Jennifer Miller

Theodore's Birth Story

2012-02-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

3 months later I am finally writing Theodore's birth story. Don't ask me why it has taken so long, but I decided I need to do it now because I am already starting to forget details. So, here it is (mostly for me) but I thought that some of you may enjoy reading about it.

I sent my Mom this picture 2 days before Theo was born saying, "I feel like I'm going to pop!"

Let me start off by saying that I loved being pregnant and had a really easy pregnancy (except for the occasional aches and pains). However, somewhere around 36-37 weeks I began getting headaches. Thanks to Facebook, I can look back and see that on October 25th I posted a status, asking if it was normal to have a headache for a week straight and got tons of replies...

"No!"
"Call your Doctor...you could have high blood pressure!"
"You could have preeclampsia!"

Pregnant or not pregnant I frequently get headaches so I thought that people were overreacting and I had never had high blood pressure once (and had just been at the Doctor the week prior), but I reassured everyone that I would ask my Doctor about it at my 37 week check-up, 2 days from then...on October 27th.

Cut to Thursday, October 27th. Nate took the day off work (he tried to go to as many appointments with me throughout my pregnancy that he could) and we headed to my appointment that morning. We got called back where the nurse checks weight, blood pressure, etc. She weighs me and then asks how I'm feeling...

Me: I feel great, except I've been getting some headaches lately.
Nurse: Okay, let's take a look at your blood pressure.
(que sitting in silence while nurse takes my blood pressure)
Nurse: Hmmmm...it's a little high.
Me: Really? How high?
Nurse: 150/90
Me: What does that mean? Is that bad? (I still to this day have no idea of what is good or bad bp)
Nurse: Your Doctor will discuss it with you.

Um, okay. I'll go ahead and try not to be freaked out while we wait 20 minutes (or at least it felt that long) for the Doctor to come in. Enter doctor...

Doctor: I see that your BP is high and you've been getting headaches.
Me: Yep
Doctor: Are you working?
Me: Yep
Doctor: I want you to go home today and relax. Put your feet up...do nothing. Also, I want you to take tomorrow off of work. I am going to have you go get some blood work done after this and I want you to come back in the morning so we can check your blood pressure again. It could be a sign that you may have preeclampsia and if that's the case we need to get the baby out as soon as possible.
Me: Um, okay (trying to comprehend everything and frantically looking at Nate)
Doctor: If your BP is still high in the morning I am going to induce you...tomorrow.
Me and Nate: What?! Really?!
Doctor: Yep, you could have a baby this weekend! Now go home and relax.

Riiiiiiiight. Relax?!?! Lady, you pretty much just told us we are going to have a baby...tomorrow!!! Nate and I were both overwhelmed with excitement, giddiness and fear! We called our families and everyone was shocked. Our little man was going to be 2 weeks early!

Nate and I proceeded to ignore my Doctor's instructions. We went home and frantically cleaned our house (especially the guest bedroom), went and bought some necessities I had been putting off, packed our hospital bags, frequently looked at one another and said, "Oh my gosh, we are going to have a baby tomorrow!" We went out to dinner and I stuffed my face (because I couldn't eat after midnight since I was probably going to get induced) and then we came home and slept like rocks...for the last time in weeks! :)

The morning of October 28th, Nate I head back to the doctor (around 8am) and we wait for about an hour. An hour!!! We were dying! :) Finally we were called back, they checked my blood pressure again (it had gone down a little) and then we proceeded to wait until we could meet with my Doctor...

Doctor: I got your blood work back. Everything looks fine there. Your BP went down a little, but is still high and I'm not comfortable sending you home in fear that you could get really sick this weekend. With that said, are you ready to have a baby???
(I really wish ya'll could've heard how casually she said it...like it was no biggie...you're going to have a baby)
Nate and Me: Yes!

She proceeds to tell us that they'll call over to the hospital to get a room ready for induction and we should head straight over (her office is attached to the hospital, so we literally just moved our car to a different parking garage) and she would be there shortly! We called our families and told them the big news!

By 10am I was in the delivery room and hooked up on Pitocin! At noon my doctor came in and broke my water (at that time I was 3cm and 70% effaced). Holy cow. Having my water broken was the weirdest sensation ever. I seriously started laughing and the harder I laughed the more water gushed out. It was hilarious and bizarre.

After 3 hours of intense contractions I finally got an epidural (I was 5cm) and it was awesome. Around that time my Mom arrived, my Dad arrived and we watched the World Series. My progress slowed down somewhere in there and they had to increase the Pitocin. It honestly felt like an eternity until I was 10cm and 100% effaced.

Finally at 9:00pm it was time to push! I pushed for almost 3 hours...3 hours! My epidural was starting to wear off and I could feel all the contractions and some other pain (that will go unmentioned). Luckily, the epidural hadn't completely worn off so I wasn't in extreme pain, but I could definitely tell when to push. It made it a lot easier to know when and how to push and for that I am thankful. Nate was such a wonderful encouragement and I could have not done it without him. There are 2 moments I remember while pushing.

1. The Doctor saying, "He has lots of dark hair!" That was a great encouragement and just what I needed to hear at the time.
2. For all of you who know me well...you'll get a kick out of this. A couple hours into pushing, I was sweaty and tired and just wanted it to be over. I looked over at Nate and said, "I want a cold Coke after this." This nurse promised to bring me a cold Coke after...and she kept her word. :)

Finally, after hours of pushing, our son, Theodore David Miller was born at 11:51pm, weighing in at 6 lbs & 9 ounces. They immediately put him on my chest and I just stared at him. I didn't cry (which I totally thought I would, since both Nate and I sobbed like babies at our wedding), I couldn't take my eyes off of him. It was the craziest thing I've ever experienced and there is no way I could even begin to put it into words. It was like an out of body experience. The little person who had been growing and moving around inside me for 9 months was finally here. Welcome to the world, Theodore. You are loved more than you know.

seeing Theo for the 1st time

Nate and Theo

we did it

Smiles

2012-02-05T19:45:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love baby smiles? Here's a short video of our sweet boy.

Warning: if you're not family...you'll probably find this boring. ;-)

P.S. Please ignore my annoying "Mom" voice. Ha!

May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor

2012-02-03T21:51:00.001-06:00

This week I read the Hunger Games series. It was good. So good that I read all 3 books in 5 days, which is a big deal to a Mom of a 3 month old! ;-)

If you haven't read the books, you should. It's a great, easy read and very entertaining.

Can't wait for the movie to come out in March! Check out the trailer...

Weekend Pictures

2012-01-29T20:29:00.000-06:00

Weekend

2012-01-27T23:40:00.000-06:00

The weekend. I still live for them. Nate has Saturday off (this is rare) so I am even more excited than I normally would be.

I think I'm going to drag him (and our little nugget) to the Nashville Flea Market and then maybe enjoy a cappuccino from Crema.

mmmmmm.

No matter what we do (even if it's nothing) it will be awesome because I'll be with my boys.

What are ya'll doing this weekend?

Missing In Action

2012-01-25T11:04:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA over the last few months. Honestly, I don't really know what to write about. Let's be honest...not everyone is dying to know about my new life as a Mommy and ~~while I think they are crazy~~ I can totally understand.

I LOVE being a Mom, but long gone (for now) are the days of house projects, etc. I just now feel like I am getting a hang of things and Theo is 12 weeks old! It's crazy. I am just glad that life is starting to feel more normal. He sleeps a consistent amount at night, naps good during the day (most days) so I'm starting to feel more like a normal person. :)

Not only was I busy learning how to be a Mom, but we had family in town from November - January. Nate's parents visited in December (it was a great time). My parents were in town for Thanksgiving and then for 2 weeks over Christmas and I spent all the time I could with my sister and her family (who live in Florence, Italy). My sister left in the beginning of January...and the first few days were hard. It was so nice having her around. So in general, I've been feeling a little sorry for myself! Ha!

Linday (my sister) with her daughter, Tessa, Me, and Theo

Oh, have I mentioned that Nate and I are training for the Nashville Country Music Half Marathon on April 28th?!?! Yep. I've officially gone off my rocker. :) The goal is to just complete the 1/2 Marathon. I'm not at all worried about my time or anything else, I am mostly doing it because I need something to work towards. This post baby body needs help...and at this point I'm willing to do almost anything!

Alright, that's all I've got for now. Hopefully, I'll be back sooner than later. ;-) Until then, I'm going to go play with this guy!

Family Photo Shoot

2012-01-12T11:39:00.000-06:00

A few days after Christmas we had a "photo shoot." It was in honor of my parents 30th wedding anniversary (they have now been married 31...it just took that long for us all to be in one place).

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from that day...

Dad, Me, Lindsay, Jeff, and Mom

Dad & Mom

Nate, Theo and Me

Nate, Me and Theo

Theo 8 weeks old. Sad face. It was cold.

My adorable nephew, Colton

Colton, Tessa, Ross and Lindsay (my sister's family)

Group shot

My handsome brother, Jeff

Pictures taken by Crystal Martel, As You Were P.H.T.G.R.P.H.Y. (Nashville, TN)

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T16:37:00.000-06:00

Wow...2012...you snuck up fast.

I have blogged maybe twice over the last 3 months?! Slacker. I promise, I'm going to try and get better...really.

Until then, stare at this cute face.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-20T14:47:00.000-06:00

Theo - weeks 1 & 2

2011-11-16T15:11:00.001-06:00

Please excuse my appearance - I just pushed out a baby!

On the last day of my 37th week I was induced (that's another blog post) to have our little nugget, Theodore. I cannot believe that he is now already 2 weeks old! Time really does fly by!

Theodore David Miller
October 28, 2011 - 11:51 p.m.
6 pounds, 9 ounces

I can confidently say that it has been the longest and fastest 2 weeks of our lives! I know that makes no sense at all, but it's true. :) The days and nights all blend together, but it is so great and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. We really do have the best baby. I am thankful!

How's Theodore?

Theo is great and changing more and more every day. It really is amazing!

Eating: This was one thing I was most worried about regarding life after baby. And I'll be honest, it's still not easy, but things are getting better and better each and every day. I won't lie being his food source is kind of overwhelming and very time consuming, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am thankful that breast-feeding has been relatively easy. I feel super blessed.

Sleeping: Right now his schedule changes a little every day, but in general he eats every 3 hours (during the day) is up for about an hour afterwards and then goes to sleep...and then it all starts again!

At night he sleeps a little longer and he typically only gets up once during the middle night to eat. I know it could be so much worse, but it will definitely take some getting used to!

One of my favorite things is right when he starts to fall asleep he usually will give you a couple involuntary smiles. They vary, sometimes it's a huge grin and other times it's just one corner of his mouth. Either way I cannot wait for him to start smiling on purpose. Melt my heart.

How I'm Feeling

I feel pretty good! I'd be lying if I said the first week was easy. Honestly, I don't know if I just ignored the whole postpartum section in childbirth class or what, but it was a wake up call. I didn't realize how sore I would be or that going to the bathroom could be so scary (sorry if that's TMI), but it's true! I am thankful for my sister and friends who I can ask "Is this normal?" Maybe I should start a separate blog about all the things they don't tell you! Ha! Obviously, it is all worth it and I would do it again 100 times over.

That reminds me...am I the only person who actually misses being pregnant now that it's over?? Trust me, I would much rather Theo be here, but I kind of miss my tummy and feeling him move around in there. I honestly can't wait to be pregnant again. Yes, I did just say that. :)

Like I said, Theo sleeps pretty good at night...on average only getting up once to feed (Praise the Lord), so I am getting between 6-7 hours of sleep a night...but in random chunks. It seems like a lot of sleep while having a newborn, but interrupted sleep isn't that refreshing. I have started taking a morning nap along with Theo and it's pretty much the best idea ever. However, I do feel kind of like a loser cause I really don't start my day until around 10am. Oh well, don't judge me.

More and more I find myself telling Nate that I don't want Theodore to get bigger! I love my little nugget all tiny and such, but also know that they only become more fun the older they get. I am just trying to soak it all in!!

1 week old

2 weeks old

Welcome, Theodore David Miller

2011-10-29T21:59:00.000-05:00

Your Mommy and Daddy are so glad you're here!

Born 10/28/11

More details to come.

37 weeks

2011-10-27T17:46:00.001-05:00

How big is the Baby?
Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

via babycenter

How Life's Changing

A new question I am getting a lot whenever I go out in public is, "When are you due?" It's actually a bit odd to me because strangers haven't said much to me (regarding pregnancy) over the course of my entire pregnancy thus far. I guess it is pretty obvious now that I'm pregnant and they feel better asking when there isn't really a doubt. Ha! Every time someone asks I am reminded that our Lil Nugget will be here so soon...and I cannot wait.

Besides people asking me when I'm due, another frequent question I am getting is, "Has the baby dropped yet?" Ummmm, I have no clue people. I think I always carried pretty low and I never really had a hard time catching my breath...so nothing has changed. Not sure what that means.

This week, my friend and co-worker, Tara (who is due just 4 days after me) went to a breastfeeding class at our hospital. It was good and informative and I'm glad I went, but I can't lie...it kind of overwhelms me to think that for the first few weeks I will be feeding him every 2-3 hours. That's a lot. I hope it's an enjoyable/easy experience. I've known so many people whose babies are pros from day 1 and others who really struggle. Here's to praying it is not a struggle.

And now for the most exciting part of my week...my weekly Doctor's appointment!!!! Let me tell you, Thursday couldn't come soon enough! :) I love going to the Doctor's and getting to hear the Lil Nugget's heartbeat and to see if I have made any progress. I told them I had been getting a lot of headaches so they checked my blood pressure (which they always do) and it was a little high so they decided to have me take tomorrow off work as well as give blood. So, we'll see what happens with that!

Regarding progress, I have made a little. I was a small 2 last week and this week I am closer to being 3cm dilated. So that's good. As far as effacement she didn't mention anything so I'm not sure if I am still at 60% or if I am more thinned out. At this point it doesn't really matter. I mean, he'll come when he comes!

How I'm Feeling

While I am fearful for all the unknows becoming a Mom will bring into my life (and the lack of sleep) I cannot wait to finally see what our lil guy looks like! It blows my mind that a baby is going to come out of me. What a miracle. Fo' reals.

I'm also a little nervous about my elevated BP (my sister has this with her most recent pregnancy), but I'm just going to trust that God knows what he's doing.

Other than that...I am ready to get the show on the road!!!

I'll keep ya'll posted!

Pregnancy Milestones

* Baby is now full term!

* Nursery is finished

* Still making progress...2-3cm dilated / 60% effaced

36 weeks

2011-10-21T09:14:00.002-05:00

How big is the Baby?
Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly (via babycenter).

How Life's Changing
Life is changing...big time! The countdown is on with only 4 weeks to go until I reach my due date! I know I say this every week, but I really cannot believe how quickly time is flying by! There still feels like there is so much to do and not enough hours in the day!

Little things are starting to get harder and harder. One of the hardest things I do over the course of a day is put on my socks and shoes! It is hard to lean over when your stomach is hard as a rock and the size of a soccer ball! ;-) I seriously huff and puff while putting them on! Ha! Oh, and sometimes I need Nate to help pull me up off the couch! Pathetic!

Over the past few weeks I have been experiencing a good amount of Braxton Hicks contractions. Not painful at all, but a little weird feeling! ;-) However, it seems that I was not only experiencing those, but I was also experiencing some real contractions without even knowing it!!!

I went to the Doctor earlier this week (I will now be going weekly until the little man arrives) and found out that I am already 2cm dilated and 60% effaced and she could feel his head...so he's most definitely head down! I could hardly believe it. My OBGYN said I could go into labor tonight, tomorrow, on my due date...pretty much it's a crap shoot! Ha! I've known people who walked around 4cm dilated for weeks and still went past their due date!

No matter what, it has given me the kick in the pants that I needed to get stuff done! This week we installed the car seat base in my car (I was shocked at how easy it was), washed more baby clothes/blankets, and started the long process of "organizing" the nursery. We also received all of our beautiful fabric (bumper pads, crib skirt, quilt, curtains, and pillow case) from Connie Stowers! Oh. My. Word. it is beautiful. Seriously, I could just stand in the nursery and stare at it.

The crib is all decorated now, but the curtains won't be hung until this weekend and hopefully that will lead to pictures being hung/switched out. I am hoping to have a "finished" nursery by the end of next week. Hoping is the key word,

However, here are a couple bedding pictures I couldn't resist. Please realize the iphone camera does the bedding/colors no justice at all!!

in the morning light...colors a little more accurate

up close

How I'm Feeling
The reality that we could have a baby any day now is kind of freaking me out! I have to remind myself I could still be pregnant for 4 +/- more weeks, but the thought that I could have the Lil Nugget any day now is somewhat freaky. Oh Lord, you sure do like to keep me on my toes! ;-)

In general, now that the nursery is coming together I am starting to feel a lot better about things...more settled, but there is still so much to do.

Pregnancy has been such a roller coaster ride of emotions for me and God has taught me/showed me some huge lessons, like...
Learning to trust and have faith in God and his plan for our lives (even when nothing makes sense), experiencing the miracle of growing a human (I mean, really...how cool is that??), growing closer to Nate and being reminded why he will make such a great Daddy, seeing God provide for us and the Lil Nugget in small and big ways, being reminded that we have great friends and family who love and support us, did I mention learning to trust? ;-) That has definitely been my biggest lesson from all of this.

Pregnancy Milestones
* This week we had Maternity pictures taken...and we love them!
* Work baby shower today (Friday) - my co-workers are the best!
* Baby is making progress...2cm dilated / 60% effaced / and he's head down
* Nursery is coming together!! Yay!
* Total weight gained: 33 pounds (don't judge me)

Maternity Pictures...sneak peak!

2011-10-17T17:30:00.003-05:00

This weekend we took our maternity pictures. To be quite honest...I was kind of dreading them, wishing I had taken them weeks ago when I still felt semi-cute and "skinny" and not when I was 36 weeks pregnant! However, I am so glad that we kept the appointment and went ahead with them. I really love the way they turned out and know I will cherish them forever! I cannot wait to see all the pictures from our session!

Until then...here's a little sneak peak!

If you have Facebook and are "friends" with me....check out my wall for a link to see more great pictures from our session that Crystal from As You Were P.H.T.G.R.P.H.Y posted. I just didn't want to overload everyone on here!

P.S. If you live in Nashville and want a great, fun photographer check her out! It was the best experience!!

35 weeks

2011-10-14T09:17:00.000-05:00

How big is the Baby?
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight (via babycenter).

How Life's Changing

At Spicer Orchards in Michigan

Nate and I headed to Michigan last weekend for one of my last baby shower's (besides my work one). We had a great time, but let me tell you...riding in the car for 9-10 hours when you are 35 weeks pregnant is so uncomfortable and I would not recommend it. ;-) While I couldn't get comfortable and was in pain from having a baby jabbing my ribcage, our sweet little Bella slept like a rock! So not fair! ;-)

While I was home this weekend I borrowed my Mom's knee-high compression socks and it seemed to help keep the leg swelling down a little bit, but it is still painful when I go for walks...which is a huge bummer. I went ahead and brought the socks home and wear them all day every day. Let me tell ya people, it's a good look. Ha.

Other than my minor leg swelling, I really don't have many complaints. I don't really feel like I am getting any bigger stomach wise. Maybe I just don't notice because I see myself everyday, but I feel like my belly is relatively "small". However, I have noticed that the Lil Nugget is getting bigger and running out of room in there. His movements now are pretty painful and he likes to hang out in my ribcage and that is not fun for Momma.

I just keep reminding myself that soon he will be out in the world and I'm sure there will be times when I miss feeling his big kicks inside of me. I'm just happy we have a healthy, active boy!

How I'm Feeling

I'm feeling excited and anxious...and very hormonal! This past weekend Nate and I were driving through downtown Brighton (the town I "grew up" in) and I noticed that Big Apple Bagel...a favorite place of mine was no longer in business. I looked at Nate and started crying. Seriously. I wasn't weeping or anything, but I did shed a few tears...over a bagel place. What is wrong with me?!

the view on my parents road. so pretty.

I'm also starting to feel pretty overwhelmed. I know I still have time left, but I feel like there is still so much to do...at home, at work and in general. Now I understand why some women don't work up until the time they have the baby. It all is so overwhelming. I just wish I could focus on one thing and not feel like I am spreading myself so thin. Ugh. This coming weekend is our last packed weekend and then hopefully after that I can get some stuff around the house done and relax?!?!

The nursery is coming along slowly, but surely. I was so excited when I got a sneak peak of the Lil Nugget's quilt earlier this week. It is so so cute and I can't wait to see him laying on it, playing with some fun toys. Honestly though, the nursery is a MESS and it looks like a bomb went off in there. I have no idea where everything is going to go/fit. I truly feel like it will be a miracle if I can get it organized and clean before the little man arrives. *Sigh*

With all that said, I am also getting so excited! Our little man will be here SO SOON! While we were at the orchard last weekend I couldn't help but to be excited that next year we will be able to bring him! So fun! I am also so excited that he'll be here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love that time of year and the fact that I will get to share it with our new son and family is so exciting. Oh man, I really can't wait.

Speaking of the Lil Nugget, Nate and I bought him a pretty sweet pair of shoes while we were in Michigan. We just couldn't resist...

Aren't they precious?! Love.

Pregnancy Milestones
* Nate's annual company party is this weekend. Yep, I will be attending this formal event on the first day of my 36th week. Awesome. ;-)
* Had a great baby shower in Michigan last weekend. Pictures to come...

Baby Quilt...sneak peak!!

2011-10-12T16:55:00.000-05:00

The wonderful and talented Connie Stowers is making all the baby bedding/curtains for the Lil Nugget's nursery and today I got my first sneak peak of the quilt. It is so beautiful and more than I could have imagined. I debated posting a picture because I really didn't want to "reveal" the bedding until the nursery was complete, but I just couldn't help myself! I was dying to share!!

Thanks for all of your hard work, Connie! We love you and appreciate it!

34 weeks

2011-10-06T17:18:00.001-05:00

How big is the Baby?
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

via babycenter

How Life's Changing

look ma'...no hands!

I am starting to feel less and less comfortable, but that is to be expected...right? :) The biggest symptom I have been dealing with is lower leg swelling, from the knee down (on both legs) my calves/shins look like tree trunks. There is no definition. Just a swollen mess. Enter last nights story...

Last night Nate and I went for a walk and man oh man was it an experience. The first mile I felt pretty good, but then all the sudden my legs felt like they had 100 pound weights strapped to them and it hurt to move, so much that I started crying. Yes, the girl who has run a 1/2 marathon was crying after walking for a mile. It's crazy.

I told Nate that I didn't know if I would be able to walk the rest of the way home and he offered to get the car, but I didn't want to be alone on the road for 20 min with the dogs so I decided I would keep going. I wish I could say that the pain got better, but it didn't...it got worse!

Long story short, we finally made it home and I decided to try lying on my left side (supposedly that helps circulation), but no progress was being made. From the knee down my right leg was numb and tingling...I could barely feel Nate rubbing it. He tried to get me to call my doctor, but I knew they would just send me to the ER. I didn't know what to do. I seriously thought that I might have a blood clot. I laid on the bed weeping while Nate sat with me. It was a sad sight. More than the pain, I am frustrated. I am relatively fit...have worked out most of my pregnancy and now even walking is painful. What the heck?! It is so frustrating.

After about an hour and no progress I sent Nate to the store to get me some Tylenol...the only medicine a preggo can take. Of course that in itself was an ordeal, but after taking it my leg felt much better. Right before Nate and I went to sleep I looked at him and told him if I die tonight from an aneurism (or something) to rush me to the hospital to try and save our son. Morbid? Yes.

The good news is I woke up in the morning and my legs looked like they did pre-pregnancy. All the inflammation and swelling disappeared overnight. It has to have been the Tylenol because they haven't looked like that in weeks.

Want to know the weird thing? Besides all the leg pains I have been having, I really have loved being pregnant and have generally felt like my pre-pregnancy self. I would definiitely not think twice about doing it all again. I am so thankful that all I am dealing with is leg pain and swelling. I'll take it! :)

And the doctor told me I can take Tylenol every day if I want to...phew...what a relief! I think I may be taking her up on that, as it seems to really help with the pain and swelling.

How I'm Feeling
I'm so ready for the nursery to be done! Last weekend I worked on it quite a bit...here's a little sneak peek...

Yes, I put an old school coke crate in my son's nursery. For those of you who know me well, you know that I used to be a HUGE coca-cola addict so of course I wanted to start him off right! :)

It seriously is perfect for holding burp clothes (and our cloth diapers once we get them) and other random accessories! I'm obsessed with it! Right now, I am just trying to figure out where to hang all the pictures/art and trying to organize! Baby stuff is in every room of our house right now and I know it's only going to get worse!! Ah!

I also finally finished my chalkboard frame. It was originally a mirror that broke, so I painted the frame, painted a piece of wood with chalkboard paint and...Ta-dah!!! I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and will hopefully be a fun way to record the lil' nugget's milestones.

This weekend Nate and I will be in Michigan...our last trip before the lil nugget arrives! I am so excited to see my parents, friends and go to the cider mill! It's the little things in life, people! However, I am not excited about the 9 hour car drive. It's going to be a long, slow trip considering I feel like I have to pee every 30 minutes! :)

Overall, I feel grateful. Grateful that we are pregnant and able to have a child. I know way to many people who have struggled to get pregnant or can't. What a blessing it truly is to be able to carry a child. I've also hit the "Oh, crap!" stage. Only 6 weeks left people (if he is born on his due date). That seems so soon yet far away.

I honestly am just trying to take it easy and enjoy the free time that we have because I know that will all change really soon! :) I think my dogs are trying to do the same...

Random Story of the week: While getting gas a older gentleman started up some small talk with me...asking when I'm due, etc. A few minutes later he said to me, "Ya know, you really should be married if you're going to have a baby." I kindly explained to him that I am, but my wedding rings no longer fit. Geez. Who says that to a complete stranger?!

Pregnancy Milestones
* 11 days till my next doctor's appointment...and then I will start going weekly!!
* 1 day until my Michigan Baby Shower
* Less than 6 weeks (hopefully) until we meet our lil nugget

33 weeks

2011-09-29T15:02:00.033-05:00

How big is the Baby?
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

via babycenter

How Life's Changing
People we have an emergency. My fingers and feet (which are normally pretty bonie) are starting to SWELL. I kind of want to cry a little. This past weekend I said fairwell to my wedding rings, while they still fit comfotably while on it was getting harder and harder to take them off. So I figured better to stop wearing them before they have to be cut off my finger. Sad. So not cool.

To be honest though, I can really only blame myself. I stink at drinking water and usually only get down 1 bottle a day. No wonder I'm starting to swell. So, now I am going to try and kick up the water intake. I still have 7 more weeks to go and I still have maternity pictures to take! Lord, help me to not look like a swollen mess in them!

As the nugget's arrival creeps closer I continue to feel pretty good physically which I am thankful for. I mean, I definitely have pregnancy discomforts (achy back/joints, tired, hormonal mess, etc). However, I am eternally grateful that I am still sleeping well. That could totally change tonight or tomorrow, but for now I'll take what I can get. I need my sleep and luckily am still sleeping pretty comfortably at this point.

Sadly, I don't think I am much fun to be around these days and I'm pretty sure that I am driving Nate crazy. My new thing is being starving (and grumpy), but yet nothing sounds good. So Nate (being the sweet husband he is) will list off about 20 options while I sit and veto each one. And then I will finally decide that something sounds good (usually cereal or something random) and then Nate is annoyed because a bowl of cereal isn't going to fly for him. It's a horrible cycle really. You know what always sounds good though? These...

I am so glad that I stocked up on them last time I was in Michigan because they don't sell them here in TN! Blasphemy! Oh, they are terrible for you...but they always hit the spot. I could actually go for some right now...

How I'm Feeling

I am good. Last weekend we had our crash course childbirth class (we did it in 2 days instead of once a week for 6 weeks). It was good, but slightly overwhelming. I haven't really been worried or given much thought to the labor and delivery, so it was kind of a wake up call. I mean, this kid has to come out somehow!!

Honestly, it kind of made me wish that I was doing a natural childbirth (no drugs), but I just don't think I am mentally prepared. Maybe I'll try to do it naturally the next go around. We shall see. All in all it was a good class and I think Nate and I both learned some good/important things. After our class on Saturday Nate thanked me for having our baby! Ha! I think he is just relieved that he doesn't have to. ;-)

Like I said above, I still feel pretty good, but am starting to become more and more uncomfortable which has led to some frustration and me missing my 'old' body. Honestly, I just miss being able to walk 2 miles without my legs hurting or feeling exhausted! I try to keep in mind that it will all be over soon enough and soon we'll have our lil nugget here in our arms! Yay!

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total weight gain: 23 pounds
* 6 days until my next doctor's appointment
* 7 days until we head to Michigan for my baby shower! Yay!
* 1 childbirth course completed

A pop of color

2011-09-28T14:01:00.000-05:00

This weekend I did some painting in the nursery.

I wanted to add a little pop of color and I love it! Not only did I paint the bookshelf bright blue, but I also painted a frame the bright blue color as well. Oh, I also picked up a little something-something at the Flea Market. It's sweet.

More pictures to come soon. I am finally getting antsy to finish the nursery.

32 weeks

2011-09-22T18:43:00.001-05:00

How big is the Baby?
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth (via babycenter).

How Life's Changing

Ya know, just chillin' in bed. Ha

Last Sunday I had some really bad lower back pain, abdominal crampiness (I know that's not really a word) and some light spotting. It kind of freaked me out, but I told my doctor and she checked me at my weekly appointment and said that I am a-okay and it could be that my cervix might just be irritated. I'm just glad to feeling more like myself again...and in less pain.

I am happy to report that I went on a walk this week and had no shin pain!!! I don't know if it was a fluke or what, but it made me so happy. I really miss going on long walks and hope this is a sign that my shins are getting stronger. Maybe all the stretching and icing is finally paying off?!

Just a couple days ago I noticed that my fingers are starting to swell!! I am still wearing my wedding rings and they are comfortable, but they are starting to get hard to take off! I am not ready for my hands and feet to swell. I know I need to drink more water, so I need to get on that ASAP!

Lastly, I'm still tired. So tired. I am hoping I re-gain some energy before the nugget arrives! I have stuff to do and a nursery to decorate and time is flying by! This weekend I am hoping to paint the bookcase that we are putting in the nursery and make a framed chalkboard (I have an old frame that just needs a coat of paint and then some chalkboard paint). I will post pictures once I am finished so you can see what I'm talking about! ;-)

How I'm Feeling

Can you see the little munchkin snuggling with me? :)

With a new season (Fall) around the corner I have been thinking a lot about the various seasons in a person's life (mine specifically). Right now I am definitely in a season of change. Good change, but scary / unknown change.

There was only 1 other time in my life that I can remember where I felt this much "fear" and anxiety about my future and it was when I decided to pick-up and move/go to school in Colorado so that I could be closer to Nate. While I definitely felt God leading me, it was so scary. I didn't know if Nate and I would "work out" (thankfully we did), I didn't have a job (which I needed), I was moving in with 5 girls that I'd never really met before, and I was leaving my friends and family. It was scary and definitely not easy, but it all worked out in the end and I look back at that time in my life with so many great memories. Heck I even loved Colorado so much that I hated to move and I still miss living out there!

During times like these when I am so fearful, I have to remember the times in the past when God has provided and things have "worked out". It doesn't mean everything will work out just as I would hope or dream, but it does mean that I can trust that He has a perfect plan and none of this is a surprise to him. He knows what will happen in 2 minutes and in 2 years. It was no secret to Him that I would get pregnant when I did (it was his perfect timing) and he will provide. I am so thankful that I can stand on that promise.

I am also thankful that Nate and I will have had almost 5 years of marriage under our belts by the time the nugget arrives. It's been a wonderful 5 years full of laughter, tears, moving across the country, stress, fear, dream vacations, mistakes, fights, more laughter, love, friendship...I could just keep going on. A part of me is sad this time of "just the 2 of us" is coming to a close, but know that the new addition will bring joy (and I'm sure lots of tears) and a new sense of 'normalcy'.

All that to say...I am excited and scared, but that seems pretty normal. I do know one thing for sure, I cannot wait to hold my sweet baby boy in my arms. I have a feeling that a lot of my worries and fears will melt away once he is here and that the decisions and sacrifices we are making now will be totally worth it and not seem so huge or overwhelming once he's here.

Pregnancy Milestones

* Total weight gain: 23 pounds
* First monogramed item arrived for the lil nugget!
* 13 days until my next doctor's appointment

* 1 day until our childbirth classes - all weekend long. :(

* 16 days until my MI baby shower!!

* Approximately 50 days until we meet our little guy!!!

31 weeks

2011-09-19T13:05:00.001-05:00

How big is the Baby?
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

How Life's Changing

This is what I see when I look down. Bye-bye feet...

Nothing has really changed over the last week. Still sleeping like a champ (most nights) and still battling horrible shin splints (when I go for long walks).

However, this week I have been battling a nasty cold and felt pretty crummy. I think I am on the mend and that the cold is finally starting to go away! Thank the Lord!

How I'm Feeling
The nugget feels like he is getting so big (and I know he's only going to get bigger)! At times I can feel him down in my left pelvic bone and in my upper right ribcage at the same time. Makes sense if he really is a long as the say he is! In general though, most of his time is spent hanging out on the right side of my belly. Weird huh? My doctor said babies tend to pick a side they are most comfortable. Don't get me wrong though, when he is moving he's all over the place! :)

After the whole weight thing last week, Nate challenged me to stop looking at the scale when I go to the doctor. Really...what good is it doing? It only stresses me out. Anyways, I think I may take him up on this. I might have him record my weight (just so someone is keeping track of it) and then it will be a secret between him, the scale and the doctor's office. Ha. Random question: At what point in pregnancy do you stop feeling hungry all the time?! I seriously feel like I could eat 24/7. It's crazy!

Lately I have been dreaming about getting back in shape. Running to be more specific. I cannot wait to get back into running again. After the nugget's born and I am cleared by the doctor I am hitting the pavement! Nate and I have a goal to run the Soldier Field 10 in May 2012 and then the Detroit Half Marathon in Fall 2012. I hope we can stick to it and make it happen! It has nothing to do with the weight gain, but the fact that it was something that Nate and I really enjoyed doing together before I got knocked up! :-)

Running the Detroit 1/2 together in 2009. Was it really 2 years ago?!?

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total weight gain: 23 pounds
* 3 days until my next doctor's appointment
* 5 days until our child birth class
* Approximately 54 days until we meet our little guy!!!
* Gestational age today: 32 weeks and 2 days

Nursery Update

2011-09-12T17:00:00.004-05:00

I'm addicted...to Pinterest. However, it's awesome and convenient so I won't feel too bad about it. ;-)

I am including a brief nursery update by attaching the "board" for our little nugget's room. Below you can see all the fabrics, light, paint color and other fun decorations/ideas we are planning on putting in his room.

Check back often as I'm sure I will be updating it ~~hourly,~~ I mean daily. :)

if you want to see the board in 'real life' click here

30 weeks

2011-09-09T09:11:00.009-05:00

I cannot believe I am officially 30 weeks! Where has time gone?! 10 weeks left (give or take a few)! That is bananas! ;-)

How big is the Baby?
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage or a squash). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face (via babycenter).

How Life's Changing

30 weeks - at my parents house in MI

I am sleeping pretty awesome as of late. I am mostly sleeping through the night (with the exception), the crazy thing is - no matter how much I sleep I still feel so exhausted. Really people, it's crazy. Most days I feel like I am sleep walking through my day. Not good.

I am still dealing with those pesky leg cramps that I talked about in my post last week. I asked my doctor about them and she said shin pain isn't really pregnancy related, but could have something to do with the extra weight I am now carrying around. I wish that there was a easy fix. Apparently, I just need to stretch and ice (like I would do before I was pregnant) and hopefully the pain will lessen. Here's to hoping!

How I'm Feeling
I had a mini-breakdown after my doctor's appointment this week. Nate couldn't come with me (the first time since the whole pregnancy) so I was already bummed and then I felt rushed (to get there and back to work) my Doctor is in Nashville where I'll be delievering which is about 20 minutes from my work and of course she was on call today and running very behind.

Long story short, I was already flustered and then received the lovely news that...I gained 6 pounds over the last 2 weeks. Yeah, not a big deal to most of you, right? You're all thinking the same thing...you're pregnant. Can I be real with you? It still sucks.

I know it's "good" and clearly I am not doing anything to not gain weight. Honestly, I feel judged. I feel like I can be open and honest about everything else regarding pregnancy, but I'm not allowed to say, "It's depressing to gain 6 pounds over 2 weeks." I agree, it's not healthy to not gain enough weight, but people it's also not good to gain too much weight either. In no way do I think I have gained too much, but let's be realistic. I still have 10 weeks left. Maybe it's my fault for being so open about everything. Who knows. Nate was so sweet last night - he made a comment about how he has no idea where all the extra weight has gone (besides my belly). He's a liar, but a keeper. Love that man. Alright...enough of that!

This past weekend I went home to Michigan to hang out with my parents. It was a fun, relaxing time and I am thankful that I have parents that I enjoy spending time with!

My Mom surprised me on Friday (shortly after I arrived) saying she had scheduled a prenatal massage for me on Saturday morning. Glorious day! I was so excited...my back has been so sore lately and I've always had problems with my neck/shoulders, even before I got pregnant.

People...the massage was glorious. I honestly wish I could get one at the end of every week! Haha. I am going to save up and try to at least get one more before baby arrives! Maybe around 34-35 weeks?

I also ate like a maniac while I was home and didn't workout once. Oops. ;-) I mean, how can you not stop and get ice cream and fudge at Kilwin's when you're near one?! You'd be crazy not too!

I love their Raspberry sorbet. Delish.

Before we stopped at Kilwin's we walked around downtown Ann Arbor and around the Law Quad on the University of Michigan campus. So pretty.

Love the architecture

So pretty

It brought back so many memories. The year before I moved to Colorado I lived in Ann Arbor. It was one of the best years of my college life. I loved it and created some great friendships that year. Ahh, memories. However, it did feel a little weird walking around a college campus with a baby bump. It made me feel old! Ha!

I cannot wait to go back to Michigan in just a few short weeks (for my MI baby shower) when the leaves are changing and we can go to a Cider Mill! Yummy! Fall in Michigan is my favorite!

Lastly, we did some shopping. I was on the hunt for a "coming home" outfit (for the little man to wear when we leave the hospital) but couldn't really find anything that I loved...but I did find these awesome kicks...

Infant Puma's. Every kid needs a pair...right? ;-)

My Mom and Dad may have bought them for our little guy and some super awesome Puma socks that look like shoes. He's already so spoiled and stylish! ;-)

Cute story of the week: My newphew Colton (almost 3) was playing with my sister and their conversation went something like this...
Colton: "Hi, I'm baby "nugget"
Lindsay: "Where is baby "nugget" right now?
Colton: "At Aunt Jenn's house...in her belly!"
P.S. We have a name picked out for our little guy, but aren't quite ready to share it with the world...just yet! ;-)

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total weight gain: 23 pounds
* Had first prenatal massage - glorious
* 2 weeks until my next doctor's appointment
* 15 days until our child birth class
* Glucose test = passed
* 3rd and final trimester! Booyah!

29 weeks

2011-09-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

How big is the Baby?
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash or a squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day (via babycenter).

How Life's Changing

my stomach looks pointy in this picture. ha.

The Lil Nugget is so active. He is rolling and kicking pretty much all day long, but seems to be the most active from 7pm until I fall asleep. If this is any indication of what he'll be like out in the real world, I think we'll have our work cut out - he's a busy guy!

I've really been struggling with keeping my energy level up. Honestly, I pretty much feel tired all the time, which has led to me feeling pretty 'blah'. I have so much I want to do and work on for the nursery, but I can't seem to muster up enough energy to actually do anything! It's hard to get excited about things when you would rather close your eyes and take a nap. Hopefully, I will start to feel like 'nesting' soon...or else baby boy is going to have one plain and boring nursery - not that he would really care! ;-)

This week I've also dealt with some weird leg cramps. It's not the "charlie horse" types I've woken up with in the middle of the night in the past, but a pain that I tend to only get when walking long distances (the 2.5 mile walk Nate and I try to do most nights). It almost feels like a shin splint, but it is so so painful. I'm not sure what to do about it. Maybe there is nothing I can really do, but it is sad to have it ruin our nightly walks (which I cherish) because I feel like my legs are going to snap in 2!

Oh, and headaches! I am getting them all the time. My doctor said she isn't worried about it because my blood pressure is good, but said it could just be due to hormones. Fun stuff.

I hope I'm not coming off has a huge complainer. I really am thankful to be pregnant and cherish feeling the nugget roll around inside me, but there are also some weird "side effects" that I never really thought of or would have imagined before I got pregnant! No matter what...it's all worth it!

How I'm Feeling
It's kind of crazy to see myself pregnant. Before I got pregnant I always secretly wondered what it would be like. What I would look like pregnant and how I would feel. Is that crazy to admit? I can't lie, it's pretty cool to "watch" and now be able to feel a human grow inside of you.

It sounds cheesy, but the other night while Nate and I were walking the dogs I said something like, "Isn't it crazy that the little guy is half you and half me?" I feel so blessed to be able to have a child with the love of my life. It really is a miracle / blessing. Nate has been really sweet lately too. We were sitting on the couch last night talking and I asked him what he was staring at. He responded, "Your belly. I love it!" *Sigh* I love that man! He has never made me feel fat or ugly once this whole pregnancy. He tells me (daily) how great I look and likes to tell me how his co-workers mentioned how good I look for being pregnant. One of them even said they would never even know I was pregnant when seeing me from behind. At this point I don't even care if it is all lies. It makes a pregnant woman feel good when her body is changing so much and so fast! So men, tell you pregnant wife she is hot! Haha. Seriously.

I am getting so excited for my trip to MI! I have a 1/2 day at work today...so I am heading straight to the airport from work and getting on a plane! I'll be there for the long weekend...just relaxing at home with my parents. I am praying for cooler weather because it is still hot here and I'm over this weather! I am really sad to be leaving Nate behind (he has Sunday and Monday off) and we hardly get 2 days together (back-to-back). Earlier this week I was feeling really sad about it, but I am trying to look at the bright side - good quality time with my parents in MI! I am just hoping Nate and I can take a 3 day weekend sometime before the nugget comes to enjoy some quality time with one another. I love my boo!

I'm starting to feel scared (and excited) regarding the arrival of our little guy. The whole idea that he'll be here in approx. 11 weeks is crazy to me! I am now starting to wonder if he'll be early, on time, or late - the unknown kind of stresses me out! I just know I don't want to go into labor at work! Ha!

For some reason lately I have been feeling like he is going to arrive early. I'm not sure why, but maybe I'm just trying to prepare myself?! Ha! I asked Nate the other night what he thinks and he said late, because we are both always running late. Ha. Too funny.

my belly button is trying so hard to pop out! i wish it would stay in!!

Quote of the week (from a male co-worker of mine): "Wow, you are starting to get big!" Ummmm, thanks. ;-)

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total weight gain: 17 pounds
* 6 days until our next doctor's appointment
* First flight as a pregnant lady - to Michigan
* MI Baby Shower - 10/8
* 3rd and final trimester! Woohoo!

28 weeks

2011-08-29T09:06:00.002-05:00

How big is the Baby?
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world (via babycenter).

How Life's Changing

I cannot believe I'm in the home stretch - the third and final trimester! From this week on I will be seeing my OBGYN every 2 weeks (until I hit 36 weeks and then it's every week)!

I think I have finally started to embrace everything that comes along with pregnancy. Even though the weight gain totally used to freak me out...I am pretty much over it. I have what...12 weeks left? I'll just suck it up and take it with a grain of salt! I am still trying to stay active...go the gym 3-4 days a week and walk the other days. So what is the point of worrying? All the extra lbs. will be worth it when the little guy arrives.

The good news? I haven't seemed to have a problem with acid reflux or heartburn this week. Not sure why that is, but I am so thankful it went away (at least for the last week)!

How I'm Feeling

I feel good. Tired, but good. I feel like I say the same thing every week. I always start the week feeling pretty good, but by the time Friday hits I feel like I've been run over by a truck! Growing a baby is hard (and exhausting) work! ;-)

This past Friday, for the first time this pregnancy I got sick. I'm not sure if it is what I ate (but Nate had the same thing and didn't get sick) or if it was just a little virus, but man it was not fun! I spent my entire Friday evening in the bathroom. I have a whole new respect for all of you who have suffered from morning sickness. I am so thankful I did not. I don't know if I could have handled it! :)

Pregnancy Milestones

* Total weight gain: 17 pounds (I gained 4 over the last month) but somehow I had left a pound out along the way. Oops. I wonder how that happened... ;-)

* I began the 3rd trimester

* Took the glucose screening test. I hope I pass.

* I am now going to the doctor every 2 weeks (until I hit 36 weeks)

The Test

2011-08-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow morning I have the dreaded glucose screening test...ya know, the one that screens for gestational diabetes. I am so not excited about having to drink that sugary drink (in 5 min or less)! I hope I can do it...and I hope I pass. If not, I'll have to go back for the 3-hour long test. No thank you.

On a happier note, check out this picture of my sweet niece Tessa that my sister recently posted.

Isn't she darling??? I just love her!

Wish me luck folks...and also pray I haven't gained an obscene amount of weight (9 pounds in 4 weeks) like I did at my last appointment! ;-)

27 weeks

2011-08-19T07:00:00.005-05:00

Oh. My. Goodness. The 27th week of pregnancy was bittersweet! It's my last week of my 2nd trimester! I cannot believe it!!!! Tomorrow I will begin my 3rd and final trimester!!! Whoa!

How big is the Baby?
This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle (via babycenter).

How Life's Changing

I no longer sleep through the night. I actually went through this phase early on in my pregnancy (I had to get up in the middle of the night to go pee), but I stopped drinking liquids after a certain hour and that solved the problem.

Well, that trick no longer works. No matter how much and when I drink I am waking up some time during the middle of the night to use the potty. Such a bummer. I miss sleeping through the night...a lot.

I am also starting to experience some other fun pregnancy related symptoms!

Occasional lower back as well as some stomach muscle pain. It's not fun and I actually kind of fear him getting bigger/heavier. I should have strengthened my core before I got pregnant. Who knew a baby could hurt so bad! ;-)
Leg cramps! I have noticed if I don't drink enough water throughout the day I will often wake up in the middle of the night with a 'charlie horse.' Owie!
Indigestion/Acid Reflux. It only happens at night, so I'm not sure what I'm doing...maybe eating to big of dinners or not slow enough. Or maybe it's just the inevitable. Either way, Tums are becoming my new best friend.

And did I mention all of my workouts are feeling harder too?! I wish I could say it's getting easier, but that would be a lie. No matter what I do - the elliptical, spin class, even going for a walk...my legs are almost always sore the next day. Pathetic!

How I'm Feeling
I feel like I need a vacation! ;-) I feel worn out and my mind is going in 100 different directions!

I am ready for labor day weekend. I am using the long weekend and heading to MI to spend some time with my parents! I am sad to spend the weekend away from Nate (even though he'll be working 2 of the 4 days anyways), but I just needed a quick getaway! I am sick of the heat, was missing my parents (and Michigan) and the thought of cooler weather helped too! ;-) I'm hoping it will be a relaxing weekend and I am looking forward to hearing my Dad preach at his church, Oak Pointe! Good timing!

I have this sneaky feeling that September and October are going to fly by!!! ;-) They are filled with a couple trips to MI, a baby shower, a birth class, a breastfeeding class, Nate's annual company party and much more! Phew! Hopefully, I'll be able to keep up with everything...considering I'll be in my 3rd and final trimester!!

And now for a look back over my 2nd trimester...

14 weeks - 1st week of the 2nd trimester! Can't believe I thought I had a baby bump! ;-)

20 weeks - middle of the 2nd trimester. Found out we're having a BOY!

27 weeks - last week of 2nd trimester! Momma and baby are both growing!

It's amazing how much I grew from week 20 to 27! Bananas!!

I cannot wait for what the 3rd trimester has in store...a baby!!! It is crazy to think that this is the final trimester and that in less than 3 months we will be welcoming our son into the world. Seriously, thinking about it almost makes me a little teary eyed!

I am so excited to meet our little nugget...the question is...is she?!?

Momma's little princess

Oh, and don't worry people...our dog Bear is not neglected...he just isn't allowed on the furniture, so it's not as easy to take "cute" pictures of him...and I am 100% confident that he'll love the new little guy! On the other hand, this diva won't know what happened to her! ;-)

Also, here are a few nursery pictures! We haven't really done anything "new" to it as of late and this isn't the final furniture/picture arrangement (we still need to put the dresser that is currently being used as our TV stand in the room) but some people have asked for a update...so here it is. Please have some grace. The floors aren't clean, there are random tools lying around, etc. The room is a work in progress! ;-) Enjoy!

view of the room from the hallway

another view

The dresser/changing table will go on the wall in between the closet door and the main door

A close-up look at the fabric we are using for the bumper

Rocking chair

I had this bunny growing up as a little girl and would drag it by its ears! ;-)

Pregnancy Milestones
*Total weight gain: 12 pounds
* Days until our next Doctor's appt (and glucose test...pray I pass): 6 days
* The little guy is so active at night, but it is slowly starting to go from cool...to painful. He's strong! ;-)
* Bella (our min pin) realized this week that my pregnant belly is a comfy pillow. Too cute.
* 2nd trimester is OVER!!

26 weeks

2011-08-12T13:31:00.004-05:00

How big is the Baby?
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum - a trip that will take about two to three days (via babycenter).

How Life's Changing
I finally registered us for a childbirth education class! It isn't until the last weekend of September, but I am excited. I'm not really excited for the class, but I am looking forward to the tour of the labor and delivery wing. It will be nice to see it before we actually have the baby! ;-)
My friend Tara (who is due with her 1st baby just 4 days after me) and I registered for a breastfeeding class at the end of October - we decided we would go with one another instead of forcing our husbands to go! Ha. Exciting times...childbirth and breastfeeding classes. Woo Hoo. ;-)

In general, I have been pretty lazy this week. I didn't do anything "active" until last night...and all I did was go on a 2.5 mile walk. I know, I know...I totally overdid it! ;-) I just haven't felt like working out this week and you know what...I'm okay with that! I'm allowed to have an off week right? I'm sure I'll regret it the next time I hop on the scale at the doctor's office, but oh well.

How I'm Feeling
I still feel pretty good. I have good days and bad days, but don't we all? I'm trying to not be to hard on myself. Honestly, this pregnancy has been such a breeze (physically) that sometimes I think that I forget I'm pregnant!
I feel like I should be more excited at times and less stressed out, but ya know what? It is overwhelming and it is stressful. I try not to focus on all the unknowns and trust that everything will work out, but some days it's really hard to not get caught up in all the 'what if's?' Some days I just need a good cry and venting session and then I am usually good for at least a couple of days! ;-)

Honestly though, I cannot wait to meet our little guy. I am definitely not wishing away time (I need every single day), but I know I will be totally smitten with him and all the sacrifice, worry, stress and tears will be worth it. He will be worth it.

Next week (27) is my last week of my second trimester!!! Time is flying!!! Now only if the cool weather would hurry up and get here too! :)

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total weight gain: 12 pounds
* Days until our next Doctor's appt: 12

Mirror, mirror...

2011-08-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

I can't help but to sit and ponder who our little guy will look like. Will he look like me?

or Nate?

Or neither?

I am secretly hoping he looks just like Nate. I mean, seriously...how cute is he? ;-)

No matter what, I am really hoping he gets Nate's temperament! Laid back, happy and a positive outlook on life (all things I struggle with)! Ha!

25 weeks

2011-08-08T09:14:00.004-05:00

Do I look tired? Cause I feel it ALL the time.

How Big is the Baby?
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga or an eggplant, 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. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

How I'm Changing

I say this every week, but I feel bigger! ;-) Not only do I feel bigger, but my appetite is getting bigger. I thought this happened earlier on during pregnancy, but not for me. I never really felt like my appetite grew...until now. The bad thing? All I crave is junk!

Chocolate (which I never really liked before), ice cream, frozen mochas, chips...oh yeah...I'm on a sweets kick! I am trying to "treat" myself to these things every once and awhile, but the saying is true..."Once you pop, you just can't stop." That's how I feel about food lately. Yikes!

Monday, I did the 30 Day Shred video (modified some) and man, I woke up on Tuesday hardly able to walk! Squats and lunges are a lot harder with a extra 12 pounds distributed throughout your entire body!

Apparently though, I am a glutton for punishment because even though my leg muscles were so sore (it hurt to sit and stand) I decided to go to a spin class with Nate on Tuesday night. While I normally love spin class, let me tell you...this one stunk! My legs felt terrible and the music was bad. I hated every minute of it. Wednesday morning, I woke up again with horribly sore legs...so I decided to take the day off, but was back at it on Thursday (and the music was much better)! ;-)

Even though it's no fun being sore (to the point of where it hurts to sit/stand) I do love knowing that my body was rocked and I am getting stronger. My whole goal for working out now is a easier delivery/recovery after the little guy is born!

How I'm Feeling

Exhausted. Tired. Irritable. Happy. Sad. Frustrated. Confused. Excited.

Nice, huh? Nate is living with a crazy woman. ;-) In general though, I have been feeling somewhat crummy. I go from feeling great (physically) one minute to sweating and feeling nauseous the next. Lovely, huh? Oh, the joys of pregnancy!

I was reading in one of my many pregnancy books that pregnancy ranks in the top 12 of life's most stressful events! I believe it!!

Nate and I did get a lot accomplished in the nursery this weekend. All the painting is done, the room darkening shades are hung, we bought a rocker off of Craigslist, and I finally picked the fabric for the nursery bedding/decor (see it here)! I'm in major nesting mode...if you haven't been able to tell!

It's called a "Bentwood Rocker" and we love it. We debated between getting a big, comfy, glidder but decided against it. We really didn't want to spend $100s of dollars (the rocker above cost us $50) and we don't really have room for a huge chair. I'm happy with our purchase!

Pregnancy Milestones

* Total weight gain: 12 pounds

* The little guy continues to be more and more active. I can now actually watch him roll around from side to side! It kind of freaks Nate out! Haha.

* This isn't really pregnancy related...but Nate is now working at a new Discount Tire...it's literally 5 miles from our house! We are so so excited that he no longer has a 45 min commute and will be so close to home! Praise God!

All Things Bright and Beautiful

2011-08-03T08:00:00.007-05:00

I have finally landed on the fabrics that I want to use in the nursery! Praise God! ;-)

The picture is taken via iPhone so the colors aren't exact, but it's close.

Also, I wanted to share a quote with ya'll that I'm loving right now. I don't know where or who it's from, but it's just what I needed to hear...

"Worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's troubles; it takes away today's peace."

24 weeks

2011-08-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

How Big is the Baby?
Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon (via babycenter).

How I'm Changing

24 weeks

My stomach feels like it is about to burst! No joke! Some days it feels stretched to the max that I honestly don't know how it is possible for it to get any bigger, but I know it will! Crazy!

I had my 24 week check-up last week and I went in knowing that I had gained weight (I could just tell). My prediction was 5 or 6 pounds, boy oh boy, was I way off! I gained 9 pounds in 4 weeks. If that's not impressive people, I don't know what is! Ha! No wonder I was feeling larger. 9 pounds will definitely do that to you! :) I'm just thankful I can still fit into my clothes (aka my favorite pair of maternity jeans)!

How I'm Feeling
Overall, I feel good. The baby is healthy and I'm healthy so life is good! :)

Nate and I are still working away on the nursery (everything always takes longer than you think it should), but I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I just want to get all the painting done, fabric decisions made, etc. while I am still feeling "good". Right now, it's still easy for me to lean over and do things so that's why were working on everything now. I also don't want to have to worry about any of this in my 3rd trimester!

A sneak peak of the nursery. Still need to paint the windows!

Right now I am just trying to remind myself to take one day at a time. The verse I keep repeating to myself right now is:

"For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." -Isaiah 43:19

I have to trust that God is making a way through my wilderness and that everything will work out in the end. It's not an easy thing, but I am choosing to trust and believe Him.

24 weeks

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total weight gain: 12 pounds (I gained 9 pounds over the last 4 weeks)!!
* Lil' Nuggets heartbeat was around 140 bpm at our last appt.
* At our next doctor's appt (end of August) I have the test for gestational diabetes! Not looking forward to having to drink that sugary drink!!

Nursery Update

2011-07-27T09:24:00.005-05:00

This past weekend Nate and I painted the nursery. Here's a picture of the color we chose (featured in someone elses room)...

via ohdeedoh

This coming weekend Nate and I will be painting all our windows, trims, doors, etc a bright white. I can't wait for the painting to be over! :)

Other then the paint I am all over the place in regards to how I want the nursery to look. Here are some items/fabrics that have caught my eye as of late! :)

As you can tell...my mind is all over the place, but I do love all the art above...so you will more than likely see some of those in the nursery! ;-)

Now if I could just pick the fabric!!

2 Boys

2011-07-25T16:44:00.000-05:00

...who love tires...

While my nephew was here Nate took him to Discount Tire (Nate's work) because Colton LOVES tires. It was so fun to watch them together and it makes my heart burst!

I hope our son thinks Nate's job is as cool as Colton does. Precious!

23 weeks

2011-07-22T10:13:00.005-05:00

How Big is the Baby?

via The Bump (apparently my child will stay a papaya through week 24...according to this website)

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With his sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that he's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see him squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing him for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze him when he hears them outside the womb (via babycenter).

And baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop (via The Bump).

How I'm Changing

Another crappy bathroom picture. I gotta get Nate to help me and not wait until the last minute! :)

The belly

If you don't like the bare belly shot...sorry, but that is in fact what I look like and what you would see if I went to the pool! ;-)

In general, I just keep growing and trucking along! I feel like I have gotten "bigger" this week and I think Nate's noticing it too. He has made several comments about how I am nothing but a baby bump! He lies, but it makes me feel good, so I won't give him to hard of a time! Ha!

Lately, the Lil Nugget has been making sure that I know he is there. He is moving and kicking all the time (especially in the evening)! Last night, I felt for the first time something that felt like he was rolling inside of me. It's like I could feel him flip over. It was WEIRD. It seems like we have moved from kicks to big movements and kicks! Crazy!

I have tried to get back into a workout routine and it's been hard! I pretty much took 3 weeks "off" while my family was here and then traveling for work. I've been pretty consistent the last few days and even though I know that working out isn't doing anything for my weight anymore, it does make me feel so much better about myself and less guilty for indulging in things like these...

Yes, I'm a bad person. Sue me! I am slightly scared to see what I weigh at my next doctor's appointment. I haven't been eating the best stuff lately! ;-)

How I'm Feeling
Honestly? I'm tired. Really tired. I never experienced the tiredness everyone talks about experiencing in the 1st trimester, but over the last few weeks I have felt worn out. I don't know if it's the combination of the heat and being pregnant, but I have been going to bed at 9:30pm some nights! Crazy.

I'm also starting to feel overwhelmed again. It feels like November is going to be here before we know it and there is still so much to figure out. A friend innocently asked me what our plans were after Baby Miller was born and I just said "I don't know." I then got in my car and cried. Should I have a plan? Everything "seems" so far away, but I know it's not. I guess I need to face the facts and figure out what my job will look like, if I need to find someone to watch our little nugget, etc. but honestly I can't even bear to think about those things. I don't want to. Lord, please give me peace about the whole situation.

In case you missed it, last weekend we Nate put together our Lil' Nugget's crib! Nate and I both love it and cannot wait to see our little guy snuggled in it!

This weekend we are hoping to get the nursery painted! We'll see if that actually happens or not! ;-)

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total weight gain: 3 pounds (since my last appt. on 6/30)...I know that I am going up! I can feel it!
* Put together the Lil Nugget's crib and we love it
* I am now rethinking the whole nursery design (yes, I'm nuts)
* Next Dr.'s appt. is Thursday, 7/28! Can't wait!

The Crib

2011-07-18T12:33:00.001-05:00

We Nate put together the lil nugget's crib this weekend and it made everything so much more real.

We are having a baby!

Wowzers.

We're hoping to pick a paint color for the room in the next day or 2. We are thinking light grey or a taupe grey.

grey options

grey/taupe options

Decisions! :)

22 weeks

2011-07-15T10:34:00.000-05:00

How Big is the Baby?

via The Bump

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash or the size of a papaya) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily (via babycenter)

How I'm Changing

22 weeks celebrated by a 4.5 day business trip.

I feel bigger and bigger as each week passes. I can't imagine what I will feel like when I am 30+ weeks! It's honestly so hard to imagine that I am going to get bigger, but I know I will! Ha!

I think it's pretty obvious that I'm pregnant, but apparently it's not that clear to everyone. I was in Atlanta earlier this week for work and a lady there asked one of my co-workers if I was pregnant. I guess I should be flattered (that I am not huge) but it also is crazy to me that people still wonder. I am kind of ready for it to be obvious! I thought I was out of the awkward stage! ;-)

How I'm Feeling
I feel great. I can definitely understand why people say this is the most comfortable time in pregnancy. You're getting a belly, but it's not crazy big yet and you can still do all the things you were able to do before pregnancy.

One thing I have started to notice as of late is some round ligament pain. Round ligament pain generally refers to a brief, sharp, stabbing pain or a longer-lasting dull ache that pregnant women commonly feel in the lower abdomen or groin, starting in the second trimester. The round ligaments surround your uterus in your pelvis. As your uterus grows during pregnancy, the ligaments stretch and thicken to accommodate and support it. These changes can occasionally cause pain on one or both sides of your abdomen. You may feel the pain starting from deep inside your groin, moving upward and outward on either side to the top of your hips. The pain is internal, but if you were to trace it on your skin, it would follow the bikini line on a very high-cut bathing suit (via babycenter).

I get these pains when I am working out or walking. It only happens when I am being active, but let me tell you...it hurts!

Here's some exciting news! :) Nate and I got our crib as a present at our baby shower (thanks Mom, Grandma Hurst and Lindsay) last weekend and it arrived yesterday!!! We are planning on putting it together on Sunday and maybe even painting his (yep, out lil nugget is a boy...just in case you missed that announcement) room.

The room we are planning on using as the nursery currently looks like this:

Soon to be nursery

Yes, we could technically leave the walls the color they currently are, but what fun would that be? We want our nugget to have his own special space! :)

I can't wait to show you what we decide to do! Decisions, decisions! ;)

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total weight gain: 3 pounds (since my last appt. on 6/30)
* We found out we are having a boy!!
* The lil nugget is moving all the time now. Such a fun and awesome feeling.
* Had our 1st baby shower (it was so much fun)

21 weeks

2011-07-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

After my baby shower. Last day of week 21!

Week 21...you've been a fun one. I can honestly say that I am really enjoy pregnancy now. So many great things happened this week. Not only was my (Jenn's) entire immediate family in town, but I also had my 1st baby shower...where we announced the gender of the Lil Nugget! ;) Keep on reading to get all the deets!

How Big is the Baby?

via The Bump

The nugget is now the length of a carrot or the size of a banana: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

How I'm Changing

a front view of my belly

I love the fact the my stomach keeps getting bigger and rounder. Like I said, week 21 has been good. I feel great and continue to feel the baby move more and more every day! I hope I never get used to that feeling, it's really so cool.

It is interesting, I definitely feel like I am getting bigger and showing, but almost every time someone finds out I am 21 weeks pregnant that comment about how small I am. Funny. It's all about perspective!

How I'm Feeling
I feel great am really starting to enjoy and embrace pregnancy (it only took 21 weeks)! Ha. Honestly, I love that my belly is getting bigger as each week passes. It helps remind me that I really am pregnant and have a human growing inside of me!

I wasn't as active as I wanted to be this past week, but oh well...sometimes you just need to live a little, not to mention we were SO busy. Between work, the 4th of July holiday, playing with my nephew, and hanging with my family there wasn't much time to exercise, but it was so worth it!

In general, I am getting more and more excited about baby. Starting to plan what we want the nursery to look like is a fun distraction and I can't wait to share my ideas with you.

I'm also still scared. People are telling me that it will be November before I know it and even though I love it and cannot wait to meet our lil' nugget, it totally freaks me out. I feel like I need time to slow down so I can process everything and get all the logistics figured out. Ugh, Lord...I need peace! :)

Last week Nate and I found out if we were going to have a little girl or little boy. We kept it a secret from "the world" until my baby shower (see pictures from baby shower below) and that has made the pregnancy and baby seem so much more real and it's so exciting! Watch out world, because Nate and I are having a...

Yes, I put a picture up of our son's genitals. Sue me.

BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We couldn't be more thrilled. Nate is so happy (he wanted a little boy SO bad) and I am thrilled to have a son. I loved the idea of having a boy first! Yay!

Okay, now for some baby shower pictures. It was such a fun evening and I feel so blessed to have friends and family that love me, Nate and the Lil Nugget. Thanks to everyone who came and my sister for all of her hard work putting it together for me (as well as: Jamie Heard, Cari Hines and Jamie Hamilton)!

My throne ;-)

Decor

The dessert table. So yummy.

The very special cake! Thanks to Lindsey Benson for making it!

The treats for everyone who came. So cute.

Everyone had to wear their guesses. Bow for girl, mustache for boy. Majority thought girl! Ha

BUT the majority of people were wrong! Clearly the cake is BLUE!

Playing games

more games

The present opening begins!

Super cute burp clothes from Connie Stowers

Cute swaddling blanket from my MIL

Bottles...so exciting!

Tara and Ashley

Laides from our Community Group. L to R: Anna, Ashley, Me, Jamie, and Jamie. Took the picture a little late so some people had already left.

The lovely party planners L to R: Lindsay, me, Jamie, and Jamie.(minus Cari)

Discount Tire Wives! L to R: Shea, Taine, Lisa, me, and Jessica

Thanks to everyone who came. It was such a fun, memorable night that I will never forget. We love you all!

Excuse the delay

2011-07-08T09:09:00.000-05:00

I will be delaying my 21 week pregnancy post until Monday...for a couple of reasons...

1. This week has been crazy and I haven't had a chance to write it.
2. I am announcing the gender tonight and want to be able to blog about it!
3. I can show pictures from my 1st baby shower (that's tonight)!!!

I am SO excited. This past week has been a good one. Can't wait to share more details with you! :)

20 week ultrasound

2011-07-05T13:54:00.001-05:00

I am finally getting around to posting some ultrasound pictures from our 20 week appointment. I know I am probably biased, but these are the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Our lil nugget is already so cute!

Here's a few pictures of our cutie!

look at that sweet little profile. I love its button-nose already!

the lil nuggest staring right at us (body on left, head to the right)

looks like it's sucking its thumb here

crazy picture of the arm. (Body to left, shoulder, arm and hand to the right)

full picture of the leg...from the thigh to the foot!

sweet little foot!

I wish I could have an u/s at every doctor's appointment. So so fun and special.

Can't wait for my baby shower on Friday...I am really looking forward to celebrating the nugget and finally revealing the gender!! SO FUN!

20 weeks

2011-07-01T08:51:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe that I am 20 weeks...halfway through this pregnancy!!! What the...?!?! It seriously blows my mind that we will have a baby in 20 weeks (or less)! I think I am in denial...just a little! ;-)

On my birthday!

This week was a good one. I turned 27 years old and 20 weeks on the same day (June 25th)! Nate took the day off work (he normally works on Saturdays) and we got to spend the whole weekend together. People, that rarely happens! It was monumental! :) We went to the flea market, I was on the hunt for some items for the baby nursery, but didn't see anything I loved. So that was kind of a bummer, but there's always next month! We ate out, "shopped" for baby items, and just chilled. It was perfect.

Okay, enough about my birthday...let's get down to the weekly update! Drum roll, please!!! ;-)

How Big is the Baby?

via The Bump

The nugget is now the length of a banana or the size of a cantaloupe: Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery). (via babycenter)

last day of week 20!

Yesterday, we had our 20 week ultrasound! The lil nugget looked GREAT and was moving around all over the place! We found out the gender...so that was pretty exciting, but are waiting to share it until after my baby shower (in Nashville) on July 8th. Pretty exciting! I'll post some ultrasound pictures next week! It was pretty awesome to see.

How I'm Changing

My stomach just keeps growing and growing! I continue to feel great and stay active and overall I love being pregnant.

Not much more to say for this week. It's been pretty crazy with my family in town, but I'm loving every minute of it! Okay, I'll leave you with one last picture! Have a great 4th of July!!!!

Do I look tired? This was taken eatly this morning!

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total weight gain: 3 pounds (somehow I managed to lose a pound...not sure how that is possible)
* The baby is a mover and a shaker! I love it!
* Found out the gender of Baby Miller! Everything is much more real now...and surreal! ;-)
* Lil Nuggets stats: Heart rate - 144 / Weight - 15 ounces (almost a pound!!!)

Oooo, Baby baby!

2011-06-29T13:34:00.001-05:00

Last week Nate's parents sent us a surprise gift! They had bought us the infant car seat that we registered for (how nice of them, right)?!?!

We were so excited to see it (we had never seen the specific color in person because not one store carried it), that we ran to the store to pick it up.

Here's what it looks like:

Graco Snugride - Platinum

Let's just say...Nate hated it! Ha. I have to admit...I wasn't crazy about it either. The silver fabric was actually more of a tan color and it was way shinier then we anticipated.

So, after days of debating we decided to return it and use that money to buy a different car seat. Here's what we ended up with:

Chicco KeyFit 30 - Midori

Now of course we couldn't see this exact color in person (yep, no store around us carried this color), but we have seen the style and really like it. Anyways, it is supposed to arrive at our house tomorrow night.

Pray we like it! :) Who knew picking out a car seat could be this much work.

Again, much love and thanks to the Miller's for this wonderful present!

19 weeks

2011-06-24T08:37:00.005-05:00

19 weeks! Getting large and in charge. ;-)

Week 19 is on it's way out! To be honest, I am pretty much just wishing away time right now until June 30th (6 days) when we find out if we're having a girl or boy!! Are you getting sick of hearing me talk about it yet? If so...to bad! ;-)

How Big is the Baby?

via The Bump

The nugget is now the size of a large heirloom tomato or a mango: Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid (via babycenter).

How I'm Changing

Sexy maternity jeans. (Don't mind the cup, tub and loofah! Ha)

I have said this for the past 2 weeks now, but for some reason I don't really feel like I am getting bigger. Actually, that's a lie. I don't necessarily feel bigger, but I do feel like I am getting rounder. Does that make sense? However, I did take the plunge and I bought my first pair of maternity jeans this past weekend! What can I say...I love them. Seriously. I told Nate I have no idea why I waited so long! Ha! They are so comfortable.

Even though my pre-maternity jeans still fit (with the help of a rubber band) I just wasn't feeling good about myself. The waist wasn't comfortable when I was sitting down (which stunk because I sit at a desk all day), so even though I think I could have worn them for at least a couple more weeks, I'm glad I chose not to!

I am seriously asking everyone why non-maternity jeans aren't made with an elastic band! I actually have to take my new jeans to the alter to get hemmed (even though I bought the petite length) and I am so sad about having to wear regular jeans again that I am going to borrow a pair of my sisters maternity jeans! Yes! :)

How I'm Feeling
Honestly, I was feeling really discouraged about the weight gain this past weekend (I made the mistake of weighing myself...which I never do, unless I'm at the doctor's...) and I left the gym frustrated that even though I am working out and staying active I had 'almost' gained a pound in 9 days. Yes, I know how ridiculous that sounds and I know that I'm pregnant and it's normal. It's just crazy to keep watching the scale go up.

Anyways, me complaining about the weight gain on Saturday drove Nate to the end of his rope. He "yelled" at me for the first time really during these 19 weeks about how I am always complaining about something and it doesn't seem like I am enjoying anything about the pregnancy. It was annoying at the time, but also convicting. I know it is a privilege to be able to have your own child (and this is something I begged God for, for 7 months) and I am so thankful for that, so I am now trying to focus on the positive. We'll see how that goes! ;-)

All that to say, that buying new jeans (that fit and feel good) has really seemed to help me feel better about my body and all the changes it's going through. It never hurts to feel cute...right?

A look back...16 and 19 weeks compared to one another...mama is growing - that's for sure!

Pregnancy Milestones

* Total pregnancy weight gain: 4 pounds

* Days until we find out if baby Miller is a B or G: 6!!!!

* On Father's Day Nate got to feel the Lil Nugget move/kick for the first time!!

* I am now starting to feel the lil nugget move every day!
* Bought my first pair of maternity jeans. Best. Decision. Ever.

1 week!!!!

2011-06-23T11:09:00.000-05:00

1 week until we find out.

2 weeks until we announce it to the public!

Next week, please fly by!

Nursery Inspirations

2011-06-22T08:00:00.004-05:00

I am really feeling grey and white nurseries (right now) that have a pop of color. Love how it is classic yet fun. Here are some of my inspiration rooms...~~all~~ most found on Spearmint Baby.

http://www.spearmintbaby.com/2011/05/grey-nursery-2/

http://www.spearmintbaby.com/2011/01/baby-girl-nursery-4/

http://www.spearmintbaby.com/2010/05/grey-baby-nursery-3/

I'm not sure what website this is from...it was in my saved pictures though

Another one I have no idea the source, but think it's super cute!

P.S. I had to share this picture of me with my sweet niece, Tessa. Already love her to pieces!

Tessa - 3 weeks old

A special Father's Day

2011-06-20T15:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday evening Nate got a very special Father's Day present:

Via Nate's Facebook:
Best "Father's Day To-Be" present: Feeling the baby kick for the first time :)
(felt like a swift ninja kick, must be a boy;) )

18 weeks

2011-06-17T09:05:00.001-05:00

The 18th week of my pregnancy is coming to a close!!! I need time to slllooowww down! I cannot believe that in 2 weeks (June 30th) we'll know if we are having a little girl or boy! I am so excited to finally find out! Ahhhh! ;-)

How Big is the Baby?

From the book "What To Expect When Expecting"...Nate and I both think I am carrying like the 'woman' in the middle. Ya know, the one who looks fat and not pregnant. ;-)

The nugget is now the size of a bell pepper (or sweet potato): Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound (via babycenter).

How I'm Changing

Once again, I apologize for all the bathroom pictures.

I don't really feel like my stomach has popped more this week when compared to last week, but maybe it is just all starting to look the same to me? I mean, a chubby stomach is a chubby stomach.

It's kind of funny because 2 people over the past 2 days have started to say that they can finally see the bump that I'm talking about, but then again...I had another group of people tell me they would never know I was pregnant if I didn't say anything. So weird. I hope I just don't look fat to random strangers! Oh well.

fat or baby? who knows...isn't it funny that I look "less" pregnant in normal clothes. Weird.

Last week, I laid to rest my favorite pair of jeans (hopefully, I'll be able to wear them sometime after the baby is born), but I am still in my other (a size bigger than the previous) non-maternity jeans with the help of a rubber band.

the rubber band is my new bff

I tried the whole belly band thing and I have to say...I didn't love it. Using a rubber band was/is way more comfortable and convenient for me. I would love to invest in a good pair of maternity jeans, but can't decide when to take the plunge. When I gain weight, it's typically in my thighs...so I am scared to buy jeans that fit now, but maybe won't in a month or two. I am going to try to buy a few skirts and a couple more dresses to hopefully get me through the majority of the summer. We'll see about that. I really just wish wearing yoga pants/sweatpants were socially acceptable to wear in public/work. Why aren't they?! Maybe I should try pajama jeans!! Ha!

How I'm Feeling
This week I have done my best to stay active. I have been going to the gym and using the elliptical or if I don't feel like going to the gym I take the dogs on at least a 2 mile walk. It's hard for me to motivate myself to 'workout' but once I have, I am so glad I did!

This week I have really struggled with a achy lower back and pain near my tail bone (it almost feels like I have bruised it somehow). It hurt so bad the other day that I had to take a sick day and stay home from work (which I was not happy about, because those days are saved for my precious maternity leave)!! The good thing is that the walking/working out and some stretching has really seemed to help. Both areas still hurt, but not as bad as before. So that's good news!

I still feel overwhelmled and fearful when I think about what the next few months hold. Nate and I are praying and asking God for some big things right now and it's exciting/scary to see how/if he'll answer those specific prayer requests. I know that God has the best in store for us, but I am praying for his peace to cover and shield me from the fear and anxiety of the unknown. I am so thankful for my friend, Tara, at work who is also expecting her first child and is due just days after me!! It is so nice to have someone who is feeling and going through the same emotions/physical changes that you are. I really think God put her in my life for this very moment. No kidding.

Alright, sorry for such a long post. Be back with another pregnancy update in a week!

Pregnancy Milestones
* Total pregnancy weight gain: 4 pounds
* 2 weeks until we find out if we are having a girl or boy

I'm so excited...I'm so scared

2011-06-16T10:12:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not addicted to caffeine pills (a huge relief to all of you, I'm sure), but I feel like this video sums up how I'm feeling right now. So excited, but so scared. ;-) For reals, ya'll.

I am so happy to be pregnant and know that having a little one will rock my world (in a good way...or that's at least what people say), but I am so freaked out about everything else. I know God will work it all out in the end, but it's scary to trust. We are asking God for some pretty big things...and who knows how/if he'll answer those specific prayers.

If you feel led to do so, will you keep our little family in your prayers? We would really appreciate it! :)

Boy or Girl?!

2011-06-13T16:42:00.000-05:00

Now that we are 2 1/2 weeks away from finding out if we are having a boy or girl it's all I can think about!

I can't help but speculate, so I thought I'd let you share in the fun.

Will Baby Miller be a boy or girl?!?! Feel free to vote in my poll (on the side bar, underneath my picture) and tell me what you think we're going to have!

17 weeks

2011-06-10T08:49:00.001-05:00

I am coming to the end of my 17 week of pregnancy! Crazy!! I cannot believe how fast time is flying. It went by so slow in the beginning and now I can't believe I am already almost 1/2 way done with the pregnancy! It's insane!

How Big is the Baby?
The lil' nugget is now the size of a turnip (or onion): Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop (via babycenter).

How I'm Changing

I know, I know...terrible picture ;-)

I'm blowing up like a BLIMP! I look huge (to me) when I am in my workout clothes. In my regular clothes I just look fat. Haha.

I am trying to take it all in stride, but it is kind of getting to me. I feel fat and my jeans are getting tight...not just in the stomach area...in the thighs!?! What the?! I should have known...the place I always gain weight is in my thighs/legs. Gotta be better about doing those squats and lunges. I have no problem gaining weight (clearly, I'm pregnant) but I don't want it to get out of control and I want to feel good about myself!

I really need to find cheap/cute maternity clothes. Especially dresses! It's already 95+ outside and the jeans/pants have to go...good thing, cause they hardly fit now and days! ;-) Perfect timing!

(P.S. Had a doctors appointment today...I have gained 4 pounds in 2 weeks. Whoa).

How I'm Feeling
Other than feeling fat, I feel great! ;-) I went away last weekend and it seemed to magically cure all my sleeping issues! I have been falling asleep around 10:30 pm every night and sleep like a rock til around 5 (when Nate's alarm goes off), get up and go to the bathroom and then head back to bed. It's been awesome.

Also, I THINK I may have felt the baby move this week, but it's hard to know for sure. It felt like a bubble popping in my stomach and it only happened twice...so who knows, it definitely could have been something else.

Did I mention mention that 3 weeks from today (June 30th) Nate and I will find out if we are having a girl or boy!!! I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pregnancy Milestones
* I think I felt the baby move for the first time this week
* Total pregnancy weight gain: 4 pounds (all in the last 2 weeks! Ha)
* I bought my first maternity shirt and dress (Target)

Kauai - Part 4

2011-06-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here's a recap of our last hike while we were in Hawaii! We hiked to Hanakapiai Falls and it was fabulous! We did the same hike when we were there almost 5 years ago on our honeymoon!

Here are a few pictures (and I mean a few...it rained most of the time, so the camera was packed away for most of the hike) from our day!

We did the hike to Hanakapiai Falls...8 miles round trip, but so worth it!

You've been warned...

One of many small creeks running alongside the trail

Nate on the trail

A view of the gorgeous NaPali Coast

Duh, duh, duh...

1 of many waist-deep river crossings

Nate in front of the waterfall

The waterfall...so worth it!

Don't mind me...just showing you what it looked like!

pretty flowers

Nate and I in one of many bamboo forests

Gorgeous!

In a tropical jungle

Another view of the NaPali Coast

Almost done with the hike

Descending..there's Ke'e Beach

Oh, Kauai how we miss you. Thanks again, Discount Tire Company for a wonderful trip and my hard working hubby for winning it! :)

15 & 16 weeks

2011-05-31T18:00:00.002-05:00

Yay! I am finally all caught up on my weekly pregnancy posts! I turned 15 weeks on May 21st and 16 weeks on May 28th. I am obviously still in my 16th week, so most of the updates will be about last week, but you get the point. ;-)

How big is the Baby?
The lil' nuggest is now the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails (via babycenter).

How I'm Changing

16 weeks - Memorial Day weekend

It's official...I can no longer hide my growing bump! I can't decide if I love it or hate it! ;-) It's really noticeable when I wear tighter work-out type clothes, but still somewhat goes unnoticed when I am wearing my normal clothes...since they don't fit that tight.

Do not be mistaken, my jeans are slowly starting to finally feel tight around the waist. I think I might have to break out that belly band sooner than later! The crazy thing is that even though I feel like my waist is ever expanding...I have yet to gain any weight. So bizarre. I am dreading the day when the scale starts creeping up, even though I know that it is totally normal and good...considering I'm pregnant!

How I'm Feeling

Last week, I had a little scare. Every once and awhile (seriously, maybe 2 times a month) I'll get a Starbuck's White Mocha...just because I love them and they make me happy (yes, I know how pathetic that sounds). So, last Thursday I happily drank my WM and felt great. However, as the time passed I started to have sharp, stabbing cramps in my stomach (that were constant) and pretty intense. I started to worry that something might be wrong so I called my Doctor and they had me come in.

We (me and baby) are fine. I even got to hear the heartbeat again! :) I was just cautioned to stay away from my friend, the WM. The doctor is not really sure why my body freaked out and had a hard time digesting it, but thought it might be the milk...or the combination of all the ingredients in the drink. However, I learned my lesson. That kind of abdominal pain wasn't cool.

Sleep...what's that?!? In general, since coming back from Hawaii I have had a hard time falling asleep at night. It seems that I have a case of insomnia. Lovely. It makes for one tired and often times grumpy pregnant lady during the week. When I workout it seems to help a little, but not much. It is now a miracle if I can fall asleep before midnight (I used to be out at 10pm). Oh, and sleeping through the night...that's a RARE occasion. Actually, I slept through the night on Saturday and I woke up telling Nate, "It happened!! I slept through the night for the first time in forever!!" Haha. It's the little things in life! :)

Alright, that's enough complaining for now. ;-) In one general note of happiness, I am finally starting to get in the "nesting" mode. I want to decorate the babies room sooooo badly! First, I need a crib! Anyone want to buy it for me? Just thought I'd put it out there! ;-) Oh, and who knew picking out the color of your car seat could be so stressful! I just want a cute (and safe) seat, but so many of them are ugly! Yep, I'm keeping it real. I want my babies stuff to be cute!

Speaking of cute, want to see our stroller?! I bought it from my sister (we got a great deal) and I loooooove it! I cannot wait to get back into running while pushing this awesome stroller! Ha!

Bumbleride - Indie

*Sidenote:* So many people have been asking me why I am registering so early...it's because my sister will be staying with us late June-early July (my sister who normally lives in Italy) and she wants to throw me a baby shower while she's here so she can be a part of all the fun. Now do you understand why I am freaking out about registering?! I'm not that crazy. ;-)

Have a great week friends! Here's one last picture for those of you who actually read this entire post! :)

16 weeks!

14 weeks

2011-05-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

Originally written on May 19, 2011

I turned 14 weeks on May 14th and officially began the second trimester! Craziness! The end of 13 and beginning of 14 weeks has been a fun time in my pregnancy. I told my boss that I was pregnant on Friday the 13th (great timing I know) and that went really well. For some reason I was so worried to tell my employers...looking back, I honestly have no clue why.

Also, at the beginning of this week I finally publicly announced our pregnancy. I have to admit, all the love and support I have felt over the past week has been amazing. It is so nice to no longer have it as a secret. I was at a point in the pregnancy where I was feeling worried and scared and honestly all the encouragement and excitement couldn't have come at a more perfect time. It was just what I needed...so thank you everyone for the kind words! I have the best friends and family in the world!!!

How big is the Baby?

The lil' nugget is the size of a lemon this week (length: 3 1/2 inches, head to bottom / weighs about 1 1/2 ounces). This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Yay, baby! :)

How I'm Changing?

Pardon the crappy bathroom pic, but I haven't had time to take a 'real' picture. Can you tell that I am starting to get a little rounder right above my pant waistline?

This week (actually last night...when I was dressed in my workout clothes) was the first time that I have noticed that I am starting to get a little rounder down around my pelvic bone and not to mention I feel bloated pretty much all the time. Apparently, it's not that noticeable to anyone else, because everyone acted shocked when I announced I was pregnant and already 14 weeks. They 'tell' me that I still look the same, so the extra bulge is really only noticeable to me...or they are lying. Not sure which one is true. As of my last doctors visit (a little over a week ago) I still haven't gained any weight since getting pregnant. I am just waiting for the pounds to pack on (I know it's bound to happen soon). However, for the time being I am still in all my pre-pregnancy clothes. Wonder how much longer that will last...especially my pants!

How I'm Feeling

In general I feel good...mostly how I did before I got pregnant! ;-) Obviously, I still have some emotional breakdowns (aka I cried when I told my boss I am pregnant...pathetic, but true), feel worried about things, scared, insecure...but I mean aren't those all normal feelings? I mean, our lives are about to change in a way that I can't even imagine! All good things, but a lot to take in and digest!

Each day, I'm a being reminded to hand over my 'plans' to God...remembering that he is in control and I am not. While that is scary for me, it is also freeing. I'm hoping it only continues to get better and that my walk with Him only continues to grow stronger and deeper!

one more shot of the flab...I mean baby. ;-)

12 and 13 weeks

2011-05-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

Originally written on May 13, 2011

I turned 12 weeks on April 30th and 13 weeks on May 7th. Right before we left for Kauai and right before we returned from Kauai...that's why both weeks are being combined into one...because I was to lazy to write a post while on vacation. Can you blame me?! ;-)

Okay, now onto the weekly update!

How big is the Baby?

The lil' nugget is the size of a peach or a medium shrimp (depending on which source you want to believe)!

How I'm Changing

13 weeks in Kauai...glorious

My body really doesn't seem to be changing by much...yet! I feel a little thicker around the mid-section, but I still fit comfortably into all my pre-maternity clothes. Yay!

This week I had my 2nd doctor's appointment and Nate and I got to hear the heartbeat for the first time! It is so crazy and surreal to hear another heart beating inside of me! I think it might feel a lot more real when I start to look pregnant and be able to feel the baby kick and move around! Right now it is just really hard to wrap my brain around it all!

How I'm Feeling

scared and excited - all at the same time

I feel great. The reality that I'm having a baby still hasn't hit me (will it ever??), so I just kind of feel like I am going through the motions.

I'm still scared and nervous about all the changes having a baby will bring, but am trusting that God has it all under control. I have to believe that it will all be okay! If you think about it, please join me in praying for peace, trust and that I would stop worrying. So much is out of my control, I can't even think about things right now!

I know God is bigger than all my fears and worries combined. Phew! Oh, please don't misread this and think that I am not happy or thankful for the beautiful gift growing inside of me. That is so not the case. Nate and I couldn't be more excited to become parents and going on the crazy journey! ;-)

Kauai - Part 3

2011-05-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

Some of the days we just bummed around. It's nice to not always be on the go. So, here are a few pictures that I took on our 'down' days!

a random beach

ocean

Nate and I stumbled on the house that my parents and grandparents rented for a couple weeks one year for a family vacation! So many fun memories!

Where we stayed on this trip. So beautiful.

I can't remember the name of these flowers, but I was obsessed with them!

Hibiscus

After a great dinner

Tunnels Beach

Love

so colorful and pretty. love the rain drops on them.

the last few days we were there the ocean was pretty rough due to bad weather out at sea - that's why it says "No Snorkeling"

Yay! Our nugget! :) 11/12/11

The NaPali Coast. It nevers gets old to me.

again

Glad we were able to go on a "Babymoon" before our little nugget arrives! Ha!

One more day of hiking adventures left and then that's our Hawaiian vacation for you! Hope you are enjoying the pics, I know I am! :) Makes me want to go back already!

11 weeks

2011-05-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Originally written April 25th, 2011

I turned 11 weeks pregnant on Saturday (April 23). Yay! So here's the weekly pregnancy scoop!

How Big is the Baby?
The lil' nugget (aka Baby Miller) is the size of a lime or fig...(depending on which source you want to believe! (I'm saying lime since that's what's 2 of the 3 sources say).

How I'm Changing

11 weeks

I hate this picture of me, but what can you do? Hopefully, I'll become a master at these pictures in no time and they will end up looking relatively cute. Oh, and it may be hard to tell, cause I'm not standing straight (sorry, bad posture), but I still have no baby bump and fit into all my pre-pregnancy clothes just fine and dandy. Even though I cannot wait to have a sweet little baby bump, I'm also not quite ready for one just yet...especially cause I haven't told my employers that I'm pregnant. I wanted to wait until after my 2nd doctor's appt. and that's not until after our Hawaii trip. So only a couple more weeks of secrecy - thank goodness!

How I'm Feeling
Physically I feel great! I honestly feel just like I did before I got knocked up. Crazy, huh? I know all you out there who have suffered from morning sickness are probably cursing me under your breath, but hey, it's not my fault! :)

Emotionally, I still feel a little bit crazy. Haha! I am not as freaked out as I was a few weeks ago (I hit serious panic mode right after our 1st doctor's appt. at 8 weeks) and I am thankful for that. However, I am still scared to death. There is just so much to process. I am trying my best to turn all my worries and anxities into prayers. I know God is in complete control of my life and he will work all things out for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). I am standing firm on that promise today.

P.S. Am I the only person who feels more freaked out than excited about having a baby? I feel like I should be jumping for joy and totally loving this experience, but instead am worried and fearful. I am praying that God would bring the joy that I first had back...and that I will treasure the next few months.

10 weeks

2011-05-23T08:00:00.003-05:00

Originally written April 18th, 2011

I turned 10 weeks pregnant on Saturday (April 16th). Yay! So here's the weekly pregnancy scoop!

How Big is the Baby?

The lil' nugget (aka Baby Miller) is the size of a prune or a kumquat....depending on which source you want to believe!

How I'm Changing

I don't really feel like my body has started to change much (even though Nate swears that my boobs are getting bigger...is that TMI? ha!). I am still wearing all my pre-pregnancy clothes and they seem to fit the same as before.

However, I have started to notice at night, after dinner I seem to have more of a gut. I don't know if that's because of slowed digestion or what, but when I wake up in the morning all is well and I'm feeling like me again!

How I'm Feeling

Honestly, I don't know how I feel. One minute I'm excited and the next I am scared out of my mind. I feel like my thought process is so all over the place and I can't really place a specific emotion. For example, here's a peak into my thought process:

*Yay! I look skinny today! Thanks goodness...
* I'm hungry...must find something to eat
* OH.MY.GOSH. we're having a baby. CRAP.
* Oh, we're having a baby! I wonder who it will look like. Me or Nate? Or maybe the perfect combination of both of us?
* Hmmm, I wonder if the lil' nugget is a boy or girl?
* Is it time to eat lunch yet? Cause I'm hungry...again
* I need a nap...it is 5p.m. yet?
* I feel bloated. Why? I haven't had anything but breakfast?! *Sigh*
* I'm scared. How is this whole baby thing going to work? How can we afford a kid? What were we thinking? Will I have to keep working? How/when do we tell our employers and how will they respond? Scary, scary, scary.
* Enough Jenn. God is in control. PULL.IT.TOGETHER.

Yep people, and that's all before noon. So to sum it up, pretty much I am a hormonal mess. I can cry at an instant (and over nothing), but at least I'm not sick. I'm not sick at all. Praise the Lord. I still love food and it has yet to wrong me.

9 Weeks

2011-05-20T09:07:00.000-05:00

Originally written April 11, 2011

I turned 9 weeks on Saturday (April 9th)! I can't believe I am closer to my 2nd trimester than I am the 1st trimester! Crazy! Time seems to be dragging, but also flying by. Here's a couple things I have noticed this week:

Hormones: Holy hormones...it's nice to finally meet you. One minute I'm happy, sad, scared, stressed, and then excited. Yep, it's like I'm on a emotional roller coaster. It's kind of crazy.

Nate and I prayed for this baby for months, that God would allow us to be parents...it's what we wanted and desired. Now all the sudden I am freaking out! We're having a baby?? What does that mean? How are we going to afford a kid? It's kind of crazy.

I was talking to a friend yesterday and while I was telling her all of my concerns she reminded me, "Jenn you guys are blessed. You are happily married, prayed for a baby and are now pregnant. In the midst of all the change remember how blessed you are. A lot of people would love to have what you have."

So true. And what I needed to hear. It will all work out and at the end of these 9 months we'll have a beautiful gift! I cannot wait for that! :)

I can't forget to mention how awesome Nate has been. He has reassured me as I cry uncontrolably that everything will be okay. He's a saint...and I love him.

Nothing new to report on the pregnancy side. However, I did go for a 2 mile run with Nate and it was great and virtually pain free! Praise God!

Kauai - Part 2

2011-05-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, I'm going to give everyone a little break from the pregnancy updates and get back to the regularly scheduled programming. I am trying to get all caught up so that you can actually read about what's going on with us present day! :)

The second day we were in Hawaii we went to Waimea Canyon also known as "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." We wanted to hike in the canyon, but just didn't have time. So, we just looked around and took pictures. We then drove a little farther north to Kokee State Park where we did our big hike.

Here are some pictures from our day!

Nate as we begin our hike. It rained the whole day, which made for a very muddy trail, but still so much fun!

Kalalau Valley (kind of foggy due to the overcast skies)

Some of the trail was on boardwalks because it covered a large swamp

Me and Nate on the boardwalk. Can you tell we've been rained on all morning? :)

a flowering plant that we thought was cool

another view of the Kalalau Vally

Me spelling "WOW" with my hands and mouth. I mean, look at the gorgeous view!

Loved the lei hanging on the tree. I wanted to steal it!

Almost finished with the hike and the sun even decide to poke out

A view of Waimea Canyon

It's so huge and beautiful. I love it.

Just 2 kids having fun!

Alright, I'll be back soon with another Hawaii update. Mahalo! :)

8 Weeks and BIG day!

2011-05-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

Originally written on April 5, 2011

I turned 8 weeks on April 2!

Yesterday (April 4th) was a big day in our household. Why you ask? Oh, only because we got to see our baby for the first time!!! It was pretty amazing.

Our little nugget. The head is at the bottom where the dark looking 'hole' is. ;-)

Measuring 8 weeks/5 days and a heartbeat of 170. Yay!

It's kind of crazy, right? We already love our little blob so much! Ha! It was surreal to see our baby on a monitor right before our eyes. Seeing him or her just makes it so much more real for both Nate and myself.

During our ultrasound, the technician said something like, "There's your baby." My response? "So there is a baby?" Yep, really profound people. Nate thinks I am a crazy woman, but I have been so paranoid the past few weeks about miscarrying and the fact that I hardly have any pregnancy symptoms (Yep, you read that right. No nausea, extreme fatigue, etc). So, to see a healthy baby that is measuring right where it should be with a strong heartbeat was a huge relief.

I guess I should just count my blessings and be thankful that I pretty much feel the same as I did before I was pregnant! Pregnancy is awesome...so far! :)

It is so hard to not want to 'announce' our pregnancy. It is seriously eating me up inside! It stinks to have such great/fun news and not be able to tell a soul (Well besides our immediate families. Thank God they know)! Our next appointment is May 10...right after our Hawaii trip, so if everything continues to go well we'll be announcing it shortly after! May 10th can't come soon enough!

Alright, that's it my friends! I'll be back next week with another weekly update. Oh, and I really need to start taking a weekly belly picture. I don't have one (a belly) yet, but I do want to keep it well documented so I can see the progression of the bump! Exciting times!

xoxo

4, 5 and 7 weeks

2011-05-17T14:54:00.000-05:00

Originally written on March 7, 2011

This past Saturday marked me being 4 weeks pregnant! It's been almost a week since Nate and I learned of the good news (Tuesday, March 1st). I found out really early, I don't think that's normal, but we are so excited.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Originally written March 14, 2011

I turned 5 weeks pregnant on Saturday (March 12). Exciting times. Not much to update on. I feel good. No sickness or anything yet. Actually, I am kind lying...I did have some cramping, but that was about a week ago and the doctor assured me that it's pretty normal - as long as it isn't severe.

More than anything we are counting down the days until our 1st Doctor's appt/Ultrasound. I can't wait to hear the heartbeat...hopefully, that will leave me feeling a little less worried. The next 3 weeks cannot go by fast enough! Right now, I kind of feel stuck in a in-between stage. So excited to be pregnant, but also know that this is a critical time of development and a lot can go wrong over the next few weeks. Here's to praying for a healthy, perfect, baby. Grow, baby grow!!

This is the hardest secret to keep. The thought of having to wait 8 more weeks before we can tell anyone (yes, that's self imposed, but we want to be safe). 8 weeks feels so loooooong away. Hurry time...hurry! ;-)

I am secretly hoping I start to feel more pregnancy symptoms soon, because the lack of them kind of freaks me out. Never thought I'd say that I want to be nauseous.

One fun thing, our local outdoors store is having a huge sale right now. Nate and I decided to go and check out the deals. We couldn't help ourselves, and since we are going to be having a November baby we knew we had to get this...I mean...it was 50% off! ;-)

Adorable, right?

First baby purchase...check! :)

Alright, I'll be back next week for another baby update!
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Originally written on March 30, 2011

I am 7 weeks pregnant!! Somehow, I managed to forget to blog about being 6 weeks pregnant last week, but don't worry, nothing exciting happened at all. Currently I have no symptoms. I feel great. No morning sickness, weird appetite, or anything. I've actually been working out and sticking to my normal routine!

However, in 5 days everything will change. We have our first ultrasound. I cannot wait. I need to see that the lil' nugget is growing strong and that there is a strong heartbeat. The last few weeks have been filled with me worrying. Worrying that I'll miscarry, worrying cause I have no obvious pregnancy symptoms. It's bad. Lord, I need your peace!!

First comes love, then comes marriage...

2011-05-16T08:31:00.000-05:00

...then comes a baby in a baby carriage!!

I'm pregnant!!!!

You heard me right...Nate and I are having a baby!

Now that Nate and I have had the chance to tell the news to our employers we are relieved to finally be able to talk about our "little" secret freely and out in the open (it has been a hard secret to keep)!! I am currently 14 weeks and feeling great!

We are so excited (and scared), but so thankful that God has blessed us with this little miracle! Nate and I will celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary a month (give or take) after the lil nugget is due and we feel like we are prepared (as much as we can be) to transition from a couple to a family.

For those of you who care and want more details, here are some answers to some of the more frequent questions we are asked.

When is your due date?
My official due date is November 12, 2011

Had you been trying for long?
Yes and no. We started trying in September 2010. We weren't in any hurry to get pregnant right away, so we just went along with the flow for the first few months. However, in December I decided it must be me and I couldn't get pregnant (yay, I'm dramatic like that). 3 months later I was knocked up! So, in short it took around 7 months.

When did you find out? How did you tell Nate?
I found out on Tuesday, March 1st at work. Random, yes. I had a 'feeling' that maybe today was the day (even though I had that 'feeling' before). I wasn't certain though, because I felt like I was going to start my period. Bloating, light cramping, etc. Most people would wait to see if there monthly visitor showed up before testing, but not me. I have a problem with waiting. So, on my lunch break I swung by a grocery store and picked up a pregnancy test.

I got in the car and shoved a test in my purse and then drove straight back to the office. The whole way back I was praying for peace, trust, hope, etc. I had gotten my hopes up before and did not want to be disappointed again. I ~~ran~~ walked into the office bathroom and opened up the test. Peed. And then sat there waiting as it flashed.

PREGNANT. That's what that little test said. I could not believe it. I was so prepared to see "Not Pregnant" that I couldn't believe it. Honestly, I even tear'd up. I sat there in shock and then finally pulled myself together. What a crazy secret to have to hold until I saw Nate that night. I definitely had to tell him in person.

Telling Nate: I rushed home and made a little sign (in crayon) that said, "You're going to be a Daddy! Sometime around November 12, 2011!!" and then I put that sign and the pregnancy test in the mailbox. When he called telling me he was on his way home, I told him I forgot to bring the mail in and asked him if he could do it.

I then stood in the kitchen window waiting to see Nate pull in and get the mail. It was so fun to see his reaction to the note and the pregnancy test. A moment I will never forget. I think he was just as shocked and surprised as I was!

How sick were/are you?
I hate to even write this, because I know some people are going to automatically hate me! ;-) I have not been sick at all. Nothing. I feel like I did before I got pregnant. Crazy, huh?

Are you going to find out the gender?
Yes! We are already dying to know!! 6 more weeks!! Nate is convinced it's a boy. Pray that he'll be okay if it's not. ;)

Okay, I think that's it for now! Stay tuned for lots of updates...I started doing weekly updates when I found out I was pregnant so all those drafts will be published shortly!

Aloha

2011-05-07T19:42:00.000-05:00

Nate and I finally got to take our Hawaiian vacation (that he won last summer through work). Today is our last full day in Kauai, so I thought I would share some pictures with you from our first full day. It is so beautiful here...it's the perfect place for people who love to be outside doing things. You get mountains and the beach...pretty perfect to me! :)

Sunrise with a rainbow. Beautiful.

Scenic overlook of Hanalei Valley

yours truly

Nate near Ke'e Beach

The Na'Pali Coast. One of my favorite sites on earth

Another view of the coast

Nate. What a cutie.

somewhere on the beach

showing a piece of coral that I found on the beach

Beachin' it up at Hanalei Bay

so pretty

Sunset at Hanalei Bay

Our hotel grounds at night. Love all the tiki torches.

That's it for day 1! I'll be back later. Hope everyone's having a great weekend!!

P.S. Thanks to our friends who house sat and watched our "babies" for us while we were gone! We appreciate it more than you know!!!

We Survived!

2011-04-28T09:51:00.000-05:00

Well, the rain has ended...so now I can relax. We woke up to sunshine today and it's supposed to be nice for the next few days! Hallelujah! I can't help, but pray and think about all the people to the south of us who got hit so much harder than we did and lost almost everything. So horrible.

With that said, here is a short video of my "scaredy dog" Bella. She wasn't so sure about all the water rushing under our bridge! Silly girl!

Worry Wart

2011-04-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

If you are a worry wart...raise your hand (if you could see me, you would see that I have both arms raised)!

I am a worrier. Something I am not proud of, but it's true and last night it came out in full force. I think I maybe slept a total of 4 hours last night. Why you ask? Because I was laying there worrying about all the severe storms coming through Nashville last night/this AM.

I have a fear of storms for a reason, I mean this happened not even a year ago...

Our backyard on May 1, 2010

May 1, 2010 - As the waters started to recede a little

Can you now understand why I am a little freaked out when they say were suppose to get tons of rain?!

Now, I know we aren't supposed to get 15 inches of rain in 2 days like we did last year, but it is still scary to me. I think we are suppose to get around 5 inches...but that is still a lot of rain! :(

A big storm went though earlier this morning and another is supposed to come through soon. Pray for my sanity! I'm scared!!

God is teaching me to trust him (in all areas of my life)...and this is another reminder for me to do so. Trying to turn my worries and anxious thoughts into prayers!

He is Risen!

2011-04-25T09:40:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. Nate and I both really missed our families this weekend. It just doesn't feel right to spend the holidays alone, but what can you do?!

In all honesty, Easter isn't about being with family (even though that is a lot of fun), it's about what Jesus did for us:

"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:8-11

Check out another great video from Matt Maher...

Matt Maher - Resurrection from Provident on Vimeo.

And why you're at it, check out this amazing video of Carrie Underwood performing "How Great Thou Art". So so beautiful!

Good Friday

2011-04-22T09:15:00.000-05:00

Matt Maher - Good Friday from Provident on Vimeo.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5:21

Blessings

2011-04-18T10:46:00.000-05:00

Have you heard the song "Blessings" by Laura Story? If not, please watch the video below. Every time I listen to it I am almost moved to tears. It's a great reminder that God uses the 'bad' or 'hard' things in our life to bless us. I want to remember that blessings also can come in the form of unanswered prayers, but no matter what...God is good.

Blessings - Laura Story
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
You long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Birthday Weekend

2011-04-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I am sooo looking forward to the weekend! Why you ask? Because Nate has Saturday off (a rarity) AND it's his birthday weekend. Last year, we celebrated his birthday with a big birthday / housewarming cookout! It was super fun, but I think we're going to keep it a little more low key this year!

Happy Birthday!! I love you SO much...and love pictures of you as a wee one! ;-)

Also, I can't forget to mention that this weekend is also Bear's (our chocolate lab) 3rd birthday (the day before Nate)!

Happy Birthday to 2 of the most handsome men I know! ;-)

Believing God

2011-04-12T11:30:00.001-05:00

I started a new bible study yesterday; it's called Believing God by Beth Moore. Lately I have felt like I am stuck in a funk. I am battling just knowing God's word and actually believing it and putting it into practice in my life.

I know that God says he has a plan for us, but by the way I worry and freak out you would never know that. I want to worry less and trust His plan for my life. That doesn't mean things will be perfect or that I am just going to stop worrying, but I am looking forward to progress and growth.

Anyways, I did the first day of the study last night and you go over the Five Statement Pledge of Faith:

God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do.
I am who God says I am.
I can do all things through Christ.
God's word is alive and active in me.

I am really wrestling with statements 1 and 2. I want to believe them with my whole heart. I want those truths to fill me, so that when I am stressed or worried about the unknown I can push the lies away. Pray for me...it's going to be a battle...I know it, but it's a battle worth fighting. I no longer want to live in fear of the unknown.

So, what about you? Do you believe that God really is who He says He is?

Weekend Update

2011-04-11T11:19:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Hope you had a great weekend! Ours was really relaxing and we did a whole lot of nothing! Lately I have been just feeling kind of worn down, so it was a much needed weekend of rest! Here are a few pictures from the last week/weekend...

Our Bleeding Hearts our in full bloom. I love them!

And the Iris' too

This weekend it was 90 on Saturday and 89 on Sunday! Bear was HOT!

Sooo, we got out the kiddie pool. Here's Bella enjoying a dip!

Alright folks, have a great week and happy Monday!

TGIF

2011-04-08T09:07:00.000-05:00

That's right people...it's Friday! Yay!

This week has been kind of rough. It seems that allergy season is in full swing here in TN...and man, are they having their way with me. It's been rough. I feel like I'm running on 60% and I'm ready to feel like myself again!

I am so thrilled that the weather will be nice this weekend...check out our local forecast:

Awesome, right? Hopefully, I can get outside and enjoy it!

Today, after work I am getting my hair-cut! I cannot wait. I am thinking about going short again and maybe going a little blonder. I am bored with my hair and need a change, but am not sure exactly what I should do. I'll keep you posted and let you know if I do anything drastic! ;-)

My plans for the weekend are as following: relax, relax, relax. :) I love the weekend. I love when I don't have anything planned and I can just do whatever my heart desires (if only Nate had Saturday off...then it would be perfect)!

As of late I have been feeling a little stressed and overwhelmed. At times like this I am so thankful for Nate. He is my rock and talks me off the ledge (I always going worse case scenario). I read somewhere that "Worry never changes a single thing except the worrier." So true. This has always been something I struggle with. When things are uncertain I become anxious...a quality I do not like about myself. At times like this I am thankful for the Bible and the Word. Here's a verse I have had on repeat lately...

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." Ephesians 3:16-20

I am thankful that I trust a God who can do more than I could ever imagine. He knew the number of hairs on my head before I was born and knows the number of my days. So then why do I often doubt is goodness? I want to trust Him more and actually believe it!

Guilty Pleasures

2011-04-06T17:30:00.001-05:00

For all of you who know me well, it will come as no surprise to you to hear that I am a 'reality' TV junkie! It's not something I am proud of, but what can you do. I like to come home after a long day at work and watch mindless television! :) Is that so wrong? Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you...new & old!

Million Dollar Listing

Million Dollar Listing follows the lives of three of Los Angeles' hottest, young, and aggressive real estate magnates in the making as they make a fortune selling multi-million dollar properties in the most exclusive neighborhoods –- Hollywood, Malibu and Beverly Hills.

This show is addicting people. Trust me, even Nate got into it. It's pretty crazy to see how much homes sell for out there....5 million dollars? That's chump change! ;-)

The Real Housewives Franchise (especially Beverly Hills)

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills offers a glimpse inside the world of luxurious wealth and pampered privilege, where being seen and who you know is everything. These women are in the center of it all and they have the mansions, the cars, and the diamonds to prove it. From heiresses to entrepreneurs to a family of child actresses – The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills deliver the star power and the drama.

I can't lie. I actually really like all of these ladies. Especially Lisa and Kyle. Hehehe. Don't start watching or you may never stop!

Pregnant in Heels

Pregnant in Heels is a docu-drama that follows maternity concierge, fashion designer, and pregnancy guru Rosie Pope as she guides expecting mothers through the joys and perils of preparing to have a baby. Rosie owns a high fashion maternity clothing boutique on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and runs MomPrep, the premier training academy for mothers-to-be. With the help of her assistants, Hannah and LT, Rosie runs the store, designs the clothing and takes on clients on a case-by-case basis to help them with all their bizarre baby needs.

Okay, so this show just premiered last night and all I can say is "holy hot mess", but I mean that in a good way! :) Rosie is super cute, but let me tell ya...some of her clients are complete nut jobs. Seriously, a client last night had multiple focus groups to help them pick the 'perfect' baby name. These people have way to much time & money on their hands! Even though the people are nuts, it makes for great TV...I mean it's the crazies that make the show all that it is! ;-)

Giuliana & Bill

Once upon a time, E! News anchor Giuliana DePandi and Apprentice winner Bill Rancic fell in love, got married and settled down...in Chicago and L.A.!

I seriously think these 2 might be my favorite reality TV couple. I love them so much. They are so sweet to eachother. I love them. Yep, that's right...we're totally BFF's. ;)

Alrighty folks...that's it for now. I gotta break this post up into multiple posts or it may be horribly embarrassing to see how much TV I actually watch!

What are some of your favorite 'guilty pleasure' shows?

Getting Knoby

2011-04-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Do any of you remember this post: Bathroom Makeover Part 1 from this past January!!!!!! Well, it's been 2.5 months and the only thing we have done is paint the bathroom (yes, I am hanging my head in shame). What can I say...life gets going and then the next think you know 2.5 months have gone by. Don't fear...the update is still on our radar.

Want to see what I'm talking about?

fyi: in real life the knobs are more blue than green

I finally bought new knobs for the bathroom drawers! Yay! I'm making progress! Ha!

Baby Sprinkle

2011-03-31T10:08:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we celebrated my sister and baby girl Stowers, by throwing a "Sprinkle" for them in MI. Nate and I had a great time hanging out with everyone and we are always thankful for family time. We love them all so much, especially our nephew, Colton. He's the cutest and so funny. Love him. Okay, now for some fun pictures (mostly of the sprinkle, but a few others):

Awesome banner that Sandy, my Mom's neighbor made!

Getting the "treats" table all set up

Mom

The table, with another beautiful banner by Sandy

Cupcakes that we made. Yummy.

Another view

Aren't these desserts the cutest?

Dessert table

...And again

Lindsay, the beautiful Mom-to-be!

The candles we made as favors for all the guests

The room

All the gifts. Baby girl Stowers will be styling!

Another view

Lindsay showing off the beautiful quilt that her Mother-In-Law made baby girl! I want one (a quilt)!! :)

Mom...carrying out all the trash!

Me, Mom and Lindsay

So fun to all be together and celebrate baby girl!

And that's a wrap! :)

And here are a few more pictures from the weekend...

Uncle Nate and Colton love eachother. Nate will make the best Daddy! ;-)

My sister, Mom and I went through our old baby clothes!! This is the outfit I came from the hospital in! Love it!

One of my favorite pictures! C saw Bella with a squeaky ball in her mouth, so he picked it up and did the same! Ha!

Hope you all are having a great week! The weekend is almost here! Yay!

3 Days

2011-03-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

I only have 3 days of work this week and then I'm on vacation for 6 days!! It makes my heart happy! I love spending time with my hubby and family! Yay!

This weekend I spent the majority of the days relaxing. I enjoyed the 70 (almost 80) degree weather, spent time outdoors with my puppies, and did a little shopping (shoes, cute baby clothes (gifts!) and dresses for Hawaii)!!!

Bought new running shoes - check

I also got to spend Sunday morning with 2 friends who live in Dallas, TX. They were in Knoxville, TN visiting family this past week and stopped by Nashville to say hi to me on Sunday morning! It was so fun! We went to the Pancake Pantry (a Nashville classic) and talked for hours. I hadn't seen Sarah in at least 10 years! So crazy! I am thankful for a fun time and new and old friendships. I feel blessed.

Sarah and me...10 years later!!

Sarah, me and Amber (their sisters)

What a fun and relaxing weekend I had! What did you do?

Anyone?

2011-03-15T15:20:00.000-05:00

I know this picture isn't the greatest quality, but it's not about the room...it's about the door! Where can I find a old beautiful door like this one? I really want one so badly (for our back door). Actually, forget want, I need it! ;-)

Let me know if you have one and want to get rid of it. I'd love to take it off your hands! ;-)

What a Weekend!

2011-03-14T11:47:00.002-05:00

Well, this weekend started off great. It was beautiful here on Saturday (sunny and 70) so I decided to take the dogs on a long walk and some river playing. It was fun.

almost home from our walk

I really need this tree in my yard

I mean, isn't it beautiful?

Bear after our walk. Finally mellow.

Now, here's what our Saturday night consisted of:

Nate in the Vanderbilt ER

Yep. We spent our evening (all 5 hours) at the Vandy ER. Why you ask? Well, Nate has been feeling pretty bad for almost a week now. He has had multiple days of 100+ temperature and on Saturday started having shortness of breath and a lot of pressure on his chest. We decided it would be best to just go ahead and take him to the ER to make sure nothing was wrong, so we went right after he got off work (yes people he was working while feeling miserable). Poor guy.

Anyways, we were at the ER for about 5 hours...and let me tell you...it was an experience. I told Nate I thought I was going to leave with a disease. The best part was that there were 2 women puking the entire time we were there. Lovely.

They took his temp (all the usuals), did a FLU test and also had his lungs x-rayed. Anyways, hours later we are told that he has Pneumonia in his left lung (which explains why he is having shortness of breath) and they started him on an antibiotic. So thank goodness we know what it is and he is being treated!

However, Nate is still feeling horrible. He is having a really hard time sleeping because his chest hurts when he is laying flat on his back and he is hungry, but feels sick after he eats. It's not fun folks! Please pray for him if you get the chance!

Also, please pray that I won't get sick! That would not be fun!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Baby Sprinkle

2011-03-09T14:22:00.001-06:00

My sister, Lindsay and her son, Colton will be U.S.A bound 9 days from today! Crazy and so exciting!

Anyways, my Mom and I are throwing a baby "sprinkle" for her at the end of March for her little girl that she is expecting on May 15th. So, in my spare time I have been thinking about cute ways to decorate for the shower. Without giving too many details away here's the baby invite (with some very important details erased...hence the blank lines). Oh, and please note the colors are a little off, compared to the real invitation!

Isn't it so cute?!

I can't wait to celebrate! Woo Hoo! I love babies!