So, So Close

So, So Close!
I was leaving the doctor's office this week and it suddenly struck me that I am practically 9 months pregnant and that leaves very little time before BJ is here. I am mixed with so many emotions. It's absolutely insane that in October Chip and I will be parents to a beautiful little princess. We are both incredibly excited but it's so hard not to realize that it will no longer just be "us". Doesn't that sound totally selfish? I think that there are so many people who have children to fill some kind of void in their lives or their marriage, but for Chip and I that simply wasn't the case. We were totally happy with Tre and still trying to work through all the tiny "quirks" that go along with the first year of being married. We have always been open to adding to our family and knew that whenever it was our time, God would take care of us. For as much joy and happiness that go along with expecting a child, I'd be fibbing if I told you that I wasn't also completely scared as well. When I was driving home from the doctor's office I started going through my list of "what if" questions. I am hoping that I am at least a little ahead of the game acknowledging the fact that it won't ever be the same as it is now when he comes. That being said, I know that after BJ is here I will never be able to imagine it any other way. I know that I will think it's crazy that I ever went a day without knowing her, looking at her, and loving her. I'm going to hold tight to that and know that God WILL take care of our little family.

BJ at Week 25

The week of July 13th, 2009

Today: 25 weeks, 5 days

Head to heels, BJ now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if we could see it, we'd now be able to discern its color and texture (babycenter.com). I hope she's not bald like her dad LOL! Chip actually had tons of hair when he was a baby, I am the one who didn't. So, I wonder what her hair will be like. I wonder what everything will be like with her.

What's going on with me: I took the week to relax on after work activities since last week was jammed packed with church events. I am still feeling great! I can definitely see my belly getting bigger and bigger and the shape changes as BJ changes positions. It's amazing to see. No more worries over weight. I think I am finally over it. I am doing what I am supposed to do growing and nourishing my baby. I am eating right and I am walking at least 30 minutes regularly (when it doesn't rain). So, the weight I am gaining is weight I must need to gain! That's they way I see it! I am starting my yoga and aqua classes again this week. I took a break about a month ago, but now I am ready to get back on track in preparation for her arrival.

Baby names: People keep asking us what we are naming BJ, and truthfully we haven't really settled on a full name. We know what we want her middle name to be, but the first name is still undecided. Choosing a name is an important decision fot both of us and we are trying to make it fun too. We've considered family history, locations we want to travel... It's just so permanent, and we want her to be happy and proud about her name. We hadn't really been in a hurry, but now we feel the pressure so, with prayer we will decide on a name (hopefully soon).

In other news: I celebrated my 29th birthday this week. It was such a wonderful week. Chip took me out for lunch on my birthday which was Thursday (the 16th), Friday we had movie night at home, Saturday we went to a birthday party for my play-niece Baylee! She turned 1 on the 18th! I pretty much thought that would be the extent of our weekend, but Chip decided that we should go look at furniture for the baby at a store on the Plaza before they closed at 5. It was 4:20 and we were on our way. I figured we better do it now, while we have the time. On the way, he mentioned that he had forgotten that his family was planning a surprise B-Day party for one of his cousins at PF Changs. I was dissapointed that we weren't going to get a chance to see the baby furniture since now it was 4:40 and the store was goin gto close soon, but I figured we better at least stop at PF Chang's and say hi to everyone. Wouldn't you know it, it was a surprise party for me!!! It took me a while to figure it out (Prego brain I guess), but I was completely caught off guard. It was a wonderful surprise and thanks to everyone who was there to celebrate with me. It was a great time!!

After that, we went to the Fred Hammond Concert which was awesome! BJ was responding to all the music. It's really amazing that she starts moving when she hears music playing (I guess she gets that from me)! Chip was wonderful this week. I can't believe he did all this for me. I am so grateful for him and I can't wait to witness the kind of attention he will show his daughter.

Since my belly is growing each week now (it seems). I will be sure to take a pic and post it. Stay tuned.

BJ at Week 24

The week of July 6th, 2009

Today: 24 weeks, 6 days

BJ is growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

What am I thinking: Where did my toes go!!! No, seriously where did they go??

How I am doing: The reality of having a baby is actually starting to settle in. I'm starting to have concerns about how to take care of her and what it will be like to have a baby in the house all the time, someone who is depending on me for survival. It can be a bit over whelming at times. Chip doesn't seem to be bothered. He's so laid back about everything. It annoys me sometimes, because I think he should be scared like me, but I guess one of us has to be strong and he has definately been my rock. I appreciate him for that.

In the past few weeks, the top of my uterus has risen above my belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball, and my belly certainly is as big as a soccer ball, if not bigger! We had a doctor's appointment on Monday, but my doc wasn't there so we met with her assistant. The baby's heart rate was in the high 150s, which is pretty normal for her now. Every time I check she is between 150 and 155. I have to take my glucose screening test at my next appointment which won't be until I'm 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. Untreated diabetes increases risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes the baby to grow too large, especially in her upper body. It also raises her odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn't mean I have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that I'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure. We pray all goes well with this test. My mom had complications from gestational diabetes with me, so I am very aware of it and try to watch my sugar intake.

Not much else new is going on this past week. BJ is still as active as ever which is a great sign. Hopefully sometime soon I will be able to post pictures from the baby shower I had in Holly Springs and a new belly pic if Chip doesn't get home too late from the gym! So stay tuned!

BJ at Week 23

The week of June 29th, 2009

Today: 23 weeks, 5 days

How BJs growing:Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, she can feel me dance. Now, she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound about as much as a large mango or the size and shape of a small doll, but then, I already know that I am carrying a little living doll :) Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare her for breathing, and the sounds that her increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them in the outside world for the first time. (babycenter.com)

4th of July weekend has come and gone and it was great! I had soo much fun and am so thankful for the friends and family who came over to celebrate with us. Everyone was pleasant and we had a really good time. We watched the Legacy Park firework show from our deck and we even had our own small firework display with Big Brother Tre and the other kids that were over. It was fun. I haven't actually popped fireworks since I was a kid. We took some pictures, so I will have to post them soon, but for now, it's on to more news about BJ!!

She's been much more active lately, actually having a pattern to her movements. She tends to be most active in the morning around 6am then after breakfast and again around 11:30 to midnight before I go to bed. She is now kicking and pushing harder and harder and I no longer have to feel around on the outside to find out where she is kicking. I can just lay my hand on my belly and feel her kick. She's getting bigger and bigger and I can't wait to have her in my arms soon!!

I have noticed that my ankles and feet swell more easily and more often especially by the end of the day and on the HOT days. Ugggh , I may end up wearing support hose before it's all said and done. My body is also retaining more water these days. So, as instructed, I try to lie on my left side and put my feet up when I can. I have been slacking on the exercise, but I vow to get back to it. It's so easy to get out of the routine and so hard to start back!

This week also marks the beginning of some serious weight gain (hence the need to get back to the exercise routine). BJ's weight in the next four weeks alone should double and I am sure I will feel like my weight is doubling too. BJ's skin is reddish in color now because of the developing blood vessels underneath her skin. Her skin is still very thin. It also hangs loosely from her little body at this point, so she looks very wrinkled. That's because the skin grows faster than the fat develops during fetal growth. But, by the time she's born, she will be pleasantly plump and filled out — from chubby cheeks to chubby toes.

I won't have another ultrasound for a while, so here is a pic of what BJ might look like at this stage in 3D.

BJ at Week 22

The week of June 22nd, 2009

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, BJ is starting to look like a miniature newborn. Her lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and she's continuing to develop tiny tooth buds beneath her gums. Her eyes have formed, but her irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see her, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on her skin, which she'll sport until he adds a padding of fat called "brown fat" to fill them in. Inside her belly, the pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.(Babycenter.com) It's amazing that BJ weighs in at nearly a whopping pound and measures nearly eight inches, about the size of a small doll. She can now distinctly perceive light and dark. She can also recognize my voice and distinguish my heartbeat from her own. What a smart baby!

The 20 week (halfway) mark came and went pretty fast. Now that we know BJ is a girl, the time seems to be moving much faster. Everyone said this would happen so we are just trying to get prepared for her as much as we can. But I still feel like so much has to be done. We were planning to clean out the closet in her room this week, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Not sure if we will. We still haven't picked out furniture for her either. Oh well, if push comes to shove (literally) and her nursurey isn't ready, she can just sleep in the night stand drawer next to my bed :) I know we have time, but it just seems to be going faster and faster and before I know it she will be here. Chip and I also need to start signing up for birthing classes and other classes to take at the hospital. So far, our doctor told us to take the Infant Care class where we'll learn to take care of BJ after she's brought home from the hospital, the Baby CPR class and the Labor and Delivery class. I'm also going to sign up for the Breast Feeding class. I'm debating that last one since after we have the baby we'll get free classes in the hospital, but I think I'd like to be prepared before-hand so BJ can start nursing right away (I hope). I'm excited about starting the classes but I can't believe how LONG they are!

Father's Day was really nice. Tre and BJ each gave their dad a card and a framed photo. I think he was happy and excited :) We celebrated Father's Day as a family at church and then we took Chip to PF Chang's for dinner. It was a beautiful day! Then it was home for a nap because we were both exhausted.

BJ moves around constantly now. I always feel her about 10-15 minutes after I eat something. Her kick-boxing skills are improving and are finally strong enough for Chip to feel them. Monday night was the first time he felt her as she moved and wiggled around. I felt her moving so I put his hand on my belly and she kicked a few times. He said, "Is that her poking you" I said yep, that's your baby. It was the coolest thing. After that he kept poking her to see if she would play back, and after that her poking in response got stronger and stronger. It was incredible. I'm glad he can finally feel her. And for me it was such an amazing thing to feel her move on the inside and the outside. What a special time that was! Now, I've heard at some point, you can actually see the baby moving, so now I guess we'll wait to see my belly flinching. So cool!

She is still VERY low and almost always has some part of her body on my bladder, so I'm constantly going to the bathroom. Also I hear it's pretty typical for your stomach to turn hard as a rock after you eat a big meal, which is very uncomfortable. I personally experienced this last weekend after eating at a birthday dinner for Chip's cousin Erica. I was extremely uncomfortable all night. I couldn't even get comfortable to sleep. I had to sit up most of the night. It was horrible. I vowed to not EVER do that again.

As for me, these days, the only things growing more rapidly than BJ may be my feet!!! As if my ever-expanding belly (body) wasn't enough — now my feet are getting in on the act! I read it's due to the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which loosens my pelvic ligaments. Well, it also loosens every other ligament too — including the ones in my feet. In turn, the bones beneath those ligaments spread slightly, which results, for many women, in a half or whole shoe-size increase. Ugggh! All my cute shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No more stilettos, I've worn you as long as I can, now I must tearfully and reluctantly bid you farewell — at least for a while (that is if my feet don't out grow you). I guess it's time for more sensible shoes to help me balance my big belly and my changing center of gravity. Well, you know how much I love shoes!!!! What a great reason for new ones :) Maybe Chip will take me off new shoe purchasing punishment :) I might as well get something out of this too (other than a baby I mean) :) LOL!!

Don't forget you can subsribe to the blog and leave comments for me, Chip, and BJ.

BJ at Week 21...Over Halfway There!

The week of June 15th, 2009

BJ now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a banana. Sometimes I feel like she is practicing kick-boxing as her little butterfly fluters have now turned into full-fledged kicks and nudges. I think I am also starting to notice a pattern of behavior with her since we've had a while to get to know each other better. In other developments, her eyebrows and lids are present now. (Babycenter.com)

Speaking of activity BJ was very active this past weekend. I still haven't felt her kick on the outside, but her Aunt Keisha said she felt it before. Although, I have been feeling her move inside. I can't wait to feel her on the outside. So, the countdown is on to Father's Day. I have no idea what to do for Chip. I mean, he is a dad already, but now he is a soon-to-be father too :) So, I will have to think of something special for him, something from Tre and something from BJ.

BJ is grazing on whatever I eat these days, and I am doing my best to keep the stretch marks away or at least to a minimum! Lucky BJ, so won't get one stretch mark from all the growing she's doing. So, BJ is about the size of a large banana — and chances are if I eat one this week, she will get a taste, too. That's because she swallows amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so she eats whatever is on my menu.

In other (not so welcome) news, as my body expands my belly and boobs just keep on growing. I've had some anxiety over this lately, but then I realize, there's really a baby in there! Now that I've really started to look pregnant (and not just like I've been eating tubs and tubs of ice cream) and BJ's kicks can no longer be mistaken for other bodily functions, the reality of pregnancy is beginning to sink in. But, I am hanging in there. I know that this baby is a blessing and that God will surely work everything out. In talking with other moms, some said that at some point in pregnancy (usually when it becomes very visible) just about every expectant mother (and father!) begins to feel anxiety and fear as though she's on a runaway train — with enormous changes coming around every turn. They say it is completely normal to feel anxious.

Physically, I am still pretty comfortable. Ever since I got my pillow for work, my tailbone has been fine. I also started going back to the chiropractor every 2 weeks, and that has helped tremendously. I have noticed that my skin is producing more oil, so I am going through another round of acne, like a teenager. But all that is in it I guess, and I will be worth it to see her sweet face and hold her in my arms. So, that is how I am feeling these days. It won't be long until we're in the 3rd trimester and that's when all the real fun begins!

BJ at 20 weeks: Half way there!

The week of June 8th, 2009

According to babycenter.com BJ should weigh about 10 1/2 ounces now, but she isn't quite there yet. We had our 20 week visit on Wednesday and she only weighed 10 oz. I guess she's slowing down from the fast growth spurt she had a few weeks back. She should also be around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the size of a cantaloupe. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.) She's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate and we will see it in her first soiled diaper (ugggh I can't wait).

I can't believe I'm halfway through my pregnancy!!! Chip's sisters Chanda and Tasha came with us for our 20 week appointment. They got to see their very busy niece at the sonogram. Tasha says she has a chin and eyes like mine. Tasha is a nurse and she's such a wiz at figuring out what body parts are showing on the sonogram screen. I had to ask the lady doing to sonogram to slow down because I just couldn't see what she was seeing. It was really cool seeing her at this stage. At one point, she looked like she was opening and closing her mouth, like she was talking. She wasn't moving much though. Her heartrate was 158 and she was just relaxing. He heart looks perfect and so does her spine and her kidneys and everything else! There are still ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes and the doctor said everything was fine. My placenta is anterior, which means that it's right in front of the baby, but apparently that doesn't bother BJ. Initially, I read that with anterior placenta it can be harder to feel the baby kick, or I might not feel her until much later in the pregnancy, but something very exciting happened this week.

On Monday night, Chip and I were lying still listening to her heartbeat on the handheld doppler ( I have one at home). We found the hearbeat and it was almost 170. She was moving all over the place so I had to keep repositioning the doppler to keep up with her, then all of a sudden, a felt a big jolt and a thud on the doppler wand. BJ was kicking it or hitting it and me!!! It was the most amazing thing. She kept doing it everytime I pushed the doppler down on my belly (her home). I guess she doesn't like that or she was just having some fun playing with it. Since then, she has been kicking up a storm. On Tuesday I was holding her cousing Boston as he slept. He was laying on my belly. He woke up and started shuffling his feet , and wouldn't you know it, BJ kicked back! I guess she wanted to play too. I love those little kicks, it's the coolest feeling in the world. I wish her dad could feel them on the outside. Soon enough I guess. Soon enough.

Here are some pics of BJ at 20 weeks!

Here is a picture of her profile. Her placenta is sitting right on top of her!

And here is a picture of her sweet face!

BJ at Week 19

The week of June 1st, 2009

BJ's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear voices now, so we shouldn't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune. Our baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a mango. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid. (babycenter.com)

Wow it's hard to believe I am now 19 weeks pregnant! Time sure has time flown!!! Chip and I have been very busy so there's lots to update. First of all since we found out we're having a girl we decided to register, so now we have that out of the way. Plus my family and some friends back home are giving me a baby shower on June 13th so I knew I needed to get my registry ready. And it doesn't hurt to have that done since I will be having other showers in a few months with friends and family here in Kansas City. So for anyone that would like to check out what I've registered for you can go to http://www.babiesrus.com/ and just enter my name or Chip's name and you should find us under our due date 10/28/09. We also registered at Target and Wal-Mart and we are registered for BJ's bedding at USA baby (a local store).

We found a travel system with a carseat and stroller and a swing that were floor samples, so we found them at a really good price. We also have some other items that were given to us and some that have been purchased. Thank you everyone that has already bought BJ some things. I can't wait until she's here and she can wear them and play with them!!

We also have some sad news this time. Chip's nephew CJ passed away on Sunday, May 31st. CJ has gone on to rest with the Lord, and we will miss him greatly. It saddens me to know that BJ will not get a chance to meet her funny cousin CJ, but she was very active during CJ's celebration service, so I just know that he's speaking with her and getting her ready for her arrival. Praise the Lord!! Lastly, Chip and I are so blessed with family and friends and everything in our lives. We just can't say enough about how grateful we are that God has blessed us. I can't imagine my life without God in it and without our families and true friends and I know Chip could say the same thing.

Stay tuned for the 20 week belly photo and more updates about this busy body baby!

BJ at Week 18

The week of May 25th 2009

Head to rump, BJ should be about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and weigh almost 7 ounces. But if you have been keeping up with her, you know that she is already measuring 6 inches and is likely bigger now:) She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that I have felt from time to time and will start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin, and her ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from her head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. Her reproductive organs are formed and in place, but if her dad has anything to do with it, she will never get married and have babies of her own.

So as all of you know from several posts ago, we are having a girl and we are sooo extremely excited that we can't stand it! Also as many of you know I am very much a planner so now that I know what the sex of the baby is I will be kicking it into high gear for planning mode. Plus, am I getting bigger and it is getting hotter, so the more I get done early the better! We went to babies r us and started our registry. We also went to USA baby and registered for the bedding we like. I also think we are going to register for a few items at Target too. We haven't decided if we are going to paint BJ's room or not, but if we do decide to paint it, it won't be PINK!!! Her dad and I both agree that she will already get a lot of pink clothes and gear, so a pink room would be over the top :) We haven't decided on furniture for the nursery yet, but so far this is what we have settled on:

This is the bedding we picked out and we both really like that it is feminine, but not pink. You can go here to view the other pictures as well:
http://www.cocalo.com/item.asp?id=534&brand=6&g=1&coll=&cat=1

Anyways so we will post our registries soon since we have some baby showers coming up this summer before the baby comes. We still haven't decided on a name yet, but we are so excited about everything and can't wait to actually see our baby girl in person and hold her!!

BJ at Week 17

The week of May 18th 2009: My Little Onion



BJ's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Most babies around this time would weigh about 5 ounces (as much as a turnip), and be around 5 inches long from head to bottom, but she is measuring a little big at 6 inches (about the size of a jumbo baked potato!) She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop. (Babycenter.com)

It is kind of ironic that this week is an onion for the simple fact that before I was pregnant I loved onions and now that I am pregnant I barely eat them! This is definitely Chip's princess because he has a hatred towards onions as well. I've been feeling great still and am so thankful the Lord has blessed me with this baby. Sometimes I still forget she's there, but now that my baby bump is growing, it's a constant reminder! I feel random twitches and tinges in weird places as my BJ's temporary home makes room for her. I know it's all part of the whole journey so I try not to freak out too much. Every now and then I feel little flutters in my belly as BJ makes sure mommy knows she's there. For example, we went to Bible study last night and everything was fine, then the organ got louder and so did the singing and the clapping and that must have excited BJ, because she was moving around like she was gettin her praise on! I was thinking, OMG! there is something crawling on my stomach? Oh, wait! That was the baby!!

What's going on with me? Well after spending much of my life after 25 trying to avoid gaining weight, now I'm told to pack on the poundage. But not too many pounds, of course. And not the wrong kind of weight. It's exhausting. So, I enrolled in prenatal yoga and an aqua fit class. Both of which I really really like. So, hopefully, the weight I am gaining I can lose after the baby is born.

Speaking of packing on the pounds, that what it's all about for BJ this week. She's adding fat stores that will keep her warm and cozy after she's born. Her weight will increase approximately six times over the next four weeks. Wow!!

BJ is also hard at work making sure her sucking and swallowing reflexes are in working order —all the better for eating that 2 AM (and 5 AM, and 8 AM ...) meal in a few months! Goodness! Will I ever sleep??!!!

BJ's Photo Session

We haven't decided on a name yet, so we still call her BJ. I have a feeling we will be calling her that even after she has a name. Here are the pics from the ultra sound.

Two tiny little feet



BJ on her back with her knees up...looking pretty snug and comfy :)



Close Up!


Body Shot!

We're Having A.......................

So we had our ultrasound yesterday and it was incredible!! They spent about 30 minutes showing us the head and all of the baby's body parts and measuring them. The great news is everything is healthy. Two legs, two arms, 10 fingers and 10 toes. There was no cause for concern and they officially confirmed that there is only one baby. So, on to the excitement, BJ was laying on its back with its hands on its tiny face, with knees bent and feet down in what looked like a very comfortable position. After a brief break, there was some movement, actually a lot of movement. We had to play around a little to get the baby to turn over, but it finally did. It moved its legs up and around and then rolled its bottom up with legs open. That finally gave us the view we needed to find out that ...
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It's a GIRL!!!!! We are soooo excited and can't wait to get started on picking things out for our sweet baby girl!!! I had slight teary eyes and her dad got flutters. It was so exciting to see his reaction to seeing her on the screen. It was such an amazing moment that I am glad we shared together. We got some great pictures, and will be loading them soon.

16 week survey

How far along? 4th month; 16th week; 2nd Trimester


Total weight gain/loss: -7 pounds


Maternity clothes? My sister-n-law Chanda gave me loads of maternity clothes. I wear them because they are so comfy and not tight on my belly (which is starting to show more and more).


Stretch marks? None from BJ. I have some stretch marks from college when I put on weight from athletic training).


Sleep: My bladder likes to keep me awake....as does my tailbone!


Best moment this week: FEELING BJ MOVE!!! MOST AMAZING THING EVER!


Movement: YUP! First felt at 14 weeks...it felt like tickles in my tummy or like popcorn popping!


Food cravings: Watermelon


Gender: We found out yesterday!!!


Labor Signs: No


Belly Button in or out? In.


What I miss: a little TMI...so if you don't want to know, stop reading....I miss Pooping!


What I am looking forward to: The half way point!


Milestones: Seeing BJ's first sonogram pic and ... finding out BJ's gender!

BJ at week 16

The week of May 11th, 2009

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, BJ baby will double in weight and add inches in length. Right now, BJ is about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. Its legs are much more developed, its head is more erect than it has been, and the eyes have moved closer to the front of its head. BJ's ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his/her scalp has begun, though the locks aren't recognizable yet. BJ's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, the heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as baby continues to develop. We're sooo excited!! We have an appointment today (Monday the 11th) to find out if BJ is a he or she. I think at this point we are pretty sure there is only one baby, but we will get that confirmed to. I was a little concerned about this last night. I was listening to the doppler that I have at home and I thought there were two heartbeats (one on the right and one on the left). As it turns out, BJ is just very active and was happily and quickly bouncing from side to side! Nevertheless, they will confirm whether we are having one baby or more today. I cannot wait to know.

I've been feeling great still just enjoying every moment with this baby. Yesterday was a big day for movement, he/she couldn't stop moving. Can't wait to hear what everyone thinks I'm having and if they're right! If we stay true to the Jones' record, it will definately be a boy! Between the two of us, we have nine nephews ranging from ages 2 months to 5 years. I think the universe is ready for a girl!

Anxious

I have one week and I get to hear my baby's heartbeat again and we get to find out if BJ is indeed a boy or a girl. In the beginning I didn't want to know. I wanted it to be a surprise, but daddy wants to know, so I will let him have his way. I secretly want to know too :) Plus it will be a lot easier to plan for BJ's arrival. Everythings still going great, I have noticed an increase in my appetite in the past week or so which I'm thinking is fairly normal at this point. I still haven't had any ridiculous cravings. I wanted watermelon, but that's about it. My skin is clearing up finally! BJ causes baby acne on my face and it's so bad, at least to me. I never had issues with my skin until now, so it's pretty irritating, but now it looks like I am finally getting the baby "glow" everybody keeps talking about.

My mom and grandma are coming in town for my graduation. This will be my grandma's first visit. They both seem excited and I can't wait to see them. They'll be staying through Mother's Day, so it will be a very special even this year. Three generations of women together! I'm getting excited just thinking about it. Maybe BJ will make four generations. I guess we will find out soon enough.

BJ at 15 weeks...the debut

The week of May 4th, 2009.

BJ is growing and now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). BJ is busy moving amniotic fluid through the nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in baby's lungs begin to develop. BJ's legs are growing longer than the arms now, and BJ can move all of his/her joints and limbs. Although the eyelids are still fused shut, the baby can sense light. If I shine a flashlight at my tummy, for instance, it's likely that BJ would move away from the beam. There's not much for your BJ to taste at this point, but he or she is working hard at forming taste buds. If we were having an ultrasound this week, we might be able to tell if BJ is a boy or a girl! But we won't find out until next week.

I actually had an appointment today, just a routine check. Everything is progressing fine, but the doc has to get a measure on BJ's heartbeat at every visit. So, she was running the doppler along my belly, but couldn't find the heartbeat. She said BJ was moving around a lot and it was hard for her to get a read, so we went to get an ultrasound just to make sure things were ok. This is my first Ultrasound!!! As soon as the tech placed the wand on my belly, I heard the beautiful heartbeat!! It has slown down from the 174 it was when BJ was just an embryo. BJ's fetal heartrate this visit was 159. The tech wouldn't even go near the southern region, so we will just have to wait until next week to find out if BJ is a boy or girl. But here is a sneak peak!! BJ must like the camera. This shot is face forward.

BJ at 14 weeks

Ok... I know!

The last couple of weeks have slipped. I had a lot going on including finals and graduation! I am finally DONE!!!!! So, I am playing catch up. I hope you enjoy reading just the same.

The week of April 27th, 2009

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, facial muscles are getting a workout as tiny features form one expression after another. Baby's kidneys are producing urine, which gets released into the amniotic fluid around the baby — a process that will keep up until birth. Baby can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb. In other news: Our baby's stretching out!!! From head to bottom, baby measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and weighs 1 1/2 ounces. Its body is growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, baby's arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of the body. (BJ's legs still have some lengthening to do.) BJ is starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over its tiny little body. Our baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and the spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though I can't feel BJ's tiny punches and kicks yet, little hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active. (babycenter.com)

As for myself, I am feeling great! My tailbone is still agitating from time to time (mostly everyday when I sit for a long time). I know it's still early in the pregnancy but I believe I felt the baby move or something. It felt almost like the tiniest of tickles on the inside of my belly. It happens mostly at night when I'm lying very still, and only a few times then nothing. I don't know if it was BJ but it sure was nothing I've ever felt before and for now I'm going to say it was BJ!!

BJ at 13 Weeks

The week of April 20th, 2009

13 weeks and officially in the 2nd Trimester!

What's going on with BJ....Fingerprints have formed on our baby's tiny fingertips, veins and organs are clearly visible through still-thin skin. The baby's body is starting to catch up with its head — which makes up just a third of its body size now. If we're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Our baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce. (babycenter.com)

The most exciting thing for me this week is the fact the I'm leaving my first trimester behind and stepping into the second. Man has time flown! I can't believe I'm already this far along! I plan on taking a picture and posting it of my belly. In the past two weeks or so I've really seen a change in my belly even though my weight is pretty much still the same. I can definitely tell this baby is growing! Graduation is nearing and I can't wait. I finally get to focus on something else besides homework and assignments. May 8th is right around the corner and I can finally see the finish line!!!

BJ at 12 Weeks

Week of April 12th, 2009

Wednesday marked 12 weeks!! We are almost done with the 1st trimester! I can't believe it's gone by so fast. So, what's new with BJ....

The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. BJ's fingers will soon begin to open and close, toes will curl, eye muscles will clench, and the mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if I proke your abdomen, BJ baby will squirm in response, although I won't be able to feel it. Intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into the abdominal cavity about now, and kidneys will begin excreting urine into the bladder.Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your BJ's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His/her face looks unquestionably human: The eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.( Babycenter.com)

I have been great! I still get tired and I have "baby" acne all over my face, but other than that, I can't really complain. I should start to have more energy in the 2nd trimester, which will be great since there is so much to be done.

I went to Lousiana a week after I got back from China (about two weeks ago). I went for work with my boss and co-worker. At the end of our work week we went back to New Orleans for a night and my boss's wife joined us there. We strolled along Bourbon street and had drink well, BJ and I took a stroll along Bourbon street and had virgin darquiris along to way, but we had a good time. I was just exhausted by the time the week was over, but I seriously think that baby loooves to travel. I am in dire need of a break, so I won't be traveling again anytime soon (I hope). We stopped at the Cat's Meow Karaoke. I picked R-E-S-P-E-C-T and my boss did a song too. We had a blast. We got on the stage and danced a few times with the crowd and had a really good time. After Karaoke we went to this great Burger place in the "rainbow" district. It's called Clover's. The burgers were incredible and CHEAP!!! After that I was basically done, so by the end of the night, I just couldn't wait to go to sleep.

Graduation is creeping and I can't wait!!! I am heading into my last few weekends of class. I have senioritis and I just want to be done, so I can focus on nesting and all that other mothery stuff, LOL!

Today, Sunday the 19th we went to church and the word is officially out, so everyone noticed. Well actually my belly is out :) I'm starting to show. I think it's because I'm bloated, but there's really nothing I can do about it. It's going to be out there soon enough anyway. All the young ladies in the youth group are excited, it was funny seeing them all react to a new baby. I even have babysitters lined up! What a blessing!!

Since my belly is growing rapidly, I promise to take a belly pic soon. Chip and I were simply swamped this weekend.

Survey Says.....

1. Is this your first baby? Yes, this is my first biological child, but I have a 3 year old step-son named Darion. Everyone calls him Tre.
2. Were you trying to get pregnant? Originally, we decided to try, then after several months of negative results we decided to wait until next year to try. We obviously got our signals crossed, because whadaya know!
3. How far along were you when you found out? 4 weeks
4. What was your reaction? Holy cow, I can't believe it!!
5. How did you tell the father? Special gift from BJ at lunch.
6. What was his reaction? Woooooooooooow!
7. When is your due date? October 28th 2009
8. Did you have any morning sickness? Nope, none at all.
9. Did you want a boy or girl? My preference would be to have a little princess, but obviously, I really don't care either way. We welcome the addition to our family.
10. Do you know what you’re having? Nope, not yet but we plan on finding out.
11. Do you plan on a natural or medicated birth? Au Naturale (my friends think I'm crazy) but, I have a fear of all the medication and chemicals more than the actual labor/birth.
12. Are you scared about labor? Not really, the only thing that scares me is the unknown or the thought that something may go wrong. It's not something I have ever experienced before, so my expectations are all banked on what everyone else has said, but as the saying goes, "everyone is different" so I really don't know what to expect. I pray that it will be safe and that I will have minimum pain, or alternatively that I only have happy memories about it! LOL!
13. Do you think you will cry when you see the baby for the first time? With all the crying I am doing now (for no reason at all) I am sure I will cry the moment I see God's little wonder.
14. Who is going to be with you? My wonderful husband (for sure), my mom (likely), Chip's dad and BJ's Auntie Chanda (...that is if they want to be).
15. Are you going to video tape it? Not the actual birth but I'd like to videotape when the baby is out and everything.
16. Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold it? Hmm... no clue definitely not planning out what I'm going to say!
17. Do you have a name picked out? Nope, not yet, but we have some good ideas. We will think about it more when we find out if it's a boy or girl.
18. Is your baby going to be named after anyone?See answer to last question.
19. What do you think the baby will be a "daddy’s girl/boy" or a "mommy’s girl/boy"? I'm sure we will both take credit either way.
20. Are you excited? Absolutely! We can't wait!!

BJ at Week 11

Week of April 5th, 2009

Is it just me or does the fig look smaller than last week's kumquat??

Just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a lime, BJ is now almost fully formed. BJ's hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden. The baby is already busy kicking and stretching, and the tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming. (http://www.babycenter.com/ ).

As for me, I am feeling great. I'm starting to gain my weight back that I lost while I was in China. No strange cravings yet, but I did have watermelon on Easter and it was delicious!! I'm really starting to see a change in my stomach all of a sudden which is really exciting. I have started shopping for maternity clothes even though I'm not really wearing them yet, I figured I can at least get some good deals, not to mention I'm super excited! I've started to notice my dress pants are getting a little tight so I think in a few weeks I will be switching over to maternity pants. We have two more weeks and we get to see the baby and get to find out if we're having one or two. What a surprise two will be!! I have noticed I cry way more easier than normal which is annoying but oh well! Chip just laughs and then I laugh too, eventually :) I will take a new belly pic this week. Technically, I am one day shy of 12 weeks, so it's a good time to take a photo.

The Little Engine That Could!

Monday, March 30th 2009

We went to the doctor today to hear BJ's heartbeat. The doctor wasn't sure if she would be able to hear it. In fact she was skeptical and thought maybe that it was to early. She used a Doppler to listen and when she started out looking for the heartbeat, I thought I heard it, but it was mine :) Then there it was...so beautiful and strong. It totally caught me off guard. I gasped when I heard it and then it dawned on me, BJ was there. There was this little person inside of me growing and living and it was truly amazing. What a blessing. God made me so wonderful that I could grow, shelter, and bring forth life!!!! While we were listening Chip made this comment..."Whoa listen to my little man's heart. It's so strong." The doctor and I both laughed saying, wait a minute it just might be a girl! It was like listening to a little locomotive at 174 beats per minute!! What a show off :)

BJ at 10 weeks

Week of March 22nd, 2009

We will be heading back to Kansas City today. It's been a long 10 days and BJ and I both are ready to go home. We've had a great time in China, but Chip misses us and we miss him dearly, so we will be happy when we reach American soil!

What's new with BJ this week:

Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature. He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could see the baby, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches!!

At my prenatal visit next week I will be able to hear BJ's heartbeat with a Doppler stethoscope, a handheld ultrasound device that your practitioner places on your belly. Many women say that the beating of their baby's tiny heart sounded like the thunder of galloping horses and hearing it for the first time was very moving. I wonder what the experience will be like for us? Before I got pregnant, my uterus was the size of a small pear or my fist. By this week, it's as big as a grapefruit. I think I might be shopping for maternity wear soon. Even though I'm not there yet. my regular clothes are feeling uncomfortably tight and I've had to buy new bras! My belly is bloated and my waist (what waist!!) is expanding. So, low rise options sound really good about now and would probably provide some much-needed comfort :)

Rock Climbing Baby!!!

Today we will be taking a tour bus to the Badaling section of the Great Wall, approximately 60 kilometers from the city center. This section of the wall, built in 1505, was an important defense for the Ming Dynasty, and is 7.8 meters on average in height with a width to accommodate five horses or ten people walking abreast.
There is a famous Chinese quote, "Bú dà Chángchéng fĕi hăo hàn," (You are not a real man until you have climbed the Great Wall); hence, we had to climb the Great Wall.
The day started out gray and cool with the threat of rain, however the rain held off and by the time we started climbing up the extremely steep section of steps, we had shed our coats, and were taking regular breaks along the wall to capture the beauty, as well as photograph the stunning scenery. The imagery was like nothing we had ever seen, as we experienced a part of history. We continued climbing the stairs as they led us up the mountain, down into the valley and then back up again.
As we passed people along the way, we would exchange the greeting "Ni Hao" (Hello) and wave, and soon, the friendly people were asking us to pose with them and their families for photographs, which we readily did. We continued climbing the Great Wall sometimes having to pull ourselves up the extremely steep sections using the railing and making new friends along the way, for more than 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).

After our morning climb, our legs were a bit stiff, and we were more than happy to ride the lift back to our starting point. We slowly made our way down the mountain taking photographs along the way, and savoring each moment of our very memorable journey.
Now when BJ grows up, he or she can tell friends the story of climbing the Great Wall with mommy!!

Daddy with the Flu!

I feel so bad for Chip this week. He has been suffering with the flu since this past weekend. At first I thought he was just trying to get out of packing :), but then I realized that he was really feeling bad. I hate that I am not there to care for him, but I don't think I would be able to anyway. I've never had the flu or the flu vaccine and it would be horrible for me to catch the flu now.
Here I am feeling much better and enjoying my time in China, and Chip is back home sick. Poor thing. Me and BJ wish him well, and we miss him every day.

PS: BJ says get better soon Daddy!!

BJ at 9 weeks...Peking Baby!

Week of March 15th, 2009

We were in Beijing this week and my sinuses are clearing up...finally! I had a little episode with my asthma, which I haven't had problems with in a very loooong time. I usually only have issues if I have a really bad chest cold, and that hasn't been the case for quite a while. Anyway, I forgot my inhaler, but a very kind professor traveling along with us in China went to get me some Albuterol from the pharmacy. Apparently they sell it over the counter here and you don't even need a prescription!!! What a life saver. I think that was the turning point in my feeling better. It was enough that my nose was congested, but not being able to breathe is something on a completely different level. My guess is the smog may have been a trigger, and my sinuses didn't help. Either way, I am glad that's over.

The food in Shanghai wasn't terrible. In fact I had "normal" breakfast each morning and mostly ate rice, chicken, and steam veggies for lunch and dinner dishes. I lost a few pounds, which is interesting since I am eating at least 300 calories more than I normally would. I guess rice isn't bad for you after all :) Plus all the walking that we have done here has been great exercise for me. Now, on to Beijing!

Today we went to the Forbidden City and Tinamen Square. Two very cultural and highly regarded places in Chinese History. The tour was amazing and long :), but it was certainly the experience of a life time for me and BJ!! Later this week we are headed to the Great Wall. Will we make the climb? You will have to wait and see.

News this week! BJ, my new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain. (http://www.babycenter.com/ )

I honestly feel the best I've ever felt. Except for having to get up in the middle of the night twice every night to use the bathroom I've never felt better or slept better. Today is also the day where my baby moves from the embryonic stage to the fetus stage! Grow baby grow! Just one more week and I'll get to hear the heartbeat. Hopefully, it's not too soon.

BJ at 8 weeks! Move baby Move!

Week of March 15th, 2009

BJ and I arrived safely in Shanghai, China!!! Ni Hao Ma (How are you?). We have been exploring the city and touring the markets, but really have no idea where we are going. I've noticed that I didn't get sick on the plain and normally I would be a little queasy at take off. I think BJ must like to travel :)

BJ is now 5/8 of an inch long, about the size of a kidney bean.
New this week: If you could see the baby, webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. His arms have lengthened, too, and his hands are now flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart. His knee joints have formed, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean — is constantly moving and shifting though mom still can't feel it.

Still no nausea, at this point, I am counting it as a blessing!!! I actually brought snacks with me to China to keep up with my demanding appetite. We have a welcome dinner here tonight, but I think I am going to stay in a get some rest. My sinuses are causing some problems, so I don't feel too good. Staying in will allow me to catch up on some much needed rest, and will probably help with the jet lag.

I have also noticed my left leg in the hip joint has been really achey, which I'm not too sure if it's from baby or has nothing to do with the pregnancy. I called the doc before I left and she said it was possibly my sciatic nerve. Whatever it is, it has been driving me crazy lately, So, I am sure lying down for a while won't hurt.

Morning Sickness....

Week of March 8th, 2009
So I've officially hit my 7 week mark and still no morning sickness! ...please don't be jealous if you don't have morning sickness. I have people telling me that the baby may not be "taking" and that it might not be growing as fast as it should. And then there are those who ask, "Are you sure you're really pregnant". Sometimes I wonder if BJ is in there myself, but then I am reminded every few hours when I am hungry and in the middle of the night when I have to get up and go to the bathroom! Plus I could not imagine if I did have morning sickness, I just know that I believe God knows I would not be able to handle it! I had a doctor's appointment this week to discuss travel and to see how we are doing and doc says everything seems fine. They drew a lot of blood and I should hear back results (probably after I get back from China). I'm a little nervous about traveling so far away and about being on such a long flight, but I the doctor assue me that everything will be fine, and I should proceed as normal, but make sure to listen to my body when I'm tired and need to rest.

Speaking of rest, I have been trying to come home each day and take a nap when I can, but we have been doing some packing since we are moving to a new house the week I get back from China! I know I must be insane, but all these plans were in place before we even found out wr were pregnant, so now it seems even more crazy. We found a house in Lee's Summit that we really like and it happens to be in the same neighborhood as a new elementary school. Although the room I had picked out for the office will eventually be a kid's room. Oh, well we are constantly reminded that God's plans are so much more relevant than ours :) BJ and I are off to China in a fews days. I have to maintain a seperate China Blog for school (I know), so you can find it here if you want to follow, and it not, I will update this one on mine and BJ's progress. Nothing is really changing physically, at least it doesn't appear to be, so I haven't taken any new pictures, but I will take a 10 week pic when I come back from China.

BJ at 7 weeks

Week of March 8th, 2009

Baby's brain -- both hemispheres! -- is growing fast, generating about 100 new cells every minute. Arms and legs are emerging as joints start to form, and a permanent set of kidneys (baby's third!) is now in place. (http://www.thenest.com/)

The big news this week: Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, your baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry.If you could the baby you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. She also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body.( http://www.babycenter.com/)

I can't believe how fast time is flying. I'm almost at my two month mark and it seems like it was yesterday that we found out we were pregnant. I'm still loving every minute of pregnancy. I haven't been sick, just tired and hungry :) I have eaten peanut butter more than usual, but for the most part I don't have any cravings or aversions to any foods. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. We will see. Even if I was sick, it would be worth being sick everyday just to be able to hold my baby in my arms when that day comes!

BJ at 6 weeks

Week of March 1st, 2009

This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see the baby, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean.

Our First Appointment

Thursday, February 19th.
Well, there's nothing too exciting to report except that the Dr confirmed I'm 4 weeks pregnant! BJ's official date of arrival is October 28th, 2009, which is close to what I had calculated. The Dr gave me tons of information to read and now I can finally get some relief for this sinus cold I have. I had to stop taking what I normally take, but I can take Sudafed! Although I think I will stick it out and try not to take anything unless I absolutely have to. My next appointment will be right before I go to China! I will be about 8 weeks that day! We will check my progress and talk about restrictions during my trip.

I am happy to report that I have not had any "morning" sickness or any other sickness for that matter accept issues with my sinuses. No food cravings or aversions yet. For that I am thankful. I have been eating whatever I feel like, and that's good considering I'm hungry ALL the time!!

The Day My World Stood Still

On Monday, February 16th, everything changed for me. I woke up early and went into the bathroom and took a pregnancy test. I jumped in the shower to pass the time by and when I got out I just stared at the stick with the double lines. I just found out that we are expecting our first child!!! I am still am in so much shock and bliss that I don't know what to do! I decided that this test was inconclusive and I needed to have supporting documentation! So I called in to my doctor's office. I was supposed to be going in for vaccines for China, but I called ahead to get a blood test done first. I took my stick with me and sure enough the nurse looked and confirmed it. Needless to say I did not get any vaccinations. Well, the nurses nod of confirmation still wasn't enough for me so, I had them draw blood and I waited a full 24 hours to hear back from the doctor's office before I said a word to anyone. That was soo very hard to do, but I waited.... then I began to think about what may have clued me in to the fact that I might be pregnant. It might have been that on Sunday everything I ate tasted like metal, or maybe that I had been more tired and way more thirsty than normal. Whatever the clue was I am just soo excited!!! Chip and I had been talking about babies, but decided to wait, and then we got this pleasant surprise!! Goes to show that God's timing is always better than ours. I am so thankful to have this opportunity to bring forth life! It's such a wonderful feeling. Now, I just have to wait one more day to be sure.

So, the next day I planned on how I would tell Chip once the doctor's office confirmed. I decided to take him to lunch, and give him a bag of goodies. In the bag, a put a framed poem from BJ and my pregnancy test wrapped in a box with pink and blue ribbon. I attached a pink and blue balloon to the bag, and put a card from me inside. The call I had been waiting for finally came. The doctor's office called to say indeed I was pregnant, and that I should come in for an appointment later in the week. So, I proceeded with my lunch plans.

I arrived at the restaurant early and gave the bag of goodies to our waitress. As our lunch order came out, so did the bag. Chip was so confused. He asked if it were an early birthday present and I said no, but that it represented someonelse's birthday. He still didn't get it!!! Not even the pink and blue balloons, so I told him to open the box with the test first, and he did. He was speechless, with the biggest smile on his face. I don't think I've seen him smile like that since our wedding day. He was speechless and could barely eat lunch. He just sat there smiling and saying "Wooow".

In the weeks/months to come you will get to experience the exciting journey that Chip and I will be taking as we watch and experience the growing wonders of BJ!!!! Yay!! This is a new chapter for us and we are just as excited to share this time in our life's with those of you who have supported and loved us along the way.