Loquacious Lady

Yesterday, as I was going through my store of toiletries to find a replacement for our shampoo, I noticed how many different brands I have of products in my stockpile. It made me think back to my posts about couponing and how I encouraged readers to let go of their brand loyalties in order to get the best deals.

The truth is, it took me a long time to get in that mindset. In fact, it took me a lot of work to really get into the state of mind that considers fiscal responsibility in every purchase.

When I was little, I didn’t really care about brands. But as I got older, I got pickier. By the time I graduated from high school, I used all Lancome make up, only Crest toothpaste, Biolage shampoo and conditioners, Secret deodorant, etc. The list goes on. I was set in my ways. And some of those ways were expensive.

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I was never that picky about clothing brands, other than where I bought my unmentionables. But other stuff? Oh yeah.

I was also used to eating what I wanted when I wanted. If my family was in the mood for Mexican food? We got it. Chinese? We got it. Chic-Fil-A? One of us would pick it up. That was just convenient, and if you could all agree on it, why not?

So when I got married, and I was no longer on my daddy’s dime…It was a rude awakening into what it meant to be fiscally responsible as an adult. Ya know, on a couple of 22 and 23-year-old’s newlywed salaries. Not on my parent’s income where my being responsible meant not using their credit card to buy clothes unless I could pay them back for it when I got home.

I will just go ahead and give MAJOR credit to Tom. It was stressful being the one who “got it” off the bat of how to budget while I was still learning the ropes. I had never budgeted before. I had never in my life been responsible for so much as paying for gas or even a cell phone bill. Suddenly I was a grown up, and all my preconceived notions of how to shop and live fell flat in the reality of a budgeted lifestyle.

Now don’t get me wrong. I LOVED being a newlywed. I loved having our apartment, getting our dogs, the simple pleasure of just going for a walk together, the pride of making it on our own, and most of all being married to my best friend.

It’s embarrassing, but the hardest thing for me was not being able to eat out when I wanted to. I love food. Probably too much. It is still hard for me to pass by a place on the road when I am craving nothing more than a meal from that restaurant. But back then? I was kind of a brat about it. It was so not what I was used to doing.

“It’s just ONE meal from Chic-Fil-A! What’s the big deal?” I would complain to Tom. And he would explain what I already knew- we were saving for a house, it wasn’t in the budget to eat out more than once a week, it wasn’t necessary, we had food at home, etc.

Poor Tom. That had to be miserable.

I also learned that my make-up was way out of range of our budget. So were various other products I bought. And groceries we were both used to having.

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Through trying out various products, I found what things I could substitute with other brands, and what things I really couldn’t get the same quality, taste, etc. from unless I went with the real thing.

So what really changed that financial mindset for me? A few things.

1. I just had to do it. I had never really had to give up something I’d loved before, except when I was studying abroad, and that was temporary. It takes time to adjust to a different point of view, and with time, I got used to it.

2. Our church. North Point talks about things that a lot of churches don’t touch…like money. Did you have any idea how often the bible covers money and possessions? A lot.

That’s because we are VERY attached to those things. And so we don’t like people telling us what to do with them or how to see them. But that’s exactly why Jesus needed to address it…and why the church should as well. It put a few things in perspective for me. Tom and I really enjoyed a series they did called Balanced.

3. Buying a house. Tom and I saved, saved, saved for our down payment, and we bought our house right before our first anniversary. It gave us such a sense of pride and accomplishment. We did this. Together. And it was worth it all. All the skimping, saving, turing down fun nights out to movies and dinners and drinks. Even giving up certain brands and- yes- eating out when I wanted to eat out. It was so gratifying. And I knew I could keep doing it.

4. Dave Ramsey. We read Total Money Makeover, and it SO put me and Tom on the same page. But more than that, if gave us a plan. It’s one thing to aimlessly save. It’s another thing to know exactly why we are saving, where that money should go, and how it will work for us in the end.

Since then, we have tried to learn all we can about being smart with our money. We save, invest, and even have learned about life insurance policies that pay for themselves and act like retirement funds for you over time. Say What!? Did you even know they could do that? We didn’t.

AND I coupon. That came in the last year and a half or so. It takes time, and it takes some work, but doing that means we have more money to put into other things, be that savings, giving, or some other part of our monthly budget.

We also enjoy our money. That’s to say, what is life if you don’t do anything fun? So every now and then, we pick something to save for, and then we spend that saved money on it. A new piece of furniture, a vacation, a nice night out, etc. And when the money is spent, there is no regret. Because that money was earmarked for fun, and we didn’t go into debt doing it.

I’m all about financial freedom. We still eat in more than anything, shop “off” brands, rarely go out for movies, and avoid debt like the plague. But those sacrifices are small compared to what we get in return. Because of financial stability, Tom was able to start his own business last year at 25, and I am going to be able to be a stay-at-home mom at 26. That is HUGE for us.

But I wasn’t always like this. So if you are struggling to make wise decisions with your finances, don’t give up. You CAN do it. I know, because I’ve been there. And it’s worth every coupon-clipping, fast-food-fasting moment.

~Meghan

Something tells me that the pups aren’t feeling that excited about having a baby join the family.

I see a trainer in our future.

~Meghan

Yesterday, I had a Transit leader lunch, so I didn’t leave the church premises until after 2pm. Since Tom and I knew it would be a long day for him, a non-Transit leader, he stayed home and watched church online.

So I found myself driving home alone, dancing to the Glee cover of Empire State of Mind in my car. I got stuck behind a line of slow vehicles, and at the soonest opportunity, I passed them in a lane that was moving more quickly.

The car that was right in front of me was full of boys that I could only guess to be around 19, which I wouldn’t have noticed except that a kid with a weirdly strong resemblance to Michael Cera rolled down the window and started waving at me as I passed them. Well that caught me off guard, so I turned to look at him and burst out laughing.

I sometimes forget that to teenage boys…and some men…ANYTHING can be taken as encouragement.

Soon they swiveled their way around the slow cars and into the lane next to me. Now all the windows were down, and all the teenage boys were waving at me and saying something I can’t understand.

I smiled back and then held up my left hand, using my right hand to point to my wedding ring for a second before putting my hands back on the wheel. Suddenly the hands shot up into a, “whatcha gonna do?” shrug and they laughed.

I only wish I could have stood up and shown them my baby bump. That would’ve really freaked ‘em out.

~Meghan

Yesterday was a day full of children. I drove to Atlanta in the morning to spend most of the day with Roenne and Arden. Their parents are friends of ours, and they needed me to watch the girls while mom was watching dad talk at a conference.

Later in the evening, Tom and I were in Decatur watching our nephew and nieces while my brother and sis-in-law got my nephew signed up for the school he’ll be attending this year.

While Roenne napped in the afternoon, I remembered that I had my camera with me. I pulled it out and took some shots of Ms. Arden. This was my favorite.

So fun! Isn’t she a cutie?
~Meghan

As many of you have noticed, I’ve added a new logo to my photos, and I’ve put “Story Lens Photography” on my photos for some time.

I decided on the name Story Lens Photography because I feel like portraits should help tell the story of someone’s life; they should be a window into where that person is in life at the time of the photoshoot. That’s my goal for each photo session, so I ran with it. Story Lens Photography was born.

Then, I got serious about getting a site together. I wanted it to kick booty, so I decided to wait until ProPhoto Theme was released by the 8BIT guys.

And who better to hire to design my site than 8BIT’s own designer, Jared? Through 8BIT, Tom and I have gotten to know all the guys, and they are each so talented. Not to mention, they’re just awesome people. Jared is the only designer I wanted touching my site, so we met and discussed what I wanted.

He absolutely BLEW IT OUT OF THE WATER. I could never in a million years have explained what I wanted well enough to have expected a design that captured every last detail I could imagine…and quite a few that I didn’t even think of on my own.

Then I turned to my hubs, Tom,…who, ya know, happens to be the developer for 8BIT….to make Jared’s design into a functional website. He freaking rocks. And he made it hum with perfection.

So, go ahead and be jealous. I got my site completely pimped out by the 8BIT team. Just one of the perks of being married into this elite group of (somehow, very cool) nerds.

And while you’re at it, I’d love to introduce you to my site. Please check out Story Lens Photography, and let me know what you think!

~Meghan

Hey friends!
Quicky update to let y’all know that the perinatologist’s office called with my blood work, and everything came back “in the normal range” for Down Syndrome and the Trisomy tests.

I also got a call from the OB’s office today, and the test for Cystic Fibrosis came back as negative.

So far, so good. Just wanted to fill y’all in.

Also, just wanted to leave a quick word of thanks for all of your comments and support over the last month or two. It’s so fun to hear y’all’s thoughts, wisdom, and encouragement.

xoxo,

Meghan

Bump at 13 weeks. I feel like it’s kinda early, but there it is. No denying it.

Most days I just feel like a fatty, but Tom insists it’s the baby. Smart guy. Never agree with a girl if she says she feels fat. Just don’t do it.

Anyway, things are starting to fit less comfortably, most noticeably my shorts. I am in the awkward position of not feeling comfy in my clothes, not wanting to buy new clothes because I think I will outgrow them soon, and not needing maternity yet. So I keep finding the stretchiest and loosest things in my closet to wear.

I feel pretty self-conscious about my belly, because I don’t look pregnant to most people…I just look like I eat fast food 3 times a day.

Sooner or later, I’m gonna have to give in and buy some cute clothes that actually fit me. Until then, Tom and the dogs take no notice of the fact that I wear cheerleading shorts and t-shirts every day at home. Like I said, smart guy.

~Meghan

Tom has been a splendiferous daddy; he’s been at every appointment with me from 8 weeks on. Here’s a run down of the best and the most awkward (which later became the funniest) moments of each appointment for one or both of us.

8 Week Ultrasound:

Best moment- We heard the heartbeat and saw Jellybean for the first time. We could even see the heartbeat. It was awesome. I cried. So did Tom, but that’s a secret.

Funniest moment- Since we were only 8 weeks along, the ultrasound tech couldn’t just rub the wand over my belly. It had to be…internal. I had a paper sheet over myself, but Will was with us (it was my last day as his nanny and also the only day they could do the ultrasound that week), and he (Will, not Tom) kept trying to peek around the sheet to see what the heck the lady was doing under there.

Perinatal Appointment-

Best Moment- We got a chance to see Jellybean move around for the first time. Not just seeing and hearing the heartbeat, which never gets old, but seeing hands move, body dance, and all of that.

Funniest moment (s)- 1. The ultrasound tech put a sheet over me and told me to pull down my undies. I thought, “Darn it. Again. I was hoping for a belly one this time.” So I dropped them to my ankles and looked for the stirrups. Umm…then she told me, “Not that far. I just don’t want to get the jelly I squeeze on your belly onto your underwear.” ….Oops. I had to laugh, and thankfully, so did she. She’s seen stranger. (No, really, once someone took off all their clothes and was laying face down on the bed when she walked in. At least I didn’t do that. I feel bad for them that that is how they are used to ultrasounds.)

2. The OB for this place (not my usual doc) came in and talks with his hands. He kept raising his hand up and then dropping it back to the sheet on my leg. Only it wasn’t landing on my leg. It was landing on my crotch. That was just weirding me out. It took all my concentration to listen to what he was saying instead of making a face.

3. Same OB wiped the jelly off my stomach with the towel for me for about 10 seconds instead of letting me just do it myself. Maybe I’m being immature, but again, it kinda weirded me out. I couldn’t get off that bed and my dress back over my belly fast enough. Yikes.

12 Week Appointment

Best Moment- We got to hear the heartbeat again. I’m telling you, it’s our favorite sound, and we can’t get enough of it.

Funniest Moment- 1. The nurse was so sweet. I had to do a urine sample right before she took my weight measurement, so she went ahead and sent Tom to the room so he could get back to his laptop…and so I didn’t have to get weighed in front of him. Had I known she was that thoughtful, I wouldn’t have prefaced the visit with a warning of what my real weight is. Darn it.

Anyway, after that, she took me to the lab to get not one, not two, but SIX vials of blood drawn. Apparently they can’t take your word for it- they have to test you for every STD known to mankind. They also have to know your blood type (no, I don’t know this) and check all your blood levels. That’s okay because I don’t get squeamish from needles or blood. On the other hand, Tom had no idea I was doing all this and thought I was doing a number on the bathroom. Thanks, hun.

2. Tom had the chance to sit through his first pap smear. Oh, that’s right. A pap smear.

I had no idea that was coming at this appointment. Apparently the doctor decided to spare me the breast exam in front of him, and I can live with that. He happily typed away on his laptop and ignored me, the doctor, and nurse. This was not what he thought he had taken time out of his workday to witness, let me tell you.

Birth?

I can only assume that by the time you get to birth, there’s a reason you don’t care about who sees what. Right now, I want Tom right up by my shoulder, the doctor and the nurses being the only other people in the room. But by the time I get to that, and the pain kicks in (before the epidural kicks in), I am guessing that any last shred of modesty/dignity will be gone. At least until the baby is out.

So, right now I’m guessing it will go something like this in a recap:

Best moment- Giving birth to our beautiful baby and holding/seeing him/her for the first time.

Most Awkward Moment- Giving birth to our baby in front of Tom and other people…whom I barely know. Except now they might know me better than anyone in the world besides my husband. Which is why most people don’t hang out with their OBs outside the office. The end. Goodbye forever.

Oh boy.

~Meghan

Well, in the midst of floors being ripped up, estimates, insurance companies, and more, we got back to reality today with an early morning appointment at Atlanta Perinatal Consultants. This was to check for Down Syndrome and a few other chromosomal differences.

I know several people who seem to think that testing for things like this means that if they aren’t “perfect” that means the parents want an abortion. And I know that sometimes that is the case. For us, it was more about being informed. I like surprises, but not when it comes to my baby. I want to know what to expect.

Knowing now would mean that I could prepare myself for what is ahead by getting educated. I could have others pray with me for something that specifically needed prayer. I could be aware of challenges or medical hoops we would need to jump through as a family. And I would have time to adjust (as much as possible) to these changes in what I had expected.

(Incidentally, if you are finding yourself pregnant with a baby diagnosed with DS, here is a great resource in understanding the day to day life of raising a baby with that syndrome.)

As it turns out, the sonogram looked like the baby didn’t have any chromosomal abnormalities. They also pricked my finger to test my blood. We’ll hear back about that later.

In the meantime, here are some photos of our sweet Jellybean. Or, as the ultrasound tech said, our “jumping bean.” This baby wouldn’t sit still for more than a second before it was off dancing around again, waving its arms and jerking around like there was a party going on in my uterus.

Can I just say, check out the honker in the next photo. Tom and I think our baby is cute, but we had to laugh. Our baby just might be Pinocchio. I don’t know if that is what their nose will look like at birth or if that is just how it looks at this stage of development, but it makes me giggle. I can’t wait to see that sweet face and kiss it.

And the next one is my favorite. You can see the fingers and one of the legs and a foot. The whole time we watched Jellybean, the jumping wonder, s/he was waving those hands all over the place. It was like the baby was saying, “Hey, Mom! Hey, Dad!”

Also, you may have noticed that the office renamed us the “McGarlin” family. I don’t know why, but people have the HARDEST time spelling our last name. Just one more fun thing for Jellybean in the future.

We were hoping to find out (very early, but still) if Jellybean is a boy or girl today, but that little wiggle worm will keep us guessing for another few weeks. Hopefully s/he will sit still at the next appointment long enough for us to hear “boy” or “girl!”

~Meghan

Saturday, Tom and I noticed some warped floorboards in our kitchen/living room area. We pulled our bar stools away from the breakfast bar on our kitchen island and saw multiple areas that were warped. And the most noticeable problem was that one piece of our engineered floors was peeled back.

When we felt under this piece, we could feel moisture. Not good.

The warping seemed to be circling our kitchen island, so we decided to open the cabinet under the sink and take everything out. We had a BUNCH of stuff in there.

Then we saw…this.

Standing water and mold under our sink. Oh HECK no.

First of all, that’s just gross and a health hazard to anybody. But when you tack on that I have allergies, asthma, and I’m pregnant? We had to get this fixed ASAP.

It’s also smelling funky, and I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that THIS is the reason I’ve been coughing up my lungs for the last several weeks when I haven’t been around anyone with a cold or know of any allergens where I live right now.

But I wasn’t about to pay for all the damage that would happen to our house while we got this fixed, so we called in a claim on our homeowner’s insurance.

Since then, we’ve had a plumber come and replace our NASTY old sink faucet that came with the house. It was always getting gross black buildup around all the joints, and I had to clean it constantly. It never looked right. Now I know why.

Turns out the faucet on the old sink had copper pipes that were leaking inside the faucet, which was causing that build up on the faucet itself as well as mold under the sink. And it led to all kinds of grossness being found under the faucet itself.

(Plumber’s hand.)

But our new sink is fab! It looks so much better, and it’s WAY cleaner. Obviously.

We also had to replace our garbage disposal because it apparently had holes in it that the previous owners had duct taped over with tape the same color as the disposal, so we didn’t know. Great.

Anyway, after that, mitigators for mold and moisture came out and put a massive dehumidifier in front of the cabinets to gather moisture from it and dump it into the sink via a hose. It’s been there over 24 hours, and it’s still dumping tons of water. Yikes.

Now our adjuster has called us, and, even though our insurance company said to call the plumber and save all receipts for reimbursement, he says that they aren’t paying for the plumber or new faucet/garbage disposal. I get it with the hardware. We’ll see about the service.

He did say that they are going to cover all damage caused by the leak, which means the cabinets and floors. Which is good he told me because I was ready and willing to become his worst nightmare until he agreed that our insurance would pay for the repairs.

Next step? He is having people come rip up the damaged flooring and drill holes into our cabinets to air it all out. Then he comes out Thursday to assess the damage.

Sounds like a fun adventure. Or, ya know, a not so fun, but necessary, adventure.

~Meghan