Young Love- Ours Works

*I'm not very good at putting my thoughts into words, so be warned! 

I met Cory a couple months after my 19th birthday. His house was the party house. (Now it's our home.) I didn't party in high school, so I guess after I graduated was when I decided to get "crazy". Not too crazy though. I could drink tequila like water, and it's thanks to Jose Cuervo that I gave my number to Cory. Yay, for liquid courage! My first night at Cory's house was not ideal. I went with a group of guy friends and none of us really knew Cory. Long story short, one of my friends knocked something over and Cory kicked us out. LOL! A couple weekends later a couple girlfriends and I rented a hotel room so we could "party". Well no one showed up (lol again). I was trying to convince my cousin, who is friend's with Cory, to come drink with us. Somehow, we got persuaded to go to Cory's house. There was only a handful of people there. I was taking shots of tequila like nobody's business. At one point, some creep tried to trick me into taking more shots while Cory stood next to him. (So I like to tease Cory about being a creep and trying to get me drunk.) Anyways, I drank more than someone my size should and spent most of the night with Cory. I sat on Cory's lap (I've never done anything like that), I threw up, I cried, I gave Cory my number (never did that either), got carried to the car, and woke up on the bathroom floor in the hotel room. I called my Dad the next morning, because I still couldn't drive, and admitted I drank. Cory and I talked the next day and that's how our love story began!
We are both shy people, which is why alcohol helped bring us together. We partied just about every weekend (remember this partying thing was still new to me, so I thought it was the greatest), but we had lots of alone time. I knew right away Cory was different from any other guy I had met. I knew he was special, but I was also young and dumb, so I wanted to party more than I wanted a serious relationship. We went through a lot of breaking up and making up over the next two years. It was never that I didn't want Cory, but that I wanted to be young and free for a little. I think it was better to have gone through that, then me settle down and wonder what I was "missing" years later. We had been through A LOT in those early years, and I knew that I never wanted to lose him again. I  knew I didn't want to fall asleep next to or wake up with anyone but Cory for the rest of my life. We were completely ourselves around one another. Our bond was like something I had never experienced before.
When I was younger I didn't imagine having a baby and then getting married. (Life doesn't always go how you plan or how others think it should go.) However, I always knew I wanted to get married, have a family, and help people. When we found out I was pregnant we were excited and nervous of course. I wasn't nervous about what we'd do, but about what others would think. It shouldn't have bothered me, but I knew how people thought of young couples having babies out of wedlock. (Which is part of the reason I'm writing this blog.) Our parents were accepting of the situation. My mom was so supportive of us. She's always loved Cory! One of the first things people would ask when they found out I was pregnant was, "when are you getting married?". We always knew we'd get married, but we weren't going to rush into just because I was pregnant.
Our relationship really grew throughout my pregnancy and Pearl's birth. If you know my labor/Pearl's birth story then you know it wasn't easy. I couldn't have asked for a better partner to be by my side through it all. I always knew Cory would be an amazing Dad. There's something about seeing the man you love, love your child though. I saw him in a whole new light. I'm a little bit grateful for Pearl's first week of life in the NICU. Of course we had lots of support, but most importantly we had each other when everyone else was gone. We grew so much that week as a couple and as parents. A few months later we officially got engaged, and six months after that we got married.
Now, here we are a year and a half after Pearl's birth, expecting a baby boy in May. I couldn't be any happier with how our life is right now. We're human, so not every day is perfect. However, we want this to work and we know that. Plus, most days are great. We got married for a reason. Yes, we're still young, but if you want something bad enough then you make it work. I am so blessed to be going through all of these experiences with Cory (another reason I wanted to write this).I look forward to our future and continuing to grow. 
There might be a part II to this. I forgot half of the things I wanted to say. I hope you get the point though! Don't judge me on my grammar or spelling :) 
Also, our computer is down right now, so I don't have many photo options.

Just a little update!

So much has happened in the past six months, and it has flown by. I'm going to update about Pearl and my pregnancy. I'll leave the rest for another time!
Pearl turned 18 months old three days ago! I can't even believe it. She acts like she's three, but I still see her as just a helpless little babe.
Pearl still loves to watch "ehmo ehmo". She also enjoys her sign language DVD and has picked up a couple new signs. Currently,  she's a "picky" eater, won't let me brush her teeth (she tries), won't sit on the potty for more than 10 seconds, and only says words when she wants to. I think it's just her being stubborn, and not wanting to do what we want her to do. Pearl likes to run, scream, and play in the dirt. Lately, she points at her big picture books and asks what each picture is. She has a great sense of humor and makes me laugh daily. Pearl doesn't like being told "no", but she has no problem telling you "no".
I don't think Pearl realizes she has a baby brother coming soon. But if I tell her to "kiss the baby" she kisses my belly. It seems like everyone thinks she's going to be jealous of or too rough with the baby. I don't think that will be the case though. I think she might need a few days to warm up/understand, but after that, I know she will be an awesome big sister.
BTW, I am pretty nervous about having two little ones so close in age. We definitely wanted our kids to be close in age though. I think it'll be a little rough in the beginning, but great when they are a few years older. A big reason we introduced the potty so soon was because baby boy will be here in late May. I just think it will be easier if we start now, so that (hopefully) I won't have two butts to change for very long ;).
Pregnancy is going fine. I am 24 weeks pregnant. I feel huge. I want to eat constantly. I feel like a bum most days. This pregnancy is very different from my first. That's why I thought I was having a boy, but everyone said that doesn't matter. Well look who was right! Our baby boy is due May 27,  2014. All of my check ups have been good. I am switching doctors, and my first appointment is next week. I am hoping this will be a more caring and supportive environment. Anyways, baby boy has been kicking me since 18 weeks. He enjoys wiggling around at night usually around nine. Maybe he knows that's his sister's bedtime. We found out he was a he at 20 weeks. We're still not sure about a name, but we do have one in mind.
My mom and I are beginning to plan my baby shower. I love planning parties (putting it together is another story). The baby shower will be nautical themed "ahoy! It's a boy!"

That's all for now! I really need to start making this more routine. I want my children to have something to look back on when they're teenagers, and know how much I really do love them.

18 months old

I snapped the photo at the right time haha

Pearl kissing her baby brother

24 weeks

Whoa Mommy!

So I believe I just had my first actual mommy breakdown. There were tears and some praying. Thankfully, it only lasted five minutes and I was able to put myself back together. Our beautiful, sweet, darling angel is going through one heck of a time right now. She wakes up during the night, cries and cries. She has been teething for months now and just recently got sick. The only thing that makes her happy is watching Sesame Street. Sometimes that doesn't even work. I know she's in pain, but I don't know how to help her. I've been trying to keep her up later so that she'll sleep through the night. However, tonight I let her lay down at 8:30. After tears, refusing to eat, spitting out Motrin, I finally laid her down with a warm bottle. Now, she is sound asleep. I am hoping she gets plenty of rest and feels better in the morning. I always knew being a mom wouldn't be easy, but I underestimated how hard it would be. Today, I truly felt like a bad mom. I couldn't stop my baby from crying and I got overwhelmed trying. So after laying her down, I sat down, and then the tears came, so I prayed. I hope I'm not alone in how I felt tonight. I also hope if you're going or have gone through this then you know you're not alone. I think we feel so much pressure to be perfect as moms. I know I do anyways. Being a stay at home mom, I feel like I should be doing a near perfect job. I'm not perfect. I never will be. I can only hope I can continue to grow, learn, and that one day Pearl will be proud to have me as her mother. I kind of hate that I'm putting this out on the Internet. (I guess I'm hoping that either someone understands or feels relieved when reading this.) I am sharing my own personal thoughts and feelings. I hope you don't abuse that in anyway.  Anyways, I think that's about it. I actually feel better than when I began writing. Don't judge my grammar and punctuation or lack of. 

Being a mom is wonderful. Tonight was a tiny little bump in the road. I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything in the world. Pearl is the most amazing and wonderful little girl. She lights my life and fills my heart. I just pray she gets some rest and starts feeling better. ❤

Little sweetheart sound asleep. 

A year of Pearl

Our "little peanut" is one year old now. My midwife started calling her a little peanut at my first ultrasound. I can remember that appointment like it was yesterday. Cory and my mom were in the room. We listened to her heartbeat (my mom instantly started crying), I had a pelvic exam (with them still in the room--awkward), and then we saw our little peanut on the ultrasound.
Pearl turned one on August 3. We had our parents over for dinner. To be honest, I wasn't planning on doing much on her actual birthday. However, grandparents would just not have that. I made Mac n cheese and baked potatoes. Cory grilled chicken and corn on the cob. We bought her a small cake and Elmo balloon. I asked my mom to by her some kind of birthday shirt. My mom found a long sleeved onesie that read "birthday girl". I rolled up the sleeves and ironed on "one". I didn't have the letter 'n' so I cut the letter 'm' to (sort of) look like 'n'.

I realize these aren't the best photos. It's difficult to be the photographer and host ;)

Enjoy.

                                

     

             

Dear Pearl,

       It is hard to believe that you are already one year old, my sweet little angel. I love being your mother. I can't even begin to explain how much joy you bring me. You are the silliest, craziest and most beautiful thing I have ever met! I love watching you grow everyday. 

       This has been quite the year. You started off with a BANG! I've never seen so many people so upset and worried. After about a week in the NICU we were finally able to take you home. Your dad and I were so scared, and your first night home wasn't easy at all. I still can't believe that sleepless night was a year ago.

        You have turned into quite the little character and I love it! You have a sense of humor, you can dance and you can definitely be dramatic. You are so smart, Pearl, and you always have been. I am more amazed by you everyday. I'm smiling right now just thinking about all of your qualities! You're great.

        I'm not very good with words and I don't really know what to say. I just hope one day you get to experience this love I feel for you. There is no greater joy in life than being your mother. I feel bad for anyone who isn't apart of your life, because they are truly missing out. I'm going to leave it at that for now.

I love you more than I knew I was capable of.

Love,

MAMAMA

<3

Now, I'd like some input from my fellow mamas. 

1. Eating: *Pearl likes to throw her food on the floor no matter if she loves it or hates it. Sometimes I will just feed her myself so I don't have to deal with the mess. 

*I am slowly starting to give her a spoon while she eats. Still afraid to give her food in a bowl or on a plate. *Also, I want to keep introducing her to new foods before its too late.

2. Sleeping: *Pearl falls asleep with a milk bottle. I take it away after she falls asleep. *She wakes up once a night for a bottle and the falls back asleep. She hasn't slept through the night since we was 6mo.

I know I have more I'd like your input on, but I can't think at the moment. Probably because I'm waiting for Pearl to wake up. So any tips and advice for one year olds are welcomed. Oh, bath time! We take showers now, because Pearl hates the bath. 

I'm going to go check on Pearl now. Have a wonderful afternoon. 

Here's a photo from Pearl's party. I'll try to write a detailed blog about her party very soon!                 

                                

 Oh yeah, here are the photos from her "one year photo shoot"! 

Our baby isn't a baby anymore

My precious Pearl is 10.5 months old! It really has gone by incredibly fast. I've found myself starting to forget her milestones so I tried to write them all down last month. I'm so sad that I cannot remember every little and amazing thing she does.
Pearl has always been quite the character, but it is starting to show more and more. Which is why I have decided to drop everything and sit down and write this blog. (I'm sure there will be many pauses between Pearl and my HUSBAND, eek, husband!)
Where to begin...
I'll try to start from my last Pearl update.
At 7 months old she started her first foods. Her first food was avocado. She still loves it three months later.
At 8 months she started finger foods, because she kept grabbing the spoon from me when I fed her baby food. She also started pulling herself up around this time. I remember the first time I saw it. We were in the room. Pearl was in her playpen and we were in the bed. I looked over and she was doing it. I told Cory to "look!"
At 9 months she got her first tooth! A few days later, a second tooth started coming through. Around this time she started walking around using furniture.
The reason I really wanted to write this was to share with you just a little bit about her personality. I'll do that in a letter to Pearl.

My sweet Pearl,
      You are growing up too fast! You are becoming independent and outspoken. Pearl, you came into the world fighting and you haven't stopped. You're going to be a strong girl. As much as I'm scared for you to grow up, I'm excited at the same time. Your personality is showing more and more everyday.
      Lately, you've been very clingy. I'm not sure if its because you're teething or if its just a phase you're going through. You want "mamama" most days. You do love your "dadada" time though. A few weeks ago you were about to stick a cotton ball in your mouth and I shouted "no" at you. You started crying and it broke my heart. You are starting to understand the word "no" and you're understanding how to use it (a fear of mine). You have the best sense of humor. You've always had a sense of humor, but I can definitely see it now. You crack me up.
       You've began to really observe things. You don't just pick up things and shove them in your mouth. You look them over, pass them between your hands and I can see the little gears working in your head. You want to figure everything out. I think you are very smart for a 10 month old.
       Bath time has become a bit difficult. You like to stand up and that isn't safe. Also, when I rinse you off you get kind of scared and sometimes cry. I hope that passes, because you've always loved your baths. You love the pool. We took you for your first swim about a month ago. I enjoy our pool time.
       Eating is becoming tricky with you. I think you're starting to become picky (another fear). I'm going to try harder to widen your pallet. You love your toast though!
       Everyday I notice more and more that you are becoming a little girl. You don't always need me, but I enjoy when you do. I'm excited to watch you grow up because I know you're only going to become more and more fun. You'll always be my baby though.
       You have become quite the little dancer! It's so cute. You shake your hips like a pro. Your famous move is circling around in your butt! Oh yeah, you're starting to climb too! And you've let go, while standing, a few times.

I love you so much Pearl Sullivan. My baby girl.

Love,
         Your Mamama

Ps How could I forget! You sleep in crazy positions. It's the cutest thing. You throw yourself and circle around your playpen until you just pass out. Also, we love waking up to you babbling and peeking over your playpen at us.

So I'm going to try to do Pearl updates at least monthly! Too much is happening to not do it.
Eventually, I'll do a wedding post!
Like I tell Pearl, "be gentle." Until next time!

XOX,
BreeAnna

I'll leave you with some photos.
Well, maybe later because I guess I can't add them from my iPad :(

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The wedding is coming up!

We're getting married in less than 48 hours! I'm beyond excited and fairly stressed. However, I know it'll all turn out good. 

After the wedding I'll have more posts. I'll try to do weekly posts of all of the wedding projects. Also, I'll explain how everything went.

Enjoy your weekend!

42 week old Pearl