26 weeks

I am now 26 weeks along...27 tomorrow. I can't believe that I'll be in my 3rd trimester in one more week. The countdown is definitely beginning....but I try not to think about that because I'm not ready for him to come yet. I love feeling him kick and move (even though he moves ALL the time!) and play with Raun. Raun is able to make him really kick hard. I constantly remind him that is his daddy and to remember that voice when he needs his diaper changed...

I have my glucose test in 2 weeks, so hopefully everything will turn out okay with that. I really don't want to have to take the full-blown test. I'm not really looking forward to being at the doctor's for that long, but I guess I'll do what I have to do! Just think of how much I'll get done in an hour!

I'm glad to report that my carpel tunnel is appearing to be a little better at this point. Of course, that could be because I'm not drumming at the moment. I've had 3 weeks away from my drumming clients and so my wrist has had a break!

However, I do miss them a lot and am ready to get back to them. Only 3 months left with them before I have to take my break for 6-8 weeks. I'll be glad for that break, but it will be weird to not see them.

I've been doing a lot of research on music therapy and labor and delivery. It has been awesome to learn so much. My plan is to have as much of a natural birth as possible, so hopefully the music therapy will help. I've been training, and I must say, it's quite relaxing. Of course, I know that the epidural is always there if I get tired and can't push anymore, but I really want to go as long as I can before resorting to that. We'll see, though. I know plans always change. I've signed us up for the prenatal class (8 hours long) in August. Don't worry...it's the beginning of August, so hopefully he won't come that early! We weren't going to take the class, but I just like feeling prepared...even though I hear you can never be 100% prepared for labor, delivery, and parenting. However, I can at least make myself believe that I know what I'm doing! Maybe it will help calm some of my anxiety of having to push out a big baby...I really do wish other options were available. I just don't see how this is physically possible but my mom swears that it is. I'm just glad that I don't have to watch this whole process...I think I would pass out:) Mom is under strict orders to revive Raun if he does falter! But that boy's got a tougher stomach than me so I know he'll do just fine.

The reality of this kid is beginning to hit him now. Where he's been for the past 6 months, I don't know. I guess he had to see my big belly and feel his son kicking him before it registered that he is having a baby is less than 3 months. He told me the other day that he's starting to get a little nervous over all the things that need to get done. Which, by the way, does nothing for calming my anxiety! But, we'll make it through this and somehow we'll have to figure out this parenting thing....we have it worked out in our heads, but I know a lot of adaptation is going to be required.

I'm really excited about this upcoming weekend. My cousin, Bethany, is coming to stay the week with us. It will be wonderful to have her here and to bug her constantly!:) She'll be my walking partner! It will be a lot of fun to have her and to be able to hear about all that has been going on and just to talk with her....I'm really looking forward to it. I think Raun knows he's going to be losing his television this week! It's time for chic flicks!

24 weeks

The original 4
Mom finding out her Mother's Day present is a new sewing machine, of course for
the baby!

24 weeks



the entire family

Okay, so I must apologize for taking so long in updating this blog. I feel like the weeks keep going by faster and faster and there's no time for me to catch up on everything. I definitely am beginning to feel a lot overwhelmed and confused about everything. I've done good at not bugging Raun too much, but I still struggle some. To make myself feel somewhat productive, I have hung all his clothes up, since that's all I can do. The washing will come in a few months!

I am 25 weeks today, which is crazy! I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and everything looked good. His heart is beating at 125 bpm...until the doctor made him mad...then it went to 133. He was definitely kicking the machine. And speaking of kicking, he is getting stronger and stronger. I've actually had to sit back a little bit because of how hard he is kicking. He definitely responds to music, little kids voices, and anytime I eat. He also likes when I get into the bathtub. Driving is becoming annoying because it's one of the few times that I sit down and he goes to town...kicking almost the entire time I'm driving! For the most part, he sleeps through the night and stays awake during the day. I hope that continues, even though I know that's not a huge possibility!

I was told yesterday by the doctor that I have carpel tunnel. She said that pregnancy brings it on temporarily, even though it can get worse before it goes away sometime after giving birth. She said it'll take a while. It's in my right wrist, although she suspects it'll go to my left hand. It gets very painful at night and when I play drums. I am a little low on potassium, so bananas are becoming my new best friend to help me stop getting charlie horses at night. She also said that my hips are widening, which is why I'm in so much pain in my lower bones. Things are working towards giving birth...AHHH!!!! I can't believe how close I am to 36 weeks, at which the baby could come anytime. So crazy! Which leads me right back to the stressed and overwhelmed feeling! I have also been having lots of lower back pain in my right side and hip bones, and it hurts for anyone to touch it. So...to fix this, I'm going back to the chiropractor. I can't wait to be readjusted and to feel aligned again!

I am really excited about the month of June....we have our first baby shower then. The ladies from our home church in Manchester are throwing me a shower, which will be so much fun since I haven't gotten to see many of them lately. Then my side of the family is throwing one on July 4th weekend (the week before Heather's wedding!). Our church here is throwing us one, too, so I'm even more excited. It's very humbling to think of how many people like us and want to help us out as we open a new chapter in our lives.

We have a busy weekend ahead...tonight is our pizza party for our 4th and 5th grade choir at a WONDERFUL pizza place. Then we have a Sunday School cookout tomorrow night for a missionary family in our class that is leaving to go back to Thailand. They are such great people and I have learned so much from them. I've had the honor of teaching their daughter guitar, which has been fun! I guess I'll see them in 3 years, when our baby is walking and talking...so sad! Then Sunday is our choir night, where the children's choirs hold their end-of-the-year concert.

22 weeks

21 weeks-me and Heather
me and Heather
22 weeks
22 weeks

Sorry the the lapse in posting...I was trying to wait until I had some new pictures of my tummy, but I kept forgetting to take them. I think I've found some, though. The past two weeks have been busy and it looks like it's just going to continue since the summer is about to begin.

My Mom and I threw a shower for Heather 2 weekends ago. We had a lot of fun watching her open her presents. She even got lingerie complete with flannel, buttons, and the feet slippers! It was funny! It was good to see her side of the family again since I hadn't seen them in a while and to meet Adam's side and all of her friends. Mom, Nessa, and I went to eat with her mom, grandma, and her to each lunch in between both showers...and I had my infamous craving of hot wings. Mom got a call before the 2nd shower that Ma had a stroke, so Mom went to the hospital to check on her. She had a mini stroke, but has seemed to bounce back rather quickly with no lasting effects.

This past weekend, Raun and I enjoyed a weekend at home. It was the first time in a LONG time that we've been home. We cleaned out downstairs and took a bunch of stuff to Good Will. We've cleaned out the guest room a little bit, as well, but still have a lot to go. I did hang up some of his clothes that we had gotten so far., including his going home outfit that Raun and I bought him on vacation. It's weird to see little clothes hanging up. I can't wait until the room is finished and I can just sit in there where it's peaceful!

Molly's graduating from UT on Friday, which is VERY exciting! Her and John are coming to see us for the first time since they've been engaged. I can't wait to see them on Saturday. It will be lots of fun!