Week 16

How Far Along? 16 weeks (we're 4 months along!) 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 2 lbs   

Baby Related Purchases:  A lot of baby purchasing happened this week! The crib and changing table were ordered for the nursery! :-) They are exactly the same as the crib and changing table in my nursery, just up to all of today's safety codes. I love how delicate/vintage they look. They are from the DaVinci Jenny Lind collection:







Perhaps the most exciting thing for me personally was purchasing a pregnancy pillow! I haven't been sleeping well, partly because I haven't been able to get in a comfortable position for my changing body. So, I took the plunge and bought this incredibly comfy "Today's Mom Cozy Comfort Pregnancy Pillow" in sky blue to match our bedroom. To my delight, it only took a few days to come in so I've been enjoying it the past two nights. Like anything new, it took some getting used to, but its already helped me to sleep better! I highly recommend it!



I have to remind myself that, Lord willing, these big items will be used more than once for multiple pregnancies and children. It's so exciting to think about! :-)

The heels (mostly wedges) I wear to work are beginning to make my lower back sore. So, I bought some summery flats that are work appropriate and cute :-)

              


Lastly, my fingers have begun to swell, so Austin and I decided to purchase a temporary wedding ring. Because of previous weight gain, my wedding ring wasn't even able to slide on and off easily anymore. The last thing I want is for either of my precious rings to have to be cut off of me in the hospital! So, last night we bought a simple silver band with "diamonds" laid into the band in a size that will allow for the swelling. It's taking some getting used to, but I'm happy with it :-)

Stretch marks? No! I've still been using the belly lotion and its working so far! I talked to my mom earlier in the week and asked her what she used to prevent stretch marks. She told me she didn't use a thing and didn't get stretch marks with either Mary or me! Wow.    

Sleep: Getting a little better. I've been trying to take naps as I can. The couch is my favorite napping spot. I think its because it provides good back support when I lay on my side. I just feel like I'm tired all the time. I'm still tossing and turning and waking up a few times during the night :-( I'm hoping having the pregnancy pillow will really help! I'm also still having crazy dreams, although they're not every night anymore. My two favorite from the week: surviving a zombie apocalypse by baking and hiding in the woods to escape a Honduran coup d'etat. What in the world???

Movement: I'm feeling "flutters", properly called "quickening" on occasion. The best way I can describe it is similar to when your heart skips a beat, but in my abdomen :-) 

What I miss: A good night's deep sleep! I've really been praying for this to happen, because I know that I need it and and the baby needs it. I'm going to try to start exercising this upcoming week (probably just walking on the treadmill) to see if that will help at all.  

Cravings: Still loving lemonade! This isn't really craving related, but food has started to really taste good to me again! Up to this point in my pregnancy, I've eaten because I had to. The enjoyment wasn't really there.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I can't watch or see pictures of anything gross! Last night we watched "Les Mis" and I really couldn't watch the majority of the "Master of the House" sequence! There are so many things that are so gross during that song!  

Gender: We find out a week from this Friday, on May 9th! We will most likely make a public announcement (on facebook) of the gender and name either May 10th or 11th. I just can't wait to see an ultrasound of our precious one again! :-) 

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Quickening, Round Ligament Pain (its especially noticeable when standing up after sitting down for a long time), Restlessness, some swelling

Belly Button In or Out? In

Happy or Moody most of the time: Since beginning the second trimester, I've really felt like myself again. I still have my moments, especially if I've been woken up from a nap on the couch!    

Worries: Nothing new here, just the normal worry that everything is okay and that Baby Ward is developing normally. I'm reminded continually to give everything to the Lord. He's been reminding me this week of the vastness of His love for me and for Baby Ward. Austin and I pray every day that Baby Ward will come to know and love the Lord! It's so exciting to think about! I can't wait to know the gender so we can pray for our baby by name!

Best moments this week: It's been a good week and a great weekend!

On Wednesday, I had a phone date with my best friend, Catie! We hadn't visited in several weeks so it was great to catch up! We will be visiting her and her husband in Newport News, Virginia this summer and I can't wait!

On Thursday evening, we hung out with the Mayfields! We went to Picasso's (the first time both Jess and I have really had the desire to eat pizza since being pregnant) then played rook at our house! It was a blast! I'm definitely still getting the hang of it!

Friday evening, Mary and I drove to Birmingham to attend a bridal shower for Cassidy, my dear friend and roommate from college! We arrived late Friday night, so it was good to sleep in Saturday. After taking pictures of us all dolled up, we had a lovely lunch with my dad at Tazikis and headed to the bridal shower!

Everything was so beautiful! It was so great to see Cassidy! She looked so gorgeous and I loved being there to celebrate with her. It was fun to see Cassidy's mom and sister again, see some friends from Samford, and meet some of Cassidy's friends from church (including the groom's mom!). I was so glad we went!

It was a quick trip, as Mary and I headed back to Jackson immediately after the shower. It was good to spend some quality time with Mary and jam out to old CDs together!

On Sunday, Austin and I went to Maranatha Baptist Church to hear Brian, Austin's cousin Kayla's fiancee, preach. He did so great and the gospel permeated every aspect of the message! After church we went out to lunch with Kayla and Brian. We're so excited about their upcoming wedding in August!

Here are the photos Dad took in Birmingham:

Week 15

How Far Along? 15 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 2 lbs   

Baby Related Purchases: I bought a really cute lacy dress to wear to wedding festivities later in the summer! I recommend the site: Pink Blush Maternity. Everything is super cute and feminine :-)

Stretch marks? I've been using the Burt's Bees Belly butter and so far, so good!  

Sleep: I'm still dreaming, but now I'm tossing and turning a lot more. This is the week that I'm supposed to stop sleeping flat on my back (it restricts blood flow to the baby) and sleep only on my side. I'm really thinking about getting a full-body pregnancy pillow! Its no fun when I don't sleep well. 

Movement: A few days ago, I felt the first baby flutter!!! :-) Wheeee! 

What I miss: Sleeping on my back! I've been able to prop my back up on pillows so I'm not flat, but it seems like when you are told you can't do something, its harder to give it up :-)

Cravings: Lemonade still tastes so good :-) The need to eat frequently has increased, so I really need to start carting snacks around.

Anything making you queasy or sick: The only time I feel sick is when I've "overdone" it, meaning if I've stood up too long or gone too long between meals. I've really gotten a lot of energy back this week, thankfully!  

Gender:  2 weeks to go!!!

Labor Signs: None

Symptoms: Fluttering :-), Stretching, some round ligament pain, restlessness

Belly Button In or Out? In

Happy or Moody most of the time: I've been pretty happy this week :-)   

Worries: As I've felt more stretching/pressure, or just felt things that are new, I always hope that everything is still normal! Statistically, risks or complications are lower at this point in the pregnancy, but pregnant woman emotions rarely think logically :-) I'm still just giving my anxious thoughts and fears to the Lord. It is truly incredible to me that He is knitting our child together in my womb. I feel so blessed!

Best moments this week: This week was pretty busy, Monday through Thursday. Austin had to fit 5 days of work into 4 so he could enjoy Good Friday off with me. We had such a relaxing day on Friday. I never even left the house :-) It was much needed!

In celebration of Holy Week, Austin and I started watching the History Channel miniseries "The Bible". We've only got 2 episodes left! Overall, we felt like it was well-done and it was so great to focus on God's plan for man's redemption leading up to Easter Sunday. We highly recommend it! It's on Netflix.

Dad came from Birmingham yesterday and we celebrated Mary's 21st birthday by seeing "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and eating at Logan's. It was a great time!

This morning, we celebrated Resurrection Sunday with our church family. The choir presented a wonderful set of worshipful songs and Brother Greg preached on the simple question, "Do you believe?" This week is when Baby Ward can start hearing things, so I wonder if they heard the music this morning? :-)

We came home and ate an Easter lunch of ham, potato casserole, green beans, sliced tomatoes, crescent rolls and strawberry pie, followed by a long nap. Dad brought us Easter baskets and we took family pictures. It has been a lovely day! He is risen!!!

Week 14

How Far Along? 14 Weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 1 lb (I was down 3 lbs at the doctor's office)   

Baby Related Purchases: I went to Kohl's on Friday and bought a super cute black and white polka dot maternity dress! It looks 1940s/50s and I'm planning to wear it on Easter :-) I also found a super soft turquoise tunic on sale for $7. Apologies to male readers, but I also found some really comfy undergarments that are finally the same size as my growing body.

Stretch marks?  None! I've been using Burts Bees Belly Butter for a week and its now part of my morning routine. Its so soothing and I highly recommend it! I have permission to share this- this morning, as I was applying the lotion, Austin started singing "Belly Butter, Belly Time!" Oh. My. Goodness. 

Sleep: Maybe I've been just getting used to dreaming every night, but I don't feel like the dreams have been quite as intense lately. I still stay really tired and I've noticed that I'm sleeping lighter in general. Last night's sleep was pretty rough. Austin's phone decided to freak out and remind him to charge his phone at 4 a.m. multiple times.   

Movement: No baby movement yet, but I'm definitely feeling a lot more stretching! 

What I miss: Not having to eat every 3 or 4 hours! I feel like I've been planning my entire day around my eating schedule lately. I really do feel better when I don't let my stomach get empty. Avoiding "food emergencies" is generally a good idea.  

Cravings: No crazy cravings this week! I'm still really enjoying lemonade (Cracker Barrel has lemonade in a frosted mug that is sooo good!) and Chick-fil-A sandwiches with pickles.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I think I've moved past feeling like I want to gag each time I brush my teeth! I'm still not able to handle anything that is super creamy or rich. I ate a cup of Broccoli and Cheddar Soup from Panera yesterday, and it just didn't settle very well. 

Gender: We will find out at our next doctor's appointment on May 9th! However, we are planning to do some kind of gender reveal gathering/announcement (as long as Baby Ward is turned the right way!) so we won't announce it until several days after that. We will also announce the name along with the gender :-) 

Labor Signs: None! 

Symptoms: Fatigue, Vivid Dreams, Stretching

Belly Button In or Out? In

Happy or Moody most of the time: The first part of this week was really hard, since Donna Maye passed away on April 7th. I was pretty emotional because of that. As the week progressed, I felt better and we had a great weekend!   

Worries: Earlier this week, I shocked myself on an extension cord, which was not fun. I was attempting to plug in my cell phone charger to the extension cord on which part of the casing was broken. My finger was in just the right place to cause a little jolt. I freaked out! I started googling "shock from extension cord while pregnant" and was comforted by the fact that other pregnant women have done this (and much sillier) things. To make sure, however, I called the nurse on call at the Jackson clinic. She said I had nothing to worry about as long as I didn't have any other symptoms, which I didn't! I will be avoiding extension cords from now on!

Best moments this week: There were several wonderful moments this week, especially towards the later part of the week into the weekend. The highlight was getting to hear Baby Ward's heartbeat at the doctor's office on Thursday afternoon! It felt like forever before she found the heartbeat (I was trying to stay calm as she searched for it!), but hearing it was just like music to my ears! It is steady at 151 beats per minute, which is exactly in the middle of the average range for 14 weeks :-) My blood work and urine sample came back perfectly normal as well, so the visit was very uneventful! That is a good thing!

That night we ate dinner at Chili's with some dear friends who are expecting their little girl to arrive any day now! It was so fun to catch up, share funny stories and anticipate parenthood together!

On Friday, I went on a mini-shopping spree to Kohl's and bought some much needed items as well as a cute dress and comfy shirt :-) I also picked up some baby shower and wedding gifts that I ordered and bought online, but picked up in the store! I must have been living under a rock to not know about doing this! Never again will I get a headache searching for a specific registry item in the store! The day concluded with a lovely dinner at Cracker Barrel with the Mayfields (where I had their delicious lemonade in a frosted mug!)

Saturday, we started the day by doing our taxes! We have a really great tax lady at H&R Block who we've gotten to know over the years. It was so fun to share our news with her and project what kind of return we might get next year once Baby Ward makes his/her arrival! Its also good to know that we're going to get a nice return this year :-)

The afternoon was spent at our dear friend, Courtney's baby shower at Dumplins. Dumplins is the cutest, feminine restaurant that is perfect for luncheons and showers. The party was in the Garden Room, which was decorated in green and had pretty wrought iron garden furniture. It was fun hanging out with friends and celebrating the anticipated arrival of little Charlotte!

Later that day, I watched "Father of the Bride 2", which I've been wanting to watch since I found out I was pregnant! I'm such a sapp! I loved it and cried probably 5 or 6 times :-) Austin is a saint for putting up with me!

Sunday after church, I went to a bridal shower for my sweet friend, Olivia! It has been a joy to walk with her as her relationship with her fiancee began, through their courtship and into their engagement! I'm so excited for them to get married in just a few weeks!

Sunday evening, Austin took me to see "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"! I LOVED it!!!!! Captain America is my favorite superhero anyway, but the move was really really good! I highly recommend it! Just as a side note, if Baby Ward is a boy, he will have a Captain America costume :-) 

Week 13

How Far Along? 13 weeks (Second Trimester!!!! Wooo!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 4 lbs. 

Baby Related Purchases: My thoughtful sister-in-law, Leslie, gave me Burts Bees Mama Belly Butter yesterday to prevent stretch marks! I'm looking forward to using it!

Also, my dad bought an adorable onesie for Baby Ward from the George W. Bush Presidential library. We could have a future President of the United States! Who knows? :-)

Stretch marks? Not yet! Looking forward to preventing them with the belly butter :-) However, I've started feeling more stretching this week. At first it felt like the beginning of mild cramps, but after talking with our wonderful Nurse Practitioner he told me it was probably "Round Ligament Stretching", which is very common, especially in the second trimester! 

Sleep: I'm still having crazy dreams, but I feel like I'm getting better sleep. This weekend was particularly restful, as we went to Atlanta. Its weird how you sometimes sleep better in a different environment! 

Movement: Not yet! 

What I miss:  I miss being able to keep up my energy to do more than one big thing a day. :-( If I have to do more than one big activity, I have to rest between things. I'm more than happy to take care of myself and Baby Ward, its just a challenge getting used to a slower pace of life. 

Cravings: Anything lemon! (besides lemons by themselves, of course!). I've been craving lemonade recently, and the more tart, the better! My favorite beverage right now is San Pelligrino Lemon Sparkling Water. The carbonation helps with any pre-meal nausea and the lemon flavor just tastes so good!

Maybe it was because we were in Atlanta, but I really craved onion rings from the Varsity yesterday! We, of course, paid a visit to the Atlanta tradition and I enjoyed it immensely! What is up with me craving fried onions?

Anything making you queasy or sick: Brushing my teeth still makes me gag, so I've been rushing to get that done and then using mouthwash to make up for the lack of thoroughness.

Also, my sense of smell has noticeably heightened recently. Certain smells just make me want to gag! 

Gender: We'll see! Only a few more weeks before we can find out!  

Labor Signs: None! 

Symptoms: Fatigue, Vivid Dreams, Heightened Sense of Smell, Stretching (beginnings of Round Ligament Pain)

Belly Button In or Out? In

Happy or Moody most of the time: It was a rough week, so probably more moody. 

Worries: Every time I feel stretching or slight discomfort, I can't help but wonder if everything is still okay. I was serious when I said I would get an ultrasound every day just to make sure the baby is doing well!

Best moments this week: Although it was very bittersweet, I enjoyed our trip to Atlanta last weekend. It was so good to spend time with Donna Maye and my immediate family. It was a very restful trip. Much needed. 

Donna Maye

The barking wouldn't stop! The high pitched decibel pierced through the night. I looked at my clock- 2:30 a.m. Why did we have to get a dog the night before my second day of high school? Especially one that kept me awake at all hours! Of course, she was in her crate in the guest room, directly below my room.

I threw open my door, stomped down the hallway, down the stairs, through the kitchen and opened the door to the guest room. The barking stopped. The three-pound white fluff ball with red bows in her hair stood up in her crate, excited to see me! I was mad! When I agreed to the arrangement that we would get a Bichon Frise as a part of moving to Atlanta, I had envisioned only the fun parts of having a dog. Now, we were only a few hours in and all I wanted was peace and quiet! It was hard enough being the "new kid" in 9th grade when friends I'd known since kindergarten were hundreds of miles away. Donna Maye, the name Mary and I decided upon before we even got her, just wanted to play! I just wanted to sleep.

That night I couldn't have imagined how that little puppy would come to occupy such a special place in my heart. She was the friend I needed when I didn't have friends those first few, long weeks of high school. Once I made friends, she entertained them with her playful antics and they grew to love her too. She quickly became an integral part of the family. I loved coming home from school to be greeted by an excited dancing puppy! Never mind that every time we opened the door, she would bolt out and make us chase her through the yards of our neighbors. It was all a game to her.

She was there as I got ready for Homecoming dances and proms, as I sat up late talking to my friends on AIM, and as I cried when my family fell apart. When things got really rough, she was a source of joy and comfort. All she knew was how to be loving, joyful, energetic, sweet (and occasionally mischievous). It didn't matter what was going on around her.

When I was in college I missed her the most (sorry, Mom, Dad and Mary!). I loved getting to play with her during breaks! My college friends met her and teased me about how crazy I was about that dog. They were right!

When I graduated from college, I didn't see her as much. The few times I did see her, she greeted me with the same enthusiasm and joy she always had. She was still "my dog" even though we hadn't lived in the same house for years. It almost seemed like no time had passed.

I got married and moved into a house of my own. She came with my mom or dad to visit during holidays or special occasions. She enjoyed running around in our fenced in back yard. She made herself at home and always found the most comfortable spot to sit, as close to one of us as she could get. I loved having her in my home; it just seemed like she belonged.

She was at my grandparent's house when we told Mom, Larry and the rest of the family there that we are expecting a baby! She heard all the squeals, saw the smiles and felt the excitement. She snuggled extra close to me when I had to lay down for a nap because pregnancy is exhausting. In that season of her life, some of her vivacity was gone. She enjoyed relaxing with whoever was still. Her hair on her face was getting darker. She was aging.

Even as a 14 year old girl, in those first few weeks that she was in our home and in my heart, I dreaded when she would no longer be with us. I knew it would happen someday, I just didn't know how or when. Now I know.

At some point during the past few months, she developed cancer that spread to her lungs to the point where her breathing became very labored. A week after we found out about the cancer, she was gone. Today.

We traveled to Atlanta this weekend to say our goodbyes and to spend some time as a family. Even my dad was able to come over from Birmingham. We took Donna Maye to a park next to the Chattahoochee River, had a picnic, hiked a trail and took lots of pictures. She enjoyed the car ride, sniffing at all the smells of spring, and just being a dog. For such an "indoor dog" she always loved the outdoors! When she got tired, we carried her. It was truly a lovely afternoon.

She declined pretty rapidly over the weekend. I said good bye to her on Sunday. I hugged her one last time, and as I put her back on her bean bag, I said, "Thanks for everything." I am truly thankful.

Donna Maye was a blessing to our family for nearly 13 years. She reflected characteristics of the Lord so well: joy, unconditional love, and a comforting presence. He gave us to her for the season that she was here. She served to unite us as a family, even when everything else divided us. He gives and He takes away. Donna Maye's time here is done. I am so thankful for the wonderful memories and stories I get to tell my children about her someday.

Thank you Lord, for the blessing of Donna Maye. As I give her and the time I had with her to Him, I open my heart to receive a new chapter in my life, filled with joy, hope and a new life.

Even as my heart hurts tonight, He is the giver of all good things.