24 weeks and still going strong

How is it already June?  I know most of Feb/Mar/April were all a blur to me but really, JUNE?  Already?!  Anyway, here is my 24 week picture.  My outfit today doesn't exactly show off the baby bump but I didn't want to change clothes so it is what it is.

This week was another good and uneventful week.  We spent some time apartment hunting for a 2 bedroom apartment, stayed out way past our bedtime on Friday night at a drive in movie and discussed more baby names.  A few weeks ago we narrowed it down to 3 names that we liked and decided to think and pray about them for a while.  When we talked about them again this weekend we realized we didn't like any of them anymore.  So we picked a new name to ponder on and so far we like it lots!  Nothing is official yet though.  Also, according to my weekly updates our baby girl is the size of a cantaloupe, as long as a ear of corn and weighs in at just over a pound.  (Of course every baby grows differently and those are just fun estimations to think about.)

The only downside of the last week was the heat.  That is going to be a constant struggle though as the heat and humidity just continue to rise here in Houston.  And although it gives us a good excuse to lounge by the pool, getting into a car that has been sitting in the sun for longer than 5 minutes is miserable, to say the least.  It also makes my evening walks more difficult so I've tried to go to the gym more often and walk on the treadmill since who really wants to be outside when it is 8:00 and still 90+ degrees.  We are anxiously awaiting a 2 week trip at the end of the month that will include time in the cooler climate of Oregon and the less humid climate of Utah.  The "feels like" temperature is consistently 5-10 degrees above the posted temperature here because of the humidity and it only gets worse after the sun goes down, not better.  How am I supposed to make it through July and August?!  :( ... Okay, rant over.

23 Weeks: kickboxing with baby and a cold

Not much to say this week.  Things are moving along smoothly which is exactly what we want.  Brett and I had a wonderful and relaxing weekend last weekend and I'm sure I'll get around to posting about our anniversary soon....hopefully.  Until then, here I am at 23 weeks.  My torso is so long (thanks to my Johnson side of the family) that I'm beginning to doubt if I'll ever look super pregnant (aka a cute round bump).  I consider it a blessing though!  As long as baby girl is still growing healthy, the less I grow the easier it is on me.

Since I didn't have much to say about the week I asked Brett what his favorite and not-so-favorite part of the last week was.

Best:  The other night Brett mentioned that it had been a few days since he felt the baby kick.  I told him I would let him know next time she was moving around.  Later that evening when she started up he was right over to feel.  The funny part this time, however, was that when she would kick/punch/move he would push firmly back.  Our little girl would then respond and they went back and forth for quite a few rounds.  I think Brett ended up winning but it was fun to see him "play" with our daughter and I know he'll be such a great dad even if he errs on the side of pestering rather than playing.  She'll learn its his way of showing his love.

Toughest:  I got sick.  :(  I woke up friday morning with a runny nose and sore throat.  I hadn't slept much thru the night because being congested made it hard to breath.  The worst part was actually when Brett got up to leave for work I asked him to get me a cough drop.  Before it could even finish dissolving in my mouth I knew it was a bad idea.  It made me super nauseous and I ended up throwing up.  Flashback to morning sickness!  Luckily that was short lived,  it was yet another daily reminder of how grateful I am  that I am feeling better now than I did the first 4 months of this pregnancy.  Since Friday I've dealt with the head congestion and related side effects but I am hoping my body will kick the little cold out soon. There isn't room/energy for me, the baby, and the cold all in one body.  And despite having a dream last night that my doctor decided to induce labor at 25 weeks I doubt the baby is going anywhere soon so the cold will have to vacate ASAP.

Music for my little one

My brother, Tyler, sent me this song via facebook today and I love it.  Its called To Whom it May Concern by The Civil Wars.  Initially it sounds like a love song, but the artist said she is pregnant and uses it as a song for her child.  It fits perfect!

Lyrics:
Why are you so far from me?
In my arms is where you ought to be
How long will you make me wait?
I don't know how much more I can take
I missed you
But I haven't met you
Oh but I want to
How I do
Slowly counting down the days

Till I finally know your name
Ooo the way your hand feels round my waist
The way you laugh
The way your kisses taste
I missed you
But I haven't met you
Oh but I want to
How I do, How I do
I've missed you
But I haven't met you
Oh I missed you
I haven't met you
Oh but I want to
Oh how I want to
Dear whoever you might be
I'm still waiting patiently.

Also, I've been particularly fond of this Colbie Caillat song since finding out our little sweat heart is a girl.  

Lyrics:

She’s got a baby inside
And holds her belly tight
All through the night
Just so she knows
She’s sleeping so
Safely to keep
Her growing
And oh when she'll open her eyes
There'll be no surprise
That she'll grow to be
So beautifully
Just like her mother
That’s carrying
Oh Capri
She’s beauty
Baby inside she’s loving
Oh Capri
She’s beauty
There is and angel growin’ peacefully
Oh Capri
Sweet baby
And things will be hard at times
But I've learned to try
Just listening
Patiently, oh Capri
Sweet baby
Oh Capri
She’s beauty
Baby inside she’s loving
Oh Capri
Your beauty
Just like your mother
That’s carrying...Oh Capri

It amazes me everyday that I have a sweet baby growing inside of me that we will soon get to meet!  

22 Weeks: One Big Day!

First a disclaimer.... usually I post my weekly updates a few days late on Sunday but today I'm posting a day early.  Brett and I are going on a weekend get-a-way to Galveston starting tomorrow.  Brett rented us a room for a few nights at a bed and breakfast to celebrate our 3 year anniversary.  Isn't he great?!  So I won't be around to update and this post can't wait anyway. Also, a warning that this post may be long and boring to some but I'm in a great mood and feel like writing it all out.  

Getting bigger every day!  

Today was a big day!

It started this morning as I was browsing craigslist.  I've become a little obsessive lately about researching and finding baby stuff but haven't bought anything.  This morning I saw an ad for a great glider rocking chair and ottoman.  We've been looking around and even tested a few out the other night at Babies-R-Us.  I recognized the chair as one I'd sat in that retails for between 200-300 bucks.  They were only asking $45, which is half of what the other (cheaper) used chairs were going for on Craigslist.  I knew I had to look into it.  After exchanging a few emails we planned to go out and see it in person and make a decision.  

Before we could go, however, we had a doctor's appointment to get to.  If you have been following the saga you'll know what a hassle it has been but I'm happy to report that we finally met with the doctor and we LOVE her.  It was worth the wait to get in with her.  We listened to the heart beat went over a few things and discussed how we needed to get the ultrasound done.  She said that the tech was really booked but she would personally make sure that we got in within the next week.  We left the office with the plans of awaiting the call to schedule the appointment.  It was a good appointment and we were feeling good about life. We even pre-registered with the hospital on our way out (the dr office is in the hospital) and that felt great to check another thing off the list.

After leaving the hospital, we had to run to the library to return some books.  As we were pulling in to the parking lot Brett's phone rang.  He answered it and it was the doctor's office looking for me.  My phone was in my purse and I hadn't heard it...whoops!  Anyway, they said they wanted me back right away so they could do the ultrasound today!  We drove as fast as we could back to the hospital completely giddy with excitement. All the patience and waiting finally paid off and we didn't even have to wait another week.  What a blessing!  

Our baby's little profile! 

And here is the part you are all waiting for.  The big reveal.... 

We are having a little baby GIRL!  

We half expected it because that was the "educated guess" at our 15 week ultrasound but it feels so good to know for sure!  Back at week 15 I'll admit that I was a little bummed.  I've always wanted a boy first and even more so now because I would love for Brett to have a little guy to play with.  Also, I'm not a huge fan of pink pink pink.  That being said, over the last 7 weeks I have come to LOVE the idea of having a girl.  First, it just melts my heart to think about Brett loving a little baby girl, he'll be such a great father I can't even wait!  Second, I decided that having a girl doesn't have to equal lots of pink.  Instead we will probably decorate the nursery with Gray and Yellow and White and maybe even accents of Teal.  Its going to be amazing and I can't wait to meet our daughter.  

An idea of what I have in mind for the colors

After leaving the doctors office we rushed to pick up the chair and it was perfect!  Then we decided that buying a chair wasn't enough and so we went shopping at babies-r-us.  I wanted to buy the first outfit for our little girl and had so much fun looking at all the cute clothes.  I'm not going to lie, I actually like boy clothes better but I can do this girl thing too.  While we were looking around Brett found an Under Armour shirt that we also HAD to buy.  Its official Under Armour performance gear and although it won't fit her until she is about a year old, we couldn't pass it up (plus it was on clearance).  As sports-obsessed as Brett is, he wears a lot of Under Armour and I hope our little girl will pick up his passion for being active.  The little outfit I picked out won't fit for a while either, but we're not sure what type of weather to expect here for October and the stores were full of summer stuff so we got something that will work when we know it will be sunny out.  

Showing off the goods we bought today while sitting in my new favorite chair

Wow, what a day!  We feel so blessed and in shock at what lies ahead.  Life is an adventure and I'm so lucky to have an awesome husband to go through it with.  We can't wait to meet our Little Miss Sunshine!   

21 Weeks: Happy Mother's day and my first lesson in parenting

Yes, in case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm one of "those" people who plans on posting a picture every week for the next 4 months.  Since we've recently moved away from all our family and friends I especially want them to be a part of our journey.

Look at that belly!  I'm quite proud of it, although it is still on the small end.  

By far the best part of this last week was getting my mother's day present from Brett.  He got me a pregnancy body pillow and it is heavenly!  The thing is huge and it takes up lots of space on the bed, but I've been sleeping better the last few nights so it is worth it.  I know that it will only increase in value as my belly gets bigger and I become increasingly uncomfortable.  The baby is also becoming more active everyday.  I often feel the little kicks and flips throughout the day while driving, sitting, and laying down.  What a wonderful feeling!

And now for the biggest struggle of the last week.  I think I learned my first parenting lesson: I can not always be in control and I shouldn't take things personally when things are out of my control.  Although our little one isn't using their agency yet, I'm sure as they learn and grow I will be reminded of this lesson again and again.  Let me explain.  

You may remember that I mentioned having a doctor's appointment scheduled for Friday.  Friday morning right before I left the house I got a call from the doctor's office.  The nice front desk lady began by apologizing because she knows what a hassle we've had getting into the see the Dr.  My heart sank as she went on to explain the situation that included some issue with another doctor which caused my doctor to be behind schedule and then an added emergency c-section all in one morning.  Long story short, the office is only open for half a day on Friday and they had to cancel all the clinic appointments.  I maintained composure, rescheduled for Wednesday and hung up the phone.  It was then that my emotions got the best of me. I was so upset and frustrated and disappointed and .... embarrassed.    I could easily understand why I was upset and disappointed and frustrated.  After all, I want to see the baby and hear the heart beat and know things are going well.  Those are righteous desires.  I'm also anxious to know the gender so I can move forward with the "planning process."  Also understandable.  What confused me was why I felt so embarrassed.  As I thought about it I realized that I felt like people would/are judging me because we don't know the gender yet and because things have been difficult with transferring to the new doctor.  And maybe you do think that somehow I am lesser of a mother because of these things, but I don't care.  Actually, I do care... but I'm trying not to care.  I realize now that the issues at the doctor's office have been out of my control.  I did everything I could from researching a good doctor with good reviews to being proactive about helping it go as smoothly as possible.  And you know what, it still didn't work our perfectly.  But that is part of life and it is not a reflection on me.  As I said, I'm sure I'll be reminded this lesson again and again but once I processed through the experience this time I felt so much better.  I've been praying for strength to overcome my insecurities and to feel closer to the baby even though we don't know much about it right now.  And its been working, and that is a blessing!  Of course I'll keep you all posted and hopefully soon we'll know something about the little one growing inside of me.

Anyway, on this Mothers Day I am reminded that parenting is not an exact science and no one is perfect but I am so grateful for the wonderful examples of mothering that I have had in my life.  Especially my own mother and my mother in law!  I am also so excited for the chance that I have to be a mother and feel so blessed and I am just trying to remember those blessings despite any trials that are sent my way.