33 Weeks and Counting!

Thought I would give a quick baby update, considering the countdown has begun...at least for me!  This little girl may have other plans of course!!  I don't have any pictures of my baby bump though...maybe later :)

How Far Along:  33 weeks, 1 day

How I Feel:  Overall, I feel pretty good.  Occasionally, I have pain in my muscles and ligaments from the weight of my belly, and because they have been so stretched out and never gotten back to normal.  But even this is not that bad.  I just can't stay in any one position for too long (like in the recliner, or on the sofa, or standing, etc.).  I'm also really tired.  Between constantly having to change position, getting up to go to the bathroom, and multiple leg cramps, I don't get much sleep these days. 

What's New:  Not too much is new these days, but I will no longer be getting the fetal fibronectin tests.  Thankfully, they have always been negative, and so next week I will be to the point where they are no longer necessary.  And even if I had one and it was positive, it wouldn't really tell us anything at this point anyway.  Also, I will only be getting ONE MORE progesterone shot!!  I'm very excited about this, because, well, who likes to get shots??  And they leave me pretty sore and uncomfortable.  The baby is also very active still, but I can tell she is running out of room in there.  And I can tell she is head down now, so that's encouraging!  Now instead of doing flip flops, she just stretches, and jabs me in the side with something pointy (I'm guessing elbow? maybe knee.  I can't be sure)

What Comes Next:  Next week, I will see my doctor for my 34 week check-up, and from that point on I will start weekly check-ups to see if things are progressing at all.  Right now, my doctor wants me to make it to AT LEAST 36 weeks, and at that point, no one will be concerned if I go into labor, and she won't try to stop it if I do.  So I am counting down!!  Of course I want this sweet girl to stay in my belly for the next 3 weeks, but after that, she can join us ANYTIME.  Let's just say I am a little tired of being pregnant, and I am getting really REALLY excited to meet our new daughter!!!

So that's all for now!  :) 

Welcome To...

New Mexico!

This weekend, we were no longer in Texas, but visiting New Mexico!  It was our first visit to the Southwest, our first drive through west Texas, and our first glimpse of tumbleweeds.  

It was a very long ride, made even longer by frequent stops, crying babies, and a view that's well, a little flat, and a little desolate.  And as uncomfortable as the trip was for me, once I was able to get out of the car and stretch, I felt fine.  And while we were there, I had no problems, so of course we were very thankful for that!

I'm excited to share the details of our trip soon, as well as some big changes in store for our family.  But for now, I'm off to take care of my babies, get some chores done, and continue to grow another beautiful baby.  :)  Happy Thursday!

The View From Here

Just a Peek

Well we all made it safe and sound, and are having a great time!  It's been very busy so far, but I did get a few pictures this afternoon.  Unfortunately, my camera battery died, so I really did get just a few.  But here is a small peek at where we are, and more pictures will be coming soon!! :)  Thank you for your prayers!

Road Trip

Soooo, first thing tomorrow morning, as in before the sun is up (so long as we are out the door on time...), we are hitting the road. 

I'm really, really excited, BUT, I can't share the details yet!!  Don't you just love being left in suspense??

You're welcome.  :)

But I can tell you that the whole family is going.  And it is going to be a busy weekend.  And we are coming home on Monday.  And my doctor is well aware, and has given me the ok.  And my fetal fibronectin test was negative this week, so two more weeks of NOT going into labor.  And we are really, really excited.

But that's all I can tell you. 

I will try to share some pictures while we're gone, and maybe you can make some guesses as to where we are or what we're doing.  :)

And we would DEFINITELY covet your prayers over the weekend for safe travel, especially for me. 

Oh, and did I mention we are really, really excited??

So what are YOU doing this weekend?  Anyone else hitting the road?

So Pretty

And we're done.  Shoes are SO overrated!!

Hello Third Trimester...

By now, I am well into my third trimester.  Exciting, yes, but I am also realizing that I haven't been "this pregnant" in awhile!  Since I had just barely started the third trimester last go round, it has been quite some time since I have made it to this "starting to be uncomfortable, preparing for delivery, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel" part of pregnancy.  And of course, this is my third child (and they have been *ahem* close together), so I'm sure some of the discomforts are a little more exaggerated than the first time.

So I'm realizing that apparently, I had forgotten what this part is like.  I had forgotten...

...not being able to make it through the night without having to get up AT LEAST once to go to the bathroom.

...not being able to fit certain places because of my protruding belly.

...the simple fact that a comfortable sleeping position does not exist anymore.

...that sometimes just drinking a glass of water gives me heartburn.

...not being able to make it through a t.v. show without having to get up to go to the bathroom.

...having to sit and stretch awkwardly to put my shoes and socks on.

...just how difficult it becomes to get myself up off the floor after playing with the kids.

...always being hot.  Always.

...not being able to discern if I'm hungry or not because the baby is taking up so much room.

...sudden jabs to my rib cage when the baby decides to stretch out.

...having to "watch out" anytime I cough or laugh...or sneeze...

...sudden leg cramps anytime I sit funny, or bend my leg the wrong way.

But I have not forgotten the AMAZING, breathtaking moment when the baby is placed in your arms, and suddenly the past nine months and the long, difficult hours of labor are completely dismissed, and it is all so worth it. 

I'm looking forward to treasuring that moment once again.

Mr. Personality

This little boy

is developing

QUITE 

a personality!

My Temporary Home

My husband and I have been married for three and a half years.  In that short time, we have lived in a very small one bedroom apartment way out in the middle of the country in Virginia, then for a short time we would have been homeless were it not for an incredibly gracious friend and her family who allowed us to live in their basement, then we made the move out to Texas (it took four days, two cars and a large U-Haul), and lived in a modest duplex in a nice neighborhood, and now we are very fortunate to live in our first home with plenty of space for our ever growing family.

But we won't be here forever.  And honestly, we may never be as fortunate to have this much space again, simply because houses here are much MUCH cheaper than most of the rest of the country.  So I try not to get too attached.

But as my husband and I pray and patiently wait on God's direction for our family, I sometimes get frustrated that we may have to move.  And believe me, I have plenty of good reasons:  we are finally settled, we bought a house, the cost of living is good, we finally have our bedroom painted the color that I want, the schools are good, and we are close to the big city and therefore, any shopping, attractions or amenities one could possibly want.  I mean, it doesn't make any sense to try and sell our house in a terrible market, pack up our family that now consists not only of my husband and I, but also three small children (almost),  and move somewhere new again.  Right?

But the thing is, no matter how nice this house is, or how small a different house might be, or whether we are in a big city, or a small town, near the beach or in the desert, it doesn't matter.  Because no matter where we are, how long we stay or what we are doing, it's just temporary.  This life on Earth is temporary.  And we are just passing through. 

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  2 Corinthians 4:18

Even though I know this to be truth, does not always mean that I remember and am able to keep things in perspective.  Let's face it, change is hard!  And no one looks forward to moving, or the possibility of moving.  So one day when I was having a hard time with not wanting to move on, or leave the comfortable for the uncomfortable, and found myself suddenly afraid, unwilling (or both) to step out into the unknown, God spoke clearly and oddly enough, through a Carrie Underwood song.  You can watch the video below, but I just want to focus on the chorus:

"This is my temporary home
It's not where I belong.
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through.
This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going.
I'm not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary Home." 

It's ok if I do not always feel comfortable here, because this is not my final destination!  It's ok if I'm not living in my dream home, because it's just a stop on the way to heaven.  And it's ok if we have to pick up and move again, because we're just passing through.  All that matters is that wherever I am, and whatever I'm doing, I am living for God's glory and letting the light of Christ shine through me.  And if I can stay focused and be content no matter where God calls us, and no matter where we are living, God will be glorified.  

And so if I occasionally (or quite often) need a little reminder, I just belt at the top of my lungs to my poor, unsuspecting children, quietly sing this to myself, and suddenly everything is back in perspective.  :)

Dictionary of Toddler Speak

Although my daughter was pretty late in saying her first word, once she started talking, she never stopped.  She talks all day long, and yes, most of it is still gibberish, but a lot of what she says I can understand.  I am starting to realize, however, that even though I can understand most things, other people cannot.  So I thought I would put together a list of words so that others would be able to decipher her toddler language.  :)

B
Bubba = her brother (aka Bubba)

bye see ya bye (fast and slurred together) = goodbye

C
cap = clap

cook = cookies

D
dats __________ = that's ___________ (pointing out a person or thing that she recognizes)

dup = jump

H
ha ha ha hat = the Cat in the Hat

I
I duck = I'm stuck (please help!)

its k = it's ok

N
nana = banana

num = drum

nummy = yummy


P
paci = her pacifier

pack pack = backpack

peh wo = pillow

pesals = pretzels

R
raffe = giraffe


S
sauce = applesauce

side = outside

sketty = spaghetti

sowwy = sorry

sticky = sticker

Any fun words your toddler says that are in need of a little interpretation?  Please share!

Fall Sale!

Hello lovely blog readers!  Just wanted to let you know about my amazing Mary Kay Fall Sale!  I have some great products that I've marked down, so check them out below!  If you are interested, you may e-mail me, or place the order directly on my website!  You will receive an e-mail with the final total after the discount and tax, and as always, shipping is free to anywhere in the U.S.  And of course, you can check out all our other great products, if nothing below interests you! :) 

This sale will be running from now through Sunday, October 17th, and quantities are limited, so everything is first come, first served.  If you have questions about a particular product, please e-mail me!  Hope to hear from you soon!!

Fall Sale:

Satin Hands Pampering Gift Set:  $30 now only $22!

Red Tea and Fig Nourishing Body Lotion:  $16 now only $12!

Red Tea and Fig Shower Gel:  $14 now only $10!

Lotus and Bamboo Nourishing Body Lotion:  $16 now only $12!

Lotus and Bamboo Shower Gel:  $14 now only $10!

Tropical Pineapple Gift Set:  $30 now only $22!

Gingerspice Wishes Gift Set:  $14 now only $10!

Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion for Feet and Legs:  $10 now only $7!

Hydrating Lotion and 2-in-1 Wash and Shave:  $14 now only $10 each!

Cellu-Shape Contouring System:  $55 now only $40!

Visibly Fit Body Lotion: $22 now only $16!

 

Exotic Passionfruit Eau de Toilette: $25 now only $18!

Exotic Passionfruit Sugar Scrub:  $15 now only $10!

Exotic Passionfruit shower gel:  $15 now only $10!

Sparkling Honeysuckle Eau de Toilette: $25 now only $18!

Sparkling Honeysuckle Body Lotion:  $15 now only $10!

Warm Amber Eau de Toilette:  $25 now only $18!

Lip Gloss in Caribbean Coral,  Polynesian Petals, and Hawaiian Sunset:  $13 now only $8 each!

Eyeliner Pencil in Bahama Blue:  $10 now only $7!

Mineral Eye Color Palette in Coastal Colors:  $15 now only $9!

Loose Eye Shadow in Lilac Lace and Cashmere:  $14 now only $10 each!

Travel Roll-Up Bag:  $30 now only $24!

Professional Brush Collection: $48 now only $36!

Retractable Lip Brush (for applying lip stick):  $4 now only $2!

And for the men in your life:

Domain Gift Set:  $40 now only $28!

Domain Body and Hair Shampoo:  $18 now only $14!

High Intensity Body and Hair Shampoo:  $18 now only $14!

Shave Foam:  $10 now only $6!

Tunnel Time!

My kids have a brightly colored, vinyl play tunnel that provides endless entertainment.  At least, it has always been great fun for my daughter, while her brother watched from the sidelines, no doubt wondering what in the world all the fuss was about. 

But recently, he has discovered the joy that can be found in crawling through this magical plaything, and so I wanted to share the excitement with you all. 

**Please note, however, that the tunnel was only semi-opened by my daughter (it actually unfolds completely, to form a straight line), and for some reason this makes it fun in a whole new way.  Maybe this made it look less threatening to my baby boy, who knows!**

Thinking about entering the tunnel...

And we're in!

Working hard...

Almost there!!

Crawling out like a little army man...

Success!

(I know it's hard to tell, but I'm pretty sure he was proud of himself.  I know I was!)

One Last Glimpse

Assuming everything continues to go smoothly, I no longer need to see the specialist for my pregnancy!  Very VERY glad about that, but it also means that at my last visit we (probably) had our last peek at this sweet girl.  I've been a little spoiled getting to check on her and have so many ultrasounds, so I was a little sad that I now have to wait until she's born to see her again. 

But because I have never had an ultrasound this late in my pregnancy before (28 weeks and a couple days), I had no idea how much we would be able to see!  It was SO COOL, in a completely different way than the first ultrasound, or the first audible heartbeat.  Of course that is always exciting, but she looks and acts like a real little baby now.  We could see her movements and when we watched her face, she had her mouth open and we could see her moving her tongue around!  It was so funny!  And, we were able to see her blinking her eyes! 

Even though I have (hopefully!) a good 7-10 weeks to go, I am so excited and ready to meet her!  :)  Here are a few of our last pictures.  Hopefully you are able to tell what you're looking at!

This is her face, with her arm up by the left side of her head.

This is her foot (which is apparently big, according to the nurse, haha!)

And this is her face again, with her mouth wide open.  You can see her tongue in there!  Looks like we may have a talker on our hands :)

Help Spread the Word

My doctors and I still have no idea why I went into preterm labor.  I had virtually no knowledge of prematurity beforehand, and wish I had been better informed.  March of Dimes works incredibly hard to not only help take care of early and sick babies, but to search for answers, and therefore, preventions to premature birth.  Thank you, friends, for your support of our family when our son was in the hospital.  Now you can help by spreading awareness, and supporting the March of Dimes.