New Picture

Ok, here is a picture of me 31 weeks pregnant... it is also now my profile picture... Click on the the link to check it out a bit bigger.

Preggo Picture

And for Christmas photo's, you can check out my msn blog here is the website:

My Space on MSN

63 days to go...

Wow, only 63 days until our due date... I am expecting him/her to come a bit early... My mother never had a child on time, nor did Chris' mom... We were all early! Impatience runs on both sides of the family... But who knows.. Maybe this baby will just be stubborn. There is lots of movement down there, and sometimes the baby moves so much it hurts. Right now, it feels like s/he is stretched out head to toe, across my tummy... Picture toes on one side and head on the other... I hope you get what I mean. I have to go back to work on Monday :( I don't want to... I have enjoyed being lazy! But I am only going back until baby is born, then I am taking a few weeks off... Just until I am physically ready to go back... I only get 2 weeks of paid leave! Stupid me had to go and buy a car back in February, and now we have 2 car notes, and a house note... So there is no stay at home mommy life style for me :(

We did well this Christmas! Christian really had a great one! My parents went crazy! We also got a bunch of stuff for the baby! We got the high chair that we wanted, and a bunch of clothes and receiving blankets. We got a Peter Rabbit Photo Album (which holds the ultrasound photo's) we got a baby book, which I have already started working on, and a silver baby grooming set (which I think is supposed to be for show). Lots of stuff! Oh, and my parents are buying us a crib! They are so excited to be grandparents, it is so cute! Those if you who have met my dad... Picture him all giddy.... It is such an awesome sight!

Well, I guess that is about it. Hope you have a great day!

This, that and the other...

Well, it has been an interesting couple of days :) I don't like big cities... I hate living in a big city... And I don't understand why people are so rude in big cities! I can't wait until we move up north, and into a small town where I will feel it is safe to raise my family! During the hustle and bustle of last minute Christmas shopping, somehow, I managed to misplace 4 checks from my check book... Now they could not just fall out, they have to be pulled out. So how could this happen... I have no answer... All I know is that they are not there. I contacted the bank as soon as I noticed the missing checks. They froze my account, but my check card will still work. They are just changing the account number and will transfer our check cards to the new number. I am so glad that they have 24 hour phone reps!

Soon after I got the missing checks reported, I received a phone call from Lincoln Grant Services. Anyone ever heard of them? They told me that because I was a tax paying citizen in good standing with my state and country, I had qualified and was selected for an $8,000 grant that I never have to pay back. The rep that I spoke with was named Austin David, and he sounded like he was from the middle east. He was telling me all about how I would get no less than $8,000 from this grant and maybe even more. All I had to do was give them my bank account number, and they would deposit the money into my account, after they charged me $268. Well, if you think I was stupid enough to give them bank info, you are underminding me way to much! I am not an airhead. I called my dad to tell him all about it... He said "I hope you told them to go to Hell!" Anytime it sounds to good to be true, it usually is... And when they want money from you in order to get the money they are saying you get... It is just a way for them to get money!

On a happier note, I went to dinner with my brother in law, his wife and a bunch of her family tonight. Chris had to work... As usual. It was fun... I met my sister in laws sister... She was so funny the whole time! We were talking about how animals get jealous of babies, and she was making suggestions on how to make the pets feel like it is not a huge change, and they will still get the attention that they have gotten used too.

Now, I hope you learned something from this long winded blog... 1)Watch your check book! Especially at this time of year! 2)Don't buy into these stupid phone calls from bogus companies! 3)Enjoy time with the inlaws... You learn a lot about your spouse!

Ultrasound Photo's!

Ok everyone... I know you have wanted to see proof that I really am pregnant. And if the big belly photo's were not enough, here are some ultrasound photo's to make you believe me! Here you see our little bundle of joy praying :) You can see more photo's on our photo blog... Watching Baby Grow

Baby is weighing about 3.5 pounds and the doc says that everything seems to be in place! So, we are still excited.... Only 10 weeks to go!

Pictures of my class....

Well... I have been taking pictures of the kids in my class... and I wanted to share them... check them out if you like... My First Graders

29 Weeks... Yikes... this baby will be here soon!

Let's just say that as of 12 noon tomorrow (Central) I will have 2 weeks away from my wonderful first graders! I love them, but boy am I ready for a break from them!Tomorrow is a half day of school, and we will be spending most of the day having our Christmas party!

SO, I was just watching the news... and an elderly lady was murdered tonight, in the neighborhood right by the school that I work. She was hacked with a hatchet! Do I want to go to work tomorrow? NO! If Chris hears this news report (which I am sure he will) he is not going to want me to leave home in the morning!

Well, I am going to lay down... this baby is making me so tired.... and he/she is not even outside of me yet!

How your baby's growing Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to accommodate his brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester. To keep yourself and him well nourished, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and calcium. (About 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton — which is now hardening — every day.)

° Note: Experts say every baby develops differently — even in utero. This developmental information is designed to give you a general idea of how your baby grows in your womb.

How your life's changing You should be able to feel your baby's movements strongly now. Pay attention to the kicks and nudges, and let your practitioner know if you ever notice a decrease in activity. She may ask you to do fetal kick counts to make sure everything's okay.

Some old friends — heartburn and constipation — may take center stage again. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation, coupled with the crowding in your abdomen, slows your digestive process, which can cause gas, especially after a big meal. Another problem you can credit to your growing uterus (and constipation) is hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids — which are simply swollen blood vessels in your rectal area — are very common during pregnancy and usually clear up soon after delivery. If they're itchy or painful, try soaking in a sitz bath and applying a hot pad or cold compresses medicated with a little witch hazel to the affected area. Also avoid sitting or standing for long stretches. Talk with your practitioner before using any over-the counter remedies during pregnancy, and let her know if you have any rectal bleeding. To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and get some regular exercise.

A small number of women get something called "supine hypotensive syndrome" during pregnancy. When they lie on their backs, they get a change in heart rate and blood pressure that makes them feel dizzy until they change position. You might note that you get dizzy if you stand up too quickly, too. To avoid getting the spins, move slowly as you go from lying down to sitting and then standing.

Pictures!

Here is the happy soon to be big brother! I could not help but put this one on here! Follow the link to the most recent photo's!
Watching Baby Grow

A beautiful sound...

Well, I am officially in love again! I am in love with the being growing inside of me. As Chris and I spent the morning at the doctor’s office, we learned a lot about our upcoming gift from God. It is so amazing to think about how blessed we are! The doctor went through everything that we have missed, as we have not seen a doctor for prenatal care until now. She measured my tummy, and aid that everything seems to be right on track. Then, we got to hear our baby! What a beautiful sound! And folks, there is only one beat. So, unless there is another baby in there that is hiding its heart beat, we are only having one baby! This is good news, as we are still trying to figure out how to pay everything. But, God is good! We have insurance, and only have to pay 20%. Please do keep praying for us financially. We have to come up with $1,410 within the next month. If we did not have 2 car payments, a house payment, other bills, and a nine year old little boy, this would not be an issue. Thank you everyone who has been praying for us. We love you!

I HAVE MY INSURANCE!!!!

I am getting an ultrasound next Tuesday! I have an appointment on Thursday morning at 8:30am; please pray that all goes well! I am not looking forward to the blood work. I just wanted to share the good news! :)

Babies are so cute!

So, I got to hold a baby at church today... He was only a week and a half old! He was sooooooooo cute! Everyone told me it was good practice and blah blah blah... I was just excited to get to hold a cue little baby!

Oh, and we got our Christmas tree last night, YEAH! We decorated today some, but still have some work to do. Our house will soon be a Christmas gallery. Well, I need to get to bed. Hope all is well out there.

27 weeks.... May I have a nap?

Ok, so now I have a doctor, and the insurance company is still wishy washy.... I have another number to try tomorrow morning. They need to update their website! So, the doctors office says that I just have to sign a form stating that I will go along with what they say from here now until delivery. I can handle that, I HAVE A DOCTOR! I get to see an ultrasound! I am about to cry, because I have wanted to see my baby so bad for so long!

I was wondering why my leg kept cramping at night, it hurts sooooo bad! And the baby has been moving a lot more lately.... The reason for that and more are found below!

27 Weeks!!!!
How your baby's growing: Your baby is really starting to fill up your uterus. This week he weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?

How your life's changing: Your body is gearing up for the final lap, so you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your uterus is putting extra demands on your circulation. (As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on the blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.) Unfortunately, the cramps are likely to get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. Flexing your foot (by pointing your toes forward and then flexing them back toward your shins) stretches the calf and should give you some relief. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.

It may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but it's not too soon to think about family planning. You'll want to have made some decisions before your baby arrives. And in some states, if you're considering a tubal ligation during your hospital stay, laws require that you sign a consent form at least a month before delivery day. (You can still change your mind later.)

If not one thing, another!

Well... So I took Charlie (my little brother) to the doctor today. My parents are in Canada, and he needed a ride. I got to see my old pediatritian! He was so excited that I was having a baby! He ran around the office telling everyone that his grand-patient was in my tummy! It was so cute! Anyway, for those of you who don't know, I have been having trouble finding a doctor that will see me, since I am already 26 weeks, nearly 27 weeks pregnant. Dr. Kavin said, "here is the name of the best OBGyn in the hospital! Give her a call and tell her I sent you! So, now we have a doctor.... but... still no insurance card. I tried calling the insurance company, and the phone number for my plan tells me all the time that they are closed, but their office hours are 7am-9pm! I called the number for one of the other plans and spoke to a rep. She is checking to the problem for me! UG! I hope this is fixed soon!

Saw it on Sarah's blog....

Yesterday a character from Charlie Brown, today I AM FOOD! Goes right along with being pregnant, eh?

You Are French Food

Snobby yet ubiquitous. People act like they understand you more than they actually do.

What Kind of Food Are You?

I was a bit surprised!

I saw this thing on Judy's blog and thought it was cute!


You are Pig Pen!


Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

The countdown/Thanksgiving Pictures

Okay, so I kept seeing those cute little countdown meters on everyone else's pages, so I decided we needed one too! I am becoming more of a trend follower these days! SO, just to give you an idea of where baby is at, see the meter :)

Here is the link to the Thanksgiving pictures.... enjoy!
Thanksgiving

26 Weeks, and HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

So, the baby decided last night that is was not time to go to bed. He, or she kept moving around and stretching! I felt like at one point I had feet on both sides of my tummy (don't say it! It's not 2). I did finally get to sleep, but woke up a few hours later to start cooking Thanksgiving Dinner. That's right folks, I am cooking this year. My parents went to Canada to see family, so Charlie (younger brother) is staying with us, and I am endeavoring my first thanksgiving to cook for my new family! Well, speaking of cooking, I better get back to work!


How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs a little under 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches, from head to heel. The nerve pathways in her ears are developing, which means her response to sounds is growing more consistent. Her lungs are developing now, too, as she continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid good practice for when she's born and takes that first breath of air. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum a trip that will take about two to three days.

How your life's changing: Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly as it returns to its normal pre-pregnancy range. (It was at a low from 22 to 24 weeks.) Though preeclampsia most often occurs in the last trimester, this is a good time to be aware of the warning signs of this dangerous condition that occurs in about 3 to 7 percent of all pregnancies. Signs you should be alert for include swelling of the hands and face, sudden weight gain (due to water retention), blurry vision, seeing spots before your eyes, sudden severe or persistent headaches, or upper abdominal pain. By checking for high blood pressure and protein in your urine, your caregiver will monitor you for preeclampsia at your routine prenatal visits, but call her immediately if you have any of these symptoms before your next appointment. Early identification of preeclampsia is essential for the health of you and your baby.

If your back seems a little achy lately, you can thank pregnancy hormones (which are loosening up your joints and ligaments) and your shifting center of gravity. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or cool compress might bring relief. Or you may want to schedule a prenatal massage by a trained therapist. Use a pregnancy wedge when sleeping, to support your back and abdomen. Try to maintain good posture, which will help reduce the strain on your back, and always take care when bending and lifting. If you experience severe pain or numbness in any area of your body, call your practitioner.

You wanted pictures....

Ok, we have a couple pictures online... check them out here Watching Baby Grow

Let me know what you think!

25 Weeks, and we're back!

Ok, well we have the net again! YEAH!! I will try to get back into giving a message a week. I missed week 24 completely... but I was not able to check my email. Things are going well... beside the fact that my doctor does not take my new insurance. She is trying to find me a good doc that does though. Well, I need to go. Enjoy!


How your baby's growing: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — doesn't sound like much, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. His hair is probably recognizable now (in color and texture), although both may change after he's born.
• Note: Experts say every baby develops differently — even in the womb. This developmental information is designed to give you a general idea of how your baby is growing.How your life's changing: Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but the hair you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. You may also notice darker or thicker body hair. It will return to normal in the weeks after you give birth. You probably can't move around as gracefully as before. It's fine to continue to exercise, but use your common sense: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired, and stop if you feel any pain or when you begin to feel at all fatigued, dizzy, or short of breath. Don't lie on your back too long or do any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.When you have your glucose-screening test at 24 to 28 weeks, your practitioner may take a second tube of blood at the same time to check for anemia. Although your blood volume increases dramatically during pregnancy, the total amount of your red blood cells becomes diluted — a problem sometimes called physiologic anemia that's common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If your blood tests show that you have anemia, your caregiver will likely recommend that you take a supplement.Have you started thinking about baby names yet? Choosing a name is an important decision, but it should be a fun one, too. Look to family history (Great Grandpa Zeb), favorite locations (Venice, where you honeymooned), or cherished literary or film characters (Greta, Meg, or Rhett, for example). Check out a couple of baby-name books to help you brainstorm, too.

Sorry...

Hey y'all, sorry that I have not done my weekly baby update... We have been without internet for a few days and I have not had a chance to get on at work until now. If you are interested in how the baby is doing, he/she is fine. I could not sleep much last night because that little bundle of joy would not stop moving around. You think it is hard to get comfortable when you are trying to go to bed... these babies sure can't get comfortable! Although, it might have something to do with all the candies I have been eating! At work, there is a candy bowl in the office that is loaded everyday! I get my share... and then when I get home, I eat lots and lots of gummy bears! Well, I need to go get my kids from Art class. I hope all is well with all of you.

23 weeks, and a Karate Pro in my tummy!

Well, things have been going great around here. I have very few complaints. I officially have health insurance, I am just waiting on the doctor listing. I hope that my old doctor is on there, then I would not have to pay for a doctors visit to get a referral for an OBGyn. I really can't wait to get to a doctor. I want to make sure everything is okay with the baby. There is a lot of movement, sometimes he/she stretches so much it hurts! My skin is stretching, and I can feel it! All these feelings that I was not prepared for, but it's all worth what we get in the end! I got an add to Burlington Coat Factory, and they have some really nice cribs on sale! I am going to go look on Sunday, hopefully Chris does not have to work, and can go with me.

Well, I guess that is all for now. Hope all is well for all of you!


23 Weeks at Babycenter.com
How your baby's growing: Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. His skin is red and wrinkled. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. He can swallow, but he normally won't pass his first stool (called meconium) until after birth. Loud noises heard often in utero — such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze your baby when he hears them outside the womb.

How your life's changing: If you dealt with headaches in your first trimester, they might be subsiding now. (Many women have headaches in early pregnancy, thanks to pregnancy hormones, changes in circulation, and/or sinus congestion.)You may notice some mild swelling sometime during your pregnancy, especially in your ankles and feet. It's called edema, and it happens because changes in your blood chemistry cause fluid to shift into your tissue and because your enlarging uterus puts pressure on the veins returning blood from the lower half of your body, slowing circulation in your legs. Edema is often worse at the end of the day and in the summer. Your body will eliminate the extra fluid after you have your baby (which is why you may urinate often and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery). In the meantime, put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, avoid sitting still for long periods, exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning). You may be tempted to skimp on liquids, but you need to drink plenty of water, because keeping hydrated actually helps prevent swelling. If you notice severe or sudden swelling in your hands and face, be sure to call your midwife or doctor because it may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia.