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.

Just a quick note...

We went to Babies R Us today and started a registry. Just thought I would let y'all know. :)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/540744/ref%3Drd%5Fbru%5Fhp%5FSTE/103-3991102-5531032

Remember, my last name is now Richards ;)

Good News!

Well, I never did give my letter of resignation, because I was waiting for our fall festival to be over. The festival was last night, and it was a great success! Between school and the festival, the principal asked me to come see her. I went to her office, wondering what in the world she would want to see me for. Well, she first asked if we could pray before she spoke to me... make you want to worry? She informed me right as we were going to pray that I need not worry, the news she had for me was nothing negative.

After praying, she began to remind me of a conversation that we had about a month ago; where she was telling me how good I was doing, and how she really appreciated my staying with the school, and giving my all, even considering the lousy pay. She reminded me that she had been trying to get me a raise in pay. Then she proceeded to tell me that she can now give me that. I will be making more money, and they are paying for my health coverage. The insurance company they are setting me up with will cover the pregnancy and delivery! I can go see a doctor again!!!!!!

See, I told you it was good news!

Oh, and I am getting sick of everyone touching my tummy!!!!

22 weeks, not much change.

Well, I feel about the same. The babies kicks are starting to occur more often, and are getting stronger, but I am about the same size and weight that I have been for a couple weeks. I have put on about 20 pounds since I got pregnant. Most people at work think that I am having a girl, but I have this gut feeling that it is a boy. I want to find out the sex, but Chris doesn't, this is very hard!

Work is seeming to calm down a bit, but I am going to talk to them after our Fall Festival is over (that is tomorrow). I am going to basically tell them that I expect equal pay to my co-workers, or to consider this my thirty days notice. Chris said we will figure something out, but I am not allowed to wait tables. He thinks that is to degrading.

Well, I guess that is all for now... See below for details on how baby is growing.

Oh, GO ASTRO'S (they made it further than they ever have before!)

How your baby's growing: Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.
• 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: You may start to notice stretch marks on your skin as your abdomen expands to accommodate your growing baby. Some pregnant women never get stretch marks, but at least half do. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color), and they become more apparent as pregnancy progresses. They can appear not only on your tummy, but also on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. Lotions won't prevent or eliminate them, but they help with any itching. Also, you may no longer be an "innie" — your navel is flat and may soon pop out. It will revert to its usual shape after birth.Another interesting skin quirk you may notice during pregnancy is something called vascular spiders. These are little areas of raised, reddish skin, with tiny branches. Commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms, they're caused by the higher levels of estrogen in pregnancy, and they usually disappear after delivery.

The ball hit the bat, not Dye's arm!

The Umps in Chicago are cheaters!!!!!!! That is all I have to say right now... the game is still on! Grrrrrrrrr! Astro's better win!

21 weeks, and the kicks go on...

Well, I had the post all typed up, and for some reason, it disappeared! I am so mad! Anyway, that is not the only thing that I am mad about! I am so sick of my boss! She made me very mad today, but I am not going to get into that! Long story short (since I don't feel like typing it all over again) my friend who teaches 5th grade gave her notice and her last day is November 10th. I plan on telling them that they either need to pay me what all the other teachers are making, or more... or I am putting in my notice. They tried to threaten Priscilla (5th grade teacher) by telling her they would take her teaching license and make her job history look bad and all this stuff. Well, her fiancee came in and had a talk with them about that! Our contracts state that we have to give 30 days notice, without reason! She gave them much more than that, and has great reasons for leaving! She is getting married for crying out loud! Like I have said so much in the past 3-4 months, this job is nothing more than a job... there is no ministry left! Unfortunately, I HATE it!

On another note, I saw my mom today! She looked so good.... I had not seen her in a great while, because she works crazy hours and I live far from her now. She is so happy in this job ad I am so thankful that God provided for her a job were she is respected and appreciated, now it is my turn!

My baseball team is going to the World Series!!! GO ASTRO'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And now, the baby update, brought to you by babycenter.com :
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.
How your life's changing: You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester will bring some mild discomfort from carrying a baby who is nearly full-term.That's not to say you don't have some minor glitches to deal with now. Increased oil production may have given you a mild case of acne, for example. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap and water twice a day, but don't take any oral acne medications — or even use any topical acne products — without checking with your practitioner first.You're also prone to varicose veins now (especially if your mom has them). That's because pregnancy puts added pressure on the veins in your legs. (Your blood volume is increased and your uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood from the lower half of your body to your heart.) As if that's not enough, an increase in the hormone progesterone causes the walls of your blood vessels to relax, so as your baby and uterus grow, the veins can become more and more prominent. Varicose veins tend to worsen with each pregnancy, and while they're most likely to show up in your legs, they can also appear on your vulva.If your legs ache, put maternity support hose on first thing in the morning. Increasing your circulation with a brisk walk each day can also help, as can elevating your legs and sleeping on your left side with your feet propped up with a pillow.

20 weeks, and still kicking... Literally!

So as, the days go by, the baby kicks more and more. He or she will be quite the soccer player some day (following in mommies footsteps). There has not been a lot going on, as you can see by the lack of posts. Christian's birthday is tomorrow, he will be nine! We went on a field trip to the children's Museum. The kids had such a great time; there is so much to do there, and not enough time to do it. After the museum, went went to CiCi's Pizza for lunch. Kids love CiCi's; and so do hungry pregnant women! Well, that is all I have. If you are interested in what is going on with the baby, read on.... Otherwise, comment or come back and visit us soon.

The following is from babycenter.com :
How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).

19 weeks, and little baby kicks...

So, what to say about the happenings of the Richards family. We are keeping very busy, pushing every penny to its max! We are getting tile put down in the house. My older brother (Maurice) works for a tile laying company, and is doing the job... We have to pay, but they are working with us. We are getting the tiles for about 50 cents a square foot, and the labor is crazy expensive, but not really, considering what all they have to do. Once the floor is down, our kitchen will be basically done. Just need to finish a few cabinet doors. Our living room and dining room just need the floor and then a couple area rugs to add some character. I am going to love my house when it is all done.

Now, to the tummy news... We are 19 weeks, and this baby is going to be a great soccer player! It is so funny when I am in the middle of teaching and all of a sudden *bam bam* ok, what did I do, I am just teaching these kids how to use a number line, and I get kicked... You think he or she is going to want all of my attention, all the time? That could be a problem! I am sorry to my friends out there who are pregnant, and can't eat, sleep, ect... I am still having a very calm pregnancy, thank God for that, this no insurance thing would suck if there were problems. Well, that is all for now...

There's no hiding...

Well, the news is well known at my job. My principal came to talk to me today about a 6 week sub. Now, I just need to find out how much of my maternity leave will be paid! So, once the principal talked to me, all these teachers came to talk to me and say congratulations. I am thinking the shirt that I wore today gave it away. Well, that is all I have to say. I am tired and my knees hurt. Hope you are all well.

18 weeks...

Well, I am now 18 weeks pregnant, and our baby is about the size of a large sweet potato (about 5 1/2 inches). Almost all of my co-workers now know, but because they asked, I have not told anyone at work. My boss has not said anything yet, I don't think she dares. Still no morning sickness, I feel fine. So, I have no complaints, except, it is kind of hard to get comfortable at night when going to sleep. I have learned that a body pillow does the trick quite nicely. Ok, well I am done for now. I wont bore you with pregnancy stuff. But, I do love being pregnant!

Keeping in touch...

It is amazing what a little storm can do :) I got so many phone calls both before and after the storm, people checking to make sure that we were okay. Among those were a few from BBC... I got to talk with Elizabeth Bosley... yeah! She is so awesome, I miss her and Jon, and I want to meet their two little ones. I also got to talk to my big brother, Elli-bum ;) (Elliott). He and Dena are coming down to Texas in a couple weeks... I think she and I may have to compare bellies! I am thankful to all of you who prayed for us, and thought of us during this craziness.

I have to go back to work on Wednesday (man!) I am really enjoying the time off. Chris and I got a lot done yesterday and today around the house. Our kitchen looks really good! Soon, the tile will be going down in the kitchen, dining room, living room, hall ways, and bathrooms. Then, our house will be perfect! Thank God my brother works for a tiling company!

Well, that's all... Talk to y'all later.

Oh, and Elliott said I sound like a southern bell.... I think it is for sure time for me to move back to Canada!

Rita made a right turn...

Well, Rita went to the right, and missed us. My parents lost power for a while, but nothing more than that. We have two extra days off school. I have not heard from my school as to any damage to the building, but I know that we have Monday and Tuesday off. It's crazy you know, to think that the storm could have come through and torn up our house and all the things that we hold dear. But, there is not damage, nothing more than a few extra leaves in the grass, and some much needed rain!

Well, that is all I have for you, just wanted everyone to know we are safe, and so is our house. Thank you for all your prayers during this time.

EEEEEK HURRICANE!

Okay, so now we are the victims at hand. Rita is headed right for us :( We have not done anything by any means when it comes to preparing the house. There is no more plywood at the stores, no water, nothing. My parents think that they will be okay staying here, they live in North West Houston. We live in South Houston, otherwise known as Sugarland. While they have not said anything about Sugarland evacuating, we think it may be a good idea. Chris does not want to leave. He wants to say here and take care of the house and all the stuff. I have to admit, I am getting a bit scared. I am not sure if I should stay, or go to Dallas and stay with my sister in law or my other sister in laws sister (was that confusing?) Chris wants me and Christian to go, and he wants to stay... does that sound bad? I told him that I don't care about our stuff, I just want us all together. So, we may leave around 3am tonight/tomorrow morning and head for Dallas... So, I don't know, but I will keep you all updated as I know more, and as I can get to a computer. Please keep Texas in your prayers, this is a category 5 hurricane, and it is supposed to be a historical storm. Ok, so I am rambling because we are on and off the phone with family all over the US and Canada. Love y'all!

More, more, more...

So, I found out this morning that one of my students older sister died over the weekend. She had down syndrome, and had been in the hospital since July. Imani (my student) came to school with a cough, and was feeling sick to her tummy all morning. When she ran for the bathroom holding her mouth, I took that as a sign to send word to the office to have her mom pick her up. I later found out that her parents were in the middle of making funeral arrangements when they were contacted. I sent work with her, so hopefully she was distracted from the painful information her parents were going through.

At the end of the day, I received word that I will have a new student tomorrow morning. So now, I have the most (no longer tied for the most) students in the school, and I am still the lowest paid teacher. But, I keep on because I love the Lord, and I love those kids!

I am seeking various possibilities on where to have the baby. I have considered libido at a birthing center. I learned that birthing centers tend to cost less than a hospital, and you get to do things your way, and kids are welcome in the room. We want Christian to be in the room when the baby is born. No, he is not going to be down on the side where the baby comes out, he wants to hold my hand :)

Check out this site to find out some of the stuff I have found out! http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/birthingcenter.html

We went to Build-A-Bear last night and made a Giraffe for Baby Richards. We dressed it in a baby outfit... they also had T-shirts that say "It's a boy: and "It's a girl" But we don't know yet ;) So... that's the new news here.... oh, and I know you can't really tell in the picture, but I am now 4 months along :)

Wedding Pics

What to say when people start to notice...

Well, one of my coworkers asked me today if I was pregnant... She and I sat down during a break that we share and talked about everything. She is also trying to get Medicaid for herself and her daughter. Her ex-husband lost his job, so she now gets no child support. Man... that stinks! We decided to talk about things with each other and she plans to help me out as much as she can through all of this... Yeah, I have a buddy at work, LOL!

On another note, my Dad came home from Louisiana. He caught a nasty virus while he was there, and then to make matters worse, he stepped on an old rusty nail while doing an inspection. That sucker went through his rubber boots and his steal toe boots. Needless to say, he is relaxing in bed and on lots of meds. He told me that he does not want to go back when he is better, "it smells so bad there!" But he will go back if they call him to return.

Well, that is all for now.

What to say about this and that...

Okay, so we don't qualify for Medicaid, however I got a packet in the mail today about the Texas Star Program. From what I have read, it sounds like we can get insurance for about $10 a month. That is better than the $200+ I would pay at work. Now that is only if I am reading the information right. I have to call and get it all set up, so be praying for that to work out.

On another note, my principal is already asking if I plan to return next fall. In my head I am saying HECK NO, but I have to be nice, so I told her it is up in the air and dependent on Chris' employment. I have some leads into some schools closer to home, and we are still looking into the possibilities of relocation. I will keep y'all posted as I know more.

Last thing... I watched that new show "Supernatural" tonight! Wow, I give it good ratings! It kept me watching :)

Wedding pictures are up!

Okay, nearly two months after the wedding, I finally got some of the pictures up. Check them out at the link below!
Wedding Pics

Wedding Pictures