Me Lately- And a REAL pregnancy pic!

I'm really great at leaving myself out of my family updates.  I guess because most of the time an update on everyone else IS an update on me.  They are my life, after all.

First off, since I haven't really written down much about this pregnancy since we were trying to surprise my sister, I better do an update, right?  I am officially in the third trimester!!  29 weeks!  I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy has gone.  I had a little bit of nausea in the 1st trimester- really just enough that I had no appetite in the mornings.  I was just really tired in the evenings, I can barely keep my eyes open after 8pm during the 1st tri.  2nd trimester flew by, and I often forgot I was even pregnant!  3rd trimester has brought a much bigger belly and the HEAT.  It is not even hot outside yet, and I'm always always warm.  Should make for a very interesting June/July, huh?  Cravings have been really weird, usually I just think that NOTHING sounds good.  But I do love salty things and lots of fruit.  Took this picture a few minutes ago- I always want to wait for a perfect pregnancy picture, but that will probably never happen, so here you go! :)

If I have learned nothing else since having Briggs, it is that it is possible to be a unique, developing, individual while also being a very involved, happy, loving mom and wife.  REALLY hard to find the balance between the two, but definitely possible.  And I'm happiest when I striving for that.

So, in no particular order, these are the things in my life that are helping me in finding that balance...

My Young Women.  Love them.  LOTS and LOTS.  Sometimes I can't keep up with them, for reals.  But in the late nights, the texts, the fun activities, the spiritual moments and the trash talk while we play ball, I find so much joy.  It is fun pretending to be a teenager again.  And I learn SO much from them, every single day.

Reading.  I've been part of a book club for about a year now, and even though I don't make it every month, I love the suggested books and deeper discussion of the books.  It has renewed my love of reading, and by extension, my family's love of reading.

Scripture Study.  I have never been particularly amazing at studying my scriptures, I'm still learning the best way/place for it in my life.  But lately I have changed my attitude(?) toward it and find myself soaking up so much more.  I keep having these moments where I can't believe I didn't already know something, or when it hits me how much I had been missing out on for so many years.  I've been reading from lots of different places, but I have still been plugging away at the standard works in between Sunday lessons, etc. and I'm in the New Testament.  When I finish it, I will have officially read the entire standard works, which I have never done before!  I'm pretty excited!  I'm also soaking up the conference talks available online and they are changing my life.

Prayers.  Oh man, I need these.  And I struggle somedays.  But I have learned that waiting for a perfect quiet moment is not always practical.  I more fully understand praying anytime, anywhere.  He still listens, and answers those prayers, too.  The hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" has never held such meaning for me as it has recently.

Meal Planning.  Again, not always perfect here, but my budget and groceries last so much longer.  And the stress of wondering "what's for dinner?" all day is alleviated.  I love it.

Exercising.  I'm not running anymore, I actually haven't run this pregnancy at all.  I'm getting too old. ; )  But I walk 3 miles with my friend everyday and it has done AMAZING things for my mind and body.  Sure, I'm tired(6 AM comes early!), and somedays the blizzard we have been walking in doesn't seem worth it, but we are feeling healthy!  I also play weekly volleyball/basketball with some friends and young women.  I just love how active I've been able to be this pregnancy.  Makes a world of difference!

Good Friends.  Did I mention I have a friend who wakes up before 6 AM everyday for me?  How about the friends who have watched my kids countless times as I go to Dr. appointments for my pregnancy, but for Maddie's appointment, too?  Or the friends who listen to me and give great advice when I need it most?  The ones who drive over just to bring the sweet picture their little girl colored for Emma?  The ones who teach my children?  Or who just always "happen" to do or say the right thing exactly when I need it?  Not to mention the ones who drop everything and bring their kids over to play with/watch mine when I have to go to a last minute appointment and didn't want to wake Briggs?  Seriously, I could go on and on.

My sister.  I haven't spent as much time as I would like to with her, but it still has been lots, and I'm grateful.  I had forgotten how much she and I complete each other's personalities, and I NEEDED some time with her.

Quality time with the kids.  As our evenings and the things required of our family in the evening have become greater, I have tried to simplify our days.  The result has been much calmer, happier kiddos.  (And a much happier mom, too!)  Lots more working together, reading together, playing together time.

My best friend, Jared.  Seriously, don't know what I would do without him.  He balances me and brings me so much happiness.  He supports me and is such a great dad.  His example makes me want to be better, without making me feel less.  His strengths are often my weaknesses, and I'm grateful that we can learn from each other, grow, and become better all the time.

Fitness: It's kind of personal

I have been a little out of the blogging world lately. I think that is in large part because (other than kids, husband, house, etc.) my life has been pretty consumed with a personal health reform. And, although most people struggle with weight, eating healthy, exercising enough, etc., it sometimes seems like a taboo subject to talk about. And I wasn't feeling like putting myself out there and sharing how it was going for me.

Maybe because I've tried and failed before.

Maybe because I didn't want to be held accountable.

Maybe I wanted to pretend like it was easy.

Maybe I felt like the only person struggling with it.

But I have decided I'm NOT failing this time, and I want to be held accountable to my goals. More than anything, I want to make it clear that it is not EASY, it is a process, but it is POSSIBLE. Maybe I can help someone by writing about my fitness journey. Even if it helps one person, it will be worth it. If nothing else, I'm going to be glad I wrote it down for ME.

I didn't take care very good care of my body during my pregnancy with Briggs. I did at first, but then I had a million excuses why it didn't really matter what I ate or how active I was. With both girls I was running and doing yoga most of the pregnancy. But right before I had Briggs, my wake-up call was coming within a couple of pounds of Jared's weight. That might sound silly, but Jared is 5 inches taller than me! With a much larger frame!

So I made a plan that was to start when Briggs was 2 weeks old... (to be continued...)

Scheduled

Went to the Dr. today... I am dilated 1 cm, 30% effaced and cervix is completely soft. However, my Dr. gave me the option of scheduling an induction anytime after Sunday(39 weeks), so I went ahead and scheduled it for Monday night. My sister leaves on her mission on Wednesday and I want her to be able to meet him before she leaves so much!

Since I have progressed so much already, I have really good odds of going into labor on my own, which I prefer to do. But I'm sure it couldn't hurt to try some natural induction ideas, so if you have any suggestions or things that worked for you, let me know! :)

Who's who?

As I am nearing the end of this pregnancy, I've been reflecting on my pregnancies and deliveries with the girls and reading some old posts. I came across these pictures of the girls at the hospital. Can you tell who is who? Madelyn

Emma

Mega-Baby?

Had yet another ultrasound today- this time because they were worried he would be over 9 lbs by the time we had him. Although it seemed a little unnecessary, I was trying to be optimistic about it...

#1- He measured 7 lbs. 12 oz. I'm curious to see how accurate the ultrasound is. I guess if I go to 40 weeks he could get close to 9 lbs, but it's not likely he'll be that big.

#2- He has even MORE hair than last time we saw him. It is really long on the back of his head. Too bad he's not a she so we could go straight to ponytails. ;)

#3- The cord isn't wrapped around his neck.

#4- He is still head down, ready to go.

#5- His heart, kidneys, bladder, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid all look good.

My Dr. was called in to the operating room so I didn't get a chance to see him and find out how things are progressing. I'm very curious though. I've had lots of good contractions and think it could happen anytime. But I'm still feeling pretty good, so I'm just trying to be grateful for the time I have to get little odds and ends done before he comes. Oh, and lots of cuddle time with my girls.

Last night a couple of my new friends here threw me a baby shower. I was truly overwhelmed by how many people from my ward and neighbors(who have only known me for 2 months or less!) came and how generous they were. Our little guy will not be dressed in pink now. :)

Ultrasound, Take 3

Dr. #1 couldn't find the heartbeat, so he had me get an ultrasound at 12 weeks to be sure everything was ok. Then I had my standard ultrasound at 18 weeks.

Last week when I went to Dr. #2 again, he ordered another ultrasound because my 18 week ultrasound indicated a condition called Placenta Previa.

I'm still a little frustrated that Dr. #1 didn't tell me there could be a problem.

However, I'm feeling grateful that Dr. #2 is competent enough to catch that and proactive enough to get it all checked out.

We have never had an ultrasound past 21 weeks, so it was AMAZING to see our little guy today. You could clearly see all the chambers of the heart, hair on his head, facial features and much more.

So here is what I learned:
1) I do not have Placenta Previa, the placenta has moved up higher in the uterus and there are no problems there.
2) This kid has a LOT of hair on his head. Seriously, if there is enough to be visible on an ultrasound, you know there's a lot.
3) He will be big. Looks like he is over 5 lbs already and she guessed he will be 8-8 1/2 lbs at birth.
4) The heart, brain, bones, spine, kidneys, bladder, fluid in the sac, etc. look just like they should.
5) We are so blessed. He is adorable and I can't wait to meet him... and see him in color. ;)

New Doctor

I took the recommendation of a friend who is a labor and delivery nurse here in Pocatello and went to my first appointment with my new Doctor yesterday.

1- They have jokes hanging on the ceiling above the beds so when you are laying down you can have a laugh.

2- His undergraduate degree is in Mechanical Engineering(like Jared). A little random, right? But I think we're going to get along. And he and Jared will really get along.

3- Seriously, he's great! I'm so relieved and excited to have this little guy with my new doctor in the new fancy schmancy hospital they just built here!

Someday

It seems like the last couple of years I have been playing the someday game. I have lots of good intentions and big plans, but then when it comes down to acting on them, I often play my "someday" card.

Someday when I don't have little kids. Someday when I have more time. Someday when the weather is nicer. Someday when I have more money. Someday when are callings require less of us.

I'm tired of hearing myself make this excuse. So I've been trying to change this, slowly, but it is changing. I've realized that there will always be things going on in our lives that make us busy, that allow us to make excuses.

Last year, I kept waiting for Maddie to get on a sleeping schedule. And once she did, Jared's calling became even more time intensive. Then the girls were sick. Then I became pregnant.

One of somedays that I have put an end to involves scripture reading. Several weeks ago, a speaker in church mentioned that if you read 7 pages a day for an entire year you will have read the entire standard works. I've always wanted to read all them all the way through consecutively like that, but it has always been just outside the reach of what I thought I was capable of.

This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Jared and I have seen so many blessings come our way since making this decision. The other day I found Emma curled up on the couch with a pillow and blanket thumbing through my scriptures. She told me she was reading her scriptures and they make her happy. I love that little girl, and that she is seeing me read my scriptures on a daily basis.

One of my other biggest somedays lately is my health. It's not that I eat a bucket of ice cream every night(although right this moment that sounds pretty good:), but when I don't have the scale/waist size to help motivate me, I'm not as dedicated to a healthy lifestyle as I should be. I have hit the point in my pregnancy when I sometimes think it doesn't really matter because I'm just big anyway. Terrible logic, I know.

So remember the Fitness Challenge? We're bringing it back around our house! Jared and I are both ready for a fit and healthy summer. He lost 30 lbs with this simple little thing, by the way. I lost 13. We are big fans. So if anyone wants to jump onboard... http://danielsfitnesschallenge.blogspot.com/

I used to say that Jared and I just couldn't go to the temple together, that it is too hard to do with little kids. Just another excuse for me.

My other major someday is my house. It is so easy to put it on the back burner, and I just clean it when it needs it. But lately I have been more consistent with a morning and night routine, and checklists during the day. And wow, I am a checklist girl!! I LOVE it! Even when the house looks messy again at the end of the day, I can look at my checklist and have proof I really did do something. I like to make a game of it, accomplishing the 6 most important things list on my home list and my business list. The sooner I get the lists done, the sooner we can just enjoy the day!

Officially Official

For those of you who doubted our 12 week ultrasound(I know I did every once in a while), we had another ultrasound today and are happy to report that we really are having a boy. He looks healthy and we think his little pot belly is pretty cute.

The Scare

Thursday was my first Dr.'s appointment. The appointment kept getting re-scheduled and before I knew it I found myself walking in for the first time at 12.5 weeks.

I'm always nervous at my first Dr.'s appointment. In November 2007, I went to my first Dr.'s appointment at 9 weeks, spent an hour talking to the PA and getting excited about my first pregnancy, walked in for my ultrasound to see my baby for the first time, and was shocked to see the baby at only 5 weeks with no heartbeat. It was an emotional experience.

I felt the same anxiety with my first appointment with Emma and Madelyn. I just brace myself so that it will never hurt that badly again.

But I felt pretty confident with this pregnancy. Still nervous, I was eager to hear that heartbeat so I could relax. After 45 minutes of the appointment, he searched for the heartbeat. All he could find was my heartbeat(I apparently have very strong blood vessels). He said that my heartbeat could just be too loud so it was hard to hear the baby's. Or maybe I wasn't as far along as we thought. But that I should schedule an ultrasound within a couple of days to make sure everything was ok.

Our awesome ultrasound tech(and mother-in-law) got us in only a couple of hours later that day. That first pregnancy I was sent away for 2 weeks to "wait it out". So this was a huge relief to be able to know so soon.

As he began the ultrasound, so many thoughts were running through my head. But in seconds a perfect baby with a perfect heartbeat became apparent. We hadn't planned on finding out what we were having, but there was no missing that it is a BABY BOY.

The baby was pretty calm until Jared brought Emma and Madelyn into the room. Then he couldn't stop kicking and waving and spinning. Those three kids have a special bond that I can't quite explain. It is humbling.

Some people think we are crazy. Or irresponsible. Or just plain naive. But I say we are part of a miracle. Truly it is a miracle that babies are ever formed at all, let alone that they continue to grow and develop as they should throughout the pregnancy. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted us with this baby. Are we excited it's a boy? Of course! But we walked into that room preparing to hear that we had lost the baby and walked out finding out he is healthy. We would not care one bit whether it was a girl or boy.

Sometimes almost losing something reminds you of how much you want it. No, need it in your life. I'm particularly grateful right now for this sweet spirit that is preparing to come into our home.

Doubling in size.

I ran out of my old bottle of prenatal vitamins, so I stopped and picked up another bottle of what I thought was the same stuff. It had been about a year since I last bought some, but really? The top one is the last one from my old bottle. Those massive things(on the bottom) are what I'm now expected to take. They remind me of the pills we give cows...

A new poll... boy or girl?

I might be getting a little ahead of myself, but I thought it would be fun to see what everyone thinks we are having!

Boy Names

Girls names seem to be really easy for us, so we have had a girl name picked out for a long time. But agreeing on a boy name is nearly impossible for us. These are a few of the most current options that we are considering... what do you think?

Unsatisfied Craving

I started craving these a couple of weeks ago. Apparently they no longer make them. Which, of course, makes me crave them more! Has anyone seen them around anywhere or know how to make a homemade version?

Had "the" ultrasound today...

I LOVE this ultrasound! It is better than the first because the baby looks more like a person. I also feel like I get a taste of my baby's personality and it is so nice to see that all the pieces and parts are looking good and how they should be. I thought that Emma was an active baby, but this kid NEVER stops moving. The ultrasound tech was starting to get frustrated. She said, "Well, you definitely don't have a mellow baby!"

Growth is where it should be, so the due date stays the same, May 9th. Everything else looked just like it should.

PS- I guess I assumed that most people already knew this, but we aren't finding out what we are having. Sorry if you clicked on this post hopinig for more exciting news... think how much more excited you will be when the baby is born!! ;)

Comparing the belly

Since there is much speculation about the gender of this baby, I thought it would be fun to show you pictures for comparisons. Don't "they" say you carry girls higher?

Emma- 24 weeks

Baby #2- 21 weeks

Quick Update!

Well, I am now exactly one week away from my due date! I went to the doctor today and I'm dilated 2 cm and 80% effaced. It is just good to know things are progressing like they should! Everything is looking good!

37 Week Pics

Jared thinks he can win the biggest belly contest, but no matter how much he tries to stick it out I still win. :)

This one is my favorite!

We have been meaning to get some pictures taken for several weeks, and we got a few yesterday. Connie, my sister-in-law, took them for us, and she does a great job.

6 1/2 Months!

I figured I was about due for a new picture! Everything is going well and I'm measuring where I'm supposed to be. I can't believe there is only 10 weeks left! Time is just flying by!!

Ballroom Dancing

I just realized that I have never blogged about the ballroom dancing classes that Jared and I took. There were three Saturday classes, and we had our last class on Saturday. The teacher also taught a Salsa class right after the ballroom class, so Jared and I stayed for those, too. In three classes we learned the waltz, foxtrot, tango, mambo, salsa, cha-cha, merengue and bits and pieces of a few others. I am very spoiled because my husband was one of probably three guys who wasn't dragged to class. He was actually very excited about the classes and an excellent dancer.

All of the dances were fun, but my favorite dance was the salsa. I struggled with the Tango the most because for some reason my counting was off and I kept bumping Jared's knee with mine. I also struggled with the Merengue a little bit, too, because it is hard for me to move my hips like that normally, let alone when I am pregnant.

One night, all of the doors leading to the hall with the bathrooms were locked, so we were there for almost 3 hours with no bathroom. Normally that would make me a little nervous since I seem to always be making bathroom runs, but throw in a lot of moving around (we were working on the salsa and merengue), and we have some serious problems. Don't worry, I made it, but I have never been so happy to see my house!

We absolutely LOVE dancing and hope we will be able to keep dancing. It is a lot of fun!