39 weeks

39 WEEKS (12.05.12)

- Far along: 39 weeks

- Size of the bean: weight of a mini watermelon
- Symptoms: Braxton Hicks (more of them), exhaustion; not a symptom, but this boy MOVES!
- Cravings: nothing specific
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: I sleep, but don’t really rest well
- Maternity clothes: all tops, most bottoms
- Weight gained: 27 per the doc’s scale
- Best moment of the week: Divine Design (see below)
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: kissing his sweet cheeks!

Folks, we are down to the wire!!! Holy moly. So many things this week.

I’m tired…exhausted, actually. I cry just about every day simply because I don’t think I can go on. Apparently, it’s hard work growing a baby. I think my body is ready to quit. I know it won’t but that’s how I feel sometimes. I really can’t complain and am so very blessed to have had an uncomplicated pregnancy. So I won’t anymore. I have to remember that this will soon be a memory and to savor each and every little movement he makes while inside of me. I know I’ll miss that!

A highlight of the week: Divine Design. This is a women’s Bible study I’ve half-attended this semester with a friend from work. Most of us are around my age and have kids in the 5-and-under range or are expectant moms. The first part of the morning is spent doing domestic things (e.g. menu planning, pickling cucumbers, folding fitted sheets) and the rest is spent in study and prayer. Due to work schedules and doctor’s appointments, I’ve only made it to about half of the meetings. This week was the last one before Christmas break and it was so fun. We had a brunch, learned to make Christmas (or any other occasion) bows and reflected on the semester with praises of answered prayer. At the end, they pulled me and two other expectant mothers into the center of the room and prayed over us. It was such a meaningful experience and of course, many tears were shed. The prayers lifted were some that have been on my heart the last few weeks and I knew it was God ordained. To top it off, I wasn’t even supposed to be there. Our census at work has dropped again and I was put on call. So I truly believe God wanted me to be there and I’m glad I was able to go!

Coming up this week: an anniversary and my last day of work!

39 weeks and a Christmas tree! :)

38 weeks

38 WEEKS (11.28.12)


- Far along: 38 weeks
- Size of the bean: length of a leek
- Symptoms: Braxton Hicks still
- Cravings: nothing specific
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: tossing and turning as usual
- Maternity clothes: all tops, most bottoms
- Weight gained: 24 per the doc’s scale
- Best moment of the week: Thanksgiving and one last Aggie game
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: His birthday

Well, we are two weeks away from what could be baby boy’s birthday! It’s crazy to think that it went by so quickly. The showers are finished, the nursery is about as ready as I think it can be at this point. Then again, I’ve never done this before so it might not be ready at all. I figure we’ll figure it out when he gets here :)

It was my year to work Thanksgiving, which means we didn’t travel. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t have done so anyway as I don’t think my OB would have enjoyed me being four hours away (nor could my bum take that long of a car ride). So I worked and Brad hung everything on the nursery walls. I really need to take pictures but have yet to do so.

I decided last minute to go to the last Aggie game. And when I say last minute, I mean that I texted Leah about 15 minutes before they left town and caught a ride with them. It was a fun game and I’m glad I went. Football season always makes things go by quickly because it takes up half of our fall weekends and this year was no different. And can we just say, “Johnny Football”? My word, that kid. We’re all curious to see where this team will go in the next few years!

That’s about all for this week…

 

38 weeks

Ready for our little Christmas joy!

37 weeks

37 WEEKS (11.21.12)


- Far along: 37 weeks
- Size of the bean: length of a Swiss chard
- Symptoms: seem to be having more Braxton Hicks
- Cravings: nothing specific
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: I sleep, but I don’t generally wake up rested
- Maternity clothes: all tops, most bottoms
- Weight gained: didn’t weigh this week
- Best moment of the week:
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: next OB appointment

 

37 weeks!

35 and 36 week updates (catching up again)

35 WEEKS (11.7.12)


- Far along: 35 weeks
- Size of the bean: weight of a honeydew melon
- Symptoms: just general discomfort
- Cravings: nothing specific
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: tossing and turning as usual
- Maternity clothes: all tops, some bottoms
- Weight gained: 22? haven’t weighed since the appointment
- Best moment of the week: Marshall and work showers
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: His birthday!


36 WEEKS (11.14.12)
- Far along: 36 weeks
- Size of the bean: Crenshaw melon (?)
- Symptoms: just general discomfort
- Cravings: nothing specific
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: tossing and turning as usual
- Maternity clothes: all tops, some bottoms
- Weight gained: 23 per the doc’s scale
- Best moment of the week: reaching the ‘less than a month’ mark!
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: His birthday!

I went to the doctor today and will continue to go weekly until our sweet boy arrives. There’s not a whole lot to report except that his head is down in the pelvic canal and I haven’t dilated at all yet. That’s not completely uncommon but I do have friends that were well on their way at this point. We’ll just have to see what the next visit reveals. I’m feeling okay. My sciatic nerve pain is pretty much gone so he must have moved enough to relieve that. Every once in a while I can feel it but only if I make a strange twist or turn. AMEN!

We’re still working on getting the nursery put together…Mom is coming next week to help me organize and then Brad will hang all the goodies on the walls. It’s getting so close and we are getting really excited (and nervous)!

35 weeks -- headed to a shower

34 Weeks

34 WEEKS (10.31.12)


- Far along: 32 weeks
- Size of the bean: the weight of a cantaloupe (4.75 pounds)
- Symptoms: HOLY SCIATIC NERVE, Batman!!!!
- Cravings: nothing specific
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: tossing and turning as usual
- Maternity clothes: all tops, some bottoms
- Weight gained: 21 pounds (gained two since the last appointment)
- Best moment of the week: 3D ultrasound. DUH!!!
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: NO MORE SCIATIC!!!

Well, not much has changed in terms of how I feel. Sciatic nerve down the left side is still my enemy. For someone who likes to be up and moving as much as possible, it’s been hard to let myself slow down. In fact, I left work early today because I think I overdid it this past weekend and week. We made the trip to Auburn for the Aggie game and did a LOT (for a pregnant woman) of walking around campus. It was a fun time, but then with work Monday, a day full of errand-running Tuesday and work Wednesday, I think it was too much. Luckily, we had extra nurses on hand, so I was able to come home and nap. Lesson learned.

Our ultrasound went well. Jack’s heartbeat was strong and he’s measuring right on track so he’s healthy as can be. I gained a little weight so Dr. Ross was happy about that. The 3D part of the ultrasound was just amazing. When she first started, she wasn’t using the 3D probe, so it looked like skeleton baby again (fit for Halloween the next day). His hand was initially in his face but after she got her measurements, he cooperated so we could get that popular picture! I think he looks mostly like me when it comes to nose and mouth and Brad with eyes and forehead. Of course, he’s pretty squished in there, so he may come out totally different. He’s got 6 more weeks to develop, so you never know :)

We’re headed to Marshall this weekend for my hometown shower and that will most likely be our last long road trip (give or take a football game in College Station or two) until after he arrives. I’m not sure sitting in a car for 4+ hours is in the cards for this momma. I get antsy pretty quickly. Can’t believe it’s just around the corner!

Sweet baby boy!

32 Weeks

32 WEEKS (10.17.12)


- Far along: 32 weeks
- Size of the bean: the weight of a jicama (3.75 pounds)
- Symptoms: HOLY SCIATIC NERVE, Batman!!!!
- Cravings: I’ve loved me some candied jalapenos this week (although, I always like candied jalapenos) yummmm…
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: same as usual
- Maternity clothes: mostly, yes
- Weight gained: 18-19 pounds
- Best moment of the week: Charleston!!
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: in the long run, meeting this sweet baby!!! For this week, nothing school-related now that midterms are over

Well, this week has been one for the record books. Between two midterms (the essay-style that took me 4.5 hours while sitting at a Starbucks in SC and the multiple-choice research beast that took me 2 hours), the news of James and my excruciating sciatic nerve pain, I am physically, mentally and emotionally drained. However, I have never felt as loved as I did this week. So if you were praying for me, sending me emails or texts, thanks! (Oh, and I made A’s on both of those midterms. What, what.)

I won’t go on and on about the nerve pain, but it’s ridiculous. Debilitating. The kind of pain that makes me understand why people waddle during pregnancy, schedule inductions for the day they turn 39 weeks and makes me want to petition every single store for “Expectant Mother” parking right up there next to the handicap people. Geez.

We had a great time in Charleston. We went without an agenda and it was awesome. We basically woke up every day and decided on the fly what we would be doing. Thursday was the USS Yorktown in Mt. Pleasant, the open-air markets and Battery Park in Charleston. Friday was my midterm in the morning, lunch at Slightly North of Broad (yum-oh!) and Boone Hall Plantation. We also spent some time on the beach and found a fun little dive to eat dinner. Saturday, we slept in and then went to Ft. Sumter, came back for a nap and then found a bar to watch the Aggies (barely) beat the hell outta Louisiana State. Pictures below!

I had a doctor's appointment today...didn't gain weight the last 3 weeks so the ultrasound I wanted her to sneak in just became "earned" on my part.  I'm not sure how that's possible, because I'm definitely bigger than I was.  Hopefully Jack is gaining and momma was just spared?!  I don't know.  Either way, my blood pressure is still great, lab work from last time came back normal, his heartbeat is perfect and I go back in two weeks for the ultrasound and a doc's appointment.  Can't wait to see that sweet face :)

...more weekly posts (30 and 31)

30 WEEKS (10.03.12)
(no picture)

- Far along: 30 weeks
- Size of the bean: head of cabbage
- Symptoms: none, really.  Had a pretty good week!
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: a little better this week (perhaps because I was exhausted!)
- Maternity clothes: mostly, yes
- Weight gained: ?? haven’t weighed this week
- Best moment of the week: Round Top and Aggieland
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: a trip (albeit short) to M-town!

Well, Round Top was a success for Jack’s nursery. I started out with gray and yellow as the base for the room and have really turned to a “modern vintage” look. Leah and I braved the humid heat and found some great goodies! There are still some things I’m on the look-out for but I’m glad it’s all coming together.

Brad met us along the way and we headed to College Station for the Arkansas game. His parents came to town so we had a great visit with them all weekend. It may have poured down rain, but it didn’t stop the Ags from stomping those Razorbacks after three straight loses in previous seasons.

For kicks and grins, we drove around looking at houses for sale in the area before heading back to Houston. Maybe one day…

------------------
31 WEEKS (10.10.12)

- Far along: 31 weeks
- Size of the bean: the weight of four oranges
- Symptoms: back pain!
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: same as usual
- Maternity clothes: mostly, yes
- Weight gained: ?? will find out again next week
- Best moment of the week: it was a very productive week in baby terms (see below)
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: Charleston next week!

I’d say we had a productive week for baby L as we were able to check some pretty big things off the list. We found a pediatrician that came highly recommended from several friends. In fact, when I initially called they weren’t accepting new patients. However, they told me to fill out a new patient application (you have to apply to get a doctor?) and they would have him review it. So I did, threw out the names of the girls who recommended me and may or may not have mentioned I'm a PICU nurse. 30 hours later, I had an “acceptance” email. I felt like I did 7 years ago when I was accepted into nursing school.

I also finally decided upon and pull the trigger on ordering crib bedding. There’s no turning back now! We also scheduled ourselves for a childbirth class. Wait, let me rephrase that. I scheduled us for a class at the hospital. When I told Brad about it, he seemed fine. And then I mentioned that it was for 3.5 hours for two different nights. I think he almost spit out his food all over the table. Oops. I have to admit it seems a bit ridiculous. I just don’t want either of us freaking out when things start happening – I like to be prepared.

The to-do list seems to grow on a daily basis, but I am confident we’ll push through it.

 31 weeks and 2 days

(a preview to our Charleston trip)

Enjoying the Atlantic Ocean!

An update...several weekly posts at once

28 WEEKS (09.19.12)
(no picture)

- Far along: 28 weeks
- Size of the bean: head of cabbage (same as cauliflower?)
- Symptoms: emotions. Oh. My. Gravy.
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: a little better this week (perhaps because I was exhausted!)
- Maternity clothes: mostly, yes
- Weight gained: ?? haven’t weighed this week
- Best moment of the week: two naps in two days
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: there are a lot; too hard to narrow down

If I’m being honest with you faithful readers, this week was ROUGH. I cried about everything. I wanted to do nothing but sleep and work was difficult. Add some school projects/assignments that tipped me over the edge and you’d think I was back in the first trimester. Today starts the third (and final!) trimester of this journey and while I’m extremely ready to meet our sweet boy, I am stressed. Out. I’ve been trying to walk on the treadmill just to see if that helps my energy but really, it just makes me miss my running and hardcore workouts that would relieve my stress. I have so many thoughts that run through my head of things that need to be done before he gets here and then I think about how I have NO CLUE how to be a mother. And I start crying. No, sobbing.

So if you think about it in the next week or so, please pray for me. For Brad. For baby L. And for our family of almost-three.

--------

29 WEEKS (09.26.12)

- Far along: 29 weeks
- Size of the bean: butternut squash
- Symptoms:
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: Depends on the night
- Maternity clothes: mostly, yes
- Weight gained: 19 (up 5!) pounds total according to the doctor’s scale
- Best moment of the week: well, I can tell you it was NOT the two needles I was exposed to…
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: A weekend in Aggieland and Round Top!!!

I went to see the good ol’ doctor today and boy, was that fun. Drank some orange drink that tasted like flat Sunkist, sat around and waited. Waited some more. Went to my room. Waited some more. Left my room to have blood drawn (NOT the best phlebotomist) then came back and waited. Had a needle shoved into my bum (worst shot ever). Waited some more. Spent about 6.795 minutes with my doctor. Left. Fantastic.

Good news is, I go back at 32 weeks and we’ll schedule an ultrasound! Meanwhile, I think I’ll head over to Round Top and College Station this weekend, go to Marshall next week and to Charleston the week after! Busy times ahead…full steam to December 12!

29 weeks and 4 days

(I took this in a grocery store because we were going out of town and I wasn't going to buy a butternut squash I'd never cook.)

All In a Day's Work

You know that column in Reader's Digest where people would write in their funny stories from work?  Well, here's my latest edition.  Something sweet and something funny.

Sweet first:

I was in charge last week and went in to check on a patient another nurse had just admitted from the OR.  She'd had spinal surgery and was required to lie flat on her stomach for 24 hours.  She was 7, mostly spoke Spanish and was the daughter of an afluent family from Venezuela.  I walk in and notice her bed has been turned sideways so she can see the TV mounted on the wall.  Dora, of course.  She looks up, sees me and I say, "Well hey, sweetie!  How are you feeling?"  She smiles and as I get closer, her face lights up.  I mean, huge grin, big eyes, open-mouth smile.  She reaches up and I quickly calm her -- "Wait, you can't get up."  But she wasn't getting up.  She simply reached up, rubbed my belly and said, "BABY?!?"  I couldn't help but giggle.  It was the cutest thing EVER.  And the first time a complete stranger touched my belly.  I didn't mind.

And now funny:

I was the nurse of a 7-year old post-op heart patient.  Again, mostly Spanish-speaking.  We'll call him Pedro.  Anyway, Pedro understood and spoke English, but he liked to pretend he didn't.  He was post-op day 2, was doing very well and it was my second day with him.  Post-op days one on a straight-forward surgery includes doing a lot of "things" -- taking out lines, tubes, eating, walking, etc.  It's a pretty active day, especially for a 7-year old who basically has anxiety anytime someone with blue gloves comes near him.  So there we are, removing lines and tubes and my role for the moment is that of distractor.  (Since I have to take care of him the rest of the day, I don't need to be the one making him anxious or in pain.)  Anyway, we're pretty much done and he's still freaking out, crying, etc.  I'm putting cars in front of him, asking him to remind me of the colors in Spanish I'd learned the day before.  Hold one up -- "rojo"?  He nods through the crying.  Hold up another -- "Azul"?  He nods again, less crying.  Another -- "amarillo"?  Nods.  I get to the brown one.  Darn, we never learned brown in Spanish because he refused to talk to me.  That, and it was a yellowish-brown so we'd determined that it was amarillo, too.  But I wanted him to tell me what brown was.  Wouldn't budge.  So I start guessing the wrong thing on purpose.  He shakes his head.  Finally, after about 5 guesses, our Physician's Assistant (a male, mind you) says, "Just tell her it's 'poopoo'."  Pedro tries SOOOO hard to hold back a grin and giggle but just.  Can't.  Do it.  We all four bust out laughing.  "Is it poopoo, I ask?"  He shakes his head.  "Well then, what is it???"  A soft, muffled "cafe" comes out.  Love it.

Peace and Understanding

I know I'm a few weeks late on pregnancy updates, and I have some funny stories I want to share from work.  However, the last few days have been a constant roller coaster of emotions for this little heart of mine.  Most of you probably know by now, but early Wednesday morning I was awakened by a text from my best friend from Marshall.  It had a picture of a Facebook status that read:

"Please be in prayer for our family as well as three others... My oldest son James Morgan, his boss and 2 pilots were scheduled to land a single engine 4-seater plane in Casper, Wyoming at 4 pm today.  We have not heard from any of them and their plane is missing.  Please take the time right now to pray for them"

James was a classmate of mine in high school.  The guy who never met a stranger or enemy.  He loved to hunt and loved to play baseball.  His smile was infectious and was so appropriately nicknamed "Beautiful" by some of the Mavettes when he served as a manager our senior year.  J-Mo was an all-around great guy -- a Christ-follower who radiated His love, and a loyal husband and father.  He was my birthday buddy and every August 31st, we would call, text or Facebook each other to gloat that we would always be the youngest of our high school class!

Brad and I were getting ready to pack up and leave for Charleston that morning, but I found myself completely distracted.  I forwarded the text to my parents -- both of whom knew James and really liked him.  Dad always talked about (and still does) an incredible catch James made during a Maverick game he was broadcasting.  Everytime he saw James, he brought that play up, they laughed and reminisced and went on with their conversation.  I couldn't help buy cry.  What about his wife, Ashley?  And Kiptyn, their son?  I mean, he's only 2 and may never truly know his earthly father.

The next few days, I witnessed an incredible thing happen in our small hometown.  Facebook was the ultimate outlet for updates as James's mom and uncle gave us all frequent updates.  A separate page was created for this very reason and within 24 hours had thousands of followers.  By Thursday night, a prayer vigil was planned, t-shirts had been made and ordered and a the number of people calling on God for help quickly rose all around the country.  Wyoming residents joined in, the Sheriff's departments were overwhelmingly helpful to the families and political representatives from both Texas and Wyoming reached out to offer their assistance.

For 48 hours, people all over the world came together with prayers of hope in finding these men (the "Heroic Four" as they would later be named) alive in the mountains of Wyoming.  However, within minutes of the conclusion of the Marshall prayer vigil, news that the plane was found with no survivors hit.  An immediate outpouring of support, encouragement and sorrow overtook the Facebook page.  How does a 29-year old woman get through the loss of her husband and son's father?  How does a mother comprehend losing her 29-year old son?  The "why" and "how" and "but God, really" questions began pouring out of my mind almost as quickly as the tears.  Those are questions I may never have an answer to until I face God one day.  It is not my job to understand.  It is my job, however, to reflect on my own relationships and take advantage of the time I have now with the people I love.  It is my job to lean on the Father.  To pray for strength.  To have faith in His divine plan.  To talk to Him constantly.  Because that's what He wants -- us.  A friend on FB made the comment that she feels "sometimes prayer doesn't seem like enough".  My answer to that was this:  we will never understand or know all of the consequences or outcomes of our prayers.  Only God knows that.  All we can do is continue to pray, to have faith and to call on Him.

Tracy (James's mom) and Ashley (his wife) are incredible women of faith.  Their strength and faith alone have truly touched hundreds, if not thousands, of people.  One thing is for sure.  People say God doesn't take you until you have accomplished your purpose in life.  James's purpose in life is still ongoing as people come together in Christian unity to support his family and friends.  Thousands of people were touched by his life and that is something we can all hope for.

One last thought...when people here in Houston (whether at work, church or in life) ask why Brad and I want to move to a small town, this is one fine example I will share.  There's something about small communities of people (and the community of FAITH) that you cannot find elsewhere.

Thank you, Lord, for 29 awesome years of sharing James with us!

27 Weeks

WEEK 27

(09.12.12)

- Far along: 27 weeks
- Size of the bean: head of cauliflower
- Symptoms: the GI issues have returned! UGH!
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: a little better this week (perhaps because I was exhausted!)
- Maternity clothes: mostly, yes
- Weight gained: still 13 (yes, I stood on a scale at home)
- Best moment of the week: seeing quite a few Aggie friends (via way of first Aggie game!)
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: our mini vacation!

Well, the 12th of this month fell on a Wednesday, just like baby L’s due date so I can officially say I’m 3 months away from meeting this little fella! Excited doesn’t begin to describe how I feel about that. Sorry to cut it short this week but I’ve got a full one ahead of me!

27 Weeks

Baby L = head of cauliflower

26 weeks

26 WEEKS (09.05.12)

- Far along: 26 weeks
- Size of the bean: English hothouse cucumber (length)
- Symptoms: ab muscle pain
- Cravings: Chick-Fil-A diet lemonade
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: about the same
- Maternity clothes: the same -- I ordered several more things from Old Navy and the scrub place...
- Weight gained: 13 pounds at the doc’s office
- Best moment of the week: Marshall!
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: the start of Aggie football!

What a great weekend in Marshall! Brad and I were both bummed about the game being cancelled due to the hurricane that never came, but it was still great to relax, spend some downtime in the woods and see family and friends. Marshall might be an extreme, but getting away from Houston where there isn’t much going on makes me want to move to Small Town, USA more and more. I’ve said it a hundred times and I’ll say it again…Houston has been great to us these last [almost] 6 years. We have been through so much...a courtship, an engagement, a wedding, first job (me), new experiences in job (Brad), CARES and now a baby. We’ve met so many awesome people through work, church and CARES and are thankful for God’s provision over us. Both of us long to be somewhere with a few million people less than Houston. While we talk back and forth about where that might be, neither of us truly knows just yet. It should be an exciting year!

I was so excited to get to see some Central Baptist folks!  The last time I was there, I knew I was pregnant, but hadn't spilled the beans to Mom and Dad there.  So it was nice to be able to celebrate this exciting time for us!  I also got to spend some time with the BFF from high school.  Unfortunately, our weekend dining experiences included way too much fried food (Big Pines for catfish/shrimp and Herby K's for Shrimp Busters), so we both paid for it for several days!  It was worth it :)

Aggie football starts this weekend with an SEC opener against Florida. That means tailgating, long days on campus, quick trips back and forth to College Station and a very FAST fall season. Between work for me, games and showers, December will be upon us before we know it! We’re still planning a long weekend getaway to somewhere on the east coast and will also make the trek to Auburn for the Aggie/Auburn game. I’m praying my doctor won’t ban airplane travel before those two weekends come!

26 weeks

Baby L = length of English hothouse cucumber*

*NOTE: This is NOT one of those cucumbers, but a normal, everyday American one.  So add 2-3 inches as Baby L should be 14" in length!

25 weeks (no picture)

25 WEEKS (08.29.12)


- Far along: 25 weeks
- Size of the bean: rutabaga (weight)
- Symptoms: ab muscle pain
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: getting a little better
- Maternity clothes: we’ll go with about 75% of shirts and 25% of bottoms
- Weight gained: ??? 12 maybe?
- Best moment of the week: cloth diaper tutorial (see below)
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: birthday weekend in Marshall!

Sorry for the picture-less update, but I didn’t have time searching the grocery store for a rutabaga and none of the turnips looked big enough!

So last weekend, we hosted our very last CARES event. Somewhere in year two, we began running out of creative juices and decided to make brunch a monthly affair. We always had great turnouts and continued that trend. The residents loved it, we had the planning, shopping and executing down to a science and it just worked really well. Anyway, it was great and we were able to visit with lots of people, both old and new. We’ll definitely miss interacting with the residents on a regular basis, but I think we’re both looking forward to a little extra “us” time during the week! We’re so blessed to have had the opportunity and are grateful for your thoughts and prayers over the last 25 months.

We also spent some time with friends and with that came a little cloth diapering lesson/tutorial. Our good friends Steven and Tricia and Tricia’s sister both use cloth diapers. I asked them for some tips and advice and they decided a hands-on experience would be best. One word – overwhelming! I went in thinking I knew a bunch and walked away realizing there’s so much more! I’m so glad we had that chance because I feel a little more informed and know I need to do a little more “research” before making decisions. I think their best piece of advice was to try out a couple of different types of diapers and see what works best for us. Who knew there were half a dozen types of cloth diapers (all-in-ones, pockets, hybrid, pre-folds, etc.)? Now I do…and so do you! I still get some crazy looks when I tell people that’s what we’ve decided on but I’m still convinced it’s best!

24 Weeks

24 WEEKS (08.22.12)


- Far along: 24 weeks
- Size of the bean: ear of corn (length)
- Symptoms: ab muscle pain
- Cravings: I had Chick-fil-a three times last week…does that count as a craving?
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: still up and down a lot
- Maternity clothes: about half and half
- Weight gained: I’ll guess 11 pounds.
- Best moment of the week: I can’t believe this, but I can’t remember 
- Gender: boy
- Looking forward to: the fall!

I’m writing this a few weeks late so it won’t be much of an update…mainly just a picture. I can barely remember what all happened two days ago, much less two weeks. I do know that the abdominal pain continues to get worse. I’m assuming at this point that it’s a pulled muscle and for that, there’s not much I can do. I guess I’ll just work on getting used to it.

We had our last group CARES meeting this week and that was bittersweet. We LOVED CARES, but did not necessarily care for the meetings. It was good to have others who were going through similar things that we could bounce ideas off of and share prayer requests with, but they were long. It was a great time to reflect back over the last two years (time flies!) and think about all the seeds that were sown. Please be in prayer for the residents and for us as they find a new team and we transition into “normal” life.

24 weeks

Baby L = length of ear of corn

(I forgot to tell Brad to cook the carrots instead of the corn for dinner...so it was eaten before our picture was taken.  Hence, the bag of frozen corn) HA!

Nursery Inspiration

I don't know about inspiration, but here's a look at what the nursery is shaping up to be.  I'm going for a modern take on vintage look.  Leah and I are making our annual trip to Round Top in about a month so I know I'll find some neat things to accent the walls and such.  Here's what we have so far...(I'm going to attempt to source everything...bear with me!)

1a. Crib by Babyletto in white.  Perhaps my favorite part is the drawer for storage.  That's important in an apartment!

1b. Crib bedding fabric choices.  I'm still trying to decide on the configuration of these, but I like the colors.  Gray and yellow have always been my choice, but not that we know The Bean is a boy, a little blue will make it's way in the scheme.

2. I love the Ikat-like design of these curtain panels from West Elm.  Just need to pull the trigger and buy!  The only thing we're considering is making them black-out since the guest room/nursery tends to boil while the rest of the apartment feels comfortable.

3. This dresser will double at the changing table.  If I may brag on myself a bit, I put it together all by myself one day a few weeks ago when I was home sick.  But if I'm being honest while bragging, Brad did have to fix one small slip up ;)

4. This rug in gray is a fave from Urban Outfitters.  I like how the scallops link together with the circular pattern on the bedding fabric.

5. This daybed will also be squeezed into the space to give guests a place to stay when they come visit.  It conveniently pulls out into a double bed, and I love the drawers for extra storage (see #1a)!

6. This is the splurge in the room - the rocking recliner.  I wanted something with modern lines to match the crib and a recliner as opposed to just a rocker.  The fabric is links grey but I can't link to it (irony?).  It has a great texture to it to add some dimension.

I realize there are a lot of muted color but I'll find a way to add some color when I hang things on the walls and add some throw blankets and pillows in.  I think I'll do a separate post on the things I've found.  I haven't yet found anything as far as bedding for the daybed, but will get around to that at some point.  Perhaps a simple pale blue or yellow quilt?  We shall see!

23 Weeks

23 WEEKS (08.15.12)

- Far along: 23 weeks

- Size of the bean: mango (weight)
- Symptoms: ab muscle pain
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: last week was brutal
- Maternity clothes: about half and half
- Weight gained: 9 pounds according to the OB (last week)
- Best moment of the week: my first massage since March!
- Gender: it's a boy!!!
- Looking forward to: cooler weather!

Well, I started the process of registering this week. I met a good friend of mine that recently had a baby at Babies ‘R’ Us to get things started. It was so much more difficult than registering for our wedding 4 years ago. I’m not sure why but I couldn’t make decisions so what’s on there now may not be on there in a few weeks. We have decided to give a go with cloth diapering. I’m still getting advice from friends who have ventured down that path on specific brands, care, etc., but we’re going to do it!

As mentioned above, I got a two-hour prenatal massage this week! It’s the first one I’ve had since before getting pregnant because I wasn’t sure how it would go. However, I found out my usual therapist is now certified as a prenatal specialist, so I made an appointment. It was great :)

Lastly, our crib came! We’ve been cleaning out the guest bedroom to convert it into the nursery, so we made a space and we (and by we, I mean Brad) put it together. I helped…by handing him things. We still have quite a ways to go, but I’m slowly finding things to fill it up with! I’m working on a mood board of sorts, so hopefully I can figure out how to post that on the blog in the next few weeks.

Here we are at 23 weeks with the mango!

22 weeks

22 WEEKS
(08.08.12)


- Far along: 22 weeks
- Size of the bean: spaghetti squash (length)
- Symptoms: ab and back pain
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: waking up a lot, tossing/turning
- Maternity clothes: Mostly pre-pregnancy still but bought a few more shirts this week
- Weight gained: 9 pounds according to the OB
- Best moment of the week: knowing that Baby L is a BOY!!!
- Gender: XY
- Looking forward to: Finishing up this summer term (not baby-related, I know)


It was SO. MUCH. FUN so many of our family and friends here this weekend. I won’t recap the party since I’ve done that in two different posts, but I will say this. I haven’t had that much fun with so many people I love since my wedding. There are definitely highlights here and there but there’s nothing like a room full of people you care so much about. Brad and I are so very fortunate to have friends and family that will take time out of their weekend, travel long distances and hang out for hours to find out if we’re having a boy or a girl. I mean, nuptials, yes. But a gender reveal?!? WOW!

Our parents are awesome. So much love and support.  Love y'all!!!

22 Weeks

Please excuse the hat.  It was a late hair-washing day.

21 weeks (sans pic)

21 WEEKS
(08.01.12)

- Far along: 21 weeks
- Size of the bean: carrot (length)
- Symptoms: some ligament pain in the right upper quadrant area of my abdomen (how’s that for detail?)
- Cravings: milk and Baked Cheetos but not together
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: same
- Maternity clothes: I am officially wearing the Be-band as my pants no longer button. Some shirts.
- Weight gained: I feel bigger than last week but haven’t weighed myself
- Best moment of the week: Taking that envelope to the baker!
- Gender: COME ON, SATURDAY!!!
- Looking forward to: see above!

Not a lot of changes this week. I worked a lot, which helped the time pass but didn’t leave much room for anything extra. Right now, I’m just focused on wrapping up the details for the weekend’s festivities, clean the house and finish up some school work.

More Gender Reveal

Pictures of the Evening...

Will Baby L be a "beau" or wear a "bow"?  Guests made their choices...

"Is Baby L a beau or bow?

Jot down your guess, soon we will know!

Please wear a tiara or a tie.

It's only for pictures, so swallow your pride!"

(There were neck ties and moustaches for boy guessers.)

Ultimately, I was team boy because that's been my suspicion all along.

Kasey thought boy, but wanted girl.

Love this pic!

One lucky cupcakes holds the secret!

I'll have you know, I never ate mine.  Just sliced right through it and started searching the crowd.

Team Blue -- the popular choice.



Team Pink.

Boy it is!



Poor Evi wanted a girl cousin, but will be happy with another boy in the family!

Gender Reveal

I'd never heard of a gender reveal before I became familiar with the blogging world and Pinterest.  As soon as I understood the premise behind it, I knew that's how I wanted to tell our family and friends if Baby L would wear pink or blue.  As soon as we found out we were pregnant (and before my mom even knew), I began digging around for ideas.  I saw some really cute ideas and as the date was set, the details fell into place and the invitations were mailed, there was still one small detail I hadn't yet ironed out.

How would we actually reveal the gender?

The most common thing I saw was the cake idea.  The baker makes the inside of the cake either pink or blue and the parents-to-be stand up in front of the crowd as everyone waits in anticipation as it's cut.  Cute, wonderful.  Except I've done that before...at my wedding.  I wanted cupcakes because I wanted everybody to feel a part of the surprise.  So as I was talking it up at work, someone suggested a 'King's Cake' concept where maybe you hide a blue or pink baby in the cake and see who gets it.  Except I wanted cupcakes, remember?  So yes!  Of course, put the baby inside ONE cupcake and as we all toast our sugary goodness in the air, somebody gets to feel extra special for those 4.5 seconds before the attention comes back to Brad and me.  All because they chose the cupcake!  We changed the baby idea to filling because there's just something about the nurse in me that thinks baby-in-cake = choking hazard.

So there we were...ten days before the party, sitting in the Dr.'s office.  One small, itty bitty part of me really wanted to say "screw it, (sorry, Mom) let's just find out".  But then again, I've been thinking about and planning this party for months.  So we held out, gazing into each other's eyes instead of at the big screen everytime the sonographer told us to turn our heads.  We walked out of there with a black and white picture AND a CD all sealed up and didn't peak.  Those two things sat in our apartment for seven straight days and neither one of us cared.  I mean, we cared, but not enough to ruin the surprise.  The picture went to the baker a few days ago and the anticipation built up...

Here's the scene:  25 of our friends and family members gathered around.  Fajitas, beer, sangria for dinner.  Neckties and tiaras for those who wanted to be on "team blue" or "team pink".  Lots of laughter, good conversation and cute kids running (or crawling) around.  Then the time comes.  I give a few instructions -- don't shove the whole thing in your mouth, everybody start together, etc. and then it begins.  "Oh, I think I have it!" Not funny.  And then another one.  Nope.  And then very quietly and coyly, we hear, "No you don't, because it's right here."  Daddy Brad had the cupcake and had very happily smeared the blue filling all over his mouth.  The smile on his face was PRICELESS.   I'm still not sure if he was more proud that Baby L is a boy or that he picked the coveted cupcake.  I started jumping up and down, getting all sentimental and teary-eyed, screaming with excitement and ran over to him.  He's said all along it would be a boy, so it was perfect!  See for yourself...

More pictures to come...plus, the oops-I-forgot-to-post 21 week update (and probably the 22 week one as well)...

20 weeks

20 weeks (07.25.12)


- Far along: 20 weeks
- Size of the bean: banana (length)
- Symptoms: some ligament pain in the right upper quadrant area of my abdomen (how’s that for detail?)
- Cravings: I still really enjoy a nice cold glass of milk
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: same
- Maternity clothes: I am officially wearing the Be-band as my pants no longer button. Other than that, loose pre-pregnancy shirts are working
- Weight gained: I feel bigger than last week but haven’t weighed myself
- Best moment of the week: too many to name…read below
- Gender: COME ON, AUGUST 4th!!!
- Looking forward to: see above!

Well, well, well. What a great week and particularly a great day. I know all four of you know this, but we do serve an amazing God. Baby first, of course. Today was anatomy scan day. It was interesting. We told her we didn’t want to find out the gender during the ultrasound, so she was very cautious as she began scanning. We probably only saw about 2/3 of the whole thing because anytime she got close to the between-the-legs area, she made us turn our heads. Once she found what she was looking for, she told it was safe to look. So there we were, looking at things like ventricles (brain), right ventricular outflow tracts (heart), aortic and rental artery blood flow (heart/kidneys), a sweet little nose and mouth, femurs and hands. It was great. The little bean was a little shy about his/her bottom, though. She was trying to see the tail-end of the spine and had me flip-flopping all over the table to get him/her to move. She must’ve gotten what she needed because I’m typing this from home, not the OB’s office. Pictures were shown to the doc, he signed a clean bill of health and we were on our way! The “it’s a ___” picture is in a manila envelope and will make the trip to the baker this weekend.

After dinner tonight, I was reclined back a bit on the couch stretching out my torso like I do after most meals to get comfortable. (It doesn’t take much these days and I’m only half-way there.) I was feeling some dancing in my belly, so I rested my hand on The Bean. Lo and behold, I could feel it with my hand…something I didn’t think would/could happen for a few more weeks. So I told Brad, “Hey. See if you can feel this.” Hand on belly. Wait. Wait. Wait. THERE!!!! Sure enough, he/she kicked daddy’s hand!!! I cried, Brad laughed. Our first little family moment. 

So yes, God is great and He answers prayers! And if you haven’t read the following blog post about a survivor from last week’s Colorado tragedy, you should. Miracles occur. All the time. He is good.

http://bstrait.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/a-miracle-inside-the-the-aurora-shooting-one-victims-story/

And here are some pics:

20 weeks (half-way there!)

Baby L = banana (length)

19 weeks

19 weeks -- 7/18/12

- Far along: 19 weeks

- Size of the bean: large heirloom tomato
- Symptoms: none at the moment
- Cravings: milk!
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: tossing and turning, but so is Brad so we might in the market for a new mattress
- Maternity clothes: not yet
- Weight gained: I feel bigger than last week but haven’t weighed myself
- Best moment of the week: starting to feel some flutters!
- Gender: COME ON, AUGUST 4th!!!
- Looking forward to: the anatomy scan next week!


I’ve been feeling fairly well this last week. Of course, having six days off from work will do that to a person :). Because we thought we were moving just a few weeks ago, my mom helped me pack up the living and dining rooms when she was here. Therefore, there have been boxes sitting around for a while and it was DRIVING ME CRAZY! So this week, Brad and I cleaned out the guest room closet and spent some time unpacking those boxes. I still can’t believe how much stuff two people can accumulate in a two bedroom apartment, but it happens. And I can only imagine how much that will grow once The Bean arrives! Nevertheless, five large trash bags to Goodwill later, things are looking…the same. Geez. I think once we take the furniture out of the guest room, it’ll make me feel better.

Gender reveal party invites are out and I am SO ready. I stopped by and taste-tested some cupcakes from a local bakery and oh. My. Stars. Delish. They’re a bit expensive so we’ll see if that’s the end contender, but either way, I had a little bite of heaven this week.

We have just a few short days until the big ultrasound and I think I’m getting more and more anxious every day. I’m sure I’ll have a hard time sleeping the night before but am hoping for that peace I keep talking about. We’re looking forward to having some of our favorite people in one room together and sharing some BIG news!!!

19 weeks

It's kind of a weird angle and please excuse the hair in the face.

18 weeks

18 WEEKS (07.11.12)


- Far along: 18 weeks
- Size of the bean: bell pepper
- Symptoms: it’s all getting a little better
- Cravings: same – guac and milk
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: tossing and turning
- Maternity clothes: not really
- Weight gained: officially 6 pounds per the doctor’s scale
- Best moment of the week: hearing that sweet little heart beat
- Gender: waiting for 8/4
- Looking forward to: my next 6 days off!!!

I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. Sure, I have a belly I’ve never had before and I feel like I eat all the time, but I don’t feel as exhausted and hopefully I’m a little nicer (silly hormones). Evi’s party was so fun and it was great to see everyone. I’ll post a few pics after I send them to her mom and dad first!

I went to the doctor today for a check-up. Not much happens yet at these appointments…just some measurements and question-answering. My blood pressure is normal, labs drawn at the other physician’s office looked good and The Bean’s heartbeat was 156 (or maybe 154). I’ve gained 6 pounds so far, which is fine as long as I keep growing. They drew some more blood for the Quad Screen (spina bifida and Down’s syndrome screening) and I scheduled our 20-week anatomy scan for July 25th. Brad will accompany me to that and while we won’t find out the gender at that time, we will see all the important organs (heart, brain, kidneys, etc.). The curse of being a PICU nurse is how much I know about everything. While I haven’t worried at all about any of it, I am anxious to see that little Bean again! Prayers that I continue to feel at peace about it all would be appreciated!

18 weeks

To clarify...when comparing to any particular food, Baby L may not actually be that size, but

close to some measurement of the food.  In this case, The Bean is about the length of a bell pepper.

17 weeks

17 WEEKS (07.04.12)


- Far along: 17 weeks
- Size of the bean: turnip
- Symptoms: same ol’, same ol’
- Cravings: nothing specific but I am loving some guacamole and milk (not together)
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: Waking up usually twice for a bathroom break; a lot of tossing and turning; crazy dreams
- Maternity clothes: a tank top here and there
- Weight gained: I never weighed myself before I got pregnant but from what I can remember, I think I’m up 4-5 pounds
- Best moment of the week: knowing we DON’T HAVE TO MOVE!!!
- Gender: waiting for 8/4!
- Looking forward to: the next, BIG ultrasound

The last week was great – so many blessings! Since April or so, we’ve been planning to move at the end of June/beginning of July. Our commitment with CARES has officially ended and as much as we love our apartment, it just wasn’t financially reasonable to stay here. However, after talking with our apartment manager (and his generosity), we’re staying!!! While I’m thankful my mom was able to come down and help pack us up a bit, I’m so excited I get to unpack those boxes right where they sit now! We also decided to continue CARES for another few months while they find our replacement team. We’d hate for the residents to see such a lag in time between events and we want to serve them, so we’re in it through August.

We get to see the Litteken family this week at our sweet niece’s first birthday party! We’re so excited to get away from Houston for the weekend and to spend some quality time together and with family.

17 weeks

Also known as the first time I have ever purchased a turnip in my life!

16 weeks

16 WEEKS (06.27.12)


- Far along: 16 weeks
- Size of the bean: avocado
- Symptoms: same…
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: Waking up usually twice for a bathroom break; a lot of tossing and turning; crazy dreams
- Maternity clothes: not yet
- Weight gained: I never weighed myself before I got pregnant but from what I can remember, I think I’m up 4ish pounds
- Best moment of the week: having Mom here this week and looking at furniture
- Gender: waiting for 8/4
- Looking forward to: having a real belly


So let me explain…just when I thought I had a grip on my emotions, BOOM! Twice this last week I’ve cried over silly things. I mean, they were sort of silly. Once when my mom called and said she didn’t think she could come after all. I was seriously looking forward to mom/daughter time and at that moment in time, my life. Was. Ruined. I called Brad crying, so we met up for lunch. Sweet man. And Mom came after all. [The real story is that she was rear-ended in Marshall, her car was totaled and she had to wait for a rental. Luckily, she was totally okay and wanted to come so it all worked out. And yes, I felt awful for that selfish moment of crying.] The second time was today when she left. Well, that and I hate moving and really don’t want to.

I know that I should be careful when wishing for a belly, but honestly, it’s a clothes thing. My current clothes still fit but aren’t nearly as comfortable. I’m not quite in maternity stuff so I just feel fat. Yes, it’s for good reason, but still.

16 weeks

I'm still wearing a lot of loose, comfortable clothing so it's hard to tell in some pictures...

15 weeks

15 WEEKS

-          Far along: 15 weeks

-          Size of the bean: apple

-          Symptoms: bowel issues

-          Cravings: none

-          Aversions: food in general makes me cringe sometimes (see ‘symptoms’)

-          Sleep:

-          Maternity clothes: not yet

-          Weight gained: probably 2 pounds by now; I’m bad about weighing myself

-          Best moment of the week: making it FB official

-          Gender: waiting for 8/4/12…

-          Looking forward to: the second trimester energy surge

Baby L, you are already so loved!  I know it sounds silly (and one day I will explain), but when I let the world of Facebook know you are due to arrive as an awesome Christmas present, the social media world went nuts.  Over 100 people either commented or “liked” the fact that you’re coming!  So many people are praying for you and for Mommy and Daddy and we couldn’t be more happy.  I pray every day for you to keep growing and to be healthy.  I know deep down, Daddy really wants a boy, but honestly I know we just want you to be healthy (you know, four chambered heart with all the right plumbing, developed brain and other vital organs).  Most of all, we want you to grow to know Christ.  That’s a whole post on its own, though.

(My photographer was in the Alaskan wilderness this week so no belly pic.)

14 weeks

14 WEEKS (written 6/12/12)

I’m a day early but I’m sure after work tomorrow, I’ll either forget or be too tired to update.  I met the new doctor today.  It was a pretty ridiculous appointment in terms of wait-time.  Checked in at 10:30, finally got paper work to fill out at 10:50, called back at 11:45, out of there at 12:30.  Of course, the old office hadn’t sent over any records so Dr. Ross just kind of winged it.  No blood word.  No ultrasound.  Just a good old-fashion exam with the added bonus of hearing fetal heart tones (150ish bpm).  I go back in 4 weeks and then the “big” ultrasound is in 6.  EEK!

-          Far along: 14 weeks

-          Size of the bean: lemon

-          Symptoms: fatigue (again/still), indigestion, feeling bloated

-          Cravings: none

-          Aversions: meat but it’s getting a little better

-          Sleep: I’ve been so tired from my work schedule, it’s been better

-          Maternity clothes: not yet

-          Weight gained: officially 1.5 pounds

-          Best moment of the week: talking to my BFFs about it on the phone!!!

-          Gender: Don’t know, but hopefully he/she will cooperate and we’ll reveal on 8/4/12

-          Looking forward to: my mom coming in 1.5 weeks :))) and starting to take weekly belly pics



14 weeks



12 weeks

12 WEEKS

Slowly but surely, we’re telling more people.  I’m looking forward to getting in the second trimester and the lack of evening sickness and that “burst of energy” people talk about!  I’ve definitely got a bump going on.  It really just feels like I’m fat or bloated but it doesn’t go away like it used to.  I spent some time at Ashley’s today just hanging out at the pool and having girl time.  Her sister-in-law knows my physician group and after talking about that for a bit, I finally decided it’s time to switch OBs.  I’ll talk to a few people at work that know about the Bean and see if they have recommendations.  I’m praying I’ll easily find someone that will accept me as a new patient and that I can trust.

Highlights

-          Far along: 12 weeks

-          Size of the bean: small lime

-          Symptoms: nausea, indigestion

-          Cravings: none

-          Aversions: meat; and sweets if it’s too much or too rich

-          Sleep: still sleeping well

-          Maternity clothes: not yet, but Ashley gave me some tanks and shirts to borrow when it comes to that

-          Weight gained: none

-          Best moment of the week: taking pregnancy announcement photos and ordering them

-          Gender: who knows…but Brad says boy

-          Looking forward to: second trimester!



12 weeks!
(This was also the picture we used for mail-out announcements to friends and family.)