Amazing Story

I haven't blogged in FOREVER!!  But today I read this article and couldn't stand to not post it.  It includes 2 of my favorite things: dogs and our military.  I literally cried like a baby!  God bless this soldier and this dog!  Hope you enjoy!


Dog mourns at casket of fallen Navy SEAL

 

The woes of Pregnancy

When you're pregnant you are constantly being asked how you feel!   It's a thoughtful gesture and one that I appreciate.  I think it's nice that people appreciate the fact that growing a child can be both physically and emotionally straining.  Everyday when I'm asked this question I usually just smile and say "Feeling Good".  This is my answer regardless of how I really feel.

The truth is, I've had a really easy pregnancy thus far (KNOCK ON WOOD!!).  In the first trimester, I had a few weeks of nausea but only threw up twice.  Then came the 2 weeks when I literally had to eat every hour and a half or else I felt horrible, then came the headaches that wouldn't go away...but that was about it.  I didn't have the extreme tiredness or vomiting that some women get.  In my second trimester I started to have some small aches.  I had to stop my regular walks because I had a pain in my hip/groin area that hurt every time I stepped on my left leg.  Not pleasant but no biggie.  Now as I finish up the second trimester I still have the aches in my left leg, but now there is an ache in my right hip and my back...let's not even get started on my back!  I mean, I knew you were supposed to have low back pain as you got further along but this hurting from top to bottom of my back is a little irritating!  Not to mention that last night was the first night I have slept through the night (minus a couple of potty breaks) where I haven't woken up between 2:30 and 4:30 with an extreme back pain that prevented me from going to sleep.  Oh, and there is the indigestion and heartburn...that pretty much sucks!  No food is safe when it comes to getting that nastiness.

All that to say...it really hasn't been that bad.  I've felt good!  And truth be told...even if I felt horrible, I'd probably still just smile and say "Feeling Good".  I am carrying my precious little one after all...not much to complain about there!

Now I know I still have quite a ways to go - 102 days according to The Bump!  And I know I'm going to get bigger, and hotter, and more tired, and the aches are only going to get worse.  But for now at least, I'm choosing to have a good attitude about it.  At this point in my pregnancy, I'm choosing to enjoy it.  I'm choosing to enjoy this gift of being able to carry my baby.  There are millions of women who would die to have the chance to have the aches and pains and woes of carrying a child...but they're not able to.  So call me naive b/c it will get worse, but for now I have no complaints!  I'm enjoying this time!!

Here is a rarely seen picture of me pregnant!  Yes, I took this in the bathroom at work, and yes I am concentrating entirely too hard! 

The Bahamas!

So we just got back from another wonderful trip to the Bahamas!!  Once again we had such a good time with family just relaxing, laying around, eating and having fun!  What more could you ask for?!?!  The past couple of years I have been able to participate in the amazing cocktails and the fun slides at The Atlantis but this year, Tenley wouldn't let me.  Even so...I had a great time.  Everyone kept worrying about me since I couldn't do much but what they didn't realize is that I was doing EXACTLY what I wanted to do...NOTHING!!  It was perfect!

I spent my days laying on the beach or in the cabana reading The Help (amazing book by the way).  I did get to go have my first prenatal massage which was awesome!!  The spa at The Atlantis was unlike anything I've ever seen before!!  Beauty, calm and serenity at its best!!  The massage was great and it was something I got to do with my sister in law so that was a lot of fun!!  I wish she lived closer so that we could do more stuff together!  I wish I had taken pictures of the spa to share (story of my life).

We stay at The Cove in The Atlantis.  It is so beautiful and this is the open air entry when you first walk in.  The sides are filled with wild flowers and ponds with tons and tons of fish! 

These two pictures would be the view from the bed!  It is so awesome to open your eyes and be looking at this sight!! 

 These are pictures from our balcony.  The top picture is to the far left which is the beach, the middle picture is of the pool and "the tower" which is where they have some of the awesome slides, and the third picture is to the right side of the balcony where you can see The Royal Towers of The Atlantis!

This is the cabana that we stayed in.  These cabanas are so great because on one side you have the ocean and the other you have the Cain Pool (which is the adult pool at The Cove).  Its great to be out of the sun but still be enjoying the beautiful weather in these things!  Spoiled is what that is...simply spoiled!

These are just a couple of shots of the beach in front of the cabana.  This was a great places for all the guys to play football!  It's so much fun for me to watch the husband and his brothers playing and having fun!!  They all have such a special relationship...I love it!

From the windows by the elevators you can see where the ships dock.  The Allure of the Sea was docked there one day and man was that thing HUGE!!!!  Definitely want to get on that!!

 Another fun thing we got to do while we were there was go see Jerry Seinfeld!  HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!  I mean, how often do you get to see Jerry Seinfeld do stand-up?!  His opening act was the very funny, Tom Papa!  He is the host of the NBC show The Marriage Ref...it's a really funny show and he's a really funny guy.  The husband and I went with one of his brothers and sister-in-law.  It was his brother's 30th birthday and we all had a great time.  (My brother and sister in law actually went after the show to the meet and greet with Jerry and they said he was very nice).

 This is a picture of me and my handsome husband after we eating at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill at The Cove...SO GOOD!

We had such a great time and can't wait to go back next year!!  However, next year will be a little different since we'll have little Tenley with us!!  Oh the adventures of traveling with a baby!!  YIKES!!

I saved the best picture for last!!  This is the reason we came home!!!  The most handsome, wonderful, furry, loving, funny Manimal on the face of this Earth!!  I don't care where we are, who we're with or what we're doing...our family just isn't complete without our puppy love, Axel!!



Home Sweet Home!

Short post!!  Details of trip to come soon!  We got back late yesterday afternoon from the Bahamas!  Once again it was a great trip!  I really enjoy spending time with family.  The husband's family is so big that it's rare to get us all in one place at one time but when we are...it's always fun!  We had a wonderful time!

I didn't do as good as I would have liked at taking pictures.  Like I said in the last post, I really need to get better at that...baby steps.  We were both so tired when we got in (not to mention I came back with a sore throat and runny nose) that I didn't have time to upload the few pictures that I did take.  I'll do my best to get them uploaded tonight and I'll do a full recap tomorrow!

Bahamas

So I'm not the best at taking pictures. I'm really hoping between starting this blog and having a baby that I will get better at that.  For one, I don't want to be "that girl" that's always whipping out the camera or asking someone if they mind taking a picture, but also because I like to enjoy being in the moment and not worrying about taking pictures!  However, I do love to look back at pictures and remember what was going on at certain times.  All that to say...I'm working on it.

We leave tomorrow to head down to the Bahamas.  Every year my husband's family goes to the Bahamas and we have the most amazing time!  I always look so forward to this and this year is no different...pregnant or not.  We leave tomorrow after work which means packing tonight!!  Woo hoo!!  I'm already not a huge fan of packing but packing while pregnant...even worse b/c NOTHING looks good on you!  But, I think I have a good idea of what I want to bring so we'll see how it goes.

So until I bring back pictures from our trip this year...here are a few pictures from years passed!  Enjoy!


This was the view from our hotel room last year.  We stay at The Cove at The Atlantis and this is one of the pools.



Another view of the pools.  Those towers in the middle are some of the FUNNEST slides...which I will not be able to participate in this year!  Oh well, she's worth it!

View of the ocean from our room.

Last year we got stopped by a street carnival so we decided to join in!!

This is a view from our room in 2009. 

2009 - getting ready to eat at MESA Grill!  AMAZING!

They have their own aquarium at The Atlantis!

This is a picture of the boat we went on in 2009 and 2010...The Equinox!  It is so much fun and we got to see some really great stuff!  My favorite are the Exuma Islands!

2009 at Market Place

The adult pool at The Cove is called The Cain Pool...how appropriate!!

Crazy Train to Mommy Town

I'm a little thrown off by the craziness that goes on in Mommy World.  Now don't get me wrong, I completely realize that I could possibly join that Crazy Train at any minute!  But right now, I'm just taking it all in.  I mean, you should read some of these message boards!!  These broads FREAK over the slightest things!!  "I woke up this morning on my back and now I'm freaking out!!"  Oh gosh...I'd call the Dr. immediately to make sure everything is ok (sarcastic voice).  I mean really people...calm down!  I hate to make light of such a serious issue.  I mean, you obviously should take better care of your body while pregnant than you would when you're not...afterall, you have someone else to think about.  But all this stress is unnecessary and most of all UNHEALTHY!

These women are also soooooo passionate about their opinions!  Which I admire, until you become intolerant to others' opinions and ideas.  Can you imagine the responses I get from some women when I tell them that I do not plan to breastfeed?!?!?  The horror!!!  You would think that I just told them that from the moment the child comes out it will be responsible for gathering and hunting her own food.  Geez, I'm going to feed her...and I'm going to make sure she has the nutrients she needs but I'm going to do it in a way that is comfortable to me!  Agree to disagree...what's wrong with that?

And you think that's bad...what about when you tell people you want drugs while in labor!  To these people you might as well stick a dirty syringe in the baby's arm as soon as they come out.  They're apparently going to come out drugged out of their minds with 2 heads!!  PLEASE people...I respect your decisions and your opinions.  In fact, I even admire them!  I think the more natural you can be for you and your baby the better.  But it's not for everyone!

Again, I want to say that I am not making light of a Woman's Intuition to care for her baby and to make sure that she is doing what is best for the baby while it is growing inside her but please, please try to be respectful of other's ideas of healthiness as well!  I think at the end of the day your body is such a complex and AMAZING being that is able to care for a child...I think if you listen to your body and what it is trying to tell you that it will ultimately tell you what is best for you and your baby both!

Disclaimer: I respect people who choose to breastfeed and go through a natural childbirth...they just aren't for me.  And my sarcastic humor at the situations above are only my response to certain situations I have encountered.  I sincerely hope no one takes offense.

Memorial Day!

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

This is from my wedding.  My cousin was in Afghanistan and couldn't make it to my wedding so he sent his unit pin for me to wear.  It was truly my favorite part of my dress!

So I didn't really have a chance to post anything on Memorial Day.  At first I thought, I would just skip it since the day had passed and I have yet to tell anyone about this blog.  But then I realized that if I'm going to do this blog, I need to be able to express the things that I am passionate about...and one of those things is our military and being a proud American!!

I am very patriotic!  Everytime I hear the National Anthem and see that beautiful flag waving in the wind, I get teary-eyed.  I can't help but think about the many men and women who have put their lives on the line to make this country the home of the brave and the land of the free!   Just saying those words gives me chills! 

So I didn't think it would be right that I didn't recognize that we just celebrated Memorial Day weekend.  Although I had a wonderful time with family at the lake, relaxing and having fun, I was thinking of the soldiers who didn't have that chance this year b/c they're busy protecting our freedoms!!  They don't get long weekends...they don't get weekends at all!

You see, the reason why you can bad mouth your military and government, the reason that we're a free nation, the reason we have liberties is because of these men and women (AND THEIR FAMILIES) who give of themselves DAILY!

So I just wanted to take a second to honor the men and women who have given their lives for our freedoms!!  I have 2 cousins that are serving in the Army right now and I can honestly say that they are my real life heroes!



You don't know what to expect when you're expecting!

One of the reasons I thought it was about time to start this blog is because the husband and I are expecting our first child!!!  A Baby Girl!!  Right now we are 21 weeks or 5 months (that's half way people) along this new journey to a brand new life.  We are so excited for this new chapter and blessing in our lives!! 

Tenley Caroline is expected to make her debut in mid October!!  Now let me explain something to you people (which is 0 readers at this point b/c I refuse to let anyone know I started a blog...but I digress).  But let me explain something...this child is going to be one SPOILED ROTTEN little girl!!  And as much as I act like I'm not...I'm ok with it.  She deserves it.  You see, my husband is one of 4 boys (God bless my mother-in-law) and has he has 1 nephew...so Tenley will be the first Baby Girl Cain!  Holy spoiled.  And since my sister hasn't had kids yet this will be the first grandchild on my side.  On my dad's side Confusing family history to be explained at a later date! - my step siblings have all boys...again, FIRST GIRL!!    So to sum it up...she's going to have sooooo much love and nothing could please me more!

All that being said, having a girl is a little intimidating to my husband and I.  You see, we wanted a boy.  (Don't judge!!  Everyone has a preference no matter what politically correct answer they give.)  We knew what his name would be, what sports he would play...basically his whole life planned out.  For a girl we had - NOTHING, except fear!!  You see, girls just seem so much more complicated.  More hissy fits, attitudes, eye rolling, horomones, money!  Not to mention we only had her middle name picked out.  All that being said - we're thrilled to death about this precious little angel that we are being blessed with.  At our 20 week appointment where they do all the measurements of the organs, brain, etc...everything came back as NORMAL!!  God IS GOOD!! 

Anyways, I will use this blog as a way to track my pregnancy and my life as a new mother among other things that I enjoy talking about.  Hope you enjoy!  Pics to come soon!

Who Says the First Year is the Hardest?

On Monday, May 22, my amazing husband and I celebrated our first anniversary!  Without being too mushy...I love him!!  He is seriously the best thing that ever happened to me.  Every love cliche you've heard...well that's basically how I feel about him.  They always say the first year is the hardest.  If that's the case...this outta be a breeze b/c this first year has been amazing!! 

In honor of our first anniversary and considering that my love for blogs began while I was planning my wedding.  I thought I would share a few of the details!

We married at a venue called Little Gardens in Lawrenceville, GA.  I wanted a "Southern" wedding, hence the antebellum home but I also wanted to get married outside.  In the back there is a BEAUTIFUL garden with a waterfall where we had our ceremony!  For anyone in the area looking to get hitched...definitely check out Little Gardens or any of the Magic Moments facilities.  They make sure that every detail is taken care of.  And they treat you like a King & Queen on the day of your wedding. 

  These are just a couple of pictures of me before the wedding.  I was super excited that day yet eerily calm.  I thought I would be a nervous wreck.  Instead, I was just ready to get out there and marry the man of my dreams!  

  

 

Our cakes were done by the lovely, talented, wonderful Eileen Carter of Eileen Carter Creations.  I couldn't recommend anyone better for your special day than Eileen.  She is reasonably priced and so talented.  Her cakes are delicious and she does all the frosting with buttercream instead of gross fondant.  The Groom's cake is the mascot for Coastal Carolina University where my husband went to college and played football.  It was made out of funfetti cake, per his request.  The wedding cake was white cake with Oreo filling.  DELICIOUS!!

This was upstairs in Little Gardens.  The bride and groom suites were upstairs.  The bridal sweet was BEAUTIFUL and peaceful while the groom suite was manly and modern.  This picture was taken in the hall.  Just through those doors is an amazing balcony.

This is a picture of my dads (yes, dads...plural) walking me down the aisle.  We all look so serious - not sure why!

And this is the love of my life when they opened the doors.  I just love that smile and those dimples.

Our first kiss as husband and wife!

And this is the moment I will never forget.  As we turned to walk back down the aisle as husband and wife he kissed my hand.  I will never forget that moment!

Mr. & Mrs. Cain with our amazing wedding party!  Such wonderful friends and family!

And I just love these pictures. They were taken on a bench in the garden.  I just love it!

After out fairytale wedding...we're off to the St. Regis hotel for our first night as husband and wife!

This wedding really was everything I have ever dreamed of!  Perfect in every way...most importantly though...I chose the right groom!

Pictures by Slava-Slavik!  I would recommend Slava and his wife Sarah to anyone looking for a photographer.  They do a wonderful job and they are such a kind couple!

For a vendor list/reviews, email me at houseofcain28@gmail.com

Best Video I've Seen in a While

Soon enough you'll hear me go on and on about my favorite furry guy in the world...my pup, Axel.  My husband and I are awkwardly obsessed with out 2 1/2 year old boxer!  It's amazing how an animal can become such a part of the family and bring so much love and laughter to a home.  When he's not at the house we both comment on how it doesn't feel right without him. 


Anyways, I found this video the other day and thought it was HILARIOUS!!  It reminds me of my puppy love!!  Take a look!

Ready or Not...Here We go!

I'm finally doing it!!!  After a year of going back and forth about starting a blog...I have decided to bite the bullet...take the plunge...Just Do It - I'm starting a blog of my own!!  My obsession with blogs started over a year ago when I was planning my wedding.  I would stumble across blogs that weren't necessarily wedding related and would save them to my favorites and check back with them on a daily basis...and there we have MY OBSESSION! 


Starting a blog is really kind of a random thing for me considering a.) I'm really not that interesting to have that much to talk about and b) I'm a pretty private person.  So although I'm not sure what I'm doing here, I'm excited to finally begin this journey!!  It's obviously something that has played heavily on my heart and on my mind and I'm anxious to see how it goes.