Monday Morning Pop Tart

We all could have anticipated I'd get behind on this... but I didn't think I'd get behind before I even started! =)

Here is my 12-week picture. We've been trying to take these on Friday mornings (the day my week actually switches over) with what window light we have in our front room.

This is what I wrote during the week after this picture.

Week 13:

Well Pop Tart, I hope you’ve enjoyed the healthy food I’ve fed you this week (and the couple of double cheeseburgers... trying here). I’m able to go longer than 30 minutes without eating toast or donuts now, so I’ve been eating a lot of fruit for snacks. I also started cooking again this week. Gasp! I know - real, home cooked meals. We even went for a couple walks! =) I also spent some time with your Grandma over the weekend and got lots of new comfy clothes to wear. We went to Charli’s dance recital last night and I again thought about what you might be like. Will you like to shake it like me? (Judging by that last sonogram, I think so!) Or are you more like your Dad? Further more... are you a boy or a girl!? It feels weird to go this long without seeing you. Hope you’re comfy in there and doing good!

Annnd, here is my 13-week picture:

Holy unflattering shirt. Wow. Anyway, I can see a bit of change... and I can definitely feel the growth. Even most my FGP's (fat girl pants aka comfy pants) are tight and uncomfortable now. We took this Saturday morning before a fun out of town photo session. 

Well, I've reached the beloved 13-week mark which means I'm OFFICIALLY into the 2nd trimester. I should be looking fabulous, feeling great, and running marathons, etc... in a couple days, right? =) No? Honestly, I've been feeling pretty good. My main issues this past week have been back/hip pain. Ouch! Still tired... so tired (was thankful for a long weekend where I had a good mix of fun and rest) and still have nausea but generally speaking that's gotten much better as long as I don't go too long between snacks/meals. Then, of course, there's the never-ending allergy/sinus/headache junk. That has really just become my new normal I'm afraid. Could be worse. Could definitely be worse. So, all-n-all I'm doing good. I go back to the OB Friday and I can't wait to see how things are coming along. 

Highlights

How Far Along: 13 weeks

Size of baby: Peach/Lemon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'm not really sure. I didn't weigh real well at the beginning. I need to look back at the different doctors' records.

Maternity Clothes: Regular pants are definitely out. Way out, in fact. I'm wearing maternity pants/capris now and a mix of regular shirts and maternity shirts.

Gender: We're going to be suprised!

Movement: Nope. Not yet. Although I know he/she is shaking its groove thing in there.

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good. I wake up a lot because I either get uncomfortable, have a lot on my mind, or have to pee. BUT - really, I'm waking up pretty rested. I'm loving my Boppy body pillow. I know that's helping a ton.

Symptoms: Hungry all the time, nauseous (starting to ease up),

constipation (starting to ease up), tire easily, back/hip pain, sinus stuff.

What I miss: Being as productive

Cravings: Still wanting those carbs! =) Donuts and Double Cheeseburgers from McDonalds are ranking high on the list right now. So are bananas. I'm just now getting to where I can tolerate meat and vegetables (you know, real food) but I want very little to do with chicken right now.

Best Moment this week: Cleaning out my closet and getting some clothes that fit! =) 

What I am looking forward to: My next appointment on June 1st! 

Midweek Randoms

Oh man... where do I even start? I'm so far behind, I guess I'll just wing it. =)

• We had family stay with us back in early May for a family reunion. It was so good to see everyone. It's never long enough. Pictures of all this coming soon. I hope.

• It's especially not long enough when you have to be in jury duty for a week on a murder trial. Interesting experience, no doubt, but I would have rather been with the fam.

• Before everyone came, we got the guest room done-ish. All the sheetrock, paint, etc... is done. Now all that's left is staining the floor and putting polyurethane on it. Oh - and like decorating and such. But it will be the nursery now so things will be done a little differently.

• Speaking of nursery... I bought my first batch of diapers. Got a good deal on a couple boxes so I was feeling pretty good about that. Holla!

• Work has been off-the-hook-crazy-busy lately. I think in part because it's the end of the year and in part because I missed a week for jury duty. I've also been tired and weeee bit forgetful so all-n-all, things aren't going super smoothly in the work department.

• I've actually cooked meals though this week. Are you as impressed with me as I am? =) I cooked maybe 2-3 meals the past couple months until this week. Here it is Wednesday and I've already cooked two meals with one in the works for tonight. Woop! Last night I made a zucchini lasagna and it was rather tasty. Leftovers for lunch today. Pop Tart's living the high life considering the past two days I ate a double cheeseburger. FAIL.

• I have been better about eating more fruit instead of random junk for snacks this week. WIN.

• I spent the weekend doing photo sessions, watching What to Expect with Val, Cori, and Kayla (pretty dang funny!) taking a ridiculously long nap (I was borderline embarrassed about it even), watching my new Netflix addiction LIFE, and then Sunday, I went shopping with my Mom in Wichita. We don't get to do that very often so it was fun. I got several new clothes. I guess a growing belly is good for that. I even got (earmuffs boys!) new bras. I don't know what it is, but there is something about having a good new bra that makes life a little better. Huh. It's the little things. Anyway, I walked WAY too much that day and was hurtin' for certain that night. Worst I've felt in a loooong time.

• I went to the chiropractor a couple days ago. Oh Heaven. I feel so much better now. SO much better.

• Now to just get my hair trimmed and my eyebrows waxed. Why does it seem like that ALWAYS needs done? Anyone?

• Went for a shorter walk last night - MUCH better. =) It was fun and I actually felt good after. I went with Kayla and Journey. It was good to see them!!

• You know what I think sounds good? Pudding Pops. Anyone else like Pudding Pops as much as I did as a kid? Mmmmm. Pudding Pops and donut holes. =)

• NEWS FLASH: two little birds just brought me TWO bags of donut holes AND a Diet. Dr. Pepper. Day maker. Thanks Val and Cori!

• I'm sure there's more random tidbits I could share, but this will have to do for now! =)

Annnnnnd...

We're having a BABY!!! Well, to be realistic... I'M having the baby. =) But you get the idea. Baby Call is expected to arrive late November. The official due date is November 30 - so sometime around then.

Anyway, we're pretty dang excited. Baby (who we've affectionately dubbed Pop Tart... for who knows why) was wanted and worked for and we feel pretty blessed to get to experience this. We always knew it was a possibility (maybe even a good possibility) that we wouldn't get to, and that our story may be one of adoption (which made us just as excited). We're thrilled that we may have the opportunity to experience both now. =)

The story to Pop Tart is kind of long (too long to share in this post), full of barriers and hurdles, full of second-guessing and mixed emotions, and ultimately full of God's grace.

As I was seeing a specialist (same specialist that performed my surgery back in December) when I became pregnant, I had a TON of blood work and ultrasounds done in those first few weeks. You'll see me mention that the doctor found a blood clot... that was technically a Subchorionic Hemorrhage that could have caused me to lose the baby and if it stayed around, could have caused a pretty dangerous scenario for both of us in later weeks/months. I was scared. That should have been a happy, exciting appointment and it just wasn't. Dr. T. said they're not uncommon and that they can just be reabsorbed never causing any real damage. That's what I prayed for and when I went back two weeks later it was gone. I was relieved. All this thing caused me was some major cramping (nothing new there, ha!) and some worry. We're so thankful. I graduated from the specialist that day (after even more blood work) and set an appt. with my OB (same OB/GYN I've seen for years... Dr. A... love her) for the next week (10 weeks along). Now THAT was a happy and exciting appt. =) I THINK I should be treated like a normal OB patient from here on out. I'm not scheduled to go back until June 1.

All in all, I've been feeling pretty good... I mean... considering I'm growing a person over here. I've had a lot of nausea since basically the beginning. It's the kind that comes and goes all day long and requires me to eat excessive amounts of donuts and other bread items every hour or so to keep from feeling sick. I've yet to throw up though. Praise Jesus. I hate to throw up. I will kick and scream and fight it 'til the death if at all possible. I have had lots of gagging, hacking, and dry heaving though. A good deal of this is easing up now, though I do still feel kind of bad, especially in the evenings or if I wait too long between meals. Other than that, since the scary cramping is gone, I mostly just deal with exhaustion. BUT - you know what, I've only missed one day of work for feeling awful and truthfully, it could be so much worse so I try my best not to complain. I really do feel so fortunate to even GET to feel all this. Pretty cool even when it's not. =)

Since I found out, I've been keeping a little journal of sorts... each week, I write a little note to Pop Tart that just kind of shares me thoughts/experiences from that week. Just to clarify... I started week 8 when I hit 7 weeks.

We took my first belly shot this morning (turned 12 weeks today... hellooooo 2nd trimester!) so I plan to post a photo or two with each note from here on out. I'm thinking I'll do a "________'s (insert day of the week I've yet to determine) Pop Tart" update each week and keep the rest of my blog as it was before (you know, sparse, and not all that interesting, haha!)

I have lots of other things to update you on but wanted to get this out here today. =) Here's a look at my notes from the past several weeks.

Week 4:
It was Monday, March 19 and I decided to pee on that stick one more time. There it was. Clear as day and in a hurry. “Pregnant”. My chest got heavy, I had a lump in my throat, and my face turned hot. I was sort of taken by surprise and was freaking out just a little bit even though we wanted and waited and planned for you. It was just a lot to take in. Just a couple hours later I found out your Great Grandpa Ed was having heart problems. Later in the day still, things got worse and I worried he wouldn’t get to meet you. I surprised your Dad by putting the test in a mason jar along with $5 and tied some yellow ribbon around it. I wrote out a card and stuck it on top the jar and placed it by the bathroom sink. I put it there because that’s almost always his first stop when he gets home from work. Not that day. I practically had to beg him to go in there. Of course he saw the test first and his eyes got real big. Then he read the card (which explained that I knew he would be worried about money so I was committing to put each $5 I came across into that jar to help buy you things) and he had the biggest, most sheepish grin on his face and hugged me. That night we were with friends and he kept winking and making sly comments. The rest of the week I spent lots of time at the hospital with Great Grandpa and had lots of blood taken to make sure you were growing ok. You were! =)

Week 5:
Since my bloodwork showed you were growing like a champ, things started to sink in and feel more real. This is also when more symptoms started to come around too. Honestly, as unpleasant as some were... I was thrilled. I had a ton of cramping - oh my did I have cramping - ouch! The nurse said that it was completely normal. Even though you’re still so small, you’re already stretching things out and making yourself right at home. The nausea also got worse... even had to miss a day of work. Now, I’m armed with crackers, cheerios, peppermints, and snacks in general at all times. It seems to help a little. Let’s see... what else... oh! I bought you something. Yep - sure did. A pack of 3 gender-neutral onesies... couldn’t resist. =) You’ve also been officially dubbed “Pop Tart” at this point.

Week 6:
I have got to say... it’s just killing me not to tell people about you. It’s your Dad and I’s little secret for now though and that’s kind of fun too. =) In other news, my pants are getting tighter (maternity pants showed up on the porch this week! Whew!)  and I’m feeling more tired and sick. I don’t take a second of that for granted though. It’s going to be so worth it. The good news is this means you’re healthy and plus, I didn’t have to have any blood work done this week. =) My arm wasn’t looking so pretty. The cravings have kicked in too... did NOT expect those quite this early. This week I just HAD to have mac-n-cheese and a McChicken sandwich. Oh, and Pop Tarts. ha! Only the best for you baby. We talked a lot this week about what we think you’ll look like. Will you be pale and freckly like me? Tan like your daddy? Will you have my dark hair? His dark eyes? I wonder if you’ll be athletic... artsy... smart (oh how I hope you take after your Dad in that department), funny?. Will you like to belt out Adele like me? Oh my, all the possibilities!

Week 7:
We got to “meet” you for the first time this week. Saw you on the ultrasound. You’re still just a little bitty thing but pretty stinkin’ cool - I can already tell. We saw your heartbeat flutter and heard it too... 120 bpm. Good! You’re also measuring right on schedule! The doc saw a blood clot near your casa. She seemed concerned but not TOO concerned so that’s good. Hoping and praying it just goes away and doesn’t bother you. After the ultrasound I had some more blood work drawn. The tech begged to see your pictures. Her face lit up and she said “some people say there isn’t a God, but I know there is!” And we do too. I think your Daddy is already so proud of you. =) This week also marks two years since we lost my cousin Ryan. Oh how I wish I got to call and tell him the good news and even more that you would get to meet him here. Maybe he’d chase you around the kitchen like he did me when I was little. Heck, maybe you already know him??

Week 8:
Your dad and grandpa (and now contractors) have been hard at work on your room. We’ve been in the middle of a major remodel which means you’ll have the newest, best digs in the house! I can’t wait to see it look more like a room again. Your room! =) You tagged along as we photographed a wedding over the weekend. I was nervous I’d feel real sick but I actually felt pretty good for most of the day. Thanks for taking it easy on me. You’ve made up for it the past two days though... I think you’re caught up. Feel free to cut it out anytime now! You also tagged along for a fun photography workshop in Stillwater (my old stompin’ grounds). You’ll be frequenting that place often... sportin’ your orange, of course! In other news, I’ve been fighting some serious allergies and sinus problems. Hope you don’t wind up with that stuff too one day.

Week 9:
Still struggling with the allergies. Spent lots of time resting over the weekend. Also went to a little surprise shower for Cori and the twinsies Saturday. I got to see you again this week too. You looked great! I can’t believe how much you’ve changed in just a couple weeks. It’s amazing. You’re looking much bigger and your heart rate was in the 170’s! You’re also measuring a few days ahead of schedule. Probably those donuts I’ve fed you. I’ll try to focus more on oatmeal now! Anyway, the doctor said you looked perfect (duh) and that that scary blood clot/bleed is GONE. 100% gone-zo. How cool is that? God is good. Real good. Hoping for smooth sailing from here on out! Oh - and PS - went walking with Kayla and baby girl Dykes last week. It’s funny b/c Kayla doesn’t know yet but we used to talk about being pregnant walking buddies. Looks like we got the chance!

Week 10:
I have been one tired momma so far this week. Hardly did a thing over the weekend besides lay around and sleep. Well, and eat chocolate banana milk shakes of course! =) Meanwhile your Dad was slaving away on your room. My body pillow came in! I put that to use and it really did help me sleep better. I felt kind of silly ordering it so early but I’m glad I didn’t wait. I’m sure your Daddy is too, seeing as how I was propping my leg up on him each night. I had my first OB appt. this week. Dr. A was soooo excited. =) She said she hadn’t planned to be there that day and opened up her schedule at the last minute. When she saw my name on the list, she knew that was the reason! =) I think we’re in good hands little one. You looked great and were even dancing around like crazy in there. That same day I announced your impending arrival to Aunt Val. She was so incredibly excited it was almost comical to watch! ha! It’s feeling much more real now!

Week 11:
I got to see your Auntie Boo and lots of other family this week! We had a big Pressnall family reunion and while none of them know you exist yet, we’re excited to share the news very soon! I also had jury duty this week. It was interesting but tiring (surprisingly) and I needed lots of naps. I’ve NEVER been a nap girl but it seems you’ve changed that, at least for now. I’ve been way into them. =) In other big news, you’re growing teeth buds and finger nails this week. That’s pretty big time.


Week 12:
You made it possible for me to be wished Happy Mother’s Day for the first time. We finally got to share the news with close friends and family and oh. my. word. is everyone excited about you! =) Lots of smiles, hugs, tears, giggles, gasps, and squeals! Your dad and I both feel so incredibly blessed to be having you, for one, but also by all the love, happiness, and support that has surrounded us these past few days in particular. It’s been overwhelming... in a good way, of course. You are so loved already. In other good news, I seem to be feeling a little less sick. Still fighting sinus problems but not as bad and not as often. Maybe? haha. Oooh - and it seems you’re moving up and popping out a bit. My regular work pants are officially OUT and my stretchy top pants are IN. No sucking it in now. =) It’s also nice to not have to try and hide it anymore. Good thing we told when we did! This week I started pinning lots of ideas for your room on Pinterest. I can’t wait to get started!

Midweek Randoms

• I believe last week we left off with my trip down to Stillwater with three of my uber fabulous photographer friends. We attended a little workshop with Lauren Clark. Lauren is one of the first photographers I started following when we were beginning our own business. I've followed her blog for years and feel like I know her pretty well (isn't blog land the weirdest thing? Weird but awesome!) It was sort of like meeting an old friend and at the same time meeting a celebrity. Anyway, we basically just sat around her adorably decorated home and talked shop, we ate lunch at new hole-in-the-wall taco place on The Strip called "Mucha Lucha". It was good even though lunch was a bit hurried. After that we photographed a couple, then talked more shop, took some head shots, and went on our way... but not before stopping for some frozen yogurt. =) The time with these girls was pretty stinking priceless. I feel honored to call them colleagues but I'm even more pumped that I can call them friends. I kind of laugh when people talk about "the competition". I don't know - I guess I just don't see it that way. Everyone's professional, we share referrals, loan each other things, and since we each have a different style, etc... I just don't see it as a problem. It's a very supportive group. I'd hate to work in a cut-throat market. This is much more fun. =) It was a blast and I can't wait to hang out again. 

• Here's a couple pictures from the day. The first is my head shot Lauren took. The second is of our group. From left to right, it's: Sara, Laura, and Jennifer. If you don't already, you should go like them on Facebook. They're cool. 

• I'm still hacking and snorting with the best of them thanks to some of the worst allergies I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I've managed to keep it from going to a full-fledged sinus infection though, so I'm going to chalk that up as a success.

• Friday, I ran some errands with Val and then we met her and Austin down at the Casino for supper. 

• Saturday, we went to a little "sprinkle" for Cori. Her sister Beni's been in town and wanted to surprise her with a shower. We met several members of Cori's family at Il Vicino's in Wichta, ate pizza, and she got to open lots of fun girly twinsie gifts. =)

• Sunday, we went to church, then went on a little brunch date to Brick's. I had my usual jumbo pancake and egg and Dac had biscuits and gravy. We sort of felt like old people knowing so many people around town. Haha! (Before you know it we'll be saying "oh you know... ol' {insert last name only} that lives out yonder...") It was nice though. I think we should do that more often! We've been horrible about making time for dates again. 

• The contractors have been over working away on our spare room. It should be finished today (all except refinishing the floor, which Dac has to work on this weekend). The paint color I picked is looking a little "holy aqua" instead of the nice robin egg blue I had envisioned. Oh well, we'll live with it for a while and can re-paint later if we need to (which I'm pretty sure we will). Also, our new lights are on order. Maybe, JUST maybe, the room will be move in ready before family comes for the reunion in less than two weeks. Yikes!!

• Speaking of robins... did I mention we have a nest on our porch? Robins happen to be my favorite birds (they're orange... duh, and nice of course) so I'm pumped. We had one out in the tree last year but this is even more up close and personal. There's three blue eggs in there! Can't wait to see the little babies. =)

• I got a new shirt while at Target yesterday. It's a super soft, ruffly, sleeveless shirt with a bright and funky print. I wore it today and am kind of loving it.

• I also bought two new pans to replace my awful ones I had to throw out. Kind of excited about those too. What? It's the little things...

• My drink of choice today is vanilla coke. Not sure why, but I'm especially digging it.

• I feel like going out for a walk. The problem is, by the time I go home today, I'll no doubt be too tired to want to still. And it'll likely be hot. AND there's the whole allergy thing. Sigh. My work day gets in the way of a lot of things. =) 

• I guess that's about it. Stay tuned for pictures of the guest room! Holla!

Midweek Randoms

• Last Wednesday, Steve came over to help Dac and his dad with our spare room. SO - I ordered pizza and Cori, Charli, and I hung out while the boys did all the work. Then, I went over to Kayla's to watch Criminal Minds. It'd been quite a while since I'd seen her so it was good to catch up.
• Thursday was Wii Night. Cori made yummy enchiladas!
• Friday night, Dac and I went to Taco Bell to grab some supper. That turned out to be quite the adventure. I felt like I was at a WTP (white trash party). I couldn't possibly do this story justice with words but I'm pretty sure some counterfeit money was involved, as were the police, and lots of ridiculousness... but we got a good laugh out of it. It was like "dinner and a show!" and we got our meal for 10% off... which means we saved like 75 cents maybe? =)
• Saturday was "dun duh duh duh!!!" Matt and Krystle's wedding. It was beautiful. Krystle was beautiful, Val was a beautiful bridesmaid, and the reception was one heck of a good time. It was straight out of Southern Weddings Magazine and if anyone can have a party... Krystle can have a party! We got home that night and stayed up watching the weather coverage. We feel so fortunate to have missed all the destruction. My heart breaks for those in Wichita who lost homes and especially for those in Woodward who lost friends and family too. What was it, like 119 tornados or something? Just awful. Tornadoes fascinate me, but I hate all the loss and pain they can cause.
• Sunday, I was lazy lazy lazy. Slept in a little, ate, watched more Jericho, went and got a small lunch and some drinks for Dac and David. Then, Terese came over and spent the afternoon before we got pizza for everyone. Val came over a while later, I ended the night with more Jericho, and that was that. Couldn't have been much less productive.
• Last night I took Sky along for some errands. I hadn't seen here in well over a month so that was good. She's really a lot of fun! Ran her mouth the whole time! =) Did I mention we've been matched for over 5 years now? It was 5 years in March. If you would have told me 5 years ago that she'd be as chatty as she is now, I wouldn't have believed you. She's almost like a whole new person... only still her too.
• This week I've been struggling with this sore throat/cough/drainage thing. YUCK. I feel like absolute pug breath. =( In case you don't have a pug... that's no bueno. I go to the doctor this afternoon. Hoping he can help!
• Let's see... our spare room is now insulated again, the paint is pretty well off the wood floors, and the sheetrock should be up this week. I can NOT explain how ready I am for this to be done. RED-EEE.
• I finally used my new orange toe polish. LOVE.
• I have a new found love for cocoa almonds. YUM. Almonds dusted in a dark chocolate coating. It was made to be. My aunt had some up at the hospital one day and I was hooked. You try... you like.
• Tomorrow, I'm taking a vacation day to head to Stillwater with 3 other photographer friends. We're participating in a workshop and making a girl day out of it. I'm hoping I feel better by then because I'm really looking forward to it. Hope to learn a lot and get to know these great girls even better.

Midweek Randoms

• I believe last time we left off with Criminal Minds. I made some steak tacos and Heather joined me to eat, do some major catching up, and solve a crime. =)

• Thursday, Dac and I met my parents for Mexican. Then later that night I went to Braum's with Kayla. Good night of catching up with a few of my favorite people.

• We had Friday off for Good Friday. We did lots of stuff around the house, I finished watching The Event, and we went down to the casino for lunch with Terese, Val, Cori, and Steve. Got a delicious cheeseburger on jalepeno cheese bread and cheese fries! =) That evening we went to Good Friday service at our church (Call me morbid, but Good Friday has always been one of my favorite services. I like it.) then went to see Mirror, Mirror with Val, Steve, Cori, and Charli. Then Braum's. Yep. We're bad.

• Saturday we got up early for a session in Wichita. Problem is, it started storming cats and dogs on our way there, so the session got cancelled. We didn't let that stop us from getting Panera bagels and hitting up Target and Lowe's though. Kind of made a date out of it.

• I started watching Jericho that evening. I'm loving it and can already tell I'll be sad it's only two seasons.

• Sunday, I wasn't feeling so hot when I woke up. SO - for like the first time ever, we skipped sunrise service but got around for regular church. We watched the little kids hunt eggs afterwards and went out for lunch.

• That afternoon, Dac worked on sanding the wood floors in our spare room (you know, the room we've been working on for two years now...) we're getting SO much closer to having it done once and for all. Steve, Cori, and Charli came over to help and even brought food. They're totally confused about how that works but we were super thankful!! =)

• I got the orange nail polish I was wanting. Haven't used it yet but I'm sure it'll be fab.

• Work is the last place I want to be this week.

• I like fruit salad.

• I've been helping take care of my aunt's dogs this week. A boxer and a basset hound. Ridiculous but kinda cute. =) Like my dog... he's so pugly he's cute. =)

• Criminal Minds again tonight. Woop!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Today marks two years since I got that message. It marks two years of missing you... two years of questions... Two years of moving forward but not forgetting.

It also marks two years since you became cancer free... you were healed! Today will be a little less hard because of that.

We may have lost - but you came out a winner. To that I say, KABOOM.

Love and miss you Ryan Rufus.