Year in Review...

Well I was going to participate in a Blog Link up of my top 10 events of the year, BUT I cant remember anything prior to June! I tried to ask Darrick to see if he remembered any major events, but he pretty much told me the same thing! On June 10, 2011 (our lives were forever changed) we found out we were going to be parents!!! Its crazy because Darrick and I had everything planned out for this year, based on planning for our wedding and starting our lives together in 2012, however, I guess God had different plans for us. And although the changes have been MAJOR changes and a big adjustments, I wouldn't have it any other way. True enough it gets stressful sometimes but God placed the right man in my life to face these challenges with. I know everything is in God's hands and its all going to work out but from time to time it gets hard "let go, and let God!"  

So I guess I should say over this year, not only have I been faced with major challenges, but I have also learned lessons on putting everything in God's hands and trying not to worry about it. The hard part is trying not to worry after I place it in God's hands. 

Fast Forward to Next Year...I'm really looking forward to 2012! This is going to be a very eventful year for us as a family! Darrick and I will be parents VERY soon...and I cant wait to meet Emma! I feel looking at her during the ultrasounds she has so much personality, and I cant wait to meet her in person (and I'm sure I can say the same for Darrick)!  We are looking forward to becoming parents, and having our own little family! Not only will we become parents but we will also become Husband and Wife...and this is something that I have been wanting early on in our relationship. I won't say I knew right away, but I did know pretty early that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this man! 

So I don't really have any resolutions for the upcoming year, I just plan to live my life to the fullest! And will all the changes coming in the year, I plan to be the best wife and mom I can be! I do plan to keep everything that is going on together and make everything go off without a hitch! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all My Readers...and however, you decide to bring the new year in please be safe!!! 

Stop Procrastinating Carissa!!!!

(pic)

I titled this "Stop Procrastinating Carissa" because I need to get my hospital bag and the baby's hospital bag packed.  I had a conversation with my parents, and Darrick earlier this week about how I need to pack my hospital bag and the bag for Emma. I am 35 weeks, and I will be 36 weeks by the end of the week (tomorrow...HA), so I do think its time to get it all in order! I have most of the stuff to go in there, I just need to pack the actual bag. This morning I have a doctors appointment and I believe Emma has her own agenda going on today. I woke up with my stomach cramping really bad (which brought the conversation from earlier this week to the forefront of my head "GET THAT BAG PACKED").  I guess I decided to blog instead of actually packing my bag because I'm scared of the whole process of actually delivering a baby (maybe that will buy me some more time) and after all she isn't due until February 2nd.  

I found this checklist of things that I need to bring with me to the hospital on thebump.com, I went through the list and cross off the items that I already have...so the other items are items that I still need to purchase. I told Darrick this weekend we will finish the rest of bag, hopefully, Emma isn't planning on coming early and we have time to get all of this done prior to her arrival! 

Must-Haves: 

 Insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)

2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)

 A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause

 2 maternity bras -- no underwire -- and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection)

 Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)

 Toiletries and personal items -- hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (as if), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends)

 Eyeglasses

 Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips -- they’ll probably poke you)

 Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)

 Pen and paper

 Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)

Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth, prepaid calling card (if your hospital doesn’t allow cell phones)

 Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger

 A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner

Take it or leave it:

 Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)

Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)

Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)

 

 Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)

 A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)

 A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)

 Breast pump, if you plan to use one

 Slippers that can get dirty

 Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace)

**Darrick's Job** Your MP3 (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)

Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects (honestly, we doubt you'll use 'em…but feel free to prove us wrong!)

Leave Home:

 Any clothes or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)

Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions)

What to Bring For Baby:

 Approved car seat

 A coming-home outfit

 Warm blankets (for the ride home)

 Outdoor gear like a snowsuit and hat, as seasonally appropriate (remember, babies are extra sensitive to cold)

Holiday Update...

Honestly this turned out to be a great holiday, minus the fact that my nephew was out of town visiting his father's side of his family in Arizona, and there was a death in Darrick's family. But my nephew is having a BLAST so I cant complain about him not being here because I know this was a much needed trip for him! 

Earlier last week, Darrick had an Aunt that passed away, so that really turned everything upside down. It was a very hard for him because he was REALLY close to her, as was his brothers, sister, and the rest of the family. So it was really a heavy day for us on Christmas Eve, however, even though the situation wasn't the best, I was happy because Darrick and his siblings got a chance to see a lot of their family! And from talking to them they were pretty happy about all the family being here and getting a chance to see them. I was also excited because I got a chance to meet a lot of Darrick's extended family, I knew I would meet them at the wedding but I got a chance to meet them earlier.

After the funeral, Darrick and I came back home and passed out for a couple of hours. I believe it was from exhaustion of everything that had been going on. We started watching a movie later on that night and ended up falling asleep, so Darrick woke up and suggested we open gifts then go to bed since we had to be up early on Christmas morning for church at 8am. Exchanging gift seemed to brighten up Darrick's mood, he received the Cleveland Browns Championship Banner for his man cave, and he received a sweater vest and some Levi Jeans (he was very happy with everything), and I received some perfume, a necklace with two small diamonds, and a jewelry armoire. 


How was your holiday??

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I just want to wish everyone a safe and blessed holiday! And thank you all for reading THE GREEN EYED LADY!

***So I created this blog post before Christmas, and I thought something was missing so I never hit post, I just saved it in my drafts...well I never got around to editing the blog...so I just decided that I would post it anyways...Merry Christmas Everyone...I hope you had a Blessed Holiday!!! 

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Last Minute Shopping...

Let me vent for a minute! Honestly I don't see how people do it! Last year this time Darrick and I had our feet kicked up as we sat and watched everyone run around doing last minute shopping! We had everyone's gifts by the beginning of November, even on Black Friday last year we were out buying things for ourselves because we had no one else to shop for! This year is a totally different thing...

First off we didn't start shopping until last Saturday! Yes, you heard me right we didn't START shopping until December 17, and let me tell you...last minute shopping while 8 months pregnant is NO FUN! Shopping PERIOD while 8 months pregnant isn't no fun! Usually I have to find somewhere to sit down because my feet hurt after being out for a while, once I get home and take my shoes off my feet are hurting and they are super huge from being swollen! Each night this week I have been out picking up last minute things, I eventually need to start wrapping or at least putting stuff in gift boxes (yes, I know they are prettier wrapped, however, I just don't have the strength to wrap each and every little thing this year)!

Did you wait until the last minute to do all your shopping?

What do you have left to do for the holiday???

Holiday Survey...

I found this Holiday Quiz on Modly Chic. Honestly, I love doing these surveys, but I will chill out after this one because I don't want the answers to start overlapping! 

No holiday party is complete without: being with family! I don't really care what we do to celebrate the holiday, as long as we are all together I'm happy! 

My favorite Christmas song/album: Any Christmas song by The Temptations

My favorite seasonal recipe: I love Christmas Cookies...I like trying everyone's family recipes! 

The perfect New Year’s Eve outfit includes: Some form of Glitz and Glam (Glitter, Sequins, Shimmer) the more the better LOL! 

At the parties, I’ll be drinking:  Whatever the holiday fruity drink/punch

Eggnog, good or bad? BAD

Did you ever take pictures on Santa’s lap at the mall? Yes, we took them at the mall and the Holiday Program at my mom's job that we attended yearly. 

I couldn't find the picture with Santa but this is a picture of my sister and I with Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha: Neither... I'm not really into all the coffee drinks

Worst gift I ever got: a vest with Teddy Bears all over it

Best gift I ever received: The best material gift would have to be my laptop

My family has this weird tradition: Umm honestly I cant think of any weird traditions. It was always a big thing to all get together to put up the tree

My best bargain find for a gift this year: I haven't started shopping yet so I haven't found many bargains...LOL! I guess I better start shopping this weekend! 

If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I’d shop at: Possibly a Target or Department Store...somewhere that has a wide variety of things for people of all ages 

Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman: I like them both! I'm not choosing! LOL! 

My favorite holiday memory: Decorating with my Grandmother, we always went OVERBOARD with decorations! 

My favorite Christmas movie: Home Alone 

The best part about holiday decorations is: Riding through the neighborhoods seeing all the lights, and the feelings you get when you put up the decorations in your own home! 

Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape: RIP IT OFF!!! 

Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life: Miracle on 34th Street

It doesn't feel like the holiday season until: The crowds are in the stores, then reality sets in

All I want for Christmas is: All my family together! I really miss my family from Alabama coming to celebrate the holidays. I do wish we could have a Christmas together like the Old Days! 

Currently...

So I saw this on Savanah's Blog, but it originated from Perfectly Imperfect. I thought I would join in since I really didn't have anything to write about today. 

Current Book(s)

These two books are my text books for my current class; Educational Program Assessment (Masters Program: Higher Education College Administration and Leadership)

Current Playlist

Love this Song!

Current Color

Shallac Bella's Vampire

Current Drink

Well I have pretty weird cravings since Im pregnant and Capri Sun has been pretty addictive the past couple of weeks!

Current Food

Really I dont usually eat Pizza Hut but I had some last week and it was the BOMB.COM so I am ready for some more this week!

Current Favorite show

I don't really have a favorite show at the moment, I do watch a lot of the Housewives of Atlanta, and Housewives of New Jersey (when its in season)

Current Needs
REST!!! Im 8 months pregnant, and I still have lots of running around to do for the holidays and for the baby, and wedding...so maybe I dont need rest I need an ASSISTANT!!!

Current Triumph(s)
Completing another term of graduate school, while being pregnant and planning a wedding.

Current Bane(s) of my existence
Ungrateful  and Judgmental People!

Current Celebrity Crush

Idris Elba

Current #1 Blessing
I thank the Lord daily for my many blessings...big and small! Im really thankful for my soon to be family (Emma and Darrick) I love these two more than ANYTHING (never thought I could love something this much but I do)!!!

Current Outfit

Anything that fits! LOL! No really Im all about being comfortable these days...so I would say my outfits are usually cute and casual!

Current Excitement

Becoming a Mommy! Never thought I would say that, well not for a while at least! LOL! We (Darrick and I) cant wait to meet Emma and be a family!

Current Mood
Right now Im am sleepy. Other than that I have a lot on my mind about things that need to be done!

Current Favorite Holiday Decoration

I love to see the mantle decorated! I think people get very creative with them...hopefully my next house has one so I can decorate it...so for right now I will just decorate my mom's mantle!

Current #1 Item on your Wishlist

Well I got my #1 item on my wishlist on Black Friday...

this morning Darrick and I talked about getting each other something else...so when he asked me I could only think of two things I would want and that would be

Ugg Bailey Button Boots

OR

Pandora Bracelet or Tiffany's Bracelet

Current New Year's Resolution

Honestly, I haven't thought about my New Year's Resolution...I guess to be the best Mommy and Wife I can be! I have a big year next year...baby due February 2 and Wedding May 26! So my resolution is get it all done and make it look easy! LOL! And lose the baby fat! LOL!

**Now Go Back to the Top and Link up with Jenn at Perfectly Imperfect Blog and let me know so I can stop by and read your response!**