A weekend to forget...

So it seems that all of my bad weekends are starting on Thursdays and this one was no different! Thursday after I got off of work my mom came over and helped me clean the bathrooms and do some laundry. I cooked dinner for her, Mitch and I but right before Mitch got home (about 8:00) I started having pains in my back. It moved to my stomach area which got me concerned because I never cramp in my stomach. Anyways, it would hurt for about an hour and then not hurt at all for about 20-30 minutes, then it would start all over, going from my back to front, front to back and get more or less severe each time. By 11:00, it was hurting so badly that I got out of bed (for the third time) and went to the living room. By 11:25, Mitch had woken up because I was crying so loudly. We went to the emergency room and they tested my blood and urine, said they didn't know what was causing the pain and sent me home with some pain killers. They didn't check the baby or do a pelvic exam, but at the time I didn't argue because I knew I would go see my OBGYN the next day...of course I had forgotten that it was Good Friday.

I took the medication when we got home, and again when I woke up. I tried to say on my butt or back as much as possible. My mom came up here with some food for me around 1 and we ate. Not long after we finished though, she got a call from her next door neighbor, telling her that my dad was putting our family dog in the back of his car. We had made the family decision to have her put down a few days before, but we were sure he wouldn't do it without letting us say goodbye. I called the vet and sure enough he was there to have her put down. I made my mom take me and called my brother to meet us up there. We told her goodbye and gave her kisses to tell her how much we love her. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. She was almost 18 years old, and I can't even remember not having her around. She played in the lake with us, swam after us when we got into a paddle boat or john boat. I can't even count the number of times we have flipped or almost flipped a boat because we had to pull her inside, because if we didn't she would just swim around in circles around the boat until she almost drowned herself! She slept in my room all through middle and high school, and for a while after she stopped sleeping in my room it was hard to sleep without her snoring! lol. She would go up to the ball park with us when Josh and I played baseball/softball. Everyone knew her and fed her, and more than once we had to stop a game because she would get on the field and go run around in the outfield trying to catch/play with the ball! She was a wonderful dog and will be greatly missed. My dad buried her in the backyard when we got back home.

Mom brought me home, still having pains and made dinner for me and Mitch. It was very good and she worked way too hard on it, but it was delicious! Saturday I tried to rest but Mitch's car had died Friday night, up in Brunswick, so we had to drive up there and take care of it on Saturday. Just going up there and back wore me out. I laid down/slept most of the afternoon and then Mitchell took me to the Millhouse because I was craving some of their honey butter and strawberry vinaigrette.

Sunday morning we got up and my pains had finally gone away! I was so happy but still feeling pretty achy. We got dressed and got halfway to my inlaws house to pick up our nieces for church when Mitch had to pull over on the side of the road for me to throw up. Let me explain what a big deal this is...

1. I don't throw up...ever
2. I was in my church clothes
3. I always have hair ties on my wrist except for that day bc it looked tacky on Easter
4. Did I mention I don't throw up?
5. also... couldn't stop feeling like I was going to throw up again or smelling it, until today (Monday).

Anyway, we got to church and enjoyed the services. Had lunch with the family and once again came home and laid down/slept the rest of the day.

This morning I got up and my pain was back randomly. I went to my mom's so that I could take my pain medicine but still get to my dr appt. (I can't drive while on the pain meds they gave me at the er). Paula was able to see me at 1:45 and she did a sonogram and the baby was fine. He or she is quite defined, and we even got a shot of his or her hand! It was very cool! I'll scan and post those pictures soon. They sent away for a test and gave me an antibiotic. They are still not 100% sure what's wrong but have narrowed it down to ligament spasms or bladder spasms, neither of which should have lasted as long as they did, but are nothing that can harm the baby. So that we are grateful for. I will go back to work tomorrow with a strict warning to take it as easy as possible. As for now, I am once again laying down, and trying not to strain. :)

Long time, no post...

Its been a week or so since I have posted. Its been a long week and I've looked at the blog almost everyday but just haven't felt like posting. As of this week I am 12 weeks pregnant. Yay! Pretty much every day this week I have been exhausted and can't wait until this first trimester is over! lol. They keep telling me that I'm going to be less tired for the next three months. Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment and we were able to hear the baby's heartbeat again. It was nice and strong at 160 beats per minutes. We also set the appointment to find out the sex of the baby. We'll find out if its a boy or girl on May 6th at 8:30. We're really excited. Mom and I picked out the fabric for the shopping cart cover she's making for the baby! Today we are trying to just take it easy and relax! :) Hopefully I'll be nice and rested by Monday!

Rough week....

Last Thursday, Mitch and I were running errands and picking things up for Kris and Marie's wedding. When we went to the mall to get Mitch's Tux, I realized I had some bleeding. I went to the bathroom and there was a large membrane in the blood. We spent the next several hours in the emergency room. They did a sonogram and found that the baby still had a heartbeat. It appears that I lost a blood vessel that wraps around my cervix. The doctor said that it was not unheard of in pregnancies of young women. Needless to say it was really scary.

Friday we rested and then went to the wedding rehearsal. It was a long day. Saturday we got up early and I met with Marie to get our hair done with the other bridesmaids. We went back to her parent's house to eat and get dressed and then we headed to the Hilltop, limo and all. The wedding was beautiful as was the reception and we had a wonderful time. It was great to be part of Kris and Marie's day. When we got on the road, I checked my messages. I called Sasha back to find out that Starr had died earlier in the day at 2 pm. I couldn't believe that I hadn't been there for her.

The rest of the week since then has been like a blur. So many things to do and no time or energy to do them. I have had the opportunity to make a slideshow for the viewing and funeral. (which are tonight and tomorrow night). I think I've been a help to her parents, and really hope that I have. Please pray for her family as they deal with this difficult situation.

Wild week...

I officially had my first "had to have it craving" this week. Monday I went to get my blood work done in Fernandina. There was a Publix down the street and for some reason I thought about those Easter themed sweetarts. I all of a sudden HAD to have them. I went to the Publix and then I went to the CVS until I found them. They were on sale! I ate several of them on the way home and felt much better!

Then my new phone came in yesterday, which is awesome! I'm so excited to start getting all of my phone numbers put in there and take pics of my puppies! lol. I'm still trying to figure it out.

I'm feeling very scatter brained these days. So that's why this post seems that way too! lol.

The First of Many..

Tomorrow I have my first doctor's appointment and I'm so excited. It should be very interesting. I want to know so much. Most of which I probably won't get tomorrow, but that's okay. I want to know my due date. I want to know if its twins. I want to know if it is a boy or girl, or two boys or two girls or whatever. I want to know what kind of pregnancy I'll have. I want to know how I'm going to feel, what it will look like, how it will act, if he will look like his father, or if she will look like me!?!?

It has been a long week and I'm exhausted. I definitely need my prenatal vitamins so that I won't be so tired. I also need to stop feeling like I can't eat. I'm not throwing up but I'm not ever hungry. I have to make myself eat, which doesn't work very well. I got the house all cleaned up tonight, and most of the laundry, so that I don't have any work to do this weekend! :) I'm so excited, I can't sleep but I'd better try. I'll update tomorrow with all the new info!!!

Already time to start a new week....

The past several days have been VERY busy and exhausting! Not that I don't love staying busy and being tired but it gets a little old! It started on Thursday, after working all day, I came home and there were ants all over my kitchen floor. I spent 20 minutes cleaning that up and waiting on my mom. She has offered to come and help keep the house up once every week or two, so that I don't get behind. She got here and we scrubbed the bathroom and did some laundry and I can honestly say that it was hard to even walk to the bedroom that night for bed, because I was sooooo tired!

I woke up in my sleep 2 or 3 times because my right arm was numb or "asleep". Which was really weird because there was no weight on it. When I was getting ready for work it happened a few more times for no reason, so I called my OBG-YN and talked to a nurse who told me that it wasn't related to my pregnancy but that I needed to see a doctor because it wasn't normal and we need to know the cause of it. So I got all emotional and scared and started bawling. :) I couldn't get a hold of Mitch because he was in a meeting so I told the lady at the building to tell him it was really important. When I told him what the nurse said he told me to tell work, and go to the doctor. I was pulling in to work at this point because it took me so long to get ahold of him, so I just went inside, red puffy eyes and all, and told Steve (one of my managers) what was going on, and I didn't even have to ask, he just told me to get to a doctor. I called my mom and headed to her house, and I let her make the calls to the doctor's office. They couldn't see me, so we went to the emergency room. After talking with the doctor, blood work, lab work and an ultrasound of my neck and arm, they determined that the problem was being caused by a pinched nerve I had a couple of years ago. The nerve is in my neck, on the right side, and still bothers me every couple of months, and apparently, when it gets tight, it causes the muscle to tighten around the nerves and blood vessels traveling into my right arm. With the increased blood flow because of the pregnancy, it was causing the numbness which it usually doesn't. They told me that I have to ice it more often, as well as put heat on it if it gets tight. Also Mitchell gets more massage duties! LOL. We didn't leave the hospital until almost 4, after a LONG DAY (especially since I didn't even get a room, I was on a bed, in a hospital gown, in the hallway.)

We stopped by my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Mike's house since we were already down there, and I got to tell them about the pregnancy. They were really excited. My cousin Kelly arrived shortly after we did, so I got to tell her too! :) In addtion we got to see Kelly's adoreable little boys, Luke and Ben and they were so sweet!

Mom and I had dinner together and then I headed home, fully exhausted, and fell into bed...

Saturday was no less busy. I got up at 10ish and headed to my grandma's house. We had lunch together and did a little shopping. It was good to see her, because she is such a sweetheart, but I wasn't feeling as good as I would have like to. I'm not sure what it was but I felt like I was about to throw up all day. :( After I left Gran's house, I went to see and hang out with my friend Starr. Sasha had already gotten there, when I drove up and we got to spend some time catching up. Starr wanted to 'touch my belly' and I let her, but only because she's special! I'm still not loving this whole 'everyone wants to touch my stomach thing'. lol. I guess I'd better get used to it. :) Her friend Cheryl from Gainesville came up and we scrapbooked for a couple hours, before I had to meet my inlaws for dinner. We went to Longhorn's, which was nice. Unfortunately we found out that Mitch's dad was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. That's not good, but I'm sure that with a few diet changes and the meds they gave him, he'll be fine. Our nieces were there and they were sweet. Alana said she wanted to spend the night with "Uncle Mitch and Aunt Jen." So we brought her home with us. She was such a big girl about getting ready for bed, and going to sleep.

When she got up this morning, Mitch was already up, and said that when she came out of the bedroom, the dogs both were in her face trying to kiss her. She was pushing the hair out of her face and said "Good Morning Doggies!" Mitch couldn't believe how happy she was when she got up. When she came in the bedroom with me, she sighed and said "Its such a wonderful day!" She's so cute! We got ready and went to church. She had a good time and Dr Brunson's message was good. We met my dad for lunch at Chili's and then took Alana home. When we got home, Mitch wanted to wait a while and so we didn't lay down for a nap until almost three, which is why we didn't wake up until after seven and why its almost 11 on a Sunday night and I'm not even tired! I'd better hit the sack or I'll be up all night! :)

Busy Sunday....

Yesterday was the Sunday of Pastors Conference at our church. Which means awesome music, preachers and very full pews. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Mitch and I went early to church and went to the Newlywed class to let everyone know that we're pregnant. It was so exciting! Sunday School was short, since everyone wanted to get to the services. Mom has saved us seats, since she had gone to hear Paige Patterson. I told Mr Don and Allison and they were so happy for us. (That's our Deacon and his daughter, we've sat on the same pew as them for almost 15 years, so we claim them as our own!)

After church we had lunch with my family and my Grandma Gwen came. It was very nice. She brought a stuffed animal (puppy) for "one of the babies" (as she put it). It is so cute. When we got home, Mitch went to sleep and I tried not to, unsuccessfully, because when I went to wake him up for the evening services, I fell asleep! Mom and Josh called me at 6 and were like "They just let out the early service, get up and get on the road!" So I did. Mitch stayed home though.

I got there in time to see Charles Billingsley sing "Midnight Cry" before Dr Vines got up to preach. It was just like reminiscing. He was so good. Not that we don't love Dr Brunson, because we do, it is just soo nice to hear Dr Vines again. We ran into the Korns and Daniel Petlansky after church, and I told them too! :) (I just can't keep this to myself!) Jenny Korn told me that she never found out the sex of the babies before birth. I can't imagine not knowing!!

Then Mom, Josh and I went to Bono's for dinner, just like old times. It was fun, because now that we're all grown up, it is rare that we get to hang out just the three of us. It was really nice. After that, I stopped at the Waller's again so that I could see and tell Tara myself. She was so happy for me! And it was nice to spend some time with them.

Today I'm volunteering at Pastor's Conference in the Internet Cafe, so I'll be there until 3ish, and then might stay for the evening service, we'll see!

Sweet Congratulations...

Saturdays are supposed to be relaxing days, but I always seem to have something to do. :) And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I went to Marie's Bridal Shower and her family all congratulated me. That was very nice. I also stopped by the Waller's house. Mrs Darlene was the only one home but I told her anyway! She was really excited and I'm going to have to go back and hang out with her and Tara to catch up.

When I got home, Mitch and I spent a few hours just hanging out with each other. We decided to go see a movie and grabbed a bite to eat just before it started. When the movie was almost over, my phone started vibrating. I looked at the number and asked Mitch if he knew any 931 numbers. I didn't answer it and they left me a message. When we got out, I checked the message and it was my cousin Becca, congratulating me, because she had just heard the news. I called her back and we talked for 20 minutes. She's such a sweetheart and I love her so much! It definitely made my day. :)

Tomorrow is church and Pastor's Conference. I'm not sure if we're going to spread the news, but I also don't think I can keep it too quiet! :)

Our first baby gift...

Today was another hectic Friday (so far, at least). I worked my behind off at work and was ready to leave, when Tiffany Corbin came in and handed me a very little pair of white socks. Said she had picked them up for the baby! :) I was so excited. I know they are just a pair of baby socks but they reminded me of the miracle that is growing inside of me!

Tonight we're supposed to have dinner with Kris and Marie so that we can tell them. Its been killing me that we haven't told them, but I thought Mitch and I should tell them together since they're our best couple friends.

Last night Mitch got off work earlier than normal and we had dinner and talked about the baby. We're so excited and still digesting the reality that we are going to be parents in just 9 short months! :)

Starting to notice....

Today Mitchell turned 29. I got up and made him cinnamon rolls, even though they didn't turn out quite right. I'm so happy for him and glad that we are going to have a child (or two) before he turns 30.

Today is also the first day that I really feel pregnant! I am soooo tired! I must have yawned constantly all day. I also had a little dizziness and nausea. I don't have any morning sickness, but I had a table of guys today who must have worked at some sort of gas company because they smelt like gasoline and every time I went to their table, I wanted to throw up! That's something I'll have to get used too. As people around the restaurant found out I was pregnant, they started pushing food at me! :) Now that's something I can get used too!

After work I went to San Marco and met my sister. She was so excited to hear that I am pregnant! :) I also called my grandma Gwen and told her and she was excited too! She said she's been praying for me to have twins for months. That makes me really hopeful....maybe it will be twins after all! :) (Lord willing).

Spreding the word...

Today, we started spreading the word! :) Always a fun thing. Mitch wanted to tell his parents, so he called them. He couldn't get his mom on the phone, so he called and told his dad. Jeanne called me and congratulated me. I told my mom yesterday and she was excited but I knew I wanted Josh and Dad to know sooner than later so I set up dinner with them tonight. We were all sitting together and I said, "Dad, I need you to come and get the baby furniture and take it back to Mom's so that you and Josh can strip and stain it." and of course Josh was like "No way!! I'm not doing that" and Mom was across the table mouthing the words "Ask why." So Josh did and I said, "Because I can't do it while I'm pregnant." Josh started crying! It was so sweet! Dad said "No you're not!" (at least 3 times). And then he cried too!

I called my Aunt Betty and Aunt Doris and told them both. I'm sure it won't take long for the word to spread. :) I still have to make a few more calls to make but I'm a little tired so it might have to wait!

Great News

This morning I got up expecting to start my period. I figured I'd take a pregnancy test, not expecting anything, so much so that I sat it down and went about getting dressed and almost forgot to check it! :) I went to throw something away and saw it, with a plus sign in the window. I was so shocked that the look on my face was hilarious. (I know this because I immediately looked at myself in the bathroom mirror!! :) ) I then literally jumped up and down screaming silently. I opened the door to the bedroom (as Mitch was still in bed) and said "Honey...I just took a pregnancy test and it's positive!" His response was "I don't believe you." (stated with a slight slur as he literally had been asleep). When I showed him the test, he smiled. I ran back into the bathroom, set down the test and ran back to the bed. I laid across him and kissed him and then laughed mischievously and said "Maybe it will be twins or did you hear about that lady who had octuplets? That could be fun!" He said "That's not a baby, that's like a litter and we're not dogs!" Just the kind of humor that I love him for! We are so excited.

I have to set up an appointment at the obgyn to confirm but I'm pretty sure! Its actually really funny because just last night we were watching tv at like 10:30 and I decided I was hungry. I went into the kitchen, at a strawberry, a pinch of shredded cheese and then was looking around the door for something else. I noticed at the bottom of the door that I had an empty jar of okra that my mom had made. I picked it up and drank most of the juice, and then made myself some chicken flavored pasta. While the pasta was cooking I got a bottle of water out and thought to myself "Wow, those are some really funny food combos, you'd almost think I was pregnant!" And then I find out this morning... I AM!! :)

The Lord is just so gracious and giving, and we are so thankful to be given the opportunity (hopefully) to raise a child (or two!) in His Word and His way!