So, I imagine some of you have dropped your jaws, a few have rolled their eyes, and another handful batted an eye and moved on.
I won't promise that I am returning, but I won't promise to be completely absent either.  As you can imagine, life has taken a new direction with the birth of my son, Joel Keith Singell.  As hard as it is to believe, he is now four months old, and a complete bundle of joy!

Leaving you all in June was influenced by many things.  My husband was hired as a mail delivery guy in a town we had always wanted to live.  He came home one day and told me we'd be moving there, and I suddenly felt quite anxious. See, with me being the bread-winner of the family, we can't exactly pick up and move just because he got a job.  However, we did love the town and for the first time in years... the high school there was hiring math teachers!  Everything seemed to be lining up. I drove down for the interview and was hired a few weeks later.  However, what with a baby on the way and the costs of moving expenses... plus wanting to visit my grandparents before they die.... money was much desired.

My husband left for our new home in May/June, and I grabbed a second job at Chick-fil-A.  With my husband away, I had no mode of transportation aside from my feet, so I found myself limited on time and energy. See, my office job (although a 15 minute drive away) was a two HOUR walk.  Between the months of May and July, I was getting up early to get to work, then walking home.... and on some days, walking then to my Chick-fil-A job which was another 45 minutes away.  In other words, for three months, I was often walking for 6 hours of my day (while 5-7 months pregnant) and if I remember right.... it was 14 miles round trip if I worked both jobs.

Needless to say... I didn't have a lot of time or energy.  I often closed at CFA and got home absolutely exhausted. The good news is that I DID earn enough money to pay for tickets to visit my grandparents for both this previous and upcoming summer. The bad news is that my traveling money for this summer has been spent.  

But anyhow... I visited my grandparents in Texas for a week with my mother, came back to Birmingham.... and began to pack.  That's right... with my husband away, there was only myself left to do most of the work.  He came home a few Saturdays, but the time was usually spent taking care of other business.  Little by little, I got the whole apartment packed and we got the move done.

Moving into our new apartment was sooooo exciting!  I ended up unpacking the ENTIRE UHaul by myself in two hours while my husband spent some time with his parents, and slowly began to set up our new house.  I -finally- began to gain weight.... but I had very minimal discomfort during my pregnancy. I was strong, healthy, and never in pain.

My in-laws live right down the street, the new apartment is lovelier than our old one, and the school... My gosh I could go on about the school!!!!

The first 7 years of employment in Birmingham was -absolute- torture! I had horrible bosses (I'm sure some of you remember a few stories and... uh.. rants.. haha), no support from anyone, very lazy kids, crazy parents, and unpleasant experiences amidst very dirty politics.  In short, I went from "I've wanted to teach since I was 2 feet tall!".... to "ohmygosh what in the world was I thinking! I hate this!".  I never, ever thought I'd enjoy teaching again..

But... my new school, Enterprise High School, has helped me fall in love with teaching all over again. I remember being blown away after my first week in the new job.  "Wait, is this real? Is this how it's -supposed- to be done?!"  I've regained my passion and love... and I can now see that wonderful vision I had of teaching.  Every day I am SO thankful to be in my new job.  The staff... is GREAT.  The administration... is GREAT. The parents... are GREAT.  The students.... well... they're as great as they can be.  ()

I cannot express how wonderful it is to work here.  I even got wrote up last week (completely deserved it).... and can't complain.  Birmingham never would have expected so much of their teachers. More importantly, I've never... ever had an administrator approach me after a stressful incident and sit down with me to make sure I was alright.  -Everyone- in this school is so organized, supportive, and amazing.  If I ever lose my job here, I will cry many tears. (In Birmingham I probably would have leapt for joy..)

But enough about work... I'm sure most of you could care less about that and want to hear more about my baby.

GASP

Yes, the baby!!!!

My baby boy gave me no problems, and he certainly didn't want to leave the womb.  Week after week crawled by as we were all held captive in anticipation.  I wanted him to be a September baby, but after 41 weeks, the doctor said I should be induced. I HATED that idea. I did not want to pick my baby's birthday, and I wanted everything to be natural.  The doctor scraped my membranes (whatever the heck that means! Don't want to know!).... and told me to come in the next day.

Well, even as I was going to the hospital, God blessed and I went into labor on my own.  I didn't know what to expect of a contraction, so I had no idea I was having them.  As we were registering to the hospital though, the lady at the front desk gave me an odd look (it was like 4am in the morning) and asked "Are you having contractions?!"  I had no idea, but found out later that yes... yes I was having contractions. haha!

They got worse and worse, and I, being stubborn, said I wanted no epidural.  After 6 or 7 hours, I was screaming and nearly passing out between each wave of pain.  I asked the nurses if it would get worse, and they seemed amused.  "Honey, you're only about halfway up the scale right now, and you're probably only half way through labor."  I wanted SO badly to do it naturally, but I wanted to EXPERIENCE the birth of my baby.... not be passed out and unable to recognize my own hand.

So finally, I caved and asked for an epidural. The relief was... haha... I have to say amazing. I did NOT regret it. As you can see, here is my happy the-pain-is-gone! face.



I got to be fully conscious during the birth of my beautiful son, and I didn't feel a thing.  Being able to 'be there' was incredible and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.  Watching this wonderful gift of God.... this bundle of comfort and miracles.... I cried like any mother.

And my dear, dear vizzed users, he IS the most amazing thing I've ever beheld, held, and will hold.  He is beautiful, sweet, and oh so happy! He smiles and giggles, and looks at you with eyes that say "I belong here."  No matter how bad my day is, waking up and going home are the highlights of my day.  Everything bad gets erased, and I am constantly filled with elation.

And because he is so gosh darned cute... here are some pictures.  They say two ugly people make a pretty baby... and as my younger sister said: "Oh my freaking gosh, you have a Gerber baby!"


(Just born)


(3 days old)


(Bored with burping )


(omgersh he has a belly button! 12 days old)


("I've got this Mom." a.k.a Boss face. Babies this young can't hold their bottles, but he accidentally managed it.)


(How can you get enough of this guy?!?!)


(No, seriously... how can you?)


(I'm only throwing a little me in there so you can see his size. He's so big for his age that last time we went to the pediatrician, the nurse came to measure him again because she thought she had measured wrong. haha!)


(I don't know if there's much better a feeling than when a baby falls asleep in your arms.)


(okay, okay... I told myself only a few. I'm cutting myself off. Sorry. XD)

The baby is now four months old of course. He can sit up if you hold his hips.  He can hold his upper body and head off the floor if you lay him on his stomach, and lately, he really, really likes sucking on his fist and holding his feet.  Sometimes he does both at the same time (one hand in mouth, one hand on foot).  He also, for some odd reason, breaks into the biggest smile if I sing the ABC's to him.

And finally...  I have even greater news.  Are you ready?



Take that, doctors.  ^.^  (All those doctors that told me I couldn't have children have nothing on God!)

Love you all as always... please drop a line!

<3 God bless,
Kelli

P.S. Hey, I actually managed to keep this somewhat short! *pat on the back*

Wow, congratulations Singelli! Your sister was right; that baby is positively adorable and ready for a photoshoot. My cousins was... Not so much ^p^ It's wonderful that you were able to receive a position at a high school in the town you had always wanted to live in that, to top it off, reignited your passion for teaching. I'm just sorry to hear the process of getting to that town had to be so stressful for you and your husband; no pregnant women should have to do all that in my opinion. I hope that your job continues to bring you such joy and that your child (soon to be children ) turn out to be wonderful people.

Hi, I was wondering if we'd see you around here again. I'm glad that you're back (for now anyways), and I'm glad that your son is doing great as well. Anyways, it's great to see you again.

It's hard for me to think of something to say, but I feel this thread does very much deserve it.

Singeli! This is awesome! You've done well in making moves to achieve your dreams and become a wonderful mother to your own children. I'll say this loud, and very proudly. Whoever gets you as a mom, I would be very envious of. I have no doubt you will nurture and take care of your children as you were there for several people in their time of need here on Vizzed.

I hope if staying away from Vizzed is best for you, that you will keep on this route. Nothing should come between you and your family and I mean that the most. Of course, I say this only as a word of caution and advice. You don't need me telling you what to do. XP

The entirety of this thread is excellence. I can hardly contain my joy at the sight of such. It's amazing what you, and God have done together in an effort to live a life acceptable unto Yahova. I pray for your well being, and that you will continue upon this path. Making decisions wisely and enjoying all that life has to give for you.

That good?

SING! WELCOME BACK!

It's awesome to see you around here again! You've always been a fantastic benefit to the site, we've sorely missed you while you've been gone!

I realize you're not completely back, but it's still exciting to see you again.

Man alive, you're one dedicated woman! Working in Missouri and North Dakota for various political campaigns, I definitely know the feeling of walking a TON, but I couldn't imagine doing it while carrying a second person around with me (though my belly might have counted at the time :v lol).

I'm so excited to hear that you're loving working at the new High School! It's such a blessing to love your work, so I'm so so so happy to hear that you're soaking it up!

OH MY GOSH. JOEL IS SO CUTE. If I were you, I'd spend my days walking around town with him saying I made dis

P.S.: There's no such thing as too many pictures of your new tiny human.

AHEM! THERE'S ANOTHER NEW SINGELLI ON THE WAY?!?!?! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You've got a new, awesome teaching job, an awesome new member of the family, and now ANOTHER one on the way? God really has been pouring out the blessings recently!

(sorry for spoiling the surprise, btw)

Wow, i missed something. I had no time to read the entire message, and all i know is that you're back... Welcome back! ...that you have a child, which i already knew. Remember CookieHeroes7 and Makalya in the chat last time? Sometimes i wonder why they don't visit the chat that much, you can know much from it. Oh yeah, and i was doing stupid, remember?

Oh holy jelly. I forgot: I heard from the users above me that you are getting another child, if i saw it correctly. Am i right?

If yes, then i'll say: Congratulations, i hope you are having a very close family! I'm actually skipping lessons on school to type this, to let you know i would do that just for people like you. (In a positive way.)

If not, sorry then.

I think i should go now. My time is running out. Anyway, i'll see you in the chat if i can and you're able to do so. Again, i hope you, your husband/boyfriend and Joel are being a close family. 

*sniff* this always makes me cry. I don't know why.
P.S: I don't care if this message is too long... As long as i can say this to you.

EDIT: If you type the P and the S after each other, you get a link to a newbie. I edited that now.

Welcome back, Kelli!

It was quite depressing you left without saying a word in January, but then you popped out some months later and told us the reasons. I remember how funny the poll was to bet on the gender of your baby... Good ol' times.

It's incredible he's already four months old! Time flies so fast. And the pictures are... simply amazing. Bored with burping is my favourite by far, with the boss face while handling his bottle coming second.

It's so nice to have news from you. You were so excited for this new life of yours, and I'm glad it's turning out for the best in almost every aspect. I wish the best for all you three and the upcoming fourth.

Can we have a new poll for your second child like right now? You know that this time it HAS to be a mini-Singelli

Welcome back to Vizzed! 

That is amazing that you were able to defy your doctors and have a baby, and a very cute one at that. I hope you and your family have a peaceful life together.

I have only known you for 2 or 3 days, but can already see why everyone missed you. I hope you do come back to Vizzed, but hope that you have a good and successful life if you don't come back. 

So happy for you!

And "welcome back" for as much time as you'll be around.

And congrats on the upcoming #2 I'm assuming. You'll be forever grateful that you had more than 1 kid because they will entertain and take care of each other (somewhat at least ).

Also, he is adorable! So happy for you!

That's quite the life changing series of events! I'm glad you got a teaching job that you love. I hope you and your family keep doing this well. I know you'll be a great mother. And baby Joel is adorable! I hope he always stays that photogenic. AND YOU'RE PREGNANT AGAIN? CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you!

Oh My Gawd. You actually entered. THE PICTURES ARE SO CUTE. Welcome back!

Glad to see that you are back around and you are doing well! Looks like your family is growing pretty quickly!

I'm going to respond to people later, but I have a very busy week! I thought for now, I'd share my first glances at our new one!  I just got back from my ultrasound, and the due date is set for September 15th!

Siiiing, hiiii. Oh my gosh he's so ADORABLE. Happy to see you again and hope we can talk again xD hope all is doing well ^.^

It's funny to see you come back after I was just inactive for a month XD Welcome back, I definitely wasn't expecting this nice surprise! Congrats on delivering your first baby and already becoming pregnant for your next one!

I'll continue to pray for you and your baby, have fun raising him! I hope that when both your kids are around each other that they'll get along

Congratulations!, I hope that Joel and eventually the new arrival don't cause you too much stress (although babies are known to di this )

Besides that i don't have much to say, I won't pretend to be overly enthusiastic about your return, not through spite but simply because we don't talk to each other that is all.. 

Take care

Congrats on your baby boy Kelli, and I'm glad he is healthy and well! The pictures are awesome! He's a cute one to say the least. I'm sure the next one will be all of the same!

I am glad 2016 is shaping up to be a good year for you. I am glad you fell in love with teaching again,we can use some teachers that actually give a sh-t about their jobs. I know,kids can be lazy and/or stupid and their parents more so. Here is hoping your school was not infected with common core. Your baby is a little cutie and looks like he will be a big boy when everything is said and done. Maybe we will have another Vizzed user or two in the future.

You said you wanted more love.

I love you.

Babies are fun  

omgerfnigerg SIINGGGG I wish you tons of luck!! and CONGRATS he's adorbs I am SO HAPPY you were able to have this happen those doctors were wrong they don't know what God can do. I really don't know what to say except screaming congratulations it's great that you and him are healthy and doing great. And your having another one I'm late saying good luck with your first baby sowwy ;~: But I'm sure the next baby will be just as great and turn out amazing just like you! I hope to see you around again~