In Need of an Update!!!

Hi all -- It's been a couple weeks (a couple rough weeks), but I'm back . . .

As surprising as it may seem, my pregnancy became somewhat masked by the tragedy that has befallen our family. Within about 7 or 8 days, Clint's side lost 4 family members, and we lost our dog, Dill. Unfortunately, I don't have many photos of the family members (I had met 2 of the 4) . . .

This is a 5-generation photo of the Herren side. Grandpa Don Herren passed away last week, and I am so lucky to have met him.

I don't have a photo of Grandma Margie Mosier, but she also was a special woman, and both hers and Grandpa Herren's services were quite unique and spectacular.

This is Dillinger. He ate a sock last week (or something similar), and it seized up his digestive tract. We had to put him down amidst the rest of the chaos. He was 3 years old. I just can't seem to get over it.

The things I'm thankful for:

-I was touched by these people in one way or another (Grandpa Herron for his candor; Grandma Mosier for her devotion; and Dill for his  . . . well, fortitude).

-Natalie was able to spend quality time with these people, and has good stories to remember them by.

-They lived good lives.

-We had fantastic support around us through it all.

So . . . aside from all of that, there was good that came too. I met some of Clint's close school friends while we were at his home, and I'm pretty sure the baby was kicking and rolling around this last week.

I haven't gained any more weight (none in 4 weeks, actually), but my belly is much more basketball-like than it was. We go for another ultrasound and checkup today, so I am excited to see a bigger, more active baby in there. They say that Dad should now be able to hear the heartbeat by putting his head on Mom's belly, so we'll have to check that out. I will take a new photo tonight to update you all a little more.

My first baby shower is coming up in 3 weekends. I am excited!! However, I've gone a little crazy on all of the cute clothes I keep finding on clearance racks, so I'm kind-of hoping that I don't get a ton of outfits as gifts (although I'm sure I'll love anything!!).

I am really wanting to start on Peanut's bedroom . . . it's cleared out, but it needs paint. And I can't pick out the paint color until I have the bedding . . . I wonder if I can buy one little piece of the bedding so I have somewhere to start. And don't worry!! I think I can find an able body or two to do the painting!

This month also brings a wedding shower and bachelorette party for my good friend, Sara. I can't wait!! Even though I can't partake in the alcohol consumption, I will surely be welcome as a DD. That's fine with me.

I also started my new role at work on Tuesday. So far, it's been hectic, especially after missing 4 days . . . but I think I am doing alright so far, and the real test will be after my first event Monday and Tuesday next week.

Finally, our friends Sarah and Tom have agreed to be our Peanut's godparents. They are our age, have similar beliefs and lifestyles (at least in most ways), and will probably be planning for a family very soon. I am sooooooo excited for this!

That's all for now. I will try to post more in the morning.

Week 23 Has Begun!

So, I'm at week 23 -- aside from the back pain I'm receiving (pinched sciatic), I feel nothing. What I thought were baby kicks may not have been, as I have spasm-like feelings in the same exact spot randomly, and have felt nothing else nowhere . . . . I am trying not to worry, but that's my style.

I took yesterday off work. My back hurts so much that sitting and standing repeatedly just kills me. And actually, now that I am thinking about it, my feet hurt too. Is this what everyone goes through? Am I just a wimp??

I really thought I was tough as nails, but now I am reconsidering . . .

I submitted my first Avon order -- 3 customers at $208!!! However, 1 of those customers was me . . .

And, I have a new role starting at Avery. I will now be the R&D Project Manager -- sounds pretty special, right? It will surely be more intensive than my current role, but I have no doubt that I am very over-qualified for the position.

Dad and S-Mom are coming over this weekend to help with a few things . . . but mainly to visit. We are going to (hopefully) empty out the former guest room (after they have been guests in it) and paint the trim . . . Then, we are planning to go ice-skating. Natalie has it in her mind that watching Grandpa Don in ice skates will be the best part of the trip! I would have to agree. That's why the video camera is charging as I type.

That's all for now . . . I was going to post a new photo, but I haven't changed size AT ALL!! But, I'm not worrying. Right?

21 Weeks!! Over the hump!

I went in for a checkup and an ultrasound last Thursday. After peeing in a cup, having gel slathered on my belly, and having my blood pressure taken, they told me everything looked good. At the ultrasound (photos posted below) the technician said everything looked good as well.

Yesterday morning I received a call from the office. Apparently, they did not get a good look at all the parts they were wanting to . . . I was scheduled to have another ultrasound with my next visit (March 4) . . .

At first, I freaked out. Did they only see 3 valves? Was there a toe missing? Does the head look funny?

Then I realized if they had seen something out of the ordinary, they would have had me come in much sooner than 4 weeks from now.

I even asked my forum friends on whattoexpect.com if they had ever been called back in for a follow-up ultrasound. They all told me not to worry.

So I'm not.

Otherwise, things are good. However, I did have a creepy dream the other night. I dreamt that all of my high school classmates were pregnant at the same time, and we all had blonde-haired babies, born on the same day. It was kind-of like that horror flick, Village of the Damned. Yikes. (Mine was the cutest baby though!)

March will bring a big weekend. The 20th will be a day of celebration for my friend, Sara, who is getting married in April. On the 21st, assuming all of my friends survive the previous night, will consist of a celebration for Lorelai Mosier (this is going to be a Michigan family and friends party -- Indiana party will come later!!). I am geeked.

Boppa Don and Grandma Francie will be visiting in a couple weekends -- I will be putting dad to work on the baby's room, where painting, sanding, and staining will be necessary. We will also have to remove all of the furniture in there . . . Goodbye, spare bedroom!!

It seems as though things are moving quickly now. I think with less symptoms, the days fly by faster. Really, the only symptoms I have are fatigue, backache, and having a hard time getting up from sitting or bending over . . . :)

I do love my belly though. It's fun. But since I haven't felt her move much, I am still having a hard time realizing that there is someone in there. I don't talk to my belly, or rub it, or play music for it . . . but I am trying not to yell (at the dogs or at Clint, for example) - I don't want her to hear my yelling and think that's how I talk.

That's about it for now . . . I will be posting a belly photo soon!

My Super, Supportive Family!

I just want to take a moment to focus on the folks who have been there for me, for Clinton, and for us. . .

Our family has been spectacular through everything, and although I can't speak entirely for Clint, I know he has the same sentiments.

We've both been blessed with a large family, and with more than just 2 loving parents each. We have stepparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and sisters that pick us up and dust us off in bad times, and have embraced us and uplifted us in good times.

My mother has probably felt my pain more than anyone else over the years: watching my sadness overcome me at times, when I reflect on my infertility; hearing my depressed tones when struggling with the idea that I'd never be able to have a child of my own; and feeling her own pain seeing me crumble. She seemed to be the only one that ever made me recover from those bouts of unease.

My dad has kept in touch with me better than anyone I know. He calls several times a week and makes every effort to visit me often. He always takes care of me and gives me a focus for my life: to be selfless and loving, like him. And Francie is always there to listen and give advice, and is just as selfless as Dad.

Sister, Aunt Cheryl, and Grandma all support me and us and cannot wait for the baby. I've already received gifts from them!! I wouldn't be able to do this without them. And it's hard for me to express emotions, but I don't know that anyone could express what I feel right now. They are spectacular!

And I could not have asked more in a family than what Clint's family has been for us.

I've never heard Debbie get so excited as when we had her on the phone and casually dropped the baby bomb. She screamed with happiness!! And sis Carrie was the same way. Grandma Lisa has already bought the baby some ducky pajamas, and she and Pops took us out for a celebratory dinner. But the pregnancy wasn't the start of all this support . . . since day one of our relationship, I have never felt so welcomed and so loved by another family. And now they're my family.

Last and certainly not least, I want to recognize my husband. There is a reason it took 10 years for me to have a baby -- I had to find the right person to have the baby with. And I had to find the right partner to support and love a baby as much as I would. I told Clint early on that we may never have children, and he stood by me regardless of that. Seeing his face melt when we saw a positive pregnancy test was the most priceless expression I've ever seen on his face. And he is just as excited as I am, if not more (which I never thought would be possible). We have had a tumultuous couple of years, and have weathered many storms in a very short time, but (I think) we have become fantastic spouses, and I know that he is going to be a fantastic father.

I had to be taught that wanting doesn't necessarily lead to getting, and as soon as I let that want of having a baby go, I was given that special gift. And I wouldn't have made it this far without my family being there for me.

This baby is so lucky to have a network such as this, supporting and loving it even before being born!