We're Back

2009-11-23T22:24:00.003-06:00

Ok... so its been what like 3 months since I have posted.... I apologize. I'm sure most of our followers have given up on us by now. A lot has changed since last time. We are loving life with our baby girl. Mark just finished up most of his work for this semester and is gearing up for finals. Within the last week he has had an emergency appendectomy and traveled to Lubbock for a moot court competition. Beth is doing school, mostly from Dallas, and working as a part-time Chaplain at Children's Medical Center. Baby Charlotte is growing and exploring life. She stays with Beth's Dad on Mondays and Mark's mom comes to help when Beth has to work overnights. I will continue to update yall on the past few months in the days to come, as well as share some of our many pictures of Charlotte. If you would like to see Charlotte's pictures Click here to visit Beht's Flickr Page or Click here to visit Charlotte's Shutterfly Page.

And, here are some pictures Beth took this afternoon. Beth took baby Charlotte to a neighborhood park so she could play in the leaves. As you can see, Charlotte is sitting (although in this picture she is trying to get to the leaves off in front of her) and attempting to crawl.

Month Two

2009-08-29T21:32:00.004-05:00

Charlotte goes to the dr. on Friday, so we will have an update on how much she has been growing. She has changed a lot this past month, and looks more like an infant than a newborn. She has learned how to hold her head up and pushes herself up from her stomach. She sits in her bumbo chair and has perfected the social smile. Also, she found her hands, and they are pretty amazing. She rolled over from her tummy to side a few times. She is a very good eater and sleeper. We cut a feeding at 8 weeks, and she moved into her own crib this month. This was a bigger step for mom than baby, as she has slept through the night from the beginning. Her cries have more sounds to them as she is learning to communicate. She is very expressive, inquisitive, and social. She loves to explore and is discovering the world more and more each day.

One highlight from this month was when 20 people came to visit her when she was 6 weeks old. Beth's mom's family came in from Oklahoma and we cooked out at our new house in Dallas. It was so fun, Charlotte didn't want to nap while they were here, so she was wiped when everyone left.

Charlotte at 5 weeks.

Charlotte enjoying the swing.

Charlotte looking at mommy, she is still kind of small.

my beautiful baby girl.

Charlotte laughing and being silly.

Charlotte at 6 weeks.

Charlotte having fun playing with her hands.

Sitting in the bumbo chair. Charlotte at 7 1/2 weeks.

Crazy hair, Crazy baby. Charlotte at 8 weeks.

Month One

2009-08-22T22:11:00.004-05:00

At one month Charlotte was 8 lbs 14 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. This month she learned how to smile, laugh, and make sounds (coos). She turns her head from side to side and is very alert as she moves her arms and legs actively. She can follow an object with her eyes. Her personality is laid-back, happy, playful, and alert. She really likes baths and warm water and cries when the bath is over. She loves her play-mat especially the red bird that hang in the middle. She talks to this red bird and her teddy bear that makes sounds. She also enjoys tummy time, not because she likes to be her on tummy, but because she likes to watch t.v. Her favorite thing is getting her diaper changed and laying on her changing pad.

Charlotte just 4 days old.
Charlotte at 1 week.Charlotte at 2 weeks.

Charlotte at 3 weeks.
Charlotte at 4 weeks.

Charlotte's Birth Story

2009-08-22T21:03:00.004-05:00

I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything and my baby is already seven weeks old, but here is the story of July 4th...

On Thursday July 2nd, Mark finished his summer internship. When he got home that afternoon we went to our favorite pizza place in town and I ordered the eggplant parmesan, because I had heard that this dish helps induce labor (something about eggplant and basil). I was scheduled to be induced Monday, July 6th. The doctor thought Charlotte would make her arrival around June 23rd, and she dropped into place about 4 weeks before the 23rd.

After an early dinner, Mark and I came home and planned out our final weekend before having a baby. At about 10:00 pm I decided to take some castor oil (which is suppose to induce labor). I didn't think much about it because you probably have to take a very large dose to induce labor. But, around 11:00 I started nesting. I decided to throw out everything in the pantry and refrigerator. Then, I put all my clothes (by this time I only fit into about 3 articles of clothes) in the washer (but forgot to put them in the dryer). Mark asked me if I was nesting, and I claimed I was just trying to clean and that he was being ridiculous. Eventually, Mark convinced me to got to bed.

I woke up at 2:00 am with some little pains. I thought I was having braxton hicks contractions so I went a laid on the recliner. They kept getting more uncomfortable. I would empty my bladder, drink three glasses of water, and lay on my side just like they told us in Lamaze class. I didn't sleep all night because I was uncomfortable. I had experienced so many braxton hicks that I just assumed that these contractions were the same. I drank so much water and spent hours walking around the house in circles (because I didn't want to go walking in the middle of the night by myself, and I didn't want to wake up Mark). I tried to wake Mark around 8 and 9 am but he didn't wake up. I finally called my mom around 9:30 am, by this time I was rolling around on my birth ball (a large exercise ball) on the living room floor in pain. My mom told me to call my doctor. I woke up Mark and we called the doctor (it was 10:00 am), but since it was Friday, July 3rd the office was closed. While I waited for the doctor to call me back I took a shower and finished packing my bags. The on-call doctor (a woman doctor from another practice that I have never even heard of) called me back and told me to get to hospital because I couldn't even talk to her.

Mark and I got in the car and drive into Dallas to the hospital. I'm not sure how fast he was going but we made the 35 minute drive in about 20 minutes. I just remember sitting in the car was so uncomfortable. When we got to the hospital, we were one of many people who had just showed up in labor. They examined me and saw that I was in labor and admitted me. We arrived at 11:00 am and I was already dilated to a 3 and 100% effaced. By the time I got checked in and to my room I could barely walk, and I was between a 4 and 5. I had to get an IV and take one bag of fluids before I could get an epidural. I am really glad I decided to get the epidural right when I got there because this process took a long time, and I remember those last few contractions while I was getting the epidural were pretty painful.

As soon as I had my epidural I met Dr. Haddock, the on-call doctor. She was young and outgoing and I really liked her. Before she could examine me my water broke. They said I would be pushing in a few hours and that the baby would be out by 8:00 pm at the latest. So, we called everyone and they all started to come to the hospital. I was progressing very quickly, and then things started to slow down when I was almost fully dilated and I was getting sick to my stomach. I was getting an infection and fever, but I didn't know it yet. I took a nap and everyone got dinner and then we were ready to start pushing. I pushed for an hour and a half. I wasn't feeling very well, but thought that since I hadn't had anything to eat since 4pm the day before and didn't sleep all night that I was just tired and hungry. They stopped me from pushing because I became ill and was shaking and nauseated and my blood pressure bottomed out. They found out I had a fever of 103, so they gave me several bags of medication for the fever, nausea, and blood pressure. About an hour later we started pushing again. I pushed for 2 and a half hours. They started to talk to me about interventions and possibly a c-section. And then in walked Dr. Haddock. She was able to turn Charlotte to the correct position since she was facing the wrong way, and within another 20 minutes she was out at 1:35 am on July 4th. Total, I pushed for 4 hours and was in labor for over 24 hours.

Charlotte was 7lbs 11 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. She had a full head of hair. She scored an 8 and 9 on her apagar test. But, she had a fever and infection. They swaddled her up and put a hat on her and gave her to Mark to hold while I finished up. Mark held her for about 20-30 minutes and then they took her and ripped off her swaddle and hat because they realized she had a fever. They then poured water on her head to "wash her hair" but really to cool her off. They handed her to me and she was breathing really hard because she was shocked from the cool water. Just a few minutes, about 3-4 minutes later, the NICU nurse came to drawl some blood to see if she had an infection. When she got there Charlotte was breathing at a rate of 105 when 40-60 is normal (remember she was in shock), so they took Charlotte from me and told me she was going to take her to the transition nursery to be watched for 2-4 hours.

Everyone got to see her before they took her away. Everyone went home because it was after 2:30 am except my mom and Mark. I sent Mark home to shower and take care of the dogs and catch a small nap. My mom and I finally made it my room at 5:30 am. While the nurse was orientating me, in walked a NICU nurse with some photographs and rules for visiting the NICU. I had no idea the Charlotte was in the NICU. I was a little shocked. The nurse told me I couldn't see my baby until 7:30 am. It was a surreal feeling because I knew I had a daughter but she wasn't with me. Around 6:30 am the NICU doctor came and told me that Charlotte was in the NICU because she had fluid in her lungs and her chest x-rays were hazy. This was the first of many reasons we were told that our daughter was in the NICU, and the only baby doctor I ever saw or talked to.

We still aren't very sure why Charlotte was in the NICU. Every time we would go see her all her vitals and stats were perfectly normal. We were very frustrated as we never got a clear answer and they would keep telling us she would be released and she wouldn't be. The more time that goes by the more upset I get about the whole situation. I am going to try and speak with a patient liaison for some answers. She is perfectly healthy and we were able to all come home together at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 6th.

And, here are a few pictures...

Mark and I when I was almost ready to push.

First picture when she was born.

Charlotte and all her hair!

Proud Dad!

Charlotte in the NICU

Dad giving Charlotte a bottle for the first time.

Charlotte's first outfit (she was finally allowed to wear clothes over her monitors)

Newborn Pictures

2009-08-13T23:31:00.004-05:00

For all of you who have requested more pics...

Here are some of Charlotte's newborn pics (taken when she was 2 weeks old).

Two New Posts

2009-07-17T00:25:00.002-05:00

I have posted two new updates. I still need to write her birth story and a few other things, and I promise I will soon. We go for another doctor's appointment and trip to Dallas tomorrow, on Friday.

Coming Home

2009-07-16T21:33:00.007-05:00

On Monday July 6th at 6 p.m. Charlotte was discharged from the NICU and I was discharged from Baylor Medical Center. Mark and I couldn't wait to take our baby home. This was the first time we got to hold our baby without her being attached to monitors. As usual she slept through this experience. On the way home we rode in the HOV lane and stopped at Sonic, little did she know.

Waiting at home for us were our two original babies, our dogs Halle and Belle. They weren't really sure what to think of her at first. Belle (border collie) didn't know what she was for the first few minutes, then she decided it was her duty to protect Charlotte.

I couldn't get this one to turn the correct way, but it is too funny. Belle helping Mommy change Charlotte.

Firsts

2009-07-16T21:11:00.006-05:00

Charlotte his now 12 days old and has been home for over a week, and as expected she has had lots of firsts.

On July 7th, Charlotte had her first blow out diaper followed by her first bath (sponge bath of corse). She enjoyed the bath as long as she didn't get too cold. She has received many baths, one every other day, because her hair seems to get oily. She still seems to like the bath, especially listening to the water run and having her hair washed and dried. She doesn't like being cold or Mommy spraying her hair with water.

Also, on this day she had her first ride in her swing. She loves her swing and her mobile, although we don't put them both on at the same time right now, it might be a little much!

On July 8th, Charlotte had her first doctor's appointment. She enjoyed the car ride into Dallas. We stopped on the way and ate at Wendys and she slept the whole time. She slept while we waited for the doctor and then when the doctor saw her she just stared at her and didn't make a sound. She was such a good girl. We also saw a lactation consultant, and she is a good eater! The reports from the doctor were great, she was doing so well they didn't have to run anymore tests. We go back Friday the 17th.

On July 15th, she had her first stroller ride/walk around the block. Mommy and Daddy got all ready and before we were out the door she was already asleep. But, she slept soundly. This event occurred after her first fussy period. Charlotte has been a very content baby. She basically only cries when Mommy doesn't feed her quick enough. We will think she is sleeping and will look in her crib and she is just laying there looking around. However, this day we got a little off schedule because Mommy and Daddy took a nap, and then she got fussy. I think she was gassy (a common problem for her, poor baby) and overtired. But, after the stroller ride and a tight swaddle she calmed down and went right to bed.

Today, July 16th, we had our first trip to Walmart. She did well. We ate lunch at the Subway inside Walmart and she slept (as she was immediately asleep when she got in her car seat). She woke up three times and was a little fussy so Mommy held her for a second while she calmed down. Overall, it wasn't bad, and we were gone from the house for about 1 1/2 hours. Then, tonight we went out to eat for the first time at our favorite local pizza joint, Jimmys. She slept the entire time. The workers at Jimmys were excited to see her as we eat there weekly, and they were anticipating her birth.

I don't remember what night this was, but this was her first time sitting in her boppy. We put on her Pooh Bear nightgown, although it was a little big on her. She loves to sit in her boppy and look around. And, if you haven't noticed she loves her pacifier too.

Our 4th of July Sparkler

2009-07-12T17:01:00.003-05:00

At 1:35 am on July 4th Charlotte Leigh Moore made her arrival. She weighed 7 lbs 11 oz and was 19 3/4 inches long.

It's been a while... too long, sorry. I have many posts lined up to catch everyone up with what has been going on the last month. I will post her birth story and explain why she spent 3 days in the NICU. We are just getting into our routine and catching up on our sleep. Check back as I plan on posting several times in the coming days to catch up.

Thank you to everyone for all your sweet comments, blessings, and prayers!

Week 35 and 36

2009-06-16T19:06:00.003-05:00

Week 35
Our baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in the womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. She definitely still squirms around in there all the time! Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Dr. Appointment
I started going for weekly doctor's appointments this week. The doctor does the same check up as always... blood pressure, measures me, weighs me, measures the baby... He didn't really give us much information other than he still thinks she is going to be early. I dropped last week and he confirmed that I had. Then, he predicted that throughout his many years of practice the baby comes 2 weeks after she drops. That means the baby could come the end of next week. He doesn't seem at all worried that it would be too soon. I guess he knows what he is doing. He did some preparations for the labor and tested me for some different viruses. He told us to take it easy and rest.

Week 36
Our baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. At the end of this week, our baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position, which we are pretty sure she is.

Doctor's Appointment
I went back for the doctor's appointment by myself this week because they moved me up from Friday to Thursday. Mark has Fridays off but has to be at work in Ft. Worth on Thursdays. He did all the normal stuff. I actually lost weight, which is funny because I have been eating lots of junk food lately and just knew I had gained. He said all the tests he ran the previous week came back normal, which is great. He says that the baby is in position and we are just waiting still. I was slightly disappointed when I left the doctor's office. I don't know what I wanted them to say, congratulations lets induce you at 36 and half weeks? But, it is nice to know that the baby and I are healthy and we just have to wait and rest.

Walking

I have been walking at least once everyday for about a week now. It feels so nice to just get out and exercise. Don't worry I'm not going very fast; in fact, Mark says I can't even call it walking, it is more like waddling. I really enjoy walking except for when the weather is really humid or hot, which makes me sweat (a lot!).

Practice Makes Perfect!

I know practice makes perfect but I think I've practiced enough now. I have had so many braxton hicks contractions. They started a few months ago with just a few a day, then when the baby dropped it was more like 4 or so an hour, every hour. They aren't painful just really uncomfortable. It feels like this tightening across my stomach, almost like a Charlie Horse in my abdomen. Sometimes they will come every 7 minutes consistently for hours and then just stop. I know its not real labor because they don't progress even if they are consistent. It's to the point that I wake up about every 15 minutes all night long with them. They are annoying but I know that soon enough it will be the real thing.

Watch Us Grow!

2009-06-02T22:41:00.005-05:00

I put together a slideshow of my belly shots from week 13 through week 34...watch baby Charlotte grow!

Week 33 and 34

2009-06-01T22:50:00.000-05:00

Week 33

This week our baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (half a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal.

Changes

I have had a much harder time breathing lately. It feels like there is a brick on my chest. Also, I can barely eat because it is getting so crowded inside that my stomach is so small and squished. Charlotte is running out of room, but she is still super active. The difference is that she is rolling and protruding rather than kicking. I actually saw her foot sticking out of my upper belly the other night. The rolling and protruding is much more pressure than the short quick kicks.

Nesting

I have been nesting lately. Nesting is quite controlling and has taken over my life really. I get these urges and have to do them. Mark says I will say I "need" to do something and within minutes be up doing it and can't stop tell it is done. The other day I spent 14 straight hours purging the house and put 18 garbage bags and countless boxes at the curb. It was about 2:30am when Mark made me go to bed. It is random things each day, for instance: reorganizing closets and cabinets or cleaning the baseboards. So, my life has been consumed by random urges, but it has been really comical. I tell Mark I am losing my mind.

Dr. Appointment

We went to the doctor this past Monday. We were able to hear her heartbeat. Everything came in great. And, I am right on track with my weight and blood pressure. The one thing I am doing that is concerning is swelling a lot. They told me to watch my sodium intake and drink lots of water. So, I have been looking at the labels on what I eat and I apparently eat quite a few mg of sodium. I am going to pay more attention to my sodium intake, which is weird because I never really pay attention to labels when I eat. We go back in 2 and half weeks because Mark's day off is changing from Mondays to Fridays with his new job.

Houston

We made a trip to Houston this week for our nephew's second birthday. The trip was nice. Mark's parents drove Mark and I in their brand new Ford Fusion. The party was nice, it rained some during it, but the kids didn't care too much. It was good to see our brother- and sister-in-law. Next year will be fun because Charlotte will be almost one at Colton's third birthday party.

Week 34

Our baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (an average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies. So, baby Charlotte can arrive anytime now :)

Speaking of....

baby Charlotte's arrival. This past Thursday night I had a hard time sleeping. After being up almost all night I noticed that when I got out of bed early Friday morning there was much more pressure on my pelvic bone. I already carried the baby low and had a lot of pelvic pressure, but I could definitely tell there was more. I put on my maternity belt for support and got ready to go out to Canton. (Mark took our friend Annie and me to Canton) In the car on the way I started to have (Braxton Hicks) contractions. I was having contractions about every ten minutes, if not closer together, but I wasn't quite sure what was going on. Surprisingly, when we got there and were walking around they seemed to go away, or I just couldn't really feel them. But, when we got back in the car to go home they started up again. I realized that night that the baby had dropped and I was in fact having Braxton Hicks Contractions.

My skin has been stretching and I feel like at any moment, my bellybutton will burst open. Since the baby dropped I have had much more room in my upper stomach. So, I can eat more and bigger meals because my stomach isn't so squished. Although, now I probably eat too much, because I am constantly hungry!

Saturday Night we went to our friends wedding. I could feel the baby almost the whole time. By the time we left I had contractions in my back as well. When we got home that night I was so uncomfortable. I was up until 5:30 am with contractions. From 2:45 until 5:00 am I had contractions every 13 minutes for about 40 seconds. I was debating on calling the doctor, but the contractions weren't painful really. I probably would have called to see if there was something I should or could do to stop them, but it was the middle of the night. I tried drinking 3 full glasses of water, emptying my bladder, laying on the left side, taking a bath... everything I could think to try.

Nursery

I have made quite a few advances in the nursery. I finished her quilt and her valance. Also, we picked up a few more items in Canton (a small table and chair set). I have been acquiring little trinkets and decor for her room the past few months. I found a few things this past week on clearance at Hobby Lobby. I will have to post a full post of the final nursery but her are a few more sneak peaks.

Still Growing

Maternity Pics

2009-05-18T18:19:00.005-05:00

Mark and I had some maternity pictures taken this morning. One of our biggest regrets is that we never take pictures together. We really want to change that and capture every moment of Charlotte's life and of our new family. I really wanted to find a photographer that we loved because the only other time we worked with a photographer was for our wedding, and we loved him as a person, but his work was more traditional than what our (or I should say my) style is.

So, I saw some photos online of an old friend of mine, and I found her photographer on the internet. I looked through her work and immediately fell in love with it. I contacted her online and set up a photo shoot for maternity pictures for this morning. Mark and I aren't very artistic and left the whole thing in her hands. She suggested to do the shoot in Las Colinas down by the Canal. We had never been there but it was so pretty (and we saw the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning Show Studio during the show which was neat because Mark and I really enjoy their show...). We had such a fun and relaxing time, and Mark even enjoyed it (he thought it was going to be cheesy). The photographer is really nice and natural and before we knew we were finished.

I'm sure you will agree with me when I say that Angie (the photographer) is very talented. She put up a preview of some of our pictures on her blog www.onelifephoto.com/blog and on facebook (tagged to my profile). Here in a few weeks we will have 30-50 photos to show, and we can't wait. I love the ones she has put up so far. We can't wait for her to take pictures of our baby Charlotte!

Week 31 and 32

2009-05-12T19:13:00.016-05:00

First, I apologize that it has been so long since I posted. The good news though is that I am done with the semester and I am done with finals forever! A lot has been going on, so hang in there this is going to be a long post!

Week 31

This week, our baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (about the size of four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so I have had trouble sleeping because our baby's kicks and somersaults keep me up and sometimes make it hard for me to keep down my meals. However, all this moving is good because it is a sign that our baby is active and healthy. I started heartburn prescription medication and have been feeling much better. And, I have been able to eat.

Week 32

By now, our baby weighs 3.75 pounds (a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in the womb. I'm gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to our baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Doctor's Appointment

We went to the doctor on Monday the 4th. He said that I look healthy. They also told me that I lost 7 lbs which was a little concerning. But, later that day I started thinking about it and I really think I gained 3 lbs rather than lost 7, and that the nurse was ten lbs off in her calculations. If I did gain 3 lbs, then that puts me right at 21 total lbs gained which is right where I should be. He wants me to gain 1 lb a week from now on and about 30 lbs total, and with 9 weeks left that would put me right where I should be. I haven't really worried about my weight and have just continued eating the same way I always have.

One thing we discussed is the baby's due date. Mark and I have always thought the due date might be a little off. Since we changed doctors after the first trimester, it is hard to tell. Although, our baby has measured a little big every time we had a sonogram. The doctor basically said that she is a little big, but nothing to worry about. Because she is big and I carry her so low, he did predict her not staying in the womb until July 7th. He is thinking about two weeks earlier, around June 23rd. But, we will just have to wait and see. It doesn't really matter when it comes down to it because when she is ready and when my body is ready she will come. I am already starting to get anxious waiting for her, so I wouldn't mind if she came early. But, Mark has a competition June 28-30 and he is working through the end of June. So, he would like her to wait until July.

We Graduated

We had our last LaMaze Class. We learned quite a bit at this class and are definitely glad we took it. I do feel better prepared for childbirth, but I'm terrified of it now. Not really, but birth just doesn't seem all that wonderful to me. At our last class we talked about interventions and instrumental births, which basically tells you everything that could go wrong with birth. At the end of the class we were told to make up our ideal birth plan. Mark got mad at me because I was insisting upon c-section at this point. I was half-way kidding, but at the same time really scared of all the things that could go wrong and I have been through so many surgeries and nothing has ever gone wrong. So, we were kind of upset with each other. Then, we had to spend the last 30 minutes of class doing relaxation techniques, which meant Mark had to hold me and rub my back. By the end of class we weren't mad at each other anymore. Then, when we went to the doctor the next day we discussed our concerns with him. I love our doctor; he was so great with us. He was really reassuring and said that whatever we decide about our birth plan he will stick to. So, we are going to plan on going into labor whenever it happens, and if something happens, rather than using forceps or a vacuum or some kind of intervention we will just do a c-section. Both of us and our doctor are all comfortable with this and on board. And, I am not scared of anything anymore, especially since I am completely confident in my doctor and in Mark as my labor coach.

We are so Blessed!

We have been blessed by so many friends, family, and loved ones. Mark and I are so appreciative of all who have blessed us. These past few weeks we have had two more showers and spent some special time with our loved ones who have been so supportive and encouraging to us. I am going to save the last two showers for a separate post.

Canton

Mark and his mom and I all went to Canton. It was so fun to walk around and see all the unique items. It wasn't bad and was overcast so we really weren't hot. However, I did get a little swollen from the humidity. We saw so many cute baby items. We got a cute pacifier holder and nursing blanket clip. Mark's mom bought Charlotte the cutest wooden rocking horse. It is unfinished so Mark is going to finish it to match the nursery. We also found a super cute picture frame.

Update: We're not moving...

Many of you have asked how Mark and I's house search in Dallas is going. Thank you for asking, but after weighing many things we decided we are not moving. We spent many hours searching and even found a few places that would work, but when it came down to it, we were going to have to make too many sacrifices to be in Dallas. So, we will be here in our nice big wonderful house for another year. Then, we will have to see where graduation takes us.

Pack n Play

Mark's parents bought us a pack n play this past weekend. It was one of the only things left that we need for Charlotte. We really appreciate their generosity! We have a pack n play that has a newborn napper and changing table. If you aren't familiar with a pack n play basically it is a necessity for any baby because it can be a playpen, portable crib, bassinet, and changing table. So, on Monday Mark put it together. When we were in Target buying the pack n play Mark, being funny, asked Charlotte, "If I build it will you come?" He was joking because we were saying it was the last thing we need before she arrives. Well, Mark finished putting it together early Monday evening and then he moved it into the bedroom that night when I was going to bed.

I was only asleep for a little bit, when I woke up at midnight nauseous. I spent the net two hours in and out of sleep propped up on four pillows and not feeling well. Then, all of a sudden I had a strong back pain, which was weird because I haven't actually had any back pain. It was this strong dull, almost numbing, pain in my lower back. After about 30 seconds I decided to stand up. As soon as I stood up, I doubled over on the floor beside the bed as the pain was now in my lower abdomen/uterus. I called for Mark and he brought me my birth ball and a pillow. I spent a few minutes laying over the ball on all fours because Mark insisted upon it. I kind of thought he was being silly, as he was really wanting me to get in the bathtub too. After about 5 minutes or so, what felt like 20 minutes to me, the pain went away. Mark was on top of everything. I was just confused and knew it wasn't an emergency because it wasn't a stabbing pain, although it was a strong pain. Well, after processing what happen the next day, it was a strong contraction.

Mark was the best help and remembered everything we were taught in our class. He is going to be the best birth coach. And, I probably should listen to him next time. I probably should have got in the bathtub, which is what you are suppose to do if you go into preterm labor. And, I probably should have called someone, but I wouldn't let him because it was 2 am. So, Mark is just going to have to take the pack n play apart because now Charlotte thinks we are ready for her to come.

It's Getting a Little Crowded

I am continuing to grow. Most people who see me make some kind of comment along the lines of "wow! You're big!" I think its funny, and I do have to agree I am big. I can say that Charlotte is getting a little more cramp inside the womb as she continues to grow. And, her movements are getting much stronger. She is still just as active as ever. It's such a weird feeling when she rolls across my stomach and stick out a body part. You can just look down and see her sticking out of my stomach. Also, as of last Friday, I have started to really swell. My feet and hands get real puffy at random times. I probably need to drink more water. Here are some updated belly pics.

Week 30

2009-04-29T21:53:00.009-05:00

Only 10 more weeks...

Our baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in the uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

"You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size."--babycenter.com

Changes

Mark bought me a maternity support band yesterday because I was in a lot of pain. I was having lots of pressure on my pelvic bone because I am carrying Charlotte really low. She is kicking me inside of my pelvic bone. My doctor and my LaMaze instructor both suggested that I get a support band because I carry her really low. I started more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions as well as lots of pressure on the upper part of my stomach. The band makes a huge difference, except the Velcro on parts of it can get scratchy.

My belly-button is diffidently an outie in every possible way. Even through several layers of clothes is sticks out. Apparently, I have started snoring at night. Not to blame this on my daughter, but I wonder if this has something to do with the difficulty breathing because the baby is smooshing everything inside. Also, I can tell I have many moods lately. Not that I switch from moods often or quickly, but I can tell that I am in particular moods. Yesterday I was anxious and very worrisome, while today I was lackadaisical.

LaMaze Class

This week in class we began with another wonderful labor video. We actually watched 3 or 4 video of birth this week, all of which are from the 80s, and I think are trying to scare us. The one person who chose to get an epidural, didn't seem like she was in much pain.

We toured the hospital this week as well. They showed us the labor and delivery room and then the rooms upstairs in the Family Center where we will stay for 48 hours (96 if a C-Section). The rooms are all very nice. The birth center has showers, birthing balls, rocking chairs, and all kinds of freedom (we can wear whatever we want to labor and don't have to just wear the hospital gown). Also, we can have as many people as we want in the birth room, although, I think it will just be Mark, me, the nurse, and the doctor.

The anesthesiologist came and gave a demonstration (not a real one) of the epidural. Baylor actually uses a combined spinal tap and epidural. The needles weren't too big. I actually hate IVs (believe it or not, as I have had so many in my life), because I always get scared I am going to rip them out. I didn't know the epidural is like an IV. So, this part scares me the most. But, it will be nice to have a continual release of medication.

We learned how to use a birthing ball during pregnancy and birth. I actually already own one because it is just a work out ball. We are suppose to use the ball to help relieve pain and stretch during pregnancy and then we can use it for comfort during labor. I have basically just been sitting on it and rolling/bouncing while watching t.v.. I don't know how much it helps.

Nursery

The chandelier for Charlotte's nursery came last week. We are excited to install it, but Mark is waiting for his dad to come out and help. Here is a picture of it....

We decided that instead of spending $30-60 for a mobile, which Charlotte could only use for 6 months, that we would take that money and put it towards a mini chandelier for her room, which she can use for years. I think that this chandelier will be perfect for Charlotte's nursery.

On Saturday, Mark and his mom and I have plans to go to Canton to look for decor and trinkets for Charlotte's Shabby Chic room. We have heard of and seen some products that are super cute and have come from Canton. I am really excited because I actually have never been, and I know it will be a lot of walking. I am looking forward to see what we find.

Work Shower

My co-workers and bosses (in the Dean's office at Truett Seminary) threw a lunch shower for Charlotte today. We had McAlister's and cupcakes from SImply Delicious... yumm! It was such a wonderful blessing to celebrate with them!

Here are a few pictures of the day. The first few pictures are of my co-workers and bosses. Then there are a few of me opening up presents.

All of Charlotte's presents in her crib at home...

Charlotte and I...
(Pardon the clothes. I have raided Mark's dresser for my lounge clothes. His clothes are a little big on me, but they are comfortable for around the house.)

Week 29

2009-04-22T20:46:00.007-05:00

Our baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, I'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, I need to be sure to drink milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in our baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Illness

I have been really fortunate to be healthy this whole pregnancy (besides pregnancy complications), and haven't really caught any illnesses or had allergies. However, these past few days have been long. I am trying really hard to keep food down for the baby to get her nutrients and trying to rest and eat popsicles to keep the fever down. Hopefully it will pass soon. In the meantime, I am getting some much needed rest after a long week at school last week.

The doctor seems to think I caught a stomach flu, however, I think I am just having really bad heartburn. Anything, no matter if it is water or crackers is having a hard time staying down. Also, I have been sleeping in the recliner because it is the only way I can feel comfortable, as soon as I lay down I get ill. So, I think I am just going to have to find a way around this heartburn. I am already taking between 6-8 Tums a day. I might have to stick to a bland diet eaten in small portions for a while.

I have been taking my anti-nausea medication all week, and it is really strong. It pretty much knocks me out. And, while I am out, Mark claims I say and do things which I can't even remember. Apparently, I asked him to get me a water bottle and chocolate from the gas station in the middle of the night. So he went and got me a water bottle and some M&Ms and helped me open them so I could eat them. I would say he is lying, except for the M&M wrapper I found the next day. So, I think I am going to lay off the medication for a while.

Swing Set

Mark's parents decided to build a swing set for their grandchildren to play on when they come visit. They finished the whole thing in about 2 weeks, and it looks great. Here is a preview... I am sure Charlotte will have a blast!

Nursery

This past weekend, I spent some time working on Charlotte's bedding for her nursery. Her is a little preview.... this is the bumper laid out around the top of her crib.

And, this is part of her quilt...

Registry

Mark and I spent some time registering for baby supplies at Target and Babies R Us. Everyone would think this would be a fun task; and it is. However, it is a bit overwhelming as well. There are so many things on the baby checklist, and we don't know if we need all of them. And, if we do think we need them, then we have to figure out the difference between all the different options. It took us at least two trips to each store to complete the registry because we would get headaches from being over-stimulated and have to go home. But, we did it. We decided to forgo the electronic bottle warmer and the microwave sterilizer... if this was a bad decision, please let us know. And, we were trying to find cute girly things but keep the larger purchases more gender neutral, so we could use them in the future. All in all, we are excited for our baby's arrival and slightly overwhelmed at the number of baby products we will need.

Childbirth Class

Mark and I had our first LaMaze class this past Sunday, and it was very interesting. We walked in and the very first thing the instructor did was show us a movie. I think they were trying to scare us, because this movie wasn't very pleasant. It basically showed many women in lots of pain. After the initial shock or scare, we were able to meet some of the other couples. There are 13 couples in our class. I wasn't expecting the class to be so big. I would say that most couples range anywhere from 20-30 years old. This is everyone's first baby except for two couples who this is there second after a 10 year gap. I found it kind of funny to see all 13 of us pregnant ladies waddling around to the bathroom and the snack machine. And, I thought I ate a lot, our class together cleaned out the snack machine, and I didn't even eat anything but my grapes and almonds I brought from home.

We learned about a lot of interesting things such as the anatomy of pregnancy and the baby. We also learned about the signs of labor. I didn't know this but nesting and the feeling of wanting to stay close to home are strong urges or instincts that happen within 2-4 days before labor begins. So, if Mark comes home and everything in the house is clean, he should prepare for me to go into labor in the coming days.

My favorite part of class is the last 45 minutes where Mark (my "labor coach") has to learn how to "relax" me. I get to lay on blankets and pillows while he has to "conduct my breathing" and I tell him what relaxes me (i.e. a back rub). We also learn long slow breathing techniques, which are very relaxing within themselves. I almost fell asleep. Try to take 6-9 deep breathes in 60 seconds and see how relaxing it is. I enjoy these relaxation techniques, but let me just make one thing clear, I am open to any and all available drugs during my labor. :)

Bump

Here we are... both of us are growing!

Week 28

2009-04-22T20:45:00.004-05:00

***edited on 4/23 because I highly medicated when I first attempted this post

By this week, our baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels (although we know that she is weighing in a little bigger than this). She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through the womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Dr. Appt.

We had another doctor's appointment this week. At this appointment, we received the results of some tests I done in the past few weeks. The blood-glucose tolerance test came back within the normal range, which is good and means that my hypoglycemia is under control. However, some of my other blood work showed that I am anemic. I do have chronic anemia, so this just means that medications needed to be adjusted. The doctor also added a few supplements so I would have more energy.

We also got to hear Charlotte's heartbeat. Her little heart beats so fast!

We found out that I gained 6 lbs last month, which is within normal range, and means that our baby is just going through a growth spurt. This puts my total weight gain at 18 lbs, which is right where I should be according to my doctors. Although, I thought I was only suppose to gain 25 lbs total, I guess we will see.

Mark is worried about the due date because he has a moot-court competition June 26-28th. They took an alternate on the team in case I go into labor. The doctor told us that we are looking at a 10 day window on either side of the due date. I think most everyone is hoping for healthy June baby except Mark. But, I think the closer the date comes, the more Mark will hope for a June baby as well.

Tired

I just have been wanting to sleep all the time lately. I basically sleep at any and every opportunity. The doctor says that the baby is growing a lot right now, and my body just needs more rest. And, the doctor said that once my medications get adjusted I probably will have a little more energy.

Week 27

2009-04-08T20:40:00.004-05:00

This week, our baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, our baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. I should chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements I may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, however they will tickle me.

Charlotte has been very active and very responsive. She is getting bigger as I am getting bigger as well. And, I have been swelling more and more. I started wearing my rings on my necklace this week because my fingers are almost always swollen. Also, I crave chocolate pretty much all the time. I don't know if I had shared but my main cravings the last month have been cheetos, cherry coke, and chocolate sprinkles. But, now it is just chocolate, but not chocolate ice cream, more like chocolate candy bars and chocolate milk. I try not to give in all the time, but everyday at least I drink chocolate milk. I have always been a big fan of chocolate, so this isn't surprising. If Charlotte is anything like her mom she will be a chocoholic herself.

Hot... one words to describe how I feel most of the time. I am always hot. As you can see in the picture this week I am wearing a tank-top. I am going to have to invest in skirts and shorts to wear. I guess because there is so much fluid and hormones flowing through my body. This is so unusual for me because I actually have an extra sensitivity to cold normally because of my thyroid deficiency.

The Bump

I don't know if I can still call Charlotte a "bump" as I am rather large. Here you go...

Getting Better

I started feeling under the weather Thursday night with my throat hurting. And, I just got worse until Sunday and Monday when I was miserable. Finally, I started getting better after sleeping almost 30 hours, and today I felt even better. I just keep sleeping a lot, and hope to get better. I was scared to take anything because it all says not to if your pregnant. The doctor did tell me I could have some Sudafed.

It's official...

Mark and I have started our house hunt in Dallas. This is such a hard thing for me because I absolutely love our house now, but I know that Mark is going to be even busier when she comes and that it would makes more sense to move to Dallas. I want him to be able to spend as much time as possible and as he wants with her, and the only way to secure this is to be close to his school and work.

On Monday, when we went up to Dallas and drove around some specific neighborhoods we were looking into to make sure they were places when would want to live. We did this before about a week ago as well. We found a house we really liked on Monday and did a drive-by. Mark called today to see if we could get a showing on Friday and it already has two applications in on it, which didn't make sense because it has been vacant since December. So, I googled our second favorite house and it said leased today as well. Then, there were three more properties on our list that also had leased overnight. So, I am thinking that houses that are nice and in our price range and neighborhoods are going to go quick.

Which brings me to my next point, our lease isn't up until the end of July. Our hope is that we can move June 1st, but we can't afford double rent. So either someone would want to move into our house earlier or the new houses is already vacant and the landlord would want us to move in early so it wasn't vacant and we would work something out where we get owner rent for the year or free time in the house. I will keep you updated on any new changes.

Mark

Mark has had a pretty big last month with school. He has participated in several competitions with moot court through the school and traveled to Lubbock and New York as well as competed in Dallas. His team has done exceptionally well at this competitions. Also, this past weekend he had his final trial for his 2L year, which is like a big mock trial. He is now focusing on finals and he just started doing research for a professor this week. After finals he will focus on his judicial internship with a federal bankruptcy judge this summer and a moot court competition which he will compete in June 28-30 as long as Charlotte doesn't intend to make her arrival then. He is also trying out for moot court teams, applying to jobs, trying out for Law review, and trying to get into a clinic for next Fall in the next few weeks. So, he has been working hard.

Week 26

2009-04-01T08:31:00.003-05:00

The network of nerves in our baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other (we believe she hears and responds to us). She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel (although our baby is a little bigger than this, probably at least 2 pounds already).

Doctor's Visit

This week I went and had my glucose tolerance test. It wasn't at the doctor's office but at a lab across from the hospital. The sugary "drink" that they had me drink wasn't as bad as I had thought it was going to be... it was fruit punch flavored. However, within a few minutes of drinking it I started getting all shaky and eventually started blacking out, so they let me lay down. I had to keep down the drink for an hour and then get my blood drawn. Once I laid down I felt much better. I was laying on my side on the doctor's tables, which is kind of hard. And Charlotte was pumped up on sugar and very active. She kept kicking the table through the side of my stomach. I just laid there and watched/felt her kicking for about an hour. I am not sure when I will get the results of the test.

Pediatrician

I am filing the pre-registration paperwork with the hospital for the birth and there is a section where I am suppose to list the baby's pediatrician. I hadn't really even thought about choosing a doctor. So, if anyone has any recommendations for a pediatrician in Dallas (we are giving birth at Baylor Hospital in downtown) please pass along the name. I am not sure the process, but I guess we get recommendations and then contact the doctors to chose one.

Birth-Class

Mark and I are all signed up for our birth classes at Baylor Hospital Dallas. We will go from 1:30-5:00 on three Sunday afternoons form April 19th through May 3rd. We are looking forward to learning, because we don't really know much about the whole process. However, it only means we are that much closer to giving birth!

Bricks and Tennis Shoes

I am not comparing my beautiful baby girl to a brick, but I am. People keep asking me how it feels to be carrying a baby. My answer, "it feels like there is a brick, or maybe two, in my stomach." That might be a weird comparison, but it is true. I love to feel and watch her move around, but sometimes she gets a little heavy. I might have to retire my tennis shoes. It is becoming very hard to tie and untie my shoes. And, my shoes get really tight when my feet start swelling, which leaves me in an awkward place in public struggling to loosen my shoes.

One last Story...

to leave you with. Mark called today and I put the phone on my belly so he could talk to his daughter. When he was talking to her she started moving around and then keep kicking the phone. We know that she can hear us and responds to us. Also, I have gotten into the habit of resting books on my tummy when I am reading. Charlotte always ends up kicking the book, just to let me know that she is in there.

And, the Bump...

people have been telling me that I "popped" or "doubled" lately. I am getting much bigger...

Week 25

2009-03-24T21:02:00.007-05:00

Head to heels, our baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Growing and Growing

I took this first picture in the middle of the last week. Look at how much I grew from then until today...

Week 25 picture... I am starting to buy my new warmer weather clothes in a size larger. I can't believe I am this big. I know I say that every week, but it is hard to see until you actually take a picture of yourself.

No-ie

Mark and I have been calling my belly button a no-ie, because it isn't an innie anymore but it is not quite an outtie. Sorry if you think this picture is gross... I debated putting it up, but this is part of being pregnant.

Swelling

This week I started to notice that I am swelling. I notice that if I sit in a particular place for about an hour that my hands and feet start swelling and I can see my pulse in them. So, I just have to be sure to get up and take a walk when my rings start getting tight. I have been trying very hard at drinking lots and lots of fluid. Part of the reason I think I am swelling is because I am hot all the time. This is strange to me because I am used to be extra-sensitive to cold.

Tums... a life-saver

So I am taking 4-8 Tums a day right now. And, it has changed my life. I haven't been sick and have been able to eat more. Speaking of eating, I am hungry all the time. I feel like I am probably gaining a lot of weight. I guess this is good because just a few weeks ago they were on me to gain weight.

Watching Charlotte

Charlotte is still very active. I can feel her moving around all the time. It is so fun because I can see her moving around too. I spend time in class when I am bored or just before going to sleep at night watching her move.

Wrap Around Her Finger

Mark is already wrapped around Charlie's little finger. The other night Mark put his head on my tummy and was talking to Charlotte. She always responds to her daddy's voice. But, this time, almost immediately, she kicked him in the face. He just laughed. Who else can get away with kicking Mark in the face? That's right Charlie is going to be able to get away with so much!

Childbirth Classes

Part of some of the information and to-do list I was given at my last Doctor's appointment, was to sign up for childbirth classes. The classes are held at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, where I will be giving birth. We signed up for Sunday classes because the week-night classes would be hard for Mark and I, since it is in Dallas. The classes are from 1:30-5:00pm on three Sundays, starting on April 19th. It was either this time or a June time slot which didn't end until June 28th. I was afraid that if Charlotte decided to come early we wouldn't have finish the classes in time. We are looking forward to taking this next step, because we know it means she will be here soon!

Our Baby Girl's Heartbeat

Here is the recording of our baby girl's heartbeat. The first few seconds are a little hard to hear, but then you can hear a nice strong heartbeat.

Week 24

2009-03-16T12:09:00.002-05:00

Our baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound (well, probably closer to 1 1/2 lbs for our baby). Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Doctor's Appt

I just got back from a doctor's appointment. The doctor said everything looks great. I have gained 5 lbs in the last month, which isn't bad because I have now only gained 5 total, but since I lot about 15, I have really gained 20 or so in the last few months (gross). Since Mark is still in New York, I recorded the doctor listening to Charlotte's heartbeat through the doppler. I tried to send it to Mark. If we can I will see if we can post it on here so you can all her our beautiful baby girl's heartbeat.

At the appointment today I was given so much information. In the next 3 weeks I have to go do the blood glucose tolerance test, which means I have to drink some nasty stuff and then wait an hour to have my blood work drawn. I will also have my other blood work drawn and get my thyroid checked. Then they gave me this huge bag full of stuff. I have my registration papers for the hospital that need to be filled at the hospital sometime next month. Also, all kinds of other information.

Cord Blood Banking

I don't know a lot about cord blood banking but have been trying to research some on it. I received a bunch of information today about it at the doctor's office. From what I understand they bank the baby's cord blood and then if any family member (siblings, me, Mark...) or her get sick with blood cancer or something they can use the blood to help cure them. It sounds like a good thing especially with my history of blood cancer. And, if something were to happen to our baby I would love for her to have that option to be cured. But, I don't know how realistic all the information and statistics are that the companies provide parents with. And, it is really expensive (about $1500-$2000). So, I guess this is a decision we will have to make in the coming months. If anyone knows anything about this and can help provide some information, please share with us!

Medication

At the doctor's appointment today the doctor told me to start taking Tums regularly. I have been suffering from heartburn for a few weeks now, and it has just gotten to the point when I am actually getting sick because it is so bad. I have been avoiding all acidic fruits and vegetables and spicy foods. But, even if I eat some crackers it seems like it will flare up. I have been trying not to take anything because I didn't know what I could take, but I would break down and have a Maalox every now and then. The doctor told me today to start taking Tums regularly, and if that doesn't work he will give me a prescription. Also, he told me I could take some Sudafed because I have been congested since I got back from NYC. Hopefully I will start feeling better soon.

Charlotte's First Plane Rides

I flew to New York City this past week and back via Houston. So I took four different planes. And, three of them I got ill. I told Mark that Charlotte either loves flying or hates it because pretty much the entire flight she will move around and become very active. There was a lot of turbulence, and I feel like she could maybe feel the turning and bumping of the plane. But, I will say that I am not sure if I will fly again when I am pregnant again. I can't travel in a few weeks with this pregnancy but in future ones, I think I will think twice about the plane.

Week 23

2009-03-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

Charlottes has developed a sense of movement by now, and she can feel me dance, or move. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), we are able to see her squirm underneath my clothes. Every now and then, I will look at my belly and see her moving. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that our baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises are becoming more familiar now — such as our dogs barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — and probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

Nesting

Mark took this picture. He claims that I have been nesting. I just like to say I like a clean house. I guess you can decide.

Nursery

Mark's parents bought Charlotte her dresser/changer. They brought it over this past week and Mark and his dad put it together. Mark took this before picture.

Here is the after picture. I love this dresser. It matches the crib, which converts to a toddler bed and full size headboard and footboard. And, this dresser can serve as a changing table and then a dresser for later when Charlotte no longer needs a changer.

Ouch!

This week I woke up screaming in the middle of the night. Mark was a bit confused and admist his grogginess he managed to check the clock and get up and turn on the fan, but somehow didn't manage to wiggle my toes. I couldn't reach my foot because it was flexed straight out. So, I put it over on Mark and continually shouted at him to wiggle my toes or move my foot. After what seemed like forever but was really about 3-5 minutes, the Charlie-Horse left. My calf in my right leg was so sore I could barely walk for 4-5 days. I have been eating lots of bananas since then out of fear of Charlie-Horse return. Also, several people have told me that I should jump up and stand on my leg and that it will make it go away, so next time maybe I won't have to wake Mark up.

Responding

Charlie is becoming more and more responsive. She responds to her daddy's hands on my belly and when he talks to her. The other day Belle (one of our dogs) jump up on my stomach and Charlie punched or kicked her paw. It is really awesome because every-time I go to pray (either out-loud, with others, or silently) or go into church she gets really active.

Growing

I have been getting more and more sore as a grow. My legs, feet, and back are sore from standing for long periods of time. And, my feet are starting to swell a little after a long day. I have been pretty faithful with putting belly butter on every night, but I still feel sometimes like my skin on my stomach is literally stretching. The skins gets really tight sometimes (especially after eating). I can't believe how big I am getting, I look at the pictures with disbelief.

Charlotte's Loot

2009-03-11T16:15:00.000-05:00

Nursery

We have been collecting things for the nursery over the last few months. Here are some of what we have so far. (Also, we want to thank Charlotte's Grandma and Grandpa Moore for the Dresser and Glider and Grandma and Grandpa Chandler for the crib and mattress.)

This is the color scheme we are going to use. I am actually making the bedding because I fell in love with a set that was 1) way too expensive (like $600), and 2) being discontinued. I found some really nice fabric from babybedding.com. I have made the quilts and curtains in our house right now, so I don't think this will be too hard of a task. Plus, I can make it exactly how I want it! The colors are antique white, celery/sage green, and pink.

This is a shelf I picked up from the Glenna Jean collection, which is the brand of baby bedding I love. I found this at babiesrus.com. I also ordered the chandelier from this collection, but it hasn't arrived yet. So, we will have to wait to post pictures of that.

I picked this up from Baby Gap. I had been looking for a pink piggy bank for Charlotte, and when I saw this it was perfect!

Gear

Mark and I both have picked out our diaper bags. Mark received his "Diaper Dude" bag from Lee and Laura for Christmas. This bag is stylish and guyish with its messenger bag style. It comes with a changing pad and a checklist on the top flap which lists everything Mark shouldn't forget, including "baby."

I found this bag online and then saw it on sale at Bay Gap. I really wanted to invest in a good diaper bag that I liked a lot. I was completely opposed to carrying around a diaper bag with cartoon characters on it. I think this one is both feminine and adult looking. It is Babymel which is a division of StorkSak.

Charlotte received a car-seat and stroller frame from her Grandma and Grandpa Moore for Christmas. This car-seat is BabyTrend brand. It is really neat because it fits into the BabyTrend jogging stroller and it fits on the stroller frame by BabyTrend. I love that this stroller is so lightweight and folds up very compactly!

Dress to Impress

Charlottes has quite a few clothes already. This is just a sample of them. This adorable long-sleeve onesie and hat was given to Charlotte by Brittany and Luke Beazley.

This is Charlotte's drawer of onesies and little pants (that have ruffles on the butt). I am sure that she is going to be getting much use out of these everyday clothes. Some of these were Christmas gifts to Charlotte from Beth's Aunt, Uncle, and Grandma in Oklahoma.

These adorable outfits are from Old Navy and compliments of Beth's mom. Charlotte is going to look so cute in her pink!

This very adorable dress was a splurge by me. I was passing by Gymboree at the mall and it was on sale. I couldn't pass it up. Charlotte can wear it to church, right.

This outfit is also from Gymboree. It was a gift to Charlotte from one of Beth's mom's co-workers and her family. It was very nice of them to give this gift to our baby girl, considering we do not even know them. And, they have also passed on all their baby books.

Other Gifts

Here are some other gifts that Charlotte has received. Charlotte received her first valentines day bear from Beth's mom.

Cheyenne and Moises got Charlotte her Baby Book. I am very excited about being able to capture all of her memories.

Thank You to everyone who has been so thoughtful! These are just a few of Charlotte's things, I will have to post some more at another time! We are so excited for our little girl to be here!

Week 22

2009-03-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, our baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. Her lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and she's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath her gums. Her eyes have formed, but her irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside my womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her body and the deep wrinkles on her skin, which she'll sport until she adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside her belly, her pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

Sonogram

We had another sonogram this week. We were able to see our little baby girl jumping all over the place. However, we didn't receive any pictures of the sonogram. We were able to see her kidneys, spleen, spine, legs and arm bones, hands, cerebellum of the brian, bladder, stomach, and the coolest: all four chambers of her little heart. We could actually see the blood being pumped through the heart and valves. Our baby was kicking and moving the whole time, and even once we watched her pull her little arm back and punch me.

Growing Baby

Our baby weighed 1 lb and 1 oz that day. This is great! She weighed in on the higher end of the range, but is not double what she should have been like last time. This means we don't have to worry so much about gestational diabetes. Other measurements: her head weighed in at 23 weeks, and then her body and stomach weighed in at 21 weeks and 4 days.

We Graduated

Also, we graduated out of high-risk for the first time in this pregnancy. The placenta moved upward to a safe place. So for now we are in the clear. We are very excited, but don't know what we will do when we won't get sonograms every few weeks.

Somebody get me some food!

Ha. I have been so hungry lately! I feel like I eat all the time. The thing is that I crave healthy food mostly. Except for fried chicken every now and then, which is strange because I can't really eat meat usually. I eat a lot of apples, pears, bananas (yes, I am allergic, but for some reason I haven't been reacting to them--part of the magic pregnancy powers), tomatoes, peaches...

She's Listening

Charlie Has been responding to noises lately. The other day I went to my parents and Toy was barking (for those of you who don't know, he has a very high pitched bark,a s most yorkies do). And, Charlotte started kicking. Then, I went to my brother's and his dog was whining and squeaking his toy because he was happy to see us. And, once again, Charlie started getting excited. I also think she responds to her daddy's voice. When he comes close and starts talking to me, she starts kicking.

Mid-Terms

2009-03-04T09:08:00.002-06:00

I am mid-terming right now. I will post an update soon, I've got lots to share!

Week 21

2009-02-23T15:57:00.003-06:00

Our baby should now weigh about three-quarters of a pound and should be approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. (However we are expected our baby to be bigger than this. We will find out at our sonogram net Monday.) Our book says "You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better." And, yes her little fluttering kicks have turned into strong kicks that actually startle me, especially if I'm sitting in class and it comes out of the middle of nowhere. I also don't understand: does she just sit in the womb and kick her feet over and over again for minutes at a time? I guess she could be boxing or maybe a kick-boxing, a little combination of both. I haven't really noticed any patterns to her movements. Other than, she is very active almost all-day. In other developments, our baby's eyebrows and eyelids are now developed. I love to feel her move and make herself known.

People (that know me and see me everyday) have been commenting on the baby bump. They say I really look pregnant and little Charlie is making herself known. Also, a few random people have begun to ask if I am pregnant. I love that people can tell. I will see if I can get Mark to take another picture of me soon so I can post my ever growing belly on the web.

This past week I was on my home from school and just hit Alvarado, which means I had been driving for about an hour. One of my favorite songs by Taylor Swift came on the radio, so I turned the volume way up to sing along. When the song was over, the well-known "Baby Got Back" song came blaring on the radio. And, immediately, Charlotte started dancing in the womb. I turned the volume down a little but left it up while she danced along. It was fun to feel her moving all around. Charlie's Aunt Laura has predicted a dancer from the beginning because one of the first sonograms looked like she had "jazz hands." So we have been referred to our very active baby as a dancer, which is good since we are having a girl. Either way, I'm not sure if I want me daughter dancing to "Baby Got Back." But, we might have a little dancer (a whole new world for Mark and I).

Week 20

2009-02-16T20:31:00.004-06:00

Our baby should weigh about 10 1/2 ounces now, although we know that's what she weighed two weeks ago. She should be around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against her torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of her head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, she's measured from head to toe.) She's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for her digestive system.

Half-way

Yes, I am half-way! From now on I should gain at least 1 pound a week. This seems like a lot... 20 pounds more. I have been gaining the last few weeks and I am now only 2 pounds under what I started as. Most women gain 25-30 pounds, so I might gain more than a pound a week. We will just have to see.

Super Baby

Yes, our baby is already extraordinary. First, she is way bigger than she should be. Also, she is very active. We have told you of her habit of bouncing on her head during sonograms. Well, as of this week, she has decided to kick me every 10 minutes or so all day long. It is nice to know that she is healthy and enjoying her stay in the womb. Sometimes I just laugh because it is really funny and an amazing feeling. Also, Mark has been able to feel her kick when he puts his hand on my stomach. It is such an amazing experience to share with him!

Dr.'s Appointment

We had another appointment this morning with the OBGYN, Dr. Gunby. It went well. They measured my uterus, weighed me, took my blood pressure... all those fun things. They told me that I am healthy and the baby is very healthy. Also, Charlie scored the highest range again on her second Nuchal Translucency test, which means she is at the lowest risk for chromosomal disorders. We will be going in two weeks back to Dr. McGee for a sonogram to check the placenta. We are still praying that the placenta will move and correct itself. Until then I am still under strict orders to "take it easy."

Nursery

This weekend was so exciting. Beth's mom and dad brought the crib and mattress that they had ordered for Charlotte. We finished cleaning out the old guest room to transform it into the nursery. Then, we put together the crib. It is so exciting to walk into the room and see all baby stuff. And, I can just envision the nursery. Here is a picture of the crib...

Here is Mark getting ready to put the crib together.

The Bump

And, here is a picture from this weekend. I am getting bigger. Some random strangers can tell that I am pregnant, while most still have no clue. My back has been aching more, and I can still only sleep on my left side for whatever reason. But, I am ready to be visibly pregnant to all.

Week 19

2009-02-10T19:30:00.003-06:00

Our baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now. Our baby should weigh about 8 1/2 ounces and measure about 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato (However, we know our baby was bigger than this last week). Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. The hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid (that's kind of gross).

This week I have wanted cherries! I crave everything cherry. At least once a day I make it to Sonic for a cherry limeade, cherry coke, or cherry slush. I have always liked cherries, but nothing to this extreme. I think I am getting bigger, not my baby bump, but me in general. Which might mean I am finally catching up on my weight gain. I have been trying to eat healthy and do a really good job most days, but this weekend we ate out 4 times (and I ate a hamburger, which I never do!). Maybe that's what I needed though. I have been having round ligament pain for the past 2 weeks. Which just means my body is preparing for the "rapid growth" in the next few weeks.

Charlotte has received some gifts this week. She has had the cutest clothes given to her. Some are so small, I can't believe she is going to be that small. Also, my parents bought the crib and mattress for baby Charlie. It is an antique white convertible crib (which means it converts to a toddler bed and a headboard and foot board for a full-size bed) which we hope she will have for several years. We have had so much fun picking out things for Charlotte's nursery. The theme is shabby chic: antique white, light pink, and celery/sage green. I am actually making the bedding and valence. It is modeled kind of after a set that I saw online (Glenna Jean Isabella) but instead of tassels it will have pink satin ruffles and the fabric choices are a different. We are using a chandelier and picture/shelf from the Glenna Jean collection. There will be a lot of pink, but the room is painted green so hopefully it won't be pink-overload.

Week 18

2009-02-04T16:19:00.003-06:00

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and she should weigh almost 7 ounces (although Charlie is much bigger). She's busy flexing his arms and legs. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin, and her ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from her head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born.

I am still having morning sickness, but trying really hard to eat. I am constantly hungry! I can feel her growing bigger because my back is starting to hurt when I sit for a while or when I lay on my right (but not my left) side. Here is an updated picture of the baby bump. (thanks to Mark for taking it!) I can't believe I am this big! Although, I am still quite small according to my doctors. Plus, I have a baby the size of a 20 week in there!

5th Sonogram

2009-02-02T12:14:00.012-06:00

We had our 5th sonogram today with the perinatologist at the Fetal Care Center at Baylor Dallas. They were doing the second half of the nuchal translucency test, which makes sure the baby is developing without any chromosomal disorders. Also, it checks the baby to make sure everything else is developing well and we were hoping to finally get a confirmed gender. This is going to be a long post, but here we go...

The Gender
The doctors were able to confirmed the gender, and it is a GIRL! The doctor showed us several shots of her girl parts to confirm it. We are so excited to finally have a confirmation. I was afraid to purchase anything before, thinking I would jinx it or something. Now, I have saved up all my gift cards from Christmas and my birthday and I am ready to go shopping for girl things!

The Name
We have decided on Charlotte Leigh Moore. Her nickname will be Charlie. Mark first mentioned this name a while ago and it really grew on me. Plus, it just has so much significance to it being two family names, that it just means a lot to both of us. Charlotte is the feminine form of Charles which is a family name in Mark's family and the middle name of his father and grandfather and his brother's name. Leigh is the feminine form of Lee which is a family name in Beth's family and her mother's maiden name and her brother's name. Charlie as a nickname is the combination of the two names.

A BIG Baby
The baby is developing great without any issues, and we even the face and there wasn't a cleft lip. Actually, she is quite a big baby, weighing in at 10 oz. A baby should weigh about 7 oz at week 18. Also, all her measurements (except her head) came in at 19 weeks 5 days. Her head showed exactly 18 weeks. So, it isn't a bad thing, but our baby is big! We have been calling her "tubby" because I just can't seem to eat enough. Well, now the nickname truly fits.

Placenta Previa
Today we found out what has been causing some of the complications I have had. The doctor noticed that the placenta was sitting very low. It should be at least 2 centimeters from the cervix and mine is nearly 1 cm. This isn't a huge problem, but it is something that will keep me in that "high-risk" category. I will be monitored closely, and will return to a specialist in a month to check. Sometimes the placenta will move upward on its own, and this is what we are praying for.
If it doesn't then I will have to have a c-section. If I start having complications again, I will be hospitalized. As long as no more complications occur, they usually deliver babies around 37 weeks if the baby is developed enough to keep the mother from going into labor. I am not sure if Charlie's large weight is a good thing or a bad thing in this situation because Placenta Previa can cause intrauterine growth restriction. I am being told not to lift anything or do any housework that takes longer than a minute; so once again, I have been told to "take it easy." Click Here for a link to an article on Placenta Previa.

Perscription I Can Handle
Alhough our baby is large, I am not. I am still having some trouble gaining weight (mainly because I am still suffering from morning sickness). Two weeks ago the doctor told me to have a chocolate milkshake everyday. Today, the perinatologist told me I need to eat Wild About Harry's Frozen Custard. He says frozen custard produces beautiful baby girls. Truthfully, it has a lot of calcium which is what the baby needs. I like being told to eat Ice Cream and Custard! Now, if only I could get past this nausea.

I'm leaking?
We ran a quick errand on our way home from the doctor this morning. While in the store I felt this cold, wet feeling on my stomach. I looked down and touched my stomach, and yes, there was a cold wet dot. I immediately thought "I'm leaking." I guess I thought I was leaking amniotic fluid? I am not sure what I thought was coming out of my belly button. Before I could say anything Mark looked over at me and said "the gel is in your belly button." It then made sense to me: the ultrasound gel was in my belly button. I told him what had been going through my head and we laughed. I know that it is not possible for women to leak out their belly buttons, but I find it comical that this thought still went through my head.

Pictures of Our Beautiful Baby Girl...
Remember you can click on the pictures to enlarge them.

This is my favorite, because I think it is easy to see everything. She is all curled up.

Both of these show baby Charlotte sucking her thumb. How precious!

When we saw this picture. I said that she must be a soccer player. And, the doctor said maybe she will be a minister... "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:15)

Here is a great profile of the baby's head.

I think these last two are kind of scary looking. Mark thinks it is really neat how you can see the baby's face. These type of pictures show that the face is developed correctly, and no cleft lip.

Week 17

2009-01-27T21:01:00.002-06:00

Our baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Our baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

This week has been wonderful because I can feel the baby kick! I have thought I could before, but this week I actually think I have felt her. One morning she woke me up and I had to get up and walk around and wait it out. It doesn't hurt because she isn't strong enough yet. It has been really nice to feel her. It is always nice to have that reminder that there is a baby inside you and your not just getting fat! Also, I have been having some strong morning sickness this week, and it makes it a little easier to handle. And yes, I said morning sickness in my 4th month. My mom just told me that she was terribly sick her entire pregnancy. I heard that could happen, but just didn't think it would happen to me. So, it doesn't look hopeful that it will stop anytime soon. The good thing is that it comes and goes, so it isn't everyday.

I'm growing and growing. It might not seem that much to others, but everyday I feel bigger! I have been putting belly butter on my tummy so I won't get stretch marks, but I have read that it doesn't really matter. You get stretch marks if you are predisposed to them. I am still constantly hungry, but I really try to eat healthy. Except for my"daily" chocolate shake. I thought wow this is great, but I can only handle one every other or every third day. And, when I do have them I can't eat anything else. I love how people are still just finding out that I'm pregnant. It's so fun to tell people! And, I am big enough that people are finally asking me if I am pregnant.

(When Mark gets home I will post a picture)

We will go back to the doctor on Monday for another high-tech sonogram. So check back on Monday afternoon for sonogram pictures and hopefully a confirmation on the gender.

Week 16

2009-01-22T21:07:00.002-06:00

In the next few weeks, our baby will double her weight and add inches to her length. Right now, she's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. Her legs are much more developed and her eyes have moved closer to the front of her head. Her ears are close to their final position, too. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop. This is probably while my blood pressure is so low and I am always dizzy.

Names
Here are some Names we are considering. The lists has had many changes. The top contender is Charlotte Leigh "Charlie" Charlotte is the feminine form of Charles which is a family name in Mark's family and the middle name of his father and grandfather and his brother's name. Leigh is the feminine form of Lee which is a family name in Beth's family and her mother's maiden name and her brother's name. Charlie as a nickname is the combination of the two names.

Other contenders are Bailey. Beth's grandma is Betty, Mom is Billie, and then Beth. So, Bailey would follow the B naming. We aren't sure about the middle name though. Then, Faith Elizabeth, Hannah Kate, and Katherine Grace "Kate."

Stretchy Pants
I bought a pair of maternity jeans this past week and I love them. I can't figure out why I didn't do it sooner. They are from Gap Maternity, and not only are the comfortable but cute! Here is a picture.

The Bump
I didn't realize I was getting so big. But, here I am...

4th Sonogram

2009-01-19T16:34:00.006-06:00

We just got back from the doctor. We met the new doctor today and we really liked him. He is a much older guy, and has been or is the president of the obgyn board of Texas or something. It was kind of sweet, because I think I might have been his first sonogram. He has never done his own sonograms for his patients, but since the sonogram tech guy was there dropping off the new sonogram machine (the other one broke on Thursday) he was training him how to use it. We got better pictures last time because it was a high tech machine. But we were very happy to see the baby and see her jumping around like her wild self. The doctor actually told Mark to start building a cage; however, we don't think we are going to keep our child in a cage.

So, the report on the baby came back excellent. She was very active and had a very strong heartbeat. They also received my lab report from last weeks tests, and there weren't any big problems. A few things we off but nothing was to the point of needing inervention. He said that he is hoping I will start to feel better within the next week. He said that I have a low blood pressure and whenever I sit or stand in one position for a few minutes then when I move I have static hypertension or something. So, I should remember to wiggle my feet and legs while sitting or standing still and not to move anywhere too quickly. And, if I start to get dizzy I need to sit down so I don't passout out and hit my head or stomach. So, good news that it isn't anything big, but there is not quick cure, so it is a bit frustrating.

Also, I have been losng weight! I lost 7 lbs between the end of Novemeber and last week and then another 2 pounds since last Thursday. The doctors aren't worried or anything, but I need to try and eat as much and as heathy as I can. I am trying to increase my protein intake. And, I read that I should have a chocolate milkshake each day to add extra calcium and calories. I think I can handle this, I love chocolate milkshakes!

And, about the gender... the doctor didn't see any boy parts once again, but didn't want to say for sure. So we are still pretty sure its a girl. But, in two weeks we will go for a high tech sonogram and we are hoping they will confirm the sex then. Our daughter is quite modest by the way, although she is constntly kicking her feet around.

Here are some pictures from this sonogram. (You can enlarge the pictures if you click on them.)

Update

2009-01-18T14:05:00.002-06:00

I apologize because I never posted a new baby bump picture for this week. I will post one tomorrow.

This week brought the beginning of school as well as some more complications. I went to school on Tuesday and Wednesday but didn't go on Thursday or Friday. On Wednesday night I went to Kinkos to get some things printed. I was standing for about 15 minutes or so and the guy behind the counter started asking me a question. At first I didn't say anything, because I started to feel really lightheaded and dizzy. So, I just said, "I'm sorry I can't think," and before I knew it I couldn't see anything which is when I said, "I'm not feeling well.... I can't see anything." The kinkos guy by this time was around the counter stading next to me and he grab me and put me in a nearby chair. Mark was outside on the phone so he went and got Mark. By the time Mark came back in, I was conscious and he was looking at me. I told him I wasn't feeling well, and noone had told him I passed out so he handed me the keys to the car. He told me to go sit in the car. I tried to get up rom the chair, looked at the keys, and handed them back to him, apprently. The kinkos guy said do you need help out, and then Mark realized something was wrong. Mark got me a smoothie from the smoothie shop next door and I sipped on it with some fresh air. I went to bed when I got home and kept eating, thinking that maybe I was just hungry or soemthing. Although, everytime I sat up or tried to get out of bed I would get really dizzy again. I ended up falling asleep. In the morning I felt a little better and was trying to get ready for class, but I ended up passing out. Mark told me I wasn't going anywhere.

I stayed in bed that morning and Mark and I tried to figure out what to do. We were worried that my body was trying to tell us something and we were afriad that the baby might be hurt if we dind't do something (this feeling was only hieghtened by the fact that I hadn't seen a doctor since my complications the week before). I called the new doctor and told them I wasn't feeling well and they said my doctor was out of town, so I said ok. Then, Mark called them and told them that I needed to see someone and he was either taking me to the hospital or to them. They told me to come in and I could see the doctor's partner. Mark made me pack a bag in case they put me in the hospital. The doctor's partner was really great. We heard the heartbeat of the baby on the doppler (the sonogram machine was broken and would be repalced that night), and he told me he was really glad I came in. He took several blood samples to run some tests. He also said he wasn't going to put me in the hospital right then, but if anything else happened he would have to. So he told me to "take it easy" ie. lay in bed. My test results will come back on Monday. We have an appointment for a sonogram and to see my doctor on Monday. Right now they think that it might be one of three things, my thyroid and thryoid medication is off, my anemia is acting up, or gestational diabetes (I have hypoglycemia which puts me at risk for gestational diabetes). As long as I get diagnosed and on medication, none of these things should hurt the baby or me, and I should start feeling better.

Since we are having another sonogram tomorrow we might be able to confirm the sex of the baby. So, tomorrow is a big day. I will post what we find out.

Back to School

2009-01-14T10:49:00.002-06:00

I dreaded this day for the past week, I had become quite accustomed to lying around in bed until mid-morning and then getting up to watch tv and maybe accomplish a few small tasks around the house. Then, there was bed rest, a prescription to be lazy. Although it did get kind of old quickly, it was nice to get some much needed rest.

Last Thursday Mark started back to class. But, it wasn't as big of a deal because he had been working at least half-days all through the break. I think he is going to enjoy this semester, he seems interested in his classes. He has been working hard with his Moot Court team to prepare their brief. Most of his evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons are spent working and meeting for Moot Court.

I started class yesterday. I have 8 o'clocks Wednesday/Friday and Tuesday/Thursday this semester. Which means I have to wake up at 5:00 am at the latest to get to school on time. I have always been a morning person though, not that I like getting up early, but I am always more focused and alert in the mornings. And the best part is that I get out of class by noon on Tuesday/Thursdays and 2:30 on Wednesday/Fridays, factor in the drive time, and I will have plenty of room for a nap each day. :) Although, it has been hard for me to get back into the appropriate sleep schedule. Once, I get into a schedule it will be easier I am sure. I am in my last full semester at Truett, so my last four classes are left over requirements that I need to graduate. I am taking both Scriptures 1 and 2 and Text, Traditions 3, and a introduction to Missions class. This might be one of my hardest semesters yet because Scriptures and Text and Traditions are heavy reading classes.

I found out on Tuesday that I needed to get my application for CPE at Children's Hospital in ASAP. My information must have been old because I thought the deadline was in later in the Spring, but I found out that they started accepting applications in January. The placement coordinator called and found out for me exactly what I needed to do, and I spent all day yesterday putting together my application. It was a rather lengthy task that ended up being 18 pages. After all, I had to provide "a reasonable account of my life," and "an account of my personal and spiritual growth" among 6 other parts. Anyways, it is done. I took it to Kinko's and printed it on nice paper and FedExed it to the office.

This project almost interfered something that I had been looking forward to for months, the return of American Idol. January brings the beginning of classes and the beginning of new seasons for tv. Watching tv is not something I ever did much of growing up or in college because I was always so busy. With the move to Midlothian I discovered how relaxing watching tv could be. I have watched some shows on and off and there are very few that I actually follow. One show I do follow is Jon and Kate plus 8 on Monday nights. I got hooked on it one day when TLC was having a marathon and loved it. It is really fun to watch the children grow up, not to mention they are adorable. I also really like the tv show Life, although I don't know when it is coming back on, if at all. Mark and I follow the new episodes of House. My parents used to watch this show when I was around, but I never really got into it. I don't remember how, but somehow Mark and I got hooked on it, but we have only seen that last two seasons (none of the older seasons). And, finally, my first real show that I started following in season 6, American Idol. Then, last season I became a pretty devoted fan, nothing crazy though (When I say devoted I mena I DVRed it so I wouldn't miss any episodes). Mark even took me to the concert this August. I really am excited about the new season and what it has to bring.

Week 15

2009-01-14T10:27:00.003-06:00

Our growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at my tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for our baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds.

This week was a bit scary as I had some complications. They were minor, but it sure did scare us at first. I called the doctor first thing the next morning and they seemed really concerned but told me I should go to the ER if I wanted to see someone because they were booked. We were a little upset, but held off going to the ER. We had been already in the process of obtaining references for a new doctor in Dallas. We called the new doctor and have an appointment for Monday. We are really excited about meeting him, because he is suppose to be the best. As for the complications I was told to go on bed rest for a few days. So I "hibernated" for a few days. It was nice to relax but go old real quick.

I am constantly hungry but the funny thing is that I can't eat very much at one time. I will get so hungry and have hunger pains and a light-head and then I will go to each an orange and barely be able to eat it all. So I have resorted to eating small parts of meals and snacks about every hour. However, I am still growing, I don't know if there is a noticeable difference since last week but I will post a picture when I get home tonight.

Week 14

2009-01-06T21:51:00.004-06:00

This week's big developments: Our baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck her thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, her facial muscles are getting a workout as her tiny features form one expression after another. Our baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, she measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and she weighs 1 1/2 ounces. Her body's growing faster than her head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. She's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over her body. Our baby's hands and feet are now measure about 1/2 inch long and are more flexible and active.

We made it to the second trimester!! Approximately 6 months from today we will be holding our baby! We received the results of the nuchal translucency test, and the baby scored the highest on the scale. There is a 1 in 2800 that the baby will have down syndrome and 1 in 10,000 that the baby will have another type of disease. We were very pleased to hear that our baby scored high. I feel like I am growing each day, which I don't understand because some days I'm not really eating much. However, if I am not nauseated, I am usually really hungry. The only thing is that I can't eat very much at once, about an apple fills me up.

From what I've read, I don't think I should be able to feel her tiny punches and kicks yet. However, every now and then I get a sharp little pain-like feeling, and I joke that it is the baby kicking me (part of me thinks that it is though). Above is a picture we just took after we went out to dinner with friends tonight. I can't believe I am that big already, maybe that was the cheesecake at dinner.

3rd Sonogram

2009-01-02T16:40:00.005-06:00

We had our third sonogram today. We went to the Fetal Care Center at Big Baylor in Dallas to see a periontologist because we were getting a Nuchal Translucency test done. The test is done with a high tech ultrasound and measures the fold in the baby's neck. Sometimes, if the baby cooperates, you can tell the sex of the baby as well.

First, the preliminary tests show that our baby is in the normal and healthy range. Which is great and means that we will probably have a healthy baby (no mental retardation or down syndrome). We will get the rest of the results back next week sometime which we are hoping will confirm the preliminary results.

The ultrasound took about 30 minutes. We got to see so many wonderful pictures of our baby. During the first 20 minutes the baby was just standing on its head bouncing up and down. And, every time the doctor would try and get a measurement it would turn or bounce. It was very difficult for the doctor to get the measurements he needed, but it provided for lots of laughs. We were so surprised at how active our baby was, constantly jumping around and moving its hands and feet. The doctor said that our baby wins the award for the most defiant baby he has ever seen. Of course, our baby is stubborn, after all, both of its parents are. He even called our child a "wild child." The doctor changed to a different ultrasound because our baby was not cooperating. The second ultrasound worked much better and got much better pictures. The doctor got his measurements, and we were able to look down there at the baby. Since it is still early the doctor wouldn't say for sure, but after several looks he thinks that there were no boy parts. He didn't say he saw girl parts for sure, but the nurse and I think we might have.

According to our Chinese birth calendar and all the online gender predictors we are predicted to have a boy. And, because Mark has two brothers and no sisters, we both from the beginning were thinking it was probably a boy. However, for the last few weeks, I have been getting strange feelings that it is a girl. After today, I am about 95% convinced that it is a girl. But, we will have to wait about 3-4 weeks to find out for sure.

Here are some of our baby's pictures:

This is the best picture we have of the baby. It was with the second ultrasound. It is obviously a side-view. The profile of her little face is so cute. I also love how you can see the umbilical cord. You can look closely and see her little rib cage as well. She looks really peaceful in this picture!

The baby is actually jumping around in this picture. You can see her little feet and butt sticking up in the air. Also, there is another great profile of her face. She is about to kick her feet to bounce up on her head again. The dark part of her back is her spinal cord. The very light dot out from her face is actually her hand which is about to go in her mouth.

This picture is kind of hard to see, but it is a pictures of its head and neck. You can see the spinal cord the best on the underside of her back. If you follow the spine you can see the back of the head. If you squint you might be able to make our the ears and the face.

First Belly Shot

2008-12-30T16:13:00.002-06:00

Here it is... yes, it is kind of weird seeing me with a baby bump. I have to keep reminding myself that it's a baby and I am not just getting fat, because really that is kind of what it looks like. I am kicking myself for not taking pictures of my bump before, when it was small and cute. But, here it goes... And, for those people who think headless baby bump pictures are weird, here is the whole picture...

Week 13

2008-12-30T12:16:00.003-06:00

Fingerprints have formed on our baby's tiny fingertips, the veins and organs are clearly visible through the still-thin skin, and the body is starting to catch up with the head — which makes up just a third of his/her body size now. Our baby is almost 3 inches LONG (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce. (Some people have commented on the pictures not making sense, but this picture doesn't show the baby as the size of a shrimp, but the length of a shrimp.)

I am still have bouts of throwing up continuously, but it alternates with a severe hunger. It is the strangest thing. Everyday I wake up and I feel like I am a little bigger! I officially have a baby bump! For Christmas I received maternity clothes and bellabands, which are lifesavers right now. I am still in my old jeans, I just can't button them and wear a bellaband over the top. Maternity tops or at least bigger tops are a definite necessity, now, thanks to my growing chest and now my growing baby bump too! I ceaned out my closet yesterday, packing up all my small clothes, and there isn't much left. But, I don't need too much I guess. I will post my first belly picture here after a bit.

Mark and I are going to Big Baylor in Dallas for a Nuchal Translucency Test on Friday. All it really is, is a high-tech ultrasound, where the doctor measures the fluid around the neck to test for a down-syndrome and other deffects. Mark and I pray everything goes well. We are really excited though because by the 13th week, the doctor can usually tell the sex of the baby. We hope that the baby is laying the correct way so we can see the sex.

Week 12

2008-12-23T12:03:00.001-06:00

The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Our baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his/her toes will curl, eye muscles will clench, and mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if I was to prod my abdomen, my baby will squirm in response, although I won't be able to feel it. His/her intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his/her kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder. Great our baby can pee!

While, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in our baby's brain, and synapses are forming furiously, most important our baby's face looks like a human! The eyes have moved from the sides to the front of the head, and the ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, our baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

Your uterus has grown to the point where you can now feel the top of it low in your abdomen. Yes, I can say this is true. I have a very very small baby bump right now. By everything I am reading says I should be in maternity clothes by now or very soon. Woohoo stretchy pants!

This week I have been so sick. I have been throwing up everything. Finally, the doctor gave me a prescription, but it just knocks me out. At first, I thought it wasn't morning sickness because my stomach hurts really bad too. But, now I think that it has something to do with motion sickness. Every time I get in the car, even if it is just around the block, I get sick. Hopefully this will pass before the end of my first trimester, which is just days away.

Week 11

2008-12-16T18:14:00.002-06:00

Baby Moore is between 1 1/2-2 inches long and about the size of a fig and weighs about 1/3 of an ounce. He/she is now almost fully formed. His/Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under his/her gums, and some of his/her bones are beginning to harden. Also this week, our baby has been growing hair follicles, fingernails, and ovaries (if she's a girl). She/he has distinct human characteristics by now, with hands and feet in front of the body, ears nearly in their final shape, open nasal passages on the tip of his/her tiny nose, a tongue and palate in the mouth, and visible nipples. Yay- our baby no longer looks like an alien but has graduated to a tiny 2-inch human. Well, a tiny human with a head the size of the rest of his/her body.

He/She's already busy kicking and stretching, and his/her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. I won't be able to feel the baby's movements for another month or two — nor will I notice his/her hiccupping, yep that's right Baby Moore can hiccup!

Things to look forward to in the next week: no more morning sickness!!! Eating!!! More energy. :) Heart burn? Gas... what???... yeah no one ever tells you this part of pregnancy! Gaining a pound week :/. ut-oh.

Yeah, I can definitely say I have been eating more, and I have been constantly hungry (probably because I was so used to not eating). I love the pregnancy book that tells me now is the time to start eating healthier, it suggests I try to avoid "fried foods, soda, and sweets." Umm... yeah, I would have to say that those are bad for me, thanks for the tip What to Expect When You're Expecting.

Week 10

2008-12-08T23:04:00.004-06:00

Baby Moore is officially a fetus! He/she is about the size of a plum or a kumquat (whatever that is--pictured above) and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce or approximately five grams. Baby Moore has now completed the most critical portion of his/her development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.

Baby Moore can taste and should be kicking up a storm (although I can't feel it). I saw this really cute/funny video of a 10 week old fetus jumping around, click here to see it. Maybe this is why I have sudden urges to pee, Baby Moore seems to want to jump on my bladder? Vital organs — including his/her kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout the pregnancy. Even minute details are in place, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin. In the coming weeks, our baby will double in size to a little over 3 inches.

As for morning sickness, the last two days haven't been bad. I have been able to eat! I am starting to be more and more averse to some foods which I might just crave hours later. Maybe this is Baby Moore's taste buds forming? :)

In other news, Mark and I are in full finals mode. Mark already took one of his finals today. He has four left over the 8 days. I have only 2 finals and 2 projects due. We have both been hard at work studying. I am working at the Law firm for Mark this week and next so he can have more time to study. Today was my first day, lets just say I really don't know what I am doing. Mark doesn't need to worry about me stealing his job... I'm sure Mark's boss will be happy to have him back.

Anxiously Awaiting

2008-12-05T22:19:00.005-06:00

I felt like I passed a milestone today, not sure what that it. Last night I got excited because I noticed my uterus has been growing. I know it sounds a bit silly, but I had noticed that it was beginning to pooch out a little. Then, last night when I rolled over on my stomach I was shocked to feel my uterus pressing back up against the mattress. My muscles around the uterus have been hurting a lot lately, so I knew they were preparing to stretch so it could allow for room to grow.

I don't know how much longer I will be in my new (fat) jeans. Which is too bad because I just bought them 2 weeks go. When I drive to school and back I have already got in the habit of unbuttoning them. I am going to purchase a Bellaband soon so I can wear all my pants unbuttoned. I know I don't need this yet, but boy does it feel more comfotable! I am not looking forward to getting fat, but I am looking forward for people to know that I am pregnant. There are a lot of people in my everyday life that don't even know yet. It is always so fun to see people's expressions when they first find out!

All day today I was just so excited about the Baby. I spent quite a bit of time dreaming about what he or she will look like. I can't wait to take care of such a small person. I just picture myself sitting in a glider with a boppy pillow holding my baby. I can't beleive how much I already desire to hold my baby, and I have 30 more weeks to go before I will get a chance. I read in my book that you can first feel the baby kick/move between week 16-20. My sister-in-law says its not all that exciting the first few times because I probably won't know what it is. Being pregnant brings an abuandance of new feelings, I don't really ever know where my new pains are coming from.

I will post a belly pic the first day I really feel like I have a good pic. Right now I just look bloated and poochy. But, in just a few short weeks, I will have a full fledge belly.

Oh, if I haven't yet told you, I am getting really tired of this whole morning sickness thing. It should stop around week 12-14, only 2 more weeks hopefully!

This is what a Bellaband is for those who don't know. You can wear you pre-pregnancy pants unbuttoned and with the band over it. It holds them up and smooths out the top of the pants. Supposedly they are really comfortable and allow you to stay in your pre-pregnancy clothes for longer.

Week 9

2008-12-01T21:38:00.004-06:00

Our baby is about an inch long, which is about the size of a grape, and he/she weighs just a fraction of an ounce. He/She's starting to look more and more human; the essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. While the baby's heart has formed four chambers, the valves are now forming and his/her teeth and forming. Our baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. His/Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. He/She has tiny earlobes, and his/her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that our baby's basic physiology is in place, he/she's poised for rapid weight gain.

I can't believe that the baby is already an inch and soon will begin doubling in size! I have been feeling really ill lately and haven't been able to eat very much. Once I finally eat something it is a chore to try and keep it down. I keep telling myself only 3 more weeks before the morning sickness should be over. I am in full pregnancy mode now, food aversion, morning sickness, cravings, and mood swings. Poor Mark! He must think I'm crazy because sometimes I do.

Have You Thought of Any Names?

2008-11-30T18:42:00.002-06:00

The number one question we are getting these days, well, right behind when is the due date? And, yes, we have been thinking about some names. So, if you haven't heard, these are the names we are thinking about now (and might change a few more times in the next 7 months).

If the baby is a BOY...

Ethan Thomas is the front-runner.
This name is after Mark's late Grandpa Green, Edwin Thomas (Tommy, E.T.).
Ethan means "strong and firm" in Hebrew and Thomas is a family name in Mark's family.

other names we have considered are... John, Cole, Samuel, Luke, Jackson, Michael, Noah, Aiden, Caden, Caleb, Charles, and Carlton

If the baby is a GIRL...

Abigail Grace, Abigail Kate, Emma Grace, Grace Elizabeth, Catherine Grace ("Grace" or "Kate"), Hannah Kate, Hannah Elizabeth, Hannah Grace, Rebekah (Rebecca) Catherine ("Kate")

The names we are thinking about are therefore some combination of...

Emma which means "universal"

Catherine/Kate which means "pure" and is a family name (my name and my mom's)

Elizabeth which means "consecrated to God" and is my name.

Rebekah/Rebecca which means "captivating" and is my mother-in-law's name.

Hannah which means "grace of God"

Abigail which means "father’s joy"

and Grace which obviously means "grace" from God.

Thanksgiving Break

2008-11-29T18:42:00.001-06:00

This entire past week I was off from school, and I have been really lazy these days. Unfortunately, I have been feeling really ill because of the baby, but I did get some much needed rest. I am going to try and see if the doctor can prescribe me something so I can eat (and keep it down). I know I need to eat but it has been a real chore. Although, from what I've heard sick mom means a healthy baby, which is what we have been praying for.

Mark and I enjoyed seeing the family that we were able to spend time with. It is always a blessing when we get to see Mark's brother, sister-in-law, and our nephew. Our nephew is getting so big, and he is so cute! It makes Mark and I excited to have our own. We did thanksgiving with Mark's parents on Thursday and my parents on Saturday. And, both sent us home with tons of left-overs, not to mention the roast and potatoes I made on Monday. I don't think I've cooked really all week, well except for those random cravings.

I think my first true craving came on Thursday night, when we passed several Braums on the way home from Granbury, and they were all open. But, since had other passengers in the car, I didn't make Mark stop. He picked up on my heavy signaling and right before we got home he took me to Walmart and got me my own pint of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. And, it tasted so good, nice and creamy! I also had to get some gummy bears this week after posting the picture online of them. And, then there was the green bean casserole that I had to make in the middle of the night. I am not sure how many of these were related to my random eating habits or true pregnancy cravings. Either way, Mark has been such a blessing, never complaining about my random food habits.

We began putting up Christmas decorations this week. We will have to post pictures whenever we finish all the lights outside (if Mark will please put them up for me!).

Week 8

2008-11-25T01:51:00.002-06:00

This week our baby had webbed fingers and toes are poking out from his/her hands and feet. In his/her brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. Our baby — about the size of a kidney bean (or a raspberry) — is constantly moving and shifting, though I can't feel it. It is growing at the rate of one millimeter per day.

Most of the information I post on here is from www.babycenter.com.
I also enjoy the www.parents.com website and www.whattoexpect.com.

Books we are reading...

This is the first book we bought for our pregnancy. It is nice because unlike other popular pregnancy books it is divided by each week.

Mark bought this book and has already read the entire thing. He knows more about pregnancy than me.

I bought this book because I have a hard time with my weight management with all of my medications and a broken thyroid (i.e. no metabolism). It pretty much told me everything I already knew but it has some nice recipes in it.

I bought this book so I will know what to do with the baby whenever I bring it home. This book is essentially Baby Care 101 and goes through many different topics.

This book is one of the top rated books. I actually haven't read it yet, but it offers ways to soothe a crying baby. It is suppose to be a really good book. Hopefully I will learn all the techniques.

Second Sonogram

2008-11-24T16:20:00.005-06:00

We had our second sonogram today. We learned that our baby is healthy! The official due date is Tuesday July 7th. Which means I am 7 weeks 6 days today. Here are some of the pics from the sonogram.

Mark thinks the baby looks like a ghost from Mario brothers....

However, I think the baby looks more like a gummy bear (minus the ears of course).

This is a lateral (side) view. That is the baby's head, arms, and legs.

The baby's heartbeat was 168 bpm, which is nice and healthy. The bottom is the doppler showing the heartbeat. We got to listen to the baby.

I don't have to go back until the first of the year (Around 13 weeks). We think we will go to the special high-tech sonogram and prenatal testing in Dallas. It will be right at the end of January or beginning of February when we will find out the sex for sure (usually around 18 weeks).

Tomorrow's Doctor Appointment

2008-11-23T23:46:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow, Monday we will be going to the doctor for our second sonogram. We are supposed to see a heartbeat. Also, the baby should look more like a little alien (he/she had arms, legs, eyes, and eyelids even) than a black spot on the screen. We are really excited to see the baby tomorrow and we pray that everything will be healthy and have a healthy heart beat.

I will post tomorrow with the results and the sonogram pictures of our baby.

Marathon

2008-11-20T20:32:00.003-06:00

The marathon weekend was really fun. It was kind of crazy trying to get around downtown San Antonio since I chose not to fly with my team. I wished I would have had more time to look through the expo at packet pick-up, but it was so crazy with over 30,000 participants trying to pick up all their stuff. We got a free t-shirt, unfortunately it isn't very cute, and, all the cute shirts for sale only had large or bigger left. Oh well. Friday night was the Team in Training pasta dinner which had motivational and inspirational speakers for the over 7000 TNT participants that came from across the nation and even Canada to run in this event.

Race Day. I woke up at 3:45am, thankfully the people above me in the hotel were stomping around, so that I couldn't sleep in. Mark dropped me off at the team hotel at 4:45am. We had breakfast and loaded the buses to the start line. We got to the start line at around 5:45am, and it was about 30 degrees. We had about 45 minutes to use the restroom and get our gear bags check, meaning we had to check everything we weren't going to run with (including our jackets). So at 6:30am we were standing in our corrals (Which is how you start when you have thousands of people, you group them into about 1000 people and put them in corrals, and then each corral has a different start time). Me and my friend Rita we in corral 29 out of 30. We wanted to be at the back, because it gets pretty intense in the front. We didn't cross the start line until 8:30 although the race officially started at 7:30. The chip on our shoe doesn't start counting until we cross the line.

And we're off. When we crossed the finish line we had been standing without our jackets for 2 hours, so needless to say we couldn't feel anything waist done. We took off on our nice jog like we had been practicing for about 6 1/2 months. About 2 miles in we could finally feel our feet and so we stopped and stretched. Soon after we went through our first water stop, and since my doctor told me to be really careful not to get dehydrated, I took 2 water cups at each water stop. Well about 10 minutes later, right before the 3 miles mark I had to take my first bathroom break. I said good-bye to Rita and went to stand in line for 15 minutes. This would be the first of 7 bathroom breaks during my 13 miles, I proabbly set a record. The first 5 miles or so were nice and I was just trotting along like during all mytrainings. It was so neat to have tons of people lining the streets cheering for you. HOwever, I soons tarted getting really hungry since we had breakfast at 4:45 and it was about 9:30. Luckily, a restrurant was handing out breakfast burriots. I was so excited to have something to eat. While I was walking down the street eating my breakfast burrito, woudln't you know, my coach appears. She was curious as to why I was eating, and I just laughed. I went ahead and walked/ran the next 3 miles with her, she was our pace coach. Soon, she had to leave and go back to get one of my teammates. So I decided to just take it easy and enjoy the rest of the 5 miles. I had a really nice walk and took it all in. I met some really nice TNT people from all over the country.

I finished at about 3 1/2 hours (remembering that about an hour of that was standing in line at the bathroom). It was really nice to finish, and I really felt good and didn't feel like I overdid it or was unsafe at all. I had so much fun, and I am already planning on doing TNT again so I can finally run my full marathon.

After the race Mark amazingly found me about the hundreds of thousands of people. It was like bingefest at the finish line, they were handing you boxes of all kinds of food, it was disgusting. It was really fun to get to see all my teammates (Well the one who had finished). Here are some pictures of the day...

My friend Rita and I in our corral about 10 minutes before we crossed the start line.

My TNT Jersey. This is the back. All the ribbons are those who have fought cancer. I asked everyone who donated money or supported me to put the names of those I could run in mmory or honor of.

After the finish line, when Mark amazingly found me. Under my super cool blanket is my boxof food. This is one of those sun blankets so I don't cool down too quickly, I was honestly just cold the whole race until I crossed the fnish line and got the blanket.

Mark taking a picture of my medal. My shirt says bump for my mom. She says that I trained for the full marathon but hit a bump in the road.

Week 7

2008-11-17T20:53:00.001-06:00

Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point. Our baby has something of a small tail, which is an extension of his/her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Our baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry.

Our baby already has eyelids and some color in his/her eyes, I wonder what color eyes our baby will have, or I guess already has. And, both hemispheres of our baby's brain are growing. A loop in our baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body. It is surreal to think about this little life growing inside of me. His/Her heart is beating, brain is developing, and now has hand, feet, and even eyelids. We can't wait to see our baby and what he/she will look like; and, even more, we can't wait to find out the gender of our baby.

By now, I already have about 10 percent more blood than I did before I was pregnant, and by the end of my pregnancy, I will have 40 to 45 percent more blood running through my veins to meet the demands of a full-term baby. And, this is what must be sending me to the bathroom every hour on the hour!

My morning sickness is in full-swing. But, it really hasn't been that bad, I'm defiantly not complaining. I have not been able to eat anything sweet. And, I have really been wanting salty (yumm.. potato chips). And, I have been eating a lot of green apples and Sprite.

San Antonio Here We Come

2008-11-14T12:19:00.005-06:00

On Monday night Mark and I went to dinner with our friend Mark Volk (who goes to Law school with Mark) and Annie. They are so sweet, but we never get to hang out because they live in Dallas and us in Midlothian. So, Mark has a wonderful idea of moving to Dallas right after the baby is born, which isn't a bad idea (because we would be much closer to his work and job, and possibly closer to my internship), but I just don't want to move again! We will have to wait and see about that. Back to dinner, we were really glad we got ot see Mark and Annie and celebrate the baby with them. They were so sweet and brought our baby his/her first gift... a cross for the nursery.

On the way home from dinner, I felt really special because Mark followed me the whole way home (since I drove up to meet them for dinner in Dallas, we both had our cars). Usually Mark flies by me (because I drive teh speed limit) and then pretends that he has been home forever when I "finally" get there. This is now the second time in the last few days that Mark has done this, and I love it, because he shows that he cares, and trying to protect me (and the baby).

This weekend is going to be a big weekend. Mark is in the Moot Court competition on Saturday morning, and if they win on Monday at lunch. He is partnering with Mark Volk again. They did very well last time and won some award. Best of Luck to them both this weekend. Then, on Saturday after its over, we are going to travel to San Antonio for my marathon! I have been training for this marathon since May 1st, and I am completely confident that I can finish the race (since I've run 24 miles before). However, my doctor and Mark and not as enthusiatic about the marathon; in fact, they are not wanting me to do any of it. I have been debating what I would do for a while, and I have decided to run-really-slowly/walk the half marathon because there are just oo mnay risks to the baby (dehydrating, over-heating...). And, I'm not going to lie about mile 20 it gets pretty ugly. So, I am really sad about having to drop down, but I am excited running wearing my purple Team in training shirt and all the ribbons I have collected. I will make sure to take pictures and give na update when we get back Sunday.

Week 6

2008-11-11T01:39:00.000-06:00

This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears are beginning to take shape. His/her heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as mine — and blood is beginning to course through his/her body. His/her intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His/her pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, our baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean. Over this week the baby will double in size. Next week it will be the size of a blueberry.

Big Weekend!

2008-11-10T12:51:00.005-06:00

This past weekend we celebrated my brother's wedding. The wedding was beautiful and so was Laura! They are honeymooning at St. John's in the Virgin Islands. Hopefully they are having the time of their life and the hurricane (now down-graded to a tropical storm) will stay away!

The beautiful bride getting ready to walk down the aisle.

Mark and I at the reception.

This weekend, I started feeling nauseated, mainly motion sickness in the car. But, also at the reception, which might have been because I was so exhausted by then, and enjoying dancing, loud music, and flashing lights. But, on and off now, I am getting a little queasy. It hasn't been that bad, and I am grateful for feeling some morning sickness, because it means everything is going well. It is hard to make myself eat, since I am not really wanting to eat anything.

The baby's heart is beating by now. I am so amazed whenever I think about this miracle baby growing inside me, and now it has a heart that beats! We are continuing to pray for health for both the baby and me. And, we have to make a decision about my marathon (that I have been training for since May) that is this weekend. This isn't an easy decision and we are praying for wisdom.

I was at target and saw this set of two matching onesies on sale. I just had to purchase it! The second purchase for our baby.

Good News

2008-11-05T11:52:00.000-06:00

Today we got the news we have been waiting to hear. The doctor called and said that the tests he did on Monday came back. "Everything looks great!" woohoo! I don't have to go back until the Monday the 24th. I will be 8 weeks then, and we are going to do a sonogram to look for the heartbeat. Once, the heartbeat is seen, the miscarriage rate drops to below 10% some say as low as 2%. So we are still in constant prayer, but are so excited. And, we are sharing the news a little bit more.

5 Weeks

2008-11-04T12:43:00.001-06:00

At this point, our baby about the size of a sesame seed, and he/she looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He/she's now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his organs and tissues.

The neural tube — from which our baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.

His/her heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his/her tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form our baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.

The third layer, or endoderm, will house his/her lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to our baby, are already on the job.

This week symptoms have been stronger. One of he most noticeable symptoms is my new bedtime, 8pm! I find myself kissing Mark goodnight right after dinner. Needless to say the dirty dishes and unfinished homework are piling up. Also, I have had more dully achy cramps (which I think are normal). Also, I am still experiencing random food aversion. The most shocking thing is anything sweet makes me sick to think about. I used to eat ice cream and/or m&ms every afternoon. I have also been so thirsty all the time! Which probably is the reason my frequent trips to the restroom are growing.

Once again, all these symptoms just remind me of the huge blessing we have been given. And, I am so thankful that I haven't experienced much nausea and actually haven't been sick at all. This might change, which is fine if it does, because it means you have a healthy baby. But, for now, we are enjoying our blessings.

First Sonogram

2008-11-03T11:59:00.002-06:00

We went to the doctor today, and we saw the baby! He/She was a small dark dot right there on the screen. It was so amazing to see the baby, although he/she didn't look like anything but a dot. The doctor thinks he saw the yolk sac in the amniotic sac. Although everyone in the room saw it too.

He took my blood and said he was hoping my levels were around 2000 today since they were 986 last Wednesday. So we are just now waiting to hear the news. Keep us in your prayers!

And, we didn't get a picture of the baby to take home. The doctor said there wasn't much to see on the picture. Which was true. But, I still wish I could have taken home a picture of the fuzzy little dot on the screen!

Go Bears!

2008-11-03T11:39:00.001-06:00

This past weekend was homecoming. Mark and I went with Luke, Brittany, and Jeff to the bonfire (and I didn't take any pictures!) and 10:30 pigskin on Friday night. Phi Chi and Tri-Delt were first and second, so we were kind of ready to leave pigskin but glad we stayed. The first place act was last, and it was worth it to wait and see it. Then Mark drove us back late Friday night to Midlothian, getting home around 2 am

Then I drove us back early in the morning so we could go to the parade. Tri-Delt and Phi Chi won first place in their class and their float was awesome (once, again no pictures :( ) It was fun to get to see a lot of our friends at the parade. After the parade Mark and I went to the bookstore and got me an him Baylor t-shirts. I didn't own a single Baylor shirt that didn't have my Greek letters on it. And, I was in long sleeves, which we knew needed to change. We bought a cute Baylor onesie and newborn hat at the bookstore! We were excited because it was our first purchase for the baby!

Then, we went to the Phi Chi tailgate and saw a bunch more friends. And, we went to the Baylor Missouri game, which was so exciting. The game started off exciting, when the team entered the field through the stands (I did take pictures of this). And, then Baylor played awesome and the fans were so loud and into the game. Unfortunately, Baylor barely lost at the very end of the game. But, I was so proud of the team and the awesome fans.

The players entering the field through the stands and down the corridors of the Baylor Line.

Sharing the News

2008-10-31T11:34:00.000-05:00

We decided to go ahead and share the news with some people. So, they could be in prayer with us.

The Moores

We called John and Diane and said we anted to come out for dinner, that Friday night. They immediately suspected something was up. When we got there, they took us out to each at an Italian restaurant in town. We waiting all dinner, because we knew they suspected something. Then when the check came, Mark told them that we had come out there because we wanted to know what they were doing around July 4th. We then told them. They were really excited and asked us many questions. Then, John (jokingly) tried to convince us to name the child after him, John Charles.
We called Rachel and Charles later that night. They were so excited and told Colton he was going to have a cousin. We also called David and Sarah.

The Chandlers

We bought cards for Billie and Mike and Lee and wrote congratulations Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Lee and Aunt Laura. We went to Lee’s duplex in Dallas to watch the Baylor Bears Football Game with them all. At half-time Mike had been asking about our future, so we went ahead and gave them their cards. They were shocked.

Friends

On Saturday, after we left Lee’s duplex in Dallas we went over to Brian and Laura’s apartment in Richardson. Laura was at work, so we told Brian and waiting for Laura. When she got there, we told her. They were both so excited and supportive. After we left there we called the Beazley and told them we needed to go out and celebrate our big news, they knew immediately what we were talking about. I text(ed) Cheyenne a picture of the positive pregnancy text. We also called Jeff, Katherine, and Mark and Annie. We waiting the rest of the week on the results from the doctor, to make sure everything was going smoothly. Every now and then we would slip the secret to a few people. Mark told the guys at Law School and they all went out to lunch to celebrate.

4 Weeks

2008-10-30T12:32:00.000-05:00

This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of our baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when he/she will be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with her development. Right now our baby is an embryo the size of a poppy seed (pictured above), consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of his/her organs and body parts will develop.

Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house your baby; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion him/her as he/she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces our baby's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to him/her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty. The developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to our growing baby when it starts to function at the end of this week.

This week, there were a few more noticeable changes in my body. I did have some slight nausea and motion sickness. But, mainly I was just tired, had some weird cramps/pains on and off. And, I noticeable had to make more trips to the bathroom. Apparently, the hormone levels increased until about 10 weeks and then level off, so most of these symptoms will soon disappear. Knowing, this it is a nice reminder that something amazing is going on inside my body right now.

3 Weeks

2008-10-30T12:06:00.001-05:00

Our baby-in-the-making is just a tiny ball consisting of several hundred cells that are multiplying madly. Once the ball of cells (called a blastocyst) takes up residence in my uterus, the part of it that will develop into the placenta starts producing the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

Meanwhile, amniotic fluid is beginning to collect around our ball of cells in the cavity that will become the amniotic sac. This fluid will cushion our baby in the weeks and months ahead. Right now, our little blastocyst is receiving oxygen and nutrients through a primitive circulation system made up of microscopic tunnels that connects our developing baby to the blood vessels in my uterine wall. The placenta won't be developed enough to take over this task until the end of next week. (this information taken from babycenter.com)

How amazing! Something so small, is forming right now inside of me. It is such a surreal (and special) feeling knowing that this is going on inside of me! We just found out we were pregnant, which is lucky, because most people don't even know they are pregnant until the end of week 4.

After taking the test, it is very easy to see all the symptoms that I have been experience the last few days: hot flashes (which is strange because I am always cold), dizziness/lightheaded, sleeplessness, tired (going to bed at 9pm), weird cramps/small pains on and off, and a heightened sense of smell.

Blessings!!

2008-10-30T11:11:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I posted because we have some good news... We are pregnant again! (For those of you who don't know this is our 3rd pregnancy and we are praying for a healthy baby this time!)

Friday October 24, 2008
I woke up at 5:30 a.m. and out of habit took an early response pregnancy test, not expecting anything. I had taken so many tests and received so many negatives before. Immediately, two light pink links started showing up. I waited and watched for 2 minutes. It seemed like forever. I thought maybe I was imaging the second line. I went in and woke up Mark saying you have to come see something in the bathroom. He was groggy, and I grab his hand taking him in there. I asked him what he saw. He said that there was definitely two lines. We embraced, and he said not to get too excited yet. He said let’s wait and take another one this afternoon when I got home from school.

I took a picture of the test on my digital camera and took it with me to Waco. I kept pulling it out and looking at the picture during the day. Each time I would get more and more excited and more sure that there were two lines. (Although, it doesn't show up on the camera very well)

When I got home I took more tests. They came back positive, completely positive. Then, I took a digital test and very quickly it read positive. When I took the first test, I put it on the counter and was waiting for the 3 minutes to pass, so I went to check the mail. The only thing in the mailbox was a parenting magazine and a note saying that I got a free subscription for a year. I just knew it was an omen. Sure enough, when I got back inside the test was positive.
I took a picture of all the tests lined up and sent them to Mark in an email because he was at work. He very quickly called me. We were both very excited!

The picture I emailed to Mark!

Me, very excited, can't wait to tell Mark!

I called the doctor on the morning of Monday, October 27, 2008 and they asked me to come went in. They believed that I was pregnant but were shocked that it showed up so early (3 weeks and 2 days after my last miscarriage). They took blood work to see how far along I was and if everything was going well.

I called the doctor several times Tuesday to find out the results. Then Wednesday morning they called me and said that my hormone levels were elevated and that I needed to come back that day to get some more blood work. They said they couldn’t confirm anything. Mark and I were very upset because we just wanted to hear “Congratulations! You’re pregnant and everything looks good.” We kept trying to figure out what the doctor meant by “elevated” hormone level: higher than normal women (thus pregnant with multiples or for longer than we thought) or higher than normal women (maybe I was pregnant, but not high enough yet to know). I went back late that afternoon for more blood work. When I got there the lab nurse told me that my levels were showing pregnancy but that they just wanted to do some more blood work to make sure the levels were doubling. I was excited to hear this news and once again had to wait for lab results.

Thursday afternoon the nurse called to tell me that everything looked good and the levels were doubling like they should. It was such a relief to hear this news. She made us an appointment for Monday afternoon to take more blood work and get a sonogram. They wanted to see the baby and to make sure the blood work showed the levels still doubling. We were so excited about getting to see the baby. We hope we will get a picture to take with us! Also, we were hoping to get a confirmed healthy pregnancy and due date.

Home Cooking

2008-10-20T15:30:00.001-05:00

Recently I have been on a cooking spree. Usually I get so tired by the time I come home that I don’t want to cook a full meal and usually do whatever is easiest (warm something up). I like make up my own recipes. Mark has loved my hot sub sandwiches I have been making. I have also done a chicken salad and tortilla soup. I just went to the grocery store and I’m ready to make all the meals for this week! Let’s see how long this lasts!

State Fair

2008-10-13T14:50:00.003-05:00

The Beazley’s invited us to join them at the State Fair this past weekend. Their neighbors also came, which we have not seen since the Super Bowl Party at the Beazley’s house. The Fair is always fun. Here are a few of the highlights (well, that I too pictures of…)

Sand Sculptures for the King Tut exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Arts.

really short man... or someone laying down.

The best part about the fair... the food!

Wind blown hair inside the car exhibitions.

The boys gave a ply-by-play of the car exhibition (with their blo-up headsets).

Cheyenne and Moises Get Married

2008-10-08T15:19:00.002-05:00

This past weekend was Cheyenne and Moises’ wedding weekend. It was so fun to get to see my two best friends get married. It was a long weekend… but I’m glad it went well. Blessing to you both!

Shower

2008-09-22T14:29:00.004-05:00

This past weekend Mark and I hosted two co-ed showers. On Saturday we hosted a football themes shower for my brother and his fiancé, Laura. Laura’s sister and her husband co-hosted with us, and we held the shower in her apartment’s party room. It was really fun to put together because my mom and I were in charge of food and we can be creative sometimes. It was also fun because the guys jut watched football. Here are some pictures….

Mark, me, my mom, and my dad got them a Wii for their gift!

Then on Sunday was Moises and Cheyenne’s Co-ed Entertainment themed shower. It was suppose to be the weekend before, but Ike was coming. We rescheduled for this Sunday. The shower was at our house. Here are some pictures…

American Idol Tour

2008-08-26T14:05:00.002-05:00

Today was my (Beth’s) first day of classes and yesterday was Mark’s. Last night Mark took me to the American Idol Tour, which shows how much he loves me. I have never really watched TV my whole life. Then, last season of American Idol I watched with some of the youth I was working with. It was the only show I really had ever watched. And, even then, I didn’t religiously watch it, but, I would say I followed it. Being that I live in Midlothian I have recently started watching TV. So, this season I was an avid follower of American Idol, for the first time I was a true fun of a TV show. It was also really interesting because I was in a class studying youth and popular media. My favorite all season was David Archuleta, although I did support several of the contestants. But, when he came in second I was kind of sad. So, Mark got me tickets to the concert (after I asked to go). Anyways, Mark was not very excited about going to the concert. The highlight of his night was meeting up with his friend from law school and his wife for dinner before the concert.

I was surprised by some of the contestants' live performances. Here is David Archuleta who was the best voice I thought, but kind of awkward rambling in between songs. Then, David Cook, who pretty much just ran around on stand yelling and thinking he was hott stuff. His music was good, but I did get tired of him. I bet I will enjoy his cd when it comes out.

10 Day Vacation

2008-08-23T13:53:00.005-05:00

I (Beth) has 10 days of vacation between the end of Sumer Classes and the beginning of Fall classes. Sadly these days are almost over, but they have been fun. I have slept-in, cleaned the house, decorated, and watched the Olympics. I love the Olympics, and can remember watching all the sports growing up. I still get that same excitement watching them this year. The last Olympics I actually missed because I was working at Camp Ozark that summer and we didn’t have TV, computers, or phones.

I am so proud of myself for decorating because it takes a lot of decisions and I am a very indecisive person. I just had to jump out there and make the decision. Here are the pictures.

The kitchen was one of the first room done because I already had everything I needed for it.

This room took a while. Mark refinished the table for me this summer. Before it was a birth wood color. I made the curtains out of clearance fabric at the fabric store. Both of the iron decorative pieces came from hobby lobby on sale. And, then the tableware came from Pier1.

Mark enjoyed the glasses because they have chalkboard paint on them. He went ahead and wrote his name with the chalk on every glass.

This was my last purchase. I got it from Pier1. I looked and looked for something for this nook in our hallway between the kitchen and master suite. When I saw this vase I knew this was it. I was so glad to make this purchase because it meant I was done.

I will post some pictures of the living room and other rooms later.

Summer Recap

2008-08-11T13:40:00.004-05:00

This summer went by so quickly. I (Beth) took classes, lots of classes. I got burned out by the end f my Greek class this summer. It was not a very encouraging situation, and I only wished we could have had a real professor because I really enjoy languages. This was my sixth language to learn. I think Learning languages are so rewarding. But, this experience was not the best.

We had over some friends, Brian and Laura and Luke and Brittany to help us break in our new furniture (our anniversary gift to each other) and our new house. I haven’t decorated yet, but it was fun to show off the new house. We fired up the grill and had a feast. And of course we watched the Olympics.

Jeff convinced Luke, Brittany, Mark, and I to go to a Rangers Game. We got the all-you-can-eat tickets. It was wroth it, just for the drinks alone. We sacrificed watching one of Phelps’s swims that night, but it was fun. Yay, we took 2 pictures…. Unfortunately, they aren’t the best.

Our 1st Anniversary

2008-08-06T17:45:00.002-05:00

Our anniversary was wonderful. Mark and I had planned to go out to our favorite restaurant in Dallas. And, at work that day Mark’s boss gave us a big gift certificate to the restaurant because she new it was our favorite. I drove up to Dallas and picked Mark up from his job. We went to the restaurant and we both got lobster. It was amazing. Then when we got home I had secretly made a triple decker devil’s food cake with chocolate icing. I told Mark we had to eat our cake we had saved from the wedding. He was not very happy about it, because he thought it was gross to keep it. But, then I surprised him with the chocolate cake, and told him to just take one bite of the other. He had one bite and really like the wedding cake, it did taste so good. So we ate the old wedding cake and then grazed on the chocolate cake the next day. I am upset that we didn’t get a picture together for our anniversary. I am so bad at taking pictures! Here are two I did take...

The top of our wedding cake and the chocolate cake I made for Mark.

For our anniversary we got each other living room furniture. We got a coffee table, side table, and couch to match the rest of our furniture. This is our coffee table and some flower Mark gave me.

Moving and Garage Sale

2008-07-28T17:44:00.000-05:00

We had a garage sale for my marathon and we moved this past weekend. It was a crazy weekend, but we got it all done. We just moved across town from a duplex to a big house. We are still in Midlothian. Here is our new house, I will post pictures of the inside when we get unpacked…

Memphis

2008-06-24T17:35:00.000-05:00

I traveled to Memphis, TN this week to represent Truett at the CBF national convention. I am getting tired of traveling without Mark. The trip was good, it was long days though. I got to run on the Mississippi River and it was so beautiful. There were a few different Truett students and faculty there. We got to eat the all kinds of famous restaurants, and Truett paid, it was nice.

Mark's Summer Jobs

2008-06-18T17:33:00.001-05:00

Mark has been busy this summer. He is working in the mornings as in intern with a Dallas county criminal judge. He has really had some awesome experiences. Then, in the afternoons he works for a lawyer in Dallas. He does all kinds of hands-on things. He is really loving the experience at both jobs, but it is hard work. And, he has to wear a suit everyday!

Brian and Laura's Wedding

2008-06-04T17:31:00.000-05:00

Brian and Laura got married this weekend in Shreveport. It was an amazing wedding weekend and we had so much fun. The rehearsal was so cute and the wedding was beautiful. We were so happy to be apart of their special weekend!

Unfortunately we only took one picture of the weekend and it isn't really that good...

Colton's 1st Birthday

2008-05-29T17:22:00.000-05:00

Our nephew Colton turned one this week. We can't believe he is already 1! We traveled to Houston for his birthday party. Here are a few pictures from the fun.

Aunt Beth and Uncle Mark gave Colton books...

LA

2008-05-20T17:18:00.000-05:00

I just got back from LA. I traveled there with a professor and tow other students to work at the Urban Youth Workers Conference. It was a packed week, but I enjoyed it. We got to speed sight-see the say we got there.

Marathon

2008-05-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

Today I signed up to run a marathon this fall with Team in Training through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am looking at doing the Nike Women's Marathon on October 19th in San Francisco. I started a website to track my journey... www.thegiftofhope.org. Check it out.

Czech Republic

2008-04-20T17:07:00.000-05:00

I just got home from the Czech Republic, it was an amazing trip, but it is always hard for me to leave Mark and I had to miss his brother's wedding. My professor took a team of students to Turnov, Czech Republic to hold a Spring Break Camp for teenagers who were living on U.S. military bases all over Europe. We stayed at a camp and then during the day went and did missions in the town.

This is the town of Turnov, Czech Republic

Learning to Life with ChemoBrain

2008-03-22T16:50:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel like I am living in an episode of the t.v. show House. Each doctor I go to has a different theory, test, diagnosis, medication; but, the true test comes with time, a wait and see method of medicine. Living with unknown illnesses is like when your eyesight goes bad for the first time; you don’t realize how bad it is until you fix it. You might notice something is wrong but you just learn to live with it.

This is the way I have been living my life for years. Constant headaches, memory problems, fatigue had become a daily part of life until February when I looked at my life and realized things needed to change. My fatigue had overcome me and I was sleeping 14 to 16 hours a day. There was no energy left to feel emotions, to do homework, to love my loved ones. School had become overwhelming; I fell behind quickly and seemed I just couldn’t get ahead. So I went to several doctors hopeful for any diagnosis, I just wanted to be able to live my life again. I really just wanted to be able to be the best wife, friend, and student that I could be.

I was diagnosed with thyroid failure which led to a few other health issues, and over the next few weeks began to be treated. Most of the symptoms began to disappear, and I was brought to tears the first time I was able to remember what it felt like to be “normal.” I became skeptically hopeful that things were going to get better soon. As I began to feel energized, I noticed I was still having migraines and school still seemed really tough. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with ChemoBrain.

ChemoBrain is a cognitive impairment that occurs in cancer survivors whom received non-localized chemotherapy treatments (i.e. treatment for blood cancer) with one particular chemotherapy drug. At least this is what they think causes this new phenomena. Basically, things that used to be second nature, word recall, multitasking, memory, and processing, are now very difficult for me. There is no cure for ChemoBrain but this week I started taking an experimental drug used for narcolepsy in hopes of improving.

I have bad days and good days. On bad days, I feel like I am trapped inside my body, like my brain is tired, and I just can’t think. But, my good days bring so much hope. Sometimes I get frustrated and just plain tired of dealing with all my health issues, and I can only think that those around me get tired too. But, then I am reminded just how precious life is and how blessed I am to be here. I have to remind myself that life isn’t about me feeling good all the time, but life is about bringing glory to God and making his name remembered.

I used to hide behind my intellectuality and had felt that my spiritual life had become based on intellectual thoughts, after all that is what I study. But, now I have been stripped of my mental abilities and I am once again reminded of God’s amazing grace which prevails over my many imperfections. And, it is His abounding love that has supplied my energy, especially on those days when my body aches and fatigue overcomes me. It is His joy that has supplied my emotions and literally kept me from falling into depression.

I am prideful person and it is hard for me to show my vulnerabilities. But, I have been exposed to those around me in my everyday life; they have seen strange side-effects from irrational emotions and physical aliments, to just plain incompressibility or mental inability. It is embarrassing times like these that humble me, and remind me how that I am surrounded by people who graciously love and support me.

Spring Break

2008-03-16T17:00:00.000-05:00

We didn’t do much for break but rest. It was nice. And, since I had a bunch of energy and was feeling better, finally unpacked all the boxes and decorated a little around the house. The house now feels a little homier. I am looking forward to and preparing for my big trip to the Czech Republic that is coming up.

Happy Birthday Mark

2008-03-15T17:01:00.002-05:00

Today is Mark’s birthday! I feel like a lousy wife because I didn’t do anything like plan a huge surprise party, like he did for me. I’ll step it up next year. Mark had been so amazing these past few months, when I haven’t been feeling well. He has been taking care of all the housework for me. Being ill has really brought us closer together. Happy 23rd Birthday to my amazing husband!

Super Bowl

2008-02-11T16:45:00.000-06:00

Luke and Brittany had us over for the big game. It was great because they have a huge t.v. in their media room. It was fun to meet some of their friends and neighbors we didn't know. We thank them for such a fun night!

I'm 23!

2008-02-09T01:06:00.000-06:00

My birthday was this past week. Mark and I celebrated together with dinner and flowers. And, I made Mark drive me all the way to the Cheesecake Factory in Arlington so we could get a cheesecake to celebrate, since we weren’t celebrating with anything big. And, then the next weekend he threw me a surprise birthday party (unfortunately I didn’t have my camera to take pictures). I was completely surprised. He told me that we were going out to celebrate my birthday with Annie and Mark, our friends from. When it came around to that night, I didn’t really want to go because I was tired. I kept trying to convince Mark to reschedule and was not happy when he made me go. Then, when we go to the restaurant in Dallas, a bunch of my friends were there! Luke and Brittany, Jeff, Brian, Lee and Laura, and Cheyenne and Moises were all there!

Locks of Love

2007-11-21T23:32:00.000-06:00

January will be my five year mark for being cancer free! It will be a big mark because it means that my Hodgkin’s Disease probably will not relapse! I have wanted to grow my hair out long and donated it since I received a free wig with real hair when I was ill. It was really neat to know that the hair was real and that it had belonged to someone else. I went to my normal hairdresser in Addison and he cut 17 inches to donate! Then he spent 2 hours cutting my hair and styling like Posh Spice. I had picked out the style out of a magazine because it was cute and slightly edgy. He did a great job, and he did it for free! He was the hairdresser that shaved my head for me when I was ill! I love my short hair, but I will have to get used to it too!

Dallas Zoo

2007-11-20T22:46:00.003-06:00

Mark decided to take me to the Dallas Zoo. It was really nice to spend some time together. It was a Monday, so it was practically empty and it was beautiful weather. Mark’s favorite were the penguins. We watched March of the Penguins last Spring at his parents' house.

Concert with the Beazleys

2007-11-18T16:41:00.002-06:00

We went with the Beazleys to the Daugherty Concert at the American Airlines Center. I had heard about some country artist that were coming for the rodeo and then on the website saw that Daughtery was going to be there. Luke really introduced us to Daughtery on our Spring Break road trip to Colorado last year. So we got Luke and Brittany to go with us. It was fun to spend time with them and the rodeo is always fun. But, the concert wasn't actually that good. First of all there were only about 500 people there. And most of them were down on the dirt by the stage. So not only was the American Airlines Center empty, but the band didn't do any sound checks before they came out. So, the first few songs sounded horrible and a lot of people left. It got better though. I love Daughtery's music so it was still a cool experience.

The coolest part of the whole evening was when a man and his dog came out to entertain. The border collie had a monkey riding on its back and they would go around and herd the sheep. It was really funny.

St. Louis

2007-11-08T16:53:00.000-06:00

I went to St. Louis this past weekend for school. Unfortunately, I missed my first Baylor Homecoming, oh well, I will have to make a point to go next year. My professor and 6 students drive to St. Louis for the Youth Specialties conference. The ride there wasn't that bad, because we drove through the night, but the way home was so long because we got stuck in a wind storm. The conference was a wonderful experience, although it was really busy. While I was gone my brother and Laura got engaged! Here is a picture of the beautiful Fall trees in St. Louis...

Pumpkin Carving

2007-11-01T16:39:00.000-05:00

Mark and I carved a pumpkin for Halloween. Growing up we carved pumpkins every year, but this was one of only a few times that Mark had carved one. It was fun to come up with what we were going to do. Mark cut the top off and let me clean it out. :) I ended up doing most of the carving because I am a perfectionist and wouldn't let Mark do much :) Here is the finished product...

Feels Like Home

2007-10-25T20:34:00.000-05:00

Midlothian is growing on us quite a bit. I love it because there is no traffic! We have a brand new Walmart and a Brookshires. And, we have about 7 fast food places. We often drive 15 minutes to Mansfield on Saturday nights to see a movie and eat at On the Border. We can also go to Waxahachie or Cedar Hill which are both about 10 minutes away to go to Target or do errands. They are building a mall in Cedar Hill right now, but we have to go to Arlington to go to the Mall. It is nice being close to Arlington because Mark’s grandparents live there. Also, we are about 45 minutes from both of our parents which is nice. The only downfall to living in Midlothian is it gets a little bit lonely. We have been going to church at FBC Midlothian, maybe we will join a small group or something there and we can get to know people. However, our schedules are kind of full already. I drive to Waco (about 1 hour and 20 minutes) Tuesday thru Friday and I am there from 10 to 5 everyday. And, Mark drives to SMU five times a week usually. We do try and go on a date every Saturday night and sometimes we meet p with old friends of some of Mark’s new friends.

At Home in Midlothian

2007-09-14T20:59:00.001-05:00

As many of you know we decided to move to Waxahachie area this summer, after Mark was offered a scholarship for SMU Law School. It wasn’t until after we go back from honeymooning in Mexico that we found a place. We had looked before and several things seemed to fall through. After another morning of disappointing searching for apartments, we were driving down highway 287 and saw a big ‘now leasing’ sign. I didn’t even want to try because it was a real neighborhood with big houses and I figured it would be out of our budget. But thankfully Mark is stubborn and went ahead to turn around and check it out. We contacted the realtor and thankfully we were able to afford the cute duplexes in a nice neighborhood. We saw a few different duplexes and decided upon the one at 322 Blake Lane. It is a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom duplex… it is nice and big and has a huge backyard for the girls. It was perfect. And, it seems as though it just fell in our laps. Here are a few pictures of our new home…

Mexico

2007-08-25T12:09:00.000-05:00

The wedding was so perfect and the honeymoon was amazing! The Riveria Maya Region of Mexico is so beautiful! This is the view of our back patio at the resort! I would recommend our resort to everyone... El Dorado Royale. I am already thinking of when we can go back!

More on the Moores

We're Back

Month Two

Month One

Charlotte's Birth Story

Newborn Pictures

Two New Posts

Coming Home

Firsts

Our 4th of July Sparkler

Week 35 and 36

Watch Us Grow!

Week 33 and 34

Maternity Pics

Week 31 and 32

Week 30

Week 29

Week 28

Week 27

Week 26

Week 25

Week 24

Week 23

Charlotte's Loot

Week 22

Mid-Terms

Week 21

Week 20

Week 19

Week 18

5th Sonogram

Week 17

Week 16

4th Sonogram

Update

Back to School

Week 15

Week 14

3rd Sonogram

First Belly Shot

Week 13

Week 12

Week 11

Week 10

Anxiously Awaiting

Week 9

Have You Thought of Any Names?

Thanksgiving Break

Week 8

Second Sonogram

Tomorrow's Doctor Appointment

Marathon

Week 7

San Antonio Here We Come

Week 6

Big Weekend!

Good News

5 Weeks

First Sonogram

Go Bears!

Sharing the News

4 Weeks

3 Weeks

Blessings!!

Home Cooking

State Fair

Cheyenne and Moises Get Married

Shower

American Idol Tour

10 Day Vacation

Summer Recap

Our 1st Anniversary

Moving and Garage Sale

Memphis

Mark's Summer Jobs

Brian and Laura's Wedding

Colton's 1st Birthday

LA

Marathon

Czech Republic