It is very awesome to see 39 and 6 days on the baby ticker....... one day to go (supposedly:) I remember when it was only 8 weeks and 6 days, with 245 days left!!! What a journey. Those two little people on the ticker were so far to the left I never thought we would ever get to the right side! I also remember telling my sister on Christmas that we were pregers. It does seem like a long time ago, even though the memory is extra vivid:) I remember standing in front of the kitchen sink wanting to guzzle water just so I could get it in me, but not being able to because my stomach was too messed up! I remember 24 weeks pregnant took forever to come!!!
The first half, even 2/3rd defintely went slow. And then the last 3 weeks have been long. Overall, I think our pregnancy has been a slow one. People have even commented that I have been pregnant forever! I would have to agree!
Nate and I are waiting for that moment of perfection from God. We are ready! I have to admit, it has been very hard for me. I don't even know what it is going to be like to have a baby and hold a baby and know that it is our for the rest of our lives, but I want to go through it. I get anxious when I am alone. Time moves soooooooooo slowly. Our house is ready, stuff is ready, we are ready, so what do I do with my time?!?! Thinking back, I probably could have been more constructive. But I have been reading, cleaning, walking, swimming, resting. I could have started a scrap book or learned to knit, or something. Anyways, it has been difficult just waiting. Hopefully now that Nate has off the next 5 days, and I have off after working tonight (for the next 12 weeks:) we will get to enjoy being together. I miss him incredibly when he is at work and I am at home. I am very clingy right now!!
Nothing has happened as far as indicating that labor could be around the corner. No baby dropping. No nada. My hips are paining me......streeeeeeeeeeetching out:) Yoga helps/hurts. Hopefully it is doing something good for me. Nate and I have our 40 week appt on Friday. The midwifes will check me to see if I am dilated at all.. HA! Yea right. I will be closed thick and high. That's ok. I get to get a massage this week:)
Well, more later. Thanks again for reading!
Angie:)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
38weeks
Hi All,
Yesterday Nate and I finished our newborn class. Overall it was incredibly awesome. We learned so much I don't even know what to write. We definitely were confirmed in our ideas of wanting "bonding"/alone time with baby boy. In the class they recommend 3 days after the baby is born of nothing but rest in bed and skin to skin time. Even after that, 2 weeks! of rest and very close time with the baby. My neighbor said she didn't even go outside the house for 10 days.
Also, I recommend getting a car seat study for anyone who reads this and is having a baby (you can go online and type in "car seat checks" and a list of the places in your area will come up that do them, they are free). We learned a bunch and as it turns out, might have to get a different car seat. Public service announcement here:)
Thanks for your continued prayer. Again, we feel great peace from the Lord. We are excited to meet our baby, and are excited for the next couple weeks of waiting.
Love Ang
Yesterday Nate and I finished our newborn class. Overall it was incredibly awesome. We learned so much I don't even know what to write. We definitely were confirmed in our ideas of wanting "bonding"/alone time with baby boy. In the class they recommend 3 days after the baby is born of nothing but rest in bed and skin to skin time. Even after that, 2 weeks! of rest and very close time with the baby. My neighbor said she didn't even go outside the house for 10 days.
Also, I recommend getting a car seat study for anyone who reads this and is having a baby (you can go online and type in "car seat checks" and a list of the places in your area will come up that do them, they are free). We learned a bunch and as it turns out, might have to get a different car seat. Public service announcement here:)
Thanks for your continued prayer. Again, we feel great peace from the Lord. We are excited to meet our baby, and are excited for the next couple weeks of waiting.
Love Ang
Thursday, July 21, 2011
37 today!
Today makes me full term! YAY. Baby can come anytime and we will be able to deliver at Mt Midwifery Center (they only deliver babies 37 through 42 weeks). 37 weekers still scare me a little bit since they can be a little small so I hope I make it through this week. At 38weeks I am thinking about climbing Mt Beirstadt (a 14er) to put myself into labor.
Just kidding:)
As Nate said last night, we should be enjoying these last several moments of me and him time. Which we are! We have had a marvelous time over the last several days walking and talking together about tons of ideas and thoughts. It has been lovely and very endearing. We have put the crib together and pretty much finalized the room. We set up the car seat and stroller. All we have left is the glider chair that will be here next week. I think we are ready! Praise God too! I called our absence center for work, and they told us that I could take 12 weeks of maternity leave and Nate could still take up to 6weeks! That is awesome, because before we thought we had to share 12 weeks! Hopefully Nate will be able to take 4-6 weeks. He will be starting a new job in the NICU sometime next week! He is incredibly excited. A job and prayer answered he has been waiting for since he graduated from RN school:)
I am getting excited to meet this little baby. I imagine the days over the next 3-4 weeks will move slowly. But again I just want to enjoy this time. Each day. My prayers are that God is glorified in the labor process and that through it I can feel the difference in the sorrows and joys of labor and birth; that Nate and I are strong together through the whole thing, and that nothing but love and joy abound. God has been so incredible through our whole pregnancy. Prayers have been answered. Fears relieved. Love strengthened. I think it has been a perfect journey. Nate and I have learned a ton and discussed a ton. It has brought Nate and I closer together and I think has set us up for continuing positively/successfully/joyfully etc into parenthood. I also pray for the transition into parenthood- that Nate and I would enjoy each day (no matter how difficult) with each other and with our little boy and have good communication skills to rely our thoughts, feelings and needs to each other (and others!)
I feel good still. I am having a bunch of "practice contractions" aka "Braxton Hicks" which is great to prepare and strengthen the uterus for real labor. Baby is moving around a ton. I hope to start walking a bit more over the next couple weeks to "help" anything I can. Nothing has really changed body wise. I am still waiting for oh you know, baby dropping, water breaking, hips hurting, spotting anything that might say "Change coming!"
According to BabyCenter our baby is about 6+ pounds and is about 18+ inches long! He is ready to come out developmentally (maybe his lungs might need a bit more time, but he could still do ok) he is just gaining fat to help him in extrauterine life!
We feel a great peace these days, which I think can only come from the Lord. So thank you for all your prayers throughout the pregnancy and continuing on.
Love Ang
Just kidding:)
As Nate said last night, we should be enjoying these last several moments of me and him time. Which we are! We have had a marvelous time over the last several days walking and talking together about tons of ideas and thoughts. It has been lovely and very endearing. We have put the crib together and pretty much finalized the room. We set up the car seat and stroller. All we have left is the glider chair that will be here next week. I think we are ready! Praise God too! I called our absence center for work, and they told us that I could take 12 weeks of maternity leave and Nate could still take up to 6weeks! That is awesome, because before we thought we had to share 12 weeks! Hopefully Nate will be able to take 4-6 weeks. He will be starting a new job in the NICU sometime next week! He is incredibly excited. A job and prayer answered he has been waiting for since he graduated from RN school:)
I am getting excited to meet this little baby. I imagine the days over the next 3-4 weeks will move slowly. But again I just want to enjoy this time. Each day. My prayers are that God is glorified in the labor process and that through it I can feel the difference in the sorrows and joys of labor and birth; that Nate and I are strong together through the whole thing, and that nothing but love and joy abound. God has been so incredible through our whole pregnancy. Prayers have been answered. Fears relieved. Love strengthened. I think it has been a perfect journey. Nate and I have learned a ton and discussed a ton. It has brought Nate and I closer together and I think has set us up for continuing positively/successfully/joyfully etc into parenthood. I also pray for the transition into parenthood- that Nate and I would enjoy each day (no matter how difficult) with each other and with our little boy and have good communication skills to rely our thoughts, feelings and needs to each other (and others!)
I feel good still. I am having a bunch of "practice contractions" aka "Braxton Hicks" which is great to prepare and strengthen the uterus for real labor. Baby is moving around a ton. I hope to start walking a bit more over the next couple weeks to "help" anything I can. Nothing has really changed body wise. I am still waiting for oh you know, baby dropping, water breaking, hips hurting, spotting anything that might say "Change coming!"
According to BabyCenter our baby is about 6+ pounds and is about 18+ inches long! He is ready to come out developmentally (maybe his lungs might need a bit more time, but he could still do ok) he is just gaining fat to help him in extrauterine life!
We feel a great peace these days, which I think can only come from the Lord. So thank you for all your prayers throughout the pregnancy and continuing on.
Love Ang
Monday, July 11, 2011
35 weeks
Only 31 more days to go. It's been quite a while since I have written. Hopefully I will remember all the thoughts from the last 2 months in two years, 10 years.... but prob not. So I will summarize what I remember.
How are you feeling?
Well honestly the "30's" have been the best weeks for me so far. They have been fast and enjoyable. Physically I have felt great. I enjoy exercising still- hiking and swimming mostly (swimming actually has been appealing to me which I didn't really enjoy that much before), I haven't done the eliptical in a while or ran. Nate and I occasionally take the bikes out. We did a backpacking trip into Lost Creek Wilderness June 11th-13th. I was wiped out at the end of each day, but it felt great to be outside, breathing in the evergreen air. We also did a hike in Frisco CO called Mount Royal. It ascents about 1000 ft in one mile. It was quite a steep hike. The view was amazing. There is even a rock climb you can do from the other side. Not so much now for me:) Nate wants to do it with a friend named Cael:) Murster even came and carried her own pack:) Swimming has been fun. I'll swim about 30 min and hopefully get in a 1/2 mile- doggie paddle, butterfly and overhand. It feels nice to be weightless and the water on my skin feels nice. Last week we hiked around Golden Gate State Park. It was beautiful. 3 miles of up and down kinda took it out of me though:)
I didn't realize how much bigger I've gotten from 31-35 weeks. The pictures show it, but I really don't feel it. At 35 weeks now, I am still just as tired after a 12hr shift as I was at 31 weeks. My hips don't hurt and my back really hasn't bothered me. Occasionally, if I am just sitting down, I will feel the weight of my belly . I feel like it just sticks out, like my abdominal muscle are not doing a thing. But if I practice good body mechanics, sitting up straight and core strength, it feels more secure. Some nights my legs will feel restless. But Nate's rubs help a ton and actually do the trick. Afterward I feel like I can rest and sleep. Other nights it takes me a while to get comfortable before falling asleep (despite my access to 5 large pillows to support me). And then some nights as I fall asleep I feel like I can only take a 1/2 breath because of my large abdomen (might be my stomach too:) Mostly I can sleep through the night and have been getting good sleep. Occasionally I will wake up around 2-5 in the morning and not be able to sleep for 1-2 hours. Anxious thoughts, stupid thoughts, thoughts, prayers, things to do, weird dreams, bad movies, all get into my mind to keep me up. I am too lazy to get out of bed to read or do something, so I normally just toss there for a while.
How have the appointments been going?
Well, we finished our natural childbirthing class at the end of June. The four week class was amazing. I learned a ton about natural childbirth- which I hope to take back with me to work to help other natural laboring moms. I think I learned more in these classes than I did in my L&D orientation. I won't go into it all though. After the second week I struggled a lot with flesh and spirit; How I thought I would be in labor and postpartum and how I actually wanted to be. I battled with thoughts focused around irrational fears- like I would turn inward and not involve Nate. Doubt, like Nate and I would fail at working together, and this weird fear for Nate feeling helpless during the whole labor thing and not know what to do or say. It is kinda weird to explain, but basically when I see a laboring mom, moaning and in so much pain, I feel helpless, and dont like the look on her face. I was afraid for making those faces towards Nate and having him feel awful for me. So basically I thought, if I knew he was ok with seeing me that way (mostly by telling me I was beautiful in those situations) I would feel ok with doing what felt natural to do. Nate and I had to communicate a lot about what we invisioned for labor and how we could help each other and what we wanted. Nate basically was ready to be here for me however I needed. I didn't know what I would like, and I struggled with figuring myself out. In the end, I chose love and the truth of the Gospel- no fear, praying always, and if the change is led by God, He will be with me, and I have nothing to fear. I told Nate some things I think I will like him to do for me. Even though he is ready to do anything I ask of him, I told him I wanted him to know things he could do for me without me asking him- like just being with me- possibly in silence, taking charge if he needed to (if I start doubting myself), to help with distractions- making jokes, helping me to switch up positions, put on new music, dimming the lights, etc. It was a challenging week, but God reminded me, I make the decision to chose love or fear.
Our appointments will start every week now. At the last one, everything measured right where we were suppose to be. Good fundal height, good weight, good heart beat, and of course, head down!! We signed up for our "Well Baby" and "Breastfeeding" classes.
I have been feeling our baby boy move A LOT more now. Probably around 33 weeks he really is jabbing me, turning, moving his butt from the right to center part of the uterus. I feel strange pokes. Occasionally he will really spaz and catch me off guard. Mostly when he moves I feel this uncomfortable pressure in my bladder. Towards the end of the day when I have been on my feet most of the day I pee a ton because I think it is resting on the top of my bladder:)
Like I said, overall the 30's have been great. I am not stressed out as much about things compared to stuff I worried about in the 20's. Nate and I are having a good time just hanging out. I really am enjoying being pregnant. I like feeling pregnant- seeing the belly, feeling his movements. I think of what it will be like when I do not have a pregnant body! That will be weird! I feel like I have been pregnant forever. I looked at a pic at the beginning back in december when we just found out- "I looked like that?!?!" They are just fun thoughts. We finished the baby's room- refinished a dresser, and finally ordered the crib! This friday my work is having a baby shower for us, and after that we will buy the remainder of the things we need/want! I am looking forward to some of the 36-40week milestones- feeling the baby drop, etc. I am also looking forward to not working in the hospital for a while! Even though we will be working weird hours, through the nights, but with a different job description:)
God has been good to us in this pregnancy. Like I said earlier, if He is in the change, then I have nothing to fear. We know He has been with us from the beginning. My life, my husband and our baby all belong to Him. He is a wonderful creator of life. I am excited to experience one unique part of His creation.
Blessings!
Angie
How are you feeling?
Well honestly the "30's" have been the best weeks for me so far. They have been fast and enjoyable. Physically I have felt great. I enjoy exercising still- hiking and swimming mostly (swimming actually has been appealing to me which I didn't really enjoy that much before), I haven't done the eliptical in a while or ran. Nate and I occasionally take the bikes out. We did a backpacking trip into Lost Creek Wilderness June 11th-13th. I was wiped out at the end of each day, but it felt great to be outside, breathing in the evergreen air. We also did a hike in Frisco CO called Mount Royal. It ascents about 1000 ft in one mile. It was quite a steep hike. The view was amazing. There is even a rock climb you can do from the other side. Not so much now for me:) Nate wants to do it with a friend named Cael:) Murster even came and carried her own pack:) Swimming has been fun. I'll swim about 30 min and hopefully get in a 1/2 mile- doggie paddle, butterfly and overhand. It feels nice to be weightless and the water on my skin feels nice. Last week we hiked around Golden Gate State Park. It was beautiful. 3 miles of up and down kinda took it out of me though:)
I didn't realize how much bigger I've gotten from 31-35 weeks. The pictures show it, but I really don't feel it. At 35 weeks now, I am still just as tired after a 12hr shift as I was at 31 weeks. My hips don't hurt and my back really hasn't bothered me. Occasionally, if I am just sitting down, I will feel the weight of my belly . I feel like it just sticks out, like my abdominal muscle are not doing a thing. But if I practice good body mechanics, sitting up straight and core strength, it feels more secure. Some nights my legs will feel restless. But Nate's rubs help a ton and actually do the trick. Afterward I feel like I can rest and sleep. Other nights it takes me a while to get comfortable before falling asleep (despite my access to 5 large pillows to support me). And then some nights as I fall asleep I feel like I can only take a 1/2 breath because of my large abdomen (might be my stomach too:) Mostly I can sleep through the night and have been getting good sleep. Occasionally I will wake up around 2-5 in the morning and not be able to sleep for 1-2 hours. Anxious thoughts, stupid thoughts, thoughts, prayers, things to do, weird dreams, bad movies, all get into my mind to keep me up. I am too lazy to get out of bed to read or do something, so I normally just toss there for a while.
How have the appointments been going?
Well, we finished our natural childbirthing class at the end of June. The four week class was amazing. I learned a ton about natural childbirth- which I hope to take back with me to work to help other natural laboring moms. I think I learned more in these classes than I did in my L&D orientation. I won't go into it all though. After the second week I struggled a lot with flesh and spirit; How I thought I would be in labor and postpartum and how I actually wanted to be. I battled with thoughts focused around irrational fears- like I would turn inward and not involve Nate. Doubt, like Nate and I would fail at working together, and this weird fear for Nate feeling helpless during the whole labor thing and not know what to do or say. It is kinda weird to explain, but basically when I see a laboring mom, moaning and in so much pain, I feel helpless, and dont like the look on her face. I was afraid for making those faces towards Nate and having him feel awful for me. So basically I thought, if I knew he was ok with seeing me that way (mostly by telling me I was beautiful in those situations) I would feel ok with doing what felt natural to do. Nate and I had to communicate a lot about what we invisioned for labor and how we could help each other and what we wanted. Nate basically was ready to be here for me however I needed. I didn't know what I would like, and I struggled with figuring myself out. In the end, I chose love and the truth of the Gospel- no fear, praying always, and if the change is led by God, He will be with me, and I have nothing to fear. I told Nate some things I think I will like him to do for me. Even though he is ready to do anything I ask of him, I told him I wanted him to know things he could do for me without me asking him- like just being with me- possibly in silence, taking charge if he needed to (if I start doubting myself), to help with distractions- making jokes, helping me to switch up positions, put on new music, dimming the lights, etc. It was a challenging week, but God reminded me, I make the decision to chose love or fear.
Our appointments will start every week now. At the last one, everything measured right where we were suppose to be. Good fundal height, good weight, good heart beat, and of course, head down!! We signed up for our "Well Baby" and "Breastfeeding" classes.
I have been feeling our baby boy move A LOT more now. Probably around 33 weeks he really is jabbing me, turning, moving his butt from the right to center part of the uterus. I feel strange pokes. Occasionally he will really spaz and catch me off guard. Mostly when he moves I feel this uncomfortable pressure in my bladder. Towards the end of the day when I have been on my feet most of the day I pee a ton because I think it is resting on the top of my bladder:)
Like I said, overall the 30's have been great. I am not stressed out as much about things compared to stuff I worried about in the 20's. Nate and I are having a good time just hanging out. I really am enjoying being pregnant. I like feeling pregnant- seeing the belly, feeling his movements. I think of what it will be like when I do not have a pregnant body! That will be weird! I feel like I have been pregnant forever. I looked at a pic at the beginning back in december when we just found out- "I looked like that?!?!" They are just fun thoughts. We finished the baby's room- refinished a dresser, and finally ordered the crib! This friday my work is having a baby shower for us, and after that we will buy the remainder of the things we need/want! I am looking forward to some of the 36-40week milestones- feeling the baby drop, etc. I am also looking forward to not working in the hospital for a while! Even though we will be working weird hours, through the nights, but with a different job description:)
God has been good to us in this pregnancy. Like I said earlier, if He is in the change, then I have nothing to fear. We know He has been with us from the beginning. My life, my husband and our baby all belong to Him. He is a wonderful creator of life. I am excited to experience one unique part of His creation.
Blessings!
Angie
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
27 weeks
This is the last week of the second trimester. Our baby weighs close to 2 pounds! YEA! I remember when I was still talking in ounces and couldn't wait to get into pounds and now here we are! Also he is about 14 inches long and has his own sleep and wake cycles. He is also opening and closing his eyes:) I have noticed him kicking me a little more, with the rare karate chop punch which moves my entire abdomen (only twice). Also my belly is getting quite large. Funny how I have gone 27 weeks and only gained about 4-6 pounds in my abdomen (baby and some fluid and placenta). Now in the next 13 weeks, half that time, I will grow another 4-5 pounds of baby!!!.......... and 2-3 of placenta and fluid! It will be interesting to see when I will begin to feel off balance (as they tell me to watch out for). A co-worker of Nate said she began to feel it all around 36 weeks, heavy, off balance, and more tired. I'm hoping it won't bother me........ :) gotta be optimistic:)
It's amazing how awesome God is. Period. Just that. He rocks. Praise Him for a healthy pregnancy, a wonderful, wonderful, supportive and understanding and loving husband who can't stand reading books telling him not to be afraid of poopy diapers, and that it will "help mom out if you help change them once in a while"!! "What father/husband wouldn't/doesn't do this?" He is going to be right there in the mess of it all with me! I even asked him if he would hold the baby while I was breast feeding so I could take a nap! "Of course!" Praise God for having broadcasts on the radio for me to hear about raising children etc. Praise Him for all the love and support and kindness from all our friends and family. Praise Him for loving me more than I know and ever deserve. I am not worth to be called His daughter, but He still calls out to me! Praise Him for the strength He has given me this far! Praise Him for his word and everlasting truths that I can always turn to. My God is an awesome God, He reigns over heaven and earth, with power, wisdom and might, my God is an awesome God!
Nate and I have a date to go to babies-r-us on Friday! I hope we can make it! We need to start doing somethings:) I am slow to get moving on figuring out some of the things we need and some of the things we want. Also starting and finishing the baby room. I have been doing a lot of talking with people, which helps the learning curve. Still, I am really slow when it comes to buying things! I get too nervous that I won't like it, or need it, or will have spent too much money on it! It is a problem! I have some ideas of things I want for the baby room but I don't want to buy anything at full price!!!! it is awful! Then I can't find it online for discount, so "things to buy" continue to get piled up and then never bought! Soooooo. Yea, little insight of crazy angie. :)
Nate and I are reading some good books on babies and parenting. Still reading Shepherding a Childs Heart....., Started "Bringing Up Boys" by James Dobson, which I love! So insightful and real and alarming and educational. Started "On Becoming Babywise" but I have to say, I am half way there and I think everything I've read could be written down in 10 pages. It is awfully redundant and not very helpful so far. I hope the second half is better. It has given me a couple pieces of info to chew on. BUT the first chapter by far is the best. I don't know what happened! "What to expect for newborns" and "Baby 411" is ok to peruse for random helpful hints for baby world. I have yet to read "Happiest Baby".
We had a midwife appt on tuesday which again was good. She measured me and I was on track this time (no overly large uterus/baby this week) I measured 27cm, = 27 weeks! Yay. Hopefully the sugar test that I took will also confirm that I am not a GDM (gestational diabetic). She began to talk to us about signing consents for water birth, if we choose. We signed up for our natural childbirth class..... dun dun dunnnnnnnnn...... which will talk about positions and breathing and how to know you are in labor! I can't wait to take it. We attend every monday class in June (4 weeks 2.5 hr classes)
Also a shout out to Heather and Braden! Congrats finding out it's a girl. Also shout out to Jess and Scott who found out they were prego! 20weeks behind us! We will be having our baby and they will be finding out if it is a girl or boy! Another gender party!
Thanks for reading!
Love, Ang
It's amazing how awesome God is. Period. Just that. He rocks. Praise Him for a healthy pregnancy, a wonderful, wonderful, supportive and understanding and loving husband who can't stand reading books telling him not to be afraid of poopy diapers, and that it will "help mom out if you help change them once in a while"!! "What father/husband wouldn't/doesn't do this?" He is going to be right there in the mess of it all with me! I even asked him if he would hold the baby while I was breast feeding so I could take a nap! "Of course!" Praise God for having broadcasts on the radio for me to hear about raising children etc. Praise Him for all the love and support and kindness from all our friends and family. Praise Him for loving me more than I know and ever deserve. I am not worth to be called His daughter, but He still calls out to me! Praise Him for the strength He has given me this far! Praise Him for his word and everlasting truths that I can always turn to. My God is an awesome God, He reigns over heaven and earth, with power, wisdom and might, my God is an awesome God!
Nate and I have a date to go to babies-r-us on Friday! I hope we can make it! We need to start doing somethings:) I am slow to get moving on figuring out some of the things we need and some of the things we want. Also starting and finishing the baby room. I have been doing a lot of talking with people, which helps the learning curve. Still, I am really slow when it comes to buying things! I get too nervous that I won't like it, or need it, or will have spent too much money on it! It is a problem! I have some ideas of things I want for the baby room but I don't want to buy anything at full price!!!! it is awful! Then I can't find it online for discount, so "things to buy" continue to get piled up and then never bought! Soooooo. Yea, little insight of crazy angie. :)
Nate and I are reading some good books on babies and parenting. Still reading Shepherding a Childs Heart....., Started "Bringing Up Boys" by James Dobson, which I love! So insightful and real and alarming and educational. Started "On Becoming Babywise" but I have to say, I am half way there and I think everything I've read could be written down in 10 pages. It is awfully redundant and not very helpful so far. I hope the second half is better. It has given me a couple pieces of info to chew on. BUT the first chapter by far is the best. I don't know what happened! "What to expect for newborns" and "Baby 411" is ok to peruse for random helpful hints for baby world. I have yet to read "Happiest Baby".
We had a midwife appt on tuesday which again was good. She measured me and I was on track this time (no overly large uterus/baby this week) I measured 27cm, = 27 weeks! Yay. Hopefully the sugar test that I took will also confirm that I am not a GDM (gestational diabetic). She began to talk to us about signing consents for water birth, if we choose. We signed up for our natural childbirth class..... dun dun dunnnnnnnnn...... which will talk about positions and breathing and how to know you are in labor! I can't wait to take it. We attend every monday class in June (4 weeks 2.5 hr classes)
Also a shout out to Heather and Braden! Congrats finding out it's a girl. Also shout out to Jess and Scott who found out they were prego! 20weeks behind us! We will be having our baby and they will be finding out if it is a girl or boy! Another gender party!
Thanks for reading!
Love, Ang
Friday, May 6, 2011
26 weeks!
Ever since our ultrasound I have become more and more excited...... excited? Yea excited! It might be a little apprehension too. Yesterday I could not go back to sleep because I was thinking about our baby and baby things! I am so excited to meet this little tike. I already want another ultrasound just to see him, know how he is laying, and watch him kick at me or wave his hand. What do you do all day inside me?!?! I am incredibly excited to have Nate meet and hold and love this baby. I think about us working together as a team- handling all the issues that will come up, enjoying spending time together as a family. I'm excited about strengthening and growing our marriage (all by learning about being parents:) Honestly, I think I underestimate how hard it will be and that it will not be a "one time experience" but a lifetime change. BUT.... I so desire to grow closer together through all the trials and challenges. I keep praying that God will keep us honest and that we will keep our eyes fixed on Him. We are a three strand cord that is not to be broken!
"In loving your child, give him the assurance that as a husband and wife, you really love each other. The husband-wife union is not just a good first step towards child-rearing. It is a necessary one." ~~On Becoming Babywise"
We are still thinking about baby boy names:) We are also reading a little more now about what to do with the baby when he gets here!!! Hopefully we will go look at fun baby stuff at babies r us and target sometime in the next 2 weeks. One of the things that mindlessly goes through my mind when Im trying to sleep, "Ahhh, what do we need for our baby!?", and "I need to go try out strollers and car seats to see which ones I like!" But when I am awake, I am ok with not needing a lot of things. I really want to start working on the nursery, but haven't looked up how I want to decorate it!? I'm kinda a mess, a joyful mess though.... I am feeling the baby kick more and more now---in fact, starting today- 26weeks, I am suppose to count daily how many times the baby kicks in one hours (the same hour everyday). Basically I am just suppose to be aware that the baby is moving and kicking. But everyday now I should feel him move. And I do! It was weird at first, but now it is endearing and lovely. A little baby in me! Kicking (or punching) all 1 2/3 pounds of its little body against my whale of a belly:)
Thanks for reading!
Angie
"In loving your child, give him the assurance that as a husband and wife, you really love each other. The husband-wife union is not just a good first step towards child-rearing. It is a necessary one." ~~On Becoming Babywise"
We are still thinking about baby boy names:) We are also reading a little more now about what to do with the baby when he gets here!!! Hopefully we will go look at fun baby stuff at babies r us and target sometime in the next 2 weeks. One of the things that mindlessly goes through my mind when Im trying to sleep, "Ahhh, what do we need for our baby!?", and "I need to go try out strollers and car seats to see which ones I like!" But when I am awake, I am ok with not needing a lot of things. I really want to start working on the nursery, but haven't looked up how I want to decorate it!? I'm kinda a mess, a joyful mess though.... I am feeling the baby kick more and more now---in fact, starting today- 26weeks, I am suppose to count daily how many times the baby kicks in one hours (the same hour everyday). Basically I am just suppose to be aware that the baby is moving and kicking. But everyday now I should feel him move. And I do! It was weird at first, but now it is endearing and lovely. A little baby in me! Kicking (or punching) all 1 2/3 pounds of its little body against my whale of a belly:)
Thanks for reading!
Angie
Saturday, April 23, 2011
24 weeks
Our little blueberry is not so little anymore:) Today marks a cool milestone for me (as a labor and delivery nurse). A 24 week baby in utero is considered viable. And that's all I have to say about that. He is over 12inches in length, and weighs at least 1lb 5 oz. My uterus is the size of a soccer ball! His brain continues to grow rapidly and his taste buds too! He is a wiggle worm. I really think over the last two days he has gone from breech to head down, back to breech, and then today I thought he was head down again because I felt him kicking in my stomach and not my bladder. Right now, I don't know where he is. I think he is sleeping. He already takes after his daddy as a late nighter. He loves loves loves to kick kick kick around 2 in the morning, with out fail! This does not fair well for Nate and I if He likes to be awake through the night! :P
Next milestone marks the end of the second trimester and the beginning of the third--- 28weeks. I am going to continue to enjoy this time though. It is fun and enjoyable. I am on cloud 9!
Love, Angie
Next milestone marks the end of the second trimester and the beginning of the third--- 28weeks. I am going to continue to enjoy this time though. It is fun and enjoyable. I am on cloud 9!
Love, Angie
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Which will it be, a HE or SHE?!
Saturday April 16th Nate and I had our "Gender announcment party"! It was such an exciting day! The days in between our ultrasound and the party were a great suspense. I didn't realize how much it meant to me to celebrate the sex of our baby.
So, after the doc gave us the envelope with the sex of the baby we stuffed it in my purse and hid it until thursday when I met up with Bryanna and turned it over to her! Her and her husband would be the only people in the world to know if Nate and I were having a boy or girl. Her mission was to buy and design the cake for our party. The baker was instructed to make the batter pink or blue depending if it was a girl or a boy, and then frost the entire cake so you couldn't tell. Bryanna said she was so careful driving over to our house (like she was going 3 mph around turns) so the cake would not slide into the sides of the box and smudge the cake! She is so thoughtful:)
Everyone who was invited was instructed to wear pink or blue if they thought it was a boy or a girl! What a turn out!! Sheryl and Evelyn wore tutus, Katie wore a pink dress, Erna dressed up like a pink southern bell, Glen wore red Elmo gear, Scott wore a blue cool aid shirt! Everyone did something special to participate. Even Mury wore pink to support the "girl cause". Most everyone wore pink........ Glen, Scott, Barry, Caleb and me were the sole "boy cause". Brandon was 100% right with whatever it was, he wore PURPLE!
We had pink and blue balloons hanging around, delicious bar-b-que chicken, south western egg rolls, chinese style coleslaw, fruit, veggies, spinach balls, delicious fruit drinks and of course the cake!! It was a FIESTA AND A FEAST!
It came time for Nate to cut the cake. I was so excited for him to be the one to make the first slice, and then the second and then lift up the cake piece to show everyone the pink or blue cake! I must have thought of that scene 100 times! When the real time came, I was so excited I couldn't contain myself. There was so much love in the room our house was bursting. Everyone gathered around the cake/table, of course we had to have the "BOYS" on one side and the "GIRLS" on the other, dualing it out. They were both saying boy boy boy and girl girl girl at the same time:) I stood behind Nate as he made the first cut! He pulled the knife out and I thought I saw light pink cake crumbs on the knife!! Then everything happened so fast, I didn't even have time to think, "is it a girl?" He cut the second side.............. then the top............ and lifted up........
BLUE!!!!
It was blue, the cake was blue.
I don't even remember what everyone did. From the pictures people are celebrating!. I just kept looking at the cake. Nate gave me a hug!! I was shaking! I showed my parents who tuned in via skype the blue piece of cake; they were going to have a grandson! (after raising three girls!)
I didn't know what to do, Nate was cutting more pieces of cake, I just stood by him.
I wore blue, but I hadn't thought of how I would feel if it were actually blue...... or pink for that matter. I had my reasons for wanting a boy and a girl. In fact I knew that in my flesh I would probably feel disappointed because it could only be one or the other! So now it was blue. 100% sure, we were having a boy. Boy, boy, boy. I was stunned. The pregnancy just got that more real. The baby inside me, that more real. The fact that we are going to be parents that more real. And that we would be parents of a boy. First born. Older brother.
But this is why Nate and I wanted to find out. We wanted to dwell and think about who we were growing. We went from not wanting to find out, to finding out with just the two of us (at our house, not in the ultrasound office..... ), to celebrating with family and friends one special fact about our baby! It was a most memorable day.
And now we are slowly getting excited about all the fun things about boys! I am excited about reading this book by James Dobson, "Bringing up Boys". The introduction in itself terrorizes me!! Boys who put gasoline down manholes and light matches to throw down there to see what happens!! (toilets in the neighborhood exploded). Nate! We need the best insurance possible! I don't know the least bit about boys! (There are three girls in my fam:) I am excited about going on hikes with the babe in the hiking backpack, or bike rides with the little tike in tow behind Nate's bike. I am so in love with the thoughts of doing all these fun things with Nate. I am excited about being a team with him in teaching our boy about Jesus and shepherding him under God's authority. NATE I LOVE YOU! However, we are having a hard time with names. In fact we have prayed several times to have God help us pick out the name of this boy, who He knows better than we will ever know this child.
So now we are moving forward. Let the fun continue as we decide on a baby room theme and buy baby things and continue with our prenatal visits, and get larger!
Until the next fun adventure! Thanks for reading!
Love ang
So, after the doc gave us the envelope with the sex of the baby we stuffed it in my purse and hid it until thursday when I met up with Bryanna and turned it over to her! Her and her husband would be the only people in the world to know if Nate and I were having a boy or girl. Her mission was to buy and design the cake for our party. The baker was instructed to make the batter pink or blue depending if it was a girl or a boy, and then frost the entire cake so you couldn't tell. Bryanna said she was so careful driving over to our house (like she was going 3 mph around turns) so the cake would not slide into the sides of the box and smudge the cake! She is so thoughtful:)
Everyone who was invited was instructed to wear pink or blue if they thought it was a boy or a girl! What a turn out!! Sheryl and Evelyn wore tutus, Katie wore a pink dress, Erna dressed up like a pink southern bell, Glen wore red Elmo gear, Scott wore a blue cool aid shirt! Everyone did something special to participate. Even Mury wore pink to support the "girl cause". Most everyone wore pink........ Glen, Scott, Barry, Caleb and me were the sole "boy cause". Brandon was 100% right with whatever it was, he wore PURPLE!
We had pink and blue balloons hanging around, delicious bar-b-que chicken, south western egg rolls, chinese style coleslaw, fruit, veggies, spinach balls, delicious fruit drinks and of course the cake!! It was a FIESTA AND A FEAST!
It came time for Nate to cut the cake. I was so excited for him to be the one to make the first slice, and then the second and then lift up the cake piece to show everyone the pink or blue cake! I must have thought of that scene 100 times! When the real time came, I was so excited I couldn't contain myself. There was so much love in the room our house was bursting. Everyone gathered around the cake/table, of course we had to have the "BOYS" on one side and the "GIRLS" on the other, dualing it out. They were both saying boy boy boy and girl girl girl at the same time:) I stood behind Nate as he made the first cut! He pulled the knife out and I thought I saw light pink cake crumbs on the knife!! Then everything happened so fast, I didn't even have time to think, "is it a girl?" He cut the second side.............. then the top............ and lifted up........
BLUE!!!!
It was blue, the cake was blue.
I don't even remember what everyone did. From the pictures people are celebrating!. I just kept looking at the cake. Nate gave me a hug!! I was shaking! I showed my parents who tuned in via skype the blue piece of cake; they were going to have a grandson! (after raising three girls!)
I didn't know what to do, Nate was cutting more pieces of cake, I just stood by him.
I wore blue, but I hadn't thought of how I would feel if it were actually blue...... or pink for that matter. I had my reasons for wanting a boy and a girl. In fact I knew that in my flesh I would probably feel disappointed because it could only be one or the other! So now it was blue. 100% sure, we were having a boy. Boy, boy, boy. I was stunned. The pregnancy just got that more real. The baby inside me, that more real. The fact that we are going to be parents that more real. And that we would be parents of a boy. First born. Older brother.
But this is why Nate and I wanted to find out. We wanted to dwell and think about who we were growing. We went from not wanting to find out, to finding out with just the two of us (at our house, not in the ultrasound office..... ), to celebrating with family and friends one special fact about our baby! It was a most memorable day.
And now we are slowly getting excited about all the fun things about boys! I am excited about reading this book by James Dobson, "Bringing up Boys". The introduction in itself terrorizes me!! Boys who put gasoline down manholes and light matches to throw down there to see what happens!! (toilets in the neighborhood exploded). Nate! We need the best insurance possible! I don't know the least bit about boys! (There are three girls in my fam:) I am excited about going on hikes with the babe in the hiking backpack, or bike rides with the little tike in tow behind Nate's bike. I am so in love with the thoughts of doing all these fun things with Nate. I am excited about being a team with him in teaching our boy about Jesus and shepherding him under God's authority. NATE I LOVE YOU! However, we are having a hard time with names. In fact we have prayed several times to have God help us pick out the name of this boy, who He knows better than we will ever know this child.
So now we are moving forward. Let the fun continue as we decide on a baby room theme and buy baby things and continue with our prenatal visits, and get larger!
Until the next fun adventure! Thanks for reading!
Love ang
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday April 13th + New due date!!
First of all, we just want to say thank you to everyone who prayed for us and our ultrasound, for a healthy baby. Your prayers were answered and we are grateful to God for you and your love for us. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.
Today was the day of our Ultrasound and the third appt with the midwifes. I hadn't really thought too much about the day itself other than praying for a healthy ultrasound. But the night before when Nate and I were going to sleep, I though, "huh, we get to see our baby for the first time tomorrow" and was 25% unsure and 75% excited. I didn't really go through ugly scenerios in my head, but of course there is always the unknown. I just kept on praying. God was going to take care of us, His children, no matter what. I really didn't get 90% excited until I walked throught the door of the building hand in hand with Nate. And wasn't 100% excited until our names were called and we were led into the room with just the ultrasound and gel:) Nate was so wonderful and cute. He was holding all my stuff.
Soon a resident came in and said he was going to "see what he could find", and that the doctor would be in soon after. Nate came up by my side as I laid down on the table. After an goop application of warm gel..... viola! There was our baby! My eyes were glued to the screen as the resident moved all over my belly. He said there was a good amount of fluid and the placenta was a good size. I was right! The placenta was completely anterior (on the front part of my belly) which is normal, but I might not always feel the baby kick earlier on. Then the doc came in and the real fun began. The baby was moving and wiggling, and we saw the head, although we didn't get the standard profile shot because of the way it was laying. We did get a lot of the scary skeleton skull pictures, where we saw the baby smiling at us:) The doc was telling us it was rare to find all 5 fingers and see the hand, right as our baby waved to us!! The doc got a pic of the hand and all the digits. Also the ulna and radius moving like it was waving to us. Very cool! We also got some "footprint in the sand" pics of the feet against the placenta. My suspicious were right, our baby is upside down right now- breech. I thought so because went I felt the kicks, they were in my bladder and lower instead of up high. Anyway 50% of fetuses are breech at the 20week appt.
So everything looked great. We told him we didn't want to know the sex and asked him to write it down on a piece of paper and stick it in an envelope. He said, "oh yea, I got it already!" He was so sly that I didn't even notice he found it!!
I was 20.6 days on the day of the US. As the doc was measuring the baby, I kept seeing dates like 22 and 23 weeks on the computer screen. After he was finished he asked us if we thought our "dates" (due date, conception date etc) could be off, because our baby was measuring larger than it should!!! Yikes! It actually weighed 1lb 3oz!!! I thought from the beginning when the midwifes gave me my due date of Aug 25th, that it was too far away, but only by 4 or 5 days. (I thought I might be due Aug 21st). I think I showed "earlier" than I should have for it being our first baby, and when we were at our 16 week appt, my uterus measured where is would if I was closer to 20weeks! (I thought I was having twins....haha). Anyway, I thought the dates could be a little off.
I could just be having a big baby too. I do like to eat..... hopefully I am not a gestational diabetic!
So we were off to our midwifes appt. As soon as the midwife stepped into the room, Nate made sure she knew we didn't know about the sex of the baby!! As it turns out, the doc didn't even write it on the report, just for that reason! We were safe.
Aubrey the midwife said that the doc estimated my due date as Aug 11th, 2 weeks a head of schedule. Because of the big discrepancy, the midwifes had to have a pow-wow and determine whether I should go with the Aug 11 or 25th due date. Well, when she measured my uterus, it measured at 22 weeks. I guess that was the clencher. They decided to give me the new due date! Yea! I just jumped to 22.6 days! I actually am more comfortable with this due date than my 25th. Before I was afraid to go post dates, and now I am more comfortable. However, I hope we have the baby before the 25th or we will be in deep trouble!!! (The midwifes will not deliever a baby past 42 weeks, so I would have to go to the hospital to be induced! ICK!)
So it was a fabulous day! We just had to get through the next two days before saturday when we would have our "Gender announcement party".
Stay tuned for the "GAP" pics and details.......... "WHICH WILL IT BE A HE OR SHE?!?!!?"
Love Angie
Today was the day of our Ultrasound and the third appt with the midwifes. I hadn't really thought too much about the day itself other than praying for a healthy ultrasound. But the night before when Nate and I were going to sleep, I though, "huh, we get to see our baby for the first time tomorrow" and was 25% unsure and 75% excited. I didn't really go through ugly scenerios in my head, but of course there is always the unknown. I just kept on praying. God was going to take care of us, His children, no matter what. I really didn't get 90% excited until I walked throught the door of the building hand in hand with Nate. And wasn't 100% excited until our names were called and we were led into the room with just the ultrasound and gel:) Nate was so wonderful and cute. He was holding all my stuff.
Soon a resident came in and said he was going to "see what he could find", and that the doctor would be in soon after. Nate came up by my side as I laid down on the table. After an goop application of warm gel..... viola! There was our baby! My eyes were glued to the screen as the resident moved all over my belly. He said there was a good amount of fluid and the placenta was a good size. I was right! The placenta was completely anterior (on the front part of my belly) which is normal, but I might not always feel the baby kick earlier on. Then the doc came in and the real fun began. The baby was moving and wiggling, and we saw the head, although we didn't get the standard profile shot because of the way it was laying. We did get a lot of the scary skeleton skull pictures, where we saw the baby smiling at us:) The doc was telling us it was rare to find all 5 fingers and see the hand, right as our baby waved to us!! The doc got a pic of the hand and all the digits. Also the ulna and radius moving like it was waving to us. Very cool! We also got some "footprint in the sand" pics of the feet against the placenta. My suspicious were right, our baby is upside down right now- breech. I thought so because went I felt the kicks, they were in my bladder and lower instead of up high. Anyway 50% of fetuses are breech at the 20week appt.
So everything looked great. We told him we didn't want to know the sex and asked him to write it down on a piece of paper and stick it in an envelope. He said, "oh yea, I got it already!" He was so sly that I didn't even notice he found it!!
I was 20.6 days on the day of the US. As the doc was measuring the baby, I kept seeing dates like 22 and 23 weeks on the computer screen. After he was finished he asked us if we thought our "dates" (due date, conception date etc) could be off, because our baby was measuring larger than it should!!! Yikes! It actually weighed 1lb 3oz!!! I thought from the beginning when the midwifes gave me my due date of Aug 25th, that it was too far away, but only by 4 or 5 days. (I thought I might be due Aug 21st). I think I showed "earlier" than I should have for it being our first baby, and when we were at our 16 week appt, my uterus measured where is would if I was closer to 20weeks! (I thought I was having twins....haha). Anyway, I thought the dates could be a little off.
I could just be having a big baby too. I do like to eat..... hopefully I am not a gestational diabetic!
So we were off to our midwifes appt. As soon as the midwife stepped into the room, Nate made sure she knew we didn't know about the sex of the baby!! As it turns out, the doc didn't even write it on the report, just for that reason! We were safe.
Aubrey the midwife said that the doc estimated my due date as Aug 11th, 2 weeks a head of schedule. Because of the big discrepancy, the midwifes had to have a pow-wow and determine whether I should go with the Aug 11 or 25th due date. Well, when she measured my uterus, it measured at 22 weeks. I guess that was the clencher. They decided to give me the new due date! Yea! I just jumped to 22.6 days! I actually am more comfortable with this due date than my 25th. Before I was afraid to go post dates, and now I am more comfortable. However, I hope we have the baby before the 25th or we will be in deep trouble!!! (The midwifes will not deliever a baby past 42 weeks, so I would have to go to the hospital to be induced! ICK!)
So it was a fabulous day! We just had to get through the next two days before saturday when we would have our "Gender announcement party".
Stay tuned for the "GAP" pics and details.......... "WHICH WILL IT BE A HE OR SHE?!?!!?"
Love Angie
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
20 weeks
20 weeks is/was actually very exciting!! We had Rachael and Eddie's wedding this weekend and it was so fun to have so many people at the house (Nate! maybe we should have a dozen kids!) It was actually a blessing to me to have everyone over. I wore both my maternity dresses over the weekend and it was fun. I felt pretty in them.
20 weeks is nice because I don't look bloated anymore:) I actually look.....pregnant! I still want to look nice (wear appropriate clothes that fit and look nice) and not sloppy in sweatpants and a teeshirt (meaning now I have to think about what I am going to wear, instead of just throwing something "nice" on like I did when I wasn't pregnant) I do my hair a little bit more and wear makeup just a little more. It's interesting. I am not struggling as much right now with my weight gain and appearance. Actually at 20 weeks, baby center and my midwife, says I should have gained 10 pounds! (I remember when our midwife told me that back at 10 weeks and I laughed! "You want me to gain 10 pounds in 10 weeks when my baby won't even weigh a pound at 20weeks?!?!!? That won't happen....) I thought it was ridiculous and I would only gain 5 pounds. Well that may happen for some people but not me!! 20weeks = 142. And actually, after something I read just tonight, I am glad. On "medicine net" they say, "Good weight gain before 20 weeks, and between 20 and 28 weeks, really influences good fetal growth"
I have felt the baby move frequently since 18 weeks. I am convinced it was movements:) and not gas:) The kicks were subtle and infrequent and I would have to be still to feel them, but now at 20 weeks they are more consistant and I don't have to be paying too close attention for them to catch my attention. They do feel like little flutters, not strong, but stronger than the word flutter implies. It like a little mini belly quake. I'll feel one or two and then be still and feel a couple more. In my lower abdomen and all over!! First they were only on the right side, then I felt them on the left (I thought I was having twins!! More on that later) But really he/she is just all over the place. Sometimes the "flutters" are fun and don't bother me, other times I get freaked out and want them to go away. I am in denial that our lives will be changing soon, they are changing!!! Then over the weekend in the morning, Nate and I were waking up and I felt the little thang move! I told Nate to put his hand on my belly and wait. Awww sure enough in just a little while he felt our baby move inside me for the first time! He was so endearing, "that's our baby, baby". Oh I was so in love. We just laid there. It is so special feeling his excitement as well.
This week, our baby is 10 ounces (more than a 1/2 lb) and 10 inches long!!! He/she is just doing what he/she does best: growing. Nothing fancy this week:) Except miracle cells forming:)
I have been waking up sometimes in the middle of the night. It's normal, I know. I have been going through the alphabet thinking of ways to describe God: A= adore, alpha/omega, etc. Ill pray and this helps me in multiple ways!
I think my placenta is anterior (towards my belly and not my back) because I can feel it throbbing! My entire right side of my belly throbs to the rate of my heart. (random I know)
20weeks, Nate and I also decided we would start going to the goodwills weekly to shop for "diamonds in the rough". Yesterday we found one! Our first try! We found a baby hiking backpack for 7 bucks:) It looks nice, and will do the trick! I haven't looked up the specs yet. Sheryl told me she has found a bike trailer at good will for 10 bucks!
My prayer request is for our April 13th appointment. That everything is healthy with our little baby.
Thanks for reading and sending love:_)
~*~ Ang
20 weeks is nice because I don't look bloated anymore:) I actually look.....pregnant! I still want to look nice (wear appropriate clothes that fit and look nice) and not sloppy in sweatpants and a teeshirt (meaning now I have to think about what I am going to wear, instead of just throwing something "nice" on like I did when I wasn't pregnant) I do my hair a little bit more and wear makeup just a little more. It's interesting. I am not struggling as much right now with my weight gain and appearance. Actually at 20 weeks, baby center and my midwife, says I should have gained 10 pounds! (I remember when our midwife told me that back at 10 weeks and I laughed! "You want me to gain 10 pounds in 10 weeks when my baby won't even weigh a pound at 20weeks?!?!!? That won't happen....) I thought it was ridiculous and I would only gain 5 pounds. Well that may happen for some people but not me!! 20weeks = 142. And actually, after something I read just tonight, I am glad. On "medicine net" they say, "Good weight gain before 20 weeks, and between 20 and 28 weeks, really influences good fetal growth"
I have felt the baby move frequently since 18 weeks. I am convinced it was movements:) and not gas:) The kicks were subtle and infrequent and I would have to be still to feel them, but now at 20 weeks they are more consistant and I don't have to be paying too close attention for them to catch my attention. They do feel like little flutters, not strong, but stronger than the word flutter implies. It like a little mini belly quake. I'll feel one or two and then be still and feel a couple more. In my lower abdomen and all over!! First they were only on the right side, then I felt them on the left (I thought I was having twins!! More on that later) But really he/she is just all over the place. Sometimes the "flutters" are fun and don't bother me, other times I get freaked out and want them to go away. I am in denial that our lives will be changing soon, they are changing!!! Then over the weekend in the morning, Nate and I were waking up and I felt the little thang move! I told Nate to put his hand on my belly and wait. Awww sure enough in just a little while he felt our baby move inside me for the first time! He was so endearing, "that's our baby, baby". Oh I was so in love. We just laid there. It is so special feeling his excitement as well.
This week, our baby is 10 ounces (more than a 1/2 lb) and 10 inches long!!! He/she is just doing what he/she does best: growing. Nothing fancy this week:) Except miracle cells forming:)
I have been waking up sometimes in the middle of the night. It's normal, I know. I have been going through the alphabet thinking of ways to describe God: A= adore, alpha/omega, etc. Ill pray and this helps me in multiple ways!
I think my placenta is anterior (towards my belly and not my back) because I can feel it throbbing! My entire right side of my belly throbs to the rate of my heart. (random I know)
20weeks, Nate and I also decided we would start going to the goodwills weekly to shop for "diamonds in the rough". Yesterday we found one! Our first try! We found a baby hiking backpack for 7 bucks:) It looks nice, and will do the trick! I haven't looked up the specs yet. Sheryl told me she has found a bike trailer at good will for 10 bucks!
My prayer request is for our April 13th appointment. That everything is healthy with our little baby.
Thanks for reading and sending love:_)
~*~ Ang
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
18+
Well our March 9th appointment was pretty uneventful again:) We had our prenatal labs drawn and then took off to Fruita CO where we biked a little and camped out in the great outdoors. Mury was a little sketched out by the whole thing. She wanted to stand guard by the tent at night as the coyotes howled in the distance:) The day we left, she ran along side of Nate during our last 5mile mountain biking stent (for a while). The trip was short, but unbelievable perfect.
We are doing well, flying through the second trimester. I finally cracked and bought some "maternity clothes". Well, I went to a maternity store to by a dress for a wedding. And also bought some tanktop like summer dresses that were on sale (for the hot summer months when I don't want to wear anything:) and a "belly band" to help keep my pants up! I also finally tried on the clothes my mom sent me! Can you believe she saved them for 29 years! Wow! I am grateful for sure! I inherited about 3 tee-shirts, 2 nice shirts and a tight pair of pants. One of the shirts says "I'm not fat, I'm pregnant!" Which is very hilarious because a part of me says, "Don't worry about how you look, embrace your pregnancy! Enjoy it!" and the other part of me says, "Yes, I am pregnant. I have not gained 10 pounds in the last 10 weeks!" One lady at church, who I hadn't seen since Christmas, told me, after I told her I was 4 1/2 months pregnant, "Oh, I thought you just gained a little weight!" I love her honesty:) It is quite amazing the ups and downs of acknowledging a changing body. Overall, I am just excited for my little bump and soon to feel little kicks?!?!?!
In case you are wondering, I will tell you that you have only a few more weeks to vote on the sex of the baby. Nate and I decided to find out if we are having a boy or girl! April 13th is the infamous day. When I think about the day, I don't know why, but I an nervous to find out. I think because it will become that much more real that we are having a baby.... boy.... or a baby girl. We are going to have the tech write it down on a piece of paper and take it home with us and pray over the paper and then open it up in the comforts of our own home. I am very excited. SO CAST YOUR VOTE! I actually don't have one. I have no clue what we are having. In the beginning I thought Boy, but now that I kinda want a girl, Im not sure:)
I am continuing to love the second trimester. I very very randomly threw up after breakfast one morning, immediately nauseous and immediately better. It was very strange. Maybe the baby doesn't like eggs? But I have been enjoying running so much! It is so enjoyable to take Murs and go on a little run. I feel great! The only thing I have to pay attention to is core stabilzation because my sacrum gets stressed from the arch in my back. Our little tike, at 18+weeks is almost 6 inches long and weighs almost a 1/2 pound (7 oz). Our midwife said I could feel it kick somewhere around 20 weeks. I haven't felt something that screamed, "Hey, I'm your baby down here!!!" But sometimes I wonder if it is really gas that I am feeling.........
A friend from work gave us a little bassente that she didn't need anymore:) Aww our very first baby knick knack. Again, very weird to see it in the back of my car.......
Well, Thanks again for reading! I really do want to put up another picture soon.
Love ang
We are doing well, flying through the second trimester. I finally cracked and bought some "maternity clothes". Well, I went to a maternity store to by a dress for a wedding. And also bought some tanktop like summer dresses that were on sale (for the hot summer months when I don't want to wear anything:) and a "belly band" to help keep my pants up! I also finally tried on the clothes my mom sent me! Can you believe she saved them for 29 years! Wow! I am grateful for sure! I inherited about 3 tee-shirts, 2 nice shirts and a tight pair of pants. One of the shirts says "I'm not fat, I'm pregnant!" Which is very hilarious because a part of me says, "Don't worry about how you look, embrace your pregnancy! Enjoy it!" and the other part of me says, "Yes, I am pregnant. I have not gained 10 pounds in the last 10 weeks!" One lady at church, who I hadn't seen since Christmas, told me, after I told her I was 4 1/2 months pregnant, "Oh, I thought you just gained a little weight!" I love her honesty:) It is quite amazing the ups and downs of acknowledging a changing body. Overall, I am just excited for my little bump and soon to feel little kicks?!?!?!
In case you are wondering, I will tell you that you have only a few more weeks to vote on the sex of the baby. Nate and I decided to find out if we are having a boy or girl! April 13th is the infamous day. When I think about the day, I don't know why, but I an nervous to find out. I think because it will become that much more real that we are having a baby.... boy.... or a baby girl. We are going to have the tech write it down on a piece of paper and take it home with us and pray over the paper and then open it up in the comforts of our own home. I am very excited. SO CAST YOUR VOTE! I actually don't have one. I have no clue what we are having. In the beginning I thought Boy, but now that I kinda want a girl, Im not sure:)
I am continuing to love the second trimester. I very very randomly threw up after breakfast one morning, immediately nauseous and immediately better. It was very strange. Maybe the baby doesn't like eggs? But I have been enjoying running so much! It is so enjoyable to take Murs and go on a little run. I feel great! The only thing I have to pay attention to is core stabilzation because my sacrum gets stressed from the arch in my back. Our little tike, at 18+weeks is almost 6 inches long and weighs almost a 1/2 pound (7 oz). Our midwife said I could feel it kick somewhere around 20 weeks. I haven't felt something that screamed, "Hey, I'm your baby down here!!!" But sometimes I wonder if it is really gas that I am feeling.........
A friend from work gave us a little bassente that she didn't need anymore:) Aww our very first baby knick knack. Again, very weird to see it in the back of my car.......
Well, Thanks again for reading! I really do want to put up another picture soon.
Love ang
Friday, March 4, 2011
Second Trimester
At 15+ weeks, little baby is the size of an apple, about 4inches long, and weighs 3 ounces. While I've grown about 4 inches wider and 4-5 pounds, heavier! Honestly, up until two days ago, I was really bothered by the change in my body and the weight gain! How shallow and wrong is that!?! I think it's probably a normal thought for a first time pregnant lady to think about!?!?...... But it was really overwhelming and I desperately wanted to get over it and not think about it!!! It is so awful to be trapped in the chains of vanity. Especially when I should be thinking about the health and growth of our baby. Yesterday and today, and almost exactly at the turn into the second trimester I have peace about the whole body changing, weight gaining thang... I believe God is working on my heart too, in more ways that I can explain (not related to pregnancy), but He is opening the eyes of my heart and revealing my wickedness and need for His ways and His thoughts. The second trimester, for me, is really great. I have my energy back and no sickness. I feel like my old self, except prego! :) I am excited to get outside too, running and hiking, camping and such with the onset of warmer weather.
We haven't yet bought anything for the baby. And I am not in maternity clothes yet..... hoping to avoid buying any cold weather clothes:) My mom sent us some books for the baby which is very awesome. I am excited about reading to the little babe.
We have a second appointment on March 9th. We'll put up another picture soon!
Thanks for reading:)
Love ang
We haven't yet bought anything for the baby. And I am not in maternity clothes yet..... hoping to avoid buying any cold weather clothes:) My mom sent us some books for the baby which is very awesome. I am excited about reading to the little babe.
We have a second appointment on March 9th. We'll put up another picture soon!
Thanks for reading:)
Love ang
Friday, February 25, 2011
Bump Time
So I guess there's all kind of variance, but we finally have a bump showing at 14 weeks! Cool. Neat. Wow. Mury thinks so too. We have our next midwife apt in March, same day as Angie's birthday. That's fun. More later.
Love Nate, Angie, Mury, and little tiker.
Love Nate, Angie, Mury, and little tiker.
Monday, January 31, 2011
New due date.
Well Nate and I had our first appointment with our midwife(s). It was fairly uneventful. Which is good I guess. She basically did my exam, asked her questions and then:)........ we got to hear our baby's heart rate!!!! That was totally SO REAL and absolutely unbelievable! I hear baby's heart rates all day at work but to hear our own?!?! To hear a heart rate at 160 that is not your own inside a belly that doesn't even look pregnant is absolutely amazing. I was just stunned listening to it at first and then I was amazed at the heart rate of this little tiny person inside me that I started laughing!! We even heard him/her move. So that was very cool.
We asked her if she ever diagnosed twins before and she said they had. Typically by the 20 week ultrasound......... "20 weeks!" I said, "that's far away!" She asked, "Do you have twins in your family?" Hehe. No, just a fun fantasy I guess. "Well", she added, "we can also tell by the size of your uterus. If it is larger than what it should for your gestation we will tell you to get a US." Well, needless to say, my uterus was right where it should be.........for a singleton. So no surprises of twins:P
She did change my due date. So now we are due August 25th. Which digresses me back to 10weeks and 5 days:/ We will have a follow up appt beginning of march when we will get labs drawn. So basically for now, keep on praying, reading, eating, swimming/running/walking, and sleeping:)
Speaking of reading. For any new mamas out there, I would have to recommend the book by Tedd Tripp, "Shepherding a child's heart". My friend Katie recommended it. "Parents are to be authorities who shepherd their children to understand themselves in God's world, keeping the gospel in clear view so children can internalize the good new and someday live in mutuality with you as people under God." I just started reading it, but I am so encouraged! I can't wait to use biblical principles to raise our child, focusing on the "heart issue" instead of their behavior, teaching them about the cross, and need for a Savior. I am so excited to raise up a child teaching them Who they were made by and for. It's the most important thing in life for them! My prayer is to be continuously in the word so I can shepherd them on God's behalf.
My prayer request would be for patience. To enjoy all of this pregnancy time. I don't know why I am counting the days until the turn of the next week. I guess I'm just excited to read about all the changes going on. But I want to enjoy these days with Nate. There is a reason God gave us 9months.
Hope all is going well with you readers:) Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
Love, Angie
"God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." Sometimes it can be hard to listen to what God has to say to you. You are convicted and then some time passes and you forget about it, and then might be convicted again, but then reason it away. It is flesh and spiritual warfare. It displeases God. The only way to keep the Spirit strong is to pray for courage and God's strength to be obedient and faithful. But take courage, for He is always with you. You may be divided or persecuted. But if God is for us, who can be against us.
We asked her if she ever diagnosed twins before and she said they had. Typically by the 20 week ultrasound......... "20 weeks!" I said, "that's far away!" She asked, "Do you have twins in your family?" Hehe. No, just a fun fantasy I guess. "Well", she added, "we can also tell by the size of your uterus. If it is larger than what it should for your gestation we will tell you to get a US." Well, needless to say, my uterus was right where it should be.........for a singleton. So no surprises of twins:P
She did change my due date. So now we are due August 25th. Which digresses me back to 10weeks and 5 days:/ We will have a follow up appt beginning of march when we will get labs drawn. So basically for now, keep on praying, reading, eating, swimming/running/walking, and sleeping:)
Speaking of reading. For any new mamas out there, I would have to recommend the book by Tedd Tripp, "Shepherding a child's heart". My friend Katie recommended it. "Parents are to be authorities who shepherd their children to understand themselves in God's world, keeping the gospel in clear view so children can internalize the good new and someday live in mutuality with you as people under God." I just started reading it, but I am so encouraged! I can't wait to use biblical principles to raise our child, focusing on the "heart issue" instead of their behavior, teaching them about the cross, and need for a Savior. I am so excited to raise up a child teaching them Who they were made by and for. It's the most important thing in life for them! My prayer is to be continuously in the word so I can shepherd them on God's behalf.
My prayer request would be for patience. To enjoy all of this pregnancy time. I don't know why I am counting the days until the turn of the next week. I guess I'm just excited to read about all the changes going on. But I want to enjoy these days with Nate. There is a reason God gave us 9months.
Hope all is going well with you readers:) Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
Love, Angie
"God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." Sometimes it can be hard to listen to what God has to say to you. You are convicted and then some time passes and you forget about it, and then might be convicted again, but then reason it away. It is flesh and spiritual warfare. It displeases God. The only way to keep the Spirit strong is to pray for courage and God's strength to be obedient and faithful. But take courage, for He is always with you. You may be divided or persecuted. But if God is for us, who can be against us.
Friday, January 28, 2011
So Real...
nate says...
Ever wonder if you're dreaming? ever wonder if something you're going through is not really happening but that you're just dreaming?
Well, I've felt that way recently regarding our pregnancy, the "expecting of a child." With no "bump" to show yet, my wife conundrum's me. (Yes, I'm attempting the springs a third time this winter, so the word is on my mind: if you're confused, ask me later). But, really, I find myself, as Angie already mentioned below, wondering if we really are pregnant!! If a child is in her! You know, I find myself doubting God, the Creator of life, if He can really pull it off, a person, who will one day be a whole adult person? coming from my wife?
But isn't that just like us sheep? Prone to wander from the God we love? I'm so glad Jesus is faithful to me even when I'm faithless! It's His mercy, His grace, His love, that keeps me coming back. And sometimes, I can't always see the reality of His faithfulness in my life. Many times, I've struggled with this. Can't see Him working in and through me. But He promises me in His word, the Bible, that He will complete what He started in me. Wow, that's comforting. And I know, that His will will be done in this pregnancy. His glory will be achieved. And I'm so thankful. It's just an example of how even though it doesn't show on the outside, Angie has a baby inside, Angie has a person inside, God is creating life inside her, in the secret place. I'm so thankful. I'm so grateful. I'm so amazed. I'm humbled. I'm delighted.
The birthing center is awesome. I'm so excited about it. I'm so excited about the natural birth classes. I'm so excited about the potential to learn. Wow, I can't wait, but at the same time to enjoy each moment, as Ang said, of each trimester day!! We're glad to have this birthing center where we can have our baby in a caring, "our" environment (including pre-labor, labor, etc) I'm not going to bash those who choose otherwise, but wow, this birthing center will allow the potential to trust God in birth. God is in control anyway, but sometimes in the hospital, we trust in medicine, trust in ourselves. But it's Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith, including having children, shepherding these He gives us.
So, yeah, it's cool. it's rad. follow along. we are so thankful for you as you follow along. We are thankful for your support.
I'm going to say one more thing in this post. It's already permeated through this blog, and will continue to. But I want to make it abundantly clear, for it bubbles from my heart. Here it is: Jesus is Lord. He is real. Right now, this pregnancy, this element of Angie and I's life, may seem surreal, but Jesus is REAL. Jesus is in charge of our lives, along with this pregnancy. As He paints this life inside Ang, we both want you to know Jesus like we do. Why? What does this mean for you? One thing: LIFE. Just as our little grape, or whatever you wanna call it's size, is growing, it's a human. It's a person. YOU are a person. And YOU, if you don't have Jesus as your Savior, are separated from God, your Creator, by your sin. The Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. You are seperated from Him, His love, and His eternal Kingdom. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me". The Bible says in Romans 10:9, that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you WILL be saved. If you want to be saved and to spend all eternity with Jesus, who loves you so much He died for you, ask Him to come into your life, He promises He will. Then read the Bible, His love letter to you. And follow it's perfect instruction for life. If YOU do nothing with Jesus, or reject Him, you will die in your sin, you will die in your separation from your Creator, and spend an everlasting eternity separated from His love, which is darkness and agony. You don't have to die in this state! Surrender to the King Jesus! He made a way for YOU. If you need prayer, we can pray for you. We want to love on you, we have a lot to share, because Jesus dumps His love and grace on us every day.
We love you!
Ever wonder if you're dreaming? ever wonder if something you're going through is not really happening but that you're just dreaming?
Well, I've felt that way recently regarding our pregnancy, the "expecting of a child." With no "bump" to show yet, my wife conundrum's me. (Yes, I'm attempting the springs a third time this winter, so the word is on my mind: if you're confused, ask me later). But, really, I find myself, as Angie already mentioned below, wondering if we really are pregnant!! If a child is in her! You know, I find myself doubting God, the Creator of life, if He can really pull it off, a person, who will one day be a whole adult person? coming from my wife?
But isn't that just like us sheep? Prone to wander from the God we love? I'm so glad Jesus is faithful to me even when I'm faithless! It's His mercy, His grace, His love, that keeps me coming back. And sometimes, I can't always see the reality of His faithfulness in my life. Many times, I've struggled with this. Can't see Him working in and through me. But He promises me in His word, the Bible, that He will complete what He started in me. Wow, that's comforting. And I know, that His will will be done in this pregnancy. His glory will be achieved. And I'm so thankful. It's just an example of how even though it doesn't show on the outside, Angie has a baby inside, Angie has a person inside, God is creating life inside her, in the secret place. I'm so thankful. I'm so grateful. I'm so amazed. I'm humbled. I'm delighted.
The birthing center is awesome. I'm so excited about it. I'm so excited about the natural birth classes. I'm so excited about the potential to learn. Wow, I can't wait, but at the same time to enjoy each moment, as Ang said, of each trimester day!! We're glad to have this birthing center where we can have our baby in a caring, "our" environment (including pre-labor, labor, etc) I'm not going to bash those who choose otherwise, but wow, this birthing center will allow the potential to trust God in birth. God is in control anyway, but sometimes in the hospital, we trust in medicine, trust in ourselves. But it's Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith, including having children, shepherding these He gives us.
So, yeah, it's cool. it's rad. follow along. we are so thankful for you as you follow along. We are thankful for your support.
I'm going to say one more thing in this post. It's already permeated through this blog, and will continue to. But I want to make it abundantly clear, for it bubbles from my heart. Here it is: Jesus is Lord. He is real. Right now, this pregnancy, this element of Angie and I's life, may seem surreal, but Jesus is REAL. Jesus is in charge of our lives, along with this pregnancy. As He paints this life inside Ang, we both want you to know Jesus like we do. Why? What does this mean for you? One thing: LIFE. Just as our little grape, or whatever you wanna call it's size, is growing, it's a human. It's a person. YOU are a person. And YOU, if you don't have Jesus as your Savior, are separated from God, your Creator, by your sin. The Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. You are seperated from Him, His love, and His eternal Kingdom. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me". The Bible says in Romans 10:9, that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you WILL be saved. If you want to be saved and to spend all eternity with Jesus, who loves you so much He died for you, ask Him to come into your life, He promises He will. Then read the Bible, His love letter to you. And follow it's perfect instruction for life. If YOU do nothing with Jesus, or reject Him, you will die in your sin, you will die in your separation from your Creator, and spend an everlasting eternity separated from His love, which is darkness and agony. You don't have to die in this state! Surrender to the King Jesus! He made a way for YOU. If you need prayer, we can pray for you. We want to love on you, we have a lot to share, because Jesus dumps His love and grace on us every day.
We love you!
Surreal.....
I have a friend at work who told me, "for your first trimester your pregnancy is very surreal". Interestingly, since we haven't seen our midwife yet to get blood work done confirming, "yes you are definetely pregnant", I'm wondering if I am still am (though the nausea pleads a good case). Then she continues, " during the second, when you "grow" a little bit, it becomes a bit more real, as you can see you are actually pregnant". Then she laughs, "Then the third trimester comes and you look at your big belly and think, how is this baby suppose to come out??!?!?!?!"
Nate and I visited the birth center where, after deciding yesterday and God willing I continue to have a low risk pregnancy, we will be delivering. YAY!! It is good to have that decision made. I will tell you a little about the birth center. Overall they describe themselves as a "maxi home" as oppose to a "mini hospital". The midwife who started it used to attend home births and wanted to open up a center where people could have a home birth experience outside their homes. While on the tour it felt like we were in an area that had nothing to do with "medicine". The birthing rooms are beautifully decorated like a room in a house- queen size beds, a little pool, a dresser, something that looks like a small hammock, hanging from the ceiling, that is actually for you to rest your arms in so you can stay in a prolonged squat position..... It was weird, to imagine us delivering there.
The reasons I am excited to go there are: 1. I hope they will get to really know Nate and I. There are 5 CNM (certified nurse midwifes) who could be at our delivery and during the course of our prenatal visits we will get to meet them all. When I stand butt naked in front of someone helping me with my labor, other than my husband, I hope to have somewhat of a relationship with them..... Also trust is very huge. Over the course of our prenatal visits I hope to increase a trust in their skills and knowledge so I can completely have a confidence in them and know that they are not practicing sketchy medicine (birthing center or bust!! I hope not!!) but will be evaluting me and baby as much as they need. 2. Hello I work at a hospital, and even though it is good, I would like to have an out of hospital experience that includes non-pharmalogical methods to get the job done! I am excited to learn anything different from what I do in the hospital to help women give birth. I think I have become a bit persuaded, if you will, from working on a high risk unit. Also, I hear and read stories of wonderful natural loving births and I want in! I was never really skeptical of the place, but I definetely needed to hear what they had to say about themselves and how they practice. Towards the end, we heard things that made us say yes to delivering there. There are "medical" interventions they will do if needed (they aren't so anti-medicine to be ignorant of good practices). 3. I want to be empowered in my pregnancy and delivery and I think these are the people to make it happen. I hope they will be encouraging, resourceful, and loving.
We have to pre-resister with Swedish hospital (right across the street) so if anything happens the transition is fast and smooth. We get to labor at home for a while, at least until we are in active labor (which is what I wanted). Nate can be involved as much as he wants (and I'll let him tell you all about that:P). We have to take 4 "natural childbirth" classes, as well as ones on newborn care and breastfeeding. They have post partum support and lacation support.
All in all I am excited to have our first prenatal visit with them on Monday. Hopefully they will draw my blood and definetely let me know I am pregnant:)
Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts.
Love, angie
Nate and I visited the birth center where, after deciding yesterday and God willing I continue to have a low risk pregnancy, we will be delivering. YAY!! It is good to have that decision made. I will tell you a little about the birth center. Overall they describe themselves as a "maxi home" as oppose to a "mini hospital". The midwife who started it used to attend home births and wanted to open up a center where people could have a home birth experience outside their homes. While on the tour it felt like we were in an area that had nothing to do with "medicine". The birthing rooms are beautifully decorated like a room in a house- queen size beds, a little pool, a dresser, something that looks like a small hammock, hanging from the ceiling, that is actually for you to rest your arms in so you can stay in a prolonged squat position..... It was weird, to imagine us delivering there.
The reasons I am excited to go there are: 1. I hope they will get to really know Nate and I. There are 5 CNM (certified nurse midwifes) who could be at our delivery and during the course of our prenatal visits we will get to meet them all. When I stand butt naked in front of someone helping me with my labor, other than my husband, I hope to have somewhat of a relationship with them..... Also trust is very huge. Over the course of our prenatal visits I hope to increase a trust in their skills and knowledge so I can completely have a confidence in them and know that they are not practicing sketchy medicine (birthing center or bust!! I hope not!!) but will be evaluting me and baby as much as they need. 2. Hello I work at a hospital, and even though it is good, I would like to have an out of hospital experience that includes non-pharmalogical methods to get the job done! I am excited to learn anything different from what I do in the hospital to help women give birth. I think I have become a bit persuaded, if you will, from working on a high risk unit. Also, I hear and read stories of wonderful natural loving births and I want in! I was never really skeptical of the place, but I definetely needed to hear what they had to say about themselves and how they practice. Towards the end, we heard things that made us say yes to delivering there. There are "medical" interventions they will do if needed (they aren't so anti-medicine to be ignorant of good practices). 3. I want to be empowered in my pregnancy and delivery and I think these are the people to make it happen. I hope they will be encouraging, resourceful, and loving.
We have to pre-resister with Swedish hospital (right across the street) so if anything happens the transition is fast and smooth. We get to labor at home for a while, at least until we are in active labor (which is what I wanted). Nate can be involved as much as he wants (and I'll let him tell you all about that:P). We have to take 4 "natural childbirth" classes, as well as ones on newborn care and breastfeeding. They have post partum support and lacation support.
All in all I am excited to have our first prenatal visit with them on Monday. Hopefully they will draw my blood and definetely let me know I am pregnant:)
Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts.
Love, angie
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
9 weeks and 3 days
So it's pretty cool that our baby is now the size of a grape. I mean that's pretty sizable! Don't you think? I mean before, just a little blueberry (although that is way cuter to say), but now..... a whole grape! I think they mean one of those huge grapes that almost looks like a small plum, that has the seeds in them, purplish skin.... not the tiny red grapes; I mean that's almost the size of a blueberry and that would be ridiculous. I like to form a small circle with my fingers to make the size of a grape and hold it up to my belly (i'll say belly instead of uterus:) and think, "you are huge! How can I not feel you or see that you are there yet?!" They say that now most of the physiological systems are in order for rapid weight gain! Woo Hoo! GO grape GO!! A+ for our little tike. Also the thing that I find most exciting is that our baby's heart has finished dividing into four chambers, like a real heart!
It's fun being pregnant. I almost feel like I have this extra sweetness inside of me. I have a little bounce in my step. I haven't been emotional yet, although the other day I did just want to hold Nate's hand, just to hold it and feel close. I like that video that shows what is going on from week 1-9. Occasionally I will imagine a little grape baby inside me twitching away as its muscles and reflexes are forming (it's weird I can't feel it). Or imagine a finished baby room. Or Nate and I sitting around the floor watching our baby coo and move. Is it too early to start playing classical music for our baby? I think I am just a little in love with the idea there is a little growing person inside me. And that Nate will be a daddy. But, I was telling a woman at work, God is very much in this pregnancy and in control, so again, His will be done. Tension. Can't get away from it. Spirit and flesh.
I just want to praise and thank God for Who He is. Blessed be His name when the darkness closes in and with every blessing He pours out to us. We can love because He first loved us. Great is His name in all the earth. Thank you Abba, for being in control and watching out for your adopted children.
Thank you again to everyone who is following this blog and supporting us with comments and emails and phone calls and texts and converstations. Your attention and involvement are so amazing and make us feel loved. So thank you for being here with us.
Love Nate and Angie
It's fun being pregnant. I almost feel like I have this extra sweetness inside of me. I have a little bounce in my step. I haven't been emotional yet, although the other day I did just want to hold Nate's hand, just to hold it and feel close. I like that video that shows what is going on from week 1-9. Occasionally I will imagine a little grape baby inside me twitching away as its muscles and reflexes are forming (it's weird I can't feel it). Or imagine a finished baby room. Or Nate and I sitting around the floor watching our baby coo and move. Is it too early to start playing classical music for our baby? I think I am just a little in love with the idea there is a little growing person inside me. And that Nate will be a daddy. But, I was telling a woman at work, God is very much in this pregnancy and in control, so again, His will be done. Tension. Can't get away from it. Spirit and flesh.
I just want to praise and thank God for Who He is. Blessed be His name when the darkness closes in and with every blessing He pours out to us. We can love because He first loved us. Great is His name in all the earth. Thank you Abba, for being in control and watching out for your adopted children.
Thank you again to everyone who is following this blog and supporting us with comments and emails and phone calls and texts and converstations. Your attention and involvement are so amazing and make us feel loved. So thank you for being here with us.
Love Nate and Angie
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
baby fear...
nate says:
Psalm 139: 13-16 says, "For you formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works! And THAT my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all are written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them."
Awesome!! Glory to God in the highest, His power is infinite! That's what I say. But not everyone says that. Don't know about you, but I live in a world hostile to life. Have you noticed this stark contrast recently? I'm so thankful and grateful for God's grace in that when we were refusing His presence, He sent His Son Jesus to die for us, so we would have friendship toward Him again.
Oh, I love God! His mercies endure forever. We are his workmanship. This baby, Angie and I' first, its exciting and fearful, with a plethora of emotions in between. With Him in control, it's so peaceful. I want to be closer to God than anything because I see my own weakness clearer. And he or she isn't even born yet!! i know, you with kids can smile at my naivity. I'm just excited and know I need His help for everything.
Psalm 139: 13-16 says, "For you formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works! And THAT my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all are written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them."
Awesome!! Glory to God in the highest, His power is infinite! That's what I say. But not everyone says that. Don't know about you, but I live in a world hostile to life. Have you noticed this stark contrast recently? I'm so thankful and grateful for God's grace in that when we were refusing His presence, He sent His Son Jesus to die for us, so we would have friendship toward Him again.
Oh, I love God! His mercies endure forever. We are his workmanship. This baby, Angie and I' first, its exciting and fearful, with a plethora of emotions in between. With Him in control, it's so peaceful. I want to be closer to God than anything because I see my own weakness clearer. And he or she isn't even born yet!! i know, you with kids can smile at my naivity. I'm just excited and know I need His help for everything.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Baby room design and baby names... click here to put in your thoughts!
I forgot to add, that I am taking suggestions for baby room colors + themes. Over the next several weeks I will compile a list of favorites and then put it up for voting:)
Same thing for baby names, boy and girl, first and middle:)
You can add it as a comment to this blog, or you can email it to me (if you can't comment on the blog) to angixc@yahoo.com
Operators will be standing by. Get your theme/color/name on the voting poll! Sarcastic entries may or may not be taken into account:) Also, if you ever want to email me, if you can't comment, you can do so to the same email address:)
Nate and Angie
P.S: If you were going to suggest light sea green with brown and a "Go Dog Go" theme, it's taken:)
Same thing for baby names, boy and girl, first and middle:)
You can add it as a comment to this blog, or you can email it to me (if you can't comment on the blog) to angixc@yahoo.com
Operators will be standing by. Get your theme/color/name on the voting poll! Sarcastic entries may or may not be taken into account:) Also, if you ever want to email me, if you can't comment, you can do so to the same email address:)
Nate and Angie
P.S: If you were going to suggest light sea green with brown and a "Go Dog Go" theme, it's taken:)
Many thoughts, but at least I'm not in a foggy mind any longer:)
I was at work on tuesday night, talking with my co-workers about how I was feeling. I told them I was actually feeling a TON! better starting the beginning of the 8th week. The log in my stomach was gone and the only stomach pains I get are the acidy pain for when I am hungry (I think), so I just eat a little snack and it goes away. Annie, a lady at work who is pregnant with her first, is 28 weeks and still gets nauseous, plus she has a cold now. For many weeks, she would come out of the bathroom during a night shift and say, "I just threw up." and get back to work. She told me I suck. So for all you moms out there who suffered any amount of nausea or back pain or lethargy during all of your first and/or 2nd trimester, and perhaps your 3rd trimester, you are my heroes. It really is tough work growing a baby inside you. One lady at work said for 6 months she couldn't even go to the refrig to get food out because most foods and smells made her projectile vomit. I would die, and she said she wanted to. So I am very grateful that for whatever reason I am feeling better. I can guzzle water again, and eat often! I do a lot better with smaller more frequent meals, but I sometimes wonder if I am going to gain all my 25 pounds in the first trimester! Ick. Thankfully, I have aversions for junk food, and mostly desire to eat healthy foods! The body knows what it needs:) I like to eat eggs, fruit (I have never ate this much fruit in my life!), yogurt, cereal and healthy tasty dinners like shepards pie (that my husband made deliciously!) and pho (Vietnamese food, if you've never had it, it is the bomb). We also bought this soy protein mix to make protein smoothies. We have a bag of cheetos on top of the frig that have been there for 3 weeks:) Overall, I have more energy, although I still take naps often, and am able to function a bit more like normal (although the normal I knew is changing and, God willing, when our baby is born, will forever be a different normal.....)
I wrote an email to my fam telling them so far, the whole pregnancy thing is making me very self centered:) Everything is about me now! I want to evaluate everything I do and feel. And I want to piece together pieces of my puzzle to see where I fit in. I want to find clues and solve my mysteries. I don't want to miss a thing about my pregnancy and want to remember all I can! Nate gets most of it. He has been a great listener. I just ramble on and on about everything that happened during the day with a play by play report of how I was feeling at every minute of the day! Sometimes, it makes me uneasy (mostly at work) when people find out I am pregnant or are getting an update. Everyone is soooo incredibly excited, asking me a ton of questions, smiling at me and staring at me waiting for me to answer. I get a little nervous being the center of the conversation. I feel like I have to be super co-worker now because "people are watching me" (really they aren't)- say hi to everyone 10 times a day, engage in several conversations, laugh with them, smile always, tell jokes, walk on my hands! Its just my sin/human nature to think that everyone is always thinking about me! Hahaha. But it is the same thing I do to everyone who I find out is pregnant. It is so exciting and wonderful and you want to be in the loop about everything that is going on in their life. So I get it. And really, past the slight uncomfortableness of being the center of convos, it is a blast being on the other end and I do like all the support and tips people give to me. In fact I would be hurt if people didn't care to ask me how I was doing.
The whole exercise thing is really a bother. Some books make you feel like you should be walking around in a bubble to protect you from everything. Some things online say it's ok to walk and do yoga, others say don't get your heart rate > 140. And the nurse practitioner at work said run 15 min walk a little, see how you feel, and run home. Swimming is great. Now, we haven't had our appointment with our midwife yet (the first one is Jan 31st!!!! So, so so so so excited) but I will be very interested in what she has to say. Until then, I will keep running! I always wanted to be able to run while I was pregnant, because I think it helps keep your mind clear and body healthy. So I will run. And....I bought a bathing suit, so I will swim too, though I really feel like a cat in the water, but I do think it is good for you too. Just give me a nose plug...... and a kick board. I am actually excited to swim, plus Nate loves to swim so we will be able to do it together:) Yesterday I went on a run with Mury. It was absolutely beautiful. A memorable run. It was about 4pm so the sun was low in the sky, and the air was cool and brisk. Most of the roads/trails are still packed down with snow, so I enjoyed being completely surrounded by white. I was just running fast enough to keep warm (I don't think I broke a sweat I was running so slow, gotta keep my heart rate < 140). While I was slowly jogging up a little hill on the way back it was so beautiful and felt so cleansing. My lungs could take large deep breaths of cool air making me feel invigorated. My pace was so perfect nothing felt strained but comfortable and almost relaxing. The sun was setting over the mountains creating a cool yellow sunset over all the naked trees and blanket of snow. It really was beautiful. Of course Mury was running up ahead (we were in a empty park, she was off her leash) dive bombing into the snow emerging looking like santa claus. It was a great time. I cant imagine anything wrong with that, I'll just alternate walking and running and swimming and of course resting! (today I only walked Mury:)
The one interesting thing I thought about while I was running was how slow I was going. I felt like I had only run a short distance and had been gone FOREVER! I thought about how interesting of an analogy that was to how our lives will change when our baby is born. Do things take just a little while longer to get done? Does grocery shopping or going to church require a little more planning? Now when we want to go on a bike ride I won't be waiting for Nate to get done stretching, but finish attaching the baby carrier to the bike:) I think it's important anyways to keep things slow. I guarantee we won't be a family that has kids in 400 different activities. In the words of "Revive" from their song, "Blink"
Teach me to number my days
And count every moment before it slips away
Taking all the colors before they fade to gray
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this
It happens in a blink
It happens in a flash
It happens in the time it takes to look back
I try to hold on tight, but there's no stopping time
When it's all said and done
No one remembers how far we have run
The only thing that matters is how we have loved
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this
Slow down, slow down
Before today becomes our yesterday
Slow down, slow down
Before you turn around and it's too late .
I think its wise to heed the words of God and people who have "lived and learned".
"All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever." 1 Peter 1:24-25/Isaiah 40:6-8
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." Jesus John 13:34
My friend Katie told me right. When she first had her baby Evelyn (she now has Evelyn and Caleb 18 &3 months) I asked her how she was doing. She told me she wasn't getting much sleep, and some days were better than others, but she was going to cherish every day and take in Evelyn as much as she could because before she knew it Evelyn wouldn't be a baby anymore. I think she is very wise to know that, and very wise to not only know it, but live it. Slow down with your marriage, with your kids, with your family, with your time, before you turn around and it's too late.
So today I am 8 weeks and 4 days:) Our baby is......the size........... of a........... Raspberry! Or a kidney bean! The webbed fingers and toes are poking out from his/her hands and feet and the heart is beating! (not yet in a four chambered heart, but two vessels). It looks more like a baby this week. The other cool thing I learned was that even though I am not showing, my uterus is huge! It has grown from a small pear to a large grapefruit:) Weeeeeee.
Thank you all again for your love and support. We enjoy getting your ecards and emails of encouragement and "just to see how you are doing".
Love Ang
P.S Ironically, I haven't had a labor since I found out I was pregnant. It will be interesting to see what I think.
I wrote an email to my fam telling them so far, the whole pregnancy thing is making me very self centered:) Everything is about me now! I want to evaluate everything I do and feel. And I want to piece together pieces of my puzzle to see where I fit in. I want to find clues and solve my mysteries. I don't want to miss a thing about my pregnancy and want to remember all I can! Nate gets most of it. He has been a great listener. I just ramble on and on about everything that happened during the day with a play by play report of how I was feeling at every minute of the day! Sometimes, it makes me uneasy (mostly at work) when people find out I am pregnant or are getting an update. Everyone is soooo incredibly excited, asking me a ton of questions, smiling at me and staring at me waiting for me to answer. I get a little nervous being the center of the conversation. I feel like I have to be super co-worker now because "people are watching me" (really they aren't)- say hi to everyone 10 times a day, engage in several conversations, laugh with them, smile always, tell jokes, walk on my hands! Its just my sin/human nature to think that everyone is always thinking about me! Hahaha. But it is the same thing I do to everyone who I find out is pregnant. It is so exciting and wonderful and you want to be in the loop about everything that is going on in their life. So I get it. And really, past the slight uncomfortableness of being the center of convos, it is a blast being on the other end and I do like all the support and tips people give to me. In fact I would be hurt if people didn't care to ask me how I was doing.
The whole exercise thing is really a bother. Some books make you feel like you should be walking around in a bubble to protect you from everything. Some things online say it's ok to walk and do yoga, others say don't get your heart rate > 140. And the nurse practitioner at work said run 15 min walk a little, see how you feel, and run home. Swimming is great. Now, we haven't had our appointment with our midwife yet (the first one is Jan 31st!!!! So, so so so so excited) but I will be very interested in what she has to say. Until then, I will keep running! I always wanted to be able to run while I was pregnant, because I think it helps keep your mind clear and body healthy. So I will run. And....I bought a bathing suit, so I will swim too, though I really feel like a cat in the water, but I do think it is good for you too. Just give me a nose plug...... and a kick board. I am actually excited to swim, plus Nate loves to swim so we will be able to do it together:) Yesterday I went on a run with Mury. It was absolutely beautiful. A memorable run. It was about 4pm so the sun was low in the sky, and the air was cool and brisk. Most of the roads/trails are still packed down with snow, so I enjoyed being completely surrounded by white. I was just running fast enough to keep warm (I don't think I broke a sweat I was running so slow, gotta keep my heart rate < 140). While I was slowly jogging up a little hill on the way back it was so beautiful and felt so cleansing. My lungs could take large deep breaths of cool air making me feel invigorated. My pace was so perfect nothing felt strained but comfortable and almost relaxing. The sun was setting over the mountains creating a cool yellow sunset over all the naked trees and blanket of snow. It really was beautiful. Of course Mury was running up ahead (we were in a empty park, she was off her leash) dive bombing into the snow emerging looking like santa claus. It was a great time. I cant imagine anything wrong with that, I'll just alternate walking and running and swimming and of course resting! (today I only walked Mury:)
The one interesting thing I thought about while I was running was how slow I was going. I felt like I had only run a short distance and had been gone FOREVER! I thought about how interesting of an analogy that was to how our lives will change when our baby is born. Do things take just a little while longer to get done? Does grocery shopping or going to church require a little more planning? Now when we want to go on a bike ride I won't be waiting for Nate to get done stretching, but finish attaching the baby carrier to the bike:) I think it's important anyways to keep things slow. I guarantee we won't be a family that has kids in 400 different activities. In the words of "Revive" from their song, "Blink"
Teach me to number my days
And count every moment before it slips away
Taking all the colors before they fade to gray
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this
It happens in a blink
It happens in a flash
It happens in the time it takes to look back
I try to hold on tight, but there's no stopping time
When it's all said and done
No one remembers how far we have run
The only thing that matters is how we have loved
I don't want to miss even just a second more of this
Slow down, slow down
Before today becomes our yesterday
Slow down, slow down
Before you turn around and it's too late .
I think its wise to heed the words of God and people who have "lived and learned".
"All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever." 1 Peter 1:24-25/Isaiah 40:6-8
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." Jesus John 13:34
My friend Katie told me right. When she first had her baby Evelyn (she now has Evelyn and Caleb 18 &3 months) I asked her how she was doing. She told me she wasn't getting much sleep, and some days were better than others, but she was going to cherish every day and take in Evelyn as much as she could because before she knew it Evelyn wouldn't be a baby anymore. I think she is very wise to know that, and very wise to not only know it, but live it. Slow down with your marriage, with your kids, with your family, with your time, before you turn around and it's too late.
So today I am 8 weeks and 4 days:) Our baby is......the size........... of a........... Raspberry! Or a kidney bean! The webbed fingers and toes are poking out from his/her hands and feet and the heart is beating! (not yet in a four chambered heart, but two vessels). It looks more like a baby this week. The other cool thing I learned was that even though I am not showing, my uterus is huge! It has grown from a small pear to a large grapefruit:) Weeeeeee.
Thank you all again for your love and support. We enjoy getting your ecards and emails of encouragement and "just to see how you are doing".
Love Ang
P.S Ironically, I haven't had a labor since I found out I was pregnant. It will be interesting to see what I think.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
little blueberry? how bout a little tank? how bout a dragon!!
Okay, okay, I'll write on the blog today. Or so she heard coming from my mouth. But really I desired to share my thoughts, because their all over the place...as the title suggests...okay so maybe my imagination runs a little wild sometimes, often. But if God is creating a life inside my wife right before my eyes, wow, my limited imagination can't even come close to fathoming the awesomeness, or in the words of Bolt's friend the hamster "this is fully awesome".
So yes, I'm excited, really excited. But scared out the bageeberlillies too. However, the question must be raised, as my wonderful wife already has if you've been following, that how should I be scared if God started it all? I can't complete in the flesh what God started in the Spirit, right? (Galations 3:3). I think it's fair to extend that meaning to pregnancy.
I think it's good that God designed babies to be made in 9 months. I'm so glad I have that time to get ready ;)
But again, I could never be ready, I just need more Jesus, pouring over me, God's Spirit like an ocean being dumped on my head, please come down now. If not for that, where would I be? I want nothing else for my child than to know this Ocean of Love, Jesus.
Names: well, yes, I've been thinking. I love names. God knew our names before we were born. He knows the name of this child (He just hasn't let Angie and I know yet!). I like names like Gertrude, Hunkle, Wrien, and Tharst. What do you guys think?
Love never fails...
Love Nate, Angie, Murdog, and little...Draaagooonnnnn!
So yes, I'm excited, really excited. But scared out the bageeberlillies too. However, the question must be raised, as my wonderful wife already has if you've been following, that how should I be scared if God started it all? I can't complete in the flesh what God started in the Spirit, right? (Galations 3:3). I think it's fair to extend that meaning to pregnancy.
I think it's good that God designed babies to be made in 9 months. I'm so glad I have that time to get ready ;)
But again, I could never be ready, I just need more Jesus, pouring over me, God's Spirit like an ocean being dumped on my head, please come down now. If not for that, where would I be? I want nothing else for my child than to know this Ocean of Love, Jesus.
Names: well, yes, I've been thinking. I love names. God knew our names before we were born. He knows the name of this child (He just hasn't let Angie and I know yet!). I like names like Gertrude, Hunkle, Wrien, and Tharst. What do you guys think?
Love never fails...
Love Nate, Angie, Murdog, and little...Draaagooonnnnn!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
It's a.....blueberry??
So Nate and I decided to start a blog. Not just because we are bloggers, or blogees, or full of bologna. But because, and if you are here you already know.........WE'RE EXPECTING A BABY!!! Yikes, weird having it written out. The reality is still surreal to me. The log in my stomach, frequent attacks of acid pains in my stomach, and feelings of lethargy are very real. Nonetheless, i'll start you from the beginning.
One day, not so long ago, Nate decided he wanted to step out in faith and be real to the fact that we don't really ever have control of our lives. He wanted to start a family, and give God all the glory if it happened.
I thought he was joking. But he wasn't. Ahem, err, I know "children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." but eh, now, really? Um, the idea was in my head, but not in my heart. Ahhh the journey of getting things from our head to our heart.
The clencher in my meditations and prayers and bible studies came on 11/23. I prayed to God in the morning, "I have read Your Word and many of the scriptures supporting Your thoughts about family and children, but..... I need a little something more?" Ahhh, praises to You, Lord!! Your faithfulness shines brighter than a morning sky! His faithfulness came in the testimony of a dear friend and family member, Heather! who lives in Tennessee and they just had a baby of their own (in july). She called me not more than 3 hrs after my prayer. And I hadn't spoke with her since the time she was still pregnant! Her testimony was so great (I don't think she knows this) but I started taking notes! Her testimony was to God's provision, faithfulness and blessing in her and Braden (her husband) lives. She shared her story about ups and downs and joys and fears they experienced. "Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life" Matt 6:25.
God gave me clarity, knowledge of His truth. I now really knew that God had His hand in this step of faith Nate and I were making. Hallelujah!! No matter what happens, God is here. God will provide. God is in control. He is walking with us! Let me tell you, I have never felt more peace. It is a truth that will be with us this entire pregnancy! Praise the Lord.
God wanted to bless us so badly! I think we conceived, haha, 3 days later:) And Nate and I found out on Christmas day that we were expecting.
So, that makes me 7 weeks and 3 days today. Our little baby is the size of a blueberry this week. It has a heartbeat and little arm limbs and its head is HUGE. Nonetheless, our little baby:)
I'm feeling ok today. The "log" in my stomach and waves of tiredness are mostly what I battle with now. I am learning that even though I feel sick, it is important to eat, and it actually makes me feel better. Walking helps and is important to keep up exercising too. I think overall, it is really important to rest when I can. I am not ashamed to take multiple naps through the day or wake up at 11am! hehe. No sugars, they are mostly wasted calories.... for my baby.. ok for me too, but they taste so good!! I confess to eating lucky charms! Also calcium and proteins are good too! Im suppose to eat 75g of protein a day! That's a lot for those who don't count proteins. I'm workin on it though.
Nate is feeling a little under the weather too. So you can pray for him too. We are seeking your prayers and support through this journey. So far we aren't planning much of anything. Like I said earlier God is in control. How foolish would we be if we started making all these plans in advance and God had different plans. Not wise. So we are just taking things one day at a time. We do have an appt with a group of midwifes and we are reading up on what we are suppose to be doing.
Thank you for journeying with us. May God bless your family too.
Love Nate, Angie, Mury and Little Blueberry
One day, not so long ago, Nate decided he wanted to step out in faith and be real to the fact that we don't really ever have control of our lives. He wanted to start a family, and give God all the glory if it happened.
I thought he was joking. But he wasn't. Ahem, err, I know "children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." but eh, now, really? Um, the idea was in my head, but not in my heart. Ahhh the journey of getting things from our head to our heart.
The clencher in my meditations and prayers and bible studies came on 11/23. I prayed to God in the morning, "I have read Your Word and many of the scriptures supporting Your thoughts about family and children, but..... I need a little something more?" Ahhh, praises to You, Lord!! Your faithfulness shines brighter than a morning sky! His faithfulness came in the testimony of a dear friend and family member, Heather! who lives in Tennessee and they just had a baby of their own (in july). She called me not more than 3 hrs after my prayer. And I hadn't spoke with her since the time she was still pregnant! Her testimony was so great (I don't think she knows this) but I started taking notes! Her testimony was to God's provision, faithfulness and blessing in her and Braden (her husband) lives. She shared her story about ups and downs and joys and fears they experienced. "Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life" Matt 6:25.
God gave me clarity, knowledge of His truth. I now really knew that God had His hand in this step of faith Nate and I were making. Hallelujah!! No matter what happens, God is here. God will provide. God is in control. He is walking with us! Let me tell you, I have never felt more peace. It is a truth that will be with us this entire pregnancy! Praise the Lord.
God wanted to bless us so badly! I think we conceived, haha, 3 days later:) And Nate and I found out on Christmas day that we were expecting.
So, that makes me 7 weeks and 3 days today. Our little baby is the size of a blueberry this week. It has a heartbeat and little arm limbs and its head is HUGE. Nonetheless, our little baby:)
I'm feeling ok today. The "log" in my stomach and waves of tiredness are mostly what I battle with now. I am learning that even though I feel sick, it is important to eat, and it actually makes me feel better. Walking helps and is important to keep up exercising too. I think overall, it is really important to rest when I can. I am not ashamed to take multiple naps through the day or wake up at 11am! hehe. No sugars, they are mostly wasted calories.... for my baby.. ok for me too, but they taste so good!! I confess to eating lucky charms! Also calcium and proteins are good too! Im suppose to eat 75g of protein a day! That's a lot for those who don't count proteins. I'm workin on it though.
Nate is feeling a little under the weather too. So you can pray for him too. We are seeking your prayers and support through this journey. So far we aren't planning much of anything. Like I said earlier God is in control. How foolish would we be if we started making all these plans in advance and God had different plans. Not wise. So we are just taking things one day at a time. We do have an appt with a group of midwifes and we are reading up on what we are suppose to be doing.
Thank you for journeying with us. May God bless your family too.
Love Nate, Angie, Mury and Little Blueberry
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