New Favorite Snack

I am taking a step of faith in sharing this with you all. I have a new favorite snack and I am surprised that I am enjoying this food as much as I am. Here it is: sardines in olive oil, on reduced fat club crackers with a drop or 2 of Louisiana hot sauce. I know, it sounds disgusting; but, one afternoon I was rummaging through the pantry looking for something to eat and I saw that we had some sardines. So, I gave them a shot. I was hooked...it was the best snack I've had in a long time. Not sure why. That day I didn't have the hot sauce and it was good...I decided to add the hot sauce and it made it even better. Mmmmmm.

Ankles

If anyone has seen my ankles, can you please let me know where they have gone off to?? Throughout my pregnancy my feet (mainly the left one...go figure) have had some swelling; but, it's been nothing to be concerned about and it would usually go away by the morning. Things are becoming a bit worse. My blood pressure is just fine, so I'm not too worried; however, sometimes the swelling is so much that I don't know if the skin on my feet and ankles can handle it. Anyone else have/had that problem? Any suggestions other than putting my feet up (which I know I need to do)?

Baby Face

At the OB on Monday the Dr. was able to get a good picture of RJ's face.

Is he not just the cutest?? Well, I am a bit partial. Aaron and I are counting down until he arrives. We can't wait! The Lord continues to bless and keep us.

Dr. Appts

Today was another long day. I went to the OB this morning around 11:30 because I was concerned about RJ not moving that much After I got there the nurse took my vitals and said that it would be a little while before the ultrasound room would be available. So, Aaron and I went and got some lunch and came back at 1:30. I was hooked up to a monitor to watch the baby's heartbeat for about 45 minutes. After that we made our way back to the waiting room to wait for the ultrasound room to open up. The wait wasn't sooo bad except for the fact that the Food Network was on TV and there were some really good recepies being made. I was starving by the time we got out of there at 4:30. We didn't get home as late as last night...but, it was still a long day. RJ is doing great and we got another picture of his cute little face. We think he might have Aaron's lips.

Tomorrow I've got to make a cardiologist appointment...that one will be a long appointment for sure. Oh well.

Dr. Appointment

Yesterday I had another doctors appointment. This one involved the gestational diabetes test. I will admit the orange drink they gave me was not as bad as I thought it would be. It reminded me a lot of the orange drink that McDonald's has but a little more concentrated. I haven't heard anything back yet...so that might be a good thing. So far everything is going good...no problems. The only thing I am not liking is that by the afternoon I am completely spent. From about 2:00 pm on I just feel uncomfortable. Standing is rough, and it takes effort to find comfortable positions to sit. Usually taking a nap helps. I am most productive in the few hours after I get up in the morning. I don't have that much longer to go so, I think I can bear with it for a little while longer. It's definitely worth it!!

Shoes

Today is the first day in months that I wore shoes that I had to tie. I will think long and hard should I have that inclination again before RJ arrives.

30 Weeks

I am in countdown mode now...in 8 weeks and 6 days RJ is scheduled to be delivered. I have a feeling that these last few weeks are going to fly by, especially if I stay as busy as I have been. Also, we've got a major holiday just before his arrival. Thanksgiving should be fun and interesting. Right now I'm wondering just how much bigger am I going to get in the next 8 weeks. It feels like there is absolutely no more room for him to grow and that he's already trying to stretch his legs, and that can be a little painful and scary at times. I will admit that I feel better now that the room is painted; that was a major thing in my mind that needed to get done. Right now we are waiting for the furniture to arrive (any day now) and then we can really start to decorate. It's all exciting and wonderful!!

Rough Morning

I really wasn't sure what to call this post...but the title does accurately describe how my morning was. I will not go into great detail...but this morning I noticed some bleeding and around 8:15, I called Aaron crying, out of fear that there was a problem with the baby. I called the OB who told me to come in to see what's going on. At first I was very worried, however, after feeling RJ kick and move some, my worries started subsiding. I prayed and acknowledged that the Lord has a plan and whatever it may be I will accept it. We arrived at the DR's office. After a little bit they called us back and asked the appropriate questions, checked my blood pressure, and listened for the heartbeat. The heartbeat was in the 140's, which is normal. After being checked out by the OB, everything is normal, in it's place and there is nothing wrong with the baby. We were very thankful of this news. God continues to keep us safe and for that I am very thankful.

Pregnancy Brain

Yes, that's what I have. A friend of ours came over and asked if I had pregnancy brain. I had never heard that term before. However, it would explain A LOT! Not just hormones/emotions...mini rollercoaster rides. It explains the extreme forgetfulness. One weekend I think I asked Aaron about a dozen times what our plans were for the weekend...and we were in the weekend. That's bad! I get worried because I am active in the AWANA ministry, and I have also vollunteered to help with a woman's conference at church...I don't want to drop the ball out of forgetfulness. So, I pray...and make lists, when I can remember to make lists. I even had to make a list of what posts I had planned on putting on here because they came to mind and I didn't want them to fade away. Also, after talking to a couple ladies at church I was informed that it doesn't get any better...I guess I'm going to have to find new names for it. I think I can use "Baby Brain" for a while.

Dr. Visit

Today's doctor visit went very well. There is nothing to be concerned with; there was no irregularity in the heart beat. Everything has formed correctly and there is no cause for concern. And, as a side note...this had to be the shortest visit I think I've had at a doctor's office. God is always working.

Goodwill Goodies

Friday I went to Goodwill to look for some more maternity clothes...I was able to find 3 pairs of pants; two black and one pair of jeans for $12.50. The two black pants still have the tags attached (as do a lot of the maternity pants they have at Goodwill). The jeans look new; as best I can tell. So, I would say I got a pretty good deal.

Progression

I always like to see pictures showing a progression... here's what we got:























































The top picture is at 15 weeks. The next one was at 17 weeks. The one below them was at 21 weeks...I think. The last picture was the "Battle of the Bellies". Dad won that one...I think I've almost got it in the bag...may need a couple more weeks to seal my lead.

The Verdict

The doctor's visit was pretty long today because when I was scheduled for my appointment I wasn't scheduled for the ultrasound therefore I had to be fitted in. Oh well, things happen. Soooo, they were able to fit me in and perform the ultrasound. And, what did we find out? Well, IT'S A BOY!! And after we saw that it was a boy, he didn't want to cooperate...we had invaded his privacy. Can't say I blame him. So, Raymond James will be here in a few more months. Now it's time to shop!

On a more serious note, while listening the heartbeat, it was irregular at times. Most likely this is nothing, but, we are being sent to a pediatric cardiologist (the one I actually saw when I was younger) to further check it out. I know the Lord has everything in his hands and this is another opportunity to trust Him. If you would please pray for this, I would appreciate it.

Cravings

On an earlier post I mentioned a craving for artichokes...particularly the heart. Well, last night I finally satisfied that craving. Oh my, was it good!! It's been a while since I've had artichokes and it was well worth the wait. A few minutes ago I got the craving for hominy. That's something I haven't had in a little while either. I find myself thinking about food a lot...probably more than I should. And, after reading V's post A Visit With Mom and Dad, it just made my mouth water thinking about all the fresh veggies and southern cookin'. Is it lunch time yet??

Cast Your Vote!

I've added a poll on the right hand side...Is it a Boy or a Girl? The next Dr. Appt is on August 4th, and the poll will close that day and hopefully I will announce what we are having.

Hooray for Shea!!

In an effort not to get stretch marks on my belly I moisturize daily. I was talking to a friend one night and she recommended coco butter. I have heard that it does the trick. After going to the store multiple times and forgetting coco butter altogether; I noticed that I had a container of pure shea butter. So, I decided to give it a whirl; also, now is a good time to put it to use since it's been sitting on my counter for a few months. I think it smells great and it makes my skin soft ALL day long. We'll see what happens in the months to come, if it's doing the trick or not. It is helping with itching, so that's a plus!

1/2 Way

It's official... I am half way through pregnancy!! I am really praying that we will be able to see if we are having a boy or a girl at the next Dr. visit. But, if not, that's ok as well. I went to Babies-R-Us the other day and was completely overwhelmed. So much stuff!! A friend from church, who recently had a baby, has invited me over to get a feel of what all I will need right away. Thank you S.; I need help! I also have pregnancy journal and calendar that I need to update before I forget the things that have happened. I am also looking forward to buying the furniture...we have already picked out what we are going to get; we just have to go get it. We also know what decor we are going with providing we know if it's a boy or girl. Mom wants to know just so she can start shopping...I'm glad I can give her an excuse. I'm getting the feeling that now is when things really start moving. Here we go!!!

If you are wondering what decor we will go with...here are some pictures. Ladybug for a girl and Soft and Fuzzy Pooh for a boy.

Dr. Appt.

I've got a Dr.'s appointment in a little while. I'm going to try to talk him into sneaking a peak to see what we're having. I'll let you know how it turns out.

... Didn't get to sneak a peek. That's ok. It's a Go for next appointment on Aug. 4. Can't wait!!!

I Know

So, this morning I was just lying in bed wrestling with the idea of being productive today when I felt it...it was kinda like a little thump in my lower stomach. I put my hand on my stomach and I felt it again...a little thump. Then I thought to myself...maybe it's just a muscle spasm. I waited a few more minutes and it happened again...a little thump. Even a couple weeks before, I thought I could feel a little something, but was never sure that it was actually the baby. Now I am sure. I think he/she was telling me "Get up lazy!" But, now I know what I felt!

Restrictions

If it's not one thing it's another...first I can't eat sushi; now I'm not allowed to sleep on my back...or stomach. I can sleep on my side...however; it's not a very restful sleep. I know, it's what's best for the baby; it's just not the most comfortable. However, on the bright side, I already have a belly pillow that Aaron got for me on Mother's day. So, I'm set with that!