11 Weeks and All is Well

This is the best that it gets folks. Personally I don't think I'm showing but yes I've gained weight over the years...hence the reason why I wear balloon shirts. They're heaven sent. Today I haven't thrown up...however the day isn't over. It seems to hit me before I go to bed so then I get an "awesome" night sleep. I just can't believe I'm already 11 weeks along. Time is flying and we haven't got anything accomplished but I have no fear or doubt in ourselves.

We got some good news today, our apartment complex is in foreclosure so who knows what's going to happen. We could end up staying here with the same rent OR the people buying the complex could jack up the prices. Whats the best is that the office is closed so no one knows whats going on. If we have to move suddenly, consider this my invitation to you to help us move. Please.

Just Cuz its Something to Do

I have nothing to say of any importance and I could be cleaning my house or cooking dinner but who wants to do those things?

I've been thinking about starting a little journal so one day this kid can look back and read it and realize he/she was a terror long before I ever met him/her. I'm sure it would also be full of love and excitement.

After years and years of looking for a fantastic hair stylist, I found one when we moved here. I called today and the business is shut down. Are you kidding me?

Cody has been winning things at work like everyday for opening Cabelas accounts. He's one of the top for Cabela's! You go honey! Today he won 1/2 of fudge. 1/4 carmel praline and the other 1/4 cheesecake. I have a headache from too much sweets. But oh it was divine!

Got my oil changed and the guy suggested an alignment. He's a nice guy who cut me a break with my breaks and said, "its only 70 bucks." I then had to visit the bathroom. jk. I just looked at him with big eyes and said, "Right." And then took a seat.

As I sat and cried in my room today I thought, I'm an idiot. I could've been graduating in May with my bachelors. I guess I like going job to job and not knowing if I'll even have one as of tomorrow.

Cody and I have somehow grown closer through the blood, guts and tears and I couldn't be more thankful. If I would've gotten pregnant that first "scare" a month after we were married, I don't see how we would've made it happily. We've grown up a bit...at least most days.

With that said, our life is up in the air. We love the budget cuts ASU is getting and not knowing if ASU West will even be open next year. So its like, well we could renew our lease, keep our jobs and be stuck here for another year (yes stuck where no one visits....ehum Rapiers when your 3 miles away but you could go see the Echols. Nice.) and Cody would have to commute to school, or move to Tempe and have to search for jobs again (oh wait, I do that all the time!) What to do. What to do. My headache just got worse.

I have nothing else on my mind other than being nauseated and hungry.

The Perks

I guess being a janitor at a 5 star (I'm assuming) has its perks, like first off cleaning up after rich people and taking their tips, which happen to be, "you should clean the dust off the tv." "Thanks, I'll get right on it." But there are also days like today where you run into Kix Brooks, ya know from Brooks and Dunn, playing golf and cleaning toilets with him near by and him carrying on a conversation with yours truly about concerts and he can get me back stage passes and tickets for their next tour. I was giddy like a little school girl as I stood there with my broom in hand, smiling at him and WISHING that the above had happened but instead, I saw him approaching and all of me froze except for my eyes which followed his every move. He probably was thinking, "Dang these are some clean toilets and sidewalks, she should go far in life." or at least thats what I tell myself. I didn't get a picture and I didn't even get to sing "Neon Moon" or "My Maria" or "Brand New Man" which I am so upset I didn't. Had I have done that, and you best believe that he would've asked me to be his opener on his next tour.

However, I've had those songs stuck in my head since then.

And yes I was star struck.

Comments I got from people when I told them:
Mom: "Did you get an autograph or smile or anything? Did he use your clean restroom?"

Taralee: after telling her I wish I would've sang, "You should've sang, I'm a "Hard Working Man"...or lady."

Ryan: "Kick him."

Wonderful Moments

Being an LDS church go-er, I have a different up bringing than many in this world. An upbringing that means the world to me and am very proud of. I was brought into this world and to no one's surprise, cried. I was given a name and a blessing which was Danica Leone Reidhead. Do I remember this day? Absolutely not. But my mom recorded what my dad said on that day and I still have it in my scrapbook, which I read not too long ago and cried. My mom still has my little white dress and my baby blanket at her house. I will pull the blanket out from time to time and hug and squeeze it.*

Then 8 years later I met with the Vernon Branch President who asked me if I wanted to be baptized and if I had a testimony of Jesus Christ. I remember crying in his office (shocker...me crying) and telling him I did. The arrangements were made and after my 8th birthday party in Show Low at the Dairy Queen, I went home and got dressed in another white dress that we borrowed from a friend down the street. I remember there were a lot of people there supporting me and I was a little nervous. I came out of the water knowing I did the right thing and then immediately started shivering. I got dressed, came out with a nice french braid and was blessed with the Holy Ghost. I remembering just crying the entire time and then shaking everybody's hand and giving my dad a really big hug.

Nine years later, I was a junior in high school. I knew everything about the world. I owned it and everyone bowed to me and if they didn't then that was their problem. General Conference weekend in April 2004 I received my Patriarchal Blessing. I wasn't wearing white but I was once again clean and pure and ready to hear what the Lord wanted to have me hear. The Patriarch was Lavell Owens who was my intermediate school principal who I reported to when I lit a match in the library. Who knew burning books was a crime. (No books were actually burned...I blew the match out too quick. Oh but the thrill.) Anyways, my parents were there with me and after the blessing my mom was crying and my dad told me that there were some special things said. Now when I read that blessing, I can still hear Mr. Owen's voice and feel that same sweet spirit.

Another three years later, I decided I didn't own the world, nor did I have anything to my name other than the rent bill and a bank account. I learned some hard lessons and became a better person through my trials. Moving away was tough but I knew I could go home whenever I needed to and that I had family I could rely on. After a year of college and going into my second year, I figured, its time to grow up. Its time to move on with life and figure out just what I want to do. I prayed and prayed and tried my hardest to do what I was supposed to when I was set up with Mr. Cody Claridge. Who knew. I didn't until about 3 days after meeting this new guy that I would marry him. Seven months and three days later we met at the Mesa Temple. We both looked our best in our white clothes and knelt across the alter and said yes through some tears and I became Mrs. Danica Leone Claridge. I was scared to death but Cody looked calm and collected. Since that day, my life has changed in more ways than one. I love it.

A year and a half later, we've created bonds and companionship but the biggest news is our little baby. I was nervous about the appointment with the whole awkwardness but once I met the doctor it was fine. She is really cool. They did the ultrasound of the baby that is about 3 cm big and we oo-ed and aw-ed but then she pushed on my belly and the baby moved. He/She started kicking his legs and arms. Cody and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Surprisingly I didn't cry at the appointment but I am now. I know that this pregnancy is a great thing! A very rewarding experience (once the puke is cleaned up) and that it has already blessed our lives so much. The pregnancy became more real today seeing the little ankle biter and I'm smiling ear to ear.
I guess my whole point of this post is, each step in our lives prepares us for the next...at least a little. I don't know how prepared I could actually be for a baby but I know just from reviewing my past that the Lord has blessed us and will continue to do so as long as we try our hardest. I'm thankful to have been born to goodly parents and into an LDS heritage. I'm thankful that they tried their darndest to teach me what was right and I hope to teach my little one the same things.

*=I had this blanket my Aunt Liz made till I was in 5th grade and then I was dared to not sleep with it. I took it everywhere and if it ever got left, I thought I would die. If I stayed the night at a friend house I would fold it up really small into a small pillow case, then at night I would find the edge and rub it. One time my family bought me a book called, "bye bye blankie" when I was like 7 and I cried and cried. I DID NOT want to get rid of it. If it got holes in it or the binding came unstitched I would sew it up myself. It is completely see through now and it has been "laid to rest" in my hope chest. I hope my baby is a blanket baby.

Random Thoughts

1. My stomach is really upset right now. Guess the fudge cicles weren't the right choice...maybe I'll eat another one to make sure.

2. Cody wants to move to Seattle. I just laugh.

3. I'm SO nervous for delivery. How does it really work?

4. I'm out growing my "underwears" already...along with the rest of my clothes. I think if I just sucked in again I'd be fine.

5. I threw up stomach acid. Whats worse? Throwing up food or dry heaving?

6. Cody cuddles with me but he is usually pushing his head against my ribs. Comfy. But it makes me laugh.

7. I wake myself up by snoaring.

8. I breathe harder and drool all the time. I should bust out the bibs for myself.

9. I'm making signicantly less a month yet we've had enough to meet our bills. The Lord has blessed us.

10. I have my first appointment tomorrow. I hope its not uncomfortable but I'm guessing it is for every woman.

11. I need a hair cut.

12. Cody says I still look good even though I feel like junk.

13. My red roses match my red kitchen perfectly and I wish they were permanent.

14. I took a 2 hour nap today and had wack dreams.

15. I think to myself all the time that soon enough I'm going to be huge. I really am not prepared for that. Its a weird feeling knowing you can't really control how big you get...at least completely. I've never had a perfect waist line but it wasn't horrible either. Now I just look at myself and kinda shake my head. Its hard for me to explain.

16. I want to go to Rocky Point and dream about it almost every night.

17. I cry at the drop of a hat.

18. I cried because I missed church again. I hate it.

19. I went to the store with Cody today in my pajamas, slippers and two coats because I was freezing (always am). He told me to quit dragging my feet because it was loud so I started walking like a chicken/dinosaur. He then told me to go sit in the car but I didn't. I said "Nope you made me come, I'm going to embarass you." Mission accomplished. As I stood in line, I caught "Mrs. Prada" staring at me. I looked at her, smiled and said, "How are you?" in a very friendly voice. Boy did she feel stupid.

20. I caught a new look in Cody's eyes today as he was sitting there studying. It was like an innocent child look. It was very sweet.

21. I love the Dairy Queen commercial where the dad tells the little boy he can have a bite if he says, "Anti-disestablishmentarianism" (sp?). The little boy says it and the dad says, "I knew I should've asked him to spell it." Wife: "You can't even spell it." The little boy has the cutest laugh ever!

22. I think we'll make one good lookin kid. I can't wait to meet it...even tho I'm still nervous for labor.

23. I love people's comments on my blog.

24. I'm almost out of sweetarts...yes I know that was quick.

25. I want everyone to know I've had two little slices of that cheesecake while Cody has almost finished it. My heart is swollen with pride.

I guess thats enough. Throughout the day, I can think of a million but I go to write them and all of a sudden...blank. I love you all!

Our Valentine's Day

Cody was lucky enough to have the day off even though he had to study the whole time. I had to go to work and clean my little heart but I was home by five. I began to put the key in the door when it just flew open! Cody said I was home way too early and he wasn't ready. Then I looked at the kitchen table and there was a dozen red roses and a bag of sweettarts. My absolute favorite for Valentine's! I looked and said, "OH YAY sweettarts!!" He was shocked at my reaction but yes the flowers are gorgeous and smell so good.


Well I got myself ready for dinner and a movie oh and Goodwill. Cody had dinner on the table by then which was a full chicken and some rice, sparkling grape juice and we topped it off with my homemade cheesecake that my mom has made for my dad for 30 years so I've been carrying on the tradition. Hey its cheap and easy and tastes amazing! We went to Goodwill and bought some two kid books that are classics and then went to the movie, "Confessions of a Shopaholic". Its a pretty cute movie. We came home and I crashed (so romantic) but I loved the evening with Mr. Cody. He is such a kind and sweet man and has no problem telling me and showing me how much he loves me. He's such a giver (and I the taker). I love him so much and I love how much our relationship has grown.