Baby makes the belly grow round!

Last Monday, we went to the doctor for a routine 17-week check up. All is well! Dr. H is still really impressed with how strong the heartbeat is. It was beating around 150 to 155. Based on the heartbeat, he's still predicting a baby girl. I've only gained 3 lbs. which is to be expected since I was so sick. Just be forewarned that I may or may not post weight gain as the pregnancy progresses! ;)

I'm feeling the baby move quite a bit! It's so awesome. From the time we found out we were pregnant, I prayed for a really active baby. So I love that I felt the baby early at nearly 15 weeks! The other day at work, I felt it turn around. Crazy! One night we picked up a pizza for dinner and when Curtis got in the car it smelled so good. Right as I was smelling the pizza the baby kicked a few times like he was hungry too! So funny... In the morning, I can lay on my back and feel the outline of where the baby is. I poke around in there to say "good morning" and you can see it move out of the way. It's pretty crazy.

This little squirmy worm is going through quite a growth spurt! I actually think there is no mistaking that I'm pregnant now. At night, I really feel the muscles pulling and stretching.

Christmas comes Wednesday for us! Yay! The long-awaited ultrasound is Wednesday morning. It's already a super special day because we'll be celebrating our third anniversary, too! Here are some growing baby shots... Be sure to place your baby guess before Wednesday!

8 weeks

16 weeks

18 weeks

The Baby's Room

Saturday, Curtis and I went out shopping for baby furniture and it was really so much fun! By the way, let me just say that Curtis even missed half of the Tech game...and he forgot to TiVo it. Husband of the year!


Anyway, we had the best time! Shopping for furniture really makes it all seem real. I pretty much knew where I wanted to get the crib and stuff -- though I didn't know exactly what I wanted. My friend Tracy introduced me to the owners of The Baby's Room in Kennesaw. We all actually ran the Peachtree Road Race together. Anyway, super fun, nice people. Before we got there, we stopped by Babies R Us just to look. I didn't really think I'd find anything, but I was pleasantly surprised that I found the rocker I wanted. Being short, has it's disadvantages in the world of furniture, so I really wanted something that "fit" me, but something Curtis could be comfortable in too.

Anyway, I'm so excited about some of the stuff we picked out! I posted some pictures below to share.

Call me crazy, but I'm going to do kind of gender neutral room. I think I'd rather spend the energy into the big boy or big girl room. Plus they just aren't in there very long.

This little dresser is kind of the central piece. It came from the Women's Exchange in Memphis, Tenn. My grandmother worked there and my aunt currently works there and runs the sewing room. LOVE their stuff! She saw this long before I got pregnant and we decided it was a must have! A side note, my aunt is making the going home outfit, which is super special to me because I have tubs of smocked dresses she made for me and my cousins.

This is the crib we picked out. I really love this crib! We'll get it in an espresso stain. Anyway, I debated back and forth about getting a convertible or not and just decided to go ahead. Oddly enough, before I found this picture I had decided the room would look like this with the paneling on the bottom. However, the bottom in our room will be cream and the top green.

This is the rocker we picked out...it also comes with a rocking ottoman. Oh and the chair rocks and swivels. This chair is seriously heaven! Nothing else compared in comfort. And the real bonus was that it fit both of us perfectly.

This is the exact infant car seat, color and all. We decided on the Britax simply because the safety features are too great to pass up. It's the only seat with side impact protection. While it's bulky, the bar in the front of the base keeps it from pushing up in case of an accident. Also, I liked that the baby can stay in it up to 30 lbs.

I probably wouldn't have even looked at this stroller, but I wasn't sold on the one that went with the carrier. It was super heavy and HUGE. This is the City Mini by Baby Jogger. It holds the carrier, only weighs 16 lbs. and can collapse with one hand. SOLD! I will get a Jog stroller for running, but I haven't totally decided on which one exactly.

Anyway, that's where we are so far! We'll probably order the rocker soon and the crib has to be ordered by mid-to-end November. Fun stuff!!

Best email ever...

I got up this morning and checked my email. A sweet little someone sent me the best email last night...

"So excited for our date tomorrow! Will u snuggle me?
Love,Macy Brooks"

Love that sweet baby face! The is Ashly's sweet miracle baby... and our sweet baby's soon-to-be best friend or girlfriend! ;)

One Trimester Down...Two More To Go!

Tomorrow is 14 weeks and I didn't want too much time to pass without documenting some fun facts from the first trimester -- at least for myself. First, I can't even believe I writing that I'm in my second trimester. Time is flying by! Even though I haven't felt great, I've sincerely enjoyed every minute with this baby. Every night I thank the Lord for where ever I am...like tonight, 13 weeks and 7 days! Each day really is a gift and I'm still super overwhelmed with our blessing. Because I can't feel the baby kick, I still have days where I think, "I can't believe there is a baby in my belly!" I call Curtis all the time and say, "Guess what???" and he'll say "what?" and I say, "I'm pregnant!!"...or "I gotta baby in my belly!!" It's been fun!

As I've written in the past, I started getting sick at a mere 5 weeks and I'm FINALLY seeing the light at the end of the tunnel -- just 9 weeks later. I won't go so far as to say I'm over being sick, but I have had 4 full days of feeling great. I have a new appreciation for people who are chronically sick! Thank you Lord for good health!

I've got a nice little belly working here, but no weight gain just yet. I do plan to do belly shots, but then only one I have is at 8 weeks. I started showing pretty early, which concerned me, but my doctor assured me it was because I "don't have much flesh for it to push through" -- sounds like a compliment, so I'll take it. I'm definitely in maternity pants full-time unless I wear a bella band (which is not that often because I don't love it).

My appetite is back in full swing. Which is a welcomed sight! I haven't had anymore hotdogs, but who knows what the future holds. I'm craving fun and strange things like, carrots and ranch. In fact, one night I got sick and 20 minutes later downed a bag of carrots. This week I bought two bags of carrots to cut up as snacks and it's not even Wednesday and I've almost eaten them all. So strange. I love salads right now -- especially the side salads at Chick-Fil-A. What's even more crazy, I liked them all through my sick phase too. Apple juice is simply divine! I also LOVE cereal right now too. Mainly plain cereals like regular Cheerios and Rice Krispees. I did randomly buy a box of Honeycombs?! I'm convinced a Happy Meal can cure the sickest days! Craziest part of this is that I NEVER eat McDonald's. The only food aversion I've had is spaghetti sauce and that is still the case. Oh and I had my first warm Krispy Kream last week and it was oh so yummy!

I've had heartburn and acid reflux since I think 6 weeks. Nothing insane, but definitely there most days after dinner. My mom had the same thing right up until she delivered. So, I already carry a little bottle of Tums.

My sleep pattern is pretty much changed to a series of naps. I can't seem to make it longer than two hours at night without needing a potty break.

I'm dying to get back to the gym to walk or do some sort of exercise. NOT because I'm crazy about weight gain, but because I'm dying to be active. No I will not be running, so need to post "no running" comments. :) I just don't have a ton of energy yet. But still to come, I'm hoping.

I have terrible eczema on my legs. When I traveled doing PR in NASCAR, I was told I had stress-induced eczema. Since I quit and made a conscious effort to reduce my stress, it has gotten better. However, the winter is always harder. This winter is already going to be the hardest because I can't use my lotion. Seems silly to pray about this, but I'm praying it doesn't get much worse.

I have not been super emotional. Maybe edgy about eating and women who are openly constant complainers about being pregnant. I get this all the time working with the public. I'll leave you with this one comment from a woman who explained that while her baby was planned, she just wasn't excited about it. I wanted so badly to just fly back with something about my friends who have buried their babies, but I just had to walk away. This has been some serious self-discipline in the area of holding my tongue!

Okay, enough is enough. My next post is going to be about some specific things the Lord graciously took the time to point out to me while I was sick and bed-bound. It's kind of funny because it's almost been like He was saying, "While you're down for the count, there are a couple of things I've been wanting to go over with you." Looking forward to sharing soon...

Beats of Life!

Had a great appointment today! Thank you for praying! I went in, he felt my belly and put the doppler right on our little sweetness. It was so awesome to hear that sound again! I felt terrible this morning, but all that melted away with that sound. We had good strong beats that ranged between 155 - 165. It was 170 at 8 weeks. My doctor said he hadn't heard good strong heartbeats that early in a while. So, he was thrilled and I was one proud momma! He also put his prediction in that it's a girl. He's been at it a while, so he just might be right. We'll see...

My blood pressure was great and I have not gained a single pound, which quite frankly is no surprise to me! I was told not to worry -- that will come in time. My sweet hubby said, "Don't worry hon, you'll tank up in no time." Thanks honey. The prediction every pregnant woman wants to hear! ;)

I go back again in four weeks for a heartbeat check and more blood work. I'll be almost 17 weeks. Then, the next week or so (18 or 19 weeks) I have to go see a perinatologist. This is technically a high-risk doctor. He will do a 3D ultra-sound to look at the vanishing twin and make sure that's completely gone and not causing any complications to our other little guy. My doctor totally suspects it is gone and fine, but he wants to be totally sure. I'm totally overjoyed for that appointment!! I'm so impatient and already dying to see what the baby looks like. I'm sure we'll also get to find out what we're having. Yay!!

My mom got to go with me today and hear the heartbeats. It was great! She hasn't ever had the opportunity to do that. After we went to go shop for some maternity clothes. Strange that my belly is ever expanding, yet I haven't gained weight. We met up with Ashly and Miss Macy B -- mommy is ever so slim and little princess is filling out quite nicely AND SMILING! I love it!

I have a lot I want to post about...in keeping with my pre-baby posts. The Lord has really been at work and I look forward to sharing just how in time. Thank you again for sharing in our joy by praying!!

Blessed beyond measure!

Don't you love this picture?? This is on our honeymoon in the Bahamas...so fitting for Curtis.

I have to take the time to brag on how truly fantastic my husband is! Curtis has been so supportive through this whole pregnancy, especially the last 8 weeks of sickness. I have really been sick. Yet, he hasn't skipped a beat. On numerous occasions, he has come into the bathroom, while I'm getting sick, to hold my hair or put a wet washcloth on my neck and back. He runs out for just about anything I think might "cure" my nausea. He's taken on laundry, housework and food -- in addition to his other chores and all while working and traveling -- without even the first complaint. He always calls from work to ask if there is something he can do or bring home. He prays over us, even when I'm too sick, and I love it. I just can't think of anything I would ask him to do different. So many women have to forge ahead in the world of all-day (not just morning) sickness alone because guys aren't naturally super nurturing. Not me.

I am blessed beyond measure!!

RCJ -- you are the love of my life! I'm blessed to call you my husband and thrilled that you're willingly walking through every detail of this pregnancy with me. I knew I was lucky to get you when we got married, but everything since that day has been an added bonus! I will love you always and forever!

Doctor, doctor!

Well, tomorrow at 8 a.m. I head to the doctor for a 12 week check-up. I'm SO thrilled to go! I knew, once I heard that little heartbeat for the first time, waiting four weeks to hear it again would seem like an eternity. I was right!

I'm a little nervous because I think they'll try to use the doppler for the first time. I wonder if my heart will be beating at all while they search?? I'm thinking no. Please pray that they would find it right away!

On another note, I've gotten a lot of sweet calls, notes and emails from everyone checking in on me. It has been a rough 8 weeks of pure sickness. No complaints, it's just been a big adjustment to the normal active, running, doing me. But I have really felt the Lord's pressence even in the days where I'm bed-bound. Some days have been so intense, that in the throws of my sickness I've pleaded for the Lord to sustain the baby. Praise the Lord for zofran!! I won't dare say I'm out of the woods, but today was a fantastic day and I'm SO grateful. I'm also eternally grateful to my dear, sweet hubby! But that will be another post. He needs a post all his own for the hubby of the year award!

On a side note, have I told you I'm a worrier? Well, it's something I really pray against...OFTEN! So, two great scriptures that I've clung to. The first sent to me by my friend Ebe (read her blog, be blessed and pray for their new bundle on the way!). The other the Lord gave me one night and it's been a great prayer. I hope if you also find yourself worrying that you'll find comfort in the Price of Peace.

I'll update more tomorrow...

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Psalm 16
"Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge.
I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.'
As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who councils me, even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will also rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let you Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."