Sibling's Day and my new ride

So, apparently yesterday was National Sibling's Day.  And being the wonderful sister that I am, I had no idea.  Anna texted me at like 8:00 p.m. wishing me a good one.  And I also did not blog about her birthday OR her visit with us over her Spring break.  So let's roll.

Birthday:  My baby sister turned 22!!  I love her intensely.  Mom would work nights, and when we were little we would sleep in the same bed.  When Mom was at work, we would sometimes play movies and leave the TV on to help us fall asleep.  It couldn't be something too scary in the first 30 minutes, though.  Two of our most frequent fliers were "Stuart Little" and "Fantasia".  I had a point to this story when I started it, but now I don't remember.  So there's just a little fun fact for you.  We got along great then and now we get along great.  It wasn't always that way, however.  When she was about 10 years old, I did not enjoy being around her.  She was very moody and just mean to me.  (I was like 13-14 years old so I'm sure I was insufferable, too, but that's not the point here.)  But then the most glorious thing happened.  She got put on Yaz.  After those hormones evened out, it's been pretty much smooth sailing ever since.  I joke that I need to write Yaz a thank-you letter for changing our relationship.  But in all honesty, I don't know what I'd do without my baby sister in my life.  OH!  Now I remember where I was going with the whole "Fantasia" thing.  It was to say that I have always felt a strong urge to protect Anna, and I think it's from all the nights that we kept each other company and what not.  So I may stress about her future sometimes, but it's just because I see her great potential and I want the absolute best for her in life.  I know she's gonna do amazing things.

Spring Break:  Anna came to visit for a few days.  We went downtown, shopped a little, went to the local lighthouse, had home-cooked meals.  It was a lot of fun.  Of course on the day that we went to the lighthouse, I didn't have my nice camera.  But when we went to the outlet stores, I had my camera and didn't take any pictures.  Terri would be ashamed.  She also made me watch Pitch Perfect for the first time.  It was phenomenal.  I'm very upset with myself that I haven't seen it before now.

(I'm fairly certain this night/montage of pictures is where my mild obsession with mustache-related paraphernalia originated...)

Sibling's Day:  I was thinking on my way home of what my favorite memory with Anna would be. I had like an hour drive, and I could not come up with a favorite!  There are too many goodies to choose from.  After junior year of college, I got home and started to unpack and realized that I had left the entirety of my underwear drawer in the actual drawer.  Anna offered to ride with me back to school to get my unmentionables.  On the way, we taped her camera up in the corner of the car and recorded us dancing and lip-syncing.  Anna was shocked to learn that I know the actual lyrics to "Macarena".  On our family trip to Boston, we jumped back and forth on the double beds in the hotel room, laughing and singing.  We were singing "Nobody's Perfect", by Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana.  We were 17 and 21.  These are just two examples of some of our fabulous memories of which I cannot choose a favorite.

My new ride!  It's not a car, it's a bike.  A bicycle.  And I love it!  Hunter has been riding his bike around and I wanted to partake.  We took a Saturday and went shopping around and found the perfect bike!

We went riding on Sunday and I'll post the pictures later!

I'm going to pay for this later, but I keep thinking about it and giggling.  On the drive to our bike ride, Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" came on the radio.  Here is a snippet of our ensuing conversation...

Hunter:  "The main guy's name is Steven Aerosmith, right?"

Me:  "You mean Steven Tyler?"

Hunter:  "That's what I said..."

Me:  "No.  It isn't..."

Take that, Diabeetus!!

So today I had an appointment that I used to absolutely dread.  I had my endocrinologist appointment.  My diabetes doctor.  Dun dun duuuuuun.  But lately, they haven't been too shabby!

For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 12, in November 1999. Right before Thanksgiving.  Worst Thanksgiving ever.  Anyway, I had been drinking a lot and peeing a lot.  We went to the movies as a family (on some random weeknight, I'm sure, which I loved), and I drank a ginormous Coke by myself before the previews even started.  Dad was like, "Okay, that's it.  We're checking her bloodsugar when we get home!"  Mom had gestational diabetes while pregnant with my little sis, so we checked my sugar when we got home and it was like 475 (holy moly!  Normal bloodsugar is 70-110, actually back then I think it was 80-120...still crazy high).  So just to be sure it was really bad and not some coke and popcorn-induced hyperglycemia, we checked it in the morning after not eating and it was still like 375.  So BAM.  Welcome to my life, Type 1 Diabetes!  I didn't take care of myself like I should have the first few years because A) I didn't want to be different and B) I didn't really understand anything like the actual process of the diet and insulin and the horrible consequences that come from not controlling this disease.

Even as an adult and with an insulin pump, I still used to have difficulty regulating my sugars and keeping my lab levels normal.  But for the last like 1-1.5 years, my lab levels have been glorious, and my blood sugars fairly well under control.  For you who understand, my hemoglobin A1c level from today was 6.1!!  I'm fairly certain that it's the best it's ever been!  I think when I was in 11th grade and got dumped and basically refused to eat for several weeks because I was convinced I got broken up with because I was not skinny enough to keep the guy (I never said I was a rational teenager...) my hemoglobin A1c was like 6.2.  That level is supposed to be less than 6.5 in diabetics, and I could barely keep it below 7.5 or 8 like 3 years ago.  So I am very pleased!  Blood tests to check the function of my kindeys and liver were great as well!  However, cholesterol is kinda getting the drop on me (as usual), but I blame genetics.  It runs in the family.  And my blood pressure has been slightly elevated, but unfortunately it's kinda par for the course with diabetics.  Overall, I am SO very blessed to be in such good health considering all of my diagnosed maladies.

My life changed tremendously in November 1999, but I think it changed me for the better.  I think about how I would probably eat if I weren't diabetic and had to be conscious of everything I put in my mouth all the time (not that I always make the best decisions), and it is astounding.  I love chicken fingers, pasta, french fries, chocolate... practically everything that's terrible for me.  But I have to eat that stuff in moderation.  And Hunter helps me out a lot in that arena, too.  He's healthy voluntarily, and he's probably more healthy than I am anyway.

In other news, here are some photos from the past months that I've sucked at posting:

Me and my man on Christmas, complete with the lovely scarf from my sis.

I just love this gift bag and wanted to share it with everyone.  Just to prove that my sister is better than your sister.

Dad and Robin came to visit, and I was slack about taking pictures, but we were in a store downtown and Dad found a hilarious book and he kept cracking up.  It was almost funnier watching him lose his mind laughing than the book itself!

Some of the girls on a shopping trip!  Very fun night!

AND MY BABY GIRL TURNED TWENTY-TWO YEARS OLD!!  I CAN'T HANDLE IT!

Here's a pic but I'll make a separate post about it.  She deserves it.

We all met in Columbia to dine together to celebrate Anna making it to 22 years, haha.

Here's the funny quote for the post.  My friend Jonetta had her wisdom teeth out, and we had been texting beforehand so when she got out of surgery and was still quite under the influence of the anesthesia, she thought it would be a good idea to call me.  I can't quote my favorite one because it has a dirty word in it (surprise, surprise), but here goes:

"Leah, my mouth used to be pretty.  It's not pretty anymore..."

Now that I typed it out, it's not that funny.  But listening to her say it while she was still pretty high and seeing it again on the video that her significant other took, it was hilarious.  I love her intensely.

Ian turns ONE!

So my favorite brown baby turned ONE YEAR OLD over a month ago.  His birthday party was the weekend before Christmas, so I didn't get a chance to post about it before then, and Christmas was busy as I'm sure it was for everyone.  But after that I have no excuse.  Just that I'm lazy.

So Happy Belated Birthday, Ian!!

A coworker of ours made the beautiful Dr. Seuss cake!  Complete with One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish!  And it tasted fantastic.  Though I rarely meet a cake I don't like.

And this is what I spend my morning of Ian's party doing.  While Ian's mom, Jonetta. was failing miserably at creating these whimsical cookies that looked a lot easier online than they actually were, I was making the centerpieces.  I would love to say I made the Cat in the Hat's hats, but I didn't.  Jonetta bought them and I just hot glued them onto sticks.

 At first, my brown baby wasn't feeling being at the party.  He had been getting tired even at the house while preparations were going on.  He had food in his mouth that he refused to swallow for some reason in this picture.  He's not usually that chipmunk-y/

After some food in his belly and a little play time, he started being his usually adorable, happy self.  It made me a little happier.  Those noise-maker things didn't make noise, which I think was a blessing with so many children running around.

And in true older-sibling fashion, big brother Austin blew out the candles on Ian's cake.  There are approximately a thousand pictures of me doing this to my little sister throughout the years.  So be expecting one come February, haha.

And here's the whole family!  They begrudgingly took this picture while they were trying to clean up, but it's not complete without the family picture!

Happy Birthday, Ian!  I can't believe you've been around for over a year already!  I remember when you were just a he-tus fetus.

Here's my new quote of the post  as promised:

"Leah!  I found a saying that matches us perfectly!  'Best friends are two bodies and one heart'... or some s*** like that..." - Jonetta.

Reppin' well.

As long as I can remember, my dad has been way into politics.  He absolutely loves it.  So this past year, he ran for South Carolina's House of Representatives, and he was elected!  On Dec 4th (yeah, I know I'm way behind), he took an oath to serve the people to his best ability, which I assure you is amazing.  Anna and I made the trek in different directions to converge in Columbia to see him make this commitment, and it was so great!

First off, Anna was late, and she was hungry.  Since I was early for a change (shocking), she asked me to stop and get her a biscuit.  I didn't know how strict the security would be about eating inside the State House, so I kinda hid the biscuit in the bottom of my pocketbook.  So after Dad stood in the median on the phone trying to direct her, waved furiously at a guy who drove the same kind of car that Anna used to drive, and she successfully arrived, she got her biscuit.  It had flattened a bit in the time that I was receiving a tour of the premises, but hey, beggars can't be choosers.

Dad trying to get Anna to Columbia in a safe and timely manner.

Flat biscuits, don't knock it til you try it.

Anna and I got to actually go down to the House floor and sit in one of the Representative seats, but I didn't take my camera because I wasn't sure how appropriate that was, or if we'd look like country-come-to-town, which is what we normally look like anyway so I should have embraced it.  We also got to meet a lot of cool people who represent the people of South Carolina.  It was such a neat experience, and seeing Dad have so much fun was really amazing, too.

Then the Representatives voted on stuff, I was apparently being hilarious that day because Anna giggled inappropriately the entire time, and then Dad took his pledge.

I had to work that night and Anna had a huge test the next day, so we didn't get to spend a whole lot of time there, but what time we did spend I'll remember forever!

So congrats to my father!  I love you, Pops, and I know you'll do a great job!


A couple posts back, I think I said I was gonna end them with a random quote and I haven't had any really fun ones until recently.  So here's a conversation I had with a friend after Black Friday.

Her:  "Leah!  I almost bought us matching scarves but I didn't because I didn't know if you'd think it was lame or not."
Me:  "You totally should have gotten them!  That's so not lame!"
Her:  "Okay good!  Because I totally bought us matching scarves but I was afraid to tell you because I thought you'd think it was lame!!"

Happy almost Christmas, everyone!

What's Happenin'

So all of my long-distance friends know that I'm bad at it.  It's not that I don't love you, it's just that I don't ever know when it is appropriate to call!  I was going to use that excuse for why I haven't posted in a really long time, but now that I read it out, it doesn't really work.

Here's my update on what's been going on in my life since...geez, October!  I'm way behind.

First, my wonderful friend Jennifer got engaged to Chris!!  I am so happy for you and I can't wait to see how everything unfolds!  I know the wedding and marriage will be a beautiful thing!

Then, it was our anniversary!  Hunter and I have been married for a whole year.  It doesn't feel like it's been that long, and every day has been a blessing.  We have grown so much as a couple and as individuals.  God knew what he was doing when he put us together, and I am so thankful!  I woke up to flowers on the day of our anniversary, and then we went on a weekend trip to Asheville, NC!  We had a lot of fun, including going on a hike.  I apologize for the lack of a picture of me looking like a decent human being, I promise I did shower and look nice during the trip.

At the end of October, I finally got to babysit my favorite brown baby, Ian!  He was not well at first because he was taking a nap when he arrived at my apartment, but after a while he warmed up and became this cute little booger.  The pictures are a little blurry, but that's because once he stopped clinging to my chest and whimpering, he was constantly in motion.

The beginning of November, I got to see my roomies from Clemson!  Julie and Kristi were in Savannah for a half marathon, which I politely declined to participate in because it would have been embarrassing for everyone else around me due to my speed and endurance (hah!  Yeah, right.)  And then Kathryn drove down from Charleston to meet us for some pastries.  It was glorious and I always enjoy seeing them.

I feel like the rest of November, I worked a ton.  Because I did.  I had an endocrinologist appointment somewhere in there, and my diabetes is still in check.  Fast forward to Thanksgiving.  I had to work Thanksgiving night but I cooked my first real holiday meal the night before and it was delicious.  Then the day after Thanksgiving we made our way to the upstate.  I got to see Anna for dinner on Friday, and my friends from high school before that!  Hunter and I got to hang out with more friends from college on Saturday afternoon, then we spent some time with Hunter's family watching our Tigers get their tails handed to them.  Sad times.  We met Dad for lunch on the way back home on Sunday!  It is always nice to see family and friends that we miss so much!

It's officially December, we're getting in the Christmas spirit and our tree is up and decorated!  

And now it's back to work once more.  Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

For all my Preggos

Hi friends!

One of my friends who does not live near me is pregnant and is scheduled to have her (medically necessary) primary C-Section tomorrow! So congratulations to the soon-to-be new parents of their little Halloween baby! Anyway, she posted on Facebook asking what kinds of things to bring to the hospital. So I messaged her and asked her if I could give her the complete low-down. She said yes, and I feel like I typed a novel. Which is also what I'm about to type for you right now. So saddle up.

I've been meaning to write this for a while, as a lot of first-time moms don't know what to bring or what to expect, etc. Before I started working my current job, I had no real idea of what to expect. So if you are pregnant or know someone who is pregnant (and honestly, you probably do), hopefully this post will help you in some way.

DISCLAIMER: These are merely suggestions. They are pretty much specific to the hospital at which I am employed. Every hospital is different, so if you have any questions, I suggest you go to a tour of the unit or call the hospital and ask specifics. None of what is said here is legally binding. Also, if the doctors or nurses taking care of you tell you to do something different, DO IT. They are your primary caregivers and should be respected. Do not be like, "Oh, this blog I read on the internet said (insert my ramblings here...)". Because if one of my patients said that to me, I would not be happy. And happy nurses are important.

ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: I may get a little graphic. I don't mean to, but it's not really graphic to me anymore. So the guys may want to turn back if it gets too gross. I just want you to be fully prepared for what's going to happen. I am a fan of mental preparation.

Let's get started.


Before coming to the hospital:
- Shower.
- Groom yourself however you see fit, if you are able. If you are unable, you can ask the man who impregnated you to do it. Or your sister. Or whomever.
- Brush your teeth.
- Get prepared for an IV, especially if you want an epidural or the labor-inducing medication.
- Bring your toco belts (the pink/blue belts that they use to hold the baby heart-monitor and contraction-monitor to your belly). This may just be a "my-hospital" thing, but our ladies are given a set of belts when they come in for the first time, and if they're sent home, they go with them and need to be brought back on subsequent visits.
- Eat something, unless you're coming for a C-Section. You'll need to not eat before a C-Section because the drugs/anesthesia can react to anything in your stomach. If you're in labor or coming to see if you're in labor, eat something, because once you're admitted and in labor, you normally shouldn't eat anything in the off chance that you'll need a C-Section. You'll get ice chips. And that's pretty much it.
- Alright, here's a graphic part. I keep typing and erasing what I'm trying to say and there's no delicate way to put it. When women are pushing, sometimes more than just a baby comes out. I'm talking about a bowel movement, people. So take that as you will. If you want to try to have a bowel movement before coming in to try to avoid that, you may. Just wanted to warn you.


What to bring to the hospital:

- Insurance card(s), identification card (driver's license) for you and your significant other.

- A list of your current medications and vitamins (please include the dosage)

- A good supportive bra. For real, this is a necessity. It can be a nursing bra or not, just something that supports your breasts well. You need this whether or not you're breastfeeding and we will not supply one for you. You can bring nursing pads if you want them, but breast milk doesn't normally come in for a few days.
- A boppy if you have it/want to bring it. It's not necessary. Pillows work just the same, especially while laying in the bed.
- Extension cord for the ill-placed outlets, cell phone charger.
- If you want to bring the baby clothes, I suggest sleepers, hats, and socks. The baby will need a going-home outfit and a blanket for the ride home.
- Favorite snacks. Our hospital doesn't have a lot in the way of snackage.
- Plenty of change/dollar bills for the vending machiines.
- If your overnight guest drinks caffeinated beverages like soft drinks, they might want to bring some.
- Your own pillows/blankets/towels etc. if desired.
- Necessary toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, face wash, deoderant, etc. Also, take some good, soothing lotion.

- Glasses.  If you wear contacts, bring your glasses as well, and contacts-related items.
- Unnecessary toiletries you may want include: chapstick, hair ties, headbands, bobby pins, hair dryer, straightener, etc.
- A mini hand-sanitizer for the bedside.
- Door decorations if desired.
- Some of those little Colgate Wisps for when you want a fresh mouth (especially after a C-Section) but aren't able to get up yet. These should not be a cop out for getting up to the sink for actual teeth-brushing when you're able, though.
- PJs and a robe if desired, but don't take any clothes that you aren't prepared to get blood, baby vomit, or baby poop/urine on.
- Any kind of medicine that your overnight guest might want/need. Cold medicine, allergy medicine, Advil, etc.
- Be sure to bring Tums, like a little travel pack. Trust me on this.
- Appropriate clothing for your overnight. You might enjoy seeing your significant other in his boxers, but I do not. Also, you will most likely be either burning up or freezing cold after you have the baby (those crazy hormones), so make sure your visitor brings a sweatshirt and pants, as well as t-shirt and shorts.
- The carseat. It will be needed in order for the baby to be discharged from the hospital.
- Footwear. Flip flops, non-skid socks, slippers, etc.

- Your camera!!

- A laptop if you want to skype with family members, but the hospital is not responsible if anything bad happens to it.

What to expect for you:
- Cramping: Your uterus is going to be cramping to get back down to its original size. Motrin works really well on cramps. The cramping usually gets worse with each pregnancy you have. Having a full bladder makes cramps worse, so peeing frequently is important.

- Bleeding: You're basically going to have 9 months worth of periods in a few days (the majority of it in the first day), even if you have a C-Section. If you think your bleeding is super heavy, ask the nurse. If you have a C-Section, the nurses/aides will change your pads before you're able to get up and while you still have the catheter in your bladder. The hospital should provide pads and disposable mesh undies, but your own pads and cotton granny panties aren't a bad idea if you want to take them, especially if you're wanting to cut down on the cost of your stay.

- Activity: If you have an epidural, then once it's out and your legs have recovered you will be expected to walk around and do the majority of your own care. You can shower as soon as the nurses/doctors say it is appropriate. If you have a C-Section, it's normally a good idea to get up out of bed as soon as the doctor/nurses say it is okay. The sooner you get up, the easier it is. It might not feel like it at the time, but your recovery will go quicker. Walking is SO important. And not just walking around the room, like walking in the halls. A lot of times after c-sections and epidurals, the bowels are a little sluggish due to anesthesia and walking helps mobilize gas. That, plus the lack of movement that your body is used to, can lead to gas build-up which pushes on your diaphragm and can cause some pretty serious shoulder pain. Oh, and you won't be able to drink from a straw after a C-Section since that leads to gas build-up, too.

- Pain: I already touched on the cramping situation, but you may also have pain in your back at the epidural insertion site, even a few days after the epidural is out. You may also have soreness in your thighs and hips from pushing. Your hoo-hoo may also become swollen and painful. Ice packs help with the swelling and pain immensely, so follow the nurses instructions for that. You may be prescribed stronger painkillers. If you take them too much, it can make you constipated. You will most likely be receiving a stool softener, but that doesn't make you not constipated. Take the stronger pain meds if you need them, though, especially if it helps you keep moving. Just try not to take them willy-nilly.

-Hydration: Be prepared to drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps your body recover more quickly and if you're breastfeeding, it helps your milk supply come in good and strong.


Breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding is such a good way to bond with your new little one, it is the best thing for your baby, and it's free! Plus, your body burns several hundred extra calories a day just from making breastmilk, imagine those pounds dropping! But formula feeding is just as acceptable. Personally, as long as your baby is being fed, it's fine with me. Breastfeeding is most likely going to be incredibly frustrating at first, and you may want to throw in the towel, but I encourage you to keep at it. Please make every attempt to take a breastfeeding class, you can ask your OB or the hospital what classes are available. If for some reason you are unable to do so, search some breastfeeding videos on youtube just to have an idea.

- Nipple shields: Some women have flat or inverted nipples. That's just the reality of it. And some women with those nipples want to breastfeed. Nipple shields are not necessary for these women, but may be helpful especially in establishing breastfeeding. Even if you have everted nipples, the IV fluid that you'll get during your hospital stay can make you swollen, breasts included. This might sound strange, but if you cup your breast like a C and squeeze your breast and notice that your nipple either becomes flat or inverted, you may benefit from a nipple shield. Try to breastfeed without it at first, but nipple shields are great to have on hand if you decide you want them and the issue has been discussed with the nurse or lactation specialist.

- Cluster feeding: Warning: at around 24-36 hours of age, most breastfed babies do what's called cluster feeding. They will want to eat every 30 minutes to an hour for several hours. It is exhausting! But the best thing to do is just to keep feeding him if your nipples can handle it. If not, you can try to pacify him another way like swaddling, holding, rocking, putting him skin-to-skin, etc. It usually lasts about 6-8 hours and then he'll get back to a more normal pattern.

- Assistance/determination: If you need help breastfeeding, don't hesitate to ask for it. A lot of people think it's just a magical connection and you put the breast within 100 yards of the infant's mouth and the child just goes to town. Sadly, this is very rarely the case. So if the magic does not happen at first, please know that this is normal and you are not a failure. Just keep trying. It does get easier.

- If you plan on pumping your breasts and have a breast pump, please bring it. We have a breast pump or two at our hospital, but they are used only in the case where the infant is medically unable to breastfeed. If you don't like the feeling of the baby on the breast but still want your baby to get breast milk, that does not count as the infant medically unable to breastfeed.

Nursery:
Our hospital practices couplet care (as do most of them, I think), where the parents are responsible for the care of the baby. It's important that you learn how to soothe the baby and sleep in the same room with him/her because you'll have to do it when you get home. Ask your hospital the policy for the baby going to the nursery. But you shouldn't expect the baby to stay in the nursery all night unless medically necessary, especially if you're breastfeeding.


Miscellaneous info:
- Call light etiquette: If you need someone to bring you something or a general question, ask for it over the call system. Also, try to ask for everything in one go if you can help it. We will bring patients one thing they asked for and then they'll say, "Oh, and can I have some more pads?" So we bring them the pads and they say, "Oh, I need some pain medicine." So we bring the pain medicine and they say, "Can I have some more juice, too?" It gets tiring. Plus it's wasted time and energy for us. We know sometimes you honestly just think of something else as we're walking in the door, but please do try. If you have intimate questions or a more personal request, by all means call us to the room and ask. Asking for more pads, or panties, or an ice pack for your hoo-hoo does not count as a personal request to the staff, by the way.

- Be pleasant, polite, and use common sense. I know that sounds elementary, but you'd be surprised at how many people just expect us to do everything for them. It is our job to help you recover, keep you comfortable, and make sure you can appropriately care for your baby. "Please"s and "thank you"s go such a long way. We understand that you're exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed, but we are much more willing to do everything we possibly can for you when you're pleasant and polite.

- Last name:  In most hospitals, the infant's last name will be the mother's last name throughout the length of their stay.  That is so the infant and mother are easily identified as belonging to each other.  The baby's last name may be changed to the father's last name on the birth certificate paperwork.  There will most likely be a card on the baby's bed saying "Last name, Baby Girl/Boy".  Please do not scratch this out or change anything on it.  Your infant will not have an identity crisis, I promise.


Whew! I think I'm finished. I know that was long and tiring for you, but aren't you more knowledgeable and prepared now? I hope so, because that's my intention.

Happy baby-having!

Lovebugs

Last year when I moved here, around August, these random little bugs showed up that I had never seen before.  They have black bodies and these little red heads.  They don't bite but that doesn't make them any less annoying.  They are practically everywhere.  And they pretty much do nothing but mate.  Like all the time.  They look almost two-headed because once they hook up with another bug, they don't let go for the 48-72 hours they're alive.  If you live on the gulf coast, Florida, the lowcountry, etc., then you know these terrible little bothers to society are called lovebugs.

When you first hear the term lovebugs, you probably think, "Awww" or "They can't be that bad..."  Let me tell you, they are bad.  I cannot express how much I despise these insects.  They swarm, try to join you in your vehicle, hit you in the face, and flock to warm places, especially recently turned off cars.  I really don't see a purpose for these little buggers, but I know everything has a reason.  They show up in the spring and in the fall for a few weeks.  Disclaimer, most of my knowledge about lovebugs comes from Wikipedia or personal experience, so take it as you will.  They're actually gone now, but I didn't write a blog about it  until now because my computer was on the other side of the room.  I'm lazy.

And I know all of you have been DYING to know what's happening with my plants.  Well, I'm a terrible plant mother and they're mostly dead.  This morning, God decided that I was doing a bad job watering them and decided to water them Himself.  Which is a task, seeing as how the rain had to be practically horizontal to give my plants a drink.

Here's a quote from a lesson one of my friends gave her school-age son about not opening the door that makes me laugh:

"I don't care who is at the door, you do not open it.  Even if it's Santa Clause holding a unicorn, you do not open the door."