Only If It's God's Will

Moving Sites...

2009-03-31T21:07:00.005-04:00

For the handful of people that actually read this blog, I want you to know that I will no longer be posting anything on this blog. I am consolidating, and will only be posting on my "regular" blog at http://cagallup.blogspot.com. Please visit that one to read about our pitiful boring life. I will post the same pregnancy related things there. I am trying to simplify things, and this will hopefully help. Peace Out Cub Scout - Ha!

We've Got A Cheerleader

2009-03-26T17:46:00.003-04:00

We've got a future cheerleader on the way! :)

A side note, completely unrelated....I have already started thinking of this year's Halloween costume. Don't judge me. I'm thinking of something like this....

Our little sweet pea Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha

17 Weeks -

2009-03-25T09:48:00.004-04:00

My how things have changed this week. We now know we are having a girl - yay! I really can't believe it. My whole life I've always pictured myself with a daughter (probably because I grew up in a family with mostly girls) and now it's happening. Since seeing our daughter move around on Monday I am falling more in love with her every minute. I am constantly wondering what she is doing...is she sleeping, sucking her thumb, moving around, practicing her toe touches, listening to what I'm saying, etc. I feel so blessed. God has chosen us to be parents, and I am experiencing a miracle every day. It's so cool how God's plan works out...he has perfect timing, and takes care of everything - thank goodness!

Yesterday we started talking about names, and it's not getting any easier. There are so many names out there, and I want to find just the right one. I pray that God will reveal just the right one for our sweet girl.

This week sweet pea is growing growing growing. Her skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord - her lifeline to the placenta - is growing stronger and thicker. Sweet pea weights 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop. [from http://www.babycenter.com/]

Life as a pregnant lady couldn't be better. I now have a closet full of cute, new maternity clothes, thanks to the generosity of my family. I am now able to wear some items as my belly is growing each day. I have not experienced any balance issues yet, but then again, I've never had very good balance (so now I may be normal to most women). I am not wearing high heeled shoes right now because I do feel like I am going to topple over and they bother my sciatic nerve. I am dropping a lot of things...like glasses. In the last 2 months I have dropped and broken 5 drinking glasses. Can we say klutz.

I am walking as often as I can around the neighborhood, and eating more fruits and vegetables. I am thankful that a dessert craving can be met by eating some fruit.

We Are Having.....

2009-03-23T14:44:00.008-04:00

This morning we went to Prenatal Peek to see our precious Sweet Pea. I was told to eat a light sugar filled breakfast and bring some orange juice with me. I ate a bowl of cereal, donuts and orange juice. It wasn't a light breakfast but it sure was sugar filled. (I am experiencing a major sugar crash now, yuk)

We invited my mom and sister to join us. (both in hand with a present if it was a boy or a girl) We had so much fun. The technician started the ultrasound and sweet pea was moving all over the place. It's so hard for me to believe that the baby is moving around so much inside of me, and I can't feel it yet. As soon as the baby showed up on the screen I heard my mom crying. She was so happy!

Kiki before she started crying.

It didn't take long before the technician announced that we are having....
A Girl!

We are sooooo excited to say the least! I kept telling my husband, "you're going to have a daughter." I just know he will fall in love with her and she will have him wrapped around her tiny finger.

After the ultrasound Mom and my sister handed us our gifts. They are so sweet. C had to go back to work so the ladies went shopping. Oh my the things I bought. We're in trouble people....I already know it. I am going to really try to not buy any more clothes until we see what we really need. This shopping trip was just a fun celebratory spree. He He!

We ate lunch at California Dreaming then went to another boutique store. It was a great day. I can't wait to see C when he gets home from work so we can start discussing names.

4 to 10

2009-03-23T07:54:00.004-04:00

In just a few short hours I will be having an ultrasound that will hopefully tell us the sex of baby Gallup! I cannot believe it. I'm hoping baby Gallup is awake and practicing his/her toe touches - ha! We want to see the goods!
4 of you say you think we will have a precious baby boy, and 10 of you say we will have a sweet baby girl. I will post later today to reveal if Sweet Pea will be a future baseball player.....

......

Or a future Cheerleader....

We'll see...

Can You See The Baby Bump?

2009-03-19T15:00:00.002-04:00

I think it's very obvious. Do you? Let me know if my eyes or correct or if I need glasses.

Pre-pregnancy...........16 weeks pregnant

16 Weeks - Avocado

2009-03-19T07:36:00.004-04:00

4 Months along. I know I say this a lot, but I really can't believe how fast each week goes by. I guess it helps that I've always got something going on. I'm thankful that I am not sitting around and bored. This week I have been wearing some maternity clothes. The pants are so comfortable, I don't think I will ever want to wear regular pants again. Ha!

This week sweet pea (a little tangent - we go to get an ultrasound on Monday to hopefully find out the sex of the baby, and I cannot wait! Yippee!) will be growing rapidly in the next few weeks. Our baby will double its weight and add inches to his/her length. Right now baby Gallup is about the size of an avocado, 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His/her legs are much more developed, his/her head is more erect than it has been, and his/her eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His/her ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of sweet pea's scalp has begun, though the locks aren't recognizable yet. He/she has even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his/her (is anyone else ready for me to say his or her and his/her - me, me) heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as our baby continues to develop. [from www.babycenter.com]

My life is changing some too. The top of my uterus is about halfway between my pubic bone and my navel, and the round ligaments that support it are thickening and stretching as it grows. People are telling me that I'm glowing, but I still think it's from my blush. I have not felt any baby movements yet, but I hope to feel them soon.

Here are pictures of me at 16 weeks (I do not like to see pictures of myself-yuk). A definite baby bump is obvious.

Today's Doctor's Appt.

2009-03-18T19:25:00.003-04:00

Today I had my 16 week appointment. First, they changed my time from 1:45 to 11:30. Then, when I arrived everyone was behind so I waited for 1 1/2 hours. I was so bored, and all I could think about was that I should have brought something to do - lesson learned. I was taken back and had a weight check (gained 4 more pounds - woa - probably from celebrating a little too much this weekend) and a blood pressure check (110/70).

Then I saw the midwife. I got to hear the heartbeat again. It was the sweetest heartbeat I've ever heard - ha. It was 140 bpm so if you believe in old wives tales Sweet Pea is a boy. We'll see - only 5 more days until we hopefully find out.

Then we went over boring and depressing insurance stuff and how much I will need to pay when. I am still in sticker shock. Apparently I am very ignorant, and my maternity insurance is different then my health insurance including deductibles and everything. That was not fun. Without going into specifics I'll just say this is going to cost $2,000-$3,000 more then we expected.

Total Weight Gain: 7 lbs (this year I definitely celebrated my birthday by eating all my favorites. This week I'll stick to salads, lean meats and fruit for me - thanks)

Baby's heart beat: 140 bpm

Blood Pressure: 110/70

Hopefully I will get a picture to post tomorrow of my growing belly.

15 weeks - An Apple A Day

2009-03-12T16:42:00.001-04:00

Today I'm celebrating my birthday, and thanking God for this healthy pregnancy. It's very fitting that baby Gallup is now about the size of an apple. I eat at least one apple every day. I prefer Gala apples - yum!

I cannot believe how fast each week is flying by. This past week has been very exciting with preparing for the baby's arrival into our home. Our baby's future nursery is now my husband's office. We will be moving his desk into the guest room so the past three evenings I have organized every inch of our guest room. Tonight we will move some furniture around, and when I say we - I mean my husband (no mom I'm not lifting anything heavy) will move his desk into the guest room. It might be a little cramped, but it will have to do for now. Then he will organize and clean out the rest of the office. We will rip up the old nasty carpet - yuck, and I will tackle the dreaded office closet. Inside this closet is where I keep everything I don't know what to do with. Since we have lived in our house (4 1/2 years) I have organized this closet 5 or 6 times and it always ends up junky and messy again. Ugh! What in the world ends up in this closet you may ask? Well, it's my wrapping, craft, sewing, gift stuff. It really doesn't have that much stuff in it, but I often end up wrapping gifts in such a hurry that I just throw everything in the closet instead of putting it back in its proper place. So, my goal is that by Monday I will have this entire closet empty.

I'm sure you are very bored with hearing about my boring plans of cleaning out rooms and closets, so here is what is going on with sweet pea this week;

Our growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces about the size of an apple. He/she is busy moving amniotic fluid through his/her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in the lungs begin to develop. Sweet pea's legs are growing longer than his/her arms now, and he/she can move all of his/her joints and limbs. Although baby Gallup's eyelids are still fused shut, he/she can sense light. If I were to shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, the baby is likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but is forming taste buds. [from http://www.babycenter.com/]

I've gained 3 pounds already (most people have gained about 5, so I guess that makes me feel better) and for the most part feeling great! Some days I am full of energy and some (like Tuesday) it's a struggle to keep my eyes open. My nose is very stuffy and I can't tell if it's from the pollen that's now falling or from hormonal changes and increased blood flow to my mucous membranes. Which is very common they even have a name for it "rhinitis of pregnancy." C and I are more exited as each week goes by. My next doctor's appointment is March 18 and I will have blood drawn to test for Down syndrome and spinal bifida (sp).

This week we also started baby registries (per the request of many family members) at babies-r-us and Target.

Some friends of ours had their twin girls Tuesday night at 30 weeks. The babies weigh 2 lbs 7 oz. and the other 3 lbs 2 oz. Please pray for Billy and Terri and their babies.

I Got Some Prizes!

2009-03-08T21:36:00.004-04:00

Well, they are really gifts, but prizes sounds so fun too. My mom hooked me up this weekend. Look at all the fun things we got!

Maternity clothes, a space saver "high" chair, cloth diapers (for a craft project I am going to do) and a jogging stroller (for the beach next year).

New Threads

2009-03-06T17:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, when I went home for lunch. A big ole' box greeted me on my front porch. It was full of maternity clothes - 4 pants and 4 tops. From my sweet Aunt. Here are some of the items:

I got this top in white

I cannot wait to wear my new clothes.

14 Weeks - Our Fruit Baby

2009-03-05T07:58:00.001-05:00

I'm starting my second trimester! Yay! This is so exciting, and hard to believe that I am 1/3 through this pregnancy. I hope that my posts become a lot more interesting. Not much has really gone on the last 10 weeks or so (which is an answer to prayer - an uneventful pregnancy). From what I understand a lot of things will change an happen starting the next few weeks. As exciting things happen I promise to blog about them.

This week sweet pea can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his/her thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his/her facial muscles are getting a workout as his/her tiny features form one expression after another. Sweet Pea's kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he/she will keep up until birth. Baby Gallup can grasp, too, and if I were to have an ultrasound, I may even catch our little one sucking his/her thumb. In other news: Our baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he/she measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon— and he/she weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His/her body's growing faster than its head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, the arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his/her body. (Although the legs still have some lengthening to do.) Sweet pea's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his/her body. Our baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his/her spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active. [from http://www.babycenter.com/]

Last night I made poppy seed chicken (yumm), and it was hard to believe that 10 weeks ago our baby was the size of a poppy seed. Those suckers are tiny!

Changes in my life: My energy is returning ssssllllooooowwwwlllyyy (because I am able to get most of what I used to get done in a day), my boobs aren't as tender, and my queasiness has gone (except when I smell something nasty). The top of my uterus is a bit above my pubic bone, which is pushing my tummy out. Staring to show is exciting, especially for C. He is now able to see things happening (other than me laying around and throwing up). We are now seeing visible evidence of the baby we've been waiting for. I have been told from several sources to take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.

Mom and I went to Motherhood maternity on Sunday, and I tried on everything (at least it seemed like it) in the store. We had a great time. I am also expecting to receive a package today from my aunt with maternity clothes. I can't wait to try everything on.

This weekend I hope to post about some of the funny questions (at least I think they are funny) that I have been asked already. Thank you so much for all of your prayers, and support. C and I are truly blessed to have so many loving and caring people in our lives, and we can't wait for sweet pea to meet everyone too.

Boy....or Girl....

2009-03-04T17:46:00.000-05:00

We get to find out in a few weeks if we are having a precious son or a sweet daughter. This is something that we are very excited to find out, but it really doesn't matter to us the sex of our child. He or she will be loved just as much either way. I have been asked by a surprisingly amount of people if I could choose the sex of my child what would I choose, and I have always said it doesn't matter to me. The more I think about it even if I could choose - I would want God to choose for me. God has supremely planned out our family for us and I wouldn't want to accept anything else.

Another question I am asked alot is if we have names picked out. We have not decided on any names, and we will probably wait a little while to do that.

I have picked out some bedding that I like.

If we have a girl:If we have a boy:

I can't believe today is the last day of my first trimester.

Exhaustion.....Crash!

2009-03-02T20:11:00.004-05:00

I know this post consists of a lot of complaining, but please let me vent. I have been more tired this week then I have any other time during the pregnancy. The past two weeks in particular have been extremely busy, and on top of that I have not been getting a good nights sleep because I'm up every 1-2 hours to pee. I know, I know, you all are saying "Girl, you don't know what's it going to be like a a few months when the little one is here." I agree, I don't have a clue and I know I will experience a level of exhaustion like no other....and I can't wait.

After another busy week last week we then had a busy weekend. Friday night I headed to bed early, but only slept about 3 hours - my mind was racing. Saturday we drove to Columbia to celebrate our niece's 4th birthday. It was so great to be there and hang out with the family. Our nieces are precious. Then we drove back that same day. That night I slept probably 2 hours. I woke up at 5:45 a.m. to get ready for church (where I work). Immediately after church my mom and I had a fabulous afternoon. We had lunch and then went to Motherhood Maternity so my mom could buy some maternity clothes for my birthday. It felt like I tried on every thing in the store. We had a great time, but I was worn out. We literally shopped until we dropped. Then we went and got some sweet treats...ice cream. Sunday night I was trying to watch a movie on TV and I fell asleep around 9:30 p.m. I didn't wake up until 6:30 (to use the bathroom) and then I slept until 9 a.m. That's almost 12 hours! It was wonderful. First, I haven't slept until 9 a.m. in sooooo long and I woke up feeling great! Today, I thanked God for the good sleep he blessed me with. He cleared my mind, and I don't even remember dreaming. All day I was thinking of how God never gives you more than you can handle.

Growing....Growing....And Growing

2009-02-27T21:24:00.003-05:00

I don't understand how a shrimp is supposed to be larger than the lime. ????

Week 13 - It's A Shrimp On The Barbie

2009-02-26T06:45:00.001-05:00

How our little one is growing:

Fingerprints have formed on baby Gallup's tiny fingertips, his/her veins and organs are clearly visible through his/her still-thin skin, and his/her body is starting to catch up with its head — which makes up just a third of the body size now. If baby Gallup is a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Our baby is almost 3 inches long the size of a medium shrimp and weighs nearly an ounce.

According to http://www.babycenter.com/ here is how my life is changing: This is the last week of your first trimester, and your risk of miscarriage is now much lower than earlier in pregnancy. Next week marks the beginning of your second trimester, a time of relative comfort for many women who see early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue subside. More good news: Many couples also notice a distinct libido lift around this time. Birth is still months away, but your breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk starts to flow.

I am feeling great. Again, another very busy week so it's hard to tell if my exhaustion is from that or pregnancy...probably a little of both. Although I am still not wearing maternity clothes I have bought a few things, and that is very exciting. I went through my closet on Saturday and switched my clothes. Now my closet has free flowing lose clothes and the few maternity items I have purchased.

Sunday I will begin organizing our guest room (it's full of clothes that don't fit and gifts) so that we can move C's desk in there. Then I can start working on cleaning out the office and my craft/wrapping closet (which is a disaster). I hope to get those things done in two weeks so we can start replacing flooring and doing other things. Before I know it we will be fining out the sex of our baby and then the real nursery planning begins. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

12 Weeks - You Put The Lime In The Coconut

2009-02-19T07:08:00.006-05:00

Our little sweet pea's fingers will soon begin to open and close, and his/her toes will curl, muscles will clench and the mouth will make sucking movements probably wanting to eat the yummy food mommy is now able to eat (no more morning sickness aka all day sickness). In fact, according to babycenter.com, if I prod my abdomen, sweet pea will squirm in response, although I won't be able to feel it. The intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into the abdominal cavity about now, and his/her kidneys will begin excreting urine into its bladder. Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in our baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. The baby's face looks unquestionably human: sweet pea's eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his/her head, and the ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, sweet pea should be measuring just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

According to babycenter.com here is how my life's changing: Your uterus has grown to the point where your health care provider can now feel the top of it (the fundus) low in your abdomen, just above your pubic bone. You may already be into maternity clothes, especially if this isn't your first pregnancy. If you're still fairly small and not yet ready for maternity clothes, you've no doubt noticed that your waist is thickening and that you're more comfortable in loose, less restrictive clothing.You may begin to feel heartburn (also called acid indigestion), a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of your breastbone to your lower throat. Many women get heartburn for the first time during pregnancy, and those who've previously had bouts of heartburn may find that it gets worse. During pregnancy, the placenta produces a lot of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Particularly when you're lying down, gastric acid can seep back up the pipe, which causes the uncomfortable burning sensation. For many women the problem doesn't begin (or get worse) until later in pregnancy, when your growing uterus starts to push up on your stomach. The discomfort may range from mildly annoying to intense and distracting.

It's very obvious to C and I that I'm showing. I have a definite baby bump and I am outgrowing some of my clothes already. Thankfully I lost some weight right before my pregnancy so I have bigger clothes that I am able to wear right now. As I said before my nausea is gone - thank you Lord, and my energy is coming back. Although this week is a very busy week with something to do every evening I am feeling more like myself.

To celebrate our "little lime" I'm going to drink a lime and coconut collada tonight at happy hour. I'm joking, but I might put some lime in my water - ha!

Spoiled...Spoiled With Love

2009-02-17T19:32:00.007-05:00

This sweet card is from my mom

I posted this on my other blog too, but I also want it on our "pregnancy" blog, so if you read both blogs...sorry. Since the announcement of our sweet pea on the way we have received several things from loved ones.

My mom bought me a bella band from Motherhood Maternity and they gave her a gift bag (that she gave me of course) with a bunch of coupons and a bottle in it. My doctor's office also gave me a book and a nursing guide gift. I think both of those are so thoughtful and cool.

We received this card in the mail from Uncle Greg and Aunt Sandra, they are so sweet and thoughtful.

I really want to thank everyone for the sweet baby gifts, cards, blanket, pregnancy books, maternity clothes, butt paste (to my husband from my mom) - ha, pregnancy prayer guide (from my sister), and baby book. We know that everything was given in love. (The book on the bottom, second from the left was a book my mom was given when she was pregnant with my younger sister and she found it a few months ago, how neat is that?) My mom and sister have given me all the pregnancy books you see.

This beautiful blanket was given to us by my dear friend Kristin. It has this beautiful passage from 1 Samuel "For this child I have prayed."

My husband and I had this made almost 2 years ago when we had one also made for our nephew.

I bought this right after Christmas this year at Target for $2. It says "Mommy's little joy."

You've Captured My Heart

2009-02-16T11:25:00.008-05:00

It was very fitting that two days after Valentines Day I had my second doctor's appointment. The exciting news is - WE GOT TO HEAR SWEET PEA'S HEART BEAT! C went with me to our appointment again this time, because we were told we would get to hear the heart beat and I wanted him to experience something for himself with this pregnancy.

When we got to the doctor's office we only waited a few minutes (this is the nice thing about being seen first thing in the morning) and I got my blood pressure checked - good and my weight checked (I've already gained 3 pounds). I didn't think I had gained any according to my scale at home, but the doctor said gaining 3 pounds was perfect in the first trimester. Then she asked many questions about my history and then about our family history. Then she said we would check the baby's heart. It took her what seemed like 5 hours to find the heart beat. It was actually 5 minutes, but that is a long time. Inside I started freaking out a little, and then I looked over at C and he could tell I was worried and told me to calm down. Finally we heard our precious sweet pea's heart beat. The doctor said it was very strong and sounded really good - 160 bpm. When she said this I threw my arm over my face and said "Thank you God" and blew out a huge sigh of relief. I'm sure I'm being extremely dramatic, but that really scared me. I'm sure in the months and years to come I will be scared by many things and I will laugh about the 5 minutes I had to wait to hear the baby's heart beat.

Because my insurance will only use a certain lab (which my doctor's office does not use very often) they did not run all the tests they were supposed to from my paps mere last time so they had to get one more sample and I had to have a full vaginal exam again - uggg - I wasn't expecting that.

So far this has been a great day, and I will be smiling even more now. It's amazing how much we already love our baby and he/she is so tiny. We are truly blessed beyond measure. Thank you God for answering our prayers.

11 weeks

2009-02-12T06:45:00.002-05:00

Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. His/Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under his/her gums, and some of his/her bones are beginning to harden. He/She's already busy kicking and stretching, and his/her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as his/her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccuping that may be happening now that his/her diaphragm is forming. [ from www.babycenter.com]

Being pregnant has been just the most wonderful thing in the world. I wake up and the first thing I think every morning is we're having a baby. I can't quit smiling. I have never been more happy in my life. Every day I spend time thanking God for this wonderful wonderful blessing. No matter how yucky I feel it does not damper the excitement and thankfulness I have.

I can hardly wait for my next doctor's appointment which is Monday. I am really hoping we can hear the heart beat, and that everything is progressing nicely and as it should.

For This Child I Have Prayed

2009-02-11T18:43:00.000-05:00

I came across this passage from 1 Samuel. It sill amazes me how God's word speaks in my daily life. In 1 Samuel 1:27-28 Hannah says "I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life, he will be given over to the Lord."

I can't think of a more perfect verse to describe how I feel about this baby God has blessed us with. I remember years and years ago my mom explaining to me that she finally realized and accepted that we were not "hers" but Gods. That conversation has stuck with me for all of these years, and I will treasure it for years and years to come.

10 weeks - Manicures and Pedicures

2009-02-05T06:24:00.000-05:00

Though he/she is barely the size of a kumquat— a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his/her body rapidly grow and mature. He/she is swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his/her kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin. In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His/her hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his/her heart, and his/her feet may be long enough to meet in front of his/her body. The outline of his/her spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his/her spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his/her developing brain and sits very high on his/her head, which measures half the length of his/her body. From crown to rump, he/she is about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches. [from http://www.babycenter.com/]

Wow! It's hard to believe that so much is happening to something so tiny. I cannot believe how much sweet pea has grown in the last week. This whole process is truly a miracle, and it makes me appreciate even more how awesome and loving our creator is.

Over the last few days I have felt much better. I am wearing the sea bands that I bought last week, and they take away most of my nausea, unless I'm not eating enough. This week I have felt more tired, going to bed around 9:30 p.m. the last four nights, but I probably get the same amount of sleep as I did when I went to bed at midnight because of my frequent visits to the bathroom. I am very thankful that so far this pregnancy has been a dream. I feel much better then I ever imagined I would. I find comfort in knowing that so many people are praying for this to be a healthy and safe pregnancy - thank you.

It's been a great week!

Our Little Sweet Pea

2009-02-02T18:18:00.002-05:00

For weeks now we didn't know what to call our baby. We called him/her peanut, nugget, it, baby, jr. Saturday night my husband said isn't our baby the size of a sweet pea? Jen, my sister-in-law immediately said that is what you should call your baby. I agree, it is precious. So from now on you will be hearing about our sweet pea.

Feeling Good

2009-02-02T18:12:00.002-05:00

After a week of feeling pretty sick, I finally went and bought some "Sea Bands." Within 30 minutes of putting them on the nausea went away. I feel like I can function normally. I can hang out, go out and today I actually did laundry and cleaned (a little). If you know anyone who is pregnant and experiencing "morning sickness" aka "all the time sickness" suggest sea bands to them. They work for me!

The Sea-Band is a knitted elasticated wrist band, which operates by applying pressure on the Nei Kuan acupressure point on each wrist by means of a plastic stud. Because the bands do not use drugs, they do not cause any of the side effects associated with anti-nausea drugs and can be worn on each wrist whenever you feel nauseous. They are suitable for adults and children.

Week 9

2009-01-29T18:12:00.001-05:00

Your baby is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain. [from www.babycenter.com]

The past few days I have experienced a lot of nausea. I am finding that the more I can snack throughout the day (especially on fruit and drinking lots of water) the better I feel. This week has been very exciting as we are telling more and more people. We are overwhelmed with the loving comments and prayers we are receiving from everyone.

Our Baby's First Pictures

2009-01-28T17:12:00.000-05:00

My First Doctor's Appointment

2009-01-22T10:22:00.009-05:00

Yesterday was my first doctor's appointment. It was at 2 p.m. and C met me there. We didn't have to wait too terribly long and were called back. Immediately I had a weight check, blood pressure check and took a urine sample. As we were waiting I asked C "I wonder if they will take a urine sample because I really need to go now?" I didn't care, I couldn't wait any longer so I went. About 10 minutes later I was called back and asked for a urine sample and I had to go again. Oh the joys of pregnancy. It's really bad now because even before I made very frequent trips to the restroom.

Then we went to an exam room and I undressed. The doctor came in, we chatted and she gave us the due date of August 30. She did an exam and then....The Ultrasound!!! C was so cute, and he seemed to really feel out of his element the whole time. He was reading a magazine in every room we went to (Although he did say he was not uncomfortable, but his face told a different story :)).

As soon as I saw something on the screen I gasped which startled the doctor and I told her I was just excited to see something. It was the cutest little blob I've ever seen. And the heartbeat was just-a-going. The doctor was pointing out different things about our baby. We both had the biggest smiles which could not have been scrapped off if you tried. The doctor said I was measuring a little small (probably because I ovulated later then we thought) and changed our due date to Sept. 8. Then she got another measurement and changed it yet again to Sept. 3. After the ultrasound we chatted some more and then I got dressed. Next, I had blood drawn - they took seven viles. It wasn't bad at all and went by very fast. Everyone kept checking to see if I felt okay (especially C) and I did feel fine. Then they talked me into drinking some orange juice which was really good. I think I'm going to the store today to buy some orange juice. After that we left.

Later that evening we had dinner with C's mom and we told her the good news. She was very excited - she didn't want to see the ultrasound but kept saying how excited she is and how happy she is for us. She could not believe we kept it to ourselves for 4 weeks and said I was a good actress. I do have to say I never lied about anything. Then we went to my dad's house and told him and my step mom. They were very excited as well, and shocked. I don't think they knew we had been trying to get pregnant. I showed them the ultrasound pictures and tried to point out everything which is hard to do because it doesn't look like much - except a bundle of cuteness. We then headed over to my mom's and showed her and my sister the pictures. Everyone is very excited.

Tonight we are going to tell C's brothers and their wives - and I cannot wait to tell them.

So today I am 8 weeks along.

New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean— is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it. [from www.babycenter.com]

7 Weeks??

2009-01-14T18:01:00.002-05:00

This week the hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, your baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry. Eyelid folds are partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. She also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body. [from www.babycenter.com]

This is so exciting to read. Today is the first day I have really "felt pregnant." I am feeling great most of the time. The only things I am experiencing are sore boobs, I feel bloated, I pee every 30 minutes, little spats of nausea and I am tired all the time. So far so good. I love being pregnant and cannot wait to go to my doctor's appointment next Wednesday. Yea!

Possibly Week 6

2009-01-09T14:24:00.003-05:00

This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears are beginning to take shape. The baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean. [from www.babycenter.com]

I cannot wait to go to my doctor's appointment on January 21. Only 12 more days to go.

Week 5 - maybe

2008-12-29T16:31:00.002-05:00

I haven't been to the doctor yet, but we think our due date is around 8/30/09 which makes us 5 weeks.

Week 5
Your baby's heart will begin to beat this week! It's amazing how much is happening so quickly. A transvaginal ultrasound will show about 90% of the yolk sacs. It is now possible to differentiate between the head and the tail of your baby now. By the end of the week that folic acid will be paying off as the neural folds begin to fuse. Average length is 1.5 - 2.5 mm. [from www.babycenter.com]

We're Pregnant!!!!

2008-12-23T21:14:00.004-05:00

Yes, today, Dec. 23 after I got off work I took a pregnancy test. I had to talk myself into taking one because I was worried it would be negative. It wasn't! Yesterday I took a test and it had a very faint positive so I went to the store and bought 2 e.p.t. tests and it was not pregnant.

But today it was positive. I took another one 15 minutes later and again - positive. I surprised my husband with an early Christmas gift telling him he had to open it today because it wouldn't make sense to wait. When he opened it he had the biggest smile and kept saying "Are you serious?" Also in the gift was a USC gamecock pacifier and a onesie with his business printed on it. To say we are so excited is an understatement. We are ecstatic.

Tonight we just happened to have reservations at a nice restaurant, which was perfect timing. Today was a great day.

Trying again

2008-10-24T12:02:00.000-04:00

Oct. 13 was another dissapoiting day. We're still trying.

Update

2008-10-02T12:40:00.002-04:00

Well, I had a very tough time on Sept. 13 when I started my p. I bawled my eyes out. I have decided to take it easy and not get worked up about things that are out of my control. I have gone to the complete opposite extreme. I am not tracking my temperature, not taking daily ov tests, and using all the time I would doing those things to replace it with prayer time.
Dear God, please protect us during this time. Use this time to strengthen our marriage and our relationship with you. Comfort us when we get sad, and give us the wisdom and strength to ful fill your will. With all my love. Amen.

September 3 update

2008-09-03T10:41:00.002-04:00

Well things have been going very well this month. I actually have been able to accurately track my temperature and taking OV tests for the past 15 days. A faint line has appeared for about 5 days now, but last night and the night before were very strong "ovulation" lines. I didn't see lines that dark last month. So I'm saying my prayers. One thing alarming me is I am feeling very stressed out due to an ill grandfather, an approaching hurricane, being uprooted from our bedroom, etc. I'm trying to calm down. I am seeking God's truth and depending on my faith.

I've been slack recently with the losing inches competition. I will be hard core serious For 9 days until September 13 - our 5 year anniversary.

Contest

2008-08-15T22:51:00.001-04:00

So my husband and I started a contest on Aug. 13 to go until Sept. 13. We are in competition to see who can lose the most inches around our midsection. We'll see. I really hope I will win. I am going to take this very seriously. This is great motivation.

We'll have another month to try

2008-08-12T12:48:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately I started my P today. August 12 at 12:30 p.m. I was actually a little sad this time. I thought we were successful. I have to look at it from the big picture of God's plan. If it's God's will then it will be.

Dear God,
Please comfort me and guide me in your ways. Help me to not get sad or discouraged, and instead look to you for guidance and for your love. You are almighty!
I love you.

Amen.

Well, it looks like there will be another month of losing weight. We'll try again in a few weeks.

Test 13 and beyond

2008-08-03T22:26:00.002-04:00

So I took a test on day 13 - Tuesday and my OV test was positive. Good thing because we left to go out of town on Wednesday morning, and I didn't take my OV Tests, it would have been too much of a pain. So we had a great vacation and did what you do when you are on vacation and trying to make a baby (and when your OV tests are positive). My temperature stayed the same until Sunday morning. It went up to 98.50. I can only pray and look to God's guidance during the next two weeks. Today is the 3rd, so hopefully I will know something on the 13th. Ten days to go.

Tests 8-12

2008-07-29T09:23:00.000-04:00

OV Test 8- Negative
OV Test 9 - Negative
OV Test 10 - Negative
OV Test 11 - Negative
OV Test 12 - Positive, maybe. It was a very faint line. We'll try and then I will see what tonight's test says.

#7

2008-07-24T12:09:00.001-04:00

OV Test #7 - Negative

Still waiting for those two purple lines so we can make a baby.

#6

2008-07-23T10:40:00.001-04:00

OV Test #6 - Negative.

OV Tests # 4 & 5

2008-07-22T20:37:00.001-04:00

OV Test #4 - Negative
OV Test #5 - Negative

Will take another one at 10 p.m. tonight.

OV Tests #2 & 3

2008-07-19T22:24:00.001-04:00

OV Test #2 on Friday - negative

OV Test #3 on Saturday - negative

These were expected. :)

OV Test #1

2008-07-18T11:39:00.003-04:00

I took my first ovulation test last night. I knew it wouldn't say I was ovulating, but according to the instructions I was supposed to start taking the tests yesterday.

It was negative.

I am also continuing to take my temperature each morning before I get up.

We'll see.

A Good Week

2008-07-16T15:35:00.003-04:00

I really thought I would be bummed out about the news I realized on Sunday. Actually I am really good. I am constantly praying the prayer at the top of this blog. "God if it's your will, and if it's not, comfort me and teach me what you want me to learn." I am finding comfort in the word of God and in my prayer time.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3-10

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:25-34

I have spent a lot of time in Matthew recently.

Once I start taking my daily tests I will update more.

Another Month

2008-07-13T21:12:00.003-04:00

Well, today I started my P. So I have another month to lose more weight. My goal is lose 10-15 lbs. I also bought an ovulation kit to help me detect when I am ovulating. I already warned C that he might need to "perform" in a few weeks. We both laughed. I was a little bumbed because this most likely means I will be 29 or older now when I have a child. My plan was to be 28 years old. But as I am constantly reminding myself it's not my plan - it's God's plan. More later.

T- minus - 2 days

2008-07-11T09:26:00.005-04:00

On Sunday I am going to take a pregnancy test if I have not started my P. I am supposed to start on the 13th - Sunday. Last month I was very anxious and nervous and every other day beginning 4 days before my missed P I took a pregnancy test. This month I am very calm and prepared that it will probably take another month. Either way I am praying that God comfort me and prepare me in the ways necessary. My thought is if I do not end up "knocked up" this month it will give me another 3-4 weeks to lose more weight which can only be better for when I do have a bun in the oven. (I have to have a positive out look for both scenarios to stay sane and happy)

This morning I have felt slight cramping, low. I usually have horrible cramps, but it doesn't feel like this at all. Last night I noticed my breasts were very sore to the touch. Again, I don't know if this is because I might be Pregnant or if it is "that time of the month." Another strange thing was I kind of freaked out for no reason last night. C and I were trying to figure out what we wanted for dinner (after we looked for a new car to buy- yea). We stopped by a deli, went in and they were about to close so we left and pulled up to a new place which ended up being a bar so we left. Then I started demanding that C decide where we should eat because I was sick of making decisions. I pulled up to his favorite restaurant, he eats there 3-4 times per week (sick, I know) and there was a wait. I was completely rude and said to C as I walked out "come on lets go." He then told me over and over and over again how rude I was and that I should have handled that better. I was so mad. We pulled up to the grocery store and started to walk in as he continues to tell me how rude I was. I freak out again and go back to the car and say "well then we won't have dinner." He says he will not mention it again. We go inside get chips and salsa and a frozen pizza. I know the healthiest dinner option. He continues to remind me how rude I was. You have to also know that C never does this. He never reprimands me on my actions. We are both usually very even keel. So then I start to feel very guilty and bad for my reaction.
I was very confused why I was getting all worked up over something so silly. Maybe I'm preggers - wouldn't that be wonderful! :)

Long story - well long. We went into the store got our food and ate it well before we would have if we stayed that the restaurant. And we spent about $20 less - which is always good.
Whew.

Kicking the Caffeine Habit

2008-07-09T09:57:00.000-04:00

In my last post I explained that I stopped drinking caffeine. In March I started reading in my pre-pregnancy book that you should not drink caffeine while you are pregnant. I have already heard from so many friends and family that when you become pregnant you already feel very tired and worn out because your body is working so hard to grow a baby. I knew I was addicted to caffeine, particularly coffee, but I had no clue how bad it was. I was trying to be smart by kicking my habit even before getting knocked up thinking it would be even more difficult then.

So I decided I would ween myself off of coffee first. My job was ramped up to a completely different level in Nov. 2006. We were planting a church and my responsibilities and work load was almost tripled. I was actually doing about 3 main jobs. I quickly realized that coffee would help me very much through the almost sleepless year. Oh yeah, I also have a part time job in computer work. I know, I'm crazy. So my one cup of coffee in the morning turned into one big cup of coffee in the morning, and then into one really big cup of coffee in the morning (I mean a huge cup of coffee). It is really funny because I kept telling myself - "It's only one cup a day." Yeah Right! It was probably equivalent to 4 or 5 regular cups of coffee. Then I would have another cup in the afternoon/evening if when I had to work really late into the night (which was a lot).

So anyway I began to slowly ween myself off of this irresistible drink which is really just a legal drug. I only allowed myself to have one real cup of coffee in the morning and then a cup of hot green tea in the early afternoon. The next week I had one cup of half-caff in the morning and a cup of hot green tea in the early afternoon. The next week I had one cup of decaf in the morning and a cup of hot green tea in the early afternoon. The following week I only had one cup of hot green tea if I needed it. Then I only allowed myself to have a cup of decaf on Sunday mornings when I had to get up so early for the services. Even though I did this I still had horrible headaches every day for 2 weeks and I was irritable and moody. It was crazy. The thing that really worries me, and makes me realize this is more than just drinking coffee, is that I crave it every day. Fortunately I resist these urges, but not a day goes by that I think just if I could have a cup of coffee. Not to wake up in the morning but just because I want it. I guess this is how it is with any addiction.

I am so glad I quit coffee then. I have not had a cup of coffee in 2 months. Yea! No headaches! And I can wake up in the morning on my own!

The Past

2008-07-08T16:10:00.001-04:00

We got married in 2003 and knew we always wanted a family, and our plan was to wait 5 years. In January we went on a vacation and started discussing how we were both feeling ready to start a family. It is truly amazing how both of our hearts were ready at the same time. God is so cool in how things come together. We prayed and talked quite a bit and decided we would start trying in May knowing it would probably take about 6 months to a year to get pregnant (even though I really wanted it to happen right away - I always thought having a baby in Feb. would be a great time). So, in March I bought a pre-pregnancy book and started planning. I changed some of my eating habits (which is great, because as of now I've lost 15 lbs.) kicked my caffeine habit - I'll talk about this more later, started drinking more water, lengthened my daily prayer/quiet time (which I am learning a lot from), and started taking my daily basil body temperature (I did forget a few days in the first month though).

I was starting to get so excited, and could not wait until May came. When May arrived - Operation Baby Making. This is the fun part. I can never explain how close my husband and I have become (not necessarily the obvious reasons). Our communication has improved, and we are so exited about being parents one day. We pray more together, and understand where we are coming from with different things. It's really funny when I try to be in charge of our marriage - things get a bit rocky, but as soon as I put Christ back in the center - it just makes sense. It doesn't matter that I have always known this, I guess I just like to be in charge. God is constantly reminding me that I'm not - He is. Now I can say honestly I am glad he is God and I'm not. :)

I was supposed to start my P on June 7 and didn't so I took a pregnancy test - negative. I waited two more days and took another one - negative. Waited three more days - negative. I ended up starting on June 13. So we are trying this month again, and I will take another test on July 13 (Sunday). I am completely cool if it doesn't happen this month because I know God has a plan and I accept it. We'll see.

Dear God,
Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for all the blessings you have given to me. You are awesome and almighty. Please continue to do your work in C and I. Give me the comfort that you have a plan and it is the right plan. Ease my stress level and help me understand if things don't happen when I want them too. I love you. Amen.

The Beginning

2008-07-08T16:07:00.000-04:00

I am starting this blog for me. I don't think anyone will read it, more or less this blog is my journal. I tend to do better with things on the computer then keeping up with writing in a journal. I do pretty well, but this is a new adventure for me. I love trying new things. I am very excited about this.