I am going to warn people, I am going to get political in this post, so you probably shouldn't read it, if you don't want to hear my opinion. It is how I feel.
I have quite some time to contemplate how Clark and I are going to raise our kids... The article below is what I am referring too. Clark and I don't want to coddle our kids... We want them to understand rejection and emotional hardships and protect them at the same time.
http://themetzfamilyadventures.blogspot.com/2013/10/why-my-kids-are-not-center-of-my-world.html
I look at our society today and when I played soccer, you didn't get a trophy just for participating and getting last place, you got one for working your butt off and getting first place in a tournament. A lot of kids these days, whether in sports or in school, are quite protected from rejection. Children are fragile, but need to learn that when they fall, they get back up and continue on with their days.
This whole thought process was brought on by the Isla Vista Massacre that just happened in Santa Barbara on Friday night. Clark and I have guns in our household which are completely SAFE from society. We have an amazing safe that is so hard to open, I am hopeless in regards to opening it! It is one of the top of the line custom safes that they make. We are EXTREMELY responsible with the weapons we have in our household. A lot of people believe that guns kill people. People kill people and happen to do so not only with guns, but knives, beatings, cars, etc. You don't see the world STOP when a drunk driver kills an innocent bystander... When guns are involved, all hell will break loose. Yes, guns are probably more publicly known, but what is the difference between a drunk driver to a person shooting someone? There is no difference... a person is killing another person. A lot of people will beg to differ and a lot of responsible gun owners, or any weapons in that matter, will agree with what I am saying.
However, there is such fear instilled in parents and people these days that violence or bullying is a huge no no. I remember until I hit middle school, I was picked on quite frequently by boys and had to learn how to stand up for myself. In 5th grade, I got pushed down the stairs and in return I walked back up the stairs and choked the boy who did it... I am sorry mom! However, I learned to stand up for myself and not run and cry to a teacher. Nowadays, teachers have a fine line of discipline in regards to parents NOT wanting other people disciplining their children. I understand that some people have certain view points and the parents might now appreciate their "input" but a child being picked on should learn to stick up for themselves... it is healthy.
Now, I am sure many people think "you aren't a mom yet, how can you have so many opinions?" I look at society and this is what I see. I see that when I was growing up we were more free to be us and let our imaginations run wild... However, now I see very sheltered kids from reality. When I was growing up, I got spanked, got soap in my mouth, got the belt... Clark got the paddle, he got spanked, the belt, soap, etc.... Now that is all considered child abuse. There are MANY people who I respect out there, who decide not to spank their children or lay a hand on them... and I respect their decision 100%, but with myself growing up and Clark, we might have to spank our kids every now and then to instill discipline. You can't have your child cry or throw a pouty fit because they lied or starting punching/biting kids and they don't like sitting in a corner for so long for discipline. I have seen many kids who constantly get away with things because their parents do not believe in disciplining their children. Yet again, this is mine and my husbands personal opinion.
I am an independent person to begin with... I don't like people telling me what to do, or doing things that were planned one way and had to change my plans to accommodate the other way. I am who I am and I accept myself 100%. I have a hard time finding friends that I can trust 100%. I say that because the friends I have, I know will not turn around and back stab me or take me for granted. I have had quite a few friends who have decided their new "man" or their siblings do not think it is wise to be my friend, so they drop me. But, you don't see me making a huge pity party, woe is me. The world will not stop for my broken heart or hurt feelings.
When I turned 18, my parents said if I cant live by their rules to get out... Boy was that an eye opener. As an only child, I was very blessed in regards to my parents gave me practically everything I wanted or asked for. I went on more trips than I could have ever imagined... Went to France for 3 months at a time in the summer and that was by myself. My grandmother spoiled me rotten as well. I look back and think to myself, God, I was such a brat and so ungrateful to my parents and my grandma. Being on my own, with Clark of course, I understood the value of the dollar... How hard you have to work to earn your keep and what you have to do to live your own life... I had entered my reality. People don't coddle you and they don't have your back when you fall. You have yourself to rely on. Don't get me wrong, I had a huge pity party and expected things to be done for me.
My parents raised me well, however, I took so much for granted that I expected things to get done for me. So yes, people I can be considered a hypocrite... but I want my children to learn from my mistakes and understand and learn to have somewhat of a backbone. I understand first hand that being sheltered (I didn't see an R rated movie until I was 17) can literally affect how one is raised.
I am done with my rant, because I am starting to loose my train of thought :)
However, pregnancy seems to be going well. I am not getting much sleep (about 6-7 hours per night), which seems like a lot... but to me... really isn't! Here are my updates... On the 19th week... I will go ahead and post my pregnancy shirt pictures :) So everyone can see my bump!
How far along? 18 Weeks! Close to half way there!
Total weight gain/loss: 9 lbs.
Stretch marks? YES.... However my esthetician said the oils are being stripped from my body and to replenish them with more oils and less body scrub on my belly.
Sleep: 6-7 hours just isnt enough... However, I am so tired that I sleep through the night.
Best moment this week: Having Clark build the crib and the dresser and changing table!
Miss Anything? I miss knowing what day of the week it is lol!
Movement: I had a lot of flutters last week.. this week I get a lot of pressure but not so much movement.
Food cravings: Chocolate... Everyone who knows me, knows I HATE chocolate... now it tastes really good!
Have you started to show yet: Yes... on top of the fat I already had, the belly is definitely blooming!
Gender prediction: I don't want to jinx it so I am going to say uncertain :)
Belly Button in or out? In
Happy or Moody most of the time: In between!
Looking forward to: Our gender reveal ultrasound on Thursday!!!
