A Day for Mother's

Mother's Day this year was extra special-- not only did I get spoiled as a Mother-to-Be, but I was able to more fully appreciate the role of Mothers. It's crazy how from the moment I found out I was pregnant, my mind is now consumed with this little girl. I worry about everything now-- if I don't feel her kick for a day, if what I eat could harm her, if the things we buy for her are safe, how I'll protect her from the evils of the world.... the list could go on and on. It's crazy how much I love her already and I haven't even met her.

Being pregnant has helped me to truly appreciate Mother's and what they go through for their children. My mom was in the hospital 8 times before I was born and lost over 30 pounds during her pregnancy because she was so sick. My mom always says... "I remember the day that you were born". And I have always thought that was impossible. But not anymore... I realize now what she means. I imagine the day our little baby girl joins our family will be a day I will never ever forget. In fact, it's so momentous that I've been waiting, planning and counting down for it my whole life.
I have an amazing Mom and many other wonderful "other mother's" in my life that have set such great examples for me to follow. I hope that I can be as amazing as they are someday. My mom is ALWAYS, always serving others and always makes sure everyone is taken care of. She is so talented and driven and puts 110% into everything she does. Growing up, I was always excited to come home from school each day and tell my mom about everything that happened at school. We developed an amazing friendship that we still have to this day. I hope that I can be an amazing Mom to my kids as my Mom has been for me. I am sure I'll be calling her daily asking questions on what to do when my little girl arrives. I can't imagine not having my mom there as this adventure of parenthood unfolds! Thanks Mom for all that you do. I love you!

Ryan surprised me with a really nice "First Mother's Day" present. I have been looking for a rocker/glider for the nursery for a while now, and he found a really nice recliner that rocks too. I'm so excited to sit in it and rock my sweet baby girl to sleep. I have a feeling that I'll be sleeping in it lots too when I'm up at 3am with her. But it's really comfy AND it has a USB port in it, so I can charge my phone or whatever I need while I'm chilling in my new chair. Leave it to Ryan to buy something with some cool technological feature.

My new rocker recliner

The sign he made (with the help of his Mom)

And I'm officially 25 weeks along now. Baby girl is getting big! Here's my big belly pic.

25 weeks along.. in my comfy pants

Happy Mother's Day!

Half Way Baby!

Just another baby update-- Can you believe I'm half way there!? It feels like since I hit my second trimester, time has been flying by and baby girl is growing fast! Maybe it's because I am finally feeling better and we have been up to our ears in house projects the past month, or maybe it really does go faster when you hit a certain point...who knows? Anyhoo, baby girl is doing awesome! At my 20 week ultrasound (anatomy scan) a few weeks ago, the doctor said everything looks great. She's growing and healthy and she has all of her limbs and organs! She was measuring a little big, so he moved my due date to August 24th! In the ultrasound, she still looked a little bit like an alien, but she should start looking more like a baby in the months to come. Here's some fun facts about my pregnancy so far:

• How far along: 22 weeks, 5 days
• Baby Size: One pound, 8 inches long
• Baby Gender: GIRL!
• How much weight have you gained/lost: last doc appointment, 4 lbs.
• Maternity clothes: Yes! I'm down to one regular pair of pants that still fits
• Stretch marks: Not yet. Let's keep it that way....
• Sleep: Sleeping good other than my insane crazy horrible dreams!
• Baby Movement: Yes! Just the past 2 weeks I've started feeling her move. Every night while I'm laying in bed she kicks a bunch.
• Miss Anything: Being able to wear regular clothes...and high heels! 
• Any Fun Moments to Note: Ryan feeling her kick for the first time. 
• Food Cravings: Nothing too weird yet.
• Sick or Queasy: My sickness has mostly subsided (thank heavens!), but I have to make sure I eat every few hours and snack a lot or I'll get sick.
• Other Symptoms: Emotional, my belly itches, lower back aches, bathroom stops every hour, hungry, tired
• Labor Signs: Nope, hopefully not for a while
• Belly Button in or out: Still in, but stretching!
• Happy or Moody most of the time: You'd have to ask Ryan, but I feel like I'm happy most of the time, just way more emotional than normal
• Looking forward to: New carpet being installed next week so I can start on the baby's room!

Thankful Thursday

I think my pregnancy hormones are getting the best of me or something! Lately, I feel like I'm extra emotional-- like I can cry at the drop of a hat. I get emotional over the silliest things, like tearing up when I read news stories and hear songs. I feel like I've also been even more aware and sensitive to all of the amazing blessings in my life. I feel this crazy overwhelming love for Ryan and my baby girl. 

Pregnancy can be a test on any couple's relationship I'm sure. The second you see the positive pregnancy test, your lives change forever. Really... it's as crazy as it sounds. With all of the added stress and hormones raging, I feel so lucky to have Ryan by my side on this adventure. He has been so patient and loving. He stayed home with me every night for like 2 months when I was too sick to function, and especially too sick to do anything fun. Oh, and I have only made dinner a handful of times since December, and he never complains. I was too tired and sick to put makeup on or do my hair and he loved me anyway. He even rubs my back every night because my preggo body is sore. He has been so supportive and strong during a few trials that have come our way. He is always so positive and he always helps me to see the sunshine when all I see are gray clouds at times. He is my voice of reason when I have panic attacks thinking of all of the things we need to buy and do to be ready for our baby. He really is such an amazing person. He is so giving and caring for others. He sets such a an amazing example for me to look up to and he makes me want to be a better person every day. These days (especially now that I'm getting fat and feeling unattractive), I feel even more lucky that he chose to be with me. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of what a blessing he is in my life (see, pregnancy hormones again). Of course we have disagreed on a few things throughout this little adventure...a hum.. baby names.... but it's nothing we can't get through. He's a great man for putting up with me every day! Thanks Ryan for all that you do.

And then, there's the little (un-named) miracle that's kicking around inside of me. Holy cow, if pregnancy isn't a blessing, I don't know what is. It's amazing how much you can love someone that you've never met. It's so fun to imagine what she'll look like and who's personality traits she'll have. She's going to be one spoiled and loved little girl. I am truly grateful to have this opportunity to become her mom and to share my body so she has somewhere to grow. Everyone always says, "once you have kids, you're lives will change forever". I get it now, and she's not even here yet. I am so excited to meet her and possibly even more excited to see Ryan with his little girl (...more tears...). He's going to be a great Daddy and I know he will be an example to her like he is to me. Wow, there are so many things to be thankful for. What a beautiful life I've been blessed with. 

Okay, that's the end of my mushy, pregnancy emotion-filled post.