Our Growing Family

Its a GIRL!!!!

My hunch was right!

Josh, Anistyn, and I were so excited to be able to find out!

I loved the place we went to. I layed on a super comfy little bed with a computer screen next to me that the tech and I watched. Meanwhile, there was a HUGE projection screen in the center of the room that had the ultrasound splashed on it. You know, the kind we used to use in school to watch slideshows and such? SUCH a great idea!

The little one was fast asleep when we first got a peek at her. I was actually a tiny bit worried at first when I didn't see her moving at all..but we heard her heartbeat and the tech just assured me that she was doing what babies do best...sleeping! We had to start bugging her a bit, and then she actually turned her back to us! It was so funny to see her putting on a little show. She did a headstand also, which I could completely feel. It took awhile, but the tech was so patient and actually laughing right along with us at her. It was great to have someone that really enjoyed their job...whats better than watching little miracles everyday??

She finally decided to show us the goods...and it was definitely a little girl in there! The ultrasound was only supposed to last about 10 minutes...but we were in there for around 30 minutes! She also let us take a look at her in 3D...which I wasn't expecting,but it was such a great surprise! It was just amazing getting to catch that much of a glimpse of what she does. We got to see her drinking amniotic fluid, which I didn't know they did. The tech answered all my questions too...she told me about the different changes the baby will make and really took a lot of time to teach us about the miracle going on in my belly. This place was amazing and I'm so glad I found it!

When we got home, we looked at her video and pictures again. They gave us a dvd and I thought it had the pictures on it...but its actually a video. So I had to take pictures OF the pictures with my camera. So, I apologize for the bit of flash that might be in the pictures...I did my best!


Here she is stretching out her little legs!


She looks a little cramped here! Mommy isn't providing much space...but i'm loving her headstand!




Thats a girl!

The 3D picture...isn't it amazing? Look at that tiny lttle body! The tech said she's the size of my hand right now. She'll definitely need some fattening up!

This was one of my favorites...waving to the camera! Look at that tiny hand!

In 3 hours we are going to the imaging center to find out the gender of our little one. I am so very excited.

Throughout the whole pregnancy so far, I've been looking at all the old wives tales and such to try to determine if its a boy or girl. Here is just a few of them

I've had a ton of morning sickness...which would mean girl.
The heart rate was fast....which would mean a girl.
I've been having headaches...which mean boy.
I've gotten pregnancy acne...which means girl.
I've been craving salty food...which means boy
Age of conception + month of conception = even number...which means boy.
The chinese calendar says boy.
I've swung a necklace over tummy and it was boy...

Josh is stil holding out a tiny bit of hope for a boy...but I'm saying its a girl. At our ultrasound on Friday I think I saw girl parts. Lately I've been having dreams ABOUT us finding out...and it being a girl. Anistyn...well, she says that she wants both, which is clearly out of the question! I have a feeling she'll be happy either way though...and so will I!

I will of course, be posting tonight...but I can't wait to fnd out if it will be a little boy or girl joining our family. We love him/her so much already. I also can't wait to experience this with Anistyn and Josh...life is great. Stay tuned!!!

Today was our first time having an ultrasound to get a peek at the little one!

I went in today, knowing that Monday is the day that I was really excited about. Today was just icing on the cake...who doesn't love an extra chance to see your child growing?

I was disappointed in the ultrasound tech that we dealt with. Apparently, you're not supposed to take kids with you into ultrasounds. I had no idea...but I was also really looking forward to Anistyn being able to see the baby. I was also excited about Josh getting a first glimpse at his child swimming around in there. I think every girl can relate, especially when it comes to these kind of thing...I wanted all of us to see the baby as a family. I couldn't wait to see how they both reacted to our new addition.

Of course, that was shattered a little bit when the tech informed me that neither one of them would be allowed in th room with me! I was so upset. I at least wanted Josh in the room! She said that someone should have told me there were no kids allowed. So...what did I do? What any pregnant, upset woman would do. I cried, duh!

I didn't mean to cry...but it was so important to me that Josh be able to see the baby. I am constantly aware that we are having a baby. I can feel little flutters. I can see the changes my body is making. I FEEL full of baby, lol! But its harder for a guy. So the ultrasound was important to me. I wanted Josh to feel a part of it...and couldn't wait for him to see our baby.

Even though I cried...she still didn't give in right away. But once she had done all the checking she had to do, she did let them come in...although then I wondered why she made such a big deal out of them not coming in the first...but oh well! She also didn't even try to glimpse at the baby's gender...but at least I know its only 3 days away!

The little one was such a swimmer! Its so neat to see he/she wiggling and moving around. I think that I saw girl parts...but I'm not a professional, so who knows! There's also one picture where I can tell the baby has Josh's nose. The tech did make us a cd with pictures on it, so as soon as we got home we looked at the pictures so we could all look at the little one again! Here are some of them!

I just love the profile pictures. This is the picture where I think he/she has Josh's nose!

At first  thought he/she was sucking their thumb...but nope! Josh says he was waving to daddy!


     I just love this picture. What in the world are more precious than baby's feet?

Looks like we'll have another post due on Monday...

Time seems to be flying by with this pregnancy lately! We're almost to the halfway mark already!

My eating is getting much better...I still eat pretty bland during the day, which is working out fine really...since I have my little "system" down to an art now! In the mornings, I wouldn't dare touch any greasy breakfast foods. Mornings are the only time of the day now where I am a tad bit queasy. So if I ate really greasy food...it wouldn't turn out well. So I normally just stick to a bowl of good old frosted flakes. For lunch I had two sausage biscuits (Josh went grocery shopping Sunday and for some reason loaded up on breakfast type food...which I am very much appreciating now!). Then for dinner I cooked meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and carrots. Dinner is when I majorly pig out.

Then about midnight I wake up...and eat again if I hadn't had a snack before bed. Tonight...it was 2 toaster strudels. Hey, he bought good breakfast food! I'll have to thank him for that now tht I think of it...haha.

The only other major routine of mine lately...is sleep. I am SOOO tired of being SOOO tired ALL the time! I usually go to bed when Josh does...which is some time around 10. We all get up in the morning and I get Anistyn to school. But once about 10am rolls around...its nap time for me. And I can sometimes sleep until 1pm!

It really makes it hard to do anything during the day, or have a friend come over or anything...and I feel bad, but I can't help but be so tired. I just hate using "Um...thats actually my naptime..." as a reason not to be able to get out of the house! Hopefully it will get better soon and I'll be able to have some energy again!

I go to have an ultrasoud done on Friday here on base...but I'm REALLY excited about Monday, when we go to have the gender ultrasound done! I am so anxious to find out if its a boy or girl!

And...I'll end this post with a 15 week belly pic!

When I was pregnant with Anistyn, I found out she was a girl at 18 weeks. With this pregnancy, Tricare won't tell me what I'm having until weeks 20-22.

For a patient person, they would be able to wait the 6+ weeks, right?

Oh...but I'm not a patient person!

There is a place here is Augusta that specializes in the 3/D 4/D ultrasounds. I don't plan on getting any of those, but I had heard great reviews about the place. I looked at the website, and for a fair price, they will tell you what you're having starting at 15 weeks!

I talked to Josh about it, and we both decided that we're both ready to find out what we're having! So, I called to schedule the appointment and it is SET for the 31st!

I'll be 16 weeks at the time. I am SO excited that in less than 2 weeks we'll know if its a boy or girl!!!

14 weeks and I am officially OUT of the first trimester!!! Woohoo!!

I am really hoping that my body makes a huge change now that I'm in the second trimester. My major battle that I keep having is with my taste buds! That past few days my stomach is pretty bleh in the mornings and afternoons. Its not a queasy or nauseus feeling...its just bleh. Its like my stomach can't handle anything with a strong taste to it. So during the day I eat things like oatmeal, crackers...that kind of thing. Then, once dinnertime comes I can handle a big, yummy meal...although I can still get really picky about it...and really, it just drives me nuts. I really just want to be able to chow down on something without having to THINK about it first.

Josh usually goes grocery shopping with the list I give him, but since Anistyn was at a friend's house for couple hours, he wanted me to go with him. In words he said "I want you to go too...and just get whatever it is that that preggo belly will eat." He's such a sweetheart and has been such a trooper while I've been going through my first trimester.

I'm going to have to get a new memory card for my camera and as soon as I do I will post some belly pics!

11 Step Program for those thinking of having kids.

I found this online tonight while looking around and got a good laugh out it. Its a little long...but  think you'll all agree...especially if you HAVE kids!

Lesson 1

1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2

Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.
Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3

A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4

Can you stand the mess children make? T o find out...
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5

Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6

Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.
Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7

Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8

1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10

Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11

Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

This is all very tongue in cheek; anyone who is parent will say 'it's all worth it!' Share it with your friends, both those who do and don't have kids. I guarantee they'll get a chuckle out of it. Remember, a sense of humor is one of the most important things you'll need when you become a parent!

Josh only made one comment after I read all of this too him..."Well the baby better not put a dime in my cd player!" He WOULD only be worried about his car...haha!

Today I had my monthly doctor's appointment. I was a little worried with all the ice that it would get canceled, bu thankfully, it went on right as scheduled!

I still really like my doctor...she's so easy to talk to and really wants to know about everything you're going through. I was FINALLY able to hear the baby's heartbeat...which was music to my ears! I even recorded it on my phone so that Josh could hear it later.

I also finally have my ultrasound set up...for January 28th! Hopefully Josh can get out of work in time for him to go with me.

I can tell my nausea is getting much better...which might be because I am almost out of the first trimester! I'm 13 weeks and one day today...so as of Monday I'll be in my second trimester! I'm still tired a lot, and take a few naps, but at least my bathroom trips are getting less frequent!

I am 12 weeks today and so glad to say I'm feeling a lot better! I'm still being quite the picky eater, but at least I'm not heading to the bathroom 5 times a day.

The one thing that Josh and I laugh at is when I run down the stairs with no bra on. Oh man, the achy boobs! I can't let them jump around when I go down the stairs, so we both get a good laugh out of me having to hold the in place so they're not bobbing everywhere and causing pain!

I am getting really frustrated the hospital where I go for my appointments. Since we have tricare and go on base to see the doctor, they don't give ultrasounds in the clinic. Instead, the doctor has to send radiology a referral allowing me to schedule an ultrasound with them. No biggie, right?

I really like my doctor, and she sent in a referral for me to have my ultrasound done. This was done at the beginning of December. Its now January...and I have YET to get my ultrasound.

When I called radiology, they told me they had no referral sent in from the doctor...so I had to track my doctor down to let her know. She had no problem helping, even though she had said she had sent in the referral. So she let me know later on that she had sent in the referral again...and to call radiology.

Only...I call them again, and yet again...they tell me they don't have a referral for me. I am so frustrated.

I'm 12 weeks now, and the only way I saw the baby was because of my ER visit. Thank goodness this isn't my first go around being pregnant, otherwise I might be really paranoid now!

So, I'm waiting on the doctor again to get hold of me so hopefully we can get this sorted out. I don't know if anyone is to blame...but I just want to see my baby!