For the Love of French

A propos du temps

2012-02-16T21:03:00.003-07:00

It has been over a month since the last post.

My baby is less than a month shy of a year old.

She makes every second of my day wonderful.

She has three bottom teeth and no top teeth.

She tries to say "I Love You" in sign language and it looks like she is shooting you, but she does it.

She loves to take the DVD's and Game Console Games off of the book shelf. I haven't figured out how to teach her to put them back up.

She can stand on her own, but doesn't trust herself, so she doesn't.

She nurses on average one time a night, and it isn't as much for her right now, I think she could care less.

She doesn't let me put her to sleep at night, only Daddy can do it, unless she is so exhausted she just lays there.

Her curls on the top of her head are just plain adorable.

She laughs when you laugh.

She says hello and goodbye when your back is turned.

She like to sing herself to sleep half the time.

She loves to dance.

Tangled is her favorite movie/show.

She got to meet her Great Grandmother Connie for the first time.

She often says "dadadada" when I ask her to say "Mama".

She is the love of our lives and has a perfect smile.

Dix Mois

2012-01-14T12:40:00.002-07:00

It is ridiculous how fast it has flown....she is pulling herself up on things...and sitting down again, she can sit up from lying down...she is attempting to walk between the two of us. Last night she was falling asleep standing in her crib as she was crying in protest. Her tooth is halfway out. She says hi and bye by yelling and waving her arm. She claps and says bababababa and makes the sound of an elephant by pressing her lips together and blowing. I can ask her for a kiss and she will drop her suss and open her mouth to give me one (only when she really wants too). I can also ask for Eskimo kisses and she will lean her forehead in to mine and then we kiss with our noses. I love my little girl and a year is around the corner.....

Noël deux partie

2012-01-04T05:13:00.002-07:00

Trying to figure out what to do with what has been handed to her

I tore a bit for her to see what she would do

She just looked at it

So I opened another one more while I opened the first one

Look how excited she is, this was her first gift that we opened

She had to taste it to make sure it wasn't poison

Mmmmm stocking stuffers

A stuffed moose from her Memere Rosie

Next to her stuffed moose is a stuffed broccoli from her Memere Rosie too

Her interactive kitchen set, she was thrilled with that thing

And she was thrilled with the hungry caterpillar apple stuffed with fruit and a caterpillar

And climbing on the bed

Look at how cute

Look at those eyes

See she loves that thing

And then she tells you hello/goodbye

Noël un cadre

2011-12-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

The first time Mama Bear sat on Santa's lap she didn't cry, this is the second time and she was still recovering from the croup.

Mama Bear reading book that had been in the church lost and found for about 1.5 years.

And reading it to the camera too.

This was Christmas Eve, and this is what Mama Bear went caroling in...isn't she cute?

It was a 3 month size, small for her, but we managed and she makes small look good.

Christmas day in her Christmas dress before church.

Playing with empty gift boxes before church.

Grandma's keys, my favorite.

9 mois avec la croupe

2011-12-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

In our family we like to celebrate 9 months into the world with croup. We have really been blessed to have such a healthy baby. Taking 9 months to get sick is a miracle. And yet it is so heartbreaking to see the little one feeling so yucky. So Tuesday we took Mama Bear to the doctors because of her barking cough. It also just so happened to be her 9 month birthday, she weighs 18lbs even. She is on a steroid for the bark and chilling to get rid of the cold. But here is a video of my sad baby today.

On another note, I got a new job. A dream job in comparison. I am a 10 minute walk away from work, 3 minutes in the car if I get the red light and 1.5 minutes otherwise. I can come home and nurse Mama Bear during my one hour lunch. Which means I will be home more during my daughters waking moments than before. I won't be spending so much commute time and I can teach James how to drive the clutch (now that we had a new one put in thanks to new and old home teachers). James can then take the 30 mpg car to work and I can take the 20 mpg car to work which will save us at least 100 bucks a month. This job has a wonderful camaraderie, and there are 3 Veterinarians in one place. And they offer benefits. Eat your heart out Michael (Jackson).

Les Schtroumpfs

2011-12-11T14:20:00.001-07:00

We had a great party in honor of the Smurfs! Mama Bear was even a Smurf, baby Smurf. Thanks to all who came, and thanks to Kitty for hosting and practically planning it while I was at work. It was a blast!

Yeux de ma Fille

2011-12-06T20:55:00.001-07:00

What color are they?

Huit mois et en pleine

2011-11-27T13:44:00.001-07:00

This is her getting acquainted with the scary bath tub

Days before we were actually able to use it for bath time

And now, happy bath time!

Princess Rose

And of course, the big crawl

Offrent:Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

2011-11-16T20:39:00.001-07:00

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

These toys are great, I wish I could afford them all, but in honor of the holiday season they are offering a great discount! Check it out!

And don't forget to take the poll!

Spectacle de Reptiles

2011-11-14T06:47:00.001-07:00

I love me some bananas

We went to the Reptile show as a family

Ooh D'oie Effrayant

2011-11-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

Out little Canadian Goose

From Behind

She probably didn't need that much neck...but it's ok

For my Ontario folks, you will understand

And just cuz I can, Mama Bear says "I Love You" with her hand

Liste de Livres

2011-10-30T20:07:00.003-06:00

Well I can say I have finished three books out of my list of 26 that I want to read by 27.

The Hunger Games series.

I finished the first two in a week and the thrird one took another week (just because I didn't have as much time to read).

Now I am beginning The Help.

More suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

ps I will put some pictures up of Mama Bear's costume in the not so distant future. And yesterday I heard her say mamamamam for the first time.

Mère Fière

2011-10-22T22:47:00.001-06:00

You know what I think is funny?
When I don't have to brag about how cute my child is because other mothers do it for me.
Mama Bear and I went today to go "fishing" with some friends. They were sorta fishing and I was trying to make it possible for them to actually catch one, it didn't work.
One of the friends were fairly new friends and didn't really know Mama Bear.
The other friend knew Mama Bear pretty well.
The friend told the fairly new friend all about the fun and cute things Mama Bear does and I didn't have to open my mouth. I loved it.

The other thing I realized today as I was showering is that never in my life did I expect to want someone to bathe me and shower me and shave my legs for me until now...well until having a child.
As a mother (and a working mother as well) I am lucky to get 2 showers a week (Is that gross, cuz I think it is but it is true). I end up being exhausted when I finally get a shower in and find it a huge chore as opposed to a pleasure. For a shower to be a pleasure I would like someone else to do it for me, they would probably do a better job too, and scrub my scalp real well like when you get your hair cut, and there would never be 20 stray hairs on my leg after I went over all of my leg twice with the razor. And I wouldn't have tons of dead skin wash off every time I showered.

So if anyone really wanted too, you could donate to Rebekah's dream shower fund, or really I would like to have a fund set up to James and I back to Canada. I would sacrifice my squeaky clean body to get my husband back to Canada with his daughter to meet his side of the family. I would like to go too but if I can just get him and the babe up there I would be happy as well.

And because I can...

Plage sur une journée venteuse

2011-10-09T19:33:00.003-06:00

Caption contest

I look fat, Mama Bear looks uber cute

I buried her feet in the sand

Je souhaite une image pourrait capturer l'émotion

2011-09-27T20:33:00.001-06:00

Tonight after I unloaded the groceries from the car I went to unload the sleeping baby. I sat in the back seat next to her and my heart leaped out of my chest with love, a love that can never be explained. This is a love that is so sacred and precious that words do not exist for it. And as I sat there in that moment of utter bliss I thought, I wish I could take a picture. No, I wish a picture could capture emotion. No matter how many pictures I take, not one of them will show what I see in Mama Bear. And I guess I like it that way, and at other times I wish I could share with you how I truly feel about my beautiful daughter.

There are many times where my mind takes its own pictures, and I wish I could remember them my whole life long. However, I know that I won't. Just today it took about 4 or 5. One with her Daddy. I love my little family.

On another note, Mama Bear had her 6 month check up today. This equated to 4 needles. She did ok, she is a baby and had something sharp poke her skin, she reacted in a normal way even though it is sad to see her hurt. The doctor was impressed with her coordination and her vocabulary of vast consonants and vowels. She is 26.5 inches long (75%) and 15.12lbs (50%). She is perfect and the doc said her teeth are shifting (moving getting ready to get ready to break through?). Our perfect little girl with her itty bitty curl in the middle of her forehead is perfect.

Cours de Natation

2011-09-21T08:12:00.001-06:00

Amusant Hôpital

2011-09-17T21:31:00.000-06:00

See she wasn't sick...just wanted to go to a new place to play...she loves to play.

Récréation

2011-09-13T09:32:00.001-06:00

Playing with the new phone. Ashley's blog mentioned there was an app for blogger now here I am using it.

Menteur et Confus

2011-09-09T21:53:00.000-06:00

Low and behold I found out on Wed that my daughter is not going on 6.5 months old...she is indeed today only 5 months and 27 days. I was counting I promise, but only in 4 week intervals. Go figure. So how old was she when I started her on baby food? Beats me, I have no idea. I feel kida silly about it, I guess it makes more sense to count 1 month from the 13th to the 13th of a month...oh well live and learn.

Tomorrow will be swim classes for the Mama Bear, they say 6 months and up....she will only be 3 days from 6 months...if I count to the 13th and not to 30 days. On another note, she is still sitting up well.

On another nother note, Mallory I finally put it in the mail today!!!! Out of my hands and into the hands of the good ole USPS

And there is is folk, a liar and confused.

Mallory Gagne!!!

2011-09-01T20:10:00.001-06:00

There was a great turn out for this giveaway, I guess I am just as popular as I thought...either that or because I didn't put exactly what I was giving away it wasn't worth it and no one trust how exciting my envelope or package could have been...2 things for the record...

1. I did put the number in random.org, but it only let me do 1-2, so I had to do it twice in order to pick the only comment that existed.

2. I did bring a little box home from work to put something good in....so Mallory!!!! you win!!! email me your address and I will put something in the mail when I get back from holiday on Monday (well Tuesday).

Concours gratuit

2011-08-29T21:10:00.000-06:00

I finally got my laughing baby video up, and in honor of that, and the fact that I said number 150 would be a giveaway...here is a giveaway! Free contest according to the title, but the French don't have an equivalent to giveaway that I could find.

So what am I giving away? That is a real good question...there is a great possibility that it will be contained in an envelope, but then again I may go all out and put it in a box. As soon as I decide what it will be, I will put it together to make sure I actually mail it out...I promise!!

Rules: 1. You must follow this blog, then post to say you have (or you already do).
2. if you share the giveaway on facebook with a link to the blog, comment and say you did (I will check).
3. leave another comment telling me what you think would make this blog better (you know it needs it).

There are three possible entries, unless you want to put separate entries for what I could do to improve my blog. One idea per entry. That is up to you all. You have till Thursday September 1st to enter...at noonish? I will randomly pick the winner and then email (or ask for an email to email) so that I can get an address to mail their prize!!! Happy go lucky

Six mois de pommes de terre sucre

2011-08-28T19:44:00.001-06:00

look at those toes, you can see her little webbed ones on this picture


that butterfly decided to die on James' bumper this morning, I decided to put it on the baby for pictures this afternoon

6 months has gone by so fast. I am still waiting to see if our little girl is going to have red hair...it only looks like it in pictures and when the light hits it just right.

She can sit up on her own...for 3 seconds at a time, I know she has all the muscles for it, she just needs the balance/confidence in herself.

She has now had rice cereal, peas, and sweet potato. I have made peas, broccoli, and carrots, but have not fed her the home made stuff yet.

She is now babysat about 3 days a week as my new job is looking more like a full time vs part time job (which we are ok with, because we need the income)

She loves to talk and talk and talk. And in the video on the last post, she is talking to me on the phone. She is even more talkative now.

She falls asleep in her swing every night now. We are ok with that, we will try the self-soothing when she gets a bit older.

She can still fit in some 3 month clothes, and I like to use 12-24m shirts as dresses on her for church.

I am pretty sure she is teething, but I have said that since she was 4 months old. The only difference now is that she is coughing and has a runny nose for seconds at a time throughout the day. And the drool picks up when she is chewing on something.

I am excited to introduce fruits to her. I am slow with this whole food thing not for fear, but because I have a hard time finding the right time to feed her where she isn't starving or full. And when I am not too tired to do it (since I am not using jarred foods too much [or intend not to]).

She reaches for her toys, and she still hates tummy time, but instead of crying now, she just rolls over again and again and again (till I stop turning her back to her tummy).

I plan on uploading a video of her laughing once blogger decides to cooperate.

It is getting cooler outside, which means we can bring baby girl outside more, that and now we can use sunscreen being that the doc said not to until 6 months old.

Her 6 month check up will be when she is almost 7 months, I am pretty excited to see how she is doing...I know she is growing for sure.

We took her a couple weeks ago to get photos done at Sears for the free collage. She was all smiles which made for a better shoot than when she didn't know how to smile.

Our baby is pretty cute, and I know that we have set her up for a lifetime of people calling her Rosemary vs Rose-Marie, but that is ok, people call me Rachel all the time....even when I am not around a Rachel.

Dernier jour du cinquième mois

2011-08-27T21:51:00.000-06:00

Matin bonne

2011-08-24T20:19:00.000-06:00

I love the mornings when my husband leaves for work before I wake up. Because he comes in an kisses me on the cheek and that is the first thing I wake up to. Sometimes I wish he went to work every day before I woke up.

Soupe de pois cassés

2011-08-21T20:30:00.000-06:00

I hope our baby loves all foods like she loves rice cereal and peas.

Today she ate the rest of the jar of peas and then some cereal on top of that...she is pretty cute.

As far as my bucket list...well I did do dishes once this week, I washed some before dinner, but not as many as I would like. And I didn't work out 3 times this past week, but now that I am not babysitting and working...I might be able to find time. I mean I will find time.

This is where our baby falls asleep every night, and I am just fine with it because it involves very little crying.

Liste Seau: Bucket List of 26

2011-08-14T23:27:00.000-06:00

So an old companion of mine does this every year....this year I decided I should go for it, well after talking to another friend about it....so here is my bucket list of 26:

1. Finish the Book of Mormon once

2. Sing all the Primary Songs to my daughter

3. Visit my Grandmother Connie (specifically before Rose-Marie turns one)

4. Make Rose-Marie a dress with the patterns I bought all by myself (I am very intimidated to use patterns)

5. Do the dishes at least once a week :)

6. Find someway to tour an aircraft carrier

7. Eat vegetables every day

8. Have the missionaries over for dinner once a quarter

9. Read from Preach My Gospel for FHE lessons once a month

10. Go on a date with my husband at least once a month (even if it is just something extra special at home..planned)

11. Find someplace in Tampa to do Karaoke and go at least twice

12. Teach myself and my daughter Sign Language

13. (Halfway there) Go to the temple at least 4 times...but hopefully way more than that

14. Make my daughters first birthday cake, fancy cake style (hopefully we will have enough people to eat it)

15. Keep a job longer than 6 month...even if I get bored (I have done it before)

16. Get a simple hymn book and actually learn how to play the piano

17. Get out of debt (excluding student loans)

18. Go to a concert of someone I want to see

19. Become a better chef (which means I will also have to cook more)

20. Leave my husband more love notes on a regular basis

21. Exercise on a regular basis (at least 3 times a week?) ((I hate exercise))

22. Lose the last 20lbs of my baby weight, and maybe even get to my pre mission weight (and keep it off)

23. Read at least 26 different books (you all can help me start a list if you want)

24. Keep the blog updated at least once a week (and find a way to make it more interesting)

25. Find a source of volunteer work to become more active in the community

26. Splurge on at least one overnight for just my husband and I

ps. my French titles may not be perfect, but it is a start to making my blog more interesting

Happy 26th to me!

5 months old

2011-07-31T15:39:00.000-06:00

5 months old...this was earlier in the week.

She gets scared when the tub drains, and this is what she looks like when she reacts.

And in honor of her 5 month...she has now had rice cereal. She did a good job, and I think she will be taking to this eating thing fast. She took about 10 or so bites and then got mad I think because she wasn't getting food fast enough. So I nursed her longer than she normally does after that and gave her another 5 bites of cereal. Now it all will go by fast...by the end of next week we will have introduced a vegetable or something...I'm a little nervous about it, I don't even know how much or how often to attempt pureed solids.

Job Hunt

2011-07-25T20:25:00.000-06:00

I hate the job hunt....oh well it is a must. The Sunday before last I got fired via text during sacrament, when my boss knew I was at church. She said she changed her work schedule and didn't need me anymore. The week before she had asked me to cover days in August, so whatever happened, happened fast, and when I went there the next day to get my stuff the new nanny was there. Oh well. I don't have to worry about being under paid...I was paid 4.27 an hour to watch 4 kids, and was gone from my home 15 hours a day. I also don't have to worry about my daughter getting bit by the ant problem that infested her house any more.

On another note, I have had a couple leads for jobs, but only one has lead to an interview so far. I have an interview on Wed after the baby has her 4 month check up. It is to be a mad scientist. A program to help make science fun for grade school children. You get your own mad scientist name..ie the guy who will be interviewing me is dynamite dave...I guess I could be radioactive rebekah? It would be fun, and it would start off part time. After school programs, some during school presentation, summer camps, and so on. I wonder if they can request specific mad scientists and I could get people to request me. It would be independent contracting work which is ok, I just prefer w-2. But with 3 of us this year we still shouldn't have to worry too much about taxes, plus my gas can be written off.

The baby is doing great. She still pretty much sleeps through the night. Last night she slept 9 hours without waking up and then slept another couple hours before waking up for the day. She loves to sneeze and cough. If she is in the middle of crying and sneezes, she stops and smiles, and then the crying is done. Not as much as with a cough, but she still smiles when she coughs. She still doesn't roll over from front to back as often as I would like. She does it once every two or three weeks now, but she still knows how. She is so close to rolling over from back to front. She will roll onto her side and then roll her hips all the way over but won't roll her shoulders over. I know she could do it, she probably just hates being on her stomach enough that she knows she doesn't want to roll over.

Some days her hair looks more red to me, sometimes in pictures it is the same color as mine, sometimes it is blonde, and sometimes it is brown.....one day we might know her true hair color. Her eyes, I think they are going to be green...they are changing more each day.

Mama Bear loves her Mommy's water bottle

Through the pack'n'play

It was the perfect size for her head

Out cold with her foot in the air and hand on her "suss" in our free swing

She is just so cute! Daddy took this picture

Baby Babble

2011-07-09T13:03:00.000-06:00

Giveaway

2011-07-05T11:57:00.000-06:00

So I decided to do a giveaway at 150 posts. I am at 139 with this one.....I don't know what it will be, and I don't know what the requirements will be to enter....but it will be done, so be on the lookout.

testing

2011-06-30T11:32:00.000-06:00

First Swim

2011-06-27T11:30:00.000-06:00

A little hesitant about what will soon happen

She likes it!

Kick, Kick, Kick

Just Keep Swimming

Smile for the camera

Fun swimming with Daddy

Last Minute to Atlanta

2011-06-24T22:05:00.000-06:00

First here are some bridals from 2 years ago

Dad took all these photos and the ones below

We got there last Thursday, and on Friday we went to the dance recital for my sisters at the end of their dance camp

Rose-Marie was asked to dance during audience participation, I helped her a bit

Looks at the end of the recital

The next day we went to the Botanical Gardens

We took some family photos

I don't like this one of me

Reading to the frogs in the garden


I was holding Rose-Marie in her spot and leaning into mine....not very easy

She is 3 months old....as if

2011-06-06T08:50:00.000-06:00

Daddy helped her fall asleep last night. This was the first time is a while that Daddy has tried putting her to sleep, he is such a good Daddy.

That's my cute baby...and here is a cute video of her as well...just talking to us.

She has me bursting from the seams with love

2011-06-01T14:26:00.000-06:00

At just a half a week shy of 3 months old.....my beautiful precious baby girl.....

rolled over, and I caught the first one on camera....

then I put her on her stomach again just to watch her do it again...and we stopped at two, we will do it again when Daddy gets home so he can watch her do it in person.

She is almost 11 weeks

2011-05-28T14:18:00.000-06:00

I layed her down and she stayed that way for a bit

our little archer

stretch

Play Time

2011-05-18T11:18:00.000-06:00

I am now 9 weeks old.

My new thing is to suck my fist, eventually just getting my index finger in there to gag me

Tummy time is so much more fun with my new mat and mirror

I was laughing for Mommy

My new toy that I am testing out for 2 weeks, but they are letting me keep it after that too

Another hand shot

Happy this morning for mom

Way happy

Way way happy

Sunday Afternoon

2011-05-15T14:14:00.000-06:00

Today is Rose-Marie's 9 week birthday. Right now her and her daddy are napping together on the couch. My two favorite people look so cute on the couch together.

1 day old

Friday we took her to Sears to get professional photos done...she did a good job and we found a good photo to get, but while there we saw a tiny newborn there. I asked them how old he was...only 21 days and he was born at 8lbs something. Our daughter use to be smaller than that, and it is hard to believe. Though she is still small I feel like I totally missed her newborn stage. Oh well, time to enjoy her alert learning eyes. And snuggling with her, as now it feels a little more like she is snuggling as opposed to just sleeping in our arms.

She sleeps anywhere from 5 to 8.5 hours a night. I really can't complain about that. She doesn't like to sleep during the day, I think she feels like she is going to miss out on something.

We all went to the bookstore the other day, and I found a nice tummy time mat for her for 50% off. She loves it, and it came with a nice mirror for on her tummy. Now tummy time is fun, and not boring. And she is doing so well with it.

65 days old

Besides the first full Sunday at church, she doesn't sleep through it. She loves church, and daddy noticed today that she is noticing other people. She can recognize that it is people vs blurrs walking past her. I sure do love our little girl.

Mother's Day #1

2011-05-08T15:37:00.001-06:00

Here is to my Mother's Day number one. In honor, we went to California Pizza Kitchen last night. It was oh sooooo goooood. This mama sure does love her pizza. And now a picture or two of the reason I get to be a mom on mother's day

Happy 2 months Mama Bear

More pictures

2011-05-04T16:27:00.000-06:00

TUMMY TIME

I CAN HOLD MY HANDS TOGETHER

CONTENT

I LOOK FAT HERE, BUT MOMMY NEEDED A PIC OF THE TWO OF US

LOOK CLOSELY AND YOU CAN SEE THE LINT I LIKE TO COLLECT

Take freakin' 3

2011-04-27T10:02:00.000-06:00

Dumb google has been crashing my browser...I attempted to save my post last time in two ways and still lost it...dumb.

So long story even shorter than the second time.

Bubby, Grandad, Aunt Amelia, and Aunt Izzy sent down a package that got here on Monday.

It had lots of wonderful things in it. Rose-Marie is in one of the outfits that James even said was cute, she is sleeping in the bouncer chair now as well. We had her on the activity mat last night. We will use the diapers soon, and I am way excited to use her bathing suits.

Bubby sent an 18-24 month outfit that made me tear up thinking about her one day fitting into it, it is way to big and neither James or I want to have her get that big. And yet at the same time I look at her and yearn for the mommy daughter dates, and daddy daughter dates, and he snuggling up to me and crying on my shoulder when she has fallen down and hurt herself, or if her heart gets broken. Of course if her heart gets broken she will be crying on my shoulder while her dad goes out and hunts that boy down to give him a good talkin' to ;)

My 6 week is today, which means I can get the go ahead to work out and I will make my goal fitting into my old dispatch uniform. Daddy is going to meet us there.

Easter

2011-04-24T16:30:00.000-06:00

This is what it is all about. So I can have this child for eternity. Christ suffered and was resurrected for that.

And here is a cute head shot, and you can see her little rosette just to the right on her forehead.

Swift makes me Sing

2011-04-21T12:43:00.000-06:00

Well today was the one month check up....She screamed like crazy when she got her one shot. I am thrilled for the 4 shots next month...not.

11 lbs 4 oz

22" long

15" head circumfrence

After the doctors we went to 2 stores, one to get glue to keep the mirror up on my rear window so I can see her while I am driving, and then to the grocery store. When we got home Rose-Marie was awake and in a playful mood, so she spent some time on her activity mat and some on the couch next to me. I had some music playing in the background from the 360 and all the sudden Taylor Swift came on.

Watch me taking after Mom

When I was pregnant with Baby Girl I sang all the time way loud in the car to the radio, so I know she has heard that song many of times. As soon as the song came on she started coooing, so that only can mean that she is obviously singing, and she was smiling too. So as soon as I grabbed the camera her cooing came to almost a complete stop, but at least she was smiling and dancing. So here is the video up on her youtube page. And all that singing and dancing proved quite intense for her, so now she is passed out on the couch next to me.

The other night she slept for 7.5 hours, quite nice...last night it was about 6 hours, still nice even though I didn't sleep as well last night. It is quite impressive as to how fast babies grow. Everyone tells you they grow fast, and of course they do, but it is amazing how fast, and it is also amazing that I notice it considering how non-observant I am.

And on the 7th day he rested...

2011-04-16T08:59:00.000-06:00

We really have no idea how long it took the Lord to create the earth, but it says 7 days in the scriptures. I do know that He really is amazing. My child is 5 weeks old tomorrow, and I look at her in wonder and amazement.

Her birth was a real waiting game, first waiting for the approval for my husband to agree to us on having kids at that time. Then getting pregnant (which didn't take long, which we are extremely grateful). The we had to wait the grueling long 9 months of gestation. We really didn't have to wait that long before we were able to introduce one of God's children in the world, many people have to wait much longer even years.

And now I look at this beautiful baby girl, the one who is beginning to show and develop her personality. The one who collects tons of lint in her fingers and toes and neck. The one who is fairly colicky every night and likes to keep us up until 2am (or daddy as I sleep while feeding her). The little girl who is losing her brown hair and blonde hair is growing in. The precious mama bear who can't decide if she wants straight hair or curly as every day some curls appear and others disappear. This precious Rose-Marie who spent about 10 minutes talking to us and smiling at us. I even think she almost laughed and it just made us the happiest parents in the world. I sit here and look at her and wonder how on earth the Lord was able to form this little bundle of perfection in 9 months. Despite the fact I was so impatient on her getting her, it is a marvel that this living breathing joy provider was formed in her entirety in only 9 months. The Lord is really miraculous.

I am so grateful that I have such a wonderful family. Sometimes her screams just make me happy because it makes me know that I am a parent, and at some point in time I will be able to comfort her and she will stop crying. That one day this little girl will call me mom and dad dad. That some day all three of us will snuggle on the couch just because she wants to (not to mention all the times we will just want to snuggle with her). Though it hasn't "hit" me that I am a mother, I imagine it will be like when I was a missionary. It won't be like an "ah ha" moment. One day I will look back and just say, I sure hope I was as good as a mother as I could be and realize then that I was a mother the whole time. I wouldn't trade any of this for the world, even if she is colicky for a long time.

Already Missing

2011-04-12T03:22:00.000-06:00

Rose-Marie is now officially Rose-Marie Suzanne as she had her baby blessing on her one month birthday.

Daddy did such a wonderful job, I was nervous for him on top of him being nervous, and I had no reason to be nervous it turns out.

She was blessed in the same gown I was blessed in 25.5 years ago. That was pretty cool. I tried some photo shoot, but the lighting sucked, so I only got a few good pictures. And here they are.

I like this one because it looks like she has red hair....James, not so much.

The above two are from the ones I took with good lighting...maybe I will try for some more today.

Manatee's live in the ocean

2011-04-01T09:12:00.000-06:00

Since I haven't updated my journal about our baby yet, I will write things on here about her.

She isn't afraid to fart like a grown man, but she is afraid to burp in public...or she tries to disguise them as grunts if she must.

She is like one of those baby dolls I had when I was a little girl with weighted eyes, if I lay her down her eyes close and as soon as I pick her up they open.

I totally missed the perfect photo op for her the other day. When I was at work I held the phone up to her ear so daddy could talk to her and she grabbed the phone with both hands and was totally holding that phone like a pro.

That silly photo of her smiling, my favorite one, I see that smile at least twice a day. I love that it is an everyday smile.

She is totally a daddy's girl, she somehow knows when daddy is going to be home and manages to be awake when he gets home. It is quite impressive.

Also the other day when I was at work I didn't get my camera out like I should have, but before school the kids I nanny for were hanging out around Rose-Marie and were singing her lullaby's to try and get her back to sleep, it was the cutest ever, if they do it again I will get video.

Now that the rain has passed the 4 of us, Mommy, Daddy, Rose-Marie, and Grandma are going to go see the manatees, cuz g'ma has never seen them before.

Oh how the days go by

2011-03-24T19:26:00.002-06:00

Everyday I notice something different about her, something that changes that will make her into who she will be. It is pretty cool.

She is one week and 4 days old. I am getting a little better about not falling asleep while putting her back to sleep after feeding her at night. It is so hard.

I had/have a real bad infection from the tears...I have been put on two anti-biotics and now I am finally healing...pregnancy and labor and delivery weren't bad at all...but then the post-partum seems to be my downfall. My emotions have pretty much been in check so far, but I'm not out of the clear there yet either, I hear the real post-partum depression can hit after 3 weeks.

And the above picture...you know which one, is my favorite of our little girl so far, but she is pretty good with her pictures anyway. Can't wait for her grand-dad to come down so we can get a professional family photo of the three of us.

Journal Beginning (Long Labor Story)

2011-03-15T19:14:00.004-06:00

Daddy says tonight would be a good night to start writing in my journal again. He is right...but I'm too tired now to do it...I think I am going to at least type out the labor and delivery here though.

Saturday March 12th 2011, 2am

This is when I first noticed mild cramping, like menstrual cramping. Everyone always says that when you start having contractions you will know. That is a lie, I didn't know. I didn't recognize my uterus itself contracting like I did with the Braxton-Hicks contractions, but there was pain, which I didn't have with the Braxton-Hicks. So I figured this was something different and possibly the beginning of labor (which it was). The cramping wasn't bad and it only happened once every 30 plus minutes, I wasn't really counting. The other thing was that I wasn't tired at all. It was already 2am and I wasn't tired, and I thought...this might be a problem, watch me go into labor just because it would happen when I got no sleep because I just wasn't tired. I probably slept 4 hours, but probably less.

James finally woke up, and I got out of bed and sat around the house more. I told him I thought I might be having real contractions and that we might have a baby this weekend. But we went about our day as planned. At 1pm there was a baptism at the church for an investigator and I went. I did notice that while there these cramps were about 20 minutes apart. At that time I was sure they were contraction (except I wasn't sure also). They are still just mild menstrual cramps. When I got home we left for the Strawberry Festival, which also meant there was going to be lots of walking. We got there and decided not to pay for parking and went to the grocery store instead. There was a contraction that occurred there that shot down my leg, stopped me for a minute, but that was the only one that did that.

We got home and I ate some chips and a little frozen microwave meal, cuz one of my greatest fears of labor was puking while in labor. James took a nap and I watched TV and counted contractions. By 6pm they were on average 5 minutes apart. I told James that we should pack up the last minute things (ie toothbrush) and go to the hospital. I did take a hot shower then too, cuz my cousin said something about if it stops in the shower then it isn't true labor, or something like that. I still had like 2 contractions in the shower, so we left for the hospital. James mentioned in the car as we were parking that it felt like we shouldn't be there. And it did. I was able to talk normally through the contractions and walk normal and everything. In fact after we got in there and were about to check in there was another woman with a towel between her legs catching the leaking water. I didn't have that. So we got in, and I got into my gown and sure enough these mild cramps were actually contractions. Not only that, but I was no longer a tight 1cm, I was actually a 4cm! And no longer 0% effacement but 75%. Yay, we were actually going places and they weren't going to send us home. They moved us from triage into a labor and delivery room and we were going to be there until she arrived. So we got to the hospital at 7pm.

After checking in the contractions were about 6 to 8 mins apart, something like that. There were occasional contractions that I had to stop and breath through, but I was thinking that this was going pretty well. Still not sure what was to come though, and still wasn't against having the epidural if I needed one.

The contractions finally started to get more intense. More so that I had to stop and breath through all of them, at 5 mins apart. And then, and then, the pain moved into back labor, and let me tell you, that was the worse. I began to moan through the contractions, in hopes that it would make me feel better, but knowing it wouldn't. At that point in time I knew without a doubt that I wanted an epidural. Downside, I couldn't/didn't want to get it unless I began to progress more because it could possibly slow down labor. I did get pain meds through the IV, stadal, and it doped me up and I slept in between contractions. And the wonderful nurse Chauncy let me get up and take a hot shower once the back labor started. She let me do it for about 15 mins or so.

So the back labor wasn't with every contraction, but it was with 15 or so of the contraction between that point in time and the epidural. But the regular contractions were getting more intense as well, and Baby Girl knew when I was about to have a contraction and would start moving around. This is how I knew I was about to experience pain, because baby girl started the pain. I never thought I didn't want to feel her moving around, but my uterus was so sore that every movement she made hurt like crazy, then the contraction, and then on top of that, when I thought it couldn't get worse at the peak of a contraction, Baby Girl would move more and that pain would peak even more. Fortunately when the shift change came and the new nurse came in to check me, I had progressed from a 4cm and 90% to a 5cm and probably 98% or 99%. So she was so wonderful and pushed the fluids real fast through so I could get that epidural really fast. They called in the anesthesiologist and she came in and in went the needle and it didn't really hurt and about 15 mins later I didn't hurt, oh it was wonderful and I slept!!!

The epidural was in at about 10am or right about there on Sunday morning March 13th. The nurse also said that the doctor wanted her to start the pitocin, but I said that I wanted the doctor to break the water before doing that. So when the doctor came in at about 11am I guess she broke the water, which had meconium in it. That meant that they were going to have a neonatologist at the birth and that they weren't going to stimulate her to cry right away because they didn't want her to breath in the meconium. If she cried on her own there was nothing they could do to stop that, so another reason to have the neonatologist there so he could try to make it better if she aspirated the meconium. Then they started the pitocin, and contractions went to about 4 minutes apart. I was checked an hour following the water breaking and I was at an 8cm 100% effaced. The doctor then asked her to come in an hour later and start an infusion to try and flush out the meconium before she was born, oh they also put in one of those internal monitors to measure the contractions when they broke the water because of the meconium. Before she started the infusion she checked me and I was at a 9cm. I might have missed some time in there because I was sure it was just about 30 minutes after that last check that they came in to say I was a 10, but there was a point when the contractions were about 1 to 2 minutes apart and I started to feel the contractions again, so we got more meds pumped through the epidural, that was the same time I was at 9cm.

So that last push of epidural I was able to sleep a bit more, and I was almost doped up on sleepiness when they came in for a heart deceleration on the baby. My nurse was with someone else, so another nurse was about the check me, but the doc came in then and said she would check me. And she did and said "You are at a 10, you ready to go?" And in my sleepy state I said, so what does that mean? And she said, "are you ready to push this baby out?" I was like, well I guess. I kicked my mom out and got James more woken up as he went to the bathroom before the show...btw I never noticed the loss of a mucous plug or a bloody show. The doctor was then moving in her utensils and trying to get the staff to assist. Everyone was everywhere else, and she said that we needed to get the baby out before the baby became stressed so she was going to start it. James and I both assumed that this pushing would be longer than 30 mins at least, cuz the nurse said I could be pushing for up to 2 hours...or more.

When we did a trial push there were 3 people besides me in the room, the doctor, my nurse, and James. We brought a chair to James side in case he needed it, but they needed his help because they didn't have all the staff needed. We were waiting for the neonatologist and his nurse, and probably one other nurse. So we did the trial push through the contraction, 3 pushes per contraction. And they then saw the head, so the nurse asked the doctor if she wanted her to turn off the epidural and I said whoa wait, I don't want to feel any of this, and I said but you said I could be pushing for up to 2 hours, and she said, oh it won't be that long, you are going to only be minutes...James and I kinda looked at each other and just didn't know what to think, and then the nurse said that the doctor wouldn't be here if I had more than 30 or so minutes of pushing. That was when I thanked the doctor for being there, and another contraction came I was holding my own leg with some assistance from the upper arm of the doctor while James and I held the other leg. And we pushed...that was 2 contractions and then we had another one almost on top of that, which gave us 3 contractions. I could feel the doctor trying to make room for the baby to get her head out, but no pain, which was good. James even watched. We had another contraction and the doctor said almost there. Just as I was about the push again for another contraction the neonatologist and another nurse came in and out came the baby's head and her shoulders and her! So we started the pushing at 13:57 and she was out at 14:05. She did cry on her own, I got to see her briefly, the doctor said she was big, James didn't get the opportunity to cut the cord because they had to make sure she was ok. The neonatologist grabbed her and began working on her and I was asking James if she was huge and had rolls...I was afraid we had a 10lb baby, not that I would love a 10lb any less. James said not really. Then he went over to watch her and be with her, while the doctor worked on me. She sutured me up before she delivered the baby, she ended up doing an episiotomy to make it better, so 4 stitches on the outside and I had a tear on the inside that couldn't get stitching done because my tissue was being funny and not holding the stitching.

They asked her name and I asked James to go back over to her and see if she looked like a Rose-Marie, he came back and said she did, and so she is Rose-Marie (Suzanne came the next day as an official middle name) Plourde. 7lbs 14oz, which I didn't consider a big baby and 19.5 inches long. Both APGAR scores were a 9, almost perfect. By the time I got to hold her her cone head was almost gone. She had no vernix and wasn't one of the extra hairy baby hair babies. It was wonderful. We got the placenta out and they said it was big, don't know how big because they didn't tell me, and they may not have weighed it while we were there in L&D. But that was how our baby girl entered the world.

Daddy was the perfect labor partner, and oh how he loves his little girl.

Rose-Marie Suzanne Plourde

2011-03-13T17:31:00.004-06:00

graced us with her presence at 14:05 weighing a perfect 7lbs 14oz and 19.5 inches long. She is our perfect little Rose.

Guess I need to take another picture

2011-03-08T06:14:00.003-07:00

How far along = 40 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +60 that is ridiculous...oh well, not much I can do about it.

Tummy Circumference = 47"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = I did last night, if James doesn't get up and move to the couch he wakes me up every time I wake him up from snoring...so I'm sure we both slept fairly peaceful last night.

Movement = Yes, and I love every minute of it.

Best moment this week = I didn't have to work that job that is a gazillion miles away. And having mom come into town (that also means less food I have to cook), and getting to see Aunt Monique and Uncle Will from Canada.

Worse moment this week = Not having my baby here.

Food cravings = None really

What I'll miss = My baby moving around inside.

Milestones= We have reached the due date. I have a feeling we will also pass the due date without her here.

Extra = I still have yet for her to wake me up to pee in the middle of the night. I am thinking about getting the doctor to scrape the membrane, in hopes to avoid the induction scheduled for the 15th, aka next Tuesday.

Baby Growth= Congratulations! This week marks the official end of your pregnancy. Your baby probably weighs anywhere from six to nine pounds and measures between 19 and 22 inches (though tons of perfectly healthy babies are smaller or bigger). The bones in her skull haven’t fused yet — Mother Nature’s way of making it easier to get through the birth canal during labor and delivery. She now has enough fat under the skin to maintain her body temperature outside the womb (with a little help from those cute outfits and swaddling blankets that you’ve been stocking up on!). You (or actually the placenta) are still providing the antibodies she’ll need to fight off infections for the first six months of her life. And if you plan on breastfeeding, your milk will be giving her more antibodies that’ll boost her immune system.

Perfectly Content

2011-03-05T08:29:00.002-07:00

I have decided that our daughter is perfectly content with her place in life. She is nice and cozy there en-utero. She gets the food she needs, she gets enough socialization, and she doesn't have to worry about too many people bothering her and she really doesn't have to deal with people. I am pretty sure she has taken much of her father's personality as far and shy and reserved goes.

After a 4 mile walk yesterday and no changes except for slightly sore legs last night I decided she is also very obedient. Her whole existence en-utero we have told her to hold out until the 17th of March....of course it wasn't until the end that we found out the doctor wouldn't allow that. But this child loves her daddy very much and wants to make him happy, so she is holding out for the 17th, despite the fact that she will probably be born on the 15, maybe, just maybe the 16th at the latest.

So shy and reserved, yet very obedient. Another way I have come to know that she will be obedient is because if I get nervous because I haven't felt her move in a while and I start poking her and letting her know that I haven't felt her for a while, she will quickly move about 5 or 6 times to let me know she is still there and listening none-the-less.

Today I went to the church to help clean it and the baby red head Jackson in the ward was there. So I opted to hold him while cleaning in hopes that it would make Baby Girl jealous and want to come out so her mama could hold her...again so far no good. Jackson by the way is the one that my little girl is going to marry so that I get red-headed grandchildren. Even if she doesn't have red hair, because it is so prominent in her genes, I can't see how they wouldn't have red heads.

So there is my rant for the day....3 days and counting.

What time is it anyway....

2011-03-01T06:11:00.003-07:00

How far along = 39 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +56 :(

Tummy Circumference = 46", she must have been in a different spot.

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = Sometimes, but my husband doesn't get much, he says I snore to loud...pretty sure that is from being pregnant because I never heard any one else complain about my snoring unless I had a cold.

Movement = Yes, and I love every minute of it.

Best moment this week = James got a job with work study in the career center. Meaning he is getting paid to study for 20 hours a week. I am so glad, because when the temp agency had him working he was losing study time and so his school was lacking, but now he can have the best of both worlds!

Worse moment this week = My idiot boss with the old people who has no idea how child birthing works and that it has its own schedule despite the fact that she has had a kid herself.

Food cravings = The past couple days I have been starving. Not sure why, hopefully that will go down a bit, I want to lose some weight after this baby is born.

What I'll miss = My baby moving around inside.

Milestones= I have one week till her due date. That is huge, and her last load of clothes is in to wash now. So besides the stuff my mom is bringing down (which includes 2 swimsuits for Baby Girl that my step-mom bought her) all of her clothes and blankets and such are washed.

Extra = I have been feeling contractions more often. Except I am guessing they are Braxton-Hicks because they don't hurt, I can just feel it. I am hoping they are real one, because they don't hurt and that would be great, and two, I would love to be progressing. I am pretty sure she has dropped some. At least I hope so, I peed so much yesterday and had hardly consumed any liquids.

Baby Growth= Coming down to the wire, your baby weighs around seven to eight pounds and measures 19 to 21 inches. Those measurements won't change much from now on, but her brain is still growing at an astonishing rate, a pace that will continue for the first three years of life. Her pink skin has now turned whitish (even babies who'll eventually have darker skin appear whitish now — they haven't yet developed pigment). Her head may have dropped into your pelvis by now, which makes your breathing easier but walking harder.

Older people should have to take the driving test again

2011-02-22T07:42:00.002-07:00

How far along = 38 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +49 (4 lbs in a week....yuck)

Tummy Circumference = 47.5"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = Sometimes

Movement = Yes, and I love every minute of it.

Best moment this week = Starting my new job, a nanny to 4 kids. And one I can bring Baby Girl to after she is born. 1/4 of the miles to get here as it is to get to the other job.

Worse moment this week = That dumb car accident Friday night. I was going into work early because none of my co-workers know how to work their schedule. Some old lady cut me off, no blinker, didn't check her blind spot, nothing. I slammed on the horn and the brakes but still hit her. I knew I was fine but opted for an ambulance ride to make sure Baby Girl was ok. Even though she was still moving I wasn't about to take any chances. So they strapped me to a back board and put on a neck brace and drove me to the ER. They drove my car from the median to a parking lot just close by. I called my co-worker to tell her I was running late and may not make it in at all. I also managed to call James and tell him that I was in an accident and that I was pretty sure both of us were ok, but that I would call him as soon as I found out where they were taking me. They got me into the ER, off the board the neck brace off (I have a bruise on my chin from that thing), and the doctor looked at me. I tried to call James but got no service, I managed to get one text to him but didn't get any back that he sent me. They sent me back for an ultrasound to check on Baby Girl and I was finally able to talk to my husband. They were going to finish the ultrasound and then transfer me across the street for a couple hours of fetal monitoring. James headed this way and I told him I would let him know as soon as they transfer me so that he didn't look for me at the wrong hospital. The baby on Friday was averaging at 38 weeks and 1 day, which was 4 or 5 days ahead of her expected due date. She weighed about 7lbs 1 oz, was/is head down and the placenta is attached (which is what they worry about with a motor vehicle accident). It was way good to know that she is ok, and half that stuff I had been wondering about that my doctor wasn't figuring out. James got to the labor and delivery triage about the same time I did. They strapped me and baby down and we waited about 2.5 hours there. They want to monitor for 6 hours after the accident. Poor James had been up since 5:30 that morning and didn't get to sleep till 2am the next morning. But Baby Girl is fine. I stayed at a tight 1cm that whole time.

Food cravings = Food

What I'll miss = My baby moving around.

Milestones= I am beginning to soften

Extra = Went to the doctor yesterday and after telling them 2 weeks in a row that I want to go as long as I can without an induction (them only allowing 41 weeks) they still handed me a piece of paper with my induction scheduled for March 8th on her due date. Really is it that hard to listen to a patient. So I mentioned it again for a 3rd time and they hopefully will finally change it. I will find out next week when I go in.

Baby Growth= Hey, your little one isn't so little anymore, weighing close to seven pounds and measuring 20 inches long. Fetal development is nearly complete as your baby tends to a few last-minute details like shedding the skin-protecting vernix and lanugo. She's also producing more surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs in her lungs from sticking to one another once she starts to breathe. Most of the changes this week are small but important: She’s continuing to add fat (so she can take advantage of all those photo ops by sporting a round, cute baby look!) and fine-tuning her brain and nervous system (so she can deal with all the stimulation that awaits her once she makes her entrance into the world).

Full Term

2011-02-15T08:13:00.003-07:00

How far along = 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +45 Look I didn't gain anything from last week...this really is the end run.

Tummy Circumference = 47"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = Sometimes

Movement = Yes, and I love every minute of it.

Best moment this week = A wonderful Valentine's day evening with my husband.

Worse moment this week = Not being able to properly wear my maternity clothes either.

Food cravings = Not so much craving anything any more, I have kinda lost my appetite.

What I'll miss = My baby moving around.

Milestones= I am a fingertip dilated...which means nothing really, but at least they checked.

Extra = James got me two house plants for V-day. A nice green yellow one and another Orchid (he knows they are my favorite flower). I made him a nice steak dinner and had it all ready for him when he got home from school. He got a 90 on his second Math test, that was pretty sweet. We got Baby Girl's laundry done (well a good chunk of it) and now the bag is mostly packed except for some pants to go home in that I need to hem. I can't wait to be done with work.

Baby Growth= Congratulations! You've got what is officially considered a full-term baby, even with three weeks to go. That doesn't mean she's finished growing — in fact, she's still packing on about a half pound a week (at this age, the average fetus weighs about 6.5 pounds). That makes it a little crowded in your uterus, so she’s probably not kicking as much, though she’s probably stretching, rolling a bit, and wiggling (all of which you’ll be able to feel!). Right now, your little superstar is busy rehearsing for her big debut, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid (to get the lungs ready for that first breath), sucking her thumb (to prepare for that first suckle of milk), blinking, and turning from side to side.

Anxiety and Adventure

2011-02-08T08:33:00.003-07:00

How far along = 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +45 the doc says 3 more pounds before I hit the limit of above normal

Tummy Circumference = 46"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = Sometimes

Movement = Yes, and I love every minute of it. Even the hiccups.

Best moment this week = Hitting the 4 weeks to go

Worse moment this week = The uncomfortable doctors visit yesterday where I put my food (it was really my foot, but I decided not to change it because it seemed a bit more funny to say food) down and said I was tired of being rushed out of the office and it didn't go as well as I had worked it out in my head.

Food cravings = Food

What I'll miss = My baby moving around.

Milestones= I could deliver at any minute now. I don't know if there are any signs of progression because I haven't been checked. I do know that I haven't had any painful contractions yet.

Extra = James got 100% on his Spanish test. I found out that my doctor induces all of her patients if they aren't delivered by their due date. I wish I had known that when I first went there, I probably would have found a different doctor then.

Baby Growth= Forget your aching back (and everything else!) by trying to focus on your baby, who is now about six pounds and 20 inches long, with soft bones and cartilage to allow a safer journey through the exit door. Most of her systems (from circulatory to musculoskeletal) are ready for prime time, though her digestion system — which has done only practice runs so far — will kick into gear as she takes her first suckle at the breast or bottle.

I don't know who you think you are, but I know who I am

2011-02-07T19:53:00.001-07:00

Dr. Hechtman,

I am excited for the opportunity I have to be able to give birth to my first child. I am grateful that you and the other doctors in this practice are willing to be a part of it as well. As this is my first experience with child bearing and pregnancy all together, I suppose you could say, I am ignorant to the happenings of such things. Though I am not an idiot and can tell what is happening, I feel as though a lot of what to expect should be given by my doctor. There is a great possibility that my expectations are way outside of the realm of reality, I feel as though perhaps an explanation of practice protocol or such is not.

Today was the first day that I have met you. I understand that there are many doctors that work with you who also share the probability of delivering our first child. But I also want you to know that you were highly recommended (you personally) by my cousin who had a wonderful experience with your practice. I understand the need or desire to rotate through doctors in my visits, that way I may meet the many people who may deliver my baby. I also understand that I am not the only patient that exists in your clinic. However, I feel as though almost every time I have been to the office I have been rushed out. I feel as though a 30 second visit with questions answered on the way out the door is not the way to build a patient/doctor relationship of trust. Especially when it comes to delivering a baby, a cold is a different matter.

I realize that what is done in your office is routine. It is an every day occurrence to deliver a baby. It is an every day occurrence to have patients with no problems during pregnancy to come in and out of the office. I also realize that for me it is not an every day occurrence. For me this is a first time experience and that delivering a child that belongs to my husband and I is not only a special experience, but also a sacred one. I am some what disappointed that such an important part of life is handled with such hustled attitude.

I also feel as though I am justified in the way that I feel. In being so justified I feel that when my doctor tells me that I am hormonal and pregnant, and that I am "way over reacting" to such is un-called for. I feel as though your attitude of needing to solve the problem has hindered your ability to listen to actually figure out what the problem is in order to solve it. I want you to know that my concern is not with the medical competency of you and your fellow compatriots, but it is with the bed side manner. I do appreciate you not seeming rushed with me today and your attempt to squash my concerns, and I also appreciate you sending in your office manager to help truly squash my concerns.

I appreciated the fact the Karen actually listen and related to my concerns. She was able to answer many questions that I didn't know I had especially since I am a first time mother. She put herself in my shoes and was willing to help me find the questions that I had but didn't know how to ask. I am at 36 weeks, and at this point I am capable of going into labor any minute, with or without warning. I am fully aware of that, and yet I felt as though I wouldn't know what to do if I did go into labor (besides the obvious of going to the hospital). I am grateful that Karen gave me an idea of things I can do to prepare for the unknown. She also gave me suggestions of what to do if I were to go into labor at work, considering I work 1.5 hours from the hospital I am expected to deliver at.

Again I am excited for the opportunity to have my child delivered by your medically competent staff, though I have yet to build the trust that I would like to have. I am grateful that you attempted to resolve my concern but more so that you sent in your office manager who truly resolved my concern with the labor and delivery. About 4 more weeks of me, perhaps slightly more, then postpartum visit, and you will no longer have to attempt to be nice or un-rushed when in my presence.

Sincerely,

A first time mother

Who says you can't?

2011-01-31T12:36:00.003-07:00

How far along = 35 weeks plus 1 day

Total weight gain/loss = +42

Tummy Circumference = 45.5"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = I used a blanket as a body pillow and slept the most comfortable in a long time. I tried a pillow last night and it wasn't as productive.

Movement = Yes, and I love every minute of it.

Best moment this week = Uncle Carl was down from Colorado, so we got to see him and Uncle Philip and Aunt Sally.

Worse moment this week = Probably work, it wasn't a bad week, but that is the worse thing I can think of.

Food cravings = Fruit

What I'll miss = my baby moving around.

Milestones= I went to the doctor today, and I go again next week, so I think this is the beginning of the end. I now hit the doctors every week.

Extra = I really am proud of all the effort James is putting into school. I don't think I have ever put that much effort into school. I have never been much of a studier. So hopefully our kids will follow his example and not mine when it comes to school studying. There are only 5 weeks left till she is due and hopefully she will go until the 17th. Well as of right now I am still hoping. I found myself extremely exhausted today, I went back to bed after the baby appt until about 12pm. I got the sisters to come over Friday to help me pin my pants that need to be hemmed, so that I have more of a variety of clothes to wear as a pregnant lady. I have only hemmed one pair so far, and I have probably 6 that need to be done, not to mention the ones I need to do for James.

Baby Growth= Your baby is standing tall (so to speak) this week at about 20 inches and continues her steady weight gain (she’s about 5.5 pounds). While she won't get much longer, she will continue to pack on the pounds — including large amounts of baby fat — right up 'til delivery day. Something else that's moving at a mind-boggling pace these day: fetal brain development! There’s a lot going on inside that tiny head, which is, by the way, still soft to allow an easier exit through the birth canal.

Being Pregnant

2011-01-28T13:45:00.001-07:00

Is beginning to be uncomfortable.....

Some days I still don't feel pregnant

2011-01-25T07:16:00.002-07:00

How far along = 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +37 and probably some more, weigh in next Monday.

Tummy Circumference = 45"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = Had a scary dream last night and woke up in sweats with a rapid heartbeat, baby didn't like that and was moving like crazy probably trying to get away too.

Movement = She scared me yesterday morning by not moving for the first 30 mins of the hour I was checking her movement. She just wanted her Daddy's attention I guess cuz as soon as he woke up and spoke to her she started moving around.

Best moment this week = Curtains done.

Worse moment this week = My boss trying to guilt trip me into working on Sunday after already covering two shifts that week. Sorry boss lady that you are up the creek without a paddle but I don't get paid enough to bail you out.

Food cravings = That pasta dish James makes with oyster sauce, red bell pepper, and hamburger.

What I'll miss = The cute baby kicks

Milestones= I have to throw my stomach with force in order to turn over at night, something about my center of gravity is off, I wonder why ;)

Extra = James is working hard at school, doing his best to get his homework/studying done. I am doing my best to leave him alone when he is studying. I had to leave the house the other day because it was driving me crazy having him there and not being able to talk to him. I haven't packed the hospital bag yet because I want to wash Baby Girl's clothes, and I haven't bought Dreft yet to do it. Maybe this week I will, and then really re-organize her closet and drawers. Sometime soon we have our childbirth class, my breastfeeding class and the tour of the hospital, I think in 2 weeks? Anyway, I am pretty excited for that. In 3 weeks I will be considered full term, I think it is 37 weeks, pretty crazy.

Baby Growth= What's new this week? Your baby is clocking in at five pounds and could be as tall as 20 inches by now, and the vernix (the white coating protecting your baby’s skin) is getting thicker. In other baby-related developments, those tiny fingernails have probably reached the tips of her fingers by now — and getting ready for that first postpartum manicure.

A foot in the side

2011-01-18T11:14:00.002-07:00

So this is for you Carrie in California.....

I was done with my post and I needed a title. While pondering over such an important detail (since my previous titles are never luring of the sort) I decided to take a sip of my water. In that wonderful sip of cold water the ice was extremely close to my nose and at that moment it smelled like garlic. The following sip did not, but that one did, which provided the inspiration for my title.

My ice smells like garlic...

2011-01-18T08:13:00.002-07:00

How far along = 33 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +37

Tummy Circumference = 44"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = sort of but not really

Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way. Got her foot into my rib during choir practice and also danced around during practice too.

Best moment this week = Getting the valances done

Worse moment this week = Having to go to work where they are all sick.

Food cravings = Vegetables

What I'll miss = The cute baby kicks

Milestones= It didn't take long to get more stretch marks, now they are abundant.

Extra = Well I have half of the curtains for the baby room done. I am loving sewing. I am still so excited to see this baby girl, but I am grateful that she is still waiting to make her debut. James has lots of homework with his first week of school. I love his dedication though, far more than I ever had with school work, so I'm sure he will do well. It is a very foggy day here in FL, I kinda like it, I wish I could spend all day outside.

Baby Growth= Your baby is still gaining weight (about half a pound a week), and she could grow up to another full inch this week. With that much baby inside your uterus, your amniotic-fluid level has maxed out, which explains why some of her pokes and kicks feel pretty sharp these days. (There's less fluid to cushion the blows.) Antibodies are being passed from you to your little one as she continues to develop her own fetal immune system, which will come in handy once she's outside the womb and fending off all sorts of germs.

And the 8th month begins

2011-01-11T10:44:00.002-07:00

How far along = 32 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +32 and some probably, weigh in is next Monday

Tummy Circumference = 43.5"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = sort of but not really

Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way. And right now she likes to have her back facing out and her pushing her front towards my back.

Best moment this week = James started school!

Worse moment this week = Being so tired.

Food cravings = Water, the baby wants water.

What I'll miss = The cute baby kicks

Milestones= I noticed the first stretch mark on my stomach...it is about a 1/4 of an inch, but it is there....now hopefully it is the only one I will get ;)

Extra = I am going to make the crib skirt tomorrow. I wish I had an unlimited supply of cute fabric so I could just make a bunch of cute things. I almost bought fabric for a dress for baby girl, but I chickened out because the pattern looked too daunting. Eventually I will be brave enough. I got my $1 raise starting this week. James is in day two of school, tonight will be his third class, and Thursday he will have attended all of his classes in the first week of school. There is lots of snow and ice in Atlanta, and I get to watch it from afar.

Baby Growth= What's up with your baby? She's starting to get ready for her big debut, tipping the scales at almost four pounds and topping out at just about 19 inches. In these past few weeks, it's all about practice, practice, practice as she hones the skills she'll need to thrive outside the womb — from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. And speaking of sucking, your little one has been able to suck her thumb for a while now. Something else to note: As more and more fat accumulates under your baby's skin, she's becoming less transparent and more opaque.

2nd fun project

2011-01-06T06:49:00.002-07:00

So my cousin was gonna make me a nursing cover for my baby shower, but decided that if she bought the stuff for it I could make it, and I was totally down for that. So below is the finished product of what was harder than the carrier canopy but I figured it out and if I were to make it again it wouldn't take as long.
You can see that it is reversible, so there is one side that is girly and one side that is boyish, really I can use either side with either sex, but I can for sure use it with a boy for when we have one of those.
I attempted a fancy top stitch, it wasn't as productive as the last project because I top stitched both sides individually first in order to get the pocket sewed on the corner. I also tried a different stitch, but either the needle wasn't right or there was too much fabric under it (even though there wasn't a lot) and it didn't want to feed the fabric through, so that kinda sucked and was way annoying.
Below is the pocket/rag. There is one on both sides in that same corner, I'm not sure if I fixed that up in the most conventional fashion with it being reversible, but we will see.
Again with the finished product, I don't like D rings, so I opted to custom fit the neck strap. I have more than enough room to slide it on and off over my head and it is the right height for optimum coverage. And there we have it, the nursing cover.

9 weeks

2011-01-03T08:44:00.003-07:00

Before

How far along = 31 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +32

Tummy Circumference = 43"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = sort of but not really

Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Best moment this week = I got to make the carrier canopy and it turned out nice.

Worse moment this week = Having to work New Year's Eve

Food cravings = Sugar

What I'll miss = The cute baby kicks

Milestones= The last ultrasound that I am aware of happening has happened

Extra = The baby is 3lbs and 5oz and growing well. My other baby shower is tomorrow, so that is way exciting. Our baby girl has plumped up quite a bit since her last skeletal shot. James starts school next week, and all his books have been purchased, we are just waiting for one book to arrive in the mail, should be this week.

Baby Growth= Weighing in at three-plus pounds and measuring 18 inches long, your baby is quickly approaching her birth length — though she's got to pack on another three to five pounds before D-day. Also developing at an impressive clip: your baby's brain connections (she's got to make trillions of them!). She's now processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all five senses. She's also putting in longer stretches of sleep, which is why you're probably noticing more defined patterns of wakefulness (and movement) and rest (when she’s pretty still).

After

First item of business

2011-01-01T19:12:00.003-07:00

The first thing I did on my new sewing machine was fix up the sleeve on my GSU sweater, the second thing was make the carrier canopy that I have always wanted...since I saw a really cute one in UT. I knew I wanted it reversible, but not with straps sewed to both sides, I only wanted them on one side. My sewing machine comes with 50 different stitches, one of them being button holes. That is how I got the following picture, and there is one on either side of the strap so that the straps can be fed through to the other side of the canopy.

I stitched both sides of fabric together inside out with the regular straight stitch, then ironed it and used a top stitch to close up the little bit left open to flip the fabric (sure it could have been done a bit more professionally but I was cool with what I did). Then around the border I used the cool leaf stitch option on my sewing machine with some multi-colored green thread I bought for that purpose.

Since I had to put Velcro on both sides of the straps, I could have used snaps but opted for Velcro, I wanted something to hide the ugly white Velcro on the top of the strap. I used my sewing machine again to sew on the dragonfly button to a piece of Velcro to put on top (on either side of the canopy).

Here you can see both sides of the canopy. This is way cute fabric, and it was the cutest that I could get for 5 bucks a yard as opposed to 8 bucks a yard which all the other way cute ones were.
Finished product....see this turns our unisex carrier (in case our next kid is hopefully a boy) into a gender specific carrier.
And that was the first item of business...

10 weeks and counting

2010-12-28T08:23:00.003-07:00

How far along = 30 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +28.5 or more (I haven't weighed since then)

Tummy Circumference = 43"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = sort of

Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Best moment this week = Got to spend Christmas Eve and most of Christmas day with my husband.

Worse moment this week = Having to work Christmas day night.

Food cravings = Carbs

What I'll miss = Feeling my baby move inside.

Milestones= I had a good one of these the other day but I can't remember it, but I suppose we have reached the 10 weeks left mark, that is pretty good!

Extra = I am going to the doctor every two weeks now, that means it is getting closer. And I asked the doctor about the large amount of weight gain and she said that she gained 60 lbs with both of hers and she is shorter than me and skinnier than me now, so there is hope for me. My husband surprised me with a sewing machine for Christmas, I am way excited to use it, there are so many things I want to make I just need to get the notions and fabric. I have lots of hemming to do as well.

Baby Growth= Your belly’s increasing size is a definite clue that your baby is getting bigger every day, weighing in at over three pounds now (she’ll be packing on the weight at a rate of half a pound per week for the next seven weeks). Also growing daily is her brain, which is actually starting to look like the real thing with those characteristic grooves and wrinkles. And now that your little genius can regulate her own body temperature and turn up the heat, she'll start shedding lanugo, the downy body hair that's been keeping her warm up until now.

29 Week

2010-12-21T20:29:00.003-07:00

How far along = 29 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +28.5

Tummy Circumference = 42.5"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = sort of

Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Best moment this week = A stranger acknowledge that I was with child.

Worse moment this week = James' wrist hurting even more instead of getting better.

Food cravings = Food, the baby is craving vitamins, I haven't been giving them to her very often, I am trying to do better.

What I'll miss = Feeling my baby move inside.

Milestones= The car seat came in and is cuter than it looked online, and my step mom sent me a box full of maternity clothes, that was way nice.

Extra = The baby is in her 41% of growth. She is doing fine. I am going to start looking for a pediatrician soon and get her set up there. James is now working through the Temp agency at a cigar factory, so that is nice. I spoke in sacrament this past Sunday as part of the Christmas program. Evidently it went well, they all got the message of my talk with out me having to tell them what it was. Christmas is Saturday, I have to call the soup kitchen to find out what time to show up to volunteer, we are excited.

Baby Growth= How big is your baby this week? She weighs nearly three pounds now and measures about 17 inches. Though she's getting pretty close to her birth length, she still has to chub out a bit. In fact, over the next 11 weeks, she'll more than double — or even come close to tripling — her weight. And as she grows and the room in your womb gets tighter, you'll be less likely to feel those big kicks and more likely to get poked by an elbow or jabbed by a knee.

Welcome to the Third Trimester

2010-12-14T06:42:00.002-07:00

How far along = 28 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +22.5

Tummy Circumference = 42"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = sort of

Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Best moment this week = We got a Christmas Tree!

Worse moment this week = Not being able to sleep on my stomach.

Food cravings = Sugar

What I'll miss = Feeling my baby move inside.

Milestones= We bought the infant car seat the other day, it should be here at the house this week. And we have the baby's room better organized.

Extra = James is now working through the Temp agency at a Tortilla factory, so that is nice. I now have all of Sunday off, meaning I can now sing in the choir and not have to find a sub teacher for my primary class every other Sunday. My cousin is going to throw a shower for me down here, which is way nice, and I am way excited. I didn't sleep very well last night, but maybe I can get a nap in, at least I don't have to take the people I care for to the dentist, they canceled yesterday.

Baby Growth= Your baby is settling into the proper position for birth, with her head facing downward (toward your body's nearest exit!). Your little work in progress is now about 2.5 pounds and almost 16 inches long. She's busy adding new skills such as blinking to an already impressive repertoire of tricks like coughing, sucking, hiccuping, and taking practice breaths. Your baby's sleep now includes the REM (rapid eye movement) phase — and that means she could be dreaming already (what do you suppose she's dreaming about?).

Baby Delight

2010-12-07T07:13:00.003-07:00

How far along = 27 weeks, last week of the 2nd trimester

Total weight gain/loss = +21

Tummy Circumference = 41.5"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = sort of

Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Best moment this week = Had a wonderful time up in Atlanta and a nice baby shower, but the best part was coming home to James, I missed him a bunch.

Worse moment this week = Pregnancy hormones hit

Food cravings = Vegetables?

What I'll miss = Feeling my baby move inside.

Milestones= James got the caulking in the bathroom cleaned up and re-done and all the mineral deposits in the tub and toilet cleaned while I was gone. Now we don't feel gross if we chose to take a bath.

Extra = Last Tuesday they gave us a gazillion ultrasound pictures. She is cute, for sure a girl, and for sure only one. Despite the fact that I didn't really get any sleep on my trip, I enjoyed it a lot. I got to spend lots of time with Dad, Sherry, and the girls. Rob and Mike and I even went out for a bit. Mom and I had lots of fun at the baby shower and later that night at the RS activity. It was great, and I got to come home with a lot of great things for our little girl. As of right now the name we have for our little girl is Rose-Marie Plourde. Not sure if we are gonna call her that until she is born, but that is what we have picked out as of now.

Baby Growth= For a baby, it's time to trade in the old crown-to-rump measurement for a new head-to-toe standard. So what are your baby’s stats this week (which, coincidentally, is the end of the second trimester)? Fifteen inches — more than a foot long — and triple (or even quadruple) what it was in week 12. Her weight is creeping up the charts as well, coming in at just over two pounds. More big news: Your baby may recognize your voice by now, so feel free to serenade your belly (start learning those lullabies!).

Going to ATL and i'm gonna see family (to the sound of Goin' to the Chapel)

2010-11-30T06:45:00.003-07:00

How far along = 26 weeks (See that, 98 days till our baby is due!!)

Total weight gain/loss = +21, I think that is redonkulous, I have to be careful, 9lbs since my last doctors visit.

Tummy Circumference = 40"

Gender = GIRL!!

Sleep = sort of

Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes I still think there may be twins.

Best moment this week = James is now officially going to go to school. It looks like the financial aid is going to pull through and it will pay for most of his school if not all this semester. We will probably just have to pay for books and maybe 100 bucks. Not bad.

Food cravings = I don't know, but I do know that Chili doesn't cause heartburn, and carrot cake does.

What I'll miss = Feeling my baby move inside.

Milestones= We made it to the next paycheck.

Extra = James really likes the fish, sad day that his fish died, we replaced it yesterday (good thing they have a 14 day guarantee). My fish has come out of her shell. I am going to ATL today after the ultrasound to go see my family one more time before the baby is born. I am also getting a baby shower while I am up there. That will be nice because I will at least get to see people without having to travel all over town, especially since I won't be there on a Sunday.

Baby Growth= What's up with your baby? She now weighs a full two pounds and measures nine-plus inches. And this week, her eyes, which until now were developing under fused eyelids, start to open. Of course, there's not much to see in there, but if your baby spots a bright light (or hears a loud noise) near your belly, you may notice an increase in fetal activity. (“Hey, I'm in here, Mommy! Where’s the party!”) What accounts for that response? Her brain is more developed and sophisticated.

And the exciting thing is?

2010-11-22T19:37:00.002-07:00

How far along = 25 weeks

Total weight gain/loss = +13/14

Tummy Circumference = 40"

Gender = GIRL!!

Maternity clothes= yes

Sleep = sort of

Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Best moment this week = We got kicked out of cub scouts...and I got a calling to teach the 5 yo's in Primary. At the beginning of the year I will have my cousin McKenna in my class.

Food cravings = Water, I think, because that may be why I can't get rid of my headache, I'm probably not drinking enough.

What I'll miss = Feeling my baby move inside. Today I'm pretty sure she was playing a soccer game, or probably jump rope with the umbilical cord.

Milestones= We have a land line....and we can call Canada for free with it.

Extra = We finally got the fish tank my cousin said we could use. And today when we picked it up he said we could go ahead and have it. He didn't want it anymore. James wants lizards, but I want fish, we can have more than one in it with fish. And then we can get a catfish of sorts and it will kinda be like having the cat we aren't allowed to have. Besides I think fish are more relaxing than lizards, I have had both and at least fish always move. Lizards like to stay still a lot. On another note James and I are both getting really excited about him going to school. It is kinda unbelievable that it is happening. We have talked about it for a while and haven't been able for him to go because of immigration and such. But now it is happening. He submits for his classes tomorrow and class starts Jan 10th.

Baby Growth= Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, reaching nine inches in length and passing the pound and a half mark. Under her skin, capillaries are forming and filling with blood and by week's end, air sacs (also lined with capillaries) will develop in her lungs, getting them ready for that first breath. Mind you, those lungs aren't ready for prime time just yet — but they are developing surfactant, a substance that will help them expand after birth. And speaking of breathing, your baby's tiny nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open, and her vocal chords are getting ready to roar.

I'm not very creative I suppose...

2010-11-16T08:01:00.003-07:00

How far along = 24 weeks near approaching double digit days till she is due.
Total weight gain/loss = +12
Tummy Circumference = 39"
Gender = GIRL!!
Maternity clothes= yes
Sleep = sort of
Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way.
Best moment this week = going on a date night last night to the movies with my husband. It had been a while since that had happened....and going to the Temple Saturday, it had also been a while since we had done that as well.
Food cravings = Waffles and ice cream is one of the most unique cravings...but not a gross craving.
What I'll miss = ?
Milestones= looking pregnant instead of fat....haven't had any strangers ask when I am due yet though.
Extra = I'm going to ATL in two weeks, just barely missing my friends who will be home for the holidays. I will be staying at my dads, will be there for 2 fulls days, and will also get a baby shower. But I am more excited to show off my pregnant belly. I will leave the 30th right after my ultrasound. James has orientation today for school which starts in Jan. We are both really excited for that. We also hope that financial aid comes through for us. Heartburn has begun, and I can't feel the baby when I am standing up and walking around yet, but still feel her moving around. (I felt her moving when I was standing around in Publix this evening) Have also picked up a bit more on taking the vitamins like I should. I went lacking there for a bit. I finally asked the boss what she thought about me bringing the baby to work after she was born, she said as long as the client was ok with it. So I guess we will see. She didn't seem to keen on overnights, but maybe we can move my schedule around so I don't have any overnights. blah blah blah....ramble ramble ramble...
Baby Growth= Your baby is about eight and a half inches long and weighs one and a half pounds, gaining steadily at a rate of six ounces per week. Much of that weight comes from accumulating baby fat, as well as from growing organs, bones, and muscle. Those little ears of hers are getting sharper and can hear very loud sounds, from a yapping dog to a jackhammer. Also by now, that fabulous face is almost fully formed, complete with eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. Is your baby a brunette, a blonde, or a redhead? Actually, right now her locks are white since there's no pigment yet.

I suppose you could call it nesting

2010-11-09T15:09:00.003-07:00

How far along = 23 weeks
Total weight gain/loss = +12
Tummy Circumference = 38.5"
Gender = GIRL!!
Maternity clothes= Finally bought some jeans, way more comfortable, also my cousin gave me some clothes that will work well. I am so glad I am no longer wearing scrubs everyday.
Sleep = We probably have the most comfortable bed ever. So much so that I get such good rest that I wake up almost an hour and a half early thinking to be wide awake....
Movement = Heck yeah, and wouldn't have it any other way.
Best moment this week = Getting a crib, 2 crib mattresses, and a queen boxspring for $75.
Food cravings = The baby wanted tomatoes the other day, I'm gonna eat one tonight too.
What I'll miss = ?
Milestones= Getting a proper fitting nursing bra and maternity clothes.
Extra = I went to the docs yesterday, the nurse said at 23 weeks I didn't look pregnant. And I am finally thinking I am looking pregnant, go figure. Also my test for possible birth defects was negative, and my vitamin D levels are up, though not exactly where they should be yet. I have another ultrasound scheduled for the 30th which is way exciting because we can make sure James is around for that one. There is also a possibility that I will take off a couple days then go up to Atlanta for a visit before the baby is born, but it would be a real quick visit, like 2 full days and then drive back on Friday to be at work at 8:30pm...I just have to make sure that that is what I should do, and then request off from work. ASAP. PS I am freaked out about work, not being around my baby for at least 15 hours in a day is too long, not to mention the 29 hours I will be away from her.
Baby Growth= Your little doll-sized babe is about to chub up a bit. Her saggy skin will start to fit her frame as fat deposits fill things out. Beginning this week, she'll start to pack on the pounds (which means you will too!) and by month's end she'll be double the weight she is now (though you won't be — whew!). Right now, your baby's organs and bones are visible through her skin, which has a red hue due to developing veins and arteries beneath. But once those fat deposits settle in, she'll become less transparent.

C,E,G

2010-11-02T09:32:00.004-06:00

How far along = 22 weeks
Total weight gain/loss = +10
Tummy Circumference = 38" Now this is working right.
Gender = GIRL!!
Maternity clothes= Still need to buy some
Sleep = Still on the air mattress but that is on top of another real mattress, now we just need the boxspring.
Movement = Yesterday she started kicking me when I was singing Celine Deon, don't know if she was telling me to stop or just telling me "Canada Represent"
Best moment this week = Having all my clothes put away where they belong...I need another dresser though.
Food cravings = Fruit, the baby has wanted lots of fruit this week.
What I'll miss = When she is no longer in I will miss feeling her kick around, she was up all night and hasn't kicked me yet this morning and I miss it.
Milestones= We are now officially on WIC
Extra = I need to get a nursing bra, so through discussion with my friend Carrie in CA I think we came to the conclusion that going in and trying them on will be the best bet. Here is what happened:
1. Used a tape measure to figure out my bra size now. It told me I was a 34 G (DDDD)
2. Figured out my bra size using another websites figures. I was a 36 E (DD)
3. Figured out my bra size using another websites figures. I was a 38 C
4. Couldn't figure out how I am in a 34 C now (barely) and should be able to fit into a G or E..and then feared what would happen when my milk came in, if I would turn out to be a K or something ridiculous like that.
Baby Growth= This week, your baby weighs in at a whopping pound and measures nearly eight inches, about the size of a small doll. But your little doll (who now has eyebrows, eyelashes, and maybe even some hair on that little head) is a living one who can now perceive light and dark. She can also hear your voice, your heartbeat, your gurgling stomach, and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating through your body. And as her brain and nerve endings develop, she may reach for her face (or whatever she can reach) just to experiment with her newfound sense of touch.

House into a Home

2010-10-26T20:41:00.003-06:00

How far along = 21 weeks
Total weight gain/loss = +10
Tummy Circumference = 37" (this one isn't working out as well as i hoped.)
Gender = GIRL!!
Maternity clothes= I need to break down and buy a new bra and maternity pants
Sleep = Can't wait to get off of the air mattress and into a real bed...in due time
Movement = Today I could see the movement through all my fat and such, way cool!
Best moment this week = Turning our house into a home
Food cravings = Sweets, I eat way more sweets now that I am pregnant, than I have in a way long time, like years.
What I'll miss = Don't know this week.
Milestones= Over halfway there
Extra = Tomorrow is our cooking group day, I am excited. I like that, I feel like a stay at home mom when I can hang out with other moms doing mom things. This week I also started my 60 hour week at work, not too excited because I now hardly ever see James, and now it will be even more hardly ever see him...it sucks and makes we want to get a different job just so I can see him. Once we get a real bed, I will take pictures of most of the house so you all can see it. Then once the baby room is organized I will take a picture of that.
Baby Growth= How big is your baby? About the size of a large banana — and speaking of bananas, if you eat one this week, there's a good chance your baby will get a taste, too. That's because he swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so he eats whatever's on your menu — and gets to put those developing taste buds to good use. So go ahead and nosh on those nachos (or crunch those crudités): Your baby may develop a taste for them when he’s older.

Halfway!!

2010-10-19T07:32:00.002-06:00

How far along = 20 weeks
Total weight gain/loss = +8
Tummy Circumference = 35" (this one isn't working out as well as i hoped.)
Gender = GIRL!!
Maternity clothes= yes
Sleep = Yes
Movement = yes, every day, and I love it! I also got to see her move on the ultrasound yesterday, and watch her mouth open and close.
Best moment this week = It's a Girl!!
Food cravings = None really but I still love pizza
What I'll miss = Don't know this week.
Milestones= James actually felt the baby move
Extra = I need a walking cane for when the sciatica nerve acts up, our baby girl is only 11oz and she is in just the wrong spot, so much so that at times I have had the hardest time walking. So I have to try and get a hold of a can until my belly gets bigger and then I will get a maternity belt to see if we can pick the baby a little bit off of the nerve.
Baby Growth= Curious about whether that melon-sized belly contains a boy or a girl? Now's your chance to take a peek! Your second trimester ultrasound, scheduled for anytime between 18 and 22 weeks, gives your practitioner a chance to see how things are going in there. And, wow, are they going! If you're having a girl, her uterus is now fully formed and her ovaries are holding about seven million primitive eggs. If you're having a boy, his testicles have begun their descent from the abdomen to their ultimate destination — the scrotum. And while your baby is definitely getting bigger (weighing in at about ten ounces and measuring six and a half inches), there's still plenty of growing room in there, which allows him to twist and turn (and allows you to feel his acrobatics!).

Gender?

2010-10-14T08:20:00.002-06:00

How far along = 19 weeks and 2 days
Total weight gain/loss = +5
Tummy Circumference = 36" (from a different measurement point)
Gender = First appointment down here is Monday, so maybe then.
Maternity clothes= yes
Sleep = Yes
Movement = yes, every day, and I love it!
Best moment this week = Moving again, into a 2 bedroom 1 bath mobile home for $440 a month
Food cravings = None really but I still love pizza
What I'll miss = An empty stomach in the morning, I liked not having to eat as soon as I woke up before getting out of bed.
Milestones= James said he felt the baby move
Extra = We now have food stamps, and I have medicaid and an appt Monday with a baby doctor. James has a temp job moving furniture and taking it down and stuff. We are getting internet set up in the new place tomorrow.
Baby Growth= Have you ever seen a mango dipped in cheese? Well, that's what your baby looks like this week due to a little growth spurt (she's about a half pound in weight and six inches long) and a substance called vernix caseosa. This greasy white stuff covers your baby's skin, protecting it from the surrounding amniotic fluid. (Without it, she'd look totally wrinkled as she entered the world.) The vernix sheds as delivery approaches, though some babies still sport a bit of the coating at birth.

I forgot that I have wanted to add this every week...

2010-10-05T18:59:00.000-06:00

Your Baby in Week of 18 of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy back pain may have you tied up in knots (see below), but your baby's getting ready to bust a move. At five and a half inches long and five ounces in weight, he now may be large enough for you to feel him twisting, rolling, kicking, and punching his way around the womb. Plus, he's developing yawning and hiccupping skills (you may feel those soon, too!) and his own unique set of toe and fingerprints.

5 months

2010-10-05T09:29:00.001-06:00

How far along = 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss = +5?
Tummy Circumference = ?
Gender = Hopefully we will know soon
Maternity clothes= need to buy maternity garments now
Sleep = Yes
Movement = yes
Best moment this week = Getting a job
Food cravings = Chocolate
What I'll miss = An empty stomach in the morning, I liked not having to eat as soon as I woke up before getting out of bed.
Milestones = Got a job, and James has an interview lined up.
Extra = I tried to put a picture up, but internet explorer and firefox are being dumb, so you will have to go to my facebook profile to see my pregnant/fat picture.

I promise

2010-10-04T08:12:00.002-06:00

The pregnant picture will go up soon, I just have to get around to taking it. I feel the baby move around every couple of days, now it is getting to the point that i miss the baby if I don't feel it kick.

The other day I was laying on my stomach on the couch and that baby was just kicking away, until I sternly told it that it was only 5 inches and that there was more than enough room for it to move and that it needs to let its mommy be comfortable for the last little while before it is impossible to be comfortable. Then it stopped kicking. Figure I should teach the child at a young age that mom is not a push over.

Last week of month 4

2010-09-28T12:24:00.002-06:00

How far along = 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss = +5
Tummy Circumference = 40" or 39" according to the yellow tape measure cuz I can't use the sewing one I had anymore, it ran out of numbers.
Gender = ???
Maternity clothes? = need to buy maternity garments now
Sleep = Yes
Movement = yes
Best moment this week = Feeling the baby move in tiny bits
Food cravings = Chocolate
What I'll miss = An empty stomach in the morning, I liked not having to eat as soon as I woke up before getting out of bed.
Milestones = Got a hold of Medicaid, now that much closer to getting a doctor.
Theme = Needing to job hunt and really having to
Extra = I can feel the baby sac more when I haven't peed in the morning, it is all out of shaped and moved around.

I am not tall or short

2010-09-24T10:48:00.002-06:00

But my torso is little in comparison to arms and legs, in other words, the baby is just making me look fat right now. There isn't enough room for baby and torso, so it is all gonna be baby. I have decided that baby pushed my fat up instead of having it easily spread, and then it took the bottom half. The results, I look fat. Not pregnant. Oh well, hopefully soon I will look pregnant.

PS, when we went to the beach the other day and I got my back fried, we were also swimming with jelly fish, probably my worst fear of the beaches. They weren't stinging because they were babies some guy said, but I decided that since those were babies, the big ones were too far away and I wasn't going to wade around and wait for them, probably another reason why I got fried so bad, I wasn't in the water as long as I could have been because the jelly fish took over. James and Josh on the other hand went around throwing them at people and trying to get them land on the pier. Boys will be boys, and I will still dislike the beach.

No internet, No motivation to leave the house.

2010-09-20T16:34:00.003-06:00

How far along = 16 weeks minus one day
Total weight gain/loss = ??? When I stepped on the scale at G'ma Donna's last week I had gained +5
Tummy Circumference = 40" or 39" according to the yellow tape measure cuz I can't use the sewing one I had anymore, it ran out of numbers.
Gender = ???
Maternity clothes? = I bought a maternity shirt at the thrift store the other day, not that I needed it, but it looks cute and gives me a bit of the look of being pregnant.
Sleep = Yes
Movement = Maybe...I feel little things every once in a while and just pretend it is the baby moving.
Best moment this week = Watching James catch a Spanish Mackerel and me being convinced it was a sea trout.
Food cravings = Fresh Vegetables
What I'll miss = An empty stomach in the morning, I liked not having to eat as soon as I woke up before getting out of bed.
Milestones = Got a letter from Medicaid, now if I can just get them to call me back.
Theme = Needing to job hunt but not really wanting to.
Extra = We did go to Disney World. I got sunburned last week way bad on my back, so much so that I couldn't sleep on my back that was when we went to the beach. Tomorrow we are going to a "James" concert. Not having the internet is making it difficult to update the blog weekly, but I haven't given up. I applied for a job at the 7 eleven and at Progressive, we will see how they go. James is taking his placement tests for school next week probably, so he will then be ready for his classes in January. And I suppose that is it.

2010-09-08T11:41:00.002-06:00

How far along = 14 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain/loss = ??? When I stepped on the scale at the Carlson's on Friday I was +/- 0
Tummy Circumference = 40"
Gender = ???
Maternity clothes? = I have been wearing big comfortable clothes this week, but I did wear jeans today, with the maternity band.
Sleep = Yes
Movement = Not yet, but we have made it to FL.
Best moment this week = Making it to FL with both vehicles.
Food cravings = Apples
What I'll miss = Some of my clothes, found a shirt today I can no longer wear.
Milestones = Making it to FL
Theme = R&R, and now we get to switch everything to make it Florida official.
Extra = We saw a dead wild pig on the side of the road the other day, went out with the sister missionaries last night and we are picking up the investigator we taught for church on Sunday, that was pretty cool. We spent 2 days in Atlanta and visited a bunch of people, now we might go to Disney World tomorrow, we have two tickets we need to use before it gets too late.

Long post.....

2010-08-31T19:12:00.003-06:00

How far along = 13 weeks
Total weight gain/loss = ??? I'm sure some, but it is probably mostly road trip weight, the scale is in the bathroom in the motorhome, but the ground isn't level in there.
Tummy Circumference = 39" or more...I don't know where I packed the tape measure.
Gender = ???
Maternity clothes? = I have been wearing big comfortable clothes this week, but I did wear jeans today, with the maternity band.
Sleep = Yes except last night was hard because it was soooo hot and humid in Arkansas.
Movement = We are well over half way to FL.
Best moment this week = Getting everything accomplished in the old apartment and getting on the road.
Food cravings = I wanted milk today, but didn't get it.
What I'll miss = My friends out in Utah
Milestones = The motorhome works!
Theme = Driving
Extra = We went to take the motorhome for a test drive late tuesday, and it wouldn't move, the emergency brake was stuck on. We decided to call our friend Richard to come help us with it. So after work on Wed he and James worked on the motorhome brakes....for at least 4 hours. And the brakes wouldn't budge....well the back left brakes. So I came home from visiting friends in SLC and Provo area and looked at it and got no where either. So we called the mechanic Thursday morning and told him we were supposed to leave that day but we couldn't move the motorhome anywhere. So he was available and came by with 2 of his other mechanics and started working on the motorhome. He looked at it and got no where like we did and finally decided to rock it free using the strength of the engine.....and it worked! My shoulders got lighter, and my mood brighter, we were able to move and not have to leave our house behind. So I asked him to check out the rest and make sure it would make it to FL. He replaced the fuel line, a U joint, added a new tail pipe holder thingy and did an oil change. After about 5 hours of work and 3 mechanics (oh and he broke off the lock for the spare tire that didn't have a key or just didn't work) we spent $308, not too bad.

Friday morning we left....we drove to Monticello, UT. Parked in an RV park and got food at the tiny grocery store. Saturday morning we went to the Monticello temple and did initiatories and then left for Albuquerque, NM. Saturday around 5pm we made it into Albuquerque and met up with Sister Chavez one of my mission companions. We had dinner then went back to her place and showered and watched a movie (that I slept during) and then ended up just spending the night, we had previously parked the motorhome at the Wal-mart.

Sunday we drove to Amarillo, TX. Parked at a way nice RV park, had a nice dinner, enjoyed a cool evening and cable. (Other than that it was an uneventful day besides the inspiration I received from an EFY song I was listening to in ref to my last area of my mission and my husband and my unborn child).

Monday we left and we were going to stop in Oklahoma City, but we got there at 1pm and didn't want to stop that early, so we drove long and made it to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, AR. Nice bathrooms they had, but it was way humid and hot. Oh right ok, so Monday we had the license plate try to fall off, we fixed it, and then when it started to rain we had the windshield wipers stop working on the motorhome. The bar broke from the motor. We haven't fixed that yet, but we bought some Rain-X for the windshield which came in really handy that night, evidently it rained so hard that night, but I had no idea, the Rain-X worked real well.

Tuesday (today) we woke up and headed into the Diamond mine...or field. We sat in the field of volcanic ash for about an hour or so digging looking for diamonds. We didn't find anything, but I found it very relaxing and James found a really nice big smooth rock thing. Then we headed eastward. We have now stopped in Holly Springs, MS. We are about 5 hours from Atlanta which is our next stop.

Interesting things I noticed from West to east. You know you are headed back east when by the border of NM,TX you find a bagged pickle. (You know you are pregnant when you want to eat it even though you don't normally like pickles). You begin to see trees, oh beautiful trees. The reflectors in the middle of the road are no longer flap thingys, they become these hard plastic things so when you run over them you think you have a flat tire. The rumble patches on the left side of the road become less and less. In OK you see a Waffle House. When you stop off at gas stations you see more black people. And finally, the accent begins to change and sound more like home!

One more week till the 1st trimester is over

2010-08-23T21:16:00.002-06:00

How far along = 12 weeks
Total weight gain/loss = +3 (I weighed myself at the end of the day as well, so that helps add)
Tummy Circumference = 39"
Gender = G'ma Marie says it's a boy as well
Maternity clothes? = I totally had to use the maternity band this weekend, I couldn't come close to buttoning up my pants. Good thing I had it.
Sleep = Yes
Movement = Friday we will be moving to Florida
Best moment this week = Went and visited G'ma Marie and Charlie for the last time before our move. And we saw Aunt Lorene and Uncle John, and we bought the baby a cute monster towel.
Food cravings = Eh....sorta, I wanted Chick-Fil-A for a while, but we don't have one up here so I settled for a Smiths chicken sandwich and it made the craving go away.
What I'll miss = Insurance
Milestones = Having to use the maternity band, and James noticing the difference in growth as well.
Theme = Packing and cleaning
Extra = We have to replace the windshield in the Ford already, Got an 18" crack in it from a semi throwing a rock. Crappy, and it cost more for glass insurance than for a new windshield, so we opted out of the glass insurance. We visited G'ma and that was nice, and fun, and James drove the whole way up and back which was nice, I got to sleep on the way up and read on the way back. I like this not having to drive thing. Wed I am going south to visit some friends before I leave. Then we will give our little Toyota to the Booths, they are buying it. Tomorrow we are driving the motorhome up to Richmond. Not too far away, but good for a test drive to see how it will do on our trip down. We worked a bit on it tonight, and we will work on it more tomorrow probably. Tonight we have a lot of cleaning to do. Our landlord is coming to inspect tomorrow, so half the living room is clean, I need to take the stuff off the walls, James is working on the bathroom. We need to do more laundry, I am making macaroni salad tonight for a dinner we are having with some friends tomorrow. Then we can work on the kitchen, I cleaned out the cupboards today, gave some food to some friends. I need to clean out the fridge. Soon we will move the totes into the Ford and motorhome. I can't believe we are moving on Friday, it is way soon, way way soon. Lots to do, and people to say goodbye too, good thing I am feeling a bit more better as of yesterday.

2010-08-18T12:46:00.002-06:00

How far along = 11 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss = -1/0
Tummy Circumference = I decided I wanted to do this, but I can't find my tape measure, so hopefully eventually I will....
Gender = James wants a boy, I keep saying "he", but I don't care, and it is too soon to tell, but we are going to find out.
Maternity clothes? = I bought a maternity band thingy yesterday, so I could still wear some of my jeans. Now I normally wear scrubs, and I am down to only one pair of possibly work pants (Though I haven't been wearing my uniform for some time now).
Sleep = I can't sleep on my tummy comfortably anymore, I'm not really showing, but it feels like I have one of those hard sofa pillows underneath me, I think it is almost time to start sleeping with the pillow between my legs. That and I am still on graves at work, so sleep is a funny topic now for normal anyway.
Movement = I am sure it is just gas, but really? What are the chances of the gas only hitting right where the baby is? So I like to think that occasionally our baby does a random back flip karate kick, and then relaxes, after all for a baby who is only close to 1.5" that is a lot of work.
Best moment this week = Coming out of the closet with the baby, I told mom and dad and step mom on Sat, my birthday, and then on facebook the next day....now I don't have to tell people to keep it a secret until I tell my parents.
Food cravings = Now that I can actually eat...I'm not really craving too much unbearable. The other day I wanted a Ruben (got a gyro instead and still wanted a Ruben). The other night I wanted cake, didn't have any, but last night I wanted Sherbet instead of cake. When I had the morning sickness at my worse (which really wasn't too bad), I would have to eat out, I could handle subway for a while, then french fries, then who knows, as long as it wasn't cooked in the house.
What I'll miss = About Utah since we are moving in less than 10 days? The Mountains and Friends. I can't wait to bring our kids back when they are old enough to remember to see these huge monstrous beauties that jut up from the earth. And show them how majestic it is to see the sun slowly set on the range and watch the colors not only change the sky but change the mountains.
Milestones = Week 11, last week when we went to the doctors I thought I was at 11, but he said 10, so now we are really at 11!
Theme = Feeling better and actually accomplishing things, I have cooked dinner 3 times in a row, I have packed up a few things. I have actually felt like myself which makes me way happy.
Extra = Now that we have our new vehicle, '99 Ford Explorer, with no exhaust leak and baby safe, we are going to sell my car. We will either sell it or Donate it to this special yard sale on Saturday. Looks like if we sell it, it will be for $300, I wouldn't mind more, but we don't have time to do it for more. Also Sat we are going up to Twin Falls to visit that part of the family one more time before our move to FL. Sat morning all of our furniture will be donated to the special yard sale, then we will only have a few things to pack up before we are done. And when we get back from ID we can start cleaning. I suppose I should call our landlord and make sure we get our list of things that need to be cleaned and such, so we can get our deposit back, we will also need to borrow a vacuum cleaner. Ours broke and I don't think we have vacuumed our floors but once or twice, probably bad, but you can't really tell because of the color of our carpet.

Blood Tests

2010-08-16T19:44:00.002-06:00

You know doctors offices tell you they aren't going to call you if everything is fine. When I woke up today there was a voice mail from the baby doctor telling me to call them back.

Of course all the bad things start running through your mind, what is wrong? Is the baby sick? Is something bad going to happen?

I called back and got the info needed. My tests came back great except for...................................................................the Vitamin D.

They said it isn't abnormal for Vitamin D levels to be low here in Cache Valley, and to top it off I work grave yard shift, so I never see the sun, and I am not opposed to milk, but I don't always drink it, it isn't my favorite. So I imagine my Vitamin D was probably almost non existent.

The remedy, take Vitamin D3 in addition to the prenatal vitamin, find a D3 of 800 or 1000 and take it daily. I found a chewable D3 of 400, so I will take 2, they taste good too.

Soon I will be done with work, and we will be in FL, so hopefully my Vitamin D will skyrocket. The nurse also said that I should feel happier, which is funny because I don't feel in the slightest bit depressed, so hopefully i don't get extra exuberant ecstatic happy, I like where I stand emotionally.

I called back because I wasn't sure if that was a Vitamin that could be toxic if taken in high doses in addition to the sun, especially after we move to FL, and she said you just pee out the extra, so that is good too. Once I get a doctor down there they will have to test my D levels again and see if it is better.

So that is the newest, and so far so good still with the morning sickness.......

And it begins,

2010-08-16T02:19:00.003-06:00

One day I might become a regular blogger, for some reason I can't seem to come about doing it yet, but this is a good way to keep track of my first experience of pregnancy. A friend of mine updated weekly what she experienced through the whole pregnancy, so I might attempt something close to it.

We can start at the beginning, James and I decided we should start adding to our family. I went off the birth control the middle of May, and the beginning of July found out I was growing a mini us inside.

It happened faster than I expected, I was planning on giving it a couple months after going off the birth control, but by no means am I disappointed that it happened quickly. Since I have never tried to get pregnant in my past I wasn't sure if I would be fertile or not, if there would be any difficulties getting pregnant. That is a trial I was trying to prepare myself for. I know it isn't easy to want to have children and not be able to get them. It was a fear I had, and I am grateful that Heavenly Father has provided this first child with ease, perhaps that means it might give us trouble as it is raised, but I'm ready, I'm ready for all aspects of parenthood.

So we went up to the Family Reunion in Kenewick, WA for the 4th of July weekend, I was way tired, and late. In fact there were times where everyone was outside and chatting and such and James and I just crashed out on the grass in the middle of it all. I thought it was possibly because I worked graves, but now I know it was because my body was working like crazy to make sure this baby had a good home.

We left the family reunion on Sunday morning and drove out to the Oregon coast, we started down in Strawberry Hill and worked our way up to Newport Beach. Some things I began to notice at that point, besides the fact that I was late was that normally with food I could go without for a long while without any side effects. I began to notice that I couldn't really skip a meal without getting nauseated. But other than that and being tired it wasn't bad.

I convinced James to let me buy a pregnancy test to do the following morning. It came with 2 sticks. I woke up before James did, and took the test and left it on the counter for him to see when he got up. It was positive. Ended up doing the second one the next day just to make sure, and James was awake this time, and it was positive again. The above picture is from the first test. So at that point in time it was kinda, we are pregnant but it doesn't feel like it.

I was only 4 weeks pregnant at that point in time. It wasn't until 6.5 that the morning sickness kicked in. And i was nauseated all day everyday, the day it began I cooked some really good tasting and smelling chicken legs, well James said they were real good, but the smell and look just didn't appeal to this nose or body. I didn't want it at all. I stuck to like veggies that day or something. Now in comparison to some morning sickness stories I had it easy. Just nausea, I could still eat somethings, though one day i woke up so weak and tired and head pounding and realized i had only eaten some saltine crackers for like 3 days. Ooops, I ate and felt a tad bit better. I have only thrown up twice during this first trimester so far.

Our first doctors appt. was on the 11th of this month. We heard a heartbeat and saw it as well. The doc printed up several ultrasound pictures and one even in 3D. It was a pretty cool experience. It is quite interesting to look at the pictures of our baby and realize that eventually that little tiny thing 1.1" big is going to be an adult one day. It will grow and mature and blossom into hopefully a fine husband or wife, father or mother. Now as I marvel at the bean I think about how mature it looks right now, as its body is working so hard to make sure that everything is in place, and everything is to work in its proper function. Our baby is a very hard worker and it is now beginning to build its own bones so that it can crawl, walk, and run eventually. It is kinda fun to learn each week what our baby does new to help prepare itself to enter this world. I guess I help a little bit, but I feel for the most part now, I am just an incubator as it works its magic.

We sent a card to James' mom to let her know she was going to be a grandmother, I told my mom on my birthday, as well as my dad and stepmom. I told my little sisters the next day, when I also posted it on facebook. So it is official, we are going to be parents, exciting and intimidating all at once.

Oh and I hope and pray and knock on wood that the morning sickness is mostly gone, On my birthday I seemed to be fine, and the next day as well, I am beginning to feel a bit nauseas now, but i think i will suck on a Preggie Pop and see if that helps, today I was actually able to cook dinner, something that has been not happening, and I washed dishes and packed a bit, so I think I am coming back around.

I think I will end this now, I still have 4 hours of work left, and starting to feel tired, go figure, it isn't like i signed up for overtime.....oh wait i did. My last day of work is Friday, the end of today starts my weekend, only 3 more days of work left, I can't wait for it to be over!

The long awaited post.....

2010-07-25T18:24:00.006-06:00

Finally the pictures from Oregon.....I've just been lazy but they are finally here

A West We Go!

2010-07-01T07:55:00.001-06:00

Today is Canada Day, we leave when James gets off work to go to Twin Falls for the night with G'ma Marie and Charlie. Then off to Kennewick,WA for the family reunion. The James and I are gonna explore the Oregon coast. And we will get to see a few of my friends whilst traveling....I am way excited for the coast, so excited that I worked graves last night and don't want to go to sleep, I am gonna try and have most things packed before I fall asleep.....

A Sunday Walk

2010-06-20T21:13:00.004-06:00

And our walk begins with a baby bird of some sort (not mentioning the wild bird that sat on James' finger just an hour earlier)....
Following was this woodpecker nest with baby woodpeckers screaming their heads off...

Snake 1

Snake 2, under the railroad, see that metal at the top, that is the track...

Snake 3, he didn't want to stay anywhere close to remotely still..
And our Bumble Bee
The End

Antelope Island

2010-06-20T20:11:00.002-06:00

Here is our garden, grown so much since....

Here is our trip to antelope island....where I got sunburned....

Here is our Sunday walk from today....on the next post

is.....

2010-06-17T08:09:00.000-06:00

sunburned....

another update?

2010-06-04T09:19:00.002-06:00

Well there isn't much to update, I have pictures that need to go up, just haven't done it yet....

Ummm we are still trying to sell that truck, we just want to get rid of it, hopefully soon, it would do us some good.

We still have a bit of work to do on the motorhome, perhaps on my next days off we can get to that, the front window and back window are leaking, the back window is a fairly new discovery, and we need to fix the wall where the front window has been leaking, and finish putting up the decorations, there are a few more pictures I want to add to our collage wall. We should also add the lights, and try and attempt to fix the table, it is a bit shaky.

The garden is a growing, the raddishes are doing way well, and so is the strawberry plant. The cucumbers are doing as well as hoped, but maybe they will perk up soon, they have gotten more than enough water and sun combined. The jalepeno pepper plant is doing well too, though it hasn't shown signs of growing peppers it is still very green and pretty. And our tomato plants have flowers on them as well.

We beat Super Mario Galaxy 2 the other day and have 2 more games, Wolverine and Obsession Aftermath, we play a bit everyday, at least to the next save point, we will probalby trade those when we are done with them.

Garden....Take 2

2010-05-25T19:30:00.004-06:00

Last Monday James and I planted our garden again, this time it wasn't just tomatoes. This time we planted cherry tomatoes and big tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cucumbers, raddishes, strawberries, and broccoli. So far all the plants are alive, today James planted some peas and wax beans. The radishes, peas, wax beans, and 2 of the cucumber plants were from seeds. The radishes are already sprouting green. So we think we will have better luck this year because they are starting their lives outside, as opposed to inside, so that is good. The strawberries and cherry tomatoes already have blooms. I have pictures but I am too tired to put them up.

This past week my bestest friend in the whole wide world got married to a very wonderful man. I approved of such actions before they even knew they were going to get married, like about 2 months into their dating, and they have been dating for a bit over a year. Anyway, it was wonderful. She got married on Thursday in the Oquirrah (sp) Mountain Temple, and following the sealing we had lunch at the Olive Garden (sponsored by Josh's parents) with some real yummy food. The we ran errands like chickens with our heads cut off, all of the brides maids did. And made it for the reception. Crazy, then we bridesmaids did this jumping off the wall picture and I ripped my dress and the zipper seam that had just been finished in time for the wedding....good thing I know how to do some sewing, I fixed it by hand the next morning in preparation for the second reception. But the jumping picture was way worth it, and my gentleman of a husband loaned me his jacket to hide my exposed back.

Friday was a miracle, It was predicted thunderstorms all day, yet I got sunburned painting the fence in Shay's backyard, then when the reception started there was cloud covering, but not a drop (well a few here and there but none really) fell until after we had the outside cleaned up, and then the heavens opened and it poured all night. That wasn't the only wedding miracle, but it was a pretty cool one.

I have yet to recover from the lack of sleep from helping out and such, but it was worth it. Then today after work my husband and I went on a nice walk, I suppose you could consider it a hike, but I think of it more like a walk because it wasn't really in the woods too much, just the side of a mountain. It was a way nice walk, and then we came home and played our new black Wii that we bought Sat after a year of begging James to let us get one, he agreed because Super Mario Galaxy 2 came out and he wanted to play it, so we bought that too. Anyway, ps P90x lasted about 1.5 weeks, that was it...I got bored and it stopped hurting the next day after the work out, I really shouldn't have stopped, and I may go back, but we will see.

ouch

2010-05-06T17:36:00.002-06:00

I am so sore and have been for the past 2 days because of.....................................

I know I said James and I were beginning that at the start of the year, and we did, for about 20 mins, but we didn't go on to the next day....So months down the road here I am, I decided to do it for real, and if I do it for a week straight James said he will do it with me from then on, so we will see how that goes. But I can't sneeze, I can't laugh, I can't cough, I can't sit up or sit down, I have to roll out of the car real slow, man oh man am I in pain, and I have an hour and 30 minutes of yoga to do tomorrow, I can't wait for my body to not hurt like this.....ok now I am going to take another picture of the motor home.....

Peace, ps, I would put the before picture up (or the current) picture, but it is not suitable for younger audiences, heck it isn't even suitable for mine eyes.

Finally Finished

2010-05-03T14:31:00.001-06:00

The Wall

And the cushions, I will add that picture or pictures later...I just wanted to get this one up while it was easy to do so.

2010-04-25T23:03:00.003-06:00

Probably my favorite photo from the trip and my second favorite is below, which I took on the island of the picture below this one.
It was a great anniversary trip. I am grateful to have a husband who is willing to do things so last minute. We decided Wed before the weekend to go somewhere, then Thursday we decided San Francisco. Friday we booked the hotel and the tickets to Alcatraz.

Saturday we left at 4am and drove the most boring drive to San Francisco, it started to get interesting after getting out of Nevada. Then we finally found parking by our hotel, which doesn't have free parking. Took a 15 minute nap and headed to Fisherman's Wharf. We walked around and found a place to eat and just kinda took things in. Very nice anniversary dinner, beautiful sunset and you can see above, and just a nice walk together. Then back to the hotel.

Sunday we got up, checked out, and booked it to Alcatraz, we almost missed the boat, and we parked in the most expensive parking in San Francisco. Alcatraz we so cool, the audio tour was totally worth it, we even might have come home with a piece of the "Rock".

Then after Alcatraz we walked around Pier 39, where we found the infamous sea lions, probably James' favorite part of the trip. If you check my facebook album you will see one of them scratching their nose (it was pretty cool).

Following that we decided to check out China Town, that was pretty sweet, and way cheaper to eat there. Way cheaper. And we got to see big fish, and bought chopsticks to let the missionaries use every time they eat over.

Then we headed towards Palo Alto/Stanford area. We visited with one of my old school friends from Atlanta, Carrie. She and her husband are gonna have a baby in about 10 weeks or so, she is so stinkin cute. It was kinda crazy to have a sleep over with boys. The only sleepovers we ever had was with girls, then all the sudden we were sleeping over with boys, but each of us had a boy in our bed, and it was legal! It took me a second to be ok with that, it was kinda like I forgot what year I was living in cuz we didn't miss a beat when we got together. Any way that was lots of fun, Carrie gave us a nice walk/tour of Stanford and Chris' hockey team won that night 1-0.

Then Monday morning we left around 8am and got home about 11:30pm, 1 ticket in Nevada and killed 2 rabbits in Utah. I never, we never, ever want to drive that drive through Nevada again, in fact we have a family reunion to go to in WA and we were thinking about detouring to the Redwood Forest, well the fastest way would be through that ugly northern NV so you can forget that.

And on another note, I got another calling today, not gonna lie, pretty excited about it. Ward Co-camp director. They are only doing ward girls camp this year, but I love girls camp, so hopefully I can get all of camp off, if not at least two or three days. Either way I am so excited.

So there is your weekly update.......

2010-04-20T22:25:00.001-06:00

Check this out! Probably the greatest giveaway ever!

It's all about Seeking Happiness

I love my friends!

ps a post about our anniversary trip will come soon