Surviving Motherhood

My boss let me borrow a book before EJ was born and told me that it was an easy read and that it helped her a lot when she had her 1st baby. It's called "The Girlfriends' Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood" by Vicki Lovine. So far, it's really good...I'm skimmed through some parts of it because I actually didn't start reading it until AFTER I had EJ. Therefore the whole preparing for birth and what to expect in the hospital stuff was a bit late. lol

Anyways, I just HAD to share some of what I read tonight because it's rather humorous (as much of the book is) and very very true! (Well, thankfully, the part of the baby sleeping in my bed, and not sleeping at night and constantly crying isn't true in my case....so far)

...But wait a minute, you're working twenty-four seven here! This blame can't just be lain on your doorstep. If it isn't you, then it must be your husband. Yeah, that's whose caught this is! Only your blind devotion prevented you from seeing it earlier. If only he would hold up his end. After all, it was he who got you in this predicament in the first place. Sure that baby books advise you to pump an extra bottle of milk so that he can feed the baby while you rest, but you haven't managed to squeeze out one extra ounce, let alone a full bottle. If Mother Nautre is so smart, then why didn't She put working nipples on dads? And why does he get to escape to work every day and leave you alone to face this eight-pound bottomless pit of needs? And what's with his always asking you, "What should we do about dinner tonight?" He's a grown man-- can't he handle it? Is it too much to ask to enter the dining room and find a cooked meal already there, just once? And if he doesn't handle it, why doesn't he earn a better living so that you could afford to hire someone who will?

Then again, the poor guy looks as haunted and tired as you do. Sure he isn't a wizard with baby wipes, but he is working awfully hard. So if it isn't his fault, there is only one possible culprit left...that's right; it's the baby's fault. Sure she's absolutely gorgeous and perfect in every way, but she really doesn't play fair. She sleeps all day, she cries all night, she is only happy if you are walking around with her in your arms and she screams when you sit down on your hemorrhoid donut to rest your aching back. She nurses until you think your breasts will fall off, and then proceeds to spit up what must be half of the meal. Then she wants to nurse again and gets mad at you if the well has run dry. She hates her crib but loves your bed. You try to let her cry for a few minutes to let her learn to comfort herself, but she refuses to learn. You try crying yourself. She's right; it doesn't make you feel much better. The babies on TV and in books sleep all night, take two naps a day and never cry unless they have a dirty diaper or are hungry. Your baby, however cries at phantoms, loves to party all night and naps unpredictably. Clearly motherhood would be a snap, if only your baby cooperated. 

HERE'S THE TRUTH: THE BIRTH OF A BABY IS SUPPOSED TO BLOW YOUR SCHEULE TO BITS, EVEN IF IT NEARLY KILLS YOU AND YOUR MATE. THIS IS NATURE'S WAY OF MAKING SURE THAT WE GET OUR NEW PRIORITIES STRAIGHT. THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS BECOME, IN THIS ORDER. 

1. THE BABY'S HEALTH

2. THE BABY'S COMFORT

3. THE BABY'S PARENTS' SURVIVAL. (THIS IS A VERY DISTANT THIRD.)

If you're a mom, you probably know exactly where she's coming from. I would have thought she was heartless and crazy for saying all of that BEFORE I became a mom. Now, only 6 weeks into this, I totally understand and feel exactly like that on some days. 

2 weeks

EJ had his 2 week checkup on 12/1/11. Thehubs had planned to go with us of course, but due to unforeseen work circumstances, he wasn't able to. Which meant I was left responsible for getting this 2 week old baby up, dressed, in the car, to the doctor in Hwy 280 rush hour traffic, and in the doctor's office by 9am!! And with a 9 lb baby, that's not so easy when my body was still healing and I wasn't supposed to even be lifting anything over 10lbs. Let's just say I broke that rule that day!

But...I'll go ahead and say WE SURVIVED!! Of course we did! And boy did I feel like supermom that day! I felt like I needed some kind of award after that day or something.

We actually made it to the doctor only about 10 minutes late, which I thought was milestone #1 considering  I pulled over twice and was going to give him a bottle I had prepared for him. Both times I pulled the car over, he immediately calmed down and went to sleep. Guess he's not a fan of 280 traffic either! lol

Everything went very smoothly in the doctor's office. He checked out to be a perfect baby boy....which I already knew!

Height- 22 1/2 inches....95th percentile
Weight- 9 lbs 13 1/2 oz....75th percentile
Head- 14 3/4....50th percentile

Everybody kept saying that it looks like we have a basketball player on our hands! Stayed tuned for the ONE MONTH update....let's just say that this boy is certain to be playing sports of some sort with his weight and height!

Bilibed

Jaundice....I hate it! EJ (which is what I'll refer to baby boy as from now on) had a slightly high level of bilirubin on the day we left the hospital on Friday. It was at 10 point something, and the doctor just told us to go into the office the next morning to have his levels checked again.
We didn't think much about it, as I was certain that his level would be good the next day.

Well....it had jumped to 13.9 by then I believe. When the doctor called us that Saturday afternoon to inform us of the jump in his level, she said that the treatment would be for home health to come out and bring what's called a bilibed. He would have to be in the bed for a few days until his levels came down.

So that evening, the nurse came out to our apartment and brought the bed. Mr. EJ had to be in the bed unless he was being fed or having his diaper changed. Ugh, this sucked because we had just gotten home with our baby, and yet we weren't able to hold him and love on him. But then again, all I could think about were all the parents who aren't even able to come home with their baby or the ones who have to go to NICU or deal with something so much worse.

Here's our little man in his bed. The material on top Velcroed onto the light, and he had to be zipped up on the little body suit. He didn't like it too much. There were many HOURS spent leaning over his crib shushing and consoling him while he cried and fussed. But we endured.

I kept quoting the verse "this too shall pass" and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" over those 2 days and 3 nights.

Sunday morning the nurse came out again, and to call that afternoon informed us that his level had only dropped to 13.2 or something like that. I was totally bummed, because it was only 5 days until Thanksgiving and I thought that at this rate, he'd be on the bed for a week or so.

Monday- the level had dropped to 10 something again, and the nurse sounded certain that the doctor would  give us the okay for him to come off of the bed. Well, that night, we got a call from the nurse saying that the doctor had not returned her pages and for us to keep him on the bed one more night and wait to hear back from the doctor in the morning.

Tuesday morning came and I just took it upon myself to keep him out of the bed and love on him some. Thehubs had to go back to work that day, and my mom was coming to spend the day with me, so I didn't want him to have to miss out on all the fun with his grandma. Another nurse came by that morning, and drew blood again and pretty much told me that his coloring looked great and that with his weight gain (which he was up to 9lbs by that point), and levels from the previous day, that he was certain to come off the bed today.
She unofficially told me that it was okay to keep him off the bed throughout the day unless he was sleeping. My thoughts were "yeah right, that baby isn't touching that awful thing again unless he absolutely has to!"

Mom and I loved on that baby all day long! We ventured out of the house, as I was going stir crazy! We went to Walmart..."we" as in mom went in and got some stuff  I needed while EJ and I sat in the car. And then we grabbed some lunch. By the time we got back home I was absolutely exhausted and ready for a nap!

We got a call during lunch that his levels were down even more, and that the doctor said he could come off the bed. Praise the Lord!! That was the best phone call ever, because Thehubs and I were so ready to get rid of that thing! I gladly boxed it up and gave it back to the nurse when she came back out later that afternoon, and vowed to let go of my bitterness towards to bed. :)

A little behind

Where in the world has the time gone?? I can't believe it has been a month since my little one was born, and I've yet to post the 1st blog about his birth or any of his sweetness!! I want to document about his birthday....the excitement and events that took place. :) I don't blame you if you want to stop reading now- I'll try to spare too many disgusting details for you.

We arrived at the hospital WAY early that morning for what we knew would be probably a long road ahead of us. I had been dilated 3 cm for over a month, and was still at 3 upon arrival. The doctor came in around 6:30 to break my water and get things speeding up a bit. And let me just tell you-that was painful!!! Almost as painful as the contractions. The Dr and nurse encouraged me the whole time, saying it wasn't supposed to be that bad, and jokingly said that I certainly didn't have to worry about my bag of waters breaking in Walmart, as it was one tough bag. (Exactly what you wanted to hear, right??)

So after that, I endured contractions for another few hours as things continued to progress. Rather quickly, I might add. Around 9 I finally got the epidural almost immediately after asking for it. Thankfully I had progressed well, and didn't have to take any pain meds before getting the epidural. I couldn't believe how easy that part was. I was pretty scared of the pain of this huge needle going in my back, and having to sit up in the bed while having contractions and everything. But....it wasn't bad at all. And let me just say that man oh man, once that thing kicked in I was good to go!

My mom, dad, and TheHubs' mom and sister came shortly after all of that excitement, and hung out the entire day. My parents had bought a video camera about a week earlier for the little one's arrival, and decided to do some videoing about everybody's predictions of the time of birth, weight, length and all those details. In the meantime, I laid in bed shivering and shaking violently most of the day from the waist up....gotta love the side effects of drugs. Nurses said it was normal- and I just kept telling myself that there is no way I could ever be a drug addict.

3:00 came quickly, and by this time I was of course STARVING!!! The nurse examined me once again, and I had finally made it to TEN CENTIMETERS!!! WHOO HOO!!

So the family was then kicked out of my room, and the pushing began shortly thereafter.

...And continued for the next hour and a half. This was a tad more intense than I thought it would be. About 30-40 minutes into pushing I heard this beeping sound coming from the epidural drip. When asked what it was, the nurse vey calmly said "Oh, that's just an alarm saying you'r epidural is out."

Um, WHAT?!?!  "And how long does it take to wear off?" I asked her. She assured me that it would take several minutes. And I trusted her. "Several minutes" went by and I think she realized that baby boy wasn't coming out any time soon, so she called for someone to bring another dosage. Thank Jesus for that!!

Thehubs was extremely supportive of me not only during the pushing process, but the entire day. Giving me ice chips whenever I asked, holding my hand and watching me cry when I was in pain. And of course having that look of "Oh, I wish there was something more I could do to help" during the whole pushing time. But he did....he supported my back and helped me each and every contraction. And it was awesome.

Our little bundle of joy arrived at 4:36pm weighing a whopping 8 lbs and 12 oz!!! Out of the total of 20 lbs that I gained, he was a big chunk of it...no wonder people kept telling me I was "all baby."
He was 22" long....looks like we have a basketball player on our hands.

Immediately after delivery, Thehubs cut the cord, and they took him over to be cleaned up. I made Thehubs go take pictures of it all and bring the camera back and forth showing me everything that was going on. This was all while I was being stitched up and once again vigorously shaking from the waist up.

Oh, did I fail to mention the vomiting and dry-heaving that occurred 3 times while pushing?? At one point the nurse told me "Well, at least you technically pushed for 3 solid minutes." after one of my little episodes of nausea.
Yeah...and it began again after deliver. While trying to breast feed him for the 1st time to be specific. So they had to take the little man away from me again while Thehubs gave me my Chick-fil-a supper that my amazing cousin brought!
*Note to self* Make sure Danielle has food after delivery whenever she has a baby....her bringing Chick-fil-a seriously saved my life. lol

So after I ate, I then calmed down a bit and was able to hold and feed my baby boy. (And keep my food down.)  Let me just say here that breast feeding is one of the most amazing things on the planet. If the whole pregnancy and birth thing doesn't blow your mind in how cool it is how everything just happens on it's own, then breastfeeding is sure to amazing you. The little guy just knew exactly what to do and he latched right on (with plenty of help from the nurses on my end of things)...it was just beautiful.

While the nurses were still cleaning things up (and after I was all stitched up), in walks my mother. She just couldn't contain herself any longer in the waiting room. She came right over to me with huge tears in her eyes and gave me a hug. Then of course went to see her precious grandson. Shortly after that, the rest of the family entered to see the nurse give him his 1st bath and everything. I was absolutely exhausted by this point, but the epidural was still working, so no pain...YET.

I'll end there for now. I'll try and post again very soon about his progress since then and coming home. Now for some precious pictures of the little fellow. Enjoy!

 Thehubs & I waiting patiently on his arrival.

 Precious baby boy!

 Proud daddy!

 Aunt Shari

 Day 2

First family photo. :) 

My daddy loving on his 1st grandchild....this man is head over heals for my baby boy!  

Isn't he just  cutie?? 

Going home!!!

Scared

I wrote this obviously BEFORE little bit was born, but never posted it....just a view of my emotional state at that point. :)


I am hopefully just a day or two away from giving birth to my firstborn. I seriously had no clue that my emotions would be this strong. I cry at the drop of a hat, which is to be expected I suppose.

I'm just so overwhelmed at how everything is about to change. Thehubs and I will no longer just be husband and wife, but also mommy and daddy. We will have another human being depending on us 100%.

There is so much dependance on the Lord right now. So much is absolutely out of my control, which is often a struggle of mine. I have no control over when he decides to come (other than making a decision of induction), no control if he's healthy or not, no control how long the delivery lasts, no control how my recovery goes (to an extent), no control over so much....and that freaks me out (of course)!

FINALLY

So I'm pretty sure I'm like the only first-time mom that has waited until her 9th month of pregnancy to get the baby room all finished. Seriously- we really didn't even start on it until like August, which was when I had originally wanted it all done. But life happens, and this pregnancy certainly flew by a lot quicker than I ever thought it would!!

So....here are some pics of the adorable room!! I don't know what I would do if it weren't for my parents, mother-in-law, and aunt for helping out with different purchases and what-not.

Here's the view of his room from the doorway. I just love walking by and getting a glimpse of it! 

The bed! 

Complete with Houndstooth blanket, bumper pads, and polka dot dust ruffle made by my Aunt Debra! 

The dresser/ changing table. We bought this along with the night stand at a consignment shop. 

My parents refurbished it for us, making it look absolutely beautiful and match everything wonderfully!

The curtain valance- of course made by Aunt Debra. LOVE them!!

The glider/ ottoman is from Thehub's mom...and I believe his brother & sister pitched in on that too.

And then there's the night stand too. 

The burp cloth on the back of the glider says "Itty Bitty Bama Baby" =)

A closer view of the bedding. 

Notice the houndstooth/ Alabama hat.....my dad HAD to order this for his grandson, and now he says he's going to purchase one for himself too. Can't wait to see my little fellow wearing it!

Oh, and the burp cloth here says "I drool Crimson & White" =)

That's all folks! Now we're all FINALLY ready for his arrival, and I don't have to worry about his room any more!!
Only about 2 and a half weeks until the official due date. We go to the Dr. every Monday now, so that has become my favorite day of the week. I just hope I've progressed a tad bit more this week, and that he hurries up and gets here! If not, that's okay. I'm prepared for his stubbornness, and have said the whole time that he'll probably wait and come a week late! (But seriously hoping that doesn't happen!)

Frustrations

Ok, so who all is with me when I say that the Christian life is so easy to become a big ol' roller coaster- with ups and downs ups and downs?!!?

That's how I feel right now. I'm so frustrated with myself, because I KNOW the desire God has for me to spend time with Him and to grow closer to Him. I see it all around me everyday, but I often look the other way. I KNOW that the days I do spend sitting at His feet in prayer and reading Scripture, that my attitude about life is totally different. I show love to Thehubs in a much more sincere way, and the work I do is out of love, not dread.

Earlier this week I heard a country song on the radio that says "When the on you love's in love with someone else. Don't you know it's torture, I mean it's a living hell."
I thought to myself- wow, i bet that's how the Lord feels about me loving other things more than him. It breaks his heart, it makes him so sad and i know He wants me all to himself.
But what did I do about that thought- NOTHING. I just kept living my good ol' selfish life.

So this morning, I sit down determined to read my Bible. (Which I've yet to do...) And I just feel so lost as far as where to start. Do you ever get that way?
I used to never get like this....but then again, I used to never go this long without being in the Word daily. I'm sure there's a correlation there.

I'm so frustrated...I hate just opening the Bible and saying, okay, today I'll read this. I want to dig in, I want to grow closer to Him. But is this Him teaching me that I have to start over? That I'm not as spiritually mature as I once was, so therefore I need some of the basics before I can dig in deep? I'm not sure.

Thoughts, comments on this would be appreciated. Especially if you've been where I am. Or, if you know of any great resources for Bible Study that isn't crazy expensive.

Time to sit down in my Savior's lap and just let him love on me, while I start over again. Isn't it great how we can do that everyday and His love for us never ever changes?!?!?

crazy dreams

So yes, this is blog #2 for the day, but I just had to write about my dream that I had last night!!

Of course it makes no sense and it's totally random, but that's what they all are when your pregnant, right?

I was at some kind of swimming event/ Bible Study (yeah, don't know how those go together) but I was swimming my little heart out. All of  a sudden, my mom comes in the door and says "Your water broke!! We have got to go to the hospital NOW!"

I was like, "omg, what??" She went on to say that apparently my doctor had called her and said that because I was swimming, I didn't realize it, but that my water had broken.

I then realized that yeah, I wasn't feeling so great and that it had indeed broken. So we RUSH to the hospital. In the mean time, Thehubs and  my dad are at their Bible study, and I guess we didn't want to disturb them until it was over. So we leave word with somebody to let them know to come to the hospital when they're finished. (yeah, like I would be that patient)

So I'm pretty sure we get to the hospital and they hook me up to the stuff and then tell me that I'm not really in labor and that everything is fine.

Either that happened or i just stopped dreaming at that point. Who knows?!?!

On another note of dreams, TheHubs told me earlier this week that he finally had a dream about littlebit. He has been saying that he hasn't had any dreams the whole time and I keep talking about the few I've had and how exciting it is. So he was ecstatic to say the lead about his dream!
He said he was holding littlebit and was bouncing him up and down in his lap. The look on Thehubs' face when talking about it is so priceless! I just can't wait to see him be a daddy!!!!!


I'm sure more blogs will be coming soon w/pics of the room- it should be 100% finished by the end of next week!!! I'm 35 weeks and 2 days now, and go weekly to the dr so we'll see when this stubborn little boy decides to make his arrival within the next 4-6 weeks hopefully. =)

I get to be the one.

I have a new favorite song! I really wish I could find it on YouTube so I could link it to you all, but the best I have is a site that lets you download it for free. Not sure how long the free download is going to last, so take advantage of it while you can.

http://www.watchgmctv.com/music/download/jj-heller-i-get-be-one

It's called "I get to be the one" by JJ Heller.  She apparently wrote it for her baby to be born this year.  It's absolutely precious and brings a tear to my eyes almost every time I listen to it....which is quite a lot. lol

Here are the lyrics- which should make you want to download it just to hear how pretty it is!! It just makes me so excited that God has chosen TheHubs & I to be the ones entrusted with this precious life on earth. I seriously can't wait to help baby boy grow and learn so many new things everyday!

Well hello,
Little baby.
Your eyes have never seen the sun
You should know
Little baby
That I am the lucky one

I get to be the one to hold your hand
I get to be the one.
Through birthdays and broken bones
I'll be there to watch you grow
I get to be the one.

Don't feel alone now,
Little baby.
Do you hear me singing you a song
I can't wait to show you
Little baby
How to crawl
How to walk
And how to run

I get to be the one to hold your hand
I get to be the one.
Through birthdays and broken bones
I'll be there to watch you grow
I get to be the one.

How does someone so small
Hold my heart so tightly
I don't even know you
I love you completely

I get to be the one to hold your hand
I get to be the one.
Through birthdays and broken bones
I'll be there to watch you grow
I get to be the one to hold your hand
I get to be the one.
Through birthdays and broken bones
I'll be there to watch you grow
I get to be the one.

Baby shower

So Oct 2nd was the BIG shower for little bit. It was back home, so I had figured this was where he would get the most gifts....and boy was I right!!

Mom & I arrived about an hour before it began to help make sure everything was in place and to bring a few of the things for the shower as well. Just before 2, people started coming in. I was entirely overwhelmed by all the ladies that came! I think the final count was somewhere between 35 and 40.  I just wanted to record a few details of how amazing my wonderful hostess made the shower.

At the sign-in table, the had blank envelopes for everyone to self-adddress their thank-you envelope! I know this is going to be a huge help for me when I get the chance to write my thank-you cards and send them out! They also had this beautiful diaper cake there, which I LOVE!!!

The food table was of course covered with tons of yummy stuff that I didn't get to each much of, but the cake was the showpiece. Diane always does a fantastic job at being so creative with her cakes! She is a good friend of the family who always does cakes for any event we have- not to mention my wonderful wedding cakes as well!

So once everybody started arriving, the eating began and I tried to at least say hello to people as they ate or came in the door. After several minutes of this, Tina stood up to make an announcement that they were going to do something special for me while everybody finished eating. I had NO CLUE was was happening.
She explained that she along with my family members and the other hostess ladies wanted to say some prayers for me while I sat in my glider that my mother-in-law gave me.
So the tears began! I sat there while all of these amazing Godly women in my life prayed for me, Thehubs and our precious baby boy. Prayers for his safe delivery, our strength in the first weeks of his life, his salvation, his future spouse, us to be Godly parents, his grandparents and the role they will have, and so many more.

Throughout the prayer, all I could think about was Savannah. Quick background story:

I spent the summer of 2007 in Savannah, GA. While there, the ladies from the church I semi-worked with had a baby shower for a lady in the church. During the shower, they played games, ate and opened gifts as most showers have. But they did something I had never in my life seen done before. They all gathered around the mother-to-be and laid hands on her and prayed for her and the baby. I had told my mom and aunt after that time that I wanted that to be done for me when I was pregnant. That was over 4 years ago....so I had pretty much forgotten about it. But my aunt did not- her and her precious memory and sweet spirit! =) So she suggested that it be done, and it was! I will never forget that moment!!

So after the sobbing and prayers were finished, it was gift opening time!!!! I forgot to take pics of the gifts all out on the table, but here are a few of the clothes and stuff put up in his closet, and some of the gifts in his bed.

Oh and last but not least is the BEAUTIFUL door wreath that Diane made for the hospital door. I can't wait to actually use it! :) Just a few weeks to go!

Getting closer

Real conversation that took place between me & TheHubs yesterday....

Thehubs: Are you crying?

Me: (holding it in) No....

TheHubs: Well, COULD you cry?

Me: Yes, but I'm not.

TheHubs: What's wrong, babe? Everything's okay.

Me: (as I begin to let it all lose) I'm 8 months pregnant, and can cry when I want about what I want and how I want....right?

Thehubs: Of course you can.... (and gives me a hug)


**Oh, the joy of hormones in my life right now. I have never sobbed at the drop of a hat like I have been this week. It's almost humorous, because I can just be sitting there and start crying about absolutely nothing. I'm so ready to meet this baby boy, and reality continues to get stronger every day as I realize it's getting closer and closer.
The room still isn't ready, but TheHubs promises to get EVERYTHING done this weekend. So then all we'll have to do is wait on the dresser/ night stand to be painted, and to get the rest of the bedding/ curtains from my aunt. WHOO HOO!!!

Now let's see if I can get through today without any crazy tears shed...not making any promises though. :)

Countdown

And so it begins.....while these past few months will be probably the slowest of my life waiting on BabyE to get here, I feel like with so much going on they will fly by at the same time.

And so the countdown begins...

3 days-- my 1st shower (B-ham)

6 days-- Thehubs & I go see Les Miserables (Not exactly baby related, but I'm excited!)

1 week, 2 days-- Thehubs & I attend our "Preparing for Parenting" class

2 weeks 3 days-- my 2nd shower (J-town)

2 weeks 6 days-- Thehubs & I attend the Breastfeeding class

3 weeks(ish)-- MATERNITY PICS :)

4 weeks 3 days-- 3rd & final shower (church)

6 weeks 4 days-- Halloween (I'll probably be painting my stomach like a pumpkin) haha

and in 9 weeks-- BabyE's due date will be here!!!!! 

So, nothing really will be going on from mid-October until he gets here. So I know those last 3-4 weeks will just creep by. 

Hoping he's a good boy and acts like he's supposed to, and doesn't give mommy too much problems between now and then. 

In nursery news: 

* His baby bed will be arriving Monday!

* My aunt has finished the bumper pad and will soon have the dust ruffle finished!

* Dresser/ night stand is being purchased & will be painted black to match the bed. 

* I feel extremely behind on the whole room-decor stuff, but it'll be done within the next month. Just in time for his arrival!!

ABC's of ME

I got this over at Sparing Change and thought it'd be fun to do one for myself! =)

A – Age.  24

B – Bed Size.  Full....and oh do Thehubs & I talk every night about how we can't wait to get a queen!

C – Chore I dislike.  Cleaning the shower. Really, i'll do anything else but I HATE doing that...something about having to scrub and bed over and get soaking wet.

D – Dogs.  Thehubs & I just have a cat for now. A dog will certainly come whenever we get a house.

E – Essential start to my day.  Bathroom!!! Especially since I'll all preggers...

F – Favorite Colors.  Purple has always been my favorite, but of course Red is right up there thanks to me being a HUGE Bama fan!

G – Gold or silver?  Silver

H – Height.  5'2"

I – Instruments I play(ed).  Piano. I took lessons up until I graduated high school. Sadly though, I haven't played (regularly) in almost 3 years. Once again, when Thehubs & I get a house, I'll have my piano there and can begin playing again..needless to say I'm a bit rusty!

J – Job title.  FOCUS Specialist II if you want to be specific....

K – Kids.  Well, BabyE will be arriving within the next 10-12 weeks hopefully!!

L – Live.  Apartment life for the moment. I've almost forgotten what it's like to not have neighbors all around.

M - Money tip I like best. Having an "emergency fund" of $1,000....it has saved Thehubs & I on several occasions. However, it seems harder to get it to that amount that it is to spend it. lol

N – Never plan to…  go further into debt...ugh I hate debt.

O – Overnight hospital stays.  just one when I had jaw surgery in high school. Can't wait for my next overnight stay...having BabyE!!

P - Pet Peeves.  Oh where do I begin?? Leaving cabinet doors/drawers open, unpainted toenails, driving in the rain w/out your lights on. Those are my big ones....

Q - Quote from a movie.  "I'll love you 'till the end" -PS I Love you (technically, it's in the song, but oh well)

R – Righty or lefty?  Righty

S - Siblings.  one older brother. Unless you count my 2 sisters-in-law & 2 brothers-in-law...

T - Time I wake up. haha....thanks to my lovely job, most of the time it's around 8 or 9. I don't have a set time to be anywhere unless there's a meeting!

U – Underwear.  comfy cotton please...unless I'm trying to impress TheHubs. haha

V - Vegetables I don’t like.  any kind of peas or beans....

W – What makes me run late.  my hair....or Thehubs if he's coming along. He tends to take longer getting ready than I do!

X – X-rays I’ve had.  mouth, left arm, right shoulder, ankles....I think that's all.

Y – Yummy food I make.  Hmm....Thehubs is on a kick of wanting me to fix homemade muffins all the time. I'ld like to say that I make amazing chocolate chip cookies....and homemade apple pie. But maybe that's just bc those are classics that I've tried to perfect...

Z – Zoo animals I like.  Monkeys are usually the most entertaining. But I like the elephants too...

Do you have a blog?  If you do, consider yourself tagged!

Pregnancy Brain

Ok ladies (and gents, if you're reading too) one thing I've learned within the past few days is that "pregnancy brain" is legit!!

WhatToExpect.com explains it like this:

Forgetfulness: Welcome to mommy (to-be) brain — a condition that’s a result of shrinking brain-cell volume in the third trimester (don’t worry — your brain cells go back to normal a few months after delivery). Don’t stress out about your foggy memory (stress just makes it worse). Write things down (or program them into your smart phone) and delegate responsibility (if possible).

So, apparently my brain cells are shrinking (as if they had room to strink)- but I am not to worry because i'l be back to "normal" after deliver....what exactly is "normal" anyways??


Just in the past 2 days, I have burnt 2 grilled cheese and a loaf of french bread. When I say "burnt" I mean, BLACK, no need to even try and save it...


The french bread burning just occurred, and it has our apartment so smoked up, I'm extremely surprised we don't have the smoke alarm going off with the fire department on their way. Windows and doors are open, but I have a feeling it's going to be a while before returning to "normal." (there's that word again) haha


So I'll try not to let my pregnancy-brain get to me too much, and follow the advice of wte by writing things down. But must I write down "don't forget you have the oven on BROIL" or "your grilled cheese will burn if you forget about it..."?!?!?!
Maybe just setting alarms will help.....who knows?!?

Vapor

Life ends so quickly. I've been reminded of that yet again today...

As I walked in the door from work, Thehubs informed me that Debbie Vines had been found dead in her office at school from a heart attack. Ms. Vines wasn't just somebody I knew from high school as the bookkeeper, but a lifelong friend of my family.
* My mom and her side of the family have known her forever it seems...
* I baby sat her grandchildren while in high school
* I was her office aide throughout high school
* She went to my church growing up
* She was in my mom's sunday school class

I think that's all the roles she's had in my life....

Good news is that I was able to see her just about 2 weeks ago when Thehubs & I went to church w/my parents....she was as cheerful and happy as ever.

I know so many are hurting much more than I am, and that's what I hurt for. Her husband, her precious 6 year old granddaughter whom she was raising....her other grandchildren....her children and other family members. I just can't imagine.

I just pray for comfort...for God to wrap His arms of love and tenderness around them. For strength to get through each day. For God's grace and mercy to overwhelm them beyond measure...
I know he is still in control and that this did not catch Him off guard. It's all in His plan, and He will continue to be God despite us feeling like life is spinning out of control.

Please say a prayer for this family....Life is a vapor- we are here one minute and gone the next....
Ms. Vines is yet another reminder of that.

Love of Space Bags!

This weekend has probably been one of the most productive weekends I've had as far as getting things ready for Mr.Baby.

We have purchased the fabric for his bedding and curtains. Houndstooth for the bumper pad, and red w/white polka dots for the dust ruffle & curtain valance! It's going to be so stinkin' cute!!!!!! I can't wait to see the finished product of everything, and I know my aunt will do a fantastic job of making everything!

His room has been officially cleaned out completely! Mom came today and helped me get pretty much my entire apartment organized!

**This happened while Thehubs & dad went to Atlanta for a Braves game. I think us ladies need a fun day after all our hard work. Well Mom did most of the hard work, but I feel like I helped a lot! :)**


We purchased a shelf for our storage room, and was able to put a lot more stuff out there that was in Mr.Baby's room. Space Bags were also bought, and with the first bag filled and vacuumed out, Mom & I both were in love! Those things are absolutely amazing!

Here's what we put in several bags:
*A complete queen bed-in-a-bag set
*2 pillows and several blankets
*My summer clothes all fit in 1 "large" bag
* Other random clothes of Thehubs (i.e. ski pants, work pants, etc.)

We've got to purchase some more, because I plan to put a ton of towels in one of them. We have towels that we use daily, and then a basket full of rolled-up-pretty towels for guests and stuff....then we've had 2 shelves in our laundry room full of extra towels that are never-ever used. Therefore, with Mr. Space Bag's help, we can condense the size and have lots more storage room in the laundry room!!! AMAZING!!!


All that's left to do is buy some furniture for the baby room, considering all that's left in there is Thehub's computer desk. I think I'm going to let him keep it in there unless it's too cluttered w/the other furniture.

Pictures will be coming soon of our newly organized apartment! Hoping to do some re-arranging in the living room tomorrow, and possibly paint our end table and coffee table black to match everything else, and make them look newer.

Needless to say, Thehub's honey-do list is going to be never ending for a very long time!!!

Love & delight

Psalm 119: 46-48

"I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees."

* statutes- a record of God's stated will and give guidance and instruction. The word sometimes refers to the Ten Commandments.

* commands- words from God with a special focus on God's authority.

* decrees- a synonym for law, but with an emphasis on civil and ritual ordinances.

I was reading through Psalm 119 this morning, and had to stop when I came to these verses. It caught me off guard a little bit that the psalmist said he delights in God's commands....he loves them.

I thought to myself, why in the world would you DELIGHT or LOVE commands? Isn't that what we're always trying to avoid?

So I asked myself, "Self, do you love God's commands?"

I had to respond with a big fat negative. There are so many things that I'm commanded to do from God's Word that I would dare to say I hate even.

For example:

- "Carry each other's burdens" - Gal 6:2

- "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths..." - Eph 4:29

- "Always giving thanks to God the father for everything..." - Eph 5:20

- "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord" - Eph 5:22

- "Do nothing out of selfish ambition" - Phil 2:3

- "Do not be anxious about anything..." - Phil 4:6

- "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business..." - 1 Thess 4:11

**Whew, that last one certainly goes against Facebook any other social networking site doesn't it!?!?**

I'll stop there. I found these verse simply by flipping through my Bible and scanning some of the underlined scriptures. As I typed each of these out, I began thinking that I often come up with some pretty lame excuses about why I don't do these things.

But forget about doing them....I'm just trying to learn to love and delight in them today.

I have a feeling that if I began loving God's commands, and lifting up my hands to them as the psalmist writes, then I'll be much more likely to follow through in living them out.

Will you join me in changing our hearts and attitudes towards the commands given to us in scripture?

Let's delight in them, and love them....lifting up our hands to them out of our love.

Mr.Baby update

So the THIRD trimester is here alas, and I can't believe how quickly these past several weeks have flown by! Just sitting here today, I've been thinking about how I never really knew all that pregnant women go through. hahaha The other day I had the thought that I think the nausea during the 1st trimester and constant exhaustion, among other "changes" in a prego body takes place over 9 months to seriously prepare you for being a mommy. It somehow makes you tougher.

Lately, I've been feeling extremely huge. Like I can't bend over, roll over or stand up without making some kind of grunting sound. It's pretty humorous actually because every time I do something, Thehubs asks what's wrong...and I'm like "oh, nothing just the usual." He's probably getting tired of me by now.

I just wanted to document some of the lovely "milestones" I've gotten too here lately.

1. Some of my maternity shirts are now too short for my big belly....is that bad? lol

2. My back hurts 24/7, despite my chiropractor adjustments.

3. My hips and inner thighs feel like I've ran a marathon and pulled about 10 muscles.

4. Apparently the tingling/numbness in my right let is called Sciatica. It began at 26 weeks, 2 days and has progressed since then. It's almost a constant thing now.

5. My feet and hands began swelling this past weekend (at 27 weeks)

6. My energy level is still high, but I've seen a slight decrease since the sciatica began, and now swelling just makes me not want to stand at all.

7. Mr.baby kicks CONSTANTLY....which is a good thing, I just wish sometimes I could watch him in there. I stare at my belly often as if I can see what's going on.

I think that's about all as far as pregnancy symptoms and "milestones".

I went to the doctor last week, and passed the glucose test. YAY!! I have now officially gained a total of 9 lbs, but don't let that fool you, I lost several pounds in the 1st trimester, and it's ALL been gained in the belly!!

As far as the baby room goes-- it's STILL a guest/junk/computer room. But I'm thinking just a few phone calls (thrift store pickup & ATT to re-route the cable wires) and a few hours of cleaning out should finish the job.

Then we'll make the purchase of the crib!

Baby showers are quickly approaching. I have my 1st one on September 18th in Bham, and my "big" one on October 2nd in the big WC. We have registered at Buy Buy Baby, and plan to register at Walmart....I'm thinking we'll have to do that this week considering invitations for both showers will be going out very very soon!

No pic of the new baby-hump (no longer baby bump) now, but I'll try and take one later this week. =)

Worry wart?

Have you ever read a very familiar scripture, one that you've known pretty much your entire life, and had the Holy Spirit renew it in your heart as if it were the 1st time you'd ever heard/read it?

Don't you love that feeling??

Well, a few months ago something happened in our lives that caused some significant worry for me. I'm talking about, losing sleep, all I can think about, crying often kind of worry. So I read Philippians 4, with the purpose of just focusing on the verse that says

"Do not be anxious about anything..."

But instead I read verses 2-9....which is exactly what God had in mind, I'm sure.

I meant to write then about what was revealed to me, but never did.

Last week, a friend had put "Philippians 4" as her Facebook status. It's been on my heart since then to actually read the chapter, as I had obviously forgotten what it says. So I sit down this morning determined to spend some time with Jesus instead of wasting it as I normally do, and I turn to that chapter.

Here are verses 4-9 for you...

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

So I've heard verse 6 many many times, as I'm sure you have as well. But I don't know that I ever remember having this entire passage come together as it has in my life over the past few months.

We are NOT to be anxious about ANYTHING- but instead present our requests (our desires) to the Lord.

Then Paul goes right on to write about our thoughts! Which is exactly where worry comes from!

If we only thought about the things that are true, noble, right, pure, etc. then I strongly believe our worries would not exist. We tend to worry about things that will probably never happen. I heard a quote one time (not sure where) that says this:

"90% of the things we worry about will never happen."

I have found that to be true SO many times in my life. Worries about finances, jobs, family members, safety, relationships, busy schedules, to-do lists......do they come from us thinking about what Paul instructs us to think about? I think not.

They come from the opposite!

We let our minds be held captive by the enemy, and oh how the worries begin. I have to remind myself of these verses often...meditating on what I'm instructed to do, which is to allow Christ to take captive my thoughts- chewing on scripture, not letting my mind run wild with worries.

The Christian life is hard, but it's supposed to be. If it were easy, everybody would do it!

=)

Giveaway

Cloth diaper giveaway!

Don't want or need cloth diapers? Well be a good sport and enter anyways and you could give them to ME!! =)

Yes, we're planning on using cloth diapers from the get-go of having the baby, and I've been doing all kinds of research on the best kind. Haven't heard of the kind that's being given away, but hey...they're FREE!!

Hop over to the Passionate homemaking blog and it's easy to enter!!

Good luck!

still laughing

So I was looking on Craigslist today at yard sales in the area because I'm determined to find some good furniture and stuff for the baby!

While looking, I about died from laughing when I came across this ad from the lovely town of Nauvoo....only in Nauvoo.

I'll list it word-for-word considering they apparently don't care about listing their address AND phone number for the entire world to see!

Here goes:

We are having a yard sale this week end 9 to 11 344 2nd street Nauvoo Al 2056975023 next week will be Nauvoo car show we will be selling cake, fried pies, ice cream,and drinks so will you are at the car show come by and pick up some thing good to eat, or drink

So.....apparently the only punctuation they know is the comma.

Don't forget about the yard sale AND car show this "week end"!!! Oh, and while, I mean "will" you're at the car show (which of COURSE you're going too, right!?!?!) you will have to get "some thing good to eat, or drink" (no period....because what's a period anyways??)

Oh, I could go on and on about other things that make me laugh, but maybe that's enough for now.

Well, Happy Thursday!!

Week 16

How far along: 16 weeks

Size of baby: 3-5oz, 4-5 inches (crown to rump)....bigger than a softball!

Total weight gain: Well as of my doctor's appointment last week, I've lost a total of 5lbs.

Maternity clothes: Pretty much wearing them all of the time. Gonna have to start looking for some pants that are bigger than the size 2s that were given to me...

Gender: Still waiting on June 21st...at 2pm to be exact!

Movement: I'm pretty sure I've felt some flutters here lately. At least I tell myself that it's the baby I'm feeling =)

Sleep: Still sleeping A LOT!!! However, my baby book says not to sleep on your back anymore, which sucks bc that's my favorite! I've tried to start changing that habit now, but I haven't been doing so well....

What I miss: Being able to ride a roller coaster or do other daring summer activities! I've really wanted to do something like that lately, and then realize I can't bc I'm prego!

Cravings: Cheese puffs! I was laying in bed one night and could taste them! Therefore I went out and bought some the next day!

Symptoms: Still some nausea, and my hips and lower back have also been killing me lately. My lovely chiropractor/family friend told me several weeks ago that I'd start experiencing some pain around this time due to my body beginning to stretch out and prepare for delivery over the next several months.

Food aversions: None really....

Milestones: Finding an "original" flavored toothpaste, which allows me to brush w/out gagging-on most days.

Old Wives' Tales

My precious Mary Kay Director gave me the book "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" and in the chapter on week 15 it lists several old wives' tales.

Several of these I've heard, but others are a bit bizarre and I've never even heard of. Just thought I'd share them with you. :)

*You need calcium if you crave ice cream. (That's all the time for me! lol)

*Cold feet indicate a boy. (My feet have been the only cold part about me lately)

*A lot of heartburn means your baby will be born with a full head of hair.

*Refusing to eat the heal on a loaf of bread means you're going to have a girl.

*Dangling a wedding ring over your tummy indicates the sex of your baby.

*Your baby will be born with a hairy birthmark if you see a mouse while you're pregnant. (seriously!?!?)

*If you care out in font, it's a boy-- carrying around your middle means it's a girl.

*Eating berries causes red splotches on your baby's skin.

*If you perspire a lot, it's a girl.

*Taking a bath can hurt, or even drown, a fetus. (Although it does warn about soaking in a hot tub or spa)

*It's a girl if you crave orange juice.

*Stretching your arms over your head can cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby's neck. (Guess that's what my mom did...bc I was born w/it wrapped around my neck)

*If you carry high, it's a boy-- carrying low means it's a girl.

*Dry hands means you're going to have a boy.

*Craving greasy foods means your labor will be short.

*Craving spinach signifies you need iron.

*Your baby will be cross-eyed if you wear high heels. (Oh no, my child has no hope!)

*Your moods during pregnancy affect your baby's personality--even if you try to remain calm at all times, it doesn't mean your baby will be mellow. (This makes no sense)

*Using various techniques or substances will start labor. Do not try to induce labor by walking, exercising, drinking castor oil, going on a bumpy ride, using laxatives or having sex. (And I've heard of all of those....especially the walking one!)

Soo.....do you have any more old wives' tales that weren't included in this crazy list? What are your favorites? Any that turned out to be true for you???

Baby Doctor!

Well we went to the baby doctor today!!!

Here's what we found out.

Heart-rate is between 150-160 now..and in the nurse's words "He's barking like a dog" haha

Not sure if she meant to say "he" or what, but that's what I'm banking on!! Have I mentioned that I want a boy so I can be a baseball mom....and Thehubs wants a girl to spoil rotten! :)

Anyways, I saw a different doctor than my primary, and I really liked her too! (Actually a little better than my doc!)

I'm down to 126 lbs, which is less than I've weighed in years. I've lost a total of 5lbs since the beginning of my pregnancy, but they're not worried at all. Dr says I'll start gaining soon...and I'm sure that's the truth!

I guess all the vomiting I've been doing has been taking away the pounds while BabyHicks keeps growing.

She said I'm measuring great, and that I should start feeling little fluttery movements pretty soon.

I thought I felt something this morning while laying in bed, but wasn't sure.....

We go back in 4 weeks- June 21st at 2pm to do the ultrasound! We're so excited, as this will be our 1st time even seeing our baby, PLUS we'll find out if we're having a boy or a girl!!

We've just now (as in today) started talking about names! I'm super excited, but yet a bit stressed about deciding on a name, as it pretty much determines our child's destiny in life. It's a much bitter deal that I ever thought...

Ok, so here's my baby bump at 14 weeks and 5 days. This is the 1st picture I've taken, so I really have nothing to compare to before now...oh well, maybe I can keep up my updates and weekly pics of our pride and joy growing in mommy's belly!!

And yes, I cut off my head due to looking pretty rough today.... =)

14 week update!

Ok, so I'll go ahead and admit that I stole this from my cousin's wife. I've been wanting to update about my pregnancy progress, but haven't been sure of the details everybody wants....and just really haven't taken the time to do so. :)

So here goes. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep this up each week.

How far along: 14 weeks and 3 days to be exact.

Size of baby: I believe we're at a fist size right now

Total weight gain: Not so sure. At last months checkup, I had actually lost a few pounds. I'm thinking (and my clothes confirm) that I've put on a few pounds this month. We'll find out Tuesday.

Maternity clothes: I have broken out a few things. Thankfully, a lady from church gave me 3 huge totes of maternity clothes. Otherwise, I'd just be wearing dresses and skirts all the time-which is what I often do anyways. On a sad note, she was apparently MUCH THINNER than me....and the maternity clothes are sizes XS and 2 and 3. I never even knew those sizes existed! But as of now, they fit with my little baby bump, but I have a feeling I'll be having to buy things of my own within the next few months.

Gender: Not sure. I want a boy-Thehubs wants a girl. But of course, it really doesn't matter. We will find out the gender on/around June 21st!

Movement: None yet....although my What to Expect book says that there's movement going on, but I just might not be recognizing it as a 1st time mom. We'll see...

Sleep: Yes please!!! I take naps often, and get at least 8-10 hours per night! Sometimes more!!!

What I miss: Feeling good!! It's been driving me crazy that I'm still so drained and nauseous. Now, it has improved greatly over the past few weeks, but I'm still just wiped out all the time.

Cravings: Sour candy. That's been about the only "weird" thing I've noticed so far.

Symptoms: The 1st symptom I had was breast tenderness!!! I actually experienced that for about a week or 2 before we found out we were pregnant! And it has certainly not gotten any better! Nausea, vomiting (ever. single. time. I brush my teeth!), fatigue.....and crying at the drop of a hat!

Food aversions: I really haven't been a fan of peanut butter....and I absolutely hate the smell of chicken cooking-therefore I really haven't ate any unless it's at a restaurant. Also, chewing gum...which used to be a favorite of mine! And of course toothpaste....although that's really not a "food"

Milestones: Well, I guess making it out of the 1st trimester would be good! Now if I could just brush my teeth w/out losing my breakfast!!

In a rut

Do you ever just get in little ruts??

Well let me just be real with you for a minute...I'm in a rut. A Spiritual rut- big time.

You see, back in January, things were going great. I was growing so much spiritually, and the Lord was teaching me new things everyday.

This lasted probably until about March, and then a gradual decrease in my obedience and time committed to the Lord took place.

To be honest, I've only read my Bible once in probably the past month...and that was probably out of obligation rather than love for my Savior.

What changed? Well, just a few things immediately come to mind.

1. I stopped having a morning routine of immediately spending time with Jesus before doing anything else.

2. I stopped journaling during the times I was spending in the Word.

3. I stopped dedicating time to prayer...

And yes, those 3 things alone have brought me to where I am today.

I'm ashamed to say that I've almost avoided reading verses on Facebook and from text messages. Because, I knew conviction would come...

I just wanted to do things myself...

Even as I write this blog, I'm not quite broken to the point I know I need to be...I know in my head where I need to be, but my spirit isn't broken...

Something I've certainly noticed especially throughout the past several weeks is that I strongly believe that there is a DIRECT CORRELATION between being spiritually mature/growing and having joy and motivation to be the wife/woman God wants me to be.

Since my growth has stopped, I have stopped encouraging my husband as I should, I stopped managing my home as I once did, I became almost lethargic....pretty much, my overall attitude and motivation was gone.

(some of that may have been contributed to the 1st trimester of pregnancy, but I contribute it completely to my lack of spiritual growth...)

Also, my job has suffered. You can ask anybody that I work with that during the month of April, I was totally not there. I had very little motivation to teach my clients the skills they needed to know, I was behind on paperwork the entire month, and I even failed to do other tasks that are required, and which I normally have no probably doing.

Thankfully, my job is amazing, and my boss totally understands that it was just a down-month for me. I've promised that May will be much better.

And is has been so far. But I think that's just mainly because I have realized that I've been in a rut, and I'm trying to dig myself out of it.

But you see, I can't do anything on my own. I know this, but I'm stubborn....and still try alone.

I need time with my Jesus. I need to go broken before him.

I know He is waiting, and He will begin speaking once again as soon as I return.

I've just got to give it all up again...and again....and again....

Luke 9:23