At Home with Hendrix

New Blog

2011-07-04T18:53:00.002-05:00

New baby, new shot at blogging, new blog.... come join me at

Hot Wheels and Hair Bows

If I'm on your "blog list" (all 2 of you) don't forget to change to the new address. :)

Road Trip!

2011-03-01T12:03:00.005-06:00

Since David was out of town this weekend on a snowboard trip, Hendrix and I took the opportunity to visit our friend's The Cope's in Shreveport. My sweet boy surprised me and did excellent on the 3.5 hour ride there.

Hendrix and Taylor have been friends for quite awhile now, and even though they hadn't seen eachother in months, they got right back into the swing of things like no time had passed at all.

Getting ready for bed was a big hit, who knew baths and teeth brushing was so much fun!

Saturday we all went to the Boardwalk and had a blast.

Riding on the "choo choo trolley"

What a great Daddy!

H's first carousel ride.

After the boardwalk it was naptime and boy did those two kids nap- 3 HOURS!!!!

Sunday morning Hendrix woke up before 7am and the first words out of his mouth were "Taylor, play!" We spendt the morning playing and enjoying a wonderful homemade breakfast, then we hit the road!

Thanks again to Katie, JT, and Taylor for a WONDERFUL weekend!!

It's Been 5 Months

2011-02-23T22:46:00.003-06:00

...since I last blogged. Wow, how terrible is that? Thanksgiving and Christmas were spent hanging out with all the local family and some that dropped in from Kentucky. My birthday and David's birthday were great- nothing too out of the ordinary.

Hendrix had his SECOND birthday last month, and I still can't believe I have a 2 year old. This boy is so flippin smart. Just the other day I caught him counting to himself..up to 7! He's the apple of his daddy's eye, especially when he does things like pull his balance bike up onto the door/ramp of our shed and ask his Daddy to set his bike up so he can "fast, fast." David was grinning from ear to ear. I on the other hand was trying to figure out how much more insurance we will need if my kid is coming up with this kind of stuff and he's only 2!

This 2nd pregnancy is going great in terms of mommy/baby health. My body, however, is not treating me as well as it did with Hendrix. I guess it's the old lady in me but my hips and sciatic nerve are definitely giving me a run for my money. Well , that and the scale. Really hoping not to go over what I gained with Hendrix, but in all honesty I'll just nurse off the weight like I did the first time around. I'm dying to decorate the nursery, buy cute clothes, etc, but in case you haven't heard, David wants to keep this baby a surprise, so we won't find out if it's a boy or a girl until Birth Day. *yay* <--- dripping with sarcasm. The things we do for love!

Chicago Day 2:Part 1

2010-09-26T15:46:00.014-05:00

Day 1 of Chicago was a take it easy and rest kinda day. On day 2 we were ready to go, see, and do. As we were walking to the bus stop, we discovered quite a sight.

How could we not take a picture of this eye-catching sight? This 30-foot eyeball sculpture, "EYE," By Tony Tasset can be found at Pritzker Park.

We started Friday with a trip to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. http://www.msichicago.org/ this place has a little bit of everything that young and old can enjoy. I think we spent about 3 hours walking around this incredible place. The first exhibit we visited was the Idea Factory. This really cool exhibit was only for Babies-10year olds and parents. The interactive activities, encourage scientific exploration,which allow them to discover scientific principles for themselves. Both of my boys had a blast here.

Farm Tech was the second exhibited we saw. Hendrix was very excited to see a tractor up close. It was at that point that I went snap happy with the camera.

There was way more than just the tractor at the Farm Tech exhibit but apparently not worthy enough for me to take more pictures.

Last but not least, a picture of David and Hendrix with one of Jeff Gordon's fire suits.

While that was a ton of pictures, there were so many things that were really cool that I didn't get a picture of. At the Science Storms exhibit we saw an indoor tornado, lightning, and mud slide. The museum also has a Transportation Gallery where, among other planes, there is a real full size United 727 hanging from the balcony, that you can actually walk through!

As much fun as the museum was, Friday evening was the real highlight of our week in Chicago. More to come in Day 2: Part 2.

Chicago!

2010-07-22T22:04:00.003-05:00

David, Hendrix, and I just returned home from a WONDERFULLY FANTASTIC trip to Chicago for a 2nd year meetup of the Jan09Mamas. We went, we saw, we did, we ATE. The day before we left, Hendrix helped me pack:

Hendrix did wonderful on the plane, and was less than enthused with the train ride.

I personally found the public transportation to be very convinient! Turns out he just needed a snack to return to my happy boy again.

We soon arrived to our hotel, where all 17 of the babies/mamas (and some husbands and siblings) stayed.

We decided since there wasn't a whole lot of day left, and we were pretty exhausted from traveling that we would just grab an early dinner and walk around a bit. David was excited to eat at one of the three places that Man V. Food had visited in Chicago..so off we went to Gino's East Pizza. I just realized that we ate TONS of pizza but took no pictures of it! Regardless, the pizza was amazing, AND they let you write on their walls to commemorate your visit. Here is David leaving our mark.

Whew, all that was JUST Thursday, more of the weekend later.

Father's Day

2010-07-01T12:33:00.006-05:00

I'm a bit behind with this post but I wanted to share. I'm pretty sure I can never top this years' Father's Day gift..I'm not one to brag..but it was pretty awesome. I (I mean Hendrix) came up with a very creative gift.

Back story:

David and I love watching this show called "Chopped" on Food Network. Four chefs are given baskets filled with crazy ingredients that make no sense and are required to make a meal using everything in the basket. Read more her e.

Here is the basket I made David.

Inside the basket I included:

Bison chuck roast

Pink Peppercorns

Balsamic Vinegar

Purple Potatoes

Here is what my AMAZING husband chef cooked up!

You & Me Going Fishin' in the Dark!

2010-07-01T12:11:00.005-05:00

The past 2 Friday nights my parents, David, Hendrix, and I have packed up a cooler and spent the evening at Benbrook Lake. Last Friday I caught *drumroll please* 6 perch! My dad then took them as bait Saturday morning. Each time we've gone Hendrix has nearly given my mom a heart attack because he likes to run straight into the water. This boy has no fear. Here is a great (albeit not great quality) picture that my mom took of Hendrix and Grandpa talking about fishing.

17 Months Old

2010-06-24T21:38:00.002-05:00

My sweet boy is 17 months old today. He's growing up so fast! I can barely remember him as a baby. I look back at pictures and wonder if that time really existed. I know everyone thinks their kid is a genius...but really I do. We made a list of all the sign language signs that Hendrix knows and we came up with 19!!!! That is amazing to me. Even though he doesn't SAY a ton of words, he KNOWS what a ton of words mean. Just the other day we were in the bedroom and I told him we needed to take a shower. I look up and he's running to the bathroom and starts banging on the shower door. Harvard material I tell you. No wait, that's too far away!

I tried snapping a few pictures of H today, but if you've ever tried to make a toddler sit still, you know it's a losing battle. Here's the best I could do.

These Words Speak To Me

2010-05-29T13:07:00.002-05:00

Kelle Hampton is one of my favorite bloggers. I actually had no idea who she was until one my friends (Melissa I think) posted a FB link to her blog. Her 2nd daughter was born with Down Syndrome and she had no idea until delivery.

Today she said the words that my heart have felt ever since my first pregnancy complication (subchorionic hematoma) and I felt it again at our 20week appt when we found out Hendrix had a CCAM on his right lung....and kept feeling this all throughout the many high risk dr appts and pediatric surgeon appts. I still thank God for healing my sweet boy and surgery was never needed.

RAMBLING SORRY!!

So here is what she said today:"Nella had her four month appointment yesterday.And, amid most of the time where I honestly forget she's different, I am reminded every once and awhile. Like getting ready to go to the doctor and feeling a little flutter inside. Like what if they tell me something. Like what if they rock my world again. Like what if one of those "increased likelihoods" that happen to attach themselves to that sweet little chromosome comes true. But, here's the thing. Once you become a parent...once you start feeling a little funny and you buy that pregnancy test...once you see a pink plus sign...once you know it's not just you anymore...well, you automatically carry around, for the rest of your life, an increased likelihood. To have your heart broken. And it's a constant fear that we struggle to put to rest.And we can choose to be afraid or we can choose to live. And I choose to live. Because an "increased likelihood of having your heart broken" also carries with it an increased likelihood to find yourself the happiest you've ever been in life."

If that doesn't put things into perspective I don't know what does. Her attitude SINGS TO ME!!!

Thank you. Ramble over.

Coming to an End

2010-05-27T12:02:00.003-05:00

This morning may have been H's last time to nurse. It's getting less and less common. I cherished every moment. I sat up in bed (as opposed to my laying-down-half-asleep position) and I held his long body that no longer fits in my cradled arms. Here lately he has only been nursing a few minutes on each side, but this morning was different. It was as if he was cherishing it too. While nursing he signed dad, so I said "dad" followed by "mom". He stopped nursing just long enough to say "mama" which brought me to tears because he very rarely says mama. I made sure to sing him the "mommy's milk is so good" little jingle I made up and have been singing him since the very beginning. I also tickled him just to see his silly I'm-trying-so-hard-not-to-laugh-while-nursing face he does that I adore so much. Ahhh...I love this kid. A lot.

Updates

2010-05-14T22:13:00.005-05:00

So my two prayer requests have wonderful updates:
Lizzie is home from the hospital and recovery is going slow and steady. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethschemerhorn

Maxwell is proving to be a tough little boy and is growing stronger every day! His mommy and daddy get to hold him more now which was a big prayer I've been praying. http://maxwellallenparker.blogspot.com/

As for my sweet Hendrix- HE WALKS, HE RUNS, he falls down, HE GETS BACK UP! I had no idea how cute he would be as a true toddler. He looks like a drunk midget. Here is a video that includes most of his new tricks.

Rainy Day Blues and Prayer Requests

2010-04-18T09:19:00.003-05:00

So after a week of B-E-A-UTIFUL weather, it rained all day yesterday. The morning at our house wasn't so bad. David made breakfast, we played, had bathtime, played more....then the fun ran out. We sat and wondered..what do we normally do on days we can't go outside? We have been outside for at least an hour every day this week, and now to be shut indoors AGH! After listening to Hendrix whine for 30 minutes straight we decided we HAD to get out of the house. For lack of a better idea, we headed to the mall. When we couldn't put up with the crazy middle and high schoolers running around like idiots, we went and grabbed dinner at Potbelly's..YUM!

Movie Review- On the way home we stopped by Redbox and grabbed The Hangover. I was really excited to watch it after EVERYONE said it was just hysterically funny. Ehh..I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong it was funny, but overall just a good movie, nothing great by any means.

Prayer Request- There are two babies on my mind constantly the past week or more, Lizzie and Maxwell. Please say a prayer for them.

Maxwell is a little boy that belongs to a friend of a friend. He was born 16 weeks premature and is dealing with all the hardships of a micro preemie.

Lizzie is the little girl of one of my January Mama friends. She was diagnosed with pneumonia with pleural effusion. She was in critical condition (now stable) in the hospital for 2 weeks now. She has had her ups and downs and still continues to fight.

!!First Steps!!

2010-04-15T10:54:00.003-05:00

Hendrix took his first steps Tuesday at 14.5 months old! I emailed David the video and he left work early to come and see for himself!

On a slightly different note, Hendrix will be getting ear tubes put in on Tuesday the 20th. The ENT said that Hendrix has so much fluid in there that he couldn't even move his eardrum during the exam. Hopefully after the surgery (outpatient) his balance will be 100% and he will be running by next weekend.

I Should Have Known Better

2010-04-08T15:49:00.003-05:00

So in an attempt to get Hendrix to eat more I thought I'd do what my cool mama friend Katie does and sit out some snacks for H to graze on while playing. I put the crazy dogs up, got out some snacks, put them in a tupperware container, and set them down. Hendrix crawled over, ate a piece of cheese and then proceeded to dump everything out. What? Five second rule you say? Oh no, my kitchen floor has a zero second rule. I Should Have Known Better.

A Man on the Move!

2010-04-04T17:22:00.003-05:00

Hendrix has been a busy man lately...nope still not walking. He now has learned how to climb up slides, and how to skateboard. Who needs to walk when you've got a set of wheels? Have fun watching these:

Tada!

2010-03-20T13:42:00.003-05:00

Hendrix does something new every day, and never ceases to amaze me, but Thursday was above and beyond. In one day, he signed 3 new words: dad, mom, and grandma. My mom was the first one to notice that he was signing "grandma" and as we started paying more attention, we figured out the other 2 new words he was signing. We seriously have a baby genius on our hands here;.

Only a Mother can Understand

2010-03-12T12:15:00.001-06:00

Stolen from a friend...you truly cannot understand until you become a mother.

"I was sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family." "We're taking a survey," she says half-joking."Do you think I should have a baby?" "It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral."I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations"

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.

I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her.

That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moments hesitation.

I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood.

She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.

However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself.

That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish his or hers.

I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.

My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would not now find very romantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice, and drunk driving. prejudice, and drunk driving.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike.

I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time.

I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

Good Day-Sunshine!

2010-02-28T16:11:00.007-06:00

Yesterday was an incredibly beautiful day! We had very warm weather that made my soul smile. There's just something about feeling the sun shining down and warming your body that really does your heart good. I knew that they way our crazy Texas weather has been lately that I should take advantage of the sun, because who knows when we may see it again. Hendrix LOVES to be outside, so I grabbed our play blanket and outside we went. He was much smaller the last time we were able to get out and play in the backyard, and I was actually surprised he stayed on the blanket. Here is Hendrix this past September enjoying himself in our backyard. I can't believe how much he has grown. Look at him now.

My sweet boy is so happy when he is outside:

Just Between Friends Sale

2010-02-24T18:19:00.004-06:00

Twice a year Fort Worth has an AMAZING consignment sale called Just Between Friends. It could possibly be the highlight of my shopping year. This is the third time that I have been to this sale, the first time being the day after we found out that we were having a boy. I can't tell you all the amazing deals I have found at this sale, so instead I will show you my loot from this sale!

Ear Infection Day 2

2010-02-18T10:43:00.002-06:00

Hendrix is feeling much better today, but not because of the meds. Oh and my carpet's ear infection is clearing up nicely! Can't say the same for the pink stain.

Worse than Teething

2010-02-17T17:06:00.003-06:00

So after a day and a half of a very lethargic baby with a fever, I decided it was time to make a trip to our pediatrician. It turns out that Hendrix has his first ear infection, double ear infection actually. Dr. Phillips couldn't believe he wasn't in more pain for how bad one ear was. We now have antibiotics, but I've yet to get more than a few drops down him, and I still end up wearing most of it. Don't get me wrong I like the color pink, I would just prefer it not be raspberried onto me. Praying for a quick recovery, and more medicine down him than on me.

Pobrecito

2010-02-16T13:00:00.006-06:00

My sweet boy isn't feeling well today. He came to bed with us at 530 nursed at 630 woke up at 745 went back to sleep till 10. At 10 he had a temp of 101.1. It's been fluctuating all morning. He also seems to be napping on and off. I looked in his mouth and his bottom gums are swollen. Wonderful. Did I mention David is going out of town this weekend? I'm praying this round of teething is less painful than last time. For all of us.

Texas Snowstorm of 2010

2010-02-12T18:22:00.006-06:00

After taking the baby and letting Mommy sleep in, David went out and made us a snowman family. When he was finished, Hendrix and I went out to decorate them.

Yes, I did just go outside in my robe. I.just.did.that.

Our Big Boy

2010-02-11T22:18:00.011-06:00

Well our little baby is officially a toddler (so THEY say). He will always be my baby, and I refuse to call him a toddler until he's walking. We had a fantastic party for the birthday boy which included TONS of family and a few great friends.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day. Oh and ignore the date on the pics, I obviously didn't set my camera up correctly.

Growing Up

2010-01-22T11:59:00.002-06:00

I cant believe that in 2 days my baby will be a year old. This has been the fastest, most exciting year of my life! David and I are so incredibly blessed to have such a sweet and happy little boy. This parenting thing is hard work but the reward is oh so great! I am amazed at how much Hendrix has learned in the past year, he is so smart. His latest accomplishment is sign language. He can sign milk, dog, and just recently, more. We thank God every day for our little miracle and can't wait to see what Hendrix will learn in year 2.

On The Move

2009-11-13T17:30:00.000-06:00

Hendrix is now 9 1/2 months old and is on the move, constantly! Once he figured out how to crawl on all fours (as oppossed to pulling himself on his belly) there was no stopping him. He also loves to climb on everything, including his activity table and up the stairs. My sweet baby boy is growing up way too fast. :-(
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Fall

2009-09-28T16:02:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad its Fall and the weather is cooling off. Hendrix's favorite thing to do is be outside, and lately the weather has been just perfect. He is so alert and just loves feeling the grass between his fingers, watching the dogs race, and trying to figure out the wind. So far he's tried to grab it, inhale it, and taste it!
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Test

2009-08-14T10:49:00.000-05:00

In hopes of blogging more often I'm attempting to set up blogging from my phone. Let's hope this works.
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Growing up!

2009-04-07T20:38:00.002-05:00

My little man is 10 weeks old. I can't believe he's 2.5 months already!! Enjoy some pictures:

6 weeks old!!

2009-03-07T16:06:00.003-06:00

Today Hendrix is 6 weeks old! Where did that time go? Here is a mosaic of pictures I made for your enjoyment...and a poem I stold from a friend's blog that melted my heart.

Poem:

Before I Was A Mom

Before I was a Mom,I never tripped over toysOr forgot words to a lullaby.I didn't worry whether or notMy plants were poisonous...I never thought about immunizations.Before I was a Mom,I had never been puked on.Pooped on.Chewed on.Peed on.I had complete control of my mindAnd my thoughts.I slept all night.Before I was a Mom,I never held down a screaming childSo doctors could do tests.Or give shots.I never looked into teary eyes and cried.I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.I never sat up late hours at nightWatching a baby sleep.Before I was a Mom,I never held a sleeping babyjust becauseI didn't want to put him down.I never felt my heart break into a million piecesWhen I couldn't stop the hurt.I never knew that something so smallCould affect my life so much.I never knew that I could love someone so much.I never knew I would love being a Mom.Before I was a Mom,I didn't know the feeling ofHaving my heart outside my body.I didn't know how special it could feelTo feed a hungry baby.I didn't know that bondBetween a mother and her child.I didn't know that something so smallCould make me feel so important and happy.Before I was a Mom,I had never gotten up in the middle of the nightEvery 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.I had never knownthe warmth,The joy,The love,The heartache,The wondermentOr the satisfaction of being a Mom.I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,Before I was a Mom!

Pictures:

Update from Pediatric Surgeon

2009-03-07T15:54:00.003-06:00

I just realized that we haven't updated since our appointment with the pediatric surgeon. To make a long story short, the pediatric surgeon does not think that Hendrix will ever need surgery, and thinks he will grow out of the lung "problem". We go back for another chest xray at the end of March and as long as everything looks the same, he will have another chest xray 3 months later...and so on. Basically, the surgeon just wants to keep an eye on things, and watch our troubles go away! Praise the Lord, and please just keep praying that God will continue to take care of our family.

This is the verse I speak over Hendrix, we would love for you to pray it over him as well:

You will bless God every chance you get; your lungs will expand with his praise.

CT Scan

2009-01-31T09:47:00.004-06:00

So quick update, On Thursday we went downtown to Cooks Children's Hospital. At 8am Hendrix was scheduled for a CT scan to take a better look at his right lung. The process went really smooth and the Tech we had was awesome. After the CT scan we got the itch to go get his birth certificate, but the Department of Public health is closed till Monday. So...moving swiftly along. Friday morning we had a Dr. apt with the pediatrician to go over the results of the CT scan. Frankly, it didn't go well. The radiologist read his scan as a Congenital Lobar Emphysema. Yes, that's write my son has smoked so many cigs in a week he already has Emphysema. Seriously? Emphysema? Okay so it turns out while Emphysema is associated to people who smoke to much, it's actually just a word to describe the shape, color, texture, ect... of the un-healthy lung tissue. Through the pediatrician's tone I could tell this wasn't the best news and that the Cystic mass we thought it was would have been a better outcome. She then told us that she referred the CT scan to the pediatric surgeon and he was going to get back with us that afternoon. We temporally scheduled an apt with him for Feb. 18. We left the Dr. apt a little more defeated than before. Friday afternoon we got the phone call, in which Dr. Miller (paediatric Surgeon) disagreed with the initial report. He said he's seen this before and believes this is simply and artifact of the pre-natal cyst that was on his lung. Basically he boiled the whole thing down to, it's simply an indention on the lung. So, what does that mean? Well I'm not really sure. We are supposed to get another chest x-ray next week and are still keeping the apt. with Dr. Miller on the 18th. So, I take it as good news. We aren't being rushed off to surgery, he's still with us and all the doctors are more at peace with his current state. We staying strong, me more at times than Cassie, but that's okay I can be strong for the both of us. Friday night went much better than the morning as we are more at peace about everything. So I leave you with this, and the verse that kept me calm and relaxed through the roller coaster ride that was yesterday.

Proverbs 3: 5, 6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight

David

Day 2, 3, & 4

2009-01-28T13:03:00.004-06:00

So day 2, 3, and 4 have come and passed. We spent much on Sunday morning getting checked out from various doctors and generally making sure we could go home. Sunday afternoon was spent finishing up paperwork, seeing hospital photographer, and other checkout procedures. We arrived home on Sunday around 4 p.m. Got some food and then began the process of seeing family. Not much can really be said about Sunday, but as for Monday morning...That's a different story! For the sole discretion of this blog, Monday morning shall not be defined in the traditional sense (6am - 10am) but shall be defined on Hendrix's schedule. Monday morning (12am - 6am) was spent with 2 hr feedings, 4 diaper changes and general gaseous discomfort. No no not my gaseous discomfort, Hendrix's. His tummy didn't feel so well. So given the conditions of said 'Monday Morning', Monday was spent with lots of naps. I (David) did attend my one scheduled class. While I was at class, Hendrix, mom and Grandma went to the doctor for a little post hospital checkup. Hendrix saw the Dr. got his weight (7lbs 5 oz.) and checked his belirubion (sp) level. After the main checkup Hendrix had a chest x-ray just to take a peak at his right lung. After the appts and school everyone spent most of the afternoon napping. For dinner some dear family friends (Kaufman's) brought possibly the best baked beans in the world along with some chicken. After a short visit, mom and dad got to bed early as the little guy hung out with grandma. Our second night went much better, with Hendrix's morning time sliding slightly in the correct direction. He felt much better and moved his feeding times back to 3-4 hours. Allowing for more sleep for both mom and dad, eh, mostly mom. :-). Tuesday I woke up to a nice suprise and had all my classes canceled! We went back to the doctor Tuesday morning to find out the results of the chest x-ray. Come to learn cooks radiology department wants to get yet another look of our boy's chest. We are scheduled for a CT Scan tomorrow morning to get a better look. The x-ray show a little Cystic Structure at the base of his lung, essentially it's nothing we didn't know, but a bit of surprise sense nothing could be seen on the sonogram back in December. The results came with a few mixed emotions. Negative at first, but found comfort quickly from our faith. Our little miracle was still intact, we hadn't lost anything, nothing had been taken away from us. We had a normal pregnancy, normal birth and only spent 30 hours in the hospital. Some of the initial alternatives were in-utero surgery, surgery immediately after birth, surgery within hours/days of birth. None of those situations happened, and like i said we have our little miracle. We still have him our little miracle and one chest x-ray can't take away the foundation of our faith, and the healing that did take place. We were re-assured by the doctor that clearly this isn't a sick child, he gained 2.5 oz in a 25 hour period and his belirubion level had hardly changed (we don't have to worry about jawndus anymore). So as I type school was canceled again and I'm looking at about 1/2 inch of ice covering the road. The high today is in the 40's so like usual it should all be gone by noon. We are looking forward to seeing some friends, but mostly spending the rest of this week getting to know each other a little bit more each day. We are both completely amazed, proud, and infatuated with our little boy.

Hendrix Alexander

2009-01-24T21:27:00.004-06:00

So even though I (David) have been listed on this blog as contributor, i've never actually blogged. Sitting here in this half hospital love seat/chair bed I couldn't think of a better time or occasion to welcome my self to the blogging world. Over the last 30 hours have been the most rewarding expiernce of my lifetime. I've fallen absolutly head over heels for the little person who when I look at his peacefully tiny/sleeping little body I just melt. I've never been more proud in my entire life. Proud to be the Daddy of a handsome little boy, proud to be the husband of the strongest woman I know, (if she ever tells you our birth story/plan you'll think so too) and apart of the most amazing family I could ever ask for. As I type this all I can think about is two people, one who is asleep resting and the other who even though I just put in his little basket and he is not more than 2 feet from I still miss him. I miss his soft skin, his face, all the grunts/squeals he makes while he sleeps. I miss feeling his chest move up and down. This was by far the most exhausting both emotionally and physically day of my life. Seeing the woman you love so much struggle to bring our little man into this world for 21 hours was the hardest thing i've ever done. It was truly an amazing experience, one that no matter how many times people tell you, you just don't understand until you've been there. My biggest fear in all of this, is not being responsible for Hendrix my Son, Hendrix the Boy, or Hendrix the Man. My biggest fear is knowing i'm responsible for his Soul, his place in enternity. Pray for strength and wisdom as I walk the path of not only teaching him to live like Jesus, but for me to find that less traveled path myself. So as I function on about 4 hours of sleep since 6 a.m Friday morning all I can think about is finishing this blog and holding the most perfect little boy i've ever met. I can't imagine going to sleep tonight, b/c truly I don't want to miss a thing (yes I did just copy Aerosmith that "new band"). Inside joke :-). Anyways thanks for all your prayers, thoughts and love we truly would have never made it this far w/o you.

David

39 week appt.

2009-01-21T17:04:00.001-06:00

Just got back from the dr. I'm up to 2.5 cm dilated (1.5 last week) still 80% effaced. She stripped my membranes (not nearly as painful as I thought) and once again said, "any day now, he is REALLY low"..and said that she thinks I will go fast once it starts. Come on baby!!!!!

38 week appt.

2009-01-14T16:53:00.001-06:00

Just got back from the dr. I'm still 1-2 cm and am now effaced 80% (up 5) and I'm almost at -2 station. She said the baby's head is REALLLLYYYY low! She offered to induce me between 38-39 weeks (basically next week) but I told her I really wanted to go on my own (trying to stay away from pitocin since I'm planning on no EPI...but dang that was hard to turn down!!). She also said that next week she will strip my membranes (fun times) She said I could wait until my due date, but she really expects me to go early.That makes me feel good, but also gets my hopes up!

37 week appt (2 days early)

2009-01-06T20:31:00.000-06:00

Had an appt this afternoon. This was the 3rd time I've been checked. I forgot to ask the first 2 times about effacement, so this is how it went:

2 weeks ago 1/2 cm dilated and 50% effaced
1 week ago 1/2 cm dilated and 60 % effaced
today 1 and 1/2 cm dilated and 75% effaced

She said I was making really good progress and was "right on track"THEN...after a little more talking she said "ok we will do a sono next week unless you've had the baby by then" WHOA! I'm not sure if she was over exaggerating because she was getting such a rise out of DH with the less than 3 weeks talk or what....anyhoo...I'm (possibly too) excited about my progress!

36 Week Appointment

2008-12-31T10:32:00.002-06:00

Wonderful appt. today!! I tested NEGATIVE (thank you Lord, ths was an answered prayer) for Group B Strep. Dr. looked at my glucose book and said my numbers were looking good (I was worried she would be super anal about them)...checked for dilation again, I made it a point to be as relaxed as possible and not fight it and it was SOOOOO much less painful this time- I'm still 1/2cm dilated (hey I'm only 36wks so not stressing). Since David and my mom are out of town (ski trip) I took my David's mom with me since I had a sonogram scheduled. I wanted her to be able to see Hendrix "in person". She loved it! He is measuring 5lbs 9oz which my Dr. said was good especially since I have gestational diabetes (don't want him too big).....so I think that's about it! I will scan his new pic in and post it later....I'm a bit worried b/c in the pic his nose looks HUGE!!!! Oh well. He'll still be the cutest thing I've ever seen!

35 Week Appointment

2008-12-24T16:37:00.002-06:00

Went to the dr. this morning for my 35week appt. She swabbed for strep b, results to be in at next week's appt. Basically if I have it (as 1 in 3 women do) then I will be given antibiotics during labor. She also checked me for dilation (OUCH!) and I was 1/2 cm dilated, which she said is right on with where I am (35wks) and nothing out of the ordinary (basically, don't get excited). Next week she will do a sonogram to measure Hendrix and make sure he's not getting too big too fast...and another dilation check..yay.

Makin' A List

2008-12-16T17:21:00.002-06:00

No I'm not about to bust out into song...and it's not a Christmas list I'm making..it's a food list. I'm about 3 weeks into this wonderful world of gestational diabetes and I've started making a list of everything I want to eat after Hendrix is born. Here are a few things on that list.

1. Chips and salsa-by the basket full...right now I have to count out how many chips I have b/c of carbs...in 6 weeks, bring on the chips and salsa..on

2.AND CORN TORTILLAS...dang I may eat nothing but Mexican food for a week!

3. Sweet Tea...we're talking Chicken Express sweet tea-right now I drink unsweetened..ugh..

4. Cookie cake- from The Great American Cookie-with chocolate icing!!!

5. French fries and ranch dressing from Chili's...oh how I miss you french fries!

That's my top 5....sad isn't it? Don't get me wrong Hendrix IS worth it...but I'm still counting down the weeks! :0)

33 week appt.

2008-12-10T17:41:00.000-06:00

Had a normal appt today, nothing out of the ordinary. I go back in 2 weeks (35weeks) for my Strep B swab...not looking forward to THAT...and I start weekly appts after that. At my 36 week appt (in 3 weeks) they are going to do a sono to measure bones, head, and abdomen. Oh and she said that starting in 2 weeks (35 week) they would check for dilation every time...FUN STUFF! The only sucky part is that David is going on the yearly family ski trip and will miss the sonogram. Hmm..not feeling too sorry for him since he gets to go and I don't!

Praise the Lord!!

2008-12-03T18:08:00.004-06:00

Today I am 32 weeks pregnant...8 months....in approx. 8 weeks we will have our little boy in our arms!!!!

David and I went to the high risk doctor today, in hopes of being released from him, and able to go solely to our OB. We found out that Hendrix is approx. 3lbs11oz, is posterior (sunny side up) and is ALL boy, if you get my drift. The dr is looking, and looking, and looking..saying "I can't see anything... Merry Christmas, your gift is that you don't have to come hang out with me anymore, congratulations"!

Those words were like heavenly music to our ears. We couldn't stop smiling the entire way out of the office and by the time we reached the elevators I couldn't help but tearing up. Our little boy has been healed! No more abnormal lung tissue! God is SOOOO good, all the time.

Now we will only be going to our regular OB. We have an appt one week from today(33 weeks), then again in 2 weeks (35weeks), then EVERY WEEK after that!!! I can't stop smiling!

30 weeks

2008-11-18T19:27:00.002-06:00

Well actually tomorrow will be 30 weeks. WOW 30 weeks, where did the time go? I can't believe that sometime in the next 10 weeks I will have a baby boy to care for!!

We went to the regular doctor today, and did the regular stuff. Pee in a cup, check weight (she says I'm doing good there), blood pressure (still great), listen to Hendrix beating heart (148) and measure my uterus (30 exactly)....then she asked why I hadn't made the appt with the dietician yet since I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I told her I had declined, and she nicely, kindly, told me I didn't have a choice unless I wanted to find a new doctor/group. Oops! So she made a note for the dietician to call me again. Sigh.

We also had the chance to go over our Birth Plan with her today, which went well. There were a few things that she told me aren't really negotiable, but they were minor things that I didn't mind compromising on. Overall, the birth plan conversation went well, especially since I have so many wishes about the birth.

Our next appt with her is in 3 weeks, and that will start going every 2 weeks. Until I hit 35 weeks, then I will be going every week!! AND...our next high risk dr appt is in 2 weeks. I'm hoping he will officially release us (even though I love the fact that I get to see Hendrix every time we go to the high risk)..if he doesn't then we might be going to HIM every 2 weeks as well. Gosh, I've been to the doctor more for this pregnancy than every other dr. visit in my entire life put together!!! This is just the beginning of the many things I will do for my son... :0)

7 months!!

2008-11-05T18:42:00.001-06:00

Oh I forgot to mention that today is 28 weeks, which mean 7 months! I can't figure out where the time went...WOAH I'm 7 MONTHS PREGNANT! Also, this week started my 3rd trimester...CRAZY!!

Waiting Game

2008-11-05T18:39:00.001-06:00

Well I took my 3 hour glucose test this morning. Not as bad/boring as I thought it would be, thank goodness. Now I just have to wait for the results to come back. The 1 hr test results were back in 24 hrs so I will call tomorrow afternoon to see if the 3 hr results are back ...holding my breath...

We went back to the high risk doctor this afternoon. We had to see our dr. partner since our high risk was out of town. Appt lasted about 10 minutes (normally about 30) and all he said was "looks good, come back in 4 weeks"...so no real news to share. Oh and the u/s tech (who always does her thing first and then the dr does another u/s..she said "wow he's all over the place did you have a lot of caffeine today?" I said "nope thats just him lately, wiggly worm" Oh and she said that his head is WAYYYY down there (guess that's the position we're going for) which means the hard thing I feel above my belly button is his butt!!

Love Blog Award

2008-10-31T18:23:00.004-05:00

Thanks Kristin!

The way this works is I answer the following questions with single word responses, and pass the award on to 6 other bloggers:

1. Where is your cell phone? table

2. Where is your significant other? backyard

3. Your hair color? Brown

4. Your mother? counselor

5. Your father? hillarious

6. Your favorite thing? Family

7. Your dream last night? sleep

8. Your dream/goal? Motherhood

9. The room you're in? kitchen

10. Your hobby? sleeping

11. Your fear? Miscarriage

12. Where do you want to be in six years? home

13. Where were you last night? in-laws

14. What you're not? energetic

15. One of your wish list items? health

16. Where you grew up? Texas

17. The last thing you did? blogged

18. What are you wearing? clothes

19. Your T.V.? DVR!

20. Your pet? beagles

21. Your computer? Laptop

22. Your mood? tired

23. Missing someone? Yes

24. Your car? camaro

25. Something you're not wearing? Shoes

26. Favorite store? Albertson's ! lol

27. Your Summer? nauseous

28. Love someone? Absolutely

29. Your favorite color? teal

30. When is the last time you laughed? Today

31. Last time you cried? wednesday

Here are six blogs I love!

Kristin http://casadeanderson.blogspot.com/

Bev http://ababymaybe.blogspot.com/

Bellies and Babies http://wonderfullymadebelliesandbabies.blogspot.com/

First Time Parents http://1sttimeparents-whatdowedonow.blogspot.com/

Stacy and Spencer http://sgirl79.blogspot.com/

Brook http://brookjames.wordpress.com/

Failed

2008-10-31T18:16:00.003-05:00

That's right, I did not pass my one hour glucose screening. Soooo this coming Wednesday I get the joy, neigh, the HONOR..lol..to take the 3 hour glucose CHALLENGE...Oh my. I decided that while giving up carbs and sugars completely would only make me miserable, I CAN give up half (or more) of the carbs and sugar that I never (until now) have thought twice about eating. We will see if this makes any difference in my levels when I test on Wednesday. Please pray for me, I love anything bread or chocolate related. This is a test.

Glucose Test

2008-10-29T19:41:00.002-05:00

Today I went in for my glucose test after drinking a bottle of nasty red liquid similar to Hawaiian Punch, and of course watching my sugar cravings all day. I'm really worried b/c #my mom had gestational diabetes with both my brother and me. More importantly I'm worried b/c carbs are my FAVORITE thing to eat. Chips and salsa!! Corn tortillas! Anything bread really..LOVE IT. So I'm really hoping that my body works properly and makes enough insulin to cover the extra work of growing a baby. I should find out in just a few days!

Pictures from 10-8-08

2008-10-17T16:39:00.004-05:00

Here are two pictures that we were given from our AMAZING appointment on the 8th. The first is Hendrix's profile (with his mouth WIDE OPEN lol) and the second is him looking at you!

God is SO good!

2008-10-08T18:41:00.004-05:00

God is good..all the time. David and I had another high risk appt today, and I can't even begin to describe the joy and thankfulness that fills our hearts right now. The doctor said that he couldn't even believe he was looking at the same baby, his lungs have improved THAT much. He went on to say that it was almost scary because if this would have been our first time in to his office and he didn't know what we were coming in for, he probably would have missed the mass when looking at the sonogram. He said that the mass is DEFINITELY shrinking, his heart is almost back in it's normal spot (the mass was shoving it way over) and he doesn't think that Hendrix will have any hydrops forming (those would need in-utero surgery). He said since things are looking so good that we can have 4 week appts now instead of going in every 2 weeks..We also found our that our little boy is (approx.) 1lb 8 oz, and today I hit the 6 month mark! The doctor also said "congratulations" as he walked out the door. Hearing a doctor say "I can't believe this" is the most in-awe-of-God thing ever...it's like God said "hey watch this". We cannot express enough our deepest appreciation for all the people who know our situation and have been praying for us. At no time this week did I ever have FEAR or WORRY about this appt. today. I thought about it a few times, but with a very peaceful heart. That speaks nothing to me and everything to the prayers that are being prayed and answered, and to a God who is the greatest Comforter there is. I cried on the way home, just in awe of what God has done, how His mercy has shown up, and how His healing hands have been on Hendrix. To think that God is taking care of my son in the ways I can't is breathtaking.

Psa 34:1 I bless GOD every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.

This is a verse my father in law sent me and I've really hung on to it the past month, praying that not only my lungs, but Hendrix's lungs too, would expand with praise for God...and they have.

9/25 update

2008-09-25T17:27:00.002-05:00

David and I just got back from the high risk doctor..with good news. There are no hydrops (excess fluid that a growing mass would cause)..and while he couldn't clearly say that the mass had shrunk..he DID SAY that the heart looks less crowded than 2 weeks ago, and Hendrix looks better! God is good..all the time. Thank you all SOOOO very much for all the prayers, they are SO very appreciated. Please continue to pray that God would heal Hendrix and that David and I would continue to have peace these next 2 weeks while we wait until our next appt. :0)

Peace and Hope

2008-09-17T18:05:00.002-05:00

On Saturday David, my mom, and I went to our 2nd (of 12) baby class meetings. We thought it would be a good idea to tell the instructor what was going on with Hendrix in case we do have to have surgery within the next 7 weeks, she would know why we stopped showing up. As we were telling her the whole story with the 4 possible scenarios she listened intently. She then said "wow you guys seem to be taking this REALLY well". That statement REALLY meant a lot to me, although I have nothing to do with it. Our family and friends have been covering the 3 of us in prayer and in return David and I seem to have this peace that certainly doesn't fit what's going on right now. I am so thankful for this, since like I have said before, I am the queen worrier. However..this 2 week wait until our next appt. does seem to be dragging by soooo slowly. Please keep praying that David and I would continue to find peace in our hearts about this situation, and also pray that God would put His healing hand on Hendrix and remove or shrink the mass in his right lung. Thank you to everyone. :0)

He's My Son

2008-09-11T19:33:00.001-05:00

Mark Schultz \ He's My Son:
I'm down on my knees again tonight I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right See there is a boy that needs Your help I've done all that I can do myself. His mother is tired I'm sure You can understand Each night as he sleeps She goes in to hold his hand And she tries not to cry As the tears fill her eyes.
Can You hear me? Am I getting through tonight? Can You see him? Can You make him feel all right? If You can hear me Let me take his place somehow See, he's not just anyone He's my son.
Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep I dream of the boy he'd like to be I try to be strong and see him through But God who he needs right now is You Let him grow old Live life without this fear What would I be Living without him here He's so tired and he's scared Let him know that You're there.
Can You hear me? Can You see him? Please don't leave him He's my son

Update on Appointment

2008-09-09T20:43:00.002-05:00

We went to the high risk pregnancy doctor today for a level 2 ultrasound. Hendrix's heart looks good, but he has a mass in his right lung. He will likely require surgery after birth, and I may have to deliver downtown Harris. I now have to go back every 2 weeks to the specialist for ultrasounds (sonograms). We are praying that the mass will shrink, which will mean that he will have surgery either right after birth (if he's having trouble breathing at delivery) or 3-6 months after birth (if he has no trouble breathing at birth.) HOWEVER...if the mass grows, it will then start taking up space that the heart needs..and Hendrix would then need prenatal surgery (surgery while I'm still pregnant.) That is usually done on or around 28 weeks, (which is only 8 weeks away..scary)

This website explains everything very well, so please check it out if I just rambled on and you still have no idea what's going on:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site2192/mainpageS2192P0.html

Please pray that the mass shrinks, doesn't grow as Hendrix grows, and doesn't push into his heart's space. Please also pray that David and I, as well as our family would have peace about this situation, and continue to have faith that God knows exactly what He is doing.

Tomorrow's Appt.

2008-09-08T19:42:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the appt with the high risk preg. doctor. I'm praying that they will have no trouble finding Hendrix's aorta..and that he was just in a weird position when my regular sonographer couldn't find it. I've had peace about this since we found out they couldn't see it last Wednesday. I'm the queen worrier and I have only thought about this appt a few times...I am so thankful for that...but the appt is very close now and I'm starting to feel nervous..and my peace is subsiding. I know that the King of Peace is always with me, I just sometimes choose to not accept His comfort. Please pray for Hendrix, that his body is whole and everything is working just as it should be. Also, please pray for David and I, that we would have peace no matter what the doctor tells us tomorrow, and that we remember that He will be there with us.

pictures addedSnips and snails and puppy dog tails...

2008-09-03T21:14:00.005-05:00

That's what little BOYS are made of!
That's right we are having a little BOY.....blew our minds...we were totally convinced it was a girl....but there was NO denying it...no shy boy here!
So now our baby has a name: Hendrix Alexander Nickle
David will scan the pictures on Friday. The doctor scheduled us an appointment with a high risk dr for a higher level ultrasound b/c they could not see the aorta..PROBABLY b/c the baby had his head tucked down, all snuggly. Dr said nothing to worry about right now..they just want to be sure everything is ok. So that is next Tuesday at a different hospital. Everything else looks great.
DH is of course very optimistic and I am trying to do the same. Prayers please.

The Big Reveal......

2008-09-02T20:20:00.001-05:00

will happen tomorrow night, I'm guessing around 9pm. We are having our parents and siblings over for dessert to share the big news and we will blog/myspace/facebook/twitter the big news after that!

Am I What???

2008-08-23T21:41:00.002-05:00

So Thursday night was Meet The Teacher night up at our school, where all the kids and parents can come and meet their teacher, see their new classroom, fill out a few papers, etc. Then out of nowhere this dad (whom I've never met) asks "so when are you due?" TOTALLY catching me off guard b/c this was the first time someone noticed I was pregnant without being told first!...I was so excited and startled I said "umm uhh end of January"..I think I pretty much floated on cloud nine the rest of that night. David and I were talking about it today, and we decided that the next stranger that asks when I'm due, I'm going to say "due for what?" and see what kind of expression I get playing like I have no idea...lol..I don't think I'm mean enough to do that..but oh man it would be funny!

New Favorite Song

2008-08-20T18:44:00.003-05:00

This is seriously my favorite new song. Not my favorite of all time, but my favorite of all the newest songs on the radio right now. I'm adding it to my playlist, it should be playing right now, so pay attention, and TURN IT UP!!!! :0) BTW-I realize that in reality Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash didn't start out in the best of ways...but seriously listen to the words and you can feel the unmovable love they had.

Johnny And June - Heidi Newfield
Oh there's something 'bout a man in black,Makes me want to buy a cadillac,Throw the top back,And roll down to Jackson town,I wanna be there on the stage with you,You and I could be the next rage to,Hear the crowd roar,Make 'em one more,I'll kick the footlights out,I wanna love like Johnny and June,Rings of fire burnin' with you,I wanna walk the line,Walk the line,'Till the end of time,I wanna love,Love ya that much,Cash it all in,Give it all up,When you're gone,I wanna go too,Like Johnny and June,I wanna hold you baby right or wrong,Build a world around a country song,Pray a sweet prayer,Follow you there,Down in history,I wanna love like Johnny and June,Rings of fire burnin' with you,I wanna walk the line,Walk the line,'Till the end of time,I wanna love,Love ya that much,Cash it all in,Give it all up,When you're gone,I wanna go too,Like Johnny and June,Like Johnny and June,More than life itself,No-one else,This here is promise,They don't make love like that anymore,Is that too much to be askin' for,I wanna love like Johnny and June,Rings of fire burnin' with you,I wanna walk the line,Walk the line,'Till the end of time,I wanna love,Love ya that much,Cash it all in,Give it all up,When you're gone,I wanna go too,Like Johnny and June,Like Johnny and June,And when we're gone,There'll be no tears to cry,Only memories of our lives,They'll remember, remember,A love like that.

Confession

2008-08-17T15:02:00.001-05:00

I'm an eating machine today..this morning DH made me 2 eggs and 2 small pieces of sausage, then when I got to church I had a banana, after church I had about 10 pringles, then went over to the in-laws for lunch where I had pork loin, 2 SMALL helpings of salad, and a big helping of rice. As soon as lunch was over I went and grabbed chips out of their pantry...what the heck is wrong with me???

Kick!!

2008-08-12T20:06:00.002-05:00

I've felt little flutters here and there for quite a few weeks now. Only once or twice has David been able to feel the flutters...the baby is small and basically in the middle of me, so I can really only feel the movement from the inside for the most part...until tonight when the baby starting kicking like crazy, I yelled for David and we both sat there in amazement as the bean practiced karate on my uterus! It was the strongest movements I have felt the entire 4 months...SO VERY COOL !! I can't wait until the movements are more frequent so the rest of my family can feel the bean too!...also...in 22 days (baby cooperating) we will be able to call the baby by it's real name instead of "the bean". :0)

14wk. appt.

2008-08-01T08:49:00.003-05:00

We had our 14wk appt yesterday. The nurse started off by weighing me..I'm now back to my pre-pregnancy weight (I lost 4 pounds in the first trimester). No ultrasound this time, but they did use the fetal heart monitor and goo on my belly to find the heartbeat. This time it was in the 150's. I broke the news to my dr. that I wanted a natural birth, and thankfully she was supportive. I told her that I've been getting headaches every day, and let me tell you she did not look a bit surprised. Apparently my hormones are still fluctuating up and down, which in return causes headaches, and she told me I can expect them frequently until about week 20. YAY! :-( On to the WONDERFUL NEWS...we scheduled the BIG ultrasound for Sept. 3...so in just (haha, "just" who am I kidding) in 5 weeks we will know the gender of this wonderful bean growing inside me!! SAHWEET!!!

Blessed!

2008-07-25T14:35:00.002-05:00

Oh I haven't even started this and I'm tearing up already..dang hormones. I just wanted to put into writing how very blessed I am. I have parents and inlaws that are possibly more excited about this pregnancy than I am (which is hard to beat, I'm ecstatic). My amazing mom (who has been bugging me to make her a grandma since our wedding day) has taken me twice now shopping for baby and maternity clothes. I have a mother-in-law who is taking her daughters and me for a girls weekend to hang out and go shopping. All I ever hear about is baby talk-and you know what-That is GREAT! I'm sure I'll eventually get tired of the baby getting all the attention but not today! My dad, brother, father-in-law and brother-in-law are even getting into this pregnancy asking questions, joking, making plans for when the baby is here. I am so very blessed to be surrounded by such Godly people who bring such joy into my life, and to be married to a selfless man I couldn't deserve in a million years. Thank you Lord.

3 months!!!

2008-07-17T12:04:00.003-05:00

Holy crap, I'm already 3 months into this pregnancy! Yesterday was 12 weeks for me, and compared to 40 weeks that doesn't seem like many, but 3 months compared to 9 months..THAT got my attention!

I've been feeling much better here lately, now rarely do I almost throw up/dry heave. It's been a little over 2 weeks since my subchorionic hematoma stopped bleeding and I think DH is more happy about that than I am b/c it means my doctor released me from a 6 week pelvic rest. I'm just glad the 4 weeks of bleeding is over with-yuck.

Yesterday I bought, started, and finished reading "Belly Laughs" by Jenny McCarthy. Pregnant or not, anyone can enjoy this book, it is hilarious, although lude and crude in certain places. Go check it out!

BTW, if I remember later tonight (ha I have preggo brain who I am kidding) then I will post last nights weekly belly shot!

Babywearing Contest!

2008-07-14T12:37:00.001-05:00

How cool would THIS be to win?

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

10 weeks

2008-07-04T09:29:00.005-05:00

Wow sorry I haven't posted in forever (wait who am I saying sorry to,no one reads this!) Things have been different than I expected with pregnancy. Complicated. BUT..God is good, all the time, and this baby bean is growing strong in me regardless of bleeding, cramping, and so forth. David and I had our 3rd appt on Tuesday. Technically I was 9weeks 6 days pregnant, but the baby measured 9w3d. Not a big deal, no concern from Dr. We heard a strong hearbeat of 173bpm which was very different from 2 weeks before that when the hb was 148bpm. We also saw the baby wiggling around-VERY COOL! So without further ado...here is our bean!..oh btw, this awesome picture you see here, is due to a certain ultrasound wand and I becoming VERY familiar with eachother...hopefully next time I go in (13 weeks) I will be far enough along for the on-top-of-the-belly ultrasound!

Oh baby!

2008-06-10T15:10:00.003-05:00

David and I are expecting at the end of January. God has a funny way of laughing at your plans and then showing you plans of His own!

Tomorrow will be 7 weeks exactly. We go back to the OB on the 18th to see a heartbeat!

Last Weekend

2008-05-18T18:44:00.009-05:00

Less broken tile, more wood floors, and a shot out window. Wow it seems like every weekend since we closed on the house has been SOOO busy. Last weekend I air chiseled up the tile in front of the fireplace b/c 2 of the tiles were broken...look at me go:

<--- Ok this was when I started chiseling by hand...2 minutes later I smartened up and got out the air chisel.

David and his dad started on the wood floors:

The horrible news.....we had one of our bedroom windows broken by a vandal with a pellet gun:

The Painting is Finished!!..well almost

2008-05-07T17:46:00.005-05:00

So David finished painting the super high ceiling:

...and I painted the front door!

All we have left to do is finish painting the baseboards and then the flooring begins!!!

The color is Royal Mahogany from Lumber Liquidators

Weekend Work

2008-04-28T21:21:00.005-05:00

Hmm...what did we do this weekend? We had our new microwave installed Friday...thanks mom and dad for the awesome gift!

We also pulled up all the disgusting carpet:

...and David did the front landscaping:

I'm sure we did more...but this is all I can think of at the moment!

soooo tired!!!

2008-04-20T21:27:00.003-05:00

So yesterday we spent 8 hours at the new house. Painting, more painting, changing the locks, mowing the lawn, edging, weed-eating, and did I mention MORE painting? We are beyond exhausted, but we have almost covered all the canary yellow the previous owners left behind. Big thanks to our family for helping us out big time this weekend!

Closing Day!

2008-04-16T21:02:00.002-05:00

Today was closing day on our house..woo hoo!!!! Tomorrow it will be officially official when the funding goes through. Check out what our realtor brought us at closing:

New Bedding!!!

2008-04-08T21:28:00.005-05:00

So today Mr. Forever gave me the go ahead to buy NEW bedding for our new BIG bed that we are inheriting from his grandparents. I wanted something really fresh and light..check it out!

2 weeks till closing!!!

2008-04-02T20:10:00.002-05:00

Today is 2 weeks until closing and we couldn't be more excited and nervous. We are praying that everything goes smoothly and that there will be no problems between now and April 16th. If you think about us, say a little prayer for smooth sailing!

Appliance Shopping

2008-03-29T18:23:00.006-05:00

Today David, my mom, and I went to Lowe's to check out appliances. After we close on the house (18 more days) we will need a fridge, microwave, and dishwasher. We have been VERY blessed by our parents who have offered to buy our microwave and dishwasher, as housewarming gifts, so that David and I only have to buy the fridge. Here's what we are leaning towards-GE® Energy Star® 25.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Dispenser
Model#: LSS25XSWSS

...and Microwave-GE® 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Model#: LVM1750SMSS

What do you think???

First Day Back

2008-03-25T19:24:00.004-05:00

So today was my first day back to teaching after a 1 week and 1 day break. It was a glorious break, but all that bliss had to end sometime, and sometime was today. Surprisingly enough, the day went by super fast and my kids got right back into the groove of school with few problems. Tomorrow is 3 weeks until closing. We are still praying that everything continues on time and without any glitches!

It's been awhile!

2008-03-24T16:43:00.003-05:00

Wow, it's been forever since I've blogged. Let's recap quickly shall we? D's birthday was in January, we finally tried out The Keg. Turns out they make a GREAT Seabreeze. Starting in Feb. we started seriously house hunting. We put in 2 offers, on houses we really thought were "the one". Neither offer worked out, then we were blessed to find an AMAZING house in a BEAUTIFUL neighborhood...a TOTAL Godsend. We close on April 16th and are going stir crazy until closing day. We already have all downstairs paint colors picked out, plus flooring! Take a look at our Dream House!

Dad's Birthday!

2007-12-23T10:10:00.000-06:00

Yesterday my dad turned 60. Talk about making a girl feel old. Dad's favorite cake is a black forest cake. Have I ever made one? No. Would it be fun to try? Of course! Here it is, my first black forest cake. Happy birthday dad!

Lauren is Home!

2007-12-23T09:44:00.000-06:00

On Monday Dec. 17th, Lauren and Brian came over to celebrate Lauren being home from college..FOR GOOD. We were going to have chicken alfredo, but I was craving enchiladas. I've never made cheese enchiladas before, but these tasted amazing!!!

What you need:

1 pkg corn tortillas

1 large pkg shredded mexican cheese

1 large jar of red enchilada sauce

vegetable oil

What you do:

~preheat oven to 350

~cover the bottom of a skillet with vegetable oil and heat it up

~cook each side of every tortilla for 5 SECONDS and take out of skillet

~cover the bottom of a large glass dish with red enchilada sauce

~dip each tortilla in red enchilada sauce, place in pan, fill with cheese, roll it up!

~continue with each tortilla

~cover all enchiladas with more cheese and leftover red enchilada sauce

~cook on 350 for about 20 minutes

Black Friday

2007-11-23T14:37:00.000-06:00

We didn't do anything crazy like wake up at 5am to go shopping, but we did find something great. Our FIRST married Christmas Tree. It's a 6.5 ft pre-lit Balsam Fir. The very best thing about it (ok, in my opinion) is that it is only 3 pieces. You don't have to manually put in every single branch like some trees. WOOHOO! We have decided that our family (David and Cassie) will put up Christmas decorations on the first day of December....a tradition begins....come back in 8 days to see the decorations.... <3

Chocolate Pound Cake

2007-11-22T22:58:00.000-06:00

So I don't even like Starbucks, but they used to have this chocolate pound cake that rocked my world. Then they discontinued it. Since I was already making 2 desserts for Thanksgiving I thought I would try to find a recipe for chocolate pound cake and see if I could come close to appeasing my cravings. ~Well it is good, and I did get lots of compliments on it, but isn't Starbucks. Maybe next time I will try chocolate chips in the batter. ~Isn't the serving dish cool? It was a wedding present and I've just now been able to use it!

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3 cups white sugar
5 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan. Mix together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the dissolved coffee and buttermilk. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 20 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

Chocolate Cheesecake

2007-11-22T22:41:00.000-06:00

Mmm Mmmm Mmmm my amazing chocolate cheesecake with chocolate chip cookie crust! This was a hit at Thanksgiving last year so I HAD to make it again! Be sure to cut VERY small slices as this dessert is SUPER rich.

~Ok so I forgot to take a "before" picture, so here is the "after".

Ingredients:

1 pkg of chocolate chip cookie dough

2 pkgs(8 oz each) of cream cheese, softened

1 cup of sugar

4 packets(1 oz each) of unsweetened chocolate squares

2 pkgs(8 oz each) of cool whip, thawed

~you will need a springform pan for this dessert~

Directions:

~Preheat over to 350 degrees-then grease a 9 inch springform pan

~Press cookie dough into the bottom of springform pan and bake for about 15 minutes. Let cookie cool completely.

~Combine cream cheese, sugar, and chocolate squares in large mixing bowl until well blended.

~Add cool whip and stir until just blended.

~Spoon mixture over cookie and smooth top.

~Cover and refridgerate for 3-4 hours, or overnight.

~Remove sides of pan.

Peanut Butter Pie

2007-11-22T22:31:00.000-06:00

So I lost my wonderful peanut butter pie recipe I had made from last year's Thanksgiving, and had to search for a new recipe. I have to say, it was a little runny, it didn't hold together very well. I'm posting the recipe anyway, maybe someone else can figure out how to adjust it so that it stays together better-I'm thinking less cool whip.

INGREDIENTS:

1 baked pie crust, or use graham cracker crust, 9-inch
-I bought the chocolate pre-made pie crust
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup milk
8 ounces whipped topping
chocolate shavings, optional

PREPARATION:
In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in confectioners' sugar and peanut butter. Slowly add milk, beating until smooth. Fold in whipped topping; pour into crust. Freeze for 1 hour.

Mashed Potatoes

2007-11-22T22:11:00.000-06:00

So for Thanksgiving lunch Ruth asked me to make mashed potatoes this year. I was VERY excited! I found a recipe that looked good online, then changed it up just a bit. David and I drink skim milk, and I wasn't sure that was going to get me the creamy potatoes I wanted so I added buttermilk as well.

Here's the recipe, originally from allrecipes.com, then adapted by me:

INGREDIENTS
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed -or one for each person
1/2 cup warm milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4 teaspoon salt -then add more to taste

1/2 cup buttermilk-if you used skim milk
dash of pepper

DIRECTIONS
Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil; cook for 20-25 minutes or until very tender. Drain well. Add milk, butter, salt, buttermilk, and pepper; mash until light and fluffy.

Thanksgiving Break Yet?

2007-11-10T20:25:00.001-06:00

I'm really looking forward to the week of Thanksgiving...one glorious week off. One week of catching up on laundry, house cleaning, grading papers, and hopefully MORE SLEEP. Although Seajay hasn't caught on to the concept of sleeping in past 6am on the weekends. Switch gets it, but Seajay can't seem to figure out why we are still in bed past 6 on Saturday and Sunday-and thanks to her we usually aren't. SHE thinks it's more important to get up and pee, than for her mommy to get a few extra hours of sleep. So I take her out, then go back to sleep. Have your cake and eat it too!

Both doggies are VERY bad on the leash-so we are trying the Halti. It's a head collar that attaches to a leash. Basically it leads them around by their face, so if they are pulling (which they are SO bad about doing) then it pulls their head. These halti's are supposed to work miracles-but the dogs don't like wearing them. We are s l o w l y desensitizing them to the halti's so they don't mind wearing them as much....it's a labor of love and a work in progress.

Almost the Weekend

2007-10-25T18:11:00.001-05:00

This week has gone on forever! I just want it to be the weekend so I can play with my babies. Switch and Seajay are inseperable. They wrestle in the apartment, chase each other at the dog park, and are always in each others business-sounds like real sisters eh? Most nights Switch even gets into Seajay's crate when it's time for bed. Awwww. Seajay is a great sister for Switch. We are so blessed to have found such a perfect match!

Oh Not Good!

2007-10-22T16:23:00.001-05:00

Well we had pretty bad winds and rain last night, not to mention the temperature dropped about 25 degrees. We woke up this morning to no electricity, which makes it really hard to get ready for work. On top of that Seajay was crying on and off last night, which was strange because she had a perfect first night here, so I was extra tired. So no electricity, freezing cold wind and rain outside, and doggies who decided they didn't want to go potty outside in the freezing cold, but that instead, our carpet was the perfect place to go to the bathroom-yup BOTH OF THEM. Luckily (I guess) they decided to go on the carpet AFTER the lights came back on-hey at least I could see in order to clean up the pee right? Oh well, we still love them both times infinity, and I got to work unshowered but on time. Just another day in paradise. :0)

Adding to our family!

2007-10-21T16:24:00.001-05:00

We have ADOPTED a 4 legged sister for our beagle Switch! Seajay is a female, one year old beagle/jack russell terrier mix who we adopted from a rescue in Austin. Special thanks to Forgotten Friends-Mix Breed Rescue. http://www.mixbreedrescue.com/

Newbie

2006-03-27T22:30:00.000-06:00

Ok I'm totally new to the "blogger" thing, but I want to keep everyone updated, so we're gonna give this a try!