24 Weeks!

Time just seems to continue to fly by, especially with the holidays in the mix.  This Friday I had my next appointment and everything still is developing well, for which we are thankful for.

Well, since I am at 24 weeks now, I am starting to think about baby showers and registries, etc.  There is so much out there, yet trying to find the happy medium where I only get the things that I NEED and not just go crazy with registering for a lot of extras that may or may not truly be necessary.  If any of you moms out there have any great suggestions as to things that you felt were a necessity, please let me know.

Even though, I am the oldest of 8 and have had a lot of experience with kids, doesn't mean I know everything about what would be necessary to have when starting out with a baby in the house.  My mom had everything she needed and when you are home dealing with a younger sibling, you just automatically use what was there.  Now, to try to come up with a list for myself is a bit intimidating as I want to make sure I don't forget anything.  I don't want to be running out to get things the first day I am home.

Well, here is what the little one looks like now.  Isn't it amazing the progress that takes place?  I still can't fully grasp that this is truly what is inside of me.  I am just overwhelmed with the intricacy of this new human and that God has it planned perfectly to happen this way.

Here is what I look like now:

First Braxton Hicks Experience

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

"Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic uterine contractions that start about 6 weeks into your pregnancy, although you won't be able to feel them that early. You probably won't start to notice them until sometime after mid-pregnancy."

Well, it came as a sudden surprise to me the other day.  I was at work and suddenly was feeling this cramping and pain in the lower part of my abdomen that lasted about 5 minutes, but felt like 10!  I didn't know what was going on, so I asked my co-worker (who is a mom of 3) and described to her what I was feeling.  She promptly informed me that I just experienced my first braxton hicks.

At first I thought, "Oh great! This will be added to list of all the other experiences one has while being pregnant!"  But then I thought about it for a little while and decided that since I have had my share of menstrual cramping in the past, I am sure I can handle this one!  I have heard, however, that it can get worse as I get closer to the end and it NEVER compares to the REAL contractions that I get to look forward to as well.

So, there you have my most recent update! :)  I can sure all the moms out there are just chuckling at me as you would love to tell first timers like me "just you wait for the REAL contractions!"   Since I am only 23 weeks along right now, I know I have a long road ahead of me for many more interesting experiences, right?

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

We wish you all a Blessed Christmas season as we remember the birth of our Lord and King!

Special Giveaway @ Growing Home

You can check it out HERE for yourself. I don't know about you, but there are a lot of really neat things that are being offered!  I am excited for the opportunity I have to eventually be a Christian Homemaker myself.  Can't wait for that day to be closer and I can spend every minute with our little one in my arms!

Christmas 2011 Decor

Here are some of the decorations we have at our house this Christmas. Some of the things I have had for years, some I got on sale after last Christmas, and some i have made myself using left over supplies. It is always fun to change it up from previous years and experiment with what I have to try to come up with some new things.

These cute blocks I got on discount last year after Christmas

I am reusing these vases.  The tall one is from our wedding and the short one is from a bouquet of flowers Andrew had gotten for me.  The candle was a gift from a friend last year.

Last year I didn't have curtains so I hung all our Christmas cards with ribbon from the curtain rod.

This year I wanted something different yet simple, so I hung ornaments from some left over ribbon.

I had to find a new spot for all of our wonderful Christmas cards, so I followed this idea which I know is found on Pintrest and also mentioned by a friend on her blog post.  I used some leftover ribbon I had that looks like organic hemp with a little gold trimming on the edge.

This is a wreath I made from an old garland.  I just wrapped it around in a few circles, tied a ribbon at the top and added a few berries for color.

20 weeks!

I can't believe that I am already halfway through! These last couple months have gone by fairly fast and I know with the holidays ahead, the next few will just fly by as well.

This Friday we had the privilege of seeing our little bundle for the first time. Andrew was able to be there as well and experience what he or she looks like, etc. I have not noticed any movement yet as there is a lot of fluid still around the baby, but still waiting in anticipation for when that moment arrives. I know once it starts, it doesn't stop, so I suppose I might as well enjoy the 'quiet' time I have right now. :)  The little one was very active and made it difficult for the tech to take pictures, but she finally was able to get all the information she needed.  The baby kept putting his/her feet and hands in front of his/her face, but toward the end allowed us to get a could good views of the face.

Here is what our little one looks like now

Here is what I look like now