tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78876616750258889372024-02-19T18:36:24.984-05:00Meet the Bratzesmeetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-72251305466699800852014-11-26T22:09:00.002-05:002014-11-26T22:09:36.023-05:00Time....slow downHas it really been almost 6 months?! Holy smokes, I feel like we've jumped into a time accelerator from the moment we left the hospital with Jaxon! It's hard to write this update and try not to make it sound like one big cliche after another. I never imagined I'd have the lifestyle I'm now living. Five years ago my mind was set that I would never get married and I definitely wouldn't have children. Ummmmmm... John blew that thinking all to pieces! We constantly ask each other what the heck we did to each other! Life has changed drastically for us over the years and it's all been for the better.<br />
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It's been nice hearing how many people enjoyed my pregnancy journal! I'm glad I was able to shed a light on some of the things to come for those that were/are expecting. After the experiences I've had since finding out I was pregnant all the way though postpartum, I've decided that someone needs to write a book about all the crap no one tells you! I've learned that a lot of women are tight lipped about the realities of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. It's definitely not all bliss filled with 24-hour perma-grin plastered across your face! Just mention the words first poop to any mother and just see the look of pain run across their face! Yeah ladies, you know you just cringed a little thinking about that moment when you broke out in a sweat and prayed God wouldn't take you out in such a manner. But, you survived so how about warning your expecting friends?! No one will complain if you take the element of surprise away when it comes to something like that! <br />
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I feel like most days now it's a struggle to feel confident about my appearance. We have a trip coming up soon and we'll be attending wedding. Every dress that I've tried on, I've looked like a busted can of biscuits (even the dresses that weren't tight). Things are so awkwardly out of shape at the moment. I know, I know, I'm well aware that I've had a baby and it will take time but still it's not easy. It's definitely a struggle. I think the most confident <br />
I've ever been in my life was when I was pregnant, I actually miss the bump (not the pains)! I've also realized that God has a sense of humor once again and it's directed towards me. After all the shameless prayers for no stretch marks, I've found some as my body has been readjusting. I have stretch marks on my rear...yep, my bum! Not only are they there but I have a symetrical pair of marks on both sides. Go figure. Well played stretch marks, well played….. All the weight that I was told would "fall right off," no one told me it would be in the weight of my hair. Thankfully that has subsided for the most part. For a while there I was thinking that I was going to end up bald. Seriously, HAIR EVERYWHERE.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYoOK1w39wLB_qW8XQdvNElYkg-S-x0CaXqjcZq9sqFIWjQB9ehVtafzeVEWdRa77PL_70hJPD9rlVji0-py_y9Sg1-fMQrGZRI45YIRxdfS8vFCJlIyKVt2VDvfJlynzYgxnlyHMucpE/s1600/IMG_2153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYoOK1w39wLB_qW8XQdvNElYkg-S-x0CaXqjcZq9sqFIWjQB9ehVtafzeVEWdRa77PL_70hJPD9rlVji0-py_y9Sg1-fMQrGZRI45YIRxdfS8vFCJlIyKVt2VDvfJlynzYgxnlyHMucpE/s1600/IMG_2153.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSbEfez4NMeD5guOtnTUCsH6ZiDodAxYkKC59FwfJ7wrh8IK8zuvBX3HfnphwkjOo5M_A-SWKmoRT3wC2G_j3on8hcmsoV4wdurFS-dCQMmlAXwkdOVH50RGeWH7casVUnVezdaHU4kSD/s1600/IMG_8334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSbEfez4NMeD5guOtnTUCsH6ZiDodAxYkKC59FwfJ7wrh8IK8zuvBX3HfnphwkjOo5M_A-SWKmoRT3wC2G_j3on8hcmsoV4wdurFS-dCQMmlAXwkdOVH50RGeWH7casVUnVezdaHU4kSD/s1600/IMG_8334.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>Life with baby is definitely different. No more spur of the moment ventures, even a trip to the grocery store requires proper planning and timing. Sleep is a thing of the past. Notice it's been almost 6 months since I posted and almost 6 months since he came into this world this is by no coincidence. In only 5 short months he's already changed so much that I'm begging for time to slow down. He has such a personality now. He's already nonstop and he can't even walk….<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life is forever more in fast forward</span><br />
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<br />meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-16479899474319059682014-11-26T21:02:00.000-05:002014-11-26T21:05:04.345-05:00Homemade Caramel PieOut of all the holiday "normals" that one can pick to be their "normal" I sure as heck picked a time consuming treat! How can you resist caramel pie though? Seriously, I want to know?! Here's instructions on how you too can fall into the task of having to bring the caramel pie to the holiday festivities…..<br />
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<u>Homemade Caramel Pie</u></div>
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2 cans Eagle Brand Sweetened Milk</div>
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1 Tbsp Olive Oil (optional)</div>
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1 pie shell or 12 mini shells</div>
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Milk Chocolate Chips</div>
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Chopped Pecans</div>
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Whipped topping</div>
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Instructions: Remove labels from the cans of Eagle Brand Sweetened Milk and place on their side in a large pot. Fill the pot with water so the cans are completely submerged. Add 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil to the water. With the stovetop on HIGH bring water to a boil. Once at a boil, turn the cans 180 degrees and replenish the water (it does evaporate, keep those cans completely covered at all times) every 30 minutes for a total of 3 hours. Once the cans have boiled for 3 hours remove from heat. Keep in mind these cans are HOT, I typically pour the cans out into the sink while I'm draining out the water. Allow the cans to cool for 2 hours. Once cooled, open cans and spoon into a pie shell(s). Top with whipped topping, chopped pecans and chocolate chips.</div>
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*Yes, the stovetop must remain on HIGH for the whole 3 hour boiling period. Look at it is as though you are getting a free pass to the spa because your kitchen and home will turn into a moist sauna! </div>
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*I say the Olive Oil is optional because I read that it helps the caramel boil more evening. I've never tested whether this is actually true or not because I'm not spending 3 hours to find out if no olive oil equals lumpy scorched caramel! </div>
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Not a fan of pie? No problem! Use the caramel as a topping for ice cream, apples, etc. </div>
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I secretly enjoy making these pies only because I know how delicious my family thinks they are and I think they are pretty scrumptious as well! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy!!!</span></div>
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<b>Weight gain? </b>42 lbs<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a watermelon<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>I'm seriously beyond shocked (as I'm sure some of you are as well) there have been no signs of stretch marks<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>There is no sleep anymore, it's more like quick naps interrupted by excruciating pain.<br />
<strong><br /></strong><strong>Miss anything?</strong> Sleep, having energy, being pain free<br />
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<b>Cravings? </b>Apples covered in about half a jar of peanut butter, sea salt and Nutella. Sweets as well. I had some Reese's cups packed in our L&D bag for John while we are at the hospital but I couldn't resist the urge anymore, they are now in the fridge and quickly disappearing!<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick? </b>Nope, other than things prior mentioned<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Pain, pain, pain… so much pain that I'm actually looking forward to delivery day knowing that it's the only thing that will make this pelvic pain go away! I've had some mild contractions this week but nothing major. <br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? My "turkey timer" says he's done…hehe!<br />
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<strong>Wedding rings - on or off? </strong>They are still off<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> Jaxon still isn't slowing down, he's full of movement and stretches all the time. Sometimes my stomach gets hard as a rock and I'm unable to move because of his position. Take the hint Jaxon, you need to come on out!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> I've been more moody this week but I try to control it. At this point in pregnancy, I would love to know of someone who's full of sunshine so I could find out what kind of drugs they are on! <br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>It's been an emotional week for me. We went to our appoint on Friday (40 wks 2 days) so excited and left feeling completely deflated. So much excited, not to mention so much pain and we both had in our minds that this was the weekend we'd welcome Jaxon into to the world.<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Seeing John hold our son for the very first time. I know it'll absolutely melt my heart a million times over. Maybe this sounds a little selfish, but I'm also looking forward to not having to share my body with Jaxon; it's getting beyond painful. I'm looking forward to bringing him home and starting our new chapter in life as parents.<br />
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<strong>Week 40 Fun Fact -</strong> Jaxon IS stubborn just like his momma and his daddy agrees! Also, this will be the last pregnancy blog update since I will be induced this coming week at 41 weeks & 2 days. We're hoping and praying that he naturally makes his appearance before he's forced out but either way, he'll be here by next week!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr30aIWcfgJ2JcjUDTvhsHw5McEruLqs5NoCA3Yf6860mGCQQje_yp2tJrGRut306tTtsnoap0PS6YHy94mmriiadCi9xagRJHKWlImSTwfxe7Ev-yzdsjDgXM58KhJ7RRTBGJYVUHQR6/s1600/10259772_10152175322927219_4098069079650288154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr30aIWcfgJ2JcjUDTvhsHw5McEruLqs5NoCA3Yf6860mGCQQje_yp2tJrGRut306tTtsnoap0PS6YHy94mmriiadCi9xagRJHKWlImSTwfxe7Ev-yzdsjDgXM58KhJ7RRTBGJYVUHQR6/s1600/10259772_10152175322927219_4098069079650288154_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a>So our "due date" has come and gone with no signs that Jaxon is ready to come out. Since our appointment Friday was past our due date I was hooked up for NST monitoring. NST is short for Fetal Non-Stress Test and let me tell you, there was no stressing on this momma-to-be either. I got to kick back in a recliner as John and I listened to his heart beating. I had a few mild contractions while hooked up but nothing crazy. Jaxon's heart rate stayed around 130bpm with a high of 158 and low of 95. We were told everything looked great on the monitor so we were put into an exam room so I could be checked for dilation. Still only 1.5cm dilated. The excited feeling completely drained right out of us upon hearing that. The OB told us that she'd have her assistant schedule us for induction at the hospital in the coming week and that I would need to check in the night before for cervical ripening. It took all I had not to completely fall apart at that point and the rest of the day to be quite honest. We'd planned to go out for eggplant parmesan after the appointment but after hearing that I wasn't dilating I didn't know if it would be safe to induce labor. Since they won't induce me at the hospital without dilating me first I wasn't sure I should try it. If anyone knows if it is safe or not, please let me know! If not, and if things don't progress naturally, we are scheduled to check into the hospital on Thursday and I'll start pitocin early Friday morning. In ways I think that it would be nice to go in the night before and have that time for just me and John and have everything more on a schedule (I'm a scheduled type of person) but on the same token I know every day he's in me at this point the risks get higher for him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnGq7KUoTOYVcADz-2bvhwmFk-va_ExUtlfVTQ7Vau6fNfAwpNhpGUwODCZnH-IlT4VrsRChDWnWIpVuaHqxB9EnTUKEnsO-fIoDq0xutBrqbJSvTN2Qymv4NJjlIVRyWTQDVCDZX8rvv/s1600/10355585_10152177243472219_8060040766442928840_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnGq7KUoTOYVcADz-2bvhwmFk-va_ExUtlfVTQ7Vau6fNfAwpNhpGUwODCZnH-IlT4VrsRChDWnWIpVuaHqxB9EnTUKEnsO-fIoDq0xutBrqbJSvTN2Qymv4NJjlIVRyWTQDVCDZX8rvv/s1600/10355585_10152177243472219_8060040766442928840_o.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>Saturday was John's birthday and unfortunately he had to work. Boooo. I'm really loving that he's not in Afghanistan anymore but I'm not loving the fact that he's always working. He headed off to work and I tried my best to find a comfy position to get some more sleep. I woke up a few times but laid in bed the majority of the morning just trying to relax. Although the later in the day it got, the harder it got to relax because all I could think about was how I wished Jaxon would make his appearance for John's birthday. It was a hard realization to come to and there might've been some tears momentarily shed over my disappointment that it wasn't going to happen. People mentioning how they hoped he'd be born on his birthday only made it harder. I know there was nothing I could've done to had changed it but deep down I couldn't help but feel like a total failure that it didn't happen. After John got off from work I met him at Biltmore Estate where we took a nice waddly walk, yes, I waddle I have no shame to admit it at this point, and then we got some ice cream before heading to dinner. We had Italian at Pomadoros. It was our first time eating there and we will definitely be going back! We headed home after that where I surprised him with some gifts and a Smores Blizzard ice cream cake from Dairy Queen! Part of his birthday includes what will possibly be our first night out after Jaxon's arrival. We will be going to see ZZ Top perform at the Biltmore Estate in July. Yes, a babysitter is already lined up for us to get away for a couple hours that night! It was a good day after I was able to be with him. He has a way of putting a smile on my face when no one else can, especially the past few days. </div>
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-47778930646584628712014-06-02T10:06:00.000-04:002014-06-02T10:20:50.181-04:0039 Weeks<strong><br /></strong>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0m8t_QuWLMfV7b_2tNvpXfkup4oA3KgMpru8n193u6gJZjKYpmhI2gnbFiKKA_wCJFeJxDrW-jrUWxffCtc_i7rBrcu8OJnjNLXmI8J2G501ZaVAuc6lUj0mIG4oaWMKyRpjRdkKzg72/s1600/20140601_170216_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0m8t_QuWLMfV7b_2tNvpXfkup4oA3KgMpru8n193u6gJZjKYpmhI2gnbFiKKA_wCJFeJxDrW-jrUWxffCtc_i7rBrcu8OJnjNLXmI8J2G501ZaVAuc6lUj0mIG4oaWMKyRpjRdkKzg72/s1600/20140601_170216_1.jpg" height="640" style="cursor: move;" width="360" /></a><strong>How far along? </strong>39 weeks<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Weight gain? </b>40 lbs<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a watermelon<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>I'm seriously beyond shocked (as I'm sure some of you are as well) there have been no signs of stretch marks<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep, I get it when I can. I've found my best sleep comes in the early evening when I'm too exhausted to stay awake any longer. <br />
<strong><br /></strong><strong>Miss anything?</strong> Sleep and moving with ease<br />
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<b>Cravings? </b>Apples covered in about half a jar of peanut butter, sea salt and Nutella. I've devoured a canister of toasted coconut almonds this week. I'm still eating Lucky Charms daily and craving Dr Pepper.<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick? </b>Nope, other than things prior mentioned<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Pain, pain, pain… so much pain that I'm actually looking forward to delivery day knowing that it's the only thing that will make this pelvic pain go away! I've done lots of deep squats and sat on a large exercise ball this week to help ease the pain and it does help momentarily but I can't do that stuff around the clock, although, the thought has crossed my mind!<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? It's an outie and it's definitely not cute by any means! (You can see it poking out in this weeks picture) My "turkey timer" says he's done…hehe!<br />
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<strong>Wedding rings - on or off? </strong>They are still off<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> Jaxon isn't slowing his movement down just because he's out of space. The OB says it's a great thing and that most people don't feel their baby moving much at this point. I sure hope she's got good hands because she's going to have to catch a circus monkey any day now! <br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> I've not been a beaming ray of sunshine but I've not been a thundercloud either. I've tried to laugh as much as possible and not let my uncomfortableness show so much.<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>This week I've still been stressing over going back to work after Jaxon is here. I finished up my FMLA paper work and got it turned in this week, it wasn't easy I won't lie. I'm in disbelief that this is (possibly) the last week, I'm nervous, I'm scared, I'm excited!<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Seeing John hold our son for the very first time. I know it'll absolutely melt my heart a million times over. Maybe this sounds a little selfish, but I'm also looking forward to not having to share my body with Jaxon; it's getting beyond painful. I'm looking forward to bringing him home and starting our new chapter in life as parents.<br />
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<strong>Week 39 Fun Fact -</strong> Jaxon is still continuing to gain weight with each week. He's in position and according to the OB, he's pretty far down into my pelvis already. The last part of that was of no surprise, trust me, I know he's down there! (But exactly how far down down was a surprise, continue reading)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & my cousin Leslie. She found out this week that she is having a little mister as well. His due date is in October! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBD6Qj6EH3NscGOHtkjJvo132tzOUEijBE5TJnoP1g_5I6cWjfvrgXQbktw9_4goMF1qvJfcdVQTcNQ93ibT4v_rxBvzo5XEudGVdybJlCZZuUqrNi89jV7Jo3E4hnP3QjjDhk3q-MD1NI/s1600/X2604-S-49.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBD6Qj6EH3NscGOHtkjJvo132tzOUEijBE5TJnoP1g_5I6cWjfvrgXQbktw9_4goMF1qvJfcdVQTcNQ93ibT4v_rxBvzo5XEudGVdybJlCZZuUqrNi89jV7Jo3E4hnP3QjjDhk3q-MD1NI/s1600/X2604-S-49.png" height="320" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmedical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com%2Fstation&tbnid=hF5jwazylU7fIM:&docid=uIUyaDTZxSF6FM&h=400&w=376" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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Week 39 started off pretty easy, I thought that I'd finally figured out how to ease the pelvic pain after positioning myself differently two nights in a row and waking up pain free. Much to my disappointment, that only lasted two days…bummer! But oh my, those two days of relief were AMAZING. It was so nice to be able to move around with ease and feel human again! We had another visit with the OB on Friday. I like our choice of for an OB in that they let you have options as far as whether or not you'd like to be checked for progression during the visits. At our last visit I was disappointed to find out we were only at 1/2cm and no effacement so I was on the fence about being checked this week, I didn't want to disappoint myself again if there had been no progression. But, if I was going to have to go into the office, I was going for more than just to pee in a cup, check of the weight and BP and be informed that our due date is getting close. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that I'm now dilated to 1.5cm, 70% effaced and he's down to a +2 station. The OB said that he was at a +2 and mentioned that he was really far down into my pelvis. I didn't think much of it because all anyone ever mentions is dilation and effacement. Well I googled what the stations meant and holy smokes a 2+ looks like he's just ready to fall out according to the chart I found! If only it were that easy but it definitely explains why the intensity of the pain has increased so much lately! For anyone that is like me and only paid attention to dilation and effacement, I've added a diagram to show you the different stations. After seeing this diagram, I'm ready to camp out in the parking lot of the hospital! No joke! I'm not the woman that wants to forgo the drugs, I don't want to feel him coming out. Trust me, I know I'm a woman and I know what an amazing moment it will be to deliver Jaxon but I don't need to feel everything to know and appreciate what an amazing thing my body has done! <br />
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Yet again this week I've had returning to work heavy on my mind. I finally got the paperwork finished up and turned in to HR. It was beyond hard to turn in papers saying that I would return to work in only 9 weeks. 9 weeks…that seems like such a short amount of time at home with my little fella before returning to work. Thank God they are willing to let me work from home initially when I return so I'm not stressing over a pump/work routine in the office. At least I'll be at home and I'll be able to more easily transition. I know that nothing is going to take the sting away completely but being allowed to ease back into work won't be as traumatic. <br />
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Jaxon's room has completely transformed over the past few weeks! It's amazing to see the transition from a plain room to a Gamecock inspired nursery. I did have my doubts when I agreed to using garnet and grey thinking that it would be too USC for me because everyone knows I'm a Vols fan! The nursery turned out really well and we are both proud of it! Here's a few pictures! I made the crib skirt and the curtains. My mom helped me out with the curtains since every time I'd get in the floor to cut fabric or measure my feet would swell up horribly. Mom also hand knitted the quilt that is wrapped over the railing of his bed, we both LOVE it! </div>
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This week also marked an important date for John & I! Four years ago, I sent him an email telling him that I recalled him mentioning that he'd be home for R&R around the first part of June and that I would like to see him while he's home. He'd tried for the longest time, years actually, but something told me that day that I should take a chance. Just as luck would have it, the very day I sent the email, he was on his way back to Afghanistan and he'd just finished up his R&R. It was disappointing at the time but now we know it was just part of God's plan. It would now be 6 months before we could go on that first date so while we anxiously awaited those months to pass, we sent novel sized emails to one another daily. When I picked him up at the airport that December, it felt more like I was picking up my best friend and soulmate moreso than picking up someone I hadn't seen since high school. So where was our first date you might asked? It was to Boston and New York! His cousin was getting married and as anyone in contracting or military knows, you make the most of every single day of R&R leave and that is exactly what we did! 4 years and it just keeps getting better and better! </div>
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-44288636590659011122014-05-27T16:20:00.001-04:002014-05-27T16:20:55.597-04:0038 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>How far along? </strong>38 weeks<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Weight gain? </b>38 lbs - Holding steady this week with no weight gain<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a small pumpkin<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>Still haven't spotted any!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep …. I only wish I could sleep. Currently I'm running on 4 hours of uneasy sleep.<br />
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<strong>Miss anything?</strong> Sleep and moving with ease<br />
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<b>Cravings? </b>Fruit mostly this week and Dr Pepper<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick? </b>Nope, other than things prior mentioned<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Insanely intense pelvic pain. Getting up at night brings me close to tears it's so painful. I look like a pokey old granny doing the two foot shuffle instead of walking when I have to get up at night.<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? It's an outie and it's definitely not cute by any means! Haha<br />
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<strong>Wedding rings - on or off? </strong>They are still off<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> Jaxon is still trying his best to stretch my belly out to accommodate him better but it's not working. Obviously, he's uncomfortable and so am I!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> I've not been a beaming ray of sunshine but I've not been a thundercloud either.<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>This week I've been stressing over going back to work after Jaxon is here. It's upsetting already, I know I'll have to do it but it doesn't mean that I have to like it. <b> </b><br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Seeing John hold our son for the very first time. I know it'll absolutely melt my heart a million times over. Maybe this sounds a little selfish, but I'm also looking forward to not having to share my body with Jaxon; it's getting beyond painful.<br />
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<strong>Week 38 Fun Fact -</strong> Jaxon is still continuing to gain weight with each week. At this point his head is about the same circumference as his abdomen.<br />
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Our hospital bags are packed, his room is finished and now, we wait…. We had another checkup this past Friday with McArthur. We are now at the "full-term" mark. Yay. Strangely enough, I've stopped gaining weight even though Jaxon is continuing to gain weight weekly. It's been a struggle with food lately because I know that I need to be eating a lot more than what I tend to do on most days but I feel so full already that I have no appetite or when I start eating I fill up after only a few bites. I had contractions most of the night Thursday night but nothing that stayed consistent. The OB checked me for dilation but I haven't dilated anymore than I had three weeks ago when I was at only a fingertip dilated. Not the news we wanted to hear but on a positive note, it's looking like he's definitely going to be a June baby. John would love to share his birthday week with Jaxon and it's looking like there's a very good chance of that. <br />
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This whole week I've been struggling a lot with the thoughts of having to go back to work after just a few short weeks after Jaxon's arrival. It's been on my mind a lot and it's hard to put those thoughts on the back burner while I'm filling out FMLA forms and realizing just how quickly my time with him, being fully focused on him and not work, will be. Growing up, I was never the girl that wanted kids (funny how things change). A lot of that was due the the fact that I didn't want to be a working mom but always knew that times had changed from when I was born and most mom's work now. Paying someone else to spend precious time with my child was something I didn't even want to think about, but now I have to think about it. I know that being a full time stay at home mom is not in the cards currently but it doesn't make the idea settle any easier with me. Lots of prayers are being said that when the time comes to go back, that I will know without a doubt that I'm doing the right thing and what's best for our family at the time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT92H4rZzea2mbXCFyr5fJhr4-pGXG7yMLexiZP2U30iPJE1tdruMIjO910jvS0LH91pWbRhc37KjjH6KzXOeevMuuQEiPcMkmNJeLcvLVOneHfTYe6gkIMhGcvJfEmjx8nIxlSVb6tKlM/s1600/IMG_7335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT92H4rZzea2mbXCFyr5fJhr4-pGXG7yMLexiZP2U30iPJE1tdruMIjO910jvS0LH91pWbRhc37KjjH6KzXOeevMuuQEiPcMkmNJeLcvLVOneHfTYe6gkIMhGcvJfEmjx8nIxlSVb6tKlM/s1600/IMG_7335.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a> Yesterday was Memorial Day so we were both off from work. It was a beautiful day to get out and enjoy the sunshine and our freedom but not forgetting those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The North Buncombe High School Band set up a flag display of 600 flags. They were absolutely gorgeous to see. Flags could be purchased in memory of or in honor of our military veterans. We purchased one for each of John's papaws as well as one for a fallen hero John had met during his time in Afghanistan. My papaw already had one placed in the field for him but we made sure to find it. In the picture of the two of us in front of the flags we are actually standing next to papaw Coy's flag. It's hard thinking that Jaxon will grow up never knowing him, he was such an amazing person, but I'm sure I'll be telling him all about him over the years. <br />
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-11609840654826842812014-05-24T14:31:00.000-04:002014-05-24T14:42:24.891-04:00Dear Jaxon…. A letter to my unborn son<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jaxon Miles Bratz,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't believe that we are a week and a half away from your due date! Momma and Daddy are so excited to meet you. I'm sure from now until you are born will be the longest days of my life with so much anticipation built up. Everything is prepared for your arrival, now we just wait.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The waiting gives me time to think and reflect back on how much can change in a person's life due to one thing. That thing can simply be wrapped up into one word, LOVE. You see, your daddy and I never imagined we'd ever be anxiously awaiting the arrival of a child of our own. We never imagined as individuals that we'd settle down and get married either. Nor did we ever imagine that we'd end up moving back to our hometown. Yet here we are living in the town we grew up (for the most part, your daddy lived in NY for part of his childhood before moving a mile away from me). It took your daddy some time to convince me to let him take me on a date, years actually, but it was all in God's timing and His timing was perfect. Our first date, to Boston and New York, was beyond words but I knew that your daddy was unlike anyone else I'd ever met. I knew he was the one God intended me to be with. Our relationship fell into place with no reservations and no doubts. After a year into our relationship daddy called your granddaddy from Afghanistan and asked if he approved for us to get married. Of course granddaddy said that he wasn't giving me away but your daddy could gladly join our family. We were married while daddy was home for R&R from Afghanistan. It was a small wedding in Nashville, TN, that's how we like to do things, even if it did upset some. When we found out you would be coming into our lives, we were so excited and now we are anxiously awaiting your arrival. Some days your daddy just looks at me and says he wished he could send me a picture of how life is now to my former self 5 years ago. Love changed everything about the way we lived, saw life and looked at the future. One day you too will see that love changes everything, even in your own life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing that your daddy said when I let him know that we were expecting was, "Please God don't let it be a girl." Your daddy prayed hard for a little mister and he almost hit the roof (literally) the day he heard the words, "it's a boy." Jaxon, your daddy loves you so much and he has big plans for you two. He talks to you daily so I have no doubt that you will know exactly who he is on your birthday and you will already have a special bond. Which is a good thing, because I'm not so sure he's going to share you once he gets his hands on you! I can't wait to see you with your daddy. He's awesome, which you will soon find out. He has a heart of gold and will give his all in everything he does and you little one will be no exception to that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your middle name, although not a family name, has so much meaning for me and your daddy. You see, there were several thousand miles that separated us for years while he was in Afghanistan, but it drew us to one another. We learned who each other was in ways that most spouses never get to. We are thankful in that sense for the miles. They drew us so close to each other and we proved that distance means nothing when someone means so much. One day, we hope that you will keep in mind just what the Miles means and know that there was a lot of love behind the meaning of your name, it wasn't just a name we saw and liked. Miles was part of our definition but we used it to make us stronger not pull us apart. And you, Jaxon Miles, are making us even stronger than we could imagine and we still haven't met you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you grow older, I hope you have the patience with us that we will have to have with you as you learn about growing up and we learn about parenthood. We are a little terrified that the hospital is actually going to send us home with you to raise but we are looking forward to the challenge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't wait to meet you my son!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love - Momma </span>meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-65651187989249459402014-05-19T17:45:00.001-04:002014-05-19T17:45:14.272-04:0037 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEd50Hna1QP3UOqRgynN72GDixf94P0Jeub1in262g02xY9EHxlRGdgy5vlKgC8B6xvMJ-q9l7n3IX7JCfMCOY1bsVlCBevNtue3NvRRkewGBP_tY5UjBb07l5CJ5XhWkzG4-lJfnVkYF/s1600/37wks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEd50Hna1QP3UOqRgynN72GDixf94P0Jeub1in262g02xY9EHxlRGdgy5vlKgC8B6xvMJ-q9l7n3IX7JCfMCOY1bsVlCBevNtue3NvRRkewGBP_tY5UjBb07l5CJ5XhWkzG4-lJfnVkYF/s1600/37wks.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
<strong>How far along? </strong>37 weeks<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Weight gain? </b>38 lbs -Yes, I lost weight this past week. A 4lbs loss was definitely shocking!<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a watermelon - yikes!<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>Still haven't spotted any. From the feel of my skin stretching from the weight of my belly, I'm completely shocked and still praying that I don't get any!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep ….remind me what that is again? The best sleep I get is after I hit the snooze<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUcRoXCau67bO0ku3v5uUs1cYZsGoLVs4lQo1Dvnakg2xCOr6tlbXvM7l8ZfAPP_F5lTousnhe4sMFGQ5-llt_-dSXnnxBnFI1ohM1vziW3h-Qx8MPIkIE1neTA0z7542j_xWZw8Mvp3v/s1600/10308180_10152135926837219_1375669371848768310_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUcRoXCau67bO0ku3v5uUs1cYZsGoLVs4lQo1Dvnakg2xCOr6tlbXvM7l8ZfAPP_F5lTousnhe4sMFGQ5-llt_-dSXnnxBnFI1ohM1vziW3h-Qx8MPIkIE1neTA0z7542j_xWZw8Mvp3v/s1600/10308180_10152135926837219_1375669371848768310_n.jpg" height="320" width="177" /></a><br />
<strong>Miss anything?</strong> Moving with ease.<br />
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<b>Cravings? </b>Fruit and meat. The look on John's face when he noticed I'd sat down next to him on the couch with a half of a watermelon and a spoon was priceless. Hey, this girl wanted some watermelon! <br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Still the aftermath of giving birth makes me queasy…<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Pelvic pain is back and in full force. It has been a miserably painful week. So painful that I've resorted to sleeping with a heating pad between my legs in hopes to get even just the slightest bit of relief. It doesn't really help but I keep telling myself that it might be more painful without the heating pad. I'm seriously trying to fool myself into believing that…<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? It's an outie and it's definitely not cute by any means! Haha<br />
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<strong>Wedding rings - on or off? </strong>They are still off and I'm slowly coming to terms to that they will be till after delivery. Have I mentioned how much I miss wearing them?!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> He's been working on his leg muscles a lot this week. We've found humor in my insanely crazy shaped belly, especially when he completely stretches his legs out! We press against his feet and the other side of my belly (his butt) will protrude even further out. <br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> I've definitely not been a ray of sunshine this week, but I wouldn't consider myself moody either. It always helps to have a husband that's as awesome as mine to keep be going and smiling when otherwise I wouldn't feel like it. <br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>The holy smokes they are really going to let us take a baby home to raise emotions have been hitting me hard this week! Of course since day one we've known that life is going to change so much with a baby but it's really sinking in now that everything is done and we're just waiting now. I'm thrilled, I'm excited, I'm scared but most importantly I'm really looking forward to this adventure known as parenthood! <b> </b><br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Seeing John hold our son for the very first time. I know it'll absolutely melt my heart a million times over. <br />
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<strong>Week 37 Fun Fact -</strong> Jaxon is still continuing to gain weight.<br />
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There's not much to highlight for this week. I did start my weekly appointments this week with the OB. Nothing says you are getting close to delivery day like knowing you have weekly appointments from here on out and noticing that your belly has "dropped." Our bags are packed, including snacks for L&D for John and afterwards for the both of us. John has the carseat loaded and secured into the Jeep, he even took it by the fire department to have it inspected to make sure it was correct. We are ready and we are as prepared as prepared can be when it comes to bringing a child into the world. I don't think anyone could ever honestly say they are fully prepared, but we are as much as possible.</div>
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Jaxon, we are beyond excited to meet you! </div>
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-81126739668597528152014-05-13T21:03:00.000-04:002014-05-13T21:16:45.794-04:0036 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAi1bjJnWGOcKfw_2onSTmHR2QYui2eqF6DhNdWYxJe-rJWJPn9uVDAuZk02QmV2GTagfkNmfw2AG2ay9mn2sUt_AyILj1zKp-yy3PBzIroGex554fa1HVu4KHg8GOu_TzCJFJsAB_SluY/s1600/36wks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAi1bjJnWGOcKfw_2onSTmHR2QYui2eqF6DhNdWYxJe-rJWJPn9uVDAuZk02QmV2GTagfkNmfw2AG2ay9mn2sUt_AyILj1zKp-yy3PBzIroGex554fa1HVu4KHg8GOu_TzCJFJsAB_SluY/s1600/36wks.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<strong>How far along? </strong>36 weeks<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Weight gain? </b>42 lbs<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a honeydew melon<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>None! Yay!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep has been an absolute struggle once again this week. I'm sure since Jaxon is head down and constantly putting pressure on my pelvic bones that it's not going to change until he's out. <br />
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<strong>Miss anything?</strong> Moving with ease.<br />
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<b>Cravings? </b>Fruit. I think I could eat my weight in honeydew this week, which is kind of disturbing considering that Jaxon's size is comparable to a honeydew.<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Lately I've been looking past the delivery day and the actual recovery and how I'll feel during the process makes me a little queasy. I have my supply for making "padcicles" and they will be made soon and waiting for me in the freezer.<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Pelvic pain is back and in full force.<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? It's quite the outie anymore<br />
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<strong>Wedding rings - on or off? </strong>This has been the first full week without them. Have I mentioned how much I miss wearing them?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGm5b7k394RpwipRFAOqB6oSEWrt17KocfqWyuEPzIzpfwSHshjePH7H0_Hx2R5r4csLKnPdzHIKvf6s76uADE09VX-fW-ujoJpnfGgTKeCrgFBwxCaX-zWtUowvmySw6PLN8SOzWPeAq/s1600/10256680_508050135984520_1120485219522989995_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGm5b7k394RpwipRFAOqB6oSEWrt17KocfqWyuEPzIzpfwSHshjePH7H0_Hx2R5r4csLKnPdzHIKvf6s76uADE09VX-fW-ujoJpnfGgTKeCrgFBwxCaX-zWtUowvmySw6PLN8SOzWPeAq/s1600/10256680_508050135984520_1120485219522989995_o.jpg" height="400" width="170" /></a><strong>Any movement?</strong> He's still making my stomach look all sorts of abstract this week. Poor fella has ran out of room but boy he puts in a strong effort to stretch! He's going to have some strong leg muscles!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> It's overall been a happy week. Being this uncomfortable, it's hard to be a ray of sunshine all the time anymore. Little things and comments sting a little more than usual, but I bite my tongue.<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>I've had to keep my emotions in check this week, as I'm sure I'll have to do for the rest of the pregnancy. I'm quick to speak my mind with no filter but to add constant uncomfortableness into the mix, I've found that I just need to bite my tongue more than usual.<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Seeing his face and holding him for the first time! We are so antsy to have him here! I'm looking forward to this coming weekend as well, John is off from work for the whole weekend! You have no idea how happy this makes me….seriously.<br />
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<strong>Week 36 Fun Fact -</strong> Jaxon's continuing to fatten up at this point. His lungs are still developing but he could survive outside the womb at this point. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqa5jLqb73IXbTR6FGLhq4vRrnR58veV2t4bDOuqSte1SJFgiXWSSWTDayBDDMQ7LSKUCMH9mG32hNC7X35OUes83Q81VEd6j63XP541mFw-yWd9_-PB0vjby9trsVj9nXzbwNs0R8PJr/s1600/MothersDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqa5jLqb73IXbTR6FGLhq4vRrnR58veV2t4bDOuqSte1SJFgiXWSSWTDayBDDMQ7LSKUCMH9mG32hNC7X35OUes83Q81VEd6j63XP541mFw-yWd9_-PB0vjby9trsVj9nXzbwNs0R8PJr/s1600/MothersDay.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI9JBbeAlbqPSLjKkRRZFsP52nCK-FDN9mOxntfHjoFfjqmS9QzsQm8unAkuaM18fXWvxnv2Jjjx6HuRzrKpGO7D-7VfqbNwx3-ZLGtyJS1xIu8nWOHE0VuBWu7hIepvw5wel__zAKjjV/s640/20140512_164051_Richtone%252528HDR%252529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI9JBbeAlbqPSLjKkRRZFsP52nCK-FDN9mOxntfHjoFfjqmS9QzsQm8unAkuaM18fXWvxnv2Jjjx6HuRzrKpGO7D-7VfqbNwx3-ZLGtyJS1xIu8nWOHE0VuBWu7hIepvw5wel__zAKjjV/s640/20140512_164051_Richtone%252528HDR%252529.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a>This week marked my first "unofficial" Mother's Day. With all of Jaxon's stretching and movements he made sure that while I may not have him to share with everyone else yet that yes, I am in fact his mother. He made sure to keep me extra comfortable at times just so I didn't forget that I reckon. It was a good day overall, even if John did have to work the majority of the day he was able to spend spend the last part of it with me. I even got a special pot of flowers from church for having the "youngest child." Mother's Day was something I thought I'd never share personally as a mother. Crazy how love and years can change a person's mind.<br />
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This week was also the start to my weekly OB appointments. What a milestone moment that they like to commemorate with the Strep B test. Sweet heavens I'm glad I googled that before I went in to the appointment! After she'd completely violated me with a cotton swab, the OB asked if I wanted her to check to see if I had dilated any. Of course if I'm going to put the effort into getting my clothes off and having to put them back on, on top of being violated, by all means make it completely worth the effort and pain I thought. I'm a fingertip dilated, don't get excited y'all it was only a fingertip! He's in position though. Poor Jaxon may come out cross eyed from the OB shaking his head back and forth between my bones just to "make sure it was his head." <br />
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And for those wondering, our bags are 95% packed now. I had to order Jaxon an extra diaper bag since the one I really wanted is still on backorder and has been for over 3 months now. Seriously, how does one get their heart set on a diaper bag only to find it's been backordered?! Only me, only me…. </div>
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<b>Weight gain? </b>40 lbs as of last week<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a small roasting chicken<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>None! Yay!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep is getting harder and harder. I tend to take pretty long evening naps nowadays since it's hard to get comfortable enough to sleep through the night. Everyone tends to ask if it's because I have to pee so many times during the night and the answer is no, I usually only get up once very late into the night to pee. I always wake up anytime I move because my pelvic bones get so stiff. <br />
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<strong>Miss anything?</strong> Cuddling with John on the couch; my belly is entirely too big for that now.<br />
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<b>Cravings? </b>Lucky Charms are still topping the cravings list again this week. Also cranberries. And Dr Pepper, some days I've not been able to stop at one can but I forced myself to stop after two. Today we had chicken for lunch and I wanted it dipped in sour cream.<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> The thought of getting Jaxon out is starting to make me queasy but in terms of actually being sick or queasy, there's nothing that does that.<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Pelvic pain is back and in full force.<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? It's poking out a little more this week<br />
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<strong>Wedding rings - on or off? </strong>I finally took them off. John was getting nervous that if something happened they'd have to cut them off. I can't wait to have them back on! <br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> He's been trying his best to stretch out and get comfortable but the last two days getting comfortable seems impossible for me and him. Sorry Jaxon, God blessed me with several things but a long torso was not one of them! <br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> It's been a trying week….<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>I've had such a trying time this week, his size along with the extra pregnancy pounds have been increasingly getting more uncomfortable by the hour it seems like. I'm not one to cry but last night I was so miserable I could've bawled for hours if I would've let myself. Just moving my leg the slightest would set off the most horrible pelvic pain.<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Seeing his face and holding him for the first time! We are so antsy to have him here!<br />
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<strong>Week 35 Fun Fact -</strong> Jaxon's immune system and nervous system is still maturing and he's continuing to add fat that he'll need to regulate his body temperature. Everything else from his toenails to the hairs on his head are all completely formed. If born at this stage, there's a 99% chance of survival!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijzGnOUv_jrbLtT_cj5ERB-30OXEZe5VgZQH-YWu9MGAV85u2wlp6roX-sWFWKuj_KwWomTlMvAoRDgNjsAkszjqQdrFmAUpvlNubB4HODiCBnJcsh1r2ohIB1oz7TcgEYxsktNn4jcjI/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijzGnOUv_jrbLtT_cj5ERB-30OXEZe5VgZQH-YWu9MGAV85u2wlp6roX-sWFWKuj_KwWomTlMvAoRDgNjsAkszjqQdrFmAUpvlNubB4HODiCBnJcsh1r2ohIB1oz7TcgEYxsktNn4jcjI/s1600/Image+1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a>This past week has been pretty eventful and busy. I finally finished his adjustable crib skirt and got the furniture arranged in his room to allow for maximum space. It still looks so cramped in there but I think it will be better once we get everything organized and put away. The final touches should be added this coming week once I get his curtains and the wall art finished up. John also got his carseat base/carseat put into the car. Yay, now we can [legally] bring him home once he's here! I also started getting things prepared for the hospital. It's not in a suitcase or bag yet, but there's a little pile next to the suitcase. I just can't bring myself to put it in there just yet. I keep thinking that if I don't pack it, delivery day won't come. Yes, I know, I delusional. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaldjIIdhT3NbTUlSMgzlx1wpwmwQ6ffBOZ4-B6Mjjj-YsC1JxOyKzXzFZr1ynJoIIF2irxrrnbkWUeuJxow-fUCM-83PYuujrrS_XksTfBXz1yc_g6vrCde3R7xJV1GynMOcHsn0qXLLu/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaldjIIdhT3NbTUlSMgzlx1wpwmwQ6ffBOZ4-B6Mjjj-YsC1JxOyKzXzFZr1ynJoIIF2irxrrnbkWUeuJxow-fUCM-83PYuujrrS_XksTfBXz1yc_g6vrCde3R7xJV1GynMOcHsn0qXLLu/s1600/Image.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the tumor was removed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What's that gross thing on your back? Oh it's just a pregnancy tumor. What? Yeah, I'd never heard of such a thing either. I had a spot on my back that in about 6 weeks time went from the size of a tiny pimple to bigger than my fingertip. It wasn't pleasant looking at all either. So embarrassing. If I left it uncovered it usually hardened and but looked super gross and if I covered it with a bandaid the top would fall off and it would be oozing. Neither of which were attractive or what I wanted on my back so I ended up at the dermatologist where it was cut out and sent off for a biopsy. Luckily, the biopsy was negative but it was still considered a pregnancy tumor nonetheless. I've decided that if there's an oddity to be add during pregnancy that I'm sure to get it! First "broken crotch" now a pregnancy tumor what's left? There's still time for something else…haha. <br />
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-59284809575591339332014-04-28T19:54:00.002-04:002014-04-28T22:53:22.326-04:0034 Weeks<div style="display: inline !important;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjYRQqqvPaOFLUp0P67pDC_CaS3XscmJjRCNBQLveQ66rpBbG5lUc4zoSaTo7b186bIwLh4-aMPZprUuxvGYGtyLuMQESwrvJ55ypIhB9Euhbq-YGZwFs1d1dJNFnUE5eEPGakfAMk8fB/s1600/cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjYRQqqvPaOFLUp0P67pDC_CaS3XscmJjRCNBQLveQ66rpBbG5lUc4zoSaTo7b186bIwLh4-aMPZprUuxvGYGtyLuMQESwrvJ55ypIhB9Euhbq-YGZwFs1d1dJNFnUE5eEPGakfAMk8fB/s1600/cars.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toy trucks are from John's childhood Hot Wheels collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>How far along? </strong>34 weeks</div>
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<b>Weight gain? </b>40 lbs<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a butternut squash<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>None! Yay!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep is up and down. I can nap like no other but when it comes time to actually lay down and sleep at night I have the worst time falling asleep and staying asleep. A lot of this can be attributed to my ever growing belly. If I don't have a pillow positioned just right underneath it it's impossible for me to fall asleep because it literally feels like my skin will rip apart. I know it won't actually do so, but that's how it feels.<br />
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<strong>Miss anything?</strong> Does vacations count? I'm dying for a trip to the beach, even if it was for a weekend but I know that my window for a vacation has passed and there will be none of that. It's looking like Orlando in December for a wedding will be our next getaway.<br />
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<b>Cravings? </b>Lucky Charms sounds wonderful for any meal or snack lately. I've had two bowlfuls already today.<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> The thought of getting Jaxon out is starting to make me queasy but in terms of actually being sick or queasy, there's nothing that does that.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk68hjN7qHs2yl3kIeAsjWR0ft8wCBEG95FRY2Jts6dogLBEGuMsM8X94LF2jVhMQ9CtZPIIG_cOcx-YhwZYUi1z-xIZ2tPtrQOEOcMltJSWWDRoPYJk_YdlHP2xXw9T7s9mQx-g4uGEK/s1600/10314504_10152089721032219_2628970174824976658_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk68hjN7qHs2yl3kIeAsjWR0ft8wCBEG95FRY2Jts6dogLBEGuMsM8X94LF2jVhMQ9CtZPIIG_cOcx-YhwZYUi1z-xIZ2tPtrQOEOcMltJSWWDRoPYJk_YdlHP2xXw9T7s9mQx-g4uGEK/s1600/10314504_10152089721032219_2628970174824976658_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRRxPnT_9mSqMrV9_Rhqfcz3x1TKkd0GR2n3E8TpC5fyQoBtr70zdDqNkCaCKpenFnM88YhxekgiN-Kt2PhTW-S5b93xoasDBDU3YGGjYJpOYt06KtetTACxMTwEITvaJ2gUiUTOFurj9/s1600/10177473_10152088371002219_7029001068711793111_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRRxPnT_9mSqMrV9_Rhqfcz3x1TKkd0GR2n3E8TpC5fyQoBtr70zdDqNkCaCKpenFnM88YhxekgiN-Kt2PhTW-S5b93xoasDBDU3YGGjYJpOYt06KtetTACxMTwEITvaJ2gUiUTOFurj9/s1600/10177473_10152088371002219_7029001068711793111_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Uncomfortableness. I hurt when I sit too long. I hurt when I lay down. I'm exhausted but I can't sleep. There's so much I want to get done or do, but it's hard to find the energy to do it after working a 9 hour day. I did have one day of super "nesting" this week. I put together his changing table, Rock & Play and also his bouncy seat. That should count for something right?<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? It's poking out a little more this week<br />
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<strong>Wedding rings - on or off? </strong>I've had them on all this week but they are tight<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> He's been moving quite a bit this week. He still likes to tickle my hip bones but I reckon that is better than him kicking my ribs! He likes to make his presence known and likes to poke his butt and head out where it's very noticeable.<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> It's been a happy week, only because I've had to suffocate my come and go moodiness.<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>I've had mixed emotions this week. I think it's because I'm so uncomfortable and struggling with the fact that I want a getaway in the sunshine. I feel uncomfortable and for the most part useless. Some days I feel like such a complainer and that's not me. Guess I've been super whiny the past few days because the last two times I've complained in the least bit, John's said something about it. Not in a jerk kind of way, put your claws back in ladies. I know he has to be ready for me to have Jaxon so he won't have to hear the complaining anymore.<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>I'm still looking forward to some pain-free sleep! But, will that ever happen?!? <br />
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<strong>Week 34 Fun Fact -</strong> Jaxon can now recognize and react to simple songs. I read where it suggested that we can start practicing singing him lullabies so he'll recognize those frequently sung and they'll be soothing after birth. (Note to self: download some lullabies on the iPod and start playing them for him. Anyone that knows either of us knows that we are tone deaf and couldn't carry a pitch in a bucket) Or, maybe I'll just start playing Aerosmith for him all the time! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKmLAy2jxTmBNtGxkDJa-uekyso6xMycFS86ALbj0dEeJdu6m8JOWo56b6jL90-LRdYq2rgicRze10K4HlNxQqdcBH-JUW9-VQtT9hJ891YgHR8ifO4TFN3LC_wXDZUk2_7mlufsfDseW/s1600/34wks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKmLAy2jxTmBNtGxkDJa-uekyso6xMycFS86ALbj0dEeJdu6m8JOWo56b6jL90-LRdYq2rgicRze10K4HlNxQqdcBH-JUW9-VQtT9hJ891YgHR8ifO4TFN3LC_wXDZUk2_7mlufsfDseW/s1600/34wks.jpg" height="320" width="283" /></a>I had another checkup with the OB on Friday. Everything is looking good and Jaxon's heart is sounding great! I'd love to have another ultrasound soon so they could do another estimated weight, although that information may scare the crap out of me more than anything! I ended up getting a shot, I felt like such a champ since I didn't even get light headed! You have no idea how impressive that is for me! I also discussed a spot on my back that is growing at super speeds. I have an appointment set up tomorrow to have it evaluated and hopefully removed by a dermatologist. Now that tank top and lower backed clothing weather is here I constantly have to have a bandaid on my back to spare everyone else from having to see this disgusting spot. "Ewwww, that's really gross," were the direct words from the OB that I met Friday. Yes, yes it is very gross.<br />
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We met with a pediatrician on Friday as well. We interviewed with Dr Templeton with <a href="http://frenchbroadpeds.com/" target="_blank">French Broad Pediatrics</a>. He was very personable and the staff was great as well. We really liked the set up of the office, there is a sick side and a well side and neither cross each other's paths which I thought was a terrific idea! It's nice knowing that if we are taking Jaxon in for a checkup that we won't be risking his health to do so because from check in to check out, he will never be in an area were a sick child has been through or seen. Dr Templeton also believes in communicating with the parents as much as possible so there's no "quick visit" time limits. He or his partner also answer all calls after hours, which I really like since it takes out the middle man and saves on time when assistance is really needed. We left the office feeling very confident that we had found Jaxon's pediatrician! Relieved for that and another check mark on the list of things to do before his arrival! <br />
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We had birthing class on Saturday. That was definitely interesting and not a total waste of time. We learned a few things so hopefully we'll be prepared for different situations during delivery. The class was held at Asheville Women's which meant that we were sitting in their waiting room chairs all day. After 45 minutes my back was hurting so bad that I was breaking out into a cold sweat. You would think considering that the majority of the patients there are pregnant that they would invest in some comfy waiting area seating like my OB office has. I moved and twitched more than any hyper child in a church pew could ever imagine (thank goodness we were sitting on the back row so I wasn't a distraction to everyone else)! </div>
meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-89740305766217268912014-04-21T21:41:00.001-04:002014-04-28T20:12:46.024-04:0033 Weeks<div style="display: inline !important;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-vzTvaOOscKonp0yYFZ_jDK72-QC1e3ZGCUDG4ThTQsSnLyxvu3v8BqefG5X98UQC1K0o8OyxYcVWqW-wf3lCQNMtSFsT7QkcirFOgZCZj0ZxlWie834DwFVtKhELdBKmv00dadt1FiO/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-vzTvaOOscKonp0yYFZ_jDK72-QC1e3ZGCUDG4ThTQsSnLyxvu3v8BqefG5X98UQC1K0o8OyxYcVWqW-wf3lCQNMtSFsT7QkcirFOgZCZj0ZxlWie834DwFVtKhELdBKmv00dadt1FiO/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" height="640" width="235" /></a><strong>How far along? </strong>33 weeks</div>
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<b>Weight gain? </b>36 lbs as of last week. I haven't been on the scales this week.<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a durian fruit, 4.2-5.8lbs<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>None! Yay!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep wasn't easy this week. I'd lay down and my upper back would hurt and once I'd finally get to sleep I'd wake up any time I'd move from pelvic pain. Whoever said, "sleep before the baby gets here" obviously didn't have these issues! There is no sleep.<br />
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<strong>Miss anything?</strong> Nothing new to add this week<br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> I've had quite the desire for Easter candy this week...can't imagine why... <br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Not until today. I've had an upset stomach all day. Hoping that it's not the beginnings of preterm labor.<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> This week the uncomfortable factor has been uped along with upper back pain. The back pain comes mostly at night when I lay down. It's not pleasant at all. <br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? It's starting to poke out.<br />
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<strong>Wedding rings - on or off? </strong>I've had to take them off some this week. They are pretty snug but I'm not a fan of having to take them off. While at home, I've not worn them as much but I always try to wear them anytime I'm out. The worst-case senerio keeps playing through my mind and all I can think is that if an emergency does happen they won't take the time to lotion up my finger to get them off, they'll just cut them off. I know, I'm a bit crazy but I think of all the possibilities! <br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> Not as much, which is normal at this stage, but when he does move....OUCH! John actually got to see Jaxon shake my whole entire belly this week and yes, it was as uncomfortable as it looked! <br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> It's been a happy week. The uncomfortable factor has been upped this week but overall, it's been a happy week.<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>Excitement! We had two baby showers this week, it's hard to be a constant worry wart about delivery day with all that going on....but it still crosses my mind and absolutely freaks me out from time to time. <br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Honestly? A couple a hours of uninterupted pain-free sleep! <br />
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<strong>Week 33 Fun Fact -</strong> Although Jaxon's bones are continuing to harden, the bones in his skull aren't fusing together. This makes it easier for him to fit through the birth canal (...that's great, but what about those shoulders as well...). The skull bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as the brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.<br />
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We had not one but two showers this week! My coworkers held one for me and another expecting coworker and then we had a family and friends shower at the church! We were completely overwhelmed by both of them! I may be sorting and organizing for weeks and there are no amount of words that could express how grateful we are! Jaxon is going to be one spoiled and loved little fella! <br />
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I will elaborate more on our showers at a later since I'm feeling so rough tonight I'm going to call it a night. But for now, here are a few pictures from the showers….<br />
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-55461241154695991902014-04-14T07:15:00.000-04:002014-04-14T07:15:21.760-04:0032 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="display: inline !important;">
<strong>How far along? </strong>32 weeks</div>
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<b>Weight gain? </b>36 lbs<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a squash<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>None! Yay!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep is still hit or miss, but with this belly I can't expect every night to be blissful and dream filled. <br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>I outgrew my pre-pregnancy bra collection weeks ago but now I'm limited on underwear too?! Seriously?! <br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> This week it's been Lucky Charms. They seriously are beyond magically delicious!<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Nope!<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Nothing new this week. I did have to work in the office this past week. I made it 2.5 days out of 4, I feel like that was an accomplishment considering how bad I swell every time I step into the building! The picture shows how bad the swelling was after just one day in the office! It isn't nearly as painful as it looks but it's definitely not comfortable and when my blood pressure elevates as well, it causes me to worry. But, the OB doesn't seem overly concerned and has instructed me to keep my BP in check and unless it gets too high just to write the swelling off as "normal."<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? Mostly flat but there are some parts that are starting to poke out pretty bad.<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>They are still on!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> He's still been pretty active. When he's not active, he's pressing constantly as hard as <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-GTl00St1JksUxGAJJa-Zrje9fnlonZ9hl0pzmVFgTwBO_GSLJ9VXhLr25c_RpEFCG478a5Gffhm1f5ZJJ5NyZJ2KLJxhz3A5-96NIbjjDInpQ_1uJj6_5_YYMPbXgHGmqbZY9XiVYMU/s1600/10002985_10152060596172219_8232893567649313004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-GTl00St1JksUxGAJJa-Zrje9fnlonZ9hl0pzmVFgTwBO_GSLJ9VXhLr25c_RpEFCG478a5Gffhm1f5ZJJ5NyZJ2KLJxhz3A5-96NIbjjDInpQ_1uJj6_5_YYMPbXgHGmqbZY9XiVYMU/s1600/10002985_10152060596172219_8232893567649313004_n.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>he can against my belly and side, which is very uncomfortable at times!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> It's been a happy week! More sunshine was forecasted this week and the weather has been beautiful!<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>Excitement! We will be welcoming Jaxon in 8 weeks, give or take, and we can't be more excited to meet him!<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>This coming week, we have not one but two baby showers this week! We are really excited and hope our friends and family are just as excited to celebrate with us! <br />
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<b>Week 32 Fun Fact - </b>Jaxon is still gaining roughly half a pound a week. He'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz) His skin is also becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth. <br />
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This week has been such a busy week. It seems like there's been no downtime at all and I feel like I've hardly got to spend any time with John. Since he's started working at his new job, the weeks that I go into the office, I never see him except for when I kiss him good day in the mornings before I head out the door. I miss him lots during weeks like that! </div>
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I had a checkup this week with the OB. I'm beginning to really hate having to pee in a cup at every appointment. I swear I end up with more pee on my hand than in the cup! Everything looked great and his heartbeat sounds strong! She told me I was definitely "all baby" after measuring me. (Dear God, please PLEASE let him be super long and slender with skinny shoulders)</div>
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On Sunday we met up with one of our friends for some maternity pictures. I can't wait to see them and share them with everyone! I did take my camera with us (like I could ever leave that thing at home) so I'd have a few to post on the blog now. I'll share the ones from Kristen's camera soon! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTtuApFSCvF8wAjZIXlHBz1rg0PrB5Q92YrL704u3qrfOju3-e32hyphenhyphenh2Wccyy44XW7-JfyQ6yKPjVdC8G1JmNlYzXpMoWBe77T2ggbzeBl4w8-DHwdqV5VT7rNOJ9eou2xi_-jW3PyLZt/s1600/32wks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTtuApFSCvF8wAjZIXlHBz1rg0PrB5Q92YrL704u3qrfOju3-e32hyphenhyphenh2Wccyy44XW7-JfyQ6yKPjVdC8G1JmNlYzXpMoWBe77T2ggbzeBl4w8-DHwdqV5VT7rNOJ9eou2xi_-jW3PyLZt/s1600/32wks.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-56289617566412562992014-04-07T10:24:00.000-04:002014-04-07T10:26:15.999-04:0031 Weeks<strong>How far along? </strong>31 weeks<br />
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<b>Weight gain? </b>I haven't been on the scales this week. <br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a pineapple<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>None! Yay!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep has been a little better this week but I still have sinus issues going on so it hasn't been all that great.<br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Nothing new to add to the list this week<br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> Fruit seems to be the only thing I want to sit down and eat nonstop. I have had quite an addiction to Betty Crocker's Cotton Candy frosting this week as well. If you haven't tried it, you are missing out! <br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Nope!<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Nothing besides the usual pregnancy pains I've experienced already. Rolling over is getting increasing harder with each night! At this point having a memory foam mattress seams to be more like a cruel prank than a luxury! <br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? Flat with a couple wonky areas that are starting to poke out.<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>They are still on!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> His movements don't seem as nonstop as they have been in prior weeks, although, he's making his presence increasingly more uncomfortable. He's definitely growing and I can feel his size and yes, I'm VERY nervous about how big he's really going to be! He's found his way to my ribs this week. I'm not sure if it's his butt or his head but he likes to cram up against the right side of my ribs but it definitely has me wishing that I had a longer torso! <br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> It's been a happy week! The sun has been out and I've been able to get out more this week and that always helps improve anyone's mood, pregnant or not!<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>Excitement! I seriously cannot wait to meet the little mister and neither can John. Of course I'm still absolutely terrified of delivery day but I'm trying not to think about it!<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>The fabric arrived this week for Jaxon's bedding and I'm so excited to get it started! I'm hoping that it turns out well. I'm a complete amateur when it comes to sewing but I'm going to give it my best shot! I quickly found when searching for his bedding that it was all generic and all blue, neither of which was what I was looking for. I know, I'm ridiculous when it comes to some things but hey, I know what I want and I won't be happy settling for less! I also can't wait to dress him up in the massive amount of clothes that we've aquired since we've found out we were expecting! I think John likes to shop for him stuff just as much as I do and if y'all know me, you know that's not always a good thing! Hello explosion of awesomely cute clothing for my child! We've also received a lot of hand-me-downs from family and we can't begin to express how thankful we are for those things including clothing, a crib, a rocker and even helpful advice! Thank you everyone, it means so much to us! <br />
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<b>Week 31 Fun Fact - </b>Jaxon is entering a growth spurt. For the next eight weeks, he'll gain weight faster than he increases in length, he'll grow at the rate of about half a pound a week. Stretch marks, I beg you, please please please don't...just don't! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6vOb1BkMIwkyXSzHQqdeHOgV-X7eHM0iQqu5JiMgjp5HxmUEow27jcC8pcrB2m3ykdyokZGXUPbAGiV3fHKMfQBQ-8N8U3y0vCNVdPkqCReRP-OV61oGTSH3xpafQDZDxgJ5ukZYf4eP/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6vOb1BkMIwkyXSzHQqdeHOgV-X7eHM0iQqu5JiMgjp5HxmUEow27jcC8pcrB2m3ykdyokZGXUPbAGiV3fHKMfQBQ-8N8U3y0vCNVdPkqCReRP-OV61oGTSH3xpafQDZDxgJ5ukZYf4eP/s1600/Image.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQX8FzTfe9YjmQrGsVmyS_Wff6wb0tiscMMz_fNen_7rVDnTPRk-xBRkXBx27lrcrgM1Wg_v17CnmpnmTbBjaXSU3OSULTC5hSI_IWt2PUTAdE7AW3tVz5l2tFLjzdV3jx2XAMFb7863N/s1600/10153145_10152054932122219_1391875055_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQX8FzTfe9YjmQrGsVmyS_Wff6wb0tiscMMz_fNen_7rVDnTPRk-xBRkXBx27lrcrgM1Wg_v17CnmpnmTbBjaXSU3OSULTC5hSI_IWt2PUTAdE7AW3tVz5l2tFLjzdV3jx2XAMFb7863N/s1600/10153145_10152054932122219_1391875055_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a>Looking up a week 31 fun fact definitely put just how close Jaxon's arrival is into perspective. At the end of the page it said that now would be a good time to start preparing for his arrival and to start packing things for the hospital. HOLY COW, time to momentarily flip out! Ekkkkkk! We don't even have carpet in his room yet and yet I'm supposed to start packing for the hospital?! (Yikes! note to self: get on it! Get on everything including carpet, bedding, washing some of his smaller clothes, hospital bag…so much to do!) After the OB nurse asked me the other day if we had the car seat ready I'm sure I had the "deer in headlights" look on my face and had to tell her no but it was on our registry. I do feel a lot more relaxed now after we decided to go ahead and purchase the car seat and stroller ourselves instead of waiting to see if would be purchased from the registry. I didn't want us to be "those parents" who were completely unprepared for the arrival of their baby when they show up to the hospital for delivery. I'm sure there's nothing to completely prepare first time parents but hopefully, we'll be on the right track by the time he arrives.<br />
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We had a little getaway over the weekend. We went to Lake Keowee with the family. With John's new job and so many things left to be done it seemed like we wouldn't get a mini getaway at all before Jaxon's arrival. Luckily, John didn't have to work overtime this weekend and we were able to spend a night away and enjoy ourselves as well as soak up a little sunshine! I debated before we left if I should take a bathing suit or not. I ended up packing one but I didn't wear it. The weather was warm but I was comfortable enough in my tank top and short cotton skirt on Saturday. The water temp wasn't warm enough for swimming so no suit needed, but I do have a picture of me in my suit (at the very bottom of this post). The scenery was gorgeous, spring has sprung in upstate and everything was in bloom and absolutely gorgeous! We might've sneezed nonstop and came home with a yellow SUV stead of a black one, but it sure was pretty see all the spring blooms.<br />
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-28633540966276903762014-03-31T21:55:00.001-04:002014-03-31T23:19:14.744-04:0030 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>How far along? </strong>30 weeks<br>
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<b>Weight gain? </b>32lbs<br>
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>the length of a laptop! No wonder I've starting feeling so much pressure from him stretching out!<br>
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>None! Yay!<br>
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<b>Sleep? </b>I've been really congested this week so it's been hard to get much sleep this week. I either wake up from lack of being able to breath or I wake up coughing. <br>
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Nothing new to add to the list this week<br>
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<b>Cravings?</b> Swedish fish….yummy and the usual cravings for fruit<br>
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Nope!<br>
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> My pelvic pain had eased off a bit until this past week. I felt like one of those people with bad joints and bones that can "forecast the weather." Pretty sure my pelvic bones were spot on at predicting the bad weather (snow) that we had this past week because good golly it was painful!<br>
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? Flat with a couple wonky areas that are starting to poke out.<br>
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>They are still on!<br>
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> I'm beginning to think that this question is pretty much null and void just like the maternity clothes question from weeks ago…. There's been lots of moment as always. I even caught him on video dancing around! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152037267347219&l=5909498840365049398" target="_blank">Click here to see the video!</a> He's also finding his way to my ribs occasionally as well as towards my hip bones. I never thought I'd be ticklish from the inside of my hips but yep…I am! It tickles when he kicks or punches around them!<br>
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> It's been a pretty happy, yet exhausting week.<br>
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>Given we are in our 30th week of pregnancy we are now under 10 weeks till he's here….O-M-Goodness, less than 10 weeks?!? How did this happen so quickly?!? <br>
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Getting the fabric order that I just placed online so I can get started on Jaxon's crib skirt and bed rail. I can't believe that I have waited this long to start on it! Oh wait….who am I kidding?!?! I'm a professional procrastinator. Hopefully, I'll get the ball rolling the day that it arrives!<br>
Here's the fabric that I ordered. I know, I'm such a sucker BUT the bedding hasn't been made yet, I still have time to change my mind about the Gamecocks fabric (hehe). <br>
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<b>Week 30 Fun Fact - </b>Jaxon's most important organ, his brain, continues to develop at a rapid pace. His eyes are able to track light and some researchers have theorized that exposing your belly to light my stimulate development.<b> </b><br>
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Not a lot going on this week to ramble about other than being sick and who really wants to read about that. Hopefully, I'll be on the mend soon and back to normal so I can get back out and enjoy these last few weeks as just husband and wife before Jaxon arrives. We have so much fun together and we realize that having a child doesn't mean "life is over" like you hear so many others say, it will just be different from here on out and we are looking forward to our adventures as a family of three!<br>
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<br>meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-60780839215717517782014-03-23T19:57:00.001-04:002014-03-23T20:04:04.570-04:0029 Weeks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the paint on Jaxon's walls</td></tr>
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<strong>How far along? </strong>29 weeks<br />
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<b>Weight gain? </b>32lbs as of last week, I didn't get on the scales this week.. My "waistline" is now 42 1/2"<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a butternut squash<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>None! Yay!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep has been hit or miss this week. I've felt exhausted all week. I'm not sure if it's due to the pregnancy or just trying to adjust to John's new work schedule. He's working 2nd shift so it's hard for me to fall asleep before he gets home. This will definitely have to change this week because I'll be going into the office this week which means I'll have to wake up much earlier to get ready and get there. <br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Nothing new to add to the list this week<br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> Fruit, guess if I'm going to crave something fruit is a good thing to crave. Although today, I inhaled a bag of swedish fish and I'm resisting the urge to go out and buy another bag! <br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Nope!<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Loss of energy, I seriously feel like I've re-entered the first few weeks of pregnancy again. I feel exhausted and the desire to do anything really takes effort this week. I feel so worthless somedays hope this phase passes. Acne has decided to make it's horrid appearance on my face yet again. Where in the world is that "beautiful pregnancy skin" that is promised in everything I've read?!? Apparently, my skin completely missed out on that memo….ugh!<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? Flat with a couple wonky areas that are starting to poke out.<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>They are still on!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> They said at this point he should be falling into sleep patterns. Honestly, I don't think he ever sleeps, he moves nonstop!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> It's been a pretty happy, yet exhausting week. <br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>Happy, sad, terrified, every possible emotion you can have I think I've had it this week! The reality is setting in that the weeks ahead is on the verge of being in the single digits!<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Our two baby showers! Not only is my family throwing a baby shower for us but work will be having a joint shower for me and my coworker in the coming weeks as well! I'm really looking forward to it!<br />
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<b>Week 29 Fun Fact - </b>Jaxon's adrenal glands are producing a chemical which will be made into estriol (a form of estrogen) by the placenta. The estriol is thought to stimulate the production of prolactin by your body and the prolactin makes you produce milk. So even if he comes early, I'll still be able to breastfeed.<br />
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This week went so much smoother than last week. I worked every day from home with my feet propped up on the couch, which in turn led to absolutely no swelling this week! Thank God! I was so worried after last week that swelling would be part of daily life from here till the end of pregnancy. It's so nice to know that it's not and that I only have to be cautious and worried about the swelling during my in-office work weeks. <br />
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John started his new job this week. So far, he's really enjoying it! It's been an adjustment for me and him both since he's working 2nd shift. It's hard for me to get in the mindset that I NEED sleep and that I can't go to bed when he goes to bed. Even though I'd be in bed by the time he got home, I was rarely asleep because I wanted to know how his evening went. Which I'm sure is mostly to blame for my exhaustion this week! I definitely miss him not being here, especially at supper time since we usually cooked dinner together nightly. It was nice having him home to talk to during my workday though!<br />
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We got our baby shower invitations done and sent out this past week. Here's a picture of the invitations!<br />
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<br />meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-56491858523642535662014-03-16T11:17:00.002-04:002014-03-16T11:39:24.258-04:0028 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>How far along? </strong>28 weeks<br />
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<b>Weight gain? </b>32lbs<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>an eggplant<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>No stretch marks that I have found but when I look in the mirror and see how large my belly has gotten, I'm in complete amazement that I'm not covered in them! <br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep has been pretty good this week other than the moments when I try to roll over or reposition myself. Ouch!<br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Nothing new to add to the list this week<br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> Calhoun's (my favorite restaurant). Knowing that we were going to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on Saturday, I craved Calhoun's. <br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Nope!<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> The beyond painful broken crotch. Ouch! I eat Tums like candy now. This past week I went in to work in the office by the end of my second day there, I looked like I was carrying water sacks around my ankles. My legs were even swollen, the left leg more so than the right.<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - In or out? Flat<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>They are still on!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> Lots & lots!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> The first part of week 28 started out pretty sad, but after seeing Jaxon during our ultrasound it's hard to be anything but happy!<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>The first few days of the 28th week were upsetting for me. With the swollen ankles and legs it was hard not to get discouraged. Everything had been going so well and then I turn into a marshmallow! <br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Meeting our handsome little man! After seeing him during our 3D/4D ultrasound, we cannot wait to meet him! He's such a little cutie! He's already melted our hearts! <br />
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<b>Week 28 Fun Fact - </b>The brain will increase 400-500% in weight between now and delivery. Jaxon can now taste, smell and also produce tears. His body fat is around 2-3% currently.<br />
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This past week, we had a 3D/4D ultrasound to see our little mister. It was beyond exciting to see him in such detail. He had his legs above his head the whole entire time! He smiled lots and he has the absolute sweetest little smile! He likes to play with and suck on his cord. We found out his estimated weight, according to his measurements, is 2lbs and 10ozs. He's got longer than average legs, which is no surprise considering how long his daddy's legs are! The office that we used offers to have your baby's heartbeat recorded and put inside a stuffed animal, of course, we couldn't resist! Our experience was indescribable and I'd definitely recommend having a 3D/4D ultrasound. <br />
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Yesterday we took a trip to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with my mom and niece, Tabitha. It was a great trip and it was so nice to get out and walk around in the sunshine, even if it did hurt from time to time. We walked 3.4 miles yesterday and surprisingly, my body doesn't feel like it's been completely beat up today! Little did we know that when we got to Gatlinburg that there was a Clause Fest going on. Who would've thought that you'd see 350 Santas and hear "Merry Christmas" in March?!? It was also where I had the first stranger ever approached me and touched my belly. It was one of the Santas and he came up and put his ear against my belly! Ummmm….that really took me by surprise to say the least!<br />
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We cannot wait to meet Jaxon in June!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 weeks 2 days 3D/4D ultrasound</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 weeks 2 days 3D/4D ultrasound</td></tr>
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-8828961372093644522014-03-09T22:08:00.000-04:002014-03-09T22:08:04.550-04:0027 Weeks….Hello Third Trimester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>How far along? </strong>27 weeks<br />
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<b>Weight gain? </b>Haven't stepped on the scales this week.<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of - </strong>a cauliflower <b> </b><br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>No stretch marks but the cellulite on my thighs and rear is seriously getting beyond ridiculous<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep was pretty good at the start of week 27 but the past two nights I've been stiffening up pretty bad and it's painful to move which in turn, wakes me at the slightest movement during the night.<br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>A selection of bras. Yes, you read that right, I miss having a bra selection! I've outgrew all my pre pregnancy bras and it's now slim pickings in the undergarment selection. Nothing makes you feel more attractive than a nude bra worn almost daily *sigh*<br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> I haven't really craved anything this week.<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Nope!<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> The beyond painful broken crotch. Ouch! And major heartburn this week.<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - in or out? It's been more flat this week than in<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>They are still on!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> He's still kicking hard and strong! Lots of kicks and it cracks me up that he's got such a personality already. The slightest touch in "his" area and he starts kicking you away! He's woke me up a few times when I've been sleeping on my side with my arm laid against my belly because he's been trying to get me to move it!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> I've had yet another happy week! I found out I passed my glucose test and John got an offer for a great job opportunity this past week so it's definitely been happy!<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>The whole reality of it all is setting in as we entered the third and final trimester, next phase is us being parents to a newborn… ekkkkk! I'm excited and terrified all at the same time. We are looking forward to it though and cannot wait to meet our little mister! This past week John read him his first book before we went to bed. Yes, my heart melted like butter! He's going to be the best daddy ever!<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Our 3D/4D ultrasound that is scheduled for this coming Friday! We are so excited to get a detailed peek at our little man! Also, the room is coming along wonderfully! I'm so in love with it and there's still a lot of work to be done! The colors are on the wall, next up is carpet! <br />
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<b>Week 27 Fun Fact - </b>Sweet dreams little Jaxon! Some experts believe that babies begin to dream by week 27. What do they dream about? No one knows for sure but his brain is certainly active now. The characteristic grooves on his brain's surface is starting to appear and more brain tissue is developing.<br />
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This past week was a hard one for our family. My cousin Michelle would have turned 32 on Saturday, March 8th. Her life was tragically taken from us on September 13, 2012. It's a night that I will never be able to erase from my mind. On Saturday, our family and friends met at the location of the wreck to celebrate her birthday. There was a dove release as well as a balloon release followed up with birthday cake. Below I've added some imaged from Saturday as well as a link to a video I created from a lantern ceremony we previously had marking 1 year since her death.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZCZjcOMR4E&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Lantern Ceremony Video</a><br />
Here are a few photos from Saturday…..<br />
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-45658731715385794062014-03-02T17:21:00.000-05:002014-03-02T17:21:36.051-05:0026 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdpByWZdJENkyn5cEOWZIDt6xlY68RhNmZXz5wQtls9UepIcAPVtEyRGIlr_SkGMsw159j17wzWBTOXICRjd5P-hHYIynMYIgwaJaLS4iOoXkCEC5ysCDz58nbyJ1AxEs18NPXlX7M1o7/s1600/IMG_6685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdpByWZdJENkyn5cEOWZIDt6xlY68RhNmZXz5wQtls9UepIcAPVtEyRGIlr_SkGMsw159j17wzWBTOXICRjd5P-hHYIynMYIgwaJaLS4iOoXkCEC5ysCDz58nbyJ1AxEs18NPXlX7M1o7/s1600/IMG_6685.JPG" height="640" width="505" /></a><strong>How far along? </strong>26 weeks<br />
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<b>Weight gain? </b>My belly is still measuring in at 41" and the scales at my appointment showed a weight gain of 27lbs<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of -</strong> a head of lettuce<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>No signs of any as of yet *insert sigh of relief*<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Sleep was just okay this week and getting up was beyond rough. I worked in the office this week so stiffness and soreness from sitting upright in a desk chair for 9 hours really took a toll on me by the end of the week making everything uncomfortable.<br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Adderall, yes I said it, I miss my Adderall. I've been beyond distracted this week and I'm sure that's it's only going to continue to go downhill as it gets closer to due date! <br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. The fact that Easter candy is now out in full force on the shelves in the stores might have a lot to do with this though. <br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Nope!<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Just the painful broken crotch. Ouch!<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - in or out? My belly button is still confused this week. Sometimes it's in sometimes it's flat.<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>They are still on!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> After this past week I'm certain that I'm having an acrobatic circus monkey instead of a human baby! Nonstop, day & night!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> I've had yet another happy week! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p404-ufKcxqwS8B4IOJf3PBXdUPadmXV85cuRs9TLKlLd0lIV6m1X8sn-NDYzInooRozw2rCpzyMrxwwXXmW77nq4BSZkm2vmyW1wZWDYlC9SSRcNPnwWz6aUofIDrxmyZ-Qq6hdEqk8/s1600/IMG_6689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p404-ufKcxqwS8B4IOJf3PBXdUPadmXV85cuRs9TLKlLd0lIV6m1X8sn-NDYzInooRozw2rCpzyMrxwwXXmW77nq4BSZkm2vmyW1wZWDYlC9SSRcNPnwWz6aUofIDrxmyZ-Qq6hdEqk8/s1600/IMG_6689.JPG" height="318" width="400" /></a><b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>I psyched myself out all week over that dang ole glucose test that I had to take on Friday. I was a wreck I had myself so worked up over it.<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Finishing up the paint and laying the carpet in Jaxon's room! It's looking so good and it only has one coat of the first color on the walls and we are already thrilled about it! <br />
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<b>Week 26 Fun Fact -</b> Jaxon's hearing system is now developed and completely formed. Guess we can start reading him books now and letting him listen to some music! His eyes are almost fully formed. Did you know that all babies have blue eyes in the womb, no matter what their genetic inheritance? A baby's eyes don't get their final color until a few months after they are born. Personally, I wouldn't mind if Jaxon kept his blue eyes, his daddy sure does have some pretty blue eyes! The air sacs of the lungs will also be developed by the end of this week! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRWS88YwPCECT7sDNYTVAwlduWPTIQI-Z9Z0o_Yd2gm66fKwCyND_vDz_v8WDUL0Ul5srmYq3IFIPwZdKCKLV07ucOqsHBcRtvkv78ZplYGwn84nGI74DbkRD3bBrBHsOUEZGp-eeJhNV/s1600/802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRWS88YwPCECT7sDNYTVAwlduWPTIQI-Z9Z0o_Yd2gm66fKwCyND_vDz_v8WDUL0Ul5srmYq3IFIPwZdKCKLV07ucOqsHBcRtvkv78ZplYGwn84nGI74DbkRD3bBrBHsOUEZGp-eeJhNV/s1600/802.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*I do not own this photo* <br />Credit http://azizanurmatova.blogspot.com/2012/01/bodies-exhibition.html</td></tr>
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Just reading all of the fun facts for this week gets me excited! Our little boy is making leaps and bounds in terms of development! It's absolutely amazing how quickly babies develop in the womb. It makes me think back to our first trip to Vegas. We went to <a href="http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/lasvegas/" target="_blank">The Bodies Exhibition</a> they have a special "in the womb" section that you can go through if you chose to. I won't lie, it wasn't a "well duh" decision for me. I was unsure how I felt about seeing these unborn babies but we decided to go in knowing that we could bolt the second either of us became uncomfortable. Knowing that none of the babies were taken via abortion took the unsettling and heavy feeling away. All the fetal specimens in the exhibit perished in utero due to complications in the pregnancy. We were absolutely fascinated seeing the changes from week to week that a baby goes through while developing in the womb. Some weeks I get a little down on myself because I feel "lazy" and I don't have the energy to do much but if you look at what my body is really going through and doing, I'm simply amazed! Hey, this weeks my body has finished developing a complex hearing system and well as developed air sacs in my baby's lungs! What has your body done this week? <br />
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Even though John was gone Monday through Thursday night, it's been a busy week in our household. I worked in the office this week. It was the first time in weeks that I had been into the office to work. It was shocking to several just how much my bump had grown! I was supposed to work 4 days in the office but ended up having to work the final day from home. Three days sitting in a desk chair and not being able to stretch out was too much for my broken crotch for 9 hours so luckily they were understanding enough to let me finish my week via teleworking. Friday was the dreaded day, the glucose test…needles…ICK! I hate, hate, hate needles and I was beyond dreading this appointment. Everyone always talks about how bad the drink it but I was sweating bullets over the blood work! I really don't see why everyone has such a hangup over the drink anyways, it wasn't bad. To me it tasted like the orange flavored Dasani water drops. Call me crazy but I didn't even think it was sweet. But this comes from the girl that craves sugar and Dr. Pepper…..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRHppnAH7KwEaL_OoGoxgCXBgsoucFOqlY4HSAvAnbvK1ltnquMkKrDy2jUPim-fZGyMfTWuf9dfW54-F97n7kRQrLCjRpKhtpjHRjnNxUps4CrnKOFuQI0i95Z4JnnZY6oUCH4rDdgjU/s1600/IMG_6694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRHppnAH7KwEaL_OoGoxgCXBgsoucFOqlY4HSAvAnbvK1ltnquMkKrDy2jUPim-fZGyMfTWuf9dfW54-F97n7kRQrLCjRpKhtpjHRjnNxUps4CrnKOFuQI0i95Z4JnnZY6oUCH4rDdgjU/s1600/IMG_6694.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a>Jaxon's walls have some color after this weekend, we have our two coats of grey on the walls and they look fantastic! It's such a sporty grey, if there really such a thing as sporty grey? If not, I'm declaring that yes, there is and it's painted on Jaxon's walls! So excited to get the red wall complete and to get the carpet laid, it's going to look awesome I have no doubt! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsrD7rypTylwCKRwEirNmqFyhtMc67nU9uTMKynyVpbbohIj8WWCh-HLDHbv5NNRYXcflJTMujquEm46AevlJ2734AMa8PGe3U2qJg56GW0uEjmA-NblBIyJJ34ZkWRbRTPQi_VH7RtrN/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsrD7rypTylwCKRwEirNmqFyhtMc67nU9uTMKynyVpbbohIj8WWCh-HLDHbv5NNRYXcflJTMujquEm46AevlJ2734AMa8PGe3U2qJg56GW0uEjmA-NblBIyJJ34ZkWRbRTPQi_VH7RtrN/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERYkHWtV3-K_948Qb3LrzVdKKtKMXGrTNYgkhunzJj74ucKdAf_S89w4KPLa6_YdTwGnWSO-FBgwX1cvPSUnas4eHU43-GC9fRU3sUmUAkgcTFxTXIbpfBuhgdf5myqXKgVWeXjf8Zo88/s1600/IMG_6681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERYkHWtV3-K_948Qb3LrzVdKKtKMXGrTNYgkhunzJj74ucKdAf_S89w4KPLa6_YdTwGnWSO-FBgwX1cvPSUnas4eHU43-GC9fRU3sUmUAkgcTFxTXIbpfBuhgdf5myqXKgVWeXjf8Zo88/s1600/IMG_6681.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECdYWn7RGIWfZyBd_q35i45fp8h3XmQISVmaJxJhduF5CmsF0Vpav-ALNbE7V9i6Wik58JqtklftUV2DefPgoo-BRIm2yeQr2HmgXyPAizNMeWfUWUAuMujHOEIbndTqxni48Xf_jqtGk/s1600/IMG_6678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECdYWn7RGIWfZyBd_q35i45fp8h3XmQISVmaJxJhduF5CmsF0Vpav-ALNbE7V9i6Wik58JqtklftUV2DefPgoo-BRIm2yeQr2HmgXyPAizNMeWfUWUAuMujHOEIbndTqxni48Xf_jqtGk/s1600/IMG_6678.jpg" height="200" width="152" /></a>We also worked on the china cabinet this weekend as well. This is a family heirloom that needs some TLC and restoration but we decided to hold on off on the restoration part until after Jaxon is a couple years old. As I've said before, I'm a realist, we know that having a baby/toddler that will be in a walker and hammering on things in no time that the cabinet is just going to get banged up and require restoration once again. So with that in mind, we are just going to get it cleaned up and looking as sharp as possible for now and we will have it completely restored in a couple years.<br />
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<br />meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-81085990458017921152014-02-24T22:09:00.003-05:002014-02-24T22:11:13.642-05:0025 Weeks…. My Belly is how BIG?!?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPcmaye51SQLMG9S6cuLyQDyIZpsBNI5AEUQQVsndiCP3SMMk57TzQcQj7L5sk9HSH8hjawAZHCfACxy_oIQLcwlCFd1PgVDvB13clo62pvXrS84fjVtPYzxwmyVVlU9DODtLOUERsC3O/s1600/1383469_10151972711537219_1817913837_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPcmaye51SQLMG9S6cuLyQDyIZpsBNI5AEUQQVsndiCP3SMMk57TzQcQj7L5sk9HSH8hjawAZHCfACxy_oIQLcwlCFd1PgVDvB13clo62pvXrS84fjVtPYzxwmyVVlU9DODtLOUERsC3O/s1600/1383469_10151972711537219_1817913837_n.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a><br />
<strong>How far along? </strong>25 weeks<br />
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<b>Weight gain? </b>??? Good question, I don't know! It's been two weeks since I've looked at a scale! (Note to self: buy scales for home) But I do have a tape measure and I can tell you that my belly is 41" <br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of -</strong> a cauliflower<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>No signs of any as of yet *insert sigh of relief*<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>This week has been better as far as sleep. This might be due to the fact that the past few nights we've went to bed after I'm beyond the point of exhaustion so I've slept through the night.<br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Nothing new on the miss list this week<br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> Frozen chocolate covered bananas and spicy shrimp tacos<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> The glucose test is on Friday. I'm ready to get this behind me, I had needles and blood work. Crazy that the only thing that makes this pregnant gal sick or queasy is the thought of having blood drawn!<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> This week I had my first nose bleed. I've been told these are pretty common with pregnancy so I wasn't worried; even more so since my sinuses have been on drip since the day I got pregnant I'm pretty certain. Also "the line" started making it's subtle appearance on my belly.<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - in or out? This week my belly button can't figure out if it wants to be an "innie" or flat. In the mornings when I wake up it's a big on the innie side but by the end of the day, it's flat again. <br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>They are on. They leave an imprint on my finger if I take them off but they aren't uncomfortable or hard to take off. Hope it stays this way.<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> He's still in full ninja mode and kicking lots.<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> It's been a happy week this week!<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>This week I've had the whole "time is flying" feeling and the need to get everything rolling is kicking in!<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>We've started the painting in Jaxon's room finally so I'm really looking forward to getting that complete and getting the carpet installed so we can get the crib put together and the furniture in place. <br />
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<b>Week 25 Fun Fact -</b> Jaxon can now touch and hold his feet as well as make a fist! Also, I just read that John may be able to hear his heartbeat by pressing his ear against my belly! HOW COOL! We will have to try this! This is definitely something that he can experience that I can't during this pregnancy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He HATES the vacuum cleaner! He attacks it every time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okie making sure that John had the windows taped good before primer!</td></tr>
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The weather has been so nice this week, I feel as though it was just a complete tease of spring though. But, I'll take whatever nice weather we can get at this point. It's been great to get outside and to open the windows and feel the fresh air flowing in! It's been much needed in so many ways! <br />
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I officially got us signed up for a birthing class. Hopefully we'll learn a few things aside from the obvious that will benefit us. It includes the hospital tour, which I definitely wanted to do. Obviously, after working there for 4 years, I know what all the units look like but it can be alarming to walk into a NICU for the first time. I'm not the type of girl that ever lives in the "sunshine and rainbows" state of mind, I'm more of a realist and know that things can happen and in case they do, I didn't want John's first step inside a NICU to be with our child.<br />
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Next on the list to get signed up for is an infant CPR course as well scheduling a 3D ultrasound<br />
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<br />meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-54609396996650764442014-02-17T16:38:00.000-05:002014-02-17T22:50:30.894-05:0024 Weeks<strong>How far along? </strong>24 weeks<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iT8GNTVXJUpGbd8xSdTcqP_BFT55YtYF-GGIlzxBRbQ1T0wbiuDSM3ptHM8Gw-zlCUdi5yzeDiLdSlBJ4SPSn22CTa_AUlM-c64Ao6vNym5uXktXz257yWYT0CklFPy35rJxofvT1AGn/s1600/IMG_6627+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iT8GNTVXJUpGbd8xSdTcqP_BFT55YtYF-GGIlzxBRbQ1T0wbiuDSM3ptHM8Gw-zlCUdi5yzeDiLdSlBJ4SPSn22CTa_AUlM-c64Ao6vNym5uXktXz257yWYT0CklFPy35rJxofvT1AGn/s1600/IMG_6627+-+Version+2.jpg" height="400" width="318" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><b>Weight gain? </b>21lbs last week but I haven't stepped on the scale this week<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of -</strong> a cantaloupe<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>I'm really liking how the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010ED5FC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion</a> makes my skin feel! Still in the clear when it comes to stretch marks<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>At 4:10am this morning Jaxon decided that he was going to party till the sun came up and boy did he ever! I'm pretty certain he wanted me to know just how much he was growing and how far he could stretch out! No sleep for me and this has been the story every night this week.<br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Sleep! Everyone says, "sleep as much as you can before the baby arrives." Have those people actually carried a night owl in their womb that say this?!<br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> My appetite was off and on this week. A lot of times I knew I needed to eat but I just wasn't hungry. When I do crave anything it's typically fruit of some sort . The cravings for Dr Pepper have kicked up this week and I've tried to control those cravings but same days, it's impossible!<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Still the thought of the glucose test, have I mentioned I'm really dreading that?! I've considering myself really lucky because nothing has made me sick at all so far!<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Just my broken crotch….I think that's symptom enough right there!<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - in or out? It's flat now<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>Still keeping my sparklers on although I may have to part with them for a bit so they can get some TLC in the sonic cleaner. All this lotion is starting to take their shine.<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> TONS. He's such a night owl though (guess he takes after his mama). He doesn't liked anything to be close to me in "his" area. He really gets to kicking if he feels anything up against me. Sorry Jaxon, mama wasn't taking the support band off yesterday while we were at Biltmore regardless of how much you protested! Haha!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> Happy for the most part. I just cannot tell you enough how much I just LOVE unsolicited advice though, always gets my blood flowing. I'm learning to ignore some people's comments and "advice."<br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>This week I've not been as hard on myself as I was last week. I'm getting more and more into a panic over us having to buy last minute purchases because I've been told so many times that "no one shops from your registry." It's really causing me to panic because if you know me, you know that I like to have a plan and I like to be prepared. I may start buying some of the "have to have" items off of the list.<b> </b><br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Getting Jaxon's room going and flowing. We started it weeks ago but it seems like things have been so busy or we've been so tired by the end of our days that we haven't kept up the momentum. After lots of thought last night and all day today, we are making some changes to bedding we picked previously. It's still going with a sports themed room but this mama-to-be needs to knock the dust off the sewing machine and get busy!<br />
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<strong>Interesting week 24 fact -</strong> The fetus develops waking and sleeping patterns (oh no…our babysitter will be happy and we will be zombie-like parents; I pray this pattern doesn't keep up). Jaxon's hand and footprints are forming. <br />
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We had lots of snow this past week so we got out and enjoyed it for a bit. John and I set up the camera and took some of us together since we hardly have any bump pictures with the both of us. Here's a few of our fun in the snow pictures.<br />
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<br />meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-50320718014488827812014-02-10T09:51:00.003-05:002014-02-10T09:51:32.532-05:0023 Weeks… A House Hermit with a Broken Crotch <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bEEh2ikEv1PapYfWrhoecxRCXjs3eajkV2ILNlLd48ohpZtEfbqeuaxg7XTn6dWj0_WMaxTEAtd8jyi6S6LyXLsKET76_4hD4c8gf_s0aGVE6iYt6xWAx2gMTw2NMZrIr5vJ-eXch9tB/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bEEh2ikEv1PapYfWrhoecxRCXjs3eajkV2ILNlLd48ohpZtEfbqeuaxg7XTn6dWj0_WMaxTEAtd8jyi6S6LyXLsKET76_4hD4c8gf_s0aGVE6iYt6xWAx2gMTw2NMZrIr5vJ-eXch9tB/s1600/23.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a><strong>How far along? </strong>23 weeks<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Weight gain? </b>21lbs<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of -</strong> a grapefruit<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>None showing up but I have ordered some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010ED5FC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion</a> Maybe I'll get lucky and get a massage from the hubs once it gets here! ;)<br />
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<b>Sleep?</b> I.CAN'T.GET.ENOUGH<br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Getting out! With me working from home every week now (until the flu clears from the office) I feel like a hermit. It's amazing how much better I feel when I get out and do something. John and I have both notice how being closed up is taking a toll on me so we are going to start making more of an effort at getting me out of the house, even during the work week. <br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> Anything fruity and sweet<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Just the thought of my upcoming glucose tolerance test at the end of this month. Have I told you how much I hate needles?! Yes, I know, please don't state that I will have to get over that before delivery day or I will quickly tell you that NO I won't but it's not like I have a choice other than to deal with it and try not to pass out! <br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> So after several questions last <span style="color: #1e548c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">. </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOf9FZen_4wlOeelML3mZZ5i-ViZ232Q66Gk-Vf_tZFJlhepL__ie83Bbs6CHW8ANsNsQhhAwxqVkTm4GYwvqXF-H8nuiq-epe9ue8Y1s05QQ7vnd6qaUC0xKgEp2XNlKUmA9HXDR_o2I/s1600/fa34974885c014baba04bf315e93cff6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOf9FZen_4wlOeelML3mZZ5i-ViZ232Q66Gk-Vf_tZFJlhepL__ie83Bbs6CHW8ANsNsQhhAwxqVkTm4GYwvqXF-H8nuiq-epe9ue8Y1s05QQ7vnd6qaUC0xKgEp2XNlKUmA9HXDR_o2I/s1600/fa34974885c014baba04bf315e93cff6.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>week I'll go ahead and state what might've been the obvious to some, I feel like I've been sucker punched in the crotch. Seriously and not over exaggerating. It's uncomfortable to sit or stand for long periods of time and rolling over in bed at night even hurts! Thanks to trusty ole Google (and professional advice from my OB) there is not a ninja sucker punching in the vagina it is simply stretching…"simply"…bahahaha. This is called Broken Crotch Syndrome, aka SPD. It is pain that occurs because our pelvis is separating to accommodate the baby and assisting with labour. Your pelvis is made of 2 halves and as your pregnancy progresses, your body produces more relaxin which allows your ligaments and joints to shift and open and stretch. It can cause inflammation and pain<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - in or out? It's flattening more and more out by the day!<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>On, although they are starting to get snug at times.<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> This has been the first week that I've had a mini panic over not feeling Jaxon. He's been so active the past few weeks I expect to feel him all the time now so when he decided to be a little bear and hibernate, I flipped out a little. No worries though, he's back to beating up my innards. <br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> I've had my moody moments this past week. I think it's mostly due to the fact that this is the third straight week working strictly from home and I'm starting to feel like a house hermit. For days on end, I don't even leave the house. So ready for warmer weather so I could at least get out and enjoy some fresh air and even a walk. <br />
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<b>What emotions have you been experiencing this week? </b>This week was one of those weeks were the reality of it all hit me. Knowing that in less than 4 months, we will be parents. I'm excited but absolutely terrified all at the same time! The past two years have brought so much change in our lives, all happy of course! Blame it on hormones or just fear, I beat myself up with thoughts this past week. <br />
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<strong>Looking forward to - </strong>Warmer weather… I long for either a warm weather vacation or warmer weather here. <br />
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<strong>Interesting week 23 fact -</strong> The testicles begin to descend from the abdomen into the groin. His eyes are formed but there is no pigmentation. This week Jaxon will begin to pack on the pounds (so will I). By the months end, he will have doubled in weight (thank God I won't be doubling in weight)!<br />
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On the move… my placenta that is! We had our checkup visit with the OB on Wednesday. I wasn't worried about it until the day of the appointment, then I started thinking of all the "what ifs'." The thought of bed rest was weighing heavy on my mind. While some days I wouldn't mind at all to lay in bed all day long, it's different to be told you have no choice. Although the ultrasound tech couldn't tell us anything we both knew before the doctor came in to confirm that the placenta had moved. We were praying for a minimum of 1/2cm but the actual movement was 4cm! The doctor told us we are completely in the clear where that is concerned and it will no longer have to be monitored. Thank God!<br />
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The appointment really got me to thinking about what I wanted in terms of a birth plan. I'd never even thought about how I wanted the day to flow. My only plan was the safest way possible for Jaxon to make his appearance, that was my plan and it still is. But, I wanted to know my options, I wanted to know why some women seems to have such a lengthy birth plan. After all, you are just going to the hospital and pushing a baby out or delivery via c-section, right?! Wrong! Boy was I ever wrong. I started looking up different birth plan templates and let me tell you, there's A LOT to think about! A LOT! I'll keep you updated on some of the decisions we make when it comes to some of the things that were pointed on by looking up these plans. One decision I can tell you that is already made is yes, I want drugs! I can also tell you that I am not hellbent on having a vaginal birth. I don't understand why some mothers beat themselves up because "they couldn't do it" and they had to have a c-section and they label themselves as a failure. In my opinion (keep the claws back, it's MY opinion), you are more of a failure for being so hellbent on delivering your child that you put yourself and your child at risk. As I said before, I will keep you updated on our birth plan. I do say "ours" because although I may be birthing the baby, John has a say in this as well! <br />
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<br />meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-52952155674693303022014-02-03T17:26:00.004-05:002014-02-03T22:09:09.975-05:0022 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxh5Hj-0PL8FP7RUj65xmRGUaVwfWCollgYAjUHAOlgoQ6LyKfQ6BJnnnHtK6XlEtyP1ReYTAsNn9MpkSfopMM5hVQkbBU6ZxuxYsYdbZlzR2gQOvD9wA4kM9_C5fR033G1EO3arpx4Lu/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxh5Hj-0PL8FP7RUj65xmRGUaVwfWCollgYAjUHAOlgoQ6LyKfQ6BJnnnHtK6XlEtyP1ReYTAsNn9MpkSfopMM5hVQkbBU6ZxuxYsYdbZlzR2gQOvD9wA4kM9_C5fR033G1EO3arpx4Lu/s1600/Image.jpg" height="400" width="236" /></a><strong>How far along? </strong>22 weeks<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Weight gain? </b>19lbs. I'm now pushing 160lbs on the scale, made my heart quiver to see that BUT it's for a good cause! I won't complain about weight gain for this reason!<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of -</strong> a spaghetti squash and weighing in at just under a pound<br />
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<b>Maternity clothes?</b> I'm starting to think that this is no longer a valid question….have you seen the size of my bump?! <br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>Still in the clear when it comes to stretch marks…now if only the noticeable cellulite would pump the breaks. Not very appealing at all!<br />
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<b>Sleep?</b> I've been waking up a lot this week with some pain. I won't go into details but I've been told by a friend that she had the same issue and was told that it was due to stretching. All I can say is with the pain I feel some nights, a red carpet should be rolled out! (No pun intended….LOL) Seriously, though it's unpleasant! <br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Breathing effortlessly at all times. I'm seriously missing having a clothing selection also. <br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> The Super Bowl was last night and I'm not sure if it was tradition of junk eating during the game or cravings but tater-tot nachos were involved in the festivities! YUM!!!<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Negative<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> Still getting winded quite frequently. Hopefully after Wednesday's appointment, everything will check out great and I'll feel comfortable with trying to get into a workout routine. Nothing crazy, just something to help keep my body flexible and help with my lung/heart endurance.<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - in or out? It's flattening more and more out by the day!<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>On, although they are starting to get snug at times.<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> Lots of movement, especially last night once we laid down for bed. I guess he was still in the Super Bowl party spirit and he was kicking rather hard and often!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> Happy, I've been a little more relaxed this week than I have in the past few weeks.<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to -</strong> Getting to see Jaxon again during our checkup/ultrasound on Wednesday! We both love getting to see him moving around and seeing his progression.<br />
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<strong>Interesting week 22 fact -</strong> Jaxon is entering his fifth month of existence. His fingernails are almost fully grown and his organ systems are becoming more functional and specialized. His first canines and molars are developing below his gum line. Jaxon is looking like a miniature newborn. Blood is traveling through the umbilical cord at 4 miles and hour!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIpjrSNFvnaBtAbitffh3hcSVmpsAGAlEgjSy5slJPvHyOUnqx0G2jnenlOFjBmryUqFlipArs4WHVO-FlvfRkBVOtonK4YXr8INWDYAUKBSxqMrzLgaBi3mar3zXBlFl-Fzp7qJzSk4J/s1600/20140201_143705_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIpjrSNFvnaBtAbitffh3hcSVmpsAGAlEgjSy5slJPvHyOUnqx0G2jnenlOFjBmryUqFlipArs4WHVO-FlvfRkBVOtonK4YXr8INWDYAUKBSxqMrzLgaBi3mar3zXBlFl-Fzp7qJzSk4J/s1600/20140201_143705_1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIqMpRvW5q7nlFddER9GZKAyyRsOvdDbE7CU_cV4jLwNI-EBPBrC2VGepD4C6lSUXH6a1gm-1EfRshzbrQf6qJSGgR_sv0yZbMzlALSkc56LjIXLndZlRa7A5Kk2jXR9XHy_dmGs2KyU7/s1600/1017353_10151933136652219_1409638192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIqMpRvW5q7nlFddER9GZKAyyRsOvdDbE7CU_cV4jLwNI-EBPBrC2VGepD4C6lSUXH6a1gm-1EfRshzbrQf6qJSGgR_sv0yZbMzlALSkc56LjIXLndZlRa7A5Kk2jXR9XHy_dmGs2KyU7/s1600/1017353_10151933136652219_1409638192_n.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a>This past week has been a good one, other than the pains of course! Saturday the ladies in the family met up at <a href="http://www.paintandmingle.com/" target="_blank">Canvas Paint & Mingle</a> in Asheville for a little fun in honor of Mamaw Collins and Leslie's birthday. This was the first time any of us did anything like this and it was a lot of fun. Our instructor, Robin, was great and helped make the class more relaxed. I think some of the ones went in thinking they had to create an absolute masterpiece, but they were all masterpieces even if they didn't look exactly like the one that Robin created! Lots of smiles and something out of our bubble, which if you know my side of the family, not many like to step out of that bubble very often!meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-91964138591548002622014-01-27T21:14:00.000-05:002014-01-27T21:36:11.124-05:0021 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5YkaKvsa53yk7sS3353wZO3Co55YyeYFIaN4vcVYA3hYy2dCnXOMBPh2Irq-cozxYRHQGKHhpaIcVMYNiGc1naKDkmy4g2I9C1wfvFRB0omR3eQ73FrYZRdS3pUHeyF82FTYHPxPNP1l/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5YkaKvsa53yk7sS3353wZO3Co55YyeYFIaN4vcVYA3hYy2dCnXOMBPh2Irq-cozxYRHQGKHhpaIcVMYNiGc1naKDkmy4g2I9C1wfvFRB0omR3eQ73FrYZRdS3pUHeyF82FTYHPxPNP1l/s1600/21.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a><strong>How far along? </strong>21 weeks<br />
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<b>Weight gain? </b>Haven't stepped on a scale in two weeks<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of -</strong> a pomegranate in size and a large banana in length<br />
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<b>Maternity clothes?</b> two words = LOVE THEM. I find it to be pretty amusing to put on my pre pregnancy t-shirts now, they definitely show off the bump!<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>Still in the clear when it comes to stretch marks…now if only the noticeable cellulite would pump the breaks. Not very appealing at all!<br />
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<b>Sleep?</b> Sleep was harder this past week. I've been waking up nightly between 4 & 5am to get up to go to the bathroom. Rolling over is also quite the task, even more so when you are between a sleeping husband and dog! I try not to disrupt John's sleep; but there's no hope with Okie, I'll just say he's not a fan of the restless nights and leave it at that! <br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Being able to move around a lot without getting light headed or winded!<br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> We were on our way to Asheville yesterday and on the way I had a huge craving for Chili's Spicy Shrimp Tacos. Yummy!!! And berries are high on the desired list as well.<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Negative<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> It's getting harder to breath daily. I knew this would probably hit sooner than later with my past problems but shesh, I would love to walk upstairs without feeling like I've just finished a gym workout!<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - in or out? It's flattening more and more out by the day!<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>ON!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> Oh yes, this week Jaxon has decided he's going to start training to be a ninja fighter and he was nonstop working on his kicks! (I'm seriously going to miss this feeling once he's here)<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> Happy with a side of moodiness…. Hey, everyone is entitled to those moments, pregnant or not!<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to -</strong> Our appointment next week. We find out if my placenta has moved up to where it should be. Praying that it has but not wasting time with worrying over it. If it does, wonderful; if it doesn't, there's nothing that can be done to change the fact!<br />
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<strong>Interesting week 21 fact -</strong> Jaxon now swallows several ounces of amniotic fluid each day (sounds delightful doesn't it?) -not only for hydration and nutrition, but also to practicing swallowing and digesting<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">. His taste buds are well developed by now and he's actually able to get a taste of the foods I've been eating. I hope he enjoyed those spicy shrimp tacos and chocolate lava cake! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy0ESVDlecYGcDcUxPLXQV8TyApAKWxHAx6kzmpIishdbOYCnX8VZ_ctOosTvYUvVu8FfbLCGkVTVG91NipIxUzSnSlnUEcidfV7Z57V632YBRovaKb_poFGIEWa1rRKyM4HNh-ZyYCCj/s1600/IMG_6545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy0ESVDlecYGcDcUxPLXQV8TyApAKWxHAx6kzmpIishdbOYCnX8VZ_ctOosTvYUvVu8FfbLCGkVTVG91NipIxUzSnSlnUEcidfV7Z57V632YBRovaKb_poFGIEWa1rRKyM4HNh-ZyYCCj/s1600/IMG_6545.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QCt1kMfpL1soBKUh9ZxfiPt2zOgqkLqUByTd5WAPEjgYz07u8iDnCR8CJFRqiUShyphenhyphenAB7iwLYSH868eAH3gzwzwWELaqRNj2gHVaEKdAE8X5npxU_i-Kb6MZXZaBfPas_c6mwcMRoj0Td/s1600/IMG_6548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QCt1kMfpL1soBKUh9ZxfiPt2zOgqkLqUByTd5WAPEjgYz07u8iDnCR8CJFRqiUShyphenhyphenAB7iwLYSH868eAH3gzwzwWELaqRNj2gHVaEKdAE8X5npxU_i-Kb6MZXZaBfPas_c6mwcMRoj0Td/s1600/IMG_6548.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">This week has been pretty laid back, thank goodness. The headaches have eased off drastically, although I have pains from time to time but nothing like the ones in the past. On Saturday we took a little road trip to Knoxville. I was admittedly a nervous wreck leaving out of here because the snow was coming down but I'm glad we went. We saw some absolutely breathtaking walls of icicles on the way. We ate at my favorite, Calhoun's, and then we went to the mall. All I can say is Lord help us, our boy is going to be S-P-O-I-L-E-D! I don't think I've ever spent as much on myself in one mall trip as I did on him. Can't wait to dress him up in all his adorable duds! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiM2dlMQkRgBWVcQHl8sp5Nzi-Yaro14P08XJfYehHOzOh_A7PqXGa75opiJpbHx7b_YisRrBM0K3wtQLLsU29hu1GQ9_lVn7hQoVcmSXAwBQOInow3b4xAIoRzOLct9V7sOw7ouJk8B93/s1600/IMG_6546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiM2dlMQkRgBWVcQHl8sp5Nzi-Yaro14P08XJfYehHOzOh_A7PqXGa75opiJpbHx7b_YisRrBM0K3wtQLLsU29hu1GQ9_lVn7hQoVcmSXAwBQOInow3b4xAIoRzOLct9V7sOw7ouJk8B93/s1600/IMG_6546.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the things we couldn't resist buying </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">We started filling the holes and sanding and repairing the walls in Jaxon's room in preparation for new paint on Sunday. We made a trip to Babies R Us as well to make a final decision on the crib bedding. There's so many choices, but since we had a theme it was pretty much narrowed down to a slim few. I'm so excited to see how his room will look once we have it complete! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">The date for the baby shower has been set for April 19th. It's so much fun to see how excited my family and lifelong bestfriend are getting over the planning! They have so many great ideas and it's going to be an absolute blast! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a snowing week we had! It really did look like a winter wonderland around here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9LYZEJgexi6SZhh4JfxrZARNASJzCfkPGLBffxQUHuRw3FgEx_nx3qPufH8bf7Ls6lP0ms7oyTu2zB2aJZ1EPtrQK232xW1u7ecvNFIW0yw42xi8b2owbuQO5JjkKGGTdUL9O9K_QmYr/s1600/IMG_6526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9LYZEJgexi6SZhh4JfxrZARNASJzCfkPGLBffxQUHuRw3FgEx_nx3qPufH8bf7Ls6lP0ms7oyTu2zB2aJZ1EPtrQK232xW1u7ecvNFIW0yw42xi8b2owbuQO5JjkKGGTdUL9O9K_QmYr/s1600/IMG_6526.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okie liked the snow until the ground was completely covered</td></tr>
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meetthebratzeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08802514914394352126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7887661675025888937.post-54671472860424731492014-01-21T07:01:00.000-05:002014-01-21T07:19:28.402-05:0020 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUU1ZE54u-tyBKA_fV4xBYqnWT8HktQrKYMGfqponKZe7IwXkuGl04uWcnOFVvmPYwK0Q2Teqxg7kXAaueqDiaQp6Zxu9KQN5z1_rYlp_NFZo5qHDOc9W-7QG34Nz8XRD3f4-Qbdcxp9W/s640/IMG_20140120_222327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUU1ZE54u-tyBKA_fV4xBYqnWT8HktQrKYMGfqponKZe7IwXkuGl04uWcnOFVvmPYwK0Q2Teqxg7kXAaueqDiaQp6Zxu9KQN5z1_rYlp_NFZo5qHDOc9W-7QG34Nz8XRD3f4-Qbdcxp9W/s640/IMG_20140120_222327.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><strong>How far along? </strong>20 weeks<br />
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<b>Weight gain? </b>15 lbs as of last week, but I haven't stepped on the scales this week<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of -</strong> a banana<br />
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<b>Maternity clothes?</b> two words = LOVE THEM<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>Still in the clear when it comes to stretch marks…now if only the noticeable cellulite would pump the breaks. Not very appealing at all!<br />
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<b>Sleep?</b> I've still been sleeping pretty well this week. Even though, Okie has decided his spot in bed in under the covers is wedged between me and my pregnancy pillow!<br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Being able to move around a lot without getting light headed or winded! <br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> No new cravings this week<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Negative<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLS83d_H1VSgvlUnTHGWgPuZO8NCnDtwjtLBbdrNneCVkxsKZR61_0qfEZ2MNaFz_4_WQqikUJxHa7xmJKj6zQfIH4w6_zv0E3kECHHFvLob4ZPu4aqFfyGrvdoWkMMn0HM9NVMbX3dbT/s640/20140120_220927_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLS83d_H1VSgvlUnTHGWgPuZO8NCnDtwjtLBbdrNneCVkxsKZR61_0qfEZ2MNaFz_4_WQqikUJxHa7xmJKj6zQfIH4w6_zv0E3kECHHFvLob4ZPu4aqFfyGrvdoWkMMn0HM9NVMbX3dbT/s640/20140120_220927_1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><strong>Symptoms?</strong> Headaches, I'm accepting the fact that this will be a nonstop part of pregnancy.<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - in or out? In and wonky<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>ON!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> Yes!! I feel him quite often and for the first time, John got to feel him kick this week! So exciting and fun to be able to feel out little mister!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> Happy with a side of moodiness…. Hey everyone is entitled to those moments, pregnant or not!<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to -</strong> Getting started on the nursery, we are going with an all sports theme! Also, I'm looking forward to the next doctor's appointment so I can stop worrying. At the last ultrasound, I was told that my placenta hadn't moved up like it was supposed to. Although, I was told that it is somewhat common, it's still a worry in the back of my mind.<br />
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<strong>Interesting week 20 fact -</strong> Your baby has established sleep patterns akin to a newborn now. Many babies even have a favorite sleep position already. Taste buds have also formed.<br />
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We've been working on the baby registry a lot the past few days. I've really enjoyed picking out things that we'd love to have for Jaxon! As first time parents it's hard not to get all wrapped up in the "newborn" aspect of it all but I've tried to be smart about our registry and pick some things through the stages beyond newborn. We are registered at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/registry/baby/7619IG1GD0SA" target="_blank">Amazon (click to see our registry)</a> and also <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/registry/myregistry/index.jsp?overrideStore=TRUS&_flowExecutionKey=_cE12ECC2D-EF50-8917-8DB8-74DC26C3A750_k1D76DCD6-5D67-38FA-0D11-BE2B385F5474" target="_blank">Babies-R-Us (click to see registry)</a> if anyone would like to check it out! If you have any suggestions for things we should add, please let us know! We are hoping that people actually buy from our registry as we've put a lot of time into creating it! <br />
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It's been another week of unpacking and organizing at the house. We finally have more empty boxes in the garage than we have full boxes. Getting things settled in and organized feels so good! I still find it hard to believe that we have a house and a yard and real back porch! For those that know what we just moved from, you understand why we are so thrilled about a porch and yard! Heck, we are excited about the fact we have a driveway as well! The past two weekends we've had an electrician out and we've made some big changes to the house. We now have lighting in all the bedrooms as well as lighting on both sides of the garage, working motion lights and an above range microwave. We updated the outdoor fixtures and we updated the two ceiling fans that were in the house when we bought it. We have some other big changes we plan on soon, such as getting rid of the carpet on the stairs and in the hallway, but we are happy that the major electrical work is behind us now! Also this week we were able to get satellite and internet setup! <br />
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We had an appointment on Wednesday, January 8th and found out that we are having a little mister! We are absolutely thrilled. John must've prayed harder than anyone else in the family (most were praying for pink), he was over the moon to know that he has a son on the way. As for me, I wasn't leaning towards either gender as long as our baby was growing and healthy. Everything looked great on the ultrasound for the baby and the heartbeat was steady at 153bpm. The only time I ever dreamed about our baby, it was a boy so I should've took that as a sign! <br />
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Weeks ago, we had names already picked out for a boy or a girl. We chose Jaxon because John has always wanted a son named Jaxon, but he never thought of the spelling other than Jackson. I'm not a huge fan of "Jack" so we compromised and he will be called Jaxon, "Jax" for short. Many outside of the family has asked if Miles is a family name and the answer to that is no. We chose Miles because the word itself has so much meaning for John and I. We had always known of each other growing up, he moved to NC and right down the road from me when he was in the eighth grade. If there were anymore opposite of people, it was the two of us! A few years after high school, he found me online and we would occasionally catch up with each other's lives. He made several attempts to take me out, but I declined them all. I had a change of heart though, to make a very long story somewhat short, he was on the other side of the earth literally when I had my change of heart. There were several miles that separated us for years while he was in Afghanistan, but it drew us to one another. We learned who each other was in ways that most spouses never get to. We are thankful in that sense for the miles. They drew us so close to each other and we proved that distance means nothing when someone means so much. One day, we hope that our Jaxon Miles will keep in mind just what the Miles means and know that there was a lot of love behind the meaning of his name, it wasn't just a name we saw and liked. <br />
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<strong>How far along? </strong>19 weeks<br />
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<b>Weight gain? </b>15 lbs<br />
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<strong>Baby is the size of -</strong> a mango<br />
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<b>Maternity clothes?</b> I'm beginning to wonder why so many women are opposed to maternity clothes, they are so comfy. I'm going to thoroughly enjoy wearing them!<br />
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<b>Stretch marks? </b>Still in the clear when it come to stretch marks!<br />
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<b>Sleep?</b> This week I was able to get a lot more sleep. My stress level is starting to decrease now that we've closed on the house and have most everything organized. I'm definitely not keeping myself up at night anymore making "Things to Do" lists in my mind like I was before.<br />
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<strong>Miss anything? </strong>Only the previous mentioned misses<br />
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<b>Cravings?</b> No new cravings this week<br />
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<b>Anything make you queasy or sick?</b> Negative<br />
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<strong>Symptoms?</strong> My belly has surpassed my chest now...hehe. During our last visit at the doctor I mentioned the headaches once again. This time, she said it sounded like migraines that I've been having. I left the office with a prescription for phenergran and a referral to a headache specialist. From what I've read, Tylenol and phenergran are the only things I can take so I'm not so sure how I feel about paying extra money to tell me that yes, the headaches I'm having are really bad.<br />
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<strong>Belly button</strong> - in or out? In and wonky<br />
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<b>Wedding rings - on or off? </b>ON!<br />
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<strong>Any movement?</strong> Yes!!! Finally I can feel Jaxon kicking! Some days he's VERY active!<br />
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<b>Happy or moody?</b> Happy :) How could I not be though?! I have a healthy growing baby boy in me, I have a wonderful and supportive husband and we have a new house that we are looking forward to starting our family in.<br />
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<strong>Looking forward to -</strong> Decorating the nursery!!! <br />
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<strong>Interesting week 19 fact -</strong> Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells, now coats the baby's skin, shielding him from the amniotic fluid. Nerve cells for his sense of taste, hearing, sight and smell are developing in the brain. <br />
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