Something Special...

While staying with her Grandma and Grandpa McMinn Bella spent a good amount of time with the horses. Now, I didn't grow up with horses or anything, but I still think there is something very special about interacting with them and I feel like it's such a special thing for her to get to grow up around horses...even if they live at Grandma and Grandpa's.

I took several pictures of Bella showing us what she learned...

Here is Bella having Hagen walk around her...



Here she is giving Hagen the signal to stop...



And here is the progression of her approaching Hagen to tell him what a good job he did...







Bella demonstrating her riding skills...







When you need a break, just take one!





And finally, one with Grandma and Grandpa...

What a difference 4 weeks makes!

Here is the picture of our baby 1 month ago...



And here he/she is today...









I had no idea we would be having another ultrasound today, but was thrilled when he suggested we take another peek. He tried to listen for the heartbeat and thought he might have heard a faint heartbeat, but even with his disclaimer that it more than likely was too early to hear it, I still couldn't help but freak out a little. Walking from the exam room to the ultrasound room and waiting to see our baby felt like an eternity. But, God is good and we saw a cute little wiggling baby with a nice strong heartbeat! He redid the measurements since it was so early last time and moved my due date up a few days. It's is now officially June 18th which puts me at 11 weeks TODAY!! I asked about the difference in dates and he said this was the more accurate one and we would go with these dates...he redid the measurements a few times and came up with the same date each time. When he first started doing the scan he said that it was too early to tell the babies sex, but as he got down to the lower region he looked around for a while and then said, "See this...this really looks like a penis to me". He investigated a little further and pointed out the umblical cord, saying that he could see it clearly and it was over to the side, not between the legs. He then said, "if this is really a penis it will be the earliest I've ever been able to tell the sex of a baby!" Andy was behind me, but as soon as he made that comment I could sense the ear to ear grin on Andy's face and as soon as the Dr. left Andy made sure to comment on what exactly it would mean if that really is a penis!! ;)

Of course we aren't counting on it being a boy, but it sure will be interesting to see how it all turns out!

You can clearly see what the Dr. was referring to in the 2nd and 3rd pictures. It basically looks like the baby has 3 legs! :P

Other than that he gave me a prescription for Phenergan to help with the nausea and that was it. I see him again in a little less than a month since 4 weeks falls on Christmas day.

I have to say that for the first time since finding out I'm pregnant I am really excited. I walked out of that office feeling like a new person!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A day early! I'm not sure if I will have internet access tomorrow so I'm composing my Turkey Day post a little ahead of schedule.

Thanksgiving is being hosted by Andy's parents this year. Plans were made over a year ago to have everyone share Thanksgiving this year (Andy's family and mine). I'm really excited that my Mom, Mike and Anna will be joining us and we will be able to spend a holiday with both sides of our family. We are blessed to have that opportunity and I know it will not only be special for Andy and I, but also a very special memory for Bella.

There hasn't been a Thanksgiving in my life that I haven't had something to be thankful for. Some years have been difficult and sadness has been a real part of the holiday, but even in those times, there was always something that reminded me just how blessed I am. This year we have so much to be thankful for, but the big blessing right now is our children. Bella and our growing baby.

Bella. I really don't have the words to describe what an amazing little girl she is. She brings so much joy to our life and the lives of others and there is something very special about her (I know, every parent says that). She is the perfect mix of Andy and me and I'm so grateful that God has allowed us the opportunity to be her parents.

Then there is the child that is growing inside of me. Wow! What an amazing story we will have to tell him or her! I still get chills when I think about the circumstances surrounding this babies conception. A Doctor who looked at an u/s and said very clearly, "you have not ovulated this month and you won't" and a chart that showed no sign of ovulation, yet somehow our precious baby was conceived. I have been sick, really sick for over a month now and yet each time my head is hanging over toilet I'm reminded that there is a baby inside of me. Something we have prayed and waited for for such a long time.

I also can't leave without saying what an incredible blessing my family has been to me this year and especially in the last couple months. First and foremost, Andy has gone above and beyond what anyone would expect of him or any husband for that matter. He has taken care of me in a way that makes me feel like the most special woman on earth. He has done amazing things with Bella like paint her fingernails when I couldn't. He's gone without a single lunch made for him, only a handful of dinners and sometimes not even a clean pair of boxers to wear (I really did feel horrible about this one)...all without a single complaint. Bella has showered me with an amazing amount of love and been more understanding that I ever imagined a 4 year old could be. She's constantly saying, "It's okay mommy. I know you don't feel good because there's a baby in your tummy." It's the sweetest, most reassuring thing that could come out of her mouth and I love her to death for it! My mom and Anna drove 4 hours each way for the sole reason of cleaning my house and doing my laundry. Andy's mom came over and took Bella for almost 2 weeks. I mean it just doesn't end. I've had people offer to bring us dinner, do my grocery shopping, clean my house...you name it, it's been offered. Sometimes I have a hard time being the on the receiving end of things, but I keep reminding myself how incredibly blessed I am to have such amazing people around me. I feel so much love and concern and I only hope that someday I can return the favor to each and every person who has stepped in a helped in whatever way they can.

So, with that I will say a very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. May your day be filled with joy, laughter and of course, good food. Don't let the day pass without taking some time to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for and if you can, let those around you know just how much you appreciate them.

_______________________________________

And of course I can't forget to mention that Thanksgiving Day will also mark the 10th week of my pregnancy. I officially have a little "pooch" and am in the awkward in between stage of pregnancy where my regular clothes don't fit and maternity clothes are still too big. I finally broke down and bought a few elastic waisted velour pants and have pretty much been living in them since.

Here is a glimpse of what our baby might look like at this stage...

I sure miss this little girl...

9 weeks

Still sick, but thrilled none-the-less to be pregnant! I visited my Natropathic Doctor yesterday for an acupuncture treatment, new prenatal vitamins (that hopefully won't end up in the toilet) and a ginger syrup to make tea with. I'm currently sipping a cup of ginger tea and if nothing else, it tastes yummy! ;)

Kidless!

This morning Bella headed off with Grandma McMinn for a fun filled trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house! We won't see her until we arrive for Thanksgiving, late Wednesday night. She was so excited she could hardly stand it.

Of course that leaves Andy and I to ourselves. Typically we would have lots of fun things planned, but when Bella asked Andy what he was going to do while she was gone he replied, "take care of mommy." I'm in no shape to do much of anything, so our evenings will more than likely be spent laying on the couch watching movies.

Although I will miss Bella, this really couldn't have come at a better time for me. She has been amazing over the last several weeks, but the mommy guilt is really hitting me hard and I'm so glad that she will be somewhere where she will receive more than her share of attention.

Cravings!

When I was pregnant with Bella I had 1 real craving my entire pregnancy and that was for my Grandma's Spare Ribs and Sauerkraut. I have a feeling this time is going to be different. I am currently having craving so out of control that Andy is on his way to the store (isn't he a great hubby). Most of you know that I am pretty much a health nut and so when you hear what I'm obsessing over you are going to get quite a laugh. Here it is...

Uncrustables!

I had them one time when Dan and Jessica were visiting this summer. Her sister in law had them for the kids and I tried one. I'm positive they are chalk full of sugar, additives and all the junk I'm always preaching about NOT putting into your body. But guess what, I DON'T CARE! JUST GIVE ME MY UNCRUSTABLES!!!

I swear if this doesn't change I'm going to blow up like a blimp! :P

P.S. - Andy has instructions to get a box of Strawberry AND a box of Grape! ;)

8 weeks

Today.

Sick!

I don't want to whine, so I won't go into details, but please keep us in your prayers. My body is completely overtaken with ailments of early pregnancy. Most of you know that I was really sick with Bella and I seem to be experiencing the same thing all over again...with a couple added issues. :(

Andy and Bella are being absolutely wonderful, but they are suffering none-the-less. I am in survival mode right now and doing only what is absolutely necessary. My mom was our saving grace this past weekend and came over specifically to help me. She whipped our house into order and helped me get caught up on things that desperately needed my attention.

I know that all of this is a good indication of a strong pregnancy and that this is something that we've waited for for a loooong time, but it doesn't take away the misery that I'm currently experiencing.

It's so amazing to me that something the size of a bean could cause my body to react so strongly. I just keep reminding myself that each day of this brings me one day closer to the incredible experience of feeling my child move inside of me (my absolute favorite part of pregnancy). That is a day I simply cannot wait for!!! :)

Amazing...

This is an ultrasound image of a baby at 7 weeks gestation.



Today I am 7 weeks.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween was a big deal in our house this year. Bell has been counting down the days for over a month and was beside herself with excitement when it finally arrived. She decided early on that she wanted to be Princess Dora. We found her costume and after we received it she informed me that she needed long black hair too. We found her a cheap wig at Target that quickly turned into a rats nest. Despite my best attempts the hair was simply out of control, but there was nothing to be done because Bella LOVED it! She also insisted that she be called Dora and not Bella while in costume. Gotta love that kid!! ;)

We started out our evening at our church's first annual Harvest Party. I was so impressed with how well it turned out. I ran a game and Bella hung out, going between different games and helping me out. We cut out of the party a little early because Bella really wanted to get some trick-or-treating in. We made it home just in time to stop by a few houses in the neighborhood. After the 4th house Bella declared that she was cold and ready to go home. I was more than happy to oblige! We came home and she showed Andy all of her candy. Piece. By. Piece.

Being the great parent I am, after we got home I realized that neither of us had eaten anything for dinner and that Bella was sustained by candy alone the entire night! She did eat a bowl of cereal before going to bed, so I guess it's not all that bad, right! ;P

Here are a few pictures from our fun...

Andy

He definitely keeps me on my toes, but when it comes down to it, he is such a wonderful husband and father. I am in quite the pathetic state right now and he is taking such great care of me. He is being kind and patient and not saying a word about my days consisting of moving from the bed to the couch. This morning he got up and made me toast so I didn't have to get out of bed. Bella of course thought it was cool that I got to eat my toast in bed so Andy made her some too and she joined me to eat toast and watch the morning news.

I'm already feeling bad about not being able to do much of anything around the house, and even though I can't wait to be feeling better and making my own toast, it's such a blessing to have a husband who is understanding and willing to take on extra responsibilities when I really need him to!