He's Here!

And perfect as can be...

More to come later...

Here's some pictures until then:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=135413&id=573142638&l=d594221512

Less than 72 Hours

We have three days left until we meet our son. I am getting induced on Tuesday, December 22nd. To say that we are excited would simply be an understatement. We are ready, nervous, overjoyed and overwhelmed (in a good way) that our life is about to change.

Why are we inducing? We have several reasons why this is the right decision for us.

1. Hayden tried to come when I was 33w6d, but our doctor was able to stop it so he could grow.
2. About a week and a half ago, during my annual review at work, I starting having intense contractions that were five minutes apart. I was trying to be professional and not let my bosses know what was going on. I was getting really emotional and had silent tears rolling down my face. At the end of the review, I told them that I wasn't crying at anything they had said (the review went awesome and was super positive), but I was crying because I was physically in pain. Bless them both for handling it so well! It was sweet to see two Southern men bending over backwards trying to help me get comfortable while Chip drove to come pick me up. When Chip and I got to the hospital, I was still having contractions, but they were not effective, so we got sent home after two hours of monitoring.
3. The next day, I went walking at the mall all day with my mom (she flew down as soon as she heard I was having contractions) and Jamie and had some fluid leaking from me. We decided I should call the doctor and back to the hospital I went. The fluid was from my being more dilated (I went from a 1.5 at 33 w, to 2.5 a week and a half ago to a 3 the next day) so it was a quick in/out visit.

After these three events (and three different trips to the hospital), we talked with the doctor and she said that Hayden is definitely ready and strong enough to come so an induction would be a good option for us - especially considering how dilated and effaced I am (3 and 80-90%) already. We scheduled the induction for Monday originally, but moved it to Tuesday so I would officially be 39w. To say that having a plan has lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders is an understatement. I am a huge planner and, while I was doing the right thing by calling the doctor and going to the hospital, I felt foolish for troubling them for "nothing." God knows how I am and I know that He is the one in control. He provided a way for me not to stress by allowing me to be induced and I am very thankful to have a Father who loves me and wants me not to stress myself or our sweet son.

Hayden will be here in time for Christmas and the doctor who I like best at the practice will be the one delivering him! It's amazing to think that this time last year, I was about to have surgery for endometriosis and now - we're having our miracle baby. What a crazy, wonderful year!

Right Where I Need to Be (Blessings #39)

I am right where I need to be. I am right where God wants me. I have so much to be thankful this Holiday season and am so very grateful in all the ways that God has and continues to provide for us. He has provided us with some awesome friends - who live all over the United States. Our family is incredible - they are so supportive and loving.

Thank you - I am have so much to be thankful for. I hope you enjoy the pictures of just a few things I am grateful for.

I am grateful for my nephew, Nathan Chadwick, and his sweet new brother, Oliver Clark.

He calls me LuLu and it makes my heart melt.

He prefers to talk to Chip rather than me now when he calls us and that breaks my heart a little and also makes me so very happy.

I am grateful for a mother in law who can rock "Dancing Queen" at her son's wedding.

I am grateful for being with the love of my life for almost six years - with many more to come.
I am grateful to be expecting our first son in less than five weeks.

I am grateful for my brother in law and new sister in law.

Congratulations Kristy and Jake!

I am grateful for our friends and their precious kids.

It makes me fall in love with Chip even more to see how awesome he is with kids.

He is going to be the best Daddy to our sweet Hayden.

I am grateful for our home.

I am grateful for my Mom who flew to PA to help us organize our new home.

Happy Thanksgiving! May you day be full of blessings!

Blessings

1. A healthy pregnancy
2. Amazing family and friends
3. Being able to make my Grandma's cornbread dressing - I am so thankful that I spent so many years making it with her.
4. Honey do's being almost done - thank you, Chip!
5. Our little life
   
   
   

Hayden Bump (Blessings #38)

I finally feel pregnant enough to post pictures of the Hayden bump. These pictures were taken on Halloween as we waited for trick or treaters (we were sadly disappointed - our street intersects with a busy street that kids won't cross). Since then, the bump has dropped a bit.
Enjoy!

Addison wanted to sneak in and say hi!

I love this shirt - my Mom got it for me right after we found out we were pregnant. :)

The last month has flown by, starting Monday, we go every week. WOW! Only 6 and a half more weeks (or less) until our sweet baby boy arrives. We are beyond excited and have so much to be thankful for this Holiday season.

Blessings:

1. Going to get my H1N1 vaccine today - it will give me peace of mind to have it and will protect Hayden
2. Having Hayden's room almost done
3. Girl's Night to Garden Ridge and PF Chang's this past Monday
4. Feeling incredibly blessed to be right here, right now - 6 weeks away from having a healthy baby
5. Having incredible friends and family that I miss so incredibly much - I am blessed to have such amazing people in my life
   

Four Years Together - Many More To Go

Chip's and my four year wedding anniversary was this past Thursday. We kept it very low key due to the busy (and fun!) wedding weekend we had in Iowa for Jake & Kristi. Chip sent me a bouquet of pink roses (the flower we used in our wedding) - it was a complete surprise and so sweet! It definitely lifted my spirits as this week was end of the month craziness at work. Our anniversary also marked the two months away from meeting Hayden mark. It has gone by so fast!

When I think of the last four years, I am reminded of all of the fun times and adventures that Chip and I have had together. I am extremely blessed to be married to such a patient and loving man who will be an amazing father and is a great provider for our family. Thanks go to my in laws, Skip and Judy, for raising such a fine son. I hope our future daughter in law will feel the same about us as I do for them.

Our adventures in the last four years:
2006 - bought our first house and dog (Izzie) in February
2007 - bought our second dog (Addison) in August
2008 - moved to Pennsylvania in September
2009 - got pregnant in March with a precious baby boy who is due in December

It has been a fun and crazy time - I never thought we would move out of Texas, and yet, as much as I miss my friends and family, I am so thankful we had the opportunity to do so. We have grown so much together as a couple and truly became a family! I look forward to the many more adventures that we will have together.

I could go on and on about the many virtues of my awesome husband - but I have to get to his football tournament. I love you Chip - with all of my heart - and am so thankful for each and every day that we have together. I look forward to many, many more anniversaries together!

Week 26/27 (Blessings #37)

Well - I am officially in the third trimester. This means we are getting closer and closer to baby Hayden being here - it also means I REALLY need to find my camera charger and cord so I can upload pictures... Next weekend we will start really putting the nursery together so it can be ready for the big day.

Everything so far has been great! Hayden is growing and is perfect. We have our next appointment tomorrow (Monday) and then we start going every other week after that. I also get to have my dress altered for Jake & Kristi's wedding next week. It will definitely be a fun time and will be the official debut of the Hayden bump for the Frohling family.

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In other news, Chip and I have toured four day cares. We have decided that I will go back to work (or at least try). This decision has been hard for me - I know Hayden will be fine wherever we put him - it is me being able to be away from him and dealing with the responsibilities of being a working mom that is hard. God will provide me with the strength to handle this - I need to let it go. I am in awe of everything He has provided for us so far and the strength He has given us through everything. The journey to be here - to be 27 (almost 28) weeks pregnant is nothing short of a miracle and it is one that we are so grateful for. We are supposed to be parents to this baby - our Hayden - and every heartbreak and set back has lead us to this place. A place of peace. A place of awe. A place where I hope we can use our story to help and encourage others. We received a wooden sign at one of the showers that says "Thank Heaven for Little Boys," - thank heaven indeed. We also received a picture frame with a quote on it that I think was lifted from our hearts - it says, "We loved you before we knew you, even when there was just the hope of you - we loved you." This quote makes me tear up every time I read it - it is so true. We have loved Hayden for a very long time - he has been the hope in our hearts that we knew God would one day bless us with. We are beyond blessed and so very thankful.

:::

My last remaining grandparent, my dad's mom - JoAnn, passed away this week while my parents were on vacation. She had Alzheimer's and was in very poor health. It is hard to see my parents lose their parent as it makes me think of the day when that will happen to Chip and me (in a very very long time from now). I wasn't close to her - she was not what you would call a typicla grandmother type person. However, she did raise my dad and he is an amazing man. The best dad anyone could ever have. Someone who sacrificed so much for our family and overcame so much to be the person he is - I have an enormous amount of respect for him. I hope and pray that she is in heaven with Jesus and that she is no longer in pain. My heart aches for my dad at the sadness of losing his mom.

This happening to her also makes me realize how INCREDIBLY blessed Hayden is (and us). I wish I could have had the type of relationship with my dad's mom that I did with my dad's dad and my mom's parents- JoAnn just wasn't like that and that's okay - she was who she was. My parents and my in laws are not like JoAnn at all. All four grandparents are like my mom's parents and my dad's dad - loving, kind, generous, supportive, fun - the exact type of grandparents you would want. I know that they will be cheering on Hayden at all of his events (whether they are physically there or not). They will be there when we call and will be so excited over every milestone in his life. They will spoil him with love (and other things I am sure - which is 100% their job - to do the fun things with him that Chip & I say no to - ice cream for dinner, late bedtimes, candy, etc.). God has blessed us in this area of our lives so much for which I am on my knees in thankfulness for.

Blessings:

1. Consignment stores with adorable little boy things I cannot resist.
2. The internet for keeping in touch with friends.
3. Perfect fall weather.
4. Jake & Kristi's wedding - it will be so much fun!
5. My family - every single one of them.

Weeks 24/25 (Blessings #36)

WOW! It has really been awhile since I posted - not good of me!! I am really enjoying this part of pregnancy - I have energy and am not so sickly. YEA! I went to the doctor last week and got measured for the first time. I am measuring 24cm which is perfect since the appt was the day before I was 24 weeks. Hayden's heartbeat was a strong 150 bpm. Healthy, perfect baby!

This past weekend I was blessed to get to go to Texas for not one, but two, showers thrown for us. I was beyond spoiled by all of my sweet family and friends. They were so good to us!

My Aunt Cindy, bestie Mary and sis in law Elesha threw the first shower at my mom's house. We had over 30 adults and 13 kids - it was perfect chaos and so nice to see everyone. My aunt and cousin drove 3 hours to be there and my bestie Kathy drove over 5! Now that is love! I have to get some pictures from some friends to post since I didn't take any - it was awesome! Mary made the most precious cookies with Hayden's initial on them and a super cute brown and green cake. Even the punch bowls were themed with little rubber duckies floating in them. Mary should so be a party planner! She does sell her sweet confections so if you need any, let me know and I will get you in contact with her. Elesha and my aunt made the food and YUMMO! So delish! Elesha even made white chocolate popcorn - SOOO GOOD! The games were fun - there was even one where there were plastic babies frozen in ice cubes and each person had one in their drink. The first one whose ice melted and the baby came out had to shout "my water broke." It ended up being my aunt's mom in law and she was so cute when she said it!

The second shower was at my cousin Darra's fabulous house. It was for the ladies in my LG. It was amazing to spend time with them and think about baby Hayden and how much we all prayed for him (and still do). These ladies are incredible and I miss them so much! I did have a case of food poisoning so I did have to excuse myself three times to get sick in Darra's bathroom - who else could I do that in front of and not feel mortified but with them? It really was a wonderful shower and the perfect way to end my visit. Darra decorated with the cutest banner, sign that said "thank heaven for little boys" and precious frame that she gave to me.

I am still overwhelmed by how awesome everyone was to us and how many people came to shower us with love. Thank you simply isn't enough - truly! Hayden is a loved baby already and I am excited for everyone to meet him in a few months. Our son - our baby - so prayed for and so loved.

In other Hayden related news, the glider and ottoman for his nursery got delivered. YEA! I am actually sitting in it right now. His crib and dressers came in and we will go pick them up today. WOO HOO! The plan is to start getting his nursery set up this week. The fabulous shower gifts are getting delivered (updated: 4 out of the 5 boxes just got delivered) thanks to my Kathy's dad - thank you Gary! You should definitely use Packaging Accessories in Southlake if you need anything shipped or if you are moving. He is the best!

I'm off to get ready to go get the nursery furniture and to go watch the Texas and Iowa games. YEA college football season is here!

Blessings

1. Being so showered in love
2. Seeing family and friends in Texas
3. Getting a promotion and raise at work
4. Feeling Hayden moving all over
5. Sweet husband and dogs

Week 22/23 (Blessings #35)

Chip and I have started an at home Friday date night tradition. For the past few weeks, we have done pizza and a movie. The fun twist to this (besides spending much needed quality time together) is that we are making our own pizzas. Chip is much more adventurous than I am - he has made all kinds of concoctions - including cheeseburger pizza. I make plain ole cheese pizza every week. UNTIL NOW! Last week I found two recipes on AllRecipes.com for us to try: Pepper, Onion and Feta Pizza for Chip and Taco Pizza for me.

Here are the results of our adventurous cooking:

Chip's Pizza - he added some Italian cheese blend to the tomato basil feta cheese. He said he would make it again, but with the steak they use on Philly Cheese steak sandwiches next time.

My pizza - I added more meat than the recipe called for and added crushed Baked! Tostitos, lettuce and tomato. I also used pre-made crust. It was definitely a "fork" pizza, but oh so yummy!

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This week also marks my 23rd week - it is amazing! I haven't gotten sick (knock on wood) in a couple of weeks and I am feeling more energized. The fun part is that Chip can REALLY feel Hayden kick now - he moves a lot! He does let me sleep so I am thankful for that. I am hoping that means he will sleep good when he is born - but we will see. :) My belly button is stretch, stretch, stretching - very odd to see the bottom scar of where my belly button ring used to be.

I am really enjoying this part of pregnancy. We have the nursery furniture all ordered (thanks Judy, Skip, Mom and Dad) and it should be arriving in a few weeks. We have the bedding (thank you Darra). It is all slowly coming together. I also received some sweet surprises in the mail this week - Jake & Kristy's wedding invitation, a pregnancy care package from my friend Kristy, and a surprise birthday gift from my brother and sister in law (and I am oh so thankful Elesha picks out my gifts - hehe). I also found out that one of my friends (she and her husband sang at our wedding) started a BOY'S clothing company that is awesome! Check it out at http://www.hesallboy.com/ - the adorable red head is their son, Jude.

I am heading to Texas next Friday for our baby showers. My sweet friend Mary, my Aunt Cindy and my sister in law are throwing one for me at my Mom's house. My LifeGroup is also throwing me one at my sweet cousin Darra's home. I found the most perfect hostess gifts for them that my LifeGroup leader made, but I will have to share that after the shower so they don't find out what they are getting. Sheila is amazing and so talented! Chip is staying home with our girls so I know I will get in lots of girly girl time - and that will include some Mexican food with virgin margaritas.

Everything else is our world is pretty awesome! Chip and I are enjoying time together to just relax and do things together before Hayden arrives. The weather in PA is gorgeous right now - lows in the 50s and it warms up to the high 70s or low 80s. Perfect weather for walks, keeping the windows open and just being outside basking in the blue skies. I do love Fall - the crisp air and change of season. Plus -it means I'm closer to Hayden's due date in December.

I do have to compliment my sweet husband for a minute. He has signed me up for monthly prenatal massages that are SO appreciated, taken complete care of the dogs (picking up dog poo is a no go for me right now) and has encouraged me to just relax. It is so appreciated and I am so blessed to be married to someone who loves his family so much. He is definitely a daddy and I can't wait to see him with Hayden - I expect there will be lots of father/son bonding with ESPN on in the background. I think Hayden's first sound will be the SportsCenter theme song.

I also want to say how grateful I am for a new friendship. My friend, Jamie, and her husband and kids are so wonderful! Jamie and I have really formed a connection and I know God placed us both here to help one another with the transitions that we face being in a new place. We went to church with their family last Sunday and really enjoyed it! I know there will not be a church just like 121 here, but South Hills Bible Chapel seems to fit the bill in what we are looking for.

I do so miss my Texas girls and some days I am just sad to not have them right here - it makes me appreciate them all the more - which I know I don't say enough. I love ya'll!!

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Blessings

1. God bringing the perfect people in my life at the perfect time
2. Have I said how amazing my husband is?
3. Incredible family and friends
4. Our son
5. Our sweet girls (because I do so love our dogs)

Week 20/21 (Blessings #34)

The last two weeks have flown by so quickly! My Mom flew in last Friday to help us pack and move. I honestly don't know what I would have done without her. She worked so hard and did so much. By the time she left on Tuesday, we had pretty much everything unpacked, put away, organized and decorated. The new house is pretty much done, we have one more trip to make on Saturday to get the drapes down and clean the carpets. We are beyond grateful for the wonderful friends we have that helped us move. It makes us realize how very blessed we are. I did take pictures of the new house, but I am waiting for the office computer to get put together and to use Chip wireless card (our Internet won't be installed for two more weeks).

I am excited to have more room for Hayden, the girls, guests and us. I love the charm of the house. It's perfect for us at this stage in our life.

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Being pregnant is really enjoyable now, so far I am down to hugging the toilet once a week or so. I have realized that this happens when I don't get enough sleep. I can really feel Hayden moving around now. Chip felt him kick for the first time last night - that was a pretty awesome moment to have together. Our son - growing inside me - it is definitely some kind of wonderful - the very best kind. Hayden has two or three really awake moments - normally after I eat or right before I eat. I like to think he is reminding me to eat and then thanking me for it. At night, right before bed, he really moves around. I love being able to feel him. He is our precious gift from God and I am beyond grateful.

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I promise I will write more later - off to finish my workday and then movie/pizza night with my sweet husband.

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Blessings

1. Awesome friends
2. Feeling Hayden move
3. Our dogs becoming more calm by the day
4. Being settled in
5. Carrying our baby

19 Weeks (Blessings #33)

This week has been so exciting! We found out the sex (for sure) and we are having a precious and perfect baby BOY! Hayden Henry Frohling is still set to arrive on December 29th. We can't wait to meet him in four months. We have picked a theme for his room - vintage sports (in earth tones). YEA!

I am enjoying being pregnant, but struggling slightly with my changing body. Every other woman (but me) looks adorable. I know it is just the enemy trying to turn this blessing into something else. Our baby is a perfect gift from God and my body has been perfectly made to carry our child. I am beyond grateful for this!

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This weekend we had a girl's trip to the Rockvale Outlets in Lancaster, PA. A four and a half hour drive (one way) that was 100% worth it - not just for the shopping (which was amazing), but more for the girl bonding time that I SO needed! I am grateful for a sweet and loving husband who encourages me to have that time. Next time, it may have to be a weekend trip as there is also a Tanger Outlet right up the road and we were near Amish country. We shopped all day and loaded up the car. Seriously, picture an Armada with a Yakima (luggage thingy) on top full of bags and the inside of the car completely weighed down with our finds. The car was so loaded down that the tire light even came on. Now that is a successful shopping trip. Jamie was a trooper and drove both ways! As someone who cannot drive long distances very successfully, I was beyond impressed. I think I speak for Jamie and Katherine when I say that we all had a wonderful time and enjoyed really getting to know each other.

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Blessings

1. A much needed girls trip & incredible girl friends
2. An encouraging and supportive husband
3. Wonderful doctor
4. Finding out we are having a perfect baby boy
5. My Mom coming on Friday
6. Not freaking out about turning 29 tomorrow...

17 and 18 Weeks (Blessings #32)

The picture above is of Chip with our nephew, Nathan, at a fish hatchery in Sitka, Alaska. Chip is so patient with kids - seeing him with Nathan just shows what an incredible Daddy he will be. It melts my heart and makes me so thankful to God for the incredible husband I have. He is truly amazing and I am beyond blessed to be married to him. I am so excited for our baby to get here in December - I can picture the evenings and days to come. The jellybean asleep with Chip on the couch, playing with the dogs, playing in the yard, just enjoying life as a family.

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The last two weeks of pregnancy have been so great! Chip encouraged me to get a membership at Massage Envy for a monthly prenatal massage and I had that last week and goodness - it was amazing!! My morning sickness has gotten better - I am only friends with the toilet a few times a week now. I still have to get up at night to go to the bathroom, but we got a window unit for our upstairs (for some reason - our upstairs is 10 degrees hotter than downstairs, even with the AC set at 72) and it has helped me sleep about five hours before I have to get up. I think my body is preparing me for when the jellybean gets here. :) We had a doctor's appointmnet this past Monday and everything is great! I still only feel fluttering sometimes, but I know I will start to feel the jellybean more in the weeks to come. The heartbeat was strong and I don't have to do back for another month (my placenta previa is not acting up). YEA!

We started registering (for non gender specific stuff) at Babies R Us and Target. I did buy a stroller today that I found on MamaBargains.com and I think it will be perfect! It is an Easy Walker SKY (in brown) and i got it for over 60% off!! It will work until the baby is 70 pounds and we got the carrycot so it will work when the baby is tiny too.

In other exciting news, we found a house to rent. We weighed buying a house versus renting and decided renting would be best for now. When we move in a few weeks, I will post pictures. It has stained glass windows, a huge porch, a deck with seating (think fraternity house style deck), a yard, jacuzzi tub, an enormous kitchen and hardwood floors. It has tons of charm and I am so excited! It is in a great area and we are down the road from some friends. It's perfect for us - more room for guests and room for our jellybean, girls and us. My sweet Mom is coming to help us pack - I miss her and can't wait for her to get here. I'm not allowed to move stuff still so she is a huge lifesaver (plus she is OCD about organizing like me so I totally trust her).

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I babysat for two of our friends Tuesday night. They have a three year old and a 15 month old. We had a blast - we made baseball cookies, played with cars and dinosaurs and cuddled. When we were sitting in the kitchen watching the cookies "have a party in the oven," the three year old (who is the sweetest little boy) decided to talk to the jellybean through my belly button. He told the jellybean all about baseball and dinosaurs. It was about the most precious thing ever! It melted my heart and made me think about when our jellybean is three and (if things go like we hope) talks to the next baby through my belly button. Seeing how sweet and gentle the little boy was with his little sister just made me think about our future kids and how they will be with each other. It's a pretty awesome thought! The couple I babysat for are just so nice and Godly - I think we will grow to be awesome friends and that they will be great mentors for us.

In a week, we find out the sex! YEA!! I can't wait...

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Blessings

1. Supportive husband
2. Amazing family
3. Awesome coworkers
4. Finding a house
5. Our jellybean

16 Weeks (Blessings #31)

Time is going by so fast and yet so slow...I can't believe that we are already 16 weeks. I am almost five months pregnant - our jellybean will be here in 24 (or less) weeks. WOW!



This past week has been interesting with the symptoms I've had. I broke my face. Yes - you read that right. Actually, I broke a bunch of blood vessels in my face due to being violently ill after taking my prenatal one night. I went to work thinking I had a rash and a couple of my coworkers "diagnosed" me and saved me a trip to the doctor. Luckily, it's getting less red. So - if you get violently sick and break out in red freckles - rest assured it is most likely broken blood vessels and not a weird rash...



We also had another doctor's appointment this week and heard jellybean's heartbeat again. What a wonderful sound! We go back in two weeks and then (if everything looks good), I could get off pelvic rest after the anatomy ultrasound on August 7th. YIPPEE!!



In other news, my sweet best friend, aunt and sister in law are throwing us a shower in Texas in September. It touches my heart and is so sweet of them! My lifegroup is also throwing me a shower the Monday after (so I will have a long weekend stay) - I can't wait to see these sweet ladies again and show them the growing belly! Our precious miracle has been so prayed for and is already a very loved & blessed baby! I plan to start registering at Target and Babies R Us soon - at least for the basic stuff, I will register for the sex specific stuff once the anatomy ultrasound confirms the boy bits we have seen so far.

We are also looking for a rent house with a backyard for the girls. We weighed buying versus renting, but since we are not sure how long we will be here and with the housing market being so much more expensive here, we opted to rent. We will see how it goes and have faith that God will lead us to where we need to be.

Life is good here and we feel so very lucky. I am adjusting to living in the Northeast and am so thankful that I can be pregnant in Pennsylvania summer weather and not be suffering like some of my sweet friends in the Texas sweltering heat!! Texas had had record highs and we have been blessed here with some lower than normal temps. Seriously - Texas had a high 97 today and our high was in the low 80's and it's already in the low 70's at 7 o'clock at night. Texas friends - come visit!

Blessings

1. PA weather in the summer
2. More energy
3. Being able to feel little flutters of our jellybean in my tummy
4. Amazing friends & family
5. Our awesome God

15 Weeks (Blessings #30)

Wow - I can't believe it. We're fifteen weeks pregnant and the jellybean is the size of a naval orange/apple/tomato - depending on what book/blog you read. I have felt flutters and can tell (I think) were the jellybean is when I am lying down. I am excited to start feeling more movement soon and especially excited for when Chip will be able to feel our baby. He can tell where the jellybean is too by pressing on my abdomen. Our baby - wow! Our baby is growing and is perfect!

We go back to the doctor on Monday to hear the heartbeat again. We scheduled the anatomy ultrasound and it will be on August 7th. At that appointment I will be a bit over 19 weeks and we will be better able to see jellybeans parts - although we are both pretty certain from our previous ultrasounds that our jellybean is a boy. We are thrilled either way - if it turns out the jellybean is a girl we will be just as happy.

It's really starting to truly sink in - there is a baby growing inside me who will be here in five months. My belly is more baby belly than beer gut looking. We've made it - over three years of trying, the doctor visits, the treatments, the scares and nervousness and prayers upon prayers. It has all been worth it because it has led to this baby - this baby that we are supposed to have - the one that God has intended to be our first child. WOW!

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Chip and I both had to work for a PR event this past Saturday. The event was amazing and we got to watch fireworks from the top of a submarine. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for which we are grateful. As a result of working Saturday, I get to work a half day tomorrow. YEA! I am taking the chance to treat myself. I am getting my hair done, running some errands and getting some new undergarments as I have outgrown mine. I am looking forward to it and so grateful that Chip wants me to take time for myself. Keep your fingers crossed that the hair turns out good.

Blessings:

1. Meeting new friends
2. Fireworks - so magical
3. Incredible husband
4. Healthy baby
5. Being able to be pregnant and carry our child

13 Weeks (Blessings #29)

This week has been a bit scary to be truthful. I had spotting and cramping Tuesday night and had to go to the doctor for an ultrasound on Wednesday morning. Thankfully, our jellybean is perfect! I have a condition called placenta previa. It is not anything to worry about unless I start bleeding a lot. It is not a danger to our jellybean at all - for which I am so grateful! I am on pelvic rest until my uterus and placenta move up and the spotting stops. Pelvic rest means that I cannot clean, exercise, do any heavy lifting and I have to basically stay off my feet as much as possible. Chip has been so great and his attitude has helped me so much!

The silver lining is that we will have more ultrasounds to see our little jellybean. I am grateful for such wonderful, supportive friends and that our baby is perfect and healthy. The rest we can handle.

In just a few more weeks we will find out the sex, however, our doctor in Texas and the ultrasound technician from Wednesday are thinking blue... We are ecstatic either way! The ultrasound was so amazing - jellybean is really moving around and having a blast in his mommy's tummy. It's such a gift to be able to carry our child!

Blessings

1. Understanding doctors
2. Incredible husband
3. Sweet dogs who lay in bed with me
4. Amazing friends and family
5. Our healthy jellybean

11 & 12 Week Update (Blessings #28)

The last two weeks have been a whirlwind! After the desk catastrophe, things slowed down in the clumsiness realm. The baby is definitely growing - and making Momma sick on some days. I am hoping that the morning sickness will go away, along with the fatigue. I think our girls have definitely figured out that something is changing - they are both so protective of me and won't even let me walk down the stairs alone. Addison walks right next to me and won't go down the stairs unless my hand is on her back - I guess to brace me. Izzie walks in front to protect me in case of a fall. Sweet girls!

My in laws came last week and are leaving tomorrow morning. It has been so awesome having them here - we relaxed, walked, shopped, saw Legally Blonde, went to a strawberry festival and just enjoyed each other's company. We even got to see the Pens win the Stanley Cup - so cool!! I can't believe we live in a city where our teams won the Super Bowl and the Cup in the same year!

My mother in law and I went to go see Legally Blonde the day after the Pens won. When the lead actress came out for her bow, she had on a Pens jersey. Needless to say, the audience went crazy! The show was AMAZING - I totally recommend it!

Other than that, we haven't really had much go on. I go back to Texas for a quick trip on Friday and will get to see my friend Kathy and her new precious babies! YEA! Also, I will be released from Dr. Doody!

OKAY - now I need YOUR help! Chip and I need some suggestions for girl names. So - please comment or email me your ideas.

In the meantime, I promise to try and be more entertaining with my posts. :)

Blessings

1. Great inlaws
2. Being 12 weeks already
3. Being able to stand fruit again
4. Pittsburgh temperatures (where it is not 100 degrees)
5. Sweet family

Keep Feet Firmly Planted on the Floor

The title is my new motto. Why? Well - where to begin. I noticed today at work, while cleaning my desk because I read an article about how desktops are dirtier than toilet seats, that there were spiderwebs in the corners of the window. So I did what any logical woman would do and cleaned them out. One problem - I couldn't quite reach the top corners of the window due to my desk being in the way. My big boss was in the room, so he got one of the corners for me. I neglected to ask him to get the other corner and it was really bugging me. Chip has told me NOT to stand on anything, so I put my knee up on my desk and stretched up as high as I could. Then... CRASH!!! I am talking about a CRASH so loud that my two big bosses (Pres and VP of the company) and one of my coworkers came running thinking that a wall had fallen down.

It was not a wall. It was the middle part of my desk, along with two monitors, a keyboard, a mouse and various other desktop accessories - and it all crashed on top of my CPU. Luckily, I jumped back pretty quickly for a pregnant lady. It rubbed my belly and scratched my ankle. I was physically fine. My pride - not so much! I was mortified. Luckily, the guys were complete gentlemen and so sweet. They assured me the desk broke because it had no support and desks need support. People generally stand on top of furniture at some point to hang stuff, etc. The VP even put my computer stuff all back together on my side desk (my desk is U shaped and the middle of the U is what broke).

Thankfully, Chip had warned me about staying on the floor, so I wasn't standing on it, just leaning on it. (I almost fell off of our bed attempting to hang blackout shades a few weeks ago - that is why I am not allowed to stand on things.) I shudder to think about what would have happened had I been standing on my desk. Now - it is just a funny, if somewhat humiliating, story.

I told Chip about what happened and promised him that both feet would stay on the floor at the same time - no leaning with one knee and reaching up. I have to admit - being pregnant throws off your balance. Today, I am blaming the spiders.

10 Week Doctor Appointment Update (Blessings #27)

I just realized I never updated about the doctor's visit.... here goes. Despite a rough start (time confusion), the visit went awesome! Chip and I barely had to wait. The nurse who helped us was incredibly sweet and kind. Dr. G came in and asked all of the normal questions, checked out stuff and then - the exciting part. She put the on-the-belly Doppler on us and we immediately heard our baby's sweet heartbeat. It was so loud, strong and fast! Dr. G said she thought the baby was a girl. We'll see if she is right - a lot of my friends think we are having a girl. Some days I think girl, others I think boy. Either way is 100% okay with me.

Chip asked me to tell Dr. G about this weird cough I have been having. She said it is acid reflux and put me on 150 mg of Zantac twice a day. It has made a huge difference the last few days! I am very grateful for that. No hugging the toilet for three days in a row!

Overall, the visit went awesome. Dr. G and the staff are all so sweet - and reminded me to call about anything, anytime. I appreciated that reassurance. Dr. G said everything is going great and to keep doing what I'm doing. Chip and I are both very grateful to be in the hands of such caring staff. Our next appointment is in a month. I do get to go to Texas in two weeks for my last appointment with Dr. D.

UPDATE:
I forgot to mention today's happenings! I went to get my bloodwork done (totally routine stuff) - I did not realize that I would be feeding vampires. Seriously - they took 6 vials. I am happy to report that I did not pass out and I treated myself to sweet tea for my bravery. :)

Blessings

1. My in laws are coming tomorrow
2. Lessened morning sickness
3. Sunny days
4. Big decisions
5. A blessed life

10 Weeks (Blessings #26)

I was expecting to write about my first PA OB visit that was scheduled for 6:30 this morning. I was expecting to be excited and talk about the GREAT doctor. That is not what happened. Chip and I arrived at the doctor's office at 6:30 this morning only to find the door locked and the lights off. It was the right place. I received a phone call yesterday confirming my appointment. I called the main line - answering service. I called the nurse - voice mail. We waited for 30 minutes and gave up - frustrated and irritated.

I am waiting until the doctor's office people actual pick up the phone (at 8 evidently). I am anxious to hear what they have to say. We are giving them one more chance depending on what they day. I am confused and let down. What was supposed to be a happy moment turned into an upsetting one.

UPDATE: I called the doctor's office and the person that made the appointment misunderstood me when I asked for the earliest appointment. They gave me the latest appointment - at 6:30 p.m. tonight. When they told me 6:30, I assumed (wrongly) that is was for a.m. and never asked them if it as p.m. SO - tonight we drive back to the doctor. At least Chip can still go with me so that is a blessing. :)

The little jellybean is good though. Making Mommy sick every morning, I see this as a good sign that the jellybean is growing. I will be happy when the getting sick part is over though.

:::

Blessings

1. Having insurance and being able to see the doctor of our choice
2. Going to see Legally Blonde: The Musical with my mother in law next week.
3. In laws are here on Monday!
4. A sweet husband who lets me sleep - a lot.
5. Praying through big decisions

Unexpected Side Effect (Blessings #25)

I have recently experienced an unusual, for me, side effect of pregnancy. The desire to NOT shop or spend money. At first, it was just because I didn't feel like shopping - too tired, nauseous, all those teeny baby clothes and the overwhelming desire to touch every one and knowing that our baby will not ever want for clothes because of two wonderful Grandmas (I know my Mom and Mother-in-law cannot resist buying wee clothes for the baby - and I fully support that - their job is to spoil the little jellybean). Now, it is the whole not wanting to spend money thing. The seed planted at the Women's Retreat I went to where I thought seriously about needs vs. wants. Now, I am being super frugal (for me). I bought a book called Baby Bargains that rates various baby items and tells you which is the best value (it is a great book - although I don't agree with everything it says about what you need and don't need). I have been researching and pricing things to find the best deals.

I think Chip is pleasantly surprised at this. I have been cooking more, spending less and generally not buying a lot of unnecessary items. Craigslist has become my friend for researching future baby items that we would like, but are better bought not new. I have some awesome friends who have gifted me with hand-me-downs. I have Judy - who gets an amazing discount at JCP so we will be able to get the baby furniture at a great price! (I found a sleigh-style crib, 3 drawer dresser that we will use as a changing table and dresser, conversion rails and 5 drawer dresser for less than $750 - seriously - awesome deal!)

I didn't expect this side effect. Case in point - JCP had a sale this weekend and we had a gift card from Judy - we bought two throw pillows. That is it. I also had a coupon for a free sample of mascara from Sephora in JCP and I only got the sample! Granted, I did want a body pillow to sleep with at night to help me be more comfortable and some black out shades for our bedroom because it is ten degrees hotter than our downstairs (dang west sun) - I need to get them online or ask Judy to order them for me. She is awesome like that! (and I know she reads this blog - I would write that even if she didn't read this)

So - this side effect. I hope it sticks. I think it will help me be a better wife and mother. Although I have to admit that this side effect has no effect on my love of cards and stationary. I can justify that though - my goal this year is to be more considerate, send more just because mail and I need to write thank yous. I am not sure if this will have any effect on when we have a baby - I think I may have a hard time resisting buying precious baby things. Then again - I am thinking I won't need to buy a thing (besides the basics) because of the aforementioned Grandmas and some awesome friends and their hand-me-downs.

Blessings

1. The shopping side effect
2. Zantac (great for heartburn and doctor approved during pregnancy)
3. Saltine crackers
4. Dum dum lollipops
5. My sweet husband

Nine Weeks (Blessings #24)

Today I am nine weeks. I am officially in my third month of pregnancy and am carrying around a grape-sized miracle. Today is also Chip's 31st birthday - Happy Birthday Honey! It's so crazy to think that, this time next year, we will have a five month old rascal on our hands. Crazy cool!

So far, being pregnant has been great! I definitely cannot wear my pants anymore. I am embracing the maternity pants and all things with stretch waistbands. Good thing I love skirts and dresses! I have been having some typical first trimester symptoms: morning sickness, nausea, heartburn and indigestion, fatigue, etc. I do cry at the silliest stuff too - commercials, anything involving a baby or children or animals. Ahh - hormones! I am enjoying being pregnant - the end result is 100% worth it.

My first PA OB appointment is next week (Thursday). YEA! It feels even more real now. I have also been slowly researching baby room stuff. Not ordering or anything - just researching for the best values for our precious one...

:::

I promised to write about the appointment where we first heard the heartbeat. It was magical! We were able to make the appointment for the day before we left for our family trip to Alaska. My Mom, Chip and I went in the room while my Dad stayed in the waiting room. The doctor was awesome! He talked about his cruise to Alaska and joked around with us. Then he said, "Do you see it?" I didn't know what it was and I didn't see it. Chip immediately did. He showed me the teeny light flickering on the screen. The doctor confirmed that we had one pregnancy and it was healthy. Dr. Doody thought this was better since it is healthier for the Mom and baby. I thought I would be sad, but I wasn't - I just felt a sense of joy. Utter and complete joy.

Then Dr. Doody turned on the volume. A quiet woosh-woosh sound filled the room. I looked at Chip and immediately started crying. It was our baby's heartbeat - a strong 115 bpm! A perfect and beautiful sound - music to my ears. Calm filled me - God has so had this under control and planned this very moment for us. Dr. Doody told us that the heartbeat would go up to the 149-160+ range by the next appointment. Dr. Doody then, just for fun, showed us the baby in 3D. It was the most precious little blob I have ever seen. Our little jellybean.

To be able to hear the heartbeat, with my husband, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is impossible to describe how amazing it was and still is. It was a moment that I will never forget. I am so thankful to God for this miracle He has bestowed on us. He is amazing and our baby will be perfect thanks to Him.

:::

Blessings

1. God's faithfulness
2. Amazing friends
3. Chip's birthday
4. Being married to someone who will be such an incredible Daddy
5. Everything... even heartburn

8 Weeks Down, 32 To Go (Blessings #23)

I know I have a lot to write about in regards to the cruise and stuff. I wanted to give a quick baby update.

We had a 6 week appointment that was magical a couple of weeks ago, but I need time to write that one down, since Chip was there and that was when we heard the heartbeat for the first time.

I went to the Texas doctor yesterday for my 8 week appointment. The heartbeat was awesome at 167 bpm (beats per minute), the baby measured 8w1d in size (definitely a Frohling - I was only 7w6d at the appointment) and the doctor did a 3D of the baby! WOW! The baby has elbows and knees and joints. It is the most perfect baby I have ever seen. Dr. Doody told me everything looked great and to keep doing what I'm doing. YEA! Our little jellybean is already an overachiever and impressing doctors. :)

I go back to Texas for my last appointment with Dr. Doody on June 19th. I made an appointment today with a regular OB, whom I have heard great things about, for June 4th at 7:30 a.m. (so early but worth it). I am excited - that means I have an appointment at 10 weeks and at 12 weeks. This first trimester is going by so fast!

So - given the heartbeat - what do you think? Boy or girl?

Blessings

1. One perfect baby
2. Perfect heartbeat
3. Seabands
4. Sprite & crackers
5. A loving husband

We Made It and It's Begun (Blessings #22)

We made it! I will be six weeks tomorrow!! I've never made it this far and it's my own personal goal that when we passed the 5 and a half week mark that everything would be okay. God has given me extreme peace and comfort. It's a great feeling to truly enjoy being pregnant!

So this morning I woke up, brushed my teeth and proceeded to huddle over the toilet dry heaving. UGH! I went back to bed and begged my tummy to settle. It didn't, so I had some ginger ale and peanut butter crackers. Much better! I'm thankful for this symptom, even if it is not the most fun symptom - it gives me conformation that everything is going as it should. Plus, huge sympathy factor. hehe My big boss was sweet and got a Coke for me out of his vehicle when I was feeling queasy again this afternoon. Very nice!

Blessings

1. Morning sickness
2. Peanut butter
3. Ginger ale
4. Sweet coworkers
5. God's faithfulness

Babies Babies Everywhere (Blessings #21)

It seems like so many of my friends are pregnant right now. This is very exciting to know I will have munchkins at the same time as some of our friends. However, it does make my heart ache for some of my other friends who are where we were - on the roller coaster of wanting to be pregnant and not being pregnant... It breaks my heart for them. I have faith that they will get pregnant and God will answer their prayers as He answered ours.

Congratulations to our friends B&I who are expecting, as well as L&M and E&C. I am using initials because I don't want to be the one who spreads the news... I am so happy for all of them!

This weekend we went to Chuck E. Cheese with a friend and his daughter & daughter's mommy, went house hunting (found a couple of possibilities), enjoyed junk food (my tummy does not appreciate it), had lunch with a friend and enjoyed a quiet weekend of lots of time with just us. I needed that! We bought a carpet cleaner and Chip cleaned the carpets. The smell was getting to me and wow - the carpets are so clean now! The stuff that got sucked out of the carpet -EWWW!!!! Thank you, Chip, for doing that!

Other than that - we are just doing laundry so we can pack for our cruise. I am super excited for our appointment on Friday - just a few more days!! YEA! It will be nice to relax and do nothing (wait - I have been doing that anyway...)

Blessings

1. So many friends and so many precious babies
2. Gorgeous weekend weather
3. Clean carpets
4. Sweet husband
5. Lunch with Lindsay

The Joy of Pregnancy (Blessings #20)

Well - it has been awhile huh? This whole being tired symptom of pregnancy is in full force - combined with the fact I spent all day at work on a computer, our computer at home is being neglected. I apologize and promise to try and be better! :)

Last Friday I did go to the doctor. I misunderstood the nurse, though. She said we would schedule the ultrasound on Friday, not actually have one. A little disappointing, but it gives us something to look forward to at the next ultrasound - which Chip will get to go to - scheduled for Friday, May 8th. They took my levels and they were 348! The goal was at least up by 60% and they went up by a little over 100%! YEA!! God has given me such peace and comfort and i am so grateful. The power of prayer is still being felt each and every day.

I flew home last Saturday morning and have love being home with Chip and the girls. I have been busy at work, so that has taken my mind off of waiting for the next appointment.

As of today, I am officially 5 weeks and 1 day pregnant. I have had a bit of nausea at times, mostly it is just the chest aching and being tired. Chip has been and is so sweet and encourages me to just relax. I've been doing a pretty good job at that - the girls like relaxing with me.

I am so excited about hearing the heartbeat and seeing how many babies are in the oven next Friday. I have a feeling about how many we are having and what sex they will be. That is my secret though - I will be just as happy being wrong as I am if I am right. We leave for a family cruise on Saturday, so it will be a great way to kick off our trip. According the books and websites I've read, the morning sickness starts to really kick in at the 6 week mark. I will be following Kathy's advice and eat protein so I don't get as sick. If I do, that is okay. I can blame it on the boat.

I am embracing being pregnant and subscribed to a pregnancy newsletter yesterday. It's very cool - this week we are growing the heart (and other things as well). Pretty cool!

:::

In other news, my friend Kathy had her twins, Corey and Peyton, on Tuesday, April 28th - which is also her sister's birthday! They are ABSOLUTELY gorgeous and perfect!

My other friend, Julie, did a frozen embryo transfer the week after our embryo transfer and got her test results back Tuesday - she is pregnant! She has been trying for so long and I am SO very excited for her!!

Other than that - my life right now consists of sleep, work, dinner, couch, sleep and some walking around and doing light housework (dishes, laundry, dog duty). Of course - and growing healthy babies!! I am so grateful that God has blessed us!! This weekend we are looking at houses, so we'll see what happens. Also, I made my first regular OB appointment for the Monday after our cruise (May 18th). Very exciting!

:::

Blessings

1. God blessing us
2. Pregnancy symptoms
3. Being home
4. Awesome coworkers
5. Enjoying the moment

The Power of Prayer (Blessings #19)

The power of prayer is really amazing! God is so faithful and has blessed us so much. These babies are so prayed for, loved and are truly a gift from God. I went to the doctor yesterday morning for the blood test. My favorite nurse told me she would know maybe by noon, but it might be by 4. She called me at 10:30 to tell me that I AM DEFINITELY PREGNANT! Praise God!!! They said the minimum my levels could be are 50 and mine are 172. I think this means twins ;)! Either way, I am ecstatic and so thankful!

Of course, I called Chip first, then my parents and friends. Needless to say, lots of happy thoughts and prayers! I go back Friday to make sure my levels have increased by at least 60% and then they will do an ultrasound to see how many sacs there are. So - Friday we will know how many buns are in the oven.

What is your guess? One baby or two

:::

I also was able to spend the day with my friend, Amy, and her family. We had a great time and they even treated me to lunch from Chick-Fil-A. They were there when the nurse called and prayed over me. It was so sweet and means so much to me that they did that!

After I picked Mom up from lunch, we went to get a dipped cone in celebration from Dairy Queen. Her boss even gave her Thursday off! We picked up Miss Sallie and then headed to Pickles & Ice Cream for some retail celebrating. It was so fun to model with the bump pillows so I could see what I would look like in 3 months and 7 months! WOW!! I am definitely set on some cute clothes for awhile and am so grateful for that. After shopping, we are dinner with church friends at the Mellow Mushroom. It was very tasty! Then home to bed - I was exhausted!

Blessings

1. the amazing power of prayer
2. the gift from God - a positive pregnancy test
3. celebrating
4. telling Chip he's going to be a daddy and how happy he is
5. sweet text messages of congratulations

Lovin' Life (Blessings #16)

I am lovin' life right now. Life is just truly great! God has blessed us in so many ways and I find myself just in awe of His greatness. It's pretty amazing.

In regards to the whole being pregnant thing, my body is liking it! I have symptoms, for which I am grateful because it gives me daily confirmation. I have to sleep in a sports bra and I have to eat every few hours so I don't get sick. My belly is also growing - even though I know it is just gas and hormones, it's pretty cool. My Mom showed early, and I did too in my last pregnancy, so I am okay with being in the looking fat stage so early. I know I'm pregnant and I don't mind if people look at me thinking I gained 10 pounds in my belly. I have actually lost weight - since I can't eat a whole lot at one time and have been seriously craving healthy food.

I am now in maternity pants. My shirts still fit (except for being a little tight in the chest region). I really don't need maternity pants quite yet, but my regular pants get so tight in the afternoon that it's not very comfortable. I can still wear my regular skirts and dresses, so I am thrilled about that!

I am so happy to be home. This week at work was super busy and it made the week go by so fast! I leave for Texas Tuesday evening for my blood test at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. I will have another one on Friday to make sure my levels are going up the way that they should be. I will also get more progesterone so I stay pregnant with these precious babies!

Blessings for Today

1. Going to the zoo yesterday
2. Enjoying time on the couch relaxing
3. Chip being so sweet to me - seriously, he is doing so much so I can rest
4. Sleeping in my own bed
5. Awesome spring weather

Preggo (Blessings #15)

As I write this, I am preggo! I am thinking with twins since they put in two perfect embryos. Seriously - they were perfect!

The embryos grew just like they were supposed to. The doctor froze one on Monday, one yesterday and two today. One of the frozen is excellent quality and two were good quality. They looked pretty awesome to me on the pictures they showed me of the blastocysts (embryos) before they did the transfer. My Mom, Dad, cousin Darra and friend Kristi were with me on Monday. My Mom and cousin were with me when they actually transferred the embryos. Kristi was sweet and kept my Dad company in the waiting room. It was a very cool process. We had to wait 20 minutes for my bladder to finish filling up from the two big glasses of water I had. Then, the doctor sat everything up. They called down to the lab for the babies and they delivered them on a silver tray. Then he put them in - you could see a white light on the ultrasound - they gave me a picture of that. After he put them in, the lab confirmed that they were in me and not in the tube thing. I relaxed for about 20 minutes and then we went to breakfast at Rise n Dine. I spent the rest of the day relaxing at my parents and went to my bible study and rested there with my friends.

Tuesday afternoon I left for PA - the doctor said I was good to fly and I was ready to go home and see my husband and girls. I think the girls know - they have been so gentle around me and Addison has taken a liking to licking my belly. She normal wakes me up with a kiss to the lips, however, this morning it was a kiss on the belly. So sweet!!

Of course, everyone at work was so sweet and kind. I work with the best people! They have been so understanding and awesome. I have to be gone for three weeks next week and they are excited for me. I go back Wednesday and Friday for POSITIVE blood pregnancy tests. YEA! I can't wait! I feel pregnant and I am pregnant. My chest and tummy swelling confirm it.

This journey that we are on has been incredible - everything has gone perfectly and according to God's plan. I want the glory of the Lord and my faith in Him to shine through. I pray that it does - He gets all the credit!!

My "to do" now is to rest. I am doing just that and enjoying lots of couch time with the girls and Chip. At work, I am blessed that I can relax - I sit at a desk with a perfect chair and window and awesome coworkers. What could be better than that?

:::

Blessings for Today

1. Being home with my husband and girls
2. Sleeping through a rainstorm
3. Yummy sweet potato fries and cheese steak
4. God enabling me to be so chill and relaxed
5. Awesome friends!

Resting is Hard Work! (Blessings #14)

So I am supposed to be resting... I am having a hard time doing that. I like to keep busy to make the time go by fast and there are so many people to see and stuff to do. The doctor told me today to REST - so doctor's orders... I am trying!

So - yesterday we got our first fertilization report. Of the 18 viable eggs, 11 were mature. Of the 11 that went through ICSI, 6 fertilized, which I think is pretty great! We will get another call tomorrow (Saturday) to see how the little ones are growing. It is so exciting! For those that don't believe that life begins at conception, this puts a whole new light on it.

Today I had to go to the doctor. No big deal - I have just had some bloating and cramping and wanted to make sure it was normal. It is - I just have to drink TONS of gatorade and water, as well as have a HIGH sodium diet until Monday. Ordered to eat Mexican food? Awesome!

I am excited for Monday and am preparing my body. I am so bloated today (just in the tummy, thank the Lord), that a lady at Wal-Mart remarked at what a cute little momma-to-be I am! I just smiled and said thank you - because she doesn't know just how right she is!

:::

Yesterday Chip flew home - I miss him! Just a few more days...

Okay - I know this is short, but the couch is calling my name and I have a meal to drop off for a friend who just had a baby. Yes - I am resting. I just threw together a chicken pot pie for her and for my sister-in-law. Now - off to REALLY rest...

Blessings for Today

1. Chip having a safe flight home
2. Nathan's 2nd birthday party - so fun
3. A great doctor's appointment and an understanding doctor
4. A sense of humor
5. God - let us all remember why Good Friday is something that literally saved all of our lives...

It's All Great (Blessings #13)

Hey everyone! The last two days have been awesome. I went in for my hCG levels and they needed to be at least 65 - they were 210! This means that the egg retrieval was today. Chip came in last night - it is so nice to sleep in the same bed (and state) as my husband. :)

The egg retrieval went perfectly! I had 22 eggs, 18 of which were viable (meaning that they were the right size to be fertilized). AWESOME! That high of a number is SO the power of prayer at work. I also started my progesterone today so that the babies will stick! We will find out tomorrow how many fertilized and the time that the embryo transfer will be on Monday. It's getting closer - I am so fired up! I will go back to PA on Tuesday and be at work on Wednesday. I miss my PA friends!

:::

In other news, life has been pretty awesome around here. It's so nice to be able to have quality time with family and friends. Yesterday I hung out with my cousin Darra. Tonight we are having dinner with some friends and tomorrow, after I take Chip to the airport, I will spend some time with my friend, TE, at her school. YEA!

Blessings for Yesterday and Today

1. Safe flights
2. Getting to see Chip
3. Quality time with Darra
4. Awesome weather
5. Enjoying the moment
6. Incredible nurses
7. Amazing power of prayer
8. Talented doctors
9. High egg count
10. God blessing us each step of this journey!

Ever Closer (Blessings #12)

The days keep getting closer and closer. The day they take the eggs, the day they implant them, the day that we have our positive blood test, the day we hear the heartbeat(s), the day we see their precious faces, the day we find out the sex, the day they are born... so many days to look forward to...

The appointment this morning went wonderfully! My favorite medical assistant took my blood and my wonderful nurse did the sonogram and we saw LOTS of mature eggs that looked so robust and healthy. It looked like a bunch of grapes (or jellybeans). Two of those eggs will be our children in nine months - crazy to think about!

They called me this afternoon with my results and next steps. My E2 was 3,105 (awesome!) and I took the hcG shot this evening and started taking antibiotics (the neighbor of where we have bible study is a nurse and gave it to me since it had to go in my hip). The egg retrieval is Wednesday - this means I get to see Chip tomorrow night! I miss him so much!! I will also be able to watch the girls at doggie camp via web cam. YIPPEE!!!

I go back tomorrow to make sure the hcG was absorbed properly by my body and then I show up at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday morning with Chip. After the eggs are retrieved and fertilized, they will grow for five days and two of the embryos will be transferred Monday. The rest will be frozen for possible future use. This means that Monday I WILL be pregnant with twins - and I will be pregnant on bible study night - yea! I am also excited that the babies will grow in their dish over Easter - how cool is that?

I am excited - in a good way. It is amazing to be a part of this incredible journey and see how faithful God is and see His hand in the perfect planning of everything. It's a blessing!

:::

Today was great! After the doctor, us girls headed to Frisco to meet my cousin, Chris, for lunch and go shopping! We bought some jewelry, had some awesome Sprinkles cupcakes and I got some fun fake hair - so now I can just clip in my fake hair whenever. We even stopped at this ADORABLE boutique called Pickles and Ice Cream. Obviously, it's a maternity boutique. I didn't buy anything - it was fun to look and know that SOON I will need maternity clothing. I did see a shirt that may be the first item I buy after the heartbeat sonogram. It said "Twins - Double the Blessing." I love that! Even one is pretty huge blessing!

Tonight we did have bible study - which was awesome! We started a new study that I am really looking forward to doing. It is called Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed and features Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. Such great women - I adore them!

Mom and I did have a little incident before bible study at Chick-Fil-A with a man wrongly accusing me of cursing his wife and kids (he had the wrong person - he wasn't there to see who it actually was and found the wrong person - wrong being us). Funny story - even if at the time it was a little scary to have a guy knock on your car window and accuse you of something so crazy! Good husband for trying to find who offended his wife - he just had the wrong lady.

::

Blessings for Today

1. Awesome doctor appointment and such considerate staff!
2. Getting to see my husband in less than 24 hours
3. Finding a nurse to give me the intramuscular shot
4. Fun day of shopping and family time
5. Great time at bible study

Family Time (Blessings #11)

Today was filled with loads and loads of quality family time! My cousin and her husband opened up their home to our crazy family. We haven't seen each other since Christmas and it was so fun to just catch up with everyone. There are two new babies that are 3 months apart. Next Christmas will be crazy with the addition of my brother's new baby and me being pregnant with two more babies. How fun! All of these cousins so close in age with their bigger cousins to watch over them and teach them how to do stuff (like climb into cribs and use light sabers). I am so blessed by such a great family - they are incredibly supportive and just love me.

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Tomorrow is my next doctor's appointment and I am looking forward to it. Afterwards, we are going shopping with my mom, aunt, cousin and her precious son and daughter. Her daughter told me today, "I love shopping!" Now that is my kind of girl! I miss my cousin that I am shopping with tomorrow - she lives in Pittsburg, Texas and we were besties growing up (which lead to us getting into trouble together - but hey! That's part of growing up). She is a wonderful woman and it is pretty cool to think of us both having babies. :)

Blessings for Today

1. Talking to Chip about our crazy dogs - they crack me up! I love that they "sandwich" him while I am away to make him feel loved. Sweet girls!
2. Time with family - see above - simply stated - they are awesome!
3. Another relaxing day that is truly a gift from God.
4. DM giving me my shots and getting to spend quality time with her - who knew that us giving my Granma Water her insulin shots for all those years would pay off in this way?
5. My faith - I am so thankful to God for everything He is done and the way He has placed certain people and situations in the perfect place. Thank you really can't describe how I feel - but He knows my heart and what I mean.

It's the Simple Things (Blessings #10)

The doctor's appointment this morning went wonderfully! My Mom went with me and we got to see all of the follicles. There were more than the computer could count on the the right side (more than ten) and they were all measuring between 10-12mm. The left side had about five. The lining looked awesome and the nurse turned on the thermal imaging thing and my blood flow is great as well. God has this all so perfectly planned - it's amazing to see and be a part of! They took blood again and my E2 levels are at 1702 (or 1705 can't remember right now which one it was) - which really just rocks! My next appointment is Monday morning (and my medicine levels stay the same) - so tomorrow I have church and chilling with the family. We are having a big get together at my cousin's home. It will be great to see everyone - we haven't all been together since Christmas!

Monday I find out which day will be the egg retrieval. I thought I would find out today, but they want my follicles to grow some more (which is great - everything is just going so awesome). I am thinking it will be Wednesday or Thursday, but we will see. It will be so nice to see my husband and to take these eggs out. I am feeling tender - but I really don't mind. It is a reminder that the medicine is working and, most importantly, that the follicles are growing. It's hard to describe how it feels - kind of like there is an orange or grapefruit (actually two of them) in your lower belly. It makes you not able to eat as much and it makes your belly swollen. I will take it though - it is a blessing and confirmation that everything is going the way it should.

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Today I had some quality time with the Bakers. Mary picked me up after the doctor and we went to NRH for an egg hunt, to Halle's soccer game (she scored not one, not two, but THREE goals) and then to my Mom's for lunch and just relaxing. Mary and Brian made dinner for us - catfish, fries, ranch style beans and sweet corn hush puppies and this amazing brownie dessert. A perfect day with some of my very favorite people!

Blessings for Today

1. Seeing the joy in the girls eyes as they found eggs.
2. Another great doctor's appointment.
3. Awesome friends!
4. Relaxing with the girls.
5. A great day overall.

Loving the Small Things (Blessings #9)

Today was a great day to just be....to just relax...to enjoy my family...

I went to lunch with my Dad and Aunt Cindy at McAlister's - I have missed their sweet tea and awesome service! I have been craving soup lately - I guess because it is easy on the stomach. At least soup is good for me, so it's a good craving to have.

After lunch, I just played around on the computer, picked up a prescription at Walgreen's and was generally lazy. It's okay - because my body is busy growing healthy follicles.

My brother and his wife and son treated me to dinner at Olive Garden and then we just chilled at my parent's while Mom and Dad had a date night to the Gaither's concert. I needed the rest - and the quality time.

Tomorrow I have another doctor's appointment - yea! This means one day closer to being pregnant and one day closer to seeing my husband (I cannot tell you how much I miss him).

Blessings for Today

1. Talking with Danielle and coordinating schedules - I will get to see her, my aunt and Danielle's two sweet kids on Sunday. YEA!
2. Having a great conversation with my friend, Shannon, who helped me know what to expect next with IVF. She gave me just the information I needed to know and not too much.
3. Comfortable, summery clothes ans sunshiny weather - sitting outside at Olive Garden while waiting on our table.
4. Playing with my sweet nephew - he is precious and I love him! He is at such a fun age - we had a great time chasing each other up and down the hallway playing tag.
5. Just enjoying life - one day at a time - and enjoying this journey.

It's a Great Day to Be Alive (Blessings #8)

I woke up this morning so excited for my doctor's appointment! I went to the doctor and had my blood taken. Then the nurse (whom I absolutely love) did my sonogram and said that everything looked perfect! My lining looks ready, my follicles are at about 10mm and the cyst on my left side SHRUNK. One of my other favorite nurses called me (early!) and said that my E2 levels are awesome at 812 and that they will see me bright and early Saturday for another E2 blood test and sonogram. My meds are staying the same for the next two days (Thursday and Friday). It looks like probably Wednesday will be the egg retrieval and I will get to see Chip! YIPPEE!! I will know more on Saturday... As we all know, the calendar is subject to change.

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I was blessed today to be able to spend time with my dear friend, Stefanie, at the school I would have taught at had we not relocated. It was nice to catch up with everyone - and be offered a job (sweet thought - maybe one day a long time from now). Stefanie means a lot to me and we understand each other due to some things we have both gone through. She always know just what Christian encouragement I need and holds me accountable. I hate that she lives so far, but love the time we can be together now!

After the day with Stefanie, I picked up Mom at work and we had dinner with our friends, Aaron and Alicia. They spoiled us with a delicious, home cooked meal! Thank ya'll!! Aaron even made me a fruit smoothie to keep me healthy. We also got to see their venue for the upcoming wedding in 2010 and their gorgeous home (their yard is amazing - I'm on awe of it!).

I also had the chance to text and talk with several friends today - it made my heart happy! Two of them have been through IVF, so they know more than me and encourage me and pray for us! I also talked to my boss who told me to keeping resting and not worry about work - do I have a great job or what?!

Now, I'm off to get some sleep. This whole growing follicles thing is hard work that I am honored to have!

Blessings for Today

1. A great doctor's appointment - I love the staff and their faith. They take such great care of all of their patients and are so genuinely considerate!
2. Amazing friends that text and call me
3. Being able to spend quality time with Stefanie
4. My friend, Kristy, having her 4D ultrasound today - precious baby! Kathy has an ultrasound tomorrow for the twins - they are getting closer and closer to being here...
5. Having an amazing husband who is so supportive. My parents, in laws, family and friends are pretty rockin' too!

What a Wonderful Day! (Blessings #7)

What a wonderful day! Truthfully, I went to bed last night feeling anxious about the doctor's appointment today and just praying to God to cover me in peace. Thanks to God and the power of prayer, I woke up this morning feeling at peace and completely okay. (Note to self: do NOT read the getting pregnant book with all it's scientific data 1 in a million stuff that will make you worry.)

They took my blood and did the sonogram. The nurse said that my E2 levels were NOTHING to worry about and not to worry - it just meant that my body was responding really well to the medication. Although I knew this in my heart, the confirmation was nice and told me that yes - it was just the enemy trying to make me doubt. DON'T DOUBT - give your fears to God and trust in HIM!

Anyway, she measured eight follicles on the right side (there were more, but they don't measure them all) and four on the left (there were more on that side, but not as many due to the cyst thing that is nothing to worry about). I even got pictures today for the baby book. hehe It makes me feel good to have something tangible (besides my swollen abdomen) to pray over. It gives me hope to see the pictures and increases my certainty - this is all in His hands and man, does He have it taken care of! It's a miracle and so cool to be a part of!

Another nurse called this evening and my E2 levels are 552 (woo hoo!) and I go back in tomorrow for another E2 blood test and a sono (more pictures - wee). It is an amazing process and so cool! Note to people who see me - the drugs due cause my abdomen to swell and it causes gas bloating. Due to the fact that I am NOT googling or looking at forums (to protect myself because I would worry if I did that stuff), I didn't realize this. I thought I was just retaining water and eating the wrong foods- it made me feel better to know the swollen belly is a natural side effect (as is the cramping - which truly is not bad at all). It makes me grateful for the skirts and dresses I have with elastic bands (thank you Mom!) and gives me a glimpse of what I will continue to look like during the pregnancy - which I am totally okay with!! :)

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After the doctor, I headed to Bridgeport Middle School, where I used to teach. It was awesome to see all of my colleagues there and, especially, the now 8th graders I had last year. One of them got commended on the Reading TAKS this year - a huge feat that I am so proud of since last year was the first year this student had passed on the first try. Another student, who has a slight sensory disability, found me and waited in the hall during their elective to talk to me. This particular student has sensory issues and, on their own, gave me several hugs, told me they loved and missed me and that I was their favorite teacher! I immediately teared up - these two students (along with a few more) have a huge place in my heart and wow - to know a made a tiny difference in their lives - it touched me so much!! I'm shaking just typing this because of how much it meant to me! I realized (even more) today how much I miss teaching and having that impact. I enjoy my job now and who I work with and for. However, I miss the kids! My old principal did offer me a job - but the commute is a little long at 20 hours one way. It was a great visit with old friends - and one of them is having a precious little girl in a few weeks! I am so thrilled for her!! I love you BMS friends - you mean so much to me and I am blessed to have you in my life. :)

After that fun visit, I picked my Mom up from work, she gave me my shots and we went to dinner with some sweet ladies from her church that I have grown up with. A great day and I am exhausted. I will sleep well tonight, covered in prayer, ready for my appointment tomorrow to see how our follicles are doing. To my LG sisters and sweet friends - you amaze me with your words of encouragement and prayers! I love ya'll!

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Oops! I posted this without listing my blessings!!!

1. Feeling completely at peace when I woke up and KNOWING everything is in God's hands and it will be okay.
2. A nurse at the doctor who knew just what to say and was so through at explaining everything to me! (and even gave me pictures)
3. Listening to Jourdan Burks' CD and hearing the words she sang just touch my heart in such a profound way. (glad I was in the car by myself so I didn't take out anyone's ear drums with my offkey and offbeat singing)
4. An incredible visit at BMS - amazing people who really and truly care.
5. Opening my email to find amazing and sweet words directed at me