Short Pregnancy Update

How Far Along: 14 Weeks
Size of Baby: A 14 week baby is the size of a lemon!

Total Weight Gain: Uh… I don’t know. Ha!
Sleep: I am SO tired. I wake up all night long so it’s almost like not sleeping at all.
Symptoms: Tired. Moody. Stretching pains. Belly.
Cravings: Um, hmm… I don’t really know that I’ve had real cravings. Scalloped potatoes I reckon.
Gender: No idear.
Movement: Can’t feel it yet.
Maternity Clothes: Dresses and leggings = bffs.
Best Moments This Week: We had a fun time at Benjamin’s friend’s birthday party! Baby-wise, nothing really, ha
What I’m Looking Forward To: Uh, we have a baby appointment Thursday.
Milestones: None that I know of?

Fun in the September Sun

what he did:

what I did:

it lasted 30 minutes. 45 tops.
because pregnant ladies get real roasty toasty super fast.
and it was so hot. my kindle & phone were lava hot by the end of it.

it was fun while it lasted.

Love.

1 Corinthians 16:14:

{via pinterest}

 

Growing up, my brother and I were blessed with two godly, caring parents who taught us to the best of their abilities about what it meant to be a follower of Christ and how important it was to put God first in our lives. There is one thing that has always stuck with me that my dad said over and over, at home and in classes that he has taught. It’s something that will stay with me forever and it’s something that I pray I will be able to impress on Benjamin as he grows up the same way my dad impressed on me…

In everything that you do, if love isn’t your motivation,
then you’re doing it wrong.

Did you know that the word “love” appears in 184 verses, a total of 213 times in all, in the New Testament alone? I’m sure we all can agree that it isn’t an accident, and it definitely isn’t an accident that Jesus Christ himself implored us to be loving toward each other {your enemies, your neighbors, yourself, the Lord your God… that’s pretty much everyone, don’t you think!?}.

My mom and I were talking a couple days ago about how it’s sometimes hard to understand and be patient with people when you’re taking the gospel to them. It’s hard, isn’t it? Especially now when a lot of people just don’t care, don’t want to care, etc. It’s hard to be loving when doors are constantly being shut in your face. It’s hard to be patient with people who just don’t want to see it or hear about it. Isn’t it so hard to “love your neighbor as yourself” when you feel like they just don’t care?

I have seen people out there who have said some really ugly things about others in public places, like on Facebook, and while they probably won’t be seen by the subject of the ugly statements, everyone else on the friends’ list can… and sometimes it isn’t surprising why there are so many people who want nothing to do with Christianity, because Christians can’t seem to emulate the love that Christ tried so hard to instill in us.

My husband told me recently about Christian - a preacher - who had a status up on Facebook, making a joke about wishing he could kill some Muslims. Shocking, right? But probably not as uncommon as you think. A lot of Christians feel like they don’t have to be loving when it comes to things like Politics. Nobody really bats an eye when a Christian posts slanderous, ugly things about the candidate that they don’t like, do they? All I see is a bunch of ‘likes’. But Jesus told us to love our enemies {Matthew 5:44}, not to post hateful, ugly things about them {some which aren’t even true in the least}.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
{1Cor 13:4-7}

Take a look at that, and then take a look at your Facebook feed after some sort of political rally has happened and see how much actually falls into those categories, and which ones fall under the opposite.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t have your viewpoints or even share them, but when it comes down to it, nobody is exempt from acting in a loving manner, even when it’s election year. Or when you’re trying to get through to someone about the gospel. Or when that three year old is blasting the car horn in the middle of the night {sorry, neighbors!}. Or when you see someone else’s kid screaming in Wal-Mart. Or when someone cuts you off while driving, or doesn’t use their blinker {ow, my toes}. Or when someone says something that offends you. Or when it’s time to correct a brother or sister in Christ.

Kristen is patient and kind; Kristen does not envy or boast; she is not arrogant or rude. She does not insist on her own way; she is not irritable or resentful; she does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Kristen bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Think about it…

13 Week Update

First, a picture of Benjamin, because he is adorable. He had already gotten all of us up, and daddy had already left for work, but Benjamin just turned his music on and climbed back into bed to play with his toys and sing along. So sweet. Had to capture the moment.

I am sorry I haven’t updated in a while… you know, between updates. September has been a busy month for us and I’ve been pretty tired. So, a few days late, here is my 13 week update!

 

by the way, this is what I looked like at 13 weeks with Benjamin:

hmm, somewhat bigger. I popped a little earlier I think with Benjamin. Anyway…

How Far Along: 13 Weeks
Size of Baby: A 13 week baby is the size of a medium shrimp… uh, ew. That’s nasty.

Total Weight Gain: Um… –10 now. I was at –11 but I weighed today and had gained 1lb! So that’s something!
Sleep: Ha. Ha ha ha. Ha.
Symptoms: Tired. Moody. Stretching pains. Belly.
Cravings: French fries.
Gender: No idear.
Movement: Can’t feel it yet.
Maternity Clothes: I got some Maternity Leggings from Old Navy and I’m in love. Dresses and leggings are foreseen in my future. And boots once the weather gets out of the 80’s for good. Oh how I LOVE fall! – Seriously though, I had a lovely friend suggest to me that I should do a post on maternity style, and once I get a style going, I just might! I was totally non-stylish last time. Ha.
Best Moments This Week: My husband folding the mountain of laundry and telling me to relax instead of helping. He’s my favorite.
What I’m Looking Forward To: Going to bed in like 5 minutes. Young adult study tomorrow!
Milestones: Second Trimester! Aw yeah!

And because Benjamin is so sweet…

kisses for the baby…

and a hug for the baby. This is before I realized he had put his pants on backward.

12 Weeks… and some change :)

I meant to write this post yesterday but I was so tired… I’m sure you can understand that sometimes a nap has to take priority, ha! We had such a busy week with our gospel meeting and hanging out with the Cains – it was so much fun! But it definitely took a lot out of me so I think my body is catching up on all it missed out. That’s okay with me, my bed is super comfy and I have an amazing husband who understands and is willing to pick up the slack for me! As you can tell by the picture below, I had a long nap yesterday…

 

How Far Along: 12 Weeks
Size of Baby: I’m not too sure about this… 12 weeks is the size of a lime, but that’s what the baby was last week at our appt. Oh well! We’ll just say, “Growing!”
Total Weight Gain: – 9, still. No gain, no loss.
Sleep: I need it.
Symptoms: Super tired, as I’ve said before… I’ve been sick a couple times this week, but it sure beats being sick all day long. I’ve been moody and irritable.
Cravings: Taco Bell.
Gender: No idear.
Movement: Can’t feel it yet.
Maternity Clothes: I wear some just because the soft top is nicer than buttons pressing when I sit. But as of yet, I don’t need any. But they are so comfy.
Best Moments This Week: Non-baby related, our Gospel meeting and hanging out with the Cains. Baby related… I bought the first baby items this week. 2 onesies and a Pat the Bunny book.
What I’m Looking Forward To: Um, bedtime.
Milestones: This will be my last week in my first trimester.

Big Boy Benjamin

So I’ve been posting a lot about Baby #2, but not so much about my #1 Big Boy. I thought that this needs to be rectified, so I’ll let you all in on what Mr. Benjamin has been up to lately.

He has been as goofy and fun as ever! Benjamin has such a big personality and a funny imagination. I just love to hear what he will think of next. He likes to pretend that he’s a baby a lot now, I think just because he is just so fascinated with the thought of a new baby coming to live with us soon. He crawls around and talks in a high-pitched baby voice. He cracks me up.

Benjamin has been learning a lot of memory verses and has been making us very proud! Our Gospel Meeting started yesterday and we all had handouts to answer questions on, and Benjamin had his own. Well, he wanted to fill them out like everyone else, so he asked me what the words were and one answer was “Jesus” so I told him to write Jesus in the blank, and he did. He was so proud of himself. I’m really proud of his spelling and how well he is doing with writing. He can write out “Benjamin” and does so on pretty much every coloring sheet he brings from Bible Class.

He likes to help daddy “drive” home from worship {we live 30 seconds from the church building pretty much}, and likes to do big boy things around the house to help. He’s been really good with the potty for a while now, except at nap and bedtime {as you can see in the picture, he wears pullups at nap and bedtime} – by the way, if anyone has any tips on how to train during sleep time, please pass them on!!

Recently he has been into School House Rock and pretty much anything that has music. He has two new favorite songs, Apache {you know… jump on it, jump on it, jump on it} and Honeybee by Steampowered Giraffe or something like that.

He loves his best friend, Gabe, and likes to go visiting friends. He’s a crazy, climbing, wiggle worm and he keeps us busy!

I think we have pretty much decided we’re going to start homeschooling {officially} next year, and I think he’s really going to enjoy it because he loves to learn and he’s so smart already. He loves going to the library and checking out books.

As to what he’s currently interested in playing with, it’s basically Super Heroes and cars right now. He and his daddy go out and do street racing with Lightning McQueen and Mater sometimes in the evenings and he really likes that. He’s also into building toys like Lincoln Logs, and puzzles.

I can’t believe how much he has grown lately… it’s kind of  bittersweet to watch your kids grow up, isn’t it?

{Long} Pregnancy Update & Confusion!

So, we went up for my 2nd doctor’s appointment yesterday! I was afraid it was going to be crowded like the first time we had gone, but it really wasn’t at all and I was super glad. Benjamin was with us this time and I don’t know if my patience could handle a crowded waiting room plus a toddler. Benjamin was really excited about it all!

Anyway, we sat in the waiting room for like five minutes before the tech called us back and had us sit in the back waiting room for a couple of minutes while they prepared the ultrasound room. A little bit of thumb twiddling and telling Benjamin he did not spell his name “BBMP”, and she called us into the room.

First of all, I have to say that I was so interested in seeing Benjamin’s reaction that I almost forgot to look at the screen myself! Carl was holding Benjamin up at the large tv screen, and from my profile view of the excited big brother, this is how I imagine his face was the entire time:

{I am not an artist.}

I was really relieved to see the baby had grown, and to hear the heartbeat again {167 this time}, and then the rest of the time I was just watching Benjamin as he reacted to the baby being on TV. This was the first time he had seen an ultrasound first hand! I was so intently watching Benjamin that I almost didn’t see when the tech measured the baby and it said, “11wks 6days”.

Wait, what?

You see, I have been keeping up pretty well with how far along I am, and I know for a fact that, judging by my LMP and the due date I was given, I am {or was yesterday} 10wks 6days. That’s a whole week off, and you know, a lot can happen in that week! {I mean think about it… an entire baby is formed in merely 40 weeks!!}

So I said, “Woah, did that say 11wks 6days?” and the tech said, “Oh, yes, it’s not uncommon… did they change your due date at all?” and I said “No… it’s just funny because my mom thought I was a week further along.” and that was judging by the way my symptoms were acting.

Anyway, I know there could be a whole slew of reasons as to why the baby is measuring bigger! So I’m not worried. I’m just confused as to whether or not I should say I am 11 weeks along, or 12??

I would have asked the doctor when I went to see her, but I was distracted because I was talking to her about the wisdom tooth that has started pushing through. Yes, I’m serious. Twenty-three years old and my wisdom tooth thinks that right now is the best time to show it’s face. I’m teething. Like a baby. It hurts. So not awesome.

Speaking of baby, though…

And as for me {as I said I would once I started feeling better}…

As you can see, I don’t really have a bump yet. If you think you see a bump, you probably are looking at my stomach. Or my really loose jeans. You’ll know when the real bump gets there.

And since I had seen this and thought it would be fun, a pregnancy survey, which I intend to do every week.

How Far Along: 11 weeks. Or maybe 12. I don’t know anymore!
Size of Baby:

 

Total Weight Gain: – 9
Sleep: What’s that?
Symptoms: Still queasy, but not throwing up. Headaches, though that could be from the wisdom tooth. SO tired. Moody.
Cravings: I crave sleep. Ha! Actually, I have a lot of differing cravings. Salty chips, fries. And then tonight gummy bears.
Gender: No idear.
Movement: Can’t feel it yet.
Maternity Clothes: I wear some just because the soft top is nicer than buttons pressing when I sit. But as of yet, I don’t need any. But they are so comfy.
Best Moments This Week: Benjamin seeing the baby. The moment I realized my wisdom tooth was coming in. Oh wait, not that one.
What I’m Looking Forward To: Gospel meeting next week, does that count?
Milestones: I actually went on a walk today. And charged my camera. That’s about it.

I am Blessed.

{found on pinterest}

When you have a million hormones warring against each other and your sanity, it’s easy to let the negative ones get the better of you from time to time. It’s one of the downsides of pregnancy, at least in my experience {which would be nearly 1 year total so far}. There have been times when I have found myself thinking “Who in the world AM I?” because I don’t recognize myself amidst the floods of tears {that honestly happen way more than I am comfortable admitting}, the flurries of anger, and those moments when patience just SNAPS.

I know it’s normal. I still don’t like it. I don’t like feeling pretty happy one moment, to waaaay down in the dumps the next, to HULK!SMASH the very next. Who would? It’s exhausting!

There is one thing that does help me, and that is to sit down and realized how blessed I am. Blessed. Me. The crazy, moody, if-looks-could-kill-you’d-be-dead pregnant chick. I really am blessed, beyond measure. I know I could never count them, but I’m going to at least list a few that I’ve been thinking about lately.

.I am blessed with new life growing inside me, being formed, “fearfully and wonderfully made” {Psa 139:14}, and no matter how many bad days I have, I know that the end result is worth more than that one-hundred times over.

.I am blessed with a sweet, sweet three-year-old, who prays for me every night to feel better, who gives me kisses all the time and asks me if I still feel sick. He is so filled with compassion and has such a gentle, kind spirit. I am so blessed to have my sweet Benjamin!

.I am blessed with a caring, loving husband who has gone above and beyond, even on top of everything else he has to do, to take care of me and the baby and Benjamin. I know that if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be able to get through this. He is always asking me if he can help or get me something, or if I just need someone to bawl all over, he is there, no matter how silly the reason.

.I am blessed with a mother and a mother-in-law who have both sacrificed of their own time and money {yeah, it isn’t cheap coming from Georgia to Alabama!} to come and help out around the house while I have been so sick. I shudder to think of what my house would look like if neither of them had taken the time to come down… seriously… it would not be pretty, and I am forever grateful that they did!

.I am blessed with wonderful, caring friends who don’t mind my hormonal texts looking for a little reassurance, or chat with me on facebook to help keep my mind off of feeling sick! It really does make the time go by so much easier!

.Okay, a material blessing, but I really am thankful for my Kindle. I’ve been able to do a lot more studying with it, thanks to a larger font size that doesn’t make me {too} dizzy. I’ve been able to knock out a bit of my to-read list. It’s kept me occupied and I’ve really been enjoying it.

…. I know that all these blessings come from Christ – the Ultimate Blessing, if you ask me – and I am so thankful to God that I can sit down and name a few off the top of my head like this. He really has been mindful of me, and I know that He is taking care of me.

Feeling pretty blessed this evening… not to mention pretty tired, but you know, even that is a blessing… maybe I’ll actually sleep good tonight! Ha!