37 1/2 week update

I had planned to post pictures today of my last two showers, but I forgot the cord for the camera to upload the photos. Maybe sometime before Natalie gets here I'll be able to do that.

Just a quick update on the last few weeks of pregnancy!
At the doctor last week he said I was 50% effaced but no dilation.
This week was the same. NO changes.
I am actually relieved that there weren't any changes this week since we plan on traveling for Christmas, just an hour away, and I don't want to be paranoid or preoccupied wondering if I'm about to go into labor. So now, NO WORRIES! I still haven't had any contractions, not even Braxton Hicks.

It has been interesting to get the question, "So, are you over being pregnant yet"? To which I say, "No. Actually I'm not." I still feel pretty good and comfortable and am able to be active. I'm really thankful the pregnancy as been so easy and low key, but I'm aware that at any point I could become, 'over it'. I don't think its wrong when pregnant women feel that way, I just haven't experienced it, yet and hopefully I won't.

I have developed, however, carpal tunnel in my hands. SO RANDOM! It is the weirdest feeling for your fingertips to be numb and your finger joints sore. Gives me more compassion on those who deal with arthritis, though what I'm experiencing is very mild and will go away after Natalie is born. I also have had mild swelling in my ankles but only if I've been on my feet all day. And last, I experienced heartburn over the weekend for the first time ever-or at least in a REALLY REALLY long time! It was the weirdest thing, but I think it is mostly diet related with pregnancy effecting it some. It's just SO hard to stay away from cheese!

Please know I'm not complaining, but just sharing about where I'm at in the pregnancy. These small discomforts have been a good opportunity for me to choose to not complain out loud or in my heart, but choose joy and contentment away from my circumstances. It is such a good opportunity for me to grow in the Lord and I don't want to miss it!

I hope everyone has a joyous Christmas celebrating Christ!
I'll keep you updated unless Natalie comes while we are out of town!

Glucose and Local Celebrities

Yesterday I had a bizarre encounter at the doctor's office.
First, I was there for 3 hours because I failed my glucose test on Monday. I had to go in and drink this sugary drink and then they drew blood on the hour for 3 hours. I had passed the very first test a few months ago, but failed the second test on Monday which is why they did the 3 hour yesterday. I've heard HORRIBLE things about the glucose test, but honestly I really didn't mind. The drink wasn't that bad and I was able to get my 'Thank You' cards done from my baby showers. I really do believe that it was the Lord who would give me contentment for that time. It could be easy for me to fall into the temptation to complain because most everyone else I've talked to that has had to do the test gave it such a negative light. By God's grace it was never a big deal to me and I was able to enjoy the time I had, although I'll say I'm still not a fan of giving blood samples.

Anyway, my bizarre encounter:
I was waiting the final 5-10 minutes of my 3 hours before giving my last blood sample, when a mom, at least upper high school age daughter, and husband walk in. The mom is a middle aged pregnant mom and is pretty far along in her pregnancy. Okay, no big deal. WELL, then behind them comes this CAMERA CREW in with some small cameras! I notice then that the mom has a microphone and battery pack on her and they are all talking excitedly about what is going on. I'm thinking- WHAT IS GOING ON!? Is this some piece for the local news? Why? I'm trying NOT to listen, but that is impossible when you are the only other person in the waiting room with all this commotion! The camera guy starts filming the family's interactions and the daughter is excited to be a the appointment with them because she hopes to find out the gender of the baby since he/she will be the 19th baby!

WAIT, WHAT!?

Well, the nurse calls them back into the office just as it's time for me to go give my final blood sample. They are ahead of me filming this whole interaction as they walk back into the office and they see the doctor in the hallway. They proceed to talk with him about how things are going, meanwhile I'm stuck behind them and can't get to the lab to do my final blood sample! And it is a time sensitive blood drawing so they have to take a sample on the hour for the 3 hours. I DID NOT want to have to get stuck more than necessary because I couldn't get through! It was SO bizarre to be stuck waiting and watching this interaction and filming, but I really wasn't trying to be nosy at all! I was just trying to do my thing and leave! The nurse could see me through the crowd, but neither of us could get to each other! She was able to come to the window and tell me about a back door I could come through. Okay, great. I meet the nurse at the back door and she said, "You know who that is don't you?" Nope, not a clue. She said, "The Bates family, you haven't heard of them." Nope. To which she gave me the 'WHAT? YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF THE BATES FAMILY!?' look. She said, "You of the Dugger's don't you?" Oh yeah, I know about them. "Well, the Bates' are a local family and they are pregnant with their 19th child and they are starting a show about them!" OH, WOW, that's cool.

Well, I was done with my test but needed to use the restroom before I left. There was someone in the restroom, but as I approached she came out. It was the MOM! She was SO sweet and funny as commented on my belly and how small and cute I was pregnant. I asked her how far along she was and she said, "Well, I look like I'm 5 weeks past due, but I have 9 weeks left." To which I thought, sweet lady you are pregnant with your 19th I think its okay if you look bigger than me. (which she really didn't look that big to me.) And then we parted ways.

It was SO bizarre! But I was encouraged by their excitement and eagerness over any life that the Lord would bless them to carry. Of course, I googled them and I was encouraged by their blog which I've (hopefully) linked above.

Just wanted to share about my recent adventures!

One Hand Countdown!

Tomorrow we begin 35 weeks with Natalie!!!!!!
That means you can count how many weeks I have left on ONE HAND!!!!!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm trying not to lose it with excitement and anxiety!
My thoughts lately:
"There is SO much left to do before she arrives! How will I have time to do it all"?
"What if she comes EARLY!!!! She won't come early. Most first babies come late. Surely, she won't come early. There have been NO signs of early labor or pre term labor. I haven't even had Braxton Hicks contractions. SURELY SHE WON'T COME EARLY! But, maybe she will and HOW FUN WILL THAT BE!"
"Do I rush to do all my projects now and risk sitting around bored waiting and waiting for her to come or do I space it out and just finish them sometime after she's here..."
"Where will I be when I go into labor? What will it feel like? How will I know?"
"I HOPE I'M NOT IN A PUBLIC PLACE WHEN MY WATER BREAKS!!!!!"
"What if I go into labor while we are at Neil's family's for Christmas? Do we try to drive back? It's only an hour, surely we'd make it back... right?"
"What will she look like?" "Will she have curly, red hair? Please, to satisfy everyone elses' desires, let her have curly, red hair!"
"I CAN'T WAIT FOR HER TO GET HERE!!!"


So, to say the least my mind has been VERY FULL of thoughts and errands, yet I feel like I don't have the time to put my thoughts together or run my errands! Hopefully next week I can start tackling my "To-Do Before Natalie" Lists.
Yes lists is plural.

Other than feeling like I have SO much to do and NO time to do it, I'm doing really well. I wake up a little achy and my back usually hurts by the end of the day, and I'm fighting a sinus/cold thing I got from Neil this weekend, but these are SO MINOR compared to what others experience. Pregnancy has still been VERY easy and I'm still amazed and humbled that it has been this way. I don't desire it and really believe it is evidence of God's grace on me. I feel like I deserve to be sick and have problems as a 'punishment' for not 'waiting well' all last year as we struggled with getting pregnant. I know this isn't the Gospel and that God does NOT punish his children, yet pours grace upon grace on them even in discipline. But I can struggle with that thought at times.
Since I'm almost eight months pregnant, I feel HUGE!!!!!!!! I look HUGE!!!!!!!!! I saw a picture of myself from the baby shower this past weekend and was AMAZED! I had no idea! How can I get any bigger?! I haven't gained too much wait, but I guess because I'm short it just doesn't have anywhere to go!

I'll keep you posted as we continue to count down till we see our sweet Natalie!

Thanksgiving Shower

Here is a little teaser for where we are at with Natalie's room!
We are slowly but surely moving along with getting things together and I'm excited about the ideas I have for decorating, now just to find the time to sit down and sort out my brain to know where to start first!

This weekend, along with Thanksgiving festivities, we had a baby shower at my parent's house. It was a "small", if you count just over 20 people small, family shower. It was a sweet time to see family and to celebrate Natalie with them. Here are a few highlights:



Yummy food table



Fancy Baby Cake


Table decor'



Fortune Cooke Party favors
that say:

"Thank you for sharing my special day" Natalie Jane Williams

Here's a sample of the fun, sweet gifts Natalie received

Sweet family to celebrate with!

I promise more people were there, but I'm too tired right now to load the pictures. We have one more baby shower this weekend with Neil's family and I am looking forward to celebrating with them! Hopefully there will be pictures to share!

Bitter Sweet

This weekend I had my first Baby Shower and it was PERFECT! The ladies in our small group at church threw it for me and invited family, out of town friends from college, and friends here in town. I was so blessed and overwhelmed with so much love, encouragement, excitement, and support! Natalie was ALSO blessed with lots of great clothes and books! My friend, Melanie, had the great idea of asking for people to give a copy of their favorite childhood book and write on the inside cover instead of giving cards. Neil and I were both SO excited to receive so many great books for Natalie. Now I'm definitely praying that she will be a reader and a learner!

Here are some highlights from the shower:

sweet baby booties made by Grandmama (Neil's mom)

best friends from college (minus Brittany who couldn't make it)
Fun fact: We each have a baby right now! (4 of us pregnant and Liz with 2 1/2 month old baby John!) I will cherish this picture!



Left picture: Grandmama, Aunt Claire, and Aunt Olivia
Right picture: my Aunt Wendy, Natalie's Great Aunt

This shower was also on a somewhat bittersweet day as well. It was on Nov. 5th, the 5 year anniversary of my mom's death. I really miss her and know that she would have LOVED this shower and would have LOVED Natalie so well. I miss talking with her about being pregnant and asking her questions about parenting. I know we would not agree on everything, but she and my dad did so many things well that I want to model in my parenting.

Here is a picture of her at one of her baby showers when she was pregnant with me:


My mom stayed so small when she was pregnant with me! She only gained 15 pounds!!!!! My dad says you really couldn't tell she was pregnant till like the last two months. I haven't stayed quite that small thanks so inheriting my dad's sweet tooth, but I have stayed in the healthy range of weight gain so I'm satisfied. This picture of me isn't great, but I loved that you could see my baby belly pretty clearly.

Here are two last pictures:


Left picture: 30 weeks
Right picture: 31 weeks
Somehow I look smaller in the 31 week picture. Maybe because it is a maternity shirt and the 3o week picture is a regular shirt???

4 and counting...

This past Saturday was Neil and my's 4 year dating anniversary! Clarification: We have been together 4 years. 1 1/2 years dating and almost 2 1/2 married!!!! October 15th is a big deal to us. It is the day that he took me out on a our second date, but first date that started our relationship and he asked me if he could pursue me towards marriage!!!!!! Neil was so sweet to celebrate this day in style! For about a month or so now he had some 'secret date' planned for that day, but I wasn't sure what he had up his sleeve. It is an amazing feat that I didn't try to pry it out of him, because I love surprises, but can't wait for the surprise if I know there is one.

I loved our date on Saturday even though most of it was 'low key'.
We got all dressed up:
and went to Lowe's.

Yes, the hardware store. And Yes, I was PUMPED to go.
We were all dressed up in Lowe's buying blinds, a fire extinguisher for our kitchen, and paint samples for Natalie's room.
My favorite part of Lowe's was buying the blinds and paint samples, Neil was excited about the fire extinguisher-more for him than for me.
I have been wanting new blinds since we moved in the house and now seemed like an appropriate time to get them since we are about to start on Natalie's room AND I had a gift card from my birthday to use there.

So, after getting all dressed up and going to Lowe's it was DINNER TIME! Probably the thing I love most about our dates is that we eat out at a restaurant. I just really enjoy eating out and being able to order food I'd like without having to make it! Anyway, so Neil drives across town to take me to Brazeiros, a Brazilian Steakhouse where we live. FANCY FANCY FANCY FANCY FANCY!!!!!



He had made reservations for us at this specific restaurant because we went to Brazil on a mission trip with our college ministry our last summer of college. When the 'sparks' solidified for us. While we were in Brazil we ate at this kind of restaurant and we were excited to see that one had opened in our town!

This was definitely a splurg for us as our budget isn't fancy friendly and we aren't big meat eaters, but it was SO FUN to reminisce about Brazil, get dressed up, and enjoy the experience and atmosphere of the restaurant. It is definitely a neat experience if you ever go, because you get a little circle on your table that has a red side and a green side. Whenever you want meat you flip the card to the green side and guys come around with HUGE sword-like skewers with meat on them and ask if you'd like some. We had lamb, sirloin, chicken, and filet mignon (MY FAVORITE). They serve all different kinds of meat, cuts of meat, and different ways it is cooked. When you don't want any more meat you flip the card to the red side and they don't come by until you flip the card again. They also serve sides:
caramelized bananas, garlic mashed potatoes, crispy polenta (think fancy french fry) and cheese bread- which smelled and tasted just like the kind we had in Brazil! We also ordered dessert (which we RARELY do at a restaurant) and it was SO tasty. I finished it last night. Just talking about the food is making my mouth water and I'm not a big meat eater! The atmosphere is very fancy,but there were plenty of people there in jeans and casual clothes. Neil and I loved being able to talk with each other and hear each other because the music wasn't too loud- which turns Neil off to most restaurants.

After the restaurant we went back home and watched a movie and just chilled out.
IT WAS WONDERFUL!
He said that he felt a little insecure that there wasn't 'more' to the date and that part of the date was going to Lowe's and then watching a movie at home. Then he realized, "Wait, I think those are things she wants to do and is excited to do!"

I just wanted to brag on my husband a little bit because since he is a 'saver' and can be pretty budget conscious, he let those things go in order to celebrate a special day for us and not let money be a hindrance or decision maker in his plans. I realized probably a year ago that I feel so loved when we can do fun, 'splurg' like things every now and then and money doesn't have to be a factor- in a wise way. I kept thanking him over and over the last few days because of how special it was to me that he did this!

I'm Losing It!

While this title can be true on so many different levels in my life, what I really am talking about is my belly button! It is slowly making its descent out and it has been funny to see the progression. I imagine I'll just wake up one day and it will be gone completely!

The last few weeks have been busy, busy, busy! I am in the middle of my 27th week and about to officially start the THIRD TRIMESTER! THE END IS NEARING!
I'm trying to not hyperventilate as I think about and type this out. I have definitely had all the mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety about having Natalie actually here in the flesh! So much will change and while I know it will only be for the good there can still be the mixed emotions of sadness about it not being "just Neil and I" any longer. This is a "FOREVER CHANGE", not just a season, but a REALLY LONG season that I know will be filled with so much joy, but also will be hard as well. Please don't think I'm not excited about my daughter because I am and I DREAM about her being here and taking care of her and learning who she is, but I'm also becoming aware of the big transitions ahead.

We FINALLY had our Yard Sale this past weekend and it went really well. We were both pleased with the results AND we were able to take what didn't sale to a local donation center THAT AFTERNOON. So NOTHING came back into the house! It is SO exciting to see SPACE in Natalie's room so that we can start making it Natalie's room! I'm so excited to get started!

In closing here are a few pictures from the last few weeks:

25-ish weeks

I can't see my shoes anymore!

27 weeks!

"... neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord"

Isaiah 55:8-9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

I know I just wrote a light-hearted post about my pregnancy, but I don't feel light-hearted today.

Today I'm really sad for someone close to me and struggling to understand God's ways.
She found out yesterday that she lost her baby. Her long-awaited, much prayed for, years trying for baby. We all were convinced that this baby, her baby, was a miracle baby and therefore wouldn't be taken away. God had FINALLY allowed her to conceive so he definitely wouldn't take the baby away. He wasn't suppose to do this. He was suppose to let her have this baby. This doctor's visit was suppose to be a good one where afterward we could FINALLY shout from the mountain tops about His miracle. Why would God take away a miracle, his miracle?

I just don't understand.
I am reeling with confusion, anger, and sadness over lost hopes that were beginning to glimmer with possibility.

Then the Spirit gently leads me and reminds me of Isaiah 55:8-9. The Spirit reveals to me that I have been leaning on my own understanding and assuming God to to work like I expect him to work, but that isn't the case today. I know God is Sovereign and I NEED God to be Sovereign over my life, her life, and all of life. I know God wrote and numbered her baby's days perfectly from the beginning of time. He knew when we didn't know that he would take her baby 3 weeks ago, but that she wouldn't find out till yesterday. He knew and said it was best this way. I have to and need to yield to God's ways and thoughts because I need them right now to get through this and do anything I can to help her get through this.

Through my sadness I am glad that his truth remains firm and I am holding on to it, but I am also still just sad over all that was taken yesterday from this life.

Table for Two

It's happened! My belly has become a table for two! Neil was amazed when he saw me resting my cup of milk on my belly while I ate my cookies the other night. Hey, whatever works, right? I think it is rather convenient and can't wait till the "table" gets bigger!

I start 25 weeks tomorrow! I have been feeling Natalie move more and more and even am woken up some nights/early mornings with her kicks and rolls! I think I may have an early bird on my hands- just like her daddy. I am not an early bird so it will be interesting to see what takes place! I went shopping last week with my Mother-in-law and two of my sisters-in-law and bought Natalie MANY cute items. I was so excited and felt like I got a pretty good deal on some good quality clothes. I fell in love with the Carter's store! I became obsessed with shopping for Natalie about two weeks ago, but held off till I went with the family last week. I'm sure there is a good chance we will get many cute items from other people, but I began to worry that she wouldn't have some "essentials" that I would like for her to have, such as pants. She will be a winter baby and I became sad at the thought that her poor legs would freeze because no one bought her pants! Plus, I became anal about her having certain kinds that I wanted her have: colors and material that I can mix and match. I'm sure it was all for naught, but I think my "mommy mode" kicked in and I wanted to take care of her and have fun picking out certain things for her that I know I like because its all about me, right?

We go to the doctor on Monday and I start the blood sugar tests. I remember being the doctor's office with other pregnant women who were there for their test and I remember thinking, wow, 20-something weeks seems SO far away, they are almost done with their pregnancy! That's where I'm at right now, but it doesn't seem like I'm that far!!! Well, I think that is all I have for now.

Nesting Season

Well, its official. I've entered the Nesting Season of my pregnancy!!!! Actually I entered it a few weeks ago, but I've been so busy I haven't been able to write about it. The urge to organize and clean areas of our house, especially Natalie's room, washed over me like a tidal wave! It was/is a major transition for me because I'm NOT a big organizing/cleaning buff, just ask friends who have lived with me, and my husband. I like things to be clean, but I may not notice that things need to be cleaned until they are pretty messy or cluttered. I think I have gotten better since being married and life has settled down, but I'm still not inclined towards cleaning and organizing. So this new found inclination/ slight obsession with organizing is shocking for me and the tricky thing is that I can't really clean and organize Natalie's room yet because we need to have a yard sale first! We are scheduled to have a yard sale Oct. 1st so until then- when all junk/treasure will be gone from our home and her room- I am at a stand still and trying not to go crazy! I've been trying to do the little bit that I can and Neil has been SUPER helpful and willing to do things with me.

A few weeks ago, we spent part of our Friday night on a project that I had been too overwhelmed to finish. Do you remember when Neil cut down all those branches with poison ivy on them because I wanted to make a twig frame... Yeah, well the frame still hadn't happened, but we had new, poison ivy free twigs. Neil mentioned doing that project and so we tag-teamed it and finished it in an hour!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT and I had so much fun doing it with Neil. Here is the result!
This is in our laundry room- random place except that it's where we come into our house from the garage every day. p.s. Did I tell you guys we re-painted the laundry room- FINALLY! I like it much better now!

Next, we hung a painting that I have just painted in an oil painting class I took in July and August. A lady from my church teaches oil painting in her home once a week and I started taking classes and really enjoyed it! I hope to take the class again once we save up some more money for it. Neil has been really sweet and encouraging about the painting and was eager to hang it up in our living room! We hung it up this past week and he has been enjoying it since.

Last, but not least is a picture of the chaos in Natalie's room that I can't wait to get under control!!!!! (Actually it's one view of the room, there is a little more chaos behind the door and I didn't have time to get a picture of it.)

Wish us luck on getting everything cleaned out before January!

Enjoying the Unthinkable

The title of this post probably sounds WAY deeper than I actually mean but I did enjoy the unthinkable recently and thought it would be worthy to share.

Last week Neil and I went CAMPING with his family at the lake for 'vacation'. For those of you that somehow don't know, I was 20 weeks pregnant. PREGNANT AND CAMPING. Can those two words safely and realistically be in the same sentence? Well, I am happy to say, "YES THEY CAN!". I am NOT a 'camper', but Neil is and his family use to go to the lake EVERY year until he was in college. We planned to start up the tradition again this year before we found out I was pregnant. After finding out I was pregnant and then realizing that we were going CAMPING IN AUGUST I became VERY anxious and fearful. "Can you even go camping while you are pregnant?" "Is it safe for me to sleep on the ground?" "What if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?" "Where there be snakes! I HATE SNAKES!" "Will I get too hot from the heat and pass out or DIE?" These questions would plague me for several weeks. I would wake up in the middle of the night- to pee- and then not be able to sleep again because my mind would ponder and worry over these concerns. Neil was great at not making me feel dumb for having these concerns, praying for me to not fear, and reassuring me he was aware that I was pregnant and that he would do what was in his control to make things safe and comfortable for me, but he couldn't fix everything before we got there.

The day to leave arrives and with the assurance of a inflatable mattress for me and a fan we are off! Now to clarify we were car camping so we were at a nice site that had electricity but yes we slept in a tent. As soon as we got there I realized that I wasn't roughing it in the woods and that I could do this and have done this before, minus the pregnant factor. Our site was beside his parents and his aunt and uncle and right on the lake. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! We had such a great time the whole weekend and it was SO relaxing!!!! Not one of my fears was ever confirmed and instead I felt the faithfulness of the Lord. It wasn't too hot while we were there and there was usually some kind of nice breeze from the lake. I felt the freedom that anytime I did feel kind of sick I could go lay down and rest in his grandparent's AIR CONDITIONED camper. I never had to get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and I slept really well with the help of ear plugs. Also, NO SNAKE SIGHTINGS! The time with his family was so nice and low key. We went out on the boat, sat by the lake, swam in the lake, and sat by the campsite. We played games, read, talked, and just relaxed. This trip actually made me EAGER, YES I SAID EAGER, to go camping again! I'm not sure if we will or not since I will only become MORE pregnant from now on, but I think Neil may have FINALLY broken me into camping. SSSSHHHH, don't let him know I said that...

Here are some pictures:

the view from our campsite

Neil and his cousin, Daniel, doing some karate stuff.
I walked away when I heard Daniel say, ..."and this is where I could dislocated your shoulder..."
Oh okay, that's neat Daniel...

Family Photo

20 WEEKS!

How I really feel sometimes

My VERY favorite photo from the whole trip.
Neil, his brother Nathan, and their almost 82 year old Granddaddy tubing!!!!
Such a cherished memory
I LOVE GRANDDADDY.

New Developments

First big development is that we have named our little Roo!!!!!!! Our little girl's name is:

Natalie Jane

We both loved the name Natalie and Jane means, "God is gracious" and we believe that God is being VERY gracious to us by giving us the pregnancy and baby girl!

Today I start 19 weeks (4 1/2 months!) and still feel great. I have noticed in the last several days that I can feel the weight of my belly more. I definitely notice that I want to hold onto the bottom of my belly because it feels kind of tight. I caught myself in the mirror the other day and did a double take because for the first time I thought I actually looked pregnant and not fat! It was really cool for me to be able to tell the difference physically and mentally. Neil had been saying for about 2 weeks before that I looked pregnant to him even when others weren't sure.

Second, I also started wearing my first maternity shirt YESTERDAY & TODAY (same outfit, don't judge)!!!! I realized that some of the clothes I was given are spring/summer clothes and if I don't wear them now I won't be able to wear them! I can still wear all my regular shirts just fine but I bet I'm probably unknowingly stretching them out. Why am I doing that when I have good clothes that are designed to be worn when pregnant! I'm sure some of my avoidance was probably pride that I could still fit into my regular clothes pretty easily.
(Ah, sin, don't you love it...)

The third big development is that I started to feel Natalie move!!!!!! Last Thursday afternoon, start of 18 weeks, I was sitting on the couch when I felt this little, subtle 'pop' almost like a bubble gently popping inside me. I stopped and started talking to Natalie asking if that was her I felt, but I wasn't sure. I mentioned it to Neil later that night, but said I wasn't sure and it could have been nothing. He was so excited about the thought it! Then on Saturday his parents were in town at the house and his mom asked me if I had felt the baby move yet and I described to her what I felt and she confirmed that it was Natalie moving! There have been a few times where the movement has been just big enough for me to gently feel on the outside, but Neil hasn't been able to feel anything yet. I CAN'T WAIT until he can start feeling her! He is eagerly and patiently waiting also!

The fourth and final big development that we just decided on yesterday was to switch our doctor and therefore switch our hospital! I liked my previous doctor just fine and we would have delivered at 'THE HOSPITAL' in town. It seems like most people I know have delivered there and all I hear is how nice the labor and delivery wing is there. I been there and it is REALLY NICE. People have jokingly referred to it as 'The Hilton of Babies'. However, we are leaning towards having a natural labor and delivery and it didn't seem like the hospital and doctor I was with could really accommodate our preferences. I still want to be at a hospital with a doctor because I feel comfortable and safe with that route. There is a hospital in town that does have more experience and options for natural birth and a friend of my recommended her OB. Neil and I met with him yesterday and we were SO encouraged! He was very vocal with us about his faith in the Lord and seems to be a strong believer. He encouraged us several times with perspective on God's sovereignty over Natalie's life and the birth. Also in the 35+ years that he has practiced he has only missed 5 births! He has a very gentle and joyful presence and we are excited about him being our doctor! Even in the last week I have heard more and more people mention this hospital in passing and each person had RAVING things to say about this hospital! It seems like the Lord is leading us and confirming things for us! I think some people think we are crazy to switch doctors and hospitals in the middle of pregnancy, but the process and logistics of it don't bother me and I have more peace believing that I'm trusting and following the Lord than if I lean on my own understanding and a trend of what 'everyone i know is doing'. Sometimes leaning on that trend is a wise thing to do, but not for us in this case.


Lastly, I keep forgetting to share these few pictures of the first few 'outfits' for Natalie. The pack of sleepers I bought on the day we found out we were having a girl. The single, green sleeper was given to me by a friend at Hope, the crisis pregnancy center I volunteer at during the week. I love that is says in the corner, "mommy's little dear" and it has a deer on it. Play on words crack me up!

Preggo Update

Today is my last day of 17 weeks! I start month 5 tomorrow! The time seems to be flying by in so many ways! I wanted to include a few pictures of the last two weeks to see if there was any progression of a visible 'belly bump'. It seems to depend on the day and what I'm wearing as to if people can tell I'm pregnant or have a belly or not. Neil says that I definitely look pregnant to him while at church on Sunday everyone commented on where my 'baby bump' was and why wasn't I starting to show. I can still wear my regular clothes pretty well, but I just started last week buttoning my jeans- at least this one pair- with a pony tail holder because it is too uncomfortable to button without it!

I won't drag suspense on any longer -because I know you are on the edge of your seat- here are the pictures from the last tw0 weeks!!!

week 16
Don't worry I wore a white cardigan to go with my white shoes. I know you were concerned about my potential fashion mishap.

Beginning week 17
The day we found out we were having a GIRL!

17 1/2 weeks and counting!!!

90% sure...

We are 90% sure we are having a....


We went to the doctor yesterday for our big gender ultrasound. We had to have two ultrasounds because our little one was being very modest with her legs crossed and we couldn't get the necessary shot. The ultrasound woman was very kind to squeeze us in on her lunch break to try again. She gave me some apple juice and told me to meet her again after we met with our doctor. The second time around our lady was butt first so the ultrasound woman jiggled my belly some to move her around. The woman pointed out why she was thinking our lady was a lady and said she would bet money that we were having a girl, but couldn't say for 100% sure.

We are so very excited to have a little girl. I think both Neil and I were a little surprised. Neil was CONVINCED that we were having a boy! He said he would have a put money down that we were having a boy! He said that is why he is not a gambling man because he looses every time! Neither of us had a preference and neither of us had any 'feeling' of boy or girl until this past weekend. I started noticing that when Neil talked about the baby he really was talking and referring to the baby as a boy. I still really didn't have any 'feeling' or thought but liked the idea of having a boy. So when the ultrasound lady said girl I think we were both a little confused at first! Plus for me the small level of uncertainty seemed to make finding out a little anti-climatic. We go back for our anatomy ultrasound towards the end of August so then maybe they will be able to confirm the gender 100%. We are planning, thinking, and talking as if we are having a girl and we are very excited about our little lady!

I started on my 17th week yesterday and I have pictures to post of a bump, but I forgot my cord to download the pictures! I will post them soon!

I am most excited to see Neil be a daddy to our little girl and I start to tear up every time I think about it!

Neil is betting/hoping that our lady will have red curly hair, but we know how he is at gambling...

MAKE ME SICK

Yes, this is squash and zucchini and I absolutely hate it right now! I am splitting part of a CSA this summer where I get a half bushel of fruits and vegetables every other week and last week we got several pieces of squash and zucchini plus a friend gave us some from her garden this past weekend. I don't want any of it to go waste so I gave my first try and preserving vegetables! It was pretty simple and we will see if it works! I simple sliced up all the squash I had and then steamed it for 3-5 minutes till it was tender then put it in a ice bath in the kitchen sink. Then I laid it out on pans and let it dry and then bagged it up and put in the freezer!
Wish me luck because I don't want to have to eat any of it anytime soon!

1st trimester summary

Wednesday was the last day of the first trimester!!!!!!! This is the first 'preggy photo' I've taken. Sorry it isn't very good but it was taken at like 11:00 that night and we were extremely tired! Neil was gracious enough to take the picture even though he didn't really understand why I wanted it taken. I have no idea if it is actually a 'baby bump' or just a 'brownie bump'. I do have some sort of belly but it could be because I have definitely enjoyed my share of chocolate and ice cream! I've had several people pat my belly and call it a 'baby bump' but I'm just not sure if it is yet! I've actually been struggling this first trimester with how my body is changing and having self control with the foods that I do eat. I easily feel more fat than pregnant and so its been hard to embrace the belly and everyone's excitement over my 'baby bump' because I easily compare when other friends started 'showing' versus when I'm possibly starting to 'show' and I feel like its too early. I realized the other day that everyone's bodies are different and their pregnancies are different. I just need to let it go and be thankful for everyone's excitement! If I knew for sure that it was the baby or a 'baby bump' then I would gladly and eagerly embrace it and everyone's comments because I am so thankful for this baby and I do love this baby.

Neil and I are so excited to have this baby and it has been so fun for us to read and learn about his/her development. Here is a 3d picture from our 13 week ultrasound!!!

We have nicknamed our little one 'Roo' as in Kangaroo and how the mommas carry their babies in their pouch. We find out at the end of the month (20 days to be exact) if Roo is a boy or a girl! We are excited to find out but thankfully we haven't been wishing the days away because I think that would drive me crazy!

I still never had morning sickness and only occasional nausea. I've only had two episodes of random cravings: early in June when Neil and I were in Crossville for a wedding I was helping his mom pick up food at Subway for the bridal party. I saw the 'sub of the month' and instantly craved it for the next TWO weeks until I finally asked Neil if we could get it for dinner! It was FABULOUS! I RARELY eat at Subway!
Then this past Saturday I was at a coffee shop for accountability with some women and one of the workers came in with a Chik-fil-a chicken biscuit! Instantly I craved a Chik-fil-a chicken biscuit and I'm hoping to get one this weekend!
The only food aversion I've really had is so RANDOM! I feel so sick at the thought of eating squash or zucchini- SO RANDOM! I do usually love saute' squash and zucchini, but I can't stand the thought of it right now!

I look forward to see what is in store for the second trimester!!!!!!!!!