Modern Day Knights

28 weeks

2012-01-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

Week 28
1-13-2012

(my 25th birthday)

Size of baby: We had our 3D ultrasound this week and he said that he is already weighing close to 4 pounds!! YIKES! Chunk-a-lunk! According to What to Except on my phone he is 16 inches long and only 2.5 pounds...so much for that. So he probably weighs more like 2 Chinese cabbage instead of one.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I guess everyone was right about hitting the 3rd trimester and gaining weight- I am now +5. : )

Maternity Clothes: yup- having a hard time finding cute dresses for my upcoming showers though.

Gender:

Movement: I love knowing what is kicking me now. Like I can say oooo that was a foot or thats an arm! I can't wait for him to be here. I am getting so excited. Him moving around all the time just makes it even more real for me every day.

Sleep: UGH! I think that is why third trimester you get so tired again. I can't sleep for the life of me. I fall asleep great but as soon as I have to pee (which is often) I CAN'T go back to sleep so then I just toss and turn. I want a good nights sleep.

What I miss: I love my snoogle pillow but I do miss sleeping on a regular pillow and being able to roll over without difficulty and being able to sleep on my tummy. Also, I miss being able to eat without heartburn.

Cravings: crushed ice (that has been my craving the whole time). Also I have been wanting ice cream all week, along with PB & J sandwiches.

Symptoms: heartburn, swelling legs & feet, acne, backache & oh so sleepy

Big News this week:

I passed my sugar test!! WOOHOO!
Had our 3D Ultrasound- was so wonderful- so glad we did it! Isn't he precious?

Belly button still getting smaller & smaller...just waiting for it to go away completely.

Here is Week 28: took this before we went to dinner on my birthday

Randoms

2012-01-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

1. Yesterday was the most wonderful day. We had our 3D Ultrasound. Isn't he so handsome? The cord & a bunch of other stuff is all in front of his face but you can still see his little outline.

2. Heartburn has been eating my lunch. Every meal I eat TUMS half way through the meal in order to continue eating.

3. I've been working on little man's closet dividers. However, my friend found some super cute ones on etsy for the same price I paid for all my materials. If I hate them in the end, I may buy the etsy ones. Here is what I have so far...

4. Yesterday and today I have been SO TIRED! I guess in my first trimester I was so sick that I didn't think about being tired but now OMG- I could fall asleep just by closing my eyes. Plus work has been crazy yesterday & today so that probably adds to my tiredness.

5. Here is little man's dresser with some amazing paintings my cousin did. The bedding is supposed to get shipped on Friday & then I can start putting things together. But for now this is all the nursery decor there is : )

6.. Today I got home from school & decided to shower before J got home from work. Well I have been wearing my support stockings because 1. its cold 2. I already have vaso vagel syndrome so its just good for me to wear- especially during pregnancy. Well when I took off my socks...check out my leg. My legs & feet were so swollen that you can see the flower design on my socks! SHUT UP! That has never happened!

7. So thankful that today is already Wednesday night! WOOHOO! We made it through hump day! This weeekend I am taking my friends family photos and next weekend is my first baby shower!! WOOHOO! Alright- going to make me some egg salad...yummmmm....

Birthday Fun!

2012-01-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I turned 25!! Woohoo! It was such an adult birthday. I went to work. I was pulled to be a fourth grade teacher for the day so it was fun to be in the classroom. After work I relaxed until Justin got home and then we went to Roadhouse for a birthday dinner. Here we are before we left.

Friday is also my turn over date for my weeks. So I had to take a photo of me turning 25 at 28 weeks.

After we ate we went to my friends house Natalie for homemade cookie cake. Natalie is such a little baker. She is always making something so she made me a cookie cake. (Last year for my 24 birthday, she made me one but my Granny passed away on my birthday last year so I didn't go to work & get to eat it). Here we are with the cake:

Oh yeah...did I forget to mention that our babies will be a month apart?!?! She is having a little girl! Here we are posing with our bumps

(She is 31 weeks & I'm 28)

It was a fun birthday and I'm glad Justin was home and we got to go on a date, followed by hanging out with our friends. Perfect. : ) Hoping this 25th year of life will bring a lot of joy & fun! 83 days until little man is due!

27 weeks

2012-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Week 27
1-6-2012

Size of baby: the head of a cauliflower! OMG! He is getting huge! (Small I know, but compared to the poppy seed he started out as) 14.5 inches, 2 pounds

Total Weight Gain/Loss: when we went to the doctor on Thursday I am +3. The nurse and I talked about how little I am gaining and she said I'm gaining something so thats good. I'm eating & not throwing up so not to worry about it. (Everyone else says I'm probably about to blow up seeing as I am entering my third trimester)

Maternity Clothes: yes! I have decided I never want to wear pants that you have to button again. haha. It is so much easier to go the bathroom and just pull down your pants rather than having to unbutton them. : )

Gender:

Movement: more & more each week. Sometimes it hurts he kicks so hard but mostly when he moves I sit and beg him to keep moving. : ) He still moves a lot in the morning and before bed.

Sleep: better than last week now that I am done with my meds and can breathe again. Now the dog is the only problem keeping me from sleeping. Has anyone else had problems with their dog while pregnant? (like WONT sleep without you, has to be with you at all times)

What I miss: nothing this week I suppose. Pretty content with my tummy and growing little boy. : )

Cravings: this week I finally had some cravings. Totally random but I couldn't get enough or eat them fast enough. Are you ready?! Grapefruit, Root beer floats, & chili cheese fritos! HMMM YUMMY! I also have been eating cuties like they are going out of style. Citrus fruits have been my favorite since the beginning. And lemonade.

Symptoms: Well Tums became my best friend this week. Talk about HEARTBURN! Also, the burping that is painful and acidy- no fun. Two nights ago I was eating tums while I was eating dinner it hurt so bad. Good thing Tums taste so good. ; )

Big News this week:

I had my sugar test on Thursday. I was super nervous. I read all these horror stories of how terrible it was. Something is to be said that I actually liked the drink they made me drink. I thought it tasted delicious! And when she took my blood an hour later she told me I had great flow & pretty veins. Such a compliment. For real- my veins are terrible! I have to have pediatric needles & no one can ever get my blood to flow good. I was so proud that my veins were cooperating and my flow was good. : ) Oh the little things.
After my sugar test on Thursday I went upstairs and had my doctor appointment. He said everything is looking good. Measured my tummy and it was right on schedule. He told me that in a few weeks we should be able to feel his head down by my pubic bone- well he feels around and goes ohhh look at that he is already ready...you can feel his head perfectly when you push around down there! It's crazzzzyyy!!
We scheduled our 3d ultrasound!! I'm super excited. Our doctor just joined the hospital, not private practice anymore, so he won't be doing them anymore but he said he would do one last one for us! I am soooo excited to see his sweet little face! Tuesday is the big day.
Starting this appointment we will now be going to the doctor every two weeks. I love going to the doctor. I know we don't really do anything and its not that exciting but I just love it. I feel like when I'm there it's real.
My belly button is disappearing. It isn't poking out it gets smaller and smaller every day. My dad said his memory of my mom being pregnant was that her belly button just turned to skin so that must be whats happening to me. Its crazy- thought it would pop out, instead it is just going away all together!

Here is Week 26: - this photo is real life for sure. end of the day- tired, worn out makeup but me and baby none the less

Gray sweater- Liz Lange Maternity from Target

Pants- Motherhood Maternity- love them- they are relaxed fit not fitted like my other dress pants

Stickers!

2012-01-13T12:20:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. Before we knew whether or not Baby Knight was a boy or a girl I found these onesie stickers on Pinterest that were PERFECT if he was a boy. Well once we found out he was a boy- the link was no longer connected. So I found a shop I liked and asked her if she could make them for me. So I special ordered the cutest stickers that are PERFECT for our little man...here they are

Now are those not perfect or what!?!

26 weeks

2012-01-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

Okay- first I have a question. Am I doing these wrong? So today (1/6/12) I turned 27 weeks so I am dong my 26 week update since I am finished with the week and can tell you my cravings, weight gain, etc. I don't see how I can write about my 26th week the day I turn 26 weeks. Is this wrong? I am sure there is probably no right or wrong way but it bothers me.

Week 26
12-30-11

Size of baby: an English hothouse cucumber (14 inches & weighs apx 1 2/3 pounds)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Well last night I was only +2. Kinda worries me- just the baby himself is supposed to weigh 2 pounds. I don't think I'm eating enough. I told Justin today that I don't think I eat enough for a regular person let alone a preggers one. Got to get better.

Maternity Clothes: completely. other than around the house sweats & pj's. My mom brought up my cousins clothes and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them all. They are all super cute and she had one of her girls in February so a ton of the clothes are perfect for me right now. (as in sweaters, long sleeve, winter clothes) and she worked at a bank so it is nice dress clothes. I am so thankful she is letting me borrow them! They fit perfect!!

Gender:

Movement: Still loving feeling him squirm. This week I was reading about how his ears are developing so I would play lullabies on my phone and put it next to my stomach and he would kick away. So then I decided to play some Tao Cruiz for the baby and dance around a little then put my phone on my stomach. Well when I sat down the phone it almost fell off because he was kicking so much. Then he slowed down and only moved the phone a little but it was crazy! I loved it. We will be listening to baby mozart every night from now on.

Sleep: miserable. miserable. miserable. I have had a terrible head cold this week so sleeping would have been a pain not pregnant but then add on being pregnant, having a 3.5 year old dog who suddenly has reverted back to puppy whining all night and you have one uncomfortable fat mama losing too much sleep.

What I miss: nothing this week. (other than being able to breathe but that's not preggers related)

Cravings: still no real cravings other than crushed ice & fruit

Symptoms: constant backache, some pimples, difficulty breathing if don't sit straight up, peeing more than ever

Big News this week: Not only are your ears getting more developed but they say that week 26 you start opening and closing your eyes. Justin and I are going to try the flashlight trick and see if we can make you move. : ) Well I have been sick and on antibiotic. Thank Jesus there are still some antibiotics you can take pregnant. Thankfully I have had this week off and school doesn't start back till Monday so I have had time to rest.

Here is Week 26:

Top is one of my cousins maternity tops- so cute right!? Its from Gap Maternity
Jeans are my favorite pair I own- Motherhood Maternity

25 weeks

2011-12-31T15:28:00.001-08:00

25 weeks

12-23-11

Size of baby: 1.5 pounds, 13.5 inches (a rutabaga)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +4 pounds…still I’m waiting to start gaining some weight. I’m eating just not gaining. Hmph. I’m gonna ask my doctor about it when we go in January. Not that I’m complaining just want to make sure I am doing everything I’m supposed too.

Maternity Clothes: yeah about that… I was still wearing my regular tops but then realized I am totally stretching them out and then when I’m not pregnant anymore they will all be stretched out. I have opted for sweat pants & big tshirts since I am off of work for Christmas break. My cousin is going to let me borrow her maternity clothes. I’m hoping they fit- she is SUPER SUPER tiny! I’m good on pants- still need some shirts though.

Gender:

Movement: all the time. I’ve started noticing he moves according to what is going on. Like when Pip barks when its been really quiet, he kicks (like he is startled). Or when Justin comes home and he hasn’t heard his voice all day- he moves. Or when I sing to him- Jusitn thinks he is kicking as in MOM STOP! I think he likes it. : ) I also think he is moving up & down now as well- not just side to side.

Sleep: Still not able to get comfortable but I’m sleeping non the less.

What I miss: having regular energy, not having to eat so often, sleeping soundly and on my back/tummy

Cravings: crushed ice, fruit/juice, & smoothies

Symptoms: tired, back pain, peeing all the time, feet swelling (my shoes don’t fit properly some days)

Big News this week: We had our last Christmas as just the two of us (and really it already is the three of us). Daddy bought Mommy a pearl ring to represent you and the two of us. Mom started nesting and it totally stresses her out.

Here is Week 25: (we were in Kingwood for Christmas so the photos don’t match the rest- we had to take them in front of my parents fireplace & I am not looking too hot)

2011 In Review

2011-12-29T18:32:00.001-08:00

WARNING:

LONG & FULL OF PHOTOS

Every year I love looking back at what we did the whole year and love ending my blog book with photos from each month. So here goes nothing…

January

Spent New Years Day @ Lake Conroe 1-1-11

Granny passed away on 1-13-11 (My Birthday)
Virginia for Granny's Funeral

February

Ava’s Weekend Visit

Jackson’s 2nd Birthday

March

Field Trip to Sam Houston with Rock Prairie Elementary

50 Men Who Can Cook

Kinley's Baptism

Spring Break to North Carolina

New Car!!

April

Christel’s Baby Shower

Justin turned 29

Jessica graduated with her MBA (also her 28th birthday)

Easter Weekend

May

Mothers Day Surprise in Woodlands

Ella's Dance Recital & Cannons Confirmation

7 Acre Wood Field Trip with Rock Prairie Elementary

Bandera Texas for Memorial Day

June

Mom & Dad's 32rd Anniversary

April's Bridal Shower "Breakfast @ Tiffany" Theme

Virginia Trip Uncle Ray Passed Away 6-7-11

Jennie & Matt's Wedding

Bluebell Factory with Kason & Carla

Ella's 4th Birthday Party

July

4th of July in Kingwood

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party

Dinner with Nana

-Mexico (Excellence Playa Mujeres) for our 2nd anniversary with the Marshalls

August

found out we are having a baby

Samuel was born

September

Labor Day Weekend @ Lake with the girls (told them I’m pregnant!)

April’s Wedding

Emerson Rose was born

October

found out baby is a boy

sick the entire month

November

Advent @ Church

Big Ultrasound Appointment
& registered at Babies R Us

Kingwood for the Weekend

Christy's Surprise Baby Shower

Thanksgiving

Day After Thanksgiving- Christmas

December

Terahs Baby Shower

Cookie Swap

Natalies Baby Shower

Christmas

It has been a full year full of many happy times and quite a few sad ones. We lost two very very very special people- one in January and the other in June but at the same time we gained a new niece and a new nephew and found out we are expecting our own bundle of joy. Through the sorrow comes joy. He promises joy will come in the morning. 2011 was another great year and I’m sure 2012 will be just as full of ups and downs and can’t wait to see what God has in store for our growing family!!

Jesus Birthday

2011-12-29T09:49:00.001-08:00

Justin had to work Tuesday so Monday we drove home. We got home unloaded the car and crashed. Before long, the Cokers called and said they were going to have Jesus Birthday Cake if we wanted to come over & eat some cake. We headed over and enjoyed listening to Grayson & Ella sing Happy Birthday to Jesus & then all of us devoured some strawberry cake.
The wonderful cake
How Justin feels about me with a camera in his faceElla, Grayson & Emerson getting ready to sing
However, the highlight of the night had to be Emerson falling sleep after we sang Happy Birthday. Literally seconds after finishing singing. Justin grabbed the camera & caught it on video. How precious is this!?

Christmas Day

2011-12-28T14:53:00.001-08:00

Christmas morning we woke up and headed downstairs where we ate breakfast before heading into the living room to open presents! Roy had a migraine so he was drugged up but still managed to stay downstairs with us until we finished opening presents.

We had such a wonderful Christmas!! Justin had been telling me over and over we weren’t doing presents because we got our new phones (Santa came early). So I had gone to Academy and got him some Nike sweatpants & two work out shirts just so that he had something from me that he didn’t know about. He kept teasing me that he was giving me contact solution (we needed some). Well we are all opening presents and enjoying each others company and I open a giant bag with a tiny box inside. A jewelry store box inside. I started freaking out!! He got me a pearl ring!!! It is BEAUTIFUL!! It has a pearl in the middle with two stones on either side. He said that the pearl is bean and the stones on the side are us. : ) He tricked me good!! I was thrilled & so so so excited!

Everyone kept opening presents. I love Christmas morning! Watching everyones faces as they open their presents and the surprise. Here are some photos of everyone opening presents…

Justin with his new tool set. I may or may not have driven away with his tool set on the hood of my car last summer.

Roy & Jessica opening presents. As you can see, Roy was not feeling too hot. Lots of pain meds and he was such a trooper.

Mom got Dad a “head light” for when he goes into the attic to look for stuff. We laughed and laughed when Dad put this on. Hahaha! Grandma asked for notecards from basically everyone so she had quite the stash of notecards by the end of Christmas morning.

This bib Grandma made for bean. He will NOT be wearing it (I don’t wanna ruin it) but how neat for him to have a home made bib from his Great Grandma.

Grandma gave Dad her Dad’s cuff links. They were really cool and you can tell by looking at them they don’t make them like they used too.

Me getting excited about our magic bullet!!Dad showing off his universal remote & hdmi cable.Showing off that Justin really wasn’t kidding about the contact solution.Dad admiring his blue-ray player.

Showing off one of Beans present from Mom- she found baby Seven for All Mankind jeans & a onesie! SO cute! Who knew!? Bean will be so well dressed. : )

This is how Pip spent the morning. Cuddled up in between mom and me sleeping. And as I am writing this he is doing the exact same thing right now next to me on the couch. Lazy dog…

And to top off the morning I open another big bag that has a camera case & memory card in it. I was excited but a little confused. Justin goes oh yeah…open this one and hands me another box! I am like YOU”VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! I was crying just about my ring let alone anything else. I had been talking about how I wanted a point & shoot that I could throw in my purse/diaper bag that has video. I didn’t want to have to carry around my 50D in my diaper bag. (it is super heavy). Well I open up the package he has so carefully wrapped and inside…A cannon powershot sx230hs!!!

OMG! It is SUPER nice- way nicer than the one I had shown him and basically has all the same settings that my big camera has!! I was in heaven!! I have never felt more spoiled in my life! Between Jessica & Roy getting me new TOMS, Mom & Dad getting us clothes, magic bullet, etc. and Justin getting me a RING AND A CAMERA!! : ) I am so so so so blessed!!

After presents we all sat around and relaxed. Literally Jessica & I ate Christmas lunch in our PJ’s!! UN HEARD OF! Normally we put a cute new outfit on and get all dressed up. Not this year. We lounged around and just enjoyed each others company. The afternoon came and after our big Christmas lunch we all took naps before getting up just to eat again. It was the laziest I have ever been on Christmas but it was so nice. Next year we won’t be able to be so lazy all day. : )

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Eve in Kingwood

2011-12-27T12:31:00.001-08:00

We got to Kingwood on Friday afternoon and just hung out with everyone. Jessica & Roy had Christmas in Kingwood this year too so we all were together. Also, Grandma was here. Grandma is 91 so each Christmas we get with her is another special one.

Christmas Eve:

We got up and got cooking. The men watched football basically all day long. We had fun in the kitchen cooking and all of us just being together. I'll let the pictures share the story of Christmas eve day.

After cooking & football we got ready for church. I love Christmas Eve service. It is so nice to finally sit down and enjoy the reason for the season and being together. This Christmas I kept telling Justin this is our last Christmas we can just get ready and go and just sit around. EEEK SO crazy to think we will have an 8 month old next Christmas! The service was on humility and how everyone in the Christmas story exhibited humility. I really enjoyed it. Here are our photos from after church.

After church the Parkers came over to have snacks & desserts and to just all hang out.

My parents have always called Emily “Pug” her whole life so Mom & Dad got her sliver pug salt & pepper shakers. Aren’t they so cute?! I was so excited for Emily to open them!

Elissa painted these awesome canvas for me. They will look so perfect in the babies room! I can hardly wait to see how it all comes together.

I got Elissa a rooster for her kitchen. I saw it and it just screamed “Elissa!!!” So I had to get it for her!

We enjoyed all being together.

You know that before long I had to head back to the kitchen for some more food & photos…

After all the Parkers left we opened our stocking stuffers and pj’s and before long we all headed to bed. Christmas was almost here!!!

Justin was our photographer for stocking stuffers- hence the missing photos of him.

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!

Beginning of Christmas Break

2011-12-27T11:50:00.001-08:00

I had to work on Tuesday till 1:30 and Justin had off. He enjoyed his day off free of me. When I got home we discussed our plans and I went and got some last minute Christmas shopping finished up. We had a pretty lazy Tuesday but Wednesday and Thursday were a whirlwind.

Wednesday we got up and got busy! The Cokers came over to help us and we couldn’t have done it without them. We emptied the nursery!!! I was one happy mommy just to get the stuff out of the room. The room is a lot bigger than I realized. Not to mention we had so much stuff in there it made it feel even smaller. We loaded up the truck with a load to the dump & a load to his parents house at the lake. We dropped the stuff off at the dump and headed to the lake. I’m glad we went because his parents are on a cruise for Christmas so it was nice to see them one last time before Christmas and wish them well and a happy vacation! We dropped off the stuff, chatted for a little while then headed back to College Station where we crashed for the night. Here are some pictures of the nursery before:

Yikes: The photo below is when the nursery looked the worst. It used to be my photography room with couch, desk, tv, coffee table. But once we knew it was becoming the nursery we just started throwing everything in there that was something we needed to go through. YIKES!

Progress being made…the boxes and bags in the corner are all baby stuff

Thursday was another busy busy day! We got up and made a plan for our day. I went and finished Christmas shopping while Justin went to Lowes and got the paint. By the time I got home from shopping he was already painting. We went with “Simply Gray” as the new wall color. I love love love it!! It will look so great with the bedding we ordered.

This is what I did while Justin painted. I was his biggest cheerleader. (both literally and figuratively). Once I ate I offered to help but he was too scared I would “mess it up” to let me help so he painted all by himself. I would go in there every now and then and lay on the floor and talk to him so he wouldn’t be alone. He is a wonderful painter…now what else do I want painted in the house??? : )

After the paint had dried for the most part we moved the dresser back in the room and then we decided why not just finish the furniture and put together the crib. It was not difficult to put together and we were finished in about an hour. I love the way the color of the wood looks with the wall color. Now I just have to decide where I want the crib & dresser. We put it where I “think” I want it but I’m not 100% sure yet. Might switch them around, might move everything into different places. Who knows?! I’m sure it will move 100 times before he gets here.

It was a crazy two days and we got a lot done before leaving for Kingwood for Christmas celebrations.

24 weeks

2011-12-25T18:10:00.001-08:00

24 weeks

December 16, 2011

Size of baby: eggplant or an ear of corn (1.7 pounds and 12 inches long!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +4 pounds

Maternity Clothes: all maternity for the most part- all my shirts are too short that aren’t maternity. Hoping I can find some after Christmas sales on some tops. I am good on pants now but need some more shirts. I have just been wearing shirts too small and putting a sweat shirt on top to cover it up. : )

Gender: A baby is God’s opinion that life should go on…especially little boys.

Movement: all the time. He moves a lot when I first wake up and when I go to sleep at night. He does good at moving on command too. : ) Someone will put his hand on my tummy and he wont move and I’ll say I guess he isn’t gonna move and then boom! Squirmmy mcsquirmers!

Sleep: UGH! I can’t get comfortable. I sleep for a few hours then wide awake and can’t go back to sleep. I just can not get comfortable.

What I miss: sleeping comfortably & being able to stay asleep

Cravings: crushed ice & snickers ice-cream

Symptoms: back hurts bad & still moody. Don’t let me get hungry or the beast will come out! Also, I am so uncomfortable. I know everyone keeps telling me oh your not even that big just wait. Well I am already uncomfortable. I know I am not that big but for me this is big. And for me, I’m uncomfortable. I hate getting out of bed to pee in the middle of the night still as well. I can't BELIEVE I am almost 7 months pregannt! EEK! He will be here before we know it!

Big News this week: We painted the nursery & put together his furniture. (12/22)

Here is Week 24:

and Week 17 vs 24:

Emerson's Baptism

2011-12-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning we got up and went to the Cokers church to watch our newest niece be baptized. It was a beautiful ceremony and I loved seeing all 7 of the family members up on stage committing to bring up little Emerson in a christian home, not to mention the 10-15 other family members sitting in the pews committing the same thing. After church we all headed to their house for lunch.

Proud parents

All 4 of Emerson's siblings pouring the water

Showing Emerson off to the congregation

Sweet Emerson Rose

"Train up a child in the way they should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Happy Birthday Cannon!!

2011-12-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday after the baby shower I came home and CRASHED. Like hit the couch and passed out. After a nap I woke up and hung out a little bit before heading to the Cokers for Cannon's birthday dinner & celebration! We had chilli dogs & hamburgers with an amazing basketball cake! Here is the birthday boy blowing out his candles!!

Happy 13th Birthday Cannon!!!

Month 3 & 4

2011-12-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

My good friend, Julie (well I should say my moms good friend- but she is mine too) does awesome photography work and is even going to try and come take my maternity pictures (she lives in California). Anyways- she has been doing this month by month thing for me. I'll let the picture do the talking. I take the picture and send it to her with my writing then she creates this...

This is just month 3 & 4...the rest are coming soon!

Natalie’s Baby Shower

2011-12-18T18:36:00.001-08:00

This weekend was another whirlwind. I promise to be better about blogging. I have really only been blogging twice a week. My weekly update and my weekend update. Sorry! I’ll be better- maybe. ; ) Friday I came home from school upset. I had just had a really crappy day. I took a nap till Justin got home and then we went to eat dinner at Fazoli’s and went to Verizon and got new phones. Our phones had totally seen their better days. We had the original droids. They were wonderful phones and lasted a really long time (in phone terms). The only problem we started having with them was how unbelievable slow they were and they would just turn off randomly. So we got the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus. We love it!

When we got home it was already past nine so I got everything ready to take to the shower Saturday morning and headed to bed. I got up Saturday, showered, ran to Wal-Mart and got to the law offices by 9. I was tired before the day even began. We sat everything up and before we knew it- people were arriving and the party was starting. We started off with a large selection of yummy food and a hot chocolate bar.

After eating we played a few games. Everyone got really into the games. I love Natalie’s facial expressions as she was trying to get her team to win Baby Taboo. Natalie is so animated and Isaac is so serious.

After games we cut the beautiful cake and watched as they opened presents for their sweet baby girl.

It was a wonderful shower and Baby Emma is loved by many. It won’t be long until she is here. Natalie is due a little less than a month before me. : ) So excited for our little babies to be friends! After everyone left we took a hostess photo and a sweet photo of Natalie & Isaac.

23 weeks

2011-12-18T15:36:00.001-08:00

23 weeks

December 13, 2011

Size of baby: a large mango. He weighs over a pound is approximately 11 inches long

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +4.5 pounds

Maternity Clothes: this past week I went and bought another pair of jeans and had to buy some tops. (Plus they were having a buy one get one 50% off). All my shirts are getting shorter and don’t lay right. They pop out at the bottom. Plus once you start wearing maternity tops- they look so much cuter along with feel more comfortable. I think I’ll stick with all maternity for outings. However, at home- I’m in either stretchy pj’s or sweatpants and t-shirts. That is the good thing about being preggers in winter. I am super comfy at home because you can’t go wrong with sweat pants and sweat shirts.
Gender: “A brand new baby boy to fill our lives and hearts with joy”
Movement: all the time. I think he moves a lot. Granted- I don’t have anything to compare too but I think he squirms all the time. I love watching my stomach move and laying there and feeling him kick super hard. Still so crazy when you actually think about it.
Sleep: better than last week. still stuffy and my back has been hurting but sleeping better. However, it does make me sad to think I won’t be sleeping through the night for a long long time. Every night I try to tell myself come on…sleep till the alarm….hasn’t happened yet but I’m working on it.

What I miss: sleeping without a giant pillow, sleeping on my back & stomach
Cravings: crushed ice
Symptoms: Had a pretty good week. I feel like this past week I have been more moody than the past. I will just wake up in a bad mood and try to talk myself out of them but then something at work will happen that will just piss me off more. So I have been pretty moody and have cried a lot this week- sometimes with good reason and sometimes no reason other than tears are coming and I can’t explain it. Also, my back is killing me. I have been eating a lot more. We went to the doctor as well. I am pretty sure I passed my kidney stone. They said the ultrasound showed my kindeys were "some fancy doctor word" which basically means inflamed and irritated (which could be because I passed the stone) along with filled with a large amount of fluid- all accredited to being pregnant.
Here is Week 23

Cookie Swap

2011-12-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

This weekend was super busy. Thank you Jesus I felt better. Saturday we cleaned the house, emptied some of the nursery, did laundry, went to the store and baked 4 dozen cookies! It was a very busy day. But we did something Friday night that was SOOOO exciting. We ordered Baby Knights crib & dresser. We debated back and forth forever on two different cribs & dressers. We are both really happy with what we decided on. Here is a picture of both.

SOO excited. We already got an email that the crib had shipped! Woohoo! However, that means we have got to get on emptying out that room and getting it painted. After dinner on Friday night we went to Lowes and got three paint samples. We think we decided on paint color too. Woohoo! Now who wants to come help paint!?!? : )

Today we got up and I did some last minute picking up, lighting the candles & fireplace, sweeping one last time before the 1st Cookie Swap began. My friend Natalie and I decided we wanted to host a cookie swap and every year invite a few more people. This year it was just our team (well my team from last year). It was so much fun. Everyone came over to our house. We drank coffee and hot chocolate, ate cookies and just sat around talking. It was a fun holiday treat. We also all left we 44 something cookies to take home and eat later! DELISH! Talk about sugar overload!!

Christmas Tree & Invitation

Our Mugs ready for hot chocolate

Crock Pot Hot Coco- DELISH & RICH (found on pinterest here)

filling their sweet treat boxes

toppings for the hot chocolate

awesome boxes Natalie made for everyone to take their treats home in

The Whole Gang- Paula, Bette, Tricia, Laurie, Me, Natalie & Kristen

It was such a fun weekend but I am pooped! Its only 8 and I am thinking about getting ready for bed and reading a little before getting some shut eye. Hoping this week goes by fast...only 7 school days left before Christmas break! I can hardly wait!!

22 Weeks

2011-12-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

22 weeks

December 6, 2011

I know this may get boring for all of you but really this is my way of keeping track each week & my own little journal. : )
Size of baby: a spaghetti squash - 11 inches & almost 1 pound! EEK!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: well we went to the doctor on Wednesday and I was up 4 pounds!

Maternity Clothes: still just pants. I am super excited to go shopping though. We used some of our credit card points to get a gift card to Motherhood and right now if you spend $75 at Motherhood you get a $50 gift card to restaurants.com so I'm super excited about that. I am hoping to find another pair of jeans and some khakis.

Gender: This week when I got my kidney ultrasound (more on that later) they showed me the little man. She asked me, "do you know what your having?" and I said.."a boy...is it still a boy!?" she laughed and showed me...yup still a boy. : )

Movement: This morning he had the hiccups for the first time (that I could feel). They almost hurt but in a fun way. I would count and almost on the money each time he would hiccup. I loved it! However, wish he would have waited till past 7:30 this morning. I also feel him move a lot at night. He squirms around.

Sleep: Its okay. I have a cold so I wake up in the middle of the night and can't breathe then start coughing but baby wise I sleep fine. This time of year wise- not so much.

What I miss: sleeping on my back & side

Cravings: still none. hmph. I'm waiting for the day I HAVE TO have something. : )

Symptoms: well...that brings me to my wonderful week. Last week I wrote about my side hurting. Well everything I read online kept telling me oh its growing pains..normal...blah blah blah. By Wednesday I hurt so bad I couldn't move my legs from bent to straight, cough, stand up, roll over, etc. it hurt soooooo bad. I called the doctor just to check knowing they would tell me oh its growing pains...drink some water. Instead they say it sounds like a kidney stone why don't you come in this afternoon? WHAT!? So I start researching and everything I read sounds just like me. Well we go to the doctor that afternoon and he shows me where it would hurt if it was growing pains (not where I was hurting) and where it would hurt if it was my kidneys (ding ding ding ding). They tested my urine and it didn't look too bad (as in I could pass them on my own more than likely) but wanted to call in an ultrasound to see what could be the problem and if maybe I already passed them or if they were in my bladder- along with prescribed me some pain meds (who knew you can take hard core pain pills but not advil???) and an antibiotic. Justin left on Wednesday night for a job and thankfully my mom was already coming up to help me decorate for Christmas so she was here to go with me on Thursday to get my ultrasound. They checked my left & right kidney along with my bladder. Since it was just a tech they said the doctor would call me the next day. Well Friday I call the doctor cause I haven't heard from them and they tell me they got the results but he is in surgery and they will call me Monday to let me know and to just rest & drink water this weekend. HMPH! I assume though thats good news and nothing serious if they didn't feel it necessary to tell me ASAP. Since Thursday the pain hasn't been as severe. Still hurts when I sneeze, cough or move funny but its not a CONSTANT pain like it was Monday-Wednesday. So tomorrow we will find out what the ultrasound said. So it was an exciting week to say the least. : )

here is my 22 week photo & a collage of week 12 & 22

Tucker's Baby Shower

2011-12-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

This past weekend one of my oldest friends had her baby shower. She is due March 8th. We are almost exactly a month a part! CRAZY! Terah & I go way back. We first became friends in 6th grade and went through so much together. Over the years we had our ups and downs but we always stayed friends. Well when I found out she was pregnant I had to call her and then a few weeks later...guess who else is pregnant!? Me! It was so weird! Anyways, Friday night Justin and I drove to Kingwood and stayed with my parents. Saturday Justin helped Dad set up his new smart TV while Mom & I went to the shower. She is glowing and you could not tell she is 6 month pregnant in half the photos! I hope I look like that next month! haha. : ) Here are some photos from the shower. Tucker is one lucky little boy.

Fearfully & Wonderfully Made- this one may have caused some tears

Train your child in the way he should go.

Emily & I (trying to show my bump)

Sweet football from her mom

Elizabeth & Emily
(Two of Terah's Best Friends who threw the shower for her)

Martha & Jane
(Emily is also one of my oldest and dearest friends- I love that when you go ages without seeing or talking to someone yet its like no time has passed when you see each other- those are good friends)

The three of us

The Boys making friends with each other- in utero

It was a beautiful shower and I am glad I was able to go. After the shower Justin and I headed to Baby's 1st Furniture where we fell in love with NOTHING. Everything was over priced and not that cute and of course the ones we loved were like $1200-- haha not happening. However, it was fun to go and see cribs set up and have the whole experience of shopping for our baby boy. We ended up going back to Kingwood for the night- watched football and searched for baby cribs/dressers. Sunday we got up and headed home. I was pretty miserable all day so we just lounged around other than meeting Ragan & Brad for lunch.

It was another fun weekend and this weekend is just as busy!! : ) Every weekend in December is jam packed with fun! I love it! However, it will be January before we know it and then I just have a feeling April will sneak up on me and little baby will be here before we know it! EEK!

Week 21

2011-12-05T18:08:00.000-08:00

21 weeks

November 29, 2011

Size of baby: a carrot or a banana- depends on where you look

Total Weight Gain/Loss: big news: last Tuesday I was up 2 pounds!!! Woohoo!!

Maternity Clothes: just pants. I totally have a big ol bump in normal shirts now. : ) However, even today with my undershirt, sweater and coat you couldn't tell I was preggers.

Gender: Still a Precious Baby Boy.

Movement: <3 feeling him move even though sometimes his kicks hurt. I love when Justin gets to feel him move and when I look down and see my stomach move! I love that!!! Crazy to think their is a little human moving around and growing in there

Sleep: my sides have been KILLING me. Like yesterday I cried almost all day- not fun at all. So therefore my sleep is being limited because I can't get comfortable because my sides hurt SO bad. They have hurt before but the past few days have been almost unbearable. Thankfully today they settled down. Maybe tonight I will sleep without waking up.

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach & my clothes fitting

Cravings: still no cravings. just wanting hot chocolate and pizza never sounds bad but I wouldn't say either one were a craving as much as it was just me wanting both.

Symptoms: side aches- BAD on the right side, stuffy nose (could be the weather), back aches, burping like crazy- no onions for me

This week we also went and looked for baby furniture & found some we think we have decided on & its on sale right now and everything and will ship to the house for cheap. We also decided on bedding as well. : ) Hoping that this weekend we can empty some of the nursery so I can start nesting. hehe

here is week 21:

one of my best friends told me it looks like a football is shoved in there. : ) I'll take it. Maybe it means he will be good at football...haha! A mom can dream right!? and one more photo for fun- of me in front of Christmas tree with no ornaments on it- its up, just not decorated yet.

Kirklands :)

2011-12-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

Today I got out of school early. Our principal gave us "a gift of time" for Christmas and we got to leave one day at 1:30 so today was my day. Well Kelly called me and said Come to Kirklands with me! How could I say no right?! I am throwing a cookie swap on Sunday so I should have some new Christmas decor. Well...we have a really cool nativity scene from Mr. Coker (Eric's Dad) and I wanted to add to it. I am obsessed with my purchases and the fact that I got both for under $30!! Woo-woo!!!

Whirlwind Holiday (Thanksgiving a little late)

2011-12-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

Wednesday:
Justin and I both had off this day so we got up and got busy for the day. Justin headed to campus to help set up the tailgate and I headed to the grocery store. (Yes, I waited until the day before Thanksgiving to go to the grocery store) I was super annoyed with myself for waiting until the day before and already being crabby and hormonal I was very happy when I turned down an isle to park and the VERY FIRST car was pulling out. (It's the small things right?) I got what I needed and headed home to get cooking. Before long Justin was back and he mowed the lawn real quick while I was still cooking. The Jamesons arrived at our house and we hung out a while before they went to check in at the hotel. I put everything in the oven and finally sat down. We headed to the Cokers for our Thanksgiving meal. It was a lot of fun. We all just filled our tummies and enjoyed being together- all 22 of us. (and thats just immediate family) I didn't take any pictures other than when Cambrey gave us the cutest little shoes for Baby Knight.

and we got to meet our nephew for the first time too! He is ADORABLE! I just love loving on all these babies- great practice right!? : )

We had a wonderful night and headed home to get some sleep because Thursday morning would be coming fast!!

Thursday:
Thanksgiving day we got up and headed to campus. Yes the game was not until 7 pm but apparently we have become hard core and we went at 8:30am! We spent the day eating and hanging out. I had a new best friend for the day-- a sweet little puppy! After tailgating all day we headed back to the Cokers again to watch the game (it was getting cold tailgating and I was getting exhausted) Here are some pictures from our day.

Daniel & Megan

Brian frying turkey

Me & My new best friend

Happy Thanksgiving from Justin & Me

I even ran into Kimberly before the game! : )

Friday: Friday morning we got up and headed to the Cokers for our family gift exchange and family photos. We had a such a good time. I love watching the excitement from the kids as they open their presents from their cousins & aunts/uncles. Not to mention when one of the adults gets really excited about their present. (Yeah I may have freaked out when I opened my Shark Cordless Vacuum cleaner) When do you become an adult that gets excited about cleaning supplies? I wanna get excited about barbie princess!! : ) Here are some photos of the family (in order from oldest to youngest of siblings)

K-Dan & Gigi

Taylor, Eric, Cannon, Gunnar, Grayson, Ella & Emerson

Joe, Cambrey, Adam, Zachary, & Samuel

Justin, Me & Baby Knight

Brad, Ragan, Avery & Kinley

Kason & Carla

the whole clan

here are some present photos:

Samuel with his baby bullet

Ragan with her girls

Zachary & Me opening his present

Joe & Kinley

deep fryer for Carla

sooo excited

Ragan was just as pumped for her weekly planner

Taylor was super excited about her candles that light without a flame

Eric was elated about his new PS3 controller

and Gigi could hardly contain her excitement about her soda stream

and K-Dan finally caught a break from getting hit with marshmallows after being pegged a number of times

So over all our holiday was a success. The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing, catching up on sleep, and getting ready for Christmas. It was a perfect holiday.

Week 20

2011-12-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

20 weeks

November 22, 2011

***HALF WAY THERE****
(if I make it all the way to 40)

Size of baby: a cantaloupe

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I didn't weigh myself this week. I think I am doing good though. I eat a lot more than I have been.

Maternity Clothes: just pants. Normal sweat pants & PJ's still fit but regular pants are out of the question. I know I'm not that big yet but for me I'm huge! Shirts I still am wearing my regular shirts. Also, the fact that it is getting cold hasn't made me feel pregnant in public because I'll have so many layers on and then add a jacket or sweatshirt by the time you add all that you just look warm and large. Whatever-I'm freezing all the time.I know there is a baby in there even if everyone else doesn't. However, people are starting to notice my bump. Thankfully he is a basketball and not fat everywhere.

Gender: Precious Baby Boy. He has a name too but Justin wants to keep it a secret. We will see how long I last. I absolutely LOVE his name. It just fits.

Movement: all the time!!! The more active I am the less I feel him but when I sit down at night, when I get in the bed or right after I eat breakfast it is like a kicking fest in my tummy! I love it. Oooo right as I wrote that he kicked. : ) Happy momma- I just adore feeling him move. Last Saturday we were all sitting on the couch and he was moving so I told Justin come here!! So he stuck his hand on my stomach and I said did you feel it? and he said No? And right after he said he Justins face lit up almost in shock because he kicked SO HARD. We said it was like he heard that Daddy couldn't feel him so he kicked hard just for him. ; )

Sleep: well considering it is cold outside the warm bed is my favorite! I have been sleeping good lately. Not even getting up to pee that much. And my snoogle is still my favorite. I would totally recommend it!

What I miss: being able to sit cross legged comfortably and my back not hurting so bad

Cravings: I really haven't had any cravings. : ( I had kinda been looking forward to craving something.

Symptoms: backache (bad- I broke my back when I was 18 so it is just making regular pregnancy backaches worse), getting some nice little pimples on my face, sleepy, is feeling fat a symptom? : )

here is week 20:

and I took one with the blocks : )

19 weeks

2011-11-20T17:51:00.000-08:00

19 weeks

Size of baby: mango

Total Weight Gain/Loss: at the doctor I was only down a quarter of a pound!! Woohoo!! He did say he would like to see me gain at least 10 more pounds.

Maternity Clothes: mostly normal clothes still- I like my shirts to be tight so you can see my bump, otherwise I just feel fat.

Gender: baby boy

Movement: Daddy felt his son move today for the first time!!!!! I was thrilled. So neat! I love that we both can feel him now! He has been moving like crazy. On Thursday my entire stomach moved! It was crazy to look down and see whats inside you moving! EEK.

Sleep: ok- still loving my snoogle. still have hard time getting comfy though. if I want to roll over its quite the ordeal considering the snoogle is so big.

What I miss: being comfortable and having energy. I want so bad to start nesting but this week I have been out. I think I caught the bug the kids had at school. Throwing up, fever, just overall felt gross so hoping next week will be better.

Cravings: nothing really- but today I HAD to have a snickers ice cream bar and some chicken express. it was delish and I inhaled it all.

Symptoms: no energy what so ever, felt gross all week (not sure if it was baby or sickness either way it was long week), uncomfortable stretching, constant full feeling

Here is 19 weeks:

and check out this comparison...

Lauren's Reaction

2011-11-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

I was looking through my downloads and came across this video. It is the weekend I told the girls I'm pregnant. Lauren had gotten there late so everyone else already knew so she had all the cards and read them one at a time. Jordan was secretly videoing so we could watch her reaction. I cry every time I watch the video. I know hormones...

The cards read:

1. I'm from Mexico

2. I'm the size of an olive.

3. I don't like bananas

4. I recently lost my tail

5. I will be arriving April 6, 2012, what am I?

Then the last card had a ultrasound photo that said I love my Aunt Lauren!

11-11-11 Friday Afternoon

2011-11-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

After our appointment we came home and packed up. Mom headed back to Kingwood with Pip while Justin and I headed to Katy to register. We don't have a Babies R Us and my friend, Colleen was going to come with us to register since she has a one year old she could tell us what was good, what was a waste, etc. We went and picked up her and Ava, her daughter and ate at Chik-fil-A before our journey to Babies R Us began. I was really worried Justin wasn't going to be a trooper but once we got there he did an excellent job and was being a great daddy! : ) Colleen was a tremendous help. She cut down so much time when we were on the cups, bowls, etc. All the tedious little things. She also documented this special day. : ) Here are the photos she took. I love them all!!

Ava was such a good baby the whole time.
We went in the middle of nap time and she was happy the whole time!!

so excited!

Justin has the scanner. Happy man.

Justin scanning bottles. : ) So sweet

Test driving strollers

still test driving

Don't I look like a pro? haha

11-11-11 Friday Morning

2011-11-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

We got up on Friday morning and I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I couldn't wait to go to our big ultrasound appointment where we would get to look at little baby for 30 minutes!! I also was nervous because this is the appointment where they measure everything and make sure everything is doing what it is supposed to be doing. Here is proud mommy & daddy before leaving...

yeah...we look half asleep. Mom had come up to go with us to the ultrasound so she was just as excited as we were to be able to see little bean move. We stopped and got donuts on the way to the appointment and then we were off to see our little baby move! He sure was moving. The ultrasound man said we had a mover on our hands. I told him it may or may not be because I had just had an iced sprinkle donut before coming into the appointment. : ) He measured everything and everything looks good. He has both kidneys, a three vein cord, four chambers in his heart, and his brain and head were measuring right on track. He also said my placenta is in a wonderful place and my amniotic fluid looks good and dark. Here are some photos of our sweet baby boy...(they aren't the best but they will work for now)

his sweet profile

love this one of him sucking his thumb

and lastly his little legs

It truly is amazing that there is a human being inside me. CRAAZY!

Storytelling

2011-11-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

The night after Advent I had to go to a storytelling event for school to get comp time. There is something about a good storyteller that just captivates your attention and you are a 5 year old again soaking in every word. Well this lady was just that. It was a two hour night where she not only told us stories but also talked about how to use storytelling in your classroom. It was a fun night. The next day she came to school to tell stories to the school and the kids were the same as we had been the night before...transfixed on her and her stories. It was a neat experience and I am glad I was able to be a part of it. I took a photo with her but the girl who took the photo on my phone apparently got the carpet instead of us. : ( Now the only photos I have are of the quotes she had scattered on the table. I liked them all. : ) I love telling stories...probably just because I love to talk.

Advent

2011-11-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

Every year at church the womens ministry puts on Advent by Candlelight. I have never been before but I really wanted to go this year. It is a night to spend with women getting into the Christmas mood. Well a woman I work with wanted to go as well so we went together. It was a lot of fun. It was a night of desserts and punch with the entertainment of "Minnie Pause and the Hot Flashes" (yeah...I was one of the few young people there but thats ok). Minnie Pause and the Hot Flashes did a show about not wanting to get in the Christmas mood because of everything else going on in life and by the end of course they were in the Christmas mood because of the real reason for the season- not the shopping or the decorations but because Christ was born. It was a cute show. Afterwards we went up and took pictures with them.

Me with the group

I told them I am pregnant so we took a fun pose with the baby

After taking the fun pose they prayed over Baby Knight. It was really special. These women who I hardly knew who just performed for an auditorium full of women wanted to pray over our baby. Not many shows you go too these days will pray over your unborn child. It was really neat. Here they are praying over the baby...

Week 18

2011-11-14T18:57:00.000-08:00

18 weeks

Size of baby: My little sweet potato

Total Weight Gain/Loss: well this week was an odd week. I'm actually back down to negative 7. I'm eating though. Apparently not enough. I did throw up again today but that shouldnt make that big of a difference.

Maternity Clothes: Jeans-yes. Other clothes normal.
Gender: baby boy

Movement: all the time! Even when we went on Friday for our Ultrasound appointment the man said Wow! You sure do have a mover!! (It may or may not have been the donut I ate before) but regardless he moves all the time! Still waiting for the day Justin can feel him. I can't wait to see his face when he does!

Sleep: Snoogle pillow. Heaven sent. I love my pillow and every night I can't wait to go to bed so I can cuddle with it.

What I miss: can't think of anything this week other than I wish my stomach wasn't so tight all the time

Cravings: none. I'm just hungry all the time-then full almost as soon as I eat.

Symptoms: headaches, heart rate elevated (115 this afternoon), fatigue, etc. You know the feeling after you eat too much and your stomach feels huge and bloated until about 30 or so minutes after eating. Well my stomach constantly feels like that.

Here is 18 weeks:

Sorry this is a little late considering tomorrow I'll be 19 weeks. We had a super busy week last week. I'm playing catch up.

Busy Week

2011-11-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

This week has a lot in store. Yesterday was pretty plain. Justin had a recruiting dinner so he was gone and I didn't feel very good after eating so I went to bed around 8:30. Today we have a faculty meeting and then I'm gonna hurry to shower and get ready for Advent by Candlelight at church. I am soo excited. I have seen it in the past but never had anyone to go with. However, this year a lady I work with goes to church with us so we are going together. Here is the little tidbit about what it is about:

Come join us for an evening of dessert, fellowship, Christmas music and inspiring words as we celebrate Advent--the coming of Jesus-- and we share the good news that Jesus is here right now!

I am super excited!! So that is tonight. I am going to try and remember to take pictures.

Tomorrow night I have a storytelling event. When I was in college I was part of the "storytelling club" ya know...it was one of those things you had to be involved in so many things so I chose storytelling because all we would do at meetings is get together and tell "stories"- i.e. things going on in our lives. : ) However, for comp time in January I needed some hours so when I got an email saying the sponsor for the club was hosting an event for teachers and it would count for comp time. I was all over it.

Then Thursday night, my mom is coming in to spend the night because Friday morning we have our big ultrasound appointment where they will measure everything. I am super excited for that! Its like Christmas is on Friday and I want it to hurry up and get here!

After our ultrasound we are going to register on our way to Kingwood. We are going to Kingwood for the weekend to do "Thanksgiving" and celebrate my dads birthday. My sister and brother in law are leaving on November 17th for their mission trip to the Amazon (please keep them in your prayers) so we are also going so we can all be together one last time before they head to a foreign country to spread the good news!

WOOHOO! I love when we are super busy! We will see if Monday after such a busy week and weekend if I still love being busy! haha! : )

P.S. I was just sorting through my emails and came across this photo Justin emailed me. It was from the day we found out it was boy. We went to Eric's football game where his team played Cannons. Here is Ella and me "posing for Uncle Justin"--- too cute- love my little ella!

17 weeks

2011-11-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

17 weeks

Size of baby: an onion, 5 inches, 6 ounces (wow, that photo of an onion looks huge- the photo is just zoomed in a lot I suppose)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -3. I'm almost back to where I started!! Woohoo! Maybe by Week 18

Maternity Clothes: well jeans for sure are maternity and all my dress pants (other than one pair of black pants I have). Shirts are all still regular!

Gender: baby boy

Movement: I feel him move a lot more. I love it. It is such a crazy feeling! Justin still hasn't felt him yet though. I read online that some dads could hear the baby move around if they put their head to the tummy so I make Justin do that. He says it just sounds like fluid moving around. No baby kicking to his knowledge.

Sleep: ugh. I want to sleep on my back and my stomach. ugh. I'm tired of my shoulders hurting and not feeling comfortable. that's all I have to say about that.

What I miss: sleeping comfortably throughout the night. my stomach being flat.

Cravings: oranges

Symptoms: my back hurts, my stomach muscles ache/hurt big time, waah, waah, waah, right? Better than throwing up so I'll take these symptoms. I'm hungry all the time but then eat one little thing and feel full, then ten minutes later I'm hungry again. Hmph.

Here is week 17 photo.

and check out the comparison from week 12 to week 17. yikes!

Gift of Life

2011-11-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

I need to vent a little. Yesterday I wrote a facebook status stemmed off of this song:

This song just speaks so much to me right now. I always think of this verse...

I saw a couple walking by they were holding hands

Man, she had that glow

yeah I couldn't help but notice she was starting to show

I stood there for a minute takin' in the sky

lost in that sunset

a splash of amber melted in the shades of red
I've been to church
I've read the book
I know He's here, but I don't look
near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I'd just slow down to stop and stare
opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

My mom always told my sister and I to look for his gifts. He is guaranteed to show you himself in something today. So I always try to look for his gifts. Such as a puppy dog basking in the sun, or a green light on my way home. Regardless his hand is everywhere.

Anyways, my status was,

"Every time I look down at my tummy or feel the flutters of my little boy I think to myself...I saw God today."

Well awhile after posting I get a comment that was kinda surprising to me. It was actually just rude. I guess now that I am having a baby I realize just HOW BIG of a miracle each precious life is and for someone to poke fun of me for thanking God was just kinda shocking. Also, I had just been watching The Little Couple where they announced they were pregnant, only to lose it 6 weeks later. I know so many friends struggling with getting pregnant, struggling with the physical and emotional side effects. I can't imagine how hard it is.

I am so so thankful. I tell Justin every day how lucky we are that God is blessing us with this little baby. Whose kicks make me thank the One who blessed us. Everything that I say and do should be the glory of the Lord and this little baby is no different. He is a miracle. Every pregnancy is a MIRACLE. God chooses to bless us. He doesn't have to at all. I am sinner just like the rest of us and yet he allows me to carry one of his own. I pray each day that Justin and I will lay a firm Godly foundation in his life and that he will grow up knowing what a miracle he is and that there is NOTHING---NOTTA- ZIP that could CREATE life from cells other than my heavenly father who is the keeper of the stars, the maker of the rain...and oh so many other things.

To God be the glory- for the struggles, for the pain, and for the miracles.

16 Weeks

2011-10-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Size of baby: 4 1/2 inches long, 3.5 ounces, the size of an avocado

Total Weight Gain/Loss: negative 3!! Woohoo! I may have done a happy dance when I saw I was only down three pounds!! Granted it has changed back and forth because yesterday when I re-weighed I was back at negative 7. But I'm gonna go with negative 3. : )

Maternity Clothes: I have one pair of non-maternity pants I can still wear. (other than sweat pants & jogging suits) The problem with non-maternity clothes is they HURT. I LOVE my maternity jeans! They are SOOOO comfy! I feel better just wearing clothes that fit rather than trying to squish myself into jeans that are too tight.

Gender: a little Justin- his daddy is so proud. : )

Movement: I feel the flutters. It is such a crazy feeling. I feel him more at night. I love it! Whenever he starts moving I beg him to keep doing it so I can feel it longer! I can't wait for Justin to be able to feel it too!

Sleep: still good I suppose. My shoulders hurt from laying on my side and I wake up frequently with my hands and arms asleep. I got a coupon for BBB for I think I'm gonna go invest in a maternity pillow. All my friends have them and SWEAR by them! Also, they say to start using it as soon as possible so you can get used to it BEFORE you are super uncomfortable. I also have been getting charlie horses when I sleep and that is NO fun!

What I miss: #1 thing I miss: having energy. I also miss sleeping on my tummy though as well.

Cravings: still just living on orange juice and oranges

Symptoms: charlie horses, stuffy nose (that could just be allergies), itchy skin, my stomach skin hurts- I can feel it stretching. (still praying for no stretch marks), no energy, hungry every 20 minutes but nothing sounds good.

Victory this week: I have gone 2 weeks without vomiting!! WOOHOO!

We took 16 week photos. I hate ALL of them. We took one on my phone of just my tummy so you get that plus one of the ones I hate. : )

10-27-11- 16w2d

Weekend Happenings

2011-10-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

Friday:

*dinner for Natalie's 31st Birthday at Chuy's Mexican grill (delish)

Saturday:

*shopping
I went to Motherhood and bought a pair of jeans & two pair of dress slacks- I had so much fun! The girls that work there are college girls and were bored so I felt like a celebrity. They were bringing me all sorts of clothes to try on! It was so much fun! It feels SOOO much better to have maternity clothes on. They stretch and fit and don't hurt! GLORIOUS! While I was there I tried on the belly that adds three months..check it out.

ignore the no makeup look- I'm LOVING those jeans! Those are the ones I got.

After Motherhood I found baby boy his first shirt. Adorable. Granted it's 18 months- but he will look adorable at 18 months in it.

I came home after shopping and took a nap. The rest of the evening was pretty uneventful. Just laid around.

Sunday:
*cleaned house a little
*went and met Kimberly for lunch at Jasons Deli- it was DELISH!! It was so good for us to just sit and eat and talk! I miss all of us living in the same town!

*I took a picture before I left so I could see if you can see my bump. I think it is starting to show...what do you think?

Justin came home this afternoon and we have just been hanging out for the day. He was only gone for three days but I HATE him being gone and so I have been so excited for him to be home! : ) We are watching Hall Pass right now and are about to do Family Skype Night in a few minutes!

It's A....

2011-10-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

I will have the time of my life...

fighting dragons with you

playing with snails

digging in the dirt/mud

building forts

kissing your scraped knees

knowing the name of every construction tool

being your biggest fan in all you do

being proud of you in all you try

but most of all,

I will have the time of my life

just being your mom.

Yup..

it's a B-O-Y!!!!

I thought I only had one Knight in shinning armor, but now I will have two.