Valentine's Day

I am sucker for all holidays really -- anything cutesy that comes with decorations and a shaped Reesee's and I'm in.  :)  Valentine's Day is no exception.  I've never really thought it as just a day for signifant others though....I think since we are forced as kids to make one for everybody, I never grew out of that thought process.  So even without hubs, I had a great Valentine's!  I got a sweet card from both of my best friends and who can top hanging out with Miss Mae and K-Dawg.  We read books, played dress-up (okay, they dressed up and I watched), and didn't nap.  :)  (K did fall asleep later -- but C kept up a steady stream of chatter and distractions til I gave up.)  Even Kyler got in on the action and got some ADORABLE sunglasses!  Then Kyler and I (he kinda follows me around) had big plans to go home and take a nap before supper with Heidi, but I remembered that I had bought a teddy bear for Nicoda.  So off to visit Nicoda, we did.  It has been really nice to be in town for these past holidays and be able to visit the cemetery.  It helps me to solidify in my thinking that Nicoda is still loved, even though I love another little boy now too.  I took a picture of his cute little bear, but Blogger hates me and keeps closing when I try to upload, so use your imagination!  :)  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! 

Miss Maeism's:  (she is the cutest, smartest girl at her age ever!)
- Today after lunch she took a nice full swig from the bottle of RANCH -- wow!
- Instead of napping, she let me know as each minute ticked by 'it's 2-2-3. its 2-2-4. oh, stacia, its 2-2-5, now.'  It didn't continue for every minute as the clock got taken out of view, but she was pretty excited about 3-3-3 when it rolled around.  :)  I finally let her out of her prison at that announcement.
- After speaking jibberish (aka Uncle X lanuage) I told her that we could only play if she spoke English.  Shortly after that she took K's blanket and when asked to give it back she told me 'no, i don't want to.'  then smiled brightly and said 'i said that in English'  ha ha ha  I think she had high hopes that the English would allow her to not listen.  Love love love this girl and her ever growing logic! 

Blog Game : Tagged

So I was tagged by Jacqueline and Mandy, so bear through the questions section! :) 

First Things First, The Rules:
You must post the rules. 
Post eleven facts about yourself on the blog post.
Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.  Tag eleven people and link them on your post.
Let them know you've tagged them!

Eleven Facts About Me:
1. I am kinda of an aggressive driver without trying.  I don't drive reckless, but do like to honk at people that are making obvious mistakes.  I am also that super annoying person who blocks the lane that is ending, so that you have to merge sooner.  Sorry -- just hate merging and then seeing all those cars pass me.  (sigh) 

2.  I love music -- not all kinds though...mostly just Christian.  5th Sunday's were always my favorite at church since it just singing at night!  :) 

3. I talk to myself alot.  In the car, the shower, whenever I am alone.  I have talk aloud conversations that I might have, that I want to have, or that I have had -- just with the responces I should have used.  ha! 

4. I have an anxiety disorder that I keep pretty much under control.  Unless you know me really well, I could probably hold a whole conversation with you without you even knowing I was freaking out inside.

5. I like herbs, vitamins, and remedies ALOT.  I will probably try one of each of them first before I take medication -- and own a lot more of them than I ever use.  ha! 

6. I have traveled to 11 different countries (not counting Austria since I lived there) and loved all of them.  But my top cities are Rome, Paris, and Vienna -- in that order.  Totally recommend all three....

7. Enjoy history more than your average bear -- aced those classes in school and will be that person in the museum reading each fact.  When I lived in Austria, KJ and I went to a museum at least every other month to feed my obsession.  My history enjoyment probably really affects my #6 list of top cities.

8.  Don't really like chocolate or cake very much -- but trade off by loving ice cream and pies even more. 

9.  I come from a C.R.A.Z.Y. family (if you are reading this and we are related -- well you should already know this).  I am pretty sure that Jerry Springer could do a week special on my families 'special' fueds and quirks. 

10.  Majored in Social Work because I dreamed of helping as many people as possible -- but after Nicoda died, alot of that compassion and empathy died too.  Still have the desire to help people, but it is more selective now...probably something I need to work on... 

11.  My dream job has always been to a housewife/stay at home mom.  Can't imagine anything better than spending all my time taking care of and loving on my husband and babies.

Questions from Mandy:
1. Where is your favorite spot in your house?  don't have a house/apt right now.  but when I did always loved my bed -- place to sleep and read books and relax!  :)

2. What is your current favorite song?  'How Great is Our God - World Edition'  I get goosebumps hearing people from all over the globe praising God!  Maybe its the missionary in me, but WOW! 

3. What's your favorite game (card or board) to play?  maybe Taboo (cause I am good at it) or Settlers of Catan (even though I never win, it is just a challenge each time)

4. If you could have lived during any time period, which one would it have been and why? You can't pick anytime after the year you were born.   Maybe even just 50 years ago -- my grandma went to college, got to wear pants, and still was able to stay home without people expecting anything different from her.   But oh...to live when there was actually castles and ladies in waiting (romantic sigh)...except I probably would have been a chambermaid, not as fun.  :) 

5. What was your favorite science class you ever took and why (think all the way back to elementary school even)?   not sure I ever had a favorite one...I know it is ever so practical, but never really liked it.  General Science B at York wasn't bad, but that is because I was in it with alot of friends.  :) 

6. If you could be an expert in any fighting technique, what would it be (kali,karate, etc)?  jiu-jitsu (cause I like the name -- not from any actual knowledge of any of them).

7. What are three things you do everyday (not things you must do like eat or go to the bathroom)?  listen to K-Love; check my e-mail/FB, dream/plan ( for tomorrow, next month, next year)

8. If you could eradicate one animal on Earth, what would it be?  MOSQUITOS!!!  UCK! 

9. Which way do you prefer to read: actual books, audio books, or Kindle/Nook/etc? Why?   I love to read and I usually read actual books.  I think I like picking up something and touching it -- and being on my computer too long gives me a headache, so not sure me and a Kindle would be great friends....

10. What is one of the hardest things you've ever had to do, and though you're glad you did it (and got the results you wanted), you probably wouldn't want to do it again if you had the choice?   Hmmm.....most of the hardest things I have ever done, I wasn't ever glad about it after.  :)   I guess transfering colleges -- it is really hard to start in the middle and you don't get as good of scholarships.... 

11. What are three things that stress you out? (General or specific)  stopping at multiple red lights; M.O.N.E.Y.; and my family x230! 


Questions from Jac:
1. Tea or coffee? Which and why? Iced or hot?   Mmmm...iced tea, only slighty sweetened


2. What is your favorite age of children? {This isn't implying you don't like other ages, but what is the stage/age that you just relish and delight in}? Why?   LOVE 3-4 years old.  they are really starting to get into learning cause and effect; they say the cutest things!; have amazing black and white logic; so much energy -- yet still take a nap  :) 

3.Do you prefer to text or to call?  totally call, but I have adapted and can text conversations as well.  :) 

4.What do you consider your greatest personality trait?  Can a smile be a personality trait?  I like to smile at people to make their day better and to show that I am open. 

5.What's your favorite snack for TV watching?  only one!?!  well I try to make it fruit!, but if there is anything for me to dip a chip into, it turns into my favorite.  :)

6. Would you rather read the book or watch the movie?   Guess read the book, then I can imagine all the places and characters like I want.  But if I am going do both, I'd rather watch the movie first then read -- that way I don't spend the whole movie thinking what they did wrong.  :)

7. If you could describe your college experience in one word, what would it be?  (ONE WORD!  No pressure there...) Relationships!

8. When it comes to Valentine's Day, would you classify yourself as one with high expectations, or more it's-just-another-day beliefs? Explain.   I like to celebrate every holiday -- even little ones like Valentine's -- so I think I am in the middle.  Like to do something special, even its just wear red.  And it would be hard for me to think it was just another day since Resee's has gone above and beyond and made the Resee's heart to celebrate.  hee hee

9. If you could eliminate one part of your daily routine, and not completely rock your world, you would stop doing what?  I would stop bathing (like washing hair, etc, not the actually bath because I love those) and it wouldn't rock my world much -- but it might affect others worlds, so I'll keep doing it.  :) 

10. If you could go back and tell your High School self one thing, what would it be?  That Jesus died for everyone -- including those people you can't stand or think you are better than.  I look back and see fields that were so ripe and I wasn't there spiritually to share Jesus.

11. What is your favorite month of the year, and why?  July!  I love summer -- warm weather, outside all the time, usmmer camps, swimming, baseball....   :)


People I Am Tagging:
Corren
Sammie J
Sasha
Kara Deal
Sarah Erwin
Sharlene
Beth
Kim Smith
Emily
(I don't know enough blogger people that haven't already been tagged!) 

My Questions for Them:
1.  Do you have a verse that has helped you through many situations?  What is it?
2.  Can you remember a childhood experience that you know shaped you?
3.  When was the last time you cried?
4.  If you went back to high school as the person you are today,  would you be friends with yourself? 
5. What is your dream vacation spot?
6. What is your favorite cereal?
7.  Do you know how your parents picked out your name?  Meaning...?
8.  If you could change one thing about yesterday, what would it be?  (something you did or didn't do -- not weather, etc.)
9. Do you have a favorite color?
10.  Do you remember you dreams?  Are they usually good or bad?
11.  How often do you get a new purse?  (i didn't tag any boys, so its okay to ask.  ha!) 

Maternity Pictures

All pictures courtsey of the beautiful Jacqueline Sikes! 

(didn't she do a GREAT job!?!) 

My sister's friend took so more as well -- but haven't gotten those ones yet! 

Lots more belly pictures for Kyler to see then I ever took with Nicoda -- sorry Nicoda.  :) 

Names for Everyone!

In September I got a new car -- and it got named this month.  Let me introduce you to Taj.  :) 

And Cupcake got his 'grow with me' elephant for Christmas.  Let me introduce you to Andi.  :) 

I am not sure why I have struggled so much coming up with a name for Cupcake -- didn't imagine I'd change my mind so many times, but it is what it is.  :)  Our little man finally has a name!   From Gavin, to Tyler, to Micah...and now....

KYLER JAAN HAMIDI

Kyler: bowmen/warrior; or place of deep thinking about God (a church)

Jaan: Life (in Persian) pronounced Jon/John

Words have meaning and names have power. ~Author Unknown

What's in a name? That which we call a rose;

By any other name would smell as sweet.

     ~William Shakespeare

Still Counting Down....34 Weeks

 Well -- so far so good!  :) 

I won't lie though.  I am pregnant hypocondric.  My doctor's group is great at making me feel better and taking all of my calls and extra visits -- but I am sure they will be celebrating Cupcake's birth for a whole different reason than me.  Ha!  I am that lady who goes to each appt with a list of questions and I am also that lady who has already gone to Labor and Delivery twice since 32 weeks....since I am paranoid.  But Cupcake seems to be doing S.U.P.E.R! 

At work I still get people who say, "Oh, are you pregnant?" after I mention Cupcake or something.  I never know what to say to that -- "No, I am just really fat in ONE spot"  or "No, just had a big lunch today"  I mean maybe you can be cautious around someone who is 4-6 months -- but by 8 months it is defintely a baby in there.  Ha!  :) 

We are getting more and more ready to meet our little man...  Cloth diapers in size small mostly bought, baby hammock brought, car seat arranged, hospital bags packed, now we just have to count the days!!! 

I

P.S.  These pictures are from last week -- we are at 35 weeks now.  :)  I'm slow.

January 21st, 1983

Interesting facts about 1/21/83: 

Number One Song (that week) -- Land Down Under (I do like Kangaroo Jack) 

(1983 also brought Beat It by Michael Jackson, Maneater,

and the ever popular love song, Every Breath You Take)

Tidbits: Swatch starts making watches; Challenger is launched; Internet is created;

first mobile phone for sell (Motorola), Cabbage Patch dolls come out

Prices:  Unleaded Gas - $1.24/gallon; Milk - $2.24/gallon;

Eggs - $.88/dozen; Stamp - $.20

Famous People with Birthday:  King Charles V (of England)  :);  'Stonewall' Jackson;

Christian Dior (fashion); Geena Davis (actress),

and Stacia Jeanine Hamidi

Great day, huh? 

Happy Brithday to me!

Praying that my 29th year brings me a live baby, a place to live, and my hubby back!

Some Black and Whites of Cupcake :)

hand in his mouth!

I just love how you can see how big his cute little cheeks are!

The sonogramists have been so wonderful to give me so many fotos of the little man!  

I am withholding the images that show that he is DEFINITELY a boy for his privacy -- hee hee!  :)

Rainbow Baby Poem

Found this beautiful poem on one of my babycenter groups.  Loved it!

A Different Child

A different child,

People notice

 There's a special glow around you

You grow

 Surrounded by love,

 Never doubting you are wanted;

Only look at the pride and joy

 In your mother and father's eyes,

And if sometimes

 Between the smiles

 There's a trace of tears,

One day you'll understand

You'll understand

 There was once another child

A different child

 Who was also in their hopes and dreams

That child will never outgrow the baby clothes,

That child will never keep them up at night,

In fact, that child will never be any trouble at all.

Except sometimes, in a silent moment,

When mother and father miss them so much

That different child.

May hope and love wrap your warmly

And may you learn the lesson forever.

How infinitely precious and fragile

Is this life on earth.

And how much more loved you are

Because your parents also loved

A different child. 

3 Years from Nicoda

Three years -- it sounds like a LONG time, yet I still remember how Nicoda felt kicking in my belly, how he he favored my right side (we know now he was stuck there - poor guy), remember the devesation of not hearing his heartbeat that last sonogram, the horror of leaving the cemetary, and the hopelessness of that first year. 

But three years is long enough for me to see how far God has brought me since then.  I miss Nicoda everyday.  I wonder what new phrases he'd be learning and if he'd like sports yet.  I like to imagine him making cute little friends and learning all about Jesus.   Yet the truth is so much more beautiful...he doesn't need to learn about Jesus - he is with Him.  He doesn't need to make friends or learn words because he is surrounded by a multiply of witnesses and was born singing praises to our Lord.  How beautiful!  Does that make me wish just a little less for 1 more hour or day....no, but it buoys my heart to know how blessed he is; how blessed he has made me; and how his little life has blessed others. 

This year his birthday is more bitter for me than the last two, I think because the first year I was still mired deep in my grief and the second year I was with my hubby.  This year Khalid is still having his early life crisis and I have the double grief of missing them both.  I spend alot of time wondering, hoping, praying that Cupcake will know (even only though words and pictures) his brother.  It is SO important for me to pass that down to him -- for him to know of Nicoda and to feel some connection there.

Mr. Nicoda -- You are so loved.  You have been since the moment I found out I was carrying you.  And no amount of time or distance has or will change that.  Can't wait til that day when I get to see you again!  -- Love, Mommy




 


Birthday of the Hubs

Well today is the birthday of my hubby -- wish it was a happy one, but it isn't for me.  I haven't heard from him in over a month and try to balance my worry over with him with the anger that he could just give up on Cupcake and I.  :(  I know that he needs medicine to really be "Khalid", but the rejection and the loneliness still hurt. 

God -- Please watch over my husband.  I take comfort in knowing that You know where he is and how he is doing.  Thank you for how much you love him and all of us.  Continue to grow and protect our little baby!  -- Amen 

2011 (last year's birthday)

 I love you, Khalid Jon.  Hope you see this and know that you are missed and needed!