25 weeks

I went to the doctor on Wednesday, my 25 week mark. My fundal height is currently measuring 27cm, so she said I obviously had a growth spurt. I was reading online at thebump.com that 2cm either way is normal. I also asked about having a big baby and what determines their size: nutrition, obviously, and genetics. She said if I'm going to have a 12 lb. baby like Ryan was, she will deliver her via C-section, so she's going to keep an eye on the baby's size. I obviously don't want a C-section, because of the recovery timeframe and the fact that it's major surgery, but I can't lie and say that I'm not relieved about not pushing a 12 lb. human out of my vagina. Yikes; that would hurt. Baby's heartbeat was good, at 144 BPM, and she kicked the doppler - I felt it and heard it. I am thinking she doesn't like it too much. :)

I thought I was getting some hemmorhoids, another joyful side effect of pregnancy, so she wanted to take a look. It's not hemmorhoids, and it might be a fistula. Without going into too much detail about this lovely (and scary) problem, I had some issues a couple years ago that may not have cleared up all the way. I'm nervous for several reasons: the anasthesia's effect on the baby, if I have to have surgery, the healing process, labor worsening the problem. I can't be seen by a specialist until August 7th. I've just been praying that God will heal me if it's His will, that I can get in sooner and that maybe there is a non-surgical solution that will permanently get rid of the problem. I know God's got me and Baby in His hands, so I'm really trying not to worry too much about this.

Baby is getting bigger, not that I can tell how big from "the outside," but her movements are definitely getting stronger. She kicks a lot, and since my uterus is up by my rib cage now, I can feel some fluttery type movements up there, too - almost like she is brushing it with her little hand. I will post a pic. update soon.

Ruth's Chris

I know gluttony is a sin, but that didn't stop us from being on the borderline of it. We went to Ruth's Chris Steak House for our anniversary dinner, and it was oh so delicious! It was nice to have some good conversations about our life together and what the future holds. I can't wait, and even though it is unknown, I feel so blessed to have my sweet husband at my side. It was and is so nice to be able to share with each other the joy and also the nervousness we feel (mostly me - I am kind of an anxious person :) ). Ryan is so encouraging. I tell him I'm scared labor, and he reassures me. The man has passed like three kidney stones, so he knows pain! I tell him I'm very excited but know having a baby could take a toll on our marriage, as I am not naive enough to think it will not be a transition, and he presents confidence in how it will continue to be great. We shared what it will be like to bring our little girl home and the things we want to share with our children, the things we pray for even now for them. It is moments and conversations like these that I see God's hand in placing us together and how it was truly His perfect match. This vacation has been so nice, and I'm so thankful God allowed us to be able to come and honored our prayers of bonding. I kind of feel like I do on Christmas Day, when it's winding down, not ready for it to end. What a sweet, relaxing anniversary we have shared.

Four Years

Today marks Ryan & my fourth anniversary. I woke up this morning, and more love fills my heart for Ryan that it ever has, than it did on our wedding day. God answers our prayers, and one of mine has always been for Him to instill new love between us and strengthen our bond. He has done that overwhelmingly over the last four years. I feel that our relationship is so much stronger with each passing event - even in the daily mundane things we have to do, which Ryan always seems to make more fun. :) And now we are about to face another event, the birth of our first child. I am so excited to see Ryan as a father, as I know he will be an excellent one in the same way I knew he would be an excellent husband and has lived up to that. I am so thrilled that God has this for us on our journey together as a couple. I am so full of love for him and so proud of our marriage and what God has made it that I truly do not have enough words to describe it! Happy Anniversary, Ry. I love you!

The Zoo!

Yesterday we didn't do too much...went to meet Nolan for lunch in Austin at a really great burrito place, Freebird. It was kind of like Chipotle and very tasty. It was nice to catch up with him and learn a little bit more about his wife. Then we came back, relaxed and finished our Ripley's exhibits. We also ate at Tony Roma's and saw Land of the Lost, which was kind of a disappointment.

Today we went to the San Antonio Zoo, which was fun. Here are a couple of pictures from our day, and we took my 24 bumpie pic at the zoo as well (see post below). God sure is creative - you can really see it in all the animals He made! :)

This last one is a cool picture Ryan took of the city from our room.

24 week update

How far along? 24 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Not sure; we’re on vacation
Maternity clothes: Yes.
Stretch marks? None.
Sleep: Great – weird dreams again, though.
Best moment this week: She reaches viability today; doctors would feel somewhat hopeful if she was born today (not that we want that).
Movement: Lots – she feels like she’s on a little schedule.
Food cravings: Nothing unusual, really…ice cream.
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: None.
Belly button in or out? In.
What I miss: A nice glass of wine with dinner.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing a little foot or hand move across my belly and my shower.
Weekly Wisdom: Cherish your last trip together just the two of you.
Milestones: No new “milestones” per se, just excited we can see her moving around in there.

Babymooning in San Antonio

Ryan & I are on our "babymoon" in San Antonio, TX. It is HOT here - the highs have been about 100 degrees! Last night we got in and went to dinner at the Hard Rock, then we walked along the Riverwalk for a little bit to find some other restaurants and decide what we wanted to do. We are staying at a nice hotel here, except they charge quite a bit for parking, and we were both pretty honked off at that...but what can you do?? Here's a couple pictures of our room:

A picture of the hotel from afar

Our bed with the 4 extra pillows I had to order up to be "pregnant comfy"

Jacuzzi Tub!!

And, YAY - Aveda products! You better believe I'm taking these home...

Today we decided to do the Ripley's package, which includes five "tours": Ripley's Belive It or Not; Toussad's Wax Museum; Guiness Records Museum; 3D Horrors & Tomb Rider. We did three of them today - Ripley's, the wax museum and the Guiness. Here are a couple of pictures from our day. After that, we went to Rainforest Cafe (always fun :) ) for dinner then to a movie. Now we are winding down to get up early to see an old friend of Ryan's tomorrow, Nolan.

The Harry Potter picture is just for Sarah. :)

I'm excited to see what tomorrow holds, but we're off to bed for now.

23 week update

How far along? 23 weeks, 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: +19.3 lbs. overall
Maternity clothes: Yup.
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Pretty good – I love my boppy body pillow.
Best moment this week: Ryan seeing her move two nights ago – the look on his face was just so sweet. I think he was a little surprised, too.
Movement: Lots! Very strong kicks and punches, and I think she had the hiccups earlier in the week.
Food cravings: salad, peaches, green chile.
Gender: Girl.
Labor signs: No, but I have had a couple Braxton Hicks contractions.
Belly button in or out? In…let’s keep the hope up it stays that way.
What I miss: Sushi.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing a fist/foot move across my belly.
Weekly Wisdom: From a dear friend, “Trying to fit into some set weight guidelines is just asinine, because it will drive you crazy. You just have to be as healthy as you can and realize that in the span of our lives being pregnant takes up such a short amount of it. You should cherish the privilege of carrying one of God’s children and trust that if you’re doing your best to be healthy you’ll gain what you should.”
Milestones: Seeing her move!

Today is my birthday. I was praying in the shower this morning, and I realized the absolute best gift I have is carrying this child - she is such a blessing! As I ate my birthday cake at work and felt her kicks afterward (the baby likes sugar!) I was so thankful that she is here. Pregancy is such an amazing experience. The anticipation of welcoming a child home is such a warm one, albeit a little scary at times, but I know God has and will continue to prepare Ryan and me. And today marks the last of my countdown for vacation. I am officially off for 9 days, and I could not be more happy as it couldn't have come at a better time.

I realize I have been a slcker on the blog, so I promise to post an update with a belly pic. this weekend! :)

I just SAW the baby move in my belly!! She was kicking real hard, so I thought I'd look & sure enough. SO AWESOME!

10 more days until vacation!

I cannot wait! Ryan & I will be going to San Antonio for a week and other than a couple planned activities, we plan to just relax. I'm very excited. I really, really need the break from work, and this will be our last long trip with just the two of us for awhile. We've been really blessed that so far in our marriage we've been able to go away together each year for our anniversary; this year is #4. Time goes so fast!

I was talking to a girl at work today about her ex-fiancee. So much of his treatment of her reminds me of my past and makes me realize how I am incredibly grateful for Ryan. He has always been respectful, caring, patient and loving toward me. I am so thankful God put me with my perfect match and that we are now going to have a child together. He's so much fun to be with but sensitive and serious, too. I can't wait for the next four - and more - years together.