First, before I get started on my "baby update", I apologize if my last post sounded a bit down and right-down whiny. Yes, I have struggled more with discomfort this pregnancy, but I have also experienced greater joy and excitement as well. I have learned what makes me ache and have found slowing down a bit helps immensely. I am so excited to meet our little boy and see God's creative power demostrated once again.
Now, for baby update... all is great! He seems to be extremely healthy and flexible. My OB kept saying, "oh my gosh, oh my gosh..." over and over again and then FINALLY said, "wow! his feet and head are way down here and his heart way over here! He is really bent over..." What can I say, but that he is my Yoga baby. Heartbeat is also seems to be quite strong. Bad news, not dialated. Not really a shocker though, since I never seem to begin dialating until after I start having contractions. I'm really curious to see how this delivery turns out, how it goes. I'm really hoping my OB, Dr. Nancy finney, will be able to deliver our little one, cuz I like her A LOT! The next couple weeks will fly by and I have tons to get done. I guess I'm in the "nesting phase" (as Nate loves to remind me) and look forward to preparing for our baby.
Just a side note ( i know you'll enjoy reading patty), Nate is in his "nesting phase" for his new baby boxer. It is so cute to hear him talk about all we'll need for our boxer and all the reading he has done on training a boxer. I have been wanting grass for 2 years, TWO YEARS, and Nate comes home one day and says, "I have to lay grass this weekend so it will be ready for our boxer." We visited the newborn pups Sunday and he was just lovin' on one in particular. Nate wants to buy a bed and house for our new pup. I joked, why don't we just give him the baby's room and crib while we are at it. =) Some people think we are crazy because we'll be getting a dog and baby right around the same time, but what's new right? =) Why not add to the craziness? And since I cared for 2 labs for most my life, I know what I'm getting into, which is why we have had discussions on who will be the primary caregiver. My poop scooping days are over! I have to admit, I too am excited about our pup-to-be. And because Nate is always giving of himself and never does anything for himself, I can honestly say it brings me tremendous joy to see him soooo excited. Just to be clear, he is more excited about meeting our son, but our little boxer does come in a close 2nd. =)
Sorry for another writing post. Pictures to follow soon!
~a very pregnant momma
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Pregnancy pain
I know I've written before on the physical discomfort I've experienced with this pregnancy. I don't know if it's because I'm not getting a balanced workout, or the fact that this my 3rd (but it's not like I'm having my 6th!), or if it's the way my baby is positioned... all I know is that I have felt pain in areas I have never experienced before.
It all started at the beginning of my 3rd trimester. I felt larger, heavier, like I was carrying lower, which isn't obvious to anyone but me because of my short torso. First, my discomfort was brought on by PGP (pelvic girdle pain) pretty common I guess, but something I'd never suffered from before. Well, I guess I had a mild case with Audrey, but it was much worse this time around. After reading the symptoms, one example being pain when lifting legs ( could barely lift my legs to get into the car!), I immediately knew I was suffering from PGP. The PGP began after I experienced some cervical bleeding. I don't know if the 2 were connected or not, but thank the Lord they both eventually stopped. a couple weeks later, I began with SPD (symphisis pubis dysfunction) and sometimes feel this pain after doing to much physical activity. All symptoms started after moving some heavy objects - oops! I laughed when I saw that one of the suggestions for relieving the pain is to avoid the large shopping strollers at the grocery store. The day my cervical bleeding (and PGP shortly thereafter), I had taught 2 aerobic classes, lifted weights (attempting to keep something in shape-sigh), cleaned house, AND had pushed this massive grocery cart at HEB. It was on of the larger ones that can seat two kids, plus it had a huge red car attached to the front. My girls always beg to ride in them and I thought it would be fun for them. I probably looked hilarious, all disheveled from teaching, sweaty, 7 1/2months pregnant, pushing a HUGE cart filled with groceries for the week. My SPD symptoms began a couple weeks later. I have stayed away from the leg weights, which was something I was able to continue to end with my other 2. My vanity has been tested everytime I look at my legs and feel my legs turning to mushy blobby somethings. However, my pain (google and read symptoms to understand) has greatly decreased. Yesterday, I started with some pain in my tailbone. This is yet another pain I've never experienced with my other pregnancies. So, I googled to read up on how to relieve this annoying symptom. Although, I know that there are many reasons for my different discomforts over this past trimester, a common thread seem to be weak pelvic floor muscles. I have been a naughty girl when it comes to the exercises and may be paying the price. I'm determined to be better about tightening these little, but oh so necessary muscles today and in the future because supposedly my problems will only worsen with each pregnancy - oh joy. However, despite my discomfort, I am grateful for the good health I am in and this pregnancy. I always try to see the glass half-full. For instance, when I can't keep any food down, I think of people suffering from chemo-treatments. How blessed I am that what's making me sick is a precious gift of God rather than a scary tumor! I am grateful that my symptoms haven't been around since my 1st or 2nd trimester like it is for some and that I am not bedridden because of them. I just pray my tailbone holds up during the delivery process!
Speaking of tailbone... I've been sitting long enough and need to walk around a bit.
Kind of a side note, I bought new running shoes for myself for m-day. I'm so stoked about being able to run again. I know, I know, I still have weeks before I can really sweat it out, but at least I see the light at the end of the tunnel! Can't wait to begin my leg weights again as well! Probably seems a little weird to some reading this.... but I love my workouts!
All in good time... most of all can't wait to meet our son.
Happy friday!
~Elizabeth
It all started at the beginning of my 3rd trimester. I felt larger, heavier, like I was carrying lower, which isn't obvious to anyone but me because of my short torso. First, my discomfort was brought on by PGP (pelvic girdle pain) pretty common I guess, but something I'd never suffered from before. Well, I guess I had a mild case with Audrey, but it was much worse this time around. After reading the symptoms, one example being pain when lifting legs ( could barely lift my legs to get into the car!), I immediately knew I was suffering from PGP. The PGP began after I experienced some cervical bleeding. I don't know if the 2 were connected or not, but thank the Lord they both eventually stopped. a couple weeks later, I began with SPD (symphisis pubis dysfunction) and sometimes feel this pain after doing to much physical activity. All symptoms started after moving some heavy objects - oops! I laughed when I saw that one of the suggestions for relieving the pain is to avoid the large shopping strollers at the grocery store. The day my cervical bleeding (and PGP shortly thereafter), I had taught 2 aerobic classes, lifted weights (attempting to keep something in shape-sigh), cleaned house, AND had pushed this massive grocery cart at HEB. It was on of the larger ones that can seat two kids, plus it had a huge red car attached to the front. My girls always beg to ride in them and I thought it would be fun for them. I probably looked hilarious, all disheveled from teaching, sweaty, 7 1/2months pregnant, pushing a HUGE cart filled with groceries for the week. My SPD symptoms began a couple weeks later. I have stayed away from the leg weights, which was something I was able to continue to end with my other 2. My vanity has been tested everytime I look at my legs and feel my legs turning to mushy blobby somethings. However, my pain (google and read symptoms to understand) has greatly decreased. Yesterday, I started with some pain in my tailbone. This is yet another pain I've never experienced with my other pregnancies. So, I googled to read up on how to relieve this annoying symptom. Although, I know that there are many reasons for my different discomforts over this past trimester, a common thread seem to be weak pelvic floor muscles. I have been a naughty girl when it comes to the exercises and may be paying the price. I'm determined to be better about tightening these little, but oh so necessary muscles today and in the future because supposedly my problems will only worsen with each pregnancy - oh joy. However, despite my discomfort, I am grateful for the good health I am in and this pregnancy. I always try to see the glass half-full. For instance, when I can't keep any food down, I think of people suffering from chemo-treatments. How blessed I am that what's making me sick is a precious gift of God rather than a scary tumor! I am grateful that my symptoms haven't been around since my 1st or 2nd trimester like it is for some and that I am not bedridden because of them. I just pray my tailbone holds up during the delivery process!
Speaking of tailbone... I've been sitting long enough and need to walk around a bit.
Kind of a side note, I bought new running shoes for myself for m-day. I'm so stoked about being able to run again. I know, I know, I still have weeks before I can really sweat it out, but at least I see the light at the end of the tunnel! Can't wait to begin my leg weights again as well! Probably seems a little weird to some reading this.... but I love my workouts!
All in good time... most of all can't wait to meet our son.
Happy friday!
~Elizabeth
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mother's day began with a delicious breakfast... omelet, pancakes with whipping cream, strawberries... just what this pregnant woman craves, but doesn't have the energy to make. At least not all on the same morning. My very loving dad, treated us all for breakfast and many thanks to my sisters for helping me with my girls so I could enjoy my breakfast with almost no interruptions. Nate really started the celebrating on saturday, with my surprise m-day gift. He bought me the cutest purse/diaperbag, despite my protests. He insisted on choosing it himself and went in search of the perfect bag. Sunday afternoon, Nate watched the girls so I could have a couple hours to myself. I sipped on my starbucks as I strolled through a couple of my favorite stores and could actually hear myself think. I arrived home physically tired (pregnancy will do that to ya), but so emotionally refreshed. Nate had yet another surprise in store for me and asked me where I wanted to go for dinner. I told him to choose, "anywhere" I said, just grateful I wouldn't have to cook. However, he insisted I choose... so eventually I did. I left the Carino's full, happy, and relaxed.
Thanks, Nathan, for being such a loving husband and making me make time to relax and enjoy my day!
Despite the aching hips, legs, stomach discomfort,... all that comes with pregnancy and motherhood, I truly consider myself blessed to be the mother of our 2 precious girls and son-to-be. People, especially women, tell me I'm crazy for wanting more children. I just laugh and smile... and joke that I guess if I'm not crazy yet, I guess I will be when surrounded by more little ones. They say, "well your just cut-out to be a mom. You can tell your that type." I'm not sure what that "type" looks like. I know I was the type that had plans to be a physical therapist and just enjoy the single years God had in store for me. Sure I wanted children, one day... I'm thankful the Lord decided that day come sooner than I had planned. I don't know why He chose to bless me with children, when there are so many couples, women, longing to be with child. How can I refuse His most precious gifts? I know the Lord has worked changes in my heart and grown my desire to be a mother over the past 4 years. I think I am becoming that "motherly type" after all, who's desire is to love, nurture, grow, and well, mother.
The most beautiful gifts a mom could ask for.
Who needs diamonds, when daughters are a girl's best friend.
I'm thankful for the love, extremely unselfish love, that my mom demonstrated to me on a daily basis. How my mom can be so unselfish with her time and energy baffles me to this day. Thanks mom, for all you have sacrificed for us and continue to sacrifice.
Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful moms who have blessed me with their wisdom and godly example.
Thanks, Nathan, for being such a loving husband and making me make time to relax and enjoy my day!
Despite the aching hips, legs, stomach discomfort,... all that comes with pregnancy and motherhood, I truly consider myself blessed to be the mother of our 2 precious girls and son-to-be. People, especially women, tell me I'm crazy for wanting more children. I just laugh and smile... and joke that I guess if I'm not crazy yet, I guess I will be when surrounded by more little ones. They say, "well your just cut-out to be a mom. You can tell your that type." I'm not sure what that "type" looks like. I know I was the type that had plans to be a physical therapist and just enjoy the single years God had in store for me. Sure I wanted children, one day... I'm thankful the Lord decided that day come sooner than I had planned. I don't know why He chose to bless me with children, when there are so many couples, women, longing to be with child. How can I refuse His most precious gifts? I know the Lord has worked changes in my heart and grown my desire to be a mother over the past 4 years. I think I am becoming that "motherly type" after all, who's desire is to love, nurture, grow, and well, mother.
The most beautiful gifts a mom could ask for.
Who needs diamonds, when daughters are a girl's best friend.
Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful moms who have blessed me with their wisdom and godly example.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Manic Monday
So today has been another busy day... tagging right along with our insanely busy weekend. Have you ever been soooo tired you wake up before the crack of dawn and can't go back to sleep. That was me last night. Totally wiped and totally frustrated I couldn't go back to sleep. So I just began to pray. I prayed for our son, Wyatt. I asked the Lord to take care of him. My thoughts traveled to what Wyatt means "Brave, Strong, Hardy Warrior" and I prayed he would become exactly that. That our son would become a man who fights for truth and does not cower to the pressures that seem to be defeating today's men. A man who will stand up for his future wife, love her, and defend her and his family. A man who follows the Lord with all his strength.
I prayed for our sweet girls. For strength, patience, wisdom, when training the blessings God has given me. I prayed for God's protective hand to be on their little bodies and souls.
After praying, I saw the light of day peeking through our blinds and just watched Nate sleeping soundly. I felt such love and respect for my hard working man. And was overwhelmed with gratefulness to God for all He has blessed me with. So many women are at odds with their husband and wonder if he cares or needs them. I hear some women hearts crying, despite the tough exterior, as they tell me their husbands have informed them they no longer love them. I hurt for these women and count myself extremely blessed to have a husband that is my best friend. I have been blessed with some wonderful friends, but Nate friendship is the one I cherish the most. I pray our son grows to be a man just like his father.
~I love you Nate~
liz
I prayed for our sweet girls. For strength, patience, wisdom, when training the blessings God has given me. I prayed for God's protective hand to be on their little bodies and souls.
After praying, I saw the light of day peeking through our blinds and just watched Nate sleeping soundly. I felt such love and respect for my hard working man. And was overwhelmed with gratefulness to God for all He has blessed me with. So many women are at odds with their husband and wonder if he cares or needs them. I hear some women hearts crying, despite the tough exterior, as they tell me their husbands have informed them they no longer love them. I hurt for these women and count myself extremely blessed to have a husband that is my best friend. I have been blessed with some wonderful friends, but Nate friendship is the one I cherish the most. I pray our son grows to be a man just like his father.
~I love you Nate~
liz
Monday, April 28, 2008
Ready for baby... ha!
Although nothing is ready for baby, clothes, crib, room, no name... my body is ready. Or I guess I should say, feels very ready! I remember feeling great all the way until my labor pains started when I was pregnant with Mya. I swam 3x a week, lifted weights... took naps... life was all about me during my last trimester. This time around, I have the hardest time, not only finding time to workout, but just exercise itself is difficult. I feel pulling and straining in areas I've never felt before and have been advised to slow down, something I'm not too great at. But it's worth it and my love and excitement for our son have grown with each struggle I've faced this pregnancy. Not that I've had an extremely difficult pregnancy, thank the Lord. It's just that compared with my 1st, this one has been much more tiring and strenuous physically.
As for our son's name, still doing a little more searching for a middle name. Nate is sure that that we have one =) and is waiting patiently for me agree with his choice. Right now, out of all the names we've considered and can agree on, we are leaning towards Wyatt. Wyatt Christian... Wyatt Ethan... Wyatt Easton... Wyatt SOMETHING... Once in a while, I start reconsidering the name Wyatt, but my heart keeps being drawn back to it. At first, Wyatt was a definite "no" for me, but then it something changed (don't ask me what, my hormones perhaps?) and it just felt/sounded right. But enough of my ramblings on the name Wyatt and back to my girlies who need my attention. I would ask for name suggestions, but figure most everyone wants to save their favorites for future children, so I won't bother. Have a wonderful Monday!!
As for our son's name, still doing a little more searching for a middle name. Nate is sure that that we have one =) and is waiting patiently for me agree with his choice. Right now, out of all the names we've considered and can agree on, we are leaning towards Wyatt. Wyatt Christian... Wyatt Ethan... Wyatt Easton... Wyatt SOMETHING... Once in a while, I start reconsidering the name Wyatt, but my heart keeps being drawn back to it. At first, Wyatt was a definite "no" for me, but then it something changed (don't ask me what, my hormones perhaps?) and it just felt/sounded right. But enough of my ramblings on the name Wyatt and back to my girlies who need my attention. I would ask for name suggestions, but figure most everyone wants to save their favorites for future children, so I won't bother. Have a wonderful Monday!!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
April Showers, May flowers...
Spring is here... although we haven't had to many "showers" and this Texas lawn could use some rain. The girls are enjoying the wildflowers (hate to call'em weeds - just too beautiful) that have popped up in our yard. Mya wants a garden so badly, so we went out today and bought some flowers to put in pots. We've been enjoying the weather, though some days are a bit warm. 
Monday, April 7, 2008
I love this picture of Audrey because it is her smug "I'm so happy with myself face". She will make the most subtle expressions that are easy to miss but bring the biggest smiles to our faces.
Sweet tooth, sweet times... Sandy often allows mya to "help" her bake. Mya's favorite part is the clean-up (this is her definition of "cleaning up".Happy Birthday to my sweet sis Sandy! You are special! Love ya!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
One Funny Bunny
Nate was mowing our lawn the other day and almost ran over this cute little bunny in the process. Maybe it's because I'm a mother and/or maybe it's because I'm pregnant and emotional, but I just insisted we make sure no harm come to this cute little animal. So, I convinced Nate to take us to the pet store and buy bunny food. Mya and I put the bunny in a cardboard box and made it bunny friendly (grass, flowers, lots of nature). The bunny really seemed to enjoy its new home the first night....
Isn't it so tiny? Mya's hands look huge against the bunny. I kept reminding her not to squeeze too hard.
Audrey was pretty excited about the bunny as well and I almost let her hold it... but quickly realized that this bunny would be crushed by her two chubby hands and I don't think I could have dealt with that, so we convinced her that she only wanted to pet it.
Mya trying to protect the bunny from Audrey's excited hands.
The next morning, Nate came and told me that the bunny was no longer in the box (we had closed the lid so it couldn't escape - don't worry, we put holes in the top). I have to admit, I was a little sad, but new I had to try to sound really REALLY positive when I told Mya. She took it well thankfully. The day went by and we shocked when Nate came into the kitchen that evening and told us the bunny was back in the box. "What?!!" It stayed for the night, but the next day was gone... back again at night, in the box. I left the garage door open yesterday (I searched the garage thoroughly) and thought it was gone for sure last night. However, when I went into the garage at about 10pm last night, the bunny was BACK IN THE BOX !!! I have the garage door open right now... now I'm a little worried it will leave and then try to come back at night, but the garage door will be closed... Nate reminds me it's an animal and will survive, unless eaten by a hawk, dog, predator of some sort... real comforting thought. =)
Isn't it so tiny? Mya's hands look huge against the bunny. I kept reminding her not to squeeze too hard.
Audrey was pretty excited about the bunny as well and I almost let her hold it... but quickly realized that this bunny would be crushed by her two chubby hands and I don't think I could have dealt with that, so we convinced her that she only wanted to pet it.
Mya trying to protect the bunny from Audrey's excited hands.
The next morning, Nate came and told me that the bunny was no longer in the box (we had closed the lid so it couldn't escape - don't worry, we put holes in the top). I have to admit, I was a little sad, but new I had to try to sound really REALLY positive when I told Mya. She took it well thankfully. The day went by and we shocked when Nate came into the kitchen that evening and told us the bunny was back in the box. "What?!!" It stayed for the night, but the next day was gone... back again at night, in the box. I left the garage door open yesterday (I searched the garage thoroughly) and thought it was gone for sure last night. However, when I went into the garage at about 10pm last night, the bunny was BACK IN THE BOX !!! I have the garage door open right now... now I'm a little worried it will leave and then try to come back at night, but the garage door will be closed... Nate reminds me it's an animal and will survive, unless eaten by a hawk, dog, predator of some sort... real comforting thought. =) Monday, March 31, 2008
Easter morning!
Trying to get a family photo is extremely challenging - for us. Some families seem to have it down to an art We probably wouldn't have gotten one, if a man who attends our church hadn't insisted on taking one.
Mya could hardly wait to wear her Easter dress and was overjoyed when the day finally arrived.
Nate is such a wonderful daddy to his girls and I thank the Lord for this man every day.
Wish I could hear what thoughts pass through this little girl's head.
Mya could hardly wait to wear her Easter dress and was overjoyed when the day finally arrived.
Nate is such a wonderful daddy to his girls and I thank the Lord for this man every day.
Wish I could hear what thoughts pass through this little girl's head.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Xanga vs. Blogspot
So, I've decided to switch to blogspot for several reasons...
1. I was unable to find a way to list my friends from blogspot, facebook, ... on my xanga site. I was saving emails with different addresses and that became such a hassle.
2. I like the layout, something different.
3. Does there have to be a reason 3? =) Just seemed like the smart convenient thing to do.
I haven't gotten rid of my xanga site - yet. Probably will eventually, after I get used to this one. I don't think I have the time for more than one site and don't want to make time for more than one.
I'm excited and have been having fun playing with it so far... thanks Amy, for the help! =)
1. I was unable to find a way to list my friends from blogspot, facebook, ... on my xanga site. I was saving emails with different addresses and that became such a hassle.
2. I like the layout, something different.
3. Does there have to be a reason 3? =) Just seemed like the smart convenient thing to do.
I haven't gotten rid of my xanga site - yet. Probably will eventually, after I get used to this one. I don't think I have the time for more than one site and don't want to make time for more than one.
I'm excited and have been having fun playing with it so far... thanks Amy, for the help! =)
Hola!
So I've decided to join my friends at blogspot. Hope to post some pictures soon! Have a wonderful Sunday.
~Elizabeth Sullivan~
~Elizabeth Sullivan~
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