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.

Week 12

How Far Along? 12 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 4 lbs. 

Baby Related Purchases: We're in the process of pricing the larger items so we can know how to budget for them. So much of what we will purchase for the nursery/baby in general is going to depend on if Baby Ward is a boy or girl! 

Stretch marks? No. Although this morning I freaked out a little bit because I saw a faint long red vertical line on my stomach. Turned out it was just where I had scratched myself :-) I'm planning on getting and using some kind of "belly balm" for when my bump starts protruding a bit more in a attempt to prevent stretch marks!  

Sleep: I keep having vivid dreams! This is a totally normal thing. For more info, read this article from WebMD. So interesting! But, it means that my nights aren't very peaceful or restful. I feel like I get my best rest if I take a short nap sometime during the day or if I get up early, then fall back asleep. It's so strange! 

Movement: None

What I miss: All of my life up until this point, I've been able to push my limits. This includes at work, going the extra mile at home when I didn't feel like it, and just in doing life. This has not been possible during pregnancy. I really just run out of steam physically, emotionally and mentally. Once I hit that wall, I'm done. This is something totally new for me. Its been a good thing for me to learn what my boundaries are and practice sticking to them, but at the same time its been frustrating not doing things the way I've always been able to do them. 

Cravings: Yesterday I had such a craving for a Bloomin' Onion from Outback! I know, not healthy in the slightest! We did indulge the craving, however, and enjoyed a nice lunch at Outback with the Mayfields after church yesterday. I probably ate about a third of the Bloomin' Onion by myself!

Anything making you queasy or sick: This is really random, but lately, brushing my teeth has made me feel nauseated. I don't know if its the type of toothpaste I'm using, or the simple fact that I'm sticking a cleaning tool in my mouth, but its made me gag a few times! Not good! 

Gender: We'll see! 

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Vivid Dreams, Fatigue, Nausea before meals

Belly Button In or Out? In

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! I've only had a few moments (usually in times of hunger!) where I feel like I've been a bit of a brat. 

Worries: Baby Ward is growing (now the size of a large plum!) and so I'm starting to feel a little more stretching. I have to remind myself that it is totally normal- I think I just worry about having cramps and something happening to the baby.

I don't know if this counts as a worry or not, but I'll share it anyway. The past few days the desire to be a godly mother has resonated deeply in my heart. I want to be a vessel of God's love, grace, compassion and overall character to Baby Ward. I want Baby Ward to see me being a godly wife to their father. I realize that the Lord has entrusted me with the task of being this precious baby's mother and I want to do well in that task. Already I've been struggling with feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy.  I know that I will only be able to take everything one day at a time, and that when I fail (which I know I will), God's grace will be there to catch me.

Best moments this week: A little background is necessary for this. I have heard mothers say that they couldn't watch the news, crime shows, or any kind of violent movies while they were pregnant. I definitely understand what they were talking about now, so I've been really trying to be careful in what I watch! A few days ago I rediscovered the perfect show for this season in my life: "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman"! I have all of the seasons on DVD (big shocker, I know!) and I really love the lessons each episode teaches and the emphasis on family and community. It makes my heart happy :-)

Also, yesterday afternoon, Austin cleaned up the kitchen for me. Considering all of our dinner plates and nearly all of our pots and pans were piled up in the sink, it was a huge deal that he did that for me! I'll admit it, I cried! 

Week 11

How Far Along? 11 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 3 lbs.

Baby Related Purchases: This week has been so crazy, we haven't been shopping at all. Besides large purchases (such as furniture, stroller, car seat, etc.) we're probably going to hold off on buying things until we know the gender!

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: Last night, I slept pretty well. I've still been having really crazy, intense dreams. For the most part this week, unfortunately, I haven't slept well. I'm waking up at least once in the very early morning. Austin has had some really early mornings this week so I've woken up when he has, then had a hard time falling back asleep. As a result of all of this, I've been extra tired and feel gross when I wake up. 

Movement: None

What I miss: Having a good night's sleep :-( 

Cravings: I had my first intense craving on Wednesday! Up until this point, I've just been in the mood for certain kinds of food- it was never a "must have this NOW!" feeling. I was sitting in choir and suddenly all I wanted to eat was buffalo wings!! Ha! I eat wings maybe once or twice a year, and anytime we go to Buffalo Wild Wings it is Austin's idea. Not this time!

Chick-fil-A is a pretty regular part of our lives. Since I've been pregnant, however, all I've wanted is the original chicken sandwich with extra pickles! There is something about pickles and being pregnant! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: I made a lasagna last night and browning the meat made me feel really queasy. I don't know if it was the smell or looking at the raw meat, but it was rough. Also, I still feel nauseated before each meal, especially if its been a few hours since I've eaten. 

Gender: We'll see! 

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Crazy dreams, restlessness, extreme tiredness

Belly Button In or Out? In

Happy or Moody most of the time: Because I've been extra tired, I feel like I've been on edge, but I don't think I've been moody. 

Worries: I just hope that Baby Ward is developing and is healthy! If I could have an ultrasound every day to check on the baby, I would! I also worry that I'm eating healthy enough to provide the baby with good nutrition.

Best moments this week: Austin and I have been able to enjoy some quiet evenings at home this week. Even though making the lasagna made me feel sick, I was glad to make a home-cooked meal for Austin after so many evenings of take-out.

It was also great to return to choir practice on Wednesday! We sang through the Easter music and it was such a time of worship for me! 

Week 10

This is the first of the weekly update posts! I will be answering this same set of questions leading up to Baby Ward's arrival! Several of my friends with babies have done this and I think it is a really fun way to record what's going on.

I'm going to try to post towards the end of each week about the week before. I've done posts for Weeks 8 and 9 so be looking for those in a few days!

How Far Along? 10 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 3 lbs.

Baby Related Purchases: Last night, Austin and I went to Target and really explored the baby section for the first time! Living in a smaller town, we inevitably run into someone we know, but now that our news is public we have the freedom to go to any baby store anywhere! We looked at strollers, car seats, pack-n-plays, high chairs and cribs. It was so fun to see what the options are and to begin to get a feel for what we both like!

We couldn't leave without purchasing something for Baby Ward! This was the first item we have bought for our baby :-) Since we don't know the gender yet, we got a pack of two yellow ducky hooded towels. They are so cute! Austin had no idea what a hooded towel was- I remember using them as a toddler and loving them because they were so soft!

I couldn't resist looking through the maternity section and found a super comfy, really cute jersey knit black dress that will work even into the cooler months. I'm in that awkward time where my clothes are starting to fit differently so having something comfortable, cute and flattering is very exciting! 

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: Two new things to report this week! I've been having the wildest, craziest dreams! I wake up feeling like I've run a mental marathon. Unfortunately, I don't remember any of them- just that they were weird! Also, I've been getting up at least once in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, which is something that is not normal for me! 

Movement: None

What I miss: Having energy! I don't consider myself the most active person, but at least if I wanted to go run or exercise I could do it. Now, I feel like its all I can do to complete my daily activities and fall into bed at the end of each day! 

Cravings: Last night, I really craved Red Lobster! I wanted Lobster Bisque and Cheddar Bay biscuits so badly! I'm so thankful for a husband who sacrifices his preferences to let me enjoy what sounds good! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: I've been feeling nauseated before all meals now, which didn't used to be the case. I think its because I've been getting really empty between meals, because after I eat, I feel fine! I bought some granola bars and fruit to munch on when I start feeling hungry.  

Gender: We'll see! The most frequently asked question I've received so far (besides when I'm due) is if we're going to find out the gender! The answer is a definite yes! I'm a planner and am ready to know the gender already so I can start buying things! 

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Nausea before meals, Fatigue, Vivid Dreams

Belly Button In or Out? In

Happy or Moody most of the time: I've had my moments this week, but I've been pretty happy! 

Worries: The closer I get to completing my first trimester, the less worried I become about losing the baby. My main concern right now is making sure I'm eating enough and that I have a healthy, balanced diet! The baby is now really dependent on me for nutrition so I want to be sure I'm providing! Its a hard balance when I'm still particular about what sounds like it will taste good! 

Best moments this week: The week began with a day trip to Paducah to share our news with my Mom, stepdad, grandparents and extended family! It was such a joyful day and so special! There is just something about telling your mom :-) I cried a lot more than I thought I would :-)

On Saturday, Austin and I met his parents about halfway between Jackson and Dickson to drop off the pick up truck Austin's dad let us borrow until we bought our new car. We had a lovely lunch with Austin's mom at the Log Cabin Restaurant. It was so good to catch up.

Saturday night, we enjoyed a double dinner date with the Mayfields to Outback! I received an Outback gift card for my birthday and it was fun using it! I haven't felt like eating out in the evening over the past few weeks, so it was nice to go out. After dinner, we hung out at our house and played the Headband game!

Sunday was dreary and rainy but gave Austin and me the perfect opportunity to catch up on rest and spend some quality time together! That evening, we went to Target, which was super fun! 

Adventure is Coming...

We are absolutely delighted to share that in October we will have a new addition to our family! We are so thankful that the Lord has blessed us with the privilege of being the parents of this precious little life. We pray daily that we will reflect God's love to Baby Ward and that he/she will come to know and love Jesus!

We found out the good news on February 2nd after the super bowl! I was late, but thought it might be due to stress. When the two pink lines showed up on the test, we knew our lives were forever changed! I cried (of course) and hugged Austin (who was by my side the entire time- forget telling him he would be a daddy in a cute, Pinterest-inspired way!) The tears welled from inexplicable joy and every other kind of emotion. We were both so excited (and still are!) and let the reality of becoming parents soak in. I immediately went into planning mode, calculating the baby's due date and thinking about how and when we would tell everyone. Austin brought my priorities back to where they needed to be by praying for us and our baby. It was still so surreal as he prayed! I kept looking at the positive pregnancy test to make sure it was still real!

The next morning, I made my doctor's appointment to confirm the pregnancy. I felt like I was harboring a sweet secret that first week! So much was going on in my mind and in my heart and, as a person who enjoys sharing what's going on in my life, it was so difficult not to tell anyone. Since we live farther away from our family, we decided we would tell our parents as we were going to see them in person, which worked out very nicely! We had fun figuring out cute ways to tell them and recording the various reactions!

On February 12th, we had the pregnancy confirmed by the doctor and made the follow up appointment for this past Friday, March 7th, for the ultrasound :-) The heart rate was 176 beats per minute. Baby Ward is strong and healthy; the doctor said everything looks great! Here is Baby Ward's first picture:

As our dear friends and family, please join us in praying for Baby Ward's continued health and development! We know that the Lord already has a perfect plan for Baby Ward's life and we seek to surrender our child to Him daily!

I will be posting weekly updates, answering the same set of questions all the way up until Baby Ward arrives!

Praise the Lord for his abundant blessings!

27

Well, I'm 27 now. 3 years away from 30 :-) It sounds like I'm a mature adult now, doesn't it?

The day began with Austin bringing me breakfast in bed (yay for Panera souffles!), then he brought red roses and a "Happy Birthday" balloon to my office. My wonderful co-workers gave me a lovely pale pink orchid, Dustin and Jessie brought by a sweet card and purple and yellow flowers, and lots of students came by to wish me a happy day!

That evening, Austin took me to Macaroni Grill in Memphis for dinner! I absolutely love their fettuccine alfredo with chicken, bread and caesar salad! The atmosphere is also really fun and romantic! We had a very personable waiter which made the experience even more enjoyable. Sneaky Austin wrote on the paper covering the table that it was my birthday (I didn't notice at all!) so the waiter brought me a decadent chocolate molton cake and one of the employees sang to me in Italian! It was great.

The next day (2 Saturdays ago), we got up early, picked up Dustin and Jess, and headed to Patti's for lunch! We met up with Uncle P and Aunt Sherry and had a wonderful time together! I, of course, got the Pork filet and it was delicious. Following lunch, we went to Paducah for ice cream cake from Dairy Queen! We visited with Uncle Richard and Grandmommy and had a great afternoon!

27 is going to be a wonderful year!