Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!

Hi ladies,

I've met some wonderful women through blogging over the last several years and I love that when things happen in eachothers lives, even though we may not know eachother "in person"...we take the time to pray for eachother and check in to see how we're doing. On Friday a blogging friend of mine, some of you might know her as well....had her baby boy Brayden. It's a beautiful thing, but he is WAY early! He and Jaden had the same due date!!! So that makes him about 12 weeks early. So far so good, he's been doing very well, but she said in her post that the first week will be the most critical. If you would like to know more, check out her blog.

http://heatherhelvey.blogspot.com/2010/08/some-news-brayden-is-here.html

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. This one definitely hits home. My family has a history of preemies and obviously also because I look at Brayden's pic and I can practically see my own little boy since they were both the same gestational age. I can only imagine how scary this must have been for the family and I pray that little Brayden continues to be strong and grow! <3


Thank you in advance to all of you! Much love and happy Sunday!

His and Hers diaper bags...

***disclamer: in case you haven't noticed in previous pics...my hubby is quite the clown! Lol...love my goofball dearly and there is certainly never a dull moment in our home! Just thought I'd explain the pictures...oh yeah, now imagine this times two, welcome to my home! ;)***


My long awaited diaper bag! It's a little more casual than I expected, and the pattern is a little larger than it looked like in the pic, but I do like it far better than any of the ones I saw in the stores. I'm much more fond of "sophisticated" than "childish" (not that there is anything wrong with the cartoon characters and such, it just isn't me...certainly not going to slam anyone elses taste...just gonna put that out there before I get hate mail ;)lol) and within my budget that was quite a challenge to find.

28 week update....

How far along: 28 weeks and 2 days...

How big is Baby Jaden: He's roughly 15-16 in. and over 2 1/2 lbs. His brain is growing folds and grooves. His hair is getting longer. Fat disposition continues.

Weight gain: I have no idea! Lol. I still haven't stopped by Publix to weigh myself. I think I should just go ahead and buy a scale!

Maternity Clothes: Most definitely. Although again, pretty much all of my tops are just large size regular tops from good ole Wally world!

Sleep: not so much...but I'll take what I can get.

Best moment of the week: Just feeling the little munchkin moving around. Still fascinates me everytime. Getting the nursery in order...I bought teeny tiny newborn diapers yesterday (we plan on using cloth, but I wanted to have some disposables on hand for emergencies and long outings)...I almost cried...they're too stinkin' cute!
Also, the diaper bag came yesterday! The Women Veterans Association in WPB FL also threw a Baby shower today for all the young expectant Veterans and gave us hand made blankets, booties, hats, etc. It was super sweet!

Not so great moments: Heartburn from EVERYTHING and nothing at all! It doesn't matter much at this point what I do or don't eat...I just have heartburn regardless. The rash was getting better and then last night I had another flare up of it on my arms and neck. Oh, did I mention I'm melting in the South FL heat! Yeah...it's HOT! I'm ready for winter! I also seem to have temporarily (I hope) misplaced my sanity. I had a few moments this week. Emotional ups and downs...all over relatively small things! I am SO hormonal right now! All worth the grand prize of course, but meanwhile the third trimester has certainly arrived!

Foods I Love: SANDWHICHES...especially Paninis with spinach, tomato, mushrooms and provolone! Mmmm! Fruit still, oh and I made some pretty awesome Blueberry scones the other night! Yum! Gonna make those again this week and try some raspberry orange ones too! :)I have had a bit of a sweet tooth the past week or so, which is not really normal for me. I mean I love a little chocolate as much as the next girl but I mean I've been "hunting" for sweets?!

Foods I hate: Still cannot STAND the smell of Garlicy stuff...eeek! (Can you believe I used to love garlic?!

Movement: Jaden has been far more active this week than he has been the whole pregnancy. He had one day where he was just kinda "hanging out, chillin'" but other than that he's been "up and at 'em"!

Belly button: Lol...outie...in some of this weeks pics, it got cut off in the pic because it sticks out so much. Josh keeps trying to stick it back in but Jaden's not having it ;0)

Morning sickness: still a little tiny bit in the A.M. before I eat...or when the heartburn is really kickin'

Antsy....

Just like many of my blogging friends I've been missing and looking forward to fall! For so many reasons...Josh and I are so excited to actually get to experience a REAL fall next year, and while I don't want to wish away too much time...it has me so excited and antsy and I just plain can't wait!!!!!

Why I can't wait for next fall:

1. (Most important reason:) Jaden will be here! Our little fall baby, how much more perfect could that be?! Our child will arrive during our favorite season!!! :)



Next fall he'll be going on 1 year old! What?! (that part makes me seriously want to hit the pause button) ...me, mom to a one year old?! Whoa, wait a minute, I'm still adjusting to being pregnant...I certainly will miss feeling my little munchkin kicking and flipping and doing what he does inside of my belly! Having him with me 24/7! While I can't wait to see his sweet little face and hold and kiss him...I don't want to rush this part of it!

2. I'll have my degree...well, at least the associate, and while it may not seem like a big deal, hopefully this will help us out financially (tremendously) to get us back on track (assuming we were ever truly on track?!)



3. Hopefully we'll be either renting or purchasing a home in GA. I've missed the south so much, so has Josh. The seasons, sweet tea, beautiful southern homes, the people...(Josh would say "Zaxbys"...that's a restaurant in case you didn't know ;)...)it's just a different experience. Perhaps I never realized how accustomed I was to it and moving to FL was quite a culture shock. Of course we'll also be around family and friends that we've missed (that's a given though ;)...)



I could go on forever...here are some other fun reasons why I can't wait for the fall: the scents, the colors, the food and drinks, the clothes....etc!

Chocolate cake with Chocolate Buttercream frosting...

Barefoot Contessa...I've said it many times, I'll say it again! I love your recipes!

This is heaven for chocolate lovers. I couldn't resist posting this one too. If you haven't noticed, I've been on a bit of a sweets kick. Partially because I'm looking for recipes for Thanksgiving and other special occasions.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tiered-chocolate-buttercream-cake-recipe/index.html

Bourbon Pecan Pie...

If you've never tried one of these...you're missing out! It's delightful! I haven't tried this recipe yet, I plan on it soon because I'd like to perfect it by Thanksgiving! Someone I worked for a while back used to make one similar and it was to die for, so I'm trying to come up with an equally mouth watering recipe! :)

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/bourbon-and-orange-pecan-pie-recipe-00000000022385/index.html

Words of wisdom....

"Though you cannot go back and make a new beginning, anyone can start from where they are and make a new end!" Author unknown

testing...

Here's a pic of the fur-babies testing the glider out :)




I think they approve!

Ready to ride...

"Baby stud" as Jaden is affectionately refered to around here...is ready to ride!


My parents got this little head and body support insert for his carseat along with the travel system....



...and Mommy and Daddy couldn't resist this little decal for the car!

27 weeks update...

How far along: 27 weeks and 3 days.

How big is baby Jaden: about 15 inches in length and a little over 2 lbs....(this week he is measured from head to toe instead of crown to rump as before. Other than the fact that he still needs to pack on some baby fat, he looks pretty much like he will once he's born.

Weight gain: Honestly not sure. Haven't weighed myself this week. I'll have to stop by Publix sometime to check. I had gained about 24 by last week so I'd guess about 26 by now.

Maternity clothes: Mostly...loving having jeans again!

Sleep: Thankful for what I can get, even if it isn't much.

Best moment of the week: We got to feel Jaden stick his little foot out...we were actually able to feel the entire foot. Josh was pushing down against his foot and baby J was just pushing back. It was so neat. Josh's face was precious. He just lit up.

I never heard back from the doctor after the 3 hour glucose test, so "no news is good news" means we do not have gestational diabetes. Whew!

I ordered my diaper bag...daddy got his very own too (thanks to his sister)! :) I'll post pics once mine gets here.

Also I've started repainting his name and picture frames....hoping to finish up as much as possible over this next week while I don't have school. This way I can just focus on stocking up on some essentials (reusable diapers, bath supplies, etc.)while in school... hopefully the other things we'll be able to get at the shower. I still need to buy a breast pump too...not too excited about spending the money on that. They do not come cheap! Yikes. I'm so thankful we were able to get so much stuff used because baby stuff is so expensive!

Not so great moments of the week: Still the heartburn and awful rash. This week the rash has been particularly uncomfortable on my face and hands/arms. When I get out of the shower my face is bright red and splotchy/itchy. My hands seem to always be in water and it is making my rash so much worse...but what can you do...I have to wash my hands and clean.

Foods I love: Sandwhiches (Paninis), Fruit, Kashi Warm Cinnamon cereal, Mochas from Starbucks (not such a great craving, but I make sure not to have too much...I pretty much stay away from caffeine for the most part).

Foods I hate: Still the same...

Movement: Lots this week. I love it. It's so reassuring and just melts my heart every time. I could watch/ feel him for hours! I love that he's been so active. Every once in a while I get a kick or punch in my right side...doesn't feel great, but I'll take it. Any movement is better than wondering if he's ok.

Belly button: totally an outie...I'm sure by now you've noticed that.

Morning sickness: occasional bouts of it...mostly in the morning before I eat and if I eat something that I shouldn't (like salads or any kind of onion....etc.) Nothing too bad.

Sunday Scriptures...

Dear Baby boy...

Our prayer for your life:

Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and hide it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven!"

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

In need of organization!

I probably mentioned it before, but since I've been pregnant my brain, energy and will power have been on a bit of a hiatus. My typically type A personality has had to take a chill pill in order to grow and nourish this little life inside of me. However I feel like our home and my life in general is in serious need of organization and declutter. I've never been such a procrastinator my whole life...it's making me so frustrated. Especially because we are nearing the arrival of our little bundle of joy! I have summer break next week and I am HOPING to get some things done around here. I really want to be organized by the time Jaden arrives, because I'll be far to busy to do it after the fact. I'll be caring for a newborn, taking online classes, preparing for holidays and preparing for our move (whenever that may take place...we're still unsure of dates and all but it will be happening early next year). Is it me or does it seem that much more difficult to organize small spaces?! I feel like no matter how or in what I place things it's still the same thing...cluttered and disorganized. I've given away pretty much everything I don't use...with the exception of things that I know we will use again and baby items that Jaden will be using and growing into. We're bursting at the seams! Wish me luck folks! :)

mmm mmm mmm....

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/grilled-vegetable-herb-and-goat-cheese-sandwiches-recipe/index.html


http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chocolate-raspberry-bars-with-white-chocolate-and-almonds-recipe/index.html


Some easy and tasty looking recipes I thought I'd share with you all! :)

A little bit of wisdom...

When I was reading my bible yesterday afternoon, I stumbled across this verse in Ecclesiastes. It's one that particularly touches me now because I am experiencing the miracle of GOD creating a life in my own body...but also because I think that this is something that many people struggle with. "Understanding" GOD. This is something that I came to terms with a long time ago, and helped me relax a little, because human nature does make me want to "understand" every little thing and make sense of why this or that happens....why the world can be so cruel and unfair....etc. The truth is, those are things that we will never understand, at least not this side of heaven. Our GOD is way bigger and more complex than the tiny box we try to fit him into. All I know is what my heart tells me and what I watch him do in my own life. Even when things go completely awry from my human perspective, he has a plan and a purpose and a time for everything! This miracle of life he is weaving together in my womb is far beyond my understanding and though I might vent from time to time about certain discomforts of pregnancy...MAKE NO MISTAKE! I KNOW HOW BLESSED I AM TO EXPERIENCE IT! I wouldn't trade it for anything! I would do it again even if the symptoms were ten times worse! We waited a long time for this and I will not let anything rob me of my joy and greatful spirit! Going from not knowing whether we'd ever be able to conceive to a positive pregnancy test to feeling a living being moving around inside of me...I am overwhelmed! I thank GOD for this little boy every single day! Every little kick to the bladder means the world to me! We both feel so TRULY BLESSED. This little boy has no idea how loved he is already! By us and our families!

Anyway, the verse is Ecclesiastes 11:5
"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of GOD, the Maker of all things."


I know I haven't been blogging much about anything but pregnancy and baby, but as you can imagine we are over the moon waiting for our little boy. Plus things have just been so busy and I haven't been feeling too well, but I do intend to get back to regular blogging at some point :)

It's here!

The travel system arrived yesterday, WE LOVE IT! I am so happy that we chose this one! Not only is it very well made, it looks very nice too! Love it! Thanks Mom and Dad for the generous gift!

The travel system is on it's way! YAY!

Here's what it's going to look like ...

I'll take one please...

As my pregnancy progresses and this little boy gets heavier...I can understand and appreciate the need for one of these! $50 is way more than I want to spend, but oh I do want one! I've noticed that when I turn to my side, the weight of the bump is a bit uncomfortable. I try to use as many little pillows as I can stand, but they always end up on the floor halfway through the night.

PS-Sorry about all the random posts, but when heartburn strikes at 2 something in the morning you gotta do something to occupy yourself with out waking a sleeping hubby...while you wait on the heartburn tea and tums to kick in and kill the fire breathing dragon you seem to have accidentally swallowed!

Lazy, distracted and busy...

***random image goes with random post...but it's too cute to pass up ;)***

I've been wanting to spruce up/personalize my blog for some time now, but to be honest I've been just too lazy, distracted and busy to do it. I hardly post these days, and when I do it's barely anything but my weekly updates. :( I feel like I've neglected my little blog. What's weird is...I really do enjoy blogging and commenting back and forth with all the lovely ladies I've met. If I've neglected your blog lately I am sorry girls...I do try to check in on you from time to time...but my brain is all over the place and laziness strikes even this type A nut! :)

Just because....

I can't resist sharing the furry cuteness! :) Yes, I know they won't be able to do this once Baby J gets here but as long as I let them "inspect" and "test" it out now, they'll be bored with it once he is here. It's always the same thing...we get something "new" and they can't resist...they think it's theirs. After a few days or weeks...they pay it no mind :) Silly kittens!

26 weeks!

Look at that belly! :) I'm noticing some veins becoming more visible...thankfully no stretchmarks-yet...Thank you Burt's Bees Mamma bee belly butter!


Rocking the new maternity jeans the sweet hubby got me! Buy one get one half off/ tax free weekend! Woo hoo! :) Thanks Babe!



This is what pregnancy rash looks like! Fun times! Feels about like chicken pox! Thank GOD this is the worst of it...but I have it all over!




How far along: 26 weeks/ 2 days!

How big is baby Jaden: About 9.2 inches, 2lbs!!!! :) Growing, growing, growing! His eyes are opening now if they aren't already...

Weight gain: Oh my! 24 lbs! Yeah...we've gone from 107 to 131 lbs! I asked the midwife though and she said that since I technically started out underweight I should be fine. The belly measured the correct size for where we are in the pregnancy so I'm trying not to sweat it too much.

Maternity Clothes: Yup. I can still wear larger "regular" tops but pants...there's no way I can wear anything but maternity. Note the cute jeans my honey got me :)

Sleep: No comment...I'm learning to just deal with it.

Best moment of the week: A few actually! I got to hear Jaden's heartbeat again finally! It's only the second time I've gotten to hear it so I was sooo thankful! 152bpm and nice and strong! He's been super active all week which was so much fun! We got the bedding and it's super cute! I got jeans (I know it might seem silly to be so excited about a couple of pair of jeans but let me tell you, it's been months since I've had a comfy pair to slip into and I appreciate them that much more because of it!)Also my sister in law gave us some lovely things that she couldn't use at the moment this past weekend (glider and dresser, jogging stroller... among other things) Thanks Nic! As you can imagine I was pretty excited about the glider!!! My mom and dad bought Jaden's travel system!!! Thanks guys! We're so excited to get it! Things are coming along. Once I repaint the letters and frames the nursery will be nearing completion! Ahead of schedule (minus things like diapers and such)Just how my type A personality likes it, lol! :)

Not so great moments of the week....rashy itchiness (that's likely to be around the rest of the pregnancy from what I've read)!!! Elevated glucose levels which resulted in a fasting glucose test repeat which lasted all morning and required being stuck 4 times!

Foods I love: I've had a wicked craving for chocolate the last couple days...all of a sudden! Still fruits most definitely! I LOVE cutting up banana, strawberry, blueberries and peaches and eating a big bowl full! Kashi cereal...Irish breakfast tea with sugar and cream! Just to name a few things.

Foods I hate: Still cannot stomach the smell of garlic! I almost lost it when I made a turkey roast for Josh this week...it was supposed to be "oven roast" but the stench of garlic overwhelmed my poor tummy!

Movement: He was so active this week! Must have been all the glucose this poor kid had running through his system, lol. I loved every minute of it. At one point I was lying on the couch attempting to nap and he kicked me so hard he startled me, I actually jumped! :)


Belly button: Um...I don't think it can come out much further...holy moly it sticks out like crazy! Josh keeps trying to "stick it back in"....he'll sit there and hold it for a few minutes just to watch it pop back out, lol. I don't know what his fascination with it is...but hey...if he's entertained...

Morning sickness: Yesterday and today I haven't felt great...probably due to the glucose test. I do not like that stuff...let me tell you. I honestly thought I was going to throw up and have to drink it again and start that whole thing over. Thank GOD I didn't.

25 weeks...look I'm on time ;)

How far along: 25 weeks today!

How big is baby Jaden: approx. 9 in and 1lb 8oz to 1lb 10oz....

Sex differentiation is completed. The testes have dropped into the scrotum. Permanent teeth are developing in buds. He is more dextrous and can move his little fingers to make a fist. A preference of left or right handedness is developing. Fingerprints are also developing.

Weight gain: 22 lbs. I'm not sure why I'm gaining so much weight already, I don't think I'm eating that much more. I'm eating pretty healthy...lots of fruit, cereal, veggies, and such. I've limited my ice cream to once or twice a week! Then I keep hearing about Dr's telling their patients who have gained much less than me that they are gaining too much weight?! Yikes. From what I've read recently between 25-35 lbs is recommended. I've been trying to go to the pool when the weather cooperates and I'm off from school to swim a little...but I can't do a whole lot outside because it's been too hot! I have another 15 weeks to go so I guess I'm going to have to be even more careful! :(

Maternity clothes: Definitely necessary and yes, I still need to buy them...

Sleep: Last night the preggo insomnia struck again! I was up almost all night. I'm amazed I'm functioning as well as I am. Luckily I'll be well prepared when our little boy gets here for those all night feedings/diaper changes.

Best moment of the week: hmmm....well, the bedding is on its way and I was able to get it on clearance (YAY!) that was pretty sweet! So now I'll be able to put finishing touches on the nursery over the next 15 weeks! I really need to start getting organized and stocking up on the reusable diapers and such. Buy the diaper bag and start planning the hospital bag. Oh and finally get around to buying those maternity clothes! A friend of ours is going to help us do some maternity shots at around 30 weeks, so I am getting pretty excited about that! :)

Foods I love: pretty much the same.

Foods I hate: also the same.

Movement: Definitely...but he's a mellow little guy for the most part....and every once in a while he turns into a little jumping bean. I'll get some nice kicks to the bladder, especially if I sit for a long time (as in class for example...apparently he doesn't like that too much).

Belly button: All I can say is look at the picture! That glowing white thing poking out....that's my former innie!!!!

Morning Sicknes: Not so much....heartburn, achy feet and pelvis....lots!

Ah! Preggo rash?!

Help! I'm getting an itchy rash all over! It started on my feet and now it's on my arms, legs, even face! The books say it's normal and ok but ah!!! Anyone esle dealt with/dealing with that?!

24 weeks....yes, it's late ;)

How far along: 24 weeks and 4 days.

How big is baby Jaden: He's about 1 1/2 lbs!! Getting so big :) He's about 9 inches long. His face is now pretty much developed, his eyes are still shut but will be opening soon! His eyelashes are developed and hair on his scalp continues to grow (if the old wives tale is true....heartburn = lots of hair...then this little man will have more than enough hair!). He is increasingly concious of his surroundings and his hearing is well established.

Weight gain: Still at 20lbs, thank goodness. Not really looking to gain too much more...hopefully not more than 10-12 more lbs over the next 3 1/2 months (at least not more than little man needs to be healthy). Just makes more to lose after the birth.

Maternity clothes: Still need to buy more...haven't been able to yet. Having a hard time dressing for school at this point. I can't believe how tight my pants are getting. Thank GOD my mom bought me a few at the beginning that were too big then but fit now! Thanks Mom!

Sleep: Nothing's changed there, lol. Still pretty rough but so worth it :)

Best moment of the week: We bought a crib mattress and changing pad yesterday after church! I also finally finished painting the crib and changing table (minus a couple spots that will need to be touched up). We also found bedding on clearance that'll be about $40 less than what I had previously posted about (I know...third time its changed...lol, but we decided to do the smart thing and save money where we can. Besides, it's really cute and really looks great with the furniture. We ditched the theme all together and are just going to do our best to make it all as cute as possible for as little as possible)I'm so excited to see it all come together. GOD knows what he's doing :) It's looking better than I hoped. I'll post pics as soon as it's all complete. I want to keep the rest of it a surprise until it's done!

Foods I love: Well, I'm still craving my Kashi cereal, Fruits and veggies...although many of the veggies are still giving me wicked heartburn and salads still make me nauseous (even though they taste so good :(...it's afterward that I pay the price). Veggie bacon! Thank GOD for the heartburn tea. I mean, I still get the heartburn, but at least the tea helps a bit. It's so bad that my throat is hurting from the acid reflux. I'm really afraid that if it keeps up I'll have to start meds, especially with my past history. I just had to have a biopsy of my esophagus in January. I really do not want to be on meds while pregnant (whether they say they're safe or not).

Movement: Yup, how much depends on the day. He has his lazy days for sure, but today for example he was quite active! :) It's precious when he's all over the place! I can't wait to hold him! :)

Belly button: Outie!

Morning Sickness: These days really just depends on what I eat...can't complain there! Way better than the beginning was. :)