Monday, December 16, 2013

Oh Christmas Tree... How Lovely Thee Be!

Hello everyone!

     I'm glad to say that our Christmas Tree was finished last week! Brandon and I stayed up late to decorate it after Brayden went to sleep. Well actually, I ended up finishing it by myself because Brandon fell asleep on the couch after awhile. It was nice though, because I really felt good about the way the tree looked when I was done with it. I can't even remember the last time it looked this pretty!


"Oh my God! It's so pretty, I'm going to die!!"
     This tree has been in our family for 14 years now. However there are a few salt dough ornaments hanging on there that my mom made when she was pregnant with me, which would make them about 20 years old.


Mom's Salt Dough "Candy Cane" Ornament

"Angel" Ornament I gave to my mom as a
gift when I was in elementary school. 

"Rhett and Scarlett on the Staircase"
 from Gone with the Wind.
We got this in 2003. 
"Scarlett" from Gone with the Wind.
We have had this since 1997.


And this is another Alaska themed ornament.













This is one of out Alaska themed ornaments.
      I remember the first year we moved to Alaska. It was right before Christmas, and we lived in the transition housing on Elmendorf Airforce Base. My parents didn't have enough money to get a Christmas tree that year, because of the cost of the move. So instead my mom had bought a big piece of green paper and cut it into the shape of a Christmas Tree. Then we cut circles out of colorful card stock paper and taped them to the paper tree. That was our first Christmas in Alaska. The next year we lived in our own house in Wasilla. That's when got the tree pictured above, and we've had it ever since. So what is your tree like? Do you have a fake one or do you get a real tree to put up every year? Comment below! 
Merry Christmas from my house to yours!Love Scarlett <3   



Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Just Keep Giving! Just Keep Giving! What Do We Do? WE GIVE!

Wishing You and Yours A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

     I love this time a year. Always have and probably always will. I love giving more than receiving. The only time I'm ever disappointed is when I don't have a lot to give. In the past I've never been able to send Christmas Greeting cards to anyone else, because I had no way to get to the post office to have the cards stamped and mailed. This year I have a car (all thanks to my mom and Nana for helping me sign for one in August), so now I can actually go to the post office and mail stuff to all of my favorite people! I have actually been working on cards and letters for everyone. So I'm really excited to finally be able to send stuff to family, since I've never been able to in the past. I've always really appreciated getting cards and letters from family, so I'm really happy to be returning the love this year!
     Yesterday we finally started putting up the Christmas Tree! I was really happy, because last year we didn't put it up which made me sad. Hopefully we will be done decorating it tomorrow. 
     This year will be our first Christmas with Brayden. Yay!!! I'm still trying to figure out what I should get him for Christmas. New baby toys perhaps? Some teething rings? It doesn't really matter. I was even thinking about getting him some big plastic cooking spoons that he can grab and play with. As for presents for everyone else, I have been researching some DIY projects that would make neat gifts since I don't have as much money to spend this year. I hand wrote some letters with little doodles on them for my little cousins that live in the lower 48. I'm loom knitting scarves for a few people. I'm trying to figure out what to do for Brandon this Christmas. I don't know if I should make him something, or maybe give him a little love note asking him out on a date. Perhaps both? I don't know what to give my parents, and I'll probably do a DIY project for my brother. Lastly, if I had more money I would have liked to make a donation to Toys For Tots, but this year I am going to just donate some of my old clothes to Salvation Army. What do you plan on giving this holiday season? Comment below! Big hugs from this mommy to you! 

Merry Christmas! 
Scarlett :)
     

Friday, November 15, 2013

Stay Calm and Just BLOG!

Good Morning!

Or evening for those of you who are night owls (like me). 

     So I have no idea what I should talk about right now. It's not that I have nothing to talk about, just that there are so many things going through my head lately, that it's hard to focus on just one thing. I have to admit... I have been having a hard time lately. With almost EVERYTHING. I knew being a mommy would be hard, and even though I have been trying to keep up with all things that have been happening around me, it can be very difficult at times. My problem is, is that things have been overwhelming me all the time for the past few weeks. What's worse, is that when I try to take break for even a day or two, more things keep piling up and up and UP (quite literally in the case of my laundry). 
     Then I feel guilty, because while I'm typing this, I think of all the hard working, single women out there, who are taking care of their children all on their own. Let me just say that those are the women I have the utmost respect for. My mom for example took care of my brother and I for a few years all by herself, before she married my step dad two years ago. To this day she has cared for me, and if it weren't for her,
I probably would be living with my son in low-income housing. So a big shout out to all the single moms out there who are working hard! 
     Anyways, I figured that writing in my blog might help me get out of the slump I've been feeling. The stress has been starting to affect my physical health as well. I tend to carry a lot of stress in my shoulders, and as of late, I have started to experience more muscular knots in my neck and shoulders from stress, holding Brayden, working, and carrying other things like the diaper bag and my Medela "Pump in Style" bag/ purse. Have any of you other mommies had or have problems with this? I'm planning on scheduling a doctors appointment to see what therapy they might recommend. My shoulders and neck have gotten so bad to the point where I'm starting to get frequent headaches, plus shooting pains down my arms. So any advice, or home remedies for relaxation, or even your loving prayers would be welcome.
     Another thing that has been on my mind. Lack of mula! It's about 2 am right now, where I'm at. Which of course would make today the 15th of this month. The dreaded day when I have to make payments for my car, credit card, and personal loan. That's $298 for the car + a minimum of $15 for my credit card payment + $68 for the personal loan. I only have $415 in my bank account right now. Which means after I finish paying my bills today, I'll only have $34 in my bank account until my next pay check which is next Friday. I bet a lot of you can relate to how I feel about money right now. Don't you just wish you were a little kid?? I remember when I was little and didn't even know what a dollar bill was! I have a little bit of cash to get me through the week, but I am hoping that I won't need to use it (I'm trying to save my cash tips for a trip to see my family in California next year). 

Enough of my babbling though, have a SUPER awesome Friday!

With lots of nerdy love,

Scarlett

Monday, October 28, 2013

My Art Class Critique Paper


ANGELICA KAUFFMAN, Cornelia Pointing to Her Children as Her Treasures, 1785. Oil on canvas, 40″ × 50″. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia.

  Hi Everyone!

     I just thought I would share the the paper I wrote this week for my art class, just to see what people thought, or if they had different opinions. I'll post a picture copy of the art work I critiqued. Please do not plagiarize my paper! I am posting it so that others can share their opinions with me, and discuss the painting. Thank you. Enjoy! :)






Painting:ANGELICA KAUFFMAN, Cornelia Pointing to Her Children as Her Treasures, 1785.
Oil on canvas, 40″ × 50″. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia.                                               

Shari Lazar
Professor Melodie Mackey
Art V160
28 October 2013
Art Critique
     Cornelia Pointing to Her Children as Treasure, by Angelica Kauffman, is beautiful and enlightening. This painting was created by Angelica Kauffman in the year 1785 (Lewis 346). I am assuming that this painting was created in Rome, Italy, because our text The Power of Art by Richard Lewis and Susan I. Lewis, states that Angelica eventually settled there (Lewis 346). This piece of art is rectangular, measuring 40” by 50” according to illustration 16-4 (Lewis 346).
     Cornelia Pointing to her Children as Treasures was born from neoclassicism. It conforms to neoclassicism because of its simplicity, modesty, and ability to teach a moral lesson to the viewer. It visualizes a widowed mother, Cornelia, showing her friend that she values her children more than anything else.
     The medium used for this work is oil paint on canvas. It uses warm realistic colors, which are muted by black and grey shading. Light is used to illuminate the room that the characters stand in, and shadow is used in places where light cannot touch. There is play between the two, because the light that the characters block, casts a shadow in the direction the light would be shining. I can tell that the work is balanced, because of the simplicity of the painting. If it were unbalanced, it would be harder to focus on the story that Angelica Kauffman was trying to tell. When I look at this painting, my attention isn’t drawn to a single spot. I look at the painting in its entirety so that I can understand the story it tells. It does however suggest movement. For example, Cornelia points to her children to show her friend what means most to her. In my own opinion I would say that it is organic for its naturalistic features. Angelica Kauffman used linear perspective in this work. This is because forms that seem closer appear larger than those meant to be farther from the viewer. Although this is a painting, and is only two dimensional, Angelica used line, color, and form to give Cornelia Pointing to her Children as Treasures some depth. All of these elements are configured in an asymmetrical balance to add visual weights.
     When I saw and read about this piece, I literally could feel the maternal love that the painting expresses, and it reminded me of how much I love my son, Brayden, and how special he is to me. I think it made me feel this way, because you can see the character of Cornelia surrounded by her three children. She even holds her daughter’s hand while explaining to the other woman how much her children mean to her. I think that Cornelia Pointing to her Children as Treasures is a success as an artwork, because the artist Angelica Kauffman was experienced with the neoclassical style of painting. As I said before, it adheres to the rules of neoclassical art, because of it meets the goal of teaching a moral lesson, and it uses clear line, color, and form.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

The day I'll never forget: Brayden's Birth.

Hi Everyone! 

     So Brayden is three months old now, and I haven't had the time to share my birthing story. So I figured while I have some spare time, I would try to elaborate on the events of that very special day. The day before my water actually broke ( July 21st), we had gone to the Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, because my mucus plug came out and I thought my water had broken, but it turns out that my bladder had only leaked a bit. However, while they were checking me, they told me that the mucus plug was gone, that my cervix was 100% effaced, AND that I was already 3 centimeters dilated. Mom then told me that when she was pregnant with my brother and I, she was 3 centimeters dilated for two weeks before we were born. She reassured me that I was probably still going to be waiting a little while longer for Brayden to come. So we went home after getting some breakfast from McDonald's, and carried on through the day. 
     July 22nd, Mom and I got up early to carpool to work. I was feeling achy and tired from the Braxton Hicks contractions I had been having all month. The contractions I had that morning I hardly noticed (probably because they didn't feel painful at all), and so I carried on through the typical morning at Starbucks, and was glad to be headed home when Mom had finished up in her office. Over the next few hours I started to feel very achy, and I sat in the bathroom for almost 30 mins thinking I was constipated. I gave up, and headed upstairs to watch Switched at Birth while we ate burritos and Spanish rice for dinner. (Through out the whole time since I had gotten home from work, I had been texting Brandon. He was hanging out with some friends after work, and had promised to be home before 10pm.) I had started to get agitated because it was almost 11:30pm, and Brandon still hadn't arrived at home. He texted me that he was now leaving his friend's house and was on his way. I started to think "just watch, my water is going to break one night when he is out with his friends, and my parents will have to take me to the hospital." And then.... POP "Oh sh*t, what do ya know?" I look over at mom and Ruben and tell them I just felt a pop while I was relaxing on the couch. I go into the nearby bathroom, and sure enough my pants are starting to soak. That's when I realized that I wasn't aching because I was constipated. I was aching because I was having regular contractions, and it only felt like I was constipated. Mom says to start timing my contractions. (And guess what? I used an app for that!) I sat back down and after five minutes I start saying "Ow-Ow-Ow" and start to squirm in the chair. We realized after looking at my contraction app, that we should go to hospital right away. I call Brandon and let him know that we are going to the hospital. 
     Right before we passed Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Mom realized that there was no way we were going to make it out to Anchorage with how fast my contractions were coming and going. So Ruben takes us to the ER doors at Mat-Su Regional, and Mom and I get out of the car and go in. The nurse at the counter starts asking me how close my contractions are, and as I start to answer, another contraction hits me hard. The nurse calls someone to get a wheel chair after my Mom finishes my answer for me, and they wheel me towards the Birthing Center while my Mom fills checks me in.
     It's now just after midnight, about 30 minutes after my water had broken. The nurse has me in a special area where they can monitor my contractions, and vitals. They had me change into a hospital gown, and were hooking me up to a monitor as Brandon and the rest of the family joined me in our area. Another nurse comes and checks my cervix and confirms that my water has broken. She also told us that I was 5 centimeters dilated. At this point the contractions start coming every minute and I start losing track of the time. The pain starts to become to much to handle and some point I started screaming. After that the nurses showed us to my room, where I would be laboring, and then delivering. If I'm remembering correctly, Mom and Brandon had to support my walking to my room in before the next contraction started.
     The room was very nice, and it had it's own bathroom which had a very large bathtub/ shower. Mom turned the shower on so it was nice and hot. I got in and tried to breathe and relax with the contractions. I remember standing and moving my legs and hips a lot with the water hitting my back. It helped for a few minutes, but then the pain became so unbearable that I couldn't stand anymore. Mom helped me dry off, and get into the bed. From that point on I kept screaming, squirming, all while Brandon stayed by my side and held my hand. Mom keeps telling me to breathe through it, but I couldn't help but scream and cry. This is when I really lose track of time. Meanwhile, while I had been getting out of the shower, the doctor or nurse had told my mom that the anesthesiologist was in surgery and wouldn't be available for 30 mins. Before 2 am someone finally puts some kind of drug in my IV. Right afterwards, I realize that "oh wait a minute, my body has been trying to tell me that I need to push" and at the moment I kind of look at my Mom and say "I need to push." 
     Around this time I start getting loopy from the drugs and it becomes hard to focus. The doctor comes in and starts working her magic, and we start pushing with each contraction. The whole room is filled with anticipation. Brayden starts to crown. Then finally the doctor says to stop pushing and she slides him out. They immediately put him on my chest, and I swear it was the most serene moment I had ever experienced. The pain immediately stopped. Brandon cut the cord, and after that it's a bit of a blur because the drugs finally completely kicked in. 
     The nurses did everything they needed to do with him in the room, and when they gave him back to me, they had me start breastfeeding him. Once everything settled down it was just the family and I in the room with little Brayden. Once the drugs wore off, Mom told me something funny. Apparently, the first time I pushed, I peed on the doctor. I had had no idea until she told me! And I can honestly say that I'm not embarrassed at all. In fact to this day I still think it's hilarious. 
     Anyways, Brayden was born at 2:02am Alaska time on July 23rd. He weighed 6lbs and 14oz, and was 20.25 inches from head to toe. Here are some pictures from his first day of life on earth!







     Brayden is 3 months old now, and is a very social baby. He's also very vocal when he plays. I hope you enjoyed my story, and I'd love to hear about yours if you have one! Ta-ta!







I'm praying that I can see my family soon...

Hey everyone, I just thought I might share this "GoFundMe" page I made. I'll be thankful to anyone whose willing to lend a hand....


This is what I wrote about my goal.
"Hi I'm Scarlett. I am trying to scrape up enough to go see my Great Grandparents in California, along with other relatives. I haven't seen any of these amazing people since 2008, and I miss them so much. I recently gave birth to my son this past July, and since have been wanting to take him to California so that my Great Grandpa and Grandma can meet their great-great grandson before it's too late. (My Great Grandmother's health has fallen dramatically in the past few years.) Unfortunately, I only make close to minimum wage, and I can only work part time because I have to be home with my baby boy while his father is also working. It may take a long time to save up enough money to make a round trip to California, especially since I still have to pay bills before paying for anything else. I've been feeling desperate to see my Grandparents for over a year now, and every time I start saving up money, I end up having to use it for something I wasn't expecting to pay for. This is the first time I've ever used GoFundMe, and I will be very grateful for anyone who lends me a hand and contributes to my hopes of going to California. Thank you."

So much for posting everyday right?

Hi everyone! 


Long time no blog!

     So I had made it my goal to blog everyday when I started using blogger, but that goal kind of went out the window, since at the time I was pregnant, working full time and attending two college classes. Now I'm back (well kind of). Brayden arrived a week and a half early in July rather than August, and I have ever since been very happy! Oh and tired ( what new parent isn't?) Brayden is now 3 months old if you can believe it! I certainly can't, considering that my only sense of time is dependent of looking at my iPhone when I can't remember what day it is. 

     My story of Brayden's birth is certainly entertaining, but I'm going to have to save it for another time. For now I'll leave you guys with a cute video of Brayden's first social smiles! Ta-ta for now! 





Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Oh look, a weiner!


That's right... It's a boy!!


     Today I had my second trimester ultrasound  As soon as the sonographer put the paddle to my bump, I saw my baby moving around on the big plasma screen that was set up in the room. Then BAM! This little one turns over, and I get a glimpse of a weiner on the screen. "Yep this is definitely a baby boy," said the sonographer. I honestly don't think I have ever been so amazed to see a penis in my life, but there it was, and I couldn't help but shed tears of joy knowing that I was going to have a little baby boy! Yes, I was hoping to have a girl, but I am actually really excited to be having a boy. (I even went to the store straight after my appointment, and picked out an outfit for when I bring him home in August!)


Brayden 3D Image 1
Brayden 3D Image 2


Brayden 2D Image 1
     After the sonographer took all the measurements, I went to another room to wait for my doctor to come talk to me about the results of the ultrasound. All in all she said that Brayden is developing wonderfully, the only concern right now is that I have whats called "placenta praevia", or low-lying placenta. What this means is that the placenta (an organ connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord), is partially or fully blocking the cervix (the opening  the baby passes through during delivery). So basically the doctor told me that unless the placenta moves away from the cervix, they will have to deliver Brayden by Cesarean- section. Other then that everything else is going along just fine. So here are my questions: Has anyone else encountered this problem in their own pregnancy? And did it fix itself before delivery, or did you have to have a Cesarean scheduled?
          
     I do have a name picked out already, for those who are new to my blog. Brayden Leigh Lazar. I come from a European ancestry, so I tried to pick out names that meant something special. If I remember correctly, I chose Brayden because it meant "Brave". Leigh (pronounced Lee), means "Healer". My last name Lazar means "Helped by God". So if you put it all together it could mean "Brave Healer Helped by God". If you ask me that sounds like a pretty special name! I just hope that's what the names actually mean. I can't recall what website I looked at to find the meanings, but even if the names actually mean something else, I'm going to stick with what I've chosen. It just has a nice ring to it, even without the meanings behind the names. 

     As mentioned before, after my appointment I went and bought what shall be Brayden's first outfit. I then met with my mom, and revealed to her Brayden's sex, by letting her be the first to see said outfit. I also gave her a little card to read with the outfit. Inside I had written, "This kid has a BIG weiner! It's a boy! <3" (I also posted this on my facebook). Bottom line it was a very enjoyable surprise, one that I will remember for the rest of my life! I'd love to hear what other people did when they announced the sex of their first child. 
    
     So far this has been the best day out if my pregnancy! Next on the to do list: Child birth classes! 

     

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Ramblings

     So today was one of those stay home and clean days. Mom, Eli (brother), and myself worked together to get a few things done. I cleaned the kitchen and swept the floors, mom mopped the floors and cleaned the bathrooms, and Eli took out the trash and vacuumed  the carpets. We also worked on laundry and cleaning our rooms. All in all, I'd say the house looks pretty tidy.
     It will be especially important to keep everything clean once the baby comes. The only thing I'm really worried about is that Monkey (baby's nickname) might be allergic to the animals. We have two dogs, two cats, a bird, and a hamster. Here are some pictures! (Note: I do not have a picture of the hamster, but her name is Bella.)

Raxel the Pug
Smudge the Poodle
Zoey the Conure

Patriot the Ragdoll
Cubby the Burmese











                                                                                             


     We have had Patriot and Cubby since I was a little kid. Zoey we've had for about two years. Raxel is six months old, and the poor guy will be getting fixed this Wednesday (sorry Raxel, but we can't have you making Pugapoos with the poodle!) Smudge is about three months old, and she is half the size of Raxel! Anyways, I'm hoping the baby won't have animal allergies, because I would hate to have to let go of any of these guys. The only one we would be able to keep is Smudge, since poodles are hypoallergenic.

But enough about the animals, here's the big thing that's happening this week! 

     This Tuesday (March 12th), I will be having my second trimester ultrasound. This particular ultrasound is very special to me! Why? Because I will be finding out whether Monkey is a boy or a girl. (Hurrah!) I can't even begin to explain my excitement. I'm hoping for a girl, but if it's a boy then I'll love him all the same. Brandon (baby's father), his dad Peter, and Peter's fiance Nichole, are hoping its a boy. Even some of my family in California are hoping for a boy, but I think that's just because they want to send me all the hand-me-downs from their own kids (LOL). I have names picked out already. For a girl, Anna Raquel Lazar. For a boy, Brayden Leigh Lazar.
     Other then that, there is not much else going on this week except for training for my job at Starbucks, and a few other appointments. Please feel free to leave comments! Any tips about parenting would be very helpful. Thanks!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Mommy Talk

     So today I'm going to be doing a little Q&A. There are a lot of questions out there relating to pregnancy and being a single parent. Today any new mom could look on the internet or download an app, to find information on what to expect. Can we really be completely prepared to handle the responsibility of first time parenting right away? In my opinion: No way! My pregnancy was unplanned, and even though I've done everything possible to learn what I can, I still feel like it won't be enough. So far as I have seen, parenting is something everyone has to learn on the job. I have read blogs and articles about different women (with and without planned pregnancies), and according to most of them they are still learning what to expect! I think the only time we parents can be completely prepared for a new child, is when we already have one that we've been taking care of. So here are the questions I'll be answering today:

1. What does it feel like to be a young, single, expectant mother?
    
     There have been so many emotions I have felt since I found out I was expecting back in December. Name any emotion, and I can tell you that I have most likely felt it. I have my ups and downs, but that's to be expected for any new mother. Being young brings up the subject of maturity. Of course when it comes to parenting, I have no experience what-so-ever (OBVIOUSLY), but that doesn't mean I'm going to be immature about it. So far I have a general idea of what to expect (thanks to the book What to Expect, When You're Expecting), but I feel that I won't start to gain any experience until I actually start doing things with my child once he or she is born. 
     So how do I feel about being single? Honestly? I'm okay with it. Sure there are going to be many people who will judge me for having a child before marriage, but it really is none of their business. Being single makes everything twice as hard, but in the end I'll be a stronger person for working through it. I have my friends and family for moral support, and really that is all I need to work through the tough times that are ahead of me. As for relationships, I plan on staying single for a long time. For me dating is no longer a priority.

2. Are you still working or going to school?
     
     Yes. Yesterday I started my first day as a coffee barista for Starbucks. It may not be the highest paying job in the world, but at least I'll be able to save money while I live with my family. Also Starbucks provides health insurance to it's partners (employees are referred to as partners, isn't that neat?) This is great, because then I can have the baby covered at birth. 
     I am still going to school part-time. I would go full-time, but the stress of full-time school work could be harmful to my pregnancy. I have been able to cope well with my two classes, and believe it or not I have very good grades. I consider myself very lucky to have already graduated high school AND started college before becoming pregnant. It makes me feel sympathetic to those even younger girls who had to drop out of school. Let me tell ya, education truly is key to getting a job, even if it doesn't pay well. 

3. How does your family feel about your pregnancy?
     
     All of my family have been very supportive, especially my mom, who took me back into her home when I had no place else to go. If not for her, I'm sure I would be couch surfing right now. My mom has done everything she can to help me, and it's because of her that I hope to be the best mom I can be for my own child. My brother Eli is thrilled to become an uncle, at least that's what I've gathered since moving back home. Him and I sometimes have our little arguments, but I'm glad to have him at my back. If I have a boy, I will definitely be enlisting Eli's help to teach the little booger how to aim for the toilet. 
     Although they are far away, my family in California is very excited for the new addition. If I am correct, my child will be the first in the next generation of our huge family of Lesley's and :Lazar's. I can't wait to take Monkey (that's the nickname of the baby until I know the gender) to see them. We'll all go to Disneyland and have a blast! I especially want my great grandparents to meet their great-great grandchild. I don't think many people have the opportunity to meet their great-great grandchildren before death, so it will definitely be a special treat for them. 

     I plan to answer more questions in other blogs. These ones I came up with by myself, but if anyone has a question they want me to answer, please feel free to ask, so long as it is appropriate. Feel free to comment below or email me at lazar.shari@gmail.com. Thanks! 


Thursday, March 7, 2013

"... Her mission: To blog what no new mom has blogged before!"

     This is my first blog, EVER! I've know about blogs for years, yet never tried to start writing one. The first time I ever saw a blog was about 4 or 5 years ago. Nowadays there are vlogs (video blogs), but I think writing is much more intimate. 
     So a little bit about myself. For those of you who don't know me well my name is Shari Scarlett Lazar. I prefer to be called by Scarlett, but for those who knew me when I went by Shari, Shari is okay too. I was born in Florida, USA in 1994. My birthday is the 22nd of March (I'll be turning 19 two weeks from now). I currently reside in Alaska, and I have lived here since I was about 4 years old. I live with my mother (Layla), my brother (Eli), and my stepfather (Ruben). 
     I am a mommy in training. I am preparing to bring my own bundle of joy into this world, and I couldn't be happier! Right now I am in my second trimester, about 19 weeks pregnant. (Halfway there! Hurrah!) No I am not married, but please don't judge me before you even know me. Despite becoming pregnant, I have not dropped out of college, and I plan to take classes even after the baby is born. 
     Today I started a new job working as a coffee barista for Starbucks. I am very excited to be working there, and I hope my new coworkers will enjoy working with me. As for the customers, I hope to always make their day when I serve them a delicious coffee! 
     Since I am relatively new to blogging, any suggestions or comments on how to get started are most welcome! I am also open to any requests on sharing my opinions on a variety of topics.