Friday, April 30, 2010

God is so GOOD

It is AMAZING to see the people God puts into your life at just the right moments. This past week when different ladies found out I was having a boy, I received several responses along the lines like, "your world is going to turn upside down with a boy" or "don't plan on having a break for the first 2 years" or "you are going to have your hands full with a boy!", and so-on, and so-on. I was floored. It was somewhat discouraging because they all seemed to have a negative spin on them. I get that boys and girls are different but come on, a baby is a baby and a two year old is a two year old and they're all BLESSINGS. I remember being pregnant with Kathryn and people trying to "prep" me for having a newborn and all the difficulties of it. I promised myself then that after Kathryn was born, if any new mom's asked for my opinion, I was going to tell them all the joy and excitement they were in for. So many women are fearful enough by themselves of the unknown, why exasperate it with a third party opinion? On top of that, the reality is it is definitely a change to life but not something to be scared or worried or fearful of. Needless to say, after hearing several of the comments this week, I wasn't exactly discouraged (because I know we are in for tons of joy and excitement whether we were having a boy or a girl) but I was struggling a little wrapping my head around it all and sad that that was how some of these mom's described their boys as just being difficult. 

Today, less than 24 hours later and still at the forefront of my brain, Kathryn and I went to Barnes and Noble - one of our favorite places to visit. I love it for the atmosphere, unlimited access to books and their delicious drinks and of course, she loves it for the "choo-choo train". It's the best of both worlds. While Kathryn was playing with the train station, wouldn't you know it...a lady came with an older daughter (4 and half years old) and a younger son (2 years old) and sat down right beside us. We were chatting within five minutes and we ended up talking for AT LEAST half an hour if not longer! It was such a fun time!!! We totally hit it off and it was such a comfort to have someone who was basically in my shoes, just a few years ahead of me. On top of that, she was thrilled to hear we were having a boy and went on and on about how fun both genders were. I was just tickled to hear that from her after all I had heard this week and then realized the perfect timing of it all. I know she didn't come across my path by accident and I'm grateful God had her on the calendar.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Visit with Grandma & Grandpa Gram

She Cracks Me Up!!!

20 Weeks

How far along? 20 Weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: 10 pounds (confirmed by the Dr today!) Whoohooo!!!
Maternity clothes? yep
Sleep: Not too bad, just miss sleeping on my belly!!
Movement: Not a ton of movement throughout the day but at least once a day, he has a great workout session with tons of punches, kicks and jumps. His quads and biceps are going to be AWESOME.
Best moment this week: Asking Kathryn what was in my belly and she said, "Mama has a budda belly!"
Cravings: Food. I just like food in general so what's new?
Belly Button: it's out!
What I miss: sweet tea daily - go figure. And turkey sandwiches (COLD). Yum. That sounds so good right now. I am not changing this section. It is all still true and will probably be listed weekly until our little man is born.
What I am looking forward to: Kathryn being the coolest big sister EVER. Buying new bedding! Buying boy clothes! Figuring out everyone's sleeping arrangements and organizing the guest room.
Milestone: Made it to the halfway point!!! 

I had a great dr. appointment today. Blood pressure, weight gain, and the baby's heartbeat were all on track. She said I was measuring 18 weeks (versus 20) but said I likely would measure smaller because I have a long torso. She also mentioned an option about having progesterone shots weekly since Kathryn was preterm so Matt and I have to decide in the next few days if we're going through with that. She said while the shots have worked in the past to prolong pregnancies, there were no guarantees whether it would work or not. And with me having a perfectly normal pregnancy with Kathryn and no signs or reason for the preterm labor, it was a toss up whether I would have the next one early without the shots or even go full term to 40 weeks. We are leaning against the shots but will research a little more tonight. We believe the following: 1.) God is in control regardless 2.) there are no guarantees 3.) why put something additional into my body when the outcome is still uncertain. Yes, we can play devil's advocate with all of the above but God is still in control of all things.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

19 Weeks

How far along? 19 weeks and 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: 6 pounds gained (+/-) probably a little more..I hungry A LOT these days
Maternity clothes? some but man is it hard to find maternity pants that look decent on me!
Sleep: Not too bad, just miss sleeping on my belly!!
Movement: He is a kicking machine. He's been moving around like crazy. He especially loved hearing Beth Moore's telecast yesterday. I think he secretly wanted to meet her...
Best moment this week: Realizing that Matt and our little man can go fishing together and Kathryn and I can have girl nights together!
Cravings: You will not believe this. I actually wanted Chinese food today and I don't think I've eaten it in over a year! Matt was thrilled. Also I've been craving nuts and dried fruit..
Belly Button: it's out!
What I miss: sweet tea daily - go figure. And turkey sandwiches (COLD). Yum. That sounds so good right now. I am not changing this section. It is all still true and will probably be listed weekly until our little man is born. Maybe I would add having a cold beer every once in a while too.
What I am looking forward to: Kathryn being the coolest big sister EVER. Buying new bedding! Buying boy clothes! Figuring out everyone's sleeping arrangements and organizing the guest room.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

18 Weeks

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 6 pounds gained (+/-) (I'm pretty sure I gained atleast a pound yesterday with all I ate!!!)
Maternity clothes? Bought some really cute maternity shorts and two great "regular" skirts!
Sleep: Can't complain, just miss sleeping on my belly!!
Best moment this week: FINDING OUT WE'RE HAVING A BOY!!!!!
Cravings: I purchased my second cantaloupe ever and sliced it up this past week to satisfy a craving. Sweets. Lots of sweets too.
Gender: Boy oh BOY! Kathryn was right! All this time when I've been asking her if I'm having a baby boy or a baby girl, I thought she was saying "Baby guuurrllll". I think about 40% of the time, she was saying that but about two weeks ago, I realized the other 60% of the time she was actually saying, "Baby Koooollle" (Baby Kole is my friends baby who Kathryn loves) which sounded to me like "Baby Girl" with a southern drawl to it. She's been saying all week the word "boy" when I've asked her and that's crystal clear to understand! How cool!!
Belly Button: it's out!
What I miss: sweet tea daily - go figure. And turkey sandwiches (COLD). Yum. That sounds so good right now.
What I am looking forward to: Buying some new bedding for our little man!!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

17 Weeks

I'm sorry this is a day late! Yesterday was a busy day and I didn't log on to the blog at all. I can't believe we're already at 17 weeks!!! Time is going by just so fast!

How far along? 17 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: 5 pounds gained (+/-)
Maternity clothes? In need of purchasing some maternity shorts. My belly band is one of the world's greatest inventions so I can still wear my regular shorts with it but I don't have as many shorts as I remember from last summer! Skirts with elastic waists are another fav - especially with our weather lately!
Sleep: Has been a lot better! Feeling great!!
Best moment this week: Feeling baby move around :)
Cravings: I purchased my first cantaloupe and sliced it up this past week to satisfy a craving. I also bought some $5 pickles in a jar from our produce man that just looked way too tempting. Who does that? And yes of course, I made a stop at Arby's for a Jr. Roast Beef sandwich...
Gender: wow, I'm at a total standstill. 50/50. I'll say boy this week because that's what Kathryn said she thought it was for the FIRST time this week!
Belly Button: it's out!
What I miss: sweet tea daily - go figure. Don't plan on that changing. Also, not being able to move things that are heavy. We're having our carpets cleaned and I couldn't help Matt move any furniture and I can't take the trash can up to the road on Trash Day. Now that I type this I am seeing how most anyone else would be like, "seriously, this girl is sad she can't take the trash out...what a freak" but I know it's something that helps Matt and I wish I could help contribute!!
What I am looking forward to: By this time next week we'll know if Kathryn's going to have a baby brother or a baby sister!!