21 weeks.

Baby Johns is half done. I am over 20 weeks now. :) Woo Hoo! This pregnancy is going very quickly so far.... probably because I have two other kiddos to chase after.

We had our anatomy ultrasound two weeks ago. It is always so much fun to see the baby bouncing around in there. So sweet. and always reassuring to hear and see the little heartbeat. The ultrasound tech called it a "beautiful ultrasound." Everything was measuring very close to the due date. Since we aren't finding out the sex this time, she told us to close our eyes or turn or heads during the middle of the ultrasound. We both did. Funny thing is after the ultrasound I looked over to Andy and told him I peeked and I didn't think I saw anything so I thought it was a girl. Then, he told me he peeked too and thought it was a boy. Funny. I loved it... we are even more confused than ever. We are having another ultrasound around 25 weeks, so I have to resist the temptation to peek again, but I really do want to be surprised... won't that be fun?

From about 18 weeks until this week, I had been feeling really good and gotten my energy back. Then this week nausea and tiredness hit again... not as bad as before though. I think I may have a bug of some sort. My appetite seems insatiable these days. I am totally craving Mexican ALL THE TIME. I swear the people at Fiesta Mexico start making my meal the minute they see me walk in the door. I am still craving meats and protein and still not much desire for sweets at all.

At my 19 week appointment I had only gained 4 total pounds, which was fine with my doctor. I am still in my regular clothes at this point, but my "skinny" jeans are getting tight and I am sure I will be giving them up soon. I may be getting out the maternity clothes before too long, even it I don't really need them yet. They are comfy... and I am all about comfort these days. Most people can't even tell I look pregnant yet, but I certainly feel huge. I am still able to sleep on my stomach some, but it still scares me when I wake up on my stomach and I immediately roll over.

The baby is moving quite a bit these days... and I just love that part... so reassuring.

The kids love talking and "zuberting" my belly. This baby is going to know Luke and Emma's voices well. They couldn't be more excited. Emma asks me almost every day, "When is baby going to be here?" love her. Emma is going to be a great big sister and Luke already is such a wonderful big brother to Emma that I know he will be to this little one as well. I can't wait. :)

Only 19 more weeks till I get to hold my sweet baby... but who is counting? :)

30 Day Challenge

I used to be a "closet" Christian music listener. If someone else got in the car with me and it came on I would quickly change the station to something "cooler." I always worried too much about what other people would think if they knew I listened to K-Love all the time. Would they label me a "crazy Christian?" Looking back I am not sure why I cared so much what people thought. I guess I am truly more secure with myself right now than I ever have been. I have no doubt this is partially because I chose to listen to Christian music and of course my sweet husband who has never been afraid to wear his faith proudly.

When you constantly listen to positive music you can't help but feel good. And nothing warms my heart more than hearing Luke and Emma sing along to good wholesome music. This is their current favorite song. In fact Emma was walking around the house singing, "Hold on to me!" just today. love her.



Right now K-Love is having a 30 Day Challenge in which they challenge people to listen to nothing but Christian music for 30 Days and see how it changes your life. I challenge you to try it. I know it will affect you positively. Do it. Give it a try... the music is wonderful and positive. If you are in the Lexington area K-Love is 89.9 or 95.3. There is also Air One at 107.1.

"The music you listen to is either who you are or who you want to be." -Mark Hall, Casting Crowns

Thankful.

I am so thankful that I have two sweet kiddos and one little baby in my belly. I feel very blessed. Yesterday was a really special day. First, as I was waiting in the hall to pick up Luke after school, his teacher made a special trip out to talk to me. She told me how wonderful Luke was doing in class and also how he'd befriended the new girl in the class. She was very proud of him. And so am I. Love that sweet sweet boy.

Then, Emma started Spring semester at dance yesterday afternoon. After class Miss Mindy said Emma did a great job in class, but she went on to say that she always does. :) so proud. Emma's class this semester seems a bit more wild than it was last semester... more younger girls I think. Funny to think Emma is one of the "older" girls now. Time flies.

Finally, last night I was laying in bed with my hands on my stomach waiting to feel sweet Johns baby move a bit. I've been feeling flutters and little moves for a couple weeks now. But as I lay very still I felt baby completely turn... the biggest movement so far... I told Andy to put his hands on my tummy and he actually felt it too. It brought tears to my eyes. It's the best, most comforting feeling in the World to feel your sweet baby moving around. I just love it.

I have been blessed with now three wonderful kiddos. Thanks God for all those special little moments yesterday. I couldn't have enjoyed them more. I love being a mom... there truly is no greater gift.

Bad Blogger, Big News

So I am a really bad blogger these days. But I am almost 18 weeks pregnant and have felt pretty exhausted and yucky this entire pregnancy. I am finally starting to feel a little more like myself, so hopefully I will be back to blogging soon. I always got most of my blogging done after everyone was in bed, but it seems I've been in bed before most everyone lately.

This pregnancy has been a lot like when I was pregnant with Luke. I've been sick with lots of throwing up. I have also not gained much weight... so far only 2 lbs. I don't really want to eat much of anything these days because I don't want to throw it up... sorry... gross I know. I have been really tired as well. I've had three migraines and a cold during the holidays. Also I haven't wanted ANY sweets AT ALL! crazy. Through the whole holiday season I don't think I had anything sweet at all... very odd for me. I'm thinking this has to be another little boy. :) We've decided not to find out this time.

I know all this will be worth it because in just 22 weeks I get to hold, nurse, smell and love on my sweet new baby... and this makes me more happy than ever. Just thinking about it makes me forget how yucky I've felt. I can't wait.