
-I'm going to say sweets cause I want a lot of banana pudding and cheesecake. But I crave more veggies than anything. But I do love me some orange juice and the baby kicks like hell when I drink it!
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #6: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.
-I definitely have branches.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #7: Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be.
-I'm not sure exactly which night it was, but I'm pretty confident in saying that it was Rusty. :P
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #8: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. I think it’s too early for me to tell on this one.
-I think my legs are pretty much the same. They still fit in a size 1.. my stomach definitely does not!
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #9: Moodiness and a Little Pecker
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you.
-Rusty says I have my good days and bad days, but I think he's trying to be nice, lol. I definitely say I'm more moody.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #10: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.
-I'm putting a lot of faith in this one since I know quite a few women it was correct with.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #11: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is.
-Now, Rusty is going to say I'm pretty either way. But I think he's just trying to make me feel better. I very rarely think I'm having a pretty day.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #12: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having.
-I've only had one dream so far, but that was about a boy.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #13: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.
-I think I'm just as clumsy as I ever was. I've NEVER been a graceful person, so it hasn't changed. But I do have some killer cat-like reflexes that I've never had before!
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #14: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.
-Definitely right side. It's killing me not being able to lay on my stomach though!
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #15: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.
-He's saying the same weight.
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #16: Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy.
-We both think it's the left one. Which is odd since I always thought my right was bigger before.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #17: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having.
-I just have a weird feeling.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #18: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.
-That was all I had my first trimester. Though, luckily, I only threw up once.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #19: Areolae
If your areolae (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, its a girl.
-Definitely a noticable change.
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #20: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy.
-I really don't want meat of any kind. I've made meals out of just veggies.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #21: Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.
-They actually stay pretty comfortable.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #22: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.
-I get headaches every other day it seems.
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #23: Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby.
-Not that we are particularly decisive people in the first place, we can only agree on boy names. We have completely different tastes when it comes to girl names.
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #24: Urine
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl.
-Now, I don't stare in the toilet, but I do believe it's bright-ish.
Prediction outcome: BOY

TOTAL GIRL: 16
TOTAL BOY: 5
TOTAL INCONCLUSIVE: 3

So the wives tales say it's going to be a little girl! I guess we'll get to find out in 2 days if they're right or wrong! I kinda hope they're right. (:

It's Been Too Long

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:56:00 +0000

I feel like a horrible blogger! I'm without internet and now my computer can't find any connections. I'm having to use my mom's right now. ):

So much has happened that I wanted to write about! Just a few days ago I found a crib and changing table on craigslist. Amazingly, both were in great condition and on $50! My mom instantly gave me the money so I'd be able to get it quick. I got in touch with the guy and two days later.. we have them set up in our room! They aren't what we had planned on getting, but I couldn't pass them up for that cheap! Hopefully my old crib will work for my mom's house and I have a pack and play that a coworker gave me for when it goes to dad's. And another pack and play that my manager is giving me, so for any surprises or if my crib doesn't work so well for mom.

The most amazing news is.. the baby started kicking!! Now I constantly find myself feeling for it and seeing if it's awake or not. :) Rusty was actually the first of us to feel it on the outside. We were laying on the couch watching a movie and he swore he felt something. But I didn't think I felt a kick that strong. As soon as I put my hand on my stomach, the baby kicked the crap out of me! It was just surreal. I had been feeling it inside a little, but never that much. I can't wait to find out what it is.. we go Wednesday for the ultrasound!

Disconnected

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:09:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me will know it kills me to say this: I have no way to get internet at my apartment. D: If anyone has a Droid X, you know they sent a new OTA update a couple months back. Well, I just found out about it. I was so excited to the new stuff that I didn't think updating my phone completely through. The old system was able to be rooted. I had full root access and a wireless tether before the update. Then I made it pretty.. and it's all gone. No one has found a way to root the new OS. So I'm stuck with only a Droid. But there is a small light. I still have to do laundry at my mom's and I can update (just not too well) from my phone.

Pregnancy Update

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:51:00 +0000

I've been horrible at posting! I wanted to, but just kept putting it off. Then I couldn't get on the internet. Now, for the last two days, I've been so sick. Even missed work. :( But I'm feeling better at the moment, so I decided I should say something on here!

I've been trolling some blogs about pregnancy. It makes me feel just a little bit better, especially about my own unprepared-ness. lol. But I have seen this little pregnancy highlights questionnaire on several blogs and I couldn't pass up adding it to mine. I'm going to try to keep up with it every week, but that may not be the case in the end. :P

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 17 weeks + 1 day.

Due Date: December 11.

Size of baby: An onion. Oh and how I loathe onions!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: So far I've gain a total of 13 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: I've only got one pair of jeans and I don't wear them often. Mostly I wear my pre-pregnancy pants with a ponytail holder through the loop. lol. Or I buy regular shorts/capris that have the stretchy waist. Most of my shirt still fit.

Gender: A Chinese whats-it calendar predicted a baby girl, but we find out in 2 weeks!

Sleep: Horrible! I can never get comfy and I wake up so often. I use to be such a sound sleeper.

What I miss: Having a flat stomach. I've always been the same size my whole life. It's so weird to have extra (to me) and it be a good thing.

Symptoms: Morning sickness has pretty much gone away. My back/neck/shoulders hurt. My feet get a little swollen after being on the for hours. And I've got pretty decent ligament pains.

Cravings: It's been southern foods. That the only way I know to describe it. lol. I want chicken pot pie, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread. And for some reason, I REALLY want to go to K&W!

Best Moment this week: Just talking about it with R and seeing his excitement about the baby.

Happy Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:54:00 +0000

Since it's Friday (and I'm too lazy to do a real post) I'm going to start a link-up I've always enjoyed reading.

Fill in the Blank

From Lauren @ The Little Things We Do

1. The last thing I ate was Five Cheese Lasagna! Or at least it will be.. It's got a few more minutes to cook!

2. The next thing I'd like to eat is Pancakes, french toast, eggs, sausage, bacon, ham.. pretty much all breakfast food. It's always been my favorite, but it's probably my biggest pregnancy craving now!

3. The best things Simple. Spending a day with Rusty playing video games and watching movies. Perfection.

4. Something that makes me supremely and utterly happy is being able to support myself. I know I have Rusty and we're a team, but it's a great feeling knowing I could do it on my own.

5. Sports are Something I don't really care for. I will scream at the tv over football, but I don't have a favorite team. I just like the sport. And I'll watch baseball, as long as it had something to do with Dustin Ackley, one of my childhood friends. :P

6. I miss My childhood and teenage years. I so very badly did not want to grow up. I did though! But I had such a wonderful time, I never wanted it to end. I think I was one of the few people who dreaded their 18th birthday. I don't even remember how I spend it.

7. Right now I am Really wanting to move back to Stokes County. Hopefully soon, I will. That the one thing I want the most.

Now, I'm going to wait for the Lasagna to be done and Rusty to get back from getting the garlic bread that we didn't think of till last minute!

(not so) Undercover Book Lover

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:21:00 +0000

I've been on a huge reading kick lately. For some reason, I just can't get enough books and I can't pull my nose out of them. Just this morning I finished L.A Candy: Sugar and Spice. It took me a bit longer to finish than most books, but it was still a fun read. I absolutely adore Lauren Conrad. I think she's adorable, funny, and real, even thought everyone first heard of her on MTV's reality shows. Yes, I enjoyed watching Laguna Beach occasionally and loved the early seasons of The Hills, but you must admit, there's not much "reality" to been seen. But regardless of her start, I still find her amazing. This simple fact is why I picked up her first book, L.A. Candy. Personally, I'm curious when anyone famous for other than writing decides to write a book. I want to know if they can really write. And I believe Lauren can, but about what she knows. Reality shows, Hollywood, fake friends, and fake drama. Despite the fact it wasn't totally relatable, it was still interesting to see what Lauren had to say about the world she knows so well and escaped from. I'd probably recommend this book, but only if you are a Lauren Conrad fan.

I promise one day I'll learn to write an actual review for a book. Considering how much I read, I'm sure you'll see a lot of book talk on here. Hopefully that review writing skill kicks in before the next book is done. :)

Speaking of the next book, I'm so excited to start it! So much so I'm having a difficult time getting ready for work. Just yesterday I picked up The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell. If anyone knows me, they know I'm a huge Sex and the City fan. I own the entire series and constantly watch them over and over. I'm a little late to pick up The Carrie Diaries, but better late than never. Plus after having a mini-marathon of the show yesterday, I'm more than ready to have a little bit more Carrie in my life. If only I could sit around all day and read.

An Intro of Sorts

noreply@blogger.com (Holly Ann) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Welcome to my blog! I can't say this is my first blog, I've had way to many to begin to count. Bloggings always been something I consider relaxing and now would be as good as any to start up again.

Some of you already know, but the majority still have no clue.. At the end of the year, I will be giving birth to my first child! I'm due around 12/11 (I love you dearly if you know what that date means to me). My boyfriend, Rusty, and I are excited, admittedly I think he's more excited and I'm more scared. :P But we're in it together and I think I won't pull my hair out too bad with him here. :)