How Many Faces Can You Make?

Thus begins a tale of the many faces of Greg:

 Sleeping sweetly, but beginning to wake up.  He usually begins to peek one eye open at at time.

 "Um, hello?  Is anyone still there?  I'm awake now!"

 

 "Hi, Mom!  Guess what?  I'm awake now and hungry, but I'm glad to see you're still here to pick me up."  Greg loves to give Mommy smiles, and this particular one steals my heart every time.  Especially when he squints his bruised eye.

 "Enough with the pictures already.  I don't like that flash.  I'm hungry!"

 "Oh, fine.  I'll humor you with one more..."

 

 "Yay!  We can eat now!  Are you going to quit tickling me?"  (Sorry about the hand in the way; I'm still working on the baby-wrangler-while-trying-to-take-a-picture-&-keep-limbs-out-of-the-way-&-get-the-baby-to-smile skill.)

 "I thought we were through with pictures."

 The makings of a big yawn...

Full belly and all happy!  He usually scrunches up his mouth really cute, but I didn't quite get it on camera.  He's 3 weeks in these photos.

Smiles!

Best. Christmas. Ever.

This Christmas has been by far the most memorable Christmas of our lives.

 On December 22, 2011 @ 2:17 p.m., Gregory Stuart entered the world.

 Our precious little guy.

 Daddy invents a way to keep his knees together...

The uncooperative object just wouldn't stay in.

 What we do for fun around here...

 

 

Smiles!

P.S.  The blog is under construction...

Baby To Arrive SOON

First, let me update you on my recent projects, then give you a Baby J update.

In this household, we go through an insane amount of yogurt for just two people.  We're partial to Greek yogurt especially, though I rarely purchase it because of the expense.  Yogurt has been my pregnancy staple, and that has increased our usage.  Not to mention that I bake with yogurt, make yogurt smoothies, etc.  I have been trying to find ways to reduce our monthly costs, and decided that I would tackle yogurt next.  I have always wanted to try making it anyway.  I did my research, discovered that it was pretty simple, and put my plan into action.  The result?  Delicious Greek yogurt that we both loved--better than the store version!  Easy to make, AND I can flavor it any way I like.  The best part, though, is that making my own yogurt will save us at least $20 a month!

The whey is what's left over after making the yogurt.  Apparently, it was once considered the "food of the gods."  You can use it in almost anything (substitute for water), and it is super healing for the gut (I'm interested in this particularly because of dealing with food allergies).  I won't bore you with all the details of what it actually does...  I'm pretty happy with the result, and since yogurt making required very little effort on my part, it's going to be part of my weekly chores!

And now for Baby pictures!

 35 weeks.

37 weeks.

You wanted more of an update, right?  Well, today at my 37 week appointment, I shocked my doctor.  This was the first time she checked for the pelvic station, effacement, dilation, etc, and she clearly wasn't expecting anything.  The conversation went something like this:

(look of shock) "Girl, you're pelvic station is basically fully engaged, you're over 90% effaced, and you're dilated at least 2 cm!  You want to tell me about those contractions you've been having again?"

Me: "Well, I haven't had anything that I thought was bad enough to be real labor yet, and..."

Dr: "Oh no!  We doctors hate people like you!  Crazy pain-tolerance--you're never going to know when you're in labor because you'll think it's not bad enough & then you'll have this baby in the car!  (turns to Brian)  If she even starts talking about pain, get her here!  Me, now, I want the epidural before I even start labor!"

We continued talking, but apparently some of those contractions/symptoms I've had have been "real labor contractions."  The doctor doesn't think I'll make it to my due date (just fine with me!), and figures it won't be long now.  Not to mention, I've met all the pre-labor symptoms and qualifications.  I don't want to get my hopes up, but I suppose we'll see.  I just wish all that nesting energy I had over the weekend would come back--I cleaned everything in the house-twice!  I got more done in 48 hours than I've been able to accomplish my entire pregnancy!  

So at this point, I'm allowed to encourage labor, and believe me, I will!  Baby J is more than welcome to come anytime--I can hold my little one, be DONE with throwing up, and get rid of these hives and sciatic nerve pain.

I'm going to be a MOM SOON!!

Smiles!

Catchup and Countdown

Here's hoping getting up early in the morning to post pictures will actually work today.  But I'll probably be napping later...

In September, we took a few days off to celebrate our first anniversary!  Brian was unable to get any time off from work over our actual anniversary, so we celebrated a month late.  Hopefully that won't always be the case, but I suppose August is a popular time for most people to travel.  We're thinking of making a beach trip an annual occurrence,  since it is our favorite place to be.  It was amazing to be able to just be together, away from home for a day or two.  It did rain quite a bit, and I was sicker than normal, but we truly relished the chance to deepen our relationship and reminisce over the first year of our marriage.

 We discovered this little car on a sunset walk.

 And I thought I felt big then!

 Bethany Beach, DE.  Lovely, very quite place.

 Assateague.  Lovely and wild looking place.  Almost haunting.  The pony drive is in July, so we missed that, and it was very rainy, so I think most of the horses were seeking shelter.  We came back covered in mosquito bites.  Brian did manage to capture this horse...

 ...And self-timer strikes again...  We're both getting pretty anxious for Baby J to make his/her appearance.  Don't know who is more excited.

 This is Baby J at 31 weeks.  Already outdated because my belly grows and changes shape daily.  This weekend I'll be 34 weeks, with about 6 to go!  

This Mommy is big and uncomfortable these days and very ready to meet her little one.  Feeling very mother bear-ish--want to keep baby all to myself for a little while. ;-)

  Papa Bear isn't much better.

Snowstorm in October!  This is the before shot; I don't have the after.  This is the first time in my life I've ever seen a snowstorm in October.  The last time we had an accumulation of snow like this was in 1925!  Apparently, La Nina has formed again, so we'll probably be in for a long, hard winter.  Brian and I are okay with that; we're going to stay snuggled in with our little one (though we might get a bit restless).  I think we got about 3 inches here, but where Brian works, and in the mountains, they had close to 10 inches!  Plus ice!  Crazy!!  The colored leaves were so pretty against the white snow.

I have lots of projects to complete before this Baby arrives, but it doesn't seem to make the waiting any easier!  Know what else?  It's almost Thanksgiving....AND CHRISTMAS!!  My favorite time of year!  Enjoy it, people!

Smiles!

Time to Build an Ark

Time for a monthly baby update!  But before I show you pictures, I'd like to plead with everyone to please pray that the rain would leave this area.  Every day now I dread listening to the news and seeing pictures.  So many of my family and friends have lost their homes and evacuated areas due to flooding.  Roads are closed, major highways shut down, streets are buckling, businesses are submerged, schools are closed ("snow" days in September!), sewer plants, water plants, etc are shut down.  It's bad up here--mostly in PA.  The flooding hasn't been this bad since 1889.  I personally don't mind the rain--autumn is my favorite time of year!  Rain or sun, I love the weather, baking, the leaves turning (peak around Oct. 18-25), the colors, decorations, candles, sweaters, fireplaces, etc.  However, my heart aches for those I know who are losing so much.  I find it ironic that those in TX pray desperately for rain, while we pray desperately that God would send it elsewhere and away from our water-logged soil.

So, what have we been up to recently?

 Brian's company sponsored a company outing at a local baseball game!  If there's one sport I actually enjoy watching, it's baseball.  The company paid for one of those elite boxes and all the food we could eat!  The weather was beautiful, the home team won, I enjoyed meeting my husband's coworkers and families, and we enjoyed a free date night.

 Next was a trip to Annapolis, MD to spend a day with some good friends.  We loved touring the old city, seeing incredible buildings, and watching the ships in the harbor.  It was a bit rainy, but we had fun anyway.  Brian and I especially enjoyed the fellowship with friends--something that happens rarely.

 The only plants that have survived my balcony gardening are these sunflowers and the pepper plant.  We should be able to pick the pepper soon, though I must admit, I'm more anxious than Brian is.  He keeps telling me to wait, and I want to just pick and eat it.

 Our anniversary!  I was feeling pretty miserable that day, so we just decided to stay at home and spend time together.  I did make a special breakfast, though, with Brian's help.  We have always wanted to try Eggs Benedict, and that's what we made!  It was a lot of fun and tasted great--even if it did make me sick afterwards.

 Brian made yummy mochas--complete with whipped cream!  I tasted some, but decided against drinking it.

 I also made a brownie layer cake with peanut butter frosting and ganache.  Let me just say....there are no words to describe how amazing this tasted.

 I've been on a "everything must be cleaned NOW and all my projects completed YESTERDAY" phase, so we refinished some furniture over our anniversary.  We had a lot of fun, and I'm pretty sure the paint landed other places besides the furniture.  The house is looking GREAT, and I only wish I could paint the walls and remodel a bit.

 Baby at 24 weeks!  We're getting very close now & I cannot WAIT to be done and hold this little person in my arms.  Actually, I can't wait for the day when I'm finally done throwing up and trying not to be sick all day.  I've tried to do well dealing with it, but I think after 9 months, I just am ready for a break.  That said, I've had a bit more energy and motivation the last few weeks and have greatly enjoyed it!  Brian teases me daily about the size of my belly and how clumsy I'm becoming--he claims if this rain keeps up he'll need to build an extra big ark--just for me!  I also think baby has a conspiracy to play all night long while Mommy tries to sleep.  

Thanks to Hope for this picture!

Smile for the Camera

I am now 21 weeks ( 5 3/4 months) along!  More than halfway, and December is approaching a bit too slowly. ;)  Morning sickness has improved some, and as long as I don't try any experiments off of the medication, remains manageable.  Baby is incredibly active--the ultrasound today showed LOTS of movement.  Baby is in a breech position right now.  I had felt like there was something jammed up in my rib cage and like feet were kicking down below (using my bladder as a trampoline), and it turns out I was right!  Everything looks good thus far.  I do feel like I'm turning into a large balloon, and sometimes feel "squashed" or short of breath.  Brian and I are becoming gradually more excited and impatient as December approaches.

 14-15 weeks.  Can't even fit in those clothes anymore!

 Baby at 20 weeks.  Hard to find decent maternity clothes--cheap, something I actually like, and something my husband likes!

This is baby at 21 weeks!  Taken this morning--an anatomy scan in 3D and color.  Pretty amazing!  And for all of you who keep asking what it is we're having, we'll tell you.  We're having a......BABY!  My baby ticker says baby is a cantaloupe or banana this week.  Weird to think there's something that big inside--and moving! 

Smiles!

Blessings

The first part of this post won't be pretty. But I warned you.  The end gets good.  But you have to read the beginning before you can get to the end.  That's the way God works.

So, these last three months of pregnancy have been a nightmare for me.  Truly.  Brian and I have agreed that we have found it difficult to get family to understand how sick I really have been.  All day and all night for the last three months, I've been throwing up--every hour on the dot.  It reached a high around my birthday, when my body was so dehydrated, that it wouldn't stop getting sick.  It caused severe cramping and bleeding.  The doctor/midwife put me on medication and diagnosed me with something called "hyperemesis gravidarum."  (I think the spelling is correct)  Basically, only about 1% of pregnant women get it, and it's just where you are sort of "allergic to pregnancy."  The stats are not encouraging--everyone who has it, aborts their child because they can't take it.  My midwife, who is old enough to be my grandma, says she's rarely seen this sickness in anyone, and not one person has ever continued the pregnancy.  She also informed me it's likely to get worse..with each subsequent pregnancy.  I'm choosing to NOT think or worry about that.  I know that 12 weeks isn't a magic number, but I keep hoping that things will improve.

So far, they have gotten much worse.  Most of the time, all I can do is lay down, while the shaking and shuddering and nausea runs through my body and just pray desperately that God will get me through the next moment.  This week has been so bad that the mere thought, look, or taste of food makes me shudder in literal horror.  The medication helps a little.  Then, yesterday, I broke out in this red, itchy rash all over my body.  My skin feels like it's on fire.  When Brian came home last night, all I could do was cry.  I felt like not a person cared--everyone is too busy to talk.  I felt so alone.  In between the pain and severe sickness, I just couldn't do it.  I can't sleep because of being sick, so I think I was just overly tired.  Anyway, I won't continue with the details of all the symptoms of the last months.  But you know what?

I spent time praying this morning.  I don't have to think or worry about getting through the next 6 months.  I just have to live one moment at a time.  That's all that's required of me.  I have to be tough and stick this out, but it's ok to be honest about how things are.  In all of this, I am amazed that there is a life inside of me.  God has granted me this huge privilege--a life in my care, to raise for His glory.  I am THRILLED to be a Mom!

When I saw the ultrasound for the first time, I couldn't believe it!  There's a BABY inside!  It's alive and growing!  The goodness of God just overwhelmed me.  Sometimes, parenthood seems a bit scary--everyone has their own opinion of how you should raise your child.  But each person is different, and I think that matters.  I can't wait to hold this new child in my arms.  To cuddle away tears.  To smile and laugh and giggle and play.  To invent fun things to do.  To watch a young person develop--from finding eyes, ears, and hands to teething.  This is a job that I was born to do!  And I am grateful.  Grateful for air conditioning, indoor plumbing, looking outside at all the green through my window (even if I'm too sick to make it out there), my incredible husband (who accepts me the way I am), my amazing God, and yes, even the sickness.  Because it makes me truly dependent on Him.  And it gives me a glimpse into people who are very ill all of their lives.  I am grateful to be a Mom, to have a life growing inside of me, to laugh and learn.

I won't write all that is in my heart.  This has become long enough.  I don't want this post to merely be about suffering, but to reflect the glory of God.  Now for some pictures:

Isn't it amazing?!!??  I've been listening to this song, over and over again recently.  I'm posting the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ.  This lady's story is incredible--behind the song.  But it means much to me right now.  God is SO good to me.  I really have it good, especially when I consider what other people around the world are going through right now.  And yet, I am SO ready to have this baby in my arms rather than inside.  I'm too excited.  I never did like waiting.  Don't bother telling me it isn't that bad, I just need to wait, to be tough, or that it will get worse at the end.  I'm just taking it moment by moment and clinging to a God who understands and can help.  Because, truly, truly,

I. am. Blessed.