Dearest Mothers

Just wanted to stop in and say how grateful I am to have a wonderful mother. I could never ever begin to express how much of a blessing have a mother is. The things they do for us children are so incredible that the thanks can never be given enough.

Just for the sake of it I want to name some of the little things I am super blessed that my mother has always done.

1. She always takes the burnt piece of food when we cook and one gets more burnt than the other. Maybe she likes it, maybe not. But she lets me have the good piece.

2. She always cleans even when I used to say I would clean something(like every teenager). I feel bad for never doing the dishes when I lived with her and now living on my own, I truly realize HOW many flipping dishes she would wash on a daily basis! Yet I still never even had the strength to put dirty ones into the dishwasher to make her life easier.

3. She always, always, would buy me something before spending money on herself. I wish I could buy her everything she ever wanted to repay her. Well, that is exactly what I plan to do. Mommies give up so much for us and always put us first and sacrifice so much for our sake.

4. She did teach me that keeping a calendar is so important. I may not be as good as her at managing my time yet. But, I do run a good schedule because of her. Mom was always there to remember the things we did not care to keep much track of and young children and teenagers. She always made sure I was up when I should be(even if I didnt get up, she tried) and kept track of all my appointments.

5. She drove me EVERYWHERE! To friends houses, the mall, movies, etc. She also always picked me up from places I did not feel safe at in high school and even now. I know her job title was not a cab driver and when kids become teenagers they seem to become that. I really thank her for everywhere she ever took me and my friends. I know she will always come get me when I am sick, in danger, or just plain right even made a dumb decision when I was younger and for that I am so so so thankful for. That is something I know I will always do for my children. I knew I could always come to here and tell her I did not want to be somewhere and even though she may be mad, tired, or upset for having to come get me, I did not get the third degree immediately after being picked up.

6. My mother always called/ texts to check up on me, if not everyday, then at least every other day. Even to just say goodnight and that she loves me. Not only does it help me feel safe, knowing she is okay too. It lets me know she is thinking about me even without a whole conversation(which does not happen too too much after moving out ).

7. She always remembers a card for every occasion, for every family member too. I wish that was something I am good at too. Sometimes I don't think people appreciate cards as much as they should. Texting and phones have taken away from them a lot... snail mail in general, but I do love all the cards my mom gives me. From Valentines Day to Birthdays to Christmas.... I love all of them because I know she spends time reading them and picking them out.

8. She may have not done this ALL the time but I do know more times than not, my mother cooks for me when I ask her to make me something. Whether it be a sandwich or something specific I have a craving for. No, I don't even mean while being with child. Growing up, even when I was just too lazy to look and make something for myself, she would attempt and make something for me when I asked. Something that no one else will do for us that much if you ask me.

9. Last but definitely not the least, she always always always takes care of me when I am feeling ill. Even when she is not around now, she at least checks in on me to see how and if I am getting better. Getting sick as a kid, is awful and without our mommies, I don't see how any of us would get by! I always thought throwing up was so demonic and scary and when I was little even til now she would get me a warm or cold rag for my head, water, etc. She brings me tissues, medicine, blankets, rubs my back until I fall asleep(which is my favorite soothing method), and sleeps by my side when I am sad or ill.

Needless to say, without my mom, I do not know what kind of person I would be. But, I surely would not be grateful and compassionate for others. I can only hope my children are as grateful for their mothers as I am now for mine.

I love you mom!

30 weeks and beyond!

How Far Along: 33 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain: 34 pounds
Maternity clothes? All the time.
Sleep: Better because I have actually been falling asleep from being sooooo tired before midnight and I awake about nine hours later. Usually only one bathroom break involved.
Best moment this week: Getting his carseat all in order last week and re-packing our bags. And our 3D ultrasound that I put pictures below of.
Miss Anything?  I miss my hands not hurting. Everything feels sore all the time and stretching seems to always make things worse. 
Movement: He is not the most active boy but he moves when he can. I must not have a lot of room.
Food cravings:  Eating lots and lots of cheese lately. Mac N Cheese always sounds good. Cheese Sticks. Cut up blocked cheese. Also, bacon! And banana nut cherioes! I have also eaten lots of ice cream in the past few weeks
Anything making you queasy or sick: Too much soda and such gives me bad heartburn now. I am trying to cut out caffeine altogether now that I hit 30 weeks though.
Gender: It's a boy! 
Labor Signs: I had soreness a week or two ago in my back and stomach but it went away and I am not sure if it was Braxton Hicks or not.
Symptoms:  Swelling in hands and feet still. Not bad just sore and stiffness really. Charlie horses in my sleep. Overly tired! Ugh naps are becoming my best friend.
Belly Button in or out? Still in!
Wedding rings on or off? Rings are officially off for the rest of pregnancy. I cannot even stand to have them on !
Happy or Moody most of the time:  Overall super happy since my husband is now home from working his offshore job forever. I did cry about eggs this morning though. First time I have had a meltdown in a long time though :)
Looking forward to: Surprisingly the hospital and doctors every week are exciting and make me happy.
Showing? I thought I started to look like I dropped at 32 weeks, but then I realized he is not even head down still. So...., Maybe I am just getting bigger. LOTS of people have been noticing and saying little things here and there when I am in public. It is really nice, does not get too annoying. But my other doctors besides my OB have been saying "YOU LOOK SO MUCH BIGGER THAN WHEN WE MET!" and things along those lines, I think it is nice to finally know I am big. Too bad it took until the end to look like it haha.

He was a stubborn boy and kept his hands in his face the entire time. Then once we tried to move him he stuck up all his legs and hands, even his umbilical cord was in the way haha. So for now, he has been breeched position and transverse depending on his mood haha, for about 4-5 weeks. At Least that I can feel and how the ultrasounds have been confirming. His heart rate is good and he has scored two perfect scores out of two tests so far for all our weekly hospital testing! :) So keep it up little one!

28-29 Weeks

On my Monday appointment(29 weeks), we found out Reagan and I have two vessel cord. Which means that I have two vessels in my umbilical cord instead of three. My monitoring starts at 32 weeks and will consist of going to the hospital at least once a week and making sure he is okay and moving okay. If he gets wrapped around his cord somehow then he is at more risk than someone who has a three vessel cord since he will only being getting his supplies from that cord. So we are praying constantly that he does not decided to become a crazy athlete in these next two months! I am continually reminded and starting to realize how much of a miracle baby Reagan James is and that he really is such a special baby to have made it through so much already! We love him so much and can't wait to meet him, we just want him to be healthy when he decides it is his time.

28 weeks and 5 days

29 weeks!

How Far Along: 29 weeks 4 days
Total weight gain: 26 pounds(lost some weight in becoming sick)
Maternity clothes? All the time.
Sleep: Better with medication and being sick :/
Best moment this week: I sadly cannot think of one besides seeing little Reagy kick the crap out of those belly monitors in the hospital
Miss Anything? You know when you're sick and you feel like you cannot remember for the life of you what if feels like to NOT feel sick. I miss that! FEELING NOT SICK! I have the worst head cold I have had in two years.
Movement: He kicks up a storm in the night hours before I sleep.
Food cravings:  I have not been able to eat much lately, before I got sick I was craving cinnabon a lot. Also, been craving pizza more than usual. That seems to be about it though. Chinese as always :)
Anything making you queasy or sick: The icky mucus draining down my throat.
Gender: It's a boy! 
Labor Signs: No.
Symptoms:  Hot flashes? Might be part of being sick though. Swelling on my hands, but only a little. 
Belly Button in or out? Still in.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but only because I feel like a sinner ever taking it off to give my swelling fingers a rest! 
Happy or Moody most of the time:  A little bit more moody being sick but honestly have no energy to be moody haha.
Looking forward to: Ultrasound on Monday! 
Showing? I don't think much has changed, my belly does not seem to be plumping up a bunch in my eyes.

FREEZE FRAME PLEASE!

Today is the two week mark of living in our new home. It seems to have gone by so quickly and it makes me wonder how quickly all the other little things are going to just FLY right by without me noticing once a baby is occupying our time as well. All of my complaints that I filed with the landlord/realtor were filled and even my AC has been fixed and the filters were all cleaned out. I am so happy with the work they did and how fast the contractors responded. The only thing we need to completely finish off our house is to get my dresser in here, painted. But, I need James for that since he is a spray painting master.

We spent most of our nights cooking and anxiously cleaning to make our new place a real home. I personally did not get much sleep these past two week but I do plan to very soon. James however, seemed to have slept like a baby as always, even on the nights he stayed up late playing a new video game he found in my Xbox-box of games. It is about 80 something days until my due date at this point and that makes me wonder where all the time went. It has gone by so fast I don't even know what to do with myself. I want him here already but then again part of me just wants him to stay inside forever and keep my tummy company.

Aside from moving in, we also celebrated Reagan soon arriving with a baby shower with my friends! It was nautical themed and surprisingly a lot of people actually showed up. It was rainy and gloomy but I was able to see so many people I swear I have not seen in 7 months or even LONGER! I received many wonderful things that I asked for and many surprises which were lovely as well. Even LeeAnne(host) surprised me with two outfits from my best friend that passed away. It has been four years next month that he passed away and she found two of his outfits from when he was a baby, still in nearly amazing condition. (He is her brother by the way). I can't wait for Reagan to fit into them. It was nice to see who cared and have at least just a couple hours of mingling. Baby showers, however, are hard to navigate. I did not feel like I got enough time to talk to everyone and I kind of felt sad all night about it. All of the time factors hitting me at once, in the face, at 100MPH. I am worried I won't have enough time with everyone once Reagan is here, even just worried that I won't ever have enough time with him. Which does not make the fact that we want more kids feel any better to me right now. All I can think of is just spending every moment with the people I love and it just is not enough time, nor do I have enough of me to go around.

James arrived home after the baby before me to take a nap and was supposed to play Wii games with me and my friends later that night. He ended up passing out so hard, he never heard the doorbell or any phone calls for over 9 hours until he awoke and had realized that he dead-bolted the door and I could not even come in and sleep in my bed after no sleep and a baby shower that day! I was upset but did not make him feel bad, I spent the next night cooking us baked spaghetti from my recipe book and it turned out great. He so still owes me though.

I finally was able to get to see a chiropractor for the numbness that has onset in my neck and upper shoulders in just three weeks. The OB and general practitioner were not able to do anything nor did they offer ANY suggestions, so I took it upon myself to seek further help since it is so uncomfortable. I made an appointment and drove around yesterday looking for the office but for the life of me could not find it. Eventually after some researching and google-ing on my phone, I realized I had made my appointment with a Chiropractor in Iowa! I feel so pregnancy-brained lately and sometimes I just make myself laugh. So, I found another one that finally took my insurance after searching forever and saw him this morning. We are going to do 12 days of appointments over the course of the next three weeks and he is hoping that it helps. He popped a few things today and I think I already feel a better range of movement in my neck which is good I suppose.

Reagan is learning how to really move a lot now(28 weeks finally!) and sleeping on my sides is really beginning to hurt. I bought some Mederma since the other creams I used this whole time did not work I am guessing. It is day three and I am so holding out for results that the stretch marks I have acquired so far stay tamed or fade since I am only going to get bigger. Reagans due date is still October 8th, but I want to make the prediction he will be here on or around September 26th. I kind of have a feeling so we will see. I bought him a new bookshelf, since the painting of the older ones did not really go so well. 20 dollars for a brand new one at Target, man I wish we would have done it from the start! His nursery is so gorgeous and comfy, I cannot wait until I can set him in his crib and pass by his room and know an actual human lives in there now!

The only things we really need after the shower and everything at this time are perhaps a monitor(which I think a friend has), a bumbo(another friend also has), and the Avent Breast Pump I want so badly. I also really need a backup carseat for when he is bigger and for a car that he will be in that is NOT my car. I have most of the little and big things now but those last few things will really just let me relax and enjoy the last month or two of being pregnant. He could also use a little activity gym but that is not too necessary. Everyone pray that I can breast feed well and that it all works out according to plan. I would just be utterly devastated if I could not breast feed. I hit my 29 week mark on monday and then shortly after around 32 weeks we will start doing monitoring at the hospital every week until he is here. I am kind of nervous, we are in the home stretch!!!

Well, James has been back at work since Tuesday night and being here is really kind of eerie sometimes. I miss my husband a lot and it feels like I am a single woman or something sometimes being all alone in this house of stuff. Luckily his new job will be starting sometime after he is off this last hitch and he will be all ours again for a long time(we hope)!

In the coming weeks I have SO many appointments and things to take care of I don't even know how I will get through them. I have a new ultrasound soon. So I will update you with week 30 and post the ultrasound photos, along with our (cleaned) new house, and Reagans nursery. Hopefully by that time I will have some of the baby shower photos too!

Third Trimester!

This past Monday I turned 27 weeks which puts me in my third trimester and I also had a regular OB appointment. I got to do my glucose test! I am assuming I have passed it since they said they would call if something was wrong. Being in my third trimester now kind of makes me actually nervous! I have not been nervous at all this whole time but for some reason knowing that we are in the home stretch makes me uneasy that I may not have everything as prepared as I thought. Looking over all the lists though, I think I am still ahead of most mothers-to-be but I think I won't feel ready until he is honestly just here. Also, my baby shower is this weekend. I am nervous about that too! I hate feeling like the center of attention, especially since I feel like I do not look that big.

We also moved into our first place this past Friday, it only took one day of like six to eight hours of boxes and furniture moving(2 hour lunch break included) and as of today we only have like 4 boxes left to unpack in the upstairs hallway which is just stuff for the desk that we have not been able to move because the weather has been so rainy ever since the day we moved in! Also my dresser is being repainted so all my little un-hangable clothing is just sitting around making our room not able to be photographed. Needless to say a big post with photos of our well made home will be coming shortly. Gotta find that stubborn camera charger too!(which is in a desk box). We(James) DID get the baby room painted and my mother helped me organize all his stuff into his crib/dresser/closet. His wall is Mint Shake green to match his dresser and now I am on the hunt for a cute little bookshelf since the one we painted I went out and ruined two days after it was painted. The mother-daughter time I get right now just cannot be enough. I miss my mom a lot lately and love spending time with her.

James will be leaving next Tuesday for his last hitch(so we hope) before he starts his new job with my uncle at a company called Wood Partners in downtown Houston overseeing apartment construction. I really don't want to be here at our new place all alone so soon but I am sure I will get used to it in time. It is SO hard making a new place SMELL how you want it. I also haven't figured the AC unit out, so it's been SUPER hot in here lately(80s overnight) but I am crossing my fingers that somehow our first summer energy bill EVER will be cheap as heck because of my lack of knowledge on it! :)

How far along? 27 weeks and 3 days now(photo at a day before 27 weeks)

Total weight gain: Up 24 pounds since first weigh in. 

Maternity clothes? Definitely. Even went out and bought two new bottoms for me to fit into yesterday.

Stretch marks? TONS of stretch marks under my belly. Dark and red and little. A couple on the top of my upper thighs and increasing size on my previous inner ones. Also a couple on one of my sides too.

Sleep: Insomnia some nights, super tired other nights.

Best moment this week:  Finding out I get another ultrasound in 3 weeks!

Miss Anything? Having a bathroom downstairs... :/ Our new one is our townhouse is upstairs....
Movement: Yeah, pretty chill little dude if you ask me. He does not ever really bother me.

Food cravings: I can't think of anything specific lately. Oreos maybe... and bacon. Also, cauliflower is pretty yummy.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not that I can think of.
Gender:  A baby boy.

Labor Signs: No.

Symptoms:  Numbness in back. Swollen feet. Headaches. Heartburn is getting worse and worse too. I also get tired really fast and honestly feel so so lazy. 

Belly Button in or out? Still not out :)
Wedding rings on or off? On- about to come off.

Happy or Moody most of the time: More of a normal mood lately. Kind of irritated with people easier. Impatient.

Looking forward to: Ultrasound, internet, getting my nails done! Oh and my baby shower is SATURDAY! :D

Showing?: Showing more and more but still feel considerable small compared to others in the same couple weeks as  me.

Here is a re-cap of the past few weeks baby bump too!

26 weeks and 3 days(July 4th photo)

25 weeks.

Placenta Previa Ultrasound Re-Check: Crossed our fingers for this one

A view of his face. He is double what he was at around 16 and 17 weeks. Its amazing seeing him so much bigger.

His hands that I just cannot wait to hold.

Earlier this week I was able to see baby Reagan again in his ultrasound! He is one pound and three ounces and right on track with the 23rd week range. It was amazing seeing him kick and move and wiggle all around and being able to feel it too. I got amazing news that my placenta has completely moved out of the way and I am clear for a normal vaginal birth! We are over joyed to not worry about him coming earlier than his Due Date, although I still believe he will be a late September baby. (crossing my fingers for a Libra over here still) One of my good friends went into labor this week and had her beautiful baby girl Riley! I am so proud of my friend for her amazing healthy pregnancy and her healthy delivery of her beautiful healthy baby girl who is over eight whole pounds! Her labor was nearly over a day long! I don't really expect anything less but I sure know it must get tiring after a while without being able to nap or catch a break or even really eat anything.

22 weeks and 5 or 6 day.

23 and half weeks.

How far along? 23 weeks and 6 days! (one day shy of six months)

Total weight gain: I am 172 according to my home scale today. I seem to ironically weigh less on my OBGYN scales which is weird. 16 pounds so far.

Maternity clothes? Definitely. I am wearing lots of leggings lately with long tank tops that I have which are not maternity. 

Stretch marks? I found two little marks on my right side near my back. I have used everything from A to Z this whole time to prevent them so we will see if it gets bigger.

Sleep: I swear my morning sickness has returned with a vengeance and I am waking up around 3-5 and getting sick. :/

Best moment this week:  The previa being moved!

Miss Anything? Being content with food :/
Movement: I feel him ALL the time now. I see him kicking me while I eat and digest a lot too.

Food cravings: Something that won't make my stomach hurt. Chocolate with almonds which i never liked before are really good lately! Also Oatmeal Creme Pies.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Random foods! Ugh and shellfish.
Gender:  A baby boy.

Labor Signs: No.

Symptoms:  Vomiting, legs falling asleep, bad skin.

Belly Button in or out? Merging more towards out as we speak.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Lots of crying lately. Crying about forgetting things I wanted to tell James. Crying about little things going wrong. Crying about being tired. 

Looking forward to: MOVING ON JULY 6th. Finally our own little home! :)

Showing?: I feel like my belly has not really grown in a few weeks. We will see in the weeks to come if I jinx myself.

Over Halfway There! But, Let's Recap...

How far along? 22 weeks and 3 days! ( 5 and a half months )

Total weight gain: I started at about 155 and my last appointment at 21 weeks said 166 I think, so 11 pounds so far! All within the past two weeks I swear.

Maternity clothes? I started out with a few outfits at around 12 weeks but have not worn them all yet. I have bought more since then but I am still trying to squeeze into all my old ones because I am missing them so much. Maternity clothing is kind of expensive so I did not buy a huge wardrobe just a few cute tops and pants at a time. One for each type of occasion and lots for the summer time(tanks and such).

Stretch marks? No stretch marks so far! Just some from my teenage years of weight losses and gaining on my inner thighs.

Sleep: I fall asleep faster than my entire life! Which is good on some notes but I am still somewhat an insomniac. I love my television at bed time :) & of course catching up on all my shows on a busy day. But lately, I wake up before ten NO MATTER WHAT and I am never able to nap or fall back asleep. I can't sleep in even if I try it seems, which is good, but this even even when I am going to bed at 4 AM so it is frustrating sometimes! 

Best moment this week:  I was able to start seeing him kick more and more through the outside and he makes my tummy jiggle! It is so precious.

Miss Anything? I miss fitting into my jeans and easily putting on shoes and going up stairs.
Movement: I feel him during the hours of 6pm- 12am the most it seems. But lately I feel him randomly throughout the day so it is nice knowing he is in there alive and safe!

Food cravings: CHINESE FOOD this whole time I swear! & recently mexican food again.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I have been sick off crawfish three times now so I guess just that.
Gender:  A baby boy.

Labor Signs: No.

Symptoms:  Scatiac pain in my left leg sometimes. Placenta Previa which makes moving around hurt sometimes, or so it seems due to modified bed rest( since 17 weeks ). Morning sickness maybe once a month now. HORRIBLE, AWFUL, PAINFUL, CONSTANT acid reflux/indegestion/heartburn. Always thirsty. Bathroom breaks maybe every 3-5 hours. Constipation or diarrhea... Never just a normal bowel which is by far second most annoying. Always hungry for something sweet but nothing ever sounds good besides Cake which is a pain to make all the time and I did not really like cake at all before either. Other than those things right now, this pregnancy is pretty good for me. I was tired a lot from weeks 8-13 then it picked up and I got more energy like it says I was going to. I am exhausted faster but not like those first few months where eating did not even seem to be an option. I did not get sick per say but I literally did not want to eat, move or be awake even. My mood is not too all over the place but after about 19 weeks I have realized I am tearing up and crying at some things more. Hubby and I aren't really fighting so that is how I judge my mood because he sure as heck does not put up with me when I am rude. I am however rude to strangers who give me lip(customer service) which I feel bad about immediately and wish I can go back and fix. So I am trying to be sensitive to other a lot right now too. Random cravings from earlier in pregnancy: Sushi, Pineapple Jarritos Sodas, Sodas in general, subway, chinese, cookies, cereal, milk. Cravings lately: Cake, Guacamole, Banana with Peanut butter sammies, and of course the chinese.

Belly Button in or out? Innie, which was a deep one before but I think it will pop out at least at 30 weeks if not earlier.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: 80 Happy/ 10 Moody/ 10 outspoken/rude/snappy(with no remorse)

Looking forward to: Shopping for all of his little things I have yet to get. More clothing, play pen, & pampering myself  a little finally. Also his next ultrasound within the next couple of days.

Showing?: Did not feel like I was up until 18-19 weeks and now I am getting bigger and bigger every day I am pretty sure of it. :)

AND NOW FOR THE BREAKDOWN OF THE BELLY WEEK BY WEEK: (Newest to Eldest)

10 weeks: Basically how I looked from 6-10 weeks, I was a bit flatter before.

11 weeks

14 weeks & 2 Days

14 weeks & 4 Days

15 Weeks

16 weeks

18 weeks( First real kicking started )

19 weeks & 5/6 Days

19 weeks as well.

20 weeks(HALFWAY PHOTOS)

21 weeks & 1 Day

21 weeks & 4 Days

 I will try to update weekly until he is born from this point on. Reagan is the name we have chosen since 14 weeks when we found out the sex and his next ultrasound is coming up so I will post those photos along with all the previous ultrasound photos to compare.